Harris

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HARRIS LODGE

Location: Athol; Gerry (1811); Templeton (1813)

Chartered By: Isaiah Thomas

Charter Date: 09/13/1802 II-202

Precedence Date: 06/14/1802

Current Status: unknown

NOTES

In Grand Master Heard's address in December 1857 (Page 1857-36 in the original Proceedings), this lodge was described as having "had but a nominal existence for many years." He also noted that "the records of Harris Lodge are obtained, but its Charter cannot be found. The Lodge funds were divided among its members in 1834."

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition For Charter: 1802

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

OTHER

Unclear when the charter was surrendered; a survey of District 6 in the early 1850s reported the lodge as dormant, but it might or might not be on the rolls.

HISTORY

  • 1912 (Notes in 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Town of Athol; from New England Craftsman; see below)
  • 1934 (Notes in History of Early Masonic Activity in Orange and Vicinity, part of the 75th Anniversary of Orange Lodge, 1934-141; see below)
  • 1934 (Notes in 75th Anniversary history of Star Lodge, 1939-350; see below)
  • 1963 (Notes in History of Freemasonry in the Brookfields, part of the centenary of Hayden Lodge, 1963-233; see below)

NOTES AT 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORANGE LODGE, SEPTEMBER 1934

Soon after Harris Lodge received its Charter it joined with Harmony and Republican Lodges in celebrating St. John's Day in your town June 24, 1803. This was undoubtedly the first Masonic demonstration ever held in Orange.

Harris Lodge removed to Gerry in 1811, then followed three years of war. As soon as this most unpopular conflict was over the local Brethren became active for a Lodge nearer home.

FROM 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAR LODGE, OCTOBER 1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-350:

In 1796 Harmony Lodge was opened at Northfield and, being some fifteen miles nearer our town, our Masonically-minded citizens soon sought affiliation there.

In the next five years 13 Athol men were proposed in that Lodge, two of them having started their Masonic career at Worcester. So in all we know of 19 Athol men who had Masonic connections and frequently attended meetings from 19 to 35 miles away over roads improved since the pioneer days but still hardly useable except on horseback. Recognizing the zeal of these far distant Brothers, Harmony Lodge celebrated the Feast of St. John the Baptist at Crosby's tavern in Athol, June 24, 1801. Mt. Zion Lodge, then of Hardwick, and Republican Lodge, of Greenfield, joined in this celebration. The Brethren gathered at Crosby's tavern, 834 Pleasant Street, and preceded by a "band of musick" marched to the meeting house on the upper common where Rev. Bro. Ezekiel L. Bascom, of Gerry (Phillipston), delivered the oration. This paved the way for a Masonic Lodge here.

Morning Star, Mt. Zion, and Republican Lodges assented to the proposal which was favorably considered by Grand Lodge and a Charter issued to Harris Lodge of Athol, September 12, 1802. The Lodge was duly constituted October 13, 1803, 136 years ago last Friday, by Isaiah Thomas, Grand Master. The records of this Lodge were taken to Boston in 1857, deposited in the Grand Lodge and burned when the Masonic Temple was destroyed in 1864, but the Treasurer's book is still extant and still in use as a part of the financial records of the town of Templeton. Hence we have only scant information about this Lodge.

We know that it met at Crosby's tavern (834 Pleasant Street) until 1807 when it moved to Brother Thomas Lord's tavern near the upper common. Late in 1811 it moved to Gould's tavern in Gerry (the large house still standing at the northwest corner of Phillipston common). December 30, 1813 it moved to French's tavern in Templeton where it continued until it disbanded following the Morgan excitement.

Rev. E. L. Bascom was its first Master and the second was Rev. James Thompson, of Barre. In all we know of some 24 Athol men who were members of this Lodge, a majority of these having previously joined either the Worcester or Northfield Lodges.

EVENTS

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, JUNE 1827

From Masonic Mirror and Mechanics' Intelligencer, Vol. III, No. 29, July 1827, Page 226:

The nativity of St. John The Baptist was celebrated by Harris Lodge in conjunction with Thomas Royal arch Chapter and by many companions and brethren of adjacent associations at Westminster on Monday the 25th day of June. The delightful air of a sunny but cool day invited a large concourse of spectators. The procession formed at the house of Col. Adams and proceeded to the meeting house with the most exact punctuality to previous arrangements. Appropriate, solemn, and eloquent religious services were performed by the Rev. Mr. Clarke of Princeton and the Rev. Mr. Mann of Westminster. Hymns and portions of Masonic poetry were sung with great musical elegance by a numerous choir of singers. An address was delivered by William Lincoln.

An enemy of the Masonic institution might have found an argument of irresistible power to combat his prejudices and unfavorable opinions, in the appearance of a procession composed of reverend and pious clergymen, useful and distinguished citizens, and men whose character, worth, and influence in society are certain pledges that whatever receives their united countenance must process intrinsic value. The simple yet rich dresses of the brethren, and the union of a great number of the fair daughters of our land, gave to the procession and imposing and beautiful appearance.

On returning from the meetinghouse, the brethren repaired to the house of Col. Adams, or an excellent or past had been prepared. The ladies were provided for by Dr. John White.

At the table, the R. W. Master, Dr. Charles W. Wilder, presided. Many excellent toasts were given uniting neatness of expression with purity of sentiment. The occasion was honored by the presence of the venerable Isaiah Thomas, little less distinguished as the patron of Masonic science that of the typographical art. The following sentiment was given by Mr. Thomas:

  • The light of Masonry, which arose in the East and has formed a grand Constellation in the West; - May every Lodge be a brilliant Star, and every Brother be illuminated by its rays, to guide him through life, in the paths of rectitude, probity, and honor.

And followed by this:

  • Our Past Grand Master, Brother Isaiah Thomas. The distinguished friend of Masonry and patron of printing – his works will long remain the best evidence of his eminence and success in each.

The following sentiment was presented to the sisters assembled to commemorate the day:

  • The Fair – Protected in their rights by the religion of our God, laws of our country, and the principles of our order.

Which was reciprocated in the following reply:

  • relying on such protection, and following such leaders, we will fear no danger.

The utmost harmony and most perfect order prevailed, and after a day of delightful social intercourse and conviviality, the brethren retired so early that we forbear to mention the hour lest it should strike with surprise those who have been devoted to the protracted excesses festive revelry.

We regret that we have not been enabled to obtain and present to our readers the many regular and volunteer sentiments offered on the occasion, as their worth entitles them to notice and preservation.

Worcester Aegis.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1803: District 6 (Central Mass., Worcester)

1821: District 6

1835: District 6

1849: District 6

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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