MAPittsfield
PITTSFIELD
LODGES
- Crescent Lodge, from 1873 to its merger with Pittsfield Lodge in 1990.
- Crescent-Pittsfield Lodge, from 1990 to the present.
- Mystic Lodge, from 1816 to 1834 and from 1847 to the present.
- Pittsfield Lodge, from 1920 to its merger with Crescent Lodge in 1990.
BUILDINGS
- 12/27/1868: VII-255; Hall dedication reported in the Grand Master's Address at the Feast of St. John. (held 12/08/1868).
- 10/10/1912: 1912-139; Corner-stone laying, at a Special Communication.
- 05/14/1914: 1914-113; Corner-stone laying, at a Special Communication.
FUNDRAISING DINNER, OCTOBER 1913
From New England Craftsman, Vol. IX, No. 2, November 1913, Page 50:
A Notable Masonic Banquet
The Masons of Pittsfield, Mass., are building a Temple for the use of the Masonic bodies in that city that will rank with the largest and best arranged in the State. The building is sufficiently advanced to allow its use for a mass meeting or for a big banquet such as was given Friday evening, October 24th. The purpose of the meeting was to raise money needed for completion of the edifice. Brother Harry D. Sisson, ex-mayor of the city presided and was the leading spirit of the occasion. It was an evening of the utmost enthusiasm and highly satisfactory results. For nearly three hours and a half, enthusiasm over the new building knew no bounds and with songs, cheers and shouts the brethren showed that they were back of the project with heart and soul to give sufficient financial support to have the temple completed entirely by February.
Such a gathering of Masons has never before been seen in Pittsfield As one of the speakers expressed it it was one of the biggest get-together meetings that has been held in this city in a long time. And it was not only in noisy demonstration that thosi present showed their loyalty. When it came time to ask for contributions there was a ready response fron different sections of the hall and such shouts as "Double my subscription," "I'll give fifty, etc." As a result about one-quarter of the $20,000 needed was subscribed.
Two of the brethren who are mos prominent in raising money for the new Temple are Harry D. Sisson, chairman of the subscription committee and Harlan H. Ballard, president of the Pittsfield Masonic Association. Both of these brothers have done splendid work promoting interest in the new Temple.
Long before 7.30, the appointed time for the supper, the brethren began to arrive at the temple and in spite of the pouring rain they came just the same and the big assembly hall which had been set with many tables, was practically full when Chairman Sisson gave the word to find seats. That was at 7.45. Charles E. Bennett offered prayer.
The past Matrons and present officers of Collina Chapter Order of the Eastern Star had charge of the tables with assistants chosen from the chapter membership. Each table matron Provided her own dishes, silverware, napkins and decorations.
These sixty women were given a rousing cheer for their work.
After cigars were passed around and lighted Mr. Sisson announced that Onward, Christian Soldiers would be sung. With Philip Goewey at the piano and L. K. Willis, J. P. Fryer and several other hearty voices leading, the hymn was rendered with vigor. Then Mr. Ballard, the president of the Pittsfield Masonic association was introduced.
His first words were "How did it seem as you came along South Street to see the light gleaming forth from the temple?" Then he went on to explain that Masons are builders. It is for them to build up and construct and not to tear down. They build a temple in which to worship God. They build character and they build society.
Free Masons are free builders. They build temples not under a lash, but as free men and with a desire to build them with the love of God in their hearts. The characters they build is free. It is the rule of the spirit in the heart of man. Every man in the lodge has a free voice in the meetings. His choice of religion is free. Any man who trusts in God may become a Mason. This spirit of freedom is spreading. I have wondered time and again at the patience with which you have stood the work we old fogies have done. Through the strain you have stood manfully by us. That is the supreme test. Free Masons are free builders.
A year ago one-half of the Masons said, "Don't build a temple." The cement held strong and by a unanimous vote we decided we would have a temple. The next strain on the cement, was the place for the location and that was decided unanimously. Whenever a majority would seem to go in one way, we would have a unanimous vote. When this temple is finished there isn't a man here who won't say to his children and his grandchildren, if he's blessed with them, that he was one of the givers to the temple which was erected and dedicated to the Holy Saints John.
The applause which followed Mr. Ballard's talk was tremendous.
Toastmaster Sisson gave everyone present to understand that he should feel at home in the temple. "Enter it with the full sense of the joy of ownership," was his advice, "hit shins under the table with your neighbor and take off your coat if you want to." He referred to the slogan "February or Bust," and said by February the temple should be fully completed. L. K. Willis was introduced by Mr. Sisson and he sang a very clever song entitled "There's no such thing as bust." The piece made a hit. It was original and given by Mr. Willis in a voice that could be heard all over the hall. Mr. Goewey played the accompaniment.
The toastmaster created some merriment during his remarks by saying "There is enough money represented here tonight to build these temples by the dozen and why do we quibble over one." The first speaker introduced was the Rev. Payson E. Pierce, who said he had a warm spot in his heart for the Masonic fraternity and commended the work done by the brethren. President Ballard mentioned several gifts from persons outside of their city including one from a woman whose father was a member of the Mystic Lodge. Two other generous gifts from women were also announced.
William T. Petherbridge, 33rd degree Mason, in a short talk said that he could hardly express himself on this occasion. He referred to Mr. Ballard's service as president of the association for the past twenty years. This is the result of his administration. To the younger element the older members must soon trust to the carrying on of the work. Mr. Petherbridge spoke of the work of such men as Colonel Cutting, William Chamberlain and William A. Whittlesey, who did so much for the Masonic fraternity here. "I hope they are with us tonight in spirit." In closing Mr. Petherbridge read a very humorous poem on "Opposed to Women," clipped from a Masonic paper.
Rev. E. C. Davis, the next speaker, said: "I rejoice in the building of this temple in Pittsfield. It stands for the realization among Masonic people of this city that the order still has a tremendous task to perform. Money must be the symbol of your immediate loyalty to this purpose. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. The work of an institution today is measured by the purpose to which it is dedicated."
Other speakers were: George H. Cooper who made a humorous but effective speech; Frank H. Cande, Carl F. Wurtzbach, District Deputy Grand Master, Frank E. Peirson and Joseph Ward Lewis.
The idea of giving this big banquet in the unfinished temple originated with Harry D. Sisson. To him belongs much praise for the complete success of the affair. It was a wonderful gathering and despite the late hour that it lasted, there were but few who left and those only when they were obliged to.
There were 525 brethren at the banquet, quite a number from out of town. The original song given by L. K. Willis and which was the cause of much enthusiasm is as follows:
Hale workers in a common cause, we greet you all tonight
To every Mason, young and old, who seeks for greater light,
Just face this question on the square, you know your cause is just
Let's build this temple good and strong, there's no such thing as Bust.
Chorus.
Hurrah! Hurrah! Our cause is right and just.
We'll build this temple good and strong,
There's no such thing as Bust.
The corner stone we all were taught, both low and high degree,
That Masons all in every land should dwell in harmony.
Then let each fainting heart take hope, you know your cause is just,
We'll build the temple good and strong, there's no such thing as Bust.
Then from the north and sunny south, from east and west we came,
We'll rally 'round our leaders brave, until our work is done,
Let every mother's son wake up, stop knocking, now be just,
Just do your very level best, there's no such thing as Bust.
