Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsYear1792"

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search
(28 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
'''1792'''
 
'''1792'''
  
'''''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler JOHN CUTLER], Grand Master'''''
+
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHays MOSES MICHAEL HAYS], Grand Master''' (until 03/05/1792)<br>
 +
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler JOHN CUTLER], Grand Master'''
  
 +
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJLowell John Lowell]''', Deputy Grand Master<br>
 +
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBartlett Josiah Bartlett]''', Senior Grand Warden<br>
 +
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLADexter Aaron Dexter]''', Junior Grand Warden
 +
 +
=== NOTES ===
 +
 +
In order for the United Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to have even commenced its work required a most extraordinary act. Under the guidance of Most Worshipful Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHays Moses Michael Hays] of the Massachusetts Independent Grand Lodge, and Right Worshipful Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler John Cutler], acting as deputy for the late [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRowe John Rowe], the last regularly installed Grand Master of St. John's Grand Lodge, the most prominent officers of each governing body had resigned their offices ''en masse'' in preparation for a union of the two under a constitution and laws that they had considered for several months before.
 +
 +
It was a singular deed, one which might have never come to pass if not for the American Revolution and its aftermath. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts - granted its charter in 1769 by the Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the Earl of Dalhousie - had resolved to become independent in 1777 and had been sustaining itself in the turbulent years since. St. John's Grand Lodge, which had held its Grand Charter since 1733 – longer than any other such body in North America – had gone through its own difficult times, including the loss of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRowe Grand Master Rowe] in February 1787, and was prepared to end the years of division and rivalry. "Such a union," wrote Rt. Wor. Samuel Parkman, the Grand Secretary of St. John's Grand Lodge, "would be for the benefit of Masonry in General, and for the happiness of the Lodges in this Commonwealth in particular." (I-223) And it was so voted.
 +
 +
Thus, on March 5, 1792, a joint group of electors was chosen to determine "the ''first Officers'' of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons For the Common Wealth of Massachusetts." Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMJnWarren John Warren], Past Grand Master of Massachusetts Grand Lodge, was in the chair for the election of:
 +
 +
* Most Wor. John Cutler Esq. as Grand Master;
 +
* Rt. Wor. Josiah Bartlet(t) as Senior Grand Warden;
 +
* Rt. Wor. Mungo Mackay as Junior Grand Warden;
 +
* Rt. Wor. Samuel Parkman as Grand Treasurer;
 +
* Rt. Wor. Thomas Farrington as Grand Secretary.
 +
 +
Grand Master Cutler's first duties during this year were to inform the Brothers of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StAndrew Lodge of St. Andrew] of the union of the two Grand Lodges. This lodge, chartered in 1752, had stood aside from both St. John's and the Massachusetts Grand Lodge; indeed, a split among the brethren in 1784 had led to the founding of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States] Lodge, which had come under the aegis of Massachusetts Grand Lodge in 1784. Despite the desire for unanimity in the jurisdiction, the Grand Master made no effort to coerce this lodge into inclusion, nor to isolate it from Masonic correspondence or communication – but it did not ultimately come under the Grand Lodge's authority until [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1809 1809], when its charter was endorsed by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMThomas Isaiah Thomas].
 +
 +
The year 1792 was significant in other ways for the Grand Lodge, as it instituted its own set of Constitutions and Laws (which appear at the very front of Volume II of the Proceedings); it established a standard form of lodge charter (shown on page II-22); and exchanged friendly correspondence with the most distinguished living Mason in North America, George Washington. By the end of the year, the new Grand Lodge had sent its Constitutions to all of its neighbors, put its record-keeping in place, and granted a charter and three dispensations for charters. At its annual communication on 10 December, the Grand Lodge re-elected John Cutler for a second year along with all of his officers.
 +
 +
''From '''TROWEL''', Fall 1995, Page 15:''
 +
 +
'''The Merger of the Grand Lodges'''
 +
''by R. W. James T. Watson, Jr.''
 +
 +
After years of guiding the destiny of St. John's Grand Lodge, first Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrice Henry Price] died in 1780. Previously, in 1776, some of its members had left Boston and gone to New York with the British, while others went to Canada. With the increased actions of the patriots, this Grand Lodge continued to be active, but with more restraint.
 +
 +
By 1787 Massachusetts Grand Lodge formed a committee of five, including [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMJnWarren John Warren], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRevere Paul Revere] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWScollay William Scollay], to consult "the other Grand Lodge" about the feasibility of a merger. A month later, in April, a committee of seven was appointed to work with a similar committee from St. John's Grand Lodge to plan the union of the two Grand Lodges.
 +
 +
It was not, however, until Massachusetts Grand Lodge again voted at its quarterly meeting of December 5. 1791. to form another committee of seven to confer with the Officers of St. John's Grand Lodge, that action started to take place. On January 18, 1792, St. John's Grand Lodge established its own committee of seven to meet with the one from Massachusetts Grand Lodge. Their goal was to promote the union of the two Grand Lodges on true Masonic principles.
 +
 +
When the committee met a month later on February 10 at the home of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSParkman Samuel Parkman]. it agreed that a union would benefit Masonry generally and in Massachusetts. The committee voted to meet its counterpart as soon as possible to agree on the manner of union.
 +
 +
On March 5 the Massachusetts committee reported that the joint committee had agreed on a constitution and laws for associating the two Grand Lodges, and that St. John's Grand Lodge had approved the plan. Massachusetts Grand Lodge ratified the plan unanimously as well. Brothers Warren, Scollay and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJLowell Lowell] were to list possible officers for the united Grand Lodge and to select seven electors.
 +
 +
The 14 electors met with Paul Revere as chairman, examined the two lists of candidates and unanimously chose the following as the first Officers of the united Grand Lodge: R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler John Cutler], Grand Master; R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBartlett Josiah Bartlett], Senior Grand Warden: R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLMMackay Mungo Mackay], Junior Grand Warden; Samuel Parkman. Grand Treasurer; and Thomas Farrington, Grand Secretary.
 +
 +
On March 19 a meeting was held at Concert Hall Boston, to install the Grand Master and establish the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The R. W. Bro. John Warren installed the Grand Master, with a speech for the occasion, before placing him in the seat of Solomon and investing him with his jewel. The Grand Master then announced R. W. John Lowell as his deputy and his other appointments for the year, investing them with their jewels.
 +
 +
After the Grand Master was installed the brothers formed a procession in their order of rank to pay their respects and offer congratulations, a custom which still exists. This united Grand Lodge began with 11 lodges constituted by St. John's Grand Lodge and 11 by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StAndrew St. Andrew's Lodge #82], chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, was not one these 22 lodges.
 +
 +
The Grand Lodge wrote to St. Andrew's Lodge on April 2, 1792, to reassure the Lodge that it would not try to influence it and to offer warmest wishes. St. Andrew's Lodge became a member of Grand Lodge at the December, 1809, annual meeting of Grand Lodge.
 +
 +
The new constitution and laws of the united Grand Lodge consisted of 26 paragraphs in ten sections and were read before the installation of officers. The document covered many aspects of Grand Lodge, many of the guidelines being in effect after 203 years.
 +
 +
Lodges established prior to the new constitution were to retain their original charters, the Grand Secretary maintaining a list of the lodges by date and the Grand Lodge which issued the charter, precedency being by seniority. Thus, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is unique as the only Grand Lodge without numbers for its Lodges.
 +
 +
This constitution was dedicated to our first president and illustrious Brother George Washington. Beyond the new constitution the document contained the history, of Masons, the history of Masonry in the Commonwealth and two collections of songs and epilogues. The book is now in the library of the Boston Athenaeum.
 +
 +
<hr>
  
 
=== QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS ===
 
=== QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS ===
Line 13: Line 66:
 
** II-27: Vote to send a copy of Grand Constitutions to George Washington.
 
** II-27: Vote to send a copy of Grand Constitutions to George Washington.
 
** II-28: List of lodges by seniority.
 
** II-28: List of lodges by seniority.
** II-29: Returns of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States] Lodge, Boston.
+
** II-29: Returns of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States] Lodge, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston].
 
** II-30: Accounts of Grand Lodge for 1792.
 
** II-30: Accounts of Grand Lodge for 1792.
  
Line 21: Line 74:
 
=== SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS ===
 
=== SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS ===
 
* 03/19 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-12;
 
* 03/19 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-12;
**II-12: Installation of Most Worshipful Brother '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler Cutler] and other officers.
+
**II-12: Installation of Most Worshipful Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCutler Cutler] and other officers.
**II-14: Address by the Grand Master on "true Masonic principles"  
+
**II-14: Address by the Grand Master on "true Masonic principles."  
  
 
* 04/02 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-15;   
 
* 04/02 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-15;   
Line 33: Line 86:
  
 
* 06/11 (Salem): II-20;
 
* 06/11 (Salem): II-20;
** II-20: Constitution of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Essex2 Essex] Lodge, Salem.
+
** II-20: Constitution of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Essex2 Essex] Lodge, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASalem Salem].
  
* 06/25 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-24; ''(R.W. John Lowell, Deputy Grand Master, presiding.)''
+
* 06/25 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-24; ''(R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJLowell John Lowell], Deputy Grand Master, presiding.)''
 
** II-24: Feast of St. John the Baptist ceremonies.
 
** II-24: Feast of St. John the Baptist ceremonies.
 +
 +
<hr>
  
 
=== LIST OF LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS: 1792 ===
 
=== LIST OF LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS: 1792 ===
{| class="wikitable"
+
''Note: This list of lodges extant in Massachusetts in December 1792, ranked "according to their seniority", appears on page II-28.''
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"  
 
|-
 
|-
 
! No.
 
! No.
 
! Location
 
! Location
 
! Lodge
 
! Lodge
! Charter Date
+
! Precedence Date
 
! Chartering Body
 
! Chartering Body
 
|-
 
|-
 
|1
 
|1
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StJohnB St. John's (Boston)]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StJohnB St. John's (Boston)]
 
|07/30/1733
 
|07/30/1733
Line 54: Line 111:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|2
 
|2
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Masters1 Master's]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Masters1 Master's]
 
|01/02/1738
 
|01/02/1738
Line 60: Line 117:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|3
 
|3
|Newburyport
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StJohnN St. John's (Newburyport)]
+
|07/17/1766
+
|St. John's Grand Lodge
+
|-
+
|4
+
|Boston
+
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States]
|11/30/1752
+
|11/30/1756
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 +
|-
 +
|4
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAMarblehead Marblehead]
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Philanthropic Lodge at Marblehead]
 +
|03/25/1760
 +
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
 
|5
 
|5
|Portland (Me.)
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MEPortland Portland] (Me.)
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=PortlandM Portland]
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=PortlandM Lodge at Portland]
 
|03/30/1762
 
|03/30/1762
 
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
 
|6
 
|6
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANewburyport Newburyport]
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StJohnN St. John's (Newburyport)]
 +
|07/17/1766
 +
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 +
|-
 +
|7
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGloucester Gloucester]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Tyrian The Tyrian]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Tyrian The Tyrian]
 
|03/02/1770
 
|03/02/1770
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|7
+
|8
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsLodge The Massachusetts]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsLodge The Massachusetts]
 
|05/13/1770
 
|05/13/1770
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|8
+
|9
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANantucket Nantucket]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=UnionN Union (Nantucket)]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=UnionN Union (Nantucket)]
 
|05/27/1771
 
|05/27/1771
 
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 
|St. John's Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|9
+
|10
|Newburyport
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANewburyport Newburyport]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StPeter2 St. Peter's]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StPeter2 St. Peter's]
 
|03/06/1773
 
|03/06/1773
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|10
+
|11
|Stockbridge
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAStockbridge Stockbridge]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Berkshire1 Berkshire]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Berkshire1 Berkshire]
 
|03/08/1777
 
|03/08/1777
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|11
+
|12
|Lancaster
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MALancaster Lancaster]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Trinity1 Trinity]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Trinity1 Trinity]
 
|02/15/1776
 
|02/15/1776
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|12
+
|13
|Machias (Me.)
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MEMachias Machias] (Me.)
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WarrenM Warren]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WarrenM Warren]
 
|09/04/1778
 
|09/04/1778
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|13
+
|14
|Ipswich
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAIpswich Ipswich]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Unity Unity]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Unity Unity]
 
|03/09/1779
 
|03/09/1779
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|14
+
|15
|Charlestown
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MACharlestown Charlestown]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=KingSolomon King Solomon's]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=KingSolomon King Solomon's]
 
|09/05/1783
 
|09/05/1783
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|15
+
|16
|North Hampton
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANorthampton Northampton]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Hampshire2 Hampshire]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Hampshire2 Hampshire]
 
|01/30/1784
 
|01/30/1784
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|16
+
|17
|Williamstown
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAWilliamstown Williamstown]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Friendship1 Friendship]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Friendship1 Friendship]
 
|07/23/1785
 
|07/23/1785
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|17
+
|18
|Boston
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Harmonic Harmonic]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Harmonic Harmonic]
 
|12/08/1790
 
|12/08/1790
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|Massachusetts Grand Lodge
 
|-
 
|-
|18
+
|19
|Salem
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASalem Salem]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Essex2 Essex]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Essex2 Essex]
 
|06/11/1792
 
|06/11/1792
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|-
 
|-
|19
+
|20
|Wiscasset (Me.)
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MEWiscasset Wiscasset] (Me.)
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=LincolnM Lincoln]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=LincolnM Lincoln]
|U.D.
+
|06/01/1792
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|-
 
|-
|20
+
|21
|Hanover
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAHanover Hanover]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OldColony Old Colony]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OldColony Old Colony]
|U.D.
+
|12/10/1792
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|-
 
|-
|21
+
|22
|Blandford
+
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABlandford Blandford]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Federal1 Federal]
 
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Federal1 Federal]
|U.D.
+
|12/10/1792
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 
|Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
 +
|}
 +
 +
== OTHER ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
! No.
 +
! Location
 +
! Lodge
 +
! Precedence Date
 +
|-
 +
|1
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston]
 +
|[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StAndrew Lodge of St. Andrew]
 +
|11/30/1756 ''Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland''
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
<hr>
 +
 +
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1791 Previous (1791)]'''<br>
 +
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1793 Next (1793)]'''<br>
 +
'''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYears Years]'''

Revision as of 18:12, 25 April 2019

1792

MOSES MICHAEL HAYS, Grand Master (until 03/05/1792)
JOHN CUTLER, Grand Master

John Lowell, Deputy Grand Master
Josiah Bartlett, Senior Grand Warden
Aaron Dexter, Junior Grand Warden

NOTES

In order for the United Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to have even commenced its work required a most extraordinary act. Under the guidance of Most Worshipful Brother Moses Michael Hays of the Massachusetts Independent Grand Lodge, and Right Worshipful Brother John Cutler, acting as deputy for the late John Rowe, the last regularly installed Grand Master of St. John's Grand Lodge, the most prominent officers of each governing body had resigned their offices en masse in preparation for a union of the two under a constitution and laws that they had considered for several months before.

It was a singular deed, one which might have never come to pass if not for the American Revolution and its aftermath. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts - granted its charter in 1769 by the Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the Earl of Dalhousie - had resolved to become independent in 1777 and had been sustaining itself in the turbulent years since. St. John's Grand Lodge, which had held its Grand Charter since 1733 – longer than any other such body in North America – had gone through its own difficult times, including the loss of Grand Master Rowe in February 1787, and was prepared to end the years of division and rivalry. "Such a union," wrote Rt. Wor. Samuel Parkman, the Grand Secretary of St. John's Grand Lodge, "would be for the benefit of Masonry in General, and for the happiness of the Lodges in this Commonwealth in particular." (I-223) And it was so voted.

Thus, on March 5, 1792, a joint group of electors was chosen to determine "the first Officers of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons For the Common Wealth of Massachusetts." Rt. Wor. John Warren, Past Grand Master of Massachusetts Grand Lodge, was in the chair for the election of:

  • Most Wor. John Cutler Esq. as Grand Master;
  • Rt. Wor. Josiah Bartlet(t) as Senior Grand Warden;
  • Rt. Wor. Mungo Mackay as Junior Grand Warden;
  • Rt. Wor. Samuel Parkman as Grand Treasurer;
  • Rt. Wor. Thomas Farrington as Grand Secretary.

Grand Master Cutler's first duties during this year were to inform the Brothers of the Lodge of St. Andrew of the union of the two Grand Lodges. This lodge, chartered in 1752, had stood aside from both St. John's and the Massachusetts Grand Lodge; indeed, a split among the brethren in 1784 had led to the founding of Rising States Lodge, which had come under the aegis of Massachusetts Grand Lodge in 1784. Despite the desire for unanimity in the jurisdiction, the Grand Master made no effort to coerce this lodge into inclusion, nor to isolate it from Masonic correspondence or communication – but it did not ultimately come under the Grand Lodge's authority until 1809, when its charter was endorsed by Grand Master Isaiah Thomas.

The year 1792 was significant in other ways for the Grand Lodge, as it instituted its own set of Constitutions and Laws (which appear at the very front of Volume II of the Proceedings); it established a standard form of lodge charter (shown on page II-22); and exchanged friendly correspondence with the most distinguished living Mason in North America, George Washington. By the end of the year, the new Grand Lodge had sent its Constitutions to all of its neighbors, put its record-keeping in place, and granted a charter and three dispensations for charters. At its annual communication on 10 December, the Grand Lodge re-elected John Cutler for a second year along with all of his officers.

From TROWEL, Fall 1995, Page 15:

The Merger of the Grand Lodges by R. W. James T. Watson, Jr.

After years of guiding the destiny of St. John's Grand Lodge, first Grand Master Henry Price died in 1780. Previously, in 1776, some of its members had left Boston and gone to New York with the British, while others went to Canada. With the increased actions of the patriots, this Grand Lodge continued to be active, but with more restraint.

By 1787 Massachusetts Grand Lodge formed a committee of five, including John Warren, Paul Revere and William Scollay, to consult "the other Grand Lodge" about the feasibility of a merger. A month later, in April, a committee of seven was appointed to work with a similar committee from St. John's Grand Lodge to plan the union of the two Grand Lodges.

It was not, however, until Massachusetts Grand Lodge again voted at its quarterly meeting of December 5. 1791. to form another committee of seven to confer with the Officers of St. John's Grand Lodge, that action started to take place. On January 18, 1792, St. John's Grand Lodge established its own committee of seven to meet with the one from Massachusetts Grand Lodge. Their goal was to promote the union of the two Grand Lodges on true Masonic principles.

When the committee met a month later on February 10 at the home of Samuel Parkman. it agreed that a union would benefit Masonry generally and in Massachusetts. The committee voted to meet its counterpart as soon as possible to agree on the manner of union.

On March 5 the Massachusetts committee reported that the joint committee had agreed on a constitution and laws for associating the two Grand Lodges, and that St. John's Grand Lodge had approved the plan. Massachusetts Grand Lodge ratified the plan unanimously as well. Brothers Warren, Scollay and Lowell were to list possible officers for the united Grand Lodge and to select seven electors.

The 14 electors met with Paul Revere as chairman, examined the two lists of candidates and unanimously chose the following as the first Officers of the united Grand Lodge: R. W. John Cutler, Grand Master; R. W. Josiah Bartlett, Senior Grand Warden: R. W. Mungo Mackay, Junior Grand Warden; Samuel Parkman. Grand Treasurer; and Thomas Farrington, Grand Secretary.

On March 19 a meeting was held at Concert Hall Boston, to install the Grand Master and establish the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The R. W. Bro. John Warren installed the Grand Master, with a speech for the occasion, before placing him in the seat of Solomon and investing him with his jewel. The Grand Master then announced R. W. John Lowell as his deputy and his other appointments for the year, investing them with their jewels.

After the Grand Master was installed the brothers formed a procession in their order of rank to pay their respects and offer congratulations, a custom which still exists. This united Grand Lodge began with 11 lodges constituted by St. John's Grand Lodge and 11 by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge. St. Andrew's Lodge #82, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, was not one these 22 lodges.

The Grand Lodge wrote to St. Andrew's Lodge on April 2, 1792, to reassure the Lodge that it would not try to influence it and to offer warmest wishes. St. Andrew's Lodge became a member of Grand Lodge at the December, 1809, annual meeting of Grand Lodge.

The new constitution and laws of the united Grand Lodge consisted of 26 paragraphs in ten sections and were read before the installation of officers. The document covered many aspects of Grand Lodge, many of the guidelines being in effect after 203 years.

Lodges established prior to the new constitution were to retain their original charters, the Grand Secretary maintaining a list of the lodges by date and the Grand Lodge which issued the charter, precedency being by seniority. Thus, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is unique as the only Grand Lodge without numbers for its Lodges.

This constitution was dedicated to our first president and illustrious Brother George Washington. Beyond the new constitution the document contained the history, of Masons, the history of Masonry in the Commonwealth and two collections of songs and epilogues. The book is now in the library of the Boston Athenaeum.


QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS

  • 06/21 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-21;
    • II-21: Request for lodges to provide member lists.
    • II-22: Proposal for design of charter.
    • II-26: Postponement of September 1792 Quarterly due to smallpox epidemic.
  • 12/10 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-27;
    • II-27: Vote to send a copy of Grand Constitutions to George Washington.
    • II-28: List of lodges by seniority.
    • II-29: Returns of Rising States Lodge, Boston.
    • II-30: Accounts of Grand Lodge for 1792.
  • 12/27 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-32;
    • II-32: Committee appointed to examine Grand Secretary accounts.

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

  • 03/19 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-12;
    • II-12: Installation of Most Worshipful Brother Cutler and other officers.
    • II-14: Address by the Grand Master on "true Masonic principles."
  • 04/02 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-15;
  • 06/01 (Bro. Coleman's, Boston): II-18;
    • II-18: Petition in Wiscasset (Maine) for "Zion or Rising Star Lodge"(name changed: recorded as "Lincoln" on p. II-19, p. II-28)
    • II-19: Committee to write charter.
  • 06/11 (Salem): II-20;
  • 06/25 (Concert Hall, Boston): II-24; (R.W. John Lowell, Deputy Grand Master, presiding.)
    • II-24: Feast of St. John the Baptist ceremonies.

LIST OF LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS: 1792

Note: This list of lodges extant in Massachusetts in December 1792, ranked "according to their seniority", appears on page II-28.

No. Location Lodge Precedence Date Chartering Body
1 Boston St. John's (Boston) 07/30/1733 St. John's Grand Lodge
2 Boston Master's 01/02/1738 St. John's Grand Lodge
3 Boston Rising States 11/30/1756 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
4 Marblehead Lodge at Marblehead 03/25/1760 St. John's Grand Lodge
5 Portland (Me.) Lodge at Portland 03/30/1762 St. John's Grand Lodge
6 Newburyport St. John's (Newburyport) 07/17/1766 St. John's Grand Lodge
7 Gloucester The Tyrian 03/02/1770 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
8 Boston The Massachusetts 05/13/1770 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
9 Nantucket Union (Nantucket) 05/27/1771 St. John's Grand Lodge
10 Newburyport St. Peter's 03/06/1773 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
11 Stockbridge Berkshire 03/08/1777 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
12 Lancaster Trinity 02/15/1776 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
13 Machias (Me.) Warren 09/04/1778 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
14 Ipswich Unity 03/09/1779 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
15 Charlestown King Solomon's 09/05/1783 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
16 Northampton Hampshire 01/30/1784 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
17 Williamstown Friendship 07/23/1785 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
18 Boston Harmonic 12/08/1790 Massachusetts Grand Lodge
19 Salem Essex 06/11/1792 Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
20 Wiscasset (Me.) Lincoln 06/01/1792 Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
21 Hanover Old Colony 12/10/1792 Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
22 Blandford Federal 12/10/1792 Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

OTHER

No. Location Lodge Precedence Date
1 Boston Lodge of St. Andrew 11/30/1756 Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland

Previous (1791)
Next (1793)
Years