Difference between revisions of "Springfield"

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search
(HISTORY)
(50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1945)
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 133: Line 133:
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1903 1903]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSanford Sanford])
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1903 1903]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSanford Sanford])
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1907 1907]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake Blake])
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1907 1907]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake Blake])
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake Blake])
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake Blake]; see below)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFlanders Flanders])  
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFlanders Flanders])  
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1913 1913]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBenton Benton])  
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1913 1913]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBenton Benton])  
Line 292: Line 292:
 
The tenth anniversary of Springfield Lodge was celebrated on April 27, 1904, with Worshipful Master George F. Barden presiding. Worshipful Brother Walter G. Morse, in an able address, outlined the history of the Lodge. Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSSpooner Samuel B. Spooner], Past Master of Roswell Lee Lodge, eloquently portrayed the relation of Operative to Speculative Masonry and closed with congratulations to Springfield Lodge.
 
The tenth anniversary of Springfield Lodge was celebrated on April 27, 1904, with Worshipful Master George F. Barden presiding. Worshipful Brother Walter G. Morse, in an able address, outlined the history of the Lodge. Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSSpooner Samuel B. Spooner], Past Master of Roswell Lee Lodge, eloquently portrayed the relation of Operative to Speculative Masonry and closed with congratulations to Springfield Lodge.
  
Under the leadership of the Worshipful Master, George S. Perkins, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the constitution of the Lodge was celebrated by a banquet at the Hotel Kimball on April 15, 1919, and a ball at the Municipal Auditorium on April 16th. At the banquet, Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrince Arthur D. Prince], Most Worshipful Edwin B. Holmes, who constituted Springfield Lodge, and distinguished Masons of the Grand Master's Suite and of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield18_1911-1926 Eighteenth] and http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield33_1911-1926 Thirty-third] Masonic Districts were present.
+
Under the leadership of the Worshipful Master, George S. Perkins, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the constitution of the Lodge was celebrated by a banquet at the Hotel Kimball on April 15, 1919, and a ball at the Municipal Auditorium on April 16th. At the banquet, Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrince Arthur D. Prince], Most Worshipful Edwin B. Holmes, who constituted Springfield Lodge, and distinguished Masons of the Grand Master's Suite and of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield18_1911-1926 Eighteenth] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield33_1911-1926 Thirty-third] Masonic Districts were present.
  
Eight members of Springfield Lodge have served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master — Harry W. Haskins, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMiller D. Edward Miller, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGGordon Gurdon W. Gordon], George L. Fenn, Edward G. Marshman, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHRandall H. Greeley Randall], Harold E. Hartwell and Robert B. Warner. Worshipful Brothers D. Edward Miller and H. Greeley Randall served the Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden, respectively. Gurdon W. Gordon has served the Grand Lodge as Deputy Grand Master.
+
Eight members of Springfield Lodge have served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master — Harry W. Haskins, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMiller D. Edward Miller], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGGordon Gurdon W. Gordon], George L. Fenn, Edward G. Marshman, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHRandall H. Greeley Randall], Harold E. Hartwell and Robert B. Warner. Worshipful Brothers D. Edward Miller and H. Greeley Randall served the Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden, respectively. Gurdon W. Gordon has served the Grand Lodge as Deputy Grand Master.
  
 
On June 24, 1924, officers and members of Springfield, Roswell Lee, Hampden, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Esoteric Esoteric], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=SamuelDSherwood Samuel D. Sherwood], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=SamuelOsgood Samuel Osgood] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=CharlesCSpellman Charles C. Spellman] Lodges, together with the officers and members of Hartford and Springfield Commanderies, formed a procession at Park and Main Streets and escorted Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFerrell Dudley H. Ferrell] and Suite to the site of the Temple in which we are meeting tonight. With impressive ceremonies, the [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1924#SPECIAL_COMMUNICATIONS corner stone of the building was laid] by the Most Worshipful Grand Master in accordance with ancient Masonic usage. The contribution of Springfield Lodge to the contents of the box in the corner stone of the Temple was: a copy of its calendar for the month of June, 1924, containing a complete list of its members; a copy of its by-laws and a copy of the program celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Springfield Lodge.
 
On June 24, 1924, officers and members of Springfield, Roswell Lee, Hampden, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Esoteric Esoteric], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=SamuelDSherwood Samuel D. Sherwood], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=SamuelOsgood Samuel Osgood] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=CharlesCSpellman Charles C. Spellman] Lodges, together with the officers and members of Hartford and Springfield Commanderies, formed a procession at Park and Main Streets and escorted Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFerrell Dudley H. Ferrell] and Suite to the site of the Temple in which we are meeting tonight. With impressive ceremonies, the [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1924#SPECIAL_COMMUNICATIONS corner stone of the building was laid] by the Most Worshipful Grand Master in accordance with ancient Masonic usage. The contribution of Springfield Lodge to the contents of the box in the corner stone of the Temple was: a copy of its calendar for the month of June, 1924, containing a complete list of its members; a copy of its by-laws and a copy of the program celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Springfield Lodge.
Line 352: Line 352:
  
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' (Reduction of fees authorized, 1936-38)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]''' (Reduction of fees authorized, 1936-38)
 +
 +
<hr>
 +
 +
=== EVENTS ===
 +
 +
==== ANNUAL BANQUET, APRIL 1908 ====
 +
 +
''From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 9, June 1908, Page 352:''
 +
 +
Among notable events of Masonic interest that transpire during the year in Springfield, Massachusetts, none stand higher in the estimation of the members of Springfield Lodge than their annual banquet. The twelfth of these annual festivities took place in the famous Massasoit House, Wednesday, April 29. Many men of prominence, in public as well as Masonic life were present. The first feature was a capital dinner, the next the speeches.
 +
 +
The Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Horace D. Likins, introduced William Knowles Cooper as toastmaster. Bro. Cooper introduced Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake John Albert Blake], Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts as the first speaker. The Grand Master spoke of the progress of Masonry, of the democratic spirit of the Order and the universality of its ideas and conceptions. He was followed by Brother Guy A. Ham, who touched on the value of Free Masonry. He spoke of the tendency of the American in general toward commercialism, and his inclination to look for the financial rather than the social or intellectual standing of his fellows. In this connection he mentioned the value of Masonry in eradicating this too prevalent fault. He went on to elaborate on the good that Masonry has done in making for the creation of fellowship, equality and freedom among the members of the order.
 +
 +
The next speaker was Lieut.-Gov. Everett J. Lake, of Hartford, Conn., and h« con lined himself mostly to the uncorking of a fund of excellent stories that carried his hearers by storm.
 +
 +
Other speakers were Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWOdell William H. L. Odell], Deputy Grand Master and Worshipful George J. Tufts, past District Deputy Grand Master. Wor. Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGChester George W. Chester], Grand Tyler, was also one of the Boston guests.
 +
 +
==== GRAND OFFICERS' NIGHT, JANUARY 1922 ====
 +
 +
''From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVII, No. 4, February 1922, Page 145:''
 +
 +
One of the largest and most distinguished gatherings ever to attend a local Masonic ceremony, including Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrince Arthur D. Prince] of Lowell, Grand Master of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and his official suite, attended "Grand Officers' Night" at the meeting of Springfield Lodge in Masonic Temple Springfield, Mass., January 25th.
 +
 +
The event in itself was unique as probably for the first time in the history of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge all of the stations in the lodge were filled by grand officers and past grand officers, most of whom are affiliated with the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield18_1911-1926 18th Masonic District], while others of those who participated were from the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASpringfield33_1911-1926 33rd], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAHolyoke17_1911-1926 17th] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAPalmer19_1911-1926 19th Masonic Districts].
 +
 +
The meeting was preceded by a dinner in the banquet hall, when covers were laid for more than 400 local Masons and guests of Springfield Lodge. Immediately following dinner, the lodge was opened, after which Grand Master Prince was received together with the 17 present and past grand officers who later exemplified the work of the Master Mason degree.
 +
 +
Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEDavis Edwin L. Davis], Grand Lecturer, acted as master during the first section of the work; Rt. Wor. George L. Fenn occupied the chair during the second, and Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCBrodeur Clarence A. Brodeur] during the third section, and likewise delivered an original charge which won him a sustained round of applause. The other grand officers participating, together with the chairs they filled, follow: Senior Warden, Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEBlodgett Edwin A. Blodgett]; Junior Warden, Rt. Wor. Fred A. Eldred; Treasurer, Rt. Wor. Lyle G. Mambert; Secretary, Rt. Wor. William E. Gibbs; Chaplain, Rt. Wor. Ernest E. Hobson; Marshal, Rt. Wor. Frank O. Hartwell; Senior Deacon, Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHDillenback Hiram I. Dillenback] and Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMiller D. Edward Miller]; Junior Deacon, Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGGordon Gurdon W. Gordon;] Senior Steward, Rt. Wor. Dan J. Kempton; Junior Steward, Rt. Wor. Herbert C. Hill; Inside Sentinel,
Rt. Wor. Dwight H. Keyes. Rt. Wor. Albert F. Crowther, Rt. Wor. Archibald A. Brooks and Rt. Wor. Charles H. Smith also participated in the work.
 +
 +
At the conclusion of the work Wor. H. G. Randall, master of Springfield Lodge, introduced the Grand Master as the only speaker °f the evening. The latter, after complimentlng the officers of the lodge for instituting Ynat seemed to him to be a splendid precedent, gave a serious talk on the religious duties of all Masons which did not end with their participation in Masonic ritual. If the world is to withstand the supreme test it is now undergoing, all men must unite in the observance of Christian principles, regardless of creed. He urged that all Masons first should be good citizens and true Christians.
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>

Revision as of 14:03, 25 February 2021

SPRINGFIELD LODGE

Location: Springfield

Chartered By: Edwin B. Holmes

Charter Date: 03/13/1895 1895-44

Precedence Date: 05/16/1894

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault. Merged into Newton Lodge, 06/15/2002 (now Wilbraham Masonic Lodge.)


PAST MASTERS

  • Harry W. Haskins, 1894; SN
  • Lewis C. Hyde, 1895
  • Edward H. Hall, 1896
  • Walter G. Morse, 1897
  • Robert F. Warren, 1898
  • Charles A. Stone, 1899
  • John G. Maxfield, 1900
  • Harry L. Norton, 1901
  • Franklin A. Lorimer, 1902
  • George F. Borden, 1903
  • Bloomfield H. Dayton, 1904
  • Warren P. Underwood, 1905
  • D. Edward Miller, 1906
  • Horace D. Litches, 1907
  • George L. Fenn, 1908; SN
  • Ralph L. Mann, 1909
  • Gurdon W. Gordon, 1910; N
  • Cummings L. Lorthrop, 1911
  • Charles A. Hammond, 1912
  • John E. Hall, 1913
  • Lester E. Henrick, 1914
  • A. Liton Bausman, 1915
  • Ralph N. Fowler, 1916
  • Edward G. Marshman, 1917; SN
  • Robert J. Brice, 1918
  • George S. Perkins, 1919
  • Raymond R. Ball, 1920
  • H. Greeley Randall, 1921
  • Edward F. Secraft, 1922
  • Arthur L. Foss, 1923
  • William H. Hobard, 1924
  • Harold E. Hartwell, 1925; N
  • Cornelius S. Herbut, 1926
  • Benjamin L. Bragg, 1927
  • Leroy C. Cushman, 1928
  • Donald McClench, 1929
  • Robert B. Warner, 1930; N
  • Chester W. Allen, 1931
  • Warren D. Kinsman, 1932
  • William W. Yerrall, 1933; N
  • Earl H. Wright, 1934
  • Albert F. Steeves, 1935
  • Ralph E. French, 1936
  • Erick C. Erickson, 1937
  • Linwood B. Regan, 1938
  • Malcolm B. Ross, 1939
  • Russell B. Packard, 1940
  • Elwin C. Hubbard, 1941
  • Fred A. Cummings, 1942
  • Murdo A. MacLeod, 1943
  • Horace V. Weske, 1944
  • Arthur W. Erickson, 1945
  • Howard J. Smith, 1946
  • Hector J. E. Lessier, 1947
  • Howard A. Wheeler, 1948
  • Leon H. Hutchins, 1949; N
  • Charles E. Hammond, 1950
  • Walter E. Anderson, 1951
  • Ernest R. Hanford, 1952
  • Granford W. Bull, 1953
  • Ernest E. Remmillard, 1954
  • J. Paul Sturtivant, 1955
  • Litton W. Powell, 1956
  • J. Kenneth Alexander, 1957
  • Bruce A. Stephens, 1958
  • Leslie F. Walker, 1959
  • Stanley P. Mastak, 1960
  • Theodore J. DeGrace, 1961
  • Edward M. Avery, Jr., 1962; N
  • Glenwood A. Barger, 1963
  • Walter E. Rossmeisel, 1964
  • Charles P. Sandbrook, 1965
  • Robert S. Langford, 1966
  • Robert M. Bullivant, 1967
  • Richard W. Thies, 1968
  • Domingos Travis, 1969
  • Ezra DeDoux, 1970
  • Stanley S. Walkowicz, 1971
  • Leonard A. Frodette, 1972
  • Robert W. Clarke, 1973
  • Jack Metcalf, 1974
  • Myron G. Swain, 1975; PDDGM
  • Elliott L. Buxton, 1976, 1979
  • Robert E. Reed, 1977, 1978
  • Robert C. Ropsys, 1980, 1983
  • Edward M. Avery, III, 1981
  • R. Taylor Carr, 1982
  • James Alexander, 1984, 1985
  • Derrick C. Powell, 1986
  • Joseph H. Taylor, Sr., 1987
  • Edward R. Sanderson, 1988-1990, 1994
  • David A. Buchanan, 1991, 1992
  • James A. Alexander, 1993
  • Robert W. Sanderson, 1995, 1996
  • Edward R. Sanderson, Jr., 1997-2002

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1894 not listed in Proceedings
  • Petition for Charter: 1895
  • Consolidation Petition (with Newton Lodge): 2002

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1899 (5th Anniversary)
  • 1920 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1945 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1970 (75th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1895 1901 1902 1906 1908 1911 1912 1919 1924 1926 1927 1940 1948 1949 1952 1957 1958 1966 1969 1972 1975 1976 1977 1982 1991

HISTORY

  • 1945 (50th Anniversary History, 1945-90; see below)
  • 1970 (75th Anniversary History, 1970-113; see below)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-90:

By Right Worshipful Gurdon W. Gordon

Fifty years have passed into history since the organization of Springfield Lodge in 1894. Interest in Freemasonry was greatly stimulated by the erection and dedication of the Temple at Main and State Streets in 1893. Early in 1894, a group of prominent business and professional men of Springfield took steps to organize a new Masonic Lodge. On March 2, 1894, twenty-one members of the Craft met in the main lodge-room of the then new Masonic Temple. It is apparent that from the records of this first meeting they were men of strong convictions and individual ideas.

On a motion that an informal ballot be taken upon the choice of the name for the new Lodge, twenty-one ballots were cast and nine names were suggested, with "Springfield" leading with six votes. On the formal ballot, the name of "Springfield" was adopted by a vote of eleven votes and ten scattering.

Brothers Harlan P. Stone, Walter G. Morse, Charles E. Brown, Luke S. Stowe and Louis C. Hyde were appointed as a committee to confer and select a list of officers for the Lodge while under dispensation. This committee, at a meeting held on May 9, 1894, reported in favor of the following:

  • Worshipful Master: Harry W. Haskins
  • Senior Warden: Louis C. Hyde
  • Junior Warden: Edward H. Hall
  • Treasurer: Edwin A. Carter
  • Secretary: William E. Gilbert
  • Chaplain: Charles C. Lewis
  • Marshal: E. Dudley Chapin
  • Senior Deacon: Walter G. Morse
  • Junior Deacon: Robert F. Warren
  • Senior Steward: Charles A. Stone
  • Junior Steward: Ralph P. Alden
  • Organist: Wheeler H. Hall

The first regular communication of Springfield Lodge under dispensation was held June 6, at which time ten petitions for membership were received. In this list appears the name of Albert Allin Chamberlain. He was the first candidate to knock at the door of Springfield Lodge for admission and was the first candidate to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, the date being September 26, 1894.

At the next regular communication of the Lodge, on October 3, 1894, the resignation of William E. Gilbert as Secretary was read and accepted. On motion duly made and seconded, Brother Gilbert cast one vote for Brother Chamberlain for Secretary and he was declared elected. He served Springfield Lodge as its Secretary until November, 1934, when he declined re-election— a period of forty years. His records, as well as the records of Brother Gilbert, were beautifully and accurately written. To every member of Springfield Lodge, Brother Chamberlain was an esteemed friend, a wise counselor and a just and upright Mason.

On Wednesday, April 17, 1895, Springfield Lodge was constituted by Most Worshipful Grand Master Edwin B. Holmes and Suite. The Grand Master called upon the Recording Grand Secretary, Sereno D. Nickerson, to read the Charter of Springfield Lodge. The Charter Members, sixty-one in number, were as follows:

  • Harry W. Haskins
  • Louis C. Hyde
  • Edward H. Hall
  • Wheeler H. Hall
  • Edward C. Cowles
  • Walter G. Morse
  • Jerome W. Hyde
  • Edward H. Lathrop
  • John A. Murphy
  • John S. Sanderson
  • Charles R. Trask.
  • John G. Maxfield
  • Peter Murray
  • William Nicoll
  • Herbert C. Puffer
  • Frank E. Wheeler
  • Frank G. Toby
  • E. Dudley Chapin
  • Charles C. Lewis
  • William P. Spellman
  • J. H. Carmichael
  • William P. Birnie
  • Henry S. Hyde
  • Edwin A. Carter
  • John E. Rollings
  • John M. Smith
  • William A. Whitney
  • Albert D. Nason
  • George B. Holbrook
  • Luke S. Stowe
  • William C. Taylor

  • John F. Ingalls
  • Henry L. Norton
  • Louis F. Carr
  • Alfred F. Birnie
  • Elwood L. Graves
  • Henry M. Phillips
  • William E. Gilbert
  • Charles L. Chapin
  • Charles A. Stone
  • Ralph P. Alden
  • William W. More
  • Harlan P. Stone
  • Edward Pynchon
  • Henry E. March
  • Frank. B. Mitchell
  • Albert W. Allen
  • Robert F. Warren
  • John C. Ransehousen
  • Campbell Chapin
  • James L. Johnson
  • Charles A. Royce
  • Theodore F. Breck
  • Philip H. Potter
  • Stephen F. Pomeroy
  • Henry S. Dickinson
  • Frederick G. Howe
  • Charles E. Brown
  • Henry M. Brewster
  • Charles Hall
  • Francke W. Dickinson

By direction of the Grand Master, the Charter Members assembled west of the altar. Springfield Lodge was then constituted in due form. After the ceremony of constitution, the officers of the Grand Lodge, the officers of Springfield Lodge and the receiving and entertainment committees repaired to the Nayassett Club where a banquet was served.

At 8:30 p.m. the seating capacity of lodge-room was taxed to its limit to accommodate a large and representative audience to witness the public installation. The officers heretofore listed as serving under dispensation were installed, and in addition, Brothers John G. Maxfield and Frank F. Rolzhauser were installed as Inside Sentinel and Tyler, respectively.

At the conclusion of the ceremony of installation, the Grand Master delivered an eloquent address, from which the following is quoted:

"Brethren, Springfield Lodge has been instituted, its officers installed, and you are now prepared for the discharge of such business as may properly be brought before you. Raise the highest standard; seek the loftiest ideal portrayed in our service. Let not numbers alone, nor exactness of ritual alone, nor precision of movement alone, be your chiefest aim, but seek so to impress men, so to make our teaching a part of their very life, that they may indeed be men, noble men, God-fearing men, men prepared by the best living and the best doing on earth for a seat in the Celestial Lodge above."

To such ideals Springfield Lodge has adhered for half a century. The enthusiastic purposes of its founders is proven by the fact that at the conclusion of the term of office of Worshipful Louis C. Hyde, the second Master of the Lodge, its membership had increased from sixty-one to one hundred thirty-six.

On Tuesday morning, June 1, 1897, the officers of Springfield, Roswell Lee and Hampden Lodges, escorting the officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, joined the Civic Procession as it passed the Masonic Temple and proceeded to the site of the new high school building on State Street. At the request of Mayor Henry S. Dickinson, a member of Springfield Lodge, Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles P. Hutchinson laid the corner stone in accordance with ancient Masonic usage.

No history of Springfield Lodge would be complete without special mention of Right Worshipful Harry W. Haskins, its first Worshipful Master. He was honored by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge by appointment as District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixteenth Masonic District in 1901 and 1902. As District Deputy, he rendered distinguished service to his Lodge, his Masonic District and the Grand Lodge. A promising career in Masonry was ended by his untimely death on December 9, 1904, at the age of forty years. At the regular communication of the Lodge on February 1, 1905, a memorial service was held and resolutions adopted, eloquently setting forth the outstanding traits of his character. The following is quoted from the resolutions adopted: "In whatever position placed, in family, fraternal or business relations, from messenger boy to that of a trusted official in a corporation of great magnitude, his work was cared for faithfully and well. His short, active, usual life has ended quietly exemplifying to us who sorrow the beautiful declaration— Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. " Brother William W. McClench, in an address, pointed out the three prominent traits of his character: industry, aptitude and fidelity. He closed with the expression of the hope of a life beyond the grave, which all mankind has cherished since the beginning of time. Brother Edward H. Lathrop dwelt particularly on the courage displayed in his last illness and closed with the sentiment that nothing better can be said of a man than that he was not only a good man, but a good Mason. Brother Chamberlain, in his records of the memorial service, says: "An incident at the close of the speaking was the spontaneous singing of one verse of the hymn "Nearer My God to Thee" by all the Brothers. This was occasioned by the organist playing the hymn as the lights were closed."

The tenth anniversary of Springfield Lodge was celebrated on April 27, 1904, with Worshipful Master George F. Barden presiding. Worshipful Brother Walter G. Morse, in an able address, outlined the history of the Lodge. Right Worshipful Samuel B. Spooner, Past Master of Roswell Lee Lodge, eloquently portrayed the relation of Operative to Speculative Masonry and closed with congratulations to Springfield Lodge.

Under the leadership of the Worshipful Master, George S. Perkins, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the constitution of the Lodge was celebrated by a banquet at the Hotel Kimball on April 15, 1919, and a ball at the Municipal Auditorium on April 16th. At the banquet, Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur D. Prince, Most Worshipful Edwin B. Holmes, who constituted Springfield Lodge, and distinguished Masons of the Grand Master's Suite and of the Eighteenth and Thirty-third Masonic Districts were present.

Eight members of Springfield Lodge have served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master — Harry W. Haskins, D. Edward Miller, Gurdon W. Gordon, George L. Fenn, Edward G. Marshman, H. Greeley Randall, Harold E. Hartwell and Robert B. Warner. Worshipful Brothers D. Edward Miller and H. Greeley Randall served the Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden, respectively. Gurdon W. Gordon has served the Grand Lodge as Deputy Grand Master.

On June 24, 1924, officers and members of Springfield, Roswell Lee, Hampden, Esoteric, Samuel D. Sherwood, Samuel Osgood and Charles C. Spellman Lodges, together with the officers and members of Hartford and Springfield Commanderies, formed a procession at Park and Main Streets and escorted Most Worshipful Grand Master Dudley H. Ferrell and Suite to the site of the Temple in which we are meeting tonight. With impressive ceremonies, the corner stone of the building was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Master in accordance with ancient Masonic usage. The contribution of Springfield Lodge to the contents of the box in the corner stone of the Temple was: a copy of its calendar for the month of June, 1924, containing a complete list of its members; a copy of its by-laws and a copy of the program celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Springfield Lodge.

The world of the founders of Springfield Lodge was a far different world from the one in which we now live. "One World" could not have been written in 1894. Then the Great Lights shown brightly on the altars of Freemasonry in all parts of the civilized world. Today, many lands, Masonically speaking, are places of darkness. At this very hour our sons and brothers are fighting and dying in the far flung corners of the earth. What it means and what will be the ultimate outcome no man knoweth. Let us hope and pray that a Divine Intelligence is at work so that the time will ultimately come when the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man will prevail in the uttermost 3arts of the world.

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, APRIL 1970

From Proceedings, Page 1945-113:

By Worshipful Leslie F. Walker.

Borne on the wings of a great up-surge of interest in Masonry and desire for the teaching of our craft, Springfield Lodge came into being.

Shortly after the completion and dedication of the Springfield Masonic Temple, then located at South-East corner of State and Main Streets, was one of the most active periods of speculative Masonry this area had known. Two existing Lodges in Springfield, Hampden and Roswell Lee Lodges, had more names on their combined roles than any other community in the Commonwealth. The need for a third and new Lodge in Springfield was not only needed but imminent, and the original petition with forty-six signatures for the formation of a new Lodge, to be known as Springfield Lodge, was presented to both Hampden and Roswell Lee Lodges for approval and forwarded to the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Edwin B. Holmes. Grand Lodge granted dispensation and the first meeting was held on March 2, 1894 under this dispensation. At the second meeting a week later, the officers were named with Harry W. Haskins elected the first Master of Springfield Lodge.

The first candidate received his Entered Apprentice degree on July 14, 1894. He was Brother Albert A. Chamberlain, who later became the first installed Secretary of Springfield Lodge and served in that capacity for forty-two years.

There came within a short period, many active young men from the community seeking light at the portals of Springfield Lodge. The success under capable leadership of the original corp of officers soon prompted endorsement by Grand Lodge, who granted Springfield Lodge its Charter on March 13, 1895, which listed sixty-one charter members.

Seventy-five years ago, this night, at 5:00 P. M., the Most Worshipful Grand Master officially constituted Springfield Lodge — the installation of officers followed. (1895 Mass. 52-59)

In reviewing the numerous newspaper articles and press notices found in the archives, a news item from a local paper is quoted as follows:

"Are you onto the fact that the new lodge of Masons which blooms this Spring in regalia and aprons that would cause the lily and the crocuses to sigh For new garments represents the flower of young Springfield Manhood? It is a mighty nice crowd and unless present signs fail, it is going to be the means of drawing into Freemasonry quite a number of influential young men who heretofore have taken no interest in the Order."

In reviewing many of the mementos from those years, copies of several menus are to be found listing numerous taste tickling delicacies that were enjoyed at various Lodge functions, certain to make the most eminent gourmet drool with envy. It is humorous to note that sometime later, the same writer, who was previously quoted, wrote in the Homestead, a local newspaper under the date of September 16, 1895, and again I quote:

"A paragraph in this column a few months ago predicted a new interest in Freemasonry as a result of the establishment of Springfield Lodge. It is not good form to print the names of men who joined this organization but the reader probably has heard the distinguished list of those that are just now having a series of bouts with the gout; old timers some of them."

Masonry and Masonic leaders both were extremely active in the entire Springfield Valley area at that time. Many Springfield Lodge members provided this leadership in all avenues of community growth and development. Brother Henry S. Dickenson of Springfield Lodge, and Mayor of Springfield in 1897, was one of the principal speakers at the ceremony surrounding the then newly dedicated Central High School, known to us as Classical High School. Worshipful Brother Louis Hyde, Master of Springfield Lodge, was Chairman of the Building Committee. Hampden Lodge and Roswell Lee Lodge, joined Springfield Lodge in taking part in the ceremony, on June 1st, 1897, of the laying of the cornerstone by M. W. Charles C. Hutchinson, Grand Master.

A 10th Anniversary celebration on April 27, 1904, proved a gala event, complete with Springfield's Philharmonic orchestra, following a sumptuous banquet and further followed by an evening of dancing.

One of the highlights of Springfield Lodge's life has historically been its "Ladies Night" which became an annual social event in the Springfield community and has continued for many years.

Springfield Lodge's first Master, Harry Walton Haskins, was typical of the caliber of community leaders who were members of Springfield Lodge. Born in 1864, he graduated from Springfield High School in 1882. He launched his business career first with Chapin Paper and Pulp Company and then with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he ascended the ladder to Assistant Secretary of the Company. He was a member of the Springfield Commandery, Melha Temple, and a Past District Deputy of the Springfield Sixteenth Masonic District, as well as serving as Treasurer of Hope Church until his untimely death at the age of 40 on December 8, 1904.

The 25th Anniversary celebration of Springfield Lodge was a two day celebration, April 15 and 16, 1920, with a banquet at the Hotel Kimball and on the following night of the 16th, "Ladies Night" at the Municipal Auditorium. George Simpson Perkins was Worshipful Master, and the guests of honor, in addition to Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and his Suite, included the Honorable Arthur A. Adams, member of Springfield Lodge and -Mayor of Springfield. (1945 Mass. 88-95)

An historic Special Communication of Springfield Lodge was called on Tuesday, June 24th, 1924, for the purpose of joining with Masons from the greater Springfield area and Connecticut in the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone for the new Masonic Building where we at this moment are meeting. Worshipful Arthur Leon Foss, our Senior Past Master, who is present with us tonight and Master of our Lodge at that time, I'm sure will recall that eventful day when Springfield Lodge joined with Hampden, Roswell Lee, Esoteric, Samuel Osgood, Samuel D. Sherwood, Charles C. Spellman Lodges in a Masonic parade down Main Street and up State Street to the site of the Temple. The Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and his Suite were the distinguished guests and following the opening ceremonies, the cornerstone of this Temple was laid in accordance with the Ancient Form and Ceremony. (1924 Mass. 335-342) Within this cornerstone are mementos of Springfield Lodge consisting of the June calendar for 1924, which contained a complete list of members; a copy of the Lodge By-Laws; and a program of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary which has been referred to.

On January 6, 1926, the regular Communication of Springfield Lodge was its first meeting in the new Temple, wherein we sit. At this Communication, the Right Worshipful H. Greeley Randall, District Deputy Grand Master for the Eighteenth Masonic District and Past Master of Springfield Lodge made a Fraternal Visitation. The work of the evening, that of the Fellowcraft degree, allegedly was to have been the First Degree exemplified in the new Temple; however, records indicate that the candidate was unable to be present and therefore, the degree was exemplified on a Master Mason Brother as a candidate. Worshipful Brother Harold E. Hartwell, later to become District Deputy Grand Master of Springfield Eighteenth Masonic District, was Master of Springfield Lodge which exemplified this degree in the new Temple.

In the ensuing years, interest in Masonry in general provided an ever increasing growth in Springfield Lodge until 1930, and the rolls disclose we had a 790 membership that year. By April 18, 1945, when Springfield Lodge celebrated its 50th Anniversary, the membership had dropped to 498. The preceding depression years and World War II both contributed to loss of Brothers and dormant activity in Masonry and understandably so, as these were trying and perilous years.

Perhaps it would not be inappropriate to make an observation at this time. Often the experience of fraternal love for our fellow-man is indelibly etched on the heart so as to carry beyond one's grave. Two of our departed Brethren in recent years cherished this experience throughout their lives and were moved to remember their Lodge in their Last Will and Testament. Brother Andrew M. Johnston, who died on October 26, 1953, and Brother Zephirim Lassond, who passed away on May 31, 1960, were so moved to do, and their last wishes reflected this love.

Brethren, we are now about to step beyond the threshold of our "Diamond Jubilee", as it were, but let us not do so without first reflecting with fervent homage on our many, most distinguished predecessors whose love of the craft, devotion to its precepts, and untiring efforts, not only in the momentous beginnings of our Lodge but through intervening difficult years which without their devotion, their eagerness and affection, the dissemination of our lessons, would never have reached the recesses of many Brethren's hearts; and these it may be said are displaced in all walks of life and whose travels have reached many corners of the world.

The future of our Lodge should be a bright one if we will take heart from those distinguished Brethren, many of whom, each of us loved as brothers and whose lives exemplified the essence of Fraternal love and service to the craft. May we have learned well from them, this love of the craft, and so strive to re-implant it in the hearts and minds of those who knock upon our portals.

OTHER

  • 1936 (Reduction of fees authorized, 1936-38)

EVENTS

ANNUAL BANQUET, APRIL 1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 9, June 1908, Page 352:

Among notable events of Masonic interest that transpire during the year in Springfield, Massachusetts, none stand higher in the estimation of the members of Springfield Lodge than their annual banquet. The twelfth of these annual festivities took place in the famous Massasoit House, Wednesday, April 29. Many men of prominence, in public as well as Masonic life were present. The first feature was a capital dinner, the next the speeches.

The Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Horace D. Likins, introduced William Knowles Cooper as toastmaster. Bro. Cooper introduced Most Worshipful John Albert Blake, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts as the first speaker. The Grand Master spoke of the progress of Masonry, of the democratic spirit of the Order and the universality of its ideas and conceptions. He was followed by Brother Guy A. Ham, who touched on the value of Free Masonry. He spoke of the tendency of the American in general toward commercialism, and his inclination to look for the financial rather than the social or intellectual standing of his fellows. In this connection he mentioned the value of Masonry in eradicating this too prevalent fault. He went on to elaborate on the good that Masonry has done in making for the creation of fellowship, equality and freedom among the members of the order.

The next speaker was Lieut.-Gov. Everett J. Lake, of Hartford, Conn., and h« con lined himself mostly to the uncorking of a fund of excellent stories that carried his hearers by storm.

Other speakers were Right Worshipful William H. L. Odell, Deputy Grand Master and Worshipful George J. Tufts, past District Deputy Grand Master. Wor. Brother George W. Chester, Grand Tyler, was also one of the Boston guests.

GRAND OFFICERS' NIGHT, JANUARY 1922

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVII, No. 4, February 1922, Page 145:

One of the largest and most distinguished gatherings ever to attend a local Masonic ceremony, including Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince of Lowell, Grand Master of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and his official suite, attended "Grand Officers' Night" at the meeting of Springfield Lodge in Masonic Temple Springfield, Mass., January 25th.

The event in itself was unique as probably for the first time in the history of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge all of the stations in the lodge were filled by grand officers and past grand officers, most of whom are affiliated with the 18th Masonic District, while others of those who participated were from the 33rd, 17th and 19th Masonic Districts.

The meeting was preceded by a dinner in the banquet hall, when covers were laid for more than 400 local Masons and guests of Springfield Lodge. Immediately following dinner, the lodge was opened, after which Grand Master Prince was received together with the 17 present and past grand officers who later exemplified the work of the Master Mason degree.

Wor. Edwin L. Davis, Grand Lecturer, acted as master during the first section of the work; Rt. Wor. George L. Fenn occupied the chair during the second, and Rt. Wor. Clarence A. Brodeur during the third section, and likewise delivered an original charge which won him a sustained round of applause. The other grand officers participating, together with the chairs they filled, follow: Senior Warden, Rt. Wor. Edwin A. Blodgett; Junior Warden, Rt. Wor. Fred A. Eldred; Treasurer, Rt. Wor. Lyle G. Mambert; Secretary, Rt. Wor. William E. Gibbs; Chaplain, Rt. Wor. Ernest E. Hobson; Marshal, Rt. Wor. Frank O. Hartwell; Senior Deacon, Rt. Wor. Hiram I. Dillenback and Rt. Wor. D. Edward Miller; Junior Deacon, Rt. Wor. Gurdon W. Gordon; Senior Steward, Rt. Wor. Dan J. Kempton; Junior Steward, Rt. Wor. Herbert C. Hill; Inside Sentinel,
Rt. Wor. Dwight H. Keyes. Rt. Wor. Albert F. Crowther, Rt. Wor. Archibald A. Brooks and Rt. Wor. Charles H. Smith also participated in the work.

At the conclusion of the work Wor. H. G. Randall, master of Springfield Lodge, introduced the Grand Master as the only speaker °f the evening. The latter, after complimentlng the officers of the lodge for instituting Ynat seemed to him to be a splendid precedent, gave a serious talk on the religious duties of all Masons which did not end with their participation in Masonic ritual. If the world is to withstand the supreme test it is now undergoing, all men must unite in the observance of Christian principles, regardless of creed. He urged that all Masons first should be good citizens and true Christians.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1894: District 16 (Chicopee)

1902: District 16 (Springfield)

1911: District 18 (Springfield)

1927: District 18 (Springfield)


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges


The curator for this page is Brother Scott Sherman. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.