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MOUNT MORIAH LODGE (Westfield)

Location: Westfield

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 12/12/1856 V-65

Precedence Date: 02/12/1856

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Patrick H. Boise, 1856, 1857
  • William A. Johnson, 1858, 1859
  • Henry B. Lewis, 1860, 1861
  • Isaac N. Weston, 1862, 1863
  • Lucius B. Walkley, 1864
  • John M. Mosely, 1865, 1877, 1878
  • George W. Turner, 1866, 1875
  • Millard L. Robinson, 1867-1869
  • Charles A. Pierce, 1870, 1871
  • Lyman W. Phelps, 1872-1875
  • Stephen B. Cook, 1876, 1877
  • 1879??
  • James A. Lakin, 1880-1881
  • William B. Cornwall, 1882-1884
  • Olin C. Towle, 1885-1887
  • George W. Waterman, 1888-1890
  • Leonard W. Steiner, 1891-1892
  • William F. Carson, 1893
  • William H. Farnsworth, 1894-1895; Mem
  • Ernest Crowson, 1896-1897
  • William L. Bartlett, 1898-1899
  • James R. Savery, 1900
  • Herbert W. Kittredge, 1901
  • Arthur C. Mosely, 1902
  • William A. Flouton, 1903
  • Harry M. Gowdy, 1904
  • Ernest F. Schmidt, 1905
  • William E. Gibbs, 1906; Mem
  • Charles H. Clark, 1907
  • Frederick H. Scott, 1908
  • Harris B. Moulton, 1909
  • Frederick J. Tooke, 1910
  • George H. Cushing, 1911
  • J. Harry Johnson, 1912
  • Charles B. Wilson, 1913
  • George E. Robinson, 1914
  • Nelson B. Richardson, 1915
  • Clarence A. Brodeur, 1916
  • George J. Tucker, 1917
  • Raymond H. Cowing, 1918
  • James Cornish Taylor, 1919
  • Frank Norman Strickland, 1920
  • Malcolm Bennett Harding, 1921
  • Frank L. Merrill, 1922
  • Stanley L. Plaice, 1923
  • Milton F. Gardner, 1924
  • Robert P. McMahon, 1925
  • Edgar Fielding, 1926
  • Stanley M. Healey, 1927
  • Arthur B. Long, 1928
  • Raymond G. Barnes, 1929
  • Ray T. Bryant, 1930
  • Andrew A. MacDonald, 1931
  • Oscar C. Baker, 1932
  • Archie J. Agan, 1933; N
  • Raymond H. MacNulty, 1934
  • Harold Whittemore, 1935
  • J. Chambers Dewey, Elected 9/4/1935, Deceased 9/24/1935
  • Merle F. Miles, 1936
  • George W. Roraback, 1937
  • W. Alfred McGilpin, 1938
  • Clarence J. Hills, 1939
  • Irving C. Barnes, 1940
  • Paul E. Brodeur, 1941; N
  • Stanley A. Burke, 1942
  • Bemis P. Wood, 1943
  • Ralph D. Neth, 1944
  • Leolyn F. Speare, 1945
  • Albert K. Cormier, 1946
  • Albert G. Prince, 1947
  • Ralph R. Roberts, 1948
  • Albert L. MacLean, 1949
  • William Farr, 1950
  • George A. Jacobson, 1951
  • Henry S. Wackerbath, 1952
  • Raymond C. Smith, 1953
  • Arnold T. Wiggin, 1954; SN
  • Richard E. Chandler, 1955
  • Ray L. Bartlett, Jr., 1956; SN
  • Daniel J. Quimby, 1957
  • James Hague, 1958
  • Irving F. Kohrs, 1959
  • Roger H. Perry, 1960
  • James W. Myco, 1961
  • Gordon J. Smith, 1962
  • Martin J. Morrow, 1963
  • Thurmond P. Woodbury, 1964
  • Elmer M. White II, 1965
  • Frederick S. Richer, 1966
  • Dexter R. Hatch, Sr., 1967
  • Virgil W. Liberty, 1968; PDDGM
  • Charles M. Arnold, Jr., 1969
  • Reynolds Earl LaBay, 1970
  • Walter Ducoff, 1971
  • Luman S. Wood, Jr., 1972
  • Roger A. Page, 1973
  • Joseph A. Hoyt, 1974
  • Charles H. Darling, 1975
  • Richard A. Burt, 1976
  • Ernest R. Burt, 1977
  • Herbert W. Mogul, Jr., 1978
  • Joseph H. Hopp, 1979
  • James F. Adams, 1980
  • Richard L. Elliott, 1981
  • John R. Paluch, Sr., 1982
  • 'Wilfred J. Duplaise, 1983
  • James Ballantyne, 1984
  • Philip F. Zych, 1985; PDDGM
  • Donald H. Lockwood, 1986
  • Robert B. Betts, 1987
  • George H. Chapdelaine, Sr., 1988
  • Fred E. Barber, 1989, 1990
  • John F. Greaves, Sr., 1991
  • Roland H. Tetrault, 1992
  • Donald E. Keene, Sr., 1993; SN
  • Richard A. Incorvati, 1994
  • Howard A. Loehn, 1995
  • Gregory G. Daulplaise Sr., 1996
  • David H. Gile, 1997
  • William de Forest, 1998
  • Mark A. Stewart, 1999
  • Dennis R. Yefko, 2000
  • Robert A. Simmons Jr., 2001
  • George A. Iwasykiw, 2002
  • Lawrence A. Oakland, III, 2003
  • Robert D. Fife, 2004, 2006
  • Richard W. Noble, 2005
  • Scott A. Rogers, 2007-2009; DDGM
  • Joseph A. McGavin, 2010
  • Daniel F. Melbourne, 2011
  • William D. Crawford, III, 2012
  • Taidgh Buckley, 2013

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • 1856 (Petition for dispensation, 02/12; Westfield)
  • 1856 (Petition for Charter, 12/10; granted.)
  • 1993 (Restoration of Charter, 12/08)
    • 1993-132: Grand Master: "The charter of Mount Moriah Lodge was temporaily suspended in July to investigate allegations . . . effective today I am restoring their charter with certain restrictions."

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1906 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1956 (100th Anniversary)
  • 2006 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1874 1875 1877 1878 1889 1901 1903 1905 1912 1914 1925 1926 1927 1931 1937 1942 1946 1949 1953 1957 1963 1967 1974 1975 1978 1979 1982 1988 1989 1990 1993 2001

HISTORY

  • 1956 (Centennial History, 1956-44)
  • 1987 (History at Mortgage Burning, 1987-71; see below)
  • 2006 (150th Anniversary History, 2006-16; see below)

HISTORY AT MORTGAGE BURNING, JUNE 1987

From Proceedings, Page 1987-71:

Brief History of Mount Moriah Lodge, 1956-1987
By Brother Ralph E. Cortis.

The name Mount Moriah is attributable to its connection with the Temple of Solomon. According to the prophet Isaiah, the Temple of Solomon was built upon ""Mount Moriah. the mountain of the Lord's house." Mount Moriah is by no means the most popular name of Masonic lodges, being outnumbered by lodges with names, or variations of names such as St. John's, King Solomon. King Hiram. Doric, and Ionic. There are lodges by the name of Mount Moriah, or variations thereof, in thirty-seven Grand Jurisdictions of the United States and eight Grand Jurisdictions in other countries. The oldest lodge bearing the name dates back to England in 1754.

In Westfield, Mount Moriah Lodge of Masons was formed February 12, 1856, by ten Brethren: one from Mount Tom Lodge: one from Apollo Lodge in Suffield. Connecticut, and eight from Hampden Lodge. They first met in the rooms of Woronoco Lodge of Odd Fellows on Broad Street at the location of the old U.S. Post Office. The first By-Laws were adopted on December 3, 1856. and a charter was granted on December 12. 1856, by Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis. Grand Master.

Two years later, on June 10, 1858, the lodge moved into Harrison's Hall, over the store of Snow and Hayes Dry Goods near the Park Square Hotel on Elm Street. This lease lasted twelve years. On June 3, 1868, the lodge voted that "the trustees be instructed to purchase from D.L. Gillett, the second lot from Arnold Street on Elm Street." A building committee was appointed and a building erected with Darwin Lathrop Gillett. he taking the southern half, and the lodge the northern portion.

On June 24, 1869, St. John's Day. the cornerstone was laid, and in the following year, 1870. also on St. John's Day, the building was dedicated. The dedication was preceded by a parade through town. Several area Masonic bodies and bands took part in the parade and dedication. Following the ceremonies, a concert was held in the park which was well attended by the townspeople.

The total cost of the building, with furnishings, was $22,503.25. The building stood at the coiner of Arnold and Elm Street, the present location of the Westfield Gas and Electric Company.

Although the lodge grew steadily in numbers, there seemed to have been a financial stress for the next twenty years. The cost of a new building and the Grand Lodge levy, in 1867. of a dollar a year per member was a burden on the young and struggling lodge. Finally, on January 4, 1888, forty-seven members contributed the remaining $280.(X) to pay off all debts. Eight years later, on March 11, 1896. fire broke out near the furnace in the basement. The building, furnishings, and portraits of Past Masters were completely destroyed. The only thing that was not destroyed was the safe containing lodge records.

The Metacomet Tribe of Red Men offered Mount Moriah the use of their quarters in the Lane and Loomis block on Elm Street. In February of 1897, the lodge moved again into the Parks Block, which in later years was known as the Professional Building. The lodge met here for ten years when on April 24. 1907. their quarters were again heavily damaged by fire, with $73,000.00 damage to the building. Lodge meetings were then held in the Odd Fellows Hall.

On July 15, 1908, the Westfield Masonic Association purchased property on Elm and Chapel Street from the First Universalist Church. The purchase included the church building, organ, heating apparatus, and gas fixtures. The association remodeled the building and it was considered one of the best equipped Masonic temples in the state. At the time. Mount Moriah Lodge had approximately 300 members.

The Temple was dedicated on September 15, 1909 (1909 Mass. 111-113). Masonic-bodies at this time were: Mount Moriah Lodge A. F. & A. M., instituted on February 12, 1856, and chartered on December 12, 1856: Evening Star Royal Arch Chapter. instituted on June 8, 1871: and Golden Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, organized in 1873. Westfield Council, Royal and Select Masters, was instituted in 1915.

Mount Moriah met in these quarters for the next 54 years. Membership grew from 300. in 1910. to about 600. in 1956, with some reduction in new applicants and an increase in delinquencies during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The 100th Anniversary of Mount Moriah Lodge was held on February II, 1956, with Most Worshipful Whitfield W. Johnson. Grand Master, and his suite of Grand Officers as guests (1956 Mass. 42-54). Included in the festivities was the reading by Right Worshipful Paul E. Brodeur of his history of Mount Moriah Lodge covering the first 100 years. After the Grand Lodge ceremonies, the Brethren adjourned to the Methodist Church where about 300 people enjoyed a bounteous turkey dinner prepared by the women of the church.

In 1963, the building at Elm and Chapel Streets was sold to Westfield Savings Bank and razed to make room for a new bank which stands on that site to this day.

The Westfield Masonic Association purchased the Sanford home at 72 Broad Street on May 19, 1961. from Mary Ruth Sanford for a price of $44,000.00 with possession by December 31, 1961. Portions of the building were remodeled and a large addition was built to the rear for a lodge room upstairs and a dining room downstairs. The dedication and laying of the cornerstone was held June 15, 1963, with the presence of the full suite of the Grand Master. Most Worshipful A. Neill Osgood of Wellesley (1963 Mass. 158-161). Mount Moriah Lodge remains a very active lodge and enjoys one of the best Masonic buildings in the area.

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, FEBRUARY 2006

From Proceedings, Page 2006-16:

Compiled by Brother Ralph E. Cortis, Lodge Historian
and Read by R. W. Phillip F. Zych

The name "Mount Moriah" is attributable to its connection with the Temple of Solomon. According to the prophet Isaiah, the Temple of Solomon was built upon Mount Moriah, "the mountain of the Lord's house". Mount Moriah is by no means the most popular name of Masonic Lodges, being outnumbered by lodges with names such as St. John's Lodge, King Solomon, King Hiram, Doric, and Ionic. There are Lodges by the name of Mount Moriah, or variations, in thirty-seven Grand jurisdictions of the United States, and eight Grand jurisdictions in other countries. The oldest Lodge bearing the name dates back to England in 1754.

In Westfield, Mount Moriah Lodge Masons was formed February 12, 1856 by ten brethren: One from Mt. Tom Lodge, one from Apollo Lodge in Suffield Connecticut and eight from Hampden Lodge. They first met in the rooms of Woronco Lodge of Odd Fellows on Broad Street, the location of the old Post Office. The first By-Laws were adopted on December 3, 1856 and a Charter was granted December 12, 1856 by M. W. Grand Master Winslow Lewis.

Two years later, on June 10, 1858, the Lodge moved into Harrison's Hall, over the store of Snow and Hayes Dry Goods store near the Park Square Hotel on Elm Street. The lease lasted twelve years. On June 3, 1868, the lodge voted that " The Trustees be instructed to purchase from D.L. Gilbert, he taking the southern half, and the Lodge, the Northern portion.

On June 24, 1869, St. John's Day, the cornerstone was laid, and in the following year, 1870, also on St. John's Day, the building was dedicated. The dedication was preceded by a parade through town. Several area Masonic bodies and bands took part in the parade and dedication. Following the ceremonies, a concert was held at the park which was well attended by the townspeople.

The total cost of the building, with furnishings, was $22,503.25. The building stood at the corner of Arnold and Elm Streets, the present location of Westfield Gas and Electric Company.

Although the Lodge grew steadily in numbers, there seemed to have been a financial stress for the next twenty years. The cost of the new building and the Grand Levy, in 1867, of a dollar a year per member was a burden on the young and struggling Lodge. Finally, on January 4, 1888, forty-seven members contributed the remaining $280.00 to pay off all debts. Eight years later fire broke out near the furnace in the basement. The building, furnishings, and portraits of Past Masters, were completely destroyed. The only thing that was not destroyed was the safe containing Lodge records.

The Metacomet Tribe of Red Men offered Mount Moriah the use of their quarters in the Lane and Loomis block on Elm Street. In February of 1897, the Lodge moved again into the Paris block, which in later years was known as the Professional Building. The Lodge met here for ten years when on April 24, 1908 their quarters were damaged by fire, with $75,000 damage to the building. The Lodge meetings were then held at Odd Fellows Hall.

On July 15, 1908, the Westfield Masonic Association purchased property on Elm and Chapel Streets from the First Universalist Church. The purchase included the church building, organ, heating apparatus, and gas fixtures. The Association remodeled the building and it was considered one of the best equipped Masonic Temples in the state. At the time, Mount Moriah had approximately 300 members.

The various Masonic bodies held dedication services on September 15, 16, and 17, 1909. Masonic bodies at the time were: Mount Moriah Lodge A.F. & A.M., instituted on February 12, 1856 and chartered on December 12, 1856; Evening Star Royal Arch Chapter, instituted June 8, 1871; and Golden Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, organized in 1873. Westfield Council Royal and Select Masters was instituted in 1915. Mount Moriah met in these quarters for the next 54 years. Membership grew from 300 in 1910 to about 600 in 1956, with some reduction in new applicants and an increase in delinquencies during the Great Depression of the 1930's.

The 100th anniversary of Mount Moriah was held on February 11, 1956 with Most Worshipful Grand Master Whitfield W. Johnson and his suite of Grand Officers as guests. Included in the festivities was a reading by R. W. Paul E. Brodeur of his history of Mount Moriah Lodge covering the first 100 years. After the Grand Lodge ceremonies, the brethren adjourned to the Methodist Church where about 300 people enjoyed a bounteous turkey dinner prepared by the women of the church.

In 1963, the building on Elm and Chapel Streets was sold to Westfield Savings Bank and was razed to make way for a new bank which stands on that site to this day.

The Westfield Masonic Association purchased the Sanford home at 72 Broad Street on May 19, 1961 from Mary Ruth Sanford for a price of $44,000 with possession by December 31, 1961. Portions of the building were remodeled and a large addition was built to the rear for a Lodge room upstairs and a dining room downstairs. The dedication and laying of the cornerstone was held June 15, 1963, with the presence of the full suite of Grand Lodge led by Most Worshipful Grand Master A. Neal Osgood of Wellesley.

Mount Moriah Lodge remains a very attractive Lodge and enjoys one of the best Masonic buildings in the area.

OTHER

  • 1858 (Hall Dedication, 06/24; by Rt. Wor. F. Weston)
  • 1886 (Resolution of dispute with Hampden Lodge regarding jurisdiction over a rejected candidate)
  • 1924 (Springfield, Corner-stone laying for a Masonic Temple, 06/24; Special Communication)
  • 1937 (Reduction of fees refused, 09/08)
  • 1937 (Reduction of fees approved, 12/08)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 3, January 1858, Page 96:

The annual meeting of this flourishing Lodge, which now numbers some sixty members, was held on the 2d Dec., and the following Brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year : —

  • P. H. Boise, W. M. ;
  • Wm. A. Johnson, S. W. ;
  • A. Campbell, 2d, J. W. ;
  • Samuel Dow, Treas. ;
  • C. H. Rand, Sec.;
  • Deac. Josiah S. Knowles, Chaplain;
  • H. K. Daniels, S. D ;
  • L. B. Walkley, J D. ;
  • Geo. LaBin and I. N. Weston, Stewards ,
  • H. N. Carter, Tyler.

At a Special Communication, held on the evening of the 4th Dec., the above named officers were installed by Past Master P H. Boise.

HALL DEDICATION, JUNE 1870

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIX, No. 10, August 1870, Page 315:

This new and elegant Hall of Mount Moriah Lodge was dedicated by the Grand Lodge of this State on Friday, the 24th of June, on which occasion there was a public parade of the Lodges in the neighboring towns, under escort of the Springfield Commandery of Knights Templars. The occasion was one of marked interest, and, we do not doubt, gratification, not only to the brethren participating in it, but to the hundreds of spectators who witnessed and greeted the procession as it passed along the streets of the town. The following is a description of the Hall: —

The ante-room, which is quite large, 20 by 18 feet, and neatly carpeted, is fitted up with black-walnut hat and coat racks, and other modern conveniences.

Adjoining this room is a banquet hall 35 by 20 feet, with a carpet of a tasty green pattern, a reception room 25 feet squnre, and a kitchen 20 by 25 feet containing sink, wash-room, pantry, etc., The Lodge room proper, is a really magnificent apartment, 60 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 18 feet high. The first thing which attracts the eye of the visitor is the frescoing executed by Strauss of Boston. The colors are warm, yet not glaring, and the Masonic designs and emblems traced by skillful and artistic hands. The furniture consists of about thirty settees of black walnut upholstered with imperial green rep.

Black-walnut chairs for the officers, of a peculiar pattern, are covered with crimson velvet, and the altar, handsomely carved in black walnut, is covered with the same material.


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