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WILBRAHAM MASONIC LODGE

(originally named NEWTON LODGE; name change 12/11/2002.)

Location: Wilbraham

Chartered By: William Sewall Gardner

Charter Date: 09/13/1871 1871-51

Precedence Date: 11/10/1870

Current Status: active.

Springfield Lodge merged here, 06/15/2002.

PAST MASTERS (NEWTON)

PAST MASTERS (WILBRAHAM MASONIC)

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1870
• Petition for Charter: 1871
• Consolidation Petition (with Springfield Lodge); 2002

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1920 (50th Anniversary)
• 1970 (Centenary)
• 1995 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1920 (Prince; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1962 (Eaton; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1970 (Jaynes; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1990 (Darling; Hall Dedication; Special Communication)
• 1992 (Darling; reception for Deputy Grand Master Theodore E. Cooledge)
• 1995 (Lovering; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 2002 (Hicks; 2 visits; reception for Junior Grand Warden Leslie P. Lohnes; consolidation, Special Communication)
• 2011 (Stewart; 2 visits, including reception for Senior Grand Warden David A. Pace)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1874 1924 1933 1949 1951 1956 1964 1965 1971 1975 1982 1984 1996 2001 2005 2007 2010 2012

HISTORY

• 1920 (50th Anniversary History, 1920-385; see below)
• 1970 (Centenary History, 1970-490)
• 1995 (125th Anniversary History, 1995-239)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1920

From Proceedings, Page 1920-385:

By Right Worshipful Chauncey E. Peck.

It is always an interesting matter to look up and study the early history of an organization which has existed for fifty years. Of course there are other Lodges, and other organizations, which have been doing their good work for a much longer period, but today we members of Newton Lodge feel a certain justifiable pride in the fact that the principles of Freemasonry have been taught and exemplified here in our own home town by the members of Newton Lodge for fifty years. And we trust that those same principles may be taught and carried out here in the years which are to come.

In the year 1870 there were about twenty Master Masons living in, or near, Wilbraham, and the subject of organizing a Lodge here had been mentioned at different times when some of the Brethren chanced to meet. But the first definite step was taken on October 6, 1870, when eighteen of the members of the Fraternity met at the home of Bro. S. Foskit to consider the question. The following is a copy of the record kept of the meeting, by Bro. Albert S. Newton, who was bookkeeper at the Academy for many years.

The first Master of Newton Lodge, Rev. Edward Cooke, D.D., was Principal of Wesleyan Academy here for ten years, 1864 to 1874.

Thursday evening, October 6, 1870.

An informal meeting of the Masonic Brethren of Wilbraham and vicinity was held at the house of Bro. S. Foskit for the purpose of an exchange of opinions concerning the feasibility of a Masonic Lodge in this town.

The Brethren were invited to meet at the written request of Bro. Albert S. Newton, and responded cheerfully. There were present Bros. Edward Cooke, William Kent, Stebbins Foskit, Asa Boothby, William H, Day, A. Fitzroy Chase, C. G-. Robbins, C. M. Parker, L. J. Potter, D. N. Haskell, G. W. Tupper, W. F. Morgan, J. S. Morgan, J. W. Green, W. M. Green, H. H. Calkins, J. Glover and A. S. Newton. Bro. Cooke was chosen chairman and Bro. Newton secretary.

After a pleasant exchange of opinions, in which it was the desire of the Brethren that a Lodge should be formed, provided the location and expense should be favorable, a committee, consisting of Bros. Kent, Foskit, and Cooke, was appointed to ascertain more definitely the location and probable expense of a Lodge-room, and report at the next meeting.

Voted to meet at the house of Bro. Cooke on next Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock to hear the report of the committee and take such further action as may be deemed best.

Adjourned.
ALBERT S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved October 12, 1870.

Wednesday evening, October 12, 1870.

