Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsLodge"

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Speeches were made by Grand Master [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMParkman Parkman], Rev. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJDadmun J. W. Dadmun], Rev. Dr. Walker, and Rev. Br. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWStudley Studley], eloquent and humorous, and highly appropriate, if we may judge from the open and frequent expressions of pleasure too great to be repressed, for every now and then one and another would persist in declaring it ; so that in closing, the sociability and good wishes provoked by the occasion, had prepared all who could, to join in singing " Auld Lang Syne," with spirit and feeling, and inspired the "good night," that came from every lip, with, the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men,'' and God's blessing on Massachusetts Lodge and its members.
 
Speeches were made by Grand Master [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMParkman Parkman], Rev. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJDadmun J. W. Dadmun], Rev. Dr. Walker, and Rev. Br. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWStudley Studley], eloquent and humorous, and highly appropriate, if we may judge from the open and frequent expressions of pleasure too great to be repressed, for every now and then one and another would persist in declaring it ; so that in closing, the sociability and good wishes provoked by the occasion, had prepared all who could, to join in singing " Auld Lang Syne," with spirit and feeling, and inspired the "good night," that came from every lip, with, the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men,'' and God's blessing on Massachusetts Lodge and its members.
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==== CENTENARY, MAY 1870 ====
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''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIX, No. 8, June 1870, Page 228:''
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The occurrence of the Centennial Anniversary of a Masonic Lodge, wherever located, or under whatever circumstances, is an event eminently worthy of commemoration. The full rounding off of one one hundred years of continued existence, is a favor which few voluntary secular associations are permitted to realize. Bound together by no special ties of interest, such societies spring into life, play their allotted part, pass away, and are forgotten. To this general law of mutation, Masonic Lodges, though by no means wholly or even largely exempted, undoubtedly present more exceptions than are to be found in any other class of the community. This may, and probably is, in some measure, attributable to the fact that the Masonic Fraternity, as a secular institution, is more numerous, both in its membership and in its auxiliary aids, than any of the other social divisions. But the true reason is to be found in its peculiar conformation, and adaptation to the social needs and necessities of life. In this respect it is without an equal. Its members, whatever may have been their motive in joining it, soon learn to love it, not from selfish or eleemosynary considerations, but from the harmonizing and softening influences which it exercises over their lives, the sympathetic emotions it awakens in the heart, and the confidence it inspires in each other. And this is the secret of its success and endurance, that which has brought it down along the ages of the past, and will carry it forward in defiance of the prejudices, the opposition, and the persecutions of bigotry and intolerance, for ages to come.
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The occurrence of a Centennial Anniversary forms an important epoch in the history of the Lodge. It presents a standpoint — an occasion suggestive of the past — of its pleasant memories, its lessons of wisdom, its guarantees for the future. If it be true that history is philosophy teaching by example, this is the time to read its lessons, and to profit by its instructions. We are, therefore, always rejoiced when we learn that such celebrations, in whatever branch of our Institution they may occur, are to be celebrated in a manner commensurate with their importance. Five such observances have, in our day, taken place in our own city, two of them by Grand Lodges — the first in 1833, the second in 1869 — and three of them by subordinate Lodges. The last was the celebration named at the head of this article, and took place at the New Masonic Temple, on the 12th of May, the particulars of which are given in the following concise report from one of the city papers of the following morning : —
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Sutton or Corinthian Hall, where the afternoon exercises were held, was well filled by the members of the Lodge with their ladies and friends. A voluntary on the organ was the opening, after which the M.W. Grand Master and suite were received in Due Form. Music by the choir followed this ceremony, after which, W.M. George Emerson made an address, extending a cordial welcome to the company present, saying that the occasion was one from whicli they could look back with pride and satisfaction. "While the zeal of our ancestors is brought before our minds, a fresh impulse and a new zeal is obtained in the endeavor to discharge every duty which devolves upon us as members of this honorable Lodge."
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Prayer was then offered by the Chaplain, Rev. Br. John P. Robinson; reading of the Charter by Rev. Br, John P. Robinson. The choir sang an original ode written for the occasion by W. Br. W. S. Adams. The W. Br. Charles W. Slack then made the Historical Address, of which the following is an abstract: —
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In 1770, Boston was a town of 20,000 inhabitants; 4000 houses, mainly of wood. Hancock's house, finished in 1737, was the most elegant structure in town. Mr. Slack now recited various historical events that took place during the period prior to the Revolutionary War, in the midst of which the Lodge was chartered. May 12, 1770, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMJsWarren Joseph Warren] placed his name to the Charter for the institution of the Lodge; Joseph Tyler, James Jackson, Isaac Rand, William Palfrey, John Hill, Nathaniel Cudworth, Joshua Loring, and John Jeffries, with Joseph Warren as Grand Master, he being then twenty-nine years of age, constituted Massachusetts Lodge, May 12, 1770. In December, of the same year, he was installed Grand Master of Masonry in Boston, and within one hundred miles circumjacent of the same. Masonry was regularly introduced into Boston about one century after the settlement of the country. In 1764, the Masons' Hall was in the Green Dragon Tavern, on Union Street. In 1768, the Royal Arch Lodge of Masons was organized. <br>
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The first meeting of the Lodge was held in the old hostelry. The second meeting was held in the same place, when it was voted to hold future meetings at Concord Hall, on Queen, now Court Street. On the 3d of January, 1774, the M.W.G.M Joseph Warren visited the Lodge in Due Form, receiving the full honors of Masonry — his last official and personal visit. From October, 1774, to February, 1775, the Lodge met in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern. A suspension then occurred, the Lodge holding its next meeting on December 9, 1778. On the 7th of March, 1780, k made a movement for the union of all the Lodges in the country, and it culminated in the union of the Massachusetts and St. John's Lodges. During the years 1783-5, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHays Moses M. Hays] was the Grand Master. The announcement, on the evening of the 2d of November, that the Charter was missing, created great excitement; no trace of it could be found; but, on the 2d of December, it again hung in its accustomed place. On the 30th of April, 1810, the propriety and utility of instituting a fund for charity was suggested. A committee was appointed to consider and report a plan, which was adopted July 30. On the 16th of June, 1817, an act of incorporation was obtained from the Legislature of Massachusetts for the Grand Lodge. In 1817, the several Lodges procured a lease of apartments in the Exchange Coffee House. The premises were destroyed by fire, November 3, 1818, the Lodge losing much of its regalia. The present arrangements, respecting charity to strangers, were established in 1819. In the spring of 1821, the Lodge took apartments in the upper story of the Old State House, the hall possessing ample accommodations.<br>
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On the 29th of March, 1822, a portrait of Most Worshipful Joseph Warren was obtained. June 17, 1825, the Lodge participated in the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument. February 23, 1827, the Lodge took action on the subject of erecting a Masonic Temple. On the 30th of December, 1831, the Lodge met for the first time in the new Temple on Tremont Street. On the 24th of June, 1845, upon invitation of King Solomon's Lodge, of Charlestown, the Lodge joined in publicly dedicating the model of the old monument erected by them, in 1794, to the memory of General Joseph Warren. On the 11th of November, the Lodge participated in the dedication of the new Masonic Hall in the old Temple. On the 15th of November, 1858, the Lodge met in Nassau Hall, on Washington Street, and on the 10th oi January, 1860, in the Winthrop House. On the 5th of April, 1864, this was destroyed by fire, and the Lodge again lost its property, and took temporary quarters in Thorndike Hall. On the 14th of October, 1864, the corner-stone of the present Temple was laid, and the dedication took place on St. John's Day, June 24, 1867. The first meeting of the Lodge was held the 24th of September following, making the seventeenth place of communication it has known. On this its one hundredth anniversary, it stands the third oldest Lodge in the State, but second to none for its strict observance of those masonic virtues — Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love.
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At the close of Br. Slack's address, an address was made by the M.W. Grand Master, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner William Sewall Gardner], and this closed the exercises of the afternoon. At half-past six a reception was held, when the Committee received their many prominent guests; at half-past seven the company passed up stairs to the banquet, which was served in the banquet-hall of the Temple. Floral decorations were abundant, giving the hall a beautiful appearance. Opposite the entrance and against the wall were suspended "G" and the square and compass, formed of red and white pinks, set in roses relieved by smilax. On one side of the hall was " 1870," and opposite, "1770." Large baskets of flowers hung from the arches of the Gothic windows and over the various arches which divide the hall. The tables were spread by William Tufts, caterer, and presented a tempting appearance, all that was necessary for such an occasion being provided in abundance. The Germania Band occupied the entry adjoining the hall, and discoursed those selections which have made the band so famous for receptions. When the banquet had been partaken of, the W. M. George B,. Emerson called the company to order, and introduced M.W. Grand Master William Sewall Gardner, who excused himself from making a speech, and called upon Charles Levi Woodbury, who interested the audience, in his humorous manner, by anticipating that Masonry in the future might be composed of women. Mayor Shurtleff was the next speaker, congratulating the Lodge on the success of their first centennial. Br. Slack closed with an address.
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The company now passed to the Gothic Hall, where the Boston Commandery choir gave a musical entertainment. In the mean time the banquet-hall was cleared of its tables, and soon the feet were busy keeping time to the music of the Germania Band in a well-selected order of dances. This was continued until 12 o'clock, when the festivities of the day were ended.
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The affair was a complete success in the full sense of the word. The Committee of Arrangements, Messrs. Henry J. Parker, Alexander K. Bryer, Edwin Wright, Charles W. Slack, Samuel W. Creech, jr., George R. Emerson, Samuel A. B. Bragg, have been indefatigable in their efforts to make it so, and were last night rewarded by feeling satisfied that the Centennial Anniversary had been observed in a manner which reflects credit upon the Lodge and the Fraternity.
  
 
=== GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ===
 
=== GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ===

Revision as of 19:35, 13 September 2013

MA_MassLodge.jpg

THE MASSACHUSETTS LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Joseph Warren

Charter Date: 05/11/1770 I-228

Precedence Date: 05/11/1770

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

Need living PMs and complete list

  • Joseph Tyler, 1770, 1772, 1773
  • William Palfrey, 1771, 1779
  • John Jeffries, 1774-1778
  • James Jackson, 1780
  • Perez Morton, 1781
  • Stephen Bruce, 1782
  • Moses Michael Hays, 1783-1787
  • William Scollay, 1788-1791
  • Samuel Bradford, 1792
  • Jonathan Freeman, 1793, 1794
  • Joseph Laughton, 1795
  • Simon Eliot, 1796, 1797
  • Allen Crocker, 1798-1802
  • John Boyle, 1803
  • Job Drew, 1804-1806, 1810, 1815
  • Thomas Redman, 1807, 1808
  • John Chadwick, 1809
  • Matthew S. Parker, 1811, 1812
  • Jonathan Whitney, 1813, 1814
  • Eleazer G. House, 1816
  • Daniel Lewis Gibbons, 1817, 1818, 1826
  • Zachariah G. Whitman, 1819, 1820
  • M. Roulstone, 1821
  • Enoch Hobart, 1822, 1839-1841, 1846
  • Jedediah Tuttle, 1823
  • Abraham A. Dame, 1824, 1825, 1844, 1845
  • William Emerson, 1826
  • Henry H. Barton, 1827-1829; SN'
  • Nathaniel Cotton, 1830
  • Martin Wilder, 1831-1833, 1842, 1843
  • Francis R. Bigelow, 1834-1837
  • Henry Bowen, 1838
  • George G. Smith, 1847-1849
  • B. Franklin Baker, 1850, 1851
  • Peter S. Wheelock, 1852
  • Francis McDonald, 1853, 1854
  • Thomas G. Whytal, 1855, 1856, 1861
  • John K. Fellows, 1857, 1858
  • William Read, 1859, 1860
  • Martin Long, 1862
  • Alfred F. Chapman, 1863, 1864
  • Charles W. Slack, 1865, 1866
  • Charles O. Fox, 1867, 1868
  • George R. Emerson, 1869, 1870
  • Henry J. Parker, 1871, 1872
  • Samuel A. B. Bragg, 1873, 1874
  • Charles D. Annable, 1875, 1876
  • Samuel W. Creech, Jr., 1877, 1878
  • Edwin Wright, 1879, 1880, 1890
  • George P. Eustis, 1881, 1882
  • Cassius C. Powers, 1883, 1884
  • Herbert L. Burrell, 1885; Mem
  • W. G. Whitney, 1886, 1887
  • Charles D. Wright, 1888, 1889
  • John F. Neill, 1891, 1892
  • Henry H. Kendall, 1893, 1894
  • George E. Henry, 1895, 1896; SN
  • William H. Lott, 1897, 1898
  • Charles A. Neill, 1899, 1900
  • Charles Lewis, 1901, 1902
  • Charles A. Heney, 1903, 1904
  • Edward E. Reynolds, 1905, 1906
  • Edward N. West, 1907, 1908
  • John R. Griffin, 1909
  • William W. Chute, 1910, 1911
  • Ervin A. Eastman, 1912, 1913
  • James G. Brown, 1914, 1915
  • Arthur N. Dodge, 1916
  • Frank A. Rice, 1917
  • William A. Syer, 1918
  • Guy W. Jones, 1919, 1920
  • Henry F. Silsby, 1921
  • Orin E. Spooner, 1922
  • Wallace G. Page, 1923, 1924
  • Frederick O. Harrington, 1925, 1926
  • John Wentworth, 1927, 1928; N
  • Everett M. Studley, 1929, 1930
  • W. Alden Burrell, 1931, 1932
  • Percy E. Yeates, 1933, 1934
  • Asa F. Clark, 1935, 1936
  • Athole H. Edwards, 1937, 1938
  • Frank A. Moore, 1939, 1940
  • George E. O. Anderson, 1941, 1942
  • Henry L. Cross, 1943, 1944
  • Charles M. Merritt, 1945, 1946
  • Joseph Shilliday, 1947, 1948
  • Arthur D. Hamilton, 1949, 1950
  • Eugene H. Clapp, II, 1951, 1952, 1980
  • Walter H. Farello, 1953
  • Hale E. Roberts, 1954
  • Charles M. Hoyt, Jr., 1955, 1956
  • Thomas Bruce, Jr., 1957, 1958
  • S. Arthur Verenis, 1959, 1982-1984
  • Henry L. Rice, 1960, 1961
  • David G. Power, 1962, 1963
  • Charles H. Winchester, 1964, 1965
  • Robert Trajan, 1966, 1967
  • Richard A. Karibian, 1968, 1969
  • George J. Avis, 1970, 1971, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1986; PDDGM
  • John Walter Krey, 1972, 1973
  • Menelaos C. Dalaklis, 1974, 1975, 1978
  • John G. Cosmas, 1976, 1977
  • Steve John Gogolos, 1987, 1988; N
  • Nicholas Darris, 1989-1991
  • Argyrios A. Karalis, 1992, 1993
  • David F. Howard, 1994-1997; PDDGM
  • Gary P. Ahearn, 1998, 1999
  • Leon Halperin, 2000
  • William Antonopoulos, 2001
  • Joseph J. Touchette, 2002
  • Arthur M. Papas, 2003
  • Douglas C. Morgan, 2004
  • Paul S. Williams, 2005
  • Frank P. Fotis, 2006
  • Constantine P. Callintzis, 2007
  • Donald A. Haska, 2008
  • Stephen W. Foy, 2009
  • William H. Shaw, III, 2010
  • Charles E. Gould, 2011
  • Samir C. Bichara, 2012

NOTES

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 4, April 1875, Page 185:

[At the Regular Meeting of Massachusetts Lodge, of Boston, held on the 19th inst., W. Brother Henry J. Parker, Past Master, read the following paper, embodying historical and biographical information of much interest:]

As one of the three lodges in this District whose Charters were issued previous to the Revolution, it has seemed proper that some formal notice should be taken of the fact that to-day completes the first centennial of an event which resulted in the ultimate independence of the United States; and the fact that the charter of the Massachusetts Lodge was signed by General Joseph Warren is a sufficient excuse, if any is necessary, to warrant us in recalling so important an event in our history.

One hundred years ago to-day the Massachusetts Lodge had been in existence nearly five years. It numbered among its members some of the most active and noted men of the town of Boston. The Lodge was small, comprising at that time thirty members, the membership Being limited by the By-Laws to fifty. From its formation until 1775, the Lodge had held seventy meetings, the regular place of meeting being at Concert Hall, on the corner of Court and Hanover streets. On the evening of December 5, 1774, it was "voted that the removal of this Lodge to the Bunch of Grapes Tavern be notified in the public prints." The meetings of January 2d and February 6th were all that were held there for three years.

At the meeting of February 6th, two candidates were crafted; it does not appear by the records that they were ever raised.

Concert Hall is said to have been the most elegant hall in the town; the architecture of the inside was imposing, and the walls were covered with mirrors. Within its walls our predecessors gathered for several years; the meetings were well attended, and the "symposia" were as regular as the meetings; "sherry" and "punch" were the standard liquids, and the frequent appropriations for "mason glasses," to be imported from London, prove their con. stant use. The records contain a list of the visiting Brethren, among whom appears the name of Paul Revere. The Most Worshipful Joseph Warren constituted the Lodge August 10, 1770, and visited the Lodge in ample form, as the record states, on the 1st of April, 1771, July 6, September 7, and December 7, 1772. "December 28th," the record reads, "being ye Festival of St. John the Evangelist, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Joseph Warren, Esq., Deputy Grand Master Joseph Webb, and Grand Wardens Samuel Danforth and Samuel Barrett, visited the Lodge in due form." This proved to be the last visitation the Lodge was to receive from their illustrious Grand Master. The important events transpiring in their midst, soon to culminate in war, prevented the usual meetings; the gun fired at Concord was not only to usher in a revolution, but was destined to make discord through all strata of society; the time had come when friends and neighbors were to part, and among the Brethren of the Massachusetts Lodge there was to be a lifelong separation. The last meeting of the Lodge previous to the Revolution was held on the 6th of February, 1775. John Jeffries, then a noted surgeon, was Worshipful Master; Hawes Hatch, Junior Warden; William Codner, Treasurer; John Fenno, Secretary.

The names of Brethren of the Massachusetts Lodge appear prominently on both sides of the conflict—some fighting for the liberty of the colonies, others, equally conscientious, for the Mother country. William Palfrey (whose descendants for three generations have been honored members of our Lodge), Secretary of the Grand Lodge in 1769-70-71, the first Senior Warden of the Massachusetts Lodge, and W. M. in 1771 and 1779, was, during the war, Paymaster-General of the American forces. He was sent on special business to France by order of the Continental Congress; he sailed from Philadelphia in a public-armed vessel, which is supposed to have foundered at sea in the autumn of 1780.

Nathaniel Cudworth was the first Treasurer of the Lodge, serving in that capacity in 1770-1; was elected Secretary in 1772; at the meeting May 4, 1772, he resigned. As he was about to take up his residence in the country, the Lodge tendered him a vote of thanks and the hospitalities of the Lodge whenever he should be in town. He commanded the Sudbury company in the battle at Concord, and "near Hardy's Hill attacked the British troops, where there was a severe skirmish." At the battle of Bunker Hill, he was a Major in Jonathan Brewer's regiment, composed of Worcester and Middlesex troops, "and did excellent duty in the battle."

Joshua Loring was a loyalist, and held the office of Town Major under General Gage. At the evacuation of Boston in March, 1776, he left Boston, and is not known to have returned.

Dr. John Jeffries, Worshipful Master in 1775, was a surgeon of a ship-of-the-line lying in Boston harbor in 1771 to 1774. At the battle of Bunker Hill, he attended the wounded by order of the British Commander. He accompanied the British garrison to Halifax in 1776, where he was appointed Surgeon-General of the forces in Nova Scotia. He afterwards went to London, where he practised in 1790 ; he returned to his native city, where he died in 1819.

Hawes Hatch was a loyalist, and at the evacuation went to St. John, New Brunswick, where he settled, receiving a grant from the British government. He was elected Senior Deacon of the Lodge in 1774.


YEARS

1793 1803 1806 1844 1846 1847 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1877 1878 1880 1881 1882 1883 1885 1891 1892 1895 1896 1898 1899 1900 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1916 1917 1920 1923 1926 1927 1935 1937 1938 1942 1945 1949 1954 1963 1966 1970 1987 1988 1995 1997 2004 2006 2007 2008


EVENTS

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XX, No. 4, February 1861, Page 115:

This is one of the three Lodges in this Commonwealth whose Charters bear the name of Gen. Joseph Warren as G. Master, it having been organized in 1770, and during the administration of that lamented Brother as the presiding officer of the "Massachusetts Grand Lodge," so called, in contradistinction to the "St. John's Grand Lodge." It has always maintained a highly respectable position among the Lodges in the Commonwealth, and its roll, past and present, bears the names of many of the most honored and substantial of our Brethren. Relying perhaps too much on its well-earned laurels, it has not always kept even-pace with the rapid progress of its more youthful associates. A new spirit, however, has within a few years past been infused into it, and now, with a membership numbering more than one hundred, including a fair proportion of young, talented and ambitious Brethren, it may be classed among the most active and promising of our Lodges, as it has always been among the most respected.

Having recently elected a new set of officers, and with a view of allowing the families and female friends of the members an opportunity to examine the elegant apartments now occupied by the Fraternity in the city, a public installation was decided on, and came off on the evening of the 21st January, ultimo. The large hall was literally crowded with spectators, there being at least six hundred present, many of whom were obliged to stand during the entire ceremonies. It was a jam, — which ought not to have been the case, — and the effect was to detract from the pleasure and enjoyment of many.

The ceremonies commenced with a voluntary on the Organ and prayer. Then followed the installation services, which were performed by R. W. Brother Wyzeman Marshall, D. D. G. Master for the 12th District, in an eloquent and impressive manner, and to the gratification of all present. The following, writ ten for the occasion, is worthy of a place in our pages, and will be acceptable to our readers:—

ODE, By Bro. Edward S. Rand, Jr.
Air—Fair Harvard.

Peal forth a loud chorus to honor this hour;
Let us give the warm grasp of the hand;
As opens in morning's bright sunbeams the flowers,
In love let our bosoms expand.
And all praise to the Giver who kindly has blessed
Our efforts in days that are past,
Who has borne with our follies whene'er we transgressed,
Who will still be our friend to the last.

Hail, Masonry hail! here as Brothers we meet,
In Faith at God's footstool we fall,
With an Hope an existence immortal to greet,
In Charity free towards all.
Thy influence blest o'er each Brother be shed,
In each act let thy teachings appear,
From our conduct of life, by the world be it said,
A blessing descends on us here.

As the minutes flee on and the years roll away,
Still may the blessings descend from above,
And our hearts beat as warmly in life's closing day,
'Neath the bright rays of friendship and love.
And when the last change o'er the mortal shall come,
When the death film is glazing the eye,
May Death be but the angel to summon us home,
To the Lodge of oar Master on high.

Glen Ridge, Jan., 1861.

The address of the evening was delivered by Rev. Bro. Wm. R. Alger, of this city, and like all the productions of that eloquent Brother, was a chaste and beautiful performance. It was delivered without notes, and we judge was chiefly extemporary. But however this may be, it was a finished and eloquent production, and very rarely indeed have we witnessed the attention of any public audience more intensely fixed on the words of the speaker.

At the conclusion of the address, the W. Master, Brother Thos. G. Wytal, extended an invitation to the ladies and all others present to examine the various apartments of the building. And thus ended one of the many pleasant reunions of the season.

95TH ANNIVERSARY, MAY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 8, June, 1864, Page 245:

Ninety-four years ago, May 12th, 1770, and of Masonry 5770, Joseph Warren, Esq., Grand Master in Boston, and within one hundred miles circumjacent to the same, by Patent from George, Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, duly authorized and appointed, did, on that date, sign the Charter whereby the precedence of Massachusetts Lodge was declared to date from these Presents, in the Grand Lodge, and elsewhere; and since that time this Lodge has been in possession of its Charter.

It has had periods of reverses, when no initiates have entered its portals for years, but has always had members attached to its ancient Charter, who, in preserving lhat, have preserved an unbroken history. It was therefore with no ordinary feelings of pleasure, that the members determined to celebrate the 95th anniversary in a manner to admit the ladies, as participants in the festivities of the occasion, and to witness the present prosperity of the Lodge.

The Exercises were as follows:— Music. Prayer. Ode. Address, by the W. M., Br. Alfred F. Chapman. Music. Reading of Charter of Lodge, by W. Br. A. A. Dame. Ode. Historical Address, by Br. C. W. Slack. Original Poem, by Rev. Br. W. S. Studley. Banquet.

Of the literary portion, it is enough to say, that the Hisiorical Address, by Br. Slack, was highly interesting and instructive. The Poem— Like the star that athwart gilds the sky, Its course to the latest was bright.

Among the guests were William Parkman, Esq., Grand Master, and lady; C. C. Dame, D. G. Master; J. McClellan, G. Treasurer, and lady; Solon Thornton, Grand High Priest, and lady, together with others, and a full attendance of the members of the Lodge, and their ladies.

Prominent among the members was Matthew S. Parker, Esq., admitted to membership in 1803; Enoch Hobart, in 1817; A. A. Dame, in 1818, and Wm. Palfrey, in 1819, whose son, recently admitted to membership, makes the fourth generation of this name to become members of the Lodge; and Henry Bowen, admitted in 1820.

At twenty minutes past ten o'clock, the W. Master, accompanied by the G. Master and members above named, preceded the procession to the large Hall, where was spread a sumptuous and bountiful table by the Superintendent, Br, L. L. Tarbell.

The exclamation of the Grand Master on entering the banqueting hall—"this is beautiful," will give the best impression of the same. It was a table of beautiful wares, laden with delicacies, and perfumed with the breath of flowers, gathered into twelve fragrant bouquets, which, later in the evening, were disposed of to as many ladies, who happened to hold a talisman given by chance on entering the hall.

Speeches were made by Grand Master Parkman, Rev. J. W. Dadmun, Rev. Dr. Walker, and Rev. Br. Studley, eloquent and humorous, and highly appropriate, if we may judge from the open and frequent expressions of pleasure too great to be repressed, for every now and then one and another would persist in declaring it ; so that in closing, the sociability and good wishes provoked by the occasion, had prepared all who could, to join in singing " Auld Lang Syne," with spirit and feeling, and inspired the "good night," that came from every lip, with, the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men, and God's blessing on Massachusetts Lodge and its members.

CENTENARY, MAY 1870

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIX, No. 8, June 1870, Page 228:

The occurrence of the Centennial Anniversary of a Masonic Lodge, wherever located, or under whatever circumstances, is an event eminently worthy of commemoration. The full rounding off of one one hundred years of continued existence, is a favor which few voluntary secular associations are permitted to realize. Bound together by no special ties of interest, such societies spring into life, play their allotted part, pass away, and are forgotten. To this general law of mutation, Masonic Lodges, though by no means wholly or even largely exempted, undoubtedly present more exceptions than are to be found in any other class of the community. This may, and probably is, in some measure, attributable to the fact that the Masonic Fraternity, as a secular institution, is more numerous, both in its membership and in its auxiliary aids, than any of the other social divisions. But the true reason is to be found in its peculiar conformation, and adaptation to the social needs and necessities of life. In this respect it is without an equal. Its members, whatever may have been their motive in joining it, soon learn to love it, not from selfish or eleemosynary considerations, but from the harmonizing and softening influences which it exercises over their lives, the sympathetic emotions it awakens in the heart, and the confidence it inspires in each other. And this is the secret of its success and endurance, that which has brought it down along the ages of the past, and will carry it forward in defiance of the prejudices, the opposition, and the persecutions of bigotry and intolerance, for ages to come.

The occurrence of a Centennial Anniversary forms an important epoch in the history of the Lodge. It presents a standpoint — an occasion suggestive of the past — of its pleasant memories, its lessons of wisdom, its guarantees for the future. If it be true that history is philosophy teaching by example, this is the time to read its lessons, and to profit by its instructions. We are, therefore, always rejoiced when we learn that such celebrations, in whatever branch of our Institution they may occur, are to be celebrated in a manner commensurate with their importance. Five such observances have, in our day, taken place in our own city, two of them by Grand Lodges — the first in 1833, the second in 1869 — and three of them by subordinate Lodges. The last was the celebration named at the head of this article, and took place at the New Masonic Temple, on the 12th of May, the particulars of which are given in the following concise report from one of the city papers of the following morning : —

Sutton or Corinthian Hall, where the afternoon exercises were held, was well filled by the members of the Lodge with their ladies and friends. A voluntary on the organ was the opening, after which the M.W. Grand Master and suite were received in Due Form. Music by the choir followed this ceremony, after which, W.M. George Emerson made an address, extending a cordial welcome to the company present, saying that the occasion was one from whicli they could look back with pride and satisfaction. "While the zeal of our ancestors is brought before our minds, a fresh impulse and a new zeal is obtained in the endeavor to discharge every duty which devolves upon us as members of this honorable Lodge."

Prayer was then offered by the Chaplain, Rev. Br. John P. Robinson; reading of the Charter by Rev. Br, John P. Robinson. The choir sang an original ode written for the occasion by W. Br. W. S. Adams. The W. Br. Charles W. Slack then made the Historical Address, of which the following is an abstract: —

In 1770, Boston was a town of 20,000 inhabitants; 4000 houses, mainly of wood. Hancock's house, finished in 1737, was the most elegant structure in town. Mr. Slack now recited various historical events that took place during the period prior to the Revolutionary War, in the midst of which the Lodge was chartered. May 12, 1770, Joseph Warren placed his name to the Charter for the institution of the Lodge; Joseph Tyler, James Jackson, Isaac Rand, William Palfrey, John Hill, Nathaniel Cudworth, Joshua Loring, and John Jeffries, with Joseph Warren as Grand Master, he being then twenty-nine years of age, constituted Massachusetts Lodge, May 12, 1770. In December, of the same year, he was installed Grand Master of Masonry in Boston, and within one hundred miles circumjacent of the same. Masonry was regularly introduced into Boston about one century after the settlement of the country. In 1764, the Masons' Hall was in the Green Dragon Tavern, on Union Street. In 1768, the Royal Arch Lodge of Masons was organized.

The first meeting of the Lodge was held in the old hostelry. The second meeting was held in the same place, when it was voted to hold future meetings at Concord Hall, on Queen, now Court Street. On the 3d of January, 1774, the M.W.G.M Joseph Warren visited the Lodge in Due Form, receiving the full honors of Masonry — his last official and personal visit. From October, 1774, to February, 1775, the Lodge met in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern. A suspension then occurred, the Lodge holding its next meeting on December 9, 1778. On the 7th of March, 1780, k made a movement for the union of all the Lodges in the country, and it culminated in the union of the Massachusetts and St. John's Lodges. During the years 1783-5, Moses M. Hays was the Grand Master. The announcement, on the evening of the 2d of November, that the Charter was missing, created great excitement; no trace of it could be found; but, on the 2d of December, it again hung in its accustomed place. On the 30th of April, 1810, the propriety and utility of instituting a fund for charity was suggested. A committee was appointed to consider and report a plan, which was adopted July 30. On the 16th of June, 1817, an act of incorporation was obtained from the Legislature of Massachusetts for the Grand Lodge. In 1817, the several Lodges procured a lease of apartments in the Exchange Coffee House. The premises were destroyed by fire, November 3, 1818, the Lodge losing much of its regalia. The present arrangements, respecting charity to strangers, were established in 1819. In the spring of 1821, the Lodge took apartments in the upper story of the Old State House, the hall possessing ample accommodations.

On the 29th of March, 1822, a portrait of Most Worshipful Joseph Warren was obtained. June 17, 1825, the Lodge participated in the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument. February 23, 1827, the Lodge took action on the subject of erecting a Masonic Temple. On the 30th of December, 1831, the Lodge met for the first time in the new Temple on Tremont Street. On the 24th of June, 1845, upon invitation of King Solomon's Lodge, of Charlestown, the Lodge joined in publicly dedicating the model of the old monument erected by them, in 1794, to the memory of General Joseph Warren. On the 11th of November, the Lodge participated in the dedication of the new Masonic Hall in the old Temple. On the 15th of November, 1858, the Lodge met in Nassau Hall, on Washington Street, and on the 10th oi January, 1860, in the Winthrop House. On the 5th of April, 1864, this was destroyed by fire, and the Lodge again lost its property, and took temporary quarters in Thorndike Hall. On the 14th of October, 1864, the corner-stone of the present Temple was laid, and the dedication took place on St. John's Day, June 24, 1867. The first meeting of the Lodge was held the 24th of September following, making the seventeenth place of communication it has known. On this its one hundredth anniversary, it stands the third oldest Lodge in the State, but second to none for its strict observance of those masonic virtues — Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love.

At the close of Br. Slack's address, an address was made by the M.W. Grand Master, William Sewall Gardner, and this closed the exercises of the afternoon. At half-past six a reception was held, when the Committee received their many prominent guests; at half-past seven the company passed up stairs to the banquet, which was served in the banquet-hall of the Temple. Floral decorations were abundant, giving the hall a beautiful appearance. Opposite the entrance and against the wall were suspended "G" and the square and compass, formed of red and white pinks, set in roses relieved by smilax. On one side of the hall was " 1870," and opposite, "1770." Large baskets of flowers hung from the arches of the Gothic windows and over the various arches which divide the hall. The tables were spread by William Tufts, caterer, and presented a tempting appearance, all that was necessary for such an occasion being provided in abundance. The Germania Band occupied the entry adjoining the hall, and discoursed those selections which have made the band so famous for receptions. When the banquet had been partaken of, the W. M. George B,. Emerson called the company to order, and introduced M.W. Grand Master William Sewall Gardner, who excused himself from making a speech, and called upon Charles Levi Woodbury, who interested the audience, in his humorous manner, by anticipating that Masonry in the future might be composed of women. Mayor Shurtleff was the next speaker, congratulating the Lodge on the success of their first centennial. Br. Slack closed with an address.

The company now passed to the Gothic Hall, where the Boston Commandery choir gave a musical entertainment. In the mean time the banquet-hall was cleared of its tables, and soon the feet were busy keeping time to the music of the Germania Band in a well-selected order of dances. This was continued until 12 o'clock, when the festivities of the day were ended.

The affair was a complete success in the full sense of the word. The Committee of Arrangements, Messrs. Henry J. Parker, Alexander K. Bryer, Edwin Wright, Charles W. Slack, Samuel W. Creech, jr., George R. Emerson, Samuel A. B. Bragg, have been indefatigable in their efforts to make it so, and were last night rewarded by feeling satisfied that the Centennial Anniversary had been observed in a manner which reflects credit upon the Lodge and the Fraternity.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1803: District 1 (Boston)

1821: District 1

1834: District 1

1849: District 1

1867: District 1 (Boston)

1883: District 1 (Boston)

1911: District 1 (Boston)

1927: District 1 (Boston)

2003: District 1


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