Minnesota Chapter #1

Royal Arch Masons

A Brief Sketch of the Beginnings of Minnesota Chapter No. 1, RAM

The first meeting of Royal Arch Masons in the Territory of Minnesota was convened in the office of General George L. Becker, later first president of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, 198 West Third Street, in Saint Paul during the month of July 1853. There were eight men present and their purpose was to organize a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in St. Paul. The group comprised prominent early settlers and community leaders: Azariah Theodore Crane Pierson, Henry Morris, Henry Buel, J.J. Bardwell, William H. Newton, George W. Biddle, and Charles D, Fillmore.

Application for dispensation was made to the General Grand Chapter of the United States under the name of Minnesota Royal Arch Chapter No. 1. In order to proceed with the application, favorable recommendation from a duly chartered Chapter was required. Accordingly, Comp. Pierson journeyed to Dubuque, Iowa, to gain support, and being successful, he forwarded the application to M.E. Willis Stewart, soon to be elected Deputy General Grand High Priest. At the Triennial Convocation, the General Grand Chapter granted Minnesota’s request and issued dispensation on September 26, 1853. The first officers designated by Stewart were A.T.C.Pierson as High Priest, Judge Andrew G. Chatfield as King, and George L. Becker as Scribe.

Work in the new Chapter commenced on December 21, 1853. The Chapter opened on the Royal Arch Degree for the purpose of electing four additional Companions to make a total of sixteen founding members under dispensation. These founders, with their respective occupations and places of residence were:

Azariah Theodore Crane Pierson, Indian Agent, St. Paul

Andrew G. Chatfield, U.S. District Judge, Belle Plaine

George L. Becker, Lawyer, St. Paul

Henry Morris, Accountant, St. Paul

Andrew J. Whitney, Accountant, St. Paul

George W. Biddle, Dentist, St. Paul

Norris Hobart, Clergyman, Ramsey County

William H. Newton, Real Estate Dealer, St. Paul

Charles D. Fillmore, Carpenter, St. Paul

Sylvanus Patridge, Merchant, Stillwater

Daniel Mc Lane, Lumberman, Stillwater

Abram Van Vohres, Surveyor, Stillwater

Alfred E. Ames, Physician, Minneapolis

Emmanuel Case, Farmer, Minneapolis

Henry Buel, Merchant, St. Paul

Andrew J. Morgan, Painter. St. Paul

Thirty Companions were exalted during the period of dispensation, making a total membership at the time of Charter of 64.

 The Chapter adopted a portion of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Michigan as a guide for its organization and protocol. Nearly three years later, application was made for a Charter, which was promptly granted on September 11, 1856 by the General Grand Chapter, meeting at Hartford, Connecticut.

The first meeting of Minnesota Royal Arch Chapter No. 1 under Charter was held on Wednesday evening, November 12, 1856 with Companion Reverend John Penman (exalted April 15, 1856) presiding. Election was held and ballots cast, resulting in the installation of Comp. Pierson as High Priest, an office that he held until June of 1859. During his tenure, 68 Companions had been exalted and 16 joining from other chapter jurisdictions.

The industry and zeal of the early companions of Minnesota Chapter is remarkable to the chronicler of its history. On the first meeting of the chapter under dispensation, December 21, 1853, three candidates, D.W. Dunwell, a carpenter, James Y. Caldwell, also a carpenter, and Peter T. Bradley, a harness-maker, all from St. Paul,  were presented for admission, advanced to the Degree of Mark Master, and summarily inducted into the Oriental Chair. One week later these aspirants were received and acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters and exalted as Royal Arch Masons. One petitioner, by virtue of having presided as Master of his Lodge, was inducted as a Past Master without the obligatory degree. In yet another instance, Comp. William Freeborn, a land agent from Red Wing presented his petition on February 15^th of 1854 and received all of the degrees the same evening because he was about to return to his home a days travel distant. 

The Chapter in these first years occupied in a rented hall on the third floor of the building in which it had initially met in George Becker’s office to request dispensation. It was then sharing quarters with Saint Paul Lodge No. 3, and on February 22, 1854, accepted Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 as another tenant. On April 5, 1854. a committee was appointed to meet with various lodges (Masonic and otherwise) to explore the possibility of erecting a building for all to meet. In May of that year, Excellent. Comp. Pierson went east to receive the Order of High Priesthood. During his absence, a special convocation was called to receive two visitors, Past High Priests from Maine and Iowa.

Although the Chapter met somewhat irregularly during its infancy, Pierson kept meticulous records. He officiated at virtually every installation of officers and was instrumental in drafting the regulations for the governance of the Chapter. It may be of interested to note that the prescribed date of the annual meeting of the Chapter was to be the stated meeting immediately preceding the Festival of St. John the Baptist. Two standing committees were formed: Finance and Accounts and Charity in Relief. As for eligibility for membership:

            “No candidate can be exalted unless he has been a Master Mason at least three months, and made suitable proficiency, and resided within the jurisdiction of this Chapter (which at present includes the whole territory of Minnesota) six months, provided however this section as to residence is not to apply to Master Masons, members of subordinate Lodges within the Territory and who so resided at the formation of this Chapter.”

The annual dues were fixed at $2.00 with the fees for degrees set at $5.00 Mark Master, $5.00 Past Master, $5.00 Most Excellent Master, and $10.00 Royal Arch. The regulations mandated that “only two degrees can be conferred on any one candidate at the same meeting, unless in an extraordinary case, which shall be decided by a vote of the Chapter.”

In the early years, there was some irregularity in election of officers. The first election under Charter took place on November 12, 1856, however no other election took place until June 2, 1858. As such Pierson served his first term as High Priest for one year and seven months. It was also often the case that the veilsmen were not installed, or the actual installation was neglected with officers simply proclaimed in their positions.

The finances were primarily for rent and the purchase of furnishings and paraphernalia, at first of a makeshift variety. In February 10, 1858, the offices of Treasurer and Secretary were confirmed with the election of Comp. Norman W, Kittson, who listed his occupation as Indian Trader, as Treasurer and W. S. Combs as Secretary. The Chapter assumed the responsibility of fitting up the quarters, including all furniture, heat and lights and to apportion the costs to the others sharing the hall. Other expenses included a bill for $44.40 which covered rent, sawing and carrying wood, drayage for moving Chapter furniture, purchase of wood, fixing up the tabernacle, and fitting up the room. The Chapter’s portion of the rent for the hall amounted to $135.00 a year. Kittson initiated a program to estimate the total expenses for the year and to apportion them among the tenants accordingly; this was the beginning of the Chapter budget and a means of simplifying accounting.

On September 7, 1859, Minnesota Chapter was honored to receive Albert G. Mackey, M.D., Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina. On this occasion, Mackey conferred the Royal Arch Degree. A noted author and scholar, Mackey was considered the highest authority on Masonry in the county.

During the Civil War the Chapter continued to meet but was well aware of the patriotic obligations of its members. A dispensation from the Grand Chapter, signed by Alfred E. Ames, Grand High Priest, and received on March 27, 1862, empowered Minnesota Chapter to receive the petitions, act upon the same, and confer the degrees at discretion upon Brothers L. L. Baxter, a lawyer, and Charles Johnson, a farmer, both from Carver.  These men belonged to the Regular Army and were under marching orders to leave the state in a few days. They were exalted on April 11, 1862. Also, the Chapter conducted funeral services on Companion Captain William Henry Acker (exalted March 25, 1857) who fell in the Battle of Pittsburg Landing. The Companions of St. Anthony Chapter No. 3 also attended. Frequently, the Chapter room was draped in mourning during this period. On account of the Civil War, there was no meeting of the General Grand Chapter, scheduled to occur in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1862.

On April 21, 1868, at 3:00AM, the Mackubin Building, which had been occupied by the Chapter and several other Masonic bodies, burned, and the Charter and other properties of the Chapter were lost. Offers of assistance were made by the St. Paul Lodge No. 2 of the Odd Fellows, St. John’s Chapter No. 7, Minneapolis, and St, Anthony Falls Chapter No. 3. The May 7, 1868, Chapter meeting was held at the Odd Fellows Hall, and the next year entered into a lease for quarters in the Forepaugh Block at the corner of Wabasha and Third Streets.

In outfitting the new hall, the Chapter purchased a total of $665.63 of paraphernalia. It is of interest to sample a few of these items and costs. A set of costumes cost $350.00, a set of twelve officers jewels, $48.00, a signet ring, $4.00, a set of five swords and belts, $62.50, a brass incense burner, $15.00, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, $5.25, an Ark of the Covenant, $20.00, and a set of officers aprons $60.00.    

On June 3, 1869, the annual convocation was held and a new corps of officers elected and installed. A new book was purchased for the records of the Chapter, the previous minutes book being opened on November 12, 1856 and used for 13 years. The Chapter would continue to keep a minute record its proceedings, its finances, its rosters of officers, and its work in an archival treasure spanning 150 years. This brief sketch has been intended to bring to light but a few of the stories concealed therein. Taken in context, the history of Minnesota Chapter No. 1 is the history of Masonry in Minnesota.

In 1903, looking back over the early years of the Chapter and the lives of those who are among its founders, Excellent Companion William S. Combs, a St. Paul bookseller exalted on January 3, 1855, made the following observation in the florid prose of the era:

            This is an age of history making and history recording, and consequently an age of rapid progress along all lines of human endeavor. The historic ages as compared with the prehistoric age of this planet is but a span, but the rate of progress into civilization of the races of the earth in this age is marvelous, and can be accounted for in no other way than that each generation records its achievements to be mastered and built upon by succeeding generations. So may it be with these records. We hope that Capitular Masonry may be improved and made a more potent force for good because of these humble efforts.

            The mere records do not however to any great extent measure the influence of the lives whose names are here recorded.

            Many of these men had achieved much in the world’s arenas and as a relaxation and mental and spiritual improvement devoted part of their time to the mysteries. It will be necessary then to go out into the daily lives of these men to fully appreciate their worth and work. It must, however, be inferred that the moral precepts inculcated by our order have a molding influence upon their life work, whatever it may be, to lift it out of the dull routine into that of enthusiasm for work well done in whatever field of endeavor engages the builder.

            Those unacquainted with the beauty and grandeur of the principles of our art may look with misgivings upon the devotion and sincerity of those who practically opened their lives in contemplation and practice upon the various divisions and subdivisions of this unique institution. Those who have become imbued with sublime principles of this magnificent order rejoice that they have discovered the secret of all true progress in civilization. They have discovered the foundation of all that is enduring – eternal. They have become thoroughly convinced of their duty toward mankind. And although it may require ages to rise out of the conditions which surround us, yet truth is mighty and will prevail.

            Superstition, tyranny, and ignorance will finally be cleared away and the human race will come up into the full possession of its inheritance.  

The following is a short welcome outlining the history of the Chapter delivered 100 years ago:

WELCOME

MINNESOTA CHAPTER NO. 1, 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 (Delivered by James Schoonmaker, High Priest)

Among the settlers in St. Paul during the territorial days prior to December 21, 1853, there were at least twelve Royal Arch Masons. On that date this mystic number met and organized the first chapter of Royal Arch Masons in this State, known as Minnesota Chapter No. 1. Fifty years later, as their successors, we assemble for the purpose of commemorating in fitting manner that important event in the history of Capitular Masonry in Minnesota. On behalf of the present members, and as its presiding officer, I greet you tonight and bid you a most cordial welcome within our portals.

How different the scene, then and now. Compare their convocation with this present assemblage! In numbers, a mere handful, in appointments of place and surroundings, as the cottage is to the palace. They wrought not in this commodious hall – designed in architectural strength and symmetry – beautified and adorned by art, and provided with the comforts and conveniences of  20^th century skill and invention. Theirs were the rude comforts and conveniences of pioneer days; yet, I doubt not that their hearts glowed with fervent zeal for the institution, and that they were as loyal to the tenets of their profession, and labored as faithfully in the cause of Capitular Masonry, as their successors of today. Impressed with these views and the belief that they wrought more wisely than they knew, we tonight note the laps of time with befitting ceremonies, do reference to their memory, commemorate their actions and commend their virtues and achievements of the future generations of our fraternity.

Half a century has come and gone – equal to the span of the longest active life. What a fifty years they have been! Revolve the wheel of time and find if you can a segment of equal length so pregnant with learning, culture, art, invention, civilization, toleration, fraternalism, and all that ministers to the physical, moral and spiritual welfare of the human race. The consentient voice of history and experience answers no. The conscious soul, the pages of history and the revelations of the dark catacombs of a scholastic antiquity all affirm that “through the ages one increasing purpose runs, and the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns.”

They further affirm that he whose life has been coeval with Minnesota Chapter, his soul attuned to the thought, spirit and opportunities of the times, has seen, heard, felt, experienced and learned more that makes life worth the living than was possible during any preceding century or any cycle of antiquity.

It is not how long, but how much we live. The untutored savage surrounded by nature, but unable to read her language – to him inexplicable and awe-inspiring – lives today as yesterday, and tomorrow as today, without any widening of his mental or spiritual horizon; and though his life covers a cycle of time, he does not live as much mentally, morally, and spiritually as he who lived up to the highest opportunities of the last decade.

It is not my purpose as salutatorian to recount the history of this Chapter, and therefore, I leave that duty to the historian of the occasion; but I may, however, refer to the cause of its existence, the quality of its action and achievements, and our hope of its perpetuity.

The permanent success of any institution – proper management assumed – must depend upon its filling a vacant notch in the public want and touching a responsive cord in the breasts of men, and thereby justify its existence. Emerson said that beauty is its own excuse for being. We prefer to say that eternal truth – the foundation of every virtue – is its own excuse for being; and that any institution, like Royal Arch Masonry, having for its purpose and teaching the practice of truth, justice, charity, and hope of immortality, needs no apology for its existence. Its justification is found in the divine inspirations and aspirations of the human soul. Therein do we find the cause of being and permanent success of Minnesota Chapter as well as of Capitular Masonry.

The quality of actions is not to be determined by such incidents as time, place, and numbers, but by their inspirations and results. Neither men not institutions should be judged by such circumstances as birth and origin, but by their achievements and contributions to the common good. From the acorn springs the patriarch of the forest. The boiling kettle is sire of the steam engine. To the cottage rather than to the palace has the world gone for its benefactors, its mental, moral and spiritual guides.  So to that event of December 21, 1853, unpretentious in numbers and surroundings, but potential in its results, do we trace the present Royal Arch Masonry of Minnesota, with its numerous Chapters and thousands of members whose names now grace our membership rolls and do honor to the fraternity. How faithfully the members of this pioneer Chapter have adhered to the tenets of their profession, how wisely they have guided this craft of Masonry through all vicissitudes of fortune, and how the principles of Capitular Masonry as exemplified by this Chapter have found a responsive cord in the hearts of its contemporaries, and thereby justified its existence; but suffice it to say that incense has never ceased to burn upon its altar.

But, what of the future? It is not the purpose of this jubilee occasion to prophesy of the future, but this I may avow: so long as the members of Minnesota Chapter conform to the precepts of the institution, and so long as truth, justice, and the hope of immortality spring eternal in the souls of men, may we confidently hope for the prosperity and perpetuity of this Chapter.

RESPONSE

(Delivered by John Fishel, Grand High Priest)

Our presence here this evening is evidence of our interest in Masonry in general, in Capitular Masonry in particular, and especially in the welfare of Minnesota Chapter No. 1.

We have therefore assembled to bid her God-speed, and to extend to her our sincere congratulations on this, her Golden Anniversary.

Instituted by a mere handful of zealous devotees of Light, Liberty, and Truth, on the very frontier of civilization, when these busy streets and broad avenues, with their massive business blocks, their stately churches, and their palatial homes were practically unbroken wilderness, when the noble red man and the almost extinct buffalo were as familiar as are the trolley-car and the automobile today, and when the only avenue of communication with the outer worlds was nature’s great highway, the broad bosom of the majestic “Father of Waters”, she has witnessed a marvelous commercial, intellectual and social development.  She bears upon here roll of membership the names of many who have achieved fame in civil and political life. Many of her members have also won honor and distinction in other bodies and other rites of Masonry. The names of Pierson and Prescott, of Merrill and Miller, of Carver, Combs, Monfort, Terry, Jewett, and Swanstrom are inseparably connected with the Masonic history of Minnesota.

Minnesota Chapter No. 1 enjoys an enviable reputation among her sister Chapters. They look upon her as a model of excellence, and I but feebly voice the sentiment of the Companions throughout this grand jurisdiction in expressing the hope that she may long continue to occupy her present proud position.

Again, Excellent Sir, I thank you for your cordial welcome and assure you that we all wish for Minnesota Chapter No. 1 unbounded prosperity in the future.