NEW JERSEY.' Of the exact date of the first existence of Masonry in this State we are compelled, as in several other cases, to say that the truth of history must for a little longer remain in the bidden and undeveloped record of the past. But that it had a name and an ex istence within the borders of the then colony of New Jersey none who are acquainted with the early history of Freemasonry in this country can doubt. The earliest historical record of the founding of the Order in America is to be found in Preston's Illustrations, under date 1729, the Duke of Nor folk being Grand Master, and in these words: "Established by de putation a Provincial Grand Lodge at New Jersey, in America." The warrant named "Right Worshipful Brolaer Daniel Coxe of New Jersey, residing, and about to reside, in the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pensilvania, Provincial Grand Master, with free power to appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the space of two years," etc. This deputation
bears date London, Juno 5, 1730: a certified copy of which is in pos session of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. That Bro. Coxe exercised any of the powers delegated to him we are not informed, nor has any evidence of action on his part been discovered. The first authentic information that we have is that a convention of the Masons in the State was held at the city of New Brunswick, Dec. 18, 1786, when a Grand Lodge was regularly consti tuted, and the Hon. David Brearley, Chief Justice of tho State, was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized at Burlington, Dec. 30, 1856. Wm. H. Doggett was elected the first Grand High-Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Nov. 2G, 1860.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was organized Feb. 14, 1860. Theophilus Fiske was elected the first Grand Commander.