Difference between revisions of "Germania"

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''Spumantem pateram et pleno se prolicit auro.''
 
''Spumantem pateram et pleno se prolicit auro.''
 
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</blockquote>
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==== INSTALLATION, NOVEMBER 1861 ====
 +
 +
''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 3, November 1861, p. 96:''
 +
 +
Officers for the current year:
 +
* Lucas Haberslroh, W. M.
 +
*  Adam Bennighof, S. W.
 +
* Charles Hess, J. W.
 +
* Fred. Siebert, Treas.
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* Geo J. Walther, Sec., No. 1 Boylston Street.
  
 
==== INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1864 ====
 
==== INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1864 ====

Revision as of 03:18, 22 July 2013

germania_sm.png

GERMANIA LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 12/12/1855 V-587

Precedence Date: 12/13/1854

Current Status: merged with Revere Lodge to form Germania-Revere Lodge, 12/09/1999. Now a part of The Consolidated Lodge.


PAST MASTERS

  • Abraham J. Bloch, 1854-1856
  • Francis Doris, 1857
  • Anton Moeldner, 1858-1860, 1864
  • L. Haberstroh, 1861-1863, 1865, 1868
  • Adolph Sternfield, 1866, 1867, 1872
  • Otto Kramer, 1869, 1870
  • Carl Mueller, 1871
  • Carl Stephan, 1873-1876
  • Albert Glatter, 1877, 1878, 1883
  • Herman F. Ehlert, 1879-1882
  • Nathan B. Basch, 1884-1886
  • Conrad Hahn, 1887
  • Solomon Ehrlich, 1888-1890
  • Adam A. Koch, 1891, 1892
  • Marcus Tishler, 1893, 1894
  • Joseph Gahm, 1895, 1896
  • Leopold Basch, 1897, 1898
  • Sebastian Gahm, 1899, 1900
  • Samuel Hauser, 1901, 1902
  • Louis Ernst, 1903, 1905
  • Julius A. Zinn, 1905, 1906
  • Julius F. Hovestadt, 1907, 1908
  • Paul G. Coblenzer, 1909, 1910
  • Emil E. Koessler, 1911, 1912
  • Jacob Milch, 1913, 1914
  • Charles Thomann, 1915, 1916
  • Leo Robinson, 1917, 1918
  • Julius Kreidel, 1919, 1920
  • Herman Lowenberg, 1921, 1922
  • Erhard Schatz, 1923, 1924
  • Theodore Maylandt, 1925, 1926
  • Adolph A. Lederhos, 1927, 1928
  • Joseph Brettler, 1929, 1930
  • Herman B. Dickman, 1931, 1932
  • Benno F. Bernstein, 1933, 1934
  • Otto Albrecht, 1935, 1936; N
  • Paul G. Hauschildt, 1937, 1938
  • E. Louis Greenblatt, 1939, 1940
  • Fritz W. Ritter, 1941, 1942
  • Samuel Banks, 1943
  • George Dauberschmidt, 1944
  • I. Henry Stern, 1945, 1948
  • Nathan P. Harris, 1946, 1947; N
  • Meyer Lewis, 1949, 1950
  • S. Albert Kaufman, 1951, 1952
  • Samuel Silberstein, 1953, 1954
  • Philip Weinberg, 1955, 1956, 1970, 1971, 1976
  • James H. A. Ulder, 1957, 1958
  • Artur Brettler, 1959
  • Robert Lurie, 1960, 1961
  • Milton Bengis, 1962, 1963
  • William M. Silberstein, 1964, 1965, 1977, 1978
  • Fritz Fricke, 1966, 1967, 1972-1975
  • Harold F. Banks, 1968, 1969
  • Manfred R. Liedtke, 1979, 1980
  • Douglas I. Lurie, 1981, 1982
  • Melvin E. Silberstein, 1983, 1984
  • Louis H. Oppenheim, 1985, 1986
  • Harry E. Naisuler, 1987, 1988
  • Philip L. Silberstein, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1998; PDDGM
  • George E. Dove, 1991
  • Gregory J. Davis, 1995-1997
  • Bernard M. Weiss, 1998

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1854
  • Petition for Charter: 1855
  • Consolidation Petition (with Revere Lodge): 1999

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1930 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1955 (Centenary)
  • 2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1882 1889 1891 1893 1903 1904 1909 1912 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1924 1926 1929 1930 1933 1939 1948 1953 1954 1955 1957 1960 1964 1972 1976 1987 1990 1994 1999

HISTORY

  • 1930 (75th Anniversary History, 1930-3)
  • 1955 (Centenary History, 1955-3)

OTHER

  • 1856 (Report on suspension of Master, VI-20)
  • 1878 (Petition for ritual in German, 1878-160)
  • 1879 (Committee on ritual in German, 1879-9)

EVENTS

BIBLE PRESENTATION, MARCH 1855

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIV, No. 6, April 1855, Page 200:

Our readers are aware that the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth has recently authorized the opening of a Lodge in this city, under the name of Germania Lodge, to work in the German language. It is the second movement of the kind ever attempted in this State. The first was a French Lodge, established in 1779. It soon after broke up. The present may therefore be regarded as an experiment. Thus far the indications are favorable. The management of the Lodge is in good hands, and its friends are confident of its entire success. The first meeting for work was held on the 4th Monday in March last, — on which occasion the M. W. Grand Master made the Lodge a present of an elegantly bound Bible, accompanying the same with the following note :—

Office of the Grand Matter of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Boston, March 7, 1855.

To the W. Master and Brethren of Germania Lodge —

Deeply interested in the prosperity of your institution, having aided in its incipiency so far as my feeble powers could avail; and having a full confidence that "our good cause will be promoted by your Lodge, please accept from me, a gift of the best of books. May it ever be placed on an altar, around which are gathered a happy, united and prosperous Brotherhood, and may the doctrines taught by that sacred volume produce the best influences on each and on all.

Fraternally yours,
Winslow Lewis.

The M. W. Grand Master being present when the Bible was laid upon the Altar, the W. Master of the Lodge read to him the following Address.

Most Worshipful Grand Master —

The Brethren of Germania Lodge hail your presence this night to cheer and aid our labors, with unqualified satisfaction, and as a proud event in the new existence of this Lodge.

Never have we severally estimated the privileges of our universal Brotherhood more highly than now, that we are permitted here to receive you, and tender you our heartfelt thanks for your fostering kindness and support in aiding us to erect and complete our Lodge.

To the truly Masonic principles you displayed, as your motive and ground work, no less than to the high esteem and confidence which the Fraternity at large, and the members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in particular, bear towards you, do we ascribe our organization. Yet not alone for this, much as we appreciate it, but for the Brotherly sympathy you continue to manifest toward us, is our gratitude due and offered to you, and while that memorial of your kindness which now rests on the altar shall endure, so long will it be there to remind us of a true Brother's love. Yes, Most Worshipful Brother, you have presented us with the first great light of Masonry, to ornament and enlighten our work. Let us hope that It will so shine in our hearts as to be our guiding star to that Lodge where the Great Architect of the universe presides. And when yon, our Most Worshipful Brother, have fulfilled your duties on earth with honor and profit to the Craft, and in the ripeness of years and good works, you are called to present yourself for admission into the great Lodge above, may the good works you have done on earth be your passport to open wide its portals for your reception, with the good and the just who sit in the presence of that Great Master of life. And if we have omitted to express our feelings more fully, impute it not to our want of those feelings, but to our want of words. Moreover, we thank you for the honor you do us by your presence this night in the Germania Lodge.

To this address the M. W. Grand Master replied briefly, and, substantially, in the following words :—

Worshipful Master —

For the kind expressions of your regard and of the appreciation of the testimonial I had the honor to present to the Germania Lodge, be assured they are received with a reciprocal feeling. It is a source of great satisfaction that I have been instrumental in some measure in the establishment of an organization which has now commenced under such happy auspices, and from which the best results bid so fair to follow. Welcome to these halls of peace and Brotherly affection, — to your Masonic home; to a spot, where are not recognized the distinctions of the outer world, but where, on the "level" all are co-sharers of those influences under which we here assemble. Nor language, nor sect, nor station, nor wealth divide us. Ours is the dialect of the heart — recognized and understood and fluently expressed by every «true Brother." Here may you and your successors long meet, a prosperous and united Brotherhood ; — sustaining those great principles, of an universal philanthropy, which should ever actuate our Order—and adding another ornament to the Masonic Galaxy of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

CONSTITUTION AND INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 4, February 1856, Page 117:

In December, 1854, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted a Dispensation on the petition of A. F. Bloch, F. Doms, and others, a Constitutional number of Brethren, residing in Boston and its immediate vicinity, praying for permission to assemble and work as a regular Lodge in the German language, but in all respects preserving the forms and ritual of ancient Craft-Masonry as practised under our jurisdiction.

This was the second Dispensation ever granted to a Lodge in this Commonwealth, or even in New England, to work in a foreign language; the first having been issued about fifty or sixty years ago to a number of French Brethren to work in their vernacular tongue. It proved a failure and the Lodge continued but for a short period. The last, therefore, was an experiment. Many distinguished and experienced Brethren doubted the expediency, and the subject was fully and ably discussed in the Grand Lodge. It was finally concluded to make the trial and grant the prayer of the petitioners, who were very respectable and worthy Masons, by a Dispensation for one year. This in some degree would be a test of their sincerity, and we could in the meantime form a pretty accurate judgment whether, from such tokens of fidelity, the good of Masonry would be secured.

Under this Dispensation, Germania Lodge was duly organized. They have worked successfully, and admitted a number of worthy and valuable men into the fraternity. A learned Brother of our own land, well acquainted with the German, has watched their work and listened to their lectures, and he has spoken of them as strictly adhering to the mode and ritual now adopted and sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. In consequence thereof, a Charter was granted at the last quarterly meeting in December, without a dissenting voice and unanimously. As the opposition never arose from any personal feelings or narrow prejudices, such harmony in the last vote must have been gratifying to our Brethren.

Friday the fourth of January, 1856, was the appointed time for the consecration of Germania Lodge and the Installation of its Officers, in due and ancient form.

The Grand Lodge accordingly assembled at the Temple, in a room adjacent to the Masonic Hall, and due notice having been given that Germania Lodge had opened in due form and were ready to receive them, they formed a procession and marched into the Hall. The room was well filled with Brethren and visitors, and the Grand Lodge proceeded to the Consecration of Germania Lodge. The ceremonies were in the English language, and solemn and interesting. The Most W. Grand Master, Winslow Lewis, attended by the Grand Officers, formed themselves in order around Germania Lodge, and after appropriate music on the organ, the Brethren knelt in the circle where they stood, and in the absence of the Grand Chaplain, the Consecration prayer was read by R. W. Br. John H. Sheppard.

During the response by the Brethren, the Dep. G. Master and the G. Wardens took the vessels of corn, wine and oil, and sprinkled the elements of Consecration upon the Lodge. The Consecrating prayer was then continued. Solemn music followed, while the Lodge was covered. The officiating Grand Chaplain then dedicated Germania Lodge, as follows :—

"To the memory of Holy Saint John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every Brother revere his character, and imitate his virtues."

"Glory be to God on high."

response: "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end ! Amen! So mote it be! Amen!"

Music was then performed, while the Brethren of Germania Lodge advanced in procession and saluted the Grand Lodge in due form, and the M. W. Grand Master Lewis then constituted the Lodge in the usual form, and the ceremonies closed with an appropriate hymn.

The S. G. Warden then proceeded to the Installation of the Officers of Germania Lodge; the ceremony of which is too familiar to the Brethren to need repetition. The newly elected officers are, A. F. Bloch, Master; Francis Doms, S. Warden ; Anton Möldner, J. Warden ; and John Freuderwoll, Treasurer; the Secretary was not present.

GRAND MASTER LEWIS' ADDRESS

After the ceremony of installation, Dr. Winslow Lewis, M. W. G. M. of the Grand Lodge, addressed the newly constituted Lodge as follows :—

"Worshipful Master and brethren of the Germania Lodge:—The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has now set its seal of approbation on Germania Lodge, and henceforth it is in full and equal standing and communion with similar institutions of this State. At the incipiency of your design the application was not received with universal satisfaction. Some of the wisest and best of our members, urged only by the purest and most honest intentions, were distrustful of the operation of a lodge from a foreign land, who were to make use of a foreign tongue. They urged their fears with manliness, knowing well that their motives could not be misinterpreted by true Brothers, and God forbid that the time should ever come when an honest dissent is regarded with suspicion. Bin the forebodings of these Brothers were overruled, and you commenced under your warrant, conducting your affairs with the utmost regularity. Your proceedings have been watched with vigilant care, and at first with anxiety, but when meeting after meeting passed, and all was more than well with you, then admiration and praise succeeded. Opposition not only ceased, but was buried. Your generous opponents have united their praises with others, and I now hail you as co-equals with the best.

"It is now more than half a century since a Lodge has been founded in old Boston — Mt. Lebanon, dating June 8th, 1801, consecrated by the M. W. Samuel Dunn, whom I well knew in my boyhood, and was as intimate with as a boy may be with an old man. Little did I then dream that the next consecration would be done under the administration of the then lad of fourteen. How great the change since that period! Boston then with its population of 30,000 ; Boston now with its 162,000! The tide of emigration then scarcely commenced; now the accessions how numerous! And here we now embosom with us, in the sacred bonds of brotherly love and friendship, new links in our firm Masonic chain, our Brothers from the Teutonic shores, from the romantic, classic Rhine, from the land of Goethe and Schiller. They come to us with the characteristics of that race—honest, warm-hearted and true; thrifty, industrious and persevering.

"And now, my Brethren, I charge you to persevere in well doing; be strictly faithful to the trust committed to you. No longer foreigners here, but Brothers ! come share fully with us the pleasure of dwelling in love and unity. E pluribus Unum in Masonry as in citizenship. Embarked with us in a glorious cause, strive to excel your associates in the emulation of who best can work, who best agree. And may God, the God of all nations, of all tongues, have you in his holy keeping, now and forever."

Rev. Br. Alger, of Boston, next delivered a short address, partly in German and partly in English. He congratulated the Brethren of Germania Lodge on the establishment of a Lodge in their native language — that language which always springs spontaneously to the lips when the heart is stirred. Masonry, like the light of the sun, was cosmopolitan, and it was therefore proper that il should speak in many tongues, especially in America, where a new nationality is to be formed by uniting together old ones — a new nationality that out-shines and out-towers all others. It was natural that in coming to this land they should bring in their hearts a memory of the fatherland, which they would never part with, until that heart ceases to beat. The land which furnishes our cradle is dearer to us than that which provides our grave. Nevertheless, he trusted they would soon cease painfully to remember the old world, in glorious anticipations for the new.

They were dedicated to faith, friendship and philanthropy — a glorious system, which would sanctify their lives, and make bright their last hours, when they would ascend the mystic ladder to the starry decked canopy where they hoped in the fulness of time to meet all good men and true, to rejoice forever in the favor of Him whose smile is the sunshine of eternity, dispensing with the need of the sun, or the moon, or the stars.

Before the Installation, Br. Charles F. Bauer, a delegate from and Past Master of Pythagoras Lodge, No. 86, New York, (a German Lodge,) was introduced and made a short address in German, congratulating the Brethren on the success of their enterprise, and eloquently calling on them to emulate the virtues of the founders of Masonry, both in the old world and in the land of their [adoption. Br. Bauer then translated his remarks to us in English. It was pleasing to witness the energy, warm-heartedness and eloquence of this excellent Brother in the noble cause of Freemasonry, fI we can have such Brothers to exert an influence and build up temples of Masonry in our land, we need not fear in what language we see such signs of a true Masonic heart.

After the ceremonies of consecration and installation were completed, the Grand Lodge repaired to Plaff's Hotel in Pleasant Street, on the invitation of Germania Lodge, where our Brethren had prepared a sumptuous banquet, and the evening to a late hour passed most swiftly amidst social and convivial enjoyments. We protest against late hours on all occasions of hilarity; but, who can escape from the allurements, when once under the roof of German hospitality, and especially where the indulgence of the senses neither forbids nor checks the flow of wit and sparkling streams of eloquence? It was a cold night without, but warm hearts within will make the pleasures of this evening long to be remembered. In no case was that first of the " Cardinal Virtues," Temperance, forgotten; and whatever may be said of the wine cup, and much more of the burning fluid, which, unless medicinally used, is a scorching flame of fire, yet we can truly say, there is Temperance in Hock. This juice of the Rhinish grape is the mildest of all cheering beverages; it is an intellectual wine, and it leaves no bad memory behind it.

There were many fine and some really eloquent speeches made, with toasts
and sentiments appropriate. Among the speakers we might refer to the excel
lent remarks and congratulations of W. Br. Bloch, who presided on the occasion
in the happiest manner and made every guest feel at home; the Grand Officers,
 M. W. Grand Master Lewis, R W. Br. Heard, S. W., R. W. Br. Train, J. W., 
R. W. Br. [1], G. Sec, R. W. Br. Sheppard, Cor. G. Sec., and R. W. Br. the 
Rev. Wm. R. Alger, G. Chaplain and Chaplain of Germania Lodge, spoke on
the occasion. Br. Moore entertained us several times in a happy flow of wit,
 with anecdotes of his recent tour; and our Br. Alger in his felicitous remarks
 paid on elegant and most deserved compliment to the father of our Grand Mas
ter, the late Winslow Lewis, Esq., a true and genuine Mason to the last of a 
long life, and who kept the lights of our Lighthouses for years and years bright
and burning by his inventive genius; while in his own bosom the lamp of Ma
sonry was seen shining with a pure flame of Brotherly love and truth. '

There were also some excellent addresses made by several visiting Brethren; among whom, we listened to the voices of our talented Brethren, Isaac H. Wright, whose gun is always well charged, and, touch it in the right place, makes an eloquent report; the Hon. G. Washington Warren, Judge Russell, Wm. H. L. Smith, Master of Mt. Lebanon Lodge, and our Brother Marshal, in whose voice there is always music; but, I must pause, with only remarking that we heard some fine specimens of German eloquence, judging from look and graceful gesture and fluency of utterance ; the patriotic speeches were highly spoken of by those who understood the deep sounding and rich intonations in the German language of these Brethren, now our fellow-citizens from the Fatherland. Among these speakers were W. Br. Bauer, Theodore Charles Wille, and Ambrose Fabery.

During the evening, W. Br. Bloch, with the following appropriate and handsome remarks, presented our Grand Master a Goblet, or Cup.

"M. W. Br. Lewis. — By the favor of my Brethren, it now becomes my duty to discharge the most pleasing office I have ever yet performed in connection with Germania Lodge. I have to express our united thanks to the most excellent Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, for the friendly interest he has shown, and the powerful aid he has contributed towards the original establishment and the present prosperity of our Lodge. As long as we live we shall cherish the warmest recollections of the unwearied.courtesy and kindness of our beloved Brother Lewis, the respected Grand Master of the State. And as long as Germania Lodge remains, a memorial of his friendship for us will not be wanting in its archives, since his name appears pre-eminent on the Charter whereby the Institution has its legal existence.

"But we have desired to give visible expression, in some more tangible form, to our grateful sense of his generous sympathy and services in our behalf. We were exiles, far from our native country, dwelling amidst a people whose language at the best must be somewhat strange to our ears and our hearts. Some of us, who had been initiated in Germany, were deeply attached to the beautiful rites of Freemasonry. Seeing thousands of our countrymen around us, we thought it desirable to have a Lodge of our own in Boston, which might work in the German language, and foster and spread Masonic influence among the German Brethren. In the full spirit of that symbol of the two globes surmounting two columns, which denotes the universality of Freemasonry, Brother Lewis, and other Brethren, to whom also we pay our warmest thanks, pleaded for us; and at last our wishes were crowned with success — and here we are to-night, as you see, a goodly band of Brothers, with honored visitors from New York, and other invited quests — to all of whom we bid a joyous welcome.

"Most Worshipful Grand Master! Germania Lodge has obtained, from their Fatherland, this specimen of handicraft, which they beg you to accept as a humble token of their respect and love towards you. It is made of virgin silver and lined with burnished gold. Like the Masonic character of him who receives, and like the grateful esteem of those who give, it is unalloyed. On one side it bears a commemorative inscription in German ; and on the opposite side it shows the same inscription in English. The two other sides contain some of the mystic insignia of that ancient craft in whose common traditions and embrace we all stand. We pray you to accept it, and to prize it not according to its poor cost, but according to the sentiments of which it is an emblem. Into the waiting and pure bosom of this cup no liquor has yet been poured, and no lips have touched its rim; that service remains for you and yours to perform. Whenever you drink from it, may the memory be of the sincere friendship of Germania Lodge, and may the draught be nectar.

To which M. W. Br. Lewis made the following reply :—

W. Master of Germania Lodge.—How shall I reply to you, W. M., in terms adequate to express all that I feel at this reiterated token of the friendship of my German Brethren. How thank you for the very elegant and tangible presentation of that memorial of their kindness. In words I cannot, but will endeavor by devotion to the interests of Germania Lodge to repay in some manner the deep obligations which they have so generously imposed upon me. My cup of pleasure was nearly filled when I had the satisfaction of seeing Germania Lodge taking its station among the best, in the accuracy and excellence of its work, and in the estimation of its sister institutions. My cup was fully filled when Pythagoras Lodge, 86, enrolled me as an honorary member and associated me with the Germans in New York, but now my cup is running over, and I feel staggered like one who has taken a "cup too much," and has lost the power of speech and action. I am oppressed by your kindness and cannot find terms to duly express my thanks. I can only say you have them, from my soul. May you as a Lodge long flourish, and your cup of prosperity be ever full; and in after years, may those who are spared recall this pleasant reunion, this celebration of your now chartered Institution, and remember to quaff "a cup of kindness for auld lang syne." May you be cemented stronger and stronger to the Fraternity with which you are now incorporated, and as your posterity mingle more and more, closer and closer, with those of your adopted land, may the issue be, good citizens, good Americans, and good Masons. And Brethren of the Grand Lodge let us drink to this sentiment:—

"Our German Brothers. They have left their Fatherland to dwell with us. May they find their change only

"As sunshine broken on a rill,
Though turned astray, is sunshine still."

The Goblet is a beautiful specimen of skill from the Fatherland ; of solid silver, lined with gold, embossed with suitable emblems, and bearing the following inscription :—

On one side, in German—

Dem Hochw.^. Grossmstr.
der sehr ehrw.^. ger.^. & vollk.*. Gross Loge
von Staate Massachusetts,
Br. Winslow Lewis,
gewidmet von den Br.^. Brudern
der Germania Loge,
5355.

On, the reverse, in English—

To the M. W. Grand Master
of
Massachusetts,
Br. Winslhw Lewis,
This specimen of handicraft
from their fatherland, is most respectfully presented
by the
Members of Germania Lodge,
Boston, December, 5855.

The reply of our M. W. Grand Master Lewis was cordial and short, for he was evidently overcome with the tenderness of his feelings. It was an elegant present — a token of gratitude — and worthy the libations of a festive occasion. Il is such a present as children may look at, and be proud of that father whose merit set the artificer with his cunning workmanship to prepare it. As it went round, full to the brim with generous Hock, which seemed to reflect the golden beauty within, and as we sipped and passed il, I thought of that celebrated banquet, where the Queen of Catthage presided, and the chieftains drank

Spumantem pateram et pleno se prolicit auro.

INSTALLATION, NOVEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 3, November 1861, p. 96:

Officers for the current year:

  • Lucas Haberslroh, W. M.
  • Adam Bennighof, S. W.
  • Charles Hess, J. W.
  • Fred. Siebert, Treas.
  • Geo J. Walther, Sec., No. 1 Boylston Street.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIV, No. 2, January 1865, p. 80:

This excellent Lodge, composed wholly of German Brethren, had a public installation of its officers at Freemasons' Hall, on the evening of the 17th ult. There was a very full attendance of the members, with their ladies. The ceremonies were performed by the M. W. Grand Master, assisted by a delegation of the Gr. Officers, and were witnessed with apparent interest by those present. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, and after a brief address by the Grand Master, the members of the Lodge with their invited guests repaired to the Menzel House, where an excellent collation by the worthy host of that establishment, for their refreshment, and where a couple of hours were very agreeably spent in the interchange of sentiments, speeches, &c. The officers for the present year are -

  • L. Haberstroh, W. M.
  • Ad. Sternfeld, S. W.
  • O. Kramer, J. W.
  • A. Liebert, Treas.
  • A. Blocklinger, Secretary
  • C. Karcher, S. D.
  • F. Ehret, J. D.
  • A. Sanders, S. S.
  • John Kuhn, J. S.
  • A. B. Fiedler, Chaplain
  • A. Koch, Marshal
  • L. L. Tarbell, Tyler.

10TH ANNIVERSARY, JANUARY 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXV, No. 4, February 1866, p. 120:

This excellent and prosperous Lodge celebrated its tenth anniversary, by a ball, supper, &c, at Minot Hall, in this city, on Thursday evening, January 4. The members generally were present with their ladies, numbering in all about one hundred persons, and a more agreeable party we have never attended. It was like a family gathering — everybody was at home and at ease, anxious only to make everybody else happy; and the most perfect success crowned the effort. The dancing commenced at an early hour, under the direction of the W. Master, assisted by his officers, and continued until about eleven o'clock, when supper was announced and the company proceeded in procession to the banquetting hall, where an hour or more was devoted to the discussion of the rich, and, to some of the guests present, rare and unusual viands, with which the tables were spread. The more intellectual part of the entertainment was opened by the W. Master, Brother Sternfeld, in an eloquent and appropriate address in the German language, and closed by calling upon Dr. Lewis, whom the Brethren regard as the father of their Lodge, it having been established through his influence, and during his administration as Grand Master. Speeches were also made by Bros. Moore, Tarbell, Emmons, Haberstroh (P. M.), Kramer, S. W., and others, whose names have escaped us.

The tables were then dismissed and the dancing was renewed, and continued until a late hour, when the party retired to their respective homes, feeling, we believe, that they had each and all passed a pleasant and happy evening.

  • Adolph Stemfeld, W. M.
  • Otto Kramer, S. W.
  • Charles Hess, J. W.
  • Fred. Siebert, Treasurer
  • Peter Hasberle, Secretary
  • Carl Muller, S. D.
  • August Fiedler, J. D.
  • John Christ. Zander, S. S.
  • Franz Ellinger, J. S.
  • G. J. Walther, Chaplain
  • Jacob Valois, Inside Sentinel
  • L. L. Tarbell, Tyler.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1854: District 1

1858: District 12

1867: District 1 (Boston)

1883: District 1 (Boston)

1911: District 1 (Boston)

1927: District 1 (Boston)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges