Saint Mark's Lodge A.F. & A.M.

History

Saint Mark's Lodge, A.F.&A.M.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

A History

1803 - 2003

Foreword

I enjoyed this opportunity to prepare a history of St. Mark's Lodge for our Two Hundredth Anniversary. This history was compiled from the documents listed below, with much of the information being quoted directly. I hope you will find it informative.

Fraternally,

R.W. Thomas F. McGrath, Jr.

August 7, 2003

Bibliography

History of Newburyport Massachusetts, two volumes, by John J. Currier

Centennial Celebration, St. Mark's Lodge, author unknown

150^th Anniversary, St. Mark's Lodge, by R.W. Perley E. Miller

Dedication of Newburyport Masonic Temple, by Bro. George E. Stickney

The records of St. Mark's Lodge

A Short History of Saint Mark's Lodge, A.F.&A.M.

Newburyport, Mass.

There were two lodges in Newburyport in 1803; St. John's and St. Peter's. St. John's Lodge was instituted on July 17, 1766. St. Peter's Lodge was chartered on March 6, 1772. Sometime in 1803, a group of Masons petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter to form a new lodge named Saint Mark's Lodge.

The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts met in Concert Hall, Boston, September 12, 1803; the record says a petition from William Wead and others praying for a Charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Newburyport by the name of St. Mark's Lodge was granted this evening. The petitioners were members of St. Peter's Lodge, except Francis England.

Wor, Bro. William Wead, the first Master, was a merchant of the firm of Wead & Lunt. Their store was on Water Street, where they dealt in smoked fish, West India goods, and boots and shoes. Bro. Wead lived on Center Street. He was Worshipful Master for eight years, not consecutive. He died on November 22, 1822. Wor. Bro. William Francis, the first Senior Warden, was a barber on State Street. In 1811 he moved to Boston. Bro. George Washington Hovey was the first Junior Warden. Bro. James Horton, the first treasurer, was the agent of the Amesbury Woolen Mills and became a charter member of Warren Lodge. Bro. Samuel Bartlett was the first Secretary. Bro. Stephen Thurlo was the first senior deacon. Bro. Daniel Bemis was the first junior deacon. Wor. Bro. William Chase was representative to the General Court in 1812-15, inclusive with R.W. Jonathan Gage. Bro. John Eliot joined the Marine Society in 1809. Bro. Francis England had formerly lived in Lynn, he was a shoemaker by trade and resided on Vernon Street.

The first regular meeting of Saint Mark's Lodge was held in Washington Hall on Green St., September 27, 1803. There were nine members and nine visitors present

On December 6, 1803, Jonathan Gage, District Deputy Grand Master of the second District, paid an official visit to the Lodge. Twelve members and twenty-five visitors were present. Bro. Jonas Leslie furnished the Banquet for nine dollars and thirty-three cents, or twenty-five and one-half cents apiece for a good dinner. A committee of three was chosen to wait on him in the Lodge; viz.- Bro. James Horton, Bro. Francis England and Bro. William Chase. He accordingly visited the Lodge and received eighteen dollars for initiation and Quartages Due to the Grand Lodge. The Lodge was in the Second District at this time.

St. Mark's Lodge was constituted. July 11, 1804. The fourteen members of the Lodge were present and also about 300 brethren from this and neighboring towns, who assembled for the purpose of joining in the exercises of the day. The record of the Grand

Lodge written by RW. John Proctor, Grand Secretary, is as follows: "A meeting of the Grand Lodge at Newburyport for the purpose of consecrating st. Mark's Lodge at that place and for installing its officers July 11 A. L. 5804 - Present:

M. W. Isaiah Thomas, Grand Master

RW. Jonathan Gage as Deputy Grand Master

RW. John Soley, Senior Grand Warden

R.W. Henry Fowle, Junior Grand Warden

RW. Allen Crocker, Grand Treasurer

Wor. John Proctor, Grand Secretary

R W. Edmund Bowman, Senior G deacon

RW. Thomas Jackson, Junior G deacon

R.W. Edward Goodwin, Grand Marshal

Bro. Thomas Turner, Grand Standard Bearer

Bro. Joseph W. Revere and Bro. John May, Grand Stewards

Bro. William Eaton, Grand Tyler

The Grand Lodge, having met by appointment at the house of RW. Jonathan Gage, D.D. Grand Master of the Second District was opened in Ample Form. A procession in Masonic arrangement was formed and moved to Masonic Hall, where St. Mark's Lodge had already convened; the Officers of that Lodge were then duly examined, their by-laws read and records examined, which were well approved by the M.W. Grand Master and the necessary cautions were given. A Joint procession was then formed and marched in Masonic order accompanied by an excellent band of music. This procession moved from the Hall down Green Street through Merrimack, State and Pleasant Streets to the Reverend Mr. Andrew's Meetinghouse, where the public exercises were held. A solemn and fervent prayer was addressed to the Great Architect by the Rev and RW. Bro. George Richards of Portsmouth, N. H. and a sensible and pertinent sermon was delivered by the Rev, and W. Bro. Morss of Newburyport. The Most Worshipful Grand Master then proceeded to the performance of the Masonic services and ceremonies of the day, which were occasionally interspersed with solemn and cheerful music, hymns, etc., agreeably to the direction of the M. W. Grand Master. The Officers of St. Mark's Lodge were then severally invested with their proper jewels and received their special admonitions and a charge by the Grand Master; a benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Bro. Joseph Willard, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire which closed the exercises.

The house was crowded with an assemblage of gentleman and ladies of taste and fashion from this and adjacent towns. A reverse procession was then formed and repaired to the place from whence they came, where an elegant entertainment was provided by St. Mark's Lodge at which were present a number of past Grand Officers, the Reverend Clergy, a great number of visiting Brothers from neighboring Lodges, and the civil officers of the town. The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, who had previously been invited by the M. W. Grand Master, honored him by their presence on this occasion and cheerfully united in the procession, festival, and other transactions of the day. It was pleasing indeed to witness, at the meeting, two Grand Lodges of two such important

States, the mutual salutations of friendship and brotherly love, as well as their reciprocal congratulations on the progress and amelioration of Masonry in their several States. The Grand Lodge then took leave of st. Mark's Lodge, visitors, etc., and in company with the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire retired to R.W. Bro. Gage's attended with the band of music, and the M.W. Isaiah Thomas was pleased to close the Lodge till the second Monday in September next. The whole proceedings of the day were conducted with that order and harmony which will forever characterize Free and Accepted Masons.

Attest

JOHN PROCTOR, Grand Secretary"

September 24, 1822, St. Mark's Lodge voted that it does cordially approve of a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of Amesbury agreeable to the petition of the Rev. bro. Benjamin Sawyer and others to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Of the fourteen charter members of Warren Lodge, nine received the degrees in St. Mark's Lodge.

Many unsuccessful attempts to bring the lodges together to form one Lodge were made during the period when there were three lodges in Newburyport. This action was put forth by all three lodges at different times.

On July 11, 1823, St. Mark's Lodge opened in the name of God and the Holy Sts.John on the first degree for the special purpose of hearing the report of the committee respecting a union of the three lodges. The report was read and a discussion was had on merits and demerits of the report; here follows the report in substance:

"Your committee, therefore, recommend that it is expedient for the three Lodges in Newburyport to unite in one Lodge. That each Lodge dispose of its own property and funds in such a manner as they may judge expedient. That the jewels and furniture of each lodge be turned into Common Stock and become the property of the new Lodge. That we retain one of the Charters and adopt such a name for the new Lodge as may be hereafter agreed upon. That each member of the present Lodge of good standing may become a member of the new Lodge by paying $ Dollars--all of which is respectfully submitted. A vote was taken for the acceptance or Win. Davis non-acceptance of the report by a large number Step' Motrin her of members present and the report was Joshua Greenleaf not accepted. The committee" On January 23, 1826, according to the records-A communication from St. John's Lodge was received and acted upon respecting choosing a committee to meet with other committees chosen for the purpose of taking the union of the three lodges into consideration and Bros. John Bracket, Gifford Giles, R. W. William Currier committee for the same. On February 21, 1826, the report of the committee appointed to meet the other committee chosen to take union of these into consideration was called for; Bro. John

Bracket, chairman of St. Mark's committee, arose and stated the opinion of St. Mark's Committee that after due deliberation and careful examination of the merits of the case, the committee report that they do not judge it expedient for st. Mark's Lodge to join with the other lodges. The Lodge voted unanimously to accept the report of the committee.

On November 10, 1828, another attempt was made for a union when the Lodge Voted unanimously that St. John's and St. Mark's Lodges unite as one Lodge and voted furthermore that a committee be chosen to agree upon the terms of the union.

On November l Oth, 1829, it was voted unanimously that st. John's and St. Mark's Lodges unite as one Lodge and noted further that a committee be chosen to agree upon the terms of their union. December 3, 1829, the report of the committee-That the Charter' of the new Lodge (should such be formed) be designated by lot in such manner as the lodges shall determine, and that each Lodge pay its respective debts previous to the union of the Lodges. That every member of either Lodge in regular standing be entitled to membership in the new Lodge free of expense, providing they signify their desire within thirty days after notification. That as soon as fifty names be subscribed, they have power to call a meeting when the Charter shall be determined by fair lot. That it recommended to the lodges, should they agree to a union, to give up their Charter's to be held in trust until it be decided which Charter shall be retained.

It seemed sure the union would be made and all details were worked out to the satisfaction of both lodges but St. John's Lodge and St. Peter's Lodge surrendered their Charters and for twenty-three years, St. Mark's was the only Lodge in Newburyport.

On April 18, 1826, St. Mark's voted that the elegant pillars, lately erected, be dedicated on Monday evening next and that an address be delivered. Monday evening, April 24, 1826, the officers and members of St. Mark's Lodge, Knight Templars, Royal Arch Masons, and officers and members of St. John's Lodge assembled at the Masonic Hall in the Phoenix building, State St., to raise and dedicate to Masonry the two elegant pillars, to serve as a repository for the records of the Craft. The whole service was performed in an impressive manner in the presence of about three hundred ladies. The pillars were made under the direction of R.W. Richard S. Spofford, whose exertions and taste were greatly praised.

At some time the pillars fell into disrepair and were eventually stored in the crawl space under the auditorium of the present building. Mr. Duncan MacLeod (Father of Wor. Duncan MacLeod) was custodian of the Temple from 1955 until his passing in 1957. In 1956, he discovered the columns and got permission to attempt to restore them. He first refurbished the globes, they being easiest to extract from their storage place. He and his son then proceed to pull the pillars from their resting place. This alone took two days. He then refurbished them as well, and the pillars were given a new life by being installed in the east of the large lodge room of our current Temple. Mr. MacLeod was not a Mason. He was a former Navy engineer. Although he only served three years as custodian, we are deeply indebted to him for this and for other projects he completed during his short time

Attest

JOHN PROCTOR, Grand Secretary"

On July 11, 1823, St. Mark's Lodge opened in the name of God and the Holy Sts. John on the first degree for the special purpose of hearing the report of the committee respecting a union of the three lodges. The report was read and a discussion was had on merits and demerits of the report; here follows the report in substance:

A vote was taken for the acceptance or non-acceptance of the report by a large number of members present, and the report was not accepted.

Committee"

Win. Davis

Step'Motrin

Joshua Greenleaf

On January 23, 1826, according to the records-A communication from St. John's Lodge was received and acted upon respecting choosing a committee to meet with other committees chosen for the purpose of taking the union of the three lodges into consideration, and Bros. John Bracket, Gifford Giles, R. W. William Currier committee for the same. On February 21, 1826, the report of the committee appointed to meet the other committee chosen to take union of these into consideration was called for. Let us hope that these pillars will continue to adorn our large lodge room into the distant future.

From 1826 to 1832, the Lodge had very few candidates owing to the Anti Masonic Crusade; accordingly, the Lodge suffered from lack of funds. Added to this, there were many demits as well as suspensions.

On top of this, the usual number of Masonic Widows who constantly asked for charity and many members who failed to pay their dues left the Lodge in dire straights. By April 1828, the trustees made a report that they had paid out to the treasurer the balance in their hands. The attendance fell off to such an extent there were barely enough members present to open the Lodge and carry on the work.

With the surrender of the Charters of st. Peter's and st. John's Lodges many of their members joined St. Mark's Lodge, and for a while, it looked as if Masonry would soon be on the up-grade once more, but the crusade against Masonry was too strong, and in 1832 on November 26, St. Mark's held its meeting, not too meet again until 1837 on July 30. The Charter of St. Mark's Lodge was never relinquished; rather, it was given to a sea captain to carry around the world and keep it safe from the fraternity's enemies.

The record of the annual meeting Dec. 1840 concludes, "The Lodge closed to meet again when we have a favorable opportunity." The Lodge did not meet again until 1844 but has met regularly since 1845.

On July 4, 1850, the selectmen and other officers of the town, with members of the fire department, Marine and Humane societies, St. Mark's Lodge of Master Masons, Odd Fellows, and a procession of young ladies, bearing flowers representing the seasons, etc., were escorted by the Washington Light Guard from the mall down High to Federal Street, and thence through Middle, State and Pleasant Streets to the comer of Green Street and Brown Square where the cornerstone of the new town hall was laid, with imposing ceremonies, and Hon. Caleb Cushing delivered an appropriate address.

A petition for the restoration of the Charter of St. John's Lodge was presented in Grand Lodge on December 14, 1853. The committee recommended the petition be granted, and the report was accepted. St. John's Lodge held meetings December 22 and 31, 1853, when twenty members were received, they having taken demits from St. Mark's Lodge for that purpose.

September 27, 1858, St. Mark's Lodge celebrated their fifty-fifth anniversary. St. John's and Warren Lodges were present as guests. The Brethren assembled at the lodge room at seven o'clock p.m. A procession was formed, which proceeded to the Harris Street Meetinghouse, where public exercises were held. Two original odes, one by James C.

Peabody, Esq. and the other by Miss Anne G. Hale were sung. The scriptures were read by Rev. Bro. Daniel P. Pike, prayer was offered by Rev. H. R. Timlow, and Joseph H. Bragdon, Esq., Secretary of the Lodge, delivered an appropriate anniversary address.

Charles C. Dame Lodge of Georgetown was instituted and chartered in 1867. Nine of the charter members received their degrees in St. Mark's Lodge. On January 30, 1882, the Lodge voted to change the regular meeting night from the first Tuesday to the second Monday, which meeting night stands to this day.

Rev. Bro. William Albert Rand, founder and pastor of the South Seabrook Congregational Church (Now known as the Rand Memorial Church), served as Chaplain of St. Mark's Lodge from January 10, 1887, to his death in 1921, a total of thirty-five years.

Monday, September 28, 1903, was chosen for the centennial anniversary celebration. The lodge was opened at 8:30 a.m. by Worshipful Master Arthur P. Brown, and three candidates were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. At 10:30 A. M. Rt. Wor. William H. Rider of Gloucester, District Deputy Grand Master of the ninth Masonic District, made an official visitation and inspection.

At high twelve, the craftman called from labor to refreshment, and a collation was served in the banquet hall.

In the early afternoon, a parade was formed, and St. Mark's Lodge started from Phoenix Hall and received St. John's Lodge at Masonic Hall. The two bodies then marched through Harris and Green Streets to the Jonathan Gage mansion where the procession was formed, Warren Lodge of Amesbury being met at this point.

The column marched in review past the carriages containing Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; Most Worshipful Harry M. Cheney, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and the other officers of both grand lodges.

The parade marched down Green Street, passing the old lodge hall, of ancient Masonry, down Merrimac, through Market square, up State Street, and Pleasant Street to the Unitarian Church. Many buildings on the line of march were decorated for the occasion.

The route of the march was the same as that 100 years previous when st. Mark's Lodge met at the same historic old church to hold their institutional services.

The guests and the lodges were seated in the auditorium of the church, and the balcony was opened to the public. Very few seats were unoccupied. There were brethren

Present from thirty lodges in Massachusetts; fourteen other lodges from various state jurisdictions and from Hope Lodge of the District of Columbia.

After singing by the Harvard Quartette and prayer by the Grand Chaplain, the assembly was greeted by Worshipful Master Arthur P. Brown, who gave a brief but excellent address. This was followed by a response from Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. Lieut. Gov. Curtis Guild, Jr. was then presented to the assembly and spoke briefly of Masonry during the Civil War. After a few words by Wor. Alvah Hoyt, Past Master of st. Mark's historical address was given by Rev. O. A. Roberts, who spoke at length on all phases of local Masonry during the past century.

At the conclusion of the service, the gathering dispersed to meet again in City Hall at 5 P. M. where five hundred Masons were seated at a sumptuous banquet which brought to a close St. Mark's 100th Anniversary celebration.

Sunday, May 10, 1953, and Monday, May 11, 1953, were chosen for the 150^th

anniversary celebration. On Sunday, May 10, a church service was held at the Unitarian Church. The lines formed at 2:30 p.m., with Newburyport Commandery #3 serving as escort. St. John's Lodge and other invited guests had a part in the service. The speaker was Wor. Rev. D. Joseph Imler, Grand Chaplain. On return to the Temple, a lunch was served.

Monday, May 11, being a regular communication, a business meeting was held at 5:00 p.m., at which ballots were held on two applications. A fine banquet was served at 6:30 p.m., followed by a program of entertainment. At 8:00 p.m., the Lodge received M.W. Thomas S. Roy, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Emeth Lodge was instituted on April 25, 1955, to serve a need in the community at that time. Emeth Lodge was chartered on May 4, 1956, with 112 charter members. For many years, the Lodge was a vital force for Freemasonry in Newburyport. In 1975, due to a declining membership and an inability to fill the chairs, the Lodge felt it could no longer function. Emeth Lodge merged with St. Mark's Lodge in a ceremony at a special communication of St. Mark's Lodge on January 15, 1976. St. Mark's Lodge opened on the Third Degree in Freemasonry at 7:00 p.m. Wor. Master Duncan M. Macleod welcomed the Brethren present and gave a brief explanation of the merger ceremony. At 8:00 p.m. Most Worshipful Stanley F. Maxwell, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was received into the Lodge. The Grand Master assumed the Oriental Chair, and as they were introduced, the Grand Officers assumed their stations. The Grand Master then proceeded with the merger ceremony. At 8:35 p.m., the Grand Master declared that by authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, St. Mark's and Emeth Lodge were now united into one Lodge under the Charter, and with precedence of St. Mark's Lodge. The Grand Master then directed the Grand Marshal to make the proclamation.

There were two lodges in Newburyport in 1803. There are two lodges in Newburyport today; St. John's and St. Mark's. Saint Mark's Lodge continues to be a viable force for Masonry in Newburyport. Some of our present efforts include supporting the American Red Cross blood program and actively participating in the C.H.I.P. (Child Identification Program) throughout the District.

Saint Mark's Lodge Meeting Places

Washington Hall 1803- 1825

St. Mark's first home was in a Green street building, Washington Hall. The owner of this hall was St. Peter's Lodge, to whom St. Mark's Lodge paid rent at the rate of $2.50 per meeting.

Very little has been told or written of the old lodge rooms in the original house, and yet it was one of the historic landmarks in Newburyport. As of 1903, the building was occupied as a Dwelling-house, numbered 7-9-11-13 Green street. The original structure is the portion numbered 11-13, and the second story of it was known as Union Hall. It was built about 1797 and was Owned principally by st. Peter's Lodge. The Lodge occupied the second floor, and it was here that Masonry was practiced in its ancient form. In 1802 the owners of the building purchased additional land of Timothy Dexter and erected an addition. Having enlarged the original hall, it was named Washington Hall. The lodge room was used by st. John's, st. Peter's and St. Mark's Lodges from 1803 to 1825.

St. Peter's Lodge surrendered its Charter and sold its interests in the property on Green street in1830, and it was used for an amusement hall for 30 or 40 years. There Capt. Abel Coffin exhibited the Siamese Twins in 1835. This building no longer exists. It probably was on the lower part of green st. Across from the present police station.

Market Hall, the meeting place that never was( 1825)

A search for a better and more convenient meeting hall resulted in a proposal being given to the town concerning Masonic use of the second floor of the Market House building in Market Square. On January 17, 1825, it was voted that "the selectmen be authorized to finish the market house at an expense not exceeding one thousand dollars, provided St. Mark's Lodge give security to the town for the payment of the sum of ten per centum rent per annum for the term of ten years and enter into a contract that the premises shall only be used for masonic purposes." Owing to disagreement over the terms of the agreement, the following was passed at a town meeting on February 9, 1825: "Whereas the committee of St. Mark's Lodge have agreed to relinquish any claim which they may have by virtue of any votes of this town to the use of the hall over the market, provided the town shall make them suitable indemnity for their trouble and expenses not exceeding one hundred dollars. Voted that the town reconsider the vote passed on January 17 last authorizing the selectmen to finish the hall over the market for St. Mark's Lodge, and the selectmen be authorized to make reasonable indemnity the said st. Mark's Lodge, not exceeding the sum of one hundred dollars."

Phoenix Hall, 1825-1862

St. Mark's and st. John's Lodges moved, July 21, 1825, to Phoenix Hall on State st. May 10, 1825, the Lodge voted to lease Phoenix Hall, State Street, for a term not exceeding five years. On June 28, 1825, a committee reported that it had leased the third story of Phoenix Building with two rooms below at a rental of eighty dollars per annum for twenty years. The report was unanimously accepted. The apartments were prepared for Masonic use at an expense of one thousand and fifty dollars. July 21, 1825, St. Mark's and st. John's Lodges met in conjunction to open the new Masonic Hall on State Street in the name of God and the Holy Saints John. The Officers officiating at the dual dedication were chosen by lot from the two Lodges who thereafter occupied the Hall. In June 1830, after St. John's Lodge had ceased to meet, St. Mark's Lodge took possession of all the fixtures and paid rent to April 30. Owing to the Morgan affair, all Lodges had suffered for lack of members and funds to continue their work and the Lodge was far behind in the rent. November 26, 1832, the last meeting prior to an interregnum of four and a half years, st. Mark's Lodge voted "to relinquish all right to the fixtures, etc. in the Halls provided the proprietors would make them over to James Carey and his associates and release st. Mark's Lodge from all future liabilities provided st. John's Lodge relinquish in like manner, they agreeing to keep the same in the Hall for Masonic purposes. The record commences again in July 1837. August 20, 1839 the Lodge voted to pay two dollars per meeting .as rent for Phoenix Hall. Moore's Magazine of Feb. 1857 says st. Mark's Lodge of Newburyport has recently renewed their lease of Phoenix Hall and are fitting the same in superb style .. When completed it will equal any Masonic Hall in the State. The two full length paintings of five hundred dollars and which graced the walls for a long series of years and were then finally sold, have been repurchased and placed in their original positions. (These pictures were in possession of st. Mark's Lodge until 2002, when they were again sold). The record commences again in July 1837, but the place of meeting is not mentioned. It was probably Phoenix Hall.

Washington Hall, 1862-1871

St. John's Lodge then occupied a hall on the southerly comer of Essex and State Streets, called Washington Hall, to which St. Mark's Lodge moved on December 2, 1862.

New Masonic Hall, 1871-1882

A new Masonic Hall was procured by St. Mark's Lodge and was occupied December 9, 1871. It was situated on the third floor of a new building on Pleasant Street. On December 26, 1871, the Lodge voted to call the new apartments "New Masonic Hall." The apartments were expressly prepared for St. Mark's Lodge, who furnished them at an expense of twelve hundred dollars. The apartments were dedicated to Masonic uses at a special meeting held Tuesday, January 2, 1872. R. W. Charles C. Dame, Past Grand Master, and many distinguished guests, including a great number of ladies, were present. After the Services, a banquet was served in Central Hall. The rent of the apartments was two hundred and fifty dollars per annum, which was reduced to two hundred dollars. In 1881 some of the organizations to whom St. Mark's sublet the hall obtained another place to meet, and st. Mark's felt obliged to seek a cheaper rent.

Shaw's Hall, 1882-1895

February 13, 1882, the Lodge moved to Shaw's Hall on Charter Street.

Essex Hall, 1895-1898

February 9, 1895, the Lodge moved to Essex Hall comer of State and Essex.

Phoenix Hall, 1898-1916

In 1898 the Lodge moved to Phoenix Hall, their former Masonic home, for the last time.

St. John's Hall 1916-1928

In 1916 the Lodge moved to St. John's Hall over the Five Cents Savings Bank, where they remained until the new Masonic Temple was completed in 1929.

Masonic Temple, 1929-Present

Sometime during 1923, a group of Masons purchased the old Colonial three-story house on Green Street that is now the front of our Masonic Temple. Bonds were issued to finance the project, and the Temple Club was formed to hold and maintain the property. In 1927 work was started on the new Temple, and in 1928 the comer stone was laid. On Wednesday, March 27, 1929, following a delicious banquet, the Newburyport Masonic Temple was dedicated. Present at the occasion were Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Rt. Wor. Daniel C. Hunt, District Deputy Grand Master of the Newburyport Tenth Masonic District, and numerous other Grand Lodge Officers, and in April of 1929, st. Mark's held its first meeting in its permanent home. Thus, after many years of wandering from hall to hall, it has finally settled in our beautiful Temple not far from the original hall where it first met.

District Deputy Grand Masters

A board of District Deputy Grand Masters was instituted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1801. st. Mark's Lodge was first assigned to the Second District. District assignments have changed several times since 1801. St. Mark's Lodge has been assigned to the following Districts over the years, in the sequence shown: Second District, Ninth District, Newburyport Tenth District, and, currently, the Eleventh District.

Many Past Masters of St. Mark's Lodge have served as D.D.G.M.'s. They are (Not in the order of service):

R W. John Cook, Jr.

R W. Ebeneezer Bradbury

RW. Isaac P. Seavy

R W. Moses Brown

RW. Arthur P. Brown

RW. Charles W. Perry, Jr.

RW. Perley E. Miller

From Emeth Lodge:

R.W. H. Nelson Pingree Currently Affiliated with st. Mark's:

RW. Bruce M. Bear, Jr.

R W. Merton E. Chute

R W. Arthur C. Browne

R. W. Leon Ananian

R W. Thomas F. McGrath, Jr. R W. Herbert Eaton

RW. Arnold M. Marookian

R W. Samuel Zetlan