Difference between revisions of "Kilwinning"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1966 1966]''' (Centenary History, 1966-84)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1966 1966]''' (Centenary History, 1966-84)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1991 1991]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1991-47; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1991 1991]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1991-47; see below)
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 +
==== 85TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1951 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1951-222:''
 +
 +
''By Worshipful Walter B. French.''
 +
 +
In the short permissible time assigned to me at this hour of our eighty-fifth anniversary, it would of course be impossible to outline a proper history of Kilwinning Lodge. But since it has been a custom on certain key anniversaries to have a history delivered in response to the toast "To the health and prosperity of Kilwinning Lodge," it seemed only possible to divide the past into significant "Eras" so-called. In selecting and applying names to such eras, it is very probable and entirely possible that specific mention will not be made of many Past Masters of Kilwinning Lodge, all of whom have been outstanding and devoted to the highest ideals of Masonry.
 +
 +
This selection then, entirely my own, has been difficult and embarrassing. Of those selected to head up "Eras," only a few of the recent were known to me personally — I can only be guided by the records and what was written in the records, and in the old days records were not kept as completely as they are today.
 +
 +
===== M. W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner WILLIAM SEWALL GARDNER] ERA =====
 +
 +
Brother Gardner, a native State-of-Mainer, was made a Mason at the age of twenty-five in [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=AncientYork Ancient York] Lodge at Lowell in 1882, the same year he was admitted to the bar in Middlesex County. He became Worshipful Master of Ancient York Lodge in 1856-57, dimitting to become a charter member of Kilwinning Lodge, of which he was the first Worshipful Master in 1866-1868. He subsequently received all the grades in both the York and Scottish Rites.
 +
 +
M.W. William S. Gardner served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts during 1869-70-71, at the age of forty-two years. After serving as Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, at Lowell in 1861, he became Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1863-64, at the age of thirty-six, and Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the United States from 1868-71 at the age of forty-one years. He was a charter member of the several bodies of the Scottish Rite established in Lowell, Sovereign Prince of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and the first Commander-in-chief of Massachusetts Consistory, then located at Lowell, serving from 1860-1864 at the age of thirty-three years.
 +
 +
He was crowned an active member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America in 1861 and served as Deputy for Massachusetts from 1861 to 1867 at the age of thirty-four years.
 +
He was appointed an Associate Justice of the Superior Court in 1875 at the age of forty-eight years; and in 1885, three years before his death at Newton, Massachusetts, in 1888, he was promoted to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.
 +
 +
Here is certainly the most outstanding, shining and perfect example of the often heard expression "Masonic Giant." His rapid progress throughout all branches of Masonry indicates that he must have been, in an age ofgreat Masonic leaders, an outstanding Mason. He was our first Worshipful Master and it is said that he was responsible for the creation and adoption of the ritual in regular use in our second degree, as well as that used at the Feast of Saint Andrew.
 +
 +
===== R. W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSStevens SOLON W. STEVENS] ERA =====
 +
 +
R.W. Bro. Stevens was Worshipful Master in 1873-1874, an orator, perhaps as great an orator as ever lived, certainly as great as any that ever belonged to this Lodge. He had a magnetic personality and was richly endowed with all the abilities necessary to his outstanding success in civic life and Masonry.
 +
 +
===== R. W. FRANK L. WEAVER and R. W. FRANK K. STEARNS ERA =====
 +
 +
R.W. Bro. Weaver was Worshipful Master in 1889-90-91; R.W. Bro. Stearns was Worshipful Master in 1892-93-95. These two Past Masters played a strong and vigorous part in the then twenty-or-more-year old Kilwinning Lodge in a formative and strengthening period. Kilwinning Lodge needed and received much from the guidance and counsel of these two well-and-favorably-known Freemasons. It is significant to observe that the Masonic enthusiasm and services of the Weaver family have come down through his family by his son, R.W. Alvah H. Weaver, present chairman of the Committee on the Feast of Saint Andrew, and his grandson, Wor. Frank H. Fiske, our junior Past Master.
 +
 +
===== R. W. WILLIAM M. JONES ERA =====
 +
 +
R.W. Bro. Jones was Worshipful Master in 1909-1910. He was a highly regarded doctor, beloved by all as a very exceptional man, citizen and Mason. His diction and deliverance of ritual were masterpieces of beauty and long to be remembered by those who knew him.
 +
 +
==== WOR. DONALD M. CAMERON and WOR. HARRY A. THOMPSON ERA =====
 +
 +
Wor. Bro. Cameron was Master in 1914-1915; Wor. Bro. Thompson was Master in 1916-1917. These men both occupy unique positions in the memory of all Kilwinning members. It was in their days that the fortunes of the Lodge were at their financial peak. Their feasts, and their mementoes presented to each attendant and guest, are still talked of by all who were present. It can probably be truly stated that never again will conditions ever exist which will warrant such lavish entertainment and hospitality.
 +
 +
===== R. W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCCooke CHARLES E. COOKE] ERA =====
 +
 +
R. W. Charles E. Cooke was raised as a Master Mason on February 9, 19C6. He was twenty-three years of age at the time, and was immediately appointed Inside Sentinel of the Lodge. He served through the various stations in the Lodge and became Worshipful Master in November 1917 and served through November 1919. Some of his candidates are present tonight, and I myself am one of them.
 +
 +
R.W. Charles E. Cooke served the Lodge as Trustee of the Permanent Fund, as Proxy to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, as a member of the Board of Trustees for Kilwinning Lodge; the latter two positions he filled at the time of his death.
 +
 +
He was an outstanding Freemason, beloved in his own Lodge, and in all the other many Masonic bodies in which he held office. He was a wise counselor, a steadfast worker, and a tower of strength on all levels and in all activities in the craft. He was a brilliant and inspiring speaker on both civic and Masonic subjects, an accurate ritualist and accomplished actor. His wide experience enabled him to speak authoritatively and pleasingly upon any matter of interest to our members and to state as well as nationwide leaders.
 +
 +
In the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Charles E. Cooke served as Grand Marshal and Senior Grand Warden, receiving his Senior Grand Warden's jewel at the hands of Most Worshipful Arthur Dow Prince, Past Grand Master, in a ceremony held at Kilwinning Lodge on February 28, 1944. He received the Henry Price Medal in November 1941.
 +
 +
He became the presiding officer of Horeb Royal Arch Chapter; of Ahasuerous Council, Royal & Select Masters, of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, of Lowell Lodge of Perfection and of Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, all of Lowell. He later became Deputy Grand High Priest in the Grand Chapter, Grand Master of Ceremonies in the Grand Council, Grand Warder in the Grand Commandery. He was active in Massachusetts Consistory and took prominent parts
 +
 +
in the serious and colorful degrees exemplified in that body. He was an active member and regular attendant at Aleppo Temple.
 +
 +
Illustrious Brother Cooke was coroneted an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, in 1941, and in 1944 he was crowned an Active Member for Massachusetts, and became Grand Keeper of the Archives for the Supreme Council until his death. Some of his finest services to Masonry were performed as a member of the Committee on Rituals, on which he was very active.
 +
 +
He became First Lieutenant Commander of the Massachusetts" Council of Deliberation of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a member of Massachusetts College Societas Rosicrucians in Civitatibus Foederatis; a member of Bloomsburg Chapter of Red Cross of Constantine; and of the Past Masters' Association of Lowell.
 +
He was a devoted family man, and at the time of his death he was survived by his wife, two married daughters and two sons, as well as several grandchildren. He was a regular attendant and active worker at the Grace Universalist Church.
 +
 +
In business life he was a banker, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of Saco Lowell Shops, Vice-President and Director of Appleton Company, Treasurer and Director of the Pawtucket Spinning Ring Company of Rhode Island. During his life he held memberships in the Rotary Club, Highland Club, of which he was President, Vesper Country Club, Mt. Pleasant Gold Club, and Yorick Club of Lowell, the City Club in Boston, and he had served as an active member in the Chamber of Commerce at Lowell and Boston.
 +
 +
This bare summary of the activities, positions and offices held and ably performed by R.W. Charles E. Cooke during his all too brief lifetime, for he was only sixty-seven when he passed away, will indicate to all present why it has been deemed proper at this eighty-fifth anniversary of Kilwinning Lodge to end our summarized history by eras, by dwelling longer on this, the Charles E. Cooke Era.
 +
 +
Think of the time and effort he put into all branches of Masonry: tireless in his search for the influences and truths of the past; industrious in applying the wisdom thus acquired in the affairs of the times; and constantly planning for a better and more inspired Masonic leadership in the future.
 +
 +
This great man and Mason was truly an inspiration to all who came in contact with him, and the memory of his services and accomplishments should long serve to stimulate the present and future members and officers to greater efforts and loftier ideals.
 +
 +
We may all be certain that R.W. Charles E. Cooke was ever confident that in the shining and clear-cut principles taught in Freemasonry could always be found the beacon lights so necessary, now as never before, in the affairs of our fair City, Commonwealth, and National Government.
 +
 +
The principles of Freemasonry are the principles of good government.
 +
 +
===== WOR. PERRY D. THOMPSON and R. W. ALVAH H. WEAVER ERA =====
 +
 +
Wor. Perry D. Thompson was Worshipful Master in 1922-1923; R.W. Alvah H. Weaver was Worshipful Master in 1924-1925.
 +
 +
Wor. Bro. Thompson as a young man was a loved student and follower of R. W. Solon W. Stevens and others. He, with the possible exception of R.W. Charles E. Cooke, was and is the best-looking Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge. It was early decided that Perry's future was going to be bright, and that he must be developed and ultimately become the spokesman for the fraternity on all special occasions. This he became and there are none who are within hearing of my voice who will disagree with me on this point, even though they don't think I picked the most important eras or the most outstanding Past Masters.
 +
 +
R.W. Alvah H. Weaver had a rich tradition to carry on. The works and trail of his illustrious father, Frank L. Weaver, of whom I have spoken briefly, left no path open for Alvah except upward and onward. His many accomplishments and honors, as well as his present and past services as Chairman of the Committee for the Feast of Saint Andrew, are too well-known and recent enough to call for any reminder on my part.
 +
No history of Kilwinning Lodge, however short, would be complete without mention of our very distinguished list of Chaplains and Past Chaplains. Such men as Reverend Theodore Edson, Rev. Dr. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLAChambre A. St. John Chambre], Reverend Caleb D. Fisher, Reverend Appleton Grannis, Reverend Simson E. Cozad, Reverend Father Gogul, Reverend Maurice L. Bullock, Reverend Lawrence H. Blackburn, Reverend Joseph Giunta, have served or still are serving. Our Lodge has always been very fortunate in having such spiritual leaders as our Chaplains. They have contributed in no small measure to the accomplishments of the past and the constructive efforts of the present.
 +
 +
This short history is already becoming too long, and we can only end by saying that each Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge has created an ERA of his own. Each strived to accomplish the greatest advancement possible at the time, and it can be truthfully stated that each and every one did.
 +
 +
No mention has been made of any Past Master who has held office since 1925, as all but two since are still living and are relatively young men. It will remain for some other more able historian to record at our 100th anniversary the feeling at that time as to who created special eras or delivered special services since 1925.
  
 
==== 125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1991 ====
 
==== 125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1991 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1991-47:''
  
 
125 Years of Kilwinning Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
 
125 Years of Kilwinning Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

Revision as of 15:06, 9 February 2015

KILWINNING LODGE

Location: Lowell

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 03/13/1867 VII-155

Precedence Date: 04/23/1866

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with William Sewall Gardner Lodge to form William Sewall Gardiner-Kilwinning Lodge, 04/13/2007.


PAST MASTERS

  • William S. Gardner, 1866, 1867, 1868
  • Jonathan P. Folsom, 1869, 1870
  • Hocum Hosford, 1871, 1872
  • Solon W. Stevens, 1873, 1874
  • Stephen G. Bailey, 1875
  • Edward Hastings, 1876, 1877
  • Charles F. Young, 1878, 1879
  • Edwin H. Lord, 1880
  • William F. Salmon, 1881, 1882
  • Walter Coburn, 1883, 1884
  • Hermon J. Smith, 1885, 1886
  • George F. Lawton, 1887, 1888
  • Frank L. Weaver, 1889, 1890, 1891; Mem
  • Frank K. Stearns, 1892, 1893, 1895; Mem
  • Frederick W. Way, 1894
  • Joseph Miller, 1896, 1897
  • James F. Savage, 1898, 1899
  • William B. Jackson, 1900, 1901
  • Arthur J. Murkland, 1902, 1903
  • Horace S. Bacon, 1904, 1905; Mem
  • LeDoit E. Kimball, 1906
  • George H. Taylor, 1907, 1908
  • William M. Jones, 1909, 1910; SN
  • Charles E. Bartlett, 1911, 1912
  • Murray H. Pratt, 1913
  • Donald M. Cameron, 1914, 1915
  • Harry A. Thompson, 1916, 1917
  • Charles E. Cooke, 1918, 1919
  • Harry I. Parkhurst, 1920, 1921
  • Perry D. Thompson, 1922, 1923
  • Alvah H. Weaver, 1924, 1925; N
  • Albert D. Milliken, 1926, 1927
  • Harry L. Woodman, 1928, 1929
  • Frederick S. Harvey, 1930, 1931
  • Edward W. Dooley, 1932, 1933
  • William A. Liddell, 1934, 1935
  • John Perry, 1936, 1937
  • Roy S. Perkins, 1938, 1939
  • Calvin A. Burger, 1940, 1941; N
  • Harry S. Mulno, 1942, 1943
  • Walter B. French, 1944, 1945
  • Hans H.O. Schliebus, 1946, 1947
  • Frank H. Fiske, 1948, 1949
  • H. Irving Benedict, 1950, 1951
  • John Harvey, 1952, 1953; N
  • Charles F. Edhund, 1954, 1955
  • Elwyn I. McMaster, 1956
  • Allyn M. French, 1957, 1958
  • Ralph H. Clements, 1959, 1960
  • Arnold R. Waterman, 1961
  • Max Ludwig, Jr., 1962; N
  • Harold F. Woodman, 1963, 1964
  • Jack D. Goerke, 1965
  • Royal G. Gardner, 1966, 1967
  • David E. Merrill, 1968
  • Arthur Kosartes, 1969, 1970
  • Stanley E. Lachut, 1971
  • George J. Mamalis, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982
  • Demetrios Anastasopoulos, 1974, 1975
  • Miles C. Corbin, 1976, 1977
  • Thomas T. Prentis, Jr., 1980
  • Guy N. Whitworth, Jr. 1983, 1984
  • Robert E. Legrow, Jr., 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990
  • John A. Goodwin, 1987, 1988
  • Peter S. Alexis, 1991, 1992; PDDGM
  • Michael E. Alexis, 1993, 1994, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • Paul R. Kaknes, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2004
  • Robert P. Ludwig, 1997
  • Donald G. Patch, 1998
  • David D. Patch, 1999, 2000
  • Paul V. Melanson, 2001
  • David R. Simpson, 2002

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1916 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1941 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1951 (85th Anniversary)
  • 1966 (Centenary)
  • 1991 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

VISITS FOR THE FEAST OF ST. ANDREW

BY-LAW CHANGES

1878 1880 1884 1891 1897 1907 1913 1916 1933 1939 1972 1979 1983 1985 1996 2001

HISTORY

  • 1951 (85th Anniversary History, 1951-222)
  • 1966 (Centenary History, 1966-84)
  • 1991 (125th Anniversary History, 1991-47; see below)

85TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1951

From Proceedings, Page 1951-222:

By Worshipful Walter B. French.

In the short permissible time assigned to me at this hour of our eighty-fifth anniversary, it would of course be impossible to outline a proper history of Kilwinning Lodge. But since it has been a custom on certain key anniversaries to have a history delivered in response to the toast "To the health and prosperity of Kilwinning Lodge," it seemed only possible to divide the past into significant "Eras" so-called. In selecting and applying names to such eras, it is very probable and entirely possible that specific mention will not be made of many Past Masters of Kilwinning Lodge, all of whom have been outstanding and devoted to the highest ideals of Masonry.

This selection then, entirely my own, has been difficult and embarrassing. Of those selected to head up "Eras," only a few of the recent were known to me personally — I can only be guided by the records and what was written in the records, and in the old days records were not kept as completely as they are today.

M. W. WILLIAM SEWALL GARDNER ERA

Brother Gardner, a native State-of-Mainer, was made a Mason at the age of twenty-five in Ancient York Lodge at Lowell in 1882, the same year he was admitted to the bar in Middlesex County. He became Worshipful Master of Ancient York Lodge in 1856-57, dimitting to become a charter member of Kilwinning Lodge, of which he was the first Worshipful Master in 1866-1868. He subsequently received all the grades in both the York and Scottish Rites.

M.W. William S. Gardner served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts during 1869-70-71, at the age of forty-two years. After serving as Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, at Lowell in 1861, he became Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1863-64, at the age of thirty-six, and Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the United States from 1868-71 at the age of forty-one years. He was a charter member of the several bodies of the Scottish Rite established in Lowell, Sovereign Prince of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and the first Commander-in-chief of Massachusetts Consistory, then located at Lowell, serving from 1860-1864 at the age of thirty-three years.

He was crowned an active member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America in 1861 and served as Deputy for Massachusetts from 1861 to 1867 at the age of thirty-four years. He was appointed an Associate Justice of the Superior Court in 1875 at the age of forty-eight years; and in 1885, three years before his death at Newton, Massachusetts, in 1888, he was promoted to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.

Here is certainly the most outstanding, shining and perfect example of the often heard expression "Masonic Giant." His rapid progress throughout all branches of Masonry indicates that he must have been, in an age ofgreat Masonic leaders, an outstanding Mason. He was our first Worshipful Master and it is said that he was responsible for the creation and adoption of the ritual in regular use in our second degree, as well as that used at the Feast of Saint Andrew.

R. W. SOLON W. STEVENS ERA

R.W. Bro. Stevens was Worshipful Master in 1873-1874, an orator, perhaps as great an orator as ever lived, certainly as great as any that ever belonged to this Lodge. He had a magnetic personality and was richly endowed with all the abilities necessary to his outstanding success in civic life and Masonry.

R. W. FRANK L. WEAVER and R. W. FRANK K. STEARNS ERA

R.W. Bro. Weaver was Worshipful Master in 1889-90-91; R.W. Bro. Stearns was Worshipful Master in 1892-93-95. These two Past Masters played a strong and vigorous part in the then twenty-or-more-year old Kilwinning Lodge in a formative and strengthening period. Kilwinning Lodge needed and received much from the guidance and counsel of these two well-and-favorably-known Freemasons. It is significant to observe that the Masonic enthusiasm and services of the Weaver family have come down through his family by his son, R.W. Alvah H. Weaver, present chairman of the Committee on the Feast of Saint Andrew, and his grandson, Wor. Frank H. Fiske, our junior Past Master.

R. W. WILLIAM M. JONES ERA

R.W. Bro. Jones was Worshipful Master in 1909-1910. He was a highly regarded doctor, beloved by all as a very exceptional man, citizen and Mason. His diction and deliverance of ritual were masterpieces of beauty and long to be remembered by those who knew him.

WOR. DONALD M. CAMERON and WOR. HARRY A. THOMPSON ERA =

Wor. Bro. Cameron was Master in 1914-1915; Wor. Bro. Thompson was Master in 1916-1917. These men both occupy unique positions in the memory of all Kilwinning members. It was in their days that the fortunes of the Lodge were at their financial peak. Their feasts, and their mementoes presented to each attendant and guest, are still talked of by all who were present. It can probably be truly stated that never again will conditions ever exist which will warrant such lavish entertainment and hospitality.

R. W. CHARLES E. COOKE ERA

R. W. Charles E. Cooke was raised as a Master Mason on February 9, 19C6. He was twenty-three years of age at the time, and was immediately appointed Inside Sentinel of the Lodge. He served through the various stations in the Lodge and became Worshipful Master in November 1917 and served through November 1919. Some of his candidates are present tonight, and I myself am one of them.

R.W. Charles E. Cooke served the Lodge as Trustee of the Permanent Fund, as Proxy to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, as a member of the Board of Trustees for Kilwinning Lodge; the latter two positions he filled at the time of his death.

He was an outstanding Freemason, beloved in his own Lodge, and in all the other many Masonic bodies in which he held office. He was a wise counselor, a steadfast worker, and a tower of strength on all levels and in all activities in the craft. He was a brilliant and inspiring speaker on both civic and Masonic subjects, an accurate ritualist and accomplished actor. His wide experience enabled him to speak authoritatively and pleasingly upon any matter of interest to our members and to state as well as nationwide leaders.

In the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Charles E. Cooke served as Grand Marshal and Senior Grand Warden, receiving his Senior Grand Warden's jewel at the hands of Most Worshipful Arthur Dow Prince, Past Grand Master, in a ceremony held at Kilwinning Lodge on February 28, 1944. He received the Henry Price Medal in November 1941.

He became the presiding officer of Horeb Royal Arch Chapter; of Ahasuerous Council, Royal & Select Masters, of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, of Lowell Lodge of Perfection and of Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, all of Lowell. He later became Deputy Grand High Priest in the Grand Chapter, Grand Master of Ceremonies in the Grand Council, Grand Warder in the Grand Commandery. He was active in Massachusetts Consistory and took prominent parts

in the serious and colorful degrees exemplified in that body. He was an active member and regular attendant at Aleppo Temple.

Illustrious Brother Cooke was coroneted an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, in 1941, and in 1944 he was crowned an Active Member for Massachusetts, and became Grand Keeper of the Archives for the Supreme Council until his death. Some of his finest services to Masonry were performed as a member of the Committee on Rituals, on which he was very active.

He became First Lieutenant Commander of the Massachusetts" Council of Deliberation of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a member of Massachusetts College Societas Rosicrucians in Civitatibus Foederatis; a member of Bloomsburg Chapter of Red Cross of Constantine; and of the Past Masters' Association of Lowell. He was a devoted family man, and at the time of his death he was survived by his wife, two married daughters and two sons, as well as several grandchildren. He was a regular attendant and active worker at the Grace Universalist Church.

In business life he was a banker, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of Saco Lowell Shops, Vice-President and Director of Appleton Company, Treasurer and Director of the Pawtucket Spinning Ring Company of Rhode Island. During his life he held memberships in the Rotary Club, Highland Club, of which he was President, Vesper Country Club, Mt. Pleasant Gold Club, and Yorick Club of Lowell, the City Club in Boston, and he had served as an active member in the Chamber of Commerce at Lowell and Boston.

This bare summary of the activities, positions and offices held and ably performed by R.W. Charles E. Cooke during his all too brief lifetime, for he was only sixty-seven when he passed away, will indicate to all present why it has been deemed proper at this eighty-fifth anniversary of Kilwinning Lodge to end our summarized history by eras, by dwelling longer on this, the Charles E. Cooke Era.

Think of the time and effort he put into all branches of Masonry: tireless in his search for the influences and truths of the past; industrious in applying the wisdom thus acquired in the affairs of the times; and constantly planning for a better and more inspired Masonic leadership in the future.

This great man and Mason was truly an inspiration to all who came in contact with him, and the memory of his services and accomplishments should long serve to stimulate the present and future members and officers to greater efforts and loftier ideals.

We may all be certain that R.W. Charles E. Cooke was ever confident that in the shining and clear-cut principles taught in Freemasonry could always be found the beacon lights so necessary, now as never before, in the affairs of our fair City, Commonwealth, and National Government.

The principles of Freemasonry are the principles of good government.

WOR. PERRY D. THOMPSON and R. W. ALVAH H. WEAVER ERA

Wor. Perry D. Thompson was Worshipful Master in 1922-1923; R.W. Alvah H. Weaver was Worshipful Master in 1924-1925.

Wor. Bro. Thompson as a young man was a loved student and follower of R. W. Solon W. Stevens and others. He, with the possible exception of R.W. Charles E. Cooke, was and is the best-looking Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge. It was early decided that Perry's future was going to be bright, and that he must be developed and ultimately become the spokesman for the fraternity on all special occasions. This he became and there are none who are within hearing of my voice who will disagree with me on this point, even though they don't think I picked the most important eras or the most outstanding Past Masters.

R.W. Alvah H. Weaver had a rich tradition to carry on. The works and trail of his illustrious father, Frank L. Weaver, of whom I have spoken briefly, left no path open for Alvah except upward and onward. His many accomplishments and honors, as well as his present and past services as Chairman of the Committee for the Feast of Saint Andrew, are too well-known and recent enough to call for any reminder on my part. No history of Kilwinning Lodge, however short, would be complete without mention of our very distinguished list of Chaplains and Past Chaplains. Such men as Reverend Theodore Edson, Rev. Dr. A. St. John Chambre, Reverend Caleb D. Fisher, Reverend Appleton Grannis, Reverend Simson E. Cozad, Reverend Father Gogul, Reverend Maurice L. Bullock, Reverend Lawrence H. Blackburn, Reverend Joseph Giunta, have served or still are serving. Our Lodge has always been very fortunate in having such spiritual leaders as our Chaplains. They have contributed in no small measure to the accomplishments of the past and the constructive efforts of the present.

This short history is already becoming too long, and we can only end by saying that each Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge has created an ERA of his own. Each strived to accomplish the greatest advancement possible at the time, and it can be truthfully stated that each and every one did.

No mention has been made of any Past Master who has held office since 1925, as all but two since are still living and are relatively young men. It will remain for some other more able historian to record at our 100th anniversary the feeling at that time as to who created special eras or delivered special services since 1925.

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1991

From Proceedings, Page 1991-47:

125 Years of Kilwinning Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

By 1860 two of our sister Lodges here in Lowell were not only well established but also growing so much so that by 1866 the propriety of establishing a third Lodge was considered and a petition was prepared with the approval of Pentucket and Ancient York Lodges. Consequently a dispensation was issued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts dated April 23, 1866. The name Kilwinning was selected as representing the earliest history of Scotch Masonry since Ancient York did that of the English Craft. We in Massachusetts take pride in our Masonic lineage.

The work of this Lodge was intended to strictly adhere to our Grand Lodge requirements, however, it was embellished with many additions to make the lessons of the grades both interesting and instructive. In the Second Degree two halls were used with great effect. The Middle Chamber and its approaches were arranged to carry out what is usually represented pictorially. The Grand Master witnessed the entire work on February 15, 1867. In his official position he could not give it his approval, however the impression it made upon his mind was so pleasing and brought out the ritual so fully that he declined to disapprove of it. A charter was granted on March 13, 1867 and Grand Master Dame, attended by a full corps of Grand Officers, constituted the Lodge and installed its Officers on March 26, 1867. After the services were concluded, a Table Lodge was opened in the Armory of the Commandery and was conducted in strict conformity with a ritual translated from the French which has been in use for more than a century prior to that time.

The Lodges met in Masonic Hall on John Street (opposite Lee Street, presently occupied by a well-known bank) erected by John Nesmith in 1853 and built to specifications of Pentucket, Ancient York and Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter.

Of the 31 names on the Charter, 12 were members of Pentucket Lodge, 12 of Ancient York Lodge and 7 were raised or affiliated while the Lodge worked its first year under dispensation. The growth of the new Lodge was slow at first. Most Worshipful William Sewall Gardner, a lawyer, was the Worshipful Master during our first three years (1866-1868). He was probably the prime mover behind the Charter members and dominated the policies and activities of those early years. The following year at the age of 42, he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and served in that capacity for three years (1869 - 1871). He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts Consistory, then located in Lowell, as well as being very active in the York Rite too.

Another early tradition that set Kilwinning Lodge apart from others was the "Kid Glove" Lodge tradition. The first By-Laws stipulated that "Every member is expected to appear at all meetings of the Lodge in a black suit and white gloves". This remained in effect until a general review of the By-Laws was made in 1939.

In 1872 Masonic activities moved into new quarters in the Hosford Building on Merrimack Street (south side, up from John Street) which were provided by the third Worshipful Master of Kilwinning Lodge, the Worshipful Hocum Hosford, a local businessman and one-time mayor of Lowell. Meetings were held there until the June 3, 1926 Pollard Store fire. This fire also destroyed the white gloves after which the custom of kid gloves fell into disuse. The use of temporary quarters, the depression, and the financial demands necessary to erect a new Temple also contributed to their abandonment for non-officers.

A third tradition was the Feast of Saint Andrew. This is observed each year on November 30th which is also the annual meeting of Kilwinning Lodge. The ritual known as Table Masonry was over 100 years old when the Lodge was started and is still used in the various toasts proposed on this occasion. It has become the custom over the years for the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master to take turns in being the guest of honor between the Lodge of St. Andrew, which also observes this Feast day, and Kilwinning. It is interesting to note that the Feast was in charge of the members of one family for nearly 70 years.

Originally Kilwinning was a "Moon Lodge". The By-Laws provided that its Stated Communications "shall be held Fridays on, or next preceding each full of the moon". As a consequence meetings could, and did, come at any time of the month. The By-Laws were amended to "the third Friday of the month" on December 17, 1915.

Original By-Laws limited the number of members to seventy-five (75). This restriction was removed in 1878.

The first Regular Communication of Kilwinning after the fire was held at Wamesit Lodge in Tewksbury, thereafter in the First Universalist Church on Hurd Street (opposite St. Paul's) The corner stone of the new Temple was laid on September 8, 1928. The building was dedicated on October 8, 1929 by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean with over 600 in attendance. Kilwinning's first meeting in this building was on October 18, 1929.

Several installations of officers and raising of candidates to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason have been enhanced by such groups of the Kilted Craft, The Kilwinning Club, the DeMolay Advisors' Degree Team, Regional Trade School Degree Team (Worcester), Dracut Square and Compass Club, the Raytheon Square and Compass Club, and the Hellenic Square and Compass Club, etc.

Cooperation among our sister Lodges in degree work as well as in other areas such as blood drives, Christmas parties for the children, the Rainbow/DeMolay Father's Day Breakfast, etc. is outstanding. Kilwinning performed courtesy work of Second and Third Degree work for Mercedes Lodge #1010, Mercedes, Texas in 1968 on a Brother who was in the military service.

Masonic funeral services were relatively few and far between over the past 25-years. We have lost quite a few members due to death as old age creeps up on us.

To name only a few:

  • Brother Lester R. Griffin, Secretary for 38 years
  • Right Worshipful Calvin A. Burger, a Past Master and Past Senior Grand Warden. Very active in Masonry. He was Clerk of Courts.
  • Bro. Frederick A. Flather - Mill owner
  • Bro. Stanley E. Qua - Judge
  • Right Worshipful Walter B. French - Grand Lodge
  • Wor. Allyn M. French, his son - DeMolay Advisor
  • Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins - Past Grand Master, a Banker
  • Bro. William R. Pepin - Dentist
  • Bro. Samuel A. Dibbins - Surgeon
  • Wor. Charles F. Edlund - Past Master, Ritualist superb. Educator
  • Bro. Arthur Peters - Architect for Wamesit's Temple

On the brighter side we have had two Worshipful Masters who were able to raise their respective sons to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason — a very inspiring privilege. They were Wor. George Mamalis - son John; and Right Worshipful Max Ludwig, Jr. - son Robert.

In 1968 a Service Committee was set up with a Chairman. There was an appeal for two sub-chairmen, a secretary, 5 assistants and 25 associates. The record does not show any further information thereon. I wonder if it was successful. It was an ambitious plan anyway.

It is interesting to note that all of the Rectors of St. Anne's Episcopal Church have been Chaplains of Kilwinning, starting with the Reverend Theodore Edson, a Charter Member of Kilwinning Lodge. So far there have been only six rectors.

In 1972 the Lodge dues were raised from $ 11.00 to $15.00 per year and then again in 1983 they were increased to $20.00 per year. In 1979 the Initiation Fee was raised to $75.00 of which $5.00 was for Grand Lodge, $5.00 for the George Washington Memorial in Alexandria, VA, $5.00 for the Masonic Home and $60.00 for Kilwinning.

A reception was held by the Lodge when Right Worshipful Calvin A. Burger was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Similarly, a reception was held for Right Worshipful Max Ludwig, Jr., when our Brother was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Lowell 12th Masonic District. At the conclusion of his two-year term a recognition dinner was held for Max at which time he was presented a lapel pin and a picture album representing his two years of service.

Many of our Brethren have been active in Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonry and are also active in the Shrine.

In 1969 a donation of $ 1,000.00 was given to the Masonic Home for infirmary furniture. Another donation was made through the Masonic Service Association that went to our Kilwinning Brother, Roland "Tutt" Robbins, a missionary in Mexico.

Some of our Past Masters have also served as Officers of the 32nd Lodge of Instruction, most recently, Wor. Miles C. Corbin.

Our ladies were not forgotten over the years. Several Ladies Nights have been held at the Acacia Club in Dracut or at the Speare House that involved a good dinner and some form of entertainment. One evening the Chelmsford Players performed "The Moon Is Blue"; another evening had a hypnotist; others had dancing.

For the past few years we have remembered the widows of our departed Brethren in this area with a Christmas fruit basket, which have been well received.

Attendance has generally been somewhat discouraging over the years. The Masters have arranged for both Masonic and non-Masonic special speakers or events to enhance their meetings and to encourage attendance with varying degrees of success, however one must try. Several outings have been arranged to attend a Red Sox ball game that have proven successful.

Kilwinning was fortunate to have Brother Michael Alexis represent us at the 32nd Lodge of Instruction contest on "The Tenets of your Profession" contest that ended up in a tie.

Wor. Robert Legrow, Sr., established the Starr Fiske Award for outstanding performance for Kilwinning Lodge. He also has issued Certificates of Appreciation for extra efforts for our Lodge. He also initiated a special 25-year lapel pin. Currently we have a younger group of Officers, some with DeMolay experience and background, that have a great team spirit with a lot of up-and-go. They are a real inspiration to those of us who have struggeled in the past and I am sure that they^ill lead Kilwinning Lodge to greater things in our Masonic Community.

Worshipful John A. Goodwin

OTHER

  • 1938 (Reduction of fees; 1938-261)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, MARCH 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 6, April 1867, Page 189:

This is the appropriate historical name of the new Lodge at Lowell, constituted by the M.W. Grand Lodge on the 26th March, ultimo. The ceremonies of constitution need not be described. They wore performed by the Grand Master in his usual dignified and impressive manner. The music was admirable, and such as is rarely equalled on such occasions. The choir are entitled to great credit, both for the execution and the good taste displayed in the selection for this part of the services.

At the conclusion of the constitution of the Lodge and the installation of its officers, the brethren repaired to the banqueting-hall, where a "Table Lodge" of the olden time was opened by the W. Master in due and ancient form. The 'ceremony was now to most of the brethren present, and was, therefore, the more highly enjoyed by them. The tables were bountifully furnished and well served, as they always are when our brethren in Lowell undertake to have them so. On the removal of the cloth, the first regular toast was announced, according to the table ritual, and the speaking began, and was kept up until the hour of separation arrived. Among the speakers were the Master of the new Lodge, Grand Master Dame, P. G. Master Lewis, Moore, Deputy Grand Master Thompson, Mulliken, (S. G. W.) North, Sutton, Dean, Salmon, Hosford, Sargeant, and others. The speaking was interspersed with music selected for the occasion.

Among the incidents of the evening was the presentation of a rich and beautiful set of collars and jewels for the officers, by R.W. Br. Sutton. The jewels were designed by Br. L. L. Tarbell, and, with the collars, were manufactured under his direction. The latter were handsomely wrought with silver lace, and are not, we think, surpassed by any similar regalia in the jurisdiction. A rich Bible was also presented by Br. Wheeler, the Treasurer of the Lodge, and a square and compass by Brs. Salmon and Bradt, the Deacons.

The Lodge, as will be seen by the list of officers below, is in excellent and safe hands, and can hardly fail to hereafter hold, as it does at present, a position in the foremost rank of the Lodges in the jurisdiction. It has our best wishes for its future sucsess. The officers are as follows : —

  • Appointments.
    • Brs. William F. Salmon, Joseph G. Bradt, Deacons.
    • Brs. John M. Percy, J. W. B. Shaw, Stewards.
    • Rev. Theodore Edson, Chaplain.
    • Br. Henry II. Wilder, Marshal.
    • Br. Eby W. Hoyt, Sentinel.
    • Br. E. B. Howe, Organist.
  • Elected.
    • William S. Gardner, W. M.
    • Charles Morrill, S. W.
    • Hocum Hosford, J. W.
    • Albert Wheeler, Treasurer.
    • Charles A. Kendall, Secretary.

PRESENTATION, APRIL 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 8, June 1867, Page 250:

Kilwinning Lodge, Lowell, Mass., April.

At the first regular communication of Kilwinning Lodge, the following resolutions, reported by a committee, were unanimously adopted : —

  • Whereas, in the boundless generosity of his heart, and with the magnanimity characteristic of his nature, R.W. Br. William Sutton has presented to Kilwinning Lodge a complete and magnificent set of officers' Jewels; and,
  • Whereas, by this munificent act the brethren of Kilwinning Lodge arc placed under a debt of gratitude which they are deeply sensible can never.be repaid, therefore, —
  • Resolved, That the unanimous and sincere thanks of the members of Kilwinning Lodge are hereby most cordially tendered to R.W. Br. Sutton for these elegant, appropriate, and useful gifts ; and that it is by them considered a special honor that these, tokens of personal regard should come from one so distinguished for masonic acquirements and private worth, for eminent services and fidelity to the craft, and for the constant and unwearied exemplification of Masonic interest.
  • Resolved, That we will ever hold him in grateful memory whose sympathies in our behalf, and whose earnest wishes for our success, have been thus signally manifested; and that, while we are constantly reminded by these beautiful emblems of the peculiar duties of our positions in the Lodge, we will all gather fresh incentives to faithful exertion in labor, both as Masons and men, by cherishing, in perpetual remembrance, the liberal donor of these valuable mementos of esteem, typical as they at once become, both of friendship and Masonic duty.
  • Resolved, That while we shall continually endeavor to lay the corner-stone of our spiritual building with the Gauge and the Gavel of Truth, to erect its walls in accordance with the Plumb, the Level, and the Square, and to connect the whole by the bonds of Brotherly Love, we will never cease to hope and pray that, upon our friend, brother, and benefactor, the richest of Heaven's blessings may daily be bestowed, and that, as years gather upon him, they may bring continual happiness and honor, until, at the appointed time, he shall be called from labor to peaceful rest by the summons of the Grand Master above.

S. W. Stevens,
H. Hosford,
B. C. Sargeant,
Committee.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1867: District 7 (Lowell)

1883: District 11 (Lowell)

1911: District 12 (Lowell)

1927: District 12 (Lowell)

2003: District 12


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Massachusetts Lodges