Difference between revisions of "Brotherhood"

Revision as of 15:01, 9 February 2015

BROTHERHOOD LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Frank L. Simpson

Charter Date: 09/14/1927 1927-247

Precedence Date: 12/08/1926

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged into Moses Michael Hays Lodge, 07/15/1986.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1926
• Petition for Charter: 1927
• Consolidation Petition (with Moses Michael Hays Lodge): 1986

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1936 (10th Anniversary)
• 1951 (25th Anniversary)
• 1976 (50th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1927 (Simpson; Constitution of Lodge)
• 1930 (Deputy Grand Master Louis A. Jones)
• 1940 (Perry; Arthur D. Prince Night)
• 1946 (Wragg)
• 1950 (Keith; reception for the Grand Master of South Dakota, Most Wor. Harry H. Margolin)
• 1951 (Roy; 25th Anniversary)
• 1954 (W. Johnson; Christian A. Herter Night)
• 1956 (W. Johnson; Louis J. Roazen Night)
• 1963 (Osgood; Reception for Rt. Wor. Louis J. Roazen)
• 1965 (Osgood; Cardinal Cushing Night)
• 1976 (Maxwell; 50th Anniversary)
• 1986 (Richardson; Consolidation Moses Michael Hays Lodge)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1928 1929 1932 1933 1935 1945 1947 1948 1949 1951 1952 1969 1971 1973 1975 1976 1982

HISTORY

• 1936 (10th Anniversary History, 1936-80; see below)
• 1951 (25th Anniversary History, 1951-214; see below)
• 1976 (50th Anniversary History, 1976-312)

10TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-80:

By Wor. Maurice A. Lesser.

"What is Time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries; these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measures of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the soul; if not this, then tell me what is time." Longfellow.

Since Brotherhood Lodge was instituted, ten years have come and gone, but in their passage they are not spent; for us, they are but space filled with accomplishments, perpetuated by this Lodge of Light. Conceived in a spirit exalted by immortal ideals, motivated by thoughts pure, and exertions unselfish, the new Lodge, born of an old and tried Order, is destined to a place of distinction in the archives of Masonry.

In 1926, Right Worshipful Herbert S. Locke, escorted by his Marshal, Worshipful Byron S. Jackson, instituted our Lodge, with Worshipful Charles H. Pike, its first Master. Worshipful Charles H. Pike, endowed with those enduring qualities which combine independence of thought, strength of character, and habit of industry, clothed our Lodge with dignity and unity of purpose. Through his capable leadership, his great interest, caution, and sublime thought, coupled with an enthusiasm ripened by experience and good judgment, the young Lodge won the approbation of the Grand Lodge and on November 2, 1927 was constituted by Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson with an awe-inspiring ritualistic ceremony which will ever live in the minds and hearts of those who witnessed it.

On December 20, 1927, Worshipful Robert C. Foster was installed Master. As a result of his able leadership, our Lodge prospered and our First Annual Ladies' Night was instituted. It was a year of harmony and rejoicing under the guiding influence of a man of initiative. September 18, 1928, found Worshipful Lawrence S. Bearse presiding in the East. He placed our Lodge on a sound financial basis, the benefits of which will accrue as the years roll on. Tireless in endeavor, unassuming by nature, and loyal to every principle propounded by Masonic ritual, he has been elevated to the position of District Deputy Grand Master for the Roxbury Fourth Masonic District.

Worshipful Jacob Wasserman became Master September 17, 1929. Aggressive, enthusiastic, punctilious, his was an administration lacking in no detail. He instituted our first Children's Party and our first Informal Ladies' Night, functions we eagerly anticipate each year. He also started our first Brotherhood News Bulletin, under the editorship of Brother Sidney Dunne. With ringing eloquence Worshipful Jacob Wasserman made our Masonic ritual live its true grandeur.

(>n September 16, 1930, Worshipful Robert J, Snow assumed his station in the East. Quiet, modest, and unassuming, he gave us an administration which was efficient and harmonious. Faithful in every duty and considerate in every need of sympathy, he has ever held a fond place in our hearts. He is our present District Deputy Grand Secretary, discharging the important duties of his office with fidelity and aptitude.

On September 15, 1931, Worshipful S. Richard Sherman became our leader. His earnestness, devotion to duty, fairness, and executive ability made his regime one of distinction. His was an extremely active year, replete with good fellowship and much hard work. He was a real disciplinarian, making officers' rehearsals a night of labor. I, too, had to toe the mark. For us soldiers, marching the steps to suit the eagle eye of Worshipful S. Richard Sherman meant so much less work for Uncle Sam. Verbum sapientibus sufficit — a word to the wise is sufficient — and now the officers of Brotherhood Lodge march to perfection.

Worshipful Robert Goldstein became Master on September 22, 1932. As evidence of his generosity and love for the Craft, on the night of his installation he tendered a banquet at the Statler Hotel. To him goes the honor of having instituted the Philanthropic Fund of Brotherhood Lodge which has since grown threefold, gripping the imagination and spirit of our Masonic fraternity and receiving the approbation of our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Claude Leroy Allen.

Through the Philanthropic Fund, Brotherhood Lodge has raised the drooping head of many an orphan, and many a child of sorrow has been made happy by its generosity. Through it, Brotherhood Lodge chanted the hymn of charity — its gentle music unheard, yet its echoes cheer the soul of those in despair, restoring hope to the languid, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, ministering to the unfortunate.

On September 19, 1933, Worshipful Jacob Spiegel became Master. During his administration a "Jacob Daniels Night" was celebrated on the occasion of his seventieth birthday. It was an evening we shall ever remember. During his term of office three Brotherhood News Bulletins were issued. His silver tongue, quickness in mastering intricate problems, tact, foresight, and dependability, his admirable discretion in every avenue of service and charity mark him one of Brotherhood's great Masters. He was guided by the exigencies of the hour rather than by the limitations of the alphabet, ever realizing that law and regulation must be sensitive to life. By virtue of such an understanding of Masonry his judgment and fairness have brought happiness to many a member in distress or despair. His constant exertions in behalf of Brotherhood Lodge will long remain riveted in the minds of his brethren.

Worshipful Robert Levine was elected Master on September 4, 1934. Kindness, comfort, and cheer are in his tongue; charity, sympathy, and generosity in his heart; purity in his soul. He is truly a prince of peace and good will, treating the high and low, rich and poor, great and small alike, with kindness, sympathy, and devotion. Always alert to preserve equality ami justice, he championed the rights of the forgotten man. To self-aggrandizement he gave no sanction; to personal gain he was no partner. He is a bright example of one who lives within the compass and acts upon the square.

Our history would be incomplete without giving due credit to our Treasurer, Secretary, and Chaplain, who have served continuously and faithfully during these formative years.

Brother Jacob Daniels, the father of Brotherhood Lodge, its time-honored Treasurer, executes his trust with ability and fidelity, exemplifying the finer qualities of mind and heart. His is the magnanimity of an unselfish spirit; his is a true nobility. Through his untiring diligence and perseverance, Brotherhood Lodge was instituted, a dream he long visualized, an ambition he long cherished. Eager to serve humanity, constant in endeavor, and unwearied by difficulties, he is the champion of the doctrine that the laws of happiness are the laws of service. He will ever be praised by his own works.

Brother Abraham A. Simons may be compared to no less a personality than Benjamin Franklin. When Benjamin Franklin visited the court of France in the singular capacity of ambassador of good will, serving his country by making friends, he was characterized by a famous Latin sentence — Eripuit caelo fulmen, sceptrumque tvrannis — he snatched the lightning out of heaven and the sceptre from the tyrants. While there were no violent currents to control, lightning to harness, thunder storms to dispel, or tyrants to subdue, our Secretary, Brother Simons, by virtue of his keen, alert intellect, skillful diplomacy, and intimate knowledge of every member of the Lodge,was fully equipped to meet any situation which might arise. Zealous in maintaining the high moral character and standards of our Lodge, he has always been considerate, affable, courteous, and devoted in his dealing with the Brethren. He has won our respect and affection through his personality, industry, sincerity, and diligence. He is a real emissary of good will, a consummate Secretary, a powerful bulwark and pillar of Brotherhood Lodge. He is above all, a true and loyal friend.

Brother Henry Augustus Howard, our beloved Chaplain, has ever preached quality rather than quantity, principles rather than men. He is truly symbolic of integrity of character and nobility of purpose. Of distinguished ancestry, he followed the rules of life and conduct which made him so devoted to the cardinal virtues of our Institution. Intellectual in his attainments, he has inscribed his worth on our memories and enshrined his virtues in our hearts by the dignity and humility of his character, the record of his irreproachable life, the lustre of his honored Masonic principles, his fraternal spirit of love and esteem. His name will be as eternal in our archives as his own imperishable worth.

To my officers I owe an everlasting debt of gratitude, not only for the wisdom of their counsel, the unselfishness of their service, their loyalty, enthusiasm, and tireless devotion, but for the virtues of their character which I enjoyed through their friendship. To have been privileged to work with them is of itself an honor and a distinction. If my efforts have met with any measure of success, their co-operation has helped attain it.

To the Brethren of our Lodge whose work is unheralded and virtues unsung, we are ever grateful. They leave us a heritage both in material and example of which we are justly proud. Through their co-operation, through their ideals and lofty purpose, a most promising future is assured, in which new chapters will be written to enrich an immortal and glorious past.

Worshipful Maurice A. Lesser, by Bro. Abraham A. Simons.

A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, Lecturer in Medicine and Preventive Medicine at Boston University for the past ten years, Worshipful Maurice A. Lesser ascended the East September 17, 1935, well trained and well equipped for his arduous duties. His installation was unique. He had two distinguished Marshals escort him to the East, Professor Alexander S. Begg, Waterhouse Professor of Anatomy and Dean of Boston University School of Medicine, and Right Worshipful Frank L. Cushing, Past District Deputy Grand Master for the Dorchester Fourth Masonic District with Worshipful Jacob Spiegel, the Installing Officer. The ritualistic installation ceremonies and the eloquent words of Worshipful Jacob Spiegel, &nd the incoming Master, Worshipful Maurice A. Lesser, will never be forgotten by over three hundred Masons who came to pay our Master tribute. Among the notable guests, there were numerous Professors of Medicine.

Every meeting in the administration of Worshipful Maurice A. Lesser has been designated a special night. Souvenir programs, with a Masonic emblem typifying the spirit of the night and containing an impressive message by our Worshipful Master set a worthy precedent.

Our October meeting was "Charter members' Night." Our guest of honor, Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, presented each Charter member a life membership card. Every Past Master of Brotherhood Lodge attendetl, showing the extent of co-operation with the new regime.

A "Medico-Judiciary Night" was held in November with three hundred and thirty persons at dinner—a record attendance. Prominent judges and professors graced the occasion.

December ushered in our "Informal Ladies' Night." This evening will be remembered by the enthusiastic members and their ladies for many years to come. Brother Charles Allen Goldberg was commended by the Worshipful Master for the unusually refined type of entertainment.

In January, a "Captains of Industry Night" featured the evening. Dr. Samuel Caldwell, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, demonstrated by means of elaborate apparatus the speed of our "Modern Age," so vividly described by our Worshipful Master in his message to the Captains of Industry.

On Washington's Birthday, Brotherhood Lodge held its annual "Forma] Ladies' Night" at the Statler Hotel. It was most unusual in every detail. Our Worshipful Master is writing a special report of this party in which he will express his appreciation to the several brethren and to Worshipful Jacob Spiegel in particular, through whose tireless work this affair was made outstanding.

In March, our Chaplain was honored with a "Henry Augustus Howard Night" on the occasion of his seventy-second birthday. Most Worshipful James A. Tillinghast, Grand Master of Masons of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations, accompanied by his Grand Marshal, Worshipful Albert W. Claflin, added measurably to the dignity of the occasion.

April witnessed "Little America Night" with the emblems of all three degrees embodied in our souvenir program, giving a Masonic meaning to that famous expedition. Stevenson Corey, of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, delivered a most illuminating and delightful lecture. The acting Governor of New Hampshire, Brother Charles M. Dale, gave the candidates an unusually fine charge.

Tonight, we are celebrating our Tenth Anniversary, with the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Most Worshipful Claude Leroy Allen, and his distinguished suite contributing to the dignity of the evening.

In June we will feature "University Night" with Right Worshipful Roscoe Pound, Past Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and Dean of Harvard Law School, delivering the charge to the candidates.

What a Banner Year for Brotherhood Lodge! How interesting and uplifting have been our meetings, with numerous innovations, new adaptations and exemplifications of our ever-ancient Masonic ritual.

No better endorsement of the administration of Worshipful Maurice A. Lesser could be given than that indicated by the attendance and enthusiasm at the meetings. We who know our Worshipful Master realize that no matter where the future may direct his footsteps, he will always walk humbly in the path of his Maker — his life dedicated to the service of humanity.

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1951

From Proceedings, Page 1951-214:

By Right Worshipful Louis J. Roazen.

The sands of time, steadily flowing onward, indicate the passing of a quarter century in the life of Brotherhood Lodge, and it is fitting that we should pause to view in retrospect the happenings that we call our history; to evaluate our worth in the light of the high ideals of our Masonic Fraternity; and to justify our continued progress on the road that leads to better understanding among men.

It has been stated by scholars of human conduct that birth is not the beginning of man — that prenatal influences have a profound effect upon the well-being of the child-to-be. It is with a deep sense of pride that we pay tribute to our charter members, by whose patience, courage and foresight evolved the fabric that was to be Brotherhood Lodge.

Who can ever forget the wisdom of the counsel of Wor. Charles H. Pike, our first Master; the devoted, unwearied vigilance of Bro. Jacob Daniels, referred to as the "father" of our Lodge, our first Treasurer; the kindliness and love of humanity of Brothers Henry A. Howard and Rabbi Herman H. Rubenovitz, our first Chaplains; the untiring industry and unswerving fidelity of Bro. Abraham A. Simons, our one and only Secretary. To one or more of these men can be credited the selection of the name which our Lodge bears, for "Brotherhood" serves as an eminent indication of their pure hearts and their firm belief in the principle that Freemasonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion into a true brotherhood of human beings. As early as August 10, 1925, these men met with other interested Brothers for the purpose of petitioning the Grand Master for a dispensation to authorize the formation of a new Masonic Lodge in the Dorchester district of Boston. Their zeal was rewarded on December 6, 1926, when a dispensation was granted by the Grand Master.

On December 21, 1926, the signers of the petition for the dispensation assembled in Norfolk Hall, Dorchester. Right Worshipful Herbert S. Locke, District Deputy Grand Master for the 4th Masonic District, assumed the East, and after ordering the Great Lights displayed and prayer by Bro. David L. Martin of Lafayette Lodge, read the dispensation. In an impressive ceremony, Brotherhood Lodge was instituted and our first officers installed. We are indebted to Algonquin Lodge for the use of its regalia at our institution. The generosity of our members while under dispensation enabled the Lodge to acquire its own regalia and other property, and although usage through the years has necessitated some replacements, we shall always be grateful to those who gave so much to permit us to embark upon our Masonic journey.

Perhaps no single presentation to the Lodge has been as significant and near to our hearts as the gift of Bro. Keyer Papp, who presented us the Holy Bible which we still proudly display upon our Altar. As the years advance, this Bible will undoubtedly become our greatest treasure, and it is incumbent upon future Masters to carefully preserve it.

Our first regular communication was held on January 18, 1927, and since that time we have held 249 Regular and 70 special communications. The first candidates were received on March 15, 1927, and on April 17, 1927, the Fellow-Craft Degree was conferred upon them by Wor. David Stern and the officers of Shawmut Lodge. They were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 14, 1927, and on this date also, the By-Laws of our Lodge were approved by the Grand Lodge.

We are indebted to Wor. Frank C. Hendry, one of our charter members, for the design of the Seal adopted by our Lodge.

At a special communication held in Norfolk Hall on November 2, 1927, an evening ever to be remembered by those who were privileged to be in attendance, Brotherhood Lodge was duly constituted with full form and ceremony in accordance with the Ancient usages of the Craft by Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and the charter was presented to Wor. Charles H. Pike, our first Master. The following were installed as the first officers:

• Wor. Charles H. Pike, Master
• Wor. Robert C. Foster, Senior Warden
• Wor. Lawrence S. Bearse, Junior Warden
• Bro. Jacob Daniels, Treasurer
• Bro. Abraham A. Simons, Secretary
• Bro. Henry A. Howard, Chaplain
• Bro. Herman H. Rubenovitz, Chaplain
• Wor. Frederick H. Doell, Marshal
• Bro. Jacob Wasserman, Senior Deacon
• Bro. H. Murray Pakulski, Junior Deacon
• Bro. Robert J. Snow, Senior Steward
• Bro. S. Richard Sherman, Junior Steward
• Bro. Hiram Barron, Inside Sentinel
• Bro. George R. Loud, Organist
• Bro. R. Edward Introne, Tyler

The growth of the Lodge was rapid. Men of high character sought the privileges of Freemasonry at our doors in goodly number, and the roster of Brotherhood Lodge serves as an eloquent tribute to the devotion, vigilance and fairness of our membership and investigating committees through the years. From a beginning of fifty-four charter members, we today proudly claim 634 members, with thirty-one candidates awaiting the completion of their degrees. As our quarters became inadequate to serve our membership, it was necessary to move our meeting place. On September 18, 1928, we held our first meeting in the Masonic Apartments at Upham's Corner, Dorchester, where we remained until April 24, 1946, when we moved to our present quarters, Ionic Hall, Masonic Temple, Boston.

On October 15, 1935, Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson attended a Charter Members' Night at the Lodge and presented to each of our charter members a Life Membership Card and a Charter Certificate.

On May 19, 1936, the Lodge observed its tenth anniversary. We were highly honored by the presence of Most Worshipful Claude L. Allen, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and the officers of the Grand Lodge to assist in our celebration. As a highlight of our observance, the Lodge made a pilgrimage the Masonic Home at Charlton, where a suitable gift was presented to the guests.

We are justly proud of the men who have guided us during our quarter century, who have given so generously of their energy, ability and wisdom — the Masters of Brotherhood Lodge. This high honor has come to twenty-five of our members, and there stands a unique testimonial to Wor. Louis Jacobs that he alone, of all our Past Masters, served Brotherhood Lodge two consecutive terms, 1936-1937.

Three of our charter members brought collateral honor to our Lodge in their selection to serve the District as District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Lawrence S. Bearse, our third Master, and Right Worshipful William H. C. Carrasco, who served the Roxbury Fourth Masonic District, and Right Worshipful Henry D. MacRitchie, the South Boston Fourth Masonic District.

On December 27, 1944, the first Grand Lodge honor came to one who had received his degrees in Brotherhood Lodge. By appointment of Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, our own Past Master Louis J. Roazen was selected to be the Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master for the Dorchester Fourth Masonic District, a position that he filled during the years 1945-1946. He served as Master of the Fourth Lodge of Instruction in 1947, and is today a member of the Committee on Restoration and Reinstatement of our Grand Lodge.

Brotherhood Lodge has been extremely jealous of the privilege 11 has of granting Honorary Membership to those who are not already members of our Lodge. In our twenty-five years, Honorary Membership has been granted to only three such brothers — Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince on February 18, 1940, Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg on October 15, 1946, and Right Worshipful James Krigman on January 20, 1942. The devotion of these men to our Lodge will always be remembered, and the honor that we have bestowed upon them serves as an everlasting memorial of our deep appreciation and affection. We shall ever share the pride of Euclid Lodge of Boston in the selection of Right Worshipful James Krigman as the District Deputy Grand Master for the Boston Second Masonic District in 1946-1947.

On September 13, 1950, a most unusual, dual honor came to our Lodge. At the regular quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge, Right Worshipful James Krigman and Right Worshipful Louis J. Roazen were presented the Joseph Warren Medal for distinguished service by Most Worshipful Roger Keith, Grand Master — the first time our Lodge was so honored.

During the years many prominent Masons have given us of their wisdom and their counsel in the form of Charges to our candidates, and we are grateful for their assistance to a clearer comprehension of our responsibilities to mankind.

Perhaps no endeavor of the members of Brotherhood Lodge has served to inspire a greater devotion to Masonic principles than has our Philanthropic Fund, initiated by Wor. Robert Goldstein in 1927. Under the consecutive leadership of Wor. Robert Goldstein, Bro. Louis P. Rabinovitz, Wor. Maurice A. Lesser, Bro. David Gould and Bro. Harry I. Wasserman, this Fund has brought a ray of hope and joy to underprivileged, unfortunate children, without regard to race, color or denomination. The alleviation of suffering for children and families in distress is the constant reward of the unending service that the members of our Lodge render through the medium of this Fund.

Many members were called to the colors in World War II — others wear our country's uniform today. Our records proudly display the names of these Brothers who serve and served in the cause of freedom. The Scythe of Time has taken its toll. Fifty-four of our members — eighteen charter, thirty-five regular and one honorary — have answered the summons to the Celestial Lodge above. We pause in tribute to their memories, and to give thanks for the inspiration and fellowship that we shared with them during their sojourn with us. This is Brotherhood Lodge. This is the realization of the dreams of our founders, the fruition of the hopes of our charter members and of our Grand Lodge. If we have succeeded in promulgating the great tenets of our profession, if we have carried on the heritage that is ours, if we have brought to men a deeper understanding of friendliness and brotherly love, then are we worthy of the apron we are privileged to wear as the badge of a Mason.

As the hour-glass of our quarter century is drained and we look forward to our Golden Anniversary and all the years ahead, we humbly beseech our Almighty Father that He grant us strength to continue our devotion to Masonic principles, health to enjoy the privilege of freedom that is ours, and peace that comes to all men who recognize and appreciate His great blessing to all humankind — Brotherhood.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Lawrence S. Bearse, DDGM, District 4 (Roxbury), 1933, 1934; SN
• A. Edward Greenman, DDGM, District 4 (Dorchester), 1957, 1958; SN
• Louis J. Roazen, DDGM, District 4 (Dorchester), 1945, 1946; N
• Arthur H. Shapiro, DDGM, District 4 (Dorchester), 1981, 1982
• Aaron H. Sibley, DDGM, District 4 (Dorchester), 1967, 1968; N

DISTRICTS

1926: District 3 (East Boston)

1927: District 4 (Dorchester)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges