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GRANITE LODGE

Location: Northbridge

Chartered By: Samuel Crocker Lawrence

Charter Date: 09/14/1881 1881-93

Precedence Date: 10/30/1880

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Solomon's Temple Lodge, 09/16/1993.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1880
• Petition for Charter: 1881
• Consolidation Petition (with Solomon's Temple Lodge): 1993

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1930 (50th Anniversary)
• 1955 (75th Anniversary)
• 1980 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1881 (Lawrence; Constitution of Lodge and installation; Special Communication)
• 1896 (Holmes; 2 visits)
• 1908 (Blake)
• 1930 (H. Dean; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1955 (W. Johnson; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1980 (Melanson; Centenary)
• 1980 (Lovering; Consolidation)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1881 1923 1925 1926 1928 1934 1938 1942 1945 1956 1970 1976 1982 1984

HISTORY

• 1930 (50th Anniversary History, 1930-389; see below)
• 1955 (75th Anniversary History, 1955-271)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1930

From Proceedings, Page 1930-389:

By Wor. Arthur Sylvester Richardson.

At the outset I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness and to express my thanks to those Brothers who have assisted me in the preparation of this history. I am particularly indebted to Brothers John Hamer and Henry T. Whitin. two of our living Cliarter members, who have given me much interesting data concerning the early activities of the Lodge and of the events leading up to its formation.

Previous to the formation of Granite Lodge there were a goodly number of Masons living in the town of North-bridge, particularly in the village of Whitinsville. In the words of one of our Charter members, "Most of the men who were prominent in the community at that time were members of the Fraternity." The majority of these were members of Solomon's Temple Lodge, of Uxbridge, but many were members of Lodges located much farther away, several being members of Lodges in England, Scotland, and Ireland. A certain local pride, the belief that their home town could and should have a Lodge of its own, and the great inconvenience of attending meetings out of town, led to agitation among members of the Craft for a Lodge in Whitinsville which finally, in the autumn of the year 1880, crystallized into definite action.

Among those who were most active in this movement were Brothers Loammi B. Carr, William Barr, Charles Z. Bacheler, David Bostwick, Henry T. Whitin, and Cyrus F. Baker, who consulted Rt. Wor. Arba C. Slater, who was at that time District Deputy Grand Master for the 12th Masonic District of Massachusetts, regarding what course of action should be followed in order to get a Lodge started here. Rt. Wor. Brother Slater, generally known as "Deacon Slater," was superintendent of the Linwood Cotton Mill and was intimately acquainted with the local Brethren. He entered enthusiastically into the movement and gave generously of his time and effort in assisting to get the new Lodge started.

On the evening of Tuesday, October 19, 1880, a meeting was held in Pythian Hall on Railroad Street, now Linwood Avenue, for the selection of a Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden of the Lodge; to decide upon the evening of meeting; and to adopt a name for the Lodge, to be inserted in the petition that would be sent to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. At this meeting the following Brethren were present: Joseph G. Allen, Charles Z. Bacheler, Clarence H. Bacheler, William Barr, David S. Bostwick, Rowland II. Brown, Phineas Buckley, Loammi B. Carr, Albert B. Carpenter, Walter S. Carpenter, Joshua T. Carter, David B. Chase, Robert C. Conant, Henry M. Dudley, William Dunning, Samuel T. Fowler, Jr., Robert Gilmore, Samuel Graham, Charles II. Hamilton, Robert H. Hamilton, Joseph Hanna, John Heathcote, Charles W. Holt, James Howard, Alexander Kingsbury, John Melvin, George N. Scott, George F. Searles, John Shippee, Benjamin L. M. Smith, James L. Watson, Henry T. Whitin, and G. Marston Whitin. Brother George L. Searles was chosen chairman, and Bro. David S. Bostwick, clerk. Bro. Loammi B. Carr was unanimously elected Worshipful Master, and Brothers Charles H. Hamilton and Samuel Fowler, Jr., were unanimously elected Senior and Junior Wardens.

The next business was the selection of a name for the Lodge, three of which, "Granite", "Valley", and "Tuscan" were suggested. By a vote of the Brethren present the name "Granite" was adopted. One of our Charter members says that the selection of the name "Granite" was due in part to the fact that among the founders of the Lodge there were many who were from the "down East" states of Maine and New Hampshire where the quarrying of granite was an important industry with which either they themselves or some member of their family had at some time been connected. He further assures us, however, that the name Granite was not chosen hastily or haphazardly, but was intended to symbolize a material eternal, and carried with it the hope that the Lodge would be as firm and everlasting as the mineral from which it derived its name.

By a unanimous vote, it was then decided that the regular meetings of the Lodge should be held on the Wednesday evening on or before the full of the moon. All, or nearly all, of the older Lodges held their regular meetings on a night near the full of the moon so that the Brethren attending the meetings might have the advantage of the moonlight. To some at this time it may seem that the phase of the moon should be of little or no consequence in relation to the meetings of a Masonic Lodge; but in these early days there were no electric lamps to brighten the road nor any automobiles with glaring headlights to speed the members on their way. The journey was made by the slow means of horse and wagon, or more often on foot, and with a lantern to whose flickering and uncertain light the moon's radiance was a most welcome and even a necessary assistance.

With reference to this travel by lantern light, it is related that a certain Brother on his way home one night was invited in for refreshments, consisting principally of hard cider. The following morning there came a knock at the door, and when the good Brother opened it he found a boy there with a lantern in his hand, who said Good morning, Mr. Brown, here's your lantern; and my mother says for me to bring back the bird-cage that you took home last night."

The regular meetings of Granite Lodge continued to be held on the Wednesday evening on or before the full of the moon from the first meeting above mentioned until 1923, when it seemed that with improved methods of transportation, and with modern lighting systems, it was no longer necessary to chase the moon over the calendar, and, accordingly, by an amendment to our by-laws the night of regular meetings was established on the second Wednesday of each month. As the Quarterly Communications of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge are held on the second Wednesday of the month, it was found to be very inconvenient for the Worshipful Master and Wardens to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge and to be back here in time for the meetings of their own Lodge, it usually being necessary for them to leave Boston before the closing of the Grand Lodge, our by-laws were again amended in 1926, establishing the second Tuesday of the month as the time of our regular meetings, which arrangement has continued up to the present time.

At the preliminary meeting of October 19, 1880, Bros. B. L. M. Smith, Charles Z. Bacheler, and Henry T. Whitin were appointed a committee "to circulate and prepare the petition to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge." This petition was duly prepared, signed by fifty-two Brothers, and presented to Most Worshipful Charles Alfred Welch, Grand Master, who, under date of October 30, 1880, granted a dispensation, signed by himself and attested by Rt. Wor. Tracy P. Cheever, Recording Grand Secretary, empowering the signers of the petition to do business under the name of Granite Lodge.

On Wednesday, November 10,1880, the first regular meeting of Granite Lodge, Under Dispensation, was held in Pythian Hall, the first business being the election and appointment of the remaining officers; and the first corps of officers as organized at this meeting, was as follows:

• Loammi B. Carr, Master
• Charles H. Hamilton, Senior Warden
• Samuel Fowler, Jr., Junior Warden
• Cyrus F. Baker, Treasurer
• David S. Bostwick, Secretary
• George F. Searles, Chaplain
• Clarence H. Bacheler, Marshal
• Charles Z. Bacheler, Senior Deacon
• Phineas Buckley, Junior Deacon
• Samuel G. Graham, Senior Steward
• Albert A. Andrews, Junior Steward
• Benjamin L. M. Smith, Organist
• John Shippee, Tyler

Gifts were made to the Lodge as follows: The Three Great Lights, by Bro. Cyrus F. Baker; Gavel and Marble Blocks, by Bro. Loammi B. Carr; Altar, by Bros. Samuel G. Graham and L. B. Carr; Three Lamps, by Bro. George F. Searles; Senior Deacon's Jewel, by Bro. Charles Z. Bacheler; Record Books, by Bro. David S. Bostwick; and the aprons were made by the wives and friends of members.

At this meeting an application for degrees was received from Ebenezer J. Noyes, who was later duly elected and, on February 24, 1881, was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason by Rt. Wor. Arba C. Slater, District Deputy Grand Master. Brother Noyes, who was the first Mason made in Granite Lodge, was born in Newburyport, Mass., September 11, 1837; died in Linwood, Mass., January 15, 1886. At the time when he was raised he was overseer of spinning in the Linwood Cotton Mill, of which his friend Rt. Wor. Brother Slater was superintendent. His son, Arba Slater Noyes, so named in token of the friendship and high regard that his father had for Rt. Wor. Arba C. Slater, was raised a Mason in Granite Lodge, July 20, 1892, and is prominent in the business, political, and social affairs of the town. At this meeting the Lodge voted "to pay Eureka Lodge No. 64, K. P., $75.00 a year for the use of its hall three evenings a month, or 39 evenings in a year, and the secretary was instructed to communicate this offer to Eureka Lodge." From this record it appears that at that time a prospective tenant made an offer for the desired quarters instead of asking for terms of rental, as is usually customary at present. It also appears that our Brothers figured on having three extra evenings with no additional charge when the rental was considered on a yearly rather than on a monthly basis, no doubt calculating with Yankee shrewdness that this addition of three extra meetings would escape the notice of the Pythians.

At any rate, the offer was accepted and Pythian Hall became the regular meeting place of Granite Lodge. The arrangement apparently continued to be mutually satisfactory until September 15, 1882, when we find a record of a special communication called for the purpose of considering a request from Pythian Lodge No. 64, K. P., "for some arrangement about letting or selling a portion of the Lodge Room furniture owned by Granite Lodge." A committee was appointed with full power to let, but not to sell, the furniture referred to, and at a stated communication held September 27, 1882, on recommendation of this committee, it was voted to rent the furniture to Pythian Lodge for the sum of fifteen dollars a year. This seems to have been unsatisfactory, for on January 9, 1884, it was voted to sell the furniture for $183.00.

On July 6, 1892, a special communication of the Lodge appears to have been rather hurriedly called for the purpose, as set forth in the records, "of considering action on a proposition to lease, engage or build new quarters for Lodge Room purposes" and, by vote of the Lodge, a committee of nine was appointed to see Mr. Marvin Prentice to learn what arrangements could be made for the use of a hall in his building on Cottage Street, with full power to act in the matter. This committee was further instructed to consider and report later what could be done for other quarters in case they were unable to come to satisfactory terms with Mr. Prentice. Evidently the committee was not very active, for it appears that they were unable to do business with Mr. Prentice and, perhaps discouraged by this failure, did nothing else and on November 30, 1892, the Lodge having become impatient at the continued delay voted that the committee be required to make a report at the next regular meeting of the Lodge. The report, if any, was apparently unsatisfactory for on December 28, 1892, it was voted that this committee be discharged and a new committee of two be appointed "to confer with the trustees of I. O. O. F. Hall about the terms of rental, and to report at the next regular communication, for the Lodge to take action thereon." This committee was more successful, and at the regular meeting of January 25, 1893, reported in favor of engaging quarters in I. O. O. F. Hall. The Lodge, however, with due caution deferred action until the next regular communication, and in the meantime, for the purpose of trying out the prospective quarters, held a special communication in Odd Fellows' Hall on February 8, 1893, when the Master Mason degree was worked on four candidates.

This trial meeting seems to have been satisfactory, for at the next regular meeting of the Lodge, held in Pythian Hall, March 1, 1893, it was voted to accept the terms of the Odd Fellows and to move the Lodge property to the new tjuarters immediately after the next regular communication. Accordingly, Granite Lodge met on April 26, 1893, for its first regular meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall, then located in Harrington's Building on Church Street, which continued to be its place of meeting until April, 1899, when the Lodge was moved into its present quarters in the Odd Fellows' Building on Cottage Street.

Granite Lodge functioned under the Dispensation in a manner satisfactory to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, and on September 14, 1881, by order of Most Worshipful Samuel C. Lawrence, Grand Master, the Lodge assembled for a special communication in Sutton Hall, Masonic Temple, Boston, at which time it was granted a Charter, and was constituted into a regular Lodge in due and ancient form.

On this Charter appear the names of the following Brethren:

• Loammi Baker Carr; stage proprietor; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge, of Uxbridge; served the Lodge as Worshipful Master under the Dispensation and for the first two years under the Charter, and was District Deputy Grand Master in 1895.
• Charles Henry Hamilton; physician; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Senior Warden from the organization under Dispensation until the annual meeting in the fall of 1882.
• Samuel Fowler, Jr. ; dealer in granite; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Junior Warden under the Dispensation, and Senior Warden from the annual meeting of 1882 till that of 1883.
• Cyrus Franklin Baker; woodworker; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge, in which he had served as Senior Deacon from 1864 to 1866; Junior Warden 1866 to 1867; Senior Warden 1867 to 1870; Wor. Master from November 3, 1870 to December 12, 1872. He was Treasurer of Granite Lodge from its organization under Dispensation until October, 1891.
• David Simons Bostwick; bookkeeper; dimitted from What Cheer Lodge No. 21, of Providence, R. I.; Secretary of Granite Lodge from its organization, U. D., until October 31, 1887. He was familiarly known as the Chauncey Depew of Granite Lodge, having marked physical resemblance to the real Chauncey Depew besides being a very able after-dinner speaker.
• George Franklin Searles; tinsmith; and also the proprietor of the hardware store on Church Street, Whitinsville, which is now conducted by his grandson, Brother George L. Searles. He dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge, and was Chaplain of Granite Lodge from its organization, II.D., until 1883, and from November, 1886, to October, 1889. He was Senior Warden in 1884, and Worshipful Master in 1885 and 1886.
• Clarence Hammond Bacheler; stage proprietor; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; was Marshal under the Dispensation; made a life member of the Lodge, March 13, 1928; was awarded the fifty-year Veteran's Medal by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in March, 1928, but died before it could be presented to him.
• Charles Zeri Bacheler; dealer in wood and lumber; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge, of which he was Senior Deacon in 1872; Junior Warden 1873, and Senior Warden in 1874. He was Senior Deacon of Granite Lodge, U. D., and under the Charter until November, 1882. He was Worshipful Master in 1884.
• Phineas Buckley; moulder; dimitted from Grecian Lodge of Lawrence, Mass. He was Junior Deacon of Granite Lodge in 1881.
• Samuel George Graham; harness maker, and conducted the small shop on the south side of Memorial Square, now operated by one John W. Searles; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Senior Steward under the Dispensation; Junior Deacon in 1888; Marshal 1890 to 1892.
• Albert Alonzo Andrews; machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Junior Steward under the Dispensation.
• John Shlppee; overseer of cotton weaving; Tyler under the Dispensation and first year under Charter.
• Benjamin Lloyd Mason Smith; foreman machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Organist of Granite Lodge from its organization, U.D., until 1893; Trustee from 1882 to 1907; Musical Director 1894 to 1921; Treasurer 1907 to 1922; Associate Member of the Board of Masonic Relief, 1912 to 1922. On February 5, 1913, the Lodge presented him a silver tea service in token of its appreciation of his long and faithful service as Musical Director. As Associate Member of the Board of Masonic Relief he was greatly interested in the charitable work of the Grand Lodge, and was especially interested in the Masonic Home

at Charlton, and constantly urged the Lodge to be generous in its contributions to the support of that institution. He gave freely of his time and energy to promote the welfare of Granite Lodge during his lifetime, and at his death bequeathed a substantial sum to our Permanent Fund.

• Joseph Gatchel Allen; tinsmith; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; was elected Trustee at the second annual meeting of Granite Lodge, but the records are not clear as to how long he served in that capacity. Brother Allen is said to have been rather rough and hard in some respects, but that he was kind and generous at heart is proven by the following incident: While he was working as a tinsmith in the employ of the Whitin Machine Works a certain young Irishman, fresh from the Old Country, came to work in that department shortly before the 17th of March. The day before St. Patrick's Day, Brother Allen approached the newcomer and said, "Well, Jerry, I suppose all you Irishmen will be out tomorrow celebrating." "Not I," replied Jerry, "for I haven't any money; so I'll have to work. With the remark that Jerry would probably be better off if he did work instead of celebrating. Brother Allen left him for the time being. But before night he came back again and asked Jerry how much money he needed to celebrate the day properly. Jerry replied, "Well, Mr. Allen, I think I ought to have at least twenty-five dollars to do it right." Whereupon Brother Allen took out his purse and offered the money to Jerry, which, however, was not accepted. "Jerry," here referred to is Jeremiah W. Koran, now (1930) foreman of the Tin-shop Department of the Whitin Machine Works.
• George Augustine Armsby; foreman woodworker; dimitted from Mt. Tom Lodge of Holyoke, Mass.
• William Barr; moulder; dimitted from a Lodge in Scotland.
• Hial Cram Carr; stage proprietor, dimitted from Solomon 's Temple Lodge. He was the first member of Granite Lodge to be removed by death to "that undissolving Lodge where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides."
• Joshua Tucker Carter; woodworker; later carried the mail between Whitins Station and Whitinsville Post Office; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Junior Warden under first year of Charter; Senior Warden 1883 and 1884; Worshipful Master 1885 and 1890. He was a shrewd Yankee, and a believer in the old saying: "If you look after the pennies, the dollars will look after themselves." It is related by many of the older residents of Whitinsville that when Wor. Brother Carter was on his way after the mail and saw anyone who appeared to be waiting for the electric car, he would pause and ask him if he wanted a ride to the station. The traveler, thinking to save the car-fare, usually accepted the invitation, and on arriving at the station would be surprised and chagrined when Bro. Carter would suggest that the amount of the car-fare could properly be paid to him since he had brought him down, and had also saved him the annoyance of having to wait for the trolley.
• David Bemis Chase; accountant; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge. He was the second member of the Lodge to be removed by death, and was the first to be buried with Masonic honors. At his funeral, Worcester County Commandery No. 5, acted as escort.
• Alexander Clark; painter; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• Robert Chaffin Conant; carpenter; dimitted from Mumford River Lodge, of East Douglas; Senior Steward 1882 and 1883; Tyler 1885 to 1895; made an honorary life member of the Lodge November 10, 1926. As Tyler he declined to accept the salary of fifty cents per night, giving his time freely and gladly to the Lodge and donating the salary of his office to the Lodge treasury.
• William Dunning; woodworker; dimitted from Lodge No. 30, Killyleagh, Ireland; Senior Steward first year under Charter; Senior Deacon 1889 to 1891. On January 4, 1882, he was appointed "Janitor" of the Lodge at a salary of twenty-five cents an evening, to look after the jewels and the regalia. As "Janitor" he undoubtedly acted as assistant to Brother John Shippee who was Tyler, and at that time in poor health.
• Henry Marchant Dudley; apothecary; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• George Thomas Fowler; farmer; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; was presented the fifty-year Veteran 's Medal, March 3, 1929, by Rt. Wor. William L. Stokes, D. D. G. M. for the 20th Masonic District.
• Robert Gilmore; woodworker; dimitted from Lodge No. 30, Killyleagh, Ireland.
• Joseph Hanna; machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• John Hamer; tinsmith; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge. At the time of writing this history Brother Hamer is living in Providence, R. I., and enjoying good health at the age of 77.
• Robert Henry Hamilton; painter; dimitted from Jenks Lodge No. 24, Central Falls, R. I.
• Charles William Holt; tin peddler; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Tyler 1882. The records state that he died suddenly, probably from heart failure, in Ux-bridge, April 6, 1885, and that his body was found beside the road near his cart from which he had fallen.
• Alexander Kingsbury; machinist and cotton mill superintendent; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• Leprelet Miller Logee; overseer of spinning; dimitted from Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 75, of Jewett City, Conn. At the time when this history is being written, Brother Logee is living at the Masonic Home in Charlton, enjoying good health at the ripe old age of 104, having been born in Burrillville, R. I., February 5, 1826. He is a life member of this Lodge; wears a fifty-year Veteran's Medal presented to him January 8,1927, and a Henry Price Medal presented to him February 5, 1929, his 103rd birthday, by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master. On his 104th birthday, February 5, 1930, which was appropriately celebrated at the Home, Brother Logee received messages of congratulation from the Hon. Frank G. Allen, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; our Most Worshipful Grand Master, and from the Grand Masters of several other Masonic jurisdictions; from the Mayors of several cities; and from a host of other distinguished citizens, friends, and Brothers. Brother Logee's claim to being the world's oldest Mason has never, to my knowledge, been disputed.
• John Melvin; carpenter, dimitted from St. John's Lodge No. 107, of Perth, Scotland. He was a man of fixed habits and decided opinions, with strong likes and dislikes. In connection with the stated communication of the Lodge January 5, 1898, it is recorded that before the Lodge was opened Brother Melvin objected to the presence in the Lodge-room of certain visitors. The Worshipful Master thought best to tile the Lodge before taking any action in the matter, whereupon Brother Melvin went home and as there was no further objection the visitors remained.
• Henry Clay Peck; carpenter; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Junior Deacon 1883 to 1885; Senior Deacon 1886; Junior Warden 1887; Senior Warden 1889. Why he was not elected Master is unknown to the writer, but that there was some difficulty in the election of officers at the annual communication of October 2, 1889, appears from the record that the tellers, Wor. Bro. Chas. H. Harriman, Bro. B. L. M. Smith and Bro. A. W. Fish, were given a vote of thanks by the Lodge for the patient manner in which they had performed their arduous duty."
• Jerome Vernon Prentice; carpenter and builder; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; Junior Deacon 1883; Marshal 1884.
• James Robertson; machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• Robert Sproat; foreman blacksmith; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; died April 22, 1900, and was buried with Masonic honors.
• Oscar Fitzland Taft; machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge.
• James Lyle Watson; machinist; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; buried at Danielson, Conn., with Masonic honors.
• George Marston Whitin; manufacturer; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; was Treasurer and General Manager of the Whitin Machine Works, and prominent in the business, political, and social activities of the town.
• Henry Thomas Whitin; dimitted from Solomon's Temple Lodge; manufacturer; President of the Paul Whitin Mfg. Co., Northbridge, Mass.; a Charter member of the Lodge, and one of the prime movers in getting the Lodge started; presented a fifty-year Veteran's Medal, March 3, 1929, by Rt. Wor. William L. Stokes, D. D. G. M. for the 20th Masonic District. At the time when this history is written, he is still active in the business and social affairs of the town at the age of 76.
• Edward Walker Wood; timekeeper; dimitted from Solomon 's Temple Lodge.

After receiving the Charter from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Granite Lodge continued to be a living organization, composed of enthusiastic Brethren who had at heart the present welfare and future prosperity of the new Lodge. The records show that applications for membership were carefully scrutinized, and much discrimination shown in the admission of candidates. The social activities of the Lodge were considerable, and we find frequent references in the records to the holding of "sociables and entertainments" to which the ladies were invited.

There has been much activity in promoting interest in the work, and in encouraging fraternal good fellowship, not only among the members of Granite Lodge, but also among the several Lodges in the vicinity, for the records abound with accounts of visits of Granite Lodge to other Lodges and of other Lodges to Granite for the exchange of work and the sharing of each other's hospitality. It appears that the social activities of the Lodge were not always financially profitable, for at the regular meeting of June 20,1888, it was voted that "Bro. Walter W. Dudley be authorized to collect funds to pay expenses of the last sociable" ; and "by order of the Worshipful Master, the committee on sociables and picnics was dissolved," perhaps to save the Lodge from further embarrassment on account of its generous hospitality and lavish entertainment.

That the Lodge at times felt that it was overcharged for its refreshments appears from the record of the regular communication of April 19, 1905, when a committee was appointed to "make terms of settlement for suppers furnished March 15th." This committee reported on May 17, 1905, that it had arranged for settlement at a reduction of fifteen cents a plate.

Evidently sociables and entertainments were not as profitable when run by the Lodge as when run by individual members for the benefit of the Lodge, for we find that on March 1, 1882, the Lodge was presented the sum of fifty dollars by Wor. Loammi B. Carr and Bro. David B. Chase, being as the records state "the proceeds from an entertainment they had managed for the benefit of the Lodge on their individual responsibility." At this meeting the foundation of our Permanent Fund was laid when the Lodge voted that "the treasurer be allowed to deposit his surplus funds in the Whitinsville Savings Bank."

On November 5, 1891, the tenth anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated in Odd Fellows' Hall, Harrington Building, by a public installation of officers by Rt. Wor. Jeremiah Getchell and suite, followed by a banquet, speaking, and dancing.

A special communication of the Lodge was held January 20, 1896, for the purpose of receiving a visit from Most Worshipful Edwin B. Holmes, Grand Master, who was accompanied by Rt. Wor. Sereno D. Nickerson, Grand Secretary. It would seem that the officers of the Grand Lodge were quite neighborly at that time as it appears of record that Most Worshipful Brother Holmes, G. M., accompanied by the Grand Secretary, again paid the Lodge a fraternal visit on the regular meeting of April 4, 1896.

On May 24, 1899, by vote of the Lodge, "three old altar lamps were presented to Wor. Joshua T. Carter. In this transaction there seems to have been some "Scotch" on both sides as the Lodge gave away something that it could no longer use, having recently moved into its present quarters, and Wor. Bro. Carter accepted as a gift something which apparently could be of little or no value to him.

On October 11, 1905, a committee was appointed to arrange for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Lodge; but at the next regular meeting, November 8, 1905, it was voted that this celebration be "deferred until next year. No record appears that it was ever held.

On May 22, 1907, Wor. Frank M. Lord, Master of Morning Star Lodge, of Worcester, Mass.. presented Granite Lodge with an hour-glass "in token of his appreciation of the cordial reception accorded him on a recent visit to the Lodge."

On April 15, 1908, the Lodge was honored by a fraternal visit by Most Worshipful John Albert Blake, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, who was accompanied by several other of the Grand Lodge Officers. After the meeting a dinner was served in the banquet hall, followed by an address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and remarks by other distinguished guests. It is recorded that Most Worshipful Brother Blake spoke particularly of the "New Masonic Home at Charlton," which many of our older members will remember was an institution dear to his heart, and which was an object of care and solicitude to him from the time of its inception until his death.

On February 5, 1913, a special communication, preceded by a banquet and entertainment, was held for the purpose of presenting jewels to the Past Masters of the Lodge. With the exception of Rt. Wor. Loammi B. Carr and Rt. Wor. Clifford B. Arnold, who had been presented Past Master's jewels while in the office of District Deputy Grand Master, none of the Past Masters of the Lodge had received a jewel. On this occasion Rt. Wor. Melvin M. Johnson, afterward Most Worshipful Grand Master, was the guest of the evening and presented jewels to ten Past Masters. Three were unable to be present and two had already received theirs, so that it appears that on this date there were fifteen living Past Masters. After the presentation of the jewels, Rt. Wor. Loammi B. Carr, in behalf of the Lodge, then presented a silver tea service to Bro. Benjamin L. M. Smith "in token of the appreciation of his long and faithful service as Musical Director of the Lodge," as previously mentioned. Rt. Wor. Brother Johnson was then called on by the Worshipful Master and responded with a very interesting address. If the writer has been correctly informed, it was on this occasion that some of the Brethren who had previously worn Commandery charms and Shrine pins with a considerable amount of conscious pride, were somewhat shocked when Rt. Wor. Brother Johnson said, in substance, that although there were many other degrees in Masonry besides the first three, they were supplementary thereto rather than higher, for there was no degree higher than that of Master Mason.

On October 14, 1921, the fortieth anniversary of the Lodge was observed by a "Ladies' Night" with a banquet, entertainment, and speaking in Odd Fellows' Hall. On this occasion a history of the Lodge was read by Wor. Harmon O. Nelson.

Preparations were made and arrangements completed to receive and entertain Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, and other Grand Lodge Officers in our Lodge room Tuesday evening, November 29, 1921, when the Grand Officers were to be the guests of Rt. Wor. Merton L. Griswold, D. D. G. M. for the 22nd District, and the several Lodges of the District; but the affair had to be called off on account of a severe ice storm which started Sunday, the 27th, and completely paralyzed communication with the outside world. Northbridge and neighboring towns were several days entirely without trolley-cars, electric lights, or telephones. Roads were rendered impassable by a tangled mass of fallen trees, poles, and wires. And it was with great difficulty that a messenger got through by train to Boston to acquaint the Grand Officers with the fact that even if they could reach Whitins station by train, it would be impossible for them to proceed thence to our Lodge-room. The writer, who happened to be chairman of the committee in charge, well remembers the difficulties that confronted Rt. Wor. Brother Griswold and himself in straightening out this affair after it had been found impossible to carry it through as planned; especially when we refunded the money received from the sale of tickets, and deducted thirty-nine cents from the purchase price of each ticket to cover expenses incurred.

During its fifty years of activity, Granite Lodge has been ably served by the following Masters:

• Rt. Wor. Loammi Baker Carr, Master, 1881, 1882, and 1883; District Deputy Grand Master for the 19th Masonic District in 1895.
• Wor. Charles Zeri Bacheler, Master, 1884.
• Wor. Joshua Tucker Carter, Master, 188") and 1890.
• Wor. George Franklin Searles, Master 1886; Chaplain Nov. 1886 to Oct, 1889. He was also Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter in 1901, and Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, O. E. S., in 1887, 1888, and 1889.
• Wor. Charles Henry Harriman, Master, 1887.
• Wor. Ireneas Hezekiah Low, Master, 1888 and 1889; Chaplain 1891; Treasurer, 1892, 1893, and 1894.
• Wor. Luther Martin Smith, Master, 1891; oldest living Past Master, 1930.
• Wor. John Gunn, Master, 1892 and 1893; Chaplain 1895 to 1898; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1902 and 1903.
• Wor. Walter Wiiitin Dudlev, Master, 1894 and 1895; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1897 and 1898.
• Wor. Frank Gilmore Foster, Master, 1896.
• Wor. William John Johnston, Master, 1897 and 1898.
• Wor. Henry Arthur Owen, Master, 1899 and 1900; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1899 and 1900.
• Wor. William Henry Dixon, Master, 1901 and 1902; Trustee from 1919 to 1922, and from 1927 to date; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1905 and 1906; Treasurer of the Lodge, 1923 to 1926 inclusive.
• Rt. Wor. Clifford Bowen Arnold, Master, 1903 and 1904; D. D. G. M. for the 19th Masonic District, 1905 and 1906; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1904. He was appointed Rt. Ex. District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 4th Capitular District in December, 1909, but resigned from this office in September, 1910, before his term of office had expired.
• Wor. Frank Emerson Bates, Master, 1905 and 1906; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter. 1910 and 1911; Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, O. E. S., 1903.
• Wor. Albert Kennedy Pratt, Master, 1907 and 1908; Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, O. E. S., 1906 and 1907.
• Wor. William James Willis, Master, 1909 and 1910; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1915.
• Rt. Wor. Artie Meyer Meader, Master, 1911 and 1912; Trustee from October 20, 1915 to date; D. D. G. M. for the 22nd Masonic District, 1916 and 1917; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1924 and 1925; Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, O. E. S., 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1929. He was especially favored by the Supreme Architect of the Universe in having the pleasure and the privilege of raising his son, Raymon Francis Meader, to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on January 5, 1921, and of installing him as Master of this Lodge November 12,1929, being the only Master of Granite Lodge to have been so favored.
• Wor. Harmon Oscar Nelson, Master, 1913 and 1914; Trustee, Oct. 24, 1917, to date.
• Wor. Albert Leonard Merrill, Master, 1915 and 1916.
• Wor. Robert Gilmore McKaig, Master, 1917 and 1918; Musical Director, Oct. 8, 1921, to date, and Associate Member of the Board of Masonic Relief from October 23, 1923, to date.
• Wor. Robert Leland Metcalp, Master, 1919 and 1920; Associate Member of Board of Masonic Relief, 1923.
• Rt. Wor. Amos Earle Whipple, Master, 1921 and 1922; D. D. G. M. for the 22nd Masonic District, 1924 and 1925.
• Wor. Wesley Churchill Webster, Master, 1923; Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, 0. E. S., 1930.
• Wor. Arthur Sylvester Richardson, Master, 1924; Secretary, Dec. 10, 1924 to Nov. 13, 1928; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1926; Worthy Patron of Dekamus Chapter No. 20, O. E. S., 1925; Illustrious Master of Hiram Council, R. & S. M., Worcester, 1929; Rt. Ex. District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 4th Capitular District, 1930. On the 26th of April, 1927, he had the pleasure of raising his son, Sylvester Goddard Richardson ; being the second Master of Granite Lodge to enjoy the privilege of raising his own son.
• Wor. Herbert Henman Sanders, Master, 1925; Ex. High Priest of St. Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, 1927.
• Wor. Albin William Nelson, Master, 1926, brother of Harmon 0. Nelson who was Master in 1913 and 1914; Secretary, 1929 and 1930.
• "Wor. William Bigelow Appleton, Master, 1927.
• Wor. Frank Arthur Bigelow, Master, 1928.
• Wor. Lerov Augustus Rollins, Master, 1929; Treasurer, 1930.
• Wor. Raymon Francis Meader, Master, 1930; under whose able direction plans for this celebration of our fiftieth anniversary have been perfected.

That great historian, Edward Gibbon, has said that "Man is able to construct monuments far more enduring than the span of his own existence, but in the boundless annals of time his life and his labors are, alike, as but a fleeting moment. Granite Lodge stands as a monument to its founders; a monument which, from its inception, has slowly but steadily increased in size and strength; directing the way to Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love; a stimulus and an inspiration to its members to lead lives characterized by Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice; and an unfailing source of comfort and relief to the afflicted and distressed.

At the present time, after fifty years of service, Granite Lodge is sound in membership, strong financially, and secure in its ability to continue to be a powerful influence in the community toward the realization of those high ideals set forth in the teachings of Masonry. But in the boundless annals of time," and even compared to the age of many of our older Lodges, fifty years is "but a fleeting moment" and it remains for us and for those who shall come after us to determine whether or not, by continued effort, hearty co-operation, and steadfastness of purpose, Granite Lodge shall continue to be a creditable monument to its founders on down into the ages, "until time shall be no more."

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Clifford B. Arnold, DDGM, District 19 (Southbridge), 1905, 1906; SN
• Loammi B. Carr, DDGM, District 19 (Southbridge), 1895; SN
• Myron B. Chace, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1961, 1962; N
• Artie M. Meader, DDGM, District 22 (Blackstone), 1916, 1917; SN
• Leroy A. Rollins, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1931, 1932; SN
• Raymon F. Meader, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1937, 1938; N
• Robert C. Walker, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1949, 1950; N
• Craig S. Wallace, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1995, 1996
• Amos E. Whipple, DDGM, District 22 (Blackstone), 1924, 1925; Memorial
• Ralph B. Wood, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1973, 1974; N

DISTRICTS

1880: District 12 (Milford)

1883: District 19 (Southbridge)

1911: District 22 (Blackstone)

1927: District 20 (Southbridge)

1931: District 20 (Blackstone)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges