AncientLandmark

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ANCIENT LANDMARK LODGE (SHANGHAI)

Location: Shanghai, China

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 03/09/1865 VII-2

Precedence Date: 12/15/1863

Current Status:

MA_AncientLandmark.jpg


PAST MASTERS

  • Charles E. Hill, 1863-1866
  • Burge Rawle Lewis, 1867, 1868
  • 1869-1877?
  • DeWitt C. Jansen, 1878, 1879; Mem
  • N. P. Anderson, 1880
  • F. W. Galles, 1881-1883
  • George Lowdey Skinner, 1884-1886
  • Artemas Webster, 1887-1889
  • Daniel T. Black, 1890, 1891
  • Franklyn H. Farwell, 1892
  • Albert W. Danforth, 1893
  • Joseph W. Burke, 1894
  • James Eveleigh, 1895
  • George Howard, 1896
  • John Stevens, 1897
  • John R. Hykes, 1898, 1899
  • George A. Derby, 1900
  • Edward Thomas Williams, 1901, 1902
  • William P. Bentley, 1903
  • Ivor J. Thomas, 1904
  • Alex U. Belyea, 1905
  • John S. Dooly, 1906
  • Alfred H. Aiers, 1907, 1908
  • Frank J. Raven, 1909
  • Francis Marion Brooks, 1910, 1911
  • Ivor John Thomas, 1912
  • William Cohen, 1913
  • George W. Morrison, 1914-1916
  • Walter Whiting, 1917-1919
  • Joseph Leo Gutter, 1920
  • John Shaw, 1921
  • William C. Woodfield, 1922, 1923
  • William V. Field, 1924
  • Herbert Champney, 1925
  • Thomas J. Engstrom, 1926
  • William Van Buskirk, 1927
  • Michael J. Timmins, 1928
  • Archie C. Barmes, 1929
  • Nelson E. Lurton, 1930, 1937
  • Manley C. Jansen, 1931
  • Joseph K. Kirichok, 1932
  • Stanley E. Williams, 1933
  • Robert E. Bridges, 1934
  • Bishop P. Dillon, 1935
  • John W. Viser, 1936
  • Konstantin M. Engelmann, 1938
  • Arthur Peterson, 1939
  • George B. Rosen, 1940
  • Kung-Kuan Wang, 1941
  • IN RECESS 1943-1945
  • Tuh-Yui Chang, 1946, 1947
  • Ivan Otto Louis Holmgren, 1948-1953
  • IN RECESS SINCE 1954

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1863
  • Petition for Charter: 1865

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1870 1883 1886 1928 1931 1937 1939 1940 1946

OTHER

  • 1866 (Presentation of collar and apron at Grand Lodge, VII-130)
  • 1909 (Remarks by Master at Grand Lodge, 1909-109)
  • 1945 (Remarks by Past Master at Feast of St. John, 1945-544)

EVENTS

DISPENSATION, JANUARY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 3, January 1864, Page 96:

A new Lodge is about to be established at Shanghai, China, under the name of "Ancient Landmark of Hong Que," by authority of a Dispensation from the Grand Master of this Commonwealth. This is the first Lodge ever established in China by American authority. There are several English and other Lodges in the country.

ORGANIZATION OF LODGE, MAY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 11, September 1864, Page 352:

A correspondent at Shanghai, China, under date May 21st, writes, that "Ancient Landmark Lodge" was organized on the 9th of May, under the Dispensation granted by Grand Master Parkman in Dec. last. The W. Master appointed Bro. Samuel J. Raymond as J. Warden, pro tem, in place of Bro. John F. Haskins, named in the Dispensation, having left the country. He also appointed, as necessary to complete the organization, Bros L. P. Ward, as Secretary; J. P. Eames, as Treasurer; H. W. Boone, as S. D.; M. D. F. Pendleton, as J. D., and J. F. McLaughlin, Tyler. The Lodge occupies the English Masonic hall, which they hare hired for the purpose, and holds its meetings regularly on the first Tuesday oi each month. Eight petitions for the degrees were presented and referred at the first meeting; and the prospects for the complete success of the enterprise are most encouraging.

CORNER-STONE LAYING, MAY 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXV, No. 11, September 1866, Page 337:

LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF AN EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT SHANGHAI.

We are indebted to the kindness of a correspondent at Shanghai, for a copy of the "North-China Herald," of the 26th May, in which we find an interesting account of the laying of the corner-stone of a new Episcopal CLurch about to be erected at that place. The ceremony took place on the 24th, in the presence, says the account, of "a larger number of ladies than we ever remember to have seen assembled before in Shanghai, who witnessed the ceremony from the stand which had been erected for their accommodation in the church compound; and a number of spectators of the other sex, with crowds of Chinese lined the streets through which the masonic procession passed, and filled the church compound. The brethren assembled in force under the banners of their respective Lodges, opposite the masonic hall, at half-past three, p.m.; and the Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened in the Lodge-room, and its members formed in proper order, the whole procession marched to the British Consulate, where it was joined by the British Consul, the Consul-General for France, the Consul-General for America, and other members of the consular body. A body of seamen and marines, who had been drawn up in the consulate compound, also fell in, and the whole procession, thus enlarged, returned to the church " in a procession formed in the usual masonic order. Among the Lodges present, we notice the "Ancient Landmark," holding under the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with Br. B. R. Lewis, as officiating Master, the present actual Master, W. Br. C. E. Hill, being absent in this country. We also notice that R. W. Br. J. B. Eames, the D. D. G. M. for China, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of this State, bore the mallet in the procession. The Dep. Prov. Grand Master, R. W. Br. Charles E. Parker, formerly of this city, in the absence of his principal, officiated as Provincial Grand Master, and conducted the proceedings of the day in an able and successful manner. The procession, as is usual with our English brethren on such occasions, first proceeded to the English Church in the town, where a sermon was delivered, and then moved to the spot where the foundation- stone of the new edifice was suspended. Here a masonic anthem was played by the band; after which the P. G. Master proclaimed as follows: —

Men, women, and children, assembled here to-day to behold this ceremony, know all of you that we be lawful Masons, true to the laws of our country, and established of old with peace and honor, to do good to our brethren, to build buildings, and to fear God, who is the Great Architect of all things, To-day we are met together, in the presence of you all, to lay the foundation- stone of a building to be dedicated to the service and worship of the Almighty Creator. Let us therefore praise and magnify his holy name, who has been pleased to permit us to join in this undertaking, by singing an anthem to his honor.

The brethen then united in singing the 1st anthem : —

Lord! thou hast been our dwelling-place,
Through years of old and ages past;
And still thy laws we seek to trace,
On thee our trust we humbly cast.
Father of Light! Builder Divine!
Behold our work, and make it thine.

A prayer was then offered by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, Br. C. H. Butcher, M.A.

The British Consul then presented a handsome silver trowel to the Provincial Grand Master, requesting him to make use of it in laying the stone. The P. G. M. thanked the Consul in a few words for the

present, saying that he hoped the use which would be made of the trowel during the day would be such as would meet with his approbation.

The inscription on the plate was then read and deposited in the cavity by the P. G. Assistant Secretary and P. G. Treasurer; after which the P. G. Supt. of Works was called upon to provide cement and workmen for the purpose of placing the stone. The P. G. M. smoothed the cement with the trowel, after which the stone was lowered, with three stops, the band playing solemn music.

The following dialogue then took place between the Acting P. G. M. and his officers.

  • P. G. M. Br. Grand Junior Warden, — The plumb being the proper jewel of your office, I will thank you to apply it to the several edges of the stone, and report to me whether or no they are correct.
  • G. J. W. Right Worshipful Sir, — I have tested the stone with the plumb, and find it truly and properly laid.
  • P. G. M. Br. Grand Senior Warden, — The level being the proper jewel of your office, I will thank you to apply it to the top of the stone, and report to me whether or no it is correct.
  • G. S. W. Right Worshipful Sir, — I have tested the stone with the level, and find it truly and properly laid.
  • P. G. M. Br. Deputy, — The square being the proper jewel of your office, I will thank you to apply it to those parts of the stone which should be square, and report to me whether or no they are correct.
  • D. P. G. M. Right Worshipful Sir, — I have tested the stone with the square, and find it truly and properly laid.

The P. G. M. then said, "Brethren, fully assured of your skill in the Royal Art, it only remains for me to finish the work." He then struck the stone three times with the mallet, saying, "I declare that the squaring of this stone is correct, and that the craftsmen have done their duty. May this undertaking thus commenced in order, be conducted speedily and successfully to its conclusion; and may the stone laid this day prove the foundation of an edifice whence shall emanate words of life and light to us and to those that come after us."

The P. G. D. of C. then called for three cheers, which were given with a hearty good-will, the band playing a lively air.

The P. G. M. then called upon the P. G. Supt. of Works for the plans, and after ascertaining from Mr. Consul Winchester that these had met with his approval, returned them to the P. G. Supt. of Works, enjoining upon him the utmost care and diligence in the prosecution of the work.

The corn, wine, and oil were then handed to the Dep. P. G. M., P. G. S. W., and P. G. J. W., respectively, who in turn handed them to the P. G. M.t who proceeded as follows, pouring each as mentioned.

"Corn, the symbol of plenty, wine, the symbol of joy, and oil, the symbol of peace, I now strew on this stone, with the prayer that these symbols may each be realized in the prosecution of the work, and peace, plenty, and goodwill reign here and amongst us forever."

The P. G. M. then anointed the stone copiously with oil, saying —

Furthermore, in like manner as Jacob anointed the pillar of stones, sleeping upon which he had dreamed that he saw the gates of heaven, calling the place Bethel, or the House of God, so do I now anoint this stone with pure oil, praying that in the building which may arise from it may be found good and true men and men that fear God."

The 2d anthem was then sung as follows, to the tune of Devizes: —

Great Architect of earth and heaven!
By time nor space confined;
Enlarge our love to comprehend
Our brethren, all mankind.

With Faith our guide, and humble Hope,
Warm Charity and Love
May all at last be raised to share
Thy perfect Light above.

After which the P. G. M. spoke as follows : —

Mr. Consul Winchestei and Gentlemen Trustees: It is customary, and, indeed, almost necessary, on occasions like the present, to offer a few explanatory remarks upon the forms and ceremonies made use of by us, and witnessed by many perhaps for the first time; and to enlarge upon the uses and benefits of our institution, throwing aside for the moment the reserve and silence with which we are wont to veil the subject. My time is too short to enter upon a disquisition upon the Order generally, or I might endeavor to show you how far and how essentially it differs, in its moral organization and benevolent character, from all other human societies, both from the simplicity of its principles and their natural and complete adaptation to the desired end. I will content myself with observing, that our institution is founded upon the sacred law giving us a guide for our feet, and setting before us the hope of eternal life; equally distinct from bigotry and fanaticism, teaching us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly in our allotted path, and willing to draw all people, of whatever clime or color, within its charmed circle, standing, not as a rival, but as a handmaid and support of true religion. Our symbols are our poetry; and from the sublimity of their nature and the aptitude of their application, possess the quality, as we conceive, of exalting the character of our Order to the highest point of beauty and usefulness. Of the symbols brought prominently before you to-day, the principal ones, besides the corn, wine, and oil, which were explained in their application, are the square, level, and plumb-rule; and while perhaps many saw in these but the common implements of the architect, ice recognize them as emblems of great moral principles and duties. The square, as the symbol of morality, pointing out the volume of the sacred law as the true guide to life and conduct, and inculcating faith in God, hope in eternal life, and charity towards all mankind. The level, as a symbol of equality, teaching that all men are equal before Him who causeth the sun to shine as well on the humble cottage as on the abode of wealth and luxury, virtue being the only true dividing line. And the plumb-rule, as an emblem of rectitude, reminding us to act justly and equitably in all our dealings. In like manner the other symbols before yon have each their meaning; the whole forming a chain of poetry and morality which is a charm of our institution. I will not detain you further; but having now fairly tested this foundation-stone, and poured upon it the symbols of • peace, plenty, and good-will, I have the honor to inform you that it has been faithfully laid according to our ancient and established rites; and while thanking you in the name of the brethren for the honor conferred upon the fraternity in selecting them for the performance of this duty, permit me also to express the hope that the proceedings commenced so auspiciously may continue successfully, and your new church soon become an ornament and a blessing to the settlement.

The British Consul read the following address in reply: —

The Right Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master having reported the masonic ceremony to be duly finished, it becomes my duty to announce to you that the foundation-stone of Trinity Church is now laid. On no more auspicious day could so important an act have been performed, than on this, the anniversary of the birth of our most Gracious Queen. It is indeed fitting that the present members of the English community, the legitimate successors of former generations who lived here under the shadow of the British protection, should take occasion to combine the remembrance of this interesting ceremony with a fete, the return of which is welcomed by Englishmen all over the globe with feelings of delight.

And first, gentlemen, let me return my thanks to the Right Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the other brethren, for the care and labor which they have bestowed in arranging the details of the proceedings. It is a fact which must be known to the students of masonic history, that many of the great Christian Temples reared in the middle ages, in France, the Low Countries, and in England, were not the production of single architects, but the work of companies of Masons, bound together by ties more or less similar to those which are recognized by the theoretic Masons of the present day; and that they have left engraved on solid blocks of masonry, interspersed throughout these vast gothic edifices, the symbols of the time-honored craft. There appeared therefore to the trustees a peculiar fitness, in this distant land, in their calling for the assistance of the Masonic brethren on this solemn and interesting occasion.

Next, I desire to offer our thanks to my worthy colleagues, the Consul-Generals for France and the United States, and the rest of the consular body, for having favored us with their attendance. Neither on this occasion should I omit to refer to the concern manifested by the Taotai, of whose presence a sudden summons to Soochow has deprived us; nor to recognize the hearty good-will with which the native magistrates have responded to our invitation. Our obligations ought to be expressed to the Senior Naval Officer, and to men of H. M. squadron, and to the Commandants, officers, and volunteers, foot and mounted, whose escort has dignified our procession. To our other guests, and especially to the ladies who have graced the ceremony by their presence, we specially desire to tender our most sincere thanks. You are aware that the spacious area on which we now stand was presented to the community, almost as a gift, by Mr. Thomas Chay Beale, an influential merchant, who died here several years ago.

The first church built on it was the design of Mr. George Strachan, architect, and was completed in the year 1847. The first clergyman appointed to its cure was Mr. John Lowder, who arrived in the beginning of 1848, and was unfortunately drowned, Sept. 24, 1849. His successor, the Rev. John Hobson, was appointed in 1850. In July of that year, the roof of the church fell in, one Sunday morning, a short time prior to the hour of service. The restoration of the church occupied about a year, and service was resumed in the building in August, 1851.

In 1862, this (which may be called the second church) was taken down, — the tower and roof being declared unsafe. In the same year the community had the misfortune to lose its chaplain, the late worthy and Rev. John Hobson. The temporary church at which we now worship was opened for service at Christmas, 1862, and the present respected incumbent was placed amongst us May 9, 1864. Neither onght we, in recalling the benefactions made to this society, to pass over the presentation of the organ by Mr. John Skinner, long time a resident merchant in Shanghai. The edifice, of which we have this day laid the foundation-stone, may therefore be considered as the fourth place of worship erected in connection with the Church of England, and the establishment provided for by the 6th George IV. ch. 87. It is not necessary that I should enlarge on the beauty of the plan, modified as it has necessarily been by the want of funds to complete it in the costly materials contemplated when the wishes of the community were made known to the great ecclesiastical architect by whom it was designed. Let us hope that the building will be brought to completion in a manner calculated to reflect credit on the names already connected with it; that it will not only be a handsome but a durable edifice; that not only this single stone but all its foundations may be laid firm and sure; and that the noble fane may be completed so as to remain standing for many generations.

My friends, it is very true that the society which we represent regulates its proceedings by the regulations instituted by the Secretary of State; but it should also be known that its connection with Her Majesty's Government has, except in reference to special works like the present, been for several years purely honorary. This great community has long outgrown the want of government assistance, and the building we trust to see erected will owe its existence almost entirely to the munificence and religious feelings of the mercantile community of this great port. It reflects, I think, the highest credit on it, that, notwithstanding the enormous losses sustained both in general trading and local enterprise during late years, no lack of funds to complete this edifice has been experienced.

I propose to bring this short address to a conclusion by expressing the heartfelt wish, in which I am sure you will all join, that Trinity Church may be speedily completed, and long continue to receive the crowds of Englishmen who in this far land may seek its courts, to worship after the manner of their fathers.

The proceedings terminated by the singing of the following two verses of the 100th Psalm —

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell;
Come ye before him and rejoice.

For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

After which the procession was re-formed in inverted order, and returned to the Masonic Hall, where the P. G. Lodge was closed, &c.

MASONIC HALL REPORT, FEBRUARY 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 8, June 1867, Page 255:

A Masonic Hall at Shanghai, China. — Everywhere but in New York can the Craft, with few exceptions, boast of having a Masonic Temple. Boston has hers nearly ready for dedication, while we are at a stand still, owing to the fact that the Trustees of the Hall and Asylum Fund, of late years, run counter to the wishes of the enlightened portion of the Fraternity.

From a lay paper, under date of Shanghai, February 17, 1867, we learn that the Masonic brotherhood in that city, are expending one hundred thousand Mexican dollars for the erection of a magnificent Temple. The above amount was raised by subscriptions among the various Masonic bodies in that place, and can be taken as an indication of the strength and wealth of their membership. It is the more gratifying to us, from the fact, that the prime, movers in the enterprise, are two Americans, Bros. Chas. E. Parker, of Boston, and Vernon Seaman, of Newburgh, New York.— N.Y. Cour.

MASONIC HALL DEDICATION, OCTOBER 1867

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

New Hall at Shanghai, China. —The Brethren at Shanghai, have erected a Masonic Temple for their accommodation, which was dedicated with public ceremonies in October last. The cost was $6,000, not $800,000, as the telegraph reported it, and as announced in the secular papers. There was a torch-light procession on the occasion of the dedication, in which an American fire engine was brought out, being the first ever seen in China.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1863: Special Deputy for China

1867: China District

1883: China District

1911: China District

1927: China District

1947: Shanghai District


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges