Difference between revisions of "Puritan"

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=== HISTORY ===
 
=== HISTORY ===
  
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1920 1920]''' (50th Anniversary History, 1920-311)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1920 1920]''' (50th Anniversary History, 1920-311; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1945 1945]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1945-295)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1945 1945]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1945-295)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1970 1970]''' (Centenary History, 1970-415)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1970 1970]''' (Centenary History, 1970-415)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1995 1995]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1995-232)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1995 1995]''' (125th Anniversary History, 1995-232)
 +
 +
==== 50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1920 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1920-311:''
 +
 +
''By Worshipful E. Alden Dyer.''
 +
 +
If scientists are right and uttered sound goes echoing on from space to space to the last syllable of recorded time; if it is possible to send the human voice through trackless void to be gathered up by some listening antennae through miles and miles of intervening space; if, as we know the words and music of the great and famous of the earth can be indelibly impressed for our instruction and delight, then we believe and know that the principles and tenets of Masonry as inculcated around the altar of our plighted faith have made a lasting impression on the heart of man, as in the past so too in futures yet to be.
 +
 +
If truth, relief, and brotherly love, the three great tenets of our time honored Institution mean anything to the initiate schooled in these attributes, they mean an uplift, a broader outlook on life, a greater love for liberty and law, a greater patriotism and devotion to country, and a stronger faith in the fraternity and brotherhood of man. But the realm of Masonry is world-wide and all-embracing. From the building of King Solomon's Temple all down through the ages among all peoples, be they white or black, red, brown, or yellow, in civilization or savagery, the mystic ties of Ancient Masonry have brought help and succor in times of extreme distress and danger. The call of distress through the darkest night has often brought relief, to the credit of our mystic Brotherhood. On the battlefield when the passions of men are enflamed with the lust for blood and slaughter, the death thrust has often been averted by recognition of the kinship of our ancient Brotherhood.
 +
 +
But Masonry teaches, however checkered the trestle-board of life may be, that all men are created 'free and equal and that all alike should be judged by the eternal verities—truth and justice. But Masonry further teaches, however skilled the workman in the tools of his handicraft, be they the plumb, square, level, or compasses, that he is also building the temple of his life according as his light may be in the revealed "Word of the Great Master of Life till mortal toil shall cease and the workman shall be summoned hence.
 +
 +
At a meeting held at American Hall in South Abington on July 9, 1869, at which Samuel N. Dyer, Jr. was chairman and Samuel Foster secretary, it was voted by the Master Masons of South Abington to petition the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and also John Cutler Lodge, of Abington, that a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be known as Puritan Lodge be established and that the first three officers be Henry W. Powers as Worshipful Master, Samuel N. Dyer, Jr. as Senior Warden, and Franklin P. Harlow as Junior Warden. To this petition there were thirty-seven signers. A Dispensation was granted July 24, A.D. 1869, A.L. 5869, signed by [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner William Sewall Gardner], Grand Master, attest [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSThornton Solon Thornton], Grand Secretary.
 +
 +
At a regular communication convened at Liberty Hall, South Abington, Aug. 9, 1869, Puritan Lodge was opened in due form with H. W. Powers, Worshipful Master, S. N. Dyer, Jr., Senior Warden, F. P. Harlow, Junior Warden, A. S. Stetson, Treasurer, Dan Packard, Secretary, J. W. Giles, Senior Deacon, G. W. Reed, Junior Deacon, Luther Peterson, Senior Steward, C. W. Reed, Junior Steward, W. P. Corthell, Chaplain, C. F. Allen, Marshal, A. Porter, Jr., Inside Sentinel, and Samuel Foster, Tyler, with A. S. Stetson, W. L. Reed, and Jacob Bates a Board of Trustees, and G. W. Reed, F. P. Harlow, and W. P. Corthell a committee on By-Laws. It was voted to lease Liberty Hall for five years and that the first three officers be a committee on fitting up the same.
 +
 +
At a regular communication on Sept. 15, 1869, the committee reports were accepted and adopted and applications for the degrees received.
 +
At a special communication Oct. 27, 1869, a delegation of thirty Brothers from John Cutler Lodge was present and Worshipful Master H. F. Whidden in behalf of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=JohnCutler John Cutler] Lodge presented Puritan Lodge with a set of jewels.
 +
 +
At a regular communication Aug. 10, 1870, it was voted to petition the Grand Lodge for a Charter for Puritan Lodge and on Oct. 1, 1870, Puritan Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons was Constituted and its officers installed by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Ample Form.
 +
 +
Of the work and growth of Puritan Lodge from its organization up to the present time for fifty years, a detailed report is preserved in the records, which are of special interest only to the members of the Lodge. Suffice it to mention a few of the many pleasant surprises from the regular business and routine of the Lodge.
 +
 +
On Feb. 21, 1877, the doors of the Lodge-room were for the first time opened to the wives, sisters, and friends of the members of Puritan Lodge who came with an offering of a silver service, an ice pitcher and goblets, which, whether intentionally or not contributed to the fulfillment of that great cardinal virtue of Masonry, temperance. The presentation speech by Mrs. Edward S. Powers was so skillfully and happily given that Masonic reserve for once was broken and I doubt not that it was the commencement of what later became our Annual Ladies' Night land Strawberry Festival, and perhaps later on so softened the hearts of the members as to open their Lodge-room to the Order of the Eastern Star.
 +
 +
On Aug. 7, 1878, Brother W. P. Corthell exhibited the diploma and apron of Hon. Jared Whitman from [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=UnionN Union] Lodge of Nantucket, under date of Jan. 1, 1809, when resolutions on his death were presented to the Lodge. Hon. Jared Whitman kept his Masonic allegiance through anti-Masonic times, though he was debarred from church councils and judged unfit to act as a superintendent of a Sunday School because he would not renounce his belief in Freemasonry.
 +
 +
On Jan. 6, 1908, Worshipful Brother Dyer in behalf of Mrs. William R. Vining presented Puritan Lodge with the framed diploma and apron of her father, the Hon. Jared Whitman. It was voted to accept the same and that they be hung on the walls of the Lodge-room.
 +
 +
On Oct. 21, 1889, Worshipful Brother Reverend Leonard B. Hatch presented Puritan Lodge with a full set of chain collars' and jewels.
 +
 +
On Jan. 21, 1891, Worshipful Brother Hatch informed the Lodge that our late Brother and Chaplain W. P. Corthell left fifty dollars in his will to Puritan Lodge, which later was expended for a bookcase as a memorial to him.
 +
 +
On Sunday morning, Oct. 28, 1894, by invitation of Reverend Brother Gerrish the Lodge attended divine service at the Methodist Church.
 +
 +
At a special communication June 17, 1895, the Lodge was opened at 7.15 a.m. for the purpose of attending the Centennial Celebration at Bunker Hill Monument in memory of Most Worshipful Brother Joseph Warren. Brother Dyer, the Senior Warden, acting as Worshipful Master, conducted the Lodge to Charlestown and return.
 +
 +
June 9, 1897, mourning drapery for the a!tar was presented to the Lodge by Brother E. T. Davis.
 +
 +
Dec. 2, 1903, the Trustees recommended that the Order of the Eastern Star be granted the use of the Lodge-room and it was so voted.
 +
At a special communication, May 23, 1906, Brother Walter L. French, of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=PaulRevere Paul Revere] Lodge, presented Puritan Lodge with a beautiful framed picture of King Solomon's Temple.
 +
 +
A special communication was held Sept.  29,  1906, to receive the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge to lay the corner-stone of the new Town Hall. After the impressive ceremonies a collation was served to the Officers and Brothers present.
 +
 +
June 19, 1907, a fine organ was presented to the Lodge from a number of the Brothers.
 +
 +
At a special communication June 23, 1907, by invitation of Reverend Brother W. J. Stewart, D. D., the Lodge attended service at the Baptist Church.
 +
 +
Oct. 16, 1907, Puritan Lodge was presented a set of gavels by Brother A. H. Brigham, brought by him from Jerusalem.
 +
 +
On March 25, 1908, Past Master's Night was first observed.
 +
 +
At a special communication March 29, 1908, the Lodge attended services at the Unitarian Church by invitation of its pastor, Reverend Brother W. D. Wilkie.
 +
 +
At a special communication April 22, 1908, Grand Master John Albert Blake was present with his suite and presented the interests of the Masonic Home at Charlton, Mass.
 +
 +
At a special communication May 27, 1908, Puritan Lodge entertained Plymouth Lodge, with seventy-six visiting Brothers present.
 +
At a special communication June 14, 1908, Reverend Brother W. J. Stewart, D.D., gave a very interesting and instructive address after the banquet entitled "Our Patron Saints."
 +
Aug. 5, 1908, a set of cases for new silverware was presented the Lodge by Pilgrim Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
 +
 +
May 17, 1909, sixty members from Puritan Lodge went by special car to Plymouth Lodge, returning home after the banquet at 1.15 a. m.
 +
 +
On Oct. 18, 1910, a burial service was conducted at the Methodist Church and grave for Worshipful Brother Joseph D. Benson.
 +
 +
At a special communication March 20, 1912, we had a visit from one hundred and seventeen members of Plymouth Lodge, with seventy-six members of Puritan Lodge present.
 +
 +
At a regular communication March 19, 1913, in behalf of twenty-four members of Puritan Lodge who are also members of George A. Custer Camp No. 11, Sons of Veterans, "Worshipful Brother Dyer presented a handsome flag which was accepted by "Worshipful Master Harry N. Keith in a fitting manner and the thanks of the Lodge were voted the donors.
 +
 +
At a special communication on Sunday morning, Feb. 27, 1916, Puritan Lodge, by invitation of our Chaplain, attended divine service at the First Congregational Church, where Reverend Brother W. W. Dorman gave an interesting discourse, ''The Shibboleths of Life''.
 +
 +
At a regular communication Oct. 24, 1917, it was voted that the dues of the Brothers serving in the army or navy or any branch of the United States service be remitted from time to time as they become due until the termination of the war.
 +
 +
At a regular communication Dec. 26, 1917, on motion of Worshipful Brother Allen it was voted that a service flag be purchased and displayed in front of the hall.
 +
 +
At Past Master's Night held on May 22, 1918, the sprig of acacia used during the evening was brought from California by Brother Obed H. Ellis.
 +
At a regular communication Nov. 13, 1918, on motion of Worshipful Brother Allen it was voted that as the first business of the meeting all stand with bowed heads giving silent thanks to Almighty God for the deliverance of the world from the power of autocracy.
 +
 +
The total membership of the Lodge at the close of the year 1919 was two hundred and seventeen. Eighty-eight have passed from the roll of membership of Puritan Lodge to the Celestial Lodge above.
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Their work has been recorded, <br>
 +
Their labors now are done, <br>
 +
We follow on to meet them <br>
 +
When our life's sands are run.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
In closing it has seemed to me that the words of Washington to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts are especially fitting.
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Flattering as it may be to the human mind and truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonials of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a society whose liberal principles are founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice.''
 +
</blockquote>
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 21:13, 1 December 2014

PURITAN LODGE

MA_Puritan.gif

Location: Hanover; Whitman (by 1880). East Bridgewater (1982)

Chartered By: William Sewall Gardner

Charter Date: 09/12/1870 1870-345

Precedence Date: 07/21/1869

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Henry W. Powers, 1869-1871; Mem
  • Isaac W. Giles, 1872, 1873
  • Nathaniel Pratt, 1874-1876
  • Edward Keating, 1877-1881
  • Arthur Coleman, 1882-1884
  • Leonard B. Hatch, 1885, 1886
  • Charles W. Bradbury, 1887-1889
  • Jacob L. Batchelder, 1890-1892
  • Joseph D. Benson, 1893-1895
  • E. Alden Dyer, 1896, 1897; SN
  • George L. Paine, 1898-1900
  • Silas S. Wright, 1901, 1902
  • Harry Stanley, 1903, 1904
  • William H. Cook, 1905, 1906
  • Roy F. Allen, 1907, 1908; Mem
  • G. Howard Soule, 1909, 1910
  • Harry P. Goodwin, 1911, 1912
  • Harry N. Keith, 1913, 1914
  • Roy F. Bradford, 1915, 1916
  • Frank O. Goodwin, Jr., 1917, 1918
  • Frederick H. Black, 1919, 1920
  • Charles E. Baker, 1921, 1922
  • Edgar C. Monroe, 1923, 1924
  • George E. S. Stanley, 1925, 1926
  • Andrew J. Fish, 1927, 1928
  • Charles H. Barber, 1929, 1930
  • John E. Butler, 1931, 1932
  • Percy H. Wood, 1933, 1934
  • Donald B. Heath, 1935, 1936
  • Carl Etelman, 1937, 1938
  • Henry B. Stanley, 1939, 1940
  • Charles T. Nicoll, 1941
  • Robert H. Gardner, 1942, 1943
  • Franklin W. Phinney, 1944, 1945
  • Frank W. Milbery, 1946, 1947
  • Harold E. Luneberg, 1948, 1949
  • George O. Hutchins, 1950
  • John H. Holmes, 1951
  • John F. Snow, 1952
  • Howard A. Mann, 1953
  • George H. Howard, 1954; N
  • Linwood L. Stetson, 1955
  • Lester D. Meserve, 1956
  • Emerson A. Hall, 1957
  • Walter H. Gassett, 1958
  • Robert E. Godbout, 1959
  • Stanley H. Peterson, 1960; N
  • Ralph S. Josselyn, 1961
  • Bud M. Talpey, 1962
  • Harold N. Green, 1963
  • Gordon R. French, 1964
  • Ara Manoogian, 1965; PDDGM
  • Harold T. Dodge, 1966; SN
  • Daniel P. Horner, 1967
  • Carlton E. Frisbie, 1968
  • Alvin O. Laaperi, 1969
  • Donald E. Plimpton, 1970
  • Richard T. Gill, 1971
  • Robert E. Hoxie, 1972
  • Adam L. Y. Murray, 1973
  • Wilbur F. Porter, Jr., 1974
  • Clinton T. Jenkins, 1975
  • Ward C. Benson, Jr., 1976
  • Robert E. Godbout, Jr., 1977
  • Charles R. Roth, 1978
  • Robert Titterington, 1979
  • Robert W. Morse, 1980
  • Douglas E. Wales, 1981
  • Gregory S. Manoogian, 1982
  • John Raczkowski, 1983
  • Ward C. Benson, Jr., 1984
  • Robert W. Finlay, Sr., 1985
  • Donald L. Green, 1986
  • Robert E. Kellstrand, 1987, 1997
  • Robert R. Bruce, 1988
  • James M. Gordon, 1989
  • Robert A. McDougall, 1990, 2003
  • Joseph C. Livrago, 1991
  • Stanton G. Thorp, 1992
  • Richard C. Austin, 1993, 1994
  • Ronald G. Green, 1995, 1996
  • Richard J. Duhaine, 1998; PDDGM
  • Gordon R. Andrews, 1999
  • George E. Noon, 2000
  • Douglas W. Noon, 2001
  • Walter L. Miller, 2002
  • Craig A. Erickson, 2004, 2009, 2010
  • William W. Scott, 2005
  • Steven F. Shedd, 2006, 2007
  • Fred L. Packard, 2008
  • Lars W. Johnson, 2011
  • Andrew C. Duhaine, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1869
  • Petition for Charter: 1870

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1920 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1945 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1970 (Centenary)
  • 1995 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1878 1882 1884 1894 1901 1909 1913 1921 1927 1933 1941 1943 1949 1958 1969 1970 1971 1979 1985 1993 1998 2008 2012

HISTORY

  • 1920 (50th Anniversary History, 1920-311; see below)
  • 1945 (75th Anniversary History, 1945-295)
  • 1970 (Centenary History, 1970-415)
  • 1995 (125th Anniversary History, 1995-232)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, OCTOBER 1920

From Proceedings, Page 1920-311:

By Worshipful E. Alden Dyer.

If scientists are right and uttered sound goes echoing on from space to space to the last syllable of recorded time; if it is possible to send the human voice through trackless void to be gathered up by some listening antennae through miles and miles of intervening space; if, as we know the words and music of the great and famous of the earth can be indelibly impressed for our instruction and delight, then we believe and know that the principles and tenets of Masonry as inculcated around the altar of our plighted faith have made a lasting impression on the heart of man, as in the past so too in futures yet to be.

If truth, relief, and brotherly love, the three great tenets of our time honored Institution mean anything to the initiate schooled in these attributes, they mean an uplift, a broader outlook on life, a greater love for liberty and law, a greater patriotism and devotion to country, and a stronger faith in the fraternity and brotherhood of man. But the realm of Masonry is world-wide and all-embracing. From the building of King Solomon's Temple all down through the ages among all peoples, be they white or black, red, brown, or yellow, in civilization or savagery, the mystic ties of Ancient Masonry have brought help and succor in times of extreme distress and danger. The call of distress through the darkest night has often brought relief, to the credit of our mystic Brotherhood. On the battlefield when the passions of men are enflamed with the lust for blood and slaughter, the death thrust has often been averted by recognition of the kinship of our ancient Brotherhood.

But Masonry teaches, however checkered the trestle-board of life may be, that all men are created 'free and equal and that all alike should be judged by the eternal verities—truth and justice. But Masonry further teaches, however skilled the workman in the tools of his handicraft, be they the plumb, square, level, or compasses, that he is also building the temple of his life according as his light may be in the revealed "Word of the Great Master of Life till mortal toil shall cease and the workman shall be summoned hence.

At a meeting held at American Hall in South Abington on July 9, 1869, at which Samuel N. Dyer, Jr. was chairman and Samuel Foster secretary, it was voted by the Master Masons of South Abington to petition the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and also John Cutler Lodge, of Abington, that a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be known as Puritan Lodge be established and that the first three officers be Henry W. Powers as Worshipful Master, Samuel N. Dyer, Jr. as Senior Warden, and Franklin P. Harlow as Junior Warden. To this petition there were thirty-seven signers. A Dispensation was granted July 24, A.D. 1869, A.L. 5869, signed by William Sewall Gardner, Grand Master, attest Solon Thornton, Grand Secretary.

At a regular communication convened at Liberty Hall, South Abington, Aug. 9, 1869, Puritan Lodge was opened in due form with H. W. Powers, Worshipful Master, S. N. Dyer, Jr., Senior Warden, F. P. Harlow, Junior Warden, A. S. Stetson, Treasurer, Dan Packard, Secretary, J. W. Giles, Senior Deacon, G. W. Reed, Junior Deacon, Luther Peterson, Senior Steward, C. W. Reed, Junior Steward, W. P. Corthell, Chaplain, C. F. Allen, Marshal, A. Porter, Jr., Inside Sentinel, and Samuel Foster, Tyler, with A. S. Stetson, W. L. Reed, and Jacob Bates a Board of Trustees, and G. W. Reed, F. P. Harlow, and W. P. Corthell a committee on By-Laws. It was voted to lease Liberty Hall for five years and that the first three officers be a committee on fitting up the same.

At a regular communication on Sept. 15, 1869, the committee reports were accepted and adopted and applications for the degrees received. At a special communication Oct. 27, 1869, a delegation of thirty Brothers from John Cutler Lodge was present and Worshipful Master H. F. Whidden in behalf of John Cutler Lodge presented Puritan Lodge with a set of jewels.

At a regular communication Aug. 10, 1870, it was voted to petition the Grand Lodge for a Charter for Puritan Lodge and on Oct. 1, 1870, Puritan Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons was Constituted and its officers installed by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Ample Form.

Of the work and growth of Puritan Lodge from its organization up to the present time for fifty years, a detailed report is preserved in the records, which are of special interest only to the members of the Lodge. Suffice it to mention a few of the many pleasant surprises from the regular business and routine of the Lodge.

On Feb. 21, 1877, the doors of the Lodge-room were for the first time opened to the wives, sisters, and friends of the members of Puritan Lodge who came with an offering of a silver service, an ice pitcher and goblets, which, whether intentionally or not contributed to the fulfillment of that great cardinal virtue of Masonry, temperance. The presentation speech by Mrs. Edward S. Powers was so skillfully and happily given that Masonic reserve for once was broken and I doubt not that it was the commencement of what later became our Annual Ladies' Night land Strawberry Festival, and perhaps later on so softened the hearts of the members as to open their Lodge-room to the Order of the Eastern Star.

On Aug. 7, 1878, Brother W. P. Corthell exhibited the diploma and apron of Hon. Jared Whitman from Union Lodge of Nantucket, under date of Jan. 1, 1809, when resolutions on his death were presented to the Lodge. Hon. Jared Whitman kept his Masonic allegiance through anti-Masonic times, though he was debarred from church councils and judged unfit to act as a superintendent of a Sunday School because he would not renounce his belief in Freemasonry.

On Jan. 6, 1908, Worshipful Brother Dyer in behalf of Mrs. William R. Vining presented Puritan Lodge with the framed diploma and apron of her father, the Hon. Jared Whitman. It was voted to accept the same and that they be hung on the walls of the Lodge-room.

On Oct. 21, 1889, Worshipful Brother Reverend Leonard B. Hatch presented Puritan Lodge with a full set of chain collars' and jewels.

On Jan. 21, 1891, Worshipful Brother Hatch informed the Lodge that our late Brother and Chaplain W. P. Corthell left fifty dollars in his will to Puritan Lodge, which later was expended for a bookcase as a memorial to him.

On Sunday morning, Oct. 28, 1894, by invitation of Reverend Brother Gerrish the Lodge attended divine service at the Methodist Church.

At a special communication June 17, 1895, the Lodge was opened at 7.15 a.m. for the purpose of attending the Centennial Celebration at Bunker Hill Monument in memory of Most Worshipful Brother Joseph Warren. Brother Dyer, the Senior Warden, acting as Worshipful Master, conducted the Lodge to Charlestown and return.

June 9, 1897, mourning drapery for the a!tar was presented to the Lodge by Brother E. T. Davis.

Dec. 2, 1903, the Trustees recommended that the Order of the Eastern Star be granted the use of the Lodge-room and it was so voted. At a special communication, May 23, 1906, Brother Walter L. French, of Paul Revere Lodge, presented Puritan Lodge with a beautiful framed picture of King Solomon's Temple.

A special communication was held Sept. 29, 1906, to receive the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge to lay the corner-stone of the new Town Hall. After the impressive ceremonies a collation was served to the Officers and Brothers present.

June 19, 1907, a fine organ was presented to the Lodge from a number of the Brothers.

At a special communication June 23, 1907, by invitation of Reverend Brother W. J. Stewart, D. D., the Lodge attended service at the Baptist Church.

Oct. 16, 1907, Puritan Lodge was presented a set of gavels by Brother A. H. Brigham, brought by him from Jerusalem.

On March 25, 1908, Past Master's Night was first observed.

At a special communication March 29, 1908, the Lodge attended services at the Unitarian Church by invitation of its pastor, Reverend Brother W. D. Wilkie.

At a special communication April 22, 1908, Grand Master John Albert Blake was present with his suite and presented the interests of the Masonic Home at Charlton, Mass.

At a special communication May 27, 1908, Puritan Lodge entertained Plymouth Lodge, with seventy-six visiting Brothers present. At a special communication June 14, 1908, Reverend Brother W. J. Stewart, D.D., gave a very interesting and instructive address after the banquet entitled "Our Patron Saints." Aug. 5, 1908, a set of cases for new silverware was presented the Lodge by Pilgrim Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

May 17, 1909, sixty members from Puritan Lodge went by special car to Plymouth Lodge, returning home after the banquet at 1.15 a. m.

On Oct. 18, 1910, a burial service was conducted at the Methodist Church and grave for Worshipful Brother Joseph D. Benson.

At a special communication March 20, 1912, we had a visit from one hundred and seventeen members of Plymouth Lodge, with seventy-six members of Puritan Lodge present.

At a regular communication March 19, 1913, in behalf of twenty-four members of Puritan Lodge who are also members of George A. Custer Camp No. 11, Sons of Veterans, "Worshipful Brother Dyer presented a handsome flag which was accepted by "Worshipful Master Harry N. Keith in a fitting manner and the thanks of the Lodge were voted the donors.

At a special communication on Sunday morning, Feb. 27, 1916, Puritan Lodge, by invitation of our Chaplain, attended divine service at the First Congregational Church, where Reverend Brother W. W. Dorman gave an interesting discourse, The Shibboleths of Life.

At a regular communication Oct. 24, 1917, it was voted that the dues of the Brothers serving in the army or navy or any branch of the United States service be remitted from time to time as they become due until the termination of the war.

At a regular communication Dec. 26, 1917, on motion of Worshipful Brother Allen it was voted that a service flag be purchased and displayed in front of the hall.

At Past Master's Night held on May 22, 1918, the sprig of acacia used during the evening was brought from California by Brother Obed H. Ellis. At a regular communication Nov. 13, 1918, on motion of Worshipful Brother Allen it was voted that as the first business of the meeting all stand with bowed heads giving silent thanks to Almighty God for the deliverance of the world from the power of autocracy.

The total membership of the Lodge at the close of the year 1919 was two hundred and seventeen. Eighty-eight have passed from the roll of membership of Puritan Lodge to the Celestial Lodge above.

Their work has been recorded,
Their labors now are done,
We follow on to meet them
When our life's sands are run.

In closing it has seemed to me that the words of Washington to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts are especially fitting.

"Flattering as it may be to the human mind and truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonials of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a society whose liberal principles are founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice.

OTHER

  • 1906 Participation in Whitman cornerstone laying, 1906-127)
  • 1987 Participation in mortgage burning, 1987-117)
  • 1992 Participation in 10th Anniversary of Tri-Town Temple, 1992-45)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS


DISTRICTS

1869: District 16 (Plymouth)

1883: District 24 (Brockton)

1911: District 29 (Brockton)

1927: District 29 (Brockton)

2003: District 17


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges