Nehoiden

From MasonicGenealogy
Revision as of 15:40, 25 September 2014 by Hotc1733 (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search

NEHOIDEN LODGE

MA_Nehoiden.jpg

Location: Needham

Chartered By: Frank L. Simpson

Charter Date: 09/12/1928 1928-249

Precedence Date: 10/14/1927

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged into Beth-Horon Lodge, 07/29/2010.

PAST MASTERS

  • Arthur Hamilton, 1928, 1929
  • Ralph P. Preble, 1930
  • Edward Nason, 1931
  • George M. Pond, 1932
  • Herbert P. Stevenson, 1933
  • Harry H. Bruns, 1934
  • C. Weston Ringer, 1935; N
  • Curtis R. Wells, 1936; N
  • Roland C. March, 1937
  • Charles W. Bell, 1938
  • Clarence S. Burton, 1939
  • Russell J. Rice, 1940
  • Ralph H. Gray, 1941
  • Rupert I. Irving, 1942
  • Robert E. Powell, 1943
  • Jay Tracy, 1944
  • Alan L. Drury, 1945
  • H. Prescott Trucker, 1946
  • Roy F. Towne, 1947
  • Ralph F. Reeves, 1948
  • James M. Hindle, 1949
  • John R. Drinkwater, 1950
  • Carl E. Tamm, 1951
  • Alfred J. Emrich, 1952
  • Wilfred C. Morse, 1953
  • William G. Regan, 1954
  • A. Johnston Shaw, 1955; N
  • J. Roland Ackroyd, 1956
  • Burt B. Mader, 1957
  • William B. Ludlow, 1958
  • N. Henry Larson, 1959
  • Harold R. Slaney, 1960
  • David W. Lovering, 1961
  • Earl MacPherson, 1962
  • Edwin W. Cameron, 1963
  • Lawrence W. Gay, 1964
  • Howard B. Beal, 1965
  • John L. Tufts, 1966
  • Stanley Rawstron, 1967
  • Allen Stone, 1968
  • Russell L. Patten, 1969
  • Harold B. Wetmore, 1970
  • Walter H. Olsen, 1971
  • John G. Stanley, 1972
  • Edward L. Bottum, 1973
  • Robert R. Andrews, II, 1974
  • Horace W. Cutler, 1975
  • Douglas Salisbury, 1976
  • Jerry J. Davis, 1977, 1992
  • Clark H. Shaw, 1978
  • Melvin P. Sacks, 1979
  • Joseph I. Stone, 1980; PDDGM
  • Robert M. Rhynd, 1981
  • Harold J. Parmelee, 1982
  • Carroll N. Jackson, Jr., 1983
  • John Q. Cragin, 1984
  • John F. Carter, 1985
  • G. Leonard McIntosh, 1986, 1991, 2006, 2007
  • Bruce M. Newman, 1987, 1988, 2005, 2008-2010
  • Richard B. Deming, 1989
  • Clarke H. Wertheim, 1990
  • Robert M. Eaton, 1993, 2000, 2004
  • George A. Serafinas, 1994, 1995; PDDGM
  • Christopher F. Bates, 1996, 1997
  • Gary L. Cox, 1998
  • Melvin H. Davis, 1999
  • David P. Newcomb, 2001; PDDGM
  • Thomas C. MacPhee, 2002
  • Bruce S. Kremer, 2003

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1927
  • Petition for Charter: 1928
  • Consolidation Petition (with Beth-Horon Lodge): 2010

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1937 (10th Anniversary)
  • 1952 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1977 (50th Anniversary)
  • 2002 (75th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1928 1936 1940 1949 1953 1957 1958 1961 1972 1978 1979 1980 1981 1983 1985 1986 1996 1999 2001 2003

HISTORY

  • 1937 (10th Anniversary History, 1937-165)
  • 1952 (25th Anniversary History, 1952-244; see below)
  • 1977 (50th Anniversary History, 1977-156)
  • 2002 (75th Anniversary History, 2002-43)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1952

From Proceedings, Page 1952-244:

by Brother Charles W. E. Morris.

The period 1927 to 1937 is covered by a history compiled by Wor. Frank E. Porter, which is recorded in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and of which this brief history is a condensation.

On April 26, 1927, a small group of Masons gathered at the home of Bro. Arthur S. Hamilton upon an occasion momentous for Nehoiden Lodge. It was known that there were a great many Masons living in Needham whose Masonic homes were in other jurisdictions, and who were averse to joining another and perhaps older Lodge where they would become just "other" members. It was suggested to this little group that these Brothers would renew their interest and their incentive would be restored if they could get together and form a Lodge of their own, in which they themselves would designate the course they would pursue and the policy they would adopt. There was no purpose to profit at the expense of a sister Lodge, and in fact few of its members were accepted as Charter members. Some who were accepted are now members of both Lodges. The suggestion became the opinion of the group, and thus was a new Lodge conceived.

This policy of practically limiting our proposed membership to residents Masonically domiciled in other jurisdictions having been determined, subscription papers were circulated, and eventually applications of eighty-three petitioners were on our list. At a meeting called for the purpose, Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton, Past Master of Norfolk Lodge, was suggested as first Master "Under Dispensation," Wor. Frank E. Porter, Past Master of Soley Lodge, Somerville, as first Senior Warden, and Bro. Ralph P. Preble, member and former officer of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 83, Bangor, Maine, as first Junior Warden. Arrangements were made for the use of the apartments occupied by Norfolk Lodge, and the application for a dispensation to form a Lodge to be known as Nehoiden Lodge was made to Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. After much negotiation, of which Wor. Bro. Hamilton bore the brunt, the dispensation was granted. (It is here interesting to note that the selection of the name Nehoiden was due to its historical significance to Needham. On April 13, 1680, William Nahaton or Nehoiden, an Indian, deeded a territory approximately four miles by five, for ten pounds, forty acres of land, and Indian corn to the value of forty shillings. This tract comprised the township of Needham prior to 1797, also Dedham Island.)

By a call dated October 14, 1927, signed by Arthur S. Hamilton, and countersigned by Francis W. Shaw as Secretary, the first regular communication was held on October 21, 1927, for the purpose of receiving the dispensation. Fifty-one of the eighty-two petitioners were present. R. W. H. Alton Roark, District Deputy Grand Master for the Waltham Fifth Masonic District, was present and took charge of the meeting, assisted by Wor. Howard S. Hatch, District Deputy Grand Marshal. The dispensation was read by the District Deputy Grand Master, after which Wor. Bro. Hamilton was presented to the East, and to him was delivered the dispensation, authorizing him and the Brethren associated with him and therein named to organize Nehoiden Lodge and do all Masonic acts consistent therewith and in accordance with the laws and customs of Masonry. He was then invested with the jewel of his office and seated in the Oriental Chair as first Master of Nehoiden "Under Dispensation." Wor. Frank E. Porter was then presented to the East, invested with the jewel of his office, and seated in the West; and Bro. Ralph P. Preble was similarly invested and seated in the South. Then in succession were presented, duly invested with the jewels of their respective offices, and escorted to their respective stations, the following Brothers, who, with the council as already indicated, were to constitute the original organization of Nehoiden Lodge:

  • Bro. George A. Lord, Soley Lodge, Somerville, Treasurer
  • Bro. Francis W. Shaw, Washington Lodge, Roxbury, Secretary
  • Rev. Newton Black, Putnam Lodge, Cambridge, Chaplain
  • Wor. Herbert N. Mitchell, Norfolk Lodge, Needham, Marshal
  • Bro. Edward W. Nason, Norfolk Lodge, Needham, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. George M. Pond, Norfolk Lodge, Needham, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. Herbert F. Stevenson, Lafayette Lodge No. 199, Look Haven, Pennsylvania, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Harry H. Bruns, Norfolk Lodge, Needham, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Charles A. Forbush, Theodore Roosevelt Lodge, Quincy Inside Sentinel
  • Bro. John H. Heald, Fraternity Lodge, Newtonville, Tyler

The ceremonies were witnessed by R.W. Rudolph Burrough, District Deputy Grand Master of the Brighton Fifth District, and by the Masters and Wardens of Norfolk, Dalhousie, Bethesda, Brookline, Belmont and Norumbega Lodges. And thus was the baby born, and four applications were received to start it in the world.

In 1927 the 34th Lodge of Instruction was organized, and Nehoiden Lodge was honored by having its first and presiding Master elected by the Masters of the District to serve as its first Secretary.

At the third communication on December 16, 1927, was inaugurated the custom of holding Christmas parties, which have been a feature of our Lodge ever since, when we break the shackles of age and convention and become boys again.

On February 17, 1928, Newton Chapter, Order of DeMolay, were our guests and exemplified their work. Officers and members of Norfolk Lodge were also our guests. On April 20, 1928, a committee was appointed to arrange a program for the ceremonies of Constitution of Nehoiden Lodge, which would take place on September 14, 1928. On May 4, 1928, the Lodge held its first Ladies' Night and thus gave members the opportunity to find out "Who was Who," and the ladies to know with whom their husbands were associating and thus establish at once a mutual understanding. It was held in Stevens Hall and was a great success. Following that, the Lodge inaugurated its observance of Masonic custom of attending church services in a body by joining other Lodges in the district at Newton Congregational Church, Newtonville, on May 20th.

Then on September 14, 1928, came the great day which comes but once in the history of a Lodge. Our by-laws, records and all necessary documents having been submitted to Grand Lodge and approved, the day of our constitution was at hand. The Grand Officers present were:

and others.

The Brethren assembled in the lodge-room and the Grand Lodge in the adjoining apartment. Then a procession was formed and all proceeded to the banquet hall, where a bountiful repast was served to 137 members and guests. After dinner, Wor. Bro. Hamilton reviewed the past year in a most excellent manner, and then the Pilgrim Quartet rendered several selections, after which the Brethren returned to the lodge-room. Upon the reorganization of the Grand Lodge, Wor. Bro. Hamilton, accompanied by the Senior and Junior Wardens, waited upon the Grand Master and announced that, acting under a dispensation issued by the Grand Lodge, Nehoiden Lodge had organized and had been working under such dispensation; that, its records and work having been approved by the Grand Lodge, they now requested that the Lodge be duly constituted, for which purpose the Brethren were then convened in the lodge-room.

The Grand Master stated that Grand Lodge was pleased to grant the request and would proceed to the lodge-room forthwith for the purpose of constituting the Lodge. The Brethren of Nehoiden Lodge formed a double line from the door, between which the Grand Lodge entered under the direction of the Grand Marshal. The constitution exercises then began, continued and ended in a most solemn and impressive manner, and was a spectacle but few present had seen, and none will forget.

The Grand Master then proceeded to install Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton as Master; the Senior Grand Warden installed Wor. Frank E. Porter as Senior Warden; the Junior Grand Warden installed Bro. Ralph P. Preble as Junior Warden; the Grand Treasurer installed Bro. George A. Long as Treasurer; and the Acting Grand Secretary installed Bro. Francis W. Shaw as Secretary. The appointive officers, except the Chaplain, were invested and installed by the Deputy Grand Master. The Chaplain, Rev. Newton Black, received his jewel from Wor. and Rev. Percy T. Edrop, D.D., a neighbor and colleague. A charge, one written by Grand Master Paul Revere in 1795, was read by M. W. Dudley H. Ferrell. The Grand Master spoke in most appreciative terms of the course Nehoiden Lodge had pursued, and was greatly pleased by its loyal observance of all the rules, as well as his wishes, in the matter and then retired.

Having thus passed the first and second gates of our Masonic pilgrimage, we felt it our duty to see that the promise of those earlier experiences should not be broken, and that the third gate be approached with honor and dignity intact. A week after constitution, on September 21, 1938, occurred the tenth regular and first annual communication of the Lodge, and election of new officers. Wor. Bro. Porter, Senior Warden, declined advancement, and Wor. Bro. Hamilton was re-elected Worshipful Master, and all the other officers received their normal advancement. The new officers were installed by R. W. Henry P. Smith, District Deputy Grand Master, assisted by Wor. Frank E. Babcock as Marshal. Bro. Weston Ringer then made his first bow as an officer in the Thirty-fourth Lodge of Instruction. On December 21, 1928, M. W. Frank L. Simpson made the Lodge a fraternal visit. On June 23, 1929, the Lodge observed for the first time the anniversary of the nativity of St. John the Baptist by attending service at Christ Church, by invitation of Rev. Richard G. Preston. This observance, too, has become a usual custom.

On September 20, 1929, Bro. Ralph P. Preble was elected Worshipful Master. The year began with eighty-nine members and ended with 117.

At the annual communication on September 19, 1930, Bro. Edward W. Nason was elected Worshipful Master, and the officers were installed by R. W. Andrew C. Morrow, Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 25th Masonic District, and Wor. Bro. Hamilton as Marshal. The net membership was increased to 145.

On September 18, 1931, Bro. George M. Pond was elected Worshipful Master, and to his father, Bro. Edmund G. Pond, was given the privilege of announcing to his son the news of this honor, and of presenting him to the Lodge as the Master-elect. On April 15, 1932, we held our first Past Masters' Night. This generally presumes that there are a lot of Past Masters, but we had only three. Nevertheless, we had a good "Night," with the assistance of seven of our affiliated Past Masters, who rose nobly to the occasion. On June 17th, Rev. Bro. Harry Hamlin Hall, one of our two present truly beloved Chaplains, was raised by Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton, assisted at all the stations by parishioners of Christ Church, and on June 26, the Lodge attended divine service at his church. The membership was increased to 160.

On September 16, 1932, Bro. Herbert F. Stevenson was elected Worshipful Master, and the officers were installed by Wor. Frank E. Porter, assisted by Wor. Bro. Hamilton as Marshal. The net gain in membership was six, bringing the total to 166.

On September 15, 1933, Bro. Harry Holmes Bruns was elected Worshipful Master, and the officers were installed by R.W. Henry P. Smith, Past District Deputy Grand Master, assisted by Wor. Samuel H. Wragg, as Marshal.

On September 21, 1934, Bro. C. Weston Ringer was elected Worshipful Master, and the officers were installed by Wor. Bro. Stevenson, assisted by R. W. Leon M. Smith, Past District Deputy Grand Master, as Marshal. The officers of Nehoiden Lodge accepted an invitation of Norfolk Lodge to assist in its work on November 12, and on the 16, Norfolk Lodge returned the visit. On December 9 the Lodge attended a special anniversary service at the Congregational Church to commemorate the laying of the corner-stone by the Grand Lodge of Masons ten years before. Rev. Bro. Harry W. Kimball conducted the service, and R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary, was guest speaker. Our membership declined to 171, but considering the times, it was not discouraging, and most of the social activities usual in Nehoiden Lodge were carefully fostered.

On September 20, 1935, Bro. Curtis R. Wells was elected Worshipful Master, and Bro. George W. Brown was elected Secretary. The officers were installed by the Acting Grand Master, R. W. H. Wendell Prout, Deputy Grand Master, with R.W. Leon Smith as installing Marshal. On February 21, 1936, the District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Harry A. Starr, made a fraternal visit. In May, 1936, Wor. C. Weston Ringer, Past Master of Nehoiden Lodge, was elected Master of the 34th Lodge of Instruction. On June 21, 1936, the memory of the nativity of St. John the Baptist was commemorated by attendance with Norfolk Lodge at Christ Church, our Chaplain, Rev. Bro. Harry Hamlin Hall, officiating. The membership rose to 177. On September 18, 1936, Bro. Roland C. March was elected Worshipful Master. On March 19, 1937, a change in the meeting night was proposed, the original selection of Friday evening having proven for one reason or another to be not so popular. The outcome was that the third Tuesday was substituted.

On September 21, 1937, Bro. Charles Wilder Bell was elected Worshipful Master, and was installed by Wor. Lester P. Leathers, Past Master of John Abbot Lodge, who raised him, assisted by Wor. Irving Taylor, Past Master of Soley Lodge, who assisted in his raising. On September 22, 1937, the tenth anniversary of Nehoiden Lodge was celebrated by a special communication of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Officers present included:

The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form in a convenient apartment at ten minutes before eight o'clock in the evening and proceeded under suitable escort to the lodge-room, where Nehoiden Lodge was in session with Wor. Charles W. Bell, presiding Master, in the East. After receiving the Grand Officers, the Master surrendered the gavel and the chair to the Grand Master, who conducted the exercises of the evening. A history of the Lodge was presented by Wor. Frank E. Porter. At the conclusion of the exercises, the Grand Lodge retired and was closed in Ample Form at ten minutes before ten o'clock.

Previous to the exercises, the Grand Officers were hospitably entertained at dinner by the Brethren of Nehoiden Lodge. On September 20, 1938, the Lodge elected Bro. Clarence S. Burton as Worshipful Master. The officers of the Lodge were duly installed by Wor. C. Weston Ringer, assisted by Wor. Bro. Wells. During the year eight candidates were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and six admitted by affiliation. At the Feast of St. John in December, 1938, Nehoiden Lodge was honored by the appointment of one of its Past Masters, Wor. C. Weston Ringer, to the office of District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham 5th Masonic District by M. W. Joseph Earl Perry. The following year he was appointed to the same office by M.W. Albert A. Schaefer.

One of our esteemed charter members, Wor. Samuel Holmes Wragg, Past Master of Norfolk Lodge, brought great honor to Nehoiden Lodge by virtue of his appointments to the following offices by M.W. Joseph Earl Perry:

  • 1939, District Deputy Grand Master, Brighton Sth District
  • 1940, Deputy Grand Master

He also served as Most Worshipful Grand Master for the years 1945, 1946 and 1947, and as Relief Commissioner from April, 1948, to May, 1949. In February, 1939, the Lodge had the pleasure of witnessing the work of the Waltham Chapter No. 2, Order of Rainbow for Girls. The inspiring work of the young ladies was something those who saw it will long remember. Another outstanding event was our trip to the Masonic Home at Charlton, where we entertained the guests of the Home and their friends. Past Masters' Night was another highlight of the year, and with five candidates to work upon, they were in their glory. Ladies' Night at the Dover Town Hall was a complete success again this year, and has become a permanent part of our yearly activities.

On September 19, 1939, Worshipful Master Russell J. Rice was unanimously elected. The newly elected officers were installed by R. W. Leon E. Smith, Past Master of Bethesda Lodge, and R. W. C. Weston Ringer. In November, R.W. C. Weston Ringer, with a suite of fifty-four officers, was received, and an official visitation was paid to Nehoiden Lodge. Following the work of the evening, all present were privileged to hear a most inspiring address by the District Deputy, our own Past Master, C. Weston Ringer. The January meeting set a new high with 178 present. Bro. Karl Ames Flint, a member of the local police force, was raised by Wor. William E. Scott, assisted by the Degree Team of the Police Square Club of Massachusetts. Another successful Ladies' Night was held in Dover the first of March. Attendance was good and the program enjoyed.

On September 17, 1940, Bro. Ralph H. Gray was unanimously elected Worshipful Master. After appropriate remarks and acceptance of the office, the newly-installed Worshipful Master asked R. W. C. Weston Ringer and Wor. Russell J. Rice to be escorted to the East. With his usual genial manner, R. W. Brother Ringer presented a Past Master's jewel to Wor. Bro. Rice. At the October meeting, R. W. Francis D. Taylor made his final official visitation. It was well attended and his remarks were of especial interest. Boys' Night in December proved to be a very popular feature of the year. The enjoyment of the dinner, games and entertainment spoke well for the efforts of the committee in charge. In January the Lodge shared in the honor bestowed upon our Past Master, R. W. C. Weston Ringer, who had been appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham 5th Masonic District. Again the annual Ladies' Night was held in Dover, and although the attendance was not large, a most enjoyable time was had. Past Masters' Night was observed at the March meeting, at which time we were privileged to witness excellent work.

On September 16, 1941, the Lodge unanimously elected Bro. Rupert I. Irving as Worshipful Master. R. W. C. Weston Ringer presided in the East as Installing Master. At the regular April Communication, it was voted to remit the dues of any Lodge member who enters the service of our country, this at the discretion of the Council. During the course of the year, three vacancies occurred in the slate of officers because of the demands of military service. The advent of the war caused a dearth of candidates for the degrees, but five members were added to our ranks by affiliation, and the total membership at the year's end stood at 196. At the October meeting we had as our guests the football squads of the Senior and Junior High Schools. Coach Denny Myer gave us, as well as the boys, a very interesting, illustrated talk on football. The usual Christmas party was held in December, at which time we were privileged to hear from the leaders of our Civilian Defense Organization. In February we held our annual Ladies' Night at the Lodge apartments.

At the annual business meeting held on September 15, 1942, Bro. Robert E. Powell was unanimously elected Worshipful Master. Once again our own R. W. C. Weston Ringer acted as Installing Master. At the October meeting, R.W. Ellwood L. Overholser, District Deputy Grand Master, made his official visitation. A real old-fashioned Christmas party was held in December and the popularity of this occasion was attested by the splendid attendance. At the height of the entertainment a black-out signal was sounded, and in a darkened hall, the orchestra played and the folks sang community songs during the interlude. Our February meeting will long be remembered by those who attended. The temperature of fifteen degrees below zero had frozen the pipes, and the lodge-room was without heat. In the emergency, your officers obtained the use of the Congregational Church basement and banquet hall for the meeting. Our annual Ladies' Night was held late this year because of the extreme cold and the uncertainty of having an adequately heated hall. We were deeply indebted to the wives of the officers for the preparation and serving of a lobster buffet supper.

On September 21, 1943, Bro. Jay Tracy was unanimously elected Worshipful Master, Wor. Herbert F. Stevenson acting as Installing Master. At our October meeting R.W. Ellwood L. Overholser, District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham Fifth District, and his distinguished suite, paid us an official visit. After the Lodge was closed, we enjoyed an official showing of the Bethlehem-Hingham Ship Yards pictures. The Lodge honored R. W. C. Weston Ringer at our December meeting. Bro. Ringer had been presented the Joseph Warren Medal on November 23, 1943, in Waltham Lodge. Our annual Ladies' Night was held on May 5 with a large attendance present. It was reported that there were ninety-eight members and sons and daughters of members in the Armed Services.

At our regular annual business meeting on September 19, 1944, the Lodge unanimously elected Bro. Alan L. Drury as Worshipful Master. R.W. C. Weston Ringer presided in the East as Installing Master. Wor. Curtis R. Wells presented Wor. Jay Tracy with his Past Master's jewel and a beautiful Past Master's apron. A Christmas Party, a Senior Wardens' Night, and a Past Masters' Night were very successful affairs. A Ladies' Night was held, and we attended a community Masonic and Eastern Star Service at the Evangelical Congregational Church. At the December meeting of the Grand Lodge, Samuel Holmes Wragg, one of our Charter Members, was elected to the office of Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. He was received in his official capacity in Nehoiden Lodge on February 27, 1945. At our regular communication in June, R.W. Alton L. Miller, District Deputy Grand Master, presented a Masonic Fifty-year Medal to Bro. Francis C. Hersey. At the same meeting, our Honor Roll was dedicated, and a special flag ceremony was used in closing. During the year, the Lodge membership increased from 216 to 245.

At the annual business meeting on September 18, 1945, Bro. H. Prescott Tucker was unanimously elected Worshipful Master. He was installed by Most Worshipful Samuel Holmes Wragg, whose presence, with a large and distinguished suite, gave added lustre to the occasion. The Christmas Party was an exceptionally successful affair, the lodge-room being filled to overflowing, and in January, the Past Master's Night was another outstanding success. Ladies' Night was held on May 3 in the Norwood Masonic Apartments. Following a roast turkey dinner, the evening was spent in entertainment and dancing right up to the closing hour. Throughout the year, thirty-five members were added to our ranks, twenty-three by degrees and twelve by affiliation, making a total of 280.

At our annual business meeting on September 17, 1946, Bro. Roy E. Towne was elected Worshipful Master, R. W. Alton L. Miller presiding in the East as Installing Master. Also present were R. W. Harold W. Knowlton and R. W. Curtis R. Wells. In 1946 R. W. C. Weston Ringer was appointed Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge by M. W. Samuel Holmes Wragg. At the December meeting, Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton was chairman of a committee of Past Masters and affiliated Past Masters to receive our District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Harold W. Knowlton, who was present to pay us a fraternal visit. On Sunday, May 4, 1947, the Lodge observed St. John's Day by attending divine service at the First Methodist Church. On May 27, at the invitation of Clinton Lodge of Wilton, New Hampshire, and with the permission of the Grand Master, thirty-five members of Nehoiden Lodge journeyed to Wilton, where the officers of Nehoiden Lodge assumed their stations and conducted the work of the Lodge in the exemplification of the Master Mason Degree. In May, 1947, Wor. Jay Tracy, a Past Master of Nehoiden Lodge, was elected Master of the 34th Lodge of Instruction. During the year, twenty-five members were admitted by degrees and five by affiliation.

On June 17, 1947, Bro. Ralph F. Reeves was elected Worshipful Master, and on September 16th, he was duly installed with M.W. Samuel Holmes Wragg officiating in the East. On January 20, R.W. Curtis R. Wells paid the Lodge a fraternal visit in his capacity as District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham 5th Masonic District. On June 15, Wor. Ralph F. Reeves had the pleasure of officiating in the East at the raising of his two sons to the sublime degree of Master Mason. At the annual business meeting in 1948, Bro. James M. Hindle was elected Worshipful Master. Total membership at the year's end stood at 319. A number of very successful events featured the year's work. The Past Masters' Night in March was notable with 119 members and visitors present. The Christmas Party was also a great success. On May 23, about 125 members and their families and friends journeyed to Charlton for a visit to the Masonic Home, where an outdoor picnic was enjoyed. At the regular communication of the Lodge held on September 21, 1948, Bro. James M. Hindle was installed as Worshipful Master by Wor. Robert E. Powell. Wor. Bro. Hamilton, first Master of Nehoiden Lodge presented a Past Master's jewel to Past Master Reeves, and a Past Master's apron was presented to the new Master, Bro. James M. Hindle,by Wor. Bro. Powell. On November 19, 1949, a very successful "Family Social Night" was held, with entertainment, card games and dancing. For our December Christmas Party the entertainment committee arranged a splendid program for the kiddies, which the adults appeared to enjoy equally well. On April 28, the annual Ladies' Night was held in our own apartments. An excellent tenderloin beef dinner was served, followed by an entertainment and dancing. On May 24, the Lodge was privileged to witness a rare event in Freemasonry, when a father was accorded the pleasure of raising his three sons the same evening. This signal honor came to our own R.W. C. Weston Ringer, who was assisted by a distinguished company of Masons. It was an event which will long be remembered. The Masonic Home at Charlton was again the recipient of the Lodge's interest and goodwill when on May 22 we sponsored the Needham Philharmonic Orchestra, who visited the Home and gave a distinguished performance under the direction of Mr. Raymond H. Orr. Membership at the close of the year stood at 336.

At the regular monthly communication on September 20, 1949, Bro. John R. Drinkwater, having been duly qualified, was installed as Worshipful Master by R.W. Curtis R. Wells. About two hundred members and friends attended this semi-public installation. Among the distinguished guests were M.W. Samuel H. Wragg and Mrs. Wragg, also Wor. Gilbert W. Cox and Mrs. Cox. At the regular meeting in November occurred one of the outstanding events of the year on the occasion of the last Official Visitation of our own District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham 5th District, R.W. Curtis R. Wells, when he was honored by one of the largest and most distinguished suites ever to visit Nehoiden Lodge. In the absence of the Master at the December meeting, our Senior Warden, Bro. Carl E. Tamm, acted as Master and conferred the third degree on five candidates, including his own son, Richard. Another highlight of the year was the annual Past Masters' Night, when Nehoiden Lodge was filled to capacity to witness the exemplary and inspiring work of our distinguished Past Masters. Several social events were held, notably the Christmas Party and the Ladies' Night, which was held at the Wellesley Country Club. In May our members visited the Masonic Home, where a picnic was held and the guests of the Home entertained. At the close of the year the membership had risen to 354.

On September 19, 1950, the duly elected Worshipful Master, Bro. Carl E. Tamm, was installed as Master by Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton. The installation was witnessed by R. W. J. Edwin Mitchell, District Deputy Grand Master of the Waltham 5th District, who was introduced by R.W. Curtis R. Wells. The installation was semi-public and was witnessed by approximately two hundred members, their wives, and friends. On October 17, the Lodge received an Official Visitation from the District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. J. Edwin Mitchell. At the Feast of St. John in December, 1950, our Lodge was again honored by the appointment of R. W. Curtis R. Wells to the office of Grand Pursuivant by M. W. Thomas S. Roy. In December, our officers visited Wellesley Lodge and conferred the entire first degree on one of their candidates. The February 20 meeting was called "Charter Member Night," with twenty-three of our charter members in attendance. On March 6, 1951, our special communication was known as "R. W. C. Weston Ringer Night" in honor of his election to the high office of Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The Grand Master, M. W. Thomas S. Roy, accompanied by twenty-three of the Grand Lodge Officers, visited Nehoiden Lodge on this occasion to pay honor to our distinguished Past Master, Bro. Ringer. During our January 16, 1951, meeting, the Worshipful Master proposed the elevation of our first Master, Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton, to Honorary Membership. In February Bro. Hamilton was duly elected. In view of this, our usual Past Masters' Night, which was held on March 20, was known as "Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton Night." Our special communication of June 5 was known as "Wor. Ralph P. Preble Night." On this occasion we honored our second Master, who was presented with a Fifty-year Veteran's Medal by our District Deputy Grand Master on behalf of the Grand Master. At the close of the year, the membership had increased to 370.

Bro. Alfred J. Emrich having been unanimously elected at the regular meeting in June, was duly installed as Worshipful Master on September 18, 1951. Wor. Alan L. Drury acted as Installing Master, assisted by Wor. James M. Flindle as Installing Marshal. A Past Master's jewel was presented to Wor. Bro. Tamm by R.W. C. Weston Ringer, and a Past Master's Apron was presented to the Master-elect by R. W. H. C. N. Ripley. As the installation was semi-public, some 250 members, their wives and friends witnessed the ceremonies. At the October meeting, our District Deputy Grand Master, J. Edwin Mitchell, his Marshal, and Secretary honored us with an official visit. At our December meeting the officers of Wellesley Lodge paid us a return visit and conferred the second and third sections of the Entered Apprentice Degree on two of our candidates. Our February meeting was celebrated as Past Masters' Night. After the conclusion of the degree work, Wor. Carl E. Tamm presented the Master with the Hersey Gavel, a wonderful tradition at Nehoiden Lodge. In March we had the honor of receiving our new District Deputy Grand Master, Hanlon M. Carter, and his distinguished suite on his first fraternal visit to Nehoiden Lodge. On Sunday, June 15, 1952, the Lodge attended divine service at the Episcopal Church, together with members of Norfolk Lodge and members of the Eastern Star, in observance of St. John's Sunday. At the 250th regular communication of Nehoiden Lodge held on Tuesday evening, June 17, 1952, Bro. Wilfred C. Morse was unanimously elected Worshipful Master. The work of the evening then proceeded and was witnessed by R.W. Hanlon M. Carter, District Deputy Grand Master, who with his suite was introduced by R. W. Curtis R. Wells. After occupying the Oriental Chair for a few minutes, R. W. Brother Carter resigned the chair to the Worshipful Master, Alfred J. Emrich, so that the degree work might proceed on schedule.

Thus briefly we have reviewed the first twenty-five years of Nehoiden Lodge, years rich in early promise, which have come to a ripening and fulfillment. The membership, including those Brethren who have passed before us to the Celestial Lodge on high, brings our numbers to around the 400 mark. To the Charter Members of the Lodge and our first Master, Wor. Arthur S. Hamilton, must go the accolade, "Well done!" for this splendid achievement. If their foresight and vision should need any memorial, I would say that we might paraphrase, or even borrow, the simple Latin phrase inscribed in St. Paul's Cathedral in London to the great architect, Sir Christopher Wren. It reads Si vis monumentum, circumspice (If you seek a memorial, look around). Tonight, if any memorial to the enduring character of the founding of Nehoiden Lodge were necessary, all we have to do is just look around.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1927: District 5 (Waltham)

2003:District 5

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

Retrieved from "http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Nehoiden&oldid=51314"