Note: This material was scanned into text files for the sole purpose of convenient electronic research. This material is NOT intended as a reproduction of the original volumes. However close the material is to becoming a reproduced work, it should ONLY be regarded as a textual reference. Whatever copyrights might possibly exist, this material may be legally used under the “Fair Use” provisions of Title 17, USC [copyright laws].
Scanned at Phoenixmasonry by Ralph W. Omholt, PM in June 2007.
General History of the
Order of the Eastern Star
BY WILLIS D. ENGLE
A GENERAL HISTORY
OF THE
ORDER OF THE EASTERN
BY
REV. WILLIS D. ENGLE
Past Grand Patron of Indiana, and first Right Worthy Grand Secretary
of the General Grand Chapter of the Order
ILLUSTRATED
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Willis D. Engle, Publisher
1901
This History of the Order of the Eastern Star is
FRATERNALLY DEDICATED
By the author to his co‑laborers in the early days of the Order, whose
eyes have seen the crowning of their labors; and to the memory
of those faithful ones among them who have passed on
to the larger life, and entered upon rest nobly won.
PREFACE.
TO BE the first to enter an unexplored field, and attempt to map out before the understanding of one's readers its various characteristics; to delve below the soil and thus endeavor to discover the hidden sources from which has sprung that which appears upon the surface; and thus to add to the store of knowledge, is no easy task, and requires patient, persevering labor. Although the writer of this book has been an active worker in the Order of the Eastern Star for twenty‑eight years, and during all that time has been a diligent gatherer of material and facts concerning it, and has, by the favor of his fellow‑members been placed in positions of trust and responsibility, which have given him rare opportunities to learn much of the workings of the order, yet he had no idea, when he undertook the production of this history, how great the task would prove, for he has undertaken to be doubly sure of the facts stated and has spent days in running down some particular item that, perhaps, when secured, would not add a dozen lines to the work. That it is perfect, and that every essential fact that it is possible to ascertain in regard to the order is contained in it, he would not pretend to say; but he does say that he has made an honest effort in that direction flow far he has succeeded perhaps time only can demonstrate. Although there have been brief historical sketches of the order written, they have been produced generally for a purpose other than a simple development of the truth, and
4 PREFACE.
the writer knows of none, however brief, that has not contained more or less inaccurate statements, even as his may be found to do, but none have been knowingly made, and he has tried to present every fact in an unbiased manner. That his book will meet with favorable criticism, he hopes; that it will also receive some unfavorable comment, he expects. If he succeeds in adding something to the common stock of knowledge and understanding, and in rescuing some facts from being lost, and is privileged to be an instrument in adding a little to the glory and luster of the order, he will be satisfied. In the history it will be found that while he has made no direct quotations from the present authorized ritual, with one or two minor exceptions, he has quoted, sometimes quite copiously, from rituals that are now obsolete, but in doing so he has carefully avoided incorporating therein anything that might throw any light upon what is the real secret work of the order, and in this respect he believes his work will be found to compare favorably with the Masonic encyclopedias. He has endeavored, at the same time, to convey to the enlightened reader as full knowledge of the subject in hand as was possible with these limitations. Many months of continuous labor have been bestowed upon it, and as he indites these words as his task is drawing to a close, it is with the desire that his readers will consider how hard it is for one to write unbiasedly of his own times, and of events in which lie has been an active participant, so that if the fiat person singular is sometimes singularly prominent, it is simply because a full recital of essential facts rendered it necessary, as he, has no desire to use both ends of the trumpet of fame. He would be singularly remiss if he did not express his deep sense of obligation to the many brothers and
PREFACE. 5
sisters who have given him material assistance in se‑curing information that has helped to make the work both valuable and interesting; and he would also give expression to his sense of obligation to those more numerous sisters and brothers who have so generously confided in his ability to create a work worthy of their encouragement, and have manifested that confidence by subscribing in advance of its production, and thus rendered its publication possible. He trusts that none of them will be disappointed in its perusal, and that they will by kindly words, en‑courage, others to purchase it, that he may receive at least some return for his months of labor. He will be grateful, also, to any one who may be able to add any facts concerning the order that will be of interest, that can be used in a second edition of the work. He will always be glad to know of any copies of old rituals that can be purchased, and he will also be pleased to supply to his fellow Eastern Star bibliomaniacs copies of any rituals of which he may have duplicates.
It will be noticed that in this work the Eastern Star degrees are sometimes spoken of in the singular, and sometimes in the plural. This will be understood when it is stated that when the secrets were given by communication the singular number was used in the early days, but when given in constellations or Chapters, they were spoken of in the plural, and I have followed this custom.
WILLIS D. ENGLE.
Indianapolis, Ind., February 9, 1901.
This material originally scanned by Ralph Omholt, Kirkland Chapter 176, Washington.
BON VOYAGE.
Go, " History of the Eastern Star,"
Where e'er its wandering children are;
Recall to those who hailed its birth
Their toilsome struggle 'mid the dearth
Of cheering words, or sunny ways;
And tell to those of later days
How great the triumph it has met
Lest they forget - lest they forget.
Go gladly forth, and may thy pages
Suffice to keep for future ages
The record of the care and strength
Which nursed and fostered, till at length
The Order of the Eastern Star
Is known and loved the world afar.
With naught set down in malice vile,
E'en unkind facts wear friendship's smile,
For, though our order had its battle,
It's grown above war's din and rattle,
And charity's broad mantle red
Is cast about those days, instead.
To those who labored, loved, and - fought,
The guerdon was not dearly bought,
For our great order moves to‑day
Untrammelled in its upward way.
To those who helped with heart and hand
To make this true; that knightly band;
Those women brave; we ask the fame
Too often grudged each early name.
No easy task for woman lone
To stand as target; many a stone
Was hurled 'gainst such whose word and deed
Helped in our order's hour of need.
They're now forgotten, yet that hour
Gave birth to all its present power.
Now, in these days of proud progress,
Forget not those of storm and stress,
Encourage the same zeal and truth
Which marked our order in its youth,
And let the future years reveal
The same desire for its best weal;
Then shall its record grow and blaze
With the refulgence of its rays,
Till earth, illumined, near and far
Reflects the light of Bethlehem's star!
- ADDIE C. STRONG ENGLE.
PART ONE.
____
EMBRACING A FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL RITUALS
PRINTED FOR THE USE OF THE ORDER SINCE.
ITS INCEPTION, WITH A SYSTEMATIC
PRESENTATION AND COMPARISON OF ITS
SYMBOLIC AND EMBLEMATIC TEACHINGS;
A HISTORY OF ITS GOVERNING BODIES,
TOGETHER \WITH ITS LAWS AND CUSTOMS.
CONTAINING, ALSO, FULL NOTICES OF ALL
SIDE DEGREES AND OTHER CEREMONIES
PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF THE ORDER,
AND OF OTHER PERTINENT PUBLICATIONS.
CHAPTER I.
____
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
AN organization would hardly be entitled to the designation Masonic whose origin was not shrouded in mystery, and in this respect the Order of the Eastern Star is the peer of any of the branches of Masonry. We know that androgynous Masonry (so named from two Greek words signifying "man" and "woman,") was established in France in 1730, under the name of Adoptive Masonry, and that its Lodges were called adoptive Lodges. These flourished and gained steadily in both numbers and influence until, in 1774 the Grand Orient of France established the Rite of Adoption, and set forth rules and regulations for its government. Among other requirements was one that each Lodge should be placed under the charge and held under the sanction and warrant of some regularly constituted Masonic Lodge, whose master, or his deputy should be the presiding officer, assisted by a woman president or mistress. We are unable to learn whether the ritual used from 1730 was continued in use, or a new one adopted. It is probable that the earlier ritual at least furnished the basis for the later work, which consisted of four degrees, viz.: The first, or apprentice degree was introductory in its character, in which the candidate was pre‑pared to appreciate the emblematic lessons inculcated in the degrees that were to follow.
The second, or companion degree represented emblematically, in its ceremony of initiation, the
10 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
temptation in Eden, and, in the lecture, or catechism (of which there was one to each degree), the candidate was reminded of the unhappy results of woman's first sin, culminating in the universal deluge.
The third, or mistress degree was based upon the legend of the building of Babel's tower, the confusion of tongues, and the dispersion of the human race. This was made to symbolize a badly regulated Lodge, in which disorder and confusion reigned, while the ladder of Jacob was introduced to represent the various virtues which a Mason should possess, and the concord and obedience that should exist in a well regulated Lodge.
The fourth, or perfect mistress degree was founded upon the passage of the children of Israel through the wilderness, which was made to symbolize the passage of men and women through this to another and better world, and the officers represented Moses, Aaron, and other characters in that history.
There is no evidence, so far as, known, that the French rite ever obtained in this country. A French edition of its ritual, under the title: "La Vraire Maconnerie D'Adoption," (144 pp.) was printed in Philadelphia in 1768; a Spanish translation was printed in Havana in 1822, and, about 1874, Albert Pike published an English translation of it, revised and amplified, but efforts to establish Lodges proved entire failures, the ritual being altogether too lengthy and sombrous to command success.
But side degrees to be conferred upon women in an informal manner, in the form of lectures, seemed to be in demand, and the demand was supplied. Under the title of "Ladies' Masonry," William Leigh, Past Grand Master of Alabama, in 1851 set forth the degree of the "Holy Virgin," and the de‑
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 11
gree of the "Heroine of Jericho." In 1866, under the title of the "Ladies' Friend," G. W. Brown, of Michigan, published the "Eastern Star," "Mason's Daughter," "Kindred Degree," "Good Samaritan," and "Heroines of Jericho." Other degrees bore the titles of "Ark and Dove." "Maids of Jerusalem," "Sweet Brier," "Daughter of Zion," "Daughters of Zelophadad," "Daughters of Bethlehem," "Cross and Crown," and "Lady of the Cross." Of the origin of these degrees little is known. The Heroines of Jericho is said to be the oldest of them all, and to have been the production of David Vinton, of Rhode Island. While these other degrees are somewhat analogous to the Eastern Star, it is not the design of the writer to attempt to set forth their various peculiarities, but to confine his history to the Eastern Star.
If confidence could be placed in certain statements of Rob Morris, whose labors in bringing the order into prominence exceed those of any other person, we could easily ascertain the truth as to its origin. But these statements are made without corroborative proof, and have been contradicted by the brother himself. In A Monument of Gratitude (1884), brother Morris said:
“Some writers have fallen into the error of placing the introduction of the Eastern Star as far back as 1775, and this they gather from my work, "Lights and Shadows of FreeMasonry," published in 1852. What I intended to say in that book was, that the French officers introduced adoptive Masonry into the colonies in 1775, but nothing like the degree called the Eastern Star, which is strictly my own origination. By the aid of my papers, and the memory of Mrs. Morris, I recall even the trivial occurrences connected with the work, how I hesitated for a theme, how I dallied over a name, how I wrought face to face with the clock that I might keep may drama within due limits of time, etc. The name was first settled upon,
This material originally scanned by Ralph Omholt, Kirkland Chapter 176, Washington.
12 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
the Eastern Star. Next the number of points, five, to correspond with the emblem on the masters' carpet. This is the pentagon, "the signet of King Solomon," and eminently proper to adoptive Masonry.”
What brother Morris did say in "Lights and Shadows," was in part as follows:
“The five androgynous degrees, combined under the above title (The Eastern Star Degrees), are supposed to have been introduced into this country by the French officers who assisted our government during the struggle for liberty. The titles, Jephthah's Daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa, sufficiently denote the histories comprehended in the degrees.
* * * The following extracts from the published ritual, translated into English, are in point: "The Sisterhood of the Eastern Star is manifest, to the world by its adoring virtues - five. Honor in bright loneliness is the sanctity and moral guarantee of all the obligations of the Eastern Star. This is read by the enlightened in the cabalistic motto of the order. Upon that foundation (honor) stands the following pillars: - to be true; to be aiding; to be counseling; to be loving; to be secret; to be the servant of Jesus Christ. Sweet in its fragrance is the memory of the worthy dead. It comes up from the recollection of happy hours passed in their companionship; it comes down in faith's joyful anticipations of reunion in the home of the Savior. The members of the Eastern Star will follow to the grave's brink the forms of those who have preceded them to a world of glory. * * *
The following verses are offered by the writer as an humble testimonial of gratitude to those who kindly instructed him in the mysteries of these beautiful degrees.”
Whether this can be explained as meaning what brother Morris said he intended to say I leave to my readers to judge. It will be noted that he makes an extract, translated into English, from a ritual, which was, presumably from his previous statement,
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 13
in the French language, and it is certain that the quotation is not embodied in any ritual now known to exist, except that in the Thesauros there appears to be a reference to, and amplification of a portion of it.
In an open letter, dated Lagrange, Ky., October 2, 1877, brother Morris said:
“I am justified in speaking on this subject. I wrote every word of the original lectures, and composed the songs. For twenty‑eight years I have been communicating it as my own origination. I am the founder of the system, and no one can show any proofs of its existence prior to 1849.”
And yet brother Morris, in the Voice of Masonry, May, 1862, said:
“My first regular course of lectures was given in November, 1850, at Colliersville, Tennessee. * *
At Colliersville, likewise, I conferred the degrees of the Eastern Star and Good Samaritan. Both of these I had received some years before, the latter by brother Stevens, the same who presided at my passing and raising. The restrictions under which the Eastern Star was communicated to me were "that it should only be given to master Masons, their wives, widows, sisters and daughters, and only when five or more ladies of the classes named were present;" these rules I have always adhered to.”
In the first ritual published under the auspices of brother Morris, The Mosaic Book, 1855, it is stated:
“In selecting some androgynous degree, extensively known, ancient in date, and ample in scope, for the basis of this rite, the choice falls, without controversy, upon the Eastern Star. For this is a degree, familiar to thousands of the most enlightened York Masons and their female relatives; established in this country at least before 1778; and one which popularly bears the palm in point of doctrine and elegance over all others. Its scope, by the addition of a ceremonial and a few links in the chain of recognition, was broad enough to constitute a graceful and consistent system,
14 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
worthy, it is believed, of the best intellect of either sex.”
In the Macoy Manual, 1866, it is stated that
"the Order of the Eastern Star was established in this country during the year 1778,"
and this statement is repeated in Adoptive Rite, 1868, but in the Macoy Ritual, 1876, it is changed to read:
"during the year 1850."
In Adoptive Rite appears the following note:
"A. O., Anno Ordinis - Year of the Order. To find this date subtract 1778 from the present year." In "The Adopted Mason, the organ of the American Adoptive Rite," (August, 1855,) of which brother Morris was M. E. Grand Luminary, it is stated:
“We seek to effect our purpose by adapting an ancient system to a modern use. The degree upon which the American Adoptive Rite is built is very ancient, more so by far than any other, save the York Rite, and one that carries on its very face indubitable marks of antiquity. It exhibits all the furrows of age. Its voice, solemn and impressive, comes up like the deep tones of the veteran, who, from the treasures of four score, enriches the lap of youth.”
In the Adopted Mason of January, 1856, it is stated:
“The Heroine of Jericho, which is so strangely made a standard of adoption, is in itself the offspring of the present century, and one of the youngest of the androgynous degrees; while the five degrees of the Eastern Star, the basis of the American Adoptive Rite, exhibit internal evidences of great age, and they were always considered the property of master masons, their wives, sisters and daughters.”
The fact is that brother Morris received the Eastern Star degree at the hands of Giles M. Hillyer, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, about 1849.
While recognizing the abilities and labors of
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 15
brother Morris in the various branches of Masonry and more particularly in the Eastern Star, and his many noble qualities, it must be acknowledged that, as to the history of the order his evidence is too conflicting to be accepted as conclusive, and we must turn to other sources of information, although they may prove equally unsatisfactory.
If we could accept it for what, it at first appears to be, "The Thesauros of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Eastern Star as collected and arranged by the committee, and adopted by the Supreme Council in convocation, assembled May, 1793," an octavo pamphlet of eighteen pages, the property of brother Alonzo J. Burton, Past Grand Lecturer of New York, and the author of the Floral Work, which purports to have been "Printed for the use of the fourth division U. S. By order of the G. L. 1850," we would have conclusive evidence of the existence of the order in this country in the eighteenth century. The writer regrets that he has been unable to obtain a sight of this pamphlet, although he has offered to make the trip from Indianapolis to New York for the purpose of doing so, as, having seen it, he would be enabled to give affirmative testimony. A reprint, no matter how carefully made, does not enable even an expert to judge of its age or authenticity. The style of type; quality and finish of the paper; the manner of binding; the arrangement of matter on the pages; the spelling of words; and many other things would reveal, to one experienced in that line, many points that another, not up in such matters, might overlook. However, brother Burton has kindly furnished him a carefully edited reprint of it. Of it, he says: "I copied the work myself, not omitting a single word, nor even a punctuation mark." It purports to be the fifth edition of the work, the first
16 THE, ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
printed in 1793, the third in 1819, the fourth in 1845, and the fifth in 1817. This pamphlet was purchased at a sale by Barker, 63 Bleeker street, New York, November 15, 1896, and the writer freely admits that he knows of no motive that would induce its publication for the purpose of deception merely, and there are some internal evidences that would indicate that it may be will be noted that on the Constellation and on the Book of Instructions, gloves, and collar are mentioned as proper regalia to be worn by each lady.
Each point of the star in the seal and signet referred to also contains a five pointed star to which no reference is made in any other ritual, while in the Thesauros the stars are each referred to as representing something, and each of the five classes of regalia has a significance. In the signet the name in the first point is given as Jephthah's laughter, as in the Thesauros, although in all the Morris rituals it is given as Adah. These variations between the seal and signet and his rituals would seem to indicate that brother Morris, in revising the authentic, e. g.: It seal of the Supreme Morris signet (vide illustration, facing title), there are emblems between the points of the star, but these emblems are not in any way referred to in any other ritual of the order extant, except that in 1861, the apron,
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 17
older ritual omitted some of the emblematical teachings, but did not omit the emblems from the seal and signet.
On the other hand there are several things that would throw doubt upon the authenticity of the Thesauros, e. g.: In it, extracts from the prefaces to the first and third editions are inserted in the fifth. The first is dated Boston, Mass., May 17, 1793, and is signed by John Mayhew, L. R. C. Jones, and Robert Lennox, and attested by James S. Morton, S. C., as "Unanimously adopted by the Supreme Council in session, at Boston, May 18, 1793." A thorough examination of the Boston newspapers of the time fails to disclose any reference to such a meeting; the city directory of the city of Boston of that year does not show any of the persons whose names are given; and the records of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts do not contain any of the names among the list of members of the Lodges in that jurisdiction.
The legal money in the United States in 1793 was the present decimal system, but the "money of accounts" was in a transition state, the papers of the day giving quotations sometimes in decimal, and sometimes in sterling, money. In the Thesauros it is provided "The membership fee shall not exceed ten nor be less than two shillings sterling." Is it supposable that a national body, meeting at a time when, to say the least, sterling money was passing into disuse, would have established the fee in that money, rather than in the decimal, which was the legal money, and which its members must have known, would come into exclusive use very soon? In the Thesauros it is also stated:
The Districts according to the distribution of 1845 was as follows: District 1, New England and New York; District 2, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Dela‑
2
This material originally scanned by Ralph Omholt, Kirkland Chapter 176, Washington.
18 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
ware, Maryland, Virginia; District 3, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi; District 4, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina. The several Territories to accompany the States to which they are contiguous.
Whatever excuse there may have been for such a provision in 1793, it could certainly not have existed when the fifth edition was endorsed in 1847, "for the use of the fourth division U. S." in a large proportion of which territory sterling money had never been used.
The preface to the fifth edition is dated New York, Dec. 12, 1847, and is signed "H. H. Sandifer, Secretary." December 12, 1847 was Sunday, and neither the city directories of New York from 1840 to 1850, nor the records of the Grand Lodge of New York for the same period display the name of H. H. Sandifer. The genealogical records in the libraries of Indianapolis and Chicago have been searched, but, although members of the Jones, Lennox, Morton, and other families named, have been discovered, no trace has been found of those whose names appear. The city directories of the forty principal cities in the country have been searched, but in only two of them, Indianapolis and Denver, does the name of Sandifer appear, and investigation has discovered that they are either colored people or Carolinians, with no knowledge of an Eastern branch of the family.
As to the orthography of such words as honor, honorable, Savior, and labor, in the reprint they are all spelled without a "u". I regret that inquiry of brother Burton upon this point has elicited no information other than that the reprint is an accurate reproduction of the original, for, if the "u" is omitted it would be strong evidence that the pamphlet was not printed as early as it purports to have been.
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 19
The adoption of the Thesauros in 1793 is attested by James S. Dorton, S. C., while the regulations provided for no such officer, the chief being Grand Luminary, and the letters S. C. are specifically interpreted therein as standing for Supreme Council.
According to the Thesauros the Supreme Council consisted of "a great luminary and four deputy luminaries," while the committee that reported the Thesauros was composed of three members, who reported to themselves and two others! The title page says "Copyright secured," without giving date of same, or stating by whom copyrighted, although the law of congress required that both should be given, and the universal form found in all copyrighted books before the revision of the law, about 1870, was "Entered according to the act of Congress, in the district court for the ____ district of ____ , by ____, 18___." I am assured by Thorvald Solberg, Register of Copyrights: "The record of copyrights in the district of Massachusetts for 1793 does not contain any entry of Thesauros of the ancient honorable Order of the Eastern Star," and that "The indices of the copyright records of the Southern district of New York do not show any entry of the book either in 1847 or 1850." All the facts obtainable that would throw any light upon the Thesauros have been set forth, and the reader will have to judge for himself as to what weight is to be given to it. Authentic or not, it is an interesting document, and in this history it will be further referred to.
After reviewing all the facts it must be concluded that brother Morris did not originate the ritual of the order, but that, receiving the degrees by communication, as above stated, and taking the ritual as used before he took up the occupation of a Masonic lecturer,
20 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
he embellished and adorned it, and started the order toward systematic organization. Certainly, as it at present exists in this country, brother Morris was the master builder.
S. Baring Gould has written a very interesting volume on the myths of the middle ages, but the myths of Masonry are still awaiting the touch of a master hand. The paper, "The Eastern Star," in its issue for December, 1900, had a communication signed "A Sister," wherein it was stated:
“Order of the Eastern Star, the English name given to adoptive Masonry in England and this country, was introduced into this country in 1780. George Washington and Lafayette constituted the first Chapter. The ritual was, however, so dramatic, and required such gorgeous robes, that it gradually lost its hold upon the people until our late brother, Robert Morris, revised the ritual, reinstituting the order, bringing it to a point of perfection unknown in the past.”
While the writer could hardly credit the statement that Washington and Lafayette had found time and opportunity, in 1780, even if they had the disposition, to introduce the English rite of adoption, he could not let such a positive statement go without investigation, in consequence of which the publication of his history had been delayed a month. Through the courtesy of sister Ransford, the editor of The Eastern Star, he was furnished the address of "A Sister," who kindly responded to his inquiries, and referred him to a "Dictionary of Masonic Lore," in the Masonic library at Colorado Springs, Colorado, for confirmation of her assertions; but investigation failed to discover a Masonic library in that city, or any one there who had knowledge of such a book; nor could any trace of it be found by inquiry of the most noted Masonic librarians in the country. His inquiries of the brother
THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 21
who loaned the sister the publication brought the information that it was loaned to an unknown party, and could not be found, and it has not been thought best to delay the publication of this history for further chasing of this Iguis fatuus. Should it prove anything more substantial, the writer will be glad and surprised.
Lafayette, the bearer of information of the most momentous character to Washington, from France, arrived at Washington's headquarters, May 10, 1780, and remained four days, going from thence to Philadelphia, to communicate with congress, returning to Morristown, May 31, where he remained until July 22. During this time, we are told that the Continental army was in a most terrible; condition, and suffering every privation, going often five or six days without bread, and two or three days without either bread or meat, Washington saying that the men had eaten every kind of horse feed except hay. August 7, Lafayette returned to the army, and occupied himself in organizing and equipping a battalion of light infantry with which he led the advance guard of the army. September 6, he participated in a council of general officers, and on the 18th went with Washington to Hartford for a conference of war; on the 25th, the knowledge of Arnold's treason burst upon them, and on the 29th Lafayette sat as a member of the court martial that condemned Andre. He was busy with military plans and operations until the army went into winter quarters in November, when he obtained leave of absence, went to Philadelphia, and remained away the balance of the year. During all this time Washington was carrying a burden of responsibility such as few men have ever borne, and was sleeplessly vigilant in his efforts to continue Clinton cooped up in New York. Can we believe that in the
22 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
busy weeks when Lafayette was with the army these two men organized an Eastern Star Chapter "with gorgeous robes," when the army was going half‑clad in rags? The investigation thus far made only confirms me in the assertion made when penning the first paragraph of this Chapter, months ago, that the Eastern Star is the peer of any Masonic organization in the mystery surrounding its origin.
CHAPTER II.
SUPREME BODIES.
SUPREME COUNCIL No. 1.
ACCORDING to the Thesauros, the entire government of the order was vested in the Supreme Council, which consisted of five persons "holding their stations during good behavior." It was to meet "quintennially at such times and places as may be previously designated." Through its deputy luminary it granted authority to confer the degrees, and provided that five or more worthy sisters might petition for a charter in the manner following:
To the D. L. of District:
We the undersigned members of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Eastern Star, have seen the rays five, and are enlightened by the glory thereof. They have advocated the claims of the Order in public and in private; yielded their first fruits to charity, according to the commandment; and now that they may gain increased ability for the good work of the Order, do offer this petition, that a charter may be is‑sued, enabling them to unite their rays into a Constellation, to be entitled the_____ Constellation, No.
State of _____ . They promise obedience to the Constitutional requirements of the Order and to frame their By‑Laws in accordance with the Ancient Constitution. The following officers to hold their stations until others are elected according to the Constitution and By‑Laws, to‑wit : S. P.; V. P.; R. B.; R. O.; R. W.
Dated at ____ the ____ day ____ A. D.
A, B,
C, D, &c.
Vouched for by N. R., A. D. L.
(23)
24 SUPREME BODIES.
It was further provided that upon the receipt of the above petition "a charter will be issued under the great seal of the Supreme Council, countersigned by the deputy luminary in the form and style following, to‑wit:
"Light is sorrow for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart."
To all to whom these presents shall come, the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Eastern Star sendeth light, peace and love. Know ye, that on the petition of the worthy Sisters A, B, C, D, &c., resident at F, and on the avouching of Brother G. H., acting D. L. of _____ District, who guarantees the illumination and the worthiness of the petitioners, the S. C. has granted and by these presents doth grant to the sisters aforesaid this Charter, authorizing them to form a Constellation of the Eastern Star at or near the town of F, to be opened by any A. D. L., duly authorized and to be governed by the following officers until others are regularly elected, to‑wit: S. P.; V. P.; P. B.; It. O.; R. W.; R. G.; R. R.; T.; S. And we further ordain and declare that this Constellation shall be known and held as _____ Constellation No. ___ of the State of _____ Hereby authorizing the Sisters aforesaid, in the capacity of a Constellation, to elect members; enact By‑Laws subordinate to the Ancient Constitution of the Order; to suspend or expel unworthy members; and do such other acts and things as tend to the good of Order and the interests of the religion of Christ. They to be obedient to rule; attached, the one to the other; pure in heart and life; faithful to Him whose Star in the East they have beheld; and hospitable to all who love the truth; and so conducting, this Charter to them and their successors is perpetual.
Signed at the seat of light and authority, to‑wit: the ___ day of A. D.
____ _____ G.L.
[Locus Semillon.] _____ D. L.
_____ District U. S.
SUPREME BODIES. 25
SUPREME CONSTELLATION.
In 1855, Rob Morris inaugurated a Supreme Constellation, claiming that "no such attempt upon a national basis has heretofore been made in America." The Mosaic Book stated that
The Supreme Constellation was, at the organization of the rite, a self‑assumed body, and will so continue during a period sufficiently protracted to test the merits of the American Adoptive rite, and afford experience as a basis of its improvement. The constitution and edicts of this body constitute the supreme law of the order, both to individual members and to constellations; and its acts will establish precedents for the parliamentary usages, &c., of the order.
Of this body Rob Morris was Most Enlightened Grand Luminary; Joel M. Spiller, Delphi, Indiana, Right Enlightened Deputy Grand Luminary and Grand Lecturer, Jonathan R. Neill, New York, Very Enlightened Grand Treasurer; John AV. Leonard, New York, Very Enlightened Grand Secretary; and Very Enlightened Deputy Grand Luminaries were appointed as follows:
New Jersey, and pro tem for New England - James B. Taylor, Newark.
New York - Thomas C. Edwards, Elmira.
Indiana - Joel M. Spiller, Delphi.
Iowa - L. D. Farmer, Muscatine.
Kentucky - John Scott, Flemingsburg.
Georgia - M. B. Franklin, Atlanta.
Missouri - M. J. F. Leonard, at large.
Right Eminent Deputy Grand Luminaries were also named:
Illinois, Fourth district - Harmon G. Reynolds, Knoxville.
Kentucky - James G. Gorsuch, Portland; W. C. Munger, Covington.
26 SUPREME BODIES.
The form of petition for a charter, to be signed by at least five master Masons, was as follows:
To the M. E. Grand Luminary of the Supreme Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite: We, the undersigned, affiliated master Masons, members in good standing of the Lodge whose title is affixed to our names, being desirous of associating ourselves with a constellation of the American Adoptive Rite, do pray your Most Eminent body to grant us a charter for that purpose, under the title of _____ Constellation No. _____ to be holden at _____. We pledge our Masonic faith, if the prayer of our petition is granted, to submit to the requirements of the Supreme Constellation in all things relative to this rite; and should the constellation herein prayed for fail to be organized, or at any time hereafter be dissolved, we will return the charter and hue books to the V. E. Grand Secretary.
The charter, which, together with five hue books, cost ten dollars, was lithographed in colors in the highest style of the art then known, by Sarony & Co., of New York, and is herein reproduced in facsimile. The significance of the emblems in the border will be found explained under the head: "The Mosaic Book."
The body of it reads as follows:
"We have seen His Star in the East and are come to worship."
In the name and by the authority of the Supreme Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite.
To all to whom these presents may come and especially to our well beloved and enlightened Stellae and Protectors everywhere.
Greeting.
Whereas a petition has been presented to our M. E. Grand Luminary of the American Adoptive Rite by ____ affiliated Master Masons and Members in good standing in their respective Lodges residing at or near the town of ____ , praying that they may be authorized to
SUPREME BODIES. 27
organize and work as a Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite, under the title of _____ Constellation No. ____ and it appearing for the interest of Adoptive Masonry that their petition should be granted now
Know Ye that We the Supreme Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite invested with full power and authority over all Stellæ and Protectors and the Supreme Court of Appeal in all cases relative to adoption, do hereby authorize and empower our well beloved and enlightened Pillars _____ Heleon; _____ Philomath; _____ Verger; _____ Herald; and _____ Warder; to open and hold a Constellation by the name of _____ Constellation No. _____ the said Constellation to be holden at _____ or within five miles of the same. And we do likewise authorize our said Pillars to associate with them in the work and discipline of Adoption in said Constellation the following Correspondents to‑wit: _____ Luna _____ Flora _____ Hebe _____ Thetis and _____ Areme. And we do further authorize and empower our said Pillars to confer the five degrees of the American Adoptive Rite, according to the ceremonial and lectures approved by the Supreme Constellation, upon all worthy applicants possessing the constitutional qualifications for the same. And we do further authorize and empower our said Pillars, and their legal successors in office, to hear all and singular matters and things relative to the American Adoptive Rite, within the jurisdiction of said Constellation.
And lastly we do further authorize, empower, and direct our said well beloved and enlightened Pillars, to elect and reject applicants at their discretion; to elect and instruct their successors in office subject to our approval and confirmation; and to perform all matters and things pertaining to and provided in the American Adoptive Rite.
Provided always that the above named Pillars and their successors: do pay and cause to be paid, due respect and obedience to the M. F. Supreme ConsteI‑
28 SUPREME BODIES.
lation of the American Adoptive Rite, and to the by‑laws, rules, regulations and edicts, thereof, otherwise this Charter to be of no force or virtue.
Given under the hands of our Grand
Officers and the seal of our Supreme
Constellation at the City of _____ this
_____ day of _____ Anne Domini 18__
_____ Grand Luminary
_____ Grand Secretary
A constellation was composed of five or more of each sex, but no more than twenty‑five of each sex, in addition to the Pillars and Correspondents, could be members of the same constellation at the same time, but two or more constellations could be connected with the same Lodge. Vigorous work was done in disposing of charters, so that by December 25, 1855, seventy‑five had been granted, as follows:
Alabama - Venus No. 11, New Market.
Arkansas - livening Star No. 16, Morristown.
California - Morning Star No. 44, Grass Valley; Orion No. 57, Mariposa.
