Difference between revisions of "GMEaton"

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Revision as of 19:14, 8 July 2012

LAURENCE E. EATON 1901-1996

LaurenceEaton1962.jpg

Grand Standard Bearer, 1939
Grand Sword Bearer, 1945-1946
Grand Marshal, 1954-1956
Senior Grand Warden, 1957
Grand Master, 1960-1962


TERM

1960 1961 1962

NOTES

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1996-158:

Most Worshipful Laurence Emerson Eaton was born in Needham on January 15, 1901, the son of Alger Emerson and Edith Estelle (Toone) Eaton. He attended Needham Public Schools, graduating from Needham High School in 1919 and continued his education at Norwich University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1923 and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Cavalry. He was a skilled horseman, Captain of his Class and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He played on Norwich University's only undefeated polo team.

He was the past president and owner of the Eaton Funeral Home in Needham and worked with his brother, Chester W. Eaton, for more than 50 years before retiring. The funeral home was founded by his great-grandfather, Walter Eaton, in 1818, and is still a family operated business today. In his early youth one of his responsibilities was to hamess and drive a team of horses to the firehouse where he would hitch them to a pumper to answer an alarm.

He was a direct descendant of Banqui, Thane of Loch Abar, going back 30 generations, 1000 years ago. Larry's ancestors came to the colonies in 1638, and listening to him reminiscing about family was hearing the history of the Town of Needham. Active in community life, Brother Eaton was a past president of Needham Rotary a former director and vice-president of the Needham Co-operative Bank and a former town meeting member. He was also a Past President of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association.

On October 13, 1923, he married his high school classmate, Clarice May Godfrey. She survives him as does their daughter, Suzanne L. Cranney, and three sons, Laurence G., Robert P. and Stephen E. Eaton, together with 14 grandchildren and 31 greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Chester W. Eaton and sister, Elizabeth E. Adams.

His Masonic career commenced in Norfolk Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in Needham, where he was raised on November 12, 1923, and served as Worshipful Master in 1931. He subsequently affiliated with Nehoiden Lodge and was a charter member of The Masters Lodge. He served as District Deputy Grand Marshal of the Brighton Fifth Masonic District, Grand Standard Bearer in 1939, Grand Sword Bearer in 1945-46, Grand Marshal in 1954-56, Senior Grand Warden in 1957, and as Grand Master in 1960, 1961 and 1962. He was a Director of the Grand Lodge for 22 years, a Grand Representative from Delaware for 41 years and he played a most important part in the acquisition of the property housing the Needham Masonic Bodies at 1101 Highland Avenue.

His efforts during his term as Grand Master resulted in the ground floor of the Grand Lodge Building being converted from retail space to its present Masonic usage as a fitting entrance and reception area and Paul Revere Hall with stage and adjacent kitchen facilities. At the dedication of the Paul Revere Hall on April 19, 1967, the descendants of Paul Revere were present. It was through Brother Eaton's perseverance that this extensive renovation project came to fruition.

He was Exalted in Newton Chapter, R. A. M. on January 19, 1949; Greeted in Cryptic Council, R. & S. M. on May 19, 1949; and Knighted in St. Bernard Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar on April 13, 1949; serving as its Commander in 1952-53. He was the Grand Representative for West Virginia in the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In the Scottish Rite, he received the degrees in the Valley of Boston on September 25,1939, and entered the line of Boston- Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, serving as Thrice Potent Master in 1954, 1955 and 1956, and was a degree worker in Massachusetts Consistory.

On September 26, 1956, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary member of the Supreme Council at Cincinnati, Ohio and crowned an Active Member at Boston on September 26, 1963. He was appointed Grand Secretary General and Deputy for Massachusetts on February 15, 1967, following the untimely death of Herbert N. Faulkner. Larry held these positions for 14 years and was Grand Representative ftom the Supreme Council of Italy. He served on many committees of the Supreme Council and performed many special assignments.

During his years of service to the Craft, his community and his business interests, he espoused the theme that each person has the responsibility to perform the tasks assigned to the very best of his ability and although he held many offices of great importance, he never lost sight ofthe fact that one should keep a proper perspective of ones own importance.

He was a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Bay State Conclave Red Cross of Constantine which he served as Puissant Sovereign in 1973. He was Chief Adept of Massachusetts College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and Supreme Magus of the Masonic Rosicrucian Society in the United States. He was a member of the National Sojourners; Wistaria Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; Elliot Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; as well as many other fraternal related organizations.

Pappy, as he was affectionately known by his family and a few close friends, loved his summer home on Bow Lake, listening to the loons, fishing from his boat or the dock, feeding a chipmunk he had tamed, Fourth of July and the cannon firing (fired at his committal), coffee brandy, all with a great love of life and family and with a very subtle sense of humor.

The friendships he fostered in the Masonic Fraternity were worldwide and his involvement in Freemasonry constituted a major part of his life and that of Clarice, whom he called Pocahontas, with affection. He died in Needham, Massachusetts, on April 17, 1996, at the Avery Manor following a long period of declining health. Most Worshipful Arthur E. Johnson led a large contingent of Masons including five Past Grand Masters to the funeral service on Saturday, April 20, 1996, at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham.

To be a friend of Larry's was a pleasure and a privilege; to be a confidante was an honor. May the Grand Architect of the Universe have him in His Holy Keeping.

Respectfully submitted,
M.W. David W. Lovering
M.W. Edgar W. Darling
M.W. Albert T. Ames
M.W. David B. Richardson
M.W. J. Philip Berquist
M.W. Stanley F. Maxwell
M.W. Donald W. Vose, Chairman

CHARTERS GRANTED

None.

RULINGS



Grand Masters