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BAALIS SANFORD 1833-1909

Senior Grand Warden, 1887
Grand Master, 1903-1905

TERM

1903 1904 1905

SPEECHES

From Proceedings, Page 1905-34, at the dedication of the hall of Quinebaug Lodge, Southbridge, March 14, 1905:

BRETHREN: The purpose for which we assembled has been accomplished. These apartments, so beautiful in proportion, so elegant in design, so convenient and useful, have been formally dedicated to Masonic use and Masonic principles. They have been set apart and solemnly consecrated as the Masonic Home of Quinebaug Lodge. Here its members will gather from time to time; here the beautiful ritual of our Order will be often repeated, friendships renewed and strengthened. Men of diverse temperaments will be brought.into social and intimate relations. The barriers of church and creed and political parties will be thrown down, and every Brother will stand upon a common level.

Man is created a social being; he craves society and. companionship. His greatest need on earth is friendship, constant, true and helpful — and Masonry multiplies friendships. Its quality, like that of mercy, is not strained, it blesses him who gives and him who takes.

Masonic friendship is builded on principle; it is lasting as life; it is stronger than death; it rejoices with us amid the sunshine, but it clings more closely still when the storm comes, and when darkness and sorrow encompass us it forgets self to shelter and protect the crushed and troubled one. A Masonic Lodge-room is a school, where wise and serious truths are inculcated, and which has as many departments as a university. The mind and its growth, the heart and its aspirations, are all subjects of Masonic care and teaching — leading the thoughtful candidate into nearly every avenue of human knowledge, inspiring him to press forward in his desires to drink from the deeper fountains of knowledge and wisdom, and encouraging him to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of creation and inspiring him with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of his Divine Creator.

The Lodge-room is a place unlike any found elsewhere for heart rest and freedom from the wearisome toils of life; a place where all the Fraternity may come and find social union and needed strength, leaving behind the vexatious cares and perplexities of the outside world with which, in our active lives, we are obliged to maintain a continual warfare, and can come to this haven of rest and peace and give our minds up to the contemplation of fundamental truths, and appreciate the full significance of that first Masonic lesson from God's Holy Word —: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity " — and, by witnessing the oft repeated portrayal of the tenets of our profession, our souls become wedded to brotherly love, relief and truth, and as we listen to the recital of the Cardinal Virtues we long to possess them, and to weave them into our daily lives and conduct.

And this, Brethren, is the aim and object of all Masonic teaching. Masonry is not confined within the four walls of a Lodge-room; it is not rich and costly furnishings, it is not our forms and ceremonies, nor the repeating of our ritual, that give to a Lodge its vitality, and usefulness, but it is putting into practice in our lives, in the circles in which we move, the great principles and the lofty ideals which Masonry inculcates by its teachings; to be true and faithful to all the duties which come to us in civic life, to every virtue in moral life, and to the highest and noblest aspirations in the religious life — to be true to one another, to be true to ourselves.

Remember that beautiful and fitting as is your Temple it is a means to an end. As you assemble in these rooms month after month, may our impressive ritual never fall on careless or inattentive ears, but may it animate your hearts with a firmer determination to illustrate in your lives the great truths which it is our aim to perpetuate.

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts rejoices with you as you enter upon a new era in your Masonic life, and commends the zeal and devotion and harmony which have made possible your occupancy of this beautiful Masonic home. It is gratifying evidence of growth, and progress and prosperity and enthusiasm. Strive, Brethren, to put forth your best efforts in continuing to strengthen and perpetuate your Lodge. Be steadfast in upholding and encouraging its officers by your presence, your means and your work.

It is upon the personal character of individual members that the success and position of your Lodge depends; and personal character is the sum of your daily lives; little by little it is builded up until it stands out before the world like a beautiful statue to be admired for the beauty and harmony of its lines or condemned for its rough and unsightly presence. Quinebaug Lodge has a sure and brilliant future before it. Let us hope that in the coming years it may pursue the same conservative course that has marked the past and that only good men and true may gain admission through its doors to our ancient and honorable Fraternity.

From Proceedings, Page 1905-45, at the Centennial of Amicable Lodge, June 6, 1905:

WORSHIPFUL MASTER AND BRETHREN OF AMICABLE LODGE: The officers of the Grand Lodge here assembled fraternally acknowledge your cordial and brotherly welcome to a place and a seat within the golden circle of mystic brotherhood, and to the interesting pleasures and delights which this occasion affords. We reciprocate the kindly sentiments conveyed by your greetings, and congratulate you all upon the arrival of this Centennial Anniversary birthday of Amicable Lodge.

We have come here to-day at your request to participate with you in the services and festivities commemorative of this happy event, the culmination of many hopes and bright anticipations. We bring to you the good will of the Grand Lodge, and fraternal sympathy in this glad hour of hope and confidence, and whatever of word or act we can contribute towards making the occasion a never-to-be-forgotten one will be cheerfully given.

Centuries are but man-made milestones, at which humanity stands, reviewing the past, contemplating the present, and endeavoring, if possible, to catch some glimpse of that brighter and better future to which we all look hopefully forward. Happy, indeed, are they who find themselves justly proud of their progress and success, and feel that unspeakable satisfaction which is derived only from duty well done, merit justly achieved and honor bravely won.

To the members of Amicable Lodge its past history is full of pleasant and sacred memories, the present holds happiness abundant, while the future beckons you onward towards a horizon tinged with the most roseate colors. As the official representative of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, I take pleasure in receiving from your hands this venerable charter for my inspection. It bears unmistakable evidence of age, and the finger of time has been busy with indelible results. It is indeed a priceless document. It has been the legal authority by virtue of which the business of Amicable Lodge has been transacted during a period of a hundred years. It has passed through many and varied vicissitudes. It has been in danger of loss and destruction, and almost defeat, but it has been happily preserved from all these misfortunes, and to-day is carefully and sacredly guarded and highly prized as a valuable memento of the past.

The Grand Master who affixed his signature to this parchment a hundred years ago was Isaiah Thomas, a man of unusual attainments and noble character, whose name adds lustre to the history of our Fraternity in America, and who took an active and prominent part in the struggles of the Revolution, and as an author and journalist did much to incite the people to resistance against the oppressive laws of England.

He was born in Boston Jan. 19, 1749. He came from a long line of reputable English ancestry, and was early thrown upon his own resources, owing to reverses in his father's family, being apprenticed to a printer in Boston when six years of age. Deprived of the benefit of school education, he taught himself, and by close and severe application and improving the few opportunities which presented themselves, he became in a few years a fluent speaker and a lucid writer, overcoming obstacles where others would have faltered. He was crowned in his years of manhood with a success of which any man might well be proud, and in the hour of our country's need, when brave and stalwart men were called for her defence, he shrank not from duty, but took his place in the ranks on the streets of Lexington and performed heroic deeds of valor.

He was for many years a very useful and valuable member of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, and for four years, 1805, 1806, 1807, and 1809, served as its Grand Master. He died April 4, 1831, full, of years and honors, leaving to posterity a name and character which will ever be remembered and cherished.

Simon Eliot was Deputy Grand Master, Joseph Laughton was Senior Grand Warden, John Soley was Junior Grand Warden and John Proctor was Grand Secretary. These men were foremost in their day and generation, who were deeply interested and active in our Order, and identified with noble and unselfish achievements for the benefit of their fellow-men. The nineteen names of Brethren which grace and adorn the charter of Amicable Lodge are synonymous with honor, bravery, benevolence and patriotism — names which will never die, but will shine resplendent down through the ages for their lives grandly lived.

Time in its ceaseless course has rounded out a full century since this little company of good men and true, (some of whom had participated in the struggles and stirring events of the Revolutionary War), received from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts this charter authorizing and empowering them to convene as a Masonic Lodge in the town of Cambridge. Little did they realize how well they were building and that upon the foundations, so deeply and firmly laid, would arise an institution around which would cluster the remembrance of deeds of benevolence, charity and love, whose life of one hundred years we, their successors, should meet to celebrate.

They reared a Temple in this community which withstood the malice and hatred of ignorance and persecution during the dark days of anti-Masonry. Its enemies did their best to tear it from its foundation. The poisoned arrows of prejudice and hate were hurled against its shield of truth. But does not the fact that Masonry passed through these most trying ordeals and came forth unscathed and victorious prove that it is not of the earth, but rather that it is founded on principles as immovable as the everlasting hills — upon grand truths which lead men ever onward and upward even to the throne of the Infinite? One hundred years of seed time and harvest, of sunshine and storm have passed.

What wonderful changes have been wrought in this vicinity and among its inhabitants — these honored Brethren who labored so valiantly and well have long since gone to their reward, but the results of their labors, influence and examples in forming and moulding the characters and lives of those men who, in the early history of this fair city, were active and foremost in promoting education, good government and every good work still remain, and we to-day are enjoying the blessed fruits thereof, and generations of Masons yet unborn will rise up and call them blessed.

Worshipful Master, as its lawful custodian, I gladly return to you this charter, with the confident belief that what was at the first intrusted to worthy hands, still reposes in hands as worthy, and is cherished by hearts as true and trustworthy as at any previous time.

Brethren, the sands in the hour glass of the century are nearly run — the record of Amicable Lodge for a hundred years is finished and about to be closed. As on the morrow you turn a fair, clean page on which to record the deeds of another, century, may the historian at its end write of us, and the coming generations, what we can say in truth of those whom we succeed : "Well done, good and faithful Brothers, they builded well, yea,, better than they knew."

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, 1909-145:

Baalis Sanford was born in East Bridgewater Oct. 4, 1833. He died in Boston, at the Hotel Brunswick, Nov. 12, 1909.

He will be long remembered as one of whom it may well be said:

"He wore the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience."

In the various positions of honor and responsibility which he so ably filled, his unfailing courtesy and his gentleness won all hearts, and it is a must precious heritage to his friends to know that not one honored with his friendship has aught but the kindest words of hie career among them.

He was the son of Baalis and Lucy (Burt) Sanford. He descended from good old revolutionary stock, his paternal grandfather, Captain Joseph Sanford, having been an officer in the war of the revolution.

He was married Aug. 19, 1856, to Miss Lucy Cotton Hapgood, of Brockton, who died Nov. 25, 1908. Three children blessed this union, two of whom died in infancy; the survivor, a daughter, Miss Irene G. Sanford.

Most Worshipful Brother Sanford received his education in the common schools of his native town, and in the East Bridgewater and Bridgewater Academies.

He began his business life as bookkeeper April 2l, 1851, with Robinson & Barry of Brockton. Feb. 1, 1858, he was admitted a member of the firm of H. W. Robinson & Co., and, upon the retirement, of Mr. Robinson March 1m 1890, he became the head of the firm and its financial manager until his death.

He was prominent in all that concerned the interests of Brockton, as is shown by the many positions of trust to which he was called.

• He was a member and secretary of the Brockton School Board from 1875 to 1885 inclusive.
• He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 18?8, his committee being that on Mercantile Affairs, where he gave good service.
• He was city auditor of Brockton 1882 to 1894 inclusive.
• He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1881, reappointed in 1888, again in 1895 and 1902.
• He was the first president of the Security Cooperative Loan Fund Association in 1878.
• He was treasurer of the Brockton Gas Light Company in 1886 and 1887.
• He had a lively and active interest in the Brockton Agricultural Society. and was elected a director in 1888 and its secretary in November, 1897, which position he held at the time of his death.
• He was elected a director in the Wales Home for Old Ladies in 1898.
• He served the Brockton Commercial Club as secretary and treasurer from 1883 to 1896.
• He was elected president of the Brockton Savings Bank in 1892, which position he held at the time of his death.

He began his Masonic life and career in Paul Revere Lodge, receiving the Entered Apprentice degree March 29, 1864; Fellow Craft, April 26; and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason May 24, 1864. He was Senior Warden Dec. 26, 1865, to Dec. 24, 1867, and Worshipful Master from December, 1867, to Dec. 7, 1869.

He was Grand Sword-Bearer of this Grand Lodge in 1877, Grand Pursuivant in 1878 and District Deputy Grand Master in 1882, 1883 and 1884. He was elected Senior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge Dec. 8, 1886, and Most Worshipful Grand Master Dec. 10, 1902; and reelected in 1903 and 1904. He was elected a trustee of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust in 1905 and held this office at the time of his decease.

He received the Capitular Degrees in Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter of Abington in 1865. He held the positions of Principal Sojourner' Captain of the Host and Scribe in this Chapter. In 1869 he demitted to become s charter member of Satucket Royal Arch Chapter of Brockton and served as its High Priest from Dec. 3, 1869, until December, l872, when be was elected Treasurer, which position he held until December, 1881. In the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts he served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1876, 1877 and 1878, and in December, 1878 he was elected Grand Scribe and became a permanent member.

Dec. 10, 1907, Companion and Brother Sanford was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, was reelected in 1908 aud held the position at the time of his death.

He received the Cryptic Degrees in Abington Council in 1869 and membership in 1870. He demitted in 1873. He became charter member of Brockton Council in 1884 and was the first Recorder. Later he held the positions of Conductor, Captain of the Guard, Principal Conductor of the Work, Deputy Master, and was elected Thrice Illustrious Master in 1895 and reelected in 1896. He was elected Grand Principal Conductor of the Work of the Most Illustrious Grand Council in 1897, Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1899 and' reelected in 1900 and 190l, and became a permanent member of the General Grand Council of the United States.

He received the Orders of Knighthood in Old Colony Commandery No. 15 in 1866 and served this Commandery as Junior Warden, Captain General and Generalissimo. June 12, 1874, he demitted to become a charter member of Bay State Commandery No. 38. He was its first Generalissimo; and its Eminent Commander from October, 18?5, to October, l878, and Recorder from October, 1878, to October, 1892, inclusive. He was Grand Captain of the Guard of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1884. He was elected President of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Knights Templars Comrnanders in 1906.

He received the Thirty-second Degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Massachusetts Consistory March 27, l970, and became a life member. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector-General and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree, Sept. 15, 1903.

Thus, briefly, we have portrayed the service given by our Most Worshipful Brother, Baalis Sanford, as taken from a record prepared by his own hand.

His funeral was held in the Congregational Church in Brockton on Friday, November 19. Business was almost wholly suspended, for his death was indeed a personal loss to the whole community. The Masonic services were conducted by the officers of Paul Revere Lodge in a most impressive manner. The Rev. Bro. F. A. Warfield, a former pastor, delivered a touching eulogy, from which in closing we quote:

We have the comfort of a memory which will not let go the really valuable in his life, of an affection that is kept aglow with the cheer which he imparted and which enshrines him in our hearts, from which he shall never be removed. What he gave to others lives now that he is gone. What he really was continues now that life's course is run.

Fraternally submitted,

M.W. John Albert Blake,
M.W. Edwin B. Holmes,
Wor. Merton S. Gurney,
Committee.

NOTES

CHARTERS GRANTED

• 09/14/1904 Shanghai, Shanghai, China
• 09/14/1904 Pei-he, Tientsin, China
• 09/14/1904 Sinim, Shanghai, China

RULINGS

• 1904

Grand Masters