Tahattawan

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TAHATTAWAN LODGE

Location: Littleton

Chartered By: Herbert W. Dean

Charter Date: 12/11/1929 1929-256

Precedence Date: 01/15/1929

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Arthur H. Frost, 1929
  • Charles H. Kimball, 1930
  • Chester T. Dolan, 1931
  • Harry R. Robbles, 1932
  • John W. Hutcherson, 1933
  • Harold N. Caldwell, 1934
  • Alan J. Hathaway, 1935
  • George W. Tooker, 1936; N
  • William H. Ewing, 1937
  • Paul A. Selfridge, 1938
  • William A. Heuss, 1939
  • Henry F. Lawrence, 1940
  • Thomas Forsley, Jr., 1941, 1942; N
  • Roger M. Hidreth, 1943
  • Harris L. Badger, 1944
  • Clyde L. Field, 1945, 1946
  • Walter G. Phelps, 1947
  • Earl W. Sawyer, 1948
  • Robert H. Barber, 1949
  • Fred W. Willett, 1950
  • John W. Lymberg, 1951; N
  • S. George Kimball, 1952; SN
  • Irving T. Dunn, 1953
  • George H. Linton, 1954
  • Walter R. Shea, 1955
  • Chris F. Kimball, 1956
  • William A. Badger, 1957
  • Harold H. Will, 1958
  • Donald G. Robbins, 1959
  • Charles A. Jackson, 1960
  • Fred R. Cunningham, 1961
  • Roland F. Pendlebury, 1962
  • Robert G. Smith, 1963
  • Fred Hugel, 1964
  • Alf A. Neilson, 1965
  • Robert Newton, 1966
  • Gerald E. Germain, 1967
  • Norman R. Robertson, 1968
  • Alexander Belida, 1969
  • Henry J. Pruden, 1970
  • Arthur J. Piet, 1971
  • David A. Leach, 1972
  • William H. Grennell, 1973
  • Roger E. Gay, 1974
  • Donald P. Baker, 1975, 1976; N
  • Everett E. Miller, 1977, 1978
  • Jack Taub, 1979, 1999, 2000; N; Mem
  • Alfred Gay, 1980
  • Kenneth E. Atkins, 1981; PDDGM
  • Charles V. Mottola, 1982
  • Steven P. Savage, 1983
  • Robert G. Parsons, 1984
  • Ronald S. Jones, 1985
  • Paul A. McLellan, 1986
  • Richard J. Domine, 1987
  • Donald R. Parsons, 1988
  • Alfred R. Towle, 1989
  • Donald P. Ellis, 1990, 1992
  • Robert F. Gillette, 1991; SN
  • Gerald W. Simmons, 1993, 1994
  • Robert O. Anderson, 1996
  • Ian T. Flockhart, 1997, 1998
  • Edward J. Burg, 2001, 2002
  • Andrew G. Anderson, 2003
  • H. Arnold Wilder, 2004 (Hon.); Bio; SN
  • R. Dennis Breen, 2004
  • Michael K. Higgins, 2005
  • Donald E. Eastlake, III, 2006
  • William R. Harland, Sr., 2007, 2008
  • William R. Harland, Jr., 2009
  • Jacob Donat, 2010
  • David R. James, 2011
  • Dennis Gibbons, 2012
  • Donald S. Stevens, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 DDGM
  • Paul M. Starratt, 2015, 2016
  • Dennis E. Gibbons, 2017
  • Jeffrey D. Randall, 2019; DDGM
  • Robert E. Stetson, 2019, (Hon.)
  • Harold F. Arthur, 2019 , (Hon.)
  • Nicholas E. Rochon, 2020

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1929
  • Petition for Charter: 1929

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1939 (10th Anniversary)
  • 1954 (25th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1932 1936 1937 1946 1949 1952 1955 1957 1961 1962 1967 1970 1977 1982 1999 2000 2001 2005 2009 2012 2013 2014

HISTORY

  • 1939 (10th Anniversary History, 1939-131; see below)
  • 1954 (25th Anniversary History, 1954-51; see below)

10TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-131:

By Wor. Chester T. Dolan

FOREWORD

While gathering material necessary for his Historical Sketch of Tahattawan Lodge, it was interesting to the writer to note how happenings become confused by the lapse of time. Incidents previously regarded as facts proved to be fictitious, while others that seemed but fancies proved to be facts. Several Brothers who were active in the preliminary work preceding our Institution contributed valuable information, and their assistance, together with the minutes of our preliminary meetings, made possible this history of the first ten years of Tahattawan Lodge.

Prior to 1928 the idea of a local Lodge had been discussed several times by resident Masons but no further action had been taken. In the spring of 1928 a casual meeting of three members of the Fraternity resulted in a discussion of the possibility of a Masonic Lodge in Littleton, and a decision to communicate with a few known Masons to obtain their reactions. Those interviewed were members ot nearby Lodges and the result was not encouraging. It was then decided to visit Brothers affiliated with Lodges at a greater distance from Littleton, and this time much interest was manifest.

Worshipful Arthur H. Frost, Senior Past Master of Washington Lodge, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, had recently come to Littleton and was one of those approached by Reverend Brother Clarence Dunham. He showed immediate interest and from that time on, Worshipful Brother Frost became our guide and counselor. He consulted officers of the Grand Lodge and was advised to proceed with the movement then under way.

A group of those most interested met at the home of one of the Brothers and the subject was thoroughly discussed. It was decided to canvass the town, and papers were circulated by Worshipful Brother Frost and Brothers Hathaway and Dolan. Enough signatures were obtained to warrant going ahead with the proposed Lodge, and on October 30, 1928, the following notice was sent to all known Masons in Littleton.

Dear Sir and Brother:

You may or may not know that there is on foot a movement to establish a Masonic Lodge in the town of Littleton. About two thirds of the Masons known to those who are promoting this movement have approved of this. There will be a meeting to discuss and arrange preliminaries at the Unitarian Vestry on Monday evening, November 5, 1928, at 7:45 o'clock. You are cordially invited and it is earnestly desired that you be there.

Yours fraternally,
Charles A. Kimball
(signed) Allen J. Hathaway
Chester T. Dolan

On November 5, 1928, thirty-three Masons met in the Unitarian Church. Brother Charles Kimball presided and Worshipful Brother Frost acted as Secretary. The meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Brother Clarence Dunham. A general discussion followed and all present expressed their views. It was voted to form a temporary organization with Brother Charles Kimball as Chairman and Worshipful Brother Arthur Frost as Secretary.

The following committees were appointed:

  • PLACE OF MEETING — Brothers Spinney, Hathaway and Griffiths.
  • FINANCE — Brothers Brown, Karner and Dolan.
  • MEMBERSHIP — Brothers Murray, Robblee and Wood.

The meeting was adjourned until November 19, 1928.

On November 19, thirty Masons were present in the Church Vestry with Brother Kimball presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Brother John Wilson. The committees reported progress and were instructed to continue their work. A motion to establish a Masonic Lodge in Littleton was carried by a vote of twenty-five in favor and four opposed. The following committees were appointed:

  • NAME OF LODGE and DATE OF REGULAR MEETING — Brothers Dunham, Kelly, Christie and Blood.
  • NOMINATION OF OFFICERS — Brothers Spiers, Caldwell and Dodds.

It was voted: To assess each member $5.00 to cover membership and dues to August 31, 1929.
It was voted: To raise money on notes to purchase regalia and furniture.
The meeting adjourned until December 4, 1928.

On December 4, Chairman Kimball called the meeting to order with thirty-five Masons present. The Finance Committee reported progress. The Unitarian Church Vestry was voted as the place of meeting and the time of regular meetings the fourth Monday of each month. The Committee on Name proposed several, and after much discussion, Rev. Brother Wilson was instructed to repair to the Public Library and obtain information regarding Tahattawan. He reported later in the evening that he was much impressed with what he had learned in the short space of time allotted, and TAHATTAWAN was voted the name of the Lodge.

It was voted: that Rev. Brother Wilson prepare a historical sketch of the life of Tahattawan for the permanent records of the Lodge. The following officers were elected after presentation of the names by the Nominating Committee.

  • Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson

The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the Master-elect.

From the last preliminary meeting to the first regular Lodge meeting there was a period of great activity. Trips were made to Boston to purchase regalia and furniture; and nearly every night Brothers Kimball and Dolan met with Worshipful Brother Frost at his home and rehearsed their parts in the Ritual. On Sundays we held general rehearsals, discussed floor work, and corrected errors.

No Master ever had a harder task than Worshipful Brother Frost and none ever gave more liberally of his time and energy than he in the two years that he served in the East, first under Dispensation, and then under Charter. Few if any of his officers had any previous experience in Masonic Ritual. Yet, when the first regular meeting night arrived we made a creditable impression. To the officers who served under him, "Daddy" Frost will always be remembered for his unselfish devotion.

A meeting of the Masons who had petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the Unitarian Church Vestry on Monday, January 28, 1929, at 8:30 P.M.

Right Worshipful Frank B. Crandall, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District, called the meeting to order for the purpose of reading the Dispensation, Instituting Tahattawan Lodge A. F. & A. M. under Dispensation. He was accompanied by Worshipful Philip Andrew, District Deputy Grand Marshal.

The following officers were conducted to their stations by order of the District Deputy Grand Master.

  • Worshipful Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
  • Associate Chaplain, John H. Wilson
  • Marshal, William H. Ewing
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson
  • Senior Steward, Harold N, Caldwell
  • Junior Steward, Allen J. Hathaway
  • Inside Sentinel, John C. Robertson
  • Tyler, George W. Tooker

The Dispensation carried the names of sixty-eight Master Masons. Previous to the Constitution the Grand Officers were entertained at dinner by the Lodge.

The first organization of the Lodge under its Charter was as follows:

  • Worshipful Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Rev. John H Wilson
  • Marshal, William H. Ewing
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson
  • Senior Steward, Harold N, Caldwell
  • Junior Steward, Allen J. Hathaway
  • Inside Sentinel, G. Leslie Blood
  • Tyler, George W. Tooker

The Charter Members of Tahattawan Lodge numbered 66.

The Constituting of Tahattawan Lodge by Grand Lodge officers presided over by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master, was most inspiring, and the members of the Lodge and visiting Brothers were deeply impressed with the ceremony.

Of the officers installed at that time, one has dimitted; three have retained their original stations at their own request; and seven are now Past Masters. One, Worshipful Brother Charles A. Kimball, has been called to the Celestial Lodge Above. Of the sixty-six Charter Members, four have passed on; nine have dimitted; and four have been suspended.

In March, 1930, we held our first Annual Masonic Ball, in the Town Hall of Littleton. The hall was beautifully decorated by the committee, under the very able direction of Brother Harry Spinney, and with the assistance of a number of volunteer workers. The Ball was a marked success both socially and financially.

The Annual Ball was held on four subsequent occasions, but was given up after the financial state of the country made the idea impracticable. All were successful, but memories of the First Annual Masonic Ball remain the most vivid.

The years since our Constitution have passed swiftly and in spite of adverse conditions Tahattawan Lodge has forged steadily ahead. Forty-nine names have been added to the Lodge Rolls in the past ten years. Forty-two of these were Entered, Passed, and Raised in Tahattawan Lodge, and seven were added by affiliation.

The 120th Communication (regular) of Tahattawan Lodge was held in Town Hall, Littleton, on January 23, 1939. That evening we had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Right Worshipful George W. Tooker, newly appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District.

On the evening of our first Communication, ten years before, Brother Tooker had been installed as Tyler of Tahattawan Lodge U.D. Always popular with his Brothers, his interest and activity in Masonry increased throughout the years. His year as Master was most successful and he proved worthy of higher honors.

The news of Brother Tooker's appointment as District Deputy Grand Master was received with pleasure by his many friends throughout the District. His Brothers wish to convey to the Most Worshipful Grand Master their sincere gratitude for the honor conferred upon Brother Tooker and, through his appointment, upon Tahattawan Lodge.

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1954

From Proceedings, Page 1954-51:

By Wor. Chester Thompson Dolan

While the events preceding the institution of Tahattawan Lodge twenty-five years ago are still fresh in memory, I have relied a great deal on the history that I read before the Lodge fifteen years ago on the occasion of our tenth anniversary. Some parts of that history are, of necessity, copied verbatim.

A casual conversation on a spring evening in 1928 started a chain of events that culminated in the institution of Tahattawan Lodge. At a chance meeting of three members of the Fraternity the talk turned to Masonry, and the Brothers found that they were members of widely separated Lodges. One was from Chelsea, one from Nebraska and one from Turners Falls. None had attended a meeting of his home Lodge for several years, a fact that all regretted. The possibility of a local Lodge was discussed, and it was decided to contact some of the known Masons in town and obtain their reactions.

Of those first interviewed, members of nearby Lodges showed but little interest, but Brothers from more distant Lodges were pleased with the idea. By midsummer enough interest had been aroused to warrant further effort. It was decided that we needed someone with experience in Masonic procedure to advise us. A short time later we learned that Wor. Arthur H. Frost, senior Past Master of Washington Lodge of Roxbury, had recently moved to Littleton. On hearing of our plans, he was greatly interested, and offered to help in any way possible. From that time on, Wor. Brother Frost became our guide and counselor. He consulted officers of the Grand Lodge and was advised to proceed with the movement then under way.

A group of those most interested met at the home of one of the Brothers and it was decided to canvass the Masons in town. Papers were circulated by Wor. Brother Frost and Brothers Hathaway and Dolan. Enough signatures were obtained to warrant going ahead with the proposed Lodge, and on October 30, 1928, the following notice was sent to all known Masons in Littleton:

Dear Sir and Brother:

There is on foot a movement to establish a Masonic Lodge in the Town of Littleton. About two-thirds of the Masons known to those who are promoting this movement have approved of this. There will be a meeting to discuss and arrange preliminaries at the Unitarian Vestry on Monday evening, November 5, 1928, at 7:45 o'clock. You are cordially invited and it is earnestly desired that you be there.

Yours fraternally,
Charles A. Kimball
(signed) Allen J. Hathaway
Chester T. Dolan

On November 5, 1928, thirty-three Masons met in the Unitarian Vestry. Brother Charles Kimball presided and Wor. Brother Frost acted as Secretary. A general discussion followed, and all present expressed their views. It was voted to form a temporary organization with Bro. Charles Kimball, Chairman, and Wor. Brother Frost, Secretary. The following Committees were appointed:

The following committees were appointed:

  • Place of Meeting — Brothers Spinney, Hathaway and Griffiths.
  • Finance — Brothers Brown, Karner and Dolan.
  • Membership — Brothers Murray, Robblee and Wood.

The meeting was adjourned until November 19, 1928.

On November 19, thirty Masons were present in the Church Vestry with Brother Kimball presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Brother John Wilson. The committees reported progress and were instructed to continue their work. A motion to establish a Masonic Lodge in Littleton was carried by a vote of twenty-five in favor and four opposed. The following committees were appointed:

  • Name of Lodge and Date of Regular Meeting — Brothers Dunham, Kelly, Christie and Blood.
  • Nomination of Officers — Brothers Spiers, Caldwell and Dodds.

It was voted: To assess each member $5.00 to cover membership and dues to August 31, 1929.
It was voted: To raise money on notes to purchase regalia and furniture.
The meeting adjourned until December 4, 1928.

On December 4, thirty-five Masons were present. The Unitarian Vestry was voted as the place of meeting and the time of regular meetings the fourth Monday of each month. The Committee on Name proposed several, and after much discussion, "Tahattawan" was selected as the name of the Lodge. It was voted that Rev. Bro. Wilson prepare an historical sketch of the life of Tahattawan for the permanent Lodge records. The following officers were elected after presentation of the names by the Nominating Committee:

  • Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson

The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the Master-elect.

From the last preliminary meeting to the first regular Lodge meeting, much had to be done. Furniture and regalia were purchased, and many details arranged. Nearly every night the Senior and Junior Wardens-elect met at the home of Wor. Brother Frost and rehearsed their parts in the ritual. Sundays we held general rehearsals, discussed floor work and corrected errors.

A meeting of the Masons who had petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the Unitarian Church Vestry on Monday, January 28, 1929, at 8:30 P.M. R. W. Frank B. Crandall, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District, called the meeting to order for the purpose of reading the Dispensation, and instituting Tahattawan Lodge A. F. & A. M., under Dispensation. He was accompanied by Worshipful Philip Andrew, District Deputy Grand Marshal.


The Constituting of Tahattawan Lodge by the Grand Lodge Officers, presided over by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, was most inspiring and the members of the Lodge and visiting Brethren were deeply impressed by the ceremony. We are taught that "Harmony is the strength and support of all institutions, more especially this of ours." This was never

The following officers were conducted to their stations by order of the District Deputy Grand Master.

  • Worshipful Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
  • Associate Chaplain, John H. Wilson
  • Marshal, William H. Ewing
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson
  • Senior Steward, Harold N, Caldwell
  • Junior Steward, Allen J. Hathaway
  • Inside Sentinel, John C. Robertson
  • Tyler, George W. Tooker

The Dispensation carried the names of sixty-eight Master Masons. The District Deputy Grand Master spoke encouragingly of the future of the Lodge and expressed his personal hopes for our success.

From the Lodges in the District, and from many Brothers of Tahattawan Lodge, generous gifts of money and equipment were received, making it unnecessary for the Lodge to borrow money. The first year under Dispensation we held ten regular and two special communications, and received and voted favorably on twelve applications. During this year eight candidates were raised to the degree of Master Mason. The twelfth communication was the first held in the Town Hall. We had changed our meeting place as we felt that larger quarters were necessary.

The thirteenth communication (special) was held in the Town Hall on the evening of January 23, 1930. The following is quoted from the Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for that year:

A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was held in the Town of Littleton on Thursday, the 23rd day of January, A.L. 5930, A.D. 1930, for the purpose of Constituting Tahattawan Lodge. The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form at 8 o'clock in the evening in a convenient apartment of the Town Hall in which Tahattawan Lodge holds its meetings. The Master and Wardens of Tahattawan Lodge U. D. were introduced and made formal request for the delivery of the Charter. Assent having been given, the Grand Lodge proceeded at once to the Auditorium. The Grand Officers assumed their stations and Tahattawan Lodge was Constituted and its officers installed in full form according to the ancient usages of the Craft. The Grand Master's address was an exposition of the duties and responsibilities of the Lodge.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the Grand Lodge retired and was closed in Ample Form at 10:15 o'clock. Previous to the Constitution the Grand Officers were entertained at dinner by the Lodge.

The first organization of the Lodge under its Charter was as follows:

  • Worshipful Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Rev. John H Wilson
  • Marshal, William H. Ewing
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson
  • Senior Steward, Harold N, Caldwell
  • Junior Steward, Allen J. Hathaway
  • Inside Sentinel, G. Leslie Blood
  • Tyler, George W. Tooker


The Charter Members of Tahattawan Lodge numbered sixty-six.

The Constituting of Tahattawan Lodge by the Grand Lodge Officers, presided over by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, was most inspiring and the members of the Lodge and visiting Brethren were deeply impressed by the ceremony.

We are taught that "Harmony is the strength and support of all institutions, more especially this of ours." This was never better exemplified than by the charter members of Tahattawan Lodge. Harmony was always present and strength and support given by every Brother.

No Brother refused a task assigned him and none thought of personal advancement.

There were Brothers who contributed much to our success and who would not accept higher office though strongly urged:

  • Brother Harry Hume, who spent many hours weekly for several years coaching both officers and new members in the ritual. He served as Tyler in 1932 and 1933 and since 1944 has been a Trustee of the Lodge.
  • Brother Harry Spinney, our Tyler in 1930 and 1931. His idea of an Annual Masonic Ball, which proved so successful until the depression, was made possible by his own artistic talent and hard work.
  • Rev. Brother John Wilson, who served as Chaplain for over twenty years.
  • Brother Lenox Karner, as Treasurer, and
  • Brother Winthrop Kelly, as Secretary, who served us faithfully and well in their respective positions for over ten years.

To make Tahattawan Lodge a success was the goal toward which we aimed and all gave willingly of their time and energy to achieve that end.

Tonight, as we look back on those years, we can view the result with pride. Of the sixty-six Charter Members, thirty-three still retain their membership in the Lodge; thirteen have either demitted or been suspended; and twenty have passed on. Among the latter are four of the officers installed at our Constitution: Wor. Brother Arthur H. Frost, Charles A. Kimball and Harry R. Robblee, and our Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelly.

Eleven Charter Members have presided in the East as Master:

  • Arthur H. Frost
  • Charles A. Kimball
  • Chester T. Dolan
  • Harry R. Robblee
  • John W. Hutchinson
  • Harold N. Caldwell
  • Allen J. Hathaway
  • George W. Looker
  • William H. Ewing
  • Henry F. Lawrence
  • Harris L. Badger

In the past twenty-five years much has been accomplished in spite of some adverse conditions. The depression years, those of World War II, and the total loss of Lodge property when the Town Hall was destroyed by fire in 1943 all had their effect, but Tahattawan Lodge has gone steadily ahead.

We now have a membership of 178, and are financially sound. We have a fine staff of officers who take pride in their work and are a credit to the Lodge.

Three of our members have received recognition by the Grand Lodge and have been appointed to higher office: R. W. George W. Tooker, who served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1939-1940; Wor. Henry F. Lawrence, who was Senior Grand Steward in 1949; R. W. Thomas Forsley, Jr., who is at present District Deputy Grand Master of the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District. Another Brother, Wor. John W. Lymberg, is at present Master of the 8th Lodge of Instruction.

I would like at this time to call attention to a subject that I believe is of great importance. I refer to our present inadequate Lodge quarters. The Unitarian Church Vestry where we held our first meeting twenty-five years ago was our only choice after he Town Hall was destroyed by fire. Too small for adequate Lodge work, it cannot be used on special occasions such as tonight. We have a building fund started that I hope will increase more rapidly in the future than in the past. I believe that a home of our own constitutes a major project, and one that the Brothers of Tahattawan Lodge should never lose sight of until it becomes an established fact.

(Note: Tahattawan was, 300 years ago, the chief of the Nashoba Indians, a tribe located in what is now the Town of Littleton. The ruins of their old stone fort and burial mounds still exist. This tribe was one of the first to embrace Christianity and frequently made pilgrimages on foot to Natick, thirty miles distant, to attend divine services conducted by John Eliot, the Apostle to the Indians. Tahattawan and his Nashobas were commonly referred to as the Praying Indians.)


EVENTS

PRESENTATION, DECEMBER 1985

Tahattawan Lodge Honors 50-Year Past Master

Prior to his retiring as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, R. W. Ronald E. Jackson paid a visit to Tahattawan Lodge, Littleton, to present a 50-year Past Master's Certificate to Wor. Allen J. Hathaway; and since the Grand Master was out of state at the time he was visiting in the capacity of Acting Grand Master.

Accompanying R. W. Bro. Jackson were Wor. Richard Scott, Grand Standard Bearer, and R. W. Oscar Derderian, D. D. G. M. of the Fitchburg 13th District.

Wor. Bro. Allen was born in Maine in 1894 and was Raised in 1919. He became a charter member of Tahattawan Lodge in 1929 and served as Master in 1935.

Also in attendance to honor Wor. Bro. Allen were veteran Bros. R. W. H. Arnold Wilder (50 years), Morton E. Mathison (63 years), and Kenneth M. Barteaux (56 years). Bro. Mathison presides as the Lodge's Chaplain. Bro. Barteaux was Raised during the Lodge's first year. R.W. Bro. Arnold noted that, as a Boy Scout, he had been examined for his merit badges by Wor. Bro. Allen.

Wor. Bro. Allen still attends Lodge when he is able, and never misses acting as Secretary for the Third Degree on Past Masters Night. (Thanks to Bro. Jack Taub for this info.)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1929: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 14


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges