Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD LODGE

Location: Pittsfield

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 03/09/1921 1921-63

Precedence Date: 03/02/1920

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Crescent Lodge to form Crescent-Pittsfield Lodge, 09/28/1990.


PAST MASTERS

  • Harry D. Sisson, Sr., 1921
  • Charles R. Blakely, 1922
  • George P. Hunt, 1923
  • William W. Howe, 1924
  • Arthur E. Dietrich, 1925
  • Wallace S. Miller, 1926
  • A. Russell Gifford, 1927
  • Lawrence W. Pierson, 1928
  • Arthur K. Ferry, 1929
  • Edwin L. R. Bliss, 1930
  • Irving D. Sisson, 1931
  • Walter N. Cooper, 1932
  • Oscar S. Read, 1933; N
  • Leman H. Lowe, 1934
  • Ensign P. Foot, 1935
  • Harry D. Sisson, Jr., 1936
  • Edward T. Martin, 1937
  • Floyd H. Ellsworth, 1938
  • John O. Roser, 1939
  • Howard W. Chapin, 1940
  • Russell H. Davis, 1941
  • Vernon C. Organ, 1942
  • Stanley E. Hood, 1943
  • Michael Broverman, 1944
  • Harold C. Eckart, 1945
  • Charles W. Ashley, 1946
  • Chester T. Green, 1947
  • Myron T. Coleman, 1948
  • David R. Pryde, 1949
  • Clarence E. Wilner, 1950
  • John W. Walker, 1951
  • Howard R. Lanfair, 1952
  • George F. Ames, 1953
  • M. Richard Bolender, 1954
  • Sherwood R. Sprague, 1955
  • James F. Thompson, 1956
  • Walter H. White, 1957
  • Archibald Foster, 1958; N
  • John E. Ozolinsh, 1959
  • Earl R. Lee, Jr., 1960
  • Leonard E. Sweitzer, 1961
  • William A. Robair, 1962
  • William H. Sweeney, 1963
  • Robert M. Leslie, 1964
  • William S. Kent, Jr., 1965
  • Donald A. Moors, 1966, 1969
  • Kenneth H. Phillips, 1967, 1968
  • Fred Turner, 1970, 1980
  • Jerome Goldenberg, 1971
  • Charles E. Thompson, Jr., 1972, 1985
  • Robert A. Mason, 1973, 1978
  • Geoffrey Rushton, 1974
  • Dominick B. DaSilva, 1975, 1981
  • Howard W. Evans, 1976
  • William R. Theroux, 1977
  • A. Frederick Hall, Jr., 1979
  • David H. Darcy, 1982
  • Donald A. Leonard, Jr., 1983
  • Ronald G. A. Cowan, 1984
  • Richard P. Duval, 1986-1988
  • Vincent A. Brazeau, 1989

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1920
  • Petition for Charter: 1921
  • Consolidation Petition (with Crescent Lodge): 1990

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1946 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1961 (40th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1927 1931 1935 1942 1952 1955 1956 1968 1975 1980 1984 1986

HISTORY

  • 1924 ("The Beginnings of Pittsfield Lodge", 1924-758)
  • 1946 (25th Anniversary History, 1946-114; reproduced below)
  • 1961 (40th Anniversary History, 1961-37; reproduced below)

HISTORY FROM 25TH, 40TH AND 50TH ANNIVERSARIES

From the Crescent-Pittsfield Lodge web site:

HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD LODGE 1919-1960

First twenty-five years written by Right Worshipful Oscar S. Read; the last fifteen years written by Worshipful Archibald Foster annd Worshipful Leonard E. Sweitzer.

Force of circumstances dictated that Worshipful Brothers Foster and Switzer undertake the preparation and presentation of this 40th Anniversary sketch, adding the fifteen years which followed the first twenty-five reported by Right Wor. Oscar S. Read at the 25th Anniversary observance on April 2, 1946, when Worshipful Charles W. Ashley was Master.

Certain references in the first history have been modified to bring them up-to-date, and a few paragraphs have been omitted as being superfluous; with some other minor variations and omissions, the original subject matter has been retained. Wor. Bro. Foster has reviewed the records of the last fifteen years and has chosen the new subject matter, while Wor. Bro. Sweitzer has endeavored to set down the form and arrangement.

In the words of Right Worshipful Brother Read, “The observance of an anniversary is a good thing for at least three reasons – it furnishes us with an opportunity to reflect on the Past, to enjoy the Present, and anticipate the Future”.

This evening, April 7, 1961, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Pittsfield Lodge, let us turn back to the year 1919, when a group of prominent Masons met to consider the advisability of forming a third Lodge in Pittsfield. Agreeing that it was for the best interests of the Fraternity to organize another Lodge, a petition in regular form, designating the new Lodge as Pittsfield, and nominating and recommending Right Worshipful Frank E. Peirson to be the first Master, Brother Harry D. Sisson to be the first Senior Warden and Brother Charles R. Blakely to be the first Junior Warden, was presented to Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, who caused a dispensation to be issued on March 2, 1920.

The Charter issued to Pittsfield Lodge under date of March 2, 1920 lists sixty-five charter members. The first stated communication of Pittsfield Lodge was held Friday evening May 7, 1920, with the following organization:

  • R.W. Frank E. Peirson, Master
  • Bro. Harry D. Sisson, Senior Warden
  • Bro. Charles R. Blakely, Junior Warden
  • R.W. John P. Merrill, Treasurer
  • R.W. S. Chester Lyon, Secretary
  • Bro. Rev. Payson E. Pierce, Chaplain
  • Bro. Daniel L. Hood, Marshal
  • Bro. George P. Hunt, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. William W. Howe, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. Arthur E. Dietrich, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Wallace S. Miller, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Harold J. Martin, Organist
  • Wor. Olney J. Carpenter, Tyler

At this communication twenty-two petitions for membership were received and referred to investigating committees and thus Pittsfield Lodge mad it bow to the fraternal life of the community. More petitions for membership were received, and one has but to read the names of those first officers to know that the work during that first year was in capable hand and reflected credit on the new enterprise.

Degree work was the watchword in those early days, but one meeting of that first year was of particular interest to the Brethren. It was when Right Worshipful Walter B. Sanford, District Deputy Grand Master for the Pittsfield Sixteenth Masonic District, paid the new Lodge a fraternal visit.

On the 20th of April 1921, Pittsfield Lodge was constituted according to the Ancient Usage of the Craft and the officers were installed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, presided over, in the absence of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, by Right Worshipful Claude L. Allen, Deputy Grand Master. The address was given by Most Worshipful Leon Martin Abbott, immediate Past Grand Master. At this communication Worshipful Harry D. Sisson was installed Master, and during the years that followed, it was his happy privilege to install two of his sons into the office of Master of Pittsfield Lodge.

On the evening of November 17, 1922, the thirty-fourth Special Communication was held for the purpose of installation of officers by R.W. Joseph L. Malcom, District Deputy Grand Master for the North Adams Fifteenth District, assisted by R.W. William H. Barrows, District Deputy for the Pittsfield Sixteenth District and R.W. Frank E. Peirson, Past Junior Grand Warden. It was noted that among the distinguished guests was R.W. Herbert W. Dean, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge.

The following year marked an important event, for on January 31, 1923, was instituted the fraternal communication of Mystic, Crescent and Pittsfield Lodges, an occasion that has been continued annually from that time to the present day.

April 16, 1924, Pittsfield Lodge was honored by the presence of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell, accompanied by Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Past Grand Master, Right Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, Director, Right Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary, and Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton, Grand Marshal. This was the fourth anniversary meeting and was open to Master Masons and their ladies. During the evening there was a musical program, remarks by the Grand Officers, and Right Worshipful S. Chester Lyon gave an interesting historical address. Before the conclusion of the ceremonies, Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell presented a Henry Price Medal to Worshipful William Thomas Petherbridge in recognition of his record of more than fifty years of unbroken loyal and faithful service to the Fraternity. We are indeed proud to have the name of Worshipful Brother Petherbridge on our Charter.

It was during this year that a committee successfully solicited the members of Pittsfield Lodge for funds to purchase much needed regalia. This year our first Past Master’s Night was held, the chairs being filled our three Past Masters, assisted by the affiliated Past Masters. Also in this year the very pleasant custom of exchange visits with sister Lodges was started by a fraternal visit to Evening Star Lodge of Lee, where Pittsfield Lodge worked the Master Mason Degree. Since that date there have been many exchange visits.

On January 15, 1926, Pittsfield Lodge observed Charter Member Night, at which time was served one of the lodge’s well remembered venison dinners. The program included roll call of Charter members, roll call of new members, necrology by Rev. Bro. Maurice A. Levy, Chaplain of Pittsfield Lodge, a reception of the first officers, who worked the Second Section of the Third Degree. The evening was voted a great success and or charity fund was materially increased by the net proceeds of the dinner.

June 3, 1927, Pittsfield Lodge was host to the Presiding Masters of the Sixteenth District, who filling the chairs, conferred the Fellowcraft Degree. At a later date, the chairs were filled by members of the Sixteenth District Past Masters Association, who worked the Second Degree.

Another incident worthy of notice was the election and installation of Worshipful Lawrence W. Peirson, for he was the first member to fill the Master’s Chair who was raised in Pittsfield Lodge. He was the eight Master and a nephew of R.W. Frank E. Peirson.

CraneMemorialDalton.jpg
Crane Memorial, Dalton, Mass.

The minutes of October 2, 1925, refer to a letter received from Brother William Howard Taft, ex-President of the United States, and at the time Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, expressing regret at not being able to attend Pittsfield Lodge, due to lack of time and opportunity, and to a very restricted regime as to dinners and the like. Brother Taft was in this vicinity on the occasion of the dedication of the Crane Memorial in Dalton. On January 18, 1935, this letter was turned over to the Grand Lodge for safekeeping.

In 1934 Right Worshipful Oscar S. Read was appointed District Deputy Grand Master, he designating Worshipful Wallace S. Miller as his District Deputy Grand Marshal.

Right Worshipful Frank E. Pierson passed away on July 18, 1952. This distinguished Mason had served as District Deputy Grand Master and as Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, before becoming Master of Pittsfield Lodge Under Dispensation. He was a source of light and inspiration to the brethren throughout his long Masonic life, and was affectionately known as “Uncle Frank”.

The Masonic Association’s Library and Museum, which he was instrumental in founding in 1942, and which occupied his interest until his passing, will be monuments to his memory for generations of Masons to come. The Museum contains many valuable Masonic aprons and diplomas, as well as other old and historic memorabilia. The Library has some 1100 volumes and hundreds of pamphlets. One source of pride is the possession of the complete Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from 1733 to date.

The Museum and Library have a distinct Pittsfield Lodge flavor, for Right Worshipful Brother Peirson was associated in this work by members of Pittsfield Lodge. Worshipful Charles R. Blakely implemented his labors on behalf of the Library by two gifts of one hundred dollars each. Right Worshipful Brother Read contributed many volumes, as did Worshipful Brother Freeman M. Miller of Mystic Lodge, who left his private library after his death. Worshipful W. Harold Silvernail of Mystic Lodge succeeded him. Then the pattern again reverted to Pittsfield Lodge, when in 1929 Worshipful Archibald Foster became, and still is, the librarian.

Right Worshipful Walter N. Cooper was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the 16th District for the years 1951 and 1952, and in December 1957 this distinguished Brother was elected Senior Grand Warden. He is believed to be the first Mason from this District to be elected to this office in some ninety years.

A reception was held on March 7, 1958, in honor of Right Worshipful Brother Cooper which was attended by Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, Grand Master, and a notable suite of Grand Officers. 252 Masons attended the dinner prior to the reception and afterwards 356 Brethren were present at the meeting. On this occasion Right Worshipful Brother Cooper was honored by being the recipient of the Henry Price Medal.

In 1959, under the inspiration of Worshipful John E. Ozolinsh, a very thoughtful custom was initiated whereby Veteran Lapel Buttons are presented to all members of Pittsfield Lodge who have served the Lodge for 25 years, and additional five-year periods.

On Past Master’s Night February 5, 1960, a beautiful sterling silver square and compasses, now used on our altar, were dedicated to the memory of Worshipful Harold C. Eckart, who passed away on February 16, 1958. A tape recording of the ceremony was made and later presented to his widow.

This brings the significant events of the history of Pittsfield up-to-date. While not an old Lodge as Masonic Lodges go, it deserves the pride and affection in which it is held by its members.

Besides having a very active and dedicated group of Past Masters, ever concerned in promoting the best interests of Pittsfield Lodge and Freemasonry, it has earned the reputation, as have most Masonic Lodges, of being a “Friendly Lodge”.

Pittsfield Lodge has for many years been an active participant in the 20th Lodge of Instruction, of which Worshipful John E. Ozolinsh has just been elected Master for the coming year of 1961-1963. The Lodge also with pride is maintaining an active part in the Grand Lodge Blood Donor Program.

We are confident that through the next forty years, and even beyond, Pittsfield Lodge will continue to promote the best interests of Freemasonry and Brotherhood of man, remembering that “love of man is next to love of God, man’s first duty.”

During the years that have passed, the lodge has been the recipient of many evidences of good will from the other Lodges in the city and also from individual members. Mystic and Crescent Lodges presented the Lodge with a handsome banner and a complete set of working tools, and individual members have contributed, among other things, aprons for the brethren, warden’s truncheons, marshal’s baton, an inlaid ballot box, Bible, square and compasses, gavel made from a block taken from King Solomon’s mines, and a beautiful specimen of the bookbinder’s art—the bound records of the first twenty-five years of Lodge activities. We have every reason to be proud of this volume.

In looking over the records of forty years we find the following:

  • One Past Master, Wor. Charles R. Blakely, served as a Junior Grand Steward in 1926-1927, being the first member of the Lodge to be appointed a member of the Grand Lodge organization, following the constitution of our Lodge.
  • Right Worshipful Frank E. Peirson was a Past Junior Grand Warden, while Right Worshipful Walter N. Cooper later (in 1958) was elected Senior Grand Warden.
  • Right Worshipful Brothers Oscar S. Read and Walter N. Cooper served with distinction as Deputy Grand Masters for the Pittsfield Sixteenth Masonic District.
  • Worshipful George F. Ames served the Lodges of the District as Zone Committeeman for several years – 1959 and prior.
  • We have been pleased to elect four prominent Brothers as Honorary Members: Right Worshipful Frank E. Peirson, Past Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge and Master under Dispensation of Pittsfield Lodge; Right Worshipful Felix H. Scharmann, Past Master of Berkshire Lodge of Adams, Past District Deputy Grand Master for the North Adams Fifteenth District and Manager of Zone VI, Masonic Service Department and Worshipful Oliver Root, a Past Master of Crescent Lodge, a Charter Member of our Lodge, and an earnest, loyal supporter of the Craft.
  • Three Pittsfield Brethren are Past Master of the Twentieth Lodge of Instruction: Worshipful Brothers Lawr3nce W. Peirson, Stanley E. Hood, and George F. Ames.

Our records carry the names of forty-one Past Masters to date, including the one Under Dispensation, of whom we are fortunate to have twenty-nine still with us. Twelve rest from their labors.

This brief history may well be concluded again in the words of Right Worshipful Oscar S. Read:

And so as we pass from the Past to the Present–tonight–to this auspicious occasion, when presided over by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, attended by members of Grand Lodge, supported by the loyalty of our members, happy in the felicitations of many friends, we close the record of (now forty) eventful years, firm in the belief that when we open to a new page, the Future will hold as bright a prospect as the Past, and that Pittsfield Lodge will go forward on herMasonic career, and continue to justify the judgment of those Brethren who met in the year 1919.

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY

History of Pittsfield Lodge 1961-1971

Of the many facets of the definition by the dictionary of “history”, two brief ones may be cited as most applicable to our present purpose. “History is a record of facts”. Also, “History is something belonging to the past”.

On the basis of these definitions, your present narrator has culled from the official minutes items judged to be of historical significance and has recorded them here for ready reference. Therefore, this narrative is more factual than rhetorical. We now pick up where the previous ones left off. The account of the first 40 years has not been altered – though a few names and dates have been added herein to bring the listings up to 1971.

On February 3, 1961, Em. Sir Michael D. Hashim, Commander of Berkshire Commandery No. 22, Knight Templars, accompanied by his officers and a sizable contingent of Sir Knights, was received on a visitation by the Knights Templars as a gesture of good will and fraternal fellowship towards Pittsfield Lodge.

Presiding Masters of the Pittsfield Sixteenth Masonic District filled the chairs on March 29, with Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer of Pittsfield Lodge as Worshipful Master, conferring the Master Mason Degree on one of our candidates.

April 7, 1961 was a red-letter day for Pittsfield Lodge with 130 Brethren in attendance on the occasion of the observance of its 40th Anniversary. Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, with an imposing suite, honored us by his presence. The Grand Officers were appropriately welcomed, in behalf of Pittsfield Lodge, by Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer, Master. With the Grand Master presiding, the program consisted of an historical sketch of the Lodge prepared by Wor. Archibald Foster, vocal solos by Brothers William S. Kent, Jr. and Donald A. Moors, an address by the Grand Master and remarks by prominent guests.

The 39th Annual Tri-Lodge Fraternal Communication, following an unbroken custom, held interest for us when a candidate from each of our local lodges – Mystic, Crescent and Pittsfield – was raised to the sublime degree.

Under date of August 30, 1961, Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, issued a Dispensation authorizing the three Pittsfield lodges “to open your several lodges in a joint communication for the purpose of participation in the Pittsfield Bicentennial Parade with a Masonic float on Monday, the fourth day of September, 1961”. Depicted on this float, representing the lodges of the Pittsfield 16th Masonic District, was a simulated lodge arrangement and station lights. Blue and white panels on the sides of the truck carried the legend: “Build Through God”. The stations were occupied as follows: Wor. Bertram B. Robinson, Jr. Of Crescent Lodge sat in the East, Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer of Pittsfield Lodge in the West, and Bro. Roy L. Derosia, Senior Warden of Mystic Lodge in the South. Attired in tuxedo and proper regalia, it was a test of endurance on a hot, sunny day. The public applause as the float moved along was most gratifying.

As has been the unique custom for a number of years on Past Masters Night, a Necrology Service was held on February 2, 1962, by the Past Masters of the Lodge. Four Brothers who left us during the past year were remembered. Bro. William S. Kent, Jr. was soloist.

November 2, 1962 was the occasion of an appropriate presentation to the Lodge. Wor. William H. Sweeney, Master, reque3sted that the “old Pittsfield Lodge Banner” be retired from the lodge room, after which a new banner, complete with pole and a standard, was presented to the Lodge by Wor. Stanley E. Hood on behalf of the family of our departed Brother, Robert Ralston, Jr., brother-in-law of Wor. Bro. Hood.

Under dated of June 7, 1963 is recorded in the minutes the presentation by Wor. Donald A. Moors of a leather bound gold engraved 24 inch gauge.

The frequent custom of recent years was continued by a Public Installation of Officers when Wor. Robert M. Leslie was installed as Worshipful Master on October 19, 1963. At the conclusion of the installation, Wor. Bro. Leslie was presented a beautiful rosewood gavel by his friends of the Melha Highlanders of Springfield.

Due to the resignation of Wor. Sherwood R. Sprague from the office of Secretary (to work in another city), an election was held by Dispensation to fill the vacancy. On December 6 1963, Wor. William H. Sweeney was chosen and installed. But, on February 7, 1964, after serving by t nine weeks, Wor. Bro. Sweeney in turn resigned because of moving out of Pittsfield. On March 6, 1964 Bro. Edward Tooley was elected and installed and has served us well and faithfully ever since.

September 4, 1964 is remembered as the time when Melha Highlanders Degree Team conferred the Master Mason Degree with Wor. Robert M. Leslie presiding over the Second and Third Sections.

Recognition was made of the gift of December 2nd to the Pittsfield Masonic Association by Wor. Stanley E. Hood of two complete sets of Hi-Fi equipment.

On December 1, 1967 a significant event occurred when a Testimonial was held to honor Wor. Lawrence W. Peirson for his “faithful service to Masonry through Pittsfield Lodge”. Wor. Kenneth H, Phillips recited a brief listing of his activities, including the fact that he was the first Brother raised in Pittsfield Lodge to become Master of the Lodge. 13 Past Masters were present. Letters of greeting and expressions of good will were extended to our retiring Treasurer, who had served “with the hope of fee or reward” for 39 years. Very soon afterward his Brethren were grieved to learn of his admission on January 16, 1968 to the Celestial Lodge above.

During the April 5, 1968 communication “Bro. S. Henry Bailey was escorted to the East, whereby it was brought to the attention of the Lodge that Wor. Samuel H. Bailey (of Unity Lodge in Dalton), Bro. S. Henry Bailey (son of the former), and Bro. Donald A. Bailey (S. Henry’s son) had totaled 115 years of Masonic Service.” The group was appreciatively applause. This is another “Masonic oddity” which adds interest to Masonry.

A beautiful Square and Compass was given to the Lodge on May 2, 1969 in memory of Wor, Harold C. Eckart. In this connection Rt. Wor. Walter N. Cooper presented a brief commentary on “those useful implements which teach Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love”.

“After lodge closed”, on September 5, 1969, “Wor. Donald A. Moors spoke to the Brethren on Prince Hall Masonry”, his presentation being on of historical information.

October 31, 1970 was the date when Rt. Wor. Walter N. Cooper was honored with a Testimonial Dinner by a large company of admiring Masonic Brethren recognizing his having received the 33rd Degree in The Scottish Rite. He had previously been warmly greeted in the Lodge on his nomination.

Under the direction of the Presiding District Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Henry C. Edwards of Occidental Lodge of Stockbridge but raised in Pittsfield Lodge, a cast of Past District Deputy Grand Masters on January 2, 1970 conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on Howard William Evans, who, before the end of the year, was appointed Chaplain of the Lodge for 1971.

April 6, 1970, after an irregular lapse of a total of three years (1966, 1967 and 1969), the 45th Tri-Lodge Communication was reactivated through the efforts largely of our Wor. Fred Turner. The Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Most Wor. Herbert H. Jaynes, honored the occasion with his presence and participation. A record attendance of 245 enjoyed a splendid evening. The Grand Master took occasion to congratulate Rt. Wor. Archibald Foster for his work as Temple Librarian, in making the library in the Pittsfield Masonic Temple what it is today.

By virtue of a Dispensation issued to permit holding a communication outside its own jurisdiction, Pittsfield Lodge held a Special Communication on September 4, 1970 at the Masonic Home in Charlton to confer the Entered Apprentice Degree on one of its candidates, Wor. Fred Turner presiding. Thirty-three Brethren made the trip – 17 members of Pittsfield Lodge and 16 others. A tour of the Home was enjoyed afterwards.

Bro. Samuel Pullano of Crescent Lodge was on September 9, 1970 voted and received an Honorary Member of Pittsfield Lodge. He has been a regular attendant at our communications for a long time.

March 5, 1971 was an outstanding annual Past Masters' Night. The program began early with the regular officers conferring the First Second of the Second Degree on one candidate, after which there was a dinner recess. The Lodge resuming its labors, Rt. Wor. John M. Watson, District Deputy Grand Master, was received on his first visitation to our lodge.

In accordance with the program developed by Wor. Jerome Goldenberg, the first special feature was the presentation by the District Deputy of a 50-year Medal to Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer. He was assisted by Bro. Kenyon L. Sweitzer, son of the recipient, as Chaplain, and following this, assisted in the presentation. Incidentally, Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer was the first Brother to be raised by courtesy in Pittsfield, this on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Colorado.

The second feature was unique in that a Memorial was dedicated to our late Wor. Lawrence W. Peirson, who was the 9th Master of Pittsfield, including his uncle, Rt. Wor. Frank E. Peirson, Master Under Dispensation in 1920. He was further distinguished, as previously noted, as being the first Brother raised in the Lodge to become its Master (in 1928), and then served as Treasurer from 1929 to 1968. The memorial chosen was a set of three open-flame candle altar lights of our own design. A labor of loved was performed by Rt. Wor. Walter N. Cooper and Wor. Leonard E. Swietzer in developing and executing this Memorial Dedication.

The third feature was the customary yearly Necrology Service in memory of the Brethren whom the Lodge lost during the past year. This brief service is in our area unique and exclusive to Pittsfield Lodge, and most dignified and impressive. Wor. David R. Pryde, who has now lived in Schenectady, New York for a number of years, presided most graciously. The Past Masters concluded an outstanding evening wit the conferring of the Second Section of the Second Degree.

As this is being written, plans are formulating to officially observe the 50th Anniversary of Pittsfield Lodge. An appropriate program will be presented on September 3, 1971 at the Stated Communication of the Lodge, Wor. Jerome E. Goldenberg presiding.

During the past 50 years, Pittsfield Lodge has been served by but five Treasurers:

  • Rt. Wor. John P. Merrill (under Dispensation)
  • Bro. E. Earle Brundige
  • Bro. (later Rt. Wor.) Oscar S. Read
  • (39 years) Wor. Lawrence W. Peirson
  • March 1, 1968 to date Wor. William S. Kent, Jr.

Seven Secretaries have served:

  • Rt. Wor. S. Chester Lyon (under Dispensation)
  • Bro. Leo H. Traver
  • Bro. E. Earle Brundige 1923-1954 (31 years)
  • Wor. Chester L. Green
  • Wor. Sherwood R. Sprague 1954-1963
  • Wor. William H. Sweeney Dec. 6, 1963 to Feb. 7, 1964
  • Bro. Edward Tooley March 6, 1964 to date

To the names of Rt. Wor. Oscar S. Read (1934-35) and Rt. Wor. Walter N. Cooper (1951-52) may now be added that of Rt. Wor. Archibald Foster (1965-66) as District Deputy Grand Masters of the Pittsfield 16th Masonic District.

Pittsfield Lodge Brethren who have served as Masters of the 20th Lodge of Instruction are Wor. Lawrence W. Peirson (1932-22), Stanley E. Hood (1946-47), George F. Ames (1955-56), John E. Ozolinsh (1961-62) and Donald A. Moors (1970-71). Long-time instructors in the 20th Lodge of Instruction are Rt. Wor. Archibald Foster and Wor. William S. Kent, Jr. in the First Degree, and Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer in the Third.

Including the Master U.D., Rt. Wor. Frank E. Peirson and our presiding one, Wor. Jerome E. Goldenberg, 50 different Masters have graced the East of Pittsfield Lodge. Wor. Donald A. Moors served two different years (1966 and 1969) while Wor. Kenneth H. Phillips presided in both 1967 and 1968. Of the 50 Masters, 21 have been called to their final rest, and 29 we still have with us.

50-Year Veterans Medals awarded during the past decade have included the following old-timers of the Lodge:

  • January, 1963 Bro. Henry Stentiford, Jr.
  • June, 1963 Bro. Frederick Maskell
  • June, 1968 Wor. Arthur E. Dietrich
  • October, 1969 Wor. James F. Thompson
  • June, 1970 Bro. Frank Eckard North
  • November, 1970 Bro. Harold Dunham
  • March, 1971 Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer
  • June, 1971 Bro. Edward H. Lyman

Our Lodge continues its active support or participation in various Masonic related activities. It has invited DeMolay boys and Rainbow girls from time to time to exemplify their degrees before the Brethren. Periodic Public Installations of Officers have been enjoyed by families and friends. Bloodmobile donations continue to be given. Appropriate events have been sponsored which our wives and lady friends have shared with us. Above all, we continue to try to justify our reputation of being a “friendly lodge”.

Thus is chronicled the 50-year historical narrative of Pittsfield Lodge, A.F. & A. M. in three periods to date as follows:

  • 25th Anniversary 1946, Wor. Charles W. Ashley, Master written by Rt. Wor. Oscar S. Read
  • 40th Anniversary 1961, Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer, Master prepared by Wor. Archibald Foster
  • 50th Anniversary 1971, Wor. Jerome E. Goldenberg, Master written by Wor. Leonard E. Sweitzer.

May the future of Pittsfield Lodge be mirrored by a projection of the past for even greater effectiveness in our Masonic contribution to a better world around us.

Leonard E. Sweitzer, 3 September, 1971


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1920: District 16 (Pittsfield)

1927: District 16 (Pittsfield)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges