Difference between revisions of "Pequossette"

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PEQUOSSETTE LODGE

Location: Watertown

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 12/09/1857 VI-139

Precedence Date: 12/15/1856

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1857 not in Proceedings, dated 12/15/1856
• Petition for Charter: 1857

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1908 (50th Anniversary; 12/12/1907)
• 1957 (Centenary)
• 1982 (125th Anniversary)
• 2007 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1857 (Heard; Constitution of Lodge and installation; Special Communication; see below)
• 1870 (Gardner; Hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
• 1880 (Welch)
• 1890 (Wells; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1908 (Blake; 2 visits, including 50th Anniversary)
• 1910 (Flanders)
• 1914 (MJohnson; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1919 (L. Abbott)
• 1954 (W. Johnson; "H. Herbert Applin Night")
• 1956 (W. Johnson; installation)
• 1957 (A. Jenkins; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1960 (Eaton; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1968 (Booth; Mortgage burning; Special Communication)
• 1973 (Vose)
• 1976 (Maxwell; reception for Deputy Grand Master Robert Neil Alger)
• 1982 (Berquist; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1983 (Berquist; installation)
• 1994 (Lovering)
• 2000 (Bauer; Awards Night; room dedication; Special Communication)
• 2007 (Hodgdon; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1872 1877 1879 1881 1886 1890 1891 1895 1896 1897 1898 1901 1902 1903 1906 1907 1913 1918 1919 1920 1921 1925 1927 1933 1934 1935 1937 1944 1950 1951 1952 1954 1956 1957 1958 1964 1966 1968 1979 1983 1985 1987 2006

HISTORY

• 1957 (Centenary History, 1957-233)
• 1982 (125th Anniversary History, 1982-281; see below)
• 2007 (150th Anniversary History, 2007-57; see below)

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1982

HISTORY OF PEQUOSSETTE LODGE 1957 - 1982
by Brother Francis M. Lightbody

(For a comprehensive history of Pequossette Lodge covering the earlier periods, please refer to 1957 Mass. 233-245)

The One Hundredth Anniversary of the Constitution of Pequossette Lodge was observed with dignified and deeply moving ceremonies, beginning on Sunday afternoon, December 8, 1957, at Saint John's Methodist Church, where devotional services were conducted by Reverend Brother Edson Gould Waterhouse, pastor, who was Chaplain of the Lodge.

Preceding the church services, Worshipful Master William T. von Schoppe opened the Lodge in due form at 2:00 P.M. in Masonic Hall. A parade of the Lodge members and visiting Brethren, wearing their aprons, followed, escorted by uniformed Knights Templars, from Main Street in front of the Otis Building to the church. Well over 200 Masons were in the line of march up Mount Auburn Street and as they neared the sanctuary where 100 others were already gathered, they were greeted by the Whitney Memorial Chimes played by Worshipful A. Lester Shipton. Worshipful William W. Norcross, Jr. was Chief Marshal, and his Aides were Worshipful Arthur L. Rockwell, Worshipful George B. Wellman, and Worshipful Robert N. Alger.

At the Regular Communication of the lodge on December 12, 1957, the Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts was received with his suite and he presided at the sealing of the capsule to be opened at the 200th Anniversary of the Lodge in December A.D. 2057. Brother Miles P. Robinson read the history of the first hundred years of the Lodge which he had written. The program ended with an address by the Grand Master, and the Lodge and the Grand Lodge were closed at 10:00 P.M. Previous to the ceremonies in the Lodge Room, a dinner was served in the banquet hall.

Less than two years after the Centennial Celebration, the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple on Church Street was laid by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, in accordance with ancient form and ceremony. Thus was brought to fruition a wish that had long been in the hearts of Brethren and their friends in Watertown. Members of Pequossette Lodge shared prominently and honorably in the effort with their colleagues of other Masonic bodies of the Town.

The Lodge had established a building fund as early as 1921, and a Building Committee was appointed in 1923. Prudence, however, continued to dictate a cautious approach, even in the prosperous 1920's; then came the Depression, and then World War II. Not until November 12, 1953, was a new Building Committee formed, who finally "got the ball rolling." The original members were Brothers Carl B. Richardson, Chairman, George B. Wellman, Robert N. Alger, Herbert C. Harting, Andrew B. Bradford, Richard Tuttle, W. W. Norcross, III, aod Donald Ross.

Two years later, Richardson resigned from the Committee because the illness of his wife obliged them to move to Florida. He was given a rising vote of thanks for his services to the lodge. Others who served on the Committee were Brothers Ralph H. Hutchins, Jr., Herbert O. Berry, Arthur L. Rockwell, and Wayne Eaton.

In accordance with a report of the Building Committee, Pequossette Lodge voted on October 14, 1954 to purchase the property at 32 Church Street. Four weeks later, November 11, the committee reported that an agreement to purchase had been signed with the Knights of Pythias Associates, owners of the property. On February 10. 1955, the Lodge was informed that a joint meeting of all Watertown Masonic Organizations and affiliated bodies had taken place, and that a corporation had been formed under the name of Watertown Masonic Associates,lnc. At the communication on March 10, the Lodge transferred the sum of $1,500 from the building fund to be used for the preparation of plans and sketches. Brother Edward Sears Read, who had been engaged as architect, was at this time conducted to the East and introduced to the Master and the Brethren. Brother Read subsequently transferred his membership to Pequossette.

The agreed price of the Church Street property was $13,500 plus attorneys fees and other costs necessary to effect the conveyance, and it was paid out of the funds of Pequossette Lodge. The estimated cost of the new Masonic Build- ing was $100,000. On April 14, 1955, Pequossette Lodge voted that assurance be given to the Masonic Associates and other Masonic bodies involved, that the Building Fund of Pequossette Lodge would be available to the joint Fund Raising Committee to help with the expenses necessary to erect the new Temple as planned. This fund had been considerably enhanced, comparatively recent- ly, by a $25,000 bequest from the late Brother Harry W. Brigham.

The Watertown Masonic Associates, Inc., as established, included twelve trustees: Six from Pequossette lodgg two from Victory lodge, two from Eastern Star, one from the Watertown Royal Arch Chapter, and one from Amaranth. Worshipful Brother Arthur L. Rockwell was appointed Chairman of the Masonic Associates in 1956. A Fund Raising Committee was established in June 1955, consisting of ten members, two from each body. Brother Sam Goldberg of Victory Lodge was elected chairman, Worshipful Brother William W. Norcross of Pequossette lodge vice-chairmen and treasurer, and Mrs. Betty Waite of the Eastern Star, Secretary. Brother Winthrop G. Rockwell also represented Pequossette l.odge on this committee. The kick-off meeting for the fund-raising drive was held in the following October. In his Report to the Lodge, dated September 8, 1955, Brother Richardson extended thanks to all members of the Building Committee "and in particular to Brother Herb Berry who has been a tower of strength in this undertaking."

Bids for the construction of the new Temple were opened on June 12, 1959, and the work was started on June 28, under the direction of the general contractor, Brother Stanley D. Porter. The cornerstone was laid on September 27, A.L. 5959, a Sunday afternoon. The Grand Lodge was opened at Unitarian Hall, and at 4 P.M. marched in formal procession to the site of the new edifice. with the assistance of the Grand Lodge officers, the Grand Master laid the cornerstone in accordance with ancient form and ceremony. Brief remarks appropriate to the occasion were made by the Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, Grand Master, by other Grand Lodge Officers and by the Worshipful Masters of Pequossette and Victory Lodges.

From beginning to end, and in all respects, the construction of the Watertown Masonic Temple exemplified devotion to the principle of "who best can serve and best agree," by all concerned, over a total of 131 working days. On January 14, 1960, the first Communication in the new hall was held by Pequossette Lodge. On that occasion the work was the Entered Apprentice Degree in the presence of 128 members and 16 visitors.

Approximately 500 persons attended the dedication of the new temple on February 16, 1960. The ceremonies were conducted by Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, Crand Master, and the officers of the Grand Lodge. A total of 398 were served at dinner in the new banquet hall. The evening closed with refreshments and dancing. A balance of $19,000 remained on the mortgage as of September 1960. On June 13, 1968, the ceremony of burning the mortgage was performed by the Grand Master, Most Woshipful Thomas Arnold Booth and the officers of the Grand Lodge.

Since its One Hundredth Anniversary, Pequossette Lodge has been honored by its Past Masters who have been distinguished by the Grand Lodge, as follows:

• Right Worshipful Robert Neil Alger: District Deputy Grand Master, 1962-1963; Grand Sword Bearer, 1964-1965; Grand Tyler, 1966; Deputy Grand Master, 1976; Henry Price Medal
• Worshipful Harrison Mallory Blake: District Deputy Grand Marshal, 1962-1963; Senior Grand Deacon, 1966.
• Right Worhipful Robert Mallory Blake: Grand Tieasurer, 1977-1978; Grand Lodge Comptroller, 1978-
• Right Worshipful Herbert Millington Davis, Jr: District Deputy Grand Master, 1974-1975.
• Worshipful Ralph Hiram Hutchins, Jr: District Deputy Grand Secretary, 1974-1975; Master, 34th Lodge of Instruction 1981.
• Right Worshipful Arthur Leroy Rockwell: District Deputy Grand Secretary, 1962-1963; Junior Grand Deacon, 1967; Master, 34th Lodge of Instruction, 1968; Proxy to Grand Lodge, 1967-1972; Grand Marshal, 1972-1975; Henry Price Medal, 1973; Senior Grand Warden, 1975; Grand Lecturer, 1981.
• Joseph Warren Medals were awarded to Worshipful Ralph H. Hutchins, Sr., Worshipful William W. Norcross, Jr., and Worshipful Thomas W. Phipps.

In the one hundred and twenty-five years since it was constituted, Pequossette Lodge has received many gifts from generous donors. Some are of particular historical interest at this time. Among them is a marble clock which for many years hung in the anterooms outside previous lodge halls. It was given in 1870 by Brother Leonard Whitney, a leading Watertown industrialist and pub- lic.benefactor. Another is the Master's chair, given in 1870 by Worshipful John B. Goodrich. Equally significant are three donations, made at various times, by Brother Cornelius C. Hodges, who served Pequossette Lodge as Chaplain for 32 years. First who served Pequossette lodge as Chaplain for 32 years. First was the illuminated letter "G", given at the 50th Anniversary in 1907. The Second was the ballot box, given in 1912; and the third, given in 1914, consisted of the illuminated emblems over the Master's chair in the East. In 1914, a silk American flag was given by Brother George N. Chamberlain on behalf of 26 of the brethren whose first names were George in honor of our ancient Brother George Washington. The Square and Compasses, together with a gift of $50. in gold (used for purchase of officers' regalia), were presented in 1907 on behalf of the Ladies of the todge members by Worshipful Benjamin H. Dow.

More recent, and already mentioned, was the bequest of Brother Harry W. Brigham, which was a key event in the building of the Watertown Masonic Temple. A bequest from Mary Ross in memory of her husband Brother Adam Ross in the amount of $500. which was used to purchase the present Line Officers' Aprons. A bequest in the amount of $1000. from R. Winson Towne in memory of his father Brother Selwyne Towne.

In this, the twenty-fifth year of their second century, the members of Pequossette Lodge face the future with confidence that the work of building the house not made with hands, according to the will of the Supreme Architect, will continue in Watertown, as elsewhere, world without end.

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 2007

From Proceedings, Page 2007-57:

By R. W. Kenneth R. Blake

Grand Master, Worshipful Master, Brethren and most welcomed guests.

Tonight, we gather together to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of our beloved Pequossette Lodge, A.F. & A.M., and look back with pride and forward with hope.

It all started in 1856 when the preliminary meeting to organize a Lodge in Watertown was held at Constitution Hall in the Dana Block Building located in Watertown Square on December 17th.

After working one year under dispensation, in accordance with Masonic custom, Pequossette Lodge was duly constituted on Wednesday, December 23, 1857 by M.W. John T. Heard, Grand Master. The Lodge was started with just nineteen chartered members. Wor. William Webster, the first Master of the Lodge, served a two-year term. Bro. Webster was a high school teacher and principal of several schools, including Watertown High School.

The first application for degrees was received from Bro. Miles Pratt. In addition, four more applications were received in that first year, one of which belonged to Bro. Robert L. Davis. Bro. Davis is said to have contributed more than any other member to the initial success of this Lodge. He became the second Master in 1859 and served again ten years later.

Also of interest is that, up to 1869, the Lodge met on the Thursday evening on or after the full moon, in order to permit easier and safer traveling on the dark roads. Since 1869, however, the regular meetings have been held on the second Thursday of each month, except in July and August.

Thirteen years later, in 1870, the Lodge moved into new quarters in the Noyes Building located on Main Street, a short distance from the corner of Galen Street.

On our 25th anniversary, celebrated on December 14, 1882, the Lodge had grown from the original nineteen chartered members to 284. In 1889, the Lodge moved into its third location when it rented a portion of the third floor of the Otis Building located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets. The Lodge was furnished with $1,500 raised at a Masonic Fair held at the new quarters.

Some years later, Bro. Cornelius C. Hodges, Chaplain of the Lodge for thirty two years, added to the furnishings. All three gifts were designed and assembled by Bro. Hodges. The first, in 1907, was the illuminated letter “G”. The second, in 1911, was the illuminated emblems. Both are installed over the Master’s Chair. The third, in 1912, was a most unusual Ballot Box which we still use today.

Until 1911, it was the usual custom for the officers to serve two years in each of the seven line positions. This meant that fourteen years would elapse from the time one become Inside Sentinel until he retired as Past Master.

In December 1911, the Lodge was growing at such a rate that it needed larger accommodations. Consequently, the entire third floor of the Otis Building was leased for $1,250 per year.

The expansion of the Lodge stimulated so much interest in Masonry that nearly fifty applications were received in 1914. Applications for degrees immediately after World War I were overwhelming. In 1918, a total of 63 members were added. In 1920, a total of 94 were added. At one of the meetings held during 1920 it took over four hours just to ballot on the candidates. It was necessary to hold six meetings a month. These were held on two Thursdays and four Saturdays each month from January to June.

Also in 1920, a group of sixty Brethren, mostly all of whom were members of Pequossette Lodge, organized a second lodge in Watertown. The new Lodge was named Victory Lodge. The feeling at the time was that there was no time for any other business, other than balloting and working of candidates during the regular communications. A fter almost 75 years, in 1931, Pequossette Lodge membership reached its peak of 725 members.

Then in October 1954, the members of the Lodge voted to purchase a parcel of land located at 32 Church Street from the Knights of Pythias Associates. In February 1955 the Watertown Masonic Associates Inc. was formed to procure the land, erect and maintain a new building. Work started on June 28th under the direction of Bro. Stanley D. Porter, the general contractor. There was employed in its construction 128 workmen. A total of 15,490 man-hours were required before the building was completed. The cornerstone was laid on Sunday, September 27, 1959.

On January 14, 1960, the first communication of Pequossette Lodge was held in this “new” hall. On that occasion the work performed was the Entered Apprentice Degree in the presence of 128 members and 76 visitors. In June 1968, twelve years after initial construction began, the building was paid in full. A mortgage burning ceremony was performed by M.W. Thomas Arnold Booth.

At the 125th Anniversary, in 1982, the Lodge membership was at 260 members.

Since our 125th Anniversary, the Lodge has had a number of significant accomplishments:

• Three members of this Lodge have served Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Masters,
• a CHIP Program was held at the Watertown Mall, where the Lodge gave out 300 bicycle helmets to each child that completed the Watertown Police bike course;
• an 80 Year Veteran’s Medal was presented to Bro. Neil A. Tillitson by M.W. Fred K. Bauer,
• the foyer was dedicated to Bro. Burton Hunt for his service to the Watertown Masonic Associates and Pequossette Lodge from 1983 until his passing in 1999,
• recognition awards were presented to honor Wor. Stewart R. Stoney and Wor. Richard E. Norcross and Bro. Lawrence A. Hutchings.

The strength and support of our Lodge, as any Lodge, is attributable to its people, (in our case, the Past Masters, Officers and members). Though our membership is currently at 150, we are still a strong Lodge. Our line of officers is full. The sideline participation is increasing. We are financially solid. We are currently adding net membership. In fact, we are scheduled to add eight new members before year end, five of which will be raised at our June 2007 communication.

We now look forward to our next anniversaries, especially the 200th. At the 200th anniversary we will get the opportunity to open a time capsule that was sealed at the 100th Anniversary. The various documents and articles enclosed in this capsule are expected to tell us much about our predecessors in Pequossette Lodge and about our historic Town of Watertown. We look forward to the pledge and support of these Past Masters, Officers and members for a healthy and harmonious future.

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, DECEMBER 1857

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

This new Lodge, located in the beautiful "suburban village" of Watertown, was consecrated, its officers in stalled, and the new hall elegantly fitted up and furnished for its accommodation, solemnly dedicated, "according to ancient Masonic form and usage," by the M. W. Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth, on Wednesday evening, the 23d Dec. ultimo. The ceremonies were performed by the M. W. Grand Master in his usual impressive manner, and we be lieve to the entire acceptance and gratification of the large number of Brethren present.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies the Lodge was closed, and the Brethren repaired to the Spring Hotel, (kept by Bro. Batchelder,) where a supper was spread, which, in all its appointments — in sumpluousness, variety, and good taste in the serving, — would have done no discredit to the best of our city caterers.

This very agreeable part of the ceremonies having been satisfactorily disposed of, the Brethren were addressed by the Master of the new Lodge, (W. Bro. Webster,) in an exceedingly neat and appropriate speech, as introductory to the more intellectual part of the entertainments of the evening. He was followed by Col. Heard, G. M. ; R. W. Bro. Sheppard, acting S. G. Warden, Brothers Moore, Whieldon, Coolidge, Fowle, and others.

The occasion was one which all seemed to enjoy, and the kindest hopes and best wishes were felt and expressed for the future pros' perity of the new Lodge and the individual happiness of its members.

HALL DEDICATION, OCTOBER 1870

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 1, Page 22:

The new hall of Pequossette Lodge of Watertown was dedicated to the use of Freemasonry, Wednesday evening, October 5. This hall, with. the adjoining ante-rooms, is located in Noyes's new building, and has been filled at an expense of about $2,000, nearly the entire amount having been raised by subscription from the members or received through the kindness of friends. The exercises of the dedication consisted of a public address in the town hall by Br. John B. Goodrich, a Past Master of the Lodge. The hall, in spite of the inclement weather, was well filled. After the address that portion of the audience who were holders of tickets to the dedicatory services proceeded to the Lodge-room, where the ceremonies were performed by the M. W. Grand Master, William S. Gardner, assisted by the several officers of the Grand Lodge. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Br. Robert L. Davis, Master of the Lodge, informed all present that the stewards had prepared a banquet in the town hall. Accordingly, the party repaired to the hall, where about 125 couples partook of refreshments, and listened to speeches by G. M. Wm. S. Gardner, D. G. M. Charles Levi Woodbury, the Grand Chaplain, and various other friends and members of the order.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Robert Neil Alger, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1962, 1963; Deputy Grand Master 1976; N
• Kenneth R. Blake, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1994, 1995; Junior Grand Warden 2013
• Paul A. S. Bushey, DDGM, District 5, 2009, 2010
• George H. Dale, DDGM, District 5 (Waltham), 1918, 1919; Grand Tyler; N
• Herbert M. Davis, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1954, 1955; N
• Herbert M. Davis, Jr., DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1974, 1975; SN
• Clarence L. Frounfelker, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1935, 1936; Memorial
• James Giragosian, DDGM, District 3, 2013, 2014
• Bruce Hutchings, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1990, 1991
• George S. Parker, DDGM, District 5 (Waltham), 1902, 1903; SN
• Nicholas S. Papadinis, DDGM, District 3, 2007, 2008
• Arthur L. Rockwell, Grand Marshal 1972-1974, Senior Grand Warden 1975
• Herbert H. Sawyer, DDGM, District 5 (Newton), 1892, 1893, 1894; SN

DISTRICTS

1857: District 11

1867: District 4 (Cambridge)

1883: District 5 (Newton)

1897: District 5 (Waltham)

1911: District 5 (Waltham)

1927: District 5 (Brighton)

2003: District 3

2009: District 5

2011: District 3

LINKS

Lodge web site under development

Massachusetts Lodges