KingPhilip

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KING PHILIP LODGE

Location: Fall River

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 12/12/1866 VII-110

Precedence Date: 01/16/1866

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • James F. Davenport, 1866, 1867
  • George A. Ballard, 1868; SN
  • Charles E. Gifford, 1869; SN
  • Daniel Stillwell, 1870
  • William Devenport, 1871
  • Thomas G. Estes, 1872
  • John P. Henry, 1873, 1874
  • Horatio N. Durfee, 1875
  • Charles F. Vickery, 1876
  • Edward T. Marvell, 1877
  • Joseph L. Buffington, 1878
  • Charles E. Bennett, 1879
  • Enoch J. French, 1880
  • Judson C. MacKenzie, 1881, 1882; Mem
  • Edward S. Raymond, 1883, 1884
  • Alfred N. Hartley, 1885, 1886
  • Robert N. Hathaway, 1887, 1888; Mem
  • Charles A. Leach, 1889
  • William T. Learned, 1890, 1891
  • John T. Burrell, 1892, 1893
  • George T. Wilcox, 1894
  • Albert F. Dow, 1895
  • Elmer B. Young, 1896, 1897
  • John D. Monroe, 1898
  • Jesse Blaisdell, 1899; SN
  • Herbert S. Weeden, 1900
  • Frederick W. Lawson, 1901
  • Samuel E. Hathaway, 1902
  • William N. McLane, 1903; SN
  • James W. Anthony, 1904
  • Frank L. Carpenter, 1905
  • Robert D. Blake, 1906
  • P. Coleman Downey, 1907
  • Edwin S. Belcher, 1908
  • William H. Beattie, 1909
  • Joseph W. MacKenzie, 1910
  • William H. B. Kendall, 1911
  • Joseph S. Burley, 1912
  • Guilford C. Hathaway, 1913
  • J. Arthur Childs, 1914
  • William B. Howard, 1915
  • James H. Wood, 1916
  • John V. Thorpe, 1917; Mem
  • George M. Hatch, 1918
  • Charles M. Hadley, 1919; N
  • William B. Robinson, 1920
  • George B. Lovell, 1921
  • Carlton W. Burrell, 1922
  • William W. Darling, 1923
  • Charles W. Francis, 1924
  • Samuel Wood, 1925
  • Chester D. Borden, 1926
  • Edwin J. Jones, Jr., 1927
  • Thomas R. Burrell, Jr., 1928
  • Malcolm McFarland, 1929
  • Charles B. Wry, 1930
  • George M. Teasdale, 1931
  • G. Foxhall Lake, 1932
  • Oscar L. Spencer, 1933
  • J. Robert Bonner, 1934
  • John W. Davis, 1935
  • Louis E. Dafgard, 1936
  • Frank D. Lane, 1937
  • John Wright, 1938; N
  • Albert G. Pierce, 1939
  • Raymond F. Morton, 1940
  • Alfred D. Pearson, 1941
  • Joseph Atkinson, 1942
  • Hubert W. Burdett, 1943; N
  • Thomas H. Boyes, 1944
  • Harry W. Barnett, 1945
  • James F. McCauley, 1946
  • Clifford N. Robinson, 1947
  • Charles L. Braley, 1948
  • Bradford W. Petty, Jr., 1949
  • William Goddard, 1950
  • George A. Lonsdale, 1951
  • George N. Morris, 1952, 1979, 1981, 1987; N
  • Herbert Ashworth, 1953
  • Robert M. Wood, 1954
  • Elwin Mortimer, 1955
  • Frank Taggart, 1956
  • Elliot H. Riley, 1957
  • Russell R. Harmon, 1958
  • John E. Sweeney, 1959, 1978
  • George A. Fidler, 1960
  • William H. Keetley, 1961
  • John D. Kypriotis, 1962
  • Edmund Kolakowski, 1963
  • Charles Duncan, 1964
  • Chris F. Steger, Jr., 1965
  • Joseph Shirley, 1966
  • Clinton Stanley, 1967
  • George Hill, 1968
  • Paul C. Heaberlin, 1969
  • James W. Welsh, 1970
  • William H. Dormer, Jr., 1971, 1972; SN
  • Leon H. Cudworth, Sr., 1973
  • Raymond M. Lord, 1974
  • John J. Silvia, 1975
  • Roland E. LeVasseur, 1976
  • Adrian J. Landry, 1977
  • Charles R. Simmons, 1980, 1982, 1989
  • Daryl Wood, 1983
  • George A. Desrosiers, 1984-1986
  • William P. Pacheco, 1988, 1991
  • Russell A. Noverca, 1990
  • Walter L. Craveiro, 1992-1994;N
  • James E. Sadeck, 1995
  • David T. Sarna, 1996, 1997
  • Leon H. Cudworth, Jr., 1998-2008
  • Christian W. Butler, 2009
  • Dennis E. Haworth, 2010
  • Anthony R. M. Caprio, 2011, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

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

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1916 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1941 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1966 (Centenary)
  • 1991 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1892 1904 1931 1932 1936 1945 1950 1954 1956 1959 1964 1965 1972 1985 2012

HISTORY

  • 1966 (Centenary History, 1966-293, 1966-298)

CENTENARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1966

From Proceedings, Page 1966-293:

By Brother Henry E. France.

On January 17, 1866 the Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, granted a Dispensation to Bro. John F. Frothingham and thirty-four others to form a new Lodge at Fall River to be called King Philip Lodge.

Although only a dozen years had elapsed since the incorporation of Fall River as a city, the growth of Masonry had been consistent and steady, and it is was decided that the institution of another lodge would be most beneficial to the community.

On December 31, 1865, King Philip Lodge held its first meeting. During the year under Dispensation 23 candidates were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The Charter was presented to the Lodge on December 12, 1866 and by this time the Lodge was on a firm foundation and well on its way to success. The first returns to the Grand Lodge showed a membership of 75.

The Lodge had trouble at first in securing a suitable meeting place and for some time rented the I. O. O. F. Hall for $3.00 per night. At this time Mount Hope Lodge suggested that a joint committee be formed to procure more suitable quarters. This committee was the origin of the present Hall Committee and was made up of members from Mount Hope, King Philip and the Fall River Royal Arch Chapter. They secured the Bank Hall over the Fall River Savings Bank and with the help of the Godfrey de Bouillon Encampment the Hall was furnished on equal terms, share and share alike. From there the several bodies moved to the new Masonic Hall on Franklin Street, where on May 23, 1885, dedication ceremonies were held by Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

On June 3, 1885, the rough and perfect ashlars were presented to the Lodge by the firm of Kessel and Lawson. Mr. Lawson was the father of Worshipful Frederick W. Lawson, Past Master of King Philip Lodge, who also presented to the Fraternity a rough and perfect ashlar when the present Masonic Temple was completed in about 1922.

There is no record of a 25th anniversary, but on February 29, 1916, the 50th anniversary was held in the Music Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Music was furnished by the American Orchestra under the direction of William Allinson. Such notable persons as Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Bro. William Howard Taft, Ex-President of the United States, Bro. R. L. Beeckman, Governor of Rhode Island, and R.W. Leon M. Abbott were present.

The corner-stone of the present Masonic Temple was laid May 6, 1922, in due and ancient form by Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts. On October 6, 1923, Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell dedicated the new Temple to Freemasonry.

In 1924 the membership had risen to 1,012. This mark was held rather steady until 1929 when through adverse business conditions, deaths and suspensions the membership had been reduced to 502 by 1940.

On April 22, 1941, the 75th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Masonic Temple Hall, where over 350 members of the Lodge were present. Many of the high ranking officials of Freemasonry in Massachusetts and New Hampshire who were in attendance were R.W. Robert C. Laing, Deputy Grand Master and Acting Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire, and Most Worshipful Albert A. Schaefer, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. Included among the guests seated at the head table were Mayor Murray of Fall River, State Representative Stephen L. French of Swansea, and the Hon. Bro. Christian A. Herter, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, who was the guest speaker. Bro. Herter declared that we must arm ourselves spiritually as well as otherwise. We must have unity of spirit. We must be strong if we are to maintain our democratic institutions for the present generation and the generations to follow.

