Difference between revisions of "Meridian"
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At the church, the usual funeral ceremonies were performed; and an appropriate and affecting discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLABaury Baury]. "The circumstances attending the death of this gentleman were of the most melancholy and appalling nature. Cut off in a moment by the irresistible power and uncontrollable operation of a water-wheel in his own mill, in the full vigor of life and in the midst of his usefulness, he has left a bereaved widow and young family to mourn the awful event of a sudden and inscrutable Providence. It is but justice to the memory of the deceased to say, that in the various relations which he sustained in society, his probity, benevolence, and active usefulness, had procured him the confidence and esteem of a numerous circle of acquaintances to whom his noble philanthropy, ardent sincerity, and generous disinterestedness had endeared him by the strongest ties of friendship and affection. In him without exaggeration may it be said, the poor and be that had none to help him, found a friend and benefactor. As a devoted, affectionate husband, an anxious and faithful parent, the loss to his family is irreparable. Over the different societies of which he was a member, his untimely death has diffused a deep gloom, while it has filled the hearts of his relations and numerous friends wish mourning and melancholy regret." | At the church, the usual funeral ceremonies were performed; and an appropriate and affecting discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLABaury Baury]. "The circumstances attending the death of this gentleman were of the most melancholy and appalling nature. Cut off in a moment by the irresistible power and uncontrollable operation of a water-wheel in his own mill, in the full vigor of life and in the midst of his usefulness, he has left a bereaved widow and young family to mourn the awful event of a sudden and inscrutable Providence. It is but justice to the memory of the deceased to say, that in the various relations which he sustained in society, his probity, benevolence, and active usefulness, had procured him the confidence and esteem of a numerous circle of acquaintances to whom his noble philanthropy, ardent sincerity, and generous disinterestedness had endeared him by the strongest ties of friendship and affection. In him without exaggeration may it be said, the poor and be that had none to help him, found a friend and benefactor. As a devoted, affectionate husband, an anxious and faithful parent, the loss to his family is irreparable. Over the different societies of which he was a member, his untimely death has diffused a deep gloom, while it has filled the hearts of his relations and numerous friends wish mourning and melancholy regret." | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== LYMAN HOWARD 1823-1858 ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | At a meeting of Meridian Lodge of Freemasons, held Oct. 23d, A. L. 5858, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted :— | ||
+ | * ''Whereas'', it has pleased God to remove one of our Fraternity, Lyman Howard, thereby severing the tie which bound us together on earth ; and inasmuch as our Brother was very near to us, made so by his social, brotherly and manly virtues, therefore | ||
+ | * ''Resolved'', That we feel the deepest sorrow in bidding adieu to our departed Brother, but feel a subdued pleasure in looking back to the many happy hours we have spent in his society ; the many times we have been met by his cheerful smile, and cordial greeting. | ||
+ | * ''Resolved'', That we feel it our duty to bow with reverence and submission to this dispensation of Divine Power, with the consolation that the loss to us is gain to our Brother, who has gone to join that Celestial Lodge where the Grand Master of the Universe presides. | ||
+ | * ''Resolved'', That we tender to his widow and family our warmest sympathies in this, their bereavement, and commend them to Him from whom alone consolation Cometh. To Him who is above all other friends, and who never deserts the afflicted. | ||
+ | * ''Resolved'', That a copy of this be placed on file and entered on the records of said Lodge. Also, that a copy be forwarded the editors of the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, and the Natick Observer for publication. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ''Ambrose Sloper, for the Committee.'' | ||
<hr> | <hr> |
Revision as of 15:29, 1 August 2013
Contents
MERIDIAN LODGE
Location: Watertown; Needham (1811); Newton Lower Falls (1824); Watertown (1835?); Newton Lower Falls (1843); Natick (1852)
Chartered By: Paul Revere
Charter Date: 12/12/1797 II-112
Precedence Date: 12/12/1797
Current Status: Active
NOTES
Meridian Lodge was originally chartered in Watertown and removed several times before arriving at its present site in Natick.
Includes Maugus Hill Lodge, chartered 1957, merged 1999.
PAST MASTERS
Underlined Entries are living PMs
At Watertown (1797-1811)
- William Hull, 1797
- Nathaniel Weld, 1798, 1799
- Joseph Pierce, 1800
- William Bond, 1801-1803
- Peter Lynn, 1804-1810
At Wellesley Hills (1811-1851?)
- William Starr, 1811
- Issac Train, 1812
- Seth Dewing, 1813-1819
- Chester Adams, 1820
- Charles Rice, 1821, 1822 Raised 1821?
- Charles Rice, 1823-1845; Wikipedia
- Records Lost, 1824-51
At Natick
- Malachi Babecock, 1852, 1855-1857, 1862
- John Wilson, 1853-1854
- George L. Sleeper, 1858-1859
- Ezekial B. Phillips, 1860
- Alvin Fuller, 1861
- James H. Parker, 1863-1868
- Henry C. Burnham, 1869-1871
- William H. Wright, 1872, 1873
- Daniel Henry Lawrence Gleason, 1874
- George J. Townsend, 1875, 1876; SN
- Silas H. Bent, 1877, 1879
- Edward H. Wilson, 1880, 1881
- Henry Gage Wood, 1882-1883
- Frederick Lewis, 1884, 1885
- Charles C. Henry, 1886, 1887; Mem
- James H. Gilligan, 1888, 1889
- Chester F. Soule, 1890
- Elwin C. Huntoon, 1891-1893
- Wilmont W. Mitchell, 1894, 1895
- Marshalim L. Perin, 1896, 1897
- James Downs, 1898, 1899; Mem
- Samual W. Simpson, 1900
- Francis C. Perry, 1901-1902
- Eward E. Henry, 1903-1904
- Alfred B. Underwood, 1905, 1906; Mem
- Winfield S. Daniels, 1907-1908
- Robert J. Montgomery, 1909
- William B. Pratt, 1910, 1911
- George McKenny, 1912, 1913
- William A. Laughton, 1914, 1915
- Francis C. Cutting, 1916, 1917
- Ernest C. Bragdon, 1918, 1919
- William A. Atwood, 1920, 1921
- Walter H. Wright, 1922
- Williams S. McRobert, 1923, 1924; N
- James E. White, 1925, 1926
- Alexander J. Montgomery, 1927, 1928
- Burns L. Fish, 1929; Mem
- Frederick H. Buckley, 1930, 1931
- John Keays, 1932, 1933
- Frank C. Bennett, 1934, 1935
- Harry S. Spinney, 1936
- Alfred E. Edwards, 1937-1939
- Whitman C. Densmore, 1940
- Burton W. Wright, 1941
- Walter C. Ward, 1942
- George G. Shipp, 1943
- Burnham G. Gage, 1944
- William M. Stacy, 1945
- Harry D. Baker, 1946
- Reginald V. Yeomans, 1947
- Clarence C. Eldrige, 1948
- Arnold H. Baker, 1949; N
- Ralph A. Hall, 1950
- Chester E. Johnson, 1951
- Edward A. Olson, 1952
- E. Melville Westgate, 1953
- Chester Mosman, 1954
- R.A. Fairbrother, Sr., 1955
- Stanley H. Deane, 1956
- Walter DeMelle, 1957
- Frank A. Crowe, 1958
- James R. Wooley, 1959
- Russell H. Hooker, 1960
- John A. LaRhette, 1961
- John E. King, 1962
- Albert T. Ames, 1963
- Harold H. Brandt, 1964
- Richard B. Johnson, III, 1965
- Bruce W. Miller, 1966
- James R. Crowley, 1967
- Clarence K. Brayton, 1968
- Eugene H. Ames, Jr., 1969
- Howard G. Hedderig, 1970
- Arthur L. Lipman, 1971
- Robert F. Faulkner, 1972
- Charles J. Ames, 1973
- David K. Allen, 1974
- Norman V. Giffin, Sr., 1975
- Hoken L. Enquist, 1976
- Robert A. Howatt, 1977
- Richard A. Brandt, 1978
- George L. Baldwin, 1979
- John R. Bruce, 1980
- James W. Thrasher, 1981, 1982
- Albert F. Smith, 1983
- Norman L. Phillips, 1984
- Raymond E. Higgins, 1985
- Gerald R. Lever, 1986
- Mark Kaprielian, 1987
- J. Herbert Babst, 1988
- Ronald F. Wood, 1989
- Wayne T. Szretter, 1990
- Courtney D. Williams, 1991
- Charles F. Nassau, III, 1992
- Henry J. Mimonski, 1993
- Douglas H. Deane, 1994
- Gregg D. Giffin, 1995
- Reginald S. Leese, 1996
- Edwin C. Sloper, 1997; PDDGM
- Peter Pilla, 1998
- James H. Campbell, 1999
- Donald E. Glencross, 2000
- Richard P. Brita, 2001
- Steven A. Perkins, 2002
- Charles D. Lloyd, 2003
- Jeffrey H. Phillips, 2004
- Richard D. Ames, 2005
- John M. Vining, 2006, 2007
- John G. Brainard, 2008, 2009
- Ralph Nixon, 2010, 2011
- Ted Colgate, 2012
See also the Past Masters of Maugus Hill Lodge, which merged into this Lodge in 1999.
According to the Wikipedia entry, General Charles Rice (1787-1863) was a selectman in Newton Lower Falls. He became a member of this Lodge in 1822 according to Grand Lodge records, and was Master during most of the period for which the Lodge has no records. He is buried at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Newton Lower Falls.
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
- Petition for Charter: 1797
- Consolidation Petition (with Maugus Hill Lodge): 1999
ANNIVERSARIES
- 1898 (Centenary)
- 1922 (125th Anniversary)
- 1947 (150th Anniversary)
- 1973 (175th Anniversary)
- 1998 (200th Anniversary)
VISITS BY GRAND MASTER
- 1827 (Soley; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
- 1875 (Deputy Grand Master Charles A. Welch; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
- 1881 (Lawrence)
- 1898 (Hutchinson; Centenary; Special Communication)
- 1907 (Blake)
- 1911 (Flanders)
- 1912 (Benton)
- 1920 (Prince; Soldiers' Night)
- 1922 (Prince; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
- 1925 (Ferrell)
- 1947 (Wragg; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
- 1973 (Vose; 175th Anniversary; Special Communication)
- 1976 (Maxwell)
- 1980 (Melanson)
- 1981 (Berquist; 2 visits, including reception for Senior Grand Warden Albert T. Ames)
- 1987 (Ames; Master Mason Degree; Special Communication)
- 1989 (Ames; Master Mason Degree; Special Communication)
- 1993 (Ames)
- 1998 (A. Johnson; 200th Anniversary; Special Communication)
- 1999 (Bauer; Consolidation; Special Communication)
- 2004 (Hicks)
- 2005 (Hodgdon; installation)
- 2008 (Pageau)
BY-LAW CHANGES
1869 1870 1876 1884 1889 1890 1895 1904 1909 1920 1924 1927 1932 1937 1939 1940 1941 1949 1952 1964 1965 1976 1979 1991 1994 1997 2005 2011
HISTORY
- 1922 (125th Anniversary History, 1922-401)
- 1947 (150th Anniversary History, 1947-438)
- 1973 (Dramatic 175th Anniversary historical presentation, 1973-83)
- 1998 (200th Anniversary History, 1998-49)
OTHER
- 1811 (Petition granted to remove to Needham, II-483)
- 1820 (Petition refused to remove to Watertown, III-324)
- 1824 (Petition granted to remove to Newton Lower Falls, III-498)
- 1843 (Petition granted to remove to Newton Lower Falls, IV-601, IV-605)
- 1862 (Petition granted for a replacement charter, VI-421)
- 1912 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1912-2160
- 1913 (Participation in cornerstone laying, 1913-175)
- 1933 (Petition denied to reduce fees, 1933-515)
- 1936 (Reduction of fees approved, 1936-130)
EVENTS
RETURN TO MEETING, MAY 1843
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. I, No. 9, July 1843:
Framingham, May 11, 1843.
Br. Moore :—Will you allow me room in your Magazine to say, that Meridian Lodge, at Newton Lower Falls, (formerly at Needham,) after a considerable period of inaction, has been recently put in working order, and the Brethren an again assembling around the sacred altar of Friendship, Unity and Brotherly Love. The Lodge held a regular meeting on Wednesday evening, the 10th instant, when the officers elect, for the ensuing year, were duly installed according to ancient usage, by R. W. Jona. Greenwood, D. D. G. M. for the 4th District. The Installation services being concluded, at 8 o'clock the doors were opened to the public, when an interesting and appropriate discourse was pronounced by Rev. Br. Wm. Barry, of Framingham. The services were enlivened by singing, in which many joined with voice and heart; and were concluded with Prayer by Br. J. O. Skinner, of Framingham, and a benediction by Rev. Br. Baury, of Newton. The Brethren of the Lodge, and visiting friends, afterwards partook of a collation, and separated with renewed attachment and zeal for Ancient Freemasonry. The Brethren at Newton have a good Hall, over the Hotel of Br. Nath'l Wales, and they seem to be turning their whole hearts towards the upbuilding and decorating of the desolated walls of their spiritual Jerusalem. May peace and prosperity ever be with them, and the wisdom of the Great Archi¬ tect, and his abounding goodness, guide them, in all their labors and crown them with abundant success!
Yours, Fraternally, J. O. S.
PRESENTATION, DECEMBER 1857
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 3, January 1858:
Br. C. W. Moore, — In compliance with a vote of Meridian Lodge, I have enclosed to you the address of Br. B. F. Bowles and the Worshipful Master's reply (for the Freemasons' Magazine.) The address was suggested by the presentation of a beautiful silver Pitcher and Salver, purchased by members of the Lodge, at a cost of forty dollars.
The gift was well merited ami justly deserved. Br. Babcock has served as W. Master since the Lodge was established at Natick, except one year, and although living some distance from the place of meeting, he has seldom been absent.
Yours truly, J. B. Fairbanks, Sec'y. Meridian Lodge.
Natick, Dec. 9th, 1857.
Worshipful Master. — As the servant of members of Meridian Lodge, and with great pleasure to myself, permit me, so far as my imperfect words may enable me, to give utterance to the sentiments of respect and esteem we cherish for you.
For your many good qualities as a man and a citizen, — qualities, which, while they secure the faithful discharge of your duties as such, give the best and most beautiful expression to the principles of our beloved Order, and thus secure for it a just respect, — for these we honor you.
The untiring zeal with which you have so long labored to promote the interests of our Fraternity, and thus of the world ; your industry in acquiring the know ledge of our sacred mysteries requisite to success in this ; and especially to fit you to instruct and govern us as our Master, have elicited our highest admiration.
For the justice, fidelity to the laws of Masonry, and the urbanity with which you have discharged the varied functions of this office, we thank you.
Let the pleasure we all derive from this expression of our sentiments, be the ex cuse for this frankness, and for the wounds we thus inflict upon your proverbial modes ty So long careful for our happiness, we trust you would not deprive us of this.
And now, beloved Brother, as a more tangible and lasting expression of these sentiments, receive this plate.
When in your home it shall greet your eye, may it be suggestive of the greeting that shall ever wait in our hearts for you.
As from these articles you receive the blessings of life, permit us to hope that you will take therefrom the memory and assuranco of our love. And if they shall be so kept and honored as to descend to your children, or children's children, may they speak to them of the fraternal love and appreciation of virtue that should be ever found in the hearts of Masons. And may the Grand Master of us all, bless thee and thine forever.
Brethren of Meridian Lodge: — It is true that I have endeavored to manifest some interest in our Fraternity. When greater or more immediate interests would permit, I have attended our communications. So far as abte I have sought the preparation necessary to make myself of some use while here. If as you have so kindly intimated I have in any degree been succesful, the thought now gives me the greatest pleasure.
You know I am no speech-maker ; I cannot make one now ; but let me assure you that for this manifestation of your confidence, for these words of approval, and for this rich gift, I am grateful.
HALL DEDICATION, JULY 1875
From New England Freemason, Vol. II, No. 7, July 1875, Page 359:
Dedication of a new Masonic Hall at Natick, Mass. — R.W. Charles A. Welch, Deputy Grand Master, assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, dedicated the new hall of Meridian Lodge to the purposes of Freemasonry, in due form, on Friday evening, July 16th. The ceremony was attentively observed by a numerous assembly of ladies and members of the Craft. A quartette of male and female voices rendered very beautifully the musical portion of the exercises. The Deputy Grand Master closed the services with an oppropriate address, commending the brethren for the zeal, good taste and liberality manifested in the preparation of the new apartments, so much superior to those which were destroyed by fire a few months ago. He urged upon them increased zeal in perfecting the inner life of Masonry, that it might correspond with the outward beauty and adornment they were now to enjoy in their new halls.
The ladies and Brethren, to the number of about two hundred, then repaired to the banquet-hall and enjoyed an elegant collation. After a humorous speech from the Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Officers hurried away to take the train, and arrived in Boston about 11 o'clock.
MEMORIALS
JOHN NICHOLS, 1790-1831
From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. 2, No. 33, February 12, 1831, Page 263:
The funeral of Mr. John Nichols, whose death was noticed in the Mirror of the 29 ult. was attended on Sunday afternoon, 30th at Newton, Lower Falls, by a large concourse of citizens. He was interred with Masonic honors, under the direction of the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, of which he was a beloved and valuable member. The number of Masons present was about two hundred. The procession formed at the Masonic Hall and moved to the late residence of the deceased, where the corpse was received and conveyed to the Episcopal Church: two Master Masons; two Royal Arch Masons and two Templars, with their appropriate regalia, officiating as Pall Bearers.
At the church, the usual funeral ceremonies were performed; and an appropriate and affecting discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Baury. "The circumstances attending the death of this gentleman were of the most melancholy and appalling nature. Cut off in a moment by the irresistible power and uncontrollable operation of a water-wheel in his own mill, in the full vigor of life and in the midst of his usefulness, he has left a bereaved widow and young family to mourn the awful event of a sudden and inscrutable Providence. It is but justice to the memory of the deceased to say, that in the various relations which he sustained in society, his probity, benevolence, and active usefulness, had procured him the confidence and esteem of a numerous circle of acquaintances to whom his noble philanthropy, ardent sincerity, and generous disinterestedness had endeared him by the strongest ties of friendship and affection. In him without exaggeration may it be said, the poor and be that had none to help him, found a friend and benefactor. As a devoted, affectionate husband, an anxious and faithful parent, the loss to his family is irreparable. Over the different societies of which he was a member, his untimely death has diffused a deep gloom, while it has filled the hearts of his relations and numerous friends wish mourning and melancholy regret."
LYMAN HOWARD 1823-1858
At a meeting of Meridian Lodge of Freemasons, held Oct. 23d, A. L. 5858, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted :—
- Whereas, it has pleased God to remove one of our Fraternity, Lyman Howard, thereby severing the tie which bound us together on earth ; and inasmuch as our Brother was very near to us, made so by his social, brotherly and manly virtues, therefore
- Resolved, That we feel the deepest sorrow in bidding adieu to our departed Brother, but feel a subdued pleasure in looking back to the many happy hours we have spent in his society ; the many times we have been met by his cheerful smile, and cordial greeting.
- Resolved, That we feel it our duty to bow with reverence and submission to this dispensation of Divine Power, with the consolation that the loss to us is gain to our Brother, who has gone to join that Celestial Lodge where the Grand Master of the Universe presides.
- Resolved, That we tender to his widow and family our warmest sympathies in this, their bereavement, and commend them to Him from whom alone consolation Cometh. To Him who is above all other friends, and who never deserts the afflicted.
- Resolved, That a copy of this be placed on file and entered on the records of said Lodge. Also, that a copy be forwarded the editors of the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, and the Natick Observer for publication.
Ambrose Sloper, for the Committee.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
- Albert T. Ames, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1976, 1977; Grand Marshal 1978-1980; Senior Grand Warden 1981; Grand Master 1987-1989
- Arnold H. Baker, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1960, 1961; N
- Burns L. Fish, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1944, 1945, 1946; Memorial
- Charles C. Henry, District 21 (Framingham), 1896, 1897; Memorial
- James Downs, DDGM, District 21 (Framingham), 1906, 1907; Memorial
- William S. McRobert, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1928, 1929; N
- Edwin C. Sloper, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 2000, 2001
- George J. Townsend, DDGM, District 4 (Cambridge), 1878, 1879, 1880; SN
- Alfred B. Underwood, DDGM, District 23 (Milford), 1924, 1925; Memorial
- Henry Gage Wood, District 21 (Framingham), 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888; Junior Grand Warden 1889
DISTRICTS
1883: District 21 (Framingham)
LINKS
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