MAGLAPollard

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ARTHUR G. POLLARD 1843-1930

ArthurPollard1930.jpg

  • Deputy Grand Master, 1897
  • Grand High Priest 1888-1890

BIOGRAPHY

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 9, June 1906, Page 293:

ArthurGPollard1906.jpg

The Masons of Massachusetts are happy in the knowledge that one of their own number is at this time the head of the General Grand Chapter which is about to hold its 33d Triennial Convocation in Boston. M. E. Arthur G. Pollard, who holds this honorable position is one of the best known and most popular Masons in our State. He is a Mason of wide experience and great executive ability, and is eminently qualified to discharge the duties of his office: but more than this his genial manner and courteous bearing, prompted by a kind and generous heart have won the respect and affection of a host of friends.

Arthur G. Pollard was born in Plaistow, N. H., January 5th, 1843, his parents being Colonel Joseph S. and Luella J. Pollard, who were prominent residents of that town. Ik-came to Lowell, Mass.. when he was eleven years of aye and received his education in the schools of that city. In 1861 he entered the counting room of the Hon. Hocum Hosford. a prominent merchant of Lowell, and in 1864 was admitted as a partner in the business. In 1865 he purchased the entire business, Mr. Hosford having died several years previous, and a few years later he admitted Harry Dunlap and his son Harry G. Pollard as partners, the firm being A. G. Pollard & Co. This well known house have now one of the largest department stores in New England outside of Boston.

In addition to this large business, of which he is the head, Mr. Pollard is prominent in the management of many other institutions and business enterprises of the city of Lowell, among which we might mention — President of the Union National Bank, Trustee and Chairman of the Investment Board of the Central Savings Bank, President of the Lowell Hosiery Co., Director in the Lowell Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Trustee of the Lowell Textile School and Treasurer of the Board, Trustee of the Lowell General Hospital, Trustee of the Rogers Hall School, and also Trustee of the Massachusetts State Agricultural College.

He has always been prominent Masonic affairs in his own city and is a Past Master of Ancient York Lodge, Past High Priest of Mount Horeb R. A. Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Ahasuerus Council, Past Eminent Commannder of Pilgrim Commandery of Knights Templars and a Trustee of the several Masonic Associations, also a member of Massachusetts Consistory and has received the 33d degree.

He has been frequently honored the Grand Bodies of this Commonwealth, and is a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand R. A. Chapter and Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. He is also a Trustee of the Grand Funds of the Grand Council and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and at the thirty-second Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1903, he received the distinguished honor of an unanimous election as General Grand High Priest.

MEMORIAL

FROM PROCEEDINGS, 1930

From Proceedings, Page 1930-272:

R.W. Bro. Pollard was born in Plaistow, N. H., January 5, 1843. Coming to Lowell at an early age he found employment in a mercantile house and became a partner in the business in three years. From that time onward he steadily rose in the business world. until he built up one of the largest department stores in New England north of Boston. For many years he was the leading citizen of Lowell, a bank president and a director in many corporations, President of the Lowell General Hospital, a Trustee of Amherst Agricultural College, and active in the direction of the Lowell Textile School and Rogers Hall School for Girls.

Bro. Pollard was early attracted to Masonry. He was entered in Ancient York Lodge May 4, 1864, passed June 8, 1864, and raised September 14, 1864. He affiliated with Kilwinning Lodge in 1906, and was a Charter member of William Sewall Gardner Lodge in 1929. He was Deputy Grand Master of Masons in 1897. At the time of his death he was a Director of Grand Lodge, a Trustee of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, and a Representative at Large on the Board of Masonic Relief. Notwithstanding his advanced age he was active in all these relations to the very end of his life.

The list of his other Masonic offices and honors is too long to be enumerated here. Among them were the offices of General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter and Active Member of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite. He had held that position since 1912 and was Treasurer of the permanent fund of the Supreme Council, having full charge of a fund of over two and a half millions of dollars.

One cannot speak too highly of the worth and character of Bro. Pollard. To very exceptional ability was added a singular sweetness of character. Without pride of opinion, he was decided in his opinions but always open to conviction. This openness of mind is a quality often lost with advancing years, but was his in old age as much as in youth.

He was wise, just, and generous. We had long looked to him for leadership and now that he has left us there is a great vacancy which we may not hope entirely to fiIl. Our hearts are very sore as we think of the greatness of our loss.

From Proceedings, Page 1930-499:

Born at Plaistow, N. H., January 5, 1843.
Died at Lowell, Mass., June 4, 1930.

For the past half century, Masonry in Massachusetts has been privileged in the leadership of a striking group of men. To read the names would bring to our minds the salient points of our progress of fifty years. One by one they have left us, blessed and inspired by the examples they have set before us. And now we.mourn the passing of one of the most prominent of this coterie of sturdy Masons.

R.W. Arthur G. Pollard joined his companions of years agone on June 4th, 1930, after a busy, useful and successful life of 87 years and 5 months. To do justice to such a life as his within these limits is impossible. 'We can only pay a brief tribute to a remarkable career which spelled success in many different lines of endeavor.

To follow his life is like reading a fascinating story, and if there is romance in a business career, we may find it here. Like so many of our leaders in American life, Brother Pollard spent his early years in a small New England village, rising as the years went on to eminent position in the business, social, and fraternal world. In mid-youth he came with his parents to the city of Lowell, where he finished his education in the public schools.

At the age of sixteen the call to a business career was insistent and he entered the employ of Hocum Hosford, a leading merchant of that day. His aptitude for business led to a partnership in the Hosford concern within three years, and from this time his progress was rapid, acquiring sole control of the business at the death of Mr. Hosford about twenty years later.

Under his skilful direction the Pollard enterprise grew to be the largest in the northeast outside of Boston. As he travelled the high road. of success, it was a natural consequence that his ability should be sought for in other lines of endeavor and in the consolidation of banks which brought into being the Union National Bank, he was elected President in which position he served until two years ago, resigning to become Chairman of its Board of Directors. In the banking business he enjoyed the confidence of the public, and under his wise management the Union Bank has become one of the more important financial institutions in New England.

It was inevitable that a man of his character and ability should be called to serve in every department of community effort, and in spite of an active business and financial career he gave valuable service to social, benevolent, and educational institutions of the City and State.

Brother Pollard never held political office, but he was an active factor in the Republican party, serving many years as Chairman of the County Committee, and Treasurer for a long period. He was a delegate to the Convention of 1900, which nominated McKinley for the Presidency. He was also Vice-President of the Home Market Club and also the Republican Club of Massachusetts.

In the midst of all this high success he remained the modest and approachable gentleman with never an unkind word of his fellows, helpful to the less fortunate in innumerable instances. He seemed to typify the highest ideal of American Citizenship and the title of the First Citizen of Lowell was worthily bestowed. He never forgot the town of his birth and the village of Plaistow contains many evidences of his love and generosity. He has done so much of a practical nature for the place of his nativity that he is truly named "The Father of Plaistow."

Many prominent men allow their names to be used to add weight and influence to specific efforts. Not so with Brother Pollard. He accepted no position on any Board or Committee but what he gave active service and lent valuable aid. When this fact is considered in connection with the list of positions he held, it is possible to realize somewhat the capacity of his mind and the quality of his responsibility.

  • President of the A. G. Pollard Co.
  • President of the Union National Bank.
  • President of the Stony Brook Railroad.
  • Trustee of The Central Savings Bank.
  • Trustee of The Lowell Textile Institute.
  • Director of The Lowell Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
  • Treasurer of The Proprietors of The South Congregational Meeting House.
  • President of The Lowell General Hospital Association.
  • Trustee of The Old Ladies' Home.
  • Trustee of The Ayer Home for Children.
  • Trustee of The Rogers HaII School.
  • Trustee of Massachusetts Agricultural College.

Brother Pollard was married on October 14th, 1869, to Martha M. Fuller, of Keeseville, N. Y. Four children were born to them, two of whom survive, Harry G. Pollard and Mrs. William T. Sheppard. There are three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mrs. Pollard died only two years ago, thus breaking a union of almost 60 years of perfect and ideal married happiness.

At the funeral services, held at the First United Baptist Church and conducted by Rev. Dudley Hays Ferrell, there was a visible appreciation of the love and esteem in which Brother Pollard was held. AII business was suspended in the city and flags were half-staffed. Forty-two delegations from various associations were present.

To Brother Pollard Masonry is indebted for a quality of service equal in value to that which he gave to the mercantile world. For over 50 years he has been the active Mason with an interest as keen as the youngest. The last time he was seen in public was at the Lowell Masonic Temple where he assumed the part of Commander in conferring the Knight Templar Degree. His counsel has been most valuable and his keen interest unfailing.

Brother Pollard attained a very high position in the Craft and it is to be marvelled at that one of so many active interests could devote so much effort as he did to our affairs.

  • He was made a Mason in Ancient York Lodge of Lowell September 10, 1864
  • Became its Master, 1876-77-T8
  • Deputy Grand Master of Masons, 1897
  • Director of the Grand Lodge 1908 to 1930
  • Trustee of the Masonic Eclueation and Charity Trust, 1909 to 1930
  • Board of Masonic Relief, 1910 to 1930
  • Received the Capitular Degrees in Mt. Horeb R. A. Chapter January 13, 1865
  • High Priest 1873-1874
  • D. D. G. H. Priest 1879
  • Deputy Grand High Priest 1880
  • Grand High Priest 1888-1889-1890
  • Trustee of Grand Funds 1913 to 1930
  • General Grand High Priest of the General Grand R. A. Chapter of the U. S. A. 1903-04-05-06
  • Received Cryptic Degrees in Ahasuerus Council of Lowell, April 8, 1872
  • Master, 1880-1881
  • Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts, 1883
  • Trustee of Grand Funds, 1893 to 1930
  • Knighted in Pilgrim Commandery No. 9, K. T., of Lowell March 28, 1866
  • Commander, 1880-1881
  • Treasurer of the Funds of the Grand Commandery of K. T. 1917 to 1930
  • Received the Degrees of the A.A.S. Rite in
    • Lowell Lodge of Perfection
    • Lowell Council P. of J.
    • Mt. Calvary Chapter of R. C., 1877
    • Massachusetts Consistory February 22, 1878
  • Treasurer of the Bodies of the Valley of Lowell for a long term of years.
  • Received the Thirty-Third Degree (Honorary) in September, 1895, and was crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council in October, 1912. Treasurer of the Trustees of the Supreme Council at the time of his death.

And so runs the cold and bare record of a long, useful, and successful life, but in our hearts and minds there are the warm and comforting thoughts that it has been our privilege to know and love this man.

As we write the name of Arthur Pollard on the golden scroll of memory, what a flood of recollections comes to us. We can see that erect and youthful figure, bearing the burden of many years like a young man. We can see that smile and the twinkle of the eye that always greeted. us. So many of us remember with gratitude his kindly help. Ah! my Brethren, there are none who can estimate the worth of this man's leadership to our Fraternity. None can number those who have been influenced by his good example. None can measure the reputation he has brought to us from the outside world.

To us he will be a symbol of what Masonry should be and an inspiration which shall assist in moulding our own Masonic characters and the yardstick by which to measure the quality of our service.

"What merit lies in age, forsooth,
If but a symbol of the numbered years
Which time hath measured out?
But what more glorious than a ripened age
Which hath inscribed in Time's great register
Of worthy deed its part?"

Arthur D. Prince,
Alvah H. Weaver,
John H. Preston,
Committee.

FROM NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1930

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XXV, No. 8, May 1930, Page 157:

In the death of Right Worshipful Arthur G. Pollard of Lowell, at the advanced age of 87, a figure of fine Masonic proportions is removed from Massachusetts Freemasonry.

Of the best type of New Englander, this distinguished brother was as well loved as any man in the fraternity in this jurisdiction. Quiet and unobtrusive to a degree, yet with a sound view of life and the particular application of Freemasonry to it, he has been a pillar of strength in the councils of the organization.

No monument is needed to attest his worth; for enshrined in the hearts of thousands whose lives came under the beneficent influence of his delightful and inspiring personality there will remain enduringly a sentiment of love and affection for one who, above all, was a Man and a true Mason.

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1931

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1931, Page 39:

For the past half century, Masonry in Massachusetts has been privileged in the leadership of a striking group of men. To read the names would bring to our minds the salient points of our progress of fifty years. One by one they have left us, blessed and inspired by the examples they have set before us. And now we mourn the passing of one of the most prominent of this coterie of sturdy Masons. Illustrious Brother Arthur G. Pollard joined his companions of years agone on June 4, 1930, after a busy, useful and successful life of 87 years and 5 months.

To do justice to such a life as his within these limits is impossible. We can only pay a brief tribute to a remarkable career which spelled success in many different lines of endeavor.

His life story reads like a romance and it really seems as if he were a child of destiny, were it not for the fact that his every accomplishment can be traced to his own remarkable ability and character.

Like so many of our leaders in American life, Brother Pollard spent his early years in a small New England village, rising as the years went on to eminent position in the business, social, and fraternal world. In mid-youth he came with his parents to the city of Lowell, where he finished his education in the public schools.

At the age of sixteen the call to a business career was insistent and he entered the employ of Hocum Hosford, a leading merchant of that day.

His aptitude for business led to a partnership in the Hosford concern within three years, and from this time his progress was rapid, acquiring sole control of the business at the death of Mr. Hosford about twenty years later. Under his skillful direction the Pollard enterprise grew to be the largest in the northeast outside of Boston.

As he travelled the high road to success, it was a natural consequence that his ability should be sought for in other lines of endeavor and in the consolidation of banks which brought into being the Union National Bank, he was elected President in which position he served until three years ago, resigning to become Chairman of its Board of Directors.

In the banking business he enjoyed the confidence of the public, and under his wise management the Union Bank has become one of the more important financial institutions in New England.

It was inevitable that a man of his character aryl ability should be called to serve in every department of community effort, and in spite of an active business and financial career he gave valuable service to social benevolent, and educational institutions of the City and State.

Brother Pollard never held political office, but he was an active factor in the Republican party, serving many years as Chairman of the County Committee, and Treasurer for a long period. He was a delegate to the Convention of 1900, which nominated McKinley for the Presidency. He was also Vice-President of the Home Market Club and also the Republican Club of Massachusetts.

In the midst of all this high success he remained the modest and approachable gentleman with never an unkind word of his fellows, helpful to the less fortunate in innumerable instances. He seemed to typify the highest ideal of American Citizenship and the title of the First Citizen of Lowell was worthily bestowed.

He never forgot the town of his birth and the village of Plaistow contains many evidences of his love and generosity.He has done so much of a practical nature for the place of his nativity that he is truly named “The Father of Plaistow.”

Many prominent men allow their names to be used to add weight and influence to specific efforts. Not so with Brother Pollard. He accepted no position on any Board or Committee but what he gave active service and lent valuable aid. When this fact is considered in connection with the list of positions he held, it is possible to realize somewhat the capacity of his mind and the quality of his responsibility.

  • President of the A. G. Pollard Co.
  • President of the Union National Bank.
  • President of the Stony Brook Railroad.
  • Trustee of The Central Savings Bank.
  • Trustee of the Lowell Textile Institute.
  • Director of The Lowell Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
  • Treasurer of The Proprietors of the South Congregational Meeting House.
  • President of The Lowell General Hospital Association.
  • Trustee of The Old Ladies’ Home.
  • Trustee of The Ayer Home for Children.
  • Trustee of The Rogers Hall School.
  • Trustee of Massachusetts Agricultural College.

Brother Pollard was married on October 14, 1869, to Martha M. Fuller of Keeseville, N. Y. Four children were born to them, two of whom survive, Harry G. Pollard and Mrs. William T. Sheppard. There are three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mrs. Pollard died only three years ago, thus breaking a union of almost 60 years of perfect and ideal married happiness. At the funeral services, held at the First United Baptist Church and conducted by Rev. Dudley Hays Ferrell, there was a visible appreciation of the love and esteem in which Brother Pollard was held. All business was suspended in the city and flags were half-staffed. Forty-two delegations from various associations were present.

To Brother Pollard, Masonry is indebted for a quality of service equal in value to that which he gave to the mercantile world. For over 50 years he has been the active Mason with an interest as n as the youngest. The last time he was seen in public was at the Lowell Masonic Temple where he assumed the part of Commander in conferring the Knight Templar Degree.

His counsel has been most valuable and his keen interest unfailing. Brother Pollard attained a very high position in the Craft and it is to be marvelled at that one of so many active interests could devote so much effort as he did to our affairs.

  • Blue Lodge and Grand Lodge
    • He was made a Mason in Ancient York Lodge of Lowell, September 10, 1864
    • Became its Master, 1876-77-78
    • Deputy Grand Master of Masons, 1897
    • Director of the Grand Lodge, 1908 to 1930
    • Trustee of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, 1909 to 1930
    • Board of Masonic Relief, 1910 to 1930
  • Capitular
    • Received the Capitular Degrees in Mt. Horeb R. A. Chapter, January 15, 1865
    • High Priest, 1873-1874
    • D. D. G. H. Priest, 1879
    • Deputy Grand High Priest, 1880
    • Grand High Priest, 1888-1889-1890
    • Trustee of Grand Funds, 1913 to 1930
    • General Grand High Priest of the General Grand R. A. Chapter of the U. S. A, 1903-04-05-06
  • Cryptic
    • Received Cryptic Degrees in Ahasuerus Council, of Lowell, April 8, 1872
    • Deputy Grand Master of The Grand Council of Massachusetts, 188
    • Trustee of Grand Funds, 1893 to 1930
  • Chivalric
    • Knighted in Pilgrim Commandery No. 9, K. T., of Lowell, March 28, 1866
    • Commander, 1880-1881
    • Treasurer of the Funds of the Grand Commandery of K. T., 1917 to 1930
  • Ancient and Accepted Rite
    • Received the Degrees of the A. A. S. Rite in
      • Lowell Lodge of Perfection,
      • Lowell Council P. of J.
      • Mt. Calvary Chapter of R. C., 1877
    • Massachusetts Consistory, February 22, 187
    • Treasurer of the Bodies of the Valley of Lowell for a long term of years.

Received the Thirty-third Degree (Honorary) in September, 1895, and was crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council in October, 1912. Treasurer of the Trustees of the Supreme Council at the time of his death.

Among all of his Masonic interests, the Supreme Council stood high in his affections. He gave untiringly and wisely of his knowledge to one of its most important departments, serving as Treasurer of the Trustees for many years. To him came the respect and love of his associates in the Council which he enjoyed and appreciated to the full.

And so runs the cold and bare record of a long, useful, and successful life, but in our hearts and minds there are the warm and comforting thoughts that it has been our privilege to know and love this man.

As we write the name of Arthur Pollard on the golden scroll of memory, what a flood of recollection comes to us. We can see that erect and youthful figure, bearing the burden of many years like a young man. We can see that smile and the twinkle of the eye that always greeted us. So many of us remember with gratitude his kindly help. Ah! my Brethren, there are none who can estimate the worth of this man’s leadership to our Fraternity. None can number those who have been influenced by his good example. None can measure the reputation he has brought to us from the outside world.

To us he will be a symbol of what Masonry should be and an inspiration which shall assist in moulding our own Masonic characters and the yardstick by which to measure the quality of our service.

“What merit lies in age, forsooth,
If but a symbol of the numbered years
Which time hath measured out?
But what more glorious than a ripened age
Which hath inscribed in Time's great register
Of worthy deed its part?”

Arthur D. Prince, 33°
Frank L. Weaver, 33°
Harry A. Thompson, 33°


Distinguished Brothers