GMWCoolidge

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WILLIAM T. COOLIDGE 1808-1885

WilliamCoolidge1915.jpg

Grand Sword Bearer, 1849-1850, 1855
Junior Grand Steward, 1852-1854
Grand Marshal, 1856
Junior Grand Warden, 1860
Grand Master, 1861-62.


TERM

1861 1862

NOTES

Biographical sketch, in History of Columbian Lodge by John T. Heard, p. 523

MEMORIAL

From the Grand Master's Address, Page 1885-118:

WILLIAM D. COOLIDGE, Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, who died at his residence in Newton Centre, on Saturday, September 10, 1885, was born in Boston, February 15, 1808. He was Grand Master of Masons during the years 1861 and 1862, holding in previous years the positions of Grand Steward, Grand Sword-Bearer, Grand Marshal, District Deputy Grand Master in 1857, '58, and '59 (District 1), and Junior Grand Warden in 1860 ; thus exhibiting a remarkable record of continued appreciation and official advancement, culminating in his election, installation, and record as Grand Master. He was an exceedingly genial, warm-hearted, loving Brother, greeting every one in a manner at once assuring and cordial. He seemed almost to live upon Masonry and love of mankind.

His last service to this Grand Lodge was the preparation and presentation of resolutions upon the death of R.W. Peter C. Jones, an intimate associate and immediate predecessor as Master of Columbian Lodge. His funeral was attended by Officers of the Grand Lodge, in Special Communication. The burial-service was rendered by the Grand Master and Wor. Rev. Fielder Israel, assisted by other Grand Officers and by Columbian Lodge, of Boston.

SPEECHES

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1862

Brethren of the M. W. Grand Lodge —

Again, Brethren, in the kind providence of God, we are permitted to assemble in peace, while many are surrounded by the stormy scenes of war and the tumult of the people. We have been carried through the past year, which to all has been a year of trial and discipline, with a hopeful trust in the guiding wisdom of a Heavenly Parent; and though "men can as yet see no bright light in the cloud," that same trust teaches us to believe "that it hath a silver lining," and that this discipline will be instrumental of good to those who will listen to its teachings; who will humbly and deeply acknowledge their dependence, and still seek lovingly and trustingly for that light and guidance from above, which can only come from the fountain of all love and wisdom. In view of all the mercies by which we are surrounded, let gratitude be the prevailing sentiment of our hearts.

Notwithstanding the trying times through which we have past, the Lodges in this jurisdiction have been quite as much occupied with Masonic work as could reasonably have been expected or desired, the number of initiates being about nine hundred. Though not quite so large as usual, it is no indication that growth, true Masonic growth and culture, are not quite as vigorous as in any former year. I believe it to be more so, and that more leisure has afforded opportunities to learn belter and more fully the true meaning of our institution; the Brethren have become more and better acquainted with each oilier, and the scenes through which we have passed, though they have lessened our work, have developed ill us a more true Masonic character, and have been instrumental in connecting us nearer and closer lo each other than in any former period. If this shall be the fruit of this great trial, the teaching will not surely have been lost upon us.

"The hours of pain have yielded good
Which prosperous days refused,
As herbs, though scentless when entire,
Spread fragrance when they're bruised."

A season of relaxation from labor, too, has afforded opportunity for the study of the work and lectures ; and at no former period, in my recollection, have the Brethren of this Grand Lodge ever evinced such deep interest as the past year has shown. It is a matter of congratulation, that during the past year you have established so firmly what the work and lectures shall be; and we are truly fortunate in having such devoted hearts, and such intelligent minds in our Grand Lecturers, who have delighted us to day by the evidences of their deep study and practice, so that in future they may be looked up to as oracles, and their decisions final and binding. But it is not enough, Brethren, thai you are perfect in the ritual, and thai no word is warning lo clothe our beautiful ceremonies ill language equally beautiful. Your own character, also, must give weight lo your instructions; your example and true Masonic spirit will ever speak louder, and more forcibly, than your words or ceremonies, and show by your example, both in and out of the Lodge, that the true spirit of our Institution fills your hearts. Let no vaunting ambition swerve you from this course, but let your only aim be that of usefulness to your Brethren — and let it be bounded by that. Whenever it exceeds this healthy limit, radicalism and party spirit, and the practice of electioneering creeps in, and we bring into this ancient conservative Institution the worst elements of a popular political campaign, which will be sure to work the ruin of that peace and harmony which is the ground-work of our happiness, and the end we all wish to reach. In your individual and associated relations may your acts ever conduce to the advancement of Masonry as an institution, and more especially to the advancement and dignity of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and its subordinates. Let careful, discreet and calm deliberation characterize your proceedings, and all generous and charitable conclusions fill your breasts — that charity that thinketh no evil, that hopeth all things.

Principles are eternal — individuals are nothing. Harmony, brotherly love, and all charitable and Masonic graces, every thing. No where on the face of the earth should we be able to look, with more certainty and greater confidence for the realization of these hopes than in the bosom of the parent Institution of Massachusetts. If I know my own heart, and God is looking upon it, and in his sight I say, it beats with the one single wish and prayer, that those manly and Masonic virtues which have ever been the characteristics of this Grand Lodge, maybe held in perpetuity by every Brother who is privileged to hold a seat here, temporary though it be. Let this spirit ever prevail in the parent Institution and its genial influence will descend and bless our Lodges, and keep our harmony and cheerfulness unimpaired, and we may look hopefully for their growth among those whom we serve and love.

I desire, Brethren, to call your attention to one of the Amendments of the Constitution, passed Dec. 12, 1860, viz: Art. 3, Sect 5, which reads

Applications for initiation shall be made to the Lodge in the town or city where the petitioner resides, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none, then he shall apply to the Lodge most convenient to his residence.

This Section has received such a latitude of construction as to lead to much difficulty between Lodges as to jurisdiction, and I recommend the subject as entitled to your serious consideration, that it may be more fully defined what is meant by the term "most convenient."

Since the new organization as a Corporation, in my opinion the present edition of the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts needs an entire revision, and a new edition provided under the care of wise and discreet Brethren, which shall be worthy of this Grand Lodge, many of the most important amendments being now on fly leaves, and many of the Lodges even without these; our new relations as a Grand Lodge and as a Corporation, seem to me imperatively to require a new edition of the Constitutions, and our means) are adequate to any thing we may desire of this kind.

In relation to the financial condition of the Grand Lodge, the retiring Grand Master is made most happy that he is able to leave his position with the knowledge that the entire floating debt of the Grand Lodge is paid; that during his administration the mortgage on the Winthrop House has been lessened, and that all claims on the charities of the Institution, coming within our rules, have been met, liberally and effectively, the weary have been rested and refreshed; the widow and the orphan cheered, and the coming Grand Master will have it in his power during the next year to accomplish what I know has been the desire of his heart, an increase in the charities of the Grand Lodge, perfectly consistent with meeting promptly every just requirement.

Since our last Annual Communication I have, on the 30th Dec, 1861, constituted and consecrated Aberdour Lodge, Boston; March 18, constituted and consecrated http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Orient Orient] Lodge, at South Dedham, and dedicated their new Hall, and on March 13 granted a Dispensation for http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=DaySpring Day-Spring] Lodge, at Monson.

I have granted five Dispensations the past year, to worthy and experienced Brethren, to form Lodges in the Army. These Lodges are now in operation as follows:—

December 22, laid the Corner-Stone of the New City Hall, Boston.

Next to the approval of our own conscience and the approbation of our Maker, is the gratification of knowing that we have the love and confidence of those whom we serve and love ourselves. Our District Deputy Grand Masters, by their fidelity and zeal have entitled themselves to all these — and now, beloved Brethren, after a close union with you of five years, let me say, that some of the most valuable friendships of my life have been formed with you; and though I retire from official connexion with you I shall ever hold you in kindest remembrance.

The year that has past has been characterized by the introduction of the two most important and most excitable subjects which can occupy the minds of the Brethren, viz:— the establishment of the Ritual, now fixed, I trust, permanently, and the subject of Dispensations. Add to these the important matters growing out of this most unusual state of civil war, and you will agree with me, I think, that quite as much of excitement as is wholesome for us, has been crowded into our thoughts for the year now closed. All this has necessarily added to the cares and anxieties of the Chair, but I have been surrounded by wise and able counsellors, and iu my decisions I have nothing to alter or regret.

If there is any one part of a building requiring the greatest care, it is the foundation. Whatever else we neglect, let this be secured. It has been my aim to preserve the ancient landmarks of the Order, and that which the wisdom of the founders of our Institution vested in the Grand Master as his prerogatives, I have not dared to delegate to others. And I have the satisfaction of knowing that my decisions in this respect have met the approval of those whose approbation I value highest.

For this state of war there is no precedent, nor is there precedent for such a sudden influx into the Institution from the Army, of those, who, from the circumstances of the case, must be made "at sight," the prerogative alone of the Grand Master, as I am taught by a strict examination of the ancient landmarks, and the best council of the wise and prudent, whom we all revere. I have met this pressure readily and earnestly, for it has been made by those whoso patriotic impulses have led them forth to battle for their country; to stand for you and me, and bare their breasts to the bullet aimed at the nation's heart, and I could not find it in my own to refuse any aid, comfort or protection which I might be instrumental in throwing around them. I have been strengthened in this by the careful and earnest assurances from you, W. Masters of forty-one of our Lodges who have applied to me, that in granting to you Dispensations for this purpose, for the hasty admission of one hundred and thirteen candidates, dispensing with all the requirements of the Constitution, receiving an application, balloting on the same, and conferring the degrees, all within five consecutive hours! I have been strengthened, I say, by your assurances of care, and the confidence I have felt in the prudence and sagacity of the Brethren. In the midst of these scenes of war and bloodshed I see not how we could have done less, and in the retrospect I have not a single instance to regret. Of the one hundred and thirteen, nearly all are officers; this indeed is the fact among the six hundred of our Brethren who are doing battle for us in the Army of the United Stales. May God's shield be over them; may He nerve their arms and strengthen their hearts for the performance of duty; never wavering even in the presence of a rebel Brother, till he has surrendered, or is prostrate at their feet.

War is not the rule, it is the exception, and when these days of discipline and trial are over; when we shall have met them in a spirit of humble submission, and learned the lessons of humility they seem designed to teach ; when this whole land shall feel as one man, that it is not solely his own right arm that hath gotten him all this, but when all hearts bow in humility and patience, then may we hope to be delivered,

"Down the dark future, through long generations,
The echoing sounds grow fainter and then cease,
And like a bell with solemn, sweet vibrations,
I hear once more the voice of Christ say — Peace."

Alas ! how many have fallen ! No, not fallen, but gone up in chariots of fire, to join the martyrs of all ages, above.

At their own, or at family request, I have been called on to bury with Masonic honors the distinguished dead; to twine for them the laurel with the cypress, and to speak words of consolation to the mourner. I have been called to cheer on the gallant heart, bursting almost with youthful enthusiasm, to join in the conflict for distinction and bravery. I have brought from the battle-field the remains of one of our number; the sweet remembrance of whose virtues will last till time shall be no more. I have, with Masonic honors, laid him away in that quiet garden of graves, at Newton, so near the scene of his usefulness and true Masonic influence.

The old year has past. All these various scenes crowded into so small a space as a passing year, have not been without their influence on my mind and heart, and with you I can truly say,

"All gracious God, what e'er our lot
In future times may be,
We 'II welcome still the heaviest grief
That brings us near to thee."

The duties of watching the interests of two of the Districts, together with the close attention which under our present organization must be given to the financial affairs of the Corporation, all together have been quite enough to reconcile me to the retirement I shall now enjoy; and quite enough, to my own mind that having fulfilled them all, with the purest motives and intentions, I feel that it has fallen to my lot in the two exciting years of my administration to have fulfilled as much of duty as usually falls to the lot of him who passes through an entire constitutional period. At any rate, the devotion of the past five years as District Deputy and as Grand Master, has evinced, I trust, a singleness of purpose on my part, It has fully satisfied all my ambition for any distinction which I have ever sought; an ambition limited by the boundary of duty and usefulness. The new year is full of mystery. I now close my official connection with you, my Brethren, with my sincere thanks for every act of kindness, with the same warm wishes, and with the same word upon my lips with which I entered it — may we all, from the youngest Entered Apprentice that stands in the north east corner of the Lodge, to him who presides in the East, may one and all finally meet in that upper temple, and in that city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is — God.

CHARTERS GRANTED

This Grand Master also granted dispensations for Army Lodges that worked during the Civil War.


Grand Masters

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