The Charter of
Saint John Lodge #18
The following is a literal
translation of the duplicate copy of the Charter of Saint John
Lodge #18, Pioche, Nevada. This duplicate was made to replace
the Original, destroyed in a fire in the Lodge building while
operating in Delamar, Nevada. (1902-1905) The duplicate of this
document may be seen in the Old Masonic Museum Lodge Room in Pioche.
Copies of this document, suitable
for framing, are available in both 8x10 ($10.00) and 11x17 ($17.00)
as a fund raiser for the maintenance and restoration of our old
and historic building. Contact the Lodge Secretary.
To All Whom It May Concern
The Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons
of the State of Nevada
Greeting
Whereas
It having been duly represented unto us that sundry Brothern
of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted
Masons residing in or near the Town of Pioche, in the County of
Lincoln, within our jurisdiction have hetofor
and on the 10th day of August A.D. 5872 received from our Most Worshipful Grand
Master a Dispensation to assbmble as a Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons for the purposes herein expressed,
And Whereas
it having been represented that the said Brothern are now desirous
that their Lodge shall be duly chartered, constituted, and numbered
upon our rgistery as a regular Lodge, and is appearing and after
due examination that they are Well Qualified and in all respects
Worthy to assume and fulfill the duties contingent upon the indulgence
of their said desires, And
Whereas it being believed
that the advancement of Free Masonry will be encouraged, and
the wise, moral, and beneficient purposes of our Ancient Craft
be permoted by the constitution and permanent establishment of
their said Lodge.
Now Therefore Know
Ye that we The Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of Nevada
have authorized, constituted and appointed, and by this our Warrant and Charter John F.Gray, Master, Daniel
E. Mitchell, Senior Warden, Daniel K. Dickenson, Junior
Warden, together with all such other true and lawful Brothern
as have already been, or may hereafter be, admitted to associate
with them, so assemble and work as a regular Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons at the Town of Pioche, aforsaid,
by the name and designation of Saint
John Lodge, No. 18:
And We do hereby Grant and Commit unto the Master and Wardens aforesaid
and their successors, and to the Brethern of said Lodge, full
power and authority to receive and enter Apprentices, pass FellowCrafts,
raise Master Masons, and admit Brethern to membership; to choose
a Master and Wardens and other Officers, annually to exact from
their initiates and members such fees and dues as may be necessary
for the maintenance of their Lodge, for the relief of poor and
distressed Brethern and their widows and orphans, and for the
regular payment of such annual Contributions to the Grand Lodge
as shall by it be directed and, generally, to perform and do
all other acts and things which shall be in full accordance with
the Ancient Usages and Customs of the Craft, and in strict obedience
to the Constitution, Regulations, and Edicts of this our Grand
Lodge, aforesaid.
And We do hereby Require the said Lodge so attend the Grand Lodge
at all its Communications, by its Master and Wardens or by its
Representative, duly appointed; so keep a fair and faithful record
of all its acts and proceedings which are proper to be written;
and so lay the same before the Grand Lodge whenever it may be
directed.
And, lastly, we do hereby enjoin upon
the Master, Wardens, and Brethrn of the Lodge aforsaid, that
they ever observe a strict conformity to all the Ordinances of
our Grand Lodge, which is the Supreme Masonic Power and Authority
in the State of Nevada; and that they consistantly give due respect
and obedience to the Grand Master and their other Superiors in
office, in all things appertaining to our Ancient Craft.
Done in Grand Lodge, in accordance with its order, at the
City of Virginia Nevada, on this 20th day of November,
Anno Domini, 1873 , Anno Lucis, 5873.
In Testimony Whereof, we, Grand
Master of Masons in the State of Nevada, have hereunto set our
hand, and have caused our Grand Secretary to make his attestation
hereunto and so affix the Seal of Our Grand Lodge.
A.M. Van Bokkelen
Grand Master.
Attest,
Sammey
W. Chubbuck
Grand Secretary.
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