----- 1865 -----
The First Regular Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge assembled in Virginia City on October 10, 1865. At this, and at a number of succeeding communications we note that there was music by the choir, while a little later on we find that an appropriation was made as remuneration to the Grand Organist. In those days, that office was not a purely honorary one.
Reference in the Grand Master's address to the state of Civil War existing in the eastern part of the Nation recalls to our minds the stirring times in which this Grand Body had its origin. The Grand Master reports that on April 19, he convened the Grand Lodge, which, with other members of the Fraternity, joined in a funeral procession in honor of the assassinated President, Abraham Lincoln. Toward the close of his address, the Grand Master spoke these words to the brothers, - words which the present Craftsmen entering upon a second half century of labor, may well bear in mind: "Allow me in conclusion, brethren, to remind you that Masonry, in our new State, has sprung into life strong, vigorous, and full of promise. What its future shall be depends upon your interest in its welfare, and your readiness to promote that welfare by your disinterested zeal. It is a mighty power; but whether for good or evil, an honor or a shame, rests upon your fidelity to your duties as Masons, and your earnest and wise diligence as Masters and Wardens of Lodges. I pray you to prove yourselves workmen, good and true. Then, in future years, you will rejoice that yours was the privilege of assisting to plant upon the Eastern slope of the Sierras the precious seeds of ''Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.''
The first case of violation of jurisdiction, and at the same time a case of physical disability, was presented to this Grand Lodge by Lander Lodge. The Grand Master referred to it in his address, and the Committee on Jurisprudence later reported upon the matter. It was the case of one Blakeley, who had applied for an examination to visit Lander Lodge. He was refused for the double reason that he had been a resident of Austin and was made a Mason upon a visit to the east, and that he had some years before lost his right arm. The Grand Lodge approved the action of the Grand Master in forbidding all Masonic intercourse and in taking up the matter with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the offender. Time and time again these two questions intrude themselves upon the attention of the Grand Lodge, engaging much of the valuable time which might be so profitably spent in more edifying and beneficial discussion and action.
Grand Master DeBell called attention to the matter of Life-memberships in his address. The result was a report from the Committee on Jurisprudence, recommending a regulation which would inaugurate such a system. It provided that upon payment of $100, or of $120 in six installments, any Master Mason might become a Life Member, exempt from all dues, his dues to the constituent lodge being paid by the Grand Lodge. The monies thus received were to constitute a "Life Membership Fund,'' invested in first-class securities, and only the interest thereof was to be used. This regulation was repealed in 1878, with the provision that upon surrender of the certificate of Life Membership, $100 be returned to the member. In 1907, the action relative to the return of the money paid was rescinded.
The Committee on Work exemplified the three degrees at this Communication, it being according to the ritual familiarly known in California as the "Davis Work." In his address the Grand Master had referred to the matter, and reported that there were some lodges to which this Work would not be acceptable, and that he had refrained from issuing a peremptory order for them to adopt it. The action of the Grand Lodge was to adopt resolutions as follows:
"RESOLVED, That this Grand Lodge does not deem it expedient to pass any further resolution in regard to Work, and that the adoption of the Work as exemplified by the Committee on Work at this Communication is not obligatory on the Lodges of this jurisdiction.
RESOLVED, That the office of Grand Lecturer be and the same is hereby abolished."In connection herewith it is interesting to note that the Grand Lodge passed a resolution condemning an association styling itself the "Conservators of Symbolic Masonry" at the head of which was Robert Morris, P. G. M. of Kentucky. In a statement made by Morris, he says that the sole purpose of the association is to establish uniformity of work by ancient, prudent, and lawful means. The Grand Lodge of Nevada forthwith denounced it and threatened with severe penalty any brother who adhered to it, asserting that the association threatened innovations in the body of Masonry. Some find this Grand Lodge, at its birth, declaring itself the champion of the unchangeable dogmas and ceremonies of the Craft.
Valley Lodge No. 9, at Dayton, and Austin Lodge No. 10, at Austin, were issued charters at this Communication.
P. G. M. William H. Howard, of the Grand Lodge of California, was invited to install the officers elect, after which Bro. John. A. Brewster delivered an oration. His theme was Patriotism and his references to war witness how the great civil strife occupied the minds of men. "No nobler task is set,'' said he at the close of his discourse, "no prouder record can be made for the Craft in America, than their patriotic labors in hastening this return of the reign of national peace and good-will. For the Craft and for the nation the time is propitious. The bow of promise, bended by the hand of God himself, is spanning time's dark surges. Its bounteous arch, resplendent with the glorious light of Faith and Hope, tells of the time when the waves of human passion shall be stilled, and earth reflect the undimmed brightness of the heavens."