Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 29 of those read), 1881

Muncie Chapter, No. 30

DISPENSATION GRANTED TO ANTHONY CHAPTER - CHARTER IssuED - S. P. ANTHONY, PROXY, TO INSTITUTE CHAPTER AT MUNCIE - DISSATISFACTION - CHAPTER NOT CONSTITUTED - M. E. G. H. P. WILLIAM HACKER PERFECTS THE ORGANIZATION - CHARTER - ORIGINAL OFFICERS - SOME EARLY ADMISSIONS AND EXALTATIONS - MEMBERS IN 1858, CELEBRATE St. JoMN's DAy, 1859 - SomE OFFICIAL IRREGULARITIES - - ACTION OF THE CHAPTER - APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL DEPUTY - HIS REPORT - SUBSEQUENT PROCEEDINGS - REPORTS OF MEMBERSHIP, ETC., TO GRAND CHAPTER - PRESENT OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

N the latter part of the year 1855, Samuel P. Anthony, Thomas Whitney, Joseph A. Hill and a number of other companions, resident in the town of Muncie and the immediate vicinity, petitioned the M. E. G. High Priest of the State of Indiana for a dispensation author izing them to meet and work a Royal Arch Chapter. The prayer of the petitioners was granted and the dispensation was issued appointing Samuel -P. Anthony, H. P.; Thomas Whitney, K.; Joseph A. Hill, S., designating the chapter as Anthony Chapter, U. D. At the meeting of the Grand Chapter in May, 1856, the by-laws and records of the proceedings had under the authority of said dispensation were presented

"The Committee on Charters and Dispensations having examined the by-laws and records of Anthony Chapter, U. D., and find them generally correct, and would recommend the adoption of the ae resolution: -

Resolved, That a charter be granted to the Companions at Muncie, under the name of Muncie Chapter, No. 30; that Samuel P. Anthony be the first H. P.; Thomas Whitney, K.; and Joseph A. Hill, 8., of said Chapter.

A charter was issued accordingly, bearing the date 22d day of May, 1856, signed by the proper officers and attested by the seal of the Grand Chapter. The charter having been granted, M. E. High Priest Hacker, gave his proxy to Companion 8. P. Anthony, with the necessary authority to institute said chapter in accordance with the usages of Capitular Masonry. In consequence of some misunderstanding among the companions growing out of the action of the Grand Chapter in issuing the charter, a complete organization of the chapter had failed to be consummated. Subsequently, upon the notification of the M. E. G. H. P., by.

Mr. Anthony, of the situation of affairs in December, 1857, that Grand Officer soon after visited the companions and conferred with them concerning the nature of their disaffection, "explaining the particular action of the Grand Chapter which appeared to stand in the way of their organization." Thereupon, the charter was unanimously accepted and a complete organization immediately followed, to the entire satisfaction of all. This final action was consummated on the 22d of January, 1858, as exhibited in the following extracts from the records of the chapter:

"A special meeting of this chapter, under dispensation, was held in the chapter room, in the town of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind., on the 22d day of January, A. D. 1858, A. L. 5858. Present, Companions Most Excellent Grand High Priest Hacker, as High Priest; Samuel P. Anthony King, pro tem.; Frederick E. Putnam, Scribe, pro tem.; William Craig, Captain of the Hosts, pro tem.; Phillip F. Davis, Principal Sojourner, pro tem.; Adam Wolfe, Royal Arch Captain, pro tem.; John W. Burson, Master of the First Vail, pro tem.; John Marsh, Master of the Seeond Vail, pro tem.; George H. Baxter, Master of the Third Vail, pro tem.

"A chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened in due and ancient form, for the dispatch of business. Most Excellent Grand High Priest ef the Grand Chapter of the State of Indiana, William. Hacker, being present, stated the object of the meeting to be: 'The reception of the eharter granted by the Grand Chapter at its annual communication, May 22, 1856; organize under the same, and to commence the active duties of a chapter thus constituted.' Most Excellent Grand High Priest Hacker then presented the following charter, which, on motion, was ordered to be read, after which it was unanimously adopted:

To all the Fraternity, we, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Most Ancient and Honorable Socicty of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana, convened in the town of Shelbyville, send Greeting :

W. Sanford, George B. Norris, 8. D. Pearson, Joseph A. Hill, Philip F. Davis, F.E. Putnam, George H. Baxter, Thomas Whitney and others, all Royal Arch Masons, stating that

Anp WHEREAS, the aforesaid petitioners having passed a proper term of probation, -and exhibited to this Grand Chapter satisfactory evidence that they have conducted the business of Masonry agreeably to the original design, the Constitution and the By-Laws of this Grand Chapter and the regulations and edicts of the Grand Chapter of the United States of America; Now, therefore,

Be 1T KNowN that we, the Grand Chapter aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, Masonic abilities and well-known attachment of the aforesaid petitioners to the sublime principles of Masonry, have constituted and appointed, and do by these presents constitute and appoint, the said Samuel P. Anthony, Arthur W. Sanford, George B. Norris, S. D. Pearson, Joseph A. Hill, Philip F Davis, F, E. Putnam, George H. Baxter, Thomas Whitney, and others and their associates, a regular and -constitutional Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, by the name, style or title of Muncie Chapter, No. 80. And wedo hereby appoint Companion Samuel P. Anthony first High Priest; Companion Thomas Whitney first King, and Companion Joseph A. Hill, first Scribe, hereby giving unto them and their successors full power and authority to assemble together on all proper and lawful occasions as a legal Chapter, within the town of Muncie and State aforesaid; and to confer upon all good and worthy Master Ma- -sons who may apply for the same, the several degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason. Also, to make choice annually of a High Priest, King, and Scribe, ete.

And, furthermore, we do hereby declare the rank and precedence of said Chapter in the Grand Chapter and elsewhere, to be from the 22d day of May, 1856. In testimony, etc. Witiiam Hacker, G. H. P., ge D. K. Hays, Deputy G. ZH. P., {18} H. G. Hazerriac, G. King,

"The High Priest then made the following appointments: George H. Baxter, Captain of the Hosts; Philip F. Davis, Royal Arch Captain; Samuel V. Jump, Principal Sojourner; Frederick E. Putnam, Secretary; Adam Wolfe, Treagurer; Jonas Harris, Master of the First Vail; John

Resolved, That hereafter the election of the officers of Muncie Chapter, No. 30. be held at the stated meeting preceding the anniversary of St. John the Baptist.

. "No further business appearing, the chapter was closed in harmony and good order until March 16, 1858." At.the meeting on the 16th of March, Joseph M. Davis and William M. Petty were elected to the degree of Mark Master, being the first admitted into the chapter. John F'. Dynes also made application and was received the same evening. The following other candidates received the Mark Master's degree, during the year ending March 24, 1859: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, May 27, 1858; Carlton E. Shipley, May 29, 1858; Alfred Kilgore, August 17, 1858; Peter H. Lemon, September 23, 1858; Manuel Marks, December 28, 1858.

During the same period, the following persons received the Past Master's degree: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, July 1, 1858; Alfred Kilgore, August 31, 1858; Peter H. Lemon, November 9, 1858; Manuel Marks, February 18, 1859.

The following persons received the Most Excellent Master's degree during the same year: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, July 1, 1858; Carlton E. Shipley, October 26, 1858; Alfred Kilgore and Peter H. Lemon, November 9, 1858; and Manuel Marks, February 18, 1859. And the following persons, also, during the same year, received the degree of Royal Arch Mason: William H. Campbell and Peter H. Lemon, November 10, 1858; Alfred Kilgore, November 11, 1858; Carlton E. Shipley, November 12, 1858; Jonathan Ross, November 25, 1858; Manuel Marks, March 24, 1859. The following was the entire membership of Muncie Chapter, No. 30, at the date last named: William Craig, John W. Burson, Thomas Whitney, Frederick E. Putnam, Franklin A. Hardin, Oliver M. Hollister, George H. Baxter, Samuel P. Anthony, Philip F. Davis, Samuel V. Jump, John Marsh, Jonas Harris, William M. Petty, John 8. Hutchings, Joseph M. Davis, Benjamin G. Cunningham, Nathan Branson, Samuel Faulkner, John McMullen, A. J. Gilfillen, Madison Faulkner, John F. Dynes, Adam Wolfe, Jonathan Ross. David J. Silver and Joseph A. Hill, admitted March 24, 1859. At that date, also, Joseph Thomas and Jacob W. Miller had received the Mark Master's degree, and Nelson D. Clouser, the Most' Excellent Master's degree.

"June 24, 1859, a meeting was held in the hall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After the meeting, the companions formed in procession with various lodges of Master Masons and a few Knights Templar, and marched to the music of the Anderson and Muncie Sax- Horn Bands, through the various streets of the town to the fair grounds» to hear an address by companion Hardin; after which, music by band and choir; the benediction was pronounced by Companion Chaplain John W. Sullivan. The procession again formed and marched to the table and partook of a sumptuous dinner, prepared by Companion Joseph M. Davis, thence to the hall, where, after the meeting had been regularly closed, the companions separated and dispersed."'

In the report submitted to the Grand Chapter at the communication of May, 1860, twelve exaltations were reported, showing the total membership to be forty-one. The officers reported at the same time were as follows: Franklin A. Hardin, H. P.; Thomas Whitney, K.; Joseph M. Davis, S.; George H. Baxter, C. H.; William Craig, P. §.; Philip F. Davis, R. A.C.; Carlton E. Shipley, G. M. Third Vail; Alfred Kilgore, G. M. Second Vail; John W. Burson, G. M. First Vail; John Marsh, Treasurer; Frederick E. Putnam, Secretary; Oliver M. Hollister, Guard. During the year above represented, the chapter exhibited a fair.degree of prosperity and activity in the practice and exemplification of Royal Arch Masonry. The year following, there were nine exaltations, one re-instatement and one suspension, showing an absolute membership of fifty. In 1861, however, owing to some dissentions that had arisen in the management of the affairs of the chapter and the display of considerable ill-feeling, the former activity and zeal 'that characterized its operations were not apparent, the report showing but one exaltation, one dimission and.one death, a decrease of one in the total memberpe NO ye - * a" "Sie 9 EE 1 -@ CAN ~ a. a .

ship. The showing in 1862, was an improvement in the status of affairs, six exaltations haying taken place, two admissions and one death, William 8S. Bradford; total membership, fifty-six.

During the year ending August 31, 1868, eleven members were added by exaltation and three by affiliation. There were also, two dimissions and one suspenison, making the actual membership sixtytwo. In 1869, there were seven exaltations, one re-instatement and. three dimissions - total membership, sixty-eight. Following this date, a period of more than usual activity and zeal ensued, the work of 1870 showing 21 exaltations, and one affiliation, with a total membership of sions and two deaths - John Oakerson, July 27, and Alfred Kilgore, August 22; membership, 108. In 1872, there was a loss of one in the aggregate number of members; but, in the course of the year ending August 31, 1873, there were fifteen additions by exaltation and one by affiliation; there were also one dimission and four deaths - John W.

Harlan, December 23, 1872; Charles Parker Sample, August 29, 1573; total number of members, 118. Again, during the next year, there were eighteen exaltations, three dimissions and two deaths - William M. Winslow, August 20, 1874; James T. Makepeace, August 28, 1874; aggregate membership, 182.

From September 1, 1876, to August 31, 1877, there were five exaltations, one admission, three dimissions and two deaths - James L. Stephenson, March 20; Joseph A. Walling, April 22, 1877; membership, 137. The year 1878 was less propitious; there were one admission and three dimissions, two deaths - Charles A. Harper and Phineas Turner, the latter May 18, 1878, the former not given; membership, 132. The year following, 1879, there were six exaltations, one re-instatement, three dimissions, two suspensions and one expulsion, leaving the aggregate membership 132.

Muncie Council, No. 16

DISPENSATION GRANTED - WORKING QUALITIES OF THE CoUNCIL, U. D. - ACTION OF THE GRAND COUNCIL - RECOMMENDATION - CHARTER GRANTED - SOME OF THE ORIGINAL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. WORKING QUALITIES UNDER CHARTER - ACTIVITY AND ZEAL OF MEMBERS - SoME OF THE LEADING STATISTICS - COMPARATIVE STANDING OF THE COUNCIL ON THE ROLL OF THE GRAND COUNCIL - CONCLUSIONS, ETC.

companion Solomon D. Bayless, Most Puissant Grand Master, and a warrant of dispensation was issued to them as of that date. Upon the meeting of the Grand Council in May, 1864, the records and method of work was sent up and referred to the Committee on Charters and Dispensations who, having examined and duly considered the same, submitted the following report of such examination:

U. D., and find their work regular, their records well kept and their bylaws in accordance with the regulations of the Grand Council. They would, therefore, offer for adoption the following resolution:

Resolved, That a charter be granted to the Companions of Muncie, to organize a Council of Royal and Select Masters, under the name and style of Muncie Council, No. 16, and that Companion Peter H. D. Bandey be the first Thrice Illustrious Grand Master ; George W. Fay to be the first Deputy Illustrious Grand Master, and Philip F. Davis be the first Principal Conductor of the Work.

These reports and recommedations having been adopted, a charter was granted bearing date May 17, A. D. 1864; Anno. Dep. 2864, in which said companions named as principal officers, and others, were duly empowered to work as a council and confer the degrees belonging thereto. On the following day, May 18, the most Puissant Grand Master duly installed Companions Peter H. D. Bandey the Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of Muncie Council, No. 16, in the city of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind.

By the report submitted to the Grand Council for the year ending December 31, 1863, we learn that ten companions were advanced to the degree of Select Master by Muncie Council, making, with the three companions designated as the principal officers, thirteen, as the aggregate membership of this council. During the year succeeding, being the first year of its chartered existence, there were twenty-five advancements, showing the aggregate membership thirty-eight. Im the year

- John C. Dragoo; total membership, thirty-eight. By the report of the condition of subordinate councils during the year 1868, including the period from the 31st of December, 1866, to August 31, 1868, twenty-three advancements are shown, with one expulsion, leaving the total

- John Oakerson, July 21,1871; Alfred Kilgore, August 29, 1871; total membership, seventy-nine. In the year 1873, there were nine advancements and five deaths - Samuel Folkner, September 4, 1872; T. B. Forkner, October 15, 1869; John W. Burson, September 21, 1872; Samuel W. Harlan, December 24, 1872; Charles Parker Sample, August 29, 1873. The report submitted to the Grand Council of the operations of Muncie Chapter, during the year ending August 31, 1876, shows five advancements, one dimission and two deaths - George H. Baxter, September 8, 1875; Jonathan F. Hunk, April 23, 1876; total membership, ninety-six. In 1879, there were no advancements, but three dimissions and three expulsions; total membership at that date, eighty-five.

of Muncie Council, No. 16, we append hereto the following and present more fully and in greater detail some of the more important transactions, which, from their significance, are essential to a reasonable comprehension of the sphere and magnitude of its operation.

Francis King was called to the chair and Companion James Montgomery appointed Recorder. Then the committee before appointed to procure a dispensation reported that the duty assiened it had been discharged and the necessary instrument procured, the application having

Resolved, That we now proceed to open and form a Council of Royal and Select Masters, in accordance with the powers and privileges therein delegated.

And then the convention adjourned. On the evening of the same day, a meeting was held and the organization perfected, the companions aforenamed being present. The dispensation recites, among other things, that, "" Whereas, it has been represented to us by the petition of William Roach, John Marsh, Peter H. D. Bandey, George Riley, Peter H. Lemon, G. C. Beeks, James Montgomery, Moses Woolf and George I'. Myers, who are regular Royal and Select. Masters, that they are desirous of associating together as a Council of Royal and Select Masters, in the town of Muncie, county of Delaware, and State of Indiana, agreeably to the Constitution of the Grand Council of Indiana, and it appearing for the promotion of the Royal Craft necessary and proper that the said companions should be enabled to work together as a regujar Council of Royal and Select Masters. Therefore, I, Eden H. Davis, Deputy Ilustrious Grand Puissant of the Grand Council of Indiana, by and with the consent of the said Grand Council, testified by their rules and regulations, do hereby constitute and appoint Companions Peter H. D. Bandey Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, and James Montgomery Principal Conductor of the Work, together with all such companions as

Select Masters, by dispensation, by the title of Muncie Council, U. D., * * * * * and I do enjoin and command the aforesaid companhions to make due return of this dispensation to the Most Excellent Grand Council of Indiana, at their next annual grand communication, to be held in the city of Indianapolis on the Tuesday preceding the 4th Monday (18th day) of May, next ensuing the date thereof, until which time this dispensation shall continue in force and no longer."

At this meeting, companions John W. Burson, A. J. Riley, George Hi. Baxter, William Craig, George W. Fay and P. F. Davis, on petition, were elected and duly advanced.

The report of the work sent up to the grand body proved satisfactory, a charter was granted on the 17th day of May, 1864, by which Peter H. D. Bandey was appointed first Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; George W. Fay, first Deputy Hlustrious Grand Master; and Philip F. Davis, first Principal Conductor of the Work. This charter being accepted, the companions of Muncie Council, No. 16, have since continued to work and prosper.

The following are the names and dates of advancement, respectively, of the members of Muncie Council, as shown by the Recorder's report to the Grand Council at its annual session in 1864. December-15, 1863 - John Marsh, James Montgomery, Peter D. H. Bandey, John W. Burson, A. J. Riley, George H. Baxter and William Craig. December 16,

1863 - George W. Fay, Jacob C. Palsey, Philip F. Davis, Frederick E. Putnam, John Oakerson and John Shibler. March 2, 1864 - John S. Powers, Jacob H. Swearingen, Joshua H. Powers and Taylor C. Kerr. April 5, 1864 - Oliver M. Hollister and J. Hurley. April 18, 1864 - Emanuel Marks, Asa H. Hodson, Benjamin A. Clark, David H. Case, Jeremiah F. Nickey and Clark Skiff. April 19, 1864 - John C. Carter, John Ross, John B. Routh and John C. Dragoo. April 20, 1864 - William W. Cornelius. May 3, 1864 - John Nelson and James T. Makepeace. June 7, 1864, in addition to the foregoing, James White, Samuel V. Jump, Andrew R. Hoover, James M. Smith, Alfred Kilgore and David M. Hoober. |

The following persons have filled the chair of Thrice Illustrious Master in Muncie Council: Peter H. D. Bandey, elected first, December 6. 1864, and successively re-elected each year until December 5, 1871. John V. H. Cassady, from December 5, 1871, to December 2, 1873; Philip F. Davis, from December 2, 1873, to December 1, 1874; Peter H. D.

The following officers were.elected December 7, 1880: S§. Ambrose Wilson, Ilustrious Master; Peter H. D. Bandey, Deputy Illustrious Master; William H. Wood, Principal Conductor of the Work; William Patterson, Captain of the Guard; John Marsh, Treasurer; Frederick E. Putnam, Recorder; Armsted M. Klein, Sentinel and Steward. The total membership on the Ist day of September, 1880, was eighty-two.

Muncie Council is now and has been in a most healthy and prosperous condition, financially and otherwise. In evidence of this, the members during the past two years have paid no dues, nor have any been charged during that period.