The Pythagorean Masonic Lodge celebrated 150 years of continuous fellowship at the Music Hall Saturday with a three-course meal and special music by the New Bedford Sea Chanteys. According to Master Thomas Dexter, leader of the Pythagorean Lodge, 175 people associated with Freemasonry and of the community attended.

The Pythagorean lodge is steeped in history. Since its institution in 1861, the Lodge has had 810 members and has been at 11 Spring Street since 1911. Early members included Benjamin Briggs, captain of the “Mary Celeste.” Part of the Lodge funding came from philanthropist Col. Henry Converse.

Charity and community have also been important parts of the Lodge’s success, Dexter says. With programs such as the Masonic Angel Foundation and Shriners Hospital for Children as well as involvement with organizations like the Salvation Army, Dexter says these relationships have helped the small lodge continue to grow.

“Not all lodges make it,” he says. “Many go into a period where the number of members coming in is far fewer than those passing away. Though we’re a small lodge and this is a small town, our members are active in the community. Our lodge, from start to now, has done very well.”

Dexter also said the night was a fitting tribute to 150 years of Masonry.

Among those in attendance was Grand Master Richard Stewart who presides over lodges in the state. The Grand Lodge in Massachusetts was established in 1773 and was the first in the nation.

“It’s a big event,” Stewart says.  “It’s just the dedication of the membership and the traditions of the Lodge that attribute to 150 years. It’s going well.”