GoldenRule2

GOLDEN RULE LODGE

Location: Wakefield

Chartered By: Henry Endicott

Charter Date: 12/12/1888 1888-258

Precedence Date: 01/28/1888

Current Status: Active

The Lodge of Stirling merged here, 05/27/2005.

PAST MASTERS

William D. Deadman, 1888, 1889
Richard S. Stout, 1890, 1891
Arlon S. Atherton, 1892, 1893
James Driver, 1894, 1895
Walter F. Perkins, 1896, 1897
Erastus D. Weston, 1898, 1899
Edward A. Wilkins, 1900, 1901
Charles B. Bowman, 1902, 1903
Albert W. Flint, 1904, 1905
William P. Shepard, 1906, 1907
Mortimer L. Harris, 1908
William F. Deadman, 1909; N
William S. Dennison, 1910, 1911
Henry L. Hall, 1912
Thomas F. Ringer, 1913
William H. Tay, 1914, 1915
William O. Abbott, 1916, 1917
Forrest A. Seavey, 1918, 1919
Elmer C. Richardson, 1920, 1921
William F. Gerry, 1922, 1923
Edward Barker, 1924
George W. Fifield, 1925
T. Fulton Parks, 1926
Arthur S. Hill, 1927
J. Kenneth MacDonald, 1928
Lauren L. McMaster, 1929; Mem
Ned C. Loud, 1930
Cyrus M. Dolbeare, 1931; SN
Roy A. Hovey, 1932; N
Irving F. Ridlon, 1933
George E. Potter, 1934
Joseph A. Hines, 1935
John B. Sawyer, 1936
Leonard M. Daly, 1937
Andrew W. Hutchinson, 1938
R. Edgar Fisher, 1939
Colby L. Burbank, 1940
H. Prescott Boyce, 1941
Everett S. Webster, 1942
Robert H. MacDonald, 1943
Louis F. Andrews, 1944
Allston Van Wagner, 1945
William A. Rattray, 1946
Harvey P. Morrison, 1947
Carl I. Cheever, 1948
Roland B. Oliver, 1949
Lawrence Davis, 1950
Eugene A. Wall, 1951
Loren B. Sjostrom, 1952
George D. Rattray, 1953
John B. Walsh, 1954
Fred S. Morrison, 1955
Walter E. Cole, 1956
Charles F. Maxfield, 1957; N
L. Burnham Davis, 1958
Albert C. Loubris, 1959
Paul W. Cameron, 1960
James E. Hewes, 1961
Thomas E. Clague, 1962
Leonard F. Guerrette, 1963
Ronald A. Robinson, 1964
Ralph G. Eames, 1965
Marshall G. Bibber, 1966
Edward J. Hennessey, 1967
Webster P. Jackson, 1968
Stewart I. Ryder, 1969; SN
Thomas F. Cook, 1970
Arthur White, Jr., 1971
Kendall M. Dolbeare, 1972
Robert E. Tyler, 1973
George E. Pedersen, 1974
Ernest L. Foss, 1975
George W. Beers, 1976
Arthur R. Melvin, 1977
Roderick R. Chitty, 1978
Melvin R. Bowen, 1979
Bradford L. Chetwynd, 1980
William A. Pollman, 1981
Paul E. Morrison, 1982
Gerald W. Izzett, 1983
William E. Chetwynd, 1984
Paul D. Watts, 1985
Brian W. Goss, 1986
Bradford H. Pottle, 1987
Chester C. McPhail, 1988
David L. Blankenship, 1989
Donald J. Dennehy, 1990
Kenneth P. Lowry, 1991
John D. Silva, 1992
James M. Clark, 1993
Alex Olson, 1994
Kenneth A. Durkee, 1995
James G. Ward, 1996
Laurence D. Collins, 1997
Donald C. Smith, 1998
Eric J. Rzepka, 1999
George Bibilos, 2000
Keith D. Pollman, 2001
Robert D. Frechette, 2002
Michael E. Petz, 2003
Michael J. Gatanti, 2004
Henry M. Tanner, 2005
William G. Watt, 2006
James Analetto, 2007
William J. Watt, 2008
Timothy B. Bertrand, 2009
Scott T. Jareo, 2010; DDGM
Patrick M. Fennelly, 2011
Edward W. Vossler, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

Petition for Dispensation: 1888
Petition for Charter: 1888
Consolidation Petition (with The Lodge of Stirling): 2005

ANNIVERSARIES

1938 (50th Anniversary)
1963 (75th Anniversary)
1988 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

1888 (Endicott; 2 visits, including Constitution of Lodge and installation (01/10/1889))
1889 (Endicott; installation; this is the same visit as the second one recorded in 1888)
1898 (Gallagher; at Young's Hotel in Boston; mentioned in history below)
1907 (Blake)
1909 (Flanders)
1923 (Ferrell; Ladies' Night)
1938 (Perry; 50th Anniversary)
1963 (Osgood; 75th Anniversary)
1964 (Osgood; cornerstone laying)
1965 (Osgood; hall dedication)
1965 (Jaynes; St. John's Sunday)
1965 (Maxwell)
1988 (Ames; Centenary)
1994 (Lovering; 50 year medal to Wor. Loren B. Sjostrom)
2005 (Hodgdon; consolidation with The Lodge of Stirling)
2011 (Stewart; reception for Deputy Grand Master George Bibilos)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1901 1903 1912 1920 1921 1924 1926 1927 1930 1932 1940 1947 1949 1951 1952 1961 1962 1966 1967 1969 1971 1974 1982 1984 1988 1990 1995 2001 2008 2011

HISTORY

1938 (50th Anniversary History, 1938-3)
1963 (75th Anniversary History, 1963-4)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JANUARY 1938

From Proceedings, Page 1938-1:

Highlights of "The First Fifty Years"'

A condensed History of Golden Rule Lodge compiled by Brother Harris M. Dolbeare.

INTRODUCTION: OLD MOUNT MORIAH LODGE

Previous to revealing the past of Golden Rule Lodge it is fitting and proper that reference should be made to Mount Moriah Lodge which was instituted in Reading before South Reading, now Wakefield, was set apart as a separate town. Very Iittle authentic history concerning the lodge is available either at the Grand Lodge Library or elsewhere. The Lodge was probably instituted in 1798. In 1812, when South Reading was incorporated, the Grand Lodge approved the continuante of meetings in the original location, but under the identification of South Reading instead of Reading. Reading Masons immediately petitioned for the formation of a new Masonic Lodge to meet in that town. The petition was acted on favorably, but it does not appear that any Lodge was ever started.

Mount Moriah Lodge held meetings in the old Lafayette House, now known as the Col. James Hartshorne House, just to the West of this meeting place, it having been restored and opened for public use for several years now.

It is known that there was considerable anti-Masonic sentiment in this section about 100 years ago, and at times meetings were undoubtedly held at homes of members. This probably accounts for the absence of records. Most of the paraphernalia belonging to the Lodge has evidently disappeared, although it is stated "unofficially" that the jewels now worn by Wyoming Lodge, of Melrose, are those used by the old Mount Moriah officers. A number of interesting articles are still in existence, however, some of which belong to Golden Rule Lodge.

The date of the dissolution of the Lodge is also very uncertain. Although records at the Grand Lodge Library noted that a Brother represented Mount Moriah Lodge at a Grand Lodge session as late as December 27th 1848, newspaper accounts and other records have noted that the Lodge passed out of existence at varying dates, including 1812, 1835 and 1842.

In 1915 Grand Secretary Frederick W. Hamilton composed a very comprehensive article on "The Period of Persecution" bearing on Masonry in the early 19th century, and considering the hectic years described by the author it may readily be imagined why records are incomplete or missing, besides the mystery incident to anything Masonic, at that period, either in South Reading or anywhere else.

FORMATION AND EARLY DAYS OF GOLDEN RULE LODGE

We learn from local Masonic tradition that it was in the hearts of a group of Wakefield members of the Fraternity to form a Lodge in Wakefield in the late '80's to enable them to enjoy fraternal meetings without being obliged to travel in "foreign countries." It happens that a Mason, both in name and affiliation, Bro. Willis S. Mason, called a meeting under date of November 7, 1887, for a gathering which was held on November 21, when the interests of local Masonry were discussed, About 25 attended and it was voted to secure as many signatures as possible in order to present a petition to the Grand Lodge.

The second meeting was held December 12, when it was voted to adopt the name of Wakefield Lodge. This name did not suit others, evidently, for at a meeting December 30 three names were suggested: Golden Rule, Endicott, and John Hart. Eleven votes favored Golden Rule and seven Endicott, and it was then unanimously voted to name the baby Golden Rule Lodge. There were 55 names on the petition sent to the Grand Lodge.

The first regular communication was held February 9, 1888, in Odd Fellows Hall. The officers were as follows:

Wor. Master, William D. Deadman
Senior Warden, Richard S. Stout
Junior Warden, Arlon S. Atherton
Treasurer, Everett W. Eaton
Secretary, Willis S. Mason
Chaplain, John G. Morrill
Marshal, Stillman J. Putney
Senior Deacon, William B. Daniel
Junior Deacon, Ruel P. Buzzell
Senior Steward, Horace W. Dalrymple
Junior Steward, Charles T. Harrington
Tyler, John F. Whiting

At this first meeting, six applications for membership were received. Wor. Master Deadman announced that Odd Fellows Hall had been secured for the second Thursday evening in the month, at $4.00 per night. This arrangement, as tenants of the Odd Fellows, with the exception of the rate, has continued throughout the years. The attendance at the first meeting was 35.

At the second regular communication on March 8, 1888, seven applications were received, including that of Bro. Elwin I. Purrington, who is the only surviving member among the 24 Brethren admitted by the Lodge, U. D. He is now in Florida, where he has spent his Winters in recent years. (Incidentally, particular recognition of our veteran members-those joining the Lodge previous to 1900 - will be made following this reading.)

Preliminary business was transacted at earlier meetings of the Lodge during the first year. The sublime degree of Master Mason was first conferred at the 4th regular communication, May 10, 1888, on four candidates. The first official visitation was on October 29, 1888, when 135 attended.

The ceremonies attending the constitution of the Lodge, January 10, 1889, were of exceptional interest. Most Wor. Henry Endicott, the Grand Master, "performed the ceremonies of constitution in an impressive and eloquent manner" to quote from the records. The Charter, containing names of Brethren who had signed previous to January 28, 1888, and duly certified on December 12, 1888 bears the signatures of Grand Master Endicott, Senior Grand Warden James M. Gleason, Junior Grand Warden Dana J. Flanders, and Grand Secretary Sereno D. Nickerson. Officers were installed by the Grand Master substantially as noted, with the addition of Bro. J. Wallace Grace as Inside Sentinel and Bro. George F. Wilson as Organist.

It is regrettable that none of the Grand Officers who participated in the ceremonies and none of the Charter members are now living.

The names of Charter members include representative men of Wakefield half a century ago. Nineteen members were admitted on dimits from Good Samaritan Lodge of Reading; 10 from Wyoming Lodge, Melrose; 1 from King Cyrus Lodge, Stoneham; 5 from New Hampshire Lodges; 4 from Lodges in Massachusetts towns (other than Reading, Melrose, and Stoneham); 3 from Maine Lodges; 2 from New York City and 1 each from Vermont, Scotland, Nova Scotia, and Bombay, India.

Fourteen Charter members were Civil War veterans, and most of them belonged to H. M. Warren Post 12, G. A. R. The thrilling experiences of Bro. Arlon S. Atherton were of special Masonic importance. He enlisted in 1861 and became a Mason while on a brief furlough in Winchester, N. H. In the battle of Deep Bottom Run, Va., August 16, 1864, he was left on the field as dead, having been shot through the lungs. In his extreme distress he gave a Masonic sign which was recognized by a Confederate surgeon. The surgeon, forgetting the enmity of warfare, attended to Bro. Atherton's wounds and placed him beneath a tree, temporarily, stating that he would return. Two days and nights passed, and on the third day a 9-year old boy, strolling through the field came across Bro. Atherton. The boy brought water and attended to the wounded man and was about to go for help when the surgeon, who had been called elsewhere in the meanwhile, returned and took Bro. Atherton to Libby Prison where he remained until released with other badly wounded men. After a brief rest Bro. Atherton again joined the regiment and was shortly commissioned Captain. About 47 years later Capt. Atherton, who had long desired to find the boy who had helped him, placed an advertisement in a Richmond, Va., newspaper and following correspondence from Richmond Capt. Atherton went to that city and aker conversing with the man who had written to him, mutual identification was established. Surely this demonstrates that truth is often stranger than fiction.

Bro. Samuel F. Littlefield, known to all as "Capt. Sam" twice led Wakefield companies to the front, and served as Captain of the Richardson Light Guard after the war. He was a diamond in the rough, with a heart that knew no limit when it came to sympathy for his comrades.
Bro. George W. Aborn was one of three Richardson Light Guard soldiers taken prisoners in the Battle of Bull Run. He was released among a group of 21000 and finally returned to South Reading (Wakefield) where a public reception was tendered to him and to Pvt. James H. Griggs.
Col. Charles F. Woodward had a brilliant career in public life, serving the town in both branches of the Legislature over a period of ten years. He founded the street railway system that centered in Wakefield over 40 years ago, later known as the Boston & Northern and now a part of the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company. He was tax collector in his younger years.
Other Charter members who served in the Legislature were Bros. Silas W. Flint and Solon O. Richardson.
Bro. Daniel Gould Walton, father of the late Bro. Arthur G. Walton, was County Commissioner in the early '70's and was one of Wakefield's largest real estate owners.
Bro. Alstead W. Brownell was an authority on taxation and served as an Assessor many years and was Postmaster under President Cleveland from 1886 to 1890.
Bro. William E. Rogers was Register of Probate for many years until his death in 1916, an important position now ably filled by Bro. Loring P. Jordan, since his appointment by Gov. Fuller in 1925.
The oldest Charter member was Bro. Thomas Emerson, shoe manufacturer, aged 72. The youngest Charter member was Brig. Gen. Frederick B. Carpenter, aged 26, a prominent Boston insurance man and for 23 years a member of the Mass. Volunteer Militia.
Bro. William L. Coon, popularly known as 'Billy' Coon, was in the U. S. Customs service many years. He was in great demand as a toastmaster at local banquets.
Many of the Charter members ierved the town in various capacities, including the offices of Selectmen, Overseers, Auditors, etc.: Bros. Richard S. Stout, Henry H. Savage, J. Wallace Grace, J. Fred Parker, Stillman J. Putney, William B. Daniel, Everett W. Eaton and Willis S. Mason.
Bro. Charles S. Barstow was made a Mason in Bombay, India, while represenring the Tudor Ice Company of Boston in that country. Later he was in the express business in Wakefield.
Wor. Bro. John G. Morrill was in the ice business many years and was associated with J. Reed Whipple, owner of Young's Hotel, the Parker House, and Hotel Touraine, Boston.
Bros. Deadman and Samuel H. Gowing conducted exceptionally fine independent meat markets and grocery stores long before the era of chain stores.
Bro. Charles A. Bowser, "the last leaf on the tree" arnong Charter members, was in the dry goods business over half a century. He died November 18, 1936.

It is of interest to note that among present members of Golden Rule Lodge whose fathers or grandfathers were charter members are the following:

Rt. Wor. William F. Deadman, son of the first Master, Wor. Bro. William D. Deadman.
Bros. William J. Stout, Richard C. Stout, and George H. Stout, sons of Wor. Bro. Richard S. Stout.
Bro. William E. Eaton, son of Bro. Everett W. Eaton, the first Treasurer of the Lodge.
Bro. William W. Grace, maternal grandson of Bro. Samuel F. Littlefield and son of Bro. J. Wallace Grace.
Bro. Eden K. Bowser, son of Bro. Charles A. Bowser.
Bro. Harry W. Savage, and son, Bro. Russell H. Savage, son and grandson, respectively, of Bro. Henry H. Savage.
Bro. Henry G. Gowing, son of Bro. Samuel H. Gowing.
Bro. George H. Batchelder, son of Bro. George Batchelder.

Four of the sons of the 24 brethren admitted U.D., from February 9 to September 13, 1888, are now members of the Lodge:

Wor. Master Andrew W. Hutchinson.
Bro. Charles Arthur Atwell, son of Bro. William H. Atwell, for 25 years Secretary of the Lodge.
Bro. Albert P. Mansfield, son of Bro. Albert Mansfield, of Lynnfield, (a former commander of the Richardson Light Guard).
Bro. Edward A. Rich, son of Bro. Edward Augustus Rich.

It is a very happy coincidence that our Worshipful Master is presiding in the East during this anniversary period, and it is undoubtedly of special significance to him.

A number of suggestions have been made at various times for changing the place of Lodge meetings but the Lodge has continued as tenants of the Odd Fellows from the beginning. The first suggestion was presented at the meeting May 10, 1894, when a committee was appointed to confer with John Flanley relative to Masonic apartments in a proposed building at the corner of Avon and Main streets, but the proposition was not accepted. By a strange twist of time and circumstance the Lodge is meeting in the building proposed over 40 years ago, but as tenants of the Wakefield Odd Fellows Building Association, Inc., owners of the building.

Early in 1910 the Lodge purchased a lot of land on Chestnut Street, west of the present Wakefield Savings Bank, and a building committee was appointed, with Wor. Bro. William H. Tay, chairman. It was not until five years later, January 10, 1915, that the committee reported, and a soliciting committee had been appointed to endeavor to raise funds. In the meantime, another committee had been appointed to further consider Masonic Apartments. An offer for the Chestnut Street land had been received in 1916, but the land was not sold until 1920 when the building project was abandoned. Bro. Junius Beebe bought it for an addition to the Wakefield Trust Company, they occupying the south side of the present Savings Bank Building.

Other proposed locations included the Richardson Building, erected in 1901; the so-called Cutler Building, erected after the fire; the newer Wakefield Trust Company building, and finally the Carpenter estate, Lakeside. None of the projects appealed to officers or members.

The Lodge has received over a score of gifts from members, organizations and friends. The first gift was a number of aprons from Souhegan Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F., typical of friendly relations that have continued through the years. Other gifts included paraphernalia, pictures, gavels, etc. The Francis H. Emerson Charity Trust Fund, a bequest of $500, was received from the estate of Bro. Emerson in 1924.

The most outstanding Masonic social event of the half century was the banquet tendered to the Lodge April 6, 1900, at Young's Hotel, Boston by Bro. James Clifton Pearson. At that time the Lodge membership was 194, and 159 members attended the elaborate event. Grand Master Charles T. Gallagher and District Deputy Walter S. Parker, of Reading, were among the distinguished guests. The toastmaster was Bro. Samuel K. Hamilton; and Squire Hamilton was some toastmaster! Wor. Bro. James Driver designed special menu folders and nothing was left undone by Bro. Pearson, who provided a special train to convey the Lodge members to and from Boston.

The brilliancy of the event was overshadowed by grief for all Lodge members within a year, for Bro. Pearson was stricken with appendicitis'and died suddenly January 9, 1901, at the age of 36. Bro. Pearson was a native of Wilmington where he worked on his father's farm. It was his ambition as a boy to be able to earn $2.00 a day. Members of the familv came to Wakefield in the middle '90's. Bro. Pearson was a shoe salesman for a while and then acquired a patent on a coated nail, and soon the Pearson Coated Nails were nationally known. His rise was rapid and he invested in crude materials, iron ore, etc. With J. P. Morgan he formed the American Bridge Company and was the second largest owner of stock, Mr. Morgan holding the largest number of shares. Everything he touched seemed to turn to money, and he was a multimillionaire at the time of his death.

Bro. Pearson was much interested in Masonry and among his intentions was the erection of a Masonic Temple as a gift to the Lodge on the old Dr. Brown property, on the north corner of Chestnut and Main streets. He would have undoubtedly endowed the gift for he was far-sighted in business.

LODGE OFFICERS

Golden Rule Lodge has had only four Secretaries, Treasurers, and Tylers in 50 years. The Secretaries were Bros. Willis S. Mason, William H. Atwell, Jr., Ralph E. Sewell, and Richard W. Long, the present official whose copperplate records attract the admiration of all. Bro. Atwell served 25 years.

The Treasurers were Bro. Everett W. Eaton, who served 20 years, Charles B. Bowman, George W. Abbott, and James L. Locke, the present Treasurer.

The Tylers have been Bros. John F. Whiting, Daniel P. Rolfe, Judson Hunt, and Edmund Robinson, the present Tyler who has served over 25 years.

There have been 35 Masters of the Lodge: 5 each in the first and second decades, 7 each in the 3rd and 4th decades and 11 in the 5th decade, including the present Worshipful Master.

Two Past Masters have served as District Deputy Grand Masters, Rt. Wor. W. F. Deadman and Rt. Wor. L. L. McMaster.

A Past Master of another lodge is an affiliated member of this Lodge, and there have been five who have thus been affiliated, four of whom are now deceased.

Appropriate observances were made on the 25th anniversary of the Lodge in 1913, when a reception was tendered to the newly appointed District Deputy, Rt. Wor. W. F. Deadman.

The 40th anniversary was in 1928, when seven Charter members were living. At the 45th anniversary in 1933, Two charter members were present, Bros. C. A. Bowser and J. W. Grace.

During the World War Golden Rule Lodge upheld traditions of the Fraternity. Thirty-three members of the Lodge including our present Wor. Master, enlisted in various branches of the service. Unfortunately one member, Bro. Herbert E. Biggs, died of pneumonia Jan. 13, 1918, at Camp McArthur Aviation Field, Texas. A roll of honor bearing the names of Brethren who enlisted is displayed on the wall in the Lodge-room. The Lodge contributed generously to the local War Chest and bought Liberty Loan bonds, besides making liberal contributions to Masonic funds. Members of the Lodge worked unselfishly on local relief work.

Four fathers have witnessed the installation of their sons as Wor. Masters: Wor. Bro. W. D. Deadman and Bros. H. M. Dolbeare, Campbell D. Hines, of John Abbot Lodge, and Harry L. Daly, whose sons were respectively, Rt. Wor. William F. Deadman, Wor. Bros. Cyrus M. Dolbeare, Joseph A. Hines, and Leonard M. Daly.

Eight Wor. Bros. have had the privilege of raising their sons to the sublime degree of Master Mason: Wor. Bros. William D. Deadman, Richard S. Stout, Arlon S. Atherton, Walter F. Perkins, Forrest A. Seavey, Arthur S. Hill, J. Kenneth MacDonald, and Lauren L. McMaster. Wor. Bro. Hill was the only one who conferred this degree while presiding in the East.

The Past Masters' Association of the Seventh Masonic District was organized in November, 1913, largely through the efforts of the late Wor. Bro. Thomas F. Ringer who was the first temporary Secretary and Treasurer. Nine Past Masters of Golden Rule Lodge were among the Charter members. Golden Rule Lodge has been in the 7th Masonic District from the start. On Dec. 27, 1926, the district was divided and designated as the Malden and Melrose districts, with Golden Rule Lodge assigned to the Melrose section. Since 1888 four Lodges bave been formed in the entire district: Lodge of Stirling, Malden, in 1910; Fidelity Lodge, Melrose, in 1918; Galilean Lodge, Everett, in 1921 and Mount Scopus Lodge, Malden, in 1930. Fifty years ago Mount Carmel Lodge and Golden Fleece Lodge, both of Lynn, were in the 7th District.

Our Lodge is not the original Golden Rule Lodge in Massachusetts, for a Lodge bearing that name was instituted in 1815 in New Salem, Franklin County. It is assumed from incomplete records that the Lodge could not stand the anti-Masonic sentiment of that period together with evident lack of financial support in a rural community, for the Lodge lasted only about 14 years. Throughout the world, however, there are 21 namesake Lodges. Sixteen of these are in the United States, 2 in Ontario, 1 in Saskatchewan, 1 in Quebec, and 1 in England.

Four members of our Lodge have served as Eminent Commanders of Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 20, Knights Templar, of Melrose: Thomas Winship, George O. Sheldon, Edward Barker, and Lauren L. McMaster. Six members have served as Thrice Illustrious Masters of Melrose Council, Royal and Select Masters: Irving F. Ridlon, Forest A. Seavey, Elmer C. Richardson, Edward Barker, Ned C. Loud, and Percy H. Callbeck. Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, of Melrose, has been served by three High Priests from the Lodge: Thomas Winship, Irving F. Ridlon, and Frank L. Edson, while Reading Royal Arch Chapter has been served by thirteen members of Golden Rule Lodge: E. D. Weston, W. F. Perkins, I. A. Parsons, A. B. Weld, Rt. Ex. George O. Sheldon, E. A. Wilkins, H. L. Hall, Charles E. Montague, Edward Barker, J. K. Macdonald, R. F. Potter, I. T. Coates, and the present High Priest, Louis F. Andrews.

Golden Rule Lodge has been represented on the Grand Lodge Masonic Service Bureau for years, and the present chairman of the local committee is Wor. Bro. George E. Potter. It is of interest to note that a Wakefield resident, Wor. Bro. Charles H. Sargent, Jr., Presiding Master of Maj. Gen. Henry Knox Lodge, of Boston, is officially identified with the Masonic Service Bureau.

The first decade, from 1888 to 1897, included the terms of five Presiding Masters: Wor. Bros. William D. Deadman, Richard S. Stout, Arlon S. Atherton, James Driver, and Walter F. Perkins, all now deceased. Enthusiasm in Masonry naturally characterized the first year of the Lodge, and about 200 attended the Constitution of the Lodge, January 10, 1889. There were no special communications during two years of the decade, 1891 and 1892.

The first ladies' night was held March 4, 1891, when local talent furnished most of the program. Other ladies' nights were held in 1892, 1893, and 1895.

The 250th anniversary of Ancient Redding, including Reading, Wakefield, and North Reading, was duly observed in May, 1894, and Hugh De Payens Commandery participated in the parade. Golden Rule Lodge entertained the visitors.

A quartet composed of Lodge members assisted for the first time in the installation ceremonies, Jan. 11, 1894: Bros. George E. Dunbar, George H. Pierce, William B. Daniel, and C. A. Jones.

No local observance of St. John's Day was made in this decade, but on two occasions Golden Rule Lodge joined other Lodges at services in Melrose, in 1894, and in Woburn in 1896.

There were five Worshipful Masters in the second decade from 1898 to t9O7: Wor. Bros. Erastus D. Weston, Edward A. Wilkins, Charles B. Bowman, Albert W. Flint, and William P. Shepard, four of whom are now deceased. It was during this decade that the famous Pearson banquet took place, in 1900. The first and only local observance of St. John's Day was observed Sunday, June 22, 1901, when the Lodge attended services at the Universalist Church upon invitation of Rev. Bro. Thomas W. Illman, Pastor of the church.

As in the previous decade, there were two years when no special communications were held, 1898 and 1902. There were three ladies' nights, in 1900, 1905, and 1907.

The Spanish War took place in this decade and five members of the Lodge enlisted: Col. Charles F. Woodward, Maj. George H. Tavlor, Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Hussey, Hospital Steward Stephen E. Ryder, and Sgt. Alton R. Sedgley, all in the 6th Rgt., M. V. M.

At several meetings of the Lodge during the decade Grand Army veterans, who were members of the Fraternity, were entertained by the Lodge and special programs were outstanding occasions.

The third decade, 1908 to 1917, included the terms of seven Masters: Wor. Bros. Mortimer L. Haris, Rt. Wor. William F. Deadman, William S. Dennison, Henry L. Hall, Thomas F. Ringer, William H. Tay, and William O. Abbott, two of whom have passed on, Bros. Ringer and Tay.

It is interesting to note that two public installations were held during the decade. These events were evidently considered sufficient for the entertainment of ladies, for no other ladies' nights were held in that period. Both installations were in the Town Hall and were the only ceremonies of the kind ever held by the Lodge. The first was on Dec. 10, 1910, when Wor. Master Dennison and associates were installed, and the second was on Dec. 28, 1916, when Wor. Master Abbott and associates assumed office.

Saint John's Day was observed every year during the decade and the custom has since been followed. Harmony Chapter No. 60, O.E.S., attended the services for the first time in 1911 and the Chapter has attended every similar observance since then.

The 25th anniversary of the Lodge was observed in 1913 when about 300 attended and on the same occasion a reception was tendered to Rt. Wor. William F. Deadman in honor of his apgnintment as D.D.G.M.

The World War was in progress during the closing year of the decade.

As in the previous decade, there were seven Presiding Masters in the fourth period from 1918 to 1927. Wor. Bros. Forrest A. Seavey, Elmei C. Richardson, William F. Gerry, Edward Barker, George W. Fifield, Dr. T. Fulton Parks, and Arthur S. Hill. Of this number three have passed awayi Bros. Seavey, Gerry, and Hill.

The first year of the decade marked the close of the World War, reference to which has already been made.

On July 23, 1923, a reception was tendered to Wor. Bro. William D. Deadman, first Master of the Lodge, on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary, at which about 150 Masons from Reading, Stoneham, Melrose, Malden, and Lynn joined our own Brethren in the festivities. Wor. Master Gerry presided.

The Lodge voted to change terms of office from two years to one year, commencing with the year 1924, and the fiscal year of the Lodge was changed from December to September first, in 1926.

As in the case of most of the Masonic Lodges, the earlier part of the decade during and following the World War was marked by abnormal increases in membership. The ritualistic work performed duiing the two-year term of Wor. Bro. Richardson, 1920 and 1927, established a record that will probably never be equalled by Golden Rule Lodge. Besides twenty regular communications for the two years, there were 45 special communications. Many of these sessions commenced at one o'clock in the afternoon and often lasted late into the night. On some of these occasions the Ladies Social Circle of the Universalist Church furnished special dinners. During the term of Wor. Bro. Richardson 137 candidates were made Master Masons, and the apron presented to him contained all of the names. The Iargest number of applications received at any meeting was on January 13, 1921, when 17 petitions were received. At the meeting on October 14, 1920, 14 applications were read. Needless to note that the extra meetings and unusual interest in the degree work created the largest attendance records in the history of the Lodge.

Ladies'nights were held five years, in 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, and 1927. At the St. John's Day observances Hugh De Payens Commandery and Reading Commandery served as escorts on four occasions.

The scheduled official visitation of the Lodge on October 10, 1918 was the most unusual event of the kind, for only Wor. Master Seavey and three officers attended. The visiting officials met the officers of the Lodge in the ante-room and after examining the records, etc. the functioning of the Lodge officers was officially declared O. K. The Board of Health, in common with similar boards, had banned all public gatherings due to the infiuenza epidemic, thus accounting for the novel experience.

The official dedication of the new organ installed by the Lodge took place on April 8, 1926, when Wor. Master T. Fulton Parks presided. The program was in charge of Wor. Bro. Barker; Rev. Bro. Warren S. Perkins, pastor of the Universalist Church offered the dedicatory prayer. An organ recital followed.

The custom of presenting a Past Master's apron to the newly installed Master on the night of his installation was inaugurated December 8, 1927.

The fifth decade, from 1928 to 1937, comprised the terms of ten Wor. Masters: Wor. Bros. J. K. Macdonald, Rt. Wor. L. L. McMaster, Ned C. Loud, Cyrus M. Dolbeare, Roy A. Hovey, Irving F. Ridlon, George E. Potter, Joseph A. Hines, John B. Server, and Leonard M. Daly. The changing of the Lodge year in 1926 to September naturally brought part of the decade under the term of the present presiding Worshipful Master, Wor. Andrew W. Hutchinson. The larger part of the activities under his term of service will obviously become a part of the next decade's records.

It is safe to assume that there were more activities in the fifth decade than in any of the three previous periods.

For the second time in the history of the Lodge members were honored by the appointment of one of its Past Masters, Wor. Bro. McMaster as Disrict Deputy Grand Master for the Melrose Seventh Masonic District.

During the term of Wor. Bro. McMaster as Master of the Lodge, in 1929, much favorable publicity was created by a unique experiment inaugurated by him in successfully promoting larger attendance at Lodge meetings. Noting that the average attendance at all Lodge meetings in the state was only about five per cent of membership, Wor. Bro. McMaster decided to devote the ten regular sessions of the Lodge to the interests of members. A fellowship committee of ten was appointed for each of the regular meetings, each committee member to select ten others. Each committee was responsible for an entertainment or speaker at the monthly meeting assigned. The experiment showed amazing results for the total attendance in 1929 was 1826 as against an average attendance of about 1200 in previous years. Over 100 attended most of the meetings, with 200 at some of the sessions. The experiment, though at first questioned by some, aroused the curiosity of Grand Lodges, not only in the Massachusetts jurisdiction but as far away as Idaho. Congratulatory letters were received by the originator of the idea and the requests were made for an explanation of the proposition. These articles appeared in a number of Masonic publications in various parts of the country.

During the winters of 1929, 1930, and 1931 fraternal bowling matches were held by teams representing Souhegan Lodge No. 38, I.O.O.F. and Golden Rule Lodge. This social innovation created a very popular fraternal spirit and all who participated were much gratified.

In order to provide for an existing emergency and for the future, the Lodge purchased a large burial lot in Forest Glade Cemetery in 1934, during the term of Wor. Master Potter. A dignified monument was purchased from Bro. George F. Ames and the dedication ceremonies took place Sunday, October 21, 1934. Wor. Master Hines presided and Wor. Bro. Potter, Rt. Wor. Bro. McMaster, and Wor. Bro. Hovey participated in the exercises.

There were seven ladies' nights in the decade, including a glee club concert in 1929 which netted $126.30, a most remarkable financial experience for the Lodge. The comedy, Are You a Mason? was presented in 1931 with a cast of 14 Lodge members, while in 1936 a memorable melodrama of the Gay Nineties Silas, the Chore Boy made a hit that will always be recalled with an exceptional degree of pleasure. In both of the latter instances parts were taken by members of the Lodge, revealing unusual and unbelievable talent.

One of the innovations in the history of the Lodge was the inauguration of Saint John's Day breakfasts, originated by Wor. Master Roy A. Hovey in 1932. This custom continued for three succeeding years. Toasts followed the breakfast on each occasion, and the experience was enjoyed by the members.

Both the 40th and 45th anniversaries were observed in the years 1928 and 1933.

It was also during this decade that the 35th Lodge of Instruction was instituted, and officers of the Lodge participated in the work and lectures at various sessions throughout the district. Golden Rule Lodge has acted as host several times. In 1935 Rt. Wbr. Bro. McMaster was appointed Zone Committeeman of the Department of Education of the Grand Lodge, which included the 35th Lodge of Instruction.

It was noted by Wor. Bro. Fifield at the installation of Wor. Master Cyrus Dolbeare, that the latter was the youngest Master ever installed in this Lodge, having just passed his 30th birthday anniversary. The youngest Master previously installed was 33, while the oldest among the 35 past masters was Wor. E. D. Weston (1898-99) who was 63. The average age of our past Masters during these fifty years has been 44 1/3 years.

At the official visitation of Rt. Wor. Bro. McMaster November 10, 1932, there were 103 visiting Past or Presiding Masters on his accompanying suite, the largest gathering of the kind in the history of the Lodge.

During the fifth period, also, Rt. Wor. Bro. McMaster and Wor. Bro. Parks had the distinction of installing officers eight years out of eleven, and Bro. Parks served the other three years either as installing officer or marshal, with Wor. Bros. Barker and Fifield. It was the only period where two Past Masters of the Lodge installed so many newly chosen officers.

The present membership of the Lodge is 479, of which 56 are Life Members and 20 are Honorary Members.

OTHER

1901 (Bro. Samuel K. Hamilton's speech at the Feast of St. John, 1901-232)
1962 (Petition to occupy joint apartments with Lynnfield Lodge in Wakefield; 1962-227)