Difference between revisions of "Eleusis"

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THE LODGE OF ELEUSIS

Location: Boston

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 12/13/1865 VII-38

Precedence Date: 02/22/1865

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Quincy Lodge into Delta Lodge, 05/03/1995.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1865
• Petition for Charter: 1865
• Consolidation Petition (with Quincy and Delta Lodges): 1995

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1890 (25th Anniversary)
• 1940 (75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1965 (Centenary; Special Communication)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1872 (Nickerson)
• 1880 (Welch)
• 1886 (Howland; installation)
• 1887 (Endicott)
• 1890 (Wells; 25th Anniversary)
• 1892 (Wells)
• 1893 (Briggs)
• 1896 (Holmes)
• 1898 (Hutchinson)
• 1901 (Gallagher)
• 1911 (Flanders)
• 1927 (Simpson)
• 1938 (Perry)
• 1940 (Perry; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1965 (Osgood; 3 visits: installation, Ladies' Night, Centenary/Special Communication)
• 1980 (Melanson; installation)
• 1990 (Darling)
• 1995 (Lovering; consolidation with http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Quincy Quincy] and Delta Lodges)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1873 1880 1886 1891 1897 1904 1923 1931 1937 1939 1966

HISTORY

• 1940 (75th Anniversary History, 1940-76; see below)
• 1965 (Centenary History, 1965-151)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-76:

By Bro. Andrew F. Donnell.

At the waning of the great Civil War - now charitably designated as "The War between the States" - a new Lodge came into being and made its timid entrance on the horizon of Freemasonry. It was founded on that peculiar kind of idealism which belongs to struggle. Restraints had vanished, along with the influences of birth, wealth, education, and social standing.

It was designed to bring together young college trained men in fraternal compact who had a sincere desire to put behind them the horrors of war and the misgivings incident to human conflict, that they might commune again as brothers, citizens, and good neighbors in an era of peace. The need for such a haven had been apparent for many months in the mind of an energetic Consul of a foreign land who had made Boston his adopted home and had become interested in Masonry, which, with its philosophic, esoteric, and charitable teachings, later proved to be his life interest.

John Michael Rodocanachi, Greek government representative for New England, in 1865 predicted the early collapse of the Southern Cause. He gathered some of his Masonic friends about him, the majority of them members of Columbian Lodge, and broached the idea that returning soldiers, particularly the younger men, would welcome the opportunity of mingling in a "college" Lodge, something that did not then exist in Boston.

Rodocanachi was true to his prediction, for in April 1865 the War terminated. Two months previous, however, on February 22, 1865, his group of Masonic friends, numbering twenty-four, had met in Old Freemasons Hall on Summer St. and organized under a Dispensation from the Grand Master.

The young Lodge started in with enthusiasm and was joined by ten other members. On December 1st, 1865, the Grand Lodge Chartered the group of thirty-four to be officially known as The Lodge of Eleusis. The name of the Lodge proved to be interesting for the other Lodges which welcomed the new member into the jurisdiction, and inquiry revealed that the name was the novel and appropriate selection of Rodocanachi. He had dedicated the Lodge in honor of ancient mysteries which had stirred his imagination in his young schooldays in Greece.

These Eleusinian mysteries were secret religious rites, probably originated by the Thracians at Eleusis, and were later absorbed by the Athenian state religion. The celebration and the initiation of candidates took place in the spring and autumn. The lesser mysteries were based on the legends of Dionysos and Persephone and were held at Agrae. The greater mysteries took place in the month Boedromion. These consisted of various ceremonies such as bathing in the sear processions, fasts, and sacred dramas. These rites were supposed to assure the initiate an easy entrance into heaven and happiness thereafter.

As the name implies the mysteries had their inception in Eleusis, a town of ancient Attica on the Bay of Eleusis, which was also the chief seat of the worship of Ceres. Ceres was the Roman name of the Greek Goddess Demeter - the protectress of agriculture and the fruits of the earth. The influences arising from her first temple in Rome was declared by the dictator A. Postumius Albinus to have averted a great famine which threatened the city in the year 496 B.C.

The site of old Eleusis is now occupied by the village of Lefsina and it was in this little town that Rodocanachi spent his childhood and learned much in school of the history of the mysteries. Thus, through his suggestion, this Lodge was named The Lodge of Eleusis and the Lodge seal, soon adopted, caries a representation of the Goddess Ceres holding a sheaf of wheat on her right arm and carrying a lighted torch in her left hand. The symbolism interpreted signifies that by a fruitful life of right living, right teaching, and charitable deeds one may expect the reward of a glorious immortality.

Now successfully launched on a hopeful career the young Lodge went at its work with a vim and unusual seriousness. Candidates regularly appeared in the Northeast corner and the drafting of a code of by-laws came in for considerable debate. The first code revealed interesting articles. One had to do with the proper dress for members. No member, let alone officers, could sit in the Lodge without formal evening clothes and, if you please, the law was most exacting in regard to the certain fabric of the white gloves to be worn by all. White kid or white silk was expressly designated.

This particular part of the by-law came in for many debates thereafter and finally was changed to read "white gloves." The member could then wear white silk, white kid or white cotton, but "white" gloves stood for many years. The influence of that early by-law is still with us, for our present code expressly states that members must sit in Lodge with "dark clothes."

Another by-law made it mandatory for a member to resign if he missed three meetings in succession. This by-law was lived up to and some members took their dimits because of inability to attend. This law went off later codes because of a Grand Lodge statute, still in force, which makes it obligatory for a member to attend his Lodge unless properly excused.

While the Lodge, as has been said, was formed to encourage college men to join, never at any time was this feature made a by-law, but for years was rigidly lived up to as a tradition. John Michael Rodocanachi was the live wire of the Lodge but early became a "disturbing" influence. After six years in the line of offices, he became Master and served in 1871 and 72. He kept the Lodge in a state of unrest bv his tactics and would debate and object over the most trivial matters. He was active in the Grand Lodge and was honored by offices in that body, for it was admitted by those who opposed him, that he was a worker for Freemasonry despite his peculiarities. After he passed away his memorial committee could not forget his conduct and incorporated this paragraph in their report: "Nervous and excitable at times he allowed the intensity of his personal feelings to obscure his real disposition and kindness of heart."

But another side of his nature was revealed almost at the next communication of the Lodge. Members began to rise on the floor to unburden their minds. "He helped me when I was sick," one testified. Another stated, "I was down and out and in debt. John Rodocanachi found it out. He paid $500 of my debts and gave me a start that rose me over my difficulties." Another told how he was sick and left the Lodge-room one night in a despondent mood. Rodocanachi was waiting at the front of the Temple when he came out. He called a cab and made him go to a doctor friend and charged the doctor to see the sick man through and send the bill to him, Rodocanachi. In comparing notes it was found in every case that Rodocanachi would take the affiicted one aside and shaking his fist in his face resort to the same expression, "If you tell a soul of this, I'll break your head." Nobody told of Rodocanachi's good deeds until he was unable to carry out his quaint threat.

The Lodge in the past has had many prominent members in the business, professional, commercial, and art life of the city. Among the founders was George Uriah Cotting, who in his day was Boston's largest real estate operator, He was a Mason of fifty years' standing.

Henry Clay Barnabee, outstanding actor, was in the original Charter member group. He was instrumental in interesting Eugene Tompkins, Boston theatre manager, in the Lodge and eventually, every Boston theatre manager, at one time, was on our membership roll.

Samuel A. Bigelow and Charles Francis Dowse, Boston's hardware kings, were enthusiastic members. Both found time in their busy lives to serve as ofEcers of their Lodge. Bigelow served in line for many years. When he was senior warden he announced that he felt he was not competent to take over the master's duties and asked for another term as senior warden. The Lodge granted his wish and drafted Wor. Bro. Rodocanachi for another term as Master. This was in 1879 and thus Wor. Bro. Rodocanachi had three terms as Master, an honor that has been bestowed on only one other in the Lodge. Wor. Bro. John D. Storrs, who is still in active work with us, received that distinction last year.

Wor. Bro. General George F. Hall, a Civil War veteran, street railway executive, and attorneyr was an ardent member of the Lodge. When he passed away he left a substantial bequest, the interest of which was to be put to any purpose the Lodge saw fit.

Herbert J. Watson was a pioneer electrical engineer who made a name for himself in Mexico and died in harness there. He is buried in the American Cemetery in Mexico City.

Another engineer Brother was Thomas Crane Wales who became chief engineer of the New England Tel. and Tel. Co.

Wor. Timothy T. Sawyer, Jr., the Charlestown historian, was constant in his attendance and served in the chairs with distinction.

Bro. James Rogers Rich, in many respects, was outstanding as a member. He came of a very wealthy family; after graduating from Harvard in 1870 he joined the Lodge in 1871. He decided to study art and went to France and thence to Italy to pursue his studies. About 1873 he made his way to India and took up his residence in Cashmere. He became a close friend of Lord Curzon, viceroy of India, and stayed for long periods as a guest in the vice-regal palace. He painted many pictures and his canvas of the Taj Mahal was acclaimed by critics as a masterplece. His special claim to fame was penetrating into Tibet disguised as a pilgrim. He entered the forbidden city of Lhassa and was received by the Grand Lama. He was credited bv Lord Curzon to have treen the first white man who ever performed the feat. Col. Younghusband in 1904 led a British column into the City and was announced, in England, as being the first white man to interview the Grand Lama, but investigation proved that Rich had experienced this feat many years ahead of him. Rich during the later years of his life spent much time in the Lodge room.

Two other Brethren artists were Wor. Walter Lansill and Wilbur Lansill. Wilbur died in office as senior warden. Walter lived to a ripe old age and was the sodality insructor who saw to it that young officers became proficient in their work. He was in active service up to a few weeks before his decease. His paintings on modern city life won the acclaim of the critics and some of them sold for large amounts.

Richard Briggs and Otis E. Weld were past masters who made their way in Grand Lodge activities to eventually become Grand Masters. They were close friends. Bro. Briggs was in the China trade and Bro. Weld saw to it that he imported a rare China punchbowl which became the property of the Lodge. This was for many years filled with punch and set up in the club room of the Lodge in the old Temple for both before-meeting and after-meeting consumption. The punch bowl is still in the custody of the Lodge, but punch is ancient history.

Brother William W. Tucker was so impressed with the history of the Lodge name that he went abroad in 1868 to look over the site of the Temple of Eleusis and brought back a marble block from the ruins. He also went to the site of King Solomon's Temple and procured a marble block from that locality. He presented them to the Lodge, which had them mounted in a frame with a picture of the Temple of Eleusis.

Two outstanding clergyman Brothers were Rev. Louis De Cormis and Rev. Edward A. Horton. Both served as Chaplains. Rev. Bro. Horton was at the same time Chaplain of the Massachusetts Senate.

Our dearly beloved Rt. Wor. Henry Sherburn Rowe added fame to The Lodge of Eleusis for the service he gave to Masonry and its appendent orders. It was only a few weeks ago that he departed to the Celestial Lodge above at the ripe age of ninetythree years. Seventy-two of these years he found time from his business life to carry out the ideals of the fraternity. His was truly a fruitful life of right living, right teaching, and charitable deeds.

Of later years there was Rt. Wor. Bro. Roscoe Learned who was the ritualist and fraternal father to the young officers who came after him.

Wilfred A. French was the founder of the firm of Robey-French Co., pioneers in photographic supplies in Boston, later to become the Eastman Kodak Co. branch in Boston.

Wor. Henry F. Miller was the leading piano merchant of Boston during his business life and was faithful in attendance in the Lodge accepting minor offices to become eventually the Master.

Scores of others prominent in various walks of iife might be mentioned, but space will not permit. These Brethren participated in the doings of a past that made The Lodge of Eleusis distinctive in the Craft

The present finds us earnestly striving to maintain the same high standard. Our present Master, Hugh Cameron, heads a willing line of officers who are conscientiously working to keep the lustre bright on the escutcheon of Eleusis.

In Rt. Wor. Samuel Usher, 2nd, and Worshipfuls John D. Storrs and Frank A. Pinkham, we have excellent interpreters of ritual and the work. Bro. Edsom K. Fish is an inspiration for the membership. He has been a member for over twenty-five years and has missed but two meetings.

Wor. Frank C. W. Konrad, an outstanding surgeon specialist, finds time to carry on the duties of an office in the Lodge.

The Lodge has its prominent Brethren in the doings of our City in the persons of Bro. Clifton B. Carberry, a leading American editor, who is the managing editor of the Boston Post. Wor. Bro. Howard G. Reynolds, Sporting Editor of the Boston Post finds time to act as trustee; Bro. Josiah E. Quincy, M.D. is intensely interested in this Lodge, although he cannot be present as much as he would like to, as is the same case of Dr. Frederick L. Emerson.

One of our members, who is ever at the call of the Lodge, is Wor. Bro. Dr. Fred S. Thorne, who presented us with the beautiful stand of National and State Flags which graces our Master's station. Bro. Thorne ranks pre-eminent in eye surgery in New England.

Brother, Dr. Le Roy A. Schall, instructor at the Harvard Medical School, is another among our distinguished medical brethren.

In Dallas, Texas, is Bro. Harry M. Smith, a leading realtor who is the father of the wholesale district in that southwestern city. It was he who showed the city fathers the way to clear their slum district and make it a hustling business section.

To digress a moment. This Lodge is the mother Lodge of Saudagar Singh Randhawa, an Indian Prince of Rupwali, in the Punjab. A few years ago he received his degrees here and was a member until he was called back home to take over the government of his native state. As the Lodge in his capital city would not permit dual membership, he had to give up his membership in Boston. His parting with us was somewhat touching. His final charge was, "The latchstring of the City of Amritsar is always out for a member of the Lodge of Eleusis."

Appropriate with the events of tonight let us go back on the records of May 17, 1917 and pick up part of the minutes of the communication. We glean:-

"The secretary pro-tem read a newspaper clipping announcing that William De Ford Bigelow - one of our members serving with Section 4 of the American Field Ambulance in France - had been decorated with the War Cross. On motion of Brother Albert Patridge it was voted that the secretary pro-tem, on behalf of the Lodge, write a fraternal letter to Bro. Bigelow regarding the foregoing announcement."

We are happy that Bro. William De Ford Bigelow returned safe to his native land and these twenty-three years after he appears, on this occasion, to be the after-dinner speaker and still identified with the humanitarian service which has won him recognition from the French Republic.

And so, dear Brethren, we have had a distinctive past and the present finds us grateful. For the future may we look to the Master Workman of Creation and like a modern psalmist call out to him:-

"Great Shepherd of Humanity, we thy children, Salute Thee!
We as Masons acclaim thee God.
We are Thy Servants at work in the world,
Moulding the minds of men.
God of Nature, Lord of Life, Supreme Architect of the Universe.
We need Thee down here at the source of Essential things.
Enter we pray Thee into the lives
Of Masons, Masons' wives, and Masons' children.
Give us, we pray Thee, a due sense of our service
And be Thou, Thyself, the lamp that will make life luminous in our souls.
"Great are our needs, our Father, but to see Thee in Nature
To feel Thee in Life, to know Thee as the source of Life and the ultimate Goal - is our greatest need.

This address was followed by a speech given by Grand Master Perry on Immortality.

OTHER

• 1893 (Participation in the memorial service for Grand Master Briggs; 1893-57)
• 1894 (Participation in the dedication of the Boston burial lot; 1894-85)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Richard Briggs, Junior Grand Warden 1870, Grand Master 1893 (died in office)
• Merrill B. Hall, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1988, 1989
• William H. Haugh, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1957, 1958; SN
• Edward A. Horton, Grand Chaplain
• Roscoe E. Learned, 1912, 1913; Junior Grand Warden 1916
• Reuben L. Roberts, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1886; SN
• Henry S. Rowe, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1896, 1897; Junior Grand Warden 1898
• John D. Storrs, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1945, 1946; N
• Samuel Usher, Jr., DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1928, 1929; SN
• Otis E. Weld, Junior Grand Warden 1880, Grand Master 1894

DISTRICTS

1865: District 1

1867: District 1 (Boston)

1883: District 2 (Cambridge)

1911: District 2 (Cambridge)

1927: District 2 (Cambridge)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges