Difference between revisions of "CornerStone"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1902 1902]''' (Centenary History, 1902-86)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1902 1902]''' (Centenary History, 1902-86)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1926 1926]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1926-363)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1926 1926]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1926-363)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1952 1952]''' (150th Anniversary History, December 1951, 1952-1; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1976 1976]''' (175th Anniversary History, 1976-390)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1976 1976]''' (175th Anniversary History, 1976-390)
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 +
==== 150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1951 =====
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''From Proceedings, Page 1952-1:''
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''by Worshipful Harvey J. Page''
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===== Preamble =====
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A history should start with the beginning, but it is difficult to say where and when the beginning was for such determination and inflexible honor which was so apparent in the makeup of the individuals who founded Corner Stone Lodge. It must have been building over the centuries to have created such men.
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Masonry may with pride trace its traditional history back through the ages to the time before Noah's flood. Lamesh, a man mentioned in Genesis, had two wives. The first, Ada, gave birth to two sons, Jubel and Jubal. Zillah, Lamesh's second wife, gave him a son Tubalcain and a daughter. These four children founded the beginning of all science.
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Jubal, having heard Adam say that the universe would be twice destroyed, once by fire and once by water, and not knowing which would come first, combined with Tubalcain, the founder of smithcraft, and the other sons and daughter to inscribe the knowledge of the sciences that they had founded on two pillars: one of marble, which would not burn; the other of brass, which would not sink in water. Thus was knowledge of the sciences, so much a part of Operative Masonry, preserved from the time of its origin.
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From that beginning, the continuity is unbroken. The building of King Solomon's Temple was a landmark of ancient Masonry, but the Masonic ideals were never even partially realized until six centuries before the Christian era, when Pythagoras, born in 586 B.C., established a school at Crotona, which in reality was a secret brotherhood for mutual and moral progress. That school is said to be the model for Masonic Lodges.
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The principles taught and followed in Pythagoras' school rekindled the enthusiasm for the pursuit of learning and the cultivation of Geometry or Masonry and the fine arts. They
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brought new moral life into society and the political stability of modern civilization.
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From that beginning in the Orient, Freemasonry can be traced in ever-widening circles across continents and around the globe, everywhere diffusing its teachings and principles of religious faith, brotherly love, inflexible honor and absolute truth.
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===== History =====
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In 1733, the Grand Lodge of England executed a commission for the founding of a Grand Lodge in Boston, and in the Fall of 1801, thirteen Masons residing in Duxbury made application to that Grand Lodge for a charter to establish a Lodge, to be known as Corner Stone Lodge.
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At a meeting of the Grand Lodge on December 14, 1801, it was voted to grant a charter to the following Masons for a Lodge in the Town of Duxbury: Amos Brown, John Pattin, Benjamin Bosworth, Joseph Prior, Jr., Zadock Bradford, Ezra Prior, Mathew Prior, Ezra Weston, Lewis Peterson, Job Samson, Jabez Prior, George Loring and Eden Wadsworth. The charter was signed by Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDunn Samuel Dunn], Grand Master, and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJProctor John Proctor], Grand Secretary,
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The first meeting of record was held January 7, 1802, and from the records of the meeting held January 7, we find: "Received our charter from Boston, Grand Lodge. Corner Stone Lodge instal'd by the Grand Lodge in due form . . ."
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The list of officers elected for the year 1802 were:
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* Amos Brown, Worshipful Master
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* John Pattin, Senior Warden
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* Benjamin Bosworth, Junior Warden
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* Thomas Winsor, Secretary
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* Nathaniel Winsor, Treasurer
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* Joseph Soule, Senior Deacon
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* Solomon Washburn, Junior Deacon
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* Bradford Freeman, First Steward
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* Elisah Holmes, Second Steward
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* Studley Sampson, Tyler
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The first representation of Corner Stone Lodge at a Grand Lodge meeting was on September 13,1802. The Senior Warden, Brother John Pattin, represented the Lodge and paid the Grand Lodge $6.00 as from Corner Stone Lodge.
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At a meeting held December 27, 1802, we read: "Paid R. W. B. Pattin for purchase of the seal of our Lodge and chairs." The seal is the present seal used by the Lodge and was made by Paul Revere. The chairs used by the Marshal, Deacons, Stewards and Inside Sentinel are believed to be the original chairs.
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The original meeting place is said to have been a hall on Washington Street, where our present organist, Bro. W. T. C. Jones, resides. Later, in 1806, the Lodge, having found the burden too much for so few members to carry, disposed of it and moved to John Pattin's shop for two meetings.
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From there they moved to Wor. Joshua Winsor's New Hall, where they continued to meet, until on September 8, 1823, they voted to move to Mrs. Brown's Hall. This could have been the original meeting place, that having been taken over by a Brother Brown when the Lodge moved to new quarters in 1806. Mrs. Brown was a widow.
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Misunderstandings arose between the Lodge and Mrs. Brown, and continued attempts to reach a settlement and secure satisfactory conditions from Mrs. Brown failing, a committee recommended that the Lodge build a hall.
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On February 28, 1825, a committee was chosen to contract with a carpenter to build a hall according to the plan presented by the Worshipful Master. The Lodge voted to build it on a lot to be purchased from Mr. Thomas Faunce. The hall was built by Joel Peterson, and the committee listed the cost as follows:
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<blockquote>
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For building hall and fence: $906.91<br>
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Sundries: 246.64<br>
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Insurance: 5.00<br>
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Interest: 20.57<br>
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''Total'': $1,179.12
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</blockquote>
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Of this sum, the Lodge paid a total of $590.33 and gave a mortgage to R.W. Gersham B. Weston for the balance, $580.79.
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The first meeting held in the new hall, the present Temple, was on October 3, 1825, and on October 11, the Temple was officially dedicated, at which time the members marched to the "meeting house and heard an oration from Rev. Br. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPDean Paul Dean]." A new altar was in use at the dedication and every member receiving degrees in Corner Stone Lodge from that date has had the privilege of kneeling at that altar, first used 126 years ago.
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On August 21, 1826, a communication was received from [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Plymouth Plymouth] Lodge inviting Corner Stone Lodge members to attend their Consecration. The original Lodge in Plymouth was the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ForefathersRock Forefathers' Rock] Lodge, which was instituted before Corner Stone Lodge, but carried on for only a few years.
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In the short space of twenty-five years, the members of Corner Stone had organized and gone through the first critical years experienced by all organizations. They had increased their membership and prospered financially to the place where they were in possession of their own Temple. They had administered charity where needed and practiced other Masonic functions. They were respected in the community and were an influence for good among their fellow citizens.
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Masonry throughout the country had proven itself as an outstanding organization with many leaders and prominent men publicly acknowledging membership in the fraternity and endorsing its principles and objects. The future looked bright, and progress for the Lodge was apparently assured.
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Like a sudden storm in the summer that comes over the horizon with a rush and so quickly engulfs every point of the compass, the storm clouds of anti-Masonry were gathering and would so spread that even the small Lodges in places remote from the center of the storm would soon be drowned in the tidal wave of current thought and passion that swept through the nation in that decade, 1825-1835. Many Lodges, including Corner Stone, tried to breast the wave of feeling against Masonry that invaded society and even extended into the homes of members. Pressure was brought to bear from every angle, including newspapers, churches, schools and political parties. In many states Grand Lodges as well as local Lodges were forced to suspend activities. In Massachusetts the Lodges continued to function wherever possible.
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In many places, because of Grand Lodge rulings on continued meetings, some Lodges were forced to surrender their charters for a period. Among these Lodges was Corner Stone. At a meeting held on July 5, 1834, it was voted to surrender the charter to the Grand Lodge. Then it was that the calibre of the men in Corner Stone became apparent. Unwilling to disband and give up the principles that the Lodge had worked for, a group of members organized the Corner Stone Charitable Association, and on July 27, 1834, just twenty-two days after surrendering the charter, held their first recorded meeting. At this meeting they elected officers and adopted the rules for governing the organization. The opening paragraph will explain the purpose of that determined group of Masons.
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<blockquote>
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To the end that the funds belonging to the Corner Stone Lodge (which has surrendered its Charter to the Grand Lodge) may be applied to objects of charity for which they were originally intended, and which the principles of the Institution of Freemasonry inculcates and cherishes as one of its greatest virtues, the subscribers, members of the above-named Lodge, do hereby form themselves into an association for the purpose heretofore named and do hereby solemnly pledge themselves to be governed by the following rules and regulations.
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</blockquote>
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Then followed the rules and by-laws under which they were to function in the future.
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The first meeting was held in the present lodge-room July 12, 1834. Subsequent meetings were held in Gersham B. Weston's counting rooms and the Tremont School House.
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The total funds from the treasury of Corner Stone Lodge, now at the disposal of the Corner Stone Charitable Association, were $473.67.  In the ten years that this Association functioned,
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much charity was dispensed, and through careful investment, the funds grew to $602.92.
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The By-Laws of the Corner Stone Charitable Association made no provision for new members other than former members of Corner Stone Lodge. Because of this, there was no way of perpetuating the life of the organization beyond the life span of its present members. This was a subject for discussion at Association meetings in 1844. A group of former members of Corner Stone Lodge, some of whom were members of the Corner Stone Charitable Association, petitioned the Grand Lodge for a return of the Lodge charter. The Grand Lodge agreed under the condition that the funds held by the Corner Stone Charitable Association, originally acquired from Corner Stone Lodge, should be returned to the Corner Stone treasury. At a meeting of the Corner Stone Charitable Association held December 2, 1844, it was voted to return the funds to the Lodge and disband the Association.
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A letter was forwarded to the Lodge on January 5, 1845, informing them of the action.
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On January 5, 1845, Corner Stone Charitable Association ceased to exist and Corner Stone Lodge resumed its former activities under their original charter. Thus ended a most dramatic incident in the history of Freemasonry and the life of Corner Stone Lodge. The teachings of Freemasonry have never had a most perfect demonstration than was given by these few men who faithfully kept its ideals and followed its time-honored principles through Masonry's darkest hour. They served well their generation and others yet to come, and preserved for their sons the respect and confidence of their neighbors.
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The first meeting of the Lodge after restoration of the charter was held in the Lodge hall December 17, 1844, although the funds from the Corner Stone Charitable Association were not turned over to the Lodge until January 6, 1845.
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Title to the Masonic building was in the name of G. B. Weston up to December, 1848, at which time a Board of Trustees was elected to take title from Brother Weston. On January 18, 1848, the Lodge voted to accept the deed as written.
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On October 4, 1851, a communication was received from the Washington National Monument Association, asking for contributions to help build the monument. It was voted to make a donation of $8.00 and receive a print of the monument and of Washington. The picture is now in the lodge-room.
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The traditional clam chowder may have had its birth at a meeting February 7, 1857, when "we partook of a first rate ovster and clam soup which was prepared by our Worthy Treasurer."
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Meeting, July 23, 1859 — "Voted to attend the celebration at Plymouth on the second of August as a Lodge."
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Special meeting, July 30, 1859 — "The Wor. Master exhibited banner for the Lodge which he had procured from Boston, the price of which was $44." This is the banner which hangs on the west wall of the lodge-room and was used in the parade held in the Plymouth celebration August 2, 1859, more than ninety-two years ago.
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===== 100th Anniversary Celebration =====
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On June 24, 1902, Corner Stone Lodge celebrated one hundred years as a Lodge. From the records, the celebration is outlined as follows:
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<blockquote>
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Lodge opened at 10:00 A.M. with 45 members present. Levi E. Ford, Worshipful Master, received visiting delegations and the Reception Committee met the Grand Lodge officers at the depot, escorting them to the Lodge. They were received at 11:00 A.M. The Grand Master, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGallagher Charles T. Gallagher], was introduced by the chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Worshipful George H. Bonney, Jr. The Grand Master made a short address, speaking of Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDunn Samuel Dunn], the Grand Master who signed Corner Stone's charter. He also showed an urn which contained a lock of hair from George Washington's head, which was given to Samuel Dunn by the widow of Washington.<br>
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<br>
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A light lunch was served in the lower hall of the Temple, then coaches and carriages conveyed the members and guests to the Unitarian Church for exercises at 12:00 o'clock.<br>
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<br>
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Bro. Joshua M. Cushing, acting as master of ceremonies, formed a procession of the following units; Lodges — [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Satuit Satuit], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Phoenix2 Phoenix], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Delta Delta], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Konohassett Konohassett], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Plymouth Plymouth], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OrphansHope Orphan's Hope], and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OldColony Old Colony]; also Past District Deputy Grand Masters, Selectmen of Duxbury, Marshfield, Kingston; clergymen of Duxbury, Marshfield, Kingston and Plymouth; Commanders of William Wadsworth, Martha Seaver and David Church G. A. R. Posts; Noble Grands of Mattakeesett and H. H. Lodges, I. O. O. F.; widows of deceased Brothers; members of Corner Stone Lodge, their ladies and friends. All marched to a tent erected in front of the Town Hall where a banquet was served. The Worshipful Master introduced Bro. Walter H. Faunce as toastmaster. Speakers were Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher, Grand Master; Grand Secretary [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno D. Nickerson], Deputy Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCGreen Charles W. Green], Hon. Bro. Willard Howland, General Blackmor of Hingham, General Sprague of Worcester, District Deputy Grand Master George S. Marsh and Bro. Kyle of Plymouth.<br>
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<br>
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Letters were read from Ex-Governor John I. Long, Congressman Levering and Hon. Curtis Guild. The Harvard Quartette furnished the musical entertainment and the exercises closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by the entire assemblage.
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</blockquote>
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===== 125th Anniversary Celebration =====
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October 16, 1926, from the records:
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<blockquote>
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The 125th Anniversary celebration was held in the Lodge room on this evening.<br>
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<br>
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The committee to receive the Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSimpson Frank L. Simpson], Grand Master, consisted of the Past Masters of Corner Stone Lodge, with R.W. Edgar A. Baker as chairman.<br>
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<br>
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The Grand Master and his suite were introduced to Worshipful Master Charles A. Whitman, who resigned the oriental chair to the Grand Master. Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson gave a very interesting talk, and it was followed by Rev. Bro. Horace F. Holton, D. D., and R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLFHamilton Frederick W. Hamilton], Grand Secretary.<br>
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<br>
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The Concord Male Quartette entertained with music.<br>
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<br>
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The Lodge adjourned to Mattakeesett Hall for refreshments.
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</blockquote>
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Corner Stone Lodge had a part in some of the well known historical events of the eighteen hundreds.
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On June 17, 1825, they were represented at the laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument by the Grand Lodge officers.
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At the dedication of the Soldiers Monument in Duxbury, May 30, 1872, the Lodge was invited to help.
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October 7, 1872, the Lodge entertained the Grand Lodge officers and assisted them in laying the corner stone of the Standish Monument.
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In Plymouth, on July 20, 1889, the Lodge was among those chosen to assist in the dedication of the National Monument to the Forefathers of Plymouth.
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Some of the furnishings cherished by the Lodge are:
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* The ancient seal used by  the Lodge — the work of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRevere Paul Revere].
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* The jewels of the Worshipful Master's, Senior and Junior Wardens' collars, also made by Paul Revere.
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* The Tyler's sword is a relic of the Revolutionary war.
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* The working tools of the second degree were presented to the Lodge April 4, 1888, by Bro. Joshua M. Cushing.
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* A gavel made from a piece of wood taken from Gettysburg battlefield, a peculiar feature of it being a Minié ball showing in the wood, was presented to the Lodge on February 2, 1901, by Bro. Cushing, acting for Bro. E. Everett Chandler of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=UnionD Union] Lodge, Dorchester.
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* The Rough and Perfect Ashlers were a gift from Bro. James Craig of Quincy, December 21, 1901.
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* On the north wall of the lodge-room is an old mirror with a hand-carved frame with many Masonic symbols. This was a gift to the Lodge from Mrs. Lvdia T. Adams of Kingston June 30, 1904.
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There are many more articles from the past distributed about the Temple. Working tools, pictures, books — all a memorial to Corner Stone's past — that some member or friends have donated, not for their intrinsic value alone, but that they may be laid up in the archives of the Lodge as a memorial to some departed Brother.
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The Temple itself is a memorial to the founding fathers of the Lodge. It represents the hopes and desires of courageous and determined men, building their Temple to the Most High God.
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That they builded well is evidenced by the records left by them for all to read. From the first recorded meeting, January 7, 1802, continuing to the present meeting 150 years later, the Secretaries faithfully carried out their assignments, and so today we have an unbroken story of their hopes and disappointments, their endeavors and accomplishments. Even under the most severe oppression, they yielded only that which it was impossible to retain, carrying on in their own way to accomplish the ends to which they were pledged.
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If we of the present need an example of prudence, fortitude and justice, we should look at our inheritance from them, 150 years in the making, a Temple which is becoming a shrine to Masonry, one of the few in existence today containing much of the original furniture and form. There is an atmosphere of the earlier days still apparent in the plainness of the several apartments to the Temple.
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The most beautiful degree which the author has seen in any Lodge was not in one of the larger Lodge rooms with its mosaic pavements, enormous pillars, starry-decked heavens and its beautiful lighting effects, but was in this little old lodge-room built in 1825, with its altar of the same antiquity and many of its old paintings and adornments dating back to 1801. The occasion was the conferring of a degree on a candidate during a severe electrical storm. The lighting system was put out of order, and the Tyler brought in three burning tapers or candles, and placed them in a proper position in the Lodge. It was a perfect setting and carried the members back through the years to the days when all light was received in the same manner. Perhaps the spirit of the founders of this Lodge was there to witness the beautiful work. Maybe they are watching to see how we of this generation carry on the work they so ably Started. In <me sense, it is still their Lodge. They founded it. They carried it through Masonry's darkest days and have passed it on to us to hold in trust for a future generation.
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May we prove to be as true to Masonic traditions as they were 150 years ago.
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 16:14, 15 September 2014

CORNER STONE LODGE

MA_CornerStone.jpg

Location: Duxbury

Chartered By: Samuel Dunn

Charter Date: 12/14/1801 II-190

Precedence Date: 12/14/1801

Current Status: Active


NOTES

Charter surrendered 07/05/1834; functioned as the "Corner-stone Charitable Association" for the next nine years.
Charter restored 12/11/1844

A very detailed Centennial History appears on Pages 1902-98 through 1902-120.

Note that Corner Stone Lodge was a member of the 5th Masonic District at least from 1861 through 1867.


PAST MASTERS

  • Amos Brown, 1801, 1802, 1804
  • John Pattin, 1803
  • Studley Sampson, 1805-1807, 1812, 1813, 1818; SN
  • Nathaniel Winsor, Jr., 1808-1811
  • George Loring, 1814, 1815
  • Thomas Winsor, 1816, 1817
  • Soloman Washburn, 1819
  • Seth Sprague, Jr., 1820-1822
  • Thomas Peterson, 1823, 1831, 1834
  • William V. Kent, 1824
  • Gershom B. Weston, 1825, 1826, 1829, 1830, 1840-1845
  • John Porter, 1827, 1828
  • Joseph P. Bosworth, 1832, 1833
  • DARK 1835-1840
  • Martin Waterman, 1846, 1853-1856
  • William H. Sampson, 1847-1852
  • John Perkins, 1857
  • Samuel E. Ripley, 1858
  • Hambleton E. Smith, 1859
  • John Holmes, 1860
  • George Bradford, 1861-1864, 1869
  • Jabez Keep, 1865
  • George F. Sampson, 1866-1868, 1870
  • David Cushman, 1871
  • Henry Brewster, 1872
  • George H. Bonney, 1873-1875
  • George Baker, 1876, 1877
  • Thomas Alden, 1878-1880
  • Fernando Wadsworth, 1881
  • Stephen W. Eastman, 1882, 1883
  • Elnathan Delano, 1884, 1885
  • Franklin W. Hatch, 1886-1888
  • George H. Chandler, 1889, 1890
  • Arthur F. Blanchard, 1891, 1892
  • William W. Myrick, 1893, 1894
  • Walter C. Hammond, 1895, 1896
  • Joseph Sherman, 1897-1899, 1903; SN
  • Nathaniel K. Noyes, 1901, 1902
  • Daniel D. Devereaux, 1904-1906
  • Charles W. Bartlett, 1907, 1908
  • George A. Tower, 1909, 1910
  • Robert J. Needham, 1911, 1912
  • Henry T. Sturtevant, 1913, 1914
  • Frank C. Woodward, 1915, 1916
  • Edgar A. Baker, 1917, 1918; SN
  • George B. Cushing, 1919, 1920
  • Oscar C. Swope, 1921, 1922
  • Abraham S. Feinberg, 1923, 1924
  • Charles A. Whitman, 1925, 1926; N
  • Howard W. Carver, 1927, 1928
  • Morgan L. Woodruff, 1929
  • Clarence H. Nickerson, 1930, 1931
  • Harry L. Tinker, 1932, 1933
  • J. Newton Shirley, 1934, 1935
  • Earl W. Chandler, 1936, 1937
  • Clinton W. Baker, 1938, 1939
  • Harvey J. Page, 1940, 1941
  • Eugene O. Page, 1942, 1943
  • Willard R. Randall, 1944, 1945
  • George W. Cushman, 1946, 1947; SN
  • Benjamin J. Goodrich, 1948, 1949
  • Sidney R. Merry, 1950, 1951
  • George R. Riddell, 1952, 1953; N
  • Theodore M. Chase, 1954
  • Denman G. Baker, 1955
  • George A. Davis, 1956, 1957
  • Harold A. MacDonald, 1958; N
  • Georg F. Holl, Jr., 1959
  • Robert B. Delano, 1960
  • Richard A. Melvin, 1961; N
  • Robert W. Melvin, 1962
  • Charles E. Thygeson, 1963
  • Leon O. Paulding, 1964
  • Willard L. Thomes, 1965
  • William E. Hogan, 1966
  • Roger J. Melvin, 1967
  • Kendrick A. Williams, 1968, 1969
  • Richard Frederick Warren, 1970
  • Robert C. Melvin, 1971
  • Richard L. Frisbee, 1972
  • John Burgoyne, 1973
  • Donald R. Foote, 1974
  • Russell E. Blank, 1975
  • John A. Melvin, 1976
  • Winslow B. Carver, 1977, 1992
  • Walter E. Osborne, 1978
  • Irving B. Pierce, Jr., 1979
  • Dexter L. Gasper, 1980; PDDGM
  • Bruce Tenney, 1981
  • Paul Z. Cushman, 1982
  • Ernest G. Davis, 1983
  • Frederick M. Turner, 1984, 1997, 1998
  • August P. Cabral, 1985, 1986
  • Phillip L. Balboni, 1987
  • Roy B. Davis, 1988
  • Clifton J. Woodward, 1989, 1994
  • David R. Gasper, 1990, 1993
  • Alan M. Alexis, 1991
  • James J. Devaney, 1995, 1996
  • Thomas H. Kirkaldy, 1999, 2001
  • Henry Q. Dowd, 2000
  • Jeffrey M. Goldman, 2002
  • James M. Walsh, 2003
  • Thomas A. Morris, III, 2004, 2005
  • James J. Bennette, 2006
  • Carl E. Russell, 2007
  • Jack T. Sutton, 2008
  • Kenneth E. Tucker, 2009
  • Mark A. Grylls, 2010
  • Brandon T. Turner, 2011
  • Roy B. Davis, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1801
  • Petition for Restoration of Charter: 1844

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1902 (Centenary)
  • 1926 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1879 1893 1898 1903 1914 1918 1920 1927 1929 1946 1954 1957 1967 1968 1969 1972 1989 1991 1999 2001 2004 2007 2012

HISTORY

  • 1902 (Centenary History, 1902-86)
  • 1926 (125th Anniversary History, 1926-363)
  • 1952 (150th Anniversary History, December 1951, 1952-1; see below)
  • 1976 (175th Anniversary History, 1976-390)

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1951 =

From Proceedings, Page 1952-1:

by Worshipful Harvey J. Page

Preamble

A history should start with the beginning, but it is difficult to say where and when the beginning was for such determination and inflexible honor which was so apparent in the makeup of the individuals who founded Corner Stone Lodge. It must have been building over the centuries to have created such men.

Masonry may with pride trace its traditional history back through the ages to the time before Noah's flood. Lamesh, a man mentioned in Genesis, had two wives. The first, Ada, gave birth to two sons, Jubel and Jubal. Zillah, Lamesh's second wife, gave him a son Tubalcain and a daughter. These four children founded the beginning of all science. Jubal, having heard Adam say that the universe would be twice destroyed, once by fire and once by water, and not knowing which would come first, combined with Tubalcain, the founder of smithcraft, and the other sons and daughter to inscribe the knowledge of the sciences that they had founded on two pillars: one of marble, which would not burn; the other of brass, which would not sink in water. Thus was knowledge of the sciences, so much a part of Operative Masonry, preserved from the time of its origin.

From that beginning, the continuity is unbroken. The building of King Solomon's Temple was a landmark of ancient Masonry, but the Masonic ideals were never even partially realized until six centuries before the Christian era, when Pythagoras, born in 586 B.C., established a school at Crotona, which in reality was a secret brotherhood for mutual and moral progress. That school is said to be the model for Masonic Lodges.

The principles taught and followed in Pythagoras' school rekindled the enthusiasm for the pursuit of learning and the cultivation of Geometry or Masonry and the fine arts. They brought new moral life into society and the political stability of modern civilization. From that beginning in the Orient, Freemasonry can be traced in ever-widening circles across continents and around the globe, everywhere diffusing its teachings and principles of religious faith, brotherly love, inflexible honor and absolute truth.

History

In 1733, the Grand Lodge of England executed a commission for the founding of a Grand Lodge in Boston, and in the Fall of 1801, thirteen Masons residing in Duxbury made application to that Grand Lodge for a charter to establish a Lodge, to be known as Corner Stone Lodge.

At a meeting of the Grand Lodge on December 14, 1801, it was voted to grant a charter to the following Masons for a Lodge in the Town of Duxbury: Amos Brown, John Pattin, Benjamin Bosworth, Joseph Prior, Jr., Zadock Bradford, Ezra Prior, Mathew Prior, Ezra Weston, Lewis Peterson, Job Samson, Jabez Prior, George Loring and Eden Wadsworth. The charter was signed by Most Worshipful Samuel Dunn, Grand Master, and John Proctor, Grand Secretary,

The first meeting of record was held January 7, 1802, and from the records of the meeting held January 7, we find: "Received our charter from Boston, Grand Lodge. Corner Stone Lodge instal'd by the Grand Lodge in due form . . ."

The list of officers elected for the year 1802 were:

  • Amos Brown, Worshipful Master
  • John Pattin, Senior Warden
  • Benjamin Bosworth, Junior Warden
  • Thomas Winsor, Secretary
  • Nathaniel Winsor, Treasurer
  • Joseph Soule, Senior Deacon
  • Solomon Washburn, Junior Deacon
  • Bradford Freeman, First Steward
  • Elisah Holmes, Second Steward
  • Studley Sampson, Tyler

The first representation of Corner Stone Lodge at a Grand Lodge meeting was on September 13,1802. The Senior Warden, Brother John Pattin, represented the Lodge and paid the Grand Lodge $6.00 as from Corner Stone Lodge.

At a meeting held December 27, 1802, we read: "Paid R. W. B. Pattin for purchase of the seal of our Lodge and chairs." The seal is the present seal used by the Lodge and was made by Paul Revere. The chairs used by the Marshal, Deacons, Stewards and Inside Sentinel are believed to be the original chairs.

The original meeting place is said to have been a hall on Washington Street, where our present organist, Bro. W. T. C. Jones, resides. Later, in 1806, the Lodge, having found the burden too much for so few members to carry, disposed of it and moved to John Pattin's shop for two meetings.

From there they moved to Wor. Joshua Winsor's New Hall, where they continued to meet, until on September 8, 1823, they voted to move to Mrs. Brown's Hall. This could have been the original meeting place, that having been taken over by a Brother Brown when the Lodge moved to new quarters in 1806. Mrs. Brown was a widow.

Misunderstandings arose between the Lodge and Mrs. Brown, and continued attempts to reach a settlement and secure satisfactory conditions from Mrs. Brown failing, a committee recommended that the Lodge build a hall.

On February 28, 1825, a committee was chosen to contract with a carpenter to build a hall according to the plan presented by the Worshipful Master. The Lodge voted to build it on a lot to be purchased from Mr. Thomas Faunce. The hall was built by Joel Peterson, and the committee listed the cost as follows:

For building hall and fence: $906.91
Sundries: 246.64
Insurance: 5.00
Interest: 20.57
Total: $1,179.12

Of this sum, the Lodge paid a total of $590.33 and gave a mortgage to R.W. Gersham B. Weston for the balance, $580.79.

The first meeting held in the new hall, the present Temple, was on October 3, 1825, and on October 11, the Temple was officially dedicated, at which time the members marched to the "meeting house and heard an oration from Rev. Br. Paul Dean." A new altar was in use at the dedication and every member receiving degrees in Corner Stone Lodge from that date has had the privilege of kneeling at that altar, first used 126 years ago.

On August 21, 1826, a communication was received from Plymouth Lodge inviting Corner Stone Lodge members to attend their Consecration. The original Lodge in Plymouth was the Forefathers' Rock Lodge, which was instituted before Corner Stone Lodge, but carried on for only a few years.

In the short space of twenty-five years, the members of Corner Stone had organized and gone through the first critical years experienced by all organizations. They had increased their membership and prospered financially to the place where they were in possession of their own Temple. They had administered charity where needed and practiced other Masonic functions. They were respected in the community and were an influence for good among their fellow citizens.

Masonry throughout the country had proven itself as an outstanding organization with many leaders and prominent men publicly acknowledging membership in the fraternity and endorsing its principles and objects. The future looked bright, and progress for the Lodge was apparently assured.

Like a sudden storm in the summer that comes over the horizon with a rush and so quickly engulfs every point of the compass, the storm clouds of anti-Masonry were gathering and would so spread that even the small Lodges in places remote from the center of the storm would soon be drowned in the tidal wave of current thought and passion that swept through the nation in that decade, 1825-1835. Many Lodges, including Corner Stone, tried to breast the wave of feeling against Masonry that invaded society and even extended into the homes of members. Pressure was brought to bear from every angle, including newspapers, churches, schools and political parties. In many states Grand Lodges as well as local Lodges were forced to suspend activities. In Massachusetts the Lodges continued to function wherever possible.

In many places, because of Grand Lodge rulings on continued meetings, some Lodges were forced to surrender their charters for a period. Among these Lodges was Corner Stone. At a meeting held on July 5, 1834, it was voted to surrender the charter to the Grand Lodge. Then it was that the calibre of the men in Corner Stone became apparent. Unwilling to disband and give up the principles that the Lodge had worked for, a group of members organized the Corner Stone Charitable Association, and on July 27, 1834, just twenty-two days after surrendering the charter, held their first recorded meeting. At this meeting they elected officers and adopted the rules for governing the organization. The opening paragraph will explain the purpose of that determined group of Masons.

To the end that the funds belonging to the Corner Stone Lodge (which has surrendered its Charter to the Grand Lodge) may be applied to objects of charity for which they were originally intended, and which the principles of the Institution of Freemasonry inculcates and cherishes as one of its greatest virtues, the subscribers, members of the above-named Lodge, do hereby form themselves into an association for the purpose heretofore named and do hereby solemnly pledge themselves to be governed by the following rules and regulations.

Then followed the rules and by-laws under which they were to function in the future.

The first meeting was held in the present lodge-room July 12, 1834. Subsequent meetings were held in Gersham B. Weston's counting rooms and the Tremont School House.

The total funds from the treasury of Corner Stone Lodge, now at the disposal of the Corner Stone Charitable Association, were $473.67. In the ten years that this Association functioned, much charity was dispensed, and through careful investment, the funds grew to $602.92.

The By-Laws of the Corner Stone Charitable Association made no provision for new members other than former members of Corner Stone Lodge. Because of this, there was no way of perpetuating the life of the organization beyond the life span of its present members. This was a subject for discussion at Association meetings in 1844. A group of former members of Corner Stone Lodge, some of whom were members of the Corner Stone Charitable Association, petitioned the Grand Lodge for a return of the Lodge charter. The Grand Lodge agreed under the condition that the funds held by the Corner Stone Charitable Association, originally acquired from Corner Stone Lodge, should be returned to the Corner Stone treasury. At a meeting of the Corner Stone Charitable Association held December 2, 1844, it was voted to return the funds to the Lodge and disband the Association.

A letter was forwarded to the Lodge on January 5, 1845, informing them of the action.

On January 5, 1845, Corner Stone Charitable Association ceased to exist and Corner Stone Lodge resumed its former activities under their original charter. Thus ended a most dramatic incident in the history of Freemasonry and the life of Corner Stone Lodge. The teachings of Freemasonry have never had a most perfect demonstration than was given by these few men who faithfully kept its ideals and followed its time-honored principles through Masonry's darkest hour. They served well their generation and others yet to come, and preserved for their sons the respect and confidence of their neighbors.

The first meeting of the Lodge after restoration of the charter was held in the Lodge hall December 17, 1844, although the funds from the Corner Stone Charitable Association were not turned over to the Lodge until January 6, 1845.

Title to the Masonic building was in the name of G. B. Weston up to December, 1848, at which time a Board of Trustees was elected to take title from Brother Weston. On January 18, 1848, the Lodge voted to accept the deed as written.

On October 4, 1851, a communication was received from the Washington National Monument Association, asking for contributions to help build the monument. It was voted to make a donation of $8.00 and receive a print of the monument and of Washington. The picture is now in the lodge-room.

The traditional clam chowder may have had its birth at a meeting February 7, 1857, when "we partook of a first rate ovster and clam soup which was prepared by our Worthy Treasurer."

Meeting, July 23, 1859 — "Voted to attend the celebration at Plymouth on the second of August as a Lodge."

Special meeting, July 30, 1859 — "The Wor. Master exhibited banner for the Lodge which he had procured from Boston, the price of which was $44." This is the banner which hangs on the west wall of the lodge-room and was used in the parade held in the Plymouth celebration August 2, 1859, more than ninety-two years ago.

100th Anniversary Celebration

On June 24, 1902, Corner Stone Lodge celebrated one hundred years as a Lodge. From the records, the celebration is outlined as follows:

Lodge opened at 10:00 A.M. with 45 members present. Levi E. Ford, Worshipful Master, received visiting delegations and the Reception Committee met the Grand Lodge officers at the depot, escorting them to the Lodge. They were received at 11:00 A.M. The Grand Master, Charles T. Gallagher, was introduced by the chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Worshipful George H. Bonney, Jr. The Grand Master made a short address, speaking of Most Worshipful Samuel Dunn, the Grand Master who signed Corner Stone's charter. He also showed an urn which contained a lock of hair from George Washington's head, which was given to Samuel Dunn by the widow of Washington.

A light lunch was served in the lower hall of the Temple, then coaches and carriages conveyed the members and guests to the Unitarian Church for exercises at 12:00 o'clock.

Bro. Joshua M. Cushing, acting as master of ceremonies, formed a procession of the following units; Lodges — Satuit, Phoenix, Delta, Konohassett, Plymouth, Orphan's Hope, and Old Colony; also Past District Deputy Grand Masters, Selectmen of Duxbury, Marshfield, Kingston; clergymen of Duxbury, Marshfield, Kingston and Plymouth; Commanders of William Wadsworth, Martha Seaver and David Church G. A. R. Posts; Noble Grands of Mattakeesett and H. H. Lodges, I. O. O. F.; widows of deceased Brothers; members of Corner Stone Lodge, their ladies and friends. All marched to a tent erected in front of the Town Hall where a banquet was served. The Worshipful Master introduced Bro. Walter H. Faunce as toastmaster. Speakers were Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher, Grand Master; Grand Secretary Sereno D. Nickerson, Deputy Grand Master Charles W. Green, Hon. Bro. Willard Howland, General Blackmor of Hingham, General Sprague of Worcester, District Deputy Grand Master George S. Marsh and Bro. Kyle of Plymouth.

Letters were read from Ex-Governor John I. Long, Congressman Levering and Hon. Curtis Guild. The Harvard Quartette furnished the musical entertainment and the exercises closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by the entire assemblage.

125th Anniversary Celebration

October 16, 1926, from the records:

The 125th Anniversary celebration was held in the Lodge room on this evening.

The committee to receive the Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master, consisted of the Past Masters of Corner Stone Lodge, with R.W. Edgar A. Baker as chairman.

The Grand Master and his suite were introduced to Worshipful Master Charles A. Whitman, who resigned the oriental chair to the Grand Master. Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson gave a very interesting talk, and it was followed by Rev. Bro. Horace F. Holton, D. D., and R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary.

The Concord Male Quartette entertained with music.

The Lodge adjourned to Mattakeesett Hall for refreshments.

Corner Stone Lodge had a part in some of the well known historical events of the eighteen hundreds.

On June 17, 1825, they were represented at the laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument by the Grand Lodge officers.

At the dedication of the Soldiers Monument in Duxbury, May 30, 1872, the Lodge was invited to help.

October 7, 1872, the Lodge entertained the Grand Lodge officers and assisted them in laying the corner stone of the Standish Monument.

In Plymouth, on July 20, 1889, the Lodge was among those chosen to assist in the dedication of the National Monument to the Forefathers of Plymouth.

Some of the furnishings cherished by the Lodge are:

  • The ancient seal used by the Lodge — the work of Paul Revere.
  • The jewels of the Worshipful Master's, Senior and Junior Wardens' collars, also made by Paul Revere.
  • The Tyler's sword is a relic of the Revolutionary war.
  • The working tools of the second degree were presented to the Lodge April 4, 1888, by Bro. Joshua M. Cushing.
  • A gavel made from a piece of wood taken from Gettysburg battlefield, a peculiar feature of it being a Minié ball showing in the wood, was presented to the Lodge on February 2, 1901, by Bro. Cushing, acting for Bro. E. Everett Chandler of Union Lodge, Dorchester.
  • The Rough and Perfect Ashlers were a gift from Bro. James Craig of Quincy, December 21, 1901.
  • On the north wall of the lodge-room is an old mirror with a hand-carved frame with many Masonic symbols. This was a gift to the Lodge from Mrs. Lvdia T. Adams of Kingston June 30, 1904.

There are many more articles from the past distributed about the Temple. Working tools, pictures, books — all a memorial to Corner Stone's past — that some member or friends have donated, not for their intrinsic value alone, but that they may be laid up in the archives of the Lodge as a memorial to some departed Brother.

The Temple itself is a memorial to the founding fathers of the Lodge. It represents the hopes and desires of courageous and determined men, building their Temple to the Most High God.

That they builded well is evidenced by the records left by them for all to read. From the first recorded meeting, January 7, 1802, continuing to the present meeting 150 years later, the Secretaries faithfully carried out their assignments, and so today we have an unbroken story of their hopes and disappointments, their endeavors and accomplishments. Even under the most severe oppression, they yielded only that which it was impossible to retain, carrying on in their own way to accomplish the ends to which they were pledged.

If we of the present need an example of prudence, fortitude and justice, we should look at our inheritance from them, 150 years in the making, a Temple which is becoming a shrine to Masonry, one of the few in existence today containing much of the original furniture and form. There is an atmosphere of the earlier days still apparent in the plainness of the several apartments to the Temple. The most beautiful degree which the author has seen in any Lodge was not in one of the larger Lodge rooms with its mosaic pavements, enormous pillars, starry-decked heavens and its beautiful lighting effects, but was in this little old lodge-room built in 1825, with its altar of the same antiquity and many of its old paintings and adornments dating back to 1801. The occasion was the conferring of a degree on a candidate during a severe electrical storm. The lighting system was put out of order, and the Tyler brought in three burning tapers or candles, and placed them in a proper position in the Lodge. It was a perfect setting and carried the members back through the years to the days when all light was received in the same manner. Perhaps the spirit of the founders of this Lodge was there to witness the beautiful work. Maybe they are watching to see how we of this generation carry on the work they so ably Started. In <me sense, it is still their Lodge. They founded it. They carried it through Masonry's darkest days and have passed it on to us to hold in trust for a future generation.

May we prove to be as true to Masonic traditions as they were 150 years ago.

OTHER

  • 1816 (Petition for abatement of dues, III-64; rejected)
  • 1830 (Report of delinquency, IV-170)
  • 1866 (Jurisdictional dispute with Norfolk Union Lodge, VII-72)
  • 1872 (Participation in laying the cornerstone of the Myles Standish Monument, 1872-151)
  • 1881 (Jurisdictional dispute with Plymouth Lodge, 1881-66; 1881-193)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1803: District 3 (South Shore and Cape Cod)

1821: District 3 (South Shore and Cape Cod)

1844: District 5

1849: District 5

1867: District 16 (Plymouth)

1883: District 25 (Hingham)

1911: District 27 (Plymouth)

1927: District 27 (Plymouth)

2003: District 18


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