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LODGE OF SAINT ANDREW

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Lord Aberdour, Grand Master of Scotland.

Charter Date: 09/11/1809; endorsed by Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. II-418

Precedence Date: 11/30/1756

Current Status: Active


NOTES

The Lodge of St. Andrew was originally chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland prior to the creation of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge (Provincial, later Independent) in 1769. As such, it always held an unusual and special place in Massachusetts Freemasonry; indeed, when Grand Master Paul Revere presented his edict severing relations with any Masonic body that did not pay quarterage to the Grand Lodge or appear at its Communications, a special exception was made for the Lodge of St. Andrew in 1798 so that it was not excluded from cross-visitation. Its relationship with the Grand Lodge continued at a distance until 1807, when a joint committee undertook the task of petitioning for release from the Grand Lodge of Scotland; its charter was finally endorsed at the September 1809 Quarterly Communication, where it was granted precedence according to the date of its charter, second only to St. John's (Boston).

In 1784 a portion of its membership seceded and formed a lodge under the Massachusetts Grand Lodge; this body, Rising States Lodge, was dissolved in 1810.


PAST MASTERS

The Masters of the lodge prior to 1756 are not known, according to the centennial history.

  • Isaac de Coster, 1756-1759
  • William Burbeck, 1760-1764, 1766, 1782, 1783
  • Joseph Webb, 1766
  • Moses Deshon, 1767
  • Joseph Warren, 1768
  • Samuel Barrett, 1769
  • Paul Revere, 1770, 1777, 1778, 1780, 1781
  • Jonathan Snelling, 1771
  • Thomas Urann, 1772
  • John Lowell, 1773
  • Edward Proctor, 1774, 1775
  • John Symmes, 1776
  • William Hoskins, 1779
  • James Carter, 1784, 1785
  • Thomas Dakin, 1786-1788, 1792, 1793
  • Samuel Moore, 1789-1791
  • Benjamin Hurd, Jr., 1794
  • Joshua Eaton, 1795-1800
  • Andrew Sigourney, 1801, 1802
  • William Williams, 1803
  • Henry Purkitt, 1804, 1805
  • James Farrar, 1806-1808
  • James Green, 1809
  • Henry Fowle, 1810-1816, 1818, 1819
  • John James Loring, 1817
  • David Parker, 1820-1822, 1827, 1835
  • Bela Lincoln, 1823, 1824
  • Alexander H. Jennings, 1825, 1826
  • Abel P. Baker, 1828-1831
  • Charles W. Moore, 1832
  • Ezekiel Bates, 1833, 1834; Mem
  • John R. Bradford, 1836-1838, 1850, 1851
  • Edwin Barnes, 1839, 1840
  • Hugh H. Tuttle, 1841-1843; Mem
  • Smith W. Nichols, 1844-1846
  • Hamilton Willis, 1847-1849
  • Samuel Parkman Oliver, 1852-1856
  • William Parkman, 1857-1859
  • Charles J. F. Sherman, 1860-1863
  • Edward Stearns, 1864, 1865
  • William F. Davis, 1866, 1867
  • Ezra Palmer, 1868-1870
  • Thomas E. Chamberlain, 1871-1873
  • William Parkman, Jr., 1874, 1875
  • Hasket Derby, 1876, 1877
  • Henry A. Whitney, 1878, 1879
  • George C. Stearns, 1880-1883
  • Thomas Resticaux, 1884
  • Henry G. Jordan, 1885-1887
  • Thomas F. Sherman, 1888-1890
  • William L. Richardson, 1891-1893
  • Charles M. Green, 1894-1900
  • Winthrop Wetherbee, 1901-1907
  • Benjamin D. Hyde, 1908, 1909
  • Robert M. Green, 1910, 1911
  • James W. Austin, 1912, 1913
  • Wellington Wells, 1914, 1915
  • Herbert Austin, 1916, 1917
  • Charles H. Parker, 1918
  • Edwin P. Holmes, 1919, 1920
  • Albert Thorndike, 1921, 1922
  • Charles W. Spencer, 1923, 1924
  • E. Sohier Welch, 1925, 1926
  • Francis A. Harding, 1927, 1928
  • Richard H. Miller, 1929, 1930
  • Orrin G. Wood, 1931, 1932
  • George F. Brown, 1933, 1934
  • George W. Whitman, 1935, 1936
  • J. Amory Jeffries, 1937, 1938; N
  • William E. Chamberlain, 1939
  • Benjamin A. G. Thorndike, 1940-1942; N
  • Francis C. Welch, 1943, 1944
  • Charles L. Hibbard, Jr., 1945, 1946
  • William F. Chamberlain, 1947
  • George M. Naylor, Jr., 1948, 1949
  • Augustus P. Loring, 1950, 1951
  • Richard W. Foster, 1952, 1954
  • Winthrop Wetherbee, 1953
  • Edward H. Osgood, 1955, 1956
  • Wellington Wells, Jr., 1957, 1958
  • Edmund H. Kendrick, 1959, 1960
  • William C. Loring, 1961-1963, 1972
  • Samuel Hoar, 1964, 1965
  • Allston S. Goff, 1966, 1967
  • William A. Thorndike, 1968, 1969
  • John A. Jeffries, Jr., 1970, 1971
  • William C. Loring, 1972; N
  • William B. Osgood, 1973, 1974
  • Preston H. Saunders, 1975, 1976
  • H. Gilman Nichols, Jr., 1977, 1978
  • Nathaniel T. Dexter, 1979, 1980
  • Andrew Anderson-Bell, 1981, 1982
  • Lawrence Coolidge, 1983, 1984
  • William C. Loring, Jr., 1985, 1986
  • Normand F. Smith, 1987, 1988
  • Allan D. Parker, III, 1989, 1990; PDDGM
  • Christopher L. Huntoon, 1991, 1992
  • George F. Parker, 1993, 1994
  • Stephen B. Kistner, 1995, 1996
  • Benjamin W. Thorndike, 1997, 1998;
  • Miguel de Braganca, 1999, 2000
  • Frank S. Streeter, II, 2001, 2002
  • Jonathan V. Taylor, 2003, 2004
  • John B. Langer, 2005, 2006
  • T. Parker Gallagher, 2007, 2008
  • Rufus R. Ward, 2009, 2010
  • Charles E. Thorland, 2011, 2012

YEARS

1792 1798 1799 1800 1802 1807 1808 1809 1810 1826 1827 1839 1855 1860 1872 1873 1874 1877 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1909 1910 1911 1914 1916 1917 1918 1919 1921 1922 1923 1924 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2005 2006 2007 2009 2011


EVENTS

CENTENARY CELEBRATION, NOVEMBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 3, December 1856, Page 71:

St. Andrew's Lodge, of this city, celebrated its One Hundredth Anniversary, on the evening of the 29th November last — anticipating by one day (the 30th being Sunday), the date of its Charter.

CHARTER OF THE LODGE

This was the first Lodge established in America by authority of the Grand Lodge of Scotland; and it has always been one of the most respectable, energetic and wealthy in the country. Its Charter is dated the 30th November, 1756, and is as follows :—

To all and sundry to whose knowledge these presents shall come, Greeting:

Sholto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, with consent of the Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, hereunto subscribing —

Whereas, a petition hath been presented to the Grand Lodge, in name of Isaac DeCoster, David Flagg, George Graham, George Lowder, George Bray, George Hodge, Henry Amines, William Burbeck, and James Tourner, Free and Accepted Masons, residing at Boston, in New England, praying that they and such other Brethren as they should rind to be duly qualified, should be constituted and erected into a Mason Lodge, under the name, title and designation of the Lodge of Sr. Andrew's, to be held in Boston, at New England: which petition having been openly read in presence of the Grand Lodge assembled, it was unanimously Resolved and Ordered, chat the desire of the same should be granted.

Know ye, therefore, That We, by and with the advice and consent of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, have constituted, erected and appointed, and hereby constitute, erect and appoint the Worshipful Brethren above named, and their successors in all time coming, a true and regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the name, title and designation of the Lodge of St. Andrew's, to be held at Boston, in New England, and ordain all regular Lodges within Scotland or elsewhere, holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to hold and respect them as such for the future. And We, with advice and consent foresaid, give and grant to them and their successors, full and ample power to meet, convene and assemble as a regular Lodge; to enter and receive Apprentices, pass Fellow-Crafts, and raise Master Masons, upon payment of such regular and reasonable compensations as they shall think proper for supporting their poor, decayed Brethren, widows and orphans, agreeable to their stations, and to elect and make choice of a Master Wardens and other Office Bearers, annually, or otherwise, as they may have occasion. And we hereby recommend to our foresaid Brethren so constituted, to obey their superiors in all things lawful and honest as becometh the honour and harmonie of Masonry. And that they faithfully become bound and engaged not to desert their said Lodge, and that none of them presume, upon any pretence whatever, to make separate meetings among themselves without the consent, approbation, or presence of their Master and Wardens for the time; nor collect money or other funds separate from the common stock of their Lodge, to the hurt or prejudice of the poor thereof.

The said Worshipful Brethren being always bound and obliged, as by their acceptance hereof they faithfully bind and oblige themselves and their successors, in ail time coming, to obey the whole Acts, Statutes, and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, as well these already made as those hereafter to be made for the utility, welfare and prosperity of Masonry in general, and to pay and perform whatever is stipulated or demanded from them for supporting the dignity of the Grand Lodge, and to record in their Lodge book, which they are hereby enjoyned to keep, this present Charter of Erection and Constitution with the Regulations or By-Laws already made, or hereafter to be made by them from time to time, with their other proceedings and Annual Elections, as they happen, to the end the same may be the more readily seen and observed by their Brethren, subject, nevertheless, to the review of the Grand Lodge aforesaid. And in like manner the said Brethren and their successors are hereby required to attend the whole General Meetings and Quarterly Communications of the said Grand Lodge by their Representatives, being their Master and Wardens for the time, or by Proxies in their name duly authorized by commission from their Lodge, such Proxies being Master Masons or Fellow-Crafts, belonging to some established Lodge, to the end the said Brethren only he duly certified and informed of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge to whom they may represent their grievances or any other matters concerning Masonrie as they shall see cause. And We hereby declare the precidencie of the foresaid Brethren in the Grand Lodge to commence from the date of these presents, and appoint this our Charter to be recorded in the book of the Grand Lodge, in terms of the regulation in that behalf.

Given under our hand and seal, in the Grand Lodge, held in St. Marys
 Chapel, in the city of Edinburgh, and the Seal of the Grand Lodge is
hereunto appended this thirtieth day of November, one thousand seven
 hundred and fifty six years.


Apud Edinburgum trigesimo, Novembris 1756, Recorded in the Book of the G. Lodge.

  • Aberdour, G. M.
  • Geo. Frazer, D. Grand Mr.
  • Rch'd Tod, Sub G. M.
  • Pr. Alex'r Dougall, G. Secty.
  • Henry Cuninghame, S. G. W.
  • Geo. Beam, G. Clerk.
  • Will. Budge, J. G. W.

Composition of two Guineas to this Grand Lodge for the Charter, paid unto James Hunter, G. Tr.

The Lodge continued to work under the above Charter until the year 1759, when it united with two other Lodges, (both of which were attached to British regiments then stationed in Boston,) and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland to appoint a Prov. Grand Master in America, with power to organize a Grand Lodge in Boston. This petition was granted, and Gen. Joseph Warren, (who had been initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge in the year 1761,) was appointed "Grand Master of Masons in Boston, New-England, and within one hundred miles of the same."

This Commission bears date the 30th May, 1769, though it does not appear that Gen. Warren organized any Grand Lodge under it until the 17th December following. It was not, probably, received until some months after its date. The Brethren present at the organization of the new Grand Lodge, besides the Grand Master, were — "The Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. Andrew's Lodge — the Master and Wardens of Lodge No. 58 of the Registry of England — and the Master and Wardens of Lodge No. 322 of the Registry of Ireland." To this Body St. Andrew's Lodge continued to afford a cordial support, until the death of Gen. Warren, on Bunker Hill, in 1775. Owing to a difference of opinion, it did not come under the present Grand Lodge of Massachusetts until the year 1809, when it was received by that Body, "to take rank in Grand Lodge, at all the Quarterly Communications, Festivals, and Funerals, and all other regular and constitutional meetings, agreeably to the date of their ancient Charter." From that time to the present it has been one of its most steadfast and reliable supports. But it is not our intention here to sketch the history of the Lodge. That was ably done by the orator at the recent celebration, and when his address is published we shall lay before our readers such portions of it as may be necessary for this purpose. At present we have to do with the festival.

This took place as above stated, at the Masonic Temple ; on which occasion the entire building was generously given up to the use of the Lodge. The upper hall was appropriated to the ladies for a dressing room; the large Grand Lodge room in the story below for the more intellectual exercises, and the elegant and spacious Music room of the Messrs. Chickering, for the Banquet.

The number of guests, from the want of room for their accommodation, was limited to about two hundred ladies and gentlemen. Among them were the Governor of the Commonwealth and the Mayor of the city — the latter not a Mason. The exercises were commenced with a voluntary on the Organ. The following Hymn, written for the occasion, by Br. N. B. Shurtleff, was then sung, to music composed for the occasion, by Br. J. H. Wilcox, Organist of the Lodge:—

Almighty Architect divine!
O'er these assembled Brothers shine!
With mild, benignant ray!
Vouchsafe a happy gathering here,
With nought to alloy fraternal cheer
On this Centennial day!

May all who meet within this hall,
To grace St. Andrew's Festival,
This rare event employ!
And friends who join us on this eve,
May they thy bounteous gifts receive,
And share with us the joy!

And may the pastime of this night
Contentment add to pure delight
To consecrate the scene!
And when these hours of love have passed,
May life, made brighter while they last,
Be holier that they've been!

The address followed next in order, and was of course the prominent and most interesting as well as important feature of the occasion. It was pronounced by W. Brother Hamilton Willis, Esq., one of the Past Masters of the Lodge, and occupied about an hour and a half in the delivery. The speaker commenced by taking a general view of the early history of the Institution, particularly in England and Scotland — referred to its existence in various parts of Europe — spoke of its general character and influence as a great moral association ; and then passing on to its introduction into this country, took up the history of the origin and progress of the Lodge. This he traced with some minuteness — showing the practices of the earlier days of Masonry in America — the men who were connected with it—and the prominent part they took in the Revolutionary struggle—not as Masons, but as Patriots—as most of the leading Masons of that day were. Among those who were connected with the Lodge, he named Gens. Warren and Lincoln, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and others, distinguished in the history of that day. He spoke, in affecting terms, of the late highly respected and beloved Brothers Jonas Chickering and John J. Loring, and closed with a forcible appeal to the present members to preserve the ancient character of their Lodge, and so transmit it to their successors. The address was well written, and when published will be a valuable contribution to the Masonic history of the country.

After the address, the following beautiful Ode, written by Dr. Henry G. Clark, a member of the Lodge, and set to original music, composed by S. P. Tuckerman, Mus. Doc, was sung by the choir, in a style of surpassing excellence :—

St. Andrew's Eve! From yonder tower
As lolls the bell the passing hour;
As silent glide lime's ebbing sands,
A century completed stands!

St. Andrew's Eve! Well met to-night!
To celebrate the century's flight,
And gather, ere it disappears,
The harvest of a hundred years!

A memory, and a tear, for those
Who lie in dreamless death's repose!
Let green acacia deck each grave,
And solemn cypress o'er it wave!

Grey moss creeps o'er the castle walls,
Of Aberdour's ancestral halls;
But still our Charter stands as fair,
As when the Douglas sealed it there.

So fade the past! The present yields
Its fruits and flowers from fairer fields;
For Beauty's radiance lights the East,
And loving friends will grace our feast!

The crescent moon her silver shield
Has lifted o'er the golden field;
Come, let us bind our ripened sheaves,
And garland them with Autumn leaves!

The exercises were then closed with an appropriate and fervent prayer by the Chaplain of the Lodge, Brother Peter Wainwright.

A procession was then formed, and the company proceeded to the Banqueting room. Here elegance and good taste were so nicely blended as to command the admiration and praise of the entire company. The tables were beautifully and profusely ornamented with flowers, and being brilliantly lighted, in. connection with the elegance of the room, and the presence of the ladies, presented a scene of enchanting beauty. It is hardly necessary to add that the "Bill of Fare" included every luxury and delicacy that the market could afford. Nothing was left to be desired in this particular. (The Caterer was Mr. J. B Smith, who, it is generally allowed, stands at the head of his profession in the city ; but on this occasion he exceeded his own well established reputation.)

The Master of the Lodge, W. Brother Samuel P. Oliver, Esq., presided and welcomed the invited guests in the following neat and pretty address :—

Ladies and Gentlemen, — It is an ancient and beautiful custom of our Order that at stated periods the workmen shall be called from labor to refreshment. With our ancient Brethren it was a matter of necessity that at high twelve of each day the sound of the axe and the hammer should cease, the plumb, square and level be laid aside, and the trowel be still for a season, that they might refresh and strengthen exhausted nature, and enjoy the rich privilege of social intercourse. In more modern days this time-honored and hallowed custom has been figuratively though, strictly observed, and few are the occasions when refreshments are provided.

But in remembrance of this joyous custom, the Lodge of St. Andrew, at the close of one hundred years of labor, at this her high twelve of existence, now calls her craftsmen to refreshment. How readily do they respond to the unfamiliar but well remembered call!

As her representative upon this occasion, it becomes my official and grateful duty to bid you welcome to her family gathering. As we gather around this festive board, our bounding pulses are stilled, our exultation subdued, as we miss from their accustomed places the loved and honored forms of some up to whom we have always looked for counsel and approval. They have gone forth on the level of time to the boundless realms of eternity, and are there engaged in admiring the fair proportions of that Temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens Yet what to us is loss untold, to them is gain unspeakable; and with sinking, though reverent and grateful hearts, we desire to say, So mote it be. The sweet remembrance of their virtues shall last till time shall be no more.

Our sorrow, however, is turned into joy as we see before us others equally loved and venerated, who for fifty years have been true and faithful Craftsmen, who have devoted to our Order the vigor of youth and the energy of manhood, and now adorn it with the love of their declining years. Their virtues are placed on perpetual record.

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, that good old mother of us all, sends us her parental blessing, and is with us in the persons of her Grand Master and Warden, whose countenances, everywhere welcome, now beam with the brightness of friendship and brotherly love. That other parent institution, from whose great heart we first drew the stream of life, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, greets us from across the waters, and, through her representatives, bids us God speed. Our sister Lodges, also, have sent hither their most skillful workmen to join in our councils and in our festivities. The good old Commonwealth of Massachusetts, though in our day of darkness and trial she stood aloof and heard not our cry of supplication, now sends to us her Chief Magistrate, not in his official robes of state, but in the simple garb of a Mason, to honor the occasion and heighten the festivity. Though not clothed in garment such as we would have him wear, yet in his heart prepared to be made a Mason, the ever welcome Head of our beloved city, laying aside his official gavel, sits down with us to-night, a willing and honored guest.

And last, but far from least, woman, the mother of Masons, forgetting those hours of loneliness and watching, forgiving us that we hold secrets she may not share, the embodiment of the Faith, Hope and Charity of our profession, is here to-night to soften, refine and grace our jubilee.

And now, having with us Age, Manhood, and Woman, wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn our undertaking — why need I longer delay to proclaim from the East to the West and the South, welcome, thrice welcome to the festivities of the Lodge of St. Andrew!

The following excellent Ode, written by a Brother for the occasion, was then sung to the air of "The Star Spangled Banner:"—

Through the years that glide by, through the centuries' flight,
Through the lapse of old time and decay of the ages,
Fair Masonry stands in perennial light,
And writes her long record on adamant pages.
In the sunshine of truth, in perpetual youth,
Still she strikes for religion, for right and for truth.
All hail to our Order, and long may the flame
Of science and charity blaze at its name!

When the Temple first sprang towards Jerusalem's sky,
And pillar and dome were fixed in their places,
Our Brethren worked 'neath the All-Seeing Eye;
As he taught, so they piled up its manifold graces.
We labor no more, like our Brothers of yore,
But the structure of virtue we build o'er and o'er.
All hail to our Order, and long may the flame
Of science and charity blaze at its name!

In Columbia's childhood, and long ere the time
When she cast off the chains which her powers were repressing,
Our fathers brought o'er from a far distant clime
The mark and the watchword, the faith and the blessing.
Keep the names blazoned fair, spite of rust and of wear,
Of the Masons who placed here the corner stone square.
All hail to our Order, and long may the flame
Of science and charity blaze at its name!

In the work of our vows never weary or faint,
Doing good in the path by our fortune allotted:
Let us be like our patron, old Scotia's saint,
The gentleman, soldier and Christian unspotted;
His example so true, so genial, still view
In doing the labor our hands find to do!
All hail to St. Andrew, and long may the name
In our bosoms enkindle an emulous flame!

Charles Allen Browne, Esq., officiated as toast master, and among those who responded to sentiments were Dr. Lewis, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge; Gov. Gardner, Rev. W. R. Alger, Mayor Rice, Samuel G. Clark, a representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland ;[John T. Heard, Esq., Charles W. Moore, and others.

An original parting Song was sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," but for which we have not room.

The Music, as well as the Poetry, was written for the occasion, and was sung by a double Quartette Choir, under the direction of Brother C. Francis Chickering. Both the music and the execution were of a high order of excellence, and elicited the praise of the whole company. In fine, all the arrangements were worthy of the occasion, and of the Lodge and its ancestry.

PRESENTATION, DECEMBER 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 4, February, 1858, Page 114:

On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th, St. Andrew's Lodge of this city, through its Committee, composed of the Past Masters of the Lodge, presented to W. Brother Samuel P. Oliver, a fine gold chronometer wntch and chain, of the best make and finish, as a token of the respect in which he is held by his Brethren, and of their high appreciation of his acceptable services as Master of the Lodge for the past five consecutive years. The presentation was made by Brother Moore, as the senior Past Master present, and the response was a warm and cordial acknowledgment of the compliment bestowed. Brother Oliver has been an active officer of the Lodge almost from the day of his admission as a member, and we be lieve that every Brother present felt that he had fairly and honorably "won his laurels." As a working officer he has but few if any superiors in the Commonwealth. In behalf of the Committee we give him a cordial welcome among the Past Masters of the good old Lodge he has so faithfully served, and tender him our best wishes for his future health and happiness.

ST. ANDREW'S DAY, NOVEMBER 1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 2, November 1859, Page 64:

Winthrop House. — St. Andrew's Lodge, of this city, celebrated its 103rd anniversary, on St. Andrew's Day (30th November), by a Supper at this new and elegant Hotel, now the property of the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth, and kept by Brother I. H. Silsbee, — one of the most accomplished and gentlemanly landlords of our city. There was a general attendance of the members, and we heard but one expression of opinion of the Supper, and that of the most unqualified praise. The tables were spread with great elegance and taste, and the ample bill of (are embraced every luxury which the season and markets afford. The attendance too, — a matter of no little importance in the way of comfort and good digestion, — was all that could be desired. And though it was the first occasion of the kind on which our Brother has been called upon to provide for his Masonic Brethren, it was a complete and entire success.

We recommend the Winthrop to Brethren from the interior who may have occasion to remain in the city over night, when attending the Grand Lodge or other Masonic meetings.

MASONIC LEVEE, APRIL 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 8, June 1860, Page 242:

A PLEASANT LEVEE.

The members of St. Andrew's Lodge of this city, entertained the female part of their respective families, at the Masonic hall on the evening of the 27th April last. The Lodge consists of about forty members, nearly all of whom were present, accompanied by their wives and daughters, and mothers and sisters — making in the aggregate a company of about one hundred and fifty persons, all bent on having a pleasant time — on being happy themselves and in making everybody else so. The party began to assemble in the Corinthian hall at about 8 o'clock, where they were received by the committee, and where those who were fond of music were agreeably entertained by the Germania Band, while others enjoyed the time in conversation, in visiting the different apartments of the building, and in searching after things that are Masonically hidden from prying eyes ! The result of their discoveries in this latter respect were not made known. Any disappointment, however, they may have experienced, was fully compensated at a later hour by their introduction into the banqueting hall, where every delicacy the most fastidious taste could desire was spread out before them, in a style of elegance rarely equalled, and more rarely surpassed. A carte-blanche was given by the committee to the distinguished caterer J. B. Smith, and he acquitted himself, as usual, in a manner to elicit the praise of all. None could have done better.

At the conclusion of the repast, brief speeches were made by several of the Brethren and the company separated, apparently highly delighted with the entertainments of the evening.

ST. ANDREW'S DAY, NOVEMBER 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XX, No. 2, November 1860, Page 38:

This fine old Lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1756, and over which Gen. Joseph Warren once presided as W. Master, held its Annual Meeting at Freemasons' Hall, on Thursday the 15th, and its Annual Festival, at the Winthrop House, on St. Andrew's Day, the 30th of November, ult.

The report of the committee on accounts, presented at the annual meeting, disclosed the gratifying and most creditable fact, that the Lodge had, during the past year, distributed in Charity, the large sum of Twelve Hundred and Thirty-two Dollars! — a larger sum than was probably ever before given in charity in one year by any private Lodge in this country. The charities of the Lodge have always been large, though they have never before equalled this amount in any one year. However ample the means may be, we think it must be conceded that the benevolence of the Lodge is equally large.

The W. Brother Wm. Parkman, who has served the Lodge for the past three years as Master, having declined a re-election, the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year:—

  • Charles J. F. Sherman, W. M.;
  • Hales W. Suter, S. W.
  • Samuel H. Gregory, J. W.
  • John R. Bradford, Treas.
  • Alfred A. Wellington, Sec'y.
  • Peter Wainwright, Chap.
  • John Reed, Jr., Mar.
  • Samuel P. Oliver, S. D.
  • W. H. Johonnot, J. D.
  • David Pulsifer, I. Sent
  • H. H. Tuttle, Tyler.

The festival was held at the Winthrop House (Freemasons' Hall). The tables were spread in the best style of the popular host of that establishment; but what gave to the occasion its peculiar interest was the presentation of a rich and beautiful token of respect to Brother Parkman, the retiring Master of the Lodge. The presentation was made by Bro. Moore, the senior Past Master of the Lodge present, in a brief extemporary address, to which Bro. Parkman made a suitable reply.

The Lodge has recently furnished itself with a new set of Jewels, which are noticed in one of the city papers in the following terms:—

Magnificent Masonic Jewels.—Mr. Henry Guild, No. 2 Winter street, has recently manufactured for the St. Andrew's Lodge of Masons, a full set of jewels, which are pronounced by those capable of judging, to be the most magnificent jewels in the world. They are of new and unique design, made of silver and ornamented with devices in gold, which are wrought elaborately and with great skill.

The Lodge is also renewing its wardrobe in other respects, and has furnished itself with a new and elegant Banner, which for artistic excellence is not equalled by any similar work that has fallen under our notice. It was painted by Bro. Wm. Schultz, and does him great credit as an artist.

ST. ANDREW'S DAY, NOVEMBER 1863

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 3, December 1863, Page 83:

This favorite old Lodge celebrated its One Hundred and Seventh Anniversary by a Supper at the Revere House, in this city, on "St. Andrew's Day," Nov. 30. There was a general attendance of the members, and the tables were bountifully furnished and beautifully spread. The occasion was a joyous and happy one, the interest of which was increased by the presentation of an elegant gold watch and Past Master's Jewel to the retiring Master, W. Bro. C. J. F. Sherman, who has presided over the Lodge for the last two years, with signal ability and acceptableness. The former was presented by R. W. Bro. Moore, and the latter by M. W. Bro. Parkman, Past Masters of the Lodge.

We are gratified in being able to add that the disbursements of the Lodge in charity the past year exceed the sum of Eleven Hundred Dpllars. The officers are as follows:

  • Edward Stearns, W. M.
  • William F. Davis, S. W.
  • John P. Ober, jr., J. W.
  • John R. Bradford, Treasurer
  • A. A. Wellington, Sec.
  • Thomas E. Chamberlin, S. D.
  • William Parkman, Jr., J. D.
  • Albert H. Kelsey, Marshal
  • John P. Ober, S. S.
  • Isaac Gary, J. S.
  • Henry Jordan, Inside Sentinel
  • Smith W. Nichols, Tyler.

SOCIAL LEVEE, MARCH 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXV, No. 6, April, 1866, p. 218:

SOCIAL LEVEE OF ST. ANDREWS LODGE.

A correspondent who was present by invitation has politely favored us with the following account of the recent brilliant social levee by St. Andrew's Lodge of this city. Being our mother Lodge, we have preferred that another should speak for us: —

Dear Bro. Moore,—The pleasantest gathering it has ever been my priv lege to attend occurred on the evening of the 12th inst. It was the occasion of a social reunion of the members of St. Andrew's Lodge of Boston, — one of those few opportunities when the wives and daughters of the brethren are permitted to tread within the enclosure devoted to the rites of our Order. It is unnecessary to say that the brethren of St. Andrew's Lodge did not fail to respond to the invitation, and to present themselves, with their ladies, in good numbers. At half-past eight o'clock the brilliant company were ushered into the hall which had been prepared for the social and delightful pleasures of the dance. The apartment devoted to this portion of the evening's entertainment was arranged in a manner most appropriate to the occasion. In the east of the hall, beneath an elegantly arranged canopy supported by columns, was placeda number of plants, bearing upon their branches innumerable clusters of brilliant and fragrant flowers; behind this array of nature appeared a representation of the rising sun; while, enshrined within the bower, as though the presiding spirit of the spot, was the figure of the goddess Psyche. In the west, the rays of a brilliant star, set in a canopy of " white, red, and blue," shone upon an admiring and appreciating company.

The harmonious strains of music soon caused the younger portion of the assembly to tread the graceful measures of the merry dance; and although most of the older guests preferred to enjoy the scene without taking an active part therein, yet the happy expression of their countenances showed that the days were not forgotten when their footsteps were as light and active. At about eleven o'clock, the assembly were invited into the apartment where awaiting them was spread a more than sumptuous repast. To describe the scene that was here presented, so that it could be realized, would require a greater power tiian mine. Words can scarcely convey an idea of the exquisite beauty that broke upon the view; it would have required but a slight stretch of the mind to have imagined oneself amid the "gorgeous" splendors of an eastern feast.

Tables loaded with tempting delicacies, arranged in the most perfect taste; the rarest flowers in greatest profusion, filling the air with their sweet fragrance, and presenting to the eye that harmonious mingling of color that nature alone can produce, formed the main features of the banquet-hall; while from the centre of this gathered splendor rose a floral temple of beautiful proportion and design, within which a fountain, sparkling as liquid crystal, sprang from an emerald bed of moss; and, as if to unite into one perfect and complete whole the different portions of the scene, the softened strains of music fell upon the ear.

It is almost needless to say, that the perfect arrangement of the evening's entertainment was completed under the immediate care of the superintendent of the Masonic apartments; and to the committee of arrangements, Bros. Oliver, Palmer, and Pulsifer, great praise is due for their untiring exertions in providing for the comfort and pleasure of those present.

After due attention had been bestowed upon the banquet, dancing was resumed; and the early footsteps of a new-born day mingled amid the retiring pleasures of the scene.

S.

We have little to add to what our correspondent has written, except to say, he has omitted to notice that on the north side of the dancing- room, under a canopy, and standing on a pedestal, was a statue of Cupid, with his bow and arrow, poiuting across the hall at the heart of his victim, Psyche. The windows were also tastefully draped, and added much to the general effect, which was peculiarly striking and beautiful. Indeed, the whole arrangement was in fine taste, and eljcited, as it deserved, the highest praise of all present. The draping of the hall was the work of Bro. C. W. Roeth of Boylston Street, and was highly creditable to his artistic skill and taste.

Our correspondent may appear to be a little poetical in his description of the tables, but he is not much out of the way. The scene was surpassingly beautiful. We have had some little experience in such matters, and can say of the tables, without violence to the truth, that in the completeness of their arrangement, the beauty of their floral and other embellishments, and in the richness, variety, and abundance of their contents, we have never seen them excelled ; and this was the

general experience of all present. Bro. Tarbell tried to do the best thing of the season, and he did it. We must, however, say,—without meaning to detract any thing from his credit,—that he owes not a little of his success to the confectionery skill and inexhaustible conservatories of Bro. Copeland of Melrose. The floral display was perhaps one of the most attractive features of the occasion, especially to the ladies. The endless number of bouquets, and the richness, variety, and perfection of the flowers, was a subject of general remark.

The occasion was a happy family gathering; none but members and their families, with two or three exceptions, being present.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1803: District 1 (Boston)

1821: District 1

1835: District 1

1849: District 1

1867: District 1 (Boston)

1883: District 1 (Boston)

1911: District 1 (Boston)

1927: District 1 (Boston)

2003: District 1


LINKS

1870 Lodge History (from Google Books)

The Green Dragon Tavern, from New England Freemason, 1874

Massachusetts Lodges