The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-12-23
The Masonic Grand Bodies OF Var.
.Rimla. l.-E .t y

Einfa. i'&
The annual session of the Masonic Grand
bodies of Virginia, which WIS held last
week in Richmond, was as interesting as
these meetings in the &C Old Dominion y
usually are.5They afford very pleasant
social reunion to many of the most promi-
nent and respected citizens Of the State,
and their proceedings are generally full of
the highest interest to the Masonic world.
The Masonic fraternity in Virginia has al
ways been looked up to as eminently con-
servative, rigidly adhering to the old land
marks and holding firmly to the faith de-.
liyered by the fathers. In the Grand Lodge
last week were many of the oldest and
most stinguished Masons of the State,
some OF them indeed having an enYiable
reputation much wider than the limits of
the State. Many men venerable by age and
wisdom and distinguished service in Ma
sonic, religions, civil, and political lite
were in attendance, and took a lively in
terest and prominent partin the proceed
ings. "a. ) a.... .s.+,s,l'. .-.tt.r. -, -,
Several propositions Of general interest
to the fraternity were discussed. A propo-
ssition to abolish the Office of Deputy Grand
Master failed Of adoption by very small
majority. The Committee on Jurispru-
dence dissented from some of the decisions
having been made during recess, and much
discussion ensued touching the power. of
the Grand Lodge to review such decisions.
The opinion prevailed that, while the
Grand Lodge had no power. to reverse 9
decision of the Grand Master as regarded
the particular case passed upon, it might
declire what, in similar cases, should be
the law for the e:future. xsI;. sts3!., ,
/ In the Grand Chapter the action Of most
Importance to the readers Of this column
was the consent given7to the formation of a
Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of
West Virginia, The subject was presented
in the memorial of Wheeling Union Chap
ter, No. 19; Jerusalem Chapter,I No. %
Star of the West Chapter, No. @26s and
Nelson Chapter, No. Is. The resolutions,
according to the consent asked for, place
the new Grand Chapter upon precisely the
same basis as regards subordinate Chap
ters now existing in the State as that occu.
;pied by the Grand Lodge of West Yir.
einia towards lodges existing here prior
fo the formation Of the new Grand
lodge. No new charters are to be issued
from the Grand Chapter of Virginia to Ma,
sons in this State after the new Grand
Ghapter is formed; but the existing Chap
.ters are at liberty to either report to, the
Grand Chapter of West Virginia or retain
their connection with the Granu. Cnapter
of Virginia, as they. may individually pre-
fer. We presume o convention VIII soon
be held and the necessary steps for the
Droper constitution of the Grand Chapter
OF West Virginia adopted without delay.
We are informed that movements are al.
ready being made In seyera! localtles lal IoE
the formation of Royal Arch Chapters: Z
! lin the Grand Commandery of knights
Templar, the only action Of Immediate I'M
Dortance was an alteration in the Iaw con.
Corning tile election Of officers. Hereafter
onIy the Eminent Commander, Generals
simo, Captain. General, Treasurer, and Re-
eorder are to beeIected by the knights, the
remaining officers being appointed by the
Eminent Commander. :,
) The session Of each Of the several grand.
bodies was very pleasant and harmonlous,
and tl1e charms OF the social reunion en-
loved bY-aH Hzwif consti titute deli re-
memhrance In all future years. Wheeling
Regiater. &, II 90 ...-.s ~