Difference between revisions of "Mizpah"

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MIZPAH LODGE

Location: Cambridge

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 09/09/1868 VII-248

Precedence Date: 09/12/1867

Current Status: merged with Faith Lodge to form Mizpah-Faith Lodge, 06/23/1981. Now a part of Charity Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1867
• Petition for Charter: 1868
• Consolidation Petition (with Faith Lodge): 1981

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1919 (50th Anniversary)
• 1947 (80th Anniversary)
• 1967 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1867 (Dame; constitution of Lodge; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1872 (Nickerson)
• 1873 (Nickerson; installation)
• 1878 (Welch)
• 1880 (Welch)
• 1884 (Howland)
• 1887 (Endicott)
• 1888 (Endicott; installation)
• 1889 (Endicott; installation)
• 1890 (Wells)
• 1895 (Holmes)
• 1899 (Hutchinson)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1919 (L. Abbott; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1920 (Prince)
• 1924 (Ferrell)
• 1927 (Simpson)
• 1947 (Wragg; 80th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1964 (Osgood; Lorenzo B. Carr Night)
• 1967 (Booth; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1975 (Maxwell)
• 1981 (Berquist; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1876 1879 1889 1894 1902 1908 1909 1910 1912 1917 1923 1924 1925 1934 1937 1940 1944 1946 1947 1949 1955 1958

HISTORY

• 1947 (80th Anniversary History, 1947-345; see below)
• 1967 (Centenary History, 1967-316)
• 2008 (Notes at Consolidation, 2008-35; see below)

80TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1947

From Proceedings, Page 1947-345:

By Worshipful Henry S. C. Cummings.

The real, intimate, warm, flowing life of a Lodge is not found in the written records nor in the printed communications, for they contain only the dry outlines or the details of business. The hand-to-hand, eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart intimate relations cannot be set down in cold black and white. The great beauty and real secret of the fraternity is that it helps man to find himself and to maintain his manhood. It was in the year 1867 that twenty-six good men and true, all members of Amicable Lodge sent to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts a petition praying for a- dispensation to organize a new lodge in Cambridge, under the name of Mizpah. 'Behold what havoc the scythe of time makes among the human race' for none of these charter members who planted the seeds of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are with us tonight as we pause to pay tribute to their untiring industry, foresight and sacrifice — and four score years later attempt to pass judgment on their efforts to serve our Fraternity and Mankind.

In the early days, as now, Masons were solid men, leaders in civic and industrial life, with high ideals in their personal lives and an intense desire for the best for their Lodge. Through the years that intangible something we call 'the spirit of Mizpah' has made the name of our Lodge stand for the best in good works in public and private life during both good times and bad. In Genesis 31st chapter is found the following passage:

"They took stones and made an heap. And he said, this heap is a witness between me and thee, therefore was the name of it called Mizpah, for he said, the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another."

Mizpah takes its name from a city of Gad, in the mountains of Gilead, where Laban and Jacob made their celebrated covenant, about 1739 B.C. and where Zeptha dwelt when he made his covenant with the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan. The meaning of Mizpah (correctly spelled Mispah in Hebrew) is 'a high place, free and clear, from which one can watch.' The city name came after the heap of stones and was given because of the elevated location. The word meant 'elevation' before the city was there. The application of this covenant to the engagements entered into in the Lodge Room, will be sufficiently obvious to every intelligent Brother. It is as though it meant that Mizpah Lodge should be a haven from harm, a place where good never would be forgotten, and where the brethren would ever be united in a determination to elevate their lives to the level of service for the common good of all.

It was on October 5, 1868 that Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame, the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts constituted Mizpah Lodge and installed the following officers: Worshipful Master, Henry Endicott; Senior Warden, George H. Folger; Junior Warden, George P. Carter; Treasurer, Daniel U. Chamberlin; Secretary, Seymour B. Snow; Senior Deacon, George E. Ryder; Junior Deacon, Joseph Child, Jr.; Senior Steward, Samuel L. Montague; Junior Steward, Edward T. Nichols; and Marshal, J. Dwinal Nutting. In addition to these names the following were among the original petitioners or Charter Members: Samuel M. Davis, William Page, John Stone, Charles A. Sawyer, Enos B. Phillips, Augustus R. Bayley, Joseph G. Holt, Thomas L. Smith, Simeon Snow, James A. Woolson, P. Francis Wells, Daniel Thurston, Caleb C. Allen, Frank A. Kennedy, Leander Greely and Winslow L. Bowker.

Twice during the existence of Mizpah Lodge it has participated in the laying of cornerstones. On May 15, 1889 on invitation of Most Worshipful Henry Endicott, Grand Master — a member of our Lodge — we assisted in the laying of the cornerstone of the new Cambridge City Hall. A similar ceremony was performed by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts on June 30, 1910 for our new Masonic Temple where we are meeting tonight to celebrate belatedly our 75th Anniversary — actually our eightieth!

As in the life of every Lodge there have been those who have stood forth conspicuously in their zeal and enthusiasm for the Craft. While many of our number have done their utmost in giving living expression to our ideals of service, charity and brotherhood, yet we find it difficult not to mention those who have inspired those impulses that have helped to make all of us stronger, bigger, finer and nobler individuals both inside and outside our Lodge Room. It is not an easy or comfortable task to narrow down our choice of those we feel should be given particular recognition in this history, since many others in their ways may have contributed and accomplished as much. However, we could hardly think of our past without associating it with such names as Henry Endicott, who presided as Worshipful Master of Mizpah Lodge when it was under dispensation and constituted. He later became Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge (1873) and the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts 1887-1889. Frank H. Hilton, who received his degrees in Mizpah Lodge in 1904, became its Worshipful Master 1917-1918. He was Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts in 1926 —and upon the death of Most Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton in 1940 became the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

We could not think of our past without associating it with Rev. Robert Walker, who has served Mizpah Lodge as its Chaplain for thirty-eight years. He is at the present time the Senior Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to which post he was appointed in 1927. Before he affiliated as an active member of Mizpah Lodge he had been elected an Honorary Member. He has spent his lifetime bringing the finer things of life into the consciousness of all with whom he has come in contact. Walworth O. Barbour was installed Inside Sentinel in Mizpah Lodge in June 1881 and steadily advanced to the office of Worshipful Master 1894-1895; to the District Deputy Grand Master 1898-1899; and became Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts in 1900. He died July 2, 1901 thus cutting short what seemed like a most promising future for this outstanding Mason. Frederick W. Dallinger has reflected glory and honor to our membership by his distinguished public service, both as a Congressman (1915-1932) and as a Federal Judge in the U. S. Customs Court (1932-1942) by appointment of President Herbert Hoover. So also has William E. Russell given us reason for pride, for he served not only his City of Cambridge as Mayor (1885-1887) but as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1891-1894. Bro. Kirsopp Lake was Professor of Biblical History at Harvard and Radcliffe and a World famous Archaeologist.

Another one of our members, Samuel L. Montague, served prominently in public life. He was Worshipful Master of Mizpah Lodge 1876-1877 and Mayor of the City of Cambridge 1878-1879. John C. Dow and Harrie E. Mason served many years tirelessly, patiently and persistently as Directors of the Cambridge Masonic Hall Association, organized in 1910, which has made it possible for us to have this beautiful home to enjoy while we live and to leave behind for the happiness of those who shall come after us. Harrie E. Mason made application for the degrees in Mizpah Lodge February 1885 and from that time to his death he contributed substantially in every way to the life of the Lodge. Probably his greatest service was as the District Representative to the Board of Masonic Relief. He was also President of the Masonic Hall Association and an Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Bolivia. Three of our Past Masters have been honored by Grand Lodge by appointment as District Deputy Grand Master for the Cambridge Second District. They have been Herbert M. Chase 1918-1919; H. LeRoy Billings 1939-1940; and Claude V. Freeman 1947 to date. Distinguished Service Medals have been conferred on three of our members: Right Worshipful Harrie E. Mason (11-9-31), Worshipful and Reverend Robert Walker (10-10-38), and Worshipful William E. Parker (1-22-44). The Henry Price Medal was awarded to Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton in 1925. This medal is the most important recognition given by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

Over the years Mizpah Lodge has had a number of members who have served long and faithfully in one office or another. Few members realize the importance of the service rendered by those few who serve for many years in one position or another. They become the connecting link for countless individuals who would otherwise find themselves unrecognized. Finding a familiar face to greet and welcome, makes one feel comfortable, as though he belonged—and as though the warmth of the past still radiates into the present to make life rich and full and alive! You can just imagine how the membership of Mizpah Lodge responds with a feeling of familiarity and a sense of gratitude when it finds our beloved Chaplain, Rev. Robert Walker, delivering a prayer at the Altar, as he has done for thirty-eight years; or listen to the harmony from the organ as played by Claude E. Saunier, which has followed our movements around the Lodge Room for over thirty years. Prayer and music give us the setting for doing finer work. They provide the atmosphere, the climate, the emotion to absorb and to give of our best. They complete the harmony of thought we try so hard to express and feel. These Brothers have added materially to the spirit of our Masonic Life in Mizpah Lodge over the years.

Probably of more importance in this respect than any other officer in the Lodge is the Secretary. He carries over from one group of officers to another. He has direct contact with all of the members. He reports their good deeds, their needs and keeps their interest at a high level year after year. Through his tact, energy and experience he is in a position to help each Master as he progresses through the line to achieve heights that could not otherwise be expected. A good Secretary is a most important cog in making a Lodge a harmonious family, a useful team for serving the distressed and for bringing forth into the lives of many the deeper meaning of all our Fraternity has to offer. For all of our eighty years we have had men of understanding and ability serving in this office. Especially true has this been so during the past fifty years when but two have occupied the position of Secretary of Mizpah Lodge. Charles W. B. Duroy received his Master Mason Degree in Portland Lodge No. 1, Portland, Maine and affiliated with Mizpah Lodge March 15, 1897. He commenced his twenty-eight years service as Secretary that same year. He was succeeded by Chester VV. Whitney who still serves, after twenty-one years of distinguished and exemplary service.

Other long terms have been those of Loring F. Fountain, who has been Tyler for twenty years and faithfully continues in that position; Fred L. Churchill, who was Tyler for twenty years; Frank W. Peckham was Marshal for nineteen years; Daniel U. Chamberlin was Treasurer seventeen years and a member of the Board of the original Masonic Hall Association for twenty-five years; Fred H. Dow was Treasurer for eleven years. We have had eleven Honorary Members over the years. They have been the following: Most Worshipfuls Henry Endicott, Leon M. Abbott, Dudley H. Ferrell and Arthur D. Prince; Right Worshipful and Reverend Lucius R. Paige and Worshipful and Reverend Robert Walker, Grand Chaplains (latter became an active member); Right Worshipful Harrie E. Mason, Brothers Charles W. B. Duroy, Eben H. Googins, Edgar F. Hunt and Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton. Veteran's Medals, presented to those having been a member of the Fraternity for fifty years, have been presented to Brothers William K. Campbell, Nathaniel J. Deer, Frank P. Rhoades and Alonzo F. Woodside, who are still with us—and Brothers Charles H. Atherton, Edgar F. Hunt, John C. Dow, Herbert H. Bates, David G. Jones, Eben H. Googins, Miles Standish, Elmer H. Bright, Worshipful Herbert A. Rhoades and Right Worshipful Harrie E. Mason, all deceased. When Right Worshipful and Reverend Lucius R. Paige died September 2, 1896 at the age of 94 1/2 years he was said to be the oldest Universalist Clergyman in the World, the oldest Past Master of a Lodge, and perhaps the oldest Mason at that time in Massachusetts.

During the two World Wars Mizpah Lodge has had an unusually brilliant record of service. Approximately ten per cent of our members have devoted themselves to our country's service.

Many special meetings have been held to work degrees on a large number of servicemen who were stationed here and could not go to their home lodges. Army and Navy Nights were held to furnish entertainment and a social atmosphere for the boys who were far from home and doing their bit. At one communication thirty-six separate states were represented. In particular we entertained on many occasions the boys attending the U. S. Naval Radio School at Cambridge. With a realization that the fellows were a long way from home, the members gave up the old-fashioned custom of 'thanksgiving at home in the family circle' and the sisters, wives, mothers and sweethearts were escorted to the Temple, and there the announcement was made that 'introductions were unnecessary, as all were duly and truly prepared and properly vouched for'. It did not take long (few minutes in fact) for the ice of formality to be broken, and the natural restraint of being unacquainted soon passed away under the cordial good fellowship, and it is doubtful if the Cambridge Masonic Temple ever housed a happier, merrier crowd of young folks, or perhaps ever will again. The men in uniform realized it was their night, and they danced, cheered, enjoyed to the limit, and guests and hosts vied with each other in making the occasion a red-letter night which will be happy recollection while memory lasts. One of the regular Army and Navy Nights occurred on March 29, 1919 when Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott, Grand Master, was the guest of honor. Eight hundred members of the Craft were there!

We had forty-nine of our members in the armed forces during the first World War and eleven in World War II. Major Charles D. Ricker was our only member to pay the supreme sacrifice, and that was in the first World War. Arthur S. Browne was the only one of our members to serve actively in both W'orld Wars, although Alonzo F. Woodside was also a veteran of the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection, as well as World War I. W7e are proud to have them identified in this history because to them we owe so much for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today. It is to our forty-nine members,

and millions of other men like them, we owe gratitude for the continuation of our American Way of Life. It is to them that we look for inspiration as we face the future unafraid knowing that from the ranks of Masonry there will always be such patriotism, such courage, such loyalty to the ideals of the country we love so well. The following members of Mizpah Lodge served in the armed services:

* = World War II

It is the feeling of the committee that there is further information of the records of members for both wars. Any names or records omitted is because the information was not available in the secretary's records.

The membership of Mizpah Lodge has fluctuated up and down over the years as has been the case of many Lodges in the Jurisdiction. Since the beginning, there have been 992 additions to our membership through initiation and affiliation, while we have lost 776 through death, dimit and other causes, leaving our membership at the present time at 216. We have had forty-six Worshipful Masters, exclusive of the present incumbent. We have had nine Treasurers and six Secretaries. We have sixteen living Past Masters. Our oldest living member is Brother William K. Campbell, now eighty-seven years. One of our Brothers, George D. Smith, entered the Masonic Home in Charlton June 11, 1918 where he died July 19, 1923. Mrs. Albert F. (Josephine A.) Allen entered the Home June 20, 1925; was later transferred to the Masonic Hospital at Shrewsbury where she died January 19, 1932. Mrs. Frederick E. (Abbie A. C.) Clark entered the Home August 5, 1939, was transferred to the Masonic Hospital February 6, 1946, where at the age of eighty-nine years, she is now. The kindness and comfort and loving care given to these three individuals has made us mindful of the wonderful work of our Grand Lodge in the Masonic Home and Hospital, which we hope will ever be there to make the latterly years of such individuals happier, fuller and more comfortable.

Mizpah Lodge has been 'district-minded' and has participated in a number of activities which have contributed to the advancement of Masonic knowledge and good fellowship among members of the Fraternity outside of our own four walls. For instance, one of our Past Masters, Chester D. Black, has served the Seventh Lodge of Instruction as its Secretary. Since the Lodge of Instruction has been in existence, Mizpah Lodge has been one of its most loyal supporters in helping to make it interesting and successful. Mizpah Lodge has taken an active part in an 'Officers Club' composed of the Officers of the Lodges comprising the District, which frequently met to discuss problems of the Lodges. During the depression which brought about so much unemployment and distress Mizpah cooperated wholeheartedly with the Masonic Unemployment and Relief Department of the Grand Lodge. Right Worshipful Harrie E. Mason left behind him a record of achievement unequalled in helping many a member to maintain his self-respect and courage in the face of adversity.

The hospitality we extended to the servicemen stationed at the Radio School has been referred to earlier in this history, but we would like to give credit to Brothers Edward H. Temple and William E. Parker, the Stewards of the Lodge in 1918, for their inspiration and conscientiousness in making this undertaking so eminently successful. During World War II, Mizpah Lodge responded beyond its per capita quota in raising funds asked by the Grand Lodge for a Masonic Canteen at Camp Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts. It responded with equal generosity to all appeals for Liberty and War Loans Drives. It has exchanged visits with many other Lodges, which has offered profitable opportunities for witnessing different exemplifications of the work and establishing valuable social contacts. Weekend trips to Dumaquarrie in West Hollis, N. H., Bloody Pond in Plymouth, Mass., the Wesley House at Oak Bluffs; visits to the home of Worshipful Elmer B. Lincoln at Rockport and the home of Worshipful Edward W. Ruggli at Nahant — have all built up happy memories, knit many closer together in brotherly love, and cemented lifelong friendships as a consequence! A club was formed in 1912 from among the members of Mizpah Lodge, called the 'Ergatae'— translated means 'workers'. Every effort was made, and successfully, to keep the club from becoming a 'clique' — the only condition for membership being a willingness to work for the Lodge. It still is active and prepared to back up the objectives of the Officers of the Lodge in helping to bring Masonry more effectively to the entire membership. Behind everything that is successful there must be a nucleus of willing workers to help make things go smoothly—and those who call themselves members of the 'Ergatae' have the satisfaction that they are real craftsmen, real builders, real Masons!

Mizpah Lodge has always been strong in its concern over charity and relief. It was in 1875 that the subject of a charity fund was first discussed. It was recommended that the dues be raised from four to six dollars per annum and $2.00 from each member be devoted to charitable purposes. Out of this beginning the charity fund, with a board of trustees, came into being. The Sixtieth Anniversary Charity Fund, under the leadership of Worshipful William E. Parker, was started in 1928—and hopes in time to build up to $25,000 from income, gifts and other accumulations for charity work. It amounts to $9,198.89 as of September 1, 1947 and is still actively growing. The Mizpah Lodge Quick Relief Association came into existence in May 1917 largely through the inspired initiative of Worshipful George H. Payne. Upon the death of any member of the Association the sum of a hundred dollars is paid promptly to his beneficiary. Approximately 125 members have had such payments delivered as a result of a system of assessments whenever a death occurs. There is an ample working surplus and reserve fund, prepared to offer prompt assistance as occasions present themselves—and the officers who follow this service are Worshipful Harold E. Hughes, as Secretary-Treasurer and Brother Augustus B. Johnson, as President. There are still other funds known as the Edgar F. Hunt Fund, Edward Cassity Fund, and a Memorial Fund from bequests received from Brothers Woolson, Sawyer, Dodge, Dow and others all reflecting the generous impulses of kindhearted and good men — that their money may bring timely aid when most needed by those in distress and temporary difficulty. 'Helping others' has always been a Masonic Virtue and these several funds lend emphasis to our responsibilities in this direction.

It is of interest that Mizpah Lodge should have been visited by so many Grand Masters during its brief history. In addition to the occasion when the Lodge was constituted by Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame on October 5, 1868, we find that Most Worshipful Sereno D. Nickerson, the Grand Master, attended the Ladies' Night on January 8, 1872; and at one time or another we were honored by the presence of Most Worshipfuls: Henry Endicott, Leon M. Abbott, Arthur D. Prince, Dudley H. Ferrell, Frank L. Simpson, and Herbert W. Dean. In 1936 we were honored by the presence of Most Worshipful Melville M. Gardner, a Past Grand Master of Nova Scotia. It gives us all the more pleasure to be able to add the name of another most distinguished Mason, that of Most Worshipful Samuel Holmes Wragg, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts when he visits us as we celebrate our 80th Anniversary on November 21, 1947. When Mizpah Lodge celebrated its 25th Anniversary the chairs were occupied by Worshipful Albert K. Hebard in the East, Brother Walworth O. Barbour in the West, and Brother Lorrin W. Ferdinand in the South. When we celebrated our 50th Anniversary Worshipful Frederick W. Turner occupied the Oriental Chair in the East, Brother George W. Ladd was in the West and Brother Sidney I. B. Stodder in the South. Because of the War we were unable properly to celebrate our 75th Anniversary but had we been able to do so we would have found Worshipful W. Douglas Whitehouse presiding and Brother William G. Brooks and Paul F. C. Mias as Wardens. Through the initiative of Worshipful Handel V. Rivinius, this 80th Anniversary Celebration has become a reality. In the preparation of this history, the Committee was assisted by Worshipful Henry S. C. Cummings, Past Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

One of the highlights of recent years was the Mizpah Lodge 'Roll Call' on June 9, 1947. The roll call included those who had held membership in the Lodge for over fifteen years. We were gratified to find fifty-five present out of approximately 175 members who had held membership that period of time. It included our senior member William K. Campbell who joined the Lodge back in 1888, Frank P. Rhoades who joined in 1891, and Frederick W. Dallinger, Thomas J. Eginton and Charles S. Given who joined in 1898!

"Ain't it good when life seems dreary
And your hopes about to end,
Just to feel the handclasp cheery
Of a fine old loyal friend?"

Times change over the years and where in the old days the Lodges were in the main in more prosperous condition and were the center of the social activities of the community, there was little to detract from such affairs. In later years many forms of entertainment came in competition. Lodges as a result became less prosperous. World Wars, depressions and general unrest brought serious concern, even to the question of the continuance of the existence of the Lodge itself. But, there again, the 'Spirit of Mizpah' manifested itself and through those dark days, much to the admiration of our older members, the younger officers filled with that 'spirit' which carried with it the tenacious determination for the best for their Lodge, rose splendidly with a supreme effort that was necessary, and have brought the Lodge a long way back to its former glory.

The laying of 'Cornerstones' by initiation has been our business over these four score years. We have sought to erect a temple of beauty, strength and wisdom upon the character of each who has knocked at our door. We have sought to share the secrets of clean, kind, upright living as our Order has forever espoused. We have sought to inspire that nobility of spirit, that steadfastness of conscience, and that stability of integrity— that makes one yearn for the worthwhile values in life, the enduring fundamentals; and the way of living more completely and abundantly as befits men of sound timber in a world desperately needing such quality and weight and breadth. The Cornerstone—the first impulse, the first thing we dedicate, the first foundation of all our prayers and effort and affection— is centered in the hope that greatness may adorn the human structure which we endeavor to erect in the lives of each of our members.

Mizpah Lodge is not alone in this business of bringing greater happiness and symmetry into the lives of its members. But, it has been proud to have exerted its humble share over these many years in this worthy direction. It is with renewed vigor and determination we hope to lay 'Cornerstones' in the lives of countless others who may in time knock at our door, that they may add lustre to the living, honor to those who have found their reward, and credit to the Fraternity we should be so proud to represent. In that spirit, each new day is our challenge, each new hour is our opportunity, each new moment is our life. Hail to Mizpah! Honorable and honored for eighty years! May her future be even more brilliant than her past—in good works for God, our Country, and our ancient Fraternity!

NOTES AT CONSOLIDATION, APRIL 2008

From Proceedings, Page 2008-35, address by Wor. Bro. Keith MacKinnon:

In 1865, Amicable Lodge of Cambridgeport experienced such a growth that it came to be a burden to them both financially and space wise. The Lodge could not handle the amount of men that were joining, and since most men lived in the area it would not be uncommon to have 100 to 150 members present at a meeting, not including visitors, and with small apartments this became a problem. So in 1866 some members of Amicable Lodge formed a new lodge in Cambridgeport and called it Mizpah Lodge. This was to help relieve the problems of Amicable. Mizpah Lodge met at the Masonic Hall on Massachusetts Avenue, the present site of the Cambridgeport Savings Bank building which still stands.

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, OCTOBER 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 1, November 1868, Page 6:

Whatever else may be thought of this name, it indisputably possesses the merit of originality and appropriateness; for, to the best of our knowledge, it has not a precedent in the nomenclature of masonic Lodges. It takes its name from a city of Gad, in the mountains of Gilead, where Laban and Jacob made their celebrated covenant, about 1739 years B. C, and where Jeptha dwelt when he made his covenant with the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan. The meaning of the word is elevation, probably from the mountainous situation of the town to which the name was given ; but its appropriateness is better illustrated by the covenant to which it refers, as contained in the 31st Chapter of Genesis. Jacob, after his long servitude, had privately stolen away from Laban, and was on the way to the land of his fathers, with his two wives, Rachel and Leah, when he was pursued by the former and his brethren, and, after seven days' journey, was overtaken in the mount Gilead. A warm controversy naturally ensued.

Explanations followed, which seemed to have satisfied Laban, and he said to Jacob, "Now therefore, come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou, and let it be for a witness between me and thee. And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. And Jacob said unto his brethren, gather stones ; and they took stones, and made a heap; and they did eat there upon the heap. And Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban said, this heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed, and Mizpah ; for he said, the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee. And Laban said to Jacob, behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; this heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread; and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them; and Laban departed, and returned unto his place."

The application of this covenant to the engagements entered into in the Lodge room, will be sufficiently obvious to every intelligent brother, without comment or illustration.

The Lodge was constituted at Cambridgeport, by the M.W. Grand Lodge, on the evening of the 5th of October, in the presence of about two hundred brethren. The ceremonies were interspersed with music under the direction of Br. Howard Dow, Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge. The whole ceremony was impressively performed, and in our long experience, we have rarely met with a more attentive and gentlemanly audience, or one that more distinctly indicated the high intellectual and moral character of our first class Lodges in this Commonwealth. Such Lodges are an honor to the Order, and a guarantee of its continued prosperity.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies in the Hall, the brethren were invited to the banqueting room, where provision had been made for their refreshment, by the popular caterer, Br. J. B. Smith of this city. The tables were handsomely spread, and bountifully furnished with whatever the most fastidious taste could reasonably desire. At the close, addresses .were made by the W. Master of the Lodge, by M.W. Grand Master Dame, R.W. Brothers, Moore, Parkman, aud others, and the company dispersed at an early hour. The officers of the Lodge for the current year are as follows :—

• Henry Endicott, Worshipful Master.
• George H. Folger, Senior Warden.
• George P. Carter, Junior Warden.
• A. W. Stevens, Chaplain.
• Daniel W. Chamberlain, Treasurer.
• Seymour B. Snow, Secretary.
• George E. Ryder, Senior Deacon.
• Joseph Child Jr., Junior Deacon.
• Samuel L. Montague, Senior Steward.
• Edward T. Nichols Junior Steward.
• John D. Nutting, Marshal.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Walworth O. Barbour, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1898, 1899; Deputy Grand Master 1900
• H. LeRoy Billings, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1939, 1940; Memorial
• Lorenzo B. Carr, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1959, 1960; SN
• Herbert M. Chase, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1918, 1919; N
• Henry Endicott, DDGM, Cambridge 4, 1867, 1868; Senior Grand Warden 1873; Grand Master 1887-1889
• Claude V. Freeman, DDGM, District 2 (Cambridge), 1947, 1948; N
• Frank H. Hilton, Grand Sword Bearer 1920-1922, Grand Marshal 1923-1925, Senior Grand Warden 1926, Grand Secretary 1940-1951; N

DISTRICTS

1867: District 4 (Cambridge)

1883: District 2 (Cambridge)

1911: District 2 (Cambridge)

1927: District 2 (Cambridge)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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