A century of Free Masonry in Nantucket

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HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. 7

Organized May 9, 1894.
Incorporated July 9, 1894.

Vol. 3. Bulletin No. 1.

A CENTURY

-OF-

FREE MASONRY

IN NANTUCKET,

BY ALEXANDER STARBUCH.

PUBLISHED BY

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION,

1903.

Collected set.

A CENTURY OF FREE MASONRY.

On April 30th, 1733, Right Worshipful Anthoney, Lord
Viscount Montague, Grand Master of Free & Accepted
Masons of England, commissioned Right Worshipful Henry
Price to be Provincial Grand Master of Masons of New Eng-
land, and authorized him to establish lodges in North America-
In accordance with that commission lodges were instituted,
the first one to be organized in America being St. John's
Lodge, of Boston. In succession Right Worshipful Grand
Master Price and his successors in office instituted, lodges at
Philadelphia (under the direction of our Worshipful Brother
Benjamin Franklin), at Portsmouth, N. H., Charleston, S. C.,
Antigua, B. W. I., Annapolis, N. S., Newfoundland, Newport,
R. I., Halifax, N. S., Maryland, New Haven, and New Lon-
don, Conn., and a score of other localities, the organizations
being in those days almost wholly limited to scacoast towns.
In Massachusetts there were organized under this authority,
Philanthropic Lodge, of Marblehead, in 1760; St. John's, of
Newburyport, in 1766 ; Tyrian, of Gloucester, in 1770 ; and
Union, of Nantucket, in 177 1 .

The petition for a charter for Union Lodge reads as fol-
lows : —

To the Right Worshipful John Rozue, Esq., Grand Master
Mason for North America : —

Right Worshipful Sir : — We, the Subscribers, being sen-
sible that it lies in our Power to Propagate that Ancient &
Honourable body of Free and Accepted Masons here in this
Place : And as we think it our indispensible Duty to use our
best Endeavours to Propagate so noble an Art with all the
Strictness and Regularity as becomes Members of a just and
perfect Lodge ; and Right Worshipful we are likewise sensible
that no one ought to come to any light or knowledge by any
Clandestine or unregular Method, that may tend to cast any
Disgrace upon the Fraternity, which we shall always be sorry
to hear of ; And we shall always use our best Endeavours to
promote so laudable a Society when it is established in due
form. And now Rt. Worshipful Sir, We desire and request

of your Worship that if it is consistant with your will and
pleasure that you would send us a Wan ant so that we may
have a just and perfect Lodge CoiTsecrattd here, so that when
any Candidates offer themselves, we may be able to deal with
them in due form — Right Worshipful our Motive is this, hist,
our Duty to our Maker; second, to our fellow men; thirdly,
to the Fraternity in general throughout the Globe ; and Sir we
won! ! acquaint your Worship that there is several that hath
offered themselves as Candidates thinking that we had power
to deal with them,& Men ol good Character. And now Right
Worshipful we would have you take the Matter into your
s :rious Consideration, and to act agreeable to the trust reposed
in you, and if your Worship thinks we are worthy of a Warrant
and will sen- 1 us one, we your worthy Brothers in Duty Bound
shall ever pray.

Nantucket, April 16, 177 1. Will'm Brock, M. M.,

Jos'h Dkniston,

P. S. — We would desire your Henry Smith,
Worship to send us an Answer William Worth,
as soon as is Convenient. Chris'r Hussey, F. C,

TlMO FOLGER, Do.

Respecting this petition the records give this report :

St. John's Grand Lodge,
Qiiirterly Communication, Bunch of Grapes Tavern, Boston,
Friday, April 26, 5771.
" The Lodge was informed from the Chair that a number of
Hrethren belonging to Nantucket had Petitioned for a War-
rant to hold a Lodge in that Place, and said Petition being
read, the Grand Master asked the Counsel of the Lodge, who
joined with him in Opinion that the Grand Secretary do
acquaint the Petitioners by Letter, that three Master Masons
are necessary to the Constituting of a New Lodge ; also with
the Expence attending the same ; and desire them to Nomi-
nate one of the Petitioners for their first Master."

In conformity to these implied instructions the following
letter was sent to the petitioning Brethren :

Boston, 27th April, 1771.
Sir : — At a Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication held
at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston on Friday, the 26th
Instant, a Petition from a Number of Brethren dated at Nan-
tucket April 16th, 1771, requesting a Warrant to hold a Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons in said Place was Read; And
after due Consideration thereon, the Grand Master with the
Advice of said Grand Lodge directed " that the Grand Secre-

" tary do acquaint the Petitioners by Letter that Three Master
" Masons are necessary to the constituting of a New Lodge ;
" also with the Expence attending the same ; And desire them
" to nominate one of the Petitioners for their first Master."

In Obedience to said Direction I take this Opportunity thro'
you Sir, to acquaint the said Petitioners with the Proceedings
of the Grand Lodge relative to their Petition, and inform you
that the Cost of a Deputation will be Three Guineas and an
half, to be paid on the delivery thereof. I likewise desire you
would let me know if there are Three Master Masons of your
Number : And who you think fit to Nominate as your first
Master. After I am made acquainted with these Particulars,
I presume the Grand Master will give Directions for a Depu-
tation to be made out with all convenient Dispatch.
Interim I remain, Sir,

Yours and the other Petitioners' Affectionate Brother
and very humble Servant,

Tho: Brown, Gr. Sec'y.
Mr. Ciiristo. Hussey,

at Nantucket.

There is no record to show just what reply was made to the
letter of the Grand Secretary, but it is evident there were at
least the requisite number of Master Masons, that the fee was
forthcoming and that Worshipful Brother Captain William
Brock was nominated as their first Master, for with commend-
able celerity a Charter was issued, of which the following is a
copy :

[Seal.] John Rowe, G. M.

To all and Every our Right Worshipful and Loving Breth-
ren, Free and Accepted Masons now residing or that may
hereafter Reside in Sherburne in the County of Nantucket
in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England.
We John Rowe Esquire, Provincial Grand Master of the
Antient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons for all North America, where no other Grand Master is
Appointed,

Send Greeting.

Whereas Application hath been made unto us by several
Brethren Free and Accepted Masons now residing at Sher-
burne aforesaid ; setting forth that they think it their indis-
pensable Duty to propagate the Royal Art with all the
Strictness and Regularity that becomes Masons of a just and
perfect Lodge ; that they shall always use their best Endeav-

ours to promote so laudable a Society when it is Established
in due form : Therefore Pray that we would Constitute them
into a Regular Lodge, and appoint our Brother Captain Will-
iam Brock to be their first Master.

NOW THEREFORE KNOW Ye

That We of the Great Trust, Tower and Authority, reposed
in us by His Grace the Most Worshipful Henry Somerset,
Duke ol Beaufort, &c, Grand Master oi Masons, have Con-
stituted and Appointed our Right Worshipful and well beloved
Brother Captain William Brock to be the first Master of the
Lodge at Sherburne aforesaid, and do hereby impower him to
Congregate the Brethren together, and form them into a Reg-
ular Lodge, he taking special Care that all and every Member
thereof, and all transient Persons admitted therein have been,
or shall be regular made Masons. And that he appoint two
Wardens and other Officers to a Lodge Appertaining, for the
due Regulation of said Lodge for One Year: at the end of
which he shall Nominate a new Master to be approved by the
Lodge, at least two-thirds of the Members in his favour, and
and said new Master shall Nominate and Appoint two Wardens
and a Secretary for the ensuing Year, also a Treasurer, who
must have the Votes of two thirds of the Members in his
favour; and so the same Course Annually. And we do
hereby civic to said Lodge all the Privileges and Authority
of other Regular Lodges ; Requiring them to observe all and
every of the Regulations contained in the Printed Rook of
Constitutions (except such as may have been, or may be
Repealed at any Quarterly Communication or other General
Meeting of the Grand Lodge in London,) to be kept and ob-
served, as also such other Rules and Instructions as may from
Time to Time be transmitted to them by Us, or our Deputy,
or Successors to either for the Time being: And that
they do Annually send an Account in Writing to Us, or our
I >eputy, or Successors to either of Us for the Time being, of
the Names of the Members of said Lodge, and their Place of
Abode, with the Days and Place of Meeting, with any other
things they may think proper to Communicate for the benefit
of Masonry ; And that they do Annually keep the Feast of
St. John the Baptist, or St. John the Evangelist, or both, and
Dine together on said Day or Days, or as near either of them
as shall be most convenient ; And lastly, that they do Regu-
larly Communicate with the Grand Lodge in Boston, by
sending to the Quarterly Communication such Charity as their
Lodge shall think fit, for the Relief of Poor Brethren, with the
Names of those that Contributed the same, that in case any
such may come to want Relief, they may have the preference
to others.

Given under Our Hand and Seal of Masonry at Boston
the 27th Day of May, a: d. 1771, and of Masonry 5771,

Rich'd Gridley, D. G. M.,
Jno. Cutler, S. G. W.,
Abr'm Savage, J. G. W.
By the Grand Master's Command,

Tho: Brown, Gr. Sec'y.

The record of the first communication of Union Lodge is of
interest in this connection. It reads as follows :

" Nantucket, New England, May 9, in the Year 1771.
In our Lodge duly formed

Brother William Brock, Master,

" Joseph Dennison, Senior Warden,
" Henry Smith, Junior Warden.*

Proceeded as follows : .

Initiated Bro. Nathaniel Coffin,
" Tristram Barnard,
" Andrew Worth."

The next meeting on record was held on the 15th of August
following. At that time Brothers Samuel Barrett and George
Ramsdell were initiated. In the interim between the two
meetings the Charter probably had been received. The re-
quirement of three Master Masons by the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge had been met in the persons of Worshipful
Brothers William Brock, who served as Worshipful Master for
the first year ; Brother Joseph Dennison, who was the first
Senior Warden ; and Brother Henry Smith, who was the first
Junior Warden. Who the other officers were does not appear
from the records, nor is there any known way to ascertain
their names.

On receipt of its Charter the Lodge was fairly launched on
its career of usefulness. Besides the three already named, the
following named Brethren appear on record as Charter Mem-
bers : Nathaniel Coffin, Tristram Barnard, Andrew Worth,

* There is a striking instance of Masonic heredity in the family of
Bro. Smith, who received his Degrees in Wapping Arms Lodge in Eng-
land in 1756. His son, Francis, became a member of Urbanity Lodge;
his grandson, Francis, was an honored member of Union Lodge, and his
great grandson, Charles F., has recently received his Degrees in Monitor
Lodge, Waltham.

8

Samuel Barrett, George Ramsdell, Joseph Coffin, Jeremiah
Buckman, Christopher Hussey/ Joshua Bunker, Jethro H us.
sey, Seth Jenkins, Joseph Hussey, John Sherman, George
Calder, Paul Hussey, Thomas Worth, Nathaniel Rand, Shu-
bael Worth, Shubael Folger, Nathaniel Barrett and William
Johnson.

The question naturally arises, where were the first three
Brethren made Masons? As to Bro. Henry Smith, the first
Junior Warden, the diploma now hanging on the walls of the
Lodge room, an invaluable memento of the one to whom it
was issued, shows that he was made a Mason at a Lodge held
at the Dundee Arms, Wapping, London, England, March 15,
1762.* Concerning Worshipful Brother Brock and Bro. Den-
nison, I have as yet been unable to get any information, but it
is probable that they received their degrees either in England
or in a Lodge in some seaport town where a Lodge had been
established, and where they had been on business. The cus-
tom of the day allowed extraordinary latitude in this respect,
and the rigid rules regarding jurisdictions which have long
prevailed, were of little or no force then, and we find that
sojourning citizens from various parts of the country received
their Degrees at the hands of the Brethren of Union Lodge in
its early days.t

The first codes of By-Laws of the Lodge, like those of many
other Lodges of the day, were, in some particulars, quite
unique. That there might be no excuse for any Brother's
coming home to his wife and family at midnight and attribut-
ing his late hours to a protracted Lodge meeting, this article
was adopted : —

"Article III. — As nothing has a greater tendency to
bring the Craft into disrepute than keeping late hours on Lodge
nights, the Master shall be acquainted by the S. W. when it is

* There is a record (See Proceedings of Gr. Lodge of Massachu-
setts, 1733 to 1792, p. 423), that a Timothy Folger was present at the
Feast of St. John the Baptist at the " King's Arms," Boston, with St.
John's Grand Lodge in 1769. It is probable it was Timothy of Nan-
tucket. The custom of many Lodges in those days often was to open
and transact general business on the Entered Apprentice Degree.

tBrothers Elisha Smith and William Coffin were Raised in South
Carolina; and Brothers Joseph Coffin ; and Christopher Worth were
Initiated Entered Apprentices in the same State.

ten o'clock from the first Monday in March to the first Mon-
dy in September ; and when it is Nine o'clock from the first
Mondy in September to the first Mondy in March, who shall
immediately proceed to Close the Lodge ; and every Brother
shall forthwith leave the Lodge Room — It is hoped and ex-
pected that no Member will offend against this Law, calculated
to secure the Honour and Reputation of this Lodge, to pre-
vent uneasiness to our relatives & to preserve the Oconomy
of Our Families."

Article VII. demanded and commanded that every Brother
should practice out of the Lodge those great moral and social
virtues inculcated in it, and provided that

" Whereas, it is found expedient for the good order and
decorum of this Lodge, that every Member belonging thereto,
not only behave themselves upright and on the square in the
Lodge, but also conduct themselves out of the Lodge as be-
comes a good man and a Christian, Therefore if any Member
bel nging to this Lodge, shall hereafter so behave himself, as
to bring scandel, or disrepi tation on the Craft, by leading a
loose and disorderly life ; such Member so offending, shall be
waited on by a Committee, to be appointed by the Lodge for
that purpose, who shall treat with him concerning his miscon-
duct ; and if he will not satisfy said committee, they shall in-
form him that he is to be admonished by the Master &
Wardens in a Lodge duly formed ; which admonition shall be
repeated three times ; and if he will not refrain his impru-
dence, he shall be excluded the Lodge untill he makes due
submission.7'

Article XVIII. was also of a disciplinary character, and was
as follows :

" That no Brother do presume to Swear in the Lodge or on
any account call for wine or other liquors, but address himself
to the stewards or wardens, who, if they think it necessary,
will give their orders accordingly. That all Brethren do be-
have themselves with decency to each other, and respect to
the Master in the chair and presiding officers ; and in case of
default in either of these particulars, the Brother so offending
shall forfeit the sum of two shillings to the fund of the
Lodge."*

* By-law V. provides that where not exceeding- three black balls were
cast, when balloting for a candidate, those casting them should inform
the Investigating Committee so that the differences might be adjusted.
If they failed to inform the Committee the ballot was declared unani-
mous.

10

By the Charter it was obligatory on the Lodge to set aside
a sum for charity, and on Oct,/, 1771, it was "Voted that
each member of this Society shall pay one shilling Lawfull
Money into the Fund of Charity at every Quarterly Commu-
nication." Votes relative to this matter of the Charity Fund
wire quite frequently passed.

October 19, 1772, the Lodge petitioned the Most Worship-
ful Grand Lodge to be registered on the Grand Lodge books by
the name of Union Lodge No. 5, and at the Quarterly Commu-
nication of January 29, 1773, the Grand Lodge " Voted Unani-
mously that the Prayer of said Petition be granted."

At the Quarterly Communication of the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge in April of the same year, a letter was read from
Union Lodge by its Secretary, Brother Phineas Fanning,* in
response to a request of the Grand Lodge for contributions to
aid a Brother whose property had been destroyed by hie.
Brother Fanning's letter said, in part :

" The Remoteness of our Situation on an Island, & the Dif-
ficulty of passing in Winter, we hope will be accepted as a
sufficient Excuse for Non-attendance at the Grand Lodge
according to Summons.

Our Lodge is yet in its Infancy, the Members chiefly sea-
men, and none of us blessed with a Fortune, our Lodge a^> yet
not properly settled, furnished &c &c Insomuch that it is out
of our Power (at present) to transmit anything to the Grand
Fund, but humbly hope that Maturity and the united Efforts
ol our greatest Abilities will, in a short Time enable us liber
ally to contribute thereto.

The calamitous Circumstances of Bro. Russell we look upon
well worthy of the immediate Commiseration & Assistance of
every tender hearted and good Mason ; have therefore voted
the Sum of £6 to the Relief of our sd. unfortunate Bro. and
the same transmitted to you pr the Bearer hereof, Mr. Josp'h
Roby. * * *

Do us the Honour to Believe that ever(y) Member of
this Lodge has the Honour of Masonry at Heart and will on
all Occasions exert his utmost Faculties to promote the Royal
Art."

A little later on Philip Bass applied to Union Lodge for
assistance. As he was a resident of Boston or vicinity the
Brethren of Nantucket thought his application should have the
endorsement of the Grand Lodge, and Secretary Fanning so

* Phineas Fanning married Kezia Coffin, daughter of Kezia.

ii

informed the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, who agreed
with the principle, but added " if a Brother is known to be
needy and worthy it lays with the Lodge appealed to to take
action." The Brethren of Union Lodge at once replied, in-
closing £$* for Bro. Bass and £6 for the Charity Fund, the
letter being so full of the true spirit of the Craft, that, by order
of the Grand Lodge, the correspondence was made a matter of

record. t

December 27, 1773, the Lodge celebrated the Feast of St.
John the Evangelist, in accordance with the requirements of
the Charter.

September 5, 1774, the Lodge voted that Fellow Crafts
could be made members, unless they signified to the contrary.
This seems to have been in accordance with the general lack
of system common to the majority of Lodges about this time,
and continuing for many years, resulting in a relaxation of the
strict rules of Freemasonry. By the strict law of those days
and by the invariable practice as well as law of today a Mem-
ber of a Lodge must be a Master Mason ; careful attention
must be observed that the Lodge acting has jurisdiction over
a candidate ; business can be transacted in the Lodge only
when it is open on the Master Mason's Degree ; but one
Degree could be conferred on a candidate without an inter-
vening period of a calendar month, save by Dispensation ; and
but five candidates were allowed to receive a Degree in one
day ; but the practice of that day, and even up to a compara-
tively recent period, had become too lax, and the contrary
action was frequent. Indeed, it was only so late as 1864 that
the law regarding limiting the number of candidates to five for
a Degree on one day was rigidly enforced.

On December 28. 1774, Brother Christopher Hussey, Jr.,
Secretary, wrote to the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary :

" I am directed agreeable to our Deputation to inform the
Right Worshipfull the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge,
that in our Lodge preceding the Celebration of the Feast of
St. John the Evangelist, we proceeded to the Election of Offi-
cers for the Year ensuing ; when we made Choice of the Fol-

* As only the sum of ^3 14s. was collected for Bro. Bass and one
other at the meeting of the Grand Lodge Dec. 27, 1773, the contribution
of Union Lodge was more than creditable.

t Proceedings of Grand Lodge 1733-1792, p. 207.

12

lowing, viz't R. W. B. Timothy Folger Esq. Master, W. Bo.
Christopher Hussey Sen'r Treasurer ; and George Calder, S.
W., John Bearde, J. W. Nath'l Barrett, S. D., John Gardner,
J. D., and Silvanus Pinkhara and Jonathan Jenkins, Stewards.

On the 27th of Decemb'r we met at the Lodge Room to
celebrate the Feast of St. John, from whence we proceeded in
Procession to the Rev'd Mr. Shaw's Meeting House, where
the Beauties of Masonry, the infinite Profit & Advantage of
Brotherly Love & Unity, were learned])-, elegantly & politely
displayed in a Sermon, to a numerous and respectable Audi-
ence, b\ mir Brother Zebulon Puller,* the Subject whereof he
made, Psalm 133d, Verse 1st, " Behold how good and how
pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity." We
then pr< < eeded to a < onvenient place, where we dined together
as Brethren ; from whence we walked back to the Lodge Room
in Mas inic Procession ; the whole conducted with the great-
est order, decency & propriety.

We have opened a Subscription lor the Grand Fund of
Charity, but by reason of the precariousness of the Times have
thought proper to desist from collecting any money on that
head for the present. The Grand Lodge may be assured
of the exertion of the utmost of our Abilities to further all
such noble and generous Designs. I am also directed to in-
form you the number of our Members is Sixty-five ; which
increase very fast. God grant that neither Ambition, Lust of
Power, Faction, Discontent or any other Offspring of the fatal
Enemy of Masons may prevail to disunite the Hearts of Breth-
ren, or prevent the increase of L/nity, Love and Concord
amongst us, or in any other manner abate the Ardour, with
which I am your Affectionate Brother & hum'l Servant.

By order of the Right Worshipfull Master and Brethren,
Christopher Hussey, Jun'r Sec'y.

P. S. the R. W. and Brethren doth request the favour of
your inserting our Procession &c in the News Papers."

A regular attendance at the communications of the Lodge,
always enjoined on all Freemasons, was particularly impressed
in the early days of the Lodge, and we find by the records of
August 7, 1775, that it was " Voted that Broth'r Wm. Brock,
Sam'l Barrett & Chris'r Hussey be a Committee to Talk with
Bro Seth Jenkins and no the Reason, if he hath any, for Ab-
senting himself so long from the Lodge, and make then-
Report next Lodge night." At the following meeting Bro
Jenkins was reported to still hold " himself a member with a
Sincear Respect to the Craft and is Redy at all times to pay
up his arrears."

* Rev. Bro. Butler is described in the record as " Presbyterian."

i3

November 6, 1775, it was " Voted that Bro Josiah Coffin
and Christ. Husseyjr Doath purchase for the Lodge use a %
Cask of good Tenerife Wine." In December it is recorded
that Bro. Benjamin Bunker presented the Lodge with " two
Complet Ivory Tipt Roles and one Ivory Mallet." These
probably were the gavel of the Master and the truncheons of
the Wardens.

The Feast of St. John, the Evangelist, was observed on De-
cember 27th of that year with a dinner at Bro. Josiah Coffin's
at an expense of three shillings and sixpence each. The guests
on that occasion, as recorded, were " Rev. Mr Shaw, Mr Jo-
siah Coffin Esq'r, Ebenz'r Calef Esq, Mr. Geo Hussey, Mr.
Jona Coffin, Mr Edward Cary, and Capt Ilinmon from ye
W. Indies."

At a Communication held April 1, 1776, it was " Voted that
the word Intoxicated in the Article 19 in Book By Laws
should be eraist out — and to Enact, and that no Bro should
Presume to swear in the Lodge." It is a little uncertain
whether our ancient Brethren thought swearing a greater
offence than intoxication, or whether they believed there was
little danger that a Brother would so far forget the duty he
owed himself and the Lodge as to over-indulge in stimulants.

Cases of discipline were frequent. When Brethren had any
serious differences the matters were frequently referred to the
Lodge for settlement, and often were harmoniously and satis-
factorily adjusted.

July 9, 1776, it was voted to attend the funeral of Brother
Jethro Coffin " their to form & walk two by two in Brotherly
Respect to the Deceased." This is the first record in the
Lodge of a Masonic funeral.

By the latter part of 1776, we may conclude, from the rec-
ord, the strain of privation because of the War began to show
itself, as December 27th of that year a Committee was ap-
pointed to inquire " if their is any Bro's wife or family that
wants any Releafe."

There are several instances recorded in which the Lodge
voted to invest its funds in speculative ventures. Feb. 3d,
1777, a Committee was appointed to send ,£20 '-by several Ves-
sells over the Sea in Adventure for the Benefit of this Lodge
as they should think expedient." August 4, 1777, it was
voted to invest the funds in Boston " in one or more of the

14

Loan Office Tickets." February 27, 177S, it was voted to
send a sum to the West Indies by Brother Jona. Pinkham "as
an Adv'r for this Lodge."

The Lodge believed in practice as well as in preaching, as
for instance on April 7, 1777, when a Committee was ap-
pointed on the petition of two French gentlemen (" Both Fel-
lows of the Royal Craft "), mechanics, for assistance in getting
a building for their work, and patronage.

May 4. 1778, "Voted that the secretary Doath wright a
Letter in the Behalf of ye Lodge to Bro Nath Barber J r in
Boston to procure a man for the Releaf of Bo Andrew Brock
now Prisner in New York."

In the fall of 1778, the danger of hostile inclusions became
so imminent that on October 5 it was " Voted, their be a Com-
mittee of 3 Brothers viz. Bros Robert Folger, Bro Paul Pink-
ham & Obed Bunker are Chosen to take ye Greatest care of
the Chest of this Lodge & the furniture of ye same in case the
Enemy is in sight of us Hear."

October 14, 1778, it was "Voted that their be a Letter
wrote Down to Boston, to sum friend to liberte our Brothers
being now in Captivity on board ye Prison Shipp in New
York." It is evident that passive Masonry had no place in
the hearts of the older Brethren of Union Lodge — they be-
lieved it was " the friend in need " who was "the friend in-
deed."

April 15, 1779, another Committee was appointed to take
charge of the furniture "incase the enemy came." About
this time several Brethren demitted as they were about to re-
move from the island.

The distinction in value between specie and paper money is
apparent in the vote passed December 5, 1779, " that we dine
on St. John's Day at Mr Ichabod Aldridges with paying 15
Taper Dolls, each, we finding our own Liquors for that use if
ye have any." At the Feast on December 27, 1780, the price
paid for similar entertainment was 4 shillings 6 pence hard
money.*

It is evident that when the invasion of the Town by the

* One kind of money seems to be described in the records as " Jibb
hanks." It probably has reference to the nautical term, but in what was
the similarity, and what was the value?

15

Enemy came the Committee was vigilant, for at the Commu-
nication of December 5, 1779, the bill of Brothers Joseph and
James Coffin of 15 paper dollars for bringing the Lodge's chest
from O uaise was ordered to be paid.*

* The records of the Society of Friends show that the following
named Brethren were " disowned ": —

David Coffin, Jr., in 17S0, for going to sea in a prize vessel.

Jonathan Cartwright, in 17S0, for going to sea in an armed vessel.

Simeon Folger, in 17S0, for going to sea in an armed vessel.

Robert Folger, in 17S2, for going to sea with guns.

Reuben Gardner, Jr., in 1778, for going to sea in a prize vessel.

Alexander Gardner, Jr., in 17S2, armed vessel.

Paul Hussey, in 177S, for going to sea in an armed vessel.

Reuben Staibuck, in 17S1, for being with armed men.

The meagreness of records makes the task of determining who of
Nantucket were on America's side during the Revolution exceedingly
difficult. Enough is known, however, to show that large numbers of them
were taken prisoners by the English and many were adherents of the
cause of the Colonies. The following facts have been ascertained
regarding the Brethren of Union Lodge: William Ramsdell was mate of
the armed" brigantine Lucy ; George Bunker was captured by an English
privateer and confined on the Jersey prison ship ; Benjamin Bunker was
a prisoner on the same ship ; John Pinkham, Jethro Hussey and Capt.
Benj. Bunker were threatened with capture by the English and lied to a
house out of town, armed to defend themselves; Capt. William Mooers
was taken prisoner; Levi Gardner and William Cartwright were prison-
ers in New York on H. M. Ship Eagle ; Capt. Paul Hussey was commis-
sioned Commissary of Prisoners by the Council of Massachusetts Bay,
August 16, 1777, and went to New York in the schooner Speedwell and
effected the exchange of 25 American prisoners, among whom were the
following members of Union Lodge : Henry Tracy and Elias Coffin ;
Capt. Timothy Foigcr and three others were bearers of important dis-
patches in 1776; Levi Gardner and William Cartwright were prisoners
in New York in 1777 on II. M. Ship Eagle; in the list of those who
loaned money to the government between 1777 and 1779, compiled by
Mrs. Belle M. Draper, appear the names of Samuel Barrett, John Water-
man and Shubael Worth; in the list published as part of the Third
Report of the D. A. R. (56th Cong. Sen. Doc. 219) appear the names of
Benjamin Barnard, Jr., Nathaniel Barrett, Matthew Baird, George Bun-
ker, Joshua Bunker, George Calder, Jonathan Cartwright, Richard
Chadwick, Jonathan Colesworthy, Benjamin Chase, Timothy Folger, Reu-
ben Gibbs, Christopher Hussey, Christopher Hussey, Jr., Joseph Hussey,
Daniel Kelly, Josiah Marshall, Jethro Myrick, John Pinkham, Jonathan
Pinkham, Paul Pinkham, Henry Smith, Thomas Snow and David
Squire ; in the list of names published by authority of Abiah Franklin
Chapter, D. A. R., in 1897, of those whose descendants were eligible to
that society appear in addition the names of Benjamin Bunker, Joseph

i6

There ran be no doubt as to the patriotism of the Fraternity
in Nantucket during the troublous times of the Revolution
when it required courage for those so situated to be patriotic.
On January 5, 17S1, we find it recorded that the Lodge drank
a toast "to his Excilancy Geo Washington Grand Master of
America." At that time the Lodge met in Brother Jethro
Hussey 'a chambers. Where the first meetings were held is
largely a matter of conjecture. Brother Henry Paddack says
he was told by some of the older members, now passed away,
that the Lodge met for awhile in the house, recently torn
down, which stood in Brock's Court, in what is known as
Egypt. This building was formerly known as the "Arthur"
house, but several years ago was remodelled by Mr. Thomas
B. Field, into a mill, and latterl) was known as the "Thomas
B. Field Mill." The Lodge also met in a house which stood
in the narrow way called Coal Lane, between Union and South
Water streets, and just east of the office of the Wannacomet
Water Co.

February 0, 1782, it is recorded " Went through the open-
ing of the Lodge from an a prentice to a master in the
new forme which is practised by sending up ye word Gripp &
sign to Each steep to ye master."

During the early part of the year there had been some dis-
turbance in the friendly relations existing between Brother
Nathaniel Coffin and Worshipful Brother Timothy Folger, and
the Lodge had been called on several times to adjudicate the
difficulty. It evidently had become somewhat of a tax on the
patience oi the Brethren, for on August 7, 1782, they "Voted
that the matter of Difference of Dispute in accts betwixt Brs
Coffin & Folger be never more Laid before this Lodge after
this ; as the Lodge thinks they have done all they could con-
sistant to order the same."

On April 7, 1783, it was voted that visitors withdraw "when

Coffin, Nathaniel Coffin, Elias Coffin, James Chase 2d, John Gardner,
Thomas Gardner, Jr., jethro Hussey, Christopher Hussey,Seth Jenkins,
J"1"1 '<■■<•■• id Ray, Christopher Worth and Andrew Worth.

Information regarding the War of 1S1 2 is more meagre yet. The
sloop Yai Idack, was taken by the English and recaptured

by Capt. Daniel Hussey. Charles Hilburn, the pilot on the Prince of
Neufchatel, was the first one of her crew killed in her fight with the
British frigate Endymion in 1S14.

17

any Business concerning this Lodge or any member is call'd
in question. * * * Except it be by a Dispensation by the
master & two thirds of the members present."

The record of September I, 1783, says : " The Committee
chosen Last Setting to Treat w'h Br Win Worth, report that
the Adv'r which Br Worth Carred out was Laid out in flour
& was Taken & Lost."

On July 2, 1787, it was " Voted that there be a Flagg made
for the Lodge use to be hoisted on Lodge clays on Top of the
House where the Lodge is held."

"Voted a Committee to git the above Flagg made at ye
Lodge Expence & to there best judgement. Bros William
Coffin, Christ'r Hussey, Abner Coffin, assisted by Joseph Cof-
fin & Zebulon Butler lo Compleated by next mo & sett the
day before Lodge Night."

August 6, 17S7, it is recorded: "The Flagg made & sett
this Day for the intended purpass of notifying the Brothers
that it is Lodge Night."

At the Feast of St. John, December 27, 1787, Mrs. Mar-
garet Coffin furnished the dinner at 2 shillings each ; 18
Brothers and 4 visitors dined.

April 2, 1792, the Lodge elected to receive the Degrees
" Edw'd D. Burke a schoolmaster from Ireland, Residing in
this Town at present."

Illustrative of the custom of this time to take candidates ir-
respective of residence, as well as of a departure from the
strict practice of today as to payment for the Degrees the rec-
ord of August 6, 1792, may be cited. It says : " A candidate

Mr. is Postponed from this Night to Look into

his caracter, if found good & he will call a Lodge at his Ex-
pense to be at Voted the Sectary Looks into the above candi-
date & proceeds according as he may find either calls ye Lodge
or let it pass & to see his Spirrits be good which he offers in
pay for his Initiation."*

The occasional entry on the records of the purchase of
" skins for aprons " shows our ancient Brethren bought the
iamb-skins whole and made their aprons from them, instead of
purchasing them all made, as is the present practice.

March 4, 1793, the Lodge impowered Brother Benjamin

* Masonic law of today requires cash in hand rather than promissory
notes or baiter.

Walcutt to purchase of Alexander Gardner his new store on
the best terms for the Lodge., Arrangements were made by
which the Lodge purchased the building, paying $200 on the

deliver}- of the dc<:x], and $200 annually until $400 and inter-
est were paid. This store, Brother Paddack says, was located
en Washington street, near the site now used as a stable.*

April 1, 1793, ill'' Lodge voted to have an Iron Stove lor the
new Lodge room, and July 1 met in its new quarters for the
first tmic. September 2 it was "Voted that the Lodge
should pay unto lio Jelhro Hus^ey six Dollars.'. for his Labour
& Stuff to Pennell tl e Lodge Chamber all around ye Room in
Good order and as high up as is Necessary & as soon as he
conveniantly can Compleat s'd Work & the Paper to be on
before ye n< xt Lodge."

December 4, 1793, the Lodge passed a vote of thanks " to
Bro Sam'l linker Jr for a pair of Decanters & a straw of
Glasses." On the 27th of the sime month it was " Voted the
Tli inks of ye Lodge to bz Return'd to Mr Edw'd Gary by Bo
S.im'l Barrett, for .1 stick of Timber for the Billows of s'd
Lodge." To those not familiar with Masonic nomenclature it
may be cxpl lined th it what is meant is the three pillars of the
Lodge at the stations of the Master and Wardens.

[une 2, 1794, the Lodge passed unanimously a vote of thanks
'• to Brother Timothy llorselield for a Generous Present of a
Fountain Lamp."

September 7, 1795, the Secretary was instructed to send to
Philadelphia or New York for an iron stove, without pipe, and
about the size of the present one. This stove was delivered
and installed in time for the November communication. We
may perhaps infer that stoves were not in such demand at that
time as to warrant any merchant in keeping any considerable
-buk.

The Brethren continued to keep diligent watch that those
things which were intended for the purposes of refreshment
were not converted into vehicles of intemperance and excess,
and November 2, 1795, a Committee was appointed to confer

with Bro. " respecting his misconduct in abusing

himself with making use two freely of Strong Drink." At the

* There was a store on the ground floor, occupied at various times
l>v Albert Gardner, Timothy Horsfield, Thomas Coffin, Jr., Micajah
Coffin & Sons, and again by Timothy Horsfield.

19

communication of December 14, the Brother denied that he
was intoxicated, but was " taken with cramp & could prove it "
to the satisfaction of the Committee. If anyone has fondly
imagined that suggestion was a recent invention the records
of Union Lodge prove its use over a century ago. Verily,
" there is nothing" new under the sun."

July 4, 1796. it is recorded that the Lodge paid Brother John
Pinkham for " bill for the Officers Ribbons," £4.18.0. These
probably were the regalia collars for the officers. November
7 of the same year it was " Voted the Thanks of the Lodge to
Bro'r Wilson Rawson for a hansom Cup presented this Night
by him with the mason's Armes on it." At the Feast of St.
John the Evangelist that year the dinner was served in the
■Lodge room by Mrs. Lydia Long, formerly the Widow Cole-
man, at 6 shillings each. The oration was delivered in the
Presbyterian meeting-house by Brother Leonard, and it was
voted to have the address printed.*

Union Lodge was not exempt from the exceeding ill-feeling
and acrimony stirred up over the robbery of thet Nantucket
Bank, and which so thoroughly permeated insular life for many
years, but prompt and diplomatic measures were taken to sup-
press any participation of the Lodge as an organization in any
part of the unfortunate affair, for in January, 1797, in the mat-
ter of a complaint of Brother Jethro Hussey against Brother
Abner Coffin, it is recorded that " The Committee reports that
they have treated with the above named Brothers & heard all
that could be said by them on the subject. We cannot think
that this Lodge hath anything to do with disputes on Bank
matters."

April 5, 1797, a Committee was appointed to "Treat with
Bro Sam'l Calder who has Lately come to the Island from his
Captivity " and see if he needs relief.

The record of September 4, 1797, says : "A Letter from
Bro Paul Rever of Boston dated 27 Angus informing us of our
situation in the Grand Lodge as being Look on as a Clandes-
tine Lodge by us Held, by not acting consistent to the Regu-
lations of the G. Lodge, the above Letter was Read to ye
Lodge & under consideration Voted for the Secretary to Right
Bro Paul Revear on the Receipt of his Letter informing him

*One hundred and fifty copies were printed, of which Rev. Bro-
Leonard received 100 and the Lodge 50.

20

that further Order will be taken by the Lodge hereafter.

Voted a committee to Look into the above Letter and to
frame an answer lor the purpass to be sent forward to the
Grand Lodge, after the approbation of ye Lodge next month.*
On October 2, the Committee reported a letter saying in
substance that Union Lodge did not care "to become a part
of the Grand Lodge for a Number of Reasons to us." This
letter was read twice and then ordered to be sent.

Briefly stated, this was the situation : St. John's Grand
Lodge, under which Union Lodge was chartered, was insti-
tuted in 1733, under authority of the Grand I ,odge of England.
An unfortunate, and lor a time a serious, schism arose among
the Masons of the Mother country soon after 1750, the seced-
ers claiming a more strict adherence to the old landmarks and
calling themselves Ancient Masons, and termingthe adherents
ot theparent Lodge Moderns. In this country the sympathiz-
ers with the so-called Ancients organized the Massachusetts
Grand Lodge in 1769, under authority of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland. The lines between the rival Grand Lodges in the
Colony of the Massachusetts Bay were sharply drawn, and for
a long time they refused to have any intercourse with each
other. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War the
desirability of having but one Grand Lodge became so appar-
ent that in 1792 the union of the two was effected, under the
name of "The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient & Hon'ble
Society of Free & Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts." Our Most Worshipful Brother Paul
Revere, before the union, was a prominent member of the
Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and it seems quite evident that
the feeling against that Grand Lodge and its adherents was a
long time in subsiding with the Brethren of Union Lodge.

Those Lodges that did not view with favor the union natu-
rally were lax in paying their dues, and in June, 1793, the
Grand Secretarv was directed to write to those Lodges that
were in arrears and impress upon them the necessity of imme-
diate payment. September 9, 1795, a Committee was appointed

♦Several Falmouth Brethren desired a Warrant for a Lodge, and, in
accordance with the provisions of the Grand Constitutions, asked the
recommendation of Union Lodge. The Nantucket Brethren declined to
acton account of their non-affiliation with the Grand Lodge, and sent a
letter to the Falmouth Brethren explaining the situation.

21

to write to the Lodges that were still delinquent, and inform
them that any Lodge not represented in the Grand Lodge and
in arrears more than twelve months shall have no Masonic
standing in the Commonwealth. This, of course, carried with
it the deprivation of any right to visit or to be visited, and
virtually was Masonic excommunication. On March 13, 1797,
three Lodges still holding aloof, the Grand Lodge, with an
extreme leniency, " Voted that a Committee be appointed to
write to the Lodges held at Marblehead, Nantucket and
Truro." The Committee appointed were the Most Worship-
ful Grand Master, Paul Revere, and Brothers Dunn, Dennie
and Edwards. Evidently it was this letter that was referred
to in the records of Union Lodge of September 4 and Octo-
ber 2.

September 13, 1797, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
passed this vote : " The Grand Lodge will not hold Communi-
cation or correspondence with or admit as Visitors any Masons
residing in this State * * * who do not by their Repre-
sentatives, communicate, and pay their Dues to this Grand
Lodge."

Whether the various means of lighting the apartments had
proved unsatisfactory or not is uncertain, but August 15, 1798,
it was voted to put ventilators in the east side of the Hall
chamber, and to fix the windows to drop two or three inches on
the west and north sides, and September 3 it was "Voted That
the Lodge is for the filter supployed with spalm candles."

In 1799 some of the Brethren appear to have been imbued
with a spirit of frivolity which the majority did not approve,
for October 7 of that year the Lodge "Voted that the Hall be
made no use of for any other purpose but for Masonry."

Trie following interesting vote is recorded under date of
January 6, 1800, "A Committee of 5 Brothers to strike out
some mode a shewing a Respect to our Deceas'd Bro Gen'l
Geo Washington & to report on ye adjournment for approba-
tion," Bros. William Coffin, Benjamin Wallcut, Wilson Raw-
son, Edward Cary, Jr;, and Josiah Coffin, Esq., were appointed.
There is no way of knowing what the report was, for it is
not on record, but on the following evening it was read and
amended by adding that besides putting the Master's chair in
mourning, those of the Wardens should also be draped, at the
expense of the Lodge ; "and that Each Brother to have his own

Expence of Dicoration." On the same evening it was "Voted

that the Eye be [tainted over the West Doar and the words
set in Lattin, God said let there he Light and there was
it." The Lodge continued in mourning until April.

September 7, 1801, " Voted the Thanks of the Lodge to our
absent Bro'r Henry Barnard for two Cream Collard Pitchers
Lettered Nantucket Union Lodge No, 5 sent to us."

At this date the differences with the Grand Lodge had not
yet been harm nixed. Some further communication must
have been received by our Nantucket Brethren, but what it
was does not appear either by the records of the Grand Lodge
or those of Union Lodge. Under date of November 2, 1901,
we find the following recorded by the local body — "This Lodge
is clos'd to thursday night next for the purpass of investigat-
ing the matter on the Grand Lodge Regulations." At the
meeting on Thursday evening it was " Voted, that we come
under the direction & inspection of the Grand Lodge in Bos-
ton, Voted a Committee of 3 Brothers viz William Coffin,
Benj'n Walcutt & Edw'd Cary Jr is the committee to Draw a
Letter to said Grand Lodge the same to be Deliv'd & carred
Forw'd by Bro Benj'n Wallcutt and to see what is Necessary
to be done for this union Lodge No. 5, coming under the di-
rection of ye G'd Lodge." On the 27th of the same month
the Lodge heard the report of its Committee and directed the
Secretary to send a list of the officers and the number of mem-
bers to the Grand Lodge.

The records of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge f r De-
cember 14, [801, say : "A petition from the Officers and Mem-
bers of Union Lodge No. 1 at Nantucket, under a Charter
granted by the M. Worshipful John Rowe, former Grand
Master— was prefer'd to this Grand Lodge for a Union there-
with by submitting to its Jurisdiction— and also praying that
their Charter may be endorsed confirming the sane : The
meritts and design of the same being fairly discussed & mate-
rially consider'd it was Voted -unanimously to grant the
prayer of the Petitioners." Thus after nearly ten years so-
journing in the Wilderness the Brethren again were gathered
into the Promised Land. At its Communication of February
18, 1S02, Union Lodge passed a vote of thanks to Brother
Samuel W. Hunt for Ids assistance in getting the Charter en-
dorsed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, and appointed

23

him Proxy to represent the Lodge at the Communications of
the Grand Lodge, and on March 8, Bro. Hunt was formally
recognized as such at the Quarterly Communication of the
Grand body. In that capacity lie presentee! at that time a
petition from the Brethren of Union Loc'ge, "praying that the
name of that Lodge, latt.lv designated by the Grand Master as
No. i may be changed to No. 5," which prayei was -ranted.*

On March 13, 1802, the Lodge "Voted that we purchase
the piece of land between Esq'r Hammatts & Doct Gelston's
houses, belonging to Wm. Rotch, for which he asks $1200."
It was also voted to build a Mason's hall on the said land.
This was the location just west of the Pacific Bank building,
and the building now standihg there is the one which was
erected. On the 24th of June following, at 12 o'clock Noon,
the Lodge laid the corner-stone for the new building with
appropriate Masonic services, and following the ceremony
forty-two Brethren observed the day, which was the anniver-
sary of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, with a dinner, t

December 27, 1802, the Lodge marched to the Congrega-
tional meeting-house, where a sermon was preached by Rev.
James Gurney, which proved so satisfactory that, on February
jo following, the Lodge voted to present him a "beaver hatt
for his services on the 27th of December Last."

* It is not clear at this time why Union Lodge was numbered 1, as
there were several which had precedence in age, at least nine in Massa-
chusetts under the united Grand Lodges. In September (10) 1S04, how-
ever, at a Quarterly Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge, a Committee reported that on account of great inconveniences
having asisen through numerical arrangement of Lodges, " that all Num-
bers now existing in the designation of Lodges shall be abolished."
This report was unanimously accepted.

t Those present were " R. W. Master James Coffin, Sen'r Warden
Richard Cary, Jun'r Wdn. Sam'l Cary, Treas. Wm. Coffin, Seer. Peter
Hussey, Sen'r Deacon Benj'n Brown, Jun'r Deacon John Hammatt,
Stewards John Pinkham & John Gardner, Tyler John Bunker, Robert
Folger, David Worth, David Swain, John Monroe, Abisha Lumbert,
Nicholas Meader, Nath'l Barrett, E. Cary, Jun'r, Uriah Bunker, John
Brown, Wm. Brown, Shubael Coffin, Zopher Hayden, Andrew Coleman,
Timo Folger, John Brock, Jr., Daniel Allen, Hugh Wyer, Josiah Coffin,
Jethro Hussey, Jonathan Mooers, Able Rawson, John Fitch, Henry
Riddle, Hoziah Roberts, Sam'l Barker, John Allen, Benj. Coffin, Caleb
Bunker, Benj'n Slade, Josiah Barker. Jun'r, Joseph C. Smith." The new
hall was insured for $1200. In the records of the early part of 1804 a
Mr. Buel and Bro. Josiah Clarke are spoken of as schoolmasters.

24

The records of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for De-
cember 10, 1804, show that 'Union Lodge was in the 12th
Masonic District, and that Right Worshipful William Coffin
was commissioned its first District Deputy Grand Master.

November 4, 1805, it was " Voted that the Image on top of
the Hall be painted & where the water Issues through be put-
ted ;" also voted " the Corner stone be removed out into full
View." On the 2ist of the same month it was voted to have
Rev. Mr. Gurney preach the sermon on St. John's day, and to
have music in the procession, if any could be had ; also to have
a new carpet painted.* On St. John's day, Rev. Mr. Gurney,
then Rev. Brother Gurney, preached the sermon. Members
of Washington Remembered Lodge of New Bedford, which
was instituted the previous summer, were present by invitation,
and the dinner was participated in by sixty-five Brethren.

There seems about this time to have arisen a question as to
whether candidates in taking the obligations must be sworn,
or could be allowed to affirm. The Grand Lodge records of
March 10, 1806, referring to this subject, say : "A motion was
brought forward by R. W. Henry M. Lisle, to ascertain this
question, "Whether an affirmation by that part of Society
which profess the Religion of the Quakers, or Friends, if to be
admitted into a Lodge, would be conceived by the Gd. Lodge
equal to the Oaths & Obligations usually administer'd at a
Making, which after much Conversation and canvassing was
Concluded to be equally so ; but for reasons adduced, it was on
motion Voted, to be most eligible to refer the Subject, for
farther consideration, to the next Q'y Communication." (tine
9 it was voted to submit the question to " M. W. Timothy
Bigelow, R. W. Simon Elliot, and such of the R. W. District
Deputy Grand Masters as can be most readily consulted, and
that they Report to the Grand Lodge — soon as may be." At
the Quarterly Communication September 8 the following
action was taken : " In pursuance of a vote of the G'd Lodge
at the last Q'y Communication submitting the Question to his
decision, it pleased the M. W. G'd Master to give his Opinion
—that with respect to such Candidates, for Initiation and
other Degrees, as have conscientious Scruples about taking
an Oath the act of Affirmation is equally Valid as Swearing, in

Referring to what is Masonically known as the "Master's Carpet."

25

receiving the Obligations of Masonry." There were very few
Lodges in Massachusetts affected by this decision, none to
anything like the degree that Union Lodge was.

May 5, 1806, the Lodge "Voted, their be a Committee of
five to looke into the business respecting Br Chris Folgers
confinement in France & see what measures will be best to
procure his Liberty." "Voted Br Wm Coffin, Rich'd Cary,
James Gurney, Jethro Hussey & Benj Bunker be of this Com-
mittee." "Voted, the Committee above proceed with Br
Peleg Bunker as with Br Folger."

In November of the same year some kind friend or Brother
presented the Lodge with a chandelier to take the place " of
Lamp now hanging."

The boys of the day must in their generation have been quite
as mischievous as those of the present, for on December 4,
1806, it was " Voted that Mr Ebnr Fitch be Requested to take
Care of the Boys on St. John's day."

The question of refreshments was one which seemed to be a
source of considerable anxiety. In accordance with the almost
universal custom of the time, some kind of spirituous liquor
usually formed a portion of the repast. The difficulty arose
mainly from the tendency of a few to indulge themselves be-
yond the point of temperance. In 1807, a Committee consist-
ing of Right Worshipful John Brock, then District Deputy
Grand Master, Rev. Brother James Gurney, Worshipful
Brother Timothy Folger, Brother William Cobb and Worship-
ful Brother Peter Hussey, was appointed to consider the
subject, and on March 5 they made their report, which recom-
mended " Refreshments of wine, Spirits, Crackers and Cheese
on Each Regular Lodge Night, — any former Vote to the Con-
trary notwithstanding ; each member to pay 25 cents each
regular Lodge night ; each visiting Brother to pay 37^2 cents
each night "provided they Stay at the Lodge untill Called from
Labour to Refreshment"; no member or visitor to be admitted
into the Steward's room (except the Stewards) "on any" pre-
tence whatever." This report was accepted and adopted.

June 1, 1807, the Lodge "Voted, that there be two paper
blinds put at the North windows below."

June 24. "Voted, that those gentlemen that petitioned to
meet at this Hall on the 4th of July to form their prossession
be Admitted."

26

September 7. Brother John Gardner was made the first
Honorary Member.

I December 7, the Lodge refused for obvious reasons to allow
,m Evening School in the Hall.

February 12, 1808, the Lodge voted to attend the funeral of
their late Brother, Jethro Hussey, the following day.

October 28, 1808, " Voted that there be no Song Sung in the
Lodgeon Lodge Meeting Except a Masonack Song." "Voted
that there be three Books purchased for the use of the Lodge
that Contains the best Selections of Masonac Songs."

December 27, 1809, Rev. Brother Seth F. Swift delivered
the address appropriate to the day in the " New South Con-
gregational Meeting House.* It is recorded that after the
exercises and dinner, the members "Sunga Song Told a Story
and Enjoyed our Selves with a glass of wine and a pipe of To-
bacco, then Cal'dto Labour and Instol'd the officers."

April 6, 1 810, Voted to allow the Committee of the New
South Congregational Church the use of " the Lodge Room to
Dine in on the Day that Brother Swift is ordained."

The record of August 20, 1810, has a particularly educational
interest. On that occasion it was " Voted that the Report of
the Committee that was chosen the Last Lodge Nightf to
draw up Sum plan Respecting the appropriation of the Schools
Rooms be Accepted which is as follows, — that a Certain
Number of Members of this Lodge has Subscribed to form an
Assosiation to found a free Masons Schools the Rules of
which is to be Sanctioned by the Lodge that it may be De-
nomanated a free Masons School. Voted, that when the Asso-
ciation has fixt on the Rules and Regulations of S'd School
and have them Approbated by the Lodge then the Standing
Committee that was Chosen to have the Care of Letting S'd
Schools Rooms be Instructed to give the above Association
the preference of s'd Rooms for the Same Rent as they are

*Rev. Bro. Seth F. Swift was Raised Jan. 1, 1S10. The bill of fare
on St. John's Day, iSo<), was " Plum, Apple and plain puddings ; Raked,
boiled and corned beef, legs of pork, Ham, Tongue, Roast Turkey,
Ducks, chickens and Shoat; Vegetables and pickles suitable. Table
drinks Beer and Cider." The expense was 5 shillings 6 pence each.

t Bros. Seth F. Swift, Wm. Nichols, Wm. Coffin, John Brock, Jr.,
and Wver Swain.

27

Now Rented for Accept it Should be a Vote of the Lodge to
alter." There is no further reference to this subject in the
Lodge records, and we are left in the dark as to how the en-
terprise terminated.

December 27, 1810, the discourse was delivered by Brother
Cyrus Peirce, the first High School teacher on Nantucket, and
prayers were offered by Rev. Brothers Gurney and Swift.
The dinner was furnished by Miss Ann Hatch at $1.00 each.

Early in 181 1, it was voted that the Trustees of the School
Room be allowed the use of the Hall for an exhibition Febru-
ary 22. Whether this was commemorative of Washington's
Birthday or merely a coincidence does not appear.

August 5, 181 1, a meeting was " Cal'd for the purpose of
Granting a Donation to a brother mason by the Name of John
Rose from Germany who petitioned on account of Relieving
Sum Brother Masons in Algiers."*

March 8, 1820, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel
P. P. Fay, in stating the condition of all the Lodges in the
jurisdiction, said—" In the 12th Masonic District there are but
two Lodges only, "Union"- at Nantucket, and "King Solo-
mons in Perfection " Holmes Hole, the former highly respect-
able in its Character and punctual in all its engagements to the
Grand Lodge."

Soon after this, about 1827, the Anti-Masonic crusade began,
occasioned by the always unexplained disappearance of a dis-
solute man named Morgan. Nantucket did not escape that
frenzy which drew into its vortex men of all classes and opin-
ions, and which even became a dominating factor in partisan
politics. Brother Samuel H. Jenks vigorously fought the cal-

* Among the votes passed by the Lodge about this time was one in
Dec. 6, 1813, for a Committee chosen to "have the Care of the School
Rooms to Let them and Collect the Rent also to manage the Water
Closet and have a Conductor in the Same." (This is noted as being
an early use of this term.) Aug. 6, 1S19, Recommendation for Seven
Stars Lodge to be held at Edgartown. Dec. 6, 1S19, Granting the
use of the Hall to the First Cong'l Society to dine in Dec. 15.
Mar. 20, 1829, Leasing the East School Room to the Franklin School
Assoc'n one quarter at £25 per year, Mar. 1, 1820, making Samuel H.
Jenks a member "free of expense." Bro. Jenks had presented the Lodge
with a portrait of Thomas S. Webb.

The records mention Rev. Bro. John W. Hardy (Methodist) in iStS.
Rev. Bro. Eph. Randall in 1819, and Rev. Nathan Brown Ashcroft being
mentioned for the Degrees in 1820.

28

Limnious statements made against Freemasonry through the
columns of the Nantucket Inquirer, but many a Lodge surren-
dered its Charter, and many a timid Mason hid his colors when
the storm raged most Fiercely. For several years prior to 1832
Union I .odge suffered a steady loss in its membership, although
it continued to be represented in the Grand Lodge by its
proxy, Right Worshipful Brother David Parker, of Boston*
For several years following 1831 no District Deputy Grand
Masters were appointed for several districts, among which was
the 12th, in which Union Lodge was apportioned. March 5,
[832, a proposition was made to amend the Lodge By-Laws so
as to provide for quarterly instead of monthly Communica-
tions. The following year, November 4, 1833, it was voted to
"raise a committee to take into consideration the situation of
the Lodge property, with liberty to take legal advice on the
subject and report at some future meeting, and that the com-
mittee be further authorized to recommend such disposition of
the property as they may deem desirable." The Committee
reported December 19 of the same year. What that report
recommended cannot now be ascertained, but, whatever it was,
it was rejected by a vote of 7 to 5, the smallness of the vote
being an eloquent testimony of the extremity to which the
Lodge was reduced in its membership. Continued attempts
were made to arrange the Lodge's affairs to prepare for any
possible contingency, and finally on the 8th of December, 1835,
the real estate was conveyed conditionally to the Trustees of
the Coffin School. At the same time the By-Laws were
amended so to provide for annual Communications instead of
monthly ones.t

The Lodge continued paying its dues to the Grand Lodge, as
api tears from the records. At the Quarterly Communication
of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge March 10, 1841, a peti-
tion purporting to come from the Lodge was presented asking
for a remission of the dues. This was referred to a Committee
who, on June 9, reported that the petition seems to have
emanated from a Brother individually, and without the author-

* Freemasonry was at a very low ebb at this time all over the coun-
try. For a particular statement see the " History of Free Masonry and
Concordant Orders."

t The Lodge continued to meet annually until Feb. 7, 1842.

2Q

ity of the Lodge, and, on recommendation of the Committee,
no further action was taken on it.

But the transfer of the real estate belonging to the Lodge to
the Trustees of the Coffin School did not pass unnoticed by the
Grand Lodge. The transfer does not seem to have received
any attention from the Grand Lodge until after the Great
Fire of 1846. Soon after the disposition of their property the
Lodge removed to a room in the old Athenasum building, occu-
pying these quarters from May, 1835, until the building was
destroyed in the Great Fire. The records show that on July
22, 1846, a Communication was held, said to have been called
in their former quarters west of the Bank, then occupied by the
Odd Fellows. The record goes on to say — " On motion of Bro
Elisha Starbuck — Voted that we address the Gr Lodge, stating
to them our situation, and praying for relief, and request them
to grant us a Charter, as ours was burned at the late Fire. On
motion of Bro. John Brock— Voted that we raise a Committee
to draft a memorial to the Gr. Lodge stating to them the con-
dition of Union Lodge. Voted that Bros. Sam'l H. Jenks,
Chas Brown and Benj Brown be the above committee. Voted
to adjourn to this place tomorrow evening at half past seven
o'clock."*

"At an adjourned meeting of Union Lodge held on Thurs-
day evening July 23, 1846, * * * Rec'd and acted on the
report of the committee that was chosen last evening to memo-
rialize the Gr. Lodge. Closed at 9 o'clock."

The Memorial was as follows :

" To the officers and members of the M. \V. Gr. Lodge of the
State of Massachusetts —

This memorial of the officers and members of Union Lodge
in Nantucket respectfully represents that in consequence of
the late dreadful calamity, by which a large portion of the
business part of the town has been reduced to ashes ; the mem-
bers aforesaid feel it incumbent on them to lay before your
Most Worshipful body a statement of our losses, and implore

* The Lodge was opened and the business transacted on the Entered
Apprentice Degree. From July 22, 1846, until Nov. 2 the Lodge met in
its former hall, west of the Pacific Bank building, then occupied by the
Odd Fellows. Then it was removed into the hall in the building of the
Commercial Insurance Co. In Jan., 1863, it was again removed to Sher-
burne-Hall on Center street, and in 1890 it removed once more, occupying
its present quarters.

30

such aid as you in your sympathy may find it proper to bestow ;
and first as regards our Lodge ;«the room in which we met and
which we had fitted up at an expense of some four hundred
dollars, was wholly destroyed with all its contents, having been
unable to save anything except our Records and Jewels ; again
a large portion of our members are directl) sufferers by the
Fire to a greater or less degree, some losing their whole prop-
erty and being literally turned into the streets — We therefore
recpiest that you will grant us a renewal of our Charter, for un-
less we contin :e to meet statedly as Union Lodge, we shall be
liable to use what funds we have, and which are so invested
that if the Lodge becomes extinct they will pass beyond our
reach and control.* We would further ask such pecuniary
aid as you may feel disposed to grant — however small will be
most gratefully received by your afflicted brethren.
In behalf of Union Lodge, Nantucket

Samuel i I. Jenks }

Benj Brown -Committee

Charles Brown )

P. S. It is requested that an answer may be sent immedi-
ately as wo wish authority to work until our Charter may be
renewed, which bore date A. L. 5771."

This petition was presented to the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge at the Quarterly Communication in September and re-
ferred to a Committee consisting of Bros. Hammatt, Bradford,
Rogers, Loring and Hobart, who reported verbally in favor of
granting a new Charter, but asked for more tune to more fully
consider the subject, which was granted. At the Annual
Communication, December 9, still further time was given. On
March 10, ib'47, the Committee made the following report,
which was adopted :

"The Com to whom was referred the petition of Union
Lodge, Nantucket, have since the last report examined into
the affairs o! said Lodge and find that during the dark period
of Anti-Masonic excitement, they were the owners of a build-
ing valued at about $2,000, which was held by Trustees.

In 1833 the number of Trustees was reduced to two, and the
number of the members of the Lodge was greatly diminished.
Very justly apprehending that in case the surviving Trustees
should be taken away, or the Lodge be disbanded their inter
est in the building would be lost to the1 Fraternity— and there
being no power in theGr. Lodge to hold real estate, the breth-

* Sec report of Committee of the M. \V. Grand Lodge, March 10,
1857.

3i

ren came to the conclusion, after mature deliberation, that
they should best discharge their duty, by conveying the prop-
erty to the Coffin School Corporation— This was accordingly
done in Dec. 1835, and in terms which your Com. believe to be
just and equitable.

The Lodge relinquishes to the School, one fourth part of the
interest arising from the funds, for and in considerati n of the
privilege of admission to the School, of the orphan children of
deceased Masons on the Island, on the same terms as the chil-
dren of the Coffin family are received, an,: the Trustees of the
School further engage to pay to the Lodge the remaining
three fourths of the interest arising from the funds— So far all
is well— But the Lodge has gone one step farther, and made
the Coffin School Corporation the residuary legatee in case
the Lodge should ever be disbanded. This places the funds
forever beyond the reach of the Gr Lodge, and here is the
great erroi of the transaction.

The Lodge did not masonically or morally possess the right
to make such a conveyance, ft was done in violation of estab-
lished Masonic usage, and meets with the severest reprobation
of your Com.

They are however disposed to believe, that if the Lodge had
been correctly informed on the subject, or if there had been a
written provision in the then Constitution of the G.Lodge, the
offending brethren would not have been guilty of so flagrant
a violation of their Masonic obligations.

Your Com. are therefore disposed to regard it as a sin of
ignorance, rather than of perverseness, and as such to overlook
it. They would require repentance, were it possible for the
offenders to manifest that in a restitution of the property to
its legitimate source — but this cannot now be done. They
therefore recommend that the Lodge be permitted to retain
its Charter, until otherwise ordered by this G. Lodge.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

(Signed) John B. Hammatt,*
C. B. Rogers,
Enoch Hob art,
John J. Loring."

Reading between the lines, and remembering that the of-
fence was committed only after securing what was presumed
to be sound advice, and really seems after all to be admittedly
an ex post facto one, we may reasonably infer that the strong
language was rather as a preventive of future acts than as a
censure of what already had occurred.

* R. W. Bro. Hammatt was for several years proxy for Union Lodge
iu the Grand Lodge. He became Junior and Senior Grand Warden, and
in 1844 was Deputy Grand Master.

32

For several years special Deputies were appointed for some
Lodges instead of District Deputies, as the Lodges retaining
their Charters were few and scattered. Right Worshipful
Brother Benjamin Brown, for several years a District Deputy,
was assigned to this duty for Union Lodge, and served in that
capacity from 1850 until 1857, when the office was abolished.*

In 1856 the Lodge had begun to recover from the effects of
the Anti-Masonic crusade, and that year there were six
Initiates. During the following year Most Worshipful John T.
Heard, Grand Master, visited every chartered Lodge in Mas-
sachusetts, lie visited Union Lodge July 4, and reported
that on that occasion there were present " Bro. Brown and 27
Brethren." This was very nearly the full strength of the
Lodge at the timet December 14, Right Worshipful Isaac
P. Seavey, Special Grand Lecturer, visited the Lodge. He
reported that he remained there five days giving instructions
"with good success, though more lecturing here would be
beneficial." December 18, [858, Righl Worshipful Sylvester
Baxter, District Deputy Grand Master for the 8th District, re-
ported,— " Union Lodge, Nantucket, are in fair circumstances,
so far as I can learn ; they have been gaining of late, and I
think if they would take a little more interest in the affairs of
the Lodge, and be sine to be represented in the Grand Lodge,
they would become highly prosperous. Their initiations have
been three the past year." In December, 1859, Right Wor-
shipful Brother Baxter reported: " I commence with Union
Lodge, of Nantucket, it being the oldest Lodge in my District.

*The early District Deputy Grand Masters to Union Lodge were:
1S04-5-6, Win. Collin ; 1807 to [812, John Brock; 1813-14-15, Peter Hus-
sey: 1816-17, Nathaniel Barrett; 1818-19-20, Hezekiah B. Gardner;
i82i,SethF. Swift; 1822 to 1825, Elisha Starbuck; 1826-7, Samuel H.
Jenks. The Lodge was represented nearly every year in the Grand
Lodge, though not at eveiy communication, some Boston Brother usually
being chosen as proxy. The representatives as recognized by the Grand
Lodge, as appears by the records, were: 1S02, Bro. Samuel Wells Hunt ;
1S04-4, Bro. John Brock; 1S05 to about [811, Bro. John B. Hammatt;
1S12 to '15, Rev. Bro. Seth Foster Swift ; 1816 to iSiv, Bro. Joshua Si-
monds; 1820, Bro. Samuel H. Jenks; 1S21 to '41, Bro. David Parker;
is,s, Bro. George M. Thacher; 1S51, Bro. William C. Starbuck: 1S53-
4-5, Bro. Hugh II. Tuttle; 1S57. Bro. Thomas Restieaux ; 1 861, Bro.
Benjamin Brown: [862, Bro. A. J. Morton.

t The total membership Dec, 1857, was 47.

33

There are but six older Lodges in the State, in fact, the date
of its charter being 1771 . It is in a good, healthy condition ;
has had fourteen initiates this last year."

July 17, 1863. the Lodge was particularly favored, receiving
as guests the Most Worshipful Grand Master William Park-
man, accompanied by Right Worshipful Brothers Charles C.
Dame, Deputy Grand Master ; Charles W. Moore, Recording
Grand Secretary; Bro. Gardner, District Deputy Grand Master
for the 3d District; Bro. Stratton, Grand Marshal; and Bro.
Gay, Grand Tyler.

The next important event in the history of Union Lodge
and the one which concludes this narration of it, occurred in
1 871, when it celebrated with much pomp and circumstance
its 100th anniversary. On that occasion was organized a Lodge
of Sorrow for the deceased Brethren, an extremely rare Ma-
sonic event.*

The first attempted break from the parent Lodge occurred
Jul)- 1, 1820, when the records of Union Lodge reported as
follows : " Read the Petition of the Under named Brethren to
the Grand Lodge of Mass. to form a Lodge in this Town by
the name of Pacific. R. W. Josiah Hussey 1st Master; W.

* The Secretaries of Union Lodge have been: William Johnson,
from organization to Jan. 1772 ; Phineas Fanning, from Jan. 1772 to Jan.
1775; Christopher Hussey, from Jan. 1775 to Jan- 1 794 : Abner Coffin,
from Jan. 1704 to Jan. 1795 • Christopher Hussey, Jr., from Jan. 1795 to
Jan. 1S02; Peter Hussey, from Jan. 1802 to Dec. 1804; John Brock, Jr.,
from Dec. 1S04 to Jan. 1807; James Coffin, from Jan. 1807 to Jan. 1816;
Benjamin Coffin (died in office), from Jan. 1S16 to May 1816 ; James F.
Chase, from May 1816 to Jan. 1849: Charles P. Swain, from Jan. 1849 to
Jan. 1883; Almon T. Mowry, from Jan. 1SS3 to Jan. iSS4; Henry Pad-
date, from Jan. 1884 to date.

The following named Clergymen have been members of the Lodge :
Zebulon Butler, James Gurney, Seth F. Swift, David Leonard, Nathan
B. Ashcroft, Henry Lincoln, Noah Disbrow, Samuel H.Brayton, Walter
R. Gardner, Charles E. Walker, James B. Morrison.

As nearly as can be ascertained, this list comprises all the members
of Union Lodge who participated in the War of the Rebellion : Charles
H. Baker, Franklin T. Baker, Daniel C. Brayton, Albion K. P. Bucknam,
George G. Coffin, Henry F. Coffin, Peter F. Coffin, Benjamin C. Easton,
John B. Enas, Henry F. Fisher, William R. Hathaway, Albert P>. Holmes,
Edward B. Hussey, George N. Macy, John G. Mitchell, Richard Mitch-
ell, Jr., Alexander P. Moore, David Morrow, Benjamin B. Pease, Charles
F. Russell, Anthony Smalley, Francis B. Smith, John W. Summerhays,
William H. Swain.

34

George F. Bunker, ist S. W.; W. Sewall Short, ist J. \W.
Roswell Lebrett, Henry M. Pinfcham, Win. P. Stanton, Wm.
Coffin, Jun'r, Elnathan ' .ibbs and George Parker." The prob-
abilities arc that this petition failed to receive the required
endorsement of Union Lodge, and hence was not presented to
the Grand Lodge. The records of Union Lodge say further,
under date of July 6, 1820, "The Petition of Josiah Hussey
and others to the Grand Lodge to form a New Lodge in this
Town is with Drawn."

The first real secession from the Lodge occurred in 1822.
The recorded, proceedings, so far as appears in the Grand
Lodge records, are these : " March 13, 5822. * The Pe-

tition of Samuel II. Jenks audi seven others for a new Lodge
in the Town of Nantucket by the name of Urbanity was read,"
and committed. The Committee on the same day, through its
chairman, Right Worshipful Paul Dean, reported "that it is
expedient the Prayer of the Petitioners be granted."

This petition must have had at least the perfunctory sanc-
tion of Union Lodge.

The next proceedings, as recorded, show that "At a special
meeting of D. D.G. M. Lodge oi Mass. at the Franklin School
Room in Nantucket, Oct. 3d A. L. 5822 at 10 o'clock A. M.
by virtue of a Commission to the R. W. Elisha Starbuck, Dis-
trict D. G. Master of the 12th District from the M. W. John
Dixwell, Grand Master, lor constituting and installing Urban-
ity Lodge, holden at Nantucket, in the District aforesaid.

Grand Officers :

R. W. Elisha Starbuck, D. D. G. Master; W. Zacheus
Hussey, D. G. Master ; W. Francis G. Macy, D. D.G. S. War-
den ; W. Benjamin Brown, D. 1). G.J. Warden ; W. Peleg S.
Folger, 1). 1). G. Treasurer ; W. John Brock, D. D. G. Sec-
retary; W. Rev. Seth F. Swill, D. D. G. Chaplain ; W. Sewall
Short, D. D. G. Marshall ; W. Janus F. Chase, D. D. G. S.
Deacon ; W. George F. Bunker, D. D. G. J. Deacon ; W. Na-
thaniel Barrett, L). D. G. S. Steward; W. Henry Riddell, D.
D. G. J. Steward ; W. Thomas Gary, D. D. G. Tyler.

The D. D. G. Lodge being duly Officered was opened in due
and ancient form, prayers being attended to by the Chaplain,
After which the W. Henry M. Pinkham was introduced and
was duly examined and qualified, after which he retired. A
Committee was received from Urbanity Lodge who informed
they were duly assembled in Union Lodge Hall, and were
ready to wait on the W. D. D. G. Lodge. The Marshal then

35

formed the procession, W. Bro. Wilson Rawson carrying the
Holy Writings &c, W. Bro. Benjamin Bunker the Book of
Constitutions On being introduced into the I Trill the follow-
ing exorcises commenced: Music, An address by W. Bro.
Samuel IT. Jenks, being well adapted for the occasion, Music,
Prayers, And the Officers were installed in dm- and ancienl
form.

Officers Installed of Urbanity Loom::

R. W. Henry M. Pinkham, Master; W.Caleb Cushman, S.
Warden; W Isaac Hinckley, J. Warden ; W.Isaac Collin.
T.; Samuel H. jenks, S.; George Cannon, Chap.; Timothy C.
Clapp, Mar.; Solomon B. Morse, S. Deacon ; Robert Macy, J.
Deacon ; William Hart, S. S ; William C. Pitman, J S.; join;
Weiderhold, T.

Prayers by the G. Chaplain, and a procession was forme! ol
the Officers and Members of the new Lodge, round the Lodge
with Music, After which the D. D. G. Marshall proclaimed
the new Lodge by the name of Urbanity Lodge constituted
and installed in due and ancient form. Music was then per-
formed, After which the D. D. G. Lodge formed a procession
as before and returned to the School Room and closed with-
out clay.

True record of the proceedings.

Attest John Brock, D. D. G. Secretary.

The above is a true Copy of the original on file

Attest Thomas Powers, Grand Secretary.

It is exceedingly unfortunate that no records of Urbanity
Lodge are known to exist, by which its membership can be
ascertained. If they were transmitted to the Grand Lodge
when the Charter was surrendered, as undoubtedly they were,
they were destroyed in the fire which swept away so many
valuable documents belonging to and in custody of the Grand
Lodge. When first organized its Communications were held
on the third Monday of each month. So far as now appears,
the only clues to its membership are to be found in the Inquir-
ers of the time, and they gave only the names of the officers
elected or installed, and even those with little regularity.
Outside of this source, the only record apparently existing in
regard to the Lodge is to be found in the account of the pro-
ceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. From those
we conclude tint there was soma ill-feeling manifested in con-
sequence of the institution of the new Lodge, since there was
quite a serious friction arising out of action on the petition for

36

a Charter between a prominent member of each Lodge, result-
ing" in a trial before Union Lodge, and an appeal from its
decision to the Grand Lodge. The appeal was presented in
the Ah>st Worshipful Grand Lodge June 12, 1822, and was
referred to a Committee; the Committee was discharged and
a new one appointed March 12, 1823; and the report was
finally made June 11, 1823. The original charge was against
a Brother of Urbanity Lodge who was accused of "oppressing
the widows of Masons." On trial of the member of Union
Lod :, ■ who made the charge, Union Lodge decided the charge
sustained. The rep >rt of the Committee of the Gran I Lodge
thai the evidence was not competent to convict, and the
isioni was set aside. The report said in conclusion that
be! >re the Lodge marked the character of the Brother " with
the disgrace of having violated <>n: of the most important and
sacred ties * * * they ought to have acquired more

full and convincing proof of his guilt."

The feeling apparently found expression in another way —
that is in refusing to admit to the business portion of the Lodge
Communications any but Members. This, too, was referred
to the Grand Lodge at a Communication held March 12, 1823,
when Union Lodge sought information as to "whether a sub-
ordinate Lodge has any right to hold a Lodge of members to the
exclusi >n of those who are not Members on a regular Commu-
nication." This, too, was referred to a Committee, who re-
ported in June that the inquiry was not one to have been
considered by the Grand Lodge, but should have been made
of the Grand Master ; however, the trouble was allayed, at least
so that it did not come up before the Grand Lodge in any other
form, and, as nearly as can be ascertained, the two bodies
dwelt together in fraternal harmony.

Urbanity Lodge was represented in the Grand Lodge with
reasonable regularity up to 1 830, and then representation
ceased. At just what time the Lodge surrendered its Charter
cannot be ascertained, but a report from R. \V. Robert F.
Parker, District Deputy Grand Master, entered on the rec-
ords of the Grand Lodge of September 9 1840, refers to it as
" the late Urbanity Lodge of Nantucket."

The first suggestion of Capitular Masonry in Nantucket is
found in the records of Union Lodge, where, under date of

37

April 6, 1801, it is recorded that it was " Voted that Bro. Wil-
son Rawson should meet in this Hall, on the mark Mason
Degree agreeable to his appointment by Ins warrant for the
same from City of New York dated 7 day of September, I797-"
No record exists as to how many or who were associated with
Companion Rawson, nor how far the organizati m progressed
or how long it existed. His warrant antedates the organiza-
tion of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts by
ten months.* Right Excellent Christopher G. Fox, Grand
Secretary of the Grand Chapter of New York, in reply to in-
quiries, says : " I regret that 1 am unable to give you any
information respecting the organization of a Mark Lodge at
Nantucket, or of the Capitular history of Comp. Wilson Raw-
son.

The extract from the records of Union Lodge, referred to
in your letter, would seem to settle the matter of the issue of
a Charter from New York in Sept. 1797. As the General
Grand Chapter and the Grand Chapter of New York were
formed subsequent to that date, 1 have no record bearing on
the subject.

There was a Chapter in New York prior to the date above
mentioned called Washington Chapter, which assumed the title
of the "Mother Chapter," probably held without authority
from any Grand Chapter. This Mother Chapter granted war-
rants for Providence Chapter, No. 1, of R. I., and three Chap-
ters in the State of Connecticut, all of which are active now,
and it is possible that the authority for holding the Mark
Lodge at Nantucket was derived from that Chapter. Wash-
ington (Mother) Chapter ceased its labors two or three years
after the formation of the Grand Chapter of New York. The
most diligent search has failed to discover its records, or, in
fact, anything pertaining to it."

* The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts was organized
in July, 1798, although St. Andrew's Chapter existed as a Chapter sev-
eral years earlier. In this connection it is interesting to note what R. E.
Alfred F. Chapman says in his interesting historical sketch of that Chap
ter, published in 1S83. On page 23 is recorded " At the meeting held
July 19th, 1764, "William Rawson of Nantucket" was a visitor, a fact
which may be of greater historic interest than might appear to the casual
observer, for it is not improbable, that this was of the earliest sowing of
that seed which eighteen years later ripened into the establishment of
Rising Sun Chapter on that Island." The date is obviously intended to
read 1794, and the Brother's name should have been Wilson Rawson in-
stead of " William," a not remarkable error. St. Andrew's records re-
port that "Bro. Smith" received the Mark Degree only, Feb. 8, 1797.
It is possible that this was Bro. Henry Smith, and that later he was
associated with Companion Rawson.

38

Our next information is derived from the records of the
Most Excellent Grand Chapter of 'Massachusetts. Under date
of Boston, June 9,5812,* it is recorded: "A peiition from
Comps. Rev. Jam :s Gurney, Peter Hussey, Tha 'deus Coffin,
and their associates, to open and hold a Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons in the town of Nantucket, by the name of The Rising
Sun, was then read,- when on it was voted that the prayer of
the petitioner- be granted and that they have and receive a
dispensation accordingly, provided they first obtain a recom-
mendation from St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, Boston."

It would seem as though St. Andrew's Chapter was at almost
too remote' a distance to have been affe< ted by a Chapter at
Nantucket, nevertheless the recommendation was asked for
and cheerfully and unanimously granted Juno \y, 1 8 1 2 . f As
nothing referring to Capitular Masonry on Nantucket appears
on the records of the ( rrand Chapter between the above-named
date and 1818, we must conclude that for some reason the
Chapter never was established.

On June 9, 1S18, just six years after the petition referred to
above was received, the records of the Grand Chapter report :

"A petition from Seth F. Swift and others, to hold a Chapter
in Nantucket, was read, and committed to Comps. Z. G. Whit-
man, Henry WhippL*, and Roswell Lee, who having attended
the duty, made the following report, viz.: The Committee to
whom was referred the petition of Comp. Seth F. Swift and

* In the earlier Capitular records tin- dates are all A. D. Later they
are, like the Lodge record dates, A. L., and finally the present style, A.
Inv., was adopted.

t The records of St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter of June 17, 5812,
say: " A Communication was received from Companion And \v Snyour-
ney requesting the approbation of this Chapter to the petition of James
Gurney, Peter Hussey, William Nichols, Thaddeus Coffin, John Brock
Jr., Wilson Rawson, David Myrick, Thomas Carey, & Josiah Barker of
Nantucket to the Grand Chapter of this State for a Charter to hold a
Chapter in Nantucket. The said Petition being Read it was Unani-
mously Voted — that their requesl be complied with, and that accordingly
the approbation of this Chapter be signified Officially by endorsing the
same on said petition." The records of St. Andrew's Chapter further
show the following dates of Exaltation: Companions — Josi ah Barker
Dec. 10, 1S06 (dimitted Nov. 1812.); John Brock Jr., Dec. io, 1806, James
Gurney, Sept. 22, 1S07; Peter Hussey, Oct. 2, 1807 ; David Myrick, Dec.
10, 1807; William Nichols, Sept. 22, 1S07; Benjamin Russell, June 9
1S00, (dimitted Sept. 30, 1S17): Seth F. Swift, May 29, 1817.

39

others, praying for a new Chaj ter to be established at Nan-
tucket having attended to the duty assigned them, ask Leave
to report, that in their opinion, the piay< r of the petitioners
ought to be granted, and that the M. E.Grand High Priest be
requested to grant ihem the usual dispensation or warrant
issued in such cases." This report was acc< pti d, and the rec-
ord further says : "At a special Meeting of the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, held in the town of Nan-
tucket, 25th of November, 5818, for the purpose of dedicating
and installing the officers of Rising Sun Chapter: Present:
M. E. Henry Fowle, Dep. Gr High Priest; E. Joseph Brown,
Grand King; E. T. P. Jackson, Grand Scribe; E. Simeon
Copps, Gr. Treas. pro tern.; E. Benj. Smith, Gr. Secy, and
Gr. Marshall pro tern ; Rev. and E. Paul Dean, Grand Chap-
lain. I he Grand Chapter was opened in due form, and the
following commission and report were read, viz.:

To M. E. Camps. Joseph Brown aad Paul Dean, —

Companions, — You are hereby appointed a Committee to
visit and examine the officers and members of Rising Sun
Chapter, inspect their Records, By-Laws and mode of work,
and report to me on or before Wednesday, the 25th of Novem-
ber inst.

Yours affectionately,

Henry Fowle,
Deputy Grand High Priest.
Nantucket, Nov 22, A. L. 5818.

To M. E. Henry Fowle, Deputy Grand High Priest:—

Your Committee have attended to the duty assigned them,
and beg leave to report, that the officers and members of
Rising Sun Chapter are worthy and veil qualified ; their rec-
ords kept in a handsome and correct style ; and their By-Laws
and mode of work such as are consistent with the general
Regulations of the Grand Royal Arch C hapter of Massachu-
setts.

Signed Joseph Brown \ Committee

Nantucket, Nov 25, 5818. Paul Dean >

Voted, that the Grand Chapter do now proceed to dedicate
Rising Sun Chapter, and install its officers.

A grand procession was then formed, and proceeded to the
meeting-house,* where the ceremonies of dedication were per-
formed, and the following is a list of the officers installed,
viz : M.E. Seth F. Swift, High Priest ; E. Zaccheus Hussey,

* The South Congregational.

40

King; E. Thaddeus Coffin, Scribe; Comp. Peter Chase,
Treasurer ; Comp. James F. Chase, Secretary ; Comp. Aaron
.Mitchell, Royal Arch Captain; Comp. Gorham Coffin, Cap-
tain of Host ;* Comp. Martin r. Morton, Principal Sojourner;
Comp. Elisha Starbuck, Master of 3d Vail ; Comp. Hezekiah
B. Gardner, Master of 2d Vail; Comp. Roswell L Brett,
Master of 1st Vail ; Comp. Jonathan Colesworthy, Steward;
Comp. John Brock, Steward ; Comp. Wilson Rawson, Tyler.

After which a very suitable and appropriate discourse was
delivered, and suitable music performed by a select choir.

The grand procession was then reformed and proceeded to
Mason's Hall, and partook of a very sumptuous entertainment,
provided for the occasion by Rising Sun Chapter.

The Grand Chapter returned to their Hall, and closed.

A true record from minutes of E. Benj. Smith.

Attest John J. Loring, Grand Secretary.

Nothing further of importance is recorded of Rising Sun
Chapter, save its representation at the Convocations of the
Grand Chapter, until September 9, [824, when the records of
the Most Excellent Grand Chapter say : "A communication
from Rising Sun Chapter at Nantucket, stating their wish to
surrender their Charter, and a memorial against the same, was
read, and the subject committed to Comps. A. Peabody, John
Abbott, Henry Whipple, Daniel Baxter and Thomas Tolm an."
This Committee made a report Dec. 7, the purport of which
docs not appear, which was read and "ordered to lie on the
table for the present, for the information of the Grand Chap-
ter, and that the Committee be instructed and authorized to
take all ne< 1 ssary steps to inquire and asceitain all the causes
01 difficult)' in and about the premises, even if it should require
the persona] attendance of said Committee at Nantucket, and
make report of their doings at a future meeting of this Grand
Chapter."

December 14 the Committee was discharged at their own
request and the following motion was voted ; "That the M E.
Grand High Priest and Deputy Grand High Priest, be a Com-
mittee to repair to Nantucket, if they find il necessary, with
lull power in the nam- and on behalf of the Grand Chapter, to
decide all the controversies and difficulties existing among the
members of Rising Sun Chapter, and that they be authorized

t The order of succession of some of the officers was quite different
from the present.

41

to return the charter and regalia to the officers and members
of said Chapter, or to retain and return the same to the Grand
Chapter."

At the Convocation of the Grand Chapter for September 13,
1825, the Committee reported that — "in the month of July-
last, pursuant to previous notice, they repaired to Nantucket
and summoned all the former members of the Rising Sun
Chapter to appear before them, and collectively and individu-
ally to make known their grievances and complaints. The
summons was cheerfully obeyed, and a long and patient inves-
tigation was had. The companions of that Chapter demeaned
themselves with frankness and forbearance which was credit-
able to those who had long been in the attitude of hostility
towards each other.

The Committee found the complaints and discontents num-
erous, but none of them founded on very important grounds.
It was found that unfriendly feelings had arisen among indi-
viduals, which, by incautious remarks, misconstructions of each
other's motives, and perhaps a rivalship between candidates
for office, had risen to personal animosity. The frailties of
individuals had been strongly arrayed by their opponents, and
some who had many good qualities, tarnished by some unhappy
faults, but who on the whole stood well in public estimation,
had been accused, as unworthy of membership. And from
such causes, their meetings became inharmonious and unprofit-
able, and the result was the return of their charter.

After a full hearing, the Committee were convinced that a
proper restraint of feeling and exercise of charity and discre-
tion, would return harmony to the Chapter. We were satis-
fied that no decision of the Grand Chapter would be productive
of good. They were exhorted to mutual forgiveness. Time
had softened their animosity, and when they had met and
explained, they appeared to adopt the opinions of the Com-
mittee.

The result was, that all the members present agreed to re-
quest the return of the charter to all members of Rising Sun
Royal Arch Chapter ; and they promised, if it should be re-
turned, to support it on Masonic principles. Upon this the
Committee restored to them their charter and regalia.

x\s the controversy is thus terminated, it appears inexpe-
dient to detail the various accusations and complaints. We
lament that difficulties of such a character among Royal Arch
Masons should ever exist, or if they must sometimes exist, that
they should not immediately be corrected by those among
whom they had their origin. ' The termination of the difficul-
ties in Rising Sun Roval Arch Chapter, we believe is the wisest
and best that could be ; and it will probably be long before

42

the Grand Chapter will hear any similar complaints from Nan-
tucket.

Signed Pali. De \\

Boston, Sept. 9, 1825.

,. y Committee

Augustus Peabooy J

The above report was accepted, and, on motion, Voted, That
the thanks of this Grand Chapter be presented to the M. E.
Paul Dean and Augustus Peabody, for their very arduous and
successful exertions in healing the breaches and settling the
controversies which have unhappily existed among the com-
panions of Rising Sun Chapter at Nantucket."

Rising Sun Chapter seems to have been wrecked and to
have foundered in the Anti-Masonic storm. The final men-
tion of it on the records of the Grand Chapter is on September
8, 1840, when the following was recorded : " The Committee
on delinquent Chapters, reported, by reading a letter from
Robert F. Parker, addressed to Comp. Charles W. Moore.
On motion of Comp. Moore, it was Voted, That the letter and
a memorandum be filed with the jewels and regalia returned
by Rising Sun Chapter of Nantucket, pledging (as a gratuity
and not as a principle,) the avails of said regalia should any
ever be realized from them, to the payment of a debt of $40,
due by said Chapter to Comp. Rob't F. Parker of said Nan-
tucket." And so perished Rising Sun Royal Arch Chapter.*

The last chapter of Capitular Masonry in Nantucket is soon
written, for it has to do with recent years. The records of the
Most Excellent Grand Chapter for September 10, 1867, state
that on that day a petition was received from Charles E. Allen,
Henry C. Pinkham, William Hart, George F. Bunker, James
F. Chase, George S. Wilbur, Charles H. Jaggar, Orrin F.
Adams and George W. Macy praying that a Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons might be established in Nantucket, which was
referred to M. E. R. S. Pope ; D. W. Crafts and L. A. Felix,
who later in the day made their report. That report said
4t From evidence presented, they are satisfied, that though the

* Comp. Rev. William Morse of Nantucket, was appointed Grand
Chaplain Sept. 7, 1830, and again Sept. 13, 1S31, Oct. 2, 1S32, and Dec-
10, 1S33. At the Memorial Service in honor of the late Comp. De Witt
Clinton, G. H. P. of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States,
held in Boston June 10, 1828, an elegy, written for the occasion by Comp.
Samuel H. Jenks, was sung.

43

Chapter may never be large, as regards numbers, from the
peculiar circumstances of location, yet it will doubtless be a
live and active one, and therefore they recommend that the
prayer of the petitioners be granted, when the petition is in-
dorsed by Orient Chapter."*

A dispensation was granted the same day. The Charter
members, besides those already named, were Joseph Mitchell,
2d, Joseph S. Barney, Stephen R. Williams, William H.Wes-
ton and Francis B. Smith. One petitioner, William Hart,
does not appear as a Charter member. The name given the
new Chapter was "Isle of the Sea." The officers working
under Dispensation were : Charles H. Jaggar, M. E. H. P.;
Joseph S.Barney, E. K.; C. E. Allen, E. S.; Geo. W. Macy,
T.; Orrin F. Adams, Sec; G. S. Wilber, C. of H.; O. F.
Adams, P. S.; J. F. Chase, R. A. C; J. Mitchell, 2d., M. of 3d
V.; G. F. Bunker, M. of 2d V.; H. C. Pinkham, M. of 1st V.;
Wm. Hart, Chap. The Chapter was consecrated and the offi-
cers installed by officers of the Grand Chapter, August 27,
1868. The only changes made at that time in the list of offi-
cers were that Stephen R. Williams was installed M. of the 3d
V.; Henry C. Pinkham, M; of 2d V,; George F. Bunker, M. of
1st V.; and Frannis B. Smith, Sentinel.

But one more phase of Free Masonry in Nantucket remains
to be mentioned, and that, owing to the almost total absence
of data, but very briefly.

The origin of Cryptic Masonry in Nantucket is even more
obscure than that of Capitular Masonry. As before, the first
suggestion of it is found in the records of Union Lodge.

The record of August 12, 1823, says that " Rev. Stephen
Bailey and Benj Brown as a committee from the Council pray
for the use of this Hall to hold the Convocations in." A Com-
mittee was appointed, and instructed " to let the Hall accord-
ing to their own feelings." This indicates that at that date a
Council of Royal and Select Masters was in existence, but
when it was organized, or under what authority, are problems
as wrapped in obscurity as the origin of Speculative Masonry.
The Grand Council of Massachusetts was not organized until
June, 1826, about three years afterwards. t

* Of Hyannis.

t The early Grand Council records are very imperfect, and there
seems to be no mention of a Council at Nantucket. The name probably
was Unity. As in other bodies, the titles of the officers have been some-
what changed in these later years.

44

In the Inquirer of December 16, 1823, there is mention of
Unity Council of Royal and Select' Masters, and on January
3. 1825, the Inquirer published the following list of officers, of
what it then calls Union Council : " Companions George
Cannon Esq., M. I. Grand Master ; Isaac W. Whitman Esq.,
Illustrious G. M,; Josiah Hussey Esq., I. Conductor of the
Work; S. H. Jenks, Master of the Exchequer ; James F.
Chase, Recorder : Henry M. Pinkham, Senior Grand Warden ;
Win. P. Stanton, Junior Grand Warden; Benjamin Brown,
Master of the Guards ; Elisha Starbuck, Inside Sentinel ;
Wilson Rawson, Outside Sentinel.*

This is absolutely all that has come to light concerning this
Council, up to the present time. It is possible that among the
papers of some of the Companions named may yet be found
further information concerning insular Cryptic, as well as Cap-
itular and Symbolic Masonry.

* The titles of officers are somewhat different at the present time.

NOTES. — In a petition to the Gen'l Court in 1779, Bro. Tristram
Barnard states that he sailed for England in 1775: t:iat his vessel was
sold there; that he engaged in the whale fishery from that country ; that,
desiring to return to his native country he, with a Capt. Jno. Chaddock,
bought a vessel; that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the United
States ; that his crew is composed of Americans who had been prisoners
in England and whom he assisted in escaping and secreted on his vessel ;
and that he frequently assisted prisoners in that country. The Commit-
tee of the General Court found his claims well founded.

Bro. Jonathan Downs was granted a permit by the Gen'l Court to go
to the French and Dutch W. I. islands with a cargo of fish and lumber
in the schooner Nightingale, provided he wouldimport West India goods
and salt. Bro. John Elkins received a similar permit for the sloop Sand-
wich.

Bro. William Goldsmith, in a petition to the Gen'l Court, represents
that he was obliged, in the course of his business, to sail from London
in British employ ; that he is a native of and strongly attached to this
country; that he was unable to return because of the Restraining Bill ;
that he" steadily refused to take on his vessel guns or munitions of war
because he would not oppose his native country's cause ; that he has
shown tender attention to American prisoners in England ; and that his
vessel was captured by the American privateer Lexington. He asks
release and liberty to return to London, and his petition is fully indorsed
bv the owners of the Lexington. The Court grants the petition on his
promise to procure the release of an American of the same rank.

Bro. Andrew Myrick 2d represents himself in a petition to the Court
as owner of the sloop Industry; that he " has exerted himself in the
great Cause of Liberty as much as any Man upon the Island, by Supply-
ing Boats, &c, and in' every other way in his Power, & is still (1777)
ready to do so ;" he asks a permit to proceed on a voyage to Curacoa,
engaging to bring in gunpowder, etc. The Court granted him the per-
mit.

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