Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsYear1858"

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(FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST)
(FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST)
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*** Nassau Hall, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston] (11/01)
 
*** Nassau Hall, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston Boston] (11/01)
 
* VI-233: Grand Feast "after the manner of Masons" held in the Banqueting Hall.
 
* VI-233: Grand Feast "after the manner of Masons" held in the Banqueting Hall.
 +
 +
''Description of the Feast, from Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, February 1859, Page 126:''
 +
 +
In accordance with a suggestion of the present [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard Grand Master], an effort was made on the 27th December, to revive in Boston, the festival of St. John the Evangelist, an anniversary which was formerly and with great regnlarity celebrated by the Masonic Fraternity. Instructions were accordingly given to the Grand Stewards to make the necessary arrangements for the occasion. Under their direction, tables were laid in the upper room of Nassau Hall, with covers for one hundred guests, for whom an ample and elegant supper was provided by the great caterer of the present day. The business of the day had been gone through with, as provided in the Constitutions; the Brethren had witnessed the usual exemplification of the work by the Grand Lecturers; the usual collation for the non-resident members had been provided and partaken of; and the installation of the officers of the Grand Lodge, in ample form, had completed the strictly Masonic exercises of the day. When the meeting of the Grand Lodge closed, the Brethren present, nearly to the full number provided for, repaired to the banquet-hall. The Grand Master took his seat at the head of the tables in the East; the Senior Grand Warden in the West, and the Junior Grand Warden in the South — and the feast went on. The Brethren, after the labors of the day, found their appetites, and their appetites found, in the refreshments provided, all that reasonable men and Masons could ask. At the invitation of the Grand Master, and after asking a blessing by the Rev. Bro. Henry A. Miles, D. D., the feast was partaken of to the entire satisfaction of the company present The Grand Master then dismissed the servants from the hall, and opened in due form, with such ceremonies as properly pertain thereto, a " Table Lodge," in the work of which he was assisted by the Senior and Junior Wardens.
 +
 +
The Grand Master on taking the Chair delivered an exceedingly appropriate and interesting address, the publication of which, for the want of room, we are obliged to defer until next month. At the conclusion of his remarks, the follow¬ ing toast was announced by W. Bro. W. W. Wheildon, as toast-master:—
 +
* ''The Deputy Grand Master'' — A remarkable ''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWFlint Flint]'', for he elicits sparks from every thing he touches, as well from the Steward's staff as the Tyler's sword: when he seeks a loaf, may no one presume to offer him a stone.
 +
* R. W. Rev. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWFlint Flint] responded to this toast in some suitable remarks, gently gliding from the gay to the grave, from wit to sentiment.
 +
 +
The next sentiment announced, was as follows:—
 +
* ''The Past Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts:'' —After faithful service in office, they are promoted to the honorable eminence of permanent membership in Grand Lodge — may they ever be respected as the worthy and well-tried pillars of the Institution which has honored them and will continue to look to them as the shining lights of the East.
 +
* Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLewis Winslow Lewis], M. D., Past Grand Master, responded to this sentiment in his usual felicitous manner, acknowledging his obligations to the fraternity and his respect and veneration for the Institution, with which he had been so long and intimately associated, and by which he had been highly honored. He spoke also of the occasion and its purpose, and commended the desire and the effort to promote the social character of the Craft.
 +
 +
The next toast was as follows:—
 +
* ''District Deputy Grand Masters'':—An indomitable phalanx of Masonic Brethren —watchmen upon the outer walls of the temple : If there be any apprehension of danger, or want of a speech, we may always look to District No. 1, for the warning voice or the hopeful word.
 +
* R. W. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge Wm. D. Coolidge], Deputy for District No. 1, responded very happily to this toast. He commended the occasion and the purpose — the broadening of the Masonic heart and the expansion of brotherly love — and gave a sentiment, in the words of St. John :— "My dear children love one another"—the parting words of admonition addressed to the members of the fraternity by the Grand Master, St. John the Evangelist— may they be inscribed in letters of light upon the heart of every true Mason.
 +
 +
The next toast was—
 +
* ''The Holy Saints John'' —The eminent pillars of historical Masonry—their light shines through ages of time as the beacon star of the fraternity.
 +
* This toast was responded to in fitting terms and in an eloquent and stirring manner by Rev. Bro. Miles. He expressed himself highly pleased with the revival of the Feast, and hoped it would have an abiding influence in warming and expanding by social festivity, the deeper and nobler emotions of the human heart.
 +
 +
The toast-master then read the following:—
 +
* ''The Old Matonic Temple'' — It has served the purpose of Masonry for many years, and only ceases as a Temple of Light to become we hope under national auspices, the Temple of Justice.
 +
* Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCWoodbury Charles L. Woodbury], Esq., U. S. District Attorney, after having been refreshed, as by the dew of Hermon, from the East, responded to this toast, in a felicitous and eloquent manner.
 +
 +
The following toast was then announced :—
 +
* The [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Recording Grand Secretary] — A living Cyclopedia of Masonic law — at home in the history, the jurisprudence, and the festival occasions of the Craft.
 +
* R. W. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Moore] responded to this toast, speaking at large of Masonic festivals, their character and influence upon the fraternity in the advance of its principles. He thought they were essential to bring out and develope some of the best.feelings of the Craft and highest purposes of the Institution. Bro. Moore concluded his remarks with the following sentiment:—
 +
* ''Masonic Festivals'' — Like the holy-days of the Church, they tend to inspire faith and promote works, without which the constituents of true Masonry would be wanting, and its best influences unfelt—msy their revival constitute a favorable era in Masonic works.
 +
 +
A toast complimentary to the patriotic efforts and services of the Corresponding Grand Secretary, was given by the toast-master and responded to in a very happy and suitable manner by Hon. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGWarren G. Washington Warren].
 +
 +
The following toast was read :—
 +
* ''Webster'' — While the great statesman still lives," by his deeds and his eloquent words, in our memories, we are ready to respect his name wherever we find it.
 +
* Bra Sidney Webster, Esq., being called upon by the Grand Master, responded to this toast, in eloquent and patriotic terms, speaking of the conservative character and the hopeful influences of the institution—the great brotherhood of Masonry —in promoting the harmony of the people and contributing to the perpetuity of our political union.
 +
 +
The following was then given:—
 +
* ''The Knights Templars of Boston'' — They have repeatedly shown themselves as true Knights — worthy successors of their ancient Brethren and honorable repre¬ sentatives of the present rank of the Order — may they never be reduced to the necessity of riding two Knights upon one horse.
 +
* Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLBDean Benjamin Dean] was called upon to respond in behalf of the Knights Templars. After doing so, in appropriate and eloquent terms, he spoke of the revival of the present festival, and introduced the following memorandum of a celebration of the day, in revolutionary times, in 1778, with the endorsement annexed:—
 +
<blockquote>
 +
''Head Quarters, Providence, Decemr. 16th, (1778)''<br>
 +
<br>
 +
"All Brethren of the Ancient and honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, who are in this department, are Notifyed that the feast of St. John will be celebrated at Hacker's Hall, In Providence, on Monday, the 28th Inst. All Visiting Brethren who are desirous of Attending the Festival are Notifyed by the Request of the Right Worshipfull Master, I. Warden, that a Special Lodge will be held at the Court House, in Providence, on Monday Evening next, where such as have not been Introduced to the Lodge in this place, will have an Opty which will prevent the Troble that must be Occationed by their Introduction on the Day of the festival. The Commander-in-Chief gives permission to all Officers who belong to that fraternity to attend on Monday next, and also on the day of the festival." <br>
 +
<br>
 +
''Copied from the original Record of Josiah Fletcher Adjutant in the Regiment of Col. Jacobs, of Massachusetts, ami presented to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, al Nassau Hall, Boston, December 27, A. L. 6888, by Brother David Pulsifer.<br>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
A few other toasts were given, and various recreative ceremonies introduaed during the evening, tending to promote the general joy of the occasion, and mark it as a success.
 +
 +
The company broke up at about 11 o'clock, after having enjoyed a very agreeable evening, in which hilarity was mingled with brotherly feelings, and recreation with instruction. It is hoped that the festivity of St. John the Evangelist, so long kept up in the olden time and so happily revived in the presont may now be continued without interruption.
  
 
=== LIST OF LODGES BY DISTRICT: 1858 ===
 
=== LIST OF LODGES BY DISTRICT: 1858 ===

Revision as of 00:50, 29 November 2012

1858

JOHN T. HEARD, Grand Master

William Flint, Deputy Grand Master
Henry Goddard, Senior Grand Warden
Isaac H. Wright, Junior Grand Warden


NOTES


QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS

Held at Masonic Temple, Boston

  • 03/10: VI-165;
  • 06/09: VI-175;
  • 09/08: VI-184;
  • 12/08: VI-197; (Annual Communication, held in Nassau Hall)

==== 03/10 Agenda ====

  • VI-167: Correspondence from the Grand Lodge of Peru, referred.
    • 12/08: VI-208; report of committee, indicating that Col. Santiago Flores, received in 1851, was not Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Peru, and that his conduct should be censured.
  • VI-167: Correspondence from the Grand Lodge of England, read and filed.
  • VI-168; Notation that the Grand Lodge was called upon to bury a foreign brother.
  • VI-168: Committee appointed to ascertain expenses for the erection of a monument at Mount Auburn Cemetery to the memory of Rt. Wor. Rev. Addison Searle. (Note: this is mentioned in Levi Merriam Stevens' Guide to Mount Auburn Cemetery, published 1864; Bro. Searle died at sea in 1850.)
  • VI-168: Petition by Wyoming Lodge to alter its meeting night; approved.
  • VI-169: Petition by Mount Hope Lodge for remission of dues; since the lodge is "in a very flourishing state, . . . with good prospects for the future," the petition is denied.
  • VI-170: Charitable committee report.
  • VI-171: Report by committee on reduction of the Grand Lodge fees; tabled for the next annual Communication. The Grand Secretary is to give notice to the subordinate lodges.
  • VI-171: Committee appointed to obtain jewels for past officers of the Grand Lodge.

06/10 Agenda

VI-178: Communication from the Grand Lodge of Virginia regarding the purchase of the Mount Vernon estate; committee report.

    • VI-188; extended reply from the Grand Lodge praising the effort.
    • 12/08: VI-199; report on correspondence.

09/08: VI-179; Charitable committee report.

  • VI-178: Circular from a committee of Hawaiian Lodge, Honolulu, Hawaii, referred.
    • 09/08: VI-191; extensive reply, as this was a request for assistance in erecting a lodge hall. This lodge received its original dispensation from Massachusetts and was now working under charter from the Grand Lodge of California; due to the "low state of our finances‚" committee recommended postponement of such discussion.)
  • VI-180: Correspondence with the Trustees of the Temple regarding a rent increase.

09/08 Agenda

  • VI-190: Petition by Olive Branch Lodge to remove exclusively to Sutton; granted.
  • VI-193: Committee report on sale of the Temple to the Government of the United States; recommendation to proceed with the sale. (12/08: VI-202; resolution by the Trustees of the Temple to concur in this sale.
  • VI-195; Charitable committee report.

12/08 Agenda

  • VI-200; Charitable committee report; further report (VI-212).
  • VI-204: Report of the Trustees of the Temple.
  • VI-206: Report of the Committee on the Library.
  • VI-206: Report of the Committee of Finance.
  • VI-210: Report by Grand Master Heard regarding procuring a site for the new Temple.
  • VI-212: Edict that District Deputy Grand Masters be authorized to hold quarterly meetings. (See Edict Summary page.)
  • VI-213: Re-election of Grand Master Heard (99 ballots), and other Grand Lodge officers.

Grand Constitutions Amendment Proposals

  • 12/08: VI-211; Amendment to Grand Constitutions (see page VI-171); Part 4, Article 1, Section 10, to the reduce per capita assessment from $5 to $3; approved.

Grand Master's Address

  • 09/08: VI-196; Review of the Grand Master's address in December 1857. Adopted that the fee for restoration of charters should be the same as that required for a new charter.(See Edict Summary page.)
  • 12/27: VI-231; Address by Grand Master Heard, regarding several matters; referred to committee.

Lodge By-Law Changes

Necrologies and Memorials

  • 06/09: VI-181; Death of Rt. Wor. Rev. Asa Eaton, Past Deputy Grand Master; memorial by Rt. Wor. C. Gayton Pickman.

Petitions for Charters

  • 06/09: VI-180; Petition for Eureka U.D., New Bedford, to be granted when the requirements of the Grand Constitutions (regarding returns) be fulfulled. (Constituted 07/21/1858).
  • 09/08: VI-190; Petition for the following lodges; all granted.

Petitions for Dispensation for Lodges

Mentioned in Grand Master's Address on Pages VI-232.

Petitions for Restoration of Charter

  • 03/10: VI-171; Petition to restore Bethel Lodge, Enfield, granted. A document to be submitted to the Freemason magazine accompanied the restoration. "Nowhere were our Brethren more accrimonously[sic] persecuted during the dark ages than at Enfield. There [sic] Lodge room was broken open and their Jewels stolen, and divided among the thieves . . . The records and seal were preserved, and the more bulky furniture, but little injured, now remains the property of the Lodge. . . Since that time, now a quarter of a century, the Lodge room has remained as it was left, awaiting the time when the sound of the gravel [sic] should again call order out of chaos; and the brethren to renew their peaceful labors."

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

None.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

(held at Masonic Temple, Boston, 12/27/1857).

Note: held in Nassau Hall, Boston.

  • VI-217: Extensive report on the sale of the Temple; committee empowered to purchase a site for the new Masonic Temple.
  • VI-227: Lodge of Instruction.
  • VI-229: Installation of Grand Master Heard and other Grand Lodge officers.
  • VI-231: Grand Master Heard's Annual Address.
  • VI-233: Grand Feast "after the manner of Masons" held in the Banqueting Hall.

Description of the Feast, from Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, February 1859, Page 126:

In accordance with a suggestion of the present Grand Master, an effort was made on the 27th December, to revive in Boston, the festival of St. John the Evangelist, an anniversary which was formerly and with great regnlarity celebrated by the Masonic Fraternity. Instructions were accordingly given to the Grand Stewards to make the necessary arrangements for the occasion. Under their direction, tables were laid in the upper room of Nassau Hall, with covers for one hundred guests, for whom an ample and elegant supper was provided by the great caterer of the present day. The business of the day had been gone through with, as provided in the Constitutions; the Brethren had witnessed the usual exemplification of the work by the Grand Lecturers; the usual collation for the non-resident members had been provided and partaken of; and the installation of the officers of the Grand Lodge, in ample form, had completed the strictly Masonic exercises of the day. When the meeting of the Grand Lodge closed, the Brethren present, nearly to the full number provided for, repaired to the banquet-hall. The Grand Master took his seat at the head of the tables in the East; the Senior Grand Warden in the West, and the Junior Grand Warden in the South — and the feast went on. The Brethren, after the labors of the day, found their appetites, and their appetites found, in the refreshments provided, all that reasonable men and Masons could ask. At the invitation of the Grand Master, and after asking a blessing by the Rev. Bro. Henry A. Miles, D. D., the feast was partaken of to the entire satisfaction of the company present The Grand Master then dismissed the servants from the hall, and opened in due form, with such ceremonies as properly pertain thereto, a " Table Lodge," in the work of which he was assisted by the Senior and Junior Wardens.

The Grand Master on taking the Chair delivered an exceedingly appropriate and interesting address, the publication of which, for the want of room, we are obliged to defer until next month. At the conclusion of his remarks, the follow¬ ing toast was announced by W. Bro. W. W. Wheildon, as toast-master:—

  • The Deputy Grand Master — A remarkable Flint, for he elicits sparks from every thing he touches, as well from the Steward's staff as the Tyler's sword: when he seeks a loaf, may no one presume to offer him a stone.
  • R. W. Rev. Bro. Flint responded to this toast in some suitable remarks, gently gliding from the gay to the grave, from wit to sentiment.

The next sentiment announced, was as follows:—

  • The Past Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: —After faithful service in office, they are promoted to the honorable eminence of permanent membership in Grand Lodge — may they ever be respected as the worthy and well-tried pillars of the Institution which has honored them and will continue to look to them as the shining lights of the East.
  • Brother Winslow Lewis, M. D., Past Grand Master, responded to this sentiment in his usual felicitous manner, acknowledging his obligations to the fraternity and his respect and veneration for the Institution, with which he had been so long and intimately associated, and by which he had been highly honored. He spoke also of the occasion and its purpose, and commended the desire and the effort to promote the social character of the Craft.

The next toast was as follows:—

  • District Deputy Grand Masters:—An indomitable phalanx of Masonic Brethren —watchmen upon the outer walls of the temple : If there be any apprehension of danger, or want of a speech, we may always look to District No. 1, for the warning voice or the hopeful word.
  • R. W. Bro. Wm. D. Coolidge, Deputy for District No. 1, responded very happily to this toast. He commended the occasion and the purpose — the broadening of the Masonic heart and the expansion of brotherly love — and gave a sentiment, in the words of St. John :— "My dear children love one another"—the parting words of admonition addressed to the members of the fraternity by the Grand Master, St. John the Evangelist— may they be inscribed in letters of light upon the heart of every true Mason.

The next toast was—

  • The Holy Saints John —The eminent pillars of historical Masonry—their light shines through ages of time as the beacon star of the fraternity.
  • This toast was responded to in fitting terms and in an eloquent and stirring manner by Rev. Bro. Miles. He expressed himself highly pleased with the revival of the Feast, and hoped it would have an abiding influence in warming and expanding by social festivity, the deeper and nobler emotions of the human heart.

The toast-master then read the following:—

  • The Old Matonic Temple — It has served the purpose of Masonry for many years, and only ceases as a Temple of Light to become we hope under national auspices, the Temple of Justice.
  • Bro. Charles L. Woodbury, Esq., U. S. District Attorney, after having been refreshed, as by the dew of Hermon, from the East, responded to this toast, in a felicitous and eloquent manner.

The following toast was then announced :—

  • The Recording Grand Secretary — A living Cyclopedia of Masonic law — at home in the history, the jurisprudence, and the festival occasions of the Craft.
  • R. W. Bro. Moore responded to this toast, speaking at large of Masonic festivals, their character and influence upon the fraternity in the advance of its principles. He thought they were essential to bring out and develope some of the best.feelings of the Craft and highest purposes of the Institution. Bro. Moore concluded his remarks with the following sentiment:—
  • Masonic Festivals — Like the holy-days of the Church, they tend to inspire faith and promote works, without which the constituents of true Masonry would be wanting, and its best influences unfelt—msy their revival constitute a favorable era in Masonic works.

A toast complimentary to the patriotic efforts and services of the Corresponding Grand Secretary, was given by the toast-master and responded to in a very happy and suitable manner by Hon. Bro. G. Washington Warren.

The following toast was read :—

  • Webster — While the great statesman still lives," by his deeds and his eloquent words, in our memories, we are ready to respect his name wherever we find it.
  • Bra Sidney Webster, Esq., being called upon by the Grand Master, responded to this toast, in eloquent and patriotic terms, speaking of the conservative character and the hopeful influences of the institution—the great brotherhood of Masonry —in promoting the harmony of the people and contributing to the perpetuity of our political union.

The following was then given:—

  • The Knights Templars of Boston — They have repeatedly shown themselves as true Knights — worthy successors of their ancient Brethren and honorable repre¬ sentatives of the present rank of the Order — may they never be reduced to the necessity of riding two Knights upon one horse.
  • Bro. Benjamin Dean was called upon to respond in behalf of the Knights Templars. After doing so, in appropriate and eloquent terms, he spoke of the revival of the present festival, and introduced the following memorandum of a celebration of the day, in revolutionary times, in 1778, with the endorsement annexed:—

Head Quarters, Providence, Decemr. 16th, (1778)

"All Brethren of the Ancient and honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, who are in this department, are Notifyed that the feast of St. John will be celebrated at Hacker's Hall, In Providence, on Monday, the 28th Inst. All Visiting Brethren who are desirous of Attending the Festival are Notifyed by the Request of the Right Worshipfull Master, I. Warden, that a Special Lodge will be held at the Court House, in Providence, on Monday Evening next, where such as have not been Introduced to the Lodge in this place, will have an Opty which will prevent the Troble that must be Occationed by their Introduction on the Day of the festival. The Commander-in-Chief gives permission to all Officers who belong to that fraternity to attend on Monday next, and also on the day of the festival."

Copied from the original Record of Josiah Fletcher Adjutant in the Regiment of Col. Jacobs, of Massachusetts, ami presented to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, al Nassau Hall, Boston, December 27, A. L. 6888, by Brother David Pulsifer.

A few other toasts were given, and various recreative ceremonies introduaed during the evening, tending to promote the general joy of the occasion, and mark it as a success.

The company broke up at about 11 o'clock, after having enjoyed a very agreeable evening, in which hilarity was mingled with brotherly feelings, and recreation with instruction. It is hoped that the festivity of St. John the Evangelist, so long kept up in the olden time and so happily revived in the presont may now be continued without interruption.

LIST OF LODGES BY DISTRICT: 1858

This district layout is based on the O.P. edition of the Proceedings. However, this publication is riddled with errors, and some adjustment was necessary.
'(Note: There were 12 Districts in 1858, plus a special area for Chile.)

DISTRICT 1

William T. Coolidge, Newton, District Deputy Grand Master; 10 Lodges

DISTRICT 2

Isaac P. Seavey, Newburyport, District Deputy Grand Master; 10 Lodges

DISTRICT 3

William North, Lowell, District Deputy Grand Master; 8 Lodges + 1 U.D.

DISTRICT 4

Levi Rawson, Farnumsville, District Deputy Grand Master; 5 Lodges + 1 U.D.

DISTRICT 5

Lucien B. Keith, Hingham, District Deputy Grand Master; 8 Lodges

DISTRICT 6

Henry Earle, Worcester, District Deputy Grand Master (died in office 10/10/1858);
Jonathan A. Dana, Worcester, District Deputy Grand Master; 4 Lodges + 2 U.D.

DISTRICT 7

George H. Taber, Fairhaven, District Deputy Grand Master; 8 Lodges

DISTRICT 8

Sylvanus Baxter, Hyannis, District Deputy Grand Master; 7 Lodges

DISTRICT 9

Daniel Reynolds, Springfield, District Deputy Grand Master; 10 Lodges

DISTRICT 10

W.B.C. Pearsons, Holyoke, District Deputy Grand Master; 6 Lodges

DISTRICT 11

Charles B. Rogers, Charlestown, District Deputy Grand Master; 9 Lodges + 1 U.D.

DISTRICT 12

Clement A. Walker, South Boston, District Deputy Grand Master; 8 Lodges

VALPARAISO

C.T. Ward, Valparaiso, Special Deputy for Valparaiso; 1 Lodge + 2 U.D.

SURRENDERED CHARTERS

Note: surrendered to Rt. Wor. Horace Chenery in 1854, reported in December 1857:



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