In May of 1943 at the height of World War II, King Philip Lodge was honored to have Boyd Tollinton, British Consul, as speaker at the Annual Members' Night. Mr. Tollinton spoke of the Anglo-American cooperation and the outlook for a lasting peace at its conclusion with the United States and Great Britain playing leading roles in attaining that goal. We are now at the end of our first 100 years. We are proud of them and the honors that the Grand Lodge has bestowed upon us by having 12 of our Past Masters named to serve as District Deputy Grand Masters and one as Deputy Grand Master.

Let us all pray to the Supreme Architect above for the strengthening of our beliefs, for the unity of our spirits, and for a world with peace so that this institution of ours may live forever for the betterment of mankind.

SUPPLEMENT TO SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, 1941

From Proceedings, Page 1966-298:

By Worshipful Frank D. Lane

In writing a history of King Philip Lodge after seventy-five years of existence, it is very evident, as we look over the records, that the Secretaries never for a moment thought of those who were to carry on in the years to come; hence there are many items that were not complete and of which we can find no record elsewhere.

On December 8, 1865 a petition was presented Mt. Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M., from Joshua Remington and 28 others asking the consent and recommendation of Mt. Hope Lodge in the formation of a new lodge in this city to be known as King Philip Lodge. It was voted by Mt. Hope Lodge "That this Lodge consent and recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted."

Evidently the petition was not in proper form for on January 5, 1866 a new petition was submitted to Mt. Hope Lodge with 36 names attached. Mt. Hope Lodge again voted their endorsement.

The first regular meeting of King Philip Lodge was held on December 31, 1865 in the Hall of Mt. Hope Lodge, A.F. & A.M., at which time the following officers were elected and appointed:

  • James F. Davenport, Worshipful Master
  • Daniel Stillwell, Senior Warden
  • George A. Ballard, Junior Warden
  • Percy Gifford, Treasurer
  • Thomas L. Brayton, Secretary
  • Silas Williams, Marshal
  • William Davenport, Senior Deacon
  • Arthur R. Borden, Junior Deacon
  • Leander F. Pease, Senior Steward
  • George A. Borden, Junior Steward
  • George E. Hoar, Organist
  • William Preston, Tyler

December 31, 1865

There was no Chaplain appointed at this meeting. Committees were appointed to "arrange a code of By-Laws" and to "purchase jewels". It was voted that the initiation fees would be as follows: $5.00 to accompany the application and $30.00 for the three degrees. Also that the regular meetings would be held the last Wednesday in each month. It was also voted that a committee be appointed to petition the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge at Fall River to be called King Philip Lodge.

January 16, 1866

M. W. Charles C. Dame granted a Dispensation to Bro. John F. Frothingham and 34 others to form a new Lodge at Fall River to be called King Philip Lodge.

March 7, 1866

At a Special Communication Orin B. Witherell was the first candidate to be initiated an Entered Apprentice and on May 15 was the first candidate to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in King Philip Lodge.

March 28, 1866

It was voted to change the meeting night to Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. and to meet in Odd Fellows Hall. It was also voted that each member be assessed $5.00 or $10.00 as a loan to the Lodge at their option. The rent was to be $3.50 a night, but on May 29 the I.O.O.F. agreed to reduce the rent of the hall to $3.00 a night. The hour of meeting was changed to 7.30 p.m. on September 4.

November 13, 1866

It was voted: "The first three officers of the Lodge be a committee to draw up a petition for a Charter."

November 20, 1866

The By-Laws were adopted, officers elected for the ensuing year, and the petition for a Charter signed.

November 27, 1866

Thirty-four candidates were raised from December 31, 186S to November 27, 1866. At this meeting it was voted: "The first three officers be a committee to report in regard to entertaining the Grand Lodge Officers when we shall receive a Charter and be constituted by them."

December 13, 1866

In the Grand Lodge records under this date we find the following:

"The committee to whom was referred the petition of certain brethren praying for a Charter empowering them to form and open a Lodge in Fall River, Mass., by the name of King Philip Lodge respectfully report that they have examined the proceedings of the brethren under Dispensation and the By-Laws presented for approval.

Your committee has amended the By-Laws presented where necessary. They therefore recommend that the Charter prayed for be granted."

Respectfully submitted,

December 18, 1866

The petitioners for a charter of King Philip Lodge met in the I.O.O.F. Hall with invited guests. Brothers Joshua Remington, James Henry, Thomas F. Holden, William W. Stewart and George W. Gibbs were appointed a committee to wait on the officers of the Grand Lodge. The officers of the Grand Lodge were introduced and proceeded with the ceremonies of constituting the Lodge and installing the officers. Following the ceremonies a collation was served in Niagara Hall.

December 25, 1866

"The secretary was installed by the Worshipful Master in accordance with instructions of the Grand Lodge." It was voted: "That the secretary procure a suitable book to receive the signatures of the candidates." The original book is used by the Lodge today. It was also voted: "The first three officers be a committee to design and procure a suitable seal for the Lodge."

January 29, 1867

The first Charity Committee was elected consisting of three members: Bros. P. Gifford, Bennett and S. Williams.

February 5, 1867

The Lodge voted "Thanks to Bros. Grew, Hoar and Ballard for the gift of a case for the Charter, painted and lettered."

March 19, 1867

The first candidate raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason after the Lodge received its Charter was Bro. Charles F. Whalon.

April 30, 1867

An invitation was received to attend the dedication of the Masonic Temple in Boston to be held on June 24. On May 28 it was voted: "Not to attend the dedication of the Masonic Temple in Boston on June 24 as a body."

July 16, 1867

A copy of the Holy Scriptures was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Thomas F. Holden in behalf of certain members who were raised in King Philip Lodge while under a dispensation.

October 29, 1867

The first official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master was made on this date.

November 26, 1867

The first annual meeting was held.

December 31, 1867

The Rev. D. W. Stevens presented a beautiful copy of the Holy Scriptures to the Lodge bearing the following inscription: "Presented to King Philip Lodge of F. and A. Masons by D. W. Stevens, Chaplain of the Lodge 1867 at the meeting December 31, 1867."

March 31, 1868

It was voted: "That the Hall Committee be and are hereby instructed to accept, in conjunction with the other Masonic bodies, the rooms offered by the Bank Corporation." It was voted: "To take Bank Hall in conjunction with F. R. R. A. Chapter" on May 26, 1868.

March 26, 1872

A communication from Doric Lodge, Hudson, was received in relation to petitioning the Grand Lodge that some system of charities might be arranged.

April, May, June and July 1876

Much discussion was held regarding new quarters in the Borden Block, but on August 8, 1876 the Lodge voted not to change its quarters.

November 10, 1881

The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel Crocker Lawrence, made his very first visit to King Philip Lodge.

November 25, 1884

It was voted: "That the Wardens and Hall Committee sign the lease for the new quarters in the Masonic Building on Franklin Street." The last meeting held in the F. R. Savings Bank Building was February 24, 1885. On March 3, 1885 the first meeting was held in the new Masonic Hall on Franklin Street.

May 23, 1885

The new hall was dedicated by M. W. Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Grand Master, and his Suite.

December 21, 1886

Bro. Henry Diman presented to the Lodge a Gavel made from a timber of the wrecked British Man-of-War Somerset.

August 8, 1889

A Special Communication was called to assist in the exercises of laying the corner-stone of the New Bristol County Courthouse by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

June 30, 1892

A Special Communication was called for the purpose of assisting the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in laying the corner-stone of the new Bristol County Courthouse at Taunton. Most Worshipful Grand Master Samuel Wells was in charge of the exercises.

January 28, 1896

It was voted: "That King Philip Lodge shall present future Past Masters also present Past Masters not provided with same, a Past Master's jewel, the design of same to be selected by a committee appointed by the Worshipful Master."

January 25, 1898

The first Past Masters' Night was held. The first Ladies' Night was held on April 9, 1901.

June 27, 1905

It was voted: "To suspend the meetings in July and August."

March 16, 1915

The Lodge presented a gavel and gavel block in the form of a perfect ashlar to Star in the East Lodge.

April 27, 1915

"A very pleasant surprise was given the officers and members of King Philip Lodge when R. W. Henry W. Mason, accompanied by 83 members of Star in the East Lodge, appeared and on behalf of Star in the East Lodge presented to King Philip Lodge a very beautiful silk flag."

May 11, 1915

George H. Taber Lodge was presented a gavel and gavel block by King Philip Lodge.

December 28, 1915

Honorary Life Memberships were proposed for R. W. George T. Ballard, senior living Past Master, and Bro. Orin B. Witherell, first candidate raised in King Philip Lodge. At this meeting Bro. Albert E. Smith presented to the Lodge a beautiful box for the working tools.

February 29, 1916

The 50th Anniversary was held. The following account of the 50th anniversary is taken from local papers of March 1st, 1916 as no records were found in the Secretary's files.

"The 50th Anniversary of King Philip Lodge, A.F. & A.M. was held last night in Masonic Hall and was by far the largest affair held by a Masonic Lodge in this city in years. Over 450 members of the lodge were in attendance. The speakers included Hon. Bro. Wm. H. Taft, ex-president of the United States, His Excellency Bro. R. L. Buckman, Governor of Rhode Island, M. W. Melvin M. Johnson, G. M. of the M. W. G. L. of Mass. and R. W. Leon M. Abbott Past Senior G. Warden of the G. L. of Mass., and Lieut. Com. of the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction."

A feature of the anniversary was the presenting of a Henry Price Medal to Wor. George A. Ballard, Past Master and Charter Member of the Lodge, and to Bro. Orin B. Witherell, the first candidate taken into the Lodge in 1866. Each guest was presented a gold match case suitably inscribed.

January 29, 1918

The Lodge voted: "Life Membership to those in good standing 50 years and to all Past Masters."

During the years 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920 and 1921 the Lodge was very busy with routine work.

May 6, 1922

The corner-stone of the present Masonic Temple at the corner of North Main and Elm Streets was laid by M. W. Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, and his Suite. They were assisted by Mount Hope, King Philip, Narragansett and Massasoit Lodges.

October 6, 1923

The completed Temple was dedicated by M.W. Dudley H. Ferrell, Grand Master, and his Suite.

December 28, 1926

Wor. Charles McL. Hadley presented the Lodge with a complete set of Masonic Trestle Boards. Bros. Frederick W. and Alonzo W. Lawson presented the Lodge with a rough and perfect ashlar.

The first Return to Grand Lodge showed a membership of 75. This increased steadily to the year 1924 when the Return showed a membership of 1012. This mark was held rather steady until 1929 when adverse business conditions through a number of years, together with deaths and suspensions, caused losses that reduced the membership to 502 when the Return for 1940 was made.

King Philip Lodge has been in three Masonic Districts: namely, the 14th, 26th and the 30th.

The following Brethren have served Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Masters: Right Worshipfuls George A. Ballard, Charles E. Gifford, Robert N. Hathaway, Albert F. Dow, who also served as Deputy Grand Master, and Jesse Blaisdell.

OTHER

  • 1993 (Change of district, 1993-131)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, OCTOBER 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 3, January 1867, Page 88:

This new Lodge, located at Fall River, was duly constituted, and its Officers were installed by the M. W. Grand Master on Tuesday, the 18th October. It has been working the past year under Dispensation, and has done a large business. The brethren have a large and convenient hall, and the prospects of future success are encouraging. The Officers are as follows:

  • James F. Davenport, W. Master.
  • Daniel Stilwell, Sen. Warden.
  • George A. Ballard, Jun. Warden.
  • Perry Gifford, Treasurer.
  • Thomas L. Brayton, Secretary.
  • William Davenport, Sen. Deacon.
  • Arthur R. Borden, Jun. Deacon.
  • George A. Borden and Mason Fisher, Stewards.
  • Alexander Forbes, Sentinel.
  • William Preston, Tyler.
  • Silas Williams, Marshal.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, FEBRUARY 1916

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XI, No. 6, March 1916, Page 189:

The Fiftieth Anniversary of King Philip Lodge, Fall River, Mass., was celebrated Tuesday, February 29th, with a banquet and the assistance of distinguished brethren and accessory attractions that place it in the first rank of importance among the Masonic events of the jurisdiction during the year.

More than 450 members and invited guests participated in the ceremonies.

The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion with an abundance of American flags which practically covered the balcony rail. The stage was resplendent with its profusion of ferns, potted daffodils and hemlock boughs. On the wall at the rear of the stage was suspended a large panel upon which was painted the insignia of the order and name of the lodge. Blue incandescent bulbs were arranged on either side to represent the figures: "1866-1916." The insignia of the order was also represented in floral representation directly beneath the large panel. In the center of the north balcony the insignia was depicted with blue electric lights.

The committee in charge of the anniversary observance had provided a little surprise for the members, in the form of a gold match safe for each one present. The match safes, besides bearing the insignia of the order on the front, had engraved on the back, the name of the lodge and the anniversary dates.

Attractive folder programs were Placed beside each plate. On the first piside page was a picture of Hon. James F. Davenport, first worshipful master of King Philip Lodge. The Program also contained the date of organization of the lodge, the names of those grand officers, who signed the charter, the names of the first officers, the thirty-seven charter members, Past Masters of the lodge, present officers and other information pertaining to the observance.

Those seated at the head table on the stage were: Worshipful Master William B. Howard, Most Worshipful Grand Master Melvin Maynard Johnson, William Howard Taft, Right Worshipful Judson C. Mackenzie, Right Worshipful Leon M. Abbott, Right Worshipful George B. Luther, Worshipful William M. Farrington, Grand Marshal; Right Worshipful Robert N. Hathaway, Governor R. Livingston Beeckman, Worshipful William H. Beattie, Worshipful William N. McLane, Worshipful Frank L. Carpenter, Right Worshipful George A. Ballard, Orin B. Wetherell, James H. Wood and John V. Thorpe.

At the head table on the main floor were the past masters of King Philip Lodge, masters of other lodges in the district, past district deputy grand masters, other prominent Masons and clergymen.

Worshipful Master William B. Howard opened the post prandial exercises by extending welcome to the distinguished guests, visiting brethren and members of the lodge, and introduced Right Worshipful Judson C. Mackenzie of this city, as toast-master.

Toastmaster Mackenzie, in his opening remarks, gave a brief outline of the history of King Philip Lodge, saying in part: Thirty-seven Master Masons, members of Mt. Hope Lodge, petitioned the Grand Lodge for authority to form a new lodge of Masons in Fall River. The petition was granted and on January 16, 1866, King Philip Lodge received its charter. On May 15, the master's degree was conferred on the first brother, Orin B. Wetherell, "who is with us this evening." Everybody in the hall arose at the mention of Mr. Wetherell's name and accorded him rounds of applause. The first returns to the Grand Lodge showed a membership of seventy-five and the presente membership of the lodge is about 700.

Now there is only one living charter member, our first Senior Warden, one whom everyone wants to see and hear, Right Worshipful George A. Ballard.

The only living charter member of King Philip Lodge was given a rousing reception as he rose to speak. "You cannot imagine how much it means to me, the father, to stand before all you children," said Mr. Ballard.

Most Worshipful Melvin Maynard Johnson, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, who was next introduced, received a continued round of applause. After extending the heartiest congratulations of the Grand Lodge to King Philip Lodge upon its 50th anniversary, the Grand Master expressed his pleasure at being able to welcome Right Worshipful Ballard and said that he was glad to confer a singular distinction upon him as one of the brethren who had been active in the fraternity for half a century. He said the first Provincial Grand Master was Henry Price, who established Freemasonry here in 1733. In 1888 a medal was struck off in his honor and for the last few years veteran members of the Fraternity have had the order of Henry Price conferred upon them. The Grand Master then walking over to Right Worshipful Ballard pinned the medal upon Mr. Ballard's lapel, while everybody in the hall arose and voiced their appreciation of this signal honor.

Grand Master Johnson spoke of the great power that Masonry has been in the government and liberty of this country. He mentioned Washington was a Mason and laid the corner stone of the National Capital at Washington, and at his death was buried according to Masonic rites. Other great men of their day who were Masons were Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall. Franklin wrote a so-called expose of Masonry in his paper, but became so interested in the constitution of the order that he became a member and was finally Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. John Marshall, as the greatest Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, found the constitution of the United States merely a parchment and made of it a living thing. Of the generals of the Revolutionary Army, all but one were Masons. Senator Depew is authority for the statement that fifty signers of the Declaration of Independence were Masons.

In referring to the great part that the constitution of Freemasonry has played in the preparation of constitution of Freemasonry has played in the preparation of constitutions for fundamental laws, he asked where our forefathers first secured their ideas. English constitutions exist by their traditions. In 1723 the constitution of Freemasonry was printed in England and in 1734 was re-published in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin. Nowhere in the world can you find beeter principles than in the constitution of Freemasonry.

The speaker urged that the members afford protection against the iconoclast of the present day. He said the red flag should never be raised with authority in this, our great broad land. A firm stand should be taken, he said, against interference in religious worship. "No man shall dictate to us how we shall worship, whether domestic, foreign, civil or ecclesiastical."

R. Livingston Beeckman, governor of Rhode Island, was introduced as a member of St. Paul's Lodge of Newport.

Governor Beeckman said in part:

"It is the greatest pleasure in the world for me to be here tonight and I have come here in three or four different ways. First as a Mason and in the name of my lodge I desire to give greetings to King Philip Lodge. I have also come here as an aid of my very good friend, Mr. Taft. And as for a third capacity, I come here in that of a neighbor."

He then spoke in a patriotic manner of the National Flag and National Honor, and in closing said:

"I hope that everyone will be here to celebrate the 75th anniversary of King Philip Lodge and I hope you will do me the honor to ask me to come. Whether as governor of the State or as a Mason, I will come as a brother and as a friend."

Toastmaster Mackenzie introduced Rt. Wor. Leon Martin Abbott, past senior warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and Lieut. Commander of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of the Northern Jurisdiction as follows:

"A man most to be envied is one who has won the respect and esteem of his associates. No asset is more to be desired; and in the next speaker I feel you have one who represents the best type of Masonry."

In opening Right Worshipful Abbott referred to his "epitaph" on the inside of the front cover of the program which is credited to him and reads: "May God grant that the true spirit of fraternity may find a larger possession in the hearts and in the lives of men, and speed the day when war and strife and bitterness shall fade away and be blotted out from human consciousness and from human experience, and all nations and ah peoples shall know no other sovereignty than that of love."

Right Worshipful Brother Abbott confined his remarks along Masonic lines and said that the principles of Masonry are liberty, equality and freedom. The secrets are only incident to the work. The greater part of Masonic practice is carried on outside of the lodge room. Our organization is ever deeply concerned in the strength and service of the ideal type of citizenship, the best and most enduring in every human line of endeavor. Many of our happiest hours and loftiest aspirations come through our Masonic association.

Do we realize our grave responsibilities? Think of it! In this 20th century there are people who wish to substitute might for right and make bloody human butchery an arbiter for right. Is there to come no part for us to play? I believe there is. Look at home and see the unrest, the constant disturbance in the social, political and industrial world. There are today enemies abroad and we hear too often from lips: 'Give us liberty.' This is too often a cry of license and not of liberty; a license born of prejudice and passion, of the substitution of the rule of the mob. These are some of the evil tendencies. It is to us, more than any other organization, that mankind has the right to look. The effectiveness of other organizations is too often circumscribed. Our churches are too often limited to give the most effective assistance. Every Masonic lodge the world over has indeed become a pioneer of advancing civilization and a guardian of liberty. Let us be alive to the conditions.

Who is there who can estimate the power for good that has been done by King Philip Lodge in 50 years? Masonry is a sturdy bulwark of civic righteousness. Masonry is a highway leading to the nobility of life and good character. Your past is rich in the membership of those who no longer answer when their names are called. So with the heritage of a splendid past may your future be still more bright and glorious and still richer in its harvest of Masonic achievement.

Ex. President Taft was introduced by the toastmaster and was accorded a most hearty reception.

"My brethren," began Mr. Taft, "I always come to a meeting of Masons with an unworthy feeling and that is always increased bv such comments as you have heard tonight on the orthodoxy of my Masonry. They say I was given my Masnory in small tablets. You carry around small tablets as a tonic. It is true that I was made a Mason at sight, but then you can see me further than other Masons. Seeing what the presidency got me into, you ought not to deny me the pleasure of getting the spirit of Masonry. I also worked into the Scottish Rites the same way, so to speak. I was the only Master Mason allowed to be present at a banquet for 33° Masons. So you see the presidency brings some privileges.

"My father was a master and my two brothers were Masons, although they did not have the misfortune of being made so as President-elect. I submit that I was brought up in the atmosphere of the level and the square."

Continuing, he said in part: "The breadth and size of Masonry make themselves manifest in the varying descriptions that men give of their in/luence. Its many sidedness shows itself in the varying ways in which it strikes the soul of Masons and its utilization for different purposes. I want to go over tonight why I love Masonry, as an answer to socialism and anarchy and the red flag which we see displayed in various parts of our dear country. It is said that our society and government and theory of our government are based on selfishness; that it's a capital system that's wrong; that its Christianity in its essences is socialism, and that our economic system is opposed to Christian socialism. To me, Freemasonry is one of the fullest answers to that attack and that attempt towards the substitution of might for right."

Mr. Taft went on at some length to describe the development of the individual and the family and of the patriotism to which a country is often raised to supreme heights. He referred to the patriotism exemplified today in the great war. He reviewed briefly the Civil War and how after the war everybody engaged in the chase for the dollar.

He next spoke of the progress of our country at a considerable length, argued from our history the need of earnest attention the matter of national defense. He asked for a reasonable measure of preparation to repel aggression and to cause our diplomacy to be respected abroad.

He said, "The spirit of Freemasonry holds high the love of fellov, man and in that love of man intensifies the love of country."

After Mr. Taft had concluded his remarks he was given another rousing reception with prolonged applause.

The evening's observance was near to a close when Most Worshipful Grand Master Johnson, for the second time that evening, conferred the order of Henry Price by attaching a medal on the coat of Orin B. Wetherell, the first member to be initiated in King Philip Lodge, who is in his 87th year. Both Right Worshipful Ballard and Brother Wetherell were given the honor of being escorted to the stage, the former by James H. Wood, Senior Warden of King Philip Lodge, and Mr. Wetherell by John V. Thorpe, Junior Warden of the lodge.

In bringing the observance to a close, Toastmaster Mackenzie gave the following pledge: "It is, indeed, a good thing to look back over the past and contemplate with pleasure and satisfaction the years that have gone, but a far better thing to look forward, with hopeful appreciation for a prosperous and useful future. So may King Philip Lodge continue in strength and good works that those of us, who gather at our centennial, may look back and find that it has been a powerful influence for good in the community. Now may the spirit of Freemasonry shine in King Philip Lodge."

The distinguished guests and officers of the lodge held an informal reception at the close of the addresses and members availed themselves of the opportunity of meeting the speakers and extending their congratulations to Right Worshipful Ballard and Brother Wetherell.

The committee in charge of the 50th anniversary, who are to be congratulated upon the excellent manner jn which they arranged every detail, comprised Worshipful William N. McLane, Worshipful Frank L. Carpenter and Worshipful William H. Beattie.

The present officers of the lodge are: Worshipful Master, William B. Howard; Senior Warden, James H. Wood; Junior Warden, John V. Thorpe; Treasurer, James W. Bence; Secretary, Wor. William H. B. Kendall; Chaplain, Wor. J. Arthur Childs; Marshal, Carlton W. Burrell; Senior Deacon, George M. Hatch; Junior Deacon, Charles McL. Hadley; Senior Steward, William B. Robinson; Junior Steward, George B. Lovell; Sentinel, William Ferguson, Jr.; Organist, Edmund Bottomley; Tiler, Mark Hobson.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS

DISTRICTS

1866: District 7

1867: District 14 (New Bedford)

1883: District 26 (Fall River)

1911: District 30 (Fall River)

1927: District 30 (Fall River)

2003: District 19


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges