The Harris Frontispiece

This is the illustration facing the title page of the famous and influential Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. This image has been described as depicting a meeting among Solomon, Hiram of Tyre and Hiram Abiff. On closer examination it seems as though a king and a queen are conversing, while a figure who may be either male or female kneels, pointing to a ground plan (presumably of the Temple).

Also see the frontispiece that appeared in Harris' Discourses on Free Masonry, published in 1801.

About Brother Harris

Thaddeus Mason Harris (1768–1842) was an orphan of the Revolutionary War who was made a Mason in King Solomon Lodge in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1790 at the age of 22. He studied at Harvard University and became a Unitarian minister in 1793. He authored the 1798 Constitutions for Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, still known as the 'Harris Constitutions.' He also held several positions within that body, including Grand Chaplain, Junior Grand Warden, and Grand Secretary. He also published a book of Masonic lectures at age 33, just as he started his ten-year engagement as G∴S∴.

Visitors to Academia Lodge are familiar with words of Bro∴ Harris spoken at the end of every Agape:

“Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendjhip and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard fo frequently inculcated, and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be, therefore, diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet.”

Notes by Shawn Eyer, P∴M∴