MAGLWHamilton

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WILLIAM SHARPE HAMILTON 1879-1969

WilliamHamilton1937.jpg

Junior Grand Steward, 1922
Junior Grand Warden, 1937

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1969-202:

Right Worshipful William Sharpe Hamilton was born in Manchester, England, on September 14, 1879 and died on March 21, 1969 at the Sweet Brook Nursing Home in South Williamstown after a lingering illness.

He came to the United States at the age of {our with his family settling in Ware, Massachusetts. He attended public schools there and was graduated from Harvard Dental College in June of 1904 with a degree of D. M. D. Cum Laude. In the same year he settled in Williamstown and opened his dental office at 50 Spring Street. He continued his dental practice until 1961 - a period of 57 years. Brother Hamilton was a member of the Massachusetts Dental Society and the Western District Dental Society. He was also a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the 1st Berkshire District of Massachusetts and Sergeant of Company E, Twentieth Infantry, Massachusetts State Guard during the World War.

He received his Entered Apprentice Degree on January 18, 1906; Fellow Craft, February 15, 1906; and Master Mason Degree, March 15, 1906, all in Williams Lodge, Williamstown. He served as Worshipful Master in 1912; Junior Grand Steward in 1922 and District Deputy Grand Master for the 15th District in 1926 and 1927. Right Worshipful Brother Hamilton was the First Master of the Second Lodge of Instruction in North Adams serving in 1928 and 1929 and was a member of the Grand Lodge Committee of Education from 1929 to 1932. He was Junior Grand Warden in 1937.

In 1931 he received the Joseph Warren Medal; in 1934 the Henry Price Medal and the Veteran's Medal in 1956. He was Grand Representative of Queensland in Massachusetts from 1931 to 1967.

He received his Royal Arch Degree in Composite Chapter, North Adams in 1907, serving as High Priest in 1913. He was District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1916-1917; Right Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts in 1919. He was the recipient of the Benjamin Hurd, Jr. Medal in 1962; the Paul Revere Medal in 1940 and his 50-year Emblem in 1962.

Right Worshipful Brother Hamilton joined Berkshire Council in 1920 then demitted and affiliated with Hamilton Council, to become a Charter Member and its First Illustrious Master, 1920 to 1923. He was Grand Steward of the Grand Council in 1925; Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work of the Council of Massachusetts 1935 and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts, 1938-1940.

He received the Order of the Temple 1911 in St. Paul's Commandery, North Adams, and was Eminent Commander 1918-1919. He served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery for Massachusetts and Rhode Island 1933-1934.

In the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite he was a member of Onota Lodge of Perfection, Pontoosuc Council Princes of Jerusalem and Pittsfield Chapter of Rose Croix, all of Pittsfield. He held membership in Connecticut Valley Consistory in Springfield. He was a member of Melha Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.

He is survived by a sister, Miss Charlotte J. Hamilton of Springfield and several nephews and nieces. The Hopkins Funeral Home in Williamstown was in charge of arrangements with burial in East Lawn Cemetery, Williamstown.

Right Worshipful Brother Hamilton's years of service to Masonry might bring to mind 'Compensation' and these words could be his thoughts.

I'd like to think that here and there,
When I am gone, there shall remain
A happier spot that might have not
Existed had I toiled for gain;
That some one,s cheery voice and smile
Shall prove that I had been worth while;
That I had paid with something fine
My debt to God for life divine.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. Adkins
Harry S. Nelson, Jr.
Ronald Astley
Committee


Distinguished Brothers