MAGLJDorr

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JOHN D. DORR 1914-1997

Junior Grand Warden, 1982

BIOGRAPHY

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1998-17:

Right Worshipful John Delmar Dorr was born on March 17, 1914, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, the son of {. Percival Dorr and Annie L. (Mayo) Dorr. Attended Bridgewater public schools and graduated Bridgewater Academy at age of 16; attended Phillips Exeter Academy for two years and graduated in 1932 attended Harvard College and graduated in 1936 with Bachelor of Science degree in history.

Joined his father in the printing business, and together they built Dorr's Print Shop in Bridgewater into a well-respected firm known for its quality letterpress printing. He was a self-taught and highly proficient linotype operator and worked in the firm for over 50 years.

Married Dorothea Minner, at the Allston Congregational Church on April 30, 1938. At the time of his passing, they had been married over 59 1/2 years. Survived by his wife; three children (Wor. Bro.) Peter Delmar Dorr and (Bro.) Douglas Haig Dorr, both of Bridgewater and Persis Anne (Mrs. Gerald R.) White of Lakeville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

John and Dorothea had lived in Halifax for the past 10 years, but prior to that, they had lived and raised their family in Bridgewater. John had been a volunteer fireman in the town, a member of the Bridgewater School Committee in the 1950's and a member of the community theatrical group, the Bridgewater Players. He was a corporator of the Bridgewater Savings Bank for 33 years. During World War II, he was a member of the coastal watch group of the Coast Guard auxiliary in Buzzards Bay. He was a long-time member and usher of the Central Square Congregational Church in Bridgewater.

John and Dorothea traveled extensively in the United States and to England, Scotland and Europe. John's hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and carpentry. He loved growing and creating things with his hands. Especially, though, he and Dorothea loved to dance. John and Dorothea participated for well over 10 years in the Brockton (29th) Masonic District's chapel patient-escort program at the VA Medical Center in Brockton. The Rev. Glen Barton, Protestant Chaplain at the VA, conducted John's funeral service.

John also had a capacity with the written word, both as an excellent rituatlist, and creatively. He was a member for many years of the cast of the Fellowship Players, and with his fellow Lodge brethren, presented the three act Masonic play, A Rose Upon the Altar, throughout southeastern Massachusetts. In 1982, John was elected Junior Grand Warden and each successive year John and Dorothea would be seen at our reunion better known as the Class of 1982. John, a Mason for over 58 years held membership in many fraternal organizations. John received the Degrees in Fellowship Lodge.

In 1975, as our country was celebrating its bicentennial, he wrote a charge to be given at the Installation of Officers of Fellowship Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He gave it that year and every year since until three years ago, when his son, Peter, took over that duty for him. In December of 1997 , the year that Fellowship Lodge was celebrating its bicentennial, on the Saturday night before John passed away, Peter again presented his charge to the members and guests of the Lodge at the open Installation. In the charge, there are thoughts directed to the Master, the Wardens, the Officers and the members. A couple of lines from the section he wrote to the members, best sums up John's approach to life particularly his relationships with his Brethren in Masonry. "It is our task to work together, accepting subordination for the good of the majority, suggesting when it is expedient to do so, criticizing only when it is constructive. Above all, we should remember that man in his best estate is subject to frailty and error, and that we should endeavor to cover his faults and foibles with the broad mantle of brotherly love and charity."

Respectfully submitted,
R.W. Bruce K. Pratt
R.W. William C. Loring
R.W. Robert E. Godbout, Jr., Chairman


Distinguished Brothers