USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Saint John's Lodge of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as shown in the records of the First Lodge, the Second Lodge, the Third Lodge, the Rising Sun Lodge, the Masters' Lodge, St. John's Lodge, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge > Part 4
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John Clarke D.M.
John Murdock S.W.
John Baird Junr. J.W.
Wm. Robb
Secy.
John Telfier
J.S.
James Craig To
S.S.
The Right Worshipfull the Master, the Worshipfull the Wardens & the Worthy Brethren of the Lodge held at the Royal Exchange Tavern® in King Street.
Boston
In New England."
The following letter also was sent to the Right Worshipful Robert Thomlinson, who, in answer to a petition of the brethren of the First Lodge, was appointed December 7, 1736, by the Grand Master of Masons of England Provincial Grand Master of "the Province of New England with the Territories and Dominions thereto belonging:"
"Thrice Worthy Brethren.
Your letter presented by our worthy Brother Mr. Patrick Robertson agreeably inform'd us of the foundation and firm establishment of your Lodge in Boston; We rejoice at it with Exceeding Gladness and as we all have the interest of Masonry nearly at heart, we use our utmost en- deavours to promote its advancement. And we felt a very sensible
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31
THE FIRST LODGE
pleasure from Bror. Robertson's relation of your good management and the true Spirit of Masonry that so happily reigns amongst you.
We are confident that as Masonry is but in its infancy in New England you will not fail to act the part of affectionate parents in assisting its progress with tender but assiduous care and form its Constitution into an agreeable and convenient shape by infusing a social disposition, a charitable will and an harmonious spirit into every Brother.
If true Masonry is thus rightly cultivated in the beginning, your prosperity will increase, you will be strangers to disorder & your concord will outlast even time who has all things in his power but the dissolution of Masonry.
We Salute you Well beloved Brethren with the Greeting of St. John and as your prosperity and harmony is already great, we wish it may daily encrease. We desire and will be forward in continuing our corre- spondence and we hope our Brotherly affections will be strong enough to surmount the dangers of the seas and overcome the distance of our situations. We are with Sincere Regard.
Yo'r Most Affectionate Brethren and humble Servants Alexa. Tait D. M. Jas. Hay S.W. Andrew Syme J.W.
Edinburgh
28 Jany. 1737."
"Wednesday the 8th of Aug 1739 the Lodge Being Opened Bro": Murray presented a Letter from the Grand Lodge holden at Antigua, which is as follows:
Right Worshipfull, Worshipfull, Thrice Worthy and Ever dear Brethren:
We with utmost pleasure received your hearty congratulation upon the Establishment of Masonry in this our Island, and return thanks to Our Brethren of Boston, for the good opinion they entertain of the vir- tues of Our Countrymen, which we hope will be continually encreasing as the Royal Craft comes every day to flourish and gain ground among us, not only by the accession of numbers of New Brethren, but especially under the happy influence of our thrice Worthy Right Worshipfull Grand Master his Excellency William Mathew, whom we boast of as a true good Mason and a sincere lover and encourager of our estimable Craft. We take kindly our Dear Brethrens offer of a friendly correspondence, and should before this time have signified the pleasure we hope to reap from it by an answer to yours of the fourth of April last, but that we waited
32
HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
for an opertunity of sending our sincere and hearty good wishes to our Brethren and Fellows by the hands of one who might in our name greet you in a Brotherlike Manner.
We are now so happy as to enjoy this wish'd for opertunity by our Well beloved Brother Major John Murry's intending for Boston in a very few Days, whom we commend to you as a worthy upright Master Mason, who has for some time past, executed the office of a S. W. of one of our Lodges to the intire satisfaction of all his Brethren and Fellows.
All the Brethren here salute you well beloved with the Greeting of St. John, wishing that all prosperity may attend you and that No Malicious Cowan may ever with profane ears and eyes approach even the lowest step of Your Worshipfull Lodge, in order to listen to the wisdom or pry into the beauty or disturb the order and harmony thereof.
We are, Dear Brethren,
Your sincere Effectionate Brethren and Humble Servants. From the Grand Lodge held at the Court house in St. Johns the 27th June A.L. 5739.
Sign'd by the Command of the Ri't Wpfull the Grand Master.
William Mercer G.S."
"Wednesday Augt. 24th 1743, The Lodge being Open'd Bro": Hall presented a Letter from the Lodge in Minorca, which was generously rec'd and the Brethren remember'd in due order; when a Letter in an- swer was ordered to be wrote and sent by the hands of Bro": Hall which was done accordingly with a Token of 10 Galls: of Rum; as from the Lodge; that it was really the present of Bro: Hall."
MASONIC HONORS
Our brethren were careful to pay honor where honor was due.
"Wednesday August 12th 1741, the Lodge being opened our Rt. Wor- shipfull Masr. recommended to the Brethren, that it was his opinion some perticular order should be observed in toasting the health of our Rt. W. Bro. the Honble. Mr. Belcher; and that a Committee might be appointed as soon as possible, to wait upon him with acknowledgements from the Lodge of his past favours, and to return our thanks &c.
Voted, that next the G. M. the late Governor of this Province, is to be toasted in the following manner viz : To our Rt. W. Bro. the Honble. Mr. Belcher, late Governor of N. E. with 3/3/3=9.
Voted, that our Rt. W. Bros. T. Oxnard D. G. M., Bror. Phillips, Row, Price, Hallowell, Forbes, McDaniel, and Pelham, be a committee to form
MILK AND BATTERYMARCH STREETS COMMERCIAL COFFEE HOUSE
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33
THE FIRST LODGE
a speech, and wait upon the Honble. Mr.Belcher in behalf of this Society and to make report of their proceeding the next lodge.
Voted, that the twenty four Masons Glasses lately deliver'd to the So- ciety, by our Rt. W. Bro. Forbes be paid for out of the Treasury of this Society."
"On Friday Septemr. 25, 1741 the Committee appointed by this Lodge waited upon the Honble. Mr. Belcher &c. and made the following speeech.
Thrice Worthy Brother-
We being a Committee by the Mother Lodge of N. England, held in Boston to wait on you, to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many favours you have always shewed (when in Power) to Masonry in general, but in a more especial manner to the Brethren of this Lodge, of which we shall ever retain a most grateful Remembrance.
As we have had your protection when in the most exalted station here, so we think its incumbent on us to make this acknowledgment having no other means to testify our gratitude but this; And, to wish for your future Health and Prosperity which is the sincere desire of us, and those in whose behalf we appear and permit us to assure You we shall ever remain
Honoured Sir Your most Affectionate Brethren & Humble Servants Peter Pelham Sect: in behalf of the Committee.
To Which We receiv'd the following Answer,
Worthy Brothers-
I take very kindly this mark of your Respect. It is now thirty seven years since I was admitted into the Ancient and Honble: Society of Free and accepted Masons, to which I have been a faithful Brother, & a well wisher to the Art of Masonry-
I shall ever maintain a strict friendship for the whole Fraternity; & al- ways be glad when it may fall in my power to do them any services.
J. Belcher."
This statement of Brother Belcher carries back his initiation to 1704, thirteen years before the revival of Masonry and the reorganization of the Grand Lodge in London. So far as is known he was the earliest made Mason resident on this Continent.
"Wednesday October the 14th 1741, Being Lodge Night, Voted that a Committee be appointed to wait on his Excellency Governour Shirley to congratulate him on his advancement to the government of this Prov-
--
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
ince, &c. when it was proposed and agreed that the following persons should formed Committee to act in behalf of this society viz: Our Rt. W. Bror. Thos. Oxnard, Forbes, Overing, Price, Hallowell, Jenkins, McDaniel, Phillips, Johonnot, and Pelham, and to make report of their proceedings next Lodge night."
"On Fryday October the 23d: 1741 the Committee appointed by this Lodge waited upon his Excellency William Shirley Esq": and presented him with the following Address-
May it please your Excellency.
We being a Committee appointed by the Ancient and honble. Society of Free & accepted Masons of the Mother Lodge of America held in Bos- ton, presume to wait upon you with utmost sincerity, to congratulate your advancement to the government of this Province, and to assure your Excellency that our desire is that your administration may be successful and easy.
We have had hitherto the honour of His Majestys Governor being one of our Ancient Society who was ever a well wisher & faithful Brother to the Royal Art of Masonry-
And as it has been the custom for men in the Most exalted station to have had the door of our Societys constitutions always opened to them (when desired) we think it our duty to acquaint your Excellency with that custom, and assure you that we shall chearfully attend your Ex- cellency's pleasure therein, and as we are conscious that our Society are loyal and faithful subjects to His Majesty we may reasonably hope for your Excellencys Favour and Protection, which is the request of
Your Excellency's Most obedient humble Servants Peter Pelham Sec': In behalf of the Society."
In the preparation of this address the zeal of the secretary and his re- spect for authority seem to have outrun his discretion, when he graciously informs His Excellency that it has been the custom for men in the most exalted station to "have had the door of our societys constitutions always opened to them." A very broad, and, as we nowadays should consider it, a very unmasonic hint.
His Excellency was pleased to return the following answer:
"Gentlemen:
I return the ancient and honourable society my thanks for their address and invitation of me to the Mother Lodge of Free and Ac-
35
THE FIRST LODGE
cepted Masons in America; and they may rest assur'd that their Loyalty and Fidelity to his Majesty will always recommend the society to my favour and protection. W. Shirley.
Voted, that the above Address to His Excellency Wm. Shirley Esq": &c; with his Excellency's Answer be printed in one of the publick papers next Monday."
"Wednesday March 24th 1742, being Lodge night, our Bro. Burnet of Cape Francois was pleased to send us a present of wine &c. We acknowl- edge'd it as a very great favour and salute him in due form."
"Wednesday Augt. 10th 1743, being Lodge Night, Voted that Bro": Jenkins, Charles Hall, H: McDaniel, Phillips, & Price take a proper opertunity to wait on Bro: Belcher (our late Governor) with an Invita- tion from the Brethren to give us the favour of his company, at such time as he shall please to appoint."
"Wednesday Feby: ye: 8th: 1744, being Lodge Night, Voted that a Supper be prepar'd to receive and entertain Bro. Belcher in his taking leave of the Brethren, and that Bro: Price and Bro: Audibert be Stewards to provide the same, each Visiting Brother paying 20/ the remainder of the expence to be paid out of the stock of the Society; Bro: Johnson to collect the 20/ of each Visiting Brother."
"Thursday Feby: 9th: 1744 being appointed for the entertainment of the Honble MT. Belcher (according to Vote) who attended with about forty of the Brethren in open lodge; and a handsome supper was prepar'd after which we took leave of our Hond. Brother in the most solemn manner.
The whole Expence of the Evening £34 60 paid by 4 Visiting Brothers 4 00
Paid by the Treas': £30 60"
"Wednesday, Augt. 26, 1747, being Lodge Night, Voted that our Rt. W. Bro. Oxnard G.M., Bros. Brockwell, Aston, Pelham, T.M.C. Daniel, & Secray. be a Committee in behalf of the Lodge to send a Letter of Con- gratulation to our Honble. Bror. Belcher upon his advancement to, and safe arrival at his government of the Jerseys."
"Wednesday Sepr. 9th 1747, being Lodge Night, the committee ap- pointed to form a Letter of Congratulation to His Excellency our Bro. Belcher presented the same to the Lodge which was to the acceptance of the Lodge. Voted therefore that the Secretary do forward the same, as soon as may be, and the Commee. have the thanks of the Lodge for the same. It is as follows vizt:
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
Thrice Worthy Brother!
It was with the greatest pleasure and utmost satisfaction we rec'd the news of your safe arrival at your government of the Jerseys and from a just sence of the distinguishing marks of your esteem shewn to the An- tient & Honble. Society of Free and Accepted Masons when you fill'd the chair of government in this Province (which upon all occasions we doubt not but you would still continue) we cannot but hope the sincere and hearty congratulations of our Lodge on your present happy accession may meet with a favourable acceptance.
You have sufficiently distingu'd your adherence to our Three Grand Principles in your firm attachment to his Majesty's Person and Govern- ment, which with joy we find has preferr'd you to a second commission (an uncom. instance of Royall favour) and as the weight of so great a charge must be attended with many concernes so we heartily wish you a happy concurrence of everything that may render your administration satisfactory to your Prince, advantageous to your People, and easy to your Self, so that full of days and full of honour (which but little survives our action) you may finally meet with a reward of that honour and happi- ness which will be as eternal as inconceivable.
By order of the Rt. Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master of North America and the Rt. Worshipful Master Wardens and Fellows of the Lodge held in Boston, N. England, Sepr. ye 3d in the year of Masonry 5747 Anno Domini 1747.
Chas. Pelham Secr."
"Wednesday October 28th 1747, being Lodge Night, our Rt. Worshl. Bro. Oxnard G.M. presented to the Lodge a letter from His Excellency our Bro. Belcher at the Jerseys in answer to the congratulation sent him from the Lodge, which was most kindly recd. and order'd to be read by the Secretary and is as follows Vizt.
Rt. Worshl. Brothers!
I have with much pleasure receiv'd your respectful congratulation of my safe arrival to this government dated from your Lodge in Boston ye 3 of last month. From the testimonials I carry'd with me to London from your Lodge I was receiv'd by the Rt. Honourable the Grand Master and at the Lodges where I attended as a Worthy Brother.
I shall always with great alacrity show respect & kindness to any one that may fall in my way who is a Brother of the Society of Free and Ac- cepted Masons; and I am the more gratified in the Kings repeated Grace and Favour as it does me double Honr. in clearing my character from all imputation, & setts me at the head of this fine Province, and may also re- flect some Honour on the Society of Free and Accepted Masons, that the King has so publickly justified the conduct of a Brother in his adminis-
37
THE FIRST LODGE
tration of the government of two of His Majesty's Provinces in New Eng- land for eleven years together.
I am much oblig'd to the Brothers of your lodge for their kind wishes of my wellfare and prosperity in the arduous affairs of government, but above all that they extend to my obtaining a reward of honr. and happi- ness that shall be Eternal-I have been receiv'd by the Good People here with uncommon marks of respect and kindness, which I shall return by all such acts of goodness in my power as may most of all contribute to their Interest, & to their quiet and satisfaction.
May you Rt. Worshl. Brothers, and all and every one of your Lodge live long in much health and ease, and in such other circumstances of life as you would wish for your selves and when this life must be ex- chang'd for one that will have no end may you all be happy thro the Mercy of God, in Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Saviour Amen.
From Kingwood House in the City of Burlington New Jersey this Sixth day of October in the year of Masonry 5747
Anno Domini 1747
Sign'd J. Belcher.
To the Rt. Worshl. Thos. Oxnard Esqr. Provincial Grand Master of No. America the Rt. Worshl. Master, Wards, & Fellows of the Lodge of the Ancient and honble. Society of Free & Accepted Masons in Boston."
"Wednesday Sep": 13th 1749, being Lodge night, the Lodge being open'd, Bro: Price: Whereas Bro. Bayard is going to the Jerseys Voted that Brors: Brockwell, Pelham & S. be a Commee to form a Letter to Compliment to Our Hon. Bro. Belcher Gov !. there."
VISITORS
Naturally any distinguished Mason who happened to be in Boston found his way into the lodge. "Wednesday 11th of April 1739 being Lodge Night ye following Brethren Mett," namely "15 Members and 3 Visitors including Jas: Phillips G : M : De Nov : Scot."
"Wednesday May the 25th 1743, being Lodge Night, the following Brethren Mett The Rt. Worship1: Bro: H: Price M. pro Bro: Benj: Franklin of Phila:" &c.
"Wednesday June the 8th 1743, being Lodge Night, the following Brethren Met. The Rt: Worshipful Bro: N: Bethune M. Bro: Frank- lin Vis™:" &c.
"Wednesday Nov': ye: 14th 1744, being Lodge Night, the following Brethren Met. The Rt. Worshipful Bro. Tho8. Oxnard G:M. The Rt. Worsh1: Bro. R: Jenkins M. (24 Members) and Bro. B. Bediford Vis™: G. M. of Jamaica."
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
"Wednesday Nov. 13th 1751, being Lodge Night, the following Brethren Met The Rt. Worsh1. and Revd. Bro. Brockwell M.
Bro. Leverett S.W.
Bro. Gooking J.W.
Bro. Coffin T.
23 Members Lord Colvil Bro. Franklin"
John Leverett, the Senior Warden, was born January 28, 1727, and became a member of the Lodge in 1749. He was elected its Worshipful Master in 1758. His grandfather was the brother of Hon. John Leverett who was president of Harvard College. In the town record of 1761 he is styled captain, Esqr. in 1762, and colonel in 1768. He was Lieut. Colonel of the Boston Regiment in 1772, afterwards Colonel. He resigned in 1773.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was born January 6, 1706, in the house of his father Josiah which occupied the site of the building now numbered 17 upon Milk Street in Boston. In 1724 he went to Philadelphia. He visited England and was probably there made a Mason. Upon the return voyage he became acquainted with Henry Price who "further instructed him in the Royal Art," and who gave him authority to establish a lodge in Philadelphia, which upon the return of Franklin was duly constituted. In June, 1734, Franklin came to Boston. In August, 1734, he wrote to Henry Price for a copy of his Commission and this letter for many years was kept in a glass case in the office of the Grand Secretary in the Ma- sonic apartments in the Winthrop House and was burned in the fire which destroyed that building. In August, 1734, the newspapers of Boston ad- vertised as "Lately Published the Constitution of the Freemasons, con- taining the History Charges Regulations, etc., of that Most Ancient and R. W. Fraternity, for the use of Lodges," for sale at the Heart and Crown in Cornhill. This probably was an American edition of Anderson, re- published by Franklin in 1734 in Philadelphia, and referred to in the postscripts of his letter to Price. A copy of this book was bought at the Brinley sale by Most Worshipful Samuel C. Lawrence. Upon the back of the cover are the words: Free Masons; Boston 1733. Phil. Benj. Franklin 1754 (should be 1734). Within are the words: London Printed; Anno 5723. Reprinted in Philadelphia by Especial Order for the Use of the Brethren in NORTH AMERICA
In the Year of Masonry 5734 Anno Domini 1734.
GEORGE WASHINGTON came to Boston in 1776, immediately after the siege, and again in 1789, and visited St. John's Lodge, then held in Concert Hall at the corner of Court and Hanover Streets.
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THE FIRST LODGE
CHARITY
The brethren were not unmindful of the poor. "Wednesday, Febru- ary 13th 1740, being Lodge Night, a committee was appointed toinspect into objects of Charity and to relieve poor Masons or their Widows not exceeding £3 to each."
"Wednesday March ye: 10th: 1741, being Lodge Night Voted that the Treas": pay to Bro: John Butler as a gift the sum of £6. which was paid accordingly."
"Wednesday Oct": 13th 1742, being Lodge Night, the humble petition of the Widow Young was presented to our Rt. W. M. who recommended it to the Brethren. Voted that the Treasurer do give the Widow Young (upon the Prayer of her Petition) the sum of Five Pounds out of the stock of this Lodge, and at the same time Bro. Le Pain gave her 2/6."
The "Hatt" went round frequently, and generally came back liberally stocked. As the secretary was in the habit of writing the name of this extemporized contribution box with a capital H. and two ts, perhaps the Brethren used for this purpose the "three square hat" which they "Voted to purchase to adorn the head of the R. W. Master."
DISCIPLINE.
Envy and ignorance did not refrain then, any more than now, to speak calumny of the Fraternity.
"Wednesday Jany. 9th 1750, being Lodge Night, Voted that no Bror. Present shall for the future take any NewsPaper printed by Thos. Fleet, or that said Fleet may be concern'd in.
Voted that no Bro. present shall give any encouragement to Sd. Fleet's paper or to him in his business, by. advertisement or otherways.
Voted that Bros. Oxnard, Ld. Colvill, Gridley, McDaniel, Brockwell, Rowe, & Price, be a Committee to wait upon the Lieut. Governor & Council, to complain against a scandalous piece of ribaldry, in sd. Fleets paper, and pray their order for prosecuting the printer thereof.
Voted that the Treasr. of this Lodge do pay unto sd. Committee our pro- portion of whatever expence may acrue upon a prosecution of the afore- said Fleet, or others, should such prosecution ensue."
Thomas Fleet was born Sept. 8, 1685, in England, son of Thomas Fleet of Tillstock, County of Shropshire. His shop and dwelling were in Corn- hill on the north corner of Washington and Water Streets, a brick build- ing, which was taken down about 1865. He was printer to the General Court 1729-31. He died July, 1758, leaving a widow, three sons, and two daughters.
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HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN'S LODGE
"Wednesday April 24-1751, being Lodge Night, a difference having arose between Bros. Littlejohn and Hallowell a committee was appointed to take into consideration and reconcile them."
TAVERNS.
Inasmuch as lodge meetings were then always held in taverns, as even now is the custom in many parts of Great Britain, they were subject at times to interruption. So we find in the records that "Wednesday the 27th Decem", Lodge Night and the Feast of St. John the Evangelist; our Bro. Luke Vardy (at whose house the Lodge is usually held) being incapable of entertaining the society from the afflictive circumstance of having this day buried his wife; the Lodge was held at Bror. Andrew Halliburton."
The poet sings of him thus-
"Where's honest Luke, that Cook from London? For without Luke the Lodge is undone.
'Twas he who oft dispell'd their sadness, And filled the Brothers heart With gladness. For them his Ample bowls o'erflow'd; His table groan'd beneath its load; For them he stretched his utmost art; Their honours grateful they impart.
Luke in return is Made a brother, As good and true as any other; And still, though broke with age and wine, Preserves the token and the sign"
"Wednesday May 27 1741, the house being all taken up, and enjoyed on some publick affairs, there was no lodge held."
"Wednesday July 8th 1741, Lodge Night, but the house being fill'd by the members of the General Court, and no possibility of a proper room to hold a Lodge; order'd by our Rt: Worship1: M. that the Brethren be summoned to meet him to-morrow at seven o'clock in the evening being Thursday."
"Wednesday May the 26th 1742, being Lodge Night, the following Brethren mett. The Rt: Worship1: Bro': James Forbes M., Bro: Pelham S:W., Bro: Stevenson J:W., 5 Members. This Day being the General Election of the Provinces was the occasion of so thin a Lodge, the house being taken up."
"Wednesday Jany: 8th 1745, being Lodge Night, all business ad- journ'd to next Lodge Night by reason of our rooms being taken for a
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CONCERT HALL COURT AND HANOVER STREETS
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THE FIRST LODGE
publick auction, wch prevents the opening of the Lodge." The Brethren seem not to have lost their time, however, since, although they were thir- teen only, the reckoning was £4.6. and the single visitor paid 7/4. One must conclude that the Brethren went not away empty.
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