Massasoit

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MASSASOIT LODGE

Location: Fall River

Chartered By: Melvin M. Johnson

Charter Date: 09/13/1916 1916-532

Precedence Date: 11/11/1915

Current Status: merged with Narragansett Lodge to form Massasoit-Narragansett Lodge, 06/09/1976.


  • Henry Ashworth, 1915-1917; Mem
  • George W. Bowen, 1918
  • James Sinclair, 1919
  • James D. D. Comey, 1920
  • Benjamin B. Earl,  1921
  • Herbert A. Sullivan,  1922; SN
  • Walter E. Dow, 1923
  • James H. Wilson, 1924; N
  • Stanley Towle, 1925
  • Ernest A. Lincoln, 1926
  • Frederick W. Watts, 1927
  • Harold V. Thorpe, 1928
  • George L. Taber, 1929
  • James Buffington, Jr., 1930
  • Thomas W. Kidd,  1931
  • Ellery W. Chase, Jr.,  1932
  • George K. Brown, 1933
  • John M. Robinson, 1934
  • James Warburton,  1935
  • John A. McCrossan, 1936
  • Charles T. Jones,  1937
  • George M. Robinson, 1938
  • Clinton H. Walsh,  1939
  • Ellery W. Chase, Sr., 1940
  • Francis S. Borden,  1941; N
  • George A. Slade, 1942
  • Harold F. Wordell, 1943
  • Raymond V. Borden, 1944, 1945
  • William L. Stewart, 1946, 1947
  • Leslie H. King,  1948
  • Walter C. Howard, 1949
  • Donald G. Farrington, 1950
  • George C. Carroll, 1951
  • David P. Turner, 1952
  • Clifford F. Schlemmer, 1953, 1954
  • Wilfred LaMothe, 1955
  • Albert W. Canedy, 1956; N
  • Arthur Corner, 1957
  • Peter J. Frederick, 1958
  • Franklin E. Fairhurst, 1959
  • Harold N. Smith, 1960
  • Roland W. Kennedy, 1961
  • Duane R. Grinnell, 1962
  • Harold E. Waite, 1963
  • Alston M. Rigby, 1964
  • Frederick Chew, 1965
  • Russell L. Chew, 1966
  • David Ferreira, 1967
  • John T. Keene,  1968
  • Stanton G. Brooks, 1969
  • Clinton Waite, 1970
  • Walter L. R. Gosciminski, 1971, 1975; N
  • Clarence E. Hambly,  1972
  • Wayne M. Schlemmer, 1973, 1974

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1915 (not found in Proceedings)
  • Petition for Charter: 1916
  • Consolidation Petition (with Narragansett Lodge): 1976

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1941 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1966 (50th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1927 1932 1933 1935 1937 1940 1959 1960 1961 1963 1964 1974 1975 1976

HISTORY

  • 1941 (25th Anniversary History, 1941-221; see below)
  • 1966 (50th Anniversary History, 1966-252; see below)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1941

From Proceedings, Page 1941-221:

By Right Worshipful Walter F. Dow

We are gathered here tonight to celebrate our Twenty-fifth Anniversary and to pay honor to Right Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth and eleven other experienced Masons who had the necessary initiative to petition our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge "praying to be congregated into a regular Lodge, under the name and title of Massasoit Lodge."

The Petition was granted on the eleventh day of November, A.D. 1915, A.L. 5915, by Most Worshipful Melvin Maynard Johnson, then Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

A copy of the Dispensation follows:

GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS

To all persons to whom these Presents may come, Greeting:

"WHEREAS, a petition has been presented to me by sundry Brethren, to wit:

  • Henry Ashworth
  • Joseph Turner
  • David J. Burdick
  • William H. Beattie
  • Robert N. Hathaway
  • William Ridings
  • William N. McLane
  • George W. Bowen
  • Dwight E. Cone
  • Clarence E. Hambly
  • Charles N. Bowen
  • Frank L. Carpenter

praying to be congregated into a regular Lodge under the name and title of MASSASOIT LODGE with permission to hold the same in the city of Fall River, in the State of Massachusetts.

THEREFORE, I, Melvin Maynard Johnson, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, reposing full confidence in the Masonic integrity and ability of petitioners, do by virtue of the authority of my office, and of ancient Masonic usage, hereby grant this Dispensation, authorizing and empowering our trusty and well beloved Brethren aforesaid, to form and open a Lodge after the manner of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and therein to admit and make Free Masons, according to the ancient custom, and not otherwise. And this Dispensation is to continue in full force until the Quarterly Communication of our Grand Lodge aforesaid, to be holden in the City of Boston in the month of September, A.D. 1916, A.L. 5916, unless sooner revoked by me or by authority of our Grand Lodge.

And I do hereby appoint Brother Henry Ashworth to be the first Master, Brother George W. Bowen to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother David J. Burdick to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. And it shall be the duty of said Master and Wardens and their associates and they are hereby required, to return this Dispensation, with a correct transcript of all proceedings had under the authority of the same, together with an attested copy of their By-Laws, to our Grand Lodge aforesaid, at the expiration of the time herein specified for examination, and such further action in the premises as shall be deemed wise and proper for the general interests of the Craft.

Given under our hand and the seal of our Grand Lodge, aforesaid, at Boston, this 11th day of November, A.D. 1915, A.L. 5915.

[seal] MELVIN MAYNARD JOHNSON, Grand Master
Attest: Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary.

Promptly thereafter, a special communication of the Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Franklin Street, November 22, 1915, which was attended by Right Worshipful Brother George B. Luther, District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th Masonic District, who presented the Dispensation to Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth, Master of the Lodge. The minutes of that communication read — "No further business, Lodge closed in form." These Brethren served as officers at this, our first communication:

  • Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, Master
  • R.W. Bro. Robert N. Hathaway, as Senior Warden
  • Wor. Bro. William N. McLane, as Junior Warden
  • R.W. Bro. Dwight E. Cone, as Treasurer
  • Bro. James P. Hart, as Secretary
  • R. W. Bro. William Ridings, as Chaplain
  • Wor. Bro. Charles N. Bowen, as Marshal
  • Bro. James Sinclair, as Senior Deacon
  • Wor. Bro. Clarence E. Hambly, as Junior Deacon
  • Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, as Senior Steward
  • Bro. David J. Burdick, as Junior Steward
  • Wor. Bro. Frank. L. Carpenter, as Sentinel
  • Bro. Mark Hobson, as Tyler

The first regular communication of the Lodge was held December 8, 1915, with these Brethren acting as officers:

  • Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, Master
  • Bro. George W. Bowen, Senior Warden
  • Bro. David J. Burdick, Junior Warden
  • R.W. Bro. Dwight E. Cone, Treasurer
  • Bro. James P. Hart, Secretary
  • R.W. Bro. Robert N. Hathaway, Chaplain
  • Wor. Bro. Charles N. Bowen, Marshal
  • Bro. James Sinclair, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. James D. D. Comey, Junior Deacon
  • Wor. Bro. William N. McLane, Senior Steward
  • Wor. Bro. Clarence E. Hambly, Junior Steward
  • Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, Sentinel
  • Bro. Mark Hobson, Tyler

At this communication the first applications for the degrees in Freemasonry were received and referred to proper committees. The applicants were:

  • James Buffington
  • Alexander Makepeace
  • Herbert Andrew Borden
  • Francis Stephen Borden
  • Edwin Percy Kershaw
  • John Day Ramsbottom
  • Laughlin Warren McFarland

At the regular communication held January 12, 1916, the first reports were received from committees of investigation, and all being favorable, the seven applicants whose petitions had been presented at the previous communication were elected to receive the degrees as conferred in Massasoit Lodge. Also at this communication, petitions were received from ten applicants and referred to committees of investigation.

At a special communication held January 28, 1916, the first work was done by the officers of the Lodge. James Buffington, Alexander Makepeace and Edwin Percy Kershaw appeared, paid the required fee of $15.00 each and were initiated Entered Apprentices in due form. At this communication, Brother Chester A. Barlow served as Organist for the first time and has continued in that office to the present time. He has given full measure of that harmony which strengthens and supports every gentle and ennobling emotion of the soul.

At the regular communication held March 8, 1916, the Fellowcraft Degree was worked the first time, on five candidates.

At the regular communication held April 12, 1916, the Lodge accepted an invitation from Rev. G. E. Pickard, D.D., to attend Divine Service at St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church on June 25 at 7:00 P.M. No record appears in the minutes of a special communication being held for the purpose of attending that Service. At a special communication held April 24, 1916, the Master Mason Degree was worked for the first time, five candidates being raised, namely:

  • James Buffington
  • Alexander Makepeace
  • Herbert Andrew TJorden
  • John Day Ramsbottom
  • Francis Stephen Borden

At the regular communication held June 15, 1916, Worshipful Brother Frank L. Carpenter, on behalf of Brother Henry Ashworth, our Worshipful Master, presented to the Lodge a beautiful set of jewels for the use of the officers. Brother George W. Bowen, as Master, accepted the gift for the Lodge.

At the regular communication held July 7, 1916, the Committee on By-Laws reported and it was voted that their report be printed and a copy sent to every member of the Lodge before final action thereon.

At the regular communication held August 9, 1916, the proposed By-Laws were read, approved and ordered forwarded to the Grand Lodge for approval.

Regular communications, augmented by special communications, were held all through the summer of 1916 to care for the applicants who were petitioning the Lodge to become members.

At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge held September 13, 1916, our Charter was granted. It bears the sames of the following Brethren as Charter Members:

  • Henry Ashworth
  • Robert N. Hathaway
  • Dwight E. Cone
  • Joseph Turner
  • William Ridings
  • George W. Bowen
  • Frank L. Carpenter
  • James P. Hart
  • James Sinclair
  • Marcus Richard Brown
  • James David Driggs Comey
  • Clarence E. Hambly
  • David J. Burdick
  • William N. McLane
  • Charles N. Bowen
  • William H. Beattie
  • George E. Martin
  • Walter E. Russell
  • George R. Ashworth
  • W. J. McCoy
  • John Crowe
  • Nelson H. Munson

  • Herbert A. Sullivan

On September 27, 1916, at three o'clock in the afternoon, in die Masonic Temple on Franklin Street, with ceremonies that were especially impressive, Massasoit Lodge was constituted and its officers installed by officers and members of our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Melvin Maynard Johnson, was assisted by

The officers installed were:

  • Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, Master
  • Bro. George W. Bowen, Senior Warden
  • Bro. David J. Burdick, Junior Warden
  • R.W. Bro. Dwight E. Cone, Treasurer
  • Bro. James P. Hart, Secretary
  • R.W. Bro. William Ridings, Chaplain
  • Wor. Herbert A. Sullivan, Marshal
  • Bro. James Sinclair, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. James D. D. Comey, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. George R. Ashworth, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Benjamin B. Earl, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Walter E. Dow, Sentinel
  • Bro. Chester A. Barlow, Organist
  • Bro. Mark Hobson, Tyler

During the ceremonies, selections were given by a double Masonic quartette. Worshipful Brother William H. Beattie, on behalf of King Philip Lodge, presented the new Lodge with a set of working tools of beautiful design and excellent workmanship. Worshipful Brother George H. Hicks, on behalf of Narragansett Lodge, presented a Master's gavel handsomely adorned with silver.

Following the ceremonies in the lodge-room, our members and guests repaired to Music Hall where a banquet was served by the Laura M. Carr Company of Providence and the American Orchestra, William Allinson, Leader, provided excellent music.

At the regular communication held October 11, 1916, By-Laws as approved by our Grand Lodge were adopted.

Our first annual communication was held November 10, 1916. From its institution to this date, the Lodge received for membership fees, yearly dues and for the degrees $2,035 — a very fine showing. Thirty-two applications for the degrees had been received; thirty had been accepted, one was rejected and one was awaiting ballot. Our first annual election resulted in the choice of these officers:

  • Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, Master
  • Bro. George W. Bowen, Senior Warden
  • Bro. James Sinclair, Junior Warden
  • R.W. Bro. Dwight E. Cone, Treasurer
  • Bro. James P. Hart, Secretary
  • Wor. Bro. William H. Beattie, Trustee for one year
  • Bro. Jefferson Borden, Jr., Trustee for two years
  • Bro. Edwin J. Kershaw, Trustee for three years
  • R. W. Bro. William Ridings, Chaplain
  • Bro. Herbert A. Sullivan, Marshal
  • Bro. James D. D. Comey, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. Walter E. Russell, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. George R. Ashworth, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Benjamin B. Earl, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Walter E. Dow, Sentinel
  • Bro. Chester A. Barlow, Organist
  • Bro. Mark Hobson, Tyler

The officers elected and appointed were then installed by Right Worshipful Brother Robert N. Hathaway. At this communication, a vote of thanks was recorded to Brother Benjamin B. Earl for his gift of a record book.

The first special communication under dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was held December 23, 1916, fer the purpose of conferring the Master Mason Degree on Howard Granville Borden.

At the regular communication held January 10, 1917, Right Worshipful Dwight E. Cone presented the Lodge with a "Point within a Circle" which was accepted by the Worshipful Master subject to the condition that any other Masonic Lodge using the lodge-room was welcome to the use of this gift.

At the regular communication held March 14, 1917, an invitation from Rev. E. C. Herrick to attend Divine Service at the First Baptist Church on Saint John's Day, June 24th, was accepted.

At the regular communication held April 11, 1917, we find this action recorded: "Whereas our Brother Herbert A. Sullivan, Marshal of our Lodge, has been called to the colors and is now in active service, it is hereby voted that we send him greetings from the Lodge, and the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens are hereby appointed a committee to select and forward to him a suitable gift to show our regard for this brother, the first from Massasoit Lodge to answer his country's call." Prompt acknowledgment of the gift was made by Brother Sullivan then at the Navy Yard, Boston, U.S.S. Dupont.

At the regular communication held June 13, 1917, the Lodge approved the action of the Worshipful Master in ordering our Treasurer to purchase, with funds of the Lodge, $300.00 of Liberty Bonds for the account of the Lodge.

The first Official Visitation of a District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District occurred at the regular communication held September 12, 1917. Right Worshipful Brother William N. McLane, then District Deputy Grand Master, was received, witnessed an exemplification of the conferring of the Master Mason Degree on two candidates and addressed the members regarding several matters that the Most Worshipful Grand Master wished to have called to the attention of the members of the Craft. Right Worshipful Brother McLane was pleased to commend the work of the Lodge which he had witnessed.

A special communication was held October 24, 1917, for the purpose of conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on Clayton Leroy Zehner on request of Henry H. Culver Lodge No. 617 of Culver, Indiana — this with the approval of our Grand Lodge. Later, the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees were conferred on this Brother.

At the annual communication held November 14, 1917, the Worshipful Master read an appeal from the Grand Lodge Committee for the Masonic War Fund. After discussion, it was voted that the members of Massasoit Lodge be requested to contribute $2.00 each and that the officers of the Lodge act as a committee to attend to the same, with the power to authorize the Treasurer to send a check for the amount at once, the Treasury to be reimbursed by the subscriptions received. It was also voted that every member of Massasoit Lodge in the service of his country be exempt from dues during the duration of the War. At this communication, the Secretary reported the membership of the Lodge as 59. The name of Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson was proposed for Honorary Membership, and at the following communication in December, 1917, he was elected.

At the December 1917 communication, the "Rainy Day" letter from the Grand Lodge was taken from the table, and after discussion, it was voted not to contribute to the fund this year.

At the January 1918 communication, Right Worshipful William N. McLane introduced Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson to the members of the Lodge. After expressing his surprise and pleasure at receiving notice of his election as the first Honorary Member of this Lodge, Brother Johnson entertained our Brethren with a most enlightening and fascinating description of Masons and Masonry as he found them in Panama, Cuba and Jamaica.

At the February 1918 Communication, Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth was elected as our first Proxy to the Grand Lodge. Also a vote of thanks was extended to Eascambian Lodge No. 15 of Pensacola, Fla., they having conferred the Master Mason Degree on Brother Clifford Leander McFarland, at our request.

At the April 1918 communication, Right Worshipful William Ridings presented to the Lodge, on behalf of Worshipful Brother James Allardice, the beautiful mahogany ballot box that has been in continuous use since that time. The Lodge passed a vote of thanks to Worshipful Brother Allardice and the Worshipful Master expressed his appreciation for the gift. Again, Right Worshipful Ridings arose and presented Brother Henry Ashworth, on behalf of the members of the Lodge, with a Past Master's Jewel as a token of the members' appreciation of his untiring services during the period of getting the Lodge organized and functioning. Worshipful Brother Ashworth expressed his thanks in his usual pleasant manner.

At the September 1918 communication, the Secretary was directed to express the appreciation of the Lodge to Naval Lodge No. 24 of Warrington, Florida, for conferring some of the degrees on our Brother Waldo Sherman.

At the annual communication held November 13, 1918, the Secretary reported the membership as sixty-nine and noted that nine members were in the uniform of some branch of the Armed Forces of the United States. Further evidence of our participation in World War No. 1 is shown in the records by the references to Brethren occupying various Lodge offices as substitutes for some of the nine Brethren; also the conferring of degrees by this Lodge on Brethren from other Grand Jurisdictions.

At the March 12,1919, communication, the Secretary recorded the deep regret of our members at the death of Brother Theodore Roosevelt (the 26th President of the United States) who so well and faithfully lived up to the tenets of his profession as a Mason as to be honored by all the world.

Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth was the first Past Master of this Lodge to be honored by appointment to the office of District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th Masonic District; he made his first Official Visitation to the Lodge on October 8, 1919.

At the annual communication held November 12, 1919, the Lodge voted that the dues of the Treasurer be remitted until such time as the Lodge shall vote otherwise.

At the regular communication held March 10, 1920, Brethren of Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge were present, enjoyed a turkey supper with us, and then worked the Fellowcraft Degree on three of our candidates. This was the first of an interchange of visits by the two Lodges which continued for several years, broadening the acquaintance of the members of both Lodges and stimulating interest in the work as exemplified by the two sets of officers. We forfeited rare opportunities for cultivating Masonic fellowship when these visits were discontinued.

At the April 14, 1920, communication, the Secretary was authorized to purchase a set of jewels for the Master and the Wardens to wear when attending the communications of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. At the same communication, the Lodge voted to put $500.00 into the purchase of stock of the Masonic Hall Association.

At the May 12, 1920, regular communication, while the Brethren were considering a motion offered by Right Worshipful Brother Cone that every member of the Lodge be required to contribute one dollar toward the founding of a charity fund (motion laid on the table to allow for further discussion by the members) an alarm was given by the Tyler, and upon investigation, to the great surprise and pleasure of the Lodge, it was found that the officers of Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Lodge and some of their Brethren were present to make an informal visit. The real purpose of the visit was apparent when the visiting Brethren presented Massasoit Lodge with a most beautiful American flag as a token of the fraternal and brotherly feeling of Howland Lodge toward Massasoit Lodge.

At the regular communication held September 8, 1920, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee of five to recommend changes in our By-Laws.

The year ending November 10, 1920, was an active year for the Lodge; the Secretary reported 31 members admitted during the year, bringing the total membership to 111; receipts from dues and degrees amounted to $2,046.00.

At the special communication held November 24, 1920, for the purpose of installing the newly elected and appointed officers, Right Worshipful Brother William N. McLane, to the surprise of most of the Brethren present, presented to our Brother and Past Master, Right Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth, the trowel with which the first stone in the northeast corner of the foundation of our new Masonic Temple was laid.

The regular communication held on April 13, 1921, was a notable occasion. On that evening occurred the raising of our 100th candidate—Brother James Buffington, Jr. During the working of the degree, appropriate violin music was played by Brother James Buffington, Sr., father of the candidate and the first candidate raised in Massasoit Lodge. The then presiding Master, Benjamin B. Earl, was the first Master of this Lodge that was raised in the Lodge and Right Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth, who raised the 100th candidate, was the first Master of the Lodge—rather an unusual combination of circumstances.

May 24, 1921, the officers and several members of the Lodge visited Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Lodge, worked the Fellow-craft Degree, and Right Worshipful Brother Henry Ashworth, on behalf of the officers and members of this Lodge, presented a State flag to Howland Lodge. The following month, officers and members of Howland Lodge paid a fraternal visit to Massasoit Lodge and conferred the degree assigned for the evening.

On November 30, 1921, occurred the first installation of officers at which ladies were present. Herbert A. Sullivan was the Worshipful Master who was installed on that occasion.

At the regular communication held December 14, 1921, the Secretary was instructed to send a vote of thanks to Worshipful Brother James D. D. Comey for the beautiful copy of the Holy Scriptures which he recently presented to the Lodge.

Under date of February 27, 1922, we find recorded the first special communication called for the purpose of conducting the Masonic burial service for a deceased Brother, Joseph Crowther.

On May 6, 1922, a special communication of the Lodge was called, under dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, for the purpose of participating, with the other local Lodges, in the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of our new Masonic Temple to be built at the northwest corner of North Main and Elm Streets. The ceremony was conducted by our Grand Lodge officers, Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince then being our Grand Master. To the newspaperman who "covered" this event for the local paper, "the Ceremony was impressively solemn and at the same time picturesque." He reported it the biggest event in the history of Freemasonry in this city or section and was the occasion of the largest gathering of Masons ever seen here. Twenty-five hundred or more Masons took part in the notably fine parade (145 members of this Lodge paraded). These Commanderies participated: Godfrey de Bouillon of this city, Washington of Newport, and Sutton of New Bedford. The parade is reported to have been almost as impressive as the ceremonies themselves, "those marching thousands of men of one fraternity marching along so steadily and so seriously, intent upon exemplifying the strength and the good of their Order."

At the regular communication held May 10, 1922, the Secretary was instructed to express to Worshipful Brother George W. Bowen the thanks and appreciation of our members for the very beautiful set of Deacons and Stewards rods which he presented to the Lodge.

At the regular and annual communication held November 8, 1922, it was voted "that it shall be one of the duties of the Treasurer of the Lodge to purchase the Past Master's jewel each year till otherwise ordered without further action of the Lodge." At that communication, the second purchase of Masonic Hall Association stock was authorized. Twenty shares were bought and given into the custody of the Trustees of the Lodge.

At the regular communication held September 12, 1923, the last held in the Franklin Street building, the Lodge acted favorably on the request made by the Masonic Hall Committee, namely: that the Lodge contribute $1,000 toward the cost of furnishing the Masonic apartments in the new Temple.

On October 6, 1923, the building in which we are assembled was dedicated in accordance with the form prescribed by our Grand Lodge; Most Worshipful Grand Master Dudley H. Ferrell and Grand Lodge officers conducted the ceremony in the presence of permanent members of Grand Lodge, officers and members of the local Lodges. This was another big day in the history of local Masonry.

Massasoit Lodge has the distinction of being the first Blue Lodge to meet in the new Temple, on October 10, 1923, in the east lodge-room. We also were the first local Lodge to be visited by our District Deputy Grand Master in the new Temple. Right Worshipful Elton S. Wilde was the Deputy and October 24, 1923, was the date.

The first member of this Lodge to be elected an Honorary Member was Worshipful Brother Joseph Turner, a Charter Member of the Lodge and an indefatigable worker for the good of the Craft. This distinction was conferred on Worshipful Brother Turner by vote of the Lodge on November 14, 1923.

As of November 10, 1926, our tenth anniversary, the Secretary reported our membership as 249.

On September 14, 1927, Right Worshipful Brother Walter E. Dow, District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District, made an official visit to the Lodge. Right Worshipful Brother Dow was the first Brother raised in this Lodge to be honored by appointment to this office; also it was the first time two Deputies were appointed for the 30th District.

By May 23, 1928, our Lodge had been in existence long enough to have the necessary number of Past Masters to fill all the stations in the Lodge. Accordingly, the first Past Masters' Night was observed on this date, the Fellowcraft Degree being conferred with Right Worshipful Henry Ashworth as Master. Brother Ashworth expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to officiate once more as Master and offered his apologies for any errors he may have made in his work. The presiding Master, Harold V. Thorpe, countered by assuring Brother Ashworth that no apologies were in order, and further, that he was sure if the present officers had paid close attention to the work of the evening they would surely have seen ways in which they could improve their own work.

This Lodge, having been so generously remembered with gifts by other Lodges and individuals, embraced the opportunity to reciprocate with the organization of a new Lodge in Fall River — Watuppa Lodge. Under date of September 26, 1928, we find recorded a letter of thanks and appreciation from Right Worshipful Brother Alonzo T. Wonson, first Master of the new Lodge, for the gift of Deacons' and Stewards' rods presented by Massasoit Lodge.

On October 28, 1931, Right Worshipful James H. Wilson, District Deputy Grand Master, made his Official Visitation to the Lodge. Right Worshipful Brother Wilson is the second Brother raised in Massasoit Lodge to be accorded this honor.

December 28, 1932, Right Worshipful Water E. Dow, Junior Grand Warden of our Grand Lodge, made a fraternal visit to the Lodge.

February 27, 1935, Right Worshipful Herbert A. Sullivan, District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District, a Charter Member of the Lodge, made a fraternal visit to the Lodge.

December 23, 1936, Worshipful Brother McCrossan called attention to the 25th anniversary of the Constitution of this Lodge, recommending that plans be adopted to accumulate funds with which to meet the expenses incident to a proper observance of this event.

On October 24, 1939, a ceremony unusual in Masonry occurred when Worshipful Ellery W. Chace, Jr., had the privilege and honor of installing Ellery W. Chace, Sr., his father, as Worshipful Master of the Lodge. This ceremony took place in the presence of a very large gathering of distinguished visitors, friends and relatives of the inducted officers.

The decade from 1929 to 1939 were "lean" years in the affairs of the Lodge, in common with all Masonic bodies; due to economic conditions, there was a dearth of candidates and an absence of social activities. The officers who served during these years are entitled to great credit for their efforts in trying to maintain the interest of the Brethren.

In June of the present year. Right Worshipful Brother James H. Wilson presented a beautiful set of sterling silver Square and Compasses to the Lodge.

And so we conclude an endeavor to select and record what seems to be the outstanding facts and events to date, with the hope that when the second quarter century is completed and its history written, it may be a continuation of this first installment.

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1966

From Proceedings, Page 1966-252:

By Brother John T. Keene.

We are gathered here this evening to celebrate our Fiftieth Anniversary and to pay honor to Right Worshipful Henry Ashworth and eleven other experienced Masons who had the necessary initiative to petition our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge "praying to be congregated into a regular Lodge under the name and title of Massasoit Lodge."

The other eleven Brethren were: Joseph Turner, William H. Beattie, William Ridings, George W. Bowen, Clarence E. Ham-bly, David J. Burdick, Robert N. Hathaway, William N. McLane, Dwight E. Cone, Charles N. Bowen and Frank L. Carpenter.

The petition was granted on the eleventh day of November, A.D. 1915, A.L. 5915 with the appointment of Bro. Henry Ashworth to be the first Master, Bro. George W. Bowen to be the first Senior Warden, and Bro. David J. Burdick to be the first Junior Warden by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Mass., Melvin Maynard Johnson. The Dispensation was presented to Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth by Rt. Wor. Bro. George B. Luther, D. D. G. M., at a Special Communication held on Nov. 22, 1915.

At a Special Communication held on Jan. 28, 1916, the first work was done by the Officers of the Lodge. They conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on three candidates. At the Regular Communication held on March 8, 1916, the Fellowcraft Degree was worked the first time on five candidates. At a Special Communication held on April 24, 1916, the Master Mason Degree was worked the first time; five candidates were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Regular Communications, augmented by Special Communications, were held all through the summer of 1916 to care for the applicants who were petitioning the Lodge to become members. At the Quarterly Communication of our Grand Lodge held September 13, 1916, our Charter was granted. It bears the names of twenty-three brethren as Charter members. On September 27, 1916, at three o'clock in the afternoon, with ceremonies that were especially impressive, Massasoit Lodge was constituted and its Officers installed by the Officers and members of our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. At the Regular Communication held October 11, 1916, By-Laws as approved by our Grand Lodge were adopted. Our first Annual Communication was held November 10, 1916. The first Special Communication, under Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, was held December 23, 1916, for the purpose of conferring the Master Mason Degree on Bro. Howard Granville Borden.

At the Regular Communication held April 11, 1917, the Wor. Master, Senior and Junior Wardens were appointed to represent the Lodge to select and forward a suitable gift to Bro. Herbert A. Sullivan, Marshal of our Lodge, and the first Brother of Massasoit Lodge to answer his country's call. Prompt acknowledgment of the gift was made by Bro. Sullivan then at the Navy Yard, Boston, U.S.S. Dupont.

The first Official Visitation of a District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District occurred at the Regular Communication held September 12, 1917. Rt. Wor. Bro. William N. McLane, then D. D. G. M., witnessed an exemplification of the Master Mason's Degree on two candidates, and was pleased to commend the work of the Lodge.

A Special Communication was held October 24, 1917, for the purpose of conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on Clayton Leroy Zehner on request of Henry H. Culver Lodge, No. 617 of Culver, Indiana; this with the approval of our Grand Lodge. Later, the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees were conferred on this Brother, the first courtesy Degree work done by the Lodge.

At the Annual Communication held November 14, 1917, the Secretary reported the membership of the Lodge as 59. The name of Most Wor. Melvin M. Johnson was proposed for Honorary Membership and at the following Communication held December, 1917, he was elected.

At the January, 1918, Communication, Rt. Wor. William N. McLane introduced Most Wor. Melvin M. Johnson to the members of the Lodge and he expressed his surprise and pleasure at receiving notice of his election as the first Honorary Member of this Lodge.

At the February, 1918, Communication, Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth was elected as our first Proxy to Grand Lodge. A note of thanks was extended to Escambian Lodge, No. 15, of Pensacola, Florida, they having conferred a Master Mason Degree at our request on Bro. Clifford L. McFarland.

At the April, 1918, Communication, Rt. Wor. William Ridings presented Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, on behalf of the members of the Lodge, with a Past Master's Jewel as a token of the members' appreciation of his untiring services during the period of getting the Lodge organized and functioning. Wor. Bro. Ashworth expressed his thanks in his usual pleasant manner.

At the March 12, 1919, Communication, the Secretary recorded the deep regret of our members at the death of Brother Theodore Roosevelt (the 26th President of the United States) who so well and faithfully lived up to the tenets of his profession as a Mason, as to be honored by all the World. Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth was the first Past Master of this Lodge to be honored by appointment to the Office of District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th Masonic District; he made his first Official Visitation to the Lodge on October 8, 1919.

The year ending November 10, 1920, was an active year for the Lodge; the Secretary reported 31 members admitted during the year bringing the total membership to 111.

At the Special Communication held November 24, 1920, for the purpose of installing the newly elected and appointed Officers, Rt. Wor. Bro. William N. McLane, to the surprise of most of the Brethren present, presented to our Brother and Past Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, the Trowel with which the first stone in the northeast corner of the Foundation of our new Masonic Temple was laid.

The Regular Communication held on April 13, 1921, was a notable occasion: on that evening occurred the raising of our 100th Candidate, Brother James Buffington, Jr. During the working of the Degree, appropriate violin music was played by Bro. James Buffington, Sr., father of the Candidate and the first Candidate raised in Massasoit Lodge. The then Presiding Master, Benjamin B. Earl, was the first Master of this Lodge that was raised in the Lodge, and Rt. Wor. Bro. Henry Ashworth, who raised the 100th Candidate, was the first Master of the Lodge, rather an unusual combination of circumstances. On November 30, 1921, occurred the first Installation of Officers at which ladies were present. Herbert A. Sullivan was the Wor. Master, who was installed on that occasion.

Under the date of February 27, 1922, we find recorded the first Special Communication called for the purpose of conducting the Masonic Burial Service for a deceased Brother, Joseph Crowther.

On May 6, 1922, a Special Communication of the Lodge was called, under dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, for the purpose of participating, with the other local Lodges, in the Ceremony of laying the Cornerstone of our new Masonic Temple to be built at the northwest corner of North Main and Elm Streets. The Ceremony was conducted by our Grand Lodge Officers, Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince was then our Grand Master. To the newspaperman who "covered" this event for the local paper, "the Ceremony was impressively solemn and at the same time picturesque." He reported it the biggest event in the history of Freemasonry in this city or section and was the occasion of the largest gathering of Masons ever seen here. 2S00 or more Masons took part in the notably fine Parade (145 members of this Lodge paraded). These Commanderies participated: Godfrey de Bouillon of this city; Washington of Newport and Sutton of New Bedford. The Parade is reported to have been almost as impressive as the Ceremonies themselves, "those marching members of the Lodge thousands of men of one fraternity, marching along so steadily and so seriously, intent upon exemplifying the strength and the good of their Order."

At the Regular Communication held September 12, 1923, the last held in the Franklin Street Building, the Lodge acted favorably on the request made by the Masonic Hall Committee, viz: that the Lodge contribute $1,000 toward the cost of furnishing the Masonic Apartments in the new Temple.

On October 6, 1923, the Building in which we are assembled was dedicated in accordance with the form prescribed by our Grand Lodge; Most Worshipful Grand Master Dudley H. Ferrell and Grand Lodge Officers conducted the Ceremony in the presence of Permanent Members of Grand Lodge, Officers and Members of the local Lodges. This was another big event in the history of local Masonry. Massasoit Lodge had the distinction of being the first Blue Lodge to meet in the new Temple, on October 10, 1923, in the East Lodge Room. We also were the first local Lodge to be visited by our Deputy Grand Master in the new Temple. Rt. Wor. Elton S. Wilde was the District Deputy Grand Master and October 24, 1923, was the date.

The first member of this Lodge to be elected an Honorary Member was Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, a Charter Member of the Lodge and an indefatigable worker for the good of the Craft. This distinction was conferred on Wor. Bro. Turner by vote of the Lodge on November 14, 1923.

On November 10, 1926, our Tenth Anniversary, the Secretary reported our membership as 249.

On September 14, 1927, Rt. Wor. Bro. Walter E. Dow, District Deputy Grand Master for the 30th Fall River Masonic District, made an Official Visit to the Lodge. Rt. Wor. Bro. Dow was the first Brother raised in this Lodge to be honored by appointment to this Office; also it was the first time two Deputies were appointed for the 30th District.

By May 23, 1928, our Lodge had been in existence long enough to have the necessary number of Past Masters to fill all the stations in the Lodge; accordingly the First Past Masters' night was observed on this date.

This Lodge, having been so generously remembered with gifts by other lodges and by individuals, embraced the opportunity to reciprocate with the organization of the new Lodge in Fall River, Watuppa Lodge. Under date of September 26, 1928, we find recorded a letter of thanks and appreciation from Rt. Wor. Bro. Alonzo T. Wonson, first Master of the new Lodge, for the gift of Deacons' and Stewards' Rods presented by Massasoit Lodge.

On October 28, 1931, Rt. Wor. James H. Wilson, District Deputy Grand Master, made his Official Visitation to the Lodge. Rt. Wor. Bro. Wilson is the second Brother raised in the Lodge to be accorded this honor.

On December 28, 1932, Rt. Wor. Walter E. Dow, Junior Grand Warden of our Grand Lodge, made a Fraternal visit to the Lodge.

On December 23, 1936, Wor. Bro. McCrossan called attention to the 25th Anniversary of the Constitution of this Lodge, recommending that plans be adopted to accumulate funds with which to meet the expenses incident to a proper observance of this event.

On October 24, 1939, Masonic History was made when Wor. Ellery W. Chace, Jr. had the privilege and honor of installing Ellery W. Chace, Sr., his father, as Wor. Master of the Lodge. This ceremony took place in the presence of a very large gathering of distinguished visitors and friends and relatives of the inducted Officers.

The decade from 1929 to 1939 were "lean" years in the affairs of the Lodge, in common with all Masonic Bodies; due to economic conditions, there was a dearth of Candidates and an absence of social activities. The Officers who served during these years are entitled to great credit for their effort in trying to maintain the interest of the Brethren.

As of October 24, 1939, four Past Masters of the Lodge have been honored by appointment to the Office of District Deputy Grand Master for the Fall River 30th Masonic District. In the order of their service they are: Right Worshipful Brothers Henry Ashworth, Walter E. Dow, James H. Wilson and Herbert A. Sullivan.

At a Regular Communication on Tuesday, June 10, 1941, Rt. Wor. Bro. James H. Wilson presented a beautiful set of Sterling Silver Square and Compasses to the Lodge.

The Secretary reported Year ending August 31, 1941, membership to be 115.

A Special Communication was held on Thursday, October 9, 1941, for the purpose of observing the 25th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Lodge with a colorful and impressive ceremony attended by over 60% of its membership and a large number of guests from other Masonic Bodies.

The occasion was marked by the presence of Most Worshipful Albert A. Schaefer of Boston, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and members of his official Suite of Grand Lodge Officers. Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, Past Grand Master, who officially constituted Massasoit Lodge a quarter century ago, sent a letter of regret of his inability to attend, and through Most Worshipful Brother Schaefer the Grand Master, sent his congratulations to the Lodge on its anniversary and best wishes for its future.

At a Special Communication held on December 15, 1942, the work of the evening was interrupted by an alarm at the door. The Tyler informed the Worshipful Master that an Air Raid Alarm was sounding. A short recess was called so that those of our officers holding Civilian Defense positions might retire and go to their Report Centers. The degree was completed by the necessary Officers after assurance that our quarters were properly "blacked out". This is typical of what we had to contend with during the "War Years."

On Tuesday, April 11, 1944, a Regular Communication was held for the purpose of a Fraternal Visit by Rt. Wor. Francis S. Borden, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fall River 30th Masonic District. All members and guests enjoyed a fine dinner in the banquet hall.

At a meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 1945, the Lodge was informed of the death of Rt. Wor. Walter Everett Dow. He served Masonry long and faithfully as a Master of Massasoit Lodge, District Deputy Grand Master, Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, a Permanent Member of Grand Lodge, a member of the Board of Masonic Relief, and a member of the Masonic Education Committee. He was also a Charter Member, Past Master and Secretary of Watuppa Lodge. He compiled the History of Massasoit Lodge for the 25th Anniversary. "We shall always remember him as a true Masonic gentleman."

On Tuesday, May 8, 1945, addressing the Candidates, the Wor. Master and Rt. Wor. Bro. Wilson informed them that they could long remember that they had been raised to this Sublime Degree of Master Mason on this momentous day on which Official Announcement of the surrender of Germany had been made by the President of the United States.

At a Special Communication held on November 27, 1948, the Wor. Master announced the death of Bro. George Rodman Dodge, who faithfully served Massasoit Lodge as Treasurer for twenty years. On October 24, 1949, at a Special Communication for the purpose of installing the officers, Rt. Wor. Francis S. Borden installed Bro. Donald G. Farrington as Master of Massasoit Lodge. Wor. Bro. Farrington was the first "foreigner" to be so installed, since he had been raised in Vermont. On October 18, 1959, Wor. Ellery W. Chace, Jr., installed the second "foreigner", Bro. Franklin E. Fairhurst, as Worshipful Master, he having been raised in New York. On October 12, 1965, Wor. Alston M. Rigby installed Bro. Russell L. Chew as Worshipful Master. Bro. Chew became the third "foreigner", he having been raised in Illinois.

The Grand Lodge has honored two past masters of the Lodge by appointing them to Grand Lodge office. On December 27, 1957, Wor. Albert W. Canedy was installed as Grand Pursuivant, and on December 27, 1960, Wor. Clifford F. Schlemmer was installed as Junior Grand Steward.

On January 13, 1959, at a Regular Communication, Massasoit Lodge had the honor of a Fraternal Visit by Rt. Wor. Albert William Canedy, District Deputy Grand Master of Fall River 30th Masonic District. He was escorted by Wor. Clifford Franklin Schlemmer, District Deputy Grand Marshal and Wor. Donald George Farrington, District Deputy Grand Secretary.

On September 13, 1960, Wor. Clifford F. Schlemmer had the honor of raising his son, Bro. Wayne Murray Schlemmer, to the sublime degree of Master Mason. On November 12, 1963, Wor. Donald G. Farrington raised his son, Bro. Lora Merle Coulter Farrington.

At a Regular Communication held on January 8, 1963, Wor. Ellery Wyatt Chace, Jr., was honored by being presented the Distinguished Service Medal of Grand Lodge. The presentation was made by Rt. Wor. Douglas C. Small, District Deputy Grand Master on behalf of Most Worshipful A. Neill Osgood, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

On June 11, 1963, at a Regular Communication, Wor. Harold E. Waite announced that Bro. George R. Ashworth, a Charter Member of Massasoit Lodge, would receive his fifty-year Veteran's Medal in King Philip Lodge on June 25th. All officers were invited to attend on the Suite of Rt. Wor. Fred S. Wordell, District Deputy Grand Master, New Bedford 30th District.

In June, 1964, Rt. Wor. Albert W. Canedy was appointed by the Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master to fill out the unexpired term of Rt. Wor. Douglas C. Small who had moved to Florida.

On October 13, 1964, Rt. Wor. Albert W. Canedy presented the fifty-year Veteran's Medal to Bro. James P. Hart. Bro. Hart is a Charter Member of Massasoit Lodge, and was its first Secretary.

Massasoit Lodge has always shown interest in the Twenty-Seventh Lodge of Instruction. The first Master was Rt. Wor. James H. Wilson, who served from 1928 to 1930. Others who have served are: Wor. Ellery W. Chace, Jr. (1937-1939), Wor. John A. McCrossan (1939-1940), Wor. Harold F. Wordell (1945-1946), Wor. Donald G. Farrington (1951-1952), Wor. Clifford F. Schlemmer (1957-1958), Rt. Wor. Albert W. Canedy (1962-1963), and Wor. Roland W. Kennedy (1965-1966). The Lodge has also furnished Instructors for the classes on a long-term basis.

To paraphrase Rt. Wor. Bro. Dow's concluding statement in the History which he wrote for our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary: "And so we conclude an endeavor to select and record what seems to be outstanding facts and events to date, with the hope that when the third quarter century is completed and its history written, it may be a continuation of this second installment."


OTHER

  • 1922 (Participation in Fall River cornerstone laying, 1922-112)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1915: District 30 (Fall River)

1927: District 30 (Fall River)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges