Full text of "Proceedings of a convocation of Knights Templar and of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the appendant orders of the State of Alabama [serial]"

See other formats

.-_

PROCEEDINGS

<M A

CONVOCATION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

, Assembled at the City of Montgomery, on the Twenty-Ninth "'
day of November, A. D. 1860, A. O. 742.

v\T ok

a h e § x a w d 0 o m m a it d e r n

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR,

\V]i

THE APPENDANT ORDERS

of riii:

STATE OF

ALABAMA.

MONTGOMERY, ALA.

Ii \ll.\ POST BOOK AM' JOB "TTK I ■'.
1X(J1.

George Washington Flowers
Memorial Collection

DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

ESTABLISHED BY THE
FAMILY OF

COLONEL FLOWERS

PROCEEDINGS

OF A

CONVOCATION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

AND OF

\\i # x a n id § o m in a n d t x

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR,

AND

THE APPENDANT ORDERS

OF THE

STATE OF ALABAMA.

First Conclave held at the City of Montgomery, December
1st, A. D. 1860, A. O. 742.

MONTGOMERY, ALA.

DAILY POST BOOK AND JOB OFFICE.

1861.

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
Duke University Libraries

http://www.archive.org/details/proceedingsofconOOknig

. /fj.

CONVOCATIO N

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.

Pursuant to previous notice, the representatives of {'our
Commanderies of Knights Templar and the Appendant Or-
ders, existing in the State of Alabama under Charters from
the Grand Encampment of the United States of America,
assembled in the Asylum of Montgomery Commandery, No.
4, at the City of Montgomery, on Thursday, the 29th day of
November, A. D., I860, A. 0., 742, at 7 o'clock, P. M., for
the purpose of organizing a Grand Commandery of Knights
Templar and the Appendant Orders for the State of Alaba-
ma.

The following Sir Knights were present :
Sir Richard F. Knott, of Mobile Commandery, No. li, Mobile.
Peleg Brown, " " " "

Lewis B. Thornton, of Tuscumbia, '•' No. 3, Tuscumbia.
Hugh P. Watson, of Montgomery, " No. 4, Montgomery.
Edmund M. Hastings, " " " "

Richard Fraser, " " " '• "

Thomas Welsh, " " "

Abram J. Walker, "
John H. Willoughby. " "

B. Massie, " " "

Noah B. Cloud, f1 •' " '.; "

Henry P. Lee, " " " " "

Benj. S. Thiess, " " " "

James B. Harrison, Belma, " No. 5, Sclma.

■i PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Sir Hugh P. Watson, Commander of Montgomery, Com-
mandery, No. 4, stated the object of the Convocation, and on
his motion, Sir Richard F. Knott, Generalissimo of Mobile
Commandery, No. 2, was invited to preside during its delib-
erations, and Sir James B. Harrison, was appointed Recorder
of the Convocation.

On motion of Sir E. M. Hastings,

Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to exam-
ine the credentials of those claiming seats in this Convoca-
tion.

The presiding officer named the following Knights as such
Committee :

C Sir E. M. Hastings,
On Credentials, < Sir Peleg Brown,

( Sir James B. Harrison.

The Committee after a brief recess presented the following
report :
To the Convocation now in session :

The Committee on Credentials having attended to the duty
assigned them, respectfully report :

That there are Five Commanderies in the State, working
under Charters granted by the Grand Encampment of the
United States, and that they are represented in the Convoca-
tion as follows :

C Sir R. F. Knott, proxy for the E. Com'r.

Mobile, No. 2, by < SirR. F. Knott, Generalissimo,

( Sir Peleg Brown, proxy for the C. G.

Tuscumbia, No. 3, Inj Sir Lewis B. Thornton, proxy forE. C.

C Sir Hugh P. Watson, E. Com'r.
Montg'ery, No. 4, bg < Sir E. M. Hastings, proxy for the Gen.
I Sir A. J. Walker, Captain General.

C Sir James B. Harrison, E. Com'r.
Sdma, No. 5, by... < Sir Wm. S. Knox, Generalssimo.

( Sir A. J. Goodwin, Captain General.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

E. M. Hastings, )

Peleg Brown, > Committee.

J. B. Harrison, )

CONVOCATION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR. O

Which report was received and concurred in, and the Com-
mittee discharged.

On motion of Sir E. M. Hastings,

Resolved, That all Sir Knights in good standing are cordi-
ally invited to be present during the deliberations of the Con-
vocation.

Sir Richard F. Knott, presiding 'officer of the Convocation
presented the warrant received from the Most Eminent Grand
Master of the Order in the United States, authorizing the
formation of a State Grand Commandery, which was read by
the Recorder, and is as follows :

BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH,

Grand Master of Knights 2 emptor of the United States of

America.

Know Ye, That, Whereas, there are established in the State
of Alabama Five Commanderies of Knights Templar, regu-
larly chartered by the Grand Encampment of the United
States, and now working under its jurisdiction, to-wit : Wash-
ington, No. 1, at Marion ; Mobile, No. 2, at Mobile , Tuscum-
bia, No. 3, at Tuscumbia ; Montgomery , No. 4, at Montgome-
ry, and Selma, No. 5, at Selma : and whereas the said Com-
manderies, or at least three of them, are desirous to form a
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, for the State of
Alabama ; and the Grand Encampment of the United States
having, at its last Triennial session, granted its authority to
the Commanderies aforesaid to establish a Grand Comman-
dery in said State, and due application having been made to
me therefor, Now Know Ye, That I Benjamin B. French,
Grand Master as aforesaid, by virtue of the high powers in
me vested, and in order to carry out the authority granted by
the Grand Encampment, do authorize and empower the
Commanderies aforesaid, or any three of them, at their pleas-
ure within .said Slate, and then and there to establish, form
and organise a Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, sub-
ordinate lo our said ( {rand Encampment, to be known ami

A n I /T3 T

6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

designated as "The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of
the State of Alabama," to be conducted in accordance with
such Constitution, rules and regulations as said Grand Com-
mandery may see fit to form and adopt : Provided, the same
shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of the Grand En-
campment of the United States, or the general principles and
usages of the order.

The said Grand Commandery will make due return of the
proceedings at the formation thereof, and of the Grand Offi-
cers, to me and to our V. E. Grand Recorder.

And for forming, organizing and holding said Grand
Commandery, this shall be their sufficient Warrant.

Given under my hand, and private seal at Rainsford Island,
in Boston Harbor, this fourth day of September, Anno Domi-
ni, 1860, A. 0. 742.

B. B. French, [l. s.]
GRAND MASTER.

On motion of Sir H. P. Watson, the Convocation was then
adjourned until to-morrow at 7 o'clock, P. M.

IJST CONVOCATION.

Friday, 7 o'clock, P. M., \
November 30, A. D., 1860, A. 0. 742. \
The Convocation assembled, pursuant to adjournment, Sir
Richard F. Knott presiding.

On motion of Sir E. M. Hastings,

Resolved, That a committee, composed of one from each
Commandery represented, be appointed to prepare, and pre-
sent, for the consideration of the Convocation, a Constitution,
or Code of Statutes, for the government of the Grand Com-
mandery about to be formed.

Whereupon the following Sir Knights were appointed said
committee: Sir E. M. Hastings, of Montgomery, No. 4, Sir

CONVOCATION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAK 7

Peleg Brown, Mobile, No. 2, Sir Lewis B. Thornton, Tuscuni-
bia, No. 3, and Sir James B. Harrison, Selma, No. 5.

Tlie'/coramittee, after a brief recess, made the following
Report :
To the Convocation now in sessio?i : —

The committee appointed to prepare and report a Constitu-
tion, or Code of Statutes, for the government of the Grand
Commandery about to be formed, have performed the duty
assigned them, and submit herewith a Code of Statutes, and
recommend their adoption as the Statutes of the Grand Com-
mandery of Knights Templar, and the Appendant Orders of
the State of Alabama.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

E. M. Hastings, i

L.' BRTnoixTON, [committee.
J. B. Harrison, J
The report was received, and the *Statutes, having been
taken up and considered seperately, the whole were unani-
mously adopted, and the committee discharged.
On motion of Sir H. P. Watson,

Resolved, That this Convocation do now proceed to the elec-
tion of officers of the Grand Commandery.

Sir E. M. Hastings and Sir Peleg Brown were appointed
tellers, and the following officers were elected :

Sir Richard F. Knott, of Mobile, Grand Commander,
" Sterling A. M. Wood, of Florence, Dep. Grand Com'r.
11 James B. Harrison, of Selma, Grand Generalissimo.
" Peleg Brown, of Mobile, Grand Captain General,
" Henry Talbird, of Marion, Grand Prelate,
" Porter King, of Marion, Grand Senior Warden,
" Lewis B. Thornton, of Tuscumbia, Grand Jr. Warden,
11 Hugh P. Watson, of Montgomery, Grand Treasurer,
" Edmund M. Hastings, of Montgomery, Grand Recorder,
" John H. Putin, of Mobile, Grand Standard Bearer,
11 William S. Knox, of Selma, Grand Sword Bearer,

• V»r BUt^tes boo pp,(j(. ] | K. M. II:, F!er.

8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

" Joseph M. Williams, of Montgomery, Grand Warder,
" Joseph McGaw, of Mobile, Grand Sentinel.
The Eecorder read a communication from the Grand Master

of the order authorizing as his proxy, to instal the

officers elect of the Grand Commandery ; and upon motion of
Sir H. P. Watson the blank therein was filled with the name of
Sir William Field, R;. E:. Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

On motion of Sir H. P. Watson,

Resolved, That the Grand Commandery of the State of
Alabama be opened at three o'clock, P. M., on Saturday, the
first day of December, A. D., 1860, A. 0., 742, and that the
present Convocation be adjourned sine die.

J. B. HARRISON,

Beeorder.

GRAND COMMANDERY.

C-RANB COMMANDERY

Knights Templar and the Appendant Orders,

THE

STATE OE AI,AI3A3rA.

FIRST CONCLAVE.

The Grand GYunmandery of r£nighta Templar and the A|>-
pendant Orders of the State ol Alabama commenped its Firs!
Conclave at the Asylum of Montgomery Commandery No. A,

in the City of Montgomery, od Saturday, the first day of De-
cember, Anno Ztoraim 1860, Anno Ordinis%±% at three o'clock,
P. M.

Present;

R:. &: 8fr RICHARD F. KNG^T,... Grimd Commander,

V:. E:. Sir William Field, as Deputy Grand Com'r.

/.':. Sir Jam] B. Harrison^ Grand Generalissimo,

E:. Sir Tele*; Brown, Grand Captain Gen'l,

E:. Sir John II. Willoughby,. .as Grand Prelate,

E.\ Sir NoaiiB. Clotjd, as Grai Warden,

E:. Sir Lewis 15. Thornton, Grand Junior Warden,

E:. Sir Hi >.n I'. AVat-".\, Grand. Treasurer ,

E:. Sir Edmund M. Hastings Grand Becorder,

E:. Sir George D. Norms >nd. Be

E:. Sir James M. Brijndidge, ... vner,

E:. Sir Joseph M. Williams, Grand Warder,

Sir Thomas McDougal, as Grand Senth .

10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

And a number ot visiting Knights, who were invited to be
present.

Mobile Commandery, No. 2, Tuscumbia, No. 3, Montgome-
ry, No. 4, and Selma, No. 5, being represented, the Gran('
Commandery was opened in Ample and Knightly form, with
prayer by the Grand Prelate.

The minutes of the proceedings of the Convocation held on
the twenty-ninth and thirtieth ultimo, were read, and the
statutes adopted in Convocation, and the officers elected in
accordance therewith, were approved and adopted by the
Grand Commandery.

On motion of Sir H. P. Watson, the Grand Commander of
the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
then took the chair, and under the authority of a warrant
from Hon. Sir Benjamin Brown French, Grand Master of
Knights Templar in the United States, then installed Sir
Richard F. Knott, R:. E:. Grand Commander of thr Grand
Commandery of the State of Alabama, and proceeded to in-
stall all the rest of the Grand Officers present.

The Right Eminent Grand Commander resumed the chair
and gave notice that, either in person or by proxy, he would
install those absent, viz : Sir Sterling A. M. Wood, Sir Henry
Talbird, Sir Porter King, Sir John H. Pippin, Sir William
S. Knox, and Sir Joseph McGaw, in their respective Com-
manderies.

On motion of Sir James B. Harrison,

Resolved, That the several Commanderies in this State,
heretofore working under the jurisdiction of the Grand En-
capment of the United States of America, be, and are here-
by authorised to continue work under their original charters ;
and that they shall rank and be registered as follows : viz :
Washington Com'ndery, No. 1, at Marion, Perry County,
Mobile " " 2, " Mobile, Mobile "

Tuscumbia " " 3, " Tuscumbia, Fra'lin "

Montgomery " " 4, " Montg'y., Montg'y "

Selma " " 5, " Selma, Dallas u

and, that the Charters of said Commanderies be endorsed, or

GRAND COMMANDERY. 11

countersigned, within the ensuing twelve months, by the R:
E:. Grand Commander, attested by the Grand Recorder, with
the seal of the Grand Commandery.

On motion of Sir E. M. Hastings,

Resolved, That the Grand Commander, Deputy Grand Com-
mander and Grand Captain General be, and are hereby ap-
pointed a Committee, with power to devise and have prepared,
as early as possible, a seal for this Grand Commandery.

On motion of Sir H. P. Watson,

Resolved, That live hundred copies of the proceedings of the
late Convocation and at this conclave be printed under the su-
perintendence of the Grand Recorder ; that twenty-five copies
thereof be transmitted to eacli subordinate Commandery, two
copies to each Grand Commandery in North America, one
copy each to the first four officers and Grand Recorder of the
Grand Encampment of the United States, and to such other
eminent Sir Knights as maybe deemed advisable, reserving
at least one hundred copies for future disposal by the Gram I
Commandery.

On motion of Sir L. B. Thornton,

Resolved, That each of the five Commauderies now under
the jurisdiction of this Grand Commandery be directed to for-
ward to the Grand Recorder thereof, as soon as possible after the
close of this conclave, copies of its charter, together with a
return of its officers and members at the date of the organiza-
tion of the Grand Commandery, that the same may be pub-
lished with the proceedings ; and that a complete return to
that date, shall at the said time be made by each to the Grand
Recorder ot the Grand Encampment of the United States, and
be accompanied by such dues as may have accrued to that
body.

On motion of Sir Jos. M. Williams,

Resolved, That, to defray the expense of printing the pro-
ceedings of the Grand Commandery, and other necessary ex-
penses attending its organization, the Grand Recorder shall cer-
tify the amounts, when ascertained, to the R:. E:. Grand
Commander, who shall Apportion the same among the several

12 PttOOEEDINGS OF THE

subordinate Commantleries in proportion to the membership
of each, which sums shall he transmitted and paid over to the
Grand Recorder immediately after receiving notification of
the amount.

On motion of Sir .lames B. Harrison,

Jiesolued, That the Grand llecorder ha directed to prepare
and have printed with the proceeding's, a form of petition for
the establishment of a subordinate Oommandery, and of ap-
plication for the orders of Knighthood, and for affiliation ;
and such further forms for returns' and other purposes as may
be required.

On motion of Sir 1j- i>- Thornton,

lie-solved, That a Committee on Foreign Correspondence,
consisting of one from each Commandery, be appointed by
the Pk,:. E:. Grand Commander, to report at our next Grand
Annual Conclave.

The Grand Commander named the following Sir Knights

as such Committee:

Commmittee on Foreign
Correspondence :

Sir A. J. Walker, Com'rv No. 4,
" L.B. Thornton, " ' " 3,
': Porter King, " il 1,
" Peleg Brown, " " 2,
" Benj. J. Harrison" " 5'

On motion of Sir H. P. Watson,

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Commandey are
eminently due, and they are hereby tendered, to our venerable
brother, the II:. E:. Sir William Field, for the efficient aid
rendered by him in the organization and installation of its
officers.

There being no farther business, the minutes of this session
were read and approved, and with prayer by the Grand Pre-

GRAND C0M1IANDERY.

1 o

1 ')

late, the Grand Commandery was closed in ample and Knight-
ly form.

A true copy of the pro-
ceedings of the Convocation
and Conclave, as before men-
tioned.

Witness my signature,
with the Seal of our Grand
Commandery, and the attes-
tation of our G-rana Recor-
der.

RICHARD F. KNOTT,
Grand C&mmandt r.

Attest,

E. M. Hastings,
Grand Recorder

14 STATUTES OF THE

STATUTES

OF THE

Grand Commandery of Knights Templar

AXD THE

A.FPEHSTDA.ISTT ORDERS

OF THE

STATE OF ALABAMA.

CHAPTER I.

RELATIVE TO THE GRAND COMMANDERY.
I.

Of its Title and Seal.

This body shall be entitled " The Grand Commandery of
Knights Templar, and the Appendant Orders of the State of
Alabama," and shall have a seal, bearing suitable devices and
inscriptions, which shall be affixed to all instruments issued
by or under its authority.

II.

Of its Officers and Members.

The Grand Commandery shall be composed of a Grand
Commander (whose address is Rigid Eminent) ; a Deputy
Grand Commander (whose address is Very Eminent) ; a Grand
Generalissimo ; a Grand Captain General ; a Grand Prelate ;
a Grand Senior Warden ; a Grand Junior Warden ; a Grand

GRAND COMMANDERY. 15

Treasurer; a Grand Recorder ; a Grand Standard Bearer; a
Grand IS word Bearer; a Grand Warder (whose several ad-
dresses are Eminent) ; a Grand Captain of the Guards, (the
Sentinel) ; all Past Grand Commanders, Past Deputy Grand
Commanders, Past Grand Generalissimos, and Past Grand
Captains General of this Grand Commandcry ; all Past Com-
manders, by service, of chartered Commanderics under its
jurisdiction ; and the Commanders, Generalissimos and Cap-
tains General, for the time, of the several chartered and duly
constituted Commanderies subordinate thereto.

III.

Of Qualification? for Office or Membership.

Every officer and member of the Grand Commandcry must
be a member of some Commandery under its jurisdiction ; and
with t lie suspension or cessation of such membership, shall
cease his office and membership in the Grand Commandery.

IV.

Of its Powers and Authority.

The Grand Commandery derives all its powers from the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar and the Append-
ant Orders of the United States of America, to the Constitu-
tion and Regulations of which, its obedience is ever due.
Under these powers it has authority over all Commanderies,
Knights Templar, and Knights of the Appendant Orders
within the State of Alabama. It may grant Dispensations
and Charters for forming and holding Commanderies therein,
and at its pleasure, may arrest, suspend, or revoke them It
may enact such statutes, and pass such orders, for its own
government and for that of its subordinates and the Knights
within its jurisdiction, as shall not conflict with the Constitu-
tion and Regulations of the Grand Encampment ; may alter,
amend or annul the same, and may exercise all other authority
which shall be deemed necessary for the good of the Order in
this State, and which shall be in conformity with its precepts

16 STATUTES OF THE

and the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Encamp-
ment.

Of its Conclaves.

The Grand Commandery shall hold an Annual Conclave,
for the transaction of its regular business at the City of Mont-
gomery commencing on the Saturday before the first Monday
in December at 10 o'clock, A. M. Special Conclaves may be
ordered by the Grand Commander, at his discretion, but no
business shall be transacted thereat, other than that specified
in such order.

VI.

Of its Elections.

The officers of Hie Grand Commandery shall be chosen by
ballot at the Conclave to be h olden immediately after the
adoption of these Statutes, and thereafter at each Annual
Conclave; shall bo duly installed before the close thereof ; and
shall hold their respective offices (except as hereinbefore provi-
ded) until their successors are elected and installed. A ma-
jority of all the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice. Any
vacancy in office occurring when the Grand Commandery is
not in Conclave, may be filled by the Grand Commander, and
the officer so appointed shall possess all the powers and be
charged with all the duties of one regularly elected.

VII

Of Proxies.

Any member of the Grand Commandery, except Past Com-
manders and the Grand Captain of the Guards, may appear
and vote by proxy ; but such proxy must, at the time of service,
be a member of the same Commandery as his principal, and
must present a properly authenticated certificate of his ap-
pointment.

BRAND COMMANDERY. 17

VTII.
Of Voting.
Bach member of the Grand Commandery present shall be
entitled to one vote, and all questions shall be determined bv
a majority of votes. In ease the votes are equally divided,
the Grand Commander, in addition to his proper vote, shall
gi?e the casting vote.

IX.
Of Revenue.

The revenue of the Grand Commandery shall be derived
from fees charged for Dispensations, Charters, Diplomas, and
ether instruments issued under its authority, as follows:

1. For a Dispensation, eighty-five dollars, of which ten dol-
lars shall be the fee of the Grand Recorder ;

2. For a Charter, fifteen dollars, of which five dollars shall
he the fee of the Grand Recorder ;

:i. For a Diploma, five dollars, of which three shall be the
fee of the Grand Recorder :

And from the following contributions levied upon the sev-
eral Commanderies :

1 . For each Order of the Red Cross conferred, one dollar;

"J. For each Order of the Temple conferred, one dollar ;

:!. For each Knight Templar borne upon the rolls at the
date of the Annual Returns : one dollar.

X.
Of Committees.
The following regular Committees, to consist of three mem-
bers each, shall be appointed by the Grand Commander at
each Annual Conclave, viz : On Credentials, on Reports of
the Grand Officers, on Appeals and Grievances, on Finances
and Accounts, on New Commanderies, and on Returns of Sub-
ordinates. The Grand Commander may also appoint such
Special Committees at any Conclave, as may be deemed expe-
dient by the Grand Commander v.
::

18 STATUTES OF THE

CHAPTER TI.

RELATIVE TO THE GRAND OFFICER*.

XI.

Of the Grand Commander,

The Grand Commander shall, at each Annual Conclave,
present a written report of all his official acts during the year,
and of the condition of the Order within his jurisdiction, to-
gether with such recommendations as he shall deem conducive
to its prosperity and advancement. He shall have a watch-
ful supervision over the Subordinate Commanderies, and shall
carefully see that the Constitution and Regulations of the
Grand Encampment, and the Statutes and Orders of the
Grand Commandery, are duly and promptly observed. He
shall have power, when the Grand Commandery is not in
Conclave, to issue dispensations, for the formation of new Com-
manderies, as hereinafter provided ; and shall, either in per-
son or by proxy, constitute all new Commanderies when char-
tered, and install their officers. He may order special Con-
claves, at his discretion, specifying the object thereof.
He may visit and preside in any Commandery within
his jurisdiction, and give such orders and instructions 'as
he may deem necessary, and as shall not be inconsistent
with the enactments of the Grand Encampment and Grand
Commandery. He may arrest the Charter, or Dispensation
of any Commandery for good reasons shown, and for proper
cause may suspend any Commander from the functions of his
office until the next Annual Conclave. It shall be his duty,
either in person or by proxy, to attend all meetings of the
Grand Encampment ; and there shall be no appeal to the
Grand Commandery from his decisions.

GRAJfD I 01HIANDEET. ^9

0/ the Deputy Grand Commander.

The Heputy Grand Commander, in the absence of the
Grand Commander from any Conclave, shall take command ;
and, in the event of the death, absence from the State, or ina-
bility to serve, from any cause, of the Grand Commander, lie
shall succeed to, and be charged with all the powers and du-
ties of that officer. At all other times he shall perform such
duties as may be assigned him by the Grand Commandery or
Grand Commander : and he is required either in person or
by proxy, to attend all meetings of the Grand Encampment.

Xlll.
Of ttu Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General.
The Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General, in
the absence of their superiors from any Conclave, shall sever-
ally take command in the order of their rank, and in the
event of the death, removal from the State, or inability to
serve, from any cause, of their superiors, shall in like man-
ner succeed to, and be charged with, all the powers and duties
of the Grand Commander. At all other times, they shall
perform such duties as may be assigned them by the Graivt
Commandery or Grand Commander; and they are required,
either in person or by proxy, to attend all meetings ,>f the
Grand Encampment.

XIV.
Of Hi'- Grand Treasurer.
The Grand Treasurer shall receive all mone-yg belonging to
the Grand Commandery from the Grand Ee corder, and shall
pay the same out under such regulations as by it may be
provided. He shall keep a just record the- ^eof in proper books,
and at each Annual Conclave shall present a detailed account.
of his receipts and disbursements, tog ether with vouchers for
the last, and a full statement of the existing condition of the
finances. He shall execute and filr^ ^ith the Grand Recorder.

20 STATUTES OF THE

within fifteen days after his installation, a bond, in such
terms, in such penal sum, and with such sureties, as shall be
approved by the Grand Commander, conditioned that he will
faithfully discharge the duties of his office.

XV.
Of the Grand Recwder.

The Grand Recorder shall keep an accurate record oi all
the transactions of the Grand Commandery which should be
written. He shall collect the revenue, and pay it over to the
Grand Treasurer. He shall present a detailed report of his
receipts, and all business appertaining to his office, at each
Annual Conclave. He shall, as soon as practicable,, after each
Annual Conclave, transmit copies oi' the transactions thereat
to the Grand Master of the Order, the Grand Recorder of
the Grand Encampment, the Grand Recorder of the
several Grand Commanderies under the jurisdiction of that
body, and the Recorders of the several Commanderies within
this jurisdiction. He shall keep the Seal of the Grand Com-
mandery, and shall affix it, with his attestation, to all instru-
ments emanating from that body and to all Dispensations
issued by the Grand Commander. He shall conduct the cor-
respondence of the Grand Commandery, and shall present at
each Annual Conclave a summary of such proceedings of other
Grand Commanderies as may have come into his possession.
He shall report at each Annual Conclave all unfinished busi-
ness, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned
him by the Grand Commandery or Grand Commander. He
shall receive such compensation for his services as the Grand
Commandery may direct ; and shall execute and file with the
Grand Treasurer, within fifteen days after his installation, a
bond, in such terms, in such penal sum, and with such sureties,
as shall be approved by the Grand Commander, conditioned
that he will faithfully discharge the duties of his office.

GRAND COMMANDERY. 21

XVI.

Of I he other Grand Officers.

The duties of the remaining Grand Officers, shall be such
as traditionally appertain to their respective stations, and
shall correspond as nearly as may be, to those of the officers
of similar rank in the Grand Encampment. Incase all the
four principal Grand Officers shall be absent from any Con-
clave, the Past Grand Officers of like rank, shall, in the order
of their rank and seniority, be empowered to take command.

CHAPTER III.

RELATIVE TO SUBORDINATE COMMA NDERIES.
XVII

Of their Formation.

Upon the petition of nine or more Knights Templar, in
good standing, the Grand Commandery, or the Grand Com-
mander, may issue a Letter of Dispensation, authorizing
them to form and open a Commandery of Knights Templar
and the Appendant Orders, and to hold the same until the
next Annual Conclave. But no such Dispensation shall issue
unless the petition be accompanied by a recommendation from
the Commandery nearest the location of the proposed new
one, which shall certify to the good standing of each of the
petitioners, to the proper qualifications of the Officers, whom
they have nominated, and that a suitable place of assembling
has been provided. The Dispensation, thus issued, shall be re-
turned at the next Annual Conclave, together with the Book
of Records, By-Laws, and Returns, when, if the transactions of
the new Commandery shall appear satisfactory, it may, upon
petition, receive a Charter.

22 STATUTES OF THE

XVIII.

Of Whom Composed.

A Commandery consists of a Commander, (whose address
is Eminent), a Generalissimo, a Captain General, a Prelate, a
Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Recorder, a
Standard Bearer, a Sword Bearer, a Warder, a Captain of the
Guards, (the Sentinel), three Guards, and as many members
as may he found convenient for work or discipline.

XIX.

Of Assemblies.

Each Commandery shall hold a stated Assembly at least
once in six months, for the transaction of its regular business.
Special assemblies may be ordered by the Commander, at his
discretion, but no business shall be done thereat other than
that specified in the order. A failure to assemble for twelve
successive months shall be deemed sufficient cause for the ar-
rest or revocation of its Charter.

XX.

Of Elections.
The officers of each Commandery (except the Sentinel and
Guards, who shall be appointed by the Commander), shall be
chosen by ballot at the first stated assembly in the month of
November, in each year, and shall be installed before, or at
the next stated assembly. A majority of all the votes cast
shall be necessary for a choice.

XXI.

Of Voting.
All questions in a Commandery shall be determined by a
majority of votes. Each member present shall be entitled to
one vote, and when the votes are equally divided (except in
elections), the Commander shall, in addition, have the cast-
ing vote.

GRAND COMMANDER Y. M

XXII.
Of Qualifications for the Orders.
No Commandery shall confer an Order of Knighthood upon
anyone who is not a regular Royal Arch Mason, according to
the requirements of the General Grand Chapter of the United
States of America, nor unless lie shall have produced evidence
of his good standing at the time of application ; and no ap-
plication for the Orders shall be received by any Commandery,
I mm one who within twelve months next preceding, shall
have been rejected by any Commandery, nor unless the ap-
plicant shall have resided one year next preceding in the
State, and three months next preceding within its jurisdic-
tion, except by permission of the Commandery nearest his
place of residence.

XXIII.
Of Fees and Dues.
No Commandery shall confer the several Orders of Knight-
hood for a less fee than thirty dollars, and no application
therefor shall be received unless accompanied by such fee. The
dues of the members of each Commandery shall be such as
may be provided in its By-Laws, and the non-payment ot such
dues for a period of twelve months, unless good reasons there-
for be shown, shall be punished by suspension.

XXIV.
Of the Commander.
Each Commander has it in special charge to see that the
By-Laws of his Commandery, the Statutes and Orders of the
Grand Commandery, and the Constitution and Regulations of
the Grand Encampment, are duly observed by the Knights
under his command ; that accurate records are kept, and just
accounts and proper reports rendered by his officers ; and that
regular returns are annually made to the Grand Commandery
at the time prescribed therefor, with prompt payment of the
annual dues. From his decisions there shall be no appeal to

24 STATUTES OF THE

the Coininandery,biit any five members thereof may complain
of his decisions or conduct to the Grand Commandery, or
Grand Commander. It shall be his duty either in person or
by proxy, to attend all Conclaves of the Grand Commandery.

XXV.

Of the Generalissimo and Captain General.
The Generalissimo and Captain General shall perform the
duties severally assigned them by the traditional usages of the
Order ; and in the absence of the Commander, shall, in the
order of their rank, succeed to, and be charged with, all his
powers and duties. It shall be the duty of both, either in
person or by proxy, to attend all Conclaves of the Grand Com-
mandery. In the absence of all the three principal officers,
the Past Commanders, in the order of their seniority may
take command.

XXVI.

Of the Treasurer and Recorder.

The Treasurer shall receive from the Recorder and safely
keep all moneys belonging to the Commandery ; and shall
pay the same out under such regulations, and account therefor
at such times and in such manner, as by it may be prescribed.
The Recorder shall keep an accurate record of all the trans-
actions of the Commandery which should be written, including
a list of the officers, members and visitors present at each as-
sembly , shall collect the revenue and pay it over to the Treas-
urer , shall keep correct accounts of the dues of members ;
shall prepare and transmit the annual returns to the Grand
Recorder ; shall keep the seal of the Commandery, and affix
it to all documents emanating therefrom ; and shall perform
such other duties as may be required of him by the Comman-
dery or Commander.

XXVII.

Of Returns.
The returns of each Commandery shall be made up to the

GRAND COMMANDERY. 25

first day of November, in each year, in such form as shall he
prescribed by the Grand Commandery ; and shall immediately
be forwarded to the Grand Recorder with the dues as herein-
before provided.

CAAPTER IV.

MISCELLANEOUS.

XXVIII.

Of Trials and Appeals.

The mode of proceeding in all trials shall, as nearly as may
be. be that which is now or may hereafter be prescribed in the
Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons of this State ; and appeals from the results of such trials
may, in like manner as is directed by the Grand Lodge, be
made to and adjudicated by the Grand Commandery.

XXIX.

Of Penalties.

Censure, suspension, or expulsion may be inflicted by any
Commandery upon any Knight within its jurisdiction, for un-
knightly conductor for violation of, or disobedience to any of
the By-Laws, Statutes, Orders, Regulations, or Constitutions
of the Order. Information of a suspension or expulsion by
any Commandery, shall immediately be communicated by its
Recorder, to the Recorder of each other Commandery in the
State, and to the Grand Recorder ; but no publication thereof
shall be made except by the Grand Commandery. Suspen-
sion may be removed by the Commandery which imposed it,
but an expelled Knight can only be restored by the Graud
Commandery.
4

26 STATUTES OF THE

XXX.
Of Vows of Office.
All officers of the Grand Commandery and of its subordi-
nates, before entering upon the duties of their respective sta-
tions, shall take a solemn vow that they will maintain and
support the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand En-
campment of Knights Templar of the United States of Amer-
ica, and the Statutes and Orders of the Grand Commandery
of the State of Alabama.

XXXI.
Of Amendments.

These Statutes may be altered or amended at any Annual
Conclave, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present.

FQBK OF DISPENSATION. 27

Form of Petition for a Dispensation.

TOOPEN AND HOLD A SUBORDINATE COMMANDERY.

To the Eight Eminent Grand Commander

of Knights Tun /Jar in the Slate of Alabama :

The petition of the undersigned respectfully represents that
they are severally Knights of the Red Cross, Knighte Tem-
plar, and Knights of Malta ; that they are now in good stand-
ing as Knights of those Illustrious, Valiant, and Magnani-
mous Orders, and were last members of the respective Com-
tnanderies named opposite their several signatures ; that they
reside in, or near the of in the coun-
ty of. in the State of Alabama; that among

them are a competent number well qualified to form and open
a Commandery of Knights Templar and the Appendant Or-
ders, and to discharge the various duties thereof, according to
ancient usage ; and that, having the well-being and diffusion
of Christian Chivalry at heart, and being desirous to extend
its benefits and blessings to all worthy companions, they pray
for a Dispensation empowering them to form, open, and hold
a regular Commandery of Knights Templar and the Append-
ant Orders in the of aforesaid, to be called

Commandery. They beg leave respectfully to rec-
ommend Sir , as the first Commander, Sir

, as the first Generalissimo, and Sir , as the

first Captain General ; and, if their prayer be granted, they
promise in all things to conform to the Statutes and Orders of
the Grand Commandery of the State of Alabama, the Con-
stitutions and Regulations of the Grand Encampment of the
United States, and the general precepts and usages of the
Order.

Dated at on the day of A. D. 18...

(To the foregoing is to be appended the names of the petitioners, the names and
numbers of the Commandenes of which they respectively last were members,
and the State or Territory in which such Commander iea were holden.

28 FORM OF APPLICATION.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR THE ORDERS OF
KNIGHTHOOD.

To the Eminent Commander, Generalissimo, Captain,

General, and Knights of. Com mandery, No. . . .

The undersigned, respectfully represents that ho has law-
fully received the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fel-
low Craft, and Master Mason, in a regularly constituted Lodge,
and of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master,
and the Royal Arch, in a regularly constituted Chapter ; that
he is now in good standing, and is (or was late) a member of

Chapter No , in the of ;

that he has resided in the State of Alabama, more than one
year, and at the place below named more than three months
next proceeding the date hereof; that he has not, within twelve
months past, been rejected by any Commandery of Knights
Templar ; and that he is desirous of receiving the Orders of
Knighthood conferred in your Commandery, and promises,
if found worthy, to conform to all the ancient usages, and
customs of the Order.

His place of residence is , his age years, and

his occupation,

{Date.) , 18...

{Signature.)

Recommended by

{To be members of the Commandery .)

FORM OF APPLICATION. 29

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN A
COMMANDERY.

T> the Eminent Commander, (rencralissimo, Captain

General, and Knights of. Commandery, No...

The undersigned, respectfully represents that lie is a Knight
of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, of the Valiant and
Magnanimous Order of the Temple, and of the Order of Mal-
ta, or St. John of Jerusalem, in good standing ; that he was

last a member of. Commandery, No , in the

of , from which he has been honora-
bly dismissed, as by the accompanying certificate will appear;
and that he now desires, if found worthy, to become a mem-
ber of your Commandery.

His place of residence is , his age, , years,

and his occupation

(Signature.)

(Date.) , 18...

Recommended by

(To be members of the Commandery.)

30 RETURNS OF

Mobile Commandery, No. 2.

3Xol>ilc, ]>Xo*>ilo County.

THE GENERAL GRAND ENCAMPMENT.

OF THE

United. Sttitess q£ America.

To Whom it may Concern, Greeting:

W. B. HUBBARD, Whereas, hereto/ vre,to-wit :

G. G. Master, on the seventh day of April,

in the year of our Lord, one

WM. H. ELLIS, thousand eight hundred and

D. G. G. Master, forty-eight, a Dispensation

CHAS. M. MOORE, was Sranted to certain Sir

n n n t - Kniqlits to open and hold an

G. G. Generalissimo. —J r

Encampment of Knights Tem-
plar, and the Appendant Or-
G. G. Capt. General, der, in the City of Mobile,
in the county of Mobile, and State of Alabama, by the name
of Mobile Encampment, No. 2. And xohereas, application
has been made to this General Grand Encimpment, for a per-
petual Charter or Warrant, to enable them to continue in all
the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Encamp-
ment, and a copy of their By-Laws, and of the Minutes of
their Proceedings having been submitted for our inspection
and approval, and no cause adverse to the granting the prayer
of said applicants to us appearing.

Now Know Ye, That We TJie General Grand Encampment of
the United States of America, reposing special confidence and
trust in the fidelity, zeal, and Masonic ability of the Officers
and Members of the said Encampment, and for the purpose of
diffusing the benefits of the Order, and promoting the happi-
ness of man, by virtue of the power in us vested. Do By These
Presents, recognise said Encampment, as regularly constituted

STJBORBINATE OOMMANDBRIES. 31

and established, under the jurisdiction of this General Grand
Encampment, with full and adequate powers to confer the
several Degrees of Knights of the Bed Cross, Knights lem-
p/ar, and Knights of Malta, upon such person or persona,
professing the requisite qualifications, as they may think prop-
er. And we, do also recognise the present Officers and Mem-
ber8 of the said Encampment, with continuance of the said
powers and privileges, to them and their successors forever.
Provided, Nevertheless, that the said Officers and Members, and
their successors, pay due respect to our said General Grand
Encampment, and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and
in no way remove the Ancient Land Marks of our Order;
otherwise this Charter, and all things therein contained, to be

void, and of no effect.

Given at the Oity of Wash-
ington, in the District of Co-
lumbia, this eighteenth day
of March, in the year of our
Lord, one thousaad eight
hundred and fifty-one, and of
[k- S, I our Qyder, seren hundred and

thirty-three.

By Order of the Genera
Grand Encampment.

B. B. FRENCH,
G. G. Becorder.

32 RETUBNS OF

OFFICERS. OF THE PRESENT YEAR.

Sir John Johnson, E.: Com., Sir Wm. Flash, Treasurer,
Sir Rich. F. Knott, Gen lissimo. Sir Geo. W. Welch, Beer,
Sir John H. Pippin, Capt. Gen. Sir Wm. Pick, Stand. Bearer,
Sir Wm. H. George, Prelate. Sir Lee Simpson, Sword Bear.
Sir Thos. Henry, Sen. Wardenfib Thos. T. Tyree, Warder,
Sir O S. Beers, Jun. Warden, Sir James C. Eastbnrn, Sentinel.

Past E.: Commmander:

Sir Charles W. Gazzam.

KNIGHTS NOW BORNE UPON THE ROLL.

Ayres, Sir Daniel, L.
Brown, Sir Peleg
Bo wen, Sir John
Bythwood, Sir James G.
Brodenax, Sir Henry W.
Butt, Sir Cary W.
Barnard, Sir Francis J.
Calhoun, Sir J. C.
Carter, Sir Jesse
Cox, Sir Jesse J.
Cochran, Sir Samuel G.
Cox, Sir Benjamin B.
Clark, Sir Thomas J.
Cartright, Sir John
Davis, Sir D. R. W.
DeYampert, Sir Thomas J.
Douglass, Sir Leroy E.
Edwards, Sir Joseph R.
Fresinius, Sir John P.
Goodwin, Sir John W.

Wilkins,

Hurtell, Sir John
Hurtell, Sir Firman
Harrison, Sir Richard K.
Hale, Sir Stephen F.
Hayes, Sir Charles
Hill, Sir James
Harper, Sir Martin B.
Johnson, Sir Charles B.
Marable, Sir C. CM.
Means, Sir Hudson J.
McGuire, Sir Wesley W.
Oneal, Sir George W.
Prince, Sir John H.
Prince, Sir Edmund L.
Quigley, Sir Albert M.
Rawles, Sir John F.
Stone, Sir Sardine G.
Smaw, Sir Isaiah B.
Ulrick, Sir John G.
Welch, Sir William R.
Sir James.

SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES.

Tuscumbia Commandery, No. 3.

Toscumbls, Franklin County.

THE GENERAL GRAND ENCAMPMENT

OF THE

United Sf;itosi of America.

To whom it may concern, greeting:

W. B. HUBBARD,
G. G. Master

WM. ELLIS,

D. G. G. Master.

CHAS. W. MOORE,
G. G. Generalissimo.

WM. F. GOULD,

Whereas, heretofore, fo-wit:
On the 18th day of August, in
the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and
forty-eight, a Dispensed ion was
granted to certain Sir Knights
to open and hold an Encamp-
ment of Knights Templar, and
the appendant orders, in the
City of Tuscumbia. in the
Gh G. Capt. General, county of Franklin, and State
of Alabama, by the name of
Tuscumbia Encampment, No. \\. And whereas, application
has been made to this General Grow! Encampment, for a per-
petual Charier or Warrant, to enable them to continue in all
the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Encamp-
ment, and a copy of their Jhj-Laws, and of the Minutes of
their Proceedings having been submitted for our inspection
and approval, and no cause adverse to granting the prayer of
6aid applicants to us appearing :

Now know ye, that ice, the General Grand Encampment of
the United States of America, Reposing special confidence and
trust in the fidelity, zeal, and Masonic ability of the Officers
and Members of the said Encampment, and tor the purpose of
diffusing the benefits of the Order, and promoting the happi-
ness of man, by virtue of the power in us vested, Do by these

5
t

34 RETURNS OF

Presents, recognise said Encampment, as regularly Constituted
and Established, under the jurisdiction of this General Grand
Encampment, with full and adequate powers to confer the
several Degrees of Knights 'of the Bed Cross, Knights Templar,
and Knights of Malta, upon such person or persons, possessing
the requisite qualifications, as they may think proper. And
ice, do also recognise the present Officers and Members of the
said Encampment , with continuance of the said powers and
privileges, to them and their successors forever. Provided,
nevertheless, That the said Officers and Members, and their
successors, pay due respect to our said General Grand Encamp-
ment, and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and in no
way remove, the Ancient Land Marks, of our Order: Other-
wise this Charter, and all things therein contained, to he void
and of no effect.

Given at the City of Wash-
ington, in the District of
Columbia, this twelfth day of
October, in the [Year of Our
Lord, One Thousand Eight
rL g i Hundred and Fifty ; and of

Our Order, Seven Hundred
and Thirty-Two.

By order of the General
Grand Encampment.

B. B. FRENCH,
G . G. Becorder.

SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES.

OFFICERS FOR THE PRESENT YEAR.

Sir Anderson M. Barclay, E.\ Com., Sir William Simpson, Treasurer,
Sir Felix (i. Norman, Generalissimo, Sir Lewis B. Thornton, Recorder,
Sit Charles A. Tony. Capt, General, Sit Alfred C. Matthews, St'd Bearer,
Sir Frederick A. Ross, Prelate, Sir Stirling A. M. Wood, Sw'd Bearer
Sir .John Carey, Sen. Warden, Sir Francis Moran, Warder,

Sir William M. Jackson, Jan, Wd'n, Sir Benjamin Pybas, Sentinel.

KNIGHTS NOW BORNE UPON THE ROLL:

\!. xander, Sir Richard B.
Baker, Sir Joseph C.
Browning, Sir William II.
Bailey, Sir .lames J.
Cannon, Sir David J.
Carroll, Sir DeRosey
Coffey, Sir William A.
Chidester, Sir John T.
Early, Sir Thomas S.
Harvey, Sir William
Johnson, Sir Felix

Vinson,

Kimball, Sir Francis
Ladd, Sir Noble R.
Lawson, Sir John
Lindsay, Sir I)avid R.
Peet, Sir William A.
Perkins, Sir Thomas H.
Ragsdale, Sir J. B.
Rollston, Sir William
Williams, Sir Charles
Williams, Sir Charles Foster,
Wood, Sir William B.
Sir F. C.

36 RETURNS OF

Montgomery Commandery, No. 4.

THE GENERAL GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS

TEMPLAR

OF THE

I 'nitecl States*; of ^mei-ica.

To whom it may concern, greeting:

W. B. HUBBARD, Whereas, heretofore, to- wit :

G. G. Master. On the seventeenth day of
October, in the year of our
WM. T. GOULD, Lord, one thousand eight
D. G. G. Master, hundred and fifty, a Dispen-
sation was granted to certain
CHAS. W. MOORE, Sir Knights to open and hold
G. G. Generalissimo, an Encampment of Knights

Templar, and the appendant

E. S. BARNUM, orders, in the City of Mont-

G. G. Capt. General, gomery, in the county of

Montgomery, and State of
Alabama, by the name of Montgomery Encampment, No. 4.
And, whereas, Application has been made to this General
Grand Encampment, for a perpetual Charter or Warrant, to
enable them to continue in all the rights and privileges of a
regularly Constituted Encampment, and a copy of their By-
Laws, and of the Minutes of their Proceedings having been
submitted for our inspection and approval, and no cause ad-
verse to the granting the prayer of said applicants to us
appearing :

Now know ye, that we, the General Grand Encampment of
the United States of America, Reposing special confidence and
trust in the fidelity, zeal, and Masonic ability of the Officers
and Members of the said Encampment, and for the purpose of
diffusing the benefits of the Order, and promoting the happi-

SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES. 37

ncss of man, by virtue of the power in us vested, Do, by these
presents, recognise said Encampment , as regularly Constituted
and established, under the jurisdiction of this General Grand
Encampment, with full and adequate powers to confer the
several Degrees of Knights of the Bed Cross, Knights 7cm-
plar, and Knights of Malta, upon such person or persons,
possessing the requisite qualifications, as they may think prop-
er. And we, do also recognise the present Officers and Mem-
bers of the said Encampment, with continuance of the said
powers and privileges, to them and their successors forever.
Provided, Nevertheless, that the said Officers and Members, and
their successors, pay due respect to our said General Grand
Encampment, and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and
in no way remove the Ancient Land Marks of our Order ;
otherwise this Charter, and all things therein contained, to he

void, and of no effect.

Given at the City of Wash-
ington, in the District of Co-
lumbia, this nineteenth day
of Sept., in the year of our
Lord, one thousaad eight
hundred and fifty-three., and
of our Order, seven hundred
and thirty-five.

By Order of the General
Grand Encampment.

B. B. FRENCH,
G. G. Becorder.

[L. S.l

88 RETURNS OF

OFFICERS OF THE PRESENT YEAR.

Sir Hugh P. Watson, E.\ Commander, Sir Benjamin S. Thiess, Treasurer,
Sir Henry P. Lee, Generalissimo, Sir Richard Fraser, Recorder,

Sir Abram J. Walker, Capt. General, Sir John P. Dickinson, St'd Bearer,
Sir Edmund M. Hastings, Prelate, Sir Xoah B. Cloud, Sword Bearer,
Sir B. Massie, Sen. Warden, Sir Joseph M. Williams, Warder.

Sir William G. Andrews, Jun. Warden, Sir Thomas McDougal, Sentinel.

Past E.: Commander:

Sir Samuel B. Marks.

KNIGHTS NOW BORNE UPON THE ROLL.

Bibb, Sir William C.
Bowen, Sir James, H.
Chilton, Sir William P.
Danforth, Sir Joslnia H.
Dixon, Sir Samuel H.
Dor man, Sir Thomas W.
Fariss, Sir William B.
Figh, Sir John P.
Figh Sir George M.
Gunter, Sir Charles G.
Harrison, Sir Edmund,
Jones, Sir George
Judge, Sir Thomas J.
Morgan, Sir John T.

Mathews, Sir George H. B.

Mathews, Sir George W.

Mathews, Sir William B.

Mathews j Sir Samuel B.

Mathews, Sir Francis M.

Martin, Sir James B.

McCall, Sir D. A.

McSpadden, Sir S. K.
Norton, Sir Samuel E.
Parsons, Sir Lewis E.
Shelton, Sir Humphrey S.
Stewart, Sir Edward S.
Watson, Sir Samuel D.
Welsh, Sir Thomas

Willoughby, Sir John II .

SUBORDINATE commandekies. 39

Selma Commandery, No. 5.

!^«'liiia, Dallas County.

THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.

OF THE

United States of America.

Tu Whom it may Concern, Greeting:

W. B. HUBBARD, Whereas, herttofore,to-wit :

G, Master of Knights Templar, on the thirteenth day of May f

in the year of our Lord, one

thousand eight hundred and

1). G. Master, fifty-eight, a Dispensation

D S COODTOF was gran^e(i t° certain Sir

n n 7. . Kniqhts to open and hold a

(x. Generalissimo. * l

Commander)/ of Knights Tem-
plar, and the Appendant Or-
G. Capt. General, ders, in the City of Selma,
in the county of Dallas, and State of Alabama, by the name
of Selma Commandery, No. 5. And whereas, application
has been made to this Grand Encampment, for a per-
petual Charter or Warrant, to enable them to continue in all
the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Common-
il'-i'H, and a copy of their By-Laics) and of the Minutes of
their Proceedings having been submitted for our inspection
and approval, and no cause adverse to the granting of the
prayer of said applicants to us appearing.

Now know ye, That toe, the Grand Encampment of Knights
Templar of the Vniied States of America, reposing special confi-
dence and trust in the fidelity, zeal, and Masonic ability of the
Officersand Members o{ the said Commandery, and for thepurpose
of diffusing the benefits of the Order, and promoting the happi-
ness of man, by virtue of the power in lis vested, Do By These
Presents, recognise said Commandery, as regularly constituted

40 RETURNS OF

and established, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Encam-
ment, with full and adequate powers to confer the several
Degrees of Knights of the lied Cross and Knights Templar,
upon such person or persons, possessing the necessary qual-
ifications, as they may think proper, and to instruct them, as
to the legend and qualifications of Knights of Malta. And we
do also recognise the present Officers and Members of said
Cow»mnc?er?/, with continuance of the said powers andprivileges,
to them and their successors forever , except that the officers of
said Commandery, shall not be entitled to act as members of
Our Grand Encampment, until they are duly elected and in-
stalled, under this Charter. Provided, nevertheless, That the
said Officers and Members, and their successors, pay due respect
to our said Grand Encampment, and to the Constitution and
Edicts thereof, and in no way remove the ancient Land Marks
of Our Order : Otherivise this Charter, and all things therein
contained, to be void and ot no effect.

Given at the City of Chi-
cago, in the State of Illinois,
this sixteenth day of Sept.
in the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and
fifty-nine, and of our Order,
seven hundred and forty-one.
By Order of the Grand En-
campment of Knights Tem-
plar of the United States.
B. B. FRENCH,
G. Recorder.

[L. S.]

SUBORDINATE COMMAXDERIES. 41

OFFICERS FOR THE PRESENT YEAR.

Sir James B. Harrison, E.\ Com., Sir Jacob Krout, Treasurer,
Sir Andrew J. Goodwin, Genl'mo, Sir Richard Faxon, Recorder,

Sir William S. Knox, Capt. General, Sir Henry Traun, Standard Bearer,
Sir Benjamin J. Harrison, Prelate, Sir J. A. Minims, Sword Bearer,
Sir George F. Plant, Sen. Warden, Sir John M. Strong. Warder,
Sir John Riggs, Jun. "Warden, Sir William Hardy, Sentinel.

KNIGHTS NOW BORNE UPON THE ROLL.
W. II. Tarrance.

(N. B. — No returns have been received from Washington Commandery,
No. 1. E. M. H., G. Recorder.)

Committee on Foreign Correspondenc

•j.

Sir Abram J. Walker, Montgomery, Montgomery County,

Sir Lewis B. Thornton, Tuscunibia, Franklin County.

Sir Porter King, Marion, Perry County,

Sir Peleg Brown, Mobile, Mobile County,

Sir Benjamin J. Harrison, Selma, Dallas County.

FORM OF RETURN

FORM OP RETURN TO THE GRAND COMMANDERY.

Annua I lietu m of. Commander y No , to the Gra n d

Commandery of the State of Alabama.

N umber
• if mem-
bers.

Names.

Grade.

iDateofRedJ Date of

1 Cross. Knighting

Dues.

Dead or j Suspended
withdrawn 'or expelled

E. C.
G.

C. G.

Pre'te

s. w
J. w.

Treas.

Rec.

Std.B.

SwdB

Wd'er

Sent.

PEC

K. T.

Died. \Su.spcndcd,
EF11 J.'Cl J.K.lF.'Cl

Withd'wn.
G. II

Expelled.
None.

....

11)
11

12
13

A I}

12 Jan '61 12 Jan. '61.

15 0. »

15. Feb. " :20 M'ch "

I , Commander of. , Commandery No ,

do certify that the above is a correct annual return of said

Commandery held in the , of , in the county of

, from the day of , 18... to the 1st day of

November, 18...

In Testimony, Whereof, I have hereunto set my
L. S. hand and caused to be affixed the Seal of said Com-
mandery this day of , A. D. 18...

A. 0. 74...

Attest. J.B.H R. F. K....

Recorder, E. COMMANDER.

a
s

H
v*

H
/.

a
w

— i

P5
O

O
•— i

H
O

>— «

Q
►■a

■

S 30 ri

at •-' -

2 *> • . • " i.2»«».Hiooaoao

"" ^ 1- "^ Ji *i ' l~ 'i O O ~J ^O •— ■ •—"<—

— . ^ o ° ^ 5? — ••■> ~; m c -- ^. » -

u c ^. x « i- a-; « X i * 00 X ,. _ ^ -- .

ci— n— . ^~ -* _ — — — — t— _ ._ _

r bo g ■ >. 5 ►> - C z = >. : £ E £ - v.

» fl « O <i «M >• &>d'S,S'C O 0<O S ?

a<!£QC55»<<l:!H<i'-:?-S5MO-<C'-5<

ffCfiMo-^oc-noooooij

-»*■ - J" i -M CI — -*■ ~ O — O O O O *C 1~ j^ —

o -*->

- M :: n ;i :i - i " N N o J; o r- n ^ ^

; r- *

• to

c Z

K«

c .

i ~. vr c '-"- i - - 'i' *• '^ '* 't i^ 'O cs t c 'f o

s •:

C4 ^ „

9 fl *"

B s

* : -

>'. .- fl

:.» :

: : : c"

i- Jy 4)

m . a

£ a ~

: c :
: -. • j

: ^< -z; ^

: 5r 3 -' -

i lZ = . - ~

- M -

IslliPigilJ.sjmi

B0_f „ : I

-' i A

0 — ;," r : |

.- ?_--2 : o

O • o :
S : '- :

-r

* 1 1 « S -1 >

oa te p pi 5»2 7

Z? V w ■"■

~ ^ " -

BHo«|amfl^se|o£3|fie

; :

eVa"

: : : 2 : : :

u .

: £ :!c : • : :

i> — r

- _. t

«1 s

— ■ - -r

— . u c ;

0<< <U S -

: n

a ^ =" -i - 3 3 =

•J

S g fc oj ' it _: -'r-c^;ir;!r— =

;/'

: : : •'' : : • :q : i^j-

J .

: : — : _j> : : : : . : c <-
t : j. : o : : : \A C-g c

"c = 5 .•

i/ ■; i ; : ; z > l~i X-~ = - - 9"S • !

Ssfc FtSrt k.2 .^- .^ "a-=

-1

-f p. p>

- *3 -i -'

-r- . f , . z ., -r— ^ — tr- .

■

= ■ •

"5 . ;

o \ \

"_ o

-*j* ^

~~z •*•;:•—••

c :—*:.. s : : :

-1

J-.jf.g .

: >. i

— - ~- x ■ ^ ° : -^ cj

- C '-^ T" — U .ji f_." -^to -t- —

-
'J

z ~ ~

S s- c" -

S .'- - «

sag

•- - -

<
Eh

J X X SO Ci

rvi

<i<

*rj

1 — i

-H

1— 1

H
O

i— i

! — 1

C£
Eh
Q

' o

—

', =M

t, " ^oT*

'' o

rt q> r-(

°~ — •

^ *- 3 ~ "-
53 C GO M

.gjj

— ifl "M r-

w H

irs .-: — —

. b0

fe 3

pd o :

ft1 E ft1 5

to- o !2 2

-^- ,-. rt w

r" ^ ct

>^f^p^

^c^T-

<y ~ *-«

M.2 5 2

s- k, , — 1 , —

O > C O

a o — •-

O^lSS

i* t, s-, s-. s-,

GO GO CO GO CO

£ : :

ci • r>

— i : fl

O ^ o

Jj fi w

o |p;«

£3

1-5 £ - »

a 3 j-r d

:>-= «5W>t>

t-c t* s- t- s-

co co oo co cr

! >. ;

: a> :

- C :

-So ^

." ft

f-rz ^5 += «

j; ^ p S"

o o ^ o -

PnSfe^C

; ^

*"« :

n ^ ;

c » £ P i

vS o h c

1J oj c«

bM krf J3 kH 4i

«5 «5 c-t rt CO

H«»<( iO

.S^ ft*

15 s.

C «- c 5

■S ® | M „

c3 o ± o ~

W vh ft

e <3 a:

LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 45

OFFICERS

OF THE

GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

p:LECTED SEPTEMBER, A. P., 1859, A. 0., 741.

M.\ E.\ Benjamin B. French, Grand Master, Washington, I). <'.,
R.#. E.\ David 8. Goodloe, Deputy Grand Master, Lexington, Kj ..
V.\ E.\ Winslow Lewis, Grand Generalissimo, Boston, Mass.,
" " James V. Z. Blaney, Grand Captain General, Chicago, II'.,
" " Charles Harsh, Grand Senior Warden, Nevada, California,
" " Atariah T. C. Fierson, Grand Junior Warden, St. Paul, Min.,
" " John W. simnns, Grand Treasun r, N. « York City,
" " Samuel*!. Bisk, Grand Recorder, New Orleans, La.,
" " Ahner B. Thompson, Grand Standard Bearer, Brunswick, Me.,
" " Robert M. Hendersou, Grand Sword Bearer, Lexington, Mo.,
" " Nathaniel P. Jacobs, Grand Warder, Detroit, Mich.

OFFI CERS

OF THE

GRAND COMMANDERY OF ALABAMA,

ELECTED DECEMBER, A. D„ I860, A. 0., 742.

T\V. E.\ Richard F. Knott, Grand Commander, Mobile,
V.*. E.\ Sterling A. M. Wood, Deputy Grand Commander, Florence,
E.\ .Tames B. Harrison, Grand Generalissimo, Selma,
" Teleg Brown, Grand Captain General, Mobile,
" Henry Talbird, Grand Frclate, Marion,
" Porter King, Grand Senior Warden. Marion,
" Lewis B. Thornton. Grand Junior Warden, Tuscumbia,
" Hugh P. Watson, Grand Treasurer, Montgomery,
" Edmund M. Hasting-. Grand Recorder, Montgomery,
" John II. Pippin, Grand Standard Bearer. Mobile,
,, William 8. Knox. Grand Sword Bearer; Selma,
" Joseph M. Williams, Grand Warder, Montgomery.
" Joseph McGaw, Grand Sentinel, Mobile.

CONSTITUTION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Ag Amended at the Triennial Meeting begun and held in the City of CnicAio, Il-
linois, on Tuesday, September 13, 1S59, and the Year of the Order 741.

ARTICLE FIRST,

Of the Grand Encampment of the United States.

SECTION 1 .— How Constituted.

The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United
States, is constituted as follows:
I. The Grand Master.
II. The Deputy Grand Master.

III. The Grand Generalissimo.

IV. The Grand Captain General.
V. The Grand Prelate.

VI. The Grand Senior Warden.
VII. The Grand Junior Warden.
VIII. The Grand Treasurer.

48 CONSTITUTION OF Till

IX. The Grand Kecorder.
X. The Grand Standard Bearer.
XI. The Grand Sword Bearer.
XII. The Grand Warder.

XIII. The Grand Captain of the Guards.

LIKEWISE.

XIV. All Past Grand Masters.

XV. All Past Deputy Grand Masters.
XVI. All Past Grand Generalissimos, and
XVII. All Past Grand Captains General of the Grand En-
campment of the United States.

LIKEWISE.

XVIII. All Grand Commanders.
XIX. All Past Grand Commanders.
XX. All Deputy Grand Commanders.
XXI. All Grand Generalissimos, and
XXII. All Grand Captains General of each State Grand
Commandery that acknowledges the jurisdiction of
the United States Grand Encampment.
Each of the individuals above enumsrated shall be entitled,
when present, to one vote in all the proceedings of the Grand
Encampment of the United States.

LIKEWISE.

XXIII. The first three officers of each Commandery that
holds its charter immediately from the Grand En-
campment of the United States.
These, or as many of them as may be present at any meet-
ing of the Grand Encampment of the United States, shall be
entitled collectively to one vote.

All officers of the late General Grand Encampment shall
rank and have all the privileges of members of equal rank as
provided for herein.

No person shall be eligible to any office in the Grand En-

SEAJfD ENCAMPMENT. 49

campment of the United States, unless he shall he at the time
a member of some Subordinate Commandery under the gener-
al or immediate jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of tin-
United States.

SECTION 2.— Proxii*.
The first four officers named in Section 1, of this Article,
likewise the first four officers «.(' all State Grand Commandcr-
ies ; likewise the first three officers of all Subordinate Char-
tered Oommanderiea held under the immediate jurisdiction of
the Grand Encampment of the United States, may appear and
v.>tc by proxy : said proxies being at the time of service mem-
bers of Subordinate Commanderies, and producing properly
authenticated certificates of their appointment.

SECTION 3.— Titles.

The title and designation of the Grand Master of the Grand
Encampment of the United States, is Most Eminent Grand
Master of Knights Templar : that of the Deputy Grand Master,
Right Eminent; of the remaining officers of the Grand En-
campment, Very Eminent.

SECTION 4. -Meetings.

The stated meetings of the Grand Encampment of the Uni-
ted States shall occur biennially on the First Tuesday of Sep-
tember, at such places as may have been previously designated
by the Standing Committee (see Art. IV, Sec. 4, Rule 4,) and
approved by the Grand Encampment of the United States.

Special meetings maybe called by the Most Eminent Grand
Master at his discretion. And it shall be his duty, upon the
requisition of the majority of the State Grand Commanderies,
to him directed in writing, to call special meetings of tie-
Grand Encampment of the United States.

The Grand Officers shall hold their respective offices until
their successors shall be duly elected and installed.

At the stated meetings of the Grand Encampment of the
United States, there shall be reviewed and considered all the

&w constitution of the

ufticial reports of its officers, and of the State Grand and Sub-
ordinate Commanderies, for the preceding three years ; they
shall proceed to elect by ballot the several officers of the Grand
Encampment of the United States,, save and except the Pre-
late and Captain of the Guards, who shall be appointed by the
Grand Master at the opening of the triennial sessions (see Art.

I, Sec. 5 ;) to adopt such rules and edicts as may be necessa-
ry for the good of the Order ; to examine the accounts of the
(hand Treasurer and Grand Recorder ; to supervise the state
and condition of the finances, and adopt such measures in re-
lation thereto as may be necessary to increase, secure and pre-
serve the same, and also to insure the utmost punctuality on
the part of every accounting officer in the safe keeping ami
paying over the funds and property of the Grand Encamp-
ment ; to grant or withhold warrants, dispensations and char-
ters for all new State or Subordinate Commanderies, (see Art.

II, Sec. 1, and Art. Ill, Sec. 1 ;) for good cause to revoke
pre-existing warrants, charters or dispensations ; to assign the
limits of the State Grand Commanderies, and settle all con-
troversies that may arise between them ; and finally, to con-
sider and do all matters and things appertaining to the good,
well-being and perpetuation of the principles of Templar Ma-
sonry.

No business shall be transacted at the called meetings, save
that which was specified in the original summons.

At every meeting, all questions shall be determined by a
majority of \otes, the presiding officer being entitled to one
vote. In case the votes are equally divided, he has the cast-
ing vote. This Grand Encampment being a legislative body,
acknowledging no superior, admits an appeal to be taken by
any member from the decision of the chair on any question un-
der consideration therein. Provided, however, that such ap-
peal shall not be maintained unless two-thirds of all the mem-
bers present shall vote therefor. That right is adopted for
this Grand Encampment alone, and is not to be construed as

GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 01

establishing a precedent for the guidance of any other Mason-
ic Body.

SECTU »N 5.— Duiris of iius Officers,

i. The Grand Master.

It is the prerogative and duty of the Grand Master, geaer
ally tn exercise, as occasion may require, all the rights apper-
taining to his high office, in accordance with the usages oi
Templar Masonry. And as a part thereof, he shall have a
watchful supervision over all the Comraanderies, State and
Subordinate, in the United States, and see that all the consti-
tutional enactments, rules and edicts of the Grand Encamp-
ment are duly and promptly observed, and that the dress,
work and discipline of Templar Masonry everywhere are uni-
form.

Among his special duties and prerogatives are the follow-
ing :

To appoint the Prelate and Captain of the Guard, at the tri-
ennial meetings of the Grand Encampment. (See Art. !,
Sec. 4.)

To call special meetings of the Grand Encampment of th<
United States. (Art. 1, Sec. 1. 1

To visit and preside at any Commandery, Grand or Subor-
dinate, in the United States, and give such instructions and
directions as the good of the Institution may require, always
adhering to the Ancient Landmarks.

To cause to he executed, and securely to preserve and keep,
the official bonds and securities of the Grand Treasurer and
Grand Recorder. (See Art. IV, Sec. 3.)

T o grant Letters of Dispensation during the recess of the
Grand Encampment, for the institution of new Commander-
ies (see Art. Ill, Sec. 1 ;) such Dispensations to be in force no
longer than the next triennial meeting of that body, and
promptly to notify the Grand Recorder of the issuing of said
Letters of Dispensation.

52 CONSTITUTION OF THE

To approve and grant Warrants during the recess of the
Grand Encampment for the institution of State Grand Com-
manderies in States, Districts or Territories where the same
have not been heretofore established. (See Art. II, Sec. 1.)

To manage and control the contingent fund. (See Art. IV,
Sec. 1.)

•i. The Deputy Grand Master..

The Deputy Grand Master, in the event of the death, remo-
val , or physical incompetency of his superior, shall act as the
Grand Master. At all other times he shall perform such du-
ties as may he assigned him by the Grand Encampment or the
Grand Master.

'•i. The Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General.

In the absence of their respective. superiors, the Grand Gen-
eralissimo and Grand Captain General shall severally act as
Grand Master, in order, according to rank. At all other
times they shall perform such duties as may be assigned them
by the Grand Encampment, or such as are traditionally ap-
propriate to their respective stations.

i-. The Grand Treasurer.

The Grand Treasurer, unless otherwise directed by the
Grand Encampment, shall invest from time to time, all such
moneys as may come to his hands belonging to the Grand En-
campment, over and above the sum of three hundred dollars,
in such way as he may judge most to the interest of the Grand
Encampment, but subject to call on thirty days' notice. And
the same shall be at his command on the first day of Septem-
ber preceding the triennial meeting of the Grand Encamp-
ment. He shall render to the Grand Encampment at its tri-
ennial meetings, a true and perfect account of his doings in
this respect, together with an account of all moneys received,
the earnings thereon accrued from investments, and the

GRAND ENCAMPMENT. .~>o

amounts disbursed by him during the vacation ; likewise a
copy of the same to the Grand Master, by the first day of Sep-
tember j) receding the triennial meeting, to the end that the
Grand Master may make such suggestions on account thereof
as he may deem necessary.

He shall pay all drafts drawn upon the contingent fund by
the Grand Master. (See Art. IV, Sec. I.)

He shall carefully preserve and render from time to time as
ordered, an inventory of all property belonging to the Grand
Encampment entrusted to his keeping.

5. The Grand Kccordei.

The Grand Recorder shall collect and receive all the reven-
ues of the Grand Encampment, and pay over the amount to
the Grand Treasurer whenever it reaches the sum of one hun-
dred dollars. He shall render annually to tbe Grand Master
and to the Grand Treasurer copies of his accounts of all mon-
eys received and expended by him — naming the sources from
which they were received — bringing up said accounts to the first
day of September : likewise to the Grand Encampment, tri-
ennially, a general account of the same. He shall forward to
each newly constituted Oommandery, immediately upon re-
ceiving official notice that a Dispensation has issued, a copy
of this Constitution, together with whatever rules and edicts
are in force.

He shall report to the Grand Encampment on the second
day of each triennial meeting, the names of those Command-
eries working under the immediate jurisdiction of the Grand
Encampment, which have not complied with the requisition,
(see Art. Ill, Sec. 4,) to furnish him witli its full triennial
historical and financial returns for the use of the Grand En-
campment.

He shall report annually <m t\w first day of September to
the (hand Master the names of those Commanderies working
under tbe immediate jurisdiction of tbe Grand Encampment

5 1 CONSTITUTION OF THE

which have not complied with the requisition (see Art. Ill,
Sec. !.) to furnish him with its full annual historical and fi-
nancial returns for the use of the Grand Master.

lie shall open and keep a "'Book of Templar Masonry," in
which shall be entered in appropriate columns the following
subjects :

./.—J Register of Commander ies} to contain,

1. The date of issuing of every Warrant, Dispensation and
( 'h arter for a Grand or Subordinate Commander)', granted by
authority of the Grand Encampment since its origin.

L2. The roll of officers of the Grand Conclave of the Royal,
Exalted, Religious and Military Order of Masonic Knights
Templar in England and Wales, together with the roll of En-
campments, officers and members of the Provincial Grand
Conclave of Canada.

B. — A Begister of Membership, to contain,

1 . The roll of officers of the GranclEncampment, with their
terms of service, etc., etc., since the origin of the same.

'J. The roll of officers and members of each Grand and Sub-
ordinate Commandery now working under the jurisdiction of
the Grand Encampment, with all the current changes result-
ing from removals, dismissions, suspensions, expulsions and
deaths.

0. — Historical Data, tending to lighten up the history of
Templar Masonry in the United States.

Likewise, to collect and in orderly volumes hind a copy of
all the proceedings of the Grand Encampment since its organ-
ization, together with copies of by-laws, impressions of seals,
proceedings of State Grand Commanderies, etc., etc., and to
make a triennial report of his official acts.

GRAND ENCAMPMENT.
<;. The Remaining Officers.

The duties of the remaining officers of the Grand Encamp-
ment are such as are traditionally appropriate to their re*

live stations, or such as may lie assigned them by the Grand
Encampment.

The Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, the errand
Generalissimo, and the Grand Captain General, are severally
authorized to visit and preside in any Commanderyof Knights
Templar throughout the jurisdiction of the Grand Encamp-
ment, and to give such instructions and directions as thegood
of the institution may require, always adhering to the anci
landmarks.

In the event of the absence of all the four principal offic
of the Grand Encampment, the Past Grand ( Ifficers, according
to rank and seniority of service shall be empowered to pre-
side.

The Grand Treasure]' and Grand Recorder shall severally
give bond and security, in such form and to such an amount
— but not less than double the estimated triennial receipts by
either — as shall from time to time be determined by the Grand
Master, who shall judge and approve of the sufficiency oi such
bonds and securities, and who shall keep and preserve the
same.

Any ({rand officer — save as above excepted — coming into
the receipt of moneys or property belonging to the Grand En-
campment, shall forthwith remit the same to the Grand Re-
corder.

56 CONSTITUTION OF THE

ARTICLE SECOHSTID,
Of the State Grand Commanderies.

SECTION 1 .—How Constituted.

Whenever there shall be three or more Subordinate Char-
tered Commanderies instituted or holden under this Constitu-
tion, in an}' one State, District or Territory, in which a Grand
Encampment has not been heretofore formed, a Grand Com-
mandery may be funned after obtaining the approval of the
Grand Master or the Grand Encampment. Its jurisdiction
shall be the territorial limits in which it is holden.

A State Grand Commandery consists of the following mem-
bers :

I. The Grand Commander.
II. The Deputy Grand Commander.

III. The Grand Generalissimo.

IV. The Grand Captain General.
V. The Grand Prelate.

VI. The Grand Senior Warden.

VII. The Grand Junior Warden.
VIII. The Grand Treasurer.

IX. The Grand Kecorder.
X. The Grand Standard Bearer.

XI. The Grand Sword Bearer.
XII. The Grand Warder.
XIII. The Grand Captain of the Guards.

likewise.

XIV. All Past Grand Commanders [and Grand Mas-
ters.]

XV. All Past Deputy Grand Commanders [and Deputy

Grand Masters.]
XVI. All Past Grand Generalissimos, and

GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 57

XVII. All Past Grand Captains General of the same Grand
Commandery so long as they remain members of the
Subordinate Commanderies under the same territo-
rial jurisdiction.

LIKEWISE.

XVIII. The Commander
XIX. The Generalissimos, and
XX. The Captain General of each Subordinate Com-
mandery, working under the same Grand Comman-
dery.

LIKEWISE.

XXI. All Past Commanders of the Subordinate Comman-
deriea working under the same Grand Commander-
ies so long as they remain members of Subordinate
Commanderiea under the same territorial jurisdic-
tion.
Each of the individuals enumerated shall be entitled, when
present, to one vote in all the proceedings of the State Grand
( 'ommandery.

No person shall be eligible to any office in the State (J rand
Commandery unless he shall be at the time a member of some
Subordinate Commandery working under the same Grand ('om-
mandery.

The Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Is-
land is recognized as holding jurisdiction over both those
States,

SECTION 2.— P*omes.

Any officer specified in Section 1st of this Article, save and
except Pasl Commanders, may appear and vote by proxy, said
proxy being at the time of service a member of the same Sub-
ordinate ( 'ommandery as his principal, and producing a prop-
erly authenticated certificate of his appointment.

58 CONSTITUTION OF THE

SECTION 15.— Titles.

The title and designation of the Grand Commander of a
State Grand Oommandery is Right Eminent; thatof Deputy
Grand Commander, Very Eminent; of the remaining officers
of the Grand Commandery, Eminent.

SECTION 4.— Meetings.

The stated meetings of a State Grand Commandery shall oc-
cur annually, at such time and place as said Grand Comman-
dery in its discretion may direct.

Special meetings may be called by the Grand Commander
at his discretion.

The several Grand Officers shall hold their respective of-
fices until their successors shall be duly elected and instal-
led.

At the stated meetings of each Grand Commandery, there
shall he reviewed and considered all the official reports of its
officers, and of the Subordinate Commanderies, within its ju-
risdiction for the preceding year. They shall proceed to elect
by ballot the several officers of the Grand Commandery (see
Art. II, Sec. 1.) To adopt such rules and edicts, subordinate
to the Constitution of the Grand Encampment of the United
States, as may be necessary for the good oi the Order. To
examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and Grand "Re-
corder. To supervise the state and condition of the finances,
and aaopt such measures in relation thereto as may be neces-
sary to increase, secure and preserve the same, and also to in-
sure the utmost punctuality on the part of every accounting
officer in the safe keeping and paying over the funds and
property of the Grand Commandery. To grant or withhold
Dispensations and Charters for all new Commanderies. For
good cause to revoke any pre-existing Charter or Dispensa-
tion ; to assign the limits of Subordinate Commanderies with-
in its own jurisdiction, and settle all controversies that may

aXAND ENCAMPMENT. 59

arise between them ; and finally, to consider and do all mat-
ters and things appertaining to the pood, well-being and per-
petuation of Templar Maosnry, but always subordinate to the
Grand Encampment of the United States.

Nn business shall bo transacted at the <-<<l!<<l meetings, save
thai which was specified in the original summons.

At every meeting, all questions shall be determined by a
majority of votes, the presiding officer being entitled to qnc
vote. In case the votes are equally divided, lie shall also give
the casting vote. No appeal shall lie t<> the Grand Com-
mandery from the decision <>t'the Grand Commander,

SECTION 5.— Ditties of the Officers.

I. Tlic Grand Commander.

The Grand Commander of a State Grand Commandery shall
have a watchful supervision over all the Subordinate Com -
manderies under his jurisdiction^ and see that all tin- consti-
tutional enactments, rules and edicts of the Grand Encamp-
ment of the United States, and of his own Grand Command-
cry, are duly and promptly observed.

lie shall have the power and authority, during the recess of
his Grand Commandery, to grant Letters of Dispensation to a
competent number ol petitioners, nine or more, residing with-
in his jurisdiction, and possessing the constitutional qualifica-
tions empowering them to form and open a Commandery ; such
Dispensations to he in force no longer than the next annual
meeting of his Grand Commandery. But no Letters of Dis-
pensation for constituting a new Commandery shall he issued.
save upon the recommendation of the Commandery in tic
same territorial jurisdiction nearest the place of the new Com-
mandery prayed for.

He may call special meetings ofhis Grand Commandery at
his discretion. (See Art. I ! . See. i. ,

lie may visit and preside at any Cmimandery within tlicju-

60 CONSTITUTION OF THK

risdiction of his Grand Commandery, and give such instruc-
tions and directions as the good of the institution may require,
but always adhering to the ancient landmarks.

It is his duty, either in person or by proxy, to attend all
meetings of the Grand Encampment of the United States.

ki. The Deputy Grand Commander.

The Deputy Grand Commander, in the event of the death,
removal, or physical incompetency of his superior, shall act
as the Grand Commander. At all other times he shall per-
form such duties as may he assigned him by the Commandery
or the Grand Commander.

It is his duty, cither in person or by proxy, to attend all
meetings of the Grand Encampment of the United States.

:i. The Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General.

In the absence of their respective superiors, the Grand Gen-
eralissimo and Grand Captain General shall severally act as
Grand Commanders, in order, according to rank. At all
other times they shall perform such duties as maybe assigned
them by the Grand Commandery, or such as are traditionally
appropriate to their respective stations.

It is their duty, either in person or by proxy, to attend all
meetings of the Grand Encampment of the United States.

1. The Grand Recorder.

The Grand Recorder shall make an annual communication
to the Grand Recorder of each of the other Grand Comman-
deries, likewise to the Grand Master and Grand Recorder of
the Grand Encampment of the United States ; said communi-
cation to embrace the roll of Grand Officers, and such other
matters as may conduce to the general good of the Order. He
shall also regularly transmit to the Grand Master and Grand
Recorder of the Grand Encampment of the United States cop-

MUND ENCAMPMENT. 61

ies of the By-Laws and Regulations adopted by bis G-rand
Commander y.

The duties of the remaining officers, as well as of those
above specified, shall be such as are traditionally appropriate

to their respective stations, or allotted to them by the Grand
Commandery, and corresponding as near as may be to those
of the corresponding ofHccrs of the Grand Encampment of the
United States.

In the event of the absence of all the lour principal officers
of (he Grand Commandery, the Past Grand Officers, according
lo the rank and seniority of service, shall he empowered to pre-
side.

ARTICLE TPHIFLID,
Of Subordinate Commanderics.

SECTION 1.— HOW CONSTITITKD.

Each State Grand Commandery shall have exclusive power
to constitute new Commanderies within its jurisdiction. Durine
the recess of the Grand Commandery, the Grand Commander
shall have the power to grant Letters <>/' Dispensation to a com-
petent numher of petitioners, nine or more, possessing the
constitutional qualifications, and residing within its territorial
jurisdiction, empowering them to form and open a Command-
ery for a term of time not extending beyond the next stated
meeting of the Grand Commandery.

The Grand Encampment of the United States shall have ex-
clusive power to constitute new Commanderies within any
State, District or Territory, wherein there is no State Com-
mandery regularly formed under Hie authority of the Grand
Encampment of the United States. During the recess of the

62 CONSTITUTION OF THE

Grand Encampment the Grand Master shall have the power
to grant Letters of Dispensation to a competent number of pe-
titioners, nine or more, possessing the constitutional (nullifi-
cations, and residing within said unappropriated State, Dis-
trict or Territory, empowering them to form and open a Com-
mandery for a term of time, not extending beyond the next
stated meeting of the Grand Encampment of the United
States.

A Subordinate Gommandery consists of the following mem-
bers :

I. The Commander.
11. The Generalissimo.

III. The Captain General.

IV. The Prelate.

V. The Senior Warden.

VI. The Junior Warden.

VII. The Treasurer.

VIII. The llccorder.

IX. The Standard Bearer.

X. The Sword Bearer.

XI. The Warder.

likewise.

XII. As many members as may be found convenient for
work and discipline.
Each of the individuals enumerated in this section shall be
entitled, when present, to one vote in all the proceedings of
the Subordinate Commandery.

SECTION 2.— Titles.

The title and designation of the Commander of a Subordi-
nate Commandery, is Eminent.

GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 68

SECTION 3.— Meetings.

The stated meetings of a Subordinate Comniandery shall oc-
cur at least semi-annually, at such time and place as may h<-
specified in the Charter, or designated in the By-Laws of the

Comniandery.

Special meetings may be called by the Commander at iiis
discretion.

The several officers shall hold their respective offices until
their successors he duly elected and installed.

No business shall he performed at the caUed meetings* save
that which was specified in the original summons.
At every meeting, all questions shall be determined by a

majority of votes, the presiding officer for the time heing, be-
ing entitled to one vote. In case the votes arc equally divided,
he shall also give the casting vote. No appeal shall lie to the
Subordinate Comniandery, from the decision of the Comman-
der.

SECTION 4.— Duties of the Officers.

The Commander.

The Commander has it in special charge to see that the By-
Laws of his Comniandery are duly observed, as well as the
Constitution, Rules and Edicts of the State Grand Command-
ery, and of the Grand Encampment of the United States ;
that accurate records are kept and just accounts rendered ; that
regular returns are made to the Grand Encampment or Com-
niandery, annually ; and that the annual dues are promptly
paid.

It is his duty, together with the Generalissimo and Captain
General, either in person or proxy, to attend all meetings of
his Grand Encampment, or Comniandery.

64 CONSTITUTION OF THE

The Recorder.

It shall be the duty of the Eccorder of every Subordinate
Commandery, working under the immediate jurisdiction of the
Grand Encampment of the United States, to report annually
to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of the Uni-
ted States, up to the first day of August, the roll of his offi-
cers and members, and the working roll of his Commandery ;
and to accompany the same with the amount of dues to the
Grand Encampment of the United States. For failure herein,
the Commandery so offending, shall be subject to Knightly
discipline.

[n the event of the absence of all the three principal offi-
cers of the Commandery, the Past Commanders, according
to rank and seniority of service, shall be empowered to pre-
side.

^.^ITICIL.E FOURTH,
Miscellaneous.
SECTION 1.— Fees, Dues, and Financials.

The fee for instituting a new Commandery shall be not less
than ninety dollars.

For every Knight Templar created in any Commandery,
holden by Dispensation or Charter whilst under the immedi-
ate jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of the United States,
there shall be paid two dollars into the Treasury of the Grand
Encampment of the United States.

The Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of the Uni-
ted States shall receive ten dollars as his fee for each Charter

GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 65

issued, .-inrt five dollars for endorsing, under the seal of the
©rand Encampment of the United States, tlic extension of a
Dispensation.

The State Grand Commanderies, respectively, shall possess
authority, upon the institution of new Commanderies within
their respective jurisdiction, to require from the several Cbm-
ncmnderies within their respective jurisdiction, such propor-
tions of the sums received by them for conferring the Orders ;
likewise, such sums in the form of annual dues from their re-
spective members, as may be necessary for supporting the
Grand Commandery.

No Subordinate Commandery shall confer the Orders of
Knighthood for a less sum than twenty dollars.

There shall be a Contingent Fund of three hundred dollars,
placed to the credit of the Most Eminent Grand Master, on
the hooks of the Grand Treasurer, at the close of each trien-
nial session ; out of which the Grand Master shall reimburse
himself for his necessary cash expenses in the performance of
his constitutional duties, and make a triennial report of the
same to the Grand Encampment.

There shall be appropriated at each triennial session of the

Grand Encampment of the United States, a sufficient sum to

be used by the Grand Recorder to meet the current expenses

of the Secretariat, of which he shall render an accouni at the

eeding session.

SECTION 2.— General Regulations.

1. No Commandery. Grand or Subordinate3 shall confer the
Orders of Knighthood upon any one who is notaregular Roy-
al Areli Mason, according to the requirements of the General
Grand Chapter of the United States.

2. The rule of succession, in conferring the Orders ol
Knighthood, shall be as follows: 1. Knight of (lie Hed

J. 2. Knight Templar.

3. Every Commandery working in a State, District or Ter-

6fl CONSTITUTION OF THE

ritory, where there is a Grand Commandery, shall have a Dis-
pensation or Charter from said Grand Commandery. And no
Commandery hereafter to be formed or opened in such State,
District, or Territory, shall be deemed legal without such
Charter or Dispensation. All Masonic communication, as a
Templar, is interdicted between any Commandery working
under the general or special jurisdiction of this Grand En-
campment, or any member thereof, and any Commandery or
member of such, that may he formed, opened, or holden in
such State, District, or Territory, without such Charter or
Dispensation.

It shall be deemed irregular for any Commandery to confer
the Orders of Knighthood, or either of them, upon any so-
journer, whose settled place of residence as within any State,
District, or Territory, in which there is a Commandery regu-
larly at work, until the consent of the Commandery having
territorial jurisdiction is first obtained. In the event of the
violation of this interdict, the Commandery so offending, shall
be subject to Knightly discipline, and be required, upon de-
mand,, to pay over to the Commandery thus defrauded, the
amount of fees received for such admission.

The officers of every Commandery, Grand and Subordinate,
before entering upon the exercise of their respective offices,
shall take the following obligation, viz: "I, (A. B.) do prom-
ise and vow that I will support and maintain the Constitution
of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United
States of America."

The Grand Master of this Grand Encampment may issue
his proxy to any Knight Templar in regular standing, au-
thorizing him to constitute a Subordinate Commandery which
has received a Charter ; and any Commandery thns constitu-
ted, shall be deemed regularly constituted.

SECTION 3.— Amendments.

The Grand Encampment shall be competent upon the con-
currence of three-fourths of its members present, at any stated

ORAND ENCAMPMENT. 67

meeting, to revise, amend, and alter this Constitution ; provi-
ded, one day's previous notice of such motion to amend be <nv-
en, and a particular time be set to take the vote thereon.

In all other cases, any proposed amendment shall lay over
until the next stated meeting of the Grand Encampment,
when a concurring vote of two-thirds shall be necessary to
adopt such alteration, amendment or revision.

SECTION 4. —Rules of Order.

Rule 1. — After the ceremony of opening the Grand En-
campment, it shall be the duty of the Grand Recorder to read
the minutes of the last Triennial Session, unless such reading
be dispensed with ; and at the resumption of business in each
successive sitting, the minutes of the preceding one shall also
he read.

Rule 2. — A Committee on Credentials, consisting of three
Sir Knights, shall be appointed by the Grand Master, to re-
port at the opening of the next sitting.

Rule 3. — After the report of this committee, the Grand Mas-
ter, the Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Generalissimo, and
the Grand Captain General, will successively read the reports
of their doings during the preceding three years. These re-
ports shall be referred to the Standing Committee on the do-
ings of the Grand officers, who may recommend the appor-
tionment of such parts thereof, to Special, or to such other
of the Standing Committees, as they may deem necessary.

Rule 4. — The Standing Committees shall be :

]. A Committee on the Doing* of the Grand Officers.

_'. A Committee on Finance.

•".. A Committee on Dispensations an«l New Commanderies.

4. A Committee on Unfinished Business.

r). A Committee on Grievances.

6. A Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.

7. A Committee to designate the place of the next Triennial

Mooting.

68 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT.

The report of these committees shall "be heard in order, ex-
cept the last one, which shall report on the last day of the
meetings of the Grand Encampment.

Rule 5. — While the several committees are preparing their
reports the new business may be acted upon ; and if any sub-
ject is brought forward requiring a reference to any Standing
or Special Committee, it shall be so referred forthwith. All
committees shall make it a point to report as soon as conven-
ient after their appointment.

Rule 6. — No Sir Knight shall be allowed to speak more than
once on the same subject, except to explain the meaning of
some of his remarks, unless it be by special permission of the
Grand Encampment first obtained.

Eule 7. — The Grand Encampment shall proceed to the elec-
tion of officers for the ensuing three years, immediately after
the opening of the first sitting, on Thursday following the
commencement of the Triennial Meetings.

IvULE 8. — It shall be the duty of the Grand Master, at each
Triennial Meeting, if time permit, to cause an exemplification
of the work appertaining to the Orders of Knighthood to be
exhibited before the Grand Encampment ; and also to correct,
officially, all irregularities and discrepancies that exist.

In testimony whereof I have caused

the seal of the Grand Encampment

to be hereunto affixed.

Dated at the City of New Orleans,

| L. S. ; this 1st day of November, 1859, and

of the Order, 741 .

SAME G. RISK,

Grand Recorder.

Axldiress of tin* Grand Coniiiuindt'r

RICHARD F"i KNOTT, >lol>il^.

ji\-olclt-o£»s of tlxe Grraiici IFl.ecox'ci.ex-,

EDMUND M. HASTINGS, Montgomery.

^ The Second Annual Conclave ol the l^rand Cominandery "t Alabama, will be
^ held al the City of Montgomery, commencing on Saturday, the 30th day of \r>-
N vemher, A. D . 1861, A. 0. 74:.. ai 10 rrel'ock. A. M.

I!. M. HASTINGS.

i. rami Recorder. t

■

~ .- _ •

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Proceedings of a convocation of Knights Templar and of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the appendant orders of the State of Alabama [serial]"

See other formats