The Lodge History
The thought of forming a Masonic Lodge at Harvard had been around for some time. The earliest record of an attempt to establish a Lodge at Harvard occurred in 1863. At a private meeting of 14 Master Masons, it was decided that a new lodge in Cambridge be formed. The name Harvard Lodge was voted on, and approved. However the men reconsidered and formed a lodge called the name Mount Olivet Lodge, which by the way is still in existence.
The direct origins of The Harvard Lodge stem from a few other Masonic clubs and organizations that were functioning at the University in the early 1900's. These included the Harvard Masonic Club, The Square and Compass Club, and the Acacia Fraternity
The Harvard Masonic Club was a club for Masons who were attending Harvard University. It was not a Masonic Lodge, but rather a club for men who were Masons. One of the many notable member of this group was President Theodore Roosevelt, who was awarded honorary status. In March of 1922, at a dinner of The Harvard Masonic Club it was decided that the first American Masonic Academic Lodge be formed, that being The Harvard Lodge. In order for it to be an academic lodge, it would restrict its membership to those who have a connection to Harvard University. By May of that year, The Harvard Lodge was constituted, and The Harvard Masonic Club, quickly dissolved and reformed into The Harvard Lodge.
The name "The Harvard Lodge" originated as there was already existing a Prince Hall Masonic Lodge named "Harvard Lodge" in Harvard Massachusetts. This has subsequently has dissolved.
