MAGLWBarbour
Contents
WALWORTH O. BARBOUR 1850-1901
- MM 1879, WM 1894, 1895, Mizpah
- DDGM, Cambridge 2, 1898, 1899
- Deputy Grand Master 1900
MEMORIAL
From Proceedings, 1901, Page 1901-140:
Walworth O. Barbour was born in Saratoga, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1850, the son of Oliver L. Barbour, a noted author of works of law. When about nineteen years of age he spent some time in civil engineering in the Adirondacks. He came to Cambridge about 1874, and entered the employ of the Walworth Manufacturing Company. Later he engaged in business as a member of the firm of Walworth O. Barbour & Co., and still later became senior partner of the firm of Barbour, Stockwell & Co., which was afterwards merged into the corporation of the Barbour-Stockwell Company, of which he was president to the time of his death. In all these positions he was active and industrious, being one of the foremost men in his line of business.
He was a member of the New England Foundrymen's Association, serving as its president in 1899, the National Founders Association, serving as Chairman of the New England Committee in 1899, and a charter member of the National Metal Traders Association. In all of these Associations he was a leading spirit and ably served in positions of trust and responsibility. He was a charter member of the Colonial Club, of Cambridge, and belonged to several social organizations of the Austin Street Unitarian Church of that city, where he was a regular attendant, and to other local societies; in all of which he was much valued for his social qualities. In every sphere of action his tact and ability were soon felt, his counsel sought, and his time and energy were never withheld.
He was married to Sarah G. Hinckley, of East Bridgewater, Aug. 15, 1876. She survives him, with three children, Philip W., Samuel L., and Lillian M. Barbour, all of Cambridge. His record in Freemasonry was brilliant. He was initiated in Mizpah Lodge, of Cambridge, May 12, crafted June 9, raised September 8, taking membership October 13, all in the year 1879. He was appointed Inside Sentinel for the year 1881, Junior Steward 1882 and 1883, Junior Deacon 1888, Senior Deacon 1889, elected Junior Warden for the years 1890 and 1891, Senior Warden 1892 and 1893, Worshipful Master 1894 and 1895. He received the Mark and Past Master's degrees in Cambridge Royal Arch Chapter March 8, 1889, the Most Excellent degree May 10, 1889, was exalted a Royal Arch Mason and became a member June 14, 1889. He was knighted in Boston Commandery K.T., and became a member Sept. 18, 1889. He received the appointment of District Deputy Grand Master for the 2nd Masonic District for the years 1898 and 1899 and was installed Deputy Grand Master at the dedication of the Temple in December, 1899. His only public appearances thereafter were at Beverly, December, 1899, and Wollaston, January, 1900, for on Jan. 10, 1900, less than a month after his installation, he was stricken by the disease which finally took him from our midst. He occupied his chair in this Grand Lodge but once thereafter, at the Annual Communication in December, 1900. He died July 2, 1901.
R.W. Brother Barbour was naturally a leader among his associates. He formed his own opinions in matters of business and pleasure, though, always, hearing and weighing the counsel of friends. Progressive, he cut new paths through the underbrush, or blazed his way through the trackless forests. To get most quickly at the gist of the matter, to cut the Gordian knot, to bring out the meaning of the ceremonies of our Institution, were the grand Masonic aims he had in view. Nowhere in all the range of Masonic literature is there to be found a more perfect piece of instruction to the novitiates, a clearer exposition of the benefit of the Masonic membership, a more graceful charge from the Master to the incoming member, than the one composed and modestly used by him till its beauty and appropriateness won for it the admiration and applause of his Brethren. It is, as was so aptly said by our Most Worshipful Grand Master when he installed R.W. Brother Barbour, 'a distinct contribution to Masonic literature,' and it is with the hope that it will find a permanent place therein by publication in the report of this Communication of the Grand Lodge that we make it a part of this memorial.
Brother Barbour was peculiarly endowed with lovable and genial qualities. Thoughtful of the welfare of those about him, his supreme pleasure was in sharing with others the good things he liked. Nothing at home was quite so good as when some friend had dropped in to share it with him, and no outing was perfect for him unless all his family were with him. When they and a few choice friends were about him, then, and then only, in the language of a friend, were 'the skies a perfect blue, the waters of the brook perfectly clear, and the songs of-the birds:at the height of their melody.' We remember him as he was. With a Mason's hope, we wait till we see him as he is.
Fraternally submitted,
EUGENE C. UPTON,
GEORGE F. STEBBINS,
OSCAR F. ALLEN,
Committee.
ADDRESSES
CHARGE TO A MASTER MASON
A part of the Barbour memorial in the Proceedings, beginning on Page 1901-146; also appears in New England Craftsman, Vol. XXXV, No. 12, August 1940, Page 254.
"And now, my Brother, the ceremonies of this degree are concluded. You have been; initiated, crafted and raised,: and have received all the instruction pertaining to Ancient Craft Masonry laid down in the ritual adopted by the Grand Lodge of this State. It is yours to enjoy all the privileges, pleasures and benefits of this revered and venerable Institution of ours, and I sincerely hope you may soon learn to recognize and appreciate their great value.
"Conceived in the early days of civilization, so remote that the date is lost in the dimness of antiquity, and organized for the instruction and protection of the workmen of that period, the Fraternity has been a factor of ever-increasing importance in the changing civilizations of the . succeeding centuries, and exercises a potent influence on that of our own times. Its founders builded far better than they knew. They erected a structure to serve the material needs of the operative Brethren of their time, but they adorned it so richly with symbolism, and with teachings so noble and pure, that it has withstood the lapse of time, the attacks of ignorance, prejudice and superstition, and survived by many generations the conditions which called it into existence.
"There is inspiration and hope for the future of the Fraternity in the study of its past, and food for proud reflection in the thought that amid all the changes of social life and custom, amid the rise and fall of empires, dynasties, races and nations, amid the birth, growth and decay of religious sects, and creeds, amid all the changes of thought and growth of knowledge, Freemasonry remains the one human Institution without fundamental change. The reason is not far to seek. From its inception the Fraternity has been the exponent of verities as old as humanity itself, and- destined to last 'until the wide firmament is rolled up like a scroll'; so simple that all men can understand them and which all men must admit, accept, admire and reverence. Truth, justice, charity, — meaning in a broad sense, manhood, honesty and love for one's fellow-man, — these three broad stones were builded securely into its very foundation, and on them men, not only of every country, sect and opinion, but of every age and every time, and of almost every degree of education and intelligence; have found place.
"When men no longer needed the assistance and protection of the Fraternity to gain a livelihood, its purposes underwent a modification. But the great underlying principles remained the same, appealing to the best there was in all men and binding them loyal and steadfast in their affection for it; and from generation to generation they have given of their time, thought, influence and money in loving and faithful service, receiving in return, rewards that differed with their varying needs and tastes.
"You are, to-night, received into full membership in this great Fraternity. You have every reason to be proud of the family which has adopted you. See to it that the family has reason to be proud of you.
"The Fraternity stands to-day, as it has stood from time immemorial, as a wise and generous mother offering to her children, from an abundant store, gifts whose value is beyond estimate and whose beauty grows upon us day by day.
"Her very greeting to you was a smile of approval, and her first words — spoken before your feet were permitted to cross the threshold of her sanctuary — an appeal to every sense of manhood and honor you possess. 'Because my children think well of you,' she said, 'because you are a man and have been found worthy, therefore do I open my doors unto you and bid you enter.' Once within, she takes you by the hand and conducts you through the courts and chambers of her magnificent temple; she displays, to you the glorious trophies which the centuries have brought her. She spreads a feast before you where presides the genius of modern Masonry, true and disinterested friendship. Do you desire friends? Every man does every man should.
He who lies a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has an enemy will meet him everywhere.
She does not give you friends. You would not value them if she did. Indeed, she could not do so if she would.
For friendship is not a plant of hasty growth,
Though planted in esteem's deep-fixed soil,
The gradual culture of kindly intercourse
Must bring it to perfection.
"She offers you the esteem, good-will and companionship of men with whom it is an honor for you, or any man, to become associated. The rest remains with you. Accept it gratefully, at her hands, use it aright, improve it, and friendships will come into your life to enrich it and make it glad so long as it shall last. Nay, she does even more than this. She helps to make you worthy of such friendships. In the ritual of the three degrees she gives you a series of lessons, written in the most beautiful symbolism imaginable, inculcating a morality as lovely and lofty as that of any system of religion or philosophy, ancient or modern, and entirely free from cant, bigotry or dogma; a charity as broad as the universe itself; a faith in God, immortality, and one's fellow-man as simple and direct as that of a child.
"She lays her hand on your shoulder and on mine, and directs to high thoughts, pure lives, unselfish deeds. Strong, impressive and lasting are the lessons of the good mother. I charge you, my Brother, give heed to her voice and so shall you show to all the world the full stature of a man."
"TO SERVE THE REPUBLIC", 1934
ADDRESS By Rev. Clarence A. Barbour, D. D., L. L. D.
President of Brown University and Associate Grand Prelate
“To Serve The Republic”
Delivered at Luncheon in Narragansett Hotel, Providence, R. I.,
Wednesday, May 10, 1934, A. O. 816,
following the Semi-Annual Conclave.
Right Eminent William S. Hamilton, Grand Commander, Presiding.
Right Eminent Sir, and Sir Knights:
It is a pleasure to meet with my comrades in Knight Templary at this notable gathering. My membership is in Monroe Commandery, No. 12, in Rochester, New York, where I am well beyond the quarter centennial necessary to life membership. Old Saint John’s Commandery No. 1 of Providence four years ago graciously admitted me to honorary membership and on Good Friday of this year Washington Commandery No. 1 of Hartford, Connecticut, the city of my birth, repeated that action. This is the more significant to me because my honored father was Eminent Commander of Washington Commandery in the year 1856-7, and my eldest brother himself in the membership of that body, delivered the centennial address of the founding of Washington Commandery in 1896. It is evident that my interest in Templary is well warranted.
Today at the behest of the Grand Commander I speak to you at this luncheon hour, and my theme is “To Serve the Republic.”
On Boston Common, across from the State House, there is a memorial in bronze of striking workmanship and significance. In bas-relief it pictures Colonel Robert Gould Shaw at the head of the fifty-fourth regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a regiment of colored men. The memorial is according to the design of Augustus St. Gaudens and was unveiled on Memorial Day in the year 1897. It is of noble artistry; Colonel Shaw mounted, his troops virile and life-like the whole a master-piece of the sculptor’s art. If you are not careful, you will miss one feature of the memorial. Above the heads of the marching men is carved the motto of the Society of the Cincinnati Omnia relinquit servare rem republicam. “He left everything to serve the republic.” Robert Gould Shaw knew when he took that negro command that he was a marked man and that his life would be forfeit. And it was, for at Fort Wagner two months after the regiment had saluted Governor Andrew before the State House in Boston, the end came. He had left everything to serve the republic.
No one of us, at least no one of us at this time, is called upon to leave everything, just as did he to serve the republic. But an outstanding purpose of our very existence and of our corporate life in the Commandery is to serve this beloved country of ours and the world of which the republic is a part. If this is not the intent of this order, it has no good reason for existence and no claim to confidence or support.
Long ago, cruel national conditions obtained in Palestine. The nation was anxious about its security. The permanence of the national life was imperiled. Queries concerning the defenses of the nation were heard on every side. “How can we maintain our national strength?” That was the great question that was stirring the souls of the people, and the question was being answered as thousands have answered it since that day. Translated into modern language and conditions the answer would be: “Increase the strength of your fortifications, utilize the latest inventions in armor and guns, build plenty of new battleships that will be the biggest and strongest in the navies of the world. Increase your standing army; put your confidence in your material possessions and what they will buy.” That was the predominant counsel of the day, that the strength and permanence of national life can be built upon a basis of material force. That was the popular conception as to the foundations of national stability. So Israel of that day shaped its policy. So they strengthened their fortifications; they multiplied and consolidated their forces; they entered into defensive alliances with one nation and another, and upon this they built their hope and confidence.
But relying upon these, a nation builds upon shifting sand. Reliance upon material force is a covenant with death. The secret of the strength, the stability, the permanence of a nation does not lie in these things. The secret is in the character of its people. The foes of a nation most to be feared are those of its own household. Never before in human history had Europe such military preparedness as it had reached in 1913. What an adequate national defense Germany had in her army and England in her navy, according to the militaristic point of view! And what did they accomplish in the way of security? Far from maintaining peace, they incited war. Far from providing defense, they left Europe bleeding and bankrupt. The consequences of that war have shadowed the world. Ten million soldiers dead, thirteen million civilians dead, five million widows, seven to nine million orphans, ten million refugees, debts so incredibly huge that coming generations will still be paying on them—does that look as though military preparedness really defended a nation or the world?
At Gettysburg six years ago President Coolidge spoke significant words: “A people which gives itself over to great armaments and military display runs great danger of creating within itself a quarrelsome war spirit ... While others have felt that they were forced to prepare for war, our situation has been such that we have always been preparing for peace ... War means the application of force; peace means the application of reason. War is lawlessness; peace is the rule of law. The principal effort of civilization, after all, is to bring the world under obedience to law ... Under republican institutions an industrious and law-abiding people will make a peaceful nation, while a lawless and riotous people will make a warlike nation. Like many other of our problems the solution runs back to the individual and the home. If around the nation’s fireside, respect for authority, reverence for holy things and obedience to parental discipline are taught, the surest foundation for peace will be laid. Where these home influences are lacking the danger of conflict increases.”
There is an order of American Knighthood. Our country is still young, but it is old in heroic deeds and great achievements. In its short life of little more than a century it has enriched the world with its gifts to science, its discoveries and inventions to lessen human ills. Its triumphs in literature have been no less marked than its victories in science. Had Motley or Bancroft or Prescott lived in Britain, they would have received some distinguished mark of honor from the Government. Had they been Frenchmen instead of Americans, they would have been decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor. We have begun to apply another scale of valuation. Deeds of heroism are clone at other places than on fields of battle. The service rendered to the race by the discovery of ether, for example. That discovery has saved more lives, to say nothing of the lessened pain and agony to the human frame, than have been saved from shipwrecks since ships first plowed the ocean. Other triumphs in surgery, equally as useful or nearly so, have been counted among the achievements of the years. In France the cross of the Legion of Honor is given not alone to those who have won distinction on the battlefield, but to the scientist, the generous philanthropist, the painter, the sculptor, the author. All of these may win the decoration. War brings sorrow and desolation both to victor and to vanquished. No desolation follows in the train of the inventor of the sewing machine. That has brought relief and life itself to multitudes of toiling sewing women throughout the world.
There is an underlying principle here. We may never have an outward recognized order of American Knighthood. But there is such an order, an order of knighthood broader than America, as broad as humanity, and that knighthood is the knighthood of service, and its insignia flash brighter than bejeweled badge or gleam of golden medal.Whenever one gives his life, his strength, his toil, for the weal of another, he belongs to the order of knighthood. The locomotive engineer who lay crushed beneath a railway wreck, his comrades trying to rescue him before the escaping steam should end his life, who called: “Jim, never mind me, flag number 7” — lest number 7 rush on into the wreck with new loss of life and property.
That young clerk of the railway service at Charleston, who with other four postal clerks established a fumigating station a few miles from Jacksonville when yellow fever was epidemic there and all the country was quarantined against the city, and would receive no mails sent from it. Not permitted to enter the town, they nearly starved for a time. They had no beds on which to sleep except bags of infected mail. They remained on duty for over a hundred days and in that time fumigated about three million pieces of mail. He belonged to the order of American Knighthood, the knighthood of service, the way into which is open to all.
There is insistent call for servants of the republic at this hour. The nation is riding a stormy sea. Our people generally are coming to the realization that the costs of our governmental functions has reached the stage where it is impossible to raise a sufficient revenue to meet it. There absolutely must be a shortening of sail. Silas Strawn, former President of the United States Chamber of Commerce, has well said:
“Notwithstanding the critical condition of the federal treasury and the constantly increasing deficit, some of the members of Congress manifest no realization of the danger to our national credit, and they continually press for passage bills contemplating the issuance of billions of dollars of obligations to satisfy the demands of unthinking groups who are actuated by selfish motives rather than by regard for the public welfare.”
Our critical situation is a part of an international situation. The interests of nations do not clash. They are coordinate and coincident. The great ones of history belonged to no one nation in exclusion. Who thinks of Shakespeare simply as an Englishman; or Pasteur, as a Frenchman; or Dante, as an Italian; or Goethe, as a German; or Tolstoi, as a Russian? Such men do not belong to any one nation. All which they represent, all of imperishable worth and glory, of inspiration, is the common heritage of mankind. The patriot who is concerned about the highest welfare of his own country, by very virtue of that fact is concerned about the welfare of all countries, because he sees that in all its higher interests the world is one. Servants of the republic in its own life and in its international relations we must be, or we are untrue to the tomorrows which come with swift approach. Surely this great Order will not fail in its rendering of that service which should be the very goal of its existence.
