Difference between revisions of "Aurora"

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We understand that the celebration next year will be held at Worcester, under the direction of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MorningStar Morning Star] Lodge.
 
We understand that the celebration next year will be held at Worcester, under the direction of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MorningStar Morning Star] Lodge.
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==== INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1857 ====
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''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 1, November 1857, p. 9:''
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Ok Monday, Sept. 28, 1857, the M. W. Grand Master, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard], Esq. with his Wardens, Grand Secretary and others, by particular invitation, visited Aurora Lodge, at Fitchburg, and installed their Officers for the coming year. They were as follows: Charles Fessenden, W. M— William Kimball, S. W. — Moses G. Lyon, J. W. — Asher Green, Treas. — James P. C. Cummings, Sec'y. — Jonas A. Marshall, S. D. — Henry A. Spooner, J. D. — Henry J. Lowe, S. Std. — Henry T. Pratt, J. Std.— John W. Wheeler, Marshal — and Martin Newton, Tyler. This flourishing Lodge was chartered June 8, 1801, at Leominster, an adjacent village, and since removed to the growing and prosperous town of Fitchburg. It was a cheering sight to look around their cosey and convenient Lodge-room and see such a cluster of fine-looking substantial Brethren, who for more than half a century have principally sustained this Lodge. There were many silvery locks and venerable forms, which brought back the memory of other days, and the appearance of the younger members was a pleasing omen of the future success of this Lodge. The address of our Grand Master was very appropriate, replete with instruction, and well calculated to promote among the members personal knowledge of the Art, and to instil a due caution and rigid scrutiny, both in bestowing charity on wanderers, and in receiving candidates for the degrees. He enjoined an unfailing attendance at the communications of the Grand Lodge. An hour was thus profitably employed, and every word which fell from his lips — delivered without note, in that frank and animated manner which comes from a soul deeply interested in our noble Institution — was listened to with deep attention. The hall was filled to overflowing by the Brethren and our fair sisters who honored the occasion. The little band — I think only a Quaternion of voices — with the aid of a Seraphine, gave us a treat of melody. For, it is worthy of remark, there are sometimes at concerts and on public cele brations, voices heard, so very highly cultivated and with such a pulmonary strain, that they rend the ear of a lever of Music. There was no attempt there at such fashionable super-excellence. Modern screaming has not yet reached the beautiful vale of Fitchburg. There was no vocal ''artist'' rising on octaves to the third heavens, nor dancing a rigadoon among aerial ''crotchets'', nor exciting the plaudits of a gaping multitude by a double shuffle among starry ''appogiaturas''. There was no hanging between heaven and earth on a discordant trill until the breath was almost gone. On this occasion we had the music of rich, sweet voices — it came from the heart — it reached the heart.
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An elegant collation followed the ceremonies at the Lodge-room. It was given by Aurora Lodge at the American House, kept with much credit to himself and the place, by Mr. Comee. Brother Charles Fessenden, Master of that Lodge, presided. There was much beauty in the hall; whether the flowers which crowned the feast reflected their colors on the ladies, or their own fine complexions gave fresh coloring to the boquets, I will not decide. It is pleasant to see our sixers present at such convivial hours. They not only exhilarate the hearts of the Brethren but soften and temper noisy hilarity, which sometimes arises.
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The president drew out several smart speeches from the officers and guests — all which, as they say editorially on great and stirring occasions, were received with — unbounded applause.
  
 
==== ANNUAL DINNER, OCTOBER 1865 ====
 
==== ANNUAL DINNER, OCTOBER 1865 ====

Revision as of 15:00, 17 January 2013

AURORA LODGE

Location: Leominster; Fitchburg (1844)

Chartered By: Samuel Dunn

Charter Date: 06/08/1801 II-182

Precedence Date: 06/08/1801

Current Status: Active

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1801

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1901 (Centenary)
  • 1906 (105th Anniversary)
  • 1926 (125th Anniversary)
  • 1951 (150th Anniversary)
  • 1976 (175th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1878 1879 1883 1887 1889 1890 1892 1902 1906 1910 1912 1920 1921 1923 1924 1926 1929 1937 1951 1954 1956 1958 1966 1973 1974 1976 1982 1986 1991 1995 1999 2006

HISTORY

  • 1901 (Centennial Historical Address, 1901-61)
  • 1926 (125th Anniversary History, 1926-184)
  • 1951 (150th Anniversary History, 1951-88)
  • 1976 (175th Anniversary History, 1976-193)
  • 2004 (Excerpts from the Centennial History, 2004-160)

OTHER

  • 1830 (Report on delinquency)
  • 1844 (Petition to remove to Fitchburg
  • 1845 (Invitation for St. John's Day)
  • 1846 (Invitation for St. John's Day; described below)
  • 1926 (Petition to reduce fees)
  • 1979 (75-year member award to a member)
  • 1993 (Cemetery plot dedication)

EVENTS

FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, JUNE 1846

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. V, No. 10, August 1846, p. 297:

MASONIC CELEBRATIONS JUNE 24, 1846 AT FITCHBURG, MASS.

The anniversary of St. John the Baptist, was celebrated at Fitchburg, Mass., on Wednesday, 24th June, under the direction of Aurora Lodge. The day was favorable, and the number of Brethren present was larger than usual on such occasions, though smaller than it would have been had not the weather for several days previous been stormy. We had no opportunity of ascertaining the precise number in the procession, but estimate it at six hundred, including about four hundred Masons and two hundred ladies—the wives and daughters of Masons.

The procession was formed at eleven o'clock, under the direction of Col. Ivers Phillips, Marshal of the day. Escort duty was admirably performed by the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, under the command of R. W. Br. Winslow Lewis, Jr. The ranks of this excellent corps of the "Military Brotherhood," were full, and we have rarely, if ever, been more gratified with their general appearance. So far as our acquaintance with similar bodies extends, they stand unrivalled in the order of Masonry to which they belong, whether within their asylum or on public parade.

In the procession, were the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of the State, with their banners. The Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem made their first public appearance, in their rich and expensive regalia, and added largely to the beauty of the procession. This body, in the absence of Ill. Br. E. A. Raymond, (who appeared in his place as S. G. Warden in Grand Lodge,) was under the command of Ill. Br. Enoch Hobart. It attracted much of the attention of the spectators, and was cordially welcomed by the Brethren. Besides these, there were a large body of Royal Arch Masons, and some eight or ten Lodges, the names of which we did not note down at the time, and have now forgotten.

Soon after the procession was formed, it proceeded to the dwelling house where the ladies were assembled, who were received under a salute from the escort. The procession then marched through the principal street of the village, counter marched, and proceeded to the Unitarian Church, where the following exercises took place :

VOLUNTARY, By Flagg's (Boston) Brass Band.

PRAYER, By Rev. Br. Albert Case, of Worcester.

HYMN, No. 85, from Br. Power's Masonic Melodies; Music: Bermondsey.

Blest Art of ancient fame !
Let echo's voice proclaim
The welcome word :
May this divine decree-
Man's dearest bond shall be
Indulgent Charity—
Still sound aloud.

When Chaos fled from earth,
Then Order first had birth
ln forms of Light:
'Twas Wisdom's own behest,
That Strength should ever rest
Where Beauty stood confessed,
In radiance bright.

Then God's most perfect plan,
In love to feeble man,
Was kindly given:
With Level, Plumb, and Square,
Form rose from rudeness there,
Proportions just and fair,
The boon of Heaven.

Should sorrow seek relief,
Then be another's grief
In mercy there;
Kindness for human woe,
Soft pity's warmest glow,
Let each true Brother know,
Our constant care.

Come, join a Brother's joy;
In sweetest song employ
This festal day;
Let each fraternal tie
Its purest Faith imply,
Our Hope still fixed on high,
In clouudless ray.

READING OF THE SCRIPTURES, by Rev. Br. Case.

HYMN, No. 84, from from Br. Power's Masonic Melodies; Music: The Indian Philosopher.

When darkness Veiled the face of man,
Then Light, with radiant beams, began
To cheer his clouded way ;
In graceful form to soothe his woes,
Then Beauty to his vision rose,
In bright and gentle ray.

Immortal Order stood confessed,
From Farthest East to distant West,
In columns just and true :
The faithful Plumb and Level there,
Uniting with the trusty Square,
The temple brought to view.

Descending, then, from Heaven most high,
Came Charity, with tearful eye,
To dwell with feeble man ;
Hope whispered peace in brighter skies,
On which a trusting Faith relies,
And earth's best joys began.

Abroad was seen the boon of Heaven ;
Fraternal Love was kindly given,
And touched each kindred heart:
The sons of Light, with transport then,
In kindness to their fellow-men,
Unveiled the gentle Art.

Let grateful paeans loudly rise,
O'er earth's domains, to azure skies,
As time shall onward move!
A Brother's joy and woe shall be
Undying bonds to mark the free,
To wake a Brother's love.

ORATION. By Br. John H. Sheppard.

ODE.

BENEDICTION.

OLD HUNDRED. By the Audience.

The Oration by Brother Sheppard was full of classic beauties and rich imagery. It was the production of an elegant scholar—enriched by a vivid imagination. Some portions of it were of surpassing beauty. A contemporary, in speaking of it, says:— "It was the testimony of an honorable, talented, and upright man and worthy Mason of thirty years standing,—who has gone through nearly all the degrees or orders,—in favor of Masonry. The orator gave some humorous hits at the various new-fangled doctrines and humbugs of the day, and concluded with an eloquent appeal to the Brethren to take measures to erect a suitable monument, at Mount Vernon, over the remains of Washington—who was an illustrious and worthy member of the Order, and who has left on record his testimony in favor of the institution and its principles." We are happy in being able to state that the address has been published by the Lodge before which it was delivered, and is on sale at the bookstores in this city.

The prayer by the Rev. Br. Case, was a fervent, eloquent and impressive invocation to Deity,—worthy of the high reputation of that excellent Brother as a preacher of the Gospel and a practical and devoted Mason. The music by the choir was excellent and added much to the interest of the services in the Church.

The dinner was provided by Messrs Jaquith & Comee, and served np in a spacious pavilion on the square in front of the Church. The tables were well arranged, and abundantly supplied with whatever the market afforded. The inte¬ rior of the pavilion was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, under the direction of the excellent lady of the junior partner—who is the daughter of a most excellent Mason, and who inherits no inconsiderable share of the Masonic fervor of her respected father.

In the absence of the Master of the Lodge, the Senior Warden, Dr. J. A. Marshall, presided at the table, to the entire acceptance of the company. Owing to the early hour at which the cars left for the city, little opportunity was afforded for sentiments or speeches. Some of the Brethren, however, seemed very much disposed to improve, in this way, the time allowed them, and some excellent speeches were made, and sentiments given. In fine, the occasion was one which will long hold a place among the pleasant recollections of the past. We believe that all were satisfied with what they saw and heard, and participated in. The ceremonies took place in one of the most beautiful and romantic villages in New England, and in the midst of an intelligent, liberal, and respectful community. It was a holyday, in which all present, whether Masons or not, seemed to rejoice. And indeed it could not well have become otherwise, for an army of Ladies were there, with their bright eyes and smiling faces!

We understand that the celebration next year will be held at Worcester, under the direction of Morning Star Lodge.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 1, November 1857, p. 9:

Ok Monday, Sept. 28, 1857, the M. W. Grand Master, John T. Heard, Esq. with his Wardens, Grand Secretary and others, by particular invitation, visited Aurora Lodge, at Fitchburg, and installed their Officers for the coming year. They were as follows: Charles Fessenden, W. M— William Kimball, S. W. — Moses G. Lyon, J. W. — Asher Green, Treas. — James P. C. Cummings, Sec'y. — Jonas A. Marshall, S. D. — Henry A. Spooner, J. D. — Henry J. Lowe, S. Std. — Henry T. Pratt, J. Std.— John W. Wheeler, Marshal — and Martin Newton, Tyler. This flourishing Lodge was chartered June 8, 1801, at Leominster, an adjacent village, and since removed to the growing and prosperous town of Fitchburg. It was a cheering sight to look around their cosey and convenient Lodge-room and see such a cluster of fine-looking substantial Brethren, who for more than half a century have principally sustained this Lodge. There were many silvery locks and venerable forms, which brought back the memory of other days, and the appearance of the younger members was a pleasing omen of the future success of this Lodge. The address of our Grand Master was very appropriate, replete with instruction, and well calculated to promote among the members personal knowledge of the Art, and to instil a due caution and rigid scrutiny, both in bestowing charity on wanderers, and in receiving candidates for the degrees. He enjoined an unfailing attendance at the communications of the Grand Lodge. An hour was thus profitably employed, and every word which fell from his lips — delivered without note, in that frank and animated manner which comes from a soul deeply interested in our noble Institution — was listened to with deep attention. The hall was filled to overflowing by the Brethren and our fair sisters who honored the occasion. The little band — I think only a Quaternion of voices — with the aid of a Seraphine, gave us a treat of melody. For, it is worthy of remark, there are sometimes at concerts and on public cele brations, voices heard, so very highly cultivated and with such a pulmonary strain, that they rend the ear of a lever of Music. There was no attempt there at such fashionable super-excellence. Modern screaming has not yet reached the beautiful vale of Fitchburg. There was no vocal artist rising on octaves to the third heavens, nor dancing a rigadoon among aerial crotchets, nor exciting the plaudits of a gaping multitude by a double shuffle among starry appogiaturas. There was no hanging between heaven and earth on a discordant trill until the breath was almost gone. On this occasion we had the music of rich, sweet voices — it came from the heart — it reached the heart.

An elegant collation followed the ceremonies at the Lodge-room. It was given by Aurora Lodge at the American House, kept with much credit to himself and the place, by Mr. Comee. Brother Charles Fessenden, Master of that Lodge, presided. There was much beauty in the hall; whether the flowers which crowned the feast reflected their colors on the ladies, or their own fine complexions gave fresh coloring to the boquets, I will not decide. It is pleasant to see our sixers present at such convivial hours. They not only exhilarate the hearts of the Brethren but soften and temper noisy hilarity, which sometimes arises.

The president drew out several smart speeches from the officers and guests — all which, as they say editorially on great and stirring occasions, were received with — unbounded applause.

ANNUAL DINNER, OCTOBER 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIV, No. 12, October 1865, p. 370:

It has been the custom for many years past with this energetic old Lodge to hold a Public Installation of its Officers, and to give an Annual Supper, to which the families and lady-friends of the members are invited, though we believe that for the last two or three years, on account of the war, and the consequent absence of many of its members, the custom has been allowed to fall into abeyance. It was, however, renewed the present year, and came off on the evening of the 12th ultimo. The attendance of the Brethren and ladies was considerably in excess of the ball- accommodations, though all were made as comfortable as they well could be, under the circumstances, and the pressure of an excessively warm evening. The ceremonies of Installation were performed by the M. W. Grand Master, assisted by his officers. At the conclusion of these the G. Master addressed the Lodge and the visitors present, referring to the early history of the Lodge, its uninterrupted success for the long time of sixty-four vears, and its faithfulness and loyalty to the parent Body. He also referred in appropriate and impressive terms to the general principles of the Institution and the great objects it has in view. His remarks fell onattentive ears, and apparently afforded gratification to his large and intelligent audience. The Music was performed by a fine quartette choir, and added largely to the interest and pleasure of the occasion.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies in the hall a procession was formed and the company proceeded to the Fitchburg Hotel, (an excellent public house,) where they sat down to a bountiful and well-served Supper, and where the ceremonies of the evening were interspersed with brief speeches by Bros. Parkman, Moore, Dame, Bancroft, and others. The occasion was an exceedingly agreeable one, and we trust not altogether unprofitable in its results.

The officers installed are as follows:—

  • John Barney, W. M.
  • Charles S. Litch, S. W.
  • C. H. B. Snow, J. W.
  • Arnold Wilson, Treas
  • S. W. Huntley, Sec.
  • Henry Allison, S. D.
  • Francis Shelden, J. D.
  • Henry G. Morse, S. S.
  • Henry S. Hitchcock, J. S.
  • William Kimball, Marshal
  • D. C. Brick, Chaplain
  • James Peirce, Tyler.

We had forgotten to say in its proper place, that at the conclusion of the Installation services the retiring Master, Brother M. G. Lyon, was presented with an elegant Past Master's Jewel, in gold, by Brother G. H. B. Snow. The speeches were appropriate, and that of the retiring Master especially interesting for its reminiscences.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1803: District 5 (Framingham, west and north)

1821: District 5

1835: District 3

1849: District 3

1867: District 7 (Lowell)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 22

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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