Difference between revisions of "Eureka"

Revision as of 00:54, 8 January 2015

EUREKA LODGE

Location: New Bedford

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 06/09/1858 VI-232

Precedence Date: 05/08/1857

Current Status: merged with Quittacus Lodge, 05/23/1991. Now a part of Quittacus Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1857
• Petition for Charter: 1858
• Consolidation Petition (with Quittacus Lodge): 1990

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1933 (75th Anniversary)
• 1958 (Centenary)
• 1983 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1858 (Heard; Constitution of Lodge; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1861 (W. Coolidge; Installation and dedication of hall)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1908 (Blake)
• 1919 (L. Abbott)
• 1921 (Prince)
• 1933 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1958 (A. Jenkins; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1960 (Eaton; Reception for Junior Grand Warden George R. Dewhurst)
• 1961 (Eaton; Reception for Deputy Grand Master Thomas A. Booth)
• 1966 (Booth; 3 visits)
• 1967 (Booth; installation)
• 1974 (Vose; 50-year medal for Past Grand Master Booth)
• 1983 (Berquist; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1984 (Richardson; 50-year Past Master Certificate for Past Grand Master Booth)
• 1989 (Ames; installation)
• 1991 (Darling; consolidation with Quittacus Lodge; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1889 1890 1892 1895 1898 1903 1904 1910 1912 1916 1917 1918 1921 1922 1925 1929 1932 1956 1981

HISTORY

• 1933 (75th Anniversary History, 1933-58; see below)
• 1958 (Centenary History, 1958-99)
• 1983 (Centenary History, 1983-103)
• 2008 (History, presented as part of 150th Anniversary of Quittacus Lodge, 2008-66; see below)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 1933

From Proceedings, Page 1933-58:

by Wor. Charles S. Coombs, Historian;
Assisted by Wor. William Bliss and Bro. Alfred Bradley

We read in our Great Light, the Bible, that "the days of our years are three score years and ten, or even by reason of strength fourscore years; yet is their pride labor and sorrow; for it is soon gone and we fly away."

Eureka Lodge has already reached three score years and ten and five; and yet her strength is not diminished, or her future hopes dimmed. This Diamond Jubilee attests to the fact that her Brethren are confident of her future and anticipate that as the years go by she will attain added lustre.

A Historian is not a prophet; his province is to dig into the wells of the past and bring to the surface facts and figures to reveal to those who may be interested something pertaining to the founding and progress of this organization of ours which we call Eureka Lodge.

If you do not find it interesting, it will not be the fault of the Lodge, but the fault of your erstwhile historian who lacks the ability to display the abundant material which he has scanned in such an attractive manner that it will gain your attention and interest.

Tn the early part of the year 1857 ten Brethren of Star in the East Lodge decided that the time had come when another Lodge ought to be founded in New Bedford. Business was good, whaling was flourishing, money was plentiful, Star in the East Lodge was prospering, and as they said "it had so many members that it had become unwieldy." The population was about 22,000 and our ships were ploughing through the seven seas making contact with all nations; our streets were thronged with people from these nations speaking many foreign tongues so that it was cosmopolitan in character, no provincial city this. (Doesn't that sound good when we think of our times?)

At this time there were only four Lodges in the whole of Bristol County; Star in the East, New Bedford, chartered in 1823, Bristol, of Attleboro, chartered in 1797, King David, of Taunton, chartered in 1798, and Mount Hope, of Fall River, chartered in 1824.

These Lodges were all in the 7th Masonic District of Massachusetts. It is well to review the past at times and so derive all the benefit that can be obtained from past experiences in order to avoid mistakes that may have been made and if possible improve the future conduct of the work and affairs of the Lodge. The present Diamond Jubilee Anniversary is a good occasion.

The first meeting that we have any record of was held in Masonic Hall, north west Corner of Purchase and Union streets, Friday evening, May 15, 1857. Brethren present: Timothy Ingraham, Benjamin Russell, Stephen A. Tripp, Isaac M. Richardson, Henry F. Thomas, Robert C. Topham, George H. Taber, Moses G. Thomas, Moses H. Bliss, Pardon C. Edwards, Joseph R. Tallman, James C. Tripp, and Lineas Wood.

Visiting Brethren from Star in the East Lodge were James Moores, William Tallman, William W. Thomas, George Howland 3d, Rev. Spencer M. Rice, Charles W. Walker, Shipley W. Bumpus, Lawrence Cummings, and Benjamin Gage.

The Lodge was organized at this time under the name of Eureka Lodge, under a Dispensation granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, John T. Heard.

The Dispensation was granted May 8, 1857, by the sanction and recommendation of Star in the East Lodge, and to continue and be in full force (unless sooner revoked) until the Regular Quarterly Communication to be held in June, 1858.

The officers named in the Dispensation were Timothy Ingraham, to be the first Worshipful Master, Henry F. Thomas to be the first Senior Warden, Isaac M. Richardson to be the first Junior Warden. The Dispensation was signed by Most Worshipful John T. Heard, and Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary.

The signers for the Dispensation were Timothy Ingraham, Stephen A. Tripp, Moses G. Thomas, Isaac M. Richardson, Benjamin Russell, Moses G. Bliss, and George H. Taber. The Lodge was further organized by the election of Benjamin Russell Treasurer, and Stephen A. Tripp, Secretary. The Worshipful Master appointed the following officers; Moses G. Thomas, Senior Deacon, Moses H. Bliss, Junior Deacon, Robert C. Topham, Marshal, and Eliphalet Robbins, Tyler "for the present." Brothers Rev. Spencer M. Rice and Moses G. Thomas were invited to act as Chaplains.

The first committee on By-Laws was George H. Taber, Moses H. Bliss, and Stephen A. Tripp. A petition was received for the degrees from Francis L. Porter. This was the first petition received by the new Lodge.

The next meeting of the Lodge, U. D. was a Regular, the first Friday in June. Four petitions for the degrees were received, being William Bates, Isaac C. Taber, John Frasier, and Lawrence Grinnell. Francis L. Porter was elected and initiated at this meeting, June 5, 1857. He was Raised August 28, 1857, being the first candidate to be made a Master Mason in the new Lodge U. D.

At a meeting held July 1, William Bain was Tyler; July 14, Daniel Montague was Tyler and served in that position until 1866.

I find in the Records of the Grand Lodge proceedings at the Quarterly Communication on June 8, 1858, this statement:

"The Brethren of Eureka Lodge at New Bedford having Worked for the Constitutional period under a Dispensation, returned the same and prayed that a Charter might be issued to them instead thereof, but there being a slight deficiency in the returns, the subject was referred to the Grand Master with power to order the Charter to be issued when the requirements of the Constitution shall have been complied with."

The Charter was issued on June 9, 1858, so the returns were corrected very promptly.

The Charter was signed by John T. Heard, Grand Master and Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary. The Charter was granted to the following Brethren: Timothy Ingraham, Henry F. Thomas, Isaac M. Richardson, Moses G. Thomas, Stephen A. Tripp, Benjamin Tripp, Benjamin Russell, Moses H. Bliss, James C. Tripp, and Lineas Wood.

The first Communication after the Charter was granted was June 30, 1858. The following officers were elected; Henry F. Thomas, Worship Master, Isaac M. Richardson, Senior Warden, Isaac C. Taber, Junior Warden, Benjamin Russell, Treasurer, Stephen A. Tripp, Secretary,and Thomas Russell, Assistant Secretary.

The Lodge was Constituted July 21, 1858, by the officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. The Charter was received at this time. It was signed by John T. Heard, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Henry Goddard, Senior Grand Warden, Isaac Hull Wright, Junior Grand Warden, and Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary.

At the close of the Lodge, the Grand officers with other invited guests and the Brethren of the Lodge proceeded to the Mansion House and partook of a supper furnished for the occasion. Charles W. Seabury was the first petitioner after the Lodge was constituted.

At a Regular Communication July 1, 1859, a committee was appointed to confer with a similar committee from Star in the East Lodge to see about procuring a new Lodge-room. The Lodge-room in which they had been meeting was on the third floor of property owned by George Macomber at the north west corner of Union and Purchase streets.

Mr. Macomber had permitted some kind of a nuisance to exist to which some of the members objected and which after it had been brought to his attention he seems not to have abated. What this nuisance was your historian knoweth not as no record could be found to enlighten him. The Committee appointed was composed of Benjamin Russell, Isaac C. Taber, and Moses H. Bliss. This committee made a report to the Lodge on August 5, 1859, which was accepted and the subject recommitted to the same committee with full powers.

Mrs. Charles L. Wood owned a piece of property on the north side of Union street between Pleasant and Purchase streets upon which she proposed to erect a brick block and rent the third story to the Masonic Lodges. It seems that the joint committee were fortunate in securing these premises for they accepted Mrs. Wood's proposition and signed a long lease of the property and furnished the Lodge room at an expense of $3,651.00.

The new building was commenced in the early part of 1860. The corner stone was laid in the northeastern part of the foundation June 24, 1860. The corner stone was not laid with Masonic ceremonies but a box was placed in a cavity made for the purpose. What was placed in the box was not stated. There is no record in Eureka's record books, neither could I find any account in the Evening Standard published at that time.

Quite a number of Masonic Brethren were present however, among them being Wor. Bro. John A. Lee, who worked on the building, as he said, "operatively not speculatively," and Henry Taber, 2nd, Henry F. Thomas, John B. Baylies, Lineas Wood, Henry Pierce, Moses Bliss, Benjamin Russell, and many others.

Mrs. Wood divided the property into joint ownership of 250 shares, of which she retained 86, and sold 164 shares to about 40 persons, 25 of whom were Masons. This building now stands at the north east corner of Union and Pleasant streets, known as the Masonic Building.

At a Special Communication December 28, 1860, on motion of Bro. Lineas Wood, a committee was appointed to act with other committees from Star in the East Lodge and Adoniram R. A. Chapter in regard to the dedication of the new Lodge room. The Worshipful Master appointed Lineas Wood, Gustavus Delano, and George L. Brownell the committee for Eureka Lodge.

At a Regular Communication of Eureka Lodge January 4, 1861, after the regular business, Henry F. Thomas, Worshipful Master, gave notice that this would be the last meeting in the old Lodge-room. Wor. Timothy Ingraham made a few appropriate remarks alluding to many interesting and pleasing associations in the old Lodge-room. He was followed by the Worshipful Master, who made a brief address along the same lines referring to the early history of Masonry in this city. For a splendid account of early Masonry in New Bedford read the account published in the history of Star in the East Lodge by their Historian, Bro. Henry B. Worth, on their 100th Anniversary in 1923. (See 1923 Mass., page 392.)

Eureka Lodge then closed its Labors in the old Lodge-room. The next Communication of Eureka Lodge was held January 22, 1861, in the new Lodge-rooms for the purpose of dedicating the new quarters.

The Dedication Committee consisted of John Ryan, George H. Taber, John B. Baylies, of Star in the East Lodge, Lineas Wood, Gustavus Delano, and George L. Brownell, of Eureka Lodge.

There were about 250 Brethren present at this meeting. The officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge were, Most Worshipful William D. Coolidge, George Washington Warren, Deputy Grand Master, Jesse P. Pattee, Senior Grand Warden, Sanford M. Hunt, Junior Grand Warden, Isaac Cary, Grand Treasurer, Charles W. Moore, Recording Grand Secretary, George H. Taber, Corresponding Grand Secretary, Rev. Charles H. Titus, Grand Chaplain, Peter C. Jones, Senior Grand Deacon, William Parkman, Junior Grand Deacon, William W. Baker, Grand Marshal, William D. Stratton, Senior Grand Steward, W. W. Whielan, Junior Grand Steward, William Wallace Mitchell, Grand Sword Bearer, and Eben B. Gay, Grand Tyler.

The Grand Officers entered and proceeded to dedicate the new Lodge rooms in due and ancient Form. At the conclusion of the Dedication ceremonies the Most Worshipful Grand Master presented to the Masonic fraternity of New Bedford a beautiful copy of the Holy Bible as a present from Brother William Sutton, of Salem, Massachusetts, for whom Sutton Commandery No. 16, K. T. was named.

The officers of Star in the East Lodge and Eureka Lodge were separately introduced and installed into their respective stations by the Grand Officers. At the conclusion of the installation ceremonies, the Grand Officers retired; the Lodge was closed, and the Brethren with their guests to the number of 150 proceeded to the Parker House to partake of a supper prepared for the occasion. Hon. Isaac C. Taber presided at the supper table.

The first Regular Communication of Eureka Lodge was held in the new Lodge-rooms, February 1, 1861. Several petitions for the degrees were received, among them being that of Amasa L. Gleason, who became Worshipful Master in 1863 and William O. Woodman, who was Worshipful Master in 1864.

At a meeting of the Masonic Brethren of Star in the East and Eureka Lodges for the purpose of attending the funeral of Brother Isaac C. Taber, Past Master Henry Taber, 2nd, of Star in the East Lodge presiding, it was voted to meet at the Lodge-room, Friday, October 3, at 12 o'clock for the purpose of attending the funeral.

At a Regular Communication of Eureka Lodge, November 7, 1862, a communication was received from Mrs. Isaac C. Taber
thanking the Lodge for attention and kindness shown her
husband during his sickness, and their consideration of the
family in their wishes for the funeral solemnities. A committee
was appointed to draw up resolutions on his death and I quote
them in part.

"Inasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God to
remove from our fraternity by death our late Brother, Honor
able Isaac C. Taber, therefore resolved that as a tribute of our
respectful and affectionate remembrance, we make this record
of his many virtues that his name with those of the honorable
dead, not lost,— but gone before, may be treasured in our
archives."

I refer to this for the reason that prominent Masons in our Lodges are not memorialized in this way in our day. Perhaps this is because there is so little time for meditation in this jazz age of ours in which we live. 'Tis a pity in my opinion.

At a Special Communication Friday evening, February 13, 1863, the Worshipful Master announced the death of Brother
Lineas Wood, one of the Charter members, also Brother
James M. Lowden. Brother Lineas Wood was buried with full
Masonic honors, February 17, 1863, De Molay Commandery of
Boston taking charge. It was voted at the Special Communication, February 13, that the Lodge-room be draped in mourning in memory of these two Brethren.

At a Special Communication May 27, 1864, the Worshipful Master announced the death of Brother James C. Tripp, a Charter member. He was buried with full Masonic honors May 30, 1864. Worshipful Timothy Ingraham, first Master under Dispensation, died February 26, 1866, and was buried with full Masonic honors. Worshipful Amasa L. Gleason, third Master of Eureka, died February 19, 1877; Worshipful Henry F. Thomas, second Worshipful Master, died March 21, 1880. Worshipful Brother Thomas was the first Master under the Charter and served three years. Rev. Moses G. Thomas died in 1881. He was a Charter member, the first Senior Deacon, and the Chaplain for many years. He was buried with full Masonic honors by Blazing Star Lodge, of Concord, N. H.

At a Regular Communication April 6, 1883, a committee was appointed to arrange for a celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Lodge. The committee consisted of Worshipful Brother James L. Sherman, Chairman, Brothers William H. Waterman and Edward H. Field. They appointed Right Worshipful Brother John A. Lee for the Historian. They attended to the arrangements for the event and on Friday evening June 8, 1883 Eureka Lodge was opened on the third degree to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, with Worshipful Frederick W. Mosher, Worshipful Master; William H. Waterman, Senior Warden; Edward H. Field, Junior Warden; Humphrey A. Gifford, Treasurer; William A. Mackie, Secretary; Arnold B. Wady, Senior Deacon; A. J. Blossom, Junior Deacon; Edwin Whittaker, Chaplain; George S. P. Bradford, Marshal; Chester L. Tripp, Senior Steward; H. L. Dwight, Junior Ste ward; Thomas J. Borden, Inside Sentinel; A. F. Blossom, Tyler.

About 200 Brethren were present. Among the visitors were Right W'orshipful District Deputy Grand Master, George A. Ballard, and representatives from twenty-five different Lodges of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Routine business was transacted, the Lodge was closed, and the Brethren repaired to the Banquet Hall, where an "elegant banquet" was served, 200 sitting down. "Good music" was furnished by Heap's Band. After supper, Right Worshipful John A. Lee read a history of the twenty-five years Eureka Lodge had worked since the Charter was granted. The Evening Standard says of the event, "the exercises were most enjoyable and marked by great geniality." Having enjoyed the friendship of Right Worshipful James L. Sherman, who was the Chairman of the supper committee, quite a number of years before his death, I can vouch for that quotation from the Standard.

Four Charter members were living at this time; Worshipful Isaac M. Richardson; Moses H. Bliss, Stephen A. Tripp, and Benjamin Russell. Representatives from Star in the East Lodge, of this city, Concordia, of Fairhaven, Noquochoke, of Westport were among the invited guests who sat at this Twenty-fifth Anniversary supper. (Concordia is now George H. Taber.)

The principal speakers were, Rev. S. Wright Butler, Rev. J. B. Hingely, Moses H. Bliss, Robert C. Topham, George H. Taber, of Fairhaven, and others.

The cost of the twenty-first anniversary celebration was $119.77 as "appropriated for the committee to pay the bills with," at the Regular Communication in July of that year.

At the election of officers, December 4, 1885, an incident occurred which threatened to jar the harmony which had always prevailed. Worshipful Brother William H. Waterman was the presiding Master. On the first ballot for Worshipful Master, Arnold B. Wady was elected and so declared. On the first ballot for Senior Warden, Daniel W. Cory was elected. The Worshipful Master now declared the election null and void, he understanding that Arnold B. Wady had said he would not accept the election as Worshipful Master. The Worshipful Master then ordered another election of the officers. Three ballots were taken for Worshipful Master with no election. On the fourth ballot, Worshipful William H. Waterman was elected. For Senior Warden two ballots were had, Edward H. Field being elected on second ballot. The next three officers were each elected on first ballot, being Arnold B. Wady, Junior Warden; Humphrey A. Gifford, Jr., Treasurer; A. S. Foster, Secretary.

Worshipful Brother James L. Sherman and eleven others appealed from the ruling of Worshipful Brother Waterman to the Grand Lodge. December 21, the Most Worshipful Grand Master issued an order to Eureka Lodge, at New Bedford, Massachusetts, to stay all further proceedings as to the election and installation of the officers; an appeal having been filed with the Recording Grand Secretary from the decision of the Worshipful Master, rendered at the Regular Communication held on Friday, December 4, 1885. Abraham H. Howland, Jr., also Past Master of Eureka Lodge, who was then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, came to New Bedford and gave the members a hearing and left the matter to Right Worshipful Charles A. Welch and a committee. In the meantime the old officers were to hold over until their successors were elected.

At the Regular Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge March 10, 1886, Right Worshipful Charles A. Welch presented the following report.

"The Committee appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to examine into and report upon the complaint of Brother James L. Sherman and eleven other members of Eureka Lodge, of New Bedford, beg leave to report: — that the complaint was that Brother Daniel W. Cory was duly elected Senior Warden of Eureka Lodge on the 4th day of December last, for the year ensuing, but the Worshipful Master erroneously decided that his election was null and void, and ordered a new election.

"It appeared without contradiction that Brother A. B. Wady was elected Master on the said 4th day of December and was declared elected; that an election of Senior Warden was then ordered, and Brother Daniel W. Cory was chosen, was declared elected, and accepted the office; that the Worshipful Master then declared the election void, and ordered a new election; that the votes having been cast a second time for Master, that the Worshipful Master himself was declared elected; that the voting having proceeded, another Brother was declaredelected in place of Brother Cory, elected at the first balloting; that Brother Wady, originally chosen Master, was declared elected Junior Warden, and subsequently a Treasurer and Secretary were declared elected.

A difference of opinion existed and was expressed by different members of the Lodge, whether Brother Wady, who had at the first ballot been elected Master, as above stated, declined accepting that office, before or after the election of Senior Warden.

"But your committee are of the opinion that, considering the interest taken in the election, the natural excitement which attended it, and the manner in which the memory and judgment of the most honest and intelligent persons are affected by their opinions and wishes, after an occasion like this, it is not at all surprising that this difference of opinion exists. We give full credit to all the Brethren for stating honestly their view of what took place; but we do not think it necessary or important to decide which are right. In our judgment the election of Brother Cory as Senior Warden, whether the Brother previously elected Master had absolutely declined or not before Brother Cory's election, was a legal one, and Brother Cory is the rightful Senior Warden of Eureka Lodge, and the subsequent elections were void.

"It is proper to state that, although we consider the Master's action in declaring the election of Brother Cory void to have been erroneous, he acted in perfect good faith and with an honest intention to perform his duty.

"Indeed there is nothing to show that the members generally did not intend to act fairly, and the committee cannot but feel and express the hope that on a new election of Master, Junior Warden etc.; each of the opposing parties, if they still differ in opinion and endeavor to carry into effect their different wishes (as they have a perfect right to do) will cheerfully acquiesce in the final result, and do all in their power to maintain unimpaired the high character which this Lodge now holds in the Masonic Fraternity.

"Some question might be made whether anything more is required of the Grand Lodge than to declare the election of Brother Cory valid, if it should agree in the conclusions of the committee, as the decision of the Master declaring it invalid is the only matter complained of, but this would seem unjust to the Brother who was improperly declared elected Senior Warden into Brother Cory's place, as it is clear that the whole election, after the election of Brother Cory was declared void, was illegally carried on, and the members of Eureka Lodge, if they fail through your decision to place the Brother illegally elected Senior Warden in that position, may choose to place him in some other, and ought to have the privilege of doing so.

We recommend that the Most Worshipful Grand Master be requested to declare the election of Brother Cory as Senior Warden valid, and to order such further elections of the officers of Eureka Lodge as the circumstances of the case require."

Respectfully submitted

• Charles A. Welch
• George H. Rhodes
• E. Frank Williams
  

Committee

The report was accepted and the recommendations adopted. Subsequently the following order was issued in regard to the same subject matter: —

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
Masonic Temple, Boston, April, 20, 1886

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and members of Eureka Lodge, of New Bedford, in our jurisdiction:—

By virtue of authority in me vested, and in accordance with the request of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, approved at its Quarterly Communication, holden on the tenth day of March last, I hereby declare to be valid, and of full force and effect, the election held by said Eureka Lodge, on the fourth day of December last, whereby Brother Arnold B. Wady was chosen to be Worshipful Master, and Brother Daniel W. Cory to be Senior Warden; and I do further declare the election held on said fourth day of December last, so far as relates to the offices of Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary to be null and void.

I do therefore direct the Worshipful Master of said Lodge to summon the members thereof to attend a Communication, to be held on the 30th inst., for the purpose of proceeding with an election to fill the vacancies in said offices of Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary, and installing the officers of said Lodge, both elected and appointed; and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant.

It is further ordered that this order be extended upon the record of the Communication held for said election and installation, and that due return of your doings thereon be made to our Recording Grand Secretary.

Given under our hand and seal on the day and year above written. Abraham H. Howland, Jr.
Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts Attest: — Sereno D. Nickerson
Recording Grand Secretary

The following return was received on the above order.

Eureka Lodge,
New Bedford, April 30, 1886

To Sereno D. Nickerson, Recording Grand Secretary: —

At a Special Communication of this Lodge held April 30, 1886, in accordance with instructions contained within the foregoing order, Brother Thomas R. Hillman was elected Junior Warden, Brother Humphrey A. Gifford, Jr., was elected Treasurer, and Brother Arthur S. Foster was elected Secretary, and they together with the other officers of this Lodge were duly installed.

William H. Waterman
Master of Eureka Lodge Attest: — Arthur S. Foster
Secretary

March 6, 1908, on motion it was voted that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee to consider the advisability of having a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Institution of Eureka Lodge, and report at the next Regular Communication in April.

The Worshipful Master appointed Brothers Charles S. Coombs, Edwin R. King, and Worshipful Elisha H. Fisher as the committee.

At the Regular Communication on April 3, 1908, the committee on celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge reported that they were in favor of such a celebration and recommended that a committee be appointed with full power to act on the matter. On motion the report and recommendation were adopted.

The Worshipful Master appointed as the committee, Brother Charles S. Coombs, Chairman, Worshipful Elisha H. Fisher, Worshipful Henry T. Phillips, Worshipful William H. Waterman, Brothers Edwin R. King, and John A. Stitt.

This Committee met and appointed Sub-Committees as follows:—

• Reception of Visitors
  • W. M. Clifton H. Cornish, Chairman of all Committees
• Ex-Officio
  • P. M. William H. Waterman
  • P. M. Henry T. Phillips
  • P. M. Elisha H. Fisher


** P. M. William A. Baker

• • P. M. Edwin R. King
  • P. M. Charles S. Coombs
  • P. M. John A. Stitt
• P. M. Henry T. Phillips, Committee on Speakers
• P. M. Elisha H. Fisher, Committee on Speakers
• P. M. William H. Waterman, Committee on Historian
• P. M. Edwin R. King, Committee on Banquet
• P. M. Elisha H. Fisher, Committee on Banquet
• P. M. John A. Stitt, Committee on Banquet
• P. M. Charles S. Coombs, Committee on Printing and Entertainment

Organization of Eureka Lodge for 1908

• W. M. Clifton H. Cornish, Worshipful Master
• Edwin R. King, Senior Warden
• Charles S. Coombs, Junior Warden
• P. M. Elisha H. Fisher, Treasurer
• P. M. Daniel W. Cory, Secretary
• Rev. Thomas M. Bateman, Chaplain
• George S. Kennedy, Marshal
• Henry S. Foster, Senior Deacon
• John A. Stitt, Junior Deacon
• Daniel W. Baker, Senior Steward
• Frank. L. Rawson, Junior Steward
• Obed S. Cowing, Inside Sentinel
• Robert Allen, Organist
• James Slater, Tyler
• P. M. William H. Waterman, Hall Committee
• P. M. William H. Waterman, Library Committee

• P. M. James L. Sherman, Finance Committee
• P. M. William H. Waterman, Finance Committee
• P. M. James L. Sherman, Committee on Permanent Funds
• P. M. H. Wilder Emerson, Committee on Permanent Funds
• W. M. Clifton H. Cornish, Committee on Permanent Funds

Of the officers above, seven have died since the fiftieth anniversary.

At a Special Communication of Eureka Lodge June 9, 1908, which was opened on the third degree at 4.45 P.M., 70 Brethren were present. Before the Lodge was closed 80 more Brethren had entered making 150 present on this occasion, in the Lodge-room.

Among those present were Most Worshipful J. Albert Blake, accompanied by Right Worshipful William M. Belcher, Senior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful Sereno D. Nickerson, Recording Grand Secretary; and Worshipful George J. Tufts, who acted as Grand Marshal.

The Grand Master was introduced by a committee consisting of Worshipful Brother James L. Sherman, Chairman, Worshipful William H. Waterman, Worshipful W. A. Baker, and Worshipful Robert J. Moore.

A very interesting synopsis of the events happening during the fifty years since Eureka Lodge was Constituted was given by Worshipful Brother William H. Waterman. Remarks were made by Most Worshipful J. Albert Blake, Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary and the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden; after which the Most Worshipful Grand Master retired with his suite.

The Lodge was closed at 7.25 P.M. and the Brethren and visitors to the number of 300 entered the Banquet Hall and enjoyed a very pleasing supper. I find by referring to the Records that the Semi-Centennial cost $922.89. Some of the large amounts were: Caterer, $387.50, Printing, $48.25, Mendelssohn Quartette, $44.40, Flowers and Decorations, $28.00, Guests entertained at Parker House, $8.50.

At the Regular Communication September 5, 1924, the Hall Committee reported that the rent of our rooms from August 1 had been raised to $7500.00 per year and it would be necessary to charge $56.25 for each Communication from that date. This was a tremendous raise and it jarred the nerves of the Brethren. There had been a raise each time the lease had to be renewed, but never such an enormous spread.

The old quarters in Masonic Hall were poorly ventilated and not large enough to enable the officers and Brethren of the different Masonic bodies to carry on their work with any comfort and attendance was falling off for this reason; and so the Hall Committee was given authority to secure new quarters.

Some time during 1925 the Hall Committee purchased the "Richmond property" on the North side of Union street, and had sketch plans drawn by a Boston firm and they were inspected at a general meeting of the Brethren called for that purpose.

For reasons considered good and sufficient this property was not retained, but the plans were paid for and the property sold. The Hall Committee then bought the Wamsutta Club property at the north west corner of County and Union streets which had been for sale for some time.

The Hall Committees of the several Masonic bodies in the city formed a Masonic Temple Corporation and this Corporation carried out the project of building the new Masonic Temple, which is located on the above corner. The new Masonic Temple was completed at an expense of less than $200,000.00 and is considered one of the best for its size in the State.

At a Regular Communication June 6, 1926, it was voted that Worshipful Clifton H. Cornish, Hall Committee member for Eureka Lodge, be authorized to sell in conjunction with the other Hall Committee members the property owned by the several Masonic bodies at their discretion.

At the Regular Communication, March 4, 1927, Worshipful Erford W. Poole, Master of Eureka Lodge, reported that the new Masonic Temple would be ready to be dedicated about the middle of April.

The last Regular Communication of Eureka Lodge was held in the old Masonic Hall, April 1, 1927, at which time it was voted to move its quarters to the new Masonic Temple.

The last Communication of Eureka Lodge to be held in the old Masonic Hall, was a Special Communication called for the purpose of attending the funeral of Brother Hugh McGuire Wamboldt.

Worshipful Brother Cornish stated at the last Regular held in the old quarters that "it was just 61 and one half years since the first lease was sighed for these quarters."

A Special Communication was held in the new Masonic Temple, Monday evening, April 11, 1927, for the purpose of dedicating the new Temple. Acting under instructions from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Frank L. Simpson, Eureka Lodge was opened in one of the small rooms of the Temple. The officers present at this opening were:

• Erford W. Poole, Worshipful Master
• Everett W. Bailey, Senior Warden
• Lvnton M. Buffinton, Junior Warden
• Alfred Bradley, Secretary

After the opening, adjournment was made to Doric Hall, where Star in the East Lodge was opened in Form by Walter Slocum, Worshipful Master. The Marshal then introduced Worshipful William S. McRobert, Grand Sword Bearer, who announced that Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of Masons of Massachusetts, was in an adjoining apartment having come for the purpose of "dedicating the new Masonic Temple according to the Ancient Customs and Usages of Freemasonry."

The Worshipful Master then appointed the following committee to wait upon and escort the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his suite into the Lodge: — Right Worshipful Henry W. Mason, Chairman, of Star in the East Lodge; Worshipful Henry T. Phillips, of Eureka Lodge; Worshipful Lyman Bauldry, of Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge; Worshipful Daniel W. Baker, of Paskamansett Lodge; Worshipful George E. Allen of Quittacus Lodge; Worshipful Samuel G. Davenport, of Abraham H. Howland Jr. Lodge; Worshipful Arthur S. Babbitt, of Paskamansett Lodge, and Worshipful Walter P. Morton, of Quittacus Lodge.

The Grand Lodge was represented by the following:—

• M. W. Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master
• R. W. Benjamin F. Arrington, Deputy Grand Master
• R. W. Stephen C. Luce, as Senior Grand Warden
• M. W. Dudley H. Ferrell, Past Grand Master
• R. W. Frank H. Hilton, Past Senior Grand Warden
• R. W. William Ridings, Past Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Arthur C. Staples, Past Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Walter B. Chase, Past Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Fred L. Moses, Past Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. Charles H. Ramsay, Grand Treasurer
• R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary
• Wor. & Rev. John Vannevar, Grand Chaplain
• Wor. William S. McRobert, as Grand Marshal
• Wor. John H. Joy, as Senior Grand Deacon
• Wor. G. Sumner Wilson, as Junior Grand Deacon
• Wor. Theodore N. Wood, as Senior Grand Steward
• Wor. Stephen J. Lent, as Junior Grand Steward
• Wor. George W. Chester, Grand Tyler
• R. W. Howard C. N. Ripley, D. D. G. M., Taunton, 28th Dist.
• R. W. Walter E. Dow, D. D. G. M., Fall River, 30th Dist.
• R. W. Horace L. Humphrey, D. D. G. M., New Bedford, 30th Dist.
• R. W. Alfred E. Smith, D. D. G. M., Nantucket, 31st Dist.
• R. W. Emanuel A. DeWager, D. D. G. M., Provincetown, 32nd Dist.
• R. W. Rawson C. Jenkins, D. D. G. M., Hyannis, 32nd Dist.

After the Grand Master and suite had been received and welcomed, they were conducted to their several stations by the Grand Marshal and prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain.

Worshipful Erford W. Poole, Master of Eureka Lodge and architect of the new Temple, was presented to the East and addressed the Grand Master as follows:—

"Most Worshipful Grand Master, having been intrusted with the superintendence of the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice, and having, according to the best of my ability, accomplished the task assigned me, I now return my thanks for the honor of this appointment, and beg leave to surrender the implements which were submitted to my care when the foundation of this fabric was laid, humbly hoping that the exertions which have been made will be crowned with your approbation and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge."

Walter Slocum, Worshipful Master of Star in the East Lodge, then addressed the Grand Master as follows:—

"Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Masonic Brethren of New Bedford, being animated with a desire to promote the honor and interest of the Craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a Masonic Temple for their convenience and accommodation. They are now desirous that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; and if it should meet with their approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to Ancient Form."

The Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden,and Junior Grand Warden then examined the building and reported it to be in conformity to the requirements of the Grand Lodge. The architect was then presented to the Most Worshipful Grand Master who informed him that his work had the approbation of the Grand Lodge.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master and Grand officers then dedicated the Masonic Temple in Due and Ancient Form. The Grand Master congratulated the Brethren on the "acquisition of such a beautiful Temple."

About 700 Brethren were present on this occasion. The Grand Lodge guests were entertained at the Wamsutta Club previous to the dedication. Honorable Charles S. Ashley, member of Eureka Lodge and Mayor of the city, was present with the guests at the Club. Eureka Lodge felicitates itself upon the fact that its Worshipful Master, Erford W. Poole, was selected as the architect, assisted by Brother Frank C. Brown, also a member, in the designing of the Temple.

The designs laid down by the Master Architects were carried out faithfully by these members of Eureka Lodge: Brother Herbert C. Bailey, General Contractor, Brother Ernest Margeson, Plumbing, Brothers Clayton P. Hawes, E. M. Farmer, and R. T. Hawes, Lighting, Brother Henry Harlow, Painting.

Eureka Lodge furnished 52 men for the army and navy in the "Great War" against the German Empire. Their names are as follows:—Lesley B. Allen, Andrew H. Ashley, Thomas Bradley, Frederick Burrows, Walter L. Burrows, Raymond A. Burt, Ernest J. Bury, Jr., Harry A. Caswell, Harold R. Chamberlain, Harold T. Cleveland, Leon C. Covill, Robert W. Cushman, George A. Davidson, Ward DeWolf, James Dodds, Jr., Rudolph Dvorak, William L. Edmands, M. M. Gray, Philip S. Grimshaw, Thomas E. Halliwell, John Hampson, Richard Hoyle, Elmer H. Jamieson, Elmer W. Landers, Ernest N. Lee, William F. Le-maire, Benjamin R. Luscomb, Robert Martin, William A. Moncriefr", James Parkinson, E. Gilbert Peterson, Clarence A. Pierce, John Polasko, Manuel P. Rezendes, Samuel Ross, Joel W. Rowan, Evan C. Seaman, Charles H. Sharpe, George H. Sistare, George H. Smith, Ralph G. Spooner, Worshipful John A. Stitt, Charles B. Thompson, Lewis S. Tripp, Daniel K. Valentine, Jay A. Wheat, Walter C. Wilbor, Raymond H. Wilbur, A. V. Woodacre, John E. Woodacre, Richard Woodacre, and Percy H. Young. Christopher South worth was elected to take the degrees in Eureka Lodge May 3, 1918, but before any degrees were conferred upon him he was sent across to France, and died in action November 4,1918.

More than 38% of the enlisted men from this city who were members of the local Masonic bodies were members of Eureka Lodge, and she rejoices in their patriotic spirit.

Worshipful John A. Stitt left New Bedford July 28, 1917, as Captain commanding 4th Co. Massachusetts Coast Artillery, N. G. This Company was afterwards incorporated in a new regiment, as Battery "D," 55th Artillery (C. A.) A. E. F. On returning from the war, he was retired with the rank of Major.

Worshipful Brother Stitt was appointed an "Especial Representative" by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Massachusetts to represent him in France in Battery "D," 55th Artillery regiment (C. A.) A. E. F.

The copy of his commission follows:—

THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE
OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Masonic Temple Boston, April 8, 1918

To the Craft Throughout Our Jurisdiction, Greeting:

Know ye, that reposing especial confidence in the integrity and ability of our Worshipful Brother John A. Stitt, Past Master of Eureka Lodge in this jurisdiction, I do by these presents, nominate, constitute, and appoint him to be my especial representative in the 55th Regiment United States Artillery and I authorize and empower him to satisfy himself by due constitutional means of the Masonic standing of members of said Regiment, and having done so to vouch for them on proper Masonic occasions.

I further empower him to gather such Master Masons as may be, or may become, members of said Regiment into a Masonic Club if it shall seem desirable so to do: said Club to elect its own officers and to provide in such ways as may be possible and fitting for the Masonic intercourse and welfare of its members, but without authority to confer Masonic degrees, to use Masonic ritual, or in any way to conduct itself as a Masonic Lodge.

I further authorize and direct him to communicate either directly to me or to the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, any information, petition or request touching the interests and welfare of such Master Masons as may be members of said Regiment, or any other matters of Masonic interest and importance which should properly come to our attention.

Given at Boston, this eighth day of April, A. L. 5918, A. D. 1918.

Leon M. Abbott, Grand Master
Attest: Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary

The membership of the Lodge at this Diamond Jubilee Celebration is 860. Eureka Lodge has had a steady growth since it received its Charter.

It has been fortunate from the beginning in having leading public spirited citizens as its active members, who were interested in the welfare of their city and brought the same spirit with them into the activities of the Lodge.

Four of its members have been Mayors of the city of New Bedford. Brother Isaac C. Taber served as Mayor during 1859-60 and 61. Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr. was Mayor in 1874 and 1875. Worshipful Brother William T. Soule was Mayor 1878, 1879 and 1881. Brother Charles S.Ashley was Mayor 1890 and 1891; was then re-elected in 1896 for nine successive years: re-elected in 1906 serving one year: again re-elected, serving 1909—10—11— 12 and 13: again re-elected, serving 1916-17-18-19 and 1920: again re-elected for two year terms, serving from 1926 to the present time, having served this city as its Mayor for twenty-seven years, with the last two year term to expire in 1935.

Worshipful John A. Stitt is now serving his second two year term as Alderman. Many other members have filled various offices of responsibility in the city government.

During the year that Eureka Lodge received its Charter, the Grand Lodge sold its Masonic Temple to the United States and for several years used rented quarters. Then the Grand Lodge built a new Temple which cost so much more than anticipated that the regular income was not sufficient to finance it, and it voted to assess each member of the Lodges in the state one dollar per year for thirteen years, with the privilege of paying ten dollars at once and the other three dollars would be commuted.

This created quite a feeling among the Brethren and some Lodges were slow in paying. One Lodge voted not to pay it and lost its Charter for sixty days, at which time it changed its attitude about paying and the Charter was restored. This drastic action of the Grand Lodge in asserting its power over the Lodges brought them into line and the assessments were paid. Eureka Lodge seems to have been loyal to the Grand Lodge and paid its assessments regularly.

So many of its members were sailors who were away on voyages for three and four years at a time that it was hard work to collect the dues. In some instances the records show that the Grand Lodge commuted a portion of the assessment as it was impossible for the Lodge to collect it.

In the year 1882 the records show that 54 members paid the assessment in full and the total amount paid the Grand Lodge for fees and dues was $708.00. This was the largest amount paid the Grand Lodge in any one year. The nearest to it was in 1920, when Eureka Lodge paid the Grand Lodge $590.00 and the next year $560.00.

The first return to the Grand Lodge under the Charter in 1858 was $11.00 and showed a membership of 13. When the Lodge celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary the return was $162.00 and the membership 191.

At the fiftieth anniversary the Grand Lodge was paid $100.00, and a membership of 340 shown by the returns.

Eureka Lodge has had 47 Worshipful Masters, each serving from one to three years. The first Master under the Charter served three years, Worshipful Henry F. Thomas. Then came one and two-year terms of Masters. Since 1916 each Master has served only a one-year term. Eureka Lodge has Raised 1468 Brethren to the degree of Master Mason. The largest number in any one year was during the term of Worshipful Robert M. Gundersen, 1920, the number being 120. The next largest number was 92 in the year 1921, when Worshipful Dexter B. Goodwin was Master.

The records show that Eureka Lodge has rejected about 30% of all petitions which have been received, the yearly average being about the same for the whole period of its existence. It would seem from this that Eureka Lodge has selected its members with discrimination, using the black ball in accordance with ancient Masonic teaching.

Prejudice may have sometimes influenced the ballot, but on the whole it would seem that the members of Eureka Lodge have hewed close to the high ideals of Masonry.

Eureka Lodge has been recognized by the Grand Lodge as six of its members have been Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Masters. These are Worshipful George H. Taber, District Deputv Grand Master, 1858-59, Worshipful John A. Lee, 1869-70 and 71; Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr., 1872-3 and 74; Worshipful James L. Sherman, 1897-98; Worshipful Horace L. Humphrey, 1927-28; Worshipful Seth J. Besse, 1931-32.

Worshipful Brothers Humphrey and Besse while not Past Masters of Eureka Lodge, were raised in Eureka Lodge and have always retained their membership in Eureka Lodge. They were interested in and members of two other Local Lodges of which they became Worshipful Masters and received their appointments as Deputies to represent those Lodges. Worshipful Brother James L. Sherman served the Grand Lodge as Junior Grand Warden in 1911.

Eureka has had the honor of having one of its Worshipful Masters serve in the Grand Lodge as Grand Master. Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr. was Most Worshipful Grand Master in the years 1884-'85, and 86. We have one Lodge in New Bedford named in honor of him.

It is a pleasure to note that Eureka Lodge members have not only been honored in civic positions of responsibility and trust, but have also served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge with fidelity and honor.

Eureka Lodge has been in four different Masonic Districts since it was Chartered, being in the 7th District then. The Grand Lodge redistricted the state in 1867 and it became a part of the 14th District. When it celebrated its 50th anniversary it was in the 26th District, and now it is a part of the 30th Masonic District.

The Lodge has had nine Secretaries: Brothers Stephen A. Tripp, H. Wilder Emerson, George W. Parker, William A. Mackie, Arthur S. Foster, James A. Gifford, Worshipful Brother Daniel W. Cory, Brother James B. Cook, and Brother Alfred Bradley, the present Secretary. Those who have served the longest are Worshipful Brother Daniel W. Cory, 21 years, and Brother Bradley, who is now serving his 16th year. Two Tylers have served long terms. Brother Charles H. Wood, twenty years, and Brother James Slater, twenty-two years. Of the six Tylers who have filled this office, only the present Tyler, Brother Richard Shaw, is now living. Of the Past Worshipful Masters, twenty-three are now living.

Worshipful Brother Charles S. Coombs presented the Lodge with a gavel while he was Master and many of the Brethren may not know its history. It is shaped like a stone mason's hammer and the head is made from solid oak taken from a huge oak timber from under the front door threshold of Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr.'s mansion on County Street. It had become decayed at one end and Dr. Hathaway, who was the owner at the time, replaced it with a steel girder. He very kindly gave the writer permission to cut out what he needed when told the use to which it was to be put.

Brother John A. Lee, son of Worshipful Brother John A. Lee, seventh Master of Eureka Lodge, who was a very close personal friend of Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr., was a skilled wood worker, a member of Eureka Lodge, and Worshipful Brother Coombs asked him to make the gavel for him. He suggested that he had an ivory cane which his father had used in his walks about the city, and he would make the handle from a piece of that.

He completed the work and it is a fine piece of workmanship. It was presented to the Lodge and a letter of acceptance was sent the writer by the Secretary, Worshipful Brother Daniel W. Cory. This is a real Masonic gavel, uniting in itself the correct form, the workmanship of a son, afterwards the Worshipful Master of Eureka Lodge, two other Past Masters, one a Past District Deputy Grand Master, and very close friend of a Past Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Over that threshold of oak stepped the Most Worshipful whenever going in or out of his front door, and that ivory part of the cane of Right Worshipful Lee tapped many a sidewalk of this city as he walked around its streets.

These three members of Eureka have now passed to their reward.

During the first twenty-five years of Eureka Lodge, ten other Lodges were Chartered in Bristol County. They were, Pioneer Lodge, of Somerset, Charter granted 1864; St. James, of Mansfield, Charter granted 1865; King Philip, of Fall River, Charter granted 1866; Alfred Baylies, of Taunton, Charter granted 1866; Ionic, of Taunton, Charter granted 1867; Ezekiel Bates, of Attleboro, Charter granted 1871; Charles H. Titus, of Taunton, Charter granted 1873; Concordia, of Fairhaven, Charter granted 1876; Narragansett, of Fall River, Charter granted 1876; Noquochoke, of Westport, Charter granted 1879. All or nearly all of these Lodges were organized by members from the original four Lodges. There are now after 75 years, 23 Lodges in this territory.

Five of them are in New Bedford: Star in the East, Eureka, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Paskamansett, and Quittacus.

Eureka Lodge has gone steadily ahead, Initiating, Crafting and Raising Masons. It hasn't been called upon to lay any corner stones of private or public buildings, but we trust it has been inculcating those high ideals of friendship and brotherly love and civic righteousness, as well as uprightness of character which cemented into one complete whole will create a temple of beauty which will last as long as life endures and be projected into a never ending eternity to meet with "the great Master Architect," there to present its finished work for His approval, and we trust to hear His "Welcome good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

NOTES AT 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUITTACUS LODGE, JUNE 2008

From Proceedings, Page 2008-66, address of Rt. Wor. David R. Price, Sr.:

In the early part of the year 1857, ten Brethren of Star in the East Lodge decided that the time had come when another Lodge ought to be founded in New Bedford. Business was good, whaling was flourishing, money was plentiful, Star in the East Lodge was prospering, and as they said "it had so many members that it had become unwieldy".

Early in the year 1857, we read in the records of Star in the East Lodge that Worshipful Timothy Ingraham, Past Master of Star in the East Lodge, requested permission to petition the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge in New Bedford which was granted.

At that time, there were but four Lodges in Bristol County: Bristol of Attleboro, chartered in 1797, King David of Taunton, chartered in 1798, Star in the East in New Bedford, chartered in 1823 and Mount Hope in Fall River, chartered in 1824. These Lodges were all in the 7th Masonic District of Massachusetts.

In 1858, several members of Star in the East Lodge demitted to form Eureka Lodge. On December 1, 1873, ten Fairhaven members took demits to form Concordia Lodge, now known as George H. Taber Lodge. Five years later, still another group demitted to form Noquochoke Lodge in Westport.

The Lodge was constituted July 21, 1858 by M. W. John T. Heard, Grand Master.

25th Anniversary Notations - 1883: The principal speakers were: George H. Taber of Fairhaven and others. The cost of the Anniversary Celebration was $119.77.

50th Anniversary Notations - 1908: The cost of the affair was $922.89.

75th Anniversary Notations - 1933: We find that Eureka Lodge has 860 members.

100th Anniversary Notations - 1958: R.W. Thomas A. Booth was General Chairman of the celebration.

OTHER

• 1886 (Resolution of appeal by Master of the Lodge; 1886-41, 1886-72; 1886-129)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, JULY 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 10, Page 319:

EUREKA LODGE, NEW BEDFORD, was regularly constituted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, on Wednesday evening, July 21. In the forenoon of that day, the officers and members of the Lodge, together with members of Star in the East Lodge, went down the bay, with their families, to the number of four or five hundred, in the new steamer Eagle's Wing. The party was accompanied by a Band of Music and had a very agreeable time, returning to the city at 8 o'clock.

At half-past 8 o'clock, the consecrating ceremonies took place at the Lodge room. The organization of the Grand Lodge was as follows :— Col. John T. Heard, Grand Master; Rev. Dr. Flint, of Greenfield, D. G. M.; Charles W. Moore, S. G. W. pro tem; John H. Sheppard, J. G. W. p. t. ; William W. Wheildon, G. C. p. t.; Messrs. Low and Hunt, G. Deacons; W. S. Gardner, G. Marshal; Peter C. Jones, G. S. B.; Eben F. Gay, G. T., and Geo. H. Taber, of Fairhaven, District Deputy.

The services were commenced with prayer, followed by the singing of a Hymn and the usual ceremonies. The ceremonies were conducted in ample form under the direction of the Grand Master, and were highly interesting to a large number of the fraternity present on the occasion.

At the conclusion of the consecrating ceremonies, the officers elect of Eureka Lodge were regularly installed by the Grand Master, according to the ancient usages of the Craft, viz :—

• Henry F. Thomas, Master.
• Isaac M. Richardson, S. W.
• Isaac C. Taber, J. W.
• Benjamin Russell, Treas.
• Stephen A. Tripp, Sec'y
• F. L. Porter, S, D.
• Moses H. Bliss, J. D.
• Rev. Moses G. Thomas, Chap.
• Gustavus Delano, Jonathan Ellis, Stewards.
• Daniel Montague, Tyler.

The fraternity concluded the day by an elegant entertainment at the Mansion House, at which speeches were made and sentiments offered by the members and their guests. It was altogether a very pleasant and satisfactory occasion. — Bunker Hill Aurora.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Arthur R. Anderson, DDGM, District 30 (Fall River), 1941, 1942; N
• Thomas A. Booth, Deputy Grand Master 1961; Grand Master 1966-1968
• George R. Dewhurst, DDGM, District 30 (Fall River), 1955, 1956; Junior Grand Warden 1960; Grand Marshal 1966-1968; Senior Grand Warden 1969; N
• Abraham H. Howland, Jr., DDGM, District 14 (New Bedford), 1872-1875; Senior Grand Warden 1876; Deputy Grand Master 1878-1880; Grand Master 1884-1886
• Stephen W. Latham, DDGM, District 30 (New Bedford), 1997, 1998; N
• John A. Lee, DDGM, District 10 (Springfield), 1869, 1870, 1871; SN
• Erford W. Poole, DDGM, District 30 (Fall River), 1951, 1952; N
• David R. Price, Sr., DDGM, District 30 (New Bedford), 1993, 1994; Senior Grand Warden 1994
• Oman R. Price, DDGM, District 30 (Fall River), 1965, 1966; Senior Grand Warden 1982; N
• James L. Sherman, DDGM, District 26 (Fall River), 1897, 1898; Junior Grand Warden 1911

DISTRICTS

1857: District 7

1867: District 14 (New Bedford)

1883: District 26 (Fall River)

1911: District 30 (Fall River)

1927: District 30 (Fall River)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges