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JOHN ABBOT LODGE

Location: Somerville

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 09/08/1858 VI-190

Precedence Date: 10/21/1857

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge to form John Abbot-Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge, 10/02/2001.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1857
• Petition for Charter: 1858
• Consolidation Petition (with Samuel Crocker Lawrence Lodge): 2001

ANNIVERSARIES

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

• 2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1858 (Heard; Constitution of Lodge and installation, hall dedication)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1888 (Endicott; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1891 (Wells)
• 1892 (Wells)
• 1896 (Holmes)
• 1898 (Hutchinson)
• 1902 (Gallagher)
• 1906 (Blake)
• 1907 (Blake; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1913 (Benton)
• 1914 (M. Johnson)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1917 (L. Abbott; Members' Night)
• 1918 (L. Abbott; Members' Night)
• 1919 (L. Abbott)
• 1928 (Simpson; Members' Night)
• 1929 (H. Dean)
• 1932 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1937 (Allen)
• 1940 (Perry; Veterans' Night)
• 1948 (Keith; reception for Deputy Grand Master Hamilton)
• 1957 (A. Jenkins; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1987 (Ames)
• 2001 (Bauer; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1880 1887 1888 1896 1897 1905 1909 1910 1911 1912 1919 1920 1921 1924 1926 1932 1938 1940 1947 1950 1963 1966 1970 1971 1972 1987

HISTORY

• 1888 (Historical address at hall dedication, 1888-230)
• 1932 (75th Anniversary History, 1932-179; see below)
• 1957 (Centenary History, 1957-139)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1932

From Proceedings, Page 1932-179:

By Bro. Leon M. Conwell.

On the corner of Somerville Avenue and Beech Street stands a wooden tenement house touched by the hand of time, but still erect and substantial. Nothing about it compels a second glance, but it holds a deep interest for us, for it is the birthplace of John Abbot Lodge. Seventy-five years ago, Somerville Avenue was a narrow country road named Milk Row, and Beech Street was Oak Street. I stood for a few minutes on the opposite side of Somerville Avenue to conjure up in my imagination, if I could, the conditions and circumstances under which thirteen Master Masons gathered in that building on September 22, 1857, to plan for the first Masonic Lodge in Somerville. Trolley cars rolled by, as I stood there. A constant stream of automobiles moved in either direction, and occasionally a monster truck piled high with merchandise thundered by on its way to Cambridge or Arlington. From open windows came the blare and twang of radios. All of this has developed since John Abbot Lodge was born. No street cars, automobiles, or radios then—no electric lights, no telephones. All transportation was by steam train, more or less crude, by hourly busses drawn by horses, or by private teams. A year later horse drawn street-cars made their way out to Somerville. The population of Somerville was above five thousand and rising fast, and the valuation of the entire town was about five million dollars. People were neighborly then, they lived in considerable settlements in East Somerville, and on the slopes of Winter Hill and Spring Hill, and around Union Square. West of Central Street were farms and pastures. Somerville now has a population of over one hundred and three thousand people, living in twenty-two thousand homes, and the total valuation of the city is one hundred and twenty-three million dollars. The contrast of the times shown in these figures is not greater than the contrast between that little meeting on September 22, 1857, and John Abbot Lodge as it is tonight, with more than twelve hundred members, meeting in apartments comfortable, spacious, and well equipped.

We cannot tell for how long the thought of a Masonic Lodge in Somerville had been under consideration, but we do know that thirteen Master Masons met in Union Hall — then the second story of the Somerville Avenue building — and every Brother present was enthusiastic in his desire to establish a Lodge. A week later, on September 29, they met again, and this time took the definite step of appointing a committee of seven to apply for a Dispensation from the Grand Master, prepare a Lodge-room, furnish regalia, and do all necessary things appertaining to the institution of a Lodge. There was some discussion over a name, but it was decided to take the name of John Abbot, who died in 1854, a prominent attorney of Westford, Massachusetts, and Grand Master in 1824-25-26, taking part with Marquis De Lafayette in laying the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument in 1825. Again in 1834, John Abbot was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and perhaps it was because of his conspicuous courage and patience in the administration of that office during the great Anti-Masonic movement of that time that made the little band of Somerville Brothers anxious to honor him.

The founders of John Abbot Lodge were prominent citizens of Somerville, which had been established as a town only fifteen years before. Francis L. Raymond, James R. Bugbee, Reuben E. Demmon, Thomas J. Leland, Enoch Robinson, James M. Shute, and Joel F. Thayer comprised the committee of seven to arrange the details of establishing the new Lodge. On October 16, by-laws were accepted and officers elected. King Solomon's Lodge, of Charlestown, freely gave assent, and a Dispensation having been obtained, the first Lodge in Somerville of Free and Accepted Masons was opened October 23, 1857. An attic room above Union Hall was fitted up for a Lodge-room. Nineteen Master Masons signed the petition for the Charter, and a careful canvass of the town revealed only twenty-two residents who were Masons. Every one of the Charter members has passed away. In addition to the committee of seven previously named, the Charter members included Charles E. Gilman, George O. Brastow, Benjamin Woodward, John K. Hall, Thomas H. Lord, Isaac F. Shepard, Gardner T. Ring, A. B. Cleary, William F. White, Francis W. Wade, George A. Guild, and Chester Guild.

Francis L. Raymond was the first Master of John Abbot Lodge, and he had had experience as Master of King Solomon's Lodge in 1842-43. The members were most faithful, but it was necessary to be economical. Yet they made of the little attic room a cosy and attractive Lodge hall, and the members individually presented articles needed until all wants were met. Can we imagine tonight the exciting and important occasion on September 14, 1858, when John Abbot Lodge was consecrated and the hall dedicated by the Grand Lodge? The attic room was crowded to capacity. Thirty-six members and thirty-two visiting Brothers were present.

At the close of the year under Dispensation, Worshipful Master Francis L. Raymond retired. He was the first honorary member of the Lodge, and continued his active interest until his death in 1873. John K. Hall succeeded him as first master under the Charter.

In 1858 John Abbot Lodge was out of debt and growing in numbers, and the hall below the attic was taken for the Lodge-room, and the attic used as a banquet hall. Ten years from the opening of the Lodge it was necessary to find other quarters, and a proposition was made to a group of men contemplating building fft Union Square for a ten-year lease of a commodious and proper Lodge-room. In 1868 the Masonic rooms in Union Square were used, and the hall was dedicated March 18, 1869. This building, long known as the Masonic Building, was completely destroyed by fire last spring.

Somerville was growing rapidly and the location in Union Square was not convenient for all the members of the Lodge, and with the consent of John Abbot Lodge a new Lodge was formed in East Somerville — Soley Lodge was thus formed in 1879. Nearly ten years later there were movements for two other Lodges in Somerville, due largely to the inconvenience of attending the meetings, and it was proposed to erect a Masonic building in the most convenient location, to be used by the two Lodges and Somerville Royal Arch Chapter. While this offer was under consideration, Rufus B. Stickney offered to erect a building in Gilman Square, which would be suitable in every way for Masonic uses. The offer was accepted, and the present Masonic apartments were dedicated October 4, 1888. King Solomon's Lodge moved up from Charlestown in 1899. Two trustees from each Masonic body were elected to control the apartments. Soon after the World War the heirs of Rufus Stickney sold the building, and the new owners again desiring to sell, the three Masonic Lodges, John Abbot, Soley, and King Solomon's, and Somerville Royal Arch Chapter, forming a corporation under the title of Somerville Masonic Building Association, Inc., purchased the Stickney building on May 7, 1926.

In the negotiations for the purchase it was necessary to move quickly, faster than might be possible for four organizations, but individual Masons combined to meet the situation. Twenty-four members, of whom nine were from John Abbot Lodge, subscribed the sum of fifteen thousand four hundred dollars to purchase the building and hold it if necessary until united Masonic action was secured. This proved to be unnecessary, but all who appreciate and enjoy the comforts and conveniences of these apartments, now secure under Masonic ownership, may well rejoice at the earnest efforts of the Brothers who were ready to meet the emergency. The late Worshipful Brother Francis W. K. Smith, the late Brother George A. Berry, Inside Sentinel for fifteen years, and Brother Charles M. Berry, one of the trustees of the apartments, were specially zealous in advancing the purchase, and the other six from John Abbot Lodge were: Worshipful Brothers Frank L. Morse, Joseph S. Pike, and Clarence I. Horton, and Brothers William H. Wallis, Frederic D. Hall, and Herbert G. Hight.

In 1912 a fourth Masonic Lodge was instituted in Somerville, Somerville Lodge, which is flourishing and meeting in comfortable quarters in the Lewis Building, Davis Square.

During all these seventy-five years John Abbot Lodge has been true to the principles of Masonry, the members dwelling together in harmony, patriotic, and deeply interested in public spirited enterprises. Among its members have been many who were conspicuous in the government and life of Somerville. They have served their state and nation faithfully. During the Civil War, which broke out just a few years after John Abbot Lodge was founded, its members were represented in the Union Army, and by special dispensation Captain Willard C. Kinsley and Colonel Fred R. Kinsley joined John Abbot Lodge, receiving all the degrees on the same day. In the war with Spain, John Abbot Lodge was represented, and during the World War sixty-six members of John Abbot Lodge were enrolled in the United States forces, and three lost their lives in that terrible conflict. These were Brothers Paul R. Lund, Harry J. Quennell, and Ernest A. Ware. In all the movements at home in support of those in the army and navy, John Abbot members were unceasingly active.

The fiftieth anniversary was a memorable and enthusiastic occasion, honored as this one is by the presence of the Grand Master, then Most Worshipful John Albert Blake, and his suite. Reminiscence has a touch of sadness, because so many prominent in those exercises have passed away. Albert C. Ashton, Worshipful Master, Brother George L. Baxter, and Right Worshipful Frank W. Kaan comprised the committee of arrangements, and only Brother Kaan survives. Worshipful Thomas H. Lord, a Charter member of John Abbot and a Past Master, was at that time Senior Past Master, and had the post of honor which Past Master John B. Viall holds tonight. Worshipful Brother Viall was Master in 1882 to 1884, and Worshipful Brother Kaan in 1891 to 1893. These two are the only surviving Masters whose terms were in the nineteenth century. The golden anniversary poem was written and read by Robert Luce, now a distinguished member of Congress, and then just starting on his public career. May I quote one verse from his poem?

"Though the past with precious memories
Fills our minds and hearts tonight,
Let us not forget tomorrow
With its message clear and bright
Calling for yet more achievement
In the battle for the right."

There were speeches bv the Grand Master and all the Grand Officers, Recording Grand Secretary Sereno D. Nickerson answering to the toast in memory of John Abbot.

Our Lodge has had forty-one Past Masters, of whom sixteen are living. Three, the late Selwyn Z. Bowman, the late Thomas M. Durell, and Frederic E. Wood, have served as District Deputy Grand Masters, and two, Frank W. Kaan and the late Frank W. Mead, have served as Grand Wardens of the Grand Lodge.

Since our fiftieth anniversary death has claimed fourteen of our Past Masters, and our beloved brother, Alfred M. Sibley, Inside Sentinel for forty-two years, passed away December 21, 1911. His service extended from 1869 to 1911.

So many incidents of interest to Masonry have occurred within the seventy-five years, so many officers have served with great ability and self-sacrifice, that time will not permit even the most routine mention. We honor them all, as we honor tonight the eight brothers, Martin L. King, Arthur T. Kidder, John B. Viall, Dr. Alphonso H. Carvill, Charles H. Bishop, George H. Perkins, George B. Pitcher, and Belvin T. Williston, who have been in Masonry for more than fifty years. Brother King has been sixty-three years a Mason, having joined John Abbot Lodge in 1869.

Preparation of this history, inadequate as it is, would not have been possible without the records of the late George L. Baxter, Secretary for nineteen years, and who gave the historical address at the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge in 1907; and the kind co-operation of our present genial and efficient Secretary, Eli T. Dillon, who is now in his thirtieth year in that office.

The real history of John Abbot Lodge does not consist only of dates, facts, or statistics. It is written deep on the hearts of our members. Allegiance to the principles of our order and association with the Brethren have strengthened the character and ennobled the lives of all who have been under this mighty and glorious influence. If Masonry could speak of the courage, capacity for sacrifices and noble achievement it has brought into a countless host of lives, there would be history indeed!

OTHER

• 1886 (Appeal from ruling by Master; 1886-57; 1886-103)
• 1887 (Appeal by lodge; 1887-27)
• 1888 (Dedication of hall, 1888-228)
• 1908 (Dedication of monument, 1908-50)

EVENTS

MASONIC LEVEE, APRIL 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 7, Page 200:

Somerville, April 16th, 1858.

R. W. Bro. Moore, — On Tuesday, the 13th inst., the members of John Abbot Lodge, and those about connecting themselves with the Order through this Lodge, had, with their families, a social gathering in the Hall immediately under their Lodge-room, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion by flags of different nations, to denote the universality of Freemasonry, and embellished by portraits of eminent Masons—conspicuous among which was that of M. W. G. M. John Abbot, in honor of whom the Lodge is called John Abbot Lodge. A promenade to the music of a fine band, while the guests were collecting, served to introduce those not previously acquainted with each other; and after enjoying themselves for an hour or more in dancing, the company adjourned to the Lodge-room and listened to an address upon the origin, character and design of Freemasonry, by Brother John K. Hall, a member of the Lodge, which was intended as a familiar conversation, in a family gathering, upon the interest which the female portion should take in the work in which the Brethren are engaged; and the undivided attention which they gave throughout, must have convinced the lecturer that his remarks were duly appreciated, or that his audience had an uncommon share of politeness, which induced them to remain so quiet for three quarters of an hour, apparently deeply interested, rather than exhibit the least sign of impatience.

After the lecture, the company again repaired to the lower Hall, where a very bountiful display of refreshments, prepared by Brother F. L. Raymond, attracted their attention for some time, when the dancing was again resumed.

At the conclusion, the party separated, highly pleased with the evening's entertainment. It was, in fact, a very beautiful feature of our Institution, and one which should oftener be carried into effect, that of bringing the families of the Brethren together in this, social and familiar manner, and thus extend those principles of our Order, Brotherly Love and Union; for as our Masonic Fathers purchased by their blood the glorious privileges enjoyed by the sons, let them by the cement of Brotherly Love, preserve and perpetuate them; and woman's smile illumining the recesses of our Lodge-rooms, calls our weary workmen from labor to refreshment. Somerville Lodge, though the youngest among her Masonic sisters, shows her appreciation of the old landmarks of the Order by selecting the name of John Abbot, who was one of the brightest ornaments of our Order; and may their Temple of Freemasonry, erected upon his name for their corner-stone, be as imperishable as the Monument on Bunker Hill whose corner-stone he laid while Grand Master of Massachusetts.

CONSTITUTION, SEPTEMBER 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 12, Page 357:

This new and flourishing Lodge, which, during the past year, has been working under a Dispensation, having obtained a Charter at the recent meeting of the Grand Lodge, was constituted in due form, at Somerville, on Tuesday evening, September 13th, by the M. W. Grand Master; after which the officers were installed and the hall, which is a very neat and convenient one, dedicated according to ancient usage. The ceremonies were of an interesting character, and were witnessed by a large number of visiting Brethren. The excellent Odes sung on the occasion were written at short notice by the new W. Master, Brother John K. Hall. They were sung in a superior manner, and gave the highest satisfaction to all present. We give the principal ones,—reserving the other two for a more convenient occasion :—

CONSECRATION ODE. Tune—" America."

To him who dwells above,
Relying on his love,
Our prayers we'll raise;
Bless this, our work to-night,
Guide us in paths aright,
And let us all unite,
To hymn thy praise.

Us with thy presence cheer,
And to our hearts draw near,
When here we meet;
Let Faith our footsteps guide,
And Hope in us abide:
May Charity reside
With willing feet.

Corn, Wine and Oil combine
To consecrate the shrine,
We raise to thee;
May this, our Temple stand,
Till Brothers hand in hand,
Unite our glorious land,
From sea to sea.

Then let John Abbot's name,
Kindle a worthy flame
Within our breasts;
His memory cherished there,
May we his virtues share,
And for that Lodge prepare,
Where now he rests.

INSTALLATION ODE. Tune.—"Bonnie Doon"

Great God I to-night within this hall,
We consecrate our Lodge to thee;
And may thy blessings on them fall,
Who at our Altar bend the knee;
May Wisdom from-our Last e'er flow,
And Strength sustain it in the West;
The South with radiant Beauty glow,
And animate each Brother's breast.

O may our union here be blest,
While by the Plumb we walk upright,
Still mindful of that high behest,
To guide a Brother's steps aright;
And though his actions by the Square
Imperfect prove, where none are true,
Let Charity his frailties spare,
But hold his virtues up to view.

The Bible always for our guide,
We ne'er shall err, or go astray;
If by its precepts we abide,
On us shall dawn that perfect day;
And when like him, whose name we bear,
Our task well finished here on earth,
May we with Abbot glory share,
In that Grand Lodge of heavenly birth.

The officers installed were Brothers John K. Hall, W. M.; Joel F. Thayer, S. W.; James R. Bugbee, J. W.; Thomas J. Leland, Treasurer, and Charles E. Gilman, Secretary.

PRESENTATION, MAY 1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 8, June 1859, Page 229:

Somerville, May 12th 1859.

R. W. Bro. Moore — As you take pleasure in recording any little event which evinces a true Masonic feeling, and in which our beautiful principles of brotherly love and affection are manifested, I send yon an account of a one which took place at the Howard Theatre, in Boston, on the evening of the sixth inst. The occasion was the benefit of Brother Joseph Proctor, previous to bis departure for Europe. Bro. Proctor is well known and appreciated as an artist in his profession, and by his upright and exemplary character in private life, has won the esteem and regard of his fellow-citizens, who availed themselves of this opportunity to publicly express their approbation by presenting to him a very beautiful and costly silver Pitcher, — and to Mrs. Proctor, whom they also highly esteem, a valuable Bracelet.

John Abbot Lodge, of Somerville, of which Brother Proctor is a worthy member, was very fully represented on this occasion; and on the presentation of the Pitcher, to which they had individually contributed, they presented him with a very beautiful Bouquet, to which was attached the following lines, written by W. Brother John K. Hall, Master of the Lodge:—

TO BROTHER JOSEPH PROCTOR:

Though you to foreign lands will hie,
Pursuing fortune's slidd'ry be',
Your Brethren of the mystic tie
Will mind you still tho' far awa'.

And as we meet in that loved spot,
Where we so oft have met before,
Thy memory ne'er will be forgot,
But cherish'd still tho' far awa'.

These flowers will fade, whose tints now please;
But yet the heart shall hold in store
Their fragrance, which the passing breeze,
Shall waft to thee, when far awa'.

And when in some far clime you roam,
Let mem'ry from her sacred store,
Bring thoughts of those you 've left at home,
And of your Lodge that's far awa'.

HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 2, December 1868, Page 229:

The members of the John Abbot Lodge of Freemasons met for the first time In their new hall In Union Square, on the evening of the 27th nit, when the annual visitation of R. W. Henry Endicott, District Deputy Grand Master, and accompanying suite, took place. There was a very lull attendance, and many visiting brethren from other lodges were present. The convenience and elegance of the new hall were much admired, especially the beautiful frescoes executed by Messrs. Wallburg and Sherry, of this city, the perspectives and scroll work exhibiting admirable skill. The new hall will be dedicated, and the officers for the ensuing year installed on the evening of December 15.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Selwyn Z. Bowman, DDGM, District 2 (Charlestown), 1878; Memorial
• Donald W. Carriger, Jr., DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1995, 1996
• Thomas M. Durell, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1893, 1894; SN
• Eugene B. Hamilton, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1939, 1940; Deputy Grand Master 1948; N
• John K. Hall, DDGM, District 11, 1861-1863; SN
• Irving E. Johansen, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1979, 1980
• Frank W. Kaan, Senior Grand Warden 1898; N
• Frank W. Mead, Grand Marshal 1902-1905, Senior Grand Warden 1906
• Seward E. Nichols, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1943, 1944; N
• Michael S. Podymaitis, DDGM, District 3, 2003, 2004
• Charles W. Shepherd, Jr., DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1967, 1968; SN
• Frederic E. Wood, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1906, 1907; N
• Robert W. Young, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1949, 1950; N

DISTRICTS

1857: District 11

1867: District 2 (Charlestown)

1883: District 6 (Somerville)

1911: District 6 (Somerville)

1927: District 6 (Arlington)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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