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CLARENCE ARTHUR BRODEUR 1865-1923

Senior Grand Warden, 1910

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1923-434:

On October 19 the Grand Lodge suffered a great loss in the passing of R.W..Clarence A. Brodeur, who served it as Senior Grand Warden in 1910. R.W. Bro. Brodeur was one of those whom the Fraternity delighted to honor. As Principal of the State Normal School at Westfield for twenty-two years he won a large and honored place among the leading educators of the state. As a Deacon in the Second Congregational Church of Westfield for more than twenty years he was a leader in the religious life of the community. The people of Westfield and the surrounding country looked up to him as a leader in civic and social betterment. To Freemasonry he gave a service of almost incredible extent when one considers the many activities of his very full life. All the bodies of the York, Cryptic, and Scottish Rites benefited by his intelligent, loving, and zealous service. His was a rare and generous personality, endearing him to a great circle of friends and acquaintances who mourn his loss and will always cherish his memory.

From Proceedings, Page 1923-510:

Born, September 25, 1865.
Died, October 19, 1923.

Clarence Arthur Brodeur was born in Colchester, Vermont, September 25, 1865, the son of Charles and Priscilla (Marsh) Brodeur. He received his early education in the schools of that town and at Burlington, Vermont. Ambitious for further education, but lacking funds, he taught school in Franklin, N. H., during 1882 and 1883, earning money with which to start on his college course. In September of 1883 he entered Harvard University, graduating with the class of 1887. Writing here the bare facts that he entered and graduated from the University does not adequately indicate the really dramatic setting of that college education, which was achieved in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties and accompanied by hardships that would have discouraged anyone less determined than he.

The old assertion, "A self-made man" was literally true of the life of Rt. Wor. Bro. Brodeur. His parents being unable to assist him in securing a college education he set out to accomplish his purpose alone. The marked success with which he accomplished his purpose is greatly to his credit; but it cost him much in those things which the average college graduate holds most dear. There were no softening memories of those difficult college years for the determined Vermont boy, for he was obliged to live miles away from Cambridge, and had to arise before dawn to assist in the work about the farm where he Iived. He started early on his long walk to the University and worked hard throughout the day, not only in the class rooms, but at any place where he could secure snatches of employment between classes to swell his slender finances, but in spite of such handicaps he graduated in 1887 with distinction, and took with him from college a groundwork of general knowledge which in later years elevated him high in the ranks of Harvard's distinguished graduates.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Brodeur's first work after graduation was as principal of the Hunnewell Grammar School in Wellesley, which he began in the fall of 1887. After a year in this position, he resigned to become principal of the Franklin High School, remaining two years in that Massachusetts town. After resigning from the position at Franklin he entered the Boston University Law School, where he pursued the study of law from 1890 to 1892. Immediately after graduating from the Law School he went West to Tacoma, Washington, where he was admitted to the bar of Pierce County.

His inclination toward educational interests, however, appears to have outweighed his recent touch with law, and he soon accepted a position as instructor in the Tacoma High School, but held the position only a year before returning East. On his return to Massachusetts he became Superintendent of Schools in Warren and Wales, holding that position for three years. In 1896 he became Superintendent of Schools in Chicopee, Mass., a position he filled with unusual distinction for five years. In 1901 Rt. Wor. Bro. Brod.eur was chosen from a distinguished list of applicants to become principal of the Westfield State Normal School, in Westfield, Mass. In this position he served continuously up to the time of his death, having held the longest tenure of office of any principal of the school.

Gifted with a genius for leadership, coupled with a judicial temperament, perhaps influenced by his study of law, he became an ideal principal of an institution of the importance of the Westfield State Normal School, and accomplished remarkable results with the comparatively small Faculty with which he was always obliged to carry on the work of the school.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Brodeur was active in Westfield civic affairs, although seldom a candidate for any office. He was Moderator of the town meetings for several years, and, although a strict parliamentarian, he never let his determination for regularity temper his better judgment. As a result, there were few protests from his decisions. In church affairs he was exceptionally active. He attended the Second Congregational Church of Westfield, where he served as Deacon and Clerk, and Superintendent of the Sunday School. He gave generously of his time and money to its support.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Brodeur was married June 24, 1887, to Miss Cornelia Latta, daughter of Charles Gilchrist Latta, of Wellesley, Mass. To this union were born two daughters and four sons; the daughters dying in early childhood. His wife and four sons survive him.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Brodeur's Masonic record, beginning in 1900, was rapid, brilliant, and most useful to the Craft. He was Raised in Belcher Lodge, Chicopee Falls, Mass., September 11, 1900. He was Senior Warden of that Lodge in 1900 and 1901 and Worshipful Master in 1901 and 1902. Upon his removal to 'Westfieid he affiliated with Mount Moriah Lodge, and was Senior Deacon in 1905, 1906, 1912 and 1913, and was Worshipful Master in 1915 and 1916. In 1908 he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Eighteenth Masonic District, holding that office two years; and in 1910 was elected Senior Grand Warden in this Grand Lodge. IIe was a brilliant and pleasing public speaker, and from the time of his first connection with the Grand Lodge was much in demand where Masons were assembled, not only in western Massachusetts, but throughout the entire jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and often in other New England states.

He was exalted in Unity Royal Arch Chapter, Chicopee Falls, Mass., April 24, 7901, and affiliated with Evening Star Royal Arch Chapter, Westfield, in 1902. After serving in the offices of Scribe and King, he was High Priest in 1904 and 1905. He was Deputy Grand High Priest in 1921. In Cryptic Masonry he received the degrees in Springfield Council, Royal and Select Masters, on April 9, 1902, became a Charter member of Westfield Council, and was Thrice Illustrious Master from 1914 to 1916. He was Knighted in Springfield Commandery, Knights Templars, No. 6, on January 22, 1906; was Prelate, 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1919 ; Senior Warden, 1922; and elected Captain General, October 3, 1923.

In Scottish Rite Masonry he received the degrees in Evening Star Lodge of Perfection on December 5, 1906; Massasoit Council, Princes of Jerusalem, on January 2, 1908; Springfield Chapter of Rose Croix, January 30, 1908; Massachusetts Consistory, Boston, April 24, 1908; and affiliated with Connecticut Valley Consistory, Springfield, on December 5, 1918. He was Chancellor of the latter Consistory from 1918 to 1923. He was Thrice Potent Master of Evening Star Lodge of Perfection at the time of his death. He received the 33d Degree, Honorary, from the Supreme Council, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Jurisdiction, at its annual session in Cleveland, Ohio, in September, 1922.

The early influences which shaped the life of our departed Brother are unknown to us, but we must believe that the home influences which surrounded. him embraced wise and Christian parents, and perhaps, also, he imbibed something of the spirit of Col. Ethan Allen, that invincible and virile soldier of the Revolution, whose spirit still animates the lives of the dwellers on the shores of that historic Lake.

Like our traditional Grand Master, "he was cut off in the midst of his usefulness," but the example of his life and the good he wrought will be undying, ever multiplying in influence for the upbuilding of humanity.

Respectfully submitted,
EEdwin A. Blodgett,
Edward G. Marshman,
Stanley L. Plaice,
Committee.

Distinguished Brothers