MountHope

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MOUNT HOPE LODGE

Location: Fall River

Chartered By: John Abbot

Charter Date: 12/08/1824 III-517

Precedence Date: 12/08/1824

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

need list of living PMs

  • Leander P. Lovell, 1825, 1826
  • Benjamin Anthony, 1827
  • Daniel Leonard, 1828, 1829, 1848, 1849
  • Peleg H. Earl, 1830
  • Thomas D. Chaloner, 1831, 1832, 1847
  • Ebenezer Andrews, 1833
  • Seth Darling, 1834, 1835
  • Joshua Remington, 1836, 1845-1846, 1851-1854, 1859
  • James M. Morton, 1850
  • Gardner D. Cook, 1855
  • Robert C. Brown, 1856-1858, 1866; SN
  • James Davenport, 1860-1861
  • Josiah C. Blaisdell, 1862
  • Robert Henry, 1863
  • Charles A. Holmes, 1864-1865, 1867
  • Henry Paddack, 1868-1870
  • Abraham G. Hart, 1871-1873; Mem
  • Henry Waring, 1874-1875
  • William J. Burt, 1876
  • John B. Whitaker, 1877-1878
  • John T. Graham, 1879-1880
  • Nathan B. Everett, 1881
  • Charles E.C. Spencer, 1882-1883
  • Allen Lockwood, 1884-1885
  • James E. McCreary, 1886-1887
  • John Nightingale, 1888-1890
  • William H. Broomhead, 1891
  • William S. Green, 1892-1893
  • William Crossley, 1894-1895
  • W. Samuel Smith, 1896-1897
  • Newton Healy 1898-1899
  • Allan C. Smith, 1900-1901
  • Joseph Turner, 1902-1903
  • William S. Gray, 1904-1905
  • Charles N. Bowen, 1906
  • William Ridings, Jr., 1907
  • James Allardice, 1908
  • George M. Hood, 1909
  • George Davidson, 1910
  • John T. Schofield, 1911
  • Edwin A. Grant, 1912
  • John Friar, 1913
  • Herbert Barnes, 1914
  • William Jackson, 1915
  • James Harrison, 1916
  • Joseph L. Presbrey, 1917
  • Clarence W. Sansfield, 1918
  • J. William Grant, 1919
  • Edmund Y. Anthony, 1920
  • Thomas Wolstenholme, 1921
  • Benjamin Barnes, 1922; N
  • Charles W. Borden, 1923
  • James H. Harrison, 1924
  • Tom Brierley, 1925
  • Clarence T. Bliss, 1926
  • Chester C. Wolstenholme, 1927
  • George M. Jackson, 1928; N; Mem
  • Robert Ogden, 1929
  • John J. Brindley, 1930
  • Clarence W. Jackson, 1931
  • Albert E. Grant, 1932
  • Milton P. Ogden, 1933
  • Samuel Ogden, 1934
  • Herbert J. Linney, 1935
  • Walter Brierley, 1936
  • George R. Smith, 1937-1938
  • William M. Jackson, 1939
  • Milton C. Epstein, 1940
  • John W. Wilde, 1941; N
  • Israel Bowden, 1942
  • Arthur C. Grantham, 1943
  • Ernest L. Wood, 1944
  • John W. Higginson, 1945
  • James H. Taylor, 1946
  • William H. Sherett, 1947-1948
  • Lyle E. Beal, 1949
  • Kendall T. Stone, 1950
  • Edward F. Hearth, 1951
  • Everett J. Ogden, 1952
  • Irving L. Terry, 1953
  • William Oliver, 1954
  • Kenneth R. Whormby, 1955
  • William H. Wilson, 1956
  • Sydney Grunberg, 1957, 1972; N
  • Thomas Gillett, 1958
  • C. Allen Norman Jr., 1959; N
  • Sydney Schaeffer, 1960
  • Henry L. Entwistle, 1961
  • Harry Boocock, 1962
  • John T. Farrington, 1963
  • Leslie H. Lanyon, 1964
  • Henry H. Lanyon, 1965
  • Edward Smith, 1966
  • Abraham Factor, 1967
  • James A. Jackson, 1968
  • Barry S. Novek, 1969, 1971, 1984; N
  • Manuel C. Silvia, 1970, 1973
  • George M. Jackson, 1974
  • Richard Halliwell, 1975
  • Richard F. Murphy, 1976
  • Richard J. Superior, 1977, 1989
  • Joseph M. Cayton, 1978
  • John T. Tunney III, 1979-1980, 2004
  • Lyman Merrill, 1981
  • Louis Machado, 1982-1983
  • David M. Assad, 1985
  • Mark J. Saber, 1986
  • James H. Douglass, 1987, 1994-1995; N; Mem
  • Theodore Smith, Sr., 1988, 1990
  • David C. Smith, 1991
  • Steven C. Woodruff, 1992-1993
  • Michael A. Gagne, 1996-1997
  • Henry J. Babineau, 1998-1999
  • Joseph Cordeiro Jr., 2000-2001
  • Daniel Harrop, 2002-2003
  • Russell E. Dill, 2004(acting)-2006
  • Arthur D. Dill, 2007-2009
  • John R. Lopes, 2010
  • Heath L Verburg, 2011; DDGM

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter: 1824

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1874 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1924 (Centenary)
  • 1949 (125th Anniversary)
  • 1974 (150th Anniversary)
  • 1999 (175th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1873 1876 1894 1912 1913 1918 1919 1922 1924 1932 1936 1952 1957 1965 1974 1978 1982 1990 1991 2004 2007 2008 2010 2012 2013

HISTORY

CENTENARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1924

From Proceedings, Page 1924-425:

By Worshipful Elmer B. Young.

INTRODUCTION

In attempting to give the history of Mount Hope Lodge, it is well to refer back to conditions as they existed here at the time of organization, viz., 1824.

Pall River was at that time only a village known as Troy. The village was largely clustered near the present location of City Hall and Granite Block, the stream being crossed by a small wooden bridge.

In the year 1820 ten respectable citizens had occasion to prepare a statement of facts touching on the condition of this village, to be used abroad, in which they announced that "the village contains fifty dwelling houses, two large cotton factories, several stores, one large schoolhouse, several grain and saw mills, several shops for various kinds of mechanics and about five hundred inhabitants."

It appears also from the census of this town, taken by order of the government, that the increase from 1810 to 1820 was only 298. From the year 1820 may be dated the more rapid and steady growth of the village; in the following ten years the population increased 2565, or to a total of 4159.

Thus you will see thai the Fall River of one hundred years ago, with its population in 1820 of about five hundred, its stagecoaches and sleepy old taverns, was vastly different from the busy city of today, with its excellent methods of transportation, its public buildings, and its general metropolitan air.

Yet the spirit of Masonry was inherent in those early settlers and it is to such men as these that Mount Hope Lodge owes its origin, growth, and prosperity. May this same spirit so permeate your hearts, as true and loyal Masons, that your lives and example may be as a precious heritage to those who shall follow you.

With this small population, and many of the men of the community not eligible to membership in a Masonic Lodge, the founders of Mount Hope Lodge displayed unusual courage and faith in the Institution of Freemasonry when they organized a Lodge, not only in the face of small numbers, but many of them filled with an anti-Masonic spirit which within two years was fanned into flames by the Morgan episode and to which further reference will be made later.

Iii the records of the Grand Lodge appears the following:

Boston, Mass., Dec. 8th, 1824.

The petition of Andrew Harris and others, praying for a Charter for a new Lodge in the village of Fall River and town of Troy, to be called "Mount Hope," was read and referred to W. Joseph G. Sprague, Rev. Joseph Richardson and Abra Haskell.

The committee appointed to consider the application of Andrew Harris and others, for a Charter for a Lodge in the town of Troy, have heard the representations of the subject, and would report that the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted.

By order,
J. S. Sprague,
Chairman.

Read and accepted. The first meeting was held on December 13, 1824, at the law office of John Lindsey, Jr., and the following officers were elected:

  • Leander P. Lovell, Worshipful Master
  • Benjamin Anthony, Senior Warden
  • Joseph Rice, Junior Warden
  • James Ford, Secretary
  • Joseph E. Read, Treasurer
  • Hiram Barrows, Senior Deacon
  • Richard Chace, Junior Deacon
  • Calvin Seaver, Tyler
  • Rev. Augustus B. Read, Chaplain

Brothers Ford, Lovell, Anthony, and Read were appointed a committee to frame By-Laws for the Lodge. The Master and Senior Warden were appointed a committee to procure a room and furniture for the Lodge.

The next meeting is dated fifteen days later as held in "Mason's Hall," but fails to say where this hall was located.

A full set of Secretary's records arc in possession of the
Lodge for the one hundred years and it is exceedingly in
teresting to read the early volumes. But as one reads them, one is impressed with the lack of details in many cases; items which no doubt were perfectly clear to the members at that time, are not so to members one hundred years later. For example, in the records of the first meeting, we find a committee appointed to procure a suitable meeting place. The records thai follow are headed, "that a meeting of Mount Hope Lodge was held in the Mason's Hall."

The notices of the meetings which were printed in the local paper published here at that time, viz., The Fall River Monitor, give notice that the Lodge will meet in "the Mason's Hall." Where this old "Mason's Hall" was is a matter of conjecture merely, as there is nothing in the records to enable us to locate it. but by piecing stray bits of information together, I am of the opinion that it was in a new brick building located on the north side of East Central Street (now Bedford Street). This building was owned by John C. Borden, the second Secretary of Mount Hope Lodge. (I make this statement thai John t\ Borden was the second Secretary of Mount Hope Lodge, in spite of the fact that in two lists of Officers published in copies of the By-Laws in 1876 and again in 1919, it credits Luther Winslow, 2d, as holding this office, for I find in the original record book the full year's proceedings signed by John C. Borden. Secretary, elected to that office on December 20. 1825, am! duly Installed on January 5, 1826.)

The rent was fifty dollars per year and later evidently the Lodge found this sum a burden, as we find on June 5, 1827, a committee was appointed to interview Brother Borden and see if this sum could not be reduced, but the owner declined to do so. Evidently the Lodge moved to other quarters at a rental of forty dollars per year (but the records do not show it), for soon thereafter we find a rent bill allowed to Ebenezer Andrews — who was the Worshipful Master in 1833 — and again on December 6, 1831, a committee was appointed to confer with Brother Andrews and see if tile rent could be reduced to twenty dollars per year. This committee was able to report success in their endeavors and from December 1, 1831, the rental was established at twenty dollars per annum; but even this was a tax upon the treasury funds, for within a year, we find them again seeking relief.

In the account of the Consecration of the Lodge, the records read that "at ten thirty A.M. the Grand Lodge was escorted by a band of music to the Hall of Mount Hope Lodge, from whence they, with many neighboring Lodges and Brethren, proceeded to the meeting house, where an address was delivered by R. W. Rev. Paul Dean of Boston." (The Lodge voted to have this address printed and the copies placed on sale. One of these, printed in 1825, was presented to the Lodge by Albert L. Nichols of King Philip Lodge. This address is appended to this history).

The records of the Grand Lodge read "the Baptist Church." But again the query, what church and where located? This question arises if one is familiar with the location of the churches at that period. Fowler's history of Fall River published in 1841 says: "Being greatly tried for the want of a place for public meetings, the church (which had been assembling in dwelling houses of the residents) early in 1819), after much reflection and prayer, took measures for building a house of worship."

The Columbian Reporter, published in Taunton, has an item: "A part of the inhabitants of Troy, and a part of those of Tiverton, R. I., have built a meetinghouse, directly on the line dividing Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and have agreed that it shall be open to all sects and denominations and that no compensation shall be made for the preacher's services."

The Quakers built a small house for worship in 1821.

The Congregational Church was built on Annawan Street in 1823.

The First Baptist Church of Fall River was organized in 1781 and erected a building at the east end of the city, on what is now known as County Street near the Narrows, but actually located in Rhode Island as the boundary line then existed.

In my opinion, the meeting house in which the Lodge held their Consecration services was the one more familiarly known as the "line meeting house," and is the one to which reference is made in the item that appeared in the Taunton newspaper. This meeting house stood just southwest of the south wall of St. Mary's Cathedral, near the old "Buttonwood Tree" which, as some of the older members of the Lodge will remember, marked the boundary line of the two states for many years.

I mention these two instances out of many, to impress, if I can, the Secretaries of these later days with the necessity of making their records complete in every detail, so thai when Mount Hope Lodge shall celebrate its two hundredth anniversary, the items that are common, everyday occurrences to you and me, may be equally so to those who shall follow in our footsteps.

1825

At the meeting following the Consecration on September 1, 1825, it was voted to have an account of the proceedings printed in a paper published in Taunton called The Columbian Reporter. The item in the paper issued in September, 1825, is as follows:

MASONICK.

On Thursday, the 1st inst., Mount Hope Lodge, at Fall River, was consecrated and its officers installed in due form by the Deputy Grand Lodge.

At 11 o'clock, the Lodges met at the Mason's Hall, which was decorated by the Ladies of the village, with a neatness and elegance, that did honor to their taste and ingenuity.

A procession was formed and escorted by an excellent band of music from Taunton and proceeded to the meeting house, where an appropriate address, replete with Masonick and original thought, was delivered by Rev. Br. Paul Dean, in his usually eloquent and impressive style. The consecrating prayers were made ia a. strikingly solemn manner by Rev. Br. Hamilton of Taunton.

The several charges to the officers and members of the new Lodge were delivered by the Most Worshipful Thomas Tolman, Esq., District Deputy Grand Master and the Right Worshipful Rev. Bro. Huntoon, of Canton.

The musick was selected with taste and executed with good judgement. The house was filled to overflowing, as was the spacious yard around it.

The whole interior of the house was hung with white tapestry, shaded with blue and festooned with evergreen and flowers. When the services were ended, the procession was again formed and proceeded to Mr. Blake's hotel, where about two hundred brethren partook of an excellent dinner prepared far the occasion. After the cloth was removed, a number of appropriate sentiments were given from which the following are selected:

  • FREE MASONRY. An institution, whose object is to relieve merit in distress, to support virtue in temptation and to comfort innocence when bathed in tears.

By Bro. Thomas Tolman, Esq., Most W. G. Master for the day:

  • MOUNT HOPE LODGE. We hail with delight the accession of a new member to the Masonick family. May it ever continue in HOPE, steadfast in FAITH and rich in the works of CHARITY.
  • THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. A majestic stream, from whose broad and philanthropic bosom, serenely flows those smaller rills that enrich and fertilize the land.

By Bro. Lovell, R. W. Master of Mount Hope Lodge:

  • THE ORATOR OF THE DAY. A truly Masonick light, whose effulgent rays have this day illumined the East, West, and South.
  • THE SUBORDINATE LODGES. May they be Arks of Charity, built by wisdom, supported by strength and adorned with beauty; from whence shall flow good will to all mankind, perpetual friendship to all good Masons and ready assistance to all widows and orphans of the deceased brethren.

By the R. W. and Rev. Br. Huntoon, District Deputy Grand Master for the day:

  • THE FLOURISHING VILLAGE OF FALL RIVER. The munificent hand of nature has laid the foundation of its prosperity, the industry of man has erected the superstructure and masonry has come forward to finish the edifice and bring forth the capstone with rejoicing, hope, and triumph.
  • FREE MASONRY IN EUROPE. No rude assaults of the tyrant Alexander can stop its march. No vulgar prejudice of the puny Ferdinand can impede its progress. No combined plots of the holy alliance can prescribe the limits in which Free Masonry shall move. (The references appear to be to Emperor Alexander I. of Russia and Ferdinand I. of Austria, although Ferdinand did not succeed his father, Francis I., until 1835. Russia and Austria were members of the "Holy Alliance which opposed Freemasonry.—F. W. H.)

By the R. W. and Rev. Bro. Hamilton, Grd. Chaplain of the day:

  • THE FAIR TEMPLE OF AMERICAN LIBERTY. Its foundation is laid in the cement of masonic blood, its superstructure reared

ill the strength of masonic wisdom, its beauty shall never be mailed by violence, (ill the swords of its enemies shall have pierced the last heart thai shall remain true to the principles of our order.
A number of the Brethren present were then called upon and offered the following:

  • THE FRIENDS OF CHRISTIANITY AND FREE MASONS. They hope to be one in Heaven; on earth may they be one in works of piety and charity.

By the R. W. and Hon. Bro. James I,. Hodges:

  • THE SECRETS OF OUR ORDER. Their best and sufficient revelation, the purity and beneficence of their possessors.

By R. W. and Rev. Bro. Olney, Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Maine:

  • MASSACHUSETTS AND MAINE. Although their ancient political and masonic ties are in some measure dissolved, may they continue to cherish in honesty and good faith toward each other, the fraternal affections of citizens and masons.

By Bro. Washburn:

  • MASONS WHO ARE BACHELORS. If they admit not women to the Lodge, may they delight to take them as lodgers.

By Bro. James Ford, Secretary of Mount Hope Lodge:

  • WOMAN. That perfect work of moral symmetry and spotless loveliness; without which, man has no sun, no home, no comfort, no hope.
  • THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON. The Grand Master who laid the corner stone for the temple of liberty. (Drank standing.)

Our reverence for the memory of the widow's son, and our benevolence to the widow of a mason. (Drank standing.)

  • THE FAIR. Whose virtue and tenderness shed a moonlight glory, pale and pure, but more serene and lovely than the flood of splendor poured from the meridian of light.

There are some items in the first set of By-Laws adopted by the Lodge that are so radically different from our methods of today that it would seem proper to note them at this point.

  • Art. 2, Sec. 6. "It shall be the duty of the Tyler to deliver notifications to the members when requested."

And on several occasions, we find that the Tyler was instructed to notify all the members to be present at a meeting of the Lodge to discuss some important matter.

  • Art. 3, Sec. 3, in regard to fees. "For initiation the candidate was required to pay fifteen dollars, for crafting three dollars, and raising four dollars."

For membership, the fee was one dollar.

  • Art. 3, Sec. 8, requiring unanimous ballot; "but if one negative only appears on the first ballot, the Master SHALL order a second and if upon the second ballot there still appears one negative, the election shall be adjourned to the next regular communication, and if upon the ballot being taken, again there shall appear one negative, the candidate shall be rejected and may not apply again within twelve months."
  • Art. 7, Sec. 6. "If any private quarrel or animosity shall arise between two of the brethren of this Lodge, the Master or a committee of the Lodge shall endeavor to reconcile the parties. The brother who shall be in fault, shall acknowledge the same in open Lodge. If lie refuses, he shall be reprimanded by the Master and be further dealt with as a majority of the members present shall direct."
  • Art. 7, Sec. 7. "No refreshment but water shall be brought into this Lodge, except on special occasions, nor even then unless by vote of the brethren."
1826

On January 3, 1826. A vote was passed: "to purchase twenty black and eighteen white balls." Also, "to supply the Altar with cushions."

December 27, 1826. Voted that the Treasurer be authorized to loan all moneys arising from the initiation of candidates and all the Charity Funds excepting $15.00, which amount is to be retained on hand at all times.

1827

February 27, 1827. Voted that the Master be instructed to purchase two squares and a pair of compasses for the use of the Lodge.

October 2, 1827. The sum of $5.00 was voted from the Charity Fund for the relief of a certain member of the Lodge. At the next meeting held on October 30, 1827, this member applied for his dismission. "After some discussion," reads the record, "it was voted to lay the matter on the table until the next meeting; also that each member of the Lodge not present, living within five miles, be notified to be present at this meeting," which was held on November 1, 1827, when the matter was again taken up and it was voted to expel the brother and give notice to this effect in the newspapers.

1828

January 8, 1828. The Lodge voted, to hold a public Installation, but for some reason this vote was reconsidered at the next meeting, and the officers were installed as usual. Following the ceremony, a procession was formed and proceeded to the new Methodist Meeting House, where an address was given by Rev. Bro. Edward T. Taylor, after which they proceeded to Bro. Sabin Blake's hotel and partook of a dinner. A vote of thanks was later extended to the Fall River Band for their services on this occasion.

December 20, 1828. A vote was passed that the Treasurer be authorized to furnish the Lodge with wood and oil until further notice.

1829

January 13, 1829. The sum of twenty-five dollars was voted to a deceased Brother's widow, who had suffered a loss by fire.

March 31, 1829. A committee of twelve was appointed to inquire into and report upon the propriety of building a hall.

April 14, 1829. It was voted, that Bro. Thomas D. Chaloner he a committee to ascertain what will be given the Lodge for the purpose of building a hall and also what will be subscribed in shares of twenty-five dollars each, providing it be thought advisable to build in shares. (This committee never reported.)

1830

April 6, 1830. Ebenezer Andrews was elected to membership and the following vote was passed, "That the thanks of this Lodge be extended to Bro. Andrews for the liberal donation of nine dollars, being the amount of his bill for one quarter's rent after deducting his fee for membership.

At this same meeting, it was voted to print one hundred copies of the By-Laws, at a cost of six dollars and twenty-five cents.

August 31, 1830. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Winchester for washing the hall and the Treasurer ordered to pay her one dollar for same.

1831

July 19, 1831. A member of the Lodge applied for some pecuniary assistance and a vote passed which authorized the Treasurer to furnish provisions at the rate of fifty cents per week.

1832

October, 1832. It was voted to take down the Master's and Warden's chairs and fit the hall to let for such purposes as it may he wanted, provided it does not interfere with the business of the Lodge.

Between the lines of the records we can read that finances had evidently been worrying the Lodge for some time, and finally a committee was appointed to make a thorough investigation of the subject. This committee reported at a meeting held on December 4, 1832, and I am sure that they have the sympathy of such members of the Lodge as have had experience in collecting the moneys due the Lodge. The report in part was as follows:

"The committee beg leave to report that from the very imperfect and negligent manner in which the books and accounts of the Lodge have been managed for the past two or three years, they find it not only difficult, but impossible to ascertain with any degree of precision, what the actual state of the funds are. We have, however, managed them according to the best of our means and abilities, but cannot say to our full satisfaction and can only answer for them as they appear in this report. In the collection of the demands due the Lodge, your committee are sorry to say they have been unable to make but little progress, after having called repeatedly on the delinquents; they have as yet received nothing but fair promises. They do not, however, despair of getting something more some time or other; when, they are unable to say. The note against Bro. ____ has been placed in the hands of an attorney for collection.
,br> "In consequence of the difficulty attending the collection of the present funds of the Lodge, your committee would respectfully and earnestly recommend that all the funds of the Lodge, as soon as they can be collected, be placed in some situation that they may be more at the command of the Lodge, whenever they may be wanted, also that there be an article inserted in the By-Laws to prevent any officer or member of the Lodge from having on his own responsibility or holding as a loan, any of the funds of the Lodge."

1833

November 22, 1833. There are two votes recorded that indicate that the financial question was one that was still unanswered, as the Lodge voted to pay by individual subscription the fee due the Grand Lodge for the year 1833. which was accordingly done, the amount being four dollars.

Voted to petition the Grand Lodge to forego and sink all fees heretofore due the same and that Bro. Ebenezer Andrews be a committee to address said petition to the Grand Lodge. The language of the petition tells the story of the troubles of the Lodge in words better than we of the present time might be able to use.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts:

The undersigned petitioners, members of Mount Hope Lodge at Troy in the village of Fall River, Mass., respectfully represent that the funds of said Lodge are much reduced and in a very embarrassed state at this time and no prospects of any immediate improvement in our pecuniary affairs, they are therefore under the disagreeable necessity of requesting (lie Grand Lodge to relinquish their claims on the Lodge for annual fees due to the present time at least. And should the difficulty of accumulating and collecting our funds continue, we may be compelled to ask a still further indulgence on this subject, hoping, however, it may be otherwise. It is with much reluctance that we have adopted this course and nothing but pure necessity would have induced us to do it.

We have had many difficulties to encounter and great exertions to make the last three or four years, to meet the actual and necessary expenses of the Lodge which could not have been done without voluntary donations from some of the Brethren.

And in addition to our other difficulties, have had to meet the violent and repeated assaults of our enemies which were numerous and powerful; hut have notwithstanding persevered in the good cause of Masonry and endeavored to maintain union in feeling and sentiment in our society. And there are many of the Brethren who still remain firm and immovable and will probably continue so to the end. Wo would therefore earnestly solicit your attention and protection, as in duty bound will ever pray.

(Signed) Ebenezer Andrews,

R.W. Master and committee in behalf of Mount Hope Lodge.
Fall River, Nov. 22, 1833.

This petition was received by the Grand Lodge at a Quarterly Communication held on December 12, 1833, and was referred to a committee consisting of R. W. Charles W. Moore, R. W. Jno. Hewes and R. W. Samuel Eveleth.

At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge held on March 12, 1834, the records read:

"The committee on the petition of Mount Hope Lodge were discharged from further consideration of the same."

No explanation of this action is given.

THE ANTI-MASONIC PERIOD

The Fraternity was passing through trials and persecutions of which the Brethren of today can form no conception. Admitting a Masonic membership at this time required a great deal of courage. Reference has been made to the Morgan episode and it would seem that a further explanation of this affair could properly be made at this time.

The spark that was needed to kindle the smoldering fire against Freemasonry was the excitement caused by the disappearance of one William Morgan, of Batavia, N. Y., who was preparing a work for publication purporting to reveal all the secret signs, Obligations, and ceremonies of the Order. The story is that he was carried in the night to Niagara and there confined in a fort, which was the last that was ever publicly known concerning him. This act did not appear, upon investigation, to have been done with the approval of any Lodge or other body of Freemasonry, bid it produced, as was to be expected, a great sensation and served as a pretext for a most bitter war against the Institution and the persecution of its members. .Masons in business lost their patrons and many were mined. Ministers had to resign their pulpits or promise to withdraw from the Order. Families were divided. Christian brethren who adhered to Masonry were driven out of their churches and became marked men. It mingled with all relations of life and affected nearly all questions of a public nature. The newspapers of that period are full of the reports of gatherings in various parts of the country where resolutions were frequently adopted, pledging themselves not to support any Mason for public office or to hold trading relations with any person known to be a Mason. The enemies of Masonry carried their hatred to the extent of threatening the civil rights of its adherents.

The violence of the movement in this locality is attributed to the Quaker influence. Quakers controlled the banks, the schools, the social life, the business interests; they owned the ships, factories, and fine houses. And the strict Quaker creed so strongly condemned Freemasonry that if a Quaker joined the Order, he was liable to be read out of meeting. This influence, then, strengthened the tide of anti-Masonic feeling that spread over the country after the publication of the Morgan book.

The Masons, however, were not without their defenders. In December, 1831, one thousand Masons, some of whom were from Mount Hope Lodge, signed a public declaration setting forth:

"that it has been frequently asserted and published to the world, that in the several degrees of Freemasonry, the candidate on his initiation and subsequent advancement binds himself by oath to sustain his Masonic brethren in acts that are at variance with his duty as a good and faithful citizen. We do most solemnly deny the existence of any such obligation. Every citizen who becomes a Mason is doubly bound to be true to his God, his country, and his fellow man."

After lengthy explanation, the declaration concluded, "entertaining such sentiments as MASONS, as CITIZENS, as CHRISTIANS and as MORAL men, we can neither renounce nor abandon it."

But in spite of this declaration, in many Lodges there was a large withdrawal of membership, so much so that several Lodges were forced to surrender their Charter.

Mount Hope Lodge had an interesting experience in this line; its Chaplain, the Rev. Thomas M. Smith — who was the second pastor of the First Congregational Church — had been elected to membership on January 9, 1827. The Lodge had voted "to sink the usual fee in this case," and elected him as Chaplain of the Lodge. He served in this capacity during 1827 and 1828 but under the date of April 20, 1829, he wrote the Lodge as follows: (The good minister is responsible for the rather eccentric punctuation of the letter which is given verbatim et literatim. -F. W. H.)

Fall River, April 20, 1829

To the Master and Wardens of Mount Hope Lodge
Gentlemen:

My object in addressing this communication to you, is to request that my name may be erased from the books of the Lodge. And as such a request may appear to you extraordinary, it is a duty which I owe lo you and to myself, to state my reasons for making it. — The reasons which I deem it proper to state are two in number. — First. The secrets of Masonry are already before the world. And the institution no longer exists as a secret society. It is clear therefore that the objects for which it was established, cannot now be accomplished. My second reason, and the reason which has the most influence on my own mind, is the belief which I now entertain, that the institution of Free Masonry is unfriendly to the cause of religion. When the excitement on this subject, commenced, I regarded it is a political business and with the views which I then had of Masonry, was prepared to give no credit to the stories which were at that time in circulation respecting the Institution. I had been accustomed to look upon Masonry, as frivolous rather than positively evil.

But circumstances, connected with my situation, have led me to a careful and thorough examination of the subjects; and I have, at length, by evidence, which to my own mind is irresistible, come to the sober and deliberate conviction, that the Institution as it at present exists, is unfriendly to the cause of religion; — and that as a Christian, and a minister of the gospel, I ought not any longer to be connected with it.—Candour obliges me to say that this conclusion is derived not so much from what I have seen of the Institution, (for though I have taken a number of degrees in Masonry, my opportunities for becoming acquainted with its real character, have heretofore been very limited as from the testimony of others. — This testimony is to my mind perfectly conclusive. — The degree which I have recently seen, and the correctness of which I cannot doubt, openly avows its hostility to religion. — While such is the fact, I cannot feel satisfied any longer to belong to an Institution, which I regard as dangerous to the interests of that cause which I deem of all others the most important. — In taking this stand, Gentlemen, I have not an unfriendly feeling towards any Mason on earth. And if I am reproached, for changing my views of Masonry, upon evidence which I deem conclusive, I must bear it. — I have taken this stand with a view to the solemn account which I must hereafter render before the bar of the Eternal. And with my present convictions of the duty which I owe to him — I cannot feel justified in continuing any longer a member of the Institution. — It is with many feelings of pain that I have come to this conclusion, but I could not resist it. — The course which has been pursued by some of the Lodges in New York, is the one to which all the Lodges in our country must come, before the excitement which prevails on this subject will subside. And with the hope, Gentlemen, that tho' I can no longer meet you as a mystic brother, I may still meet you as a good friend.

I remain very respectfully, Yours etc.,
Thomas M. Smith.

No action was ever taken by the Lodge and apparently the matter was allowed to drop.

But this letter indicates the feeling that existed in certain quarters. For several years following the issue of the Morgan hook the country was flooded with all kinds of anti-Masonic literature.

Morgan's widow identified several different bodies as that of her husband.

Four Masons, who were said to be implicated in the disappearance of Morgan, were tried by the courts of New York State, but as no positive proof that a murder had been committed could be presented, this charge was dismissed and the men sentenced on some minor charges to one and two years in jail.

Following the petition to the Grand Lodge in November, 1833, only a few meetings were held in 1834 and 1835 and no business was transacted except to read the records and approve the rent bill for payment.

On September 1, 1835, the Lodge voted: "To name a committee of three to sell all the furniture of the Lodge as they may think proper and that they may deem most proper for the interest of the Lodge." Bros. Daniel Leonard, Seth Darling, and John P. Winchester were appointed as that committee.

The record of one other meeting under date of March 1, 1836, appears and no business transacted.

Then followed the dark days of 1836 to 1845. Tradition is that although no regular meetings of the Lodge were held during this period, and none were recorded, the members continued to meet in small groups from time to time, in various homes of the members, and informally talk over Masonic affairs.

In 1840 the storm clouds began to break, and with it came a renewal of interest in Freemasonry. The records of the Grand Lodge show that about this time many Lodges that had surrendered their Charters were asking that they be returned to them, and wherever an investigation of conditions and circumstances warranted this was done.

Star in the East Lodge, of New Bedford, and King David Lodge, of Taunton, did not surrender their Charters and were among the first to resume their meetings, and their influence soon spread to Fall River. Unfortunately during the big fire here in July, 1843, the furniture that had been stored as well as the Charter were all destroyed and this caused some delay on the part of the Brethren here in resuming their meetings.

1845

The records of the Grand Lodge meeting held on March 12, 1845, read as follows:

"A petition was received from the members of Mount Hope Lodge of Troy, Fall River, praying that a new Charter may be issued tc1 them in the place of their original one, which was destroyed by the late fire in that village.

This was referred to R. W. R. Lash, R. W. Thos. Power, R. W. Winslow Lewis, Sr.

A little later in the same session, this committee reported as follows:

The committee appointed to act on the petition of Mount Hope Lodge, having heard the parties and considered the circumstances addressed in their communication, do respectfully report, that the Prayer of their petition be granted, that a new Charter be granted them by way of restoration and that they be considered a Lodge in regular standing and further, that in consequence of the calamity by fire, and other reasons good and sufficient, that all former dues to the Grand Lodge be remitted to them.

All of which is respectfully submitted,
R. Lash, Thos. Power, Winslow Lewis.

Report was accepted and recommendations adopted.

Following this action by the Grand Lodge, a new Charter was granted under date of March 12, 1845, but stating that the precedence of the Lodge should date from the original Charter, namely December 8, 1824.

A meeting of Mount Hope Lodge was held on March 21, 1845, and as the records read "in the hall," we are uncertain as to its location. Officers were elected as follows:

  • Joshua Remington, Master
  • Thomas D, Chaloner, Senior Warden
  • Daniel Leonard, Junior Warden
  • Perez Mason, Treasurer
  • Edward Thompson, Secretary
  • Samuel B. Gardner, Senior Deacon
  • John P. Winchester, Junior Deacon
  • Thomas Keller, Marshal
  • James Abbott, Senior Steward
  • Thomas Driver, Junior Steward
  • John S. Haskell, Tyler

These officers were installed at a special meeting held on April 18, 1845. Again the records merely read "Mount Hope Lodge met in their Hall" and leave us as before wondering where this hall was located. On the occasion of the installation a large number of Brethren were present from various Lodges in Rhode Island.

At this meeting, a vote of thanks was passed to "Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Winchester for their handsome presents, the former lady for giving a Bible, the latter for the Square and Compass."

Also a vote of thanks was extended "to all the ladies who assisted in fitting up the several articles belonging to the Lodge."

Under date of May 30, 1845, we find a vote "that Bro. Mason shall hang the door so that it shall open on the other side." (Query, on which side did the door open?)

August 15, 1845. An application was received from William Preston. A committee was duly appointed to inquire into his character.

September 12, 1845. This committee was called upon to report, the records read, "the committee retired; after a short time the chairman returned and stated that as far as he could learn, he was a worthy man." and the ballot was unanimous.

Thai the committee made no mistake in their report is borne out by the long record of service which Brother Preston made as Secretary and Tyler of Mount Hope Lodge from December 23, 1859, to the time of his death in 1896. I am sure that those of you who remember Brother Preston will bear me out in the statement that he was a "worthy man and a worthy Mason."

At the meeting of September 12, 1845. two items of business are noted that may possibly be interesting. First: Some of the Brethren felt bound to complain of Bro. ____ being intemperate. After some consultation, there was a committee appointed to wait on Bro. ____ and remonstrate with him in regard to his habits."

At a later meeting this committee reported "very favorable results," so much so that the Lodge voted to take no further action at present. (See action May 22, 1846.)

The other item reads: "Voted that there be a committee appointed to get a cushion for the Altar; and the same committee be instructed to paint the rods; and also to get. a Trowel and also that the same committee shall see that the South East room be put in order and that the furniture of the Lodge be kept there." And then they appointed Brother Mason as that committee. (Probably Brother Mason was a handy man.)

October 10, 1845. We find a vote "that there be a committee of two appointed to wait on Free Masons in general whether Members of this Lodge or not, and see if they will subscribe in order to liquidate the debt of the Lodge." Voted, "that Bro. Mason to receive the donations." Then followsXa vote "that the treasurer procure a box of sand." Was\his for the committee, the subscribers, or for other purposes?

The records show about $180.00 was collected by this committee. Evidently the box of sand helped.

Following an election of Officers on December 12, 1845, a public installation was held on January 16, 1846, in Berean Temple, located at the corner of Borden and Second Streets. The Lodge assembled at their own hall and marched to the Temple, where the Officers were duly installed by the District Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. T. G. Coffin.

1846

At the next meeting, held on February 6, 1846, a vote was passed thanking Rt. Wor. Bro. Coffin for his services and for the address delivered at that time.

Also another vote, thanking Mr. Robert C. Brown for his musical services and through him the other members of. the choir who were associated with him on that occasion.

May 22, 1846, at a special meeting of the Lodge, the following action is recorded against the same Brother referred to in the action of September 12, 1845. "A complaint was filed by Bro. A. B. against Bro. C. D. charging him with intemperance and the subject was also stated to the Lodge by Bro. A. B., when Bro. C. D., who was present agreeable to notification, arose and addressed the Lodge, confessed his fault in drinking to excess and bringing d-is-grace on himself, his family and this Lodge of which he is a member; asked forgiveness for his errors and hoped that he might be enabled to amend his life for the time to come." On motion voted: "That judgment in the case of Bro. C. D. be suspended during the pleasure of the Lodge, for the purposes of giving him an opportunity to prove the sincerity of his profession, by his acts." Evidently his promises were of no effect, for under date of May 29, 1846, the case was again discussed and it was unanimously voted to expel him from the Lodge.

This may have been an extreme case or it may have been that the Brethren at that time felt that with the renewed interest in Masonry, its record must be kept as clear as possible if it was to maintain a creditable standing in the community; hence the action.

An invitation having been received from the Lodge at Newport, R. I., to assist in a celebration of St. John's Day, June 24, 1846, it was voted to accept and make the journey by steamboat. The arrangements for the trip included a reception to the members of Star in the East Lodge and (heir ladies, at six o'clock in the morning upon their arrival here from New Bedford. The two Lodges then paraded to the bout, which left here at seven-thirty A. M., the ladies being transported thereto in barges. A splendid ilay followed at Newport, the boat returning to Fall River at five-thirty P. M. Refreshments were again served on reaching Fall River, and then the New Bedford Brethren resumed their way home.

1847-48

Early in 1847 another election of officers was held and Mount Hope Lodge made the mistake then that Lodges often do, thai of electing a member as Secretary who does not possess the necessary requirements. Between the penmanship and spelling, I am obliged to pass by this year.

During this year the By-Laws were redrafted and I notice a new paragraph inserted that indicates the feeling at that time in regard to the subject:

  • Art. 7. Miscellaneous Regulations.
    • Sec. 7. "No member or visiting Brother shall be admitted if he be in the least intoxicated, or who is in the habit of using intoxicating drinks as a common beverage, or who is engaged in any illegal traffic, or who does not sustain a good moral character."

No doubt this regulation was the result of several experiences which the Lodge had and which appear rather frequently in the records. The morals of the members of the Lodge were carefully looked after as evidenced by the records, as on a number of occasions we find a committee appointed to interview a certain member, usually named, about his habits or a quarrel with another member or something of that nature; today we should he inclined to frown upon such action as an infringement of our "personal liberty."

A little later another change in Officers took place. Again we find a Secretary who was a good old soul, but not the man for the position, but I think you can all enjoy with me a quotation from the records:

"Voted that a commettee of three be appointed to furnish the Lodge with Gass Light provided it can be done for 25 dollers to be paid out of the Lodge fund.

"Bros. G. D. Cook, P. Mason, T. D. Chaliner are appointed the commette.

"Voted that this commette be autherized to dispose of the Shangdalear for as mutch as it will fecth."

Evidently the committee was unable to raise money enough, for at a later meeting it is recorded that after making their report they were discharged and the following vote was passed : "Voted that all the smole Lampes be So altered as to burn fluied in them."

A short time afterwards the Lodge voted to purchase three large glass lamps and authorized the Tyler to sell the old ones. He did so and reported that he had received sixty-nine cents for the same.

1849

October 15, 1849. The Lodge voted to purchase an improved "melodian" and that a committee be appointed to select appropriate pieces out of "Masonic .Melodies to be sung at the different stages of our meetings."

October 26, 1849. The Lodge voted to have singing at the opening and closing of each meeting and elected a Chorister and Assistant Chorister to lead the same.

1851

May 1. 1851, on receipt of a donation from Bro. John Eddy, of New York, toward supplying the hall with gas, it was voted to have gas installed at once and that contributions be solicited to defray the expenses.

Tn July, 1851, a committee was chosen to take into consideration the propriety of obtaining regalia and uniform for the members of the Lodge, also the cost of obtaining a Banner.

1852

At the October meeting in 1852, a circular was received from the Grand Lodge in reference to the erection of a Masonic monument to George Washington at Fredericksburg on the fourth day of November next, the centennial day of bis initiation in Masonry.

December, 1852, witnessed an unusual event. Four applications were received at one time, election of officers was held, and it was voted to hold a public installation in the Town Hall.

This public installation was held on January 27, 1853, and the proceedings are recorded as follows: "after opening the Lodge, it was called from labor to refreshment and a procession formed and proceeded to the Town Hall, where the services were commenced by prayer by the Grand Chaplain, after which Grand Master Randall installed the Master, and Bro. T. G. Coffin, the remaining Officers.

"Grand Master Randall then addressed the assembly on the History, Principles and Purposes of the Institution of Masonry. At the close of the services, the procession was reformed and returned to the Lodge room, where the Lodge was closed by Prayer by Bro. Randall."

1853

In addition to the four applications received at the December meeting, many more were received during the year 1853; several of the names are those who later were prominent in the Masonic life of this city.

July 15, 1853, appears the record of a purchase of a Master's carpet at a cost of twenty dollars.

August 5, 1853. The Lodge voted to purchase a set of collars for the officers and a hat for the East.

The improved melodeon purchased in 1849 was evidently not giving full satisfaction, for in March, 1854, it was voted to purchase a better one.

1854

April 7, 1854. A committee was appointed "to ascertain if some more convenient hall can be obtained for the use of the Lodge." This committee reported on April 21 that they had conferred with a committee from Mount Hope Lodge No. 63, I. O. O. F., and had received the following proposal, "that they will lease the use of their hall and furniture one evening each week, viz., Friday evening, gas and fuel included at one hundred dollars per year.

After considerable discussion, the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, and the members repaired to the hall for an examination of the premises. On their return and labor having been resumed, a "further discussion was held and the records read: "the discussion, though a very spirited one and calling forth differences of opinion, was conducted with great courtesy and manifesting only kindly feeling and a desire to promote the greatest good of our Ancient Order."

The question was finally laid upon the table, and a special meeting called for a week later.

At this meeting, the question being taken from the table and further discussed, a ballot was taken, ten in the affirmative and three in the negative, four not voting.

A committee was then appointed to prepare a small room set aside for the use of this Lodge, for storing its properties.

The records fail to say when the first meeting took place in the new hall, but under date of June 16, 1854, the secretary was instructed to have the insurance policy changed. On June 23, it was voted to ask Mount Hope Lodge, I. O. O. F., for permission to cut a door from the ante-room into the hall. This proposition was later abandoned and the vote reconsidered.

A committee was authorized to dispose of the old furniture and later reported sales to the extent of seventy dollars and sixty-two cents, and that they had leased the gas fixtures for three dollars per year.

July 21, 1854, the records read: "the weather being extremely warm. Worshipful Master Remington only appeared."

September 29, 1854. A vote was passed directing the Treasurer to deposit one hundred and twenty-five dollars in the Fall River Institution for Savings, to the credit of this Lodge. This is the first evidence of prosperity and wealth in the thirty years of Mount Hope Lodge's existence.

1855

In the records of the meeting held on May 25, 1855, appears the first rejection of an applicant. At this meeting two candidates were rejected.

The question of a meeting place again came up for consideration at a meeting held on February 28, 1855, and a committee was appointed to see if they could find a suitable hall. This committee on June 22, 1855, reported as follows:

  • Union Store, Market Street, third story, hall 22 x 42, arched overhead, rent seventy-five dollars.
  • Mason's Block, Corner South Main and Market Streets, fourth story, hall 40x24, rent seventy-five dollars.
  • Sanford's Block, east side of Main Street, fourth story; if partitions are removed, will make hall 40 x 30, rent not known.
  • New building to be put up at corner South Main and Annawan Streets; building can be fitted as desired, size 24 x 60, rent not known.

The subject was laid upon the table, being taken up, discussed, and returned to the table again at several meetings. October 19, the committee further reported that the hall of the Sons of Temperance could be obtained at seventy-five dollars a year for fifty-two meetings and an additional charge of seventy-five cents per evening for extra meetings.

This was also to include the privilege of erecting a partition in an ante-room so as to make a preparation room. Later the committee reported that they had not been able to agree on certain details and returned the question to the Lodge, and with a still further suggestion that the Lodge return to its former quarters which were available, together with the furniture formerly owned by the Lodge. The entire subject once more reached the table and periodically it would be taken up. discussed, and returned, until at the meeting of January 4, 1856. the committee reported satisfactory arrangements made with the I. O. O. F. in regard to the present quarters. The question of remaining was then settled by the use of the ballot box, white balls for remaining, the black for moving; the result was eleven white, and three black. Then follows a vote instructing the Worshipful Master to inform Mount Hope Lodge of Odd Fellows that his Lodge accept the lease for one year from January 1, 1856.

1856

This would seem to have settled the matter, but this subject was one that evidently refused to stay settled for on February 29, 1856, a committee on hall is again appointed to see if the room formerly occupied could be obtained. This committee reported that the former room was not available, but suggested the Sons of Temperance hall. The records do not indicate that any action was taken on this suggestion, but evidently the Lodge did act, and moved to the Sons of Temperance hall, for on June 6, 1856, a bill of rent to May 15 was approved for payment.

The following November a committee was appointed to confer with the Sons of Temperance in regard to purchasing their furniture and leasing the hall. This committee reported that the purchase could be effected for the sum of one hundred and thirty dollars and were instructed to close the trade, which they did. The Lodge then voted to withdraw the money placed in the Savings Bank and paid the bill on December 22, 1856. Again we find Mount Hope Lodge the owner of its meeting-place.

1857

January 2, 1857, a committee was appointed to fix up the rooms and make them more attractive and effect a lease with the owner for five years at a rental of seventy-five dollars per year.

While I have no positive proof of this matter, I am of the opinion that the halls in which Mount Hope Lodge met from the time they resumed in 1845 up to this last incident have all been under the same roof, i. e., the building known as Pocasset Block, situated at the north-east corner of South Main and Pleasant Streets.

The Lodge evidently had another experience with fire, for in the records of September 4, 1857, the first three Officers together with Bros. Joshua Remington and J. S. Howard are authorized to supervise the rebuilding of the hall, to arrange and furnish the same to their liking, also settle with the insurance company. The amount of insurance collected was two hundred and fifty dollars, as appears from the Treasurer's book.

During the period of reconstruction the Lodge must have met in the old engine house on the south side of Pleasant Street between Second and Third, for in the records of February 19, 1858, there appears a vote of "thanks to Niagara Fire Company, No. 4, for their kindness to this Lodge while destitute of a place for meeting."

1858

March 19, 1858, Bro. Thomas D. Chaloner was made an Honorary Member of Mount Hope Lodge.

April 16, 1858, a vote is recorded as follows: "That the members of the original Mount Hope Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, whose names are not now upon our list, be considered members by signing the By-Laws and paying quarterly dues hereafter."

April 23, 1858, it was voted "that the occupancy of the Lodge room be granted to such Brothers as may choose upon Wednesday of each week, to meet for instruction in Free Masonry."

June 25, 1858, there is a vote "That the Treasurer be authorized to loan such funds as he may have in his hands to the contemplated Chapter, taking their obligation therefor."

The year 1858 was a busy year, the annual returns of the Lodge for this year showing twenty-nine initiates.

The records of the annual meeting for 1858 are not entered. Two blank pages were left by the newly elected Secretary, presumably for this record, but they were never inserted.

1859

An important event took place early in the new administration. On January 7, 1859, at a special meeting of the Lodge, a beautiful banner was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Capt. Job Terry. The address of acceptance was made by Bro. Josiah C. Blaisdell, after which the Lodge with their invited guests repaired to the Richardson House, where they partook of a bountiful supper prepared by William Hodges. (This banner is still in possession of the Lodge and was placed on exhibition at the centennial exercises.)

In June, 1859, the Lodge voted to attend a St. John's Day celebration with the Grand Lodge at Framingham, providing twenty-five members would go. A committee was appointed who reported at a meeting held on June 17, that over the required number had signed. The committee was instructed to make all necessary arrangements. (I presume the Brethren made this trip and probably enjoyed the outing, but there is no further mention of it in the records.)

Iii these former days it was the custom to ballot for an applicant oil each degree. In October. 1859, there is a record of an applicant who was elected and had received the first degree. In due time his name was propounded for the second degree and the ballot not being clear he was declared rejected and never received any further advancement in Masonry.

The annual visitation for 1859 was made on November 4 and the returns show a membership of one hundred and thirteen, with twenty-two initiates for the year. The Treasurer's report for this year shows a balance on hand of $528.26. Truly Mount Hope Lodge was growing.

At this election of Officers it required four ballots to elect a Master and three ballots to elect a Junior Warden. The competition was keen. The Officers were installed a week later and again a supper followed at the Richardson House, at which three of the older and disabled members were present as invited guests of the Lodge.

1860

In January, 1860, is a vote appropriating the sum of fifty dollars for the relief of sufferers in the city of Lawrence and that the same be forwarded to the Mayor of the city.

In June, 1860, it was voted "to form a class of those members of the Lodge who desire further instructions in Masonry and that the class meet each Monday evening at 7.80 o'clock."

August 3, 1860, a committee was appointed to make arrangements for a clambake. At the following meeting, the committee made a report of progress and were further instructed by vote, "to procure a sail vessel to carry the members of this Lodge to Cole's Island, to a clambake on Thursday next, and make arrangements with one of the steamboats to tow if there should be a calm." The committee was also authorized to hire three pieces of music for the occasion and that no one not a member of this Lodge be invited to attend the bake.

Another year rolled around and this time we find the annual returns with one hundred fifty-five members and twenty-one initiates for the year. The cash assets had grown to $747.99. After the usual supper which followed the Installation of Officers, the supper committee reported a deficiency of $48 and Brother Grant was appointed a committee on ways and means to relieve the supper committee of their shortages.

1861

At the meeting in January, 1861, Brother Grant reported that he had collected $29 and asked for further instructions. He was advised to continue the work.

The records indicate that communications were received from Lodges in Kansas and Iowa, but do not give the subject. It was voted "to take no action, as the communications were not received through the Grand Lodge."

March 22, 1861, there is a record that Bro. A. B. preferred serious charges against Bro. C. D. The Worshipful Master ordered the Secretary to serve upon Bro. C. D. an attested copy of the charges and order him to appear for trial on April 12. Under this date, the complainant appeared with Bro. J. C. Blaisdell as counsel. The defendant was present, but was not represented by counsel. Following the presentation of evidence by the complainant, the Lodge was closed and two persons, not members of the Fraternity, were admitted. After giving their evidence in the case, they retired and the Lodge was again opened. The defendant had no witnesses, but entered a general denial. Upon vote of the Brethren present, he was declared guilty by a vote of forty, to six not guilty. The defendant was suspended by a vote of twenty-six to twelve.

April 26, 1861, appears an entry, "Communication received from Grand Secretary in relation to the enrollment of any Brother in the army of the United States which was read and placed on file."

May 24, 1861, the Lodge voted to adopt the one ballot system for all degrees.

October 18, 1861, the Lodge voted to invest five hundred dollars in government war loan bonds.

The effect of the war is easily seen in reading the records for this year. Meeting after meeting is recorded: "Lodge opened. No business. Lodge closed." Only ten initiates were reported for this year and they were all admitted before the shot was fired upon Fort Sumter, which was the beginning of the great Civil War of 1861 to 1865.

The Annual Meeting for 1861 was held on November 15 and some difficulty was experienced in a selection of Officers, as the record of an unusual number of ballots for a choice testifies. These Officers were installed a week later; and evidently some one was dissatisfied with the choice, for under date of November 29 there is a record of a special visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. M. Cook, who was ordered by the Grand Master to investigate the election upon the complaint of a member of the Lodge.

The Worshipful Master vacated the East and the District Deputy Grand Master assumed the chair and called for the reading of the records of the Annual Meeting. This being done, he called upon Past Masters Remington and Davenport, in reference to the election, who produced such evidence and information as they were able. The District Deputy Grand Master then gave the members his idea of Masonry in such cases and vacated the chair and ordered the Worshipful Master to assume the East. Past Master Davenport asked the District Deputy Grand Master what his report would be to the Grand Lodge in regard to Mount Hope Lodge. He replied that his report would be that there is harmony and good feeling prevailing with the Brethren, and that the records were correct in regard to the election of the Officers.

1862

During this year (1862) only three candidates were initiated. The annual returns gave the membership as one hundred fifty-eight.

1863

February 27, 1863, there are two votes on record that are of interest. The first is a vote of thanks to Bro. J. Buffington for a present of a set of books of ten volumes, the "Works of John Adams." The other is a vote approving the formation of a Lodge in Somerset.

A committee having been appointed to assist the Secretary in collecting dues in arrears, they reported on July 24, 1863, that they had collected $63.25 from thirty-one members and recommended the suspension of sixteen members, which was unanimously voted. This w;is the first time in the nearly^forty years of the life of Mount Hope Lodge that this action was taken.

Pioneer Lodge, of Somerset, has long been famous for its clambakes, and the holding of their first bake is recorded under date of September 4, 1863, when Mount Hope Lodge was invited to be present.

The year 1863 closed with ten initiates and a membership of one hundred forty-six.

1864

In March, 1864, Mount Hope Lodge received an invitation to be present at the Dedication of the hall, Consecration of the Lodge and Installation of Officers of Pioneer Lodge of Somerset. This invitation was accepted and several of the members attended. The following May, the Worshipful Master of Pioneer Lodge appeared at a meeting of Mount Hope Lodge and, after expressing the thanks of Pioneer Lodge for the many courtesies extended, presented Worshipful Master Holmes of Mount Hope Lodge with a Masonic apron.

An incident of the war is noted in the records of August 5, 1864. A vote was taken "that the Worshipful Master communicate with Brother Bowers of Georgia, through the proper channels, for the liberation of Bro. H. H. Heald, who is there confined."

Before this Brother could be liberated, evidently he died. as in the records of December 9, 1864, appears the following: Voted: That the first three Officers of the Lodge be a committee to see what course they can take to procure the body of Bro. H. H. Heald."

Under the date of September 23, 1864, it is recorded that an invitation was received from the Grand Lodge to be present at the laying of the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in the city of Boston on Friday, October 14. This was laid upon the table for one week, when it was .taken up and a committee appointed to see how many will attend, also what arrangements can be made. This committee reported on October 7 that a round trip ticket could be had for one fare and that dinner would be served at one dollar per plate.

The records for October 14 read as follows:

"Lodge formed in procession, marched to the depot escorted by the Somerset Brass Band, took the cars for Boston. After arriving there, marched to the Common, joined the procession of the Grand Lodge and other subordinate Lodges for the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston. After services, proceeded to Brattle Street and partook of a sumptuous dinner at the Central House kept by Brother Ambrose. Afterwards marched to the depot and took the steamboat train for Pall River, arriving at seven thirty o'clock, marching to the hall, where the Lodge was closed in due form."

October 28, 1864, there is an item recorded as follows:

"The Worshipful Master informed the Lodge that he had received from Bro. John Farnham of Company E, 11th New Jersey Volunteers, the sum of $459 and that he had paid express on the same of $3, when on motion, voted: That the Treasurer be authorized to deposit the sum of $456 in the Five Cent Savings Bank in trust for Bro. John Farnham."

1865

Again on February 3, 1865, is an item of $100 received from the same Brother and it was voted to deposit the balance after paying express charges, to his credit in the bank. This money was turned over to him in August, 1865.

The annual returns for the year 1864 give a membership of one hundred fifty-seven and twenty-five initiates.

February 23, 1865, Mount Hope Lodge was visited by twenty-three members of Fellowship Lodge, of Bridgewater.

April 18, 1865, a special meeting was held. The object of this meeting as stated was, "to see what action, if any, the Lodge would suggest in decorating the hall and to attend services tomorrow." It was voted: "That we drape the front windows tomorrow." This presumably was in memorial to President Lincoln, who died on April 15, 1865.

April 28, 1865. A memorandum is entered in the records of the receipt of forty dollars from Bro. Charles D. Copeland. the same being the amount of money advanced to his family during his confinement as a prisoner of war. The Lodge declined to be compensated for a box of clothing sent to this Brother while confined in a rebel war prison.

June 2, 1865. The committee chosen to confer with a similar committee from the Chapter in regard to rent and so forth, reported that they had agreed that the Chapter pay one-half of the rent, fuel, and lights from July 1, 1865. The report was adopted.

In September, 1865, committees were appointed by the Lodge and Chapter "to see if better quarters can be secured."

For comparative purposes, as to the mode of traveling in 1865 with our present methods, I want to call your attention to a record in October, 1865. One of the members of the Lodge, who resided at Steep Brook, had died, and in making arrangements for the Lodge to attend the funeral it was voted, "That we march to the depot and take the cars for Steep Brook, that we invite Pioneer Lodge to join with us and that a band be engaged."

Further prosperity is evidenced by the Treasurer's report on November 3, 1865. showing assets of the Lodge amounting to $1,385.40 and all bills paid. The membership had grown to one hundred and eighty-four during the year. Twenty-nine had been initiated.

December 8, 1865, a petition was presented from Bro. J. Remington and twenty-eight others asking the consent and recommendation of this Lodge in the formation of a new Lodge in this city, to be known as King Philip Lodge. Voted: "That this Lodge consent and recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted." This petition was later found to be not in proper form and was resubmitted to the Lodge on January 5, 1866, this time with thirty-six names attached, and the vote of endorsement was again passed.

1866

January 26, 1866, it was arranged that the rent should be equally divided between King Philip and Mount Hope Lodges and the Chapter. Dissatisfaction with the Lodge-rooms was again manifested on March 2, 1866, when it was voted, "That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the expediency of building or hiring a hall.

The several Lodges of this district celebrated St. John's Day at Myricks, Mount Hope Lodge participating. The records do not indicate what form the celebration took, but a bill for fifteen dollars as their share of the expense was duly approved at the meeting of July 6, 1866.

At the meeting of December 14, 1866, an invitation was extended to the members of Mount Hope Lodge to be present at the Constitution of King Philip Lodge and the Installation of its Officers. This was followed on January 4, 1867. by requests for dimits from thirty-seven members, which were granted, as they were the Charter members of King Philip Lodge.

1867

Notice was received at this same meeting (January 4) that the rent would be increased to sixty dollars per quarter on and after January 1. 1867. This again acted as an incentive to procure another hall, and it was voted to discharge the old committee, who apparently had made no headway, and a new committee was appointed. This committee reported a week later that the owner of the present quarters had agreed to make certain repairs and that the Odd Fellows Hall could be procured at $3.50 per night. The committee was instructed to confer with committees from King Philip Lodge and the Chapter. May 3, 1867, this committee requested that they be discharged.

Again on August 2 a committee was appointed to confer as before with King Philip Lodge and the Chapter. This committee failed to accomplish anything definite and in turn received its discharge.

December 27, 1867, the Lodge once more made an attempt to find better quarters and again a committee of three was appointed, which later was increased to five, and discretionary power was given them in procuring a hall and in loaning such funds of the Lodge to the other bodies as in their judgment seemed advisable.

1868

April 3, 1868, this committee received their discharge and evidently they had taken some action that did not meet with the approval of the Lodge, for the following-votes are recorded: "Voted, That this Lodge is not legally or morally bound to occupy the hall which the Pall River Savings Bank propose to build."

"Voted: That a committee of five be appointed to act with the committees of the other bodies to ascertain if Ave are holden or bound to occupy their hall and report at our next Special Communication."

After passing the first vote and declaring that they were not bound to accept the committee's action gin the matter, evidently a question arose as to the certainty of their position, and the second vote was adopted, appointing a committee to investigate the subject. A week later, April 10, this committee offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

"Resolved: That your committee be and hereby are authorized and instructed to proceed as the committee of Mount Hope Lodge to ascertain to what extent if any, we are obligated to the building committee of Bank Hall and on what condition we can be fully released and honorably discharged from such obligation and report to this Lodge at its next Special Communication.

On April 24 the records read that this committee "reported in writing, which report was read and accepted and placed on file," but fail to indicate what the report was. Later in the business session of the same meeting, a vote was passed, which was practically a duplicate of the above resolution.

May 15, the committee reported in writing, which was read, and on motion it was voted: That the report be accepted and the committee discharged. What was the report ? What action did they recommend? Who can answer these questions?

But the subject did not end there, for under date of May 28, the following vote was passed: "That under present circumstances, it is not advisable or expedient for Mount Hope Lodge to unite with the other Masonic Bodies in occupying the contemplated hall at the Fall River Savings Bank."

The subject again lay dormant until the Annual Meeting of November 6, 1868, when the following vote is recorded: "That the three first Officers of this Lodge for the time being, be appointed a committee to confer with King Philip Lodge, Fall River Royal Arch Chapter and Godfrey de Bouillon Encampment and ascertain upon what terms we can jointly rent, furnish, and occupy the Bank Hall, with power at their discretion to enter into an arrangement with said parties."

Progress was evidently being made in the matter, for on December 4 it was voted: "That the Treasurer be authorized to pay all drafts drawn by the committee on rent and furnishing new hall."

At this same meeting, it was voted: "To loan a sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars to Godfrey de Bouillon Encampment."

1869

January 1, 1869, the first three Officers were authorized "to value the furniture and other property of the Lodge and dispose of the same to the best advantage."

After a three years' struggle in an endeavor to find more commodious quarters, the incident is apparently closed in a vote recorded on March 5, 1869. Under this date, following a statement that the Worshipful Master read a lease from the Fall River Savings Bank to the several Masonic bodies, it was voted: "That this Lodge accept the lease." The lease established an annual rental of seven hundred and fifty dollars.

The Lodge then voted to elect a member of the "Hall Committee," which was to include one representative from each body. Abram G. Hart was elected and was instructed by vote that he should not make or agree to any arrangement by which Mount Hope Lodge shall pay more than one-fourth of the rent.

There is nothing in the records to indicate when the first meeting was held in the new hall, but in the records of the Hall Committee, under date of April 5, 1869, a vote was passed, assessing each body an equal sum for the quarter ending March 31.

1870-1873

During the years 1866 to 1873 the large number of rejections that took place is quite noticeable in the records. Some of these years, the rejections exceed the number of initiates, yet the Lodge continued to grow and prosper.

Nothing unusual happened during this period; having settled down to the enjoyment of their new quarters affairs continued to run smoothly.

James Ford, the first Secretary of Mount Hope Lodge, a Charter member, who had maintained a continuous membership for nearly fifty years, passed away on July 27, 1873, and from the records is to be gleaned something of the regard in which lie was held. Just a quotation from one paragraph from the set of Resolutions that was adopted.

"Resolved, That by his death, the cause of Free Masonry has lost a valiant, earnest, conscientious champion, one who by word and pen, lias defended the cause with heroism and distinguished ability for nearly half a century; whose services were especially valuable during the hours of adversity and calumny: and who by his long life was spared to see the triumph of those principles which he had defended."

1874

March 27, 1874, Fellowship Lodge, of Bridgewater, made a fraternal visit to Mount Hope Lodge. Ninety visitors are recorded as present. April 24, 1874, a month later, the Lodge was again visited, this time by Ionic Lodge, of Taunton; sixty-five visitors recorded as present. In June, 1874, it was voted to purchase a new set of officers' collars and jewels, officers' aprons, fifty lambskin aprons, and a Tyler's Sword. This was done at an expense of $249.25.

At the Regular Communication of October 2, 1874, the first action was taken in regard to a semi-centennial celebration. At this meeting it was voted : "That a committee of five be appointed to consider if it be expedient for us to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge; if so, to report at the next regular communication some plan for so doing. Committee appointed; Wor. Bro. Hart, Wor. Bro. Brown, Bros. Morrill, Supple, Stevens.

At the meeting of November 6, 1874, this committee reported and the records say that the report was accepted, but do not indicate what the report was. That will have to be left to your own conclusions, after reading the account of the celebration, as given by the book of records and the daily newspaper of the day.

The following is taken from the records:

Fail River, December 8th, 1874.

Special Communication of Mount Hope Lodge appointed for the purpose of celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the existence of the Lodge.

Lodge opened on the Third Degree in due form and immediately proceeded under the escort of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery of Knights Templar, led by the Third Regiment Band, to Temple Sail, Troy Building on Pleasant Street where the Brethren were called from labor to refreshment and with their invited guests, including some two hundred/Ladies, partook of a bountiful collation prepared for the occasion.

At the close of the collation and music by the Band, the company was called to order by the Chairman of the Committee of arrangements, Worshipful Brother A. G. Hart, who read from the records, the accounts of the Chartering of the Lodge on the 8th of December, 1824, and the Installation, September 1st, 182.1, also a portion of the history of the Lodge from that time until the present, showing the Worshipful Masters to have been as follows: Leander P. Lovell, Benjamin Anthony, Daniel Leonard, Peleg H. Earl, Thomas Chaloner, Ebenezer Andrews, Seth Darling, Joshua Remington, James M. Morton, Gardner I). Cook, Robert C. Brown, James F. Davenport, Josiah C. Blaisdell, Robert Henry, Charles A. Holmes, Henry Paddock, Abraham G. Hart and Henry Waring.

Worshipful Brother Robert C. Brown then read a portion of the eloquent address delivered by Worshipful Rev. Paul Dean, of Boston, on the occasion of the Installation, September 1, 1825.

Brother Joseph E. Dawley was introduced as the Poet of the occasion and read a beautiful and interesting original Poem on the Fifty Years of Mount Hope Lodge, making touching allusions to the founders of the Lodge who have departed, and pleasantly referring to the Worshipful Masters that remain.

After music by the Band, it was stated that the orator selected for the occasion, Rev. Bro. William McGlathery, was detained at home by severe illness and under the care of a physician, and the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Joshua Young, was called upon and delivered a very acceptable and pertinent address.

Rev. S. Wright Butler of the Commandery was called upon as Toast Master of the evening and to the delight and pleasure of all present discharged the duties of that position in a very happy manner.

Speeches were made in response to the Toasts offered for the purpose by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Nickerson, Grand Secretary Titus, Past Grand Master Parkman, District Deputy Howland, Wor. Bro. Brown for the Royal Arch Chapter, Brother Whittaker for the Commandery, Bro. I. B. Chace for the King Philip Lodge, Rev. Bro. Roberts of New Bedford, Wor. Bros. Remington and Blaisdell and Worshipful Master Henry Waring.

Soon after Low Twelve, the company was dismissed with a benediction by the Grand Chaplain and the Lodge returned to'Masonic Hull and was closed in due form.

The report of the celebration as given in the Fall River Daily News in the issue of Wednesday, December 9, 1874, is as follows :

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT HOPE LODGE.

This eminent masonic organization celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its existence last evening, in ;i genial manner and in true masonic style. According to previous notice, the members of the Lodge met at the Lodge room on North Main Street, and having arranged matters marched with full ranks to Temple Hall escorted by the Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery of Knights Templar in full regalia. The music was furnished by the Third Regiment Band, and though the streets were far from smooth, the exercise was borne uncomplainingly, and the virtue of patience comfortably economized. On reaching Temple Hall, a scene of comfort and enjoyment was presented, that did one good to witness. Nine long tables graced the center of the hall, and six short ones were disposed on the platforms and vacant corners, all loaded with the delicacies made and provided for such occasions. The crowd was so great that a full hour was occupied in filing into the hall, cloaks anil great coats being disposed safely in the south ante-room.

At a quarter to 9 o'clock, the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts were introduced by Past Master Abram G. Hart, and after .an invocation of the Divine blessing by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Joshua Young, the whole company of ladies and gentlemen, some six hundred in number, fell to with a will, and while the waiters sprang to their task with alacrity, the eatables disappeared in a manner not exceeded by the ancient workers in Solomon's Temple. Coffee, cake, oysters, tongue, sauces and grapes, fled in dismay from among visible things, and at a quarter past nine the music from the band again announced by its stirring strains, that the refreshment season was ended, and the time had come for the "feast of reason and flow of soul."

Among the notabilities present was the venerable brother, Thomas D. Chaloner, 88 years old, and probably the oldest Mason in the city. He has been a member of this Lodge from the beginning. Samuel Caswell, from Taunton, aged 88, who was present at the formation of the lodge in 1824, and the Grand Master of the state, Sereno D. Nickerson, and William Parkman, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Grand Secretary Charles Titus.

At the close of the collation, and after enjoying a musical selection from the band, Past Master Hart called the company to order, and after announcing the object of the gathering, who read nine extracts from the records of the Grand Lodge in regard to the early history of Mt. Hope Lodge, showing some of the early struggles of the organization.

The reading was listened to with profound attention, and at its close, Mr. J. E. Dawley was introduced and read a poem of great merit and beautifully pertinent to the occasion, which here appears:

INTRODUCTION

Sweet let the Poet Prophet sing,
And gild the future as he may,
And to the eye, the unseen bring,
In all the light of day.
I sit upon the throne of light
His fancy and his genius rears,
And sing in ruder notes to-night,
My song of Fifty Years.

Upon Life's trestle-board I see
The Master's marvellous designs,
And from the ashler, rough to me,
Behold! Perfection shines!
Work, workmen, then, and blow by blow,
The perfect from the rough shall bring.
And Life's fair temple upward go: —
So let the singer sing.

My muse shall climb no soaring height
From which to plume itself, and sing,
Lest in its overweening flight
It fall with crippled wing;
I leave the outside world, at rest,
And humbly seek to go along,
Content to think it for the best
To sing to you my song.

I come not hither for applause,
Nor, altogether, to amuse;

But rather, hither come, because
I would indulge my muse;
And, more, because the voice within
Will, somehow, to the surface rise,
As roses which have covered been,
Are first to kiss the skies.

I hear the curfew's warning chime,—
It bids me mark the passing hours,
So do not think in winter time,
To gather summer flowers;
Accept the little song I sing,
Sing in an unpretentious way,
Accept the winter's wreath I bring,
It is my heart's bouquet.

FIFTY YEARS.
A traveller whose flowing locks of gray
Told that his autumn life had passed away,
Returning homeward, after absent years,
Now moved by love, and now disturbed by fears,
Paused as he neared the once familiar spot
Which, through the years, had never been forgot,
And while lie looked, with arms across his breast,
He seemed a happy pilgrim nearing rest.

Alone he stood, and all the old and new
Seemed now to pass before him in review.
Each vieing with the other to impart
The sweetest consolation to his heart.
The old had gone, but memory was clear,
And reproduced, what was to him most dear;
Still pleased he was to see the victories won
And all that men the passing years had done.

The dear old home his loving childhood knew,
The landscape, stretching field and valley through,
And which, in youthful pride, he left so fair
Seemed now all scattered, he could not tell where;
The forests, where in idleness lie strayed,
The meadows where with girls and boys he played,
And all the landmarks of Life's golden day
Had, like his sweetest dreamings, passed away.

Not far away the same old river run,
Its fair face wooing kisses from the sun,
And on its banks the children played with joy,
Just as they did when he was but a boy;
All else seemed strange; he looked, but could not find
One trace of what was imaged on his mind;
So changed was all, as far as he could see,
From what, in boyhood days, it used to be.

He laughed outright, and with a modest grace,
And something like a smile upon his face,
He turned around, to look another way,
And saw a group of girls and boys at play;
Quick through his veins the crimson torrent run,
He felt, although his work was almost done,
A rosy flush suffused his withered face;
He'd like again to fill a boyish place.

Nor was he odd in this; the old heart will
Show off, at times, its youthful antics still,
And in the gladness of its winter gloom
Look, wishful back, where summer roses bloom,
And from the page of memory will rise
Thoughts which will bring the heart into the eyes,
And over life a mellow splendor throw,
Soft as the Sun's descending, golden glow.

In winter hours we sigh for summer days,
And through our brain a pleasant fancy plays.
Life's winter buds a summer youth attain
And glow in sweetest blossoming again.
So felt the Pilgrim as he looked away.
And saw the rosy boys and girls at play;
A crimson glow suffused his aged brow-
And gave to him a look of beauty now.

I careful looked to see if I could trace
A sign of recognition in his face;
He stood my gaze without a change of look,
And handed me an autographic book,
And, as he did so, gave my hand a squeeze
That almost made me fall upon my knees,
And as I winced, the old man bit his lip
And, coolly, called it, the Masonic grip.

Again he pointed to the antique book,
And with a sort of quizzing, knowing look,
And then, with solemn dignity of age,
He bade me read upon the title page
A name, most plainly written there,
And written, too, with much of seeming care;
I looked, and there Leander Lovell read,
And read again, and with uncovered head.

He spoke! Young man, read on, read on!
But not till I, your Pilgrim friend, am gone;
Let work done here, be done upon the square,
The pass-word hold, and work with loving care.
Then turning round in lofty, conscious pride,
Mount Hope—King Philip, the old Mason cried,
With hands uplifted, then, benignant smiled.
And, going, blessed the father and the child.

The traveller had gone — and left me there,
Upon December's hillside, cold and bare,
And then I woke in true mesmeric style,
To find that I'd been dreaming all the while;
But dream or not, 'tis all the same to you,
And most of dreams have something that is new;
Love, hope, faith, rest and smiles, and tears
All go to make our five decades of years.

Time rings its changes as we go
From budding spring to summer bloom,
And autumn's garnered overflow
Of grains — to winter gloom;
Through ages of the past untold
Our order has been running on,
And like creation growing old
While men have come and gone.

Along the lines of Time's descending suns
The age of our historic order runs,
And on the world its radiance has cast
Along the windings of the buried past.
Cities have gone, and temples, proudly reared,
Have in the crush of ages disappeared,
And empires great and proudest in their day,
Have, like their fanes and arches, passed away.

Adown the ages, almost since the fall,
Through rising states and empires great and small,
Whose flows, in peace long the envied Nile,
And Jewish slaves the Pharaohs beguile,
In that vast empire on the seven hills
Where rise and fall so much of history fills
In Grecian splendor, where the Ægian flows,
And sweetest gale through perfumed garden blows,
in new and old, in every land we see
The symbols, signs, and works of Masonry.

In that old world, where sacred mountains rise
And bathe their summits in Judean skies,
Where flows, in peace, the gentle Jordan still,
And, in the sunlight, rises Zion's hill;
Where babbling Kedron, like discordant song,
Rings out its notes, as swift it flows along,
Where rose the Temple, wonderful and grand,
At once the pride and glory of the land,
Who looks, who will, may round Judea see,
The glory, growth, and strength of Masonry.

In later clays, we see it still the same,
A living fact, and not a sounding name.
Along the Middle Ages, grand it grew,
And on the dark, the light of goodness threw.
Advancing still, our Brotherhood had sown
The seeds which to a mighty tree had grown,
And over all of Europe, still, intact,
It made its way in spite of Beaufort's act.

The puny act of prohibition dies
Before the Cardinal's hall opened eyes,
And Henry VI, the tool of Beaufort's rage.
Became a Mason, as he came of age;
The Seventh Henry denied the dust away,
Becoming our Grand Master in his day:
So grew our order, calmly and sublime,
From bigots winning conquests every time.

We will not linger here to tell
What to our craft, of good or bad befell,
Charles II, William III, Christopher Wren,
George IV, Prince of Wales — and many humbler men.
Throughout the British Isle — and great and good
Joined hand and heart our noble Brotherhood,
And over all the continent it ran.
The friend of woman and the friend of man.

The symbols which shall shine, and glow, and wear,
Are Holy Bible, compass, and the square.
The charities of life are sweet and pure,
And truth shall last while sun and moon endure.
God's eye is on us, in the day and night,
And by degrees we reach the greater light.
On scenes of want our charity shall fall
And we will go where love and duty call.

But leave we now the old gray Past behind.
And sail away some other land to find,
Or on Time's stream to other regions float,
With canvas spread, and in Life's fragile boat;
Along the sea of years we sail away
And anchor, gladly, out in yonder Bay;
How long, how short, and marked with smiles and tears,
Seems our Masonic life of fifty years.

Read, said the Pilgrim — so again I look
To see what 1 ean find Inside the book.
And first I see, and read, like tickled boy,
That our most worthy founders came from Troy;
Not that old town from which the heroes came,
And Homer's verse has raised to classic fame,
Which Virgil, too, in robust Latin rhyme,
Has made immortal on the scroll of Time;
Not that old village, but the Troy you know,
That flourished here, some fifty years ago,
Its outlook stretching far adown the Bay
On which our thrifty city looks to-day,
And sees the mount, not all unknown to fame,
From which our worthy founders took their name.
And they were Trojans, true, and, what is more.
Bequeathed to us of oil and wine their store,
Laid the foundation, honestly and true,
And left, for us, their work of love to do.

All.honor then to Harris and the rest
Whose names our Lodge of fifty years has blest;
In honest song we lovingly recite
Their firm Masonic manhood here to-night,
Nor hesitate, in kindest words, how well
They kept their honor and themselves, to tell.

Now with our readings let us on with speed
And trace the growings of the little seed,
And see what more of light the records throw
Upon the Lodge of fifty years ago.
I read the worthy workers, name by name,
To find, or hear, that none of them remain,
Lovell and Anthony, Rice, Reed, and Chace,
Have gone where fast are going all the race;
Smith, Allen, Norris, Seaver, Mason, all,
Beyond the reach of our Masonic call.
But Ford is with us still Ah, no, I dream,
Our elder Brother too has crossed the stream,
The stream of death, whose waters mournful flow
Through every channel whither mortals go;
Where sits the Boatman waiting on the shore;
And, one by one, to take his children o'er.

We lend along—when summer skies are clear,
Then, suddenly, the threatening clouds appear,
And blow the winds, and falls the needed rain,
And comes the sun to bless the earth again.

Sometime, I think, in 1831
The famous anti-Mason war begun,
And half-made friends, and bitter branded foes
Dealt on our Craft, their most unfriendly blows.
From squib and whizzing cracker came the noise
And fell, like harmless missiles, round the boys,
And sometimes came the booming of the gun.
But all the harm was by its kicking done;
Nobly our Craft withstood the din and roar
And from the fight came stronger than before.

Our tools were ready, and the rising Run
Saw, in our Lodges, blessed work begun.
So has it been, so will it ever be
In all the workings of Free Masonry;
So it shall be as it has ever been
Truth comes off victor in its tilts with men,
And leaves the world from shore to farthest shore,
Wiser and better than it was before.

As, when the clouds have swept from zone to zone,
As, when the winds their fiercest blasts have blown,
As, when the storm has gathered all its might,
And rolled its thunders over day and night,
Comes out the sun, in greater splendor then
And we forget that such a storm has been,
So from the anti-Mason blast and roar
Our Craft came brighter, stronger than before.

Read, said the Pilgrim — so we haste away
To see what more the records have to say.
Where are the Masters, Worshipful or Grand,
Who stood, so nobly, with our little band?
Where are our Masters? Head the records o'er,
And find while some are left that some have gone before;
Our first Most Worshipful, as we have read,
And Darling, Andrews, Anthony and Earl, are dead.
Peace to their ashes! and their names shall be
Preserved and held In kindest memory!
Give us the love that binds in firm decree,
As from our hearts, we say — so mote it be!

Read, said the Pilgrim — so once more we look,
Upon the pages of the needed book.

We read of four young chaps, the guardians of right,
And here or not, God bless them all to-night!
Daniel and Thomas, Joshua and James,
(And you must guess the balance of their names).
Still live, like men, to square and compass true,
Still live, like boys, to help us play and do,
For they are boys, so has the poet sung,
Whose active doing, shows that they are young.
And you who daily walk about the town
May meet R. C, whose other name is Brown;
He was the master, when in '58,
I sought admission at the Temple gate;
To him apprenticed — let me softly tell,
He knew his work, and did it true and well.
Anil now, at times, I think, I sometimes hear
The same old Pleyel music in my ear
That fell upon my senses, sweet and slow.
In yonder hall some sixteen years ago.

And then the name of Davenport, I see,
A name not all unknown to you and me,
'Tis said outside, so let me tell it here
That he's elected for another year.

And Henry's name I see, and then admire,
And just above — the name of our Josiah,
Whose middle name beginneth with a C,
And all together make a worthy B.
And then the name of Holmes our eyesight cheers,
And here the name of Paddock next appears;
And last of all — as further on I go,
I read the name of Waring just below.
Our kindest wishes shall his presence greet
Whenever in our working garb we meet,
We give him all the usual signs to-night
And hope he'll lead us onward into light.

Now to the wives and ladies let me say
I have a little secret, which they may
When I have told it, tell it, if they please,
To Nancy Bean or Aramantha Pease,
Or everybody they should chance to meet,
[n house, or home, or out upon the street.
With all our good things, and we have our part,
Be sure our Lodge is not without a heart. (Hart)
A heart of feeling, and of love the same,
A heart Masonic, and a heart by name,
The first will, Ladies, on your husbands wait
When they come seeking at the Temple gate,
The other Hart, I tell you on the sly,
Belongs to one—you know as well as I;
Though old the saying, it is just and true,
That one man 's heart should never be made two.

Read, said the Pilgrim — but another time,
And so I hasten onward with my rhyme.
As friends, long parted, on a foreign shore
Embrace the closer when they meet once more,
As sweetest thoughts around old homesteads cling,
And loving faces to our memories bring,
As joys, departed, sometimes will arise
And fling their shadows on Life's sunny skies,
And greater thinking will our minds inspire,
We know not how, with unattained desire,
So here, to-night, the Past its gladness brings
And on the Present mellow radiance flings.

The mists which gathered round our April day
Before the rising sun have passed away,
Distrust and doubt have thrown away disguise,
And needed light has charmed and cheered our eyes.
Imperious Time has rung his changes well,
And kindly left his work for us to tell.

Somehow the parted years each other greet,
And brother-like, to-night, the Past and Present meet.
The sweetest fragrance comes from withered flowers
And loving hearts illumine darkest hours.
Love is the seed that ripens into bliss
And seals affection with a loving kiss,
So fifty years of good Masonic cheer
Has served to make our Order doubly dear;
And though the grave has scattered, and the tomb,
The lives which blossomed into summer bloom,
.Toy sings, to-night, or sighs a plaintive lay,
And echo answers from the far away.

As in the Past, the coming time
Shall play its marches, and sublime,
And dancing joy, and rosy light
Shall crown the morning and the night.
The old shall set, the new shall rise,
The future have its changing skies,
And fifty passing years will bring
Some other singer here to sing.

But lest I do my Muse and you a wrong,
I now may end my singing and my song,
Permit me kindly, here, before we part,
To sing what comes the deepest from the heart.

Be true, my, brother, ever true as now,
And firm as true to your Masonic vow,
And give to God, whose gift of love is grace,
In mind and heart, the largest, sweetest place.
Mason true, give him the best on call,
The life, for He is Master of us all;
That, when shall end our labors here, of love,
We all may gather in the Lodge above:
In that fair land which knows no death, no tomb,
Where Love shall blossom in immortal bloom.

1875

At the regular Communication of the Lodge held on January 1, 1875, the Committee on the Celebration made the following report:

The Committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements for the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge, respectfully report:

That they attended to the duties assigned to them as follows: invited Godfrey de Bouillon Co'mmandery to perform escort duty on the occasion, which invitation was cordially accepted and the escort furnished; employed the Third Regiment Brass Band; secured use of Temple Hall in the Troy Building, having it properly decorated with Hags and likenesses of distinguished Brethren and a collation furnished. invited Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts with the Deputy for this District.

Furnished each member of Mount Hope and King Philip Lodges with a ticket gratis, and a Ladies' ticket to such as called for and were entitled to them for one dollar each.

Invited Rev. William McGlathery to deliver an oration, which he consented to do, but was prevented by serious illness. Invited Rev. Joshua Young, Grand Chaplain, to deliver an address, which he did very acceptably. Invited Hon. Bro. Joseph E. Dawley to make an intellectual contribution which was accepted and a beautiful poem given relative to the Fifty Years of the Lodge.

Invited Rev. S. W. Butler of the Commandery to act as Toast Master, which was accepted and the duties of the position were performed very successfully. Invited such of the original members of the Lodge as we could learn of, to attend, also the widows of our deceased Brethren and the few survivors that participated in the Installation, September 1, 1825, and all felt that it was good to behold the aged Brethren of our own city and the venerable Brother Samuel Caswell of Taunton.

Several letters were received by the Committee from Brethren abroad, who could not attend and among them Wor. Bro. Robert C. Brown, who has the original apron worn by the first Master oft he Lodge, Wor. Bro. Leander P. Lovell, sent to him from New York City by the worthy and aged widow of our ancient Worshipful Master.

'I'lir Committee incurred expense to the amount of $530.15 total, and received by sale of tickets, $231.00, leaving a balance of $308.15, as the real or net expense to the Lodge of the Anniversary. This sum has been drawn from the Treasury and all accounts settled by Br. James Davis, Treasurer.

Fraternally submitted, A. G. Hart.
Chairman, for the Committee.

Following the acceptance of this report, Wor. Bro. Brown presented the apron mentioned in the report to the Lodge and it was voted to accept the same and have it placed in a frame and hung in the Lodge.

Several votes were then passed, expressing the thanks of the Lodge for the valuable services rendered by the various parlies in making the celebration a success and a copy forwarded to each person named.

Before leaving this subject, it is worthy of note to mention that of those present at the fiftieth anniversary, four members of Mount Hope Lodge are still living, viz.. Alexander D. Wilcox, Robert Hampson, Nathan Crabtree, Mark Hobson; and among the visitors recorded as present there are still three survivors, viz.. Rev. S. W. Butler. Dr. B. J. Handy, and John Crowe.

In December, 1875. a petition signed by forty-live brethren, some of whom were members of Mount Hope Lodge, was presented in behalf of Narragansetl Lodge and unanimous consent was given for its organization, and it was further voted to allow them the use of the paraphernalia of this Lodge, as long as the same may be needed.

1876-1877

March 3, 1876, the question of a meeting place was once more discussed, and a committee was appointed to act with a like committee from the other Masonic bodies to confer with Mr. Simeon Borden, agent of Borden Block, then a new building on South Main and Pleasant Streets, and see if a hall could be secured in that building.

This committee reported in May that a hall could be secured under a ten year lease, (he first three years at a rental of twelve hundred dollars and the remaining seven years at fifteen hundred dollars, including heat. This proposition was laid upon (lie table. This subject was further discussed at a later meeting and another committee appointed to see if the Lodge could be released from the existing lease of the hall in the Savings Bank building and also to investigate the cost of fitting up the proposed new rooms.

The result of this investigation is explained in the following, taken from the records:

Fall River, July 21, 1876.

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mount Hope Lodge,

Your committee appointed to ascertain the probable cost of removal of the effects of Masonic bodies to the premises in the Borden Block and the expense of fitting the rooms for their use, respectfully report: That after making liberal allowance, (he whole cost cannot exceed One Thousand Dollars, and in regard to the rental of the room, respectfully submit in connection with this report, the correspondence received by a member of your committee from the representative of the heirs of N. B. Borden. All of which is respectfully submitted,

C. A. Holmes
Wm. S. Greene
Pardon Macomber
Committee.
(Copy of correspondence received)

New Bedford, July 20, 1876.
William S. Greene,
Dear Sir:

We have virtually agreed to adopt your suggestion and make a proposition to the Masons accordingly as you will see by the enclosed; although it is an exceedingly low rout, and it may he a had bargain for us and trouble us considerably for the first two or three years. We foci that the whole transaction should date of the 1st of July because- that was the time we originally talked of and that puts it upon even quarters.

Hoping that our labors will not have boon in vain and that this suggestion will result in an arrangement that shall lie to our mutual satisfaction, comfort, and convenience.

I remain, (Signed) Simeon Borden.

(Proposal)

We will let to the Mount Hope Lodge, the Masonic Quarters in the Borden Block, so called, comprising all the rooms from the wall at the north side of the south end of the building, for Masonic purposes, for the period of ten years, including heating, at the rate of $1,500 per year, payable quarterly, the lease you have from the Fall River Savings Bank to be assigned to us with their assent, and we to assume your obligation to the Bank in said Lease. The rental and the assignment of the Savings Bank Lease to take effect from the 1st of the present month.

On motion of Brother Greene, it was voted: That Mount Hope Lodge accept the proposition, provided our action is ratified by the other Masonic bodies now existing in the city and each body pays the proportional part of the expenses of moving and rental assessed by the Hall Committee.

Presumably no further action was taken on this subject, as nothing more appears on the records either of the Lodge or the Hall Committee and it is well within the memory of many now living thai the Masons never met in this building.

1878

November 15, 1878, the Lodge held a public installation. A large number were present and the closing paragraph of the records is as follows:

"After the installation ceremonies were finished, speeches were made by a number of Brethren, till one of them suggested a change in the program, such as cake and hot coffee. The Wor. Master appointed ten of the Brethren to act as stewards to distribute the collation to the Brethren and Ladies present.

"The remainder of the evening was passed with games and singing till near twelve o'clock, when the Lodge was closed in due form." December 6, 1878, there is the following item on the records: "Wor. Bro. Hart while in the discharge of his duty looking after the stock and other properties of the Lodge, found a Bible of the date of 1841, with both the covers gone. On showing it to the Lodge, Bro. Supple made a motion that it be presented to Wor. Bro. Hart and that it may be a lamp to his feet and a light to his path."

Amended by Wor. Bro. Burt: "That it remain in the Lodge and that it be kept in the Lodge room for the time may come when our children will refer to it with pride and say, 'See what good care our fathers have taken of the Book.' " (The original motion was carried.)

1879

At the meeting of March 7, 1879, Dr. J. B. Whittaker, a Past Master of Mount Hope Lodge, presented to the Lodge a large portrait of himself. The Master accepted the gift in the name of the Lodge and thanked the donor.

A motion was then made as follows: "That the Hall Committee be requested to have the picture hung in the Lodge room, also to have a plate engraved with the name of the donor and such other matter as may be thought necessary, after the picture has been placed on exhibition fur a time in the window of Bennett's Drug Store at North Main and Central Streets."

At this same meeting, it was voted that Wor. Bro. Robert C. Brown be made an Honorary member of the Lodge. Upon receipt of a notice from the Secretary of the action taken, Wor. Bro. Brown wrote as follows:

Fall River,
March 14, 1879.

Andrew M. Speedie, Sec'y.

Dear Sir and Bro.:

I received yours of the 10th informing me that Mount Hope Lodge had placed my name among its Honorary Members.

I wish I were able to communicate to my Brethren, the grateful feelings of my heart. I have received many kind attentions from my Brethren, but this is the greatest honor of all. The notice will be placed among my Archives; inundations or conflagrations may destroy it, but the sweet remembrance of it shall last until time shall be no more.

Age and infirmity may deprive me of the pleasures of the Lodge rooms, but in times of danger when the "Grand Hailing Sign" is given, if able, I will be at my post.

With kind regards to the Wor. Master, Officers, and Brethren, I remain,
Yours Fraternally,
(Signed) Robert C. Brown, P. Master.

At the election of Officers held on November 7, 1879, it was voted to have a public installation, which was held on November 21. The installing Officer was R. W. and Hon. Wyzeman Marshall of Boston. A Large gathering was present. The record of the meeting closed as follows: "After the closing of the Lodge, the rest of the evening was spent in a very happy manner by speeches, singing, reciting, etc., when at about Low Twelve, the Brethren with their friends, retired to their respective homes, all seemingly well pleased with the rich intellectual treat they had that evening been permitted to enjoy." This experience was repeated in 1880.

1880

May 28, 1880, a special communication of the Lodge was held, with a large attendance of both members and visitors. Among the latter is noted "Bro. Dennis Towers, P. M., P. G. D. C. E. L., Perseverance Lodge, No. 345, Blackburn, England." After the work of the evening, it is recorded that Brother Towers made a few remarks and then presented Wor. Bro. Whittaker with a silver snuffbox, appropriately engraved, the gift of the Albert Edward Lodge No. 1519, Clayton Moors, England, as a token of their esteem. Brother Towers closed by rendering three solos, which were much appreciated.

1881

November 17, 1881, the Lodge received a visit from the Most Worshipful Grand Master; the records are as follows:

"This communication was called for the purpose of receiving a visit from the Most Worshipful Grand Master Samuel Crocker Lawrence and suite, who paid an official visit to Mount Hope Lodge.

"The Most Worshipful Grand Master's visit was for tlie purpose of bringing; before the Brethren the financial condition of the Grand Lodge with the hope that each Brother would see his way clear to commute his Grand Lodge tax. He made a thorough explanation of the building of the Masonic Temple and the contracting of the debt from its first inception down to the present time and was listened to with marked attention.

"He was followed by the R. W. Deputy Grand Master Edwin Wright, who put the matter in a very forcible way and elicited applause by his very happy manner. The R. W. Acting Grand Senior Warden Wyzeman Marshall followed with an original poem and several humorous selections, which were well received.

At a meeting held a week later, a committee of thirty-eight was appointed to see each Brother personally and try and get him to commute his Grand Lodge tax. This committee was able to report two weeks later that ninety-two had commuted and fifteen others had promised to do so.

The Lodge then voted unanimously to assume the debt remaining for those who had not paid and commute its Grand Lodge tax in full, also to collect all that it was possible to do by the last of December.

1882-1885

At a meeting held in January.1882, the following votes were passed to provide for the payment to the Lodge of the debt assumed:

  • Voted: "That an assessment of Thirteen Dollars is hereby laid on each present uncommuted and future member of Mount Hope Lodge to pay the debt assumed by the Lodge in the commutation of the capitation tax levied by the Grand Lodge, June 11, 1870."
  • Voted: "That this assessment shall be payable by each present uncommuted member at the rate of one dollar per year for thirteen years, the first payment to be made in August, 1882.
  • Voted: "That the assessment shall be payable by each future member at the rate of one dollar per year for thirteen years after his affiliation, the first payment to be made by such member in the August following his affiliation."
  • Voted: "That any present member may be relieved from this assessment by paying eight dollars on or before August 21, 1882."
  • Voted: "Thai any future member may be relieved from this assessment by paying eight dollars during his first year of membership.
  • Voted: "Thai the Lodge may from time to time alter the lust two votes provided the original assessment is not thereby materially diminished.

All applications for dimits were refused unless the member had commuted his tax in full.

On November 17, 1882, following the installation of Officers, the following appears in the records: "During the evening, Wor. Bro. Hart, in behalf of the Brethren of Mount Hope Lodge, presented the Secretary with a valuable 'Silver Service,' suitably engraved, as a kindly remembrance of his marriage."

Another presentation took place in June, 1883. The following is again from the records: "Wor. Bro. Robert C. Brown, in a few chosen remarks and on behalf of the Masons of Fall River who compose the three Lodges, presented Bro. William Preston with an elegant 'Silver Water Service,' as a slight token of his regard and as an appreciation of his long services as Tyler."

Much space in this account has been given to the action taken by the Lodge at various times in regard to better quarters. All of this had been taken from the records. What was probably the greatest change in the history of Mount Hope Lodge, certainly up to the present period, i.e., 1882, apparently passed by with the least mention in the records.

Under date of March 3, 1882, appears the following:

"Voted: That the Hall Committee of the Lodge be authorized m connection with committees from the other bodies occupying this hall, to consider the mutter of better accommodations."

Nothing further appears until November 7, 1884. In the meantime, the building located on Franklin Street had been planned and constructed and the question of furnishings had apparently arisen and was settled by the following vote: "The Wor. Master and Wardens are appointed a committee to assist in furnishing the new Lodge rooms."

The records of the Hall Committee are equally silent in regard to the new building, but give the different ideas that were evidently considered before taking up the subject of a new building, viz.: The Savings Bank was asked to build an extension on the rear of the building of about twenty -tivc or thirty feet; the possibility of rooms in the Borden Block; and also the return to Pocasset Block. These various ideas were all found impracticable and on June 23, 1884, the corner stone was laid of the Masonic Building on Franklin Street. This was the first Masonic Hall in the city, in the sense of ownership, the stock in the building being subscribed for not only by the various Masonic bodies, but by the Masons individually.

This building was Dedicated on May 23, 1885; Mount Hope Lodge was opened on the Third Degree and received the Officers of the Grand Lodge, headed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro. Abraham H. Howland, Jr.

After the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his Officers had assumed their several stations, they proceeded in a most impressive manner with the ceremony of Dedication, which was performed with the usual rites.

Al the conclusion of the ceremonies, Bro. Rev. Martin J. Summerbell was called upon, who delivered the following oration, which was well received.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Masters, and Wardens, and Brethren:

It is an occasion for devout thankfulness to the Supreme Architect of the Universe and for congratulations to the Craft in this Masonic jurisdiction that the Blue Lodges and associate bodies of Fall River can at Length welcome their Brethren from abroad under circumstances so auspicious. Since the Institution of Mount Hope Lodge, chartered in 1824, and even with the accession of strength in the addition of King Philip and Narragansett Lodges in 1866 and 1876, we have been waiting for a suitable Masonic home. In our migratory state we have halted for a season under the shadow of churches, carpenter shops, engine houses, business blocks, and deposits of treasure; tenants of hired apartments, often prosperous, once almost in condition of suspended animation, but always pilgrims and sojourners, looking forward like good men and Masons to a building of God, an house not made with hands and yet resigned before the day of departure to endure some of the comforts and brace up under a few of the luxuries, which the Brethren elsewhere have spread before us with possibly pardonable pride.

But all such yearnings were restrained and repressed until the designs on our trestle board were perfected and the way seemed clear for the successful prosecution of our purpose.

In return for our prudence and patience, however, we are all persuaded that we present you a structure more commodious than would have been feasible at any former period, while some of its conveniences which we find eminently useful have been discovered and brought into practical application just in time to be embodied in our plans.

In less than a year from the opening of our stock books, our Lodges entered their new quarters, which after two months' occupation prove themselves comfortable and homelike.

Doubtless the day will arrive when the Craft in this city will discover even these quarters too narrow for their necessities, but for the present our needs are satisfied. We have labored with zeal and fidelity and invite your rigid inspection, believing that you will find the wall and the work true, square, upright. But in our allegiance to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and the body of Masonry we realize that while this day of dedication marks a new epoch in the progress of the Craft, we are by no means to feel content with what has been accomplished.

All students of the Masonic art are well aware that though in an early day the Craft was employed in operative construction in erecting magnificent palaces and storied shrines and though it still erects Lodges and Temples for its own occupation and willingly consents to assemble and lay the cornerstone of public edifices, as a rule it leaves iii ruder hands the fashioning of carven pillars and fretworks in stone, in order the more diligently to engage in building the nobler temple of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Early in his symbolic journey, step by step advancing, the neophyte recognizes that Masonry is less an association than a living force.

The profane who regard our Institution merely as one among many societies and speak of union with it as of "joining an order," fail to grasp its significance. "Once a .Mason, always a Mason" runs a well-known adage, in which beyond the usual interpretation I read the fact that the Apprentice once entered comes within the circle of moral forces which presently effect a distinctive Masonic culture tending to his remolding as a man. After his experience and the full significance of our symbolic language has been unfolded and through the culture of meditation revealed itself to the willing mind, lie cannot remain as before unless composed of unusually refractory and obstinate clay.

In fact, to allude to my personal observation, I may remark in the course of acquaintance for many years in many states of the Union, and among many men of diverse employments and origins, I have everywhere met among Masons of long standing and studious in their Craft, a singular likeness in disposition, a most remarkable similarity of taste and inclination, and a most commendable prudence and composure and breadth of manly bearing.

How has this likeness come to pass?

Doubtless in part because Masonry seeks good men and true and also doubtless because Masonry makes good men better. It is with us an instinct to distinguish between actions as Masonic and un-masonic.

The line of demarcation is not arbitrary. The unmasonic wears the brand because it contains elements of evil, while the Masonic is always linked to justice, purity, brotherhood, and the high traits which produce nobility and elevation of character. Masonry tends to construct a strictly Masonic character, a well-rounded disposition replete with firmness, manliness, and dignity.

Because it may aid in the erection of the temple of character, we hail the completion and dedication of this earthly Temple. If it stands in this community, a demonstration of the strength of the Masonic interest and so extends the honor and influence of the Masonic intention, if it inspires a fresh enthusiasm among the younger members of the Craft to acquire the spirit as well as symbolism of the Order, and if it serves as a daily monitor to all to worthily represent the Fraternity in thought and life, we shall not have builded in vain or labored in vain.

As the dull carbon In yonder crystal under the contact of a secret and inscrutable agency gently glows and presently shed's radiance over the entire circle of its environment, so may the Masonic Spirit of this Masonic jurisdiction excite and compel throughout the whole body of its membership such an illumination of the Masonic character*as shall make it a recognized helper in the elevation of humanity and lender it approved untn Him who reviews all our doings and grants us an appropriate blessing.

Shortly before the Dedication. Mount Hope Lodge received a gift which is worthy of note at this time. The story is told in the following:

Fall River, Mass.
April 3, 1885.

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Mount Hope Lodge of F. and A. M.

Dear Brethren:

J have the pleasure of notifying you officially of the generous gift of a beautiful Masonic Altar, by the widow of the late James M. Morton, Esq., of this city, in honor and memory of her husband, who was so many years an honored and honorable member of Mount Hope Lodge and its Secretary, Junior and Senior Warden and Worshipful Master several years. It is her desire that the Altar should be used for the benefit of the entire Fraternity in connection with the new hall now occupied by the various Masonic organizations of this city.

Fraternally yours,
(Signed) Abraham G. Hart.

(Note. On the completion of the Masonic Temple al the corner of Elm and North Main Streets, this Altar was placed in the room known as the Prelate's Room, mi the fourth floor, and was the only piece of furniture brought from the building on Franklin Street.)

After settling in the new home, the affairs of the Lodge moved along smoothly and nothing of unusual note appears in the records for several years. There seems to have been held a series of summer excursions and midwinter socials, as the Treasurer's account shows accretions from time to time from these sources.

One year, when apparently there had been an unusual amount of sickness among the membership of the Lodge, a tax of one dollar was assessed upon each member, to pay for watchers. In this day of trained nurses many of the present generation do not understand the method of supplying watchers to sit up nights with those who were sick.

Further reference to the subject of supplying watchers is made in the records of the meeting of January, 1891, when the following report was made by a committee to whom the subject had been referred:

We hereby recommend that the Secretary be requested to notify members by sending a circular upon which shall lie the following questions, to which he shall request answers.

  • 1st. Will you watch with sick Brethren when called upon by the Wor. Master, each member to be called upon in regular order! Answer Yes or No.
  • 2d. If you answer "No," will you contribute the sum of Two Dollars annually as a watch fund and thus be exempted from the duty of watching for the term of one year? Answer Yes or No.

If your answer is "No" to both questions, you are respectfully notified thai Mount Hope Lodge will not consider itself under obligation to provide watchers for you in case of sickness.

The report of the committee was unanimously adopted.

1888

In 1888, definite action was taken towards the establishing of a "Charity Fund." March 2, 1888, the following vote was passed:

"That the sum of One Hundred and Eight Dollars be deposited by the Treasurer in the Savings Bank and that no part of this sum shall be used for any purpose until the same shall amount to One Thousand Dollars, when the Interest only may be used under the direction of the committee on Charity."

The principal of this fund was further increased in February, 1889, by the sum of two hundred eleven dollars from the Committee on Entertainment, and a vote of thanks was extended to the ladies for this liberal addition to the fund.

1889

A special communication of the Lodge was held on August 8, 1889, to join with the other Lodges of this city, New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Taunton under the escort of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templars, to accompany the Officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to the site of the County Court House on North Main Street, where the ceremony of laying the corner-stone was carried mil by the Grand Lodge in due and ancient form.

1892

About three years later, or on June 30, 1892, the Lodge again assisted at the laying of the corner-stone of a County Court House, this time in the city of Taunton.

October 14, 1892, at the time of the annual visitation of the District Deputy, the Lodge was honored by the presence of Most Worshipful Samuel Wells, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and several of the Officers of the Grand Lodge, who paid the Lodge a fraternal visit.

1896

September 25, 1896, the Lodge was again honored by a visit from the Most Worshipful Grand Master Edwin B. Holmes, who was accompanied by several officers of the Grand Lodge. A large number of visiting Brethren are also recorded as being present. The total attendance was nearly three hundred.

1904

On December 2, 1904. the following vote was unanimously passed:

"That Mount Hope Lodge donate One Thousand Dollars from its funds, Principal and interest, to lie used toward the establishment of a fund to provide a Masonic Home by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and that the Treasurer be directed to withdraw the amount from the Charity Fund in the Citizens Savings Bank and semi it to the R. Wor. Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, for that purpose."

1905

At the Annual Meeting on October 27, 1905, Worshipful Brother Abraham G. Hart, having completed thirty years as the Treasurer of the Lodge, declined a re-election. Recognition of his long service was made at the meeting of December 1, 1905, when R. W. James E. McCreery presented Wor. Bro. Hart with a beautiful Past Treasurer's apron as a token of the esteem the members of the Lodge had of him. Wor. Bro. Hart responded feelingly and thanked the Lodge for it, and R. W. Bro. McCreery for the kind words spoken in the presentation.

Two short years later, on November IT. 1907, the Lodge was called upon to perform the last sad rites at the funeral of Wor. Bro. Hart and the record of the large number of the members who attended showed the love of the Lodge for the man.

1907

October 25, 1907, the Lodge recognized the services of R. W. Bro. James E. McCreery as Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge by presenting him with the Jewel of a Past Junior Grand Warden. R. W. Bro. McCreery responded feelingly and thanked the Brethren for the emblem and expressed his pleasure in receiving it.

1909

June 4, 1909, for (lie services rendered the Dodge ami the Fraternity in general, R.W. Bro. McCreery was made an Honorary Member by a rising vote.

September 3, 1909, a vote was unanimously adopted, "that all members who had been in good standing for fifty years, be elected as Honorary Members." The list included the following:

  • Jerome Dwelly, member since March 2, 1855
  • 
Freeman Nickerson, member since April 18, 1856
  • John Whitehead, member since December 18, 1857
  • Augustus B. Leonard, member since May 25, 1858
  • Henry C. Cook, member since September 2, 1859
1913

January 17, 1913. a social evening was held with an address on the early history of Masonry by R.W. Melvin M. Johnson, Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge (later its Most Worshipful Grand Master). A large attendance is recorded and the evening was one long to be remembered by those present.

In 1913, steps were taken to establish a "Permanent Fund." An amendment to the By-Laws was adopted on May 2, 1913, to take effect at the Annual Meeting in November. At this meeting held on November 7, the sum of nine thousand dollars was transferred from the general treasury to the permanent fund.

Think of the olden days when Mount Hope Lodge could not afford to pay an annual rental of forty dollars.

1914-PRESENT

In reviewing the history of the Lodge, we find thai as the Lodge grew and progressed, so would come periodically a demand for better accommodations. Consequently, after occupying the Masonic Building on Franklin Street since 1885, and with the continued steady growth in membership, again came the call for more room.

At the meeting of February 6. 1914, Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, the Treasurer, presented the subject of a new Temple, and informed the Lodge that the Directors of the Masonic Hall Association had secured an option on the property located at the corner of North Main and Elm Streets, known as the "Stone Church," belonging to the First Congregational Society.

The Lodge passed a vote endorsing the action of the Board of Directors in securing this option, and also authorized the Trustees of the Permanent Fund to vote the stock held by them in favor of the purchase.

Later the Trustees of the Permanent Fund were given power to subscribe for additional stock in the increased capital to be issued by the Masonic Hall Association.

The 1st of May a committee of ten was appointed to interview the members of the Lodge, and see if they would subscribe as individuals to this new issue of stock.

This committee met with success, as did like committees in the other Lodges.

The project received the hearty endorsement of all Masonic bodies in the city, and operations were finally commenced on October 18, 1920, when the first spadeful of earth was turned by Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, of Mount Hope Lodge, as the President of the Masonic Hall Association.

The foundation was completed, but during, the war building material was not only high in price, but scarce also, as the Government had taken over the control of all supplies, consequently operations were suspended until the spring of 1922, when the corner-stone was laid by the Officers of the Grand Lodge on the 6th of May.

Work was then pushed through, and the building duly Dedicated on October 6, 1923, with all the ceremonies and rites of the Grand Lodge. For some time previously the Lodges throughout the state had quite generally adopted the method of issuing monthly notices, stating the business to be transacted at each communication of the Lodge, but it was not until 1920 that Mount Hope Lodge adopted this method, by a vote of the Lodge taken on March 5.

THE CENTENARY

April 7, 1922, the first action was taken towards celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of the Lodge. At this time a sum of money was set aside to establish a fund for this purpose, and other sums were added from time to time. A year later the committee to have charge of the centennial anniversary was appointed. This committee consisted of R.W. Bro. William Ridings. Wor. Bro. Charles N. Bowen. Wor. Bro. Charles W. Borden, Bros. James H. Harrison, and Tom Brierley. This committee was later enlarged by the addition of Bros. Chester C. Wolstenholme and Clarence L. Bliss. This committee is to be congratulated on the successful manner in which the plans were carried out.

Following is a copy of the invitation issued:

MountHopeInvitation1924.jpg

Report of Sunday Evening Service taken from the Fall River Daily News:

MOUNT HOPE LODGE BEGINS OBSERVANCE
CELEBRATION OF CENTENARY OPENS WITH SERVICES AT CENTRAL CHURCH

Sermon by Rev. Frederick W. Hamilton, D. D., Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts—Welcome by Rev. Mr. Hellens

While nearly five hundred persons stood with bowed heads in solemn reverence, some five hundred members of Mount Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M., marched into the Central Congregational Church, Sunday evening, and took their places to join in the opening ceremony of the three-days celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the Constitution of the Lodge.

The members of the Lodge had gathered at the new Masonic Temple on North Main Street, and paraded through Elm, Durfee, Bank, North Main, Cherry, and Rock Streets to the church, headed by Worshipful Master Tom Brierley. Marching in columns of four, the members presented a fine spectacle in the gathering twilight. Following the Worshipful Master marched Worshipful Brother Charles W. Borden, Past Master, who was in supreme command of the parade.

The procession was divided into four platoons, as follows: The first platoon, led by Worshipful Brother Ernest B. Fantom; the second by Worshipful Brother John J. Brindley ; the colors, carried by Worshipful Brother Joseph B. Ogden; the third platoon, led by Worshipful Brother Arthur A. Whalley; and the fourth platoon by Worshipful Brother Edwin S. Southworth, Jr. Worshipful Brother John S. B. Clarke was marshal. He was followed by the Past Masters and distinguished guests, among whom were included present heads of all the Masonic Orders in Fall Kiver. the present Masters of all Masonic Orders in the Thirtieth Masonic Massachusetts District, and the Past District Deputies of the various Lodges of the district.

The present officers of the Lodge and the distinguished guests were seated on the platform, together with the orator and Rev. Clarence E. Hellens, pastor of the Central Church, who was in charge of the service.

The service opened with an organ and violin selection, Martin's Andante, by Miss Helen M. Borden, violinist, and Thomas V. Walkden, organist of the Central Church. Rev. Mr. Hellens spoke very briefly, welcoming the members of the Lodge to the church, and stating that it is fitting that such a Lodge should gather in the church of God. He offered his congratulations to the Lodge on the occasion of its centenary, and prayed for continued blessings for the Lodge.

The congregation and members of the Lodge sang, Come, Thou Almighty King, and Dr. Hamilton led in responsive reading, after which the Central Church quartet, composed of Mrs. Florence B. Cashman, soprano; Mrs. Alfred G. Turner, alto; H. Nelson G. Terry, tenor, and Harold Arnold, base, sang Poote's God Is Our Refuge and Strength. Rev. Mr. Hellens offered prayer and Mrs. Turner sang My Task.

Right Worshipful and Reverend Brother Frederick W. Hamilton, D. D., Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of .Masons in Massachusetts, was the speaker of the evening. His address follows in part:

It is fitting that the observance of the centenary of a Lodge should begin in the way that this observance has commenced. It is not only fitting, but it is customary for such an observance to begin with a religious service. In fact, no man should ever commence any important undertaking without first invoking the Divine guidance of God on high.

This Lodge has been instituted to do the will of the Great Architect. The members of the Lodge have asked for light and received it, each individual member receiving according to the measure of his capacity to receive the light of God.

I believe that the first thing God says to us on this occasion is that which ho said to the prophet Ezekiel, and which is found in the book of Ezekiel, in the first verse of the second chapter, "Stand on thy feet, O son of man, and I will speak unto thee."

Men have been known to say that religion is all right for women and children, and not for strong men. Let me tell you, it takes a strong man to stand on his feet and list to the voice of the Almighty. Man is made in God's image, and is his fellow worker.

I like to look back on the men who made New England. They were strong men, who came to New England with the courage and enterprise to seek a place in which they could worship God as they saw fit, where as free men and free women they might rear sons and daughters to worship and glorify God. They cleared forests and raised scanty crops from the barren New England soil. They faced New England winters —they who had known the smiling summers of the British Isles.

Those men, who founded New England, who made {he New England town meeting, who built the little red sehoolhouse, am! who erected a church in which to glorify their God — they stood on their feet and believed that God had a message for them. They believed in work and they worked.

Oh, my friends, but times have changed. It doesn't take three or four or five months to cross the Atlantic. We don't wait till things are forgotten over there before we know of them, we know of them while they are going on. We have every comfort and convenience brought to our very door.

Time was when men lived for their country — now they try to live on it. Whenever there is anything difficult, we want the State to do it with taxes, forgetting that it is we who pay the taxes. I tell you, we're not standing on our feet in the political life any more. We're looking around for some one to carry us.

Morally, what are we doing? Are we teaching men to stand on their feet? We are relying too much on legislation to keep temptations away from us. I am not speaking for or against prohibition, but when I was a boy, the country was alive with efforts to help make men temperate. We're not trying to make men temperate — we're trying to close the saloons. That is one of the best things we might do — God forbid that saloons should return again. But what we need is a generation of men who will stand on their feet, so long as they live on earth, and listen to what God has to say to them.

We are not grappling with the real job of building up the character of our individual fellow men. Once a man got a job because he was a good worker, and he kept it because he was a good worker. Today, God knows how he gets the job, but he keeps it because he cannot be fired without the consent of the walking delegate. We want men who do not rely upon the unions or upon any other human force or power, but who can stand on their feet and listen to the word of God Almighty.

I am not a fundamentalist — but I respect the fundamentalists above any other group working in the forces of Christian endeavor today. Their philosophy is all wrong — but they believe in it, and are fighting to uphold it. There is too much spineless theology in the world today, just as there is too much spineless politics. We must teach men to stand on their feet, and listen to the voice of God Almighty.

Masonry is a great organization for good in the world. Tools are given to the Masons as symbols of what they do. You, members of the Masonry, have placed in your hands working tools. It is intended that you should work with them. They are given you to remind you that there are things to be done in the world, and that you are to do them, not someone else.

We played here tonight: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Did you think what that means when you said it? Do we do God's work ourselves, or do we leave it to the other fellow? Does that prayer mean to you, "Go forth and do God's will"? "Thy will be done" — where? In other people's homes, in foreign lands? No — in my home, in my neighborhood, in my city, because I am trying to do God's will.

The next century holds a great work for Mount Hope Lodge to do. That work is not the work of forming a political bloc in Fall River. No! Not that! It is rather the work of making men — men strong in their manhood to stand on their feet and list to the voice of Almighty God.

It is my hope that Mount Hope Lodge shall never be turned from its purpose of making men — never lowered from its present high standard. Therefore, I will leave you with this: God has but one message for you — "Stand on thy feet, O son of man, and I will speak unto thee."

Following Dr. Hamilton's address, the congregation and members of the Lodge sang, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," after which Rev. Mr. Hellens pronounced the benediction. The congregation stood while the members of the Lodge marched out of the church building.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1924

The second day's observance of the one hundredth anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge Of Masons \v;is in the form of a banquet, held Monday evening, in Temple Hall, with about six hundred and fifty in attendance, and was an occasion long to be remembered. The program opened with a reception to Most Worshipful Dudley Hays Ferrell of Lynn, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and his suite of officers from the Grand Lodge. Addresses were given by the Grand Master. Worshipful Tom Brierley, Master of Mount Hope Lodge, and Right Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, of Swampscott, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

A synopsis of the history of Mount Hope Lodge, for the past one hundred years, was interestingly presented by Worshipful Elmer B. Young, Past Master of King Philip Lodge of Masons. The reading by Worshipful Charles N. Bowen of a list of deposited mementoes brought to a close one of the largest affairs ever held by Mount Hope Lodge, the oldest Lodge in Fall River, and the second oldest in the Thirtieth Masonic District of Massachusetts. Of the large number of members and invited guests present, many were members of the Lodge who are now residing out of town, and who returned for the occasion, thus giving the affair the aspect of a reunion and adding to its enjoyment.

A number of elderly Brethren were in attendance. Among them were Worshipful Robert Hampson, who has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity for the past fifty-four years; Nathan Crabtree, fifty years; Mark Hobson, fifty-two years; Isaac N. Brown, fifty-four years; and John Crow, fifty-one years. Of these mentioned, Brothers Hampson, Crabtree, Hobson, and Crow, the latter of whom received his Masonic degrees in Scotland in 1873, were among those present at the fiftieth anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge in 1874. They occupied places of honor at one of the head tables. Worshipful John T. Graham, now of Methuen, is the oldest living Past Master of Mount Hope Lodge. He was unable to be present Monday night.

The festivities were a trifle late in getting under way, owing to the fact that Grand Master Ferrell was unavoidably detained on the road near Taunton, as the result of minor motor trouble. Word was communicated from Taunton to Worshipful Tom Brierley, Master of the Lodge, and Right Worshipful William Ridings, chairman of the centennial committee, that the Grand Master and several members of his official suite would be forced to arrive a little after the scheduled hour. The delay was of short duration, however, the honored guests of the evening arriving shortly before seven o'clock.

Previous to the arrival of the Grand Master, the Lodge had been formally opened by the officers of Mount Hope Lodge, with Worshipful Master Brierley in the chair, and Most Worshipful Brother Ferrell and his suite visited the Lodge before it was closed. The presence of the Grand Master and the members of the Grand Lodge will be inscribed in the records of the Lodge and the record of the Most Worshipful Brother's visit here on the one hundredth anniversary will be added to the mementoes to be placed in the depository.

A brief reception was tendered the Grand Master and his suite. Representing the Grand Lodge in addition to Most Worshipful Brother Ferrell, Grand Master, were: Bight Worshipful Frank L. Simpson of Swampscott. Deputy Grand Master; Worshipful J. Harold Parry, of Watertown, Grand Steward; Worshipful George W. Smith, of Brockton. Grand Steward; Worshipful Fred I. Walker. Somerset. Grand Steward; Worshipful F. Russell Adams. Kingston, Grand Sword Bearer; Right Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton. Cambridge, Grand Secretary: Right Worshipful Charles H. Ramsay, Cambridge, Grand Treasurer; Right Worshipful William Ridings, permanent member of the Grand Lodge; Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton, Belmont, Grand Marshal; District Deputy Grand Master Elton S. Wilde for the Thirtieth .Masonic District was also among the prominent Masons present.

Following the reception the members of the Lodge present adjourned to Temple Hall. Owing to the large number present, it was necessary to accommodate approximately two hundred members in the banquet hall on the fifth floor. Headed by Marshal John S. B. Clarke, the Grand Lodge officers. Past Masters of Mount Hope Lodge, present Masters of the various local Lodges, together with those of other Masonic Lodges throughout the Thirtieth District. the heads of the various Masonic bodies locally, the officers of Mount Hope Lodge and specially invited guests, marched from the west Lodge-room to Temple Hall, where they occupied tables reserved in front of the platform.

The scene was an inspiring one. Seated on the platform were the members of the Elite Orchestra, Brother Charles Kane, leader. Fronting the platform were potted ferns and palms, which nearly hid from view the musicians. On the right were the Stars and Stripes, the national emblem, which is always present at any Masonic gathering, while at the left was the aged and treasured banner of the Lodge, presented to the body in 1859.

Worshipful Master Brierley, with the Grand Master on his right and the Deputy Grand Master at his left, presided at the banquet. He called upon Rev. Bro. Clarence E. Hellens, pastor of the Central Congregational Church, who invoked the divine blessing. The dinner was served by the H. J. Seiler Company of Boston. It was complete in every detail, faultlessly prepared and excellently served.

At the conclusion of the delicious repast, the two hundred or more members of the Lodge who had dined in the banquet hall on the fifth floor joined their Brethren in Temple Hall, taking places in the balcony.

Worshipful Master Brierley opened the after dinner speech-making with a short address of welcome in which he thanked the Most Worshipful Grand Master, members of the Grand Lodge, District Deputies. Past Masters, Masters of the various Lodges in the Thirtieth Masonic District and the hundreds of Brethren in attendance for their presence on the one hundredth anniversary of the Lodge. He cited the importance of the occasion. The speaker also expressed bis appreciation of the splendid demonstration thai the members of Mount Hope Lodge gave on Sunday night when they turned out in large numbers and attended the service of Thanksgiving at the Central Church. The speaker stated that he deemed it a great honor to be the .Master of the Lodge on this occasion of the centennial celebration and he thanked the members of the Lodge in most glowing words for the honor conferred upon him by his election as head of the body.

The Worshipful Master then called upon Worshipful Brother Elmer B. Young, historian and a member of King Philip Lodge, to give a synopsis of the history of Mount Hope Lodge during the one hundred years of its existence. Worshipful Brother Young traced the development of the Lodge from its inception on December 8, 1824, with but a handful of Masons comprising its membership, up to the present time.

At the conclusion of the reading of the history, Worshipful Brother Brierley introduced Most Worshipful Dudley Hays Ferrell, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, as the principal speaker.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master, in opening his remarks, stated that lie and the members of his suite were deeply appreciative of the courtesy extended by the members of the Lodge iii waiting their arrival. He said that the delay was unavoidable. He briefly sketched the importance of the occasion, and expressed the hope that Mount Hope Lodge and its members would have many happy returns of this day. "It is easy," said the speaker, "to measure the material changes which take place during a period extending over one hundred years. The essentials of association, however, are not always clearly discerned. The success of the Masonic Lodge is due to the cooperation of the Brethren. Masonry, as the historian said, will, in certain appearances, be different in 2024 from what it is in 1924, the same as it is different today from what it was in 1824, when this Lodge was instituted. The problems which confront Masonry will be different one hundred years from now the same as the problems of today are different from those of a century ago, I will grant that. But, despite this, there is an unchangeable quality in Freemasonry. The fundamentals are the same today as they were one hundred years ago, and will be the same one hundred years from now as they are today. In the focal point, you have some-thing that demands the same thing today as it did a century ago. A something that is unchanging, a spirit that has given Freemasonry the continuity in life."

At this point the speaker paid a glowing tribute to the aged members of the Lodge present, some of whom have been members of the Lodge for over a half century. The Grand Master stated that Mount Hope Lodge owes them a debt of gratitude it will never be able to pay. Freemasonry owes them a debt it will never be able to pay.

"You have had all the experiences common to man," said the Most Worshipful, directly addressing the veteran members of the Lodge seated before him. "You have had your joy, your sorrow. You have studied the conditions of life during the years through which you have passed. Your presence impresses upon these Brethren the reason why Mount Hope Lodge is able to celebrate its one hundredth anniversary today, and why it will celebrate its two hundredth, anniversary one hundred years from now. You testify to the loyalty to the Masonic principles which has preserved the integrity of the Craft through these many years. There is something materially substantial, something onchanged, something essential about Freemasonry or it would have died long years ago. You have it to look forward to in the years that are to come. "Many of us fail to realize that we are making preparations for the tomorrow. The inspirations and truths of yesterday are what we get out of the past. They are for our investment for the future."

Continuing, the speaker said that he brought to Mount Hope Lodge the felicitations of the Brethren throughout the State.

"We of Massachusetts have pride in your accomplishments. The spirit that animates you animates us all. We rejoice with you in your survey of the past, the present, and what the future holds forth for us all. In closing, my congratulations, our congratulations, our very best wishes for the days that are to come.

With the conclusion of the Grand Master's address. Worshipful Brother Brierley called upon Right Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Deputy Grand Master, for a few remarks. The latter's opening remarks were for the most part humorous in nature and highly entertaining. Gradually drifting into a more serious vein, the speaker said that he had from time to time read the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. In them he found fundamentals of true Masonry, fundamentals which are not only interesting, but which are also an inspiration.

There is much of interest in them for the present day Mason, the speaker said, and he expressed the hope thai they might be put into more concise form for study by every initiate. There is one thing which stands out in Masonry and that is its unchangeable character. It is most inspiring. We should all study the simple and fundamental purposes of Masonry, the speaker added. These simple purposes are set forth in the preamble of our constitution and we should study them carefully, for we are inclined to hold too lightly the serious purposes of our Institution.

In closing, the Deputy Grand Master congratulated Worshipful Brother Brierley, the officers, and members of Mount Hope Lodge on the one hundredth anniversary of the Constitution of the Lodge and expressed the hope that tin' next hundred years of its existence will be as successful as the first.

The evening's program was brought to a close with the reading of the list of mementoes which are to be deposited in a copper box to be fittingly inscribed and laid away in the archives of the Temple to be opened at the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge in 1974 The list of articles in the box follows:

Copies of Fall River daily papers (News, Globe, and Herald of October 6 containing the story of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple; one official program of the dedication; Central Congregational Church calendar of December 7, 1924. containing the order of services at the opening of the one hundredth anniversary; daily papers (News, Globe, and Herald of December 8. 1924) containing details of the services at the Central Congregational Church; copies of the official centennial programs for Monday and Tuesday. December 8 and !). 1924; copies of all notices relative to the celebration; copy of the by-laws of Mount Hope Lodge; copies of the Lodge notices of December. 1924; copy of the history of Mount Hope Lodge; photographs of the centennial committee, 1924, and the officers of Mount Hope Lodge. 1924. On top of all was laid a silk American flag.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1924

The three days' celebration was brought to a close Tuesday evening with a delightful concert, followed by dancing till midnight. There were about one thousand present, and the occasion was a fitting termination of the three days' fete. Following is the program :

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CONCLUSION

And now. Brethren, I have thus, through many obscure and ancient paths, traversed with you in the barest outline the one hundred years since Freemasonry founded a home in Fall River.

I have searched among the dusty remains of a forgotten past, to gather something of the Truth and Light which have shone and guided the Brethren these many years.

The record is necessarily imperfect and incomplete, for the history of a Lodge covering such a period of time cannot be recorded in mere words; its influence for good upon the community, the helping hand it has ever been ready to extend to a Brother in distress or in need, the tender care of its widows and orphans — and many are the cases recorded — these will never be fully known until the Grand Master of the Universe makes up His final record.

What the future of this Lodge will be is yet to be written. That it will continue to grow we feel sure. This ancient Fraternity has been a part of the life and growth of men in all ages past, and so it will be for ages to come. It measures its life not by years, but by centuries. Masonry of 1924 is not the Masonry of 1824, nor is it that which will be in 2024. The Institution has grown, will grow, must grow, to adapt itself to the new conditions which each age presents.

When the history of the second century in the life of Mount Hope Lodge shall be written, whatever,of prosperity or adversity may be in store for it. May your successors find a record of as faithful and devoted Brethren as we have of those whom we today so gladly honor. I shall feel repaid for my labors, if in reviving the memories of the past. I have kindled anew hopes for a future to the Brotherhood "until time shall be no more."

APPENDIX: PAUL DEAN ADDRESS, DECEMBER 1824

Address by Rev. Bro. Paul Dean at the consecration of Mount Hope Lodge on December 8, 1824.

Why this solemn assembly of the Brethren? Why have the doors of this holy place been flung open today? Why this attentive audience, and these sacred services of prayer and praise? This is the birthday of a new society in this place. Here a New Member is to be solemnly inducted into the family of free and accepted masons; a fraternity of mutual and faithful friends, whose origin is unknown to all but God, whose extent is not bounded even by the civilized world, whoso language is universal, and whose objects are the establishment of good will and good fellowship among the charitable and tin- faithful of every region of the earth. No desire of wealth or hope of gain has brought us together. We are not here to grace the triumph and swell the fame of a favourite chieftain or successful conqueror, to decide any great question of political interest, nor to hear the discussion of any disputed point in theology or morals; therefore let every sentiment and feeling of selfishness, pride, ambition, and prejudice be banished from this place and from our hearts. Descend from heaven, celestial Spirit, and excite within our hearts the most generous and the kindest feelings of our nature; and lei the most lively sympathy in the joy and grief of fellow men have the dominion of our souls.

Without friendship and sympathy who could live? Who could pass the confines of infancy, cross the valley of sickness, or sustain the chilling frosts of old age, without a friend to aid and help him? We commence our being in the midst of cries and tears, and close it in pains and groans, in distress and anguish of heart. Who is this misanthrope that proclaims men are naturally the enemies of each other, advocates the felicity of solitude, and scoffs at the delights of friendship! Surely, before he does this, he should show that we need no support in the tender and defenceless period of infancy, no attention In sickness, and no comfort in the dreariness and decrepitude of age. But let him not, because he has chilled his life's blood by drinking the deadly waters of misanthropy, poison the fountain that yields the purest joys to all hearts but his own; nor because he has embittered all the connections and pleasures of society, by his vices, let him attempt to sunder the ties that hold all in sued concord but himself. The principles of society are clearly taught by the works of God. Here nothing is alone. All give and receive support. Nothing lives for itself — nothing moves full to bless something that adjoins it. The sun, bright emblem of Deity, shines not for himself, but to enlighten, enliven and cheer the world; and for this he associates his influence in the heavens with the moon and stars, that the night, as well as the day, may share in his light. The rain descends only to enrich the earth and refresh its inhabitants. The flowers bloom, and the breathing winds waft their fragrance to regale the senses of the living. The earth supports the vegetable, and the vegetable supports the animal creation. The winds and the seas join to convey the commerce of the nations to every part of tin' globe. Every part is here dependent, and each supported by the whole. Mutual dependence among men, proves they were made for society; and virtuous friendship only can make society truly happy.

The enlightened spirit of masonry well knows that a FRIEND is not only born for adversity, but for every state and condition of man. How are the pleasures and amusements of life increased and relished by a pleasant company of friends. Dreary and lonely would even home itself be if destitute of friends; but with them how cheerful, peaceful, and happy is the festive board, and the fireside. The labour of the husband-man is greatly lightened by the company of friends, engaged in the same good work, and with the same heart and mind as himself. The manufactory, market place, and exchange, are made pleasant to us by the assemblage of friends we meet there. The temples of science, the halls of justice and of legislation, are illuminated by the cheering countenance of friends. And even the way to the house of God is made cheerful and pleasant by the kind friends that take sweet counsel with us as we walk therein. Yes, even devotion itself is rendered more sacred and interesting by many hearts being touched with the same sentiments and engaged in the same offering of love and gratitude; and the songs of Zion, yes, the anthems of glory, will be the more enrapturing for being chanted by the multitude of the redeemed. But most of all is adversity blessed by the good offices of a friend. A thousand favours rest on the friendly arm thai supports a falling brother, and protects the widow and orphan, ministering to them the comforts of life. Would you know how to prize a friend, go ask the Brother over whose bedside, when visited by disease, his friend has constantly bent, in watchful and kind solicitude, till his recovery; ask the wounded man who fell on the field of blood, but whose friend came and bound up his wounds and carried him to his home; ask him who, when he was surrounded by assassins and murderers, was delivered and saved by the timely word and sign of a friend. They will tell you, that of all objects they ever saw, a friend is most delightful and lovely, an i that his price is far above rubies.

Therefore, to make men thus friendly to each other is the grand design of the masonic institution; for we are assured, that the human race are formed and designed for society, and that society, whatever lie its prosperity, strength, wealth, or refinement, cannot be happy if not bound together by true benevolence and friendship.

We may now consider the influence of enlightened friendship on ourselves and others; and first, on ourselves. Friendship sweetens ■ the disposition, softens the heart, and makes the mind cheerful. It checks the angry passions, and moulds us to the disposition of doing good. It moves us to delight in another's happiness, and to share in others' woe. It prompts us kindly to admonish each other of errors, and In warn of the approach of danger; to help in the day of adversity, never leaving or forsaking our brethren in affliction. It opens and liberalizes the mind and heart, and thus prepares men for the services of our benevolent and holy religion. It fits us for extensive usefulness among men, and gives the true dignity and Loveliness for which our natures were made.

Its examples are like the sun, in their influence on the world around us. They spread light and cheerfulness, and beget their own loveliness in those who habitually see them. Try it; you can not live long in a family, all of whom are mild and friendly to each other, without becoming so yourself. The fruits and good deeds of this principle beget not only respect, but gratitude, and even admiration. Had we power to make every ruler and prince the friend of his people, we could soon banish despotism and tyranny from the earth, and leave the world in the delightful possession of liberty and freedom. Could we touch the. heart of every minister of Christ with true Masonic and Christian friendship, we could speedily make an end of persecution, that vilest of enemies to the human race, and let every man sit quietly under his own vine and fig tree, with none to make him afraid. Could we make every husband, father, brother, master and servant, true friends, we should at once convert the whole earth into a paradise of God. But do I hear it whispered, this can never be done. I answer, let us not be discouraged because the work is great. Who that never saw a northern winter, were he, to behold it, would believe that the sun, and the gentle winds of the south, would in a few months change it to perfect summer? Let us, therefore, try what association and friendship can do. Much has been effected, and much more can be done. We have been persecuted, proscribed, anathematized — we have been objected to, as secret, exclusive, inimical to religion, and to domestic happiness. But the arm of oppression is much shortened, the anathema falls harmless, and the objector has ceased to urge bis ease with much hope of success. The world has already admitted, that to do good and to pray in secret are no crimes; and our female friends are sufficiently enlightened to know and feel, that they are no more injured by not being admitted to a participation in masonry, than because they are not admitted into our legislatures and armies. Let us then persevere; if we would gain friends we must show ourselves friendly — friendly to each other, to religion, to liberty, to arts and sciences, to morality, to domestic happiness, and to universal prosperity among men; then we shall gain, and justly gain, the good opinion of the world, and see our society triumphantly spread itself from the rising of the sun to its going down. For this grand object let us form lodges, and let all lodges be as one lodge, and we shall have no occasion of fear or despondency.

How has man maintained the dominion given him by his Creator over the animal creation, the earth and the sea? Acting singly he could have done but very little towards it. How has he subdued the forests and navigated the ocean? How has he reared cities and established governments.' To all these we answer — by association. How did Christ commence the erection of his kingdom in the earth in spite of kings and princes? Answer, he well knew what a few heads, hearts, and hands could accomplish, when perfectly united, and therefore chose the twelve apostles. And how did the apostles overcome the world, and plant successfully in the midst of it the standard of the cross? Again we say, by union of heart and effort. How did the three first grand masters at Jerusalem, only three, spread freemasonry from thence through every nation of the earth, and preserve it to be what it now is? To this also we answer — by association. Now if three only could, by joining their hearts and hands in the good work, spread masonry to Its present extent and glory, surely, If all masons now scattered over the earth were to be heartily united in its advancement, it would, and that very soon, become universal; and such would be its popularity that should there remain a few scattered enemies, even they would seek to be unknown, and to pass for its friends. Friendship, founded on virtue and sanctioned by piety, is the strength of all societies, but especially of masonry. Masonry has no power to compel any to join her, nor to re main after they have joined. No, she Is not even allowed to invite any one to join her fraternity; but she is no respecter of persons among those who apply for admission; she regards not to what nation her applicant belongs, to what form of religion or government he adheres. If he has an attentive ear, a silent tongue, and a faithful, open and charitable heart, she hails him as worthy and opens to him all her treasures, and stretches out to him her friendly hand of acceptance, she exerts no other influence over men but the influence of truth and goodness. She cares not to rule, but only to bless the innocent and the faithful. Her only object is to do good, and to engage others in the exchange of kind offices, and in the mutual exercise of good will; and thus unite them in that happy fraternity called a lodge, which is most happily calculated to perpetuate and perfect every good sentiment and feeling of the heart.

The Lodge is the epitome of the universe, overseen and guarded by the Deity — the Flooring represents the checkered scenes of this life —the Clouded Canopy and Starry Firmament, the glorious world of spirits — the Ladder, the faith, hope, and charity by which we ascend to it— the Bee Hive, the Sword piercing the Heart, the Mouldering Column and Urn, the Scythe, Grave, Anchor and Ark, are impressive symbols to a mason's heart, and will not fail to render his friendship solemn, fervent, and active.

Nor is it the province of masonry alone to make men useful; it also confers on its members distinguished honours, and when we contemplate those rewards, we say from the heart — let the miser seek his wealth, the conqueror his laurels of honor, and the ambitious sigh for universal empire and dominion; but be it ours to seek the ever fresh honours of masonry, which are those of being acknowledged and esteemed a true FRIEND. Yes, Brethren, as you pass, let the youth point yon out as their FRIENDS, and the aged rise up before you for the respect they feel for you. Let the brother in distress own and hail you his friend, and his widow and her fatherless ones bless, heartily bless you as such. Let the stranger and the good man say of you, he is my friend. Your brother, the father of his country, sought mi higher honour amid the perils of war, and the elevations of office, than to be hailed and adored as her chief FRIEND; and sure I am that that distinguished man, who passed his youthful days with him, in the hazards of a most eventful revolution, and on the blood stained held of victory, has been more gratified by the hearty WELCOME of millions, as their friend and the friend of man, than he would have been with the crown, the mitre, and the sceptre of the world. Though Abraham was, and is honoured as the father of the faithful, and a prince among the kings of the earth, yet it was his glory to be the friend of God, and of his people. And if there shall be one gem in the starry crown worn in heaven by Jesus of Nazareth, it will surely be this, that he was the sinner's friend.

As members of the fraternity, therefore, let it be the very height of our desire that by the practice of every virtue, the discharge of every friendly and kind office among men, and by a most faithful imitation of those bright and illustrious examples of masonic and Christian excellence, we may finally gain admission into the assembly of the perfect and the good, who shall be blessed and crowned in heaven as the tried and faithful friends of God and of man.

TO THE GRAND LODGE, we tender on this interesting masonic occasion the most respectful and affectionate felicitations, on the accession of a new Lodge to their jurisdiction and care in the midst of a flourishing village, and attended by many circumstances of HOPE that it will be as MOUNT ZION, a city not to be moved, but abound with the merchandise of wisdom and truth. Well do I know the deep interest you have ever felt in the prosperity and glory of the fraternity; the unwearied efforts you have made to advance the happiness, and perpetuate the peace and union of subordinate lodges; and the unfeigned pleasure you have derived from the gradually increasing influence of genuine freemasonry, in giving light to them that were in darkness, relief to the distressed, and comfort to the afflicted and the stranger. This day, therefore, must bring to your hearts a very pure and elevated satisfaction. May you have the peculiar pleasure of seeing all masons walking worthy of their high vocation, the lodges increasing in wisdom and number, and dwelling together in peace and love.

THE FRATERNITY, assembled to witness the solemnities of this day, having reciprocal feelings with us, arc congratulated, not only on the interests of the day and the occasion, but on the enlightened state of society, the freedom of political institutions, and the genuine spirit of Christianity, which in this country afford to freemasonry so peaceful, safe, and happy a Inane, and give it the opportunity of appearing, what in reality it is, the friend of pure religion, good order, good government, and of human happiness over the whole globe. Think, my brethren, of what has been done, and of what still remains to he done; and remember that much is given you, and of you much will be required.

THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY, who have been so liberal and friendly as to offer us their house of worship for these services, will accept the assurance of the high estimation in which we hold this proof of their good feelings to the fraternity, and also of the gratitude with which we shall long remember the pleasures of this day, increased as they have been by their liberality. My friends, may union and prosperity ever attend your society on earth; and when the faithful shall assemble upon Mount Zion, and go into the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, may you also appear with them clothed in white robes, and accepted of the Lord.

TO THE CONGREGATION, I ask leave to remark, that no doubt they will hear and see many things which they will not be able to understand; but I avail myself of this opportunity to say that whatever appears singular in our dress, badges, or ceremonies, is designed to commemorate something useful and important in antiquity, or to impress more strongly the impression of some moral sentiment. But in this respect we are not singular; governments and churches have their ceremonies which are peculiar to themselves. Hence the practice of laying hands on the head of the candidate for the pastoral office, is only to commemorate the manner in which holy and inspired men imparted gifts and authority by laying on of hands. With this single remark, we offer you our thanks for your respectful attendance on these services, and also our earnest wishes for your individual and social peace and happiness.

THE EXCELLENT BAND AND CHOIR, who have by their performances added so much to the interest and pleasure of these services, will accept our thanks and congratulations. My young friends, God has blessed you with gifts which he has denied to many. Employ those pleasing and distinguished talents Heaven has lent you, to the glory of your blessed Creator, and in the praise of friendship, virtue, and goodness on earth. Sing here below the rising glories of the Redeemer's kingdom, that on richer harps, and with Immortal voices, you may swell in Heaven the anthem of unceasing praise to God and the Lamb.

TO THE NEW CHAPTER, AFTER ITS CONSECRATION AND THE INSTALLATION OF ITS OFFICERS.

Right Worshipful and Worshipful Brethren,

You have now been solemnly constituted a regular Lodge, and your officers duly Installed and invested for their several stations and duties. You are henceforth, for your order, strength, and conspicuous standing, to be as a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid. This day you are to enter upon your respective duties, and to commence, under very favorable circumstances, your course of masonic labours and prosperity; and we pray that you may be the Mount where the Lord commands his blessing forevermore. You are thoroughly furnished unto every good word and work, and in the midst of your sister lodges, may you long appear as a star of the first magnitude, shedding a light and lustre on the society to which you have been admitted. .Your first care and duty will be to preserve union and harmony among yourselves; then, though your present number be not great, but by the advantages of association and the blessing of God, the small one shall become a great people.

Your government is the sway of wisdom and benevolence, and from the master to the door keeper, all who act well their parts are equally honourable and entitled to friendship. May the influence of your master in the midst of you be as the influence of the sun, diffusing light and cheerfulness, and you revolve around him in the performance of your several duties, as the planets in their orbits, displaying the harmony and glory of masonry. Your Lodge and your Jewels and Badges will remind you of the virtues you are to practise; and the Mosaic Pavement and the Starry Heavens, will show you the checkered life of man in this, and the glory of the faithful in the world to come. The Ascending Column of Incense marks the ardour and purity of your friendship for each other; and the Bee Hive is an expressive symbol of the diligence with which we should engage in duty. The Grave admonishes that life and labour will soon end, and man go the way of the earth from whence he shall not return; and the ARK points out our passage to the world of spirits. Finally, brethren, when you shall have passed the diversified scenes of this uncertain life, and finished all the duties in this earthly lodge, and the dark waves of death shall pass over all your prospects, then may the ark of religion convey you safe across the mighty flood to the house and temple eternal in the heavens.

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1974

From Proceedings, Page 1974-204:

History from 1924 to 1974.

(A detailed history of Mount Hope Lodge for the period from 1824 to 1924 by Worshipful Elmer B. Young may be found in the Proceedings of Grand Lodge for 1924 — pages 425-530, inclusive)

The twenty-five year period since 1924 is marked by prosperity, depression, and World War II, and the secretary's records show the trend of the times through the years.

The period of prosperity is reflected by the 130 candidates raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason during the five calendar years 1925 through 1929. The next ten year period show only 54 raised, with none at all during the calendar years 1933 and 1934. Also during the years 1930 through 1937, there were 274 members suspended for non-payment of dues, while between 70 and 80 demitted in that same time, many being unable to keep up their dues. The period from 1940 through 1949 saw 115 raised, 90 of them being after 1944, reflecting an upswing in Masonry such as occurred after the first World War.

There has been a marked trend away from Masonic funerals. In the ten years from 1925 through 1934, the officers of Mount Hope Lodge officiated at 44 funerals of deceased members. There were 33 funerals between 1935 and 1944, and only 6 from 1945 to date. June 4, 1926. It was voted that the petition of 23 brethren for a new Lodge called Watuppa Lodge to be located in Fall River, be approved and consented to.

March 23, 1928. The Officers of Watuppa Lodge were escorted into the Lodge Room, and after being conducted to their several stations, proceeded to perform the Third Degree upon two Mount Hope candidates, Morris Leviten and Edward Strolsky, the work being conducted in a pleasing manner.

Jan. 18, 1929. A Special Communication of the Lodge was held for the purpose of conferring the Second Degree, and to receive the D.D. Grand Master for the purpose of "Healing". Brother Robert Leonard McKean, whose name was shown on the Monthly Notice for December as "McLean". The Grand Master had notified the Wor. Master not to confer the Second Degree until the matter was straightened out. The First Degree was conferred Dec. 14, 1928 before the notification was received from the Grand Master. The D. D. Grand Master explained the object of the Communication and re-administered the Obligation of the First Degree to the Candidate, after which he informed Bro. McKean that it having been shown that the error was through no fault of his own, he was now in position to receive the Second Degree at the pleasure of the Wor. Master. Bro. McKean took the Second Degree in Feb. 15, 1929 and was raised on March 22, 1929.

Dec. 4, 1931. By vote of the Lodge, Wor. Master Albert E. Grant appointed a committee to raise money for the relief of needy members of the Lodge. George M. Jackson, Clarence W. Jackson, Carl A. Crafts, Morris Horvitz, Jr., George R. Smith, Milton P. Ogden and Samuel Ogden were appointed, and reported at the regular Communication on Jan. 8, 1932 that $226.50 had been collected — one Brother donating three chickens.

March 4, 1932. A further reflection of hard times is found under this date, when it was voted that the Trustees of the Permanent Fund be requested to turn interest thereon over to the Treasurer to be used for current expenses. The directors of the Masonic Hall Association had been having difficulties "making ends meet," and it was voted that all new candidates be required to be assessed $25 for one share of stock in the Masonic Hall Association — $10 to accompany the petition and $5 to be paid with each degree. This action had been taken by the other four Lodges in the City.

May 6, 1932. An amendment to the By-Laws increasing the annual dues from $6 to $10 was adopted by a vote of 56 to 11. (It has been felt that this increase in the dues in face of depressing times has been a large factor in Mount Hope Lodge's continued growth and prosperity through the years. The usual dinners and entertainments were conducted at low cost to members, thereby helping to keep good fellowship alive.)

recommendation of the committee it was voted "that a committee consisting of the Master, Wardens, and Wor. Brothers Albert E. Grant, Walter Brierley and Milton C. Epstein be authorized to represent Mount Hope Lodge on the General Committee of the various Masonic Bodies for the purpose of considering the purchase of the building or other property for Masonic Quarters." (See Jan. 29, 1946)

Dec. 1, 1944. Homage was paid to Wor. Bro. Samuel Smith who had just retired as Secretary, after serving the Lodge faithfully and well in that capacity for forty-six years. He told of many interesting things that had happened during his years of service, and stated that during his years as Secretary there had been 1-391 candidates initiated, 421 funerals, 417 members suspended, and 187 had taken demits. During his 46 years of service, Wor. Bro. Smith had missed only 14 meetings, which were all special communications. He had never been absent from any regular meetings. A purse from the members of the Lodge was presented to Wor. Bro. Smith by Wor. Bro. William H. Broomhead, who reminisced with the retired Secretary over the times they had had at Lodge together through the many years.

Jan. 29, 1946. The Fall River Herald-News amply covered this historic event — the burning of the mortgage on the Masonic Temple Building, which took place with fitting ceremony. Briefly, the story behind it all was as follows: after many discouraging years, under the burden of a $232,000 mortgage, the Masons of Fall River were about to lose their Temple at foreclosure. Brother Max Kaplan of Mount Hope Lodge, and his brother Samuel (not a member of the fraternity) purchased the building on Dec. 24, 1943, thereby saving it for the Masons of Fall River. They offered it to the Masons at $50,000, (the cost to them) and accepted a five year mortgage at no interest. Wor. Bro. Louis Dafgard of King Philip Lodge was the very energetic leader in the refinancing campaign which paid off the mortgage in exactly two years. In the presence of one of the largest gatherings of members of the Masonic fraternity in this city in many years, Chairman Dafgard was awarded the Joseph Warren Medal from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Max and Samuel Kaplan were presented suitably engraved plaques in appreciation of their generosity in assisting the Masons in saving the Temple.

Jan. 17, 1947. At a Special Communication, Wor. Bro. Broom-head introduced Rt. Wor. Benjamin Barnes as the new District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Fall River Masonic District. Thirty-five years ago this night, Rt. Wor. Barnes had received his third degree in Mount Hope Lodge.

November 28, 1947. Wor. William H. Sherrett was installed for a second term — the first Master to succeed himself since Wor. George R. Smith (1937) and only the second since 1904-5.

Jan. 7, 1949. The Lodge was presented an American and a Massachusetts State Flag. The donors of these beautiful gifts wished to remain anonymous, but their generosity went a long way in "dressing up" the Lodge in preparation for its 125th anniversary celebration in December.

March 4, 1949. Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson read a detailed report on the financial condition of the Temple which showed that the building was being run on a sound basis, with a gain for the year 1948.

June 17, 1949. A testimonial dinner was held in honor of the Lodge's two living Past District Deputy Grand Masters, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson (1937-38) and Rt. Wor. Benjamin Barnes (1947-48). They were handed gifts on behalf of the membership of the Lodge. Bro. Charles A. Smithson was also presented with a 50 year Veteran's Medal by Rt. Wor. Hiram A. Linfield of the 30th Fall River Masonic District.

At a regular communication on January 7, 1949, it was voted that the 125th anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge be celebrated in a fitting manner. Wor. Kendall T. Stone, the presiding Master, appointed the following named brethren to serve as the Anniversary Committee for the celebration to take place on December 9, 10, 11, 1949:

  • Wor. Lyle E. Beal, Chairman
  • Wor. Kendall T. Stone, Master
  • Rt. Wor. Benjamin Barnes
  • Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson
  • Wor. William H. Broomhead
  • Wor. Milton C. Epstein
  • Wor. John Friar
  • Wor. Milton P. Ogden
  • Wor. John W. Wilde
  • Bro. Edward F. Hearth, Senior Warden
  • Bro. Everett J. Ogden, Junior Warden
  • Bro. Morris Horvitz, Jr., Marshal

The celebration got under way on Friday, December 9, 1949 with a Reception for Most Worshipful Roger Keith, Grand Master of Masons in Mass. and his distinguished suite of officers and invited guests, (1949 Mass. 159-161) following which all those attending adjourned to Temple Hall to partake of a banquet. After the banquet, the brethren met in the Lodge Room, presided over by the Grand Master. After remarks by different dignitaries, the meeting climaxed by the presentation by the Grand Master of a hand lettered, framed, testimonial to Brother Max Kaplan for his unselfish services to the Lodge and all local Masons. The testimonial referred to the purchase on December 24, 1943 of the Masonic Building by Bro. Kaplan and his brother Samuel. On Saturday, December 10, Ladies Night took place in Temple Hall, with a buffet dinner, dancing and professional entertainment. On Sunday morning, December 11, the Brethren of Mount Hope Lodge paraded from the Masonic Temple building to the First Baptist Church to attend worship services conducted by the pastor, Rev. Finley Keech. This concluded the 125th anniversary celebration.

May 18, 1951. A special communication was called to celebrate the 90th birthday of Past Master William H. Broomhead, the oldest Past Master living at that time. He was born in 1861, raised in 1883, and became Master in 1891. At the end of the celebration Wor. Bro. Broomhead was presented the Joseph Warren Medal on behalf of the Grand Lodge, by District Deputy Grand Master Erford W. Poole. November 23, 1951. At this communication, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was presented with a Masonic ring by Wor. Milton P. Ogden on behalf of the officers and Past Masters of the Lodge, for his faithful service as a lodge officer for 31 consecutive years. District Deputy Erford W. Poole presented Rt. Wor. Bro. Jackson with the Joseph Warren Medal, on behalf of the Grand Master of Masons in Mass.

December 13, 1957. At this communication, Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was escorted to the East, and introduced to the brethren by Wor. Thomas Gillett, who announced that Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was presented the Henry Price Medal by the Grand Master, at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge.

January 10, 1958. Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was feted at a testimonial dinner sponsored by Mount Hope Lodge in Temple Hall. The Grand Master and suite of distinguished guests were present. The occasion was the election of Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde as Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

October 7, 1960. At this communication, it was announced that Bro. Chester S. Deplitch was elevated to the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, as a mark of recognition for his services to Masonry.

June 2, 1961. Eor long and faithful service to the Lodge, Bro. Morris Horvitz, Jr. was presented the Joseph Warren Medal on behalf of the Grand Lodge by D. D. Grand Master Jacob S. Levine. On behalf of the officers and members of the Lodge, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson presented Bro. Horvitz with a mahogany and brass plaque, suitably inscribed. Bro. Horvitz served in various offices from 1942 to 1961.

June 15, 1962. At a special communication, Wor. Clarence L. Bliss was presented with a 50 year Veteran's Medal, and recognized as the oldest living Past Master of Mount Hope Lodge at that time.

November 22, 1963. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

October 2, 1964. It was announced that Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was elevated to the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, as a mark of recognition for his work and service.

February 15, 1966. At this communication, the Ancient Table Lodge Ceremony was performed by the Lodge — a first locally.

January 20, 1967. The newly elected District Deputy Grand Master, C. Allen Norman Jr., was received for the first time in his own Lodge.

May 10, 1969. Tragedy struck the Masonic Fraternity of Fall River. Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was accidentally electrocuted while trying to make some electrical repairs in the cellar of the Masonic Temple building. He was 68 years old at the time. He died as he lived — serving Masonry.

March 20, 1970. Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was presented with a 50 year Veteran's Medal by Rt. Wor. William O. Rowand, District Deputy Grand Master with appropriate remarks. As an additional honor, R.W. Bro. Jackson was elected Worshipful Master of Mount Hope Lodge for a second time November 2, 1973, in order for him to preside during the 150th Anniversary year.

One of the most important programs to come into being during this 25 year period is the Masonic Blood Program which has proven it merits over and over again.

From time to time, various members of the Lodge made donations of money or valuables to the Charity and General funds. The Lodge in turn made contributions to various Masonic connected activities, such as the DeMolay Foundation, Rainbow Girls, etc., the most recent one being our contribution of $1,000.00 to the Masonic Home Expansion Fund.

OTHER

  • 1825 (Constitution of Lodge, III-577)
  • 1834 (Discharge of committee, IV-325)
  • 1845 (Replacement of charter lost to fire, V-6, V-11)
  • 1857 (Petition for remission of dues, VI-150)
  • 1858 (Petition for remission of dues refused, VI-169)
  • 1922 (Participation in cornerstone laying, 1922-112)
  • 1923 (Participation in temple dedication, 1923-360)


EVENTS

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1826

From Masonic Mirror and Mechanics' Intelligencer, Vol. II, No. 16, April 1826, Page 121:

Officers of Mount Hope Lodge at Fall River, Mass. on the 23rd December:

  • Wor. Leander P. Lovell, Master.
  • Wor. Joseph Rice, S. Warden.
  • Bro. Lucius Smith, Junior Warden.
  • Bro. Richard Chace, S. Deacon.
  • Bro. David G. Hicks, J. Deacon.
  • Bro. Andrew Harris, Treasurer.
  • Bro. John C. Borden, Secretary and Tyler.
  • Bro. Rev. A. B. Read, Chaplain.
  • Bro. Benjamin Levally, Marshal.
  • Bro. John Norris, S. Steward.
  • Bro. Oliver Mason, J. Steward.

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1826

From Masonic Mirror and Mechanics' Intelligencer, Vol. II, No. 52, December 1826, Page 409:

Officers of Mount Hope Lodge, Fall River:

  • Bro. Benjamin Anthony, Master.
  • Bro. Lucius Smith, S. W.
  • Bro. Daniel Leonard, J. W.
  • Bro. Andrew Harris, Treasurer.
  • Bro. Luther Winslow, 2d, Secretary.
  • Bro. James D. Burt, S. Deacon.
  • Bro. David G. Hicks, J. Deacon.
  • Bro. Rev. Thomas M. Smith, Chaplain.
  • Bro. P. White, Tyler.

PRESENTATION, FEBRUARY 1879

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. II, No. 12, March 1879, Page 383:

Mount Hope Lodge of Fall River has been organized fifty five years, and at no time since her organization has sire had a more zealous officer than Dr. John H. Whitaker. He presided in the East for two years and at the close of his term the brethren presented him with an elegant gold Past Master's Jewel, and in return for their appreciation of his ardent efforts for the welfare of the Lodge and in accordance with the wishes of the brethren, he, at the last regular meeting, presented them with an elegant portrait of himself, framed and ready for adorning the walls of the hall. The picture is a fine crayon, 46 X 41 inches including frame.

Dr. Whitaker has attained some eminence in other branches of Masonry besides the blue Lodge, having been first officer of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery for three years and also having held important offices in all the other bodies of the York Rite. He is also a member of the Providence, R. I. Consistory, 32d degree.

PRESENTATION, OCTOBER 1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 3, December 1907, Page 106:

Mount Hope Lodge of Fall River held a special communication October 25th. There was a large attendance of the members of the lodge and visiting brethren.

During the evening, Worshipful Brother William S. Greene (Congressman from the 13th District and a Past Master of the lodge) was called upon by Worshipful Master Ridings, and on behalf of the lodge, presented Right Worshipful Brother http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWRidingsMAGLJMcCreary James E. McCreary] with a beautiful Past Junior Grand Warden's Jewel as a token of the respect and love of the lodge towards him.

Right Worshipful Brother McCreary responded feelingly to the remarks of Worshipful Brother Greene, and thanked the lodge for the agreeable surprise.

Right Worshipful Brother McCreery was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1886-87, Most Excellent High Priest of Fall River Royal Arch Chapter in 1897-98, Thrice Illustrious Master of Fall River Council of Royal and Select Masters in 1800-91 and Eminent Commander of Godfrey de Bouillon Conunandery in 1889-90.

He was District Deputy Grand Master of the 26th Masonic District in 1894-95. He was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge in 1898.

He has been a member of Mount Hope Lodge over 40 years, and for the last 25 years has seldom missed a meeting of the Lodge.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1824: District 4

1826: District 13

1834: District 7

1849: District 7

1867: District 14 (New Bedford)

1883: District 26 (Fall River)

1911: District 30 (Fall River)

1927: District 30 (Fall River)

2003: District 16

2011: District 19


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges