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MOUNT VERNON LODGE

Location: Malden

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 09/08/1858 VI-190

Precedence Date: 08/27/1857

Current Status: merged with Galilean Lodge, 09/10/1997, to form Mount Vernon-Galilean Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

  • Benjamin G. Hill, 1857, 1858
  • Charles Hill, 1859
  • George D. Allen, 1860
  • Frederic J. Foss, 1861-1863
  • William H. Richardson, 1864
  • John W. Chapman, 1865, 1866
  • Edward W. Glover, 1867-1869
  • John P. Soule, 1870, 1871
  • Theodore N. Foque, 1872, 1873; SN
  • Christopher W. Dyer, 1874, 1875
  • Henry Locke Putnam, 1876, 1877
  • William F. Chester, 1878, 1879; SN
  • Luther H. Peters, 1880, 1881
  • Henry Kemble Oliver, 1882, 1883
  • Edwin M. Shepherd, 1884
  • George L. Griffin, 1885, 1886
  • Clarence O. Walker, 1887, 1888
  • John Newell, 1889, 1890
  • Edward G. Wise, 1891, 1892
  • Edward G. McInnes, 1893
  • Winslow B. Southworth, 1894, 1895
  • William D. Serrat, 1896, 1897
  • Walter F. Medding, 1898, 1899
  • Frederic L. Putnam, 1900; N
  • Edward L. Browne, 1901, 1902
  • Henry Gerrish, Jr., 1903, 1904
  • Joseph Wiggin, 1905, 1906
  • Wallace M. Corbin, 1907, 1908
  • John F. Neal, 1909, 1910
  • William H. Palmer, 1911
  • George E. Cleaves, 1912, 1913
  • Edward B. Wentworth, 1914, 1915; N
  • George A. Chisholm, 1916, 1917; N
  • Harrison R. Medding, 1918, 1919
  • Perry A. Dodge, 1920
  • J. Elliot Knowlton, 1921, 1922
  • George M. Keen, 1923, 1924; N
  • Herbert F. Sawyer, 1925, 1926
  • Walter E. Woodward, 1927, 1928
  • Thomas C. Harriott, 1929, 1930
  • Walter P. Osgood, 1931, 1932
  • Herman W. Bethe, 1933
  • Ernest A. Crossland, 1934; N
  • Parker S. Kimball, 1935
  • L. Burbank Keen, 1936
  • Clarence S. Walker, 1937
  • Stanley P. Horwood, 1938
  • Leonard C. Gardner, 1939
  • John E. Woodward, 1940
  • Frank O. Berg, 1941
  • Raleigh J. Moore, 1942
  • Axel C. Nelson, 1943
  • Emil H. Appel, 1944
  • James A. Thorpe, 1945
  • Frederick H. Simmons, 1946
  • Charles Garniss, 1947
  • Frank E. Hutchinson, 1948
  • Colin H. Dennis, 1949
  • A. Ray Whenman, 1950
  • Marvin E. Pierce, 1951
  • J. William Mahaney, 1952
  • Charles W. Cummings, 1953
  • Fred I. Reed, 1954
  • Roy M. Reed, 1955
  • Henry L. Taylor, 1956; N
  • William B. Berg, Jr., 1957
  • John D. MacDonald, 1958
  • Russell E. Pilling, 1959
  • George A. Watson, 1960
  • Truman A. Barstow, 1961
  • Ralph A. Hascall, Jr., 1962
  • George W. Parsons, 1963
  • Frank P. Maloof, 1964
  • Robert T. Murray, 1965
  • H. Emery Sawyer, 1966
  • Henry F. Wright, Sr., 1967
  • Peter T. Coffin, 1968
  • Elwin W. Burleigh, 1969
  • Alvah D. Gardiner, Jr., 1970; N
  • Hagop V. Demirdjian, 1971, 1982; PDDGM
  • Paul C. Frederick, 1972
  • Herbert E. Swanstrom, 1973
  • William Henry LaBombard, 1974
  • George A. Watson, Jr., 1975
  • Robert Sullivan, 1976
  • Ralph A. Key, Sr., 1977
  • Edward W. Bauer, Jr., 1978
  • Ralph P. Rudolph, 1979
  • Joseph A. Muise, 1980, 1983
  • Norman N. Alpert, 1981
  • Truman A. Barstow, 1984
  • John E. Burke, 1985
  • Joseph F. DeVincentis, 1986
  • Lawrence H. Crowell, 1987
  • Steven J. DePriest, 1988
  • 1989-1997?

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1857
  • Petition for Charter: 1858
  • Consolidation Petition (with Galilean Lodge): 1997

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1907 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1932 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1957 (Centenary)
  • 1982 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1870 1871 1873 1876 1877 1879 1880 1888 1897 1910 1911 1916 1930 1937 1939 1951 1957 1960 1976

HISTORY

  • 1907 (Historical address, 1907-129)
  • 1932 (75th Anniversary History, 1932-175)
  • 1957 (Centenary History, 1957-160)
  • 1982 (125th Anniversary History, 1982-121)

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1982

1857 - 1982
by Worshipful Robert Sullivan

The occasion which brings us together this evening is one of no ordinary circumstance. When one arrives at their one hundred and twenty-fifth milestone in their life's journey, it is well to look back into time to excite our enthusiasm and desire for more knowledge of the formation and early history of our existence and to record one's career from the beginning to the present time.

We learn, from the earliest pages of our records, that a charter was granted in June, 1817 to a group of brethren in Malden under the name of Mount Hermon Lodge. This charter had been deposited with the Grand Lodge about the year 1828, in anticipation of a proposed removal to the town of Medford and a petition in 1857 was presented to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts by our founders for its restoration. A committee of the Grand Lodge reported that all objections be waived if any existed, and the prayer of the petitioners be granted, provided the records of the lodge could be produced. Upon investigation, it was satisfactorily ascertained that the records had been destroyed by fire in a building owned by Charles W. Brown, where they had been stored. A petition was then presented to the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation to form a new lodge by the following brothers: Benjamin G. Hill, Henry Crehore, Charles Hill, Charles Lewis, Thomas Tufts, James Bartlett, Edward D. Bell, Solomon Crusg William C. Brooks, Francis Morandi, Toppan Sargent, George G. Hill, Robert W. Dresser, and Thomas Shedd. These petitioners prayed to be congregated into a regular lodge under the name and title of Mount Vernon Lodge with permission to hold same in the town of Malden. The Dispensation was granted on August 27, 1857, by Most Worshipful John T. Heard, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and was received by the petitioners on September 1, 1857.

On the evening of September l, 1857, the first meeting was held in an upper room in the home of Brother Charles Hill on the corner of Main and Irving Streets, This house served as a meeting place for the lodge for about one year. There were present at this first meeting Brothers B.G. Hill, Henry Crehore, Charles Hill, Solomon Cruse, R. W. Dresser, E.D. Bell, Francis Morandi, and Thomas Tufts. The Worshipful Master, B.G. Hill, read the Dispensation and the lodge was opened in form on the third degree. It was voted on at this first meeting that the regular communications of the lodge be held on Tuesday "on or next preceding the full of the moon of each month during the months the Iodge shall hold meetings." Thus in the first year, fourteen regular and nineteen special meetings were held. For many years, Mount Vernon Lodge remained one of the "Moon" Lodges which are now practically non-existent.

At the 12th regular communication held July 20, 1858, a committee was appointed to procure a new hall and to have the same properly fitted up for Masonic uses. The committee hired rooms from the town in the upper part of the town house now the old City Hall, and fitted up the lodge room in the westerly portion of the building. It is a fact that this committee made no report of their efforts in procuring a new lodge room until May, 1859, when a report was submitted of the cost attending the fitting and furnishing of the hall which was $794.32.

At the communication on September 24, 1858, the lodge voted to admit twenty-two brethren for membership, and these with the original members under dispensation, at the communications held on October 7, elected the following officers for one year: Worshipful Master, Benjamin G. Hill; Senior Warden, Charles Hill; Junior Warden, James Bartlett; Tieasurer, Edward D. Bell; Secretary, W.D. Holden; Senior Deacon, George D. Allen; Junior Deacon, R. W. Dresser; Senior Steward, Thomas A. Shedd; Junior Steward, Henry H. Hyde; Marshal, Joseph H. Waitt; Tyler, Thomas Tufts.

On March 6, 1860, a vote was passed by which Article II of the By-Laws was changed to have the regular meetings of the lodge held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. At the following June meeting, Rev. Bro. Greenwood, on behalf of the wives and daughters of the members, presented the lodge with a marble clock and a seraphim. This clock is still keeping excellent time and hangs on the wall of this apartment even to this day.

At the regular communication on May 1, 1862, a motion was offered by the Treasurer, Brother Joseph M. Russell, that a fund for the benefit of widows and orphans of members of this lodge be established. This motion was referred to Bros. Greenwood, Russell and Eastham with instructions to report at the next regular meeting. The committee reported favorably June 3, and the recommendation was adopted to establish the Widows and Orphans Fund of Mount Vernon Lodge.

A special communication was held on the evening of October 14, 1864 for the purpose of taking part in the laying of the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston. Upon arrival of the lodge in Boston, they were received by Wyoming Lodge of Melrose, accompanied by the Boston Brigade Band, and escorted to their position in the line.

It was voted at a special meeting October 19, 1865, that a festival be given on the evening of February 22, 1866, for the benefit of the Widows and Orphans Fund, and a committee of six was appointed to carry this motion into effect. The committeg reported at the regular April meeting, 1866, a net profit of $1,020.08 and that a loan of $1,000 had been made to the Town of Malden at seven and three-tenths percent interest. This amount is the largest single addition to the fund and placed it on a substantial basis.

In January, 1866, the brethren of Melrose met with a serious loss by the destruction of their Masonic apartments by fire. The Worshipful Master of Mount Vernon Lodge promptly tendered the use of the lodge room to Wyoming Lodge and Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, which action was unanimously confirmed by Mount Vernon Lodge at the regular meeting in February. Waverly Chapter accepted the tender of the lodge and held its meetings in Malden until the new Wyoming Masonic Hall was completed. Wyoming Lodge found temporary quarters elsewhere.

On the 18th of December, 1867, there occurred a terrible railroad disaster at Angola, N.Y. by which Mount Vernon Lodge was greatly bereaved by the untimely death of its late Worshipful Master, Bro. John W Chapman, a passenger on the ill-fated train. A. special communication was called December 26, when the action of the Worshipful Master in the appointment of a committee to visit the scene of the disaster in search of the body or some traces of the remains, was unanimously confirmed. Bros. John G. Gillette, and John H. Abbott, the committee, reported very fully at the January meeting the failure of their efforts to identify any traces of the brother whose untimely death brought sorrow to so many hearts in Malden, for Brother Chapman's popularity extended far beyond the membership of the lodge, and his genial personality endeared him to all with whom he became acquainted.

On March 5, 1868, the lodge received a petition from several brethren residing in the south part of the town, for permission to form a new lodge in that section. This petition was referred to a committee of seven, who, at the June meeting reported adversely. A second petition was presented for approval on November 5, 1868, by certain members, asking again that a new lodge be formed in south Malden. This was referred to a committee who reported favorably at the December meeting, and the lodge voted that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. It was also voted that the use of the lodge room be given to the new lodge during the year of Dispensation at a nominal cost. This was the first daughter of Mount Vernon and is now the body of Masons known as Palestine Lodge of Everett.

In a response to a request from the Grand Master for aid for Chicago Masons made destitute by the great fire in that city in 1871, the lodge appropriated the sum of $100.00.

The twenty-fifth anniversary of Mount vernon Lodge was held in City Hall on the evening of January 1, 1883. The program consisted of a number of speeches and musical presentations and was followed by a fine collation.

A committee was appointed during the June 1885 meeting for the purpose of seeking better accommodations for the lodge; and at a special meeting held on June 15, the results of their interview with Mr. H.D. Xerxa, and recommended leasing the apartments in the proposed new building. Plans for the new hall were presented, and after inspection by the members, the lodge voted to appoint a committee of five, with full powers to negotiate with the owner, for apartments for Masonic purposes in Malden for terms of twenty years at a rental not to exceed four hundred dollars per annum to the lodge. At another special meeting on June 22, they reported very fully the results of their interview with Mr. Xerxa and the architect, stating that one thousand dollars was the annual rent the owner deemed a fair amount for the two floors designed for Masonic apartments. A guarantee fund of six hundred dollars yearly was pledged by thirty-eight members at the meeting, and resolutions adopted providing for a committee of three to act for the lodge in leasing the apartments and with authority to make minor changes in the plans if deemed desirable. A group of twenty formed a committee on May 6, 1886 to oversee the fitting, furnishing and equipping of the new Masonic apartments. with the fittings and furnishings of the new apartments having been completed, the lodge held its first meeting in its new home in December of that year.

At the annual meeting in November of 1886, a petition from Bro. Albert H. Davenport and others praying for the recommendation of the lodge to its petition to the Grand Master to form and open a new lodge in Malden, was received and referred to a committee, which in the following month reported favorably. The lodge voted its approval and the second daughter of Mount Vernon Lodge was created to be known as Converse Lodge. This was the first of three lodges which now share our apartments.

The largest gathering of Masons ever held in these apartments occurred at a special meeting held on April 19, 1894. The Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts with a large suite accompanying him, and the Grand Master of New Hampshire and suite were present, with a very large delegation of brethren from Portsmouth and Dover, New Hampshire. The Brethren of Mount Vernon and Converse Lodge were also out in large numbers. The work of the evening was the exemplification ofthe third degree. A banquet followed at which over seven hundred brothers were entertained by speeches from the guests which added to the enjoyment of the evening.

The history of the first fifty years of Mount Vernon lodge was celebrated on October 7 and 8, 1907, under the direction of the presiding master, Worshipful Joseph O. Wiggin. The little acorn planted by the twelve brethren in 1857 had become the sturdy oak with its nearly 500 members, and the more than 800 signatures on the bylaws of the lodge since our organization to the anniversary in 1907 attests to that fact. From our ranks many have been selected by their fellow citzens to fill important positions in the government of town and city affairs during and following our first fifty years. Several incumbents of the office of Mayor have been members of our lodge and many others have been chosen to the boards of alderman, city council, and representatives in the legislature. The principles of Masonry instilled into the minds of these brethren have made them better men than they could have been otherwise.

The next twenty-five years was a period of tremendous growth for our lodge. During the years from 1907 to 1932,the membership had grown to 831 brothers. There was more growth in this quarter century than in the first fifty years of Mount Vernon's existence. But during the forties, the effects of the Depression were beginning to cause some serious encumbrances in the growth of Mount Vernon Lodge. Though a rapid decline in applications for new membership and a tremendous number of deaths among our brethren resulted in a substantial Ioss to the lodge, the membership stabilized to approximately five hundred and fifty members.

During the first one hundred years of Mount Vernon todge, we have had enrolled as members 1,946 brothers. The Centennial celebration was held in these apartments on Thursday evening, November 7, 1957. The Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, sixteen Grand Lodge officers, ten presiding masters of the Malden-Melrose Masonic District, and 234 members with their guests were present for dinner and shared with us in this anniversary program.

Year after year, decade after decade, we have been tenants at the home of Bro. Hill, then at the old Malden City Hall, later at the Xerxa Building, and since the mid 1920's at the present Masonic apartments in which we are presently meeting tonight. It was agreed upon to take an option on the Old Colony Building for the purpose ofpurchasing said property, and on September 1, 1961, the Malden Masonic Association took legal possession of this building for the price of $160,000.

On June 7, 1962, Right Worshipful Aaron R. Davison, District Deputy Grand Master of the Malden Seventh Masonic District, was escorted to the East of Mount Vernon Lodge for the honor of presenting our Past Master Worshipful Henry L. Taylor with the Joseph Warren Medal for his distinguished service to the craft in connection with the blood program of the Grand Lodge. This is the first time, in our lodge's history, that a member has been so honored. This award was presented for the second time on June 5, 1969, when Right Worshipful Ernest A. Crossland was presented this medal by the District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Arnold W. Cole, for serving the craft long and well.

Other Grand Lodge honors have been conferred upon our members. Appointments for District Deputy Grand Master for the Malden Seventh Masonic District were bestowed upon Worshipful Henry L. Taylor in December 1966, and Worshipful Alvah D. Gardiner, Jr. in December 1978.

Other milestones were achieved by our lodge. On May 9, 1972, Right Worshipful Oliver Rutherford of the Grand Lodge Service Committee presented the lodge with its second consecutive blood plaque for achievement ofover 100 pints of blood donated by its members in one year. On June 10, 1972, a Brotherhood Night consisting of a dinner and dance was held in conjunction with the local Knights of Columbus Lodge.

For the first time in our history, we were forced to hold our next four consecutive meetings at different locations, due to a disastrous fire which raged through the Malden apartments on May 5, 1972.

These last twenty-five years have proven to be no different than our preceding quarter of a century. As of September 1, 1982, our membership count stands at 267 brothers. An alarming fact becomes clear! Statistics are proving that our membership is steadily declining at a rate of fifty percent every twenty-five years. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before this lodge and all it stands for will cease to exist. Now is the time as men of this community and members of this lodge for us to put our minds together to remedy this condition and turn the situation around. Our founders had enough foresight to make our lodge financially solvent, even at today's standards, but we must insure that for all future ages, we, the present members of this lodge must strive to support and renew the bloodline that will keep this lodge continually growing and on the rise. Masonry is a fitting rule and guide of our lives, not to make us off from others, but to bring us to that deeper and closer meaning of the G. A. O. T. U.

Freemasonry is an educational and charitable fraternal order, the structure of which is derived from the medieval builders of the great cathedrals. As builders of better men in this era of conflict and confusion, we can make Masonry a way of life and a most valuable contribution to all. Our charity is not evaluated entirely in the terms of money. Charity comes from the heart of the individual and is one of the great lessons taught in all of the degrees of our order. As Masons, it is our duty to practice it diligently in our daily lives, not only to members of our great Fraternity, but to all mankind. Life demands of the average man not sparkling genius, but everyday consistency; not cunning craftiness, but patient plodding. The world needs men who do, not men who are done; men who are self-reliant, eager, devoted, and courageous - men who control crowds rather than cower to them; men who, when their knees knock, kneel on them, then rise and go forth to the task which needs to be done. As a Mason you are casting a shadow daily upon everyone who comes in contact with you.

The influence of a person depends, in a large measure, upon the extent to which one invests himself in others. It is the moral and spiritual uplift they receive from doing something worthwhile - the satisfaction in working with one another side by side, as members of the oldest Fraternity in the world - the acceptance of a need for service to humanity - but most important of all it is that of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites the bonds of friendship and makes us as living stones for the great temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

OTHER

  • 1883 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1883-262)
  • 1941 (Petition for reduction of fees refused; 1941-215)
  • 1958 (Participation in 50th Anniversary of corner stone laying, 1958-137)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, OCTOBER 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, November 1858, Page 19:

This is a new Lodge, which has just been established in the neighboring village of Malden, under highly favorable auspices. Having worked a year under Dispensation, it was constituted by the executive officers of the Grand Lodge, on Thursday, the 12th of October, when the officers were installed, and the hall, which has been tastefully and appropriately fitted up, was dedicated according to ancient usage. The ceremonies and services were conducted by the Grand Master, assisted by his officers, and passed off to the gratification of a large collection of Brethren, numbering over one hundred, from Boston, Charlestown, and Somerville. After the ceremonies, a Poem, of great merit and appropriateness, was delivered by Rev. Bro. T. J. Greenwood, a Chaplain of the new Lodge, by whom the excellent hymns sang on the occasion were also written.

The officers installed are as follows:

  • B. G. Hill, Master
  • Charles Hill and James Bartlett, Wardens
  • Edward D. Bell, Treas.
  • W. D. Holden, Secy.
  • Geo. D. Allen and R. W. Dresser, Deacons
  • Thos. S. Shedd and H. H. Hyde, Stewards
  • Rev. T. J. Greenwood, Chaplain, and
  • Thomas Tufts, Tyler

INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 1, October 1861, Page 26:

The officers of Mount Vernon Lodge, Malden, were duly installed on Monday evening, Oct. 28th, at the Town Hall, by Grand Master W. D. Coolidge, and the exercises were witnessed by a large audience of both ladies and gentlemen. The musical part of the entertainment was under the direction of Prof. Brown, of Boston.

F. J. Foss was installed as Master, and at the close of the installation ceremonies Wm. H. Richardson, Jr., Esq., in behalf of the members of the Lodge, presented to Past Master George D. Allen, 1st Lieut. of the Fifth Massachusetts Battery, a sword and accompaniments. Mr, Richardson alluded in eloquent words to the duties and dangers as well as the honors connected with the new field of labor chosen by Mr. Allen, who responded in appropriate terms. Rev. T. J. Greenwood made some fitting remarks, and in his own name presented Lieut. Allen with a beautiful pocket Bible. Further speeches were made by J. K. Hall, Esq., and others, and the exercises closed with an excellent song by F. A. Hall, Esq., of Charlestown.

PRESENTATION, NOVEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 3, December 1861, Page 86:

We noticed, very briefly, in our issue for November last, the presentation of a Sword by the members, and a Bible by the Chaplain, of Mount Vernon Lodge, Maiden, to Past Master George D. Allen, 1st Lieut,, of the 5th Massachusetts Battery. Since then a full account of the interesting proceedings has been published in the Maiden Messenger, which we should be pleased to transfer entire to our pages could we conveniently spare the necessary space. Not being able to do this, we content ourselves with laying before our readers the following eloquent extracts from the presentation speeches, which were uncommonly beautiful and appropriate. The first is from the address of Brother W. H. Richardson, Jr., Senior Wsrden of the Lodge :—

PRESENTATION OF THE SWORD.

And now, my Brother, I present to you, in the name of the members of Mount Vernon Lodge, this Sword with its accompaniments, the free gift of those whose love and esteem yon have fairly woo ; and if but one act were necessary to cement forever the high regard of every member of this Institution, the step you are about to take would call it forth.

Take it, my Brother, and may the noble cause in which you are engaged give to its edge a keenness, and to your aim a vigor, that shall conquer every opposing foe: may every flash of its glittering blade leave one rebel the less: may you never draw it ingloriously nor sheathe it dishonorably, and with it may you carve a name that shall shine as clear and undimmed as the polished surface which it bears.

We do not forget that the name of Allen bears an historic glory, and a revolutionary memory that will never die; and may you emulate that steady patriotism and unflinching courage which make the names of Allen and Ticonderoga the watch-words of victory. Remember that

"In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in his ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger."

You will now have an opportunity to exemplify those cardinal virtues which are the true testa of the upright Mason, prominent among which stands fortitude, "that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger when prudentially deemed expedient." You are now to exchange the gavel for the sword, and thereby discharge the duties you owe to the laws under which you live, keeping steadily in view the allegiance due to your country.

These spurs, too, are emblems of honor, suggestive of that open-eyed vigilance which is ever ready for the word of command, come when it may; requiring, as Napoleon used to term it, a sort of "two o'clock in the morning" courage, and demanding great discipline, and great enthusiasm to guard against surprise. It is said of Suwarrow that even in peace be always slept fully armed, boots and all, and when he wished to enjoy a very comfortable nap, he used to take off one spur. Let his ready seal be to you a lesson of fidelity.

Think not, my Brother, because you leave us you will be forgotten. Oh! no, we shall follow you to the battle-field, and when the long roll beats to arms, we •hall eagerly watch for the first intelligence that speaks of you and your command.

"Our souls, much further than our eyes can see."

We hope soon to welcome yon home again ; and may you come with the great army that has preceded you, the heralds of a peace that has been won without a compromise of principle, and may it be a peace that neither tyranny abroad, nor corruption and treason at home, shall be able to overthrow or successfully disturb. So may we see again one Nation, bound together in glittering harmony, controlled by the great central idea of Unity and Freedom, and ready to do the World's work.

And now, having discharged the duty allotted me, I bid you, in the name of Mt. Vernon Lodge! and the glorious fraternity of which this is a branch, God-speed. in your noble mission. You go to join those noble souls who have made the name of Massachusetts, the synonym of martial glory: you go to fill the places of those martyr-spirits who have fallen while bravely contending beneath the shadow of a Nation's Capital for a nation's life! — You go to fight for a principle against those who would ruthlessly and with profane hands destroy this glorious Union, with its priceless privileges and garnered hopes—the impersonation of a constitutional power, created by the people, cemented by the beat blood of the world, and eternal in its nature. And although in the visible contest it may at times look dark, and our cause may seem to waver, let us remember that an eternal principle forever renews itself and cannot be successfully overcome.

"Truth crashed to earth will rise again,
The eternal years of God are here!"

He must be blind, indeed, who does not see that victory, though postponed, is surely ours. Events march, and every hour sees that sentiment so dear to the American people, "Liberty and Union," deepening with irresistible power.

The defeat at Bull Run and Lexington were only temporary checks, shocks, which were required to awaken yon and millions more, to the importance of the achievement of that greater glory which is to come— ours at the Will of God.

Soon shall we see the light of victory gleam from the crest of our young chief
tain, MeClellan. He will take from their resting places the sacred dust of those
 who have fallen — the gallant Ellsworth — the daring Greble — the brave and accom
plished Winthrop — the heroes who fell at Baltimore — Lyon the lion-hearted — the 
lamented Baker, and scatter that precious seed until there shall arise an army so
 numerous, that rebellion shall be forever crushed, and Freedom, Liberty and Union 
stand forth as the representatives of a redeemed nation. Until that hour shall ar
rive, let our young men go forth, prepared to conquer or to die; and let this be our
 benediction upon you -

" On! on! to the glorious strife,
Your sword our freedom shielding,
Nay resign, if it must be so, even life,
But die at lead unyielding.

PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE. (By Rev. T. J. Greenwood).

Bro. Allen — You are in the midst of a solemn scene. I know that your spirit is overwhelmed with its many affecting considerations, and weighty responsibilities. You have received these tokens of fraternal regard from the members of the Lodge over which yon have so happily presided. And in addition to the eloquent words which have borne the presentation, even the gifts themselves, have tongues, to remind you of the trials and difficulties eminent in your way. With a view to tarn your thoughts to a higher, a holier, and more welcome theme, may I be permitted to ask yon to accept a slight token of my personal and brotherly regard. My Brother, you know my vocation, and the principles of my faith. And though our religious thoughts have not run in the same channel, yet we both reverence the Divine Teachings — the Word of God! And as a minister of that Word, permit me the pleasure of presenting to yon, as a token of personal esteem, of Christian affection, and as a witness of the intense and anxious interest with which, for weeks, I have looked forward to the transactions of this hour, and the scenes which may ensue — this little gift. I know it is of humble outside seeming; and in this regard but of little value; yet it is no less than the Great Light of Freemasonry, which we are all taught to heed.

It is the Word of God. It has treasures for you. It is the record of the Will of my Father — your Father — our Father — the Father of the spirits of all flesh, leaving to us the glorious bequests of Immortal Good to her children; while it illuminates the pathway in which obedience requires us to walk. In these respects it is of inestimable worth. Its treasures are richer than rubies: they are of more value than refined gold; and all you can desire is transcended by its riches.

It is not, then, for its outward worth or seeming that I present it, but, emphatically, for its intrinsic value alone! Not that it may be laid, up with the records in the archives of the Lodge as a memorial, even of the transactions of this interesting hour ; but that it may be constantly borne with your person, and worn near your heart; that the perusal of its contents and thoughts upon its teachings may employ the leisure moments you may find, in the midst of the busy and exciting scenes in which you may be placed ! It will open to your mind treasures which will not be cankered by the rust of earth ; and joys that are not startled by f the clangor of resounding arms — things which are not wasted by the breath of decay; and thoughts of good to come, transcending the best blessings of this lower world.

Should you live, its pages will speak to you of the preserving goodness of the Almighty Father, — of the constancy of His care, the faithfulness of His guidance, and the fulness and freeness of His everlasting love. Should you fall, as fall sooner or later we all must, it will open to your expiring gaze visions of glory and of peace as lasting as the Throne of God.

PRESENTATION OF P.M. DIPLOMA. (By R. W. John K. Hall, D.D.G.M.)

Bro. Allen — It is not remarkable that from a Lodge bearing the name of that hallowed spot where repose the ashes of the Father of our Country, should go forth those imbued with bis sentiments of patriotism, ready to do battle for that country, and to give his life, if need be, for the sacred cause. It is well that Mt. Vernon should respond to the call of duty and patriotism ; and since that Mount Vernon cannot restore to us our Brother again to fight the battles of his country, since we cannot reanimate his ashes, that we should keep alive his virtues, and send forth those from our Mount Vernon who will honor him and the Lodge.

And with this confidence in you, Brother Allen, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts present you with this Diploma of a Past Master, in acknowledgment or the faithful performance of the duties intrusted to you, certifying that you have been, sod trusting that you ever will be, a shining light to your Brethren.

And we feel satisfied that the sword which you have taken up will never be drawn in the cause of injustice or oppression.

"And may its hilt be bless'd by Faith in God,
While yon seek succor from his holy word;
lts blade be Hope, for while in him you trust,
He will protect you, for your cause is just.
But on its point let Charity o'er dwell:
The foe once vanquished, hostile feelings quell;
To him extend a Brother's welcome aid,
And heal the wounds which sterner duty made;
So shall Mount Vernon look on you with pride;
While true to them, his virtues are your guide.
So shall you honor that Masonic name,
Which he, our Brother, cherished more than fame. </blockquote>

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1857: District 11

1867: District 2 (Charlestown)

1872: District 17 (Woburn)

1883: District 7 (Lynn)

1911: District 7 (Malden)

1927: District 7 (Malden)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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