Difference between revisions of "Norumbega"

Latest revision as of 21:23, 13 September 2016

NORUMBEGA LODGE

Location: Newtonville

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 03/09/1921 1921-64

Precedence Date: 04/20/1920

Current Status: merged with Brookline Lodge to form Norumbega & Brookline Lodge, 03/12/1984. Now a part of Norumbega Fraternity Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1920
• Petition for Charter: 1921
• Consolidation Petition (with Brookline Lodge): 1984

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1945 (25th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1921 (Prince; Constitution of Lodge and installation; Special Communication)
• 1924 (Ferrell)
• 1925 (Ferrell)
• 1931 (H. Dean)
• 1945 (Wragg; 25th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1946 (Wragg)
• 1952 (Roy)
• 1960 (Eaton; reception for Deputy Grand Master Carl C. Peterson)
• 1969 (Eaton; reception for Deputy Grand Master Thomas G. Walters)
• 1982 (Berquist)
• 1984 (Richardson; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1926 1927 1928 1929 1931 1936 1938 1943 1945 1947 1948 1951 1953 1954 1957 1958 1960 1970 1975 1980 1981 1984

HISTORY

• 1945 (25th Anniversary History, 1945-110)
• 1996 (Section of 75th Anniversary History of Norumbega & Brookline Lodge, 1996-110)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-110:

By Worshipful Alfred N. Miner.

It is with a spirit of pride that the history of Masonry in Newton is reviewed. Nearly eighty-five years ago, in 1860, the Masonic Brethren in the Newtons gathered together to form the first Masonic Lodge in this city, "Dalhousie Lodge, F. & A. M." Fifteen years later, in 1875, "Fraternity Lodge, A. F. & A. M.," was instituted. This Lodge stopped work for about twenty-three years, but taking its charter again in 1911, has since been very active in Masonic work.

The third Blue Lodge, "Norumbega," instituted in 1920 and constituted May 2, 1921, has joined this Masonic family in Newton.

Late in 1919, the need of another Blue Lodge became more and more apparent. Many applications were before the Lodges in Newton, and apparently there was a great desire on the part of many others to seek admission. This need was frequently mentioned, but not until it came to the notice of Worshipful Brother Fred M. Blanchard, Past Master of Dalhousie, was action taken. He at once wrote the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Massachusetts, and upon advice that the formation of a new Lodge would be most agreeable to him, in March, 1920, sent the following letter to all Past Masters and Officers of Dalhousie and Fraternity Lodges, some fifty-two Brethren:

My dear Brother:

The demand for a new Blue Lodge in Newton is more and more insistent.

From the large number of applicants now before both Lodges, some of whom cannot receive their degrees for many months, and the apparent great desire of good men to seek admission throughout this jurisdiction, it would seem in the interest of Masonry, that such a Lodge should be established. If such a Lodge is established, it would also assist, materially, in sharing the expense of our quarters, and bring nearer the time we all look forward to, when the large obligations against our building may be materially reduced.

Having talked with many, but without the least authority on my part, except to start an open consideration of the matter, I am sending this letter to all Past Masters and Officers in both "Fraternity" and "Dalhousie" Lodges, and urge YOU to be present at Masonic Hall, Newtonville, Monday evening, March 15, 1920, at 8 P.M., to talk the matter over, and, if possible, come to such decision as may be best for our beloved Order.

Please come.
Yours fraternally,
Fred M. Blanchard

The informal preliminary meeting was held in the Prelates Chamber, Masonic Temple, Newtonville, Massachusetts, March 15,1920, at 8 o'clock P.M., as called by the letter of Worshipful Brother Blanchard. Worshipful Brother Fred M. Blanchard was elected temporary Chairman and Worshipful Brother William S. Osborne, Secretary. The following Brethren were present: Worshipful Brothers Fenno, Boyden, Hatfield, Clark, McCammon, Wyatt, Cady, Fisher, Fuller and Blanchard, Past Masters of Dalhousie Lodge; Right Worshipful Brother Hunt, Worshipful Brothers Snyder, Childs, Osborne, Past Masters of Fraternity Lodge; Brothers Richardson, Graves, Rushforth, Hills, of Dalhousie Lodge; Brothers Nudd, Gammons, Kellar, Woolway, Ensign, of Fraternity Lodge.

A committee of five, appointed to submit a list from which to select prospective charter members, consisted of the Chair-Tai and Secretary, Right Worshipful Brother Hunt, Worship-is! Brother Snyder, and Worshipful Brother McCammon. The membership lists of Dalhousie and Fraternity Lodges were to e used, from which to select prospective members. The meet-i§ was then adjourned until March 18, at 8 P.M.

At the March 18 meeting, many of the prospective charter members were present. The brotherly consideration and enthusiasm expressed by those present, as well as their support, insured a successful new Lodge.

By voice vote, Worshipful Brother Fred M. Blanchard was elected Worshipful Master of the new Lodge, Worshipful Brother William S. Osborne, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Brother Walter L. McCammon, Junior Warden. The appointment and election of the Junior officers were left with the three first officers.

Discussion then followed regarding a suitable name for the new Lodge, and the following suggestions were made: William Hull, Albert A. Kendall, Dalfra, Waban, Nonantum, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Garden City, Republic and Norumbega. After several informal votes, it was unanimously voted that the new Lodge be named "Norumbega" as representative of all the Newtons and this section, as well as for its antiquity.

Much preliminary work, in connection with the new Lodge, was done at this meeting. It was voted that the regular meeting night of the new Lodge be the first Monday in each month; that the annual meeting be held at the regular communication in June; that until by-laws were drawn up, the by-laws of Fraternity Lodge be taken as a guide; that the charter membership be limited to one hundred. Worshipful Brother Blanchard was appointed Treasurer Pro Tem.

The committee to obtain designs for the Lodge seal was appointed, and consisted of Worshipful Brother John A. Fenno, Brothers Charles H. Simons and George A. Bacon.

It is doubtful if any Lodge ever started under more auspicious conditions. Enthusiasm marked the many presentations of money and regalia. Among the first presentations to the new Lodge was that of Worshipful Brother Fenno, Master of Dal-housie in 1901, who offered to care for all preliminary expenses and fees to the Grand Lodge for the dispensation and charter.

At the next meeting, April 12, the appointments of the Junior officers were read, which were as follows:

• Treasurer: Robert Douglas
• Secretary: Raymond G. Coppins
• Chaplain : McIlyar H. Lichliter
• Senior Deacon: Gerald F. Zedren
• Junior Deacon: Alfred N. Miner, Jr.
• Senior Steward: Henry H. Wellington
• Junior Steward: Willis A. Lockwood
• Sentinel: Abram French
• Marshal: Christian Petersen
• Tyler: Worshipful Elwyn E. Snyder

More donations of money and regalia were made.

The Committee on By-Laws for the new Lodge was appointed, consisting of Worshipful Brother Clark of Dalhousie Lodge, Worshipful Brother Childs of Fraternity Lodge and Worshipful Brother French of Dalhousie Lodge. The acceptance of these By-Laws, with but slight change by the Grand Lodge, attested the good work of this Committee.

The fourth and last of the preliminary meetings was held May 3, called at 7:30 p.m. About seventy applicants for the charter were present. Upon the report that the duties of the several committees were completed, their reports were accepted, the committees discharged, and the meeting adjourned about 7:40 p.m., to await the arrival of Right Worshipful James Young, Jr., and the presenting of the dispensation for our Lodge, which had been granted on April 20 by Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Under the skilful guidance of the Chairman, Worshipful Brother Blanchard, the preliminary work had been successfully completed, and on this same night, May 3, the first regular communication of Norumbega Lodge, Under Dispensation, was held in the Masonic Temple, Newtonville, for the purpose of weaving the dispensation from the Grand Master of Massachusetts. There were seventy charter members and several guests present.

About 7:45 P.M., Right Worshipful James Young, Jr., Distinct Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth Masonic District of Massachusetts, assumed the East, and after calling the meeting to order, read the dispensation from Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, granting permission to Norumbega Lodge to work Under Dispensation. Right Worshipful Brother Young, assisted by Worshipful Brother James H. Dalton, as Marshal, placed Fred M. Blanchard in the East as Worshipful Master, William S. Osborne in the West as Senior Warden, and Walter L. McCammon in the South as Junior Warden, in accordance with the dispensation. The Junior officers, as appointed, were then conducted to their respective stations. Right Worshipful Brother Young then instructed his Marshal to make the proclamation that "Norumbega Lodge, Under Dispensation" was open for business. The Secretary read six applications for degrees in the new Lodge. Brother Harry W. Twigg presented the Worshipful Master with an ivory gavel from the charter members.

At the March 16, 1921, Quarterly Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, after a favorable report from the Committee on By-Laws, it was voted to grant a Charter to Norumbega Lodge, and permission was given to work Under Dispensation until the Lodge was constituted.

The constitution ceremonies of Norumbega Lodge were held during the Sixteenth regular communication, May 2, 1921. Norumbega Lodge, Under Dispensation, opened at 5 o'clock P.M. on the third degree with all officers present. Recess was soon taken and an informal reception extended to Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur D. Prince. Dinner was served at 6 P.M.

The last business meeting of Norumbega Lodge, U. D., was held at 7:15. At 8 o'clock, the Grand Master and suite were received to constitute Norumbega Lodge. The following Grand Lodge Officers were present:

• M. W. Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master
• R. W. Claude L. Allen, Deputy Grand Master
• R. W. Frank E. Swain, Senior Grand Warden
• R. W. William Ridings, Jr., Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Oliver A. Roberts, Past Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Charles H. Ramsey, Grand Treasurer
• R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary
• R. W. James Young, Jr., D.D.G. Master, Dist. No. 5
• R. W. Albert L. Harwood, P. D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 5, 1890-91
• R. W. William F. Jarvis, P. D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 5, 1908-09
• R. W. William O. Hunt, P. D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 5, 1914-15
• R. W. George H. Dale, P. D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 5, 1918-19
• R. W. Frank W. Dobson, Grand Marshal
• Wor. Rev. Edward A. Horton, D.D., Grand Chaplain
• Rev. Edward A. Chase, Grand Chaplain
• Wor. Frederick A. Leavitt, Senior Grand Deacon
• Wor. Frank L. Simpson, Junior Grand Deacon
• Wor. Franklin C. Jillson, Senior Grand Steward
• Wor. Guy C. Willis, Junior Grand Steward
• Wor. Frank H. Hilton, Grand Sword Bearer
• Wor. John H. Harris, Grand Pursuivant
• Wor. George W. Chester, Grand Tyler

The dignified and interesting ceremonies of constitution held the closest attention of the Charter Members of Norumbega and the visiting Brethren. It was an inspiring occasion. The organization of Norumbega Lodge consisted of the following officers, as installed at the constitution by Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince:

• Wor. Fred M. Blanchard*, Master
• William S. Osborne, Senior Warden
• Walter L. McCammon, Junior Warden
• Bro. Christian Petersen, Treasurer
• Bancroft L. Goodwin*, Secretary
• McIlyar H. Lichliter, Chaplain
• Luther G. Eastman, Marshal
• Gerald F. Zedren, Senior Deacon
• Alfred N. Miner, Junior Deacon
• John M. Knudsen*, Senior Steward
• Robert Douglas*, Junior Steward
• Raymond B. Tompkins, Inside Sentinel
• Kenneth S. Usher, Organist
• Bro. Elwyn E. Snyder*, Tyler

* Deceased.

After the installation ceremony, the Grand Master gave a most interesting and instructive charge—one followed by the new Lodge, established upon a firm foundation and insured its prosperity. Shortly after ten o'clock, the Grand Officers retired and Norumbega Lodge, A.F.& A.M., closed in form. A short entertainment followed in the lodge-room.

Thus was "Norumbega Lodge, A.F.& A.M.," brought forth.

There were one hundred charter members who signed the By-Laws. I will not give the roster of the charter members as the roll will be called later. However, of these one hundred charter members, twenty-two are still members of Norumbega, thirty-six have dimitted during the past twenty-five years and forty-two are deceased. Of the charter members, eight are now Past Masters of our Lodge. Among this list of charter members there is one Deputy Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Brother Edwin O. Childs, two District Deputy Grand Masters, Right Worshipful Brothers Blanchard and McCammon. The total membership of Norumbega Lodge for 1945 is 268 members, of which forty are in the Armed Services of our country.

June 4, 1923, a memorial service was held in memory of departed members. This was The Saga of the Tower and was the historical pageant arranged by our then Chaplain, Rev. Brother Mcllyar H. Lichliter. This pageant was given several years and then finally dropped, due to the rush of other activities.

The Past Masters during the twenty-five years are as follows:

• R. W. Fred M. Blanchard, 1920-1921
• Wor. William S. Osborne, 1921-1922
• R. W. Walter L. McCammon, 1922-1923
• Wor. Gerald F. Zedren, 1923-1924
• Wor. Alfred N. Miner, 1924-1925
• Wor. John M. Knudsen, 1925-1926
• Wor. Harold W. Morrill, 1926-1927
• Wor. Luther G. Eastman, 1927-1928
• Wor. Alfred E. Allen, 1928-1929
• Wor. Edwin J. Morse, 1929-1930
• Wor. George Owen, 1930-1931
• Wor. William M. Jones, 1931-1932
• Wor. Carl W. Somers, 1932-1933
• Wor. Rev. Raymond Lang, 1933-1934
• Wor. Lester H. Hilton, 1934-1935
• Wor. Edward O. Woodward, 1935-1936
• Wor. Linden I. Pettys, 1936-1937
• Wor. Walter I. Knudsen, 1937-1938
• Wor. Thomas E. Shepherd, 1938-1939
• Wor. Philip A. Enholm, 1939-1940
• Wor. Allyn C. Woodward, 1940-1941
• Wor. Thomas G. Walters, 1941-1942
• Wor. Julius W. Kohler, 1942-1943
• Wor. Owen D. Murphy, Jr., 1943-1944

Affiliated Past Masters

• R. W. Edwin O. Childs, 1920
• Wor. Charles J. Diman, 1921
• Wor. Carl C. Davis, 1927
• R. W. Leon E. Smith, 1928
• Wor. Ira W. Fowler, 1932-1933

The historical record of Lodges is to a large extent the Secretary's record and details of applications and the conferring of the degrees. It is no different with Norumbega.

We have been very fortunate in the most kindly fraternal visitations of our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge which have been frequent during these twenty-five years, and this spirit is evidenced tonight by the presence of our Grand Master, his Officers, Past Grand Master and other dignitaries.

It would be impracticable and beyond your endurance to mention many of the outstanding fraternal events which have taken place and to pay tribute to those who contributed to their success and the success of the Lodge.

We have given wholehearted support to the establishment of the George Washington Memorial, the Service Department of the Grand Lodge, the speaker having served five years as Chairman of one of the Zone Committees. The recent call for funds for Masonic Service by the Grand Lodge was oversubscribed. Wc again pledge our loyalty to our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, of which we are a part.

As the success of a new Lodge is dependent upon its first officers, Norumbega was indeed fortunate in having three men of such sterling Masonic character as Right Worshipful Brother Blanchard, Right Worshipful Brother McCammon and Worshipful Brother Osborne. Their painstaking work smoothed many a rough spot and during these twenty-five years has inspired and carried us forward with a true vision of the mission of Masonry and the duties of the Brethren to the Fraternity.

We are looking forward with confidence to the second twenty-five years which will bring our 50th Anniversary.

OTHER

• 1924 (Thanks voted for gift to Grand Lodge, 1924-700)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Fred M. Blanchard, DDGM, District 5 (Waltham), 1922, 1923; Memorial
• Olin D. Dickerman, DDGM, District 29 (Brockton), 1913, 1914; Junior Grand Warden 1922 (Charter Member)
• Lowell U. Hammett, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1980, 1981; Grand Marshal 1987-1989; Senior Grand Warden 1990; N
• C. Evan Johnson, Grand Tyler. Biography
• Walter L. McCammon, DDGM, District 5 (Waltham), 1934, 1935; N
• Carl C. Peterson, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1952, 1953; Deputy Grand Master 1960; N
• Thomas G. Walters, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1946, 1947; Deputy Grand Master 1969; N

OTHER BROTHERS

• Robert Dustin, Biography

DISTRICTS

1920: District 5 (Waltham)

1927: District 5 (Brighton)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

The curator for this page is Brother Walter H. Hunt. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.