NoddlesIsland

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NODDLE'S ISLAND LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 09/14/1921 1921-267

Precedence Date: 09/29/1920

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Adelphi Lodge to form Adelphi-Noddle's Island Lodge, 06/22/1982. Now a part of Moses Michael Hays Lodge.


PAST MASTERS

  • Edward G. Graves, 1920, 1921, 1922
  • George L. Doloff, 1923, 1924; N
  • John S. Nichols, 1925, 1926
  • Percy H. Callback, 1927, 1928
  • Archie V. Felton, 1929, 1930
  • Alden W. Sprague, 1931
  • Frederick Bustin, 1932, 1933
  • William H. Bibby, 1934, 1935
  • Pierce B. Bennett, 1936, 1937
  • Reginald V. Roberts, 1938
  • George E. Giles, 1939, 1940
  • Melvin V. Weldon, 1941, 1942; N
  • Milton J. Segal, 1943, 1944; N
  • Barnett N. Samuels, 1945, 1946
  • Hyman K. Mintz, 1947, 1948
  • Ralph E. Greenslade, 1949
  • David E. Rosen, 1950
  • David Goldberg, 1951
  • Philip Movitz, 1952
  • Arthur B. Savel, 1953; N
  • Myron R. Boraks, 1954
  • Irving Hurwitz, 1955
  • Ralph T. Sobel, 1956
  • Morris A. Leven, 1957
  • John I. Packer, 1958
  • Sidney Shapiro, 1959
  • Milton S. Bornstein, 1960
  • Burton Samuels, 1961
  • Ralph S. Cohen, 1962; N
  • Joseph G. Bramberg, 1963
  • Alan Rogovin, 1964
  • Jerome A. Packer, 1965
  • Sidney Kaplan, 1966
  • Martin A. Samuels, 1967
  • M. Mark Klein, 1968; N
  • Joseph Silvey, 1969
  • Louis Roberts, 1970
  • David Izen, 1971
  • Alan H. Klein, 1972
  • Marvin H. Cohen, 1973, 1979
  • Thomas A. Jones, 1974
  • Joseph I. Stone, 1975; N
  • Myron D. Cohen, 1976
  • Morris Stone, 1977
  • Jordan B. Cohen, 1978
  • Ira Smith, 1980
  • Murray A. Kane, 1981
  • Jack L. Zimmerman, 1982; N

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1920
  • Petition for Charter: 1921
  • Consolidation Petition (with Adelphi Lodge): 1982

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1945 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1970 (50th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

  • 1921 (Prince; Constitution of Lodge and installation; Special Communication)
  • 1945 (Wragg; 25th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1966 (Booth; installation)
  • 1970 (Jaynes; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1982 (Berquist; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1924 1927 1928 1933 1937 1941 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1954 1955 1956 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1968 1973 1977 1981 1982

HISTORY

  • 1945 (25th Anniversary History, 1945-324; see below)
  • 1970 (50th Anniversary History, 1970-444; see below)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-324:

By Right Worshipful George L. Dolloff.

Mindful that the span of Freemasonry extends back to at least 4000 B.C., and that therefore the twenty-five year history of Noddle's Island Lodge occupies but an infinitesimal part thereof, yet we here proudly present the record of our Lodge, not only the individual achievements, but also its corporate contributions to ancient Craft Masonry.

Throughout this quarter century, the basic teachings and tenets of Freemasonry, brotherly love and affection have been practiced and have predominated in the Lodge as brothers of many creeds, sects and opinions have dwelt together in peace and harmony within its jurisdiction.

Thus, with a full measure of God's blessings, Noddle's Island Lodge has attained its Silver Anniversary, and with humble satisfaction, we survey these five and twenty years of accomplishments.

1920

Forty-seven Master Masons gathered in the East Boston Temple at eight o'clock on the evening of June 4th in answer to a regular summons sent them by Right Worshipful Edward George Graves, Past Master of Baalbec Lodge, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 3rd Chelsea Masonic District, Past Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and permanent member of the Grand Lodge.

They represented a majority of ninety-one Master Masons who had petitioned the Grand Lodge to form a new Lodge in East Boston, since the three Lodges that then occupied the Temple had found themselves overburdened with work, and Mount Tabor Lodge already was contemplating transfer to the Boston Temple.

Right Worshipful Brother Graves explained this need, after calling the Lodge to order, and appointed Worshipful Henry A. MacDonald, Past and Presiding Master of Temple Lodge, to act as Secretary until the proper and permanent officers should be duly elected. Election of the first three officers of the Lodge then being the first order of business, Brother William G. Collyer moved that the Secretary pro tern cast one ballot for R. W. Brother Graves as first Master of the Lodge.

Wor. Brother William S. Barker then moved nomination of Brother George L. Dolloff as Senior Warden and Wor. Brother MacDonald followed with the nomination of Brother Henry F. J. Klagge as Junior Warden. Both were elected unanimously.

The slate of elective officers was completed when the Brethren present concurred in the nominations of Wor. Brother MacDonald as Secretary and Wor. Brother Justin A. Duncan as Treasurer.

Unanimity, however, did not prevail when it came time to give the new Lodge a name. Indeed, the name Noddle's Island, after the ancient designation for East Boston, was accepted by a single vote. Noddle's Island was the suggestion of Brother John Edward Lynch; East Boston was suggested by Brother John A. Campbell; Crusader was the choice of Wor. Brother Edward H. Morse; Truth or Ancient Mystery were suggested by Wor. Brother MacDonald; Island by Brother E. Coleman Brown; Service by Brother John S. C. Nicholls; Protector by Brother Dolloff and Invincible by Brother Herbert M. Fowler. On the first, informal ballot, Truth and Noddle's Island each drew twelve votes; East Boston, six; Service, two and Ancient Mystery, one. With opinion still divided, although in good spirit, a formal ballot was cast, with Noddle's Island drawing seventeen votes to sixteen for Truth. Wor. Brother Graves thereupon declared Noddle's Island to be the choice.

Following further brotherly discussion, the sum of $10 was voted as an assessment on the charter members of Noddle's Island Lodge in order to give the new institution some working capital.

Before the meeting closed, Wor. Brother MacDonald read the form of a letter to be sent to the thirty-five Lodges in the District asking approval for the granting of a dispensation, since under the Grand Lodge, approval of two-thirds of the district member Lodges was required.

The Brethren of Noddle's Island Lodge also voted unanimously to have regularly scheduled meetings on the second Monday of each month, on motion of Worshipful Brother MacDonald, since that would not conflict with any of the other Lodges meeting in the East Boston Temple.

That the other Lodges in the district welcomed Noddle's Island Lodge into their councils was evident from the dispatch with which the two-thirds approval was granted, for the institution meeting was held on October 11th, just one month after most Lodges resumed after the summer hiatus.

The night of October 11, 1920, was the first of many memorable nights for the vigorous young Lodge, and those who have received the degrees there since trust that they have carried out the lofty aspirations of the founding Brothers.

The meeting was called to order by R. W. Willis W. Stover, District Deputy Grand Master, under whose direction Wor. Bro, Walter H. Cox, District Deputy Grand Marshal, read the dispensation of Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. This dispensation set forth that Noddle's Island Lodge was empowered to transact any business that might regularly come before it, until the third quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge in September, 1921. It set forth further that R. W. Edward George Graves had been appointed Master, Bro. George Llewellyn Dolloff, Senior Warden, and Bro. Henry Frederick James Klagge, Junior Warden.

The first three officers of the Lodge were then duly installed in office by R.W. Brother Stover and Wor. Bro. Cox. R. W. Brother Graves assumed his station in the East by opening the Lodge on the Third Degree in Freemasonry. His first act thereafter was to name his appointive officers. These were:

  • Bro. George Henry Carter, Chaplain
  • Wor. Roy Walter Pigeon, Marshal
  • Bro. Henry Lynch, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. Irving Burt Coburn, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. John Samuel C. Nicholls, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Percy Harold Callbeck, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Archie Van Stone Felton, Inside Sentinel
  • Bro. John Henry Ripley, Organist
  • Bro. Irwin Clarke, Tyler

Wor. Brother Duncan had previously been elected Treasurer and Wor. Brother MacDonald, Secretary. In the absence of the latter, through illness, however, Wor. Bro. William Smart Barker was elevated to the post.

The first official motion in the new Lodge was offered by the Senior Warden, Brother Dolloff, to the effect that the Secretary be instructed to write to Wor. Brother MacDonald, expressing the sympathy of the Lodge and extending best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. It was fitting, in a sense, that Brother Dolloff should make the first motion, since active participation in the Lodge and all its affairs was to be, and still is, typical of the Brother who now is our venerable and self-effacing Secretary. Indeed, were it not for his extreme modesty, the records in the archives of the Lodge might contain more of his good works than they do. Noddle's Island Lodge is grateful to the now Right Worshipful Brother Dolloff for his service, and appreciative of his many deeds. Not the least of these latter was his initiative in learning to operate a typewriter, for among the "now-it-may-be-told" stories, our Right Worshipful Brother was not cut out, by Nature, to be a penman. After Worshipful Brother Barker's fine handwriting in keeping the first records of the Lodge, it was, to put it mildly, something of a 47th Problem of Euclid to decipher secretary Dolloff's penmanship. Undaunted, however, he mastered the intricacies of the typewriter, and for that, the Ancient Craft, as it applies to Noddle's Island Lodge, is duly appreciative.

Young as the Lodge was, eight applications for membership were read at the first meeting, and eventually Ainsley Hooper Dodge, Ernest Lawrence Woodside, Charles Orlando Hardy, Frederick Albert Royal Mixon and Ernest Everett Bradley became the first class of Entered Apprentices to receive a part of the rights and benefits of Noddle's Island Lodge. They were initiated at the second regular communication, November 8, 1920, and Ainsley Hooper Dodge was the first candidate received.

Under dispensation in that first year, 11 regular and four special meetings were held and 38 applications were received. Of these, 35 were received as Entered Apprentices, 35 were passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft and 35 were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

1921

It was voted, on February 14, to have Noddle's Island Lodge become part owner of the East Boston Masonic Temple, but since the new organization lacked the necessary 51000, this sum was loaned without interest to the Lodge by Brother John Edward Lynch. Upon his death, the sum was bequeathed outright to Noddle's Island Lodge, and in his memory the Relief Fund was named for him. The twelfth regular communication, October 10th, was the occasion for which the Brethren had long been planning, for on that date, with Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, presiding, assisted by his Grand Officers, Noddle's Island Lodge became a regular and duly constituted member Lodge in Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry.

After the impressive and dignified ceremony prescribed by the ancient forms and customs, Most Worshipful Brother Prince installed Right Worshipful Brother Graves as Master of Noddle's Island Lodge. R. W. Frank E. Swain, Senior Grand Warden, installed Brother Dolloff as Senior Warden; R.W. William Riding, Junior Grand Warden, installed Brother Klagge in his corresponding station; R. W. Charles S. Robertson, acting Grand Treasurer, installed Wor. Brother Duncan; R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary, installed Wor. Brother Barker. Brother Perry Bush, Grand Chaplain, installed Brother Carter, and Worshipful Frank Dobson, Grand Marshal, installed Bro. Stephen E. Kirkpatrick. The appointive officers then were installed by Right Worshipful Claude L. Allen, Deputy Grand Master. These were: Brother Nicholls, Senior Deacon; Brother Coburn, Junior Deacon; Brother Callbeck, Senior Steward; Brother Felton, Junior Steward; Brother Alden W. Sprague, Inside Sentinel, and Brother Ripley, Organist.

It was an evening long to be remembered, and one that gave inspiration to the officers and members to make Noddle's Island Lodge a factor in making the community a better place in which to live.

Yet if the twelfth regular communication was an occasion to be remembered for the impressive dignity of the constituting ceremony, the thirteenth regular communication was memorable for its expression of the spirit of love, harmony and fraternity that prevails in the Third Chelsea Masonic District.

On that occasion, Noddle's Island Lodge was visited by Right Worshipful Frederic L. Putnam, Grand Lecturer, who introduced fifty Masters, Wardens and members of Lodges in the District. Following this, the Masters of each visiting Lodge came forward with a gift for Noddle's Island Lodge. R. W. Brother Putnam, with appropriate remarks, presented R. W. Brother Graves a ballot box on behalf of Temple Lodge. In succession, Faith Lodge presented the Wardens truncheons; Seaview Lodge supplied the Hour Glass, Twenty-four Inch Gauge, small Bible, Square and Compasses; Baalbec Lodge, the Three Great Lights; Star of Bethlehem, all the implements of Masonry, more particularly the Trowel; Robert Lash, Deacon's Rods; Henry Price, Trestle Board, Jewel of our Ancient Grand Master and Setting Maul; Hammatt Lodge, Officers' Collars; Winthrop Lodge, Senior Deacon's Working Tools; Mount Tabor Lodge, Tyler's Sword and Belt, and Wor. Frank T. Barron, Marshal's Baton.

1922

This year miked the elevation, on December 11th, of R.W. Brother Dolloff to the Oriental Station, the Lodge by this time numbering 152 Brethren. It is to be noted from the records that, as Senior Warden, he first occupied the Oriental Chair at the seventh regular communication, April 11, 1921, and that every year thereafter, he has sat in the East at least once, much to the pleasure and appreciation of the Brethren for his exemplary work.

Prior to that ceremony, the Lodge was honored by a visit from Right Worshipful Dudley Hayes Ferrell, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, on October 9, with other Lodges in the District being invited, and with more than 800 attending. This was the occasion of the first attempt to organize Service Committees in the Lodges, and R.W. Brother Ferrell's address was a stirring one that left a deep impression. So packed was the Lodge that night that only a narrow aisle between East and West was left open for the dispatch of business.

1923

February 12 brought the first visitation from an out-of-state Lodge, with Rising Sun Lodge No. 30 of East Providence, Rhode Island, providing the honor. The meeting was arranged through the long-time friendship of R.W. Brother Dolloff and Wor. Kirkland H. Wilson, Master of Rising Sun Lodge. Six hundred Brethren attended this meeting, which was highlighted by the exemplification, according to the Rhode Island ritual, of the Master Mason Degree.

The March meeting recorded a unanimous vote that the Worshipful Master be appointed a committee of one to take the ladies to a theatre party, the Lodge thereby demonstrating the trust it reposed in R.W. George L. Dolloff. This also marked the inauguration of Ladies Night.

1924

In this year, April 24, the Supreme Architect of the Universe called Bro. George H. Carter, our first Chaplain and a charter member, to the Celestial Lodge above. His passing occurred in Yokahoma, Japan, while on a special assignment for the Boston Globe.

The Lodge was greatly honored at the May meeting by a visit from Brother Governor Channing H. Cox, who was introduced by R.W. Edward C. R. Bagley, District Deputy Grand Master. The work of the evening was the Master Mason Degree, at the conclusion of which Brother Governor Cox accepted an invitation to deliver die Charge to the Candidates, one that will always be remembered by those who were present.

The November meeting brought a visitation from King Solomon's Lodge of Somerville, mother Lodge of the Worshipful Master. The visitors, under the direction of their Worshipful Master, Worshipful Warner R. Crowell, worked the Master Mason Degree with efficiency and excellence.

The December meeting likewise was an important occasion, for it signaled the end of R. W. Brother Dolloff's term in the East, and the yielding of the Gavel to Wor. Brother Felton. The Lodge, however, was not to lose the services of R. W. Brother Dolloff as an active officer, for at this meeting word was received that our first regular Secretary, Wor. Brother Barker would be unable to continue those duties because of his moving to Worcester. Consequently, R. W. Brother Dolloff yielded the Gavel only to take up the pen (and subsequently the typewriter) as Secretary, a position he since has filled with dignity, faithfulness and zeal,

1925

The Oriental Gavel this year was entrusted to the possession of Wor. Brother Nicholls, whose subsequent Master's report was a document rich in Masonic teaching. His term also was marked, at the September meeting, by a visitation from a group of Masons of Scottish birth, who performed the work of the evening in Highland costumes.

The inevitable Scythe of Time also was felt during this year, which saw the passing March 24 of Brother Henry F. J. Klagge, a charter member who had served the Lodge as Senior Warden.

During this term also, Veteran's Medals were presented to Brothers John Lynch and Ivory H. Staples, charter members.

1929

Worshipful Archie V. Felton was elevated to Master during these twelve months, which completed the first decade of Noddle's Island Lodge and saw the membership reach 199. This number, indeed, was a tribute to all the faithful work of the charter members who brought Noddle's Island Lodge into existence, for all the allegiance each of these Brethren owed to their own mother Lodges.

1930

The installation of Worshipful Alden W. Sprague was performed at the November meeting this year, at which time Everett C. Benton Lodge presented Noddle's Island Lodge a beautiful silk American Flag in token of the friendship and brotherly love existing among the East Boston Lodges. In this year also, R.W. Brother Dolloff presented the Lodge a new ballot box, which is in use to the present day.

1931

Significant of how short a time man is allowed upon earth was an incident of this opening of Noddle's Island Lodge's second decade. Worshipful Frederick Buston was installed as Master at the November meeting by his uncle, R. W. Edward George Graves, our first Worshipful Master. Yet, a week later, while visiting Everett C. Benton Lodge in his capacity as District Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Brother Graves was fatally stricken and died in the directors' room, virtually being called to higher duties while engaged in the earthly tasks he loved so well.

R.W. Brother Graves not only was the first Master of Noddle's Island Lodge, but he also was Past Master of Baalbec Lodge, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Third Chelsea Masonic District, Past Eminent Commander of William Parkman Commandery, Past Master of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Past Senior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and a 33d Degree Mason. He was buried from our Temple with Masonic honors, with a large and distinguished gathering of Masons in attendance. In his memory, the following hymn was written and dedicated by Wor. Brother Nicholls:

THE ROAD BEYOND
"I dream and am forgotten,
I think but to retain,
I act, and oh! the wonder of it,
My work doth return again
To leave my mark on Clay or brain."

Wor. Brother Nicholls also composed the following eulogy: "Brother Graves did dream for us, for us he did think and for our well-being he crystallized his dreams and thoughts by his work for Noddle's Island Lodge, and it, as well as each of us, have received the mark of that work."

1932

This year, as the one before it, was keynoted by relief work, with the Grand Lodge expending $372,000 for this, in addition to further amounts by individual Lodges. Noddle's Island dispensed with all expenditures for social occasions, what with so many Brethren and others being in distress from the world wide depression.

1933

This was the year in which Right Worshipful William Henry Bibbey was installed as Master. This Brother later, before his untimely passing, was to serve also as District Deputy Grand Marshal under R. W. Brother Dolloff as District Deputy Grand Master.

In this year, too, at the May meeting, Past Masters of the Lodge filled the stations and performed the work of the evening. It was during this same period, likewise, that visits were received and work performed by the orders of DeMolay and Rainbow, in which the Lodge had always been interested.

1935

During the administration of Worshipful Pierce B. Bennett, who was elected Master at the October meeting of this year, R.W. Brother Dolloff not only received his appointment as District Deputy Grand Master, but he also was installed Master of his mother Lodge, King Solomon's of Somerville, and at this latter occasion, a large delegation from Noddle's Island Lodge attended.

This administration further led to the formal institution of Ladies Night, which proved to be so successful that Father and Son's Night, and eventually, Family Nights were developed.

1937

A smooth and harmonious term set this year apart as the East was occupied by Worshipful Brother Reginald V. Roberts, under whose regime, R.W. Brother Dolloff paid frequent visits in his capacity as District Deputy Grand Master, his coming always guaranteeing the presence of illustrious suites of distinguished Masons. At this time, the membership had reached 239, and this number was reflected in the particularly successful annual Ladies Night.

The year, however, was not without sadness, for it brought the passing of R.W. Charles R. Barr, a charter member, who, however, had had the pleasure of raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason his grandson, Lt. Commander Ralph S. Greenslade, USNR, our present Junior Warden.

1938

Worshipful George E. Giles, who was to carry on the tradition of brotherly love and affection, was elevated to the East in this year, and as evidence of the esteem in which he was held, more than 300 attended this installation.

1939

The first annual Father, Sons and Daughters' Night was held at the May meeting and proved to be a gala occasion, setting a mark for succeeding administrations. Presiding Masters' Night was held at the June meeting and many eminent Masons were on hand to watch the work of the evening performed by them.

1940

At the June meeting of this year, it was announced that the Rev. Samuel L. Elberfield, our faithful Chaplain for 15 years, had been called to a new pastorate in the western part of the Commonwealth and no longer would be able to regularly attend meetings. Wor. Brother Giles delivered his valedictory at the October meeting, an address that ranks among the most eloquent in the lodge's history and fittingly marked the close of the second decade of Noddle's Island Lodge. Wor. Melvin V. Weldon began his effective administration before the year was out.

1941

The annual Father, Sons and Daughters' Night was held at the May meeting, under the able direction of Brother Howard Klein and was recorded as the best of such occasions to date. This later proved to have particular significance since this was the year in which the United States was forced into the most terrible war in history and many of the sons and daughters, and members as well, rallied to the colors to distinguish themselves further. Past Master's Night was observed by the Lodge in December, with the work of the evening being performed by them, under the direction of Wor. Brother Callbeck in the East.

1942

Despite the war and absence of familiar faces, the annual Father, Sons and Daughters' Night was a successful feature of the May meeting once more, and when the October meeting was called to order, Wor. Milton J. Segal was installed as Master.

1943

The May meeting of this year was the occasion of a Family Party Night, under the direction of Brother Barnett N. Samuels, Senior Warden, whose untiring efforts made this a new high point in social occasions in the Lodge. Brother Samuels also directed the colorfully impressive Flag Day exercises at the June meeting, wherein all the flags of the United Nations were displayed, each being borne by one of the Brothers, with the apex in the West and the arms extending Eastward to the Senior Deacon's and Marshal's stations. R. W. S. Kenneth Skolfield delivered the stirring address of the evening.

In June also, Noddle's Island Lodge was awarded the Grand Lodge certificate for having the largest attendance at the Third Lodge of Instruction. Then, at the annual meeting in October, the Lodge dedicated a beautiful Honor Roll to the members, sons and daughters in the armed forces.

1944-45

June honors came to Noddle's Island Lodge in this year also, for at that time our Lodge became the first in the entire jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to complete its quota in the campaign for the War Service Fund, and what is more, we doubled our quota.

The October meeting marked the installation of our present presiding Master, Worshipful Brother Samuels, and the occasion was, indeed, one of the most memorable in our history. The installing officer was R. W. Edwin O. Childs, 33°, assisted by Brother Newland Holmes, 33°, as Marshal, and other distinguished Masons.

Twenty years of distinguished service to the Lodge as Secretary and Treasurer respectively, were noted at the December meeting, when Wor. Brother Samuels issued a regular summons for a "George L. Doiloff and Samuel Maylor Night." Each of these faithful, self-effacing and esteemed Brethren received a beautiful leather chair from the Lodge, as a token of the affection in which they are held. It is to be hoped that as each relaxes in his chair, in going from Labor to Refreshment, he will realize that these gifts are but a symbolic counterpart of the wishes of the Lodge that his journey along the rest of the Level of Time will be an easy, yet fruitful one. Mindful of the sacrifices of the 40 Brethren who responded to the call to the colors, Wor. Brother Samuels also instituted the Milton Elkind Fund, in memory of the one Brother whose sacrifice had been the supreme one. Brother Elkind fell in action during the invasion of France in July, 1944. The fund was established through contributions from the members of the Lodge. Until the end of the fighting, it was used to send parcels to the men in the service, and afterward, is to be used to aid in rehabilitation work. Beyond that, the Lodge has done a commendable job of striving to brighten the lives of its members in service by sending individual letters and gifts.

During the present administration of Wor. Brother Samuels, Noddle's Island Lodge was further honored by being host to a pilgrimage by a Shrine Temple to a Blue Lodge, the first such known occasion in history. R.W. Willard L. Lombard, Potentate of Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., together with his officers and the colorfully uniformed Shrine Band collaborated to make the evening most memorable and enjoyable.

Another outstanding event of this administration was the playing of the Theremin during the degree work by Brother Mischa B. Tulin. Interchange of visits with other Lodges also was further encouraged and outstanding events along this line were recorded with Charity, Putnam and Adelphi Lodges. In this, as in previous administrations, Noddle's Island Lodge also played its part in conferring degrees, under dispensation, for candidates in service, the work being reciprocated by other Lodges for our candidates whose tours of duty called them beyond our immediate jurisdiction.

1945

With the end of the war, and a consequent lifting of restrictions, the zenith of all Noddle's Island social events came the night of October 11 at the Hotel Statler, with the Silver Anniversary celebration.

Headed by Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master, Most Worshipful Albert A. Schaefer, Past Grand Master, and officers of the Grand Lodge, one of the most distinguished gatherings of Masons on record were the guests of Wor. Brother Samuels. The Grand Officers were received by the Worshipful Master at a special meeting of the Lodge in the Hancock Room of the Hotel, after which the members and their ladies gathered in the ballroom. There, they sat down to something almost forgotten during four years of strife—a roast beef dinner. Afterward, each guest was presented an engraved money clip, and the ladies further received ash trays inscribed with the name of the Lodge and the anniversary dates in silver. Speeches were held to a minimum, and following an excellent program of entertainment, the more than 400 attendants completed a brilliant affair with dancing until after midnight.

THE CLOSING IN FORM

Thus have been recorded tangible events in the history of Noddle's Island Lodge in two and a half decades, impossible though it is, of course, to chronicle the vast store of human sympathy and understanding that have been woven into the strands of these past events.

We look, therefore, to the future, in the full knowledge that the human relationships, the friendships, the sincerity of purpose and the application of the moral precepts which govern us all, have helped to build the firm foundation on which we now stand. And in the spirit of William Cullen Bryant's Thanatopsis we say:

"So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The Celestial Lodge Above, where each
Brother shall take his place in that
Starry-decked chamber of immortality,
Thou go not like the quarry slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, secure thy apron about thee
And salute the Supreme Architect of the Universe
As one long-loved and waited In the Eternal East."

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1970

From Proceedings, Page 1970-444:

By Right Worshipful Milton J. Segal.

As we look ahead, fifty years seems an interminable period; as we look back, this span of time seems incredibly short. Since the inception of Noddle's Island Lodge on October 11, 1920, the years have sped by all too swiftly. Yet, we pride ourselves that we have always spread the cement of brotherly love and affection.

We have lived through a wondrous, though at times frightening, period, sustained by a sincere belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. This has been the strength of Noddle's Island Lodge. May it continue to be so in the future, as we celebrate this Golden Anniversary and look forward to a glorious hundredth.

1920
Various preliminary meetings were held, at one of which the name "NODDLE'S ISLAND" was selected. On October 11, 1920, the meeting was called to order by Right Worshipful Willis W. Stover, District Deputy Grand Master, and the dispensation of Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was read.

It set forth the power to transact business until the third quarterly communication of Grand Lodge in September, 1921. The first officers of the Lodge, duly elected, appointed and installed, were the following:

  • Edward George Graves, Master
  • George Llewellyn Dolloff, Senior Warden
  • Henry Frederick James Klagge, Junior Warden
  • Justin A. Duncan, Treasurer
  • Henry A. MacDonald, Secretary
  • George Henry Carter, Chaplain
  • Roy Walter Pigeon, Marshal
  • Henry Lynch, Senior Deacon
  • Irving Burt Coburn, Junior Deacon
  • John Samuel Clement Nicholls, Senior Steward
  • Percy Harold Callbeck, Junior Steward
  • Archie Van Stone Felton, Inside Sentinel
  • John Henry Ripley, Organist
  • Irwin Clarice, Tyler

Eight applications for membership were read at this first meeting and all were initiated on November 8, 1920. During the first year, 35 were received, passed and raised.

1921

On February 14, it was voted that Noddle's Island
Lodge become a part owner of the East Boston Masonic
Temple. Brother John Edward Lynch loaned the money to
the Lodge and on his death it was bequeathed outright to
 Noddle's Island Lodge. In his memory, the John E. Lynch
 Relief Fund was established.

On October 10, with Most Worshipful Brother Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts presiding, Noddle's Island Lodge became a regular and duly constituted Lodge in Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry. All the officers were duly installed. (1921 Mass. 290-293) The thirteenth regular communication in November was featured by a display of true brotherly love, when Right Worshipful Frederick L. Putnam, Grand Lecturer, led a Fraternal Visit of 50 Masters, Wardens and Members of Lodges in the District. The Masters of each visiting Lodge presented various appropriate gifts to Noddle's Island Lodge.

Worshipful Brother Dolloff was elevated to the Oriental Station. His was a fantastic Masonic dedication of service to Noddle's Island Lodge. This was the year when Right Worshipful Dudley Hayes. Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, paid the Lodge a visit on the first attempt to organize Service Committees in the Lodges. More than S00 attended this communication.

This was another year of firsts. A visitation from an out-of-state Lodge, Rising Sun Lodge No. 30 of East Providence, R. I., and the creation of a theatre party for the ladies, which inaugurated Ladies' Nights in the Lodge.

Our first Chaplain, George H. Carter, Charter Member, was called to eternal rest in Yokohama, Japan. In May, Honorable Brother Channing IT. Cox delivered a charge to the candidates. The November meeting brought a visitation from King Solomon's Lodge of Somerville, mother Lodge of Worshipful George L. Dolloff. In December, Worshipful George L. Dolloff yielded the gavel to Worshipful Brother John S. C. Nicholls. This meant even greater duties for Worshipful Brother Dolloff, as he became Secretary and Ritualist.

The Oriental Chair this year was occupied by Worshipful Brother Nicholls whose subsequent Master's Report was replete with Masonic teachings. In September, there was a visitation by a group of Masons of Scottish birth who performed the work of the evening in Highland costumes. Veterans' Medals were presented to Brothers John Lynch and Ivory EL Staples, Charter Members.

Worshipful Archie V. Felton was presiding Master these 12 months, which completed the first 10 years of Noddle's Island Lodge, during which the membership rose to 199.

In November, Worshipful Alden W. Sprague was installed Master. Everett C. Benton Lodge presented Noddle's Island Lodge a beautiful silk American Flag in token of the friendship and brotherly love existing among the East Boston Lodges. Worshipful Brother Dolloff also presented the Lodge a new ballot box.

Worshipful Frederick Burtin was installed Master by his uncle, Right Worshipful Edward George Graves, our first Worshipful Master. A week later, while visiting Everett C. Benton Lodge, he was fatally stricken and died in the Director's Room, being called to the Celestial Lodge above, while engaged in earthly tasks he loved so well.

This year, as the one before it, was keynoted by relief work, with the Grand Lodge expending $372,000.00 for this, in addition to further amounts by individual Lodges. Noddle's Island dispensed with social functions, with so many brethren and others being in distress from the world-wide depression.

1933

This was the year Worshipful William H. Bibbey was installed as Master. In May, Past Masters filled the several stations and performed the work of the evening. During this year, visits were received and work performed by the Orders of DeMolay and Rainbow.

1935

Worshipful Pierce B. Bennett was elected Master in October. Right Worshipful George L. Dolloff was appointed District Deputy Grand Master, and was also installed Master of King Solomon's Lodge of Somerville, his mother Lodge. This administration led to the formal institution of Ladies' Night, which proved to be so successful that Fathers' and Sons' Nights, and eventually Family Nights were developed.

1937

A smooth and harmonious term during this year as the East was occupied by Worshipful Reginald V. Roberts. Right Worshipful Brother Dolloff paid frequent visits in his capacity of District Deputy Grand Master. He was always accompanied by a distinguished suite. By this time our membership had increased to 239.

1938

Worshipful George E. Giles carried on our tradition of brotherly love and affection as he presided in the East in this year. The evidence of the esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the more than 300 who attended his installation.

1939

At the May meeting, the first Fathers', Sons' and Daughters' Night was held. This gala occasion set the pace for sticceedine administrations.

1940

Rev. Brother Samuel L. Elberfield, our Chaplain for 15 years, was called to a new pastorate in western Massachusetts.

1941

Fathers', Sons' and Daughters' Night was repeated at the May meeting. This was the year we were forced into World War II.

1942

Despite the hardships of war, the annual Fathers', Sons' and Daughters' night was held in May. In October, Worshipful Milton J. Segal was installed Master.

1943

At the June meeting, Flag Day exercises were held and a United Nations' Flag was presented to Noddle's Island Lodge by Worshipful Milton J. Segal in honor of his deceased brother, Samuel L. Segal. Also in June, Noddle's Island Lodge was awarded the Grand Lodge Certificate for having the largest attendance at the Third Lodge of Instruction.

1944

In June, Noddle's Island Lodge was again honored by the Grand Lodge for having been the first Lodge in the entire Massachusetts Jurisdiction to complete its quota in the campaign for the War Service Fund. Worshipful Brother Barnett N. Samuels was installed as Master in October.

1945

This was the year of the 25th Anniversary of Noddle's Island Lodge. We had come a long way. In spite of the war years, our Masonic spirit had not diminished. With the end of the war, and the lifting of the restrictions, this milestone was celebrated by a gala Ladies' Night at the Hotel Statler. This was attended by Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg and a distinguished number of Masons. (1945 Mass. 322-338)

In December, Right Worshipful Albert E. Whitney was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

1946

At the May Communication, the after-dinner speaker
was Most Worshipful Arthur W. Coolidge. On May 6 we had
another most successful Fathers', Sons' and Daughters' Night.

In June. Brother Simon Newman presented a new set of Officers' aprons to the Lodge. The charge to the candidates was delivered by Most Worshipful Whitfield W. Johnson, at that time, Right Worshipful Grand Marshal and Judge Advocate. June 20 was featured by a Noddle's Island Pops Night. At the October Communication, Worshipful Hyman K. Mintz was installed Master. November 11 was designated as Veterans' Night, as a tribute to our Veterans and return of Peace.

1947

On April 14, Most Worshipful Albert A. Schaefer was the after-dinner speaker, and also delivered a charge to the candidates.

The South Shore Chapter of DeMolay presented an exemplification of degree work on May 12.

In December, Noddle's Island Lodge was signally honored by the appointment of its Past Master, Right Worshipful Melvin V. Weldon as District Deputy Grand Master for the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

1948

Right Worshipful Melvin V. Weldon made his first Fraternal Visit as District Deputy Grand Master to his own Lodge in January. At the September Communication, Worshipful Ralph Greenslade was installed as Master. This was the beginning of the present custom of each Master serving for one year, rather than two, as previously.

At the October meeting, our after-dinner speaker was his Excellency, Governor Robert F. Bradford. The charge to the candidates was delivered by Right Worshipful Arthur W. Coolidge.

1949

March 14 was distinguished as Past District Deputies'
Night, with Right Worshipful Brother Ernest Walker in the
East. We had as guests at our May meeting, the Winthrop Chapter of DeMolay with William H. Bibbey, Jr., son of our own Past Master, as Master Councilor. The work was outstanding.

Worshipful David E. Rosen was installed Master in September.

1950

Our 300th Regular Communication was held on May 1. At this meeting Brother Howard Klein was appointed Secretary Pro Tern since Right Worshipful George L. Dolloff was seriously ill. In September, Worshipful David Goldberg was installed as Master. At the December meeting, Most Worshipful and Honorable Samuel H. Wragg delivered the charge to the candidates.

1951

Past Masters' Night was held on January 8 followed on March 12 by the Aleppo Temple Third Degree Team with Charter Member Right Worshipful Frederick B. Duncan as Chairman. April 9 was featured by the Kilwinning Club Third Degree Team, with kilts, bagpipes and all.

May 14 was a particularly sad night. Memorial services were held for Right Worshipful George L. Dolloff. If ever a man deserved the title "Mr. Masonry" it was he. Past District Deputy Grand Master, Past Master, Secretary, Ritualist, he gave his all to the Craft.

During this year, we were entertained by the Stirling Players from the Lodge of Stirling in Maiden.

In September, Worshipful Philip Movitz was installed as Master and in December, Right Worshipful Reginald F. Goldsworthy was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

1952

January 14 was dedicated to Past Masters' Night and
February 11 as 25-year member night. At the March meeting,
 the Dean K. Webster Memorial "Florida Degree Team" of
Tuscan Lodge, Lawrence, Massachusetts, performed.

In September, Worshipful Arthur W. Savel was installed as Master. This Brother was installed the following year as Master of Freedom Lodge.

December was featured by Shrine Night, with the Aleppo Temple Third Degree Team. Most Worshipful Whitfield W. Johnson delivered the candidates' charge.

1953

Worshipful Myron W. Boraks was installed Master
in September, and in December, Right Worshipful Harry J.
Borofsky was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the
Chelsea Third Masonic District.

On November 9, a motion to move our regular Masonic Quarters to the Grand Lodge Masonic Temple at 51 Boylston Street, Boston, was approved.

1954

April 19 was featured by our 339th Regular Com
munication being held at 51 Boylston Street, Boston. This
became our new Masonic home.

In September, Worshipful Irving Hurwitz was installed as Master.

1955

Our first Blood Donor Roll was established in February. Worshipful Ralph T. Sobell was installed Master in September and in December Right Worshipful Thomas Knudsen was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

1956

Our total membership kept rising, reaching the figure of 666 in August. Worshipful Morris A. Levin was installed Master in September.

1957

The Temple Ohabei Shalom Glee Club performed at the January Dinner Meeting. In June, under the direction of Right Worshipful Thomas Knudsen, a pilgrimage was made to the Masonic Home. In September, Worshipful John I. Packer was installed as Master, and in December, Right Worshipful Gustave A. Schlaugk was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

1958

Masonic functions continued as formerly, and in September, Worshipful Sidney Shapiro was installed as Master.

1959

January was featured by the publication of the article "Duties of Investigating Committees" by our own Secretary, Howard Klein. This was a truly scholarly composition. Worshipful Milton Bornstein was installed Master in September, and Right Worshipful Bertram W. Sweetland was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in December.

1960

In addition to the usual Masonic functions, this year was featured by the installation of Worshipful Burton Samuels by his father and Past Master of Noddle's Island Lodge, Worshipful Barnett N. Samuels. In December, our Past Master, Right Worshipful Milton J. Segal, was appointed District Deputy Grand Master.

1961

January 16 was celebrated as 25-year member anniversary night. The public installation of Worshipful Ralph S. Cohen as Master in September, was held in Ionic Hall and was featured by an attendance of 672. In October, the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal was presented to Right Worshipful Melvin V. Weldon. This meeting was also featured by Blood Donor Pins given to Worshipful Sidney Shapiro, Worshipful Ralph S. Cohen and Brothers David S. Gilman and David Izen for their donations.

1962

The Kilwinning Club again visited us in January. Past Masters' Night was held in June, and Worshipful Joseph G. Bramberg was installed Master in September, followed by the appointment of Right Worshipful Alden A. Osgood as District Deputy Grand Master. In this year we reached our peak of 666 members.

1963

March 18 was a memorable evening, since it was dedicated to Reverend Roger Peck Cleveland, our Chaplain, and a living exemplification of the true meaning of "Charity". He was subsequently presented with the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal. In September, Worshipful Alan Rogovin was installed as Master.

1964

This year the Lodge was saddened by the passing of Right Worshipful Melvin V. Weldon.

On June 15, five members of our Lodge received one-gallon Blood Donor Pins. In September, memorial services were held for our late Secretary, Brother Howard Klein. Worshipful Jerome Packer was installed Master. Right Worshipful Stewart P. Sloane was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in December.

1965

This year proceeded in the usual course, witnessing the beginning of the modern trend of gradually decreasing membership. Worshipful Sidney Kaplan was installed Master in September.

1966

In September, we were honored by a Fraternal Visit from Most Worshipful Thomas A. Booth and his Suite to witness the installation of Worshipful Martin A. Samuels by his father, Worshipful Barnett N. Samuels. Right Worshipful Wylie Van Wart was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in December.

1967

Worshipful Master, Mark Klein, son of our deceased Secretary, Howard Klein, was installed Master in September.

1968

Worshipful Joseph Silvey was installed Master in September, and Right Worshipful Sidney Schlager was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in December.

1969

In September, Worshipful Louis Roberts was installed as Master. We continued our regular Masonic activities.

1970

This year of our Fiftieth Anniversary saw a continuance of the decline in membership gradually receding from the peak of 666 members in 1%2, to 560 members as of August 31, 1970. This trend, of course, was not confined to Noddle's Island Lodge. It is a reflection of the times and deserves serious and solemn consideration to find the causes and remove them. In September, Worshipful David Izen, our present Master, was duly installed and he pursued with renewed vigor the plans he had been working on for the past year to provide a fitting Golden Anniversary Celebration.

As of August 31, 1970, Noddle's Island Lodge had the following Charitable and Permanent Funds:

  • John E. Lynch Relief Fund, $25,508.45
  • Fiftieth Anniversary Fund, 2,424.19
  • Life Membership Fund, 4,928.72
  • Milton Elkind Fund (Education of Mem
bers' Children), 12,469.35

  • Nathan Swartz Fund, 2,069.31

  • Permanent Fund, 12,689.84

  • David Miller Fund (Happy Day Fund), 278.18
  • TOTAL $60,368.04

I am humbly and deeply grateful to our Past Secretary, late Right Worshipful George L. Dolloff for his compilation of the history of the first twenty-five years of Noddle's Island Lodge, which has been condensed and made a part hereof.

Thus ends the history of fifty successful years of Masonic growth and activity of Noddle's Island Lodge. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe endow the future leaders of our Craft with the wisdom to so conduct our affairs that Masonry will continue to flourish and prosper as an example to all mankind.

In closing, I quote the words of the immortal Mark Twain: "Let us endeavor so to live, that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry."


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1920: District 3 (East Boston)

1927: District 3 (Chelsea)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges