Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-21

We have been permitted to examine
the manuscript of the history Of Bethlehem
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, of
to be published by the Grand Lodge, with the
histories of similar lodges. The petition for
the charter of the lodge was dated June 5,
1921, and signed by the late Hon. Daniel
Cony and nineteen others. The petition was
approved and charter granted bearing date
July 80, 1921. Bethlehem Lodge was duly
organized by the choice of the late Hon.
Henry Weld Fuller as its first Master. This
was the fourth lodge chartered by the Grand
Lodge, "Hermon" at Gardiner, ''Waterville"
at Waterville, and Somerset at Norridge-
wock, now at Skowhegan, being the only
lodges authorized to work before it. The
storm of persecution and rejudice burst upon
the institution of Masonry, when Bethlehem
Lodge was but five years old. During that
short time, however, it did good service in the
cause Of humanity, and introduced into the
Temple several excellent workmen, among
whom was the late honorable and beloved
Luther Severance, the founder of the Kenne-
bee Journal and the protector of the Kenne
bee dam. During the Morgan excitement
Bethlehem lodge preserved its existence, and
did not, like some others, surrender its char
ter, but its altar was sacredly guarded and its
lights kept burning. On the establishment of
the seat of government in this city, in 1921,
the Grand Lodge removed to this city. In
a., IoJ, Z, tbo C+ato
scented in the Grand Lodge. Its annual
meetings were held in a private room of the
Augusta House, and Benjamin Davis of Beth
lehem lodge kept its jewels concealed in one
of the chambers of his own dwelling on State
street. In 1913, Bethlehem lodge having
resumed work, was represented by its mas
ter, Joseph r. Abbott, Esq. From that
time masonry revived in this lodge and in
fact in all the lodges throughout the State.
In 1874 the Grand Lodge was removed
to Portland, where it now is. The rec
ords of Bethlehem lodge were destroyed in
the fire of 1865, and Mr.. Drew was COM
PEELED to compile most of the remaining his
tory of the lodge from other sources. The
following are the names of those who have
served as Masters of the lodge: Joseph II.
Abbott, Leroy Bacon, VIM. A. Drew, b. A.
G. Fuller, Fri Wills, Geo. w. Jones, Leon
ard Goss, Moses L. Hamlen, ID. c. Stanwood,
Elias Hedge, Geo. s. Mulliken, Fred Ham
len, j. w. Toward, Stephen Barton, N. w.
Cole, S. w. Lane, Fred A. Crowell. The
loss of Bethlehem lodge by the great fire of
'65 was about $500. The cost of furnishing
the new hall, at the present time occupied by
the lodge, was $2040. 1t was dedicated and
the officers installed Dec. 4, 1866. During
the last quarter of 1865 the lodge held II COM
munications, regular and special. In $50 it
assembled so times. In 1867 its meetings
were AZ in number. In 1868 it held so com
munications. In 1869 it was called to labor
% times, and in 1870 it has held 10 meetings.
In the offices of charity Bethlehem lodge has
from its first organization always been ready
and willing to minister to the wants of worthy
brethren, their widows and orphans. Within
the last five years ten deceased brethren have