Members Portal - Grand Chapter of Tennessee OEs

  1818 born August 31, 1818 near Boston, Suffolk County, Mass Robert William Peckam to Robert Peckman and Charlotte Lavinia Shaw.

1821 parents separated. The mother left with infant daughter and both sons remained with father until his death in February 2, 1825. The both boys went to live with mother in Tauton, Mass.. Robert Peckham (Morris) attended the Bristol Academy in Tauntan and during this time changed his surname from Peckham to Morris.

1836 He drifted from the New England States to the south. While in enroute he traveled on a steamer which caught fire, which was a common occurrence on the steamers. Many lives were lost and all his belongs. At this time period over 800 people a year lost their lives in these types of fires. He traveled on south through Memphis and on to Oxford, Mississippi.

1840 After a short time went to work teaching. 

1841 August 26, 1841 Shelby County, Tennessee, he married Miss Charlotte Mendenhall. He was teaching school at the DeSoto Academy in northwest Mississippi when he met his wife, Charlotte Mendenhall. Charlotte's family lived in Germantown, Tennessee, close to Memphis. Charlotte's parents were Samuel and Sarah Mendenhall. 

1842 son John Anson Morris born in Mississippi.

1845 became President of Mount Sylvan Academy in Oxford, Mississippi

1845 daughter Charlotte Morris, was born in Mississippi. Charlotte became plagued with reoccurring bouts of chills and aches from yellow fever so it was the responsibility of the oldest child, John, to take care of the family while his father was gone. 

1846 March 3, 1846 initiated an Enter Prentice Mason in T. S. Gathright Lodge #33, Oxford, Mississippi (He was principal of Sylvan Academy at this time. Passed to the degree of Fellow craft July 3, 1846 and July 3, 1846 was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason

1846 July 4, 1846, participated in the planting of Cornerstone for The University of Mississippi

1846 became Junior Deacon of his Lodge

1847 son Alfred William Morris born in Mississippi.

1847 the degree of the "Heroine of Jericho," which is a degree conferred only on Royal Arch Masons, their wives and daughters, was conferred upon Dr. Morris and his wife by William H. Stevens, and from that ceremony Dr. Morris acquired his taste for adrogynous degrees. He says: "From the period of my initiation into Masonry I had entertained the desire of introducing the female relatives of Masons into closer relationship with the Order. Through the immense influence of women, so much might be done to bring the performances of Freemasons nearer their professions."

1847 Rob & Charlotte received the Good Smaritan degree. 

1848 He moved to Blackhawk, Carroll County, Mississippi.

1848 Richland Literary Institute was original name but was charter Eureka Masonic College on February 7, 1848, the college was chartered under the name of Eureka Masonic College with the power to confer literary and honorary degrees. Robert Morris was secured as the Principal of this new Masonic college.

1848-1850 served as Principal of the Little Red Schoolhouse ( Richland Literary Institute, eureka Masonic College) in Richland, Mississippi. Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

1848 October 21, 1848 affiliated with Mount Moriah Lodge No. 88 Black Hawk, Mississippi.

1848 November 9, 1848 Lexington Chapter #9, Lexington, Mississippi. He was Exalted to the degree of Royal Arch to degree of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason at Lexington, Mississippi.

1849 He was accepted as Royal and Select Master

1849 He move to Jackson, Mississippi. 

1849 He wrote, " Masonry, the Harmonizer of the World" to given as an address to The Grand Lodge of Mississippi, but was no called upon. 

1849 Royal Arch Masonry in Lexington Chapter No. 9, Lexington, Mississippi. On May 26, 

1849, he demitted from the Lodge at Black Hawk in order to affiliate with Pearl Lodge No. 23, in Jackson, to which city he had then moved.

1849 son Robert William "Rob" Morris was born December 11,1849 in Mississippi. 

1849 Giles M. Hillyer, of Vicksburg, Mississippi about 1849, stated that he conferred the OES degrees on Rob Morris

1849 He served as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Masons in Mississippi.

1849 He served as Grand Chaplain for Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

1850 February, created ritual for OES - Little Red Schoolhouse, Holmes, Mississippi - "Rosary of the Eastern Star." 

1850 He was elected secretary of Pearl Lodge in 1850,1851 & 1852.

1850-54 Grand Lecturer of Tennessee and Kentucky

1850 Cryptic Rite, consisting of Royal Master, Select Master, and super-excellent Master, at Natchez, Mississippi (& NY 1864) Natchez Council #1

1850 TEMPLARY ORDERS, upon the American plan, consisting of the Orders of Red Cross Knights, Knights Templar, and Knights of Malta, at Jackson, Mississippi, Mississippi Commandry 1

1850 living Jackson, Mississippi.

1850 Smith Park, Jackson Mississippi - A historical marker, surrounded by a star in concrete, placed in the northeast corner of Smith Park, the block directly behind the Governor's Mansion in Jackson, points out the spot-on which Dr. Morris' house stood, the spot where the degrees of the Eastern Star were conferred for the first time. It is a generally accepted fact, however, that the Little Red Schoolhouse was the real birthplace of the Order, since the idea of such an organization was conceived in Dr. Morris' mind during his tenure of office there. Here he said that he initiated his wife and neighbor. (According to paper he wrote in 1884, which is different than what earlier letters state) marker added ca 1930. 

 1850 listed in census in living Hinds, Mississippi

1851 On May 4. 1851, he wrote his wife that he had initiated over 50 women into the order in Trenton, Tennessee.

1851 In November 1851, he did an initiation in Collierville, Tennessee and told his wife, when he returned that if she wanted, he would initiate her.

1851, Morris said, "I adopted the apparently quaint and odd cognomen of Rob as a prefix. The immediate cause of this was my determination not any longer to ROB MORRIS be confounded with Mr. Robert Morris, the author and poet, of Philadelphia."

1852 He moved to Lodgeton (Lodgton), Fulton County, Kentucky and became the President of the Masonic College in Lodgton, Kentucky. He was a frequent visitor of Mills Point Lodge No. 120, at Hickman. He did a great deal of speaking during this period, and on one of his trips he met a Brother Elisha D. Cooke, whose name is often found linked with that of Morris during his work of lecturing on the "Conservator Ritual" movement. Cooke was made a Mason in Richland, South Carolina. He visited Lodgeton in March, 1858, and was engaged by Morris as an assistant. The following year Morris sent him to Europe upon a Masonic investigation. Cooke left New York in May on the S/S "Ocean Queen." There he stayed until September, 1860, when he was recalled because of the Civil War. He was employed by Morris until October, 1862.

1852 September 3, 1852-1859 He served as Most Excellent High Priest of Hickman Chapter #49.

1852 ? Cryptic - Rob Morris Council No. 18 ( Name chaged to Hickman in 1866, last return 1872)

1852-1858 Kentucky Freemasons, after eight issues name was change to American Freemason - he became Editor or contributor

1852 Rob Morris published his first masonic book, "Light and Shadows of Freemasonry"

1852 stated that he had initiated over 2000 into OES

1853 Life in the Triangle by Morris was published

1853 daughter Ella Wilson Morris born January 31, 1853 in Kentucky.

1853 Kentucky Freemason - periodical that he contributed to

1854 wrote poem "The Level and The Square"

1854 daughter Sarah Medenhall Morris was born in Kentucky

1854 received the Scottish Rite degrees to the 32nd in New York.

1854 The Two Saint Johns by Morris was published.

1854 Order of High Priesthood, One of the founders August 31, 1854, first Grand Herald, a office which he held for years. He drafted Preamble and later the Constitution of the order.

1854 Hired John W. Leonard, of New York, was placed in business by Morris in May, 1854, under the style of the "American Masonic Agency - Jno. W. Leonard & Co. - 383 Broadway," where he sold and published Ma‑sonic books, as well as regalia and other Masonic paraphernalia. He also acted as an agent for Morris in establishing Constellations about the country. He was an Englishman by birth, having served as non‑commissioned officer in the British Army, from which he was "bought out" in order to devote his time to a literary career. Where he was made a Freemason is not known but he affiliated with National Lodge, No. 239, of New York City, on December 2, 1853, and became Master in 1856 On July 8, 1856, the lodge was opened by the Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Brother Robert Macoy, under a special dispensation from Grand Lodge "in con‑sequence of our W. M., J. W. Leonard suddenly with‑drawing from New York and carrying with him the warrant of National Lodge." Subsequent charges against Leonard for un-masonic conduct ran into legal difficulties but he was finally restored to membership on November 9, 1859, at which time he was present in the lodge, acting as Junior Warden. Late in 1855 he published a prospectus which stated that a magazine called "THE ADOPTED MASON will be published six times a year, twenty‑four pages in each number, at One Dollar per annum, in advance." The first number (containing 27 pages) appeared under the heading "VoL. I - AUGUST, 1855 - No. 1 - THE ADOPTED MASON, A Bi‑Monthly Journal, The Organ of the American Adoptive Rite." Only one more issue, dated January 1856, was printed. It contains the names of the Grand Officers and a list of charters granted to Constellations up to December 25, 1855, starting with No. 1, and running up to No. 171. There are only about seventy‑five actually listed, however, there being none with numbers between sixty‑eight and one hundred and sixty. Five officers are listed after each Constellation, together with the name and location by county and state.

1854 March 6, 1854, purchased 80 acres where he built his home in Kentucky. Lodgeton was between Hickman and Fulton, Ky. Rob Morris picked the site because it was close to the Mississippi River, and he could catch the steamboats as they traveled south and north. Here he commenced the publication "The American Freemason, which was a magazine of wide circulation around the world. Though strictly a masonic paper , it gave him a large field for promoting the Eastern Star by placing it fully before the craft. He often remarked that it was the most tedious work of his life trying to convince brethren that it in the end would work to their benefit. It is here where he wrote the "The Level and The Square."

The Greater portion on his work composing took place while traveling in steamboats, stage coach, railway coach, horseback and at low hours of the night after lodge meetings.

He usually traveled, sometimes as many as six months each year. All remnants & records of Lodgton appear to have vanished with time, including the road marker that once marked the location of the Morris home. A half mile away from Lodgeton stands Union Church, where Sunday after Sunday Dr. Morris lectured to an admiring audience and devoted congregation of Kentucky and Tennessee citizens. He was never regularly installed as pastor, but filled the pulpit at the solicitation of his numerous friends of various denominations. The Masonic Lodge that he organized met in the second story of the church building and to this Lodge room Dr. Morris carried his family organ, which was then the only one in the neighborhood. The instrument was placed in his buggy, where his wife took her seat to hold it steady, while Dr. Morris led the horse to ensure an even gait and avoid jostling. In this Lodge room, his conferring the Eastern Star degrees on the ladies and brethren entitled to them, was always a pleasing part of the program.

A man of fewer years, who had heard the last words of this aged speaker, added : "Dr. Rob Morris may not have been considered an accomplished and magnetic speaker by the world at large, but to us he was an interpreter and prophet of good things. My judgment at the time was immature, but I do not believe I overestimate him in saying that in general knowledge, in nobility and expression of features, in voice, and in all the requirements for fascinating an audience. Dr. Morris had few superiors. His memory was a storehouse of historical facts, of anecdotes and stories, and he was instructive and fascinating. His power over the minds of the people in this section was unquestionably greater than any other man's has ever been within my memory."

One of the men stated that he would ride over 19 miles to hear Rob Morris read scriptures.

1854 August - Coming now to the middle of "The Constellations," as was then given, the first era of the Eastern Star beginning to shine with feeble light, encouraged Dr. Morris to the point of organizing a chapter, which he did and styled it Purity Chapter No. i, near his residence at Lodgeton, Fulton County, Kentucky. The chapters were called Constellations.

Forming a little company of some ten or fifteen of his Masonic neighbors and the female members of their families, they proceeded to the old Union Church, one-half mile distant, to the Lodge room in the second story of this building. The meeting was opened by a most fervent prayer, asking the aid of heaven in all their undertakings, and blessings on their present convocation, and all future acts to meet with the approval of the Grand Architect of the Universe, until "time shall be no more." Thus we have the records of the first chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

1854 Rob Morris made the following statement in The American Freemason, published by him in Louisville, September 15, 1854, Volume 3, No. 1: "First in the array of Adoptive Degrees, highest in the ranks of brilliant and impressive thought, comes THE EASTERN STAR, with its fixed points of Jephthah's Daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. Those who have heard our lectures in different sections of the United States are aware that we value it both for what it has done and for its future promise. We have personally communicated The Eastern Star to more than three thousand ladies, the wives, daughters, sisters and widows of Master Masons.* * *

1855 daughter Ruth Electa Morris was born in Kentucky

1855 Code of Masonic Law, published; the first work upon this subject ever issued.

1855 served as Worshipful Master of Neville Lodge #200 in Moscow, Kentucky

1855 first ritual " The Masonic Book of the American Adoptive Rite - published (stated that Eastern Star was established in this country before 1778)

1855 The Mosaic Book of the American Adoptive Rite, by Morris was published 

He was often invited to speak or lecture at Masonic gatherings, and he always requested that they set aside a night and bring with them their wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, upon whom he would confer the degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star.

1855 Organized Supreme Constellation for the Eastern Star and appointed 50 deputies to help carry out the work. By the end of 1855 75 charters were issued to chapters.

1856 he was elected as Junior Grand Warden of the grand Lodge of Kentucky. He progressed to Grand Senior Warden, Deputy Grand Master to Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Masons in Kentucky.

1856 The Constitution of the Grand Encampment of Knights Tem­plar of the United States was drafted by Dr. Morris in 1856

1856 Universal Masonic Library V16 by Rob Morris was published. which is a part of a series of 30 Volumes that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Masonic fraternity. Writings by numerous masons. Sections of these have been reprinted under other names in recent years, such as Masonic Obligations, etc

1856 Grand Lodge of Kentucky - Chairman of Committee on Foreign Correspondence 1856;

1857 he received the Encampment Order of English Templary in Canada. He also received a very large number of the honorary appendages to Masonry, such as the three official orders of Royal Arch Masonry, Past Eminent Commander, Past Grand Commander, Grand High Priest, Past Grand Commander-in-Chief 32°.

1857 The Masonic and Military Orders of the Knights of Rome, and the Red Cross of Constantine were communicated to him in 1857, and afterwards in 1873.

1857 March 9 First Charter in Tennessee was issued Rob Morris in Covington, Tennessee to Acacia Chapter 

1857 Encampment of Order of English Templary in Canada 

1857 High Priest 

1857 The Mosaic Book of the American Adoptive Rite, by Morris was published again

1857 Masonic Reminiscences by Morris was published. 

1857 The Masonic and Military Orders of the Knights of Rome, and of the Red Cross of Constantine, were first communicated 

1857 Guide to the Consecration of Masonic Cemeteries by Morris was Published.

1858 He was elected Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Kentucky October 11, 1858 in Lexington, Kentucky.

1858 Order of Past Grand Master, as formerly communicated in Kentucky

1858 AASR accepted office of Commander of the "Grand Consistory of Kentucky

1858 History of Free­masonry in Kentucky by Morris was published

1858-60 Masonic SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION he ran, , of which ten were national, and thronged with the high­est workmen of the American lodges

1858 The Order of Past Grand Master was given to him at his installation as Grand Master of Kentucky, in 1858, the Hon. Henry Wingate, Past Grand Master, presiding. Among his honorary degrees and complimentary memberships, which were nearly one hundred and fifty in number, that of Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada was chiefly prized.

1858 Ritual of Knight Templary by Morris was published.

1858-1859 Dr. Morris served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky. As Grand Master he moved to Louisville and lived until 1860.

1859 Due to the ceremony of forming the Constellations was not favorable to the masons he revised it in 1859. At which time there were over 200 constellations across the US. They became "Families of O.E.S." 

1859 listed as P.H.P. with Hickman Chapter #49, Hickman,. Ky

1859 The Freemason's Monitor by Rob Morris was published.

1859 The Freemason's Miniature Monitor by Rob Morris was published.

1859 The 3 Degrees by Rob Morris was published.

1859 The 12 Degrees by Rob Morris was published.

1859 Life of Eli Bruce by Morris was published.

1859-60 Most Excellent High Priest; Eminent Commander; Thrice Illustrious Grand Mas­ter (Cryptic Rite); Grand Commander-in-Chief Princes of Royal Secret, 32d degree, Supreme Consistory of Kentucky

1859-1867 Voice of masonry - periodical that he contributed to

1859 " Masonry, the Harmonizer of the World" wrote in 1849 was read before the National Masonic School of Instruction at its first General Session at Louisville, Kentucky. It may be found in the published Proceedings of that body. 

1859 The three official orders of Royal Arch Masonry (First Principal Z, Second Principal J, and Third Principal H,) were communicated in Canada

1859 The Prudence Book of Freemasonry by Rob Morris was published. It sought to become a tool that could be used to identify non-Masons intent on imposing upon the good will and charity of Masonic lodges by posing as Masons in need of financial assistance.

1860 April, 1860, I removed my family to La Grange, Kentucky and accepted the chair of Ancient and Modern History in the Masonic University. At the annual commencement, June, 1860, I was honored by the same with the collegiate degree of Doctor of Laws. My labors as professor were con‑fined mainly to one weekly] lecture, which I continued until the decadence of the University, in the latter part of the succeeding year.

1860 "On the 24th of June 24, 1862, I, who received my own degree from the University in 1860, was elected President of the College and accepted the appointment with a view to keeping the institution alive and holding the faculty together. I accepted it for one year with a positive refusal to devote any portion of my time to lecturing.

1860 "In July, 1862, I accepted very unwillingly the position of Provost Marshal of Oldham County, Kentucky, which caused me infinite trouble and expense. In August a commission as Colonel was tendered me by the Governor, I accepted it with a view of preserving the county in which I lived and the adjourning district from inroads of guerilla, and held the commission until the entire State Guard was mustered out of service about the first of November."

1860 listed in census in living in Oldham, Ky

1860 Tales of Masonic Life by Morris was published. 

1860 Freemasons Almanac by Rob Morris was published.

1860 Discipline of Masonic Offenders by Morris was published.

1860-1867 Charters for Families of The Eastern Star were issued.

1860 Manual of the Eastern Star by Rob Morris was published. It list origin before 1778. (Has been reprinted in recent years)

1860 Organization of Supreme Constellation was dissolved and Organizations of Families was started. Over 100 charters were issued between 1860-1867 but records were not preserved.

1860 moved to LaGrange, Ky, where he went to work as a professor at the Masonic College (Funk Seminary)

1860 June 24, 1860 He created the Conservators Association. He also created the Conservators Association Journal. His intention was Uniformity of the Work. Project that he spent 5 years, estimated that he consulted with 50,000 masons, visited 2000 lodges and was Condemned by his Grand Lodge and others for the project.

1860 was a member of Fortitude Lodge No. 47, at La Grange, Kentucky, and of the Eminence Royal Arch Chapter. He was also a member of the Louisville Commandery No. i, Knights Templars, and was Past Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Consistory of Kentucky, 32°.

1860 he drafted the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. His "Standard Form of By Laws for Constituent Lodges," approved by several Grand Lodges, has gone largely into use.

1860 The literary honor of LL.D. (Doctor IN LAWS) was conferred upon him, ex emerito, in 1860, by the Masonic University of Ken­tucky

1860-65 Chief Conservator

1861 Trustee of La Grange College 

1861 Book of Instructions published

1861 Freemasons Almanac by Rob Morris was published.

1861 November 8, 1861, First home ( The Three Cedars) was Burnt due to Union Stance. Many of his diplomas, jewels and books were destroyed in the fire. At this point he considered relocating to New York.

1861-1865 President of Masonic College in La Grange

1861 Rob Morris - Interviewed in New York, Edward Giddings, atheist, Key figure in Rise of Antimasonry. He interviewed for research on book he did about William Morgan.

1861 July 1861-July 1865 he worked on promoting a plan" Conservators of Symbolic Masonry," It was a very ambitus program to unify all the masonic rituals in the United States. The plan failed possibly partly due to the War. 

1862 "Commander of the Horse Guards", for a short period moved to Louisville due to rebels entered La Grange

1862 moved to Last Home in La Grange

1862 Freemasons Almanac by Rob Morris was published.

1862 Lodge at Mystic by Morris was published.

1862 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume I published (stated in May 1862 addition, that he received the Eastern Star degree from Brother Stevens, first course of lectures was at Collierville)

1862 Manual of the Eastern Star Degrees was 2nd edition was published.

1863 Freemasons Almanac by Rob Morris was published.

1864 received the Rite of Memphis , so far as the ninetieth degree in New York

1864 Book " Odes and Poems" by Rob Morris was published

1864 he Freemason's Miniature Monitor by Rob Morris was published.

1864 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume II published 

1864 & 1876 MASONIC BELLES-LETTRES.— Masonic Poems was published by Morris

1865 Freemasons Almanac by Rob Morris was published.

1865 "Rosary of the Eastern Star," published - Comprising the Lectures, Odes, Emblems, Scriptural Readings and General Directions Appertaining to this Popular and Elegant System of Adoptive Masonry by Robert Morris - theory explaining how he compiled the Eastern Star

1865 Guide to Priesthood was published by Morris

1865 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume III published ?

1866 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume IV published

1866 October 6, Grand Lecturer of Illinois Grand Lodge, one of who Rob Morris gave authority initiate, initiated 30 members and they became the first Chapter in Illinois.

1866 Dr. Morris became associated with Mr. Robert Macoy, of New York City. Upon Mr. Morris' departure for the Holy Land he transferred to Robert Macoy all the authority he had assumed and exercised in planning the Order of the Eastern Star. Under Mr. Macoy's guiding hand the Supreme Grand Chapter was organized. This was a self constituted body. Deputies were appointed in all parts of the United States, the Territories and in Mexico.

Before leaving for the Holy Land, he gave to Robert Macoy, a printer and publisher, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a friend who, with his wife, had assisted Morris in the writing of the Ritual and who had received the degrees of the Order from Morris.

1866 The Macoy Manual of The Eastern was published by Robert Macoy

1866 Special help for Worshipful Master by Morris was published.

1866 Special help for Senior Deacon by Morris was published.

1866 Special help for Secretary by Morris was published.

1866 Special help for Funeral Book of Freemasons by Morris was published.

1866 Special help for Masonic Ladder by Morris was published.

1867 and 1868 Mr. Macoy compiled and published a Ritual, using Dr. Morris' Rosary as a guide. This was the beginning of the organization of Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in the States as well as nationally. He immediately attempted to make the work more systematic and succeeded in adapting it to organized Chapters in such a way as to assure their success.

Dr. Morris traveled extensively in foreign countries. He spent nearly a year in the Holy Land. He organized the first Masonic Lodge in Jerusalem, Royal Solomon Number One, and became its first Worshipful Master.

1867 The first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan

1867 Dictionary of Freemasonry by Morris was published.

1867 He visited 130 lodges around the country, primarily in the north promoting his trip to the orient

1867 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume V published

1868 "The Voice of Masonry & Tidings from the Craft'" Volume VI published

1868 Constellation and Families became lost

1868 hierarchal degree system was changed into an Order came into use, Chapters were issued ne Charters with same number, but numbers change.

1868 the Adoptive Rite was published

1868 the masonic family of the United States raised a large sum of money for his trip to the Holy Land for research in the the antiquity of Masonry.

1868 He traveled Europe and the holy land He set out February 2, 1868 on board S/S France; addressed the lodges at Smyrna, Turkey upon the way, on February 25th, and reached Beirut, Syria, March 3rd. At Damascus, through the influence of Brother E. T. Rodgers, H. B. M. consul there (and Master at the time of Lebanon Lodge at Beyrout), he made the Masonic acquaintance of the governor-general and of General Abdel Kader. He delivered addresses before the members of the Masonic Fraternity in Damascus, Beyrout, Joppa, and Jerusalem. In the latter city he opened a Lodge of Instruction, May 13th, which, five years afterwards, culminated in the Royal Solomon Mother Lodge, No. 293, of which he was first Master. He reached home early in August. The results of his industrious researches are seen in the large volume entitled Freemasonry in Holy Land. At Jerusalem he made the personal acquaintance of that learned and zealous explorer, Captain Warren, himself a member of the Masonic Brotherhood. This oriental lodge has maintained a distinct and honorable existence, and has become the mother of a group of lodges in Palestine and the center of a Grand Lodge in Jerusalem. During his stay in Palestine he became acquainted with Mohammed Raschid, Governor‑General, who also was a Freemason.

1869 Grand Chapter in Indiana was organized. 

1870 Grand Chapters were organized in Mississippi, New Jersey and New York

1870 Striving for the Master, words by Rob Morris, Music by Frank King published

1870 census list living in La Grange with wife and 3 daughters.

1870 The remainder of his books that had not been destroyed in the fire in 1861 were acquired by the Grand Lodge of New York and they formed the start of the library for the Grand Lodge of New York.

1870-1877 secretary of American Association of Numismatists, he did a quarterly paper titled the "Numismatist Pilot". Their charter reads in part "Our association is a union of Coin-Students desirous of increasing our own stores of ancient numismata from the fountain-head of supply (the East); of combining our personal influence to introduce the science of numismatics into schools and colleges as a handmaid to history." 

1871 first Masonic Home of Kentucky built and it was credited to Dr Morris' work

1872 "Freemasonry In the Holy Land" was published. In 1872 he published a large volume, Freemasonry in the Holy Land, which was a running account of his travels and investigations. The work was dedicated to Raschid. 

1873 Light in Masonry - periodical that he contributed to

1873 On June 14, 1873 an attempt was made to organize a nation body, Provisional Supreme Grand Council, Morris was listed as Treasurer, and Macoy as Supreme Grand Patron. 

1873 June 4, 1873 spoke at Grand Chapter of OES in New York. Bro. Morris stated: " .... From France, Adoptive Masonry was brought to the United States by French officers, it is believed, during the Revolutionary War .... 

In the Eastern Star Manual, compiled by Brother McCoy, the statement is made in the preface that, 'The Order of Eastern Star was established in the United States in 1778.' This is an error; it should have read, 'Adoptive Masonry was established at that time ... .' 

1873 The Masonic and Military Orders of the Knights of Rome, and of the Red Cross of Constantine, were communicated to the perfect system

1874 Provisional Supreme Grand Council in New Orleans in December 1874 at their meeting, it was declared that it had failed and was defunct.

1874 3 charters were issued in Tennessee by Robert Macoy

1874 "Memories of Galilee" by Morris, was hymn that published "Each gentle dove and sighing bough" (Evening), is in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 156 and 100 as "Each gentle dove and sighing bough" later hymnals.

1874 "Singing from Th Heart" by Morris, was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 33+ later hymnals.

1874 Consider how the lilies grow by Morris, was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 2+ later hymnals. 

1874 Whenever you see a schoolboy by Morris, was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 15+ later hymnals. 

1874 The Sweet Now and Now by Morris, was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 3+ later hymnals.

1874 In that lonely isle, by Morris was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 1+ later hymnals.

1874 The new song, by Morris was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 1+ later hymnals.

1874 Weeping tears, ah, broken, by Morris was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 1+ later hymnals.

1874 In Sight of Heaven, by Morris was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 2+ later hymnals.

1874 As a Shepherd, by Morris was hymn that published in H. R. Palmer's Songs of Love for the Bible School, 1874, 11+ later hymnals.

1875 "Appleton's American Cyclopedia" 16 volumes and Morris was the editor

1875 October 6, met in Chicago, Illinois chapters met at a convention to discuss formation of a Grand Chapter , representatives from 22 chapters , with Rob Morris present. He was invited to preside. The chapter had charters issued by Robert Macoy. Grand Chapter in Illinois had been formed without a single sister having to do anything with the organization.

1876 In the spring of 1876 Rob Morris conferred the degrees upon master masons, their wives & daughters in Jonesboro, Tennessee.

1876 The Macoy Ritual was published by Robert Macoy ( changed to established in 1850)

1876 November 16, 1876 organization of General Grand Chapter

1876 Capitular listed on roll Eminence Chapter #121 Eminence, Ky

1876 Before the close of 1876 Grand Chapters were organized in California, Vermont, Indiana, Connecticut, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Massachusetts.

Meanwhile the publication of different Rituals and revised editions thereof, brought confusion and diversity in the work where there should have been uniformity. It therefore became necessary that this be corrected with all Grand Chapters united under one body and using the same Ritual, thus the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized ' in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 16, 1876. Committees were appointed to compile and edit a Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star. The one now in use has been evolved from the Ritual edited by the Committees appointed at that time.

1877 daughter Ella passed away.

1877 stated that he had initiated 2 x 50k into the OES

1877 letter October 2, 1877 La Grange, Kentucky - Morris said, "I am justified in speaking on the subject. I wrote every word of the original lectures and composed the songs. For 28 years I have been communicating it as my own origination. I am the founder of the system , and no one can show proofs of its existence prior to 1849."

1877 The Twelve Caesars was published. Morris was considered the leading numismatist in America. He was secretary of the American Association of Numismatists, honorary member of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, of Montreal, Canada ; also of the Boston Numismatic Society and the New London, Connecticut, Historical Society, and an active member of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, of New York.

1878 General Grand Chapter discontinued use of the Macoy Ritual and switched to the Morris Ritual.

1878 2nd Meeting of General Grand Chapter May 8‑10, 1878, in Chicago

1878 Louisville Commandery #1 Louisville, Ky

1878 Dr. Morris made a second trip to Europe in 1878, at which time he was especially noticed by the Prince of Wales(later King Edward VII) , who, being a Mason, departed from his habit of non-attendance so far as to attend lodge in London, and then to follow him to Oxford to attend lodge there, while Dr. Morris was at those places lecturing.

1878 November 8, Visited lodge Greenwood Lodge No. 50 F. and A.M. he delivered lecture of Masonic Research in the Holyland" afterwards the Eastern Star degree was conferred. 

1878 November 16, Delta Lodge, No. 451 at Brooklyn, he delivered lecture of Masonic Research in the Holyland" afterwards the Eastern Star degree was conferred. 

1878 November 19, Polar Star Lodge, New York, he delivered lecture of Masonic Research in the Holyland" afterwards the Eastern Star degree was conferred. 

1878 November 20, Templar Lodge No. 203, New York, he delivered lecture of Masonic Research in the Holyland" afterwards the Eastern Star degree was conferred. 

1879 listed as Past Em. Commander with Louisville Commandery #1

1880- Title of Master Builder of the Order of the Eastern Star conferred upon Dr. Morris by the General Grand Chapter (3rd Session) and he was made an honorary member and his birthday was declared "Festal Day."

1880 census shows living in La Grange, with wife, Sarah married with Husband Lattimore Hitt and 2 grand children living with them. Also lists occupation as masonic lecturer.

1880 7/16/1880 Esther Chapter #1 in Bagdad, Tennessee received its charter from General Grand Chapter

1880 4/30/1880 East Fork Chapter #2 in East Fork, Tennessee received its charter from General Grand Chapter

1880 12/29/1881 Fayetteville Chapter #3 in Fayetteville, Tennessee received its charter from General Grand Chapter

1880 General Grand Meeting in Chicago August, this year New Jersey dropped its affiliation with General Grand Chapter

1880 Presbyterian Church, current Rob Morris Educational Building, construction of church where Rob Morris was the Ruling Elder and often called upon to fill the pulpit when the regular church minister was not available. 

1881 New Jersey reaffiliated with General Grand 

1883 October 2, 1883, Chicago , Illinois, Rob Morris was present and installed the Grand Officers with Mrs. Nellie C. Ranford, Grand Matron of Indiana as Grand Marshall. 

1883 fourth meeting of General Grand Chapter, decided that future meetings would be every 3 years.

1884 William Morgan Or Political Anti-Masonry, Its Rise, Growth And Decadence was published.

1884 On August 1, 1884, Dr. Morris wrote a "record' of his connection with the Eastern Star under the heading "Origination of the Eastern Star." 

"So my Ritual was complete, and after touching and retouching the manuscript, as professional authors love to do, I invited a neighboring Mason and his wife to join with 

my own, and to them, in my own parlor, communicated the Degrees. They were the first recipients .... ". 

Brother Morris in a statement made in 1877: "The degree called the Eastern Star .. 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 my drama within due limits of time, etc. The name was first settled upon, the Eastern Star .... 

"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 proof of its existence prior to 1849 .... " 

(Conflicts with earlier letter to his wife about degree in Collierville, talked of initiation and said would give to her if she wanted on his return.)

1884 Crowned Poet Laureate of Freemasonry December 17, 1884 New York City

1884 October 7, 1884, ten annual session of Illinois Grand Chapter, Rob Morris was present and gave a interesting talk which was included in their proceedings.

1884 "A Monument of Gratitude'" by Morris was published. 

1884 Poetry of Freemasonry by Morris was published.

1884 Mason's Coin Collector's Magazine, Vol 1, No. 4, August, 1884, contained Morris picture & biography.

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