Phoenix Lodge A.F. & A.M.
On June 9, 1826, a petition to fom a lodge in Hanover was made to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The new Lodge was called Phoenix Lodge. The petition was granted, and Phoenix Lodge was formed on September 26, 1826. In reaction to the anti-Masonic movement that raged throughout the country during the mid-1800's the Phoenix Lodge charter was returned to Grand Lodge. On February 8, 1873, a meeting of Master Masons was held to reactive Phoenix Lodge. A petition was signed by fifty Master Masons asking for dispensation to form. The dispensation was granted, and Phoenix Lodge was consecrated and opened on April 9, 1874.
Phoenix Lodge is an extremely active lodge. We believe Freemasonry should be for all; and thus, we have men from all walks of life who practice all religions. We also have activities for all ages. We have started a softball team that will be competing against other lodges throughout the summer. We are regularly hosting events such as Widow's Nights, Senior Dinners, and Ladies' Lodges.
We believe in community awareness and offer a breakfast on the fourth Sunday of each month that is open to everyone. All food is cooked to order and we generally serve between 100-150 people. The camaraderie among the members and the opportunity to interact with the community is unbelievable.
Our annual scholarship to a local high school student is extremely rewarding as well as beneficial to the recipient. Our monthly blood drive generates 6--70 pints of blood for the American Red Cross. Each Holiday Season we invite the Salvation Army to a special dinner with our members who donate a toy. They generally leave with a full truck at the end of the evening.
Generally speaking we are one of the most active lodges because we believe Masonry is about frienship, brotherly love, and giving back for no other reason than to help somone less fortunate.
Of the Lodges now existing under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Massachusetts, there are but nine older than Hanover's first Lodge. Early in December of 1792, seven local Freemasons petitioned the Grand Lodge to create and constitute a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons with title and designation of Old Colony Lodge within the Town of Hanover.
On November 14th, 1807, Old Colony Lodge was moved from Hanover to Hingham by the Grand Lodge.