MountZion

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

Calvin Eaton, 1800-1802, 1805
James Lawton, 1803 (died as WM)
Samuel Beals, 1803, 1804
Asaph Newcomb, 1805
Asa Walker, 1806
Argalus Thomas, 1807-1809, 1813
Joseph W. Hamilton, 1810
James W. Jenkins, Sr., 1811
Benjamin Jenkins, 1812
Peleg Aldrich, 1814
Samuel Mixter, 1815, 1816
Warren P. Wing, 1817
Luther Spaulding, 1818
Apolos Johnson, 1819, 1820
John Warner, 1821, 1822
Gardner Ruggles, 1823, 1824, 1827, 1829, 1841, 1842, 1848, 1849; SN
Samuel Lee, 1825; Bio
Lucius R. Paige, 1826
James J. Thompson, 1828
Dennison A. Robinson, 1830, 1831, 1843, 1844
Joshua Flagg, 1832-1834, 1836-1840
George Washburn, 1846, 1847
John Winslow, 1854
William A. Fuller, 1855
George J. Sanger, 1856-1858
James Holland, 1859-1862, 1864
Chauncey C. Hemenway, 1863
George M. Buttrick, 1865
Joseph Foster Snow, 1866-1868, 1870
John W. Rice, 1869, 1874
Sewall Underwood, 1871, 1872
Charles E. Newton, 1873, 1893
George L. Brown, 1875
H. W. Hubbard, 1876
Joseph D. Wadsworth, 1877
Willie H. Osgood, 1878, 1879, 1883, 1887; SN
W. W. Stacy, 1880, 1881
Israel T. Hinckley, 1882
Harding Jenkins, 1884, 1885
Alvin T. Bailey, 1886, 1889, 1890; SN
C. H. Osgood, 1888
George R. Simonds, 1891, 1892
George Desper, 1894, 1895
Sumner Stockwell, 1896-1898
William R. Spooner, 1899, 1900
Ernest E. Rice, 1901, 1902, 1912, 1913
Willis D. Geer, 1903, 1904
John A. Coburn, 1905-1908; Mem
John L. Smith, 1909, 1910
Henry L. Pierce, 1911
William M. Cochran, 1914, 1915
Cameron E. Wood, 1916
Arthur J. Hillman, 1917, 1918
Milton J. Neily, 1919, 1920; N
William E. Weeks, 1921
Martin M. Smith, 1922; N
Charles H. Carr, 1923
Earle C. Parker, 1924; N
Tillman A. Taylor, 1925; N
Walter O. Babcock, 1926
Wallace S. Freeman, 1927
Harold B. Mott, 1928
Edward B. Blanchard, 1929
William Gawthrop, 1930
Orton O. Butler, 1931
Roger F. Langley, 1932
George W. Dean, 1933
Anton G. Simenson, 1934
William A. Hagan, 1935
Kenneth K. Dennis, 1936
Stephen E. Rich, 1937
George N. Peck, 1938
Donald R. Brown, 1939
Fritz H. Johnsen, 1940
Burton F. Curtis, 1941
William N. Tothill, 1942
Richard G. Riley, 1943
Charles R. Dean, 1944; N
Joseph R. Gallant, 1945
Walter Hindley, 1946
Warner F. Smith, 1947
F. William McQueston, 1948
William R. Bentley, 1949
Oliver W. L. Wilkins, 1950
George O. Upham, 1951
Edward M. Loughman, 1952
Clarence H. Clark, 1953
John C. Ozenbaugh, 1954
Ralph H. Rogers, 1955
Alan E. Macintosh, 1956
Walter E. Flister, 1957
Herbert Hudson, 1958
Harold S. Goldsmith, 1959
Gardner A. Allen, 1960
Quentin H. Greene, 1961
Roy E. Handy, Jr., 1962, 1982; N
Stanley P. Ericson, 1963
George J. Mennard, 1964
Harold A. Dennis, 1965
Merton B. Baker, 1966, 1978
Raymond C. Valley, 1967
Ronald W. Rich, Sr., 1968
Earl R. Miller, 1969
William R. Bentley, II, 1970
Ralph A. Hinkley, 1971
Neil E. Mattson, 1972
Jordan A. Dean, 1973
Ronald W. Wilkins, 1974
Julius T. Benedict, 1975
William L. Charpentier, 1976
Melbourne A. Shepard, 1977
Robert A. Lindquist, 1979
Charles L. Paquin, Jr., 1980
Brian A. Handy, 1981, 1986; PDDGM
Wayne R. Handy, 1983
John D. Whitmore, 1984
Anthony A. Castellani, Sr., 1985
Walter D. Handy, 1987, 1993
Vance L. Butterfield, 1988
Peter B. Guilbault, 1989
Perham S. Parker, 1990
Nathan C. Locke, 1991
Thomas J. Mennard, 1992, 1994, 1995
Paul F. Hunt, 1996
Ralph H. Rogers, Jr., 1997
Mark L. Valis, 1998, 2005
Alan J. Charland, 1999
John A. Fritscher, 2000, 2004, 2008
Arthur E. Mitchell, 2001
Walter R. Guertin, Jr., 2002
William H. Holmes, 2003, 2007
Mark L. Valis, 2005, 2011, 2012
R. Clifford Lupien, 2006; PDDGM
Craig S. Reed, 2009, 2010

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; see below)
1950 (150th Anniversary History, 1950-48)
1975 (175th Anniversary History, 1975-44)
2000 (200th Anniversary History, 2000-48; see below)

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, Gardner 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 Grand 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, Ebenezer 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 fulfill 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.

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1925

From Proceedings, Page 1925-108:

by Rev. Bro. E. B. Blanchard.

Mount Zion Lodge was organized in 1800 in the town of Hardwick. Its Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge on March 11 of that year:

CHARTER OF MOUNT ZION LODGE.

To All the Fraternity:

To whom these presents shall come: The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, send Greeting:

Whereas, A petition has been presented to us by Calvin Eaton, William Stone, James Lawton, John Shaw, 2d, Abijah Powers, Clark Powers, Asaph Newcomb, Rufus King, Roger West, Bradford New-comb, James Stone, Thomas Powers, Jr., Seth Hinckley, Daniel Ruggles, Daniel Billings, Jr., Luke Brown, Nathan Freeman, Edward Ruggles, Peter Blackmer, Jr., Sylvanus Thompson, Samuel Beals, Daniel Thomas, 2d, Samuel French, Thomas Wheeler, Jr., and Elias Hall, all Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, praying that they, with such others as shall hereafter join them, may be erected and constituted a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, which petition appearing to us as tending to the advancement of Masonry and the Good of the Craft:

Know ye, therefore, That We, the Grand Lodge aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence and fidelity of our beloved brethren above named, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents, do constitute and appoint tin in, the said Calvin Eaton, William Stone, James Lawton, John Shaw, 2d, Abijah Powers, Clark Powers, Asaph Newcomb, Rufus King, Roger West, Bradford Newcomb, .lames Stone, Thomas Powers, Jr., Seth Hinckley, Daniel Ruggles, Daniel Billings, Jr., Luke Brown, Nathan Freeman, Edward Ruggles, Peter Blackmer, Jr., Sylvanus Thompson, Samuel Beals, Daniel Thomas, 2d, Samuel French, Thomas Wheeler, Jr., and Elias Hall, a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title and designation of Mount Zion Lodge, hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors, full power and authority to convene as Masons within the town of Hardwick, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid, to receive and enter apprentices, pass fellow crafts, and raise Master Masons, upon the payment of such moderate compensations for the same as may be determined by the said Lodge; also to make choice of a Master, Wardens, and other office bearers, annually, or otherwise, as they shall see cause; to receive and collect funds for the relief of poor and distressed brethren, their widows or children, and in general to transact all matters relating to Masonry, which may to them appear to be for the good of the craft, according to the ancient usages and customs of Masons.

And we do hereby require the said constituted brethren to attend the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly Communications, and other meetings, by their Master and Wardens, or by Proxies regularly appointed; also to keep a fair and regular record of all their proceedings, and to lay them before the Grand Lodge when required.

And we do enjoin upon our brethren of the said Lodge, that they be punctual in the quarterly payment of such sums as may be assessed for the support of the Grand Lodge; that they behave themselves respectfully and obediently to their Superiors in office, and in all other respects conduct themselves as good Masons.

And we do hereby declare the precedence of the said Lodge in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere, to commence from the eleventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred.

ln Testimony Whereof, We, the Grand Master and Grand Wardens, by virtue of the power and authority to us committed, have hereunto set our hands, and caused the Seal of the Grand Lodge to lie affixed, at Boston, this eleventh day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred, and of Masonry five thousand eight hundred.

(Signed)

Saml. Dunn, Grand Master.

Joseph Laughton, Deputy Grand Master.

John Boyle, Senior Grand Warden.

Thad. Mason Harris, Junior Grand Warden.

By order of the Grand Lodge.
(Seal) Daniel Oliver, Secretary.

It will be noted that the wording is almost verbatim that now used.

Its membership was then almost exclusively confined to inhabitants of Hardwick and Greenwich. It was rapidly increased by additions from Brookfield, New Braintree, Barre, and Dana, and for twenty-five years it was flourishing. In 1826 the Anti-Masonic movement began its work of obstruction and division of Lodges. The full tide of that hostile force struck Mount Zion Lodge about 1832, and from that year until 1841 few meetings were held and there is no record of any election of officers.

The Charter of the Lodge was never surrendered. During the days of persecution it was preserved by being buried on the farm of the Hemenway family, members of the Lodge and one of them, C. C. Hemenway, later its Worshipful Master.

The Lodge was revived in 1842 by Maj. Gardner Ruggles, who was a special agent of the Grand Lodge to look after the interests of Freemasonry in central and western Massachusetts during the dark days. Under his fostering care, seconded by a faithful few, Mount Zion Lodge slowly regained its prosperity, but it required many years of hard work to replace it upon a substantial basis.

The records show no meetings to have been held from December 18, 1850, when the Lodge was located in Hardwick, until June 7, 1854, at which time a regular communication was held in Barre—the cause of this inactivity being, no doubt, that a large part of the membership resided in Barre, at quite a distance from the place of meeting. It was not until March 14, 1855, that the Grand Lodge formally granted permission to remove the Lodge to Barre.

In Grand Lodge, March 14, 1855, voted, "That Mount Zion Lodge have permission to remove its location from the town of Hardwick to the town of Barre."

Since that time it has maintained itself successfully, the decade ending with 1870, however, showing much larger gains in membership than any similar period in its history, and its future prosperity seems well assured.

Its present membership (January 1, 1903) is one hundred and thirty-three, of which number eighty-five are residents of Barre and adjoining towns, thirty-four reside in other cities and towns in Massachusetts, while fourteen have removed to other states.

Mount Zion Lodge first met in a hall in the Willis Tavern in Hardwick. A new tavern was built in the center of the town in 1809, by Daniel Ruggles, in which a proper hall was fitted for the use of the Lodge, which it occupied from October 18 of that year until its removal to Barre. For several months after its removal meetings were held in the hall of Rice's Tavern (now the Massasoit House) and for two years following Odd Fellows Hall was used, and not until December, 1857, did the Lodge have a hall of its own, when, on the 30th of that month, the rooms upon the upper floor of the Town Hall having been refitted and furnished were publicly dedicated by the Grand Lodge to "Free Masonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence. This hall was occupied until 1866 when the upper story of Shattuck's Block was leased and fitted up and has since been the home of the Lodge.

October 3, 1900. the Lodge observed its Centennial Anniversary in an appropriate manner, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and about three hundred Masons being present.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, October 3, 1900.

Over one hundred were present at the opening of the Lodge and also some twenty Grand Officers were present. While convened Bro. George F. Newcomb, of New Haven, Conn., presented a Past Master's pin to Mount Zion Lodge which had been the property of his grandfather, Asaph Newcomb, who was Master of Mount Zion Lodge in 1804. lie was one of the petitioners to the Grand Lodge and a Charter member. The Lodge accepted the pin with thanks.

A procession was formed in front of the Lodge Building and proceeded to Hotel Barre, where the officers of the Grand Lodge were in waiting. From there all marched to the Unitarian Church where the following program was given.

ORDER OF EXERCISES.

Anthem, "Sing Alleluia Forth", Harvard Quartet of Boston
Prayer, Rev. Bro. Raymond P. Walker
Response, Harvard Quartet of Boston
Address of Welcome, W. Bro. Wm. R. Spooner
Response, Grand Master of Massachusetts, M. W. Charles T. Gallagher
Singing, "Praise the Father", Harvard Quartet of Boston 
Historical Address, Rev. Bro. Alvin F. Bailey, Chaplain of Mount Zion Lodge
 Singing, "One Hundred Years Ago", Harvard Quartet of Boston 
Oration, Wor. and Rev. E. A. Horton, Grand Chaplain 
Singing, "Remember now thy Creator", Harvard Quartet of Boston 
Benediction, Rev. Bro. Charles Necklin

After the exercises a procession was again formed and proceeded to the Town Hall where a banquet was served by the proprietor of Hotel Barrie, Bro. George H. Prouty, to over two hundred and fifty persons.

A very interesting account of that celebration may be found in the following local paper, The Barre Gazette. It is very much to be regretted that no copy can be found of the historical address by Rev. Bro. Alvin P. Bailey, which it has been said was replete with the interesting facts of those hundred years. This was due to the fact that as early as January 8, 1896, under Worshipful Master George Desper and Secretary William R. Spooner, it was voted that a committee be chosen consisting of Bros. A. F. Bailey, G. R. Simonds, and W. R. Spooner to make search for, collect, and compile any statistics relative to Mount Zion Lodge not now embraced in the records and all items which may be of historical interest in view of the approaching centennial of the Lodge.

The fraternal fellowship of those days was well illustrated by a vote on March 11, 1896, that the Secretary be instructed to send to our reverend and esteemed Past Master Lucius R. Paige birthday greetings with the best wishes of Mount Zion Lodge over which Brother Paige presided seventy years previously.

On March 13 this letter was received from Cambridgeport:

To the Officers & Members of Mt. Zion Lodge.

Brethren:
I cordially thank you for your kind token of remembrance. I am deeply indebted to Mt. Zion Lodge for kindness to me when I was very young and for remembrance of my old age. I hope I shall not cease to be grateful while I live.

Fraternally,
LUCIUS R. PAIGE.

Soon after this he passed to eternal light over ninety-four years of age. Wor. Bro. Paige was a minister and a Doctor of Divinity in the Universalist denomination.

When Bethel Lodge, of Enfield, were to dedicate their new hall after they were burned out it was voted on January 9. 1901, to procure a suitable present to be presented by a delegation at the Dedication of their new Lodge-room, the matter to be left in charge of the Worshipful Master and the Wardens.

In 1911 the Lodge and the Eastern Star fitted up the banquet room on the second floor. In fact ever since the establishment of the Chapter 125, O. E. S., the relations with the Star Sisters have been exceedingly friendly and pleasant. The truth of this statement has been proved during the many occasions when the Order of the Eastern Star has furnished the banquets to the Lodge and their invited guests and it has appeared to us that the invitations to neighboring Lodges to meet with us on special occasions have suggested to them the well-laden tables of the ladies of the Eastern Star, thus explaining the reason for the good fellowship and the crowded Lodge-room.

Besides the regular routine work of the Lodge of inculcating the noble and enduring principles of our Order and cementing our friendship in brotherly love, when we tried to impress upon every candidate the high and lasting ideals for which we stand, we have endeavored to cultivate .stronger social life, and with proper humility it may be .said that several members of the Lodge ably assisted the ladies of the Eastern Star in making their May party two years ago a great success.

Under date of May 8. 1912, a letter was received from Bro. Charles W. Allen, of Concord Junction, presenting to Mount Zion Lodge a chair which was at one time the "Master's Chair" of Mount Zion Lodge. It became the property of Gardner Boggles, who was Master of Mount Zion Lodge for a number of years. Be it was who was commissioned by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts to look after the interests of Freemasonry in central and western Massachusetts during the dark days from 1832 to 1842. The chair became the property of Bro. Charles W. Allen, who is the grandson of Gardner Ruggles.

It was voted to accept the chair and that the Secretary extend to Brother Allen the thanks of the Lodge.

During the last year under the efficient management of the Room Committee, Wor. Bros. C. E. Wood, W. E. Weeks, and M. M. Smith, the Lodge-room was enlarged, repaired, and much better lighted, adding much to our comfort and convenience.

The last twenty-five years have been \x>ry prosperous years; since 1900 over two hundred and twenty-five have been admitted to membership. During the last eight years over one hundred were admitted. Many have been ushered into the greater Light. Several have dimitted to other Lodges. The present membership is one hundred and ninety-nine.

Three times we have held Past Masters' Night, April 15, 1921, May 29, 1923, and February 25, 1925.

On May 29, 1923, five Past Masters were presented Past Master's jewels, and at the same time Bro. W. S. Bates was conducted to the East and presented with a testimonial in appreciation of his services as Treasurer of Mount Zion Lodge for twenty consecutive years, from September, 1897, to September, 1917, Bro. L. O. Whitman, formerly a resident physician of Barre, took the opportunity to give Dr. Bates a large bouquet of roses.

A historical evening was held on December 29, 1920, when one hundred and sixteen members of Mount Zion Lodge and Cradle Rock Chapter of the O. E. S. and their friends met in the Lodge-room and celebrated the three hundredth anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims. W.M. Milton J. Neily presided.

The following program was given:

Prayer, Rev. E. B. Blanchard
Address, "Our Heritage from the Pilgrims", Rev. Lester E. Evens
Reading, "Farewell, a long farewell to all my greatness, from Shakespeare's "King Henry VIII", Bro. John R. Needham
Cantata, "Pilgrims of 1620"
- Director and pianist, Bro. Stephen Rich
- Solos by Dr. L. O. Whitman and Mrs. Bertha Cox, assisted by a chorus of fifteen
Reading of the Mayflower Compact, Bro. John B. Needham
Violin solos, Bro. Whitman and George Dean

After the entertainment refreshments were served in the banquet room and then about sixty of the company enjoyed whist. The committee in charge were Bros. M. J. Neily, W. E. Weeks, M. M. Smith, and C. C. Whitney.

Thus each winter season the Lodge has enjoyed social gatherings with the members of the Eastern Star to encourage the good fellowship and pleasant relations.

Would that I might have taken time to enumerate the number of resolutions drawn up of committees of which Rev. Bro. Alvin F. Bailey was chairman, a service for which he had great talent, from 1883 to 1918. also the able service on committees of Brothers Desper, Sumner, Stockwell, George R. Simonds, Dr. Bates. John A. Coburn, John L. Smith, C. E. Wood, W. E. Weeks, M. M. Smith, M. J. Neily, and many, many others.

Mount Zion Lodge has fui'nished six District Deputy Grand Masters, as follows:

James Thompson, 1809 to 1813, inc.
Gardner Ruggles, 1833, 1835 to 1843, inc.
William H. Osgood, 1889 and 1890
Alvin F. Bailey, 1899 and 1909
John A. Coburn, 1913 and 1914
Milton J. Neily, 1924 and 1925

The Lodge has had fifty-nine Masters, as follows:

Calvin Eaton, 1800-1-2-5
James Lawton, 1803
Samuel Beals, 1804
Asaph Newcomb, 1805
Asa Walker, 1806
Argalus Thomas, 1807-8-9-13
Joseph W. Hamilton, 1810
James W. Jenkins, Sr., 1811
Benjamin Jenkins, 1812
Peleg Aldrich, 1814
Samuel Mixter, 1815-1816
Warren P. Wing, 1817
Luther Spaulding, 1818
Apolos Johnson, 1819-1820
John Warner, 1821-1822
Gardner Ruggies, 1823-1824-1827, 1829-1841, 1842, 1848-1849
Samuel Lee, 1825
Rev. Lucius K. Paige, 1826
Rev. James Thompson, 1828
D. A. Robinson, 1830-1831-1843-1844
Joshua Flagg, 1832-1833-1834, 1836-1838, 1841
George Washburn, 1846-1847
John Winslow, 1854
Rev. William A. Fuller, 1855
Rev. G. T. Sanger, 1856-1857-1858
James Holland, 1859-1860-1861-1862-1864
C. O. Hemenway, 1863
George M. Buttrick, 1865
J. F. Snow, 1866-1867-1868-1870
John W. Rice, 1869-1874
Sewell Underwood, 1871-1872
C. E. Newton, 1873, 1893
George L. Brown, 1875
H. W. Hubbard, 1876
J. D. Wadsworth, 1877
W. H. Osgood, 1878-1879-1883-1887
W. W. Stacy, 1880-1881
I. T. Hinckley, 1882
Harding Jenkins, 1884-1885

Rev. A. F. Bailey, 1886-1889-1890

C. H. Osgood, 1888
George R. Simonds, 1891-1892
George Desper, 1894-1895
Sumner Stockwell, 1896-1897-1898
W. S. Spooner, 1899-1900
Ernest E. Rice, 1901-1902-1903
W. D. Geer, 1904-1905
J. A. Coburn, 1905-1906-1907-1908
John L. Smith, 1909-1910-1911
Henry L. Pierce, 1912
E. E. Rice, 1913-1914
W. M. Cochran, 1914-1915-1916
C. E. Wood, 1916-1917
A. J. Hillman, 1917-1918-1919
M. J. Neily, 1919-1920
W. E. Weeks, 1920-1921-1922
M. M. Smith, 1922-1923
Charles H. Carr, 1923-1924
E. C. Parker, 1924-1925

200TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 2000

From Proceedings, Page 2000-48:

By Wor. Walter E. Flister, Secretary.

The Year of our Lord 1800 was a unique time in this history of the United States. The colonists had come through a long period of contention and conflict with the so-called "Mother Country".

The fledgling nation was expanding, relationships with other countries were being formed, and, in the small country town of Hardwick as in many cities and towns across the country, men were gathering together to form entities called lodges. These associations promulgated the intellectual and moral improvement that human beings strive for.

The history of the first 175 years of Mount Zion Lodge has been chronicled in the past by such illustrious Masons as Wor. & Rev. E.B. Blanchard, R. W. Earle C. Parker, Wor. Joseph R. Gallant, and Wor. Walter E. Flister. They have been printed in their entirety in the Grand Lodge Proceedings. Only the highlights of their accounts of the glorious past of the Lodge will be included here as a matter of historical interest.

The charter from Grand Lodge bears the date of March 11, 1800, and about half of the twenty-five original members came from Hardwick, and nearly all the others from Greenwich including what became Enfield. The original charter, which has been well preserved, bears the signature of Most Worshipful Samuel Dunn, who was Grand Master at the time.

Its first place of meeting was in a spacious hall in the Willis Tavern. In 1809 Daniel Ruggles erected a new tavern in the center of town, said building is still standing just as you enter the Common in Hardwick Center. There is a plaque attached to the front and, if you look closely, there is an all-seeing eye over the front door. In it he fitted a hall for Masonic purposes, and the Lodge was removed thither on the 18th day of October in that year. A procession was formed at the old hall at 10 o'clock a.m., then proceeded to the meetinghouse, where a discourse was delivered by Rev. James Thompson of Barre, and the officers were publicly installed. The procession was again formed and the assemblage proceeded to what was thenceforth the new home of Mount Zion Lodge until March 14, 1855, when it was removed to Barre.

Since the members had to travel great distances over darkened roads, the meetings were held on the 1st Wednesday after the full moon. Many overnighted at the tavern until the light of day assisted them in getting to their homes.

The Lodge flourished from that time until the year 1826, at which time the anti-Masonic movement began its work of obstruction and the division of Lodges. The full force of that hostile act struck Mount Zion Lodge about 1832, and, from that year until 1841, few meeting were held.

The Lodge was revived in 1842 by the tremendous efforts of Wor. Brother Gardner Ruggles, a Past Master of the Lodge, who was commissioned by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts as a special agent of Grand Lodge. The charter of the Lodge was never surrendered, and during the days of persecution, it was preserved by being buried beneath the trunk of an apple tree on the farm of the Hemenway family, whose male members were members of the Lodge.

The records show no meetings were held from December 18,1850, when the Lodge was located in Hardwick, until June 7, 1854, at which time a regular communication was held in Barre, the cause of this inactivity being, no doubt, that the majority of members resided in Barre, which was quite a distance from Hardwick.

For several months after its removal to Barre, meetings were held in the hall of Rice's Tavern, later known as the Massasoit House, and for two years following, Odd Fellow's Hall was used.

The Lodge finally secured rooms of its own on the upper floor of the Town Hall, and on December 30, 1857, those rooms were dedicated by the Grand Lodge of "Freemasonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence". This hall was occupied until 1866 when the upper story of Shattuck's Block was leased and furnished. (Shattuck's Block is the building adjacent to the Town Hall on the Common. Many of us here this evening have fond memories of meeting there.)

On October 3, 1900, the Lodge observed its Centennial Anniversary in an appropriate manner, at which time the Most Worshipful Grand Master and about three hundred Masons were present.

In 1911 the Lodge, together with the members of Cradle Rock Chapter No. 125, Order of the Eastern Star, fitted out a fine banquet room on the second floor of the building. The social relations between the two organizations have been most pleasant throughout these many years.

On April 30, 1925, the Lodge celebrated its 125th Anniversary. The Lodge was opened by Wor. Earle C. Parker and a reception was held for R. W. Curtis Chipman, acting Grand Master, and his suite of distinguished Masons.

On Saturday evening, October 10, 1925, Wor. Earle C. Parker, called a special meeting for the purpose of receiving Bro. F. Vernon Willey, a member of Pentalpha Lodge No. 914 of Bradford, England, who was the proprietor of The Barre Wool Combing Co., Ltd., as the honored guest of the evening. Bro. Willey visited Mount Zion Lodge for the purpose of presenting a beautiful altar, which was designed and built by Wor. Cameron E. Wood, a Past Master of Mount Zion Lodge, and an employee of Bro. Willey. The materials in this altar were collected by Wor. Bro. Wood, his father, and his grandfather from different parts of the world. The materials included were yellow wood, ebony, cocobolo, red cedar, African granadilla, and pearl collected by Bro. Wood's father on the coast of Africa while there on a whaling voyage in 1860.

On January 14, 1927, the Lodge suffered a disastrous fire which destroyed practically everything owned by the Lodge. Our records, dating back to 1800, our charter and a few things in the preparation room were all that were saved. The beautiful altar, presented only a short time before, and the old Master's chair, which was more than 127 years old and which was used by the first Master of the Lodge when it met in Hardwick, were not spared.

During the 1950's, much activity was directed at acquiring our own quarters. After one hundred and fifty years, Mount Zion Lodge continued to be a tenant. Several pieces of property around town were examined, but subsequently were withdrawn from consideration. We were to wait for several more years to pass before our dream was to be fulfilled.

In the summer of 1960, a parcel of land on Pleasant Street was purchased by The Barre Masonic, Charitable and Educational Corporation, and construction of a new Temple was started. Finally on March 1, 1961, even though the building had not been fully completed, Wor. Gardner A. Allen proudly gaveled to order the first meeting in our new Temple.

On March 11, 1961, one hundred and sixty-one years to the day after Mount Zion Lodge received its Constitution, Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was present with his Grand Lodge Officers. After receiving the report of the Architect of the Temple, Wor. William W. Bentley, the Most Worshipful Grand Master dedicated the Temple. At last, after one hundred sixty-one years, Mount Zion Lodge had its own home.

As important as it is to have adequate quarters in which to hold Lodge meetings, it is far more important to have members and officers who practice those cardinal virtues embodied in our lessons. This list of the Past Masters of Mount Zion Lodge is a compilation of men who have stepped forward to lead the Lodge in advancing the principles of Masonry in this area. It is difficult to extol the accomplishments of a few without doing it for all.

Many honors have come to Mount Zion Lodge over the years, but none more richly deserved than when R. W. Tillman A. Taylor, and, much later, R. W. Roy E. Handy, Jr., were awarded the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal.

There have been many families who have contributed to the ongoing success of Mount Zion Lodge over the years. The Ruggles family of Hardwick, the Deans of Oakham, the Bentleys and the Smith/Clark family of Barre, are to name but a few. But the recent glories of the Lodge have been enhanced through the efforts of the Handy's of Hubbardston. R.W. Roy E. Handy, and his sons, Wor. Wayne R. Handy, Wor. Water D. Handy, R.W. Brian A. Handy, and his sons-in-law, Bro. Dick Leo Stasukelus and Bro. Peter L. Studt, and his nephew, Wor. Anthony A. Castellani, Sr. have been the driving forces behind bringing in new members, running our annual chicken barbecue to help swell our treasury, starting the custom of putting on a pancake breakfast at the Grand Masters' Fairs in Charlton, and, in general, serving the Lodge and District with distinction.

The members of Mount Zion Lodge are involved with many aspects of community and civic affairs. Among the many charitable contributions, there is the annual Thanksgiving Dinner that is put on for the senior citizens, our Haunted House at Halloween provides enjoyment for young and old, as well as the donating of the total income from it to a local cancer fund and to the area food bank. Floats in parades, sponsoring Firemen's Musters, road races, and

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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