KENTUCKY. The first regular lodges in Kentucky derived their authority from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. In the year 1800 there were under that authority five regu lar lodges. But, from their remote situation from their parent Grand Lodge, they were induced to proceed to the establishment of a Grand Lodge for the State of Kentucky; and, in pursuance of an invitation from Lexington Lodge, No. 25, a convention of delegates from all the regular lodges then existing in the State was held at the Masonic Hall, in the town of Lexington, Sept. 8, 1800, when it was resolved that it was expedient and proper to establish a Grand Lodge in the State of Kentucky, and an address, setting forth the motives which impelled the brethren to sever their immediate connection from the parent Grand Lodge of Virginia, was ordered to be prepared. The address was prepared, approved, and forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Virginia; to which that body returned a fraternal and approving reply. The convention met again
Oct. 16, 1800, in the same place, and proceeded regularly to establish a Grand Lodge for the State of Ken tucky.
The delegates then severallysurrendered to the Grand Lodge their respective charters, and re ceived new ones in lieu thereof, under the Grand Lodge there estab lished for the State. Wm. Murray was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized Dec. 4, 1817, at the city of Frankfort. James Moore was elected the first Grand High. Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Dec. 10, 1827. Robert Johnson was elected the first Grand President.
The GRAND COMAIANDERY,Knights Templar, was established Oct. 5, 1827. Henry Wingate was elected Grand Commander.