MountLebanon

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MOUNT LEBANON LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Samuel Dunn

Charter Date: 06/08/1801 II-181

Precedence Date: 06/08/1801

Current Status: Active


NOTES

A Boston lodge, chartered at the beginning of the 19th century and one of the few Dunn charters still active.


PAST MASTERS

  • Henry Fowle, 1801-1803, 1805
  • William Bentley, 1804, 1806
  • John Barber, 1807
  • Samuel Thaxter, 1808-1810, 1813
  • Benjamin Gleason, 1811; SN
  • Robert Lash, Jr., 1812, 1823
  • Jared Lincoln, 1814
  • Charles Wells, 1815, 1816, 1818-1822, 1826; SN
  • William Barry, 1817
  • Simon W. Robinson, 1824, 1825, 1845
  • Gilbert Nourse, 1827, 1828, 1844; SN
  • William Knapp, 1829, 1830
  • Thomas Waterman, 1831, 1832
  • Samuel Millard, 1833, 1834
  • James Holbrook, 1835-1837
  • William Eaton, 1838-1840
  • Edward Bell, 1841, 1842, 1846
  • Osgood Eaton, 1843
  • Charles Bates, 1847-1850, Mem
  • Albion K. P. Cooper, 1851, 1852
  • William H. L. Smith, 1853-1856; Mem
  • Franklin H. Sprague, 1857, 1858
  • William H. Sampson, 1859, 1860
  • John L. Stevenson, 1861-1863
  • John F. Abbott, 1864, 1865
  • Ira D. Davenport, 1866-1868
  • William J. Ellis, 1869, 1870
  • Caleb Blodgett, 1871, 1872
  • George D. Moore, 1873, 1874
  • Warren B. Ellis, 1875, 1876; Mem
  • Albert L. Richardson, 1877, 1878; Memorial
  • Charles J. Miller, 1879, 1880
  • George E. Atwood, 1881, 1882
  • Edward F. Smith, 1883, 1884
  • Charles E. Phipps, 1885, 1886
  • Frank Fuller, 1887, 1888
  • George H. Endres, 1889, 1890
  • Bart M. Young, 1891, 1892
  • Gus G. Stanwood, 1893, 1894
  • William B. Phipps, 1895, 1896
  • Harry D. Delano, 1897, 1898
  • C. W. Parker, Jr., 1899, 1900
  • Frederic I. Clayton, 1901, 1902
  • Walter B. Tripp, 1903, 1904; Mem
  • Edwin M. Steere, 1905
  • Charles W. Kidder, 1906, 1907
  • Joseph T. Paul, 1908, 1909; Mem
  • Frank E. Buxton, 1910, 1911
  • Charles S. Hadaway, 1912, 1913
  • Harrington D. Learnard, 1914, 1915
  • Everett W. Crawford, 1916
  • Frank A. North, Sr., 1917
  • Andrew P. Cornwall, 1918, 1919; N
  • Edward C. Mathewson, 1920, 1921
  • D. Henry Childs, 1922, 1923
  • Walter F. Nolen, 1924, 1925
  • T. Frederick Brunton, 1926, 1927
  • Edward W. Phillips, 1928
  • Henry W. Stevens, 1929, 1930; N
  • A. VanAllen Thompson, 1931, 1932
  • Wilhelm E. Lundqvist, 1933, 1934
  • George E. Seabury, 1935
  • Frank A. North, Jr., 1936
  • Leo E. Davison, 1937
  • Walter E. Duncan, 1938, 1939
  • Frederic L. Pike, 1940, 1941; N
  • Henry W. Cook, Jr., 1942
  • George E. Amazeen, 1943, 1944
  • Lawrence G. Hopkins, 1945, 1946
  • George E. Tew, 1947, 1948
  • Lester M. Clark, 1949, 1950
  • George N. Ackerman, 1951, 1952
  • Raymond G. Hallgren, 1953, 1954
  • Harry W. Tileston, Jr., 1955, 1956
  • Harold F. Petherick, 1957, 1958, 1978, 1979
  • Hans O. Johnson, 1959, 1960, 1976, 1977, 1981; N
  • John F. Van Baars, 1961, 1962; N
  • Robert N. Gordon, 1963
  • William C. Scott, 1964, 1965
  • Ira W. Biggar, 1966
  • Daniel D. Field, 1967, 1968
  • Robert H. Gallagher, 1969
  • Thomas G. Smiley, 1970, 1971
  • John R. Waldman, 1972, 1973
  • Joseph M. Dube, 1974, 1975
  • Dean A. Burland, 1980
  • Clark B. Loth, 1982-1984; PDDGM
  • Albert V. Ferguson, 1985, 1986
  • Taylor F. Massie, Jr., 1987, 1988, 1993
  • Ronald K. Beaton, 1989, 1990
  • Paul H. Walker, 1991, 1992
  • David J. Gray, 1994, 1995
  • Vaughn A. Lovejoy, 1996, 1997
  • Ronald H. Ackerman, 1998, 1999
  • Frank B. Gomes, Jr., 2000, 2001; DDGM
  • David P. Cerasoli, 2002-2004
  • Stephen B. Smith, 2005
  • Robert V. Jolly, Jr., 2006, 2007
  • Timothy A. Ackerman, 2008, 2009
  • Matthew J. Wissell, 2010-2012


REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1801

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1901 (Centenary)
  • 1926 (125th Anniversary)
  • 1951 (150th Anniversary)
  • 1976 (175th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1855 1869 1870 1872 1874 1885 1900 1902 1922 1924 1927 1928 1936 1947 1950 1993

HISTORY

  • 1926 (125th Anniversary History, 1926-126)
  • 1951 (150th Anniversary History, 1951-110)

OTHER

  • 1820 (Jurisdictional dispute, III-320)
  • 1821 (Resolution of dispute, III-340)
  • 1839 (Lodge noted as not participating in safe committee, IV-480)
  • 1874 (Presentation in Grand Lodge, 1874-130)

EVENTS

PRESENTATION, NOVEMBER 1851

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XI, No. 1, November 1851, p. 29:

from the Olive Branch.

"Allow me to lay before your readers a brief notice of a very pleasunt Masonic meeting which occurred at the Temple, on Monday evening, October 20th. It appears that or the twenty Masters who have presided over Mount Lebanon Lodge, ten now belong to it as P. Masters. At a iate meeting of the body, a vote was passed to present each of them with a Past Master's Jewel. These were presented on the occasion to which we refer, to the following persons:

"At the request of the Lodge, these Jewels were presented by Rev, Stephen Lovell, D. D, G M. of the First Masonic District, accompanied by the following address:-"

Rt. W, Brothers, -Past Maeters of Mount Lebanon Lodge:- I have been requested, in behaif of the Lodge, to present to you severally, a Jewel appropriateto the relation you sustain to this body.

And although in respect to Masonic light, it would become me to adopt the language of one of the ancient venerated patrons of our institution, who meekly said to the Great Moral Light of the world, I have need to come to thee; and comest thou to me? still I cannot consistently refrain from the discharge of a duty so gratifying in its nature.

It may appear to some to you, and particularly to one whose locks have been whitened with the frost of fifty Masonic winters, that this token of respect comes rather tardily. But whatever delay may have occurred in that respect, my Brethren, I beg you to feel perfectly assured that Mount Lebanon Lodge has never for one single moment Iost sight of the valuable services you have rendered, nor of the obligation those services have imposed upon her. And now in acknowledging that obligation, and in testifying your merit as men or Masons, she does not pretend to offer you an equivalent for the benefits received. That indeed would be her wish; but the thing is impossible; and you neither expect nor desire it.

The intrinsic value of the article presented, is comparatively nothing. A stranger to our sublime mysteries, would scarcely stoop to pick it from the dust of the street, except as a curiosity. But to you its Masonic value is every thing. In your estimation its price is far above rubies. With it, "the golden fleece, or Roman eagle, the star or garter," will bear no comparison. When worn by you, it will recall to your minds many sweet reminiscences of your past Masonic experience, and afford you the unspeakable satisfaction of knowing, that these worthy Brethren who esteemed you so highly as to elevate you repeatedly to the most responsible trust within their gift, still rejoice in the confidence thus reposed.

As every Masonic jewel, like the ceremonies of our rites, is symbolic, I need not occupy your time in explaining the meaning of these now presented, especially to men who have been accustomed to explain them to others. You have been acknowledged lights in Masonry, as the emblematic sun upon your breasts will show to all. And it was ever with the greatest pleasure, that the members of the Craft in general, and the members of this Lodge in particular, saw you rise in the East, like the "king of day" whom you represent, to dispense light among them. They were always prompt in their obedience to the sound of the gavel when in your hand. And now they wish to see attached to your persons an evidence of their undying estimation of moral worth and Masonic abilities.

It is now just half a century since Mt. Lebanon Lodge, the last, not to say the brightest, of the five points of mystic fellowship in this city, commenced its Masonic labors; first under a Dispensation, in June 1801; and then fully organized under a charter from the Grand Lodge, in November of the same year. And it was during this brief period - in October - that the venerable Past Master, senior of those now before me, was placed in the Northeast corner of the Lodge, as an upright Mason, and received it strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such. And it is with no ordinary emotions of pleasure that the members of this Lodge, most of whom were then unborn, find that he never forgot that charge, nor deviated from its import, And the same may be said, though with reference to shorter periods of tim6, of all the Past Masters, whom I now have the honor to address.

Some of you, my Brethren, have seen hard times,- times which tried men's souls, times when none but "good men and true" dared to stand forth in defence of our time-honored and glory-crowned institution. But here are men before me who stood firm. You met the Anti-Masonic blast which swept over the country, carrying before it hundreds, perhaps thousands, who had been among us - leaving them stripped of everything except the unenviable name and notoriety of Masonic traitors - Judases of the first water, or rather of the darkest dye. You met that shock as the ocean rock meets the wave - purer freer from defilement by the same threatening wave which, broken and receding, dies away at vour feet.

Masonry may again have to contend with foes from without and traitors from within. The best of institutions and the best of men have met with opposition. But "great is truth, and will prevail." Though crushed to earth, it will rise again, shining with increased lustre, and speaking with a more potent voice. The present is an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity with the Fraternity. But the clearest sky and the brightest sun have been followed by lowering clouds, muttering thunders, and sweeping tempests. Then is the time when representatives of Hiram Abif should stand by their principles and sustain their integrity.

Mount Lebanon Lodge has had the pleasure of being governed and honored by twenty Presiding Masters. On the graves of some of them she has dropped the green acassia, bedewed with the tears of Brotherly affection. Some have changed their connection from this to other Masonic bodies. And to each of the remaining ten, she this night appropriates a Past Master's Jewel, which I have full confidence in believing will be worn with equal pleasure to the receiver, and honor to the Lodge.

My Brethren, I was early reminded - which, however, was in perfect accordance with my own convicitons of propriety - that, on this occasion, my words should be few. And I would say that they were "words fitly spoken;" which one ancient Grand Master, Solomon, King of Israel, once declared were "like apples of goid in pictures of silver."

In conclusion, I would say, that no purer pleasure nor higher honor could be conferred on me ttris evening, than the privilege of placing these Jewels where they so justly belong - and there may, for many long years, be seen untarnished.

"At this period, the Jewel was presented to each individual. After which, Rt. Wor. Robert Lash, the senior Past Master referred to above, replied in behalf of himself and his associates, addressing the Master in the Chair as follows:"

R. W. - I rise with diffidence to address you. No words of mine are adequate to express the deep emotions of my heart, as I look back through the vista of fifty years, to the time, most dear to my memory, when I received those first instructions, in this Lodge, which were indelibly impressed on my young mind, and which are the basis of our principles and tenets; and I thank God that I stand here, at this hour; and on this occasion, after so long lapse of time, to part in the benefaction of the same Lodge, where I received my initiation.

Having attended with great pleasure to the words so fitly spoken and eloquently delivered in the address of our R. W. Brother, who hae invested us with these Jewels, I would respectfully reply in behalf of my W. Companions and myself, the recipients.

We receive this investment with a high appreciation oftbe honor conferred on us. We have a grateful sense of this magnificent act of our Lodge, which shows us that our labors of love, in the Temple of our solemnities, are not forgotten. These are indeed precious Jewels. They are to us of inestimable value. We sincerely hope they will be worthily worn, that their brightness may never be dimmed by any act that would sully our good name, or bring discredit to the Lodge; and may they remind us, ever, that the duties and obligations, and the lessons of instruction which we have inculcated on others, should be the subjects of our own observance, the rule of our own conduct,

This is a joyous occasion, which brings together in a happy band of reciprocal Brotherly love and fellowship so many of the Past Masters of this Lodge; and while we thus unite, we will give a tear to the remembrance of those who have "gone before;" may their memory be blessed. We rejoice in the prosperity of our Lodge, which enables them, with a liberality that does them honor, to make this bestowment of their favor, this testimony of their approbation.

I recollect, that, at an entertainment given on the occasion of the consecration of our Lodge, some fifty years ago, the M. W. Grand Master, Samuel Dunn, gave this sentiment:-

"Mount Lebanon Lodge - Her works praise her."

How happy are we now to repeat her praises, and to say, long may she continue to shine a bright star in the galaxy of our Masonic hemisphere. And now my Brethren all, may we walk worthy of our vocation, walk as children of the light, "walk uprightly and we shall walk surely;" remembering our engagements at the altar of truth, on which is inscribed holiness to the Lord; live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and to bless us.

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 4, January, 1857, Page 117:

The officers of Mount Lebanon Lodge, in this city, were publicly installed at the Masonic Temple, on Monday evening, Jan. 12th, by the Rt. W. District Deputy Grand Master for the First District, Brother Wm. D. Coolidge, in the presence of a large company of ladies and gentlemen. The address on the occasion was delivered by Brother Hon. Judge Russell; for the following synopsis of which we are indebted to the Boston Traveller:—

His subject was "the value of forms, ceremonies and symbols." It is asked by some, what is the use of forms in Masonry? He would answer the inquiry by asking another — what is the use of anything? If the chief end of man is to get gold, then all forms are useless. The speaker alluded to a certain school of people described by Dickens - per
sons who deal only in facts. We are to take mankind as we find them. The
mind becomes fatigued with reasoning alone, and seeks relief in symbols, which
by their impression upon the senses, fix truths upon the mind. Who shall re
proach Masonry for having symbols and emblems? Not the Church, surely.
The Catholic churches and cathedrals were specially referred to by the speaker,
to show to what extent symbols are therein used. Nor could the English Church,
nor even the Puritan Church reproach them for having symbols ; for in the former
they abound, and in the latter they are used in the holy Sacramental offices.
Nor could the Society known as Friends or Quakers, utter a word against them,
for they abound in symbols from the crown of their heads to the soles of their
feet—from their broad-brimmed declaration of independence to the skirts of their
coats. Who, then, shall judge of the utility of symbols when those who most
eschew them are most frequently known to adopt them?

In this connection the speaker alluded to the Jewish rites and ceremonies, and especially to the building of the temple on Mount Moriah. It was one grand series of symbols. Our building, he added, stands firm in all lands, and no hand raised against it has ever been successful. Its walls are composed of Brothers.

The State has ever found use for forms and symbols. It is true the Republicans have ceased, to a great extent, in the use of these symbols, but they are most used where most needed. The silk banner borne in the van of a regiment might to a utilitarian seem only a piece of painted silk, but in the eye of a soldier it is deemed worthy of preservation at the cost of his own life; and when pierced in conflict or blackened in the smoke of battle, the utilitarian would deem it dear at any price, the soldier prizes it most, and would sooner lay down his own life than see that banner he loves so well, dishonored. The sailor as well as the soldier finds use for symbols. The sight of his country's flag proudly floating at the mast-head inspires him on in the course of duty, and steels his heart to fear; he is brave and manly as he looks aloft and sees "Our flag is there." Every true patriot loves his country's banner.

Here the speaker quoted some beautiful verses of Robert Burns. Freemasonry loves its banner, because beneath its folds the wandering Mason ever finds a home. In this connection Judge Russell narrated a thrilling incident in the Kane expedition, where a party that had got separated from the main party and exposed to all the hardships of that inhospitable clime, and the almost certainty of death from starvation, were rescued by Dr. Kane and his brave and noble companions, who, as they approached their comrades, first descried a Masonic emblem. "Well, said he, "those noble men might exclaim, we knew you would come." They had too often felt the warm Masonic grasp to believe that they would be forsaken, or left to perish by their companions.

The speaker also found noble illustrations in the history of chivalry. This, in its widest exercise, was better than dull materialism, which never raises its eyes from the ground. Some of the Masonic Orders cherished the forms of chivalry, and he congratulated the ladies that such Masons would be good fathers, husbands and friends.

In alluding to the wilfully blind, he said all blind men are not treated in Blind Asylums.

The speaker then alluded to another class of opponents to symbols, who say why not sell all these things, and give the proceeds to the poor. These are the men who regret the giving of a sixpence into the contribution box last Thanksgiving Day. Their language is such as was used eighteen hundred years ago.

He closed with remarking the good which comes of the assembling together in the Lodge room and learning their duty as men and good citizens.

The following are the officers installed :—

  • Franklin H. Sprague, W. M.
  • Win. H. Sampson, S. W.
  • Andrew Lanegan, J. W.
  • Wm. H. L. Smith, Treasurer.
  • Thos. Waterman, Secretary.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XX, No. 3, January, 1861, Page 77:

The officers of this Lodge were publicly installed on Thursday evening, Dec. 20th, by R. W. Benj. Dean, Esq., D.D.G.M., assisted by W. Knapp, Esq., as S. G. W., his Honor Judge Wells, as J. G. W., and Chas. Robbins, Esq., as Marshal. The installation service was performed in a most admirable manner, in the presence of an audience of at least four hundred persons. Bro. Dean was very happy in his remarks to the Lodge — particularly to Bro. Waterman, who commenced his twentyninth year as Secretary of the Lodge.

The installation was followed by an address from Bro. Micah Dyer, Jr., who, in a spicy and pert manner, drew the portraits of those who must, from necessity, be opposed to the Order — the opposites being the croaking Philanthropists and the noble, true-hearted Mason. It being Bro. Dyer's first attempt on this theme, bespeaks for him a mind alive to the true principles of the Order, and a keen relish for the right, — and, should he continue his efforts in this direction, would soon rank him among the first lecturers of the Craft.

This address was followed by the reading of the following original ode, written for the occasion by W. Bro. John K. Hall, and read by W. Bro. Wyzeman Marshall, which was received with applause ;—

[n ancient times a costly Temple graced,
That holy Mount, now but a dreary waste;
No structure e'er displayed such beauty rare —
No modem Temple could with that compare.

Cedars from Lebanon afar were brought,
And in its structure curiously were wrought;
Stones, ready squared, were from the quarries sent, —
No sound of metal tool its discord lent.

Within its walls, bright dazzling gems and gold,
Reflected light too brilliant to behold;
And when within, our Brethren did convene,
In mute astonishment they viewed the scene.

Now times have changed, for operative there —
Here, speculative Masons, claim our care;
We still in harmony, like them, unite,
To build our Temples, sacred in God's sight.

Although no Cedars here our Temple grace,
Mount Lebanon itself is in this place;
Shorn of its Cedars, but with living trees,
Which scatter incense to the passing breeze.

This incense shall the winds of Heaven bear
To those oppressed with sorrow and despair, —
Causing the widow's heart with joy to beat —
Drying the orphan's tears whene'er they meet.

And in our Temple there are Ashlars true —
Square, Plumb and Level beauteous to the view;
And dearer far, and with a purer light,
Rays beam from gems, more lovely in our sight.

Such gems as these our Brethren truly prize, —
They make this Temple richer in our eyes
Than all the precious stones and gold which filled
That holy Temple, wrought by workmen skilled.

We hail their presence in our circle here, —
To the true Mason they are held most dear;
No danger that he would not fearless brave,
A mother, daughter, sister, wife to save.

Thus aided here by woman's heart and hand,
This sacred structure will more firmly stand;
Wisdom and Strength the fabric might sustain,
But Beauty wanting, all our work is vain.

We need those smiles which cheered our father's toil,
When, side by side, they battled for this soil;
For Masons here have shed their dearest blood,
Baptizing freedom in the sanguine flood.

A Mason here this truth did first declare,
"All men are free, and equal rights should share";
And Brothers firm united, heart and hand,
Wrought out this declaration for our land.

Heaven grant we may, should other means have failed,
"Preservers of the Union" yet be hailed;
Then shall a light in this our Temple glow,
Brighter than shone from any here below.

Rev. Bro. J. W. Dadmun was then introduced, and delivered a very beautiful and effective address; the allusions were most eloquently drawn, and carried the excellent tenets of the Craft, on the same broad level of Christianity — acknowledging no sect, or creed, but one great and glorious fraternity.

The occasion was one of great interest, and the social intermingling of the Brothers, and their wives and friends, on this evening, adds one more silken cord to the networks of Brotherly Love ; one more gem deposited in the archives of our memory ; one more vow silently given, that we will preserve, untarnished, the reputation of our fraternity. The officers installed were—

  • John L. Stevenson, Master
  • Geo. T. Stoddard, S. W.
  • John F. Abbot, J. W.
  • W. H. L. Smith, Treas.
  • Thomas Waterman, Sec.
  • W. K. Spinney, S. D.
  • Daniel Henry, J. D.
  • Rev.'ds W. R. Alger and J. W. Dadmun, Chaplains;
  • W. W. Elliott, Marshal.
  • W. J. Ellis, S. S.
  • Henry E. Lang, J. S.
  • J. H. Clapp, I. S.
  • W. C, Martin, Tyler.

Dr. Winslow Lewis, Grand Master, was present, and being called upon, spoke
in a manner in which he alone can speak. A selected choir, under direction of
Br. S. B. Ball, sang between the ceremonies appropriate selections in a beautiful
manner, ending with Auld Lang Syne, in which the audience joined with 
fine effect. S.

PRESENTATION, NOVEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 2, November, 1861, Page 54:

The members and visitors of Mount Lebanon Lodge enjoyed a sight on Monday evening, Nov. 25th, which is probably unparalleled in the history of any Boston Lodge, and it may be in the history of Freemasonry on the American Continent.

This very prosperous Lodge held a special meeting on the above evening, commemorative of the long and honorable connection of R. W. Bro. Robert Lash with the Lodge. The membership of this venerable Brother dates back to Nov. 20th, 1801.

The Charter of this Lodge dates June 8th, 1801; but the Lodge was not consecrated till Nov. 23d, 1801. Brother Lash, therefore, although not one of the Charter members, is one of the original members, and the only one living.

The Lodge was also visited by Bro. Dean, D. D. G. M., in his official capacity, accompanied by his suite; but the crowning point was the presence of Brother Lash, and his venerable compeers in Masonry.

Brother Lash entered the Lodge leaning on the arms of Grand Master Coolidge and P. G. M. Winslow Lewis, escorted by a committee of five members of the Lodge, one of whom has been a Mason fifty-nine years, and the others from thirty-five to forty-five years each.

He was briefly and appropriately welcomed by W. Bro. J. L. Stevenson, Master of the Lodge, and responded in a manner which many younger men might envy, — in fact it seemed impossible to believe that he there stood a man of 82 years and a Mason over sixty; but the presence of the venerable Bro. Hammatt who saw the third degree conferred on him, dispelled the illusion. Yes! Here they were — John B. Hammatt, of St. John's Lodge, 83 years of age, over sixty years a Mason; Robert Lash, of Mount Lebanon Lodge, 82 years of age, over sixty years a Mason; Freeman Holden, of Mount Lebanon Lodge, 82 years old, fifty five years a Mason; Rev. Amos Clark, of Sherburne, 82 years old, forty-five years a Mason; James Holbrook, of Mount Lebanon Lodge, 75 years old, and a member forty-one years; Thomas Waterman, a member forty two years. The sight of such veterans of our institution was enough to arouse to action the most dormant mind, and cause the appreciative soul to glow with joy, that such a scene had been permitted to take place. Being called upon to sign a new copy of the By-Laws, Bro. Lash briskly stepped to the desk, removed his glasses, and wrote his name with a firm and steady hand in an elegant and beautiful manner.

After the business of the Lodge was transacted and the Lodge closed, the company, to the number of two hundred, repaired, by invitation of the Lodge, to the Banqueting Hall, where Brother Silsby had prepared in a superior manner refreshments adequate to their wants. Here came in a part which, though last, was far from least; and those who had the pleasure of listening to the addresses of G. M. Coolidge — the witticisms of Bro. Lash, whose intellect is as keen as ever — the glowing eloquence of Rev. Bro. Alger, who responded for Bro. Lash — the beautiful and impressive remarks of Bro. Dean — the fervent heart-felt response of Rev. Bro. Dadmun — coupled with the remarks of Dr. Lewis, and Bros. Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Thaxter, Sprague, and Ellison, will ever remember the time when in Mount Lebanon Lodge they saw four Brothers upward of 82 years of age, and whose united ages were over three hundred and thirty years. Noble old pillars! Long may they remain monuments of Masonic virtues.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXI, No. 3, January, 1862, Page 89:

The Lodge was opened in Corinthian Hall, at 7 o'clock, Dec. 19th, 1862, for the purpose of Installing its Officers, and after transacting some business necessary to be done in Lodge, the doors were thrown open, and the ladies who had gathered in Ionic Hall, to the number of two hundred, were invited to enter the Lodge room, where they were briefly welcomed by the Master as follows:—

Friends, Welcome! In the name of Mount Lebanon Lodge, I bid you a hearty welcome. Welcome, Ladies, too seldom seen within our Lodge room ; welcome here to night to participate in the festivities of the evening; to witness our ceremony of Installation, and spend with us a few hours in social intercourse. To you Masonry may indeed have seemed exclusive in its forms; this is not really so: we meet here at stated periods to perform our mystic rites, and discharge the duties devolving on us as a Fraternity; we also gather here, from time to lime, to greet our friends as we do you to night. But little more than a twelvemonth since we gathered here our Fathers in Freemasonry; these seats were filled with them, their heads were white and blossomed for the grave; men of three, ay, even four score years and upwards, were here; we welcomed them gallantly, and gave them the full measure of love due their advanced age, and their many virtues. The scene now changes, you are here, and "Virtue alone, with lasting grace Embalms the beauties of the face," yet we can but feel, that by honoring them, our Fathers, and you, our Wives, Daughters and Lady friends, we do but honor ourselves. Again, I bid you a cordial Welcome.

The Marshal then introduced Miss Josephine O. Paine, daughter of Br. J. P. Paine, of this Lodge, who addressed the Lodge as follows :—

Worshipful Master and Brothers —

The wives and daughters of the members of Mount Lebanon Lodge, aware that they are excluded from the secret benefits of your venerable Order, cheerfully submit to this exclusion, with no desire to pry into any affairs, which you in your wisdom think best to conceal from them. But we claim the privilege of sharing many of the indirect blessings of your noble Institution, because we believe its tenets and ceremonies are calculated to make you better men, better husbands and fathers, more just and generous, more tender and true in every relation of life. We are glad to have been admitted this night so far across your mystic threshold, to see what we have seen, to hear what we have heard, and to join you in the festivities that yet remain. In the mean time, I have been deputed to advance before you, and place upon your altar, this hallowed gift, with a word of explanation.

We have heard that Solomon once governed your Fraternity, and that his memory is glorious in your traditions to the present day. Now Solomon says, that " no secret is safe, for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall convey the matter." Some little bird not long since whispered abroad the fact, that your copy of that great Light of Masonry, the Bible, had, by constant use, become so defaced and dilapidated, as to be unworthy the setting of other lights around it. Whereupon, with a spirit not unworthy we trust, the close relationship we bear, although not quite permitted to be Masons ourselves, we determined to replace your dimmed light with a newly burnished one, which might shed its beams upon all around it. Accordingly, in the name and behalf of the givers,I place beside your sacred square and compasses this copy of the Holy Bible. Upon one side it bears the inscription, "Mount Lebanon Lodge, from the Wives and Daughters of the Members, Dec, 1862. On the other side, "Mount Lebanon Lodge, Instituted June 8th, A. L. 5801."

No book in the world has so vast a circulation as this: no book in the world contains such precious instructions as this; no book in the world gathers around itself such associations of sanctity and authority, and reveals to the soul of man such divine truths and eternal hopes as this; no book can rival this in the veneration of good men, especially good Masons. Accept it, Worshipful Master and Brothers, in the spirit with which we give it. And as long as the altar of Mount Lebanon Lodge shall stand, and united Brethren crowd around it; as often as this Bible shall be seen may the sight of it, while stimulating the best purposes of every member, sometimes bring back the pleasant memory of that hour when the Craft were called from labor to refreshment, and their wives and daughters gave the hallowed gift.

To which Worshipful Master Stevenson replied —

Miss Paine and Lady Friends —

The Holy offering you thus opportunely lay on our altar is indeed welcome and appropriate. Welcome ! yes, doubly welcome, for while from its sacred pages there radiates those holy truths which should pervade every human heart, it shall also ever remind us of the fair donors, and of that other altar erected within our hearts, whose incense arises sacred to the love we bear Wife, Mother, Daughter and Sister. Appropriate, because it is the very corner-stone of Freemasonry, and without it no Lodge can properly exist. In the name of Mount Lebanon Lodge I thank you and your associates for it; I thank you personally for the beautiful and impressive manner in which you have presented it; there, open on our Altar let it lie; there, where the rising Sun of the East, with dewy lips, may kiss its open pages — where the full noonday Sun of the South light up its beauties, and the setting Sun of the West shed its glimmering rays upon it.

The Lodge then proceeded to the Installation of Officers ; Past Master W. H. Sampson installing the Worshipful Master, and the W. Master in turn installing the other Officers. Brother Thomas Waterman was, for the thirty-first lime, installed as Secretary, the W. Master truly remarking, as he placed the collar on his devoted neck, "that it represented the united arms of his Brethren entwined around his neck to shield him from the rough blasts of the world."

Worshipful Br. William Parkman, Grand Master elect, then briefly addressed the officers and members, in his usual happy style; admonishing them of their duties, and cheering them on in well doing; he greeted the presence of the Ladies as a good omen, and hoped they would oftener come among us. The Installation being concluded, Brother James R. Elliott addressed W. Br, Waterman, in behalf of the members, as follows :—

Worshipful Brother Waterman —

It is with supreme pleasure that I, as the representative of more than eighty of your Brethren of Mount Lebanon Lodge, now address these few words to you and accompany them with a slight token of the regard with which you are held by the Lodge, being a spontaneous tribute to your many virtues and arduous duties as a Brother Mason and Christian man. Your long and able services in this Lodge are too well known to the members now present to require recapitulation at my hands ; I will, therefore, only mention a few of the most prominent of those services.

By referring to the Records of the Lodge, I find you were elected a member July 26th, 1819. Served the Lodge as Junior Warden during the years 1826 and 1827; Senior Warden 1828 and 1829, was elected Worshipful Master in 1829, and "presided with dignity and honor over the Lodge during the years 1830 and 1831. Before the close of the latter year you were elected its Secretary, which office you have now filled for thirty one years, with equal honor to yourself, and profit to the Lodge. Again, on the evening of April 11th, 1859, we did ourselves the pleasurable honor of electing you an Honorary member, as a slight appreciation of your many meritorious services.

And now, without encroaching too long upon the time of our friends present, allow me to present you this beautiful Cane, bearing upon its golden head the following inscription :—

"Presented to Worshipful Brother Thos. Waterman, by his Fraternal Brothers of Mount Lebanon Lodge. Boston, Dec, 19th, 1882."


Accept it then, dear Brother; not for its intrinsic value alone, but that the remembrance of this happy hour may be laid up in the archives of your memory, that here you were made the recipient of a symbol of our Brotherly love towards you. And if, with increasing years, you may find this a support to your failing steps, then may you call, with confidence, upon the stout hands and willing hearts of its donors, for that support and assistance which it will ever be our privilege to extend to so worthy a Brother Mason.

And may your days be lengthened and your steps be strengthened by the remembrance of this happy hour; and when the ties of Earth are sundered, may your pure spirit mount, with glad wings, to that Celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

To which Brother Waterman, vainly struggling to keep back the rising tears, replied —

Worshipful Master and Brethren of Mount Lebanon Lodge:

It becomes me on this interesting occasion to present you, and the officers and members of Mount Lebanon Lodge, my thanks, cordial, warm and sincere, for the oft repeated expression of your kindness and good will, which have been extended to me for many years past. It is now more than forty-three years since I first became a member of this Lodge. To me there are many, very many, pleasant associations in connection with my membership in this body. My old associates and fellow-laborers in this consecrated hall, have all (save a very few,) passed away, and their places have been filled with the younger members of the fraternity, whose warm hearts and genial smiles always greet me with a cordial welcome whenever I enter these walls. As it is well known, I have for many years been the recording officer of this Lodge; that I have so often been elected to this responsible office, is owing more to the partiality and good will of my Brethren, than to any merit or qualifications of my own. The confidence which they continue to repose in me demands my gratitude and thanks. Brethren of Mount Lebanon Lodge — for this beautiful token of your friendship and esteem, I thank you, and beg you to believe me when I say, that I shall ever cherish for you all the fraternal regard of a Brother.

At the conclusion of Br. Waterman's reply the choir, under Er. Ball's leading, struck up "Auld Lang Syne," the audience joining with fine effect.

During the evening a beautiful Square and Compasses were laid on the Bible, presented by Br. A. W. Pollard.

The ceremonies in the Lodge room being closed with prayer, by Rev. Brother Alger, the company repaired to the Banqueting Hall, where the worthy host of the Winthrop House, Br. Silsby, had spread a bounteous collation, and two hours were pleasantly spent in refreshment and social harmony. Addresses were made by W. Brother Parkman, Rev. Bros. Dadmun and Alger, and others, interspersed with glees from the quartette, composed of Bro. S. B. Ball, Mis. Little, Miss Smart and Mr. Ryder.

The officers of the Lodge are:

  • John L. Stevenson, Master.
  • John F. Abbot, S. W.
  • I. D. Davenport, J. W.
  • F. H. Sprague, Treas.
  • Thomas Waterman, Sec.
  • W. J. Ellis, S. D.
  • H. E. Lang, J. D.
  • Rev. W. R. Alger and John W. Dadmun, Chaplains.
  • W. W. Elliott, Marshal.
  • G. D. Moore, S. S.
  • James A. Merrill, J. S.
  • Edwin Reed, I. S.
  • S. B. Ball, Chorister.
  • H. Daum, Organist.
  • L. L. Tarbell, Tyler.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXI, No. 4, February, 1862, Page 111:

The officers of this Lodge were installed by Grand Master Coolidge, Monday 
evening, Dec. 23d, 1861. The Grand Master brought with him as his suite the 
Master of each Boston Lodge, with a single exception; also those of South and 
East Boston. This made the occasion one of interest, and also serves to promote 
sociability among those who are so seldom together. The officers installed 
were —

  • John L. Stevenson, Master
  • John F. Abbot, S. W.
  • Daniel Henry, J.
W.
  • F. H. Sprague, Treas.
  • Thomas Waterman, Sec.;
  • W. J. Ellis, S. D.
  • Ira
 D. Davenport, J. D.
  • Henry E. Long, S. S.
  • Jos. H. Clapp, J. S.
  • Rev. W. R. 
Alger and Rev. John W. Dadmun, Chaplains
  • Edwin Reed, I. S.
  • W. W.
 Elliott, M.
  • W. C. Martin, T.
  • Bro. S. B. Ball is Chorister and Herman Daum
, Organist.

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 4, February, 1864, Page 114:

The officers of this excellent and prosperous Lodge were publicly installed at Freemasons' Hall, in this city, on the evening of the 10th of January. There were about a hundred ladies, principally the wives and daughters of the members, present to witness the ceremonies, which were ably performed by the Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Brother Charles C. Dame, and were interspersed with music by a fine quartette of ladies and gentlemen. The Charge was given by the M. W. Grand Master Parkman, in his usual happy and impressive manner. At the conclusion of the ceremonies a procession was formed and the company repaired to the Banqueting Hall, where Brother Silsbee of the Winthrop House, had spread one of the finest entertainments of the season, both in its variety and service.

The officers installed were as follows :—

  • John F. Abbot, Master
  • Ira D. Davenport, S. W.
  • William J. Ella, J. W.
  • Cadis B. Boyce, Treas.
  • Thomas Waterman, Sec'y.
  • Henry E. Lang, S. D.
  • George Moore, J. Deacon
  • Thomas W. Osborn, S. S.
  • Bela D. Ladd, J. S.
  • William R. Alger and John W. Dadmun, Chaplains
  • E. L. Sanderson, Marshal
  • William Pratt, Jr., I. S.
  • Stephen B. Ball, Chorister
  • Luther L. Tarbell, Tyler

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXV, No. 4, February, 1866, p. 118:

A public installation of the officers of Mount Lebanon Lodge took place at the Lodge-room, Masonic Hall, Summer street, on the 8th of January. The exercises were of a very interesting character, and quite a large number of ladies graced the occasion with their presence. The following is a list of the officers installed:—

  • Ira D. Davenport, W. M.
  • John W. Dadmun, S. W.
  • James R. Elliot, J. W.
  • Cadis B. Boyce, Treas.
  • Thomas Waterman, Sec.
  • George D. Moore, S. D.
  • Bela D. Ladd, J. D.
  • William Pratt, Jr., S. S.
  • Thomas Waterman, Jr., J. S.
  • Aaron R. Coolidge, I. S.
  • Noah M. Gaylord, Chaplain
  • William W. Elliot, Marshal
  • S. B. Ball, Chorister
  • John F. Abbott
  • J. F. Hews, William Boyce, M. V. Lincoln, and William Marble, Committee on Charity;
  • Luther L. Tarbell, Tyler.

The ceremonies of the installation were performed by M. W. Grand Master Charles C. Dame.

Appropriate music was furnished by Mount Lebanon Lodge Quartette Club, consisting of Brothers S. B. Ball, Hiram Wilde, J. Kimball, and Edward Prescott; Brother Howard M. Dow officiating as pianist.

At the conclusion of the formal exercises a supper, prepared in the most elegant style by Br. Tarbell, was partaken of, after which speeches were made by Ira D. Davenport, W. M., Grand Master Dame, Rev. Br. Dadmun, Rev. Br. Alger, Rev. Br. Gaylord, Brothers Woodbury, Marshall, and others. The speeches were interspersed with music. Br. William Marble read a poem, and Br. H. D. Barnabee contributed to the enjoyment of the occasion with several comic songs and recitations.

PRESENTATION, MARCH 1874

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 4, April 1874, Page 196:

The Cedars of Lebanon. — At the Stated Communication of Mount Lebanon Lodge, of Boston, held on the thirteenth instant, Brother Woodbridge, a member of the Lodge, presented a cone from one of the Cedars of Lebanon, brought home by Brother W. Wallace, of the U. S. Marine Corps, who furnished the following certificate of its genuineness:

"Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Boston, March 17, 1874.

"Respected Bro. Woodbridge: According to promise, I send you the cone from the cedars of Lebanon, and that there can be no question as to its being genuine, I propose to give you a little account as to how it came into my possession.

"In the year 1872,1 was attached to the U. S. Ship Guerriere, serving in the Mediterranean Squadron. While there, we made a tour of the East, visiting many places where a ship of war is seldom seen. While in the town of Beirut, in Syria, I made the acquaintance of Brother Samuel Halleck, who was attached to the Presbyterian Mission at that place. With him I visited a native Lodge, and was received in the most friendly manner. The Treasurer of the Lodge was a chief of the Druses, Jalhook Pacha, attached to the staff of the Governor of Lebanon and living in the region where what are left of the celebrated trees exist. Upon my expressing a desire for some memento of them, he, after some time, sent me three of these cones, one of which I send you for presentation to your Lodge and which I hope will be acceptable. Fraternally Yours, "(Signed) "W. WALLACE."

The interesting memento was laid up in the archives of the Lodge.


MEMORIALS

CONSTANT SOUTHWORTH 1783-1860

This venerable Brother was buried with Masonic honors at Stoughton, on Sunday, August 19th, by Mount Lebanon Lodge of Boston, officered by W. H. Sampson, W. M., Robert Keith, S. W. p. t., Samuel Jepson, J. W. p. t., and John L. Stevenson, Marshal.

The date of Bro. Southworth's membership is January 1st, 1807, and during the whole of nearly fifty-four years, he has been an active Mason, and has by example been an ornament to the fraternity as well as a support in the dark days of adversity, when the clouds lowered thick and heavy upon us. Owing to a very short notice it was found impracticable to procure the attendance of many members of his own Lodge, but in this the officers were fully compensated by meeting delegations from North Bndgewater, Foxboro and Randolph, which, when united with the members of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStar Rising Star Lodge, of Stoughton, who, in the kindest manner possible, tendered the use of their Lodge room, as well as the services of their members, made a procession of about one hundred and twenty-five.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Bro. Dennis, in a most appropriate
manner, in the Universalist Church; alter which the procession moved to the new
Cemetery where the remains were deposited with the honors of Masonry; Rev. 
Bro. Dennis reading the service in conjunction with the W. M.

JUSTIN E. STEVENS 1822-1852

  • MM 1843, Mount Lebanon

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XII, No. 3, January, 1853, p. 94:

In this city, on the morning of the 17th December, Dr. Justin E. Stevens, youngest son of Dr. John Stevens, aged 30.

Dr. Stevens was a graduate of the Military Academy of Vermont, under the charge of Capt. Partridge. He afterwards studied medicine in this city, and received a diploma from Harvard University. On the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he received an appointment as surgeon in the army, and was present at the taking of the city of Mexico. On the establishment of peace, he returned home, bringing with him, like hundreds of others, the seeds of the disease which finally terminated his existence on earth.

He was made a Mason soon after attaining to his majority, and was a member of the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars at the time of his death. He was a young man of great purity of character, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him, for the amiability of his temper and excellent social qualities. His friends will long lament his premature death, as the loss of one to whom they had become endeared through warm, social and fraternal relations. He leaves a young and accomplished wile—an aged father, and brothers and sisters, to embalm his memory in tears of sorrow.

His funeral was attended by his military and Masonic friends, from the residence of his father, on Monday, the 20th. The President elect, Gen. Pierce, to whose regiment the deceased was attached, while in Mexico, was present, and united in paying the usual military honors to his memory.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


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