History
205years in Randolph
Helping men lead more fulfilling lives
About Us
Norfolk Union Lodge was and continues to be chartered to meet in the Town of Randolph. By dispensation of the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, the Lodge currently holds its communications at the Masonic temple in Braintree.
REGULAR COMMUNICATION: Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM
Early History
Early History 100th Anniversary
Freemasonry in Randolph dates back to the beginning of the seventeenth century. Rural Lodge the pioneer Masonic organization of the town was organized June 8 1801. In November 1803 the sentiment of the lodge was in favor of a removal to Quincy. Thus Rural Lodge went to Quincy and there it has since remained and prospered.
On the evening of Jan 22 1819 a few of the brothers of Rural Lodge residing in Randolph met at the residence of David Jacobs for the purpose of making some arrangements for the formation of a lodge in their own town. At this meeting Brother Simeon Alden was chosen moderator and Brother Royal Turner scribe A committee was chosen to present a petition to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter.
First Minutes
1819-1866
On June 9 1819 a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge to the following charter members Royal Turner, Ephraim Wales, Luther Thayer Jr, Robert Shankland, Samuel French, Isaac Spear, Leonard Alden, Timothy Dorman, Samuel Thayer Jr, Horatio B Alden, William French, and Joshua Niles with full powers and authority to convene as Masons in Randolph under the name of Norfolk Union Lodge.
From 1833 to 1837 owing to the continued persecution of Masonry caused by the so called Morgan excitement but a few regular communications were held and in December 1837 the charter of Norfolk Union Lodge in common with those of many other Masonic lodges was surrendered to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge During the next eight years many of the members passed away but in 1855 the true spirit of Masonry which had lain dormant in the hearts of the few remaining members kindled with a new life and seven members petitioned the Grand Lodge for the return of the charter and at the December meeting of the Grand Lodge in that year the charter was returned and a new era commenced in the history Norfolk Union Lodge.
At the communication in January 1855 Bradford L Wales was Worshipful Master Isaac Spear Senior Warden E.S. Conant Junior Warden.
From 1857 to 1866 under the administration of Brothers J Belcher and JB Thayer many names were to the roll of membership but many others were called to serve their country in the late Rebellion left to return no more.
for full details see Norfolk History
1900 on
from Filming and Photography in Quincy & Neighboring Communities
1919 100th Anniversary
1955 Past Masters Night full size
1969
150th Anniversary
1994 175th Anniversary
1919 200th Anniversary