Ritual , Secrecy , and Civil Society
The poor box was passed and contains 11 gourdes , three escalins to be turned over to the Treasurer and to the brother Long for his disposal . A second passing of the box produces 10½ gourdes added to the 11 gourdes and will be turned over to the brother Long . 12
Surprisingly it seems that Hyman Isaac Long gave La Candeur the rituals of the Order of the Royal Secret along with a constitution to establish a Sublime Grand Council and in exchange for their gratitude , they gave him fraternal relief . The proof of this transaction can be seen in the Livre d ’ Or 13 of de Grasse-Tilly . Though the original documents do not have Long ’ s signature on them , this is explained as it is noted that brother Long died before May 3 , 1797 . The language matches the other known patents , and one can be certain of their authenticity . The dates on the filiation of powers , the copy of Morin ’ s patent , de Grasse-Tilly ’ s patent and the constitution for a Grand Council are all dated November 12 , 1796 , which means that Delahogue and de Grasse-Tilly met with Long some two months prior to their announcing in lodge what had transpired . The filiation of powers document twice bears the seal of La Candeur . The establishment of this council is therefore seen as a final Masonic act of a poor and dying brother , and in re- turn , the Lodge grants him charity as a token of their thanks .
At the next meeting , the lodge makes the decision to accept the Grand Lodges offer and to continue working in the Moderns rite .
A letter was read from the commissioners named for the purpose of answering the letter addressed to the Worshipful La Candeur lodge by the Grand Lodge of the Province . It was decided that the said letter , approved in all its contents , be closed and sent under the seal of the lodge and with the signatures of the commissioners named for this purpose . The commissioners are brothers de Grasse , Lacoste , St . Paul , Bouisson , and Frouty . 14
Long is mentioned again at the same meeting concerning the constitutions he granted La Candeur .
The Master announced that he agrees with that said by the Past Master at the lodge meeting concerning the constitution which was announced in the hands of brother Long , the Grand Inspector , who brought to the Worshipful Lodge the said constitutions at his disposal and that any brother who wishes may take notice of them after the lodge closes . 15
12 January 15 , 1797 . Ibid .
13 Livre D ’ Or Du Comte De Grasse-Tilly . Premier Souverain Grand Commandeur Du Suprême Conseil De France . Paris : Suprême Conseil de France , 2003 . 82 – 107 .
14 January 17 , 1797 . Ibid . 15 January 17 , 1797 . Ibid .
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