Difference between revisions of "OrphansHope"

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=== HISTORY ===
 
=== HISTORY ===
  
−
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1925 1925]''' (Centenary History, 1925-122)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1925 1925]''' (Centenary History, 1925-122; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1950 1950]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1950-75)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1950 1950]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1950-75)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1975 1975]''' (150th Anniversary History, 1975-118)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1975 1975]''' (150th Anniversary History, 1975-118)
 +
 +
==== CENTENARY HISTORY, JUNE 1925 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1925-122:''
 +
 +
''By R. W. Gardner P. Barker.''
 +
 +
Little did those sturdy Masons who first gathered for a communication of Orphan's Hope Lodge realize the trying times for Masonry that were soon to dawn, or that rising from the depth to which it was forced it would become one of the greatest forces for good the world has
 +
t known, other than the Christian Church.
 +
 +
The Charter, which was the last one given for about twenty years, was granted on direct application to the Grand Lodge, and without application to Lodges whose territory might in some way be affected, as would be required at the present day, but, undoubtedly owing to the difficulties of transportation, at that time the jurisdictional lines were not so closely adhered to. The territory at that time was, of course, not so thickly populated as at present, but on the other hand there were fewer Lodges, the nearest being [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OldColony Old Colony] at Hingham, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Fellowship Fellowship] at Bridgewater, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=CornerStone Corner Stone] at Duxbury, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Rural Rural] at Quincy, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=NorfolkUnion Norfolk Union] at Randolph, and [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Plymouth Plymouth] at Plymouth.
 +
 +
The formation of the Lodge naturally took place at Weymouth Landing, probably at that time the most influential part of the town, due to its location on the old New Bedford Turnpike and at the head of navigation of the Fore River.
 +
 +
The first meetings of the Lodge were held in the Cowing House on Commercial Street (now occupied by the Roman Catholic Church as a part of their school system), but the Morgan episode soon disrupted matters, subjecting Masons to such treatment and espionage that the place of meeting was moved to a hall in a schoolhouse at North Weymouth, although how the town fathers of that day dared to brave public opinion as it was then inflamed so far as to allow a meeting of Masons in a building owned by the town is hard to understand. Nevertheless the troubled Brethren were not long left in peace, for it is history that vandals broke into the building, set it on fire, carried away the officers' jewels and the Bible, and broke up the furniture.
 +
 +
The pressure finally became so great that, sturdy as were the good Brethren of that day, it was more than could be expected that they should, so few in numbers, carry on the fight against practically all the rest of the population. So in 1830, five years after it had been given into their charge, the Charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge, and Masonry as an organized body ceased to exist in Weymouth as it did in nearly all the surrounding territory for a quarter of a century.
 +
 +
We of today can hardly realize to what ends the profane, and possibly some of our weaker Brethren who were overawed by the excitement of the day to such an extent as to renounce their affiliations, went in their effort to crush this Institution. Meetings were held in churches and Masons who refused to renounce their connections were excommunicated, neighbors ostracized them, and one member of Orphan 's Hope Lodge, Brother Caleb Stetson, the last initiate before the Charter was surrendered, writing to the Lodge at the time of its semi-centennial in 1875. states that he finally left Weymouth in disgust, settling in Boston, where he was freed from persecution and, may it also be stated, where he apparently prospered, for at the time of the erection of the first building owned by the Lodge, in 1884. he contributed generously to the fund and also at his death remembered the Lodge by a considerable legacy.
 +
 +
But because Masonry was dormant as an organization, do not think it was dead in the hearts of those who knew its true worth. Like all persecution of truth, the Anti-Masonic crusade by its own violence and lack of good foundation but served to strengthen the bonds between the Brethren, and gradually the Lodges were reconstituted and have continued to prosper, until today the Masonic organization stands as a model for all other fraternal societies.
 +
 +
The first Master of the Lodge was John Edson, a native of Bridgewater. but then residing in Braintree, where he was connected with a cotton gin company which carried on business where the bleachery is now situated. He served one year and was succeeded by Bro. Ezra W. Sampson, who served until the surrender of the Charter.
 +
 +
Of the good Brethren who had belonged to the original Lodge, a number were alive when the time seemed ripe again to take up the work, and willingly joined with other Masons of the vicinity in 1856 in applying for the restoration of the old Charter. Among the most prominent of these was Bro. Alvah Raymond., who was Treasurer of the original Lodge and Chaplain of the reorganized body, serving until his death in 1882, and was one of those brave Masons who in the height of Anti-Masonic persecution had courage to sign the celebrated declaration of Masons in Boston and vicinity which did much to allay the trouble, Brothers Lovell Bicknell and Silas Canterbury, prominent citizens of the town, Bro. Caleb Stetson before mentioned, and Bro. Timothy Gordon, who was the first Secretary and later moved to Plymouth. He was a physician of note in the entire section and much respected by all.
 +
 +
Unfortunately the records of the Lodge for the years 1825 to 1880 could not be located by Grand Lodge when the Charter was restored, but from that time our records are excellent and reflect great credit upon the two worthy Brothers Avho have occupied the office of Secretary in that time, Brother Charles H. Pratt, from 1856 to 1874, and our own "T. John" (Evans), who has occupied the station ever since, whom we are fortunate enough to have with us to-night and who, we hope, will go on for a "hundred more years and a day."
 +
It is not my purpose, however, to try to give you a transcript of the records, but rather to try to convey to your minds the impression of faithfulness to purpose and high ideal that has been impressed on me by a somewhat extended study of the archives, and perhaps to mention a few items of particular interest.
 +
 +
It has been a matter of great pleasure and pride to see the men prominent in the history of Weymouth, such as Bates. Torrey, Pratt, Lovell, Randall, Bicknell, Humphrey, and a number of others, mentioned year after year in our own records; it seems to augur well for the future that the descendants of those leaders of the first years should still be in the van of progress for the years to come.
 +
 +
At the first meeting in 1856, a businesslike attitude was adopted, committees were appointed to attend to all necessary details, and contributions to the extent of one hundred and eighty dollars, were taken to cover expenses. Arrangements were soon made for a meeting place in the hall of Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., at a rental of two dollars per meeting, including lighting and heating, and may I pause here to pay a tribute to the feeling of brotherly love which has so often manifested itself between Crescent Lodge of Odd Fellows and our own Brethren.
 +
 +
The first candidate to be initiated was Wor. Bro. Wm. Humphrey, long- a staunch and valued member of our Lodge. The first year was very busy; the number of members at its close being forty and the balance in the Treasury $279.61. In 1858 we were confronted with an advance in rent from two dollars to two dollars and fifty cents per meeting.
 +
 +
Early attention to the fairer sex was evidenced by a Ladies' Night held in December, 1858, and it was recorded that "A bountiful repast was provided of which those present partook with thankful hearts," and further that "after which short speeches were made." Evidently good Brother Pratt had a liking for short speeches for. on the occasion of the presentation of a beautiful banner by the ladies, he remarks that the speech was "short but good."
 +
 +
In January, 1860, Wor. Bro. J. L. Bicknell, having been appointed D. D. G. M. for the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT5_1849-66 Fifth District], resigned as Master.
 +
 +
In 1860, also, our quarters were changed and the new hall Dedicated by the Grand Lodge with Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLewis Winslow Lewis] presiding.
 +
 +
During the years of civil strife which followed mention is made of several Brothers who had been called to service; noticeably the position of Junior Warden was twice vacated by Brothers who enlisted and went to the front.
 +
 +
Occasionally a very peculiar incident occurs, as when a committee having been appointed on an application reported the same evening that ''having been aware the application would be presented, they had for two weeks been making inquiries, reported favorably, the applicant was elected, and, by virtue of a Dispensation given by the D. D. G. M. (as was then the custom) who was present, received all three degrees the same night."
 +
 +
On December 24, 1863, it is written that a social was held and the ladies and others present partook of a bountiful repast with zeal.
 +
 +
On April 1. 1865, it was voted to remit the dues of all members in the Army or Navy.
 +
 +
On July 4. 1865, the Lodge took part in the celebration of the Eighty-ninth Anniversary of Independence together with the Sons of Temperance, Veterans of 1812, and the Fenian Brotherhood.
 +
 +
On January 16, 1867, Brother Lowell Bicknell reported the death on the previous day of W. Bro. Ezra Sampson, aged sixty-nine years, our second Master, a man greatly respected, by profession a lawyer, and who had served at Dedham as clerk of the County Court for many years.
 +
 +
In January, 1867, the Grand Lodge requested some kind of assistance to pay for the Masonic Temple in Boston and Orphan's Hope Lodge voted to lend it one thousand five hundred dollars, but later in the evening thought better of its rashness and reconsidered the vote.
 +
 +
In June, 1867, the Lodge (seventy-five members) participated in the dedication of the Temple in Boston, afterwards enjoying dinner at the Adams House at a cost of three dollars a plate, a considerable sum for those days. It is noted that twelve thousand Masons marched and the record states it was the largest gathering of Masons in the country.
 +
 +
On May 6, 1868, the Lodge voted to approve the petitions to form another Lodge in the town ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Delta Delta]).
 +
 +
On July 4 of the same year it assisted at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument in the Old North Cemetery.
 +
 +
On April 13, 1870, and again on May 7, 1873, it was voted to approve the formation of a Lodge in South Weymouth.
 +
 +
In 1873 an effort was made to purchase land on which to erect a Masonic Building, but without success.
 +
 +
In 1875 (November 17) the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated in a suitable manner, a fine address being delivered by R. W. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEAvery Edward Avery], of Delta Lodge (formerly of Orphan's Hope). The address contains much information relative to the early history of Orphan's Hope Lodge and the character of its founders and is a very valuable document, as Brother Avery was undoubtedly well acquainted with all the early members.
 +
 +
In 1877 (January 6) the twenty-first anniversary of the return of the Charter was celebrated.
 +
 +
Again, on May 12, 1883, it was voted to approve the founding of a Lodge in South Weymouth.
 +
 +
April 18. 1883, a committee was authorized to purchase land for a permanent home and on January 20 this committee reported the purchase of the land which we now occupy and on July 18 plans were adopted for a building which was duly erected and dedicated on Friday, October 17, 1884. by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. M. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHowland Abraham Hathaway Howland, Jr.], Grand Master, and that building was occupied until its destruction by fire in 1912, when in conjunction with the other bodies the present Temple was erected.
 +
 +
In March, 1884, it is recorded that Mr. David Tucker, candidate for initiation, was present, but decided not to have the degrees conferred upon him at present. Apparently he never changed his mind, as to date there is no record of his having returned.
 +
 +
For the next fifteen years there is little of unusual note recorded. The Lodge enjoyed a fair share of prosperity, its membership remaining practically stationary as to numbers. Starting about the beginning of the. present century it began in common with all Masonic bodies to increase its membership gradually and this period of prosperity still continues.
 +
 +
li was particularly gratifying in going over the records to note the numerous appropriations for charitable purposes, and this was true even in the early days when the financial status was not what might be termed unduly strong.
 +
 +
So ends the record of a hundred years of consistent, conservative efforts to accomplish the purposes for which we were brought together, a might; endeavor to draw us closer together in the bonds of Brotherly Love and to establish more firmly if possible in our hearts a belief in the Fatherhood of Almighty God and the Brotherhood of all Mankind.
 +
 +
This legacy we leave to those who may follow us. strong in the hope that on the foundation we have builded they may erect a still more perfect edifice, one worthy of Ilim whose all-seeing Eye watches over all.
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 23:14, 12 December 2014

ORPHAN'S HOPE LODGE

Location: Weymouth

Chartered By: John Abbot

Charter Date: 06/08/1825 III-537

Precedence Date: 06/08/1825

Current Status: merged with Wessagusset Lodge to form Weymouth United Masonic Lodge, 06/18/1994.

NOTES

  • V-183: Orphan's Hope Lodge surrendered its charter in 1835, transmitting it to Rt. Wor. Bro. Prescott, who was District Deputy; it was returned to Grand Lodge in that year.

PAST MASTERS

  • John Edson, 1825
  • Ezra W. Sampson, 1826-1830 (1835?)
  • DARK 1835-1856
  • Zachariah L. Bicknell, 1856-1858; Mem
  • John P. Lovell, 1859-1861; SN
  • Abner Holbrook, 1862-1864
  • William Humphrey, 1865-1867
  • Abraham Thayer, 1868, 1869
  • Prescott Lothrop, 1870
  • Martin E. Hawes, 1871-1873
  • Leavitt Bates, 1874-1876; SN
  • Thomas H. Humphrey, 1877-1879
  • Francis A. Bicknell, 1880-1882
  • Robert T. Bicknell, 1883-1885
  • Franklin D. Thayer, 1886-1888; SN
  • Joseph E. Gardner, 1889-1891
  • Herbert A. Newton, 1892, 1893
  • William T. Rice, 1894, 1895
  • John M. Whitcomb, 1896, 1897
  • Joseph Chase, Jr., 1898, 1899
  • T. John Evans, 1900
  • Fred L. Bayley, 1901, 1902
  • Frank H. Torrey, 1903, 1904
  • William P. Denbroeder, 1905, 1906
  • Leavitt W. Bates, 1907, 1908
  • Gardner R. P. Barker, 1909, 1910; N
  • Charlie W. Dunbar, 1911, 1912
  • George F. Farrar, 1913, 1914
  • Stanley T. Torrey, 1915, 1916
  • Charles H. Chubbuck, 1917, 1918
  • Henry P. Tilden, 1919, 1920; SN
  • J. Leonard Bicknell, 1921, 1922; Mem
  • C. Edgar Stiles, 1923, 1924
  • Albert Soule, 1925, 1926
  • John P. Lovell, 1927, 1928
  • Burtin E. Durgin, 1929, 1930
  • Andrew T. Moore, 1931, 1932
  • Murray G. Parker, 1933, 1934
  • Oliver J. Horton, 1935
  • J. Frederick Price, 1936, 1937; SN
  • G. Winfield Price, 1938, 1939
  • Prescott B. Brown, 1940, 1941
  • F. Cecil Manuel, 1942-1944
  • Sumner W. Chandler, 1945
  • Norman D. Loud, 1946, 1947; N
  • Frank L. Quimby, 1948
  • Carl L. Billings, 1949
  • George M. Winters, 1950
  • Arthur M. Goucher, 1951
  • Richard F. Pattison, 1952
  • Clarence R. Parker, 1953
  • Lawrence G. Hunter, 1954
  • Dennis T. Pafford, 1955
  • Kurt Konrad, 1956
  • Elmer O. Stennes, 1957
  • George Imlach, 1958
  • John A. Latak, 1959
  • Ralph S. Wilder, Jr., 1960
  • Lendall K, Teague, 1961
  • Frank P. Freeman, Jr., 1962
  • William C. Smith, 1963
  • Alvin K. King, Jr., 1964
  • William C. Kay, 1965
  • Robert L. Steadman, 1966; PDDGM
  • Frank R. Bartlett, Jr., 1967
  • Delmar P. Wiggins, 1968
  • Kenneth E. Fratus, 1969
  • Alton S. Blanchard, Jr., 1970
  • Donald H. Jackson, 1971
  • George W. Glazer, 1972
  • H. Max Martin, 1973
  • Russell G. Fuller, Jr., 1974
  • Frederick J. Channell, 1975
  • Earle L. Lane, 1976
  • Arthur H. Sharp, 1977
  • Russell Beard, 1978
  • David A. McKay, 1979
  • Donald H. Jackson, Jr., 1980
  • Walter H. MacLeod, 1981
  • Charles C. Glass, 1982
  • Philip A. Drouin, 1983 PDDGM
  • John B. McKay, 1984; N
  • Philip W. Cromer, 1985
  • Steven P. Collins, 1986
  • Russell J. Robar, 1987, 1988
  • Robert G. G. Hood, 1989
  • A. Kevin Shea, 1990
  • Mark S. Newton, 1991
  • Mark W. Simmons, 1992
  • Thomas J. Conway, 1993

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1825
  • Surrender of Charter: 1835
  • Petition for Restoration of Charter: 1856
  • Consolidation Petition (with Wessagusset Lodge): 1994

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1925 (Centenary)
  • 1950 (125th Anniversary)
  • 1975 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1872 1878 1882 1885 1894 1909 1910 1912 1917 1922 1927 1932 1937 1938 1939 1945 1949 1950 1968 1974 1975 1980 1987 1988 1989 1991

HISTORY

  • 1925 (Centenary History, 1925-122; see below)
  • 1950 (125th Anniversary History, 1950-75)
  • 1975 (150th Anniversary History, 1975-118)

CENTENARY HISTORY, JUNE 1925

From Proceedings, Page 1925-122:

By R. W. Gardner P. Barker.

Little did those sturdy Masons who first gathered for a communication of Orphan's Hope Lodge realize the trying times for Masonry that were soon to dawn, or that rising from the depth to which it was forced it would become one of the greatest forces for good the world has t known, other than the Christian Church.

The Charter, which was the last one given for about twenty years, was granted on direct application to the Grand Lodge, and without application to Lodges whose territory might in some way be affected, as would be required at the present day, but, undoubtedly owing to the difficulties of transportation, at that time the jurisdictional lines were not so closely adhered to. The territory at that time was, of course, not so thickly populated as at present, but on the other hand there were fewer Lodges, the nearest being Old Colony at Hingham, Fellowship at Bridgewater, Corner Stone at Duxbury, Rural at Quincy, Norfolk Union at Randolph, and Plymouth at Plymouth.

The formation of the Lodge naturally took place at Weymouth Landing, probably at that time the most influential part of the town, due to its location on the old New Bedford Turnpike and at the head of navigation of the Fore River.

The first meetings of the Lodge were held in the Cowing House on Commercial Street (now occupied by the Roman Catholic Church as a part of their school system), but the Morgan episode soon disrupted matters, subjecting Masons to such treatment and espionage that the place of meeting was moved to a hall in a schoolhouse at North Weymouth, although how the town fathers of that day dared to brave public opinion as it was then inflamed so far as to allow a meeting of Masons in a building owned by the town is hard to understand. Nevertheless the troubled Brethren were not long left in peace, for it is history that vandals broke into the building, set it on fire, carried away the officers' jewels and the Bible, and broke up the furniture.

The pressure finally became so great that, sturdy as were the good Brethren of that day, it was more than could be expected that they should, so few in numbers, carry on the fight against practically all the rest of the population. So in 1830, five years after it had been given into their charge, the Charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge, and Masonry as an organized body ceased to exist in Weymouth as it did in nearly all the surrounding territory for a quarter of a century.

We of today can hardly realize to what ends the profane, and possibly some of our weaker Brethren who were overawed by the excitement of the day to such an extent as to renounce their affiliations, went in their effort to crush this Institution. Meetings were held in churches and Masons who refused to renounce their connections were excommunicated, neighbors ostracized them, and one member of Orphan 's Hope Lodge, Brother Caleb Stetson, the last initiate before the Charter was surrendered, writing to the Lodge at the time of its semi-centennial in 1875. states that he finally left Weymouth in disgust, settling in Boston, where he was freed from persecution and, may it also be stated, where he apparently prospered, for at the time of the erection of the first building owned by the Lodge, in 1884. he contributed generously to the fund and also at his death remembered the Lodge by a considerable legacy.

But because Masonry was dormant as an organization, do not think it was dead in the hearts of those who knew its true worth. Like all persecution of truth, the Anti-Masonic crusade by its own violence and lack of good foundation but served to strengthen the bonds between the Brethren, and gradually the Lodges were reconstituted and have continued to prosper, until today the Masonic organization stands as a model for all other fraternal societies.

The first Master of the Lodge was John Edson, a native of Bridgewater. but then residing in Braintree, where he was connected with a cotton gin company which carried on business where the bleachery is now situated. He served one year and was succeeded by Bro. Ezra W. Sampson, who served until the surrender of the Charter.

Of the good Brethren who had belonged to the original Lodge, a number were alive when the time seemed ripe again to take up the work, and willingly joined with other Masons of the vicinity in 1856 in applying for the restoration of the old Charter. Among the most prominent of these was Bro. Alvah Raymond., who was Treasurer of the original Lodge and Chaplain of the reorganized body, serving until his death in 1882, and was one of those brave Masons who in the height of Anti-Masonic persecution had courage to sign the celebrated declaration of Masons in Boston and vicinity which did much to allay the trouble, Brothers Lovell Bicknell and Silas Canterbury, prominent citizens of the town, Bro. Caleb Stetson before mentioned, and Bro. Timothy Gordon, who was the first Secretary and later moved to Plymouth. He was a physician of note in the entire section and much respected by all.

Unfortunately the records of the Lodge for the years 1825 to 1880 could not be located by Grand Lodge when the Charter was restored, but from that time our records are excellent and reflect great credit upon the two worthy Brothers Avho have occupied the office of Secretary in that time, Brother Charles H. Pratt, from 1856 to 1874, and our own "T. John" (Evans), who has occupied the station ever since, whom we are fortunate enough to have with us to-night and who, we hope, will go on for a "hundred more years and a day." It is not my purpose, however, to try to give you a transcript of the records, but rather to try to convey to your minds the impression of faithfulness to purpose and high ideal that has been impressed on me by a somewhat extended study of the archives, and perhaps to mention a few items of particular interest.

It has been a matter of great pleasure and pride to see the men prominent in the history of Weymouth, such as Bates. Torrey, Pratt, Lovell, Randall, Bicknell, Humphrey, and a number of others, mentioned year after year in our own records; it seems to augur well for the future that the descendants of those leaders of the first years should still be in the van of progress for the years to come.

At the first meeting in 1856, a businesslike attitude was adopted, committees were appointed to attend to all necessary details, and contributions to the extent of one hundred and eighty dollars, were taken to cover expenses. Arrangements were soon made for a meeting place in the hall of Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., at a rental of two dollars per meeting, including lighting and heating, and may I pause here to pay a tribute to the feeling of brotherly love which has so often manifested itself between Crescent Lodge of Odd Fellows and our own Brethren.

The first candidate to be initiated was Wor. Bro. Wm. Humphrey, long- a staunch and valued member of our Lodge. The first year was very busy; the number of members at its close being forty and the balance in the Treasury $279.61. In 1858 we were confronted with an advance in rent from two dollars to two dollars and fifty cents per meeting.

Early attention to the fairer sex was evidenced by a Ladies' Night held in December, 1858, and it was recorded that "A bountiful repast was provided of which those present partook with thankful hearts," and further that "after which short speeches were made." Evidently good Brother Pratt had a liking for short speeches for. on the occasion of the presentation of a beautiful banner by the ladies, he remarks that the speech was "short but good."

In January, 1860, Wor. Bro. J. L. Bicknell, having been appointed D. D. G. M. for the Fifth District, resigned as Master.

In 1860, also, our quarters were changed and the new hall Dedicated by the Grand Lodge with Most Worshipful Grand Master Winslow Lewis presiding.

During the years of civil strife which followed mention is made of several Brothers who had been called to service; noticeably the position of Junior Warden was twice vacated by Brothers who enlisted and went to the front.

Occasionally a very peculiar incident occurs, as when a committee having been appointed on an application reported the same evening that having been aware the application would be presented, they had for two weeks been making inquiries, reported favorably, the applicant was elected, and, by virtue of a Dispensation given by the D. D. G. M. (as was then the custom) who was present, received all three degrees the same night."

On December 24, 1863, it is written that a social was held and the ladies and others present partook of a bountiful repast with zeal.

On April 1. 1865, it was voted to remit the dues of all members in the Army or Navy.

On July 4. 1865, the Lodge took part in the celebration of the Eighty-ninth Anniversary of Independence together with the Sons of Temperance, Veterans of 1812, and the Fenian Brotherhood.

On January 16, 1867, Brother Lowell Bicknell reported the death on the previous day of W. Bro. Ezra Sampson, aged sixty-nine years, our second Master, a man greatly respected, by profession a lawyer, and who had served at Dedham as clerk of the County Court for many years.

In January, 1867, the Grand Lodge requested some kind of assistance to pay for the Masonic Temple in Boston and Orphan's Hope Lodge voted to lend it one thousand five hundred dollars, but later in the evening thought better of its rashness and reconsidered the vote.

In June, 1867, the Lodge (seventy-five members) participated in the dedication of the Temple in Boston, afterwards enjoying dinner at the Adams House at a cost of three dollars a plate, a considerable sum for those days. It is noted that twelve thousand Masons marched and the record states it was the largest gathering of Masons in the country.

On May 6, 1868, the Lodge voted to approve the petitions to form another Lodge in the town (Delta).

On July 4 of the same year it assisted at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument in the Old North Cemetery.

On April 13, 1870, and again on May 7, 1873, it was voted to approve the formation of a Lodge in South Weymouth.

In 1873 an effort was made to purchase land on which to erect a Masonic Building, but without success.

In 1875 (November 17) the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated in a suitable manner, a fine address being delivered by R. W. Bro. Edward Avery, of Delta Lodge (formerly of Orphan's Hope). The address contains much information relative to the early history of Orphan's Hope Lodge and the character of its founders and is a very valuable document, as Brother Avery was undoubtedly well acquainted with all the early members.

In 1877 (January 6) the twenty-first anniversary of the return of the Charter was celebrated.

Again, on May 12, 1883, it was voted to approve the founding of a Lodge in South Weymouth.

April 18. 1883, a committee was authorized to purchase land for a permanent home and on January 20 this committee reported the purchase of the land which we now occupy and on July 18 plans were adopted for a building which was duly erected and dedicated on Friday, October 17, 1884. by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. M. W. Abraham Hathaway Howland, Jr., Grand Master, and that building was occupied until its destruction by fire in 1912, when in conjunction with the other bodies the present Temple was erected.

In March, 1884, it is recorded that Mr. David Tucker, candidate for initiation, was present, but decided not to have the degrees conferred upon him at present. Apparently he never changed his mind, as to date there is no record of his having returned.

For the next fifteen years there is little of unusual note recorded. The Lodge enjoyed a fair share of prosperity, its membership remaining practically stationary as to numbers. Starting about the beginning of the. present century it began in common with all Masonic bodies to increase its membership gradually and this period of prosperity still continues.

li was particularly gratifying in going over the records to note the numerous appropriations for charitable purposes, and this was true even in the early days when the financial status was not what might be termed unduly strong.

So ends the record of a hundred years of consistent, conservative efforts to accomplish the purposes for which we were brought together, a might; endeavor to draw us closer together in the bonds of Brotherly Love and to establish more firmly if possible in our hearts a belief in the Fatherhood of Almighty God and the Brotherhood of all Mankind.

This legacy we leave to those who may follow us. strong in the hope that on the foundation we have builded they may erect a still more perfect edifice, one worthy of Ilim whose all-seeing Eye watches over all.

OTHER

  • 1826 (Constitution of Lodge, IV-28)
  • 1830 (Report on delinquency, IV-230)
  • 1848 (Note on charter, V-174, V-183)

EVENTS

PRESENTATION, APRIL 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 7, May 1858, Page 224:

Presentation — We understand that the members of Orphan's Hope Lodge, at East Weymouth, surprized their excellent W. Master, Br. Z. L. Bicknell, on the evening of the 21st ult. by presenting him, in open Lodge, with a handsome Bible and a Purse of one hundred dollars in gold, in token of their appreciation ol his services as an accomplished officer, and of their respect for his character as a friend and citizen It was a very handsome and worthily bestowed compliment.

HALL DEDICATION, FEBRUARY 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 5, March 1860, Page 160:

Dedication of Orphan's Hope Lodge. — The Grand Lodge dedicated the new hall (of Orphan's Hope Lodge,) at East Weymouth, on Tuesday evening last, Feb. 21st. The ceremonies were performed by Grand Master Lewis, assisted by R. W. Bros. Smith, Spaulding, Coolidge, Moore, Wheildon, Baker, and McClellan. An address pertinent to the occasion, and of special interest to the fraternity, was delivered by Dr. Lewis. The exercises of the evening were highly interesting, and were attended not only by the Brethren of the vicinity, but also by the ladies. The singing by the choir was excellent. At the conclusion of the ceremonies an elegant Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro. Bicknell, for four years past the Master of the Lodge. The whole company present, amounting to about 200 ladies and gentlemen, took supper together in the spacious store of Bro. Henry Loud. The supplier, provided in all its ample details by the ladies of the town, was most excellent and abundant. The occasion was enlivened by speeches and sentiments from many of the gentlemen present. It was a rare and pleasant occasion, and will form a brilliant page in the history of Orphan's Hope Lodge.

50 YEARS OF FREEMASONRY, NOVEMBER 1875

Speech by Edward Avery to commemorate 50 years of Freemasonry in Weymouth, 1875.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1825: District 3

1856: District 5

1867: District 16 (Plymouth)

1883: District 25 (Hingham)

1911: District 26 (Quincy)

1927: District 26 (Quincy)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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