In 1733, Henry Price, a Boston merchant and tailor, received a charter from the Grand Lodge of England allowing him “to Constitute One or More Regular Lodge or Lodges as he shall think fit.” On July 30^th of that year, Price exercised his authority and 18 Freemasons were empowered to work as a Masonic lodge, the first in Massachusetts.

On the basis of this precedence, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were effectively established.  A Grand Lodge is the governing body that oversees the activities of the lodges within its jurisdiction., and in 2008 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grand Lodge marked the 275^th Anniversary, holding the distinction of being the third oldest Grand Lodge in the world and the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

According to Roger W. Pageau, the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and the presiding officer of 40,000 members, Although many have heard of us, very few are aware that for 275 years we have been part of an unbroken tradition of great men who have changed our world in ways both large and small. Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Joseph Warren were all Massachusetts Masons before achieving the greatness we recognize them for. And today we count men like New England Patriot and Pro Football Hall of Fame member John Hannah, retired Chief Justice of the Superior Court Robert L. Steadman, and former Boston Red Sox team physician Arthur M. Pappas as members. There are countless other great men, whose names are not widely known, that made their families, workplaces, and communities better because they were Masons.”

The origins and history of Freemasonry is clouded in uncertainty. It is thought to have arisen from English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Others have speculated that the order descended from the Knights Templars. Over the years, researchers have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, or why Freemasonry evolved.

The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to working stonemasons. The Grand Lodge of Ireland was organized in 1725. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts came next in 1733.

Freemasonry seeks to bring together men of every country, religion, race, background, age, income, and opinion and develop the bonds of friendship between them. Through a large variety of North American Masonic philanthropies, more $3,000,000 is give to charity every day, 70% of which benefits the general public. During its initiation ceremony, which uses symbolism and allegory, its members are encouraged to value principles, ethics, and morality and to live their lives accordingly. By “making good men better,” Freemasonry positively benefits its members, families and communities. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts represents 40,000 members and 235 lodges throughout the Commonwealth.

William Parkman Lodge was chartered in 1864.  It is located at 17 Arlington Rd, Woburn MA 01801.  To reach the lodge, please call 781-933-8220.  For information on becoming a mason, please visit the website for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, or email one of William Parkman Lodge’s Ambassadors.

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