Difference between revisions of "Fraternal"

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FRATERNAL LODGE

Location: Barnstable; Hyannis (1922?)

Chartered By: Samuel Dunn

Charter Date: 06/08/1801 II-182

Precedence Date: 06/08/1801

Current Status: Active

NOTES

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1801
• Constitution of Lodge: 1803

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1901 (Centenary)
• 1926 (125th Anniversary)
• 1951 (150th Anniversary)
• 2001 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1884 (Howland)
• 1901 (Gallagher; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1913 (Benton)
• 1925 (Ferrell; 2 visits, including hall dedication, Special Communication)
• 1926 (Simpson; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1929 (H. Dean)
• 1945 (Wragg)
• 1951 (Roy; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1964 (Osgood)
• 1976 (Maxwell; St. John's Sunday)
• 1987 (Ames; Cornerstone laying; Special Communication)
• 1988 (Ames; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1993 (Lovering)
• 2001 (Bauer; 200th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 2010 (Pageau; installation)
• 2011 (Stewart; Kilwinning Club)
• 2012 (Stewart; Building Rededication; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1887 1888 1900 1906 1912 1924 1926 1927 1938 1940 1956 1965 1974 1977 1982 1993 2008

HISTORY

• 1901 (Historical notes at Centenary, 1901-120)
• 1925 (History at hall dedication, 1925-261)
• 1951 (150th Anniversary History, 1951-154)
• 2001 (200th Anniversary History, 2001-43)

200TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 2001

From Proceedings, Page 2001-43:

Compiled by Wor. Bernard Dunn.

We find in the Grand Lodge Proceedings that on the 10th of March 1800, at the Quarterly Communication, "A petition from Jno. Young and others praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Barnstable, was read and ordered on file." It does not appear that any further action was taken on this petition nor has it been possible to discover who Jno. Young's associates were, as this petition, with countless other documents, was probably destroyed by the fire which swept the Masonic Temple in Boston on April 5l\ 1864.

In the first book of records of Fraternal Lodge, it is noted that on May 20th, 1801, a meeting of Masonic Brethren was held in the Village of Barnstable to take the necessary measures for the establishment of a Masonic Lodge. Bro. Ezra Crowell, who later became the first Worshipful Master, was appointed a committee of one to confer with the Grand Lodge to procure a Charter. We know that his efforts bore fruit as was evidenced by the issuance of a Charter issued to Fraternal Lodge of Barnstable, to take precedence from June 8th, 1801. Most Worshipful Samuel Dunn, Grand Master, signed the Charter. The Charter members were Ezra Crowell, Robert Lothrop, Thomas D. Young, James Crowell, Jonathan Nye, Samuel Allen, and Davis Crocker. There is no known record as to where these Brethren received their Masonic degrees.

The first communication was a "special" held in the house of Brother Robert Lothrop on July 21", 1801, at which time Joseph Green Lewis, the first candidate for the degrees was proposed, accepted and made an Entered Apprentice. This was followed by a "Regular" meeting on August 13th at Gideon Eldridge's Tavern, which later became the Barnstable Inn. and is now the Barnstable Tavern. This became the regular meeting place until the spring of 1803, when we find that the subject of a new Lodge room was discussed. They considered Ebenezer Swift's place and Deacon Timothy Phinney's store but finally agreed to an addition to the schoolhouse on Cobb's Hill. This addition took the form of a second story, and served as the home of the Lodge until 1850. A Lodge of Odd Fellows and James Otis Lodge, A. F. & A. M. subsequently used it from 1865 to 1891. This building was torn down about 1935.

Meetings between 1826 and 1850 were few and far between. This was the period known as the Anti-Masonic Period or Morgan Period when Masons were persecuted severely on account of their Masonic affiliations. Many of the Lodges of that period surrendered their Charters and some of them later had them restored and took precedence from the original date. Two Lodges, King Hiram's in Provincetown and Marine Lodge in Falmouth, can claim earlier Charters than can Fraternal Lodge, but since we had never surrendered our Charter, we can assert that we are the Lodge on the Cape with the longest continuous existence.

It was becoming apparent that the hub of Barnstable was moving south. It was therefore voted at a meeting on the 16th of April 1850 to move the Lodge to Hyannis. The first such meeting was held at Baxter's Hall (sometimes called Templar's Hall) on the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets. The meetings were held on the second floor, with a hardware and tin shop on the first floor. This business was later conducted by two of our Brethren, Right Worshipful Alexander G. Cash and Brother Myron G. Bradford. This is the current site of Bradford's Hardware Store. The building was burned in 1892.

The move to Hyannis was indeed a wise move. In the five years or so that the Lodge held their meetings in Baxter's Hall, over 100 new members were admitted and the meeting place was soon outgrown.

During the winter of 1854-1855, the records indicate that a Building Committee was appointed for the purpose of finding a suitable place to meet. The cornerstone for a new Temple was laid June 5th, 1855, on the site of the present Cape Cod Bank and Trust Company. The dedication of this new Lodge occurred November 8th, 1855, and was conducted by Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts with the assistance of many of the Grand Lodge officers. This Lodge was long a center for social life in Hyannis, the setting for countless balls, dramatic productions, concerts, church socials, singing schools, and, for a short time even a private school.

In the years that followed, the Lodge continued to prosper. Other Lodges sprang up on the Cape. James Otis Lodge was chartered in Barnstable Village in 1866, Howard Lodge in South Yarmouth in 1869, and Mariners' Lodge in Cotuit in 1870. A great many of the charter members of these Lodges were members of Fraternal Lodge and were demitted in order to form them. Of the three, James Otis Lodge surrendered its charter in 1891, and most of the members returned to Fraternal Lodge.

The next significant event was the Centennial of Fraternal Lodge. It was celebrated on June 24th, 1901,and was attended by Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher, Grand Master, his officers and over 500 Brethren.

In 1921, the building was purchased by the Hyannis Trust Company, and by agreement moved the Lodge to a lot in the rear. This was a temporary arrangement, as efforts were already being made to purchase another piece of land on which to erect another Lodge Hall. The land purchased was known as the Juliet Lewis property and was purchased from her daughter, Mrs. Alton Carr. in the spring of 1922. The cornerstone for this building was laid October 11, 1924, and managed to surpass all Masonic events up to that time. Every Lodge in the District participated in the parade, along with Commandery units from Fall River, Brockton, Sutton and New Bedford. The latter having had the honor of escorting Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell, Grand Master, his officers, Worshipful Horatio S. Bond Master of Fraternal Lodge and his officers. After the ceremonies, about nine hundred Masons sat down at a banquet at Mill Hill Pavilion.

Charles Ramsay, Benefactor

When the Lodge was completed, a place had been set aside for an organ, but it did not become possible to procure one until Right Worshipful Charles Hallett Ramsay, for many years Treasurer of Grand Lodge, bequeathed the sum of two thousand dollars for this purpose. This bequest made possible the installation of that fine instrument remembered by many and which was suitably dedicated by Most Worshipful Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master, at a special communication on April 23rd 1945.

On November 7th, 1926, a two-day celebration of our ^S* Anniversary commenced. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, attended and was pleased to present Right Worshipful Walter B. Chase the Henry Price Medal, one of only two members of Fraternal Lodge to be so honored.

The Lodge flourished for many years thereafter, and Fraternal Lodge, as well as Lodges throughout the Commonwealth celebrated several notable events. Of particular note were the celebrations of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Worshipful Brother George Washington in 1932, and the celebration in 1933 of the 200lh Anniversary of duly constituted Freemasonry in North America.

In the early 1980's, it was becoming apparent that the Lodge on Main Street had served us well, but was in need of replacement. There was only limited parking, the upkeep was becoming a financial burden, and repairs were going to be excessive. A Building Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Worshipful Hugh Findlay. On January 3rd, 1985, the Lodge was sold. With no place to meet, we contacted the Brethren of Mariners' Lodge in Cotuit and made arrangements to hold our meetings in their Lodge until we could find a suitable place to build our new home. On January 30th, 1986, the land was purchased off Route 28 in Centerville, and plans jumped into high gear for the new Lodge.

Volunteers accomplished much of the building, and the materials were often donated or sold at reduced prices by Brothers from Fraternal and other Lodges. It did not take long, however, to deplete the funds accumulated from the sale of the Lodge on Main Street, and it became necessary to obtain a mortgage in order to complete the new Lodge. We celebrate, along with the 200th Anniversary, the burning of that mortgage.

On May 3rd, 1987, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Albert T. Ames, and the Officers of Grand Lodge placed the cornerstone of the new Masonic Lodge in accordance with ancient form and ceremony. Many distinguished Permanent members of Grand Lodge also attended.

The year following, on April 9th, Most Worshipful Albert T. Ames returned to Centerville for the purpose of dedicating the new Lodge to the purposes of Masonry in full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usage. Again, his Grand Lodge Officers and several Permanent Members of Grand Lodge accompanied him.

Over the years. Fraternal Lodge has been most fortunate in the selection of its members. Many of them have not only attained prominence in Masonry, but have served the United States, the Commonwealth, our County and our Town, in positions of trust and honor, as well as in the professions and other walks of life. To mention just a few, Brother Zenas Marston served us as Treasurer for over twenty years, as did Right Worshipful Hugh Findlay. The longevity award in this office, however, goes to Brother Charles C. Crocker, who occupied that office for forty years. Brother Oliver C. Hoxie served as Lodge Secretary for thirty-two years. We have also been fortunate in the selection of our Masters. Of the one hundred and twelve who have presided over us (many for more than one term) - from Worshipful Ezra Crowell to Worshipful Alan C. Findlay, we have had two Grand Stewards, sixteen District Deputy Grand Masters, two Grand Wardens, and one Deputy Grand Master. That honor went to Right Worshipful William Babbitt who became our second Henry Price Medal recipient. Grand Lodge has honored us also by awarding the Joseph Warren Medal to six of our members.

The Lodge was founded just a few short days before the twenty-fifth birthday of the Declaration of Independence, when our nation consisted of sixteen states, with a population just over five million. This Lodge has seen the country expand to a world power of fifty states and more than two hundred and eighty-four million people, with a vast country extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico, and even beyond the seas. Our members have given their service in all of our conflicts from the War of 1812 to Desert Storm.

It is with pride and humility that we record the accomplishments of this Lodge over the past two hundred years, but let us never lose sight of the tenets of our Fraternity: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Let us all pledge to support our Lodge with renewed vigor, that we may increase our membership and become a light in the eyes of our community. Let us hope that when the three hundredth anniversary is celebrated, that our Lodge has prospered, and that those who look back at what we have accomplished will say that they are proud of their Masonic heritage and proud of Fraternal Lodge.

OTHER

• 1812 (Remission request, II-527)
• 1824 (Report on arrears, III-471)
• 1866 (Jurisdictional dispute, VII-72)
• 1921 (Transfer of property, 1921-112)
• 1924 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1924-372)
• 1935 (Reduction of fees, 1935-316)

EVENTS

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY AT HYANNIS, FEBRUARY 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 5, March 1860, Page 156:

While the 128th anniversary of Washington's Birth was duly honored at the National Capital, it was not forgotten at one of the extremities of the country. At Hyannis the Fraternal Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons celebrated it by a grand levee and ball, which came off at the Masonic Temple, under the management of Capt. R. Baxter, Capt. John Baxter, George L. Thacher, Esq., and other well known citizens.

Smith's New Bedford Quadrille Band furnished the music, and about one hundred couples participated in the exercises and and festivities of the occasion. The dancing commenced at 9 o'clock, and was kept up until 11 o'clock, when the party adjourned to the supper hall below. The first division of the feast having been disposed of, an eloquent and beautiful address on the character of Washington was delivered by the Rev. R. S. Tope. This was followed by an interesting history of Fraternal Lodge, by Major S. B. Phinney, from its formation to the present time. Short speeches were made by Messrs. Baxter, Day and others, and the following sentiments offered:—

• By R. S. Pope, W. M.— Geo. Washington. "The day he died was lamented by five millions of his grateful countrymen; his birthday anniversary is now celebrated with joy and with honor by thirty millions of their posterity."
• By Brother Baxter — The President of the United States.
• By Brother Phinney — The Mother of Washington and the Mothers of 1860. "As Washington declared that if he excelled as a patriot or as a soldier, he owed it all to his mother's early instructions and example; so will we all acknowledge that the love and sympathy and counsel oi our mothers can never be valued too highly or remembered too long."
• By Brother Day— Our Brothers upon the ocean wave; we remember them all; and though they are not with us to-night, their wires and sweethearts will tell them all about it.

The exercises at the table having been concluded, the party returned to the upper hall, and the dancing was kept op until daylight was about to make its appearance. The party is described as one of the most brilliant given at Hyannis this season.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Harold G. Andrews, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1949, 1950; N
• William M. Babbitt, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1969, 1970; Deputy Grand Master 1971; N
• Sylvester Baker, DDGM, District 3 (South Shore and Cape Cod), 1819, 1820; District 11, 1821-1834; SN
• Sylvanus Baxter, DDGM, District 8, 1853-1861; Memorial
• Gerard C. Besse, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1943, 1944; N
• Kenyon A. Carr, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1982, 1983; N
• William F. Carr, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1996, 1997
• Edward L. Chase, DDGM, District 28 (Barnstable), 1895; Junior Grand Warden 1917
• Walter B. Chase, DDGM, District 32 (Provincetown), 1920, 1921; Junior Grand Warden 1926; N
• Randall S. Everson, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1981, 1982; N
• Hugh C. Findlay, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1988, 1989
• Edward C. Hinckley, DDGM, District 28 (Provincetown), 1902, 1903; Memorial
• F. Howard Hinckley, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1929, 1930; N
• Charles W. Megathlin, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1935, 1936; N
• Carl T. Ohrn, DDGM, District 32 (Hyannis), 1959, 1960; N
• Rufus S. Pope, DDGM, District 8, 1862-1866; District 15 (Barnstable), 1867; SN
• Bernard W. Russell, DDGM, District 21, 2003, 2004; N
• Jotham Waterman, DDGM, District 3 (South Shore and Cape Cod), 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816; SN

DISTRICTS

1803: District 3 (South Shore and Cape Cod)

1821: District 11

1835: District 7

1849: District 8

1867: District 15 (Barnstable)

1883: District 28 (Barnstable)

1898: District 28 (Provincetown)

1911: District 32 (Provincetown)

1927: District 32 (Hyannis)

2003: District 20

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges