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MOUNT HOLLIS LODGE

Location: Holliston

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 12/13/1865 VII-39

Precedence Date: 02/14/1865

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

HISTORY

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-142:

By Wor. Benjamin F. Barnes:

To perpetuate the achievements of men, who by their sincerity of purpose, instituted and maintained Mount Hollis Lodge through these past seventy-five years, is the ultimate reason for this gathering. It is in the fulfillment of this objective that we are now assembled in this ancient and venerable House of Worship; dear to some of you by the most sacred memories of childhood, dear to all of us as the Temple of Freemasonry in Holliston; and we fervently trust that no sacrilegious hand shall ever, for any purpose whatever, be laid upon its inviolable walls. It is my aim to tell you in the time which your patience will allow, something about the earlier days of this Lodge, which we have learned to love with filial devotion. As historians on previous occasions have stated, the Secretary's records of this Lodge are concise abstracts of its official acts, and beyond these one has to consult our older brethren, or draw upon imagination. Cicero is credited with the statement, that: "History is the Witness of Times, the Torch of Truth, the Life of Memory, and the Messenger of Antiquity." Thus as your historian on this occasion, I shall refrain from mental conceptions.

Let us visualize the time and place, when in 1864, a group of Master Masons conceived the idea of having a lodge established in their midst. It was an election year, plans were being made to push the Civil War to a glorious victory, nearly a million men were under arms; truly it was a strenuous time, money scarce, and prices high. Holliston at that time was a flourishing New England town, probably at its zentth as an industial town. Vast areas stretched from the main highways, the side streets which we are so well accustomed to were not laid out, Washington Street was a two lane road at the center of the village, with large elm trees in the isle of safety. The western lane was the straightaway for many a friendly horse trot. Where the bank now stands was a pond hole; where the Odd Fellows building now stands was a two and a half story) three tenement house; next to this was the Winthrop House. About where the present Hollis Hotel stands was Colburn Brothers store, over which was located the first Lodge-rooms of Mount Hollis Lodge. Across the street on the land now occupied by what we know as the Forbes block, was a building known as the "Beehive", in which was located a general store, the Post Office, and the dry goods store of Thompson and Whiting. On the land long occupied by the Andrews block, stood the building which now faces Central street, owned and occupied by Harry Adams at this time. In this building was the bank and a drug store.

It was in this setting that, early in the fall of 1864, a group of Master Masons met in the hall over Thompson and Whitings' store by virtue of a general invitation, extended to all resident Masons. The meeting was called to order by Brother Edwin F. Whiting, and duly organized by electing Brother Whiting President, and one Cassander Flagg, Secretary. At the first meeting of the groupr one Brother Johnson, a broker, was appointed as a committee of one to report at the next meeting upon the probable expense necessary to the formation of a Lodge.

Under date of October 10, 1864, the Brethren met in accordance with adjournment and listened to Brother Johnson's report, but the old records fail to state the contents of that report, or action thereon. However a committee was appointed to get the names of those Brethren willing to "bare" a proportional part of the expenses consequent upon the establishment of a Lodge. The next recorded meeting was held Saturday, October I5 r 1864, when the group voted to hire a hall, and appointed a committee to attend to fitting up the same. A committee was also appointed to confer with, and obtain permission of Montgomery Lodge of Milford, to establish a Lodge in Holliston. A committee on bylaws as well as a committee of three to arrange for a temporary organization were also appointed. After this busy evening, with practically everyone assigned to some particular job, it was voted to adjourn to Friday night at 7:30 o'clock, and agreeable to that vote a meeting was held October 21, 1864. The record of this meeting, resembling a copperplate, written by E. R. Bullard, shows that this group voted to lease the hall over Colburn Brothers store at ayearly rental of $75. for a period of five years. The Brethren also expressed their choice of ofEcers at this time, and with two exceptions these men were later installed into office. I found among those early papers) a covenant, wherein the original members signed to join equally in furnishing the necessary amount of money or security, for the purpose of providing all that is necessary to establish and put such a Lodge in good working condition. This compact is not dated, nor have we any knowledge whether or not the Brethren were called upon to ante up.

In petitioning the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for a dispensation, they gave as their reason for this request: "for the convenience ofour respective dwellings, and other good reasons." They set the date of meeting as the first Monday of each month, to discharge the duties of Ancient York Masonry. A dispensation was granted to Mount Hollis Lodge, December 14, 1864, and Masonic tradition states that the Lodge was Instituted February 14, 1865, but no records are available to confirm or deny.

Mount Hollis Lodge at that date consisted of 72 Charter members, each one holding an office in the original organization. In order that the Brethren of this generation may have a mental picture of these pioneers, I submit a thumb-nail sketch of each as told me by one of our older Brethren.

• Edwin F. Whiting, Worshipful Master; Dry Goods merchant; raised in Montgomery Lodge, resided on Church street, in the house now occupied by his daughter, Miss Alice P. Whiting.
• Henry K. Packer, Senior Warden; Machinist; resided near the East Holliston Mills. Raised in The Massachusetts Lodge.
• George F. Daniels, Junior Warden; raised in Montgomery Lodge, a Boot manufacturer, with factory located where the present Fire Station is located; resided in the house now occupied by Brother William McKeen.
• George E. Johnson, Treasurer; raised in Montgomery Lodge, a Broker, resided on Quincy Place next house to Brother George E. Carr.
• Stephen S. Nichols, Secretary; raised in Montgomery Lodge,

a Bookkeeper, resided at the crest of the hill on Prospect Street.

• Charles Cogswell Jewett, Chaplain; raised in Middlesex Lodge, a Surgeon with the 16th Massachusetts Regiment during the war; resided at the corner of Washington and Elm streets.
• John Littlefield, Marshal; raised in Montgomery Lodge, a

Bootmaker, resided at corner of Franklin and Central streets.

• Henry S. Putnam, Senior Deacon; raised in Montgomery

Lodge, a cotton manufacturer, at East Holliston; resided on Woodland Street.

• Benjamin F. Batchelder, Junior Deacon; raised in Montgomery Lodge, a Boot manufacturer, resided at the corner of High and Washington streets.
• James E. Taft, Senior Steward; raised in Montgomery Lodge,

a Farmer, resided at what is now known as Linda Vista Farm.

• Alfred Cutler, Junior Steward; raised in Montgomery Lodge, operated a Wood working shop; said to have resided at the present residence of Worshipful Brother Gooch.
• Oliver White, Tyler, raised in Morning Star Lodge, a cobbler

by trade, definite residence not recalled.

The first Communication of Mount Hollis Lodge was held March 6, 1865. This was the second day following Lincoln's second inaugural and the weeks that followed were of great historical significance, yet in the records of the Lodge, no mention is made of outside affairs. The Lodge applied itself to the making of Masons, meetings were held almost weekly, and during the first three years over fifty men were raised to the Sublime degree. It might interest you to know that in the record of members, the earliest date of birth is that of one Jeremiah Daniels Richardson, who affiliated with this Lodge May 6, 1867; he having been born at East Medway, April 13, 1796, and made a Mason in 1818.

The records of those early meetings indicate that four years passed before the Brethren felt they could take time out for a little sociability, and it is interesting to note that at the February communication, 1869, it was voted to invite the ladies to a party to be held Wednesday the 21st of February. A committee of five was appointed to assist the Tyler in providing a supper on their own responsibility. We have no record of the success or failure of this social affair; however later this same year a committee was appointed to arrange for a picnic, and report the following week. The committee reported on schedule, and it was voted, "Not to have a picnic."

In the early days of our Lodge, the Masonic burial service was not fully established, and we note in 1870 a special communication being held to appoint a committee to make all arrangements for such a service, and furnish refreshments if necessary. We have no knowledge as to whether refreshments were needed, and if so, as to type, as later records merely state, "services performed."

Mount Hollis Lodge occupied the Hall over Colburn Brothers' store until January, 1872, at which time more suitable quarters were engaged in the Andrews block. These new quarters were officially dedicated January 9, 1872, by Right Worshipful George E. Stacy and suite of Milford.

That good fraternal spirit was abundant, is evident by the fact that in 1883 the net proceeds of an entertainment amounting to $25.00 was set aside as rhe nucleus of a charity fund.

At the June communication 1890, it was brought to the attention of the Lodge, that twenty-five years had been completed; a committee appointed, but we have no record of their reporting, nor evidence to show that there was any observance.

It was during that period of time which we refer to as the "Gay Nineties" that the Brethren voted to have some brother give a short lecture to the candidates at each degree, concerning his duty as a Mason in living up to the teachings of the Fraternity. This action might be termed as a forerunner of our present Lodge of Instruction. In this connection it is interesting io note that at the regular communication April 2, 1900, Right Worshipful Jarvis B. Woolford asked for expressions in regard to the advisability of holding a Lodge of Instruction.

At the regular May meeting 1896, the subject of proper preservation of the records and purchase of a safe for this purpose was before the Lodge, and no doubt warmly discussed, as we note immediately following the same, the Brethren voted to buy six dozen fans. The safe was eventually purchased, a most fortunate thing, because on the evening of December 28th, 1899, the building housing the Masonic Hall burnt to the ground, a total loss except for such records as were in the safe. The contents of that safe, salvaged from the ruins of the Temple, were found to be in a water soaked condition; careful handling at that time preserved those early records, and they are now safely housed in the vault of the Framingham National Bank. The original Charter was badly damaged, and our late Brother Cyrus E. Bemis carefully restored and skillfully framed it, gratuitously, and this ancient document is also preserved in the bank vault along with contemporary records.

Following the fire, temporary quarters were secured from the Odd Fellows; all the neighboring Lodges made fraternal offers of assistance, Montgomery Lodge graciously loaned paraphernalia that the Lodge might work until it re-estabrished itself. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge presented a full set of aprons. The new hall in the rebuilt Andiews building was ready for occ,pancy November, 1899, and properly dedicated at that time, by our first District Deputy Grand Master, Jarvis B. Woolford and suite. It is recorded that 160 Master Masons present at that ceremony, of which 113 were visitors; a fitting testimony of the fraternal spirit of those "horse and buggy" days. In the furnishing of the new Lodge-rooms, it is interestlng to note that many of the Brethren, having the interests o? Freemasonry at heart, as well as the welfare oitheir own Lodge, gave essential articles and generously subscribed to a fund to complete the proper equipment.

February 15, 1905, Mount Hollis Lodge celebrated its 40th anniversary in a "royal manner," some 200 members and guests being present. At this celebration, past Master's jewels were presented to the ten living past Masters, the lodge having borrowed $180.00 to purchase them. The historical address was given by Worshipful John H. Andrews, and the affair was honored by the presence of one Charter member.

Early in 1904, the Lodge appointed a committee to consider the installation of electric lights. September, 1905, the subject was again brought before the Lodge, and electricity was installed October, 1905. Typical of Yankee shrewdness, January 1, 1906, the Lodge voted: "on account of there being less work in caring for the rooms, by reason of electricity, that the Tyler, (he then serving as janitor) be paid at the rate of fifty cents per night when obliged to be present." It was also voted to take down the chandeliers, and have the other lamps trimmed and ready for use in case of failure of electric lights. Truly the Brethren must have been thinking of the parable of the five wise virgins. With the advent of electric cars we find the Lodge appointing a committee in 1908 to secure a special car to transport the Brethren to Milford, that they might attend a lecture at Montgomery Lodge, but they did not hire the car as the cost seemed too large to warrant the expenditure.

The year 1915 marked the culmination of fifty years as a constituted Lodge, and that anniversary was fittingly observed on April 18th and 19th. This venerable building, then the Methodist Church, was the scene of devotional services. The following day at mid-afternoon, Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, honored Mount Hollis Lodge by his presence and gave a stirring address. Brother Arthur Leon Pond (subsequently a Worshipful Master) presented an interesting historical address covering the completed half century. At the close of these exercises the Brethren repaired to the Town Hall for a sumptuous banquet, followed by dancing.

The next few years found our country involved in the Great War; eleven of our Brothers served with the colors, and at the termination of hostilities, all, except Brother James A. Cutler, who made the supreme sacrifice, returned to their respective homes.

During the "Twenties", when everyone was gainfully employed, optimism was in the very air we breathed, Mount Hollis Lodge enjoyed an era of great progress. The meetings were well attended, much interest was shown; the Lodge-rooms were redecorated, a new carpet purchased, and new furniture installed. It was during this period of time that a Masonic Club was started but, due to the rapid transition in the affairs of life, such as the advent of the radio in the homes, and the more common use of the automobile, this Club died in infancy.

It was during this decade that Mount Hollis Lodge suffered the loss of three Past Masters whose names stand forth as outstanding Masons, truly three strong pillars that supported the fabric ofthe Lodge, and guided its destiny through sunshine and storm, with a definite plan of future stability. No history of these past twenty-five years would be complete without paying tribute to the memory of Right Worshipful Henry M. Cutler, Worshipful Josiah B. Parkin, and Worshipful Arthur L. Pond. These staunch supporters of Free-Masonry were men of logical minds, they had the courage of their convictions, they saw well beyond the horizon.

With the advent of the recent "Thirties" came economic unrest; Mount Hollis, like many other Lodges, felt this by a serious diminution in the applications for membership. Fortunately our Brethren have weathered the situation wonderfully well, and the Lodge has maintained its enrollment with slight gains.

In 1932, Mount Hollis Lodge paid homage to the memory of George Washington, the Master Mason. Appropriate exercises were held at the lodge rooms, at which time we were honored by the presence of Most Worshipful Frederick W. Hamilton, who gave the principal address. At this time, it is indeed with sadness that we make note of the passing of Doctor Hamilton. We had hoped he would be with us again this evening, yet a few days ago he entered unto his reward in that Celestial Lodge above. We who knew this kindly old gentleman, pay humble tribute to the memory of a Great Mason, whose knowledge of the Craft was unsurpassed.

It was during the year 1931 that the members of the Methodist Church voted to unite with the Congregational Society, thus this building, the Methodist Church, was vacated. Early in 1932, the Trustees of the Methodist Society offered Mount Hollis Lodge an opportunity to purchase this church property at a very reasonable figure, that this sacred property might not be profaned by commercialism. The offer was duly considered and accepted by the Lodge, and in due course of time the title to this property was conveyed to the Trustees of Mount Hollis Masonic Temple. During the winter of 1935 and 1936 this church building was remodeled to meet the needs of a Masonic Lodge.

At this time let me diverge from Masonic affairs to give you a mental picture of this immediate location, as told me by our next door neighbor, as well as one of our oldest members, Brother Henry P. Dickinson.

This land was originally owned by Miss Betsy Prentiss, who lived in the house which still stands next to us on the south. Betsy Prentiss was the daughter of Rev. Joshua Prentiss, who was the second minister in Holliston. Thus it was the daughter of a Congregationalist that gave the land for the establishment of a Methodist Church in Holliston, and because of this act of benevolence on her part, she was severely criticized by some members of the Orthodox church of which she was a member. This House of Worship was built in 1831. Originally this part of the church sat lower as there was no basement in the original edifice. The entrance to the original building was at the southeast corner, opening to the south. There was no spire such as we have long been accustomed to seeing on this building, but a belfry, similar to the present structure surmounted by a bell, fully exposed to the weather. Tradition has it, that one good churchman, fearful lest rust corrupt, applied a coating of grease to the bell, and thereafter that bell gave forth a muffied sound. One Anson Leland bought the land where Church Place now is and gave it to the church with the understanding that it should serve as a roadway and always be kept open; over a hundred years later the Town accepted this roadway as a town road. In earlier days approximately when this church was established, where Brother Dickinson now resides, was a general store, typical of that era. Directly across from this building, where Mrs. Williams now resides, was a two story, two room school house and here Brother Dickinson first attended school. The village blacksmith was located a little further to the east, under what we know as the Flagg elms. Thus in earlier days this location was a part of the business center of the town.

Now to return to our Masonic history; May 4, 1936, the Lodge met for its last meeting in the Andrews Block, thus terminating sixty-four years of meeting at that location. At that meeting plans were completed for the dedication of this Temple to be held May 28th, 1936.

This ancient edifice, consecrated to the service of God for over one hundred years, was reconsecrated and dedicated to the principles of Freemasonry, Thursday evening, May 28, 1936. The dedicatory exercises were conducted by the officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, with Most Worshipful Claude L. Allen in the East. A very impressive ceremony was witnessed by some three hundred Masons and friends. It is interesting to note that he who served as Deputy Grand Master on that huppy occasion four years ago, is with us tonight as the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Joseph Earl Perry.

We have occupied this Temple four years, and it would indeed be a grievous error if no mention were made of the fine spirit of brotherly love that has prompted many of our members to make gifts and contributions which have added much to the fraternal iife of the Lodge. We express again our appreciation for the emblem over the front entrance, for repairs to the organ, for the furnishing of the game room, and many other gifts and contributions which have and are being enjoyed by all.

Mount Hollis Lodge may well look with pardonable pride upon the accompfishments of the past seventy-five years. This fine Temple, free from encumbrances, and an active social group of public spirited men are living witnesses which bespeak success more definitely than any statistics that I might have compiled.

Brethren: thus far I have dwelt with the past, yet the question that comes to the mind of each and every one of you, time and again during these days of turmoil, is: what of the future. Tonight as we gather here in this peaceful New England village, enjoying fraternal fellowship, our thoughts span the globe. Humanity is at stake. We ask ourselves, what of the future? No one can answer the question, but to those valiant men who are doing their utmost to maintain culture and refinement, we as individuals say as did the poet Longfellow:

"Humanity with all its fears,
With all the hopes of future years,
Is hanging breathless on thy fate!
Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee,
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears,
Are all with thee,-a re all with thee!"

And now as we conclude this record of seventy-five years, we clasp with loving hands the story of the achievements of the past; and reverently do we hope and pray, that the records of this Lodge in the years to come may be no less golden and precious, and that the successive generations to whom its honor, its prosperity, and its progress shall be entrusted, may hold these legacies as a treasure not to be dimmed or despoiled but made richer and brighter as the years shall stretch on.

YEARS

1865 1866 1869 1872 1882 1887 1896 1899 1912 1917 1919 1923 1927 1936 1937 1940 1949 1952 1961 1965 1969 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1979 1980 1984 1989 1990 1992 1998 1999 2003 2009

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION, JANUARY 1866

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXV, No. 5, March 1866, p. 159:

This new Lodge, located in the pleasant village of Holliston, in Middlesex County, was duly constituted by the M. W. Grand Lodge, on Thursday, Jan. 30. The ceremonies of constituting the Lodge and dedicating the Hall, were performed in the presence of a large assemblage of the brethren; after which the officers were installed by the M. W. Grand Master, Bro. Charles C. Dame, in the Town Hall, and in the presence of not less than seven hundred persons, including a large proportion of ladies. At the conclusion of the ceremonies here, the members of the new Lodge, with their wives and daughters, and other guests, to the number of two hundred and thirty, repaired to the Winthrop House to supper, where a couple of hours were spent in a very agreeable manner; not the least agreeable of which, perhaps, was the speaking by the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Master, and others. The Lodge has been eminently successful during the year it has been under Dispensation, and the prospect for the future is encouraging. The officers will be found on the appropriate page.

• Edward F. Whiting, W. Master
• H. H. Packer, Senior Warden
• George T. Daniels, Junior Warden
• George E. Johnson, Treasurer
• S. B. Nichols, Secretary
• B. F. Bachelder, Senior Deacon
• Alfred Cutler, Junior Deacon
• J. Littlefleld, Senior Steward
• E. B. Johnson, Junior Steward
• G. B. French, Marshal
• O. White, Tyler
• D. Jones, Chaplain.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Allan R. Bliss, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1964, 1965; missing Necrology
• Henry M. Cutter, DDGM, District 23 (Milford), 1922, 1923; Memorial
• Edward S. Holbrook, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1948, 1949; N
• James L. Inches, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1932, 1933, N
• John C. Mulhall, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1992, 1993
• Wallace R. Walker, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1978, 1979; N
• Jarvis B. Woolford, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1899, 1900; Memorial

DISTRICTS

1865: District 4

1867: District 12 (Milford)

1883: District 20 (Milford)

1911: District 23 (Milford)

1927: District 23 (Natick)

2003: District 15

2009: District 15 South

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges