Difference between revisions of "Corinthian"

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CORINTHIAN LODGE

Location: Concord

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 06/12/1797 II-100

Precedence Date: 06/12/1797

Current Status: Active

NOTES

In the History of the Lodge that appears in the 1921 Proceedings, it indicates that the Lodge voted on February 22, 1836 to not surrender the Charter; the Lodge did not meet between December 1840 and February 1845. (Page 1921-92)

This history also contains brief biographies of several prominent members of the Lodge.

MEMBER LIST, 1802

From Vocal Companion and Masonic Register, Boston, 1802, Part II, Page 22:

• R. W. Reuben Bryant, M.
• W. Andrew Adams, S. W.
• W. Grosvenor Tarbell, J. W.
• Francis Jarvis, Sec.
• Bulkley Adams, Tr.
• William Mercer, S. D.
• Daniel Brooks, J. D.
• Samuel Dakin, Steward.
• Charles Brown, Steward.
• John Curtis, Tiler.

No. of Members, 42.

• Francis Jarvis

TROWEL, FALL 2005

From TROWEL, Fall 2005, Page 2:

Corinthian Lodge, from the Concord Grape to a Complete Makeover,
by Wor. Vaughn J. McKertich and Wor. John B. Ritchie

Colonial American farmers loved their freedom in the New World. They believed the English colony in Massachusetts was a land of opportunity and beauty. One of the places of real beauty was to be found in a Masonic lodge. Patriots who were Freemasons were able to meet and greet one another on the level of pure brotherhood. There were just a few such lodges in and around Boston. The soil in Concord grew patriots. In the spring of 1775 the town had a secret hiding place for the colonists’ military supplies. The war for independence started here.

The Revolution ended. The United States of America was created. It was the first modern nation influenced by Freemasonry. Corinthian Lodge, in the heart of the town of Concord, was formed in 1797 under the authority of Grand Master Paul Revere. The first permanent meeting place was in the building across from the Colonial Inn. The inn was a stopping place for the Grand Master when he made the 20-mile trip from Boston to Concord. Farming was the principal occupation then.

Today, the setting is far from farming. Freemasonry continues to be vigorous in the community. The Concord Masonic building is now home to Corinthian Lodge, Houghton-Walden Royal Arch Chapter, Adoniram Council Royal and Select Master Masons, Nashoba Valley Court #13 Order of the Amaranth (the Court of the Grand Master’s grandmother) and Concord Assembly #53 of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. The Masons and their families adore the lodge building that is simple, but now brightly restored. The makeover has been amazing. The center of Concord is rich with homes of colonial architecture, many built before the Revolution. Masonic life and community awareness are intertwined here. With the help of two Master Masons, Paul Revere and William Dawes, and the people of Concord, this Massachusetts town is known throughout America as the birthplace of the American Revolution.

Corinthian Lodge became the 25th lodge constituted by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge. With the charter in hand, the petitioners met in the grand jury room at the Court House in Concord on July 5, 1797, the day following the annual Independence Day celebration. That original charter, signed by Most Worshipful Paul Revere, was recently placed in safekeeping in the Concord Museum.

During the early American period, New England was thought to be an austere place, but any austerity was on the outside. Inside lodges, like Corinthian Lodge, meetings were held in the warmth and comfort of a tavern’s hospitality. In its first 22 years, the lodge met in six different halls. The first lodge meeting was held in Joshua Jones’ Hall (tavern) on Exchange Street. The last three of these early years were at the County House, where warmth and hospitality continued.

On November 13, 1820, Corinthian Lodge and the Town of Concord dedicated their new brick building that was to be used as a school and the first permanent Masonic Hall. It is said that the young Henry David Thoreau was a teacher here for a short time. From 1797 to 1916, Corinthian Lodge operated as a “moon lodge.” Its meeting dates were tied to the arrival of a full moon, which helped the brothers traveling on foot and horseback without benefit of electricity.

The first Master was Dr. Isaac Hurd, who later served as Senior Grand Warden and was the son of Benjamin Hurd, for whom the Distinguished Service Medal of Royal Arch Masonry is named. Many notable Masters took office in the ensuing years. Among them were Dr. Lemuel Shattuck for whom the Boston hospital is named; Louis A. Surette, a historian and author of many Masonic histories; and Ephraim W. Bull, who developed the Concord grape.

During the 50th anniversary of the battle at the bridge over the Concord River where the farmers stood and fired the shot heard around the world, the Masons of Corinthian Lodge were prominent in the laying of the monument cornerstone on April 19, 1825.

The brothers never rested. The most recent 25-year period of Corinthian Lodge’s history is full of enhancements, and a restoration of the building, inside and out. It has become a proud showplace for the Masons. “We welcome the future,” says Worshipful John B. Ritchie, Master of Corinthian Lodge. “In our lodge, we see a growing membership that will not rest on its past restorations and accomplishments, but will look forward to new challenges.”

THE CONCORD MASONIC HALL

The townspeople in the 19th Century intended to have a building that housed a school for children on the ground floor and a lodge room upstairs for the Masons. The brick structure was more than the typical one-room schoolhouse. It has been used continuously by the Masons, and briefly by the Odd Fellows.

The Masonic building was set off Monument Square, in the center of town, about ten feet from the curb. In 1882, the lodge changed the building’s location on their lot, moving it back 42 feet to where it stands today. Following World War I, membership outgrew available accommodations, and in 1920 the present lodge room and banquet hall were added to give the building its present footprint. An old photo in the lodge room shows that the front of the building has changed very little from its original design by town officials.

The architectural style is Federal, so named because it flourished during the first years of American federal government, from around 1790 to 1815. Its understated design is of great refinement, with simple flat shapes, but delicate detail. At the top, near the peak of the gable end, are three little openings built for pigeons that were used for communication or other more gastric uses. With the arrival of the telephone in the 20th Century, pigeons have left, but the openings remain and seem an intimate part of the facade.

In Masonic tradition, the Worshipful Master is figuratively in the East when Corinthian Lodge is open. A beautiful lighted mural in a recessed wall behind the Master’s chair depicts a Grecian landscape with a facade of Corinthian pillars and pilasters on his left and right. The setting is the Mediterranean coast, a green valley and village, as bright as it is simple.

The impressive lighted ceiling is reminiscent of the biblical readings of Genesis 1:14-15: “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the Earth.’”

The impression one receives while in the lodge room relates the Masonic world we live in today to that of the ancient Greeks, who created the Corinthian columns about 2,000 years ago, and who loved the philosophy of brotherhood. In 2005, we enjoy the same kind of associations with one another. In Corinthian Lodge, you can sense our history old and new, and will always be warmly welcomed as a friend or brother.

RESTORATION OF A TREASURE RENEWS MASONIC COMMITMENT

When one assumes custodianship of a cherished valuable, that responsibility is often viewed with awe and trepidation. That was certainly the situation in which the Master of Corinthian Lodge found himself two years ago. The roof on the 1920 addition had leaked over a period of time, causing significant damage to the beautiful lodge room, which had not been painted in years. However, the extent of the water damage reached far beyond what could be mended with so limited a fix. Before any interior restorations could begin, the exterior shell would have to be repaired. This was no small task given the location of the lodge, in the midst of a significant historical district like Concord. After all interested parties were satisfied with the specifications for the new roof, the lodge went ahead. In spite of a busy Masonic agenda, lodge operations were only slightly affected by this phase of the repairs. As the year progressed, the need arose to plan a special event: a visit by officers of Grand Lodge.

Although Most Wor. Donald G. Hicks, Jr., received a warm welcome, with over 130 members and visitors in attendance, the large and visible water damaged area in the lodge room unfortunately remained. It is difficult to receive important guests when the house is in disrepair.

In the second year of the restoration it was possible to address the interior aspects of the project, which, while unseen by the passing public, were of great significance to lodge quality of life. While evaluating bids for the interior painting, the lodge was fortunate to identify a Masonic brother, and future Corinthian Lodge affiliate, James LeClair, as a potential contractor. Bro. LeClair was selected because of his credentials as an experienced conservator, his impressive knowledge of Masonic traditions and practices, and his enthusiasm for the restoration task at hand. As part of the project, Bro. LeClair agreed to repair the water-damaged wall where the old horsehair plaster was crumbling away.

It became apparent that the right man had been selected when he undertook extra tasks far beyond the originally specified scope of work and at no additional cost, such as fully painting and adorning the entire lodge room. He even accented in gold the bases and capitals of all pillars and pilasters adorning the facades in the East and West of the lodge. Additionally, the clouded canopy that previously adorned the lodge room ceiling was replaced with a starry-decked heaven. With Bro. James LeClair’s work, the veil of age was lifted and beauty revealed again.

With the successful completion of this project, the members of Corinthian have found that interest in their lodge has grown, and the morale of the membership has improved. The appendant bodies, which traditionally support events at the annual Concord Patriots Day parade, display new vigor. The establishment of a Masonic Angel Fund, as well as efforts to raise funds for that purpose, has been well received. Blood drive numbers have increased.

Pride in the restoration project created a new wave of enthusiasm that will carry Corinthian Lodge forward, and the officers and members look ahead with renewed spirit to meeting the Grand Master’s membership recruitment challenge. They will proudly show off their treasure to Masons and the community at an open house on September 24th, the Grand Master’s Square and Compasses Day.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Charter: 1797

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1897 (Centenary)
• 1902 (105th Anniversary)
• 1922 (125th Anniversary)
• 1947 (150th Anniversary)
• 1972 (175th Anniversary)
• 1997 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1865 (Parkman)
• 1872 (Nickerson; hall dedication; see below)
• 1897 (Hutchinson; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1902 (Gallagher; 105th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1912 (Benton)
• 1918 (L. Abbott)
• 1921 (Prince; Hall Dedication; Special Communication)
• 1922 (Prince; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1947 (Wragg; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1972 (Vose; 175th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1975 (Maxwell)
• 1981 (Berquist)
• 1983 (Berquist)
• 1985 (Richardson; installation; Concord 350th Anniversary)
• 1989 (Ames; Reception for Senior Grand Warden Charles A. Lukas, Jr.)
• 1997 (A. Johnson; 200th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 2004 (Hicks; Concord Award Night)
• 2011 (Stewart; Table Lodge)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1857 1869 1872 1885 1897 1904 1912 1916 1920 1927 1928 1930 1948 1952 1953 1954 1955 1961 1968 1976 1979 1983 1987 2003 2012

HISTORY

• 1921 (History at Hall Dedication, 1921-81; see below)
• 1947 (150th Anniversary History, 1947-158)
• 1972 (1947-1972 History, 1972-158)
• 1997 (Bicentenary History, 1997-53)

HISTORY AT HALL DEDICATION, MAY 1921

From Proceedings, Page 1921-81: By Wor. Edward B. Caiger.

The history of Corinthian Lodge may be roughly divided into six epochs. The first from its institution to the time of the anti-masonic activity. Second, the period of the anti-masonic activity. Third, the period of the revival to 1872. Fourth, from 1872 to the one hundredth anniversary in 1897. Fifth, from 1897 to the period of the participation of the United States in the World War, 1917. Sixth, 1917 to the fulfillment of the hopes of several years as represented in these new and beautiful quarters.

The origin of any organization of this kind which has been in existence for one hundred and twenty-four years and in a small country town is always a matter of particular interest. It is well to consider that the Lodge itself has been in existence almost as long as this government of ours; that its charter members were all living during the Revolution and some of them fought in it; that the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts who signed its charter in 1797 was Paul Revere, whose name is so closely linked with the events of the nineteenth of April. In the light of the Revolutionary history it would certainly have been a matter for regret had not n Lodge been instituted here in Concord thus early. Practically all the patriots of the Revolutionary period were freemasons, the Boston Tea Party (and no doubt other activities related so closely to the Revolution), was instigated in a Masonic Lodge-room and carried through by our Masonic Brethren.

The first meeting of Corinthian Lodge took place July 5th, 1797, and we read from the records that Isaac Hurd, John Hartwell, Thomas Heald, Abel Barrett, Reuben Bryant, John Richardson, Daniel Davis, Ithamar Spaulding, James Temple. Jonathan Curtis, A. I. Fitch, Joshua Brooks, Francis Jarvis and Samuel Tuttle, having met at Concord at the Court House in the Grand Jury Room on Wednesday, the fifth of July, 1797, and having made choice of Brother Isaac Hurd, Moderator, to govern the meeting, and Brother James Temple, Secretary pro tempore, voted as follows:

• Voted to have the Charter for Corinthian Lodge which was obtained by the mediation of Brothers Isaac Hurd. Thomas Heald, and John Richardson from the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in behalf of the brethren mentioned in the Charter.
• Voted, to choose the officers for Corinthian Lodge for the remaining part of the year and made choice of the following, viz.:
  • Brother Isaac Hurd. first Master,
  • Brother John Hartwell. Senior Warden.
  • Brother Thomas Heald, Junior Warden.
  • Brother Ahel Barrett, Treasurer.
  • Brother James Temple, Secretary.
  • Brother Daniel Davis, Senior Deacon.
  • Brother A. I. Fitch, Junior Deacon.
  • Brothers Jonathan Curtis and Ithamar Spaulding, Stewards.
• After other votes it was voted: To adjourn this meeting to the first Wednesday of the ensuing month, (August 2nd, 1797.) at; four o'clock p.m., to open as a regular Lodge. James Temple, Secretary.

At the meeting of August second, it was "Voted that each regular meeting he opened precisely at three o'clock p.m., and closed at eight o'clock." And on the same date it was voted that the Master and Wardens be a committee to purchase three large candlesticks of King Solomon's Lodge. As a consequence of this vote three large candlesticks were purchased of King Solomon's Lodge, and of these three I am informed that we have two in use today, the one in the east and the one in the west of the Lodge-room.

It is difficult to find much concerning the Masonic history of our charter members prior to the institution of Corinthian Lodge. Isaac Hurd and John Hartwell received their degrees in St. Andrew's Lodge, and Thomas Heald in King Solomon's Lodge. Roger Brown, Joshua Brooks, and Winthrop Faulkner received the second and third degrees in this Lodge, and had received, therefore, but the first degree when they petitioned for a Charter. Francis Jarvis had received the first and second degrees in St. Paul's Lodge, now of Ayer, instituted just, prior to Corinthian Lodge, and Jarvis received his Master Mason degree in this Lodge, the first man to receive the degree in Corinthian Lodge.

One of their first duties was to find a meeting place, said arrangements were made with Joshua Jones for his hall for a term of eight or nine months, the Lodge to have the right to use the hall as often as they pleased. Joshua was to find the fire-wood and build the fire one hour before each meeting, having due notice thereof. Per this accommodation the Lodge was to pay the munificent sum of two dollars and fifty cents a month. Joshua Jones Hall stood opposite the Concord Bank Building where Friends Block now stands, and was torn down to make way for Friends Block.

Thus was Corinthian Lodge instituted and it continued very active through the term of Lemuel Shattuck as Master, down to the year 1830, when the effects of the anti-masonic crusade began to be noticeable. During this period there were two hundred and twenty initiates and two hundred and seven were made Master Masons, an average of over seven initiates a year.

On January 16, 1800, a committee was chosen to meet
the citizens of the town at Wyman's Tavern (Middlesex
 Hotel) and make all necessary arrangements to commemorate the death of our illustrious Brother George Washing
ton. The citizens of Concord and its vicinity held a large meeting and voted to join the Masons in the funeral obse-ipihss, all of which were under the management of our first Master, Isaac Hurd.

Middlesex Hotel, Concord

I have noticed two things in particular during this (period of our Masonic history of some note. First, the customary practice of observing St. John's Day, June 24th. In 1802 Corinthian Lodge celebrated the day at Watertown, 1803 in Concord, 1804 in Framingham, 1805 in Concord with Hiram, of Lexington, Meridian, of Natick, and Middlesex, of Framingham. Isaiah Thomas, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was present and the address was delivered by Reverend Brother Ezra Ripley. In 1811 it was celebrated in Harvard by invitation of Lancaster Lodge, in 1819 again in Concord with Hiram and Meridian Lodges. Our records state that "a procession, headed by three marshals and a hand of music was formed in front of the court house, walked around the 'pond' to the Meeting House, where an address was delivered by Brother John Keyes, at the close of which the procession proceeded to the court house and partook of an elegant entertainment provided by Major Caleb Simons" (of Middlesex Hotel). The pond began at the mill dam and extended toward what is now Hey wood Street. In 1816 the celebration was held at Lexington by invitation of Hiram Lodge, in 1818 at Framingham by invitation of Middlesex Lodge, in 1819 in Concord, in 1821 at Waltham by invitation of Monitor Lodge, in 1822 at Chelmsford by invitation of Pentucket (now of Lowell).

In 1824 St. John's Day was celebrated in Concord with Monitor Lodge, of Waltham, Pentucket, of Chelmsford, St. Paul's, of Groton, and Middlesex, of Framingham. The procession proceeded to the Meeting House where an appropriate prayer was made by Reverend Brother Ezra Ripley, and a very ingenious and well adapted address was delivered by Reverend Brother Charles Train, of Framingham.

Select pieces of music were performed by Hie choir accompanied by an excellent hand of musicians. The procession again formed and proceeded lo the Middlesex Hotel, where they partook of an excellent feast prepared by Brother Eben Thompson. Appropriate toasts were drunk, after which the brethren departed in peace and good order. "seldom witnessed on like occasions any other societies on their public celebrations." Corinthian Lodge then repaired to the Hall where a committee consisting of the Right Worshipful Master and Worshipful Wardens was chosen to wait on Brother Train to tender the thanks of Corinthian Lodge for his excellent, address and to request a copy of the same for the press. Brother Train is said lo have been a very noted speaker in his day.

The second noticeable fact is the comparative youth of our deceased Brethren. Of about forty-six of our Brethren passing away during that period, fourteen were under forty years Of age; ten between forty and fifty; twelve between fifty and sixty, and but ten over sixty.

The Lodge remained in Joshua Jones Hall until December, 1798, when it moved into Brother John Richardson's Hall in the old Middlesex Hotel, burnt June 10, 1845), and which stood on the site of the Middlesex (Irounds. Brother Richardson engaged to open his hall free of rent and furnish refreshments at tavern prices. The Lodge held its communications here for a little over two years until in January, 1801, it moved into Deacon Vose's Hall at forty-two dollars per annum. We all remember this as the three-story yellow wooden building on Walden Street, torn down to make way for Torney & ViaJle's garage. Two years and a half later finds the Lodge in Richardson's Hall over the store of Richardson and Wheeler, located according to Surette's History on Church Square opposite the Unitarian Meeting House, and the second dwelling from Lexington Street. This is probably the house just east of the burying ground across the square and now occupied by Mr. Henry It. Joslin. Here the Lodge stayed four years and a half when it met in Sawyer's Hall in Israel Sawyer's Tavern. I have not been able to identity this building, but believe it is the tavern which preceded the Middlesex Hotel on the location of the Middlesex Grounds. The name of the tavern probably followed the name of its proprietor for the time being. One year only did they remain when they returned to the hall over what had been Richardson & Wheeler's store, at twenty-five dollars a month.

A little over nine years later they moved to the County House which was hired from Brother Abel Moore for sixteen dollars and fifty cents a year, for hall rent and firewood. The County House is now the residence of the Catholic priest, the second building east from here. The next meeting place has proved to be. with the exception of ten years when the Lodge met in Brother Garty's Block from 1872 to 1882, the permanent Masonic home of Corinthian Lodge. On November thirteenth, 1820, Corinthian Lodge Dedicated Freemasons Hall, which is the front portion of this structure and which lies beyond yonder wall. On that day the Brethren of Corinthian Lodge met at Darrah's Hotel at eleven o'clock, according to summons for the purpose of Dedicating their new hall. A procession was formed and marched to the Meeting House where an able Masonic discourse was delivered by Brother Benjamin Gleason, After the ceremonies were closed at the Meeting House, the procession again formed and proceeded to the new hall which was dedicated with becoming solemnity, "To Masonry, to Virtue, and to Benevolence"' by Brother John Keyes. Master of the Lodge, in the presence of a large audience. The Brethren dined at Darrah's, and the whole day was spent in a manner highly satisfactory to the lovers of Masonry and the friends of the Order.

April 19th, 1825, was memorable in the annals of the Lodge in that the corner-stone of a monument, to commemorate the Concord tight was laid by Corinthian Lodge in Masonic order, but never erected, Brother William Whiting, Master, officiating. The site of this monument was on the Square about five feet east of the liberty pole. A large number of citizens of Concord disapproved this site as it was nearly half a mile from (lie North Bridge.

In the winter of 1825 and 1826, a sham monument about twenty feet high was erected in the night, of empty casks and boards over the foundation, of the monument with the following inscription: "This monument is erected here to commemorate the battle which look place at the North Bridge." The following night the structure was burned down, the intense heat, injuring the corner-stone. Nothing further was done until the erection of the present shaft at the bridge in 1836, at which time the country was in the throes of the anti-masonic persecution.

The Masonic persecution arose out of the disappearance of one William Morgan, which look place on September 12, 1826. How one of Morgan's character was admitted to a Masonic body, if it had been known at the time, is rather incomprehensible, lie appears to have been of intemperate habits, envious, malicious, and vindictive in disposition. During the year 1825 serious difficulties sprang up between Morgan and his Masonic brethren. He failed to receive a contract to build a Masonic edifice at LeRoy, New York, and further was not permitted lo become a charter member of a new Chapter at Batavia, New York. Soon after this he collaborated with one Miller, and published a so-called expose of Freemasonry. He was committed to Canandaigua Jail on September eleventh on charge of petit larceny, and was released the next evening. He left the jail with one Lawson with whom he appeared to be on friendly terms. From that time nothing is known of him, except that he disappeared. The Masonic fraternity was charged with his murder which was of course ridiculous; if in any way true, it could have only been the act of individuals, but there was no evidence of even that. There is some evidence that he was bribed to leave (he country and that he was afterwards seen in foreign parts.

At any rate Morgan's disappearance was seized upon by persons of vindictive mind toward our Institution, by expelled Masons, by those who had been refused admittance to our Order, and by some who coveted political honors, and the names gradually, then more rapidly, spread. An anti-masonic party was formed, anti-masonic conventions held, anti-masonic papers published. Men of the highest and most reputable character were abused, threatened, and persecuted by this strange fanaticism. With one exception the Brethren of Corinthian Lodge remained steadfast. On December 31st, 1871, the famous Declaration of the Freemasons of Boston and vicinity, was published and signed by nearly six thousand Masons in New England. It. is a calm, dignified statement denying certain allegations made against the Fraternity and stating briefly the underlying principles of our Masonic Earth. We have the satisfaction of knowing that thirty-seven members of Corinthian Lodge signed this declaration, and it seems to me worth while to read their Dames as many of them will be recognized by the older members here.

Lemuel Shattuck, historian of Concord, Reverend Ezra Ripley, pastor of the First Parish Church for sixty-two years, John Keyes, our twelfth Master, Isaac Hurd, our first Master, William Whiting, our thirteenth Master, William Shepherd, our seventeenth Master, Herman Atwill, Dudley Smith, Abel Moore. Alvan Pratt, John Hosmer, John Nelson, our sixteenth Master. E. H. Bellows, our eighteenth Master, Thomas D. Wesson. Nathan M. Wright. James Weir, our twenty-first Master, Hartwell Bigelow, Joseph Smith, John Brown, our eighth Master, Cyrus Warren, James Adams, Henry Wright, Henry H. Merrill, Obediah Kendall, Francis Jarvis, first Master Mason made in Corinthian Lodge and our fourth Master, and David Gilmore, all of Concord. Reverend Samuel Ripley, of Waltham, son of Ezra Ripley, Charles A. Wheeler, of Lincoln, and the following Brethren all from Acton; Simon Hosmer, Jonathan B. Davis, John Fletcher, Simon Hosmer, Jr., Peter Tenney, Luther B. Jones, Bradley Stone, and Stephen Hayward, and Stephen Blood of Carlisle. There was but one traitor among this number, Herman Atwill, who some time afterward became editor of the Yeoman's Gazette, in which paper there first appeared an anti-masonic editorial on January 26th, 1833. He was most unscrupulous in his denunciations of our Institution and its members, and took particular delight in abusing Worshipful Brother John Keyes, who at the time was County Treasurer. Any where from a quarter of the space in the paper to all of it was devoted to Masonic persecution. Brother Keyes is called King Keyes and King John, lie held the office of King in the Concord Royal Arch Chapter. During this period of the Masonic persecution our records show brief reports of meetings and the meetings were at this time very infrequent. At the meeting held in October, 1829, we read thai the ceremonies were closed by an appropriate prayer by Brother Dr. Ripley and the meeting adjourned to Mr. Shepherd's Motel where a supper was served in a manner not unworthy of the occasion, after which all parted in harmony. And so we learn from the records of meetings along this troublous period, that: they were closed in peace and harmony. At the meeting of February 12, 1832, it was moved that two hundred copies of the Declaration made by the Masons in Massachusetts be purchased for the purpose of distribution among the friends of the Order, and it was so voted.

Surette's History states that on February 22, 1836, it was unanimously voted not to surrender the Charter of Corinthian Lodge, Although I cannot find this vote on the records, it might be read between the lines. A committee was chosen to see what should he done with the hall. Brother Cyrus Warren was chosen to take charge of the furniture, and thereafter appear no records for four years and nine months. The Charter was not surrendered. Two members of this period lived to a ripe old age, Brothers Alvan Pratt and James Weir, both of whom were very active in Masonry, and who carefully preserved our Charter. A meeting was held December 7, 1840, and then no other was held until February 3. 1845. Regular meetings began again at the annual meeting, October 14, 1845; at this time the Lodge had twenty-four members. As we look back on this period we have reasons to look with pride on the loyalty of these men, in holding our Charter and making the reports to the Grand Lodge, even during the years when no meetings were held. In the records of the Lodge for the next, forty years we find continual references to the steadfastness and loyalty of the Masonic Brethren of this period.

Worshipful Brother James Weir became a Master Mason in Corinthian Lodge, November 5, 1821, and held office in the Lodge for a period of seventeen years. In 1823, a Steward; 1824 and 1826, 1830 and 1831 Junior Deacon; 1824 and 1826, 1830 and 1831 Senior Deacon; 1845 and 1846 Senior Warden; 1848 Junior Warden; 1849 and 1850 Senior Deacon; 1851 Master; 1852, 1854, and 1855 Senior Warden again. His early career was rather interesting and exciting as he was a seaman in the British navy and took pari in several engagements with the French and was at Elba at the landing of Napoleon.

Brother Alvan Pratt was initiated in Olive Branch Lodge in 1815 and became a member of Corinthian Lodge in 1821. Brother Weir and Brother Pratt were admitted to membership on the same date. December 3, 1821. In 1821 Brother Pratt, was Junior Deacon; 1824 and 1825 Junior Warden, twelve years secretary from 1835 to 1846 inclusive; 1847 Treasurer as well as in 1851 and 1852; Senior Deacon 1849 to 1850, holding office twenty years in all. He died on July 21, 1877, a Mason sixty-two years. From the sketch of his life printed in our records appears the following: Among the twenty-three members of Corinthian Lodge who dared to assert their Masonic independence was the name of Alvan Pratt. By holding the office of Secretary at that time it became his duty to look after the safe keeping of the Charter, which was alternately kept by him and Worshipful Brother Weir, and if these Brethren had not remained faithful to their trust, perhaps we should not be the possessors of one of the oldest Charters in the state. Brother Weir died March 25, 1869, a Mason forty-seven and one half years.

About this period appear names in our records which are known or familiar to us today. Louis A. Surette, proposed by Alvan Pratt, became a Master Mason on November 5, 1845. George P. How, proposed by Louis A. Surette, received the degree of Master Mason January 25, 1852, and Henry J. Hosmer, proposed likewise by Louis A. Surette, was made a Master Mason, February 12, 1855. Many others, too, who afterwards became prominent in Masonic work. Among them, William W. Wheildon, Ephraim Wales Bull, our twenty-fourth Master, originator of the Concord Grape, Moses Hobson, our twenty-fifth Master, and Benjamin Tolman, our twenty-sixth Master. Worshipful Brother Surette was an ardent Mason. To him we are indebted for the history of the Lodge compiled to the year 1859. He was Senior Warden in 1851; Worshipful Master in all ten years, from 1851 to 1858 inclusive and from October 1864 to October 1866. On Brother Surette's retirement in 1866 the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, that Corinthian Lodge owes a debt of gratitude to its retiring Master, Louis A. Surette, for being first and foremost in coming to her rescue in her dark days, and bringing her from comparative obscurity to become the first institution in the town, as well as to occupy a high position among her sister Lodges throughout the Commonwealth. Resolved, that the thanks of the Lodge be given Brother Surette for what he has done as an officer, as a member, and a Mason. Believing that honor should be given when honor is due, and that so long as the name of Corinthian Lodge shall be found in the archives of Freemasonry, so long shall his name be held in grateful remembrance by us."

I doubt if a more devoted, just and upright Mason can be found than Worshipful George P. How. He was Junior Deacon in 1853; Senior Deacon in 1854; Junior Warden in 1855; Senior Warden in 1856, 1857, and 1858; Worshipful Master in 1859, 1860, and 1861. He was in the army one year, 1862. He was Senior Deacon from October 1863 to 1866, Worshipful Master again from October, 1866 to October, 1867; Senior Deacon again 1868 and 1869; Chaplain 1872 to 1874, and was in constant attendance at the meetings, always of help and assistance whenever he was needed. He held office fifteen years in all. Brother Surette and Brother How were elected honorary members the same night in April, 1873. Brother Henry J. Hosmer was likewise a very active member, held most of the offices in Corinthian Lodge, except Master, which office he declined to serve in, although unanimously elected, and even after that for many years was a devoted friend of the institution.

In March, 1854, Freemasons Hall was forcibly entered in the night and the carpet of the main floor and the Senior Warden's jewel were stolen. A new carpet was procured at a cost of fifty-three dollars and forty-five cents. The carpet on this floor has cost us sixteen hundred dollars.

On March 22, 1855, the first Masonic and Civic Ball that ever took place in Concord was attended in the Town Hall by nearly one hundred couples, under the direction of Brother Surette. The Lodge had forty-three members in November of that year. The interest which the general public was manifesting in Masonry at that period seems only a natural consequence and reaction from the period of the persecution. This is illustrated by the Masonic Ball, and by a Masonic occasion in the Town Hall on May 5th, 1857, when memorial exercises were held for Brother Dr. Elisha Kent Kane and an address was delivered by Reverend Brother William Roundeville. The audience filled every seat on the main floor and three hundred persons stood in the gallery of our Town Hall across the Green.

At the meeting of October 29, 1860, we find that the family of Peter Whelan having shown a perfect coldness with regard to any affection or sympathy for his memory, it was voted that the first three officers of the Lodge be a committee to erect a suitable slab at his grave. As far as I am able to discover the remains of Peter Whelan are the only ones buried in our lot in Sleepy Hollow.

At the meeting held on January 14. 1875, Worshipful Edward C. Damon called attention to the lot supposed to belong to Corinthian Lodge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and expressed a desire to annex said lot to his and give Corinthian Lodge another in exchange. A committee appointed to report found that the Lodge owned no lot. As a result Brother Damon gave the Lodge a deed of lot No. 257, to which he had caused the body of Brother Peter Whelan to be removed.

The records of our Brethren who were in the army at the 
time of the Civil War are not very clear, but at least eight
members served in the Union forces: W. S. Rice, who was
 prisoner of war for a year, George H. Willis, W. H. Chap
man, E. C. Wetherbee, James M. Billings, George P. How. Charles B. Snell, and a member by the name of Wheeler, whom I believe to he Caleb H. Wheeler. On June 17, 1865, fifty members of Corinthian Lodge proceeded to Lowell in a body and attended the consecration of the Ladd and Whitney monument in that city. We learn from our records that this was the first public display of Corinthian Lodge for many years and the members expressed themselves very well satisfied with the results.

Oil February 4, 1866, Thomas Todd, of Bethesda Lodge, Brighton, was a visitor. Brother Todd became a member of Corinthian Lodge on April 23, 1866, and has been a member of Corinthian Lodge for fifty-five years. He was initiated in Bethesda Lodge in December, 1857, and has therefore been a Mason sixty-three years. He was Treasurer of Corinthian Lodge from October, 1872, to October, 1898. His father, Thomas Todd, was a member from 1840 till his death, 1854, and his son, Thomas Todd, has been a member since the spring of 1903.

Probably the oldest living initiate of Corinthian Lodge is Brother Charles S. Twitchell, initiated February 18, 1867, crafted May 13, 1867, made a Master Mason Septem
ber 30, 1867, and admitted to membership February 3, 1868. We are glad to say Brother Twitchell is a frequent
 attendant at our Lodge meetings. Worshipful Brother
 Smith visited our Lodge for the first time February 18,
 1867, and was present at the initiation of Brother Twitchell. He became a member of Corinthian Lodge May 24, 1869.
 He was made a Master Mason in St. Matthew's Lodge, of
 Andover, in 1858, and has, therefore, been a Mason,
 like Brother Thomas Todd, for sixty-three years. I believe
 he has held office more continuously than any other mem
ber of Corinthian Lodge. He was Junior Warden 1870 to
 1872; Senior Warden 1872 to 1874; Worshipful Master
 1874 to 1876; Senior Deacon 1887 to 1889; Chaplain 1890 
to 1898; Chaplain 1903 to date. He has, therefore, held office in Corinthian Lodge for thirty-four years. In June, 1918, Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott presented Worshipful Brother Smith a Henry Price Medal.

On October 26, 1869, it was voted that Brother Todd continue to act as Organist, and that Brother Ball receive the pay attached to that office.

William F. Hurd became Master October 27, 1871. He was installed in office by Worshipful Brother George P. How, with the jewel presented to the Dodge by Brother Hurd's venerated grandfather, Isaac Hurd, our first Master. During Brother Hurd's regime the Lodge moved into Garty's Block, the Dedication of the Hall taking place February 28, 1872. About two hundred were present, members of the Lodge and their wives, and also men who were not Masons. From our records we learn that it was discovered that some of the fair sex had taken possession of the hall during the afternoon and decorated it profusely with beautiful flowers, a very pleasant surprise to the members. After the Lodge was seated it was again surprised by Mrs. William H. Brown, daughter of the Worshipful Master, who arose, presented a case of tools, and addressed him as follows: "A few ladies, wives of your members, desiring to show their interest in the Institution of Freemasonry and in Corinthian Lodge in particular, have selected these tools and implements which they hope you will accept as testimonials of their confidence and esteem, believing that any Institution in which those near and dear to them are so deeply interested must be worthy of their encouragement." The gift consisted of a gavel, trowel. twenty-four inch gauge, square and compasses, baton, and two truncheons appropriately inscribed. All of these we are regularly using at our meetings.

On July 18, 1872, occurred the death of Samuel Thatcher in Bangor, Maine, at that time the oldest Mason in the country, initiated in this Lodge June 18, 1798, and therefore a Mason seventy-four years.

The presentation of the first Past Master's jewel ever presented to a Master of Corinthian Lodge occurred October 1, 1872, when Worshipful Brother Edward C. Damon was presented such a jewel in behalf of the Lodge by Worshipful Brother Henry F. Smith. Worshipful Brother Damon was initiated January 25, 1869, and became a Master Mason March 22, 1860. He was Senior Warden from October, 1870, to October, 1872, and Worshipful Master from October, 1872, to October, 1874, and held the office of Chaplain for nine years, from October, 1874 to October, 1883. He was a devoted Mason, always present at the meetings when health would permit, and a very influential member of the Lodge. Brother Damon had just previously been appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth Masonic District. His father, Calvin Carver Damon, was admitted to membership in 1846, and died at Factory Village, then so-called, in 1854. He has three grandsons, members of the Lodge, one of them our Senior Warden, Winslow J. Damon. Worshipful Brother Edward C. Damon was elected to Honorary Membership January 7, 1895. On February 4, 1895, he presented his Past Master's jewel In the Lodge with instructions that it be worn by the youngest Past Master unless the Lodge otherwise provided, but if any of his descendants became Master he was to have it as long as he generally attended the meetings, he to give a satisfactory bond to return it upon his death or when lie ceases to attend the meetings. The jewel is in our safe, wailing for his grandson, Winslow J. Damon, to be able to wear it, and I believe we may look forward at not a very far distant date to the presentation by Worshipful Brother Henry F. Smith to him, as he once presented it to Window's grandfather.

Note should be made of one who took a great interest in the Lodge, but who died while in the office of Senior Warden, Stephen Jefferson Ballou, He was initiated in February, 1870. and elected Secretary the following autumn, serving two years, then Senior Deacon two years, Junior Warden two years, and was filling his second term as Senior Warden when he passed away. From our records we find the following: "Often he faithfully filled the chair in the West when he was ill enough to be in bed, but none of the Brethren knew it however. Seldom did he complain of his grievances to the world, but on the contrary was patient, cheerful and calm, conscientious and upright, trying to live a Christian life, therefore gaining many friends and the respect of the community."

To G. Arthur Gray, who was Worshipful Master for three years, from October, 1876, to October, 1879, we are indebted for the working copy of our Charter. This copy is an exact, facsimile of our original Charter. Worshipful Brother Cray, during his term as Master, made a rather exhaustive study of the old Charters in existence, and he reported that ours was the twenty-sixth Charter in order issued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Of these original twenty-six, five Charters had been destroyed by fire, nine had been surrendered, and nine only, including our own, had remained intact as issued. He considered Garty's Block in which the Lodge was then holding its meetings, a fire trap, had little respect for the safe in case of fire, and felt a great responsibility rested on him for its custody. He, therefore, deemed it advisable to have a copy made before anything should happen to the original. He spent two whole days making a tracing of the Charter, but was informed by the engravers that they must have the original. Worshipful Brother Gray then spent five whole days before he could find an engraver who would make an engraving at a cost he felt the Lodge could pay, and who would do a satisfactory job or receive nothing for his labor. A photograph of the Charter was made. Both the engraver and the photographer wanted the Charter left, saying it would be perfectly safe. Brother Gray would not allow the Charter out of his sight, so conscientious was he. The day the Charter was photographed he remained at the photographer's without his dinner until dark. It was a cloudy day and the lines on the Charter were so faint that it had to be exposed to the camera nearly an hour each time and four negatives had to be taken. During the term of Worshipful Brother Robert J. Stevenson as Master, the Charter was placed in a box in the vaults of the Security Safe Deposit Company in Boston, where it has since remained except as brought out on special occasions, and we expect that it will be safely preserved.

In reading the records of the Lodge at this time two
things stand out, a peculiar veneration for our Charter, it
 would seem more than now and perhaps due to the second,
 namely, the impression of the anti-masonic agitation, con
tinually referred to in the records and referred to as the "dark ages." The fact that the Charter was held safely and not surrendered during the "dark ages" made our Brethren of that day treasure it highly.

On March 2, 18S2, a Grand Masonic and Civic Ball was held in the Town Hall under the management of Floor Director Charles E. Brown. who was assisted by Messrs. Richard P. Barrett, John L. Gilmore, Daniel O. French, Henry P. Richardson, Alfred Smith, George E. Houghton, and Herbert W. Hosmer. From the particular description of some of the dresses worn by the ladies as set forth in the Concord Freeman, it was surely a gala affair. We learn from the records that the rough and perfect ashlars we have been using the past years were the gift of Worshipful Charles E. Brown, who was our Master for three years, from October 27, 1879, to October 23, 1882, succeeding Worshipful Brother Gray.

At the meeting of January 30, 1882, on motion of Brother Thomas Todd it was voted "that the Lodge remove from its present quarters in Garty's Block to the Old Masonic Hall on the Square as soon as practicable after the same shall have been remodelled according to plans shown," which contemplated an addition to the rear of said building. On October 16th, 1882, the Lodge again occupied the room in the forward part of this building. On that date Right Worshipful Brother Brown gives some history of this building, and it seems fitting to quote a part of his statement. "From the records of Corinthian Lodge we find under date January 24, 1820, Brothers John Keyes, Abel Moore and Luke Rogers were made a committee to confer with a Town Committee in regard to the erection of a brick building to be used as a school house and a Masonic Hall. February 6, 1820, the committee of conference having reported favorably Brother Eli Brown, John Keyes, Cyrus Warren. William Whiting, and Abel Moore were chosen to attend with the Town Committee to the erection of a Masonic Hall on Concord Square. Brother Nathan M. Wright, Treasurer, was authorized to pay four hundred dollars to the Town Committee for a Masonic Hall in the new brick school." The ownership of the building was apparently divided between the Town and the Lodge. The Lodge owned the hall which we occupied until last summer, with a right of entrance from the street, and the Town owned the lower floor and agreed to keep the outside of the whole building in good order. The new building was Dedicated June 15th, 1820. The Brethren of Corinthian Lodge met at Darrah's Hotel at eleven o'clock a.m. for the purpose of Dedicating their new hall. A procession was formed and marched to the Meeting House where an able Masonic discourse was delivered by Brother Benjamin Gleason. After the ceremonies at the Meeting House the procession again formed and proceeded to the new hall which was Dedicated with becoming solemnity to Masonry, to Virtue, and to Benevolence by Worshipful Brother John Keyes, Master of the Lodge, in the presence of a large audience. The Brethren dined at Darrah's. The whole day was spent in a manner highly satisfactory to the lovers of Masonry and the friends of the Order.

The little brick building was occupied by Corinthian Lodge from 1820 till 1872, a period of fifty-two years. The Lodge then moved to a hall in the third story of Garty's Block on Exchange Street, (now Main Street) and soon after sold its interest in this building to the Town. The Town soon conveyed the building to Worshipful Brother William F. Hurd, who fitted up the upper story as a schoolroom, the lower story being used as an engine house. Ten years later, as before related, the building was again used by Corinthian Lodge, after alterations had been made, the whole building now being used by the Lodge. The building was moved back forty-two feet from the street, and an addition of sixteen feet built in the rear. Thus the building was used by Corinthian Lodge until the addition was torn down last summer, the present structure built, and the original remodeled. In 1909 Corinthian Lodge purchased the building from the heirs of Worshipful William F. Hurd and an additional strip of land along the side of the lot and a small parcel of land in the rear. Last year the Concord Masonic Corporation was organized for the purpose of erecting this structure and the title vests in the Corporation at the present time.

Our records show that Brother Peter H. Bullock, of Henry Price Lodge, of Charlestown, was a visitor in this Lodge for the first time on October 16, 1882.

On January 23, 1888, Corinthian Lodge received the valuable gift of a Secretary's jewel, the plain one on the right of the lower row in the frame which hangs in the main corridor. This Secretary's jewel is of ancient workmanship and solid silver, once the property of John Richardson, one of the Charter members of Corinthian Lodge, and our second Treasurer. His son, Colonel George W. Richardson, one time Mayor of Worcester and in later life a resident of New Brunswick, presented the jewel to William F. Bunting, at one time Grand Master of New Brunswick, who caused it to lie placed here in Corinthian Lodge. On one of the feathers appear the initials "J. R. 1873," the date John Richardson was supposed to have been initiated, and on the other "W. F. B. 1881," the year it was presented to William F. Bunting.

In June of 1891 reference is made to the death of Edward Stern, elected as honorary member of Corinthian Lodge in 1852. Reverend Grindall Reynolds, Pastor of the Unitarian Church of this town, officiated at the funeral ceremonies. Brother Stern presented Corinthian Lodge with the four Masonic paintings we have used ever since in the work of our second degree.

In October, 1894, Brother Henry H. Benson resigned from the office as Treasurer, having faithfully filled that position for a period of twenty-five years.

In June, 1897, the one hundredth anniversary of Corinthian Lodge was celebrated. The celebration began on Sunday, June 13, 1897, with a service in the First Parish Meeting House at which Reverend Brother Loren B. Macdonald delivered a sermon. On Monday, June 14, at two thirty-five o'clock, was held the last regular Lodge meeting of the first century and five candidates were made Master Masons and a reception to the Past Masters of Corinthian Lodge was held in the evening. On Wednesday, June 14, 1897, at two fifteen O'clock p.m., a centennial Communication was held. At two forty-five P.M., with Most Worshipful Charles C. Hutchinson and his suite as guests, the Lodge proceeded again to the First Parish Meeting House, where appropriate exercises were held. The exercises finished with a banquet in the Town Hall with ten particular toasts. The standing committee was in charge of the celebration, Worshipful Charles S. Hart, as Master of the Lodge being chairman. Our Worshipful Brother George W. Hopkins was .Senior Deacon at that time. After serving in the lower offices he served as Junior Warden 1897 and 1898 and Senior Warden 1898 and 1899. He served as Master two years from October, 1899, to October, 1901.

The Lodge then had a slow but steady growth down to the lime of the participation of the United States in the World War. Eighteen members of Corinthian Lodge at the time of declaration of war entered the service. Their names are as follows: George A. Cowlard, Philip W. Damon, Winslow J. Damon, Wallis H. Ford, Roger S. Hoar, Eliot R. Howard, Herbert Hunt, Everett E. Pierce, Burleigh L. Pratt. Joseph S. Hart, Edmund W. Pratt, Joseph S. Richardson. John Alvord Rose, Frederick H. Conant, Franklin N. Prescott, Dr. Frederick K. Shaw, Edward B. Caiger, and Wendell Dodge Gowell. Of that number nine went overseas. Three of its officers are included in this number. One, John Alvord Rose, lost his life on the sinking of the steamer Leinster, and his loss has been a great one to Corinthian Lodge. Those of us who were officers of the Lodge at the time remember his painstaking work, his interest in the sodalities, and we all looked forward In his work in the office of Senior Deacon, to which he was elected and installed, hut never served after election, as he entered the service. A few others who were in the service during the war became members before the armistice and a much larger number since.

Further, I cannot pass by one, in particular, who passed from us during the period of the war, our late Master Nathaniel P. How, son of our former Master George P. How, a devoted Mason who from intimate associations in our Lodge work, I know was looking forward to this which we have realized here tonight, and who was about to enter upon greater service to the Lodge when called from among us.

Corinthian Lodge silently, without noise, without undue display, in many ways unknown to those outside its portals, bus in the last century and a quarter and is today making its influence felt in this community. Many of its members have held responsible positions of trust in town affairs. More than once has the entire Board of Selectmen been members of our Order as well as the majority of members of other town boards.

In the early days, especially before Lodges were so numerous, members of Corinthian Lodge frequently appear as members of Grand Lodge. Our first Master, Dr. Isaac Hurd, who procured our Charter, served as Junior Grand Warden in 1801 and 1802, and Senior Grand Warden in 1808. At the Lodge meeting of December 4th, 1797, he presented to Corinthian Lodge an antique and beautiful Master's jewel which I believe is now in the frame of jewels in our main corridor. Our twelfth Master, Honorable John Keyes, was Junior Grand Warden in 1824, 1825, and 1826, and Senior Grand Warden in 1827 and 1828. Colonel William Whiting, our thirteenth Master, was District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District in 1826, 1827, and 1828, and again in 1834 and 1835. Our fifteenth Master, Lemuel Shattuck, was District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District in 1829, 1830, 1831, and 1832. William Whiting and Lemuel Shattuck thus held this office for nine consecutive years. Brother Shattuck wrote a history of Concord, well known at least by name, and like Brothers John Keyes and William Whiting, was a man of great influence iu this community and in places where he afterwards lived. When I was Master of the Lodge I received a communication from a granddaughter or grandniece in Ipswich, requesting permission to present certain of Lemuel Shattuck's Masonic regalia to the Lodge, which proved to be a Chapter apron of beautiful design and a Chapter jewel. Worshipful Brother Edward C. Damon was District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth Masonic District for the years 1876 and 1877. Worshipful Charles E. Brown was District Deputy in 1883 and 1884; Worshipful Charles S. Hart held the office in 1902 and 1903; "Worshipful Charles W. Sylvester filled that office in the Twelfth Masonic District with honor to himself and pleasure to the Fraternity in 1919 and 1920. Brother Ezra Ripley was Grand Chaplain of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in 1803, 1831, 1832, and 1833. Ezra Ripley's son, Samuel Ripley, was appointed Grand Chaplain in 1823 Our nineteenth Master, Reverend Joseph Oberlin Skinner. was initiated in Middlesex Lodge at Framingham. He was one of the Grand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge in 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, and 1848. On the twenty-fourth of January, 1845, he officiated as Chaplain of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge at a great Masonic celebration at Charlestown, Massachusetts, when a miniature monument, an exact model of the original monument erected by King Solomon's Lodge in 1794, was placed inside Bunker Hill Monument.

One of our members has had the distinction of being Most Worshipful Grand Master, viz.: Samuel P. P. Fay, initiated in 1799, crafted March 18, and made a Master Mason June 17, 1799. He was a member of Amicable Lodge in 1800 and Grand Master in 1820. For many years he was Judge of Probate for Middlesex County. The last record of his appearance in Grand Lodge is in 1856.

Never has there been a time when the Grand Lodge has had to wait for its dues from Corinthian Lodge. Worshipful G. Arthur Gray has made a study of the Grand Lodge Records and from his report it appears that at one Communication of the Grand Lodge only five lodges were represented and Corinthian Lodge was one of that number and Worshipful Brother William Whiting was the representative. At other Communications when as few as ten to twenty were present, there was always some member of Corinthian Lodge in attendance. We have had three instances in which fathers and sons have been Masters of the Lodge: George P. How and Nathaniel P. How, Henry P. Smith and William Lincoln Smith, George H. Hopkins and George W. Hopkins. Also two instances of grandfathers and grandsons: Dr. Isaac Hurd, our first Master, and William V. Hurd, our twenty-eighth Master, and John Brown, our eighth Master, and Charles E. Brown, our thirty-second Master. Roger Brown, the father of John Brown, was a Charter member; Percy W. Brown, son of Charles E. Brown, is to be initiated this month so that soon four generations of the same family will have been members of the Lodge.

Since the Institution of the Lodge to the present time, we have had about six hundred and eighty-eight initiates and six hundred and sixty-one have been made Master Masons. Five men are now receiving their degrees and seven are waiting. We have now a membership of two hundred and sixty.

Of our Masters, three have been graduates of Harvard College, Isaac Hurd, John Leighton Tuttle, Edward B. Caiger; three of Dartmouth College, Thomas Heald, John Keyes, Will A. Charles; two of Brown University, John Nelson and Wells A. Hall; two of Northeastern College, George W. Hopkins and Raymond D. Willard, and William Lincoln Smith from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The occupations of our various Masters is illustrative of the democracy of our Institution. We have had doctors, lawyers, ministers, merchants, small tradesmen, school teachers, clerks, farmers, carpenters, artisans of various kinds, financial or banking men, literary men, men representing almost all walks of life.

For the brief space of time allotted to an historical sketch of this kind many items of interest have to be passed over. From the history of our Lodge as shown by the example of our forbears in constancy, fidelity, and devotion to the Institution let us gain an inspiration to carry on in the future with honor to ourselves, what they have so nobly handed to us. As Masonry has been a great steadying force in the history of our country in the past, so will it be during these years to come when, if ever there was a time, we need to bear in mind the fundamental principles upon which both Masonry and the institutions of this country are founded, and it is the individual Lodges in communities such as this, whose influence can and will make itself felt for good, for justice to all mankind in the years to come.

EVENTS

MASONIC BALL, MARCH 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 6, March 1857, Page 192:

The Brethren and friends of Corinthian Lodge united in giving a grand Social Ball at Concord, on the 3d of March last. It is said to have been "one of the most pleasant and social assemblies of the season," The W. Master of the Lodge, Bro. L. A. Surette, and Messrs. How, Hosmer, Wilde and Haywood, were the managers, and seem to have acquitted themselves to the great satisfaction of their friends of both sexes.

MASONIC BALL, FEBRUARY 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 5, February 1858, Page 160:

We understand that Corinthian Lodge gave a grand Masonic and civic Ball at the Town Hall, in Concord, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 24th. The hall was handsomely decorated, and the whole thing passed off to the gratification of all present, under the man agement of Messrs. Surrette, (Master of the Lodge,) Howe, Hosmer, Wield and Haywood. The supper was served up at the Middlesex Hotel, and is well spoken of.

GRAND MASTER'S VISIT, APRIL 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 7, May 1865, Page 199:

The M. W. Grand Master, with a delegation of his officers, paid an official visit to this ancient Lodge, at Concord, on the 10th of April last, being the fourth visit of the kind made it since its organization in 1797— a fact which perhaps is to be accounted for on the hypothesis that its affairs have ever been so well conducted, and the Deputies for the District have always discharged their duties so faithfully, as to render the immediate presence of the parent body unnecessary. It is one of the few old Lodges in the jurisdiction, that manfully and firmly resisted the torrent of opposition that set with such overwhelming force against the whole Institution in the ever memorable days of antimasonry.

A large number of the members were in attendance, among whom we were gratified to meet several Brethren who had been connected with the Lodge for from thirty to fifty years. The work on the second degree was given by the W. Master, Bro. Louis A. Surette, and his officers, in a very complete and finished manner, affording the highest gratification to all present. At the conclusion of the work, the M. W. Grand Master addressed the Brethren at some length on the satisfactory condition of the Lodge, on its faithfulness in past years, and on the general principles of the Institution, and the duties and obligations of its members. The Lodge was then closed, and the company repaired to the Middlesex House, and together partook of an excellent and bountiful supper, provided by the Lodge. During this interesting part of the ceremonies of the evening, brief speeches were made by the W. M. of the Lodge, by the M. W. Gr. Master, and other officers of the Grand Lodge. As a finale, the company, on the invitation of the W. Master, repaired to his private residence, where they spent an agreeable hour in social chit-chat. The whole affair was admirably well managed, and afforded the highest satisfaction to the visitors from the city. The officers of the Lodge are as follows :—

• Louis A. Surette, W. M.
• L. Willis Bean, S. W.
• Albert E. Wood, J. W.
• Albert Stacy, Treas.
• Benjamin Tolman, Sec.
• Geo. P. Howe, S. D.
• Moses Hobson, J. D.
• Geo. Wheeler, S. S.
• James Garty, J. S.
• Abner Ball, Organist
• Charles E. Snell, Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, FEBRUARY 1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXXI, No. 6, April 1872, Page 169:

Corinthian Lodge of Concord, one of the oldest Lodges in this State, after more than half a century in their old hall, have just obtained a new suit of rooms, with a very spacious and handsome hall, for their future use. Thursday, 29th day of February, was selected fur the dedication, and on that day at half-past five o'clock, the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge left Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad for Concord. They were met at the depot in that town by a committee from Corinthian Lodge, with carriages, and after a short stop at the residence of a past officer of the Grand Lodge, were conveyed directly to the hall, in the business centre of the village.

The dedicatory services were to be public, and previously to the entrance of the Lodge, the ladies had taken possession of the hall, and decorated it with bouquets of flowers, filling it with their sweet fragrance. Just before the entrance of the Grand Lodge, Mrs. William H. Brown, daughter of the Master of Corinthian Lodge, arose and addressed the W. M. in a neat and appropriate manner, and in behalf of the ladies of the members, presented to the Lodge an elegant set of Working Tools, the cost of which was about one hundred dollars. Owing to a pressure for time, a brief response to the address of the young lady was made by the W. M. Bro. W. F. Hurd, in which he returned the thanks of the Lodge for the timely and appropriate present, and hoped the ladies would never have occasion to regret the confidence which had been expressed in their name, in the character and usefulness of the institution.

The Grand Lodge now entered, and after the usual ceremonies of introduction, proceeded at once with the services as expressed in the ritual.

The members of the Grand Lodge present were:

• Grand Master Nickerson;
• Past Grand Masters Winslow Lewis, John T. Heard and W. D. Coolidge;
• Deputy Grand Master Percival L. Everett;
• Senior Grand Warden Charles Kimball;
• Junior Grand Warden Tracy P. Cheever;
• Grand Treasurer John McClellan;
• Recording Grand Secretary, pro tem. Wm. T. Grammer;
• Corresponding Grand Secretary Charles W. Moore;
• District Deputy Grand Master Charles A. Welch;
• Grand Marshal William H. Chessman;
• Grand Tyler Fred. A. Pierce.

Prayer was offered by Bro. Titus, who officiated as Grand Chaplain for the occasion.

The dedicatory exercises were in the customary form, including a brief address by the architect in surrendering the working tools, examination of the apartments, prayer, reading of the Scriptures, dedication, and pouring out of the corn, wine and oil, with the recitations and grand honors—the whole interspersed with appropriate music and singing by a select choir of ladies and gentlemen. All the exercises were impressive and peculiar and very much interested all who were present. They were performed with promptitude and according to the ancient usages of the craft on similar occasions.

BRO. WHEILDON'S ADDRESS.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies of dedication, an address upon the subject of Masonry and Masonic history, with some special references to the organization and history of Corinthian Lodge, was delivered by R. W. Bro. Wm. W. Wheildon, occupying some three quarters of an hour in the delivery. In hi* exordium, in behalf of Corinthian Lodge, he thanked the Grand Master and the members of the Grand Lodge for their presence and the manner in which they had performed the services of the evening in the dedication of the hall to Freemasonry, to Virtue and to Universal Benevolence. He referred to the Charter of Corinthian Lodge, which was issued in 1797, and bore the signatures of Paul Revere, Isaiah Thomas and John Soley; its first meeting in the Grand Jury room of the County Conrt House, and of its first master, Bro. Isaac Hurd, Grandfather of the present Master of the Lodge. He spoke emphatically of the antiquity of the Institution, and its claims to respect on that score alone, and said if there was nothing to be found in Masonry itself to justify its continuance, its past age and preservation was an evidence at least of the countenance and favor of the great Grand Master of the Universe. But Masons do not rest the character of their institution upon its antiquity, nor yet upon the distinguished names of its patrons and supporters in the past ages and modern history of the order. Masonry is a Christian brotherhood, and in its "universal benevolence" has no compeer among human institutions. A mere Mason is not Masonry any more than a mere Christian man is Christianity: the better mason the better man, or man and mason, a brother.

He spoke of the Great Light in Masonry, to be found on the altar of every Masonic Lodge in the Christian world, the open Bible, as containing the law and the lessons of the fraternity, and referred to its presence at the earliest Masonic gatherings on the Continent, its constant use through the revolutionary war, where Masons were to be found, and the reverence always and everywhere paid to it by Masonic Lodges.

Having thus, as he believed, established the claims of the. Masonic institution to respectability and respect, however unnecessary to the members of the order, he thought they were justified in desiring more suitable and commodious apartments for the holding of their meetings than those they had occupied for more than a half century. He congratulated the members of Corinthian Lodge upon their position and prosperity, which enabled them to secure such admirable rooms for their use, and was glad to know that these had been furnished by the enterprise and public spirit of one of their own members, Past Master James Garty, who had shown himself not less skillful in operative than he was in speculative Masonry.

Bro. Wheildon then again returned the thanks of the Lodge to the Grand Master and his suite, and trusted that Corinthian Lodge, which for three quarters of a century had been able, amid all the vicissitudes of the times, to maintain its character and preserve its charter, would still prosper and never fail to manifest its respect for and interest in the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth.

We have thus given a very incomplete and imperfect sketch of this able address by Bro. Wheildon, which was listened/to with marked attention by the audience and the Grand Officers.

THE BANQUET.

At nine o'clock, at the conclusion of the exercises in the hall, the members of Corinthian Lodge and their guests of the Grand Lodge, and ladies and gentlemen, repaired to the banquet hall. W. M. Hurd presided at the tables, assisted by Bros. Edward C. Damon and Henry F. Smith, Senior and Junior Wardens. The tables were bountifully and elegantly spread and decorated with bouquets of choice flowers. After the generous entertainment had been fully partaken of, the company was called to order by W. M. Hurd, who in a few complimentary words, introduced M. W. Grand Master Nickerson, who briefly expressed his interest in the occasion and in the continued prosperity of one of the oldest lodges in the State. There were present by his invitation in his suite, three of the Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge, and a fourth, who had been invited, found himself unable to be present. He then referred to some interesting points in Masonic history and spoke of the patriotic and Masonic services of Paul Revere and Joseph Warren, and complimented the speaker upon the interesting address delivered by him. We regret that we are unable to give a more complete sketch of the appropriate and excellent remarks of the Grand Master.

Past Grand Master Coolidge was next introduced and made an excellent speech concerning Masonry and the deprivations of the brotherhood in the necessary absence of the ladies from the ordinary meetings. His remarks were well received by the fraternity and especially by the ladies, who sympathized with the sufferings of the speaker and the brotherhood!

It was deeply regretted by the company present that time was not at command in which to hear remarks from Brothers Lewis, Heard, Moore, District Deputy Welch, and several others who were present and whom the company were so anxious to hear ; but these gentlemen having other engagements felt compelled to return to Boston by the special train at a quarter before ten o'clock, which they accomplished. The Grand Master and all the members of his suite expressed themselves highly pleased and gratified with their visit and the exercises of the evening. Of the recent Grand Masters, one only, we believe, previous to this occasion, has ever while in office, visited Corinthian Lodge, and that was Past Grand Master John T. Heard, in 1857.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Charles E. Brown, DDGM, District 11 (Lowell), 1884, 1885; Memorial
• Edward C. Damon, DDGM, District 4 (Cambridge), 1876, 1877; SN
• Winslow Johnson Damon, DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1943, 1944; N
• Douglas J. Ellis, DDGM, District 14, 2013, 2014
• Kenneth S. Gendall, DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1995, 1996
• Warren B. Goddard, DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1927, 1928; N
• Charles S. Hart, DDGM, District 11 (Lowell), 1902, 1903; SN
• John H. Hart, DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1969, 1970
• Isaac Hurd; Junior Grand Warden 1801-1802; Senior Grand Warden 1803
• Charles A. Lukas, Jr., DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1981, 1982, 1987, 1988; Senior Grand Warden 1989
• A. Robert MacLeod, Jr., DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1957, 1958; N
• Lemuel Shattuck, DDGM, District 5, 1830, 1831, 1832; SN
• Charles W. Sylvester, DDGM, District 12 (Lowell), 1919, 1920; Memorial
• Samuel Thatcher, DDGM, Central Maine 10, 1808-1818; Memorial
• William Whiting, DDGM, District 5, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1834; District 3, 1835; SN

DISTRICTS

1803: District 5 (Framingham, West and North)

1821: District 5

1835: District 3

1849: District 3

1867: District 4 (Cambridge)

1883: District 11 (Lowell)

1911: District 12 (Lowell)

1927: District 12 (Lowell)

2003: District 14

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

Lodge web site