CharlesWMoore

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CHARLES W. MOORE LODGE

Location: Fitchburg

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 09/12/1866 VII-94

Precedence Date: 10/10/1865

Current Status: Active

This lodge is named for Charles W. Moore, former Grand Secretary, named Honorary Past Grand Master in 1873.


PAST MASTERS

  • E. Dana Bancroft, 1865-1867; Mem
  • Moses G. Lyon, 1868-1870
  • Thomas W. Davis, 1871, 1872
  • Joel Joel, 1873-1877
  • George B. Woodward, 1878, 1879
  • Frederick H. Rideout, 1880, 1881
  • Dwight S. Woodworth, 1882, 1883
  • Joseph C. Beaulieu, 1884
  • Seth E. Brigham, 1885
  • Edward W. Ackley, 1886
  • James H. Tebbetts, 1887
  • Thomas Kelty, 1888
  • Albert L. Pratt, 1889
  • Harry Aitchison, 1890
  • Charles H. Proctor, 1891, 1892
  • Guy Woods, 1893
  • C. Willis Bennett, 1894; Mem
  • Nathan C. Upham, 1895; SN
  • Henry D. Robbins, 1896
  • Thomas H. Crane, 1897, 1898
  • Herman D. Horton, 1899, 1900; SN
  • William R. Pulsifer, 1901
  • Walter A. Atwood, 1902, 1903
  • George T. Greenwood, 1904; N
  • Herbert J. Banta, 1905
  • J. Lovell Johnson, 1906
  • Franklin S. Upham, 1907
  • William T. Hidden, 1908
  • Fred L. Bigelow, 1909
  • Cyrus Page, 1910
  • Guy H. Chase, 1911
  • G. Burton Lord, 1912
  • Frank H. Sibley, 1913
  • Elbert I. Brigham, 1914
  • I. Edward Ferson, 1915
  • Carl B. Joel, 1916
  • John F. Widlund, 1917
  • Edward M. Harris, 1918
  • Arthur R. Lemay, 1919
  • Aldrich H. Meyer, 1920
  • John H. Peterson, 1921
  • Clyde A. Sanderson, 1922
  • S(olomon). Edwin Story, 1923
  • William Smith, 1924
  • James B. Ferguson, 1925
  • Guy L. Cossaboom, 1926
  • M. Lees MacCracken, 1927
  • Raymond C. Whicher, 1928
  • Percy C. Insley, 1929
  • Peter Paul DuBois, 1930
  • Edward A. A. Lamere, 1931
  • F. Merle Matthews, 1932
  • Ralph A. Stevens, 1933
  • Maurice L. Whitcomb, 1934
  • Carl H. Irons, 1935
  • Edwin M. Nettleton, 1936
  • Everett H. Dudley, 1937, 1938
  • Milton G. Peterson, 1939; N
  • Charles T. Kimball, 1940
  • Harry D. Penan, 1941
  • Merton W. Demont, 1942; N
  • Arthur J. Hunt, 1943
  • Walter K. Rautio, 1944
  • Henry F. Cutting, 1945
  • Alden S. Marble, 1946
  • Robert H. Demont, 1946
  • James Lucas, 1947
  • Hollis P. Thacher, 1948
  • Aime Dufort, 1949
  • George E. Bishop, 1950
  • O. V. Armas Lane, 1951
  • John V. McArthur, 1952
  • Stephen E. Chase, 1953
  • Winford H. Hartford, 1954
  • Max W. A. Wagner, 1955
  • Erling M. Olsen, 1956
  • Robert G. Nurnberger, 1957
  • Toivo I. Niemi, 1958
  • F. Michael Chase, 1959
  • Peter L. Peters, 1960
  • Philip L. Mills, 1961
  • Robert A. Schreiner, 1962
  • George R. Meldrum, 1963
  • James F. Pollock, 1964
  • U. John Pera, 1965
  • Edwin H. Holt, 1966
  • Richard S. Sleeper, 1967, 1998, 2003 PDDGM
  • Walter T. Santaviita, 1968
  • Charles E. Koski, 1969
  • James R. Pollock, 1970
  • Joseph F. Gendreau, 1971
  • Duane Armstrong, 1972
  • Olavi A. Tastula, 1973
  • Jack Smethurst, 1974, 2010, 2011;PDDGM N
  • Paul E. F. Morey, 1975, 1988-1990
  • James Dean Gauntlett, 1976
  • John Rice, III, 1977
  • Michael S. Kaulback, 1978, 1994
  • Andrew W. Waugh, 1979; N
  • Hans J. Bellerman, 1980
  • Willis James Rice, 1981
  • Vergil E. Rearick, 1982
  • Maurice Crepeau, 1983
  • Carl Useforge, 1984
  • Kurt E. Olafsson, 1985, 1997
  • Philip E. Klein, 1986, 1993
  • William V. Shultz, 1987
  • Kenneth B. Johnson, 1991, 1992; PDDGM
  • John H. Dickerson, 1995, 1996
  • Olevi V. Koski, 1999
  • David B. St. Onge, 2000
  • Kenneth A. Cochran, 2001, 2004, 2005
  • Roswell J. Hussey, 2002; Mem
  • Stephen A. Rubinstein, 2006, 2007 PDDGM, New York
  • James O'Kane, 2008 susp.
  • Kenneth D. Ruel, 2009
  • Daniel T. Bilek, 2012
  • Matthew L. Diaz, 2013
  • Brian J. Amburgey, 2014
  • Kevin D. Flynn, 2015, 2016
  • Stephen J. Hartka, 2017
  • Michael S. Cavanagh, 2018; PDDGM
  • Dennis D. Vasko, 2019
  • Michael J. Cook, 2020, 2021
  • Dennis J. Rinki, 2022, 2023

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1865
  • Petition for Charter: 1866

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1936 (70th Anniversary)
  • 1940 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1965 (Centenary)
  • 2015 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1873 1879 1880 1905 1912 1920 1923 1928 1929 1937 1944 1946 1951 1955 1956 1958 1966 1974 1976 1980 1982 1983 1984 1997 2004 2010 2012 2016

HISTORY

  • 1940 (75th Anniversary History, 1940-283; see below)
  • 1965 (Centenary History, 1965-339; see below)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-283:

By Brother Judge Alvah M. Levy:

The year 1865 witnessed the opening of a new chapter in the record of Masonry in Fitchburg. Under the auspices of Aurora Lodge, our Fraternity had enjoyed an active and honorable life in this community since the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, and has passed successfully through a period of public hostility and persecrrtion which had even threatened the existence of Maionry in America. Although George Washington and Paul Revere and many other Masons had been famous for their patriotism and public service, there had arisen a fanatical agitation against Masonic Lodges, in which they were recklessly accused of secret plots and criminal activities against the rest of the community. In some parts of our counry this agitation even took the form of a political issue, and candidates for public office sought election upon a platform of opposition to Masonry. In some States hostile legislation was sought against our ancient Institution. Many Lodges ceased to exist, some others for a long time had only a suspended existence, and in some localities it was hardly safe for their members to be known to outsiders as Masons. Even in the boyhood of the present writer, as late as the period from 1870 to 1880 in a neighboring rural community, one often heard many good people expressing their distrust of the secrecy of secret societies and occasionally the published returns of an election disclosed that some scattering votes had been cast for some obscure Anti-Masonic candidate. In our own Commonwealth our own Grand Lodge maintained a valiant and finally successful defense against the enemies of our Institution in their attempts to crush it by hostile legislation or otherwise. This fight for the preservation of Masonry in Massachusetts was led ably and heroically by Charles W. Moore, whose name and memory are perpetuated by this Lodge which is now celebrating seventy-five years of its existence.

It is evident that in 1865 the period of antagonism had ended or subsided, for in that year a group of enterprising Brethren in this locality then conceived the plan or purpose of obtaining a charter for a new Masonic Lodge in Fitchburg. In the early Autumn of that year such a gathering of Master Masons, who are said to have been members of Aurora Lodge, held a meeting at the Fitchburg Hotel on October 2nd as petitioners for a Dispensation for a new Lodge in Fitchburg, and all but one of the petitioners eventually were named as Charter Members of the Lodge. At this meeting they organized their group by choosing Moses G. Lyon as Chairman, and Joseph E. Manning as Secretary.

In the selection of a name they chose to honor the man who had rendered the above stated service for the vindication of our ancient Institution, and voted to adopt the name of Charles W. Moore Lodge. The writer recalls that a high Masonic officer on some Masonic occasion declared that Charles W. Moore had rendered the most conspicuous service to Masonry which it had received from any one person since the ancient time of its origin. Thus it was most natural and fitting that his name should be chosen for this new Lodge which was organized for the expansion of local Masonry seventy-five years ago.

In conformity with the laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Moses G. Lyon was instructed to present the petition to Aurora Lodge for its approval, to obtain the endorsement of the Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, and to present it also to the Most Worshipful Grand Master. On October 9th, 1865, Aurora Lodge approved the request of E. Dana Bancroft and others for release of jurisdiction for a new Lodge to be known as Charles W. Moore Lodge, and they became occupants of its Lodge rooms.

In the Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of December 27th, 1865, it is recorded in the address of Most Worshipful Grand Master William Parkman that on October 10th, reposing full confidence in the recommendations and in the Masonic integrity and ability of the petitioners, he granted a Dispensation authorizing and empowering'our trusty and well beloved Brethren to form and open a Lodge after the manner of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.

The first communication of the new Lodge was ,held October 17,1865, in Freemasons Hall in the Sprague Block, which is now occupied by the Oliver Furniture Company. We are told that some of the old Masonic emblems may still be found on the walls of the former Lodge rooms. The first petition for membership was received at that meeting from Hale W. Page. It was voted procure a suitable case for the Dispensation, and necessary books and equipment for the Lodge. A committee also was appointed to confer with Aurora Lodge to arrange terms for the use of the Hall, and at a later meeting on November 21st the committee's report was adopted to the effect that the Lodge should pay a price of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per year for the same.

The first Master of the new Lodge was E. Dana Bancroft, who was unanimously re-elected at the regular communication of August 17, 1866, and held the office also in 1867. He later attuiied prominence in another community, as the writer recalls that he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate from a Middlesex District in the year 1878. At the same communication in August, 1866, a code of By-Laws was adopted, a committee was appointed to procure jewels for the Lodge, and it was voted to obtain the services of Brother Alger of Boston for an address at the Consecration of the Lodge.

In the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 12, 1866, it appears that a committee's report was accepted recommending that a Charter be given to the petitioners of Charles W. Moore Lodge. The Consecration of our Lodge occurred on October 9, 1866, on which occasion Charles W. Moore was present.

Evidently the financial condition of the Lodge was limited in its early years. We read that on January 15, 1867, a circular from the Grand Lodge sought a loan to assist the completion of the New Temple in Boston, but at the next meeting a committee reported that circumstances would not permit a loan by the Lodge and recommended the matter to the Brethren for investment of their personal funds. It later appears that on March 13, 1867, the Grand Lodge voted to finance the debt for the Temple by a direct tax. And somewhat later on June 18, 1867, a committee of our Lodge reported that it would be inexpedient for the Lodge as a body to attend the dedication of the Temple in Boston on June 24th.

The second Master of our Lodge was Moses G. Lyon, a paper manufacturer, who served the Lodge in that capacity in 1868, 1869 and 1870. He was succeeded by Thomas W. Davis, who held the office in 1871 and 1872, and later as a member of anotherLodge became eminent in the Grand Lodge being for a period its honored Grand Secretary.

On June 20, 1871, our Lodge acknowledged with thanks the receipt from Charles W. Moore of a very fine framed photograph of a bust of himself in the possession of the Lodge of Saint Andrew. This photograph hangs on the wall in the Reception Room of our Lodge.

Some obscure incidents of Masonic history are revealed by the early records of our Lodge. We find that there was an effort at one time to interest Masons in founding a college; for we read that on July 18, 1871, the Lodge declined to consider a proposal by one Samuel R. James to establish a college at Washington for the benefit of orphans of Master Masons. The record of October 17, 1871, contains a reminder of the great Chicago fire, as a committee was appointed under a call from the Most Worshipful Grand Master to secure subscriptions to aid Brethren who had suffered from that terrible conflagration.

Thursday, November 23, 1871, was a notable date for Masonry in Fitchburg, for on that day the Lodges dedicated the quarters which are still occupied by our various Masonic Bodies. It also has additional interest for us because Charles W. Moore himself was present and complimented the Lodges for the success of their work, and predicted for them a brilliant future. This may well be treasured as his parting message and benediction; for we read that, on December 30, 1873, a committee reported the following memorial resolution in recognition of his death:- "Resolved: That Chades W. Moore Lodge mourns with the Lodge of St. Andrew, the Grand Lodge, and the Masonic World, the death of the Great Standard Bearer of the Fraternity, Right Worshipful Charles Whitlock Moore, - that while to those with whom his associations were closer, a deeper and more sacred grief belongs, we shall cherish his memory and esteem it as our peculiar privilege that we may bear his honored name upon our escutcheon and so, in our humble way, help to perpetuate his name: that his Portrait in our hall be draped in black for the space of one year: and that this resolution be spread upon the records of the Lodge and a copy thereof be sent to St. Andrew's Lodge to be transmitted by them to the friends of the deceased or for such disposition as they deem proper."

The fourth Master of our Lodge was Joel Joel, a merchant whose place of business is well remembered by our older members. He carried the burdens of the office for five successive years, from 1873 to 1877, and was credited at a later time by one of his successors with the tribute that he had rendered more and greater service to the Lodge than any other person then living. In later years he usually occupied the Master's chair on our annual Past Masters' Night, and the excellence of his work on those occasions was such as younger men might well emulate. Our records disclose incidentally that during his official period, on June 24, 1874, our Lodge united with Aurora Lodge in attending the Dedication Ceremonies of the monument erected as a local memorial in honor of Civil War Veterans.

Worshipful Brother Joel was followed by George B. Woodward in 1878 and 1879, Frederick H. Rideout in 1880 and 1881, Dwight S. Woodworth in 1882 and 1883, and aftet them, by Joseph C. Beaulieu, Seth E. Brigham, and Edward W. Ackley, each for a single year. Special mention can be made of Worshipful Brother Brigham, as for many years he was usually chosen to deliver the charge to candidates upon their initiation, and did it with a fervor and eloquence that impressed us with inspiration and benediction.

The next successive group of Masters, from 1887 to 1896, included James H. Tebbets, Thomas Kelty, Albert L. Pratt, Harry Aitchison, Charles H. Proctor, Guy Woods, C. Willis Bennett, Nathan C. Upham, and Henry D. Robbins. Of these, Worshipful Brother Tebbets later served the Lodge for many years as Secretary, Worshipful Brothers Bennett and Upham later held the position of District Deputy Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Bennett also for many. years officiated as Installing Officer at our annual installations.

The record of November 17, 1896, notes the death of John Hoffman Collamore, whose memory is revered as a benefactor of our own Lodge and many others, and the following memorial was entered in honor of him:-

"It has become our sad duty to announce the death of Brother John Hoffrnan Collamore of Boston, an Honorary Member of this Lodge. His acceptance of a membership in our Lodge was a source of much pride to us, for we knew him as one whose words, deeds and life entitled him to the first rank of Christian Masonry, an ideal Mason. He died November 3, 1896, beloved by all who knew him. He had passed on Life's highway the stone that marks the highest point that is commonly allotted man to live, yet while in love with life and raptured with the world, being weary, for a moment, he laid down by the wayside and using his misfortune for a pillow, fell into that. dreamless sleep that kisses down the eyelids still. This brave and tender man in every storm of life was oak and rock, but in the sunshine he was vine and flower. He loved the beautiful, and was with color, form and music touched to tears. He sided with the weak, and with a generous, willing hand he faithfully discharged all trusts. He added to the sum of human joy; and if everyone for whom he did some service were to bring flowers to his grave, he would sleep for months beneath a wilderness of flowers. Words cannot express our love. There was, there is, no greater, stronger manlier man."

As a sequel to this memorial of words, our Lodge on June 15, 1897, established its "John H. Collamore Charity Fund" in his memory, which continues in deeds and action the beneficence which characterized his life.

From 1897 to 1915, the Masters successively were Thomas H. Crane, Herman D. Horton, William R. Pulsifer, Walter A. Atwood, George T. Greenwood, Herbert J. Banta, J. Lovell Johnson, Franklin S. Upham, William T. Hidden, Fred L. Bigelow, Cyrus Page, Guy H. Chase, G. Burton Lord, Frank H. Sibley, Elbert I. Brigham, and Levi E. Ferson. Of these, Worshipful Brothers Horton and Greenwood have later attained the office of District Deputy Grand Master; Worshipful Brothers Page and Bigelow have later served our Lodge as Treasurer, the latter still holding that office, and Worshipful Brother Atwood served our City for many years on its Board of Assessors, and also for a season held the office of Grand Patron in the Order of the Eastern Star. Worshipful Brother Chase also served our City as its Commissioner of Public Works; and Worshipful Brother Johnson attained public honor as the representative of our Senatorial District in the Massachusetts Senate, and later as a member of the Governor's Executive Council, beside serving on the Board of Aldermen in our own City. At his death our Lodge was given a generous legacy under his will.

In the year 1902 our Lodge and Aurora Lodge unitedly journeyed to Nashua, New Hampshire, for a pleasant and interesting fraternal visit to Rising Sun and Ancient York Lodges of that city, and in turn entertained the Brethren of those Lodges when they honored our Lodges with a similar visit.

In October, 1915, our Lodge celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary. lts observance began on Sunday, October 10th, when the Lodge attended Divine Service at the First Parish (Unitarian) Church, where the sermon was delivered by Right Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, D. D., LL.D., Grand Secrerary of our Grand Lodge. After returning from the Church to our Temple, remarks were made there by the Grand Secretary, by Right Worshipful Herman D. Horton, our District Deputy Grand Master, by Worshipful Brother Dwight S. Woodworth, and by Brother Joseph G. Edgerly, our former Superintendent of Schools. Rev. Edward B. Saunders gave a historical address. The observance was continued with formal Anniversary Exercises on Monday evening, October 11th. The presence of our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, was announced, and upon his entrance he was introduced by our Right Worshipful Brother C. Willis Bennett as Chairman of a committee which also included Worshipful Brothers Joel Joel and Frank H. Sibley. The Grand Master accepted the East for a few moments, and then resigned it to Worshipful Master Elbert I. Brigham, who delivered an address of welcome to the Grand Officers. Musical selections were rendered by the Weber Male Quartet, adding much to the pleasure of the occasion. fnteresting addresses were made by Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Edward A. Horton, and by Right Worshipful William H. Rider.

In the next decade of our Lodge, {rom 1916 to 1925, the successive Masters were Carl B. Joel, John F. Widlund, Edward M. Harris, Arthur R. Lemay, Aldrich H. Meyer, John G. Peterson, Clyde A. Sanderson, S. Edwin Story, William Smith, and James B. Ferguson, all of whom are still living, and Worshipful Brother Lemay is still in active service as the Secretary of this Lodge, and is also the Worthy Patron of Lady Emma Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

The record of February 21, 1919, contains a memorial recognition of the Masonic membership of Theodore Roosevelt, characterizing him as "Citizen, Soldier, President, Patriot, whose memory we revere and perpetuate by this Token of Remembrance as a Member of our Craft, Our Brother beloved for his private virtues which led him to exemplify in a most remarkable manner his sublime ideal, Let us pay with our bodies for our Soul's desire."

The record of January 12, 1923, calls attention to the work of the Masonic Service Association, as many were present to hear Rev. Brother Nathan H. Gist, of Leominster, deliver an enlightening address on "Masonry and its Moral Application in Every Day Life." On April 6, 1923, the Association presented Rev. Brother Francis W. Gibbs, the Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as the guest speaker upon the subject of "The Corner Stone of Masonry."

On September 17, 1924, the record made special mention of the death of Worshipful Brother Joel Joel on September 3, 1924. His exceptional service as Master for five consecutive years from 1873 to 1877 has already been told earlier in this narrative.

A very interesting event in the annals of our Lodge occurred on the evening of October 3, 1924, when Right Worshipful C. Willis Bennett on behalf of Mrs. Marie Richardson Skinner of New York, a grand-daughter of Charles W. Moore, presented a bust ofher honored grandfather as a gift from her to our Lodge. Our Worshipful Master accepted it for the Lodge. All lights were turned out at its unveiling, and the bust was revealed by means of a spot-light upon the slow gradual raising of an American flag which veiled it. Brother John Smith sang "I Will Be True," while the members remained standing. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Dudley H. Ferrell, was present upon this happy occasion, and expressed his pleasure concerning it, saying that the unveiling of the bust was a great tribute to one who was a central figure in Masonry. Remarks were also made by Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, who was then Deputy Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, the Grand Secretary, delivered a very interesting address on "The Masonic Career of Charles W. Moore."

On Friday, May 22, 1925, the Bible now upon our Altar was presented to our Lodge by members of the Anchor Club, who were present to assist in the work of raising Brother Frank Hassett, a fellow railroad employee.

The Masters in the next decade of our Lodge, from 1926 to 1935, were Guy L. Cossaboom, M. Lees MacCracken, Raymond C. Whicher, Percy C. Insley, Peter Paul DuBois, Edward A. A. Lamere, F. Merle Matthews, Ralph A. Stevens, Maurice L. Whitcomb, and Carl H. Irons, all of whom are still living with the exception of Worshipful Brother Lamere.

On Friday, June 24, 1927, our Lodge in conjunction with Aurora Lodge observed a Veterans' Night in honor of our older members, on which occasion Veteran's Medals were presented by Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, the Grand Master, to four of our members, Silas A. Winchester, Thomas E. Young, Dwight S. Woodworth, and Daniel McBain.

On June 15, 1934, our Lodge received and entertained with pleasure and honor Right Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, who was then our Grand Secretary, and Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton, who is now the Grand Secretary, presenting to Right Worshipful Brother Hamilton certajn relics, badges, jewels and regalia once owned by Charles W. Moore. The Grand Secretary expressed his pleasure that our Lodge had seen fit to loan these valuable relics to the Grand Lodge, and said that they would be placed in the Grand Lodge Museum in Boston. He also delivered a very interesting address on the life of Right Worshipful Charles Whitlock Moore, and at the close he was given a rising vote of appreciation.

The successive Masters in the remaining period of our Lodge, from 1936 to 1940, have been Edwin M. Nettleton, Everett H. Dudley, Milton G. Peterson, and our present Master, Worshipful Charles T. Kimball, all of whom are still with us. Worshipful Brother Dudley is now in public office as our City Solicitor, and has recently been appointed and confirmed as a Special Justice of the District Court of Fitchburg.

The year 1935 appears to have passed without a special observance of the anniversary of the original beginning of our Lodge, but in the next year, on October 9, 1936, there was a formal celebration of the Seventieth Anniversary of the Consecration of the Lodge, which was observed as a meeting of the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District, and which was honored with the presence of our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Claude L. Allen and his suite. We recall with pleasure that our present Grand Master, Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry, then our Deputy Grand Master, also was with us on that occasion. Our Secretary, by request of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, read extracts from the Lodge records concerning the events which preceded and finally resulted in the Consecration of our Lodge on October 9, 1866.

At this gathering two interesting letters written by Charles W. Moore in 1828, and one written by Winslow Lewis in 1858, both of whom were present at the Consecration of our Lodge in 1866, were presented to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, who expressed his pleasure in receiving them and said they would be added to the collection in the Grand Lodge archives. He also called upon the members of his suite for appropriate remarks, and this completed one of the most interesting observances ever held in our Lodge, by which all were imbued with an assurance that there is something vital in Masonry.

This brings us to the present year of our existence as a Lodge. We now have a well organized and well equipped Lodge, and a very creditable membership both in quantity and quality. Our officers are interested and capable and are rendering faithful and devoted service. Our relations with other Lodges are pleasant and helpful and we have faith that this Lodge can expect in an extended and prosperous future to promote and exemplify the best traditions of our Masonic Fraternity.

CENTENARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1965

From Proceedings, Page 1965-339:

By R.W. Merton W. Demont.

To the memory of that great Mason, Most Worshipful Charles W. Moore, this brief history is gratefully dedicated.

In a history of a Masonic Lodge, especially for the past quarter century, it is not to be expected that much of a spectacular nature will be found. Masonry, through the years, has not sought the sensational, has not desired the news headlines, but rather, has endeavored to pursue its work in a quiet, orderly manner, letting the community and the world judge the Fraternity by the character and worth of its members. Not often in the life of a lodge has come such an impressive event or change as we have just witnessed in the building and dedication of this fine new Temple. Therefore this history sketch will be largely one of dates, facts and figures.

On the evening of October 4th, 1940, the Grand Lodge, with M. W. Joseph Earl Perry, Grand Master, held a Special Communication at Fitchburg for the purpose of observing the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of Charles W. Moore Lodge, Wor. Charles T. Kimball being the presiding Master. For that occasion a most excellent paper on the 75-year history of this Lodge was written and read by our late, highly esteemed Brother, Judge Alvah M. Levy. It was such an informative, thorough and interesting address that we have taken parts of it in our reading tonight with all credit and gratitude to Brother Levy. Incidentally, this fine paper, in full, is easily available to any Brother interested in the early story of our lodge. It is in the Lodge records of 1940, and also in the bound volume "Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, 1940".

In the year 1865, it was evident that Aurora Lodge, after 64 years of steady, successful growth in an expanding community, was not opposed to sharing "the rights and benefits" of Masonry in this city with another like body of Blue Lodge Masons, for members of that Lodge with perhaps others in this vicinity, believing a second lodge was logical and would be welcomed by all concerned, formed a committee for the purpose of petitioning the Grand Lodge for a new lodge here. Bro. Moses G. Lyon, who later was to be the second Wor. Master of this Lodge, presented this petition in turn to Aurora Lodge for its consent and approval, then to the D. D. G. Master, and then to the Grand Lodge. M. W. William Parkman, Grand Master, approved; and on October 10th, 1865, granted the Dispensation, and Charles W. Moore Lodge was born and about to take its first steps. It is recorded that arrangements were made with Aurora Lodge for the use of the hall for the sum of $125.00 per year. Our original charter, which is still preserved, dated October 9, 1866, bears the signature of M.W. Charles C. Dame, Grand Master, and Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary. The first Communication of this lodge under Dispensation was held on Oct. 17, 1865, in Freemasons Hall, Sprague Block, 797 Main Street, which is now occupied by the Oliver Furniture Company. This hall, on the third floor, has seemed to have changed but little through the century, not being used to any extent for any purpose and, to a Brother standing within, there comes to him a feeling of awe and reverence for those hardy pioneers who were holding their first communication in that room one hundred years ago. Those quarters were not to be their "home" for long, for we learn that fine new apartments on the third and fourth floors of the Fitchburg Savings Bank Block, 745 Main Street, had been prepared and were dedicated on Nov. 23, 1871. At this dedication Fitchburg Masons were honored by the presence of R. W. Charles W. Moore. Brother Moore came to Fitchburg on several occasions in the interest of various Masonic Bodies here and it should be remembered that traveling about the State was not easy in those days. The Fraternity held their meetings in the Bank Building for about 92 years.

The Bank was about to build new quarters and the old Masonic Hall building was to be torn down. This has now been done. The last Communication of our lodge held there was on Oct. 28, 1963, and was quite a notable one, it being not only a "farewell to the old home", but, jointly with Aurora Lodge, was a well planned and executed Finnish Brothers' Night. Wor. Master McCall of Aurora Lodge and Wor. Master Meldrum of Charles W. Moore Lodge divided the duties in opening, after which the combined lodge was given over to the Finnish Brethren with our Lodge Secretary, Wor. Bro. Laine, as Chairman of the group which raised two Brothers of Aurora Lodge and two Brothers of Charles W. Moore Lodge. It was notable on that occasion that all officers, three basemen, fifteen craftmen and four candidates were all of Finnish descent. Much credit must be given Wor. Brother Laine for organizing and directing this, and several such nights in the past, when visiting Brethren have come from neighboring States to take part in, or observe, the work. Such meetings do much to create and cement the feeling of friendship and good will among Brothers at a distance. It was not a sad farewell to our "Masonic Hall," yet many of us will long hold fond recollections of our old Fraternal "Home" and the many fine enduring friendships formed there.

Through the diligent work, time and thought given by the Board of Trustees, the Fitchburg Masonic Charity and Educational Association and others deeply interested in our future welfare, very suitable temporary quarters were found at Odd Fellows' Hall, 4 Leighton Street, where meetings were held until our present Masonic Temple was built and dedicated in 1964. Our first Communication at Leighton Street was on November 1, 1963; our last on December 4, 1964.

FITCHBURG MASONIC TEMPLE

In the 160 years of its existence Fitchburg Masonry never had owned a home of its own; that is, its meetings were held in buildings owned by parties apart from the Fraternity. For many years it had been in the hearts and minds of Brothers "high and low, rich and poor", to build a Masonic Temple. How often, in the past, we had heard the expression, "It should have been built 20 (or 30) years ago when labor and materials were cheap." But the years rolled by with no corner-stone laid. However, in 1964, the dream of the years was to become a reality. Viewed from any angle, to conceive, to plan, to finance, to erect the Temple was a difficult task that required courage, judgement, tact, skill with a firm desire that our several Fraternal Bodies might have a Temple to occupy, with pride and pleasure for many, many years. This Masonic Temple is not the work of one Body, but the result of the fine co-operation of all the Masonic and Associated Bodies: Aurora and Charles W. Moore Lodges, Thomas Royal Arch Chapter, Jerusalem Commandery, Lady Emma Chapter Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay Boys.

All have a share in the beauty,
All have a part in the plan.
What does it matter what duty
Falls to the lot of man?
Someone has blended the plaster,
And someone has carried the stone;
Neither the man nor the master
Ever has builded alone,
Making a roof from the weather
Or building a house for the King,
Only by working together
Have men accomplished a thing.

As this verse truly states, no one builds alone, but in this Temple, as in all noteworthy undertakings, much credit and praise must be given to a few individuals who "make dreams come true". Our present D. D. G. Master, R. W. Samuel R. Irons, as President of The Fitchburg Masonic Charity and Educational Association has well earned the thanks and commendations of all for his untiring and successful efforts to erect this Temple. He was ably assisted by Wor. Robert N. Fickett of Aurora Lodge as Chairman of Building Construction, by Bro. William D. Blake of Charles W. Moore as Clerk of Construction, by Bro. Leo J. Glickman as Chairman, and Wor. F. Merle Matthews of Charles W. Moore, Fund Raising, and by all on the committees associated with this notable undertaking. Ground was broken on a pleasant Sunday afternoon April 26, 1964. Brothers Harry Fergenson and Walter Blan-chard were seen leaning heavy on the shovel. Perhaps these two good Brothers moved little earth that day but they had done their groundwork years before in advocating and working for a new Temple.

The corner-stone was laid on Sept. 12, 1964 by Officers of the Grand Lodge, M. W. A. Neill Osgood, Grand Master, in an age old Masonic ceremony said to be quite similar to that used by our first President and Brother George Washington in laying the corner-stone of the Nation's Capital at Washington. The Grand Master was attended by many present and past Grand Lodge Officers including the Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Stanley F. Maxwell, and the Senior Grand Warden, R. W. Leonard Rawn and the Junior Grand Warden, R. W. Burton K. Sawtelle. Our Grand Treasurer, R. W. Frederick W. Hale and the Grand Secretary, R. W. Earl W. Taylor, assisted the Grand Master in preparing and sealing the corner-stone which contained the history of the building group, history and rosters of the seven Masonic and Associated Bodies and other articles of a historical or local interest. The D. D. G. Master of the Fitchburg 13th Masonic District, R. W. Joseph F. Lake, was present. Also our very good friend and Past Senior Grand Warden, R. W. Ronald Astley.

The Temple was dedicated December 16, 1964 by Grand Lodge Officers: M. W. A. Neill Osgood, Grand Master, assisted by his line Officers in a most impressive, century old ceremony. This work is of a strictly Masonic character and has been used by Massachusetts Masons through the years since its founding in 1733 and has to be seen to appreciate its solemn, inspiring nature. Around 400 Masons throughout the state attended. The service was preceded by a banquet which filled our lower hall.

WORSHIPFUL MASTERS

The first Master of this Lodge under dispensation was E. Dana Bancroft. The Lodge must have progressed well under his leadership for he was re-elected in '66 and '67. Moses G. Lyon, who was very active in starting this Lodge, was its second Master and also served 3 years. For the first 20 years it seemed usual for the Master to serve for two or more years, as we note that the first seven Masters served a total of nineteen years. Wor. Joel Joel was distinctive in occupying the Oriental Chair for five consecutive years: 1873 through 1877. Our present Senior Past Master is Wor. Franklin S. Upham, living in Florida. He was in the East in 1907, over half a century ago. I will not take the time to read the long list of Past Masters up to 1940 as Brother Levy named them all in the 75th Anniversary History; also the complete list of all, living and deceased, are printed in our bi-annual roster. Following are the names, and year installed, of our Past Worshipful Masters since 1940:

  • 1940 Harry D. Penan
  • 1941 Merton W. Demont
  • 1942 Arthur J. Hunt
  • 1943 Walter K. Rautio
  • 1944 Henry F. Cutting
  • 1945 Alden S. Marble
  • 1946 Robert H. Demont
  • 1947 James Lucas
  • 1948 Hollis P. Thacher
  • 1949 Aime E. Dufort
  • 1950 George E. Bishop
  • 1951 O. V. Armas Laine
  • 1952 John V. McArthur
  • 1953 Stephen E. Chase
  • 1954 Winfred F. Hartford
  • 1955 Max W. A. Wagner
  • 1956 Erling M. Olsen
  • 1957 Robert G. Nurnberger
  • 1958 Toivo I. Niemi
  • 1959 F. Michael Chase
  • 1960 Peter L. Peters
  • 1961 Philip L. Mills
  • 1962 Robert A. Schreiner
  • 1963 George R. Meldrum
  • 1964 James F. Pollock

Of these, three Brothers have served this Lodge faithfully and well in the very busy and exacting duties of Secretary: Wor. Brothers Charles T. Kimball, Arthur J. Hunt, and our present O. V. Armas Laine. Two were appointed D. D. G. Masters of the seven lodges in the Fitchburg 13th Masonic District: R.W. Milton G. Peterson and the writer. Our presiding Wor. Master Edwin H. Holt, who retired a short time ago as Ex. High Priest of Thomas Chapter, has given much time, thought and effort as General Chairman in arranging the many details pertaining to this Anniversary. We trust he feels the truth of this quotation, "I know what happiness is for I have done good work."

GROWTH

Except for the World War Years of the 1940's the Lodge has shown a moderate but quite steady increase in membership. Given in five-year periods, at the annual Communication, the figures are as follows:

  • 1940: 524 Members
  • 1945: 511 Members
  • 1950: 555 Members
  • 1955: 609 Members
  • 1960: 657 Members
  • 1965: 671 Members

A gain of 28% in the 25-year period.

M. W. CHARLES W. MOORE

We feel that we have not fulfilled our duty in writing any story of this Lodge if we fail to express our deep admiration for, and gratitude to, that very great and honored Mason for whom our Lodge is named. Perhaps, in the long history of Modern Masonry no man has played a more devoted or important part for the welfare of our Fraternity. We are proud to bear his honored name. All members of this Lodge should strive to keep his memory before us as we work in lodge, as we travel "the rough and rugged path" through life. In a resolution, by our Lodge, on his departing were these words, "We shall cherish his memory and esteem it as our peculiar privilege that we may bear his honored name upon our escutcheon and so, in our humble way, help to perpetuate his name." It is noteworthy that shortly before his death in 1873, the Grand Lodge, in recognition of his great service to Masonry, bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Past Grand Master, the first of only two great Masons to receive that honor. In the office of the Grand Secretary are hung large portraits of two most honored Masons; the only ones in the long history of Massachusetts Masonry to receive that title: one is of M. W. Frederick W. Hamilton; the other of M. W. Charles W. Moore. As Grand Secretary for 34 years, he was a tower of strength and wisdom to our Craft. It should be a task of pleasure and profit for all Brothers to read the record of his difficult, untiring service to the Fraternity in its dark, dangerous hours.

Our 100th year Anniversary nears its close. Not one of us will be present as our 200th Anniversary is observed but it is quite possible it may take place right here in this new lodge-room.

The past records must stand; we cannot change them if we would. We may cherish the past but must look to the future: what does it portend? It would seem to hold no clouds so dark, no seas so rough, that our good ship Charles W. Moore may not sail safely through.


EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, OCTOBER 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 1, October 1866, Page 17:

The Charles W. Moore Lodge, Fitchburg, Mass.
by Br. William W. Wheildon.

During the past year — as in fact during the last ten years — to use the expressive phrase of the "Bourse," Masonry has been "active" in Massachusetts. The great natural rebound from the virulence with which it was attacked, and from which, as with the institution of Christianity itself, it suffered for a time, had not ceased to be felt, when discord fell upon the councils of the nation; and Masonry, by its conservative principles and teachings, lent its influence to peace and national fellowship. Still, notwithstanding the war and the rending of all associations, friendships and fellowships, between the North and South, Masonry has survived and prospered. The report of the Grand Master, when it comes to be made next month, will show an amount of work, emanating from the Grand Body or performed by it, which will equal, we think, that of any former year in the history of Masonry in this State. It is matter of congratulation, that this extraordinary amount of labor, diversified as the work of the Grand Lodge is, and widespread as has been the field of it, has fallen upon shoulders so able to bear it, and into the possession of capabilities adequate to its effective and instructive performance. The record of past years will show how laborious have been the services of our Grand Masters. The Fraternity know how well and faithfully these have been performed, and the high reputation of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts maintained. With singular fidelity to itself, to masonic history and usages, and to a jurisprudence sanctioned by ages, our Grand Lodge for more than a century has stood pre-eminent among its compeers, for its conservative, consistent, and reliable character. The " light," which has come down to us through so many ages of time, has lost none of its brightness by any teachings of hers, nor has her "ritual" suffered from the bold innovations of ideal speculators or progressive theorists in Masonry. This would be her boast, as it is our pride, were it in accordance with her taste to indulge in that weak ambition.

It would be mere affectation in us — not to say injustice — to ignore the fact that, for the honorable position held by our Grand Lodge to-day among her equals, we are as largely indebted to the good sense, and sound judgment, and great masonic experience of the Grand Secretary, as to the intelligence and ability of the Grand Masters. His record for more than thirty years has been, in all appreciable senses, the living record of the Grand Lodge. It is known that he has, even for a greater number of years, devoted himself to the cause and interests of Masonry. Under the trying circumstances to which we have already alluded, he stood side by side in the front rank with its supporters, and to his mind and upon his pen did the Fraternity look and trust for its defence. Although not a few of the memorials of this labor were consumed with other invaluable possessions of the Grand Lodge, in the destructive fire of 1864, they still exist in the memory of the Fraternity, — a living monument in their hearts of able and faithful services.

In view of what we have now said — having claimed the right to say it — we take pleasure in recording the first public recognition of these services, in the constitution of the new Lodge named at the head of this paper. No service which the Grand Master has performed in this, the first year of his administration, we are confident, afforded to him and the other grand officers, more real satisfaction than that of Tuesday evening, Oct. 9th, at Fitchburg. About one year ago, the late Grand Master, Wm. Parkman, at the request of a body of Masons in Fitchburg, granted a dispensation for a new Lodge, to be called the " Charles W. Moore Lodge,"—following, in this respect, an example which in other institutions and relations has been deemed to be an unsafe practice. At the end of the probationary year, on application of the Lodge, a charter was granted to it, upon a satisfactory examination of its record and work. On the occasion of constitution, the Grand Lodge was represented as follows:

Early in the afternoon, on the day above mentioned, the Grand Lodge entered upon the performance of the duties for which it had visited Fitchburg. The ceremonies of consecration were performed by the Grand Master, assisted by the brethren, in ample form, and in a most impressive and interesting manner. They were public, so far as to allow of the presence of the ladies and friends of the members. At the conclusion of these ceremonies, without any "calling off" of the Lodge, the Grand Master at once proceeded with the installation of the officers, as follows:

  • E. Dana Bancroft, W. M.
  • Moses G. Lyon, S. W.
  • T. Ruggles, J. W.
  • C. J. Delahanty, Trea.
  • E. S. Barrett, Sec'y
  • J. E. Manning, S. D.
  • George W. Bugbee, J. D.
  • H. J. Lowe, S. S.
  • George H. Spencer, J. S.
  • W. C. Upton, Marshal
  • James Peirce, Tyler.

Upon the installation of the Master, Br. Winslow Lewis arose and presented to the Lodge, which had adopted the name of his life-long friend and brother, an elegant Master's Jewel, in the following address: —

PRESENTATION BY BR. LEWIS

I feel a strong personal interest in incorporating myself, in a very poor way, with the very interesting ceremonies of this evening. It is an occasion which, to me, has a heartfelt pleasure and impress, and it will have a widespread masonic influence ; for though the honor has been tardily bestowed on one who is the "facile princeps" in our Institution, it will teach that perseverance and ability will have its preponderating influence sooner or later, and that solid worth will outstrip the ephemeral honors of the mere talkers of the hour; that the head will triumph over the flippancy of the tongue. Grand Masters have been remembered, and Lodges derived their names from those still living. Their high position in the order has suggested the nomenclature of several of our bodies. It has been a kind of honorary degree, as the LL.D. of our colleges on all Massachusetts Governors, good or indifferent; and, in some masonic instances, given to small capacities, a noticeable instance of which now stands before you. But the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts stands alone. You have taken him and his deeds as the exemplar by which to steer your masonic bark. You have taken an untitled brother, (for he is not even a permanent member of the Grand Lodge,) as your "Magnus Apollo." Your first act was the baptism bj' a title which will ever render you sagacious in your very incipiency. You have given to your Lodge a name and a fame which shall not perish: for Charles W. Moore shall not be forgotten in the annals of an Order, which owes so much to his intellectual power and sagacity.

I present to you, W. M., a small token of an affection founded on the name which you have selected, having my humble name engraved on it conjointly with that of my life-long friend and brother. In brotherly love we have walked together for nearly forty years, pari passu. We have marched side by side, he as a masonic colossus, a Mentor leading me his unfledged Telemachus; not that my short pacing could keep up with the elongation of his stride, but cheered on and supported, I have kept him at least ever in sight, a high incentive to lofty aims.

Receive this as a feeble testimonial towards Charles W. Moore Lodge. Under the auspices of a good name may you flourish, and may each brother find through life, that friendship is not merely a name, but that it hallows and warms us to life's best issues.

REPLY OF BR. BANCROFT

R. W. Br. Lewis,

I regret that I have not command of the beautiful and classical language I with which you have clothed your presentation ; but, in behalf of Charles W. Moore Lodge, I accept with great pleasure this Jewel, — the appropriate emblem of the Master. In receiving it, we are not insensible of its value, when we remember that it comes from one who has held the highest offices in the gift of his brethren, and who has ever been first and foremost in their hearts. It will have an additional value, too, because you have been, for many years, the intimate friend and associate of the distinguished brother, whose name we bear. I will wear it, endeavoring to obey its masonic teachings, and to transmit it to my successor with its purity untarnished.

PRESENTATION BY BR. MOORE

Upon the installation of the Chaplain, Br. Moore presented to the Lodge a rich and beautiful Bible, properly inscribed, to remain upon the altar. He accompanied the gift with a few remarks of a most touching character, commending the all-glorious volume to the careful keeping and diligent study of the members. He spoke of it, not only as the great light in Masonry, but as the Book of Books, which would lead them to all knowledge, and was the only safe guide of life here, and the only security of our hope and faith hereafter. It could not be too often referred to nor too carefully read. We do not pretend to give the words of Br. Moore, for we took no notes at the time. He referred briefly to the antiquity of the institution, and the important relation which it sustains as auxiliary to the Bible. He spoke feelingly and impressively, and his remarks commanded the silent attention of the audience.

The gift of Br. Moore, presented in a manner at once so earnest and impressive, was received, in behalf of the Lodge, by Rev. Br. Jones, in a neat and beautiful speech. He responded, in a full and emphatic manner, to the eloquent eulogium of Br. Moore upon the Bible, and commended its instructions, its requirements, and its promises to the members.

The ceremony and the circumstances constituted one of the most interesting and impressive scenes we have ever witnessed in the Lodge room, and it will be long remembered by all who were present.

Still another presentation was made by R. W. Br. William Sutton, through the hands of the Grand Marshal, of an elegant silver-mounted baton, for the use of the Marshal of the Lodge.

After which the Grand Master introduced Br. W. Parkman, Past Grand Master, who expressed his interest in the Lodge, and his high gratification at their adoption of the name of his friend and brother. His remarks, though brief, were pertinent, and feelingly expressed. The ceremonies of installation, which had been thus pleasantly delayed, were performed by our accomplished Grand Master and his suite according to ancient usage, as fully as practicable under the circumstances of the meeting, and they were most impressively and beautifully rendered. The music, with which the exercises were interspersed, was performed by a choir of singers, selected for the purpose, and contributed largely to the solemnity and interest of the occasion. At life conclusion of the installing ceremonies, the Grand Master, calling up the Master, Wardens, and members of the new Lodge, addressed them individually and collectively, in a cordial and affectionate manner, reminding them of the favor accorded to them by the Grand Lodge, and of the responsible position, as a regularly constituted Lodge, which they now held. The address was replete with sound masonic sentiment and counsel, and was well calculated to make an impression upon the Lodge.

THE EVENING BANQUET

At 8 o'clock in the evening, at the American House, kept by Br. James Waterhouse, the new Lodge, with the ladies of the members and invited guests, formed in procession and proceeded to the large dining hall, where the tables were bountifully spread and beautifully decorated with bouquets of fresh flowers from the garden and green-house of Brother Sawtell, of Fitchburg. W. Master Bancroft presided, and a blessing was asked by the Grand Chaplain.

At the conclusion of the feast, a brief opening address was made by Br. Bancroft, who then successively called upon the M. W. Grand Master, R. W. Brs. Moore, Lewis, Parkman, and Sutton, and Brs. Dadmun, Stearns, Tarbell,

and Kelsey; and the remarks of these gentlemen, in response, referred to the organization of the new Lodge, and the pleasant and favorable circumstances under which it had been organized. Br. Moore, in whose honor the Lodge had been named, was specially called out by the Master, in a sentiment embracing a parody of one of Anacreon's songs: —

"Here's a double health to thee."

We shall not attempt to give even an abstract of Br. Moore's appropriate and admirable speech. It was unprepared, unstudied, but at the same time beautiful in thought and word and feeling. His thanks to the brethren for the compliment they had paid him, in selecting his name for their Lodge, were hearty and sincere; and he did well, in return for this compliment, to bestow upon them, in a chaste and gentle, and at the same time impressive, manner, words of explanation and counsel, redolent of experience and knowledge. He spoke of the principles of the order, — equality, fraternity, obedience, subordination, and integrity of purpose and action; and while he gave his commendation, imparted his hope, if not his injunction, that the Lodge might always sustain an honorable fame on the roll of the Grand Lodge. As we have said, although an unpremeditated, off-hand speech, improvised for the occasion, and not reaching that depth of feeling that characterized his address to the Lodge when bestowing upon it, as his gift, "the great light in Freemasonry," it was one to be -remembered and made profitable unto good works. As the key-note of the occasion, it gave tone to the brief speeches which followed, though in thought, expression, dignity of manner, and appropriateness, no comparison is to be made between them. Br. Moore sometimes, though very rarely, ventures into the humorous. When he does so, his wit is as keen and almost as ponderable as his logic, and it is well not to be subjected to the direct application of either; but we may say, as we" do with pride and pleasure, he is never frivolous or forgetful of the proprieties of the occasions when he is called upon to address an intelligent audience.

The following letter from the Deputy of the Third Masonic District, who was invited to be present, was received by Br. Bancroft; —

Lawrence, Mass., Oct. 8, A.L. 5866.

My Dear Br. Bancroft, — Your kind letter, covering invitation to be present with you to-morrow, reached me in due course by mail. Be assured, that, if possible, I should respond in person. As it is, business engagements, which I cannot readily forego, prevent my doing so.

And in this connection permit me to add, that no official visit, which I could make, would afford me greater pleasure. The name of the R. W. Grand Secretary, which the new Lodge bears, is and has been a tower of strength to our beloved Order. Long may he live to enjoy the honors which he has so richly earned, and at the last, when the scenes in connection with the earthly Lodge shall have been passed, may there be "administered unto him an abundant entrance" into the "celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever lives, forever reigns."

Again expressing regret on account of my inability to be present, and with kind regards for your favors, I am in haste,

Yours, fraternally,

L. A. BISHOP.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Having claimed the privilege, not to say right, of making this record in the pages of his own magazine, we may be permitted, by the same token, to add a word or two of our own. It is probable that we may know, as well as another, the ability, interest, and unflinching ardor with which Br. Moore has devoted himself to the institution of Masonry, its defence and that of its traduced members. But this is not all: we may not record here the services rendered to the institution by Br. Moore in the preservation of its property, through the trying times of anti-masonic and legislative madness; nor speak of his action in its subsequent management and disposition but we may speak of the superintendence and direction entrusted to him in the preparation and finish of the Masonic apartments in the late Winthrop House. The Grand Lodge room (or Corinthian Hall, as it was called), was a classic gem in Masonry, every feature and embellishment of which was representative of ancient and modern Masonry; and while they symbolized the principles and history of the Order, bespoke the learning and genius of the directing mind. Few Masons, who ever entered Corinthian Hall, will forget the impression made upon their minds by the strict masonic truthfulness, which prevailed around its chairs, its altar, its walls, its ceiling, or the consistent and elegant convenience and beauty of it as a whole. We can hardly content ourselves with these general remarks, now that this great work of his genius has been destroyed ; but it would be out of place to extend them in this connection. The other halls and masonic apartments in the same building, in their embellishment,— especially that of the Grand Chapter,— were not only works of taste and skill, but a whole history of the Order. It is greatly to be regretted that photographs of these splendid apartments, of the elaborate workmanship which characterized, and the portraits which adorned them, have not been preserved.

It is not, however, in symbolical or representative Masonry alone, — though these may appear in forms of beauty, and speak with eloquent tongue, — that Br. Moore excels. Masonry is, in some sense, material as well as intellectual. There is work in it; there is form; there is ceremony; it teaches by symbols; but it also teaches by parable, by doctrine, by reason, by religion, by logic. It appeals to the senses; it appeals to the conscience; it appeals to the heart — and is therefore material, intellectual, emotional. In regard to all these, and especially in the practical working of such an association, there must be law, not to say rules, systems or methods, but Law — Masonic Law, founded in Reason, Right, Justice; to be expounded and exemplified; to be enforced by logic; to be illustrated by history; to be made clear by reason and acknowledged by the feelings.

This is Masonic Jurisprudence — the whole of this world-wide and universal institution, so far as regards its practical existence and operation, — expressed in two words. In this great field of learning, judgment, and authority, the very borders of which so few members of the Fraternity, however elevated in degree, ever reach, Br. Moore holds a position among the ablest expounders wherever located. This is his Masonic forte, so to speak; this his crown ; and here, we are almost tempted to say, if he would serve the institution to which he has so long devoted himself, he should be allowed to labor. The brief Masonic Manual, published a few years ago by Br. Moore, (to say nothing of preceding masonic works; in use in all our Lodges,) and the past volumes of this magazine afford abundant evidence of his ability to prepare a Digest of Masonic Law, which shall accord with the dignity of the Order, promote its harmony, and contribute to the means of its permanent existence. We may at least, be permitted to express the hope we have long indulged in in this direction, the accomplishment of which would be the erection of a monument to his just fame, as lasting as the Lodge at Fitch-burg or the institution itself.

INSTALLATION, NOVEMBER 1873

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXII, No. 11, November 1873, Page 351:

The officers of this flourishing Lodge for the current year, were installed on the 20th of October by R. W. Henry P. Perkins, D. D. G. M. for the 7th District, as follows:

  • Bro. Joel Joel, M.
  • Charles H. Potter, S. W.
  • Eben J. Gardner, J. W.
  • David A. Coney, Tr.
  • Joseph L. Stratton, Sec.
  • George B. Woodward, S. D.
  • John S. Ray, J. D.
  • Rev. Charles W. Emerson, Chaplain.
  • Charles G. Cushing, Marshal.
  • John B. F. Gay, S. S.
  • William P. Gay, J. S.
  • A. M. Farwell, In. Sent.
  • Joseph Pierce, Tyler.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS



DISTRICTS

1865: District 7

1867: District 7 (Lowell)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 22


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges