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SAINT MARK'S LODGE

Location: Newburyport

Chartered By: Isaiah Thomas

Charter Date: 09/14/1803 II-221

Precedence Date: 09/13/1803

Current Status: Active

NOTES

Emeth Lodge merged into this Lodge, 01/15/1976.

PAST MASTERS

  • William Wead, 1803-1807, 1811, 1812
  • William Francis, 1808
  • Willam Chase, 1809, 1810
  • John Moody, 1813, 1814
  • William Knapp, Jr., 1815, 1816
  • John Cook, 1817-1822, 1837-1845, 1850, 1851, 1853, 1854; SN
  • William Currier, 1823, 1824
  • Ebenezer Bradbury, 1825; SN
  • Nathan Follansbee, 1826, 1827
  • Gaisford Giles, 1828
  • John Bricket, 1829, 1830
  • George Emery, 1831-1836
  • Nathan Chase, 1846-1849
  • Isaac P. Seavey, 1852
  • Silas Rogers, 1855
  • William D. Foster, 1856
  • William M. Blaisdell, 1857-1859
  • Stephen Jones, 1860, 1861
  • John A. McArthur, 1862, 1863
  • William P. Saunders, 1864, 1865
  • John M. Carter, 1866, 1867
  • George H. Stevens, 1868
  • Joseph L. Johnson, 1869
  • Amos H. Geary, 1870, 1871
  • Sylvester B. Carterm 1872, 1873
  • Charles W. Page, 1874, 1875
  • Robert G. Sargent, 1876, 1877
  • George W. Creasey, 1878-1880
  • Oscar C. Lougee, 1881, 1882
  • Charles S. Lovejoy, 1883
  • Moses Brown, 1884; SN
  • George W. Craig, 1885-1888, 1891
  • Caleb S. Wilkinson, 1889
  • Richard S. Dodge, 1890
  • David Foss, 1892, 1893
  • Alvah Hoyt, 1894, 1895
  • Thomas T. Upton, 1896, 1897
  • John C. M. Blaisdell, 1898, 1899
  • Clarence J. Fogg, 1900, 1901
  • Arthur P. Brown, 1902, 1903; N
  • John Homer, 1904
  • George E. Torrey, 1905
  • Orion S. Hill, 1906, 1907
  • Percy B. Jackson, 1908, 1909
  • John L. McLean, 1910, 1911
  • James H. Johnston, 1912, 1913
  • B. Clark Atwater, 1914, 1915
  • Charles W. Perry, Jr., 1916, 1917; Memorial
  • William H. Colby, 1918, 1919
  • Frank O. Fowle, 1920, 1921
  • Bennett J. Sampson, 1922
  • Albert D. Frost, 1923, 1924
  • William C. Noyes, 1925, 1926
  • Albert M. Genn, 1927, 1928
  • George H. Hanna, 1929, 1930
  • Orin W. Quimby, 1931, 1932
  • Edward L. Noyes, 1933, 1934
  • Perley E. Miller, 1935, 1936; N
  • Leon E. Oliver, 1937, 1938
  • Charles A. Woods, 1939, 1940
  • O. Arthur Wills, 1941
  • Arnold W. Collis, 1942
  • George E. Bishop, 1943, 1944
  • Alvah W. Hoyt, 1945, 1946
  • Arthur C. Browne, 1947; SN
  • Robert R. McKinney, 1948, 1949
  • Willam Harber, 1950
  • John C. White, 1951
  • Worthen H. Taylor, 1952
  • Harry W. Fowle, 1953
  • Elbridge D. Proctor, 1954
  • Milton W. MacFarlane, 1955
  • Kenneth W. Parkhurst, 1956
  • Leon Ananian, 1957, 1958; SN
  • Robert S. Walters, 1959
  • Harold W. Bartlett, Jr., 1960
  • Francis D. Curran, 1961
  • Francis B. Kilgour, 1962
  • Roger E. Marsolais, 1963
  • Earl H. Warren, 1964
  • Charles W. Woods, 1965
  • David P. Stickney, 1966
  • George E. Emerson, 1967
  • James F. Harvey, 1968
  • Irvine H. Walker, 1969
  • Charles C. Savage, 1970, 1971
  • Paul W. Stanwood, 1972
  • James H. Pollard, 1973
  • Keith M. MacNutt, 1974
  • Kenneth J. Bell, 1975
  • Duncan M. MacLeod, 1976
  • Donald F. Pike, 1977
  • Thomas F. McGrath, Jr., 1978, 1979; 'PDDGM
  • Ernest L. Wilson, 1980, 1981
  • Walter J. Jurgel, 1982, 1983
  • Frank W. Smith, III, 1984, 1985
  • Richard H. Gauvin, Jr., 1986, 1992
  • Robert L. MacNeill, 1987
  • Andre W. J. Marion, 1988
  • Warren D. Hodgdon, 1989, 2008, 2009
  • Herbert Eaton, 1990; N
  • Walter J. Jurgel, 1991
  • Dana M. Davis, 1993
  • Sean T. Hogan, 1994
  • Arnold M. Marookian, 1995, 1996; N
  • Howard J. Salt, 1997, 1998
  • Herbert Eaton, 1999
  • Joseph S. Jenkins, 2000
  • Dennis W. Lowes, 2001
  • Glenn W. Coffin, 2002
  • Merton E. Chute, 2003
  • Ronald J. McKinnon, Jr., 2004
  • Shawn E. Redfearn, 2005
  • Richard W. Teeven, 2006
  • Dennis W. Lowes, 2007, 2010
  • Brian J. Richard, 2011
  • Mark R. Wright, 2012
  • P. Cyrus Rogers, 2013

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1803
  • Consolidation Petition (with Emeth Lodge): 1976

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1858 (55th Anniversary; see below)
  • 1903 (Centenary)
  • 1953 (150th Anniversary)
  • 2003 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1870 1873 1879 1882 1884 1898 1904 1907 1908 1924 1930 1935 1940 1955 1960 1972 1975 1981 1989 1996 2001 2004 2006 2009 2011

HISTORY

  • 1953 (150th Anniversary History, 1953-129)

OTHER

  • 1848 (Invitation to Grand Lodge to celebrate the Feast of St. John; V-205)
  • 1901 (Participation in funeral for Past Grand Master Charles C. Dame, 1901-1)
  • 1929 (Participation in Newburyport temple dedication, 1929-62)
  • 1939 (Reduction of fees authorized, 1939-252)

EVENTS

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1831

From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. 2, No. 33, February 12, 1831, Page 260:

  • John Brickett, Master
  • George Emery, S. W.
  • Joseph Young, Jr., J. Warden
  • James Carey, T.
  • Moses Lord, Secretary
  • Samuel Somerby, Jr. S. Deacon
  • John Holland, Jr. Deacon
  • Stephen C. Parsons S. Steward
  • Reuben Lane, J. Steward
  • William Harvey, Marshall
  • Joseph Currier, T.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, JUNE 1849

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VIII, No. 10, August 1849, p. 300:

MASONIC CELEBRATION AT NEWBURYPORT.

This account of the celebration at Newbury port, was prepared by Br. B. Perley Poore, for the "Pic Nic," of which excellent paper he is the talented conductor. It does ample justice to the occasion, and to all parties interested in it. The state of our own health waa auch aa to prevent, to a great extent, our participating in the festivities of the day. We are therefore happy in being able to avail oaraelf of the very acceptable labors of another.—Ed.

"HIS wisdom inspired the Great Institution,
HIS strength shall sepport it till nature expire,
And when the creation shall fall into ruin,
Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire."

Freemasons have for centuries celebrated the anniversary of their patron— Saint John the Baptist—not merely in order to practise the rites and mysteries of their Craft, but by indulging in that social intercourse which expands the nobler feelings of the heart, and knits closer the mystic tie. Years gone by witnessed the Masonic celebration of St John's day in every State of our Union, and the revival of these ancient festivals must be pleasing to those old Masons who watched over the Institution during its "dark days" with paternal solicitude, sup plying afterwards, like hidden fountains in the rock, vital streams from which young Craftsmen have been permitted to drink.

Newburyport—we learn from General Cushing's history of the town—has long been known for its zeal in the order of Freemasonry. The prosperity and respectability of the Fraternity in the place are mainly attributable, in the first instance, to the exertions of Dr. John B. Swett, who settled in the town about the close of the revolutionary war. He was distinguished as an ancient Mason, not less than for bis genius, his generous feelings and social habits. It is said that he was initiated into the mysteries of the Illuminati in Germany; but, how ever this may be, certain it is that be gave the weight of his influence and character to the establishment of Masonry in Newbury port, and succeeded in a re markable manner. In the days "before the troubles" there were often a thou sand Craftsmen out in the streets of Newburyport on St John's Day.

St. Mark's Lodge, which celebrated this year's anniversary, was chartered in 1803 and consecrated July 11th, 1804. Its present Master is Nathan Chase, Esq., and its members are highly respectable citizens.

THE DAY.

The morning was "clear in the East," and at an early hour vehicles were coming into Newburyport from every direction, bringing a crowd of Craftsmen and curious. At ten o'clock the special train arrived from Boston, and the usually quiet streets were thronged with a busy crowd. The Merrimac House was the head quarters—the Light Guard had politely given their armory np to the Knight Templars—and the members of the Blue Lodges filled the St Mark's room. King Cyrus' Royal Arch Chapter, which was organised in 1790, entertained their Royal Arch Brethren.

THE PROCESSION.

About 11 o'clock a procession was formed in State street, in the following order:—

Col. Eaton, Aid. Sir Peter C. Jones, of Boston, Chief Marshal. Maj. Carrier, Aid.
Portsmouth Brass Band, J. H. Parsons, Leader.
Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, performing escort duty, under the command of Sir William W. Baker.
Mount Tabor Lodge, East Boston.
Star of Bethlehem Lodge, Chelsea.
Grecian Lodge, Lawrence.
Liberty Lodge, Beverly.
Mount Carmel Lodge, Lynn.
Pentucket Lodge, Lowell.
Columbian Lodge, Boston.
King Solomon's Lodge, Charlestown.
The Massachusetts Lodge, Boston.
St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston.
King Cyrus's Royal Arch Chapter, Newburyport.
St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter, Boston.
St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, Boston.
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts.
Princes of Jerusalem, Enoch Hobart, Commander.
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, M. W. Edward A. Raymond, Grand Master.
St. Mark's Lodge, Newburyport, Nathan Chase, W. Master.

The procession moved down State street, through Market Square and Middle Street, up Federal, through Temple, up State to the Merrimac House. Here a large number of ladies were received into the procession. Thence it moved up State, through High, down Green, and into Pleasant street, where the escort opened to the right and left, bringing their swords to the salute. The procession then counter-marched into the Unitarian church. The numerous banners and elegant regalia gave a fine appearance to the procession. We noticed that St Mark's and Pentucket Lodges had very beautiful new banners, which we learned were painted by T. Somerby, of this city.

EXERCISES IN THE CHURCH.

I. Voluntary on the Organ. By Miss S. Davis.

II. Anthem.

III. Prayer. By Rev. Br. G. M. Randall, D. G. M.

IV. Original Hymn. By Br. Asa T. Newhal], D. D. G. M.

Eternal source of truth and light,
Great Architect of worlds unknown,
Here in thy Temple we unite
And humbly bow before thy Throne.

To offer up our songs of praise,
In Union, Harmony and Love.
To Thee, who will True Masons raise
To the sublime Grand Lodge above.

Where we shall meet Freemasons,
free From sin and every hurtful snare;
There all the faithful household see,
Erect upon the perfect square.

There we may view the glorious plan,
The fruits of charity may trace;
Devised by the friend of man
To rebuild Adam's fallen race.

There will the Lodge be duly tried,
With the Grand Master we shall meet,
And all the Heavenly Builders called,
Our glorious Temple to complete.

Then every living stone shall be
Fixed in its proper place secure,
And every part so well agree,
It will to endless age endure.

V. Selections from Scriptures.

VI. Ode—from Masonic Melodies. No. 83—by Br. Thomas Power.

Hail! gentle Charity !
Long may thy precepts be
Dear in our land ;
May He who formed our kind,
Bless to the troubled mind
Each gentle tie designed
In Friendship's band.

Chorus—May He, &c.

When waves of trouble flow,
Then may a Brother's woe
Touch every heart;
Let Pity's kind decree,
Where'er the wretched be,
Bid, in sincerity,
All grief depart.

Chorus—Let Pity's, &c.

Should e'er a footstep stray,
Lost in a darkened way,
Hope still be near:
Eyes for the wandering blind,
Love, every wound lo bind,
Truth, still to guide mankind,
Be ever here.

Chorus—Eyes for, &c.

Blessed in a Father's love,
Beaming from Heaven above,
Our Faith shall rise ;
That, in a brighter day,
Each voice shall join the lay,
When life shall pass away,
Above the skies.

Chorus— That, in, &c.

Hail! gentle Charity!
Long may thy precepts be
Dear in our land:
Each heart a sacred shrine,
Hallowed with Light divine
Improve the great design
While time shall stand.

Chorus.—Each heart, &c.

VII. Address—by Rev. Br. Benjamin Huntoon.

VIII Doxology—Tune, Old Hundred.

To Thee, our heavenly Father, Friend,
With grateful hearts, we humbly bend ;
O, teach our fervent thanks to flow,
For all our joys to Thee we owe.

IX. Benediction.

After the conclusion of the exercises, the procession was re-formed, and marched through some of the principal streets to a pavillion, erected opposite the mall. It was a spacious, airy structure, with a table across the head for the dig nitaries, and five longitudinal tables for the Craftsmen and the Indies. The ta bles were handsomely ornamented and supplied with one of the best public din ners we have ever partaken of, supplied by Mr. Tilton, of the Merrimac House. What added to the charms of the dinner, was a legion of fair handmaidens, the daughters and friends of the Newburyport Masons. It was a pleasure to pass from labor to refreshment, and then be served by rivals of Hebe of old. After the dinner had been discussed— Col. Phillips, of St Mark's Lodge, President of the day, made a few humorous remarks, welcoming the company, and made the journalists blush with complimentary allusions.

TOASTS.

1. Free and Accepted Masonry— The Star in the East.

" Truth, crushed to Earth, will rise again,
Th' eternal years of youth are here,
While error—wounded—writhes in pain,
And dies amidst her worshippers."

2. The Memories of George Washington. Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk -Three good masters who were called lo preside over our beloved country, and are now, we hope, in that Grand Lodge above presided over by the Grand Master of the Universe.

3. The Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth—The Key-stone which binds our mystic institution. It is well on this our anniversary in return thanks lor its faithful guardianship, and to renew our allegiance. Having watched through the night, may it enjoy the morning. R. W. Brother Randall, Deputy Grand Master, replied in a most eloquent manner, giving in conclusion, as. a sentiment— St. Mark's Lodge of Newburyport.—May the morning they now enjoy be but the commencement of a future day.

Brother Phillips of St Mark's Lodge, replied to this toast, narrating the history of Masonry in Newburyport. He gave as a sentiment— Active Benevolence—

"The heart that feels for others' woes,
Shall find each selfish sorrow less,
The man who happiness bestows,
Reflected happiness shall bless."

4. The Grand Encampment. The following toast waa sent by Sir George Thacher of Boston, who had in tended to have been present, but was prevented from attending by the death of a relative. The Genius of our Institution— Ornamented wilh the immortal jewels of Morality, Equality and Rectitude of Life. May they never mar her fair proportions, or dim the lustre of her jewels.

S. The Grand Chapter.

6. The Princes of Jerusalem.

7. Past Dignitaries—We remember the good works of them all, from Hiram, that "cunning worker in brass," to our worthy Smith, whose services are graven on our hearts.

The reply of Worshipful Brother Geo. G. Smith to this toast was a proud chronicle of the craft, showing how it had withstood the attacks of its enemies. He gave—

  • Free Masonry—Rich in the virtues of the living—rich in the virtues of the honored dead.
  • The Ladies—The jewels of every true Mason's heart, securely guarded by Friendship and Charity.

"Tho' woman from our order we exclude,
Let not that beauteous sex conclude
We love them not:—or think they wonld reveal
What we as secrets wish them to conceal.
We fondly love, and think we might impart
(Sure of their faith,) our secrets to their heart,
But we're afraid, if once the lovely fair
Were at our happy Lodges to appear,
That Love and Jealousy would both be there,
Then rivals turned, our social bonds destroyed,
Farewell the pleasures now so much enjoyed."

9. The Orator—Like our patron whose annirersary we celebrate, he came "to bear witness of the light."

10. The Marshal— He laid out a fair plan, and following him on the square, we found the pass was right.

The Marshal, Sir Peter C. Jones, gave in return the following sentiment: The day we celebrate - May it become a Festal Day in every nation, thereby disseminating its truthful doctrines in every land.

One of the Marshal's Aids handed in the following volunteer :— Newburyport Masons—Wherever they are found they are among the bright lights, and are bound to shine.

Sir Moses Kimball, of the De Molay Encampment, kept the table in a roar with his humorous anecdotes, interspersed with sound, practical remarks. He gave:— The Ladies and the three Secrets of Freemasonry—1st, the Heart to feel ; 2d, the Hand to give, 3d, the Tongue to keep a secret.

The Escort—Such Knights are bright indeed. Under their guard, Pilgrims may pass through rugged ways, and "fear no harm."

Sir W. W. Baker, who had command of the Boston Encampment, replied with a few appropriate remarks. The De Molay Encampment—Like the tabled warriors of Greece, they have sprung up into full life, a well armed band, chivalric as were the Red Cross Knights ol old. Sir Hamilton Willis, a member of the Encampment, responded to this sentiment, and gave another, complimenting the Toastmaster.

The King Cyrus Chapter— Brothers—neighbors—friends—three in one. We find deep in their hearts many a tign and token of their love.

14. The Blue Lodges of the Commonwealth—We greet their Craftsmen aa worthy successors of the widow's son—they have here the serjeant-at-arms, well qualified to regulate their conduct by the square, and direct their course by a white wand.

And may kind heaven's gracious hand
Still regulate each action ;
May each Lodge securely stand
Against the storms of faction ;
As Virtue bright,
Truth robed in white,
With Friendship to them hastens—
All band in hand
To bless the band
Of Massachusetts Masons.

Benjamin Stevens, Esq. the courteous Sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, was loudly called for and his remarks were among the best made at the table.

16. The Revenue Service well tyled by a worthy Brother. This brought out Capt. Sturgis, of the Revenue service, who exhibited the apron worn by Dr. Warren, a member of the Craft. He gave The Ladies—If they do not preside in the Masonic Lodges, they preside in the hearts of those who do.

Br. Whiston, of Boston, was called up to reply to this toast He exhibited the Grand Lodge apron worn at Bunker Hill by Gen. Lafayette, when the corner-stone of the Monument was laid, June 17, 1825. It is one of those now worn, of white, trimmed with purple, and Br. Whiston announced his determination to have it depssited in the Grand Lodge after his death.

16. The Grand Lodge of Maine-Firm as the forests on her hills, they have not strayed from the path a worthy Shepherd trod.

John H. Shephard, Esq., replied to this toast, in a most eloquent manner. He spoke of the prond gathering at which Gen. Lafayette wore the apron just exhibited—of the dark days which followed—and of the firmly founded principles of the Order, which remain steadfast, whatever opposition may be brought against them. Then sfter rapidly tracing the intimate relations between the Christian religion and Freemasonry, he gave :— The Masonic Institution as a co-operator with Christianity— Like a tree planted by the water-side, it is known by its fruits.

Brother Asa T. Newhall, of Lynnfield, a veteran Mason, and several other gentlemen, also, made brief speeches, and a large number of volunteer toasts were offered. We thought that we copied all of them, but only find the following among our notes:

  • The alto-singer at the Church— God has given her a seraphic voice, to be trained in this Earthly Lodge for the Angelic choir of heaven.
  • The Secretary of the Grand Lodge—A worthy and well qualified Recorder, to whom the Craft are under deep obligations for his faithful services. At such a festival as this, Masons (like Dickens' Oliver,) ask for More. Sir C. W. Moore, was loudly called for, but bad been prevented by indisposition from attending the dinner.
  • By Sir Jacob George. The Memory of the first Grand Master of the United States, General Joseph Warren—May his spirit ever watch over the welfare of this Institution.
  • Fair Weather Masons—May those who remaiued at home "for fear," not enjoy the bright rainbow of promise which now again illumiates Masonry in Newburyport.
  • The Fair— While by their influence they hold us captive at their own will, " The Secret is," we glory in our captivity.
  • The Attendants'—It is well worth seven years of servitude to find such sisters as these ever attendant on oar wants, and gladdening our eyes by their charms.

Good-fellowship prevailed throughout ihe day, and when the President announced that the Craft, "having met on the level, would part on the square," heartily did the Brethren respond "So mote it be!"

BANNER PRESENTATION.

The following waa the order of exercises upon the occasion of the presenta tion of a banner, by the ladies of Lynn, to Mount Carmel Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons:

  1. Singing, from Masonic Melodies.
  2. Prayer by Rev. D. Mott
  3. Singing, from Masonic Melodies.
  4. Presentation Address, by Miss Laura A. Shorey.
  5. Reply, by Isaac Brown, Esq.
  6. Presentation to the Master of the Lodge, by Isaac Brown, Esq.
  7. Reply, by the Master.
  8. Singing, from Masonic Melodies.
  9. Address; by Hon. Asa T. Newhall, of Lynnfield, D. D. G. M., for the Second Masonic District
  10. Singing, Masonic Melodies.
  11. Benediction, by Rev. D. Mott.

The presentation, by Miss Shorey, a young lady of seventeen, elicited much applause. For gracefulness of manner, distinctness of enunciation, and pro priety of intonation and gesticulation, it would have done credit to the far famed reader of Shakspeare, Mrs. Butler. The presentation addresses were as follows :

PRESENTATION ADDRESS , BY MISS LAURA A. SHOREY.

Sim :—Regarding the Masonic Institution as one founded upon the divine principles of universal love and unbounded charity—principles emanating from the throne of the Great Eternal, and diffused amongst men, to elevate, to refine, and bless—it is natural that women should feel an interest in your prosperity, and sym pathise in all your efforts for the general diffusion of those sublime principles. An Institution having for its object the promotion of peace and good will, whose principal point embraces the three-fold virtues of "brotherly love, relief, and truth;" an institution, the tendency of which is to prevent discord and hatred, to soften the asperity of political strife, to assuage the bitterness of religious sectarianism, intolerance, and bigotry, to perfect the human character, and prepare man to glorify his Maker and bless bis race, certainly deserves, and should receive, the sympathy of every pure and virtuous mind, and the encouragement of all who are interested in the welfare of the human race.

Believing this to be the design of Freemasonry, the ladies of Lynn are desir ous of presenting you with a testimonial of their interest in your prosperity, and regard for those sacred principles, the general diffusion of which is the avowed object of your association.

The agreeable duty has been assigned to me, of presenting to your Fraternity this token of our regard. Allow me, then, in behalf of the ladies of Lynn, to present to you, and, through you, to the Officers and members of Mount Carmel Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, this Banner, bearing upon its folds the Masonic emblems—the All-Seeing Eye, the Holy Bible, the Square, and Compasses.

And may it remind you, that the All-Seeing Eye of the Supreme Architect of the Universe is ever upon you, watching over you for good, searching every heart, and rewarding every man according to his work.

And taking the Holy Bible as the rule and guide of your faith and practice, may you Square your actions by its precepts, and be enabled to circumscribe your desires and passions within the compass of virtue and morality, the true Masonic compass.

It gives us peculiar pleasure, in presenting this banner, to be assured that it will not be displayed upon the battle field, where man meets his brother man in angry strife, 'mid the roar of cannon, and the clash of arms, 'mid scenes of blood and carnage, and the agonizing death groans of human beings; but that, on the contrary, it will serve as a beacon to guide a band of Brothers in the paths of virtue and peace. Where right triumphs over wrong, where virtue triumphs over vice, there may it be borne aloft.

When hatred, and strife, and every evil thing, shall vanish before the onward progress of light, and love, and truth, then may its folds be flung to the breexe and borne proudly along! May it ever wave, in glorious, peaceful triumph.

REPLY, BT ISAAC BROWN, ESQ.

With emotions of the liveliest gratification, I receive this beautiful and appropriate token of your sympathy and regard; and, in behalf of the Officers and Brethren of Mount Carmel Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, I ten der to you, and through you, to the ladies you represent, our sincere and heartfelt thanks.

It is not to us matter of surprise, that those who understand the object of out association, and whose refined and virtuous hearts enable them to appreciate the excellence of the sublime principles of the Order, should feel an interest in oar prosperity and success, and be disposed to exert their influence to encourage and sustain us in our efforts for the general diffusion of those principles. It would be a matter of surprise, were it otherwise.

The principles of Freemasonry are indeed of divine origin ; and wherever they have been understood and appreciated, their tendency has been to purify, to elevate, refine and bless. In all ages, and in every clime, the wide world over, its influence has been manifested. The savage red man, as he has roamed through our western wilds, has seen the light of Masonry, and yielded to its influence; and tho wild Arab, as he coursed over the deserts of the east, has felt its power to restrain, to civilize, and to bless. It has stayed the uplifted sword upon the sanguinary battle field ; it has ministered to the wants of the suffering poor; alleviated the woes of the afflicted and distressed; poured the oil and wine of consolation into the widow's stricken heart; and cheered the orphan in his loneliness.

These constitute some of its claims to public favor. It is in consequence of these, that we expect it to receive the warmest sympathy of the fair, the beauti ful, and the good.

If we have secrets, and labor, that woman cannot share, it is not from want of confidence in ber discretion, or faith in her ability and power, to assist and encourage us in our work. The great secret of the Order, that which embraces all other secrets, we freely confide to you—It is this—the secret of doing good. The great work for which all Masonic work is but initiatory, would never be accomplished without the aid of woman. It is the elevation and refinement of the human race, and the promotion of all the social virtues. To accomplish this work, we depend much upon the influence of woman. Her natural grace, refine ment and delicacy, her gentleness of character, and purity of heart, preeminently qualify her to assist us in this most essential of all Masonic labor. For this we prize her society; for this she is fondly cherished by every true Mason. In the language of song,

"Though shut from our Lodges by ancient decree,
In spite of our laws woman here bears her part;
For each Mason I 'm sure will tell you with me,
That her form is enshrined and reigns in his heart.

'Twas wisely ordained by oar Order of old,
To tile-fast the door, spite entreaties or sighs;
For once in our Lodge, she would rule uncontrolled,
And govern the Craft by the light of her eyes.

Deem us not deficient in gallantry, then, if, in accordance with ancient decree, we are not permitted to introduce you to our Lodges, and to a participation in the severer trials and labors required of us by Masonic usage.

This beautiful banner shall remind us of our duty to you, to each other, and the world; and though emblematic of peace and good will, it shall nerve our hearts to do battle bravely for a fair one in distress, with all that chivalrous spirit that characterized the true knights of the Order, in olden time. The All-Seeing Eye shall remind us of the first great qualification of a Mason, a firm belief in the Eternal Jehovah, the Supreme Architect and Governor of the Universe, without which no man is entitled to admission to the privileges of the Order. We recognize the Holy Bible, the Square, and Compasses, as great lights in Masonry, having a peculiar Masonic signification, embracing the most sublime instruction in all the moral and social duties.

It is exceedingly gratifying to me and the Brethren of the mystic tie, associated with me, to receive this token from the hands of a Mason's daughter; and I am happy to assure you, that as such you will ever be an object of peculiar regard to every true Mason.

When Rome claimed to be mistress of the world, the exclamation, " I am a Roman citizen!" was at once a passport, a shield, and protection. The exclamation, " I am a Mason's daughter!" will prove a more powerful talisman, whose potency will be acknowledged In every land, and amongst all tribes and tongues, and which will never fail to raise up hosts of true friends, to sympathize, to aid, and protect In conclusion, then, I repeat the acknowledgment of our gratifi cation, and our heartfelt thanks, and invoke upon you, and the ladies you represent, the choicest blessings that earth can know, or Heaven confer.

PRESENTATION TO THE MASTER, BT ISAAC BROWN, ESQ.

Worshipful Maater:—To you I now confide this banner, a gift from the hands of Beauty.

Let it find an appropriate place in the East, to which we all look for light.

Let the symbolic teachings be heeded in the West, and proclaimed from the South, to the Brethren, that all, having the notice thereof, may govern themselves accordingly. Let it be our care that all who enlist under this banner, shall be good men and true; men who will never prove recreant to the sublime princi ples and sacred obligations of Freemasonry, or deseit the standard of friendship, morality and brotherly love. May the All-Seeing Eye watch over and protect us, until, called from labor to eternal refreshment by the Supreme Grand Master of all, we shall meet upon the Square in the Celestial Lodge above, where the great source of all true Masonic light, in its effulgent brightness, shall constitute the glory of the perfect and eternal day.

REPLY, BY W. M. THOMAS PHILLIPS.

As Master of Mount Carmel Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, I accept this banner, and promise, in the name of the Brethren, that it shall be faithfully preserved, not only as a token of the sympathy and regard of those we love, but also for the Sublime teachings of the sacred emblems inscribed upon its folds.

May we ever regard those teachings, and strive together to promote the great Masonic virtues of peace, harmony, and brotherly love.

MR. HUNTOON'S ORATION.

The excellent Oration delivered by the Rev. Mr. Huntoon, at the celebration at Newburyport, on the 36th June, was published on the morning of the 27th in the " Boston Herald," for which paper we presume the copy was furnished by the author. The orator spoke one hour and a quarter and was listened to throughout with great attention by a large and intelligent audience. We should be grati fied to give the Oration entire in our pages, could we spare the room it would occupy ; but this we cannot do. The following extract will commend itself to the favor of the reader:—

In the different philanthropic associations of the day, each has its favorite theme of heating and agitating debate, each claims for its own plan of associated action the highest importance, and is proud to undervalue the projects of the other. And this blessed sisterhood of philanthropy—the glory of the passing age—enlivened by the noblest impulses, through the imperfection in man, often operate to array their adherence in lines of opposition, and render them dogmati cal and systematical. There is a propensity, especially iu the ardent and radical— "the men of one idea," as they are termed—instead of searching out (he ties of mutual sympathy and the points of friendly coincidence, to magnify the grounds of difference, to account his own favorite enclosure as the whole field of humani ty, and to feel as if the boundless inspiration of God's spirit was confined within the circumference of his visible horizon.

But Freemasonry has none of these narrowing, anti-social, self-exalting ten dencies. She opens her Lodges to men of every enterprise of life, of every reli gious creed, of every political party, of every philanthropic name; strips her vo taries of every shackle of partisanship—every shred of outward rivalry—and spreads the " cement of brotherly love" over all her children ; unites them into one band of friends, a nnited Fraternity, " among whom, no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work who best agree," enjoining upon each and every one to consider himself a part ner in the great joint stock company of humanity, bound to bear his share of the burdens, duties, and responsibilities of the concern.

Again, Freemasonry is a moral institution. It not only gives activity, expan sion and intensity lo the social instincts and sympathies of our nature, but it in culcates and enforces those moral rights, duties and obligations, which bind man to his fellow-man in all the departments and relations of public and private life. It enjoins loyally in the subject, justice and equity in the citizen, integrity and uprightness in the neighbor, fidelity and purity in the domestic relations. Indi vidual probity, personal virtue, is the great object of its attainment The strong est marked, mid most distinguishing feature, and to my mind, the most laudable characteristic of our institution, is its humanity—its deep sympathy with man, as man, and its keen sensibility to his individual perils and sufferings, and its watch ful protection of his personal rights and virtues. Its first lesson teaches him to subdue hie passions, and prove himself a man, thirsting for knowledge, moral improvement, and the development of his powers for his own and others highest good. It places the interest, the character, the virtue of the individual in the highest rank of its achievements. This is a prominent, characteristic idea, cherished in no other institution or government, philosophy or religion, whose history has come down to us from ancient times.

In all ages, the individual has, in one form or another, been trodden in the dust In monarchies and aristocracies he has been sacrificed to one, or to the few, who, regarding government as an heir loom in their families, and thinking of the people as made only to live and die for their glory, have never dreamed that the sovereign power was designed to shield every man without exception, from wrong. In the ancient Republics, the glory of the State, especially conquest, was the end to which the individual was expected to offer himself a victim, and in promoting which no cruelty was to be declined, no human right revered. He was merged in the great whole, called the Commonwealth, to which his nature was to be immolated. Even the proud Ro man had no idea of his personal worth. "I am a Roman citizen," he exclaimed, and in that lay his dignity. With that title of nobility he could confront kings without being abashed ; but in Rome he was a slave. Under the shadow of the Palatine Hill, he walked silent and fearful. There he never uttered, "I am a man." It was the glory of the American people, that in their Declaration of Independence they took the ground of the indestructable rights of every human be ing. They declared all men to be essentially equal, and each born to be free. They spoke in the name of humanity, as the representatives of the rights of the feeblest as well as the mightiest of their race. They published universal, ever lasting principles, which are to work out the deliverance and freedom of every human being.

This has been hailed as the last and noblest offspring of time, yet this very idea of humanity, fraternity, equality ; the inalienable rights of every individual to exercise his powers for the promotion of his own and others happiness and virtue, has pervaded and characterised our Order, in all ages of its existence, drawing down upon it the jealousies, animosities, and anathemas of the hierarchies of the religious, and the aristocracies of the political world. An idea of individual man, and the supremacy of his views, his liberty, his growth, his perfection, as the first article of a nation's faith; that the sacrednese of indi vidual man, is never to be forgotten in the feverish pursuit of property. That it is more important that the individual should respect himself, and be respected by others, than that the wealth of both worlds should be accumulated on our snores, is a doctrine not fully in vogue with our political savans, or even in the numerous associations of the day. Their regard seems to be for mankind in the mass, and has respect only to the race, and not for individual roan, as the highest care of the world. Now it is not man iu his collective capacity, but in his pri vate and personal station, that Freemasonry contemplates, addresses and strives to elevate, enlighten and bless. " A point within a circle," denoting an individual Brother. The circle, the boundary line of his duty, embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines representing St John the Baptist, and St John the Evangelist, and upon the top resting the Holy Scriptures," is precisely the point of view in which Freemasonry regards individual man, and aims to inspire him with indomitable zeal and resolution to fulfil his heaven-allotted mission. She would have him full orbed and globed in this sphere of light, among all the luminaries in the sky of duty, shining by his own radiance, and thus helping to in crease the effulgence of the whole canopy of Humanity. She looks through the exterior vestment to the inward man, and regards personal worth and not outward wealth, as a claim to ber esteem, and a passport to her honors. She does not estimate moral excellence by the extent of field in which it moves, the elevation on which it stands, or the splendor with which it is arrayed, but by its simplicity and purity, attracting the admiration of its companions, and leading them by its celestial light, fast and far in that upward path, which opens and shines brighter and brighter to the perfect day. In her standard of character, usefulness is the measure of greatness. She perceives, that the " burning and shining lights of the world, like the humble Baptist, whom Jesus called great among men,—come not from kings" palaces, nor from luxurious homes ; that in early hardships and privations, may be traced the beginning of almost all of those characters, which have originated great reforms, accomplished wide works of love, and spoken with commanding voices to the hearts and souls of men; as it is said the ocean—life voice of a mighty instrument makes in the small harp near it, notes that ring clearly in answer to every sound of its own.

"Can you explain to me," said William Howitt, to a Scotch peasant, " what it is that makes Burns such a favorite with you all in Scotland ? "I can tell you" said he," Robert Burns had the heart of a man in him—he was all heart—all man—and there is nothing at least in a poor man's experience, either bitter or sweet, which can happen to him—but a line of Burns' springs into his month, and gives bim courage and comfort if he needs it It is like a second Bible." This is moral power. This is the light of a good heart,—which stamps the impress of immortality upon the fame of Burns, and though, fervor, and feeling, and sympathy were his only credentials, give him a name and a praise before which thousands bow down in grateful remem brance, and the land of his nativity will remember them to the sunset of her la test day. He whose heart is in its right place, throbbing in unison with the great heart of humanity, is the true, moral man, the consecrated High Priest of God, who being touched with the infirmities of others can lead them to the living fountains at which he drank, and found rest to his soub; whatever respect may be paid, apparently, to outward elevation. Napoleon, during bis short reign, did more for the promotion of civil and religious liberty, and for the elevation of the masses of the people, than all the combined Kings of Europe, have done for the last three centuries. There are men, unbestarred by pomp or place, whose steps have never trod the courts of royalty ; whose efforts in behalf of suffering, oppressed, enslaved humanity, are heralded by no applause, upon whose path of benefi cence, no trumpet is sounded, who are exerting an influence on those around them, and through them far into the crowd, and deep into future ages, while he who bears the name of king, cannot effect a single purpose, nor waken a single feeling of respect in any human heart.

The lowly shepherd of Salisbury Plain, had power in larger measure and a far greater circle than his liege lord and king, and that monarch owed what mortal power he had to the public impression of his virtues, and not to his ancestry and throne. And the fisherman's daughter, Grace Darling, who went forth to the wrecked crew, when the veterans of the ocean dared not face the storm, did she not send a finer inspiration to the hearts of thousands than England's Queen, in all emblem of majesty ? If sovereignty were estimated, not by its gilded trap pings, but by its substantial moral power, how many a throne would find a lodg ment in the dust. How many a crown grow pale as stars in the day-break, and many lowly one would stand forth in the fullness of glory, which he little dreams of now?

The valleys—the brooks—the sunny slopes are often hidden and passed by with indifference, yet, the vales, the low places of human existence, the sun every day shines upon, and God loves to look upon, and his footsteps are heard there in the cool of every evening. Raphael's immortal pictures are taken from the face of a gentle girl whose name scarcely survives. While Milton composed the Paradise Lost, many a paradise was regained in the holy family circle—and in the acquisition of meek spirits. While a hundred thousand men were twenty years in handling stone for the Egyptian pyramid, as a sepulchre for a dead king, winds and woods, birds and flowers were busy in converting into an edifice which the Almighty should inhabit, the heart of some nameless man by the side of some nameless brook. There is a beautiful painting by Aldus of a poor woman, who having spun past midnight to support a bed-rid mother, fell asleep through fatigue, and the angels were represented finishing her work. The obscure woman who anointed Jesus's feet, most unconsciously did an act which the Divine Saviour himself has published to the praise of all ages. Now, in the full end clear recognition of this personal worth, this individual excellence, superior to all adventitious circumstances of wealth, rank, or station, the Master in the school of Freemasonry approaches and places upon his pupil the first badge of his apprenticeship as a Mason—the emblem of innocence and integrity—assuring him that "it is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the Star and Garter; or any other order that can be conferred upon him, at that, or any future period, by king, prince or potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason, and which every Brother ought to wear with plea sure to himself and honor to the Fraternity." Here is taught and enforced the great truth, that personal virtue, moral excellence, is the true nobility—a posses sion better than earldoms, principalities or thrones; that the sceptre and the crown are within; the coronation and the investiture are in the heart and character. That he, who stands in the common level of doing duty, even in by-pla ces, and untravelled regions, may live a high, heroic and holy life, and crop the noblest honors of humanity. That the peaceable and quiet citizen ; the affectionate father, son and brother, faithful to all domestic ties, to all social, moral and religious obligations, each in its place and order, and blending all into a beautiful and consistent life, is morally great in the estimation of all good men and Masons; and, though unknown to fame, and unhonored in the annals of the world, the diadem ef true glory surrounds his manly brow, and sets him as one among the Princes of Jerusalem, a high priest and king after the order of Melchisadec ; a priest though of no sacerdotal genealogy, aud a king though his lineage and birth are unrecorded in the heraldry of monarchs, and earthly nobles, yet, the sons of the faithful, " the true descendants of the children of Israel," will ever do him reverence.

55TH ANNIVERSARY, SEPTEMBER 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, November 1858, Page 12:

St. Mark's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Newburyport, Mass., celebrated the fiftyfifth anniversary of their existence as a Lodge, September 27th, at the Harris street Church. The order of exercises consisted of a voluntary by the Orchestra; Prayer by Rev. Bro. Wm. Horton, Rector of St Paul's Church; Ode by James C. Peabody, Esq., of Georgetown; reading selections of Scripture by Rev. Bro. Daniel P. Pike, Pastor of the Christian Church; Prayer by Rev. Bro. H. R. Timlow, Pastor of the Harris street Church; Ode by Miss Anne G. Hale, (which, with Mr. Peabody's, was written for the occasion;) Address by Bro. Joseph H. Bragdon, Esq., and closing Ode from the Masonic Melodies, and Benediction by Rev. Bro. D. P. Pike.

The whole was performed, with the exoeption of the first prayer, which was omitted in consequence of the illness of Rev. Bro. Wm. Horton. All passed off satisfactorily to all concerned, and met with the general favor of all present; there being a large audience in attendance; the exercises being public, and open to all.

The address of Bro. Joseph H. Bragdon occupied about one hour in its delivery. He dwelt at some length on the history of Masonry in Newburyport. St John's Lodge was chartered in 1766 — St. Peter's, (now extinct,) in 1772, and St Mark's in 1803—its Charter being dated Sept. 13th of that year. King Cyrus Chapter was organized in 1790, and an Encampment of Knight Templars in 1795, both of which are now in full tide of prosperity. It is thus seen that Newburyport has always been a home for Masonry from the earliest limes; and though most of the Lodges yielded to the storm that swept over the country about 1826 and the following years, yet St Mark's always retained its Charter through that troublesome period, and now has its ancient vigor unimpaired, and its lustre nndimmed. Its records show the names of many valuable sons of Newburyport, and her history in matters peculiar to Masonry, is clear and satisfactory.

The orator then dwelt on questions that arise among outsiders respecting Masonry, snch as its origin, its tenets, its peculiarities as an institution. Its origin, he admitted, was not known for a certainty. Various opinions are held upon that point .Some assert that it was in full blast in the days of King Solomon ; others that it originated among the Crusaders. We know that in the vails of ancient Rome are still to be seen stones with Etruscan inscriptions, thus proving by those very words the high antiquity of the stones used, though the language engraved upon them was lost ages ago. So in Masonry, we find terms used, that in the present age have lost their significance, but which anciently bad force, and this shows that the origin of our institution dates far back into the past, but to what definite period, the knowledge of man cannot with certainty point. Bat it is of no consequence when or where was its origin. The value of the institution lies in the direction of its usefulness. Its good deeds are on record; its principles are those of Christianity; charity to all mankind. Asa defence of virtue; as a shield against poverty; as an inspirer of devotion; as a safeguard from infidelity; as a sympathizer with the afflicted, and as a purifier of morals, Masonry in its secret rites and public acts, stands foremost among the institutions of the world.

Here the orator read some correspondence of the year 1818, between Brother Jonathan Greenleaf, then an agent for the Board of Foreign Missions, and the Lodges in Newburyport, asking for help for the missionaries in India, to aid in translating the Bible, and basing the request on the fact that the Bible is the recognized word of God among Masons. The help asked for was granted, and Masonry has the high honor of having aided in the translation of the Bible into the languages of India, thus carrying the knowledge of the Gospel to hundreds of millions of souls. About that time six missionaries about to go to India, were made Masons in Newburyport.

Masonry has also ennobled itself in its efforts in aid of education, as evinced in the number of its schools, academies and colleges, scattered all over the world, to furnish means of intellectual development to the poor. Neither does it confine its charities to its immediate members, but carries them wherever they may be needed.

Here Bro. Bragdon quoted from some of the most learned Masonic authors on this point, and closed by dwelling briefly on the objections urged against the institution. He said on this point, if Masonry had faults he had failed to see them. It is true it is a secret society, but could this be a fault! Was it not a universal fact that all societies have their secrets ? Do not councils, political parties, churches? Does not each family have its secrets? And is it right for these all to have them, and wrong for Masonry? He could not see it in such a light Again, it excluded the ladies from participation in its ceremonies. Very well. The ladies must excuse us for it It was not that they cannot keep a secret Nor was it from a want of respect for the sex; for he would appeal to them if there were more loving and faithful husbands, more tender fathers, more filial sons, more constant lovers, than among Masons. Not that there may not be exceptions, but this is the general rule. And as Masonry counted its long list of historic excellencies, running its roots deep into the past, and nourishing every ramification of human society, so may its onward course be, deep and majestic as a mighty river, bearing on its surface and in its bosom, all the virtues that adorn civilization, and all the beauties that decorate social life, till time shall be no more.

The address of Bro. Bragdon was an able production ; well written, clear, and convincing and well delivered. Br. B. is a pleasing speaker, and his style is suoh as impresses an audience in a favorable manner. From the unbroken attention with which it was received by the audience, we judge we are not alone in this opinion. The part devoted to an analysis of the objections against Masonry was truly eloquent — and as a whole we would like to see it in print. But we will close by saying that should any Masonic Lodge or society wish for an address upon Masonry that will do them good to hear, we will unhesitatingly recommend them to secure the lecture it was our privilege to hear at the anniversary of St Mark's Lodge. – Auditor.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1803: District 2 (Newburyport and North Shore)

1821: District 2

1835: District 2

1849: District 2

1867: District 6 (Newburyport)

1883: District 9 (Newburyport)

1911: District 10 (Newburyport)

1927: District 10 (Newburyport)

2003: District 11

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