Difference between revisions of "Soley"

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''From Proceedings, Page 1979-54:''
 
''From Proceedings, Page 1979-54:''
  
 +
''History of Soley Lodge, From 1954 to 1979, by Worshipful David L. Geoffrion.''
  
 +
(For the history of Soley Lodge covering the earlier periods, please refer to: 1929 Mass. 72 - 91; 1954 Mass. 61-67.)
 +
 +
The 75th Anniversary celebration was particularly well attended. It was held on Monday evening, April 12, 1954, in Gilman Square apartments and over 200 Masons enjoyed a delicious meal and the festivities of the evening. Soley Lodge was honored to have the Most Worshipful Grand Master, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWJohnson Whitfield W. Johnson], and his distinguished suite of Masons in attendance. Most Worshipful Brother Johnson delivered the keynote address and also presented Veterans' Medats to several of the Brethren, with six being so entitled. Worshipful Alfred C. Walton, the Presiding Master presented a historical sketch, which concluded:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"We now look forward to the final quarter of our first century of existence. We do not flex our muscles with the strength and pride of youth, neither do we express our satisfaction in quite the exalted language of 25 years ago. Here, tonight at the conclusion of 75 years rather do we believe our history expresses a quiet assurance that our cornerstone was well and truly laid . . . "
 +
</blockquote>
 +
Thus we passed through our diamond jubilee and pressed forward in our business looking thus toward our centennial.
 +
 +
The diamond jubilee year ended with a membership of 423, after having conferred five degrees and admitted two affiliates. The meetings were consistently attended and continued to be so through the next few years, with an average attendance offrom 40 to 50 at each communication. It is worthy of note that Brethren of Soley Lodge were then active in the expansion of Freemasonry., as well as our Brethren in the last century. Brothers Chester
 +
Bradley and Edward Doland of Soley Lodge were Charter Members of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Simonds Simonds] Lodge of Burlington, which was instituted in 1955.
 +
 +
Ar a reminder that the Lodge continues its 75th year, in June 1956 the Lodge held an Old Timers' Night recognizing those who had contributed so much over the past years. Worshipful Brother Alfred C. Walton read the roll of the living Brethren who joined from 1891 to 1931; 290 in all. Many were present at the meeting and gave talks and shared anecdotes ofthe past. The oldest brother present, Brother A.E. Goldsmith, was recognized and presented a Masonic Bible by Worshipful Master Llewellyn Ralston.
 +
 +
1957 saw the installation of Worshipful James Luke, Jr., by his father, Worshipful James E. Luke, Sr., a Past Master of Soley Lodge who served from 1944 to 1945. Worshipful Brother Luke, Sr. remained active in Lodge affairs and was the mastermind and organizer of our annual picnic at the Masonic Nursing Home in Shrewsbury, an affair enjoyed by the Brethren and the residents of the home alike.
 +
 +
In 1958 Brother Arthur J. Williams was installed as Master of Soley Lodge, and presented a gavel crafted from the original timbers of the Old North Bridge in Concord. This was a significant gift for Brother Williams, for he had directed the reconstruction of the bridge.
 +
 +
However, all was not rosy for the Lodge during those times. The financial expenses continued to mount year after year, with rent on the Lodge hall alone running some $1800. per year. This resulted in a continuing depletion of the Reserve Fund to take care of current expenses. Something had to be done and the Brethren were looking for a solution. The Lincoln Square and Cornpass Club was having discussions relative to instituting a new Lodge or having a Lodge move into Lincoln. It appeared that a solution to both parties' problems might be at hand.
 +
 +
Through the efforts of many people, including Worshipful Arthur Williams and Worshipful Harold Lawson, Past Master of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Corinthian Corinthian] Lodge and President of the Lincoln Square and Compass Club, the two organizations met a number of times and it was
 +
jointly agreed that a move of Soley Lodge to Lincoln would be advantageous.
 +
 +
At the meeting of May 16, 1960, Worshipful Charles Van Cor, our senior Past Master, representing the committee of Past Masters, made a proposal that Soley Lodge petition the Grand Lodge to change the location of its Charter from Somerville to Lincoln. The proposal was approved, and the petition was sent. The Worshipful Master and several Past Masters discussed the move with Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMEaton Laurence E. Eaton], Grand Master
 +
and after presentation to Grand Lodge, the petition was approved.
 +
 +
Much needed to be done. It was agreed that the move would take place in August of 1960, and arrangements were readied for the frrst meeting to be held in Lincoln in September of that year. Worshipful Harold Lawson located a meeting place at the Farrington Memorial Hall in Lincoln, and through the efforts of many people, and through the friendly cooperative spirit of the Farrington, it was arranged. The first meeting was held there September 19, 1960. The room was small and snug, and had to be set up for every meeting, but it served the needs adequately.
 +
 +
The new Lodge room was properly dedicated on November 21, 1960 by Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMEaton Laurence E. Eaton], Grand Master and
 +
the Grand Lodge Officers in a very solemn and impressive ceremony. (1960 Mass. 212-216) To start the Lodge many gifts were presented by Brethren and friends. We were now in our new home, had a membership now of the Lodge from Somerville and the Lincoln Square and Compass Club, and were instilled with a new vigor to go forwaid through the sixties. During that first year, Soley Lodge had five Brethren complete the degrees and had thirteen affiliations, ending the 1961 year with a membership of 373.
 +
 +
January 16, 1961 saw the first candidate raised in Lincoln. Stanley J. Moszka was raised on this particularly auspicious occasion by Worshipful Harold Lawson and a degree team from the old Lincoln Square and Compass Club in recognition of their efforts in making it possible for Soley Lodge to move to Lincoln. Brother Moszka went on to become Master of Soley Lodge during 1968-1969.
 +
 +
As was said earlier, the Farrington was snug. When it became known that the venture was to succeed, a committee was formed in December 1961 to study a way to form a club or association for constructing or otherwise obtaining a building or a Temple for Soley Lodge. This committee consisted of Chairman Worshipful
 +
Harold Lawson; Worshipful John Barber, Jr, Secretary; Brother Charles Owen, Treasurer; Worshipful Alfred Walton, Legal; and Worshipful Earle Perkins. The committee went on to become the Builder's Club of Lincoln, Inc.
 +
 +
During 1962 and 1963, many fund raisers were conducted to raise money for the new Temple, including field days, pancake suppers, temple banks, coins and bricks. This was a busy time for the Lodge not only in its building activities, but in its Lodge activities as well. In those two years, the Lodge saw seventeen candidates and eleven affiliates and reinstatements. Meetings were attended by an average of over forty men per meeting.
 +
 +
During this time it became known to Worshipful Brother Lawson that the Town of Lincoln was vacating the oldest school in Lincoln, known as the "Little Red Schoolhouse", which was owned by the Ogden Codman Estate. Negotiations were immediately conducted with the estate and with the help of many Brethren, with Worshipful Henry Warder acting as broker, negotiations were completed on June 28, 1963.
 +
 +
Much work had to be done on the building to ready it for Lodge activities. This was accomplished and on October 21, 1963 the first meeting was held in our new Lodge room in the Little Red Schoolhouse, with Worshipful John Barber, Jr. in the East.
 +
 +
Through that year of 1964, activity was again heavy with six Brethren completing the degrees and with eight affiliations. During this year, more gifts were presented to the Lodge: a six foot square and compass which hangs on the front of our building, constructed and donated by Worshipful Earle Perkins; the Masonic Temple sign on our building was donated by a non-Masonic gentleman from the Town of Lincoln; the Officers' chairs were given by Brother Winston Johnson and the Third Degree emblems were made and presented to the Lodge by Worshipful John Barber, Jr. Brother Barber also presented the travelling aprons for the Officers and pictures to adorn the Lodge.
 +
 +
Over the next three years, the Lodge raised another eight candidates and had five affiliations. Through deaths and other events, the membership had decreased to 308 at the end of 1967.
 +
 +
December 1967 saw the death of another Brother who was a descendant of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSoley John Soley]. Brother Emerson P. Marsh, Lieutenant of Boston Police, died at the age of 88, a fifty year veteran and life member.
 +
 +
September 1968 saw the gift which added much to the proceedings of future communications. Prior to that time, the music to accompany the floor work and otherwise contribute to the evening, was played on an old upright piano which, according to some, was fickle with respect to tune. Realizing this, and through his generosity, Brother Fred Adams presented Soley Lodge with a beautiful Hammond organ. During the following ten years, our Organist, Brother Joseph Stanley, has made good use of it to the pleasure of all our Brethren.
 +
 +
September 1968 also saw Worshipful Donald Dawes present three nice cases for the traveling aprons of the first three officers. We ended the decade comfortably in our new quarters with an additional four brethren completing the degrees and nine affiliations.
 +
 +
The seventies saw a decline in membership for the Lodge, along with similar declines through organized groups of many types. This decline can be attributed to many causes, most of which are known to you. Migration to the suburbs and the associated longer hours at work attributed to commuting, the quickened pace of everyday life, and the competition of major sporting and theatrical events on television. Nonetheless, the membership that was active during the seventies provided good fellowship, and visitors to Soley Lodge always remarked about the friendship and warm feeling of the Lodge toward them. Many have come back again and again, despite long distances to travel. Even with the general decline, Soley Lodge raised eight Master Masons and voted on affiliations and reinstatements of nine more.
 +
 +
The seventies also saw many improvements in the Lodge building. In 1972, Worshipful Joseph Dodd, during his tenure as Master, was instrumental in having the kitchen relocated from the cold, damp cellar to the first floor adjacent to the dining room. In fact, much of the work was done by his hands. Several other Brethren assisted and this effort was completed entirely by Lodge Brethren. Donations of the refrigerator by Worshipfui Oarrla
 +
Geoffriori and the stove by Worshipful Steven Zeigler were made also during that time. In 1975, the Lodge was completely redecorated with paneling, dropped ceiling, chandeliers, and new wiring. The paneling and much of the other work was done by Worshipful Brothers Joseph Dodd, Rene Arnaud, David Geoffrion, and Brother Thomas Norton. Pictures of the George Washington era were donated by Worshipful Henry Warner and now hang in our dining room. These efforts transformed the apartments from a schoolhouse with blackboards and chalk trays still visible to a paneled Lodge room. 1979 saw the laying of a new carpet in the Lodge room and the re-upholstering of the Officers' chairs.
 +
 +
Worshipful Lloyd Perry suggested the carpet and personally did over the chairs. Worshipful Rene Arnaud suggested that the Brethren donate a square of the carpet in the name of a departed Brother and a plaque now hangs in the Lodge commemorating this as the Worshipful John Barber, Jr. Memorial Carpet Plaque. The names of other remembered Brethren are also contained on the plaque.
 +
 +
On June 15, 1975, as part of our country's Bicentennial Celebration, Grand Lodge conducted a parade throughout Charlestown to Bunker Hill. Masons from all over the state participated in this significant event and Soley Lodge was well represented.
 +
 +
In keeping with our country's Bicentennial theme, during the April 1976 fraternal visitation of our District Deputy, Right Worshipful Willis B. Whalen, 200 years from the battle of Lexington and Concord, the Lodge was entertained by the Sudbury Company Militia. There was an overflow crowd at our small country Lodge and a memorable time was had by all. During this evening, also, Right Worshipful Brother Whalen presented a Fifty Year Veterans' Medal to Worshipful Alfred C. Walton, our senior Past Master.
 +
 +
Many of the Brethren, I am sure, will remember the flea market Soley Lodge held in 1977 , as much a social get-together as everything else. This was spearheaded by our Secretary, Brother Elmer Ziegler, and many of the Brethren participated or socialized that day.
 +
 +
Another event that has recently been initiated has been the June, (renamed the June/September) Bar-B-Q. This was going to be an annual June event, but it turned out so well that we now hold it in June and September of each year. The attendance has been growing with each event and the guest list contains people from farther away each time. This looks to be a regular part of Soley Lodge and should continue for a long time to come.
 +
 +
Thus, we have come a long way in this short treatise into the Lodge history to 1979. I trust it has jogged the memories of those who have been with Soley Lodge for some time and has given new Brethren and other interested Masons a glimpse into the first hundred years of Soley Lodge.
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 01:02, 5 July 2013

SOLEY LODGE

Location: Somerville; Lincoln (1960)

Chartered By: Charles A. Welch

Charter Date: 03/10/1880 1880-51

Precedence Date: 04/02/1879

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Joseph Warren to form Joseph Warren-Soley Lodge, 01/25/1983.

  • Horace P. Hemenway, 1879, 1880 (UD)
  • John Viall, 1880, 1881
  • J. Foster Clark, 1882, 1883
  • Charles H. Crane, 1884, 1885; SN
  • John F. Cole, 1886, 1887
  • Amasa E. Southworth, 1888, 1889
  • James F. Beard, 1890, 1891; Memorial
  • George W. Perkins, 1892, 1893
  • J. Walter Sanborn, 1894, 1895
  • William H. Woodbury, 1896, 1897
  • Albion H. Libbey, 1898, 1899
  • Charles S. Soule, 1900, 1901; Memorial
  • Joseph H. Murphy, 1902, 1903
  • William H. Cushman, 1904, 1905
  • Paul S. Burns, 1906, 1907; Memorial
  • Arthur T. Cummings, 1908, 1909
  • Elward B. Ladd, 1910, 1911
  • Edmund W. Curtis, 1912, 1913
  • Clarence A. Russell, 1914, 1915
  • John A. Avery, 1916, 1917; Memorial
  • Frank E. Porter, 1918, 1919
  • Fred L. Moses, 1920, 1921
  • Richard F. Churchill, 1922, 1923
  • Charles E. Cole, 1924, 1925
  • Albet R. Partridge, 1926, 1927
  • Charles J. VanCor, 1928, 1929
  • Alton A. Linnell, 1930, 1931
  • Stephen C. Lang, 1932, 1933
  • Charles C. Grimmons, 1934, 1935
  • Irving Taylor, 1936, 1937
  • Alfred C. Walton, 1938, 1939
  • Willis H. Doe, 1940, 1941
  • Herbert L. Tuttle, 1942, 1943
  • Earle W. Perkins, 1944
  • James E. Luke, 1945
  • Robert A. Frazier, 1946, 1947
  • Charles D. Coyle, 1948, 1949
  • Reginald I. Bateman, 1950
  • George W. Brigham, 1951
  • John E. Eliott, 1952
  • John H. Tomfohrde, 1953
  • John Pollock, Jr., 1954
  • Walter F. Woker, 1955, 1978
  • Llewellyn F. Ralston, 1956
  • Ralph W. Nogrady, 1957
  • James E. Luke, Jr., 1958
  • Arthur J. Williams, 1959, 1960
  • Alfred C. Walton, 1961
  • Joseph J. Yannizze, 1962
  • Harold E. Lawson, 1963
  • John W. Barber, Jr., 1964
  • Thomas E. Bates, 1965
  • Harold B. Knowles, Jr., 1966
  • Lincoln C. Lawrence, 1967
  • Donald L. Dawes, 1968
  • Stanley J. Moszka, 1969
  • Henry B. Castellon, 1970
  • Lorne E. O'Keefe, 1971
  • Steven W. Ziegler, 1972, 1977
  • Joseph Dodd, 1973, 1974
  • Rene E. Arnaud, Sr., 1975
  • David L. Geoffrion, 1976
  • Lloyd M. Perry, 1979, 1980
  • Raymond W. Howe, 1981
  • Kenneth J. Ray, 1982

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1899 (20th Anniversary)
  • 1904 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1929 (50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1954 (75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
  • 1979 (Centenary; Special Communication)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1880 1881 1888 1896 1898 1905 1912 1918 1925 1931 1938 1947 1949 1952 1967 1968 1971 1979 1980

HISTORY

  • 1929 (50th Anniversary History, 1929-72)
  • 1954 (75th Anniversary History, 1954-61)
  • 1979 (Centenary History, 1979-54; see below)

CENTENARY HISTORY, APRIL 1979

From Proceedings, Page 1979-54:

History of Soley Lodge, From 1954 to 1979, by Worshipful David L. Geoffrion.

(For the history of Soley Lodge covering the earlier periods, please refer to: 1929 Mass. 72 - 91; 1954 Mass. 61-67.)

The 75th Anniversary celebration was particularly well attended. It was held on Monday evening, April 12, 1954, in Gilman Square apartments and over 200 Masons enjoyed a delicious meal and the festivities of the evening. Soley Lodge was honored to have the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Whitfield W. Johnson, and his distinguished suite of Masons in attendance. Most Worshipful Brother Johnson delivered the keynote address and also presented Veterans' Medats to several of the Brethren, with six being so entitled. Worshipful Alfred C. Walton, the Presiding Master presented a historical sketch, which concluded:

"We now look forward to the final quarter of our first century of existence. We do not flex our muscles with the strength and pride of youth, neither do we express our satisfaction in quite the exalted language of 25 years ago. Here, tonight at the conclusion of 75 years rather do we believe our history expresses a quiet assurance that our cornerstone was well and truly laid . . . "

Thus we passed through our diamond jubilee and pressed forward in our business looking thus toward our centennial.

The diamond jubilee year ended with a membership of 423, after having conferred five degrees and admitted two affiliates. The meetings were consistently attended and continued to be so through the next few years, with an average attendance offrom 40 to 50 at each communication. It is worthy of note that Brethren of Soley Lodge were then active in the expansion of Freemasonry., as well as our Brethren in the last century. Brothers Chester Bradley and Edward Doland of Soley Lodge were Charter Members of Simonds Lodge of Burlington, which was instituted in 1955.

Ar a reminder that the Lodge continues its 75th year, in June 1956 the Lodge held an Old Timers' Night recognizing those who had contributed so much over the past years. Worshipful Brother Alfred C. Walton read the roll of the living Brethren who joined from 1891 to 1931; 290 in all. Many were present at the meeting and gave talks and shared anecdotes ofthe past. The oldest brother present, Brother A.E. Goldsmith, was recognized and presented a Masonic Bible by Worshipful Master Llewellyn Ralston.

1957 saw the installation of Worshipful James Luke, Jr., by his father, Worshipful James E. Luke, Sr., a Past Master of Soley Lodge who served from 1944 to 1945. Worshipful Brother Luke, Sr. remained active in Lodge affairs and was the mastermind and organizer of our annual picnic at the Masonic Nursing Home in Shrewsbury, an affair enjoyed by the Brethren and the residents of the home alike.

In 1958 Brother Arthur J. Williams was installed as Master of Soley Lodge, and presented a gavel crafted from the original timbers of the Old North Bridge in Concord. This was a significant gift for Brother Williams, for he had directed the reconstruction of the bridge.

However, all was not rosy for the Lodge during those times. The financial expenses continued to mount year after year, with rent on the Lodge hall alone running some $1800. per year. This resulted in a continuing depletion of the Reserve Fund to take care of current expenses. Something had to be done and the Brethren were looking for a solution. The Lincoln Square and Cornpass Club was having discussions relative to instituting a new Lodge or having a Lodge move into Lincoln. It appeared that a solution to both parties' problems might be at hand.

Through the efforts of many people, including Worshipful Arthur Williams and Worshipful Harold Lawson, Past Master of Corinthian Lodge and President of the Lincoln Square and Compass Club, the two organizations met a number of times and it was jointly agreed that a move of Soley Lodge to Lincoln would be advantageous.

At the meeting of May 16, 1960, Worshipful Charles Van Cor, our senior Past Master, representing the committee of Past Masters, made a proposal that Soley Lodge petition the Grand Lodge to change the location of its Charter from Somerville to Lincoln. The proposal was approved, and the petition was sent. The Worshipful Master and several Past Masters discussed the move with Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, Grand Master and after presentation to Grand Lodge, the petition was approved.

Much needed to be done. It was agreed that the move would take place in August of 1960, and arrangements were readied for the frrst meeting to be held in Lincoln in September of that year. Worshipful Harold Lawson located a meeting place at the Farrington Memorial Hall in Lincoln, and through the efforts of many people, and through the friendly cooperative spirit of the Farrington, it was arranged. The first meeting was held there September 19, 1960. The room was small and snug, and had to be set up for every meeting, but it served the needs adequately.

The new Lodge room was properly dedicated on November 21, 1960 by Most Worshipful Laurence E. Eaton, Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Officers in a very solemn and impressive ceremony. (1960 Mass. 212-216) To start the Lodge many gifts were presented by Brethren and friends. We were now in our new home, had a membership now of the Lodge from Somerville and the Lincoln Square and Compass Club, and were instilled with a new vigor to go forwaid through the sixties. During that first year, Soley Lodge had five Brethren complete the degrees and had thirteen affiliations, ending the 1961 year with a membership of 373.

January 16, 1961 saw the first candidate raised in Lincoln. Stanley J. Moszka was raised on this particularly auspicious occasion by Worshipful Harold Lawson and a degree team from the old Lincoln Square and Compass Club in recognition of their efforts in making it possible for Soley Lodge to move to Lincoln. Brother Moszka went on to become Master of Soley Lodge during 1968-1969.

As was said earlier, the Farrington was snug. When it became known that the venture was to succeed, a committee was formed in December 1961 to study a way to form a club or association for constructing or otherwise obtaining a building or a Temple for Soley Lodge. This committee consisted of Chairman Worshipful Harold Lawson; Worshipful John Barber, Jr, Secretary; Brother Charles Owen, Treasurer; Worshipful Alfred Walton, Legal; and Worshipful Earle Perkins. The committee went on to become the Builder's Club of Lincoln, Inc.

During 1962 and 1963, many fund raisers were conducted to raise money for the new Temple, including field days, pancake suppers, temple banks, coins and bricks. This was a busy time for the Lodge not only in its building activities, but in its Lodge activities as well. In those two years, the Lodge saw seventeen candidates and eleven affiliates and reinstatements. Meetings were attended by an average of over forty men per meeting.

During this time it became known to Worshipful Brother Lawson that the Town of Lincoln was vacating the oldest school in Lincoln, known as the "Little Red Schoolhouse", which was owned by the Ogden Codman Estate. Negotiations were immediately conducted with the estate and with the help of many Brethren, with Worshipful Henry Warder acting as broker, negotiations were completed on June 28, 1963.

Much work had to be done on the building to ready it for Lodge activities. This was accomplished and on October 21, 1963 the first meeting was held in our new Lodge room in the Little Red Schoolhouse, with Worshipful John Barber, Jr. in the East.

Through that year of 1964, activity was again heavy with six Brethren completing the degrees and with eight affiliations. During this year, more gifts were presented to the Lodge: a six foot square and compass which hangs on the front of our building, constructed and donated by Worshipful Earle Perkins; the Masonic Temple sign on our building was donated by a non-Masonic gentleman from the Town of Lincoln; the Officers' chairs were given by Brother Winston Johnson and the Third Degree emblems were made and presented to the Lodge by Worshipful John Barber, Jr. Brother Barber also presented the travelling aprons for the Officers and pictures to adorn the Lodge.

Over the next three years, the Lodge raised another eight candidates and had five affiliations. Through deaths and other events, the membership had decreased to 308 at the end of 1967.

December 1967 saw the death of another Brother who was a descendant of John Soley. Brother Emerson P. Marsh, Lieutenant of Boston Police, died at the age of 88, a fifty year veteran and life member.

September 1968 saw the gift which added much to the proceedings of future communications. Prior to that time, the music to accompany the floor work and otherwise contribute to the evening, was played on an old upright piano which, according to some, was fickle with respect to tune. Realizing this, and through his generosity, Brother Fred Adams presented Soley Lodge with a beautiful Hammond organ. During the following ten years, our Organist, Brother Joseph Stanley, has made good use of it to the pleasure of all our Brethren.

September 1968 also saw Worshipful Donald Dawes present three nice cases for the traveling aprons of the first three officers. We ended the decade comfortably in our new quarters with an additional four brethren completing the degrees and nine affiliations.

The seventies saw a decline in membership for the Lodge, along with similar declines through organized groups of many types. This decline can be attributed to many causes, most of which are known to you. Migration to the suburbs and the associated longer hours at work attributed to commuting, the quickened pace of everyday life, and the competition of major sporting and theatrical events on television. Nonetheless, the membership that was active during the seventies provided good fellowship, and visitors to Soley Lodge always remarked about the friendship and warm feeling of the Lodge toward them. Many have come back again and again, despite long distances to travel. Even with the general decline, Soley Lodge raised eight Master Masons and voted on affiliations and reinstatements of nine more.

The seventies also saw many improvements in the Lodge building. In 1972, Worshipful Joseph Dodd, during his tenure as Master, was instrumental in having the kitchen relocated from the cold, damp cellar to the first floor adjacent to the dining room. In fact, much of the work was done by his hands. Several other Brethren assisted and this effort was completed entirely by Lodge Brethren. Donations of the refrigerator by Worshipfui Oarrla Geoffriori and the stove by Worshipful Steven Zeigler were made also during that time. In 1975, the Lodge was completely redecorated with paneling, dropped ceiling, chandeliers, and new wiring. The paneling and much of the other work was done by Worshipful Brothers Joseph Dodd, Rene Arnaud, David Geoffrion, and Brother Thomas Norton. Pictures of the George Washington era were donated by Worshipful Henry Warner and now hang in our dining room. These efforts transformed the apartments from a schoolhouse with blackboards and chalk trays still visible to a paneled Lodge room. 1979 saw the laying of a new carpet in the Lodge room and the re-upholstering of the Officers' chairs.

Worshipful Lloyd Perry suggested the carpet and personally did over the chairs. Worshipful Rene Arnaud suggested that the Brethren donate a square of the carpet in the name of a departed Brother and a plaque now hangs in the Lodge commemorating this as the Worshipful John Barber, Jr. Memorial Carpet Plaque. The names of other remembered Brethren are also contained on the plaque.

On June 15, 1975, as part of our country's Bicentennial Celebration, Grand Lodge conducted a parade throughout Charlestown to Bunker Hill. Masons from all over the state participated in this significant event and Soley Lodge was well represented.

In keeping with our country's Bicentennial theme, during the April 1976 fraternal visitation of our District Deputy, Right Worshipful Willis B. Whalen, 200 years from the battle of Lexington and Concord, the Lodge was entertained by the Sudbury Company Militia. There was an overflow crowd at our small country Lodge and a memorable time was had by all. During this evening, also, Right Worshipful Brother Whalen presented a Fifty Year Veterans' Medal to Worshipful Alfred C. Walton, our senior Past Master.

Many of the Brethren, I am sure, will remember the flea market Soley Lodge held in 1977 , as much a social get-together as everything else. This was spearheaded by our Secretary, Brother Elmer Ziegler, and many of the Brethren participated or socialized that day.

Another event that has recently been initiated has been the June, (renamed the June/September) Bar-B-Q. This was going to be an annual June event, but it turned out so well that we now hold it in June and September of each year. The attendance has been growing with each event and the guest list contains people from farther away each time. This looks to be a regular part of Soley Lodge and should continue for a long time to come.

Thus, we have come a long way in this short treatise into the Lodge history to 1979. I trust it has jogged the memories of those who have been with Soley Lodge for some time and has given new Brethren and other interested Masons a glimpse into the first hundred years of Soley Lodge.

OTHER

  • 1922 (Petition to reduce fees to conform to a uniform rate established by the lodges in Somerville; approved.)
  • 1952 (Somerville parade to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington's initiation)
  • 1960 (Petition to remove to Lincoln; granted)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1879: District 2 (Charlestown)

1883: District 6 (Somerville)

1911: District 6 (Somerville)

1927: District 6 (Somerville)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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