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ISAAC PARKER LODGE

Location: Waltham

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 03/11/1868 VII-231

Precedence Date: 04/23/1867 VII-212 (Dispensation)

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Waltham and Monitor Lodges to form Waltham Triad Lodge, 06/10/1988.

NOTES

This lodge was named for Wor. Isaac Parker (1802-1825); MM 1825, WM 1847-1858, Monitor Lodge; a signatory of the Declaration of 1831.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1867
• Petition for Charter: 1868
• Consolidation Petition (with Waltham and Monitor Lodges ): 1987

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1892 (25th Anniversary)
• 1917 (50th Anniversary)
• 1942 (75th Anniversary)
• 1967 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1879 (Welch; Dedication of Masonic Hall)
• 1880 (Welch)
• 1886 (Howland)
• 1892 (Wells; 25th Anniversary)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1917 (L. Abbott; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1923 (Ferrell)
• 1927 (Simpson; Veterans' Night)
• 1931 (H. Dean)
• 1934 (Chipman)
• 1942 (Schaefer; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1947 (Wragg; H. Alton Roark Night)
• 1967 (Booth; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1988 (Ames; consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1870 1873 1880 1882 1885 1887 1889 1894 1897 1898 1900 1902 1903 1921 1927 1929 1934 1941 1950 1954 1958 1965 1967 1968 1971 1976 1980 1981

HISTORY

• 1917 (50th Anniversary History, 1917-117)
• 1942 (75th Anniversary History, 1942-87; see below)
• 1967 (Centenary History, 1967-196; includes notes on Isaac Parker)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1942

by Worshipful Leo A. Wells

It is not possible, in the limited time allotted, to recount all of the interesting facts associated with the founding and growth of Isaac Parker Lodge. However, some of the most outstanding features of our history have been sought out and are here presented as briefly as possible.

The topography of Waltham had much to do with the causes that led to the origin of Isaac Parker Lodge. The area of our city is divided by the Charles River into the "North Side" and "South Side" and back in the early days, the "North Side" had the larger pat of the city's population and activities. The first Masonic Lodge in Waltham, Monitor Lodge, was established on the "North Side."

With the development of the Waltham Watch Company on the "South Side," a rapidly growing community sprang up in that section, and it is apparent that the earlier citizens of WalfJram were more conscious than we are today of the River's line which separated them.

Soon an intense rivalry manifested itself between those living on opposite sides of the river. Eventually that feeling appeared among the members of Monitor Lodge. Many "South Side" members were employees of the Watch Factory, and during this period candidates from there were not always favorably regarded by the "North Side" Brethren. Two factions were formed in the Lodge and many worthy candidates were rejected by each faction in.turn.

At the meeting of Monitor Lodge, March 16, 1867, several candidates, employees of the Watch Factory, were rejected. The events following that meeting are best described by Right Worshipful Ambrose Webster in a talk he gave at the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of Isaac Parker Lodge, and I quote:

"At the March meeting in '67 there were some rejections of Watch Factory people, and on my way home from the meeting with Bro. Leonard Greene, I remarked that I thought the time had come when a second Lodge should be started in Waltham, saying jocosely, 'I am willing to be Master, Wardens and all the brethren." The following day Bro. Greene came to me and asked me if I had meant what I said the night previous. I replied, "I did not," for I made the remark in a spirit of vexation. He said that he had been talking the matter over with Bro. Fisher and they felt about as I had expressed myself and after a little conversation we sent for Bro. Fisher and held a consultation on the subject and we agreed to invite others to join with us in a second Consultation and we three did agree that no one should be invited unless it was perfectly agreeable to all of us.

"A second meeting was held, at which there were present Bros. Greene, Fisher, Pratt, Thomas and Webster. This meeting was held in the Laundry at the south end of the case room building, in the Waltham Watch Factory, so that it may be said that the first meeting of Isaac Parker Lodge was held in this place. The subject was thoroughly canvassed and it was decided to make the attempt to start a Lodge, and others were selected to join with us. Several meetings were held and finally a list was made up of a proper number to ask for a dispensation."

The Lodge was named Isaac Parker Lodge after Worshipful Brother fsaac Parker, because of his long and faithful service to his Brethren. It is interesting to learn that the charter members of Isaac Parker Lodge were sornewhat infuenced because he was a poor man and the Lodge could not be accused of selecting the name of some man who might reward them by gifts, etc., as may be the case sometimes. This is one of the very few instances where a Lodge has been named after a living man.

Worshipful Brother Isaac Parker served Monitor Lodge as Master for twelve years. He was one of the signers of the famous "Declaration of Principles" and is credited with the preservation of the Charter of Monitor Lodge during the anti-Masonic period.

A meeting was held at Freemasons' Hall Saturday evening, April 6, 1867. Brother A. Webster was chosen Chairman and Brother Wm. H. Graves, Secretary. A petition was then drawn up, signed by eighteen Master Masons, to be presented to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

A committee of three was elected, consisting of Bros. Webster, Fisher and Moore, to take all necessary steps for the formation of a new Lodge. When application was made to Monitor Lodge for permission to organize a new Lodge in Waltham, every member attending the meeting refused to vote, with the exception of Brother Henry Sherman, who voted in ihe affirmative. So it may be said that Isaac Parker Lodge owed its beginning ro the vote of one man.

The prayer for the petition being granted, a regular communication of Isaac Parker Lodge U.D. was held at Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday evening, May 7,1867, at 7:30 o'clock and a Lodge of Master Masons was opened in form. Brother Ambrose Webster was appointed the first Master; Henry N. Fisher, Senior Warden; and Charles Moore, Junior Warden. The Dispensation for Isaac Parker Lodge was read, accepted and ordered to be spread upon the records, upon which, the Worshipful Master appointed the following officers:

• W. H. Graves, Secretary
• John Harris, Treasurer
• Leonard Greene, Marshal
• Leroy Brown, Senior Deacon
• Francis Pratt, Junior Deacon
• John Whitcomb, Senior Steward
• Edward B. Bailey, Junior Steward
• Charles H. Mann, Tyler

The fees were fixed at $35.00-$10.00 with application, $10.00 with the second degree and $15.00 with the third degree.

The degrees were conferred upon eighteen candidates the year the Lodge was working under dispensation. This seemed to prove that there was need for another Lodge in Waltham. Freemasons' Hall, where the Lodge held its first meetings was located in the brick building now known as the Eagle Block, standing on the corner of Main and Common Streets.

The Charter Members of Isaac Parker Lodge met in Freemasons' Hall March 25, 1868, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year and for making arrangements for the constitution of the Lodge and the installation of the officers. Ambrose Webster was again chosen Chairman and Chauncey Hartwell, Secretary. The Brethren who were raised while the Lodge was working under dispensation had no vote in lodge affairs.

The Lodge was Constituted in Freemasons' Hall March 27, 1868, by the Grand Lodge and the following officers were installed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles C. Dame:

• Ambrose Webster, Worshipful Master
• Henry N. Fisher, Senior Warden
• Charles Moore, Junior Warden
• John Harris, Treasurer
• William H. Graves, Secretary
• Leroy Brown, Senior Deacon
• Francis P. Pratt, Junior Deacon
• John E. Whitcomb, Senior Steward
• Edward B. Bailey, Junior Steward
• Leonard Greene, Marshal
• Francis H. Eaton, Inside Sentinel
• H. F. Gerrold, Tyler

The year the Lodge was constituted proved to be a busy one - twenty-four applications were received and thirteen received the Master Mason Degree. The new Lodge also received many gifts from well wishers.

Worshipful Brother Isaac Parker was present at the Constitution of the Lodge and when called upon for some remarks, said that the use of his name had been taken without his authority and that he hoped the Lodge would so conduct its affairs as to bring no stain upon it. When elected the first Honorary Member, May 5, 1868, he wrote the Lodge thanking the members for the honor conferred upon him and saying that he hoped he would so conduct his life during the years remaining to him that he might bring no stain upon the Lodge that bore his name.

At the annual meeting on April 6, 1869, Henry N. Fisher, a Charter Member, was elected Master. Brother Fisher was not only an outstanding figure in Isaac Parker Lodge, but held many high offices in both the York and Scottish Rites. He has the distinction of being the only member of Isaac Parker Lodge elected a Thirty-third Degree Mason. Brother Fisher served the Lodge as Master during the years 1869-70 and again in 1881 and he was the only Master to serve the Lodge for three terms.

The By-Laws of Isaac Parker Lodge were adopted February 18, 1868. It is interesting to note the changes that have been made since that time. The original By-Laws provided for a Charity Fund with the Master and two members as trustees. The records were to be kept by the Secretary. (This section was changed at a later date to relieve the Master of the additional duties of being one of the trustees.) Lodge dues were set at $4.00 per annum.

In 1878, the quarters in the Eagle Block, or Freemasons' Hall, as they were called, were very much in need of repairs or alterations. Worshipful Brother Ambrose Webster was appointed a committee of one to look into the matter. After some investigation, he found the proposition too large for one man to handle as the fraternity in Waltham was constantly growing and larger quarters seemed necessary. The Master appointed Worshipful Henry N. Fisher and Brother Leroy Brown to assist Worshipful Brother Webster in conferring with a general committee from the Royal Arch Chapter and Monitor Lodge.

Soon after the organization of the general committee, a proposition was received from Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles A. Welch to erect a building suitable and convenient in every respect for the accommodation of the fraternity. This offer was accepted and the building was erected on the corner of Charles and Moody Streets, in accordance with plans drawn by Worshipful Heny H. Hartwell and approved by the general committee. Being thus assured of a building and a lease having been agreed upon for a term of ten years, with privilege of renewal, the committee turned its atteniion to the difficult task of furnishing the rooms.

At the very outset the committee found themselves embarrassed by a total lack of funds, a depressed condition of business, a strong necessity felt for economy in expenditure and a determination on their part not to invoive the fraternity in any debt. After much discussion as to the best method of raising money, it was decided to hold a festival as a means of imparting information, extending acquaintance and awakening interest in the subject. The festival was to be followed by a picnic, a subscription and a fair.

The festival, held June 13, 1879, was a success to the extent of $82.50 profit. The picnic proved to be a complete failure, owing to weather conditions and left the committee with a loss of $1.71. The fair, however, brought a profit of $2200.00. It was conducted for five days and brought support to the Lodge in ways other than to the treasury. That! the success of this enterprise was due in no small part to the ladies, is evidenced in the words contained in a part of the report of the Committee which might well be called "A Classic," and which reads as follows:

"There is a debt of gratitude, the magnitude of which can hardly be estimated, due the Ladies, who, under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Nathaniel P. Banks (the General himself being a member of Monitor Lodge) contributed a wealth of assistance to the success of our undertakings that was scarcely to be anticipated, so generously and so spontaneously was it rendered, and to it may well be attributed the splendid success of the Fair, which was so gratifying to us al. Conscious of the obligations under which we have been laid, let us so endeavor to acquit ourselves to them in the future as to enkindle no distrust in their minds as to the sincerity of this expression!"

After the above very effusive declaration, we note that when the lease for the apartments was written, it contained a clause excluding all non-Masonic societies from using the lodge-rooms. The very ladies who worked so diligently for the success of the Fair, were obliged to engage other quarters for the meetings of the Eastern Star Chapter.

Isaac Parker Lodge held its final meeting in Freemasons' Hall on December 27, 1879. After the Lodge was opened on the third degree, a procession was formed and the officers and members marched to the new Charles A. Welch Hall, which was formally dedicated by the Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Charles Alfred Welch, Grand Master, presiding.

In 1885, the Lodge had one of the most unusual experiences in the annals of Masonry and the following account is taken from the records of Worshipful Brother Leroy Brown:

"A Special Communication of Isaac Parker Lodge was held in Charles A. Welch Hall, on Saturday afternoon, March 28th, 1885, at 2:30 o'clock, for the purpose of conducting the funeral ceremonies of our late Brother, Charles H. Bond, who died on the 25th inst.

"The Lodge was organized with the following Officers:

• Bro. John E. Glidden, Wor. Master
• Bro. Samuel Friebe, S.W.
• Bro. Leonard G. Webster, J.W. pro. tem.
• Bro. A. S. Batchelder, Chaplain
• Wor. Bro. Leonard C. Lane, Marshal
• Wor. Bro. LeRoy Brown, Secretary

"By direction of the Wor. Master the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, permission to call off from day to day, until the ceremonies should be completed, having previously been obtained from the M.W. Grand Lodge.

"The Lodge then proceeded to Claremont, N. H., where at high twelve, on Sunday, the 29th, the craft were called to labor again, and with the consent of the M.W. Grand Lodge of N. H., and under the escort of Hiram Lodge No. 9 of Claremont, fifty of whose members joined in the procession, the obsequies of our late Brother were performed in accordance with our ancient and time-honored rites.

"On the return to the Lodge Room of Hiram Lodge, the brethren of Isaac Parker Lodge were called off and on Monday, the 30th, returning to Waltham, the craft were called from refreshment to labor and at 6:30 P.M. Isaac Parker Lodge was closed in form."

March 3, 1892, the Craft was called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of celebrating the 25th anniversary of Isaac Parker Lodge. The Lodge was honored by the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel Wells, and members of the Grand Lodge. Right Worshipful Brother Sereno D. Nickerson read the historical address. From a modest beginning of eighteen Charter Members, the Lodge had now grown to 151 members.

The twenty-five years following the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary were prosperous ones and the Lodge was fortunate in having a succession of highly intelligent Masters who were deeply interested in their Masonic duties. Consequently, the affairs of the Lodge were conducted smoothly and efficiently. In fact, peace and harmony so prevailed throughout these years that one of our most successful Masters held two ladies' nights in one year, which is something of a record. In 1914, the Lodge was growing so rapidly that a committee of ten was appointed to act with the Worshipful Master and to confer with a similar committee from Monitor Lodge. They were to work out ideas and consider places for new and larger quarters. However, nothing definite was decided until 1920. In the meantime, the Lodge was approaching its 50th anniversary. It had acquired a membership of 383 and was most prosperous. Accordingly, it was decided thae this anniversary should be in keeping with the splendid condition of the Lodge. With this thought in mind, a committee of ten, with Worshipful Brother Edward C. Elwell as Chairman, decided that a three-day celebration should be observed. Following is a short resume of the 50th anniversary.

Sunday, April 29, 1917, the Lodge marched in a body to the Methodist Emmanuel Church where the Rev. Brother Frank G. Potter, Chaplain of the Lodge, delivered a most appropriate sermon, choosing for his theme, A Masonic Round Table.

Nuttings on the Charles

Monday evening, April 30, 1917, as a part of the anniversary program, the Lodge held a very successful Ladies' Night at Nutting's on the Charles, where 620 members and their guests enjoyed a banquet, entertainment and dancing.

The final meeting of the 50th anniversary was held Tuesday evening, May 1, the Lodge being honored by the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Leon M. Abbott, and members of the Grand Lodge.

May 15, 1917, Worshipful Brother Hiram E. Tuttle, the presiding Master, notified the Lodge by letter that he had answered his country's call, had enlisted in the Armed Forces of our country and would therefore be unable to preside over meetings of the Lodge. His present rank is Colonel.

For the next two years and seven months, the affairs of the Lodge were conducted by Worshipful Brother Leo A. Wells. During this period, which included the duration of America's participation in the first World War, the Lodge held 70 meetings, at many of which two degrees were worked, 121 applications were received and 75 received the Master Mason's Degree.

Forty members of this Lodge served with our Armed Forces in the first World War. The Lodge voted to erect a bronze tablet in their honor. This tablet was unveiled with appropriate ceremonies May 16, 1920. Two of our members Served with such distinction that they were awarded high honors by our government. Worshipful Brother Arthur Hansen, present Mayor of Waltham, received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. Worshipful Brother George Furbush received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Croix de Guerre and the Purple Heart.

From December 6, 1919, to September 6, 1921, while Worshipful Brother Fred H. Hitchcock was presiding, the Master Mason Degree was conferred upon 130 candidates, the largest number raised by any Master in the history of the Lodge. The various bodies meeting in Charles A. Welch Hall had grown so rapidly that larger quarters seemed necessary. In 1920, committees were appointed from the two Blue Lodges and the Chapter to represent these bodies in working out plans for procuring suitable quarters. The Waltham Masonic Building Association was formed and the Maynard Block was purchased September 6, 1920, and thereafter remodeled to serve the needs of the fraternity.

September 6, 1927, Isaac Parker Lodge held its first regular meeting in the new apartments. January 18, 1922, the apartments were dedicated by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrince Arthur D. Prince, assisted by members of the Grand Lodge.

A most unusual meeting of the Lodge occurred November 17, 1931, when Worshipful Brother George Baxter welcomed the largest number of Master Masons ever assembled in this room. The Lodge was turned over to the Lexington Players, who were officers and members of Simon W. Robinson Lodge of Lexington, Massachusetts. They presented a representation of an Eighteenth Century Lodge. The drama proved most entertaining and enlightening. Their dialogues, costumes, scenes and actions reflected those early days when Masonry was in its infancy. There being no temples at that time, the Lodge meetings were held in some tavern where a private room could be found. As one followed the work, it was remarkable to observe how little the ritual has changed - a few words here and there are different, but the substance is the same. Guests came from distant points, including a large number from Bridgton, Maine. The gathering completely filled the lodge-room.

Isaac Parker Lodge has been bestowed some honors. Right Worshipful Ambrose Webster, our first Master, served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District for three years, 1884-85-86. Right Worshipful Brother William Jarvis, who was Master in 1906-07, served as Deputy in 1909-10. Worshipful Brother Samuel Friebe was presented the Henry Price MedaI in 1925 and in 1939 Worshipful Brother George Hopkins received the Distinguished Service Medal.

Three ofour Brethren have rendered the Lodge many years of valuable service. Brother Atwood Jackson served as Tyler 37 years, 4 months. Brother Herman Priest served as Treasurer 31 years and eight months, without pay, although the Lodge did present him with a gold medal, emblematic of his office, at the 50th anniversary. Worshipful George Hopkins has served as Secretary 27 yearsr 4 months, and we trust he will continue to serve for many years to come.

Even though the Lodge does not boast of many honors, we are proud of our heritage and the quality of our membership. It is composed of the type of men that make the Masonic order a glorious institution. We shall continue to keep before us the principles of Masonry and hope that twenty-five years hence the historian at our 100th anniversary may be able to say truthfully of us, "they also served."

OTHER

• 1896 (Attendance at Newton cornerstone laying, 1896-257)
• 1929 (Attendance at the constitution of Waltham Lodge, 1929-59)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• C. Frank Carbee, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1956, 1957; N
• Fred H. Hitchcock, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1942, 1943, 1955; N
• William F. Jarvis, DDGM, District 5 (Waltham), 1908, 1909; SN
• Harry E. Sneider, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1986, 1987; Junior Grand Warden 2001; N
• Ambrose Webster, DDGM, District 5 (Newton), 1884, 1885, 1886; SN
• Benjamin B. Worth, DDGM, District 5 (Brighton), 1970, 1971; N

DISTRICTS

1867: District 4 (Cambridge)

1883: District 5 (Newton)

1897: District 5 (Waltham)

1911: District 5 (Waltham)

1927: District 5 (Brighton)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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