RIUnity34
Contents
LODGE
Location: X
Chartered By: X
Dispensation Date: date
Charter Date: date
Current Status: status
NOTES
Meeting Date: Second Tuesday
PAST MASTERS
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
ANNIVERSARIES
VISITS BY GRAND MASTER
BY-LAW CHANGES
HISTORY
In the year 1864, so far as known, there were but two residents of Lonsdale who were members of the Masonic institution, namely, brothers John J. Carpenter and Hirum Titus. The former was made a Mason at Morning Star Lodge, No. 13, Woonsocket; the later in Union Lodge, No. 10 Pawtucket. Brother Carpenter held his Masonic membership quite to himself, and few persons knew that be belonged to the Craft. Nevertheless, at his death in 1870, he received the honors of a Masonic funeral. At that time, Freemasonry was not regarded with any considerable favor in Lonsdale. Between the years 1864 and 1878, there seemed to be a general change of feeling in the community, for some forty persons had united with Masonic Lodges in the vicinity and learned for themselves of its lessons of truth and its activities of benevolence. Among the most active and devoted members at that time, Brother Hazard Sherman come distinctively into view. His was an overflowing soul, and no sacrifice was too great for him to make in order that his brethren might attend the Lodge meetings. During this period, schools of Masonic instruction were often held in private residences. Soon the feeling of increasing loyalty to the Craft and the desire for more convenient access to the privileges of Masonic meetings led the brethren in Lonsdale to plan for a home of their own.
The formation of the Lonsdale Masonic Relief Association, the objects of which were to take care of the sick and afford pecuniary relief to the unfortunate, led apparently to the establishment of a new Lodge. A building formally used as a school house, and owned by the Lonsdale Company was rented, fitted up, and furnished for the uses of the Masonic Relief Association. Although the work done by the association in behalf of many of its members was most commendable, in 1877 the association was discontinued. In the following year, a society which now lives and carries on the same good work, came into being in Valley Falls. The Lonsdale brethren, however, maintained the organization under a somewhat different form of government and held regular meetings in the hall that was later controlled by Unity Lodge. This Lodge may be said to be the outgrowth of the previously organized association.
When the question of naming the Lodge arose, it was the unanimous opinion of all assembled that a committee should be chosen to wait upon the Superintendent of the Lonsdale Company, Brother Gilbert W. Pratt and accord to him the honor of selecting a name. Brother Pratt expressed his grateful appreciation of the honor and suggested the name of “Unity.” This name was unanimously approved. It should be stated in this connection that, in more than one sense, Brother Pratt is to be regarded as the paternal head of the Masonic Lodge in Lonsdale. His own Lodge membership is with King David Lodge, Massachusetts; yet, his desire for the prosperity on Unity Lodge and his general love for the institution permitted him on numerous occasions to show in very practical ways his goodwill for the Lodge in Lonsdale.
On this, the Bicentennial celebration of this great country of ours, Unity Lodge is swiftly approaching its 100th anniversary. It is only fitting that we pause and reflect on the endeavors of our brethren who have passed on and give thanks for their efforts and dedication which have given those who are here today the opportunity to be a part of this memorable occasion.
