RICorinthian27
Contents
CORINTHIAN LODGE #27
Location: X
Chartered By: X
Dispensation Date: date
Charter Date: date
Current Status: status
NOTES
Meeting date: Fourth Monday
PAST MASTERS
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
ANNIVERSARIES
VISITS BY GRAND MASTER
BY-LAW CHANGES
HISTORY
The raison d’être of an organization is an important element in its history. The original design of a society influences its whole subsequent career. Although it may be changed from time to time, yet, as a rule, it moulds the policy, characterizes the traditions, and controls the actions of the body in succeeding years. Especially is this true of those societies which are simply parts of a larger fraternity. In these, the fundamental purposes and principals are laid down by the supreme authority of the fraternity itself, but they may be exemplified in different degrees and varied methods, so as to bring out more efficiently or prominently important points of excellence. Starting with some such ends in view, the society acquires a character which shapes its course. An illustration of this fact is found in the history of Corinthian Lodge.
In the year 1867, the Masonic lodges in Providence had memberships somewhat too large for the mutual acquaintance of all the members. At a casual gathering of a few Masons during that year, most of whom were members of What Cheer Lodge in Providence, it was suggested that these advantages could best be developed and enjoyed in a small Lodge. A proposal to try the experiment meeting with favor, an informal meeting of thirteen brethren was held. It was voted that it was desirable to form a new Lodge and to make application to the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island for that purpose.
February 10, 1868, the first meeting of the Lodge was held under Dispensation of the Grand Master, M. W. Thomas A. Doyle. Fees for degrees were fixed at one hundred dollars and for membership at fifty dollars. St. Johns Lodge No. 1 Providence, tendered the use of its Great Lights, jewels, and other paraphernalia to the Lodge while under dispensation. At the January session of the General Assembly, A. D. 1869, a Civil Charter was granted to Corinthian Lodge, and was duly accepted April 13, 1869.
Immediately upon its constitution the Lodge began the accumulation of a charity fund, which has ever since been a prominent object of interest and nurture on the part of the Lodge.
The 100 plus years of Corinthian Lodge have passed quietly and pleasantly, with little more to mark them than the ordinary incidents of Masonic life. True to the original purpose, the membership has continued small. Special attention has been give to three things which have become characteristics of Corinthian; care in the admission of candidates, accuracy of the work of the Lodge, and fraternal intercourse among the members. The Lodge has been peculiarly free from all disturbing elements, and within its walls has been found an exemplification of the words of the Psalmist: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity.”
