DeWittClinton

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DeWITT CLINTON LODGE

Location: Sandwich

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 03/13/1856 VI-7

Precedence Date: 03/16/1855

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

  • Thomas R. Borden, 1855, 1856
  • John C. Harpur, 1857-1861
  • Charles H. Waterman, 1862
  • William H. F. Burbank, 1863-1865
  • Andrew F. Sherman, 1866, 1867, 1874-1876
  • Charles B. Hall, 1868, 1869
  • Isaiah T. Jones, 1870, 1871
  • William C. Spring, 1872, 1873
  • William A. Nye, 1877, 1878
  • Daniel F. Chessman, 1879, 1880
  • Francis H. Holway, 1881-1883, 1890-1893
  • George E. White, 1884, 1885, 1889, 1908; Memorial
  • Josiah E. Knowles, 1886
  • Charles M. Thompson, 1887
  • Charles T. C. Whitcomb, 1888; SN
  • Seth A. Hargraves, 1894
  • Eugene W. Haines, 1895
  • William H. Heald, 1896
  • Fred E. Pierce, 1897
  • Benjamin Haines, 1898
  • Arthur Braman, 1899; SN
  • Eben S. S. Keith, 1900, 1901, 1903
  • Moses C. Waterhouse, 1902
  • Edward S. Talbot, 1904
  • Benjamin B. Crosby, 1905, 1906
  • Albert Holway, 1907
  • Harry S. Dowden, 1909, 1910
  • Osgood L. Small, 1911, 1912
  • John A. Holway, 1913, 1914
  • George W. Starbuck, 1915, 1916
  • Lewis J. Whitney, 1917, 1918; N
  • Ralph L. Small, 1919, 1920
  • Fred E. Burrows, 1921, 1922; N
  • Carl E. Perry, 1923
  • Wilson C. Bartley, 1924
  • Bernard P. Harkins, 1925, 1926
  • Stephen. P. Hayes, 1927, 1928
  • Harry W. Salter, 1929
  • James M. Neil, 1930
  • Bertrand C. French, 1931; N
  • David C. Crowell, 1932
  • William M. Harrison, 1933, 1934; N
  • Edward E. Davis, 1935, 1936
  • Doxie T. Salter, 1937
  • Herbert I. Landers, 1938
  • Harold L. Burke, 1939
  • James E. O’Toole, 1941, 1942; N
  • Wallace M. Freeman, 1943, 1944
  • Donald R. Small, 1945
  • Edgar W. Davis, 1946, 1947
  • Ralph I. Freeman, 1948, 1949
  • Lester W. Smith, 1950
  • Maurice E. Grinnell, 1951
  • Allison R. Cook, 1952; SN
  • Walter J. Stahura, 1953
  • Harold R. Macdonald, 1954, 1955
  • Alton F. Randall, 1956
  • Ross. M. Raymond, 1957
  • Howard S. Dawson, 1958
  • Frank C. Harrison, 1959
  • Edgar B. Johnson, 1960
  • A. Raymond Gooch, 1961
  • Grover C. Kendall, Jr. 1962
  • Sam A. Gilman, 1963
  • John C. Morris, 1964
  • Kendall G. Jones, 1965; N
  • Francis S. M. Harris, 1966
  • John P. Jones, 1967
  • Robert F. Jones, 1968
  • Frank C. Bess, 1969
  • Garfield G. Stymiest, 1970
  • Carl W. Scott, 1971
  • Columbo C. Christofori, 1972, 1974
  • Raymond Scovill, 1973
  • Donald H. Long, 1975
  • Myron C. Bigelow, 1976
  • John G. MacDonald, 1977
  • Charles T. Fuller, 1978; PDDGM
  • Albert H. Hammond, 1979
  • Alan C. Kingsbury, Sr., 1980
  • Walter Uggerholt, 1981
  • Bruce H. Stanford, 1982
  • Steven A. Weaver, 1983
  • Oscar Yohai, 1984
  • Herbert W. Ellis, 1985
  • Ronald F. Perry, 1986
  • Frederick H. Banks, 1987; PDDGM, Maine
  • H. Earl Lantery, 1988
  • Bruce G. Murphy, 1989
  • Thomas R. Hickey, 1990; PDDGM
  • Peter R. Smith, 1991
  • David W. Catten, Jr., 1992 DDGM
  • Richard B. Farrar, 1993
  • Richard F. Grant, 1994
  • Calvin R. Lessard, 1995
  • Peter K. Stone, 1996
  • Allen P. Hoyt, 1997, 2012
  • Timothy C. Chapin, 1998
  • John R. Powers, 1999
  • Robert H. Plugge, 2000
  • Barry R. Biddinger, 2001
  • Peter D. Howell, 2002, 2011
  • James F. Holler, 2003, 2009
  • Dennis Souweine, 2004
  • Richard D. Grade, 2005
  • Nathan A. Grade, 2006, 2008
  • Charles B. Coombs, IV, 2007
  • Richard J. Hood, 2010

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1855
  • Petition for Charter: 1856

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1955 (Centenary)
  • 1980 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1877 1882 1885 1887 1888 1891 1898 1907 1913 1921 1924 1927 1930 1938 1942 1953 1958 1961 1967 1973 1974 1977 1981 1982 1984 1988 1993 1997 2001 2008

HISTORY

  • 1955 (Centenary History, 1955-111)
  • 1980 (125th Anniversary History, 1980-33)

OTHER

  • 1886 (Ruling on appeal by lodge)
  • 1896 (Jurisdictional dispute)

EVENTS

DEDICATION AND INSTALLATION OF LODGE, MARCH 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 7, May 1856, Page 198:

Having worked with encouraging success under a Dispensation for the usual time, the Brethren composing this new Lodge, petitioned and obtained from the Grand Lodge, in March last, a Charter, empowering them to organize a permanent Lodge, in the pleasant village of Sandwich. They had leased and suitably fitted up a spacious and beautiful hall, with all the necessary conveniences, and being in all other respects prepared for consecration, the M. W. Grand Master, with his officers, visited Sandwich on the evening of the 21st March, for the performance of that essential and interesting duty. The ceremonies were public, and took place in the hall of the Lodge, in the presence of a large assembly of ladies and gentlemen. The services were new to most of the persons present, and were apparently witnessed with much interest and satisfaction. After the consecration services and the installation of the principal officers, the M. W. Grand Master (Dr. Lewis) addressed the Brethren of the new Lodge on the nature arid importance of the duties they had assumed; after which a procession was formed, and the company repaired to the Central House, where a sumptuous banquet had been handsomely spread for their refreshment. About eighty persons, including the ladies, sat down at the tables, under the Presidency of Brother Dr. J. Harper, who discharged the delicate duties of his appointment in a manner that contributed much to the gratification of the guests and the sociability of the occasion. Short addresses were made by the President, and by the Grand Master, and Brothers Sheppard, Moore and Coolidge, of Boston, Brothers David Parker and Rev. S. Pope, of Barnstable, Rev. Thomas Borden, Master of the new Lodge, and we believe some others, whose names have escaped us.

The sentiments announced by the President of the evening, were so much above the ordinary tone of such matters, that we depart from our usual rule, and lay a part of them before our readers,—premising that they were all drank in cool, if not "sparkling water:"—

  • The M. Worshipful Grand Lodge of our State — A noble column, whose capital is admired for the grace and beamy of its ornaments. May the structure which it supports be worthy of such a head.
  • The members of De Wilt Clinton Lodge — May you be worthy of the name you bear, emulating his virtues, and profiting by his example.
  • By the President. — There can be no disparagement in applying the term flock to such an assembly as this, when so excellent a Shepherd is with us.
  • By the Same.— It seems to be in the nature of man to be dissatisfied. Notwithstanding he is surrounded with every enjoyment, he still wishes for Moore.
  • Grand Marshal Coolidge — A worthy Brother of the Square and Compass, "Pleased with each good that Heaven to man supplies."
  • David Parker — A veteran in the Masonic ranks, whose sympathetic mind / Exults in all the good of all mankind.
  • Pope — Often have we been delighted with Pope of Twickenham; his sweet strains have beguiled many a leisure hour, and soothed us into love to God and love to man; we have also a Pope of Hyannis, whose theme is lofty, and whose thoughts are generally derived from the source of all inspiration, still pointing us to love to God and love to man, with a surer aim. Him we are proud to call Brother, and his voice is always acceptable to our ears.

The President then said —
"The ladies who have honored us with their presence need not be at all disturbed because they are not admitted to the privacy of our Lodges. I can assure them they are always well represented there by the cardinal virtues, which as female figures, continually remind us to practice them. I have the honor of proposing,

  • Woman — the noblest work of a glorious creation.

Rev. T. Borden made a short response.

  • Our Brother Masons all over the World — We know no North, no South, no East and no West; the universe is our platform, our watchword is Brotherly Love.

The following are the officers for the current year :— Thomas Borden, W. M.; Win. H. F. Burbank, S. W.; John W. Pope, J. W,; Wm. E. Boyden, Treasurer; Seth F. Nye, Secretary; Stephen R. Rogers, S. D. ; Charles B. Hall, J. D.; Geo. W. L. Hatch, T.; J. G. Forman, Chaplain.

CHARGE BY GRAND MASTER LEWIS

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 10, August 1856, Page 310:

As the official head of Freemasonry of Masssachusetts, I welcome you, as now of the numerous family of that venerable body ; and trust that you will long continue to aid, support and maintain the excellence which has ever been attached to our time honored and honorable Institution. You commence your course when all is fair and smiling. Masonry is now at high meridian, on a railroad speed. Your car is placed on a track well laid down, firmly graded, resting on two parallel lines, cleaving to which you cannot physically or Masonically err. The journey of your passengers is subdivided into three sections, and at each of these I charge you to stop for a time sufficient to refresh and invigorate them. It is all important for their Masonic Health. If hurried on unduly, their heads become confused, they see nothing on their too rapid course, arrive at their journey's end without satisfaction, sleep away their tedium, awake, and find the whole, as it were, a dream. I beseech you, let them tarry at each section, inform them of the prominent places over which they have been conducted. It will invigorate them for their future career, increase their confidence and appreciation of the excellence of the road, and of the wisdom and sagacity of the founders of this ancient Corporation. The stock will rise in the market of public opinion, and dividends, better than gold or silver, will add to the wealth of the stockholders. Be not over anxious to take up all and every one on your way, for the sake of the mere fare. It retards progress; and although pecuniary increase be the result, it is at the expense of the comfort and welfare of those who desire to travel with advantage and improvement. Overburden not your car with numbers. Too full, the dead weight will depress the elasticity of the springs, and arrest the wheels of action. Scrutinize severely and critically all who apply for tickets. This is an "act in addition to all acts," in regard to your peculiar Charter. You may require the motives which induced the holder to undertake his journey; if he is duly and truly prepared for it; if he is morally and intellectually qualified to become both a useful, agreeable and valuable companion; one capable of imparting as well as receiving information; one, in brief, whom you would receive at your domestic and social circle, as well as in your Masonic car.

There is a pernicious habit, too much practised, in our Corporation, of Conductors applying to the Directors to run special trains, irrespective of time. They hurry at an express speed, and do it in one evening ; stop not to halt, and refresh; know not where they have been, or what attractions they might have passed. Such travellers are not apt to become useful or advantageous. They go through in darkness, and observe no light in their transit. I charge you, then, to avoid this practice. It should be resorted to but in extreme emergencies, and with the utmost caution. With such precautions the stock of the De Witt Clinton must rise much above par. Officers have been chosen whose reputation and knowledge of the road arid its branches, will ensure the confidence of all who select this route to lead them where they would be. The Superintendent possesses the great essentials for this important office. With perfect knowledge of the machinery, of the springs, of the wheels, of the track, of the course, and of the combined action of the whole, all will be managed with discretion ; all perfected with excellence. Under such auspices, the traveller will be both delighted and instructed. The price of his fare he will deem well bestowed, and his strong desire must be to invest still further in that fund where investments repay mind and soul. The executive from whom your Charter is derived, will look with the warmest interest on your progression, and now, on starting, bids you God speed!

RESOLUTIONS, OCTOBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 1, October 1856, Page 32:

Sandwich, Mass. Oct. 15, 1856.

At a communication of DeWitt Clinton Lodge, held on Friday evening the 17th inst., the following Preamble and Resolutions were presented and unanimously accepted.

  • Whereas, our Worshipful Master, who has presided over the meetings of the Brethren of DeWitt Clinton Lodge from its commencement to the present time, is about to resign the honorable station which he has held with equal credit to himself, and honor to the Fraternity, from the necessity of removing to another Stale to exercise his clerical duties in a wider field of labor, therefore, in a full meeting of the Brethren of De Witt Clinton Lodge,
  • Resolved, That the thanks of the Lodge be tendered to him for the interest he has manifested, and for the efforts he has pul forth to advance the prosperity of the Lodge since its establishment in this place.
  • Resolved, That he carries with him our sincere wishes that his domestic circle may long be free from the evils incident to humanity, and that health and peace may enable him successfully to disseminate the high principles of our Order, and thus increase the circle of Brotherly love and friendship wherever his lot may be cast.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be presented to our worthy Brother as a token of our esteem; — that they also be entered on the records, and a copy sent the Editor of the "Freemasons' Monthly Magazine", for publication.

MEMORIALS

SETH F. NYE 1791-1856

  • MM 1812, Fraternal
  • Charter Member, DeWitt Clinton

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 2, November 1856, Page 62:

The funeral of the Hon. S. F. Nye, took place from the Unitarian Church in Sandwich, on Monday, Oct. 31, theUniversalist Church, where he worshipped, not being large enough for the purpose. The services in the Church were conducted by the Pastors of the Universalist and the Unitarian Societies. The body was followed to the grave by De Witt Clinton Lodge of Freemasons, a delegation from Fraternal Lodge, of Barnstable, and a large concourse of citizens, where his remains were deposited under the solemn and impressive ceremonies of the Masonic ritual.

On Monday afternoon the stores in the village were closed as a testimonial of respect to the departed. At a meeting of De Witt Clinton Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, held last Saturday evening, the following preamble and resolutions were passed by (he Brethren on the occasion of the demise of their Brother, Hon. Seth F. Nye:

The Brethren of De Witt Clinton Lodge, having now for the first time assembled together to aid in the solemn ceremonies usual on an occasion like this, and being deeply impressed by the loss of their Brother, who was ever attentive to the practice of the Masonic virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, would express their grief and respect by placing the following resolutions on the records of their Lodge:

  • Resolved, That by the death of our Brother, De Witt Clinton Lodge is deprived of one of its warmest friends, — his associates of a cheerful and open-hearted companion, — his domestic circle of a kind and affectionate husband and father.
  • Resolved, That the Brethren respectfully tender to the afflicted family their deep sympathy for their irreparable loss.
  • Resolved, That his memory will be long endeared to us, — he was mild, affable, and generous.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our departed Brother, and that they be entered on the records of the Lodge, and furnished for publication in the Cape Cod Advocate and the Masonic Magazine.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1855: District 8

1867: District 15 (Barnstable)

1883: District 27 (Nantucket)

1911: District 31 (Nantucket)

1927: District 32 (Hyannis)

2003: District 20

LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges

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