MountOrthodox

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MOUNT ORTHODOX LODGE

Location: West Springfield

Chartered By: Everett C. Benton

Charter Date: 12/12/1913 1913-253

Precedence Date: 01/30/1913

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Fred Colby Hubbard, 1913, 1914
  • Frank Orville Scott, 1915
  • Herman Frederick Forester, 1916
  • Fred Everett Fairbank, 1917
  • William Porter, 1919
  • Harvey Chandler Holland, 1920
  • Paul Beckman Johnson, 1921, 1922
  • Clyde Humphrey Clement, 1923
  • Fred Ross Scott White, 1924
  • Ralph Foster Morton, 1925
  • James Bushnell Richardson, 1926
  • Edward Simpson, 1927
  • Howard Jerome Bowles, 1928
  • Carl Browning Smith, 1929
  • Robert Arnold Ward, 1930
  • Alfred Dwight Jones, 1931
  • William Ernest May, 1932
  • Harold William Schelenger, 1933; N
  • Earl Henry Winkley, 1934
  • Frank Charles Melber, 1935
  • Edward Henry Sackett, 1936
  • Whiting Alanson Briggs, 1937
  • Harold Edmund Kjoller, 1938
  • Francis Martin Webler, 1939; N
  • Victor Kendall Hunt, 1940
  • Henry Orville Allen, 1941
  • Thomas Clark Hamilton, 1942
  • Frederick William Hauff, 1943
  • James Clyde Bruhm, 1944
  • Harry Richard Babb, 1945
  • John William Fleming, 1946
  • Leo Emmett Sears, 1947
  • Filser Dyer Hoppert, 1948
  • Merton Dickenson Pomeroy, 1949
  • John Franklin Schutt, 1950
  • Ernest Luther Snow, 1951
  • Frank Warren Lyman, 1952
  • Robert J. Shields, 1953
  • Neil Ludwig Gilchrest, 1954
  • Brenton William Barnfather, 1955
  • Kenneth Homer Keyes, 1956; N
  • Wesley James Schutt, 1957; N
  • Linwood Nichols Sarnson, 1958
  • Harold Richard Allen, 1959
  • Hollis Duane Coombs, 1960
  • Arthur Edward Mattson, 1961
  • James Allen Pratt, 1962
  • Richard Albert St. Jean, 1963
  • Frederick Francis Harrison, 1964
  • Gordon Earle Meron, 1965
  • Nelson Wimburn Hogan, 1966
  • Harry Joseph Vennert, 1967, 1990; N
  • Erwin Donald Hill, 1968, 1989; Mem
  • Demetrios J. Kallipolites, 1969
  • William Chapman Connor, 1970
  • Victor Alonso MacDonald, 1971
  • George Carl Bozenhard, Jr., 1972
  • Chester William McNabb, 1973
  • Philip Young, 1974; SN
  • Robert Mawbey House, 1975
  • David Bruce Reale, 1976
  • John Demetrios Kallipolites, 1977
  • Fred Leroy Brown, 1978
  • Donat Joseph Fournier, 1979
  • Erwin Donald Hill, Jr., 1980
  • Norman Joseph Fournier, 1981
  • Leonard Winward, 1982
  • David Emile Fournier, 1983
  • Francis Anthony Dutton, 1984
  • Wesley James Schutt, Jr., 1985
  • Robert Arthur Meffen, 1986
  • David Dudley Ramsdell, 1987, 1991
  • Lyle Scott Tise, 1988
  • Demetrios J. Kallipolites, 1992
  • John Joseph Loftus, Jr., 1993, 1999, 2000
  • Frederick John Rempp, 1994, 1996
  • James Robert Cooper, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2013; DDGM
  • James Leonard Beauregard, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2006; PDDGM
  • Albert Jeffrey Packard, 2004-2005
  • David John Martin, 2008
  • Hugh Kendall Martin, 2009
  • Michael Phillip Ripa, 2010
  • Robert Dudley Fife, 2011
  • Taidgh Joseph Buckley, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1938 (25th Anniversary, 05/20: 1938-329)
  • 1963 (50th Anniversary, 04/06: 1963-81)
  • 1989 (75th Anniversary; 04/22: 1989-203)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1917 1919 1921 1924 1926 1930 1937 1938 1954 1956 1981 1986 1994 1996

HISTORY

  • 1913 (Petition for Dispensation; 01/30: ?)
  • 1913 (Petition for Charter; 12/10: 1913-253)
  • 1914 (Lodge constituted, officers installed; 01/27: 1914-178)
  • 1938 (25th Anniversary History, 1938-115)
  • 1963 (50th Anniversary History, 1963-138)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1938

From Proceedings, Page 1938-115:

By Wor. William E. May:

There has been accorded me the distinctive honor tonight to present to you the history of the institution and constitution in the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Mount Orthodox Lodge, and speaking of the history of Mount Orthodox Lodge, one must of necessity touch upon the history of Freemasonry in West Springfield, and it is to tell the story of those olden days which will especially appeal to us at a celebration of this kind. The history of Mount Orthodox Lodge may very properly begin with the introduction of Freemasonry into Hampden County and for the account of its introduction I am very largely indebted to the "Chapter on Freemasonry" written by Henry L. Hines in "Our County and Its People" completed by the late Judge Alfred M. Copeland.

Mr. Hines writes (vol. 1, page 464) "organized Masonry was introduced into Hampden County in 1796. Previous to this date, however, Masonic meetings were held in the homes of members of the craft or in rooms set apart for this purpose in the public taverns. At these meetings the lectures would be.rehearsed and the brethren were undoubtedly as perfect in the work as were those who had the advantage of frequent attendance on regular and special communications of lodges." The first Charter granted a lodge in Hampden County was given to Thomas Lodge, of Palmer, and it is dated December 13, anno domini 1796; A.L. 5796 and is signed by Paul Revere, of immortal fame, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The second Lodge chartered in the county was Sylvan Lodge, of Southwick, in 1807. Three years later the Lodge was removed to West Springfield and changed to the name of Friendly Society Lodge. Grand Lodge records note that the permit to move stipulates that the Lodge should hold its meetings six months at West Springfield and Southwick alternately, but there is no record of any meetings held in Southwick after 1810. In West Springfield the Lodge met in rooms on the second floor of the old Belding Tavern near the corner of Park and Elm Streets which stood north of the present town library building and opposite the water trough at the lower end of Elm Street. After its removal to West Springfield the Lodge grew in membership, but several members withdrew in 1817 to form Hampden Lodge, of Springfield, and from that time the Lodge lost ground. Very few members were admitted after 1817 and when the anti-Masonic sentiment became pronounced in 1838, the few members who had labored for the life of the Lodge were forced to give up the struggle and the charter was surrendered.

Somewhere I have read of an interesting custom of the early Masons in this section — it was to the effect that they were accustomed to hold their meetings early in the afternoon so that no artificial light was necessary, and also that the meetings were held about the time of the full moon, so that Brethren coming from a distance and unable to reach home until after night fall, might more readily find their road. Their journeys were made by the slow means of horse and wagon,_ or more often on foot, and with a lantern to whose flickering and uncertain light the moon's radiance was most welcome and even a necessary assistance.

The keeper of the old tavern at this time was Rufus Colton who kept the tavern for more than thirty years. At one time he owned a line of stages and ran between Springfield and Albany. Colton was undoubtedly a member of Friendly Society Lodge, or he would not have tolerated the meetings in his tavern for the small rental and occasional bar-room patronage of the Brethren. That he was a member I cannot readily prove for unfortunately many of the records of the early Lodges have been destroyed by fire.

Previous to the formation of Mount Orthodox Lodge, there was a goodly number of Masons living in West Springfield, Agawam, and Feeding Hills, who were members of the Craft but were affiliated with other Lodges. A certain local pride and the belief that their home town could and should have a Lodge of its own led to the agitation among members of the Craft for a Lodge in West Springfield which finally on November 13, 1912 crystallized into definite action.

Among those who were most active in this movement were Worshipful Brother Fred Colby Hubbard, Past Master of Hampden Lodge, Right Worshipful D. Edward Miller, D.D.G.M. Eighteenth Masonic district, and Past Master of Springfield Lodge, Right Worshipful Edwin A. Blodgett, Past D.D.G.M. and member of Hampden Lodge, Brother John S. Fox, member of Roswell Lee Lodge, Brother Samuel Garfield Smith, member of Roswell Lee Lodge, Brother Charles E. Hamilton, member of Roswell Lee Lodge, and Brother Nelson Sherburne. These members of Roswell Lee Lodge, being free and accepted Masons desirous of forming a Lodge in West Springfield, met at the Masonic Club in the Masonic Temple in Springfield and after consideration it was deemed advisable, not only for the prosperity of the Craft but for the convenience of the Masonic Fraternity in the community that a preliminary meeting be held to promote interest and that the Brethren of West Springfield and Agawam be informed of the intent.

On November 18, 1912, an informal meeting was held at the home of Brother Samuel G. Smith for the purpose of considering the advisability of organizing a new Lodge. Brother Fred C. Hubbard called the meeting to order. Brother John S. Fox was elected temporary secretary. A motion was made that the secretary prepare subscription papers to solicit the Masons of West Springfield and Agawam, also prepare a petition to the Grand Master for a Dispensation for organizing a new Lodge. Brother Fred C. Hubbard, as chairman, appointed a committee of three to meet the parish house committee of the First Congregational Church in regard to leasing the Old White Church for a meeting-place. On December 4, 1912, a meeting was called to order at 8:30 P.M. by Brother Fred C. Hubbard, and Brother Nelson Sherburne made a report of the meeting with the parish house committee who were in favor of leasing the building for a period of five years. We were to assume any repairs and alterations on leasing the church on Mount Orthodox Hill, so called to Masons, for five years. Brothers Hubbard, Sherburne, and Desoe were appointed a committee of three to confer with the parish house committee and arrange terms of lease, same to be ratified later by the Lodge. The chairman reported that a petition had been drawn and sent to all Masonic Lodges in Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, and Chicopee for the jurisdiction for the towns of West Springfield and Agawam. It was also voted that Brother Fred C. Hubbard be named Master in the petition to the Grand Master; Brother Frank O. Scott as Senior Warden; and Brother Nelson Sherburne as Junior Warden. It was voted that Mount Orthodox be the name of the Lodge, to meet Tuesday evenings. Those present contributed one dollar and a half each to make the necessary fifteen dollars payment to the Grand Lodge for the Dispensation.

Another meeting was held December 9, 1912, at the home of Brother Samuel G. Smith when Brother Sherburne withdrew his name for Junior Warden and Brother Herman Foerster was selected for that office. By a vote Brothers Hubbard, Scott, and Foerster were appointed to arrange for, a general meeting of Masons in the towns of West Springfield and Agawam. At a meeting at Brother Hubbard's home on January 4, 1913, the final arrangements Were made for a general meeting to be held on January 14. This meeting was held in the Selectmen's office at the Town Hall, being called to order at 8:15 P.M. by Brother Hubbard. It was deemed advisable as a precautionary measure to have all present declare their Masonic affiliations, and twenty-one members were present from various Lodges. The chairman called the meeting to order to resume transaction of business and reported all Lodges favorable of granting jurisdiction for the towns of West Springfield and Agawam. Arrangements were made to meet on Tuesday evening, February 4, 1913, at the White Church to receive the Dispensation. Brother William R. Harvey was elected Treasurer, Brother William R. Armstrong was elected Secretary, and a vote of thanks was extended to Brother John S. Fox who resigned.

On February 4, 1913, a preliminary meeting was held. Masons from this vicinity assembled in the Grange rooms in the White Church at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Brother Hubbard to introduce the D.D.G.M. William E. Gibbs, for the Eighteenth Masonic District. After words of greeting, D.D.G.M. Gibbs announced that he was the bearer of a Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Massachusetts to names on a petition authorizing and constituting this a Lodge of Masons to be known as Mount Orthodox A.F. and A.M. Following instructions in the Dispensation, D.D.G.M. Gibbs appointed:

  • Fred Colby Hubbard, Worshipful Master
  • Frank Orville Scott, Senior Warden
  • Herman Frederick Foerster, Junior Warden
  • William Ruby Harvey, Treasurer
  • William Root Armstrong, Secretary
  • Alfred Willard Harrington, Chaplain
  • Nelson Sherburne, Senior Deacon
  • Fred Rudolph Link, Junior Deacon
  • Charles Edwin Hamilton, Marshal
  • Frederick Everett Fairbanks, Senior Steward
  • Roland Edward Desoe, Junior Steward
  • Herbert Orville D. Scott, Inside Sentinel
  • William Henry Gay, Tyler

D.D.G.M. Gibbs then announced that Mount Orthodox A.F. and A.M. was qualified to do business.

The preliminary meeting was adjourned and the first regular meeting of Mount Orthodox Lodge A.F. and A.M. was opened at 7:30, this same evening, February 4, 1913, A.L. 5913. Thirty-seven petitions were received for degrees and it was decided to secure the White Church as a meeting-place, a lease being signed by the parish house committee of the First Congregational Church for a period of five years, rental to be twenty-five dollars a month. Words of congratulation and encouragement and advice were given by Past D.D.G.M. Edward Miller and a vote of thanks was given to him by the Lodge for the interest he had taken in the formation of this Lodge. During the period of Dispensation Mount Orthodox Lodge held eleven regular and forty-seven special communications and eighty-nine petitions were accepted for degrees. As we look back we find many Brethren who had made the history of Mount Orthodox Lodge possible. As in all institutions there are outstanding members, so Mount Orthodox has its own. Perhaps the outstanding men in the formation of this Lodge were Brothers Fred C. Hubbard, Herman F. Foerster, and Frank O. Scott. Worshipful Brother Hubbard was made a Master Mason in Hampden Lodge and served us as Master in 1913 and 1914. Endowed with those enduring qualities of strength and character, he clothed our Lodge with dignity. Quiet, modest, and unassuming, he gave an administration that was efficient and harmonious. Faithful in every duty and considerate in every need of sympathy, he has held a fond place in our hearts.

Worshipful Brother Frank O. Scott was elected Master in 1915. Always alert to preserve equality and justice, he executed his trust and ability as Master with fidelity. He has always been considerate and devoted to Masonry. He has served our community well in the office of Selectman, and as a member of the state House of Representatives for the town of West Springfield. Although being in retirement of late years, he is still remembered by those associated with him in his more active days.

Of Worshipful Brother Herman F. Foerster I will refer later to his abilities. To the Brethren of our Lodge whose work is unheralded and whose virtues are unsung, we are very grateful. Through their co-operation, their ideals and lofty purposes, a promising future is assured.

Mount Orthodox Lodge A.F. and A.M. with visiting Brethren assembled in this Lodge room at seven o'clock P.M. for the purpose of being Constituted under the Charter which had been granted them by the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth into a regular lodge. Grand Lodge having been opened in one of the rooms on the first floor, Master-elect Fred C. Hubbard, with Senior and Junior Wardens Frank O. Scott and Herman F. Foerster, repaired to the room occupied by the Grand Lodge, and being admitted to the room, informed the Grand Master that the Brethren of Mount Orthodox Lodge were now convened for the purpose of being Constituted into a regular Lodge agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the craft.

The Grand Lodge was represented by the following Brethren.

During the ceremony of constituting the Lodge after the pouring of the corn, wine, and oil, the Charter members of Mount Orthodox Lodge were requested to take their places in the West as their names were called and face the East. The Grand Marshal was directed to present to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Master-elect Fred C. Hubbard, who was told to face the West. The members of Mount Orthodox Lodge acknowledged Brother Hubbard as their choice for Master. He was therefore installed as the first Master of Mount Orthodox Lodge A.F. and A.M. by Most Worshipful Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson. The other officers were then installed by Deputy Grand Master Emery B. Gibbs as follows:

  • Frank O. Scott, Senior Warden
  • Herman F. Foerster, Junior Warden
  • William R. Harvey, Treasurer
  • William R. Armstrong, Secretary
  • William Porter, Marshal
  • Alfred W. Harrington, Chaplain
  • Nelson Sherburne, Senior Deacon
  • Fred E. Fairbanks, Junior Deacon
  • Herbert O. Scott, Senior Steward
  • Clarence M. Moore, Junior Steward
  • William H. Gay, Inside Sentinel
  • Robert W. Hitt, Organist
  • Joseph Scott Loomis, Tyler

The usual proclamation was then made that Mount Orthodox Lodge was qualified to do business.

Reverend Dr. F. W. Merrick gave the address of the evening. At the close of the address the Grand Lodge officers retired from the Lodge-room.

At the banquet which followed, D. Edward Miller acted as toastmaster and called upon Most Worshipful Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson; Past Grand Master John Albert Blake; District Deputy Grand Master William E. Gibbs; Past Junior Grand Warden C. C. Spellman; Right Worshipful Edwin A. Blodgett; Grand Secretary Thomas W. Davis; and Past Senior Grand Warden Leon M. Abbott for speeches.

Mount Orthodox Lodge commenced its existence under the most favorable conditions, and the work done by it under Dispensation is the largest in the history of the Grand Lodge. Since the Constitution of the Lodge we have had two Tylers and two Secretaries. Brother Joseph Scott Loomis, our first Tyler, though a man of mature years when he became a member of the Lodge, gave his devoted services, was an excellent ritualist, and was also lecturer for some time. He served as Tyler from years 1913 to 1928. Brother Loomis was one of activity and usefulness in the community and in our Fraternity. He was a great lover of flowers. His passing was a great loss. Our present Tyler, Brother Benjamin B. Reed, has served since the year 1928. He is a splendid example of friendliness and loyal to his office as Tyler.

Brother William R. Armstrong, our first Secretary, passed away in October, 1916. Genial and companionable, honorable and kindly, he inspired respect and affection. His passing was a loss to the Fraternity. Brother William J. Buffum was appointed secretary October 16, 1916. By virtue of his keen and intimate knowledge of every member of the Lodge, he has won our respect and affection through his devotion in his dealings with the Brethren of Mount Orthodox Lodge. And now Brethren, we must pause for a moment in remembrance of two of our Past Masters who have passed beyond the East Gate, Worshipful Brother Herman F. Foerster, Master in 1916, and Worshipful Brother Ralph F. Morton, Master in 1925. Worshipful Brother Foerster, modest and unassuming, gave an administration which was efficient and harmonious. Faithful in his duties as Master, he held a fond place in our hearts ,and inspired many of the candidates after his term as Master by the wonderful way he rendered the charge of the third degree. Brother Foerster was a man of genial and kindly personality, devoted to Freemasonry, honored for his high integrity and his civic interest and his unfailing friendliness in the community which he served and the Fraternity which he loved.

Worshipful Brother Morton; his earnestness, devotion to duty and able executive ability won him the admiration of his fellow-men. He was a kindly, genial character, full of human contacts and warm friendships. Brother Morton's life was one of activity in the community, and in our Fraternity by virtue of his abilities and his spirit he rose to the prominent position as Grand Master of Odd Fellows in Massachusetts. Thus to Brother Morton, passed from our midst, leaving to those that knew him a loving memory; and to our Fraternity a grateful remembrance. To us, our departed Past Masters will be symbols of what Masonry should be and an inspiration which shall assist us in moulding our own Masonic characters and the yardstick tp measure the quality of our service to all mankind.

The systematic records of past events we have in our records, so let us reconstruct a period and from it may you, our guests, and the younger members learn why Mount Orthodox Lodge has not only prospered and grown in this sturdy building made of oak timbers one hundred and thirty-eight years old, but from good fellowship and brotherly love that has prevailed during the past twenty-five years. So let us carry on the work laid by those pioneers, our Charter members, who with but little of a material nature established in this community another link in our Fraternity. For a moment let us pause and call the roll of our Charter members, rejoicing with the answer present, regretting those unable to be with us, and mourning those who answer in spirit only.

  • William R. Armstrong
  • Harry J. Astley
  • Ernest N. Bagg
  • Walter S. Barr
  • Robert Bell
  • Edward P. Bragg
  • Edward Bromage
  • Frank M. Butler
  • Clarence W. Chapman
  • Arthur J. Cilley
  • John M. Collins
  • Charles E. Cooley
  • Leroy Z. Cutler
  • Irving A. Darling
  • Edward B. Dearden
  • Edward G. Desoe
  • Harlan J. Desoe
  • Harold F. Desoe
  • Theodore Desoe
  • Fred E. Fairbanks
  • Charles D. Farnsworth
  • Riley S. Farnsworth
  • Wralf B. Farnsworth
  • John R. Fausey
  • Payson J. C. Flagg
  • Herman F. Foerster
  • John S. Fox
  • William H. Gay
  • Charles E. Hamilton
  • Alfred W. Harrington
  • William R. Harvey
  • Otto Hoelzel
  • Leroy P. Howes
  • Fred C. Hubbard
  • Eliphalet W. Jackson
  • Caleb S. Kroh
  • Fred R. Linke
  • Daniel E. Miller
  • Julius A. Morrill
  • Wilson N. Morrill
  • Guy F. Nevins
  • Harry R. Nunn, Jr.
  • Edward A. Phinney
  • Edward H. Phinney
  • John L. H. Prince
  • George L. Rodier
  • Frank. W. Rogers
  • Henry E. Schmuck
  • Frank O. Scott
  • Herbert O. D. Scott
  • George H. Seymour
  • Nelson Sherburne
  • Charles F. Smith
  • Robert W. Smith
  • Robert W. Smith, Jr.
  • Samuel G. Smith
  • Melvin D. Southworth
  • Harley F. Williamson
  • Frank B. Workheiser

Our Lodge has done much in the way of relief and assistance through our service representatives, particularly during the years of 1927 and 1936. The flood of 1936 was outstanding in our history. On the night of March eighteenth, this building was opened for a number of our Brethren who were in the flooded area, also for other refugees. We housed approximately one hundred and sixty men, women, and children, served about three hundred and fifty meals a day. For three days nine hundred meals per day were served, taking care of extra refugees who were housed in school buildings and churches where there were no means of cooking meals. To the ladies of the Eastern Star we are grateful in the preparation of these meals. We are also grateful to the supervision given by the two Masters who worked hard and well. Instances abound of the friendly counsel and moral support given and the gestures of understanding of sympathy to spread the spirit of Masonic friendship.

In the year 1934, Worshipful Brother Earl Winkley started a glee club which has been quite active in singing at Lodge meetings throughout this vicinity, besides sponsoring a minstrel show each year. These shows have been very successful, and every year they look forward to going to the Masonic Home in Charlton to give the minstrel show for the benefit of our guests there.

Mount Orthodox Lodge A.F. & A.M. was instituted February 4, 1913, was constituted January 27, 1914.

  • Have initiated from March 11, 1913 to May 20, 1938 — 626
  • Present membership is 460
  • Regular communications have been 261
  • Special communications have been 604

This is in brief the history of Mount Orthodox Lodge. However it may appeal to others, to the Fraternity, and especially to the members of the Lodge, its record of twenty-five years of usefulness in the active duties of true Masonry fills the heart with pride. Mount Orthodox Lodge stands out as a monument to its founders, a monument which from its inception has slowly but steadily increased in size and strength, directing the way to friendship, morality, and brotherly love; an inspiration to its members to lead lives characterized by temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice set forth in the teachings of Masonry. The future of this Lodge is yet to be written. That it will continue to grow we feel sure—twenty-five years is but a fleeting moment—and it remains for us and those who shall come after us, by hearty co-operation and steadfastness of purpose, to see that Mount Orthodox Lodge shall continue to be a creditable monument to its founders. The pioneers in the formation of this Lodge had the high ideals of the true principles of Freemasonry, friendship, morality, and brotherly love but, my Brethren, there is one more tenet of this great institution of ours, interwoven throughout the history of Freemasonry, the tradition of wholesome comradeship. In every Masonic gathering there are assembled true friends and good fellows. Let us begin tonight and make it our business in this and other Masonic meetings we attend to get acquainted with as many Brothers as possible. As you give, so will you receive—a hearty handshake, an encouraging word. This ancient Fraternity has been a part of the life and growth of man in all ages past, so, will it be for ages to come. Let us then be true to our country, true to the community in which we live, true to our Lodge, and true to ourselves. May our Lodge remain a firmament of Masonry, a beacon light to guide humanity to higher and nobler aims in life, until time shall be no more!

THE HOME OF MOUNT ORTHODOX LODGE

In the year 1798 the old meeting house on the Common, which had been used for nearly a century, became so badly dilapidated that it was no longer fit for use, and the members of the Parish, realizing that it must soon be replaced, began discussing the problem.

So many suggestions were made as to location, probable cost, size, etc., that for months the community was nearly split in two over the matter. In fact it came near being split into three or four parts by the various factions living near the Center, in Ashleyville, in Tatham, and the group on lower Main and Bridge Streets.

Influential families lived in all these sections, and it was a long and bitter controversy, which was finally solved by a generous offer from a public spirited citizen, and by the wise counsel and advice of Reverend Dr. Joseph Lathrop, who preached from the pulpit in this church from 1802 till 1820. His entire pastorate covered a period of sixty-five years. When Dr. Lathrop announced one Sunday morning that Mr. John Ashley had offered to give the land for a new meeting house and cemetery, it was only natural that many thought Mr. Ashley would choose a location in his own neighborhood, but Dr. Lathrop's confidence in Mr. Ashley's fairness and public spirit finally prevailed, and when the announcement of this site was made, the controversy gradually subsided, for a majority of the people looked upon the choice as ideal. He offered in addition to contribute to the building fund and to the maintenance of public worship, and all this on condition that he be allowed to name the site, that the building should be started at once, and that services should be held regularly for one hundred years.

The contract price for this building was $1,400.00 and ten gallons of St. Croix rum. Whether the rum was the contribution to the building fund by some loyal supporter, or for the use of the workmen, history does not state. Rum was commonly used in those days and as six men worked on the building for two years it may be they had use for it when they were "called from labor to refreshment."

Timothy Billings, of Hatfield, was the builder, and some of the tools he used are among the treasured relics of this Lodge. He was chosen by the building committee because he had constructed several meeting houses and was well recommended by all who had employed him. The local carpenters, however, were outspoken in their criticism, saying that one of their own number should have been employed, instead of going out of town for "a young fellow who hasn't even got a beard."

Although sit down strikes and sabotage were not practiced in those days they evidently had labor troubles. While it may have been intended for a joke, it is related that somebody cut a fraction of an inch from the ten foot measuring stick Mr. Billings used in marking his timbers. As he kept on using it they supposed he had not discovered that it had been tampered with, and they looked forward to the day of raising, when before the assembled crowd the young builder would find his measurements wrong. Except for Mr. Billing's keenness, events might have happened as his enemies planned, but he, made due allowance for the discrepancy in all his calculations, and when, with the help of men from the neighboring shipyard and many volunteers the sides were raised, the tenons and mortises fitted perfectly, and the dowel pins were driven into place to the cheers of all present. Even the guilty ones joined in for it would hardly do for them to remain silent.

No better use could have been made for this venerable building than the purpose for which it has been rededicated. Built, and used for more than one hundred years for the worship of God and the advancement of righteousness, as a Masonic Temple, it still carries on the same high ideals.

Many were reluctant to give it up as a place of public worship, but at the time the best interests of the community seemed to be better served by the merger of two church organizations operating in the same field. So it came about that the larger, better located edifice was chosen in an effort to reunite the two societies, and Mount Orthodox Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, became the owner of this ancient building, now so well suited to its needs.

Much more might be said regarding events in its history, of the distinguished men and women who have spoken from its pulpit, the notable occasions celebrated here, of the songs that have been sung, the hopes expressed and the prayers uttered. Its bell has called the people to worship, has tolled its solemn tones for many a funeral, and rung in joy for many a celebration. This bell, cast at the Holbrook Foundry, formerly Paul Revere's, hung originally in the first church on the Common. It has been recast once, and was lowered from the upper balcony to its present position, because the people complained they did not hear its tones and were late to church.

Mention may be made of the observance of the dawning of the 20th Century, when at the hour of midnight, December 31, 1899, the tones of the bell joined with many others, while a group including two former Masters of this Lodge held a ceremony on the balcony of this tower, and then sat down to a specially prepared banquet in the adjoining room, directly over the bell.

The walls of this room show the names of many of more or less note who have visited it, to gain the superb view it affords. Though remodeled from time to time the exterior remains little changed. In 1880 the old time galleries were floored over, and the organ removed from the place it occupied near the tower, to its present location.

Many tales have been told regarding its rather unique weather vane. Some have likened it to a fish, and one local wit who was familiar with the famous "Double Ditch" shad fishery on the opposite side of the river, said it was so placed that the sun reflected from it would attract other fish. It probably is intended to symbolize "an ear of corn fully ripe for the harvest." It is six feet, two inches long, and the tower from the ground to the finial is 125 feet.

Three times the steeple has been struck by lightning, and once, except for the prompt work of the fire department and a fortunate down-pour of rain, the building would undoubtedly have been destroyed. For over seventy-five years a heavy wrought iron rod, hooked together in ten foot sections hung down the north side of the tower. As there was no evidence of the building having been struck, and as it was considered a menace because of its weight, it was removed about 1880 arrd the building was unprotected for about twenty years during which it was struck three times. Early in 1900 two lengths of old trolley wire were secured and fastened to the iron scroll just below the weather vane, since when there is no evidence of damage from lightning.

Originally the ornament at the top of the spire was of yellow pine, nearly eighteen inches through. This became decayed, and was replaced by one made of metal, and the portion that was sound is now fastened over the back door of the house across the way. The clock was placed in the tower by a descendant of John Ashley in the year 1892.

OTHER

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The curator for this page is Brother Michael Nemeth. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.