Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
PROCEEDINGS OF GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS , 1872 .
A FRATERNAL REVIEW , BY BROTHER WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .
The extraordinary " Proceedings" of 1871 , published by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , put all customary issues in the shade ! Accordingly the present compilation suffers in common
with its predecessors in that respect , and though a valuable and interesting account of the progress of Freemasonry in the Commonwealth above noted , it is nevertheless of a much inferior character to the grand volume of 800 pages , which appeared during the past year , ancl which
unquestionably , is the finest work of its kind ever issued in any country . The first quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge was held at the Alasonic Temple , Boston , on 13 th Alarch , 1872 , when M . W . Bro . S . D . Nickerson , G . AL , occupied the throne . On looking over the attendance , it is p leasant to notice
the goodly array of Past Grand Alasters , and other influential Past Grand Officers , who supported the Grand Alaster on the dais . This happy characteristic of Massachusetts Freemasonry is the outgrowth of Alasonic zeal cherished in this State , and hence all are interested in whatever concerns the welfare ofthe Craft .
The Grand Alaster presented an epitome of his official acts since his installation in December . On 13 th February , he dedicated the new Alasonic Halls in the City of Lowell , and reported that they are very convenient , well arranged and elegantly furnished . The services were attended
by about 500 brethren , and were followed by an Historical Address by the Alasonic Orator , Bro . Gardner , P . G . AI . In the evening an elegant and bountiful collation was provided b y the ladies , and the whole building was crowded with a delighted and delightful company . On the 21 st
of the same month , the G . AL constituted Phoenician Lodge of Lawrence , and installed its officers . On the last day of February , the new Masonic Hall of Corinthian Lodge was dedicated by AI . W . Bro . Nickerson . An address by Bro . W . H . Wheildon , and a collation after the
ceremonies , afforded very grateful food for both mind and body . A stated communication of " Winslow Lewis Lodge " was held on the Sth Alarch , on which occasion the members , the Grand Master , and manv visiting brethren bade an affectionate
farewell to P . G . AI . Dr . Lewis , who was to sail on the following day on his fourteenth voyage tc Europe . A copy of the " Constitutions of the Freemasons , " published by Bro . R . Spencer , London , was accepted by the G . AI . ( on behalf of the
Grand Lodge ) from that well-known Alasonic Bibliographer , and duly ordered to be acknowledged . Alore stringent regulations " were introduced respecting the visits of brethren to lodges , and certainl y according to the evidence then ancl there
submitted , extra precautionary measures are loudly called for , and to prevent the admission of impostors , the safeguards must be multiplied . The attention of Alasters of lodges was also called to the importance of the appointment of competent brethren upon committees of
examination / which should rarely , if ever , be conducted elsewhere than in the Alasonic apartments , and always with the utmost dignity and thoroughness . Two new lodges sought warrants in lieu of dispensations , when a committee was
appointed to consider their applications , who having examined the records submitted , and the by-laws , and also discovering that the dues had been paid to the G . L ., unanimously recommended the charters to be issued .
Ihe second quarterly communication was held on June 12 th ; the Grand Master presided , and a large number of brethren were also in attendance . Aluch of the time was occupied in considering a question affecting the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodges of Massachussetts and
New Hampshire , which was finally amicably settled . We omit all reference to this purely private matter , but cannot forbear expressing our appreciation of the excellent spirit in which each party made known their statement of the case , and while there was no lack of argument ,
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
and of the keenest criticism , the whole was softened and permeated by the soul-stirring " bond of fellowship . " The Grand Lodge , we think very wisely , refused to countenance a scheme suggested by a few brethren whereby the families of deceased members should receive some fixed sum of
money from every contributing brother to a lodge in that jurisdiction . The right hand cf fellowship was extended to new Grand Lodges in Utah , British Columbia , and Brazil , together with a cordial and fraternal God-speed in their Alasonic relations , as an
integral portion of our great brotherhood . The third quarterly communication , held on Sept . 1 ith , was also presided over by the Grand Alaster in person . The record of the special Grand Lodge , held at Attleborough on June 14 th , for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of
Grace Church , was duly read and approved . The committee on Grand Alaster Gardner ' s Annual Report of Dec . 13 th 1871 , made known the result of their deliberations , and explained the delay . Their report was most carefully prepared , and according to the expectation of all
those who are familiar with AI . W . Bro . Gardner , as a Masonic Historian , the committee expressed the entire satisfaction and appreciation of the Grand Lodge with the performance by the retiring Grand Alaster of his official duties , and its most hearty congratulations for the great success
which has crowned his unremitting labours on its behalf . Need we say such a report was accepted by acclamation ? Another Special Grand Lodge was called , the reason for which is explained by the following inscription engraved upon a metallic plate : —
" The corner-stone of the Standish Memorial , in commemoration of the character and services of Captain Alyles Standish , the First Commissioned Alilitary Officer of New England , laid on the summit of Captain ' s Hill , in Duxbury , under the superintendence of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Alassachusetts , in presence
of the Standish Alonument Association , by the AI . W . Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Alassachusetts , AI . W . Sereno D . Nickerson , Grand Alaster , on the seventh day of October , A . D . 1872 , being the two hundred and fifty-second year since the first settlement of New England by the Pilgrim Fathers . "
The last Special Communication was of more than usual interest , from the fact of its being ordered for the purpose of aiding a meeting of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , Boston , convened in
commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the membership of Bro . Charles W . Aloore in the said Iodge . The Grand Alaster , Dep . G . AL , Grand Wardens , six Past Grand Masters , and a number of the most influential members of the
Grantl Lodge attended in honour of the occasion , and a most brilliant assembly it must have been . The hall was well prepared , a flood of li ght chasing away all darkness . Upon the altar was arranged a profusion of rare flowers . The marble bust ofthe venerable Bro . Aloore , P . D . G . AL
had been tastefully decorated for thc evening with autumn leaves , flowers , open butterflies mingling with the branches of evergreensemblem of immortality—and a bird of paradise holding above the head a wreath of ic mortelles . The W . Master ofthe lodge introduced the hero of
the evening to the assembly of the brethren and their ladies . Bro . Moore subsequentl y delivered a lengthy and deeply interesting address , mainly descriptive of a vastly different kind of experience to the one they had then met to enjoy , and which told of bitter persecution , and of numerous
changes and vicissitudes , which like milestones , dot the course of the journey , marking in regular gradation , the progress of his beloved lodge . Our brother ' s peroration was very fine indeed , ancl the rise of the Masonic Institution to a position of dignity and power , when the blast of
opposition had passed away was traced by a masterly hand : — "And , if ever , in the providence of God , lashed by the storm and riven by the lightning , it shall , at length , totter to its fall , around its trunk will the ivy of filial affection ,
that has so long enclasped it , still fondly and firmly cling , and mantle with verdure and beauty its ruin and decay . " At the conclusion of the address , which was listened to with great interest by all present , and
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
will be read by thousands besides , an ode , written for the occasion by Bro . Dr . Henry G . Clark , was sung by the choir . Subsequently the Grand Master and members of the Grand Lodge were escorted to the
Egyptian Hall , and invited to participate , with tho members of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , their ladies and invited guests , in a sumptuous collation , which was duly enjoyed ( we are told ) after the manner of Alasons .
A magnificent volume has since been issued by St . Andrew ' s Lodge / giving a full account of the proceedings . The 139 th anniversary of Alasonry in
Alassachusetts was held on December 1 ith , when the Grand Master , members of the Grand Lodge , and representatives of a great many lodges , assembled to transact the usual business appertaininrr to the annual meetino * .
The Grand Master , in his exhaustive and racy report , informed the brethren that he had devoted much time to the improvement ofthe library . B y gift and exchange over three hundred numbers of Grand Lodge Proceedings had been added , and the whole of the books were now arranged
upon the shelves—the States in alphabetical order , and the proceedings of each Grand Lodge chronologically , so that reference may be had to any number without difficulty or delay . The receipts for the year amounted to 0626 , 000 , ancl
the expenditure ^ 23 , 000 . The present indebtedness however is about . £ 63 , 000 ; but this drawback will soon be wiped out . Since 1867 the liabilities have been reduced b y ^ 17 , , ancl a few years more will witness the final extinction of the debt .
The P . G . AI . Cregier of Chicago , on behalf of the Masonic Board of Relief of that city ( formed to provide assistance for destitute Alasons through the conflagration ) returned over £ 300 to the G . L . of Massachusetts , being that amount more than was required , and sums in like
proportions were returned to oilier jurisdictions . This sum was retained [ to be distributed by the " Committee on Charity , " for the calls for aid in Boston were expected to be more than usually numerous and pressing , in consequence of the great fire , which for a time paralysed their fine city .
The " Freemasons' Monthly Alagazine , " which has been edited by Bro . C . W . Aloore , of Boston , for thirty-one years , having shown signs of languishing , the Grand Alaster called upon the Craft to sustain it more thorough ]) ' -, and we are glad to see that his kind allusion to an old friend has been followed by renewed exertions on its behalf , and an increased patronage .
The number of subscribing brethren in Alassa-. chusetts was reported to be 23 , 12 5 . On December 12 th a Grand Lodge of Instruction was organised , and the work and lectures of the three degrees were exemplified by the three Grand Lecturers , in turn , the other offices being filled by competent brethren . A stated communication was held on
December 27 th for the . installation of the Grand Ofiicers , when the Grand Alaster , Bro . Nickerson , was installed as Grand AIaster for the ensuing year by P . G . M . Gardner , and congratulated upon the remarkable unanimity manifested in his re-election to the high and responsible office he
had so well filled and honoured during the past year . The remaining ceremonies were conducted in a most impressive manner . The voting for the Grand Treasurer , R . W . Bro . John McClellan , and the Grand Secretary , R . W . Bro . Charles H . Titus , was unanimous , there not
having been an adverse vote . We in England , and the brethren in Alassachusetts can mutually congratulate one another on having two most excellent Grand Officers in the persons of our Treasurers and Secretaries . We must not omit to
mention that Bro . Rev . C . H . Titus , the Grand Secretary , has done his work well as the editor of the " Proceedings , " and is evidently thc right brother to hold that responsible and most arduous office in the State of Alassachusetts .
AMON-O many beautiful drosses which have heen worn at grand festivities this season , few could compare with one in which the Marchioness of llnte appeared at the state concert at Hnckin ^ liam Palace , which was designed and made expressly for her hy Mr . Augustus Ahlhorn , of Quadrant House , Kcgcm-stroot . Garlands of wild llowers charmingly grouped were embroidered on black silk tulle , tlic cflect of which was exceedingly good ; while thc whole costume was exceedingly appropriate ' to this month of flowers . Sunday Times .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
PROCEEDINGS OF GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS , 1872 .
A FRATERNAL REVIEW , BY BROTHER WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .
The extraordinary " Proceedings" of 1871 , published by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , put all customary issues in the shade ! Accordingly the present compilation suffers in common
with its predecessors in that respect , and though a valuable and interesting account of the progress of Freemasonry in the Commonwealth above noted , it is nevertheless of a much inferior character to the grand volume of 800 pages , which appeared during the past year , ancl which
unquestionably , is the finest work of its kind ever issued in any country . The first quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge was held at the Alasonic Temple , Boston , on 13 th Alarch , 1872 , when M . W . Bro . S . D . Nickerson , G . AL , occupied the throne . On looking over the attendance , it is p leasant to notice
the goodly array of Past Grand Alasters , and other influential Past Grand Officers , who supported the Grand Alaster on the dais . This happy characteristic of Massachusetts Freemasonry is the outgrowth of Alasonic zeal cherished in this State , and hence all are interested in whatever concerns the welfare ofthe Craft .
The Grand Alaster presented an epitome of his official acts since his installation in December . On 13 th February , he dedicated the new Alasonic Halls in the City of Lowell , and reported that they are very convenient , well arranged and elegantly furnished . The services were attended
by about 500 brethren , and were followed by an Historical Address by the Alasonic Orator , Bro . Gardner , P . G . AI . In the evening an elegant and bountiful collation was provided b y the ladies , and the whole building was crowded with a delighted and delightful company . On the 21 st
of the same month , the G . AL constituted Phoenician Lodge of Lawrence , and installed its officers . On the last day of February , the new Masonic Hall of Corinthian Lodge was dedicated by AI . W . Bro . Nickerson . An address by Bro . W . H . Wheildon , and a collation after the
ceremonies , afforded very grateful food for both mind and body . A stated communication of " Winslow Lewis Lodge " was held on the Sth Alarch , on which occasion the members , the Grand Master , and manv visiting brethren bade an affectionate
farewell to P . G . AI . Dr . Lewis , who was to sail on the following day on his fourteenth voyage tc Europe . A copy of the " Constitutions of the Freemasons , " published by Bro . R . Spencer , London , was accepted by the G . AI . ( on behalf of the
Grand Lodge ) from that well-known Alasonic Bibliographer , and duly ordered to be acknowledged . Alore stringent regulations " were introduced respecting the visits of brethren to lodges , and certainl y according to the evidence then ancl there
submitted , extra precautionary measures are loudly called for , and to prevent the admission of impostors , the safeguards must be multiplied . The attention of Alasters of lodges was also called to the importance of the appointment of competent brethren upon committees of
examination / which should rarely , if ever , be conducted elsewhere than in the Alasonic apartments , and always with the utmost dignity and thoroughness . Two new lodges sought warrants in lieu of dispensations , when a committee was
appointed to consider their applications , who having examined the records submitted , and the by-laws , and also discovering that the dues had been paid to the G . L ., unanimously recommended the charters to be issued .
Ihe second quarterly communication was held on June 12 th ; the Grand Master presided , and a large number of brethren were also in attendance . Aluch of the time was occupied in considering a question affecting the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodges of Massachussetts and
New Hampshire , which was finally amicably settled . We omit all reference to this purely private matter , but cannot forbear expressing our appreciation of the excellent spirit in which each party made known their statement of the case , and while there was no lack of argument ,
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
and of the keenest criticism , the whole was softened and permeated by the soul-stirring " bond of fellowship . " The Grand Lodge , we think very wisely , refused to countenance a scheme suggested by a few brethren whereby the families of deceased members should receive some fixed sum of
money from every contributing brother to a lodge in that jurisdiction . The right hand cf fellowship was extended to new Grand Lodges in Utah , British Columbia , and Brazil , together with a cordial and fraternal God-speed in their Alasonic relations , as an
integral portion of our great brotherhood . The third quarterly communication , held on Sept . 1 ith , was also presided over by the Grand Alaster in person . The record of the special Grand Lodge , held at Attleborough on June 14 th , for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of
Grace Church , was duly read and approved . The committee on Grand Alaster Gardner ' s Annual Report of Dec . 13 th 1871 , made known the result of their deliberations , and explained the delay . Their report was most carefully prepared , and according to the expectation of all
those who are familiar with AI . W . Bro . Gardner , as a Masonic Historian , the committee expressed the entire satisfaction and appreciation of the Grand Lodge with the performance by the retiring Grand Alaster of his official duties , and its most hearty congratulations for the great success
which has crowned his unremitting labours on its behalf . Need we say such a report was accepted by acclamation ? Another Special Grand Lodge was called , the reason for which is explained by the following inscription engraved upon a metallic plate : —
" The corner-stone of the Standish Memorial , in commemoration of the character and services of Captain Alyles Standish , the First Commissioned Alilitary Officer of New England , laid on the summit of Captain ' s Hill , in Duxbury , under the superintendence of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Alassachusetts , in presence
of the Standish Alonument Association , by the AI . W . Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Alassachusetts , AI . W . Sereno D . Nickerson , Grand Alaster , on the seventh day of October , A . D . 1872 , being the two hundred and fifty-second year since the first settlement of New England by the Pilgrim Fathers . "
The last Special Communication was of more than usual interest , from the fact of its being ordered for the purpose of aiding a meeting of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , Boston , convened in
commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the membership of Bro . Charles W . Aloore in the said Iodge . The Grand Alaster , Dep . G . AL , Grand Wardens , six Past Grand Masters , and a number of the most influential members of the
Grantl Lodge attended in honour of the occasion , and a most brilliant assembly it must have been . The hall was well prepared , a flood of li ght chasing away all darkness . Upon the altar was arranged a profusion of rare flowers . The marble bust ofthe venerable Bro . Aloore , P . D . G . AL
had been tastefully decorated for thc evening with autumn leaves , flowers , open butterflies mingling with the branches of evergreensemblem of immortality—and a bird of paradise holding above the head a wreath of ic mortelles . The W . Master ofthe lodge introduced the hero of
the evening to the assembly of the brethren and their ladies . Bro . Moore subsequentl y delivered a lengthy and deeply interesting address , mainly descriptive of a vastly different kind of experience to the one they had then met to enjoy , and which told of bitter persecution , and of numerous
changes and vicissitudes , which like milestones , dot the course of the journey , marking in regular gradation , the progress of his beloved lodge . Our brother ' s peroration was very fine indeed , ancl the rise of the Masonic Institution to a position of dignity and power , when the blast of
opposition had passed away was traced by a masterly hand : — "And , if ever , in the providence of God , lashed by the storm and riven by the lightning , it shall , at length , totter to its fall , around its trunk will the ivy of filial affection ,
that has so long enclasped it , still fondly and firmly cling , and mantle with verdure and beauty its ruin and decay . " At the conclusion of the address , which was listened to with great interest by all present , and
Proceedings Of Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1872.
will be read by thousands besides , an ode , written for the occasion by Bro . Dr . Henry G . Clark , was sung by the choir . Subsequently the Grand Master and members of the Grand Lodge were escorted to the
Egyptian Hall , and invited to participate , with tho members of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , their ladies and invited guests , in a sumptuous collation , which was duly enjoyed ( we are told ) after the manner of Alasons .
A magnificent volume has since been issued by St . Andrew ' s Lodge / giving a full account of the proceedings . The 139 th anniversary of Alasonry in
Alassachusetts was held on December 1 ith , when the Grand Master , members of the Grand Lodge , and representatives of a great many lodges , assembled to transact the usual business appertaininrr to the annual meetino * .
The Grand Master , in his exhaustive and racy report , informed the brethren that he had devoted much time to the improvement ofthe library . B y gift and exchange over three hundred numbers of Grand Lodge Proceedings had been added , and the whole of the books were now arranged
upon the shelves—the States in alphabetical order , and the proceedings of each Grand Lodge chronologically , so that reference may be had to any number without difficulty or delay . The receipts for the year amounted to 0626 , 000 , ancl
the expenditure ^ 23 , 000 . The present indebtedness however is about . £ 63 , 000 ; but this drawback will soon be wiped out . Since 1867 the liabilities have been reduced b y ^ 17 , , ancl a few years more will witness the final extinction of the debt .
The P . G . AI . Cregier of Chicago , on behalf of the Masonic Board of Relief of that city ( formed to provide assistance for destitute Alasons through the conflagration ) returned over £ 300 to the G . L . of Massachusetts , being that amount more than was required , and sums in like
proportions were returned to oilier jurisdictions . This sum was retained [ to be distributed by the " Committee on Charity , " for the calls for aid in Boston were expected to be more than usually numerous and pressing , in consequence of the great fire , which for a time paralysed their fine city .
The " Freemasons' Monthly Alagazine , " which has been edited by Bro . C . W . Aloore , of Boston , for thirty-one years , having shown signs of languishing , the Grand Alaster called upon the Craft to sustain it more thorough ]) ' -, and we are glad to see that his kind allusion to an old friend has been followed by renewed exertions on its behalf , and an increased patronage .
The number of subscribing brethren in Alassa-. chusetts was reported to be 23 , 12 5 . On December 12 th a Grand Lodge of Instruction was organised , and the work and lectures of the three degrees were exemplified by the three Grand Lecturers , in turn , the other offices being filled by competent brethren . A stated communication was held on
December 27 th for the . installation of the Grand Ofiicers , when the Grand Alaster , Bro . Nickerson , was installed as Grand AIaster for the ensuing year by P . G . M . Gardner , and congratulated upon the remarkable unanimity manifested in his re-election to the high and responsible office he
had so well filled and honoured during the past year . The remaining ceremonies were conducted in a most impressive manner . The voting for the Grand Treasurer , R . W . Bro . John McClellan , and the Grand Secretary , R . W . Bro . Charles H . Titus , was unanimous , there not
having been an adverse vote . We in England , and the brethren in Alassachusetts can mutually congratulate one another on having two most excellent Grand Officers in the persons of our Treasurers and Secretaries . We must not omit to
mention that Bro . Rev . C . H . Titus , the Grand Secretary , has done his work well as the editor of the " Proceedings , " and is evidently thc right brother to hold that responsible and most arduous office in the State of Alassachusetts .
AMON-O many beautiful drosses which have heen worn at grand festivities this season , few could compare with one in which the Marchioness of llnte appeared at the state concert at Hnckin ^ liam Palace , which was designed and made expressly for her hy Mr . Augustus Ahlhorn , of Quadrant House , Kcgcm-stroot . Garlands of wild llowers charmingly grouped were embroidered on black silk tulle , tlic cflect of which was exceedingly good ; while thc whole costume was exceedingly appropriate ' to this month of flowers . Sunday Times .