The Montana Dispensation

Note: The 1867 Charter can be found at https://www.wasatchlodge.org/publish/the-montana-charter/

The dispensation, no longer in possession of Wasatch Lodge No. 1, is a temporary empowerment by a Grand Lodge for a group of Masons to conduct limited Masonic work in a given geographic/political region. The text below was included with the Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Montana.

“My Dear Robertson:

Enclosed I send you the Dispensation of our Grand Master which I hope will enable you to open a good Lodge and make a creditable report next fall. We took the liberty of perpetuating your beautiful range of mountains in the name of the Lodge, as we deemed it far preferable to the one suggested” (King Solomon Lodge) “which smacked a little of polygamy, a most unchivalrous and unMasonic institution notwithstanding the peccadilloes of King Solomon. We trust this change will be satisfactory . . .”

Your Brother and Friend

(Signed) W.F. Sanders, Grand Secy.”