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EASTERN STAR LODGE

Location: Rehoboth

Chartered By: Dudley M. Ferrell

Charter Date: 09/10/1924 1924-367

Precedence Date: 11/19/1923 there is no record of this dispensation.

Current Status: Active

Netop Lodge merged here, 09/04/1996.

PAST MASTERS

AFFILIATES

• Edward A. Berry
• James E. Choate
• Michael J. Douglas
• Alfred H. Erdos, Jr.
• Joseph Freedman; N
• Charles R. Hause
• Henry Kadetz
• William J. MacBrayne
• Lewis C. Meservey
• Edwin E. Oldfield
• George W. Pierce, Jr.
• James C. Pilling; N
• C. Alfred Roux
• Copeland L. Setchell
• George F. Silvia, Jr.
• John C. Sutterley; PDDGM
• Kenneth H. Wilmot

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Charter: 1924
• Consolidation Petition (with Netop Lodge): 1996

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1948 (25th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1974 (50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1999 (75th Anniversary; Special Communication)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1924 (Ferrell; Constitution of Lodge and installation)
• 1948 (Keith; 25th Anniversary)
• 1974 (Vose; 50th Anniversary)
• 1983 (Berquist; Dinner dance)
• 1989 (Ames)
• 1993 (Lovering; 350th town anniversary)
• 1996 (A. Johnson; consolidation with Netop Lodge)
• 1999 (Bauer; 75th Anniversary)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1925 1930 1931 1937 1938 1957 1960 1962 1964 1970 1972 1980 1981 1992 2001 2012

HISTORY

• 1948 (25th Anniversary History, 1948-172; see below)
• 1974 (50th Anniversary History, 1974-4)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1948

From Proceedings, Page 1948-172:

By Right Worshipful Henry H. Goff.

This brief historical sketch of Eastern Star Lodge reminds us that Masonry is founded on spiritual truths and the dignity of man, otherwise it could not have made the enduring contributions which are essential to the development and prosperity of mankind.

In this spirit, we welcome you to the twenty-fifth anniversary of Eastern Star Lodge and invite you to reminisce with us.

Over one hundred and fifty years ago, in the early part of the year 1797, when Paul Revere was Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, a small group of men in Rehoboth began discussing the advisability of forming a Lodge in this town. On March 12, 1798, Bristol Lodge, now of North Attleboro, received, as recorded by Grand Lodge Proceedings (1792-1815 Mass., page 126), a petition from William Windsor and others praying for the establishment of a Lodge in the East Parish of Rehoboth, County of Bristol. It was voted that the prayer of the petitioners be granted.

The Lodge was immediately formed and a Charter was issued. Following this, "The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts specially met at Rehoboth to consecrate Eastern Star Lodge and install its officers."

It must have been a colorful event in this little town, then a tavern stop on the great Providence to Boston Post Road—the arrival of the Mail Coach bringing the distinguished representatives of the Grand Lodge; the cordial exchange of greetings with refreshments for the weary travelers; and finally the Brethren as they marched in full regalia on a glorious mission directed by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and assisted by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and Royal Arch Chapter of that State. Nature added its approval by furnishing the grandeur of a golden autumn day, with the reds and yellows of tree and shrub which provided a painted background for the first public procession of the Ancient Order in Rehoboth. After divine worship at the Baptist Church, the consecration was solemnized within the local Congregational Meeting House. That there was love, urbanity, friendly converse, entertainment and a grand feast with many toasts and songs after this important occasion, is testified to by the Grand Lodge records.

Thus 150 years ago Eastern Star Lodge began its history. Thus the lessons of the gavel, hour glass, scythe and faith in immortality were emphasized to the enrichment of the lives of these pioneers in Masonic philosophy.

The Lodge met in Wheaton Hall, above the Post Office, which is now the residence of Brother Ellery L. Goff. It is unfortunate that the records are inadequate, for it would be inspiring to read about the manner in which those serious, ancestral Brethren conducted the ritual and attended to the Lodge business of those long ago meetings.

May it be noted, however, that the Lodge was active and that it soon acquired forty members; that on December 27,1808, Brother James Ellis of Eastern Star Lodge was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Fourth District by Most Worshipful Isaiah Thomas, Grand Master of Massachusetts, and reappointed to this office again in 1809. The Lodges of the Fourth District were Bristol of Norton, Fellowship of Bridgewater, Montgomery of Franklin, Eastern Star of Rehoboth, King David of Taunton and Rising Star of Stoughton. The fraternal bonds, then as now, were close because the festival of St. John was frequently celebrated jointly within the District.

At this point, for a later reference, it is interesting to record that on April 2, 1798, King David Lodge of Taunton petitioned Bristol, Fellowship and Eastern Star Lodges for permission to form a Lodge at Taunton.

From 1820 through the 1830s difficulties arose, too heavy for many Lodges to overcome. Eastern Star records reveal only faint information concerning this agonizing period. It is sad to relate that on December 27, 1822, the Charter of Eastern Star Lodge was surrendered to the Grand Lodge. When the Boston Temple burned, this original Charter was destroyed. For one hundred years thereafter, we find no mention of Masonry in the activities of Rehoboth. In the summer and fall of 1923, Brother Harold A. Goff drew up and circulated a petition. This petition of forty-four names was sent to the Grand Master asking that Eastern Star Lodge be reinstated. On August 17, 1923, this matter was referred to King David Lodge of Taunton and it was voted that such dispensation be granted.

On January 9, 1924, the first regular communication was held at Anawan Grange Hall, Rehoboth. Right Worshipful Ralph C. Estes presided over the newly appointed officers and Brethren. In the first year, twenty-three candidates were raised and nine special meetings were held. Brother Ellery Leonard Goff was the first candidate raised.

At this point the Lodge pays tribute to Right Worshipful Ralph C. Estes for his industry and tireless efforts in schooling the officers in the ritualistic work, and the knowledge of Masonic procedure and behavior.

Several gifts were received by the Lodge during this period. Brother Edward Thayer presented the Lodge furniture; the officers gave the regalia; Brother John E. Waterman the Bible; Brother George Sherman the Lesser Lights; Brother Ernest G. Perry, an electrically lighted "G"; R.W. Brother William C. Ollendorff, a suitably inscribed gavel; King David Lodge, a large American Flag; Pioneer Lodge, a sword and Ezekiel Bates Lodge, a photostatic copy of the Charter.

On Wednesday evening, September 24,1924, Most Worshipful Grand Master Dudley H. Ferrell opened the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in an adjoining apartment. Then Worshipful Master Ralph C. Estes, Senior Warden Harold A. Goff and Junior Warden John E. Waterman retired to the Grand Lodge and notified the Grand Master that the Brethren of Eastern Star Lodge, U. D., to whom the Grand Lodge had seen fit to grant a Charter, were convened for the purpose of being constituted into a regular body. The Grand Master thereupon entered the lodge-room, and in due and ancient form, duly constituted Eastern Star Lodge. Following the ceremony, the officers of Eastern Star Lodge were installed as the first officers of this regular and duly constituted Lodge.

At this time the Lodge was very active, initiating candidates and holding many special meetings, and on June 25, 1927, the Lodge took part in the parade and ceremonies attending the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple of Bristol Lodge, North Attleboro.

On May 8, 1928, Eastern Star Lodge began an exchange of work with Netop Lodge of Seekonk. This exchange is being continued to our mutual benefit and happiness.

On October 26, 1929, the Lodge assisted in the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, Attleboro.

In December, 1937, the Lodge was honored by the appointment of Worshipful Henry H. Goff as District Deputy Grand Master of the 28th Taunton District. R. W. Henry Goff appointed Wor. Harold A. Goff to serve as District Deputy Grand Marshal and Worshipful Enoch A. Carpenter as District Deputy Grand Secretary. On February 1, 1938, a reception and dinner was held at Goff Memorial Hall in honor of the newly appointed Deputy and his suite. A large number participated and witnessed the presentation of the official jewel to Right Worshipful Henry H. Goff by Worshipful John E. Waterman.

During 1940 a play, entitled "Judge Not," was presented in the Lodge under the direction of Worshipful Arthur C. Chaffee. This play was repeated in numerous other Lodges and also at the Masonic Home at Charlton.

At this point we record the death of Worshipful Lawrence Joshua Walsh on January 7, 1928. He was the first Brother of Eastern Star Lodge to "travel to that undiscovered country." Worshipful Brother Walsh was a charter member and served as Senior Deacon in the first organization.

Among the charter members who contributed much to the early success of Eastern Star Lodge was Worshipful Brother William C. Viall, who in addition to his many gifts, served a dinner to the Brethren and distinguished guests on the night of constitution. It is sad to record his death on August 29, 1943. He is the second Past Worshipful Master of Eastern Star Lodge to "travel to that undiscovered country."

In December, 1946, the Lodge was gratified to receive notice of the appointment of Worshipful Harold A. Goff to the office of District Deputy Grand Master of the 28th Taunton District. Right Worshipful Brother Goff appointed Worshipful Clarence A. Saunders as District Deputy Grand Marshal and Worshipful Ernest L. Goff, Jr., as District Deputy Grand Secretary. A reception for the newly appointed District Deputy Grand Master was held March 6, 1948, at Anawan Grange Hall and was well attended by the Brethren and distinguished Masons of this and other Districts. After the dinner, R.W. Henry H. Goff presented the official jewel to R.W. Harold A. Goff and appropriate remarks were exchanged. R.W. Brother Harold A. Goff was reappointed to this office in December, 1947.

In the past twenty-five years we have been honored by having R.W. Brother Harold A. Goff and Worshipful Robert G. Cooke elected Master of the 25th Lodge of Instruction.

The final event of this miniature history occurred at the October communication when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

• Wor. Benjamin E. Kinne, Worshipful Master
• Bro. C. Gifford Viall, Senior Warden
• Bro. William H. Holden, Junior Warden
• Wor. John E. Waterman, Treasurer
• R. W. Harold A. Goff, Secretary

OTHER

• 1927 (Cornerstone laying in North Attleboro, 1927-187)
• 1929 (Cornerstone laying in North Attleboro, 1929-181)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Ralph C. Estes, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1919, 1920; N
• Joseph Freedman, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1982, 1983; N
• Harold A. Goff, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1947, 1948; SN
• Henry H. Goff, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1937, 1938; N
• John F. Lowry, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1959, 1960; N
• George E. Munroe, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1990, 1991; SN
• James C. Pilling, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1998, 1999; N
• John W. Sutterley, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 2002; District 8, 2003
• John L. Waterman, DDGM, District 28 (Taunton), 1972, 1973; N

DISTRICTS

1923: District 28 (Taunton)

1927: District 28 (Taunton)

2003: District 16

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges