Difference between revisions of "Mechanics"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1953 1953]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1953-97)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1953 1953]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1953-97)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1978 1978]''' (Centenary History, 1978-143)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1978 1978]''' (Centenary History, 1978-143)
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==== 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1953 ====
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''From Proceedings, Page 1953-97:''
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''By Worshipful William F. Patterson.''
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Twenty-five years ago Brother C. C. Fisk had the honor of bringing before the members the history of our first fifty years, and tonight it is my honor to present the continuation of that history to its seventy-fifth year. Inasmuch as many are not with us who were present twenty-five years ago and many are here who joined us since then, it seems proper to give a brief outline of our first fifty years; and by so doing, we hope to refresh the memory of our older members and bring our new members up-to-date.
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At a communication of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=BayState Bay State] Lodge at Montague held January 14, 1878, a letter from R. N. Oakman, Jr., and others was read asking Bay State Lodge, "Our Mother Lodge" to grant them permission to form a Lodge in Turners Falls, a village in the Town of Montague, with a population of about 2000. The first work of construction of the Village was started in the year 1867, which means that only ten years had elapsed when the idea of a Lodge was formed by our first members.
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The first official record of importance is the receipt by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts of a petition for the formation of a Lodge at Turners Falls, to be known as Mechanic's Lodge. This petition was dated January 18, 1878, and was signed by twenty-seven Master Masons residing in Montague. Mechanic's Lodge held its first meeting on February 12, 1878, in what was known as the Clapp Building, at the corner of Seventh Street and Avenue A. The officers were
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R. N. Oakman, Jr Master
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C. E. Craw Senior Warden
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A. O. Wyman Junior Warden
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L. E. Fales Treasurer
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F. I. Webster Secretary
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Nathaniel Holmes Chaplain
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George Starbuck Marshal
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D. F. Ripley Senior Deacon
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R. M. Starbuck. Junior Deacon
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C. C. Crammer Senior Steward
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C. W. Hosmer Junior Steward
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Andrew J. Carry Tyler
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One of the first purchases of the new Lodge was the Holy Bible, which was bought from the American Bible Society at a cost of $13.10. This same Bible is on our altar this evening in observance of our seventy-fifth birthday. The altar which is in the center of our room tonight is one made at the John Russel Cutlery Co. by Brother Henry A. Axtell seventy-five years ago. The batons being carried by the officers tonight are of the finest ebony with solid ivory tips and were also made at the Cutlery Co. Our first Bible, altar and batons are surely keepsakes that we all treasure very highly and should be a constant reminder of the job well done by the first members of our Lodge; and we are deeply, grateful to each and every Brother that helped to preserve these historic articles for us.
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These are only a few of the highlights of our first fifty years, but We do hope that they have brought back a few memories to some of our older members, as well as informing our new Brothers of the affairs of our Lodge under the leadership of men never to be forgotten.
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On May 18, 1928, Mechanic's Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary under the leadership of Wor. Rolland W. Ross, who was installed Master on December 2,1927. Our fiftieth birthday was celebrated by a reception and banquet at the Turners Falls Inn, with music by the Philharmonic Quartet. After the banquet, the Brethren returned to the lodge-rooms and R.W. Robert J. McKechnie, Grand Marshal, was presented and announced that Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSimpson Frank L. Simpson], Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and his suite were in waiting to pay Mechanic's Lodge a fraternal visit and to join Mechanic's Lodge in their anniversary celebration. The Most Worshipful Grand Master occupied the East and the program of the evening was carried out with music by the Quartet; the history of the Lodge was read and Veterans' Medals were presented to Wor. C. W. Hazelton and Brothers George Starbuck, George E. Chapman and Samuel E. Ripley by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Wor. Rolland Ross was truly a busy man in Masonry, for he planned for the celebration of our anniversary, received fourteen applications for the degrees and raised twelve Brethren to the sublime degree of Master Mason.
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Wor. Charles W. Higinbotham was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge on November 23, 1928, and served the Lodge in that capacity until November 26, 1929. It is of special interest to note that during his term of office the officers' chairs now being used were gifts to the Lodge in memory of some of our departed Brothers and by some of our present Brothers. Wor. Bro. Charlie is our present Treasurer, and under R. W. Norman P. Farwell, he served as District Deputy Senior Grand Warden.
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Wor. Donald R. Smith was elected to serve the Lodge next as its Worshipful Master and was installed in that office on November 26, 1929. It was during Wor. Don's year that The Square and Compass Club offered all of its property to the Lodge, and this property, such as the pool table, etc., is still being used by the members today. He was appointed District Deputy Senior Grand Warden by R.W. Neal M. Allis, and it is of interest to note that our present Tyler, Robert Parks, was first appointed to his office by Wor. Bro. Don.
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Wor. Herbert M. Alvord was the next in line of Masters to serve Mechanic's Lodge and his term of office was from December 21, 1930, until November 17, 1931. It was during his term of office that a special meeting was called for the purpose of unveiling the portrait of our late Brother, R. W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCSchuler Charles W. Schuler], who was truly one of our most prominent members. He was a Past Master of our Lodge, a Past District Deputy Grand Master, and a Past Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.  Besides all this, he was a member of, and the head of, many of the collateral bodies. Wor. Bro. Herb, had a very successful year in the East and is still a willing worker for the Fraternity.
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Wor. Bro. William C. Schneider occupied the East of the Lodge from November 1931 to November 1932. During Wor. William's year, Bro. George Starbuck, who was the first Marshal of our Lodge, died on March 29, 1932, and with the exception of C. C. Crammer, who took a demit from our Lodge, was the only one of the original officers living at the time our Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The large portrait of George Washington which is now in the Tyler's room was acquired during Wor. Schneider's year, with the help of Bro. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLATreadway Allen T. Treadway].
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Wor. Marvin J. Haigis occupied the Oriental Chair for the year 1932 to 1933. In Wor. Marvin's year four of our members were presented Veterans' Medals. They were as follows: Brothers Warren Burnham, Herman Sauer, John Gilmore and Arthur Strahan. Besides being Worshipful Master, Bro. Marvin also served as District Deputy Grand Treasurer under R.W. Norman P. Farwell and is still willing to assist the Lodge whenever called upon to do so.
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On December 12, 1933, Wor. Warren F. White was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge and served for a one-year term. During his year, the Veteran's Medal of Bro. George Starbuck, a charter member of our Lodge, was presented to the Lodge for a keepsake and also the apron of Bro. N. Holmes, also a charter member, by Brothers A. A. Starbuck and J. Starbuck. The Rough and Perfect Ashlers which are now in our lodge-room were acquired during Wor. White's year. On December 11, 1934, Wor. R.W. Ross presented a Past Master's Jewel to Wor. W. White for a job well done in the East.
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Wor. H. H. Hosley was next in line to serve the East of Mechanic's Lodge and he served in that capacity for two years. The showcase for our keepsakes was presented to the Lodge during his term of office by several Brethren. At the end of Wor. Hosley's first term of office, Bro. Lester G. Burnham was elected Master of the Lodge, but due to infantile paralysis, was unable to be installed and therefore Wor. Bro. Hosley assumed the East for a second time.
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Wor. Beauford Dake occupied the Oriental Chair for the year 1936 to 1937. During his term of office he did much to promote the friendship of Masonry by his travels to and visits to other Lodges, both in and out of our jurisdiction.
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Wor. Bro. Harold Tibbetts followed Bro. Dake to the East and served until December 2, 1938. In his year a portrait of our late Brother, Wor. T. B. Ross, better known as "Uncle Tom," was placed in our lodge-room in the memory of the many services offered by our departed Brother. Wor. Bro. Harold is still a very active member in our Lodge and is particularly willing to assume any duty he is called upon to perform.
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Wor. Bro. Joseph Hyland occupied the Oriental Chair from December 1938 to December 1939. Under the direction and leadership of Wor. Bro. Joe, our lodge-rooms were redecorated during the summer months of July and August 1939. During his year, the sum of $1,000 was willed the Lodge by Mrs. A. Fitts, mother of Forest Fitts, who was Junior Steward at the time of his death. Wor. Bro. Joe had a most successful year in the East and did much to promote the social functions of our Lodge.
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On December 6, 1939, Wor. Richard Smith was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge by his brother, Wor. Donald Smith. Wor. Bro. Richard served the Lodge well and faithfully for one year as Master and was appointed District Deputy Junior Grand Warden by R.W. Neal M. Allis for two years.
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December 4, 1940, Wor. John Burnham assumed the East of our Lodge for one year. Six of our beloved Brethren passed away during Wor. Brother John's year and among them was Bro. George E. Chapman, the last of our charter members.  Wor. Bro. John's term of office expired on December 5, 1941, but by no means did his Masonic activities end there, as he was appointed District Deputy Grand Secretary by R.W. Neal M. Allis for two years and is still a very active member.
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Wor. George O. Fuller occupied the Oriental Chair of Mechanic's Lodge on December 5, 1941, and served for a term of one year. Wor. Bro. George was the first Master to preside during the gas and tire rationing during World War II. Despite these handicaps, he had a very successful year as our Master and still is a willing helper in the Fraternity.
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Wor. John S. Metzler was our next Master and presided until Dec. 3, 1943. It was during his term of office that the meeting dates of our Lodge of Instruction were changed so that they met only four months out of the year because of war restrictions. When R. W. Norman P. Farwell died during this year, a special election was held and our present Treasurer, Wor. G. W. Higinbotham, was elected to this office, which he has held to this date. Wor. John's year in the East as Master was, I am. sure, a pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity.
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Wor. W. C. Wentworth had the honor of being installed Master by his father, R.W. C. C. Wentworth, on December 3, 1943. The present aprons worn by the officers today were first used during Wor. Bro. Winslow's year, at a special communication held on May 12, 1944. Wor. Wentworth's year in the East was both busy and successful and he is one of the Past Masters in particular that may be called upon to perform any number of various duties, which he does very willingly.
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On November 28,1944, Wor. Roy Graves was installed in the East and served until November 30, 1945. He held sixteen meetings, with an average attendance of twenty-one. Wor. Roy's year in the East was a most successful one.
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R.W. Neal M. Allis assumed the East of Mechanic's Lodge on November 30, 1945. R.W. Neal became a Past Master of Jackson Lodge, No. 60, West Fairlee, Vermont, before moving to Turners Falls. He is our present Secretary and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master by Most Worshipful Roger Keith in 1950, which office he held for two years. He is also a Past Master of the Twelfth Lodge of Instruction and is a very willing helper to the Lodge.
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Wor. Camille Parker was the next to occupy the East in Mechanic's Lodge and was installed on November 22, 1946. Wor. Camille served in the East until December 5, 1947, and although his business kept him away from Turners Falls a good part of the time, he still managed to serve the Lodge in a very fitting manner.
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Next to assume the high honor of serving Mechanic's Lodge as its Worshipful Master was Bro. Adam Frank. He held this office for one year and was a tireless worker for the good of our Fraternity. For two years he served as District Deputy Grand Treasurer under R.W. Neal M. Allis.
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The East was next occupied by Wor. Frederick Croutworst for the year 1949. During his term of office he worked the three degrees on seven candidates, which for a Lodge our size, is very good. Wor. Bro. Ted served well and faithfully during his term of office, despite the fact that he was working night shifts a good part of the time.
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Wor. Walter R. Marsh, our present Service Chairman, was installed Master on November 18, 1949, and served in that office until December 1, 1950. Wor. Walter worked long and hard for the good of Mechanic's Lodge and is still one of the most faithful members we have.
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On November 14, 1950, Wor. Austin J. Blood was elected to occupy the East and assumed that high honor on December 1, 1950. Wor. Austin did a most excellent job of supervising the Craft, and it was during his year that the subject of redecorating our rooms was brought up. Wor. Austin is now our organist and a big help to the Lodge.
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On October 9, 1951, Wor. William F. Patterson was elected to serve in the East and was installed on October 27, 1951. During his term of office the lodge-rooms were completely done over. The sum of $475.21 was realized from an auction held during his year in the East, which was used for our general fund. Wor. Bro. Bill's year in the East was, I am sure, an honor he will never forget.
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As we arrive at our 75th year in Masonry, we find Wor. Olva Terio occupying the East of Mechanic's Lodge. Wor. Bro. Terio will, I am sure, have a full year ahead of him and is off to a good start at getting a very good service committee going which, as you all know, will be of great help to each and every one of us.
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In conclusion, may I say that in seventy-five continuous years in Masonry Mechanic's Lodge has always had in its membership men from every walk of life. Thus we are all constantly reminded of one of the very first lessons we are taught in Masonry, that "It is not the external but the internal qualifications which recommend a man to be made a Mason."
  
 
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=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 11:37, 12 December 2013

MECHANICS' LODGE

Location: Turner's Falls; Montague (1973)

Chartered By: Percival L. Everett

Charter Date: 03/12/1879 1879-26

Precedence Date: 01/18/1878

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Bay State Lodge into Harmony Lodge, 11/17/2004.

Mount Sugar Loaf merged here, 11/14/1989.


PAST MASTERS

  • Richard N. Oakman, Jr., 1878, 1879; SN
  • W. D. Russell, 1880, 1881
  • Robert M. Starbuck, 1882, 1883
  • Frederick A. Perry, 1884
  • Hiram O. Smith, 1885-1889
  • Charles W. Hosmer, 1889
  • John H. Starbuck, 1890, 1891
  • Lucas J. March, 1892, 1893
  • Thomas B. Ross, 1894, 1895
  • Enoch G. Best, 1896
  • Charles W. Schuler, 1897, 1898
  • Frank P. Douglas, 1899, 1900
  • Frank D. Jones, 1901, 1902
  • Norman P. Farwell, 1903; SN
  • Charles N. Sumner, 1904, 1905
  • Raymond E. Farwell, 1906
  • Herbert T. Maynard, 1907
  • James D. Coy, 1908
  • Frank G. Roeder, 1909, 1910
  • John W. Haigis, 1911, 1912
  • J. Louis March, Jr., 1913
  • William A. Burnham, 1914, 1915
  • Walter H. Ray, Jr., 1916, 1917
  • Arthur H. Porter, 1918, 1919; Mem
  • Walter J. Rist, 1920, 1921
  • Clarence A. Flagg, 1922
  • John C. Yauch, 1923
  • Wallace B. Marston, 1924
  • Dana C. Salmon, 1925
  • J. Martin Schneider, 1926
  • Edward J. Schneider, 1927
  • Rolland W. Ross, 1928
  • Charles W. Higinbotham, 1929
  • Donald R. Smith, 1930
  • Herbert M. Alvord, 1931
  • William C. Schneider, 1932
  • Marvin J. Haigis, 1933
  • Warren F. White, 1934
  • Harold H. Hosley, 1935
  • Lester G. Burnham, 1936
  • Beauford R. Duke, 1937
  • Harold H. Tibbetts, 1938
  • Joseph L. Hyland, 1939
  • Richard D. Smith, 1940
  • John G. Burnham, 1941
  • George O. Fuller, 1942
  • John S. Metzler, 1943
  • Winslow C. Wentworth, 1944; N
  • Roy D. Graves, 1945
  • Neal M. Allis, 1946; N
  • Camille Parker, 1947
  • Adam Frank, 1948
  • Frederick E. Croutworst, 1949
  • Walter R. Marsh, 1950
  • Austin J. Blood, 1951
  • William F. Patterson, 1952
  • Olva Terio, 1953
  • William E. Koch, 1954
  • Max M. Schoch, 1955
  • Richard O. Guy, 1956
  • Paul F. Guy, 1957
  • Robert A. Cade, 1958
  • Harry A. Warshawsky, 1959
  • James Thurston, Jr., 1960
  • William G. Gardner, 1961
  • Robert E. Wheeler, 1962
  • Nicholas Prokovich, 1963
  • Andrew S. Karpinski, 1964
  • Roy F. Webler, 1965
  • Donald E. Strange, 1966, 1989; N
  • James T. Lonergan, 1967, 1978; N
  • Harvey R. Fleming, 1968
  • Archie R. Nahman, 1969, 1977, 1997; PDDGM
  • Robert H. Lord, 1970
  • Edward G. Smith, 1971, 1972
  • John W. Pride, Jr., 1973, 1974
  • Donald B. Scott, 1975, 1976
  • William G. Gardner, III, 1979, 1983
  • Kenneth A. Potter, 1980
  • William F. Hebert, 1981, 1982
  • Roy P. White, 1984
  • James J. Whalen, Jr., 1985, 1986
  • Thomas J. Mierzwa, 1987
  • Paul K. Prokopas, 1988
  • Richard P. Rosenthal, 1990
  • David L. Bell, 1991; PDDGM
  • Roland S. Packard, 1992, 1993
  • John A. Letourneau, 1994-1996
  • Jere M. Lively, 1998-2000
  • Wayne H. Comstock, 2001
  • Martin E. Glaser, 2002
  • Kirke E. Henshaw, 2003, 2004

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1928 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1953 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1978 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1879 1881 1883 1912 1937 1950 1955 1960 1967 1974 1975 1976 1990

HISTORY

  • 1928 (50th Anniversary History, 1928-101)
  • 1953 (75th Anniversary History, 1953-97)
  • 1978 (Centenary History, 1978-143)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1953

From Proceedings, Page 1953-97:

By Worshipful William F. Patterson.

Twenty-five years ago Brother C. C. Fisk had the honor of bringing before the members the history of our first fifty years, and tonight it is my honor to present the continuation of that history to its seventy-fifth year. Inasmuch as many are not with us who were present twenty-five years ago and many are here who joined us since then, it seems proper to give a brief outline of our first fifty years; and by so doing, we hope to refresh the memory of our older members and bring our new members up-to-date.

At a communication of Bay State Lodge at Montague held January 14, 1878, a letter from R. N. Oakman, Jr., and others was read asking Bay State Lodge, "Our Mother Lodge" to grant them permission to form a Lodge in Turners Falls, a village in the Town of Montague, with a population of about 2000. The first work of construction of the Village was started in the year 1867, which means that only ten years had elapsed when the idea of a Lodge was formed by our first members.

The first official record of importance is the receipt by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts of a petition for the formation of a Lodge at Turners Falls, to be known as Mechanic's Lodge. This petition was dated January 18, 1878, and was signed by twenty-seven Master Masons residing in Montague. Mechanic's Lodge held its first meeting on February 12, 1878, in what was known as the Clapp Building, at the corner of Seventh Street and Avenue A. The officers were R. N. Oakman, Jr Master C. E. Craw Senior Warden A. O. Wyman Junior Warden L. E. Fales Treasurer F. I. Webster Secretary Nathaniel Holmes Chaplain George Starbuck Marshal D. F. Ripley Senior Deacon R. M. Starbuck. Junior Deacon C. C. Crammer Senior Steward C. W. Hosmer Junior Steward Andrew J. Carry Tyler

One of the first purchases of the new Lodge was the Holy Bible, which was bought from the American Bible Society at a cost of $13.10. This same Bible is on our altar this evening in observance of our seventy-fifth birthday. The altar which is in the center of our room tonight is one made at the John Russel Cutlery Co. by Brother Henry A. Axtell seventy-five years ago. The batons being carried by the officers tonight are of the finest ebony with solid ivory tips and were also made at the Cutlery Co. Our first Bible, altar and batons are surely keepsakes that we all treasure very highly and should be a constant reminder of the job well done by the first members of our Lodge; and we are deeply, grateful to each and every Brother that helped to preserve these historic articles for us.

These are only a few of the highlights of our first fifty years, but We do hope that they have brought back a few memories to some of our older members, as well as informing our new Brothers of the affairs of our Lodge under the leadership of men never to be forgotten.

On May 18, 1928, Mechanic's Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary under the leadership of Wor. Rolland W. Ross, who was installed Master on December 2,1927. Our fiftieth birthday was celebrated by a reception and banquet at the Turners Falls Inn, with music by the Philharmonic Quartet. After the banquet, the Brethren returned to the lodge-rooms and R.W. Robert J. McKechnie, Grand Marshal, was presented and announced that Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and his suite were in waiting to pay Mechanic's Lodge a fraternal visit and to join Mechanic's Lodge in their anniversary celebration. The Most Worshipful Grand Master occupied the East and the program of the evening was carried out with music by the Quartet; the history of the Lodge was read and Veterans' Medals were presented to Wor. C. W. Hazelton and Brothers George Starbuck, George E. Chapman and Samuel E. Ripley by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Wor. Rolland Ross was truly a busy man in Masonry, for he planned for the celebration of our anniversary, received fourteen applications for the degrees and raised twelve Brethren to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

Wor. Charles W. Higinbotham was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge on November 23, 1928, and served the Lodge in that capacity until November 26, 1929. It is of special interest to note that during his term of office the officers' chairs now being used were gifts to the Lodge in memory of some of our departed Brothers and by some of our present Brothers. Wor. Bro. Charlie is our present Treasurer, and under R. W. Norman P. Farwell, he served as District Deputy Senior Grand Warden.

Wor. Donald R. Smith was elected to serve the Lodge next as its Worshipful Master and was installed in that office on November 26, 1929. It was during Wor. Don's year that The Square and Compass Club offered all of its property to the Lodge, and this property, such as the pool table, etc., is still being used by the members today. He was appointed District Deputy Senior Grand Warden by R.W. Neal M. Allis, and it is of interest to note that our present Tyler, Robert Parks, was first appointed to his office by Wor. Bro. Don.

Wor. Herbert M. Alvord was the next in line of Masters to serve Mechanic's Lodge and his term of office was from December 21, 1930, until November 17, 1931. It was during his term of office that a special meeting was called for the purpose of unveiling the portrait of our late Brother, R. W. Charles W. Schuler, who was truly one of our most prominent members. He was a Past Master of our Lodge, a Past District Deputy Grand Master, and a Past Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Besides all this, he was a member of, and the head of, many of the collateral bodies. Wor. Bro. Herb, had a very successful year in the East and is still a willing worker for the Fraternity. Wor. Bro. William C. Schneider occupied the East of the Lodge from November 1931 to November 1932. During Wor. William's year, Bro. George Starbuck, who was the first Marshal of our Lodge, died on March 29, 1932, and with the exception of C. C. Crammer, who took a demit from our Lodge, was the only one of the original officers living at the time our Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The large portrait of George Washington which is now in the Tyler's room was acquired during Wor. Schneider's year, with the help of Bro. Allen T. Treadway. Wor. Marvin J. Haigis occupied the Oriental Chair for the year 1932 to 1933. In Wor. Marvin's year four of our members were presented Veterans' Medals. They were as follows: Brothers Warren Burnham, Herman Sauer, John Gilmore and Arthur Strahan. Besides being Worshipful Master, Bro. Marvin also served as District Deputy Grand Treasurer under R.W. Norman P. Farwell and is still willing to assist the Lodge whenever called upon to do so.

On December 12, 1933, Wor. Warren F. White was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge and served for a one-year term. During his year, the Veteran's Medal of Bro. George Starbuck, a charter member of our Lodge, was presented to the Lodge for a keepsake and also the apron of Bro. N. Holmes, also a charter member, by Brothers A. A. Starbuck and J. Starbuck. The Rough and Perfect Ashlers which are now in our lodge-room were acquired during Wor. White's year. On December 11, 1934, Wor. R.W. Ross presented a Past Master's Jewel to Wor. W. White for a job well done in the East.

Wor. H. H. Hosley was next in line to serve the East of Mechanic's Lodge and he served in that capacity for two years. The showcase for our keepsakes was presented to the Lodge during his term of office by several Brethren. At the end of Wor. Hosley's first term of office, Bro. Lester G. Burnham was elected Master of the Lodge, but due to infantile paralysis, was unable to be installed and therefore Wor. Bro. Hosley assumed the East for a second time.

Wor. Beauford Dake occupied the Oriental Chair for the year 1936 to 1937. During his term of office he did much to promote the friendship of Masonry by his travels to and visits to other Lodges, both in and out of our jurisdiction.

Wor. Bro. Harold Tibbetts followed Bro. Dake to the East and served until December 2, 1938. In his year a portrait of our late Brother, Wor. T. B. Ross, better known as "Uncle Tom," was placed in our lodge-room in the memory of the many services offered by our departed Brother. Wor. Bro. Harold is still a very active member in our Lodge and is particularly willing to assume any duty he is called upon to perform.

Wor. Bro. Joseph Hyland occupied the Oriental Chair from December 1938 to December 1939. Under the direction and leadership of Wor. Bro. Joe, our lodge-rooms were redecorated during the summer months of July and August 1939. During his year, the sum of $1,000 was willed the Lodge by Mrs. A. Fitts, mother of Forest Fitts, who was Junior Steward at the time of his death. Wor. Bro. Joe had a most successful year in the East and did much to promote the social functions of our Lodge.

On December 6, 1939, Wor. Richard Smith was installed Master of Mechanic's Lodge by his brother, Wor. Donald Smith. Wor. Bro. Richard served the Lodge well and faithfully for one year as Master and was appointed District Deputy Junior Grand Warden by R.W. Neal M. Allis for two years.

December 4, 1940, Wor. John Burnham assumed the East of our Lodge for one year. Six of our beloved Brethren passed away during Wor. Brother John's year and among them was Bro. George E. Chapman, the last of our charter members. Wor. Bro. John's term of office expired on December 5, 1941, but by no means did his Masonic activities end there, as he was appointed District Deputy Grand Secretary by R.W. Neal M. Allis for two years and is still a very active member.

Wor. George O. Fuller occupied the Oriental Chair of Mechanic's Lodge on December 5, 1941, and served for a term of one year. Wor. Bro. George was the first Master to preside during the gas and tire rationing during World War II. Despite these handicaps, he had a very successful year as our Master and still is a willing helper in the Fraternity.

Wor. John S. Metzler was our next Master and presided until Dec. 3, 1943. It was during his term of office that the meeting dates of our Lodge of Instruction were changed so that they met only four months out of the year because of war restrictions. When R. W. Norman P. Farwell died during this year, a special election was held and our present Treasurer, Wor. G. W. Higinbotham, was elected to this office, which he has held to this date. Wor. John's year in the East as Master was, I am. sure, a pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity.

Wor. W. C. Wentworth had the honor of being installed Master by his father, R.W. C. C. Wentworth, on December 3, 1943. The present aprons worn by the officers today were first used during Wor. Bro. Winslow's year, at a special communication held on May 12, 1944. Wor. Wentworth's year in the East was both busy and successful and he is one of the Past Masters in particular that may be called upon to perform any number of various duties, which he does very willingly. On November 28,1944, Wor. Roy Graves was installed in the East and served until November 30, 1945. He held sixteen meetings, with an average attendance of twenty-one. Wor. Roy's year in the East was a most successful one.

R.W. Neal M. Allis assumed the East of Mechanic's Lodge on November 30, 1945. R.W. Neal became a Past Master of Jackson Lodge, No. 60, West Fairlee, Vermont, before moving to Turners Falls. He is our present Secretary and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master by Most Worshipful Roger Keith in 1950, which office he held for two years. He is also a Past Master of the Twelfth Lodge of Instruction and is a very willing helper to the Lodge.

Wor. Camille Parker was the next to occupy the East in Mechanic's Lodge and was installed on November 22, 1946. Wor. Camille served in the East until December 5, 1947, and although his business kept him away from Turners Falls a good part of the time, he still managed to serve the Lodge in a very fitting manner. Next to assume the high honor of serving Mechanic's Lodge as its Worshipful Master was Bro. Adam Frank. He held this office for one year and was a tireless worker for the good of our Fraternity. For two years he served as District Deputy Grand Treasurer under R.W. Neal M. Allis.

The East was next occupied by Wor. Frederick Croutworst for the year 1949. During his term of office he worked the three degrees on seven candidates, which for a Lodge our size, is very good. Wor. Bro. Ted served well and faithfully during his term of office, despite the fact that he was working night shifts a good part of the time.

Wor. Walter R. Marsh, our present Service Chairman, was installed Master on November 18, 1949, and served in that office until December 1, 1950. Wor. Walter worked long and hard for the good of Mechanic's Lodge and is still one of the most faithful members we have.

On November 14, 1950, Wor. Austin J. Blood was elected to occupy the East and assumed that high honor on December 1, 1950. Wor. Austin did a most excellent job of supervising the Craft, and it was during his year that the subject of redecorating our rooms was brought up. Wor. Austin is now our organist and a big help to the Lodge.

On October 9, 1951, Wor. William F. Patterson was elected to serve in the East and was installed on October 27, 1951. During his term of office the lodge-rooms were completely done over. The sum of $475.21 was realized from an auction held during his year in the East, which was used for our general fund. Wor. Bro. Bill's year in the East was, I am sure, an honor he will never forget.

As we arrive at our 75th year in Masonry, we find Wor. Olva Terio occupying the East of Mechanic's Lodge. Wor. Bro. Terio will, I am sure, have a full year ahead of him and is off to a good start at getting a very good service committee going which, as you all know, will be of great help to each and every one of us. In conclusion, may I say that in seventy-five continuous years in Masonry Mechanic's Lodge has always had in its membership men from every walk of life. Thus we are all constantly reminded of one of the very first lessons we are taught in Masonry, that "It is not the external but the internal qualifications which recommend a man to be made a Mason."

OTHER

  • 1879 (Memorial regarding charter, 1879-45)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1878: District 8 (Greenfield)

1883: District 13 (Greenfield)

1911: District 14 (Greenfield)

1927: District 14 (Greenfield)

2003: District 26


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges