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Masonic Temple, Boston [Massachusetts]
1850-58
Benjamin F. Nutting (1803-1884)
USA: Massachusetts, Boston
Lithograph on paper mounted on board
overall: 17 1/8 in x 12 5/8 in
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.0167

Lithograph (print) showing large Gothic style building with two-story peaked windows and towers. Street scene in Boston, Massachusetts showing various pedestrians and man on horse; next to building is Episcopal Cathedral on Tremont Street. At bottom of image is lettering: "B.F. Nutting del et sculp Entered according to Act of Congress." Below image: "Masonic Temple, Boston."


On October 14, 1830, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts celebrated the cornerstone laying for its first Masonic building, located at Tremont Street and Temple Place. After a procession of more than 2,200 Masons through the city streets, Grand Lodge officials laid the cornerstone, heard an address, and sang a stanza “to the tune of Old Hundred.” The structure housed lodge meeting rooms, lecture space, a chapel, and two schoolrooms. Due to rising anti-Masonic feelings in Boston and throughout the United States, the 1832 dedication was subdued—the day’s program included a procession, music, and an address. By 1857, the Grand Lodge found the building cramped and sold it to the US government. The Grand Lodge purchased a building on the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets to use as their new home. Benjamin F. Nutting a portraitist and lithographer who worked in Boston during the mid and late 1800s ceated this lithograph. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 62-63; and blog post, January 29, 2009 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2009/01/a-presentation-pitcher.html