RIFranklin20
Contents
FRANKLIN LODGE #20
Location: X
Chartered By: X
Dispensation Date: date
Charter Date: date
Current Status: status
NOTES
Meeting Date: Second Tuesday
PAST MASTERS
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
ANNIVERSARIES
VISITS BY GRAND MASTER
BY-LAW CHANGES
HISTORY
At a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island held in Providence, November 24, 1856, a petition was presented asking for a Dispensation to form a new Masonic Lodge in Westerly, to be named “Franklin Lodge, No. 20.” The petition was granted, and the brethren assembled as a Lodge for the first time on December 30, 1856. They met in the old Academy Building on Union Street. The Grand Master of the jurisdiction, Most Worshipful Oliver Johnson, and four members of the Grand Lodge were present.
In 1859, some difference of opinion was shown in the election of officers. A brother who had never served as Warden was elected Master. The minority claimed his election to be illegal and contrary to the ancient charges and regulations; but the representative of the Grand Lodge who presided at the election installed the brother so elected with other officers and declared that “there was nothing irregular or illegal in the transaction.”
This seems to have ended the controversy, so far as any official interpose was concerned, which began on the eve of the annual election in 1859. Evidently the minority at that time, who protested so strongly against the election and installation of the Master, was sincere in its belief that to do this involved a radical departure from the ancient rules. When they were overruled, their allegiance to the Lodge and their loyalty to masonry remained unshaken; better counsels now prevailed, and the Lodge entered upon a career of prosperity. It gained largely in its membership and resources during the following years. Brother Thomas V. Sillman held the office of Worshipful Master for four years of rapid growth when many candidates were knocking at the door of the Lodge for admission, and much hard work was required in the rendering of ceremonies and the general administration of affairs.
In subsequent years, Franklin Lodge has made gratifying gains in numbers and resources. Its affairs have been well managed, and much deserved prosperity has been the result. The Lodge is more favorably situated for work and for Masonic fellowship than ever before.