MassachusettsHamiltonHistoryCh18

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CHAPTER 17: JOHN ABBOT AND JOHN SOLEY

Grand Master Dixwell was succeeded by John Abbot.

Abbot was born on January 27, 1797, in the town of Westford, not far from Lowell, and always lived there. He was educated at Westford Academy and Harvard College. He was graduated in 1798, taking high academic rank in an unusually brilliant class. He was a class-mate of Samuel P. P. Fay. It is interesting to note that of four successive Grand Masters of this period, three, Oliver, Dixwell, and Abbot were born in 1777 and Fay in 1778, while all four were Harvard graduates.

On graduation from Harvard Abbot took the Preceptorship of Westford Academy for two years and then took up the study of law. He opened an office in Westford about 1804 and continued in practice there until his death on April 30, 1854. He was a Trustee of Westford Academy and its Treasurer for fifty years. He served in this capacity without compensation. His business capacity was so great and his care of the funds of the Academy so efficient that they increased nearly threefold under his administration. He was a sound and highly esteemed lawyer. His interest in public affairs was keen. He served the town as Clerk, Selectman, and Treasurer, and was for several years a member of the State Senate, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1820. He was a leading member of the First Parish (Unitarian) Society of Westford. His portrait shows him as a somewhat spare man with a fine, scholarly, slightly austere face.

Abbot became a member of St. Paul Lodge, then located in Groton in 1805. He was Master of his Lodge in 1809, 1810, and 1811, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District in 1811 and 1812, Junior Grand Warden in 1813, Senior Grand Warden in 1814 and Deputy Grand Master in 1821, 1822, find 1823. Having served as Deputy Grand Master through the administration of Dixwell, he was well qualified to take the work of that very efficient officer.

At the June Quarterly in 1824 a communication was received from a joint committee representing the five Boston Lodges who were much perturbed by the evidence that a clandestine Lodge was at work in the city. After reference to a committee 6f five, which apparently did nothing about the matter, the committee was discharged at the September Quarterly and a new committee of three was appointed, whose report follows:

"The Committee appointed this evening to take into consideration a communication from a joint Committee of the several Lodges in Boston, representing that a person had visited Columbian Lodge, who it was understood had received the degrees of Masonry in a clandestine manner, and that other individuals had received the degrees in a similar manner, have attended to the duty assigned them and respectfully recommend, That Columbian Lodge be directed to proceed in the investigation of the subject and take such measures relating to it as they may deem expedient, and that they report their proceedings to the Grand Lodge at the next Communication.

"That the Corresponding Grand Secretary be directed to notify the Lodges under this jurisdiction, and all Grand Lodges in the United States, that there is reason to apprehend that the degrees of Free Masonry have been conferred on seyeral individuals in Boston, in a clandestine manner and that persona on whom they have been conferred have removed to other parts of the Union.

"Respectfully submitted by Order of the Committee.
John Dixwell, Chairman."

The report and recommendations were accepted. As we hear no more about it, the measures taken were probably effectual. This was very far from being the last appearance of clandestine Masonry in Massachusetts, but since then the Grand Lodge has not taken it very seriously.

The year 1825 was marked by three notable Masonic corner stone layings. On April 19 the corner stone of the Battle Monument at Concord in was laid. On June 17 the corner stone of the Bunker Hill Monument was laid. On July 4 the corner stone of the Court House at Dedham was laid. The second was an event of historic importance, graced by the presence of the Marquis de Lafayette as a guest of the Grand Lodge. The apron worn by the Marquis on that occasion is now in the Grand Lodge Museum. The account of the day's proceedings as given in the Grand Lodge records is here inserted in full.

LAYING CORNER STONE OF BUNKER HILL MONUMENT.
On the seventeenth day of June 5825 the Officers of the Grand Lodge assembled at Masons' Hall, Boston.

Present:

  • M. W. John Abbot, Grand Master
  • R. W. Caleb Butler, D.G. Master
  • R. W. Samuel Thaxter, S. G. Warden
  • R. W. John Keyes, J. G. Warden
  • R. W. Elijah Morse, G. Treasurer
  • R. W. Thomas Power, R. G. Secretary
  • R. W. John J. Loring, C. G. Secretary
  • R. W. Ferdinand E.White, G. Marshal
  • R. W. Rev. Wilkes Allen, G. Chaplin
  • R. W. James A. Dickson, S. G. Deacon
  • R. W. Benjamin B. Appleton, J.G. Deacon
  • R. W. Michael Roulstone, Daniel Baxter Jr., Elias Haskell, Francis Fisher, G. Stewards
  • R. W. Thomas J. Goodwin, G. S. Bearer
  • R. W. David Parker, Thomas W. Phillips, G. Pursuivants
  • District D. G. Masters 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 9th Districts
  • R. W. Isaiah Thomas, Benjamin Russell, Francis J. Oliver, Samuel P. P. Fay, John Dlxwell, Past Grand Masters
  • R. W. John Soley, Thomas Cole, Past S. G. Wardens
  • R. W. Joseph Baker, 
Ralph H. French, Past J.G. Wardens


Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.

Delegations from the following Masonic Institutions, invited by the M.W. Grand Master, were successively introduced by the Grand Marshal, viz.:

  • Grand Lodge of Connecticut, R. W. James M, Goodwin, Junior Warden and Suite.
  • Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, M. W. James F. Dana, Grand Master and Suite.
  • Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, M. W. John Carlisle, Grand Master and Suite.
  • Grand Lodge of Vermont, M. W. Phineas White, Grand Master and Suite.
  • Grand Encampment of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, M. W. Henry Fowle, Grand Master and Suite.
  • Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, M. E. Paul Dean, Grand High Priest and Suite.
  • Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maine, Ex. Nathaniel Coffin, Dep Grand High Priest and Suite.
  • M. W. Samuel J. Reed, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was present and introduced by the Grand Marshal.


The following R W Brethren, to wit, Benjamin Russell, Francis J. Oliver, Samuel P. P. Fay, John Dixwell, Henry Purkitt, were chosen a Committee to wait upon R. W. Bro. La Fayette, and request him to visit the Grand Lodge.

At 15 minutes past 8 0 Clock, A. M. the above Committee attended R. W. Brother La Fayette to the Hall and introduced him to the M. W. Grand Master. The Grand Master then addressed Bro. La Fayette, who made a reply thereto.

The Officers of the Grand Lodge and the several distinguished visitors above named were then successively introduced by the Grand Marshal to Bro. LaFayette.

Bro. La Fayette retired to join the civil procession. At 9 O'Clock the M. W. Grand Master made known the request of the Bunker Hill Monument Association that he would lay the corner stone of the contemplated Monument in Ancient Masonic form. That in consequence thereof he had caused the Officers of the Grand Lodge to be called together to assist him in performing that duty; and that he had invited the presiding Officers of the Grand Institutions in New England to be present with their Officers.

The Grand Master directed the Grand Marshal to form a procession to repair to the Common there to join the civil procession and proceed to Bunker Hill in Charlestown.

The Master Masons having assembled at Fanueil Hall, the Royal Arch Masons at Concert Hall and the Knights Templars at the Armory and refreshment Hall, the Grand Marshal assisted by R. W. Bros. William Ingalls and Samuel L. Knapp, on horseback with twelve other Deputy Marshals on foot formed a Grand Masonic Procession in the following order:

  • Two Grand Pursuivants.
  • Entered Apprentices.
  • Fellow Crafts.
  • Master Masons.
  • Tylers.
  • Stewards.
  • Junior Deacons
  • Senior Deacons.
  • Marshals of Lodges.
  • Secretaries
  • Treasurers.
  • Junior and Senior Wardens.
  • (Wardens Banner)
  • Past Masters,
  • (Past Masters Banner)
  • Grand Royal Arch Chapters of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
  • Grand Encampments of Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
  • Presiding Masters,
  • (Presiding Masters Banner)
  • Rev. Clergy of the Fraternity
  • Grand Lodges of Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island New Hampshire and Connecticut.
  • Music
  • Grand Tyler
  • Two Grand Stewards with White rods
  • Banner of the Order of Architects; Grand Lodge Banner; Banner of the Implements of the Craft.
  • Silver Vessel with Wine; Golden Vessel with Corn; Silver Vessel with Oil
  • Globe; Principal Architect. with Square Level & Plumb; Globe
  • District Deputy Grand Masters.
  • Grand Rec Secretary; Grand Treasurer; Grand Cor Secretary.
  • Grand Chaplain; Bible, Square & Compasses; Grand Chaplain.
  • Past Grand Wardens.
  • Past Grand Masters.
  • Three Burning Tapers.
  • Sen Gr. Warden; Deputy G. Master; Jun. Gr Warden.
  • Book of Constitutions.
  • Sen. Gr Deacon; Grand Master; Jun. Gr. Deacon
  • Grand Sword Bearer.
  • Two Grand Stewards.


A number of Master Mason Lodges having provided themselves with appropriate banners, the Master Masons were arranged in Divisions corresponding with the number of banners which were placed in the intervals. A large proportion of Master Masons were clothed with plain white aprons, white gloves and blue sashes. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maine appeared in full costume with elegant banners. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts was organized in ample form and appeared with their elegant banner and flanking banners. A number of Chapters under the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, several of which were provided with appropriate banners were arranged under the Gr. Chapter. All the Royal Arch Masons were arranged in procession under R. W. Bro Roulstone, their Marshal. The Knights Templars appeared under the command of R. W. Bro Henry Fowle, Dep. Gen. Gr. Master of Knights Templars. They were in full dress and displayed the banners of Knights Templars and Knights of the Red Cross. Six Knights, with lances, preceded bearing on the points of their lances white pennants, on which were painted the names of the six New England States. A front and rear guard and also guards to the banners were armed with lances. All the Knights Templars were arranged in procession under R. W. Bro. William J. Whipple their Marshal.

The Masonic procession being formed in the foregoing order, proceeded to the Common, where a general procession was formed as follows.

  • Military Escort.
  • The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
  • Survivors of Bunker Hill Battle, in open Carriages.
  • The President of Bunker Hill Monument Association.
  • Chaplains.
  • Directors and Officers of the Bunker Hill Monument Association.
  • The President of the United States in a Carriage.
  • General La Fayette in a Carriage.
  • Officers of the Revolutionary Army.
  • His Excellency the Governor of Massachusetts.
  • Lieutenant Governor and Council.
  • The Hon. Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Secretary and Treasurer.
  • Governors of other States in the Union.
  • Heads of Departments of the United States
  • Senators and Representatives of the United States.
  • Judges of Supreme Court of United States and State Courts.
  • Invited Strangers.
  • Invited Guests.
  • Presidents of Colleges and Clergy.
  • Officers of U. S. Army.
  • Officers of U. S. Navy.
  • Officers of Militia.
  • Members of the Association.


The procession then moved to Charlestown and having arrived at the Square on which it was intended to erect the Monument, the whole was enclosed by the troops. Near the place intended for the Corner Stone was erected by the Fraternity a lofty triumphal Arch on which was inscribed the following "The Arts pay homage to valor." Through this Arch the whole body of Masons passed and took up a position on the right of the Square, the Grand Lodge in front. The President of the Bunker Hill Monument then requested the Grand Master to proceed and lay the corner stone. The Grand Master, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Secretaries Grand Chaplain and Past Grand Masters, and attended by the Grand Marshal advanced to the place intended, where the President of the Association and R. W. Bro. La Payette met them. The Grand Marshal by direction of the Grand Master, commanded silence to be observed during the ceremonies. The working tools were presented to the Grand Master who applied them to the stone and passed them to R. W. Bro. La Fayette and the President of the association who severally applied them and then the Grand Master declared it to be "well formed true & trusty".

The stone was then raised and the Grand Chaplain repeated the following: "May the Grand Architect of the Universe grant a blessing on this foundation stone which we have now laid, and by his providence enable us to finish this and all our works with skill and success. Glory be to God in the highest. (Response by the Brethren) As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.

The Grand Treasurer then placed under the stone a silver plate on which was engraved the name of the Grand Master, the names of the Officers of the Association, the time and occasion of laying the stone &o. The three vessels containing Corn, Wine and Oil were presented to the Grand Master who poured their contents in succession on the stone and said "May the all bounteous Author of nature, bless the inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, conveniences and comforts of life, assist in the erection and completing of this building; protect the workmen against every accident and long preserve this structure from decay. And grant to us all in needful supply the Corn of nourishment, the Wine of refreshment and the Oil of joy."

He then struck the stone thrice with his mallet and the Honors of Masonry were given.

The Grand Master delivered the working tools to Bro Alexander Parris, the Master Workman instructing him with superintendence and direction of the work. The fraternity then moved to seats prepared on the North side of the Hill in front of which was erected an extensive semi circular building open in front, in the center of which the Grand Master, the President of the Association and its Officers were accommodated. An oration was pronounced by the President of the Association.

A procession was then formed which proceeded to an extensive range of tables where refreshments were prepared.

The Grand Lodge was closed without form.

Attest
Thomas Power R. G. Secretary.

The Library languished. At the December Stated Communication of 1825 a committee was appointed to inquire into the situation of the Library and to consider the purchase of some more books from Thaddeus Mason Harris. At the June Quarterly of 1836 the committee recommended the purchase of eleven Volumes for thirteen dollars and the purchase was authorized. They went on to say "your committee have made some progress in collecting the books belonging to the Grand Lodge. They have not been able to complete this part of the business committed to them and therefore ask for further time to collect the books of the Masonic Library belonging to the Grand Lodge." The time granted was very long. The Grand Lodge soon found itself engaged in a struggle for its very life which swept all lesser considerations aside. We hear nothing more about the Library until 1850.

Several communications had been received from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire which was very much interested in a project for a monument to George Washington at Mount Vernon. The Grand Lodge voted at the December 27 Communication of 1825, "That the President of the United States having in his recent message to Congress recommended the subject to the consideration of the Representatives of the Nation, it is inexpedient for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to take any measures at this moment in relation to the premises.

The general prosperity of Freemasonry at this time caused a feeling that still more caution should be used in extending it and the Grand Lodge adopted in March 1826, a standing regulation the petitions for charters should not be granted at the Communication at which they were presented, but should be referred to a committee which should present a report and recommendation at a subsequent Communication.

An action which, with its sequel, reads strangely in these days, was taken at the March Communication of 1826. It was "ordered that the Masters of the Lodges in Boston be and they are hereby appointed a committee to inquire into the nature of an Association of persons called the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with directions to report thereon as soon as conveniently may be, said committee are also to inquire how far Masons are justified in uniting themselves with said Association."

The committee reported at the September Communication as follows:

"That the circumstances of the case are not of sufficient importance to require any decided measures on the part of this Grand Lodge. Your committee are however of opinion that as the above named Association does not operate in any way for the advantage of our Fraternity, but seems rather calculated to have an opposite tendency, it is inexpedient for Masons to become members thereof; and they would therefore propose for the consideration of the Grand Lodge the following resolution, viz. Resolved, as the sense of this Grand Lodge that it is inexpedient for the members of the Masonic Fraternity to have any connection whatever with a certain Order of Odd Fellows.

Your committee further report, that they are not aware of any other secret society which has an apparent bearing upon the interests of Freemasonry."

The report was accepted and the resolution adopted. This expression of disapproval was not followed then, or afterward by any legislation adverse to Odd Fellowship. Time drew the two organizations, not into start of union, but. into closer sympathy and a considerable degree of common membership.

At the June Quarterly of 1826 an important report was made on the subject of the incorporation of particular Lodges. The Grand Lodge was disturbed because some of the Lodges were applying to the Legislature for Acts of Incorporation and appointed a committee to inquire into the expediency of necessity of such action. In this matter the Lodges seem to have drifted with a popular tide. The committee's report says: that "a fashion has obtained of giving every interest, however trifling in amount, the form of an incorporation." The report which was probably drawn by John Abbot, is long and detailed. It discusses the necessity and the expediency of such incorporation from his point of view law of the civil law and of the common of Masonry and concludes that neither necessity nor expediency exists. While on a few points the arguments are not, owing to changed conditions, exactly those which would now be advanced, the report is, on the whole, convincing and conclusive. It ends by recommending the following resolution:

"Resolved, that no subordinate Lodge, or any members thereof for such Lodge hereafter present to the Legislature any petition for an Act of Incorporation, and that all Lodges or members thereof which have such petitions now pending cause the same to be withdrawn; and that the Recording Grand Secretary notify all Lodges under the jurisdiction of this report and resolution."

The report was accepted and the resolution was adopted.

The matter stood there until 1867, when an amendment to the Grand Constitutions was adopted forbidding any Lodge to apply for, receive, or act under any corporate Charter granted by the Legislature or political government, and declaring the receiving of such a Charter shall operate as a surrender and revocation of its Masonic Charter. Such Is now the law of this Grand Lodge.

In 1826 the Grand Lodge became disturbed over the question of what action, if any, could be taken in the case of unaffiliated Masons who might be guilty of Masonic offenses. At the September Quarterly of 18S6 the matter came up on two reports.

The Committee to whom was referred by this Grand Lodge the motion "to consider whether any and if any what measures ought to be adopted to authorize the several subordinate Lodges of this jurisdiction to call to account any members of the Masonic fraternity who may be guilty of misconduct, and who are not members of any particular Lodge" ask leave to offer the following

Report.

In attending to the duty assigned them, your Committee consider it incumbent upon them to inquire, First, whether this Grand Lodge possesses the right to extend its jurisdiction to such members of the fraternity as are not members of any subordinate Lodge.

It was considered as a point above dispute that the obligation of a mason is not and cannot be limited to any subordinate Lodge, but is equally binding in relation to all the fraternity. It therefore follows as a just inference that a Mason is responsible for the fulfillment of his obligations, to the whole fraternity under whose jurisdiction he enjoys the rights and privileges of a Mason. Although not a member of any subordinate Lodge, he is no less a member of the fraternity of Masons, which is substantially a social compact.

The terms of the mason's obligation expressly acknowledges such a compact. And it is a general law of all social compacts that they cannot be upholden, unless in each the interests of the whole society be binding upon every part and member of it. The obligation of the whole fraternity to each member, whether a member of a subordinate Lodge or not, and of each member to the whole is reciprocal and must continue so until suspended or dissolved by some act of violation which is a forfeiture of protection on one part or of allegiance on the other. Hence we are led to infer that some rule is required to determine when a violation by a member of the compact ought to dissolve the obligation of the compact to continue its privileges to a member. No such rule or law is now known to exist in relation to those members of the fraternity not members of a subordinate Lodge. The question of right being considered as settled upon just principles the question of expediency received the careful consideration of your Committee. It is well known that there are many in the community who are masons by profession and obligation unconnected with any Lodge. From some of this class, the reputation and welfare of the whole fraternity is at present exposed to injury without means of self preservation or redress. A member of the fraternity bound by all the solemn obligations of a mason may treat them with total disregard and contempt, and still claim the right to all the privileges of the order.

Without the Lodge he may be a perpetual reproach to the Institution, within it and its public processions he may put on its decorations and invite against the Institution the finger of scorn. Against such injury we have now no safeguard.

In the humble opinion of your Committee some regulation is demanded to prevent such abuse and such perversion of an Institution sacred in its character and most beneficial in all its designs. They therefore offer for the adoption of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge the following resolutions, which are herewith respectfully submitted.

By Order of the Committee
Joseph Richardson, Chairman.

Your Committee ask leave to offer the following remarks on the result of their deliberations on the foregoing report.

It is subject of surprise to them that any doubt should have arisen in respect to Lodges of Master Masons having cognizance of the misconduct of those members of the masonic fraternity who are not members of any Lodge Every member of the fraternity is accountable for his conduct as a mason to any regularly constituted Lodge of master masons; but if he be a member of any Lodge he is more immediately accountable to the Lodge of which he is a member and it is the particular duty of a Lodge to take cognizance of the conduct of its members, A Freemason acquires some special privileges by becoming a member of a Lodge and he has to perform special services which he might not otherwise be subjected to; but he enters into no new obligations to the fraternity generally; and his accountability is not increased any further than regards the faithful performance of those special duties. Hence the only difference between masons who are members of Lodges and those who are not is, that the members of Lodges are bound to obey the By Laws of their own particular Lodges in addition to their general duties to the fraternity.

Every Mason is bound to obey the summons of a Lodge of Master Masons and present himself before them, if within the scope of his ability. There is no relation in which he can stand with the fraternity that can absolve a mason from this obligation. He may have sufficient excuse for not obeying a summons, and in that case it is his duty to lay his excuse before the summoning body which has the power of admitting it as satisfactory and it is presumed that it will always be ready to exercise this power liberally whenever a proper spirit is manifested. Thus a Lodge may excuse a Freemason for not performing this duty, but cannot absolve him from his obligation to perform it. This obligation on the part of the individual members of the fraternity implies a power in the Lodge to investigate and control the conduct of the individual in all things which concern the interest of the institution and this power cannot be confined to those who are members of Lodges, for the obligation is general.

Your Committee are therefore of opinion that the power always has existed - and always must exist - with all Lodges of Master Masons to take cognizance of the crimes and misdemeanors of any members of the masonic fraternity whether they he members of Lodges or not and that it is inexpedient for the Grand Lodge to make any law on the subject or to prescribe any rules for the government of the subordinate Lodges when they shall be called on to exercise this power, deeming it more ey advisable to leave it to the discretion of the Lodges, as the Grand Lodge has the supervising power and a final decision in all cases and provided there should be any inordinate exercise of power, the injured party have their remedy in the full decision of the Grand Lodge.

All which is respectfully submitted
By Order of the Committee
John Dixwell Chairman.

Dixwell's recommendation was followed and there was no special legislation. His report settled the question, if there had ever been any doubt about it, that an unaffiliated Mason is amenable to Masonic discipline wherever he may reside.

Curiously enough, Joseph Richardson, who signed, and probably drew, the first report appears to have been one of the very people under discussion. He took his degrees in King Solomon's Lodge in 1805. Almost immediately after being raised he went to Hingham to take charge of a parish. He did not become a member of King Solomon's and there is no record of his affiliating with Old Colony at Hingham. Procedure was much less strict in those days than it now is and he was Grand Chaplain in 1821, 1822, and 1823, and District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District in 1824, 1825, and 1826. At this period of his life he was much interested in politics and was elected to the National House of Representatives in 1826, serving two terms. He was a very excellent gentleman of high standing and great popularity in his neighborhood, but as a Masonic authority he stood in almost painful contrast to the veteran Dixwell.

On December 5, 1826, John Soley was elected Grand Master.

Soley was born in Charlestown February 1, 1765. His family lived in Boston from 1766 to 1775, escaping the burning of Charlestown at the battle of Bunker Hill, though the family home was destroyed. Young Sol< was educated in the local schools and early in life gave evidence of unusual ability. Charlestown was then a very active commercial and shipping center, and afforded great opportunities for merchants. Soley engaged in a general mercantile business in which he spent his life, prospering greatly and making a reputation as a very wealthy merchant. In those days such men were looked to as leaders and called upon for much civic service, which they gladly rendered. He was a councillor and, though not legally trained was for many years a Justice of the Peace and for a time a judge of the lower court. For two years he served in the state Legislature as a Representative. He was Treasurer of the old Charles River Bridge Corporation and a Director of the Massachusetts State Prison. Altogether he was a very active, useful man, and of the highest standing in the community.

Soley took his Masonic degrees in King Solomon's Lodge in 1791, but he did not become a member until 1793. The next year he was elected Master and served in 1794, 1795, and 1796. He was Junior Grand Warden in 1804 and 1805 and Senior Grand Warden in 1806 and 1807. He was Grand Secretary for eight years, beginning in 1812. When elected Grand Master he had been a permanent member of the Grand Lodge for twenty-five years, twelve of which had been passed in active office.


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