Masonic Lecture By Bro. W. J. Hughan, P.G.D., At Hull.

them . There were Masonic assemblies at York , which probably included working Masons and gentlemen or speculative Masons . He instanced Elias Ashmole and others as persons of this class in the seventeenth century . He referred to the old charges , and to the rolls preserved in the British Museum and elsewhere , proving the existence of Freemasonry in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries .

Several examples of these interesting rolls were exhibited by Bro . Hughan . These early records proved that then Freemasonry was of a Christian character , and the meeting commenced by an invocation of the Holy Trinity . Religious and loyal men only could be Masons . Records of Scottish lodges from A . D . 1599 were noticed . The oldest Scottish charges were clearly derived from England . The

secrets , signs , and words were explained , and their descent traced . It was proved that so long since as 1670 Masons' marks were selected and used by speculative brethren . The Masons' word was the subject of public legislation in Scotland in 1714 . The terms cowan and eavesdropper were explained . It was not until 1717 that the Premier Grand Lodge was formed , and from that

time the " Three Degrees in Masonry have been known ; the Royal Arch being instituted at a later date . There were several Grand Lodges between 1717 and 1813 , when the United Grand Lodge of England was inaugurated . The United Grand Lodge of England put the religious aspect of Freemasonry on the broad basis of requiring of everyone admitted to the Order an acknowledgment of his belief in

God . Hebrews were , therefore , as free to Masonry as Christians , and there were very many zealous and able Masons among the Israelites . Many Mahommedans , Hindoos , and Parsees had also become Freemasons . The influence of Freemasonry , under the auspices of the Grand of England , was felt wherever British freedom and power were known , for it was a beneficent influence promotive of

the peace and prosperity of the brotherhood of mankind . Its influence in India was as beneficial as it was great . Many other cognate subjects were referred to , and afler speaking about an hour bro . Hughan concluded his most able and interesting lecture , and was warmly applauded on resuming his chair . A discussion ensued in which several brethren took part , including Bros . PECK , SHACKLES , SUGDEN , and

TESSYMAN , to whom the lecturer severally replied . A vote of thanks to Bro . Hughan was moved by Bro . HUNT , P . M ., seconded by Bro . SHACKLES , P . M ., and adoped by acclamation . Thanks were also voted , on the motion of Bro . COHEN , seconded by Bro . MCLEAVY , to the Humber Installed Masters' Lodge of Instruction for arranging for the visit ot Bro . Hughan , which had proved such a success .

Monument To Henry Price.

MONUMENT TO HENRY PRICE .

_ The Boston ( U . S . A . ) Herald publishes the following interesting account of the dedication of a monument to Henry Piice , the founder cf Masonry in America : — Of the various Masonic events cf the year , it may fairly be said that the most important was the dedication on the 21 st ult . of a Masonic monument to the memory of Henry Price , who was the first Provincial Grand Master in North

America , by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , F . A . M . This monument has been erected in Townsend , Mass ., where the last years of his life were spent . Henry Price rrmoved to Townsend about 1763 , and died there in 17 S 0 . His remains where buiied in what is called the "old burying place , " which is situated on high land about a mile from the centre of the town . For over a century the place

of burial was marked by an ancient slate stone about three feet square , and which lately became much dilapidated . Here , in this quiet spot , have rested the remains of the man who , to use his own words , was the "founder of duly constituted Masonry in America . " But , though thus seemingly neglected , the memory of the man was not extinct among men and Masons , but was kept ever fresh and green

in the hearts of the brethren . Some years ago the Grand Lodge learned that the headstone originally erected over the grave of Henry Price had become badly cracked , and was in danger of total destruction , and appropriated five hundred dollars for the erection of a more suitable monument . For various reasons nothing was done in the matter until this year . Uunder the charge of the Board of

Directors of the Grand Lodge a monument has been erected in the new cemetery in Townsend , upon a beautiful lot given for the purpose by the citizens of the town . The remains have been removed from the old cemetery and deposited in a vault in the foundation of the monument . The whole expense of the erection was borne b y the Grand Lodge .

The monument stands on a beautiful eminence , commanding a view of the homestead formerly owned by Bro . Price , and where he lived many years . The stones which stood at the head and foot of the grave in the old cemetery will be cared for by the Grand Lodge , granite bases having been prepared for their reception .

THE MONUMENT is of hammered granite , and was designed and executed by the Smith Granite Company , of No . 3 , Bromfield-street , Boston , and Westerly , R . l . Though rather plain in design , it is still a very striking and beautiful piece cf woik , and its simplicity is in thorough keeping with the Masonic character of the man in whose honour

it is erected . The base is four feet square by one foot three inches high , and from this springs the shaft , a perfect cube , three feet six inches each way . The whole is surmounted by an apex , rising straight three inches , and then coming to a point in the form of a pyramid , one foot farther . The total height is six feet . On the face of the shaft , in raised letters , upon a polished surface , is cut this inscription :

HENRY PRICE , Founder of Duly Constituted Masonry in America . Upon the back , also finely polished , the inscription has been tut in sunken letters . It is taken from the ancient stone that has marked the last resting place of the remains the venerable for

of Mason over a century , though in an abbreviated form . The inscri ption reads as follows " Born in London about 16 97 ; removed to Boston ' about 1723 ; appointed Provincial Grand Master of New England in 1733 , and in the same year a cornet in the Governor's Guards with the rank of major ; removed to Townsend about 1763 , and died there May 20 , 1780 . His life was consistent with his duty as a Mason and a man . "

Monument To Henry Price.

SKETCH OF HENRY PRICE . Henry Price was born in London , England , about 16 97 , and came to New England about 1723 . No trace of him can be found in Boston until 1732 , when he brought suit against a debtor in the inferior court of Common Pleas in Boston , being described in the writ as Henry Price , of Boston , taylor . He probably became established in

business about 1729 . In 1733 , Gov . Jonathan Belcher appointed him cornet in his troop of Guards , with the rank of major , and from that time he was known as Major Price . His office was that of standard bearer in the Governor ' s troop , to the members of which especial privileges were granted by statute , and to hold such a position in the select Body Guard of the Governor of New England

of itself conferred honourable social distinction . Major Price carried on the business of tailoring until 1750 , when he retired from business . His shops were located at various times , first at the sign of the Brazen Head on Cornhill , in that part now known as Washington-street , about helf way between Water , ' and State streets , and opposite Williams court ; afterward at the corner of Pond

and Newbury streets , now Bedford and Washington streets , where he owned a large estate , and finally on State-street , where he purchased a large estate in 1740 . In 1737 he married Mary Townsend , of Boston , who died in 1751 . In 1746 he purchased a large estate at Menotomy-fields , in Cambridge , in what is now the town of Arlington . Here his first wife died . In 1752 he married Mary Tilden , of

Boston . Having retired trom business with a competency , he continued to be a resident of Boston , passing the summer season at his country seat at Cambridge . Having rebuilt , or greatly enlarged , this country house , and increased and improved the grounds , he removed there entirely in 1755 , where he lived with his family until the death of his wife and daughter in 1760 . The estate was then sold , and

he returned to Boston and remained a year or two , removing to Townsend about 1763 . He had previously acquired a large estate in that town , principally by an execution on a debt . He represented the town in the Provincial Legislature in 176 4 and 1765 . In 1771 he mariied as his third wife Lydia Randall , of Townsend , by

whom two daughters were born to him , and whose descendants are now living in that part of the state . He was a strict Episcopalian in religion , and a sympathiser with the colonists in their struggle for liberty , though his age prevented him from taking an active part in the contest . In May , 178 c , while splitting rails , he was injured , from the effects of which he died May 20 , 1780 .

MASONIC LIFE AND CHARACTER . July 30 th , 1733 , 10 Masonic brethren were convened at the house of Edward Lutwytch , " at ye sign of the Bunch of Grapes , in King-street , " a tavern situated on what is now the westerly corner of State and Kilby streets . The brethren there assembled were Andrew Belcher , Thomas Kennelly , John Quane , Henry Hope , Frederick Hamilton ,

John McNeall , Peter Hall , Matthew Young , John Waddell , and Edward Ellis . A commission was produced at this meeting from Viscount Montague , Grand Master of England , appointing Henry Price Provincial Grand Master of New England , and authorising him to form a Provincial Grand Lodge , appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens , and to constitute lodges . A Provincial

Grand Lodge was accordingly opened by Grand Master Price , and R . W . Bro . Andrew Belcher was appointed Deputy Giand Master , and W . Bros . Thomas Kennelly and John Quane , Grand Wardens . The first business transacted was to confer the Degree upon James Gordon , William Gordon , John Baker , Thomas , Moiony , Andrew Halliburton , Robert Peaslee , Samuel Pemberton , and John

Gordon . The original members , with these newly made , then united in a petition to the Provincial Grand Master to be constituted into a regular lodge . This prayer was granted , and the petitioners were constituted into the first regular lodge in America . This petition was stated by the late Past Grand Master William Sewell Gardner to have been " undoubtedly the oldest Masonic document in

America . I here can be no doubt of its authenticity . " This petition is still preserved among the archives ot the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts . The same authority says — " No man has been bold enough to deny that Henry Price organised a Provincial Grand Lodge at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston , on Monday , July 30 th , 1733 , or that he then and there constituted the first lodge . "

Ihe original commission or deputation to Henry Price is not now in existence so far as is known , but plenty of evidence is at hand to prove conclusively that he was commissioned in 1733 by the Grand Lodge of England as the first Provincial Grand Master of America . This is proved

by his own testimony and that of his contemporaries , and also by the later action of the Grand Lodge of England confirming his commission , and establishing the precedence of the Provincial Grand Lodge as 1733 , the year in which it was constituted . This precedence is universally acknowledged , and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is recognised

as THE OLDEST BODY IN AMERICA . It is supposed that Price was made a Mason prior to his removal to this country in 1723 , and that he was personally acquainted with the officers of the Grand Lodge of England . It is also supposed that he returned to England in 1733—a supposition that is borne out by of his letters written in 1755—and that while thereJie obtained this commission by

his personal application . T he Provincial Grand Lodge adopted as a seal a modification of the seal of' the Grand Lodge of England , with some features from the seal of Lord Montague , who was Grand Master in 1733 , and as such issued the commission in 1733 to Henry Price . From the institution of the first lod ge Masonry became

very popular in Massachusetts . As is stated in the Grand Lodge records for December , 1733 , "Masonry caused great speculation in those days in New England to the great , vulgar , and the small . " Jonathan Belcher was at this time Governor of Massachusetts . He had been made a Mason in England in 1704 , and from the start gave the

new Grand Lodge his countenance and support . His son , Andrew Belcher , then Register of Probate , was appointed first Deputy Grand Master . In 1734 Price ' s commission , which had limited his authority to New England , was extended to all North America by John Lindsay , Earl Crawford , then Grand Master of England . In the same

year . BENJAMIN FRANKLIN , who had been a Mason in England , visited Boston , and returned to Philadelphia with authority from Grand Master Price to establish a lodge in Philadelphia , which was duly constituted that same year . Benjamin Franklin was much

Monument To Henry Price.

interested in Masonry , and it appears that in 1734 he re printed the "Constitutions of the Freemasons , containing the history , changes , regulations , etc ., of that most ancient and R . W . Fraternity , for the use of lodges . " In olh ways , also , he showed his zeal and devotion to the Prater nity . He was the first Grand Master of Pennsylvania under the authority granted to the brethren of that colum ,

by Grand Master Price , and a letter from Franklin to Price asking that the acts of the Pennsylvania Grand Lod ge be confirmed , was for many years preserved in Boston , until destroyed by fire . From the Grand Lodge thus established in Boston sprung lodges in Pennsylvania , New Hampshire Nova Scotia , Connecticut , Virginia , and West Indies , and thus it became that Henry Price was , as he claimed to be

the " . founder of duly constituted Masonry in America . " ' After three years' service as Grand Master he resi gned . He was succeeded by Robert Tomlinson , Thomas Oxnard ' Jeremy Gridley , and John Rowe , all men of character and standing in the community . But Price at various times acted as Grand Master , until the breaking out of the revolutionary war suspended the meetings of the Grand Lodge

He was intimately connected with all its business , and was relied upon at all times by the brethren for advice and assistance . Under his leadership , and through his faithful and persistent labour , the Older rose from a position of comparative insignificence to one of prominence and great respectability in the province . The clergy gave the Society their sanction , and the press , even then a power in the community , spoke of it with respect .

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT . A large party started from Boston for Townsend yesterday on the 9 a . m . train , vi & the Fitchburg railroad . The Grand Officers andjmembers of the Grand Lodge and party were Bros . Henry Endicott , of Cambridge , G . M . ; S . Wells , of Boston , D . G . M . ; James M . Gleason , of Boston ' S . G . W . ; Dana J . Flanders , of Maiden , J . G . VV . ; l 0 hn

Carr , of Roxbury , G . Treas . ; Sereno D . Nickerson , of Boston , Recording G . Sec . ; Benjamin A . Gould , of Cambridge , Corresponding G . Sec . ; Rev . Fielder Israel , of Salem , G . Chap . ; CharlesS . tiobertson , of Charlesto . vn , G . Lecturer ; George H . Rhodes , of Taunton , G . Marshal ; Charles H . Norris , of Salem , S . G . D . ; Joseph B . Mason , of Boston , J . G . D . ; Charles E . Clifford , of Fall

River , and E . G . Stevens , of Cambridge , J . G . Stewards ; J . H . Upham , of Boston , and J . F . French , of Abington , G . Pursts . ; Z . L . Bicknell , of Weymouth , G . Std . Br . ; E . B . Holmes , of Boston , G . S . B . ; John H . Chester , of Boston , G . Tyler ; Samuel C . Lawrence , of Medford , C . C . Dane , cf Newburyport ; and William Parkman , of

Boston , Past G . M . 's ; William F . Salmon , of Lowell , of the Board of Directors ; William W . Wheildon , of Concord , formerly Corresponding G . Sec . ; E . D . Bancroft , of Ayer , formerly G . Lecturer . The party were joined at Charlestown by Henry Price Lodge , with a full list of officers .

Upon arriving at Ayer junction , St . Paul and Caleb Butler Lodges , of _ Ayer , were taken up . A special train was run for Townsend , where a procession was formed , and , headed by the Townsend band , marched to Odd Fellows' Hall , where the Grand Lodge was opened in form . The procession was formed in the following order , and marched directly to the new cemetery , distant about

half a mile : Townsend band , Henry Price Lodge , of Charlestown , St . Paul Lodge , Ayer , Caleb Butler Lodge , Ayer , Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , and visiting brethren . There were nearly 300 Masons in the line , the display being much interfered with by the rain , which began to fall just before 12 o'clock . Upon arriving at the monument , the services were opened with a votive hymn , " Fame

and Time , " written for the occasion for Bro . Rev . William R . Alger . The Grand Masterjsaid that by the liberality of the citizens of the town , through its proper officers , a deed had been presented to the Grand Lodge , through W . Bro . Albert L . Fessenden , conveying to that body the plot of land upon which the Grand Lodge has erected a monument to commemorate the services to Masonry of Henry

Price . Prayer was offered by Rev . Fielder Israel , Grand Chaplain , followed by the report on the examination of the structure by the proper officers ; libation of corn by the J . G . W ., Dana J . Flanders ; libation of wine by the S . G . W ., James M . Gleason ; libation of oil by the Deputy Grand Master , Samuel Wells , of Boston , and invocation by the Grand Chaplain . The address of dedica-Grand

tion was then delivered by the Most Worthy Master , Henry Endicott . Hs said the brethren had gathered to bring a tribute of affectionate respect to a man born in a distant country , nearly two centuries ago , and , S'range to say , he was neither statesman nor general . Henry Price must be considered as the type of that man who does bravely and simply his nearest duty ; who does

it dreaming of no reward other than of adding to the welfare of others and the approval of his own conscience . It is eminently fitting that to him whose untiring devotion brought the Order in the province from comparative insignificance into a position of honour and usefulness , the Freemasons of this commonwealth should erect a lasting memorial . Around the name of Henry Price is entwined

much of what is most interesting in our Masonic history , and he is recognised as a worthy predecessor of such men as Joseph Warren , Paul Revere , and others who have rendered still more illustrious the position he filled . I "is hour is dedicated to thoughts of his simple manliness . Let it strengthen the resolve to hold sacred and pure tne principles handed down to us through him and others line him , and thus most truly honour them , and leave to those brother

who come after the message of loyalty to the ideal - hood of man . The Grand Secretary , Sereno D . Nickerson , also delivered an interesting historical address . , Proclamation was made by the Grand Marshal , tne quartet sung "Old Hundred , " and the Grand CiaP' *" pronounced the benediction . The procession was rerormei , and marched back to the Oddfellows' Hall , when the uranu Lodge was closed in form . The brethren then repaired 10 the Town Hall , where a bountiful collation was served ., It is interesting to note that on Thursday , June 21 , 10 >

22 years ago to a day , Henry Price Lodge of Charlesto * went to Townsend and held services at the grave ot neii y Price , then in the old burying place . An historical a dress was delivered by L . S . Tarbell , of Pepprell , a ™* dresses were made by G . Washington Warren . *•"" W . Wheildon and Charles R . Train . Of those who were nrespnt- nn Ihainirasinn fnur were with the party y

day . These were the venerable William W . Wheildon , Concord , formerly editor of the Bunker Hil ™' Charlestown ; N . S . Nesmith , of the City Hospital , Bosw George E . MacKay , superintendent of Faneuil Hall mai and E . Dana Bancroft , of Ayer , ]