JohnCutler

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JOHN CUTLER LODGE

MA_JohnCutler.jpg

Location: Abington

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 09/12/1860 VI-321

Precedence Date: 11/22/1859

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

  • Samuel B. Thaxter, 1859-1861; SN
  • Micah Nash, 1862, 1863
  • James F. Cox, 1864-1866
  • Hosea F. Whidden, 1867-1869
  • James E. Smith, 1870-1872
  • Samuel E. Ring, 1873-1875
  • Albert F. Kelly, 1876-1878
  • Joseph F. French, 1879-1881
  • Cornelius A. Faunce, 1882-1884
  • William Pierce, 1885-1887
  • Ernest W. Calkins, 1888-1890; SN
  • David V. Poole, 1891-1893
  • Charles B. Shaw, 1894, 1895
  • Charles S. Beal, 1896-1898
  • James M. Llewellyn, 1899-1901
  • Charles F. Dudley, 1902, 1903
  • Arthur T. Faunce, 1904, 1905
  • George W. S. Hyde, 1906, 1907
  • Olin D. Dickerman, 1908, 1909
  • Peter R. Curtis, 1910, 1911
  • Wesley C. Gilman, 1912, 1913
  • Frederic O. Baker, 1914, 1915
  • John A. Radcliff, 1916, 1917
  • Fred L. Blake, 1918, 1919
  • Clarence E. Rice, 1920, 1921; SN
  • Carrol A. Easton, 1922, 1923
  • Ernest W. Calkins, Jr., 1924
  • Lester A. Hall, 1925, 1926
  • William Tribou, 1927, 1928
  • George W. McGill, 1929, 1930
  • Albert W. Johnson, 1931, 1932
  • Ernest Clark, 1933, 1934; N
  • Donald D. Wyman, 1935, 1936
  • Wolstan E. Brown, 1937, 1938
  • Arthur L. Fish, 1939, 1940
  • Carl O. Bolinder, 1941, 1942
  • Royal A. Mabee, 1943, 1944
  • Norman T. Howe, 1945, 1946
  • Bruce F. Coburn, 1947, 1948
  • Ralph B. Starbard, 1949, 1950
  • Herbert I. Perry, 1951, 1952; N
  • Carl R. MacPherson, 1953, 1954
  • Clyde F. Poole, 1955, 1956
  • Lawrence S. Holbrook, 1957, 1958; N
  • Lawrence B. Shearer, 1959, 1960
  • Oliver H. Ramo, 1961, 1962
  • Donald L. Charlton, 1963, 1964
  • Charles H. Bonjokian, 1965, 1966
  • Kendall P. Kellaway, 1967
  • Joseph R. Steinberg, 1968, 1969
  • Carl J. R. Carlson, 1970, 1971
  • Alexander O. MacKay, 1972, 1973
  • Albert F. Fitzpatrick, 1974, 1975; N
  • Eaton G. Elz, 1976, 1977
  • Harry F. L. Winslow, 1978, 1979
  • C. Robert Bolinder, 1980
  • Paul S. Chase, 1981, 1982; PDDGM
  • Winthrop M. Cummings, 1983, 1984
  • Robert W. Morgan, 1985, 1986
  • Donald C. Gustafson, 1987, 1988
  • Roger A. Moore, 1989, 1990
  • Charles J. Flynn, 1991-1993
  • Donald E. Farish, 1994
  • Roland J. Turcotte, 1995-1998
  • Walter D. Thomas, 1999, 2000
  • Thomas R. Dennehy, 2001, 2002
  • E. Lawrence Doten, 2003, 2004
  • Thomas R. Dennehy, 2005
  • Stephen I. Vinal, Jr., 2006-2008
  • John C. Robbins, 2009, 2010
  • Thomas R. Dennehy, 2011, 2012
  • Aaron D. Sellers, 2013

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1859
  • Petition for Charter: 1860

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1909 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1934 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1959 (Centenary)
  • 1984 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1876 1886 1887 1890 1891 1900 1908 1911 1914 1916 1917 1921 1923 1926 1931 1938 1946 1955 1957 1970 1976 1978 1979 1982 1985 1989 1993 1994 2010

HISTORY

  • 1909 (50th Anniversary History, 1909-130)
  • 1934 (75th Anniversary History, 1934-169)
  • 1959 (Centenary History, 1959-255)
  • 1984 (125th Anniversary History, 1984-79; see below)

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1984

From Proceedings, Page 1984-79:

HISTORY OF JOHN CUTLER LODGE 1959-1984
By Worshipful Carl R. MacPherson

(For a comprehensive history of John Cutler Lodge covering the earlier periods, please refer to 1959 Mass. 255-266)

Our 100th Anniversary came in November 1959, the dates of the 20th, the 21st and the 22nd during the term of Worshipful Lawrence B. Shearer, who with Worshipful Carl R. MacPherson served as Co-Chairmen. Friday evening, the 20th was the date of the Anniversary Banquet followed by a Musical Program and dancing. This was held in the Abington Junior High School. It was well attended and we had many noted members of the Craft present. Worshipful Albert W. Johnson gave the history of the Lodge composed of eight pages. It was well delivered and contained most of the material you have heard this evening. Saturday evening was devoted to a reception to our then Grand Master, Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins, with a program of speaking and again the reciting of the history (1959 Mass. 253-266). On the next day, Sunday the 22nd, a Special Communication of the Lodge was held in the Fist Congregational Church of Rockland with a service offered by six clergymen taking part, namely Reverend Thomas H. Campbell, Reverend James R. Woodell, Reverend Duane A. Windemiller, Reverend Herbert A. Stevens, all of whom were Associate Chaplains, Reverend Merrill C. Ward, our own Chaplain, and one of the most famous of all Masons of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the Reverend Thomas S. Roy, Past Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, a personal friend of your writer, who gave the sermon.

Thus ended the first one hundred years of John Cutler Lodge, starting with Right Worshipful Samuel B. Thaxter as Master in 1859 and ending with Worshipful Lawrence B. Shearer as Master in 1959. Forty-five Masters presided over your Lodge during that period, of whom only four are now alive: Wor. Carl R. MacPherson, Wor. Clyde F. Poole, R.W. Lawrence S. Holbrook, our seventh District Deputy Grand Master, and Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer.

The remainder of this history will attempt to inform you of what has taken place since 1959, or the past twenty-five years of your Lodge. It will include a summary which will list as many of the Masonic accomplishments our members have had during that time. No doubt some will be missed and apologies are due to those who find their names omitted.

Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer holds a distinct honor. He is the last of 45 men to serve as Worshipful Master of our Lodge in the first century of its history in 1959, and the first of 13 to have occupied the East during the past 25 years. The past quarter of the century as stated, 13 have enjoyed that privilege and 12 of them are living. The only one to have passed to the Celestial Lodge Above is the late and beloved Wor. Oliver H. Ramo, who died in 1974. Those still living are as follows: Wor. Donald L. Charlton; Wor. Charles M. Bonjokian; Wor. Kendall P. Kellaway; Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg; Wor. Carl J.R. Carlson; Wor. Alexander O. MacKay; R. W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick; Wor. Eaton G. Elz; Wor. Harry F. L. Winslow; Wor. C. Robert Bolinder; Wor. Paul S. Chase; and the present Brother, Wor. Winthrop M. Cummings. During their terms of office, John Cutler Lodge has increased its activities far beyond imagination and many of the members have been honored and an attempt will be made to enumerate them.

First, the success of our Blood Program must be brought to your attention. This started back in the term of office of Wor. Carl R. MacPherson, who for ten years acted as chairman. In those days, the Red Cross did not come to our Lodge quarters, but visited such locations as churches in the district, or American Legion buildings, and the length of time they would stay made it many times impossible for our members to meet their hours of operation.

Nevertheless, John Cutler Lodge contributed over 500 pints in a matter of some ten years. Sharing this chairmanship with Worshipful Carl were Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer and R. W. Lawrence S. Holbrook who both found it difficult to do as well as we wanted because of the problems involved. Still, our Lodge was one of the best in the district and was praised by the Service Department of Grand Lodge. These days, Bro. Roger A. Moore, encouraged and assisted by Wor. Winthrop M. Cummings and Wor. Paul S. Chase, has been able to develop the program to such an extent that our best year's production was 311, and the Red Cross has commended our Lodge a number of times. The Red Cross now sends the Blood-mobile to our Lodge quarters and remains most of the day. Many people deserve credit, but Brother Moore is the main reason for our spectacular success.

It is interesting to note that Bro. James F. Doughty was the first Entered Apprentice in the new quarter-century. He later served as Treasurer of our Lodge. The death of Wor. William Tribou in March 1960 took away one of our most faithful workers. He had served all organizations well and was a key figure in the Abington Masonic Association, and did all the printing for all the bodies.

Most Worshipful Lawrence Emerson Eaton was Grand Master in 1960 and the Lodge received him. Many applications were received those days and Past Masters' Nights were held and all four of the living Past Masters of the first century took part. Appeals were made by Brother Robert B. Swift for the Order of DeMolay and many of our members qualified for the Gallon Club as early as 1960.

Various Degree Teams came to Abington to perform the Third Degree on someone who was a member of their club or organization. It is interesting to note that on Wednesday, November 16, 1960 R.W. Herbert I. Perry, then our District Deputy Grand Master, paid us an Official Visit and had 52 on his Suite. That night there were 156 present and we had 431 members of the Lodge.

In 1961 several changes took place. Brother Oliver M. Ramo became our Worshipful Master, Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer became Chairman of the Blood Program, Wor. Carl O. Bolinder succeeded Wor. Ralph B. Starbard as Secretary and Wor. Lester A. Hall, our Senior Past Master, assumed the duties of Marshal, replacing Wor. Carl R. MacPherson who had held the station for six years.

Our Lodge suffered another loss when on July 13, 1961 Dr. Merrill C. Ward, our devoted Chaplain, passed away. He had served our Brothers in this capacity for 13 years and was also the Chaplain for the 41st Lodge of Instruction. He was a Brother then, but as you all know, came to be our Master and one of our most devoted members. At present he is President of the Abington Masonic Association.

It was about this time that Wor. Lester A. Hall conceived the idea to try to have all jewels of Past Masters returned to the Lodge. He was very successful, and for a long time they were on display in a case made by the late Rev. Frank A. Coad, a fine cabinet maker and one of our Chaplains. In all, some 28 to 30 have been returned, but are no longer on display. They are in our most secure safe and are being used for our recent Past Masters as they become well qualified to wear them. At present there are 27 on hand and with two-year terms, John Cutler Lodge has enough jewels to last some 54 years. Wor. Oliver H. Ramo was elected to serve another term for 1962. It was sad news when Wor. Arthur L. Fish passed away on January 12, 1962. In his will he provided a fund to aid in scholarship awards which were established in April 1963.

During this period Wor. Norman T. Howe continued to work for the Order of DeMolay which he did up to the time of his death and he was created along with Wor. Carl R. MacPherson a member of the Legion of Honor of this organization.

Our Lodge took an active part in June 1962 at the 250th Anniversary of the Town of Abington, founded in 1712. A huge parade took place then and people from the towns of Abington, Whitman and Rockland joined in the celebration. After all, Rockland was once East Abington, and Whitman was South Abington. Wor. Donald L. Charlton from Rockland was elected to succeed Brother Ramo and at this time, Wor. Clyde F. Poole asked to be relieved as Treasurer and Bro. Charles A. Tarr was elected to the position. At this time the membership of the Lodge was 429.

You will be interested to learn that Bro. Carl J. R. Carlson, our present Secretary, was elected to receive the degrees on February 4, 1963. As you know he later became one of our outstanding Masters of the Lodge. During this time our Blood Program was picking up and several of our donors became "Gallon Club" members. Also at this time we were pleased that R. W. S. Forrest Kelliher of Paul Revere Lodge was our Visiting Officer. He later became Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge and has long been a prominent member of all York and Scottish Rite bodies. A friend of our Lodge for many years.

Several Degree Teams continued to visit us and for those of us who remember, the Police Team and the Kilwinning Club Teams were outstanding. There were others but these two were very colorful and made a definite impression on all. The Firefighters Square Club and the Pioneer Telephone were two others brought to mind. Presiding Masters were most happy to have these teams display their ability and it is suspected that our officers were, too.

In December 1963, Old Colony Commandery No. 15 held its 100th Anniversary which was postponed from November because of the death of President John F. Kennedy. The Lodge and its members assisted in this observance.

A service was held to dedicate the case containing the Past Masters' Jewels at this time with a fine service arranged by Wor. Lester A. Hall who took great pride in this accomplishment.

John Cutler Lodge suffered a severe blow when on July 5, 1964 Wor. Albert W. Johnson, a Master Mason for over 60 years, a Past Master of our Lodge and the 41st Lodge of Instruction, a Past Chaplain and Past Historian died after a long illness. Born in Liverpool, England in 1879, he was 85 years old at the time of his passing. Your present writer considers Worshipful Albert and Rev. Merrill C. Ward the two finest men he has known in his life and closest to the Lord Himself. At his Masonic service there were over 70 Masons present. He was most devoted to all organizations and for years handled the business of the Abington Masonic Association alone. All who knew these two men loved them and we all have prayed that they are resting in peace. Herbert W. Pendleton had become Treasurer of the Lodge at this time, replacing Brother Charles A. Tarr. Wor. Carl R. MacPherson closed out as Blood Chairman succeeded by Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer. It was a struggle in those days because of the uncertainty of the appearance of the Bloodmobile. Brother Charles H. Bonjokian served as Master for the years 1965 and 1966 and Wor. Lester A. Hall became District Deputy Grand Marshal for Right Worshipful Alvin R. Reid, our District Deputy. Brother Ernest H. MacNeill did our members a great favor when he assumed the task of visiting the sick. This visiting up to his willingness to do it had been performed by the presiding Masters. No one can forget his faithfulness to our ill and shut-in brothers.

On November 1, 1965 Wor. Carl O. Bolinder had the privilege of raising his son C. Robert Bolinder to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Certainly a night to remember and over one hundred were present to witness this event. At that time our Lodge had 421 members.

Our present Right Worshipful Albert F. Fitzpatrick became Junior Steward in 1966 and Wor. Harry FL. Winslow was elected on September 6, 1966. In 1967 Kendall P. Kellaway became Master, Joseph R. Steinberg, Senior Warden, Carl J. R. Carlson, Junior Warden, and Alexander O. MacKay, Senior Deacon. This group served in these offices only one year as pressure of business forced Wor. Kendall P. Kellaway to decline a second term. He did serve as Marshal the following year for Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg.

The loss of Brother Percy H. Cook, our Tyler, on January 30, 1967 was felt by all and he was succeeded by Brother Edward M. Webster in this important position. Step-up nights were fairly frequent and these affairs assured the members that the future of the Lodge would be in good hands. On June 5, 1967, R. W. Stanley H. Peterson presented 50-Year Veterans' Medals to Wor. Ralph B. Starbard and Brother Norman C. Poole. The Kilwinning Club paid us a visit two nights later.

Brother Joseph R. Steinberg became Master for 1968 and your writer served with pleasure as his Marshal, marking the seventh year he had served in this station. Brother James E. Doughty became Treasurer. On June 8, 1968, 50-Year Medals were presented to Brothers Fred Albert Arnold and Carl Stanley Benson. On November 25, 1968 the death of Brother Herbert Dean Simpson happened. He was of great service to the Lodge as he more or less kept our candidates in good spirits as they awaited the pleasure of the Lodge. A significant fact is the election of the two Burlingames, father and son, on December 2, 1968. Brother Stanley D. Foster became a 50-year member on February 3, 1969 and Brother Donald C. Gustafson was elected on March 4, 1969 and raised on June 2, 1969.

In 1970 and 1971 Wor. Carl J. R. Carlson was our Master and he had Brother Albert O. MacKay as Senior Warden, Brother Albert F. Fitzpatrick as Junior Warden, and Brother Eaton G. Elz as Senior Deacon. Brother Harry F.L. Winslow acted as Junior Deacon. These men are mentioned because they all became Masters of our Lodge in the future. Our membership was now down to 392. Wor. Lester A. Hall, our Senior Past Master, continued to attend and assist our officers in every way he possibly could. Wor. Wolstan E. Browne resigned as representative to the Masonic Association and Wor. Carl R. MacPher-son was elected to replace him.

On September 8, 1970 the Abington Masonic Association launched its program for renovating the building. The decision was made to remain at our present location rather than sell and move to some other area. It was also decided to renovate the present structure rather than tear it down and start from scratch. Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg was then President of the Association and Wor. Carl R. MacPherson was appointed as Chairman and Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer as Treasurer. Through the contributions of our friends, our Lodge members and the Lodge itself, and the Commandery, we were able to raise nearly $50,000 and the results of this effort are plainly seen with the Lodge rooms, both in fine condition and the dining room improved and also toilet facilities more pleasant, a new kitchen, through the efforts of Brothers Richard Ellenson and Eaton G. Elz, and many other areas such as the parking lot, the painting of the building, a new furnace, etc. all came from the program that we started in 1970. No one person deserves all the credit for many of our members pitched in. Wor. Charles H. Bonjokian, for instance took charge of laying the carpeting for the entire second floor and donated his time and the materials for the project. Wor. Alfred J. Paiva of Wampatuck Lodge deserves thanks as well. Things were really humming for us in those days and although there are still some areas needing attention, we are for the most part very comfortable with new tables and chairs provided for the upstairs and the dining room. In November 1970 the Lodge voted unanimously to give $20,000 toward the work.

R. W. Ernest Clark, a Past District Deputy Grand Master passed away on November 5, 1970 thus removing another Past District Deputy Grand Master and a faithful worker for our organizations in Abington. One of our proudest moments came in December 1970 when Wor. Lawrence S. Holbrook was installed by M. W. Herbert H. Jaynes as District Deputy Grand Master for our district and the year 1971. He was reappointed the next year and installed by M. W. Donald W. Vose for the year 1972. Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer served as his Marshal and during those two years Wor. Carl R. MacPherson was the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts. The Lodge held a reception for Most Illustrious Carl and Right Illustrious Ralph B. Starbard, his Grand Master of Ceremonies on February 1, 1971. Their histories were given by Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer and an engraved baton was presented to Ralph and a set of visiting cards to Carl. A night your historian will never forget.

Paul Stephen Chase was elected to receive the degrees on May 3, 1971 and as many of you know he became one of the most energetic presiding Masters we have ever had. If you have not seen his list of accomplishments, you should do so. His programs and things he thought of to do are beyond most imaginations and he has truly left a list of accomplishments which one will find hard lo meet. The writer will be forever grateful to him for the elaborate display he prepared which is now on the wall near the Tyler's desk.

We were all saddened when R. W. Herbert I. Perry passed away on March 17, 1971. He had been one of the most devoted members of the Lodge and certainly one of the outstanding leaders and Masters. Your writer succeeded him as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1953. He was a fine teacher and leader among us all.

Work started on the renovation of our building in the summer of 1971 and a new roof and new siding were completed that summer. New officers were elected for 1971-2 and Brother Alexander O. MacKay became Worshipful Master and all other officers moved up with Brother Albert Fitzpatrick as Senior Warden, Brother Eaton G. Elz as Junior Warden and Brother Harry F.L. Winslow as Senior Deacon. The loss of Brother Everett Benjamin was a blow to us all and he died on April 24, 1972. "Benny" as he was affectionately known to us all, was our custodian for many years and kept the building in tip-top shape, always doing something to improve conditions. On November 6, 1972 Wor. Carl O. Bolinder received a Certificate of Merit from the Grand Lodge issued by M. W. Donald W. Vose.

Wor. Alexander O. MacKay and his entire slate of officers were again elected to serve in 1973. We were now down to 374 members. Robert Walter Morgan applied in January 1973 and was elected in February of that year. Two more of the Winslow family applied in the persons of David and Charles. They were of course elected to receive the degrees and you can see that the Lodge was now beginning to get many father-son combinations.

We lost one of our most faithful members on June 27, 1973 when Brother Ernest Harold MacNeill passed away. His service as a visiting brother to our members was hard to match but several have carried on this important mission notably, Wor. Lyman W. Douglas, Wor. Norman T. Howe and R. W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick. This is most important for us as Masons to do and as it fell upon the Master's shoulders once to do, it is nice to have others willing to assume this responsibility.

The Lodge continued the V. A. escort service and work on the building was continued. It is interesting to note that Brothers Bob Bolinder and Paul S. Chase were officers at this time as well. In the years of 1973 and 1974 our District Deputy Grand Master was R. W. David T. Carlton and his Marshal was Wor. George E. Andrews and they made many visits to our Lodge.

On November 24, 1973 in Boston Wor. Carl R. MacPherson received the Legion of Honor, DeMolay, and in December 1973 Wor. Ralph B. Starbard became Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts. The Lodge also voted at this time the proposal to lower the age for membership.

Brother Albert F. Fitzpatrick on December 3, 1973 was elected and served as Worshipful Master for the years 1974 and 1975. His Senior Warden was Brother Eaton G. Elz and Brother Alexander O. MacKay served as Junior Warden. Our membership at this time was 370. An applicant on February 4, 1974 was Winthrop Morse Cummings who at the present time is your Worshipful Master. Also, the Lodge supported the Grand Lodge Expansion Program at the Masonic Home at Charlton.

We were all saddened by the death of Wor. Oliver Hugo Ramo on February 3, 1974 and a Masonic Service was held for him on February 5th. He had been one of our most devoted members and is the only Past Master since 1959 not living. His knowledge and willingness to assist aided us a great deal in our building program. At this time your writer became President of the Abington Masonic Association, a position he held for many years. In September, 1974 he was nominated to receive the Honorary Thirty-Third Degree, Scottish Rite at Atlantic City.

Wor. Albert F. Fitzpatrick, reelected for 1975 received the jewel of our late Brother Wor. Oliver H. Ramo And we know he took much pride and pleasure that Mrs. Ramo was willing to release it. She consented only on the condition that it be worn and not put in the case as others were.

A Special Program was held on December 20, 1974 to celebrate the term of service that Wor. Lester A. Hall, our Senior Past Master, had rendered to John Cutler Lodge. It marked 50 years since his installation as Master and a large crowd was on hand to pay him tribute including M. W. Donald Warren Vose, then the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Wor. Carl O. Bolinder received his 50-Year Veterans' Medal on March 14, 1975 from R. W. George H. Snow, then our District Deputy. On October 6, 1975, the members of John Cutler Lodge held a Testimonial Program for Wor. Carl R. MacPherson, 33rd Degree, who had received the honor the previous month in Boston. A number of brothers spoke of his Masonic contributions and he was presented with a Paul Revere bowl suitably engraved.

December 1, 1975 marked the date upon which our faithful Secretary, Wor. Carl O. Bolinder, announced his intention to terminate his duties in this office. He had served 16 years and was known as one of the best at this work. He was succeeded by Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg who carried on the work from 1976 to 1984 when our present Secretary, Wor. Carl J.R. Carlson, was elected for the year 1984. Brother Steinberg, as the Records will attest, also did an excellent piece of work for our Lodge. At the Annual Meeting in 1975 Brother Eaton G. Elz was elected and he served for 1976 and 1977 as our Worshipful Master. Brother Paul S. Chase was his Senior Steward, and Brother Harry F.L. Winslow was Senior Warden. Kenneth R. Pike was elected in February 1976 as Treasurer, and our Worshipful Master raised his own son Ronald on March 5, 1976. The Chapel Escort Service continued during this period and Table Lodges started to appear in this area.

The loss of Rev. Brother Francis Alfred Martyn Coad on April 8, 1976 was unpleasant news although he had been ill over a long period of time. He had done much for us, making the case holding the Past Masters' Jewels as well as making the frames which held the pictures of the same Past Masters. During this period Wor. Lyman W. Douglas continued visiting our sick brethren. At about this time Wor. Albert F. Fitzpatrick was doing the same and to this day is performing an important service. The Order of Rainbow Girls and the Order of DeMolay both located in our building also aided us by serving the suppers we so much enjoyed. Elected to serve in 1977, Wor. Eaton "Skip" Elz received the jewel his father had worn as a Past Master and today he still wears it with pride. Brother Roger A. Moore was raised on June 10, 1977 and now serves as our Senior Deacon as well as our Blood Program chairman. May 16, 1977 was the 90th birthday of Wor. Lester A. Hall and many of the brothers visited him. The records show that Wor. Donald Eugene Farish was elected as a member by affiliation on September 6, 1977. The death of Wor. Lyman Walker Douglas came on September 3, 1977 and to say that he would be missed was pulling it mildly. His service visiting our brothers in distress will long be remembered. He was a "gentle man."

The officers installed for 1978 were Brother Harry F.L. Winslow as Master, Brother C. Robert Bolinder as Senior Warden, Brother Donald Jarvinen as Junior Warden, Brother Paul S. Chase as Senior Deacon, and Brother Winthrop M. Cummings as Senior Steward. Brother Henri V. Jobert acted as Chairman for the V.A. Escort. On January 30, 1978, Brother Samuel L. Ware died and a private service was performed by our officers. Wor. Wolstan E. Browne left us on May 7, 1978 and as most know remembered the Lodge in his will. R. W. Ara Manoogian from Puritan Lodge was District Deputy and he made many visits to John Cutler Lodge. In November 1978 our membership had fallen to 325, a loss of fifteen. The same officers were elected for 1979 except that Brother Cummings moved up to Junior Deacon and Brother Robert W. Morgan became Junior Steward. Also of note was the fact that Wor. Albert F. Fitzpatrick became our District Deputy Grand Master for 1979 and 1980 and had Wor. Eaton G. Elz as his Marshal and Wor. Joseph S. Steinberg as his secretary. The three were very popular throughout the district and made many visits to the eight lodges in our area. July 14, 1979 was significant to us all as Wor. Ralph B. Starbard observed his 96th birthday.

Wor. Lawrence B. Shearer became the President of the Abington Masonic Association and on October 13, 1979, R. W. Lawrence S. Holbrook assumed the Master's position of Wampatuck Lodge in Hanson. In November 1979 our membership had dropped to 317. Brother C. Robert Bolinder was elected to serve as Master for the year 1980. R.W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick again favored the Lodge by serving as Senior Warden and Brother Paul S. Chase as the Junior Warden with Brother Winthrop M. Cummings in the office of Senior Deacon. Wor. Carl O. Bolinder presented his son with a gavel to use in his office. Brother Toiva M. Jarvinen was now serving as Tyler and still holds that important position. Our Senior Past Master, Wor. Lester Albion Hall passed Away on January 7, 1980 after many years of service. He had been a Past Master for 54 years, and was faithful to John Cutler Lodge and did many things to help us. His death was felt by all and Wor. Carl O. Bolinder became our Senior Past Master. At this period Wor. Norman T Howe began to visit our ill brothers and continued his valuable service up to the time of his death. Our Blood Program was now doing well under the leadership of both Brothers Roger A. Moore and Winthrop M. Cummings. About this time, Wor. Carl O. Bolinder was confined to the Mildred Alford Nursing Home in North Abington but was always in good spirits and was visited by many of the brothers.

The death of Wor. Ralph Benson Starbard came on May 16, 1980 and thus we lost probably as faithful a member as we have ever had. Even at the age of 96 plus he continued to attend our meetings. He held many Masonic honors and his passing, like that of Wor. Lester A. Hall, left a vacancy which we knew would be hard to fill. He loved his Masonic Associations, of which there were many, and to this day we feel his loss. Had he lived to July 14, 1980, he would have been 97 years old.

In November 1980, our membership was reduced to 304, a situation which bothered us all. The officers for 1981 were elected in December as follows: Worshipful Master, Brother Paul S. Chase; Senior Warden, R. W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick; Junior Warden, Brother Winthrop M. Cummings; Senior Deacon, Brother Robert W. Morgan; and Brother Donald C. Gustafson as Senior Steward. Wor. C. Robert Bolinder received his father's Past Master's jewel, a well-deserved presentation.

With the term of Wor. Paul S. Chase, things began to happen. The V. A. Escort Service was carried on and the Blood Program really flourished and the fact that the Red Cross came to our building enabled us to carry on a very extensive program. Brother Robert B. Swift was happy in the Masonic Home in Charlton and was visited many times by the Master and others. An appreciation night was held and another Winslow, Jon Howard by name, became a member. The Rainbow Girls demonstrated a sample of their work. Brother Robert W. Robinson became a member and soon after did the Senior Deacon's Lecture in the Fellow Craft degree. Wor. Eaton G. Elz became Master of our 41st Lodge of Instruction and R.W. Stephen H. Noyes was our District Deputy and on June 1, 1981, Wor. Harry F. L. Winslow raised his son who became a Master Mason. Brother Carl Stewart Shaw died on August 30, 1981 at the age of 97 years. The Blood Program was in full swing and it was announced that up to September 1981, 191 pints had been donated. On October 5, 1981 two sons of Brother Richard I. Eaton, Jr., John Albert Eaton and Wayne Edward Eaton applied for the degrees. On December 7, 1981 Wor. Paul S. Chase was reelected as our Master, Brother Winthrop M. Cummings as Senior Warden, Brother Robert W. Morgan as Junior Warden, and Brother Donald C. Gustafson as Senior Deacon. Brother Roger A. Moore was appointed Junior Deacon. At this meeting it was voted to send Mrs. Lawrence S. Holbrook a Certificate of Appreciation for her help in furnishing our collations. Thus in 1982 our line was still solid and the work was done in an excellent manner.

On February 1, 1982 the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, M. W. J. Philip Berquist, commended our Worshipful Master Paul S. Chase on his Master's Plan and on that date Brother Robert W. Robinson did the work of the Senior Deacon after being raised only a short time before. An unusual fete to be sure.

It was voted in May 1982 to raise our dues to $23.00 and with Grand Lodge dues now $12.00, the total a brother would have to pay was $35.00. On June 7th Wor. Donald E. Farish raised his son-in-law Charles Joseph Flynn and the same evening Wor. Paul S. Chase raised his son-in-law, Richard Samuel Cina, a great night for these two "Fathers-In-Law." June 11, 1982 was a fine evening for all and 25-year pins were given out to those eligible. Brother Donald E. Belcher received his 50-Year Veterans' Medal and there were 147 in attendance. On October 4, 1982 it was revealed that 16 people had completed the CPR course.

One of our best meetings took place on Monday, November 1, 1982 when as we were in session, a knock at the door when answered found the Most Worshipful Grand Master, J. Philip Berquist, present to make us a Fraternal Visit. He was accompanied by his Grand Marshal, R. W. Robert C. Patey. This was a big surprise to us all and as it was a Past Masters' Night, Brothers Kenneth Joseph McKinnon and Richard Alfred Lucas became Master Masons. The Grand Master also presented R. W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick and Wor. Norman T Howe with the Joseph Warren Medal for their fine service to Massachusetts Masonry and to our Lodge in particular. This visit came as a shock to us all for only the Grand Master and our Worshipful Master knew it was going to happen. The Grand Master also commended Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg for his help with the computer system at the Grand Lodge.

In November 1982 we had 292 members and had contributed 309 pints of blood which I understand did increase to 311 pints for this year, and we received a commendation from the Service Committee of Grand Lodge. The material presented and written by our outgoing Master, Wor. Paul S. Chase in 1982 is something that I wish you all could read. Certainly his two years of progress as our Master will be very hard to match.

Our Officers for 1983 were installed on December 11, 1982 as follows: Worshipful Master, Brother Winthrop M. Cummings; Senior Warden, Brother Robert W. Morgan; Junior Warden, Brother Donald C. Gustafson; Treasurer, Brother Kenneth R. Pike; Secretary, Wor. Joseph R. Steinberg; and Senior Deacon, Brother Roger A. Moore. On January 3, 1983, Wor. Carl R. MacPherson presented his Past Master's Ring and a Past Master's tie tack to be worn by each Past Master for a period of two years and then passed on to his successor. This ring had been presented to him by his wife Grace R. MacPherson in 1954 at the conclusion of his first term of office and he stated that he was anxious for the ring to always be worn by a Past Master of John Cutler Lodge. A hard blow for us all came when Wor. Norman T. Howe died on March 1, 1983. A most devoted person and member of our Lodge, he had been a member for 49 years. His efforts to visit the sick and shut-in companions paralleled that of the late Wor. Lyman W. Douglas and the present R. W. Albert F. Fitzpatrick. Brother Burton Lincoln Wales, Brother Howe's neighbor died also about this time he being a member of 66 years. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Wor. Alexander O. MacKay for his many contributions to our Lodge and to Masonry in many ways. It was reported on April 4, 1983 that our Lodge stood 8th out of 333 lodges as far as contributions to the Blood Program were concerned.

Past Masters' Night was again enjoyed on June 6, 1983 and your historian, Wor. Carl R. MacPherson, did the entire first section of the Master Mason's Degree. It seemed good to do once again this most impressive ritual and he was given a round of applause for his efforts. R. W. Robert Dexter Hermanson, our District Deputy, visited us on October 3, 1983 and it was your writer's privilege to introduce him to our Worshipful Master and the members of the Lodge. On November 7, 1983 John Cutler Lodge voted to give $2500.00 to the Masonic and Charitable Fund for the Masonic Home at Charlton. That same evening the play, "A Rose Upon the Altar" was presented by the Fellowship Players of Bridgewater. It was well received by our members and was presented in the hall of the United Church of Christ.

On November 15, 1983 our membership had dropped to 285 but most fraternal organizations were suffering in this respect as we were. Wor. Paul S. Chase, with permission from the Worshipful Master Winthrop M. Cummings, prepared a detailed display of the jewels and honors that had been bestowed upon Wor. Carl R. MacPherson, who holds the highest degrees in both York and Scottish Rites and this display now appears near the Tyler's station in one of the corridors. He is one of two men in the history of John Cutler Lodge to receive the Thirty-Third Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. The other was the late R. W. Olin Drake Dickerman, who lived in Newton when so honored. Worshipful Brother Carl is the only man from Abington to have this degree conferred upon him. He also holds the Order of the Purple Cross of North America. He will be ever grateful to the Lodge and to both Worshipful Paul S. Chase and Worshipful Winthrop M. Cummings.

Our officers for 1984 and now serving are: Worshipful Master, Wor. Winthrop M. Cummings; Senior Warden, Brother Robert W. Morgan; Junior Warden, Brother Donald C. Gustafson; Treasurer, Brother Kenneth R. Pike; Secretary for his first year, Wor. Carl J.R. Carlson; Senior Deacon, Brother Roger A. Moore; and Junior Deacon, Brother Russell A. Trefethen. Our present Master now wears the Past Master's Ring presented to the Lodge by the writer. Two deaths this year have been hard for us to accept, that of Wor. Carl O. Bolinder at 87 years of age and a member of the Lodge for nearly 59 years, and that of Brother Robert B. Swift. The former passed away on February 1, 1984 and the latter on March 25, 1984. Both were fine men and excellent members of the Craft and both had contributed a great deal to our own Lodge and to Masonry in many ways. Services were held for Wor. Carl O. Bolinder on February 3, 1984 and the fine attendance that evening was a tribute to his standing as a Master Mason. For Brother Swift, his ashes were to be scattered in Scitu-ate Harbor with a Masonic Service from the boat of Brother Toiva M. Jarvinen. Awards this year have been made to both Wor. Paul S. Chase and Wor. Joseph S. Steinberg by our District Deputy, R.W. Robert D. Hermanson, for their unusual service to the Craft. Brother Robert A. Robinson also received his 50-Year Veterans' Medal from Grand Lodge this year. Also the Lodge has been given a Plaque from our Grand Lodge. More 25-year Membership lapel pins were presented on June 4, 1984.

Thus ends the history to the point of June 1984. It has been a very difficult task for your historian but as always it has been a "labor of love."

OTHER

  • 1862 (Description of jurisdictional issues, VI-408)

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE AND HALL DEDICATION, SEPTEMBER 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 12, September 1860, Page 359:

JOHN CUTLER LODGE. This is the appropriate name of a new Lodge, recently constituted at Abington, in this State. John Cutler was the first Grand Master after the union of the two Grand Lodges of Massachusetts in 1792. The ceremonies of constituting the Lodge and dedicating the new hall, which is a very neat one, were performed by the R. W. Deputy Grand Master, Dr. J. V. C. Smith, assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge, on Tuesday the 14th September last. The installation service was performed by the R. W. Junior Grand Warden, Wm. D. Coolidge, in his usual happy manner. The prospects of the Lodge are highly encouraging, and we wish it the most abundant success.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1859: District 5

1867: District 16 (Plymouth)

1883: District 24 (Brockton)

1911: District 29 (Brockton)

1927: District 29 (Brockton)

2003: District 17

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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