UnionN

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.

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.

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

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.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1870

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 4, February 1871, Page 126:

At the annual meeting of Union Lodge, F. A. M., holden in Sherburne Hall, the 5th inst., the following named officers were elected for| the ensuing year : —

Joseph S. Barney, W. M.
Charles H. Jaggar, S. W.
Benjamin F. Brown, J. W.
George Swain, Treasurer
Charles P. Swain, Secretary
Alexander B. Robinson, S. D.
Wm. B. Starbuck, J. D.
George S. Wilber, S. S.
Seth M. Coffin, J. S.
George W. Macy, M.
Wm. H. Weston, Organist
Francis B. Smith, Tyler
Edmund B. Fox, Chaplain.

Regular meetings each month.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, MAY 1871

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 10, August 1871, Page 289:

An old and in his time a popular writer on the geography of New England, and the local habits and peculiarities of its people, speaks of Nantucket as follows:

"Some of the most peculiar manners and customs of New England are found in the Island of Nantucket and the neighboring part of the continent. Nantucket is a happy settlement; not that it has precious metals in its bosom, or fertility in its soil, but because the people are simple, innocent, and contented. The sea is their patrimony, and they gather its bounties in the most distant parts. The whale fishery in New England was commenced by six persons in Nantucket; one watched on an eminence for the spouting of the whale, and when he discovered it, all would pursue in a small boat, and they seldom failed to tow the leviathan ashore. Gains extended the adventure, ships were fitted out, and the whale was chased from the temperate regions to the arctic seas, and followed to the remotest shores to the Pacific Ocean.

"Among the people there are none idle, and few destitute. The vices of commercial places are hardly known, and it is admitted all over New England to be a great presumption in favor of a man's honesty, that he comes from Nantucket. The Friends or Quakers, give to the language a simplicity of diction truly Doric; and, though they take some liberties with 'he Commonwealth's English, yet to speak in a more classic manner, would be held to savor of affectation and pretension, in a person brought up with them. The various relationships, and the kindly feelings, have introduced the custom of calling elderly people uncle or aunt, and the younger, cousin. Even a stranger soon falls into this habit. The people generally marry young, and few live in celibacy. They are social to a great degree, and are eminently distinguished for their frequent visitings to sup at each other's houses. They live more as though they made a large family, than a small community."

Such, according to our author, was the primitive and interesting character of the Island of Nantucket and its people, half a century ago. How much of the early customs and peculiarities of their ancestors are still retained by the present generation — how much of their simplicity and innocence; how successfully the "vices of commercial places" have been kept out from among them; how faithfully they have preserved the good old family "custom of calling elderly people uncle or aunt, and the younger cousin"; or how frequently they "sup at each others houses," giving to the entire community the delightful familiarity and domestic enjoyments of "a large family," we are not qualified to say; but if pressed for an opinion predicated on our slight acquaintance with them, it would be much in accordance with that given by our author in the above extract.

But be this as it may, our recent visit to the Island, in the fulfillment of our Masonic duties, has tended only to confirm the truth of their world-wide reputation as an enterprising, genial and hospitable people. So far as our own observation goes, they are still, in an unusual degree, one "large family" of friends and neighbors, influenced by a common sympathy; growing, perhaps, out of their comparatively isolated locality; cut off as they measurably are for a large part of the year, from mingling with any other than their own society — left, the young to their wits, the old to pleasant reminiscences of the past, when, at their wharves

"On either hand,
Like a long wint'ry forest, groves of masts
Shot up their spires."

But all this is foreign to our present purpose.

Freemasonry was first introduced into the Island in the year 1771, on the petition of William Brock, Joshua Deniston, Henry Smith, William North, Christopher Hussey and Timothy Folger — the first four being Master Masons, and the last two Fellow Crafts. A petition of this kind would hardly be admissible at the present day, but was not inconsistent with the usages of the Craft at the time it was granted, the theory then being that three M. M. could make a Lodge, five, including two F. C.'s form one, and seven including two E. A.'s, make it perfect. The petitioners say, "Being sensible that it lies in our power to propagate the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons here in this place, we think it our indispensable 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 being "sensible that no one ought to come to any light or knowledge (of the Art) 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," they request, if consistent with the will and pleasure of the Grand Master, that he will send them a Warrant, "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."

In answer to this request the following Warrant or Charter was sent to the petitioners; which, being somewhat quaint in its terms and different in its conditions from those now in general use in this country, we lay before our readers, the original of which was destroyed in the great fire at Nantucket in 1846, and was subsequently replaced by a modern Charter; it not being known, at that time, that a copy was in existence; and we may remark here, as a curious incident in this connection, that the loss of the original Charter, with the terms of which even the more aged members seem not to have been familiar, gave rise, a few years afterwards, to a singular belief that the authority for the Lodge was originally derived from the Grand Lodge of Scotland — an error which was firmly persisted in until irrefutably controverted by Grand Master Gardner, who, in his excellent speech at the dinner table on the occasion of the late celebration, presented the Master of the Lodge with an attested copy of the original document from the records of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts! to the surprise, and we doubt not to the gratification of all who had adopted the erroneous supposition. We presume that a parchment copy will now be made of it, properly attested, and carefully preserved against any similar misfortune in the future:

Copt of the Charter.

[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 be 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.

It will be seen from the above that the Charter was granted on the 27th of May, 1771, and though we have no means of fixing the precise day when the Lodge was organized and went into active operation, the probability is that this took place immediately before, or on the following 24th of June; and that the Lodge continued to work under the Mastership of Bro. William Brock and his appointees, until the 26th of the ensuing December, when the R. W. Timothy Folger, Esq. was elected Master; John Calder, Senior Warden; John Bearde, Junior Warden; Christopher Hussey, Senr., Treasurer; Nathaniel Barrett, S. D.; John Gardner, J. D.; and Sylvanus Pinkham and Jonathan Jenkins, Stewards. The next day (27th) the Lodge celebrated the Feast of St. John; proceeding, says the Record, "in procession to the Rev. Mr. Shaw's Meeting House, where the Beauties of Masonry, the infinite Profit and Advantage of Brotherly Love and Unity were learnedly, elegantly and politely displayed in a sermon, to a numerous and respectable audience by our Brother ZebuIon Butler, the subject whereof he made Psalm 133, Verse 1st;" at the conclusion of which the Lodge "proceeded to a convenient place and dined together as Brethren." This was the first public Masonic celebration that ever took place on the Island, and the last, — the Lodge having in the intermediate time rounded off full one hundred years of its existence,— took place on the 24th of June 1871, being the anniversary of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, and of its own Centenary.

The occasion with its festivities — the two or three thousand strangers which it drew together — the presence of at least five hundred Masons, including two of the finest companies of Knights Templars in the country, in their rich and showy regalia, with flaunting banners and 'aspiring music—the wild excitement that pervaded the entire community— the public display of flags in the streets — and above all he munificent hospitality and kindly welcome everywhere manifested, marked the day as an epoch, not only in the Masonic but in the local and domestic history of the Island. It was an event which the old. will long remember and love to talk about, in coming years, and which the young will transmit to their successors as a day of joy, fruitful of pleasant reminiscences.

We have not space in our pages for details, nor is their omission a matter of importance, for they may all be found in the secular papers of the day. The festivities, ceremonies, or services,— the incongruity of the parts leaves us at a loss how to-classify the whole, — were opened on the preceding evening, in a large public tent, and in the presence of some six or eight hundred persons of both sexes, with what is called a "Sorrow Lodge" — a species of Lodge of which our Masonic Fathers were profoundly ignorant, and in which happy condition their successors of the present day might have remained, but for the aspirations of some of our ambitious Brethren to improve the old superstructure of the Order, by incorporating upon it the vagaries of the French and other Orients of Continental Europe. We might nevertheless be able to reconcile ourselves to this, as to other innovations, were the ceremonies confined to the Lodge room and kept within proper limits; but they are-ill adapted for public display, and the present exhibition of them was particularly objectionable, both in time and place, however impressively and eloquently the services may have been performed. The occasion which had called the Brethren together was a Festival, a day of congratulation and of joy, and it should not have been opened in! such a manner that the satirist might with some apparent truth say

"The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables."

We were not present at these ceremonies, for the sufficient reason, and perhaps for others, that the Grand Lodge, with which Body we were connected, were not officially apprised of them. We understand however that they were conducted by one of the Chaplains of the Grand Lodge of New York, and according to a ritual neither known to nor recognized by, the Masonry of Massachusetts.

At the conclusion of these funereal services the audience dispersed, the citizens retiring to their homes, and the Brethren to the hotels and private lodgings provided for them. A reporter of one of the city papers the following day says, "very little sleep was enjoyed on Monday night, for the Sir Knights, hosts and guests were determined to extend courtesies one to the other, and accordingly serenading was the order of the night — like an Alexandrine line, with its "linked sweetness long drawn out!" Putting it in its mildest form, this was doubtless all very well, but, as a sequence, the connection, though natural, was not exactly in unison with its antecedent. The Latin poet understood the true relation of things bettor when he said —

"Singula qurcqiie locum tcueant sortita decenter—"

Let every individual matter becomingly retain the place naturally belonging to it.

At ten o'clk. on the following morning, Tuesday the 27th, a procession was formed, consisting of the M. W. Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth, with Grand Master Gardner at its head, under the escort of the De Molay Commandery of Boston, Sir E. T. Wilson in command, and the Sutton Commandery of New Bedford, Sir John A. Lee, commanding — the former numbering about one hundred and twenty-five members, accompanied by Gilmore's celebrated Band, with Gilmore himself at its head; and the latter with about eighty members and the New Bedford Brass Band. Both bodies were in elegant regalia, were ably handled, and never on any public occasion appeared to better advantage, or elicited more general or more worthily earned commendation. So far as we know, a company of Knights Templars never before appeared upon the Island. The presence of these two splendid bodies, therefore, on the present occasion, naturally excited the liveliest curiosity and interest among the many hundreds of men, women, and children who had never before witnessed a display, to them, so unique and brilliant.

Next following these bodies, was Paul Revere Lodge of North Bridgewater, in full ranks, with an excellent Band. Then came large delegations from the Lodges on the Cape, the names of which we are not able to give. Union Lodge with its W. Master Bro. Joseph S. Barney, and some aged Brethren in carriages, closed the procession, numbering some five hundred or more Brethren, the whole under the marshalship of Past Master Macy, of the celebrating Lodge. The bodies so formed took up the line of March at about 11 o'clock and proceeded through the length and breadth of the town; we are not sure that any particular street was omitted, or that any blade of grass that had strength enough to show itself above the horribly projecting and ankle-breaking paving-stones was left untrodden upon. It was however some compensation for this annoyance, that all along the route, flags were freely displayed; wreaths and buntings and hearty welcomes, enthusiastic cheers and bright faces were everywhere present. All outside the ranks appeared to be happy, and of course the sufferers could not be otherwise.

But "all's well that ends well;" and soon after one o'clock the procession entered the mammoth tent for dinner, where tables were spread for about a thousand hungry guests. These wore profusely and beautifully ornamented with flowers, and presented a picturesque and inviting appearance. The dinner was, about the usual average of such dinners, and was soon disposed of, when the intellectual part of the services began. This was of a high order, and far above the usual experience. Bro. A. P. Chapman of Boston, at the request of the Master of the Lodge, presided at the tables and discharged his duties in an unexceptionable and creditable manner. The first speaker was of course the M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and on this, as on all occasions when called upon in the discharge of any of his official acts, he acquitted himself to the acceptance of his audience and the satisfaction of his Brethren. He referred briefly to the first introduction of Masonry into the Island, sketching the history of the organization of : the celebrating Lodge, reading the petition to the Grand Lodge in 1771 for its warrant, and closing this branch of his remarks by presenting the Master with an official copy of the original document, as noticed elsewhere. He then spoke of the organization of a second Lodge on the Island in 1826, under the name of Urbanity Lodge, and of its final dissolution in 1841; and closed with an appropriate and fraternal address to the members of the surviving Lodge, expressing a hope that their successors, when another century shall have rolled by, will find themselves in as happy and prosperous a condition as the j present members find themselves to-day.

Other speakers followed; all of whom we should be pleased to notice individually did our room allow of it. Among them were R. W. Past Grand Masters Dr. Winslow Lewis and William Parkman, and Deputy Grand Master Charles Levi Woodbury, who made a very fine and humorous address. Speeches were also made by Sir Knights E. T. Wilson of the De Molay and J. A. Lee of the Sutton Commanderies, and others. But it must suffice here to say that all the speeches were of surpassing excellence. Some of them were exceedingly eloquent and effective, and were received by the vast audience present with the highest satisfaction.

At four o'clock the banquet closed; and, out of the usual course, and altogether at the wrong time, the audience were invited to. proceed in procession to the Methodist Church, there to listen to an address by Bro. Joseph S. G. Cobb of Providence, K. I. The services here mainly consisted in the singing by the audience of a centennial ode, written for the occasion by Bro. A. E. Jenks, M. D. of Nantucket, and the oration, by Bro. Cobb. The number present was not so large by some hundreds as it would have been had the usual order of proceeding on such occasions been observed. The Brethren were all tired out, as were the bands, and needed rest, and most of them took it. The address was a very fine, well written, scholarly production, of its kind; but it was not well adapted to the occasion. The brethren naturally expected, as they had a right to expect, that the orator would lay before them the history of the Lodge — tracing its origin and progress, and sketching the general characteristics of its leading members, who had successfully carried it through, unbroken and without reproach, for an entire century. The speaker gave them nothing of this, though he gave them a very beautifully written and well spoken essay on the general subject of Masonry; and on an ordinary celebration of St. John's Day, no exception could be taken to its appropriateness.

The services here were followed in the evening by a "Centennial Ball," in the "Mammoth Tent." Of this our contemporary of the Nantucket Inquirer says — "It was a scene of rare beauty and enchanting loveliness, never to be forgotten by any one who was fortunate enough to be introduced into that Mimic World of delicate fragrance, light, life and music !" We suppose this will be enough for our readers on this point. Dancing continued until a late hour and was undoubtedly highly enjoyed by all who participated in it.

Thus closed this memorable celebration. There are many interesting incidents and reminiscences connected with it, which we should be gratified to notice, had not this article already spread itself out to an unusual and inconvenient length. The whole was eminently successful, and our Brethren of Union Lodge have abundant reasons to be satisfied with it, as their visitors have to be satisfied with them, and their generous hospitalities.

We may state here, what might perhaps have been better done in another place, that the Lodge was originally established under the name of Nantucket Lodge, and continued to be so known until January 1773, when on the petition of its Members, it was ordered that the name be changed and registered in the Grand Lodge Books as Union Lodge No. 5. The Lodge at its beginning was popular with the people. It started in June 1771 with six members only; and in the following December it reported the number to be sixty-five!

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

Joseph S. Barney, DDGM, District 27 (Nantucket), 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886; SN
Nathaniel Barrett, DDGM, District 12 (Islands), 1817; SN
Albert G. Brock, DDGM, District 27 (Nantucket), 1901, 1902; Memorial
John Brock, Jr., DDGM, District 12 (Islands), 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1815, 1816, 1818; SN
Henry P. Brown, DDGM, District 27 (Nantucket), 1906, 1907; Memorial
James F. Chase, DDGM, District 12, 1832, 1833, 1834; SN
William Coffin, DDGM, District 12 (Islands), 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807; SN
Francis E. Folger, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1935, 1936; Memorial
Hezekiah B. Gardner, DDGM, District 12 (Islands), 1819, 1820; SN
Peter Hussey, DDGM, District 12 (Islands), 1814; SN
Samuel H. Jenks, DDGM, District 12, 1826, 1827; District 8, 1846; SN
William Morse, DDGM, District 12, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831; SN
Henry Paddack, DDGM, District 27 (Nantucket), 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892; Memorial
Robert F. Parker, DDGM, District 8, 1840-1843; SN
Francis W. Pease, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1985, 1986
Michael Petrosino, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1999, 2000
Linwood E. Proctor, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1975, 1976; N
José F. Reyes, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1967, 1968; N
Alfred E. Smith, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1927, 1928; Memorial
Elisha Starbuck, DDGM, District 12, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825; SN
Seth F. Swift, DDGM, District 12, 1821; SN
Leroy H. True, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1943, 1944; N
William R. Waine, DDGM, District 31 (Nantucket), 1957, 1958; SN