Friendship3

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FRIENDSHIP LODGE

Location: Wilmington

Chartered By: Charles T. Gallagher

Charter Date: 12/10/1902 1902-196

Precedence Date: 09/16/1901

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • George C. Hill, 1903, 1904; N
  • William L. Kelley, 1905, 1906
  • Caleb S. Harriman, 1907, 1908
  • Edward N. Eames, 1909, 1910
  • George L. Perry, 1911, 1912
  • Linwood H. Smith, 1913, 1914
  • John Allen, 1915, 1916
  • Thomas T. Sidelinker, 1917, 1918
  • Harry R. Deming, 1919, 1920
  • Adolph B. Moore, 1921, 1922
  • Harold E. Melzar, 1923, 1924
  • Leon F. Call, 1925, 1926
  • Harry P. Nash, 1927, 1928
  • William H. Mobbs, 1929
  • Charles H. Black, 1930, 1931
  • Norman W. Perry, 1932
  • Walter G. Buckle, 1933, 1934
  • Joseph H. Cotton, 1935
  • Arthur G. Kidder, 1936, 1937
  • William T. Henderson, 1938
  • John J. Nitchie, 1939, 1940
  • Frank J. Hadley, 1941
  • Austin C. Woodside, 1942, 1943; N
  • Frank W. Haynes, 1944, 1945; N
  • Alfred L. Varney, 1946
  • Ralph B. Odiorne, 1947, 1948
  • Paul W. Dayton, 1949, 1950
  • Basil L. Weatherbee, 1951
  • Stanley Webber, 1952
  • Charles B. MacDonald, 1953
  • Harry G. Moore, 1954
  • William I. Coffin, 1955
  • Henry T. Flight, 1956, 1957
  • William I. Coffin, Jr., 1958
  • Frank T. Haynes, 1959
  • Ralph Garland, 1960, 1961
  • Charles F. Sicard, 1962
  • Frederick H. Ward, 1963
  • Malcolm S. Butler, 1964
  • William H. Jensen, 1965
  • John C. Lapper, 1966
  • Richard T. Gunn, 1967
  • Frank H. McLean, 1968
  • Kenneth R. Leavitt, 1969
  • Ralph E. Tarricone, 1970
  • Willard C. Luken, 1971
  • Harry N. Atamian, 1972, 1979
  • Willis B. Whalen, Jr., 1973; N
  • Vernon L. Randell, 1974, 1982
  • Stanley R. White, Jr., 1975
  • Roger H. Mills, 1976
  • Herbert D. Nickerson, 1977
  • Herbert J. Wallace, Jr., 1978
  • Robert J. Sweet, Jr., 1980
  • Don G. Hill, IV, 1981, 1986
  • Martin I. Lesnik, 1983
  • Roy W. Dutton, V, 1984
  • Richard G. Cole, 1985
  • Vincent J. Sinkevicius, 1987, 1988
  • William R. Brookings, 1989
  • Rubin Frankel, 1990
  • Lyle M. Stockbridge, 1991
  • Alan S. Randell, 1992
  • Earl W. Zimmerman, Jr., 1993
  • Earl W. Zimmerman, Sr., 1994
  • Gary A. Atamian, 1995
  • Peter A. James, 1996, 1997
  • Peter H. Major, 1998, 1999
  • David L. St. Onge, 2000
  • Philip A. Nowlan, 2001, 2002 DDGM; Bio
  • Robert F. Bishop, 2003, 2007
  • Ted N. Morang, Sr., 2004; PDDGM
  • Brian A. King, 2005, 2006
  • Joseph J. Cardello, 2008
  • Dennis B. Lincoln, 2009
  • Paul J. McMahon, Jr., 2010, 2011 DDGM
  • Dominic P. Fiumara, 2012
  • Robert A. Cimeno, 2013
  • Mario S. Marchese, 2014
  • Paul J. McMahon, Jr., 2015 DDGM
  • Robert A. Cimeno, 2016
  • Jesse R. Plouffe, 2017
  • Mario S. Marchese, 2018, 2019
  • Ted N. Morang, Sr., 2020; PDDGM
  • Alan S. Randell, 2021
  • Sumate (Lex) Tumsaroch, 2022
  • John B. Holland, 2023
  • Earl W. Zimmerman, Jr., 2024

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1901
  • Petition for Charter: 1902

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1951 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1976 (75th Anniversary)
  • 2001 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

  • 1902 (Gallagher; Constitution of Lodge and installation)
  • 1906 (Blake; Cornerstone laying; Special Communication)
  • 1951 (Roy; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1976 (Maxwell; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 2001 (Bauer; Centenary; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1905 1910 1911 1912 1917 1922 1925 1927 1928 1929 1943 1947 1950 1956 1968 1969 1976 1977 1978 1979 1981 1985 1988 1989 1999 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014

HISTORY

  • 1951 (50th Anniversary History, 1951-196)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1951

From Proceedings, Page 1951-196:

By Worshipful Harry R. Deming.

On May 22, 1901, twenty Master Masons, residents of Wilmington, met at Hiller's Cranberry House on Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, to discuss the formation of a Masonic Lodge. At this meeting, Worshipful Edwin L. Haley was chosen Chairman, and Brother George L. Perry, Secretary.

In June, a petition to form such a lodge was presented to the Grand Lodge, signed by the following Brethren; Edwin L. Haley, Arthur T. Bond, George C. Hill, Caleb S. Harriman, George W. Ayer, Daniel T. Buzzell, William H. Putnam, John T. Wild, Melvin E. Taylor, William L. Kelley, George H. Woodman, Anthony Musolino, Everett T. Perry, Edward N. Eames, George A. Hart, Fred A. Eames, John B. Mack, George L. Perry, William H. Shepard, George W. Buck, Walter H. Rollins, Joseph Patchett, Francis A. Hamlin, John R. McIntosh, Fred M. Carter, Charles H. Doak, Gilman Harnden, Joseph W. Strong, Charles H. Nudd, Asa G. Sheldon, and George S. Crockett.

A dispensation, dated September 16, 1901, was granted by the Grand Master, who appointed Worshipful Edwin L. Haley to act as Master, Brother Arthur T. Bond, as Senior Warden and Brother George C. Hill, as Junior Warden.

Friendship Lodge had its troubles at an early date, and of a very disturbing nature, but as the details would not enhance the history of the Lodge, suffice it is to say that the difficulties were overcome and harmony restored. Brothers Haley and Bond withdrew from the lodge before the charter was granted. The first election of officers by members took place on August 20, 1902.

The first election of officers by members took place on August 20, 1902.

The Lodge was constituted on December 23, 1902, by Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles T. Gallagher and Grand Lodge officers, and the following lodge officers installed:

  • Worshipful Master George Clark Hill
  • Senior Warden William Lawrence Kelley
  • Junior Warden Caleb Samuel Harriman
  • Treasurer John Tufts Wild
  • Secretary Winslow Hathaway
  • Chaplain Rev. Walter Huntington Rollins
  • Marshal John Arthur Taylor
  • Senior Deacon Edward Nelson Eames
  • Junior Deacon George Lewis Perry
  • Senior Steward Almon Caleb Thompson
  • Junior Steward Henry Melvin Taylor
  • Inside Sentinel William Henry Putnam
  • Tyler George Allison Hart

With the exception of Brothers Haley, Bond and Mack, the list of names of our charter members is the same as that of the petitioners previously read, and as each of our members has a copy of our by-laws in which these names appear, repetition here is omitted.

The early meetings of the Lodge were held in Hillerís Cranberry House, covered by a lease which provided:

  • Right of way from street to and from the building.
  • Exclusive use of the second story and westerly half of the Picking room, together with the right of control of the attic.
  • Rental $7.00 per month.

Quite in contrast with the present day lodge apartments were the furnishings of Friendship Lodge in its beginnings. The walls and rafters were covered with burlap; the members sat on wooden settees; kerosene lamps furnished the light; the only heat found its way into the lodge room by opening the double doors. The Alter, Senior Wardenís and Junior Warden's stands, which are still in use in our lodge room, were built by Brothers William L. Kelley and John T. Wild; the burlap was contributed by Brother Harriman, the Bible by Rev. Brother Rollins, the Square and Compasses by Good Samaritan Lodge of Reading, the organ by Brother Hill and many other contributions not recorded.

The first member raised in Friendship Lodge was William Henry Haley on December 18th, 1901.

On December 31, 1904, the members voted to purchase the ìHiller Tower Building, the present lodge apartments. During 1905 extensive repairs and alterations were made, and the first meeting of the lodge in its new home was held on January 17, 1906. The building was dedicated by Most Worshipful Grand Master John Albert Blake and Grand Lodge Officers on February 21, 1906.

A brief resume of the early financial transactions of the lodge given by Worshipful Brother Harriman at the Annual Meeting, in December 1920, follows:

Friendship Lodge started its financial structure with $46.00, contributed by its members. At the close of its first year, the cash balance was $8.44. To pay for the Hiller Tower Building, the members subscribed $1725, receiving in return, notes at 5% interest. For repairs, alterations, etc., $3300 was raised by a mortgage on the real estate. In 1910, it was found necessary to borrow $1000.00 more, on a second mortgage. This was paid in full in March 1918. The last payment on the first mortgage, $400.00 was paid in 1920, and the mortgage burned by Right Worshipful Brother Hill, at the Annual Meeting of that year.

Following the burning of the mortgage, a banquet in the lower hall was tendered Worshipful Brother Harriman, retiring Treasurer, who served from January 1909 to January 1921, and to Right Worshipful Brother Hill, retiring Secretary, he having served from January 1906 to January 1921. A bounteous dinner, gifts to the retiring officers, addresses by Right Worshipful Frederick L. Putnam, Right Worshipful Robert W. Oliver and Worshipful Guy Ham, singing and music by an orchestra made up an enjoyable evening.

The social activities of the lodge during the early days consisted principally of fairs, ladiesí nights, dances and card parties, which were very successful and added materially to the lodge treasury.

Visits by members to Thomas Talbot Lodge, Billerica; Mount Horeb Lodge, Woburn; and Good Samaritan Lodge in Reading, were frequent, and made principally by horse and buggy, or trolley.

The following Brethren were is the service during World War I:

  • George W. Hathaway
  • Charles B. Olsen
  • William H. Mobbs
  • Gerald F. Frazer
  • William M. Dobson
  • George A. Steele
  • Hector Jackson
  • Harry Jones
  • Harold N. Eames
  • Hubert B. Eames
  • Arthur Tenney
  • Rodney E. Buck
  • John R. Smith, Jr.
  • Charles F. Burns
  • George T. Neilson
  • Ralph L. Buck
  • Arthur S. Brazel

On December 17th, 1919, a Welcome Home Reception and Dinner was tendered these Brethren, and fifteen out of the seventeen were able to be present. Gifts were presented and the lodge was honored by having speakers, Grand Master-Elect Arthur D. Prince, Right Worshipful Robert W. Oliver, District Deputy Grand Master and Worshipful Frederic L. Putnam, Grand Lecturer.

The bronze Memorial Tablet bearing names of these service Brethren was dedicated October 18, 1922 by Right Worshipful Percy W. Witherell, District Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Lodge Officers.

Although taken as a matter of course in todayís life, the installation of electric lights in the summer of 1913, thereby replacing the kerosene lamps; town water in 1935, when the hand pump in the kitchen was retired, and the purchase of the present organ in the Fall of 1926, at a cost of $2691.00, were important events and added to the comfort and pride of the members. The expenditure of the latter sum was no small item in those days. Credit should here be given to the Officers and members of Acacia Chapter N. 80, Order of the Eastern Star, for their liberal contributions toward the cost of the organ.

In World War II, the following Brethren were in the service:

  • William M. Dobson
  • Ralph B. Wicks
  • Watson A. Clover
  • Donald L. Woodside
  • Samuel W. Grant
  • Donald F. Nims
  • Frank J. Hadley, Jr.
  • Samuel P. Pike, III
  • Fred G. Husson
  • Charles C. Park
  • Frederick H. Stevens

Friendship Lodge has twice been honored by appointments of District Deputy Grand Masters by the Grand Lodge:

  • Right Worshipful George Clark Hill 1913, 1914
  • Right Worshipful Austin Clifford Woodside 1947, 1948

Five of our members have been awarded Fifty-Year Veteran Medals by the Grand Lodge: Brother George Warren Buck initiated in Thomas Talbot Lodge, March 5, 1895; Worshipful Caleb Samuel Harriman initiated in William Parkman Lodge, April 1, 1897; Brother John Robert McIntosh initiated in Good Samaritan Lodge, May 18, 1899; Right Worshipful George Clark Hill initiated in Good Samaritan Lodge, September 1, 1899; and Worshipful George Lewis Perry initiated in Thomas Talbot Lodge, January 1, 1901.

On December 20, 1916, Brother George Allison Hart, a Charter Member, was made a Life Member. He was Tyler from 1902 to 1917, and received the Henry Price Medal from the Grand Lodge on March 20, 1918.

The Joseph Warren Medal was presented to Worshipful Harry R. Deming on January 17, 1940, by Right Worshipful Paul N. Shiverick, District Deputy Grand Master. This Medal was presented for distinguished service in masonry for having been present at every stated communication for twenty-eight consecutive years.

On December 19, 1906, Worshipful William L. Kelley presented the Lodge with a gavel made from a piece of the original wood taken from the United States Ship Constitution, expressing the wish that it be used only when the Master opens his lodge on entering and closing the lodge when retiring from office. The lodge voted to accept the gavel, with thanks, and to respect his wishes by considering them a condition of its acceptance.

On September 15, 1926, the 25th Anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated, opening by conducting to the stations they occupied in September 1902, the following officers:

  • Rt. Worshipful George C. Hill In the East
  • Worshipful Caleb S. Harriman Junior Warden
  • Brother John W. Hathaway Secretary
  • Rev. Brother Walter H. Rollins Chaplain
  • Brother J. Arthur Taylor Marshal
  • Worshipful Edward N. Eames Senior Deacon
  • Worshipful George L. Perry Junior Warden

After standing a moment in silent tribute to our departed Brethren and those unable to be present, the members proceeded to the lower hall, where a chicken supper was served by the ladies of the Eastern Star. The speakers of the evening were Right Worshipful John A. Avery, Worshipful Frederick L. Putnam and Rev. Brother Walter H. Rollins.

Our members were saddened by the death of Right Worshipful George Clark Hill on May 17, 1951. He was our first Master under charter, Secretary from 1906 to 1921, and District Deputy Grand Master in 1913 and 1914. Although not able to be with us except on special occasions, his love for and interest in Masonry continued until the last. He presided in the East at our Past Masterís Night the evening before he passed to his Great Reward. His Records as Secretary were examples of accuracy, clarity and fine penmanship, of which Friendship is justly proud.

Now in the service of Our Country are Brothers:

  • Henry P. Chinn
  • Frank H. Dayton
  • James S. Fairweather
  • Arthur C. Fish
  • Frederick J. Fish
  • Charles F. Powell
  • Thomas Sparkes
  • George H. White

Neither time nor space will permit enumerating all the names of our District Deputy Grand Masters and other members of the fraternity, whose assistance and words of wisdom have helped to guide us down through the years. Outstanding, however, is that of Right Worshipful Frederick L. Putnam Past Grand Lecturer and Honorary Member of Friendship Lodge, whose wise counsel and assistance began even before our charter was granted.

The spirit of generosity and rendering service, which existed at the beginning of Friendship Lodge, when officers and members contributed money, materials and labor to furnish the lodge room, has prevailed down through time to our present Square and Compass Club and our members. Interior decorations, extensive repairs and our up-to-date kitchen are but a few of their contributions to the craft.

Friendship is comparatively a small lodge, our membership standing at 268 at this writing, and although our growth has been at a healthy rate, the field from which we may expect desirable applicants is limited.

The foregoing is intended to be only a brief sketch of some of the important facts concerning our lodge, with the thought that it may refresh the memories of our older Brethren and give our younger members a glimpse into the past.

With the lodge entirely free from debt, a spirit of cooperation and harmony prevailing, and having maintained the tradition of good Masonry since the granting of our charter, it is felt that our members, young and old, can look back at the record with pride and without regrets.


EVENTS

MORTGAGE BURNING AND PRESENTATION, DECEMBER 1920

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVI, No. 3, December 1920, Page 84:

Mortgage burning, the bestowal of gifts and the choice of new officers occupied three hours Dec. 15, with Friendship Masonic Lodge, Wilmington.

Rt. Wor George C. Hill, ex-district deputy and the first to preside over the lodge. took the chair during the proceedings that attended the destruction of the mortgage paper. He sketched the progress of the lodge in its 19 years of existence, and enlightened the new comers by stating that the first meetings were in the old cranberry house where oil lights were used. Then the Tower House was bought and remodeled. Past Master Hill, as secretary* and Past Master Caleb S. Harriman treasurer, reduced the mortgage to ashes which will be deposited in an urn to be placed in the lodge's archives.

Worshipful Master Harry R. Deming bestowed on the former a past district deputy's gold jewel and gave Treasurer Harriman an automobile set, upon their retirement from office.

During the banquet there was chorus singing. Congratulatory addresses were delivered by Rt. Wor. Robert W. Oliver, past deputy of the Sixth District; Frederick L. Putnam, Grand Lecturer; Guy A. Ham, Past Master of Gate of the Temple Lodge and John T. Hurd, Past Master of William North Lodge. One of Friendship's members came from California to attend the ceremonies.

At the annual election Adolph B. Moore was chosen Worshipful Master; Harold E. Melzar, Senior Warden; Wellington S. Brazel Junior Warden; Harry W. de Lorien, Treasurer; Harry R. Deming (P. M.), Secretary.

MORTGAGE BURNING, FEBRUARY 1989

From TROWEL, Summer 1989, Page 24:

Friendship Lodge Burns Mortgage 12 Years Early

Few American homes and/or businesses are mortgage-free, but thanks to the banking institutions we build and purchase, looking down the highway of life to the point when we're mortgage-free—like Friendship Lodge of Wilmington — is today.

Three years ago the Lodge borrowed $15,000 on a 15-year note to do necessary work to the 19th century historic building that had originally been built by a German immigrant as a factory for patent medicine. The former Dr. Hiller Laboratory was purchased as a Masonic temple in 1905 and the original mortgage was burned in 1920. When the exterior failed to hold paint, the membership sought the bank loan in order to restore the structure with vinyl siding. Yearbooks were published and sold to reduce the debt and on Feb. 11, at a special dinner-dance, the second mortgage was burned — 12 years before the final payment was due!

FriendshipMortgage1989.jpg
Senior Warden Rubin Frankel (right) whose leadership led to paying off the debt in three years, as he prepares the papers for burning.
Wor. Kenneth R. Leavitt, Bro. Roy Serrentino, Wor. William R. Brookings, and Bro. Frederick E. Bent.
Wor. Brookings claimed the affair was "the end of a beautiful friendship — with the bank!"

CENTENARY CELEBRATION, SEPTEMBER 2001

From TROWEL, Spring 2002, Page 29:

Friendship Lodge Centennial

Last fall. Friendship Lodge of Wilmington welcomed M. W. Fred K. Bauer to a celebration of its 100th anniversary. Along with a citation from the Massachusetts Senate, a certificate of celebration by the town of Wilmington, a resolution from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and a greeting from acting Governor Jane Swift were presented.

Friendship100_2002.jpg
Shown with the former Grand Master are State Senator Bruce Tarr presenting a citation from the Massachusetts Senate to Wor. Philip A. Nowlan, Master.

Speaking at the occasion were Rev. Herb Taylor of the Wilmington Council of Churches, and M. W. Bauer, who urged the members of Friendship Lodge to build on its proud heritage.

—Bro. Marc P. Nobile


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1901: District 6 (Somerville)

1911: District 6 (Somerville)

1927: District 6 (Somerville)

2003: District 13


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges


The curator for this page is Brother Frank J. Kautz II. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.