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MOUNT ZION LODGE

Location: Hardwick; Barre (1855)

Chartered By: Samuel Dunn

Charter Date: 03/10/1800 II-166

Precedence Date: 03/10/1800

Current Status: Active

NOTES

MEMBER LIST, 1802

From Vocal Companion and Masonic Register, Boston, 1802, Part II, Page 30:

• R. W. Calvin Eaton, M.
• W. William Stone, S. W.
• W. James Lawton, J. W.
• Peter Blackmer, S. D.
• Timothy Billings, J. D.
• Elias Hall, Tr.
• Luke Brown, Sec.
• Moses Lawrence, Steward.
• Daniel Thomas, Steward.
• Amiel Weeks, Tiler.

No. of Members, 100.

• Luke Brown
• Samuel Beals
• Thomas Wheeler, Jr.
• Jonathan Danforth
• Abel Thayer
• Southworth Jenkins, Jr.
• Wm. Stosel
• Chiron Penniman
• Daniel Ruggles
• Edward Ruggles
• Lemuel Willis
• Benjamin Page, Jr.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Charter: 1798 held over, II-133, II-136
• Petition for Charter: 1800

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1900 (Centenary)
• 1925 (125th Anniversary)
• 1950 (150th Anniversary)
• 1975 (175th Anniversary)
• 2000 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1858 (Heard; hall dedication (12/30/1857), Special Communication; see below)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1900 (Gallagher; Centenary, Special Communication)
• 1925 (Ferrell; 125th Anniversary, Special Communication)
• 1928 (Simpson; Hall dedication, Special Communication)
• 1938 (Perry)
• 1950 (Keith; 150th Anniversary, Special Communication)
• 1961 (Eaton); Hall dedication, Special Communication)
• 1975 (Maxwell; 175th Anniversary, Special Communication)
• 1983 (Berquist; mortgage burning)
• 2000 (Bauer; 200th Anniversary, Special Communication)
• 2003 (Hicks)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1876 1884 1909 1910 1920 1923 1927 1929 1931 1935 1936 1946 1948 1953 1955 1962 1965 1969 1976 1977 1978 1984 1988 2007 2012

HISTORY

• 1900 (Centennial Historical Address, 1900-145; see below)
• 1925 (125th Anniversary History, 1925-108)
• 1950 (150th Anniversary History, 1950-48)
• 1975 (175th Anniversary History, 1975-44)
• 2000 (200th Anniversary History, 2000-48)

CENTENARY HISTORICAL ADDRESS, OCTOBER 1900

From Proceedings, Page 1900-145:

by Rev. Alvin F. Bailey. Past Master and Chaplain.

"Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed."

This unscriptural beatitude is apropos to the Address. It is impossible to present a satisfactory account of the doings of Mount Zion Lodge during one hundred years in thirty minutes, even by omitting all details of the blood-curdling experiences of candidates for the degrees in Masonry. Expect no startling revelations from within the veil; for every anti-Mason knows that Masons are bound by fearful oaths never, never to tell what the uninitiated most wish to know. It must not be revealed whether or not the traditional hot shovel is still prepared for the waiting applicant for Masonic honors. This much shall be told, though the speaker share the fate of Morgan: the Entered Apprentice rides the same goat that the first victim of our first Master, Calvin Eaton, bestrode in 1800. The eye of that goat is not dim, nor is his natural strength abated. It would appear from the records of the Lodge that Mount Zion is a Masonic Melchizedek, — "without beginning of days," as we hope it may be without "end of life." They refer to no preliminary action toward its formation, and make no mention of its charter or institution. It was full-fledged and ready for business on March 26, 1800, the date of its first meeting.

Some years since a paper came into the Secretary's hands, purporting to be the original draft of an application to the Grand Lodge for a Lodge to be established in Hardwick, to be known as "Rising Star." It was from Greenwich, dated 1798. No names are attached. Whether as the result of that application, or of another, Mount Zion Lodge was chartered March 11, 1800, and established in Hardwick. The Charter members were Calvin Eaton, Wm. Stone, James Lawton, John Shaw, 2d, Abijah Powers, Clark Powers, Asaph Newcomb, Rufus King, Roger West, Bradford Newcomb, James Stone, Thomas Powers, Jr., Seth Hinkley, Daniel Ruggles, Daniel Billings, Jr., Luke Brown, Nathan Freeman, Edward Ruggles, Peter Blackmer, Jr., Sylvanus Thompson, Samuel Heals, Daniel Thomas, 2d, Samuel French, Thomas Wheeler, Jr., and Elias Hall.

The membership was divided about equally between Ilardwick and Greenwich, (which included the present town of Enfield), with a few from neighboring towns. The founders were representative citizens: merchants, fanners, innholders and one lawyer. Seven of the Hardwick men had been soldiers of the Revolution; three served against Shays' rebellion; six were militia officers. Three served the town as selectmen, two as assessors, one as treasurer, and one as Justice of the Peace. There was a deputy sheriff and coroner, and a graduate of Harvard College. Brethren from other towns were, presumably, of a similar type.

There is no reference to a place of meeting before Jan. 20, 1802, when a committee was chosen "to provide a hall for next Lodge." Records of the third Wednesday in September, 1805, state that "the Lodge met at Mason's Hall, in Hard-wick." Paige, in his History of Hardwick, names, as the first place of meeting, " a spacious hall in Willis' Tavern, on the turnpike." It is doubtful if this was the " Mason's Hall" of the records. It is recorded that on Oct. 18, 1809, "the Lodge formed in procession and proceeded to the meeting house, where a well-adapted discourse was delivered by the R. W. Brother Thompson, and the officers installed; after which the Lodge removed to Bro. D. Ruggles' Hall, and the hall was dedicated" (sic). Dr. Thompson was paid $5 for his discourse, and dinners were furnished for "3 clergy and 10 musitions" (sic). The Ruggles' Hall was the meeting place while the Lodge remained in Hardwick, except on special occasions, as on St. John's day, 1811, when the Lodge furniture was conveyed to Rutland, and the Lodge was opened in Robinson's tavern.

The question of removal to Barre was agitated in 1821, and unanimously negatived, and again in 1828 by a vote of 20 to 11. In 1832 it was voted "not to move to Greenwich village."

There is no record of meetings from Dec. 18, 1850, until June 7, 1854, when the Lodge met in Barre, and continued to do so, without written authority apparently, until March 21, 1855. A letter bearing that date, signed by Horace Chenery, D. D. G. M. of the Sixth Masonic District, to W.M. John Winslow, informs him that "the Grand Lodge grants the prayer of your petition, that you have leave to move Mount Zion Lodge from Hardwick to Barre."

The Lodge at that time was working without its Charter, which was restored June 7, 1855, when its officers were duly installed.

It is said that this and earlier meetings were held "in a hall in Rice's Tavern" — the present Massasoit House. In July, 1855, the Lodge removed to Odd Fellows Hall. In 1856 the hall of A. and H. Rice in the Massasoit House was secured, and in December, 1857, the Lodge was transferred to the Upper Town Hall. On that occasion D. D. G. M. William Flint delivered an address in the Town Hall and the Grand Lodge dedicated the Lodge-room " To Freemasonry, Virtue, and General Benevolence." In 1866 the Lodge removed to its present and permanent abode.

Paige (History of Hardwick) names Mount Zion Lodge "An Association for intellectual and moral improvement," and he knew whereof he affirmed. Its original constituency were no triflers, but good and worthy citizens who led " the strenuous life " in the best sense of the words. The earlier records bear witness to the earnestness and diligence of the Brethren in the business in which they were engaged. The membership was scattered over a territory now occupied by several flourishing Lodges. Many had to traverse magnificent distances over rough and hilly roads to the place of meeting. As late as 1821 members were summoned on important business from Greenwich, Petersham, Barre, New Salem, Dana, Pelham, New Braintree, Oakham, Brookfield, Ware and Weston. The records testify that the Brethren of those times took their Freemasonry seriously; and that it nourished them socially and morally. No obstacle prevented their assemblage. Frequently the meeting was an all-day affair; they held two sessions, with sometimes a third in the evening. Usually the three degrees were worked, and once a belated candidate was accommodated with initiation after all the work had been gone through with. The need of social and fraternal communion was felt more deeply then than in these days of multiplied attractions. Men were drawn to their Lodges as to their churches for similar reasons. The literary and social attractions of the present time were non-existent then. Newspapers did not bring each day's doings to every door, and no rival fraternities divided their interests. The social element in Masonry did much to bring men together upon a common platform, where religious and political differences and social distinctions were ignored absolutely, and where as Brothers they met "on the level" and parted "on the square." Giants of endurance were they, or they could not have done all their Masonic work, and then listened, as they did, to long addresses on " the principles of Masonry," (and paid for them), so often. They believed that the principles of Masonry were well worth understanding, and understanding well. Rev. Dr. Thompson, of Barre, was a favorite speaker in the Lodge and on special occasions. At installation, Sept. 30, 1801, a Brother Judson spoke and received $20. St. John's day orators were generously compensated. "Brother Hitchcock requested to deliver a charge at next meeting;" "Bro. James W. Jenkins to deliver a charge;" "Bro. Charles Jenkins to address next meeting unless Brother Hamilton is prepared;" "Bro. Daniel Ruggles to present something for the good of Masonry at next meeting." Such votes are scattered thickly through the records, and the Brethren already named, with Samuel Mixter, John Field, Rev. Brother Bisby, Gardiner Ruggles, W. P. Wing, Dr. Marshall S. Perry, Rev. John M. Merrick, Rev. E. L. Bascom, Rev. Wm. A. Fuller and Brother Flagg were heard attentively, thanked always and, (the clerical Brethren at least), usually paid.

The Lodge celebrated St. John's day eleven times from 1805 to 1831; thrice in Hardwick, twice each in Barre, Rutland, and Petersham, once in Greenwich and once in Templeton, usually in association with other Lodges. The celebrations may have been elaborate and were costly certainly, if that of 1815, held with Harris Lodge in Aldrich's Tavern in Petersham, was a fair sample; for Mount Zion's share of the expenses is recorded as $352.39. The custom fell into disuse in the weaker days of Masonry; no celebration is recorded during the last half century. But probably there was one in 1865, for on June 7 a committee reported to the Lodge that arrangements have been made with Rev. T. E. St. John to deliver an address on the twenty-fourth, and "with Bates and Brooks to furnish dinner."

The matter of refreshment caused the Lodge some anxiety in the first half-century. Refreshment had then a technical meaning not now attached to it, being synonymous with vinous and spirituous liquors. This is proved by an entry on the records of a vote that on a specified occasion the Lodge would furnish Brethren "with refreshment and crackers and cheese" at its own expense. Unquestionably refreshment was used freely according to the universal custom of the times; but, in accordance with a cardinal Masonic principle, restraint was early put upon the Brethren, for it was voted (November, 1800) "that no member or Visiting Brother refresh himself unless called to the same by the Master of the Lodge." At a meeting following the dedication of the hall (1809) : "Voted, No refreshment to be given out of the Lodge in future." In 1814, "Voted, That the Brethren refresh after Brother Conkey's funeral." In 1817 the Lodge arranged with Mr. Jason Mister to supply it with refreshments "at Boston prices, adding 67 cents per cwt. for transportation from Boston." Also that the Lodge refresh but once in an afternoon and evening unless by vote of the members present', and that none but the stewards be admitted to the lobby. In December, 1824, Voted, "that no refreshment be taken in the lobby, and none in the Lodge except when in order and by order of the Master." In 1826 a "closet steward" was appointed for the special purpose of furnishing the Lodge with refreshment and taking care of the tumblers, (this may seem a little ambiguous!), and "to see that there be no waste of property belonging to the Lodge at the regular meetings. And that a bill of the several kinds of liquor and sugar be furnished to the Lodge." A bill of Jason Mister in the Archives indicates the amount and character of the usual refreshments:

• 1825 Sept. 22.
  • To one gall. W.I. rum, $1.00
  • To one gall. Lisbon Wine, 1.25
  • To one quart Brandy, .38
  • To 2 quarts Lisbon Wine, 1.00
• Oct. 24.
  • To 1 gall. W.I. Rum, 1.00
  • To 1 gall. H. Gin, 1.00
  • 2 qts. Fourth Proof Brandy, .88
• Dec. 21.
  • To 2 quarts Lisbon Wine, .63
  • 7 lbs. Sugar at 18c., 1.26"

An item in the same bill, of "12 quire of paper for 12 cents," seems an infinitesimal wing of sobriety drifting on a boundless sea of beverage. From such a document it is easy to infer that Masonic Lodges were areas of unrestrained revelry. But the same logic would derive from parish records of the same period the conclusion that ecclesiastical ordinations, installations and the raising of church buildings were scenes of universal intemperance. Either conclusion would falsify the facts, for both Lodges and churches were schools of sobriety, as measured by the temperance standards of the times. The subject seems to have given the Lodge no trouble after December 28, when a committee was appointed "to regulate the manner in which we are to report in Lodge:" though it is of record that a committee was chosen one night seventy years later (1899) "to examine the mugs and report." The report is not recorded, but it is morally certain that the closest scrutiny of the mugs could have revealed nothing stronger than coffee. The modern liquid refreshments of Mount Zion Lodge may promote sleeplessness if indulged in too freely; but careful Brethren and anxious wives and mothers need cherish no other anxiety as to their effect. Changes of public opinion and social custom make the Masonic equally with the ecclesiastical occasion as temperate a scene as a Good Templar's Lodge can afford. It would be invidious to suggest that the removal of the Lodge from Hardwick to Barre is entitled to any credit for the improved conditions. Mount Zion's period of greatest prosperity as indicated by admissions to the rights and privileges of Masonry was during the first three decades, 1800-1829, during which time two hundred and ninety-nine (299) were raised. The second decade witnessed a season of relative depression; for in it only forty-four (44) were raised as against one hundred and forty-seven (147) in the first decade. This tendeucy was checked in 1823 under the mastership of Gardiner Ruggles, and in 1823-25 seventy-four (74) were raised, eleven (11) more than in the thirteen years next preceding. Fifteen (15) were raised in 1826-27, notwithstanding the excitement caused by the Morgan episode. But not even the superb tact and energy of Gardiner Ruggles could breast successfully the tidal wave of opposition to Masonry which swept across the Continent. Dr. Paige says that Mount Zion Lodge was not seriously affected until about 1832; yet in 1828-30 only two (2) were raised, and in 1831-36, none. Only four (4) were raised during the fourth decade (1830-39); seven (7) in the fifth decade (1840-49), and thirteen (13) in the sixth (1850-59). A renewal of prosperity came in the seventh decade, notably apparent after 1862. This was the period of greatest increase iu the history of the Lodge after the first decade, ninety-seven (97) being the number raised. The figures for the last three decades, are 1870-79, forty-six (46); 1880-89, thirty-five (35); 1890-99, forty-five (45). These figures are approximately correct; some records are missing, and the account is rendered with the qualification, errors excepted. The total membership of the century cannot be determined with absolute accuracy, nor its losses by death and dismission. The wisdom of future ages must be left to determine the right number. This, at least, seemed certain: the Lodge began its work in March, 1800, with twenty-five (25) Charter members. At the end of a century it numbered one hundred and twenty-four (124) members in good standing.

In the darkest hours of its history Mount Zion held a remnant of the faithful who did not falter in their Masonic allegiance ; who did what they could and then followed the apostolic counsel: "Having done all, stand!"

There is a house in a remote corner of Barre in which, as Masonic tradition relates, Daniel Hemenway and a few other Brethren were accustomed to meet and perfect themselves in Masonic lore and discipline without their Charter or authority from the Grand Lodge. It was purely a labor of love, and in due season it was demonstrated that in the ashes of Mount Zion Lodge "lived its wonted fires."

Tradition and history alike accord to Gardiner Ruggles an important part in the preservation of the life of the Lodge in its days of weakness. Nominally for nine (9) years, practically for a much longer time, he was its Master. It may have been due to his influence that the Lodge was continued on the roll of the Grand Lodge during the entire period of its suspended activity. Dr. Paige affirms that his reorganization of this Lodge in 1842 and his judicious nurture of it for several years, as its Master and as a special agent of the Grand Lodge to conserve the interests of Masonry in Western Massachusetts, were "the first-fruits of renewed Masonic prosperity" in that wide region. Mount Zion Lodge holds in reverent regard the memory of Gardiner Ruggles as the chief of its Past Masters, and venerates the Brethren who stood with him and later without him in the "Valley Forge" days of its history. Our Senior surviving Past Master Rev. Geo. J. Sanger may recall an evening in October, 1858, when as Master of the Lodge he eulogized "the old Masons who withstood the tempest." Most of those who heard him then have "gone the way of all the earth," but the survivors still echo his sentiments with all who gather around Mount Zion's consecrated altar of Freemasonry.

Faithful and true Masons have filled the official stations in the Lodge from the beginning. Those of the earlier days have become a memory; but the record of their work remains. Time forbids the mention of many names, for an historical address cannot have the fulness of a chronicle. Forty-four (44) Masters have ruled the Lodge, their terms of office ranging from the brief month of James Lawton, smitten with fatal illness after his service at one meeting, to the nine (or more) years of Gardiner Ruggles' laborious and successful administration. Of these, twenty-nine (29) have followed their fathers into the Unseen Land.

As the son of Sirach wrote of the famous fathers of ancient Israel, so say we of them: "All these were honored in their generations, and were the glory of their times. There be of them that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported. And some there be which have no memorial, who are perished as though they had never been." No memorial remains of our first Master, Calvin Eaton, other than the scanty information which our records afford ; and the same is substantially true of others not prominent in civil or ecclesiastical circles. But there is evidence that the less noted of our Past Masters tried to do their duty. No record of unfaithfulness or malfeasance in office stands against any of them. This is equally true of our living Past Masters, most of whom are here to-day. And from our knowledge of the work of our contemporaries who never have occupied official stations, either civil or ecclesiastical, we may judge of the quality of that of their forerunners who were not prominent in the affairs of church or State. Near the close of the century the Master's chair was twice occupied by farmers for terms respectively of two and three years. No officers have served the Lodge more faithfully, —although their homes were distant, and the hindrances to their attendance numerous, — few, if any, more successfully. While there are obvious reasons for a frequent choice of professional men as Lodge officers, the better service often is rendered by those outside the professions.

The records of other Lodge officials are like those of the Masters, and few of the Brethren have notoriously disgraced their Masonic professions. Only one case of expulsion is noted, while suspensions have been relatively few; usually for nonpayment of dues, and generally followed by restoration. Harmony has been the rule ; the records indicate no serious disagreement. Relations with other Lodges have been pleasant. A long pending question of jurisdiction between Mount Zion and Lodges in Athol was amicably settled some years ago by mutual agreement. Their relations never were seriously disturbed.

Four District Deputy Graud Masters have been appointed from the Lodge, viz.: Rev. James Thompson, D.D., Gardiner Ruggles, W. H. Osgood and Rev. A. F. Bailey.

Masonic charities are secretly bestowed. The records testify to the Lodge's fidelity to our principles in the matter of relief. In the earlier days it was extended somewhat promiscuously, sometimes to non-Masonic agencies and individuals. The Lodge paid thirty ($30) dollars to make Dr. Thompson a life member of the American Bible Society, but subsequently it refused to contribute to the American Colonization Society. Twice it paid liberally to relieve Spanish Brethren stranded on our shores. It has aided generously distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans, both from its treasury and by individual subscriptions, which are not always made matters of record. The Lodge dues are small and there is no charity fund, but just appeals for aid are always heeded.

It may be fairly inferred that there is no necessary antagonism between the Lodge and the churches, from the number of loyal church members of every denomination, including some who were baptized into the Roman Catholic faith, whose names are on our rolls. In Hardwick, in 1819, two deacons were initiated on the same day, an occasion which called out a large attendance. Rev. Dr. Lucius R. Paige, the historian of Cambridge and Hardwick, the author of a Commentary on the New Testament, and other religious works, and a prominent Universalist divine, was Master in 1826, and retained his interest in the Lodge during his life. For several years the Lodge sent him its congratulations on the anniversary of his birth, which were always duly acknowledged. Rev. Dr. James Thompson, our Master in 1828, was for fifty (50) years the pastor of the First Parish in Barre, prominent in town affairs and beloved by his townsmen, parishioners and Masonic Brethren. A Lodge in Rutland was named for him. Revs. William A. Fuller, John D. Beach and Henry R. Smith, former pastors of the First Parish in Barre, were members of the Lodge, as is its present pastor. Rev. R. P. Walker, Methodist, is a member. Rev. G. J. Sanger, Universalist, is our Senior surviving Past Master. Lyman Maynard, C. L. McCurdy, Kbenezer Robinson and Lorenzo Tandy were clerical members, and probably there were others. Hosea Ballou, the great Apostle of Universalism, was an early visitor of the Lodge. So was Rev. Alpheus Harding, of New Salem, with many prominent ministers of various denominations.

Of physicians whose names are on our rolls, Marshall S. Perry, Joseph N. Bates and Lucius P. Billings are prominent among those of blessed memory. Dr. George L. Brown, of Buffalo, N.Y., our Master in 1875, is affectionately remembered both as a Mason and a physician. Ten (10) Doctors of Medicine are members of the Lodge, presumably attracted to Masonry by its marvellous hygienic properties, which were made manifest in the case of our Brother, James Piper, who was made a Mason in Mount Zion Lodge in 1803, and died in 1867, in the one hundred and fifth year of his age. A life led in accordance with the principles of Freemasonry naturally develops a charitable spirit and a clear conscience, which conduce to health and happiness. Commendable alike in our medical Brethren are their good judgment and manifest unselfishness in their devotion to Masonry as a health-fostering agency.

Of the legal profession, Luke Brown, of Hardwick, and I. Martin Gorham, of Barre, were our only members so far as I can discover. Both were graduates of Harvard College.

The strength of Masonry lies chiefly with the men of affairs, busy with the common interests of the communities in which they live. Daniel Ruggles' long and well-performed service as Secretary of the Lodge was not so brilliant as Gardiner Ruggles' presiding and organizing work, but was as essential in its way. The success of the Lodge depended as much on the services of men like Sami el Beals, James W. Jenkins and Benjamin Jenkins, Gen. Samuel Lee and Samuel Mixter, J. F. Snow and Sewell Underwood, as on those of the professional men, — even more. So will it be always. " Out of the heart are the issues of life," for the Mason as for the Christian. If we and our successors are true to the tenets of our Masonic profession as they were true, and faithful as they were faithful, the future of our beloved Lodge is well assured, and the little association founded in Hardwick one hundred years ago " for intellectual and moral improvement," will fulfil the promise of its youth and will present to the Masonic historian of the twentieth century a record that will prove that the sons were worthy of their fathers, because they were true to their highest ideals.

OTHER

• 1829 (Report on delinquency, IV-170)
• 1836 (Petition for remission of dues, IV-397)
• 1854 (Petition to remove to Barre refused, V-532)
• 1855 (Petition to remove to Barre refused, V-561)
• 1857 (Invitation to dedicate hall accepted, VI-154)
• 1938 (Participation in the 25th Anniversary of Rufus Putnam Lodge, 1938-178)

EVENTS

ELECTION OF OFFICERS, SEPTEMBER 1830

From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. 2, No. 12, September 18, 1830, Page 91:

At the annual meeting of Mount Zion Lodge, held at their Hall in Hardwick, Sept. 1st, A. L. 5830, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

• R.W. Dennison A. Robinson, of Barre, Master
• W. Joseph Whipple, of Hardwick, S.W.
• W. and Rev. Joshua Flagg, of Dana, J.W.
• Br. Cr(e)ighton Ruggles, of Hardwick, Treas.
• Br. Williard (William) Allen, of Hardwick, Secretary
• Br. Daniel Wheeler, S. D.
• Br. Sardius Sibley, J.D.
• Br. J(ohn). Wadsworth, Jr., S. S.
• Rev. John M. Merrick, Chaplain
• Br. Franklin Ruggles, Marshal
• Br. Silas Newton, Tyler

HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 4, February 1858, Page 120:

By permission of the M. W. Grand Lodge, the Masonic Lodge formerly located at Hardwick, in Worcester County, Mass., having been removed to the flourishing and pleasant town of Barre, in the same County, the new hall prepared for the use of the Lodge was appropriately dedicated to Masonic use on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 30th, by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The services of dedication were preceded by a public Address, delivered by R. W. Brother Rev. Wm. Flint, of Greenfield, the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. The public assembly was held in the spacious and convenient Town Hall ot Barre, which at an early hour in the afternoon was filled by a very large and highly respectable audience of ladies and gentlemen of Barre, and towns in the vicinity. There was also a full and effective choir of singers, and a well trained orchestra, in attendance.

At half-past 2 o'clock, the procession of the Grand Lodge, escorted by Mount Zion Lodge, left the Masonic Hall, situated in the tame building, and entered the Town Hall, occupying seats especially reserved for the purpose. The services commenced with an introductory by the Choir, followed by prayer and selections from the Scriptures by Rev. Brother Fuller, of Barre, S. W. of Mount Zion Lodge. After an anthem, sung by the Choir, with great spirit and fine effect, the R. W. Brother Flint delivered an address which enchained the close attention of the audience during the whole period of its delivery. It was about an hour long, and presented the claims of Masonry, on the score of antiquity, devotion, morality and benevolence, with great power and effect. The matter and the manner were most excellent; well adapted to the place and the occasion ; and while the address cheered and gladdened the hearts of the older Brethren, it made a deep and tru'y gratifying impression upon the audience generally. A doxology and benediction succeeded.

The Masonic procession was then re-formed, and repaired to the Hall above, and as soon as the Grand Lodge officers had assumed their proper stations, the doors were thrown open to the public, and quite a large number of ladies and gentlemen witnessed the very impressive ceremonies of dedicating the Hall, as performed by the R. W. Deputy Grand Master, Brother Flint, who represented the M. W. Grand Master upon this occasion. R. W. Brothers Goddard and Wright, Grand Wardens, R. W. Brother Earl, D. D. Grand Master, and R. W. Brother Coolidge, acting as Grand Marshal, assisted in these services. The music and singing, interspersed in the dedication service, were both very fine, and were performed by the same choir and orchestra that officiated in the Town Hall. At the conclusion of the dedication, the members of the Grand Lodge were invited to a choice and bountiful supper by ML Zion Lodge. The tables were spread at Brown's Hotel, and about seventy five persons, including the members of the Lodge, their ladies, and other friends of the Order, sat down to a most hospitable feast. After a couple of hours spent in the temperate enjoyment of the well-served viands, the company dispersed with mutual expressions of good will and kindly regard.

The Hall thus dedicated to the use of Mt. Zion Lodge, is a spacious and con venient home for the Fraternity, appropriately situated, with convenient accommodations and suitable furnishing. It is to the liberality and energy of Brother Jenkins of that town, that the Fraternity is mainly indebted for this Lodge room, and we doubt not that the faithful and well-directed labors of the Craft will second his zealous efforts to provide a suitable place for their accommodation, by making that place the abode of every Masonic virtue. -- W.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Alvin T. Bailey, DDGM, District 17 (Palmer), 1899; SN
• John A. Coburn, DDGM, District 19 (Palmer), 1913, 1914; Memorial
• Charles R. Dean, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1974, 1975; N
• Raymond J. Gagne, DDGM, District 25, 2008
• Brian A. Handy, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1998, 1999
• Roy E. Handy, Jr., DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1986, 1987; N
• Lyman Maynard, Grand Chaplain 1840
• Milton J. Neily, DDGM, District 19 (Palmer), 1924, 1925; N
• Willie H. Osgood, DDGM, District 17 (Palmer), 1889, 1890; SN
• Lucius R. Paige, Deputy Grand Master 1852-1854
• Earle C. Parker, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1936, 1937; Junior Grand Warden 1972; N
• Gardner Ruggles, DDGM, District 6, 1833, 1834; District 6, 1835-1842; Special Deputy, District 9, 1835-1842; SN
• Martin M. Smith, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1960, 1961; N
• Tillman A. Taylor, DDGM, District 13 (Barre), 1948, 1949; N
• James J. Thompson, DDGM, District 6 (Central Mass., Worcester), 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813; Grand Chaplain

DISTRICTS

1803: District 6 (Central Mass., Worcester)

1821: District 6

1835: District 6

1849: District 6

1867: District 11 (Worcester)

1883: District 17 (Palmer)

1911: District 19 (Palmer)

1927: District 13 (Barre)

2003: District 25

LINKS

Lodge web site out of date and lacking information

Massachusetts Lodges