GMSanford
Contents
BAALIS SANFORD 1833-1909
Senior Grand Warden, 1887
Grand Master, 1903-1905
TERM
SPEECHES
HALL DEDICATION IN BROOKFIELD, 1904
From Proceedings, Page 1904-39, at the dedication of the hall of Hayden Lodge, May 10, 1904:
In accordance with the invitation extended to the Officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, we have solemnly dedicated these Halls agreeably to Masonic usage, and to the practice of Masonry, of Virtue and of Universal Benevolence: and in behalf of the Grand Lodge, I desire to express to you their interest and pleasure, and to congratulate you on the completion, utility and convenient arrangement of these apartments. They cannot fail to forcibly and favorably affect the future life of your Lodge and to enlarge the influence for good, which will radiate from this new Masonic home.
This Hall with all its beautiful adornments and furniture, is dedicated to serve great and noble ends. Around this consecrated altar, the grand truths of Freemasonry will be inculcated, and the beautiful lessons taught in our ritual portrayed and explained to the minds of men: and advancing step by step, the earnest seekers after more and further light, will be admonished to practice the moral law, the beatitudes, the Golden Rule, and those divine precepts which ennoble humanity: and to aim towards that state of perfection, at which we may all arrive by a faithful and prudent use of the opportunities which surround us.
The symbolic degrees of Masonry are a beautiful and glowing picture of human life. As an Entered Apprentice, man sets forth in the morning of life, taking his place among his fellows, and weaving the pattern of his own character: he goes on, until as a Fellow-craft, he reaches the period of manhood, where he is beset by temptations, trials, and difficulties, and is taught, that clothed in the armor of virtue he may resist the temptations, cast aside the misfortunes, and rise triumphantly above them all. As a Master-Mason, he beholds man in the sere and yellow leaf, when he looks upon the sunset of life, and patiently and calmly -waits the approaching night.
The best and most lasting results to be obtained from the rendering of our ritual, are produced by the quiet, impressive, intelligent and dignified translation of the great principles therein contained. It is this which leaves its impress upon the minds of candidates, which gives birth to new resolves and aspirations: elevates the moral aim, and encourages and develops men, mentally, and religiously, as they struggle with temptations and allurements of vice in the great conflict of life and prepares them to reap the harvest which life has in store for them in the future which awaits them.
Freemasonry stands for the love and service of God. It stands for peace, for obedience to civil authority. It stands for loyalty, for a larger and broader patriotism—and we should, as an Institution, stand firmly for upright conduct and character, for all that is pure and clean, and true to the best interests of. humanity; We may felicitate ourselves upon this important event: creating a new epoch in the life of Hayden Lodge: and every true lover of Masonry, will hail with delight this additional evidence of growth and vitality of this branch of our Institution in the beautiful town of Brookfield.
Let me exhort you, Brethren, in this eventful period of your Masonic life to cherish a high ideal of the Masonic character, and to render faithful service to all the duties required of you. May the precepts of our Order, which will often be impressed upon your minds by frequent repetitions, bear blessed fruit in your lives.
Remember, that through the centuries they have won the love and reverence of the great and good men whose honored names are written upon our rolls of fame, and which have strengthened and animated and encouraged-them to noble and patriotic deeds. So may it be with you, Brethren: and may this beautiful Masonic home, which you have erected here with so much taste and liberality, ever be the abiding place of pure morality, large hearted charity and genuine brotherhood. The Grand Lodge heartily commends the zeal and energy and harmony with which you have accomplished these noble results, and they sincerely hope that the same earnest and laudable spirit which has prompted you in making these efforts, will be perpetuated in the years which lie before you, and that this active, energetic and prosperous community may receive the moral and social benefits to be derived from a flourishing Masonic Lodge, and that the grand principles of our Institution, as exemplified in the lives of all true Brethren, may exalt and purify the entire life of this town. And the thought comes to me in connection with this interesting occasion, that every one of us is building a structure each for himself. It is called character: and every act of our lives is a stone.
If day by day we are careful to add to the building pure, noble, and upright deeds, at the end will stand a fair temple honored of God and man. These several deeds unite to form a day, and one by one, the days grow into noble years; the years as they slowly and silently move into the shadows of the past, will raise for us a beautiful and enduring edifice to our praise.
Characters are made up of countless acts and efforts. Every single day these myriad forces are building, building: it is an edifice that must stand and the inspired word warns us to take heed how we build it: to see that we have a foundation that will endure, to make sure that we are building on it, not for the hour in which we live, but for that hour when we shall be seen just as we are.
God gives the mind, man makes the character. The mind is the garden, character is the fruit: the mind is the white page, character is the writing we put upon it. The Institution of Freemasonry furnishes the natural soil, where the seeds of all the graces, which make noble character if properly tended and cultivated, will spring up to beautify and gladden humanity. It has the keys to unlock those hidden sources from which all our noblest impulses have their life.
As you meet around this consecrated altar from month to month, may you catch from the inspiration of these sacred hours, something that you can carry with you into the every-day duties of life, which will make the world better. A sweet singer in Israel has beautifully written: "Let there be many windows to your soul: that all the glory of the universe may beautify it. Not the narrow pane of one poor creed can catch the radiant rays that shine from countless sources. Tear away the blinds of superstition: let the light pour through fair windows, broad as truth itself, and high as God. Tune your ear to all the wordless music of the stars, and the voice of nature: and your heart shall turn to truth and goodness as the plant turns to the sun."
Brethren, may your Lodge continue to flourish, your union to strengthen and your happiness to abound: and when we have completed our service here in this earthly temple, may we all be admitted within the Celestial Lodge above where happiness will be endless as it is perfect, to go no more out forever.
CORNER-STONE LAYING IN NAHANT, 1904
From Proceedings, Page 1904-77, Corner-stone laying of a high school in Nahant, July 28, 1904:
BRETHREN AND FRIENDS: With much pleasure do I welcome you to the ceremony of this time honored and universal custom, which dates back to the earliest times of the world's history, and is made venerable with age.
Centuries ago, in the far away East, with similar rites, the Corner-stones of monuments, of Temples and public buildings were laid; and the Grand Cathedrals of the middle ages were begun and consecrated with practically the .same forms and observances, and in our time, this custom and this ceremony prevails in every civilized country throughout the globe. The antiquity and universality of this long established practice increase its interest and make us fee! that human hearts are allied by nature the wide world over.
In accordance with this custom, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, represented by its officers, is very glad to accept your invitation and by its presence on this occasion to express its interest and its hearty endorsement of every enterprise which tends to promote the public good. Whatever helps to make, better men, better citizens and more intelligent communities is in heartiest accord with Masonic principles and, teachings. We are glad to perform the important and interesting service of laying the Corner-stone of this building, which in the years to come is destined to be the centre of educational activity in this beautiful town of culture and wealth, fanned by the pure ozone of ocean breezes, and which marks a new epoch in the life of this community.
At the completion of this structure, will be gathered within its walls from year to year, the hopes and pledges of happy homes and good government for your town and state, and whose hands, as time speeds on, will wield the sceptre of power and influence and responsibility in the years to come; therefore it behooves its citizens, as patriots, as well as parents, to fit them for the high sovereignty to which they are born. And this spacious building is to help you in that direction; for education and good government go hand in hand and are intimately associated together. Free public schools and free public libraries are the bulwarks of free government.
We love our homes, we love our state, we love our country; and this three-fold love consecrates every school-house in our land to the service of patriotism, invests every faithful teacher with the dignity and nobility of statesmanship) and seeks to make of every school-boy and every school-girl a worthy American citizen. Truly the school-house is to the town and the state what the stone which has now been laid with appropriate ceremonies will be to this building. It is the grand head-stone of the corner upon which rests our prosperity, individually and. as a nation; and in conjunction with the church forms the only sure and strong foundation on which American Representative Government can safely and permanently rest.
And so we trust that from this seminary of learning, will go forth from year to year, not only such as will be imbued with loyalty to country, strong in the great principles of freedom and equality, but such as will be imbued with loyalty to truth, such as will be strong in those permanent and hopeful principles which are embodied in noble manhood and noble womanhood. May this motto be inscribed in letters of gold, on the banner which shall float from this edifice, "Workers are Winners." To such high and holy purposes do we consecrate this Cornerstone, and this projected building.
May the blessing of an all wise and all loving Father, attend the erection of this school building, and as stone shall rise above stone, into one complete and symmetrical whole, may the fondest anticipations of the citizens of this little town be fully realized. While the restless waves of old ocean shall beat and dash against this rock-ribbed shore, may this building remain, a beacon light, with foundations firmly grounded in this solid rock, whose bright and cheering rays, radiating from this centre, shall enter and gladden every home; and may its sweet influences and teachings bless this community from generation to generation.
HALL DEDICATION IN SOUTHBRIDGE, 1905
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.
CENTENNIAL IN CAMBRIDGE, 1905
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 promin
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
