Lodge Histories.

cation was made sometime between 1760 ancl 1778 , by Samuel Glover , ancl a warrant granted , but tbe brethren not meeting once in twelve months , it Avas forfeited . In 1778 , the charter was again granted by Right Worshipful Brother John Rowe , to Brother Richard Harris ancl others . Tbey assembled together on the 15 th day of January , at the house of the Widow King , and formed a regular Lodge . Whore that house stood Ave knoAV notbut probabl

, y it remains a memory of those days , although unknown to us . It Avas in tbe midst of those times , when the clouds hung blackest over our land , AA'hen the wise and the true took counsel together , when the fair fields of Lexington and Bunker Hill had been crimsoned by the blood of their brethren , that this Lodge was formed .

For a time the-Lodge appears to have gained in numbers , and to haA * e prospered . Persons ivere initiated from Maine , Connecticut , and different parts of our own State , and we presume tbe Lodge to haA'e been very proficient in tbe work . Let us imagine tbe first night the brethren met nuclei * the new Constitution . One has been stationed at the outer door as T yler , another remains in the small ante-room to arrange the pipes , tobacco , and punches , by the aid of

tallow candles . We see the large , loose cloaks lain on the chairs , ancl the cocked or bestA-er hats piled in the corner . A small sheet-iron stove , heated by pine knots , makes it very comfortable ; but let ns enter , and " this is Masons ' Hall ; " the floor sanded , tbe AvindoAvs darkened b y thick curtains , but tbe light is an improvement on tbe ante-room , for here are wax candles in large and elaborately wrought brass candle-stickswith snuffers readfor use ; then look

, y at the immense fire-place , with its huge logs crackling and spitting while tbey send out a genial beat . The fender and brass andirons , shovel and tongs , are indeed a curious sight ; but notice around the fire-place the different pictures on marble of scenes from Scripture ; above it is a mirror brought from Bilboa , a return for some fishing adventure ; and tbe settles , straight-back and unpainted , and the curiously carved leather-seated chairs , and there , too , as in all

times , is the altar with the Holy Bible , Square , ancl Compasses , and tbe three burning tapers . In the East sits Master Richard Harris , clothed in short clothes , with large sih'er buckles at the knee , ancl the same on bis shoes ; bis ample vest is covered by a velvet coat of the fashionable cut of those days ; on bis head a cocked bat , from under which his queue conies clown , and we should judge from the appearance of his coat collar that his hair was powdered ;

slowly he rises from his seat , and taking in his hand that charter which is now the choice treasure of this Lodge , says -. " Brethren , I bave congregated you together this evening to form a Lodge . But first , as no man should ever engage in any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity , let us unite in prayer ; " the prayer ended , he proceeds , " by virtue of the authority vested in me , I appoint Brother Fett yplace , Senior Warden ; Brother Roads , Junior Warden . "

No further business , Lodge is closed , and drawing around the fire-place , with their pipes , tobacco , and punches , they talk of tbe events that are happening around in serious tones . What the future may bring forth , God only knows ; whether the cause of freedom and humanity , or of tyranny and despotism shall triumph , none knoAV ; but one resolve is theirs , they will not yield , whether tbey survive or perish . Together they go gorth into the clear , frosty air of that nihteach to his home

January g , OAVU . As night after ni ght they meet , tbey see their numbers increase , till at last , in the course of a few years , tbey bave a large Lodge . The names of many members in those earl y days haA'e been made familiar to ns by tradition : Harris , Trevitt , Lee , Orne , Fettyplace , Gerry , Hooper . There are others , well known then , but now forgotten . We find by the record that they usually celebrated the annual feasts of both tbe StsJohn in and

. June December . Those were the clays when the wine sparkled on the board , and the merry jest and song went round . The times have changed , Avhether for the better let each judge for himself , but not for