Difference between revisions of "Monitor"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1945 1945]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1945-384)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1945 1945]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1945-384)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1970 1970]''' ("Monitor Lodge, Its Contribution to the Masonic Fraternity"; 1970-483)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1970 1970]''' ("Monitor Lodge, Its Contribution to the Masonic Fraternity"; 1970-483)
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==== 125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1945 ====
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''By Right Worshipful H. Alton Roark.''
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In writing a brief history of Monitor Lodge for this important milestone, it is impossible to do more than touch lightly upon a few of the more interesting events in the life of this Ancient and Honorable Institution, which has held nearly two thousand recorded communications, any one of which could furnish items worthy of mention.
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We learn from the records that Monitor Lodge was first prepared to be made a Masonic Lodge in the hearts of twenty-one worthy Brothers, who after several preliminary meetings, signed and presented to the Grand Lodge a petition dated December 13, 1820, asking for permission to form and open a Masonic Lodge in the Town of Waltham, to be known as Monitor Lodge.
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This petition was indorsed by [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Hiram Hiram] Lodge, then located in Lexington, and [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Amicable Amicable] Lodge of Cambridge. It was received by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge on December 13, 1820, and referred to the Committee on Charters. The Committee reported at the same communication, recommending that the petition be granted and the Grand Lodge immediately approved the report, the Charter to date from December 13th.
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Having received the sanction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, the petitioners assembled on December 16, 1820, in a room where their preliminary meetings had been held, on the second floor of a wooden building located on the easterly corner of Main and Elm Streets, ten years later this building was removed to the westerly corner of Main and Church Streets, where it now stands, being occupied by Ball's Stationery Store. The second story room, which may well be called the Birthplace of Monitor Lodge, is occupied as an insurance office by Brother Charles Bowers, a member of Monitor Lodge.
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Brother Reuben Allen acted as Chairman. Brothers Joshua Swan, Isaac Bemis and Asahel Adams were chosen a committee to draft a code of By-Laws for the new Lodge.  The Brethren then adjourned to meet again on the "first Monday preceding the full of the moon in January," to hear the report of this committee and to make choice of officers for the ensuing year.
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The first regular communication of Monitor Lodge was held on January 15, 1821, when the Brethren voted the adoption of the code of By-Laws as reported by the committee, and unani¬mously elected their first board of officers, as follows: Joshua Swan, Worshipful, or as then known, Rt. Wor. Master; Robert Smith, Wor. Senior Warden; Albigence W. Fisher, Wor. Junior Warden; Asahel Adams, Treasurer; Isaac E. Markham, Secre¬tary; Isaac Bemis, Senior Deacon; Daniel Emerson, Junior Deacon; Luther Richardson, Senior Steward; Andrew Poor, Junior Steward; and Reuben Allen, Marshal. Three petitions for the degrees were received—the first from Thomas Borden, the others from Nathan Oliver and William D. Mason.
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The second communication was held on February 12, 1821, in the Masonic Hall. This was in a building situated on the corner of Main and Newton Streets. There is no record of any vote or discussion regarding leasing this Hall, the record simply states that the communication was held there. At this communication the three candidates were elected and initiated, and as Thomas Borden's petition for the degrees was the first to be presented, so was his initiation the first in the new Lodge.
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At the special communication of Monitor Lodge held for the purpose of installing its officers and celebrating the nativity of St. John the Baptist, held at Masonic Hall on Monday, June 25, 1821, the Lodge was visited by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, headed by Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDixwell John Dixwell], Grand Master, who joined in the celebration and installed the officers of Monitor Lodge.
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From January, 1821, to October, 1827, a period of six years, Monitor Lodge initiated seventy candidates, and of this number, less than forty became members of the Lodge. At that time candidates were balloted on before taking each degree, as well as for membership.
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From October 29, 1827, to November 22, 1831, no petition for degrees or affiliation was received. This was the beginning of the period known as the Morgan excitement. The Lodge attendance decreased to less than ten. Then followed the most depressing period Masonry has ever known in this country. No record of Monitor Lodge appears between the dates of November 22, 1831, and December 28, 1846. For many years it was supposed that the Lodge had surrendered its Charter, despite a persistent tradition that some one of the Brethren, presumably Isaac Parker, had kept it free from harm. The following petition proved the tradition to be well founded.
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<blockquote>
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''To the Most Wor. Grand Master, at the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Mass.''<br>
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<br>
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We the undersigned being Master Masons of good standing, and members of Monitor Lodge, Waltham, at the time said Lodge discontinued its meetings, respectfully represent: that we have the Charter, Furniture, etc. of said Lodge in safe keeping, that we believe the time has arrived when our meetings may be held with advantage to the Craft and for the good of Masonry generally. Therefore we respectfully pray for a revival of our Charter to enable us to hold our meetings and conform to the Laws and Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth.<br>
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<br>
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Dec. 16, 1846
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Willard Adams Horace Heard<br>
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Abijah Whitney Abet Heard<br>
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Leonard Smith Luther Harrington<br>
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Harvey Chapin Isaac Parker
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</blockquote>
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By unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge December 28, 1846, the prayer of the petitioners was granted.
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The next communication of Monitor Lodge was held January 18, 1847, with Worshipful Lowell Adams, P.M. presiding, and
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Brother Willard Adams acting as Secretary. The following named Brethren were elected as the new board of officers:
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* ISAAC PARKER, Worshipful Master
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* LOWELL ADAMS, Senior Warden
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* ABEL HEARD, Junior Warden
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* DANIEL EMERSON, Treasurer
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* WILLARD ADAMS, Secretary
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* HARVEY CHAPIN, Senior Deacon
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* HORACE HEARD, Junior Deacon
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The meeting then adjourned to meet again at Odd Fellows Hall, then situated on the third story of the Stearns and Crehore Block, which was directly across Main Street from our present location, when the officers-elect were installed into office by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Suite.
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Since the meetings were discontinued in 1831, several modifications of the Ancient Customs had taken place. The titles of the first three officers of the Lodge were changed from Right Worshipful Master to Worshipful Master, Worshipful Senior Warden to Senior Warden and Worshipful Junior Warden to Junior Warden. Lodges had opened and conducted all business on any degree, usually on the first, and this was now changed to all business on the third degree. No interval necessary between degrees was changed to four weeks. Grand Lecturers were now appointed to conduct exemplifications. Such then, were the new conditions that confronted our Brethren of Monitor Lodge when they resumed their labors in January, 1847.
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For some years interest in the Lodge seemed to be at a low ebb. During the period from 1847 to 1850, it was a hard struggle for our Brethren, and more than once they were inclined to give up the seemingly unequal contest. There were at times long intervals between the meetings and the attendance was very meagre. At the communication of October 17, 1850, thoroughly discouraged at their lack of success and by the seemingly hopeless outlook, the Brethren voted to surrender the Charter.
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Right Worshipful Jonathan Greenwood, then District Deputy Grand Master, met with the Brethren, and by his advice, they were persuaded to continue, and at the communication of December 19, the vote was rescinded.
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At this communication, in response to renewed interest, four petitions were received. The tide seemed to have turned, and soon the prosperity they had looked for so anxiously began to greet and cheer them — the sun of better days began to shine. Seven applications were received in 1855, while in 1856 eighteen more made application. On October 20, 1857, Monitor Lodge membership was thirty-six.
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In 1858, at the close of eleven years of faithful service as Worshipful Master of Monitor Lodge, Worshipful Brother Isaac Parker was presented with a Past Master's Jewel, the first presentation of its kind mentioned in our records. He was one of the last to give up the ship in 1832. There is strong evidence that while Freemasonry in Waltham was in a dormant state, he associated himself with Meridian Lodge, then located in Newton Lower Falls, for at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge December 28, 1846, his name was recorded as Senior Warden of that Lodge. This service in [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Meridian Meridian] Lodge as Senior Warden, qualified him to meet the requirements of the Grand Lodge for election as Worshipful Master of Monitor Lodge.
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In 1861 the District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge William D. Coolidge], when making his annual report, said: "The suburban Lodges, Monitor of Waltham, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=BethesdaB Bethesda] of Brighton and [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Pequossette Pequossette] of Watertown, though not doing a great amount of work, it is of the best materials and of finished workmanship."
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February 22, 1864, Brother William B. Bothamly and thirteen other Master Masons petitioned for permission to organize a Lodge in [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Belmont Belmont]. Monitor Lodge unanimously voted its consent.
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In 1865 the members of the Lodge feeling the need of better and more commodious quarters, secured the second story of the Eagle Block and fitted it up for a Lodge room, with appropriate accessory rooms. On April 10, 1865, the Lodge occupied its new quarters for the first time. On this day word was received that the Civil War had ended, with victory for General Grant, so the Lodge closed its communication with singing America.
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At the communication of April 15, 1867, a petition was received from Brothers Ambrose Webster, Charles Moore and Henry N. Fisher and others, asking for permission to form what was afterwards named Isaac Parker Lodge. There was some feeling against the organization of another Lodge in the Town, but that feeling was not carried so far as to vote in opposition
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to the request. Worshipful Brother Webster was authority for the story that but one Brother voted on either side of the question — that one Brother being Brother Henry P. Sherman, who voted in the affirmative. A unanimous vote of those voting.
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Early in 1878 the Fraternity found itself outgrowing its quarters in the Eagle Block, and on March 8th, the Lodge voted to appoint a committee of three for the purpose of obtaining suitable accommodations. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWelch Charles A. Welch], Past Master of Monitor Lodge, made a proposition to the committee to erect a building at his own expense, at the corner of Moody and Charles Streets, designed for Masonic purposes. On recommendations of the committee, the Lodge voted to accept this generous offer.
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On December 27,1879, Charles A. Welch Hall and apartments were formally dedicated by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, followed by the installation of Lodge officers, headed by Nathan Warren, Worshipful Master; Rufus G. Brown, Senior Warden; and William H. Anderson, Junior Warden.
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From this date forward, Masonry in Waltham became a living reality. The growth and development of Monitor Lodge, Isaac Parker Lodge and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter, under wise administrations, far exceeded the fondest hopes and dreams of our Brethren in the earlier days of Masonry in our community. This growth and development of our Masonic bodies like the growth of a family, naturally created a housing problem, which was met by naming a committee to cooperate with like committees from the other bodies. On June 20, 1920, Monitor Lodge voted unanimously to co-operate with Isaac Parker Lodge and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter, in purchasing the Maynard Block. The Waltham Masonic Building Association was organized with representatives from each of the Masonic bodies on the board for the purpose of financing the purchase, furnishing and operating the Masonic building.
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The one hundredth anniversary of Monitor Lodge was observed by a three day celebration in commemoration of this important event in the life of our Lodge — opening on Sunday afternoon, December 12, 1920, at two o'clock for the purpose of attending Divine services at Asbury Temple, held for this special occasion. Attended by about five hundred members of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges, services opened with prayer, offered by Reverend Brother Edward F. Miller, Chaplain of Monitor Lodge. Special music for the occasion was furnished by the Pilgrim Male Quartet. The sermon of the day was delivered by Right Worshipful Rev. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLFHamilton Frederick W. Hamilton], who chose for his theme, "What Does All This Mean?" It was a very inspiring sermon, ending with the expressed hope that another hundred years would see Monitor Lodge in the condition of today and improving with the years.
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On Monday evening, December 13th, a regular communication of Monitor Lodge was held in Charles A. Welch Hall, with Worshipful John M. Gibbs presiding. After receiving a report from the Grand Marshal, Right Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLFDobson Frank W. Dobson], that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was ready to be received, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee of the Past Masters, Honorary and Life Members of Monitor Lodge, to escort into the Lodge Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrince Arthur D. Prince], Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, who was most cordially welcomed by the Worshipful Master. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, in his well known pleasing manner, responded to this welcome and introduced to the Worshipful Master' the members of the Grand Lodge accompanying him. The Grand Master then assumed the East and was greeted by a song of welcome by the Pilgrim Quartet.
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Worshipful Brother Gibbs then presented our own Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin M. Johnson], who delivered an impressive, formal address of welcome to his successor as Grand Master. The next business of the evening was the installation of offi¬cers. This ceremony was performed in a most excellent manner by the Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Frederic L. Putnam, who was a particular friend of Brother Howard S. Hatch, who was installed Worshipful Master.
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Then followed an eloquent and interesting address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master that held the close attention of every one present until the last word was spoken. The Grand Lodge then retired and the Lodge was closed at 10:15, with 450 members of the Fraternity in attendance.
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<p align=center>
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http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/Nuttings.jpg<br>
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''Nuttings on the Charles''
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</p>
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The celebration closed on Tuesday evening when 760 members and guests assembled at Nuttings on the Charles to partake of a fine banquet and enjoy a very pleasant evening, with entertainment, music and dancing.
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The next event of special importance was moving into our own new Temple. The last communication held in Charles A. Welch Hall was on June 27, 1921, called for the purpose of attending the funeral of our late Brother Roy Cobb Aiken. The first meeting held in our new quarters was on September 12, 1921, both of these meetings being presided over by Worshipful Master Howard S. Hatch. The Third Degree was worked that evening, there were 215 members present, 137 visitors, with a total attendance of 352.
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On December 12, 1921, the first installation of officers of Monitor Lodge to be held in the new Temple was performed by Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson in his usual par excellent manner, before an audience of seven hundred members and guests. And thus came to pass the most cherished hopes of the Master-elect, H. Alton Roark, to serve as Master of Monitor Lodge in our own Temple, with its fine equipment and appointments, where the traditionally fine work of Monitor Lodge could be perpetuated.
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On Wednesday evening, January 18, 1922, a special joint communication of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges was called, for the purpose of dedicating our new Temple. At 6.30 a dinner was served in the banquet hall. At 8:00 o'clock Worshipful John W. Ekwall, Master of Isaac Parker Lodge, and his officers opened the communication in Form. Worshipful H. Alton Roark then declared Monitor Lodge opened. Adoniram Council and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter were invited to participate in the dedication. Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson was appointed Chairman of a Committee consisting of all Past Masters and Life Members of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges to escort into the lodge-room Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, and his Suite, all of whom assumed their several sta¬tions and proceeded with the impressive ceremonies of dedication. After completion of the ceremonies, the Grand Lodge re¬tired under escort of the same committee.
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At the regular communication of May 14, 1928, a petition was received from about eighty Master Masons asking for permission to form and open a new Masonic Lodge in the City of Waltham, the fees for dues and degrees to conform to those of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges. At the regular meeting of June 11, 1928, with 166 members present, Worshipful Frank O. Locke, an Honorary Member, stated that Monitor Lodge was always broad-minded and had ever held an honorable record. He then moved that this petition for a new Lodge be granted. After some discussion, it was unanimously voted to grant this request. This was the third time Monitor Lodge had so voted, thus becoming the sponsoring Lodge for Belmont, Isaac Parker and Waltham Lodges. On September 10th, at a regular communication, it was voted to purchase a set of officers' collars with jewels and present them to the new [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Waltham Waltham] Lodge with the best wishes of Monitor Lodge.
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In civic affairs Monitor Lodge members have always accepted their share of responsibilities. While in the industrial, commercial and professional field, our members have taken a very active part. In the military activities of our country, Monitor members have responded to every call when danger threatened. In World War I we find on our Honor Roll the names of 82 members. In World War II we find 44 on our Honor Roll, many of whom are still in the Armed Services, doing their part in bringing a lasting peace and prosperity to our country.
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The Grand Lodge has been most generous to Monitor Lodge in bestowing its honors. Two of our Past Masters have been elected to the high position of Grand Master - Most Worshipful Charles Alfred Welch and Most Worshipful Melvin Maynard Johnson, both of whom brought honor and credit to Monitor Lodge by their distinguished service to the Craft. One has been elected Senior Grand Warden, Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson; one Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHMulliken Henry Mulliken]; five have been appointed to be District Deputy Grand Masters, Brothers Charles A. Welch, Frank K. Porter, Melvin M. Johnson, H. Alton Roark and Harry A. Starr.
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Monitor Lodge membership at present writing is 554.
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I am indebted to the research and writings of Brother Alexander Starbuck for valuable information and would like to ex¬press my appreciation of the beautiful records of that fine Secretary, beloved by every member of Monitor Lodge, Worshipful Frank O. Locke.
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Finally, may we of today and those of tomorrow ever hold in sacred veneration those Masonic pioneers in our community who, though faced with hardships, disappointments and sacrifices, have kept the light of Masonry burning brightly on our Holy Altar.
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 20:22, 8 April 2014

MONITOR LODGE

Location: Waltham

Chartered By: Samuel P.P. Fay

Charter Date: 12/13/1820 III-323

Precedence Date: 12/13/1820

Current Status: merged with Isaac Parker and Waltham Lodges to form Waltham Triad Lodge, 06/10/1988.


PAST MASTERS

  • Joshua Swan, 1820-1822 ©
  • Robert Smith, 1822
  • Isaac Bemis, Jr., 1823 ©
  • Abijah Whitney, 1824 ©
  • Lowell Adams, 1825 ©
  • Timothy Davis, 1826, 1827 ©
  • Ephraim Allen, 1828-1832 ©
  • DARK 1832-1846
  • Isaac Parker, 1846-1858 ©
  • Marcus A. Moore, 1859; © Mem
  • Henry Mulliken, 1860, 1861 ©
  • Hiram M. Britton, 1862, 1863
  • Charles H. Houghton, 1864 ©
  • Samuel O. Upham, 1865, 1866©
  • Charles A. Welch, 1867-1869 ©
  • Louis A. Felix, 1869 ©
  • Albert T. Bacon, 1870, 1871 ©
  • H. W. Hartwell, 1872, 1873©
  • Luman N. Hall, 1874-1876 ©
  • William Shakespeare, 1877, 1878 ©
  • Nathan Warren, 1879, 1880 ©
  • Rufus G. Brown, 1881, 1882 ©
  • William H. Anderson, 1883, 1884 ©
  • Charles W. Parmenter, 1885, 1886
  • James W. Follet, 1887, 1888 ©
  • Frank K. Porter, 1889, 1890; © SN
  • Alonzo S. Locke, 1891, 1892 ©
  • Jason N. Greenwood, 1893, 1894 ©
  • Clarence Tebbets, 1895, 1896 ©
  • Arthur P. Smith, 1897, 1898 ©
  • Fred P. Rutter, 1899, 1900 ©
  • Melvin M. Johnson, 1901, 1902 ©
  • Frank O. Locke, 1903, 1904 ©
  • Robert B. Johnson, 1905, 1906 ©
  • Charles N. Brodrick, 1907, 1908 ©
  • Arthur H. Paul, 1909, 1910 ©
  • Charles J. Shephard, 1911, 1912 ©
  • Louis A. Phillips, 1913, 1914 ©
  • Fred C. Tebbets, 1915, 1916 ©
  • Fredrick W. Sawyer, 1917 ©
  • Charles F. Bliss, 1918 ©
  • John M. Gibbs, 1919 ©
  • Howard S. Hatch, 1920 ©
  • H. Alton Roark, 1921; N
  • Ernest W. Burckes, 1922
  • Albert W. Bullock, 1923
  • J. Allan Hurd, 1924
  • Lyman H. Matthews, 1925
  • Robert E. Larcome, 1926
  • John Thompson, 1927
  • Adelman E. Clarke, 1928
  • Edwin Y. Willey, 1929
  • Harry A. Starr, 1930; N
  • Paul W. Bartel, 1931
  • J. Sidney Stone, 1932
  • Austin S. Hale, 1933
  • Benjamin S. Battys, 1934
  • J. Leslie Campbell, 1935
  • Lawrence A. Brewer, 1936
  • Raymond L. Clapp, 1937
  • Harold B. Colpitts, 1938
  • Reginald L. Cahill, 1939
  • W. F. Harrington, Jr., 1940
  • Frank J. Mooney, Jr., 1941
  • Herbert S. Morang, 1942
  • S. Alger M. Lewis, 1943
  • Raymond S. Dolber, 1944
  • Leslie H. Lewis, 1945
  • Angie W. Johnson, 1946
  • Carl O. Christianson, 1947
  • Russell P. Wentworth, 1948
  • Maurice L. Upham, 1949
  • Andrew B. Robertson, 1950
  • Louis J. Kirsch, Jr., 1951
  • Victor C. Harnish, 1952
  • E. Fay Bishop, 1953
  • Clyde F. Joslyn, Jr., 1954, 1986
  • Paul D. Wentworth, 1955
  • Harold A. Downing, 1956
  • Harlan B. Tewksbury, 1957
  • Robert J. Larcome, 1958
  • Paul B. McKenney, 1959
  • Henry M. Ferrick, 1960
  • William J. Milesky, 1961
  • Bernard P. Alden, 1962
  • Robert W. Phillips, Jr., 1963
  • Brenton E. Tyler, Jr., 1964; N
  • Henry W. Lingley, 1965
  • Donald R. Leser, 1966
  • Louis J. Kirsch, III, 1967
  • Frank J. Mooney, III, 1968
  • Robert S. Douthart, Jr., 1969
  • Robert H. Bauer, 1970
  • Samuel Scheinfeld, 1971
  • J. Alden Wentworth, II, 1972
  • Garnett D. Bailey, 1973
  • George E. Mitchell, 1974
  • Donald K. Miller, 1975
  • Richard A. McKenzie, 1976
  • Ernest McKenzie, Jr., 1977
  • Wallace W. Spracklin, 1978
  • Edward S. Cobb, 1979
  • Frederick H. Robinson, 1980
  • Paul Travis, 1981
  • Walter M. Bailey, 1982
  • Richard S. Milesky, 1983
  • Loren L. Jenkins, 1984
  • Warren W. Rand, 1985
  • Robert L. Cook, 1987, 1988

PICTURES FROM THE 1920 HISTORY

The following pictures appear in the Centenary History of the Lodge published in 1920. Past Masters with pictures below are marked with a © above. (As more pictures are available, they can be added here.)

JoshuaSwan.jpg IsaacBemisJr.jpg AbajiahWhitney.jpg LowellAdams.jpg
Joshua Swan, Isaac Bemis, Jr., Abijah Whitney, Lowell Adams

TimothyDavis.jpg EphraimAllen.jpg IsaacParker.jpg MarcusMoore.jpg
Timothy Davis, Ephraim Allen, Isaac Parker, Marcus Moore

HenryMulliken.jpg CharlesHoughton.jpg SamuelUpham.jpg CharlesAWelch.jpg
Henry Mulliken, Charles Houghton, Samuel Upham, Charles A. Welch

LouisFelix.jpg AlbertBacon.jpg HenryHartwell.jpg LumanHall.jpg
Louis Felix, Albert Bacon, Henry Hartwell, Luman Hall

WilliamShakespeare.jpg NathanWarren.jpg RufusBrown.jpg WilliamAnderson.jpg
William Shakespeare, Nathan Warren, Rufus G. Brown, William H. Anderson

WilliamParmenter.jpg JamesFollett.jpg FrankPorter.jpg AlonzoLocke.jpg
William Parmenter, James W. Follet, Frank K. Porter, Alonzo S. Locke

JamesGreenwood.jpg ClarenceTibbetts.jpg ArthurSmith.jpg FredericRutter.jpg
Jason N. Greenwood, Clarence Tebbets, Arthur P. Smith, Fred P. Rutter

MelvinJohnson.jpg FrankLocke.jpg RobertJohnson.jpg CharlesBrodrick.jpg
Melvin M. Johnson, Frank O. Locke, Robert B. Johnson, Charles N. Brodrick

ArthurPaul.jpg CharlesShepard.jpg LouisPhillips.jpg FredTibbets.jpg
Arthur H. Paul, Charles J. Shephard, Louis A. Phillips, Fred C. Tebbets

FrederickSawyer.jpg CharlesBliss.jpg JohnGibbs.jpg HowardHatch.jpg
Fredrick W. Sawyer, Charles F. Bliss, John M. Gibbs, Howard S. Hatch


REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Charter (as United Brethren, to meet in Waltham or Watertown): 1818; petitioners given leave to withdraw, 1819
  • Petition for Charter: 1820
  • Petition for Restoration: 1846
  • Consolidation Petition (with Isaac Parker and Waltham Lodges): 1987

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1920 (Centenary; Special Communication; also listed in 1921 Grand Master's agenda)
  • 1945 (125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1970 (150th Anniversary; Special Communication)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1858 1871 1880 1885 1887 1894 1895 1899 1901 1912 1918 1921 1935 1943 1944 1946 1953 1960 1972 1974 1987

HISTORY

  • 1920 (Centenary History, 1920-586; not in the Proceedings; a separate volume)
  • 1945 (125th Anniversary History, 1945-384)
  • 1970 ("Monitor Lodge, Its Contribution to the Masonic Fraternity"; 1970-483)

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1945

By Right Worshipful H. Alton Roark.

In writing a brief history of Monitor Lodge for this important milestone, it is impossible to do more than touch lightly upon a few of the more interesting events in the life of this Ancient and Honorable Institution, which has held nearly two thousand recorded communications, any one of which could furnish items worthy of mention.

We learn from the records that Monitor Lodge was first prepared to be made a Masonic Lodge in the hearts of twenty-one worthy Brothers, who after several preliminary meetings, signed and presented to the Grand Lodge a petition dated December 13, 1820, asking for permission to form and open a Masonic Lodge in the Town of Waltham, to be known as Monitor Lodge. This petition was indorsed by Hiram Lodge, then located in Lexington, and Amicable Lodge of Cambridge. It was received by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge on December 13, 1820, and referred to the Committee on Charters. The Committee reported at the same communication, recommending that the petition be granted and the Grand Lodge immediately approved the report, the Charter to date from December 13th.

Having received the sanction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, the petitioners assembled on December 16, 1820, in a room where their preliminary meetings had been held, on the second floor of a wooden building located on the easterly corner of Main and Elm Streets, ten years later this building was removed to the westerly corner of Main and Church Streets, where it now stands, being occupied by Ball's Stationery Store. The second story room, which may well be called the Birthplace of Monitor Lodge, is occupied as an insurance office by Brother Charles Bowers, a member of Monitor Lodge.

Brother Reuben Allen acted as Chairman. Brothers Joshua Swan, Isaac Bemis and Asahel Adams were chosen a committee to draft a code of By-Laws for the new Lodge. The Brethren then adjourned to meet again on the "first Monday preceding the full of the moon in January," to hear the report of this committee and to make choice of officers for the ensuing year.

The first regular communication of Monitor Lodge was held on January 15, 1821, when the Brethren voted the adoption of the code of By-Laws as reported by the committee, and unani¬mously elected their first board of officers, as follows: Joshua Swan, Worshipful, or as then known, Rt. Wor. Master; Robert Smith, Wor. Senior Warden; Albigence W. Fisher, Wor. Junior Warden; Asahel Adams, Treasurer; Isaac E. Markham, Secre¬tary; Isaac Bemis, Senior Deacon; Daniel Emerson, Junior Deacon; Luther Richardson, Senior Steward; Andrew Poor, Junior Steward; and Reuben Allen, Marshal. Three petitions for the degrees were received—the first from Thomas Borden, the others from Nathan Oliver and William D. Mason.

The second communication was held on February 12, 1821, in the Masonic Hall. This was in a building situated on the corner of Main and Newton Streets. There is no record of any vote or discussion regarding leasing this Hall, the record simply states that the communication was held there. At this communication the three candidates were elected and initiated, and as Thomas Borden's petition for the degrees was the first to be presented, so was his initiation the first in the new Lodge.

At the special communication of Monitor Lodge held for the purpose of installing its officers and celebrating the nativity of St. John the Baptist, held at Masonic Hall on Monday, June 25, 1821, the Lodge was visited by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, headed by Most Worshipful John Dixwell, Grand Master, who joined in the celebration and installed the officers of Monitor Lodge.

From January, 1821, to October, 1827, a period of six years, Monitor Lodge initiated seventy candidates, and of this number, less than forty became members of the Lodge. At that time candidates were balloted on before taking each degree, as well as for membership.

From October 29, 1827, to November 22, 1831, no petition for degrees or affiliation was received. This was the beginning of the period known as the Morgan excitement. The Lodge attendance decreased to less than ten. Then followed the most depressing period Masonry has ever known in this country. No record of Monitor Lodge appears between the dates of November 22, 1831, and December 28, 1846. For many years it was supposed that the Lodge had surrendered its Charter, despite a persistent tradition that some one of the Brethren, presumably Isaac Parker, had kept it free from harm. The following petition proved the tradition to be well founded.

To the Most Wor. Grand Master, at the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Mass.

We the undersigned being Master Masons of good standing, and members of Monitor Lodge, Waltham, at the time said Lodge discontinued its meetings, respectfully represent: that we have the Charter, Furniture, etc. of said Lodge in safe keeping, that we believe the time has arrived when our meetings may be held with advantage to the Craft and for the good of Masonry generally. Therefore we respectfully pray for a revival of our Charter to enable us to hold our meetings and conform to the Laws and Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth.

Dec. 16, 1846 Willard Adams Horace Heard
Abijah Whitney Abet Heard
Leonard Smith Luther Harrington
Harvey Chapin Isaac Parker

By unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge December 28, 1846, the prayer of the petitioners was granted.

The next communication of Monitor Lodge was held January 18, 1847, with Worshipful Lowell Adams, P.M. presiding, and Brother Willard Adams acting as Secretary. The following named Brethren were elected as the new board of officers:

  • ISAAC PARKER, Worshipful Master
  • LOWELL ADAMS, Senior Warden
  • ABEL HEARD, Junior Warden
  • DANIEL EMERSON, Treasurer
  • WILLARD ADAMS, Secretary
  • HARVEY CHAPIN, Senior Deacon
  • HORACE HEARD, Junior Deacon

The meeting then adjourned to meet again at Odd Fellows Hall, then situated on the third story of the Stearns and Crehore Block, which was directly across Main Street from our present location, when the officers-elect were installed into office by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Suite.

Since the meetings were discontinued in 1831, several modifications of the Ancient Customs had taken place. The titles of the first three officers of the Lodge were changed from Right Worshipful Master to Worshipful Master, Worshipful Senior Warden to Senior Warden and Worshipful Junior Warden to Junior Warden. Lodges had opened and conducted all business on any degree, usually on the first, and this was now changed to all business on the third degree. No interval necessary between degrees was changed to four weeks. Grand Lecturers were now appointed to conduct exemplifications. Such then, were the new conditions that confronted our Brethren of Monitor Lodge when they resumed their labors in January, 1847.

For some years interest in the Lodge seemed to be at a low ebb. During the period from 1847 to 1850, it was a hard struggle for our Brethren, and more than once they were inclined to give up the seemingly unequal contest. There were at times long intervals between the meetings and the attendance was very meagre. At the communication of October 17, 1850, thoroughly discouraged at their lack of success and by the seemingly hopeless outlook, the Brethren voted to surrender the Charter. Right Worshipful Jonathan Greenwood, then District Deputy Grand Master, met with the Brethren, and by his advice, they were persuaded to continue, and at the communication of December 19, the vote was rescinded.

At this communication, in response to renewed interest, four petitions were received. The tide seemed to have turned, and soon the prosperity they had looked for so anxiously began to greet and cheer them — the sun of better days began to shine. Seven applications were received in 1855, while in 1856 eighteen more made application. On October 20, 1857, Monitor Lodge membership was thirty-six.

In 1858, at the close of eleven years of faithful service as Worshipful Master of Monitor Lodge, Worshipful Brother Isaac Parker was presented with a Past Master's Jewel, the first presentation of its kind mentioned in our records. He was one of the last to give up the ship in 1832. There is strong evidence that while Freemasonry in Waltham was in a dormant state, he associated himself with Meridian Lodge, then located in Newton Lower Falls, for at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge December 28, 1846, his name was recorded as Senior Warden of that Lodge. This service in Meridian Lodge as Senior Warden, qualified him to meet the requirements of the Grand Lodge for election as Worshipful Master of Monitor Lodge.

In 1861 the District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful William D. Coolidge, when making his annual report, said: "The suburban Lodges, Monitor of Waltham, Bethesda of Brighton and Pequossette of Watertown, though not doing a great amount of work, it is of the best materials and of finished workmanship."

February 22, 1864, Brother William B. Bothamly and thirteen other Master Masons petitioned for permission to organize a Lodge in Belmont. Monitor Lodge unanimously voted its consent.

In 1865 the members of the Lodge feeling the need of better and more commodious quarters, secured the second story of the Eagle Block and fitted it up for a Lodge room, with appropriate accessory rooms. On April 10, 1865, the Lodge occupied its new quarters for the first time. On this day word was received that the Civil War had ended, with victory for General Grant, so the Lodge closed its communication with singing America.

At the communication of April 15, 1867, a petition was received from Brothers Ambrose Webster, Charles Moore and Henry N. Fisher and others, asking for permission to form what was afterwards named Isaac Parker Lodge. There was some feeling against the organization of another Lodge in the Town, but that feeling was not carried so far as to vote in opposition

to the request. Worshipful Brother Webster was authority for the story that but one Brother voted on either side of the question — that one Brother being Brother Henry P. Sherman, who voted in the affirmative. A unanimous vote of those voting. Early in 1878 the Fraternity found itself outgrowing its quarters in the Eagle Block, and on March 8th, the Lodge voted to appoint a committee of three for the purpose of obtaining suitable accommodations. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Charles A. Welch, Past Master of Monitor Lodge, made a proposition to the committee to erect a building at his own expense, at the corner of Moody and Charles Streets, designed for Masonic purposes. On recommendations of the committee, the Lodge voted to accept this generous offer.

On December 27,1879, Charles A. Welch Hall and apartments were formally dedicated by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, followed by the installation of Lodge officers, headed by Nathan Warren, Worshipful Master; Rufus G. Brown, Senior Warden; and William H. Anderson, Junior Warden.

From this date forward, Masonry in Waltham became a living reality. The growth and development of Monitor Lodge, Isaac Parker Lodge and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter, under wise administrations, far exceeded the fondest hopes and dreams of our Brethren in the earlier days of Masonry in our community. This growth and development of our Masonic bodies like the growth of a family, naturally created a housing problem, which was met by naming a committee to cooperate with like committees from the other bodies. On June 20, 1920, Monitor Lodge voted unanimously to co-operate with Isaac Parker Lodge and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter, in purchasing the Maynard Block. The Waltham Masonic Building Association was organized with representatives from each of the Masonic bodies on the board for the purpose of financing the purchase, furnishing and operating the Masonic building.

The one hundredth anniversary of Monitor Lodge was observed by a three day celebration in commemoration of this important event in the life of our Lodge — opening on Sunday afternoon, December 12, 1920, at two o'clock for the purpose of attending Divine services at Asbury Temple, held for this special occasion. Attended by about five hundred members of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges, services opened with prayer, offered by Reverend Brother Edward F. Miller, Chaplain of Monitor Lodge. Special music for the occasion was furnished by the Pilgrim Male Quartet. The sermon of the day was delivered by Right Worshipful Rev. Frederick W. Hamilton, who chose for his theme, "What Does All This Mean?" It was a very inspiring sermon, ending with the expressed hope that another hundred years would see Monitor Lodge in the condition of today and improving with the years.

On Monday evening, December 13th, a regular communication of Monitor Lodge was held in Charles A. Welch Hall, with Worshipful John M. Gibbs presiding. After receiving a report from the Grand Marshal, Right Worshipful Frank W. Dobson, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was ready to be received, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee of the Past Masters, Honorary and Life Members of Monitor Lodge, to escort into the Lodge Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, who was most cordially welcomed by the Worshipful Master. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, in his well known pleasing manner, responded to this welcome and introduced to the Worshipful Master' the members of the Grand Lodge accompanying him. The Grand Master then assumed the East and was greeted by a song of welcome by the Pilgrim Quartet.

Worshipful Brother Gibbs then presented our own Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, who delivered an impressive, formal address of welcome to his successor as Grand Master. The next business of the evening was the installation of offi¬cers. This ceremony was performed in a most excellent manner by the Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Frederic L. Putnam, who was a particular friend of Brother Howard S. Hatch, who was installed Worshipful Master.

Then followed an eloquent and interesting address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master that held the close attention of every one present until the last word was spoken. The Grand Lodge then retired and the Lodge was closed at 10:15, with 450 members of the Fraternity in attendance.

Nuttings.jpg
Nuttings on the Charles

The celebration closed on Tuesday evening when 760 members and guests assembled at Nuttings on the Charles to partake of a fine banquet and enjoy a very pleasant evening, with entertainment, music and dancing.

The next event of special importance was moving into our own new Temple. The last communication held in Charles A. Welch Hall was on June 27, 1921, called for the purpose of attending the funeral of our late Brother Roy Cobb Aiken. The first meeting held in our new quarters was on September 12, 1921, both of these meetings being presided over by Worshipful Master Howard S. Hatch. The Third Degree was worked that evening, there were 215 members present, 137 visitors, with a total attendance of 352.

On December 12, 1921, the first installation of officers of Monitor Lodge to be held in the new Temple was performed by Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson in his usual par excellent manner, before an audience of seven hundred members and guests. And thus came to pass the most cherished hopes of the Master-elect, H. Alton Roark, to serve as Master of Monitor Lodge in our own Temple, with its fine equipment and appointments, where the traditionally fine work of Monitor Lodge could be perpetuated.

On Wednesday evening, January 18, 1922, a special joint communication of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges was called, for the purpose of dedicating our new Temple. At 6.30 a dinner was served in the banquet hall. At 8:00 o'clock Worshipful John W. Ekwall, Master of Isaac Parker Lodge, and his officers opened the communication in Form. Worshipful H. Alton Roark then declared Monitor Lodge opened. Adoniram Council and Waltham Royal Arch Chapter were invited to participate in the dedication. Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson was appointed Chairman of a Committee consisting of all Past Masters and Life Members of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges to escort into the lodge-room Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, and his Suite, all of whom assumed their several sta¬tions and proceeded with the impressive ceremonies of dedication. After completion of the ceremonies, the Grand Lodge re¬tired under escort of the same committee.

At the regular communication of May 14, 1928, a petition was received from about eighty Master Masons asking for permission to form and open a new Masonic Lodge in the City of Waltham, the fees for dues and degrees to conform to those of Monitor and Isaac Parker Lodges. At the regular meeting of June 11, 1928, with 166 members present, Worshipful Frank O. Locke, an Honorary Member, stated that Monitor Lodge was always broad-minded and had ever held an honorable record. He then moved that this petition for a new Lodge be granted. After some discussion, it was unanimously voted to grant this request. This was the third time Monitor Lodge had so voted, thus becoming the sponsoring Lodge for Belmont, Isaac Parker and Waltham Lodges. On September 10th, at a regular communication, it was voted to purchase a set of officers' collars with jewels and present them to the new Waltham Lodge with the best wishes of Monitor Lodge.

In civic affairs Monitor Lodge members have always accepted their share of responsibilities. While in the industrial, commercial and professional field, our members have taken a very active part. In the military activities of our country, Monitor members have responded to every call when danger threatened. In World War I we find on our Honor Roll the names of 82 members. In World War II we find 44 on our Honor Roll, many of whom are still in the Armed Services, doing their part in bringing a lasting peace and prosperity to our country.

The Grand Lodge has been most generous to Monitor Lodge in bestowing its honors. Two of our Past Masters have been elected to the high position of Grand Master - Most Worshipful Charles Alfred Welch and Most Worshipful Melvin Maynard Johnson, both of whom brought honor and credit to Monitor Lodge by their distinguished service to the Craft. One has been elected Senior Grand Warden, Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson; one Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Henry Mulliken; five have been appointed to be District Deputy Grand Masters, Brothers Charles A. Welch, Frank K. Porter, Melvin M. Johnson, H. Alton Roark and Harry A. Starr.

Monitor Lodge membership at present writing is 554.

I am indebted to the research and writings of Brother Alexander Starbuck for valuable information and would like to ex¬press my appreciation of the beautiful records of that fine Secretary, beloved by every member of Monitor Lodge, Worshipful Frank O. Locke.

Finally, may we of today and those of tomorrow ever hold in sacred veneration those Masonic pioneers in our community who, though faced with hardships, disappointments and sacrifices, have kept the light of Masonry burning brightly on our Holy Altar.

OTHER

  • 1896 (Attendance at cornerstone laying in Newton; 1896-257)
  • 1914 (Presentation at the Feast of St. John, 1914-444)
  • 1929 (Attendance at constitution of Waltham Lodge; 1929-59)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1847

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. VI, No. 6, March 1847, p. 183:

Bro. Moore – the M.W. Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth having granted a revival of Monitor Lodge, Waltham, the Brethren met on Monday evening, Jan. 18th, and elected their officers; and on Thursday evening, Jan. 28th, the following named Brethren were duly installed by the Grand Master, Simon W. Robinson, viz.:

  • Isaac Parker, W. M.
  • Lowell Adams, S. W.
  • Abraham Whitney, J. W.
  • Dr. T. Kitteridge, Treas.
  • Willard Adams, Sec.
  • Harvey Chapin, S. D.
  • Horace Heard, J.D.

Regular meetings, Thursday evening preceding the full of the moon in each month.

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. VII, No. 6, March 1848, p. 160:

Bro. Moore :—The officers of Monitor Lodge of Masons, were installed in presence of the public this evening, at Rumford Hall. The installation ceremonies were performed by R. W. Bro. Greenwood, of Framingham, the Dist Dep. Grand Master for this district. After the installation, Br. Horace G. Barrus, of Chelsea, delivered an appropriate address, which was listened to for more than an hour by a crowded and attentive assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. The singing and music by the orchestra and members of the "Mozart Society," were performed in a manner that reflected great credit upon their musical abilities.

The officers for the ensuing year, are—

  • Isaac Parker, W. Master
  • Joseph O. Derby, S. W.
  • Abraham Whitney, J. W.
  • Theodore Kittredge, Treas.
  • Willard Adams, Sec'ry
  • Harvey Chapin, S. D.
  • Samuel B. Whitney, J. D.
  • Henry M. Ryan, Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, OCTOBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 1, October 1856, Page 12:

Monitor Lodge, located in the pleasant village of Waltham, having recently fitted up, at considerable expense, a neat and commodious Hall, having convenient outer-rooms, and all the necessary fixtures and furnishings required for the proper working of the degrees, presented it to the Grand Lodge for dedication, in accordance with ancient custom, to the purposes of Masonry. The M. W. Grand Master, not being able to attend in person, and his Deputy being absent, commissioned the R. W. Brother John T. Heard, Esq., Senior Grand Warden, to attend with the Grand Officers for the purpose of performing that interesting and time-honored ceremony, on the evening of the 6th October last. The Dedication was public, and the services took place in the presence of a large number of ladies, and other invited guests. That they were well performed, none need be assured, who are acquainted with the precise and skillful manner in which all his Masonic duties are performed by the accomplished Brother and excellent officer who presided on the occasion. At the close of the services, Brother Heard addressed the members of the Lodge in the following earnest and appropriate terms :—

Worshipful Master, Officers and Members of Monitor Lodge :—

It is much regretted that the ceremonies of this evening could not have been conducted by the Grand Lodge in ample form, as then we should have been cheered by the presence of our esteemed Most Worshipful Grand Master, and have received from his eloquent lips instruction befitting the occasion. Owing to his absence, this grand body have been compelled to assemble inform only, and under the direction of a subordinate officer.

We congratulate you, Monitor Lodge, that you have, by your liberality and good taste, provided this neat and appropriate Hall for the services of Freemasonry. It affords another assurance of your devotion to the welfare of our Older. For more than thirty years you have manifested the sincerest attachment to our principles; in good report and in evil report you have remained steadfast in the faith; you have evinced a steady firmness and courage in adversity; and have borne prosperity with a manliness and moderation meriting the highest commendation. From a career so honorable, we find all that we had reason to anticipate—a happy, prosperous and united Lodge. Having now solemnly dedicated this edifice to Masonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence, we have performed a rite that should constantly remind you that this place is set apart and consecrated for the practice of our Art, and the inculcation and exemplification of the tenets of our profession. Masonic Halls are always dedicated, either in public or in private, and with more or less formality; and the brotherhood have ever felt that the ceremony was a salutary and 'needed prerequisite ere Masonry could be practised therein.

The earliest account, in our language, of a public dedication of a Masonic Hall, relates to Freemasons' Hall in London, England, erected and dedicated by the Grand Lodge of England — the parent of Freemasonry on this continent. The historian refers to the occasion in these words : "On the 23d of May, 1776, it (the hall) was opened and dedicated, in solemn form, !o Masonry, Virtue and Universal Charity and Benevolence, in the presence of a brilliant assembly of the Brethren. A new Ode, written and set to music for the occasion was performed before a number of ladies, who honored the Society with their company on that day. An Exordium on Masonry, not less elegant than instructive, was given by the Grand Secretary, and an excellent oration delivered by the Grand Chaplain. In commemoration of an event so pleasing to the Society, it was agreed that the anniversary of this ceremony should be ever after regularly kept." It will be observed that the ceremonies of dedication as here narrated, accord with those practised at tile present day. There were, doubtless, public dedications in other parts of England long anterior to that just mentioned ; for Masonic Halls existed in every part of the kingdom for the accommodation of subordinate Lodges. In this country Lodge-rooms have been and are frequently dedicated in public, and among the most noticeable of the occurrences of this kind was the dedication of the magnificent, gorgeous suite of apartments in the Masonic Temple at Philadelphia, which took place during the past year.

Our temples are dedicated to Masonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence. This is the Ancient form. This triune dedication seems to be supererogatory, if we reflect that Masonry inculcates virtue and benevolence, and that, therefore, the dedication to Masonry alone, would give to the rite all the significance that appertains to the ancient custom. And here it is appropriate to inquire "what is Masonry?" A modern writer has elegantly and truthfully defined it to be " a beautiful system of Morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. Truth is its centre — the point whence its radii diverge — pointing out to its disciples a correct knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe, and the moral laws which He has ordained for their government." Many are the truths conveyed to the minds of Masons by the aid of expressive symbols, by striking allegories, and also, by appropriate emblems. I need not to remind you that by symbols we typify the importance of caution in behaviour, punctuality in our duties and engagements, compassion for our suffering fellow-men, rectitude of life, faith in God, the judicious division and employment of time, and of the necessity of a perfect moral character; that our allegories teach us to look Heaven-ward for all blessings, to seek Divine light and guidance in all our undertakings, and to remember our own short-comings and infirmities; nor that, by emblems we are instructed to be industrious in our avocations, to be circumspect in all our actions, to lead a virtuous life, to cultivate knowledge and to bear in remembrance the shortness of life and our rapid approach to that "undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns." The laws and precepts of Masonry leach us to reverence our Maker, to obey the laws of our country, and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Masonry fosters a spirit of brotherly-love towards all mankind, seeks to relieve the unfortunate and afflicted, and regards truth as the foundation of virtue; it enjoins temperance in the indulgence of our appetites, fortitude in the day of trial and adversity, prudence in the choice of our associates and our intercourse with the world, and justice in rendering to every man his just due, without distinction; it forbids political discussions in assemblies of Masons, while it cherishes respect for the civil magistrate, and honors patriotism; and, finally, avoiding the disputes of contending religious sects, and leaving every individual to follow the dictates of his own conscience in all other respects, Masonry requires a belief in one infinite, eternal Uod, the ruler oi the Universe and creator of all things. From this brief summary of the character, aim ami requirements of Freemasonry, it will readily be conceived that the business and services of our assemblies are of a serious and exalted nature; and that, therefore, the places where we meet are, to us, sacred places, to which are most appropriately adapted the solemn dedicatory ceremonies prescribed in our ritual.

In conclusion, Brethren of Monitor Lodge, permit us to enjoin it upon you never to allow this place you have so wisely contrived for your communications, so long as it shall be under your control, to be used for any other than the purposes to which it has been dedicated. Let it be to you your sanctum sanctorum whither you can resort and commune together in friendship, harmony and peace. Let it never be desecrated by unworthy contentions among you, nor by any violation of the duties you owe to one another and to our Order. Let no man be admitted here to the privileges of Masonry whose moral character is not above reproach, and who has not some employment or visible means of supporting himself and his family. Let drones and the dissolute be kept beyond your borders, and no one be admitted within them who cannot add to the common stock of knowledge and usefulness. A due attention to these admonitions and to the ancient landmarks of our Institution, will secure for you a continuance of the happiness and prosperity you now enjoy, and merit the benediction of every faithful Mason.

The address was followed by appropriate and eloquent extemporaneous remarks by the Rev. Mr. Alger, one of the Grand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge; when the services were concluded. After which the company repaired to an adjoining hall, where an excellent entertainment had been served up for their refreshment, and where an hour or more was spent in a very agreeable, and, as a Brother at our side remarked, "sensible" manner!

The Hall is not large, but it is neatly fitted up, and is sufficient for all the purposes of the Lodge. And we heartily congratulate our Brethren that they have been able, from their own funds, after the many discouragements to which they have been subjected, to provide for themselves accommodations so comfortable and convenient. They have our best wishes for their continued prosperity and happiness.

INSTALLATION, JANUARY 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 4, January 1858, Page 128:

At a meeting of Monitor Lodge, Waltham, held at Masons' Hall on Monday evening, Jan. 18, 1858, the following named Brothers were installed as officers for the ensuing year:—

  • Isaac Parker, W. M.
  • R. S. Warren, S. W.
  • M. Aurelius Moore, J. W.
  • T. W Farnsworth, Sec.
  • J. H. Bowker, Treas.
  • H. Mulliken, S. D.
  • H. M. Britton, J. D.
  • Wm. Gibbs, S. S.
  • C. H. Houghton, J. S.
  • L. P. Frost, Chap.
  • C. W. Fogg, M.
  • E. S. Stanley, Tyler.

OFFICER LIST, DECEMBER 1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, December 1858, Page 64:

Officers of Monitor Lodge, Waltham —

  • M. A. Moore, M.D., W. Master.
  • Henry Mulliken, S. W.
  • H. M. Britton, J. W.
  • J. H. Bowker, Tr.
  • T. W. Farnsworth, Sec.
  • J. G. Thayer, S. D.
  • C. H. Houghton, J. D.
  • Wm. Gibbs, S. S.
  • Alonzo Bowers, J. S.
  • C. W. Fogg, Marshal.
  • M. P. Alexander, Organist.

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XIX, No. 3, January 1860, Page 96:

Officers of Monitor Lodge, Waltham, Mass., for 1860.—

  • M. A. Moore, W. M.
  • H. Mulliken, S. W.
  • H. M. Britton, J. W.
  • J. H. Bowker, Treas.
  • T. W. Farnsworth, Sec.
  • J. G. Thayer, S. D.
  • C. H. Houghton, J. D.
  • Wm. Gibbs, S. S.
  • A. Bowers, J. S.
  • C. W. Fogg, Marshal
  • L. Bowers, Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, MAY 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 8, June 1865, p. 229:

The Brethren of Monitor Lodge at Waltham, having recently fitted up for their accommodation a new and commodious Hall, the same was publicly Dedicated by the M. W. Grand Lodge on the evening of the 14th of May last. There was a large party present, consisting of Brethren and their ladies, to many of whom the ceremonies were doubtless new, and to all apparently interesting. They were conducted in the following order:

  1. Voluntary.
  2. Reception of the M. W. Grand Lodge.
  3. Address of W. Master, Brother Charles H. Houghton.
  4. Prayer.
  5. Hymn:
  6. "The Groves were God's first Temples" made
    That many might early learn to praise;
    And bowing in the sylvan shade,
    To Thee, O God, his homage raise.
    But Light advanced! New Temples sprung
    Beneath the Craftsman's skillful hand,
    That grateful love might find a tongue
    Where Wisdom, Strength and Beauty stand.

  7. Architect's Address.
  8. Presentation of Working Tools.
  9. Examination of Halls.
  10. Selections of Scripture.
  11. Ceremony of Dedication.
  12. Hymn.
  13. Address by the Grand Master.
  14. Closing Hymn.
  15. Benediction.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies a procession was formed and company repaired to the Banqueting Hall and partook of a very excellent supper.

The ceremonies in the Hall were agreeably interrupted by the presentation of a very beautiful and appropriate Banner by the Ladies. The presentation was made in their behalf by Brother Charles A. Welch, Esq., in a characteristic address - witty and pertinent. We had hoped to lay it before our readers, but have not been able to obtain a copy; probably for the reason that our Brother's well known modesty would not allow him to write it out! The reception address was made by the Master of the Lodge, and was a well conceived and appropriate response.

The new Hall is a very handsome and commodious one, having all the necessary conveniences of ante-room, &c. It is also of sufficient size, and is neatly furnished.

The Lodge was originally chartered in 1820, and is now in a very prosperous and healthy condition, having a membership of about one hundred. A Chapter has lately been established in connection with it, which we understand is doing a good business and promises well for the future. They both have the hearty good wishes of their Brethren and Companions for their continued prosperity.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS

DISTRICTS

1820: District 1 (Boston and vicinity)

1821: District 9

1846: District 1

1849: District 4

1867: District 4 (Cambridge)

1883: District 5 (Newton)

1897: District 5 (Waltham)

1911: District 5 (Waltham)

1927: District 5 (Waltham)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges


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