Difference between revisions of "RobertLash"

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=== EVENTS ===
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==== QUARTERLY MEETING, FEBRUARY 1869 ====
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''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 6, April 1869, Page 187:''
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Robert Lash Lodge, of Chelsea, observes its Quarterly Meeting, by a social sit-down, pleasantly enjoying the hour, and illustrating, in a very agreeable manner, the most prominent principle of Masonry; for the promotion of sociality and brotherly unity underlies the charity that is a fruit of the kindness eliminated. One of these Quarterly Meetings, of a peculiarly interesting character, was held on the evening of February 24, at which were present a brilliant array of Masonic magnates, who are honorary members of this young Lodge. These consisted of W.P.G. Masters [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLewis Winslow Lewis, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMParkman Wm. Parkman], [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge Wm. D. Coolidge], and [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDame C. C. Dame], W.G.M. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner Wm. Sewall Gardner], and [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWSutton William Sutton], [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore C. W. Moore] and R. L. Robbins, and Br. D. N. Chase.
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W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLTCheever Tracy P Cheever], D.D.G.M., presided, by invitation of W.M. Dillingham, and under his inspiration the moments passed very happily. A new feature, that heightened the interest of this occasion, was the introduction of a book of original songs, written expressly for this Lodge, appropriate to each degree and condition of those present, the singing of which, at intervals, by the Nightingale Club, gave a pleasing variety to the feast of reason that transpired.
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The guests of the evening were welcomed in a neat speech and the "Honorary Members' Song," which embraced all the names of those present, and ambitiously went among the distinguished of the Fraternity for more; and W.G.M. Gardner was called up by the toast — ''The plant of Freemasonry, destined to grow and flourish under the culture of our accomplished Gardner.''
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The Grand Master responded in a speech tributary to the memory of Robert Lash, and complimented the Lodge upon the course it had adopted in illustrating the social — the family — relations of Freemasonry. This sociality was better exemplified in small Lodges, where all arc known to each other, and where comfort and companionship are better enjoyed.
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W.P.G.M. Lewis was introduced as a lineal descendant of St. Luke the "beloved physician," who said, that while others present represented all degrees of Masonry, he had attained to the degree of old age, which he affirmed to be a very miserable degree. He gave a short but feeling address in praise of the virtues of Masonry so well shown in the life of the one whose honored name the Lodge bore. He alluded to the devotion of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLRLash Robert Lash] to the Institution, and also that of those so well qualified to appreciate its virtues, citing the case of one who, from age, was induced to ask his discharge, which was granted, but whose heart failed as soon as the door closed behind him, and he returned, begging to be reinstated, to die with his brethren. The remarks of this veteran were received with the deepest interest.
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R.W. C. W. Moore, P.D.G.M., the early companion and friend of Robert Lash, who, with Dr. Lewis, were intimately associated with him, was introduced as the " Compendium of Masonry," and gave a review of the exemplary life of Robert Lash. In the dark hours of Masonry, when character was a matter of consequence, he. was above reproach, his integrity beyond doubt, and the most malignant of the revilers of the institution confessed his personal worth.
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W.P.G.M. Coolidge made a pleasant speech, commending the social auspices of Masonry, and closing a brief tribute to Robert Lash with the toast: ''Memory of the Past — Hope of the Future.''
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 +
W.P.G.M. Parkman was called to his feet as the "Admirable Crichton of Masonry", who praised the genial influence of Masonry, and pronounced it a great invention of King Solomon in conceiving an Institution in which men of all opinions can pull in a common harness. Robert Lash was a humble man, but his devotion to duty made him prominent.
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 +
R. W.P.G.M. Dame made a brief speech, commending the social characteristics of the Lodge, and trusted that the light it shed would stimulate the fraternity everywhere.
 +
 +
R.W. Wm. Sutton, in a few remarks, closed the speechmaking of the guests.
 +
 +
Speeches were then made by several members of the Lodge, and many good things were said and sung; Mrs. Partington being in her best humor, and Ike in his best voice. The old lady had been riding the velocipede, in which she found great difficulty, and experienced a new sensation, which she described in rhyme.
 +
 +
On the above occasion there were no liquors, and the enjoyment was of the most elevated character, needing no stimulus beyond the inspiration of the moment. No one ever looked on a happier scene. Another feature connected with these gatherings: we learn that the expense does not come out of the fund of the Lodge, but that each contributes his quota, if able; if not, some one else does it for him. Thus no burden comes upon the Institution — an example that also deserves being followed.
  
 
=== GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ===
 
=== GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ===

Revision as of 20:25, 12 August 2013

ROBERT LASH LODGE

MA_RobertLash.jpg

Location: Chelsea

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 12/11/1867 VII-193

Precedence Date: 01/10/1867

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; surrendered 08/19/1993.

According to the Grand Master's Address, Page 1993-129: "Two Lodges during the past year have found it impossible to continue either by merging or by operating as a daylight Lodge." (The other lodge was Morning Sun of Conway.)


PAST MASTERS

  • Eben W. Lothrop, 1867
  • James S. Dillingham, 1868-1870
  • John Edmunds, 1871-1873
  • John H. Roberts, 1874, 1875
  • Franklin O. Barnes, 1876, 1877
  • Benjamin F. Dodge, 1878, 1879
  • Robert F. Means, 1880, 1881; SN
  • John H. Cunningham, 1882, 1883
  • Albert B. Richardson, 1884, 1885
  • Thomas L. Bond, 1886, 1887
  • Daniel G. Crandon, 1888, 1889; Mem
  • Elmer Lewis French, 1890, 1891
  • Woodbury T. Jordan, 1892, 1893
  • Arthur B. Champlin, 1894
  • Ralph W. E. Hopper, 1895, 1896
  • William B. Walker, 1897, 1898
  • William H.L. Odell, 1899, 1900
  • Thomas Coyle, 1901, 1902
  • Frank Weymouth, 1903, 1904
  • George A. Brown, 1905
  • George A. Patten, 1906
  • Walter S. Litchfield, 1907, 1908
  • George A. Clough, 1909, 1910
  • Milber A. Dykeman, 1911, 1912
  • William B. Denison, 1913, 1914
  • James S. Harrower, 1915, 1916; SN
  • Clarence Alvin Warren, 1917, 1918
  • Alton B. Atwood, 1919, 1920
  • James T. Stormont, 1921, 1922
  • Paul D. Harrower, 1923, 1924
  • Roert O. Rockwell, Jr., 1925, 1926
  • Charles W. Shannon, 1927, 1928
  • George W. Scott, 1929, 1930
  • Edward W. East, 1931, 1932; SN
  • William H. Crafts, 1933, 1934; SN
  • Samuel A. S. Strahan, 1935, 1936
  • Harry J. B. Simmons, 1937, 1938
  • Clifton D. Rockwell, 1939, 1940
  • Harry C. Winton, 1941, 1942
  • Wendell W. Dykeman, 1943, 1944
  • John Neil, 1945, 1946
  • Herbert L. Sheppard, 1947, 1948
  • Harold E. Williams, 1949, 1950
  • Wilfred Peach, 1951, 1952
  • Frederick W. Harvey, 1953, 1954
  • Edwin W. Maddocks, 1955, 1956; SN
  • Robert P. Renfrew, 1957, 1958
  • Donald J. Malchajian, 1959, 1960
  • Simeon J. Kelloway, 1961, 1962
  • Norman W. King, 1963, 1964
  • Albert J. Mills, 1965, 1966
  • John C. Noftle, 1967, 1968
  • Albert C. Gillespie, 1969
  • Colon O. Ward, Jr., 1970, 1971
  • Walter C. Ultsch, 1972, 1973
  • Norris W. Stone, 1974
  • Frank J. Camillieri, 1975, 1976
  • William H. Truehart, Jr., 1977
  • Clarence F. Penney, 1978, 1979
  • Sebastian S. Viola, 1980
  • James R. Goodwin, 1981-1983
  • Joseph W. Manning, 1984, 1985
  • Richard E. Lemerise, 1986, 1987
  • Albert J. Terminello, 1988, 1989, 1993
  • Gene Whitney P. Winam, 1990-1992

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1867
  • Petition for Charter: 1867
  • Surrender of Charter: 1993

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1918 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1943 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1967 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1880 1886 1890 1892 1896 1899 1923 1924 1925 1927 1928 1949 1950 1959 1963 1968 1970 1989

HISTORY

  • 1943 (75th Anniversary History, 1943-47)
  • 1967 (Centenary History, 1967-572; see below)

CENTENARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1967

By R.W. Edward W. East

On the sixth day of December, in the year 1867, a group of Master Masons met in Fraternity Hall at the corner of Broadway and Everett Avenue in our city. They were Brothers John Edmunds, Josiah A. Osgood, James M. Greenwood, William Reed, George W. Churchill, Benjamin P. Shillaber, James S. Dillingham, James E. Barrell, Sumner Carruth, Hadley P. Burrill, Davis W. Bailey, Alexander Campbell, Alpheus J. Hillbourn, Samuel Batchelder, Thomas H. Carruth, Frederick Spoor, Samuel Orcutt, Rufus S. Owen, Slade Luther, Horace P. Eldridge, Joseph Brooks, Michael Watson and Joseph P. Flint. Also, these Worshipful Brethren, John Low, Eben W. Lothrop, John F. Fellows, Tracy P. Cheever, William A. Williams and Charles F. Haynes.

All these Brethren, 29 in number, were substantial and well-known citizens, and even at this date, their names are not without significance to the older residents of our city. Their memories should be especially cherished by Robert Lash Lodge because they were its founders and charter members. With the exception of two, they were all members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge and six of them were among its Past Masters.

Strange as it may seem, the scribe of this history is unable to discover a single lineal descendent of any one of them who holds membership with us today. When we look further into this aspect, we are reminded that Chelsea's population has changed in tone with each passing decade. The first meeting on December 6, 1867, two years after the Civil War, was conducted by Brother Eben W. Lathrop and Brother George W. Churchill who kept the record, happily preserved, and from which these facts were taken.

By previous arrangement, these brethren met and the chairman announced that the object of the meeting was "to deliberate on the condition of the order in this city and place and to consider its needs of another Lodge." It was agreed that a petition to the M.W. Grand Lodge asking for a dispensation authorizing them to meet as a regular Lodge to confer degrees should be prepared.

Wor. Bro. Lothrop, a six-term Past Master of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, was assigned the delicate task of obtaining the necessary consent from Star of Bethlehem Lodge. It was then voted to raise the funds necessary to obtain the dispensation by loan. "Where upon", says the Secretary, "Brothers Carruth and Lothrop at once offered to furnish the same." It was then voted that in no case was the membership to exceed 100 and the meeting adjourned after expressing "its determination to promote harmony and good-fellowship with all true Lodges and Masons throughout the jurisdiction and especially with the Parent Lodge from which it sprung, Star of Bethlehem." The last matter of consideration at this meeting was the very important one of selecting a name for the proposed new Lodge, whereupon Bro. Benjamin P. Shillaber suggested the name of the late Robert Lash.

The choice was wise and fully deserved by our Wor. Bro. Robert Lash, who was born in Boston on November 7, 1779, educated in its public schools and was among the first to receive the Franklin Medal for scholarship and distinction alike for the purity of his private life and the integrity of his business career. He was an official of the old Boston Bank in the North End for over 50 years. He lived here most of his life and commuted from Chelsea to Boston via the Winnisimmet Ferry for the outrageous amount of 2 cents per day. His Masonic record was a most notable one even by our present standards. Raised in Mount Lebanon Lodge in 1801 he twice served it as Master, once in 1812 and again in 1822.

For 15 years he held office in the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, reaching the chair of District Dep. Grand High Priest. In 1824 he was elected Commander of Boston Commandery, Knights Templar, and in 1832 Grand Master of the Grand Encampment K. T. of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 1844 he was Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

For the last 20 years of his life his home was at the corner of Chestnut and Fourth Streets in Chelsea where he died in October 1863 at the age of 83. An account of his funeral, too lengthy for our pages here, was in all Masonic publications then in circulation where it appears that the Grand Master officiated at his services. His home Lodge, Mount Lebanon, was in charge and under the escort of Boston Commandery and Palestine Commandery K.T. accompanied by the cortege to Woodlawn Cemetery, where the Chaplain of Mount Lebanon Lodge performed the burial service of the Order in a most impressive manner.

On January 21, 1867 the new Lodge met in Masonic Hall. The Grand Master's dispensation was read and the Lodge opened in due form. At this meeting, the daughters of Robert Lash presented to the new Lodge his Jewels and Insignia of office and a distinguished brother brought us the old trestle board which Brother Lash had used nearly 50 years before in Mount Lebanon Lodge. The first candidate for degrees was George Willcomb, who remained a prominent member until his death in 1912.

The fourth Wednesday of the month, our present meeting night, was chosen for Regular Communications and the Brethren adopted a By-Law whereby membership should be granted only by ballot after proposal, investigation and report and only at a Quarterly Communication. On December 13, 1867, at the Quarterly Meeting of the Grand Lodge, our Charter was granted and on December 23, 1867, Robert Lash Lodge was formally constituted by Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame, Grand Master, assisted by all of his officers in the presence of many distinguished guests, among whom were Past Grand Masters Winslow Lewis and William Parkman, and the two oldest members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, Rev. Charles H. Leonard and Brother William S. Merriam. The ceremony of constitution being completed, the Most Worshipful Grand Master installed our first officers under the Charter.

For seven years we met in old Masonic Hall at the corner of Broadway and Everett Avenue, owned by our Wor. Bro. John Low. Our removal was to the new Masonic Hall in Campbells' Block at the corner of Broadway and Third Street, its dedication being probably the most elaborate Masonic event Chelsea ever saw. The Grand Master was present and officiated; a throng of distinguished visitors gathered to participate. Bro. Tracy P. Cheever prepared and delivered in his faultless manner a history of the five Masonic bodies of the city, which for many years was the last resort in the settlement of local discussions affecting the Fraternity.

Here was the Masonic birthplace of many of us because it was our abode until 1908, when the catastrophy called the "Great Chelsea Fire" left us homeless. Our East Boston brethren permitted us to use their Temple until 1910 when our present Temple was made ready for us. I very well remember, as a child of 13 years, of witnessing the dedication of this building we are now in, because it was an event of wide local civic importance, particularly where I watched Fred Faunce in his Templar uniform, and our local undertaker, accidently step into a trough of mortar half-way to his knees. Not so humorous, where his weight was over 250 pounds. I remember being awed by what seemed to be so many dignitaries present with their official collars on. Robert Lash Lodge has held in all 1004 Communications. The old By-Law limiting membership to 100 was repealed in 1890.

More than a thousand brethren have signed its membership roll; 338 of whom are still holding their membership.

Five of the six Worshipful Masters first named wore the Union Blue in the days of 1861. Twice have Past Masters been succeeded by their sons, and the Oriental Chair has also been occupied by the two brothers Rockwell. There have been in all 52 Worshipful Masters, of whom 19 are still living. Seven times we have been honored by the Grand Master in the appointment of District Deputies: Right Worshipful Brothers Means, Crandon, William H.L. Odell, Harrower, Craft, East, and Maddocks who has just finished his assignment. In 1943, as in former troublesome times, our members were found in the armed forces of our country.

Our relations with our Parent, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and our brethren, generally have never failed to be harrnonious and pleasant, and when at the time of our great conflagration in 1908, we really remember the generous offers of sympathy and help that were made to us throughout the Grand Jurisdiction. With the outer world, we have always had a most cordial intercourse.

The Church has ever shown a broad mind to us, distinguished clergymen have taken membership with us, invited us to their services and in the Chaplains' Chair have brought us their active help.

We have had a creditable share in community life and have always taken as large a part in public occasions as the regulations of our order would permit. Our members have times without number been honored by election to office in the Councils of the city and state and of the distinguished citizens who have filled the chair of chief magistrate since our establishment, eight have come from our ranks. Our records show that we have been mindful of our duty when private loss and public calamity have come to our attention, and that we have been effective, in an unobtrusive way, to be a helpful force in the life of our Chelsea Municipality.

Lack of space forbids mention of many items of interest, but in what is here set forth, there has perhaps been something to remember in our Masonic years in retrospection. The purpose has been to do honor to our founders, to set forth their portraits before us, not only for a remembrance but for example; to show us how fine is our heritage and let us judge how far we have maintained its spirit, and to inspire us to go forward with a courage of Masonry and with determination to keep our record pure as his, whose honored name we bear, Robert Lash.

OTHER

  • 1897 (Participation in Revere cornerstone laying, 1897-241)
  • 1898 (Participation in Chelsea corner stone laying, 1898-102)
  • 1909 (Participation in Chelsea corner stone laying, 1909-73)
  • 1912 (Participation in Chelsea Masonic Hall dedication, 1912-1)
  • 1940 (Reduction of fees authorized, 1940-196)

EVENTS

QUARTERLY MEETING, FEBRUARY 1869

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 6, April 1869, Page 187:

Robert Lash Lodge, of Chelsea, observes its Quarterly Meeting, by a social sit-down, pleasantly enjoying the hour, and illustrating, in a very agreeable manner, the most prominent principle of Masonry; for the promotion of sociality and brotherly unity underlies the charity that is a fruit of the kindness eliminated. One of these Quarterly Meetings, of a peculiarly interesting character, was held on the evening of February 24, at which were present a brilliant array of Masonic magnates, who are honorary members of this young Lodge. These consisted of W.P.G. Masters Winslow Lewis, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMParkman Wm. Parkman, Wm. D. Coolidge, and C. C. Dame, W.G.M. Wm. Sewall Gardner, and William Sutton, C. W. Moore and R. L. Robbins, and Br. D. N. Chase.

W. Tracy P Cheever, D.D.G.M., presided, by invitation of W.M. Dillingham, and under his inspiration the moments passed very happily. A new feature, that heightened the interest of this occasion, was the introduction of a book of original songs, written expressly for this Lodge, appropriate to each degree and condition of those present, the singing of which, at intervals, by the Nightingale Club, gave a pleasing variety to the feast of reason that transpired.

The guests of the evening were welcomed in a neat speech and the "Honorary Members' Song," which embraced all the names of those present, and ambitiously went among the distinguished of the Fraternity for more; and W.G.M. Gardner was called up by the toast — The plant of Freemasonry, destined to grow and flourish under the culture of our accomplished Gardner.

The Grand Master responded in a speech tributary to the memory of Robert Lash, and complimented the Lodge upon the course it had adopted in illustrating the social — the family — relations of Freemasonry. This sociality was better exemplified in small Lodges, where all arc known to each other, and where comfort and companionship are better enjoyed.

W.P.G.M. Lewis was introduced as a lineal descendant of St. Luke the "beloved physician," who said, that while others present represented all degrees of Masonry, he had attained to the degree of old age, which he affirmed to be a very miserable degree. He gave a short but feeling address in praise of the virtues of Masonry so well shown in the life of the one whose honored name the Lodge bore. He alluded to the devotion of Robert Lash to the Institution, and also that of those so well qualified to appreciate its virtues, citing the case of one who, from age, was induced to ask his discharge, which was granted, but whose heart failed as soon as the door closed behind him, and he returned, begging to be reinstated, to die with his brethren. The remarks of this veteran were received with the deepest interest.

R.W. C. W. Moore, P.D.G.M., the early companion and friend of Robert Lash, who, with Dr. Lewis, were intimately associated with him, was introduced as the " Compendium of Masonry," and gave a review of the exemplary life of Robert Lash. In the dark hours of Masonry, when character was a matter of consequence, he. was above reproach, his integrity beyond doubt, and the most malignant of the revilers of the institution confessed his personal worth.

W.P.G.M. Coolidge made a pleasant speech, commending the social auspices of Masonry, and closing a brief tribute to Robert Lash with the toast: Memory of the Past — Hope of the Future.

W.P.G.M. Parkman was called to his feet as the "Admirable Crichton of Masonry", who praised the genial influence of Masonry, and pronounced it a great invention of King Solomon in conceiving an Institution in which men of all opinions can pull in a common harness. Robert Lash was a humble man, but his devotion to duty made him prominent.

R. W.P.G.M. Dame made a brief speech, commending the social characteristics of the Lodge, and trusted that the light it shed would stimulate the fraternity everywhere.

R.W. Wm. Sutton, in a few remarks, closed the speechmaking of the guests.

Speeches were then made by several members of the Lodge, and many good things were said and sung; Mrs. Partington being in her best humor, and Ike in his best voice. The old lady had been riding the velocipede, in which she found great difficulty, and experienced a new sensation, which she described in rhyme.

On the above occasion there were no liquors, and the enjoyment was of the most elevated character, needing no stimulus beyond the inspiration of the moment. No one ever looked on a happier scene. Another feature connected with these gatherings: we learn that the expense does not come out of the fund of the Lodge, but that each contributes his quota, if able; if not, some one else does it for him. Thus no burden comes upon the Institution — an example that also deserves being followed.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1867: District 2 (Charlestown)

1883: District 3 (East Boston)

1911: District 3 (East Boston)

1927: District 3 (Boston)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges