USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > History of old Braintree and Quincy : with a sketch of Randolph and Holbrook > Part 29
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > History of old Braintree and Quincy : with a sketch of Randolph and Holbrook > Part 29
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SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
November, 1803, it was voted to choose a joint committee to petition the Grand Lodge to remove the charter to Quincy. The following persons were selected on the part of Randolph :- Jona- than Wales, Jr., and Thomas French, Jr. Who the committee were on the part of Quincy, we are not able to state, as the rec- ords make no mention of them, neither is there any record of the petition. The petition was evidently favorably received by the Grand Lodge, as they ordered the following dispensation.1
The committee had a hall for their convocation arranged in Mr. William Baxter's house on School street, which stood on the same site as the present residence of Mr. Daniel Baxter. This house was removed several years ago to Phipps street.
Here it was, on Dec. 26th, 1803, that Rural Lodge, of Quincy, had their first meeting. At this meeting no business of great importance was transacted. The next convocation was held Feb. 20th, 1804, or 5804 of Masonry. At this meeting eleven persons, residents of Quincy, were admitted as members. Three candi- dates were proposed, and four initiated. Not having the proper apparatus for transacting the business of the lodge, a committee was chosen to procure all necessary fixtures and tools.
It was not until Sept. 19th, 1804, that the lodge was duly con- secrated2 with the proper elements of consecration :- Corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and oil of joy.
1. To all the Fraternity, to whom these presents shall come :-
" Know ye, that on a petition preferred to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, on the evening of the 12th day of December, 5803, (1803) by the officers and members of Rural Lodge, for permission to hold that lodge in future, in the town of Quiney, in the county of Norfolk,-which by the within charter, was established to be held at Randolph in said county :-
"It was unanimously voted to grant the prayer of the petitioners ; and that Rural Lodge should hereafter hold their meetings in the town of Quiney only." By order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
Attest, ----
JOHN PROCTOR, Grand Sceretary,
2. The following extract from the records, gives a full account of the instal- lation and consecration of Rural Lodge :- "Sept. 19th, A. L., 5804. The lodgo met at 8 A. M., and opened in ancient form, "for the purpose of consecrating said lodge in ample form."
"Intelligence being received that the Grand Lodge was in readiness a com- mittee of seven, with their proper officers, accompanied by M. W. G. M. Thompson of N. H., with the band, proceeded to the room where the Grand Lodge were in waiting, (they having been escorted thither from Neponset
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SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
Several committees were busily engaged in the various duties assigned them, in making all proper arrangements for this important event. By order of the lodge, numerous special invi- tations were extended to the selectmen, clergymen of the town and others, as well as to the neighboring lodges.
Aug. 25th, 1806. "Voted that a pair of grave-stones be erected to the memory of our deceased Brother, Jacob Niles.".
Jannary 26th, 1809. "Bros. Josiah Bass, Lemuel Brackett, and Elisha Marsh were chosen a committee for the purpose of assisting distressed worthy brethren that may be on a journey, and through misfortune need assistance."
April 18th, 1811. "Voted that the thanks of the lodge be presented to Worthy Past Master Savil, for the present of a very handsome sword."
Jan. 11th, 1819. " Voted that the third article of the By-Laws be so altered, that clergymen may be initiated gratis."
Nov. 14th, 1831. " Voted to invest two hundred dollars in the fund for building the Masonic Temple, Boston."
May 14th, 1832. "Voted, that the committee to invest funds, purchase three shares of State Bank stock."
bridge, where they were met by a committee appointed for the purpose) to attend them to lodge room ; which duty being attended to, after the usual cere- monies, a procession was formed, " which consisted of a very large number of brothers, the clergymen and private citizens, among which were Hon. John Adams, Hon. John Q. Adams, Thomas B. Adams, Esq., Hon. Cotton Tufts of Weymouth, the Selectmen and Deacons of Quincy, etc. etc.
"The procession then moved to the old Unitarian meeting-house, (which stood on the site where the First Church now stands, ) with music, where the exercises were opened by Brother Thaddeus M. Harris, followed by music and a consecration discourse by Rev. Peter Whitney, from the following text, Romans XII : 17.,-" Provide things honest, in the sight of all men." After which the officers were installed in ample form. The services being over, the procession moved to the old Town Hall, where a sumptuous entertainment was provided by Brother Samuel Savil, which was partaken of with great satisfac- tion. Then the members of the Rural Lodge, returned to their hall, and voted their thanks to Rev. Mr. Whitney for his discourse, and requested a copy for publication. The lodge at this time consisted of thirty-five members, twenty- eight of whom were present on this interesting occasion."
Dec. 10th, 1804. " Voted that the thanks of the officers and members of the lodge, be presented to Rev. Mr. Whitney for a copy of his address at the instal- lation, and that he be presented with twenty dollars from the funds of the lodge."
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SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
A committee appointed at the annual meeting in January, "to take into consideration the present state of Masonry, and of this lodge in particular," reported March 24th, 1834, as follows, viz :-
" Having had several meetings on the subject, and having heard the sentiments of every member who is inclined to express his opinion, have thought best, under existing circumstances, to report that in their opinion, it is expedient for this lodge to sus- pend their convocations for the present, and therefore recommend that the regular meetings of this lodge be dispensed with until the first regular meeting in October." Accepted. At that time the Anti-Masonic excitement1 ran so high, that the Rural Lodge was obliged to surrender its charter.2
1. The Anti-Masonic excitement originated in the western part of the State of New York. It appears that a man by the name of William Morgan mado an effort to expose Masonry by publishing what he purported to be the first three degrees of the Masonic Fraternity. Being fearful that his misrepresenta- tions might cause him trouble, he suddenly disappeared. This caused the com- munity, who are ever ready for excitement, to circulate the ridiculous story that Morgan had been murdered by the Free Masons.
Politicians, ever ready to pick up any or every thing that may drift along to advance their schemes or projects, trumped up something resembling a human body. This they with great solemnity paraded the streets, asserting it to be the last remains of Morgan, the martyr. This foolish and simple clap-trap and imposition ereated a storm of anti-masonic excitement which inflicted a blow upon the eraft from which it has but quite recently recovered. "The humbng body was said by Thurlow Weed to be a good enough Morgan until after elec- tion." This party achieved considerable success in some of the Northern States, which led them to call the first national convention for the nomination of President and Vice President, at Baltimore, in September, 1831, ever held in the United States. This political faction brought into public life William H. Seward and Millard Fillmore.
2. " October 27th, 1834, a committee consisting of Brothers Lemuel Brackett, John Savil, Josiah Bass, Jonathan Marsh and Samuel Savil, were chosen to report what disposition the lodge would make of their funds in case of a dissolu- tion of the lodge." They reported November 3d, as follows, viz :-
" That there be granted to Worthy Brother Samnel Savil, in trust for his son, Samuel Savil, Jr., $20.00 ; Bro. Alpheus French, $20.00 ; Bro. Elihu Thayer $20,00 ; Bro. Oliver Jenkins, $20.00 ; Bro. Asa Pope, $20.00 ; Bro. William Goodwin, as compensation for services, $20,00 ; the widow of Bro. Benjamin Vinton, $30.00 ; the widow of Bro. William Pierce, Jr., $20.00 ; to William Blanchard, youngest son of Bro. Joseph Blanchard, deceased, $20.00 ; and the remainder of the funds together with the regalia or furniture of the lodge, be
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The lodge has held fifty communications at Randolph, and three hundred and seventy-one at Quincy. Initiated at Randolph fourteen ; crafted thirteen ; raised eighteen ; elected to member- ship, eighteen ; expelled one. Initiated at Quincy fifty-seven ; crafted fifty-five ; raised fifty-three; clected to membership fifty ; expelled one.
For nineteen years the lodge was suspended, or until 1853, when the Rev. Mr. Dean, with a few of the old members of the
surrendered to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge ; and all the furniture except what we are in duty bound to surrender to the Grand Lodge, be left with Bro. Samuel Savil, as a compensation for his demands for rent, etc.
And the committee recommend, if this report be accepted, that this lodge pass a vote to authorize the Treasurer to sell and transfer the three shares in the State Bank.
"The committee recommended that there be a committee chosen to carry this report into effect." The report was accepted, with the following amendments, viz :- "That there be granted to Bro. Benjamin Page $10, and Bro. Peter Tur- ner $5, and "the Treasurer was instructed as above." The same committee were chosen, "and authorized to receive from the Treasurer all the money in his hands," and " carry into full and complete effect the above report."
" It was also voted that this lodge will surrender its charter to the Grand Lodge, together with the jewels, by-laws, records and regalia."
" Voted that the Rt. Wor. Master be requested to invite the R. W. D. D. G. M. to make an official visit to this lodge next Monday evening, (Nov. 10th, 1834), and that he be authorized and directed to surrender, at that time, the charter of this lodge, together with the funds not otherwise disposed of, and the regalia, books, etc., belonging to the Grand Lodge."
Nov. 10th, 1834, the above-mentioned committee reported, "that they had attended to the duty assigned them, and respectfully ask leave to report, that they have received from the Treasurer, $207.46; from the Secretary, $4.00; and they have placed in the hands of the Rt. Wor. Master for the payment of the annual fee to the Grand Lodge, $4.00. They have also paid, or placed in the hands of brethren to be paid, the donations mentioned in the report and amend- ment, amounting to $205; and they have placed in the hands of the Rt. Wor. Master, to be by him surrendered to the Grand Lodge, the balance, $2.46. And Bro. Savil has agreed to receive all the effects of the lodge not otherwise dis- posed of, as a full compensation for his claims on Rural Lodge."
Nov. 10th, 1834. "The lodge was visited by D. D. G. M., and the Master of Rural Lodge surrendered to him the charter, regalia, etc."
The following is an inventory of effects surrendered to Grand Lodge :-
"Holy Bible, square and compass, charter in case, 3 brass lightstands, seal of the lodge, 1 painted Masonic carpet, 13 collars and jewels in a trunk, 6 long wands, ballot box and balls, 2 pillars and Warden's wands, velvet cushion, silk bag, Master's mallet, 3 books of records, 1 book of by-laws, 1 receipt for $200, cash, $2.46."
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SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
Rural Lodge, and other Masons who had settled in Quincy since the dissolution of this organization were anxious to again revive the ancient customs of the Masonic rites. Considering the time favorable for the purpose, as there had been a great change of public opinion in favor of Free Masonry, they petitioned1 the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, on the 14th of September of this year, for a revival of the lodge ; it being their last quarterly communication.
The prayer of the petitioners was granted and the charter restored.2
A meeting of the petitioners was held on the evening of Sep- tember 29th, at Abercrombie's now Bent's Hall, and after con- sultation, it was agreed to go into an election of the three pre- siding officers, which resulted in the choice of W. M., Lemuel Dwelle; S. W., John Savil; J. W., Asa Pope. The election of the other officers was postponed to a future meeting.
A Master Mason's Lodge was then opened in the usual man- ner, it being the first time in this town for nearly nineteen years.
1. "To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Ma- sons of Massachusetts :-
" BRETHREN :- Conceiving that the moral taint which pervaded the atmos_ phere in this vicinity in years past, has entirely passed away, and believing that the time has arrived when we can safely and profitably resume the labors of the craft without molestation,
" We therefore pray your honorable body to restore to the undersigned the charter, records, jewels, funds and other property of Rural Lodge, which were surrendered to the Grand Lodge during the persecution which compelled them to pursue this course. A constitutional number of said petitioners were mem- bers of said Rural Lodge at the time of the surrender of its charter.
"Should their petition be granted, the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge will be strictly adhered to. Signed,
"John Savil, Elisha Turner,
Asa Pope,
Daniel French, Josiah Baxter, Elijah Baxter,
Elihu Thayer, Lemuel Dwelle, Win. W. Dean."
2. The following endorsement was received from the Grand Lodge :- "GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON, Sept. 15th, 5853.
" I hereby certify, that on the petition of the constitutional number of the former members of the within-named Rural Lodge, this charter was revived and restored to said petitioners, with authority to reorganize and resume their work as a lodge in the town of Quincy, possessing and enjoying all their origi- ual rights and privileges.
"CHARLES W. MOORE, Grand Secretary."
40
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SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
Resolutions were passed, admitting the petitioners for the charter to membership without the payment of the usual fee; also all the members in good standing in the lodge at the time it was dissolved, with all such brethren as may be elected or appointed to office at the organization of the lodge.
Four petitions were received at this meeting for degrees, and the Worshipful Master was instructed "to procure such working tools and furniture as will be necessary for working in the degrees."
Oct. 6th, a communication was held. A dispensation was re- ceived from J. V. C. Smith, D. D. G. M., authorizing the Worship- ful Master to confer the three degrees of Masonry, at his earliest convenience, upon the candidates proposed at the last meeting.
The next meeting was held on the evening of Oct. 11th, 1853. The Worshipful Master was installed and proceeded to initiate three of the candidates.
Thus was completed the revival of the Rural Lodge. May it continue to remain a worthy member of this honorable fraternity, and adhere to the noble symbols, T. G. A. O. T. U., "The Grand Architect of the Universe."
The St. Stephen's Chapter of Dorchester . district, of Boston, have transferred their chapter and paraphernalia to the lodge rooms of the Rural Lodge, of Quincy. The first convocation was held in Quincy, Tuesday evening, April 23d, 1878.
The first lodge-room, as we have before stated, was in the house of William Baxter, on School street; and was used as such until January, 1825, when it was removed to a hall fitted up by Worthy Brother Samuel Savil, in his residence on Hancock street, which was occupied by them until they surrendered their charter in November, 1834.
On the revival of the lodge, Sept. 29th, 1853, they assembled in Abercrombie's, afterwards Masonic Hall, where they held their communications until they removed to Robertson's Hall, on Hancock street, corner of Granite, in which hall they contin- ued to meet until it was destroyed by fire, Ang. 26th, 1875. By this fire they lost all their furniture, regalia and jewels. While their present lodge-room was rebuilding, they held their com- munications in Abercrombie's Hall, by invitation of St. Paul's
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Lodge, No. 37, Knights of Pythias. Their new lodge-room in Robertson's Block was dedicated Nov. 23d, 1876, and is as well furnished and constructed a room as can be found in the neigh- borhood of Boston.1
There have been, and are now, a number of other charitable and social secret societies in town. Between 1840 and 1850, a large and flourishing Odd Fellows Lodge existed, and held their meetings in Bent's Hall, where their lodge-room was loca- ted. It has been disbanded for some years.
The St. Paul's Lodge, No. 37, Knights of Pythias, was organ- ized April 13th, 1870, and their officers were installed by persons delegated by the Grand Lodge for this purpose, and is now a large and successful institution. Their meetings are held in a fine and pleasant lodge-room on Hancock street, over the Post Office.
There are several temperance organizations in Quincy, viz :- The Good Templars, or Reynolds Lodge; the Quincy Reform Club; the Granite Temple of Honor; and the St. John's and St. Mary's Total Abstinence Societies. The two latter were organized by adopted citizens, and connected with them are two corps of youthful temperance cadets in uniform, who are drilled in military exercises by competent persons. The Granite Tem- ple of Honor is the highest association in the order, and was organized Dec. 14th, 1876. Its meetings are held in Bent's Hall, on Washington street. A ladies' temperance society, called the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, hold their meetings in Faxon Hall. The Young People's Temperance Union, an organ- ization for the young, was formed in March, 1877. It meets in Faxon Hall.
The Merry Mount Lodge, or Knights of Honor, is a secret charitable order, recently formed in this place, which is in a prosperous condition.
The Quincy Charitable Society is an old and worthy associa- tion, and for years has freely relieved the wants and sufferings
1. This account of the Rural Lodge was compiled from Mr. E. W. Under- wood's history of this institution.
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1
of all needy and worthy applicants of the town, who may have called upon them for assistance.
There are two large public charitable institutions in Quincy, the oldest of which is the Sailors' Snug Harbor. The corner- stone of this edifice was laid July 14th, 1856, with appropriate exercises. We have in a note1 given the fine poem composed and delivered by Dr. Lunt on this occasion. This poem was dedicated to Robert B. Forbes, who has done so much disinter- ested work for the comfort and welfare of the sailors, and is
1. " On this green headland, where in summer pride Waits for her ocean-lord his lovely bride, And stretches far her neck, with amonrous reach, To invite caresses on the lonely beach,
Fair Commerce builds a Home for those whose toil Has fetched the golden fleece from foreign soil; The neighboring mart, whose white-winged navies sweep Through every zone that belts the boundless deep- Divides a portion of her well-used gain, With those who reaped the harvest on the main.
" Here may the veteran mariner repose, When on his craft the life-storm fiercely blows; Here let him turn a-port, and, furling sail, Run for a Harbor through the driving gale; Here, rounding to, drop anchor near the shore, And ride in safety till life's voyage is o'er. From cape to cape, search round our noble bay- No lovelier sight that here can eye survey; From yonder hill,* when sunset's blazing sheen Sets in a golden frame the pictured scene, Let the eye wander freely as it will, Landward or seaward, all is beauty still.
"The Sachem of the bay, by Squantum's shore, Held o'er his feathered warriors sway, of yore; There stood his wigwam in the hammock's shade, There the maize-tassels with the breezes played, There the red hunter chased the antlered game- Thence Massachusettst took her honored name.
* "Great Hill, the termination of a strip of land called Hough's Neck, from Allerton Hough, one of the original settlers of Boston, who had a grant of land · at Mount Wollaston."
¡ "The hill, or hummoek, still called Sachem's Hill, lies in the northerly part of what is now Quiney, near Squantum, and tradition points it out as the seat of the Sachem who ruled the Massachusetts Indians."
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recognized by them as their noblest benefactor. This quiet port for the old, worn ont and decrepid mariner, is located in that pleasant part of Quincy called Germantown, near the water, where tranquility and comfort awaits him; from the windows of this retired home he will be daily delighted in watching the numerous fleet of every size and clime, as they sail forth on
" To Fancy's eye, these verdant necks* of land Seem as the fingers of an outstretched hand. The genius of the place here stands to greet The faint sea-wanderers to this calm retreat; Here let them watch, as on the neighboring strandt The brave ship grows beneath the builder's hand, Till, all complete, she cleaves the yielding tide, And walks the water with a graceful pride. Here let them follow to the gates of day The trade fleets speeding on their outward way; Or, in the offing, spy the distant sail Nearing the haven with propitious gale- The Clipper, white-robed lady of the main; The sca-horse, snorting o'er the liquid plain; The mighty admiral, equipped for war, Her hundred voices thundering ocean's law;
Or, better far, some "Jamestown," ontward bound,
On cruise of mercy to a foreign ground ; Unshipped her battle-gear, with warm hearts manned,
Freighted with plenty for a starving land.
"Such sights relieve the woful shapes that lie Crowded within the sailor's memory -- The mingled uproar of the sea and sky, ' The direful spectacle of wreck,' the cry Of the spent swimmer in his agony.
" And when the ancient mariner shall see The gloomy waters of eternity, And in his need, despairing help below, Call for a pilot's skill to steer him through, Then may that form benign, whose power to save Held trembling Peter steady on the wave, Conduct the trusting soul in safety o'er To a Snug Harbor on the heavenly shore!"
*" There are five of these necks belonging to Quincy. Beginning on the north with Squantum, the next is Hough's Neck; then Germantown, originally Shed's Neck; then Quincy Point, and, still further south, Knight's Neck."
t "At Quincy Point, opposite Germantown, and within a short distance of the Snug Harbor, ship-building is carried on."
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their uncertain voyages, or, in spying distant sails in the offing, homeward bound to be greeted by affectionate and loved friends. This noble, beneficent and charitable corporation has been a great blessing in relieving the wants and making comfortable the declining days of old Neptune's followers, who have spent the more active part of their lives in the mercantile marine service.
Feb. 9th, 1865, "George B. Upton, Alexander H. Rice, James L. Little, their associates and successors, were made a corpora- tion by the name of the National Sailors' Home, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in the Commonwealth a home for sailors, mariners and others, employed in the naval service of the United States, disabled by wounds, sickness, old age or otherwise, without regard to their place of enlistment or na- tivity."
The building was erected in 1865, on or near Fenno street. It is a large wooden structure, containing a library, sick wards and all other modern improvements for the comfort of the in- mates. This institution has been very successful in carrying out the design for which it was constructed. It is now under the superintendence of William L. Faxon, M. D.
The first literary association that we have any account of, was the Quincy Lyceum, established about 1829. This society, at one time, was a very prosperous and useful institution. For a number of years it held public discussions upon the prominent events of the day. It also furnished the citizens, for their winter amusement, able lectures upon various important and instructive questions of the times. After its dissolution, the Adams Literary Association was established, and held their interesting meetings in a hall over where the Savings Bank is now located, on Han- cock street. This society was dissolved some years since. The libraries of these two literary bodies, after their demise, were presented to the Public Library.
The Union Choral Society, during its existence, was very pop- ular with the community. On all public and private occasions, it was called upon to furnish the citizens of Quincy, at their cel- ebrations, with vocal music. In this association was to be found all the best and finest musical talent of the town.
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At the close of the late civil war, the returned soldiers formed a secret charitable association for the mutual benefit of their comrades. This organization is known as the Paul Revere Post, No. 88, Grand Army of the Republic.
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