Harmony Through Time

To be in harmony is to possess a “pleasing arrangement of parts.” It is a concept perfectly embodied by this month’s Ocean State Gem. 

We joined Worshipful Master Adam Clement to explore the past and present of Harmony Lodge No. 9—a fraternity that has remained in perfect accord for over two centuries.

In 1805 a group of shipbuilders established what became one of the most successful Masonic lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. These craftsmen brought something unique to their new lodge—an inverted crow's nest from a ship, transformed into an altar with the simple addition of a kneeling pad.

Today, that same crow's nest still plays a very important part in the Masonic career of every Entered Apprentice candidate since 1805, as it is where they have taken their obligation. When a new brother kneels there today, his hands rest where many others have rested before him, creating a long chain of brotherhood. It's history you can touch.

The lodge's commitment to continuity runs deep. For over 160 years, Harmony has not repeated a Master—this is without a doubt a testament to robust membership and leadership.

Their Secret?

With over 200 members and 15 potential candidates on the horizon, Harmony Lodge is thriving. But what's their secret?

The answer is simple: they treat each other like family. Many members knew each other long before they ever knocked on the lodge door. Brothers bring brothers, friends bring friends, and the tradition grows organically.

However, with such a large membership, maintaining engagement across all members remains challenging. Building a strong sense of community is essential to address this.

The Junior Warden picks up the phone every month to call sick brothers, checking in, offering support, and making sure no one feels forgotten. Twice each year brothers fan out across the community for "Sick and Firm Visits," delivering cookies, pastries, and most importantly, their time and attention to those who need it most.

The widows haven't been forgotten either. Twice yearly, Harmony Lodge hosts "Ladies' Luncheons," inviting special ladies for fellowship and connection—all on the lodge's dime. These gatherings ensure that the extended Harmony Lodge family stays woven together, even after loss.

Creating Memories, Building Brotherhood

Worshipful Clement has set a clear goal for his year: make as many memories as possible and this directive spans in multiple ways. 

As Senior Warden he continued  the tradition of hosting an annual Past Masters Dinner, gathering wisdom and guidance from those who've walked the path before. 

The lodge is reviving the tradition of a Masonic feast, planned for mid-2026. Officers recently attended a Table Lodge at Ionic Lodge No. 28, an experience that sparked new applications and deepened bonds among the leadership team.

Then there's the Fellow Craft Club, informal gatherings at places like Big Cheese for pizza or Cigar World for cigars, where brothers can shed their aprons and simply enjoy each other's company. No agenda, no business, just brotherhood.

A Temple Worthy of the Tradition

The lodge calls the Doric Masonic Center in Cranston home, and they've made it spectacular. Recent renovations transformed the dining room with new walls, flooring, and a completely updated kitchen. The lodge room itself, renovated around 2018-2019, features pews salvaged and refurbished from an old church.

Additionally, this is one the few lodge rooms in the state with a checkered floor (Masonic pavement) —a visual reminder of the duality and balance at the heart of Masonic teachings.

Preserving the arrangement of parts

Harmony Lodge is a living museum of Masonic history. The original Bible from 1805 still resides in the lodge, alongside the original record book containing meeting minutes from that founding year. The keystone from the previous "castle" building has been preserved as a tangible link to earlier homes.

Even the Past Master's Jewel has a tradition. An example of this is Worshipful Clement, the current Master, who will wear the same jewel that was first received by the Master in 1926. By November 2026, that jewel will celebrate its centennial—passed from worthy brother to worthy brother for a hundred years.

This lodge is more than a 220-year-old tradition, it is a powerful symphony of brotherhood that continues to play and inspire.

Interested in learning more about Harmony Lodge No. 9? Visit https://harmony9.org/