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SAINT JOHN'S LODGE (Newburyport)

Location: Newburyport

Chartered By: Jeremy Gridley

Charter Date: 07/17/1766 I-108

Precedence Date: 07/17/1766

Current Status: Active


NOTES

charter "died" 10/04/1834, note 1941-149; 1941-137.


  • Stephen Hooper, 1766-80
  • Nathaniel Tracy, 1781, 1782
  • John Tracy, 1783, 1785
  • Stephen Hooper, 1786-1802
  • Gilman White, 1803-1807
  • Edward Little, 1808-1814
  • Gilman White, 1815
  • Jonathan G. Johnson, 1816-1819, 1824; SN
  • Nathan Chase, 1820
  • Richard S. Spofford, 1821
  • Dean Robinson, 1822
  • John Andrews, Jr., 1823
  • Thomas B. White, 1825-1827, 1830-1852
  • Joseph Bartlett, 1828
  • Moses Merrill, 1829
  • Isaac P. Seavey, 1853, 1854; Mem
  • Jonathan B. Bickford, 1855
  • Moses H. Fowler, 1855, 1856
  • Robert Robinson, Jr., 1857
  • Moses H. Fowler, 1858
  • Warren Currier, 1859, 1860; SN
  • Benjamin R. Knapp, 1861
  • Moses H. Fowler, 1862, 1863
  • Nicholas Johnson, 1864, 1865
  • Enoch G. Currier, 1866, 1867
  • Joseph E. Kimball, 1868
  • James W. Cheney, 1869-1871
  • Elisha P. Pride, 1872, 1873
  • Samuel A. Bridges, 1874, 1875
  • Nathan Tilton, 1876
  • Elisha P. Dodge, 1877, 1878
  • Dudley T. Batchelder, 1879
  • Frank W. Hale, 1880
  • William R. Johnson, 1881
  • Green Davis, 1882, 1883; SN
  • Frank H. Rundlett, 1884, 1885
  • C. Wallis Dame, 1886, 1887; SN
  • Alfred Pearson, 1888, 1889
  • J. Albert Mills, 1890, 1891
  • Charles W. Knowles, 1892, 1893
  • Charles M. Stacy, 1894, 1895
  • J. Willard Ballou, 1896, 1897
  • Horace I. Bartlett, 1898, 1899
  • Fred H. Morse, 1899, 1901
  • Benjamin J. Warton, 1902, 1903; Mem'
  • Herbert W. Fogg, 1904, 1905
  • William C. Coffin, 1906, 1907; Mem
  • Charles F. Johnson, 1908, 1909
  • Moody B. Noyes, 1910
  • Irving A. French, 1911, 1912
  • Eugene L. Holton, 1913, 1914
  • Oscar H. Nelson, 1915, 1916
  • Harry W. Bayley, 1917, 1918
  • Frank Semple, 1919
  • Albert K. Cheney, 1920
  • Edmund G. Sargent, 1921, 1922
  • William E. Bassett, 1923, 1924
  • Frederick A. Perkins, 1925, 1926
  • Willard S. Little, 1927, 1928; SN
  • Ralph C. Miller, 1929, 1930
  • Raymond Crombie, 1931, 1932; N
  • Harry V. Noyes, 1933, 1934
  • Fred S. Noyes, 1935
  • Malcolm G. Ayers, 1936, 1937
  • Budd G. Tuck, 1938
  • H. Randolph Short, 1939
  • William H. Willis, 1940, 1941; SN
  • Earle C. Twombly, 1942
  • Paul D. Harris, 1943, 1944
  • James A. Lowe, 1945, 1946
  • Fred Wm. Graf, 1947
  • Thomas E. Littlefield, 1948, 1949
  • William F. Mahoney, 1950, 1951
  • Gordon M. Bingham, 1952, 1953
  • Arthur J. Canning, 1954, 1955
  • W. Malcolm Lunt, 1956, 1957
  • Milton L. Fiske, 1958
  • Sidney D. Fowler, 1959
  • George S. Flint, 1960
  • Todd C. Woodworth, 1961
  • Alonzo Waterhouse, 1962
  • Ralph B. Collins, Jr., 1963
  • James L. Wile, Jr., 1964, 1965
  • Bruce M. Bear, Jr., 1966; SN
  • Donald R. Roaf, 1967
  • Donald P. Lippoldt, 1968
  • Robert W. MacBurnie, 1969
  • David W. McCoy, 1970
  • Duncan A. MacBurnie, 1971
  • Nicholas N. Hatheway, 1972
  • William P. Braman Jr. , 1973
  • Richard S. Gynan, 1974
  • Gary W. Thompson, 1975
  • Abbott T. Rowe Jr., 1976
  • Thomas A. Hackman, 1977
  • David Hamilton, 1978
  • William R. Scribner, 1979
  • Henry P. Thurlow, Jr., 1980
  • Leroy F. Snow, Jr., 1981
  • Robert R. DeCoste, 1982
  • Donald M. Miller, 1983
  • Harry A. McCrillis, 1984
  • Allen G. Fowler, 1985
  • Mark A. Stone, 1986-87
  • Ronald J. Blow, 1988-89
  • Steven L. Dubois, 1990-91
  • James J. Donovan, 1992
  • Hollis D. Grant, Jr., 1993
  • Thomas E. Pulkkinen, 1994, 2009
  • George T. Allen, Jr., 1995; PDDGM
  • Paul C. Rogers, Jr., 1996, 1997 PDDGM
  • William H. Sohni, 1998, 1999 PDDGM (NY)
  • Howard J. Salt, 2000
  • Mark A. Davidson, 2001
  • Richard W. Rhuda, Jr., 2002
  • William M. Prifti, 2003
  • Bruce D. Saunders, 2003-04
  • John A. Hannah, 2004, 2005
  • P. Cyrus Rogers, III, 2006
  • Michael D. Rowan, 2007
  • Brian P. McMenimen, 2008
  • Jon L. Williamson, 2010
  • John M. Bell, Jr., 2011
  • Jon E. Moller, 2012

YEARS

1803 1809 1815 1825 1829 1830

Charter revoked ("died") 10/01/1834; restored 1853

1853 1868 1871 1873 1875 1877 1880 1881 1882 1884 1886 1889 1892 1894 1900 1901 1907 1908 1910 1912 1914 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1922 1924 1927 1928 1929 1931 1939 1941 1956 1965 1966 1971 1972 1976 1979 1982 1991 1993 1994 2003 2004 2006 2010


HISTORY

175TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 1941

From Proceedings, Page 1941-137:

by Right Worshipful Wlllard S. Little.

"So swiftly flow the passing years
Like sunbeams on the surging sea
They flash before us; hold our gaze
And, lo! are gone; we know not where!
We only know that in their passing
They have left us sweet memories
Of things accomplished; honors won,
Of Life—Hope—Destiny fulfilled.

"And as we feel the strength'ning urge
To follow where those loved are gone,
We hope the years which still will come
Will find some monument to us
In Deeds well done, in Valor built on
Firm foundations left by Pioneers;
Those whose heritage we proudly hold;
Honoured Brethren of the early years."

It is eminently fitting that the members of St. John's Lodge, A.F.& A.M., who this day celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Lodge, should, on the occasion cast a backward glance to its history and render an account of its achievements. Having been entrusted with the elaboration of this work, I will to the best of my ability discharge the duty assigned to me.

One hundred and seventy-five years with their varied experiences have come and gone since the founding of St. John's Lodge. All who were here at the beginning have long since gone to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," but their work survives. As their successors, it is our privilege to witness the fulfillment of their hopes and rejoice with grateful hearts that St. John's Lodge, at the end of one hundred and seventy-five years, stands as an honor to her founders. So today we pay our respects to a little band of good men and true, far back in the early dawn of our country's existence who were inspired to establish a beacon light of Masonry in the community.

The career of this Lodge has been an honorable one although not a smooth one. It requires the pen of a historian to recount adequately the service which St. John's Lodge has rendered to this city, state and country.

Newburyport is rich in Masonic history. Let us for a moment pay our respects to St. Peter's Lodge, founded in 1772, to King Cyrus Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the second Chapter in Massachusetts, founded in 1790, to the Newburyport Com-mandery of Knights Templar, founded in 1795, which was the first Commandery organized in America, and to our sister Lodge, St. Mark's, chartered in 1803. I doubt if there is a city or town which can present such a Masonic record.

Of the beginnings of St. John's Lodge there is little that is of record. The early Lodges were careless about the keeping of records. Even the premier Grand Lodge of the Western Hemisphere organized in Boston, Massachusetts, July 30, 1733, has no formal and continuous records written in a book until 1750.

Our Charter, granted by Jeremy Gridley, Grand Master of Masons in North America, on July 17, 1766, does not give any name to the Lodge, but appoints our "Right Worshipful and well-beloved Brother Stephen Hooper to be the first Master of the lodge at Newburyport aforesaid and do hereby empower him to congregate the Brethren together and form them into a regular Lodge, he taking special care in choosing two wardens and other officers necessary for the due regulation."

The first reference to this Lodge in Grand Lodge records is to "Newbury Lodge" October 24, 1766, and in all the records down to 1792 it is called either Newbury Lodge or the Lodge at Newburyport, but it is called St. John's Lodge in the list of Lodges published by St. John's Grand Lodge about 1774, with location and date of charter in Grand Lodge 1733-1792, Massachusetts. The first letter to the Lodge from Grand Lodge was addressed to Stephen Hooper, October 31, 1768, and reads as follows:

Boston, October 31st, 1768

Mr. Stephen Hooper
at Newbury Port
Sir:

The Deputation for our new Grand Master being Arrived, I would inform you that the Grand Lodge have appointed Wednesday the 23rd day of November next for the Installment, and directed me to write to all the Lodges in New England, to desire their Attendance at said Ceremony, and to bring their Jewels and Clothing with them. Wherefore in obedience to their Commands, I do invite You, and the Officers and Brethren of the Lodge at Newburyport to attend as aforesaid, and do request you to Write me what number of Brethren from your lodge may probably attend, that Provision may be made accordingly.

I am, Sir
Your Affectionate Brother and very humble Servant
Abr'm Savage Gr. Sec'ry"

In reply:

"Newbury Port,
Nov'r 15th 1768
Brother Savage

I received your kind letter, with an invitation to our Lodge to be at Boston the 23rd Ins't and should have wrote you an answer last Week, but in the hurry of Business entirely forgot it, and am Sorry to advise you, that it will not be in my Power, to be present at that Time, on Account of my Business, having one Vessell just sail'd, and two more in loading; But however shall appoint some one in my Room, and send the Jewels down with Mm, and the others which I Don't think will exceed ten in all, as many are absent at Sea. I wish you and all the Fraternity the Greatest Happiness and am with due Esteem,

Your Affectionate Friend and Brother
Stephen Hooper.

Another letter dated November 21, 1768, to Brother Savage:

"As I am necessarily detained on Account of Business, from being with You the 23rd Inst; I take this opportunity to recommend to You Brother William Greenough to represent the Master of our Lodge here, and Bro'r George Jenkins and Bro'r Michael Hodge as Wardens, and agreeable thereto have given them the Jewels of the Lodge. I am very Sorry there is not more in Number, but business necessarily detains them; I wish you one and all a pleasant day and agreeable Repast, and Subscribe myself your Affectionate

Friend and Brother
Stephen Hooper

"P.S. I also recommend Bro'r John Emery to represent the Secretary Pro. Temp'r."

On November 23, 1768, the Master and Wardens named in Brother Hooper's letter took part in the installation of Right Worshipful John Rowe as Grand Master. There also attended Brothers Bulkeley Emerson, Moses Parsons, Moses Titcomb and the Rev. Edward Bass.

The records of the Lodge previous to 1781 have been lost or destroyed but the following notice, published in the Essex Journal and Merrimack Packet of December 21, 1774, indicates that Stephen Hooper retained the office through the Revolutionary period:

Masons are hereby notified that the R. W. Stephen Hooper, Esq. intends to celebrate the feast of St. John, the Evangelist, on Tues. the 27th of December at Mason's Hall in Newburyport. All brethren are desired to attend at eleven o'clock A.M.

Bulkeley Emerson, sec.
Dinner precisely at two o'clock.

The issue of December 15, 1775, of the same paper carried a notice for the Brethren to assemble on December 27th at Messrs. Davenport's at the sign of General Wolf by order of R. W. Stephen Hooper for the celebration of the Feast of St. John, the Evangelist and was signed by Bulkeley Emerson as Secretary.

The first records of proceedings of St. John's Lodge start November 7th, 1781, and consists of the "Bye Laws of St. John's Lodge." At the end of the By-Laws is this notation:

"The above laws, settled and approved of at a General and Publick Lodge held at Mason's Hall on the seventh day of November 5781 and A.D. 1781-Witness the hands of the following officers and Brethren

  • Stephen Hooper
  • George Jenkins
  • Benj. Davis
  • Edw. Wigglesworth
  • Dudley Atkins
  • Joseph Rowe
  • Natl. Knapp
  • Joseph Newman
  • N. Johnson
  • George Thompston
  • Catherine Plasson
  • James Redonet
  • Joseph Chapman
  • James Johnston
  • William Ingalls
  • W. Symmes, Jr.
  • Wm. White
  • David Coats
  • Moses Brown
  • Edw. Pulling
  • John Perkins
  • John Friend
  • Geo. Searle
  • Nicholas Kindness
  • Lew. Jenkins
  • James Tileston
  • Nat Tracy
  • John Tracy
  • Thomas Tracy
  • Bulkeley Emerson
  • William Pike
  • Michael Hodge
  • Laurence Furlong
  • Robt. Tracy
  • Edward Rand
  • John B. Sweat
  • Thomas Jones
  • Joseph Noyes
  • John White
  • Henry Lunt
  • George Stacy
  • Wm. Tarbox
  • Wm. Bradbury
  • William Stickney
  • Joseph Atkins
  • Nath. Carter
  • Dudley Colman
  • Wm. Morland
  • Sam Cutler
  • Wm. Titcomb
  • Rufus King
  • Paul Bettremieux

On December 27, 1781, the following notation is found:

"To celebrate the feast of St. John the Evangelist."

The following Brethren were voted into the several offices in the Lodge set against their respective names for the ensuing year, namely:

  • R.W. Nathaniel Tracy, Esq., Master
  • John Tracy, Esq., S. Warden
  • Edward Wigglesworth, J. Warden
  • Samuel Newhall, Treasurer
  • Michael Hodge, Secretary
  • William Pike, Samuel Cutler, Stewards
  • John Friend, Nich. Kindness, Tylers

The names of the Tylers are rather odd for their particular offices — Friend and Kindness — yet it may be that they were friendly and kind to visitors.

There were 31 members and three visiting Brethren present at this meeting. A study of the records show that during this period there were approximately 90 members.

There is no record where the early petitioners for the Charter were made Masons. It is quite probable that all being merchants, army officers and captains, that they were raised in Boston or Marblehead.

The early By-Laws provided for "the annual meeting to be held on the feast of St. John the Evangelist and the officers chosen before twelve o'clock A. M.; every person made a mason shall pay the treasurer for use of the lodge three pounds plus three shillings to the tylers; every brother made a member shall pay twenty-eight shillings; every member shall pay one shilling and four pence every month for the benefit of masonry and one shilling four pence every regular lodge night he is present for expenses; every visiting brother (after the first visit) shall pay three shillings towards the expenses of the lodge; every member shall attend the meeting of the Lodge on regular and general lodges at least once in three months if within the State, and in default thereof shall be summoned before the lodge where in case of obstinate disobedience to the precept of the lodge or on failure of giving to the lodge satisfactory reasons for such absence, such member shall be expelled from the Lodge as an unworthy Brother; no member of this Lodge shall profanely curse or swear in the Lodge or hold any private council or conversation or absent himself from the lodge whilst the Lodge is open, without leave obtained from the Master under the forfeiture of three shillings for each and every such offense; whenever a special lodge is convened he or they at whose instance the meeting is called shall pay all the expenses; every person proposed and every man made a member shall be vouched for by some member present and if the person made a brother or member does not pay the sums for their making at the same meeting, the sums shall become the debt of the voucher and he shall be held icr the same."

EARLY MEMBERS

Stephen Hooper was born the son of Robert Hooper of Marble-iead on July 3, 1741. He graduated from Harvard in 1761. His father was called "King" Hooper and was one of the wealthiest merchants of New England. Stephen operated a mill at the amctith of the Artichoke River, had a shipping business on the wharf above Green Street and resided on the south side of Frog Fbnd. He died Jan. 16, 1802. Hooper was Master 1766-80 and 1786-1802.

Nathaniel Tracy was without doubt the most prominent of far early Brethren. In a memorial presented to Congress in 1106, ten years after his death, it was claimed that from the beginning of the Revolutionary War until peace was declared in 1713, he was the principal owner of 110 merchant vessels, which with their cargoes, were valued at $2,733,300. All but 13 were lost or captured. He also owned 24 cruising ships carrying 340 and 2800 men. These ships captured 120 vessels carrying 2225 men. The captured vessels and cargoes were sold for $3,950,000. From the sum, Brother Tracy contributed $167,219 for army supplies. He was Selectman of the town 1780 and 1782 and Representative to the General Court in 1782. He was Master of St. John's Lodge 1781 and 1782. He lived in the building now used as the Public Library.

John Tracy, Worshipful Master during 1783-85, a brother of Nathaniel, gave a considerable sum to clothe the Continental Army. He resided on High Street, saw service in the army, lost 41 vessels during the war and was a successful merchant.

Michael Hodge was a captain of the Newburyport Artillery Company and was Collector of Customs of the Port from 1766-84.

Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, the Junior Warden, served with great distinction in the army. He was with Washington at Boston, New York and Valley Forge, and when retired, he was given thanks by Washington. He was a Representative from 1792 to 1795.

Laurence Furlong was author of the American Coast Pilot.

Nathaniel Knapp was Overseer of the poor for many years. He was a man of good sense, honest and upright. He fought in the French and Indian War and the iron shell which now reposes in front of the Court House on the Mall was brought from the siege of Louisburg by Brother David Coates in memory of Brother Knapp.

Nicholas Johnson is claimed to have been the first to unfurl the Stars and Stripes on the River Thames.

Rufus King, Representative to the General Court, member of the Continental Congress, and four times Senator from New York, was twice United States Minister to the Court of St. James. Yet on Dec. 27, 1783, he was fined three shillings for leaving the lodge-room without permission of the Master. Capt. Moses Brown spent 46 years on the seas, commanding merchant vessels, privateers and the warship (so-called) Merrimac, built at Newburyport and loaned to the U. S. Government.

Dudley Atkins was a very able lawyer, orator and reporter for decisions of the U. S. Supreme Court.

Eleazer Johnson, Captain of one of Stephen Hooper's vessels, the Dalton, was captured by the British and, with Brothers Henry Lunt and Samuel Cutler, was lodged in Mill Prison at Plymouth, from which they all escaped.

Jonathan Titcomb was a Brigadier General. He fought in the Revolution, was a member of the first General Court, and a member of the State Convention for forming the State Constitution, with Brother Rufus King.

Right Reverend Edward Bass, D.D., although not a member of St. John's Lodge, was an ardent Mason and visited St. Peter's and St. John's Lodges many times. I call attention to Brother Bass because of his close association with the Brethren. The records of both Lodges speak in glowing terms of his excellent addresses delivered to the Brethren on the occasions of celebrating a feast day. He was rector of Queen Anne Chapel and St. Paul's Church from April 2, 1756, to Sept. 10, 1803. He was ordained the first Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island on May 7, 1797, in Philadelphia.

In 1916 Brother Horace I. Bartlett compiled a history of this Lodge and gave a very excellent account of many more of the members. I make mention of only a few in order that you may note that there was hardly one man whose name appears during tie earlier period but who was prominent in the affairs of the colonies.

NOTES AND EXTRACTS FROM THE EARLY RECORDS

MARCH 27, 1782 "Voted that the stewards be and hereby are desired to procure seme wine glasses and candlesticks such as they shall think suitable for the Lodge. Also to have the Tables mended."

DECEMBER 23, 1782 "Voted that Bro. Perkins is guilty of a breach of the 11th Article of the Laws for leaving the Lodge whilst open, without Leave having been obtained from the Master, and that he be fined 3 shillings."

At every meeting a collection for distressed Brethren was made and a committee appointed to disburse it. There was always a committee appointed to serve as caterers and they were thanked for the very excellent repast.

The celebrations of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist in December and St. John the Baptist in June were always marked with a banquet and an address. The speaker was either Rev. Edw. Bass, Daniel Marquand or Dudley Atkins. The Lodge usually assembled at Thomas Merrill's or William Davenport's.

On Dec. 27, 1784, it was voted to give up Mason's Hall and meet at Thomas Merrill's, then on October 5, 1785, it was voted to remove the Lodge to Wm. Davenport's house till a more convenient room could be obtained. On Oct. 4, 1785, the Lodge met with St. Peter's Lodge to attend the funeral of deceased Brother Jos. A. Davis, Tyler of St. Peter's.

In 1785, "on motion of Bulkeley Emerson and seconded by Bro. Dudley Atkins that from the scarcity of money and the very considerable sums now in arrears from the members of this Lodge, it was voted that each member be earnestly requested to pay one quarter part of his past dues (exclusive of sums due for making) as soon as maybe which shall be in full discharge for the same and that in the future there shall be a quarterly payment of ten shillings to the fund by each member and that the expense of every evening shall be equally assessed on the members who shall be present and to be paid before the lodge is closed."

In 1788 "on returning from a funeral the Brethren of St. Peter's and St. John's Lodges returned by invitation of our Master to St. John's Lodge rooms where the most dissembled harmony and friendship pervaded the whole and Masonry shone in full favor."

May I quote from an address delivered by Brother Dudley Atkins to Masons at St. Paul's Church on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, Dec. 27, 1786?:

"It is needless to go particularly into the History of Masonry on this occasion. We know that the principles of the Craft are coeval with the Creation of our Species. That they have passed through successive ages and through various nations of the Earth. From East to West and between the North and the South, confined to no climate, language, religion or government. That they have been at some periods more extended and some less; and this in a degree proportionate to the several stages of the rise and declination of learning and arts, freedom, and Religion in the world and in particular nations.

"I cannot help suggesting that in times when we find disinterest and uneasiness abroad, we are peculiarly urged by the highest motives of duty and interest to a frequent attendance on our regular communications. Little necessity should there be, we think, of pressing this duty upon worthy Masons at such a time, when all is jarring and discordant without, the Lodge affords us a happy and welcome retreat."

It is rather interesting to note how appropriate these words of Brother Atkins, spoken in 1786, would be for an address this evening.

FURTHER HISTORY

From March 17, 1791, until March 30, 1803, there are no records of any meetings. This statement is further subscribed in a record of the Grand Lodge in a letter dated March 11, 1793, which states in part: "that St. John's Lodge, as he is informed, has not met for several years and that the letter and book designated for the Lodge are reserved." Under date of March 14, 1803, the following statement in Grand Lodge records appears:

"A petition was presented from Michael Hodge and others in Newburyport, surviving officers of St. John's Lodge, chartered by the late M.W. John Rowe, Grand Master, that they may be admitted to assemble as a lodge and promising due submission to the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge. It was committed to the R.W. Bell, Oliver and Howard, who reported in favor of their admission, also, that their charter should be en- dorsed and the Lodge take rank from the time of its endorsement."

On Sept. 10, 1804, in the list of Lodges published by rank, St. John's of Newburyport "July 17, 5766," is fourth on the list.

On March 30, 1803, a meeting was held at the lodge-rooms with Michael Hodge, Acting Master. There were 10 Brethren present and they admitted 10 Brethren as members, remitted all dues owed up to that time and elected officers, with Gilman White as Master. The officers were installed by Jonathan Gage, District Deputy Grand Master. They voted "all who were members previous to the endorsement by the present Grand Lodge be solicited to attend the future meetings of this Lodge as honorary members free of dues."

For the next five years St. John's Lodge prospered; then came the embargo act which forbade our vessels visiting foreign ports, resulting in the shipping industry practically shutting down. This was followed by the great fire of 1811 and the War of 1812.

On Nov. 15, 1803, I note for the first time members of St. Mark's Lodge visited St. John's. St. Mark's Charter was granted Sept. 14, 1803. On Nov. 30, 1803, the first communication from the Grand Lodge appears copied in the records, regarding the expulsion of two members of Republican Lodge in Greenfield; also a notice from John Proctor, Grand Secretary, stating that "the seals of lodges must be affixed to appointments of Proxies in the future." On March 21, 1804, it was voted "that the tylers of St. Peter's and St. Mark's Lodges for the time being be allowed to visit this lodge free of dues."

May 16, 1804, the Lodge voted "that no notice be taken of the communication presented this evening from St. Peter's Lodge concurring that, that Lodges have no right to dictate to them who they shall receive as visitors." At a meeting later in the month it was voted not to celebrate the "festival of St. John as it would conflict with the constitution of St. Mark's Lodge."

On Dec. 5, 1816, the District Deputy made his annual visitation to all three Lodges the same night.

New By-Laws were adopted on April 24, 1815, "where every member was to pay twenty cents present or absent at every communication except those at sea who were to pay ten cents and visitors twenty-five."

To carry on through the years up to 1916 would be only a repetition of the excellent history prepared by Worshipful Brother Horace I. Bartlett for the 150th anniversary, so I will note those happenings which I consider important.

During 1823 there was a movement to unite the three Lodges but it was voted down by all three.

On March 17, 1825, Caleb Putnam was made a Mason and with this notation: "This petition has been on file many months and it is clearly understood he is to pay his initiation fees by serving as tyler of St. John's Lodge, the present incumbent resigning." Sept., 1825, brought the appointment of three Brethren to investigate all future applicants.

Beginning about 1828 there followed a rough course for Masonry and on October 4, 1834, the Lodge voted to return its Charter to Grand Lodge and that the Secretary be requested to forward and secure a receipt for the same. Until December 14, 1853, St. John's Lodge was non-existent and held no meetings. On the above date, upon petition of Richard S. Spofford and others, the Grand Lodge ordered the restoration of the Charter and on December 22, 1853, the organization was completed at the home of Worshipful Brother Spofford.

From 1854 until 1909 the following notation is carried on each meeting record: "opened in the name of God and Holy St. John." At the same meeting it was voted "that a committee of tiree be chosen to investigate how and which way and by whom vis two quarts of oil obtained and charged to the Lodge."

October 17, 1861: "No work on hand, being a war among ourselves (U.S.A.) the lodge closed as usual."

On January 9, 1873, three brothers from England who were shipwrecked on the steamship Sir Francis off Salisbury Beach "who were saved from a watery grave by that Supreme Being who is the Great Architect of all things" visited the Lodge.

On February 3, 1873, an application was received from Charles Wallis Dame which was accepted and filed. He is present tonight, our oldest Right Worshipful and member.

On February 7, 1884, the Permanent Fund was started.

On May 19, 1891, three Brothers were raised, Worshipful Horace I. Bartlett, Brother George W. Brown and Brother Ralph E. E. Beatley.

In 1895 the Lodge started the election of all officers by ballot.

It is interesting to note that our Secretary, Worshipful Brother Herbert W. Fogg, raised his father to the sublime degree on May 6, 1901.

On September 28, 1903, the Lodge attended the 100th anniversary of St. Mark's Lodge.

On September 15, 1912, a committee was appointed to arrange for the 150th anniversary to be held in 1916 and Worshipful Brother Bartlett was instructed to prepare a history.

June 6, 1916, Brother Capt. Thomas J. Maddock witnessed the raising of three of his five sons, the other two being made on other dates. July 16-17-18, 1916, the Lodge celebrated its 150th anniversary. On Sunday, July 10th, the Lodge attended divine worship at the Old South Church. The sermon was delivered by Rev. William H. Rider, D.D., of Essex, an Honorary Member of St. John's Lodge.

On Monday, July 17th, the Lodge was opened at 2 o'clock, P.M., a procession was formed, and headed by Most Worshipful Brother Melvin M. Johnson and other Grand Lodge officers, marched to the Old South Church where an eloquent address on the Philosophy of Masonry was delivered by Brother Johnson. Worshipful Brother H. I. Bartlett gave a historical talk on St. John's Lodge. In the evening a banquet was held at City Hall, with Worshipful Brother Oscar Nelson presiding. Members of St. Mark's Lodge were guests for the evening. Most Worshipful Brother Johnson presented seven Henry Price medals during the evening to 50 year members.

On Tuesday evening, June 18, a ladies' night for members of St. John's Lodge was held at City Hall, a celebration long to be remembered by those present.

During the next few years St. John's Lodge had a period of prosperity due to the World War. Many applications were received and members raised. St. John's Lodge had 30 members in the service, whose names appear on a roll of honor in our records. Many emergency rules and regulations were placed in effect, for example, electric lights were discontinued after 10 o'clock P.M. unless for an emergency.

Meetings were curtailed during February and March, 1919, due to an epidemic of influenza.

Examples of the amount of work the Lodge was confronted with are the following notations: 8 applications, 7 elected, 3 passed and 5 entered on one night 8 elected, 12 applications, 5 entered; on another night 10 elected, 1 rejected, 5 entered and 5 passed was one evening's work.

In 1920, 44 initiated, 41 passed, 49 raised and 17 rejected.

During the period to May, 1927, the records are in a way monotonous; the Lodge showed continued prosperity and on May 5, 1927, a committee was appointed to act with St. Mark's and the Temple Club for the purpose of considering the formation of a Masonic Building Association.

On Sept. 1, 1927, the committee reported that it was in favor or" a building association. On the same evening a joint meeting wis held with St. Mark's Lodge. Worshipful Brother Genn occupied the East with Worshipful Brother Little. As a result at this meeting, it was voted to start a campaign to raise funds for a Masonic Temple. The campaign was carried out and work sorted on the Temple.

During the terms of office of Worshipful Brother Albert Genn in St. Mark's and Worshipful Brother Willard S. Little of St. Jean's, the practice of interchanging officers was started, and it met with success and approval by the Brethren. Also during rilBs period these two Brethren started the collection of pictures of the Past Masters of both Lodges. It was an arduous task but great success was achieved. It is also interesting to note that Brothers Genn and Little were elected Marshals of their respective Lodges in 1929 and have been continued in office up to the present time. June 20, 1928, brought forth the ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the new Temple located on Green Street. The Lodge was opened at 1:30 P.M., and with St. Mark's Lodge and Right Worshipful Otis C. White, Deputy Grand Master and Acting Grand Master, and other Grand Lodge officers, formed a procession and marched to the site of the Temple. The cornerstone ceremonies were carried out by the Acting Grand Master and other officers in excellent form. The silver trowel used to lay the corner-stone was presented to the Lodge by 32 Brethren employees of the Towle Mfg. Co. The names of the Brethren are carried on the records and the trowel is in the ante-room of the Lodge.

The list of records which were placed in a metal box and inserted in the corner-stone are also listed on the lodge records. The ceremonies were carried out in a driving northeast rain and a canopy was provided for the officers. Many citizens, including Mayor Andrew J. Gillis, witnessed the ceremonies. The dedication of the Masonic Temple was held on March 27, 1929. The ceremonies included the opening of both St. Mark's and St. John's Lodges, a reception to Most Worshipful Brother Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master, and other officers of the Grand Lodge, followed by a banquet in the large banquet hall. Brother Charles F. A. Hall presided as master of ceremonies. Most Worshipful Dudley Hays Ferrell, Past Grand Master, delivered a stirring address. Following the banquet, the Brethren proceeded to the lodge-room where the Temple was dedicated in ancient form by Most Worshipful Brother Dean and other Grand Lodge officers. Following the ritualistic work, Most Worshipful Brother Dean made an interesting and practical address. There were 23 Brethren on the Grand Master's suite and 543 Brethren sat down to the banquet table. The spacious lodge-room was filled and only sufficient floor space was left for the carrying out of the ceremonies. It was an evening and event long to be remembered by the Brethren of Newburyport.

Since 1929, the Lodge has carried on with competent officers, and although prosperity does not exist as in other years, no cloud appears in sight before her.

Let us remember that we are heirs of the past. We have received from those who have lived before us a magnificent contribution. We are receiving for our inspiration great history and great events that are very thrilling. But if we are to continue the torch burning brightly and to light the path as it has in the past, we must pay strict adherence to our precepts and stake certain that the light does not diminish as we hand the torch over to those who follow after.

I believe at this time attention should be called to the length Cl" service given by several of our Brethren in St. John's Lodge.

  • Worshipful Moses Fowler was Treasurer for 21 years.
  • Worshipful Frank Rundless was Tyler from Mar. 28, 1895, ~ Aug. 5, 1923.
  • Brother Samuel Brookings, 36 years as Secretary, 1873-1909. On his first return there were 67 members and on his last, 265.
  • Rev. T. James McFaddin was Chaplain for 28 years.
  • Brother A. G. Perkins was Marshal for 16 years.
  • Right Worshipful William C. Coffin was Secretary for 21 years. His records are a work of art, complete in every detail and a monument to him.
  • Brother Arthur P. Marden was elected March 6, 1902, and is sell waving his musical baton over the Lodge.
  • Brother Alfred D. Merrill was elected Treasurer March 17, 1918, and the Lodge is continuing to survive under his watchful

I quote from a Masonic address delivered by Worshipful Brother James W. Cheney in 1871 when he declined a second term:

"But let us see to it that St. John's future shall be more glorifies than its past. It has stood as a monument of our order for mere than a century and brethren with all the hallowed associations which cluster around it, let it be our endeavor so to watch over the prosperity that when another century shall have rolled away those who shall come after may say of us, that we were not unworthy sons of the founders of Old Saint John's."

In closing, may I repeat a portion of that beautiful hymn selected by our Chaplain, Rev. Brother Grimes, for our divine worship held last Sunday, June 1, 1941, at the Central Congregational Church in commemoration of our 175th anniversary:

"Faith of our Fathers!
Holy Faith
We will be true to
Thee till death!"

EVENTS

ST. JOHN'S DAY, JUNE 1869

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 9, July 1869, Page 284:

The late Anniversary of St. John the Baptist was more generally celebrated liv the Fraternity, in various sections of the country, than for many years past. In this respect, our Brethren in Newburyport are everywhere conceded to have excelled their competitors. With them and their fellow-citizens of all classes it was a holiday. The town was beautifully and elaborately decorated with flags, banners, and bunting of every conceivable description, and the whole people seemed to have entered into a competition to determine who should make the most attractive and beautiful display. The procession, which was both large and brilliant, marched through the principal streets of the city, and was everywhere received with acclamations. One of the most interesting features in it was the large number of aged Brethren who honored the occasion with their presence.

Among them was Gen. Josiah Whittaker of Providence, 'i ho, although upwards of eighty years of age, and silvered o'er with time's relentless hand, is, to-day, as straight and more sprightly than many a younger man; in fact, he almost seems, if one ould forget his white locks, to be but in his prime. Gen. Whittaker was initiated into the secrets of Masonry in 1812, and in 1814 was knighted. At the laying of the corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument, in 1825, he commanded the Sir Knights who did the honors in that occasion, and now, although forty-four years have elapsed since that memorable event, he is still hale and hearty, and has the promise of future years of usefulness. In a carriage in the procession were Sir Knights John Ackerman of Newburyport, 73 years of age, and who had been a Mason for fifty years, and had passed through all the grades; Abner Kenniston of Newburyport, eighty-five years old, and for fifty years connected with Freemasonry. At the conclusion of the public parade the company repaired to a large tent, erected for the purpose, for dinner, where they spent an hour of pleasant enjoyment, after which the procession was again formed and proceeded to the Pleasant Street Church, where an eloquent and able oration was delivered by the M. E. Sir Knight, B. B. French, of Washington City, which we hope, hereafter, to lay before our readers.

In the evening, the festivities of the day were appropriately closed by a promenade concert and ball, in a spacious tent appropriately fitted up and decorated for the purpose.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1803: District 2 (Newburyport and North Shore)

1821: District 2

1853: District 2

1867: District 6 (Newburyport)

1883: District 9 (Newburyport)

1911: District 10 (Newburyport)

1927: District 10 (Newburyport)

2003: District 11


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges