Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-02-10
Adaptive Masonry,

Adaptive Masonry.
Address of Rev. George H. Pinlxham before
Olive Branch Chapter No. 3 of the Order
of the Eastern Star, at Lancaster, n. H.,
January &c, 1877.
Worthy Matron, Worthy associate officers,
Sisters and Brothers Of the Olive Branch
Chapter, No. 3 Of the order Of the East
ern STAR
Free Masonry embraces both an organ
ization and its mysteries. 1t is founded
on the practice of social and moral vir-
tue. Its object is charity in the most eX-
tended sense, while it inculcatcs brother
ly love, relief and truth. 1t has been
praised by its friends and dispraised by
it's enemies. Like other associations it
has been subject to the influences of hui
man frailty. Though the evils neceSsari-
ly attendant upon any human organiZa-
ton may have at times been made to re-
suit from it by designing man, yet it has
been productive of much good. The I'M
initiated have contendcd that Masonry
contains no secrets or principles not of
general recognition, while Masons main
tain that the true secret has never yet
ben divulged The period of it's origin
is quite uncertain. BY some it is said to
be as old as the creations by others to
date its rise to the times of Solomon, and
to the building of the Temple. Now at
whatever time associations of architects
began to be formed for building purposes
however old operative masonry may be,
Speculative Masonry dates its origin at a
later period.
The first societies of antiquity with
which Free Masonry stands in historical
connection are the corporations Of archi-
tects under the name of COlligia, estab-
lished by the Romans. They had their
meetings and also religious rites. They
held their meetings with closed doors,
which gave rise to much agitation, par
ties, religious mysteries, secret worship
and doctrines in endless variety. The
Roman emperors limited the Cellgias as
much as possible in the first centuries,
but they extended only the more in later
times. The associations in after times
were extended into England and France,
and from thence to other nations.
In the earlier days of Masonry the
members were bound to obey the laws OF
morality, and could neither be an atheist
or a profigate. They were obliged to
profess the religion Of their own country,
while now they are bound to that religion
alone in which all the different Sects can
fraternize and harmonic, every one being
left to his own peculiar convictions.
Free Masonry, as it existed in ancient
times and as received in modern times,
pertained to men and men alone. Men
alone have been indicted to its princi-
pies, apd to secure them for worthy men
alone voluntary pledges of fidelity have
been required. In the beginning Of the
eighteenth century secret societies, SIM
liar to Masonic associations, for the in
itiation Of ladies were first organized in
France. This has taken the name OF
Adaptive Masonry. The American adopt.
i've rite known as the Eastern Star is sim
gularly beautiful and impressive, and re-
ceived with general favor. Ladies re-
ceiving these degrees have full claim up
on the services of MaSonS whenever and
wherever their necessities may demand.
The order Of this rite is founded upon
the Holy Scriptures, and sets forth their
teachings and breathes their spirit. If ii
be objected these degrees are not mason.
ic, the same objection lies against any and
all degrees outside the symbolical lodge.
All degrees above the first three are only
masonic by adoption. The adaptive rite
Vi ChN l1tSUClH Dual COuSlSIS vi UhC tie
grees.
The first is that of Jephthas daughter
or the daughters degree, illustrating re.
spcct for the binding force of vow.
The second is that of Ruth, or the wild.
ows' degree, Illustrating devotion to re.
ligious principles.
The third is that of Esther, or the
wives degree, illustrating fidelity to
kindred and friends.
The fourth is that of Martha, or the
sisters degree, illustrating undertaking
faith in the hour of trial.
The fifth is that of Electa, or the be.
nevolent degree, illustrating charity and
courage, with patience and submission
under wrongs, Each degree has it's OWL
appropriate labor, emblem, sign and pass
The wives, widows, sisters, daughters
and mothers Of Master Masons in good
standing are eligible to the privileges
and immunities of the adaptive rite. The
history of these degrees is found in the
manual and ritual of the Eastern Star
and in McCoy's masonic dictionary
Masons have ever been strongly attached
to masonry, and in love with it's mvs.
teries. For its privileges they have de.
voted time and money; they have travel.
ed far to meet with their brethren, and
contributed literally for their lodges and
temples. Masonry is eleyating in its
principles and tendencies, and high toned
i'll its morality. 1t renders the mind
familiar with historic events and lives oil
ages long past, AID puts us in an inter.
esting social connection with the best
purest and brightest men of our own
times. Our principles bind us to defend
the characters and persons Of the innocent
against all vile assaults, and to share oul
abundance with the poor and unfortunate
Strangers are our brothers in life and oul
friends in death. Ladies have raised the
objection to Masonry that they are not
permitted to the lodges with their hus
bands, fathers and brothers and share
their equal privileges in common, focget
full of the fact that MasCns are not only
interested in each other, but in Masons
families, being bound to hold their repu
tation in sacred regard, and assist then
in distress aud need. Around you, then
ladies, Masons extend their protective
broad shield, prefer you relief and ex
press words Of sympathy and good cheer