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RAMEY, HAROLD DONALD 1923-1989

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1990

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1990, Page A-iii:

Ill. Harold Donald Ramey, 33°
Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada, December 24, 1923
Died in Springfield, Massachusetts, May 31, 1989

Illustrious H. Donald Ramey, 33°, was the son of the late Udo D. and Vera (Viner) Ramey, and was born in the town of Humboldt in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada on December 24, 1923. The family moved to the United States when Brother Ramey was two years old. He was educated in the public school systems of East Longmeadow and Springfield, Massachusetts and graduated from the Springfield Trade School where he studied printing.

Following his graduation from the Springfield Trade School, Brother Ramey became employed in the composing room of the Springfield Newspapers as a linotype operator in 1942. His employment with that company was interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Phillippine Islands as a Pharmacists Mate and was discharged with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Following the war, he returned to his previous occupation until 1952 when he transferred to the national advertising department of the newspaper. He was promoted to merchandising manager and eventually became the national advertising manager in 1971. He served in that capacity until December of that year when he retired.

Brother Ramey began his Masonic career in Charles C. Spellman Lodge, A.F. & A.M. In East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He was raised on February 28, 1955. He served that lodge as a lecturer and was a member of the Advisory Board of East Longmeadow Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls and was awarded the Grand Cross of Color by the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in 1966.

Brother Ramey became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Springfield in the spring of 1966, receiving his 32nd° in the Connecticut Valley Consistory on April 28, 1966. An accomplished ritualist, Brother Ramey became active in the degree work of the Valley of Springfield, often taking the leading role in the dramatic portrayal of the degrees. He served as Most Wise Master of the Springfield Chapter of Rose Croix from May of 1983 to May of 1985. He then served as chairman of the Advisory Council from May of 1985 until May of 1988. At the time of his death, Ill. Brother Ramey was the Second Lieutenant Commander of the Connecticut Valley Consistory. He received the degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector General in September, 1987.

Brother Ramey was also active in Melha Temple, A.A.0.N.M.S., Springfield, Massachusetts which he joined in December of 1966. He was a Past Commander of the Legion of Honor, a member of the Ritual Cast and since 1982 had been the Assistant Recorder and office manager of the Temple. He also served as the editor of the Camelha, the monthly newsletter of that Temple.

Ill. Brother Ramey is survived by his widow Barbara G. Ramey, a son, Paul D. Ramey and two daughters, Phyllis A. Blaisdell and Eleanor G. Dzierzak.

Funeral Services were held on June 2, 1989 with interment in Hillcrest Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts. The large gathering of Masonic brethren at that service was a graphic testimony to the esteem in which our Illustrious Brother was held. He will be missed by all, but we find comfort in the knowledge that a place has been prepared for him in the celestial lodge above.

RANDALL, EDWARD MERRILL 1916-2007

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 2008

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 2008, Page 27:

Ill. Edward Merrill Randall, 33°
Born in Holbrook, Massachusetts on August 17, 1916
Died in Winter Haven, Florida on November 4, 2007

Ill. Edward Merrill Randall, 33° was the son of George and Grace Lee (Merrill) Randall. He graduated from Summer High School in Holbrook and the Massachusetts Institute of Embalming in Boston. He was a funeral director and embalmer at the Putnam Funeral Parlor in Worcester, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Army as a corporal assigned to the Army Field Hospital.

On March 24, 1950 at Worcester, Massachusetts he was united in marriage to Naomi Hill, who predeceased him.

Brother Randall was raised a Master Mason in Montacute Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Worcester on December 16, 1946. He completed the 4th through 18th degrees of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Worcester on October 20, 1956 and served as Most Wise Master of Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix in 1972-73. He completed the con­sistorial degrees in the Valley of Boston on November 17, 1956 and was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 29, 1976 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He was a member of Melha Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Aletheia Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.; Springfield Court No. 144, Royal Order of Jesters; and the Worcester County Shrine Club. Civically, he was a member of the Worcester Kiwanis Club; Webster Elks Lodge No. 1466 and Tatnuck Post of the American Legion.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winter Haven, Florida. A Masonic grave­side service was conducted under the auspices of Ill. Henry A. Rand, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. Interment was in Worcester, Massachusetts.

RANDALL, FREDERICK EVERALD 1864-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 7, April 1907, Page 274:’’

Brother Frederick E. Randall of Chelsea, Mass., a successful automobile agent, and one of the prominent men in that trade, died at a private hospital in Boston. Death followed an operation. He was well and favorably known in this city and had a host of friends who mourn his death.

Mr. Randall was born at Lewiston, Me. 45 years ago. He was a member of the Robert Lash Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter of the Shekinah, the Napthali Council and the Palestine Commandery. He was also a member of the Alter Ego Club. Quiet and unassuming always, and ev courteous and kindly, he was held in high esteem by his friends and acquaintances.

The funeral was held March 18, at the First Universalist Church, Chelsea. It was under the direction of Palestine commandery, Knights Templar, of Chelsea, of which Mr. Randall was a member.

The Rev. R. Perry Bush, D. D., officiated, both as pastor of the church and commander of Palestine Commandery. In the ritualistic service he was assisted by William Martin, Prelate of the Commandery.

RANDALL, ROBERT SHEPARD, SR. 1919-1997

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1998

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1998, Page A-x:

Ill. Robert Shepard Randall, Sr., 33°
Born in Peabody, Massachusetts, September 17, 1919
Died in Burlington, Massachusetts, November 25, 1997

Illustrious Robert Shepard Randall, Sr., 33°, son of the late Ray Franklin and Ruth Shepard Randall, was educated in the Peabody School System, Beverly Trade School and later graduated from Franklin Institute, Boston. He was employed for 30 years as a plumber with the J.F. Woodbury Company of Peabody. After his retirement, he worked IO years for J .R. Sousa Company and last worked at Endicott College as a Technical Supervisor.

On August 23, 1941, he married Prudence Crandall, daughter of the late Illustrious and Reverend Frank Byron Crandall, 33°, who survives him. He leaves 2 surviving sons, Robert S. Randall, Jr., of Rockport and Ray Franklin Randall of Danvers. One son predeceased him, Richard F. Randall.

Illustrious Brother Randall was a very active member in Masonic circles. He was raised a Master Mason in Essex Lodge, A.F. & A.M., in Salem on December 5, 1961 and affiliated with Liberty Lodge of Beverly on December 8, 1975. He was Master of Essex Lodge in 1974 (Ed.: apparently that was another Brother named Randall) and, also, served as Master of Liberty Lodge, A.F. & A.M., in 1979. He continued his involvement in Blue Lodge Masonry by becoming a charter member of North Shore Daylight Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Beverly.

Illustrious Brother Randall started his journey through the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Salem, when he became a member of Sutton Lodge of Perfection on May 4, 1962, Jubilee Council, Princes of Jerusalem on May 11, 1962, and Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix on May 25, 1962. He became a member of Massachusetts Consistory, Valley of Boston, on October 16, 1962. He served in line in Sutton Lodge of Perfection from 1972 through 1986, serving as Thrice Potent Master for 3 years. Robert was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, on September 30, 1987. He was, also, a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.

In other activities, he was a member of the Y.M.C.A., Civil Air Reserve and Sons of Veterans Post 1011, Peabody. He was a member of the First Church of Salem, Unitarian, and served as a Deacon.

A Memorial Service was held for Illustrious Brother Randall on December 13, 1997, at the First Church of Salem followed by a Masonic Service at the Salem Masonic Apartments. His ashes will be interred in the Spring on Star Island. Isles of Shoals, Rye, N.H.

RANKIN, ALFRED ERNEST 1883-1969

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1970

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1970, Page 25:

I11. Alfred Ernest Rankin, 33° , was born in Worcester, Massa­chusetts, December 31, 1883 and died there August 21, 1969. His education was in the Worcester Public Schools and was graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1904. He was director of engineering at the United States Envelope Company plant in Wor­cester.

He was raised in Athelstan Lodge in 1916 and Worshipful Master in 1920. He was a member of all York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies in Worcester and of Massachusetts Consistory. He served as Treasurer in the Valley of Worcester for twenty-five years. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third Degree, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 1948.

RAY, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1831-1886

GeorgeRay.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM LIBERAL FREEMASON, 1886

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. X, No. 3, June 1886, Page 88:

Among the many active Freemasons of Springfield who have impressed themselves upon the manners and customs of the fraternity in the Valley of the Connecticut during the last quarter of a century, no one has been better known than George W. Ray, whose sudden death came like a shock to all who knew him.

The Springfield Daily Union of May 7th, 1886 has a long article concerning him, in which it says:

"George W. Ray, one of our prominent citizens and businessmen, and a man widely known, died at his home on Spring Street last night from an attack of apoplexy. The news of his death has had a startling effect upon the community to-day, as Mr. Ray has been a man of active habits and general good health, and was seen only yesterday by many people, in apparently his usual health."

Mr. Ray was fifty-five years of age, was born at Ludlow, and learned the trade of a machinist. He came to this city some thirty years ago and went to work as a clerk in D. H. Brigham's clothing store, which was then located in a wooden building where J. S. Marsh & Son's grocery store now stands. This building was afterwards burned, and Mr. Ray accompanied Mr. Brigham to the store at the corner of Harrison avenue and Main street, in Kibbe's Block. In 1862 he became interested in paper collar manufacture, making the first paper collar that was made in this locality. The manufacture of collars was at once begun in Kibbe's Block, Charles A. Brigham being interested with Mr. Ray in the work. Later Mr. Brigham withdrew, and January 11th, 1865, Varnum N. Taylor became a partner with Mr. Ray, and the business was moved to Hillman street. There it Continued to increase, and in April, 1870, it was moved to the large new factory which had been erected on Worthington Street. Mr. Taylor continued with Mr. Ray until June 16th, 1874, when he purchased Mr. Ray's interest in the business. Mr. Ray afterward went into the wholesale leather business at Boston, but remained in it but a short time. He was afterward interested for a time in the Chapin paper and pulp company, and still later was president of the Hecla card and paper company. In 1872, he was a member of the Common Council, and in 1873, was a member of the Board of Aldermen.

Mr- Ray united with the North Congregational Church, on profession, under the late Rev. Mr. Drummond's ministry. He served several times on the parish committee of that church, and when the new church edifice was built, he was a member of the building committee. Recently Mr. Ray had been very active in the work of the North Church, and for some time past had taught a Sunday-school class of twelve or. fifteen young men, in whonvhe had become, very much interested, and who had become very much attached to him. Mr. Ray was an active sustaining member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and deeply interested in the special work in behalf of young men. In recent years Mr. Ray and his family had spent considerable time in the summers at Blandford, and his coming there each successive season was very pleasantly anticipated by the people there. Mr. Ray was a man of very generous impulses and he will be greatly missed. Mrs. Ray, who survives her husband, was Miss Helen Alden, daughter of Dr. Alden of Ludlow. They have had no children, but four nieces of Mrs. Ray have been cared for and educated by Mr. Ray as though they were his own children. The eldest of the Misses Alden graduated at Smith-College and is now teaching in New York. Two of her younger sisters are in our city schools, one of them being in the High School.

Brother and Sir Knight Ray was a conspicuous figure in Masonic circles in Springfield. Personally, we knew him best in Springfield Commandery, of which fine body of Knights Templars he was Eminent Commander in 1871, 1872, and 1873. As long ago as 1868, he was returned as having the Fourteenth Degree in the A. and A. S. Rite, and from 1872 to 1880 was at the head of Massasoit Council of Princes of Jerusalem. At about the period last mentioned, he was Second Lieutenant Commander of Massachusetts Consistory. His patent as an Honorary Thirty-Third dates from August 19th, 1875.

The loss of a presence like his, so full of energy, and so determined to be active, must necessarily be felt in the varied business and Masonic relations he sustained among his fellows. It may be said of him, however, that he lived long because he lived well.

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1886

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ, 1886, Page 451:

Ill. Bro. George Washington Ray died suddenly at his home in Springfield, May 6, 1886, of apoplexy, living only a few hours after the attack.

He was born in Ludlow, Mass., Nov. 6, 1830. He spent his earlier years at Ludlow, removing to Springfield at the age of eighteen, and engaging in mercantile pursuits. In 1862 he became interested in the manufacture of paper collars, and founded the Ray & Taylor Collar Company, which he developed into a large and prosperous business. He was one of the organizers, and the first president of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Western Massachusetts. He held that office till within a few months of his death, when he resigned, for the purpose of organizing the Springfield Life Assurance Association, to which he devoted much energy and ability. In addition to these duties, he was for a time interested in the Chapin Paper and Pulp Company; and was also the organizer and president of the Hecla Card and Paper Company.In religious circles he was active and prominent. He was a sustaining member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, and was deeply interested in its work in behalf of young men. For some time he taught a large class of young men in the North Church Sunday School. He was greatly attached to the members of his class, and they were devoted to him. He served many years on the parish committee of that church; and when its present church edifice was built, he was a member of the building committee, and a large contributor to the cost of its erection. He was a member of the Common Council of the city of Springfield in 1872, and of the Board of Aldermen in 1873.

Brother Ray was a light in Masonry in the community in which he lived; that light he first received in Hampden Lodge, Nov. 14, 1865. During his career as an active Mason, he held many Masonic offices. He was Eminent Commander of Springfield Commandery in 1871, 1872 and 1873. From 1872 to 1880 he was Grand Master of Massasoit Council of Princes of Jerusalem. He had also been at the head of Evening Star Lodge of Perfection, and held the office of Second Lieutenant-Commander of Massachusetts Consistory. Aug. 19, 1875, he was elected an honorary member of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°.

Ill. Bro. Ray was a man much endeared to his friends and associates; a man of large but unostentatious charities; a man who did much to keep Masonry up to its high ideal standard. He was ever ready with his services and with his purse to help and sustain every Masonic enterprise; earnest, devoted, loyal. He was a good citizen, a devout Christian, a faithful friend, a kind husband, a noble man.

Fraternally submitted,
Samuel B. Spooner, 33°,
Chas. C. Spellman, 33°,
Edmund P. Kendrick, 32°,
Committee

RAY, WALTER KNAPP 1912-2005

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 2005

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 2005, Page 33:

Ill. Walter Knapp Ray, 33°
Born August 12, 1912, in Windham, New Hampshire
Died May 9, 2005

Illustrious Walter was educated in the Middleboro, Massachusetts Public Schools. He was a leather manufacturer and served as President of W. K. Ray Industries, Inc. of Salem, Massachusetts. He leaves his wife Verna of 65 years and two children. He was a mem­ber of the Second Congregational Church in North Beverly, Massachusetts. He was an active Rotarian member in the Rotary Club of Salem.

He was raised in Starr King Lodge A.F. & A.M. on June 14, 1937, and served as Worshipful Master in 1950, 1951, 1998, 1999, and 2003. He also served as District Deputy Grand Master and Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

In Scottish Rite he was a member of the Valley of Salem and the Valley of Boston. He served as Most Wise Master of Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix from 1958 to 1960. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of Supreme Council on September 27, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois.

RAYMOND, ARTHUR MARSHALL 1856-1909

From New England Craftsman, Vol. IV, No. 9, June 1909, Page 341:

Brother Arthur M. Raymond, a well known Mason and prominent organist died at his home in East Weymouth. Mass. and was buried with Masonic service, March 26th. Brother Raymond has been organist and musical director in churches and Masonic lodges for 38 years. His funeral was largely attended and in spite of the worst storm of the season friends came from every direction to show the last tribute of affection and loving remembrance to one who was held in high esteem.

RAYMOND, JOHN M. 1852-1920

JohnRaymond.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM PROCEEDINGS, 1920

From Proceedings, Page 1920-85:

R. W. JOHN M. RAYMOND, of Salem, was born in that city June 16, 1852, and died at his residence in Salem, March 7, 1920. He received his early education in the public schools of Salem and later attended the Friends Boarding School in Providence, R. I. He then entered the Law School of Boston University and graduated in 1878, when he began the practice of law in Salem. In 1880 he served as a member of the Governor's Council and in 1881 and 1882 was president of the Common Council in Salem.

Brother Raymond was Mayor of the city of Salem four years, 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889. His administration was marked by progress and harmony. In recent years he gradually relinquished his law practice to devote himself to the care of the estate of the late Isaac C. Wyman, the Marblehead millionaire, with holdings all over the country.

Brother Raymond received the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in Essex Lodge, Salem, in 1866, and became Master of that Lodge in 1893 and 1894. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Eighth Masonic District in 1901 and 1902. He was also a member of other Masonic bodies, Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and also of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector_General of the thirty-third and last degree September 21, 1897.

Surviving, besides his widow, are three children: two daughters and a son - John M. Raymond, Jr., a Princeton graduate and overseas veteran, now studying law in Boston, who received the degrees in Essex Lodge, Salem, in 1916.

"It seemeth such a little way to me,
Across to that strange country, 'The Beyond',
And yet not strange, for it has grown to be
The home of those of whom I am so fond;
They make it seem familiar and most clear,
As journeying friends bring distant countries near.

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1920

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1920, Page 35:

Illustrious Brother John Marshall Raymond died suddenly at his home in Salem, Massachusetts, on Sunday, March 7, 1920, in (he sixty-eighth year of his age.

Brother Raymond was born in Salem June 16, 1852, where he always resided. He received his education in the public schools of Salem and also at the Friends Boarding School, at Providence, R. I., and was graduated from the Boston University Law School with a degree of LL.B. in 1878, at that time receiving the Hillard prize.

While pursuing his studies, and before, he was employed in various occupations as a clerk in a store, afterwards in the freight departments of the Old Eastern and Boston & Lowell Railroads at Salem, and for a time served as station agent at Peabody, Massachusetts.Brother Raymond was admitted to the Suffolk Bar in October, 1878, and since then had actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his profession in Salem; he was a lawyer of recognized ability, his legal qualification and broad knowledge of the law brought him into prominence and placed him among the leaders of the Essex Bar. He was a member of Governor Long's Executive Council in 1880; President of the Salem Common Council during the years of 1881 and 1882, and Mayor of Salem from 1886-1889. During his term of office as Mayor he introduced many important changes in the various departments of the city, introducing the Fire Alarm System, the establishing of the Public Library of which he afterward was a permanent trustee. He was President of the Mutual Benefit Association for fourteen years and also President of the Salem Co-operative Bank from its organization in 1888 until 1895; Director in the Mercantile National Bank; one of the Trustees of the Salem Lyceum, and for four years a member of the Second Corps Cadets, and was an original member of the Mayor’s Club of Massachusetts.

Brother Raymond was made a Master Mason March 19, 1886, in Essex Lodge, Salem, Massachusetts, and was its Worshipful Master during the years 1893 and 1894. He was exalted in Washington Royal Arch Chapter of Salem; a member of Salem Council Royal and Select Masters, and was knighted in Window Lewis Commandery June 20, 1889, and its eminent Commander in 1907 and 1908. He was District Deputy, Grand Master of the Eighth Masonic District in 1901 and 1902, and served for many years upon the Auditing Committee of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

He received the fourteenth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry in Sutton Lodge of Perfection, Salem, February 4, 1887, and served as its Thrice Potent Grand Master during the years of 1892-3—4. He was a member of Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Boston, having joined December 11, 1887, and served as its Sovereign Prince from 1896 to 1898 inclusive. He was a life member of Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, Boston, being made a member December 18, 1887. He received the thirty-second degree in Massachusetts Consistory December 23, 1887, and afterwards served as Second Lieutenant Commander for the period of three years. On September 21, 1S97, he was crowned as honorary member of the Supreme Council of the thirty-third and last degree of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Brother Raymond was Past Noble Grand of Fraternity Lodge, Xo. 118, I. O. O. F., of Salem.

In June, 1879, Brother Raymond married Miss Anna Belle Jackson, of Salem; she died in January, 1885, leaving three daughters, two of which are now living. In December, 1893, he married Miss Jennie Abbott Ward, of Salem; of this union, one son, Capt. John M. Raymond. Jr., a veteran of the World War; he leaves also four grandchildren.

Brother Raymond was buried with Masonic honors from the Second Unitarian Church March 11, 1920.

Illustrious Brother Raymond was a man whom we all loved and respected. We shall miss his familiar presence going in and out among us. his pleasant smile and cheering voice. He had a great personality and made friends wherever he went. In his family he was a kind and gentle husband and father.

In his wide circle of Masonic Associates all were ever ready to extend to him the right hand of fellowship. In his business affairs he was energetic, square, and upright in his dealings with all men; as mayor of the city, always working for the best interests of the people; as a Masonic leader ever ready with some new and progressive ideas for the advancement of the Craft. Underneath and through all he had a deep sense of religious sentiment which made itself manifest whenever he was called upon to express himself either in Masonic duties or conversation.He was kind to the poor, “never letting his left hand know what his right hand doeth." Socially he excelled, always beaming with kindness and good fellowship.

“Take him, all in all, he was a man, and we shall not look upon his like again.”

C. W. Battis
Robt. L. Almy
Charles Goodwin

READ, ELLSWORTH WILLIAM 1900-1991

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1992

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1992, Page A-ix:

Ill. Ellsworth William Read, 33°
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, April 8, 1900
Died in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, November 29, 1991

Ill. Ellsworth William Read, 33°, was the son of Elmer Clarence and Alice Whitney (Cushing) Read. He attended the public schools of Belmont, Massachusetts, through high school. He began to work for his father in the prestigious Boston jewelry store of Kettell, Blake & Read - specialists in fraternal jewelry - in 1920. Later, he was President from 1955 until his retirement in 1968. He had served as President and, for twenty years, as Secretary/Treasurer of the Boston Jeweler's Club.

On October 9, 1926, he married Eva Rand who survives along with a son Philip W. of Nantucket, two grandchildren, Christopher and Amanda, and a nephew, Peter Read of Boston.

Affectionately known as Elly, he was active in the civic affairs of the communities in which be lived. A veteran of World War I, he served as a Lieutenant in the Volunteer Fire Department while in Wellesley. He was active in the Mid-Cape Men's Club, particularly on the bowling and golf teams. He belonged to the Episcopal Church.

Ill. Brother Read's Masonic career began in Belmont Lodge, A.F. & A.M., on June 22, 1922, demitting in 1949 and affiliating with Wellesley Lodge. In 1975, he demitted from Wellesley Lodge and affiliated with Howard Lodge in South Yarmouth.

In the York Rite, he was exalted in Belmont Royal Arch Chapter on December 13, 1922, and served as High Priest in 1930. He was greeted in Cryptic Council, Royal and Select Masters, Newtonville, on April 23, 1942, demitting in 1953.

In the Scottish Rite, he received the degrees in the Valley of Boston in April 1946. He worked in the degrees of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection and was an Assistant Master of Ceremonies in Massachusetts Consistory from 1949 to 1964. He served as Second Lieutenant Commander of Massachusetts Consistory, 1964-1967. He was Vice-chairman in 1957 and 1960 and Chairman in 1963, 1966, 1969 and 1972 of the Transportation Committee for the Annual Sessions of the Supreme Council in Boston. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in September 1969.

He joined Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in 1946 where he served as a Potentate's Aide and Captain of the Guard. He was active on the Advisory Councils, Order of DeMolay, in Boston Chapter from 1926 to 1931, Belmont Chapter from 1931 to 1936 and Wellesley Chapter in 1954 and 1955.

Memorial services were held for him on December 4, 1992 at 11:00 a.m. in the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. His ashes were buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Nantucket.

Ill. Brother Read had a zest for life, a great sense of humor and loved to travel. He was always perfectly at home with everyone wherever he went. He was proud to be a Mason and lived his life and conducted his business according to its principles.

REED, WALDO FRANCIS 1915-1989

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1989

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1989, Page A-vi:

Ill. Waldo Francis Reed, 33°
Born in Peabody, Massachusetts, May 8, 1915
Died in Danvers, Massachusetts, January 28, 1989

Ill:. Waldo Francis Reed, 33°, the son of Elizabeth Ann Reed, was born in Peabody, Massachusetts on May 8, 1915 and died at Hunt Memorial Hospital, Danvers on January 28, 1989. In 1936, he married the late Shirley Raymond in Portsmouth, N.H. He is survived by his three children, Mrs. Audrey Thompson, Robert Waldo Reed and Philip Francis Reed.

At the time of his death, he was the Treasurer of the Sutton Home for Aged Women. He had been employed by the General Electric Company Aircraft Engine Department as a manufacturing manager until his retirement 8 years ago after 40 years of service.

He was raised a Master Mason on February 20, 1946 in Jordan Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Peabody. He served as its Worshipful Master in 1954-1955 and was a Trustee of the Lodge since 1970. He served the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts as District Deputy Grand Marshal for the Lynn 8th Masonic District in 1976-1977.

He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valleys of Salem and Boston:

  • Sutton Lodge of Perfection, Salem, May 11, 1946
  • Jubilee Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Salem, November 11, 1949
  • Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix, Salem, November 25, 1949
  • Massachusetls Consistory, Boston, December 23, 1949

He served as Sovereign Prince of Jubilee Council, Princes of Jerusalem from May 1977 to May 1979 and also served the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation as Minister of Stale. Ill. Brother Reed was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 26, 1979 in Chicago, Illinois.

On January 31, 1989, funeral services were held in the Stockwell­-Richardson Funeral Parlor, Peabody, with interment in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem, Massachusetts.

REGAN, LINWOOD BURGIN 1910-1974

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1975

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1975, Page 35:

Ill. Linwood Burgin Regan, 33°
Born in West Haven, Connecticut, November 4, 1910
Died in New London, Connecticut, September 7, 1974

Ill. Linwood Burgin Regan, 33° , was the son of Harry Clark and Mae (Burgin) Regan. He graduated from the public schools of Springfield and attended Northeastern University and the American Institute of Banking. After a few years in the banking business, Ill. Brother Regan became associated with the Monarch Life Insurance Company at its home office in Springfield, where he became manager of the Addressograph and Mailing Departments, and president of the Monarch Credit Union.

On October 15, 1938, Ill. Brother Regan was united in marriage to Ruth Janet Hepsick, who survives, together with a son, Peter Linwood; a daughter, Mrs. Pamela Ruth Traynor, and two grand­children.

Ill. Brother Regan was active in Springfield Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and served as Master Councilor and District Deputy. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor and was the Secretary of Connecticut Valley Preceptory.

Ill. Brother Regan was raised a Master Mason in Springfield Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 27, 1932, and six years later served as Worshipful Master. He received the degrees of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Springfield in the year 1952, and served as Most Wise Master of Springfield Chapter of Rose Croix from 1962-1965. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° , Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, on Sep­tember 24, 1969, at Boston, Massachusetts.

Ill. Brother Regan was Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Springfield and was also a founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dwight H. Keyes Scottish Rite Scholarship Fund, Inc. He was a member of Melha Temple, A.A.O. NM.S.

In addition to the offices he held, Ill. Brother Regan was one of the "work horses" of Scottish Rite degree work having carried several of the "heavy" ritual parts in Princes of Jerusalem and Consistory degrees for many years.

Funeral services were held on September 10, at the Dickinson ­Streeter Funeral Home with the Reverend Doctor Frederick F. Driftmier, 32° of South Congregational Church, officiating. Burial Was in Hillcrest Park Cemetery.

The Supreme Council was represented by Il:. Laurence E. Eaton, 33°, Grand Secretary General and Deputy for Massachusetts, two Active Members, several Honorary Members and a large number of members of the Valley of Springfield.

REHBEIN, EDWARD GEORGE 1912-1975

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1976

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1976, Page 36:

Edwin George Rehbein, 33°
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, February 21, 1912
Died in Springfield, Massachusetts, August 26, 1975

Ill. Edwin George Rehbein, 33° , was the son of Frank and Katherine (Bollenbach) Rehbein and was a life-long resident of the Holyoke-Springfield area. He received his early education in the public schools of Holyoke after which his advanced education was obtained at both the Worcester Polytechnical Institute and the University of Connecticut, where he majored in Design and Methods Engineering. In 1968, he retired from the Worthington Corporation, Holyoke as a Methods Engineer where he had been employed for twenty-eight years.

On November 12, 1932, Ill. Brother Rehbein married Lillian P. Johnson, who survives him with one son, David R. Rehbein of Longmeadow; a brother, Alfred Rehbein of Chicopee; three sisters, Mrs. Armand Roberts, Mrs. Carl Domingue, both of Holyoke; and Mrs. David Benoit of Burlington. He also had two grandchildren.

Ill:. Brother Rehbein was a member of Grace Episcopal Church of Chicopee, where he was a lay reader. A Vestryman for thirty years, he had also served as Warden and had been active throughout the diocese in church activities.

Ill:. Brother Rehbein was raised a Master Mason on June 22, 1945, in Esoteric Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Springfield, Massachusetts and was installed Worshipful Master on September 29, 1949. He was exalted in Morning Star Chapter, R.A.M., on April 22, 1949.

His Scottish Rite degrees were received in the Valley of Spring­field, Massachusetts, in 1951, and he served as Sovereign Prince of Massasoit Council, Princes of Jerusalem, during 1957 and 1958.

Ill. Brother Rehbein was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, on Sep­tember 24, 1969, at Boston, Massachusetts.

Funeral services were conducted in the Grise Funeral Home in Chocopee. Interment was in Forestdale Cemetery, Holyoke.

RICE, GEORGE COMERFORD 1909-1982

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1983

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1983, Page 27:

Ill. George Comerford Rice, 33°
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 22, 1909
Died in Amesbury, Massachusetts, November 8, 1982

Illustrious George Comerford Rice, 33°, was the son of the late Lincoln Parker and Grace (Comerford) Rice. He graduated from Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts and attended Massachusetts State College (now University of Massachusetts). On January 1, 1938 he married Alice Elaine Floyd of Manchester, Mass. Mrs. Rice and two sons, Allan Jeffrey Rice and Fred Lincoln Rice survive.

For many years Illustrious Brother Rice was the owner of Floyd's Insurance Agency in Manchester and was a Real Estate Appraiser.

Illustrious Brother Rice was very active in Town affairs, serving ably and with distinction. He was a member of the Cemetery Com­mittee, the Finance Committee, Chief Clerk Appraiser for the Board of Assessors and notably Town Clerk for 26 years.

He was Moderator of the Congregational Church in Manchester for 17 years and a member of its Finance Committee. His local club affiliations included a tenure as President of the Manchester Club, the Manchester Town Golf Association. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Magnolia Lodge No. 149 1.O.O.F. and he was instrumental in starting the first Cub Scout Pack in Manchester.

Illustrious Brother Rice was raised a Master Mason on March 15, 1948 in Manchester Lodge A.F. & A.M. Manchester, Massachusetts. He served the Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1955 and was its Secre­tary for 15 years. In 1960 he was Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

For many years Illustrious Brother Rice was an Instructor in the Twenty-Eighth Lodge of Instruction, receiving a Certificate of Meri­torious Service. Illustrious Brother Rice served as District Deputy Grand Secretary for the Gloucester Ninth Masonic District in 1956- 1957.

In Scottish Rite Illustrious Brother Rice received the degrees in Sutton Lodge of Perfection; Jubilee Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix in the Valley of Salem, Massa­chusetts and in Massachusetts Consistory. He served as Thrice Potent Master of Sutton Lodge of Perfection from May 1, 1964 to May 5, 1967.

On September 27, 1967 Illustrious Brother Rice was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. In the York Rite he was a member of William Ferson Royal Arch Chapter, Gloucester, Massachusetts and Salem Council Royal and Select Masters.

Illustrious Brother Rice was a kind and understanding man. He was dedicated - always going the "second mile" in all endeavors. His contributions to Masonry, indeed to his fellow man, were an inspiration. An able administrator, a teacher, a worker - his sin­cerity and devotion to truth won the respect and affection of all who knew him. He was a Mason in every sense of the word. Truly it may be said of him, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Illustrious Brother Rice passed to the Celestial Lodge above on November 8, 1982. A Masonic Funeral Service was conducted by Manchester Lodge, A.F. & A.M. at the Lee, Moody and Russell Funeral Home in Beverly, Mass. on November 11, 1982. Private Funeral Services were held in the A.M. on November 12, 1982 and a Memorial Service was held at 3:00 P.M. on November 12, 1982 in the First Parish Congregational Church, Manchester, Rev. John G. Hughes II officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Manchester.

Among the many attending this beautiful service were M.W.J. Philip Berquist, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Illustrious Laurence E. Eaton 33°, Active Emeriti Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, and Past Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

RICE, GEORGE MURRAY, 2D 1843-1917

GeorgeMRice.jpg

  • MM 1872, WM 1884-1885, Montacute
  • Grand Pursuivant 1895
  • Junior Grand Steward 1896

MEMORIAL

FROM NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN 1917

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIII, No. 2, November 1917, Page 60:

George M. Rice, a prominent citizen of Worcester, and a well known Freemason, died at his home on November 8th after a brief illness. Brother Rice has been active in Masonic affairs for many years and on the occasion of the semi-centennial of Montacute Lodge in 1908, delivered the Historical Address. He was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies in Worcester with the exception of the Consistory, being a member of Massachusetts Consistory, located in Boston, which he joined April 28, 1878.

Mr. Rice made the Masonic bodies of Massachusetts bequests aggregating $40,000. The value of the estate is not given, but, after making several bequests to relatives and friends, Mr. Rice directs that specific bequests of $22,000 be made to the Masonic bodies with which he was affiliated and that half the residuary estate be given to the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts for the support of the Masonic honre in this State.

The specific Masonic bequests are $1000 to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, $8000 to Montacute Lodge of Worcester, $5000 to Worcester Royal Arch Chapter, $2500 to Hiram Council of Royal and Select Masters; $2000 to Goddard Council, Rose Croix, $500 to reduce debt on Worcester Masonic Temple, $1000 to the Grand Royal Arch Chanter of Massachusetts, $1000 to the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts and $1000 to the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation.

In his will Mr. Rice said: "As a large part of any success which has come to me in life has been through the help, inspiration, and teachings of the Masonic fraternity, I desire that they shall be largely my beneficiaries."

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION 1918

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1918, Page 67:

Illustrious Brother John Marshall Raymond died suddenly at his home in Salem, Massachusetts, on Sunday, March 7, 1920, in (he sixty-eighth year of his age.

Brother Raymond was born in Salem June 16, 1852, where he always resided. He received his education in the public schools of Salem and also at the Friends Boarding School, at Providence, R. I., and was graduated from the Boston University Law School with a degree of LL.B. in 1878, at that time receiving the Hillard prize.

While pursuing his studies, and before, he was employed in various occupations as a clerk in a store, afterwards in the freight departments of the Old Eastern and Boston & Lowell Railroads at Salem, and for a time served as station agent at Peabody, Massachusetts.Brother Raymond was admitted to the Suffolk Bar in October, 1878, and since then had actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his profession in Salem; he was a lawyer of recognized ability, his legal qualification and broad knowledge of the law brought him into prominence and placed him among the leaders of the Essex Bar. He was a member of Governor Long's Executive Council in 1880; President of the Salem Common Council during the years of 1881 and 1882, and Mayor of Salem from 1886-1889. During his term of office as Mayor he introduced many important changes in the various departments of the city, introducing the Fire Alarm System, the establishing of the Public Library of which he afterward was a permanent trustee. He was President of the Mutual Benefit Association for fourteen years and also President of the Salem Co-operative Bank from its organization in 1888 until 1895; Director in the Mercantile National Bank; one of the Trustees of the Salem Lyceum, and for four years a member of the Second Corps Cadets, and was an original member of the Mayor’s Club of Massachusetts.

Brother Raymond was made a Master Mason March 19, 1886, in Essex Lodge, Salem, Massachusetts, and was its Worshipful Master during the years 1893 and 1894. He was exalted in Washington Royal Arch Chapter of Salem; a member of Salem Council Royal and Select Masters, and was knighted in Window Lewis Commandery June 20, 1889, and its eminent Commander in 1907 and 1908. He was District Deputy, Grand Master of the Eighth Masonic District in 1901 and 1902, and served for many years upon the Auditing Committee of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

He received the fourteenth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry in Sutton Lodge of Perfection, Salem, February 4, 1887, and served as its Thrice Potent Grand Master during the years of 1892-3—4. He was a member of Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Boston, having joined December 11, 1887, and served as its Sovereign Prince from 1896 to 1898 inclusive. He was a life member of Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, Boston, being made a member December 18, 1887. He received the thirty-second degree in Massachusetts Consistory December 23, 1887, and afterwards served as Second Lieutenant Commander for the period of three years. On September 21, 1S97, he was crowned as honorary member of the Supreme Council of the thirty-third and last degree of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Brother Raymond was Past Noble Grand of Fraternity Lodge, Xo. 118, I. O. O. F., of Salem.

In June, 1879, Brother Raymond married Miss Anna Belle Jackson, of Salem; she died in January, 1885, leaving three daughters, two of which are now living. In December, 1893, he married Miss Jennie Abbott Ward, of Salem; of this union, one son, Capt. John M. Raymond. Jr., a veteran of the World War; he leaves also four grandchildren.

Brother Raymond was buried with Masonic honors from the Second Unitarian Church March 11, 1920.

Illustrious Brother Raymond was a man whom we all loved and respected. We shall miss his familiar presence going in and out among us. his pleasant smile and cheering voice. He had a great personality and made friends wherever he went. In his family he was a kind and gentle husband and father.

In his wide circle of Masonic Associates all were ever ready to extend to him the right hand of fellowship. In his business affairs he was energetic, square, and upright in his dealings with all men; as mayor of the city, always working for the best interests of the people; as a Masonic leader ever ready with some new and progressive ideas for the advancement of the Craft. Underneath and through all he had a deep sense of religious sentiment which made itself manifest whenever he was called upon to express himself either in Masonic duties or conversation.He was kind to the poor, “never letting his left hand know what his right hand doeth." Socially he excelled, always beaming with kindness and good fellowship.

“Take him, all in all, he was a man, and we shall not look upon his like again.”

C. W. Battis
Robt. L. Almy
Charles Goodwin

RICE, WILLIS 1923-1984

MEMORIAL

‘’From ‘’’TROWEL’’’, Winter 1984, Page 26:’’

Willis J. Rice of Brockton, Grand Master of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts, died suddenly August 23. He was the husband of Madeline (Farrow) and was a native of Muskegon, MI.

A resident of Brockton for 15 years, he was a partner and president of Russrud Machine Co. of Rockland, MA. Serving with the Fourth Marine Division in World War II, Bro. Rice saw action in the Marshall Islands, Iwo Jima, and was wounded at Saipan. A recognized tool and die maker, he had received his education in New Jersey.

Raised in Meridian Lodge, Natick, he was a Past Master of North Star Lodge, Ashland, and the Major General Henry Knox Lodge of Boston. He was High Priest of Triad Chapter, Newtonville, and held membership with St. Andrew’s Chapter of Boston. A Past Commander of Natick Commandery No. 33, he was a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Fall River.

Bro. Rice is survived by his wife and sons, W. James Rice of Town-send, David C. of Redondo Beach, CA, and Donald K. of Eastport, ME; two sisters and three grandchildren. Grand Master David B. Richardson attended a Masonic service held at the funeral home in Braintree.

RICH, MATTHIAS, JR. 1820-1914

From New England Craftsman, Vol. X, No. 4, January 1915, Page 136:

Matthias Rich, a well known business man of Boston, died at his home in Somerville, December 13 of old age. He was born at Truro, Mass., June 8, 1820. He came to Boston in 1847 and opened the ship chandlery and grocery business which was continued until 1904. He was a member of the school committee and city government in Boston.

While connected with the City Government Mr. Rich was on the reception committees to the Prince of Wales (Edward VII), Duke Alexis and other prominent men. His wide acquaintance here and abroad resulted in the accumulation of antiques, relics and mementoes of priceless value. But in the Chelsea fire of 1908 his brick house was destroyed and he moved to Somerville. He was a long time a member of St. John's Lodge and St. Andrew's R. A. Chapter.

RICHARDS, CHAUNCEY SLEEPER 1841-1895

R. W. Chauncey Sleeper Richards was born at Chester, New Hampshire, Dec. 9, 1841, where he resided for the first twenty years of his life. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, graduating at the Chester Academy.

In 1861 he removed from Chester with his father's family, to Danvers, Mass., where he resided until his death. He was for many years associated with his father in the grocery business at Danversport, afterwards buying an interest in a large coal firm in the same town. Upon retiring from that business, he obtained a situation in the Boston Custom House, where he held the position of Inspector. He was a man who possessed the confidence of his townsmen, as shown by their electing him repeatedly to positions of honor, and trust. He has served as Selectman, Water Commissioner, Fire-ward, and was one of the Trustees of the Danvers Savings Bank. He was a valued member of the Universalist Society, and was one of its Trustees.

He was married to Alice G. Black, daughter of Moses Black, of Danvers, May 25, 1»65. He leaves a widow and five children, two sons and three daughters. The sons are members of Mosaic Lodge, and the names of both are found, on its roll as officers for the ensuing year.

He was first a member of Amity Lodge, where he was raised in August, 1864. He was demitted Sept. 23, 1871, at the formation of Mosaic Lodge, of which he was a Charter Member. He was elected Worshipful Master of Mosaic Lodge, and served in that position for the years 1885-6.

He was exalted in Holton Royal Arch Chapter, July 11, 1872, and was M.E.H. Priest in 1884-5. April 19, 1883, he was knighted in Winslow Lewis Commandery, and served as Captain of the Guard in 1886-'87-'88. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Eighth Masonic District for 1894, and re-appointed in 1895, holding the position at the time of his death. He was buried with Masonic honors on the twenty-ninth day of November, 1895, by Mosaic Lodge, Winslow Lewis Commandery and Amity Lodge acting as escort. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was represented by Most Worshipful Grand Master Edwin B. Holmes; R.W. J. Albert Blake, Past Junior Grand Warden; R.W. Charles H. Littlefield, D.D.G.M., Tenth District; and R.W. Samuel L. Sawyer, Special District Deputy for the Eighth District.

R.W. Brother Richards was a man beloved by all who knew him. Possessing a sunny disposition and a generous heart, he was always stretching forth the willing hand to help the weak, raise up the discouraged, and lighten the burdens of the afflicted. Many can testify to benefits received from his kind words and sympathy. He was a devoted and loving father and a good husband, and we extend our sympathy to his bereaved family.

Brother Richards in his last sickness was called upon to endure far more than the usual suffering of humanity. Confined to his room from the twenty-second day of July, he began an unequal fight against the progress of the disease which was to take his life; enduring the greatest agony through those weary days, and suffering almost beyond the control of reason; yet, it is said, that in the presence of his children he maintained such control of himself, for their sakes, that they frequently felt on leaving his bedside that he was on the road to restored health.

He passed away on the evening of November 26, entering into the reward prepared for him in that country from whose bourne no traveller returns. The last offices performed for the dead are useful for the consideration of the living, and if we, by remembering his many virtues, are taught to develop our own feelings of brotherly love and kindness for each other, then his life and death will not have been in vain.

Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL L. SAWYER,
Committee.

RICHARDS, EUGENE HERVEY 1843-1899

EugeneRichards.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1900

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ, Page 43:

Ill. Bro. Richards was born in New York State, Nov. 17, 1843. He received his common school education at North Attleboro and entered Tufts College at the age of fourteen, graduating July 9, 1862.

Two days after his graduation he enlisted as a private in Company If of the 40th Massachusetts infantry, and was commissioned second lieutenant while on his way to the front, lie was discharged as a first lieutenant of the same company by reason of disability, July 6, 1863.

While still in the army his parents removed to Boston, and on his return he entered into business with his father as a manufacturing jeweler, and at the death of his father succeeded him in business, in which he continued until his decease. Ills Arm made a specialty of society jewels and souvenir badges, and the specimens of his. work attained wide notoriety and attracted considerable custom to his house.

Bro. Richards marriage was a most happy one, and when in 1897 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, its effect upon him was so serious that he never entirely recovered. He was always young, and his boyish enthusiasm, enhanced by his army life, bubbled over with talk and story and jest whenever he met his friends.

Both he and his wife were parishioners of the Rev. E. A. Horton, by whom they were married, and who performed burial service over each.lie was made a Mason in Joseph Warren Lodge Jan. 23, 1866, and from the beginning manifested an enthusiasm and love for the fraternity which became more and more noticeable as he advanced, and made him the recipient of many honors and offices at the hands of his brethren. He was Wor. Master of his lodge in 1886-1887. Thrice Ill. Master of Boston Council of R. & S. Masters in 1880 and 1881, and Em. Com. of Boston Commandery K. T. in 1887 and 1888. He was elected Gd. Com. of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, October, 1895, and served as such one year. He was Th. P. G. M. of Boston Lodge of Perfection in 1877 and 1878, and presided over Giles F. Yates Council of Princes of Jerusalem from 1890 to 1892. He also served in various minor positions in Massachusetts Consistory and was crowned a Sov. Gr. Ins. General, 33° and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, A. A. S. Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Sept. 13, 1891.

In all the various positions he filled he gave freely of his time and of his intellect, and was correct in his ritual and prompt and regular in his attendance.

His death occurred at Waverley, Mass., Monday, Dec. 11, 1899.

Fraternally submitted,
Albert L. Richardson, 33°,
Wm. B. Lawrence, 33°,
Eugene A. Holton, 33°,
Committee.

RICHARDS, FRED HOYT 1873-1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-199:

Right Worshipful Fred Hoyt Richards was born in Chelmsford November 8, 1873, and died in Foxboro April 7, 1939.

Brother Richards went to Foxboro as a boy, and in early manhood became chief accountant for a paper manufacturing company in Boston. The last twenty-five years of his life were passed as cashier of the Foxboro National Bank. He was very active in town affairs, serving as Assessor, as an election officer, and as Town Accountant.

He was raised in Saint Alban's Lodge in 1900 and was its Master in 1911. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Attleboro Twenty-eighth Masonic District in 1929 and 1930, by appointment by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean.

He was a member and for thirty-seven years Secretary of Kingston Royal Arch Chapter; Past Master of Attleboro Council, Royal and Select Mastersl and for thirty-five years Treasurer of Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar. The respect and esteem in which he was held by our Fraternity is abundantly shown by this impressive list of offices held by him. On the occasion of his funeral, the flags on the town buildings and on the bank were displayed at half staff and every business establishment in the center of the town was closed during the funeral ceremonies.

So passed a useful citizen and a good Mason, who exemplified in his life the principles of our Order.

RICHARDSON, ALBERT LEWIS 1846-1914

AlbertRichardson.jpg AlbertRichardson1914.png

MEMORIAL

FROM PROCEEDINGS, 1914

From Proceedings, Page 1914-144:

Albert Lewis Richardson was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 20, 1846, and died at his residence in Boston, March 17, 1914. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis G. Richardson and a grandson of R.W. John B. Hammatt who was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge in 1812, Senior Grand Warden in 1815, and on his return to the State after many years' absence was appointed Deputy Grand Master in 1843, and for whom Hammatt Lodge of East Boston was named.

Brother Richardson received the degrees in Mount Lebanon Lodge in 1871, and was its Worshipful Master in 1877 and 1878. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District in 1879 and 1880. He joined St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter in 1872, and was its High Priest in 1880 and 1881. He became a member of Boston Council, R. & S. M. in 1873, and was its Thrice Illustrious Master in 1876 and 1877. He also became a member of Boston Commandery, K. T., in 1872. His special Masonic work was done in the Scottish Rite. He became a member of Massachusetts Consistory in 1873, and was its Illustrious Commander for three years, 1890-1892. In 1890, September 16, he received the Thirty-third and last degree, honorary, at the session of the Supreme Council in Cleveland.

Brother Richardson married July 12, 1900, Miss Velilla Chase, who survives him.

Brother Richardson was an active Mason for nearly forty years. He was always ready and willing to discharge any duty which the Brethren desired. Of quiet demeanor, and of retiring disposition, he greeted his Brethren with a simple dignity of manner that won him many friends.

His loyalty to the various bodies of which he was a member was clearly shown in his presence, his activity and his zeal. His memory will be cherished by hosts of Brethren who loved him; and his example will be an inspiration in many lives.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. IX, No. 6, March 1914, Page 195:

ALBERT LEWIS RICHARDSON, I one of the best known and one of the most popular Masons of Boston, passed suddenly from this life to the great beyond Tuesday, March 17. Although not in vigorous physical condition, no one suspected the end was so near. He was in our office Saturday afternoon discussing business that would require his attention on Monday. On Sunday he was stricken with a fatal illness that on Tuesday closed his eyes in their final earthly sleep.

Brother Richardson had many close friends who prized his genial companionship and respected him for the honesty of his character. There was no deception in his dealings with men. He was conscientious and fair in his judgment, forming his opinions carefully and maintaining them modestly but firmly. His death creates a void in many fraternal groups that will be hard to fill. Brother Richardson was born in Boston November 20, 1846. He traced his ancestry through eight generations to Ezekiel Richardson, who settled in Charlestown in 1630. He graduated from the English High School in 1862. On leaving school he entered the employ of Francis M. Weld, an extensive importer of Chinese and India merchandise, where he remained until 1883, when he was compelled to relinquish active business life by reason of ill-health.

Mr. Richardson was identified with Craft, Capitular, Cryptic and Templar Masonry, as well as the Scottish Rite. He became enrolled in Mt. Lebanon Lodge, Boston, June 12, 1871, and presided over it in 1877-78. He joined St. Andrew's R. A. Chapter, February 27, 1872, and was its High Priest in 1880-81. He was elected years ago grand scribe in Grand Chapter.

September 25, 1873, he was admitted to Boston Council, R. & S. M., and was its Thrice Illustrious Master, 1876-77. Seven years later he was chosen to preside over the Grand Council, serving one year.

After passing through the first three bodies of the Scottish Rite he entered Massachusetts Consistory February 28, 1873, and was its Commander-in-Chief for three years following 1889. At the session of the Supreme Council in Cleveland September 16, 1890, the 33d and last degree was conferred upon him.

He was likewise affiliated with Boston Commandery, K. T., and Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine.

July 12, 1900, he was married to Mrs. Velilla Chase, in the house on Waltham Street, where he lived 56 years. Mrs. Richardson is living, but there are no other near relatives.

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1914

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ, 1914, Page 55:

The sudden death of Albert Lewis Richardson at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of sixty-seven years, on the afternoon of March 17, 1914, produced a profound impression of sadness in the minds of the Masonic Fraternity among whom he had labored so long and faithfully.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, November 20, 1810, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis G. Richardson, and was a lineal descendant in the eighth generation from Ezekiel Richardson, who settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1630.

He attended the public schools of Boston, graduating from the English High in 1802.

On leaving school he entered the employ of Francis M. Weld, an extensive importer of Chinese and India merchandise, where he remained until 1883, when he was compelled to relinquish active business by reason of ill health.

July 12, 1900, he was married to Mrs. Velilla Chase, in the house on Waltham Street, where he lived fifty-six years. Mrs. Richardson is living, but there are no other relatives.

Ill. Brother Richardson was identified with Craft, Capitular, Cryptic, and Templar Masonry, as well as the Scottish Rite. He became enrolled in Mt. Lebanon Lodge, Boston, June 12, 1871, and presided over it in 1877-78. He joined St. Andrew’s R. A. Chapter, February 27, 1S72, and was its High Priest in 1880-81. He was elected years ago Grand Scribe in Grand Chapter. September 25, 1873, he was admitted to Boston Council, R. A. S. M., and was its Thrice Illustrious Master in 1870-77. Seven years later he was chosen to preside over the Grand Council, serving one year.

After passing through the first three bodies of the Scottish Rite he entered Massachusetts Consistory, February 28, 1S73, and was its Ill. Commander-in-Chief for three years following 1889. At the session of the Supreme Council in Cleveland, Ohio, September 16, 1890, the thirty-third and last degree was conferred upon him.

He was also affiliated with Boston Commandery, Knights Templar, and Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

He had no element of greatness as a characteristic for eulogy or laudation, in common phraseology and meaning, no ripe education, no fashionable polish, but his head was well disciplined to high duty and lofty principles. His convictions were for the right and true, and the path these traced he ever followed.

Caring little for outward show and applause of men, guided alone by what the still, small voice told him was just and right and true; meeting and greeting all with whom he came in contact with a simple grace and dignity that bespoke the true and kindly gentleman and upright man. Loved by his friends, respected by his opponents, esteemed by his brethren everywhere. A friend upon whose fidelity one might safely rely and trust. And so we think of him now with a greater and tenderer esteem and affection because no shadow of remorse arises to reproach our hearts.

Forty years of fraternal friendship demand not only tribute of the pen, but of our hearts to him who had our friendship, respect, and love.The funeral services were held at his late residence, 52 Waltham Street, Boston, Friday, March 20, 1914, and were conducted by the officers of Massachusetts Consistory, and was largely attended by his Masonic friends and others. The wealth of floral tributes emphasized the loving kindness in which he was held by all who knew him. The interment was in the family lot at. Mount Auburn Cemetery.

“If we live the noble virtues
Taught us in the first degree;
If we climb the stairs so winding
And the inner temple see;
If we with enduring mortar
Seal the ark of friendship tight,
We shall rise, as did poor Hiram,
From the darkness into light.

"If we make the sacred Delta,
With its grand and awful name,
The bright star to guide us onward
To the heaven with lights aflame;
If we contest with temptation,
And can boast the battle won.
We are fitted for the beauties
Of Itose Croix do Heredom."

If we live the true Grnnd Pontiff,
Noachite, or Prussian Knight;
Or Inquisitor Commander, —
Live for justice and the right;
God will crown us Sublime Princes
In His sacred court above,
And we’ll learn the Royal Secret,
Which is God and Truth and Love.

"If we as Inspectors-Gcneral
Heed the lessons we have heard,
As we made the mystic journey
From the third to thirty-third;
Then the Sovereign Grand Inspector, —
Ruler of the land and sea, —
Will create us Knights and Brethren
Of His very last degree."

Fraternally submitted,
B. W. Rowell, 33°,
Henry N. Fisher, 33°,
Eugene A. Holton, 33°,
Committee.

RICHARDSON, ALBERT WEBSTER 1853-1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 6, March 1908, Page 235:

Bro. Albert W. Richardson, one of the most prominent men of Winthrop, Mass., died February 17. For several years he was selectman, and in 1890-92 represented the town in the lower branch of the Legislature. He was a musician of unusual ability and was the organizer and director of Richardson's Brass Band of Winthrop, where also he helped establish the fire department. Mr. Richardson was for several years a member of the board of health, and his appointment as superintendent of sewers was a popular one. He was a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Masons.

RICHARDSON, CHARLES H. 1848-1913

From Proceedings, Page 1913-35:

R.W. CHARLES HENRY RICHARDSON was born in Northfield, Mass., Jan. 21, 1848, and died in the City of Lowell, Feb. 24, 1913.

Brother Richardson was what is commonly termed "a self-made man." Compelled when a mere boy to earn his own living, he spent his early years on a farm, at the same time making good use of every educational advantage. In 1860 he entered the Lowell Machine Shops, at first receiving fifty-eight cents per day for his labor. Though greatly interested in his machine-shop work, at the first call of his country, he went with Luther Ladd to the counting room to be paid off. He was with Ladd, Whitney, and Taylor, who lost their lives in the passage of the Sixth Regiment through Baltimore. He returned to Lowell Aug. 25, 1861, and on September 7 he re-enlisted in the Twenty-Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers and served through the entire Rebellion, being discharged in 1865, with the rank of Lieutenant. On his return to Lowell, he went back to the Lowell Machine Shops, remaining until June 3, 1869, when he entered the employ of the Lawrence Hosiery Machine Shop.

By repeated promotion he was made assistant superintendent of the plant in 1886. November 3, 1888, he became agent of the Appleton Mills in Lowell. In 1898 he became agent of the Lancaster Mills at Clinton. Retiring from active mill life in 1907, he was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Bro. Francis Bigelow as County Commissioner of Middlesex County. He was continued in this office until his death.

Brother Richardson received the Masonic Degrees in Pentucket Lodge of Lowell in 1867 and was its Worshipful Master in 1876, 1877, and 1878. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Eleventh Masonic District in 1885 and 1886. He received the Capitular Degrees in Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter in 1877 and was its High Priest in 1883 and 1884. He received the Cryptic Degrees in Ahasuerus Council, of Lowell, and was its Master in 1884 and 1885. He received the Templar Orders in Pilgrim Commandery, of Lowell, in 1881, and was its Eminent Commander in 1886 and 1887.

Brother Richardson was eminently successful in dealing with labor. He never refused to arbitrate a matter which threatened trouble; of dignified bearing, and of positive character, he never invited controversy. As a Mason, he was zealous, painstaking, and faithful. He filled his various positions with honor to himself. reflecting great honor upon the Fraternity. Two sons and two daughters survive him, who may be assured of our sympathy in their great sorrow.

RICHARDSON, ELLIOT LEE 1920-1999

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 2000

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 2000, Page A-x:

Ill. Elliot Lee Richardson, 33°
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, July 20, 1920
Died in Boston, Massachusetts, December 31, 1999

Illustrious Elliot Lee Richardson, 33°, was the son of of Edward P. and Clara (Shattuck) Richardson. He attended Milton Academy in Milton Massachusetts. A philosophy major, he was a 1941 graduate of Harvard College and received his LLB. from Harvard Law School. He was Harvard's top middleweight boxer and did cartooning for the undergraduate humor magazine, the Lampoon.

Serving during World War II in the United States Army, he was awarded a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts as a combat litter bearer. He was with the first unit to enter Paris and achieved the rank of Lieutenant.

He married Anne Francis Hazard on August 2, 1952, in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, who predeceased him in July, 1999. He is survived by two sons, Henry of Washington, D.C., and Michael of Montclair, New Jersey; a daughter, Nancy Carlson of Burlington, Vermont; a brother, George of Nahant; and seven grandchildren. As an attorney, he spent six years with the Boston Law firm of Ropes & Gray early in his career and later joined the Washington, D.C., office of the New York firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy as a senior partner.

As a public servant, he earned the title of "The Man for All Positions." He served as acting counsel to Governor Christian A. Herter and was elected as Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General of Massachusetts in the I 960's. In Washington, D.C., he served on the staff of Senator Leverett Saltonstall. He was named an Assistant Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and then U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts in the Eisenhower administration. ln the Nixon administration, he served as Undersecretary of State, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Secretary of Defense and Attorney General. In the Ford administration, he was Ambassador to the Court of St. James and Secretary of Commerce. He served the Carter administration as an Ambassador-at-Large. He was a monitor at the United Nations supervised elections in Namibia in 1988 and the following year was the United Nations Secretary-General's personal representative at the Nicaraguan national elections. Former National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger once paid him the ultimate compliment - telling a reporter, "He's as smart as I am."

Ill. Brother Richardson was raised a Master Mason in Joseph Webb Lodge in Boston on June 5, 1968. He completed the degrees of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Valley of Boston as a member of the Elliot L. Richardson Class on December 8, 1979. On September 30, 1981, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, at Philadelphia. He was a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts State House flags were lowered to half staf in his honor, while more than one thousand people attended a memorial service at Washington National Cathedral on Saturday, January 15, 2000.

RICHARDSON, EVERETT B. 1864-1933

From Proceedings, Page 1933-316:

Brother Richardson was born in Cambridge, October 14, 1864, and died in Leominster, August 26, 1933. After graduation from the public schools and Comer's Commercial College, Brother Richardson began work as a piano maker in a factory in West Leominster. Later he and his brother bought the factory and established the Richardson piano case company, of which he was president at the time of his death. He was very successful in business and, was president of two other industrial concerns and also active in banking interests.

Brother Richardson took his degrees in Wilder Lodge in 1893 and 1894 and was its Master in 1898 and 1899. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Twelfth Masonic District in 1909 and 1910 by appointment of Most Worshipful Dana J. Flanders.

He was a member of Thomas Royal Arch Chapter, a Charter member of Leominster Chapter, and a member of Jerusalem Commandery, K. T.

A local newspaper thus sums up an obituary notice of him: Richardson's whole life was very honorable and upright, and he enjoyed the full confidence and high regard of his associates and acquaintances.

RICHARDSON, FRED BORDEN 1870-1936

FredBRichardson.jpg

From Proceedings, Page 1936-142:

Right Worshipful Brother Richardson was born in Abington, September 1, 1870, and died in Brookline June 28,1936.

He was educated in the public schools of Abington and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Taking up his residence in Brookline, he entered the employ of an engineering firm and later became assistant superintendent of the Brookline highway department. He was elected Town Clerk in 1928 and remained in that position until his death. He was a past President of the Massachusetts Highway Association and its Treasurer at the time of his death.

Brother Richardson was an active member of the Harvard Congregational Church, having served it as head usher, deacon, and for many years Treasurer.

Brother Richardson took his Masonic degrees in Beth-Horon Lodge in 1895 and was its Master in 1915-16. He was a Charter member of Brookline Lodge in 1921, and was its first Secretary, serving until failing health compelled his retirement in 1934. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Brighton Fifth Masonic District in 1929 and 1930, by appointment of Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean.

By his passing the town loses a useful citizen and our Fraternity a valuable, loved, and honored member.

RICHARDSON, GEORGE L. 1835-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 2, November 1906, Page 76:’’

Brother George L. Richardson, an old member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge of Boston, died in Duxbury, Mass., October 6, at the age of 71 years. Brother Richardson was a member of the Master Builders Association aud highly esteemed by all who knew him.

RICHARDSON, JAMES P. 1829-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 3, December 1907, Page 113:

Brother James P. Richardson, a prominent citizen and ex-postmaster of West Bedford, Mass., died Nov. 2, at the age of 77 years. Brother Richardson was a charter member and honorary member of Medford Council R. and S. M., a charter member of Mystic R. A. Chapter, and a member of Boston commandery K. T. His funeral was under the charge of the latter body.

RICHARDSON, MARCUS 1780-1881

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. IV, No. 9, December 1880, Page 273:

In our last we referred to "A Notable Event," and recur to it again more fully, because to our knowledge it has no parallel. The one hundredth anniversary of the birthday of Marcus Richardson was celebrated in Milford, Mass., on the 30th day of October last, by Montgomery Lodge, in which he was made a Mason October 5th, 1803. For 58 years Brother Richardson has been a resident of Bangor, Maine, from which city he was accompanied by Bro. G. N. Hayward, who took upon himself the performance of that duty. In 1803, the Lodge was located in Medway, and to that town he was first taken. On the morning of the 30th, another member of the Lodge went to Medway, and the veteran was escorted to Milford, where an excellent photograph of him was taken, and a reception afterward held.

In the afternoon, a large number of Masons and their ladies, including representatives of Lodges in Hopkinton, Medway, Franklin, and other places assembled in Masonic Hall to pay their respects to one who had been initiated a member of the craft 77 years before. Wor. Master S. A. Eastman called the assemblage to order, and introduced as the master of ceremonies Mr. James R. Davis, who read the following letter:

Hopedale, Oct. 30th, 1880.

Rt. Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren: I was made duly aware of this day's special communication, and kindly urged to share personally in its festivities. It is not convenient for me to be present with you; and, as the next best thing, I send you a few written words of felicitation. Few Lodges of our ancient Order were ever privileged to celebrate so remarkable occasion. It will be memorable on your records and in your hearts. For you and myself, I tender to your distinguished centenarian guest the following sentences of congratulation:

Venerable patriarch and worthy elder brother of this Lodge: we welcome you with greetings of fraternal reverence and affection. We congratulate you on the attainment of your 100th birthday. The scythe of time has spared you to outlive three average generations of your contemporaries. You received astonishing "light from the East" in the hall of Montgomery Lodge in the days of your youth. The "South" at meridian, warmed with its genial rays your later manhood, and now the "West" beams serene benedictions on your remarkable old age. You have made a wonderful pilgrimage on the "level" of time, over the checquered "mosaic pavement" of prosperity and adversity, toward the celestial temple. You are almost ready to pass over Jordan, and your lips know how to pronounce the true shibboleth, The "guards" will pass you freely over, and bright squadrons of departed brethren on the immortal shore will soon hail you with their " grand honors."

Therefore we this day draw incense from one common pot, and send heavenward sweet odors of thanksgiving to the Grand .Master for all these blessings. With you, we hear and now praise him for the lessons He has taught us through the hallowed emblems of our institution; for those which have come'to us out of the sacred volume that lies open day and night on our altar— the sublime rules of righteousness; for the teachings of the "square," the "compasses" and the "plumb line," whereby we learn order, justice and moral rectitude amid the temptations of this untoward world; for those which denote to us purity and innocence in the "lambskin" and "white linen"; for the cardinal virtues of temperance, prudence, fortitude and justice; for the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth; for the three-rounded "ladder" by which we climb the heights of "Faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind." For all these we bless the name of the Supreme Paternal Architect of our destiny, and onh deplore our manifold shortcomings. Nevertheless, we throw ourselves into the bosom of His loving kindness, and trust in His redeeming grace. So now. venerable brother, accept these our cordial congratulations, and let us join in the spontaneous prayer ol grdteful hearts that when you, and each of us, shall hear the sound of the Grand Master's "gavel" summoning us to ascend into the "celestial lodge" above, we may be in readiness for our translation.

Then may the "cassia" be green on our mortal graves, and our souls be lifted by the resurrection "grip of the lion" of Juda's tribe to the mansion of eternal life — all to the glory of the Most High Father. "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be," amen. So must it be.

Fraternally yours,
Adin Ballou.

At the conclusion of the reading of the letter, Mr. Davis announced that there was an opportunity for all present to be introduced to the old gentleman, and a couple of hours were spent in social chat with him. The old records of the Lodge were produced, bearing date October 5th, 1803, and it was shown where Marcus Richardson took his initiatory degree. Mr. Richardson is remarkably well preserved, his eyesight and hearing being very good. He seemed to very much enjoy the entertainment gotten up for his benefit. Bro. James Hooper King, 79 years old, and a Mason since 1825, occupied a chair at the centenarian's left, and seemed to enjoy the occasion as much as the beneficiary.

At the close of the reception, a collation was served in the banquet hall. A special meeting was held in the evening, at which the third degree was exemplified.

Probably no similar event has ever been known in the history of any Masonic Lodge in this country. On bidding good-bye to Mr. Hayward and his wife at East Medway, the old gentleman was quite chivalrous, comporting himself almost like a man in the prime of life.

Brother Richardson reads and writes without the aid of glasses, his penmanship being not only free from any signs of trembling, but of a bold, free character. Many persons possessed themselves of his autograph.

He is a Republican in politics, and returned to Maine at the Presidential election in order to cast his ballot.

The following letter will be read with interest:

Bangor, Me., Nov. 8th, 1880.

Mrs. G. N. Hayward: After parting with Mr. Hayward and friends on the steamer in Boston, Nov. 1st, we had a pleasant time to Bangor, and deposited our vote at the fourth ward on the 2d.


Returned home, well-pleased with our journey, in good health and condition. Mrs. Hayward, please accept our thanks for the kindness we received from you and the ladies of Milford at the hall of Montgomery Lodge, and tender to them our thanks for their kind reception and generous donation on the 30th of October, 1880, at
the celebration of my one hundredth birthday at Montgomery Hall, Milford.

Marcus Richardson.

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. IV, No. 11, February 1881, Page 342:

Marcus Richardson, the aged Freemason of North Bangor, Me., who recently celebrated his centennial birthday with Montgomery Lodge of Milford, of which he was made a member October 5, 1803 at Franklin, died at his home on Thursday, January 13, aged 100 years, 2 months, 14 days. He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for more than 77 years. He had resided in Maine 58 years, plways led a quiet, unostentatious life, and was universally respected. At the time of his death he was generally acknowledged one of, if not quite, the oldest Mason in the world.

When in Milford he was in apparently excellent health, and possessed all of his faculties unimpaired, lie wrote a firm, bold chirographs read line p,int without glasses, and his memory was excellent. Mr. G. N. Hayward of Montgomery Lodge was present at his funeral. It will be remembered that Mr. Hayward was prominently identified with the inception and carrying out of the plan far having the aged brother celebrate his centennial birthday in Milford, and with Montgomery Lodge.

The Bangor Commercial says: "Counted by human measurements of time, what a privilege it must have been to have lived a full century, and especially the last one, so fully characterized was it by a progress before unknown. Within its span was seen the growth of steamboating and railroading, the invention of telegraphy, the discovery of anaesthesia, of daguerreotyping, of photography, of the phonograph, telephone, electric light, and other wonders innumerable. When Marcus Richardson was born, American independence was but a struggling infant of four years, and he was one year old when Cornwallis surrendered. He lived under the administration of Washington, and that of every president of this republic. He watched from afar the rise and decline of Napoleon I, and was a man of 40 years when the Great Captain died. He has been a resident of this city fifty-seven years, and has lived on a small farm in what is now called North Bangor, occasionally working at his trade, which was that of a wheelwright. He witnessed the trial of Fulton's first steamboat on the Hudson, in 1807, and was a privateersman throughout the war of 1812, the vessel on which he shipped taking several prizes. He at one time lived in Boston, where he kept a hotel. Mr. Richardson was possessed of a splendid constitution, his eyesight remaining perfect to the last, and glasses to him were a thing unknown. He retained all of his faculties up to his last illness, which was short, and only last December attended a meeting of Rising Virtue Lodge in this city, anil was in perfect good health and spirits. The deceased was of English descent; he leaves two children, a son and a daughter. The immediate cause of his death was kidney complaint, but his demise was probably hastened by old age. Passing through the vicissitudes of life, the hates seem to have said to him : —

"But an old age serene and bright
And lovely as a Lapland night,
Shall lead thee to thy grave."

— Milford Journal.

RICHARDSON, RINALDO BUREN 1853-1921

RinaldoRichardson.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1921

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVII, No. 3, December 1921, Page 88:

Rinaldo Buren Richardson, thirty-third degree Mason, has died at his home in Scituate Harbor, following a protracted illness. He was the son of Enos S. and Malinda (Atherton) Richardson, and was born at Pelham on June 17, 1853. His father was in the military service and the family moved from place to place as the exigency of his office required, finally settling in Maiden, where the son received his early education.

Bro. Richardson was for many years a dealer in real estate, following his graduation from Brown University, where he studied law. He never practised at the bar however. He had received honors in Masonry. He was a master of Joseph Warren lodge of Boston, in 1916 and was exalted in St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, received the degree of Cryptic rite in Boston council, thrice illustrious master in September, 1899. From October, 1902 to 1904, Bro. Richardson served as eminent commander of Boston Commandery, Knights Templars. He received the degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite in 1890 and was commander-in-chief during the years from 1904 to 1906. He was crowned an honorary member, thirty-third degree, of the supreme council at Indianapolis in September, 1905.

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1922

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1922, Page 37:

Born in Pelham, Mass., June 17, 1853.
Died in Scituate, Mass., November 19, 1921.

He attended the public schools in Malden, Mass., and Brown University, in Providence, R. I., where he prepared for the legal profession, which he did not practice, as he became interested in the management and sale of real estate and financial affairs, to which he devoted his business life.

He became earnestly and actively interested in all branches of Freemasonry and received the degree and membership in Joseph Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; St. Andrew's R. A. Chapter, Boston Council, R. & S. M.; Boston Commandery, No. 2, K. T., Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection; Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, and Massachusetts Consistory.

He was Worshipful Master of Joseph Warren Lodge in 1915. He was Thrice Illustrious Master of Boston Council in 1899, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council, R. & S. M. of Massachusetts, 1902, Eminent Commander of Boston Commandery 1902-1904, and Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts Consistory 1904, 1905, and 1906. On September 18, 1906, he was crowned a sovereign Grand Inspector General of the thirty-third and last degree, honorary.

His interest in and devotion to Masonry continued until his death, but for some years his failing health prevented active participation in its affairs.He was a strong type of manhood, of decided opinions, uncompromising in standing for what he believed to be right, a firm and steadfast friend to those who gained his friendship.

His widow, who was Miss Bertha Young, of Scituate Harbor, survives him, and to her we express our sincere sympathy and the hope that Divine aid may come to her in her affliction.

"And here, at last, is sleep, the gift of gifts,
The tender nurse, who lifts
The soul grown weary of the waiting world
And lays it, with its thoughts all furled,
Its fears forgotten, and its passions still,
On the deep bosom of the Eternal Will.”

Fraternally submitted,
Edward S. Benedict, 33°,
Edward O. Hatch, 32°,
Edward G. Graves, 33°,
Committee.

RICHARDSON, WILLIAM ADAMS 1821-1897

WilliamRichardson.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1897

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1897, Page 67:

An event which severs ties which existed for nearly fifty years, demands that we should pause in our employments, cares and disquietude to note the qualities of character which won our confidence and regard, and give testimony of our esteem for the one who has gone from us, and commemorate the qualities which endeared him to us. And especially is it so, when lie, whose departure we mourn, represented in so great a degree, not only the prominent characteristics but the stern requirements of our Institution.

William Adams Richardson, son of Daniel and Mary (Adams) Richardson, was born in Tyngsborough, Mass., Nov. 2, 1821.

He prepared for college at Lawrence Academy, Groton, Mass., and was graduated at Harvard College in 1843, and at the Harvard Law School, with the degrees of M.A. and B.L., in 1846. He was admitted to the Suffolk bar July 8, 1848, on motion of John A. Andrew, afterwards Governor of Massachusetts He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession with his brother, Daniel S., in Lowell, Mass., which place he then made his residence.

He married Anna Maria, daughter of Johnathan Marston of Machiasport, Me., Oct 29, 1840. Mrs. Richardson died in Paris, Prance, March 20, 1876.

He was Aide-de-Camp to Governor Briggs in 1850.

He was elected to the Common Council of the City of Lowell, Mass., in 1840, 1853, 1854; and was president of that body, 1853 and 1854.

He was one of the incorporators of the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, April 11, 1854; was elected one of its board of trustees, at the first meeting of the corporation, May 12, 1854, and a member of the board of investment, continuously, till January, 1877. He was elected a Director and president of the Wamesit Bank, October, 1850, and continuously till January, 1867.

In 1855, he was appointed on a commission to revise the “General Statutes of Massachusetts.” He was engaged in this duty four years, and the result of his labors was the enactment of the General Statutes of Massachusetts, in 1860. In 1872, he was again charged with the duty of revising these statutes and supplements.

In April, 1856, he entered upon the duties of Judge of the Probate Court for Middlesex County, and when that Court was consolidated with the Court of Insolvency, In May, 1868, he was appointed Judge of the new Court; which office he resigned in April, 1872.

On Jan. 8, 1866, he was elected a director of the Appleton National Dank of Lowell, Mass., and served as such until 1873, when he resigned to accept the position of Assistant Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

In April, 1869, he was appointed and commissioned a Judge of the Superior Court, but declined the honor, having been appointed in the preceding month Assistant Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. While holding this office he was sent to Europe by the Secretary to negotiate a new government loan, sailing from New York, June 14, 1871. He was successful in this, and remained there until the transaction was fully completed, which involved the exchanging of one hundred and thirty-four millions of live per cent bonds for six per cent bonds, which latter were brought to this country and cancelled, lie returned home in March, 1872.

On the 17th of March, 1873, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Grant, and confirmed the same day. By his conservative and able counsel, the administration, in the management of the treasury department, adhered to and maintained the wise policy of financial integrity and honor. He resigned this office June 2, 1874, to accept an appointment as Associate Judge of the Court of Claims, of which he was appointed Chief Justice Jan. 20, 1885. It was here that his greatest work was done. The conciseness, accuracy and thoroughness of his decisions proved his fitness for judicial position, while his despatch and executive ability gave to his work great value. Nature bad endowed him with the best qualification of the student, lawyer and judge — industry. His faculty of close application enabled him to discharge with credit and success the duties and responsibilities which devolved upon him through more than half a century of active life. The discipline of his mind was so highly cultivated that he was able to give to every subject of investigation prolonged and undivided consideration

His great endowment and integrity attracted the attention of the men who directed the great educational institutions of our country, and in recognition of his eminent ability and distinguished services they conferred upon him their highest honors.He was elected an overseer of Harvard College by the legislature of Massachusetts in 1863 and again by the alumni in 18G9.He received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Columbia College, District of Columbia, in 1873; from Georgetown University and Howard University, District of Columbia, in 1882, and from Dartmouth College, Hanover. N.H., in 188G. He was also Professor of Statute Law and Professor Emeritus, Georgetown University.

Our Brother was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Ancient York Lodge, Lowell, Mass., May 27, 1853; was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Mount Horeb R. A. Chapter, Lowell, March 20, 1854; was secretary of the Chapter from October, 1854, to October, 1855, when he declined a re-election; was created a Knight Templar in Boston Encampment, Iv.-. T.'., May 12, 1854. He was a charter member of Pilgrim Encampment, K. T., Lowell, Mass., Oct. 10, 1855, and was its first Recorder, holding this office for one year only. He was proficient in the rituals of the York rite and was often called upon to fill, temporarily, various offices.

He received the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Boston Consistory June 29, 1863. He was crowned an honorary member 33°, of the Supreme Council, May 20, 1865.

He died at his residence in Washington on the morning of Monday, Oct. 19, 1890, within an hour or two of the time assigned for him to open a new term of the Court of Claims.

Such is the brief outline of the events of his life. But in it all and underneath it all, were his tranquil nature, his affectionate loyalty and sympathy and his perfect charity.The good of his life is not “interred with his bones.”

His written opinions on the varied questions of law submitted to him or reviewed by him, are a memorial to his ability and fame as a jurist, and his affable and genial manners are an example to all who hold positions of great power and authority; and so the lessons of his life become useful to us, for in them is the inspiration of duty well done.

Charles C. Hutchinson,
Albert L. Richardson,
Arthur G. Pollard,
Committee.

RICHARDSON, WILLIAM HENRY 1852-1915

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XI, No. 3, December 1915, Page 98:

Brother William Henry Richardson, prominently known in the men's furnishing business for many years, and a faithful Mason died December 4, after a short illness. He had a wide circle of friends by whom he was greatly esteemed He was a member of the Lodge of Eleusis and St. Andrews R. A. Chapter of Boston.

RICHMOND, HARRIS M. 1876-1938

From Proceedings, Page 1938-232:

Right Worshipful Brother Richmond was born in Adams October 3, 1876, and died in Boston August 26, 1938.

Brother Richmond was graduated from Harvard University in 1901 and the Harvard Law School in 1904. His whole later life was spent in the practice of law, in which he gained eminence. At the time of his death he was President of the Middlesex County Bar Association. He had lived in Winchester since 1911, where he was at one time Chairman of the Republican town committee.

Brother Richmond took his Masonic degrees in John Abbot Lodge in 1906, dimitting therefrom in 1918. He affiliated with William Parkman Lodge in 1914 and was a Charter Member of Mystic Valley Lodge in 1921. He was Master of Mystic Valley Lodge in 1923-4 and was District Deputy Grand Master for the Somerville Sixth Masonic District in 1931 and 1932, by appointment by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean and Most Worshipful Curtis Chipman. Since 1935 he had been a member of the Committee on Charters and By-Laws.

He was a Past High Priest of Winchester Royal Arch Chapter, Past Illustrious Master of Medford Council of Royal and Select Masters, and a member of St. Bernard Commandery of Knights Templar.

Brother Richmond was very efficient in all he did, whether in business or in Masonry. Always courteous and. considerate. He made friends in all relations of life. His sudden and entirely unexpected death was a great shock to us all. He will be sorely missed in the councils of the Grand Lodge.

RICHMOND, JEREMIAH TINKHAM 1829-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 6, March 1906, Page 219:

Mr. Jeremiah T. Richmond of Abington died February 22nd. He was born in Taunton in 1830 and came to Abington in 1864. In the First Congregational Church of Abington he was a deacon many years. He was Past Master of John Cutler Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Abington, and was prominent in the Royal Arch Chapter and Knights Templars and was a member of Boston Lodge of Perfection. He was a trustee of Abington Savings Bank, and ten years ago was in the Legislature. He leaves a widow and four children.

Note: Bro. Richmond does not appear to have served as Master of John Cutler or any other lodge.

RICHTER, PETER GORDON 1935-

PeterRichter1985.jpg

Brother Richter died in March 2019. N

From TROWEL, Summer 1985, Page 24:

Our man from TROWEL in this issue is typical of our many Representatives whose service to Freemasonry and their Lodges is so exemplary and deserving of recognition. Wor. Peter G. Richter is a Past Master of both Beth-horon Lodge and Social Harmony Lodge, the latter being the Lodge which he serves as TROWEL Representative in Wareham. A teacher by profession, Bro. Richter was educated in the Brookline Public Schools, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Geology from Boston University and a Master's Degree from Syracuse University. He is certified as a biology, geology, and general science teacher as well as a general supervisor and is the Science Department Chairman at Newton South High School.

His father was a member of Beth-horon Lodge, which prompted him to seek admission. He serves in many capacities in Social Harmony Lodge, including Ritualist, and is a member of Wareham Royal Arch Chapter. Bro. Riehter served for three years on active duty with the U.S. Army as a photogrammetrist with the Final Edit Branch of the Map Service in the Far East, spending two and a half years in Tokyo.

In addition to his Masonic service he is a member of the Advisory' Board of Wareham Assembly of Rainbow, past Skipper of the Bourne Tide Club, and past president of the Association of Science Department Heads of Eastern Massachusetts. His community involvement includes membership on the Bourne Conservation Commission, Bourne Board of Health, Solid Waste Study Commission, and Sewerage Study Committee. He is a dedicated Mason committed to TROWEL, its concept and future. In honoring him we pay tribute to all TROWEL Reps.

RICKER, EVERETT GILES 1898-1946

From Proceedings, Page 1946-80:

Right Worshipful Brother Ricker was born in Hudson, Massachusetts, May 13, 1898, and died suddenly at his home in that Town on January 13, 1946.

Brother Ricker attended the public schools of Hudson and soon after graduation at the High School, entered the employ of the National Shawmut Bank of Boston, where he remained until his death.

He was raised in Doric Lodge of Hudson on October 15, 1928, and served as Master in the year 1937. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the (Marlboro) 24th District in 1941 and 1942, by appointment of Most Worshipful Albert A. Schaefer.

For many years he was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, and in the Odd Fellows Lodge in Hudson. He was a member of the Bank Officers' Association of Boston; a member of the Board of Governors of the Boston Chapter, also of the American Institute of Banking.

His sudden death was a great shock to his many friends, but their memory of him as a true and loyal friend will remain always with them.

Funeral services were held in the Hudson Methodist Church on Thursday, January l7th, and the large attendance testified the high esteem in which he was held.

RIDDELL, BENJAMIN F. 1804-1862

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXII, No. 1, October 1862, Page 31:

At a meeting of Union Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, held on Monday evening, 13th inst., the following preamble and resolutions, offered by Brothers A. B. Robinson and Geo. W. Macy, were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be entered upon the Records of the Lodge :—

To the Worshipful Matter, Wardens and Brethren of Union Lodge—

Death has been among us. That dread messenger to whose fatal summons we must all, sooner or later, yield submission each in their torn as the period arrives, against which the inexorable finger of destiny has written, "thou shall surely die!"

From among the little band of Brethren who have been accustomed to assemble around this altar, it has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove two most worthy and esteemed members, Brothers Benjamin F. Riddell and Horace P. Coffin. Be it therefore

  • Resolved, That bowing in humble obedience to this afflictive dispensation of an All wise Providence, we none the leas deeply feel and appreciate the lots of these our Brethren, whose sterling integrity and probity as men; whose tried fidelity as friends; whose exemplary lives as citizens, and whose zeal and diligence as Masons, had won for them such universal respect and esteem.
  • Resolved, That we beg leave to tender to the widow and families of our deceased Brothers our warmest sympathies in this their sad hour of trial and bereavement ; and while mourning with them in their irreparable toss, we would earnestly commend them to the watchful care and protection of Him who alone is able to bind op their broken hearts — the orphan's Father, the widow's God.
  • Resolved, That the Lodge room be draped in mourning for the space of three months, in respect to the memory of our departed Brothers Riddell and Coffin.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be sent to the families of the deceased, and also to the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, in Boston, for publication.

Charles P. Swain, Secretary Union Lodge, Nantucket, Mass.

RIDEOUT, EDGAR S. 1867-1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-103:

Right Worshipful Brother Rideout was born in Lawrence October 1, 1867, and died in Beverly March 10, 1936. Brother Rideout was educated in the Lawrence public schools and took up bookkeeping as an occupation. For a time he was Assistant Postmaster at Lawrence. He removed to Beverly in 1911 and entered the service of the United Shoe Machinery Company, remaining with it until his death.

Brother Rideout was interested and active in community affairs, political and social. For many years he was Associate County Commissioner of Essex County, and a Director of the Beverly Chamber of Commerce and member of the Beverly Y.M.C.A. corporation. He was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church-long a vestryman and Senior Deacon at the time of his death.

Brother Rideout took his Masonic degrees in Phoenician Lodge in 1890 and was its Master in 1896 and 1897. He took an active part in the formation of Budleigh Lodge in 1927, and was its Master under Dispensation and under Charter. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Tenth Masonic District in 1904 and 1905, by appointment of Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford.

He was a Past High Priest of Mt. Sinai Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Lawrence Council, Past Eminent Commander of St. George Commandery, and Past Sovereign Prince of Lowell Council, Princes of Jerusalem.

Brother Rideout was not one of those Masons who allow their interest to lapse with the attainment of Past rank. It remained keen to the end. In his passing the Fraternity loses a loved member who has served it well and the community loses a very useful citizen.

RITTER, MELVIN 1927-

From TROWEL, Spring 1991, Page 14:

MelvinRitter1991.jpg

Today more than 37 million Americans are, to varying degrees, denied access to stores, offices (public and private), public transportation, restaurants and hotel rooms, and into too many Masonic temples-simply because they are "disabled." And, for too long a time, many have been denied employment for the same reason. Last summer at a White House gathering beneath a sunny sky that shined on a pleasant occasion. President George W. Bush signed the "Americans with Disabilities Act" which had finally been passed by Congress. That act has already been called the most comprehensive civil rights measure of the past quarter century. The legislation prohibits businesses with more than 25 employees from refusing to hire qualified applicants if the refusal is based on the applicant's physical disabilities. It will also prohibit dismissal on the basis of handicap. Nobody knows more about the act or the problems that confront folks with disabilities than Bro. Melvin Morton Ritter of Puritan and Paul Revere Lodges. Since September 1989, he has been the Disability Employment Coordinator for the federal government in Massachusetts, and he was in Washington when President Bush signed the historic bill. His office provides advice and consultation through the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and the Agency's Disability Advisory Committee to resolve problems among persons with disabilities who are employed by the Agency, and assists with providing reasonable accommodations if necessary. His office coordinates a bi-annual Disability Awareness program for all Agency supervisors and assists in the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities within the Agency.

After graduating from Boston High School of Commerce in 1950, Bro. Ritter graduated from the Boston University School of Public Relations where he majored in motion pictures (visual education) and public relations and radio. He is a lecturer on the handicapped and retarded at Bridgewater State College and other colleges and universities. He is a member and the Chairman of public relations for Troop 13, Somerville Boy Scouts; member of the Brockton Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.; Co-Chairman, Consumers Committee, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for the Boston region; member Board of Directors, Association for Retarded Citizens of Massachusetts; member of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities; and Chairman of the Northeast Nominating Committee for the National Association of Retarded Citizens of the U. S.

In 1984, Bro. Ritter was named the Defense Logistics Agency's Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee of the Year. As a member of the Steering Committee, Development of Massachusetts Initiative for Technology for People with Disabilities, he assists with preparing information for the lead agency's Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing application for federal funding.

This multi-talented Mason truly understands what it means to understand another person's - not just a Mason's - welfare as his own, and he looks forward to the time when buses, trains, and subway cars properly provide modifications for handicapped access. The bill signed by President Bush also provides that employers have devices to help the hearing impaired, and that businesses provide wheelchair access to their facilities. Expensive? Suppose you are one of the handicapped and cannot gain easy access to your Lodge even though you pay the same required dues to support that Lodge. How far is your Awareness Program willing to extend itself to relieve the handicapped?

ROAZEN, LOUIS JOHN 1905-1977

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1977

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1977, Page 31:

Ill. Louis John Roazen, 33°
Born in Chelsea. Massachusetts, July 10, 1905
Died in Boston, Wednesday, February 16, 1977

Illustrious Louis J. Roazen, son of Morris and Sarah Roazen, received his public schooling in Boston and was graduated from Boston English High School, with honors in 1922. He was elected Secretary-Treasurer of his class and served in this office until his death.

He was graduated from Suffolk Law School, Boston, L.L.B. in 1926 and was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

He was Chairman of the Board and general manager of the Standard Auto Gear Company Inc. (Automotive equipment) with several stores located in the Greater Boston Area, and was a trustee of the Dorchester Savings Bank in Boston.

He was married to Rose (Pave) on April 1, 1928.

Brother Roazen was raised a Master Mason in Brotherhood Lodge A.F. and A.M., Dorchester. Massachusetts. November 17, 1931 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1941-1942. He was Presiding Master of the 4th Lodge of Instruction in Boston in 1945 and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Dorchester Fourth Masonic District in 1945-1946.

He served in 1969 as Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and was awarded the coveted Joseph Warren Dis­tinguished Service Medal in 1950. He was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Cuba near The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts since 1955.

He was also elected to Honorary Membership in Canaan Lodge of Everett and Mount Sinai of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Brother Lou Roazen was the official interpreter for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in Latin languages.

Brother Roazen received his Scottish Rite Degrees in December 1944:

  • Boston-Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, December 1st;
  • Giles Fonda Yates Princes of Jerusalem, December 8th;
  • Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, December 15th; and
  • Massachusetts Consistory, S.P.R.S., December 29th.

He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in Boston in 1963.

Ill. Brother Roazen was very active in the degree work of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Boston.

He was a member of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine and served as its Illustrious Potentate in 1975.

He was a member of Boston Court, Royal Order of Jesters, and was also a member of the First Board of Governors of the Shriners Burns Institute, Boston Unit, in 1964.

In civil life he was a trustee of Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline and was active in many philanthropic and community endeavors.

He is survived by his wife Rose (Pave) at home; two sons, Harvey of Westfield, Massachusetts and Charles of Weston, Massachusetts; a daughter Sylvia M. Berman of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted by Rabbi Irwin M. Blank and Cantor Alex Zimmer at Temple Ohabei Shalom, Brookline, Massachusetts and were attended by Grand Lodge Officers and Officers from his many Masonic and co-related organizations including Aleppo Temple, as well as business and community associates.

Interment was at the Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, Massachusetts.

ROBBINS, SIR ALFRED 1856-1931

SirAlfredRobbins1924.jpg

From Proceedings, Page 1931-25:

We were all shocked and grieved yesterday morning to learn that this very distinguished Freemason had died on March 9.

Sir Alfred Robbins had long enjoyed an international reputation as one of the leading members of our Fraternity in England. He had served as President of the Board of General Purposes of the Grand Lodge for more than a quarter of a century, a longer tenure of office in this most responsible position than any other holder of it had ever had. He had been further honored by appointment as Honorary Past Grand Warden. A few years ago on the constitution of a Lodge of journalists, by direct desire of M.W. H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught, Grand Master, the rule of Grand Lodge against giving the name of a living person to a Lodge was set aside and the Lodge was named Alfred Robbins Lodge. Brother Robbins was sent abroad by the Grand Lodge on important Masonic visits to both North and South America. On the first of these visits he eame to Boston, and many will remember his presence in this Grand Lodge at our March Communication in 1924, on which occasion he was presented a Henry Price medal. As a further incident of his visit he was made an honorary member of Fourth Estate, whose meeting he attended.

Brother Robbins was by profession a journalist and held a high place in the newspaper world, In recognition of his eminent service he received the honor of Knighthood. He was the author of several books, the rnost important of which, so far at least as Masonry is concerned, was his very admirable English Speaking Freemasonry, published in 1930.

Brother Robbins was a man of broad outlook, clear vision, and deep sympathy, not only a great Freemason but a very kindly and courteous gentleman. His death is an irreparable loss to the Fraternity.

London Freemasonry page

ROBBINS, JAMES MUNROE 1832-1905

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 5, February 1906, Page 182:

Brother J. M. Robbins, a prominent Mason, and one of the largest real estate owners in Cambridge, died at his home on Lee Street Dec. 22, after an illness of three weeks. He was born in Nelson, N. H., and started in business in Lawrence when a young man. Forty years ago he removed to Cambridge and entered the hardware trade, in which he was prominent for twenty-three years. Mr. Robbins is survived by his wife and son. He was a member of the Cambridge Commandery, Amicable Lodge, Lodge of Perfection and Cambridge Royal Arch Chapter.

ROBERTS, ALLEN EARL 1917-1997

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1997

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1997, Page A-vi:

Ill:. Allen Earl Roberts, 33°
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, October 11, 1917
Died in Richmond, Virginia, March 13, 1997

Illustrious Allen E. Roberts, 33°, the son of John and Lillian Roberts, was raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He withdrew from high school in 1934 to seek employment to help his family survive the Depression. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a baker. While he was in the Navy, he enrolled in a journalism course, a move that developed his writing skills.

After his military duty he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he later married Dorothy Grimes. He held various administrative positions, including business manager for Virginia's Division of Correctional Field Units. Through the Administrative Management Society he became a Certified Administrative Manager in 1972.

When Ill. Brother Roberts was raised a Master Mason at Babcock Lodge No. 322, Highland Springs, Virginia, in 1948, he searched for Masonic literature to help him find more light in Freemasonry. That insatiable appetite for knowledge led him to establish Imagination Unlimited in 1969 and Anchor Communications in 1982. Through the former he produced Masonic films and through the latter he published Masonic books, many of which he wrote himself.

He became Master of his lodge in 1959 and Master of the Virginia Lodge of Research in 1965-67. For the research lodge he served as Secretary from I 973-96. He was also High Priest of Temple Royal Arch Chapter in 1960, President of the Philalethes Society in 1984-86, and Sovereign Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees in 1990. He became a Fellow of the Philalethes Society in 1963 and was named a Blue Friar in 1967. At the time of his death he was the Philalethes Executive Secretary, a position he had held since 1984. The Grand Lodge of Virginia honored him in 1988 with the George Washington Distinguished Service Medal and in 1994 by renaming the Grand Lodge library and museum for him. Ill:. Brother Roberts received the Scottish Rite degrees in Richmond in 1964 but later demitted and eventually affiliated with the Valley of Boston. In 1995 he received the 33° during the Supreme Council's annual meeting in Milwaukee. He was frequently called on to be a keynote speaker and he enjoyed producing motion pictures and videos about Freemasonry, but his real strength and lasting value is his ability to write and publish books using down-to-earth language on a wide range of Masonic subjects. There is no question that he is the most prolific author the fraternity has ever seen. Some of his most notable works include House Undivided: The Story of Freemasonry and the Civil War (1961), Key to Freemasonry's Growth (1969), The Craft and Its Symbols (1974), Who Is Who in Freemasonry (1984, 1986, 1996), G. Washington: Master Mason (1976), Brother Truman (1985), Freemasonry in American History (1985), The Search for Leadership (1987), Seekers of Truth (1988), The Mystic Tie (1991), and Masonic Trivia and Facts (1994). He also edited a revised edition of Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, published by Macoy Publishing Company in 1996.

For The Northern Light, he wrote a regular column debunking Masonic myths. He also wrote regularly for The Philalethes magazine.

Concerned that leaders of lodges and Grand Lodges were attempting to "reinvent the wheel," Ill. Brother Roberts was instrumental in establishing the Masonic Leadership Center at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial to serve as a clearing house for previously published material that could prove beneficial to future Masonic leaders.

Illness had been camping on his doorstep in recent years, yet he continued to work for the good of the fraternity until the moment he laid down his working tools, just seven months shy of his 80th birthday. He never hesitated to tell you what was on his mind. Sometimes it got him into trouble with the leadership of the fraternity, but he always told it as he saw it.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; five children, Allen, Wayne, Kenneth, Marcia (Weber), and Brian; five grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Ill. Brother Roberts has left his mark. Nothing would have pleased him more than to know that he had inspired others to pick up the torch and carry on.

ROBERTS, DANIEL CRANE 1841-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 3, December 1907, Page 113:

Rev. Brother Daniel Crane Roberts, vice rector of St. Paul's Church, Concord, N. H. died October 31, Dr. Roberts was one of the most prominent Episcopal clergymen in New England. He held many high pists in the state department, G. A. R., and his record in Masonic circles was a notable one.

Dr. Roberts' Masonic affiliation commenced with his being made a Mason in Kilwinning Lodge, Lowell, Mass., in 1870; received the Royal Arch degrees in Mt. Horeb Chapter, Lowell, Mass., 1872 ; the council degrees in Farnum Lodge, Brandon, Vt., in 1878, and the Knights Templar degrees in Mt. Calvary commandeiy. Middlebury, Vt. 1874.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in New Hampshire he held the position of Grand Chaplain from 1892 to 1907, and was grand commander of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire in 1894-95. In the latter he also held the position of Grand Prelate for many years. On Dec. 25, 1902, he was honored by an appointment as grand prelate of the grand encampment, K. T., for the United Slates. He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite from the 4th to the 18th in Concord, and from the 19th to the 32d in Nashua, the latter in 1895. He was a charter member and president of the Veteran Free Masons of New Hampshire from 1895 to 1907.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 5, February 1908, Page 193:

The Rev. Daniel Crane Roberts, D. D., vice rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the dean of the Concord, N. H., clergy, in point of pastoral service, died October 31, after a protracted illness.

Dr. Roberts was born in Binghamton, N. Y.. Nov. S, 1841. He was educated at Kenyon College, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Eighty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers and served with that organization through its term of duty. After leaving the army he engaged in mission work among the seamen in New York City and pursued his studies in theology. In ]866 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Williams of Connecticut. In 1878 he was called to Concord to be vice rector of St. Paul's Cathedral Church. This post Dr. Roberts held until his death. Dr. Roberts was one of the foremost figures in the church in New Hampshire. In 1885 he received from Norwich University tin- degree of doctor of divinity.

In .Masonry Dr. Roberts had a distinguished record. He was made a Mason in Kilwinning Lodge at Lowell, Mass., during his ministry there, and received the chapter degrees in Mount Horeb Chapter in that city. From Farmer Council at Brandon, Vermont, he received the obligation of that degree, and was knighted in Mount Calvary Comniandery. Knights Templar, at Middlebury. Vermont. He transferred his membership to the Masonic bodies in Concord on coming here he was chosen commander of the Commandery Knights Templar. In 1S94 and 1895 he was Grand Commander of the Grand Comniandery of New Hampshire, and in that capacity received the visiting knights who came to New Hampshire en route to the Triennial Conclave at Boston in 1895. For this purpose he established headquarters on the summit of Mount Washington, where with fitting speech and graceful hospitality he greeted several bodies of journeying knights who paused there to receive New Hampshire's welcome.

ROBERTS, JOHN LOVERING 1812-1880

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. IV, No. 9, December 1880, Page 272:

At 2.30 o'clock, Tuesday morning, November 29th, at his residence on Walnut Street, Newtonville, died John L. Roberts, one of Newton's most public-spirited and well-known citizens. He had been failing for several months, but his death was not expected so soon, although for the last ten days of his life he was confined to his room. Mr. Roberts was born in Boston, January 6th, 1812, and was consequently 68 years of age. In early life he was a mason by trade, but having done a large and successful business, he had been retired for a long period, although always actively interested in real estate, and engaged in the personal care of his own property.

He was one of the earliest settlers of Newtonville, coming there when but a few houses comprised the village, and has, until his last sickness, always been interested in philanthropic projects, and a persistent advocate of all movements looking to the welfare of the village and the whole city. The deceased was never a seeker of public office, and only served on the old Hoard of Selectmen, one year. He was often appointed on important town committee, however, and was a very prominent Freemason, having been a member of the Massachusetts Consistory, Gethsemane Commandery, Newton Royal Arch Chapter, and Dalhousie Lodge of Newton. In one or more of these he was a charter member. He was for many years one of the vestry of Grace Episcopal Church, Ward Seven. He leaves a wife and four grown-up children, the youngest of which, a daughter, is now travelling in Europe. The funeral was under Masonic auspices at the late residence, on Thursday afternoon. December 2d. In the death ol Mr. Roberts the city and village in which he lived for so long a period, has lost a valuable, philanthropic, public-spirited citizen, a man of high virtues, and a noble heart, and one who was universally respected. The sympathy of the entire wide circle of friends of the deceased, and liis eslimable and alike public-spirited wife, is heartily extended in this hour of sadness. Both were very active members of the society of the village, and prominent members of the Newton Horticultural Society.

ROBERTSON, JAMES DOUGLAS 1863-1926

JamesDRobertson.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1936

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1936, Page 69:

Dr. James Douglas Robertson, physician and surgeon, for the past forty years, died at his home, One Auburn Courts, Brookline, Massachusetts, January 26, 1936, after a long illness.

He was born in Perth, Scotland, July 12, 1863, the son of John and Jane (Robertson) Robertson. At the age of three, his parents moved from Scotland to Ontario and later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he received his early education.

As a boy and young man lie became interested in athletics and physical culture education and for a time he held the championship as a long-distance runner and was the one who introduced basket-ball into this country. He opened the Young Men’s Christian Association in Dayton, Ohio, and was its physical director for several years and served in a similar capacity in the Young Men’s Christian Association in Cambridge, Massachusetts, He was graduated from Dartmouth College and from the Medical School of that institution in 1893, and spent the following year abroad in further study. In 1900 he married Frances J. Ross, who passed away in 1919.

His Masonie record is as follows:

  • Raised in Keith Lodge No. 17, Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1885.
  • Exalted in St. Andrew’s Chapter, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1885, Orienta Council, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1895.
  • Soon after coming to Cambridge, he became a member of Charity Lodge, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge Royal Arch Chapter, Boston Council Royal and Select Masters and Cambridge Commandery.
  • Charter member of Loyalty Lodge and its second Worshipful Master serving for two years, 1922-1923, and the first Worshipful Master of Everett C. Benton Lodge, 1925-1926.
  • He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Boston, being a member of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Giles Fonda Yates Council Princes of Jerusalem, Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix and Massachusetts Consistory. He was Sovereign Prince of Giles Fonda Yates Council Princes of Jerusalem from April, 1914, to April, 1917, Past Grand First Lieutenant Commander, Massachusetts Council of Deliberation and on September 19, 1916, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of theSupreme Council Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

He was a member of the American and Massachusetts Medical Associations and other fraternal organizations.

Illustrious Brother Robertson was an earnest and enthusiastic Mason, giving generously of his time and means, not only to the fraternity, but to his fellow men. He knew neither race, color nor creed and many, when in need, found in him a friend.

He is survived by one daughter.

Lawson W. Oakes, 33°
Herbert M. Chase, 32°,
Edwin O. Childs, 32°,
Committee.

ROBINSON, CHARLES F. 1807-1881

MEMORIAL

FROM LIBERAL FREEMASON, 1881

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. V, No. 1, April 1881, Page 26:

Dr. Charles F. Robinson, a well-known homoeopathic physician, recently deceased in East Boston, after a long and painful illness, which began in June, 1880, was born at Canandaigua, N. Y., Oct. 9th, 1807. Choosing the profession of a physician, he practised five years in South Abington, and five years in Nantucket, before settling in East Boston, where he practised about fourteen years.

He was a man of excellent character and generous disposition, frequently giving his services without charge when such beneficence was needed. He leaves a wife and two adult children. Dr. Robinson was an active Worker in the Masonic order, being a member of Union Lodge of Nantucket, and of St. John's Royal Arch Chapter, East Boston Council of R. and S. Masters, and William Parkman Commandery, K. T., of East Boston.

He was also a member of the Mass. Homoeopathic Medical Society for the last fourteen years. Previous to his illness he was Deputy Master of East Boston Council.

Brother Robinson took an active and intelligent interest in Masonic matters, and was always ready to work for the welfare of the several masonic organizations of which he was a member. And notwithstanding the demands of his profession, few men, if any, were more constant in attendance at their several meetings. His presence was always helpful, and more so, from the fact that he had a kind word to offer on all occasions.

ROBINSON, CHARLES WILBUR 1913-1993

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1993

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1993, Page A-iv:

Ill. Charles Wilbur Robinson, 33°
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, August 7, 1913
Died in Oakdale, Massachusetts, April 1, 1993

Ill. Charles Wilbur Robinson, 33° was the son of Charles W. and Amy H. Robinson. He leaves his wife of twenty-one years, Elvira J. (Horstman) Albrech Robinson, a daughter Betsy B. Anderson, and two stepsons, Leslie and Charles Albrech. He also leaves three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He owned and operated C & R Tire Co. in Worcester, Massachusetts, for many years, retiring in 1972.

He was a member of Greendale Peoples Church in Worcester, the Massachusetts State Forest Commission, the Worcester County Farm Bureau and the Worcester County Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Ill. Brother Robinson was a fifty year member of Mumford River Lodge, in East Douglas, Massachusetts. He was very active in Masonic work, joined Worcester Lodge of Perfection on November 24, 1941, Goddard Council Princes of Jerusalem on December 13, 1941, Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix on January 19, 1942, and the Massachusetts Consistory on February 27, 1942. He was a Past Most Wise Master of Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix. On September 25, 1957 he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council.

He was a member of Eureka Royal Arch Chapter and Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters. He was a member and Past Commander of Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templar, and life member and past President of the Worcester County Shrine Club of Worcester. He was a member of Aleppo Temple Shrine, the Royal Order of Jesters in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Holden Trowel Club, Miriam Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and a Life member of the DeMolay Foundation of Massachusetts.

Ill. Brother Robinson was a fun loving man who always had a smile and a joke to tell. He will surely be missed among his fellow brothers.

A Masonic service was conducted at Miles Funeral Home on Sunday, April 3, 1993, with the burial on Monday, April 4, 1993 in the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Massachusetts.

May our Heavenly Father keep and enjoy Charlie's happy SMILE.

ROBINSON, GAD 1880-1941

GadRobinson1923.jpg

From Proceedings, Page 1941-263:

Right Worshipful Brother Robinson was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, September 20, 1880, and died at Quincy November 26, 1941.

After serving as an express messenger for a few years, he entered the automobile business in Taunton and continued in that line until about 1931. He then moved to Quincy and remained there for the rest of his life, being active in the cotton goods business.

He was raised in Charles H. Titus Lodge of Taunton on February 12, 1904, and served that Lodge as Master in 1910 and 1911. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-eighth Masonic District in 1923 and 1924, by appointment of Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell.

He was a member of the Bodies of the Chapter, Council and Commandery and was a Past Commander of Bristol Commandery, K.T.

Brother Robinson served for many years as a Lodge Representative on the Board of Masonic Relief and was a faithful attendant at its meetings.

He is survived by his widow and one daughter.

His cheery nature and willingness to serve endeared him to a host of friends who deeply mourn his passing.

ROBINSON, GEORGE SUTHERLAND 1902-2007

BIOGRAPHY

From TROWEL, Spring/Summer 2004, Page 12:

DocRobinson2004.jpg

Wor. "Doc" Robinson, 101, Receives 80-Year Certificate from Grand Master Hicks

Much like today, America was at war. A 15-year-old young man and his classmates were eager to serve their country and fight overseas. However, most of them were too young to enlist. "Of course, you know, that was during the first World War," Wor. George S. ("Doc") Robinson said, with a little chuckle.

During Most Wor. Donald Gardner Hicks, Jr.'s visit to Florida in March to update Massachusetts Masons about the many exciting endeavors the Fraternity is undertaking, he met with Wor. Doc. Robinson and his wife Dorothy. Bro. Robinson was presented a special certificate commemorating his 80 years as a Mason. Accompanying Grand Master Hicks was Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, who is spearheading a Wives and Widows Committee for Massachusetts Masons, and Rt. Wor. David C. Turner, Chief Executive Officer for Masonic Health System of Massachusetts.

When Wor. Doc Robinson was 21 years old, then the minimum age to join the Fraternity, he joined Bethlehem Lodge in Lynn, where his father and brother were members. He held different offices over the years, and was Master in 1945.

After Robinson and his school friends were kept from enlisting, they entered the Federal Farm Boys Working Reserve, a six-month boot camp for boys too young to join the war effort. He later spent two years at the Massachusetts School of Agriculture, and then worked for several years as a dairy farmer.

After sustaining a serious back injury, Bro. Robinson sought the help of an osteopath. He became so interested in the field of medicine that he decided to pursue it in college. He earned his degree in osteopathy from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy. He later practiced in Lynn, where he lived for many years. Dr. Robinson also practiced a great deal of general medicine. "I did a lot of obstetrics, so I went back to school again and got an M.D. degree in 1939." He has held many medical positions with local government in addition to his private practice.

Wor. Bro. Robinson, who now lives in Sarasota, Florida, will celebrate his 102nd birthday in July, and is looking forward to another wonderful year. Freemasonry, he says, has helped him stay grounded and active over the years. He was very grateful for the recent visit from Most Wor. Donald G. Hicks, Jr.

"It is really very flattering to be remembered," Bro. Robinson said. "I was very excited about the certificate. It was terrific to meet the Grand Master and so nice of him to come to Florida."

"Wor. Bro. Robinson was great to talk to," M. W. Hicks said. "He's led a fascinating and full life, and his
lifelong commitment to Freemasonry is an example to us all."

MEMORIAL

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 2007

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 2007, Page 27:

Ill. George Sutherland Robinson, 33°
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on July 13, 1902
Died on March 26, 2007

Ill.George Sutherland Robinson, 33° was the son of Charles and Grace (Sutherland) Robinson. He attended Massachusetts State College, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Middlesex University, where he earned a Medical Degree in 1939. He was a Physician and Surgeon by profession.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Lambert and from this union was born three children, Bradlee, Merrilee and George.

He was a member of the Second Congregational Church in Sarasota, Florida. He was actively committed to the community and served as Health Officer for 38 years; Chairman of the Board of Health for 12 years; and President of the Essex County Health Officers. He was a member of the Lynnfield Rotary; the Massachusetts Medical Society; American Osteopathic Society; and the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

Ill.Brother Robinson was raised a Master Mason in Bethlehem Lodge, A.F.& A.M., Lynn, Massachusetts, on January 4, 1924. He affiliated with Lynnfield Lodge A.F.& A.M. in 1946, where he served briefly as Master. He was exalted in Sutton Chapter, R.A.M. in December of 1926 and knighted in Olivet Commandery K.T. in February of 1939. He completed the degrees of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Boston on February 27, 1948 and served as Surgeon for the Consistory. On August 27, 1996, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° Honorary Member of the Supreme Council at Boston, Massachusetts.

He was a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.$. and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was the recipient of numerous awards, includ­ing the General Joseph Warren Medal and the Robert Gardner Wilson Medal.

ROBINSON, THADDEUS FRANCIS 1901-1987

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1987

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1987, Page 33:

Ill. Thaddeus Francis Robinson, 33°
Born in Burlington, Vermont, January 30, 1901
Died in Eustis, Florida, April 7, 1987

Ill. Thaddeus Francis Robinson, 33°, the son of Thaddeus B. and Elizabeth L. Videl Robinson, graduated from Dalton High School in 1919 and attended the University of Vermont for two years. He was employed by General Electric Company from 1922 to 1964, retiring as a supervisor.

In 1927 he married Margaret K. Partell, who survives with a daughter, Mrs. Beverly R. Gillette. He is survived, also, by three sisters, two grand­children and a great-grandson.

Illustrious Brother Robinson entered Apprenticeship on December 3, 1923; passed the Fellowcraft degree on January 7, 1924; and was raised as a Master Mason on February 25, 1924. Shortly thereafter, he became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Pittsfield - eventually serving as Thrice Potent Master of Onota Lodge of Perfection; Sovereign Prince of Pontoosuc Council, Princes of Jerusalem; and Most Wise Master of Pittsfield Chapter of Rose Croix. A member of Connecticut Valley Consistory, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, Ancient Accepted Scot­tish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, on September 27, 1961.

A 63 year member of Crescent Lodge, Pittsfield, he was Worshipful Master from 1952-1953 and received the Veterans' Medal of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1974.

In the York Rite, Brother Robinson was exalted in Berkshire Royal Arch Chapter in 1969;, greeted in Berkshire Council, Royal and Select Masters in 1977; and knighted in Berkshire Commandery, K. T., in 1978. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Dalton, and life member of the Stanley Club of Pittsfield. Crescent Lodge conducted a memorial service on Sunday, April 12, 1987. Funeral services were held at Grace Episcopal Church, Dalton, and interment was in North Becket Cemetery.

ROBINSON, WILLIAM CLARK 1834-1887

From Proceedings, Page 1887-71:

By the death of William Clark Robinson, the Masonic Fraternity of Northampton has lost one of its most useful members, and his family, consisting of a wife, son and two daughters, has been bereft of a kind husband and father.

He was born in the city of New York, June 28, 1834, and removed to Springfield, Mass., in 1838 or '39, where he received a common-school education. During his school-boy days he was a favorite of the late Hon. E. D. Beach, of Springfield, who kindly gave him full access to his excellent library. Bro. Robinson freely availed himself of this opportunity, and in his later years often referred to this kindness, speaking with pride of the fatherly advice of Mr. Beach.

His parents were of English descent. His father, Capt. William Robinson, commanded the good ship Scotland, plying between New York, and Liverpool, Eng. He was lost overboard during a fearful storm, leaving a wife and three sons, William C. being the oldest. At the age of sixteen years he accepted a situation in the Springfield Bank, in which position he won and retained the confidence of the officers of the Bank. After six years of service he resigned and accepted a clerkship in the Continental Bank of New York City. At the expiration of one year he accepted an election to the cashiership of the Conway Bank, Conway, Mass. After filling this office for two years, he resigned to accept a similar position in the Hampshire County National Bank, of Northampton, Mass. He was one of the founders of, and a valued officer in, that Bank. At the expiration of two years he resigned, to accept the office of Secretary and Treasurer of a gold and silver mining company in New York City. Subsequently he entered the service of the Mass. Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Springfield, Mass. For seventeen years, or until his decease, he labored earnestly and faithfully in its employ. He was repeatedly advanced, received new trusts and responsibility and was assured that his labors were appreciated and approved.

Bro. Robinson was for a quarter of a century a communicant in St. John's Episcopal Church, Northampton; for many years a vestryman, and for fifteen years its senior warden. His loss is deeply mourned by the church. His presence was sunshine, and his many labors, advice and genial manner are sadly missed, not only by the church, but by the entire community of Northampton.

In Freemasonry he was a tower of strength in the District in which he formerly lived. He was made a Mason in Mountain Lodge, Shelburne Falls, Mass., July 20, 1861. While living in Conway, though he had to travel eight miles over a mountainous road, his zeal prompted him to be present at all regular Lodge meetings. It is said that Rising Sun Lodge, of Conway, owes to a great extent its present existence to the earnest efforts of Bro. Robinson.

He received the Capitular degrees in Franklin R.A. Chapter, Greenfield, Mass., in 1862. This Chapter was located twelve miles from his residence, and was reached only by private conveyance. Yet Bro. Robinson's name appears upon the Chapter register oftener than the names of many Companions who lived in the near vicinity of the place of meeting. He became a member of Northampton R.A. Chapter in 1864; served as Scribe and as King; was elected Secretary Sept. 3, 1879, and was reelected, and served until his death. He also joined Jerusalem Lodge, by dimit, in 1864; and, after serving as Junior and Senior Warden, was elected Worshipful Master, October 31, 1876, also in 1877; filling each office most acceptably to the members of the Lodge. He was elected Secretary of the Lodge in 1885; was reelected in 1886, and held that office at the time of his decease. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 10 in 1879 and again in 1880. He had a very pleasant way of meeting the Brethren of his District, and was always a welcome visitor. In December, 1885, he was appointed Corresponding Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and was reappointed in 1886.

Bro. Robinson was created a Knight Templar in June, 1880, in Northampton Commandery; served as Junior and Senior Warden, and was also Prelate for two years. Bro. Robinson was a kind and genial man; a true and sympathizing friend ; a respected citizen and a devoted Mason. He will be greatly missed in every circle in which he was wont to move; but we trust that our loss is his eternal gain.

From Proceedings, Page 1887-129:

William Clark Robinson was born in the city of New York, but, with the exception of five or six years, his life was spent in his adopted State of Massachusetts, and for the last seventeen years he lived in Northampton, holding honorable positions with the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Springfield. He was one of the most respected and useful members of Saint John's Episcopal Church, of Northampton, where for fifteen years he had been Senior Warden, and his presence is greatly missed throughout that community. He was made a Mason in 1861, receiving his degrees in Mountain Lodge, of Shelburne Falls. He was constant in his attendance, even at the cost of much personal comfort; and his interest in the Lodges in that District contributed largely to their success. He held important offices in Jerusalem Lodge, and in Northampton R.A. Chapter and Northampton Commandery. In 1879 he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 10, and in December, 1885, he was appointed Corresponding Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge. To this office he was re-appointed only a few months before his death.

Sincere in his faith, true in his friendship, earnest in his Masonic duties, and upright as a man, Brother Robinson will be long remembered by his friends and associates.

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. X, No. 12, March 1887, Page 383:

On the afternoon of March 12th, this brother died suddenly in Springfield, Mass. Brother Robinson's home was in Northampton, where he has been known as an active worker in Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery for many years. He had been honored by the brethren, who gave him official station, and by the Grand Lodge, he being Corresponding Grand Secretary at the time of his death. Our acquaintanceship began about twenty years ago, and ripened into an unbroken friendship; hence we have had opportunity to observe him closely, and can truthfully say that a good and true brother has departed.

RODOCANACHI, JOHN MICHAEL 1830-1906

  • MM 1857, Columbian
  • Charter Member, WM 1871, 1872, 1879, Lodge of Eleusis
  • Grand Pursuivant 1872-1874, 1880
  • Junior Grand Steward 1878
  • Senior Grand Steward 1881

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 3, December 1905, Page 105:

Worshipful Bro. John M. Rodocanachi, a well known Mason of Boston and for many years Greek Consul, died September 26, of cerebral hemorrhage, age 76 years.

Mr. Rodocanachi was one of the most popular Greeks in Boston, and as a man of means and position he had long occupied a place among his countrymen here second only to that occupied by the late Dr. M. Anagnos, whose death occurred a short time ago. He was born in ancient Smyrna, Asia Minor, of comparatively well-to-do parents. He came to this country when a very young man.

In recognition of his good worksKing George granted him the Silver Cross and lshoine governmeutappointed him consul Boston "in recognition," the order read, "of the valuable services rendered by him to the cause of his country and of ardent devotion to the advancement of its interests and the increase of its prosperity.

He was consul to the satisfadtion of both countries for 35 years and under his management the trade between this and Grecian ports was much enhanced.

He was past master of the Lodge of Eleusis, which was founded by his influence. He was also one of the founders of the First Worshipful Masters Association and its first secretary, serving 18 years in that office. His funeral was conducted in accordance with the ritual of the Greek Church.

ROGERS, DONALD JOSEPH WALBURG 1905-1999

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1999

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1999, Page A-vii:

Ill. Donald Joseph Walburg Rogers, 33°
Born in Weymouth, Dorset County, England, on November 20, 1905
Died in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on February 18, 1999

Illustrious Donald Joseph Walburg Rogers, 33°, was born in Weymouth, Dorset County, England, on November 20, 1905. He was the son of the late Joseph H. and Lavinia Sparks Rogers. His family arrived in the United States on April 1, 1913. They had planned to cross sooner on the Titanic, but it had already been fully booked. Our Illustrious brother became a US citizen on June 8, 1924, in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Illustrious Brother Rogers, 33°, attended classes in the Gloucester School System, graduating from Gloucester High School. He served in the US Army Air Corps 902 AAF Base Unit as an Entertainment Specialist during World War II. He was a Sales Representative of A. J. Tower Company of Roxbury, Massachusetts, a subsidiary of J. F. Carter Company of Beverly, Massachusetts.

In 1943, he married Mildred Lowe of Gloucester, Massachusetts, who predeceased him in 1972. In 1973, he married Ernestine Friend Rogers, who also predeceased him in 1998. There were no children from either marriage. He and his late wife, Ernestine, were members of the Unitarian Universalist Church where they sang together in the Church Choir.

Illustrious Brother Rogers, 33°, became a Master Mason in Dorchester Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Dorchester, Massachusetts. He later affiliated with Manchester Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Manchester by the Sea, and served as Chaplain in 1967-1968. He was an affiliate of Acacia Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Gloucester, Massachusetts.

He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Salem. On May I, 1942, he joined Sutton Lodge of Perfection, on March 9, 1951, he joined Jubliee Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and on May 23, 1952, he joined Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix. He became a member of Massachusetts Consistory in October 1952. He served in all the line stations in Jubliee Council, serving as Sovereign Prince in 1968 thru 1970. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, on September 30, 1970, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was also a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Wilmington, Massachusetts.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 21, 1999, in the Pike ­Grondin Funeral Home with burial in the Spring Street Cemetery in Essex, Massachusetts.

ROGERS, HENRY HUTTLESTON 1840-1909

BIOGRAPHY

From TROWEL, Spring 1989, Page 2:

Bro. Henry Huttleston Rogers
By Robert W. Williams III

On a granite monument standing on the southwest lawn of Fairhaven High School are the impressive Latin words, Si monumentum requiris circumspice, which translated into English means, "If you would see his works, look about you."

Strolling the elm-shaded streets in the center of the southeastern Massachusetts town of Fairhaven, across the Acushnet River from the city of New Bedford, you learn of the imprint of one man on his home town.

The Unitarian Memorial Church, Millicent Library, a town hall, grammar and high schools, water department, reconstruction of the main thoroughfares, and brick-paved sidewalks, a recreational park, an industry to support families, and a Masonic temple. Henry Huttleston Rogers did all of that—and at his own expense. True to the teachings of Freemasonry, he was a builder.

Until Earl J. Dias of Fairhaven, retired chairman of the Dept. of English at Southeastern Mass. University, published his 1974 book, Henry Huttleston Rogers, a Portrait of a Capitalist, there had never been a full-length biography of Rogers. There are many references to him and his industrial career in numerous publications, but because he was a hard-nosed businessman, his enemies undoubtedly outnumbered his friends. Dias, author of five books of plays for young people, Mark Twain's Letters to the Rogers Family (1970), and numerous articles published in professional journals, chose to conclude: "Rogers was a human being, more intelligent than most, and, like most of us, a flawed one. His sins were the sins of his age—and he shared them with his contemporaries . . . but he remains for his native town a prince of good fellows, the "Hen" who made his birthplace an architectural gem, the man whose influence still pervades the streets and public buildings of the place."

Henry Huttleston Rogers was born in Fairhaven on Jan. 29, 1840, the son of Rowland and Mary (Eldredge) Rogers. An older brother, Eliza, born in 1834, died in 1849. Another brother, Rufus Allen, was born in 1843. Henry would later rescue Rufus from his financial business dilemmas. The Rogers roots trace to Thomas Rogers who came to America on the ship Mayflower and his son, Joseph, who later settled in Eastham, Cape Cod. Fairhaven had been settled in 1652 by a band of colonists from Plymouth, under the leadership of Thomas Cooke.

The War of 1812 really put Fairhaven on the map. The Embargo Act on shipping was regarded in Fairhaven as a correct gesture of patriotic defiance, but in Tory New Bedford, the act was unpopular. Fairhavenites were branded as the "Corsicans" in New Bedford and the townspeople demanded, and obtained, incorporation as a town. The first big celebration was held July 4, 1812, and Postmaster James Hodges of Taunton was the orator following the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Hodges was the first candidate in August 1798, after King David Lodge of Taunton was chartered in June. James L. Hodges, a son, won a bitterly contested seat in Congress in 1830 from the anti-Masonic candidate Miccah Ruggles of Fall River. James was made a Mason in his father's Lodge in 1817.

Rogers wasn't the most promising or enthusiastic high school student but he graduated in 1856 and later in life was the instigator for his class reunions, paying all the expenses involved. Employment opportunities in Fairhaven were limited in 1856 and he worked as a grocery store clerk for five years, earning three dollars a week. In 1905 he said of that job, "I felt that I had not given enough service for the value received." He left to become baggageman and brakeman for the Fairhaven Branch Railroad (part of the Old Colony Line) for $1.16 a day. He was a born rebel, and had attempted to arouse the citizens of his town to build a better high school. "We don't need any suggestions from that lad," was the answer he got. He would later make some of the dissenters eat their words.

When petroleum began oozing from the ground in Pennsylvania, a friend, William M. Irish, was the first to "go west" to seek his fortune. Another friend, Charles H. Ellis, soon followed Irish and they influenced Rogers to join them. Henry took $600 he had saved in 1861 and headed for the oil fields that would eventually, through his wizardry and hard dealings, join him with men who would later develop Standard Oil Co. He returned two months later when his father died of apoplexy. But Irish and Ellis had already secured a site for a refinery in Rouseville, PA. When Yale chemistry professor Benjamin Silliman proved to George H. Bissell that oil could be refined and used as lighting fuel, towns like Rouseville and Titusville took on the atmosphere of the California Gold Rush. Saloons, brothels, sleazy hotels, and rooming houses reminded Rogers of the whaling port of New Bedford and the problems he had seen as a youngster. Oil replaced the need for killing whales, and ports like New Bedford, Nantucket, and others would suffer for the change. In 1862 Rogers returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Abbie Palmer Gifford, who proved to be a sensible, down-to-earth wife and mother and a modest hostess for the social life of New York. Their marriage resulted in the births of Anne Engle, Cara Leland, Millicent Gifford, Mary (called Mai), and Henry Huttleston Rogers, Jr., who was called Harry. Three years after his marriage to Abbie, he applied and was accepted to receive the degrees in Freemasonry in Star in the East Lodge, New Bedford. He was Entered June 19,1865, but three years elapsed before he could return to be Passed June 11,1868. Seven days later he was Raised and held his membership until his death in 1909.

HenryRogers1989.jpg
Bro. Henry Huttleston Rogers

Although his New Bedford Lodge had been chartered in 1823, Freemasonry did not establish itself in Fairhaven until 1872 when Concordia Lodge was chartered. When Gosnold landed on the shores of what was then Dartmouth (including New Bedford and Fairhaven) he came from Dartmouth, England, in a vessel named Concord. When Concordia grew and later was in need of larger quarters, the members approached Henry Rogers for a financial gift that would help them. Like the businessman that he was, Rogers offered them a deal; he would erect and pay for a new building if the Brethren would change the name of Concordia to George H. Taber Lodge. The members consented, Grand Lodge gave its approval (a first for them) and on June 8,1901, M. W. Charles T. Gallagher and Grand Lodge officers dedicated the three-floor granite building at the corner of Main and Center Sts. The charter had been signed in 1872 when Sereno Nickerson was Grand Master. As Grand Secretary, Bro. Nickerson had to change the name to George H. Taber, who was present at age 93. (A Lodge can no longer be named for a living person.)

The new building has a first floor rental and the Lodge room is paneled with wood. There is a framed attachment to the wall explaining the story of Rogers and Taber. When the building was finished, it was equipped with new furniture and a pump organ that has since been converted to electronic. The chairs of the Master and Wardens were kept and then given to Noquochoke Lodge of Westport when it was chartered in 1878.

The warm and human side of Rogers exposed his sentimentality. His lifelong affection for George H. Taber was proven when he spent $50,000 to build the new temple. "He was like a father to me and my mother. His heart was as big as an ox and he was the most precious thing on earth," author Earl Dias reports in his book. Taber had been Rogers' Sunday School teacher and a beloved spinner of yarns for all the children in the town. It was a trait of many old "salts" living by the sea. When the telephone was perfected as a means of communication, Rogers had one of the first in Fairhaven installed in his mother's home. He then called her daily from his New York office.

During his most successful and hectic days, Rogers lived with his family at 26 East 57th Street in New York City, and later at East 78th St. To relate all of his many business dealings in oil and diverse industries would be impossible. He and his cohorts appeared before the courts several times when the states attempted to prove that Standard Oil had created a monopoly. But Rogers was equal to the task, often confusing and irritating the opposing attorneys. He dealt with all the moguls of his time; John D. and William Rockefeller, E. P. Harriman, John D. Archibold, the Everests, Lockhart, Warden, McGregor, and many others. He was labeled "The Jekyll and Hyde of Wall Street," "Hell Hound Rogers," "an irascible and contemptuous witness," "a pirate," and because of his cunning as a witness, "The Jester of Wall Street." Yet, Rogers was the only one who was considerate enough to recognize Edwin L. Drake, a conductor on the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad, with no business or technical experience, who believed and proved that oil could be brought to the surface by drilling. He had met with success and tragedy before his death in 1880. Rogers erected a monument to him in Titusville.

In 1907, it was Federal Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis who finally decided to fine Standard Oil $29 million for the monopoly that had been created. Landis had been appointed by President Teddy Roosevelt and was reported to have exclaimed, "Bully, for him!" when he heard about the fine. But the Supreme Court ruled otherwise and the fine was wiped out. In 1911, Standard Oil had to divest itself of its subsidiaries and reorganize into 38 companies. When a cattleman sold diseased beef, Landis locked him in jail. President Woodrow Wilson commuted the sentence to a few months. When men were accused of stealing sugar from a Chicago freight car, Landis stated in his court, "Stealing sugar is no more deserving of a prison sentence than selling diseased cattle," and let them off.

Judge Landis, while sometimes unpredictable in his decisions, had caught the eye of organized baseball and earlier had settled the Federal League case. In 1920, he was hired by baseball to be its first commissioner, replacing the three-man commission. The 1919 World Series, won by the Cincinnati Reds, five games to three against the Chicago White Sox, had earned the unwelcome distinction as the "Black Sox Scandal." Several of the Chicago players were found guilty of "throwing the series" and selling out to gamblers. But Landis' ruling with a firm hand and Babe Ruth's home runs soon gave baseball the new look it needed.

From 1893 until Rogers' death in 1909, his famous friend was Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. A mass of correspondence between the two men and from Clemens to members of the Rogers family may be found in the Millicent Library, Fairhaven, built as a memorial to Rogers' daughter who died at age 17. Clemens had foolishly invested $200,000 in a typesetting machine in Hartford, CT, and Rogers convinced him it was a bad investment. A strong bond developed between the two men and Clemens was the main speaker at the dedication of the Fairhaven Town Hall building that Rogers had given as a gift for his wife, Abbie, in 1894. Built in the French Gothic style, it was constructed of ashlar granite from St. George in New Brunswick. Four months after the dedication Mrs. Rogers died.

In May 1984, Grand Master David B. Richardson visited George H. Taber Lodge for a Lodge affair at Memorial Church. Bro. Charles Lilley, 98, travelled from his Winchester home to be the honored guest. He had been Raised in the Fairhaven Lodge in June 1909, the year Rogers died. He recalled being present at the town hall dedication and was heard to exclaim, "Mark Twain never learned how to handle a nickel and he was lucky he met Henry Rogers." Lilley had been a compositor for the weekly Fairhaven Star until 1912. He was presented a 75-year pin by the Grand Master. He died in 1987 at the age of 101.

Samuel L. Clemens had been Raised a Master Mason in Polar Star Lodge No. 79, St. Louis, in 1861. He was once suspended and finally demitted in 1868. On a visit to Palestine, he sent a wooden gavel from the Cedars of Lebanon to his Lodge. But Clemens, like Rogers, lives on mainly through Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, The Gilded Age, and other books. When Rogers remarried in 1896 to Emilie A. Hart, daughter of a New York diamond merchant and divorced, Clemens became fond of her and kept up a correspondence with her wherever he travelled. She proved to be an ideal hostess for Rogers, particularly the New York social whirl.

When the Rogers home in Fairhaven burned in 1894, he replaced it with an 85-room mansion that would house the family during the summer months. The mansion included 18 bedrooms, playrooms for the children, bowling lanes, wine cellars, and a kitchen large enough for a hotel. After Rogers' death, his son Harry sold the mansion to a man who planned to convert it into a summer hotel. The townspeople objected and the home was demolished in 1915. One buyer paid $1,000 for a Waterford Crystal chandelier, and James Michael Curley, several times mayor of Boston, purchased the marble fireplace and fixtures which were thought to be brass but proved to be gold-plated. Curley bought them for his new Jamaica Plain (Boston) home that has recently been taken over by the city as the site of a proposed museum.

Among the collection of Rogers letters in the Millicent Library is one from London on Nov. 25, 1896 written by Clemens to Emilie Rogers, in which Clemens suggests it is sometimes easier to approach a man through his wife. He felt she might be able to influence Henry concerning financial aid needed to continue the studies of Helen Keller, blind since birth. She had attained an average of 90 in her exams to enter Radcliffe College in Cambridge, when others taking the same test had averaged only 78. Rogers had met Miss Keller and her personal teacher, Miss Sullivan, the previous July. Emilie Rogers had used the right tact, and in her book, The World I Live In, Miss Keller pays tribute to Rogers and others who joined to finance her education. "... the best of the world I live in is the kindness of friends like you and Mrs. Rogers."

Sitting in pew no. 14 on the north side of the sanctuary of The Memorial Church of Fairhaven (Unitarian), TROWEL's editor paused to contemplate the glorious works of the 15th century English Gothic structure that Henry Rogers had built as a memorial to his mother following her death in 1899. Begun in 1901 and completed three years later, it was built to replace the old wooded church. The exterior is of native granite from a ledge on the Rogers former estate near Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, the tower is of granite and carved limestone. Exterior and interior limestone sculpture—including more exquisitely-wrought Christian and secular (largely medieval) heads than anyone has ever counted—is the work of a team of artisians brought from Italy for the three years of work. Interior wood carvings, accomplished by a group of Bavarian and German artisians under the direction of the Bavarian master John Kirkmayer, are of rare English bog oak. The stained glass windows of Tiffany by American Impressionist Robert Reid, whose fame as a New York portrait painter was at its height in the early 1900s, are dominated by the Memorial Window, the Nativity at the pulpit, a 71-foot nave, and The Sermon on the Mount at the opposite end. Each window is 24 feet high. The Rev. Robert Collyer, D.D., Rogers' New York minister and close friend, a clean-shaven Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) are depicted in the windows. Reid's work required two years to complete. Above the center aisle are ten winged wood sculptures covered with beaten gold; each is ten feet high and represents one of the ten intellectual attributes: philosophy, rhetoric, arithmetic, music, geometry, grammar, astrology, metaphysics, dialetic, and theology.

Of the five entrances to the church, perhaps the most renowned is the south porch, whose bronze doors consist of two leaves, each weighing two-and-a-quarter tons. On their exterior are 38 nine-inch figures of persons chosen from 19 centuries of Roman Catholic and Protestant thought. King Alfred the Great is the only "civic" leader among them. On the floor is an oval made up of the 12 signs of the Zodiac, in brass, and in the upper right corner, looking towards the outdoors is a little "church mouse" in the limestone—actually a squirrel. Of the hundreds of limestone and wooden faces—no two are alike. One depicts a cross-eyed worker. The cathedral-type church is supported by ten flying buttresses. In 1911, the Unitarian Society of Fairhaven placed a memorial to Henry H. Rogers in the church. A marble table with bronze panels on either side, signifying Motherhood and Chivalry, was placed on the east wall directly beneath the window, The Sermon on the Mount. At the same time, a small marker was placed on either end of pew no. 14, the one occupied by the Rogers family. Until that time the Rogers' name had not appeared on the groups of buildings he financed. Despite his often hard-core business ability, Henry H. Rogers was a modest man and had perpetuated the names of his friends but did not want his own to appear.

He also built Tabitha Inn, named for his maternal grandmother, Tabitha Crowell, as a place for visitors to stay. It is now owned by the Fall River Roman Catholic Diocese and used as a home for the aged, called Our Lady's Haven Home. He purchased the Atlas Tack Co. of Fairhaven and Taunton, closing the latter and con-struting a new building that would employ his townsmen. He built a grammar school in Mattapoisett in memory of his paternal grandparents, Abisha and Judith (Cushman) Rogers. He also purchased the old Bank of Commerce in New Bedford for the Old Dartmouth Historical Society. Bro. Rogers built the White Home for Nurses, a memorial to his friend, Dr. Charles Warren White, Jr., and donated it to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. He had Cushman Pond filled in to serve as the town's recreational area and contributed to the Messiah Home for Little Children in New York City. He gave money to many institutions and endowed all the buildings for which he was responsible. The new high school, which he endowed and built, was dedicated in 1906, and at his death his estate endowed most of the other buildings. He was also benefactor to Booker T. Washington.

His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, have been or still are contributing to the Millicent Library and the church, and some were library trustees for many years. A copy of the Rogers will may be seen in the library. Although no figures have ever been released, his estate at the time of his death was estimated at $65 million—all that from a modest country lad who began with a bankroll of $600! Many have acquired wealth but few have shared it with others as Rogers did. His charity surely has extended beyond the grave. A visit to see his good works will astound you.

(Acknowledgements: Prof. Earl J. Dias whose book, Portrait of a Capitalist, simplified this work and is a tribute to the author and the Rogers family; Reu Robert A. Thayer and Wor and Mrs. Jack Matsen of the Memorial Church; Wor. Harold C. Holmes and Wor. William Letton of George H Taber Lodge; the Millicent Library.)

(Suggested reading: Portrait of a Capitalist by Earl J. Dias; America's Cathedral Beautiful by Mildred C. Mosgrove of Memorial Church (third printing 1986); The Oil Barons by Richard O'Connor, Boston 1971; Mark Twain Returns to Hannibal by Harold Holzer, American History, May 1983.)

RogersBuildings1989.jpg

ROGERS, JAMES SAMUEL WESLEY 1890-1976

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1977

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1977, Page 24:

Ill. James Samuel Wesley Rogers, 33°
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, October 16, 1890
Died in Reading, Massachusetts, June 21, 1976

Ill. James Samuel Wesley Rogers was the son of Harding Brooke Rogers and Mary Ann Elizabeth (Sargent) Rogers. He was a graduate of Medford High School and Burdett Business College. In business life Bro. Rogers was in the investment field. He was also, at one time, employed by the Commonwealth Trust Company, the Ameri­can Tobacco Company, and the Vacum Oil Company.

Bro. Rogers was united in marriage on November 13, 1917, with Estella May Rice, who predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Frederick (Natalie M.) Bowker of Reading; four sisters, Mrs. Stella R. Aston of Danvers, Mrs. Elsie Wallings of Brookline, Mrs. Elizabeth Sanderson of Newton, Mrs. Helen Remmick of Wells, Maine; and a brother, William Rogers of Indianapolis, Indiana; also six grandchildren.

Ill. Bro:. Rogers was raised in Mount Hermon Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Medford in 1917, and was its Master in 1962-63. In the York Rite he was exalted in Mystic Royal Arch Chapter in 1926, was its High Priest in 1936-37 and for many years its Secretary. He was greeted in Medford Council, R. & S.M. and served for many years as its Recorder. He was knighted in Boston Commandery, No. 2, K.T. in 1926 and was Commander in 1942-44.

In the Scottish Rite Bro. Rogers joined Boston-Lafayette Lodge of Perfection in 1920 and was Thrice Potent Master in 1966-69. He was also a member of Giles Fonda Yates Council, Princes of Jeru­salem; Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix; and Massachusetts Consistory. Ill. Bro. Rogers was crowned a Sovereign Grand In­spector General, 33° , Honorary Member of the Supreme Council at Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 25, 1968.

He was the recipient of the Benjamin Hurd Medal of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts and was a member of the Past High Priests Association, Presiding Councils Association of the Grand Commandery K.T., White Shrine of Jerusalem, the Eastern Star, and Aleppo Temple A.A.O.N.M.S.

He served in Massachusetts National Guard from 1911-1919 and was a 2nd Lieutenant during World War I. He was also a mem­ber of American Legion Post No. 5 in Medford.

His funeral was held at the Douglas Funeral Home in Reading, Massachusetts on June 24th at 10 A.M. Mt. Hermon Lodge con­ducted a Masonic Service on the previous evening. Interment was in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody.

ROLFE, DANIEL PORTER 1840-1905

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 5, February 1906, Page 183:

The funeral of Bro. Daniel P. Rolfe was held at the home of the family on Chestnut Street, Wakefield, Mass., and was attended by H. M. Warren Post 12, G. A. R, in a body. There was also a large delegation from Golden Rule Lodge, A. F. and A. M. The services were conducted by Rev. Hugh Heath, pastor of the Baptist church.

The Masonic services were in charge of W. M. William P. Shepard, assisted by the chaplain, Charles H. Howe. Several selections were sung by the Bostonia male quartet. The pallbearers were Charles Evans, Dr. Azel Ames, W. C. Hunter and G. H. S. Driver of the G. A. R. and A. S. Atherton and William D. Deadman of Golden Rule Lodge.

RONIMUS, JAMES DYER 1846-1911

JamesRonimus.jpg

MEMORIAL

FROM COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1911

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1911, Page 41:

On the twelfth day of April, 1911. died James Dyer Ronimus, 33°.

Born in the city of Boston. August 31, 1846, the son of John Ronimus of Strasburg, Germany, and Lydia Sherburn of Farmington, N.H., he lived his allotted age in the city of his birth and was identified with its mercantile history. Graduating from the public schools, he entered the employ of Win. Read & Sons, gunsmiths; remaining with this concern for a short term he next went to the employ of a tea and tobacco concern, and in 1S69 took a position with F. A. Hawley & Co., gentlemen's furnishing goods. Here he rose step by step from junior clerk to senior partner, the firm changing from time to time, until his retirement in 1908, when Hawley, Folsom & Ronimus was one of the leading houses in their particular line of business.

His success was one of merit alone: no wealthy backer or family connection to lend him a hand in his journey upward, his unremitting industry, his faithful service and his strict attention to business were his only sponsors. His was a social nature; a pleasant smile and an outstretched hand made friends, and a close acquaintance attached them to him for life.

Raised in Mt. Lebanon Lodge, March 9, 1868. he was an exemplar of the Masonic principles, amiable, discreet and virtuous in his conduct, with a hand guided by justice and a heart expanded by benevolence. Ready at all times to listen to a tale of distress and quick to respond with his time and his means to a call for assistance.St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter exalted him June 3, 1868. He became a member of Boston Council Royal and Select Masters February 27, 1873. and was knighted in Boston Commandery April 16, 1873.

Initiated in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1871, he became a member of Massachusetts Consistory November 3, 1871, and received the Honorary Degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector-General 33°, in the Supreme Council September 20, 1904.

Brother Ronimus filled various subordinate positions in both Lodge and Chapter, but declined higher office. At various times he served the Chapter, Council and Commandery as Treasurer, and was continually reflected until he felt unwilling to longer serve.

He was Treasurer of Massachusetts Consistory from 1900 to 1909, and Trustee of Mt. Lebanon Lodge from 1885 until his death.

May 10, 1876, ho was married to Helen Florence Starr of Thomaston, Maine. Their home life was ideal, and they had the great happiness of seeing two sons grow to manhood, join their father in his business and become members of his clubs, and of the Fraternity.

Brother Ronimus considered his attendance upon his masonic affiliations a duty and was rarely absent. His diversions were a love of athletic sports and music, in the latter being joined by his wife, a most proficient musician. In his younger days he had done service in the Massachusetts Militia and was a member of Franklin Lodge of Odd Fellows.

At the time of his death he was affiliated with Massachusetts College Societas Rosicruciana, the Royal Order of Scotland, and Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Was also a member of the Boston Athletic Association and the Point Shirley Club.

Funeral service was held at the Brookline Baptist Church. The interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

"Passing out, of the shadow
Into eternal day.
Why do we call it dying
This sweet going away?"

Albert L. Richardson, 33°
Eugene A. Holton, 33°
Josiah T. Dyer, 33°
Committee.

ROOSEVELT, THEODORE 1858-1919

TRoosevelt1918.jpg

From Proceedings, Page 1919-53, Grand Master's Address:

Since our Iast Communication in Deeember our Country has lost by death one of its great men, Theodore Roosevelt,- a mgmber of the Masonic Fraternity. Brother Roosevelt passed away at his residence, Sagamore Hill, in the village of Oyster Bay, N. Y., on January 6, 1919. The whole world was shocked and saddened by .the news of his unexpected death.

It was while he was Governor of the State of New york and Vice-President-elect of the United States that recognizing the advantages and privileges of Masonic membership he applied for the degrees and membership in Matinecock Lodge, No. 806, at Oyster Bay. IIe was'elected and received the Entered Apprentice degree on January 2, 1901, was Passed to the Fellow Craft degree on March 27, 1901, and Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 24, 1901. It is a matter of pride to the members of this jurisdiction that one of our own Brethren, our late beloved Curtis Guild, took an important part in the conferring of the Master Mason degree upon Brother Roosevelt.

It is also to be reealled that Brother Roosevelt took part with this Grand Lodge in the laying of the corner-stone of the Pilgrim Monument at Provincetown. Since he became a member of the Craft he has repeatedly shown his interest and devotion to it. He has addressed various Masonie bodies, and but for his condition of health would have been present at a recent observance of the Feast of Saint John by our Grand Lodge.

He was one of the most conspicuous figures in our public life, of remarkable courage, vigor, and enthusiasm, and against whose honesty and sincerity of purpose there has never been the breath of suspicion. He was known throughout the world as a patriot, statesman, author, and explorer, but he will live most enduringly in the memory of his countrymen as a splendid representative of sturdy American manhood. He freely and unsparingly devoted his life and remarkable abilities to the service of mankind. In the last book which he wrote he said, "All who give service and stand ready for sacrifice are the torch bearers. We run with the torches until we fall, content if we can then pass them to the hands of other runners."

Soon after he passed away I sent a letter to each of the District Deputy Grand Masters asking them to suggest to each of the Lodges in their respective districts that they have a memorial observance or some fitting tribute to the life and service of our distinguished Brother at a regular meeting of the Lodges nearest to February 9th, which was the day set apart by presidential proclamation for a national day of memorial observance. It seemed to me highly desirable that each of our Lodges should have upon its records some reference to the passing away of one so prominent and beloved, and whose life so fully embodied and expressed the teachings and tenets of our institution. The world is happier and richer and better for his having lived.

Brother Rudyard Kipling dedicated a poem to the memory of our deceased Brother entitled Great-Heart from which the following verses are taken:

Concerning brave Captains
Our age hath made known
For all men to honour,
One standeth alone,
Of whom, o'er both oceans,
Both peoples may say:
"Our realm is diminished
With Great-Heart away."

ROOT, ALBERT B. 1858-1937

From Proceedings, Page 1937-219:

Right Worshipful Brother Root was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, June 13, 1858, and died in Dixfield, Maine, October 2, 1937.

He was taken as a child to Dixfield, the old home of his family, and attended the public schools there. At the age of 17, armed only with some letters of introduction, he came to Boston alone to seek his fortune. His first employment was with a firm who manufactured horseshoes. A few years later he set up a horseshoeing business of his own. In this business he made an excellent reputation which led to his election as President of the Master Horseshoers Association of America.

The coming of the automobile caused him to abandon his business, and he made his hobby the reproduction of antique furniture and dealing in antiques, his vocation for the rest of his life. On the death of his mother in 1924, he returned to Dixfield and there remained.

He was elected to the Legislature in 1900, but served only one term as he found political life distasteful.

He was raised in St. John's Lodge in 1889 and was its Master in 1900-1901. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District in 1906 and 1907, by appointment of Most Worshipful John Albert Blake.

One of Right Worshipful Brother Root's most marked characteristics was his desire for perfection in whatever he did. On this characteristic his business success was founded, and his Masonic career was equally marked by it. Although so long absent from Boston, he occasionally visited his Lodge, keeping old friendships warm and making new ones. His passing is mourned by many.

ROWE, ANDREW J. 1831-1918

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIII, No. 12, September 1918, Page 381:

Andrew J. Rowe, aged 87, died at his home at Magnolia September 1. He was one of the oldest Masons in the city, having joined Tyrian Lodge 58 years ago. He was also a member of William Ferson Chapter and Bethlehem Commandery, Knights Templars. For many years he conducted a livery stable at Middle Street and Western Avenue and also in Magnolia, retiring with the advent of the automobile. He was a native of Gloucester, and is survived by a daughter and one son.

ROWE, HOWARD FRANKLIN 1844-1883

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. VII, No. 1, April 1883, Page 27:

The sudden death of this loveable brother, near midnight of April 6th, gave a shock to his family and friends which they must long feel as a great affliction. It was known to many of his more intimate friends that he had suffered more or less from heart disease for several years, at times very severely, and from expressions made by him at different times, as well as from the advice of physicians, he no doubt expected just such a result; but his constant flow of good spirits, and his ready will to do any work possible for him to do, in his business or in Masonry, served to disarm suspicion and make those whp knew him best, hope even against hope, for his long life. At the time of his death he was Grand King of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts. We shall speak of him again.

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. VII, No. 2, May 1883, Page 55:

The death of Brother Rowe has made a large gap in the masonic circles wherein he was wont to move, and these will sensibly feel the shock and the loss caused by his departure. His temperament was highly sanguine, and he lived on the sunny side of life, to the pleasure of which he contributed his full share, never hesitating because of any personal discomfort. His nature was full of smiles, quick to perceive, strong and affectionate, and because of this he had friendships warm and enduring. He was in no sense fickle or sudden of change, but was true to his convictions, and sure to follow where a sense of right led the way.

To have one such man in a masonic organization was worth a whole colony of drones, for he would wring success from others' indecision ; to give him opportunity, was to see some action done, not carelessly or indifferently, but so well done that others found an example in his work, which was never patched or disordered. His capacity to get the brethren together, to interest them, and to infuse them with zeal for the business of the Fraternity, was exceptional, and the meetings of the Chapter of the Signet, and of Coeur de Lion Commandery, while he presided over them were striking illustrations of these qualities.

As District Deputy Grand High Priest, he was obliged to perform his duties under physical disabilities, but he refused to falter, and his District was one of the most social and prosperous; seeing this, the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts elected him Grand King in December, 1882, and four months later he was summoned to the presence of the King of Kings.

Howard F. Rowe was born in Portland, Me., on September 13th, 1844, came to Massachusetts with his parents when he was five years old, and ever after lived in Charlestown.

In his earlier manhood he was interested in hotel trade, but during the last ten years of his life he was an occupant in the old Faneuil Hall Market, where he dealt largely in butter. His business here was successful, though at one time necessarily impeded, during a period of poor health.

He received the degrees in Freemasonry in King Solomon's Lodge, in Charlestown, in the early part of 1867, was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in the Chapter of the Shekinah, in Chelsea, March nth, 1868, and was created a Knight Templar in Palestine Commandery, also in Chelsea, in January, 1869.

In June, 1868, he helped to establish the Chapter of the Signet in Charlestown, and in October, 1871, he rendered similar service in bdhalf of Coeur de Lion Commandery of Knights Templars; over each of these two bodies he presided with marked ability, and to the great acceptance of all the brethren. He lived to see his work prosper, under the approbation of his brethren.

His death occurred on April 6th, and in consideration of the complete prostration of his widow, the funeral services were held at the house on Tuesday following, without any special Masonic ceremonies. The several bodies in Masonry, and others to which he belonged sent touching tributes in rare flowers, and the large assemblage was hushed into silence, broken only by the sighs of the mourners, and the low murmurs of sorrow, for the loss of a husband and brother, who was, but is not.

ROWE, WILLIAM T. 1849-1910

  • MM 1872, WM 1883, 1884, Faith

From New England Craftsman, Vol. V, No. 5, February 1910, Page 174:

Brother William T. Rowe, a well known Mason, died at his home in Somerville, Mass., Saturday, January 22nd. He was horn July 23, 1849, and has been identified with the crockery trade.

He was a Past Master of Faith Lodge, Past High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of the Signet and past commander of Coeur de Lion Commandery all of Charlestown, Mass. He was also a member of Napthali Council R. and S. Masters, Chelsea.

ROWELL, BENJAMIN WINSLOW 1846-1927

BenjaminRowell.jpg

BIOGRAPHY

BenjaminRowell1924.jpg

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XX, No. 4, January 1925, Page 116:

Grand Recorder, Grand Commandery of Knights Templars, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 1890

Benjamin Winslow Rowell is of the ninth generation of Thomas Rowell, who came from England in 1636 and settled at Salisbury. Mass., and whose descendants have been identified with the history of Lynn and the neighboring country to the present time.

Brother Rowell was born in Chichester, N. H., August 18, 1846, during a temporary sojourn there of bis parents, John Winslow Rowell iind Martha (Stevens) Rowell. They returned to Lynn the same year, and there Brother Rowell has ever since had his home.

He received his education in the public schools and on leaving school entered upon a business life from which he retired in 1890 to devote his whole time to the duties of the office of Secretary of various Masonic organizations, besides which he occupies the positions of Comptroller of the Hoston Mutu l Life Insurance Company, Boston. Mass., and President of the Union Hospital Association of Lynn, Mass., and holds other positions of trust in business life.

He was raised in St. Paul's Lodge, South Boston, in 1877, exalted in Sutton Royal Arch Chapter in Lynn in 1878, and accepted a member of Boston Council Royal and Select Masters in 1886. The same year he was Knighted in Olivet Commandery Knight Templars, of Lynn, and was its Eminent
Commander in 1892-93.

The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite wen conferred upon him in 1877, 1888, and he was elected Thrice Potent Grand Master of Lafayette Lodge of Perfection in 1888 and 1889, and the 33rd degree was conferred upon him, September 17, 1889.

Brother Rowell has been Secretary of the four bodies of the Scottish Kite meeting in Boston since 1886, his services in the Council of Princes of Jerusalem and Chapter of Rose Croix dating hack to 1884, He has been Secretary of Massachusetts Council of Deliberation since 1894.

He was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1890, which position he still holds, and is also Correspondent of the Grand Commandery. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery of South Carolina, also Representative of the Grand Commandery of Mississippi.

Among his manifold duties he is also an active member of the High Council Societas Rosicruciana of the United States and Secretary of Massachusetts College Societas Rosicruciana; Secretary of the Grand Council of Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine, Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and Knight of St. John the Evangelist of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Cross of Constantine of the United States of America.

He is Imperial Recorder of the Imperial Council, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Myitic Shrine for North America, and Recorder of Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Since 1894, he has been continuously elected Representative of the Imperial Council from Aleppo Temple, thirty-one consecutive years. As acknowledgmenl of this service, the Imperial Council in 1908 conferred upon him the honor of active membership for life.

MEMORIAL

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1927

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XXII, No. 10, August 1927, Page 530:

Benjamin W. Rowell, long closely identified with Masonry, and during his more active life one of the outstanding figures in the fraternity, died on Monday, August 22d, at his home, 8 Linwood Street, Lynn, after a long illness. He was 82 years of age.

Bro. Rowell. among his many distinguished connections with the Masonic order, was the imperial recorder of the Imperial Council of the Mystic Shrine of the United States, and for many years was grand recorder of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, the Massachusetts College of Rosicrusians, Knights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine; and he also was recording officer of the Ancient and accepted Scottish Rite of Boston. He was secretary of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation, grand representative of the Grand Commandery of South Carolina, and grand representative of the Grand Commandery of Mississippi. In his home city of Lynn he was a member of the Cobbet School Boys' Association in which he was instrumental in founding. His wife, who was Susan A. Newhall. whom he married in 1871, died eight years ago. Rro. Etowell is survived only by a sister. Mrs. Mary E. Skinner, with whom he made his home.

Benjamin W. Rowell was born in Lynn in 1845, the son of John Winslow Rowell and Martha Stevens Rowell. He was made a master Mason in St. Paul's Lodge of South Boston, April 3, 1877. He received the Royal Arch degree in Sutton Royal Arch Chapter of Lynn, May 18, 1886; Super Excellent degree, Boston Council, May 27, 1886; made a Knight Templar in Olivet Commandery, Lynn, Dec. 1, 1886; member of Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Boston, Oct. 5, 1877; Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Boston, Oct. 12, 1877; Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, Boston, Oct. 19, 1877; Massachusetts Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32nd degree, Boston, Feb. 22, 1878; created a sovereign grand inspector general (thirty-third degree) at the session of the Supreme Council at New York. Sept. 17, 1889.

Bro. Rowell was Eminent Commander of Olivet Commandery in 1892. and Thrice Potent Master of Lafayette Lodge of Perfection. Giles F. Yates Council. P. of J., Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix and Massachusetts Consistory.

Funeral services attended by high dignitaries of the Masonic Order, including many from distant parts of the United States, joined in paying final tribute to this prominent Mason on Friday afternoon, August 26, at the Boston Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in Lynn.

The services were conducted by Rev. Dudley Hays Ferrell, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts, and now head of the Masonic Home, at Charlton. Preceding the services, members of Commandery of Lynn, led by the Aleppo Band, marched from the Masonic Temple to the church, and following the services, escorted the body to Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, where burial took place.

Honorary bearers included James Watt, commander of Aleppo Shrine, Portland, Me.; E. W. Jacocks of Boston; John H. Nelson, past Eminent Commander of Olivet Commandery, Lynn; Frank C. Elliott of Lynn, Commander of Massachusetts Consistory; Thomas J. Hunter of Chicago, high priest of the Shrine, and Charles Spellman, of Boston, secretary general of the Supreme Council, 33rd degree Masons.

Active bearers, in charge of Elbert Fuller, Eminent Commander of Olivet Commandery, were William E. Salmons, Lester P. Marsh, Ralph W. Calton, W. Charles Sellick, Dr. Charles A. Oak and William E. Eckhart.

The Shrine and Scottish Rite ritual were also included in the services at the church and at the cemetery.

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1928

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ, 1928, Page 47:

Born in Chichester, New Hampshire, August 18, 1845.
Died in Lynn, Massachusetts, August 22, 1927.

Brother Rowell was of the ninth generation of Thomas Rowell, who came from England in 1636, and settled at Salisbury, Mass. His descendants have been identified with the history of Lynn, Mass., up to the present time.

Brother Rowell was born at Chichester, N. H., August 18, 1845, the son of John Winslow Rowell and Martha Stevens Rowell, his parents returning to Lynn, Mass., the same year, where Brother Rowell made his home up to the time of his death.

He was educated in the local public schools and later attended an Academy at Whitehall, N. Y.

In 1871 he married Susan A. Newhall of Lynn, who died in 1919.

Brother Rowell was raised in St. Paul’s Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of South Boston, April 7, 1877. Exalted in Sutton Royal Arch Chapter of Lynn, Mass., in 1878. He was made a member of Boston Council of Royal and Select Masters, September 30, 1886, Knighted in Olivet Commandery, Knights Templars, in Lynn in 1886. Eminent Commander in 1892-1893.

The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite were conferred on him in Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Boston, Mass., June 1, 1877, Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, October 12, 1877, Mount Olivet Chapter, Rose Croix, October 19, 1877 and Massachusetts Consistory, February 22, 1878. He was elected Thrice Potent Master of Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, February 3, 1888-1889. Elected Secretary of that body February 7, 1890, Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, December 12, 1884, Mount Olivet Chapter, Rose Croix, May 14, 1885, and Massachusetts Consistory, April 13, 1886. He held the Secretaryship of the four bodies: at the time of his death.He was also the Secretary of the Council of Deliberation since 1894.He was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector-General Thirty-third Degree Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 17, 1889.Brother Rowell was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1890, and held that position at the time of his death.! He was the Grand Secretary of the High Council Societas Rosicruciana of the United States, also of Massachusetts College of Boston.

Brother Rowell joined Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Boston in 1885. Elected Recorder in 1886, and each successive year thereafter. Elected Imperial Recorder of the Imperial Council in 1894, and held that office at the time of his death.

Brother Rowell was well known in every State of the Union, especially in Massachusetts, where he was considered the authority on all laws and regulations of the different bodies with which he was connected.He will be missed by everyone who knew him, as he was ever ready to give proper advice to all who sought his knowledge of the duties of their respective offices.

Joseph W. Work,
Arthur D. Prince,
James A. Gunn,
Committee.

ROWELL, HOWARD ALLEN 1920-1995

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1996

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1996, Page A-iii:

Ill. Howard Allen Rowell, 33°
Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, May 10, 1920
Died in Haverhill, Massachusetts, July 18, 1995

Ill:. Howard A. Rowell, 33°, was the son of Forest C. and Mabel (Daniel) Rowell. He was educated in the Haverhill School System and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1939. He attended Bentley College. He was employed at the Essex County Gas Company for 41 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Bradford, Massachusetts.

Ill:. Brother Rowell was raised a Master Mason in Saggahew Lodge, A.F. & A.M., on June 22, 1942. He was a member of the Merrimack Valley Lodge of Perfection and Merrimack Valley Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Haverhill, where he was Secretary for 29 years; Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, Valley of Lowell; and Massachusetts Consistory, Valley of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a former member of the York Rite Bodies in Haverhill. On September 30, 1964, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, at Boston, Massachusetts.

Masonic services were held on July 20, 1995 at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 210 South Main Street, Bradford, Massachusetts. Funeral services were held the next day, with interment in Riverview Cemetery, Groveland, Massachusetts.

ROWELL, ROLAND 1849-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 3, December 1906, Page 116:’’

Brother Roland Rowell, a well known citizen and Mason, died at his home in Manchester, N. H., November 1906 at the age of 57 years and 9 months. He was a native of Manchester and always took a deep interest in his city's welfare. He was a lawyer by profession and was admitted to the bar at Plymouth in May 1876, but in recent years had not practiced much, devoting his time to the care of his properties.

Mr. Rowell was identified with many fraternal orders. He was a member of Edward A. Raymond Consistory of Nashua; Kilwinning Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Lowell; Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter, No. 11 of Manchester; Adoniram Council, R. and S. M.; Trinity Commandery: Ale’po temple, A. O. M. S., of Boston; and the Old Residents' Association. He was librarian of the Manchester Historic Association; Past Chancellor of Merrimack Lodge, K. of P.; and past Noble Grand of Highland Lodge I. O, O. F. of Lowell. He also held membership in the Sons of the Revolution and the New Hampshire Bar Association, and was vestryman of Grace Episcopal Church. He was appointed the first police clerk in Manchester in 1874.

He was clerk of the common council in 1875. For nine years he was with the Lowell Times, and on concluding his labors with that paper returned to Manchester where he had since resided.

RUBIN, GEORGE DANIEL 1920-2002

GeorgeRubin1996.jpg

BIOGRAPHY

From TROWEL, Spring 1996, Page 11:

On October 25, 1995, Henry Price Lodge paid tribute to one of its outstanding members. Right Worshipful George Daniel Rubin. At the conclusion of Regular Communication, which included the final fiual Visitation to the Lodge of the District Deputy Grand Master. Right Worshipful James R. Goodwin, and Suite, the Lodge room was opened to family and Its of the honoree and members. Wor. Barry J. Weiner, chairman of the committee which planned the evening, announced that this night would be known in lodge records as "Right Worshipful George Daniel In Night".

Most Worshipful J. Philip Berquist presented to the Lodge, through Bro. Rubin as chairman of its Blood Committee, a certificate for the Lodge having acquired 270 pints of blood in the year 1994, making this the 21st consecutive year that Henry Price Lodge has been credited with more than 100 pints. Bro. Berquist then presented to Bro. Rubin, in behalf of Grand Lodge, his 50-year Medal. Bro. Berquist said that for Masons and others to better understand why Bro. Rubin was being honored, and why he was so pleased to have been asked to take part in this, he would give a brief biography of Bro. Rubin's Masonic, charitable and civic accomplishments as a Mason.

Bro. Rubin was five times Master of Henry Price Lodge, traveling more than 125 miles each way from his home in Lee to Boston to attend all the requirements of a Master. He was Master of Occidental Lodge three times and of Upton Lodge twice; Past Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; Past Master of the Twentieth Lodge of Instruction; Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Bolivia to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; District Representative to the Masonic Home; Recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal; Recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation from Grand Lodge; Past Committeeman of the 15th and 16th Masonic Districts; Past President of the Berkshire Engineers' Square and Compass Club and of the Engineers' Blue Room; Member of the Scottish Rite, Valleys of Pittsfield and Springfield. and member of the Membership Committee of both Valleys; Recipient of the Scottish Rite Achievement Medal; Thrice Potent Master of Onota Lodge of Perfection, Pittsfield; Created a Sovereign Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council; Member of Melha Temple, A. A. N. O. M. S. Shrine Ambassador and Member of the Hership Committee; Recipient of the Certificate of Rtciation from Melha Temple.

Bro. Rubin has set a remarkable record for obtaining blood for the Grand Lodge Blood Bank and for others. Bro. Berquist spoke of his three years as Grand Master when, in his first year, he had told Bro. Rubin that he is making the Blood Bank one of his major goals and he asked Bro. Rubin's assistance in this. The response was that in the three years, Bro. Rubin obtained almost three thousand pints of blood. He not only gave more than sixty gallons himself, which will not be matched by many, but in his Masonic career he has procured more than ten thousand pints of blood.

For his efforts in this field, he has received a Certificate of Appreciation from Red Cross Blood Services, an Official Citation from the Commonwealth of Mass. and was designated the Outstanding Volunteer, Northeast Region. American Red Cross Blood Services. He heads the Red Cross Blood Program for the Town of Lee.and his latest effort is the Scottish Rite Learning Center for children.

The people assembled were visibly moved by this recitation and Bro. Rubin was loudly applauded. Bro. Berquist had Right Worshipful Paul A. Moore, District Deputy Grand Master of the Pittsfield 16th District, conducted to the East, where he presented Bro. Rubin with a plaque of appreciation, and a 60 gallon pin. Wor. Barry J. Weiner than announced that in honor of Bro. Rubin, Henry Price Lodge was making a substantial donation to the Scottish Rite Learning Center.

Bro. Rubin, with tears in his eyes, thanked all in attendance for coming to this occasion. He thanked his wife, Phyllis, for all the help she had given over the years in his endeavors, and he presented her with flowers, a suitable conclusion to the evening.

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Wor. Sam Weiner, R. W. James R, Goodwin, R. W. George D. Rubin, M. W. J. Philip Berquist.

MEMORIAL

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 2003

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 2003, Page 43:

Ill. George Daniel Rubin, 33°
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, April 12, 1920
Died in Youngstown, Ohio, September 8, 2002

Illustrious Brother George Daniel Rubin, 33°, son of Max and Dora (Brooks) Rubin. He was educated in the public school system and attended Petersons School of Engineering. He was employed as Chief Engineer for the Metropolitan District Commission, Common­wealth of Massachusetts.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Gordon on June 18, 1941, in Nashua, New Hampshire. They had four sons, Marc, Neil, Larry and Bruce. He was a member of Haskin Synagogue.

Illustrious Bro. Rubin was raised a Master Mason in Henry Price Lodge AF & AM Charlestown, Massachusetts, in February 1946. He served as Master of the Lodge from 1984-1988. He affiliated with Occidental Lodge A.F. & A.M., Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and served as Master in 1977-1978. The Grand Lodge of Masons in Mass­achusetts awarded him the Joseph Warren Medal. He served Grand Lodge as Representative to the Grand Lodge of Bolivia in 1982. He was a member of Melha Temple, A.A.O.N.T.M.S.

He completed his Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valley of Pittsfield and was a member of Springfield Consistory. Bro. Rubin was Past Thrice Potent Master of Onota Lodge of Perfection, Past Sovereign Prince of Pontoosuc Council, Princes of Jerusalem and Past Most Wise Master of Pittsfield Chapter of Rose Croix. He served Massachusetts Council of Deliberation as Minister of State. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33?, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 27, 1988, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Masonic Services were held in Youngstown, Ohio.

RUSSELL, DANIEL 1824-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 5, February 1907, Page 197:’’

The Hon. Daniel Russell, one of the best known citizens of Melrose, Mass., and formerly state senator, died at his home Jan. 23d after a week's illness. Mr. Russell was in his 82d year. Pneumonia was the cause of death.

He became a resident of Melrose in 1852 and had ever since taken an active interest in its welfare. He served on the board of selectmen, was a member of the commission on water loan sinking fund president of the Melrose savings bank and a director of the Malden & Melrose gas company. He was in the state senate in 1879-80 and was a delegate to the national Republican convention in 1880.

He was popular, and there were few persons in the city whom he did not know personally. He was a member of the Hugh de Payens commandery, K. T., and of Wyoming Lodge of Masons, and was prominently identified in the affairs of the Universalist Church.

Mr. Russell was organist of Wyoming Lodge of Masons 35 years. He had one of the finest residences in Melrose and took great delight in entertaining his friends with selections on his organ and piano, both being played at the same time by means of electricity.

RUSSELL, HEZEKIAH S. 1835-1914

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From Proceedings, Page 1914-145:

HEZEKIAH S. RUSSELL was born in Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 7, 1835, and died at his residence in that city, May 12, 1914. His initial schooling was obtained in Pittsfield, but he subsequently entered Mount Pleasant Academy at Amherst.

In 1854 he went west and was employed on railroads in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1857 he went to Australia where he was employed in constructing telegraph lines. On his return to Pittsfield in 1860 he entered the woolen manufacturing business, and later entered the company of Clary and Sedgwick. After a few years he purchased his partner's interest and for thirty-seven years conducted the foundry business, now the E. D. Jones plant. In 1874 he sold the machine shop to E. D. Jones, retaining the boiler making plant until 1902, when he disposed of that to the same firm and retired from business.

Brother Russell was a Selectman in Pittsfield in 1887 and 1888, Councilman in 1897 and 1898, was elected Mayor in 1900 and was re-elected in 1901. He was a representative to the General Court in 1906-1907.

Brother Russell was made a Mason, Oct. 29, 1857, in Amicitia Lodge, No. 25, Shullsburgh, Wis. In 1907 he went to Shullsburgh on the Fiftieth Anniversary of his being made a Mason. He presented the Lodge with a silver mounted gavel and was tendered a reception.

Brother Russell was Master of Mystic Lodge in 1865 and Oct. 19, 1874, became a member of Crescent Lodge of Pittsfield. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth Masonic District in 1876-1877 and 1878. He was also a member of Berkshire Royal Arch Chapter, and Past Commander of Berkshire Commandery, K.T.

He made plans to take part in the parade at the dedication of the Masonic Temple in Pittsfield, May 4, 1914, and it was one of the greatest disappointments of his life that he could not attend.

A writer in speaking of Brother Russell says:

"The mental and physical vigor, the spirit of progressiveness and the industry and integrity which were the characteristics of so many of the Russells . . . . find still another exponent in the gentlemen whose name introduces these memoirs."

For fifty-seven years Brother Russell was a zealous and active Mason. Full of vigor, power and love, he leaves a precious memory and an example worthy of imitation.

Wikipedia page

RUSSELL, WATERMAN SPAULDING CHAPMAN 1871-1918

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From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIV, No. 1, October 1918, Page 30:

Waterman S. C. Russell, Past Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, died at his summer home, North Woodstock, New Hampshire, September 29. Brother Russell was a well-known Mason, resident of Springfield, Massachusetts, where he has been active in the Masonic bodies of that city.

He was a science teacher in the high school, standing very high in that branch of education. He had also distinguished himself by his explorations in Iceland and was well known by his lectures on that country.

Within a few years he resigned as a school teacher and was founder and proprietor of the Cambridge Botanical Supply Co. at Waverly.

Brother Russell was a popular man, well liked in his Masonic offices and would undoubtedly have reached further prominence if he had lived. He will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends.

RUST, WILLIAM LEE 1922-1973

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1974

From Proceedings of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation AASR NMJ 1974, Page 37:

Born in Huntingdon, Tennessee, June 19, 1922
Died in Lawrence, Massachusetts, November 25, 1973

The passing of Illustrious William Lee Rust, 33°, made all who knew him mourn. It was as if another great oak in the forest of Massachusetts Masonry had fallen.

Illustrious Brother William Lee Rust, 33°, was the son of the late Arthur Lee Rust and of Mary Montgomery Rust, and was educated in the Huntingdon public schools and University of Tennessee, where he received a B.S. degree and in 1948 earned his Master's degree in Business Administration. Following his graduation, Illus­trious Brother Rust was engaged in Public Accounting and at the time of his death was a partner in the firm of Palaza, Dixon and Rust, Certified Public Accountants, and was President of the Central Savings Bank, both of Lowell, Massachusetts.

A veteran of World War II, he served with the Eighth Air Force as a B-24 pilot and saw service in the European Theater of Operations, having been honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.

Surviving are his wife, Irma E. (Comins) Rust, of Andover, Massachusetts; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Amba) Coltman, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Miss Cheryl Lee Rust, of Salem, Oregon; two step-sons, Stephen Richardson and Peter Richardson, of Andover, Massachusetts; and his mother, Mary Montgomery Rust, of Huntingdon, Tennessee.

Illustrious Brother Rust was raised a Master Mason in William North Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Lowell, Massachusetts, May 23, 1949, and served as Worshipful Master from 1962 to 1964. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Lowell Twelfth Masonic District, 1967-1968. He was appointed Senior Grand Deacon in the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, in 1969.

He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valley of Lowell in 1958, and at the time of his death was Senior Warden of Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix. He received his Consistory Degrees in Massachusetts Consistory, in Boston, Massa­chusetts in 1958, and at the time of his death he held the office of Engineer and Seneschal.

He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, of the United States of America, September 29, 1971, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a member of Societatis Rosicrucianae, Massachusetts College, and of Aleppo Temple, Boston, Massachusetts. At the time of his death he was President of the Lowell Masonic Association.

Funeral services were held at the Morse Funeral Home, Lowell, Massachusetts, Monday, November 28, 1973.

Interment was in the Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts. Masonic services were held at the graveside by the officers of William North Lodge, A.F. & A.M.

Brother Rust, although a young man, lived a life of service to Masonry, his fellowmen and to the community in which he lived and worked. He had no regrets. He loved his fellow men and was loved in return. We shall miss him indeed, but he will be remembered with cheerful recollections.

RYDER, VICTOR STANLEY 1896-1986

MEMORIAL, 1987

From TROWEL, Spring 1987, Page 18:

Bro. Victor S. Ryder, 90, known as "The Cape Cod Auctioneer," died at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, in October. A native of North Harwich, he was a 60-year member of Pilgrim Lodge of Harwich. Masonic services were conducted by the Lodge.

A licensed electrician, he had served with the Merchant Marine in World War I and had served with the Harwich police for many years. He built his own auction gallery in North Harwich and was also a real estate broker. He was sealer of weights for 16 years and served for ten years as a member of the town's finance committee and truant officer.

A member of North Harwich Methodist Church, he was the husband of the late Edith A. (Glover) Ryder, who died in 1980. He is survived by a daughter, Ruth A. Pierce of Cotuit, two grandsons, one nephew, two nieces, and a cousin. The family has requested that memorials be sent to the Harwich Police Association or to the Shriners Burns Institute, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.


Distinguished Brothers