Pioneer

PIONEER LODGE

Location: Somerset

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 03/09/1864 VI-496

Precedence Date: 03/09/1863

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

Charles A. Holmes, 1863
Eldridge G. Paull, 1864, 1865
Nathan S. Davis, 1866, 1867
Lorenzo Shurtleff, 1868
George H. Allen, 1869
John G. Tinkham, 1870-1872, 1875, 1876; Mem
William M. Bartlett, 1873
James T. Orford, 1874
David Marble, 1877, 1881
Edward A. Courtney, 1878, 1880
Franklin B. Parker, 1882, 1883
Andrew Moran, 1884-1886
Lothrop W. Benson, 1887, 1888
Oscar W. Hillard, 1889, 1890
William E. Deane, 1891, 1892
Walter T. Deane, 1893, 1894
William H. Tallman, 1895, 1896
William T. Bowers, 1897, 1898
Earnest A. Thrasher, 1899, 1900
James F. Garginer, 1901, 1902
James McAll, 1903-1905
Dwight F. Lane, 1906, 1907
Walter Hampton, 1908
David M. Callis, 1909
Clarence C. Andrews, 1910
Harry S. Bridgeford, 1911
Harry A. Skinner, 1912
Charles P. King, 1913
Fredrick R. H. Linley, 1914
George H. Phillips, 1915
Fred I. Walker, 1916; Memorial
James Taylor, 1917
Fredrick G. Bogle, 1918
Lewis E. Moulton, 1919
Frank B. Place, 1920
George H. Tompkins, 1921
Philip K. Bowden, 1922
Fredrick T. Doxcy, 1923
Russell M. Deane, 1924
Herbert E. Goss, 1925
Thomas Pomfret, 1926
Arthur R. Derbyshire, 1927
Elmer S. Sears, 1928
Frank B. Hood, 1929
George A. E. Grey, 1930
George A. Brown, 1931
James J. Brown, Jr., 1932
Leland F. Bullard, 1933; SN
Herbert Austin, 1934, 1935; N
Thomas W. Smith, 1936
Charles E. Walkden, 1937
Hugh W. Kenworthy, 1938
Jesse Borge, 1939
George C. Sutcliffe, 1940
Edward A. Chatterton, Sr., 1941
Francis R. Sears, 1942
John Loftus, 1943
George E. Metcalf, 1944
William H. Neville, 1945
Parker H. Carr, 1946
Edward P. Mullen, 1947
J. Leo Guimond, 1948
Lincoln W. Hutchinson, 1949
Howard E. Pierce, 1950
Benjamin W. Barlow, 1951
Milton E. Durfee, 1952
Gabriel B. More, 1953
Gerald F. Stone, 1954
John Bower, 1955
Donald H. Gray, 1956
John H. Packer, 1957
Dale S. Rothwell, 1958
James H. Douglass, 1959, 1978, 1981; N
Sheldon E. Davis, 1960
Douglas C. Small, 1961; PDDGM; deceased?
Harold Shannon, 1962
Robert L. Wood, 1963
Earl S. King, 1964
C. Frank Gifford, 1965
Daciano W. Stone, 1966
Clinton R. Harvey, 1967
Lincoln K. Simcock, 1968
George L. Gesner, 1969
Stanley Sherlog, 1970
William S. Hathaway, Jr., 1971; PDDGM
Casmir M. Ciba, 1972
Arthur Medeiros, 1973; PDDGM
Paul R. Rousseau, 1974, 1979
James P. Tolin, 1975
Silvery A. Rezendes, 1976
Charles A. Medeiros, 1977
Clyde H. Harrington, Jr., 1980
George J. Padrenoss, 1982
Jay R. O'Neil, 1983, 1987, 1994
Curtis A. Fisher, Jr., 1984
P. Nelson Douthwright, 1985, 2006
Michael S. Massa, Jr., 1986, 1991, 2002
Henry J. DeMarco, 1988
John C. Mello, Jr., 1989
Manuel Ferreira, III, 1990, 2003-2005
Robert A. Dennis, Sr., 1992
Gabriel J. Milonni, 1993-1995
Jack C. Bowden, Jr., 1996, 1997, 2009, 2010
Lawrence F. Correia, 1998
Roland Carbonneau, 1999
Dennis Medeiros, 2000
Charles F. Rowe, Jr., 2001
Thomas Gallucci, 2007, 2008
Paul Michaud, 2011, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

Petition for Dispensation: 1863
Petition for Charter: 1864

ANNIVERSARIES

1938 (75th Anniversary)
1953 (90th Anniversary)
1963 (Centenary)

2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

1864 (Parkman; Constitution of Lodge and installation; hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
1875 (Deputy Grand Master Howland; Hall dedication)
1906 (Blake; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
1911 (Flanders)
1912 (Benton)
1938 (Perry; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1953 (Roy; 90th Anniversary; Special Communication)
1961 (Eaton; rededication and mortgage burning; Special Communication)
1963 (Osgood; Centenary; Special Communication)
1973 (Vose; 50th Anniversary of the Building of the Temple)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1873 1876 1878 1880 1881 1892 1897 1910 1912 1919 1920 1923 1930 1931 1933 1938 1941 1952 1962 1963 1966 1972 1983 2011

HISTORY

1938 (75th Anniversary History, 1938-23)
1953 (90th Anniversary History, 1953-3)
1963 (Centenary History, 1963-24)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1938

From Proceedings, Page 1938-23:

by Wor. David M. Callis

As Pioneer Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons celebrates the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of its birth, let us tarry a moment — let us pause in retrospection — and look back through the golden years to see whence came the pages on which its history has been so indelibly inscribed. Let us not lose sight of the many sacrifices which our dear Brethren—many of them now departed—have made; let us realize that the archives of the past hold out for us the inspiration to uphold and enhance Masonic purposes with renewed vigor and courage. Faith in the principles of our ancient institution and faith in us, their successors, to maintain those principles produced the accomplishment of things herein recorded and many others not mentioned but which nevertheless have built up a sacred band of friends and brothers which otherwise would not have been possible. The future lies with us.

And, most important of all, that in subsequent records it may be apparent that we of today proved ourselves their worthy successors.

Pioneer Lodge, Somerset, Mass., was originally an offspring from Mount Hope Lodge, Fall River, Mass., and they may justly claim us as one of their children, but how well we merit their esteem and protection I will not attempt to say. The original petitioners to form Pioneer Lodge, were sixteen in number — viz., Brothers Charles A. Holmes, J. S. Porter, N. S. Davis, Cyrus D. Hunt, George W. Bond, William W. Moore, John A. Sayles, John W. Conroy, Ildefonse Swasey, Seth W. Wheaton, Thomas Crowley, Baylis Davis, Jr., Frederick Winslow, Seth W. Brown, George B. Norris, and Edward Thomas.

Several preliminary meetings were held at the homes of different Brethren, as a result of which a petition for a Dispensation was drawn up and signed by the Brethren above named. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge saw fit to approve that petition and accordingly on the 23rd day of March, 1863, Pioneer Lodge was organized in what was known as "Central Hall," located at that time on Main Street.

The Lodge Officers named in the Dispensation were as follows:

Worshipful Master: Charles A. Holmes
Senior Warden: J. S. Porter
Junior Warden: Nathan S. Davis

The Lodge was further organized by the Worshipful Master making the following appointments:

Senior Deacon: Cyrus D. Hunt
Junior Deacon : George W. Bond
Treasurer: William W. Moore
Secretary: John A. Sayles
Senior Steward: John W. Conroy
Junior Steward: Ildefonse Swasey
Marshal: Seth Wheaton
Chaplain: Thomas Crowley
Tyler: Baylis Davis, Jr.

At the first meeting little was done except to organize and hear reports from the various Committees appointed at the preliminary meetings. The by-laws then adopted provided that the regular meetings were to be held on the Monday before the Full of the Moon in each month.

At the first Regular Communication ten petitions for Masonic degrees were presented — a very respectable number for a country town, but it must be borne in mind that the Institution of Pioneer Lodge, though a new movement, had been anticipated would come into being, so that it is probable that at least some of the men who made these petitions withheld application until Pioneer Lodge was actually organized.

The Lodge continued to prosper until the end of the year in which the Dispensation was made returnable to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, by which time I find that there had been received a total of forty-six petitions which had been disposed as follows: Thirty-eight had been elected, three rejected and five were pending action of the Lodge because the year of Dispensation had ended and, under the Constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, they could not be acted on until after Pioneer Lodge had been consecrated as a regular Lodge.

On the 9th of February, 1864, the year of probation having nearly expired, a Special Communication was held for the election of members to apply for a Charter. Those elected at that time were as follows:

Charles A. Holmes
John S. Porter
Nathan S. Davis
William W. Moore
Thomas Crowley
Baylis Davis, Jr.
John A. Sayles
Cyrus D. Hunt
Edward Thomas
George B. Norris
Seth Wheaton
George W. Bond
Ildefonse Swasey
Frederick Winslow
Seth W. Brown
Eldridge G. Paul
Edwin Stowell
William P. Hood

The final meeting under Dispensation was held February 29, 1864, from which time until March 21, 1864, the Lodge held no meetings, the explanation of which seems to be that during the year of the Lodge working under Dispensation, Lodge meetings had been held in the homes of various Brethren and yet during that year of probation, and evidently in anticipation of being Chartered and consecrated as a regular Lodge, arrangements had been made for securing a hall as a Lodge-room for Masonic purposes because I find that during the year of the Lodge workjng under Dispensation arrangements were entered into with Bro. William P. Hood whereby a building was erected on Main Street and fitted up in a beautiful and adequate manner for Masonic purposes. That Hall was later destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt. That Hall was evidently ready for occupancy someone in February, 1864, because I find from the records that the Lodge voted not to hold any meetings in the new Hall before its consecration and dedication, which ceremonies were conducted on the evening of March 21st, 1864, by M. W. William Parkman, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, accompanied by the rest of the Grand Lodge Officers, at which time the officers elected to serve Pioneer Lodge during the ensuing year were installed in the presence of a large audience — the latter ceremony being performed in public and being held in the Baptist Church of this town of Somerset in order to better accommodate the large number of persons which were expected to be present. The Officers of Pioneer Lodge then installed were as follows:

Worshipful Master: Wor. E. G. Paul
Senior Warden: N. S. Davis
Junior Warden: Edwin Stowell

From the records it is evident that the Brethren had arranged for the annual Communication to be in November of the year because the records state that "the term of these Officers, being short and lasting only from March to November in which latter month the first election under the Charter took place, the same Brethren were re-elected and served throughout the following year to the satisfaction of the Lodge."

At the second annual Communication on November 2, 1865, the Lodge made choice of the following Officers:

Worshipful Master: Wor. N. S. Davis
Senior Warden: Thomas Crannage
Junior Warden: H. T. Wilde

At the Third Annual Communication, November 19, 1866, the same Officers were elected with the exception of Bro. Lorenzo Shurtleff as Senior Warden in place of Bro. Crannage.

At the Fourth Annual Communication held November 4, 1867, Bro. Lorenzo Shurtleff was elected Worshipful Master with Brothers George Allen, Senior Warden and F. O. Smith, Junior Warden, respectively, but due to the absence of the Worshipful Master during a large part of the year the duties of the Master's office were performed by the Senior Warden and subsequently at the Fifth Annual Communication, held November 23, 1868, Bro. George H. Allen was elected Worshipful Master with Bro. F. O. Smith, Senior Warden and Bro. Benjamin L. Phillips, Junior Warden.

At the Sixth Annual Communication, held November 13, 1869, Wor. Bro. George H. Allen was re-elected Worshipful Master, Wor. Lorenzo Shurtleff, Senior Warden, and J. W. Nickerson, Junior Warden.

In its early years the members of Pioneer Lodge seem to have been gathered from men whose occupation took them away to sea — Somerset at that time was a large ship-building center — and as a consequence it became necessary for those who were at home to be regular and punctual in their attendance in order Bo keep up the organization as a Lodge. The records show that daring certain times the membership of Pioneer Lodge was so much scattered — particularly during the summer seasons — that its members visited many towns and cities in a number of the States of the Union, besides the Canadas, and I find that several ti the Brethren who were elected and installed into office, before their term of office expired took up residence in other places, which made it necessary for their office to be temporarily filled by some other Brother.

During the Civil War Pioneer Lodge was called upon to conduct the Masonic burial service of Bro. Charles B. Randall, who was a member of a Lodge in Syracuse, N. Y. Bro. Randall was Colonel of his regiment and was killed in battle at Atlanta, Ga., while gallantly leading his regiment in defense of the Union. His wife, being a native of Somerset, his remains were brought here for interment and the Masonic burial service was evidently requested because the records state that "it became the duty of Pioneer Lodge to volunteer its services and conduct the service in due and ancient form." Pioneer Lodge was first called upon to mourn the loss of one of as own Brothers by the death of Bro. David W. Marble, who lifted February 28, 1867. Bro. Ildefonse Swasey, one of our Charter members, was taken from us January 5th, 1868.

During the year 1870 the Lodge was called upon to conduct due Masonic burial service for Bro. Isa Dean on February 5, and for Bro. David C. Thrasher on May 26.

On Monday evening, March 9, 1874, at thirty minutes past seven, Pioneer Lodge celebrated the Tenth Anniversary of its Constitution. It was in the form of a social for its members and their immediate families.

On the evening of February 27, 1875, the records further state that the Lodge-room was destroyed by fire at eleven thirty-five. The furniture, three great lights, and jewels were destroyed, but fortunately the records and original Charter were preserved. There then being no other place in which to hold Masonic meetings, a special Dispensation was granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to hold meetings at the home of Wor. Bro. John G. Tinkham. That building still stands today just north of the present Post Office on Main Street, Somerset. Regular and special meetings were held at the home of Wor. Bro. John G. Tinkham, including the initiating, crafting, and raising of candidates from March 15, 1875, to September 13, 1875. During that intervening period a new Lodge-room, located on Main Street, on the second floor over Eagan's Store, had been secured and made suitable for Masonic purposes and on the date of September 13, 1875, this new Hall was dedicated in the presence of invited guests and Masons and their families numbering in all upwards of two hundred. The records state that the Hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and the National colors and the dedication services were performed by Rt. Wor. Bro. Abraham H. Howland, Jr., D. D. G. M. for the Fourteenth Masonic District — Pioneer Lodge being at that time in that District. R. W. Bro. Abraham H. Howland, Jr., was assisted in the dedication ceremonies by the following acting Grand Lodge Officers:

George H. Taber, Deputy Grand Master
Wanton F. Drew, Grand Senior Warden
John A. Lee, Grand Junior Warden
Rev. Bro. O. A. Roberts, Grand Chaplain
A. H. W. Carpenter, Grand Marshal
H. E. Jones, Grand Tyler

The Masonic quartet, of New Bedford, were present and rendered musical selections.

At the close of the dedication ceremonies the District Deputy Grand Master delivered a very appropriate Masonic address, after which the Grand Officers returned to their apartments and the Lodge was closed by the Officers of Pioneer Lodge. The records state that the assembled company who had taken part in the dedication ceremonies then adjourned to a banquet served in a room over Bro. Benjamin F. Reed's store, and, in the language of the records "after an invocation by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Bro. O. A. Roberts, the company were invited to partake of refreshments which were good for the inner man." After the repast, remarks were made by several of the Grand Lodge Officers and the company retired to their homes at about midnight.

During the years from September 13, 1875, to February 11, 1887, nothing out of the ordinary seems to have occurred. The Lodge prospered and on February 11, 1887, the Master announced that the Lodge was in a healthy condition.

On March 18, 1887, the Lodge celebrated its Twenty-fifth Anniversary. There is nothing on record as to the nature of this celebration, but it is stated that invitations were limited to two persons outside of the members' families.

On June 14, 1905, the Lodge-room of Pioneer Lodge was again destroyed by fire and again this Lodge was fortunate in saving its records and original Charter. A communication was shortly afterwards received from Elysian Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F., Somerset, Mass., tendering Pioneer Lodge, A. F. & A. M., the use of their hall until new quarters were obtained. Pioneer Lodge voted to accept that kind offer and that the thanks of this Lodge be extended to Elysian Lodge No. 73, 1. O. O. F., for their kindness and courtesy. Accordingly, by virtue of a Dispensation issued by M. W. Baalis Sanford, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Pioneer Lodge conducted its meetings in the rooms of Elysian Lodge from June 26, 1905, up to and including December 4, 1905.

At a special regular Communication held June 26, 1905, a Committee of five Brethren, consisting of Wor. Bro. James McCall, Wor. John G. Tinkham, Dwight F. Lane, W. W. Simms, and Frank H. Cole, was chosen to consider and arrange for a new location for a place for Lodge meetings and report at the next Regular Communication if possible. At the Regular Communication held July 10, 1905, the committee reported that they had conferred with the officials of the Old Colony Street Railway regarding a hall over their car barn on High Street and that it could be secured for $150.00 per annum on a lease of ten years. The committee also reported that they had conferred with Bro. A. H. Hood, representing the property which had been destroyed by fire, and that he offered to rebuild the same for a rental of $150.00 per annum on a lease of ten years. The Lodge finally voted that the Old Colony Street Railway Hall, over the car barn on High Street, was the more desirable on account of its location and it was voted that Pioneer Lodge should hire the same at a rental of $150.00 per annum on a ten-year lease. The first meeting held in the new hall was on January 8, 1906.

On March 28, 1906, a special Communication was held in this new hall on High Street for the purpose of dedicating the same for Masonic purposes. A number of visitors were present from Lodges in Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, Westport, Warren, and Providence. At 6:00 P.M. the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, after which the members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and their ladies who had accompanied them, partook of a supper which had been prepared for them in the banquet room. After the conclusion of the repast those who had partaken of it returned to the Lodge-room which they found was fast filling up by members and their friends who had been invited to witness the ceremonies of dedication. The following Grand Lodge Officers were in attendance and conducted the dedication ceremonies:

M. W. John Albert Blake, Most Wor. Grand Master
R. W. Everett C. Benton, Deputy Grand Master
R. W. Frank W. Mead, Senior Grand Warden
R. W. Henry G. Fay, as Junior Grand Warden
R. W. Charles H. Ramsay, Grand Treasurer
R. W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Recording Grand Secretary
R. W. Jason H. Hayward, D.D.G.M., District No. 23
R. W. Dwight E. Cone, D.D.G.M., District No. 26
Wor. Rev. Edward A. Horton, Grand Chaplain
Wor. Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Marshal
Wor. Henry H. Nourse, Senior Grand Deacon
Wor. J. Frank Hadly, Junior Grand Deacon
Wor. George H. Rhodes, as Senior Grand Steward
Wor. Edward H. Temple, as Junior Grand Steward
Wor. Adrian Wilson, Grand Pursuivant
Wor. James E. McCreery, Grand Pursuivant
Bro. George W. Chester, Grand Tyler

The Grand Lodge Officers above named were welcomed by Wot. Bro. Dwight F. Lane, who at that time was Master of Pioneer Lodge. The Grand Master assumed the East and the remaining Grand Lodge Officers occupied their respective stances and the ceremonies of dedication proceeded. After the ceremonies of dedication the M. W. Grand Master addressed the gathering, taking as his text the words from Psalm 32, 8th verse: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go. During his address the M. W. Grand Master gave a very vivid description of the antiquity of Free Masonry, commencing with the desire of David, King of Israel, to build a temple to the most high God, of his inability to do that on account of his being a man of war, of God's promise to him that his son, King Solomon, should be allowed to accomplish his desire, and of the able assistance rendered him by Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff. He also clearly explained that the foundation of Masonry is based on the Holy Bible and the assistence of a true and righteous God, the father of the Universe. His address was delivered in an exceedingly clear tone and the records state that everyone present felt it was good that he had been there.

On March 21, 1914, Pioneer Lodge celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary of its Constitution. Six members from the Grand lodge came from Boston and were met at Taunton by the Worshipful Master Frederick H. Linley and Senior Warden George H. Phillips and conveyed to Dighton, at which town they arrived at about 5:30 P.M. There they were met at Memorial Hall by some thirty Officers and Past Masters of Pioneer Lodge together with invited guests. After an interchange of greetings the company, numbering forty, sat down to a supper prepared by the ladies of that place to which ample justice was done. After that our friends from Boston proceeded in their autos, and the remainder of the company by means of an electric car chartered specially for the purpose, to Pioneer Lodge-room, where they were met by a goodly crowd of upwards of one hundred persons. At 7:00 P.M. the Lodge was opened on the Third Degree, Wor. Bro. F. R. H. Linley presiding.

After the opening of the Lodge the Secretary, Rt. Wor. Bro. John G. Tinkham, read a short history of the Lodge from its formation in 1863. Remarks were made by R. W. William Ridings, D. D. G. M., 30th Masonic District, who was the presiding Grand Lodge Officer on this occasion. Pioneer Lodge was congratulated on their past fifty years record and the hope expressed that the next fifty years would be as prosperous. After the speeches, the Lodge was closed and at the conclusion of those ceremonies the Company were very pleasantly entertained by orchestral music and also by Professor Clarke of Boston, entertainer and impersonator, who gave many local hits in various ways. Following that a buffet lunch was served. At 10:00 P.M. our Boston friends left for their homes but the remainder tarried for an hour or more. Each, on leaving, expressed the hope that they would have an invitation to the Centennial assuring us they would come if we had one. Some of those friends are present this evening and so are fulfilling that promise up to date. A very pleasant part of the ceremonies was the presentation of Past Masters' jewels by Rt. Wor. R. W. Soule on behalf of Pioneer Lodge to the following Past Masters:

Wor. Bro. George H. Allen
Wor. Bro. W. E. Deane
Wor. Bro. Walter T. Deane
Wor. Bro. William L. Bowers
Wor. Bro. E. A. Thrasher

We all recognize that one of our duties as Master Masons is to support and uphold the interests of the community and country in which we live. The following brethren served in the Allied forces during the World War:

Thomas Adamson
Albert B. Almy
Israel T. Almy
Frederick. E. Babbitt
Frank A. D. Bullard
Thomas Cartman
Edward Chatterton, Sr.
Norman Holmes Deane
Lloyd P. Eddy
Russell M. Deane
Gardiner Luther Fassett
Frank J. Gillilan
Herbert Grime
Herbert W. Hayes
James Holt
James Mercer
Olaf M. Olson
John Richard Packer
James E. Ratcliffe
Theodore H. Ratcliffe
Alfred H. James Seavor
Ralph B. Simmons
Harry A. Skinner
Roger Tattersall
Elliott Freeman Walker
Nathan Henry Walker

On December 17,1917, Rt. Wor. N. McLane, D. D. G. M. for the 30th Masonic District, made a fraternal visit to Pioneer Lodge and presented Bros. Alexander E. Bragg and William T. Blake with the Henry Price medal as a token of their fifty years continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge. In later years a "Veterans" medal was substituted for fifty years membership aasd the Henry Price medal awarded only for distinguished Masonic service.

At a regular meeting held October 25, 1920, a Committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master called "Building Committee," giving them power to purchase the building then occupied m alternatively to purchase a suitable piece of land on which a mew building might be erected if they deemed the alternative aurrisable. The committee appointed was as follows:

Wor. Bro. F. R. H. Linley
Wor. Bro. F. I. Walker
Wor. Bro. George H. Tompkins
Wor. Bro. Lewis E. Moulton
Bro. Thomas Pomfret

Another Committee was appointed with full power to act and arrange for a Members' Night, which Committee was as follows:

Wor. F. T. Doxcy, Chairman
Wor. F. G. Bogle
Wor. C. P. King
Wor. D. M. Callis
Wor. Frank B. Place
Wor. Philip K. Bowden
Bro. W. C. Gardner
Bro. Richard Trainor
Bro. E. C. Kellogg
Bro. L. E. Simmons

The Members' Night was held on February 18, 1921, and met at the Parish House. The number of members present was approximately two hundred. Remarks were made by the Building Committee as well as by the Members' Night Committee. Wor. F. I. Walker addressed the members and informed them that the purpose of the meeting was to secure pledges in the amount of $100.00 from each member so that a new Lodge-room could be built. A very substantial amount was immediately pledged, which, together with other pledges which were expected to be made by other members who were not then present as well as those who would later become members in future years, seemed sufficient to justify the undertaking of building the beautiful Temple in which this meeting is now taking place. Pioneer Hall Association was subsequently formed for the purpose of taking care of the arrangements for the building program. The Association will still be pleased to receive any similar pledges, or gifts, that members may feel disposed to make towards the Association's expenses for maintenance of this building.

At 2:30 P.M., January 6, 1923, a special Communication of Pioneer Lodge was held for the purpose of laying the corner stone of this temple. At the Lodge rooms preliminary exercises were conducted by Wor. Bro. Frederick T. Doxcy, who at that time was Worshipful Master, assisted by Rev. Bro. J. Wynne Jones, after which a procession was formed by the Lodge Marshal, Bro. Elmer S. Sears, and proceeded to the site of the new Temple. On arrival at the site Wor. Bro. Fred I. Walker, President of Pioneer Hall Association, called upon the Lodge Chaplain, Rev. J. Wynne Jones, to invoke the Divine Blessing. The Worshipful Master was then called upon to lay the corner stone in accordance with the regular form of our Ancient and Honorable Institution. A list of the contents of the box to be placed in the corner stone was read by Wor. Bro. Charles P. King, Treasurer of Pioneer Hall Association, Inc., after which he placed the box in the corner stone and the cement was spread by the following:

Wor. Frederick T. Doxcy, Worshipful Master of Pioneer Lodge
Wor. Fred I. Walker, President of Pioneer Hall Association
Wor. Charles P. King, Treasurer of Pioneer Hall Association
Bro. Russell M. Deane, Senior Warden
Bro. H. E. Goff, Junior Warden

Building Committee

Wor. F. R. H. Linley
Wor. George H. Tompkins
Bro. Israel T. Almy
Bro. Elmer S. Sears
Bro. John Parsons

Past Masters of Pioneer Lodge

Wor. Bro. Walter Hampton
 Wor. Bro. David M. Callis
Wor. Bro. Lewis E. Moulton
Wor. Bro. Philip K. Bowden

The ceremonies being thus concluded, the procession was retained and the members returned to the Lodge room.

List of contents in box American flag

Holy Bible, Square and Compasses
By-Laws of Pioneer Lodge
By-Laws of Pioneer Hall Association, Inc.
Names of members of Pioneer Lodge
Names of Members and Officers of Pioneer Hall Association, Inc.
Picture of Building Committee
Organization of Pioneer Lodge 1922
Organization of Pioneer Lodge 1923
Fall River Evening News, December 5th, 1922
Fall River Evening News, January 6th, 1923
Fall River Daily Globe, January 6th, 1923
Fall River Evening Herald, January 6th, 1923
Minutes of Meetings of Pioneer Hall Association, Inc., up to and including January 6th, 1923.

A special Communication was held at 2:00 P.M., October 20, 1923, for the purpose of dedicating the new Temple. The Most Worshipful Grand Master and Officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge were introduced by Wor. Bro. Fred I. Walker. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Dudley H. Ferrell, and Officers of the Grand Lodge occupied the officers Chairs and the ceremonies of the Grand Lodge were then carried out and the new Temple dedicated in due and ancient form.

From 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. the Temple was open for inspection, at which time the Azab Grotto Band, of Fall River, entertained with musical selections. From 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. the entire building was open for inspection by members of Pioneer Lodge and their ladies and Star of Bethlehem Chapter No. 151, Order of the Eastern Star. During that time a social time with dancing was taking place in the social hall. By the time that members and their friends returned to their homes all were satisfied that it was the end of a perfect day and one which will go down in Pioneer Lodge's history as one of the greatest times in our memory.

The first regular meeting in the new Temple was held on October 22, 1923, Wor. Bro. Frederick T. Doxcy presiding.

The first Brother raised in the new Temple was Bro. Clarence Willard Reed, Wor. Fred I. Walker presiding in the East by invitation of the Worshipful Master.

On June 13, 1927, Rt. Wor. Walter E. Dow, D.D.G.M., for the 30th Fall River Masonic District, accompanied by Wor. Charles W. Borden, D.D.G. Marshal, paid Pioneer Lodge an official visit for the purpose of presenting the "Masonic Veteran's Medal" to the following Brethren who have been members of Pioneer Lodge for over fifty years.

Wor. James F. Gardner
Bro. Cornelius A. Davis
Bro. George B. Cudworth

Owing to illness of Bro. George B. Cudworth, the presentation was made at his home at a later date by Rt. Wor. Walter E. Dow.

Pioneer Lodge and its members have on nine occasions been honored by receiving appointments by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge as follows:

R.W. John G. Tinkham, D. D. G. M. 30th Masonic District, 1910 and 1911
Wor. Bro. Fred I. Walker, Junior Grand Steward, 1923 and 1924
R.W. Fred I. Walker, D. D. G. M. 30th Masonic District, 1925 and 1926
Wor. Bro. Elmer S. Sears, Grand Pursuivant, 1933
R.W. Herbert Austin, D. D. G. M., 30th Masonic (Fall River) District, 1937 and 1938

On October 17, 1932, R. W. James H. Wilson, D.D.G.M. for the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District, presented Bro. Frank Annington Morrill with the "Masonic Veteran's Medal," he having held continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge for fifty years.

The Seventieth Anniversary of the Institution of Pioneer Lodge was held in Pioneer Hall, Somerset, on Tuesday evening, March 7, 1933. Members and their immediate families were present — numbering 230. The celebration was opened by a brief welcome by the presiding Worshipful Master, Leland F. Bullard. A brief history of the Lodge, from its formation, was prepared and read by Wor. David M. Callis. Musical selections were rendered under the able direction of die Lodge organist, Bro. Harry Jackson. Refreshments of home-made apple pie, ice cream, and coffee were served during the intermission as part of the social program. Dancing followed until a late hour, which completed a very happy celebration.

On March 13, 1933, R. W. Adrial W. Hathaway, D.D.G.M. ix the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District, presented Bro. Edward Eugene Whittaker the Masonic Veteran's Medal, he laving held continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge for fifty years.

On March 5, 1934, Pioneer Lodge held a Regular Communication and the Seventieth Anniversary of its constitution. At this Anniversary we were honored by a fraternal visit from Rt. Wor. Albert A. Schaefer of Boston, Mass., Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and special representative of M. W. Wor. Grand Master, Curtis Chipman.

On June 4, 1934, R. W. Adrial W. Hathaway, D.D.G.M. for the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District, presented Wor. Bro. William E. Deane the Masonic Veteran's Medal, he having held continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge for fifty years.

On Oct. 15, 1934, R. W. Adrial W. Hathaway, D.D.G.M. for the 30th Fall River Masonic District, presented Bro. Thomas L. Bartlett the Masonic Veteran's Medal, he having held continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge for fifty years.

Early in May, 1936, M. W. Claude L. Allen, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, awarded the Masonic Veteran's Medal to Bro. William L. Manchester, he having held continuous membership in Pioneer Lodge for fifty years. As Bro. Manchester was then residing in Gainesville, Fla., M.W. Grand Master, Claude L. Allen, made the necessary arrangements through the Grand Secretary's office in the state of Florida, for presentation of the medal, which was made on May 12, 1936, by Rt. Wor. N. C. Schaffer, D.D.G.M. of Gainesville Lodge No. 41, at Gainesville, Fla., on behalf of M. W. Claude L. Allen, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. The Worshipful Master of Pioneer Lodge, Thomas W. Smith, at that time sent a telegram to Gainesville Lodge, Florida, as follows:

"Pioneer Lodge extends many thanks and greetings to Gainesville Lodge No. 41, Gainesville, Florida. Greetings and best wishes to Brother William L. Manchester, who has been an honor to the Craft for fifty consecutive years. May he live as many more years to enjoy wearing the medal of honor conferred upon him."

The Secretary of Pioneer Lodge, at the next regular Communication of the Lodge, held June 1, 1936, reported the sending of this telegram and the receipt of a letter from Bro. Manchester recording his thanks for the honor that had been conferred upon him and outlining how tactfully Rt. Wor. District Deputy Grand Master Niles C. Schaffer, as well as the Masonic Brethren and Officers of the Gainesville Lodge, had conducted the ceremonies of presentation. Bro. Manchester's letter also stated his appreciation of the telegram received from Pioneer Lodge through Wor. Bro. Thomas Smith, and stated that the same came as a genuine surprise to him and made it evident to him that though separated by many miles of distance the Brethren had him in remembrance.

On June 19, 1937, at a special Communication of Pioneer Lodge, a semi-public reception was held in honor of Rt. Wor. Bro. Herbert Austin, who had recently been appointed D.D.G.M for the 30th (Fall River) Masonic District by Most Wor. Claude L. Allen, G. M. of Masons in Massachusetts. It had been found that June 19, 1937, was the fortieth anniversary of the marriage of Mrs. and Rt. Wor. Bro. Austin, which explains the reason for selecting that particular date for this reception and for making rt semi-public in nature.

Active D. D. G. Masters from the Attleboro, Brockton, Nantucket, New Bedford, and Taunton districts as well as past D. D. G. Masters from the Fall River district were present and took part in the proceedings. At 6:30 P.M. an enjoyable dinner was served to the assembled company numbering about 200 and at the close of the dinner Rt. Wor. Bro. John Thorpe, of Fall River, presented to Rt. Wor, Bro. Austin a D. D. G. M. jewel and to Mrs. Austin a beautiful gold ring and bracelet, each mounted with a ruby as a memento of the occasion and the fortieth anniversary of their marriage. These gifts were made possible by means of generous response by members of Pioneer Lodge, who unanimously voted to thus show their appreciation of the services which Rt. Wor. Bro. Austin had rendered to Pioneer Lodge. In recognition of the gifts to them both responded in a suitable manner and stated the occasion would be a happy memory for them both. Rt. Wor. Bro. and Mrs. Austin then held a formal reception in the Lodge-room, after which a social time with entertainment and dancing took place in the social hall.

But, Brethren, while treasuring these memories of the past, let us not think that we have already attained the summit of our aims and desires. Our work is, happily, not yet complete and we shall be able to press on to further heights if we keep before us the tenets of our profession as Master Masons, particularly that of Charity in the original meaning of the word—that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers—Charity to one another and Charity to all mankind. It is in that way that Masonry makes itself evident and that we fulfill the injunction continued in the Great Light, "Let your light so shine before men that, seeing your good works, they may glorify your Father which is in heaven."

In conclusion, may the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons. May brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen.

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, MARCH 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIII, No. 6, April, 1864, Page 177:

This is the name of a new Lodge, which for the past year has been working under a Dispensation, at the pleasant little village of Somerset, in Bristol County. A Charter having been granted by the Grand Lodge in December, the Brethren composing it were constituted and formed into a regular Lodge by the M. W. Grand Master and his officers, on the 15th of March. The ceremonies of Consecration and Dedication took place in the Hall, in the early part of the evening, and the Installation ceremonies, at a later hour, in the Baptist church, the use of which had been kindly granted for the purpose. The attendance of Brethren from the neighboring Lodges, and of visitors, was unusually large, the church being filled to its greatest capacity, and the services were witnessed by the audience with the interest, stimulated perhaps by curiosity, which they seldom fail to excite when performed in public. On this occasion they were aided by a fine choir, to whom all present were much indebted for the pleasing manner in which the services passed off. The Charge to the officers and members of the Lodge was given by the Grand Master in his usual clear and impressive manner, and was well received by the audience.

At the conclusion of the services in the church, the Brethren, with the ladies, formed in procession and marched to the principal hall in the village, where a bountiful supper had been provided for them, and where they spent a very pleasant and sociable hour.

The Lodge, the past year, has been doing a very large business, and its prospects for the future are highly encouraging. It is well officered by Brethren competent to the duties required of them, and has about fifty members. The Lodge room is new, convenient, and handsomely fitted up. The attention paid to the Grand Officers, and the ample provision made by our Brother, the Treasurer of the Lodge, and his excellent lady, for their comfort and accommodation, rendered their visit a very pleasant one.