The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-02-24
COIOred masOns.

At "a recent session OF the Grand Lodge of
Ohio William T. Boyd, Grand Master of
the colored lodges of that State, petitioned
for charters for the lodges under his admin
istration, and proposed to transfer them to
the Jurisdiction Of the Grand Lodge; or pro-
posed, as an alternative, the recognition of
the colored Grand Lodge, so as to work CO.
equally and in harmony. The number of
members of the colored lodges is about one
thousand. The subject was referred to a
committee. which reported that they re-
Quired further time 70 inquire the condition
and organization of the lodges in question,
and desired till next session TO make fur
Their and final report. In the meantime,
however, they recommended the acknowl-
edgement of the principle of Masonic Justice
to men of all races, cOlors and religions.
without distinction. They recommended
the repeal of the resolution of 1S47, exclud-
ing applications of colored men for the de-
grees of FreemasonrY. Their recommends
tions were adopted.
This proceeding, so important and inter
esting to the Masonic world, cannot but con-
tribute its influence toward solving the Ma
sonic status of many brethren of Louisiana.
1t il even more important here than in Ohio
for here Masonry. by charging its field, can
draw worthy and suitable material from n
much larger population than in Ohio
There are two Grand Lodges in this State,
presided over respectively by Worshipful
Brothers John Parson and Samuel NJ. Todd.
The former, styled the Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Ancient York Masons, was
incorporated by act of the Legislature, APP
1859. No. Il, page 700 The other, styled
the Most WOrshipful Grand Lodge OF the
State of Louisiana of Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted asOns, has still older act of incor-
poratiOn.
The continuance of more than one of these
bodies. so nearly alike in name, and exactly
alike in functions. Is Unnecessary. One OF
them should disband and be received into
the other as an integral part, and as the lat
ter named body holds its annual communi-
cation this week. it would be graceful act
on its part to make the first advances to
the more recently recognized and chartered
body. 1t is immaterial, however, how the
grand object be effected-the credit will be
In favor of the boky making the most con-
cessions In favor of harmony and union.
The following are the names of the cor
porators, who with their successors, form
the Grand Lodge under the act of 1869
John Parsons, Hon. Oscar j. Dunn,L L.. Banks,
w. milford. J. johnson. w. West, j. A
Norager, g. Casnave, j. Lewis, J. Cottrill
and others.
We speak dispassionately upon this SUBJ
feet, being a member of the Scottish rite.
recognized by the Grand Orient of France
which, unfortunately, at present lies under
the disfavor of both the above named bodies
SO far has the unpleasantness been carried
that the Grand Orient of France has been
cut of from communication with the Grand
Lodge of A. f. and A. NJ, and will be de-
prived in consequence of much Masonic
light to be derived from the perusal of the
report of the Committee on Foreign Cores
pondence, and other productions Of the off,
GERS and committees, heretofore interchang-
ed for mutual edification. However, if the
two grand lodges in Louisiana unite and set
tie their differences. there will NOT be want
ing measures and propositions by which the
Scottish rite will be admitted on terms OF
justice, fairness and forgiveness to the new
1y cemented fabric, Then. indeed, will the
name of Masonry be surrounded with q new
halo of glory.