Difference between revisions of "Wilder"

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WILDER LODGE

Location: Leominster

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 06/13/1860 VI-308

Precedence Date: 06/13/1859

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1859
• Petition for Charter: 1860

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1910 (50th Anniversary)
• 1934 (75th Anniversary)
• 1959 (Centenary)

• 2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1860 (Lewis; Constitution of Lodge and installation; hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
• 1875 (Everett; Hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1895 (Holmes; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1909 (Flanders)
• 1910 (Flanders; 50th Anniversary)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1920 (Prince; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1934 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1959 (Chipman; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1976 (Maxwell; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1982 (Berquist)
• 1989 (Ames)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1876 1879 1883 1885 1890 1894 1912 1917 1920 1921 1924 1929 1940 1941 1948 1949 1955 1961 1971 1972 1976 1979 1983 1990 2003 2008 2009

HISTORY

• 1934 (75th Anniversary History, 1934-52)
• 1959 (Centenary History, 1949-145)

OTHER

• 1874 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1874-9)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, AUGUST 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 10, August 1860, Page 311:

The new Masonic Lodge at Leominster was constituted by the officers of the Grand Lodge, on Tuesday last. The members have named their Lodge after one of the oldest Masons in the Commonwealth, formerly State Treasurer, Hon. David Wilder, of Leominster. About a year ago, a dispensation was granted to this Lodge, and it has now received a charter by the name of the David Wilder Lodge. The members have erected a new hall for their meetings, and this was formally dedicated on Thursday afternoon by the Grand Master. In the evening, the officers elect for the ensuing, year were duly installed. Previous to the installation, a procession was formed by the David Wilder Lodge, escorting the Grand Lodge, and attended by the Leominster Band. After moving around the square to the Leominster House, the company entered the large dining hall, where a large party of ladies were assembled to welcome them. The ladies had prepared a surprise for their friends, in being present themselves and in attending to the decoration of the tables. Numerous beautiful bouquets were arranged on the tables, and appropriate – flowers with " a sprig of acacia" and a lily on each plate. A brief address was also delivered in behalf of the ladies, by Br. Smith, to which a suitable response was made by Dr. Winslow Lewis.

The surprise and entertainment, as well as the presence of the ladies, were highly enjoyed. After supper a procession was again formed, this time including the ladies, and lead by the Band, the entire company proceeded to the new hall of the Lodge. Here, after a suitable introduction and music, the officers were duly installed by W. D. Coolidge, Esq., in ancient form; and this ceremony was made particularly interesting by the excellent manner in which it was performed. Music by the choir. An address, full of feeling and sentiment, and admirably adapted to the occasion, was then delivered by Grand Master Lewis, and suitable instructive remarks were made by Dr. J. V. C. Smith and Rev. E. M. P. Wells, of the Grand Lodge. Among other officers of the Grand Lodge present were Messrs. C. W. Moore, Dr. Spaulding, Wheildon, J. P. Pattee, Dr. Davis, W. D. Stratton and E. F. Gay, District Deputy John A. Dana, Esq., of Worcester, and other prominent Masons. The following are the officers of David Wilder Lodge:—

• Wm. Durant, M.
• Calvin B. Cook, S. W.
• J. H. Lockey, J. W.
• L. Longley, Treas.
• G. T. Lincoln, Sec.
• D. B. Haines, S. D.
• H. M. Lane, J. D.
• J. G. Elton, S. S.
• C. Burch, J. S.
• S. Richardson, Tyler.
• Chas. Carter, M.
• B. M. Polley, Chaplain.

We are indebted for the above to Bro. Wheildon, of the Bunker Hill Aurora, and for the following to the politeness of the speaker.

ADDRESS BY THE GRAND MASTER

Gentlemen,— It is no part of my purpose to apologize for my presence on this occasion.

The cheerful smiles of those who are gathered here to greet you, tell the story; and it seems superfluous for me to say that they have come with the kindest feelings to tender to you their congratulations; to extend to you, their respected fathers, husbands, and friends, the fellowship of true and faithful hearts.

They seek not to unroll the curtains drawn around your venerable Order. They honor fidelity, and cherish it in you as a priceless gem. They would aid you in every noble enterprise and hail with delight every success which crowns your labors. They have not been unmindful of these your present efforts, and rejoice that the ark of your covenant is fraternally consecrated.

Around you are clustering their choicest affections. Their highest joys, their fondest hopes, center on you whose name they wear.

Bearing to you this tender relation, it cannot be unwomanly or unkind to meet you on this happy eve, and regale you with music's soft and mellow strains; to bestow upon you those smiles you prized so much in days gone by; to wreathe your tables in flowers, and by their presence give social cheer to your festive board. In their behalf I tender to you this little surprise. Receive it in the kindness in which it is proffered. Forgive aught that your manly dignity may deem improper, and take their gathered lilies — emblems of purity, stainless and sweet.

Honored Guests of these our friends, — We bid you welcome, thrice welcome, to this innocent repast of and friends. Woman's mission is one of love, — to cheer and soothe life's stormy scenes, and scatter flowers along the way.

True to herself, these fair hands have twined for you the summer flowers; and as you look upon their opening petals and matchless beauty, you will be reminded of the infinite skill and perfection of the Great Architect above. Accept them, ■with their best wishes that the wisdom which graced David's royal son may rest upon you in all your labors, till the Grand Master, whose summons we must all obey, shall call you to that temple not made with hands.

HALL DEDICATION, APRIL 1875

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 4, April 1875, Page 188:

Dedication at Leominster.—The new Masonic apartments of Wilder Lodge, of Leominster, were dedicated on the 15th inst. The Grand Master being prevented from attending by sickness, the ceremony was conducted by R. W. Charles A. Welch, Deputy Grand Master. He was assisted by the following-named Brethren: P. G. M. Sereno D. Nickerson, as Special Deputy Grand Master; P. G. Warden Henry Endicott, as S. G. Warden; P. G. M. William Parkman, as J. G. Warden; R. W. John McClellan, G. Treasurer; P. G. M. William D. Coolidge, as G. Secretary; R. W. Charles H. Titus, as G. Chaplain; Brother Frank E. Jones, as G. Marshal, and W. Brother J. W. Edgerly, as G. Tyler. The ceremony of dedication having been completed, the Deputy Grand Master briefly addressed the Lodge, congratulating them upon their improved accommodations, and the taste, skill and liberality displayed in furnishing them. He also exhorted them to display new zeal and diligence in the discharge of their duties as Masons, and to exercise increased vigilance in guarding the Fraternity against the admission of unworthy members.

The Brethren were then called from labor to refreshment, and about one hundred and sixty of them sat down to a bountiful collation. This part of the entertainment having been disposed of very satisfactorily, the toast-master, Brother F. C. Bowen, addressed the company at some length, relating the particulars of the destruction of the former Lodge-room, the liberality of Brethren in providing everything necessary for the new, the sublime principles and important lessons inculcated by the Fraternity, and the happy results which would follow from a faithful observance of its teachings. In response to appropriate sentiments, brief speeches then followed from the Deputy Grand Master, the Past Grand Masters, Grand Secretary Titus, District Deputy Grand Master W. A. Smith, of Worcester, and Brothers Joslin and Huntley. Of the seven living Past Grand Masters, all were present but two; R. W. Brothers John T. Heard and Wm. S. Gardner honoring the occasion with their presence, and participating in the festivities, in addition to the Brethren before named.

Wilder Lodge was constituted in July, 1860. Eight Brethren signed the petition for a Dispensation, only three of whom are now living, and one, W. Brother Wm. Durant, was present at the dedication of the new hall. It has been distinguished for the excellence of its work and the high character of its members, and is now in a very flourishing condition, under the direction of the following-named officers: Samuel Whittier, W. M.; W. D. Somers, S. W.; J. D. Miller, J. W.; F. X. Boutwell, Treas.; George F. Morse, Sec.; T. J. Ames, S. D.; H. P. Durant, J. D.; Adam Urqunhart, S. S.; C. H. Glines, J. S.; Win. Durant, Chaplain; George England, Marshal; W. F. Wilkins, I. S.; J. S. Darling, Tyler.

The new apartments comprise the whole of the upper story of a fine brick block just erected by Brother J. C. Allen, in the very centre of the flourishing town of Leominster. The main hall will compare very favorably with any Masonic hall of its size in the State. It is finely frescoed and elegantly appointed. There are, besides, three ante-rooms, a kitchen and banquet hall, all neatly and appropriately furnished. The walls of the Lodge-room are adorned with portraits of Past Masters David Wilder, William Durant, Daniel R. Haines, Calvin B. Cook and John H. Lockey.

In the evening a reception was held, to which ladies, and the public generally, were admitted. A supper, music, and dancing in the lower hall, made the time pass very pleasantly. The whdle occasion was greatly enjoyed by all who were present, and the day will be long remembered by the Brethren of Wilder Lodge as one of great pleasure and satisfaction.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Kenneth M. Andrews, DDGM, District 22, 2011, 2012
• Frank H. Blackman, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1951, 1952; N
• Carl S. Johansson, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1991, 1992; SN
• Robert C. Keogh, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1977, 1978; Wilder
• Joseph F. Lake, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1963, 1964; SN
• Edward D. Moody, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1896, 1897; Memorial
• Everett B. Richardson, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1909, 1910; Memorial
• Frank D. Polley, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1937, 1938; N
• James C. Smith, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1937 (died in office); Memorial
• Rolfe W. Smith, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1922; Memorial
• Roger E. Winchester, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 2001, 2002

DISTRICTS

1859: District 3

1867: District 11 (Worcester)

1872: District 7 (Lowell)

1878: District 11 (Worcester)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 22

LINKS

Lodge Web Site

Massachusetts Lodges