“Friendship in Adversity” The Masonick Fire Society

by Ymelda Rivera Laxton, Assistant Curator, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

In the 1700s and 1800s, the danger of fire was ever-present in cities and towns. Groups of town residents often formed fire companies or societies to fight fires in their neighborhoods. In 1789, Freemasons in Gloucester, Massachusetts, formed the Masonick Fire Society, which “aimed to be helpful to each other in extinguishing [fires in Gloucester], and in saving and taking the utmost care of each other’s goods.” This particular society required that each member was “an approved Mason.” The group’s motto, “Friendship in Adversity,” is painted on this leather fire bucket, owned by Masonick Fire Society member Zachariah Stevens (1763-1846).

The Masonick Fire Society required that each member “always keep ready, two good Leather Buckets, and two strong bags.” Before the advent of pumpers, hydrants, and hoses, householders fought fires with bucket brigades. Residents lined up and passed buckets from hand to hand to try and extinguish a blaze. During the 1700s and early 1800s, prosperous households had at least a couple of buckets, like this one, at the ready in case of fire. Bearing their owner’s name, these buckets were returned to the homeowner when the fire was over. Symbols and other information showed that a bucket’s owner belonged to a mutual aid society such as the Masonick Fire Society in Gloucester. If needed, the “strong bags” would have been used to remove valuable items from a home threatened by fire.

According to the group’s rules and orders, published in 1786, the Masonick Fire Society was to have a “Watch Word” known only by members. They met on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October to monitor supplies and choose moderators and clerks. The group’s mission illustrates the longstanding Masonic commitment to fellow Brethren.

“Always keep ready, two good Leather Buckets, and two strong bags.”

Zachariah Stevens, a veteran of the Massachusetts militia, was a member of Tyrian Lodge in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He had this leather bucket painted with his name, a square and compasses, two clasped hands, the Society’s motto, and the year 1799— possibly the year that he joined the Masonick Fire Society. Steven’s fire bucket will be on view in the upcoming exhibition at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library “The Masonic Hall of Fame: Extraordinary Freemasons in American History.”

Have questions or comments? Email Ymelda Rivera Laxton, Assistant Curator, at ylaxton@srmml.org.

Fire Bucket, 1799. Probably Gloucester, Massachusetts. Special Acquisitions Fund, 81.48.