Difference between revisions of "Mystic"

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MYSTIC LODGE

Location: Lanesboro; Pittsfield (1816)

Chartered By: Josiah Bartlett

Charter Date: 06/10/1810 II-440

Precedence Date: 06/10/1810

Current Status: Active

ø Charter surrendered 06/11/1834

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Charter: 1810
• Petition for Restoration of Charter: 1847

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1860 (50th Anniversary; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1910 (Centenary)
• 1935 (125th Anniversary)
• 1960 (150th Anniversary)
• 1985 (175th Anniversary)
• 2010 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1810 (District Deputy Grand Master Robert Walker; Constitution of Lodge and installation)
• 1868 (Dame; Hall dedication; not in Proceedings; see below)
• 1881 (Lawrence)
• 1885 (Howland; installation)
• 1895 (Holmes)
• 1910 (Flanders; Centennial)
• 1912 (Benton)
• 1917 (L. Abbott)
• 1918 (L. Abbott)
• 1922 (Prince)
• 1935 (Allen; 125th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1960 (Eaton; 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1970 (Jaynes)
• 1985 (Richardson; 175th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 2010 (Pageau; 200th Anniversary; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1874 1876 1877 1887 1902 1917 1927 1931 1933 1941 1942 1952 1954 1956 1960 1962 1968 1975 1976 1980 1984 1996 2003 2009

HISTORY

• 1935 ("The Masonic Predecessors of Mystic Lodge", 1935-102; see below)
• 1935 (125th Anniversary History, 1935-104; see below)
• 1960 (150th Anniversary History, 1960-115; see below)

THE MASONIC PREDECESSORS OF MYSTIC LODGE, JUNE 1935

By Most Wor. Herbert W. Dean.

I would tonight on this happy occasion bring you greetings from those who would speak to you out of the past. I refer to those sturdy pioneers who formed your Mother Lodge in Cheshire 141 years ago. They were men from the colony of Rhode Island and the Providence plantations, many of them direct descendants from the men who followed Roger Williams to Rhode Island; men who inherited the spirit of personal liberty and free institutions.

In 1767 they purchased a tract of land in a comparative wilderness known as the New Providence purchase and on the crown of a hill which they called New Providence Hill, now known as Stafford Hill, a flourishing little village with taverns, store, church, and dwellings came into being. Cheshire as a town did not exist until 1793 when it was formed from sections of four towns, one of which was New Framingham, now known as Lanesborough.

In June 1794, twelve residents of Stafford Hill headed by Col. Jonathan Remington petitioned to the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation to form a Masonic Lodge with the privilege of meeting six months in Cheshire and six months in Lanesborough. It was voted by Grand Lodge "that they be indulged in the privilege of holding a Lodge in Cheshire to be known as Franklin Lodge and that the other part of the prayer, so far as meeting in Lanesborough is incompatible with the principles which actuate the conduct and mark the proceedings of the Grand Lodge." This was the first Lodge chartered in western Massachusetts after the union in 1792. Previous to this there had been two chartered by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge — Berkshire in Lenox and Stockbridge in March 1777, whose Charter was recalled in 1784 for failure to pay Grand Lodge dues, and Friendship, of Williamstown, chartered in July 1785. Franklin Lodge continued to meet on Stafford Hill until June 1800 when they again applied for permission to meet alternately three months in Cheshire and three months in Lanesborough. This time the request was granted and this procedure undoubtedly did much to increase the number of members from Lanesborough and vicinity.

In 1804 Calvin Hall, a member of Franklin Lodge, built a fine tavern in what is now the village of Cheshire on the main stage road between Boston andTroy. Shortly thereafter Franklin Lodge moved their meeting place to a large room on the south side of this tavern which was elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems painted on the walls by some unknown artist, and now known as the Cheshire Cat Tea Room. After their discovery in 1921 some of them were restored through the generosity of Mystic Lodge.

In 1810 a group of Masons, presumably members living in Lanesborough vicinity, made up to a great extent of members of Franklin Lodge in the Town of Lanesborough, petitioned for a Charter. This begins your own Masonic history which has reached its 125th birthday tonight. As a member of the fraternity from Cheshire, it is perhaps fitting that T should speak for those who were your Masonic forefathers.

Looking at us from out of the past they would probably view with astonishment the size of our institution, our well rendered and uniform ritual, our Home, Hospital, and other charitable works—things undreamed of in those days 141 years ago.

They might remind us that these are only evidences of temporal power, unimportant when compared with those principles which have kept Masonry alive in Massachusetts for over 200 years. We might look back at them and gain inspiration from their sturdy manhood, their courage, their loyalty and love of liberty as evidenced by the important part they played in the Revolutionary War, and above all their faith in the value of Freemasonry as a standard of morality and as a means of drawing together kindred souls.

T think if they could speak to you tonight they would say - "Carry on my Brothers, remembering that in times of changing conditions and standards, you should have the courage to keep the fundamental principles of Masonry unchanged, you should be loyal to those principles which are the foundation of that liberty we gave our blood to gain, you should be true to those ancient regulations which actuate the conduct and mark the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

We have left you a priceless heritage. See to it that you carry and hold the standard high and unstained, proving yourselves worthy to be our successors in the onward march of Masonry.

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, JUNE 1935

By Wor. George B. Sturgis:

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1960

From Proceedings, Page 1960-115; also on Mystic Lodge web site:

By Wor. Richard B. Shipton:

Stoddard Williams
First Master of Mystic Lodge, established in Lanesboro 1810

Worshipful Brother Williams was born September 4, 1752 and died May 1, 1832. He was the great grandfather of Mrs. William S. Morton, wife of Judge W. S. Morton, and of Miss Annie L. Marsh of Adams. He was also the great great uncle of Wor. George B. Sturgis, Master of Mystic Lodge in 1910.

Dr. William Hamilton Tyler

Dr. William Hamiton Tyler was born of English and Scotch parents on May 18, 1780 in New Ashford, Mass. He worked on his parents' farm until about the age of eighteen years when he started out to win for himself both an education and a profession. He commenced the study of medicine with his mother's brother Dr. Silas Hamilton at Saratoga, N. Y. Returning home after one year's absence he continued his studies in Lanesborough with Dr. Asa Burbank.

Between studies he taught.school in New Ashford. Completing his studies and obtaining a license to practice in the state of New York, Dr. Tyler returned to Lanesborough. He married the daughter of Captain Lyman Hall of Lanesborough and settled down to practice that was to last a full eighty years. As his practice developed to the point of great success, Dr. Tyler became interested in politics and was elected to the Legislature for three terms. He became a charter member of Mystic Lodge in December of 1810 and continued active membership until his death. Dr. William Hamilton Tyler was instrumental in forming many of the new lodges in that time. As a founder of the Baptist Church in Lanesborough he served as Deacon for over twenty years. His active career in the service to others came to a close in North Adams December 13, 1868 and he was buried by Lafayette Lodge of North Adams with Masonic Honors.

On this great and important occasion, it is only fitting that some words spoken and some deeds remembered, become a true and lasting portion of our ceremonies. It is as if the Men of Mystic, from out of the past are with us once again. They come to witness our works, participate in our endeavors, and once again to raise our Standard on high. They are the Silent Guests with us this evening.

We speak of Mystic Lodge and the 150 years since its founding with the awe and respect due from a creature to his Creator. But truly Mystic's History actually begins with those stalwart pioneers from Rhode Island, who traversed many hardships to find new lands north of Pittsfield. They journeyed to this new land in search of better grazing lands and more profitable agricultural pursuits. These pioneers Roger Williams, firmly believed in free men and free institutions. In 1767, they purchased a tract of land which was Mystic's first Masters participated in this battle. Wor. William Hamilton Tyler often related the stories concerning the War as told by his family. It was from this humble beginning that Mystic Lodge has its origin.

In 1794, twelve residents of Stafford's Hill headed by Col. Jonathan Remington petitioned the Grand Lodge for it dispensation to form it Masonic Lodge with the privilege of meeting six months in Cheshire and six months in Lanesborough. It was voted by Grand Lodge "that they be indulged in the privilege of holding a Lodge in Cheshire to be known as Franklin Lodge, but that the other portion of the Prayer was incompatible with the principles which actuate the conduct and mark the proceedings of the Grand Lodge." This was the First Lodge chartered in Western Massachusetts after the Union of 1792. Once again in June 1800 the members of Franklin Lodge applied for permission to meet alternately in Lanesborough and Cheshire, and this time the petition was granted. Cheshire, as a town, came into being in 1793, and when in 1804 Calvin Hall, a member of Franklin Lodge, erected a fine tavern and inn, Franklin Lodge moved their meeting place from Stafford Hill to a large room on the South Side of the Inn. This Inn became known as the Cheshire Cat Tea Room. Through the generosity of Mystic Lodge in 1921, decorations and insignia embellishing the walls of that tavern, done by some unknown artist for Franklin Lodge, were restored. (See Grand Master's Address, 1922).

The membership of Franklin Lodge greatly increased after the petition was approved to meet in both Lanesborough and Cheshire. And so much was this increase due to the more numerous members living in Lanesborough, that in 1810, the prayers to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts were granted instituting Mystic Lodge in the town of Lanesborough. In December of 1812, Mystic Lodge held its first meeting in Baker's Tavern. This tavern has long since faded from existence, but was located on the road north of Lanesborough towards Greylock and relatively near the old stone church-St. Luke's of Lanesborough. Who were those men who founded Mystic? Stoddard Williams, a Lieutenant in the War and also a Warden in the historic stone church St. Luke's in Lanesborough and Dr. William Harrison Tyler, a noted physician and scholar who assisted in the chartering of numerous lodges throughout North Berkshire County were the prime movers.

Little history is known of Mystic Lodge during the period of 1810 to 1815. However, from records and letters we learn that regular meetings did take place and that not June 24, 1813 an oration was delivered on the occasion of St, John's Day by a Rev. Daniel Burhams, Bishop of Connecticut, who was a member of Mystic Lodge. Ili the record: of Grand Lodge, we learn that in 1815 Mystic Lodge asked permission to hold meeting in Pittsfield and on June to, 1816 on the Sixth Anniversary of Mystic's Founding the prayers were granted. Also, as there were several meeting places available in Pittsfield for the use of the Lodge, a spirited competition resulted to see who would have the Lodge as a new tenant. It is a matter of common history in Pittsfield that Captain Joseph Merrick kept an Inn at the corner of North and West Street. However, the fact that he learned of the prospective tenant and with the assistance of Captain Charles Goodrich, an early pioneer of Pittsfield and also a land speculator, raised the Gambrel roof of the Inn to accommodate the Lodge is not of general knowledge. Whether he had any ulterior motive in so doing is left to the imagination. However, history does provide the fact that there was a tavern and inn owned by Captain Merrick that was a congregating place for political and social discussions of the time, which assisted the sale of Captain Merrick's services and wares as an Innkeeper.

Little is known of the period of 1815 to 1847, due to the double tragedy that befell Mystic Lodge during that period. There was a fire in Boston and also one in Pittsfield that destroyed the records and original Charter plus the lists of Officers. Also, of course, the Morgan Incident, which caused the loss of many valuable items of the history that we celebrate this evening. Masonry in this particular area suffered. There were meetings and members participated in the celebration of important events in the Masonic calendar. However, due to the secrecy of the endeavors no clear history or records survive.

In 1847 interest was revived by Major Franklin Weston, the postmaster of Dalton and uncle of Byron Weston, who originated the large paper works in that town. Major Weston and others joined with those remaining members who had participated in Mystic's works prior to the Morgan Incident and throughout the Dark Period, and commenced to hold meetings once again. These meetings were often held in Comfort B. Platt's office and store. Major Weston held the office of Master and in the Records of Mystic, that have been carefully preserved from that time to this, it is recorded that meetings "were held at 6 p. m. and adjourned to convenient dates."

Following this reorganization and revival of interest, Mystic Lodge thrived and increased in numbers. The records provide a clear and concise history of the year by year progress. Through other Histories of Berkshire County and Pittsfield in particular, we glean a few gems to add to this already impressive History.

In 1852 to 1858 Mystic met in the Odd Fellows room at a rent of $50.00 a year. The lease for this agreement is still preserved in the archives of the Lodge. Quarterly payments were called for in order not to place too much of a burden on the finances of the Lodge.

During the Civil War, the Men of Mystic quickly rallied to the cause and such was their feeling for Masonry and such was the attitude of the Southern Masons, that in New Orleans and after the Battle of Baton Rouge in the winter of 1863, the troops being at a lull in the conflict became desirous of meeting as Masons. One of the only surviving Southern Masons in that area hearing of their wishes affirmed that he was the Tiler of a Lodge in the town, and permitted the men the use of the rooms and regalia. The men were appreciative of the offer and they constituted this Lodge by Charter of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and there came into being the Berkshire Camp Army Lodge in Baton Rouge.

1867 proved an interesting year for Mystic. The new Berkshire Life Insurance Co. building was about to be dedicated, and the Masons under the leadership of Wor. Frederick S. Parker participated in laying the cornerstone of that building and the Lodge became one of its tenants. In 1869, the prayers of brethren in Hinsdale were granted and demits were voted for brethren wishing to join the first off-shoot of Mystic Lodge. This lodge in Hinsdale became Globe Lodge. In 1873, Crescent Lodge of Pittsfield was formed out of Mystic members and in 1897 Unity Lodge of Dalton became the Third Lodge to be formed out of the ranks of Mystic men.

In 1892 when Rt. Wor. Frank Peirson was Master, the membership of Mystic stood at 174. Fifteen years later in 1907, when Wor. William E. Bagg was Master, the membership had climbed to 328. The Hundredth Anniversary of Mystic Lodge was celebrated in 1910 with Wor. George B. Sturgis as Master, and recorded in chronological sequence are the events of that festive and joyous occasion. Speeches, dinners, dancing and the playing of harp solos at the Maplewood Institute culminated a long and arduous weekend for Most Wor. Dana J. Flanders of the Grand Lodge and his Officers.

1914 marked the dedication of our present Temple with Wor. Bro. Donaldson acting as Host for the Grand Lodge Officers; since which time Mystic Lodge has occupied these premises. During the First World War years little activity is recorded due in part to the warnings of health officials of Pittsfield against the gatherings of crowds because of the Influenza Epidemic of 1919. This fact ultimately gave rise to a "Get Together," promoted by Mystic and participated in by the lodges of the 16th Masonic District.

Following each war, in the United States and indeed throughout the world the memberships of Masonic Lodges have increased in great numbers. This has been true especially for Mystic. In 1920 when Wor. Bro. Leverrier S. Lewis was Master, there was an example of the effects of the War on the membership of Mystic. In that year 111 new members were raised. Pittsfield Lodge was formed to be the Fourth Lodge that can truthfully be called Mystic, the founding Lodge. In 1923, Wor. Bro. Nelson A. Foot, then Master of Mystic instituted the Annual Joint Communication among Mystic, Crescent and Pittsfield Lodges, since which time this Annual Meeting has been enjoyed and promoted by the three Blue Lodges, to the great satisfaction of all.

1935 marked the 125th Anniversary of Mystic Lodge Wor. George Rauscher was Master, and Wor. George B. Sturgis prepared a paper on the History of Mystic and presented the same before the assembled guests. It was a busy time for Mystic and there are many here tonight who remember that celebration. Most Wor. Claude LeRoy Allen was present and participated in the work of the evening by presenting Veteran Medals.

The years following the 125th Anniversary were noteworthy with the continuation of the dedication that so truly marks the Men of Mystic. These years also resulted in an increase in actual numbers of members. However, it must be recorded that in Mystic, for the participating Officers and Members, these were indeed solemn days. World conflict such as had never been seen entered and disrupted many homes. It was felt in the annals of our records and must be spoken of tonight. There were many hurried meetings, with exemplifications of the degrees; there were special dispensations granted and duties fulfilled for the men whom we hoped would return, and not traverse the Valley of Death. Most of them did return and are with us still. Some, however, have joined the Great Architect, and by that all-devouring Scythe of Time been gathered to their Forefathers. The efforts of the Lodge to draw these Service Members still closer to us and our activities, was greatly strengthened by the Service Committee of Mystic Lodge, headed by Brother William C. Root. These Servicemen, members of Mystic, and sons of members received direct letters from the lodge each month concerning the activities on the calendar and enjoyed by that method, the endeavors so dear to us all.

Mystic was further strengthened since immediately after the conflict a return to membership was very evident. And so for the fifteen years following the War, Mystic has f flourished and prospered until the membership now stands at 760.

It is not necessary to recall the activities in chronological sequence of the past few short years in the History of Mystic Lodge. We will all have an opportunity to read the full printed history later in the year. Those on the sidelines, who are our Silent Guests made that History. It is to these Silent Guests that we must make an unswerving pledge, a pledge that. calls for us all, in our various lives, purposes ,and vocations, to continue the practices so richly endowed Which have been bequeathed to us by them.

By the aid of the All-Seeing Eye, and the help of the Perfect Points of our Craft, this will be but the beginning of the greatest period in our growth, not only in members, but also in the application of those principles that actuate our very being. May the multitude who have come before us and the many who follow, look back upon our history with this same awe and respect when they realize the loyalty and perseverance of our brothers in building up from so small a beginning in the little village of Lanesborough, to the high standards that are at present realized and enjoyed by all the Masonic Bodies of Pittsfield.

Long may Mystic live, prosper, and flourish in noble deeds of brotherly love, relief, and truth the tenets of our profession.

OTHER

• 1815 (Petition to permit alternate meetings in Lanesboro and Pittsfield, II-35; rejected, III-17.)
• 1816 (Petition to remove to Pittsfield; granted, III-45)
• 1822 (Report on delinquency, III-422)
• 1824 (Report on delinquency, III-471)
• 1826 (Report on delinquency, IV-57)
• 1827 (Report on delinquency, IV-114)
• 1828 (Report on delinquency, IV-147)
• 1829 (Report on delinquency, IV-170)
• 1896 (Participation in the centennial of Evening Star Lodge, 1895-79)
• 1896 (Participation in the centennial of Cincinnatus Lodge, 1896-113)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Willis B. Altman, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1983, 1984
• Jay P. Barnes, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1915, 1916; SN
• Frank H. Cande, DDGM, District 15 (Pittsfield), 1909, 1910; SN
• Henry Chickering, DDGM, District 9, 1864-1866; District 9 (Pittsfield), 1867, 1868; Senior Grand Warden 1862
• George A. Curtis, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1929, 1930; N
• Robert P. Easland, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1941, 1942; N
• Irving D. Ferrey, District 15 (Pittsfield), 1884; Memorial
• Lorenzo H. Gamwell, Senior Grand Warden 1859
• George A. Hadley, DDGM, District 31, 2005, 2006
• Karl D. Henry, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1957, 1958; N
• Steven B. Jackson, DDGM, District 31, 2009, 2010
• William H. Murray, DDGM, District 9 (Pittsfield), 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882; District 15 (Pittsfield), 1883; SN
• William A. Newman, DDGM, District 16 (Pittsfield), 1973, 1974; N
• Frank E. Peirson, District 15 (Pittsfield), 1896; Junior Grand Warden 1907; N
• Hezekiah S. Russell, DDGM, District 9 (Pittsfield), 1876, 1877, 1878; Memorial
• Franklin Weston, DDGM, District 9, 1849-1856; SN

EVENTS

50TH ANNIVERSARY, JUNE 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 8, June 1860, Page 256:

Celebration at Pittsfield — We are desired to give notice that the celebration of St. John's day, advertised to take place on Tuesday the 26th inst. will take place on Friday the 22d — the day having been changed in consequence of the June term off the Superior Court, at that place, commencing on the 26th. The address will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Randall of this city.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 9, July 1860, Page 273:

The nativity of St. John the Baptist was celebrated at Pittsfield, in this State, on Friday the 22d June, the occasion being also the 50th anniversary of Mystic Lodge, under whose auspices the celebration took place. Brethren were present from Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Albany, Troy, and other neighboring towns, including the entire Lodges of Berkshire County. The address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Geo. M. Randall, P. G. M., of this city, and was an able and interesting discourse on the elevating and moral powers of Masonry. The dinner was served in the Berbank's Hall, where speeches were made by Hon. H. L. Dows and others, and a poem delivered by Samuel B. Sumner, Esq., of Great Barrington. The occasion was an agreeable one, and the ceremonies all passed off to the satisfaction of the numerous Brethren and ladies in attendance.

HALL DEDICATION, NOVEMBER 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, January 1869, Page 82:

Our brethren of Mystic Lodge at Pittsfield, in the western part of the State, have recently erected for their own use and that of the other Masonic Bodies in the town, a new hall, which for convenience in arrangement and beauty of finish is surpassed by but few others in the Jurisdiction. It comprises, says the Berkshire Eagle (from which we condense the following description of it), a principal Lodge-room, a Prelate's room, a banqueting hall, and eight smaller apartments used as the Armory of the Knights Templars, Committee-rooms, etc. The Lodge-room is thirty-six feet wide by sixty long, and proportionately high, showing architectural perfection in this respect. The walls are semi-arched and in the curve show the emblems of the Order beautifully frescoed. The emblems of the Chapter appear handsomely painted in the corners of the ceiling. The rich coloring of this, and other frescoing, combines finely with the general delicate tinting of the walls with which the deep crimson of the carpet is also made to harmonize.

The chairs are of rich antique patterns, and the tapers at the east, west, and south, are supported by massive and beautiful gas standards, emblematically decorated. The truncheons of the Senior and Junior Wardens are of dark rosewood mounted with silver, and were presented by Br. Henry Chickering.

The shades of all the gas fixtures are ornamented with masonic emblems, elegantly cut. The Master's chair is richly draped. The decorations of the room are completed by the resplendent banners of the Berkshire Encampment of Knights Templars, and of Mystic Lodge, displayed in the north-east and south-east corners.

The Bible, one of the most cosily forms in which the sacred volume is issued by the Bible Society, was presented by Br. L. H. Gamwell.

In the south-east corner of the building is the prelate's Boom, twenty by thirty feet in size, and in the luxury of its furniture far surpassing the larger hall. The walls, like those of the Lodge.room, are delicately tinted. The distinguishing feature of the room, however, is the profusion of Maltese crosses, the favorite emblem of the Knights Templars, to whose uses it is more especially appropriated. Adjoining the Prelate's room, is the Armory of the Knights Templars, fitted up with neat black-walnut wardrobes for their handsome regalia and arms, which are displayed through glass casings.

Passing through this and other small apartments, we come to the banqueting hall, a finely proportioned room, more simply furnished and decorated than the others, but hardly less pleasing to the eye.

The hall was formally dedicated by the Grand Lodge in November, in presence of a large assemblage of brethren and their ladies.

DISTRICTS

1810: District 8 (Berkshires)

1821: District 8

1849: District 9

1867: District 9 (Pittsfield)

1883: District 15 (Pittsfield)

1911: District 16 (Pittsfield)

1927: District 16 (Pittsfield)

2003: District 31

LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges