Difference between revisions of "Star"

Revision as of 20:51, 28 January 2015

STAR LODGE

Location: Athol

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 06/14/1865 VII-13

Precedence Date: 07/04/1864

Current Status: merged with Athol Lodge to form Star-Athol Lodge, 09/13/1997. Now a part of North Quabbin Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1864
• Petition for Charter: 1865
• Consolidation Petition (with Athol Lodge): 1997

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1914 (50th Anniversary)
• 1939 (75th Anniversary)
• 1964 (Centenary)
• 1990 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1865 (Parkman; Constitution of Lodge and installation; hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
• 1874 (Acting Deputy Grand Master William Parkman; Hall dedication)
• 1883 (Lawrence)
• 1892 (Wells; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1910 (Flanders)
• 1914 (M. Johnson; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1917 (L. Abbott)
• 1939 (Perry; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1964 (Osgood; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1969 (Jaynes; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1983 (Berquist)
• 1990 (Darling; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1997 (A. Johnson; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1876 1880 1882 1890 1913 1914 1916 1921 1922 1929 1931 1952 1953 1955 1957 1966 1968 1970 1972 1981 1991 1993 1994

HISTORY

• 1914 (Historical Address, 1914-190) not in Proceedings
• 1939 (75th Anniversary History, 1939-348)
• 1964 (Centenary History, 1964-249)
• 1969 (History of the Masonic Temple in Athol, 1969-283)

See also

• 1997 125th Anniversary History of Star-Athol Lodge

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-348:

Three quarters of a century is an honorable age, well worth commemorating. In that period the population of Athol has quadrupled from 2800 in 1864 to over 11,000 today and its material wealth as expressed in the assessors' figures has grown from $1,014,311 to $9,427,615. Seventy-five years comprises the life of this Lodge but does not include all the Masonic activity here.

Before that birthday of Athol, September 17, 1735, when five pioneer families struggled east over the "Hatfield Road" (then little more than a trail through the forest) and established a settlement here, Masonic Lodges were meeting to the seaboard towns. A Charter had come over the seas from the Grand Master of England and St. John's Grand Lodge had been formed in Boston but 60 years of Athol's life elapsed before anyone here is known to have sought enlightenment at a Masonic altar.

It is likely that some few of the more than 200 soldiers from Athol who served in the Revolution at least knew of the Army Lodges formed during that long struggle but we have no record of any Athol soldier who sought affiliation in them.

As the 18th century drew to a close a season of prosperity was enjoyed throughout the new nation. Industry developed, highways were opened, canals projected, post offices established, and more commodious homes built.

Coincident with this prosperity came the spread of Masonry into the hinterland. The first Lodge to be organized in the western area was Morning Star Lodge in Worcester in 1793. In this Lodge the local Deputy Sheriff, Joseph Pierce, and our Justice of the Peace, who was by virtue of his office one of the "Sessions," the county commissioner of that time, sought admission in 1793. They were speedily followed by the outstanding military citizen, Gen. James Humphrey, his brother John and the local doctor Samuel Rice. In all, eight Athol men were proposed in Morning Star Lodge. All were accepted, three raised, and one, Joseph Pierce, took the fourth step and became a member of the Lodge.

In 1796 Harmony Lodge was opened at Northfield and, being some fifteen miles nearer our town, our Masonically-minded citizens soon sought affiliation there.

In the next five years 13 Athol men were proposed in that Lodge, two of them having started their Masonic career at Worcester. So in all we know of 19 Athol men who had Masonic connections and frequently attended meetings from 19 to 35 miles away over roads improved since the pioneer days but still hardly useable except on horseback. Recognizing the zeal of these far distant Brothers, Harmony Lodge celebrated the Feast of St. John the Baptist at Crosby's tavern in Athol, June 24, 1801. Mt. Zion Lodge, then of Hardwick, and Republican Lodge, of Greenfield, joined in this celebration. The Brethren gathered at Crosby's tavern, 834 Pleasant Street, and preceded by a "band of musick" marched to the meeting house on the upper common where Rev. Bro. Ezekiel L. Bascom, of Gerry (Phillipston), delivered the oration. This paved the way for a Masonic Lodge here.

Morning Star, Mt. Zion, and Republican Lodges assented to the proposal which was favorably considered by Grand Lodge and a Charter issued to Harris Lodge of Athol, September 12, 1802. The Lodge was duly constituted October 13, 1803, 136 years ago last Friday, by Isaiah Thomas, Grand Master. The records of this Lodge were taken to Boston in 1857, deposited in the Grand Lodge and burned when the Masonic Temple was destroyed in 1864, but the Treasurer's book is still extant and still in use as a part of the financial records of the town of Templeton. Hence we have only scant information about this Lodge.

We know that it met at Crosby's tavern (834 Pleasant Street) until 1807 when it moved to Brother Thomas Lord's tavern near the upper common. Late in 1811 it moved to Gould's tavern in Gerry (the large house still standing at the northwest corner of Phillipston common). December 30, 1813 it moved to French's tavern in Templeton where it continued until it disbanded following the Morgan excitement.

Rev. E. L. Bascom was its first Master and the second was Rev. James Thompson, of Barre. In all we know of some 24 Athol men who were members of this Lodge, a majority of these having previously joined either the Worcester or Northfield Lodges.

In 1815 Golden Rule Lodge was chartered, in 1826 Orange Lodge at North Orange, and in 1828 Mt. Ararat Lodge at Petersham. Of the 28 men who constituted Orange Lodge (No. 1) eight were residents of Athol and six of Royalston, and at least one of the Mr. Ararat membership, Olney Scott, resided in our town. All these, Harris, Golden Rule, Orange, and Mt. Ararat Lodges, succumbed to the anti-Masonic whirlwind beginning in 1828.

In fact, this section seems to have been particularly hard hit by that unreasonable antagonism. Morning Star, Mt. Zion, Harmony, Republican, and Pacific Lodges survived, but Harris, Golden Rule, Orange, and Mt. Ararat, all within a radius of ten miles of Athol, disbanded.

The Grand Lodge, although apprehensive that it must eventually disband, continued to function and after a quarter of a century took a new lease of lite, and was in a position to reestablish Masonry in the abandoned areas. The pioneer in this it-establishment in this area was Orange Lodge (No. 2), Chartered September, 1859. Previous to this Caleb A. Cook, of Royalston, and Addison M. Sawyer, John M. King, and Oscar T. Brooks, of Athol, had been raised in Republican Lodge, bringing a sharp protest from Mt. Zion Lodge which claimed this as a part of its jurisdiction.

In the nearly five years that elapsed after Orange Lodge (No. 2) was formed 10 from Athol kneeled at its altar. But transportation facilities were not good between the towns and the Athol Brothers members of Orange Lodge soon began to discuss a new Lodge here. Perhaps the greatest agitator for this was a young pastor of the local Baptist church, Rev. George L. Hunt, who came here from the Barre church on April 1, 1864, and who had been raised to Mr. Zion Lodge less than a year before.

Hardly had Rev. Mr. Hunt become acquainted in his new field when he and 24 other Master Masons petitioned the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation for Star Lodge. On July 4, 1864, Grand Master William Parkman granted this request and our Lodge takes precedence from that day.

I feel that I should give you the names of these the founders of our Lodge:

• Charles H. Adams, Bootmaker and later a merchant
• Hiram B. Adams, Boot manufacturer
• Andrew Atwood, Boot manufacturer
• Samuel Atwood Bemis, Blacksmith and later a merchant
• George W. Black, Tailor
• Oscar T. Brooks, Merchant
• Amos Cheney, Clerk, raised in Harris Lodge
• Ebenezer Cheney, Carriage manufacturer (82 years old)
• Andrew S. Chubb, Woodworker
• Caleb A. Cook, Jeweler
• Orsamus M. Drury, Traveling boot salesman
• Horace Hapgood, Carpenter
• Daniel W. Houghton, Foundryman
• Rev. George L. Hunt, Baptist clergyman
• John M. King, Jobber
• Oliver C. Knox, Photographer
• William M. Leonard, Boot manufacturer
• Enoch T. Lewis, Dealer in grave stones
• Franklin G. Lord, Boot manufacturer
• Addison M. Sawyer, Inventor
• Eri Shepardson, Farmer in Royalston
• Erastus Smith, Bootmaker
• Pitts C. Tyler, Merchant
• Joseph H. Whitney, Farmer in Phillipston
• Daniel F. Ward, Farmer

This was truly a cosmopolitan group symbolical of the tenets of our Craft where men of all stations in life meet on a common level. These men laid foundations that have endured for 75 years, but whatever may have been their vision about building for their children and children's children they actually built for others rather than for their own posterity, for only three of them are represented in the membership of Star Lodge today. I have asked that these three Brothers might be accorded some recognition tonight and I am pleased to find two of them here: Brother Ernest Warren Tyler, grandson of Bro. Caleb A. Cook is not here but Brother George Frank Lord, grandson of Brother Franklin Goddard Lord has come over the hills from Great Barrington to sit again in this Lodge which his grandfather helped to found.

Brother Franklin G. Lord was the last survivor in the Lodge of the entire Charter list, having been a continuous member until his death January 18, 1918. He and Brother Lucien Lord were the sole survivors of the Lodge at our 50th Anniversary and were both decorated with the Henry Price jewel by the Grand Master at that celebration. Brother Oscar T. Brooks lived until February 14, 1920 but he had long since severed his Lodge connections. The other member representing a founder is Brother Carl H. Shepardson, grandson of Brother Eri Shepardson, treasurer of the Lodge 1864-1869 and 1872-1891 nearly a quarter of a century.

The Town of Athol of that long ago day bore little resemblance to the present municipality. There were some woodworking plants, two or three match shops, a small iron foundry, and a cotton mill; but the great industry of the town was bootmaking. Athol ranked with Lynn, Haverhill, and Brockton in the production of men's footwear. Few of the farms cleared in the pioneer days had been abandoned but to supplement the farm income a small boot shop stood near the dwelling where the men and boys bottomed boots in their spare time. No sidewalks bordered the thoroughfares and no street lights guided the traveler by night. About 25 families were served by Mt. Pleasant Water Company, but otherwise each home depended upon a well in the dooryard.

The outcome of the war was still uncertain and a hundred or more Athol men were then in the army. Gold was at a premium and paper money not too plenty.

These were the conditions when the 25 petitioners asked for our Charter.

Alvin Houghton had, 18 years before, acquired the mercantile building on the north side of the turnpike next east of Phillips tavern and had in 1854 developed the second floor of the east end of his building where the horse sheds once stood into a public hall. This hall was engaged by the Masonic Brethren and here the Lodge met while under Dispensation.

But the larger and more influential part of the town was around the common on the hill and a majority of the members were up there, so naturally they desired the Lodge-room there. In 1859 A. V. & A. F. Fletcher had built the front part of the building where Brother Waterman's Highland Hardware now is, and soon after had built the annex in the rear where there was ample room for a Masonic hall; and when it became apparent that Star Lodge might move there, it was prepared for them. On June 26, 1865, the original petitioners met (excluding all who had become members since the Dispensation was granted) and by a vote of 15 yeas, 4 nays, and 6 absent decreed that the Lodge furniture should be removed to the new hall in the upper village.

There the Grand Lodge met on July 20, 1865, constituted the Lodge and dedicated its apartments. In the evening the Brothers and friends assembled in the Unitarian church (now Athol Woman's Club) where the officers of the new Lodge were installed. The address of the evening was by Rev. Mr. St. John, of Worcester.

Special trains were run here for the occasion bringing delegations from Aurora, Hope, Republican, and Harmony Lodges. In all some three hundred Masons participated in this event.

For six years Star Lodge worked under four Masters in comparative harmony. Eighty or more Brothers were raised, fraternal visits to other Lodges were frequent and well attended, and it seemed that the Lodge might prosper for many years. But local strife and jealousies outweighed fraternal principles. For thirty years following the Civil War, there was constant friction that at times amounted to active hostility between the old business center on the hill and the rapidly growing Depot Village in the valley. There was conflict over the purchase of a lire engine and almost open warfare over the change of name of the post offices. For five years uptown fought unceasingly to retain the title "Athol" before she finally went down to defeat in 1876 when Athol became Athol Center and Athol Depot became Athol. Musicians could not harmonize so two bands struggled for existence. The war veterans could not peaceably meet together, hence the "Village" comrades withdrew from Parker Post and organized H. V. Smith Post. Nor could the Liberal Christians worship together in peace, so a Second Unitarian Church was formed at "the Village." Uptown was not even willing to use the ample banking facilities of Millers River National Bank but secured a charter for Athol National Bank where it could keep its funds at home.

With this short summary of those troublesome years I hardly think I need to elaborate on the internal troubles of Star Lodge. As its membership was about equally divided between "uptowners" and "downtowners" when Erastus Smith, an "uptowner," was installed Master November 27, 1871, and with him eight partisans of the old center and only three champions of the cause of the Village, it is small wonder that not a single man was initiated, passed, and raised until the break came. Neither side proposed to let the other strengthen its voting strength.

At length, on March 25, 1872, Brother Eri Shepardson, of Royalston (seemingly on neutral ground), proposed that Star Lodge remove to Houghton's hall where Union Royal Arch Chapter had met since it was organized in 1866. The Master called a special meeting for May 6, 1872, to act on this removal, of which meeting every member had a special notice. Rt. Wor. Edward J. Sawyer, of Gardner, D. D. G. M. was present to control any un-Masonic action. The vote for removal was 28 to 21 voting to remain uptown. The Master forthwith appealed to the Grand Lodge but later withdrew his appeal.

A Committee of 12 Brothers, six from each side of the controversy, considered the matter and on August 19, 1872, recommended that Star Lodge should be divided, whereupon a petition for a new Lodge was drafted and signed by the Master of Star Lodge and forty-nine of the Brethren, and Star Lodge promptly gave the petition its approbation. A Dispensation was speedily granted and Erastus Smith named as Master. Thus Brother Smith was Master of two Lodges at one time and remained in this dual capacity several months although I do not understand that he actually sat in Star Lodge after the removal.

On September 23, 1872, the Lodge met for the first time since receiving its Charter in Houghton's Hall.

A division of the furniture, paraphernalia, and other assets of the Lodge was effected by a committee of four, two from each Lodge, and no word has ever been uttered to my knowledge in criticism of this division. Likewise Star Lodge purchased by a similar arrangement a half interest in the furniture of Union Chapter in Houghton's Hall.

The "Village" folk rallied to the support of the Lodge when it returned to their midst and in the next two years 34 applications were accepted. Prosperity engendered pride and within a year the Lodge and Chapter were seeking more sumptuous quarters.

Brother Lucien Lord made a proposition to erect a new business block and provide Masonic quarters in its third story at an annual rental of ?300. As a Commandery was being projected this made the rent $100. each for the three bodies.

The new quarters were dedicated in the afternoon of January 23, 1874, and Athol Commandery constituted in Starr Hall on the evening of the same day.

For almost sixteen years the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery occupied these spacious quarters in the outstanding business block of the town. Some of these years were comparatively peaceful and prosperous and some were decidedly hectic. The Master, Vernon O. Taylor, resigned his position on June I, 1874, he having suddenly removed from town, and his position was assumed by the Senior Warden, Harding R. Barber, who at the next annual meeting was elected Master.

A financial panic gripped the land and Star Lodge did not escape its effects. The treasury was empty and bills unpaid, although a substantial reduction was made in the rent. Officers were discouraged and shunned the Lodge meetings. The Master elected in November, 1878, did not sit in the East after May 12, 1878, and the Senior Warden was seriously hampered by financial difficulties.

At the annual November 3, 1879 meeting there was a general reorganization. Harding R. Barber (Master 1874-1875) was drafted to preside over the Lodge another year and with him a corps of young men as officers, including George W. Bishop as Junior Warden. Many in arrears were induced to pay their dues and the persistent delinquents were suspended.

The Grand Lodge tax, levied before Star Lodge existed, to build the Masonic Temple in Boston, was a vexatious problem. Finally on Oct. 10, 1882, M. W. Samuel Crocker Lawrence came here and effected an adjustment whereby the money was borrowed and an assessment of a dollar a year for fifteen years levied on the membership.

The twenty-fifth anniversary of Star Lodge was recognized by a public meeting at the skating rink at the corner of Exchange and South Streets. Brother E. V. Wilson delivered the address. The Masonic quarters were remodelled and renovated in 1888 following the purchase of the property by Mr. Elisha Webb and a new lease executed.

On Sunday, December 21, 1890, Masonic Hall was burned and Star Lodge lost practically all its equipment.

The January regular meeting was held in the apartments of Athol Lodge uptown and the February meeting in Tyler's Hall, South Street. Brother Charles F. Richardson proposed to the Brothers that he would build a block on his mother's orchard spot on Main Street, and provide adequate Masonic quarters in that building. A bargain was made with this Brother and the block was built. Star Lodge met there for the first time April 26, 1892, and the Apartments were dedicated by the Grand Lodge May 5, 1892. Although the cost to the Lodge of equipping and dedicating this hall exceeded a thousand dollars yet the Lodge was not impoverished and had cash assets of nearly a thousand dollars alter the bills were paid.

The twenty-two years during which Star Lodge, together with Chapter, Commandery, and Eastern Star occupied the upper rooms in Richardson Block were years of prosperity and progress. It numbered one hundred and fifty Brothers when it left Tyler's Hall and had over three hundred names on its list when it went into the Starrett Block. Its net assets had also more than doubled, but at length the membership became dissatisfied with their situation and murmured suggestions for a change were heard.

L. S. Starrett had acquired the old Nathaniel Richardson homestead, and proposing to build a block there was looking for tenants. A committee of the Lodge after long conferences, was able to submit a proposition which Chapter, Commandery, and Eastern Star as well as Star Lodge approved. Athol Lodge, forgetting that it was intended to be an uptown institution, accepted an invitation to become a tenant and on April 27, 1914 Star Lodge met for the first time in the Starrett Block, where some $8000. had been expended by the various bodies in equipping the new Apartments.

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

The outstanding event of our whole history was June 29, 1914, when the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated, and the Apartments in Starrett Hall dedicated. On Sunday, June 28, escorted by Athol Commandery, the Lodge marched to the First Baptist Church where an anniversary sermon was preached by Rev. F. W. Merrick, of Springfield, one of the Grand Chaplains of Massachusetts.

On Mondav, June 29, the Grand Lodge convened here and dedicated the new Apartments. The Grand Master of Connecticut was one of the many guests present. Clarence C. Pierce was our Master at the time and I think he counted the occasion the great event of his long Masonic career. There was a historical address by Brother Frank E. Wing and an unsolicited and lengthy poem by Brother Wilson.

Two Charter members of the Lodge, Brothers Franklin G. Lord and Lucien Lord were present and appropriately honored. Fully 300 Brothers participated in those exercises, which continued from 3 p. m. to after 12.

For ten years after the Apartments in Starrett Block were dedicated Star Lodge prospered in many ways. The meetings were well attended, applications were numerous and acceptable, and the financial condition of the Lodge improved. The membership touched an all time high of 450 in 1926.

The experience of Star Lodge during the past fifteen years has been no different from that of most fraternities. Attendance has decreased, applications have been far fewer, and membership rolls have shrunk nearly or quite a third. Star Lodge has recently attempted to stem this tide by departing from the ancient precepts of fraternity and establishing a semi-social club in its Apartments. What the effect of this will be remains to be seen.

Fifty-four Brothers have been elected to preside in the East during these seventy-five years, one was recalled after five years, twenty served two continuous terms, and one, Brother Wilson, three years in succession. Seven have attained the title of Right Worshipful, and one, Brother Bishop, became a permanent voting member of the Grand Lodge.

OTHER

• 1872 (Petition regarding removal; dismissed, 1872-48)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, JULY 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 10, August 1865, p. 313:

The village of Athol is situated in the extreme north-west part of Worcester County, and is one among the many beautiful and thriving towns in the western part of Massachusetts. It is divided into what may be properly called an upper and lower village, of about equal size,— though the population probably ponderates in favor of the upper or older part of the town, the lower, or depot village having the more immediate advantage of being located on the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad. Miller's river runs through the town, affording water privileges that are invaluable to its business prosperity. It is surrounded by lofty hills, from the tops of which is presented one of those fine and picturesque panoramic views that are rarely to be met with out of New England. It has a population of about 3,000 inhabitants. The new Lodge had been working during its year of probation in the lower village, but not being so well accommodated, nor, as a majority of the Brethren thought, so centrally situated for the convenience of all parties as was desirable, it was early determined that, should the Grand Lodge see fit to grant it a permanent Charter, its future meetings should be held in the upper village. This was doubtless a wise determination, and perhaps as satisfactory as the case would admit of. The question of location having been settled, the Brethren next turned their attention to a proper place in which to hold their future meetings; and in this they have been eminently successful. Their new hall is well located near the "Summit House,"—is of convenient size, finely frescoed and decorated, and richly and appropriately furnished. It adds another to the many tasty Masonic Halls for which Massachusetts stands pre-eminent among her sister States.

The Proceedings of the Lodge for the past year having met with the approval of the Grand Lodge, that Body, at its Quarterly Communication in June, granted it a permanent Charter; and on Thursday the 20th of July, the Grand Master with his Officers, visiied Athol for the purpose of giving to it a permanent organization. The occasion was one of public as well as of Masonic interest. It was a sort of gala day, in which the town united with the Brethren in giving to the strangers a warm and cordial reception. Extra trains of cars were run in different directions, and there were present large delegations of Brethren from Aurora Lodge, of Fitchburg, Hope Lodge, of Gardner, Republican Lodge, of Greenfield, and Harmony Lodge, of Northfield; and smaller delegations from other more distant Lodges. It is estimated there could not have been less than 250 or 300 Masons in attendance. The ceremony of Consecration took place at 12 o'clock, and in presence of as large a number of Brethren as the Hall and its ante.rooms could be made to hold. At the conclusion of this ceremony, M. W. Grand Master Parkman addressed the Brethren of the new Lodge, on the importance of the responsibilities they had assumed; the necessity of harmony and united co-operation in the duties that would in future devolve upon them, and their obligations to each other and to the Fraternity at large,—reminding them that the jealous eye of the community would be upon them, and that their future destiny, for good or evil, was in their own hands. He occupied about forty minutes, and urged his points with great force and eloquence. The address throughout was listened to with profound attention and received with the highest satisfaction.

Summit House, Athol (in 1858)

The Lodge then took a recess until 2 o'clock, P. M., when the Ladies were admitted, and the Hall was Dedicated with the usual ceremonies. At.the conclusion of which, a procession was formed by the Grand Marshal, and the company were conducted into the large hall of the "Summit House," to dinner. Tables wore here spread for between 300 and 400 guests, and every seat was occupied. The dinner was a good one for the season of the year, and in view of the large number to be provided for. As usual on such occasions, this part of the exercises of the day was concluded by brief speeches by the Grand Master, by R. W. Wendell T. Davis, of Greenfield, (S. G. W.,) by Rev. Mr. St. John, of Worcester, and by several other Brethren whose names have escaped us,—the whole being appropriately interspersed with singing, by an excellent Quartette Choir.

At half-past 6 o'clock in the evening, the company, with as many of the ladies and gentlemen of the village as could find space to sit or stand in, were assembled in the Unitarian Church, for the Installation of the Officers of the new Lodge. The number of persons present could not have been much less than 500. The ceremonies of Installation were performed by the M. W. G. Master in his usual clear and impressive manner.

An address was then delivered by the Rev. Mr. St. John, of Worcester, on the Ideal, the Religion, and the Politics of Masonry. These several points were logically and philosophically stated, and argued in a clear and forcible manner, but owing to the lateness of the hour, and the confusion occasioned by many of the Brethren being under the necessity of leaving to take the cars, the speaker was hurried in his delivery and subjected to the disagreeable necessity of omitting so much of his argument as to mar and detract from its completeness. It was, however, an able performance, and was well received by the still large audience remaining.

Thus closed a very agreeable day of duty and festive enjoyment. The Brethren of the new Lodge were unremitting in their efforts to promote the comfort and pleasure of their guests, and the Officers of the Grand Lodge are especially indebted to them for many kind personal attentions.

We availed ourself of the opportunity afforded by our trip as above described, to spend a day with our esteemed Bro. E. D. Bancroft, Grand Lecturer, at the old town of Groton, and to visit the scenes of our early childhood, and to renew the acquaintance of some near and dear friends and relatives whom we had not seen for half a life time. But alas! we were too soon reminded of the words of Charles Lamb—

"I have had playmates, I have had companions.
In my days of childhood, in my joyful schooldays:
All, all are gone, the old familiar faces."

Few indeed were left among the living, and they had long since reached that period of life when, it is written, " the almond tree shall flourish and the grasshopper bo a burden." There were, however, reminiscences remaining, which, for us, possessed a peculiar, though mournful interest. The " old farm house," where our ancestors once lived, and where we, in our youth, passed two or three joyous and hopeful years, still remains: the spot once covered with thick woods, where, led by the guiding hand of a loving relative, we used to ramble and gather berries and flowers: the old " well," with its" oaken bucket,"—the familiar barn,—the pleasant meadow,—the favorite apple tree, the first to ripen its fruit, and beneath which we once lost a penny,—a loss more calamitous and longer remembered than thousands of pennies since lost,—the little "old school house," or rather the spot where it once stood, now covered with one of different material,—where we first learned to lisp the letters of the alphabet,—the old " grist mill," in the adjoining town, where the yellow corn of the home-furm was converted into golden meal,—the river, where we first saw the hideous fish called the lamprey eel :—these and many other equally interesting spots, all reminded us that we were once a boy.

We also had the pleasure of calling upon our zealous and beloved Brother Luther S. Bancroft, of Pepperell, and making a sort of Pilgrimage to the beautiful eminence which, in his Masonic zeal and love, he designates as Mt. Lebanon, and where he has for many years, either alone or surrounded by his Brethren, celebrated the nativity of the Mason's patron Saint, John the Baptist. It is a beautiful eminence, and while standing upon its summit and viewing the rich and varied landscape spread out before us, we could not but sympathize with our good Brother in the desire of his heart, that he might live to see rising from its top a public literary, or eleemosynary institution, into which the Masonic element should enter. But we are exceeding our limits. The whole excursion was one of marked interest,—a green spot about which the memory will long love to linger.

The following is a list of the officers installed :—

• Andrew Atwood, W. M
• D. W. Houghton, S. W
• O. C. Knox, J. W.
• G. W. Black, S. D
• E. Smith, J. D
• John H. Williams, Sec
• E. Sheppardson, Treas
• H. B. Adams, S. S.
• A. S. Chubb, J. S
• E. L. Hunt, Chaplain
• Amos Cheney, Tyler
• E. T. Lewis, Marshal.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• George W. Bishop, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1886, 1887; Senior Grand Warden 1894
• Francis A. Buckley, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1976, 1977; N
• Roy E. Comstock, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1940, 1941; N
• Albert Nelson Ellis, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1913, 1914; SN
• George H. Foye, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1892, 1893, 1894; Memorial
• Henrie C. Fay, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1902, 1903; Memorial
• Henry M. Humphrey, DDGM, District 8 (Greenfield), 1877, 1878, 1879; Memorial
• Charles I. Montalbano, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 2002
• Clarence E. Pierce, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1929, 1930; Memorial
• Anthony T. Tie, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1964, 1965; N
• Bryan E. Ward, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1990, 1991
• W. Scott Ward, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1925, 1926; Memorial
• Arthur E. Williams, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1952, 1953; N
• Frank E. Wing, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1917, 1918; Memorial

DISTRICTS

1864: District 6

1867: District 8 (Greenfield)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Barre)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges