StJohnC

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ST. JOHN'S LODGE (CHILE)

Location: Concepción, Chile

Chartered By: Abraham H. Howland, Jr.

Charter Date: 03/11/1885 1885-24

Precedence Date: 04/09/1884

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Isaac de Sola, 1885, 1886
  • James B. Heggie, 1887-1890
  • James Downie, 1891, 1892
  • John Pearcy, 1893, 1902
  • William C. Allen, 1894-1901
  • James Walls, 1903
  • John Pattillo, 1904
  • Joseph S. McDonald, 1905; Mem
  • William H. Elkin, 1906
  • William M. Keay, 1907, 1908
  • David C. James, 1909
  • William H. Elkin, 1910
  • Willie G. Brower, 1911, 1915
  • David C. James, 1912
  • Alexander Morrison, 1913, 1914
  • Charles H. Gee, 1916, 1917
  • John G. Middleton, 1918
  • Joseph S. McDonald, 1919, 1920
  • David C. James, 1921
  • David S. Loutit, 1922-1926, 1932
  • Robert Findlay, 1927
  • William Rothwell, 1928, 1929
  • Rupert Raby, 1930, 1931
  • Thomas A. Kidd, 1933, 1934
  • Sydney K. Raby, 1935, 1936, 1944
  • William Watson, 1937, 1938
  • Herbert Maxwell, 1939-1941, 1945, 1952
  • Henry Jolley, 1942, 1943
  • E. Patrick L. Metzner, 1946, 1947
  • J. Samuel Torregrosa, 1948, 1949
  • Henry R. S. Tullo, 1950, 1951
  • Kenneth D. Gemmell, 1953
  • John W. Bliss, 1954, 1955
  • Kenneth O. Pearson, 1956, 1957
  • Andrew Schuster, Jr., 1958, 1959
  • Herman Culler, 1960
  • John R. Cooke, 1961
  • Alfred Searle, 1962, 1963
  • Herman L. Culler, 1964, 1965
  • Vadim Demianenko, 1966, 1967, 1985, 1986
  • Marchant M. Eldridge, 1968
  • Victor R. Gomez, 1969, 1987, 1988
  • Hector R. Asencio, 1970-1974, 1977-1979
  • George W. Clemo, 1975, 1976
  • Eduardo Skewes, 1980, 1981
  • Ernst G. Nicoli, 1982-1984
  • Daniel Cerda, 1989-1992; PDDGM
  • Peter H. Ward, 1993
  • Kenneth A. Norris, 1994
  • Samuel E. Metzner, 1995-2000, 2007-2012
  • Carlos Smith, 2001-2004
  • Claudio Roa, 2005, 2006

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1884
  • Petition for Charter: 1885

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1885 1897 1899 1911 1916 1922 1936 1943 1950 1954

OTHER

  • 1939 (Correspondence regarding the Chile earthquake, 1939-247)
  • 1941 (Correspondence, 1941-348)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION AT THE LODGE HALL IN CONCEPCIÓN, SEPTEMBER 1909

From New England Craftsman, Vol. V, No. 2, November 1909, Page 37:

Concepcion_Temple.jpg

This magnificent Masonic Temple, erected during 1904 in Barros Arana St., Concepción — the southern Capital of the Republic of Chili — must be classed among the finest and most imposing buildings used by the Craft in South America.

Freemasonry in Concepción has made steady progress during the past quarter of a century. Although the early Lodges "La Estrella de Chili" (under Charter of the Grand Lodge of Peru, 1836), and "La Aurora de Chile" (under Charter of the Grand Orient of France, 1860), soon died out, Saint John's Lodge formed in March, 1885, by English-speaking Masons who secured a Charter from the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, continues to flourish, maintaining on its list of active members close upon one hundred Brethren, while the Chilian Lodge, "Paz y Concordia" (under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Chile), and the German Lodge. "Glück Auf" (Grand Lodge of Hamburg), are powerful and of far-reaching influence.

On the evening of Tuesday, September 7th, 1909, there was a great gathering of the Fraternity within this gorgeous Temple, the object of reunion being the Annual Installation of the Officers of Saint John's Lodge, and the fact that no less than twenty-six different Lodges working under the Jurisdiction of England, Scotland, Germany, Argentina. Chile and Peru were there represented is a striking witness to the prevalence of harmony and brotherly love, as well as to the strength of the Craft in the South of Chile.

The District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Bro. David Urquhart, conducted the ceremony in a most impressive manner, being ably assisted by Past Masters W. B. William Day (Grand Marshal), W. B. W. Murray Keay (Grand Senior Warden), and W. B. John Patillo (Grand Junior Warden).

On this occasion Past Master W. B. Revd. W. Henry Elkin was once again installed into the Chair of K. S. and during the Masonic year 1909-1910 he will be assisted by the following officers:

S. W.. Bro. W. G. Brower; J. W., Bro. T. McCrosson; Treas., Bro. J. T. Payne; Sec., Bro. R. Jarvis; Marshal, Bro. S. Matthews; S. D., Bro. C. H. Gee; J. D., Bro. J. McCullogh; S. S., Bro. H. W. Brown; J. S., Bro. C. F. Brown; Organist, Bro. C. L. Steel; Tyler, Bro. J. H. Kerr.

'The D. D. G. M., after admitting these officers into their respective stations, and delivering to each his charge, addressed the newly-installed Master, and stated that had it been possible for the M. W. Grand Master himself to be present, he would no doubt have drawn such designs upon the Trestle-board as would keep all good and true Masons very well occupied. As his substitute, however, instead of doing this, he would explain to the Brethren present "Certain Objections made to Freemasonry, and the value of its proper interpretation." This he accomplished in a most emphatic and convincing style — receiving the hearty thanks of his entire audience for so notable and instructive an exposition.

Having received back the Charter in perfect condition, he bestowed the Past Master's Diploma on the W. Bro. David James, and pinned upon his breast a magnificent Past Master's Jewel — the gift of the members of Saint John's Lodge, in token of their high appreciation for Masonic Duties wisely and nobly executed.

The W. Master, having thanked the numerous visiting Dignitaries and Brethren for their kindly greeting and expressions of hearty good-will towards Saint John's Lodge, read several telegrams of congratulation received—among which was one conveying the sincere good wishes of the Grand Master of Chilian Freemasonry —; and after demonstrating the proficiency of his Officers to the profound satisfaction of the D. D. G. M.. caused the Alms-bag to be circulated, and closed the Lodge in due and ancient form harmony prevailing.

A brief but animated interval ensued before the visitors were conducted by the Brethren to the banqueting hall — which was beautifully decorated and presented a magnificent spectacle. Here a very happy and enjoyable time was spent, the hours passing away almost imperceptibly under the genial influence of truly Masonic friendship and conviviality.

In proposing the first toast of the evening in honor of the "Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts," the W. M., Bro. Elkin, briefly reminded the Brethren, in an earnest and eloquent address, of the remarkable advantages and results of genuine Masonic Companionship, and with his usual power brought home most forcibly to the minds of all present the fact that doing good for the Order is not the outcome of mere sentiment but of Character. He bade them remember that the Epistle of Freemasonry to be read by the profane today must be written on the lives of those to whom we valuable tenets of our Order have been confided, and whose character and conduct, day by day, embodies and expresses in no uncertain way the priceless principles we have accepted.

DavidUrquhart1909.jpg
R. W. David Urquhart

This was what made Freemasonry such a tremendous power; and he was sure that they one and all would not fail to maintain the same high standard as heretofore for the honor of Freemasonry in general and Saint John's Lodge in particular. After a touching reference to his worthy friend and Colleague, P. M., Revd. Frank Thompson who had installed him as W. M. five years before, he proposed in felicitous terms the toast of the Grand Lodge so ably represented by R. W., Bro. David Urquhart who had performed the same office on his behalf that evening, and whose presence among them was doubly welcome inasmuch as his trip to Europe had prevented him from attending last year, when they all knew what a warm corner he had in his heart for them, and could rest assured that under his guidance and counsel Saint John's Lodge would lose nothing of its former splendour. This toast was most enthusiastically honored.

The D. D. G. M. in reply made a most thrilling speech which fairly electrified the Brethren. He caused great amusement when he mentioned how he had mightily astonished several good Masons in other lands, whose geography was rather defective and whose ideas about Freemasonry in Chile were deliciously peculiar. But the climax was reached when he announced that he had securely nailed the printed List of Officers and Brethren of Saint John's Lodge, Concepción, upon the walls of that celebrated Lodge in bonnie Scotland where Robbie Burns had been made a Mason. There being a considerable number of loyal Brother Scots present this information provoked indescribable enthusiasm, during which the toast of the "Worshipful Master and Officers" was given with musical honors.

Other toasts followed in quick succession: "The Grand Lodge of Chile" proposed by P. M., Bro. Wm. Day was received with the Chilian National Anthem. "The Grand Lodge of Hamburg," accompanied by the National Hymn of Germany, was offered by P. M., Bro. David James, while the strains of "God Save the King," made the hall re-echo as P. M. Bro. W. M. Keay rose and gave "The Grand Lodge of England." P. M. Bro. John Patillo evoked unbounded hilarity with his humorous introduction, inviting the company to rise and honor the "Visiting Brethren" with the usual honors, and S. W. Bro. W. Brower in submitting the toast, "The Past Masters" made several excellent remarks which were very highly appreciated.

Concepcion_DiningHall.jpg

Owing perchance to the genial influence prevailing or perchance by design, a most amusing incident occurred during the festivities, the W. M. of the German Lodge "Glück Auf" unwittingly responded on behalf of the Chilian Brethren of Paz y Concordia Lodge — an unexpected kindness which the Chilian W. M. lost no time in reciprocating; but confessing his inability to speak German and his utter ignorance of Esperanto, he returned the compliment with interest on behalf of the Brethren from the Vaterland in the choicest vernacular.

Acting upon a happy inspiration it was next proposed that the Craft, assembled round the festive board should empty all that remained in their pockets towards helping the Masonic School established at Valparaiso, in which noble Institution R. W. Bro. Urquhart is so deeply interested and over which he presides with such self-sacrificing efforts. This the W. M., Bro. Elkin was only too delighted to sanction, the Illustrious Delegate of the Grand Lodge of Chile and the W. M. of "Glück Auf" kindly volunteering to act as Stewards in so worthy a cause. The sum of $220 was quickly harvested, and a few heart-stirring 
words of thanks from the D. D. G. M. made everyone feel happier than before just by proving the truth of the 
Sacred Monition "It is better to give than to receive."

Yet another unlooked for surprise was forthcoming, all the Chilian and German Brethren rising and singing in the good old English style "For he's a Jolly Good fellow," which caused the W. M. of Saint John's Lodge to remark, amid hearty laughter, that if this sort of thing were going to continue we
should have to adopt that time-honored ditty as the Masonic Nationa; Anthem.

The musical part of the Festival followed, being admirably rendered by Bros. Steel, Lawford, Wrigley, Stafford, Jarvis and others, until the united rendering of "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very pleasant and enjoyable evening to a close.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1910

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VI, No. 3, December 1910, Page 100:

Concepcion_TempleExterior.jpg

The brethren of St. John's Lodge had again the pleasure of welcoming D. D. G. M., R. W. Bro. David Urquhart at the Installation of Officers elected for the year 1910-1911.

On being received in the East and receiving possession of the gavel and charter the D. D. G, M. installed W. Bro. P. M. D. C. James as W. M., in his usual impressive manner, proceeding with the following Officers: S. W., Bro. A. Morrison; J. W., Bro. C. H. Gee; Secretary, Bro. J. H. Stafford; Treasurer, Bro. S. J. Mathews; Marshal, Bro. C. H. Cearns; S. D., Bro. J. J. Scott; J. D., Bro. J. H. Kerr; S. S., Bro. C. F. Brown; J. S., Bro. J. Collinson; Tyler, Bro. S. S. Torrance.

The D. D. G. M. then addressed the Brethren individually and generally on their duties in respect to St. John's Lodge of Freemasonry. During the ceremony a welcome interruption arose in the arrival of R. W. Bro. Nemesio Basso acting as Special Delegate on behalf of the G. L. of Chile.

W. B. James arose to thank the D. D. G. M.. and in a few words of retrospect recalled the losses suffered by the Lodge during the past year through the death of four members, including that of W. M., W. B. W. H. Elkin, P. M., whose loss they had found irreparable. He also thanked the visiting brethren for their presence and offered through them the fraternal greetings of St. John's Lodge to their respective Lodges.

W. Bro. Koster and W. Bro. Cardenas then tendered in felicitous language the congratulations of their respective Lodges, and R. W. B. Basso conveyed the assurance of fraternal good wishes from the M. W. G. M. of the G. L. of Chile. W. Bro. James drew attention to the fact that the Lodge was favored with a visit from W. B. E. Serra who had come to this country with the Italian Cruiser Etruria in celebration of the Chilian Centenary, and asked him to convey the fraternal regard of St. John's to his Lodge.

W. Bro. Serra responded in musical Italian which could readily he followed by the "Spanish understanding" members, and there being nothing further offered the W. M. then informed the Brethren that they made it a custom on the visit of our D. D. G. M. to give a subscription for the benefit of Blas Cuevas School which he has presided over for so many years and which gives a free education to upwards of 250 scholars — the sum of $62.00 was subscribed for this object.

The Lodge was then closed with due observance of our ancient forms and ceremonies.

The Brethren then adjourned to the Banquet Room where a welcome repast awaited,
but in sympathy with the National mourning at the recent deaths of the President and Vice-President, the musical part of the programme had to he eliminated and the usual toasts were proposed and responded to with what enthusiasm could be raised under the circumstances, the intervals being spent in discussions and comparison of matters Masonic, we hope to the mutual benefit of all.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1912

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VIII, No. 2, November 1912, Page 41:

There are no doubt many loyal lodges in Massachusetts who go on in the regular performance of their business year after year whose officers never think of making any formal expression of loyalty to Grand Lodge or Grand Master, not that it is not in their heart, but, because they are so close to both, that like the members of a family they have not felt the need of saying what should be shown by their conduct. With a distant lodge the conditions are different as will be seen in the following notice of the installation of the officers of St. John's Lodge, of Concepción, Chile, where the first toast given was to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and Grand Master Benton. This custom is characteristic of all the lodges of Chile that are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

There is no official of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts who is more zealous in loyalty to Massachusetts than District Deputy Grand Master David Urquhart who looks after the interests of the three lodges in Chile that are under his charge.

The annual Installation of Officers of St. John's Lodge, Conception, Chile, took place on the evening of September 7th, in presence of a large number of members and visitors. After the lodge was opened, an Official Delegation from the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Chile, composed of R. W. Bros. Concha and Armstrong, were received in due form, followed by commissions from the following lodges: "Paz and Concordia," "Gluck Auf," of Concepción; "Caupolican," of Talcahuano; "Harmony," "Bethesda," of Valparaiso, and "Pioneer," of Iquique.

Right Worshipful David Urquhart, D. D. G. M., Chile, M. Dist., accompanied by W. David C. James as D. G. Marshal, pro tem, and suite, was announced and received in due and ancient form, after filling the principal offices of the lodge with members of his suite. He then proceeded to install the officers elected for ensuing Masonic year, which were as follows:

W. M., Bro. Alexander Morrison; S. W., Bro. Fred Mekis; J. W., Bro, John Anderson; Treas., Bro. Robert Jarvis; Sec, Bro. Chas. H. Gee; Mar., Bro. S. J. Mathews; S. D., Bro. W. H. Cearns; J. D., Bro. G. Simmons; S. S., Bro. Chas. Brown; J. S., Bro. J. H. Kerr; Tyler, Bro. J. H. Rogers.

The W. M. then in suitable and cordial terms thanked the D. D. G. M. for his attendance and through him the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Mass., also the Delegates from the Grand Lodge of Chile for the honor done to St. John's Lodge by their presence that evening, and to> the other visitors, the fraternal greetings to their respective lodges. He also specially thanked the Rev. Bro. C. H. Hodgson for his official services that evening. The D. D. replied and gave a short but comprehensive address on Masonry which was heartily received.

The W. M. informed the Brethren that the contents of the poor box would be handed over to our D. D. as President of "Bias Cuevas School," he being as every one knows an ever ready and enthusiastic supporter of this Institution which is mainly supported by Masons and is doing a good work amongst the poor of any and all denominations and countries, the only qualification being their need. It has saved many from moral and physical death and turned out good citizens for Chile. The lodge was then closed in due form, harmony prevailing.

The Brethren then adjourned to the dining room where a nice banquet was laid and done justice to. The toast of the evening, the M. W. the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and its Grand Master, M. W. Everett C. Benton, was given by the W. M. and responded to by the District Deputy, who in eloquent terms praised the present Grand Master as being a hard worker in the cause of Freemasonry. R. W. Bro. Urquhart then proposed the toast of the W. M. and Officers, imparting much good advice and encouragement, interspersed by rac anecdotes with a moral of which he i an adept.

The other toasts were given in felicitous terms and replied to mos cordially. There was also vocal and instrumental music which was enjoyed by all and gave the banquet a further zest, providing not only food for the body but also for the mind leavened by that harmonious blend of wit and song so necessary to the full enjoyment of living. A most enjoyable feast was closed in which harmony and brotherly love was reflected in every face and action by singing Auld Lang Syne.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1914

From New England Craftsman, Vol. X, No. 4, January 1915, Page 125:

WillieGBrower.jpg
Willie G. Brower, Worshipful Master

On Monday evening, September 7th, the Installation of Officers took place in the Masonic Temple Calle Barros Arana which was decorated with evergreens for the occasion. In the unavoidable absence of our District Deputy Grand Master R. Wor. David Urquhart, the imposing ceremony was performed by Wor. William Day assisted by Charles H. Gee, as Marshal. The following were the officers installed: Wor. Willie G. Brower, W. M.; William H. Cearns, S. W.; Robert Jarvis, J. W.; Charles W. Brown, Treas.; T. Oliver Moore, Secy.; Frederick W. Young, Mar.; George Simmonds, S. D.; Charles Weber, J. D.; Albert E. Jones, S. S.; Benjamin Giles, J. S.; Frederick W. Mekis, Tyler.

After the Installation ceremony was finished the W. M. thanked the Installing Officer for the able manner he had conducted the Ceremony, in the absence of our D. D., and he only expressed the feeling of all the brethren when he said that we felt a want in not seeing the smiling face of our D. D. amongst us and hear his words of counsel that he always imparts to us on his official visits, the Lodge was then closed, the brethren then retired to t*he Banqueting Hall where a light supper was served, the W. M. then proposed the toast of the evening, "To the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and their Grand Master, Melvin M. Johnson," coupled with the name of his representative that evening, Wor. W. Day, who speaking as an American of his beloved country and one of its Brightest Institutions remarking that it was seldom so far away from the "Hub of the Universe" that an American installed an American in the chair of King Solomon, as had been done this evening. Visiting brethren from the Grand Lodge of Chile and her Lodges meeting here, Talcahuano and Coronel, also brethren from German Lodge, who one and all spoke of the good work done by St. John's Lodge in Concepción and the harmony that prevailed amongst the various Lodges meeting here. Songs and speeches continued until one A M., all retiring after singing the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1916

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XII, No. 2, November 1916, Page 50:

The installation of Officers of St. John's Lodge is always an occasion to which the brethren in the far south look forward, many coming long distances to attend; but this year there was an additional inducement, as their District Grand Master was to appear in person, to hold a District Grand Lodge and to preside at the ceremony of installation.

Notice having been received that he had left Valparaiso, en route for the south, the train in which he was journeying being timed to arrive in Concepción at 9 a. m. on the 9th of September, the commission appointed to receive him on his arrival were caused considerable anxiety on learning that an accident had occurred during the night, and that no definite word could be obtained as to when the train would reach its destination. However, at about mid-day advice was received to the effect that the train might be expected to reach Concepción between 6 and 7 p. m. This information proved to be well founded, for at 6.40 p.m. the commission had the pleasure of welcoming the D. G. M., finding him hale and hearty, after having been held up for some ten hours on the line, the journey from Valparaiso to Concepcion having been accomplished in 36 1/2 hours. Having been conducted to his hotel, arrangements were made for an automobile to convey him to the Lodge, which was reached at 8.45 p. m. Very shortly after a District Grand Lodge was opened and the following officers were installed:

Wor. Wm. Day, D. G. Marshal; Wor. D. C. James, D. G. J. D.; Wor. Willie G. Brower, D. G. J. S.; Wor. Charles H. Gee, D. G. Pursuivant.

The D. G. M. then referred to the duties of the newly installed officers, after which the D. G. Lodge was closed in due form, and the D. G. M. having retired the W. M. of St. John's Lodge opened his Lodge and received the visiting Brethren and Commissions from the several local Chilean Lodges, there being present representatives from the Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Grand Lodge of Chile.

The W. M. then informed the brethren that the D. G. M. was in the ante-room, with his suite, and directed the Marshal, accompanied by the Deacons, to repair to the ante-room, and to inform the D. G. M. and his suite that St. John's Lodge was prepared to receive them. They then entered the Lodge, being announced by the District Grand Marshal, and were received with the honors due to their rank, and the D. G. M. took the East and appointed the members of his suite to occupy the West and South, and the Secretary's and Marshal's stations, and proceeded to install the following officers elected for the ensuing Masonic year.

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Wor. Charles H. Gee

Wor. Charles H. Gee, D. G. P., W. M.; William H. Cearns, S. W.; Charles F. Brown, J. W.; John G. Middleton, Treasurer; William E. F. Jones, Secretary; Wor. David C. James, D. G. J. D., Chaplain; Samuel Mathews, Marshal; Albert E. Jones, S. D.; Benjamin Giles, J. D.; Thomas E. Smith, S. S.; James S. Cumming, J. S.; Joseph D. Bullemer, Tyler.

These officers having been duly installed, the W. M. thanked the D. G. M. for the imposing manner in which he had carried out the ceremony of installation, and all rose to accord him the public honors. The D. G. M. replied in a neat and telling speech, expressing the pleasure it always afforded him to come amongst the brethren of St. John's Lodge. He also spoke in Spanish thanking the Chilean P. Ms. and brethren for their kindness in assisting at the meeting. The Masters of the Chilean Lodges responded for their respective lodges, saying how gratified they were to meet our distinguished D. G. M., who had received the highest honor that could be conferred upon any brother outside of Massachusetts.

This brought the ceremony to a close, and the lodge having been closed in due and ancient form, the brethren repaired to the Banquet Hall, where an excellent repast was served. After doing ample justice to the good things set before them, the W. M. proposed the toast of the evening, namely that of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and of its D. G. M.

On R. W. Bro. Urquhart responding he drew attention to the fact that he was representing one of the most Illustrious Grand Masters that had ever ruled the destinies of the G. L. of Massachusetts, and said that those who had followed his work for the last two years, and had read accounts of the Grand Lodge proceedings, Would no doubt agree with him. He also referred to the valuable assistance that had been rendered him by the Grand Secretary in connection with the work in the Chile District and also to the fact that the brethren of St. John's Lodge should feel honored in having as their proxy to Grand Lodge Wor. Wm. S. Heath, a P. M. of St. John's Lodge of Boston.

The toast of the Grand Lodge of Chile was given by Wor. Wm. Day, D. G. Marshal, who in a few well chosen remarks alluded to the good feeling existing between the Chilean Lodges and St. John's. The brethren then rose and sang the first verse of the Chilean National anthem. On behalf of the native lodges the Masters of Fraternidad No. 2 & Paz & Concordia No. 13 responded. Bro. Concha the W. M. of Paz & Concordia in the course of a stirring speech referred to the brotherly love that existed among them and alluded to the good work done by the Massachusetts brethren, and he also referred to the Bias Cuevas School, of which the D. G. M. R. W. Bro. Urquhart is the president, and said it was an example of what foreign brethren could do in the cause of Freemasonry in Chile in educating the masses, and remarked that he was glad that the sum of $81.00 had been collected at the meeting to assist this benevolent Institution.

The W. M. of Esmeralda Lodge No. 30, working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Chile, then presented an illuminated Diploma to the D. G. M., he having been elected an honorary member of that Lodge, and said that he hoped that the fraternal feelings existing between the lodges meeting in Concepcion would continue to prevail in the future as in the past.

Wor. D. C. James P. M., then rose and paid a high tribute to the retiring Master and Officers for the efficient work they had done in the past year. At the drinking of this toast the brethren sang "For they are jolly good fellows." Other toasts were proposed and responded to, interspersed by a musical entertainment, Bros. Pearcy, Smith and McGee being especially appreciated.

The meeting closed at 2 a. m., the brethren joining in singing the National anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

INSTALLATION, SEPTEMBER 1917

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIII, No. 4, January 1918, Page 120:

The annual ceremony of installation took place recently at Concepcion, Chile, under the direction and auspices of R. W. Dist. Gr. Master David Urquhart, who had journeyed from Valparaiso in person to honor the youngest lodge under his jurisdiction with his ever welcome presence. Mindful of the unpleasant experience sustained on the previous occasion on which he visited Concepcion when he was obliged to pass some 36 hours in the train, the D. G. M. decided to avail himself of a convenient steamer, reaching the Port of Talcahuano without mishap. He was there received by representatives of "Caupolican" Lodge, Grand Lodge of Chile, who placed a steam launch at his disposal, After landing he was escorted to the electric car for Concepcion, there being met by a commission from St. John's Lodge, who saw him comfortably lodged in the Hotel Medici, being visited during the afternoon by many of his old friends. During the following day he was busy with W. M. examining the books of the Lodge. In the evening he was conducted to the Temple where he opened a Dist. Gr. Lodge when Wor. Alexander Morrison was installed as D. G. J. S. Wor. W. G. Brower, retiring, the ceremony was carried out in a most impressive manner by the Dist. Gr. Master who, after some appropriate remarks to the brethren present, closed the lodge in due form.

At 9.15 p. m. the W. M. opened the lodge and received commissions from Chilean Lodges, and representatives from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and England and other brethren from lodges across the seas. The District Grand Master was then received with his "Suite" composed of the following: P. M. M. James, Brower, Morrison, Concha and Pardow, the two last being Chilian Past Masters. They were introduced to the strains of martial music headed by the Standard Bearer carrying the American flag, this being the first time the flag had been carried into an open lodge, it caused a pleasant sensation amongst the brethren. The D. G. M. took the East and placed the members of his "Suite" in their respective stations and proceeded to install the following officers: John Gregory Middleton, W. M.; A. E. Jones, S. W.; T. O. Moore, J. W.; F. Pearcy, Treasurer; D. S. Loutit, Secretary; Wor. D. C. James, Chaplain; Samuel Mathews, Marshal; C. G. Cowan, S. D.; T. E. Smith, J. D.; J. S. Cummings, S. S.: J. W. Bennet, J. S.: A. T. Hamer, Tyler, previous to which however on receiving the
Charter from the retiring Master, Wor. Charles H. Gee, he presented him with a P. M. M. Jewel, beautifully wrought in fine gold, on behalf of the members of St. John's Lodge,
as a token of the esteem in which they hold him and a small recognition of his two years' arduous labors, the D. G. M. expressing the sentiments of the lodge in heartfelt phrases.

GRAND LODGE 250TH CELEBRATION, 1983-1984

From TROWEL, April 1984, Page 25:

SAINT JOHN'S (CHILE) CELEBRATES

The 250th Anniversary celebrations of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts reached all the way to Chile where, in July, Saint John's (1884) Lodge hosted a festival that included representatives of the Grand Lodge of Chile (1862).

Worshipful Ernst G. Nicolai, Master of Saint John's Lodge at Concepción, received cordial greetings from Most Worshipful J. Philip Berquist. Letters about the celebration and a book from the Grand Lodge of Chile were sent to Right Worshipful Norman A. Ray, Honorary Member of Saint John's Lodge and a Past Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Brother Nicolai informed us that the celebrations began July 5 and were culminated July 11 when the commemorative meeting and dinner were held. The District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Chile and the Masters of Lodge Fraternidad No. 2, Paz y Concordia No. 13, Lautaro No. 58, Accion No. 66, and Goethe No. 91 (German-speaking) were all in attendance. Brethren from other Lodges were also present.

A history of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge written by Right Worshipful Earl W. Taylor (Grand Secretary 1952-68) — "who occupies the Eternal East with distinction," wrote Brother Nicolai — was read to. the gathering in English and then translated for the Spanish-speaking Brethren.

Right Worshipful Robert H. Hartley, District Deputy Grand Master of the Taunton 28th and the Spanish interpreter for our Grand Lodge, translated into English the historical tribute to our Grand Lodge that had been printed in the Revista Masonica de Chile, plus some comments by Worshipful Brother Nicolai. An editorial comment reads as follows:

"The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts, as outlined in the preceding interesting contribution, deserves the title of the founder of the Order in the United States of America. It should be emphasized that it was founded when even the United Grand Lodge of England could not achieve the unity that the Historic and Fraternal Embrace of 1813 established.

"The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was the first to recognize the Independent Symbolic High Power of the Grand Lodge of Chile, shortly after its founding (1862), which gave it unanimous solvency within the breast of Universal Freemasonry. We express our appreciation and our unity in the fraternal and public rejoicing with those that celebrated their 250 years of existence." </blockquoe>

The copy of the Revista Masonica de Chile and the correspondence of Most Worshipful J. Philip Berquist, Right Worshipfuls Norman A. Ray, Robert H. Hartley, and Worshipful Ernst G. Nicolai have been placed in the Grand Lodge library, located on the third floor of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1884: Chile District

1911: Chile District

1927: Chile District

2003: Chile District

2011: Panama District


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Massachusetts Lodges