Welcome 2022-2023

Welcome to Meridian Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Natick Massachusetts. We meet in the Natick Masonic Apartments, 24 Main Street, Natick Massachusetts on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Meridian Lodge is a member of the 15th North Masonic District in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

We welcome all visiting brethren to join us in brotherhood.

History of Meridian Lodge

Meridian Lodge of Natick, Massachusetts, which was founded at the end of the 18th century. Its charter was granted by the authority of Most Worshipful Paul Revere in December 11, 1797, to General William Hull (who served on George Washington’s staff) and others to hold a lodge “in the town of Watertown.” We have limited records of these early years as the Lodge’s original charter, along with the record books and papers of the lodge, with the exception of the original treasurer’s account book, were destroyed by fire in Natick July 20, 1862.

Circumstances made it desirable that the lodge should be removed to another town, and June 10, 1811. The Grand Master at the time granted the members of Meridian Lodge permission to change their location from Watertown to Needham (now known as Wellesley Hills). The home of the lodge was in what was known as Smith’s Tavern, on the Boston and Worcester turnpike.

In September 1843, permission was granted to the members of Meridian Lodge to again change their location to Newton Lower Falls. They occupied the Wales Tavern at Newton Lower Falls, and for a short time held meetings at Newton Upper Falls. Its last location in that vicinity, however, was in a building then owned by Brother Gen. Charles Rice, situated about 300 feet from the bridge which spans the Charles river, between the then known towns of Needham and Newton.

The cause which led to the change to Natick is interesting. It appears that a number of brethren residing in Natick had determined to establish a lodge in that town if the recommendation of the nearest lodge could be procured. Application was made to Middlesex lodge of Framingham, which lodge declined to grant their request, deeming it inadvisable to have a lodge so near their location. For a short time the brethren were disheartened and nonplused as to the next step to be taken, when it occurred to them that the location of Meridian Lodge at Needham was nearer to Natick than Framingham and therefore held jurisdiction over their territory. Accordingly the committee took new courage, and consulted with the brethren of Meridian Lodge in reference to granting them permission to petition the Grand Lodge.

Gen. Charles Rice, then a prominent member of Meridian Lodge, informed the committee that the interest in Freemasonry was then at a very low ebb and suggested that they enter into a compact to have Meridian Lodge transferred to Natick, where it was hoped it would have a wider scope for usefulness. This agreement was gladly entered into by the Natick brethren, and the necessary dispensation for the transfer of Meridian Lodge to Natick was granted by Rev. the Grand Master at that time. This action was taken March 1852, during the same month the first communication of the lodge was called in Natick for organization.

The lodge flourished in its new location until July 20. 1862, when nearly all its property was destroyed by fire. The loss was serious. The records from December, 1797, and the charter, which bore the signature of Paul Revere, were among the property highly prized which was lost and which could not be replaced. A new charter to serve in place of that destroyed was granted by the Grand Lodge.

The lodge suffered again by fire January 13, 1874. At this time the whole business portion of the town was destroyed. The first regular communication following I the fire was held at the residence of the secretary. The lodges of Framingham and Newtonville tendered the use of their lodge rooms and paraphernalia. New Masonic apartments were secured and the first meeting held June 16, 1875. They were dedicated July 16, 1875. The new Masonic apartments were considered the most elegant in the state, at that time of any outside of Boston. The lodge still resides in this building.

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