CAMDEN LODGE #74, F. &
A. M.
CAMDEN, MISSISSIPPI
UNDER DISPENSATION: December 1845
CHARTERED: January 20, 1846
DEFUNCT: May 28, 1879
HISTORY and EVENTS
Resolved, That Charters be granted to Wilson Lodge, U.D.,
Joseph Warren Lodge, U. D., Madison Lodge, U.D., Evening Star Lodge, U.D.,
Camden Lodge, U.D.
Report of the committee on Lodges under Dispensation
1846
On November 11, 1849, Hugh A. H. Lawson and John Cooper sold Lot 3 in the Town of Camden to Camden Lodge #74. The description reads that the lot is on the west side of Main Street. The Lodge paid $75.00 for the lot. This lot is across the street from and one lot south of John A. B. Jones Lodge #529, the current Lodge in Camden.
An unfortunate difficulty occurred, between the
Worshipful Master of Camden Lodge, No. 74, and some of the membership,
which was duly reported to me, by a number of the brethren of that Lodge
and also by the D. G. Master, for that District; whereupon, I directed
the District Deputy, to call to his assistance, some of the Masters of
neighboring Lodges, and examine into the facts as complained of. Those
directions were promptly complied with, and a report of the
investigation forwarded to me; from which, (without deciding as to how
far the accused was guilty of unmasonic conduct,) I became fully
convinced, that harmony could not be restored , while the Lodge was
presided over by that officer; and consequently, I ordered charter of
said Lodge, be placed in the keeping of another, with the further
injunction, that no other business should be done during the year,
except for the holding of the regular election, on the day fixed by the
By-Laws. I have also directed the Secretary of the Lodge, to send a copy
of the charges, together with the testimony, to this Grand Body, with
notice to the accused brother to be present. And in adopting those
prudential measures, it was my anxious wish, to protect the good name,
as well as the harmony of the order, and not to inflict injury upon the
Lodge by stopping them in their labors, no to do violence to the
accused, by having his case prejudged - trusting and believing as I do,
that here his case will secure such forbearance as its merits may
demand.
Portion of Grand Masters report to Grand Lodge for
1857.
On December 28, 1862 the Lodge Hall, furniture, books, etc. was destroyed by fire. No meetings were held for the remainder of the Civil War.
DELINQUENT LODGES. During the last month, the attention of the several Lodges was again specially called to the substitute for Section 6, Art. IV, of the Constitution, adopted in 1876, which requires the Grand Master to Suspend any Lodge from working for failing to be represented for two successive Grand Communications, or being in arrears to Grand Lodge for same term of time. As conspicuously derelict under this head, I beg leave to report the following Lodges, and recommend the withdrawal of the charter of each: ..... Camden, No. 74 - Not represented in 1878; no Return or dues for 1877 or 1878. Portion of report to Grand Lodge for 1879
On May 28, 1879 the charter of Camden Lodge No. 74 was
arrested for not being represented and not paying dues to the Grand
Lodge for two years. Bro. Daniel Hamblin was appointed to take charge of
the effects of the Lodge.
Frank Burkitt, Grand Master.
February 9, 1881. A conveyance of property-- Camden
Lodge No. 74, which forfeited its charter in 1879, owned the lot on
which the lodge stood. The Lodge was in debt when its affairs were
closed, to the amount of fifteen dollars, and the transfer of this lot
would settle the claim. Bro. Hamblin, the receiver, informed me that the
amount stated was the full value of the lot. I issued a deed of
conveyance in behalf of the Grand Lodge; and as Bro. Speed had not
inserted in Revised Statutes a form for such a case, I employed a
sufficient of whereas, indentures, etc., etc., to make the document
quite imposing. I am sure that no one will ever question its validity.
Grand Secretaries Report
J. L. Power
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