|
|
| |
Overlooking the Boston Common is the
majestic, Grand Lodge of Masons in
Massachusetts. One of oldest institutions in
downtown Boston, the current building at 186
Tremont Street is the third Grand Lodge
structure erected on the site. Built in
1898, it houses many treasures of great
historical significance. It has six meeting
halls, a research library dedicated to
Freemasonry, and the administrative offices
for the Grand Lodge and other Masonic bodies
and programs. The building and library are
open to the public, and tours are available
Monday through Friday at 10:30 am and 2:00
pm.
| |
 |
The
Oldest Grand Lodge in the
Western Hemisphere.
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
dates back to 1733. It was the
first in the New World, and the
third oldest following the Grand
Lodges of England and Ireland.
Formally organized under the
leadership of Henry Price,
Boston’s first Masons met at the
Bunch of Grapes Tavern.
Freemasons have been building
better men and better
communities ever since.
|
 |
Buildings Like This Aren't Made
Anymore
When you visit the current
building, you’ll see why we say
that no words can do it justice.
Suffice it to say that buildings
like this one — with its precise
attention to detail, ornate
fixtures, and expert
craftsmanship — just aren’t made
any more. |
 |
Outside the Building
One of the dominant external
elements is the grandiose glass
mosaic panels that grace the
side of the building facing
Tremont Street. Constructed of
bright warm yellows, browns, and
golds on a field of mixed blues,
the panels symbolize two
symbolic Masonic themes: the
search for light and the labor
of building. The background of
all the panels is the sun, the
symbol of light. The working
tools suggest the building of
structures and the character of
man. |
 |
Inside the Building
Once you walk inside the
building, you’ll be in the Grand
Lodge Lounge which is adorned
with tessellated squares of
black and white Terrazzo,
punctuated by an attractive
fountain with colored light and
glass cases that display classic
Masonic memorabilia. Also on the
first floor is the Paul Revere
banquet hall, decorated with a
portrait of Revere and many
eminent Freemasons. |
|
Grand Master Hodgdon |
Grand Master
Jeffrey Black Hodgdon
On December 27th, 2004
Jeffrey Black Hodgdon of
Lexington was installed as the
76th Grand Master of Masons in
Massachusetts, following such
Past Grand Masters as Paul
Revere and General Joseph
Warren. It is a volunteer
position that generally lasts
for three years. An election and
installation takes place in the
second and third years of each
Grand Master’s term.
(read more...) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
