Call Number:

SCRC 650

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center

Extent:

1.4 linear feet (4 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Freemasons Welcome Lodge No. 453 (Philadelphia, Pa.) Records, SCRC 650, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1869-1910 (inclusive)

Creator:

Freemasons. Welcome Lodge No. 453 (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Form:

Bylaws (administrative records), Reports, Administrative records, Books, Correspondence, Printed ephemera, Financial records, and Membership lists

Abstract:

The Welcome No. 453 Masonic Lodge was a Freemason society chapter, one of many international Freemason societies known as lodges, which meet in Masonic temples or halls under the overarching administration of regional Grand Lodges and abide by the Masonic constitutions, called the Ahiman Rezon. Lodge No. 453 was a Philadelphia branch established in December 1869, holding regular monthly meetings at Norman Hall in the Masonic Temple on Broad Street and existing as a constituent of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It was referred to as both a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (F. and A.M.) and Ancient York Masons (A.Y.M.). Membership was restricted exclusively to men, whose membership dues and contributions provided supportive funding for the organization's operations. It was eventually merged into the Williamson Corinthian Lodge, No. 368.

This collection contains materials related to the operations and membership of the Welcome No. 453 Lodge in Philadelphia. The majority of the collection pertains to Lodge membership, including petitions for membership, which list the names, ages, occupations, and addresses of petitioners. Membership materials also include formal inquiries into members and potential members, rejected applications, and documents on member advancement, grievances, resignations, and deaths. General returns submitted to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania summarize the lodge's annual membership activity. Additional administrative records include by-laws and amendments, extracts from the Ahiman Rezon, various committee reports, and Masonic Home documents. Correspondence is comprised of inquiries, circulars, edicts, and meeting notices of the Welcome Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, specific communications including pleas for charity from lodges, lodge members, and members' families, and member replies regarding their affiliation with the Cerneau Rite of Masonry. There is a small amount of miscellaneous organizational communications and documents, as well as a few documents related to other lodges.

The collection is arranged by type of record.