Difference between revisions of "Washington"

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=== EVENTS ===
 
=== EVENTS ===
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==== OFFICER LIST, NOVEMBER 1831 ====
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''From Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. III, No. 30, January 1832, Page 234:’’
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Officers of Washington Lodge, Roxbury, chosen Nov. 27, 1831:
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* Wor. Wm. H. Brown, M.
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* Wor. Samuel Jackson, S. W.
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* Wor. Jeremiah Lyon, J. W.
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* Bro. Aaron Kingsbury, T.
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* Bro. Lewis Withington, Sec.
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* Bro. John H. Pierce, S. D.
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* Bro. John Webber, J. D.
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* Bro. John Robinson, Jr., S. S.
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* Bro. James Sinclair, J. S.
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* R. W. Chester Guild, Marshal.
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* Bro. Willard Onion, Tyler.
  
 
==== HALL DEDICATION, JANUARY 1847 ====
 
==== HALL DEDICATION, JANUARY 1847 ====

Revision as of 20:16, 23 March 2015

MA_Washington.jpg

WASHINGTON LODGE

Location: Roxbury; Lexington (1960)

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 03/14/1796 II-83

Precedence Date: 03/14/1796

Current Status: Active


NOTES

Washington Lodge was originally chartered in "Boston Highlands", or Roxbury, and holds a Paul Revere charter. It is named for President and Brother George Washington, who was already something of an icon in Massachusetts Freemasonry (a copy of the original Book of Constitutions was sent to him in 1793, and his correspondence appears in the Proceedings.) During 1808, a number of members of this lodge ran afoul of the Grand Lodge by making "improper use" of its charter to confer unsanctioned degrees in Masonry within a body called the Washington Encampment; a copy of a recantation appears on Page II-400, in which 19 brethren chose to "abandon and renounce" all that this organization had done. The charter was restored to these brethren in December of that year. An account of this affair appears in the autobiography of Henry Fowle.

MEMBER LIST, 1802

From Vocal Companion and Masonic Register, Boston, 1802, Part II, Page 16:

  • R. W. Phinehas Withington, M.
  • W. Samuel Barry, S. W.
  • W. John Bowen, J. W.
  • Joseph Ruggles, Tr.
  • Charles Durant, Sec.

No. of Members, 29.

  • Daniel Knower
  • William Matthews
  • Benjamin Marshall
  • Rufus Foster
  • John Baker
  • Wilkes Allen

PAST MASTERS

Need list of living PMs

  • Ebenezer Seaver, 1796, 1797
  • Simeon Pratt, 1798, 1799
  • Nathaniel Ruggles, 1800
  • John Ward, 1801
  • Phineas Withington, 1802, 1803
  • Samuel Barry, 1804, 1805
  • Nathaniel S. Prentiss, 1806, 07
  • Enos Wíthington, 1808, 1810-1812
  • Samuel Barry, 1809
  • Joshua C. Clark, 1813, 1814
  • Joshua Holden, 1815, 1816
  • Samuel J. Gardner, 1817; SN
  • Samuel Barry, 1818
  • Asa Bugbee, 1819, 1830, 1831
  • John Howe, 1820, 1821
  • Chester Guild, 1822
  • James Jones, 1823, 1824
  • Lewis Withington, 1825, 1826
  • Ephriam W. Stone, 1827
  • Charles Wild, 1828, 1829, 1838-1841, 1846, 1847
  • William H. Brown, 1832, 1833
  • Samuel Jackson, 1834, 1835, 1849, 1850
  • Charles Daniel, 1836, 1837
  • DARK 1841-1845
  • Luther Hamilton, 1848
  • George Moulton, 1851, 1852
  • John W, Lord, 1853, 1854
  • Sanford M. Hunt, 1855-1857; SN
  • Charles F. Sleeper, 1858, 1859
  • Francis P. Babbitt, 1860
  • Alonzo W. Folsom, 1861, 1862
  • George Frost, 1863, 1864
  • Samuel Little, 1865-1867
  • John F. Newton, 1868-1870
  • George Richards, 1871, 1872
  • Joel Seaverns, 1873, 1874
  • Robert G. Molineaux, 1875, 1876
  • Solomon A. Bolster, 1877, 1878; Mem
  • Benjamin F. Ayers, 1879, 1880
  • John Carr, 1881, 1882
  • Lorenzo B. Dutton, 1883, 1884
  • Daniel W. Jones, 1885, 1886
  • John K. Berry, 1887, 1888; Mem
  • Walter S. Frost, 1889, 1890
  • George A. Brackett, 1891, 1892
  • Alben E. Carr, 1893, 1894
  • Herbert F. Morse, 1895, 1896
  • Silas W. Brackett, 1897, 1898
  • George A. Brackett, 1899, 1900
  • Edwin S. Davis, 1901, 1902
  • Arthur H. Frost, 1903, 1904
  • S. Everett Tinkham, 1905, 1906
  • Edwin H. Oliver, 1907, 1908
  • Herben F. Morse, 1909
  • Frederick W. Hamilton, 1910
  • George A. Clough, 1911, 1912
  • Frederick W. Klemm, 1913
  • George A. Brackett, 1914
  • Charles W. Hutchinson, 1915
  • H. Raymond Chubbuck, 1916
  • Lloyd K. Allen, 1917
  • Henry S. Wolkins, 1918
  • Harry E, Stevens, 1919
  • Jolin Ballantyne, 1920
  • William H. C, Carrasco, 1921; N
  • Henry E. Hoffman, 1922
  • Joseph L. Taylor, 1923
  • Frank S. Waterman, 1924
  • Frank R. McCullagh, 1925
  • John H. Joy, 1926 ; N
  • Frank M. Curtis, 1927
  • Walter G. Ferglson, 1928
  • Walter D. Carr, 1929
  • Charles S. Walkup, Jr., 1930
  • Louis C. Schoenherr, 1931
  • George A. Elz, 1932
  • Walter S. Frost, Jr., 1933
  • Carl R. Erlandson, 1934
  • Charles I. Folsom, 1935
  • Philip A. Marsh, 1936
  • Thomas Hoyle, 1937
  • Herman R. Green, 1938
  • Paul G. Weden, 1939; N
  • Howard C, Lilly, 1940
  • Willard S. Bowen, 1941
  • Reben C. Bickerstaŕfe, 1942
  • Guy H. Northrup, 1943
  • Edmund W. Pease, 1944
  • J. Francis Dickson, Jr., 1945
  • Arthur B. Chartier, 1946
  • Elmer R. Manz, 1947
  • Chester R. Durgin, 1948
  • Herbert W. Knowles, 1949
  • Errol G. Hopkins, 1950
  • Verdie A. Dodds, 1951; SN
  • Ralph E. Anderson, 1952
  • Thure R. Holmgren, 1953
  • Verdie A. Dodds, Jr., 1954
  • Matthew R. Tremble, 1955
  • Everett L. Hackett, 1956
  • Wilbur J. Pease, 1957; N
  • Austin V. Seidel, 1958
  • George L. Boudreau, 1959 (died in office)
  • Walter E. Brown, 1959
  • Elmer R. Manz, 1960
  • Irving A. Francis, 1961
  • Francis J, Daly, 1962
  • Harry R. Jorgensen, 1963
  • Aubrey Knowles, 1964
  • Daniel Ziedelis, 1965
  • Julius E. Jacobi, 1966
  • Donald B. Cobb, 1967
  • Alan G. Wright, 1968
  • Robert A. Joslyn, 1969
  • George H. Torrey, 1970
  • Peter S. Moore, 1971
  • Frank R. Peterson, 1972
  • Walter S. Frost, III, 1973, 1974
  • Hayward S. Rowe, 1975
  • Charles J, O'Connell, 1976
  • Telford W. Koon, 1977, 1984, 1997, 1998
  • Neil M. Wreidt, 1978
  • Robert H. Norman, 1979
  • James L. Thompson, 1980
  • Robert C. Peterson, 1981
  • Steven G. Koon, 1982
  • Baldwin L. Troutman, 1983
  • Frank R. Parsons, 1985, 1986, 1992
  • A. Robert Crudale, 1987
  • Carl P. Jay, 1988­, 1989, 1991, 2000; N
  • Harold L. Xavier, 1990, 1996
  • Charles F. Davis, Jr., 1993
  • William J. Daniels, 1994
  • Paul C. Davidson, 1995
  • Reed M. Butler, 1999, 2005
  • Kevin J. O'Connor, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007
  • Bertwin W. Gassmann, 2002
  • Leone Brandao, 2003
  • Matthew E. Brennan, 2008-2010, 2012
  • Steven D. Davis, 2011

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1796
  • Petition for Restoration of Charter: 1846

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1896 (Centenary)
  • 1946 (150th Anniversary)
  • 1971 (175th Anniversary)
  • 1996 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1873 1876 1886 1902 1904 1917 1919 1920 1923 1926 1929 1936 1944 1949 1954 1960 1962 1967 1979 1980 1981 1991 2012

HISTORY

  • 1946 (150th Anniversary History, 1946-94; see below)
  • 1971 (175th Anniversary History, 1971-120; see below)
  • 1996 (200th Anniversary History, 1996-24; see below)

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1946

From Proceedings, Page 1946-94:

History of Washington Lodge From 1896 to 1946 By Worshipful H. Raymond Chubbuck

One hundred and fifty years, a century and a half, have passed since eight of our ancient Brethren met at the house of Brother Harriman on Tremont Street, Roxbury, and resolved to petition the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter to hold a Lodge in the Town of Roxbury, to be called Washington Lodge. On March 14, 1796, the Grand Lodge voted that the prayer of the petitioners be granted.

On March 17, 1796, the charter was signed by Most Worshipful Paul Revere, the then presiding Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The original charter is still in the possession of Washington Lodge and has been carefully preserved and is now in good condition. The original set of officers' jewels made by Paul Revere are still in the possession of the Lodge and, except for the original charter, are deemed the most precious possession of the Lodge.

The enormous expansion of our country and the vast changes in the ways of life since 1796, the year our Lodge was instituted, could have been visualized or imagined by few persons then living. Then the facilities for travel were limited. The family still gathered around the kitchen hearth. The church, the Lodge and the village store were still the gathering places of the community and community spirit was strong and vigorous. Then, in 1796, there were no steamships, no railroads or street cars, no telegraph or telephones, no movies, autos, radios, airplanes. Unknown to them were many other of the conveniences we deem so necessary today. Every day life for them was so much simpler and its tempo much slower than it is for us today.

Yet with all these changes, Masonry remains unchanged. Today our Temples may be larger and we may go further afield to visit our Brethren; today we have many more activities both business and social, than our Brethren of one hundred and fifty years ago, yet Masonry still survives, not static, but vital and active, the oldest fraternal society in the world, yet the most modern, for the principles it inculcates are as true today as in the centuries past. A society founded on a belief in God and the Christian virtues. Taking the Holy Bible for its standard of truth and justice, it has attracted men of the highest character and mentality to its membership. Its principles of brotherly love, relief and truth have been transmitted through a succession of ages; the attentive ear still receives the sound of the instructive tongue and its future is safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.

Washington Lodge has a long and glorious history. One of the oldest Lodges in Massachusetts, it has numbered among its membership many men prominent in business and social life. It has upheld the best traditions of our Ancient and Honorable Society. It has adhered to the ancient landmarks. For one hundred and fifty years it has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for all those who value the dignity of manhood and the right of mankind to live in peace and concord in a world where freedom and justice prevail.

Our ancient Brethren built better than they knew. The work they began so long ago has endured for it was built upon a firm foundation and has carried on these many long years. May we, their successors, carefully guard our cherished heritage and vigorously carry on the work they so well began. May we hand down to our successors, in their fullest splendor, the honorable traditions of our forebears, that for years to come, generations yet unborn may have the privilege and honor of becoming members of Washington Lodge — this grand old Lodge of ours.

In 1945, shortly after the termination of the second World War, our retiring Master, Worshipful J. Francis Dickson, Jr., in his retiring message to the Brethren, had these words to say: "Under such trying conditions and in a world torn apart by hate and fear, it was only natural that the Brethren were looking to their Lodge for relief and with the full expectation that within its walls would be found an atmosphere based on charity, human friendliness, human fellowship and brotherly love. These, my Brethren, are the final human qualities that have justified the existence of our Lodge over a period of one hundred and forty-nine years. These are the qualities which provide the very foundation of Masonry."

On March 17, 1896, a special communication of Washington Lodge was held at the Masonic Hall in Roxbury for the observance of its centennial. A full description of the centennial exercises, order of services at the church (1st Religious Society in Roxbury, Eliot Square) and the reception and banquet at the Odd Fellows Building can be found in the Centennial History of Washington Lodge published in 1896.

At the Centennial Anniversary, March 17, 1896, the organization of Washington Lodge was:

  • Herbert F. Morse, Worshipful Master
  • Silas W. Brackett, Senior Warden
  • George A. Brackett, Junior Warden
  • Edwin E. Chesley, Treasurer
  • John W. Call, Secretary
  • Adolph S. Gumhart, Chaplain
  • John C. Ryder, Marshal
  • Martin C. Cate, Senior Deacon
  • Edwin J. Davis, Junior Deacon
  • Arthur H. Frost, Senior Steward
  • Willis S. Graves, Junior Steward
  • Varnum Waugh, Inside Sentinel
  • William H. Gerrish, Organist
  • Luther C. Bailey, Tyler

Of these officers, only two are now living — Worshipful Arthur H. Frost and Brother Edwin E. Chesley.

Of the approximately four hundred members of the Lodge at that time (1896) the following members are still living:

  • Bro. John Ballantyne, Jr.
  • Bro. Mellen N. Bray
  • Bro. Charles S. Breed
  • Bro. Edwin E. Chesley
  • Bro. Jabez W. Frederick
  • Wor. Arthur H. Frost
  • Bro. Irving P. Gammon
  • Bro. John W. Hall
  • Bro. Jacob Helt
  • Bro. Charles H. Kelly
  • Bro. Henry F. Knight
  • Bro. Waldo M. Oakman
  • Bro. John Perrins, Jr.
  • Bro. Frank Rumrill

In the centennial history of Washington Lodge the last entry in the chronology is March 12, 1896. We take up the story at that date and we have endeavored to select the outstanding events as they occurred to us. We hope you may find them interesting.

BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE

Perhaps the most important single event in the fifty years covered by this history was the building of the Temple at 171 Warren Street, Roxbury.

The Masonic Apartments in Roxbury in 1896, the Centennial Year, were located in the Robinson Building situated at the southwesterly corner of Washington Street and Vernon Street, Roxbury. The first meeting of Washington Lodge held in these apartments was on May 22, 1892. The apartments were dedicated on April 3, 1893, by Most Worshipful Richard Briggs, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge. These apartments were occupied jointly by Washington Lodge, Lafayette Lodge, Mt. Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Roxbury Council, Royal and Select Masters and Joseph Warren Commandery No. 26, Knights Templar. Previous to 1892, the meetings of Washington Lodge were held in the Guild Hall, located at the northeasterly corner of Washington Street and Dudley Street.

While the lodge-room in the Robinson Building (a very good picture of this lodge-room may be found in the Centennial History of Washington Lodge) was attractive and well suited to lodge purposes, the other accommodations, dining room, ladies room, armory, etc. were limited, and the several bodies using the apartments were rapidly increasing in membership. By the year 1900 it had become evident that larger quarters with better facilities for both labor and refreshment were desirable. Also quoting from the Dorchester Beacon of December 26, 1902, "The recent advent of the Elevated with its thunderous noise in front of the building added to the dissatisfaction has hastened the present movement." That movement was for the Masonic bodies in Roxbury to build and own a permanent home for themselves.

The Roxbury Masonic Association. So many years have elapsed since the Roxbury Masonic Association was formed that we have no clear record of just how the movement started, but we do know that about the year 1900 subscriptions were being made by the members of the Masonic bodies in Roxbury toward a fund to be used for the purpose of constructing a new Masonic Temple. We know that Worshipful Brothers John F. Newton, Solomon A. Bolster and Silas W. Brackett, who were the Trustees of the Masonic Apartments in 1900, with many other members of Washington Lodge, took an active part in soliciting subscriptions for and promoting interest in the building of a new Temple.

The records of the stockholders of the Roxbury Masonic Association begin as follows:

"June 26, 1901. A meeting of the subscribers to the Agreement of Association with the intention of forming a corporation according to the provisions of Chapter 115 of the Public Statutes of Massachusetts, etc. was called at Masonic Hall in Roxbury at 2307 Washington Street. The meeting was called to order by Judge Bolster who read the legal call, in part as follows: 'To constitute a corporation to be known by the name of the Roxbury Masonic Association. The purpose for which this Corporation is constituted is for the association and accommodation of Societies of Free Masons and other charitable or social bodies of like character and purpose and for the establishment and maintenance of a place for reading rooms, library and a social meeting place for such bodies.' "

The first recorded meeting of the Directors of the Roxbury Masonic Association was June 27, 1901. The location of the Temple on a lot known as the Arnold Estate where the Temple is now situated was taken under consideration. A charter was granted to the Roxbury Masonic Association July 8, 1901. At the meeting of the directors July 28, 1901, it was voted that the charter be accepted. January 1, 1902, the architect authorized to prepare plans and specifications; January 9, 1902, it was voted for the committee on plans to prepare a full and detailed plan, etc.; April 1, 1902, voted to move the building, the large house then standing on the Arnold lot, to the rear.

The directors in 1902 were Solomon A. Bolster, President, William G. Fish, Vice President, Herbert F. More, Treasurer, I. Austin Bassett, John Carr, John F. Newton, Edwin S. Davis, Silas W. Brackett, George A. Brackett, George H. Waterman, George H. Emerson, Edward H. Wise, Frederick M. Briggs, William Donaldson, Charles F. Draper. The Architect of the building was Edwin H. Oliver, then Junior Deacon of Washington Lodge. The contractors for the building were M. S. and G. N. Miller. The junior partner of the firm was Sherburne N. Miller, the son of G. N. Miller. Sherburne was at the time (1902) the Senior Deacon of Lafayette Lodge.

As soon as the Arnold House was removed to its present site on Tolman Place, the work of building the new Temple was started and progressed rapidly, and by the last of July, was ready for the corner stone.

LAYING THE CORNER STONE

On July 18, 1902, the members of Washington Lodge received the following communication regarding the laying of the corner stone. (Omitted from printed Proceedings). On the afternoon of July 30, 1902, the procession was formed on Washington Street near the Masonic Apartments under the direction of I. Austin Bassett, Chief Marshal, and passed in review at the National Rockland Bank, proceeded through Washington Street, Dudley Street and Warren Street to the site of the new Temple, where the ceremonies of laying the corner stone were carried out under the direction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Charles T. Gallagher.

Dorchester Beacon, July 26, 1902.

"The Masons now meeting in the Masonic Hall at the corner of Washington Street and Vernon Street will see the fruition of long cherished hopes and will meet in their new home. They will thus be subject to no one's caprice and the site being chosen for the future as well as for the present. Probably no one now living will see any of the Lodges at any other home."

Nearly forty years have passed since these words were written and our Temple is still our pride and joy. The Temple was dedicated on March 17, 1903, by Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford. The first meeting of Washington Lodge held in the new Temple after dedication was the special communication held on Friday, March 20, 1903.

The beauty of our lodge-room with its system of indirect lighting and beautiful color effects is not surpassed by any and the building and its accommodations are as modern today as if built but yesterday. We should be truly grateful to those who, in years gone by, gave so much of their time, their thought and their energy toward building a beautiful and enduring home for us in Roxbury. Very few of them are alive today, but praise be to God, Hiram the Builder, Worshipful Brother Sherburne N. Miller, and Hiram Abiff, the Architect, Worshipful Brother Edwin H. Oliver, are still with us alive and active.

During the fifty years in question, the Lodge has grown in size and influence. During World War I and World War II a considerable number of our Brethren entered the Armed Forces of the United States and fulfilled their duties with the honor and fidelity to be expected of Masons. We have a long and distinguished list of Presiding Masters, and have lost, as it is to be expected, many of our Brethren through the final call to the Celestial Lodge above. The details of our regular work throughout these years is appended herewith and it will not be necessary to go into details here. (Omitted from printed Proceedings)

Let us hope that the Lodge may continue its work for many years to come and that we may pass on to those who celebrate the two hundredth and two hundred and fiftieth anniversaries of its institution a continued history of which they may be proud and in which they may feel inspiration.

175TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1971

From Proceedings, Page 1971-120:

By Worshipful Walter D. Carr and Worshipful Edmund W. Pease.

On the evening of March 13, 1796, eight Roxbury Masons, prompted by Masonic zeal and a desire to establish in Roxbury a Masonic Lodge where they might hold their meetings and practice the tenets of their profession as Master Masons, met at the home of Bro. Moses Harriman on Tremont Street and after due deliberation resolved to petition the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter which would empower them to work. At this same meeting they chose by ballot Hon. Ebenezer Seaver, Master; Simeon Pratt, Senior Warden and John Ward, Junior Warden. It is said the "The petitioners were people of substance, enterprising, industrious, and God-loving." On the following day in Grand Lodge:

"A petition from Simeon Pratt and others, praying for a Charter to hold a Lodge in the Town of Roxbury, by name of Washington Lodge, was read; and Voted, That the prayer of the Petitioners be granted. Brother Pratt presented the Petition, and was admitted to a seat in Grand Lodge."

On March 17th that now historic and honored charter was signed by Most Worshipful Brother Paul Revere who, in his capacity as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, installed the first line of officers of this new Lodge, called Washington Lodge, on October 16th of that year. From March 17, 1796, the Lodge takes precedence and is the thirteenth oldest Lodge of Freemasons in the Commonwealth.

History recites that following the installation ceremony the Brethren, together with a number of respectable gentlemen, not of the fraternity, partook of a convivial repast which ended with dignity and decorum. It is also reported that the Senior Warden and the Deacons were appointed a committee "to distribute the fragments to whom they thought the most needy."

At an early meeting in May of 1796, Nathaniel Ruggles, a graduate of Harvard, an eminent lawyer, and a member of Congress from 1813 to 1819, was elected the first Secretary of this young Lodge. Shortly thereafter a "code of By-Laws" was accepted and a few extracts therefrom may prove of interest:

  • "That the greatest decency and good order may be observed, it is strongly recommended that every member appear cleanly dressed."
  • "No foreigner shall pay toward the expenses of the evening; but every brother belonging to the town or its vicinity shall pay 37 cents and a half."
  • "The Lodge shall always close at 11 o'clock, and at all times, when convenient, it shall be closed at 10 o'clock."

On January 23, 1799, the Lodge moved to a hall on the third story of Bro. Harriman's house which he had fitted at his own expense in a manner suitable for Masonic procedure and in which several meetings of that first year were held. On that evening, Secretary Ruggles addressed the brothers present, twenty-five in number, as follows, the substance of which might well be accepted by all good Masons as a criterion for their constant and faithful emulation:

"Brethren: You are now convened for the first time in Bro. Harriman's Hall, newly prepared for your use, furnished with implements which loudly speak that Industry is the parent of improvement and the strength of the community, in the midst of symbols which emphatically call you to the prompt discharge of the duties of your profession, and surrounded with hieroglyphics which expressly remind you of those virtues which adorn society and ennoble the human heart.

"May those principles be here instilled which shall further beautify your Lodge room and tend to the honor and respectability of Masonry; may that caution and careful scrutiny be here used that shall baffle the designs of cowans and keep the brethren within masonic order; may that circumspection be here observed and here taught that shall make every brother the pride of the profession, and the express means of universal commendation.

"In fine, Brethren, may your character and reputation be as bright, your philanthropy as broad, your duration as long, your penetration as deep as the dimensions of a well constituted Lodge."

Conspicuous among the many historical events with which the Lodge has been intimately identified during its illustrious history of a century and three-quarters was that which embraced and followed the death of George Washington on December 14, 1799. At a special meeting of the Lodge on January 1, 1800, the following minutes were inscribed:

"The Washington Lodge, deeply impressed at the loss the fraternity and the public have sustained in the death of our Right Worshipful and Illustrious Brother George Washington, and wishing to join their Brethren and the public in testimony of respect to his memory; whereupon voted to choose a committee to report immediately what badges of mourning the Lodge will adopt. . .

"The Lodge was draped in black; the members' aprons were trimmed with black ribbon, with a black star in the centre; the officers wore a black knot on their jewels; and the brethren wore a black weed on the left arm with a narrow blue ribbon interwoven, for three Lodge nights."

On January 14th, memorial honors were paid to that great patriot and in the long procession of infantry, artillery, cavalry, dismounted music, reverend clergy, school children, and citizens four abreast, was Washington Lodge of Freemasons marching to The First Meeting House of Roxbury in Eliot Square. During this historic procession and amid the tolling of bells, "Minute Guns" were fired through the identical embrasures at "High Fort" from which the Americans discharged the first cannon against the British troops in Boston during the siege.

At the close of its first quarter century mark, it is stated that Washington Lodge "held no inferior rank among sister Lodges" and from that modest beginning until the present it has flourished to become one of the outstanding Lodges of Massachusetts Masonry. Its roster of members and Masters discloses that it has given to Roxbury, three Mayors; three to the City of Boston; and to our Commonwealth a Governor, the Honorable William Gaston. In Masonry its name is no less illustrious for, from its members have been selected one Deputy Grand Master, later to become Grand Secretary; one Grand Treasurer, subsequently elected Senior Grand Warden; nine District Deputy Grand Masters; and several Grand Officers of lesser rank, all of whom have occupied their high stations with dignity and repute.

During the period from 1801 to 1931 it has been instrumental in the establishment of Constellation Lodge of Dedham, Prospect Lodge of Roslindale, Lafayette Lodge of Norwood, Eliot Lodge of Jamaica Plain, Tahattawan Lodge of Littleton, and, recently in 1964, Daniel Webster Lodge in Marshfield of which Wor. Bro. Harry R. Jorgensen, Master of Washington Lodge in 1963, was accorded the high Masonic honor of becoming its first Presiding Master. In truth it can be said that Washington Lodge was the parent of Lafayette, Eliot and Daniel Webster Lodges and the grandparent of Prospect Lodge. It has assisted in laying the cornerstone of many well known buildings and monuments in the Commonwealth, but those of the Masonic Temple in Boston at the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets and the Pilgrim Monument at Plymouth, merit special allusion. In 1856 and 1857, and at the invitation of the Grand Lodge, it participated in ceremonies attending the inauguration of the Statue of Benjamin Franklin on the grounds of Boston's City Hall and subsequently the civic statue of General Joseph Warren who, as we recall, was the first Grand Master of that ancestral Grand Lodge, "Massachusetts Grand Lodge." On October 24, 1871, and to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Lodge, a block of granite bearing the inscription. "Presented by Washington Lodge A.F. & A.M., Roxbury, Mass." was forwarded to the National Monument Association in Washington, D.C., and was later installed in the present Washington Monument of November ninth of that year.

To Masons the origin of the "Morning Song" and "Evening Hymn," used so frequently by Lodges and associated so intimately with the beauty of the Third Degree, may well be of interest. The idea originated with Wor. Bro. Daniel W. Jones, Master of Washington Lodge in 1885-1886, who in his desire to embellish and beautify the work, suggested that certain "singing" selections be introduced for that purpose. "Accordingly the hymn, 'The Shadows of the Evening Hours,' was set to new music for male voices and was used for the 'Evening Hymn,' and 'Hail, Smiling Morn,' by Spofforth, was selected for the 'Morning Song.' " Both were sung on the evening of June 11, 1885, by the Temple Quartet. The dramatic value of these "singings" was at once recognized and they have since been adopted to some extent in other jurisdictions. In truth may it be said that they do indeed "tend to strengthen and support every gentle and ennobling emotion of the soul."

Washington Lodge throughout its long existence has been the recipient of many valuable gifts of historic and Masonic significance, but among the property of the Lodge there is nothing held in higher esteem than a set of officers' jewels of sterling made by that distinguished Artificer and Mason, Paul Revere, with a receipt bearing his signature attesting to the payment of their cost. The Lodge has never ceased to take pride in exhibiting these beautiful jewels and its historic and priceless charter on every appropriate occasion.

No account of Washington Lodge would suffice without reference, brief though it be, to those events which distinguished it at the turn of the century. In 1896 and by "fitting exercises of public character" the Centennial of the Lodge was celebrated with great pomp and circumstance when, in the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his Grand Officers; distinguished representatives of both Commonwealth and City; sister Lodges; and other prominent personages, tribute was paid to the important part which the Lodge had played in Massachusetts Masonry and to its many members who had attained eminence in civic, judicial, religious and commercial affairs. (1896 Mass. 71-75) In 1902 the building of its beautiful Temple at 171 Warren Street in Roxbury, close to the ancient home of that Revolutionary General, Dr. Joseph Warren, was consummated and dedicated with comparable ceremonies and from that date to the present has been considered by the craft to be one of the most beautiful Masonic Temples, built exclusively for Masonic purposes, in the Commonwealth.

This Temple bore witness to a most impressive and memorable event on March 14, 1946. This occasion marked the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Washington Lodge. The presiding Master, Wor. Bro. Arthur B. Chartier, and Brethren of the Lodge were joined in this birthday tribute by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his suite of Grand Lodge Officers. (1946 Mass. 91-101)

In 1960 Washington Lodge moved to Lexington, Massachusetts, where it established a new home amidst those stirring reminders of its historic ancestry and where during the period from 1960 to 1971, years which well might be called "transitional years," it now applies itself to the discharge of its Masonic duties with the same dedication of purpose as that to which the past years so conspicuously bear witness.

On April 19, 1963, it participated in the official parade which celebrated the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Town of Lexington and the one hundred and eighty-eighth anniversary of a ride made famous by that emi-ent patriot, Paul Revere, when he rode through a quiet and ominous night to the drum of beating hoofs and when "Through every Middlesex village and farm" was heard the fateful alarm, "To arms, the Regulars are out."

On this occasion and at the instigation of the Presiding Master, Wor. Bro. Harry R. Jorgensen, a float was entered, beautifully contrived, which displayed a towering Square and Compasses of gold before which sat the Worshipful Master in full Masonic regalia and flanked by two Brothers, Bro. Robert Peckham representing Rt. Wor. Bro. George Washington, for whom the Lodge was named, and Wor. Bro. Walter D. Carr as Most Wor. Bro. Paul Revere who signed its historic charter. It is of interest to note that the chairs used on this occasion were the original officers' chairs employed in 1796 when Most Wor. Bro. Paul Revere installed the first line of officers of this young Lodge.

Accompanying this impressive float, and upon invitation of the Worshipful Master, marched Rt. Wor. Bro. Herbert N. Faulkner, Illustrious Potentate of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and all members of the associated uniformed units, four hundred strong; the District Deputy Grand Masters of the Sixth Masonic District; Rt. Wor. Brothers Hugh W. McKee and Richard P. Nyquist; Presiding Masters and line Officers of the district; and all this to the stirring music of the Shrine and Oriental Bands in a display of color and martial music that could not fail but arouse the emotions of every Mason present with patriotic fervor and Masonic pride. Surely it was a day ever to be remembered.

On March 17, 1971 and during the administration of Wor. Bro. Peter Seth Moore, its Worshipful Master, Washington Lodge celebrated the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of its birth in a manner appropriate for the occasion and reminiscent of former important milestones in its distinguished past. May it be said that the attentive ear still hears, as of yore, the instructive tongue and to preserve the future and well-being of this ancient Lodge will forever be an emotion faithfully nurtured in the breast of its membership.

Sustained by an unfaltering trust in the beneficence of Almighty God and supported by faith in a Divine Providence which guides the path of all true Masons, Washington Lodge now looks forward to a future as renowned as has been the past wherein it may continue to preserve with honor and integrity the Ancient Landmarks of the Fraternity and practice with fidelity those truly Masonic Virtues of: Brotherly Love — Relief — and Truth.

200TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1996

From Proceedings, Page 1996-24:

To fully appreciate the heritage of Washington Lodge, we must briefly follow the evolution of organized Freemasonry in Massachusetts. In 1733, Henry Price apparently received a commission in London from the Grand Master of England, Viscount Montague. Upon returning to Boston, he organized his Provincial Grand Lodge on July 30, 1733; it was known as the St. John's Grand Lodge. The First Lodge of that organization, now known as Saint John's Lodge, was constituted on August 31,1733. In the early 1750's, a group of brethren met at the Green Dragon Tavern and formed a Lodge later known as St. Andrew's Lodge. In 1754 they petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a Charter and received it on September 4, 1760. A petition was granted by the Grand Lodge of Scotland on May 30,1769, to appoint the Most Worshipful Joseph Warren, Esquire, to be Grand Master of Masons in Boston, New England and within one hundred miles of the same.

After many meetings and discussions, the two Grand Lodges united on March 5, 1792, forming the "Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts". Prior to this time the Massachusetts Grand Lodge had chartered 30 Lodges and the St. John's Grand Lodge, 44 Lodges; each was allowed to retain its original Charter and to take precedence according to seniority. Only eighteen of these Lodges remained or elected to become part of the united Grand Lodge, with two-thirds of them having been associated with the Massachusetts Grand Lodge and one-third with St. John's Grand Lodge. St. Andrew's Lodge did not join the union and worked independently under its Scottish Charter until 1809 at which time it too joined. By December 1795, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts had constituted twelve Lodges and at their March 1796 Quarterly Communication three more petitioned and were voted upon. The first of these was Washington Lodge, making it the thirteenth Lodge constituted under the present Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The reason for the creation of Washington Lodge may have resulted from the fact that there was no Lodge within a 20 mile distance from Roxbury and travel in those days was not very easy. It is recorded that eight brethren met at Bro. Moses Harriman's house in Roxbury on March 13, 1796, to consider the subject of forming a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. They agreed to petition the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a Warrant of Constitution under the name of Washington Lodge and to hold their regular communication the first Monday of each month; they also selected their senior level officers with Bro. Ebenezer Seaver as Worshipful Master. That petition represented the first of the three Charters granted that day; the Grand Master at the time was M.W. Paul Revere.

Three weeks after the Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication, the Charter Members of Washington Lodge met again at Bro. Moses Harriman's house to perform their initial activities under Warrant. During this meeting on April 4, they chose their Deacons and Treasurer and conducted a full and active meeting including the performance of the First and Second degrees. A By-Laws Committee was chosen and it was agreed to search for a suitable Hall. The place chosen was Pierce's Hall. The first Secretary for Washington Lodge was elected on June 6, 1796; Bro. Nathaniel Ruggles being passed and raised and then chosen by ballot to be Secretary. Lodge membership at that time was extended to Entered Apprentices with advancement desired but optional. Installation and Consecration of Washington Lodge was held on Thursday, October 16, 1796, under the leadership of Most Worshipful Paul Revere. Following the requisite inquiries and examinations by the Grand Master, Col. Revere, and a preliminary address by Bro. Josiah Bartlett, the Grand Master installed the officers of Washington Lodge. The officers' jewels used by Washington Lodge had been hand-crafted by the Grand Master himself. Following Bro. Bentley's Consecration, the brethren present marched to the Meeting House for an address by Bro. William Dix of Boston and a sermon by Bro. Bentley. The brethren then returned to Pierce's Hall for a "Convivial Repast". An assessment of $2 was levied against each member to cover the cost of this Installation/Consecration evening.

As a result of the applicant screening process and an apparent drop in the popularity of Freemasonry across the Commonwealth and the nation, the number of candidates applying to Washington Lodge started dropping off at the turn of the century. This prompted great concern and some actions such as reduction of Quarterages (dues). On June 1, 1803, a committee of seven was appointed to take into consideration the state Masonry is in in Roxbury and to see if anything can be done to revive it. The Committee report delivered in November enjoined the Young Members to attend punctually and to dismiss any member being absent for three stated Lodge Nights without sufficient excuse.

Further actions involved a change of Meeting Night and Meeting Place. The Lodge meetings were changed to the Wednesday evening nighest the next full of the moon. In 1798, a committee was chosen to investigate leasing Bro. Harriman's Hall and determine what problems which might be encountered leaving Mr. Pierce's Hall before the expiration of the lease. On December 19, 1798, the Lodge closed to meet at Br. Harriman's New Hall on Wednesday Evening, January 23, it being the Wednesday Evening nighest the full of the moon. Six years later, on December 4, 1806, it was voted to move to Sumner's Hall, the largest hall in the town of Roxbury, which was used for public events as well as Masonic.

A Special Communication was held on January 1, 1800, in respect to the late Bro. George Washington and detailed plans were established to demonstrate proper mourning over the next several Lodge Nights.

New Grand Lodge regulations adopting a uniform method of working in all Lodges were read at the October 30, 1805, meeting of Washington Lodge. The attendees voted not to take note of these orders which created a Grand Lecturer and Instructor. Communications from that individual were read at the December meeting and the Lodge voted to take no kind of notice of them. There were no more mentions of this subject in the minutes of the meetings for over a year, but on January 21,1807, the Lodge Voted that the Master and Wardens of Washington Lodge be directed in Grand Lodge at their next Quarterly Communication to use their influence that the Grand Lodge shall remove the Grand Lecturer from his office provided his commission has not expired. This was the final mention of any objection to the unified ritual approach.

A year and a half later, Washington Lodge was again in the Grand Lodge limelight. They were charged with clandestinely using the Charter of the Lodge to confer degrees beyond the Blue Lodge level. On June 13,1808, a Past Grand Warden and the Grand Marshal went to Roxbury to demand the Charter. The next meeting of Washington Lodge following this action was on August 3, 1808. During the interval, the installed Master, Treasurer and Secretary had resigned. Several other officers and members were under scrutiny and many others resigned. In the meantime, the Grand Lodge committee had evaluated a petition received from the Washington Lodge unoffending brethren and restored the Charter. The accused Brethren of Washington Lodge requested to be heard before the Grand Lodge "Committee of Fifteen" and in December of that year the Committee of Conference recommended that the subscribing associates be restored to all the privileges and hospitalities of Masonry universal. After things had settled down, members of the Lodge voted in response to a motion by Bro. John Ward, to invite those who had withdrawn their membership from this Lodge to become members again by signing the by-laws. This attempt to restore the original Brotherly Love prevailed to all but the former Secretaries.

The first District Deputy Grand Master Official Visitation approaching the formality known today, occurred on October 30, 1811. The Right Worshipful Shubael Bell caused his commission to be read, examined the By-Laws and Records of the Lodge and witnessed a Lecture. He made sure he collected the annual return and all monies due the Grand Lodge before he left for the evening.

Now that Washington Lodge had set herself right with the Grand Lodge, there were other embarrassments and problems developing. Active membership was decreasing and in 1812-1813 meetings were called to consider giving up the Charter. All formal votes resulted m virtually a unanimous rejection of the idea. Applications for the degrees and membership continued in a depressed state through the early 1810's. In fact the entire year of 1815 passed without a single ballot being held or degree being conferred. A serious effort was conducted that year to "adjust" the membership roles, removing some of the weaker links so that new strengths might be developed; seven Brethren left Washington Lodge, but the following year sixteen new members received their degrees. In March 1816, the Lodge again decided to search for a more suitable and convenient meeting place; new facilities in William Pratt's Hall were dedicated on November 8, 1816. This Hall, located on the corner of Washington Street and Shawmut Avenue, was furnished for a total amount of about five hundred dollars - an amount cheerfully appropriated since this was a facility solely for the use of Washington Lodge.

In November 1817, it was voted that Past Master's Jewels be presented to Wor. Gardner, Withington and Clark; these were the first granted by the Lodge. (In late 1930/early 1931, the Senior Warden of Greenwich Lodge No. 467 of New York City sent Washington Lodge a Past Master's Jewel which had been found on a street in Brooklyn - it had belonged to Rt. Wor. Samuel J. Gardner.) Over the next two years, two more Past Masters received their Jewel and the Lodge established the tradition of a newly installed Master presenting the immediate Past Master with a Jewel as his first duty.

Washington Lodge celebrated St. John's Day on June 24, 1817, with a gala affair. The Lodge's assistance was requested at the laying of the cornerstone for the First Baptist Society in Roxbury on May 12, 1820, and again on July 28 for the First Universalist Society in Roxbury. The Lodge finances had improved considerably as the years had progressed and there were balances in the treasury after all the bills had been paid. In 1820, the Lodge started considering a suitable refreshment to be associated with the D. D. G. M. Visitations. The D. D. G. M. that year was Rt. Wor. Samuel J. Gardner, Master of Washington Lodge in 1820. A Public Installation was held in December 1821 at the First Universalist Meeting House. Most of the members and a large number of visiting brethren assembled at the Lodge Hall and filed in procession to the Meeting House. The retiring Master, Wor. John Howe, installed the Officers of the Lodge.

On November 26, 1821, a major by-laws revision was performed: the meeting night was changed to be the Thursday preceeding the full of the moon, the number of members was opened to as many as the brethren may see fit to admit by unanimous vote, all the officers except the Marshal and Tyler were to be elected by ballot and the Master's term was limited to two years.

The lease of the Hall from Mr. Pratt was coming to a close in 1825. A committee consisting of three of the true Lodge leaders of that time voted to purchase the present building and land for the Lodge for a sum of one thousand dollars. This purchase was conducted by a group of proprietors and the Lodge voted to choose a committee of three as Trustees who would transact all business on behalf of the Lodge with that group of proprietors. A complete code of laws and regulations was developed for the government of the newly formed Building Trustees.

Washington Lodge and the dedicated members thereof made a valiant attempt to counter the Anti-Masonic charges of the Dark Period. They remained a visible, viable organization throughout the 1820's and 1830's even though their membership was declining. In 1831-2, the inventory of the Lodge was reviewed to identify any excess which could be disposed of. In 1835, the Trustees were authorized to make any alterations in the boundaries of the Lodge Estate as they deemed necessary and any proceeds from the sale of any land in such adjustment would be appropriated toward payment of the debt due from the Lodge. Finally, in 1836, the subject of sale of the Lodge property was discussed. Adequate offers were not received and the property was put up for auction on June 21, 1841. Wor. Charles Wild, the presiding Master, made the highest bid - $1300 - and became the owner of this property.

As early as 1832, Installations were being put off for several months even though the elections were conducted on schedule. The Lodge closed for long summer vacations. The election of Bro. Wild as Master on November 19,1840, was acknowledged as having violated the by-laws since it was his third term as Master, but was allowed. By July 1846, the remaining members voted to disband the Lodge, storing all Masonic furniture and selling the balance to the members. The Charter was effectively returned to Grand Lodge but never left the physical possession of Wor. Bro. Wild.

During the spring of 1846, the members of Washington Lodge decided they wanted to start up activities again and petitioned Grand Lodge for a restoration of the Charter. This request was granted and on June 15 Wor. Bro. Wild was requested to provide the Charter so that it could be endorsed with the most recent Grand Lodge action.

The first meeting after the restoration of the Charter was on Christmas Eve, 1846. Twelve Masons met at Webber Hall with R.W. Charles Wild in the Chair, to consider the expediency of resuscitating the Lodge; they decided to proceed to organize the same as before, establish admission fees of $2 and adjourn to December 31 at 6:00 P.M. for admission of members. A total of 20 Brethren were proposed for membership prior to adjournment. The "Organization" meeting on New Year's Eve included balloting for membership for thirteen Brethren, Choice of Officers and Installation, adoption of the old By-Laws and appointment of a committee to locate a suitable meeting place. Bro. Charles Wild was elected Master thereby spanning the entire Dark Period. Webber Hall was selected and was dedicated by<3rand Lodge on January 26, 1847.

The Grand Lodge Return for September 1847 showed a total of 23 members at the end of that first year following Charter restoration. On December 14, 1848, following Wor. Bro. Hamilton's decision not to serve a second year as Master, the Junior and Senior Wardens asked to be excused from serving. The Lodge voted that Bro. Wild serve as Master, winning over Bro. Lyon; elections for the other officers were adjourned for a week. Prior to that second election, Bro. Wild reported the pressure brought to bear on him not to serve, informed the members he would accept the distinction but requested a private Installation. Protests were then entered against Bro. Wild's election and he withdrew his acceptance as Master. Bros. Wild, Lyon and Stevens declined serving any office for the current year and offered remarks with regard to having their reputation assailed. The cause of the "disturbance" was not identified.

Webber Hall had to be vacated in 1851 and an assigned committee secured Caleb Porter's Hall for seven years; Trustees were appointed to receive the lease in trust. The first meeting held in this Hall at 107 1/2 Washington St. was on June 12, 1851; other groups sublet this facility for their meetings. Washington Lodge accepted the Pilgrim Society/Grand Lodge invitation to participate in the laying of the cornerstone of the National Monument to the Forefathers at Plymouth on August 2, 1859. The members also participated in the Grand Lodge laying of the cornerstone of the new Grand Lodge Masonic Temple on Tremont Street in Boston.

By 1854, the Lodge was again searching for a new meeting place. The Halls of W. & A. Bacon and Samuel Guild were considered; the former was selected and renovations were underway by September. The next Installation was held there in December 1855.

Following the Installation of Officers on November 8, 1864, Wor. Bro. Samuel Little, the newly installed Master, presented a plan of a larger hall. A committee was appointed which obtained a ten year lease for the rooms on the third floor of the Guild Building which were being fitted up for the use of the Lodge. This committee also procured a suitable organ since a Lodge Organist had just been appointed.

The Civil War had a significant impact upon Washington Lodge - five of the brethren of the Lodge laid down their lives, but many others were able to return home. As was normal during any wartime era, the number of applicants, candidates and members grew significantly during the 1860's. More than thirty new members signed the By-Laws of Washington Lodge each year during the middle of the decade. From 1865 to 1875 the number of by-law signers remained between 10 and 35 with several others affiliating. Along with this increased activity level came a period of financial stability and growth. In November 1865, an assessment of $5 was made on each member of the Lodge; by the Annual Communication of November 1866, the Lodge was free of debt with significant cash resources.

The Masonic activity level in the Roxbury area induced brethren to entertain the creation of additional Lodges in the area. On June 12,1865, Grand Lodge granted dispensation to Lafayette Lodge to function in Roxbury. Eliot Lodge was established in West Roxbury in 1866. Both Lodges had received the strong approval of Washington Lodge and offer to use the Hall.

The Communications of Washington Lodge were going through some interesting evolutions. Music played a major role in the meetings. The first record of a Nominating Committee was on October 10, 1867. This committee became a regular appointment the month before the Choice of Officers each year thereafter. In 1870, Wor. John F. Newton initiated the practice of summarizing the events of his year in a report delivered at the Annual Meeting and recorded in the minutes. This tradition, with few exceptions, continued until 1978 providing excellent summaries for review. A By-Laws revision in 1865 removed the tie to the full of the moon and changed the Stewards and lesser officers to be appointed positions rather than elected. These new By-laws also required that they be read at each Regular Communication in March and September. A Board of Trustees was established to be responsible, along with the Master, for all stocks and other property of the Lodge.

For the 75th anniversary of the Lodge in 1871, the Lodge presented a granite block to the Washington Monument. At the same time a committee was appointed to again investigate the acquisition of suitable rooms for the Lodge; the other participating Masonic bodies were invited to participate. Each organization provided five representatives who organized themselves as the Board of Directors of Masonic Apartments in Roxbury and develop By-Laws for their government. The result of the investigation was a major repair activity on the present Lodge rooms. The total cost of these extensive renovations was $3,250.03 of which $300.00 was donated from Lodge funds. The balance was paid for by the members of Washington Lodge.

The 90th Anniversary of Washington Lodge was celebrated on March 15, 1886. About 200 members and guests participated in the festivities. In October 1891, three members were selected as Trustees of the Masonic Apartments; these Trustees were in addition to the Board of Trustees established in 1865 to guide the Lodge's financial affairs. As early as October 1892, this group was being called the Roxbury Masonic Association.

May 12, 1892, marked the first meeting in the new Masonic Apartments in the upper story of the Robinson Block at 2307 Washington Street - on the south corner of Washington and Vernon Streets. The November 10, 1892, Regular Communication was followed by a Public Installation. About 300 members and friends attended the affair at the cost of $1.50 for a dinner ticket. The Dedication ceremonies held on April 5, 1892, were closed for members of the Fraternity only.

A series of gifts or presentations to the Lodge occurred just prior to the Centennial Celebration. Bro. Augustus Parker, grandson of Washington Lodge founder, Wor. Bro. Ebenezer Seaver, presented a crayon portrait of him to the Lodge on September 13, 1894. This portrait was accompanied by a note giving some of the biographical details of the Lodge's first Worshipful Master. This portrait hangs in the current Lodge Rooms. The actual Centennial Celebration was held on March 17, 1896, with Union Lodge of Dorchester, Lafayette Lodge of Roxbury, Eliot Lodge of Jamaica Plain and Prospect Lodge of Roslindale participating in addition to Grand Lodge. Lodge opened at the Masonic Hall and a procession led to the First Religious Society meeting-house in Eliot Square where the Consecration had been held in 1797. A Reception was held on March 24, 1896, in Berkley Hall and was followed by a banquet in Odd Fellows Hall. A total of 515 people attended this event.

The membership of Washington Lodge had continued to grow throughout this period. In 1892, there were 285 members and by 1896 the ranks had swelled to 391; a total of 550 was reached in 1903. The average new by-law signers per year was about 30 with a peak of 52 in 1896. Affiliations, demits and deaths were fairly normal. By the early 1900's the number of candidates was quite high - reaching 37 in 1903; this represented only 33% of all applications received.

By the start of the 20th Century, the Lodge was transferring money from the Treasurer to the Trustees for investment; these actions positively demonstrated the growth and stability of Washington Lodge. The Trustees of the Masonic Apartments became officially incorporated on June 13, 1901, as "The Roxbury Masonic Association" - one of the first steps in establishing Rox-bury's own Masonic Temple. On June 13, 1901, Wor. Bro. Bolster, on behalf of the Trustees and the Roxbury Masonic Association, explained the actions being taken to purchase the Arnold Estate at 175 Warren Street for new Masonic Apartments. The response of the brethren was positive and the Trustees/Association were authorized to proceed. Prior to any construction activities, the Arnold House, located on the purchased property, had to be moved to Tolman Place. With that task completed, the Roxbury Masonic Association entered into contracts with various firms and tradesmen in March 1902 to build the Masonic Temple at 171 Warren Street- each contract carried a required completion date of January 1, 1903. The Architect was Edwin H. Oliver, Boston. The laying of the cornerstone was performed under the direction of Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher, Grand Master, on July 30, 1902. The dedication of the new apartments in the Roxbury Masonic Temple
was March 17, 1903 - the 107th Anniversary of Washington Lodge. The
 Dedication ceremonies were held with all officers, twelve Past Masters (not
currently officers) and 281 members present. The District Deputy Grand
 Master for District No. 4, Rt. Wor. John K. Berry, a Past Master of Washington
Lodge, was part of the Grand Lodge delegation; the fifth Past Master to be
honored with the D. D. G. M. assignment.

Reminiscences of this new Washington Lodge home paint a picture of a very beautiful Lodge facility. The outside of the Temple was very plain - in fact there were storefronts at the street level (in later years the location of a casket company). The inside, however, was spectacular - rivaling, even exceeding, the Boston Temple. The ceilings were extremely high, stairs all of marble including balustrades. A huge banquet hall, an impressive Commandery Asylum, beautifully appointed ladies' area, great grandfather clocks, etc. The top floor had one of the most grand Masonic rooms - a splendid Hutchings organ, presided over by a German master musician, Franz Reismann. The whole room had state of the art, hidden ceiling lights, surrounding the hall, controlled by dimmers. It sat at least 300-400 people, was deep carpeted with extravagant mahogony seats beautifully covered. On the same floor was a smaller hall and a card and billards room.

The Master's address, delivered by Wor. Arthur H. Frost on November 5, 1903, contained many salient points which foretold of future actions. He
advocated a separate Charity Fund (which was established in 1910 to receive
a trust bequest), elimination of the honorary status for 25 year members (finally
reversed in 1944) and a tighter screening of applicants. Further, he noted that
the population of Roxbury was changing and that the Lodge should endow
itself for the future when it would prefer to solicit membership from the
outlying districts rather than from the city itself. In 1910, Wor. Bro. Hamilton
supported the recommendation that the Washington Lodge Year be aligned
 with the Grand Lodge Year; however, he recommended that this change not be
implemented until a two-year Master's term was experienced. The alignment
of Fiscal years occurred in 1926, but the Master's year was not aligned until
1949. Subsequent Masters' annual reports attested to the frequency and success
of the various social events held throughout each year: Children's parties,
Ladies Nights/Lodge Anniversaries and outings.

The 125th Anniversary of Washington Lodge was celebrated with Services at the First Church in Roxbury on Sunday afternoon, March 13, 1921, and a Special Communication on March 17. The Anniversary Celebration on the 17th was combined with the annual Ladies Night. An elegant dinner served to the guests was followed by White's Musical Revue and dancing.

By 1927, the financial situation of the Lodge had changed to the point that the Trustees were required to provide operating expense money to the Lodge Treasurer rather than the Lodge increasing the Permanent Fund balance. There were noticeable drops in the number of applications received and the attendance was down. Lodge membership reached a peak of 1152 members in 1926; this was more than double the 462 members in 1900. A steady decrease down to 485 in 1960 was experienced - the deaths stayed fairly constant at about 25 per year. Each Master tried new approaches to reverse the trend, but none was successful. In 1931, Wor. Bro. Frank S. Waterman proposed relocating the Lodge to a more suitable site within the City of Boston. A committee was appointed, but no reports were ever documented.

By the early 1940's, the presiding Masters were initiating studies of the entire financial structure and well being of the Lodge and per member assessments were implemented as well as voluntary donations. Annual contributions in excess of $1000 were realized and it became an annual tradition for the Master to send a letter to the members showing the membership break-out (paying vs non-paying) as well as the expenses and income for the year. These letters indicate that the membership did rally behind the effort to maintain financial stability.

A 150th Anniversary Celebration was held on March 14 and March 16, 1946. The Masonic Observance on the 14th, attended by the Grand Master, comprised a regular Communication business meeting and a dinner. By the mid I950's, the drastically changing Roxbury environs were causing many Washington Lodge members extreme concern, not only for the property of the Lodge but also its very existence. This concern reached a turning point in 1953 - from thoughts to planning and then to action in 1959. The relocation committee presented various options during that year and on December 16, 1959, a secret ballot was conducted which supported a move to Lexington. The 
effective date of Washington Lodge's move to Lexington was September 1, 1960.

The first meeting held there was on September 24 and included a Public
Installation of the 1961 Line of Officers. Closeout of the facilities and equipment in Roxbury took some time. A storage room in a warehouse was hired to
store some of the property as the building was being prepared to be sold to the
Prince Hall Freemasons in Roxbury. The Temple was scheduled to be razed
for an expressway; it was torn down in 1964 but the expressway was never
built. The box placed within the cornerstone of the Roxbury Masonic Temple
during the exercises held on July 30, 1902, was recovered during the 1964
razing and opened in May of that year.

Throughout the residency in Lexington, there has been some discontent resulting from rent increases and lack of candidates being the "second Lodge". Consequently, there were several attempts over the years to locate an alternate facility/location. In 1966-9, the Lodge was considering the purchase of the Carlisle Congregational Church building but this approach was dropped. In the late 1970's, moves to the Museum of Our National Heritage and then the Burlington Masonic Temple were considered. Again, each of these move considerations were abandoned. The Museum of Our National Heritage was again considered in 1980. Periodic rent increases throughout the 1980's and a kitchen refurbishment assessment elicited another serious attempt to secure another meeting place; this time, the new location was Concord. This plan had to be abandoned when elements of Corinthian Lodge raised objections to the proposed move.

A Special Communication was held on March 17, 1971, to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Washington Lodge. The Paul Revere Charter and Jewels were on display and various Past Masters read significant items of the Lodge's history. Since the mid-1970's, Washington Lodge had loaned the Paul Revere Jewels to the Museum of Our National Heritage for display purposes and in 1978 this became a permanent loan with access to the Lodge as requested. Many other valuable items of Lodge memorabilia were also placed under this arrangement in 1978 for safekeeping.

The Washington Lodge of Roxbury days had been steered by a very powerful group of Past Masters who had the interest of the Lodge at heart but were set in their methods of operation. As this group grew older and newer, younger officers started in line in Lexington, a division line was established. The "Old Guard" maintained control of the Lodge through their lock on the Lodge funds resulting in tenuous conditions under which animosities grew, sides were chosen and the art of communication was abandoned. Several years were very rough and stormy and were followed by years of peacemaking activities. A partial return to the "old ways" in the mid-1980's prompted a full revision of the By-Laws to minimize conflict and preclude any exclusive control. These changes were strongly debated in early 1990 and voted on in February 1990. With few exceptions, this is the set in force at the present time. In 1985, Washington Lodge pledged and contributed $17,000.00 to the Masonic Home in Charlton to be used for the purchase of a room there. The total contribution was split up over a number of years, but it demonstrated Washington Lodge's commitment to Masonry across the Commonwealth. The members also remembered their sister Lodge from Roxbury and presented an Hour-glass to Lafayette-Dover Lodge on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary in 1991. Social events of Washington Lodge continued into the 1980's with Ladies Nights, children's parties and outings becoming annual events.

An interesting exchange was instituted in 1985 with Washington Lodge No. 61, Manchester, NH. Periodically since December 16, 1985, the officers of Washington Lodge of Lexington, MA, and Washington Lodge No. 61 of Manchester, NH, have performed reciprocal Degrees at each others' facilities. On many instances, the Grand Masters of the respective states were in attendance as well as members of the two Lodges.

Planning for the Bicentennial Year celebrations has been ongoing for several years and swung into high gear in the early 1990's. The actual Bicentennial Year, under the leadership of Wor. Harold L. Xavier, has been planned and executed with several events open to members, their families and friends. This approach has helped to increase Masonic Awareness in general as well as to celebrate 200 years of Washington Lodge history. The highlight of the various events will be the Bicentennial Dinner scheduled for March 16, 1996, at the Burlington Marriott. It will mark the completion of 200 years and the start of the next 200.

This brief history has been excerpted from the Bicentennial Volume being prepared for publication in the Fall of 1996 by Wor. Robert A. Domingue, Bicentennial Historian.

OTHER

  • 1808 (Washington Encampment proceedings, II-381, II-386, II-392)
  • 1902 (Participation in corner stone laying, 1902-126)
  • 1903 (Participation in hall dedication, 1903-126)
  • 1937 (Reduction in fees approved, 1937-282)

EVENTS

OFFICER LIST, NOVEMBER 1831

From Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. III, No. 30, January 1832, Page 234:’’

Officers of Washington Lodge, Roxbury, chosen Nov. 27, 1831:

  • Wor. Wm. H. Brown, M.
  • Wor. Samuel Jackson, S. W.
  • Wor. Jeremiah Lyon, J. W.
  • Bro. Aaron Kingsbury, T.
  • Bro. Lewis Withington, Sec.
  • Bro. John H. Pierce, S. D.
  • Bro. John Webber, J. D.
  • Bro. John Robinson, Jr., S. S.
  • Bro. James Sinclair, J. S.
  • R. W. Chester Guild, Marshal.
  • Bro. Willard Onion, Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, JANUARY 1847

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VI, No. 4, February 1847, p. 134:

The new hall recently fitted up by Washington Lodge, at Roxbury, was publicly dedicated by the Grand Lodge on the 26th of January last The hall is spacious, and well adapted to the purposes for which it is designed. There were probably about two hundred persons present as invited guests—one-half of whom, at least, were ladies. The orator selected for the occasion not being present, an extemporaneous address was delivered by Rev. Br. Paul Dean. It is needless to say that he acquitted himself ably and to the acceptance of his audience, for this he always does. The music was under the direction of Br. Oliver, and was executed with a due regard to good taste and science. The ceremonies of dedication were performed by the Grand Master, in his usual solemn and impressive manner.

INSTALLATION, NOVEMBER 1847

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 3, January 1848, p. 72:

The officers of Washington Lodge, Roxbury, were publicly installed on the evening of the 30th November. We are indebted for the following notice of the ceremony, to the Olive Branch, one of the best family papers published in this city, and which we heartily recommend to the patronage of our Brethren:— "There was a very respectable audience of ladies and gentlemen present, and considering the inclement state of the weather, the gathering was as large as could have been expected. The exercises consisted of—

  1. A Voluntary on the organ.
  2. Prayer, by Rev. Br. G. M. Randall.
  3. Chant by the Choir.
  4. Installation of Officers, by R. W. George G. Smith.
  5. Chant by the Choir.
  6. Proclamation by the Marshal, Br. N. A. Thompson.
  7. Ode, by the Choir.
  8. Address by Rev. Br. G. M. Randall.
  9. Anthem by the Choir.
  10. Address by W. Luther Hamilton, the newly installed Master of the Lodge.
  11. Prayer, by Rvd. W. R. Alger.
  12. Doxology by the Choir.

The address of Br. Randall was extemporaneous, and one admirably adapted to the occasion, and delivered in a style truly eloquent and effective.

The installation of the officers, by Br. Geo. G. Smith, was performed in his usually happy and impressive manner, and was calculated to make the several officers feel that they were entering upon the discharge of high and responsible duties. The singing was performed by Mrs. Shirley, Mrs. Melcber, Mr. T. Proctor, and Br. Wm. B. Oliver. We need hardly add that this part of the ceremony was performed in a manner highly creditable to those engaged in it, and to the satisfaction of all present. Mrs. Shirley possesses a voice of extreme power and richness, and sings with a style and taste which would please the most fastidious musical connoisseur. Her rich treble, with Mrs. Melcher's fine alto, Mr. Proctor's full and heavy bass, and Mr. Oliver's pleasant tenor, formed a musical quartette to which it was truly pleasant to listen.

The company separated at an early hour, each one apparently pleased and edified with the evening's ceremony.

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 4, January 1857, Page 111:

Officers of Washington Lodge, Roxbury, Mass.—

  • Sanford M.Hunt, W. Master
  • Charles F. Sleeper, S. Warden
  • John A. Emmons, J. Warden
  • Horatio G. Morse, Treasurer
  • Edward Holden, Secretary
  • Francis P. Babbit, S. Deacon
  • Elbridge G. Scott, J. Deacon
  • Robert Seaver, S. Steward
  • Robert W. Molineux, J. Steward
  • Willard Bullard, Jr., Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, APRIL 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 5, April 1864, Page 189:

DEDICATION OF A NEW HALL.

The new and beautiful Hall recently fitted up by Washington Lodge, in the neighboring city of Roxbury, was dedicated by the M. W. Grand Lodge on the evening of the 17th of March last, being the 69th anniversary of the organization of the Lodge. The occasion was one of more than usual interest, and we have rarely seen the simple ceremony of Dedication performed with more beauty and effectiveness. The Hall was filled to its utmost capacity by the Brethren and their ladies, and all, by their close and decorous attention, seemed to manifest a personal interest in what was passing before them.

The ceremonies commenced about 8 o'clock, and were conducted in the following order: -

  1. Reception of the Grand Lodge, which was largely represented by its officers, in their rich regalia;
  2. Solo and chorus, "Thou art our Father", which was beautifully rendered by a young lady, whose name we did not learn;
  3. Prayer by Rev. Bro. Dadmun, as Grand Chaplain;
  4. Opening Hymn, "Great Architect of Heave and Earth", in which the audience joined, by request of the Grand Master, and to the gratification of all present;
  5. Dedicatory Ceremonies, in which the fine Dedicatory Hymn, "Genius of Masonry Descend", was appropriately and effectively introduced;
  6. Address by the Grand Master, which was well conceived and admirably delivered.

If we were sure he would not hear us, we should say that it was one of the best of his many excellent official addresses. He was followed by the Rev. Bro. Dadmun, as the Orator of the evening, in a more set address, of great excellence and appropriateness. He spoke for about twenty minutes, to the great satisfaction of his large and attentive audience. The ceremonies in the Hall were then closed with the Anthem by the Choir, "Glory Be to God On High."

A procession was then formed, and the company repaired to the Banqueting Hall, where a rich and bountiful entertainment had been provided for their refreshment.

The Hall is one of the finest in the State, and is about 45 by 38 feet. It is nearly and richly furnished, and has the addition of an elegant rich toned organ of superior finish and workmanship. The decorations on the wall and ceiling are by Bro. L. Haberstroh, one of the best and most skillful frescoe painters in the city, and it does him great credit. The Banqueting Hall and ante-rooms are all of good size, convenient and well finished and furnished. There is not probably another Lodge in the State, and but few in the country, provided with so many appropriate and elegant working apartments. The Lodge was never in a more prosperous condition, and perhaps never in safer or more competent hands.

PRESENTATION, NOVEMBER 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVII, No. 2, December 1867, Page 64:

Presentation. — The members of Washington Lodge, Roxbury, at their regular meeting last month, presented to W. Brother Samuel Little, Esq., their retiring Master, a solid gold Past Master's jewel, of the finest, workmanship, and also a magnificent inlaid marble clock of the largest size, which was surmounted with a beautiful bronze figure of Minerva.

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVII, No. 2, December 1867, Page 64:

Officers of Washington Lodge, Roxbury.—

  • Br. John F. Newton, W. Master
  • Br. George Richards, S. Warden
  • Br. Joel Seaverns, J. Warden
  • W. Br. George Frost, S. Deacon
  • Br. R. G. Molineux, J. Deacon
  • Br. Geo. F. Davis, Secretary
  • Br. Robert W. Molineux, Treasurer
  • Br. D. W. Jones, S. Steward
  • Br. S. A. Bolster, J. Steward
  • Br. E. G. Scott, Tyler
  • Br. Edward Wise, Chaplain
  • Br. B. F. Ayers, Jr., I. Sentinel
  • W. Br. A. W. Folsom, Marshal
  • Br. R. H. Clouston, Jr., Organist

INSTALLATION, NOVEMBER 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, January 1869, Page 95:

W. Br. John F. Newton, W. Master; George Richards, Senior Warden; Joel Seaverns, Junior Warden; Robert W. Molineaux, Treasurer; George F. Davis, Secretary; Robert G. Molineaux, Senior Deacon; Solomon A. Bolster, Junior Deacon; Benjamin F. Ayers, jr., Senior Steward; Joseph Houghton, Junior Steward; Elbridge G. Scott, Tyler; Edward Wise, Chaplain ; Br. C. C. Dean, Marshal; L. B. Dutton, Inner Sentinel; H. Gerrish, organist.

The above named officers were duly installed at the communication held Nov. 12, by R.W. Cephas Brigham, D,D.G.M., of the Third Masonic District, assisted by a *delegation." At the conclusion of the exercises, the Lodge with the guests retired to the banquet hall, where a fine collation was in readiness.

Speeches, and singing by the choir, closed the evening's entertainment.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1803: District 1 (Boston)

1821: District 1

1835: District 1

1849: District 1

1858: District 12

1867: District 3 (Boston Highlands)

1883: District 4 (South Boston)

1911: District 4 (South Boston)

1927: District 4 (Roxbury)

1960: District 6 (Arlington)

2003: District 14


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges