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JOHN ABBOT LODGE

Location: Somerville

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 09/08/1858 VI-190

Precedence Date: 10/21/1857

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge to form John Abbot-Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge, 10/02/2001.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1857
• Petition for Charter: 1858
• Consolidation Petition (with Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge): 2001

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1907 (50th Anniversary)
• 1932 (75th Anniversary)
• 1957 (Centenary)

• 2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1858 (Heard; Constitution of Lodge and installation, hall dedication)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1888 (Endicott; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1891 (Wells)
• 1892 (Wells)
• 1896 (Holmes)
• 1898 (Hutchinson)
• 1902 (Gallagher)
• 1906 (Blake)
• 1907 (Blake; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1913 (Benton)
• 1914 (M. Johnson)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1917 (L. Abbott; Members' Night)
• 1918 (L. Abbott; Members' Night)
• 1919 (L. Abbott)
• 1928 (Simpson; Members' Night)
• 1929 (H. Dean)
• 1932 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1937 (Allen)
• 1940 (Perry; Veterans' Night)
• 1948 (Keith; reception for Deputy Grand Master Hamilton)
• 1957 (A. Jenkins; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1987 (Ames)
• 2001 (Bauer; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1880 1887 1888 1896 1897 1905 1909 1910 1911 1912 1919 1920 1921 1924 1926 1932 1938 1940 1947 1950 1963 1966 1970 1971 1972 1987

HISTORY

• 1888 (Historical address at hall dedication, 1888-230)
• 1932 (75th Anniversary History, 1932-179)
• 1957 (Centenary History, 1957-139)

OTHER

• 1886 (Appeal from ruling by Master; 1886-57; 1886-103)
• 1887 (Appeal by lodge; 1887-27)
• 1888 (Dedication of hall, 1888-228)
• 1908 (Dedication of monument, 1908-50)

EVENTS

MASONIC LEVEE, APRIL 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 7, Page 200:

Somerville, April 16th, 1858.

R. W. Bro. Moore, — On Tuesday, the 13th inst., the members of John Abbot Lodge, and those about connecting themselves with the Order through this Lodge, had, with their families, a social gathering in the Hall immediately under their Lodge-room, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion by flags of different nations, to denote the universality of Freemasonry, and embellished by portraits of eminent Masons—conspicuous among which was that of M. W. G. M. John Abbot, in honor of whom the Lodge is called John Abbot Lodge. A promenade to the music of a fine band, while the guests were collecting, served to introduce those not previously acquainted with each other; and after enjoying themselves for an hour or more in dancing, the company adjourned to the Lodge-room and listened to an address upon the origin, character and design of Freemasonry, by Brother John K. Hall, a member of the Lodge, which was intended as a familiar conversation, in a family gathering, upon the interest which the female portion should take in the work in which the Brethren are engaged; and the undivided attention which they gave throughout, must have convinced the lecturer that his remarks were duly appreciated, or that his audience had an uncommon share of politeness, which induced them to remain so quiet for three quarters of an hour, apparently deeply interested, rather than exhibit the least sign of impatience.

After the lecture, the company again repaired to the lower Hall, where a very bountiful display of refreshments, prepared by Brother F. L. Raymond, attracted their attention for some time, when the dancing was again resumed.

At the conclusion, the party separated, highly pleased with the evening's entertainment. It was, in fact, a very beautiful feature of our Institution, and one which should oftener be carried into effect, that of bringing the families of the Brethren together in this, social and familiar manner, and thus extend those principles of our Order, Brotherly Love and Union; for as our Masonic Fathers purchased by their blood the glorious privileges enjoyed by the sons, let them by the cement of Brotherly Love, preserve and perpetuate them; and woman's smile illumining the recesses of our Lodge-rooms, calls our weary workmen from labor to refreshment. Somerville Lodge, though the youngest among her Masonic sisters, shows her appreciation of the old landmarks of the Order by selecting the name of John Abbot, who was one of the brightest ornaments of our Order; and may their Temple of Freemasonry, erected upon his name for their corner-stone, be as imperishable as the Monument on Bunker Hill whose corner-stone he laid while Grand Master of Massachusetts.

CONSTITUTION, SEPTEMBER 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 12, Page 357:

This new and flourishing Lodge, which, during the past year, has been working under a Dispensation, having obtained a Charter at the recent meeting of the Grand Lodge, was constituted in due form, at Somerville, on Tuesday evening, September 13th, by the M. W. Grand Master; after which the officers were installed and the hall, which is a very neat and convenient one, dedicated according to ancient usage. The ceremonies were of an interesting character, and were witnessed by a large number of visiting Brethren. The excellent Odes sung on the occasion were written at short notice by the new W. Master, Brother John K. Hall. They were sung in a superior manner, and gave the highest satisfaction to all present. We give the principal ones,—reserving the other two for a more convenient occasion :—

CONSECRATION ODE. Tune—" America."

To him who dwells above,
Relying on his love,
Our prayers we'll raise;
Bless this, our work to-night,
Guide us in paths aright,
And let us all unite,
To hymn thy praise.

Us with thy presence cheer,
And to our hearts draw near,
When here we meet;
Let Faith our footsteps guide,
And Hope in us abide:
May Charity reside
With willing feet.

Corn, Wine and Oil combine
To consecrate the shrine,
We raise to thee;
May this, our Temple stand,
Till Brothers hand in hand,
Unite our glorious land,
From sea to sea.

Then let John Abbot's name,
Kindle a worthy flame
Within our breasts;
His memory cherished there,
May we his virtues share,
And for that Lodge prepare,
Where now he rests.

INSTALLATION ODE. Tune.—"Bonnie Doon"

Great God I to-night within this hall,
We consecrate our Lodge to thee;
And may thy blessings on them fall,
Who at our Altar bend the knee;
May Wisdom from-our Last e'er flow,
And Strength sustain it in the West;
The South with radiant Beauty glow,
And animate each Brother's breast.

O may our union here be blest,
While by the Plumb we walk upright,
Still mindful of that high behest,
To guide a Brother's steps aright;
And though his actions by the Square
Imperfect prove, where none are true,
Let Charity his frailties spare,
But hold his virtues up to view.

The Bible always for our guide,
We ne'er shall err, or go astray;
If by its precepts we abide,
On us shall dawn that perfect day;
And when like him, whose name we bear,
Our task well finished here on earth,
May we with Abbot glory share,
In that Grand Lodge of heavenly birth.

The officers installed were Brothers John K. Hall, W. M.; Joel F. Thayer, S. W.; James R. Bugbee, J. W.; Thomas J. Leland, Treasurer, and Charles E. Gilman, Secretary.

PRESENTATION, MAY 1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 8, June 1859, Page 229:

Somerville, May 12th 1859.

R. W. Bro. Moore — As you take pleasure in recording any little event which evinces a true Masonic feeling, and in which our beautiful principles of brotherly love and affection are manifested, I send yon an account of a one which took place at the Howard Theatre, in Boston, on the evening of the sixth inst. The occasion was the benefit of Brother Joseph Proctor, previous to bis departure for Europe. Bro. Proctor is well known and appreciated as an artist in his profession, and by his upright and exemplary character in private life, has won the esteem and regard of his fellow-citizens, who availed themselves of this opportunity to publicly express their approbation by presenting to him a very beautiful and costly silver Pitcher, — and to Mrs. Proctor, whom they also highly esteem, a valuable Bracelet.

John Abbot Lodge, of Somerville, of which Brother Proctor is a worthy member, was very fully represented on this occasion; and on the presentation of the Pitcher, to which they had individually contributed, they presented him with a very beautiful Bouquet, to which was attached the following lines, written by W. Brother John K. Hall, Master of the Lodge:—

TO BROTHER JOSEPH PROCTOR:

Though you to foreign lands will hie,
Pursuing fortune's slidd'ry be',
Your Brethren of the mystic tie
Will mind you still tho' far awa'.

And as we meet in that loved spot,
Where we so oft have met before,
Thy memory ne'er will be forgot,
But cherish'd still tho' far awa'.

These flowers will fade, whose tints now please;
But yet the heart shall hold in store
Their fragrance, which the passing breeze,
Shall waft to thee, when far awa'.

And when in some far clime you roam,
Let mem'ry from her sacred store,
Bring thoughts of those you 've left at home,
And of your Lodge that's far awa'.

HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 2, December 1868, Page 229:

The members of the John Abbot Lodge of Freemasons met for the first time In their new hall In Union Square, on the evening of the 27th nit, when the annual visitation of R. W. Henry Endicott, District Deputy Grand Master, and accompanying suite, took place. There was a very lull attendance, and many visiting brethren from other lodges were present. The convenience and elegance of the new hall were much admired, especially the beautiful frescoes executed by Messrs. Wallburg and Sherry, of this city, the perspectives and scroll work exhibiting admirable skill. The new hall will be dedicated, and the officers for the ensuing year installed on the evening of December 15.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Selwyn Z. Bowman, DDGM, District 2 (Charlestown), 1878; Memorial
• Donald W. Carriger, Jr., DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1995, 1996
• Thomas M. Durell, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1893, 1894; SN
• Eugene B. Hamilton, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1939, 1940; Deputy Grand Master 1948; N
• John K. Hall, DDGM, District 11, 1861-1863; SN
• Irving E. Johansen, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1979, 1980
• Frank W. Kaan, Senior Grand Warden 1898; N
• Frank W. Mead, Grand Marshal 1902-1905, Senior Grand Warden 1906
• Seward E. Nichols, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1943, 1944; N
• Michael S. Podymaitis, DDGM, District 3, 2003, 2004
• Charles W. Shepherd, Jr., DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1967, 1968; SN
• Frederic E. Wood, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1906, 1907; N
• Robert W. Young, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1949, 1950; N

DISTRICTS

1857: District 11

1867: District 2 (Charlestown)

1883: District 6 (Somerville)

1911: District 6 (Somerville)

1927: District 6 (Arlington)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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