Artisan

ARTISAN LODGE

Location: Winchendon

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 09/12/1866 V-264

Precedence Date: 09/01/1865

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

Need living PMs

John G. Folsom, 1866-1868
Wilder P. Clark, 1869, 1870
Alphonzo A. Ballou, 1871
Wilder P. Clark, 1872
Henry B. Cady, 1873
Edward W. Cross, 1874, 1875
Orrin E. Skinner, 1876, 1877
Amos S. Lamb, 1878, 1879, 1882, 1891, 1892
David H. Barnes, 1880, 1885, 1886
Erwin J. Fuller, 1881
Nathaniel R. Perkins, 1883, 1884
Joseph C. Nichols, 1887, 1888
Dwight L. Mason, 1889, 1890
Frank M. Collester, 1893, 1894
Charles D. Young, 1895-1897
Waldo C. Corey, 1898, 1899
Frank H. Parker, 1900, 1901; SN
Walter Boyce, 1902, 1903
Herbert G. Shaw, 1904
Eleazer B. Heywood, 1905, 1906
Charles D. Young, 1907, 1908
Walter H. Hall, 1909, 1910
Joseph T. Lindsey, 1911
Fred L. Stearns, 1912
Joseph H. Miller, 1913, 1914
William H. Morlock, 1915
Orrin D. Burt, 1916
John P. Brigham, 1917, 1918
Perley Aldrich, 1919
Charles E. Bickford, 1920
Richard D. Hall, 1921, 1922
Rutherford C. Ballard, 1923, 1924
Kenneth G. Brown, 1925
Leon B. Bassett, 1926
Elliott D. May, 1927, 1928
George W. Gregory, 1929, 1930
Louis K. Cross, 1931; N
Guy B. Staples, 1932
John G. Ford, 1933
Celian H. Abbott, 1934, 1935; SN
Richard F. Snow, 1936, 1937
Robert D. Fielden, 1938, 1939
Burton K. Sawtelle, 1940, 1941
Arthur E. Marsh, 1942
John D. Burke, 1943, 1944
A. Russell Tout, 1945, 1946
Roy K. Snow, 1947
G. Eaton Davis, 1948
William A. Monroe, 1949
Stewart W. Priest, 1950
Maurice R. Bateman, 1951
Edward M. King, 1952
Chester T. Walker, 1953
Sulo J. Karvonen, 1954
John E. Whitney, 1955
Warren A. Harris, Jr., 1956
Chester E. Priest, 1957
Alfred L. Perry, Sr., 1958
George C. LeRay, Jr., 1959
Maurice R. Bateman, Jr., 1960
Henry L. Doody, 1961
Max E. Potter, 1962
Frank J. Rota, 1963
Kenneth A. Tuttle, 1964
F. Richard Ladeau, 1965
Wesley R. Boutelle, 1966, 1967; PDDGM
John W. Beattie, 1968, 1969
Ottmar Rau, 1970, 1980
J. Earle Miller, 1971
William P. Lawrence, 1972
John F. Eaton, 1973
Roland R. Rivard, Sr., 1974
Sherman S. Paris, 1975
Raymond J. MacLean, 1976, 1977; N
John A. Davis, 1978
Bruce C. Lemire, 1979
Martin D. Leonard, 1981
J. Thomas Engle, 1982
John F. Thayer, 1983, 1984
Dennis E. Noyes, 1985
Alan G. Myer, 1986, 1987
Bernard L. Lajoie, 1988, 1989
R(ichard) Clifford Lupien, 1990, 1997; PDDGM
Gregory L. Cardinal, 1991
Christopher M. Hand, 1992
Larry S. Wood, 1993
Norman P. Babcock, 1994
Leslie W. Blakley, 1995
Kenneth W. Carlson, 1996
James P. Bursey, 1998
Roland D. Rust, 1999, 2000
David K. Cass, 2001, 2002
Richard A. Gordon, 2003, 2004
Richard A. McAllister, 2005-2007; PDDGM
John B. O'Connell, 2008, 2009
Angel L. Suarez, 2010-2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

Petition for Dispensation: 1865
Petition for Charter: 1866

ANNIVERSARIES

1916 (50th Anniversary)
1940 (75th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

1866 (Dame; Constitution of Lodge; see below)
1880 (Welch)
1883 (Lawrence)
1916 (M. Johnson; 50th Anniversary)
1940 (Perry; 75th Anniversary)
1964 (Osgood; reception for Junior Grand Warden Burton K. Sawtelle)
1980 (Melanson; Hall dedication)
1989 (Ames; Hall rededication)
2011 (Stewart)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1872 1877 1879 1912 1927 1931 1933 1951 1955 1958 1968 1977 1981 1985 1990 2009

HISTORY

1940 (75th Anniversary History, 1940-296; see below)
1980 (Brief History of the Masonic Temple in Winchendon, 1980-138)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-296:

By R. W. Louis K. Cross:

"A Lodge is a certain number of Masons duly assembled, legally constituted, having the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, with a Charter or Warrant, empowering them to work."

Soon after the close of the Civil War a certain number of Masons residing in Winchendon did assemble and decided to petition the Grand Lodge for authorization to work. The result was the following petition:

"To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts.

"The undersigned petitioners, being Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Masonry respectfully represent:

"That for the convenience of their respective dwellings, and for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a new Lodge, in the Town of Winchendon, to be named Artisan Lodge. They therefore pray for letters of Dispensation, or Warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the order, and the regulations of the Grand Lodge.

"They have nominated and do recommend Brother John G. Folsom to be the first Master, Brother Francis W. White to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother Wilder P. Clark to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. If the prayer of the petition shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to all the Constitutions, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge."

Signers were: Joel Parker, Loring Chase, William C. Nichols, Francis W. White, George O. Hubbard, Wilder P. Clark, L. J. Wilkinson, Charles H. Ingalls, Edwin Sawtelle, Joseph C. Long, Aloric A. Boyce, Harry Pitkin, Alvah Godding, Williain Y. Stanley, Daniel Harvey, George W. Chandler, Charles E. Lake, W. H. Coffin, K. S. Porter, D. F: Hall, John G. Folsom, A. A. Ballou, W. N. White, Arthur Boucher, Harvey Wyman, Herman Daniels, Stephen Fitts, Dan C. Robinson and C. F. Bemis.

The above 29 signers were recommended to the Most Worshipful Grand Master by the Master and Wardens of Hope Lodge of Gardner, as Master Masons in good standing; also their Petition was countersigned and approved by the D.D.G.M. for the 3rd Masonic District. Most Worshipful William Parkman then granted a Dispensation,

"empowering the signers to form and open a Lodge, and to admit and make Freemasons, according to the ancient customs, and not otherwise. This Dispensation to continue in full force from date of issue until the regular, quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge in the month of September, 1866, unless sooner revoked.
Signed Sept. 1, 1865.
William Parkman, Grand Master.
Attest: Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary."

Quarters were secured in the Baptist Church, the loft I am told, and the first meeting held September 8, 1865. The first organization under dispensation was as follows:

W. M. John G. Folsom
S. W. Francis W. White
J. W. Wilder P. Clark
Treasurer W. N. White
Secretary A. A. Ballou
S.D., L. J. Wilkenson
J.D., C. E. Lake
S.S., G. O. Hubbard
J.S., Daniel Harvey
Marshal, D. F. Hall
Chaplain Harvey Wyman
Tyler Edwin Sawtelle

At this meeting three Brothers were appointed to act as Committee on By-laws. It was voted to hold regular meetings Friday evening on or before the full moon, at 7 P.M. from September to April, 7:30 April to September.

After this first meeting it must have been a very busy year, for up to and including the 1st of September, 1866, there is a record of no fewer than forty-eight meetings, nearly one each week. Finances appeared to be the great topic of discussion, and means were devised to raise funds to carry on the work and pay bills. Degree fees of $40.00 were voted, and several petitions were received during this first year. August 25, 1866, By-laws were adopted, patterned largely after those of Aurora Lodge of Fitchburg, after which the committee was discharged.

January 26, 1866, a Holy Bible was presented for the Altar by Mr. Nelson D. White. Mr. White was given a vote of thanks by the Lodge, and it was also voted to have the Bible suitably inscribed.

On September 12, 1866, a Charter was granted to Artisan Lodge, signed by Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame, Grand Master with the following sixteen Charter members' Joel Parker, Harvey Wyman, William Y. Stanley, John G. Folsom, D. F. Hall, Geo. O. Hubbard, Hary Pitkin, Loring Chase, Francis W. White, W. P. Clark, Edwin Sawtelle, L. J. Wilkenson, Charles E. Lake, A. A. Ballou, W. N.White and Daniel Harvey. John G. Folsom was elected the first Master and on October 19, 1866, Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame and suite consecrated the new Masonic Hall and installed the officers.

Artisan Lodge continued to hold its meetings in the Baptist church for neaily two years, to Decembet 1867, as the last recorded rent bill for those quarters was approved and ordered paid in March 1868, when a ten year lease of quarters on the top floor of the First National Bank building was signed. It is interesting to note in the records that a bill, in addition to rental, of $19.00 for warming for six months, to July 1, 1868, caused so much discussion that a committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master to consult with the bank concerning it.

Regular meetings were'held monthly in the new Lodge-rooms in the bank building until September 20, 1921, when the present Lodge-rooms were first occupied at a special meeting held for the official visit of the D.D.G.M.

Regular meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with the exception of July and August, when the Lodge recesses. Meeting dates have been changed a number of times during the 75 years of the Lodge's existence. The October meeting is the annual meeting.

October 17, 1916, Artisan Lodge observed the 50th year of its existence by appropriate exercises in the Town Hall. The feature of this observation was the official visit by Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and suite. The addresses of note were given by the Grand Master, M. W. Melvin M. Johnson; by the Grand Secretary, R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, and the Historical address by Wor. Charles D. Young.

April 23, 1869, a Past Master's Jewel was presented Worshipful John G. Folsom. At his death this was presented to Artisan Lodge with the request that it be presented to the presiding Master at the Lodge Centennial. There have been 42 presiding Masters of.Artisan Lodge and at present 16 are living and members.

During this 75 year period nearly 400 have received the degrees as conferred by Artisan Lodge, and at the present time 144 are enrolled as members. This membership has naturally varied according to periods of prosperity or depression. At its peak Artisan Lodge had a membership of 169, and like all Masonic bodies, this includes representative men from all walks of life.

Following is a list of the Masters of Artisan Lodge for years ending Aug. 31st. (number of members in the lodge is in parentheses).

John G. Folsom, 1866-1868 (34)
Wilder P. Clark, 1869, 1870 (45)
Alphonzo A. Ballou, 1871 (50)
Wilder P. Clark, 1872 (57)
Henry B. Cady, 1873 (56)
Edward W. Cross, 1874, 1875 (58)
Orrin E. Skinner, 1876, 1877 (60)
Amos S. Lamb, 1878, 1879 (72)
David H. Barnes, 1880 (70)
Erwin J. Fuller, 1881 (72)
Amos S. Lamb, 1882 (75)
Nathaniel R. Perkins, 1883, 1884 (77)
David H. Barnes, 1885, 1886 (81)
Joseph C. Nichols, 1887, 1888 (79)
Dwight L. Mason, 1889, 1890 (83)
Amos S. Lamb, 1891, 1892 (71)
Frank M. Collester, 1893, 1894 (73)
Charles D. Young, 1895-1897 (64)
Waldo C. Corey, 1898, 1899 (66)
Frank H. Parker, 1900, 1901 (78)
Walter Boyce, 1902, 1903 (74)
Herbert G. Shaw, 1904 (72)
Eleazer B. Heywood, 1905, 1906 (83)
Charles D. Young, 1907, 1908 (83)
Walter H. Hall, 1909, 1910 (90)
Joseph T. Lindsey, 1911 (96)
Fred L. Stearns, 1912 (99)
Joseph H. Miller, 1913, 1914 (104)
William H. Morlock, 1915 (106)
Orrin D. Burt, 1916 (108)
John P. Brigham, 1917, 1918 (105)
Perley Aldrich, 1919 (106)
Charles E. Bickford, 1920 (129)
Richard D. Hall, 1921, 1922 (139)
Rutherford C. Ballard, 1923, 1924 (149)
Kenneth G. Brown, 1925 (151)
Leon B. Bassett, 1926 (156)
Elliott D. May, 1927, 1928 (159)
George W. Gregory, 1929, 1930 (167)
Louis K. Cross, 1931 (169)
Guy B. Staples, 1932 (169)
John G. Ford, 1933 (163)
Celian H. Abbott, 1934, 1935 (155)
Richard F. Snow, 1936, 1937 (151)
Robert D. Fielden, 1938, 1939 (144)
Burton K. Sawtelle

This in a brief manner brings to your attention some of the interesting details of the growth and development of Artisan Lodge. Of necessity it is largely statistical and no attempt can be made to go into any detail regarding events of interest only to Artisan Lodge.

May Artisan Lodge continue to prosper and hold its prominent place in the Town of Winchendon is the message of Louis K. Cross, Historian.

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, OCTOBER 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 1, November 1866, Page 28:

A new Masonic Lodge, under this name, was consecrated and its officers installed by M. W. Grand Master Dame, assisted by officers of the Grand Lodge, on Friday evening, 19th of October. The Ceremonies were performed in the Lodge room in one of the meeting-houses of the town, — the consecration at four o'clock, and the installation of officers at six o'clock. The installation was public, and the Lodge room was partially occupied by the ladies of the members. The ceremonies were conducted by the Grand Master in his usual correct and admirable manner, and were of a highly interesting character. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the Grand Master addressed the Master, Wardens, and brethren, briefly and beautifully, in regard to their new position, their duties and responsibilities.

The following are officers of Artisan Lodge, namely : —

John G. Folsom, W. M.
Francis W. White, S. W.
Webster P. Clark, J. W.
Winsor K. White, Treasurer.
Alfonso A. Ballou, Secretary.
Harvey Wyman, Chaplain.
Leonidas J. Wilkinson, S. D.
Charles E. Lake, J. D.
Harrison A. Crocker, S. S.
George S. Loud, J. S.
David F. Hall, Marshal.
Daniel Harvey, Tyler.

American Hotel, Winchendon (1906 postcard)

In the evening, the officers and members of the new Lodge, with their wives and guests, sat down to an elegantly spread supper at the American Hotel, and had a most enjoyable time up to the hour of 11 o'clock. At the conclusion of the feast, speeches were made by Grand Master Dame, R. W. Brs. C. W. Moore, J. W. Dadmun, William Sutton, S. G. W., Wm. W. Wheildon, J. G. W. pro tem, L. L. Tarbell, Grand Marshal pro tem, E. D. Bancroft, Grand Lecturer; E. F. Gray, G. T., Rev. Mr. Wheeler, Mr. J. Murdock, and others, the Master of Artisan Lodge, Br. Folsom, presiding. The speaking during the evening was uncommonly excellent, and commanded that close attention of the company, so that for more than two hours not a person left the room.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Celian H. Abbott, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1942, 1943; SN
Wesley R. Boutelle, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1968, 1969; Artisan
Louis K. Cross, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1933; N
R(ichard). Clifford Lupien, 2000, 2001; Artisan
Richard A. McAllister, DDGM, District 22, 2009, 2010
Raymond J. McLean, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1978, 1979; N
Frank H. Parker, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1904; SN
Ottmar Rau, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1988, 1989
Burton K. Sawtelle, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1954, 1955; Junior Grand Warden 1964