MountHorebWH

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MOUNT HOREB LODGE (West Harwich / Dennis)

Location: West Harwich; Harwich (1880); Dennis (1972)

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 12/13/1855 V-592

Precedence Date: 11/08/1854

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Nehemiah D. Kelley, 1854-1856
  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr., 1857-1859, 1863, 1864
  • Anthony K. Chase, 1860, 1861
  • Veranus B. Nickerson, 1862
  • Ozias C. Baker, 1865-1867, 1869-1872
  • Benjamin P. Sears, 1868
  • Abner L. Ellis, 1873, 1874
  • Luther Fisk, 1875-1877; SN
  • David Fisk, 1878, 1879
  • Erastus Chase, 1880, 1881
  • Silvester Baker, 1882, 1885-1887
  • Henry H. Fisk, 1888-1890
  • Cyrus Crowell, 1891
  • Frederick Cobb, 1892, 1893
  • Henry C. Berry, 1894, 1895
  • Sullivan W. Rodgers, 1896, 1897
  • William M. Rodgers, 1898, 1899
  • James H. Jenks, Jr., 1900, 1901
  • Watson F. Baker, 1902, 1903
  • Jonathan P. Edwards, 1904, 1905
  • Henry C. Howes, 1906, 1907
  • Jonathan Nickerson, 1908, 1909
  • Aurthur C. Hall, 1910, 1911
  • Henry B. Hart, 1912, 1913; SN
  • John P. Nickerson, 1914, 1915
  • Clarence V. Bitter, 1916, 1917
  • Clarence A. Davis, 1918
  • Earnest S. Osbourne, 1919, 1920
  • Harry J. Davidson, 1921, 1922
  • Clarence M. Nickerson, 1923, 1924
  • Frederick A. Eldridge, 1925, 1926
  • Earle M. Davidson, 1927, 1928
  • Nathan D. Eldridge, 1929, 1930, 1945; Mem
  • Owen B. Murray, 1931, 1932; Mem
  • Brant D. Ellis, 1933, 1934
  • Henry B. Enos, 1935, 1936
  • William C. Kelley, 1937, 1938
  • Emmons H. Bradford, 1939, 1940
  • Horace K. Hentz, 1941, 1942
  • John A. Turner, 1943, 1944
  • Dean S. Sears, 1946, 1947; N
  • George R. Foss, 1948, 1949
  • Frederick A. Eldredge, Jr., 1950
  • Benjamin P. Chase, 1951
  • Earl L. Small, 1952, 1953
  • David Chase, 1954, 1955
  • John F. Rodgers, Sr., 1956
  • George H. Canham, 1957; N
  • Earle H. Foss, 1958; N
  • James E. Thistle, Sr., 1959, 1960
  • Robert D. Speakman, 1961
  • Clarence E. Nocross, 1962
  • Charles S. Kennedy, 1963
  • Edward L. Perkins, 1964, 1965
  • Earl H. Whittemore, Jr., 1966, 1967
  • James P. Mashoke, 1968
  • Wayne R. Ellis, 1969
  • Charles E. Chamberlain, Jr., 1970
  • James E. Thistle, Jr., 1971, 1972, 1984
  • Ronald F. Thistle, 1973
  • Robert C. Eldred, Jr., 1974
  • Robert E. Howes, 1975, 1976; N
  • Paul M. Henderson, 1977
  • Gil J. Condinho, 1978
  • Alfred H. Henderson, 1979
  • Wilfred E. Schofield, 1980
  • Glenn B. Coffin, 1981, 1982
  • Hughson F.C. Hawley III, 1983-1985
  • Glennard Decker, 1986
  • John H. Draper, 1987
  • Chronis Kalivas, 1988, 1995, 2002; DDGM
  • John H. Trotter, 1989
  • William J. Rogers, Jr., 1990; N
  • Robert C. Chamberlain, 1991
  • Keith M. Lewis, 1992
  • W. Bradford Morse, 1993; N
  • Seth H. Crowell, 1994
  • James A. Gilrein, II, 1996, 2005; PDDGM
  • Albert B. Noyes, 1997
  • Mario B. Mere, 1998
  • Jimmie W. St.Pierre, 1999
  • Paul R. Cudak, 2000
  • Erik R.P. Houser, 2001
  • Richard A. Mathews, Jr., 2003
  • Paul E. Sweetser, 2004
  • David R. Brecken, 2006, 2012
  • Robert E. Dalpe* , 2007
  • Herbert G. Bell, II, 2008, 2009
  • Luke H. Furey, 2010, 2011

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1929 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1954 (Centenary)
  • 1979 (125th Anniversary)
  • 2006 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1879 1884 1897 1898 1900 1904 1912 1913 1922 1929 1933 1950 1956 1969 1970 1971 1972 1975 1979 1988 1990 1997 2000 2006 2008

HISTORY

  • 1929 (75th Anniversary History, 1929-188; see below)
  • 1954 (Centenary History, 1954-147; see below)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1929

From Proceedings, Page 1929-188:

by Bro. Benjamin P. Sears:

The following members of Mount Horeb Lodge in West Harwich, viz. Nehemiah Kelley, Remark Chase, William Earle, Warren Freeman, Joseph H. Baker, Jr., Elijah Chase, Anthony Kelley, Jr., James B. Baker, and Job Chase, commenced meeting to drill themselves about the middle of September 1854. They met first in a store occupied by Remark Chase in Dennis, next in a house owned by Remark Chase in West Harwich, and last in the present Lodge-rooms owned by Job Chase. After meeting a few times they drew a petition to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a Dispensation which was signed by the following Master Masons, Bros. Anthony Kelley, Remark Chase, Nehemiah D. Kelley, Joseph K. Baker, William Earle, Thomas Ellis, Warren Freeman. Anthony Kelley, Jr., Job Chase, James B. Baker, Nehemiah Kelley, Jr., Elijah Chase.

The petition was taken to and recommended by Fraternal Lodge at Barnstable and signed by Sylvester Baxter, District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 8, then to Boston and a Dispensation granted by the Grand Master. The three officers recommended in the petition were Bro. N. D. Kelley, Wor. Master, Bro. J. K. Baker, Senior Warden, and Bro. William Earle, Junior Warden. They chose Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer, Anthony Kelley, Jr., Secretary, and Bro. Warren Freeman, Senior Deacon. After obtaining the Dispensation they chose Remark Chase, J. H. Baker, Jr. and A. Kelley, Jr., to hire the present room of Job Chase for one year. They waited on Job Chase and did hire the room of Job Chase for one year for forty dollars ($40), Job Chase to furnish stove and pipe and lamp. Their report was laid before the members and accepted on the 21st of November 1854.

Erastus Chase and Moses Kelley of Harwich were proposed by Bro. N. D. Kelley and referred to an appropriate committee; Bro. R. Chase, J. K. Baker, Jr., and A. Kelley, Jr. On the 25th Lewis A. Guild, of Orleans, was proposed by Bro. N. D. Kelley and referred to Bros. R. Chase, W. Freeman, and W. Earle. At one of our meetings Bro. Thos. Ellis was chosen Deacon and it was agreed to advance ten dollars cash to the purchase of regalia and to furnish the Lodge, and to excuse Nehemiah Kelley from advancing the ten dollars. The money so advanced to be paid back when there is funds enough to do so." The following members paid ten dollars each: A. Kelley, N. D. Kelley, Job Chase, R. Chase, A. Kelley, Jr., J. K. Baker, Jr., W. Earle, W. Freeman, and James B. Baker. The Charter Members were:

  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr.
  • James B. Baker
  • Anthony Kelley
  • Anthony Kelley, Jr.
  • Nehemiah Kelley
  • N. D. Kelley
  • Elijah Chase
  • Remark Chase

The following interesting records are taken from the old record book of the Lodge.

West Harwich, November 14th, 1854
Received from Anthony Kelley, Jr. Secretary of Mount Horeb Lodge Ninety ($90) dollars. To pay for furnishing said Lodge Room and regalia and to be credited to the following persons and paid to them when there is sufficient funds in the Treasury to do so, viz

  • Job Chase, ten dollars ($10),
  • Anthony Kelley Jr., ten dol
lars,
  • Nehemiah Kelley, Ten dollars,
  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr.,
ten dollars,
  • William Earle, ten dollars,
  • Warren Freeman,
 ten dollars,
  • Remark Chase, ten dollars,
  • Anthony Kelley, ten
 dollars, and
  • James B. Baker, ten dollars.


Remark Chase 5855 A. L. August 1st, 1855.

Regular meeting of Mount Horeb Lodge met and opened on the third degree. Read the doings of the last meeting and approved them. Then the committee on Jonathan Chase and Ezekiel Adams reported favorably and were discharged the candidates balloted for and Elected.

Voted that when we close to meet again in the new Lodge Rooms. Then Chose (by nomination) A. Kelley Jr., Samuel D. Chase, Joseph K. Baker Jr. A committee to remove the furniture from this to the new Lodge Rooms.

Then voted for the committee to confer with Bro. Job Chase, make their report. They reported that Bro. Chase wants one years rent in addition to what we bargained for instead of $40.00 he wants $80. Accepted the report and discharged the committee.

Then voted by yeas and nays that when the rent comes due we pay one years rent and no more.

The votes stands as follows: (the yeas mean that we pay no more than one years rent.)
Yeas: Anthony Kelley, Remark Chase, Joseph K. Baker, Jr., Anthony Kelley Jr., Nehemiah Kelley, Jr., Barnabas W. Eldridge
Nays: Warren Freeman, William Earle, Erastus Chase, N. Robbins, Jr., Elijah Chase, James Berry, Jr.
Did not vote: Win. F. Braddock, Charles Jenkens
Nine Yeas {sic}
 Four Nays
 Two No Votes
 Then closed in due form 3rd. Degree

Attest: Anthony Kelley, Jr., Secretary. A. L. Sept. 6th, 5855

Special Meeting of Mount Horeb Lodge met and opened on the First Degree.

Then closed on the first degree and opened on the third, read the doings of the last meeting and approved them. Then read a letter from the Secretary of Franklin Lodge refusing to let Jos C. Baker and H. J. Alexander be made in our lodge but are willing for H. G. Berry to be made here. And then voted our Treasurer be ordered to pay Bro. Chase the $40 rent due him for the use of the building formerly occupied by this Lodge.

Then closed on the third degree and opened on the second and Bro. Stephen Nickerson passed to the Degree of Fellow craft.

Then closed in due form 2nd. Degree Attest: Anthony Kelley, Jr., Secretary. A. L. October 3rd 5855.

Regular meeting of Mount Horeb Lodge met and opened on the Third degree read the doings of the Last meeting and approved them. Then Bro. David Kelley joined the Lodge and paid two dollars. Then the Building committee on the part of the Lodge made their report and were discharged (they reported as follows)

  • Total Cost of the Building $2285.38
    • Lodge part of Building & land due 643.25
    • Furniture 88.40
    • TOTAL 731.74
  • Credit by Cash from Lodge 75.00
    • TOTAL 656.74
  • Mistake in addition 10.21
  • The Lodge Owes $666.95

Then Chose Brother

  • William E. Ansel

*Remark Chase

  • Samuel D. Chase

A committee to raise or hire enough money on the part of the Lodge to pay what is due from the Lodge and that they are authorized by the Lodge to hire such money. Then voted the treasurer be ordered to pay the above committee all the money there is in the treasury except the five dollars for each member (made in the Lodge) Belonging or due the Grand Lodge.

Then closed on the third degree and opened on the first and Mulford Allen was entered an apprentice, Passed to fellow craft, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

Then closed in due form 3rd. Degree.
Attest: Anthony Kelley Jr. Secretary.

From Grand Lodge Records.

M. W. Rev. George M. Randall, Grand Master, granted a dispensation for Mount Horeb Lodge at West Harwich, November 8th, 1854.

From Grand Lodge Records, December 12th, 1855:

The committee to whom was referred the petition for a Charter for Mount Horeb Lodge to be located in West Harwich, ask leave to submit the following report:

Your committee find that said Lodge has been regularly organized under a Dispensation from this Grand Lodge, for the term of one year and upwards; that meetings have been regularly held, and proper records of the same have been kept.

Your committee also find that a code of By-Laws have been adopted for the government of said Lodge, which are in accordance with the requirements and regulations of the Grand Lodge.

And your committee respectfully recommends that the prayer of the Petitioners be granted.

  • S. M. Hunt
  • C. F. Sleeper
  • Louis A. Surette

A. L. December 18th, 5855

Mount Horeb Lodge met for the first time after obtaining a Charter and opened on the third degree. 
Lodge was opened by N. D. Kelley, W. M., J. K. Baker, Jr., S. W., R. Chase J. W.
Members present:

  • Bro. Anthony Kelley
  • Bro. Nehemiah Kelley

  • Bro. N. D. Kelley, Jr.

  • Bro. J. K. Baker, Jr.

  • Bro. Remark Chase
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley Jr.

First Bro. Wm. E. Ansel, B. W. Eldridge, and Samuel D. Chase were elected members.

Then voted to elect officers for the ensuing year. The chair appointed Bro. Nehemiah Kelley and Anthony Kelley a committee, to collect and sort the votes. The following officers were unanimously elected by Ballot.

  • Bro. Nehemiah D. Kelley, W. Master
  • Bro. Joseph K. Baker, Jr., S. Warden
  • Bro. William E. Ansel, J. Warden
  • Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley, Jr. Secretary

Appointed J. K. Baker, Jr. and A. Kelley, Jr. a committee to review the constitution and by-laws.

Then Bros. Doane Kelley, Caleb R. Kelley and Moses Kelley were elected members.

Then the chair appointed a committee to nominate candidates for the following offices and the following members were nominated and accepted by the Lodge and appointed by the Chair.

  • Bro. Samuel D. Chase, S. Deacon
  • Bro. Barnabas W. Eldridge, Jr. Deacon
  • Bro. Doane Kelley, Jr., Tyler
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley, Marshal

Then Bro. Amos S. Chase was elected to membership. Then closed in due form. Attest: Anthony Kelley, Jr. Secy. Elect.

A.L. December 25th, 1855.

The officers Elect and Members of Mount Horeb Lodge met in the Lodge Rooms at 6 P.M. with their wives and visitors from Fraternal and Benjamin Franklin Lodge and a number of spectators, numbering about one hundred and fifty.

Soon after six the Marshall announced the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts which was represented by Wor. Bro. Sylvester Baxter D. D. Grand Master; Bro. R. S. Pope, Grand Chaplain; H. W. Briggs. G. S. Warden; A. Nickerson G. J. Warden.

First prayer by the Grand Chaplain

Then dedicated the hall, consecrated the Lodge and Installed the officers in due form.

  • Bro. Nehemiah D. Kelley, W. Master
  • Bro. Joseph K. Baker, Jr., S. Warden
  • Bro. William E. Ansel, J. Warden
  • Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley, Jr. Secretary
  • Bro. Samuel D. Chase, S. Deacon
  • Bro. Barnabas W. Eldridge, Jr. Deacon
  • Bro. Doane Kelley, Jr., Tyler


Closing Prayer by Bro. Henry Briggs<ve>
Then adjourned below for half an hour while the tables were prepared, then called all to refreshments, after satisfying the bodies, listened to intellectual feasts from our Rt. W. M. and a number more until late into the night.

Attest: Anthony Kelley Jr., Secretary.

Since the Lodge was chartered to date 642 have been raised. Largest year 1855 — 36 Raised Smallest year 1882 - None. Last ten years' average is 10.

Masters of Mount Horeb Lodge

  • Nehemiah D. Kelley†, 1854-5-6
  • Joseph K. Baker†, 1857-8-9
  • Anthony K. Chase†, 1860-61
  • Veranus E. Nickerson†, 1862
  • Joseph K. Baker Jr.†, 1863-4
  • Ozias C. Baker†, 1865-6-7
  • Benjamin P. Sears†, 1868
  • Ozias C. Baker†, 1869-72
  • Abner L. Ellis†, 1873-74
  • Luther Fisk†, 1875-6-7
  • David Fisk†, 1878-9
  • Erastus Chase†, 1880-1
  • Sylvester Baker†, 1882-85
  • Sylvester F. Baker†, 1886-7

  • Henry H. Fisk†, 1888-89-90
  • Cyrus Crowell†, 1891
  • Frederick Cobb†, 1892-3
  • Henry C. Berry†, 1894-5
  • Sullivan W. Rogers†, 1896-7
  • William M. Rogers†, 1898-9
  • James H. Jenks, Jr., 1900-1
  • Watson F. Baker, 1902-3
  • Jonathan P. Edwards, 1904-5
  • Henry C. Howes†, 1906-7
  • Jotham Nickerson, 1908-9
  • Arthur S. Hall, 1910-11
  • Henry B. Hart, 1912-13
  • John P. Nickerson, 1914-15
  • Clarence V. Bitter, 1916-17
  • Charles A. Davis†, 1918
  • Ernest S. Osborne, 1919-20
  • Harry J. Davidson, 1921-22
  • Clarence M. Nickerson, 1923-24
  • Frederick A. Eldridge, 1925-26
  • Earle M. Davidson, 1927-28
  • Nathan D. Eldridge, 1929

Note: † Died.

  • Fourteen Living Past Masters.
  • Thirty-six Masters have served since the constituting of this Lodge.
  • Four served one year,
  • Twenty-seven served two years.
  • Five served three years.
  • One served three years and again four years: Wor. Bro. Ozias C. Baker.

Since the Lodge was Chartered twenty-four Secretaries have served nearly all for one year except Bro. Hayward for eighteen years and Bro. Benj. F. Sears present Secretary for ten years.

Oldest member in years Brother David Shiverick, born June 4th, 1843. Oldest membership Brother Ahira Kelley liaised Feb. 20th, 1880. Forty-nine years last Feb. At the present time we have 191 members including one Honorary.

No record can be found where a Most Wor. Grand Master ever visited this Lodge before tonight. (Note: the historian is incorrect; see listing above.)

CENTENARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1954

From Proceedings, Page 1954-147:

by R. W. Dean S. Sears:

In November, 1929, on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of Mount Horeb Lodge, a very complete history was prepared and read by Brother Benjamin F. Sears, who was at the time, and had been for some time, the Lodge Secretary. This evening, because of the passage of time, and the fact that many of our newer Brothers are unfamiliar with our past, we are taking some excerpts from this account, which may be found in its entirety in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1929.

We first read of the gathering of the men who were to found our Lodge as meeting in September of 1854 to drill themselves as follows, viz: Nehemiah Kelley, Remark Chase, William Earle, Warren Freeman, Joseph K. Baker, Jr., Elijah Chase, Anthony Kelley, Jr., James B. Baker, and Job Chase. They met first in a store occupied by Remark Chase in Dennis, next in a house owned by Remark Chase in West Harwich, and last in the present lodge-rooms owned by Job Chase. After meeting a few times, they drew a petition to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a dispensation, which was signed by the following Master Masons: Brothers Anthony Kelley, Remark Chase, Nehemiah D. Kelley, Joseph K. Baker, William Earle, Thomas Ellis, Warren Freeman, Anthony Kelley, Jr., Job Chase, James B. Baker, Nehemiah Kelley, Jr., Elijah Chase.

The petition was recommended by Fraternal Lodge at Barnstable, and signed by Sylvester Baxter, District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 8. A dispensation was granted by the Grand Master. The three officers recommended in the petition were Bro. N. D. Kelly, Worshipful Master, Bro. J. K. Baker, Senior Warden, and Bro. William Earle, Junior Warden. They chose Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer, Anthony Kelley, Jr., Secretary, and Bro. Warren Freeman, Senior Deacon. After obtaining the dispensation, they chose Remark Chase, J. H. Baker, Jr., and A. Kelley, Jr., to hire the present room of Job Chase for one year. They waited on Job Chase and did hire the room of Job Chase for one year for forty dollars ($40), Job Chase to furnish stove and pipe and lamp. Their report was laid before the members and accepted on the 21st of November, 1854. Erastus Chase and Moses Kelley of Harwich were proposed by Bro. N. D. Kelley and referred to an appropriate committee: Bro. R. Chase, J. K. Baker, Jr., and A. Kelley, Jr. On the 25th Lewis A. Guild of Orleans was proposed by Bro. N. D. Kelley and referred to Bros. R. Chase, W. Freeman, and W. Earle. At one of our meetings, Bro. Thos. Ellis was chosen Deacon, and it was agreed to advance ten dollars cash for the purchase of regalia and to furnish the Lodge, and to excuse Nehemiah Kelley from advancing the ten dollars. The money so advanced to be paid back "when there is funds enough to do so." The following members paid ten dollars each: A. Kelley, N. D. Kelley, Job Chase, R. Chase, A. Kelley, Jr., J. K. Baker, Jr., W. Earle, W. Freeman, and James B. Baker.

The Charter Members were:

  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr.
  • James B. Baker
  • Anthony Kelley
  • Anthony Kelley, Jr.
  • Nehemiah Kelley
  • N. D. Kelley
  • Elijah Chase
  • Remark Chase

The following interesting records are taken from the old record book of the Lodge.

West Harwich, November 14th, 1854.
Received from Anthony Kelley, Jr.
Secretary of Mount Horeb Lodge Ninety ($90) dollars. To pay for furnishing said Lodge Room and regalia and to be credited to the following persons and paid to them when there is sufficient funds in the Treasury to do so, viz: Job Chase, ten Dollars ($10), Anthony Kelley, Jr., ten dollars, Nehemiah Kelley, ten dollars, Joseph K. Baker, Jr., ten dollars, William Earle, ten dollars, Warren Freeman, ten dollars. Remark Chase, ten dollars, Anthony Kelley, ten dollars, and James B. Baker, ten dollars.

$90.00 Remark Chase

A. L. August 1st, 1855

Regular meeting of Mount Horeb Lodge met and opened on the third degree. Read the doings of the last meeting and approved them. Then the committee on Jonathan Chase and Ezekiel Adams reported favorably and were discharged the candidates balloted for and Elected.

Voted that when we close to meet again the new Lodge Rooms. Then Chose (by nomination)

  • A. Kelley, Jr.
  • Samuel D. Chase
  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr.

A committee to remove the furniture from this to the new Lodge Rooms.

Then voted for the committee to confer with Bro. Job Chase, make their report. They reported that Bro. Chase wants one years rent in addition to what we bargained for instead of $40.00 he wants $80. Accepted the report and discharged the committee.

Then voted by yeas and nays that when the rent comes due we pay one years rent and no more.

The votes stands as follows: (the yeas mean that we pay no more than one years rent.)

  • Yeas: Anthony Kelley, Remark Chase, Joseph K. Baker, Jr., Anthony Kelley, Jr., Nehemiah Kelley, Jr., Elijah Chase, Barnabas W. Eldridge, James Berry, Jr.
  • Nays: Warren Freeman, William Earle, Erastus Chase, N. Robbins, Jr.
  • Did not vote: Wm. F. Braddock, Charles Jenkens

Nine Yeas (sic) Four Nays Two No Votes

Then closed in due form 3rd. Degree

Attest: Anthony Kelley, Jr. Secretary

A. L. Sept. 6th, 5855

Regular meeting of Mount Horeb Lodge met and opened on the Third Degree read the doings of the Last meeting and approved them. Then Bro. David Kelley joined the Lodge and paid two dollars. Then the Building committee on the part of the Lodge made their report and were discharged (they reported as follows) Total cost of the Building $2285.38.

  • Lodge part of Building & land due: 643.25
  • Furniture: 88.49
  • Total 731.74

  • Credit by Cash from Lodge: 75.00
  • Total 656.74

  • Mistake in addition: 10.21
  • The Lodge Owes: $666.95

Then Chose Brother William E. Ansel, Remark Chase, Samuel D. Chase a committee to raise or hire enough money on the part of the Lodge to pay what is due from the Lodge and that they are authorized by the Lodge to hire such money. Then voted the treasurer be ordered to pay the above committee all the money there is in the treasury except the five dollars for each member (made in the Lodge) Belonging or due the Grand Lodge.

Then closed on the third degree and opened on the first and Mulford Allen was entered an apprentice, Passed to fellow craft, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. Then closed in due form 3rd. Degree.

Attest: Anthony Kelly Jr. Secretary.

From Grand Lodge Records.

M. W. Rev. George M. Randall, Grand Master, granted a dispensation for Mount Horeb Lodge at West Harwich, November 8, 1854. From Grand Lodge Records, December 12, 1855.

The committee to whom was referred the petition for a Charter for Mount Horeb Lodge to be located in West Harwich, ask leave to submit the following report:

Your committee find that said Lodge has been regularly organized under a Dispensation from this Grand Lodge, for the term of one year and upwards; that meetings have been regularly held, and proper records of the same have been kept.

Your committee also find that a code of By-Laws have been adopted for the government of said Lodge, which are in accordance with the requirements and regulations of the Grand Lodge.

And your committee respectfully recommends that the prayer of the Petitioners be granted.

S. M. Hunt, C. F. Sleeper, Louis A. Surette

A. L. December 18th, 5855

Mount Horeb Lodge met for the first time after obtaining a Charter and opened on the third degree. Members present: Bro. Anthony Kelley, Bro. Nehemiah Kelley, N. D. Kelley Jr., Bro. J. K. Baker Jr., Remark Chase, Bro. Anthony Kelley Jr.

Lodge was opened by Bro. N. D. Kelley W.M., Bro. J. K. Baker Jr., S. W., Bro. R. Chase, J. W.

First Bro. Wm. E. Ansel, B. W. Eldridge, and Samuel D. Chase were elected members.

Then voted to elect officers for the ensuing year. The chair appointed Bro. Nehemiah Kelley and Anthony Kelley a committee, to collect and sort the votes. The following officers were unanimously elected by Ballot.

  • Bro. Nehemiah D. Kelley, W. Master

  • Bro. Joseph K. Baker Jr. S. Warden
  • Bro. William E. Ansel J. Warden
  • Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley Jr. Secretary
  • Appointed J. K. Baker 
Jr. and A. Kelley Jr. a committee to review the constitution and by-laws.


Then Bros. Doane Kelley, Caleb R. Kelley and Moses Kelley were elected members.

Then the chair appointed a committee to nominate candidates for the following offices and the following members were nominated and accepted by the Lodge and appointed by the Chair.

  • Bro. Samuel D. Chase, S. Deacon
  • Bro. Barnabus W. Eldridge, Jr. Deacon
  • Bro. Doane Kelley Jr. Tyler
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley, Marshall

Then Bro. Amos S. Chase was elected to membership. Then closed in due form.

Attest: Anthony Kelley Jr. Secy. Elect.

A. L. December 25, 1855.

The officers Elect and Members of Mount Horeb Lodge met in the Lodge Rooms at 6 P.M. with their wives and visitors from Fraternal and Benjamin Franklin Lodge and a number of spectators, numbering about one hundred and fifty.

Soon after six the Marshall announced the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts which was represented by Wor. Bro. Sylvester Baxter D. D.D. Grand Master.

  • Bro. R. S. Pope, Grand Chaplin
  • Bro. H. W. Briggs, G. S. Warden
  • Bro. A. Nickerson, G. J. Warden


First prayer by the Grand Chaplain

Then dedicated the hall, consecrated the Lodge and Installed the officers in due form.

  • Bro. Nehemiah D. Kelley, W. Master
  • Bro. Joseph K. Baker Jr., S. Warden
  • Bro. William E. Ansel, J. Warden
  • Bro. Remark Chase, Treasurer
  • Bro. Anthony Kelley Jr., Secretary
  • Bro. Samuel D. Chase, S. Deacon
  • Bro. Barnabus W. Eldridge, J. Deacon
  • Bro. Doane Kelley Jr., Tyler

Closing prayer by Bro. Henry Briggs

Then adjourned below for half an hour while the tables were prepared, then called all to refreshments, after satisfying the bodies, listened to intellectual feasts from our Rt. W. M. and a number more until late into the night.

Attest: Anthony Kelley Jr. Secretary.

A complete list of the Masters of Mount Horeb Lodge is included in the history given in 1929 and we now add the following who have served since then.

R.W. Nathan D. Eldridge was Master in 1929, when we observed our 75th Anniversary. He also served in 1930 and again in 1945.

  • R.W. Owen B. Murray, 1931-32
  • Wor. Brant D. Ellis, 1933-34
  • Wor. Henry B. Enos, 1935-36
  • Wor. William C. Kelley, 1937-38
  • Wor. Emmons H. Bradford, 1939-40
  • Wor. Horace K. Hentz, 1941-42
  • Wor. John A. Turner, 1943-44
  • R. W. Dean S. Sears, 1946-47
  • Wor. George R. Foss, 1948-49
  • Wor. Frederick A. Eldridge, Jr., 1950
  • Wor. Benjamin P. Chase, 1951
  • Wor. Earl L. Small, 1952-53
  • Wor. David Chase, 1954- our present Master

There are fifteen living Past Masters.

Forty-seven Masters have served since the constitution of the Lodge: 7 served one year, 37 served two years, 6 served three years, and Wor. Ozias C. Baker was Master for 1865-66-67 and again for 1869-70-71-72. He undoubtedly wanted to rest in 1868!

Twenty-five have served the Lodge in the office of Secretary, usually for one or two years. Bro. Hayward served 18 years, Bro. Benjamin F. Sears, 25 years, and our present Secretary, Wor. Brother Bradford has held that office for 5 years.

At the time of our 75th Anniversary, the membership was 191 and as of September 1, 1954, we had 219.

Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean and a number of Grand Officers were present in 1929. Since that time, Most Worshipful Curtis Chipman conducted a St. John's Day Service, and Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg raised our County Sheriff in November, 1947. Most Worshipful Roger Keith, Most Worshipful Thomas S. Roy and our present Grand Master have visited our lodge-room at joint meeting of the 15th and 36th Lodges of Instruction.

The past twenty-five years have seen the arrival and passing of depression and war, and we have continued, carrying forward as we understand them, the teachings of our beloved Fraternity.

A hundred years have passed since a small group formed our Lodge. The world has changed much in that period, but Freemasonry continues forward with renewed strength in the hearts of men. We may hope that a hundred years hence the Brethren will gather to review the days we have lived and what small contributions we may have made toward the furtherance of man's eternal Quest for light and the understanding thereof.

OTHER

  • 1877 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1877-155; 1877-209)
  • 1880 (Jurisdictional ruling, 1880-8; 1880-70)
  • 1896 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1896-379)
  • 1901 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1901-31, 1901-101)
  • 1907 (Complaint on jurisdiction, 1907-94)
  • 1924 (Participation in Hyannis cornerstone laying, 1924-371)
  • 1956 (Participation in cornerstone laying, 1956-330)

EVENTS

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 4, January 1857, Page 128:

The officers of Mt. Horeb Lodge at West Harwich, Mass , were installed on the evening of the 25th Dec.; after which the Brethren united in a Christmas' Supper together. The ceremony of installation was performed by the P. M. Brother N. D. Kelley. The principal officers are—

  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr., W. M.
  • Samuel D. Chase, S. W.
  • B. W. Edridge, J. W.
  • E. G. Deane, Treas.
  • W. A. Ansell, Sec.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 4, January 1858, Page 126:

West Harwich, Mass., Dec. 23, 1857.

The officers elect and members of Mount Horeb Lodge, viz. : —

  • Joseph K. Baker, Jr., W. M.
  • Anthony K. Chase, S. W.
  • Elbridge G. Doane, J. W.
  • Anthony Kelley, Treas.
  • Wm. E. Ansell, Sec.
  • N. D. Kelley, S. D.
  • E. F. Taylor, J. D.
  • Doane Kelley, Jr., S. S.
  • Caleb R. Kelley, J. S.
  • Thomas Snow, Mar.
  • Josiah C. Eldridge, Chap.
  • James B. Baker, Tyler

— met, with their wives and visiting Brethren, at their Lodge-room, at half-past 6 o'clock, P. M. — numbering about ninety.

The exercises were in order as follows : — Prayer by the Rev. Davis Lothrop, — installation Ode, by the Choir, — installation of officers by Brother N. D. Kelley, P. Master, assisted by our W. M. Joseph K. Baker, Jr., — Address by the Past M. and singing by the Choir. The exercises and ceremonies were performed in a most interesting manner according to the usages of the Fraternity. The address of the P. M. was most excellent and instructive, more especially to the members of the Lodge. There was a large number of visitors present, who manifested much interest in the per formances of the evening. At the conclusion of which, all were invited to take seats at the table, where an excellent collation was spread for their refreshment, and to which they were welcomed by Brother Joseph K. Baker, W. Master, who presided at the table to the satisfaction of all present. At the conclusion of which our Brother N. D. Kelley, Past Master, was first called up by the presiding officer, who delivered an eloquent and highly practical address. A number of the Brethren were also called up, who did justice to themselves and honor to the occasion. The evening was enlivened by the presence of the ladies.

-- W. E. A.

MASONIC FESTIVAL, JANUARY 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 4, February 1860, Page 128:

West Harwich, January 26. — The members o[ Mount Horeb Lodge held a Masonic Festival at their Lodge room on Wednesday evening, Jan. 26. Alter listening to a number of beautiful pieces of music from the Harwich Brass Band, the W. Master, Brother A. D. Chase, welcomed the company present, consisting of sixty Brethren with their wives, and the wives of the absent Brethren — numbering in all about one hundred and twenty-five — in a brief but appropriate address, after which the company sat down to a beautifully and richly spread table At the conclusion of the ceremonies at the table, consisting of speeches and toasts from the Brethren present, the tables were removed and the hall was cleared for dancing, and the company passed a few pleasant hours in that agreeable and healthful amusement The music by the Band was excellent, and the occasion was acknowledged to be one of the pleasantest ever enjoyed by the members of the Lodge.

- B.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 5, March 1866, Page 192:

Mt. Horeb Lodge — South Dennis, Feb'y 5th, 1862.

On the 18th of Dec. the following Brothers were installed as officers of Mount Horeb Lodge West Harwich, for the ensuing year:—

  • V. B. Nickerson, W. M.
  • E. F. Taylor, S. W.
  • J. B. Baker, J. W.
  • Anthony Kelly, Treasurer
  • M. S. Underwood, Secretary
  • J. K. Baker, Jr., S. D.
  • O. C. Baker, J. D.
  • A. K. Chase, Mar.
  • E. G. Doane, Chaplain
  • I. S. Baker, S. S.
  • B. C. Sturgis, J. S.
  • Elisha Mayo, Tyler.

The Installation services were conducted in a manner highly creditable to those who participated in their performance, and the condition of the Lodge bath as regards toe character of its work, and its success is highly prosperous.

At nearly all our communications for the
past year we have had some work, but while
we are glad to receive worthy accessions,
to our Lodge, we are (or should be at least,)
more desirous that the Brethren should faith
fully discharge all the duties their Masonic 
obligations impose upon them; for we are
only truly prosperous when we are truly
 faithful.

M. S. U., Sec.

HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXV, No. 4, February 1866, Page 128:

The M. W. Grand Master dedicated a new hall for Day Spring Lodge at Monson on the 22d, and another for Mt. Horeb Lodge at West Harwich on the 25th ult. Both halls, we understand, are neat and convenient structures, and well adapted to the purposes for which they are designed.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1877

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. I, No. 10, January 1878, Page 319:

The officers of Mount Horeb Lodge, and those of Sylvester Baxter Royal Arch Chapter were publicly installed on the evening of December 19th, by Wor. Past Master, and Past Grand High Priest Alfred F. Chapman assisted by Hon. Brother J. K. Baker, acting as Marshal. The Chapter has a large territorial jurisdiction, it being the central one of the three on Cape Cod. The circumstances being favorable, between three hundred and four hundred persons, Masons and their ladies, were present to witness the double ceremonies.

This was said to be the largest similar gathering yet held in West Harwich, where a strong Masonic interest prevails. The Lodge was organized December 13, 1855, and now has one hundred and forty members. Its officers are David Fisk, W. M.; Erastus Chase, S. W.; Nathaniel B. Snow, J. W.; Edwin F. Taylor, Treasurer; Samuel S. Baker, Secretary; Cyrus Crowell, S. D.; Josiah Paine, J. D.; George N. Munsell, Marshal; C. M. Hurlbut, Chaplain; Jonathan Buck, Organist; Allen S. Crowell, S. S.; Amos Wixon, J.S.; Frederick Cobb, Tyler.

The music, vocal and instrumental, was finely rendered by the organist, and the quartette of male and female voices. The tables were laid for the entire company in the hall below, and supplied abundantly with tempting food, prepared and contributed by the wives and daughters of the Masons composing these two prosperous and well regulated bodies. It was a gathering of friends ami neighbors, under the auspices of the Masonic Institution, out of which so much good has come, and from which so many kindnesses have been received, and freely acknowledged, by the enterprising sons ami daughters of Cape Cod.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1878

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. II, No. 10, January 1879, Page 320:

The Celebration of the Festival of St. John was observed in West Harwich by a public Installation of the Officers of the Lodge and Chapter, followed by a banquet and speeches. Although quite a snow storm prevailed, yet a large number of ladies and brethren were present, and the occasion was a social and pleasant one. Wor. Brother Alfred F. Chapman, Past Grand High Priest, was Installing officer, assisted by Bro. Erastus Chase, Past Master in the Lodge, and by R. W. Brother Hon. Joseph K. Baker in the Chapter. The Officers of Mt. Horeb Lodge are: David Fisk, W. M.; Erastus Chase, S. W.; Nathaniel B. Snow, J. W.; Edwin F. Taylor, Treasurer; Sylvester Baker, Secretary; C. M. Hurlbut, Chaplain; George N. Munsel, Marshal ; Cyrus Crowell, S. D.; J. Lincoln Baker, J. D.; John S. Handron S. S.; Allen S. Crowell, J. S.; Jonathan Buck, Organist; Frederic Cobb, Tyler.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1879

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. III, No. 11, February 1880, Page 351:

The members of Mt. Horeb Lodge and Sylvester Baxter R. A. Chapter, have come to regard it as a custom that both of these organizations shall have their officers installed publicly, so that their lady friends may annually witness the ceremonies. On these occasions people from neighboring towns, who are so fortunate as to be invited, gather with evident satisfaction to mingle with those of Harwich, and notwithstanding the heavy snowstorm which prevailed on the afternoon and evening of December 31, the Lodge room was well filled with the members and their guests. A handsomely printed order of exercises was provided, and well carried out. The singing was by a local quartette, and the installation was by Wor. Brother and Past Grand High Priest A. F. Chapman of Boston, assisted by Wor. John H. Lakin of the same city, who were entertained during their stay by the new Master of the Lodge, Bro. Erastus Chase. At the conclusion of the installation a collation was served. This was followed by a promenade concert; and the whole was concluded in the early hours of the New Year, The dancers, to the number of seventy-five couples or more, kept the floor of Ocean Hall, on the entrance story of the Masonic Building, well filled; and in consideration of the fact that they were so generally acquainted, the utmost sociability and good-will prevailed.

List of officers of Mt. Horeb Lodge. W. M., Erastus Chase; S. W., J. K. Baker; J. W., A. L. Ellis; Treas., E. F. Taylor; Sec., Sylvester Baker S. D., J. L. Baker; J. D., S. F. Baker; Mar., G. N. Munsell; Chap., O. C. Parker; S. S., William M. Rogers; J. S., J. W. Nickerson; Tyler, Frederick Cobb.

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1880

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. IV, No. 10, January 1881, Page 317:

The Freemasons of Harwich, Dennisport and vicinity, with their ladies, to the number of three hundred persons, assembled in the Masonic apartments in West Harwich on Thursday evening, Dec. 16th, to witness the public installation of the officers of Mt. Horeb Lodge and Sylvester Baxter R. A. Chapter. The services were conducted by Wor. Brother and Past Grand High Priest Alfred F. Chapman of Boston, the Hon. Joseph K. Baker acting as Marshal, and the Rev. C. H. Hickok officiating as Chaplain. The several odes and hymns were sung by a quartette with good effect, and the whole ceremony was regarded with much interest. At the close a collation was served, most of which was cooked and contributed by the ladies of the members. After this was disposed of, the tables were cleared from the lower hall, and dancing for about three hours was indulged in by the oldest as well as the youngest of the company, under the management of Dr. G. N. Munsell, N. B. Burgess, Cyrus Crowell, and J. L. Baker.

The officers of the Lodge are: W. M., Erastus Chase; S. W., J. K. Baker; J. W. N. B. Snow; Treas., Luther Fisk; Sec., Sylvester Baker; S. D., J. L. Baker; J. D. Frederick Cobb; Mar., David Fisk; Chap., G. N. Munsell; S. S., Erastus Nickerson ; J. S., N. B. Burgess; Tyler, Barker H. Nickerson.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1854: District 8

1867: District 15 (Barnstable)

1883: District 28 (Barnstable)

1911: District 32 (Provincetown)

1927: District 32 (Provincetown)

2003: District 21


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges