Paskamansett

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PASKAMANSETT LODGE

Location: New Bedford

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 06/08/1921 1921-175

Precedence Date: 06/09/1920

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Star in the East Lodge to form Star in the East-Paskamansett Lodge, 04/02/1992. Now a part of Star in the East Lodge.


PAST MASTERS

  • Daniel W. Baker, 1920
  • Alfred P. Wilbur, 1921
  • Horace L. Humphrey, 1922; Memorial
  • C. Burton Kilburn, 1923
  • Arthur S. Babbit, 1924
  • Allen H. Hersom, 1925
  • Arthur W. Babbit, 1926
  • William E. Parker, 1927
  • William F. Turner, 1928
  • Alton A. Lawrence, 1929
  • Albert C. Gray, 1930
  • Elwin H. Hauver, 1931
  • Fred M. Potter, 1932
  • George O. Gardener, 1933
  • George E. Pinault, 1934
  • Austin M. Thresher, 1935; N
  • Kenneth C. Park, 1936
  • George H. Phinney, 1937
  • Charles P. Horton, 1938
  • Walter W. Atkinson, 1939
  • Thomas L. Norris, 1940
  • John Blacklidge, Jr., 1941
  • Frederick A. Martin, 1942
  • Harlan N. McEwen, 1943
  • John A. Turner, 1944
  • Lincoln B. Hathaway, 1945
  • Chester H. Jason, 1946
  • Ronald C. Smith, 1947
  • Kenneth V. Ashley, 1948
  • John Maurer, 1949
  • Burton A. Hughes, 1950
  • Lester A. Slocum, 1951
  • Raymond Lindsay, 1952
  • C. Albert D. Tilton, 1953
  • Everett H.T. Davies, 1954
  • John Edmundson, 1955
  • Carrol H. Fuller, 1956
  • Allison L. MacNamee, 1957
  • A. Barton Cummins, 1958
  • Owen T. Mather, 1959
  • Robert L. Lapointe, 1960
  • Benjamin M. Brewer, 1961, 1982
  • William D. Harris, 1962
  • Robert B. Sisson, 1963; N
  • Arthur Potter, 1964; N
  • Ernest M. Torres, 1965, 1984
  • Robert N. Worthington, 1966
  • Russell R. Avellar, 1967
  • John M. Rego, 1968
  • Nicholas Needham, 1969
  • Horatio W. Boardman, 1970, 1971
  • Douglas Beard, 1972
  • John Catterall, 1973, 1980, 1983; PDDGM
  • Richard A. Arruda, 1974, 1975
  • Charles R. Leonard, 1976
  • Rodman F. Davies, 1977
  • Everett L. Hardy, Jr., 1978, 1985, 1987
  • Bruce W. Wilbur, 1979
  • Alex Petrie, 1981
  • Stephen J. Braz, 1986
  • Sylvester R. Jordan, Jr., 1988
  • Bancroft A. Ellis, 1989
  • Warren S. Wood, 1990
  • Carl J. Colangelo, 1991, 1992

For following Past Masters, see:


REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

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

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1926 1928 1930 1934 1936 1946 1962 1964 1968

HISTORY

  • 1945 (25th Anniversary History, 1945-135; see below)
  • 1970 (50th Anniversary History, 1970-67; see below)
  • 1992 ("Historical Review" at consolidation, 1992-41; see below)
  • 1998 ("Historical Review" at 175th Anniversary of Star in the East-Paskamansett Lodge, 1998-140; see below)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-135:

by Right Worshipful Austin M. Thresher and Worshipful Arthur S. Babbitt.

It is said that he that has no reverence for the past will never build a future which can command reverence. We owe it not only to those who have gone before, but to ourselves, to pause from time to time to review the labors and achievements of those who have laid the foundations of so much that we now enjoy. How true it is that "other men have labored and we have entered into their labors." All that has been ours of friendly social intercourse, of mutual help and of inspiration in the past twenty-five years since first we became members of Paskamansett Lodge, we owe primarily to those men who gave of their time to constitute this, our Lodge.

The Brethren who were responsible in obtaining a Charter for Paskamansett Lodge were Brethren of character and influence. Such men would not desert their Parent Lodge for mere pique, or to win personal glory, or with any intent to injure the fabric which was so largely the work of their own hands. That they did so, is reason sufficient for us to feel that another Lodge was needed. We may be sure that there is no taint upon our birth, and that those Brethren were interested in the welfare of the Fraternity and good of the Order.

In the short span of years which have passed since our Lodge was organized, several of the founders and members have entered that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The first regular communication of Paskamansett Lodge, A.F.& A.M., (U.D.) was held in Masonic Hall, June 15th, A.L. 5920. Right Worshipful Henry Ashworth, District Deputy Grand Master was present for the purpose of presenting the dispensation which had been granted Paskamansett Lodge. The Deputy Grand Marshal made the usual proclamation.

Worshipful Daniel W. Baker then proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons with the following officers:

  • Wor. Daniel W. Baker, Worshipful Master
  • Bro. Alfred P. Wilbur, Senior Warden
  • Horace L. Humphrey, Junior Warden
  • Wor. Stephen H. Taylor, Treasurer
  • Bro. Claude C. Smith, Secretary
  • Wor. Winthrop D. Bassett, Chaplain
  • Bro. Wellington A. Francis, Marshal
  • Bro. Clifford B. Kilburn, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. Benjamin Woodsome, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. Arthur S. Babbitt, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Frederick C. Brightman, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Allen H. Hersom, Inside Sentinel
  • Bro. Earl C. Miller, Organist
  • Bro. James Slater, Tyler

Eureka Lodge was most helpful in offering their regalia, which was gratefully accepted and due acknowledgment made. During the year under dispensation the Lodge made a steady growth, but at no time has the Lodge had any sudden influx of candidates.

On Saturday, June 18, A.L. 5921, A.D. 1921, a special communication was held by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for the purpose of constituting Paskamansett Lodge. There were eighteen Grand Lodge Officers present, with Right Worshipful Claude L. Allen, Deputy Grand Master, acting as Grand Master. After the ceremonies, the Grand Lodge was entertained at dinner by Paskamansett Lodge. The Grand Officers and their ladies were entertained over Sunday hospitably and most delightfully at Salters' Point Inn by Right Worshipful Stephen H. Taylor.

CHARTER MEMBERS

  • Daniel W. Baker
  • Alfred P. Wilbur
  • Horace L. Humphrey
  • Stephen H. Taylor
  • Claude C. Smith
  • Winthrop D. Bassett
  • Wellington A. Francis
  • Clifford B. Kilburn
  • Benjamin Woodsome
  • Arthur S. Babbitt
  • Frederick. C. Brightman
  • Allen H. Hersom
  • Earl C. Miller
  • William F. Gifford
  • Thomas Hersom, Jr.
  • H. C. French
  • Charles Morton
  • John A. Stitt
  • Frank E. Ramsdell
  • Walter Burrows

At a communication held September 20, 1921, a flag was presented to the Lodge by Worshipful Dexter B. Goodwin, on behalf of Eureka Lodge. On the same date, Frederick L. Putnam, Grand Lecturer, installed the officers for the ensuing year. Paskamansett Lodge has been indeed fortunate in having two District Deputy Grand Masters and one Junior Grand Warden, also a member who was honored by election to the 33d degree of the Scottish Rite.

The Lodge was not constituted during World War I, but feels highly honored that in the present conflict eleven of our members are active in the different services of our country.

In paying this brief tribute, we realize that the road over which the members of Paskamansett Lodge have travelled toward the East has been one of pleasant memories and good fellowship.

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1970

From Proceedings, Page 1970-67:

By Bro. J. Arthur Tripp.

In the year 1920, New Bedford was a thriving city with a population exceeding 120,000. The industrial climate was very good and employment was at a high level. Veterans of World War I had recently returned in large numbers from their military duties. Many of them were to become members of our Fraternity.

At that time the city had three Masonic Lodges — Star in the East Lodge, Instituted in 1823; Eureka Lodge, Instituted in 1857 and Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge, Instituted in 1915. The first two mentioned had very large memberships, probably 700 to 800.

Several prominent Masons felt that the city was in need of a smaller Lodge which would permit closer acquaintance and promote a strong fraternal spirit.

As a result of this thinking, a petition was presented to the Grand Lodge, praying that permission be granted for the establishment of a new Lodge.

In due time a dispensation was granted and Paskamansett Lodge was established. Twenty charter members, all of whom were leaders in the affairs of the community, were responsible for this action. Their names appear elsewhere in this program. Of the twenty, two still survive and we are very happy to say that they are with us tonight to add to the pleasure of this important occasion. They are Wor. Allen H. Hersom, who is now our senior Past Master and Bro. Earl C. Miller, who was the first organist of our Lodge.

It is of historical interest to quote excerpts from the first meeting of our Lodge held June 15, 1920. The record reads as follows:

A Regular Communication of Paskamansett Lodge A. F. & A. M. (U. D.) was held in Masonic Hall, Tuesday evening, June 15, AL 5920.

OFFICERS PRESENT

  • Wor. Bro. Daniel W. Baker, Wor. Master
  • Alfred P. Wilbur, Senior Warden
  • Horace L. Humphrey, Junior Warden
  • Wor. Bro. Stephen H. Taylor, Treasurer
  • Claude C. Smith, Secretary
  • Wor. Bro. Winthrop D. Bassett, Chaplain
  • Wellington A. Francis, Marshal
  • Clifford B. Kilburn, Senior Deacon
  • Benjamin Woodsome, Junior Deacon
  • Arthur S. Babbitt, Senior Steward
  • Frederick C. Brightman, Junior Steward
  • Allen H. Hersom, Inside Sentinel
  • Earl C. Miller. Organist
  • James Slater, Tyler


The District Deputy, Rt. Wor. Henry Ashworth, was present for the purpose of presenting the dispensation which had been granted to Paskamansett Lodge. After he had read the dispensation, the District Deputy Grand Marshal made the usual proclamation. Wor. Master Daniel W. Baker then proceeded to open a lodge of Master Masons.

A note of thanks was given the District Deputy for his assistance in forming the new Lodge.

A committee on By-Laws was appointed.

Wor. Daniel W. Baker was the city's leading realtor, and was a Past Master of Eureka Lodge. The Senior Warden, Bro. Alfred P. Wilbur, was an executive in one of the city's larger cotton mills. Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey was a prominent jeweler in the center of the city. Further mention of him appears later.

The record would not be complete without mention of Wor. John A. Stitt, a charter member and one of New Bedford's foremost military men. He was Captain of the 4th Co. C. A. C. National Guard which was called up for active service immediately after the outbreak of World War I. Wor. Bro. Stitt served as our Secretary for a time and was very active in the Lodge during his lifetime.

In the early days of the Lodge, we had many young men in our membership who looked to older Brethren for counsel. One of these was Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member and our fifth Worshipful Master. He had the quality of attracting young men to him and those of us who knew him regarded him as our Lodge father. Such was the affection in which he was regarded.

It is impossible in a brief history to recount the loyal activities of so many of our officers, but certainly we cannot forget Wor. George O. Gardner, our Chaplain for many years. His knowledge of the history of the Fraternity was extensive and his charges to the candidates were unforgettable.

For a great many years, Masons had been meeting in what is still called the Masonic Building, located at the North East corner of Union and Pleasant Streets.

In the early twenties it became clear that larger and better facilities were needed. Committees were formed from each Lodge to work as an Advisory Committee for the selection of a site and the erection of a new Temple, with Rt. Wor. Erford W. Poole as the architect. Several years elapsed before the work was completed.

The Temple was dedicated April 11, 1926 with an appropriate ceremony which included a visit by Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. He was accompanied by his distinguished suite of Grand Officers. The record reads that the Lodge Rooms were filled to overflowing and the Brethren present expressed great pleasure in our new Home.

On February 2, 1928, we were honored by a fraternal visit by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and he accepted the Oriental chair for a brief period. With him was Worshipful Master, Arthur William Peace, and the officers of Overseas Lodge No. 40 of Rhode Island, who came over to work a Third Degree on a Paskamansett candidate. They were accompanied by a squad of twelve Fellowcrafts and a very fine quartet which rendered beautiful songs at appropriate places in the ceremony. All were attired in military garb and the work was most efficiently performed throughout the evening. This all added greatly to the impressiveness of the service. Our Secretary recorded that more Past Masters were present than at any Lodge meeting held in the city. It was an occasion that will long be remembered by those who were present.

On several other occasions we were honored by visits from the degree teams of the Morse Twist Drill Company and the American Legion in full regalia and all performed very efficiently on candidates who were their colleagues.

From the Institution of our Lodge in 1920, our Lodge has shown a slow but steady growth in membership up to 1965. During the decade of the 30's, which were years of great business depression, and unemployment was rampant the nation over, our growth was small. However, at no time did our membership decline which, in view of the existing conditions, was remarkable.

On May 15, 1945, the 25th Anniversary of Paskamansett Lodge was held, after a short business meeting, in Doric Hall. Approximately 200 Brethren gathered in the banquet hall and received the Most Worshipful Grand Master with generous applause. Following the banquet, which was catered by Brother Holman, the gathering met in the Lodge Room. Rt. Wor. Whitfield W. Johnson, Grand Marshal, was admitted and announced that the Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was present.

A committee of Past Masters, with Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, Chairman, escorted the Grand Master into the Lodge Room amidst the applause of the Brethren. He was presented to Wor. John A. Turner who gave him the usual Paskamansett welcome.

The Grand Master then occupied the East and proceeded to introduce his Grand Officers. A program of special organ music was rendered by Brother Robert Allen. An Historical address covering the activities of the first 25 years of the Lodge was read by Wor. Bro. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member. Distinguished guests were called on for remarks appropriate to the Anniversary. The singing of America by the entire assemblage brought the notable evening to a close.

Paskamansctt Lodge has indeed been proud in having three of its members serve in the office of District Deputy Grand Master. They are: Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey, Rt. Wor. Austin M. Thresher and most recently Rt. Wor. Robert B. Sisson. Rt. Wor. Bro. Thresher held the Henry Price Medal, awarded for distinguished service to the Fraternity, and also held the office of Junior Grand Warden. In 1946, the Lodge was pleased to learn of the appointment of Wor. Albeit D. Tilton as Senior Grand Steward.

Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey has the distinction of being our only 33rd degree Mason.

In more recent years we have forged ahead, steadily gaining members, enjoying social activities such as Ladies Nights, square dances, Christmas parties for children and outings, all of which have served to promote wider acquaintances and good fellowship. The officers and committees have fulfilled their positions conscientiously and we can say that we are in a sound condition.

To the long line of Past Masters, and to all others who have served the Lodge in many capacities down to the present day, we, the members of Paskamansett Lodge, salute you and say "Well done, good and faithful Masons."

HISTORICAL REVIEW, APRIL 1992

In the year 1920, New Bedford was a thriving city with a population exceeding 120,000. The industrial climate was very good and employment was at a high level. Veterans of World War I had recently returned home in large numbers from their military duties. Many of them were to become members of our Fraternity.

At that time the city had three Masonic Lodges - Star In The East instituted in 1823 - Eureka Lodge instituted in 1857 and Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge instituted in 1915. The first two mentioned had very large memberships, probably 700-800 each. Several prominent Masons felt that the city was in need of a smaller Lodge which would permit closer acquaintanceship and promote a strong fraternal spirit.

As a result of this thinking, a petition was presented to the Grand Lodge, praying that their permission be granted for the establishment of a new Lodge. In due time a dispensation was granted and Paskamansett Lodge was established. Twenty charter members, all of whom were leaders in the affairs of the community, were responsible for this action. Their names appear elsewhere in this program. Of the twenty, the last living one of them was Brother Earl C. Miller, a member of Star In The East Lodge. He was also the first organist of the Lodge. It is our historical interest to quote excerpts from the first meeting of our Lodge, held June 15, 1920. The record reads as follows:

A Regular Communication of Paskamansett Lodge A. F. & A. M. (U.D.) was held in Masonic Hall, Tuesday evening, June 15, 1920.

The District Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Henry Ashworth, was present for the purpose of presenting the dispensation which had been granted to Paskamansett Lodge. After he had read the dispensation, the District Deputy Grand Marshal made the usual proclamation. Wor. Master Daniel W. Baker then proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons.

A note of thanks was given to the District Deputy Grand Master for his assistance in forming the new Lodge.

A committee on By-Laws was appointed.

Wor. Daniel W. Baker was the city's leading realtor, and was a Past Master of Eureka Lodge. The Senior Warden, Brother Alfred L. Humphrey was an executive in one of the city's larger cotton mills. R. W. Horace L. Humphrey was a prominent jeweler in the center of the city. Further mention of him appears later.

The record would not be complete without mention of Wor. John A. Stitt, a charter member and one of New Bedford's foremost military men. He was Captain of the 4th Co. C. A. C. National Guard which was called up for active service immediately after the outbreak of World War I. Brother Stitt served as our Secretary for a time and was very active in the Lodge during his lifetime.

In the early days of the Lodge we had many young men in our membership who looked to the older Brethren for counsel. One of these was Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member and our fifth Worshipful Master. He had the quality of attracting young men to him and those of us who knew him regarded him as our Lodge father. Such was the affection in which he was regarded.

It is impossible in a brief history to recount the loyal activities of so many of our Officers, but certainly we cannot forget Wor. George O. Gardner, our Chaplain for many years. His knowledge of the Fraternity was extensive and his charges to the candidates were unforgettable.

For a great many years Masons had been meeting in what is still called the Masonic Building located in the northeast corner of Union and Pleasant streets. In the early 1920's it became clear that larger and better facilities were needed. Committees were formed from each Lodge to work as an Advisory Committee for the selection of a site and the erection of a new temple with Rt. Wor. Erford W. Poole as the architect. Several years elapsed before the work was completed.

The Temple was dedicated April 11, 1926 with an appropriate ceremony which included a visit by the Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He was accompanied by his distinguished suite of Grand Officers. The record reads that the Lodge rooms were filled to overflowing and the brethren present expressed great pleasure in our new home.

On February 2, 1928, we were honored by a fraternal visit by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and he accepted the Oriental chair for a brief period. With him was M. W. Arthur William Peace, and the officers of Overseas Lodge No. 40 of Rhode Island who came over to work a Third Degree on a Paskamansett candidate. They were accompanied by a squad of twelve Fellowcrafts and a very fine quartet which rendered beautiful songs at appropriate places in the ceremony. All were attired in military garb and the work was most efficiently performed throughout the evening. This all added greatly to the impressive-ness of the service. Our secretary recorded that more Past Masters were present than at any Lodge meeting held in the city. It was an occasion that will long be remembered by those who were present.

On several occasions we were honored by visits from the degree teams of the Morse Twist Drill Company and the American Legion in full regalia and all performed very efficiently on candidates who were their colleagues.

From the institution of our Lodge in 1920, our Lodge has shown a slow but steady growth in membership up to 1965. During the decade to the 30's which were years of great business depression, and unemployment was rampant the nation over, our growth was small. However, at no time did our membership decline which, in view of the existing conditions, was remarkable.

The records of the Lodge remind us of many pleasant events, one of these is the beginning, in 1933, of an exchange visit with Plymouth Lodge which has continued until present time and we look forward to these visits and the fellowship which follows. May these long continue.

On May 15, 1945, the 25th Anniversary of Paskamansett Lodge was held after a short business meeting in Doric Hall. Approximately 200 Brethren gathered in the Banquet Hall and received the Most Worshipful Grand Master with generous applause. Following the banquet, which was catered by Bro. Holman, the gathering met in the Lodge Room. Rt. Wor. Whitfield W. Johnson, the Grand Marshal, was admitted and announced that the Most Wor. Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge was present.

A committee of Past Masters was appointed with Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, Chairman, and escorted the Grand Master into the Lodge Room amidst the applause of the Brethren. He was presented to Wor. John A. Turner, who gave him the usual Paskamansett welcome.

The Grand Master then occupied the East and proceeded to introduce his Grand Officers. A program of special organ music was rendered by Bro. Robert Allen. A Historical address covering the activities of the first 25 years of the Lodge was read by Wor. Bro. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member.

Distinguished guests were called on for remarks appropriate to the anniversary. The singing of America by the entire assemblage brought the notable evening to a close.

Paskamansett Lodge has indeed been proud in having three of its members serve in the office of D. D. G. Master. They are Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey, Rt. Wor. Austin M. Thresher, and most recently Rt. Wor. Robert B. Sisson.

Rt. Wor. Thresher held the Henry Price medal awarded for distinguished service to the Fraternity, and also held the office of Junior Grand Warden. In 1946, the Lodge was pleased to learn of the appointment of Wor. Albert D. Tilton as Senior Grand Steward.

Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey has the distinction of being our only 33rd Degree Mason.

In more recent years we have forged ahead, steadily gaining members, enjoying social activities such as Ladies' Nights, Square Dances, Christmas Parties for children, and outings, all of which have served to promote wider acquaintanceships and good fellowship. The officers and committees have fulfilled their positions conscientiously and we can say that we are in a sound condition. To the long line of Past Masters, and to all others who have served the Lodge in many capacities down to the present day - we, the members of Paskamansett Lodge, salute you and say, "Well done, good and faithful Masons."

The merger of these two outstanding Lodges into one Lodge is a result of poor economic times within our area as well as a period in which the membership in both Lodges has been dwindling over the past decade. Now with the merger will come the wealth of ability each group brings to this new Lodge to strengthen and enrich it for its future period of growth within our city.

HISTORICAL REVIEW, OCTOBER 1998

From Proceedings, Page 1998-140:

In the year 1920, New Bedford was a thriving city with a population exceeding 120,000. The industrial climate was very good and employment was at a high level. Veterans of World War I had recently returned home in large numbers from their military duties. Many of them were to become members of our fraternity. Several prominent Masons felt that the city was in need of a smaller lodge, which would permit closer acquaintanceship and promote a strong fraternal spirit.

As a result of this thinking, a petition was presented to the Grand Lodge, praying that their permission be granted for the establishment of a new Lodge. In due time a dispensation was granted and Paskamansett Lodge was established. Twenty charter members, all of whom were leaders in the affairs of the community, were responsible for this action.

Of the twenty, the last living one of them was Brother Earl C. Miller, a member of Star In The East Lodge. He was also the first organist of the Lodge. It is of historical interest to quote excerpts from the first meeting of Paskamansett Lodge, held June 15, 1920. The record reads as follows:"A Regular Communication of Paskamansett Lodge A. F. & A. M. (U.D.) was held in Masonic Hall, Tuesday Evening, June 15, 1920. The District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Henry Ashworth, was present for the purpose of presenting the dispensation which had been granted to Paskamansett Lodge. After he had read the dispensation, the District Deputy Grand Marshal made the usual proclamation. Wor. Master Daniel W. Baker then proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons. A note of thanks was given to the District Deputy Grand Master for his assistance in forming the new Lodge. A committee on by-laws was appointed."

Wor. Daniel W. Baker was the city's leading realtor, and was a Past Master of Eureka Lodge. The Senior Warden, Brother Alfred L. Humphrey, was an executive in one of the city's larger cotton mills. R.W. Horace L. Humphrey was a prominent jeweler in the center of the city. Further mention of him appears later.

The record would not be complete without mention of Wor. John A. Stitt, a charter member and one of New Bedford's foremost military men. He was Captain of the 4th Co. C.A.C. National Guard which was called up for active service immediately after the outbreak of World War I. Brother Stitt served as Secretary for a time and was very active in the Lodge during his lifetime.

In the early days of the Lodge there were many young men in the Paskamansett Lodge membership who looked to the older Brethren for counsel. One of these was Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member and the fifth Worshipful Master. He had the quality of attracting young men to him, and those of us who knew him regarded him as our Lodge father. Such was the affection in which he was regarded.

Wor. George O. Gardner was Chaplain for many years. His knowledge of the Fraternity was extensive and his charges to the candidate were unforgettable. For a great many years Masons had been meeting in what is still called the Masonic Building located in the northeast corner of Union and Pleasant streets.

In the early 1920's it became clear that larger and better facilities were needed. Committees were formed from each lodge to work as an Advisory Committee for the selection of a site and the erection of a new temple with Rt.Wor. Erford W. Poole 33°, as the architect. Several years elapsed before the work was completed.

The Temple was dedicated April 11, 1926, with an appropriate ceremony which included a visit by the Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He was accompanied by his distinguished suite of Grand Officers. The record reads that the Lodge rooms were filled to overflowing and the brethren present expressed great pleasure in our new home.

On February 2, 1928, Paskamansett Lodge was honored by a fraternal visit by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and he accepted the Oriental chair for a brief period. With him was Wor. Arthur William Peace, and the officers of Overseas Lodge No. 40 of Rhode Island who came over to work a Third Degree on a Paskamansett candidate. They were accompanied by a squad of twelve Fellowcrafts and a very fine quartet which rendered beautiful songs at appropriate places in the ceremony. All were attired in military garb, and the work was most efficiently performed throughout the evening. This all added greatly to the impressiveness of the service. The Secretary recorded that more Past Masters were present than at any Lodge meeting ever held in the city. It was an occasion that was long remembered by those who were present.

On several occasions the Lodge was honored by visits from the degree teams of the Morse Twist Drill Company and the American Legion in full regalia, and all performed very efficiently on candidates who were their colleagues.

On May 15,1945, the 25th Anniversary of Paskamansett Lodge was held, after a short business meeting in Doric Hall. Approximately 200 Brethren gathered in the Banquet Hall and received the Most Worshipful Grand Master with generous applause. Following the banquet, which was catered by Bro. Holman, the gathering met in the Lodge Room. Rt. Wor. Whitfield W. Johnson, the Grand Marshal, was admitted and announced that the Most Wor. Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge was present. A committee of Past Masters was appointed and Wor. Arthur S. Babbitt, Chairman, escorted the Grand Master into the Lodge Room. He was presented to Wor. John A. Turner, who gave him the usual Paskamansett welcome.

The Grand Master then occupied the East and proceeded to introduce his Grand officers. A program of special organ music was rendered by Bro. Robert Allen. A Historical address covering the activities of the first 25 years of the Lodge was read by Wor. Bro. Arthur S. Babbitt, a charter member. Distinguished guests were called on for remarks appropriate to the anniversary. The singing of America by the entire assemblage brought the notable evening to a close.

Paskamansett Lodge has been proud in having four of its members serve in the office of D.D.G. Master. They are Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey, Rt. Wor. Austin M. Thresher, Rt. Wor. Robert B. Sisson, and Rt. Wor. Arthur Potter. Rt. Wor. Thresher was awarded the Henry Price Medal for distinguished service to the Fraternity, and also held the office of Junior Grand Warden. In 1964, the Lodge was pleased to learn of the appointment of Wor. Albert D. Tilton as Senior Grand Steward. Rt. Wor. Horace L. Humphrey had the distinction of being the only 33° Mason from Paskamansett Lodge.

OTHER

  • 1975 (Presentation in Grand Lodge, 1975-82)

EVENTS

SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 1937

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XXXII, No. 8, April 1937, Page 162:

On Tuesday evening, March 16th, at Paskamansett Lodge, A. F. & A. M., New Bedford, Mass., was conferred a degree which, to say the least, is unusual, when the brethren at that communication witnessed Wor. William Bliss. nearly 89 years of age, Past Master of two lodges and /in Honorary Member of the lodge, raise Lincoln Bourne Hathaway, who is his own grandson and a former member of the Order of DeMolay.

The incident is rendered more remarkable because of the fact that Wor. Bro. Bliss gave the first section of the degree to all three of the candidates, and after raising his own grandson, he gave the lectures and charges to the three candidates in a very impressive manner, being almost letter perfect in his rendition of the work, which is one of the longest in the Blue Lodge.

The attendance of nearly one hundred included the D.D.G. Master of the 30th (New Bedford) Masonic District and his secretary and marshal, several past D. D. G. Masters and many officers and past officers of nearby lodges. All praised the work and considered it very remarkable that one as old as Wor. Bro. Bliss was able to give the work so ably. He has heartily applauded at its conclusion.

We have heard of many instances of proud fathers raising their sons, but this is the first time the writer has witnessed a past master raise his own grandson.

Previous to the meeting past masters of the lodge served a Dutch supper. All that goes with a supper of that description was in abundance. The past masters waited on the tables and kept all well supplied. If any were turned away hungry it was their own fault.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1920: District 30 (Fall River)

1927: District 30 (Fall River)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges