Difference between revisions of "MountHermon2"

Revision as of 00:51, 22 July 2013

MOUNT HERMON LODGE

Location: Woburn

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 09/12/1855 V-579

Precedence Date: 10/17/1854

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1854 not in Proceedings
• Petition for Charter: 1855

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1954 (Centenary)
• 2004 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1856 (Lewis; installation; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1861 (W. Coolidge; installation; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1874 (Nickerson)
• 1881 (Lawrence; 2 visits)
• 1883 (Lawrence; 3 visits)
• 1892 (Wells)
• 1901 (Gallagher)
• 1906 (Blake)
• 1909 (Flanders)
• 1922 (Prince)
• 1925 (Ferrell; hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1954 (W. Johnson; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1962 (Eaton; installation)
• 1985 (Richardson; table lodge)
• 1989 (Ames)
• 2004 (Hicks; 150th Anniversary)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1878 1888 1901 1905 1908 1916 1918 1921 1924 1926 1927 1947 1948 1950 1953 1954 1956 1964 1978 1986 2007 2010

HISTORY

• 1954 (Centenary History, 1954-157)

OTHER

• 1884 (Presentation of PGM Jewel, 1884-48)
• 1912 (Cornerstone laying in Medford, 1912-153)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, JANUARY 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 5, March 1856, Page 136:

This is a new Lodge, and has been working under a Dispensation for a little more than a year. Having thus ascertained from experience, that it would probably be able to sustain itself for the future, the Grand Lodge very cordially granted, it a charter, and on the 31st of January last it was solemnly consecrated by the M. W. Grand Master, assisted by several officers of the Grand Lodge. The ceremony of consecration was performed in accordance with the ancient ritual of the Craft, and to the great acceptance of all present. The officers of the Lodge were then installed by the R. W. Senior Grand Warden, Col. J. T. Heard, acting as Deputy Grand Master. The charges were then given with an exactness and propriety, and gracefulness of delivery, which we have rarely seen equalled.

The officers having been duly inducted into their proper places, the M. W. Grand Master briefly addressed the new Lodge in his usual happy and pertinent manner, giving them advice and counsel suited to the occasion. The Grand Lodge then retired and the Lodge was closed. After which the visiting Brethren, by invitation of the new Lodge, spent a social hour at the banqueting table.

Medford is one of our oldest and most beautiful suburban towns. It is also a place of much business and is rapidly increasing in population. The present is the first Lodge ever established in the town ; and we are happy to add that it is well officered and starts on its career of usefulness under highly favorable auspices. It has our best wishes for its future prosperity. Its present officers are George Hervey, W. M.; Elisha Stetson, S. W.; Elbridge G. Currell, J. W.; Hiram Southworth, Treasurer; Samuel C. Lawrence, Secretary; C. B. Johnson, S. D.; C F. Merrill, J. D.; David Simpson, S. S.; Samuel W. Sanborn, J. S.; James Ford, T. The Lodge meets on Thursday after the full moon.

GRAND MASTER LEWIS' CHARGE

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 9, July 1856, Page 269:

Having been in due and ample form constituted into a regular Lodge, and prepared to enter on the performance of duties, serious and important, —duties, as they may be well or ill executed, exercising a most influential character on Massachusetts Masonry; permit me to offer a few remarks at this onset of your career — some suggestions on the best policy of your future course — some cautions to guide your prospective path.

He who has the honor to address you, has been of the Order in times of its deepest adversity, participated in the sacrifices then demanded and cheerfully offered up, and has also been cheered by the bright culmination of its present meridian splendor. Thus aware of the quicksands of danger, as well as of the calm sea of prosperity — both requiring the careful navigator, — permit him to show you the track which leads to the haven where you would be, and ere you launch your untried bark, to furnish a few outfits, that your voyage shall be prosperous and happy. The Mason, like the mariner, has certain fixed points, — the first, a series of principles to guide him, from which he is not to deviate, and the other, conspicuous capes or projections, which, ever observing, can never mislead. With both, they are termed landmarks; and the career, whether of prosperity or adversity, depends on the strictness with which they are watched and their monitions followed. Our landmarks are not of sand, disappearing and washed away by storms, but immutable monuments, piled up on sure foundations, cemented by the best architects. On your course, keep these ever in view, direct your craft by their guidance. They will serve as beacons of light to point the voyage of every Masonic mariner, and improve the common sailor to the perfect Master.

The Constitution of the Grand Lodge may be termed the chart by which you are to be guided. Examine it carefully, follow its details and requirements, and on no account deviate from what is there laid down. It was prepared by the judgment and sagacity of the best and most experienced of our pilots, and the most venerable of our helmsmen; the result of long practical experience, and for the guidance of our ancient bark, which has ever stood A 1, on the Lloyd's Books of the Masonic World.

Seek not to increase the mere numerical force of your crew, for the show of numbers only. They burthen the vessel and impede its progress. They are in the way, ever. They are dead weights, and it is better to have a light ship with an onward course, than one laden heavily that can make no progress. Let your ship-list be made up of good men and true, worthy and well qualified.

Let them be well tried on their first voyage, apprentices duly entered into the mysteries of their profession, before assuming the responsibilities of a 2d mate; so that when raised to the high station of a Master, he may adorn his vocation, and strengthen his Craft.

From the non-observance of that wise maxim, "hasten slowly," how many have stumbled, become confused, and utterly useless ! They have shipped in a hurry, made a brief voyage, seen many objects, but remember none ; heard words which have left no impress, and reach the shore, without knowing a rope in the ship. To such the finis is a result, " stale, flat and unprofitable."

Under a nautical similitude, these " few words" are now addressed to you Consider their import, and steer by the compass which points to the right, and you will attain success. May your voyage be ever cheered by favoring gales and smooth seas—your ship well trimmed, ready for the storm as the calm, and may Heaven smile on your course, and conduct you to happiness here and hereafter.

INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 1, October 1861, Page 26:

A PLEASANT REUNION. Mount Hermon Lodge at Medford, celebrated its sixth anniversary, by a public installation of its officers, on Wednesday evening, the 30th October. There was a full attendance of members, and a large number of ladies as invited guests. The installation ceremonies were performed by the M.W. Grand Master, who was attended by several of the Grand Officers, in their regalia. It is quite unnecessary to say that the ceremonies were well performed, and to the acceptance of all present. The music, with which they were interspersed, was furnished by a select choir, and added much to the interest and pleasure of the occasion. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the M. W. Grand Master addressed the W. Master of the Lodge, Brother Elihu C. Baker, and the Wardens and members, in an appropriate and impressive manner, on their relative duties and obligations as Masons; concluding with a few words of welcome and compliment to the ladies.

The Lodge was then closed, and the members, with their invited guests, repaired to the Town Hall, where a bountiful and excellent supper was provided for their refreshment, and to which all were cordially welcomed by the W. Master of the Lodge At the table, short addresses were made by the Master, the M. W. Grand Master, and other members of the Grand Lodge. The choir also favored the company with a patriotic and other appropriate songs. The occasion was one to be remembered. The arrangements were admirably made and executed. AH were pleased and for the time at least made happy.

The Lodge is in a fine condition, with accomplished and talented officers, and a full share of work. We tender our best wishes for its continued prosperity and consequent usefulness.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Clifford M. Brewer, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1917, 1918; Memorial
• Michael A. Brown, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1990, 1991
• William W. Cruwys, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1960, 1961; N
• Charles B. Dunham, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1908; N
• Smith B. Harrington, DDGM, District 17 (Woburn), 1873, 1874; SN
• H. Paul Hokanson, Jr., DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1968, 1969; N
• William B. Lawrence, 1890; Junior Grand Warden 1902
• Samuel Crocker Lawrence, Senior Grand Marden 1870, Grand Master 1881-1883
• Robert N. Spofford, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1935, 1936; N
• J. Gilman Waite, Deputy Grand Master 1903

DISTRICTS

1855: District 3

1867: District 2 (Charlestown)

1872: District 17 (Woburn)

1883: District 6 (Somerville)

1911: District 6 (Somerville)

1927: District 6 (Somerville)

2003: District 13

LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges

The curator for this page is Brother Frank J. Kautz II. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.