Penny, in my own research into Masonic history and genealogy, I have found it useful to work through the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. In my case that was through the Mississippi Grand Lodge in Meridian.

Joe is right, what are called the 'Annual Returns' are not readily accessible by the general public, but they do exist and are usually housed in each State's Grand Lodge.

Occasionally, the Annual Returns, along with other interesting compiled genealogical data turns up in State Archives, State Historical Societies and State Libraries.

As I understand it, Annual Returns are prepared each year, following submittal of each lodge's membership returns to the Grand Lodge.

When you read through the annual returns for, say, the year 1870 for a particular lodge in your state, what you typically find is:

(1) The period during which the return has been prepared,

(2) a list of lodge officers,

(3) a list of Past Masters and Members,usually listed by last name, followed by first and second initial,

(4) a list of degrees conferred (Initiated, Passed and Raised - all by name),

(5) a list of names of those demitted, suspended, expelled and

(6) a summary of dues paid to the grand Lodge

All returns for a state generallly are published in the form of a hardback book titled something like,

"Proceedings of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Ancient Free and Accetped Masons, at the fortieth Grand Annual Communication held at the Masonic Hall in the City of Jackson, Commencing on the 18th of January, A.D. 1858, etc. . . . "

It helps if you happen to know a Mason or have a Mason in the family who can introduce you to, e.g., the Grand Secty of the Grand Lodge. Or, you might just find a copy of the proceedings for your state in your state historical society.

I wish you much good luck in your search.