Difference between revisions of "Republican"

Revision as of 16:11, 25 December 2014

REPUBLICAN LODGE

Location: Greenfield; Gill (1821); Greenfield (1851)

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 01/09/1795 II-60

Precedence Date: 12/08/1794

Current Status: Active

NOTES

According to the 150th Anniversary history (Page 1945-370), the charter was surrendered in 1833.

MEMBER LIST, 1802

From Vocal Companion and Masonic Register, Boston, 1802, Part II, Page 13:

• R. W. John Stone, M.
• W. William Wait, S. W.
• W. Lemuel Foster, J. W.
• Calvin Munn, Tr.
• Elijah Alvord, 2d., Sec.

No. of Members, 71.

• Moses Bascomb, Jr.
• Caleb Chapin
• Procter Pierce
• Francis Wood
• Appleton Skinner
• Samuel Ross
• Daniel Arncraft
• Dudley Fish
• Richard Wells
• Stalham Williams

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Charter: 1794
• Petition for Restoration of Charter: 1851

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1895 (Centenary)
• 1945 (150th Anniversary)
• 1970 (175th Anniversary)
• 1995 (200th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1856 (Lewis; Hall dedication, Special Communication; see below)
• 1873 (Nickerson; Hall dedication, Special Communication; see below)
• 1881 (Lawrence)
• 1895 (Holmes; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1898 (Hutchinson; Hall Dedication; Special Communication)
• 1908 (Blake)
• 1910 (Flanders)
• 1916 (L. Abbott)
• 1917 (L. Abbott)
• 1922 (Prince)
• 1928 (Simpson)
• 1931 (H. Dean)
• 1945 (Deputy Grand Master Stanley Wilson); 150th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1946 (Wragg)
• 1969 (Jaynes)
• 1970 (Jaynes; 175th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1975 (Maxwell)
• 1995 (Lovering; 2 visits, including 200th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1997 (A. Johnson; Cornerstone laying and building dedication; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1871 1873 1877 1879 1881 1882 1889 1907 1910 1914 1916 1920 1923 1928 1951 1957 1963 1975 1977 1982 1983 1986 1999 2003 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012

HISTORY

• 1895 (Centenary historical address not in Proceedings)
• 1945 (150th Anniversary History, 1945-361; see below)
• 1970 (175th Anniversary History, 1970-4)
• 1995 (200th Anniversary History, 1995-3)

150TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-361:

By Worshipful Malcolm Butement.

The history of Republican Lodge may well be divided into four periods. Twenty-five years of earnest and anxious struggle, thirty years of censure, misfortune and decadence, twenty years of restoration and seventy-five years of successful organization and achievement.

Previous to 1794, the institution of Freemasonry had no organized body to represent it in Greenfield. The nearest Lodges were at Keene, New Hampshire, and Worcester, Massachusetts. Accordingly, a few Freemasons living in Greenfield and vicinity, feeling the need of closer Masonic ties, took the first steps for forming a Lodge in Greenfield by petitioning Rising Sun Lodge of Keene to intercede with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge at Boston for a dispensation to form a new Lodge in the following manner:

Greenfield, Mass., August 24, A.L. 5794.

Worshipful Master, Worshipful Wardens and Worthy Brethren:

Fortune and chance had placed a few of us, of the Masonick Order, in this town, all of which have been authentically Initiated, Passed and Raised to the Sublime degree in the same, and Whereas, the distance from here to any lodge regularly constituted is so great, which renders our wishful inclinations as visitors, very inconvenient, without much loss of time and expense, and having the good of Masonry at heart, ever endeavoring for its promotion, together with the situation of this town, where members of the most respectable character are only waiting for a regular and due establishment of the same. We your sincere brothers crave your kind assistance, in recommending us to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge in Boston, whereby we may with due submission, obtain a dispensation to open a new Lodge here.

Viewing the situation of this place, and the distance we are from any well constituted lodge, we flatter ourselves that your Worshipful Lodge will hold our wishes up in the clearest light and grant us that brotherly assistance which we crave.

We are, with due regard, your sincere brothers and very humble servants.

• John Long, Jr., Esqr.
• Wm. Grinnell
• Amos Cornwell
• Calvin Munn
• Nodiah Kellogg
• Calvin Johnson
• Edward Houghton
• Abel Wilder
• Daniel Wilder
• Eliphaz Alexander

To Major William Todd and the rest of the brethren of Rising Sun Lodge.

The petition was favorably recommended to the consideration of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts by Rising Sun Lodge, and at the quarterly communication of the same, held on December 8th, was granted.

In the January 15, 1795 issue of the Greenfield Gazette the following notice was printed:

To all Free and Accepted Masons:

Brethren:

You are hereby cordially invited to attend at Mr. Munn's in Greenfield, on Wednesday the 28th day of January, current, at which time and place will be constituted, in due form, a Lodge of Free Masons, by the name of "Republican Lodge." It is expected that the business will be performed by Brother Isiah Thomas, Seignor Grand Warden, and that a discourse will be delivered at the meeting house in Greenfield, to begin at 11 o'clock in the forenoon: After exercises the brethren are desired to repair to Mr. Munn's for refreshment, and perform the duties of the day.

John Long, jun.
Master
Greenfield, January 8, 1795.

On January 28th, 1795, the first meeting of Republican Lodge was held in Munn's Tavern which stood on the site of the present Mansion House. The nine officers and twenty-five brethren attended by "a very large concourse of gentlemen and ladies" then walked in procession to the Meeting House which was situated near the corner of Federal and Silver Streets.

There the Rev. Mr. Parsons of Amherst delivered a "well adapted sermon," taking for his text, "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love, one toward another and toward all men even as we do toward you"; at the conclusion of which, the brethren repaired to Brother Munn's hall at the Tavern where the concluding service was held. Worshipful Brother Isaiah Thomas, Senior Grand Warden, installed the officers of the newly created Lodge and gave a Masonic oration. Worshipful Brother John Long, Jr. was the first Master.

The Charter of Republican Lodge is the first of the twenty-three charters signed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Paul Revere and the precedence of the Lodge dates from January 9, 1795, while the Charter is dated February 7, 1795.

For a considerable time the regular communications of the Lodge were usually held at 2 p.m. The next succeeding being held on February 11th, and "Opened on the first step," as the record tersely expresses it, the usual business transacted, the refreshments partaken of and the Lodge closed in due form. The stewards' bills ranged from 4 s, 6 d, to £ 1, 6 d, for each meeting during the first few years.

The Brethren early became sincere devotees to the patron saints of Freemasonry and on the 24th of June, 1795, duly celebrated the Festival of St. John the Baptist. On this occasion, which forms the basis of subsequent observances of the kind, the Lodge as a body, marched in procession to the Meeting House and in the quaint language of the record, "listened to a well adapted sermon by the Rev. Roger Newton," after which they repaired to Bro. Munn's Hall and partook of the entertainment provided for the occasion, worked the 2nd and 3rd degrees, proposed two candidates and closed the Lodge. As this was the first festival observed by the Lodge, they seem to have thought it fitting to be unmindful of the steward, who, however, was not dilatory in bringing in a bill of £8, 11 s, 8 d.

The following year, 1796, the festival was again celebrated by another "well adapted sermon" and the addition of an oration. Mindful of the wily steward with his large bills, the Lodge resolved this year to circumvent him by passing a vote that "no guests, save the clergy," happy men, should be invited to the dinner. By this strategic vote the desired financial result was attained and the steward, poor fellow, was forced to content himself with a bill one-half that of the previous year.

Having now learned how to reduce expenses, the Lodge resolved in December to celebrate the anniversary of St. John, the Evangelist. This festival was carried out much the same as the preceding ones; a sermon, an oration, pronounced to be "truly elegant," and lastly, plenty to eat and drink. For the next thirty years these recurring festivals were celebrated with great regularity. The June festival being always observed and the December festival seldom omitted. This apparent partiality probably was due to a preference for the month of roses, rather than for the bleak winds and snows of December.

During the first year, a code of By-Laws was adopted. However, they seem to have been a source of much trouble and frequently were "dispensed" with in order to accomplish something they would not allow; such as receiving an application from, ballot on, and perhaps work all three degrees on a candidate at the same meeting. For the first few years committees were appointed frequently to alter or amend them. These By-Laws also contained specific rules of conduct and every member was instructed on his behavior both within and without the Lodge, that no unjust reflection might be cast on the "Royal Art."

Every brother was held accountable to the principles of Truth, Justice, Honesty and Charity. He who deviated from the path that is straight and narrow was quickly reminded of his error and brought before the Lodge for judgment. If the offense was of a serious nature, he was immediately brought to trial, judged with candor, admonished with friendship and reprehended with justice.

At the meeting held December 28, 1795, Elijah Alvord was "Initiated as Tyler and is to stand in that post for one year." At the next meeting, Bro. Alvord was "Passed and Raised to the Sublime."

"In the East there is Light in Republican Lodge held at Greenfield on the 9th day of November A.L. 5796" was the very expressive sentence at the beginning of the record of this meeting and was the opening sentence of the record of nearly every meeting until June 17, 1807.

In 1801, the Lodge procured a seal with the motto "Follow Reason." In commenting on this motto, Worshipful Brother Bowdoin S. Parker said, "Noble words, expressing at once the highest standard of moral action and the supreme arbiter of every motive in life" and that "No narrow, bigoted or unthinking minds could have chosen it."

The record of the meeting held March 1, 1797, is interesting. After listing the officers, the record says, "Visitors Bro. Lee, Bro. West, Bro. Clapp, Bro. Flagg. Lodge opened on the third step. Bro. Flagg raised to the Sublime degree and paid his fee to the Treasurer. Lodge closed on the third step. Lodge opened on the Mark Step by Bro. Lee, Bro. West and Bro. Smith. Brethren Marked: — Bro. Long, Bro. Cornwell, Bro. Stone, Bro. Waite, Bro. Munn, Bro. Gilbert, Bro. Wells, Bro. Graves, Bro. Ames, Bro. Clapp, Bro. Langdon. Steward Bill paid. Lodge closed on the fourth step by Worshipful Lee." The Bro. Smith was the Rev. Preserved Smith of Rowe, who was raised October 14, 1795. He was born in Ashfield, served in the Revolution and was a minister in Rowe for 35 years. Bro. Flagg, who received his third degree at this meeting had been admitted to membership in 1796 and Republican Lodge had been severely censured by the Grand Lodge for admitting a Fellow Craft to membership. As we have no records to identify Brothers Lee and West, they evidently were sent here to see that Bro. Flagg was properly healed.

During the early years the funds of the Lodge must have been rather meager, for at the October 11, 1797, meeting we find that a committee is "chosen to see that the money due the Grand Lodge be immediately forwarded and that hereafter there shall not be any notes given for passing or raising fees." Notes were taken to such an extent that they found themselves without funds. The first report for 1802 reads as follows:

• Cash in the hands of Bro. Calvin Munn the Past Treasurer which has not yet been paid over to the Treasurer —$ 90.19
• Notes on hand against several Bros, as reported December 28, 1801 —$418.60
• Cash received by Treasurer since Settlement December 28, 1801 —| 17.49 1/2
• Treas. charge against Lodge —$ 10.20
• Available Funds — $7.29 1/2

On January 28, 1805, Republican Lodge performed its first funeral service and it was held at Shelburne for its first Master, Worshipful Brother Dr. John Long. In 1807, Brother Avery Williams was appointed Chaplain, being the first Brother honored with that office.

On the second Wednesday of December, 1802, Right Worshipful Brother Solomon Vose, District Deputy Grand Master, paid the first official visitation ever held in Republican Lodge. He was one of the first group of District Deputy Grand Masters appointed by the Grand Master "pursuant to the regulations of the Grand Lodge made and established on the 15th of December A.L. 5801." There were thirty Brethren present out of the total of 120 that had been initiated and received into membership up to that date. When we take into consideration the time of the year and the distance that many lived from the town, it was a large attendance. The Master lived in Deerfield, Senior Warden in Leyden, Treasurer in Northfield, Senior Deacon and Secretary in Shelburne, and members came from Bernardston, Rowe, Gill, Montague and Sunderland, as well as Greenfield. The District Deputy Grand Master lived in North-field, took his degrees in 1796 in Republican Lodge and had been Master of Harmony Lodge.

At about this time, the ritualistic work of the Lodge was evidently not too good for we find in the records of the 1801 annual meeting: "Voted that a committee be appointed to procure an able and respectable Mason at the expense of the Lodge to reside in this town a convenient time for the purpose of instructing the members of this Lodge in the Sublime Mysteries of Masonry." Apparently no one was secured until 1803, when in March it was voted "to pay Wor. Bro. Woodard ?3 and to present him with a copy of Bro. Harris Discourses for his service in instructing the Lodge." However, in 1806 the Lodge was receiving instruction from Bro. Benj. Gleason, Grand Lecturer, for the record reads: "Voted that the Treasurer pay Bro. Benj. Gleason, G.L. fifteen dollars for his services also that he pay Bro. Munn's bill for refreshments during the time Bro. Gleason visited this Lodge." How much the officers profited by the instruction is impossible to say. The Secretary is the only one we can judge and he certainly became more concise. Previously he wrote "The Lodge closed and to stand closed till our next regular communication unless called together sooner on some special occasion in which case the Lodge will have timely notice." He now says, "the Lodge closed in due form."

In 1808 many members dimitted and the membership was greatly reduced. It was proposed to remove the Lodge to Colrain, but after due deliberation, it was deemed inexpedient. This state of affairs continuing, they seriously considered the surrendering of the Charter since they neither could meet the expenses of the Lodge nor the dues of the Grand Lodge. It probably would have been done had it not been for a faithful few who made great personal sacrifices to retain that Charter.

In 1810, we find the Lodge adopting a new set of By-Laws. One article provides that the Secretary shall be paid $6. per annum, provided he should faithfully attend to the duties of that office. After examining the records of the Lodge since its institution, it is a pleasure to say that the secretaries as a rule are entitled not only to the salary, but to the thanks of every member. The records are neat, well arranged and usually quite complete. However, prior to adopting this set of By-Laws, the Lodge seems to have had some difficulty with the different secretaries over the financial reports. While they performed their duties faithfully, they seemingly felt that certain sums were due them at the expiration of their term of office and refused to give up the funds of the Lodge until the matter was settled. This may account for the establishment of the salary in the new code.

How long the Lodge continued to occupy Munn's Hall, after its institution, is uncertain, but its first removal was to a building on Federal Street, standing about where Rita's Candy Shop and Simmons Jewelry Store are now located. In 1817 a hall on the second floor in the new school building, now known as the Avery House, on School Street near the northeast corner of Ames Street, was fitted up and occupied. Franklin Royal Arch Chapter, which had just been granted a Charter, assisted in furnishing this hall where it also held its meetings. Before taking leave of the old Munn's Tavern where the early meetings were held, and where the hearty greetings, hale fellowship and good dinners were had, a reported incident that took place should not be omitted from these notes. One October afternoon, the Brethren were assembled to transact the customary business and confer the first degree. The business of the meeting occupied more than the usual time, and the candidate became impatient. The longer he waited the more uneasy and distrustful he became. After loitering about for some time and seeking something to divert his mind from the impending doom, he finally seated himself at the old fireplace in the kitchen. The cook was engaged in cleaning up the various kitchen utensils. After a time, she brought out an old-fashioned gridiron and placed it over the fire to burn off the accumulated grease, previous to washing it. At this, the poor candidate, in a distressed state of mind, eagerly inquired "What she was doing?" The woman, tiring of his company, somewhat tartly replied that "there was a Mason meeting upstairs and a felluw was to be taken in and . . . ." Before she could finish the sentence and inform him that she was expected to prepare a dinner for them, the candidate took to his heels and was gone. He probably never knew the exact Masonic use of that gridiron. This supposedly same gridiron is reported to have hung in the ante-room of the quarters which the Lodge occupied in the Mansion House. In moving to the present building in 1897, it evidently became lost.

In 1820 the attendance at the meetings was very small and the membership reduced to thirty-five. A committee that had been appointed to consider the advisability of surrendering the Charter reported adversely. The remaining members decided to hold on for a while longer. Yet in their adversity, we find them contributing generously to the relief of their Masonic Brethren who suffered by the great fire in Troy, New York, in that year. At the annual meeting the Treasurer reported the assets of the Lodge to be $9.00, with liabilities of $104.00, of which $94.00 was owed to the Grand Lodge. It was indeed a gloomy outlook. Not a degree had been conferred nor an application for membership been received in over a year. A committee was appointed to see what property of the Lodge could be lawfully sold and to solicit subscriptions to pay ofF the indebtedness. Their efforts were in vain, and the amount could not be raised.

On November 6, 1821, after getting the consent of Harmony Lodge, it was voted 5 to 4 to remove the Lodge to Gill. The Grand Lodge on December 12, 1821, sanctioned the removal provided "they shall have paid their dues to the Grand Lodge."

On Thursday, February 21, 1822, the last meeting was held in Greenfield. Brothers John Bates and John Chase advanced $107.00 to pay the dues to the Grand Lodge and the Lodge removed to Gill.

The first meeting was held in the house of Bro. Alfred Alvord. The By-Laws were again amended. The Secretary's salary of six dollars a year was entirely cut ofF. The Tyler's pay was cut to fifty cents a meeting. Every member was assessed twenty cents per meeting whether present or not.

Although twenty-five members were added during their sojourn in Gill, prosperity did not return. Frequent discussions were held on the advisability of another removal, but, as no better location could be found, the matter was dropped.

The next to the last candidate to be initiated was Abner Dalrymple, who was about to journey to the west. He rode to New Salem to ask the District Deputy Grand Master for a dispensation to take his degrees in one day. The District Deputy Grand Master had moved to Boston. The Lodge upon his reporting the matter moved "upon deliberate and mature consideration" to give him his degrees without a dispensation.

The last candidate to receive his degrees was Elizah Pike, 2nd, in 1827. During 1828 and 1829, meetings were held regularly with from five to nine members present and with the May meeting in 1830 the records end.

In these thirty-five years, Republican Lodge had received 251 into membership and had made possible the institution of Harmony, Harris, Jerusalem, Pacific and Mountain Lodges.

In 1833 the Charter was surrendered. Now follows about twenty years of the anti-masonry period.

However, on December 10, 1851, the Grand Lodge renewed the Charter and Republican Lodge recommenced its labors in Greenfield, as it had done fifty-seven years before. The first regular meeting was held January 3, 1852, in Odd Fellows Hall. The next few meetings were also held in that hall then in an ell of the J. H. Hollister house, when it was a High School for Young Ladies. This hall was later J. B. Kennedy's building on Newton Place, back of the Town Hall, where he conducted his plumbing business.

Within two years, the Lodge received 43 new members and had furnished and occupied a hall in the Davis Block, which was located on Main Street where the Sheldon Block now stands. Indeed, so prosperous was the Lodge, it was soon felt that more commodious quarters were necessary. Accordingly, in 1856, a hall was furnished and equipped in the Mansion House. When the Mansion House was reconstructed in 1873, new quarters were also provided for the Lodge.

At the time of the ceasing of the Lodge in 1830, its property and treasures were scattered among its members for safe keeping. The Bible, Square and Compasses were taken in charge by Bro. John Bates, a resident of Gill, and whose membership began in 1806. He subsequently abandoned the Order. A Mrs. Abigail Wrisley lived nearby, and on seeing the Bible, became attached to it and secured it in trade for an old gun. Her daughter, Miss M. Phila Wrisley, on May 28, 1885, very graciously returned the Bible to the Lodge. The Square and Compasses bearing the name of the Lodge were brought in to J. H. Hollister, Jeweler, who informed the late Wor. George Wilby that after keeping them six months, they were disposed of with other similar ware to a dealer in old silver.

In 1889 the Lodge was again suffering from growing pains and a committee was appointed to "buy a piece of real estate." However, nothing came of it, although similar committees were appointed each year through 1893.

On February 7, 1895, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lodge was celebrated with a service at the Second Congregational Church, which was filled to capacity and a banquet for 600 was served in Washington Hall.

On April 4, 1895, it was voted to form the Masonic Hall Association and the present property was purchased. The old buildings were torn down arid on April 23, 1896, Right Worshipful Franklin E. Snow, acting as Most Worshipful Grand Master, laid the corner-stone of the present building that we now occupy. The records inform us that the box in this stone contains the following: Copy of the Charter, Constitution, By-Laws and list of members and Past Masters of Republican Lodge. List of members of Franklin Royal Arch Chapter, Titus Strong Council and Connecticut Valley Commandery. Copies of various previous Addresses, By-Laws, Masonic Directories and some badges of the Commandery. Copy of the Hymn written by F. J. Hosmer for the ceremony. Copies of the Gazette and Courier for February 7, March 21 and April 18, 1896, the Springfield Republican and Boston Advertiser for April 23, 1896. Copy of Grand Lodge Proceedings for 1895. Copy of Greenfield Poll List, Names of the Building Committee and the Officers who took part in the ceremony, and lastly, a copy of the Birthday Poem written by Dr. Charles L. Fiske, who was the oldest Mason in Connecticut Valley on the occasion of his 92nd birthday on December 25, 1895.

On December 9, 1897, the first meeting was held in the new lodge rooms and on February 8, 1898, the dedication was held. The Grand Lodge was present and Most Worshipful Charles C. Hutchinson, Grand Master, conducted the ceremony. After closing the Lodge, a collation was served in the banquet hall, where short speeches by prominent Masons were given.

In July, 1898, Senior Warden Charles H. Field lost his life while serving as 1st Lt. of Co. L of the 2nd Mass. Volunteers in Cuba. On October 26, 1899, when the Lodge voted to establish its Charity Fund, it was named The Charles H. Field Charity Fund in his honor.

In 1851 when the Grand Lodge voted to renew the Charter of Republican Lodge, a Renewal Charter was issued and signed by Edward A. Raymond, who was Grand Master at that time. The Lodge worked under the authority of this Renewal Charter until 1909, when on June 9th, this substitute was given back to the Grand Lodge and the original Charter, signed by Paul Revere, was returned to the Lodge. In 1913 Romanzo S. Pritchard died. He had served Republican Lodge faithfully as Tyler for about forty years.

On May 7, 1914, the first Past Masters Night was observed and since that time it has been an annual event. On June 4, 1914, the Advisory Board of Past Masters was established.

On February 5, 1920, Brother Frank Curtis delivered a historical address in recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Republican Lodge.

The growth of the Lodge had been healthy and steady since its re-establishment, but following the First World War the membership grew by leaps and bounds. In 1920 there were held 11 regular and 44 special meetings, with 62 new members added. In 1921 there were 10 regular and 50 special meetings, with a gain of 67 members. The meeting held on March 4, 1920, is of special interest. On that occasion there were received one application for affiliation, 12 applications for degrees and the Lodge also voted on 17 petitions and granted more time to the investigating committees on two others for a total of 32 for the meeting.

On May 19, 1922, Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, attended for the purpose of unveiling the Honor Roll of those members of Republican Lodge who served in the First World War. There was also a band to give a martial touch to the occasion.

In 1922 the Lodge felt the need of enlarged quarters and a committee was appointed to secure a site for a new building. The location was decided upon and the land purchased. However, on June 4, 1925, the Lodge voted to sell the property and on November 26, 1925, voted to alter the present building. These alterations resulted in providing adequate club-rooms, ante-rooms, etc., for the various Masonic functions.

On April 10, 1928, Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson, Grand Master, visited the Lodge for the purpose of presenting 12 Veteran's Medals to those members who had been Masons for fifty years.

On September 18, 1930, the Lodge voted to take the Organ Fund, which had been slowly accumulating, and purchase a new organ. A committee was appointed to secure additional funds. On October 8, 1931, the new organ was dedicated. E. E. McHaffey gave the Organ Recital and Rev. Bro. Dr. Arthur P. Pratt gave the Dedicatory Address.

On February 25, 1932, the Lodge celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Washington's Birthday. The work of the evening was performed with the officers dressed in Colonial costumes and Brother John W. Haigis delivered an address on the life of Washington.

During the depression years, the membership did not show any increases, but by 1940 the steady upward trend was resumed and is continuing.

Thus we come to the end of the first one hundred and fifty years in the history of Republican Lodge.

OTHER

• 1816 (Petition to Grand Lodge for a loan, declined, III-316)
• 1821 (Report on delinquency, III-341)
• 1876 (Presentation at Grand Lodge, 1876-138)
• 1878 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1878-83)
• 1879 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1879-9)
• 1896 (Anniversary celebration, mentioned in Grand Master's Address, 1896-270)
• 1909 (Petition for restoration of original charter, 1909-67)

EVENTS

HALL DEDICATION, FEBRUARY 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 7, March 1856, Page 141:

This is one of the most respectable and thriving Lodges in the Commonwealth. It received its Charter in 1795, three years after the union of the two Grand Lodges in Boston, and the consequent organization of the present supreme body, It continued in active operation, always numbering among its initiates and members, many of the best and most influential citizens of the beautiful village in which it is located, until the breaking out of the antimasonic persecution; when, for the sake of peace, and in the mistaken hope of contributing to allay the excitement, which was then raging with mad violence throughout the valley of the Connecticut river, it closed its doors and surrendered its Charter.

A few years since, the requisite number of its surviving members asked to have its charter restored, — a request which was readily granted by the Grand Lodge. The Lodge forthwith recommenced its labors, and now numbers on its roll nearly one hundred members! It has recently leased large and commodious apartments in the centre of the town, and filled up a spacious hall for its accommodation, in a style of neatness and elegance not probably surpassed, if equalled by any similar hall in the Commonwealth, out of the city of Boston. The fresco embellishments were executed by Mr. John Sawin, Jr., of Greenfield, an artist of much merit in his line of business. (Note: Mr. Sawin recently executed the fresco work of the Baptist Church in Charles Street, in this city, which is said to be a superior piece of workmanship; and also of the church at Newton Centre. Lodges fitting up new halls, might find it to their advantage to consult him).

A brief description of the embellishments has been furnished us. A cornice twelve inches deep is painted round the walls; above which are twenty-four panels of different sizes and shapes, alternating each other. Within these is a second cornice eight inches deep, leaving an open space of twelve by twenty feet, which is filled with sky, representing morning in the East; noon, in the centre, and night, in the West, — the whole so nicely blended and admirably executed as to produce a chaste and beautiful effect, especially when the hall is lighted. The spaces on the walls are divided into thirty five square-edged panels, sunk, apparently, two inches; within sixteen of these, are pointed as many circular-top panels, in fine elaborate moulding, throwing back the panels three and a half inches, — leaving ample room, in ten of these spaces, for the emblems of the Order. The walls and ceiling, in their architectural parts, are executed in a rich warm lint of French grey, inclining to a buff.

On Friday, the 8th February, the Grand Master, accompanied by several of the Grand Officers, proceeded to Greenfield, at the invitation of the Lodge, for the purpose of dedicating the hall, "according to the ancient custom and usages of the Craft. The ceremonies were performed in the presence of about two hundred ladies and gentlemen, to most of whom they were new, and to all of whom they were apparently gratifying. At the conclusion of these services, the Brethren of the Lodge and the visitors present, were briefly addressed by the M. W. Grand Master, in terms suitably adapted to the occasion.

The officers were then installed by the R. W. Brother J. T. Heard,acting on the occasion as D. G. Master. After which an address was delivered by the Rev. Brother William Flint, of Greenfield. This we are most happy to learn is to be printed. It occupied about forty minutes in the delivery, and was an able, eloquent and truthful exposition of the principles, doctrines, and purposes of Freemasonry. It was eminently worthy of the acknowledged talents of its estimable author, and its publication at this time is called for by the highest and best interests of the Institution. False notions are creeping in among us, which, if permitted to obtain, will jeopard the prosperity of the Order in this country. They can be best met and averted by circulating among the Lodges and Brethren more truthful expositions of the genuine principles of the Order.

The ceremonies having been completed, the company were invited to partake of an entertainment served up in the adjacent rooms. The occasion was an agreeable one, and we trust may contribute to the continued prosperity of the Lodge.

• Excerpts from the William Flint address

• Grand Master's Address

OFFICER LIST, MAY 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XV, No. 7, May 1856, Page 209:

Officers of Republican Lodge, Greenfield, Mass.

• E. P. Graves, W. M. SN
• N. E. Babbett, S. W.
• Geo. Ripley, J. W.
• C. L. Fisk, Treas.
• S. H. Reed, Sec.
• D. Lyon, S. D.
• A. Mitchell, J. D.
• Rev. William Flint, Chap.
• D. Hunter, S. S.
• J. Rowley, Jr., J. S.
• T. Ripley, M.

OFFICER LIST, NOVEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 3, November 1861, Page 96:

Officers of Republican Lodge, Greenfield, Mass.

• David Lyon, M.
• Geo. A. Kimball, S. W.
• Kev. S. K. Jones, J. W.
• Henry C. Willard, S. D.
• E. J. Rice, J. D.
• L. L. Lucey, Treas.
• E. P. Graves, Sec'y.

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIII, No. 3, January 1864, Page 96:

Officers of Republican Lodge, Greenfield.

• David Lyon, W. M.
• John W. Moore, S. W.
• Anson Mitchell, J. W.
• L. L. Lucy, Treas.
• E. P. Graves, Sec.
• James R. Long, S. D.
• E. Rugg, J. D.
• B. S. Parker and R. W. Long, Stewards.
• E. J. Rice, Tyler.

HALL DEDICATION, FEBRUARY 1873

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXII, No. 3, March 1873, Page 79:

The new Masonic Hall, with its apartments, at Greenfield, Mass, was solemnly dedicated according to the ancient usages of Masonry, by the M. W. Grand Lodge on the evening of the 18th ult. The officers of the Grand Lodge present and assisting on the occasion were:

• M. W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Grand Master.
• R. W. Percival L. Everett, D. G. M.
• R. W. Henry Endicott, S. G. W.
• R. W. Wm. Parkman, J. G. W. pro tem.
• R. W. John McClellan, G. Treas.
• R. W. Ithamar W. Conkey, R. G. Sec. pro tem.
• R. W. Chas. W. Moore, Cor. G. Sec.
• R. W. and Rev. Chas. H. Titus, G. Chap. pro tem.
• W. Wm. H. Chessman, G. Mar.
• W. Edw. J. Sawyer, Sen. D. pro tem.
• W. Wm. J. Sawin, Jun. D. pro tem.
• Bro. George S. Taylor, S. S.
• Bro. James E. Hosley, J. S.
• Bro. Fred. A. Pierce, Tyler.

The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form at about 8 o'clock, and immediately proceeded with the dedication of the halls according to the forms of the Ritual in such cases provided. The ceremonies were interspersed with appropriate music, and great credit was awarded to the excellent choir for the effective manner in which the singing was rendered.

The large hall was early filled to excess by the brethren and their ladies, and invited guests, and we take occasion to say here that we have rarely on any similar occasion, seen a more brilliant assemblage, or a more attentive and respectful audience.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies of dedication, and the proclamation by the Grand Marshal, the W. Master, Bro. Bowdoin S. Parker, read an excellent and interesting paper on the history of the Lodge from its first organization in 1795, to the present time, tracing in detail, the vicissitudes through which it had passed during the long period since its beginning. Its earlier years were attended with a reasonable success, but it was subsequently called to encounter adverse circumstances, and was finally removed to the neighboring town of Lee, in the hope that it might there meet with better fortunes. This hope, however, was not realized, and about the year 1821 the brethren surrendered their charter to the Grand Lodge, and the Lodge ceased to hold its meetings. It continued in this condition for the long term of twenty years, including the entire anti-masonic period. In 1841 the brethren at Greenfield petitioned the Grand Lodge for a restoration of its charter, and the Lodge was again organized and re-established in their pleasant village. From that time it has continued to prosper, and now numbers on the roll of its membership the names of one hundred and seventy-five active, intelligent and zealous brethren, who have not only been able to furnish themselves with new, ample, and convenient apartments for their Lodge, but have added to it a flourishing Royal Arch Chapter, Council of Royal and Select Masters, and a well disciplined and equipped Commandery of Knights Templars. Few Lodges in the State have done better than this.

At the conclusion of the reading of the interesting narrative by the Master, the company present were ably addressed by the M. W. Grand Master, and R. W. Bros. Coolidge, Parkman and Titus, when, after the singing of an ode by the choir, the Grand Lodge retired. A ball was next in order, and the brethren and their ladies repaired at once to the large hall in the building designed for such purposes, and there enjoyed themselves for a couple of hours, when they were escorted to the dining-room for supper, after which dancing was renewed and continued for an hour or two longer. The occasion throughout was a delightful one, and we believe everybody present was delighted with it. We give the officers of the Lodge as follows:

• W. Bowdoin S. Parker, M.
• Bro. Chas. H. McClellan, S. W.
• Bro. C. Mason Moody, J. W.
• Bro. Clarence F. Foster, Treasurer.
• Bro. Wilbur F. Harding, Sec.
• Bro. Gorham D. Williams, S. D.
• Bro. Francis J. Hosmer, J. D.
• Bro. Rev. John F. Moors, Chap.
• Bro. Anson Withey, Marshal.
• Bro. Frank R. Chapman, S. S.
• Bro. Alfred C. Gascoigne, J. S.
• Bro. J. Solon Clark, I. S.
• Bro. R S. Prichard, Tyler.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Elijah Alvord, DDGM, District 7 (North Central Massachusetts), 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816; SN
• Wendell T. Davis, Senior Grand Warden 1865
• William Flint, Deputy Grand Master 1859
• Douglas C. Finn, DDGM, District 26, 2014, 2015
• John A. Gamber, DDGM, District 10, 1854; SN
• E. P. Graves, DDGM, District 10, 1862-1864; SN
• G. Harry Kaulback, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1915, 1916; SN
• Lawrence G. Kent, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1998, 1999
• Charles H. McClellan, DDGM, District 8 (Greenfield), 1881, 1882; Senior Grand Warden 1885
• Charles Mattoon, DDGM, District 10, 1855-1856; SN
• Bowdoin S. Parker, DDGM, District 8 (Greenfield), 1874, 1875; Memorial
• Ansel Phelps, DDGM, District 7, 1830, 1831, 1832; SN
• Frank H. Reed, Jr., DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1940, 1941; N
• Monroe E. Smith, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1968, 1969; N
• Franklin E. Snow, DDGM, District 13 (Greenfield), 1895, 1896; Junior Grand Warden 1906
• Edward F. Stange, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1990, 1991; SN
• Titus Strong, DDGM, District 7 (North Central Massachusetts), 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820; Grand Chaplain
• Solomon Vose, DDGM, District 7 (North Central Massachusetts), 1803, 1804, 1805; SN
• Norman W. Whitcomb, Jr., DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1984, 1985; SN
• George R. Wilcox, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1954, 1955; SN
• Frank A. Yeaw, DDGM, District 14 (Greenfield), 1929, 1930; SN

DISTRICTS

1803: District 7 (North Central Massachusetts)

1821: District 7

1851: District 9

1854: District 10

1867: District 8 (Greenfield)

1883: District 13 (Greenfield)

1911: District 14 (Greenfield)

1927: District 14 (Greenfield)

2003: District 26

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges