MAOtherBrothersP

PARSONS, WILLIAM, III 1876-1916

R.W. William Parsons, 3d, was born in Gloucester June 17, 1876, and died there June 23, 1916. Practically he spent all his life in that city. He was educated in the public schools, after which he assumed management of the "Retail Dry Goods, Men's Clothing and Furnishing, Boots and Shoes" business left by the late Joseph Parsons. Brother William Parsons, 3d, managed it profitably and to the great satisfaction of his customers during his business life.

Brother Parsons received the Masonic Degrees in Acacia Lodge, East Gloucester, in 1903 and became its Master November 24, 1909. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth Masonic District December 28, 1915, and held that office at the time of his decease. He was also a member of William Ferson Royal Arch Chapter and of Bethlehem Commandery, Knights Templars, No. 43, both of Gloucester, Mass.

Brother Parsons lived a quiet but active life, endearing himself to all classes by his kindly disposition and pleasing demeanor. The respect in which he was held by his Masonic Brethren was evinced in the representation at the funeral from the Lodges of the Ninth District and the attendance of Bethlehem Commandery, Knights Templars. Burial services were observed by Acacia Lodge assisted by R.W. and Reverend William H. Rider, D.D., who attended as the personal representative of the Grand Master. Brother Parsons is survived by a widow and three children.

PARTRIDGE, ALMOND G. d. 1906

From Proceedings, Page 1906-152:

Wor. Bro. Almond G. Partridge, D.D.G. Maeter of the Twentieth Masonic District in 1904 and 1905, died at his home in West Medway Nov. 14, 1906. He received the Masonic Degrees in Charles River Lodge, of West Medway, in 1877, and was Master of that Lodge in 1888, 1889 and 1899. He was very much beloved by thc Fraternity, especially of tbe Twentieth District, and held the regard and respect of all persons who knew him.

PAUL, JOSEPH TOTTEN 1862-1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-188:

Brother Paul was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, September 17,1862 and died in Boston, May 10, 1940.

For many years, up to the time of his death, he maintainedan office in Boston for the practise of Dentistry.

His Masonic record follows. Raised in Mount Lebanon Lodge of Boston, May 11, 1896; served as Worshipful Master 1908-1909, and as Secretary 1935-1940. Became a Charter Member of Shawmut Lodge, Boston, September 26, 1913 and remained a member until his death. Became a Charter Member of Brookline Lodge of Brookline Septepber 29, l92l, but dimitted December 21, 1922. District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District in 1920-1921.

Exalted in Saint Andrews Royal Arch Chapter of Boston January 6, 1897, and was High Priest in 1904-1906. Charter Member:of Roslindale Royal Arch Chapter of Roslindale and was High Priest 1922-7924. Grand Royal Arch Captain of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts in 1909, and District Deputy Grand High Priest of the First Capitular District in 1928-1929. Anointed in the Massachusetts Convention of High Priests March 7,1905. Received in Boston Council, R. & S.M., March 25,1897, and Thrice lllustrious Master in 1910-1911. Knighted in Boston Commandery, K.T., April 21, 1897; Eminent Commander in l914-1916, and Trustee 1917-1940. Received membership in Commanders Union October 29, 1914.

Received the Scottish Rite Degrees as follows:

• Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, October 2, 1896
• Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem, October 9, 1896
• Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, October 16, 1896
• Most Wise Master, l910-1913
• Trustee of Permanent Fund, 1925-1940
• Massachusetts Consistory, October 23, 1896
• Coronetted a 33rd Degree Mason, Honorary, October l, t9t2

In his profession he received the degree D.M.D. at Harvard in 1891, was dernonstrator of operative Dentistry at Harvard, 1892-1899, and instructor in the same department 1899-1926.

He was Treasurer of Massachusetts Dental Society, 1896-1940, Trustee of Metropolitan District Dental Society, 1922-1940, and the first and only Honorary Past President of the Massachusetts Dental Society, His genial personality and long active service endeared him to his host of friends.

PERKINS, DAVID 1873-1946

From Proceedings, Page 1946-246:

Brother Perkins was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on August 10, 1873, and died in Brockton on July 3, 1946, the victim of a heart attack in his automobile.

After serving for many years as purchasing agent for the George E. Keith Company of Brockton, he became first vice president and a trustee of the People's Savings Bank of Brockton.

His civic interest is evidenced by his having served as president of the Brockton Chamber of Commerce for three terms, and as an Alderman for one term.

He was raised in Saint George Lodge on November S, 1899, and served as Master in 1910 and 1911. He became a Charter Member of Baalis Sanford Lodge on March 13, 1918, but dimitted therefrom October 14, 1936.

He was District Deputy Grand Master of the 29th Masonic District in 1929 and 1930, by appointment of Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean. In 1938, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry.

For many years he was the Representative of Saint George Lodge on the Board of Masonic Relief and was very faithful in his attendance at its meetings and in his careful and thorough attention to all calls for service and relief.

His interest in the Lodge of Instruction and in the educational work of the Grand Lodge was keen and active. As a member of the Education Committee, he was a bulwark of strength and wisdom. His valued service is well expressed by the following excerpt from the memorial issued by that Committee:

"But most of us of the Committee on Education know him best as a member of that Committee, to which he gave continuous service from his appointment in 1931. We always knew where Dave stood, and he always knew why he stood there. He rather enjoyed taking issue in disputed points in our discussions, and must have realized how'we loved him for it, for he was never bitter, never vindictive nor unkind. Would that there were more men like him!

"We close ranks and push on without the physical presence of David Perkins, but with us will ever march the indomitable spirit, the unquenchable devotion to our Craft, with which he was so thoroughly imbued."

Wordsworth might well have had Dave Perkins in mind when he penned these words:

"Enough, if something from our hands have power
To live, and act, and serve the future hour."

PERKINS, HARRY EDWIN 1873-1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-240:

Brother Perkins was born in Georgetown, Massachusetts, on December 8, 1873, and died there April 22, 1945.

He was a graduate of Governor Dummer Academy, Boston University and the Harvard Law School. Following graduation from the latter School, he practiced law in Boston for about forty years, retiring eight years ago to become Treasurer of the Georgetown Savings Bank.

He was President of the Carleton Home of Georgetown for twenty-two years, and a member of the First Congregational Church of his home town.

Brother Perkins was raised in Charles C. Dame Lodge of Georgetown on November 25, 1901, and served as Master of that Lodge in 1908 and 1909. He was one of the leaders in the formation of Hesperia Lodge of Boston, serving as Master, U.D., in 1925 and as first Master of the Lodge in 1926.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Tenth Masonic District in'1914 and 1915, by appointment of Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson. Quiet and unassuming by nature, he was a deeply interested Mason and one whose sound advice was sought, and freely given. No call for service was ever neglected by him, and his passing leaves a deep void in Masonry and in his community.

"To us from falling hands, they throw the torch.
It is ours to hold it high."

PERRY, CHARLES WILLIAM 1877-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-168:

Brother Perry was born in Newbury, Massachusetts, on October 10, 1877, and died in Newburyport on November 3, 1943, after a lingering illness of several years.

Upon graduation from a school of pharmacy in Boston in 1898, he entered the employ of Castelhun's Drug Store at No. 2 State Street, Newburyport, and became the owner at the death of his employer.

He was active in the Belleville Congregational Church and was Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. He was also active in the banking business, being a Director of the Newburyport Co-operative Bank and of two Savings Banks.

He was raised in Saint Mark's Lodge on December 21, 1904, and served as Master in 1916 and 1917. He was Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1922, and District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th District in 1924 and 1925, by appointment of Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell. He was a member of King Cyrus Chapter, R.A.M., and of Newburyport Commandery No. 3, K.T.

Funeral services were held in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Newburyport, followed by the funeral rites ;f the Elks and Odd Fellows and the Masonic rites by Saint Mark's Lodge.

Brother Perry was of a quiet and unassuming nature and his many acts of helpful kindness were known only to him and those who were the recipients. No call for service ever went unanswered by him - a true Mason, who believed in his fellow man!

The words of Brother Edgar A. Guest are most appropriate with our Brother Perry in mind:

"Lord, as the robins let me serve. Teach me
To do the best I can
To make this world a better place, an' happier
For my fellow man.
If gift o' mine can cheer his soul an'
Hearten him along his way
Let me not keep that talent hid; I would
Make use of it today.
An' since the robins ask no praise, or pay
For all their songs o' cheer,
Let me in humbleness rejoice to do my bit
O' service here."

PHELPS, TIMOTHY 1793-1883

From Proceedings, Page 1883-227:

Among the men who witnessed the early trials of Masonry in this State, and who lived to see its days of prosperity and honor, was Timothy Phelps, another signer of the Declaration of 1831, who was born in Tewksbury, May 11, 1793, and who died in Dedham, March 24, 1883, in his ninetieth year. He was made a Mason in Constellation Lodge, Dedham, December 19, 1821, and was for two years Worshipful Master of that Lodge.

His Masonic life covered a space of sixty-two years, and his attachment to the Institution continued unabated to the last. His career was not marked by conspicuous events. A worthy man and a useful citizen, simple in his tastes and habits, he lived a blameless and well-ordered life, interested in every good work, and it was said of him that " he died without an enemy. What better record could he leave than this?

PHIPPS, WILLIAM H. 1833-1913

From Proceedings, Page 1913-35:

R.W. WILLIAM HENRY PHIPPS was born in Hopkinton, Mass., Oct. 9, 1833. and died at Oakland, Cal., Feb. 3, 1913.

He was made a Master Mason Sept. 21, 1858, in Montgomery Lodge, of Milford. He was a Charter member of John Warren Lodge, of Hopkinton, and was Master of that Lodge in 1862. He was a Charter member of Alpha Lodge, of South Framingham, and its Master under the Dispensation. In 1878 and 1879 he was District Deputy Grand Master of the Twelfth Masonic District.

Having settled in California, he united with Live Oak Lodge of Oakland, in that State. He received the Capitular Degrees in Mount Lebanon Royal Arch Chapter of Milford, in 1858; and received the orders of Knighthood in Milford.Commandery, K.T., of Milford. He was Eminent Commander of Milford Commandery in 1864. Brother Phipps received the Degrees of the Scottish Rite in Boston, in 1865, and those of the Royal and Select Masters in Worcester Council, in 1866. He was an active member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast.

Brother Phipps, for over fifty years, was a consistent, active, and zealous Brother, who exemplified to a marked degree the principles of our Fraternity.

PIERCE, CLARENCE E. 1872-1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-70:

Right Worshipful Brother Pierce was born in Bernardston June 17, 1872, and died in Athol January 20, 1939.

Right Worshipful Brother Pierce was for his whole life identified with the industrial and manufacturing interests of the locality.

He became a member of Star Lodge in 1904 and was its Master in 1913-14. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Barre Thirteenth Masonic District in 1929 and 1930 by appointment by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean.

Right Worshipful Brother Pierce was one of the most prominent and popular Masons of Athol. His passing came as a personal loss to a wide circle of affectionate friends.

PORTER, ARTHUR HOMER 1877-1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-37:

Brother Porter was born in Salisbury, Vermont, on May 12, 1877, and died at his home in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, on February 9, 1945.

After attendace at the schools in Turners Falls, he entered the employ of the Keith Paper Company, retiring in 1944 after a service of forty-five years as Superintendent of the finishing department.

He was raised in Mechanic's Lodge on April 21, 1909, and served as Master in 1918 and l9l9. At the time of his death, he was Lodge Representative of the Board of Masonic Relief, a position in which he had served faithfully for several years.

He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District by Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell and served in that position during the years 1923 and 1924.

He was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies of Greenfield and took an active interest, but never served as presiding officer in any of them.

Brother Porter took an active interest in civic affairs and was highly respected in his community. He served for many years as Town Moderator, Overseer of the Poor, and as Town Auditor. The Town of Montague has lost a valued and highly respected citizen, a4d Freemasonry has lost a faithful and well beloved Brother. Failing health alone caused his active interest to be lessened, but his heart interest in Masonry never ceased.

"They never quite leave us, the Brethren who've passed
Through the shadow of death to the sunlight above.
A thousand sweet memories are holding them fast
To the places they blessed with their presence and love."

POWERS, HENRY 1837-1886

From Proceedings, Page 1886-138:

WOR. HENRY W. POWERS was born in Abington, Sept. 8, 1837, and died at Santa Barbara, Cal., July 4, 1886. He was prepared for college at Andover, Mass., and in early life became a member of the Congregational Church. He enlisted in the Union Army July 24, 1862, Co. C, 38th Regt. Mass. Vols.; was promoted a sergeant July 17, 1863; was wounded in action at Cedar Creek, Va. in Oct., 1864, and was mustered out of service in July, 1865. In 1878 and '79 he was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and served each year as Chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills.

He was initiated, crafted and raised in John Cutler Lodge, at Abington, during the year 1860, and was Worshipful Master thereof: from 1869 to 1872. In 1868, with other Brethren, he assisted in establishing Puritan Lodge at South Abington and became its first Master, serving in that office three years. He served as D.D. Grand Master of the Twenty-fourth District of Massachusetts during the year 1885.

He was buried at Colebrook Cemetery, where our impressive ritual was rendered by Puritan Lodge. Wor. Bro. Powers was recognized as a man of spotless character and large ability. Having had the advantage of a liberal education, he naturally held prominent positions and filled all with credit to himself and his community. In social and business circles he was welcomed and esteemed. Truthfulness, fidelity and honor were his ascribed characteristics.

He was a kind and benevolent citizen, a brave soldier and a loyal Mason, — beloved by home, friends and Brethren, he reciprocated their esteem and confidence. His decease bereaves family, church, community and Fraternity of a kind, earnest and valued member.

PRICE, EDWARD R. 1846-1911

From Proceedings, Page 1911-118:

R.W. EDWARD R. PRICE was born in North Attleborough Oct. 9, 1846. His early education was gained in the public schools of North Attleborough, and later he studied at the Green Mountain Institute, Woodstock, Vt. On his return home he obtained a position as clerk in the Attleborough Savings Bank in which he continued till April 8, 1872, when he was chosen to succeed to the office of secretary and treasurer of the corporation. Fot twenty-eight years, in addition to the above-named duties, he was cashier of the First National Bank of North Attleborough. While holding these two positions of responsibility he found time to participate id the management of the North Attleborough Gas Light Company, and was affiliated with other business interests. When the affairs of the Interstate Electric Street Railway Company were in financial chaos, Brother Price was called to the rescue and made the concern a paying investment. He was deeply interested ir the Public Library of the town, and was active in all town affairs.

Brother Price was a prominent member of the Universalist Parish, having served as clerk of the parish and superintendent of the Sunday School. His many responsibilities and continued activity undermined his health. In 1898 he received eight months leave of absence from the banks and railroad, but in 1900 he relinquished his position with the railroad company and in 1902 practically retired from business.

"Brother Price received the Masonic degrees in Bristol Lodge of North Attleborough, in 1870, becoming a member June 7 of that year. He was Master of the Lodge in 1879 and 1880 and District Deputy Grand Master of the Twenty-third Masonic District in 1893 and 1894. (Note: original text read 1883, which is in error.)

After a busy and successful life, universally esteemed by his townsmen, a worthy exponent of thc principles of our Fraternity, Rt. Wor. Bro. Edward R. Price passed on to the better life Aug. 6, 1911.

PRIEST, HERBERT BANCROFT 1875-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-73:

Brother Priest was born in Littleton, Massachusetts, on February 6, 1875, and died in Ayer on March.12, 1943.

He was educated in the public schools of Littleton, the Boston Latin School and Harvird University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the latter institution with the class of 1897. He then entered the Harvard Medical School and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1901.

He practiced his profession in Groton for ten years and then removed to Ayer where he continued in his profession until his death. He enlisted in the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States Army on June 7, 1917, as a First Lieutenant and served in the Philippines and Siberia until his discharge in 1919, with the rank of Major. From 1923 until the outbreak of World War II, he served as Acting Surgeon at Camp Devens, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He took an active interest in civic affairs of Ayer, especially in the Public Library, School Committee and Board of Health.

He was raised in Caleb Butler Lodge on November 12, 1906, and served as Master in 1922. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the 12th Masonic District in 1925 and 1926, by appointments of Most Worshipful Grand Masters Dudley H. Ferrell and Frank L. Simpson. He was also a member'of Bancroft Chapter, R. A. M.

Freemasonry has lost the presence but never the memory of a faithful Brother; the Town of Ayer has lost a loyal friend and citizen. With so many outstanding phases of a life lived to its fullest, it would seem that all marked the altruist. The poet Wordsworth might well have had him in mind when he wrote:

"The best portion of a good man's life -
His little unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love."

PUNDERSON, JAMES H. 1859-1941

From Proceedings, Page 1941-44:

Right Worshipful Brother Punderson was born in Hudson, New York, January 15, 1859, and died in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, January 24, 1941.

Brother Punderson went to Stockbridge in 1877 as a clerk in a drug store, and in 1891, entered the employ of the Red Lion Inn at that place, where he remained for over fifty years, his retirement being due to advanced age and failing strength.

He was very actiye in the affairs of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was also deeply interested and active in civic affairs, serving in many town and county offices.

He received his degrees in Occidental Lodge in 1891 and was Worshipful Master in 1900-1901. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Sixteenth District in 1923-1924, by appointment of M.W. Dudley H. Ferrell.

He was a member of Monument Chapter, R. A. M.; Berkshire Council, R. & S. M., and Berkshire Commandery, K. T. Throughout a long and useful life he was an interested and active Mason, and his quiet and wise leadership will be greatly missed by a host of his Brethren.

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Distinguished Brothers