Met according to adjournment, Secretary's report read and accepted. Committee's report given, stating that the tenement over R. R. Wright & Son's store could be secured and fitted up at a moderate expense for a Lodge Room. A motion made by Bro. Newton, that a Masonic Lodge be established in Wilbraham, was carried unanimously. It was voted that the tenement mentioned by the committee be secured for a Lodge Room, and the same committee were continued in office, with instructions to engage the tenement, and also to ascertain if the building could be purchased, and report at the next meeting. Adjourned to next Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, at the house of Bro. Foskit.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved October 19, 1870.


Wednesday evening, October 19, 1870.

Met according to adjournment. Bro. Foskit chosen chairman pro tern. Committee's report given. A motion made by Bro. Bliss that the report be laid upon the table not being carried, it was voted that the report be accepted. The committee were then instructed to secure the tenement over R. R. Wright & Son's store for 5 years, with the privilege of having it for 15 years more, and have the lease made out to that effect. The party occupying the tenement having stated that he would move immediately, Bro. Robbins was requested to move his goods at the Brethren's expense. Voted that at the next meeting the name of the Lodge be selected, and the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens be nominated.

Adjourned to meet at the place selected for the Lodge Eoom next Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved October 26, 1870.


Wednesday evening, October 26, 1870.

Met according to adjournment, and after examining the new Lodge Room adjourned to Bro. Foskit's house. Bro. Foskit was chosen chairman pro tern. Voted to call the Lodge "Newton" Lodge. Bro. Edward Cooke was nominated Worshipful Master; Bro. A. Fitzroy Chase, Senior Warden, and Bro. Job W. Green, Junior Warden.

The first Wednesday evening of each month was selected for the regular monthly meetings. Bros. Jones, James Morgan and Kent were chosen as a committee on repairs. Adjourned to meet at Bro. Bliss's house next Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved November 2, 1870.

Four other meetings were held in November, and at the one on November 16, 1870, the Dispensation having been received, "it was voted to dissolve the meeting." The Lodge was then opened under the name of Newton Lodge. The record is as follows:

Wednesday evening, November 16, 1870.
Met at Bro. Cooke's house according to adjournment. On motion it was voted to dissolve the meeting, which was then accomplished.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.


Newton Lodge, November 16, 1870.
Met at Bro. Cooke's house. The Lodge was opened in due form, when the Dispensation received from the Grand Lodge was read by Bro. Newton. The Dispensation reads as follows:

To All to Whom These Presents May Come:

Greeting: Whereas a petition has been presented to me by sundry Brethren, to wit: Edward Cooke, Albert S. Newton, Stebbins Foskit, Calvin G. Bobbins, William H. Day, J. W. Green, J. S. Morgan, Edmund Jones, Edwin B. Newell, W. Franklin Morgan, Lurin J. Potter, W. L. Collins, Asa Boothby, A. Fitzroy Chase, Charles M. Parker, Walter M. Green, William Kent, D. A. Atchinson, W. W. Amadon, D. N. Haskell, H. H. Calkins, and William T. Eaton, praying to be congregated into a regular Lodge under the name and title of Newton Lodge, with permission to hold the same in the Town of Wilbraham, in the County of Hampden, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And whereas said petitioners have been recommended to me as Master Masons in good standing by the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren of Hampden and Roswell Lee Lodges, holden at Springfield, and of Thomas Lodge, holden at Palmer, in said Commonwealth, and their petition having been countersigned and approved by our District Deputy Grand Master for the Tenth Masonic District.

Therefore I, William Sewall Gardner, Grand Master of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, reposing full confidence in the recommendations aforesaid and in the Masonic integrity and ability of the petitioners, do by virtue of the authority of my office and of ancient Masonic usage, hereby grant this Dispensation authorizing and empowering our trusty and well beloved Brethren aforesaid to form and open a Lodge after the manner of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and therein to admit and make Freemasons according to the ancient custom and not otherwise. And this Dispensation is to continue in full force until. the Quarterly Communication of our said Grand Lodge, to be holden in the City of Boston in the month of September, A.D. 1871, A.L. 5871, unless sooner revoked by me, or by authority of our said Grand Lodge. And I do hereby appoint Brother Edward Cooke to be the First Master, Brother A. Fitzroy Chase to be the First Senior Warden, and Brother Job W. Green to be the First Junior "Warden of said Lodge, and it shall be the duty of said Master and Wardens and their associates, and they are hereby required to return this Dispensation with a correct transcript of all proceedings had under the authority of the same, together with an attested copy of their By-Laws, to our Grand Lodge aforesaid at the expiration of the time herein specified, for examination and such further action in the premises as shall be deemed wise and proper for the advancement of the general interests of the Craft.

Given under our hand, and the seal of our Grand Lodge aforesaid, at Boston this tenth day of November, A.D. 1870, A.L. 5870.

WILLIAM SEWALL GARDNER, Grand Master.
Attest: SOLON THORNTON, Grand Secretary.

The Master then selected the following officers for the ensuing year or until our annual communication: Treasurer, Bro. S. Foskit; Secretary, Bro. A. S. Newton; Senior Deacon, Bro. C. M. Parker; Junior Deacon, Bro. L. J. Potter; Chaplain, Bro. A. Boothby; Marshal, Bro. W. Kent; Senior Steward, Bro. J. S. Morgan; Junior Steward, Bro. W. H. Day; Tyler, Bro. C. B. Robbing.

A committee on By-Laws was chosen, consisting of Bros. Foskit, Newton and Chase. .A committee of 5 was then selected to select and procure the furniture of the Lodge. The committee were Bros. Chase, Foskit, Kent, Collins and Parker. The Treasurer was authorized to pay William Herrick's bill for moving goods. A special communication was appointed for Wednesday evening, November 23, in Binney Hall at 7.30 o'clock. Closed in due form.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved.

Four other meetings were held in Binney Hall (One of the buildings of Wesleyan Academy) in the months of November and December, and the time was occupied by the Brethren in perfecting themselves in the ritual, preparing for the work they expected soon.

At the meeting on December 21, 1870, Right Worshipful S. B. Spooner, then the District Deputy Grand Master, with several Brethren from Springfield was present, and the record reads: "Work was exemplified upon the First Degree in Masonry, and under the thorough instruction of Bro. Spooner much information was acquired. It was a rich treat to officers and members."

On January 4, 1871, Newton Lodge was opened in the new Lodge-room for the first time, and for practically fifty years we have occupied the same quarters. At this meeting six petitions for membership were received. They were the first applications for the degrees in Freemasonry received by Newton Lodge. Four other meetings were held in January, at which the officers were still preparing for work upon the degrees.

At the meeting Wednesday evening, February 1, 1871, Bro. Joseph Hastings, Jr., was made an Entered Apprentice Mason, he being the first Mason made in Newton Lodge. At the same meeting four other petitions were received, among which was my own, and I was made a Mason in Newton Lodge on March 17, 1871.

At a special meeting of Newton Lodge held February 8, 1871, an invitation was received from Roswell Lee Lodge, of Springfield, for the members of Newton Lodge to visit them on Saturday evening, February 11. The invitation was accepted, and Bros. Kent and Collins were appointed a committee to make provisions for conveying those who expected to attend. The records do not mention it, but they probably attended. Five meetings were held in February, five in March, and five in April, so it is evident that the Brethren had the work for which they had been so carefully preparing.

At the regular meeting held May 3, 1871, four petitions were received and bills amounting to about $250.00 were ordered paid. At the meeting on May 24, RW. District Deputy Grand Master William J. Sawin for the Tenth Masonic District was present, with about forty visitors, and made his official visit. Refreshments were served by the Lodge. Brother Sawin also made a visit to the Lodge on June 2, and "under his able supervision further light was imparted."

At the meeting on June 7, 1871, it was voted that the committee on music be authorized to purchase an instrument at a price not exceeding $125.00, which was done during the month at that price.

None of the officers of the Lodge had been installed while working under the Dispensation (Officers of Lodges under Dispensation ore never installed in Massachusetts) and at the meeting held September 6, 1871, "The Lodge" voted unanimously to have an open installation of officers on the receipt of a Charter, and I insert the following record:

Newton Lodge, Wednesday evening, October 25, 5871.

A charter having been granted Newton Lodge, F. & A. M., by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and October 25 having been selected for the ceremony of Constitution of Lodge, Dedication of Hall, and Installation of Officers, the Lodge was convened at 3 o'clock p. m. at their Hall for the purpose of Constituting the Lodge and Dedicating the Hall, which was ably performed by D. D. G. M. Sawin, assisted by officers from other Lodges detailed by him for that purpose.

After the Grand Lodge had retired, Newton Lodge was closed in due form on the Third Degree in Freemasonry.

In the evening the public Installation of Officers took place in Fisk Hall (Another of the Academy buildings) before a large audience, after which the craft were called from labor to refreshment. Supper was provided in the chapel of the M. E. Church for all who desired, and about 250 participated. Speeches were made by D. D. G. M. Bro. Sawin, by P. Et. W. Bro. Spooner and others, and a pleasant time was enjoyed by all present. During the afternoon and evening the Wilbraham Brass Band, under Bro. Hastings, did escort duty to the Grand Officers. A large delegation of Masons were present from Springfield, Palmer and other places, and everything passed off satisfactorily.

A. S. NEWTON, Sec.
Approved.

The truncheon holders of the Senior and Junior "Wardens were presented to the Lodge by Bro. A. S. Newton, and Bro. George S. Taylor of Chicopee presented the rod holders of the Stewards, and the thanks of the Lodge were voted to them at the meeting held January 12, 1872. The clock which hangs in the west of our Lodge-room was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Edmund Jones, and the case in which the collars and jewels of the officers are hung was made and presented to the Lodge by your historian. The marble tops of the pedestals of the W. Master, Senior and Junior Wardens were presented to the Lodge by Bro. A. S. Newton, and the thanks of the Lodge was voted him at the meeting held February 7, 1872, and also the thanks of the Lodge for the refreshments provided by him for that evening.

Forty meetings of Newton Lodge were held in the first year — November 16, 1870, to November 8, 1871. At a special meeting of the Lodge, held on March 22, 1872, under a Dispensation two petitions were received and balloted upon. And at meetings held on March 27 and 29 the three degrees were conferred upon the candidates. The reason for such haste was that those who presented the petitions were about to remove to a distant State. At the annual meeting of the Lodge, held November 6, 1872, the records show that thirty-three Masons had been initiated since February 1, 1871, when the Lodge first began work upon the degrees, and that the total number of members was then forty-eight, and three others who had not yet received the Master Mason degree, which was a very encouraging increase from the twenty-two charter members with which the Lodge first started.

At the meeting on November 12, 1873, an invitation was received from Doric Lodge, of Thompsonville, Conn., inviting Newton Lodge to visit them on the evening of November 20 to witness their work, and Bros. Foskit, Warner, and Collins were appointed a committee to make all necessary arrangements. The arrangements were properly made, and about twenty-five of our members attended, and had the pleasure of witnessing the Connecticut work and enjoying the new experience, as well as the refreshments provided at the close, although the long ride home, in horse-drawn vehicles, after midnight, was a trifle tiresome.

At the regular meeting July 1, 1874, after the usual business had been transacted, an alarm of fire sounded from the church bell, and it was learned that Brother Foskit's barn, quite near by, was on fire. There were more than thirty members present, and most of them were excused at once, and helped very much in preventing the fire from spreading to other buildings. The Lodge was closed with only the traditional number present.

The first burial service conducted by the Lodge, of which I have found any record, was held Sunday, November 19, 1876, over the remains of our Bro. Edmund Jones, who died November 17. The regular funeral services were held in the Congregational Church, of which he was a member. Then "the procession reformed and proceeded to the Woodland Dell Cemetery, where, in accordance with the request of our Brother, his remains were deposited in the tomb with the usual ceremonies of the order." About eighty Brethren were present, including twenty visitors.

At a social communication held January 26, 1877, about one hundred and forty-four members, visitors, and ladies were present, and the Worshipful Master gave an address on the history and traditions of Ancient Freemasonry.

The Lodge was then called to refreshment, "which seemed to be enjoyed by all present. After refreshment we were furnished some very fine music by the Jenksville Quartet. kt the annual meeting on November 7, 1877, an invitation was received from the District Deputy Grand Master requesting Newton Lodge to work the third degree at an exemplification to be held at Palmer on the next day. I copy from the record kept by the secretary:

The work and lecture having been exemplified, the Grand Lecturer (W. Bro. Avery) expressed himself as extremely well pleased with the correctness and impressive-ness of the work, saying that he had rarely seen it done as well. The following communication from the District Deputy Grand Master was received: "I cannot help expressing my satisfaction and pride in the manner in which your Lodge exemplified your work at Palmer. I am not given to flattery, but I feel impelled to say this to your credit because I think it is your due."

P. T. LITCHFIELD.

So it appears that Newton Lodge was doing good work as far back as 1877.

At the regular meeting held April 3, 1878, the Lodge voted to unite with the ladies of the South Church in the purchase of one hundred plates and cups, and Brothers Bliss and Robbins were appointed a committee to carry the same into effect." At the meeting on January 1, 1879, the committee presented their bill for crockery, amounting to $12.67, which was ordered paid. That crockery was kept at the Church and used in common by the Church and Lodge for several years. But, as that transaction was about forty-one years ago, and now each society has crockery and closets of its own, it is safe to conclude that the united ownership of any of those "plates and cups" has disappeared. I have mentioned this matter because it has been a question in the minds of some whether our Lodge had any interest in the crockery of the South Church Society.

For some years, about 1880, Newton Lodge was assigned to the Eighteenth District, which included the lodges at Palmer, Monson, Ware, Barre, Warren, and the Brookfields.

On January 23, 1879, an exemplification was held at Palmer, and Newton Lodge was assigned to work and lecture on the third degree. The Secretary made the following records: "Owing to the brief notice (only three days) which the Lodge had that they were to work the degree, some changes were made among the officers." Worshipful Brother Charles M. Avery, of Chelsea, was the Grand Lecturer who assisted in the work.

On February 21, 1880, a special meeting was held to attend the funeral of Bro. Job W. Green, who was instantly killed at the paper mills at North Wilbraham on February 19. It is supposed that he was caught on a shaft in the basement and whirled around until his left arm was torn from his body. The regular Masonic Services were held at Grace Chapel, after which the body was conveyed to Woodland Dell Cemetery and deposited in accordance with the last Masonic rites and ceremonies.

On April 27, 1881, a special communication was held to attend the funeral of Bro. William Kent, and the Lodge escorted the remains to Woodland Dell Cemetery, where the regular Masonic Services were held. Brother Kent was one of the charter members of this Lodge. Forty-six Masons were present at the funeral.

On August 25, 1881, the Lodge attended the funeral services of Bro. David A. Hoag and conducted the regular Masonic burial services at the grave in Woodland Dell Cemetery.

At the meeting held February 1, 1882, a committee presented resolutions of regret and sympathy relative to the death of Bro. Myron A. Bliss, who was Worshipful Master of Newton Lodge for the years 1879 and 1880, and a copy of the resolutions was sent to his bereaved family, and also entered upon our records.

At the meeting held July 4, 1888, a motion was made "That we take the necessary action to transfer Newton Lodge to Ludlow." After some discussion and amendment, the vote was taken and sixteen voted in favor, and twenty-one against it. So the motion was lost. At that time quite a number of the members of Newton Lodge resided in Ludlow, and the subject of moving the Lodge there had been discussed by the members, informally, for some time, and notice that the above motion would be presented to the Lodge was given at the previous regular meeting on June 6. Nearly three years later, or on March 4, 1891, a petition was presented to the Lodge, signed by eight Master Masons, saying that they were desirous of forming a new Lodge at Ludlow, that they had petitioned the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation, and requesting Newton Lodge to approve their action. This the members of Newton Lodge were willing to do, and glad to do, because, while we knew we should miss the attendance of the Ludlow members and the frequent and pleasant association with them, yet we realized that it was a great inconvenience to them to attend our meetings, so far from their homes, and that they would take more interest in the Fraternity if they could establish a Lodge in their own town. This they were able to do, and the membership of Brigham Lodge had increased to two hundred and twenty-two at the time of the annual report in 1919.

In 1885, Newton Lodge had a membership of eighty-seven. About twenty-eight received dimits to join Brigham Lodge. Other dimits were granted and some members were suspended until, in 1905, we had but forty-one members. This number has gradually increased until now, when we have seventy-one members.

On February 22, 1889, by invitation of Hampden Lodge, eighteen members of Newton Lodge attended the Masonic ceremonies connected with the laying of the corner-stone of the present Postoffice in Springfield. And, although it was in the winter time, the day was a fairly comfortable one for that time of the year.

The original entrance to our Masonic Hall was on the north end of the building, under the shed. But about 1889 it was changed to the present location, which was much more satisfactory to the members.

A fire- and burglar-proof safe, in which to keep the books and papers of the Lodge, was purchased in 1890 at a cost of $60.80, and has served its purpose for thirty years.

On July 11, 1905, Past Master James Stephens was killed by falling from the roof of Rich Hall (One of the Academy buildings.) on to the roof of the west part of the building. The funeral services were conducted at the grave in Woodland Dell Cemetery by Newton Lodge in the afternoon of July 13.

On November 9, 1903, Secretary William H. Day made the following entry on the records: This is the four hundredth page in this book which has been recorded by me, and ends 24 years' services as Secretary. W. H. D." It certainly was a long and creditable service he had rendered, and the members of Newton Lodge appreciated it.

On several occasions the Lodge has observed the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, and attended church services in different churches on the Sunday nearest to June 24, which is the Anniversary Day.

On October 27, 1897, Bro. Edward H. Brewer presented a gavel to Newton Lodge, which has been in continual use since that time, and we hope it will answer its purpose for many years longer. Brother Brewer had resided in Dalton, Mass., for several years, and died there October 22, 1911, but was buried with his ancestors in the Adams Cemetery

in this town. In his will he left a legacy of $200.00 to Newton Lodge, and also a legacy of the same amount to Unity Lodge, of Dalton, both of which were paid by the executor.

On October 14, 1919, W. Bro. Lurin J. Potter died. He was one of the charter members of Newton Lodge, and lie left us in his will $1000.00, which has been deposited in Springfield Institution for Savings, and the deposit book is in possession of our Treasurer. There are no conditions attached to either of these legacies, but I hope and trust that only the interest will be expended by the Lodge, and that the principal will be kept whole.

On September 3, 1913, Newton Lodge completed its subscription to the Masonic Home Fund at the rate of $5.00 per member, and has since made several contributions to the Rainy Day Fund for the support of the charity expenses of the Grand Lodge.

On June 11, 1914, and on July 7, 1915, by invitation of our Worshipful Master, the officers of Brigham Lodge occupied the several stations and conferred the Master Mason degree in our Lodge, and on September 7, 1915, the officers of Newton Lodge had the privilege of performing the same service for Brigham Lodge, and on June 12, 1916, the officers of Newton Lodge conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree in Indian Orchard Lodge. All of which tends to broaden the acquaintance of our members and helps to make us better Masons.

In 1893 your historian was appointed Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge, and began his first year of service with the year 1894, and continued to serve in that office for seventeen years, ending with the year 1910, when lie declined a reappointment because of the Town History work which he had been elected to do. In 1913 he served as Grand Pursuivant, and for the year 1914 was elected and served as Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, so that now Newton Lodge has a permanent member of the Grand Lodge.

Including charter members, Newton Lodge has had two hundred and sixteen members, with a present membership of seventy-one. Two of the charter members, Herbert H. Calkins and W. Franklin Morgan, are still living in this vicinity, and Edwin B. Newell in Framingham, Mass., and we hope that all of them may be present on this anniversary occasion.

'It has been an interesting work for me to read over the old record books and gather the items which seem to be of most importance in these first fifty years of the existence of Newton Lodge, and I believe you will all agree with me when I say that we are glad that those early Masons had the inspiration and the courage to start a Masonic Lodge here in Wilbraham. And we all believe that it has been a help and an inspiration to us as we have journeyed along the highway of life. And we hope and trust that those who shall succeed us will have the same help and inspiration.

Following is a list of the Masters of Newton Lodge. They were elected at the annual communication the first Wednesday in November and usually installed in the same month, but the year of their service is given as the next year:

• Rev. Edward Cooke, D.D., 1871
• Albert S. Newton, 1872-1873

• Chauneey E. Peck, 1874-1875-1876-1877-1878
• Myron A. Bliss, 1879-1880
• Henry Clark, 1881-1882-1883
• Joseph A. Parker, 1884-1885
• George L. Streeter, 1886
• Frederic Pease, 1887-1888
• Fred W. Green, 1889-1890
• Merrick H. Cooley, 1891-1892
• James Stephens, 1893-1894
• Charles E. Fletcher, 1895
• Charles C. Beebe, 1896-1897-1898
• Calvin G. Robbins, 1899-1900
• Lurin J. Potter, 1901-1902
• James Stephens, 1903
• Clarence P. Bolles, 1904-1905
• Delbert H. Eaton, 1906-1907-1908
• James A. Butler, 1909-1910
• James O. Martin, 1911
• Frank Bosler, 1912
• Allen J. Bobb, 1913-1914
• M. Luther Bruner, 1915-1916
• Ernest L. Thompson, 1917
• William H. Dickinson, 1918
• Alexander D. Cormack, 1919
• Joseph H. Mosher, 1920

CHARTER MEMBERS

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Raymond H. Beach, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield) , 1930, 1931; N
• Robert W. Clarke, DDGM, District 18 (Springfield), 1986, 1987; Junior Grand Warden 1995
• Theodore E. Cooledge, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1989, 1990; Deputy Grand Master 1992
• Richard Goulding, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1981, 1982; N
• Neil B. Hilt, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1993, 1994
• Leslie P. Lohnes, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1997, 1998; Junior Grand Warden 2002
• David B. Miller, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1952, 1953; N
• David A. Pace, DDGM, District 28, 2008, 2009; Senior Grand Warden 2011
• Chauncey L. Peck, Senior Grand Warden 1914
• Truman E. Robbins, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1966, 1967; N
• Wendell A. Shepard, DDGM, District 33 (Springfield), 1994; N
• George R. Sachs, DDGM, District 18 (Chicopee), 2002; District 28, 2003
• Joseph N. Westcott, DDGM, District 18 (Chicopee), 1994, 1995

DISTRICTS

1870: District 10 (Springfield)

1883: District 16 (Chicopee)

1902: District 16 (Springfield)

1911: District 18 (Springfield)

1914: District 33 (Springfield)

1927: District 33 (Springfield)

2003: District 28

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

The curator for this page is Brother Scott Sherman. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.