Trinity2

TRINITY LODGE

Location: Clinton

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 09/14/1859 VI-258

Precedence Date: 09/06/1858

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

'

Alfred A. Burditt, 1859-1863, 1873; SN
Levi Greene, 1864, 1865
Daniel Marsh, 1866, 1867
1868?
Charles W. Ware, 1869
Daniel B. Ingalls, 1871; SN
Sylvester S. Welch, 1872
Henry A. Putnam, 1874
Henry O. Sawyer, 1875, 1876
G. W. Goss, 1877, 1878
Henry McGown, 1879-1881
Edward G. Stevens, 1882
James B. Finnie, 1883
Samuel Booth, 1884
Charles A. Bartlett, 1885, 1886; Mem
Jonathan Smith, 1887-1889
Frank P. Breed, 1890, 1891
Charles E. Shaw, 1892
Leonard H. Parker, 1893, 1894
George B. Dinsmore, 1895
Samuel C. Damon, 1896
Gordon A. Brown, 1897, 1898
William Hamilton, 1899
Fred M. Johnson, 1900
Calvin H. Hastings, 1901; Mem
Allan G. Buttrick, 1902, 1903; SN
Walter F. Page, 1904
Walter W. Wright, 1905
Henry A. Ancil, 1906, 1907
Frank E. Bullard, 1908, 1909
George S. Estes, 1910, 1911
Wilbur L. Litchfield, 1912
Alfred P. Meredith, 1913
Charles Mayberry, 1914
William S. Duncan, 1915
Frank S. Dougans, 1916
Edward O. Burton, 1917
Frank E. Parker, 1918
James M. Donnelly, 1919
William N. Sutherland, 1920
Harvey E. Greenwood, 1921
William H. Taubert, 1922
James W. Duncanson, 1923
James Fraser, 1924
Charles A. Hosmer, 1925
David C. Latham, 1926
Herbert H. Parker, 1927
Guy E. Kidder, 1928
Arthur S. Rollins, 1929; N
Merle W. Poland, 1930
C. Raymond Heney, 1931
Harold J. Toole, 1932; N
Robert B. Frazer, 1933
Edwin M. Popp, 1934
George H. Donnelly, 1935
Jonathan Davis, 1936
Harris G. Field, 1937
Philip W. White, 1938
Kirby Webster, 1939
Edmund C. Osborne, 1940
Richard B. Lambert, 1941
Lester G. Jaquith, 1942
Othmar C. Ploss, 1943
George F. Williams, 1944
Clifford C. Fifield, 1945
George S. Davis, 1946
Lewis R. Rice, 1947
Everett L. Bowman, 1948
Walter C. Stone, 1949
C. Clifford Stone, 1950
John A. Howard, 1951
Charles F. Bourne, 1952
John M. W. Sargent, 1953
Julius J. Nicholas, 1954
George M. Rogers, Jr., 1955; N
Ralph E. Lein, 1956
Edward A. Cairns, 1957
Harley B. Banks, 1958
Henry H. Duvarney, 1959
Edgar E. Rugg, 1960
Samuel Babbitt, 1961
Roy L. Baer, 1962
Charles D. Greene, Jr., 1963; SN
Arthur E. McLean, 1964; SN
Edgar E. Rugg, 1965
Eugene F. Wilder, 1966
Ferdinand J. Loungway, 1967
G. Wayne Stoddard, 1968
Frank O. Collins, 1969; PDDGM
Harry E. Samler, 1970
Ronald E. Kidd, 1971
Leon E. Stuart, 1972
Richard E. Dalton, 1973
Chester R. Stone, 1974
Richard J. Stuart, 1975
Thomas H. Davis, 1976
James B. Clemence, Sr., 1977, 1978
August W. Noponen, 1979, 1982
William V. Ogert, 1980, 1981
Clifford P. Bohnet, 1983, 1989; DDGM
Richard D. Colburn, 1984
Laurence F. King, Jr., 1985
Colin P. McCauley, 1986
R. David Perkins, 1987
William F. Landine, 1988
Paul C. Stevenson, 1990
Alan C. Manter, 1991
William H. Young, Sr., 1992, 1993
Robert A. Peete, 1994, 2000
Steven L. Ring, 1995, 1996
Keith C. MacKinnon, 1997, 1998
Rafael P. Quinones, 1999
William H. Young, Jr., 2001, 2002
Donald A. Brown, 2003, 2004
Gary W. Braunhardt, 2005-2007
Glenn D. Merrill, 2008
Jeremiah F. Collins, 2009, 2010
Dale S. Prentiss, 2011
Gregory L. Stahl, 2012; DDGM

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

Petition for Dispensation: 1858
Petition for Charter: 1859
- "the previous charter not being granted because it was not surrendered in accordance with the Grand Constitutions." However, by vote (VI-262) they were permitted to retain the original records and physical copy of the charter until called for by the Grand Lodge. (Granted 09/06; constituted 09/21)

ANNIVERSARIES

1908 (50th Anniversary)
1933 (75th Anniversary)
1958 (Centenary)
2008 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

1859 (Heard; Constitution of lodge and installation; see below)
1880 (Welch)
1882 (Lawrence; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
1890 (Wells; installation)
1904 (Sanford; cornerstone laying; Special Communication)
1906 (Blake)
1908 (Blake; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1910 (Flanders; Ladies' Night)
1933 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1958 (A. Jenkins; Centenary; Special Communication)
2008 (Pageau; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1878 1906 1916 1920 1923 1924 1928 1941 1947 1949 1954 1957 1959 1966 1972 1984 1993 2008 2012

HISTORY

1908 (Historical Address at 50th Anniversary, 1908-96)
1933 (75th Anniversary History, 1933-408; see below)
1958 (Centenary History, 1958-200)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1933

History of Old Trinity Lodge was presented at this celebration.

From Proceedings, Page 1933-408:

by Worshipful Christopher White.

Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Suite, Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, Brethren:

Before starting on this little dissertation, I have a confession to make. Inasmuch as it is entirely without the scope of my ability properly to execute a work of this nature, I have taken the liberty of using the history written by Worshipful Brother Jonathan Smith on the occasion of the 50th anniversary in 1908, making such changes as are necessary to fit the changed conditions and the lapse of time.

That portion which I have appropriated is 80 to 90 per cent as written by Worshipful Brother Smith. It is, therefore, to Worshipful Brother Smith, and not to myself, that we are indebted for what is great, judicious, and distinct in this history.

(Here was read the record of the first meeting.)

In 1858 Clinton was a town of about 3000 people. It had no Town Hall and no Public Library. Social life was limited to lectures through the winter season, an occasional dancing and singing school, and now and then a concert or ball in Clinton House Hall. There was not a single club nor secret society, where now there are more than fifty, and we may well wonder in what way the people, young and old, found sufficient outlet for their leisure activities. The only social organizations then existing which have survived are the churches. The business men of the town were young, most of them under forty years of age.

In Lancaster and Sterling lived some ten or more aged Masons, members of the Old Trinity Lodge chartered in 1778. But one resided here, Levi Greene, who was one of the last initiates of the elder Trinity. There were also some half dozen young Masons in town who had received their degrees in neighboring Lodges or elsewhere.

To all appearances it was not an inviting soil in which to plant a Masonic Lodge, an institution then little known in this vicinity and exciting no interest. Thanks to the foresight and courage of a few choice spirits among the young members resident here, the enterprise was undertaken.

The plan of forming a Lodge in Clinton probably originated with Alfred A. Burditt and in the work he was ably supported by three men, Henry Bowman, Daniel Marsh, and George L. Thurston, all under thirty years of age.

Through the summer of 1858 the subject of forming a Lodge was frequently discussed by Brothers Burditt and Bowman. They also consulted with some of the surviving members of Old Trinity. Finally Brother Daniel Marsh suggested that E. Dana Bancroft, of Groton, be consulted. Brother Bancroft readily promised his aid and a meeting was arranged in Clinton to discuss the matter. The place and the date of this meeting are unknown.

Some half dozen or more were present, but the full list of the names has not been preserved. After a full discussion and with the hearty approval of E. Dana Bancroft, it was determined to take decisive steps toward organizing a Lodge.

Accordingly a meeting was called, to be held in Harris Hall in C. W. Field's block on High Street for Wednesday evening, September 8, 1858. There were present, E. Dana Bancroft, Alfred A. Burditt, Henry Bowman, Daniel Marsh, A. M. Eaglesham, George L. Thurston, Henry Eddy, Charles Odiorne, and one Brother from St. Paul's Lodge. It organized with choice of E. Dana Bancroft for Master, and G. Thurston as Secretary.

The subject of organization was fully debated. It was the strong desire of the Brethren to organize under the Charter of the Old Trinity Lodge and Brother Bancroft was chosen a committee to ascertain if Trinity Lodge No. 6 could be revived in Clinton, and if not to make such further inquiry as might be material for the establishment of a new Lodge. Brothers Bowman and Eddy were made a committee to find out the rent of Harris Hall and to estimate the probable cost of fitting up and furnishing it for the required purpose. The meeting then adjourned for a week.

On coming together again, Brother Bancroft read a communication from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge, stating "That Trinity Lodge of Lancaster could not be revived, it having been dead 30 years, and that the proper course would be to establish a new Lodge by petition to the Grand Lodge." The form of the petition was then read. The name of the new Lodge was next considered and it was unanimously voted that it should be "Trinity" in memory of its predecessor in Lancaster.

At this meeting the following officers were chosen, E. Dana Bancroft, W. M., Henry Bowman, S. W., Alfred A. Burditt, J. W., Daniel Marsh, Treas., George L. Thurston, S. D., A. M. Eaglesham, J. D., C. W. Odiorne, S. S., Henry Eddy, J. S. The election of Secretary and Tyler was postponed. George L. Thurston acted as Secretary of this meeting as he did for some time thereafter.

The committee to learn the rent of the hall reported, for the first year it would be $50.00 and $75.00 for the four following if a five year lease were taken. It was subsequently leased for five years at $50.00 per year.

The petition for a Dispensation was then filled out and signed by the following brethren: — E. Dana Bancroft, Henry Bowman, Alfred A. Burditt, Daniel Marsh, George L. Thurston, A. M. Eaglesham, Chas. W. Odiorne, Levi Greene, Anthony Lane, Luke Bigelow, John Bigelow, John G. Thurston, Reuben Blood, Joel Pratt, and Horace Faulkner, 15 in all. The Secretary's minutes of this meeting show only the first six as present and the remaining signatures were obtained afterward.

A brief sketch of some of these Brethren may be not out of place at this time.

Brother E. Dana Bancroft's career was unique in the annals of Massachusetts Masonry. He was initiated in Aurora Lodge, September 8, 1856, and became a member of St. Paul Lodge in November 1857. In less than two years he was chosen Master, holding the office three years. When he became Master of Trinity Lodge under the Dispensation he had never before occupied the Oriental chair. He was Master of four different Lodges under Dispensation and of two under Charter. He was also Grand Lecturer for thirteen years. Probably no Mason of his time had such a thorough knowledge of the ritual and forms and usages of the craft. He died August 12, 1896, sincerely mourned by the craft throughout the state.

The plan of forming a Lodge of Masons in Clinton probably originated with R. W. Bro. Alfred A. Burditt. It seems that in his father's house was a clock which had upon it certain mysterious characters. These characters interested and intrigued the boy Alfred, and he asked his father their meaning.

His father, not being a Mason, could not enlighten him. Later in life he attended political meetings in Worcester, some of which were held in a Masonic hall where he saw more of these symbols, also some of the furnishings of a Lodge which further stimulated his curiosity and interest.

He learned that his friend Henry Bowman was a Mason. He said to him, "I want to be a Mason," "All right," was the reply, "I will help you." After taking his degrees, to use his own words, "My enthusiasm so far increased that I resolved to try and start a Lodge here." And from these simple hints originally proceeded that which ultimately became Trinity Lodge.

R. W. Alfred A. Burditt was born in that part of Lancaster now Clinton, known as Burditt Hill, on June 20, 1827. When 30 years of age he took his degrees in Morning Star Lodge in Worcester. He was thrice elected Worshipful Master and was thrice District Deputy Grand Master. He died March 25, 1906, regretted by all who knew him.

Henry Bowman, the youngest member, was a native of Clinton and in 1858 held a responsible position in one of our large corporations. He entered upon the work of founding the Lodge with great energy and was elected the first Master under the Charter. At the end of the year he declined a re-election. In the early 1860's he left Clinton and died in Colorado on April 12, 1908.

Daniel Marsh was a native of Hampstead, N. H. born in 1827, and came to Clinton in 1858. He was the first Treasurer and filled all the chairs from Junior Deacon to Master, being in the Last in 1866-67. He died March 18, 1900, leaving behind an enviable record as a citizen and a Mason.

Brother George L. Thurston is probably the least known of the early members. He was the son of John G. Thurston, of Lancaster, one of the prominent members of Old Trinity in its last days. It is not known where Brother Thurston received his degrees. His health was frail and he went to war but was soon invalided home to Lancaster where he died and was buried with full Masonic honors by the Lodge December 17, 1862.

Of A. M. Eaglesham but little is known. He was born in England or Scotland and came to Clinton sometime in the fifties to fill a position with the Bigelow Carpet Co. He received his degrees in St. Paul's Lodge in 1856. The place and date of his death are unknown.

Charles W. Odiorne is still remembered by many of us. He was a native of New Hampshire and received his degrees in St. John's Lodge, Portsmouth in 1854, the year he came to Clinton. For 40 years he was an active and faithful member. He died at the age of 75 years in 1898.

Horace Faulkner was a native of Lancaster and came to Clinton in 1846 and went away in 1859. Apparently he never became a member of the Lodge.

Levi Green, Anthony Lane, Luke Bigelow, John G. Thurston, Reuben Blood, Joel Pratt, and possibly John Bigelow had been members of old Trinity Lodge No. 6. In 1858 they were elderly men and excepting Levi Greene lived in neighboring towns. They took active interest in the formation of this body and were frequently present at the meetings. Only three, Levi Greene, Reuben Blood, and Luke Bigelow joined the Lodge under the Charter. Of these, Levi Greene was Master two years, 1864-1866, and was active in its affairs until his death September 28, 1872.

On getting their Dispensation, which was dated September 14, 1858, the Brethren set to work to fit up and furnish their hall. The committee in charge were Brothers Marsh, Bowman, and Burditt. The hall was small and the equipment in harmony. The total expense was $367.07.

But this is not all. W. Bro. Burditt before his death told of the labors and struggles of getting into running order — to use his own words, "Bowman and myself did most of the work."

Young as they were in the mystic art, they did one service of great historical value to Masonry. One of their first labors was to search for and recover the property of Old Trinity Lodge. They recovered the Jewels, Carpet, Seal, Charter, Records, and other valuable papers which are now in the possession of this Lodge — precious memorials of the older Trinity.

The first year under the Dispensation was a busy one and the Brethren did a large amount of faithful work.

None of the officers had previously occupied a chair, nor done any work, nor, save the Master, had any knowledge of the details necessary to conduct a well ordered Lodge. But they set themselves to the task with an earnestness and loyalty that deserves our warmest admiration. The first year they held 45 communications of which 12 were for the purpose of instruction in the work and lectures.

The fees were fixed at $20.00, increased in 1866 through action of the Grand Lodge to $25.00, increased in 1869 to $35.00 and again in 1920 to the present amount of $50.00.

The candidates were examined in open Lodge, a custom which has been ignored and revived several times since, but which should always be in existence.

In accordance with ancient Masonic usage the regular communications were held the first Wednesday following the full moon in each month, and this continued until 1865 when the time was changed to the first Tuesday evening of the month.

The first application was by Edwin A. Harris on September 29, 1858. The first Brother to be crafted and raised was Henry Eddy, who had already received his first degree in Morning Star Lodge.

The first to be initiated an Entered Apprentice was Edwin A. Harris October 27, 1858.

Among those given their degrees under the Dispensation and who afterward became prominent in local Masonry were Gil-man M. Palmer, Dr. George W. Burditt, S. S. Welch, Josiah H. Vose, and C. W. Field, Sr.

At the last meeting of the year, August 17, 1859, the necessary steps were taken to procure a Charter.

Henry Bowman was chosen Master, Alfred A. Burditt, S. W, George L. Thurston, J. W., J. H. Vose, Treas., Henry Eddy, Secretary, Gilman M. Palmer, Marshal, George W. Burditt, Chaplain, S. T. Bigelow, S. D., Daniel Marsh, J. D., C. W. Odiorne and C. W. Field, Stewards. The first three officers were made a committee to prepare the necessary papers to procure a Charter.

The Brethren were still anxious to organize under the Charter of old Trinity Lodge and a petition was drawn praying for a renewal of the Charter of Trinity Lodge No. 6. The petition contained among others the following paragraphs:

"That Trinity Lodge No. 6 was organized and instituted A. L. 5778 and consequently was one of the oldest Lodges in the state and country."

"That the Lodge lived and prospered through many trials until the year of general Masonic disaster."

"That it is the unanimous Desire of the brethren who regularly assembled in Clinton to reorganize under the ancient Charter ... we respectfully request your Most Worshipful Body to permit us to re-organize and work under the original charter of Trinity Lodge No. 6 A. F. & A. M., Henry Bowman, A. A. Burditt, George L. Thurston, committee, Clinton August 31, 1859.

This petition, however, the Grand Lodge could not see its way clear to grant in the following words:

"The prayer of the petitioners therefore cannot be granted without a violation of the existing laws of this Grand Lodge."

This action was a grievous disappointment to the Brethren.

Doubtless the law requiring a denial of their prayer is a wise one and it is not for us to challenge either its wisdom or propriety. The Charter for the new Lodge bore the names of Henry Bowman, Alfred A. Burditt, Daniel Marsh, George L. Thurston, Charles W. Odiorne, Levi Greene, Luke Bigelow, Josiah H. Vose, and Henry Eddy, nine in all. Of these, two, Greene and Bigelow had been members of old Trinity.

St. Paul's consented to the formation of the new Lodge as did the District Deputy Grand Master, and Trinity Lodge entered upon its prosperous life. The first meeting under the Charter was held September 21, 1859, when the hall was dedicated, the Lodge formally constituted and the officers installed. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, John T. Heard, performed the services, assisted by Chas. W. Moore, S. G. W. and Henry Goddard, J. G. W. with a full suite. Probably the most interested Brother present was E. Dana Bancroft, under whose guidance the Lodge had been formed and the officers educated and trained for their duties. His was an arduous task nobly done and the Lodge should ""Id his name in everlasting remembrance.

The first home of the Lodge, Harris Hall, was occupied until 1869. It was small, inconvenient, and very plainly furnished. It was never satisfactory, and there were grave doubts about its security for Masonic purposes. In 1866 a committee was appointed to investigate and they reported that they thought by "taking proper precautions in talking, the hall was secure."

In 1868 a committee secured the whole third story of the then new Tyler Block. The lease ran 10 years at $400.00 per year. All the furnishings were new and of the best pattern and the old regalia was also replaced. The hall was first occupied April 6, 1869, though not dedicated until the 28th of the following January in order to secure the attendance of the Grand Officers. The Lodge remained in Tyler's block a little over ten years.

When the lease expired the Brethren and the owner could not agree upon terms of renewal and the Lodge solved the difficulty by leasing the apartments it now occupies, that is, the Lodge-hall, banquet hall, and anterooms adjoining the hall, the rooms on the other side of the lobby being acquired recently for social purposes.

They were put in order and furnished at an expense of about $1500.00 and were dedicated October 20, 1882, with impressive ceremonies which no doubt may be recalled by a few here tonight.

In the course of the seventy-five years, the Lodge has had the usual experience in the ebb and flow of growth. During the years following the Civil War a large amount of work was done. With 1875 work diminished and touched low water mark in 1885 when not a single degree was conferred and the Lodge lost 4 by dimit and one by death.

Another period of growth then set in and continued with varying amounts until 1920 when a maximum of 45 were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, 1921 when a maximum of 47 applications were accepted and a maximum of 47 members were received into the Lodge membership.

Beginning with a Charter membership of 9 in September 1859, it now has 487 members, which, due no doubt to the depression which has existed for the last few years, is a recession from the maximum of 508 members August 31, 1926.

The years 1919 to 1924 were years of great activity, there being a total of 203 members added during the 6 years.

The Lodge has accepted 969 applications, initiated 967 candidates, crafted 939, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason 914 Brethren. At the same time it has dimitted 157, and has lost 260 members by death. It has held 2074 communications to September 1, 1933.

I hope these figures are correct, at any rate they are nearly so, but it would be very easy for a small error to creep in. While this is a summary of its 75 years of work, by no means does it cover all its activities. In the field of Masonic charity its record is equally creditable.

An examination of the papers and records fails to show the full amount of its charities and assistance, due, no doubt, to the Lodge being more interested in the doing than in keeping the record thereof, but a total amount of J7000.00 cannot be far out of the way.

Some of this has been paid out by the Trustees of the Palmer and other funds, some by the Relief Committee, much voted by the Lodge direct, and some raised by subscription. Consequently it would be very difficult even if possible to get a correct figure.

The Lodge has done its bit in the two major wars that the country has suffered. Out of a membership of 52, in 1865 it had sent 15 brethren into service in the Civil War, and 25 saw service in the recent world war, the names of whom are:

Arthur L. Shaw
Chauncey P. Wright
James W. Anderson
William F. Hopfman
Alfred Reoch
William F. Sawyer
R. Howard Bryant
Robert M. Duncanson
Frank A. Schneider
George E. Benson
George McLeod, Jr.
J. Gaynor McIntyre
Carl P. Mixer
Chester C. Beckley
Herbert L. Smith
Roy L. Alexander
George W. Forrester
Alfred P. Meredith, Jr.
Wor. William S. Duncan
William G. Schneider
Gilman L. Chase
Charles H. Thorning
Frank W. Morrill
Walter O. Taubert

and John C. Latham who was decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor by General John J. Pershing at Bonnetable, Sarthe, France, January 22, 1919.

Although I noticed that in his history W. Bro. Smith did not touch on any of the ordinary happenings of the Lodge during the first fifty years, I will mention a few outstanding occasions during the past 25.

December 6, 1910, the British-born members of Trinity Lodge presented a handsome oil painting of King Edward VII as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in England.

March 15, 1921, those members of the Lodge born under the Stars and Stripes presented a companion oil painting of Worshipful Brother George Washington.

September 23, 1913, was the celebrated Apron Night at which time about 70 Lambskins or White Leather Aprons were presented to those living Brothers who had not received one at the time of receiving the first degree.

There have been sundry and various other special occasions almost too numerous to mention, especially to go into the details thereof.

Past Master's Nights at which the Past Masters of the Lodge conducted the work.

Bigelow-Hartford Nights at which the employees of the Bigelow-Hartford Co. conducted the work, with many visitors from Thompsonville, Conn., present, never, alas, to occur again.

Sterling Nights when the Lodge was transported to Sterling, there to conduct the work to be done.

In 1914 a fund known as the Savings Fund was established and varying amounts of money placed therein from time to time. September 5, 1916, a vote was passed creating the Building Fund taking the money from the candidate fees. Later a vote was passed to transfer the money from the Savings Fund into the Building Fund and abolish the Savings Fund. The Building Fund now amounts to $14,308.91.

Several medals have been presented to members of the Lodge at different times, Henry Price Medals to Wor. Jonathan Smith and Wor. Frank P. Breed, Veteran medals to Bro. David Dias, Bro. Thos. F. Chase, Bro. Alex. R. Stevenson, Joseph Warren Medal to Wor. Henry A. Ancill.

It was during the 25 year period that the Grand Lodge conducted its drive for the Masonic Home.

Trinity Lodge contributed $1208.00 from 208 brethren since which time $5.00 has been assessed upon each candidate.

For many years the question of "Club," was bandied back and forth, up, down, and sideways. Finally the pro-club faction won out and the Club was established in the rooms on the other side of the lobby, at first under its own power, but later the Lodge took it under its wing where it now dozes.

Perhaps the most important thing the Lodge did was what it did not do. After many struggles with the question of buying real estate and many estimates on the cost of erecting many types of buildings on the same, it finally took the advice of Punch to young people about to be married and — didn't.

"Well, no, I can't tell whar he lives
Because he don't live you see,
Leastways he's got out of the habit
Of living like you and me." (John Hay)

This essay would hardly be complete did I not mention a few of our more prominent members who have "got out of the habit of living like you and me," and have travelled on before us to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns. Bro. Gilman M. Palmer, who in his last will, left to the Lodge the sum of $2000, the income of which is for the relief of the widows and orphans of the Lodge. It now amounts to over $4800, and is known as the Palmer Fund.

Wor. George W. Burditt
Wor. H. N. Bigelow
Bro. Elisha Brimhall
Bro. C. W. Field, Sr.
R. W. Daniel B. Ingalls
Bro. Lucius Field
R. W. Chas. A. Bartlett
Wor. Henry A. Putnam
Rev. David Sprague
Wor. Alfred P. Meredith
 Bro. Wellington E. Parkhurst
R. W. Calvin H. Hastings
Wor. Jonathan Smith
Bro. Robert Maiti.and
Dr. Geo. M. Morse
Bro. Henry C. Greeley
Bro. E. V. R. Thayer
Wor. Henry O. Sawyer
Wor. Walter F. Page
Bro. Chas. Frazer
Wor. Chas. E. Shaw
Bro. Chas. W. Field, Jr.
Wor. Leonard H. Parker
Bro. C. L. S. Hammond
Wor. Frank P. Breed (87 years of age, secretary 23 years)
Rev. George F. Pratt
Wor. Fred M. Johnson
Wor. Frank E. Bullard
Bro. John Hill, Tyler

Let us pause for a moment in honor of their memory and the memory of more than 200 others.

On such occasions as this the orator can only touch upon the salient points of the story. The real history of an institution, like that of a people, is not found in the official record, which is but the guide-post pointing the way over which it has come. It is found rather in the influence of forms, ideals, and principles upon individual life and conduct, whether they moulded for better or worse the moral sentiments and daily practice of individual men, and raised or lowered the plane of life on which they have lived or sought to live.

Masonry is a moral institution, and it aims to make of its membership truer and happier men in all the complex relations of life. Applying this test it can be truly said of Trinity Lodge that it has "fought the good fight," it has "kept the faith."

The influence of Trinity Lodge has lifted our lives to a higher plane, it has raised us all into a clearer and purer atmosphere. We cannot weigh nor measure these fruits of her career, nor can we adequately describe them, but herein is the true history of Trinity Lodge.

Taking the implements of our daily vocations, it has given to them a spiritual meaning which has left impressions, strong and deep, of the moral quality of all our acts. It has instructed its applicants in the duties of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, virtues which lie at the basis of every manly character.

By ritual and form it has sown in our hearts the lessons of reverence, obedience, and of that charity which extends beyond the grave even to the boundless realms of eternity. The great fact of human brotherhood and our solemn duty to aid, support, and protect each other has been its constant admonition. It has held up to us the ideal of human perfection as the goal for which we are to strive daily by the aid of a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessings of that supreme intelligence which pervades all nature and which can never, never, never die.

OTHER

1874 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1874-9)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, SEPTEMBER 1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 12, October 1859, Page 384:

On Wednesday evening, Sept. 21, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts constituted a new Lodge in the flourishing town of Clinton, by the name of Trinity Lodge. After the ceremonies of consecration, the officers were installed by the Grand Master and his suite, as follows: * Henry Bowman, Master;

A. A. Burditt and Geo. L. Thurston, Wardens;
Josiah H. Vose, Treasurer;
Henry Eddy, Secretary;
Samuel T. Bigelow and Daniel Marsh, Deacons;
John P. Buzzell and A. A. Pevey, Stewards;
Gilman M. Palmer, M.;
Levi Green, T.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the members of Trinity Lodge and their guests supped together at the Clinton House, and enjoyed, with speeches and music, a very pleasant repast.