Washington

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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)
  • 1996 (200th Anniversary History, 1996-24)

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1946

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.

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

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

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