Central
Contents
CENTRAL LODGE
Location: Dudley
Chartered By: John Soley
Charter Date: 03/14/1827 IV-81
Precedence Date: 03/12/1826
Current Status: unknown
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
OTHER
- 1827 (Constitution of lodge, IV-126)
ø Charter surrendered 06/11/1834
EVENTS
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, JUNE 1830
From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. 2, No. 2, July 10, 1830, Page 11:
From the Southbridge Register.
The anniversary of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, was celebrated at Dudley, on the 24th ult. under circumstances peculiarly interesting to the Fraternity. The exercises of the occasion were under the direction of the Central Lodge, aided by a great number of Masons present from the Lodges in the vicinity. There were also present a large concourse of spectators, apparently willing to testify their respect for an ancient and much abused Institution, which has for its object to make men more charitable, generous and humane. The exercises at the Meeting house were a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Goodwin, of the Episcopal Church, East Sutton, and an excellent address by the Rev. Mr. Colton, of Monson Academy. It is announced with great pleasure that it will be published.
After the exercises at the Meeting house, a large company of Gentlemen and Ladies consisting of about three hundred, sat down to a dinner served up in a beautiful bower by Wm. Winsor, Esq. Col. Alexander DeWitt presided at the table, and after the cloth had been removed, the following sentiments were announced.
- 1st. The day we celebrate - May it admonish us to cultivate peace and good will towards men - a maxim so forcibly taught and exemplified by him in honor of whom we commemorate this day.
- 2d. The Masonic Institution - Like a well Keyed Arch, it gathers strength and compactness, from the intensity of pressure which surrounds it.
- 3d. Freemasonry and Religion - Both well calculated to render all who live agreeably to the precepts they enjoin, better, happier and more useful to their fellow men.
- 4th. Freemasonry - By its aid, science survived the grand wreck of intellect during the dark ages. May its guardianship never be withdrawn.
- 5th. Our Country - May its altars never be polluted by a practical illustration of a leading Antimasonic principle - "pardon, and future affluence to State convicts, on condition that they commit perjury."
- 6th. Ancient Masonry - Though frequently assailed by the storms of envy and prejudice - like the Oak it increases strength with age.
- 7th. Freemasons - May they come forth from the present Antimasonic excitement, like the three who withstood the fiery furnace - without even a bad smell on their garments.
- 8th. Unity and Discord - May they never meet, until the latter becomes a proselyte to the former.
- 9th. The Memories of Washington and Warren - Foremost alike in repelling the foes of their Country, and in cultivating the Masonic arts of peace.
- 10th. Seceders - Ephraim is joined to his Idols, let him alone.
- 11th. Antimasonry - Like the car of juggernaut, it destroys its own votaries.
- 12th. Our Masonic Brethren throughout the world - Whilst they practice upon the principles of our order, they shall enjoy the highest meed which earth bestows on virtuous actions - "a self approving conscience.
- 13th. The Ladies who adorn and honor our festival - May Masons appreciate their worth and deserve their approbation.
A great number of volunteer sentiments were given on the occasion, evincing the good sense and good feelings of the company.
NOTES
Rev. Goodwin was probably Rev. Hersey Bradford Goodwin, who was made a co-pastor with Rev. Ezra Ripley at the Congregational Society in Concord, MA in February 1830; the following sermon and charge were presented at that time.
Rev. Mr. Colton of Monson Academy was Simeon Colton, one of the earliest instructors of that institution. He was raised in Thomas Lodge in 1819; he appears in the Centennial History on Page 1896-410 as follows:
Dr. Colton was a native of Longmeadow, a graduate of Yale in 1806, settled over the church in Palmer in 1811, dismissed in 1821, after which he was for some years the principal of Monson Academy, a teacher in North Carolina, and later president of Clinton College, Mississippi. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him in 1846. He died at Ashborough, N.C., December, 1868. He was a man of much enterprise and of scholarly attainments. Dr. Colton often officiated as chaplain of the Lodge, and took much interest in the work.
Alexander De Witt (1798-1879) was a textile manufacturer from Oxford who at this time had just been elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He later served briefly in the U.S. Congress.
