Hiram

HIRAM LODGE

Location: Lexington; West Cambridge (Arlington) (1843)

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 12/12/1797 II-112

Precedence Date: 12/12/1797

Current Status: merged with John Abbot-Samuel Crocker Lawrence and Russell Lodges to form Mystic Valley Lodge, 11/09/2004.

PAST MASTERS

William Munroe, 1798-1801, 1804, 1805
Abijah Harrington, 1802
Joseph Smith, 1803, 1806
John B. Wilson, 1807-1812
Jonas Bridge, 1813
Amos Muzzy, Jr., 1814, 1815
John Chandler, 1816
Daniel Chandler, 1817
James Russell, 1818-1820; SN
Amos Locke, 1821-1823
Walter Russell, 1824, 1825
Oliver Locke, 1826
Samuel Chandler, 1827
Did not meet 1827-1843?
Samuel Chandler, 1843
Billings Smith, 1844
John Jarvis, 1845-1847
Gershom Whittemore, 1848
Loami Knights, 1849
John Jarvis, 1850-1853
Jesse Pattee, 1854-1856
Isaac Wright, 1857
William Parmenter, 1858-1861; SN
William H. Pattee, 1862-1865
Theodore Bucknam, 1866, 1867
Lewis Spalding, 1868, 1869
Charles B. Fessenden, 1870
Edward Storer, 1871, 1872
George D. Tufts, 1873, 1874
John C. Hill, 1875, 1876
Henry Frost, 1877, 1878
John H. Hardy, 1879, 1880
George W. Storer, 1881, 1882
Edmund W. Noyes, 1883, 1884
William H. Poole, 1885, 1886
Charles H. Prentiss, 1887, 1888
Charles W. Ilsley, 1889, 1890
George H. Cutter, 1891, 1892
Edward H. Cutter, 1893, 1894
Winfield Durgin, 1895, 1896
Charles W. Bunker, 1897, 1898; Mem
Ernest Hesseltine, 1899, 1900
R. Walter Hilliard, 1901, 1902; Mem
Frank H. Hubbard, 1903, 1904
Henry H. Austin, 1905, 1906
William F. Towne, 1907, 1908
Asa Durgin, 1909, 1910
Frederick W. Damon, 1911, 1912
Edward A. Darling, 1913, 1914
Charles A. Thomas, 1915, 1916
Edward N. Lacey, 1917, 1918
Calvin P. Cook, 1919, 1920
Edward T. Erickson, 1921, 1922
F. Alfred Patterson, 1923, 1924
William E. Bunton, 1925, 1926
Chester E. Thorpe, 1927, 1928
Archie M. Howland, 1929, 1930; Memorial
John B. Proudfoot, 1931, 1932
Columbus E. Lord, 1933
Clifford D. Strout, 1934, 1935
Albert J. Hanson, 1936
Edwin Theller, 1937, 1938
George E. Wheatley, 1939, 1940
Edward A. Richards, 1941
L. Brooks Saville, 1942, 1943
Walter H. Taft, Jr., 1944
George P. Langton, 1945, 1946
Leslie H. Jones, 1947, 1948
Charles D. Harrington 1949, 1950; N
Richard D. Baker, 1951
Herbert P.M. Rhodes, 1952, 1953
Gilbert H. Greenwood, 1954, 1955
Gordon G. Burrell, 1956
Edward R. Nicoll, 1957; N
Hilary C. Spaniack, 1958, 1959
Charles Pederson, 1960
Kenneth E. Gott, 1961
Harold G. Larson, 1962, 1963
Frederick Crawford, 1964
Vernon R. Lohnes, 1965
Donald W. Smith, 1966
Frank W. Sarnow, Jr., 1967
Neil K. Strong, 1968
David W. Ryder, 1969
Charles R. Chamberlain, 1970
Harold S. Sahagian, 1971
Arthur E. Clare, Jr., 1972
Waito J. Jokinen, 1973
Rene E. Arnaud, Sr., 1974
Arthur S. Lord, 1975, 1978
John Marderosian, 1976
Roger E. Nicoll, 1977
Joseph Dodd, 1979, 1980
A. Lawrence Eastman, 1981
Harry H. Minehart, IV, 1982
Eugene A. Capobianco, 1983
Paul F. Miller, 1984, 1997, 1998; PDDGM
Milton S. Alexis, 1985
David W. Hooper, 1986
Marlin E. Whitney, 1987
Bruce D. Wedlock, 1988
Paul A. Royds, 1989
Robert A. Hunt, 1990
R. Mark Cofran, 1991
John M. Rogers, 1992, 2002, 2003
Donald B. Pettersen, 1993, 2001
Walter C. Wedlock, 1994, 2004
Charles P. Chudigian, 1995, 1996
Donald R. Denning, Jr., 1999, 2000

NOTES

Note that Menotomy (the original town of Arlington) was incorporated with a portion of Belmont and a section of Cambridge and incorporated in 1807 as West Cambridge; this settlement was renamed Arlington in 1867.

See History at the town web site.

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

Petition for Charter: 1797
Consolidation Petition (with John Abbot-Samuel Crocker Lawrence and Russell Lodges): 2004

ANNIVERSARIES

1897 (Centenary)
1947 (150th Anniversary)
1972 (175th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

1846 (Robinson; Installation; see below)
1864 (Parkman; Hall dedication; see below)
1881 (Lawrence)
1884 (Howland)
1888 (Endicott)
1897 (Hutchinson; Centenary; Special Communication)
1900 (Gallagher; installation)
1904 (Sanford)
1907 (Blake; 2 visits)
1908 (Blake)
1909 (Flanders)
1910 (Flanders; Ladies' Night)
1912 (Benton)
1918 (L. Abbott)
1924 (Ferrell; Cornerstone laying; Special Communication)
1925 (Ferrell; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
1928 (Simpson; installation)
1947 (Wragg; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1972 (Wragg; 175th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1980 (Melanson; installation)
1985 (Richardson)
1998 (A. Johnson; installation; Special Communication)
2004 (Hicks; 2 visits, including Consolidation)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1858 1883 1885 1902 1907 1912 1918 1922 1924 1946 1955 1958 1961 1973 1986 1988

HISTORY

1925 (Meeting Places of the Freemasons of Arlington, 1925-260)
1947 (150th Anniversary History, 1947-432)
1972 (175th Anniversary History, 1972-358)

OTHER

1812 (Petition for remittance, II-540)
1827 (Petition to hold meetings in West Cambridge and Lexington; rejected, IV-90)
1842 (Recording Grand Secretary instructed to "wind up the affairs" of the Lodge, IV-575)
1843 (Petition to remove to West Cambridge (Arlington); granted, IV-673)
1924 (Participation in cornerstone laying, 1924-410)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1845

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. V, No. 3, January 1846, p. 96:

The officers of Hiram Lodge, West Cambridge, were publicly installed on the evening of the 24th ult. The ceremonies of installation were performed under the direction of the Grand Master, by R. W. Br. Charles W. Moore. After which, appropriate addresses were delivered by the Grand Master and by R. W. C. Gayton Pickman. There was a large number of ladies and gentlemen present; and we trust they were gratified with the ceremonies of the evening. The Lodge is well located, and is in a prosperous condition. It was chartered in 1797, and one of the original petitioners for the charter, - a soldier of the Revolution, - was present.

HALL DEDICATION, JUNE 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 10, August, 1864, p. 297:

DEDICATION OF NEW HALL OF HIRAM LODGE, WEST CAMBRIDGE.

The Brethren of Hiram Lodge having determined that their Hall was not what it should be, began about a year ago to take measures towards having a new Hall. Subscription books were opened, and the Brethren contributed liberally to the project. After some ineffectual endeavors to purchase a desirable location on which to erect a Masonic bulling, the Committee finally secured Russel Hall, in the building corner of Main and Medford streets, belonging to the Rusael heirs. They have fitted up the Hall in a manner at once beautiful, and worthy the cause. With handsomely carpeted floors, substantially upholstered settees, (sofas they might be called,) and with appropriate decorations in East, West and South, the Hall and its attendant ante-rooms, present an attiactive and beautiful appearance. The ceremonies of Dedication were performed by the Grand Lodge, on Wednesday evening, June 15lh, and were as impressive and solemn as such services always are.

The Dedication proceeded in the following order:—

Voluntary.
Reception of the M. W. Grand Lodge.
Prayer.
Address of Worshipful Master.
Examination of Hall.
Music. Hymn—

Thou ! who art God alone,
Accept before thy throne,

Our fervent prayer!
To fill with light and grace
This house thy dwelling place,
And bless thy chosen race,

O God ! draw near.
As through the universe,
All nature's works diverse,

Thy praise accord ;
Let Faith upon us shine,
And Charity combine,
With Hope to make us thine,

Jehovah, Lord.
Spirit of Truth and Love,
Descending from above,

Our hearts inflame,
Till Masonry's control
Shall build in one the whole,
A Temple of the soul,
To Thy great name.

Architect's Address.
Presentation of Working Tools.
March.
Selections of Scriptures.
Ceremony of Dedication.
Address by M. W. Grand Master, William Parkman.
Closing Hymn—

Great Architect of Heaven and earth,
To whom all nature owes its birth,
Thou spake ! and vast creation, stood,
Surveyed the work, pronounced it good.
Lord, canst Ihou deign 10 own and bless
This humble dome, thit sacred place ?
O, lei Ihy Spirit's presence shine
Within Ihese walls, this house of thine.

Lord here the wants of all supply,
And fit our suuls to dwell on high ;
From service in this humble place,
Raise us to praise thee face to fate.

Benediction.

The address of M. W. G. M. Parkman was timely and appropriate. He congratulated the Lodge upon their growth in numbeis and in Masonic principles, and thought the Hall gave evidence of their progress in the good things of the Fraternity. "These Lodges are the schools in which an universal language is communicated—a language such as needs no interpreter in any land or nation, but which brought friends to the rescue in dangers, Biothers to assist in sickness, and companions in pleasure, whenever it was expressed—the language of symbols and grips, which never failed to elicit the answer required whatever difficulties were connected with the expressing or understanding of the spoken language." He also alluded in fit terms, for which he is somewhat noted, to the duties of the Lodge, both collectively and individually—reminded the Brethren of the old fable of the i: Discontented Pendulum," and bade them to remember that it was in proportion to the interest felt and expre.-sed by each, that success and happiness came to them as a Lodge. After reverting to the age of the Lodge, and again congratulating them on their progress, he closed with the following stanzas :—

We ask not golden streams of wealth
Along our path to flow ;
We ask not undecaying health,

Nor length of years below ;
We ask for Wisdom :—Lord impart

The knowledge how to live;
A wise and understanding heart

To all before thee give.

Just after the address of the M. W. G. M. a very pleasing incident occurred, being the presentation, by Brother J. S. Potter, in behalf of the mothers, wives and daughters of the members of the Lodge, of a very elegant Bible, with the inscription contained upon a very tasteful and beautiful design,'which clustered together most of the emblems appropriate to the Blue Lodges. The Bible was accompanied by a very handsome book-mark upon which were still other appropriate symbols. These were in silver, as was the design upon the book.

In presenting the book Brother Potter spoke as follows:—

Most Worshipful Grand Master—

Since this Hall, which you have done us the honor to assist in dedicating tonight, began to approach completion, and our eyes accustomed to observe the freshness of its new habiliments, whatever has remained in it that was old and much used, appears, by contrast, much more dilapidated than before ; and it has been a subject of remark among us that the sacred volume which lies upon the altar before me, after having done Iong and faithful service, ought to be retired among the treasured, emblems of our Order, and its place supplied by another more in keeping with its modern surroundings. Our Lodge, however, not feeling able to add more to their expenditures, already quite large, concluded to defer their present wishes to a future and more promising period.

But some of the ladies of West Cambridge, with a purpose so nobly characteristic of woman, and a thought most opportune to our needs, are here to-night to surprise us with an unexpected, yet timely aid, in the form of a testimonial, made thrice valuable to us because it brings with it the type of their hopes, their wishes and their thoughts. And now, sir, in behalf of the mothers, wives and daughters, of a large part of its members, I have the honor to present to the Master and Wardens of Hiram Lodge, this magnificent Bible—which, among Masons, is used as a symbol of the Will of God.

It bears upon its cover an enduring silver plate, into which has been skillfully and artistically wrought many of the emblems which so fully illustrate the beautiful system of our Fraternity. And they have been so arranged as to convey to you, through the silent language of these expressive symbols, some of the sentiments which the donors desire to accompany their munificent gift.

Upon the right and left you will notice two Corinthian columns. By Masons, the Corinthian is regarded as the Column of Beauty, that supports the Lodge, and is symbolical of refinement, taste, and high culture, the study and attainment of which enable us to appreciate and enjoy all that is beautiful in life. These are capped with the terrestrial and celestial globes, which are intended to remind us of the extensive claims of that Charity which we are called upon to practice.

Between these two columns are the three steps, which are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life—Youth, Manhood and Age—and these are joined to the base of the columns by the anchor, scythe and hour-glass; which, jointly, are symbols of a desire that we should be faithful in the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbor, and ourselves, that we may, at the end of that brittle thread of life, which Time so swiftly spins, enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well spent life, and finally secure that anchor which will safely moor us in a harbor of supreme peace, far beyond the tempestuous sea of trouble, which is ever surging on the shores of mortal existence.

Against the emblematical supports of our Lodge, rests the square and compass^ the square to remind us, as we look through the vista of the past, how often it becomes necessary to apply a test to our conduct and measure our actions, that we may discover and correct any deviations from the highest rules of rectitude. The compasses are placed before us as symbolical admonitions to circumscribe our evil propensities with a never ending circle of virtuous thoughts and upright deeds.

Over the whole is placed the blazing star, from the centre of which looks down the All seeing Eye; by which it is intended to remind us of that Divine Being who scrutinizes the purposes of our minds and hearts, and that, if we practice the code of virtuous principles embraced by our Fraternity, He will place over our pathway those brighter spots of happiness that will securely guide us across the dark fields of human life.

Supported by the Square and Compass is a shield—not strictly a Masonic emblem—but designed by ihe donors to symbolize the dangeps that environ the human temple so strictly within our own control, and that we should not only seek Divine protection, but also see that it is well guarded by ourselves against the approach of evil tendencies. Upon this shield you will find the emblem of that pureJriendship which accompanies this gilt, and are in these words:—

" Presented lo the Master and Wardens of Hiram Lodge, of West Cambridge, by the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of its members, 1864."

This splendid volume is one of the best Oxford Bibles ever imported. Besides the emblematical decorations referred to, it is accompanied by an elegant Mark, designed to direct us to the sacred contents within. Attached to it, you will observe several additional silver emblems, among which is the pot of incense. By this it is intended that we f-hould ever remember that this book is to be read with a pure heart and conscientious purpose.

Beneath this beautifully executed design is another.equally well done, the Ark, Anchor, and the Star and Clasped-hands of Brotherly Love. The cable from the Anchor ol Hope is wound into a coil which encircles the ocean upon which floats the Ark of safety. These are meant to symbolize the feelings and sentiments of the generous donors, and expiess to you the hope that those who earnestly discharge the sacred duties of a true Mason, and faithfully fills his great office of Brother and Friend to those in distress and need—may be encircled in the arms of Divine love and safely convoyed across the ocean of life by the light of that untarnished friendship that gives lo existence its brightest joys, and takes from, death its greatest terrors.

With these sentiments you are asked to accept this Bible and the Mark ac. companying it, with the hope that it may rest upon your altar a welcome monitor that will often pleasantly recall to the memory of " Hiram Lodge," the affection and esteem which are entertained for it by the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of its Members.

At the close of Brother P.'s presentation remarks, the W. M. arose and turning to the Chaplain, said: "Brother Chaplain, will you please receive the Holy Book in behalf of the Master, Wardens and members of Hiram Lodge." The Chaplain, on rising, said :—

My Brother, it affords me great pleasure to accept in the name of the Lodge this beautiful and appropriate gift. Beautiful in external decorations, and with internal truth, and appropriate because although our Order was founded more especially for social purposes, yet have we always welcomed the Bible as the rule and guide of our faith, and as the revealer of those principles upon which all social enjoyments must be based. This gift is appropriate also because it will remind us of the interest with which the ladies who bestow it, regard our welfare, not alone in the present fleeting labors and enjoyments, but also our happiness when we shall enter into the celestial Lodge above. And you will allow me lo thank, through you, the Mothers, Wives and Daughters who have thus expressed their interest and good-will—to thank them for the gift so beautiful and needful—to thank them for the regards thus ex pressed towards our Fraternity—and for the interest which it manifested towards us as a Lodge. We receive it as a token tha.t prejudices against us are being softened, and now hope by the proper use of the truths it contains to become truer men and more faithful Masons. This gift speaks to us not only of the present, but of the future. Not alone of earth but of Heaven—not of time alone, but also of eternity. And I hope, Brethren of Hiram Lodge, as we from time to time gainer here to do the duties of Masonry, that this gift will remind us of other duties than those suggested by social enjoyments. I hope it may remind us that Freemasonry, however good its designs, is not religion, but that deeper than the purposes for which Freemasonry is kept alive, are the principles upon which such purposes are based—that while we here owe duties one to another, there are also duties to God and Heaven important and binding upon us—that while we are here attending to the instruction which our Order can impart, we may not forget those other lessons of true life and love which are contained in this Holy Book. Thus shall this gift, while it makes us acquainted with the good-will of those who present it, make us also to know the way by which to receive the good-will of Him whose book it is. It will tell us that Freemasonry is not religion, however many of religious principles it may illustrate, and teach of those ways and truths which are so essential to our progress towards the heavenly life which is found in the presence and love of our God.

And I hope also the bestowal of this gift by our mothers, wives and'daughters, may strengthen their regard for our Order. For strange as it may seem, all wives of Masons are not Masonic wives, and some have cherished strong prejudices against us. May this expression of interest deepen into regaid, so that they may all be willing to allow us to come together in social harmony, even though we should meet in secret. And when they find that some Masons are unworthy their esteem, let them remember that it would be difficult to get anywhere a body of men, all of whom were perfect. Let them also remember that some of the wisest and best of the world have been members o( our Order, and that those whom the world has loved to honor because of their worth, are also honored by us as good and upright Masons.

Again hoping that this gift may strengthen the regard of the ladies for the Masonic Fraternity, and assuring them that this will deepen our affection for them, you will allow me, my Brother, to thank them through you for this expression of their interest, and to assure them that we highly appreciate their gift, and hope to receive great benefit therefrom. The closing hymn was then sung, the audience joining with the choir, and the benediction being pronounced, the public exercises closed. An occasion of greater interest than was this it is not often our pleasure to attend, and we are sure it will be of great benefit to the Lodge under whose auspices it was conducted, and strengthen through them the whole Fraternity. We must congratulate the Brethren of Hiram Lodge upon their successful furnishing and dedication of their hall, and hope they may continue to progress in all those good works which so distinguish just and faithful Masons.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Charles W. Bunker, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1900, 1901; Memorial
Donald R. Denning, Jr., Grand Marshal 2002-2004, Senior Grand Warden 2005
Charles D. Harrington, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1955, 1956; N
R. Walter Hilliard, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1909, 1910; Memorial
Archie M. Howland, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1931, 1932; N
Paul F. Miller, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1989, 1990, 1992
Edward R. Nicoll, DDGM, District 6 (Arlington), 1969, 1970; N
William E. Parmenter, DDGM, District 11, 1865; SN
Jesse Pattee, Junior Grand Warden 1861
James Russell, DDGM, District 9, 1821, 1822, 1832; SN
Edward L. Shinn, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1929, 1930; Memorial
George W. Storer, DDGM, District 6 (Somerville), 1884, 1885; Junior Grand Warden 1886