Difference between revisions of "Orient"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1885 1885]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHowland Howland]; Cornerstone laying, Special Communication)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1885 1885]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHowland Howland]; Cornerstone laying, Special Communication)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1917 1917]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLAbbott L. Abbott]; hall dedication; Special Communication)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1917 1917]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLAbbott L. Abbott]; hall dedication; Special Communication)
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1919 1919]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLAbbott L. Abbott])
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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1919 1919]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLAbbott L. Abbott]; donation of Bible; mentioned in history below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAllen Allen]; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAllen Allen]; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1941 1941]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSchaefer Schaefer])
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1941 1941]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSchaefer Schaefer])
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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1936-58)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1936-58)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1961 1961]''' (Centenary History, 1961-67)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1961 1961]''' (Centenary History, 1961-67)
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==== 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1936 ====
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''From Proceedings, Page 1936-58:''
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''By Wor. Albin K. Parker.''
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Seventy-five years ago, what is now the prosperous town of Norwood was but the village of Dedham, known as the Second Parish, or South Dedham, with farms and some manufactures, including tanneries and printer's ink. Two of these concerns are among the largest of their kind today in the United States. The whole expenditure of the town of Dedham, which included Dedham, Westwood, and Norwood in the year I860, which had just past when Orient Lodge was instituted, was but $25,810.25.
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We were a small community with a few Masons whose membership was scattered over different Lodges. Some were probably made Masons in Old [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Constellation Constellation] Lodge, of Dedham, which was chartered on March 12, 1802, and which had long since surrendered its charter. Others were affiliated with Boston Lodges.
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Looking backward for seventy-five years brings us to a time at which our country was making history very fast. On February 4, 1861, seven Master Masons gathered in the little hall over Village Hall in South Dedham to talk over the advisability of forming a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. It was just one month previous to the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln and only two months previous to the firing on Fort Sumter, and it would seem that these seven men must have had a great deal of courage and a firm belief in the teachings of the Fraternity to have undertaken the responsibility of organizing a Lodge.
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Following is a copy of the first record:
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<blockquote>
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South Dedham, ''February 4, 1861.'' <br>
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<br>
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"The following gentlemen met in the small hall over Village Hall as above for the purpose of making arrangements for organizing a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, viz.: Joseph Day, Josiah W. Talbot, T. P. Jordan, C. E. Davidson, E. M. Gay, J. S. Woodman, commencing at seven and one-half o'clock by choice of J. W. Talbot as Chairman and T. P. Jordan as Secretary. On motion voted to establish a Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Master Masons if a dispensation could be had from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and the following brethren were then selected as officers of the Lodge: Bros. J. W. Talbot, Wor. Master; Thos. P. Jordan, Senior Warden; Elijah Wheelock, Jr., Junior Warden. They voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to make all the necessary arrangements for starting a Lodge of Masons with full power to act in premises. Said committee consisted of the following brethren: Wor. Master, J. W. Talbot, Senior Warden, T. P. Jordan, and C. E. Davidson. Voted to adjourn and call a committee." <br>
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<br>
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Signed: T. P. Jordan, Secretary.
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</blockquote>
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Evidently the committee got to work at once, for we find that on February 25, 1861, the Grand Lodge had granted a dispensation to the Lodge to work and at that meeting there were eight applications for the degrees and the fee was set at $20.00. Among those applications was one from John E. Smith and one from Lewis Day. Mr. John E. Smith was a member of the firm of Lyman, Smith and Company which concern affiliated with Winslow Bros. & Smith and formed the present large leather concern of Winslow Bros. & Smith Company of which our honored Brother Frank G. Allen, former Governor of Massachusetts, is Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Lewis Day was also in the leather business and built the house on Day Street now owned and operated by the Norwood Historical Society. Mr. Day was one of the wealthiest men in South Dedham and later represented this district in the State Legislature.
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At this second meeting also it was voted to make arrangements with the Norfolk Division Sons of Temperance to occupy the large hall over Village Hall together, sharing expenses. The record does not say whether the Sons of Temperance had any influence over our Masonic Brethren.
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The Lodge must have selected good committees on the applications, for at the meeting held on March 4, 1861, just one month after the first meeting and on the day of the inauguration of President Lincoln, we find that one candidate whose name was proposed on February 25 was rejected, three candidates initiated, and two more candidates proposed. Two days later, March 6, 1861, one of the candidates proposed at the March 4th meeting was elected and two of those elected on February 25th were initiated. The next day, March 7, more candidates were initiated. At the February 25th meeting the first officers were appointed: Secretary, Henry C. Morse; Treasurer, Joseph Day; Senior Deacon, Eben M. Gay; Junior Deacon, C. E. Davidson; Steward, J. S. Woodman; Tyler, Joseph Sumner. Thus commenced Orient Lodge which for these seventy-five years has prospered, and although there have been times in its history when the prospects were anything but bright and when courage and good business management have been needed, in the present days of depression we need only to look back to a period in the 70's when for five years there was an average of only two candidates raised each year and during which period a readjustment was made in the quarters of the Lodge.
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On March 18, 1862, the Masonic Hall was dedicated and consecrated by the [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge Grand Master] and Orient Lodge was recognized by the Grand Lodge as a subordinate Lodge, having full power to work and transact such business as shall regularly come before it. Although the records do not state the fact, it is probable that Orient Lodge received its charter on this day with its date to commence on February 22, 1861.
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The Lodge met for many years in the Village Hall property which stood on Washington Street at the corner of Cottage Street where the Folan Block now stands, and the meetings were held in a little hall over the auditorium of this building. On December 24, 1866, a committee of five members was appointed to investigate in regard to purchasing the property known as the "Straw shop." On December 31, 1866, it was voted not to purchase, but that the same committee be retained to see if land could be procured suitable for a Masonic building. Apparently this committee did not report and on December 9, 1867, a committee of three was appointed to investigate the advisability of purchasing the Village Hall property or to appeal to the owners of the building to remodel Masonic Hall. We find that the committee reported on January 6, 1868, that most of the stockholders of the property were willing to sell the building for seventy-five cents on a dollar of its original cost. The record says that the condition of the property of the Lodge and inadequate accommodations prompted the committee to recommend an increase of accommodations and there did not seem to be a more suitable building than the building now occupied by the Lodge. There was much discussion regarding this proposal, and no definite action taken at this meeting but the committee was retained for further investigation of the matter. On April 6, 1868, we again find the matter of the purchase of this property brought before the Lodge, and it was reported that the property, real and personal, could be bought of the stockholders for $7,011.13, including land recently acquired and the improvements thereon, and that two trustees be appointed by the Lodge to hold and receive the property for the benefit of the Lodge should they desire to purchase same. This committee's report was accepted; on May 4, 1868, it was voted to make the purchase and choose a board of two trustees to hold the property. On May 20, 1872, the question of enlarging the Village Hall property came before the Lodge and it was voted not to proceed. Evidently the Lodge did not improve its accommodations at once for a report submitted by the Master of the Lodge, Wor. J. A. Rhoads, on January 18, 1876, stated that the Lodge-room was the worst in the whole jurisdiction and,recommended that better arrangements be made by the trustees as soon as the finances of the Lodge would warrant.
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At the August 28th meeting in 1876 a committee reported and it was voted to build an addition for a cost not to exceed $4,900,
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provided that the store part of the building be rented for the term of five years and that money could be borrowed at the rate of 7' ,. It would seem that the committee did not fully carry out the original order of the Lodge for a report of their work shows that they spent $9,167.46 on the addition and paid 7&#8540; on the money borrowed. This addition, however, provided the quarters of Orient Lodge until 1915, when the building was sold to Mr. George F. Willett, who moved it to its present site on Broadway, where it is now occupied by Ambrose Press, publishers of the Norwood Messenger, the Boston Piano Supply Company, and the Codex Book Company. Many of our members first saw light of Masonry in this building, and the memories of the work done and friendships formed under its roof are a sacred heritage.
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As the town of Norwood increased and prospered, the Masonic Hall property became more valuable and an offer which could not be declined was made for the property and Village Hall was sold. From October, 1915, to September, 1917, the Lodge met in Conger Hall at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Washington Street until it was moved into our present quarters on Day Street. While there had been much controversy over the affair of the Old Village Hall property in 1877, there was apparently none when the committee was appointed on the Day Street property, tor from the time this project was commenced until the building was dedicated not a single vote was cast against the committee's recommendations and the whole transaction was unanimous and harmonious. The Lodge was fortunate in having for an architect one of our own members, Bro. William G. Upham, and for the Chairman of its committee, Bro. Frank A. Fales. The other members of this committee were: Brothers Walter F. Tilton, Charles A. (iilmore, Frank A. Morrill, Frederick L. Fisher, Henry F. Walker, Worshipful Francis E. Everett, L. N. Newman, Worshipful Ezra L. Hubbard, Worshipful Martin J. Blasenak, Right Worshipful Andrew C. Morrow. Our present home is now free of debt and we occupy as beautiful a temple as will be found in any town of our size in the state.
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For many years the town of Walpole and also Medfield were within the jurisdiction of Orient Lodge. In 1921, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Azure Azure] Lodge, of Walpole, was instituted and this took from Orient Lodge a number of our Walpole Brethren. Azure Lodge was formed with perfect harmony from Orient Lodge, and we look upon Azure Lodge as a fond offspring and rejoice in its activities and growth, wishing it the greatest prosperity in the years to come. It was with much regret that we learned of the loss by fire of their quarters in Walpole two years ago and we were glad that we were able to have them use our Temple until their new quarters were completed.
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As we look back we find many Brethren who have made the splendid history of Orient Lodge possible. As in all institutions there are outstanding members, so Orient Lodge has its own. Perhaps the outstanding man in the formation of the Lodge was Bro. Joseph Day, who held the position of Treasurer from the beginning of the Lodge in 1861 until his death in 1876; a man who did not perhaps come into the limelight as much as some others but who, with his advice and counsel was a strong man in the affairs of the Lodge. Brother George L. Rhoads was for three years a District Deputy Grand Master and served on many committees and was influential in the work of the Lodge in the early days.
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Two men, entered, passed, and raised at the same time, were vital factors in the growth of Masonry in Norwood, viz.: Right Worshipful Sumner Bagley and George H. Morse. It was said of Right Worshipful Brother Bagley that he could fill any office in the Lodge, Chapter, Council, or Commandery at an instant's notice and properly quote the ritual. He was nearly always present at the meetings and could prompt officers at any time. Brother Bagley rendered efficient work as an instructor and his candidates were always ready to pass an examination in open Lodge. One of his candidates recently said that his only failure in his examination was that he gave the plural of a word when it should have been singular and that Brother Bagley reminded him of it afterwards. No man was ever more interested in the work or had a better knowledge of Masonry, and it is gratifying to know that his son, Right Worshipful Walter S. Bagley, has followed his example and is highly esteemed in the Lodge today and that his grandson, Louis Bagley, has just recently started in office and it is expected that he also will fulfill the prestige given by his grandfather in the work of Orient Lodge.
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Bro. George H. Morse, who received the degrees with Right Worshipful Brother Bagley, left to Orient Lodge at his death a donation which has helped a great deal in the upkeep of our present Temple.
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Since 1867, there have been but three Tylers in Orient Lodge, viz.: Warren E. Rhoads, Walter D. Chickering, and Arthur L. Bateman—Brother Rhoads serving from 1867 until his death in 1912, a period of forty-five years; Walter D. Chickering serving from 1913 to 1923, a period of ten years; and the present Tyler, Arthur L. Bateman serving since that date. Much could be said about Warren K. Rhoads. He was the Chief of Police of the town for many years and aside from his duty as Tyler, he also furnished the supplies when the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. Many of our members know how we looked forward to the end of the evening and wondered what Warren would have waiting for us. We were sure of one thing — it would be good.
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It is not often that a Tyler in these days has to exercise his dutv in keeping off cowans and eavesdroppers, but that is one thing that Tyler Chickering certainly did once in the Old Village Hall Building. There was a commotion one meeting night just outside one of the windows and on examination Tyler Chickering found a young man hanging to the eavestrough looking into the lobby. The young man apparently wanted to see how it was done inside without going through the regular formalities, but Brother Chickering thought differently for he reached through the window, pulled the young man in, and he was sent down the stairway with a rather uncomfortable feeling, well, just where one might think he would have it.
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What can be said of the third man, Arthur L. Bateman? Certainly this historian cannot say enough. Not only has he filled his Tyler's position faithfully, but for twelve years he has personally given the lectures to all applicants and never in all this time has a candidate appeared in Orient Lodge to be examined without a mark of at least 98%. Brother Bateman is a man who never has sought a high office in the Lodge, but whose whole heart and soul are bound up in the work and one who doesn't let his left hand know what his right hand doeth.
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Upon the death of Right Worshipful James A. Hartshorn, the Lodge lost a true friend to Masonry. He was invariably asked to install the officers of the Lodge and did it in a manner not only ritually correct, but which left an impression with the elected officers of the high quality of the work which they were to perform. Until his death, Worshipful Francis E. Everett acted as his installing marshal. They were competitors in business and formed a friendship and companionship such as only an organization like ours could bring about.
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Recognition should be given to a Chaplain of the Lodge for a great many years, Rev. George Hill, who was always ready to help in any way and who was not only a good pastor and a good Chaplain, but who also had good business acumen and in the former days served on many committees.
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Perhaps one of the finest experiences during the period of the writer's term as Master was when the degrees were given to our brother, Hon. Frank G. Allen, who was then President of the Massachusetts State Senate and afterward our Governor. Perhaps the largest attended meeting ever held in Orient Lodge was when he received his third degree and was raised by Judge John M. Gibbs. Brother Allen has shown his appreciation of Masonry and of Orient Lodge in his quiet way of doing things and we are honored with his membership.
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The quiet man who accomplished much was late Brother Frank A. Fales, who was largely influential in the building of our present Temple, not only in his sound business ability but in obtaining land on which to build and construct the building so that we received the most for our money. Mr. Fales didn't say much but he did a lot.
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We hold in reverence the memory of Andrew C. Morrow, Past Master, Past District Deputy Grand Master, Past High Priest, Past Grand Scribe, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Commander, a lovable man not only in the confines of Orient Lodge but throughout the whole jurisdiction. The type of men that I have mentioned above is the foundation upon which our Orient Lodge has builded and which will be the incentive to a larger growth in the years to come.
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Orient Lodge has done much in the way of its relief. There is a record in May, 1867, in which a Lodge in Winchester, Virginia, asked for aid because its quarters had been destroyed in the War of the Rebellion and while feeling ran high between the North and South the barriers were removed when it came to Masonry, for Orient Lodge did its share to help out the stricken Lodge in the South. Again the records show one of our members, Mr. Samuel S. Morrill, who was stricken on a train in Richmond, Virginia, in 1873 and died, and the Lodge in that city did everything that could be done and the correspondence between the two Lodges certainly shows that barriers between North and South were eliminated even in those early days just after the War.
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There is now living in another part of the State a little old lady whom Orient Lodge has seen fit through the help of the Grand Lodge to care for. She is now ninety years of age and for fifteen years has been able to be happy because her husband first saw the light of Masonry many years ago.
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There have been a number of visits to Orient Lodge in these seventy-five years by Grand Masters and their suites and it is with pleasure that we tonight greet our genial Grand Master, Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAllen Claude L. Allen].
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The laying of the cornerstone of our present Temple was done by that great friend of all Masons in the Massachusetts jurisdiction, Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLFHamilton Frederick W. Hamilton], our Grand Secretary, who recently related his experiences on that day. Called upon at the last minute because of unforeseen circumstances, he performed this ceremony in a wonderful and impressive manner.
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The Bible which lies upon our altar was the gift of that splendid man, Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLAbbott Leon M. Abbott], at a visit of the Lodge with his suite.
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The Speculative Masonry which we practice today teaches great principles, the highest ideas of character, and the practices of integrity. These were the factors in the lives of our founders. They are the foundations upon which we in the future must build and if Masonry is to continue to grow strong in the future, as it will, we must all not only here in Orient Lodge, but everywhere, carry out in our daily activities the great lessons we are taught within these walls.
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There never was a time in the history of our country when men of moral upright character were more needed than right now, in all affairs of life, and we, as Master Masons, should, every one, practice what we know to be the true moral virtues that our growth may be strong and secure.
  
 
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=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 07:39, 9 July 2014

ORIENT LODGE

MA_Orient.jpg

Location: South Dedham; Norwood (1878)

Chartered By: William T. Coolidge

Charter Date: 03/12/1862 VI-407

Precedence Date: 02/22/1861

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • J. Warren Talbott, 1861-1863
  • Warren N. Billings, 1864, 1865
  • J. Edward Everett, 1866, 1867
  • William H. Gay, 1868-1870
  • George L. Rhoads, 1871, 1872; SN
  • George K. Bird, 1873, 1874
  • James A. Rhoads, 1875, 1876
  • Louis Smith, Jr., 1877, 1878
  • Walter C. Shapleigh, 1879, 1880
  • Albert G. Webb, 1881, 1882
  • Henry H. Shattuck, 1883, 1884
  • Charles W. King, 1885, 1886; SN
  • Sumner Bagley, 1887, 1888
  • C. Eastman Webb, 1889-1891
  • James A. Hartshorn, 1892-1894; Mem
  • Francis E. Everett, 1895, 1896
  • William E. Freese, 1897, 1898
  • Elmer E. Clapp, 1899, 1900
  • Elgar L. Bigelow, 1901, 1902
  • Ernest W. Ellis, 1903, 1904
  • George F. Bagley, Jr., 1905, 1906
  • George W. Poore, 1907
  • Walter S. Bagley, 1908, 1909; N
  • William C. Lowden, 1910, 1911
  • David A. Ellis, 1912
  • George A. Smith, 1913, 1914
  • Ezra L. Hubbard, 1915, 1916
  • Martin J. Blasnenak, 1917, 1918
  • Albin K. Parker, 1919, 1920
  • Carroll H. Woods, 1921, 1922
  • Hebert P. Everett, 1923, 1924
  • Andrew C. Morrow, 1925, 1926; Memorial'
  • Horatio H. Alden, 1927, 1928
  • W. Garner Very, 1929, 1930
  • George T. Hartshorn, 1931, 1932
  • Ernest May, 1933, 1934; Mem
  • Douglas H. Huntoon, 1935
  • Frederick H. Bagley, 1936
  • Eugene A. Nelson, 1937, 1938
  • F. Albert Hayes, 1939
  • Hardie H. Lovelace, 1940
  • Eben W. Dean, 1941
  • Manfred E. Carlson, 1942
  • Louis C. Bagley, 1943
  • Winslow F. May, 1944; N
  • Robert H. Steele, 1945
  • F. Bradbury Jenness, 1946
  • Robert A. Rodd, Jr., 1947
  • Clifton W. Leavis, 1948
  • J. Chester Bowers, 1949
  • Carl R. MacKenney, 1950
  • Oliver S. Cole, 1951
  • Arthur G. McCall, 1952
  • Karl A. Johnson, 1953
  • Raymond C. Berry, 1954; N
  • Herbert S. Casey, 1955
  • Ronald W. James, 1956
  • George F. Hartshorn, 1957
  • Oliver J. Fisher, 1958
  • Robert W. Very, 1959
  • Russell S. Finbow, 1960
  • James M. McBride, 1961
  • Roland K. Woodberry, 1962; N
  • Robert W. Nelson, 1963
  • Russell W. May, 1964; N
  • Irving R. Parsons, 1965
  • Charles J. Avery, Jr., 1966
  • H. Neill Close, 1967
  • John L. Wentzell, 1968
  • Richard A. Wong, 1969
  • George N. Johnston, 1970
  • David S. Bassett, 1971
  • Albert J. Prentic, 1972
  • Raymond F. Fleck, 1973
  • Aubrey C. Mowatt, 1974
  • Robert W. Hansen, 1975
  • Edward K. Kiessling, 1976
  • Paul W. Anderson, 1977
  • Donald J. Carpeno, 1978
  • Joseph T. Falcone, 1979
  • L. Robert Taeger, 1980
  • Jan S. Keith, 1981
  • Roger F. Barrett, 1982, 1992
  • Philip E. Hulbig, 1983, 1984
  • Charles D. Browne, 1985
  • Robert E. Perkins, 1986, 1987
  • Jeffrey A. Kerr, 1988
  • Aubrey C. Mowatt, 1989, 1990
  • George E. Taylor, Jr., 1991
  • Richard B. Burgess, 1993, 1994
  • Thomas M. McClintock 1995, 1996
  • Emery W. Teoli, 1997, 1998
  • William J. Penwarden, Jr., 1999
  • Christopher P. Davis, 2000
  • David J. LaRonde, 2001; DDGM
  • Manuel P. Escobar, 2002
  • Thomas M. Connors, 2003
  • Matthew M. Bruce, 2004
  • William T. Pellegrine, Jr., 2005
  • Todd D. Gundlach, 2006
  • Thomas B. Miskell, 2007
  • Thomas B. Miskell, Jr., 2008
  • Homer E. Everhard, Jr., 2009
  • Donald E. Barry, 2010
  • David C. Tricco, 2011, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1861
  • Petition for Charter: 1862

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1936 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1961 (Centenary)
  • 2011 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1882 1892 1904 1912 1913 1918 1921 1922 1923 1924 1931 1934 1935 1938 1939 1945 1946 1947 1953 1955 1967 1998 2003 2004

HISTORY

  • 1936 (75th Anniversary History, 1936-58)
  • 1961 (Centenary History, 1961-67)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-58:

By Wor. Albin K. Parker.

Seventy-five years ago, what is now the prosperous town of Norwood was but the village of Dedham, known as the Second Parish, or South Dedham, with farms and some manufactures, including tanneries and printer's ink. Two of these concerns are among the largest of their kind today in the United States. The whole expenditure of the town of Dedham, which included Dedham, Westwood, and Norwood in the year I860, which had just past when Orient Lodge was instituted, was but $25,810.25.

We were a small community with a few Masons whose membership was scattered over different Lodges. Some were probably made Masons in Old Constellation Lodge, of Dedham, which was chartered on March 12, 1802, and which had long since surrendered its charter. Others were affiliated with Boston Lodges.

Looking backward for seventy-five years brings us to a time at which our country was making history very fast. On February 4, 1861, seven Master Masons gathered in the little hall over Village Hall in South Dedham to talk over the advisability of forming a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. It was just one month previous to the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln and only two months previous to the firing on Fort Sumter, and it would seem that these seven men must have had a great deal of courage and a firm belief in the teachings of the Fraternity to have undertaken the responsibility of organizing a Lodge. Following is a copy of the first record:

South Dedham, February 4, 1861.

"The following gentlemen met in the small hall over Village Hall as above for the purpose of making arrangements for organizing a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, viz.: Joseph Day, Josiah W. Talbot, T. P. Jordan, C. E. Davidson, E. M. Gay, J. S. Woodman, commencing at seven and one-half o'clock by choice of J. W. Talbot as Chairman and T. P. Jordan as Secretary. On motion voted to establish a Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Master Masons if a dispensation could be had from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and the following brethren were then selected as officers of the Lodge: Bros. J. W. Talbot, Wor. Master; Thos. P. Jordan, Senior Warden; Elijah Wheelock, Jr., Junior Warden. They voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to make all the necessary arrangements for starting a Lodge of Masons with full power to act in premises. Said committee consisted of the following brethren: Wor. Master, J. W. Talbot, Senior Warden, T. P. Jordan, and C. E. Davidson. Voted to adjourn and call a committee."

Signed: T. P. Jordan, Secretary.

Evidently the committee got to work at once, for we find that on February 25, 1861, the Grand Lodge had granted a dispensation to the Lodge to work and at that meeting there were eight applications for the degrees and the fee was set at $20.00. Among those applications was one from John E. Smith and one from Lewis Day. Mr. John E. Smith was a member of the firm of Lyman, Smith and Company which concern affiliated with Winslow Bros. & Smith and formed the present large leather concern of Winslow Bros. & Smith Company of which our honored Brother Frank G. Allen, former Governor of Massachusetts, is Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Lewis Day was also in the leather business and built the house on Day Street now owned and operated by the Norwood Historical Society. Mr. Day was one of the wealthiest men in South Dedham and later represented this district in the State Legislature.

At this second meeting also it was voted to make arrangements with the Norfolk Division Sons of Temperance to occupy the large hall over Village Hall together, sharing expenses. The record does not say whether the Sons of Temperance had any influence over our Masonic Brethren.

The Lodge must have selected good committees on the applications, for at the meeting held on March 4, 1861, just one month after the first meeting and on the day of the inauguration of President Lincoln, we find that one candidate whose name was proposed on February 25 was rejected, three candidates initiated, and two more candidates proposed. Two days later, March 6, 1861, one of the candidates proposed at the March 4th meeting was elected and two of those elected on February 25th were initiated. The next day, March 7, more candidates were initiated. At the February 25th meeting the first officers were appointed: Secretary, Henry C. Morse; Treasurer, Joseph Day; Senior Deacon, Eben M. Gay; Junior Deacon, C. E. Davidson; Steward, J. S. Woodman; Tyler, Joseph Sumner. Thus commenced Orient Lodge which for these seventy-five years has prospered, and although there have been times in its history when the prospects were anything but bright and when courage and good business management have been needed, in the present days of depression we need only to look back to a period in the 70's when for five years there was an average of only two candidates raised each year and during which period a readjustment was made in the quarters of the Lodge.

On March 18, 1862, the Masonic Hall was dedicated and consecrated by the Grand Master and Orient Lodge was recognized by the Grand Lodge as a subordinate Lodge, having full power to work and transact such business as shall regularly come before it. Although the records do not state the fact, it is probable that Orient Lodge received its charter on this day with its date to commence on February 22, 1861.

The Lodge met for many years in the Village Hall property which stood on Washington Street at the corner of Cottage Street where the Folan Block now stands, and the meetings were held in a little hall over the auditorium of this building. On December 24, 1866, a committee of five members was appointed to investigate in regard to purchasing the property known as the "Straw shop." On December 31, 1866, it was voted not to purchase, but that the same committee be retained to see if land could be procured suitable for a Masonic building. Apparently this committee did not report and on December 9, 1867, a committee of three was appointed to investigate the advisability of purchasing the Village Hall property or to appeal to the owners of the building to remodel Masonic Hall. We find that the committee reported on January 6, 1868, that most of the stockholders of the property were willing to sell the building for seventy-five cents on a dollar of its original cost. The record says that the condition of the property of the Lodge and inadequate accommodations prompted the committee to recommend an increase of accommodations and there did not seem to be a more suitable building than the building now occupied by the Lodge. There was much discussion regarding this proposal, and no definite action taken at this meeting but the committee was retained for further investigation of the matter. On April 6, 1868, we again find the matter of the purchase of this property brought before the Lodge, and it was reported that the property, real and personal, could be bought of the stockholders for $7,011.13, including land recently acquired and the improvements thereon, and that two trustees be appointed by the Lodge to hold and receive the property for the benefit of the Lodge should they desire to purchase same. This committee's report was accepted; on May 4, 1868, it was voted to make the purchase and choose a board of two trustees to hold the property. On May 20, 1872, the question of enlarging the Village Hall property came before the Lodge and it was voted not to proceed. Evidently the Lodge did not improve its accommodations at once for a report submitted by the Master of the Lodge, Wor. J. A. Rhoads, on January 18, 1876, stated that the Lodge-room was the worst in the whole jurisdiction and,recommended that better arrangements be made by the trustees as soon as the finances of the Lodge would warrant.

At the August 28th meeting in 1876 a committee reported and it was voted to build an addition for a cost not to exceed $4,900, provided that the store part of the building be rented for the term of five years and that money could be borrowed at the rate of 7' ,. It would seem that the committee did not fully carry out the original order of the Lodge for a report of their work shows that they spent $9,167.46 on the addition and paid 7⅜ on the money borrowed. This addition, however, provided the quarters of Orient Lodge until 1915, when the building was sold to Mr. George F. Willett, who moved it to its present site on Broadway, where it is now occupied by Ambrose Press, publishers of the Norwood Messenger, the Boston Piano Supply Company, and the Codex Book Company. Many of our members first saw light of Masonry in this building, and the memories of the work done and friendships formed under its roof are a sacred heritage.

As the town of Norwood increased and prospered, the Masonic Hall property became more valuable and an offer which could not be declined was made for the property and Village Hall was sold. From October, 1915, to September, 1917, the Lodge met in Conger Hall at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Washington Street until it was moved into our present quarters on Day Street. While there had been much controversy over the affair of the Old Village Hall property in 1877, there was apparently none when the committee was appointed on the Day Street property, tor from the time this project was commenced until the building was dedicated not a single vote was cast against the committee's recommendations and the whole transaction was unanimous and harmonious. The Lodge was fortunate in having for an architect one of our own members, Bro. William G. Upham, and for the Chairman of its committee, Bro. Frank A. Fales. The other members of this committee were: Brothers Walter F. Tilton, Charles A. (iilmore, Frank A. Morrill, Frederick L. Fisher, Henry F. Walker, Worshipful Francis E. Everett, L. N. Newman, Worshipful Ezra L. Hubbard, Worshipful Martin J. Blasenak, Right Worshipful Andrew C. Morrow. Our present home is now free of debt and we occupy as beautiful a temple as will be found in any town of our size in the state.

For many years the town of Walpole and also Medfield were within the jurisdiction of Orient Lodge. In 1921, Azure Lodge, of Walpole, was instituted and this took from Orient Lodge a number of our Walpole Brethren. Azure Lodge was formed with perfect harmony from Orient Lodge, and we look upon Azure Lodge as a fond offspring and rejoice in its activities and growth, wishing it the greatest prosperity in the years to come. It was with much regret that we learned of the loss by fire of their quarters in Walpole two years ago and we were glad that we were able to have them use our Temple until their new quarters were completed.

As we look back we find many Brethren who have made the splendid history of Orient Lodge possible. As in all institutions there are outstanding members, so Orient Lodge has its own. Perhaps the outstanding man in the formation of the Lodge was Bro. Joseph Day, who held the position of Treasurer from the beginning of the Lodge in 1861 until his death in 1876; a man who did not perhaps come into the limelight as much as some others but who, with his advice and counsel was a strong man in the affairs of the Lodge. Brother George L. Rhoads was for three years a District Deputy Grand Master and served on many committees and was influential in the work of the Lodge in the early days.

Two men, entered, passed, and raised at the same time, were vital factors in the growth of Masonry in Norwood, viz.: Right Worshipful Sumner Bagley and George H. Morse. It was said of Right Worshipful Brother Bagley that he could fill any office in the Lodge, Chapter, Council, or Commandery at an instant's notice and properly quote the ritual. He was nearly always present at the meetings and could prompt officers at any time. Brother Bagley rendered efficient work as an instructor and his candidates were always ready to pass an examination in open Lodge. One of his candidates recently said that his only failure in his examination was that he gave the plural of a word when it should have been singular and that Brother Bagley reminded him of it afterwards. No man was ever more interested in the work or had a better knowledge of Masonry, and it is gratifying to know that his son, Right Worshipful Walter S. Bagley, has followed his example and is highly esteemed in the Lodge today and that his grandson, Louis Bagley, has just recently started in office and it is expected that he also will fulfill the prestige given by his grandfather in the work of Orient Lodge.

Bro. George H. Morse, who received the degrees with Right Worshipful Brother Bagley, left to Orient Lodge at his death a donation which has helped a great deal in the upkeep of our present Temple.

Since 1867, there have been but three Tylers in Orient Lodge, viz.: Warren E. Rhoads, Walter D. Chickering, and Arthur L. Bateman—Brother Rhoads serving from 1867 until his death in 1912, a period of forty-five years; Walter D. Chickering serving from 1913 to 1923, a period of ten years; and the present Tyler, Arthur L. Bateman serving since that date. Much could be said about Warren K. Rhoads. He was the Chief of Police of the town for many years and aside from his duty as Tyler, he also furnished the supplies when the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. Many of our members know how we looked forward to the end of the evening and wondered what Warren would have waiting for us. We were sure of one thing — it would be good.

It is not often that a Tyler in these days has to exercise his dutv in keeping off cowans and eavesdroppers, but that is one thing that Tyler Chickering certainly did once in the Old Village Hall Building. There was a commotion one meeting night just outside one of the windows and on examination Tyler Chickering found a young man hanging to the eavestrough looking into the lobby. The young man apparently wanted to see how it was done inside without going through the regular formalities, but Brother Chickering thought differently for he reached through the window, pulled the young man in, and he was sent down the stairway with a rather uncomfortable feeling, well, just where one might think he would have it.

What can be said of the third man, Arthur L. Bateman? Certainly this historian cannot say enough. Not only has he filled his Tyler's position faithfully, but for twelve years he has personally given the lectures to all applicants and never in all this time has a candidate appeared in Orient Lodge to be examined without a mark of at least 98%. Brother Bateman is a man who never has sought a high office in the Lodge, but whose whole heart and soul are bound up in the work and one who doesn't let his left hand know what his right hand doeth.

Upon the death of Right Worshipful James A. Hartshorn, the Lodge lost a true friend to Masonry. He was invariably asked to install the officers of the Lodge and did it in a manner not only ritually correct, but which left an impression with the elected officers of the high quality of the work which they were to perform. Until his death, Worshipful Francis E. Everett acted as his installing marshal. They were competitors in business and formed a friendship and companionship such as only an organization like ours could bring about. Recognition should be given to a Chaplain of the Lodge for a great many years, Rev. George Hill, who was always ready to help in any way and who was not only a good pastor and a good Chaplain, but who also had good business acumen and in the former days served on many committees.

Perhaps one of the finest experiences during the period of the writer's term as Master was when the degrees were given to our brother, Hon. Frank G. Allen, who was then President of the Massachusetts State Senate and afterward our Governor. Perhaps the largest attended meeting ever held in Orient Lodge was when he received his third degree and was raised by Judge John M. Gibbs. Brother Allen has shown his appreciation of Masonry and of Orient Lodge in his quiet way of doing things and we are honored with his membership.

The quiet man who accomplished much was late Brother Frank A. Fales, who was largely influential in the building of our present Temple, not only in his sound business ability but in obtaining land on which to build and construct the building so that we received the most for our money. Mr. Fales didn't say much but he did a lot.

We hold in reverence the memory of Andrew C. Morrow, Past Master, Past District Deputy Grand Master, Past High Priest, Past Grand Scribe, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Commander, a lovable man not only in the confines of Orient Lodge but throughout the whole jurisdiction. The type of men that I have mentioned above is the foundation upon which our Orient Lodge has builded and which will be the incentive to a larger growth in the years to come.

Orient Lodge has done much in the way of its relief. There is a record in May, 1867, in which a Lodge in Winchester, Virginia, asked for aid because its quarters had been destroyed in the War of the Rebellion and while feeling ran high between the North and South the barriers were removed when it came to Masonry, for Orient Lodge did its share to help out the stricken Lodge in the South. Again the records show one of our members, Mr. Samuel S. Morrill, who was stricken on a train in Richmond, Virginia, in 1873 and died, and the Lodge in that city did everything that could be done and the correspondence between the two Lodges certainly shows that barriers between North and South were eliminated even in those early days just after the War.

There is now living in another part of the State a little old lady whom Orient Lodge has seen fit through the help of the Grand Lodge to care for. She is now ninety years of age and for fifteen years has been able to be happy because her husband first saw the light of Masonry many years ago.

There have been a number of visits to Orient Lodge in these seventy-five years by Grand Masters and their suites and it is with pleasure that we tonight greet our genial Grand Master, Most Worshipful Claude L. Allen.

The laying of the cornerstone of our present Temple was done by that great friend of all Masons in the Massachusetts jurisdiction, Most Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, our Grand Secretary, who recently related his experiences on that day. Called upon at the last minute because of unforeseen circumstances, he performed this ceremony in a wonderful and impressive manner.

The Bible which lies upon our altar was the gift of that splendid man, Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott, at a visit of the Lodge with his suite.

The Speculative Masonry which we practice today teaches great principles, the highest ideas of character, and the practices of integrity. These were the factors in the lives of our founders. They are the foundations upon which we in the future must build and if Masonry is to continue to grow strong in the future, as it will, we must all not only here in Orient Lodge, but everywhere, carry out in our daily activities the great lessons we are taught within these walls.

There never was a time in the history of our country when men of moral upright character were more needed than right now, in all affairs of life, and we, as Master Masons, should, every one, practice what we know to be the true moral virtues that our growth may be strong and secure.

OTHER

  • 1876 (Petition on lodge name on charter; 1876-29, 1876-52)
  • 1945 (Petition on jurisdiction; 1945-481)
  • 1946 (Resolution on petition on jurisdiction; 1946-209; 1946-351)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, MARCH 1862

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 5, March 1862, Page 192:

This new Lodge having been working the usual time under a Dispensation at South Dedham, was duly constituted and its officers were publicly installed by the M. W. Grand Master, on Tuesday the 18th ult. The new Hall, which is well fitted up, and with its adjoining apartments, is in all respects well adapted to the purposes for which it is required, was Dedicated in the afternoon, at which time the Lodge was constituted. In the evening the installation took place, in the presence of the ladies of the Brethren, and as many other visitors as the room would accommodate. The ceremonies were impressively performed and oil present seemed to be interested in them. An excellent collation was generously provided by the ladies, thus evincing their respect for the Institution. Our hope is that they may never find occasion to think otherwise than favorably of it, or any of its members.

INSTALLATION, MARCH 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 6, April 1867, Page 188:

At the regular meeting of the Orient Lodge, South Dedham, the following gentlemen were installed as officers for the current year:

  • J. E. Everett, W. M.
  • W. H. Gay, S. W.
  • H. R. Jenks, J. W.
  • Joseph Day, Treasurer.
  • G.L. Rhoads, Secretary.
  • J. A. Rhoads, S. D.
  • A. M. Shapleigh, J. D.
  • G. H. Morse, S. S.
  • Anson Morse, J. S.
  • W. H. Billings, Marshal.
  • Rev. George Hill, Chaplain.
  • Warren E. Rhoads, Tyler.

The installation ceremonies were conducted by W. P. M. John L. Stevenson, of Mount Lebanon Lodge, Boston. After the installation, the members of the Lodge and a goodly number of visiting brethren partook of a bountiful collation.

INSTALLATION, FEBRUARY 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVII, No. 5, March 1868, Page 159:

Orient Lodge. — The public installation of the officers of Orient Lodge for 1868 took place on the 6th of February, in Village Hall, South Dedham, and was an occasion of much interest and enjoyment to the members and their friends, who were present to the number of 250 or more. A substantial repast was provided, and was followed by speeches, music and singing, until a late hour, the lady guests taking a prominent part in the proceedings. The following is a list of officers installed:

  • W. H. Gay, W. M.
  • H. R. Jenks, S. W.
  • G. L. Rhoads, J. W.
  • Joseph Day, Treasurer
  • M. W. Sanborn, Secretary
  • J. A. Rhoads, S. Deacon
  • A. M. Shapleigh, J. Deacon
  • G. H. Morse, S. Steward
  • Anson Morse, J. Steward
  • Rev. Geo. Hill, Chaplain
  • S. E. Morse, Marshal
  • W. E. Rhoads, Tyler

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1861: District 5

1867: District 13 (Taunton)

1878: District 13 (Dedham)

1883: District 22 (Hyde Park)

1911: District 25 (Hyde Park)

1927: District 25 (Hyde Park)

2003: District 6


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges