Difference between revisions of "Palestine"

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=== HISTORY ===
 
=== HISTORY ===
  
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1918 1918]''' (50th Anniversary History, 1918-236)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1918 1918]''' (50th Anniversary History, 1918-236; see below)
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1943 1943]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1943-244)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1943 1943]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1943-244; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1968 1968]''' (Centenary History, 1968-242)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1968 1968]''' (Centenary History, 1968-242)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1982 1982]''' (mention in [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MountVernon2#125TH_ANNIVERSARY_HISTORY.2C_NOVEMBER_1982 125th Anniversary history of Mount Vernon Lodge], 1982-124)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1982 1982]''' (mention in [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MountVernon2#125TH_ANNIVERSARY_HISTORY.2C_NOVEMBER_1982 125th Anniversary history of Mount Vernon Lodge], 1982-124)
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1943 1943]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1994-82)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1943 1943]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1994-82; see below)
 +
 
 +
==== 50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1918 ====
 +
 
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1918-236:''
 +
 
 +
''Address of R. W. Columbus Corey.''
 +
 
 +
Palestine Lodge traces its place of birth to the brick building at the corner of Main Street and Baldwin Avenue, then known as Barney's Perfumery Building. Masons having a residence in South Malden had for a year or more previous to the granting of a dispensation met monthly or oftener at this place to lecture and perfect themselves in the work, and thoroughly did they do it, as evidenced when the opportunity came for them to show what progress they had made. Meeting with them, besides those who afterward became members of Palestine Lodge, were Brothers Hawes Atwood, Charles F. Atwood, Charles D. Stearns, Robert M. Barnard, James Skinner, Thomas Lewis, Stephen H. Kimball, and George T. Barney.. These Brothers were mostly affiliated with Boston Lodges.
 +
 
 +
September 25, 1868, an informal meeting was held at which Brothers George W. Pierce, Henry L. Chase, and Thomas Leavitt were chosen a committee to prepare and present a petition to [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MountVernon2 Mount Vernon] Lodge asking permission to form a new Lodge. The petition, at the suggestion of Mount Vernon Lodge, was to bear only the names of members of Mount Vernon Lodge. "Palestine" was the name selected for the new Lodge: "Palestine" — the land of Canaan. Palestine has been termed the "Fatherland of Masonic orders."
 +
 
 +
At a meeting of Mount Vernon Lodge held December 3, 18(58, it was voted "That the prayer of the petitioners be granted." It was also voted "That the Brethren of South Malden have the use of our Hall while under Dispensation. ''
 +
 
 +
A Dispensation was granted December 8, 1868, by [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDame Charles C. Dame], Most Worshipful Grand Master, attested by [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSThornton Solon Thornton], Grand Secretary, and appointing as Worshipful Master George W. Pierce, Senior Warden Henry L. Chase, Junior Warden Alfred Tufts.
 +
 
 +
The first regular communication was held January 14, 1869, at Engine House Hall, then standing where was afterward the Police Station, the building afterward becoming the property of the Veteran Firemen's Association and being removed to Second Street. After the reading of the Dispensation, the Worshipful Master completed the organization as follows:
 +
* Treasurer, Thomas Leavitt
 +
* Secretary, James P. Stewart
 +
* Senior  Deacon,  Jonas F. Wakefield
 +
* Junior Deacon , Philip Ham
 +
* Senior Steward, John G. Berry
 +
* 
Junior Steward, Albert W. Lewis
 +
* Inside Sentinel, Benjamin Corey
 +
* Marshal, S. Augustus Stimpson
 +
The above, with Henry W. VanVoorhis, John C. VanVoorhis and Peter Hanson, fourteen in all, were the Charter members. Thomas Lewis was appointed as Tyler and James Skinner, Chaplain. Of the Charter members none survive. Brother Albert W. Lewis, the last to go to that country from whose bourne no traveller returns, died January 28, 1917.
 +
 
 +
At the meeting of January 14, 1869, three candidates were proposed, who were in due time elected and received the degrees. They were Columbus Corey, Joseph B. Nichols, and Joseph H. Currant, in the order named.
 +
 
 +
A Charter was granted under date of December 8, 1869. December 29, 1869, the Lodge met per order of Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner William Sewall Gardner] at 4 o'clock p.m. for the purpose of being Constituted, Consecrated, and Dedicated as Palestine Lodge and for the installation of  officers — twenty-eight members in number.
 +
 
 +
After the dedicatory service, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, assisted by R. W. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLTCheever Tracy T. Cheever], District Deputy Grand Master, installed the officers of the Lodge. The officers were the same as those who served under Dispensation.
 +
 
 +
The need of more suitable accommodations for the Lodge had already become acute and a number of the Brethren formed a corporation under the name of "Everett Associates," every member of which must be a Mason, and erected what was known as Masonic Building in Everett Square. A proposition had been made by another party to erect a building on School Street and lease the second story to the Lodge for $500.00 per year. Lease was taken of the hall in Masonic Building at $350.00.
 +
 
 +
The first communication of the Lodge in its new apartments was held February 9, 1871, and was the informal opening of one of the most beautiful Lodge-rooms in the State, ornamented, as it was, entirely with designs pertaining to the Craft.
 +
 
 +
On June 1, 1872, the apartments were Dedicated to the "purposes of Masonry" by Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno D. Nickerson] and Officers of the Grand Lodge. After the services of Dedication were concluded, a beautiful silk banner, the gift of the lady friends, was borne into the hall and presented in their behalf by Miss Nellie P. Corey, and accepted in behalf of the Lodge by Worshipful Brother George W. Pierce. At that time the Lodge consisted of but fifty-two members and on that number rested a debt of $3000.00.  It may be that that obligation more firmly cemented the bonds of friendship and that the indissoluble tie of brotherly love and affection was made stronger from the necessity of working in harmony.
 +
 
 +
Numerous applications from different organizations, fraternal and beneficiary, were made for occupancy of the Masonic apartments, but they were invariably declined, not from a lack of neighborly or brotherly feeling, but from the fact that it was dedicated to Masonry and as such it was proposed to keep it sacred to the cause.
 +
 
 +
As the members cheerfully bore the burden, so it was also true that the ladies generously gave their assistance. In 1871, in 1878, and in 1883 fairs were held, as the result of which a good, sizable sum was on each occasion placed to the credit of the treasury.
 +
January 24, 1908, Masonic Building was destroyed by fire and with it the entire furnishings and treasures of Palestine Lodge except the records, which were safely kept in a safe by Worshipful Brother Noyes. Constituted December, 1860, with a membership of twenty-eight, in October, 1910, the Lodge had a membership of four hundred and sixty-five.
 +
 
 +
And now Palestine Lodge found itself without a home. Action was immediately taken to provide one. A committee was appointed consisting of
 +
* Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce,
 +
* Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes,
 +
* Brother Eugene C. Blount,
 +
* Brother Isaac C. Harvey,
 +
* Brother Percy C. Bond,
 +
to attend to the erection of a building which was to be the property of Palestine Lodge. Land was purchased of the Barnard Estate, and the building which we now occupy was the result of their labors and one which we think equal to any.
 +
 
 +
The cornerstone was laid October 11, 1910, by M. W. Brother [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFlanders Dana J. Flanders], assisted by "Worshipful Brother Rev. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLRPBush R. Perry Bush], D. D., Grand Chaplain, R. W. Brother [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHBallard Harry P. Ballard] as Grand Marshal, and other officers of the Grand Lodge.
 +
 
 +
The Dedication, January 20, 1911, was conducted by M.W. Brother Dana J. Flanders, assisted by Worshipful Brothers Rev. [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEHorton Edward A. Horton], Rev. R. Perry Bush, D.D., and other officers of the Grand Lodge.
 +
 
 +
In order that we might have that harmony ''which should strengthen and support every gentle and ennobling emotion of the soul" the lady friends of the Lodge placed in the building an organ which sounds for itself. Since the erection of the building Bethsaida Royal Arch Chapter has been Instituted, February 22, 1911, with Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce as first High Priest. The ladies have also organized a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, April 15, 1903, with Mrs. Katherine A. Smith as Matron, Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes, Patron. Palestine Lodge, during the time that it was to be without a Lodge-room of its own, held its meetings in Maiden Masonic Hall, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Converse Converse] Lodge very kindly placing its regalia at the disposal of Palestine Lodge.
 +
 
 +
Palestine Lodge now has a membership of seven hundred and sixty-five, one hundred and one of whom are in the military or naval service of the United States.
  
 
==== 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1943 ====
 
==== 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1943 ====

Revision as of 19:28, 8 January 2015

PALESTINE LODGE

Location: North Malden; Everett (1883)

Chartered By: William Sewall Gardner

Charter Date: 12/08/1869 VII-407

Precedence Date: 12/08/1868

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • George W. Pierce, 1869-1872
  • Charles D. Stearns, 1873, 1874
  • Charles F. Atwood, 1875, 1876
  • Philip Ham, 1877, 1878
  • Columbus Corey, 1879, 1880; Mem
  • Nathan Nichols, 1881, 1882
  • John S. Nichols, 1883, 1884
  • James A. Wallace, 1885, 1886
  • Francis E. Dyer, 1887, 1888
  • George E. Whittemore, 1889, 1890
  • Thornton A. Smith, 1891, 1892
  • Thomas Milligan, 1893, 1894
  • Henry A. Knight, 1895, 1896
  • Charles Bruce, 1897, 1898
  • Edwin B. Noyes, 1899, 1900
  • Edwin M. Hall, 1901, 1902
  • Frederick B. Silsby, 1903, 1904
  • Gustavus A. Judd, 1905, 1906
  • Charles L. Purinton, 1907; SN
  • Edwin C. Beers, 1908, 1909
  • Fred A. Robertson, 1910, 1911
  • Charles O. Howe, 1912, 1913
  • Fred M. Burden, 1914, 1915
  • John R. Dexter, 1916, 1917
  • Philip E. Ham, 1918
  • Charles Holton, 1919, 1920
  • Fred Hobbs, 1921
  • George A. F. Perry, 1922
  • Willard P. Lombard, 1923; N
  • James F. Williams, 1924
  • Joseph E. Maxcy, 1925
  • Herman F. Wood, 1926
  • John A. Corliss, 1927; SN
  • George Harvey, 1928
  • Preston D. Chambers, 1929; N
  • James H. Shillady, 1930
  • Charles R. Chapman, 1931
  • Charles R. Flagg, 1932
  • Percy R. W. Davis, 1933
  • Ernest W. West, 1934
  • Mortimer W. Schroeder, 1935
  • Wallace E. Chase, 1936, 1937
  • James Love, 1938
  • John M. MacKenzie, 1939
  • Kenneth G. Swindell, 1940; N
  • Elmer R. Pickering, 1941
  • Edward H. Mack, 1942
  • Richard L. Lounsbury, 1943
  • George M. Poor, 1944
  • Cecil Thomson, 1945
  • Carrol C. Cate, 1946
  • G. Lawrence Sjostedt, 1947
  • Harold M. Wetherbee, 1948
  • Willard B. Whittemore, 1949
  • John G. Barnhardt, 1950
  • Edmund W. Patterson, 1951
  • George E. M. Perham, 1952
  • Stanley L. Whittemore, 1953
  • Goerge S. Kenison, 1954
  • Arnold H. Wetherbee, 1955
  • Henri B. Turner, 1956
  • Kenneth M. Webber, 1957
  • James M. Love, 1958
  • Hollis E. Elwell, 1959
  • Philip E. Coyle, Jr., 1960; N
  • Samuel C. Jacobus, 1961
  • Donald F. Leonard, 1962
  • David J. McBride, 1963
  • John K. Olsen, 1964
  • Charles E. Wilderman, Sr., 1965
  • Robert A. Grout, 1966
  • Charles S. Hopkins, 1967
  • George W. Betts, Jr., 1968
  • Joseph F. Dresser, 1969
  • George D. Baldwin, 1970
  • Donald L. King, 1971
  • John N. Olsen, 1972
  • James R. Griffith, 1973
  • Jesse C. Blackmon, Jr., 1974
  • William J. Strong, 1975
  • David D. Frizzell, 1976
  • Donald F. Libby, 1977
  • David L. Westerman, 1978
  • Orlando R. Goodwin, 1979; SN
  • Thomas A. Joyce, 1980
  • Thomas M. Frederick, 1981
  • Charles R. Swan, 1982, 1987
  • Loren A. Frizzell, 1983
  • Walter M. Russ, 1984
  • Robert J. Garbarino, 1985, 1986
  • John R. Gear, 1988
  • Joseph P. Westerman, 1989, 2001, 2002
  • Robert B. Reed, 1990, 2003, 2004
  • William R. Frederick, Jr., 1991, 1992
  • Joseph C. DelFavero, 1993, 1994, 2008, 2009
  • Gerald C. Guerriero, 1995
  • Douglas G. Varney, 1996
  • J. Gregory Russ, 1997, 1998
  • David I. Westerman, 1999, 2000
  • Kevin B. McNeely, 2005-2007
  • William J. Boulay, 2010-2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1868
  • Petition for Charter: 1869

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1918 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1943 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1968 (Centenary)
  • 1994 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1872 1875 1876 1881 1889 1897 1904 1906 1908 1919 1935 1938 1939 1950 1960 1961 1964 1974 1980 1989 1990 2012

HISTORY

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1918

From Proceedings, Page 1918-236:

Address of R. W. Columbus Corey.

Palestine Lodge traces its place of birth to the brick building at the corner of Main Street and Baldwin Avenue, then known as Barney's Perfumery Building. Masons having a residence in South Malden had for a year or more previous to the granting of a dispensation met monthly or oftener at this place to lecture and perfect themselves in the work, and thoroughly did they do it, as evidenced when the opportunity came for them to show what progress they had made. Meeting with them, besides those who afterward became members of Palestine Lodge, were Brothers Hawes Atwood, Charles F. Atwood, Charles D. Stearns, Robert M. Barnard, James Skinner, Thomas Lewis, Stephen H. Kimball, and George T. Barney.. These Brothers were mostly affiliated with Boston Lodges.

September 25, 1868, an informal meeting was held at which Brothers George W. Pierce, Henry L. Chase, and Thomas Leavitt were chosen a committee to prepare and present a petition to Mount Vernon Lodge asking permission to form a new Lodge. The petition, at the suggestion of Mount Vernon Lodge, was to bear only the names of members of Mount Vernon Lodge. "Palestine" was the name selected for the new Lodge: "Palestine" — the land of Canaan. Palestine has been termed the "Fatherland of Masonic orders."

At a meeting of Mount Vernon Lodge held December 3, 18(58, it was voted "That the prayer of the petitioners be granted." It was also voted "That the Brethren of South Malden have the use of our Hall while under Dispensation.

A Dispensation was granted December 8, 1868, by Charles C. Dame, Most Worshipful Grand Master, attested by Solon Thornton, Grand Secretary, and appointing as Worshipful Master George W. Pierce, Senior Warden Henry L. Chase, Junior Warden Alfred Tufts.

The first regular communication was held January 14, 1869, at Engine House Hall, then standing where was afterward the Police Station, the building afterward becoming the property of the Veteran Firemen's Association and being removed to Second Street. After the reading of the Dispensation, the Worshipful Master completed the organization as follows:

  • Treasurer, Thomas Leavitt
  • Secretary, James P. Stewart
  • Senior Deacon, Jonas F. Wakefield
  • Junior Deacon , Philip Ham
  • Senior Steward, John G. Berry
  • 
Junior Steward, Albert W. Lewis
  • Inside Sentinel, Benjamin Corey
  • Marshal, S. Augustus Stimpson

The above, with Henry W. VanVoorhis, John C. VanVoorhis and Peter Hanson, fourteen in all, were the Charter members. Thomas Lewis was appointed as Tyler and James Skinner, Chaplain. Of the Charter members none survive. Brother Albert W. Lewis, the last to go to that country from whose bourne no traveller returns, died January 28, 1917.

At the meeting of January 14, 1869, three candidates were proposed, who were in due time elected and received the degrees. They were Columbus Corey, Joseph B. Nichols, and Joseph H. Currant, in the order named.

A Charter was granted under date of December 8, 1869. December 29, 1869, the Lodge met per order of Most Worshipful Grand Master William Sewall Gardner at 4 o'clock p.m. for the purpose of being Constituted, Consecrated, and Dedicated as Palestine Lodge and for the installation of officers — twenty-eight members in number.

After the dedicatory service, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, assisted by R. W. Tracy T. Cheever, District Deputy Grand Master, installed the officers of the Lodge. The officers were the same as those who served under Dispensation.

The need of more suitable accommodations for the Lodge had already become acute and a number of the Brethren formed a corporation under the name of "Everett Associates," every member of which must be a Mason, and erected what was known as Masonic Building in Everett Square. A proposition had been made by another party to erect a building on School Street and lease the second story to the Lodge for $500.00 per year. Lease was taken of the hall in Masonic Building at $350.00.

The first communication of the Lodge in its new apartments was held February 9, 1871, and was the informal opening of one of the most beautiful Lodge-rooms in the State, ornamented, as it was, entirely with designs pertaining to the Craft.

On June 1, 1872, the apartments were Dedicated to the "purposes of Masonry" by Most Worshipful Grand Master Sereno D. Nickerson and Officers of the Grand Lodge. After the services of Dedication were concluded, a beautiful silk banner, the gift of the lady friends, was borne into the hall and presented in their behalf by Miss Nellie P. Corey, and accepted in behalf of the Lodge by Worshipful Brother George W. Pierce. At that time the Lodge consisted of but fifty-two members and on that number rested a debt of $3000.00. It may be that that obligation more firmly cemented the bonds of friendship and that the indissoluble tie of brotherly love and affection was made stronger from the necessity of working in harmony.

Numerous applications from different organizations, fraternal and beneficiary, were made for occupancy of the Masonic apartments, but they were invariably declined, not from a lack of neighborly or brotherly feeling, but from the fact that it was dedicated to Masonry and as such it was proposed to keep it sacred to the cause.

As the members cheerfully bore the burden, so it was also true that the ladies generously gave their assistance. In 1871, in 1878, and in 1883 fairs were held, as the result of which a good, sizable sum was on each occasion placed to the credit of the treasury. January 24, 1908, Masonic Building was destroyed by fire and with it the entire furnishings and treasures of Palestine Lodge except the records, which were safely kept in a safe by Worshipful Brother Noyes. Constituted December, 1860, with a membership of twenty-eight, in October, 1910, the Lodge had a membership of four hundred and sixty-five.

And now Palestine Lodge found itself without a home. Action was immediately taken to provide one. A committee was appointed consisting of

  • Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce,
  • Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes,
  • Brother Eugene C. Blount,
  • Brother Isaac C. Harvey,
  • Brother Percy C. Bond,

to attend to the erection of a building which was to be the property of Palestine Lodge. Land was purchased of the Barnard Estate, and the building which we now occupy was the result of their labors and one which we think equal to any.

The cornerstone was laid October 11, 1910, by M. W. Brother Dana J. Flanders, assisted by "Worshipful Brother Rev. R. Perry Bush, D. D., Grand Chaplain, R. W. Brother Harry P. Ballard as Grand Marshal, and other officers of the Grand Lodge.

The Dedication, January 20, 1911, was conducted by M.W. Brother Dana J. Flanders, assisted by Worshipful Brothers Rev. Edward A. Horton, Rev. R. Perry Bush, D.D., and other officers of the Grand Lodge.

In order that we might have that harmony which should strengthen and support every gentle and ennobling emotion of the soul" the lady friends of the Lodge placed in the building an organ which sounds for itself. Since the erection of the building Bethsaida Royal Arch Chapter has been Instituted, February 22, 1911, with Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce as first High Priest. The ladies have also organized a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, April 15, 1903, with Mrs. Katherine A. Smith as Matron, Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes, Patron. Palestine Lodge, during the time that it was to be without a Lodge-room of its own, held its meetings in Maiden Masonic Hall, Converse Lodge very kindly placing its regalia at the disposal of Palestine Lodge.

Palestine Lodge now has a membership of seven hundred and sixty-five, one hundred and one of whom are in the military or naval service of the United States.

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-244:

By Right Worshipful John A. Corliss:

The first fifty years of Palestine Lodge were admirably recorded by Right Worshipful Columbus Corey, whose application for the degrees was the first received by the new Lodge. The history of these years was given in an address delivered at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary on December 9, 1918, and it is fitting that this record be included herein.

Palestine Lodge traces its place of birth to the brick building at the corner of Main Street and Baldwin Avenue, then known as Barney's Perfumery Building.

Masons having a residence in South Maiden had for a year or more previous to the granting of a dispensation met monthly or oftener at this place to lecture and perfect themselves in the work, and thoroughly did they do it, as evidenced when the opportunity came for them to show what progress they had made. Meeting with them, besides those who afterward became members of Palestine Lodge, were Brothers Hawes Atwood, Charles F. Atwood, Charles D. Stearns, Robert M. Barnard, James Skinner, Thomas Lewis, Stephen H. Kimball and George T. Barney. These Brothers were mostly affiliated with Boston Lodges.

September 25, 1868, an informal meeting was held at which Brothers George W. Pierce, Henry L. Chase and Thomas Leavitt were chosen a committee to prepare and present a petition to Mount Vernon Lodge asking permission to form a new Lodge. The petition, at the suggestion of Mount Vernon Lodge, was to bear only the names of members of Mount Vernon Lodge. "Palestine" was the name selected for the new Lodge. At a meeting of Mount Vernon Lodge held December 3, 1868, it was voted "That the prayer of the petitioners be granted." It was also voted "That the Brethren of South Maiden have the use of our Hall while under Dispensation."

A Dispensation was granted December 8, 1868, by Charles C. Dame, Most Worshipful Grand Master, attested by Solon Thornton, Grand Secretary, and appointing as Worshipful Master, George W. Pierce; Senior Warden, Henry L. Chase; Junior Warden, Alfred Tufts.

The first regular communication was held January 14, 1869, at Engine House Hall, then standing where was afterwards the Police Station, the building afterwards becoming the property of the Veteran Firemen's Association and being removed to Second Street. After the reading of the Dispensation, the Worshipful Master completed the organization as follows:

  • Treasurer, Thomas Leavitt
  • Secretary, James P. Stewart
  • Senior Deacon, Jonas P. Wakefield
  • Junior Deacon, Philip Ham
  • Senior Steward, John G. Berry
  • Junior Steward, Albert W. Lewis
  • Inside Sentinel, Benjamin Corey
  • Marshal, S. Augustus Stimpson

The above, with Henry W. VanVoorhis, John C. VanVoorhis and Peter Hanson, fourteen in all, were the Charter members. Thomas Lewis was appointed as Tyler and James Skinner, Chaplain.

At the meeting of January 14, 1869, three candidates were proposed, who were in due time elected and received degrees. They were Columbus Corey, Joseph E. Nichols, and Joseph H. Currant, in the order named.

A Charter was granted under date of December 8, 1869. December 29, 1869, the Lodge met per order of Most Worshipful Grand Master William Sewall Gardner at 4 o'clock P.M. for the purpose of being Constituted, Consecrated and Dedicated as Palestine Lodge and for the installation of officers — twenty-eight members in number. After the dedicatory service, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, assisted by R.W. Tracy P. Cheever, District Deputy Grand Master, installed the officers of the Lodge. The officers were the same as those who served under Dispensation.

The need of more suitable accommodations for the Lodge had already become acute and a number of the Brethren formed a corporation under the name of "Everett Associates," every member of which must be a Mason, and erected what was known as Masonic Building in Everett Square. The first communication of the Lodge in its new apartments was held February 9, 1871, and was the informal opening of one of the most beautiful Lodge-rooms in the State, ornamented, as it was, entirely with designs pertaining to the Craft.

On June 1, 1872, the apartments were Dedicated to the "purposes of Masonry" by Most Worshipful Grand Master Sereno D. Nickerson and officers of the Grand Lodge. At that time the Lodge consisted of but fifty-two members and on that number rested a debt of $3000.00. It may be that that obligation more firmly cemented the bonds of friendship and that the indissoluble tie of brotherly love and affection was made stronger from the necessity of working in harmony.

January 24, 1908, Masonic Building was destroyed by fire and with it the entire furnishings and treasures of Palestine Lodge except the records, which were safely kept in a safe by Worshipful Brother Noyes. Constituted December, 1869, with a membership of twenty-eight, in October, 1910, the Lodge had a membership of four hundred and sixty-five. And now Palestine Lodge found itself without a home. Action was immediately taken to provide one. A committee was appointed consisting of:

  • Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce
  • Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes
  • Brother Eugene I. Blount
  • Brother Isaac C. Harvey
  • Brother Percy C. Bond

to attend to the erection of a building which was to be the property of Palestine Lodge. Land was purchased of the Barnard Estate, and the building which we now occupy was the result of their labors and one which we think equal to any. The cornerstone was laid October 11, 1910, by M. W. Bro. Dana J. Flanders, assisted by Worshipful Brother Rev. R. Perry Bush, D.D., Grand Chaplain, R.W. Brother Harry P. Ballard as Grand Marshal, and other officers of the Grand Lodge. The Dedication January 20, 1911, was conducted by M.W. Brother Dana J. Flanders, assisted by Worshipful Brothers Rev. Edward A. Horton, Rev. R. Perry Bush, D.D., and other officers of the Grand Lodge.

Since the erection of the Building, Bethsaida Royal Arch Chapter has been Instituted, February 22, 1911, with Worshipful Brother Charles Bruce as first High Priest. Palestine Lodge, during the time that it was to be without a Lodge-room of its own, held its meetings in Maiden Masonic Hall, Converse Lodge very kindly placing its regalia at the disposal of Palestine Lodge.

Palestine Lodge now has a membership of seven hundred and sixty-five, one hundred and one of whom are in the military or naval service of the United States. This concludes the record of Right Worshipful Brother Corey. Going back into the later years covered by the narration just quoted, and while the Lodge was enjoying a period of marked prosperity in membership, and the occupancy of a new Temple, various interesting incidents are noted.

At the 497th regular communication held May 17, 1917, Worshipful John R. Dexter received Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott and a suite of Grand Officers, including Most Worshipful J. Albert Blake, on a fraternal visit. Worshipful Brother Dexter at that communication presented Past Master's Aprons to Worshipful Brothers Dyer, Whittemore, Smith, Milligan, Noyes, Judd, Purinton, Beers and Robertson. With Right Worshipful Columbus Corey in the East and all stations filled by Past Masters, the Master Mason Degree was worked on Brother R. T. L. Lewis. The Grand Master then presented Right Worshipful Brother Corey with a Henry Price medal.

Sunday afternoon, June 24, 1917, the Lodge met in celebration of St. John's Day and in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge of England at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in London, June 24, 1717.

June 27, 1918, at the 437th special communication, Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott again paid the Lodge a fraternal visit and presented the Henry Price medal to Brother George F. Hobbs, then fifty years a Mason.

Sunday afternoon, December 8, 1918, the 446th special communication was held for the purpose of observing the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lodge. Two hundred sixty-eight members and eight visiting Brethren formed a procession and marched to the First Baptist Church, then in Everett Square. A one hour program at the Church included music by Brother John A. Thomas at the organ, selections by the Weber Male Quartette, Scripture reading by Rev. Brother A. Judson Hughes, Chaplain of the Lodge and Pastor of the Church, and prayers by Grand Chaplains R. Perry Bush, D.D., member of Palestine Lodge, and Francis L. Beal, D.D. After the completion of this enjoyable program, the Brethren returned to the Temple for a social hour and refreshments served in Temple Hall.

Monday evening, December 9th, the 447th special communication was held to continue the celebration. At 7 o'clock, 300 members, with Grand Officers as guests, sat down to a banquet in the vestry of the First Methodist Church on Norwood Street. During the banquet, musical selections were rendered by the Commonwealth Orchestra. After the banquet the Brethren returned to the Temple where the Lodge was reconvened and the Worshipful Master received Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott and suite of Grand Officers. All living Past Masters of the Lodge, except Worshipful Brother Silsby, who was living in Maine, sixteen in number, are recorded as present at the communication.

The program of the evening included selections by the Weber Quartette, addresses by Worshipful Charles Holton, presiding Master, Brother William E. Weeks, Mayor of Everett, reading of the history of Palestine Lodge by Right Worshipful Columbus Corey, heretofore quoted, and addresses by Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott, Grand Master, and Reverend and Worshipful Edward E. Horton. About 400 members and guests are recorded as present. The years immediately following are memorable for the rapid growth of the Lodge and the number of communications held to accommodate the large lists of candidates. A high light in this period is the reception in the Lodge of Right Worshipful Claude L. Allen, who was later to become Grand Master, during his term as District Deputy for the Seventh Masonic District, in the years 1919 and 1920.

At the annual communication November 11, 1921, a committee previously appointed to report on the advisability of forming a new Masonic Lodge in Everett reported favorably.

May 11, 1922, Brother, the Honorable Charles L. Underhill, Representative in Congress of the ninth Massachusetts District, made a special trip from Washington to talk before the Lodge.

December 16, 1922, recorded the passing of Worshipful Nathan Nichols, Master in 1881 and 1882, Secretary of the Lodge for two years, and Treasurer for twenty-one years at the time of his death.

The Temple had been constructed with funds of the Lodge, and generous subscriptions from the Brethren, but these together had not provided sufficient capital and a mortgage to complete the construction had been negotiated at a local bank. With the increase in membership, surplus funds had been accumulated and on June 14, 1923, in the administration of Right Worshipful Willard P. Lombard, the last mortgage note was paid and Palestine Lodge, through its ownership of practically all the shares of stock in Palestine Masonic Association, became the owner of the Temple Building and grounds, free and clear of all incumbrances.

October 11, 1923, records the fraternal visit to Palestine Lodge of the newly formed Galilean Lodge with Worshipful David S. Huey, presiding Master, and a full suite of officers, who assisted in the work of the evening. This occasion is memorable in that Worshipful Brother Huey and all his officers, with the exception of one, were members of Palestine Lodge.

In 1924 our beloved Brother Worshipful James Francis Williams was stricken ill during his term as Master, and after several months, was taken from us and raised to the Celestial Lodge October 10, 1924. Funeral services were conducted at his late home by Brother Joseph E. Maxcy, Acting Master, and Rev. Brother Hugh MacCallum, Chaplain. The high regard in which Worshipful Brother Williams was held was confirmed by the attendance of sixty-four members and three visiting Brothers at the services.

Interesting incidents are picked up on occasion in preparing such a narrative as this.

In arranging for his installation in November, 1924, Brother Joseph E. Maxcy, elected Worshipful Master, sent return postcards inviting the members of the Lodge. One such card was finally received by a Brother in China, the return portion duly filled out and mailed to be received in Everett in April, 1925, five months after the ceremonies. The Brother thanked Worshipful Brother Maxcy for the invitation and remarked his doubt if he could attend in person, but would be with the Lodge in spirit.

At an official visitation by Right Worshipful Edgar O. Dewey, October 21, 1926, in remarking on the growth and standing of Lodges in the State, he stated that Palestine Lodge was the third largest at that time, with 1200 members.

While this history is not a necrology, it has seemed proper to pay sincere and merited tribute to several of our Brethren whose removal from our midst has left an emptiness in our physical surroundings, but a fulness of recollection of warm and sincere friendship and loyal service to the Lodge in our memories.

Among these revered Brethren, Worshipful Brother Edward B. Noyes holds a high place. Master in 1899 and 1900, and in his 24th year as Secretary at the time of his death, his service to the Lodge as member and officer covered a period of nearly forty years. Masonic Services were held for Brother Noyes Sunday, February 20th, at the First Congregational Church in Everett Square, attended by 175 Brethren and a church full of friends and neighbors.

Worshipful Herman F. Wood succeeded to the Secretaryship of the Lodge by election under dispensation and was installed in office March 10, 1927, handling the duties of the office most ably until his retirement in 1935.

At the regular communication May 12, 1927, Palestine Lodge voted to sponsor a Chapter of DeMolay in Everett, sharing this reponsibility with Galilean Lodge and Bethsaida Royal Arch Chapter. The Chapter was duly instituted as Everett Chapter, Order of DeMolay, October 28, 1927, with Worshipful Charles Bruce as Chairman of the Advisory Board and Brother Albert W. Lounsbury as Dad Advisor. With various Brethren occupying these offices, the Chapter has had a particularly successful existence and is now operating with a membership of about 175, of whom 100 active members are in the Armed Services.

In the year 1928 the Lodge suffered a loss in the active line in the death of Brother George W. Frazier, Senior Deacon, on September 20th.

Worshipful Brother Chambers in his year had the rare Masonic privilege of receiving and raising his father, Brother James Chambers. Two other sons and a son-in-law of Brother James Chambers were present at the ceremonies.

At the November 9, 1929, communication, Brother James H. Shillady was elected and installed Worshipful Master. Proving that rare Masonic privileges are not so rare, at the December 12th communication, Worshipful Brother Shillady raised his father, Brother Isaac Shillady, making two similar instances in two Masonic years. Three other sons of Brother Isaac Shillady presided at the gates.

January 17, 1930, Palestine Lodge lost its first candidate, oldest living member and Senior Past Master, Right Worshipful Columbus Corey, Master of Palestine Lodge in 1879 and 1880. Brother Corey was holder of the Henry Price Medal, ninety-six years old at the time of his death and had presided in the East of Palestine Lodge with a most commendable rendition of the ritual as recently as May 10, 1928, and as Chairman of the Committee to introduce the District Deputy Grand Master on the occasion of his official visitation September 27, 1928. Masonic services for Brother Corey were held at the Universalist Church January 21, 1930, by Worshipful James H. Shillady, assisted by Rev. Brother Hugh MacCallum, Chaplain.

March 18, 1930, the Lodge suffered another important loss in the death of Brother Albert W. Lounsbury, also while serving in the office of Senior Deacon. Brother Lounsbury had been Dad Advisor of Everett Chapter, Order of DeMolay, since its Institution.

June 10, 1930, records the raising of a grandson, Brother Herbert S. Judd, Jr., by Worshipful Gustavus A. Judd. At a special communication June 19th following, The Lodge of Stirling of Maiden, with its line of officers, paid Palestine Lodge a fraternal visit and assisted in the work of the degree.

The history of Palestine Lodge and of Masonry in Everett would be incomplete without particular mention of the most familiar Masonic figure in this city for the last fifty years. Initiated in Palestine Lodge in 1887 and Master in 1897 and 1898, Worshipful Charles Bruce has been mentioned as the Chairman of the Committee whose successful efforts culminated in the erection of this Temple Building. The Temple was his all absorbing interest from its building to the time of his death, October 6, 1937.

Worshipful Brother Bruce had served the Lodge as its Treasurer from 1924 to 1934, and as its Secretary from 1934 to 1937. He had also served as Chairman of the Advisory Board, Everett Chapter, Order of DeMolay, from the Institution of the Chapter.

Worshipful Brother Elmer R. Pickering, while presiding Master, was called into the Armed Services March 13, 1941; Brother Major John McKeague was recalled to service while in office as Junior Deacon; Brother Major Willard W. Whittemore was called into service while in office as Junior Warden; Brother John G. Barnhardt entered the Navy while serving as Junior Deacon; Brother G. Lawrence Sjostedt was called into the Army while in office as Senior Warden. These Brothers and thirty-eight others from our membership are now in their country's uniform.

MEMBERSHIP

In the early years of Palestine Lodge, and for perhaps the first fifty years, this Lodge, as well as nearly all other city Lodges, was composed of a local membership. Brothers were able to go to their Lodge meetings conveniently by foot or public transportation system.

The last twenty-five years have seen a spread of the membership of this Lodge as if carried by the "Four Winds of Heaven." As this record is written, about half the membership is within a possible attendance radius; the other half is from Maine to Florida to California, with Brothers in Argentine and on the seven seas, not including those Brothers who have answered their Country's call, some of whom are in the Far East.

The numerical strength of the Lodge, starting with 765 reported by Right Worshipful Brother Corey in December, 1918, and mentioned on occasion by District Deputies at official visitations, is noted for the years immediately following:

  • 1919 — 852 members, including 96 Initiates and 100 Life Members
  • 1920 — 920 members, including 91 Initiates

  • 1921 — 1057 members, including 155 Initiates

In this Masonic year 10 regular and 61 special communications were held, of which 56 were for degree work and 5 for funeral services.

Succeeding administrations showed annual increases in membership, the net figure reaching 1206 for 1925, 1215 for 1929 and 1225 for 1931. Since this year, the depression period and other reasons have reduced the membership to 825 in 1943.

APPOINTMENTS BY GRAND MASTERS

Palestine Lodge has been honored by the selection of various of its Past Masters to represent the Grand Master in the Seventh District; Right Worshipful Columbus Corey in 1884, 1885 and 1886, by appointment of Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr.; Right Worshipful Charles L. Purinton in 1911 and 1912, by appointment of Most Worshipful Dana J. Flanders and Most Worshipful Everett C. Benton; Right Worshipful Willard P. Lombard, Senior Grand Deacon in 1926 and Deputy for the Seventh Maiden Masonic District in 1927-1928, by appointment of Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson; Right Worshipful John A. Corliss, for the Seventh Melrose Masonic District in 1933-1934, by appointment of Most Worshipful Curtis Chipman; Right Worshipful Harry B. Tabor, member of Palestine Lodge, Charter Member and Past Master of Galilean Lodge, appointed for the Maiden Seventh Masonic District in 1941 and 1942 by Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSchaefer Albert A. Schaefer.

AWARDS BY GRAND LODGE

Henry Price Medals

  • R. W. Columbus Corey, May 17, 1917, by M. W. Leon M. Abbott
  • Bro. George F. Hobbs, June 27, 1918, by M. W. Leon M. Abbott
  • Wor. Gustavus A. Judd, November 12, 1925, by R.W. Edgar O. Dewey
  • Wor. George E. Hunt, member of Palestine Lodge for 36 years, Past Master of Galilean Lodge, by M.W. Albert A. Schaefer

Veteran's Medals

  • Bro. Joel C. Partridge, Sept. 29, 1927, by R.W. Fred L. Putnam
  • Wor. George W. Whittemore, Sept. 29, 1927, by R.W. Fred L, Putnam
  • Wor. Gustavus A. Judd, in 1928, by R.W. Charles M. Proctor
  • Wor. Thomas Milligan, Oct. 25, 1934, by R.W. John A. Corliss
  • Bro. Frank O. Whittier, May 12, 1938, by R.W. Edward P. Wells
  • Bro. James Bean in 1938, by Wm. L. Hovis, Inspector in Harding Lodge No. 584, Los Angeles, California
  • Bro. Thomas J. Boynton and Wor. Alton A. Jackson, May 11, 1939, by R.W. Roy A. Hovey
  • Bro. Joseph W. Philbrick, Bro. Henry R. Davis, Bro. George A. Ljbby, October 10, 1940, by R. W. Roy A- Hovey
  • Bro. Archibald Macauley, November 13, 1941, by R.W. Ernest R. Potter
  • Wor. George E. Hunt, Bro. Albert G. Freeman, May 7, 1942, by M.W. Albert A. Schaefer

  • Bro. Charles B. Ladd
, Bro. Charles A. Gleason, Bro. Fred E. Bean, Bro. Calvin H. Currier, Bro. James R. Hutton, February 11, 1943, by R.W. Howard G.
INSTALLATIONS BY NOTABLE MASONS FROM OTHER LODGES
  • Wor. George A. F. Perry, November, 1921, by his uncle, Worshipful Nathaniel W. Lillie, Past Master, John Abbot Lodge, Somerville
  • Wor. Willard P. Lombard, November 9, 1922, by his Law Associate, R.W. Willis W. Stover, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 3rd Masonic District
  • Wor. John A. Corliss, November 11, 1926, by R.W. Olin D. Dickerman, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 29th Masonic District, Past Junior Grand Warden, and his Associate in Military Activities in previous years.
  • Wor. George Havey, November 10, 1927, by R.W. Edgar O. Dewey, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 7th Masonic District and a companion Spanish War Veteran
  • Wor. Preston D. Chambers, November 8, 1928, by R.W. Charles M. Proctor, District Deputy Grand Master of the 7th Masonic District, assisted by a suite of presiding and Past Masters of the District
TRADITIONS OF PALESTINE LODGE

For many years the dress of the official line in Palestine Lodge has been distinctive, at least among Lodges in this and nearby districts. Previous to 1938 the dress was tail coats with black waistcoats and black ties. Beginning with 1938 the dress was changed to white waistcoats with white ties. The observance of practices approved by time and experience is appropriate in the Craft, and in this respect the Lodge has followed a conservative program.

The presentation of a Past Master's Jewel and a Past Master's Apron to a retiring Master is usual. The jewel has thus been presented in Palestine Lodge. In more recent years the apron has been presented to the incoming Master at his installation, that he might be properly clothed when representing the Lodge on the occasion of attendance at any other Lodge.

In 1926 the practice was adopted of presenting each candidate at the conclusion of his Master Mason Degree with a Masonic Bible, the Great Light in Masonry. The Bible is presented by the Chaplain and provides a particularly appropriate souvenir of an important Masonic event. Successive Masters since have continued this practice.

In the year 1938 the practice was adopted of sending to each member of the Lodge a birthday card on the Brother's anniversary. This has also been continued by Masters since.

As the years increase upon us, may we continue to use the common gavel and the other working tools of our Craft "to fit our minds as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MAY 1994

From Proceedings, Page 1994-82:

The following is a summary of remarks, reports and records made over the past 125 years by Past Masters and Secretaries of Palestine Lodge. Copies of the previous reports are attached. This report has been prepared by Wor. Thomas A. Joyce and presented in short form to the Lodge at its 125th celebration on May 14, 1994.

On September 25, 1868 a committee of three members of Mount Vernon Lodge of Maiden was formed to prepare a petition to present to The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts asking permission to form a new Lodge in South Malden. The Grand Lodge granted dispensation on December 8, 1868.

On January 14, 1869, Palestine Lodge held its first regular communication with Wor George W. Pierce presiding in the East. The meeting was held in Engine House Hall on the site of the future Central Police Station which has since been sold to a private developer. Part of the business of the evening was to vote on the application of R. W. Columbus Corey who later wrote the history of the Lodge over its first 50 years.

The first meeting under the Charter which was granted on December 8, 1869 was held on December 29, 1869 for the Constitution of Palestine Lodge.

The first "Masonic Building" in Everett was of wood construction in Everett Square built by a corporation of Everett Masons known as "Everett Associates" The first meeting in that building was on February 9, 1871. On January 24, 1908 the building and all of its contents except the Lodge records was destroyed by a fire. The only other things recovered were the compasses and four brass knockers which were mounted on the doors of the new building when completed.

On May 3, 1909 the Palestine Masonic Association (as it is known today) held its first meeting, organized, adopted by-laws and started work on plans to build a new temple for Palestine Lodge to meet in. Construction started on June 11, 1910 and on October 8, 1910 the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple at 538 Broadway was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Massachusetts - in the rain. On January 24, 1911 (exactly three years after the fire) and eight months after the start of construction, the first meeting was held in the new building with 290 members and 48 visitors present.

December 9, 1918 - The fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated and R.W. Corey presented his report of the history of the Lodge for its first 50 years.

December 9,1943 - R.W. John A. Corliss presented a history of the Lodge at the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Institution of Palestine Lodge.

November 11, 1968 - Worshipful Cecil Thomson presented a 100 year history of Palestine Lodge A.F. & A.M. at the One Hundredth Anniversary Special Communication.

The following is a brief summary of important events that have transpired since 1968.

1968-1969 - Wor. Joseph F. Dresser

1968 was the year of the one-hundredth anniversary celebration. Several events were planned for the year. On October 20, 1968 a Masonic Sunday Observance was held at the Glendale Methodist Church which was attended by a host of masons representing the various lodges and bodies of the Melrose and Maiden Seventh Masonic Districts. The Service followed a breakfast at the Temple on Broadway and a parade from Pleasant Street to the Church lead by the Bluebell Highlanders of Saugus.

On November 11,1968 a Special Communication of Palestine Lodge was held at the Masonic Temple on Broadway for the purpose of observing the One Hundredth Anniversary. That event was attended by Most Worshipful Thomas A. Booth, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

On April 8, 1969 the 100th Anniversary Ball was held at the Montvale Plaza in Stoneham, MA with a roast beef dinner and dancing till midnight.

On May 24, 1969 the Lodge held its 2250th Communication in Carroll Lodge No.57, Freedom, NH under special dispensation from both the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire and Massachusetts conferring the Master Mason Degree according to Massachusetts Ritual. There was a standing ovation for Wor. Joseph Dresser for his outstanding work of the evening.

1969-1970 - Wor. George D. Baldwin

January 8, 1970 - R. W. Willard P. Lombard and Bro. Richard Cleveland Sheppard were elected Honorary Members of Palestine Lodge.

May 14, 1970-An application for affiliation from Orlando Rae Goodwin, a member of Galilean Lodge was read and referred to committee. Rae later advanced to become Master of Palestine Lodge and subsequently became District Deputy Grand Master of the Melrose 7th Masonic District.

1970-1971 - Wor. Donald L. King

On January 14, 1971, R.W. Philip Edward Coyle, Jr., Past Master of Palestine Lodge, was escorted into the Lodge for his very first Fraternal Visitation and was presented his District Deputy Grand Master's Jewel by R. W. Kenneth G. Swindell.

1971-1972 - Wor. John N. Olsen

On April 13, 1972 Wor. John N. Olsen presented a Plaque to Wor. Cecil Thomson for outstanding service to Palestine Lodge as chairman of OLD TIMERS NITE for over 25 years.

1972-1973 - Wor. James R. Griffith
1974 - Wor. Jesse C. Blackmon

On October 11, 1973 a special committee, chaired by Wor. Henri B. Turner, recommended that the Past Master's Jewel of Palestine's first Master (Wor. George W. Pierce) become part of the permanent property of the Lodge and be disposed of only by a majority vote of the Lodge. Unfortunately at an unknown time after that, the safe where the jewel was kept was broken into, the jewel removed and never seen since. The theft was discovered and reported to the lodge on October 11, 1979.

May 9, 1974 - the District Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Edward P. Hamilton, presented a plaque to R. W. Willard P. Lombard - signed by Most Worshipful Donald Warren Vose - as a testimony of his having been a Past Master of Palestine Lodge for over 50 years.

1975 - Wor. William Strong

On Feb 16, 1975 a Masonic Service was held for R.W. Kenneth G. Swindell, who, among many other activities was a Past Master of Palestine Lodge, a Past Junior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and Secretary of the Lodge for nine years until his passing.

1976 - Wor. David D. Frizzell
1977 - Wor. Donald F. Libby
1978 - Wor. David I. Westerman

On February 9, 1978, Palestine Lodge's regular communication was canceled with special dispensation from the Grand Master because of the "Blizzard of 78". This is the first and only time that anything like this was ever entered in the Lodge records. Boston recorded about 30 inches of snow over a 36 hour period. The governor of the State closed all roads and businesses for about week.

1979 - Rt. Wor. Orlando Rae Goodwin
1980 - Wor. Thomas A. Joyce 1981 - Wor. Thomas M. Frederick

During the year of Wor. Thomas M. Frederick, three memoriams were observed, all inadvertently for the same member!!

On September 10, 1981 Brother Charles Swan reported that the Palestine Masonic Association had decided to close the Masonic Temple on Broadway due to the fact that there was not enough money to operate the building or to heat it. The building was scheduled to be closed on October 31, 1981.

After lengthy discussion on October 8. 1981 on a motion by Wor. George Betts, the Lodge voted to move its meeting place to the Odd Fellows Hall on Vernal Street.

1982 - Wor. Charles R. Swan
1983 - Wor. Loren A. Frizzell

On September 6,1983 the old Masonic Temple at 538 Broadway was sold. The proceeds from the sale have been duly invested and it is the sincere hope of many members that Palestine Lodge will someday have its own Temple.

1984 - Wor. Walter M. Russ
1985-1986 - Wor. Robert J. Garbarino

On February 18, 1985 R.W. Orlando Rae Goodwin made his first visitation as District Deputy Grand Master to Palestine Lodge. Wor. James Griffith, D. D. G. M. and Wor. Thomas A. Joyce, D. D. G. S. presented him with his D. D. G. M. Jewel and Wor. Lester Tuck, Master of Galilean Lodge presented Rae with his Top Hat.

1987 - Wor. Charles R. Swan
1988 - Wor. John R. Gear
1989 - Wor. Joseph P Westerman

On November 21, 1988 Bro William R Frederick Jr. moved that the Lodge provide a charitable Children's Christmas Party and that any funds collected be used for that purpose only, keeping any unencumbered funds for the following year. The annual children's party has been a huge success every year since that time and the Lodge owes Wor. Frederick a special thanks for his continuing efforts.

1990 - Wor. Robert B. Reed
1991-1992 - Wor. William R. Frederick

On October 3, 1992 Wor. David I. Westerman retired from the office of Secretary of Palestine Lodge after serving in that capacity for 14 years since September 16, 1968.

1993-1994 - Wor. Joseph C. Delfavero

Several years ago while I was Treasurer of Palestine Lodge, Wor. Cecil Thomson presented me with a package of items to be saved until the 125th anniversary. That package contained a copy of his report at the 100th anniversary along with several mementos that he had collected. The items are here tonight for anyone to examine.

A personal note:

Wor. David D. Frizzell, who is here tonight, was raised in Palestine Lodge on Dec 12, 1968, exactly 100 years from the Dispensation to Organize Palestine Lodge. On January 14, 1969, the 100th anniversary of the first meeting of the Lodge, I was voted to receive the degrees in Palestine Lodge. Last evening at dinner, Wor. Brother Dresser made it quite clear to us that based upon these facts, neither one of us qualify for any reduction in dues.

On September 1, 1968 there were 604 members of Palestine Lodge.
On September 1, 1993 there were 186 members of Palestine Lodge.
At this writing there are 27 living Past Masters of Palestine Lodge.

OTHER

  • 1883 (Petition to define jurisdiction; 1883-262, 1883-271)
  • 1916 (Jurisdictional appeal, 1916-20)

EVENTS

HALL DEDICATION, JUNE 1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 9, July 1872, Page 267:

Palestine Lodge of Everett, though ranking among the youngest in the jurisdiction, and located in one of the latest organized towns in the Commonwealth, and consequently with a comparatively limited population, has nobly manifested its energy and enterprise in providing for its future accommodation, one of the prettiest masonic halls in the immediate vicinity of the city. All the preliminary arrangements having been completed, it was appropriately dedicated to the purposes of Masonry (and we hope to none others) by the M. W. Grand Lodge on the evening of the 11th of June last. The ceremonies were performed by M. W. Grand Master Nickerson in person, with the assistance of the following Grand Officers: —

At the conclusion of the ceremonies of Dedication, the Grand Master addressed the assembly, consisting of about one hundred and fifty, including the ladies and invited guests, on the history and objects of the fraternity. The address was well adapted to the occasion, and was listened to with attention by the hearers.

At the conclusion of the address, and the singing of (he closing hymn, a rich and beautiful banner was borne into the hall by a young lad, accompanied by Miss Nellie T. Corey, a pupil of the High School, attended by a young lady friend. On reaching the East, Miss Corey stepped forward, and in a fine tone of voice and almost faultless accent presented the banner to the "W. Master in the following address:

Worshipful Master:

As a Mason's daughter, permit me in behalf of the many wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of the members of the masonic fraternity of this town to extend to you and the officers and members of Palestine Lodge, our kind thanks for the privilege we enjoy this evening in being present with you — and we trust by our presence to assure you that you may expect encouragement from us in behalf of the Masonic cause, founded on the broad principles of Truth and Christianity — and it gives me great pleasure in being intrusted with an important mission to you at this time, and to request that you will accept this banner, fraught with the kindest wishes, and bearing the emblematic, unbroken symbol of Faith, Hope and Charity. May your Faith be upheld by that blessed Hope which shall illumine your path through life, to enable you to cherish and cultivate that noblest of christian duties, Charity; and as years roll on, and your successors become guardians of this our gift, may the motto here emblazoned never fail to remind them of the necessity of upholding their Faith in God, Hope in immortality, and Chanty to all mankind. Allow me to express. the hope that every member of Palestine Lodge will so live, that the world may be assured of the goodness of Masonry, that its laws are reason and equity, its principles benevolence and love, and its religion purity and truth. Its intention is peace on earth and its disposition good will towards men.

Let us all so live that when cut down by the all devouring scythe of time, we may be gathered into that Celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

The banner was received by the "W. Master of the Lodge, Bro. Geo. W. Pierce, in the following neat and felicitous address.

Miss Corey:

It is with feelings of sincere pleasure, that I receive from your hands this beautiful gift. Let me assure you and the donors of this elegant banner, that the members of Palestine Lodge fully appreciate their kindness.

Not for its intrinsic value alone do we prize the gift, but as expressing the good will and sympathy which our lady friends have toward us and our institution.

With the three leading principles Faith, Hope and Charity, as our guide, and governed by the Tenets of our profession, we shall " so walk in our several stations before God and man, "as never to give you cause to regret your kindness, or so conduct as to lose your good opinion of the institution. Again let me thank the Ladies of this town for their kindness, and assure them that it will ever be remembered as one of those bright spots that illumine man's path.

The company then proceeded to the lower hall where a collation was partaken of, and brief congratulatory speeches made by Grand Master Nickerson, Rev. Charles H. Titus, Dr. Winslow Lewis, C. W. Moore, Tracy P. Cheever, and others. The Grand Lodge then retired, leaving the Brethren and their ladies to the further enjoyment of the occasion by themselves.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1868: District 2 (Charlestown)

1883: District 7 (Lynn)

1911: District 7 (Malden)

1927: District 7 (Melrose)

2003: District 4


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges