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VAN RIPER, THOMAS 1838-1910

From Proceedings, Page 1910-178:

Bro. Thomas Van Riper, Secretary of Mount Holyoke Lodge, South Hadley Falls, was born in New York City, Nov. 17, 1838. He learned the trade of bookmaking when a very young man, and followed that trade until his death. He saw some service during the Civil War, being a member of the Eighth Regiment of New York Militia.

Brother Van Riper received the Masonic degrees in Polar Star Lodge of New York City, in 1866, and withdrew to become a member of Mount Holyoke Lodge. He was elected Secretary of Mount Holyoke Lodge in November, 1883, and held that office until his death with the exception of one year. He was deeply interested in the Masonic Home, and worked earnestly for its endowment. His last official act was to give a receipt for a contribution to the Home. He was a painstaking Secretary, a faithful Brother, and a Freemason whose fraternal work survives.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, 1910, after he had finished his day's work, and while resting quietly by his door, he passed to the world beyond.

VAN VALKENBURGH, JOHN J. 1856-1938

From Proceedings, Page 1938-231:

Right Worshipful Brother Van Valkenburgh was born in West Ghent, New York, May 13, 1855, and died in Framingham, August 3, 1938.

After graduation from Worcester Polytechnic Institute he entered the office of Simpson C. Heald, a consulting engineer in Worcester. He gave particular attention to the problems of sewer construction and water works. He went to Framingham with Mr. Heald in 1885 to lay out a sewer system and rernained in active business there up to the time of his death. He was widely known in his chosen field of engineering and had charge of many municipal and institutional projects. He rendered most valuable service to the Grand Lodge by laying out and supervising the sewage disposal plants at the Masonic Home and Masonic Hospital.

Brother Van Valkenburgh served Framingham as Town Engineer until a full time engineering department was set up, and for a time he served as Chairman of the Board of Public Works.

Brother Van Valkenburgh took his Masonic degrees in Middlesex Lodge in 1890 and was its Master in 1899-1900. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-first Masonic District in I9O2 and 1903, by appointment by Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher and Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford.

He received the Chapter degrees in Concord Royal Arch Chapter in 1890 and was its High Priest in 1902-3. After holding several offices in the Grand Chapter he served as Grand High Priest in 1919, 1920,and 192l. He was a member of Hiram Council of Royal and Select Masters, and a member of and Past Commander of Natick Commandery, Knights Templar. A member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Boston, he was a past Thrice Potent Master of Boston-Lafayette Lodge ol Perfection and was made an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 1913.

Brother Van Valkenburgh had suffered several serious illnesses in late years, but had recovered and resumed business activity, to all appearances in good health. His death was startlingly sudden and entirely unexpected. He was one of the most lovable of men, and will be deeply mourned by those who were so fortunate as to know him.

VICKERY, CHARLES RICE 1800-1883

From Proceedings, Page 1883-226:

The death of Bro. Charles Rice Vickery, of Taunton, removed from our earthly association a respected representative of the past of Masonry in this State, a member of the little band of surviving signers of the Declaration of 1831. Brother Vickery was born in Taunton, November 23, 1800. He was made a Master Mason in King David Lodge, of Taunton, May 29, 1822 ; and he died, January 16, 1883, — in the eighty-third year of his age, and the sixty-first year of his Masonic life.

The modest career of our worthy Brother was marked by a consistent practice of the Christian precepts, and his character was brightened by a manly sincerity and a quickness of social sympathy, which won for him the respect and love of his fellow-men. From the moment he assumed the obligations of a Mason his heart and his conscience went out to meet the responsibilities thus incurred ; and his love for the Craft, and his interest "in its work,, ritualistic and practical, increased with each advancing year. One of the last acts of his life was the execution of a bequest of $3,000 to King David Lodge, as a perpetual charity fund, the income of which is to be appropriated to the support of the needy and destitute widows of members of the Lodge. By this act of thoughtful generosity his memory will be endeared to the -hearts of those who, through coming generations, will be the grateful recipients of his bounty. It is well for us to hold up the example of this good Mason and large-hearted man, for our OWN encouragement and imitation. May it move us all to a deeper recognition of our duties as members of this Fraternity, and quicken our hearts to the performance of every deed of charity and love!

Distinguished Brothers