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CHARLES RIVER LODGE

Location: West Medway

Chartered By: William Sewall Gardner

Charter Date: 03/08/1871 1871-43

Precedence Date: 03/09/1870

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1870
• Petition for Charter: 1871

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1945 (75th Anniversary)
• 1971 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1899 (Hutchinson; Cornerstone laying of Parish House of Christ's Episcopal Church; Special Communication)
• 1915 (M. Johnson)
• 1927 (Simpson)
• 1930 (H. Dean; hall dedication)
• 1931 (H. Dean)
• 1937 (Allen; Reception for Senior Grand Warden Albert L. Saunders)
• 1945 (Wragg; 75th Anniversary)
• 1971 (Jaynes; Centenary)
• 1988 (Ames)
• 1991 (Darling)
• 2004 (Hicks)
• 2011 (Stewart; 2 visits; hall rededication, reception for Junior Grand Warden Wayne Vinton)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1874 1876 1889 1899 1910 1912 1923 1933 1937 1945 1956 1960 1974 1979 1985 1989 1991 2003

HISTORY

• 1945 (75th Anniversary History, 1945-121)
• 1971 (Centenary History, 1971-172)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-121:

by Right Worshipful William W. Ollendorff.

Seventy-five years to look forward is a long time, but seventy-five years in retrospect is a short space considering Masonic history and the fact that some of the present members of Charles River Lodge remember several of those whose names appear on the original charter. Let us bear in mind, history in the making is more interesting than history repeated, and the records of Charles River Lodge that cannot be revealed would be very interesting to the public.

It is generally known that Charles River Lodge had as its parent Montgomery Lodge of Milford. Medway, in 1870, was a flourishing Town of over four thousand inhabitants, including what is now Millis. There were about a dozen boat shops; vital statistics were printed for the first time that year in the town records and showed ninety-three births, thirty-two marriages and fifty-two deaths; fifty-four buildings were enlarged and erected; the town bought two new pumping engines that year, "The Torrent," for West Medway, and "The Rapid" for Medway, costing $2,780.00.

Medway was fairly well rooted in Masonry because she famished quite a number of members of Montgomery Lodge when its first meeting place was close by, in Rockville, in the Dr. Nathaniel Miller house, where the Lodge was organized in 1797. The house, still standing, is located at what is known as "River End," then known as "Toil End Brook."

In 1808, the Grand Lodge gave Montgomery Lodge permission to move to Medway West Parish, to the Levi Adams place, where meetings were held for nine years. This is the building located at the corner of Main Street, then Hartford Turnpike, and Summer Street, near the Caryville line. It is known as the McCullum place. The meetings were held from four to seven p.m. This building was owned by Granville McCullum, one of the organizers of Charles River Lodge.

Brother McCullum was a Scotchman, very fond of music, and lived to be an old man. During his last sickness, he was visited by some of the Brothers of the Lodge, whom he told he did not expect to recover, and requested that his funeral might be held in the Second Congregational Church and that a brass band play suitable music from his home to the sacred edifice and to the cemetery. His request was granted and the largest number of Masons marched in the procession that had been seen in town for years. The funeral took place June 10th, 1888, and the West Medway Brass Band led the procession to and from the cemetery. The parish minister who officiated had recently become a Mason and wore the appropriate Sprig of Acacia in his button-hole. He was severely criticized for this by members of his congregation.

The next meeting place in Medway, of Montgomery Lodge, was the so-called Masonic Hall, now known as the Historical Hall, at the junction of Main and Franklin Streets. Here they met almost nineteen years, from 1818 to 1837. In the earlier years of this period, the order was very popular in this part of the country and most of the prominent men had joined and were enthusiastic members.

In 1829, a cold anti-Masonic wind swept over the entire country and many Lodges succumbed. To Brother Nathan Burr, twentieth and twenty-second Master of Montgomery Lodge, belongs the credit of preserving the charter and records of Montgomery Lodge, when, fearful of their safety from the many enemies of the order, he, for a while, carried the charter on his person, sewed in the lining of his coat; later, he took both charter and records and nailed them in a box which he buried in his field under a haystack.

On June 27, 1837, Montgomery Lodge moved to Hathon's Tavern, Medway Village, on the easterly corner of Village and Broad Streets. Here the Lodge remained for nine years more, when on December 17, 1845, they moved to the William White house, only a short distance from Hathon's Tavern. It only stayed there for three meetings, until February 11, 1846. The next meeting place was in what we knew as the front part of Hirsh and Park Straw Shop, where the V.F.W. Hall now stands. It was in this hall, after passing through the dark days of Masonry, that the Lodge raised its first candidate in about twenty years, which was in 1848. Then the Lodge moved to Milford December 1, 1852.

These statistics of Montgomery Lodge are given to show there really was no need of another Masonic Lodge in Medway. While no doubt there probably was consideration of a Masonic Lodge in Medway for sometime previous, the first actual record of Charles River Lodge shows that on February 5, 1870, twenty Masonic Brothers met and voted to present a petition to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for a dispensation empowering them to meet "in order to improve themselves in Masonry." The reason they gave was a feeling that communication with their respective Lodges was too great a distance to attend. We can well understand the justness of their request in those horse and buggy days, through heavy winter's snow and summer heat. It is interesting to note that out of the twenty who first met, seven were dimitted from Montgomery Lodge, so the ether thirteen must have been Masons elsewhere. When the charter was presented, it contained two additional members of Montgomery Lodge, dimitted, that were not present at the first meeting. One who was a member of Montgomery Lodge and two others who were at the organization evidently decided not to join Charles River Lodge. The records of Montgomery Lodge of February 10, 1870, five days after the first meeting of what was to be Charles River Lodge, show a vote to recommend the petition of Brother Alfred Ashton and others for a Lodge to be located in West Medway. The nine members of Montgomery Lodge who were charter members of Charles River Lodge were dimitted from the former Lodge March 2, 1871, although the dispensation for Charles River Lodge was granted on March 9,1870, signed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, William Sewall Gardner, and Solon Thornton, Recording Grand Secretary.

At the first meeting of Charles River Lodge, Brother Alfred Ashton was elected the first Master of the Lodge. Brother Leander Daniels, who was a prosperous boat manufacturer, and one of the charter members, ran the big shop at the corner of Main and Mechanics Streets and lived in the house opposite, was elected the first Treasurer of Charles River Lodge. Then came the first big day for Charles River Lodge, when on April 11, 1871, a special communication of the Grand Lodge was held in Mechanics Hall, West Medway, for the purpose of constituting the Lodge and installing the officers. Acting as Grand Master was Right Worshipful George E. Stacy of Montgomery Lodge, who was well known to the Lodges of this section as one of the most proficient in Masonry. He was our first District Deputy Grand Master and visited officially for the first time on September 13, 1871. Many of us remember Right Worshipful Brother Stacy, with flowing white beard, who was a regular attendant of his Lodge and who was one of the most important in the District. Mechanics Hall was located on Main Street, on the easterly corner of Cottage Street. It was here Charles River Lodge flourished for about two years.

It was on September 21, 1870, the Lodge raised its first two candidates, Brother Daniel S. Woodman, who was a boat maker, took an active part in town affairs, was a member of the G.A.R., became Representative to the General Court and served several years as Postmaster of West Medway, and Brother William A. McKean of Caryville, who was actively interested in the Caryville Mills, known as Taft, McKean & Co. He was Master of Charles River Lodge a number of years, and was known for having a ritual work of his own which was hardly ever twice alike. He was very popular, and when Charles River Lodge moved to the so-called Grand Army Building, on the third floor, the summer heat made some of the meetings so unbearable that Worshipful Brother McKean designed, and largely at his own expense, installed a ventilator, which, however, gave very little relief. It cost the Lodge $26.24, but it was worth that for the joshing that Brother McKean took in good nature. That was in 1888.

It is interesting to note that it was in this same mill that our beloved Brother Addison E. Bullard started. He afterwards became one of our most loyal Masons. He was made a Mason June 11, 1890, but for business reasons, never held any offices in the Lodge. He was highly respected and always very generous to the Lodge.

It is interesting to note the number of petitions that were presented as soon as the Lodge started. At most every meeting some degree was worked. It is interesting also to note that the members took their Masonry very seriously, because the black balls seemed to be very active. In the first five years there were sixty-four applications, of which thirty-seven were admitted and twenty-seven rejected.

On December 20, 1871, the Lodge voted to negotiate for another hall and to pay no more than $150.00 a year as rent. After some dickering and considerable argument, we find the first record of the Lodge moving was on September 17, 1873, and the District Deputy, at his official visitation, congratulated the Lodge upon having a new lodge-room. This was Bowen's Hall, afterwards known as G. A. R. Hall, situated on Village Street, directly opposite the New Haven R. R. Station, West Medway, with rental of $150 per year.

The records of the meeting September 30, 1874, show that four years after the starting of Charles River Lodge, Worshipful Brother Clark P. Harding paid $10.00 and was made a Master Mason. His name is mentioned because of his life-long devotion to Masonry; his proficiency in the ritual and the high esteem in which he was held in the Fraternity. He held various offices in the Lodge and later became District Deputy Grand Master. He took an active part in the welfare of Medway and was elected State Senator, as well as being Postmaster.

At the meeting February 8, 1933, the Master's Chair in the Iodge-room was dedicated as the Clark Partridge Harding Memorial Chair, in memory of Right Worshipful Brother Harding, for his deep interest in Masonry and untiring service rendered Charles River Lodge.

The Stanley House, which stood on the opposite corner of the street from Masonic Hall, where Davison's Store stands, and at one time quite a hotel, made a convenient place for banquets and refreshments, although most of the banquets were held in the hall below the lodge-room.

Special communications on April 9th and 16th, 1890, were held in Odd Fellow's Hall, on account of a fire in G.A.R. Block, which threatened destruction. The contents of the lodge-room had been removed and returned, but was not in proper shape to be occupied for a short time.

On April 25, 1899, Charles River Lodge, with officers of the Grand Lodge, attended the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone of the new Parish House of Christ's Episcopal Church in Medway Village, known as Croswell Hall. Right Worshipful Brother Almond G. Partridge was Master of our Lodge at the time and his untiring interest and perfection in the ritual made for the success in maintaining a high standard in our Lodge.

After a reception to the Grand Officers, a procession, under the leadership of the Hopedale Brass Band of twenty-five pieces, proceeded to the Church, where the impressive ceremony was carried out. Most Worshipful Charles C. Hutchinson, Grand Master, and his Suite, officiated according to the ritual of our ancient institution. The stone had been raised several feet and was supported by a chain fastened to three poles, joined at the top. The contents of the box placed in the corner stone included several pamphlets of the Episcopal Church and of the Grand Lodge of Masons, together with a copy of the program of the ceremonies, the By-Laws of Charles River Lodge and a list of its members. A bountiful collation was afterwards served in Sanford Hall.

At the meeting May 24, 1899, a committee was appointed to confer with one from the newly organized Quineboquin Chapter, Eastern Star, with reference to using the Masonic Hall for their meetings, and it was voted at the meeting June 21st, to grant the use as requested.

By 1905, some of the younger prospective officers of Charles River Lodge, "aided and abetted" by members of the Eastern Star, commenced to rebel against the appearance of the lodge-room and the use of the low-backed, so-called, "kitchen chairs" used by the officers. The question was debated at several previous meetings until the 403rd communication August 9, 1905, when it was voted to purchase a set of new officers' chairs, to be high-backed, black walnut, upholstered with plush, and also to purchase carpet for the ante-rooms. This beautified.our lodge-rooms, and with considerable pride, the members had a meeting place equal to any in the District. The improving of the rooms was not finally completed until three years later. The cost was $713.04, of which $394.00 was contributed. In consideration of the nicer quarters, the Eastern Stars were given the privilege of increasing their rent.

As far as we know, the first Past Master's Night was held April 24, 1912, when eleven of the oldest Masters occupied the chairs and worked the Third Degree on five candidates.

At the June 18, 1913, meeting, it was voted to keep open house during the Bi-Centennial celebration of Medway and many visiting Masonic Brethren were entertained.

At our visitation November 19, 1915, Charles River Lodge was honored by having with us Most Worshipful Brother Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Brother Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary, together with other officers of the Grand Lodge. At the banquet in Sanford Hall, which was packed to the doors, over 325 members and guests attended.

During the two years following, there was much agitation regarding a Masonic Home. The arguments pro and con made ~~ rather difficult for the District Deputy during his visitations to the Lodges. The cause of course has since proved itself most worthy.

At the meeting October 24, 1917, it was voted to buy Liberty Bonds, as our country was already in World War I and several of our younger members had entered the Service. Their dues were voted remitted. A Service Flag was presented to the Lodge, but unfortunately, was destroyed in the fire of February, 1918. To show there was some inconvenience during World War I, it is called to your attention the Lodge received an order from the Grand Lodge that all lights must be discontinued after ten p.m.

February 3, 1918, was a fatal night for Charles River Lodge and the town of Medway. At 3 a.m. a fire broke out in the Town Building, which was heated by thirteen stoves. This was the Grand Army Building, where Charles River Lodge was housed and which had recently been taken over by the town. It was one of the coldest nights of the year. The water froze as soon as it was put on and the building was a total loss. The furniture, including the regalia and a large frame containing pictures of all the Past Masters, was destroyed, but, fortunately, the safe went through to the basement, with the Lodge records intact. A weird sight was the Master's chair standing in open space, which had not fallen out of place. Kind offers were promptly received from the Medway Foresters, the Odd Fellows and Montgomery Lodge of Milford for the use of their quarters. The first meeting following the disaster was held in Montgomery Lodge rooms on February 5, 1918. The next meeting was held in Odd Fellows Hall, West Medway, on February 20th, and all the following meetings were held there until the new Temple was completed.

On February 23rd, a special meeting was held to confer the first and second degrees on three candidates by special dispensation of the Grand Lodge, with the third degree conferred on March 27, 1918. This incident is mentioned to recall that many of our young men were entering the Service and before going across wished to become Masons. These were serious and exciting times during World War I, and how rejoiced we were when our young men returned safely. How glad we were to tear down those great signs, "To make the world a better place to live in," "A war to prevent future wars," etc., etc. Eight of those returning veterans have passed through the chairs and are now Past Masters of Charles River Lodge. At a meeting March 27th, it was voted to buy new regalia, working tools and equipment.

The Lodge carried on more or less routine, although active, until November 11, 1925, when a largely attended public installation was held, at which Right Worshipful Brother Guy A. Ham installed the officers.

The necessity of a lodge-room of our own became more apparent as our membership increased, as well as our activities. While we appreciated the use of Odd Fellows Hall, it housed four lodges and was more or less public. At a meeting on December 9, 1925, a committee reported two plans were available— the purchase of the Medway Village Congregational Church and the unused Methodist Church, where the Temple now is located. It was voted to buy the Medway Church, although that vote was rescinded at the March meeting and the whole matter was tabled, which proved good judgment, as the Lodge eventually saved $4000 on the cost of the building. Another committee was appointed June 9,1926, to make a further study of the Methodist Church proposition.

At the meeting February 9, 1927, Charles River Lodge was honored by a visit from Most Worshipful Grand Master Frank L. Simpson and his Suite, which included the veteran Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton. The Grand Master presented to five members of Charles River Lodge Masonic Veterans' Medals for fifty years continuous membership. They were Right Worshipful Clark P. Harding, Worshipful George R. Temple and Brothers George W. Bullard, James H. Webb and Charles F. Cook, who was Tyler of our Lodge for twenty-six years.

At our visitation October 24, 1928, Right Worshipful Arthur W. Coolidge, then District Deputy of the Second Masonic District, was present and gave an interesting discourse on Masonry. It will be remembered that at the last annual meeting of the Grand Lodge Grand Master Arthur W. Coolidge declined re-election and is now President of our State Senate, the office which our present Grand Master, Samuel H. Wragg, held a few years ago.

At the annual visitation September 11, 1929, Worshipful Henry C. Holbrook of Medfield was presented a fifty year Masonic Veteran's Medal.

The question of a Masonic Temple finally crystalized at the meeting of April 9, 1930, when it was voted to buy the Methodist Church property for $2000. Many of our members attended the closing services of this church on April 27, 1930. From then on, Worshipful Alden B. Cole and his efficient committee, with the Masters at that time, Worshipful Ernest Camp and Worshipful Laurence Mott, together with many others, worked untiringly for the completion of the Temple, which we are proud of and so much enjoy. Credit should also be given Brother Phillip Stapley for the fine work of decorating, and to the other workmen, practically all of whom were members of Charles River Lodge. Many gifts were made of furniture and equipment.

The Temple was dedicated on April 1,1931, by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master, and other members of the Grand Lodge. The late Right Worshipful Dr. A. Elmer Austin of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, a former Medway boy, was present and represented the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. He presented to the Lodge the beautiful altar, in memory of his father, Brother Henry C. Austin, who for many years was Secretary of Charles River Lodge.

The appreciation of Charles River Lodge is deserved by the Sandal Club, who have worked hard to reduce the debt on the Temple, so that today it is nearly free of indebtedness.

At the regular meeting January 13, 1937, a reception was tendered Right Worshipful Albert L. Saunders, who had been elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, and Charles River Lodge presented him a Senior Grand Warden's jewel. Present at the reception were Most Worshipful Claude L. Allen, Grand Master, and Most Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, with other distinguished guests. The Grand Master spoke of the fine service rendered by Right Worshipful Brother Saunders as Judge Advocate of the Grand Lodge several years, and presented him with a Henry Price Medal in appreciation.

During the 1938 hurricane, the Temple was somewhat damaged, and at the meeting October 12, 1938, an emergency appropriation was made of $250.00 for repairs.

On November 13, 1940, Charles River Lodge was honored by a visit from Right Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg, Acting Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, who we are pleased to have here this evening as the full-fledged Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.

Charles River Lodge has steadily sailed down the stream of time, with a membership today of 192. In the 808 regular meetings held, 420 men have become members of this Lodge.

We have sixteen members in World War II and we hope and pray there may be no casualties and that they will return to us soon.

Many, whom time will not permit of mention, deserve credit for the success of Charles River Lodge. As Quineboguin River, now Charles River, whence we derive our name, flows through the Towns of our jurisdiction, namely: Bellingham, Medway, Millis and Medfield, even through the Town of Needham where our Grand Master resides, as blood flows through arteries, may that spirit of true Masonry continue to flow in Charles River Lodge so that we may do our part in creating brotherly love, and proving that the tenets of our profession are what this old world needs. As Henry W. Longfellow, in his famous poem, "To the River Charles," so beautifully wrote:

"And in better hours and brighter,
When I saw thy waters gleam,
I have felt my heart beat lighter,
And leap onward with thy stream."

OTHER

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Morris Geller, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1974, 1975; N
• Richard W. Graham, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1990, 1991
• Abraham T. Handverger, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1954, 1955; SN
• Clarke P. Harding, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1887, 1888; SN
• Edward A. Harding, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1938, 1939; SN
• Robert A. Mosher, DDGM, District 15 (South), 2015
• William W. Ollendorff, DDGM, District 22 (Blackstone), 1914, 1915; N
• Almond G. Partridge, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1904, 1905; Memorial
• Albert L. Saunders, DDGM, District 22 (Blackstone), 1926, District 22 (Milford), 1927; Senior Grand Warden 1937
• Herbert W. Shaw, DDGM, District 22 (Blackstone), 1913; SN
• Wayne M. Vinton, DDGM, District 15, 2007, 2008; Junior Grand Warden 2011
• C. Theodore Whitley, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1970, 1971

DISTRICTS

1870: District 12 (Milford)

1883: District 20 (Milford)

1911: District 22 (Blackstone)

1927: District 22 (Milford)

1931: District 23 (Natick)

2003: District 15

2009: District 15 South

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges