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UNION LODGE (Nantucket)

Chartered by St. John's Grand Lodge

Location: Nantucket

Chartered By: John Rowe

Charter Date: 05/27/1771 I-185

Precedence Date: 05/27/1771

Current Status: Active


NOTES

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 7, May 1873, Page 223:

Perhaps no Lodge in the United States has so large a number of aged brethren and old masons, as Union Lodge on the Island of Nantucket — one of the oldest and most respectable Lodges in this jurisdiction. We give a few examples. Bro. James T. Chase heads the list, and was made a Mason in 1807, and is consequently of 65 years standing; Bro. George F. Bunker has been a Mason 53 years; George Swain, 52; Nathaniel C. Cary, 50; Henry Cottle, 49 ; Barzilia R. Weeks, 49; Charles P. Swain, 47 ; Frederick W. Folger, 44; of these, Bros. Bunker, Swain and Folger have been Masters of the Lodge, and Bro. Chas. P. Swain, its present Secretary, has filled that office for twenty-three years. They are all active working masons, and a credit to the old Lodge to which they belong, and were all in the ranks last year, at the celebration of its Centennial anniversary.

CHARITABLE EFFORTS, 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 1, November 1868, Page 10:

In our former Communication, we hinted at the possibility of treating at greater length the subject of Charity, as manifested in the history of the Lodge whose name stands at the head of this paper.

We then called attention to the early and earnest efforts of the brethren, at the inception of the Lodge, to found a Charity Fund, if possible; or, failing in that, to have means to relieve the most pressing necessities of those who might become subjects of masonic relief.

As early as October, 1771, measures were adopted to secure moneys, to be paid into the Fund of Charity; and it was made imperative, by a deliberate vote of the Lodge, that visitors as well as members should contribute for the purpose.

It is quite possible that the seasons of the year produced some effect upon the minds of the brethren, for it is a noticeable fact, that the coming on of winter, and the following unpropitious first month of spring, were attended with a glow of charity in the Lodge-room that sent throughout the length and breadth of the island, the benignant light of that divine law which bespoke peace on earth, and good-will toward all mankind; neither did it stop here, for the mariner from distant shores, and different countries, often found relief when the pitiless ocean had cast him helpless upon the island.

At the meeting held April 6, 1772, it is recorded that thirteen persons were present; that five shillings were collected for charity money past due, and thirteen shillings from those present, — making eighteen shillings lawful money for the Charity Fund; and, on subsequent occasions, limited record is made of the kindness constantly held in the hearts of the brethren towards those who might need their aid and sympathy. In their prosperity, they did not forget those in adversity ; and, when the approach of winter was again beginning to manifest itself, they, on Dec. 16, 1773, —

  • Voted, That, for the relief of Brother Barrett, the sum of three pounds be sent to him by the secretary, and that six pounds be sent to the Grand Fund;

and again, in Feb. 7, 1774, it was —

  • Voted, That the charity to be paid, shall be three shillings each quarter for each member.

This same spirit of earnestness was present always in the meetings of the Lodge: years did not enfeeble it, time did not repress its activity; the good it hastened to accomplish in the beginning, it was steadfast to pursue unto the end ; its hands were not to be folded when the helpless cried for bread, its work was not ended when other burdens needed to be lifted, it never courted repose while sorrowing or sighing, or weariness or helplessness, or orphanage or widowhood came within the circle of its sympathies. Years of labor strengthened it; and at ten, at twelve, and at fifteen years after it had its home in the Lodge, it was as earnest to go into the family with its ministrations, as it had ever been to go to the individual. On Jan. 3, 1785, the Lodge voted twelve dollars to relieve one family; February, three pounds to relieve another, and, on May 2, seven dollars more, and loaned three pounds to another till able to pay; and in September, of the same year, ten dollars were placed at the disposal of a committee, to be by them expended for the relief of another family as circumstances might dictate, — and all this by a Lodge whose resources were necessarily limited, numbering on the roll, in 1772, thirty-nine members, and twelve years later having only twenty-four members present at the Annual Dinner on St. John's Day, in December.

It was not to charities like the foregoing that the brethren limited their attention, as the following extract from a letter to the Grand Lodge will show.

Under date of October, 1772, they write : "As for charity-money, we have none in our Lodge, by reason that we have had the misfortune to have a brother to support, he having been cast away on our Island the last winter, and very much froze, and was under the doctor's hands almost six months. We shall always be ready to deposit what charity-money in the Grand Fund we can, but we think it our duty to keep a small stock by us, as we are so liable to have distressed brethren fall on us for relief." How modestly did the brethren set forth their services in the cause of charity, and how steadily they maintained their right to be their own almoners, measuring their contributions only by the necessities which the future might send to them for relief. In 1778, their sympathies were excited in a new direction, and in October, of that year, they voted "that there be a letter written to some friends in Boston to do what could be done to liberate our brothers living now in captivity on board of prison-ships in New York." The result of this effort on their part was not manifested on the records, though it is to them a record of praise.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have
not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbals. . . .
And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three ; but the greatest
of these is charity." - C.


PAST MASTERS

  • William Brock, 1771
  • Andrew Worth, 1772
  • Timothy Folger, 1773, 1775
  • Samuel Barrett, 1774, 1776, 1780-1783, 1796-1798
  • George Calder, 1777, 1778
  • Jethro Hussey, 1779, 1787-1790, 1795
  • Josiah Coffin, 1784-1786, 1791, 1794
  • Abner Coffin, 1792, 1793
  • Nathaniel Barrett, 1799-1801; SN
  • James Coffin, 1802
  • William Coffin, 1803, 1804; SN
  • Benjamin Bunker, 1805
  • Peter Hussey, 1806, 1807; SN
  • James Gurney, 1808, 1809
  • Martin T. Morton, 1810, 1811
  • Henry Riddell, 1812-1815, 1822
  • Hezekiah P. Gardner, 1816, 1817; SN
  • Elisha Starbuck, 1818, 1819, 1821, 1838-1842; SN
  • Gorham Coffin, 1820
  • Benjamin Brown, 1823, 1824, 1836, 1837, 1843
  • William Coffin, Jr., 1825, 1835
  • Robert F. Parker, 1826-1829; SN
  • George F. Bunker, 1830-1832
  • George Swain, Jr., 1833-34
  • George Parker, 1844, 1845
  • Frederick W. Folger, 1846, 1847, 1853-1855
  • Charles Brown, 1848-1852
  • George W. Macy, 1856
  • John Sherman, 1857
  • Gustavus Gifford, 1858, 1860
  • Andrew J. Morton, 1859
  • Alexander B. Robinson, 1861
  • John H. Sherman, 1862
  • Charles F. Brown, 1863
  • Charles H. Jagger, 1864-1867
  • Joseph McCleave, 1868
  • Perry Winslow, 1869, 1870
  • Joseph S. Barney, 1871-1874; SN
  • Benjamin F. Brown, 1875-1878
  • Rueben C. Kenney, 1879
  • Henry Paddack, 1880-1882; Mem
  • George W. Defriez, 1883-1886
  • James A. Homes, 1887, 1888
  • Frederick W. Folger, 1889, 1890
  • Joseph C. Brock, 1891, 1892
  • Albert G. Brock, 1893-1895; Mem
  • Rollin M. Allen, 1896, 1897
  • Ellenwood B. Coleman, 1898, 1899
  • Henry P. Brown, 1900-1902; Mem
  • Reuben C. Small, 1903, 1904
  • Daniel C. Brayton, Jr., 1905, 1906
  • Charles H. Fishback, 1907
  • William F. Worth, 1908
  • Maurice W. Boyer, 1909
  • William T. Swain, 1910
  • Arthur A. Norcross, 1911, 1912
  • Alfred E. Smith, 1913, 1914; Mem
  • Louis Coffin, 1915
  • Reuben G. Coffin, 1916
  • Cyril S. Carriveau, 1917
  • Robert H. Chisholm, 1918
  • John McLeod, 1919
  • James A. Holmes, Jr., 1920
  • George M. Lake, 1921
  • William C. Brock, 1922
  • Randolph M. Swain, 1923
  • Edward P. Tice, 1924
  • Elmer F. Pease, 1925
  • Richard F. Dixon, 1926
  • Harding Smith, 1927
  • Elmer J. Blanchard, 1928
  • Francis E. Folger, 1929; Memorial
  • Roger F. Dunham, 1930
  • Joseph King, 1931
  • Harry Gordon, 1932
  • Alcon Chadwick, 1933
  • Winslow G. Pearl, 1934
  • Leroy H. True, 1935; N
  • Oscar B. Eger, 1936
  • James A. Norcross, 1937
  • William Hall, Jr., 1938
  • Nelson O. Dunham, 1939
  • George W. Jones, 1940
  • Ernest C. Thomas, 1941
  • Irving A. Severino, Sr., 1942
  • Edward Roy, 1943
  • Elias J. Lyon, 1944
  • Lincoln Porte, 1945, 1946
  • Ormonde F. Ingall, 1947
  • Melvin L. Ray, 1948
  • Herbert N. Gibbs, 1949
  • William R. Waine, 1950; SN
  • Albert G. Brock, II, 1951
  • Francis W. Pease, 1952; PDDGM
  • Walter C. Knott, 1953
  • Harold B. Ryder, 1954
  • Roger A. Young, 1955
  • James Nelson, 1956
  • Edward S. Roy, 1957
  • Arthur F. Vincent, 1958
  • William E. Grieder, 1959
  • Irving A. Soverino, Jr., 1960
  • Malcolm F. Soverino, 1961
  • Andrew E. Lowell, 1962
  • José F. Reyes, 1963; N
  • Clyde H. Blackwood, 1964
  • Lawrence K Miller, 1965
  • Manuel Machado, 1966
  • David D. Worth, 1967
  • Paul A. Bennett, 1968
  • Samuel Levine, 1969
  • Frederick S. Richrod, 1970
  • Linwood E. Proctor, 1971; N
  • James E. King, 1972
  • C. John Gilbert, 1973
  • Frederick W. Cook, 1974
  • David M. MacKenzie, 1975
  • Sherman E. McCaslin, 1976
  • Gerald D. Mainhart, 1977
  • Gerald L. O' Hara, 1978
  • Edgar T. Lindstrom, 1979
  • Homer F. Ray, III, 1980, 1981
  • William M. Joyce, 1982
  • Frank J. Pattison, 1983
  • Thomas M. Montgomery, 1984, 1987
  • Hendrick F. Cartee, 1985, 1992
  • Robert P. Grimes, 1986
  • L. Randolph Lee, 1988
  • William Yarmy, 1989
  • Frederick A. Richmond, 1990
  • Steven L. Cobb, 1991
  • Robert W. Sandsbury, Jr., 1993, 1994
  • Glynn E. Franklin, 1995
  • Michael R. Petrosino, 1996-1998 PDDGM
  • Nathan B. McMullen, 1999
  • John A. McKinnon, 2000
  • Scott R. Saunders, 2001
  • Robert G. Bates, Jr., 2002
  • Todd R. Stout, 2003, 2004
  • Richard E. Norton, 2005
  • Jeffrey S. McKinnon, 2006
  • James E. Grieder, 2007
  • Daniel D. Bartlett, 2008, 2009
  • Aaron B. Norton 2009
  • Peter H. Culbertson, 2010, 2012
  • Michael T. Allen, 2011

NOTES

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVII, No. 12, October 1868, Page 358:

Within the space, bounded on one side by the lines of youth, and on the other by those of old age, lie many hidden things, which the dimness of the one period and the mists of the other are powerless to unveil; but which await only the steadier gaze of manhood to make their revelations.

With some such thoughts in our mind we took up the early records of the Lodge at Nantucket, and read the beginning of the first page of a well kept and well preserved histoi^of one of the oldest Lodges in New England, as follows : —

"Nantucket, New England, May 9, in the year 5771. In our Lodge duly formed. Br. William Breck, Master; Br. Joseph Denneson, Senior Warden ; Br. Henry Smith, Junior Warden."

At this meeting we find that three candidates were duly initiated, and their names fully entered in the record.

The founders of this Lodge were, no doubt, careful and painstaking in all that belonged to Freemasonry; and whether in the character of Ritualists or Almoners, they paid strict attention to the full performance of their duties.

As early as October, 5771, at the Quarterly Communication, it was "Voted, that each member of this society shall pay one shilling lawful money, into the fund of Charity, at every Quarterly Communication"; following this, as if to give emphasis to the earnestness of their feelings on the subject, it was voted at the Quarterly Communication in January, 5772, "to meet the first Monday of every month for the space of one quarter, and each member to pay one shilling lawful money, at every meeting, for the fund of Charity," and it was further voted "that every visitor, after the first visit, shall pay one shilling lawful money, into the fund of Charity." This vote was repeated at the next Quarterly Communication in April 5772, and seems to have prevailed as a rule through many years of the history of this Lodge; indeed so well established did the Charity Fund become, that it was one of the first objects of care on every occasion when it was possible to increase it, by contribution, collection, or assessment.

This prudent forethought and management, at once enabled the brethren to afford relief to the sick, the destitute, and the distressed, with a liberality I think unparalleled, and a discrimination praiseworthy and satisfactory.

The record is fruitful with the story of bounties bestowed, and rich with the testimonials of gratitude in acknowledgement thereof; but though the example is worthy of more than a passing notice, we must defer to another time, further notice of their exemplification of the "greatest virtue, Charity."

In March 1772, it was voted "that each member serve in their terms as Treasurer, until they should get an established Treasurer, except five brothers, who had been elected a committee for the quarter."

At the meeting held November 11, 5771, it is recorded that William Johnson was initiated, passed on the 21st of the same month, and raised January 6, 5772, and on May 4, 5772, he attests the records (for the first time) as Secretary, and this practice is henceforth followed.

The founders of this Lodge were not drones in any sense of the word, and what they ought to do, they were careful should be done; a Lodge without the attendance of its members was, to them, no Lodge at all; duty claimed attention, and duty was attended to; so it was enacted on August 3, 5772, by vote, " that if any member absent himself from the Lodge one year, then that member shall be erased from the Lodge as a member." But this was not usually enforced until a committee was appointed to wait on brethren who absented themselves, to shew cause why they should not be deprived of membership ; and this usually secured an apology with a promise of attendance in the future.

The Brethren early recognized the advantage of having a well regu
lated Lodge, and on December 18, 5772, a Committee was appointed
" to examine the By-Laws, and see if they are sufficient for the regu
lation of the Lodge; and if they are not sufficient, to make amendments
as they shall see lit, and report accordingly." So careful were they in
this respect that they did not hesitate to inquire into the motives which
actuated the doing of-any deed that seemed likely to militate against the
individual, or aggregate prosperity of the Lodge, or its members, and 
hence with equal honesty and confidence in their own uprightness, they
appointed a Committee "to inspect the reasons those members have for
blacking a candidate;" and another to inquire into and settle the differ
ences existing between two of the brethren about a matter of business,
and whether they exceeded what we may regard as the scope of masonic
jurisprudence or not, they were generally successful in adjusting all
 difficulties to the satisfaction of all parties; peace they would have in
 their sphere, prosperity followed, and still continues in this time-honored 
Lodge. C.

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 9, September 1874, Page 416:

Union Lodge of Nantucket.

We have recently been much interested in examining the early records of St. John's Grand Lodge from 1733 to 1792. We find in this volume much that is exceedingly interesting and which we should be pleased to lay before our readers. From this embarrassing abundance we select for this issue what relates to Union Lodge, of Nantucket, the fourth now in existence which was chartered by that Grand Lodge.

At the Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston on Friday the 26 day of April, 1771.

The Lodge was informed from the Chair that a number of Brethren belonging to Nantucket had petitioned for a Warrant to hold a Lodge in that Place; and said Petition being read, the Grand Master asked Counsel of the Lodge, who joined with him in Opinion that the Grand Secretary do acquaint the Petitioners by Letter, that Three Master Masons are necessary to the Constituting a New Lodge; also with the Expense attending the same; and desire them to nominate one of the Petitioners for their first Master.

The Petition above mentioned from Nantucket.

Nantucket, April 16, 1771.

To the Right Worshipful John Rowe Esqr., Grand Master Mason for North America.

Right Worshipful Sir,

We the Subscribers being sensible that it lies in our power to Propagate that Ancient & Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons here in this Place: And as we think it our indispensible Duty to use our best Endeavors to Propagate so noble an Art with all the strictness and regularity as becomes Members of a just and perfect Lodge; And Right Worshipful we are likewise sensible that no one ought to come to any light or knowledge by any Clandestine or unregular Method, that may tend to cast any Disgrace upon the Fraternity, which we shall always be sorry to hear of; And we shall always do our best Endeavors to promote so laudable a Society when it is established in due form. And now Rt. Worshipful Sir We desire and request of your Worship that if it is consistent with your will and pleasure that you would send us a Warrant so that we may have a just and perfect Lodge Consecrated here, so that when any Candidates offer themselves, we may be able to deal with them in due form. Right Worship [sic] our Motive is this, first our Duty to our Maker; secondly to our fellow men; thirdly to the Fraternity in general throughout the Globe; and Sir we would acquaint your Worship that there is several that hath offered themselves as Candidates thinking that we had power to deal with them & men of good Character. And now Right Worshipful we would have you to take the matter into your serious Consideration, and to act agreeable to the trust reposed in you, and if your Worship thinks we are worthy of a Warrant and will send us one, we your worthy Brothers in Duty Bound shall ever pray.

Willm. Brock, M. M.
Josh. Deniston.
Henry Smith.
William Worth.
Chrisr. Hussey, F. C.
Timo. Folger, Do.

P.S. We would desire your Worship to send us an Answer as soon as is convenient.

Reply of the Grand Secretary.

Boston, 27th April, 1771.

Mr. Christ. Hussey, at Nantucket:

Sir, At a Grand Lodge, or Quarterly Communication held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston on Friday the 26th Instant, a Petition from a Number of Brethren dated at Nantucket, April 16"', 1771, requesting a Warrant to hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in said Place, was Read; And after due Consideration thereon, the Grand Master with the Advice of said Grand Lodge, directed that the Grand Secretary do acquaint the Petitioners by Letter, that Three Master Masons are necessary to the Constituting a New Lodge; also with the Expense attending the same; And desire them to Nominate one of the Petitioners for their first Master.

In Obedience to said Direction I take this Opportunity thro' you Sir, to acquaint the said Petitioners with the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge relative to their Petition, and inform you that the Cost of a Deputation will be Three Guineas and an half, to be paid on the delivery thereof. I likewise desire you would let me know if there are Three Master Masons of your Number: and who you think fit to Nominate as your first Master. After 1 am made acquainted with these particulars, I presume the Grand Master will give Directions for a Deputation to be made out with all convenient Dispatch.

Interim I remain

Sir,
Your and the other Petitioners
Affectionate Brother
and very humble Servant,

Tho. Brown Gd. Sec.

Charter of Union Lodge.

[Seal.]

John Rowe, G. M.

To all and every our Right Worshipful and Loving Brethren, Free and Accepted Masons now Residing or that may hereafter Reside in Sherburne in the County of Nantucket in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. We John Rowe, Esquire, Provincial Grand Master of the Antient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for all North America, where no other Grand Master is Appointed,

SEND GREETING.

Whereas, Application hath been made unto us by several Brethren Free and Accepted Masons now residing at Sherburne aforesaid: setting forth that they think it their indispensible Duty to propagate the Royal Art with all the Strictness and Regularity that becomes Masons of a just and perfect Lodge; that they shall always use their best Endeavors to promote so laudable a Society when it is Established in due form: Therefore Pray that we would Constitute them into a Regular Lodge, and appoint our Brother, Captain William Brock to be their first Master.

Now therefore know ye, That We of the Great Trust, Power and Authority reposed in us by his Grace the Most Worshipful, Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort &c, Grand Master of Masons, have Constituted and Appointed our Right Worshipful and well beloved Brother Captain William Brock to be the first Master of the Lodge at Sherburne aforesaid, and do hereby impower him to Congregate the Brethren together, and form them into a Regular Lodge, he taking special Care that all and every Member thereof and all transient Persons admitted therein have been, or shall be regular made Masons: And that he appoint two Wardens and other Officers to a Lodge Appertaining, for the due Regulation of said Lodge for One Year; at the end of which he shall Nominate a new Master to be approved by the Lodge, at least two thirds of the Members in his favour, and said new Master shall Nominate and Appoint two Wardens and a Secretary for the ensuing Year, also a Treasurer, who must have the Votes of two thirds of the Members in his favour: and so the Same Course Annually.

And we do hereby give to said Lodge all the Privileges and Authority of other Regular Lodges; Requiring them to observe all and every of the Regulations contained in the Printed Book of Constitutions (except such as have been, or may bo Repealed at any Quarterly Communication or other General Meeting of the Grand Lodge in London,) to be kept and observed, as also all such other Rules and Instructions as may from Time to Time be transmitted to them by Us, or our Deputy, or Successors to either for the Time being: And that they do Annually send an Account in Writing to Us, or our Deputy, or Successors to either of Us for the Time being, of the Names of the Members of said Lodge, and their Place of Abode, with the Days and Place of Meeting, with any other things they may think proper to Communicate for the benefit of Masonry; And that they do Annually keep the Feast of St. John the Baptist, or St. John the Evangelist, or both, and Dine together on said Day or Days, or as near either of them as shall be most convenient; And lastly, that they do Regularly Communicate with the Grand Lodge in Boston, by sending to the Quarterly Communication such Charity as their Lodge shall think fit, for the Relief of Poor Brethren, with the Names of those that Contributed the same, that in case any such may conic to want Relief, they may have the preference to others.

Given under Our Hand and Seal of Masonry, at Boston, the 27th day of May, A.D. 1771, and of Masonry, 5771.

By the Grand Masters Command, Tho. Brown, Gr. Sec.

Richd. Gridley, D.G.M.
Jno. Cutler, S.G.W.
Abr. Savage, J.G.W.

Quarterly Communications

At the Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication, held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, on Friday, the 29th day of January, 5773. A Letter from Nantucket Lodge was Read, praying that said Lodge may be registered in the Grand Lodge Books by the name of the Union Lodge, No. 5. Voted unanimously that the Prayer of said Petition be granted.

At the Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, in Boston on Friday, the 30"' day of April, 5773, a Letter from Hiram Lodge, in New naven and a Letter from Union Lodge, No. 5, at Nantucket were Read; Voted that both said Letters be Recorded. Voted that the Grand Secretary retain the Six Pounds lawful Money he has received from the Nantucket Lodge for the Relief of Bro. Jeremiah Russell, in his own Hands untill he obtains a Receipt from said Bro: for said Sum.

The Letter from Union Lodge N' 5.

Union Lodge No. 5 in Nantucket, March 13th 5773.
To the Right Worshipful John Rowe Esq; Provincial Grand Master of Masons in North America.

Right Worshipful Brother:

By Order of the R' Worshipful Master of this Lodge I am to answer yours of the 1st. Jan; last, also of the 30th of the same Month, both which he has received together with the Petition of Bro. Russel.

The Remoteness of our Situation on an Island, the Difficulty of passing in Winter, we hope will be accepted as a sufficient Excuse for our Non-Attendance at the Grand Lodge according to Summons. Our Lodge is yet in its Infancy, the Members chiefly Seamen, and none of us blessed with a Fortune, our Lodge as yet not properly settled, furnished, &c, &c, Insomuch that it is out of our Power (at present) to transmit anything to the Grand Fund, but humbly hope that Maturity and the united Efforts of our greatest Abilities will in a short time enable us liberally to contribute thereto.

The calamitous Circumstances of Br. Russel we look upon well worthy of the immediate Commiseration & Assistance of every tender hearted & good Mason; have therefore voted the sum of 6£ to the Relief of our s. unfortunate Br., and the same transmitted to you pr. the Bearer hereof, M. Jos. Roby.

I am likewise directed to inform you, agreeable to our Deputation, that on the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist last past we proceeded to the Choice of New Officers, and there were elected

  • R. W. Master, Br. Timothy Folger, Esq.
  • S. W. Br. Tristram Barnard.
  • J. W. Br. Thomas Worth.

Also Members admitted since our last are Br. William Bunker, Josiah Coffin Junr., Zacheus Bunker, Phinehas Fanning, John Gardner, 2d, John Bard, Barrett Bard, Paul Pinkham, Robert Macy & Peleg Bunker all Inhabitants of this Island.

Right Worshipful Brother, Do us the Honor to Believe that every Member of this Lodge has the Honor of Masonry at Heart and will on all Occasions exert his utmost Faculties to promote the Royal Art.

By Order of Timothy Folger Esq., R. W. Master, I have the happiness to be your affectionate Brother and in Nantucket and Most obedient humble Servant Phinehas Fanning Sec;.

Quarterly Communications

At the Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, on Friday the 28th day of January 5774. The Grand Secretary Read two Letters to the Lodge which he had received since the last Quarterly Communication from Union Lodge N" 5, at Nantucket, together with his Answer to one of them : which Letters were highly approved of by the Lodge, and ordered to be Recorded.

Letter from Union Lodge

P; Order of the Master.
To M; Thomas Brown
Merchant in Boston.
Nantucket 10th Novemb; 1773.

Much Respected Brother,

I am directed by our Lodge to inform you that some time in October ult., we received a Petition from one Philip Bass of Boston who is recommended to us by Bro. Nathl. Barber, (a truly worthy Member of our Society & in particular of this Lodge,) to be a worthy Mason & in Circumstances really necessitous, all which we cannot doubt, but as we are most of us intirely unacquainted with Bro. Bass who is an Inhabitant of Boston & immediately under the Eye of the Grand Lodge, we conceive that to be the Chanel thro' which our Charity ought to be conveyed. We shall most willingly contribute to the Necessities of Bro. Bass or any other Indigent. Brother. But those who are Inhabitants of Boston we conceive should be represented to us as such by the Grand Lodge. Request your Answer with your Sentiments on this matter as soon as convenient.

I am your affectionate Brother
and most obedient humble Servant
Phinehas Fanning, Sec .

Answer.

To M; Phinehas Fanning,
Secretary to Union Lodge N" 5 in Nantucket.
Boston, 30th November. 1773.

Worshipful Brother. I received a Letter from you bearing Date the 10th Instant wrote by direction of your Lodge, wherein you desire my Sentiments respecting a Grant of Charity requested from said Lodge by one Philip Bass of this Town.

I take this opportunity to acquaint your Worshipful Lodge, that I verily believe Cap. Bass to be a genuine Mason, and in other respects a Man of a fair Character, and that he is in necessitous Circumstances ; the Second Lodge in this Town, of which I have the honor to be a Member, looked upon all this to be fact, and made him a Grant very lately out of the Stock of the Lodge; your worshipful Lodge must however excuse me from presuming to dictate to them in a Matter wherein they are at perfect Liberty to act as to them appeareth expedient.

My Opinion coincides with theirs, that the Grand Lodge is the proper Chanel through which Recommendations for Charity ought to pass to the Lodges in this Jurisdiction, and I doubt not of their readiness in paying due Notice to such Recommendations wheu regularly Issued; but still, when any Brother petitions a particular Lodge for Relief, and they are satisfied with the Petitioner's Character & Circumstances, it lays intirely with them to grant him such a Sum as they think convenient, or none at all, if they find the State of their Lodge at a low Ebb.

I could heartily wish that the Lodges within this Jurisdiction did exert themselves as much to encrease the Fund of the Grand Lodge, as the several Lodges do in Boston; here, each Member pays one shilling lawful Money Quarterly for the sole purpose of Charity, and the whole Amount collected is deposited Annually in the hands of the Grand Treasurer; which method if adopted by the Lodges in general, would prove greatly Advantageous to individual Brothers who might by the Providence of God be reduced to indigent Circumstances ; for instance, if such a Brother should apply to a particular Lodge for Relief which had contributed to the general Fund of Charity, and it should not be in the power of that Lodge to afford him such Assistance as they knew the exigencies of his Condition required : in such case they might with strict propriety recommend him to the consideration of the Grand Lodge for further Relief. I cannot but recommend this Method to the candid deliberation of your Lodge and hope I shall not be deemed impertinent for so doing.

I sincerely wish your Lodge every Masonic Blessing and am with Esteem, their and your

Most affectionate Brother and very humble Servant
Tho. Brown Gr. Sec.

Another letter from Union Lodge.'

Nantucket, 16'" Decern; 1773.
To Br;' Tho; Brown,
Grand Secretary.

Worshipful Brother,

Received yours concerning Bro. Bass's Petition, &c., am much obliged to you for the favor; have laid the same before our Lodge, who have voted for the Relief of said Bro. Bass 3£. The Lodge also voted 6£ to be sent to the G. Charity Fund, which you will receive by the bearer hereof our Worshipful Master Br': Samuel Barrett. Our Lodge as yet (as you must be sensible) is in its Infancy our Members generally Seamen & rarely a full Meeting. We have not as yet attained to that stated method of Business & steady (Economy we hope soon to acquire. We shall immediately enter into some regular method of depositing Money in the Grand Charity Fund & make use of the first Opportunity to inform you thereof, which tho' it may be little, as we are poor, hope it will be accepted of. The Worshipful Grand Lodge may be assured that we shall never be backward to contribute to the general Fund according to the utmost of our Ability; and that we shall on all Occasions contribute to the utmost of our Power in promoting the royal Art.

I am likewise agreeable to our Deputation, to inform the most Worshipful Grand Lodge that on the first Monday of this Instant in our annual Meeting for the Election of Officers we proceeded to chuse for the current Year the following (viz1) Bro. Samuel Barrett, Master; George Calder, S. W.; John Sherman, J. W.; Christopher Hussey, Senr., Treasurer, & Phinehas Fanning Secretary, And that we at present enjoy that Unity, Harmony and Brotherly Concord which is the Foundation of Masonry and the Honor and Support of our Society. Am

By Order of the Worshipful Master with great Esteem
your affectionate Brother and most obedient humble Servant,
Ph. Fanning Secy.

Quarterly Communications

At the Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston on Friday the 27th. Day of January, 5775. A Letter from Union Lodge N'.' 5, at Nantucket was read and Voted that the same be Recorded.

Letter

Union Lodge, N° 5. Nantucket
28th Decemb;,5774.

Mr. Thomas Brown.

Worshipful Brother,

I am directed agreeable to our Deputation to inform the Right Worshipful, the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge, that in our Lodge proceeding the Celebration of the Feast of S! John the Evangelist, we proceded to the Election of Officers for the Year ensuing; when we made choice of the Following, viz.:

  • R. W. B. Timothy Folger, Esqr., Master;
  • W. B. Christopher Hussey, Senr., Treasurer; and
  • George Calder, S. W.
  • John Bearde, J. W.
  • Nathl Barrett, S. D.;
  • John Gardner, J. D.; and
  • Silvanus Pinkham and Jonathan Jenkins, Stewards.

On the 27th Decemb. we met at the Lodge Room to celebrate the Feast of S! John, from whence we proceeded in Procession to the Rev. Mr. Shaw's Meeting House, where the Beauties of Masonry, the infinite Profit & Advantage of Brotherly Love and Unity, were learnedly, elegantly and politely displayed in a Sermon, to a numerous and respectable Audience, by our Brother Zebulon Butler, the Subject whereof he made, Psalm 133, Verse 1st: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity." We then proceeded to a convenient place, where we dined together as Brethren; from whence we walked back to the Lodge Room in Masonick Procession ; the whole conducted with the greatest order, decency & propriety.

Wo have opened a Subscription for the Grand Fund of Charity, but by reason of the precariousness of the Times have thought proper to desist from collecting any money on .that head for the present. The Grand Lodge may be assured of the exertion of the utmost of our Abilities to further all such noble and generous Designs I am also directed to inform you the number of our members is Sixty five; which increase very fast, God grant that neither Ambition, Lust of Power, Faction, Discontent or any other offspring of the fatal Enemy of Masons may prevail to disunite the Hearts of Brethren, or prevent the increase of Unity, Love and Concord amongst us, or in any other manner abate the Ardour, with which I am your Affectionate Brother & humb. Servant.

by order of the Right Worshipful Master and Brethren

Christopher Hussey, Junr., Sec.

P. S. The R. W. and Brethren doth request the favor of your inserting our Procession &c. in the News Papers. Per C. H. Sec.

We intended to give some extracts from the records of Union Lodge, but are compelled to defer them until a future number.

From New England Freemason, Vol. II, No. 2, February 1875, Page 88:

A Singular Incident.—About fifty years ago, a boy, named Philip Wager, living near Chittenango, Madison County, New York, on his way to school, discovered a wayfarer, apparently in distress, by the roadside. The boy returned home and informed his father, who went and conveyed the aged way¬ farer to his house, where he died during the same night. There was nothing found upon him by which to identify him, except his Masonic diploma. It was dated Nov. 26, 1776, and signed by Samuel Barrett, W. M.; Geo. Calder, S. W.; John Gardener, J. W.; Wm. Brock, P. M., and Christopher Hussey, Treas. It was written in both English and Latin, on thick parchment. This document has lain concealed, among other papers of Mr. Wager, all these long years, scarcely ever having been opened, and never seen by any member of the Fraternity, until about four years since, when it became the property of Charles P. Wager, a grandson of Philip Wager, Sen., father of the boy above mentioned. On the margin of the diploma is the autograph of David Squire, written twice.

In the records of Union Lodge, of Nantucket, Mass., (which are in good preservation from May 9, 1771, to the present time,) the following entries are found: David Squire initiated July 1st, 1776, passed July 4th, 1776 (the very day of the Declaration of Independence, and raised August 5th, 1776. Through Oneida Lodge, No. 270, of Oneida Depot, Madison County, New York, these facts became known to Union Lodge, and a request was made that the diploma be returned; but only a copy could be obtained.


MEMORIALS


YEARS

1771 1772 1773 1774 1775 1776 1777 1778 1779 1780 1781 1782 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1796 1801 1823 1841 1846 1871 1890 1901 1921 1922 1931 1934 1935 1937 1941 1947 1952 1956 1959 1965 1968 1970 1971 1974 1982 1984 1985 1994 1996


EVENTS

GRAND MASTER'S VISIT, SEPTEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 1, October 1861, Page 5:

This is one of the oldest, as it is one of the most respectable Lodges in Massachusetts. It received its Charter in May, 1771, and has consequently been in existence ninety years: and it is a remarkable circumstance that it to-day holds the same relative rank among the Lodges in the State that it held on the day of its inauguration in 1771, viz.: number Five. This is to be accounted for by the fact that several of the earlier Lodges had previously ceased to exist, while others, located out of the State, though within the jurisdiction, were subsequently transferred to the roll of other Grand Lodges. We have not the means at hand of sketching even a brief history of the "island Lodge," but our impression is that it has never at any period of its existence ceased to hold its regular monthly meetings: and we are quite certain that there are few, if any, Lodges in the jurisdiction, located within fifty miles of Boston, that have been so often represented in the Grand Lodge, or more punctual in the payment of their quarterly dues. This is the more creditable to the Lodge, when it is remembered that Nantucket is something more than a hundred miles from Boston and about thirty from the main land, and that until within a very few years past several days were required to perform the journey between the two places.

The communication is now by railroad and steamboat; and at the proper season of the year the trip is a very agreeable one. At least we found it so in a recent excursion there, in company with the M. W. Grand Master. The passage across the " sound" is performed by a staunch and well-appointed steamer in about two hours and a quarter, and in a smooth sea is a delightfully pleasant sail, though we can readily imagine that it may occasionally be otherwise to persons of a bilious temperament. The island is about fifteen miles in length and from three to five in width. The town is pleasantly situated at the head of a fine harbor, on the north shore, and contains, we think, about six thousand inhabitants, the whole population of the island being between eight and nine thousand. It bears evidence of having once been a flourishing and prosperous place; but the falling off of the whale fisheries has seriously affected it in all its business relations. The great fire of 1846, which swept away the largest part of the business section of the town, destroying about a million of dollars in property, was a calamity from which the island has never recovered ; and if we add to these the heavy losses sustained by the more wealthy and business men of the place, by the French cruisers, for which our own Government has never yet been honest enough to award any indemnity, we need not look further for the reasons for the present un-promising condition of the business character of the place. But notwithstanding all these misfortunes and drawbacks, the people seem to be comfortable livers and contented. We understand they are turning their attention to manufacturing and agricultural pursuits. The soil, to the eye of the stranger, does not hold out any very strong indications of success in the latter business, though we are told very good crops are obtained from it.

In the evening of the day of our arrival on the island we met the Brethren at the Lodge-room. The attendance was large, and our reception cordial. Having been introduced into the Lodge, the W. Master, Brother Robinson, addressed the M. W. Grand Master as follows :—

Most Worshipful Grand Master — Partaking largely in that feeling of respect and regard which ii so justly due, and is so universally entertained for the distinguished head of our ancient and honorable Order in our beloved Commonwealth, who, with such untiring fidelity and zeal, with each credit to himself and benefit to the Craft in general, so successfully performs the important and responsible duties of his honorable and exalted office, we would beg leave to express to you our high appreciation of the honor conferred upon us by this agreeable visit, and the satisfaction it gives us as an evidence of your favorable consideration and regard; and we would hereby most cordially extend to you a sincere and hearty welcome.

In justice to ourselves, permit me to say, Most Worshipful, that during the past year we have passed through a season peculiarly depressing in its influences upon the prosperity of Masonry in all sections of our State, to a greater or less degree, but especially so among us here. The great and terrible National crisis which is upon us, is of itself sufficient to retard the progress of the Order, and when we add to this the local influences bearing upon us in the constant and rapid decline of our business resources as a town, it may afford some excuse should we be compelled to confess to some falling off or suspension of interest in the Lodge, and consequently some degree of inefficiency in its working condition.

We trust, therefore, Most Worshipful, that under all the circumstances, without going farther into detail, you will be pleased to look leniently upon whatever may seem to detract from or lessen our claim to that degree of working efficiency, to which we have heretofore felt entitled, by your cheering words of encouragement upon a former occasion, as well as by the credit awarded us by our lamented Bro. Baxter, late D.D.G.M. for this Masonic district. But although our working-tools may have grown somewhat rosty and dull from lack of work, we trust the valuable lessons they symbolize and inculcate will ever continue to be our rule and guide, and that when we meet you again it will be under happier auspices, and under brighter skies.

And to you, Right Worshipful Brother Moore, as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, "known and read of all Masons", if not of "all men," we would also offer our warmest greeting and welcome upon this your first visit to our Lodge, and to our sea-girt island home.

Permit me to add also, that although but few of us have before had the privilege of meeting with you in person, yet knowing of your long and valuable services ac an officer of the Grand Lodge; of your deep research and extensive information upon all matters of Masonic history and jurisprudence ; of the invaluable additions to the literature of the Order which have emanated from your pen; in a word, of your long continued and faithful devotion to the cause of Masonry, we find it hard to convince ourselves that this is indeed the first time we have met.

We therefore greet you with the welcome, not only of Brethren of the Order, but of old acquaintance and friendship, — and we would express the earnest hope that the day may still be far distant in the future which shall deprive the Grand Lodge of the services of so able and efficient an officer, and the Fraternity at large of the counsels and assistance of so worthy and faithful a member.

Responses to the above were made by the visitors, and brief and appropriate addresses were made by Judges Marston and Day, (who were in attendance on the Superior Court,) and by members of the Lodge: among the latter were several who had been Masons from thirty to forty years; one, we think, fifty-six years. The meeting was an exceedingly interesting one, and we cannot doubt that it was also a profitable one, to both the Lodge and visitors. The hall is neat, comfortable and convenient, and we could discover no reason why the Brethren should not enjoy their meetings, and feel a just pride in the continued prosperity and excellent condition of their ancient and respectable Lodge.

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1871

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 4, February 1872, Page 127:

Nantucket — At the annual meeting of Union Lodge, in Sherburne Hall, the 4th of Dec. the following named officers were elected for the ensuing year: —

  • Joseph S. Barney, W, M.
  • Benjamin F. Brown. S. W.
  • William B. Starbuck, J. W.
  • George Swain, Treasurer
  • Charles P. Swain, Secretary
  • Alexander B. Robinson, S. D.
  • Robert F. Kent, J. D.
  • George S. Wilber, S. S.
  • Seth M. Coffin, J. S.
  • George W. Macy, M.
  • John W. Hallett, Organist.
  • Francis B. Smith, Tyler.
  • Rev. George A. Morse, Chaplain.

Regular meetings, first Monday of each month.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1803: District 12 (Islands)

1821: District 12

1835: District 8

1849: District 8

1867: District 15 (Barnstable)

1874: District 14 (New Bedford)

1883: District 27 (Nantucket)

1911: District 31 (Nantucket)

1927: District 31 (Nantucket)

2003: District 20


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges