Wampatuck

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WAMPATUCK LODGE

Location: Hanson; East Bridgewater (1982)

Chartered By: Samuel H. Wragg

Charter Date: 03/12/1947 1947-73

Precedence Date: 05/16/1946

Current Status: in vault; merged with John Cutler Lodge to form Wampatuck Lodge, 05/19/2016; no merger ceremony


PAST MASTERS

  • Charles T. Nicoll, 1947, 1948
  • Harold H. Bryant, 1949
  • Alvin R. Reid, 1950; N
  • Harold E. Brown, 1951
  • Herbert E. Sayce, 1952
  • Albert W. G. Nicoll, 1953
  • Ralph K. Harley, Jr., 1954
  • G. Bailey Cushing, Jr., 1955
  • Thomas M. McWillams, 1956
  • George C. Ford, Jr., 1957
  • Robert C. Wheeler, 1958
  • Leo T. Danner, 1959
  • Karl G. Baresel, 1960
  • Lyman W. Douglas, 1961
  • Frank A. York, 1962
  • Norman F. Cantelmo, Sr., 1963
  • George K. Kasperian, 1964
  • Vincent S. Harriman, Jr., 1965
  • Philip B. Cook, 1966
  • Henry L. Thuotte, 1967
  • Walter Ussher, 1968
  • L. Francis Paine, 1969
  • Clifton A. Sheafe, 1970
  • Clayton M. Merrick, 1971
  • Roy R. Compton, Sr., 1972
  • Donald R. Ussher, 1973
  • David P. Perrier, 1974
  • Stephen H. Noyes, 1975; N
  • Carl J. Helmholtz, Jr., 1976, 1978
  • Frank H. Hammond, 1977
  • Alfred J. Paiva, 1979, 1982, 1983
  • Lawrence S. Holbrook, 1980, 1981; N
  • James D. Paiva, 1984, 1985
  • James H. McKay, 1986, 1987
  • Kenneth R. Bowser, 1988, 1989
  • John Fernandes, 1990
  • Lawrence W. Cook, 1991, 1992
  • William R. Kennedy, 1993, 1994; PDDGM
  • Coleman J. Nee, 1995, 1996
  • Roy E. Cameron, 1997, 1998
  • Joseph G. Cunningham, Jr., 1999, 2000
  • Philip A. Wyman, 2001, 2002
  • George H. Sturtevant, 2003
  • Michael L. Howard, 2004, 2005
  • Ernest Bernard, 2006, 2007
  • Dana B. Larsen, 2008-2011
  • Jason M. Kennedy, 2012
  • Paul M. Wyman, 2013, 2014

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1946
  • Petition for Charter: 1947

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1966 (20th Anniversary)
  • 1971 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1996 (50th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

  • 1947 (Wragg; 2 visits; Constitution of Lodge and installation, and Hall dedication; Special Communications)
  • 1966 (Booth; 20th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1971 (Jaynes; 25th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1992 (Darling; 10th Anniversary of Tri-Town Temple; Special Communication)
  • 1996 (A. Johnson; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1950 1957 1961 1965 1971 1973 1982 1983 1987 1988 1989 1991 2007 2012 2013 2014

HISTORY

  • 1947 (Brief History, 1947-311; see below)
  • 1966 (20th Anniversary History, 1966-215; see below)
  • 1971 (25th Anniversary History, 1971-267)
  • 1996 (50th Anniversary History, 1996-96; see below)

HISTORY AT HALL DEDICATION, SEPTEMBER 1947

From Proceedings, Page 1947-311:

By Brother Ralph Nathaniel Milliken.

Jackson, Lincoln and Harrison were all born in log cabins. All were men of vision and courage, and all had humble beginnings. I doubt if any Masonic Lodge of recent years had a more humble beginning than Wampatuck Lodge. It took men of vision and courage to father it.

"Big trees from little acorns grow," and so on Sunday, March 17, 1946, at Wampatuck Hall in Hanson there gathered thirty men. They had vision to see the need of a Masonic Lodge in the Town of Hanson and the courage to see that need become an actuality. From this group, a committee of five, consisting of Worshipful Brother Charles Nicoll, Brother Alvin Reed, Brother Norman MacDonald, Brother Bradford Peirce and Worshipful Brother James Converse, were selected to wait upon the Grand Master with a petition and to secure a dispensation to form Wampatuck Lodge. This being secured, and Wampatuck Hall very generously given to the Lodge by the Wampatuck Library Association of Hanson, the real work was started.

To those of you who visited in the old, original Wampatuck Hall, and who are now seated in this well appointed modernized Masonic Temple, it must appear as if a miracle was wrought. Under the able direction of Brother Bradford Peirce, a partition was erected in the West and the stage was removed in the East. Steps were erected in the East for the Master's chair, and a stairway in the East taken away. A platform was constructed in the North and South to make better vision for those seated in the rear to view the floor work. One stairway in the front of the building was removed to permit the construction of modern rest rooms. The stairway from the first floor to the basement was changed to lead from the coat room. The partition between the library and lower hall was removed and reset to its original position. The single door from the lobby in the lower hall was removed and a double door installed. A fire escape was built at the east end of the hall and then the interior of the hall was entirely repainted. All this work was done by the voluntary efforts of the Brothers.

The contract work, made possible by the contributions of many Brothers, which totalled about $4000.00, was spent as follows: the cement block work in the rear of the building and in the fireroom, the plastering of the interior of the walls, painting of the outside of the building, installation of the heating plant, repairing the roof and gutters and shingling the rear of the building. With a new and modern building now completed, the next problem to be met by these courageous Brothers was the securing of the regalia, appointments and tools for the work within the Temple.

The Bible, Square and Compasses, and the three great lights were donated by Brother Jacob Karamanian. The American Flag and the Junior Warden's chair were donated by the Clan Ross O. S. C.; the batons, truncheons and Master's gavel were made and donated by Brother Peirce. It is of interest to note that the wood from which these were made came from the original organ in the Congregational Church. The aprons, both those used by the Lodge members and visiting members, were made and donated by Mrs. Charles Nicoll, Mrs. Edward Burchett, Mrs. Roland Smith, Mrs. Albert Cairns and Wor. Brother James Converse. The organ was a gift from Mrs. Harley J. Scott, Wor. Brother James M. Converse and Brother Bradford Peirce, in memory of Brother Major Harley J. Scott. The Secretary's desk was donated by Mrs. Elliot Crowell, the lesser lights and stations were made and given by Brother Bradford Peirce and the stations were finished by Brother Louis Gottscholk. The Past Master's bench and temple pictures in the Temple Hall were a gift of Brother Peter Tucci, Past Master of Hesperia Lodge of Boston. The chairs in the East and West were given by Plymouth Lodge of Plymouth, and other officers' chairs were given by Brother Peirce. The Tyler's desk, ballot box, working tools, Master's table, storage cabinets for aprons, candlesticks and trestle board were also gifts from Brother Peirce.

Settee cushions were donated by Brother David Briggs and the Junior and Senior Stewards' rods and rod holders by Wor. Brother James Converse and Brother Bradford Peirce; the altar by Wor. Brother James Converse; the draperies in the East by Mrs. Charles Nicoll and in the West by Wor. James Converse, and in the South by Brother Alvin Reed. All the Lodge furniture and altar in Bradford Peirce Hall was made by Brother Peter Tucci. The door knockers were a gift from the Brothers employed in the Western Union of Boston. The Grand Lodge jewels came from the Brothers from the State Guard; one hour glass was donated by Miss Janice Nicoll, and the other by Puritan Lodge of Whitman. The officers' aprons were a gift from Mrs. Bradford Peirce, and the officers' jewels were made and donated by Brother Leo Dannejr, who was assisted in the making by Brother Herbert Sayce.

The Masonic Emblem on the outside of the Lodge hall and the letter "G" over the Master's Chair were gifts from Brother Bradford Peirce; the Ashlars by Brother Harry Downes, and the officers' collars were made by Mrs. Edward Burchett. All the electric wiring and fixtures were not only given, but also installed by Brother Harold Brown, our Senior Deacon. The Bulletin Board was a gift from Brother Harold Bryant, our Senior Warden, and the gas range came from Brother Charles Monegan. The cabinet for holding the regalia was given by Brother Albert Nicoll, and the charter case by Brother Leo Danner. The slippers came from Brother Merton Clark and the pictures in Bradford Peirce Hall were a gift from Brother Evan Goodale.

A thousand gallon fuel tank, full of fuel oil, was a gift from Brother Norman MacDonald, our Marshal, and the filling and grading of the grounds surrounding the Temple was a gift from Brother Marcus L. Uraan. This work was under the supervision of Brother James M. MacLellan.

If in listing these gifts I have overlooked mentioning any Brother or friend, please accept my sincere apologies, and to Brother Bradford H. Peirce, Wor. Brother Charles T. Nicoll, and Brothers Harold Bryant and Alvin Reed, my sincere thanks for their very kind assistance in gathering this material.

From the little acorn planted Sunday, March 17, 1946, has grown a beautiful tree, and to those of us who are gathered here tonight, it is hard to visualize the once dingy hall that has become this beautiful Temple, with its electric lights, shining organ and countless appointments. It is with this thought in mind that I submit this Saga to Wampatuck Lodge and posterity that they too may some day have the courage and wisdom to foster and build so that the future of Masonry and all that it stands for may be assured for all time.

20TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 1966

From Proceedings, Page 1966-217:

By Wor. Vincent S. Harriman, Jr.

The presentation of this 20th anniversary history of Wampatuck Lodge is the greatest honor I have received since I have been a Brother of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. Just 10 years ago this month I was raised in this Temple by our present District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Alvin R. Reid, on Past Master's Night. The years from that night until this one have been filled with Masonic memories and associations I will always treasure.

This history will be made in three parts. First, the gleanings of previous historians and the past secretaries' records. This is done for the benefit of the relatively new Brethren, the visitors and those who wish to reminisce. The second part will be observation and events during the last 20 years. Thirdly, I will digress a little from history and proscribe our growth from the events of the past with the tools and symbols of our heritage.

The following is borrowed from history used at the dedication ceremony on Sept. 26, 1947:
Text of history from 1947, above, is provided.

This early history of the lodge as rendered by Brother Ralph Milliken makes it quite clear why this Lodge has grown and developed a reputation as being a "warm" lodge. This title as I have heard it used many times by visiting Brethren is an historical fact that we must never lose.

The growth or second period of history is best told by the names of the new members and watching those names appear on the work parties, visitations to the sick, blood donor lists and the many charities which have remained unpublished, but have contributed a link in the fraternal chain of Brotherly love.

After the initial renovation of the Temple and when the meetings became larger in attendance, many members noted some shortcomings in the arrangement of the facilities.

This led to plans for a new basement dining-hall and kitchen area. Before these things could come about there were many meetings of committees and countless hours of discussion and planning. To say that there was harmony at all times would not be historically true but as we look back these decisions have made us closer in unity and have shown which ones can, "Best work and best agree." During this period of material and membership growth, we were able to redecorate the interior of the Lodge rooms, relocate walls and partitions, provide toilet facilities, lecture rooms, kitchen, dining room and paint the exterior. This work and expense was borne by the Brethren and I am not going to name them because the load was shared by all in their own specialty.

This labor of dedication was done without any sacrifice to the quality of our ritual work as the records will attest and there are many present here tonight who share my feeling that Jt has improved the degree work and deepened our understanding of the philosophy that it contains.

Our financial obligation to charter members has been met and retired.

We have been favored by bequests from some of our departed brethren and the future seems quite stable.

It would be a dereliction of duty not to mention the untiring efforts of our Wampatuck Building Associates who are also Brethren and the great contributions they have made to the fiscal security of our Lodge. The present exterior work of grading, landscaping and parking lot is the project they are engaged in finishing now.

From the foregoing one might draw the conclusion that all we did was work. My Brethren, the adage "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is a fact we in Wampatuck are well aware of. Fishing trips, neighborhood card games, bowling, collecting and many other interests have kept us from becoming dull. The annual Masonic Ladies Night which we share with Puritan, Fellowship and Satucket Lodges has always been the highlight of social activity for our Lodge.

The inception of a Table Lodge during recent years was a new experience for many members and was very well received.

Our annual Building Associates Auction, although not a Lodge function and which certainly entails work is looked upon by many as an all day outing which is thoroughly enjoyed.

Brethren, the statistical part of this history is very well recorded in the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports along with the Master's Report to the Grand Lodge. These figures note the growth or decline of a Lodge, its security or instability, but it doesn't tell the personality or human feeling of a group of men towards their fellow man.

With these facts in mind and a hand on the pulse of Wampatuck Lodge it is safe to say our welcome mat is out to all. Our charity has been felt in many homes and in various rooms of sickness. The remarks that are heard at Masonic funeral services, Saint John's Day Services and other functions where Masons attend as a Lodge are the witnesses that the ancient traditions and ideals of our Lodge are still living and growing with each new member.

I would like to read some excerpts from an article printed in the New York Times dated Oct. 1888 concerning a Lodge's history.

"It is of little importance when a Lodge is formed. The question for all who enter these sacred chambers, is what does the Lodge teach? There is so much time wasted in this short span of life searching for some mysterious past which is of little interest to the outsider.

"Let our study in the great Brotherhood be about its teachings. Am I living up to them? Is the symbolism of the square exemplified in my life? Am I temperate in judgment and action? Do I soil the lambskin and bring the Craft into disrepute? How much better will all Masonic study be if it is directed to the proper understanding of the beautiful symbols and impressive dramas of the ritual rather than searching the past records for an impressive history.

"The beauty of this fraternity will be seen by all and more honor will be conferred upon the purity rather than the antiquity or history of a Lodge." </blockquote>

Brethren, an earlier brief reference was made to the Wampatuck Library Association to whom we are emotionally indebted for this Temple. I am going to conclude this account by giving you their history and how they shall always be spiritually associated with our Lodge.

"The starting of this hall was in the summer of 1886 by a group of girls who met at one of their homes to form a sewing circle, five of which were 11 years of age and one 13. Ella Everson being the eldest was chosen president. The object was to earn money to build a library. These girls were called "The Little Workers Sewing Circle." Officers were elected and sworn in by John Foster, then Justice of the Peace. They later were called the Wampatuck Library Association and held their first sale in March 1887, which netted them $30. Their next move was to find a suitable spot which resulted in this location. The land was bought from the estate of Erastus Tubbs for $100. Money-raising activities followed and finally enough money was made so the hall was built. On March 8, 1889, the association moved into its new quarters. The hall was presented to the Wampatuck Building Ass'n. in May, 1946, with a proviso that the association provide suitable quarters for the library."

The names of those six girls, the first two, who were to become mothers of George C. Ford, Sr. and Harold F. Brown, respectively are: Ella (Everson) (Ford) Conroy; Ella (Keene) Brown; Ella Hutchinson; Marian (Spencer) Bark-ham; Josie Chamberlin and Myra (Keene) Livermore.

A poem was written about the efforts of these girls and it has a message of devotion to an ideal coupled with hard work which will always be a part of our heritage. The last verse of that poem is our blessing, and is stated as:

"May this Hall be a blessing ever
To those who have toiled so long.
And to our children, and children's children
May they echo the same glad song."

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1971

From Proceedings, Page 1971-267:

Historical Sketch of Wampatuck Lodge

IN THE BEGINNING

For quite a number of years local Masons had talked of forming a local Lodge but no definite steps were taken. The Wampatuck Library Association which had been active in the community for over fifty years, and had built a good-sized hall, had become depleted by ageing and loss of members and was desirous of disposing of its property. Representatives of this Association, some of whom were Masons, proposed to lease the building for ninety-nine years for the sum of one dollar if a Lodge was formed. Such a proposition was not one to dismiss lightly.

A small notice was inserted in a Brockton paper inviting Masons living in Hanson, Halifax and Pembroke, to meet at the hall on Sunday, March 17, 1946, to discuss the formation of the Lodge. March 17 was a raw, disagreeable day. Nevertheless there were well over thirty men present. Discussion was wholly favorable to go forward with the necessary steps and to further this a committee was chosen consisting of Dr. B. H. Peirce, Wor. Bro. Charles T. Nicoll, Wor. Bro. James M. Converse, Bro. Norman G. MacDonald and Bro. Alvin R. Reid. It was voted to meet again on March 31 and in the meantime to circulate a petition to the Grand Lodge.

At the meeting on March 31, it was voted that the new Lodge should be named Wampatuck. Wor. Bro. Nicoll was elected to be the first Master; Wor. Bro. John I. Harris, Senior Warden; and Bro. Harry T. Downs, Junior Warden.

On April 3, 1946, the Committee waited on the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel W. Wragg, by appointment, at the Masonic Temple in Boston, and presented a petition containing seventy-five signatures, for a dispensation to form Wampatuck Lodge. It is interesting to note that more than half the signers of this petition had no local affiliation.

A dispensation dated May 29, 1946 was granted and on that date Wampatuck Lodge was instituted by Rt. Wor. Edward Harrison Turner, D. D. G. M., of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABrockton29_1927-2003 29th Masonic District[, and the officers seated.

We were unfortunate in the loss by death of Wor. John I. Harris and the resignation of Harry T. Downs. Harold H. Bryant was appointed Senior Warden and the other Officers moved up one step.

The names of the seventy-seven Charter Members of Wampatuck Lodge are listed in the Anniversary Program.

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1996

From Proceedings, Page 1996-96:

IN THE BEGINNING

For quite a number of years local Masons had talked of forming a local Lodge but no definite steps were taken. The Wampatuck Library Association which had been active in the community for over fifty years, and had built a good sized hall, had become depleted by aging and loss of members and was desirous of disposing of its property. Representatives of this Association, some of whom were Masons, proposed to lease the building for ninety-nine years for the sum of one dollar if a Lodge was formed. Such a proposition was not one to dismiss lightly.

A small notice was inserted in a Brockton paper inviting Masons living in Hanson, Halifax, and Pembroke, to meet at the hall on Sunday, March 17, 1946, to discuss the formation of the Lodge. March 17 was a raw, disagreeable day. Nevertheless there were well over thirty men present. Discussion was wholly favorable to go forward with the necessary steps, and to further this, a committee was chosen consisting of Dr. B. H. Peirce, Wor. Bro. Charles T. Nicoll, Wor. Bro. James M. Converse, Bro. Norman G. MacDonald, and Bro. Alvin R. Reid. It was voted to meet again on March 31 and in the meantime to circulate a petition to the Grand Lodge.

At the meeting on March 31, it was voted that the new Lodge should be named Wampatuck. Wor. Bro. Nicoll was elected to be the first Master, Wor. Bro. John I. Harris, Senior Warden, and Bro. Harry T. Downs, Junior Warden.

On April 3, 1946 the Committee waited on the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel H. Wragg, by appointment, at the Masonic Temple in Boston, and presented a petition containing seventy-five signatures, for a dispensation to form Wampatuck Lodge. It is interesting to note that more than half the signers of this petition had no local affiliation.

A dispensation dated May 29, 1946 was granted, and on that date Wampatuck Lodge was instituted by Rt. Wor. Edward Harrison Turner, D. D. G. M. of the 29th Masonic District, and the officers seated.

We were unfortunate in the loss by death of Wor. John I. Harris and the resignation of Harry T. Downs. Harold H. Bryant was appointed Senior Warden and the other Officers moved up one step.

The names of the Charter Members are to be found in this program.

THE SECOND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

Our Worshipful Masters' Observations

There is an old saying that goes "THE ONLY THING CONSTANT IS CHANGE" and while this is normally true, it is not completely true when it is applied to Wampatuck Lodge.

Many of the activities that have made Wampatuck Lodge an active and viable organization in the past continue today. Our Masonic Blood Donation Program has received thirty-three consecutive awards for 100% participation. The Masonic Service Committee is active in communicating with the membership and making both hospital and home visits to ailing brethren. Our support of the Veterans Administration Sunday Escort Service and the Masonic Home in Charlton goes on without interruption. But some things do change. We have instituted a Scholarship Program that awards a Hanson high school student a scholarship each year. In addition, we are conducting a Flea Market during the summer that has grown beyond our expectations.

Thanks to the wisdom and foresight or the Wampatuck Masonic Building Association in 1980, they realized that the current Lodge Hall was creating a major burden upon the Lodge. The increased cost of maintenance and utilities, as well as the demands for more time from the membership, would be greater than the Lodge was able to provide. They met with the building committees from Puritan Lodge in Whitman and Satucket Lodge in East Bridgewater who were in a similar situation. After much discussion it was determined that a Tri-Town Building Committee would be formed and that the proceeds from the sale of the three Lodge buildings would be used to construct a new Masonic Temple. A parcel of land located on the East Bridgewater and Hanson town lines was donated by Bro. George T. Ridder. Construction was completed and the Tri-Town Masonic Temple was dedicated on May 16, 1982 by the Most Worshipful Grand Master J. Philip Berquist.

While Wampatuck Lodge has continued to grow, we have also been active in supporting the 29th Masonic District. Two of our Past Masters have sewed as Master of the 41st Lodge of Instruction. But more importantly, two of our brothers, Wor. Roy R. Compton, Sr. and Rt. Wor. Stephen H. Noyes, were awarded the Joseph Warren Medal for service to Freemasonry, which is the highest honor a blue lodge member can receive.

As I now reflect upon the past fifty years of Wampatuck Lodge A. F. & A. M. I can see how strong a foundation was laid by our charter members. Wampatuck continues to grow and prosper, not only in the physical sense, but in the Masonic spiritual sense as well. The friendship and brotherly love has grown stronger with the passing of time.

OTHER

  • 1987 (Mortgage burning ceremony, 1987-118)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1983

From TROWEL, February 1984, Page 12:

Retiring Master Installs His Son as the New Master

Wor. James D. Paiva, age 32 years, of Hanson, Mass., was installed as Worshipful Master of Wampatuck Lodge, A. F. & A. M., by his father, Wor. James J. Paiva, of Pembroke, the outgoing Master of the Lodge. Turning the tables on his Dad and Brother, Wor. James D. installed him as Marshal of the Lodge for the ensuing year.

In his retiring remarks, the father spoke of his pride in his Masonic membership, and his wife, on being introduced, related that Masonry had cemented a rare bond between father and son.

Wampatuck1984.jpg

The accompanying photo pictures Wor. James D. on the left and Wor. James J. on the right. Both are flanking Rt. Wor. Robert D. Hermanson, District Deputy Grand Master of the Brockton 29th Masonic District, who was in attendance with a large Suite of visiting Masons.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1946: District 29 (Brockton)

2003: District 17


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges