Difference between revisions of "MABoston"

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BOSTON

LODGES

• Aberdour, from 1860 until its merger with United Lodge in 1980.
• Adelphi, from 1920 until its removal to Quincy in 1967.
• Algonquin, from 1913 until its merger into St. Paul's-Algonquin Lodge in 1988.
• Boston University Lodge, from 1925 to the surrender of its charter in 1999.
• Brotherhood Lodge, from 1920 until its merger with Moses Michael Hays Lodge in 1986.
• Columbian Lodge, from 1795 to the present.
• The Consolidated Lodge, from 2004 to the present.
• Cosmopolitan Lodge, from 1991 to the present.
• The DeMolay Lodge, from 1974 to the present.
• The Lodge of Eleusis, from 1865 to its merger into Delta Lodge in 1995.
• Euclid Lodge, from 1916 to its removal to Stoughton (unknown date).
• Everett C. Benton Lodge, from 1925 to its merger with Henry Price Lodge in 2002.
• Fourth Estate Lodge, from 1922 to the present.
• Friendship/Perfect Union Lodge, in 1778 and 1779.
• Gate of the Temple Lodge, from 1952 to 1964, when it removed to Quincy.
• Germania Lodge, from 1854 to its merger with Revere Lodge in 1998.
• Germania-Revere Lodge, from 1998 to its merger with The Consolidated Lodge in 2004.
• Hammatt Lodge, from 1954 to its merger with Ocean Lodge in 1994.
• Hammatt-Ocean Lodge, from 1994 to its merger with Mount Tabor Lodge in 2007.
• Harmonic Lodge, from 1776 to 1797, when the charter was vacated.
• Hesperia Lodge, from 1925 to its merger with St. Paul's-Algonquin Lodge in 2004.
• Independence Lodge, from 2009 to the present.
• Joseph Warren Lodge, from 1856 to its merger with Soley Lodge in 1983.
• Joseph Webb Lodge, from 1876 to the present.
• Loyalty Lodge, from 1920 to its merger with Realty Lodge in 1983.
• Loyalty-Realty Lodge, from 1983 to its merger with Zerubbabel Lodge in 1991.
• Major General Henry Knox Lodge, from 1926 to the present.
• Masters Lodge, from 1738 to 1796, when it was removed from the roll of lodges.
• Moses Michael Hays Lodge, from 1931 until its removal to Needham in 1934.
• Mount Lebanon Lodge, from 1801 to the present.
• Noddle's Island Lodge, from 1920 to its merger with Adelphi Lodge in 1982.
• Price-Benton Lodge, from 2002 to its merger with Germania-Revere Lodge in 2004.
• Realty Lodge, from 1954 to its merger with Loyalty Lodge in 1983.
• Revere Lodge, from 1856 to its merger with Germania Lodge in 1999.
• Rising States Lodge, from 1784 (when it separated from the Lodge of St. Andrew) to the resignation of its charter in 1810.
• Shawmut Lodge, from 1911 to its merger into The Consolidated Lodge in 2008.
• Lodge of St. Andrew, from 1769 to the present.
• St. John's, from 1733 to the present.
• St. Paul's, from 1952 to its merger with Algonquin Lodge in 1988.
• Temple Lodge, from 1920 to its merger with Moses Michael Hays Lodge in 1985.
• West Roxbury Lodge, from 1919 to its merger with Dorchester Lodge in 1990.
• Winslow Lewis Lodge, from 1855 to the present.
• Zerubbabel Lodge, from 1950 to its merger with Loyalty-Realty Lodge in 1991.
• Zetland Lodge, from 1867 to its merger with Lynnfield Lodge in 2002.

BUILDINGS

• 10/14/1830: IV-195; Laying of corner-stone of Temple Hall for Grand Lodge by Most Wor. Joseph Jenkins. This ceremony was performed in public despite the anti-Masonic opposition then prevalent in Boston.
  • 05/30/1832: IV-255; Public Dedication of the Temple, a public ceremony with an address by Rev. Bernard Whitman.
  • 12/20/1833: IV-309; Due to refusal by the state legislature to restructure the Grand Lodge corporate charter, the building was sold to Bro. Robert Shaw.

• 04/06/1864: VI-503; The Winthrop House Fire was reported at the Quarterly Communication. (See description below.)

• 10/14/1864: VI-532; Laying of the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple.
  • 06/24/1867: VII-170; Dedication of the Temple.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WINTHROP HOUSE

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 6, May 1864; p. 195.

BURNING OF FREEMASONS' HALL.

The splendid apartments which have been for about four years past occupied by the Freemasons of this city, together with the first class Hotel attached to them, and known as the Winthrop House, at the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets, our Brethren every where throughout the country, will regret to learn, were totally destroyed by fire, with all their valuable contents, on the night of Wednesday, the 6ih of April last. The fire originated in a closet, or private passage-way, under the stairs leading to the Masonic Apartments, between the second and third stories : thus cutting off all communication with them, and rendering it imposible to remove any of the rich and valuable materials with which they were filled. Not a single article was saved from the flames. All was consumed and destroyed. No correct estimate, nor even an approximation to an estimate, of the value of the property destroyed in this portion of the building can with any certainty be made. A large portion of it cannot be replaced at any cost. A nearly complete series of the Portraits of the Past Grand Masters of this Commonwealth, many of them of priceless value, including an original of Henry Price, first G. Master in N. America, Gen. Joseph Warren, the first G. Master of the second G. Lodge of Massachusetts, and a large life-size Portrait of Washington, a copy from Stuart, and most of the Grand Masters from 1780, to the present time, among which were those of Dr. John Warren (the brother of Joseph,) Paul Revere, Isaiah Thomas, John Cutler, Benjamin Russell, and other historic names, were all destroyed.

The Masonic Bodies which regularly held their meetings there, were the Grand Lodge, St. John's, St. Andrew's, Massachusetts, Columbian, Mount Lebanon, Germania, Winslow Lewis, Revere, Joseph Warren, and Aberdour; the Grand Chapter, and St. Andrew's and St. Paul's Chapters; the Boston Council of R. and S. Masters; the Boston, De Molay, and St. Bernard Encampments; the Supreme Council and Grand Consistory of the Northern Jurisdiction; the Boston Consistory; Mt. Olivet Chapter Rose Croix; Boston Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and the Boston Grand Lodge of Perfection.

Each of these Bodies had a large amount of property in the building, the value of which we have no certain means of estimating.

• The Grand Lodge owned the furniture and fixtures of the principal hall, which, with the cost of the adornments, and including the large and splendid organ, but exclusive of the Portraits before referred to, may be estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000, It has also sustained heavy losses in the valuable pictures and original letters in the office of the G. Secretary; among the latter of which, in frames, were autograph Masonic letters of Franklin, Washington, and Lafayette. In this room also was the valuable Library, consisting of about a thousand volumes and a numerous collection of rare Masonic pamphlets, many of which it will be impossible to replace. If any estimate could be made of the value of such a collection, $2,500 would be a low one. It has likewise sustained heavy losses, in common with the whole fraternity of the State, in the destruction of the Records, Charters and papers of decayed Lodges, which from time to time for more than a hundred years past, have been surrendered to it. Of its own particular papers, it has lost many of more or less interest and of considerable value, in a historic point of view. We are happy however to state, that its records are all safe from the beginning of the organization of Masonry in America, in duplicate copies. Those of the volumes that were kept in the Safe of the Grand Secretary, were ruined in their binding, but the contents remain uninjured ; and as it has Leen the practice of the present Secretary to record all reports, papers, and documenls, as they were officially brought before the Grand Lodge, the loss of the files for the last thirty years, is of no particular importance, in a practical sense.
• The Lodges have each sustained heavy losses in rich Regalia, Jewels and other paraphernalia, of the value of which we can form no estimate.
• The two Chapters are also heavy sufferers, and their joint losses cannot be less than 5,000 or $6,000.
• The Encampments are heavy losers. The loss of the Boston Encampment, collectively and individually, we have Heard estimated at $'30,000, on which there was an insurance of $10,000. The De Molay Encampment probably loses not less than $15,000, on which there was no insurance, the policy having expired. The St. Bernard Encampment (new) loses about $5,000, on which there had never been any insurance. The armories of these bodies were tastefully and richly fitted up.
• The Council of Royal and Select Masters lose a rich and valuable regalia and the furniture appropriate to the conferring of the degrees.
• The bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Rite lose about $6,000, in regalia and fixtures, on which the Chapter of Rose Croix have an insurance of $2,000.
• The Supreme Council and the Grand Consistory lose several hundred dollars in regalia and a large amount of manuscripts, documents and other papers of much interest. We are happy to add however, that the records, and other important documents, were not in the building, and are therefore safe.
• On the building there was an insurance of $55,000, and on the regalia, library, &c., of the Grand Lodge, $6,100=$61,100.

The Hotel was kept by Mr. I. H. Silsbee, and was a first class Public House. The furniture was of the most approved pattern and of high finish. Mr. Silsbee estimates his loss at between 30,000, and $10,000, on which there was an insurance of $20,000. The house was fully occupied by boarders and transient visitors, and their individual losses must have been very heavy : nothing was saved ; many of them escaping wiih scarcely clothes enough to prevent suffering from the cold.

It was doubtless one of the most rapid and destructive fires that has ever occurred in this city. The building was heated throughout by steam, and the woodwork was consequently as dry as tinder, and the flames spread with corresponding rapidity. Those who witnessed it describe it as one of the most grand and awful conflagrations the imagination can picture to itself, and it is a matter of astonishment, as well as of thankfulness, that no lives were lost or serious personal injuries sustained.

The following graphic description of the premises appeared in the Boston Transcript of April 7th, and is so accurately and ably drawn thai we transfer it to our pages as a valuable contribution to the current history of Masonry in this city, and for future reference :—

THE LATE MASONIC BUILDING.

Mr. Editor— The Temple of Freemasonry in Boston has been destroyed, and the mystic brotherhood have lost their halls, where they were wont to meet in social conclave and dispense alms to their suffering Brethren. Now that the arrangements of these halls are fresh in remembrance, it will certainly not be considered amiss to preserve, lor future reference, their general appearance, and that of their ante-rooms and other apartments, such as can be given in a hasty sketch by one who is conversant with all their particulars. It will be remembered that the building which was destroyed on the morning of the sixth of April just past, as originally erected, consisted of three private dwellings, erected on the estate formejy occupied by the mansion house and garden of Joseph Head, Esq., a merchant of Uiis city. These houses were subsequently connected, and enlarged by the addition tf another story and back buildings, and were converted into a public hotel, known as the Winthrop House, in remembrance of John Winthrop, the early colonial governor of Massachusetts.

In the year 1859, the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Massachusetts, having previously sold their stone building, known as the Masonic Temple, the Winthrop House estate was purchased and fitted up for Masonic purposes, reserving the four lowermost stories for a hotel, and changing the attic roof into a French one, thereby gaining several large and valuable halls. The building thus altered stood on a lot of land fronting westerly 89 feet on Tremont street, and 126 feet southerly on Boylston street, with a rear of 83 feet and 5 inches on Head place on the east, and adjoining the house of the late George Head, Esq., 115 feet and 6 inches on the north. On the front of the building, facing the Common, there was an unoccupied portion of paved land, measuring 22 feet at the southern extremity, and 14 feet and 8 inches at the northern boundary, the whole number of square feet belonging to the lot, being 10.479. As was absolutely necessary, with so large a space to cover, there was a small area in the centre of the building, left unbuilt upon, reserved indispensably for air and light, so that, architecturally speaking, the edifice was a quadrangle, six stories in height, with another lofty and capacious story within the casements of the French roof.

The portion of the building occupied as a hotel contained in its three stories and basement about one hundred and forty rooms; while the two uppermost stories and attic afforded accommodations to the Freemasons.

The Masonic apartments were approached over a flight of stairs, unfortunately constiucted of wood, situated on the northerly side of the building, the outer door opening on Tremont street, and serving also as the private entrance for the hotel. The rooms occupied by the Freemasons consisted of three large halls, with the necessary ante-rooms, three armories for the Encampments of Knights Templars, a large banqueting hall, with offices for the Grand Master and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and for the Superintendent of the building, together with committee rooms, corridors, and capacious closets for storing the regalia and working implements of the craft. In all there were about thirty distinct rooms.

After ascending the long staircase which led to the Masonic Halls, a visitor was first struck with astonishment on beholding the rich and costly banners and other paraphernalia belonging to the various Orders, displayed artistically in glazed cases, in several of which were also suspended the jewels worn by the officers of the bodies to which the banners belonged. On proceeding further, the first room on the lowermost Masonic story which met the attention, was the office of the Superintendent, Mr. Luther L. Tarbell, an accomplished Mason, and a person possessing the knowledge and requirements in a most remarkable degree for the office he so well and faithfully filled. Next was situated a dressing-room, with all the conveniences that ingenuity and a regard for comfort could suggest. Advancing further, the visitor entered a corridor, connected with which •were ante-rooms, preparation rooms, and a large store-room for regalia and articles most needed by the Masons in performing and exemplifying their work ; and here was suspended a faithful portrait of the good old Tyler, father Martin, who a year ago tiled his last sublunary Lodge.

On the left of this corridor was tbe enlrance-door to the large hall known as Corinthian Hall, designed for the annual and quarterly meetings of the Grand Lodge, and forlhe monthly communications of the several Masonic bodies holding their meetings in Freemasons' Hall. This hall was probably one of the most superb in the country; as it was most elaborately and carefully finished in the Corinthian Order of architecture, and was distinguished for the harmony of its proportions, the beauty of its finish, and its perfect adaptedness to its purposes. The frescoes were executed most carefully by the late lamented Schutz, in the highest style of the art. The hanging chandeliers, the standing candelabras, and all the minute fixtures about this hall, as well indeed as in the others to be mentioned, were strictly Masonic, and bearing in every possible way the Masonic emblems and devices. The ceiling, which specially attracted attention, on account of its ornameniation, was laid out in plain panels and figured medallions; of the twelve medallions four bore roselts in relief, while the remaining eight were painted with the following objects of Masonic interest:—

• In the Masonic North, weie the ancient armorial bearings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in use until the year 1856, and formerly, as far back as 1477, borne by the Duke of Montacute, and constituted by him to be the arms of the Grand Lodge of England, and these were blended with the Sussex arms; over the West, were the original Montaoute arms, in honor of the Grand Master of England, who granted the first Commission for a Prov. G. Master in Boston in 1733; over the South, were the arms granted to the Freemasons of London by the Clarencieux-King of Arms in 1477, the oldest known Masonic armorial bearings; directly over the canopy in the East, were the arms of the Grand Lodge, as adopted in 1S56: of the remaining four medallions, one had the Bible, another had the pot of incense, a third had a beehive, and the fourth had the winged hour-glass, the symbolism of which is generally well known. In the centre of the ceiling was an allegorical representation of the Genius of Masonry, having in her left hand the square and compasses, and in her right the plumb-line,—the square dedicated to the Master, the compasses to the Craft, and the plumb-line aa the rule by which both are to be tried in their daily life and conversation.
• The walls were painted so as to represent panels between pilasters, and in these were suspended the portraits of Henry Price, the first Grand Master in Massachusetts; Gen. Joseph Warren, the patriot, also a Grand Master, and of most all of those who have held this position in the State. At the South, West and North were painted, in a most striking manner, the emblematical figures of Faith, Hope and Charity. The canopy and other upholstery and carpeting having blue for their prevailing color, were of the richest and most costly character, and exhibited the same excellent taste which pervaded the whole apartment. Elaborately executed columns of the three original Orders, and an altar, together with a large and costly organ, and other necessary fixtures comprised the fittings of this superb hall.
• On the same floor, and fronting Tremont street, was the second hall in size, known as the Ionic Hall, with its ante-rooms, this was designed for the use of the Royal Arch Chapters, and was decorated with emblems of the Order, and furnished with red upholstery, and was, as its name imports, finished in the Ionic Older of architecture. In this hall was an organ, and an excellent full length portrait of Washington, a copy from Stuart.
• On the easterly side of the area, on the same story, were several rooms adapted for the use of the Encampments, Chapters, and the several bodies belonging to the Ancient and Accepted Rite.

The second story partook of the character of an entresol, and contained a large Doric Hall draped in blue, furnished with an organ, an admirably painted copy of the Royal Arch and Master's Carpet, and decorated with the portraits of three eminent Templar Masons, Brothers Hammatt, Lash and Harwood. In the same story were the office of the Grand Secretary, which contained a valuable Masonic library, and many choice relics of the past; the office of the Grand Master, and several smaller rooms for committee purposes and for sodality meetings of the Masonic bodies. Most of these rooms were decorated with photographs of past officers, and some with photographs of all the members of their associations.

In the attic was the large Banqueting Hall and its ante-rooms, (capable of accommodating between four and five hundred persons,) and the three armories of the Boston, De Molay, and St. Bernard Encampments.

The several halls were used by the various bodies which met in Freemasons' Hall, and though they were amply large to accommodate the institution at the time the building was adapted to Masonic purposes, nevertheless larger and more commodious arrangements had become necessary for the rapidly increasing Oider. The fraternity were indebted to the learned and accomplished Mason, Charles W. Moore, Esq., for the admirable adaptedness of this building to the innumerable wants of the several grades of the Masonic bodies which held their meetings wiihin its walls, and to his excellent taste and judgment were due the designs for the decoration of the various apartments.

It is earnestly hoped that when another Freemasons' Hall is built the edifice will indeed be a Temple worthy of the institution, and also of the Grand East where it will be placed.

THE NEW HALL

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 6, May 1864; p. 213.

THE NEW FREEMASONS' HALL.

Since the recent fire the Grand Lodge has leased and appropriately fitted up the commodious halls in Thorndike Building, No. 10 Summer street, next west of Trinity Church. The aparimenis are capacious, elegant, and admirably adapted to the purposes for which they are hereafter to be used until the Grand Lodge shall have erected a building of its own. The Masonic apartments occupy the three upper stones. On the first of these stories is the Grand Secretary's Office, which is'a large and convenient room; adjoining this is a reception and regalia room of convenient size; next to this is the Superintendent's room ; and on the same floor is a Hall 44 feet long and 25 feet wide, with the necessary ante or preparation rooms. This hall has been fitted up in a very neat and beautiful manner for Lodge meetings, and is generally admired, lis drapery and furniture are blue.

On the next floor above, on the left, is a fine hall, measuring 52 feet Iong and 25 feet wide, which has been appropriately filted up in red, for the use of the Chapters. Opposite to this, on the same floor, is a magnificent hall, 74 feet long by 46 feet wide, which has been carpeted and arranged for the meetings of the Grand Lodge, the Encampments and other Bodies of large membership. It is one of the finest halls in the city, and will conveniently accommodate 400 or 500 persons. In the attic story, above this, are the Banqueting Hall, Pantry, Washroom, Cuisine, and several small rooms for regalia and the other property of the various Masonic Bodies.

The central location of these apartments, will be found to be very convenient to persons having business at the Grand Secretary's Office, as well us to the great mass of Brethren attached to the various Bodies holding their meetings in them.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 7, June 1864; p. 262.

NEW MASONIC TEMPLE.

At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth, on the 8th of June, the subject of erecting a new Masonic Temple on the site cf the late Winthrop House, was referred to the Board of Directors with full powers. We understand that it is the intention of the Board to erect a building that shall be an honor to the Fraternity and an ornament to the city. It will be built of granite, and as nearly fire-proof as it can be conveniently made. The first and second stories will probably be appropriated for business purposes, and the two stories next above for the use of the Fraternity ; which, with the spacious apartments in the attic, will, it is thought, afford all the accommodations that will be required for many years to come. The precise architectural style of the building has not yet been fully determined on, but the best architects in the city have been employed on a design for the fascade, and no doubt exists that one will be obtained which will be creditable to the profession and acceptable to all parties interested. The ruins have been removed and preparations are making for laying the foundations of the new edifice.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 11, September 1864; p. 321.

OUR NEW MASONIC TEMPLE.

The Board of Directors, to whom the subject was referred by the Grand Lodge at its Communication in June, have, after mature and careful consideration, selected and adopted, with great unanimity, a Plan for a new Masonic Temple, to be erected on the site of the late Winthrop House, at the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets. The principal architects in Boston had been invited to submit designs for the fa9ade, and many of great excellence and beauty were offered. That which was finally adopted was drawn by Mr. M. G. Wheelock, and is a fine classical work, after the style of the 14th and 15th centuries.

The idea, or motif, of the design, in an artistic sense, is to present such a combination of the architectural forms characteristic of the mediaval ages, (which forms owe, if not their invention, at least their development, to the combined labors of the Travelling Masons of that period,) as naturally to suggest the most effective poetical and historical associations connected with our Institution.

This leading idea, however, is necessarily subjected to some modification by the complex conditions attached to the proposed building. It is not to be exclusively occupied for Masonic uses, and the idea cannot, therefore, be realized in its perfect simplicity and power; because, first, the ground story being required for mercantile purposes, must essentially conform to the pres ent style of such edifices ; and this demands the largest possible windows on the street ; a compliance with which reduces the structural supports to the least lateral dimensions, and renders of impossible attainment one of the characteristic features of Gothic structures, namely, visible massive ness, or strength, in the lowest parts of the edifice : (but of course sufficient real stability can be had without this massiveness and apparent strength). Secondly, the next story—the first story of the building, in reference to its main object,—is to be principally occupied for purposes disconnected with Masonic uses ; and this requires more extent and uniformity in the window openings, on the exposed fa9ades, than is favorable to the finest effect of this style of architecture. But in the two superior stories, together with the roofs, &c., there is nothing necessarily inconsistent witk a perfect realization of the truest character and most significant beauty of this thrillingly poetic style. On the contrary, the peculiar nature of the apartments, and arrangements of these portions of the ' building, may be made exceedingly favorable to the embodiment of the intended idea. It should, however, be understood that the first stories do not present any serious difficulties in the way of the attainment of the designed effect. Enough breadth is allowed between the stores of the ground story, to construct a bold and characteristic Gothic entrance to the interior ; while, also, the informal utilities of the second story of the interior, admit a sufficient essential freedom in the disposition of the forms upon this stage of the facades.

As a whole, the design of the exterior is not intended to be restricted to any one particular phase of the general Gothic style, for two reasons: first, a realization of perfect harmony in :either the early English, Decorated, or Perpendicular, would so far constrain the composition as to interfere both with the essential utilities and the expression of an appropriate distinctive character in the building, as well as with the spirit, or idea, pervading Gothic architecture, in all its phases, and which are most effectively developed in those structures of the Middle Ages denominated transition, from the mingling of. features belonging to differ en epochs of its history.

No style, in its pure development, which fits only certain conditions, no longer existing, can be rendered properly effective. The genus loci, and the spirit of the age, belonging to each by-gone period of specific architectural development, cannot be revived with the mere forms of .their structures. But if the living, or creative spirit, of any past style, is present to govern the design,—as it may be, being a universal principle,— then even some novelty in the forms, suited to the changed conditions of our time, will in some way develop (as this and other branches of art show,) a sort of romance in the effect, to supply the place of the old harmony.

In reference, therefore, to mere style in the design adopted, the restrictions upon the selection and composition of its features and details of ornament, have power only so far as that all the parts or ornaments are consistent ; 'that is, fit and effective in themselves, and characteristic of the true genius of the Gothic style. In regard to the local, or utilitarian idea of the building, the purposes to which it is to be devoted would seem to require a semi-domestic and palatial style, and hence it is the aim of the design to give it such a character.

The front upon Tremont street, as shown by the Plan, is, in round numbers, ninety feet in width and eighty feet in height, to the coping, or gutter. The elevation is divided into four stories, the first being twenty feet 'in the clear ; the second eighteen feet; the third twerityfive feet, and the fourth thirteen feet. Above these there will be, in the roof, a fifth story, the height of which is not yet definitely determined : it will probably be higher in some portions than in others. Laterally, the front is divided into three main divisions : a central one, about twentyfive feet in width, projecting a little more than a foot from the face-wall of the other two flank-divisions, which are each nearly thirtythree feet in width. Upon the central division is, first, a boldly projecting entrance feature, or porch, rising from the pavement to the string-course of the third story, having a deeply recessed doorway in the ground story, and a canopied window of three lights in the second story, opening upon a balcony over the ddbr. The form, construction, and ornament are peculiarly characteristic, having panneled butresses, terminating in pinnacles, with gablets and finials, and elaborately ornamented arches, spandrills of sculptured tracery, and appropriate emblems of Masonry. On the sides of the entrance between the butresses, are deep niches filled with the two symbolic Pillars. To crown this feature, a sharp gable, with tracery and sculptured symbols, and other decorations, rises upon the canopy over the window, and above it, in front of a second balcony, to the central window of the third story, and terminates in a Cross of the Knights of Malta. To meet the thrust of this gable, flying butresses spring from the outside to the inside butresses.

On the left hand side of this division is a slender round tower, or turret, six or seven feet in diameter, which is wholly concealed in the ground story by the butresses of the porch ; but as it rises throughout the other stories it projects one half its section from the main wall until it gains the parapet, whence it ascends fifteen or.sixteen feet higher in the full round, caped or crowned with a heavy projecting battlement. This sesthetical feature of the design wid recall the flag, or watch tower, of the feudal castle. To balance it in the composition, a smaller square turret is placed upon the right hand side, lower in its rise above the parapet, which, by means of angle-hutresses below, is made, in effect, to start from the heavy corbel table over the third story ; its first section, or stage, being partially embedded, or enclosed, in the fourth story. This is also designed to recall the peculiar features cf castles of the mediaeval ages. Between these a gable rises over the parapet, and terminates in a pinnacle or finial. An elaborate rose window is set in the centre of the gable, and the space around it is covered with perpendicular, or 14th century panneling, in which appropriate emblems may be properly placed. Below the gable, in the fourth story, is a group of three windows, with pointed ogee arches. Directly below this group is the large two lighted central .window of the third story, before mentioned.

On the flank of the right hand side division, occupying the corner on Boylston street, an octagonal turret, eight or nine feet in diameter, starts upon five arches, supported by single columns at the six external angles of the octagon. It rises to the top of the parapet without diminution, and then narrowing a little, tapers off in a point, thirty or forty feet higher. This part is constructed in two sections, or stories, with sloping offsets between, (the upper story being the smallest,) and a short spire, finished with a linial and vane. Both sections have open arches in the sides, containing tracery and blinds. The angles of the lowest have butresses: those of the highest are clustered pillars, or small round shafts. The butresses of the first are finished above the level conice in pinnacles, and the angles of the second have similar gabled terminations ; between which, the sides above the arches are carried up in sharp gables, around the foot of the spire.

On the flank of the division, on the left hand side, a slight projection, about four feet in width, starts from a corbel on the string-course below the third story, and extending up to the top of the parapet, terminates in a light octagonal pinnacle of open arches, supported upon single columns at the angles—similar to the upper story of the larger turret, having finials and gables between, and surmounted by a tall sharp spire and vane,—the whole being about twentyfive or thirty feet above the parapet. In the lowest stage of the projection in which this pinnacle starts, there is a nich for a statue. This projection is continued down to the ground story by a butress on the angle, and a slender round shaft on the other side. On the ground story, at this angle, is a projection containing a show window, to correspond partly with the octagonal one on the corner next to Boylston street. It has a butress of two stages on each side, terminating in gables at the first string-course. The space between, above the arch, being about four feet, is ornamented with a gable and foliage. A similar gable and finish mnrk the front face of the opposite octagonal window. The butresses are continued by offsets above the first string-course—one, in the angle butress, to the foot of the projection before described ; the other, in an independent butress, to the top of the third story, to give symmetry to the composition. A narrow window and a pannel occupy the spaces between the butresses in the second story, and a pannel is placed over the narrow window in the corresponding space on the third story. On the cardinal faces of the octagon turret are lancet windows, and deep pannels in the others. On the third story of the turret, is a large double nich, cut into the .sides, and the arches of the top, which meet at the salient angles, are feebly supported, apparently, at this point, by a single slender round shaft, or twisted column. In the back of the nich is an arched opening from the interior to the balcony in the lower part of the nich ; or a statue may be placed here. The seeming boldness in the construction of this feature, it is thonght, will afford one of those peculiar points of pleasant surprise so frequently met with in medieval buildings.

In the tower, by the side of the large central window of this front, there is also a nich ; and an ornamental pannel fills an otherwise blank space on the other side of the window. In the story below, on either side the window-canopy, are arched panels, enriched with Maltese Crosses.

The arrangement of windows, or other openings, in the broad parts of the side divisions, gives in each side, in the lower story, an arcade of three equal round arches, resting upon single plain columns, with heavy ornamental capitals and bases: the central arches in each group are de- signed for entrances to the stores. The soffits of the arches are to be broad, and the window frames set back of the columns, richly moulded. In the second story, the plain walls are pierced with the same number of windows, narrower than the arches below, but ranging directly over them. These have equilateral arched heads, and are divided into two long lights, and a quatre-foil light above them, in the spandrel. In the third story, the windows correspond again in number and position, but they are still narrower and taller, with lancet arches, decorated with cusps. And in the fourth story again, there is the same number of much smaller windows^ having, ogee pointed heads, with their hood-mouldings connected over blank arches between ; by which a group is formed, in each side division of three windows and two blanks belween them. The roof story is lighted by a rose window and six dormers on the front.

These principal windows and arches are the only features possessing uniformity in the side divisions of the fagade ; but they suffice to secure the effect of a proper steadiness and stability in the whole. The variant should be said, that the disposition oi the windows, and the fonus of certain details, are liable to some changes, a* the arrangement of ins interior is matured.

tions in the other parts are managed to produce a symmetrical balance of the two sides, or halves, from the vertical centre line.

The composition of the Boylston street fa9ade is symmetrical with the front; but the salient parts are fewer and simpler, while the plain spaces are broader, and the features having uniformity are more numerous. To balance the octagon turret on the Tremont street corner, there is a rectangular projection, about eight feet wide, on the opposite corner, which rises from the side walk to the roof, and sustains a square turret, or belfry perhaps, of the same dimensions,—having a triple arched window, which may be either glazed or filled with latice on the South and East sides : small square pinnacles surmount the angles, and it is roofed by a short square spire, or pyramidal roof, finished with a vane.

A breadth of about forty feet in the centre of this side is brought forward on the same line with the turrets ; and the angles finished above the parapets with small pinnacles of open arches, resting upon round shafts, and with sharp gables on each face, and a spire ending in a finial. The centre of this part is marked in the third story by a large, two lighted window, similar to that in a corresponding position on the front, flanked on either side by arched pannels. Near the corner, on each side of this group, is a single window. In the story next below, a gable rises over the two Central windows, the tympan being filled with tracery. This is flanked by single windows on either side. And in the ground story four simicircular windows light the rear part of the store fronting on Tremont street. A range of four windows and three blank arches, similar to those in the same range or story of the front, occupy the fourth story of this projection. The roof over this centre part rises a few feet higher than the main roof, and has three dormer windows, the centre one being larger and more elaborate than the others. Between this centre space, on each side, is a slightly recessed space of about thirty feet in width. These present a uniform arrangement and appearance with the corresponding spaces on the front side ;—except only that there are but two instead of three dormer windows over each.

A third store, like those facing upon Tremont street, occupies the rear angle of the ground story facing on Boylston street, and its front is finished the same as that of the left hand store on the front side.

A second entrance to the main building will be made at some point on this side, not yet determined.

The details of the first story are in the Norman style, with some sprinkling of early Gothic forms about the entrances. In all the superstructure, no features will appear which are not characteristic of the Western Gothic of the 13th, 14th, or 15th centuries.

Enough in the way of general description has been said to give the reader an idea of the exterior of this splendid design. But we will venture, in conclusion, to add a remark or two in further explanation of the ssthetical meaning of certain features and details of the plan.

Variety, and some degree of intricacy, in the details and composition, constitute a distinctive peculiarity of the general style adopted for the building ; and these, perhaps more than any other element, produce the most powerful effect of Gothic structures upon our imaginations. It is another marked peculiarity in this Order of Architecture, that all the parts and features of an edifice, have an intelligible and consistent significance. And if, as is most likely, much of the original symbolic meaning is lost to us, this is, as before suggested, made up in the general effect, by the new power in those parts and features which time has given them, to associate and vivify the architectural impressions with historic and romantic recollections. Thus the character of the principal entrance, with its deep sunken arches, relieving with broad dark shadows the sharp outjutting butresses, and the lighter work of gables, tracery and pinnacles above ; the lofty round tower and pierced parapets ; the different turrets and spires, and the sculptured pannels, by recalling the features of the mediaeval buildings, suggest the romantic life of that period, as the travelling Masonic Fraternities raising Cathedrals and Abbeys, the chivalric scenes connected with the founders of castles and halls, the tournaments andheroic acts of the Knights ; while the balconies, canopied niches, and emblazoned pannels, will revive the recollection of the social life of the troubadours, and the peculiar poetic refinements of their times.

In connection with the variety in the parts and details, and the freedom in their composition, there is another distinctive quality derived from the dark under-cuttings and ornamented hollows of mouldings, and the deep recessing of windows and arches, which produce an effect of mystery in the architecture, that seems analogous to the mysteries allowed in Masonry ; and therefore peculiarly appropriate in a building devoted to its uses.

When completed, the structure will be, in its general architectural style and details, essentially different from any public building in the city, and so far as we are informed, in the country. The nearest approach to it, in these particulars, is Eton College, in England, built in the 15th century.

The plan of the interior, in some of its minor details, has not yet been definitively determined. The basement, or ground story, will, however, be occupied by large and elegant stores, designed to be equal to any in the.city, as the location for business purposes is, prospectively at least, one of the most valuable. Two of these stores will front on Tremont street, and the third on Boylston street. The story above this will also be appropriated to business, or other purposes disconnected with the Order, and will have separate entrances. The Masonic apartments will commence on the next, or third story, which will contain the large Hall, forty by seventy feet, and a second Hall of smaller dimensions, together with the necessary ante-rooms and offices. On the story next above, (entrasol,) will be a third Hall, with ante-rooms for the use of the Lodges, &c. In the roof-story, which will be spacious and airy, will be a large Banquetting Hall, about forty by eighty feet—three or four well lighted and convenient rooms for Armories. and several smaller apartments. Such is a general, though necessarily imperfect, outline of the proposed building, in iis external and interior arrangements, and when completed it is believed that it will be at least equal to any similar structure in this country—an honor to the Fraternity and an ornament to the city.

Workmen are engaged in putting in the foundations, and will probably be ready to lay the Corner Stone early in October.

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