RIRedwood35
Contents
LODGE
Location: X
Chartered By: X
Dispensation Date: date
Charter Date: date
Current Status: status
PAST MASTERS
NOTES
Meeting Date: Second Monday
REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS
ANNIVERSARIES
VISITS BY GRAND MASTER
BY-LAW CHANGES
HISTORY
Redwood Lodge was the dream of Meyer Noot who envisioned a lodge where the question of race or religion would never be a criterion of membership. Thirteen signatures were on the original petition along with the recommendation of St. John's No. 1 of Providence. The petition was granted and on June 10, 1878, Redwood became the thirty-fifth name on the Grand Lodge roll of subordinated lodges in ceremonies presided over by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Charles R. Cutler.
As one of the basic precepts of the founders was “Liberty” this name was seriously considered as a Lodge name. However, the organizers chose to honor a non-Mason from Newport, Abraham Redwood was a Quaker, who was known for his philanthropy, broad-mindedness, and general good citizenship.
In the ninety-eight years of the existence of Redwood, the world has seen two great wars and Redwood members served their country in both, thirty-two members in World War I and twenty-three in World War II.
The spirit of brotherly love has always rung loudly in Redwood. On March 3, 1911, the first interstate exchange of Masonic courtesies between a Rhode Island Blue Lodge and that of another state occurred when about fifty members of redwood traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to pay a fraternal visit to Mount Olivet Lodge where Rhode Island ritual was exemplified for the first time outside of this Grand Jurisdiction. Worshipful James A. Hawes was presiding in the East on this occasion. On may 8, 1911, the visit was returned. Commencing in 1936, Redwood Lodge, together with the United Lodge of Brookline, Massachusetts, instituted a system of fraternal visitations which exists to the present time, making thirty-nine years of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection with not a single year omitted.
In September 1929, Worshipful William H. Mason originated a tabloid newspaper designed the “Redwood Builder.” The publication became the regular notice of the Lodge. The publication continued for eighteen years until the death of Worshipful Brother Mason. It then became dormant until 1950 when Worshipful Earl H. Mason, his son, agreed to revive and edit it. “The Builder” still enjoys monthly publication.
The first bequest for the establishment of the Grand Lodge Masonic Home Fund was made by a redwood member, Brother Frank B. Howard, who, upon his death in 1924, left almost twelve thousand dollars to the home fund.
Redwood Lodge has been honored by having two of its brothers aspire to the office of Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. They are Most Worshipful Bernard B. Abedon and Most Worshipful Malcolm C. Bromberg.
Redwood has had the further privilege of honoring throughout the years several of its dedicated members.
Redwood has raised many classes including the noted Fall Class of 1946 which consisted of twenty-six Brothers of which at least thirteen were blood relatives.
Redwood has met on the second Monday of the month for almost ninety-eight years and is looking forward to its centennial celebration. In fine, Redwood Lodge, with its 600 members is alive and well.
