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EDWIN BRADFORD HOLMES 1853-1924

Deputy Grand Master, 1894
Grand Master, 1895-1896.

TERM

1895 1896

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1924-711, Grand Master's Address:

Brethren: There came news to us today that saddened us all, and at this time I regret to announce the passing of Most Worshipful Edwin B. Holmes, a Past Grand Master of Massachusetts, one who through the years has given unstintingly of his time and of his thought to the welfare of the Craft. He was a member of our Board of Directors, he was chairman of the House Committee, he was treasurer of the Education and Charity funds. In all these positions he showed himself a man of skill and a man of devotion. We regret his passing more than we can tell, and yet who is there of us that would question the infinite kindness, or call it anything but infinite kindness, when it bids one come from beneath the burden of mortality, come from within the embrace of weakness into the place and life of light and strength. We bid him godspeed.

From Proceedings, Page 1925-57:

Since the last Communication of the Grand Lodge we have been called to part with one of the most distinguished of our Permanent Members. M. W. Bro. Edwin B. Holmes, senior Past Grand Master, died very suddenly on Sunday, the 28th of December. M.W. Bro. Holmes had not been in his usual health for more than a year, but he attended to business up to the very last, and his condition was not such as to cause any immediate anxiety.

His unexpected passing brought a great shock to his many friends and associates in business and in Masonic circles. M.W. Bro. Holmes was Grand Master in 1895 and 1896. From that time on his services to the Grand Lodge were faithful and distinguished. He was one of the hard workers upon whom we relied for important services which were of the utmost value to the Fraternity, but by their nature were little known or understood except by those with whom he was most closely associated. Immediately upon his retirement from the Grand Mastership he became a member of the Board of Directors where he served for many years, and up to the time of his death was Chairman of the House Committee; the sub-committee which has charge of the care and administration of this Temple. He was also for many years the Treasurer of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust. When one realizes that this Board of Trustees administers some fifty-five separate funds running all the way from nearly a half million of dollars down to one hundred dollars, and that each of these funds is kept and administered entirely separately from the others, each having its own individual investments, one realizes somewhat the importance and complexity of the task. The Grand Lodge suffers the ross of one of its most efficient and devoted officials. The Brethren mourn the loss of a wise counselor and faithful friend.

From Proceedings, Page 1925-176:

Edwin Bradford Holmes, senior Past Grand Master of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, died at his home, 33 Winthrop Road, Brookline, on Sunday, December 28, 1924.

He was born in North Abington, Mass., on the 3d of January, 1853. He traced his ancestry back to Thomas Holmes, of CoIchester, England, in the first part of the sixteenth century, whose son John Holmes migrated to this country and is first mentioned in the records of the Plymouth Colony in 1632 as John Holmes, Gent. His great-grandfather, John Holmes, served in the army for eight years during the Revolutionary period and his grandfather served in the War of 1812. His mother's maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Ford.

Brother Holmes was educated in the public schools of Abington and at Easton's Commercial CoIIege in Boston. In 1870 he entered the employ of Coverly, Rogers & Co., wholesale dealers in boots and shoes, as a clerk in the office. In 1872, after the great Boston fire, he was employed by Bachelder & Lincoln, shoe dealers in Dock Square, as clerk in the wholesale department, and on January 1, 1878, became a partner in the firm. He withdrew therefrom on December 31, 1880, and on January 1, 1881, in connection with Horace B. Parker and Edward A. Perkins formed the firm of Parker, Holmes & Co., wholesale boot and shoe dealers, at 141 Federal Street. On December 31, 1888, Mr. Parker retired from the firm and on January 1, 1904, the business was moved to 600 Atlantic Avenue and Mr. Charles A. Perkins and Mr. Edward W. Perkins were admitted as partners. On January 1, 1910, Brother Holmes' son, Edwin P., was admitted as a partner and in 1913 the other interests were purchased and father and son continued. the business thereafter.

Brother Holmes was the first President of the Shoe Wholesalers Association of New England and also the first President of the Shoe Wholesalers Association of the United States, and in addition to his special business he was for years Vice-President and Director of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and a Director of the Boylston National Bank, in both of which positions he was widely recognized for his power and personality. Mr. Holmes had traveled extensively both in this country and in Europe. He was an enthusiastic hunter of big game, having tracked them in the mountains of Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska.

He was a member of the following societies: Algonquin, Exchange, Brae Burn, and Boston Yacht Clubs, the Beacon Society, and the United States Power Boat Squadron.

He was married at North Abington, Mass., January 12, 1880, to Miss Sarah Frances Pratt, daughter of Isaac Reed Pratt and Sarah Wiliiams Ford, and three children were the fruit of this union, Mary Frances, Edwin Pratt, and Francis Bradford.

Brother Holmes' Masonic record was as follows: He received the degrees in Revere Lodge, Boston, in 1875; was elected to membership in that Lodge May 4 of that year; was its Worshipful Master in 1886, and was Treasurer from 1888 to 1894 inclusive. He was exalted in St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter January 3, 1877, and was elected to membership the 7th of February of that year. He received the degrees in Boston Council of Royal and Select Masters and became a member November 22, 1906. He was Knighted in DeMoIay Commandery February 28, 1877, and elected to membership March 28 following; was Eminent Commancler in 1897 and Trustee of the Commandery Fund from 1888 to 1892 inclusive. He received the fourteenth grade in Boston Lodge of Perfection March 25, 1878, the fifteenth and sixteenth grades in Giies F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, April 12, 1878, the seventeenth and eighteenth grades in Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, April 19, 1878, and the nineteenth to thirty-second grades inclusive in Massachusetts Consistory, April 26, 1878. He was crowned as an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, thirty-third degree, at Pittsburgh, September 15, 1896. He received the degree of the Royal Order of Scotland at Boston, September 30, 1912.

Brother Holmes received Honorary Membership in Revere Lodge January 3, 1888, in King Solomon's Lodge September 10, 1895, in the Carbon Lodge No. 2910, England, April 21, 1902, in DeMolay Commandery September 28, 1896, and in St. Bernard Commandery June 12, 1907. He was Deputy Grand Master in 1894 and Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1895 and 1896.

In this Grand Lodge he was first elected a member of the Board of Directors in 1887. In 1906 he became a member of the House Committee on which he served most efficiently up to the time of his death. He was a Trustee of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, having been first elected on March 10, 1892. He was Treasurer of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, first elected October 13, 1911. As a member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the House Committee, as Trustee of Masonic Education and Charity Trust, and as Treasurer of the Board, Brother Holmes' services ended only when he was called from earth.

In behalf of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island he was a member of the Executive Board Triennial Committee of the twenty-sixth Triennial Conclave in 1895 and Chairman of the Committee on Publications. Brother Holmes was a man of marvelous energy, and to whatever cause he espoused he gave of his strength and ability without stint or measure.

His conduct of his extensive business was such as to win the confidence of all with whom he was associated and to establish his well-deserved reputation for integrity. His wide experience equipped him with wisdom in all financial and business affairs and to minute details he gave abundant time and attention. Few men have had the welfare of this Grand Lodge more at heart than he, not only during the term of Grand Mastership, but through the long years that he has served in various capacities. With a weight of responsibilities resting upon him that would have staggered most men his devotion to Masonry was such that nothing that he might do for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was too great or too small to command his full and conscientious service. His duty as a Director or Trustee he considered a sacred trust and he strove to discharge that trust to the very best of his ability.

He has left a large place vacant in the ranks of those who have been most prominent in the administration of our affairs, and the record of his name among those inscribed upon the tablet that preserves the memory of the men to whose wisdom we owe the erection of this Temple in which we meet, will be supplemented by our personal recollection of our association with him in the promotion of the purposes to which we are dedicated as Masons.

His funeral services were held at his home on December 31, many of the officers and members of the Grand Lodge and delegations from the New England Shoe and Leather Association, the Boston Boot and Shoe Club, and the New England Shoe Wholesalers Association attending. Our Grand Master, Rev. Dudley H. Ferrell, and Rev. Ashley D. Leavitt, pastor of the Harvard Congregational Church, officiated and the burial was at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Our earnest sympathy goes out to the family circle from which he has been parted and we shall think of him as freed from his long struggle with pain and illness and welcomed into the joy and peace of the Celestial Grand Lodge where the Infinite Architect of the Universe presides.

Fraternally,
John Albert Blake,
Dana J. Flanders,
Melvin M. Johnson,
Committee.

SPEECHES

AT HALL DEDICATION IN NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, JUNE 1894

From Proceedings, Page 1894-38:

MR. CHAIRMAN AND CITIZENS OF NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH,— The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts is present on this occasion, in response to your invitation and in accordance with a time-honored custom, and has laid "square, level, and plumb," the Cornerstone of the proposed edifice.

Our Fraternity is in sympathy with all that makes for the public good, and is opposed to social disorder and industrial tumult. Whatever is for the social, educational, or moral uplifting of the people, — and brings content, joy and prosperity to our homes, — this Fraternity from time immemorial has approved. Whatever is for the universal good, that helps to educate the masses, that brings the different classes of men to a common ground, that makes for the -betterment of our race, — this Brotherhood gives to it its cordial support. It stands for progress and peace.

The public ceremonies,- which have attended the laying of this Corner-stone have come down to us hallowed by custom and tradition. Through the ages, men have gathered to hold special service at the commencement of a new temple, cathedral, or edifice, and consecrated with corn, wine, and oil, with ritual and prayers, the corner-stone of the proposed structure. In this there has been a recognition of the fact, that these edifices -were intended to serve high and holy purposes,— to be sacred to the highest interests of man, —so to-day we lay this stone, believing that this library building will serve holy purposes in serving the needs and contributing to the pleasure of the people in this town.

In the consecration of this stone we have used the Masonic elements, — corn, wine, and oil. Their use in such service is of the highest antiquity. They were the chief productions of eastern countries, they constituted largely the people's wealth, and David enumerates, corn, wine, and oil among the greatest blessings enjoyed. These elements are symbols of great significance to us. " Wherefore, my Brethren," says Dr.T. M. Harris in his Masonic Discourses, "wherefore do you carry corn, wine, and oil, in your processions, but to remind you that, in the pilgrimage of human, life, you are to impart a portion of your bread to the hungry, to send a cup of your wine to cheer the sorrowful, and to pour the healing oil of your consolation into the wounds which sickness hath made in the bodies, or affliction rent in the hearts of your fellow-travellers."

We bring these elements into this consecration service, as symbolizing the strength, satisfaction, and delight which shall mark the completion of this work. Freely we pour of our symbols upon this stone, freely and abundantly may the blessing of Heaven descend upon the enterprise this day so auspiciously begun.

May this Corner-stone safely rest, a symbol of the permanence of truth and justice.

May the edifice which shall stand upon and over it, pass through its several stages of erection, until the cope-stone of its completion shall be brought forth with "joy and gladness."

May the completed edifice, the Richards' Memorial Library, stand, not simply an ornament to this town, but be the means of great good; may it perpetuate the memory of the virtues of that family whose name it bears, and stand as a monument of filial regard and affection. May its grandest purpose be fully achieved in the continued blessings bestowed upon the present and future generations which shall seek its benefits.

AT HALL DEDICATION IN NAHANT, JULY 1894

From Proceedings, Page 1894-44:

MR. CHAIRMAN AND CITIZENS OF NAHANT: In response to an invitation, extended by the civil authorities of this town, the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is present to lay, in due and ancient form, the corner-stone of a Public Library Building. That duty has been performed, and our Fraternity will regard with interest, the erection, completion, and occupancy of the new structure, whose purpose will be the pleasure and education of the people' who are so fortunate as to reside within the limits of this town. It is one of the smallest, though not the least among the towns of our Commonwealth ; being less than a square mile in area, it is small; but being over seven millions of dollars in valuation,, it ranks among the important towns of our State.

We have just passed the so-called four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Four hundred years have passed since he discovered islands lying at the southeast of us, but his feet never touched the continent of North America. It is interesting now to note the fact that we look out upon waves, where the Norseman sailed nearly nine hundred years ago, and we tread to-day the same promontory, where the Viking landed in the year 1005 of the Christian era. Thorwold, the brave Admiral from the North, looking out from his vessel upon this sea-washed promontory, four hundred years before Columbus was. born, remarked, "Here it is beautiful, and here I should like to fix my dwelling." His wish was gratified, but not in the sense he desired. This became his dwelling-place, and somewhere, beneath our feet, unless washed away by the restless tide, the remains of Thorwold rest. For, when mortally wounded, he said, "This is my death blow; I desire you to depart as soon as possible, but first take my body to the shore, and, bring it upon the promontory before you, where I had. intended to make my abode. I shall now dwell there forever."

For nine hundred years this promontory has been a known land; voyageurs have repeatedly visited it. They have indicated it upon their maps. "Before Blackstone had made his home at Boston, settlers were tilling the soil of Nahant," and the conquest of a continent had begun.

This therefore is an interesting spot, and the flood of historic memories which rises here makes much more interesting the incident that brings us together here to-day.

Our Fraternity, whose history reaches back into the deepest shadows of the past, shares your pride in the history of this promontory, and rejoices with you that the Indian and his wigwam have passed away, and that homes of comfort, means of education, and the blessings of civil and religious liberty have succeeded them.

Freemasonry is wedded to the public good. It favors whatever helps to make better men, better citizens, and more intelligent communities. It seeks to foster, strengthen, and perpetuate the school, the state, the nation, and every means of moral progress. It is opposed to sedition, tumult, discord, and to every wilful violation of established law, whether by the individual, by a race, or by an organization.

The purposes for which this proposed building stands are in heartiest accord with Masonic teachings. Education and good government are intimately related. Ignorance disintegrates all governments. Free public schools and free public libraries are bulwarks of our free government.

It is eminently fitting that we assemble here to-day to lay the Corner-stone of this Public Library Building, because the structure will stand through the passing years, a means of education, and a bulwark of freedom. Its increasing facilities will multiply the opportunities which lead to more useful lives.

It is no small credit to this town, that since 1872, when the first appropriation for the library was made by the town, until this time, the annual appropriation in its behalf has invariably been made by a unanimous vote, and also that the forty thousand dollars appropriated for this new building were unanimously voted. If the interest of the citizens in this institution shall continue, if, with the same unanimity, it is cherished, the good accomplished, not alone for those living, but for the generations which will follow us, will be beyond our computation.

The Corner-stone of this edifice has been duly tried, and is square, level, and plumb. These are, however, but symbols. In the years to come, the real value of this building and of the institution itself, will be tried by the square of virtue, the level of equal rights, and by the plumb of uprightness. May every trial prove the perfection of the building, and the wise administration of the institution.

May no harm come to the workmen, while from quarry or woods they shall prepare the materials for this edifice and raise them to their appointed places. While the waves shall dash upon this shore, may this building and institution stand, a moral light-house, sending forth cheerful beams into every home. May they be a centre of interest and influence in this town, devoted to noble ends, achieving grand purposes, and may the blessing of the Supreme Architect rest upon them now, henceforth, and always.

AT DEDICATION OF BURIAL LOT AND MONUMENT, OCTOBER 1894

From Proceedings, Page 1894-96:

BRETHREN: We have assembled in this "City of the Dead" to discharge an agreeable and a fraternal duty. We come not to place the laurel of victory on a warrior's brow; we gather not with floating banners and gleaming sabres to honor one, brave on the field, great in attainment, rich with gold, or wise in counsel; but a loftier purpose calls us, — that of consecrating this burial lot and dedicating this monument in memory of our Masonic Brothers, their widows and children, whose remains, — life's battle being completed, — shall find their last resting place in the bosom of this consecrated soil. The stranger Brother from foreign shores, whom fortune or misfortune leaves friendless and dead within our jurisdiction; those of our own mystic circle, unable through friendlessness or want to procure Christian burial, and a stone to mark their graves, may find in this consecrated spot a resting place, where Brethren will perform the rites of burial, and fraternal Christian service be accorded.

Masonry is not a Royal Order; Freemasons are not a titled or privileged class, with whom wealth, learning, or blood is the signet of admission. Masonry regards no man for his outward appearance alone. It is composed of all classes of reputable citizens. Hence the prince and the peasant, the bishop and the layman, the millionaire and the poor, the learned and the unlearned, join in fraternal accord in symbolic labor. The distinctions of sect, class and party have sway on the earth, but; at the Masonic altar men kneel in1 one common worship, feel the force and help of a common truth, and are filled with one common hope. Therefore it occurs that some of our Brethren, poor in this world's goods, but rich in faith, need fraternal relief and will need the last office of Christian burial.

The hope, formerly cherished, has now become fact. The anticipation, so long expressed, has its fulfillment today. Let every Brother, poor, friendless, lonely, banish the anxious load from his mind, for here, by the generosity of our esteemed Brother, under the shadow of this beautiful monument, his remains can be laid by fraternal hands, and here they can rest until mother earth has made them again a part of her own dear self.

The earth teems with monuments to the departed. Pyramids, mausoleums, tombs, monuments, alike teach honor to the dead and care of their remains. Throughout earth's broad expanse, as universal as civilized life, so universal are these monuments in memory of the departed. They were erected to commemorate renowned kings, victorious warriors, famous scholars, distinguished statesmen, discoverers, inventors and others of less renown, but where are the monuments to the poor and friendless? Those, successful in life have graves marked by granite, shaft or less pretentious stone; but what marks the resting-place of the unsuccessful? Who builds monuments out of regard for those whose efforts have produced no material, gain?

I t is therefore without the shadow of a. boast,, that I recall to your minds, that this Monument is for the poor, friendless and unsuccessful. It is dedicated to the memory of worthy Brothers who but for this great, thoughtful generosity might be borne by profane hands to some obscure spot and be buried in an unknown, if not a pauper's grave.

This is the great glory of the day's event. Now none of our worthy Brothers can be so poor as to have nowhere to lay his head when he lies down in the sleep of death. Now the wide ocean may separate a Brother from his Masonic home, his loved ones and kindred may be far away beyond the mountains, a stranger in a strange land he may be, still if he die in our midst, he may be assured that in a known grave, carefully watched over through the passing years, his remains will lie undisturbed.

This Monument is erected because Masonry exists; it is the legitimate outgrowth of principles which are the foundation of our Order. It stands a fitting symbol of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These principles are manifested in the Mason's heart most strongly toward the cheerless, needy and depressed. He best bears his burden who assists to bear another's. This Monument proclaims that the high and low, rich and poor, constitute one family, who are to aid, support and protect each other. It declares that it is incumbent on Masons to relieve distress, soothe the unhappy, sympathize with their misfortunes, compassionate their miseries, wipe away the tears of the afflicted and bestow funeral rites upon their worthy dead, ever joining, to promote each other's welfare and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

Grand as this Monument is; beautiful as its sculptured and polished surface is, yet more grand, more beautiful is that spirit of charity displayed by our Brother who conceived and completed this work. It is meet that I should thus publicly express the sincere thanks of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts for this beautiful and useful gift. His charitable works are many, but perhaps in none is, the truly Masonic spirit more signally displayed. This Monument will perpetuate the memory and names of those whose remains will be buried in this Lot, but by this act of kindness, mercy, and charity our Brother is erecting a monument in the hearts of our Fraternity that will last from generation to generation. When marble and granite shall have crumbled to dust, faithful breasts will retain the memory of his unstinted charity. Accept, therefore, beloved Brother,- our sincere gratitude, and be assured that those to come after us, who will be blessed by this day's achievement, will hold in grateful hearts the name and memory of Brother John Hoffman Collamore.

In conclusion: behold this consecrated structure! Translate its polished sides and towering summit! Bear hence with you, graven on your hearts, the lessons that they teach. The square and compasses, the Bible and letter "G," combined, show us the way of duty, peace and happiness on earth; the hour-glass impresses us with truth we learn but do not realize, — too soon "they are all exhausted;" the All-seeing Eye beholds without, within, and "will reward us according to our merits," and the urn, which signifies the repository of all that's mortal, is surmounted by the sprig of acacia, — symbol of the soul which shall never, never die.

"A century hence, some pilgrim on his way
Perchance may pass this consecrated spot,
And as he looks upon this stone will say,
'The humbler ones of earth are not forgot.'

" Our loving deed; O Architect Divine,
In Thy good pleasure graciously approve;
That this fraternal act will ever shine,
A star of beauty in the sky of love."

NOTES

CHARTERS GRANTED

• 03/13/1895 Springfield, Springfield

RULINGS

• 1895

Grand Masters