Difference between revisions of "MACharlestown"

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=== BUILDINGS ===
 
=== BUILDINGS ===
  
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http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/MACharlestown.jpg<br>
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''Masonic Building in Thompson Square''
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=== EVENTS ===
 
=== EVENTS ===

Latest revision as of 15:32, 10 July 2019

CHARLESTOWN

LODGES

BUILDINGS

MACharlestown.jpg
Masonic Building in Thompson Square

EVENTS

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. III, No. 1, November, 1843, p. 29:

DEDICATION OF THE MASONIC HALL, IN CHARLESTOWN.

King Solomon's Lodge, in Charlestown, through the untiring personal exertions of a few zealous Brethren, has, within the last two or three years, been revived from the lethargical state into which it had fallen, or, perhaps we should say, into which it had been precipitated by the general deluge of opposition which a few years since swept over the Masonic community in this Commonwealth. We have heretofore had occasion to refer to the history of this Lodge, and cannot at this time well spare the room requisite for a recapitulation of the facts then given. It will be sufficient for our present purpose to say, that the Brethren of the Lodge have, at very considerable expense, fitted up a beautiful Hall, with convenient ante-rooms, in the new block of brick buildings on the east side of "Charlestown Square." The room occupied by the Lodge, is 40 by 20 feet, and is handsomely furnished with every convenience necessary for the transaction of Masonic business. The regalia is new and tastefully made. We know not, indeed, that there is a better furnished or better disciplined Lodge in the State. It is an honor to the Brethren who have been instrumental in its revival, and in restoring it to its ancient glory.

On the 10th ultimo, the Grand Lodge were invited to perform the ceremony of Dedicating the Hall, agreeably to ancient Masonic usage. The invitation was cheerfully accepted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Augustus Peabody, Esq., and the Grand Lodge, being convened in an adjacent room, was opened in ample form at 7 o'clock, P. M. W. Bro. Francis L. Raymond, Master of King Solomon's Lodge, having notified the Grand Master of the readiness of the Brethren to receive him, a procession was formed, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, Worshipful Br. John R. Bradford, and repaired to the Lodge room. After passing round the room and inspecting its finish, the Grand Master was appropriately addressed by Br. Raymond, who resigned to him the Chair of King Solomon's Lodge, and surrendered to him the implement of his office as chairman of the operative committee. The Grand Master's reply was in substance as follows :—

"Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of King Solomon's Lodge.

"The Grand Lodge have with pleasure witnessed your enterprise, zeal and taste in erecting and adorning this Hall. We have examined it—and cheerfully declare our approbation of it. And we will presently proceed to dedicate it in ancient form, to God, to Virtue, and to Universal Benevolence.

"We congratulate you on its completion—and we trust that here you will long continue to find a safe retreat from the cares and anxieties of busy life—secure from the open assaults and secret malignity of every spirit hostile to Freemasonry ;—that here you will successfully cultivate the sacred principles of friendship and charity;—and that from this place you will widely disseminate brotherly kindness, relief and truth.

"King Solomon's Lodge has some peculiar privileges. Your meetings will be holden almost under the shadow of yonder splendid Monument—the joint offspring of Patriotism and Freemasonry,—in the erection of which you had a large and active share. The recollections connected with it will always stimulate and cheer your labors.

"You have also some peculiar responsibilities. Your Lodge has given more than one Grand Master to the Commonwealth—and with you rest the sacred ashes of our venerated Grand Master, Warren. It is your charge to preserve the Masonic honors which have deservedly rendered this locality dear to the Craft. Be watchful and wise in the selection of your candidates and associates; —and remember that the whole Fraternity expects of you to gather on this spot a band of such Brothers, as, should our country hereafter require it, will give occasion for the erection of another Monument as proud as that which marks the glory of Bunker Hill."

"The imposing ceremony of Dedication was then performed by the Grand Master in a solemn and impressive manner. During the ceremony the following Ode, written by R. W. Br. Thomas Power, was sung:

Music—"Sterling."

All honors to oar Master pay,
Who bade our holy temple rise;
While here we journey on our way,
Our thanks shall reach to farthest skies
(Dedication to Freemasonry.)

We hail our holy Patron's name,
Whose bright example guides us still;
His highest honors we proclaim,
While grateful thanks our temple fill.
(Dedication to Virtue.)

While thus we seek, in pure desire,
Immortal bliss in realms above,
Our hearts shall kindle at the fire
Whose light is Universal Lore.
(Dedication to Universal Benevolence.)

The ceremony was concluded by a fervent and appropriate invocation, by the Rev. Br. Barrus, of Chelsea.

It is proper to remark here, that the Rev. Br. E. M. P. Wells, had been requested to perform this service, and also to make an address on the occasion; but from sudden indisposition he was unable to attend,—notice of which, however, was not received until a few minutes before the ceremonies commenced. The Rev. Br. Barrus was therefore wholly unexpectedly called upon to make the invocation, and R. W. Br. Charles W. Moore, as unexpectedly required to deliver the address.

The occasion was an interesting one, and the ceremonies were new to many of the Brethren present We believe that all were gratified. We are sure that the Lodge has the hearty good wishes of the whole Fraternity for its future prosperity.

LINKS