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SAINT BERNARD'S LODGE

Location: Southborough

Chartered By: Charles C. Dame

Charter Date: 09/09/1868 VII-248

Precedence Date: 09/06/1867

Current Status: unknown; merged into United Brethren Lodge, 04/27/1996.

PAST MASTERS

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1867
• Petition for Charter: 1868
• Consolidation Petition (with United Brethren Lodge): 1995

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1917 (50th Anniversary)
• 1942 (75th Anniversary)
• 1967 (Centenary)
• 1992 (125th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1868 (Dame; Constitution of Lodge and installation)
• 1917 (L. Abbott; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1931 (H. Dean; Hall dedication, 1931-221)
• 1942 (Schaefer; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1981 (Berquist; installation)
• 1985 (Richardson)
• 1992 (Darling; 2 visits; 125th Anniversary, Special Communication; and reception for Junior Grand Warden James A. Vytal)
• 1993 (Lovering; 125th Anniversary)
• 1996 (A. Johnson; Consolidation; Special Communication)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1878 1879 1903 1911 1948 1954 1955 1960 1967 1968 1969 1973 1980 1986 1991 1994

HISTORY

• 1942 (75th Anniversary History, 1942-203)
• 1967 (Centenary History, 1967-407)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1942

From Proceedings, Page 1942-203:

By Right Worshipful Clarence W. Wentworth:

Webster's Dictionary defines history as follows: "An account of past facts and events, arranged in the order of their occurrence." Therefore, we reconstruct the past events of Saint Bernard's Lodge and bring them to light. From them you, our honored guests of the Grand Lodge and our new members, may learn why Saint Bernard's Lodge, small in membership but large in the friendly and brotherly spirit shown to all that come within its portals, has become one of the landmarks of the community. Such reward is due any organization after it has served its community, as has this Lodge, for seventy-five years.

Seventy-five years, according to the Psalmist, is about the allotted span of life given to human beings, but in an institution such as ours, which has survived the trying days of the past, it has been a brief period and we are animated by the lives and deeds of the Brethren who have gone before. In looking back upon the early days of the Lodge, it would be well for us to consider the circumstances and environments of its members. With the present rapid transit by auto, bus and plane which annihilates space and reduces cities to neighborhoods, and with the modern conveniences of electricity and air conditioning, we little appreciate the conditions under which our early members lived and discharged their Masonic duties. It was not an uncommon thing for members of the Craft to walk or drive long distances to attend Lodge meetings, but their love for the Craft, however, prompted them to the faithful discharge of their duties.

It has been a great pleasure to review the records of the seventy-five years since the organization of Saint Bernard's Lodge, although some of the earliest records are almost obliterated and only by the use of a reading glass can the early events of the Lodge be brought to light.

The petitioners to the Grand Lodge for a dispensation were Lyman B. Collins, Joseph Burnett, John W. Hammond, Curtis Newton, Caleb S. Williams, John A. Page, Frank W. Walker, J. Henry Robinson, H. W. Smith, Henry Smith, Lewis Brewer, Lorenzo C. Newton, John Blair and Sullivan F. Onthank. We learn that on September 12, 1867, the first meeting was held under the dispensation granted by Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles C. Dame and that the following officers were chosen:

• John Blair, Worshipful Master
• Leander Newton, Senior Warden
• John A. Page, Junior Warden
• Caleb S. Williams, Treasurer
• J. Henry Robinson, Secretary
• Joseph Burnett, Chaplain
• Curtis Newton, Marshal
• Lorenzo C. Newton, Senior Deacon
• Peter W. Howe, Junior Deacon
• Lewis Brewer, Senior Steward

• Sullivan F. Onthank, Junior Steward
• Lorenzo Walker, Tyler

Worshipful Brother Blair was Master of Middlesex Lodge 1866-1867 and so was well qualified to carry on the duties of Master of this new Lodge.

The name of Joseph Fairbanks was proposed at this first meeting and on October 24, 1867, the first special meeting of the Lodge was held and he was duly initiated an Entered Apprentice, showing that the officers lost no time but were very anxious to demonstrate their ability.

November 7, 1867, on motion of Brother Joseph Burnett, the Master and Wardens were appointed a committee to negotiate a lease for quarters for the Lodge from Mrs. Wall. The records do not state where these quarters were, but by investigation, the writer learns the first meetings were held in a small hall situated on the site of Fay School Annex and now the private garage of Mr. Edward Fay.

November 21, 1867, Worshipful Burleigh Morse, presiding Master of United Brethren Lodge, occupied the East and by request of the Lodge, initiated Allen S. West as an Entered Apprentice. At this time Worshipful Brother Morse presented the Lodge with a membership ledger which is still in good condition after seventy-five years of constant use.

January 16, 1868, Saint Bernard's Lodge held its first entertainment and had as guests six Brethren from North Star Lodge, eleven from Siloam and one from Marlboro.

March 8, 1868, our Chaplain, Brother Joseph Burnett, who was a very public spirited man, donated to the Lodge $158.50 to pay for decorations to the lodge-room, furniture, etc. Brother Burnett served the Lodge six years as Chaplain and then, owing to business connections, was obliged to retire as an officer, but the records show that Saint Bernard's Lodge was dear to his heart for on a number of occasions he made generous donations. He also left behind, as monuments to his memory, St. Mark's School and St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

September 28, 1868, was an unusual day for the Lodge, for its honored guests were Most Worshipful Charles C. Dame and his suite, who had come to Southboro to constitute Saint Bernard's Lodge and to dedicate the lodge-room. Thus Saint Bernard's Lodge received its Charter and reported that under dispensation thirteen regular and twenty special meetings had been held.

October 1, 1869, the Lodge held its first public installation, with Right Worshipful Charles G. Reed of the 11th Worcester District, and his assistants, installing the officers.

March 2, 1871, Brother J. H. Robinson presented a Past Master's jewel to Worshipful Brother John Blair, who was Master eight years, seven of them consecutive. If any Master was ever entitled to a jewel, it was this Brother, for his faithful and zealous attention to the duties of the Lodge.

May 21, 1875, Francis Dexter Newton's application was presented. He was later to become one of the outstanding members of the Lodge. He received his Master Mason Degree August 19, 1875, and on October 14, 1875, was elected Secretary — an office he filled for seven years. He was also Chaplain for five years, Treasurer, five, and Master, five, later serving the District as District Deputy Grand Master for two years — 1912 and 1913.

December 1, 1876. The communication was held under this date by reason of Thanksgiving coming on the appointed night. The Stated meetings were held on Thursday on or before the full moon each month.

February 26, 1889, Paul S. Lincoln received his Master Mason Degree. This Brother is the pillar of strength in Saint Bernard's Lodge, and though incapacitated now on account of his age, he still maintains his interest in the Lodge. He had devoted much time and money to our present building when it was a church and it was largely through his earnest endeavors that it later became our lodge quarters. Brother Lincoln was elected Worshipful Master in 1892 and also served the Lodge efficiently as Treasurer for eighteen years.

August 5, 1899. On this day a special meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the possibility of Saint Bernard's having new lodge quarters. Worshipful John Sealey was Master at this time and he informed the members that a piece of land near the station could be bought for $1000.00 and that an option had been taken on it. It was voted to adjourn until August 14, at which time a building association would be formed.

October 17, 1900. It was voted to lease a new lodge-room at a rental not to exceed $125.00 per year. This may seem to be a very small amount, but the Lodge was in arrears for years by not being financially able to meet the sum annually.

April 21, 1910, Brother Fred M. Ambrose presented the Lodge with a gavel made from stone which he had procured from King Solomon's quarries in Jerusalem, the handle being made of olive wood.

March 9, 1911. Voted that the by-laws be changed so that the first clause of Section 1, Article 2, read "Regular communications shall be held on the second Wednesday of each month."

December 29,1911, a reception was held for Right Worshipful Francis Dexter Newton, there being present seventy-five members of the Craft to honor him on his appointment as District Deputy Grand Master. It was the first time in the forty-three years of its existence that Saint Bernard's Lodge had been honored by such an appointment.

September 18, 1912, was the first visitation of Right Worshipful Brother Newton in his own Lodge. Fifty visitors from neighboring Lodges, as well as sixteen from other Districts, were present, demonstrating the esteem in which our new Deputy was held.

May 13, 1914. This meeting was a regular communication and the last to be held in the Masonic Building. Sixty members and visitors were present and Lodge closed in form at 10:15 p.m. Between one and two o'clock in the morning, the building was destroyed by fire, the Lodge losing all its property.

June 10, 1914. The Lodge rented Fayville Hall for $2.00 per night and this meeting was the first to be held there. Thus the members were inspired to carry on and work for the future.

October 31, 1914. Voted to appoint Worshipful Brothers Edgar M. Smith and John Sealey and Right Worshipful Brother Francis D. Newton a committee to inspect the furniture of an Athol Lodge which had surrendered its charter and power given them to purchase what they found desirable.

November 11, 1914, the committee reported they had purchased the furniture from the Brethren at Athol for $300.00 and a vote of thanks was extended Brother Smith for his work in connection with the transaction.

December 9, 1914, Saint Bernard's Lodge held its first meeting in lower town hall (formerly the library room), which was to be its home for the next sixteen years.

November 14, 1917, Saint Bernard's Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary and was honored by the presence of Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott, Grand Master, and his suite, as follows:

• R. W. William M. Harrington, Senior Grand Warden

• R. W. Edward L. Chase, Junior Grand Warden
• R. W. William M. Belcher, Past Grand Warden
• R. W. George W. Bishop, Past Grand Warden
• 
R. W. Roscoe E. Learned, Past Grand Warden
• R. W. Charles H. Ramsey, Grand Treasurer
• R. W. Frederick W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary
• R. W. George H. Gutteridge, D.D.G. Master, Dist. No. 24
• R. W. Edward N. West, Grand Marshal
• Wor. Rev. R. Perry Bush, Grand Chaplain
• Rev. Francis L. Beal , Grand Chaplain
• H. Everett Crane, Senior Grand Deacon
• George T. Wiley, Junior Grand Deacon
• John H. Blodgett, Senior Grand Steward
• Clarence A. Russell , Junior Grand Steward
• Herbert M. Chase, as Grand Steward
• J. Everett Brown, as Grand Steward
• John P. Feehan, Grand Standard Bearer

After an informal reception for the Grand Lodge Officers, all repaired to the banquet hall where over one hundred enjoyed a turkey dinner. Returning to the lodge-room, Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott delivered the anniversary address. Brother Leander W. Newton, the only living Charter Member, was present and gave an interesting talk on the early days of the Lodge. Brother John E. Rice also addressed the Brethren.

October 10, 1923, was the official visitation of Right Worshipful Elon F. Tandy, District Deputy Grand Master for the 24th Masonic District. The members of the Craft enjoyed a banquet in the vestry of Pilgrim Church, owing to the fact that the Knights of Columbus were using the remainder of the town hall. As the District Deputy, accompanied by his suite, marched into the lodge-room, the fife and drum corps in the upper hall played a march and he informed the Brethren that was the first time he ever marched to Knights of Columbus music.

February 11, 1925, a reception-was given in honor of our new District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Eugene P. Bent, at which time he was presented a Past Master's apron by the officers of Saint Bernard's Lodge as a token of their esteem.

May 13, 1925. The Lodge was honored this evening by the presence of its only living Charter Member, Brother Leander W. Newton, who had been made an Honorary Member at the April 18th meeting. This was Brother Newton's first visit to the Lodge for a number of years as he was now eighty-six years old, although in excellent health. Brother Newton at this time presented the Lodge with a check for fifty dollars.

June 10, 1925. The Grim Reaper visited Saint Bernard's Lodge and removed one of its most outstanding members, Worshipful Arthur E. Smith, a Brother who surely exemplified our Masonic teachings in his daily life. His life was one of service to his fellow man. His record in the newspaper world, where he merited and received the respect and regard of his fellow workers, was an exceptionally brilliant one. His life, both in business and in private, was worthy of emulation—in every sense of the word, he was an honor to our Lodge.

May 11, 1927, Veteran's Medals were presented Brother Nathaniel R. Gerald and Right Worshipful Francis Dexter Newton by Right Worshipful Winfield Temple, District Deputy Grand Master for the 24th Masonic District. Brother Newton responded very feelingly and gave a number of reminiscences of the past fifty years. He stated that in the early days anyone who did not have a horse had to walk and that he did the walking act many times.

May 9, 1928, Brother Frank I. Bassett presented the Lodge with a set of Lesser Lights. It was voted that the Lodge accept the gift and extend to him a rising vote of thanks; also that a page in our records be suitably inscribed to him. Every meeting we hold in this lodge-room we enjoy the benefits of his thoughtful gift.

June 10, 1931, it was voted that the Treasurer of the Lodge be instructed to pay the Trustees of Saint Bernard's Building Association the balance due on the purchase price of the building and land at Southville. Thus the Lodge once more owned its own building and we trust may continue to occupy its present quarters for many years to come.

September 9, 1931. The first regular meeting in the new lodge-room was held on this date. Although alterations were not entirely completed, great progress had been made and much credit and praise was due the Brothers who had worked so faithfully and diligently on the project.

September 23, 1931, the present lodge-room was dedicated. After opening, a recess was declared and 121 members and guests repaired to the vestry of the Federated Church and enjoyed a chicken-pie dinner. After disposing of all the good things possible, the Lodge was called to labor from refreshments and the following Grand Lodge Officers were formally received and proceeded to dedicate the new hall to Freemasonry, in accordance with due and ancient form:

• M.W. Herbert W. Dean, Grand Master
• R.W. L. Davis, Deputy Grand Master
• R.W. Temple, Senior Grand Warden
• R.W. H. Franklin, Jr., Junior Grand Warden
• M.W. Dudley H. Ferrell, Past Grand Master
• R.W. P. Smith, as Grand Treasurer
• R.W. W. Hamilton, Grand Secretary
• R.W. George Morrison, D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 23
• R.W. Erwin B. Woodbury, D. D. G. Master, Dist. No. 24
• R.W. C. Balcom, Grand Marshal
• Wor. Rev. Warren P. Landers, Grand Chaplain
• Rev. John C. Breaker, Grand Chaplain
• Albert A. Schaefer, Senior Grand Deacon
• Charles C. Henry, Junior Grand Deacon
• Fred H. Hitchcock, Senior Grand Steward
• Eugene Closson, Junior Grand Steward
• Morton R. Milne, Junior Grand Steward
• Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Grand Sword Bearer
• George W. Chester, Grand Tyler

This evening we have the honor to extend to the Senior Grand Deacon at that dedication our most cordial felicitations as Most Worshipful Grand Master — one who by his experience is well qualified for his present office.

December 13, 1933. The regular communication for this month was to honor our senior living Past Master, Worshipful Paul S. Lincoln, who was instrumental in securing our present building. At this meeting, Worshipful Erwin L. Smith gave a most interesting biography of Brother Lincoln's life as a Mason, Steward in the church and as a townsman, speaking in glowing terms of his value to the community, and then dedicating the lodge-room to be known as Paul S. Lincoln Hall.

March 28, 1937, a special communication was held for the purpose of attending the funeral services of Brother Nathaniel R. Gerald at the Congregational Church at Cochituate, Massachusetts. Brother Gerald was Saint Bernard's oldest member, having been initiated an Entered Apprentice June 12, 1873. He was very active in town affairs and later, at Cochituate, served as Postmaster and conducted a store. His Masonic life of almost sixty-four years was very active, as in addition to his membership in Saint Bernard's Lodge, he was a member of Parker Chapter and Natick Commandery.

December 14, 1938, Brother Burton B. Derby presented the Lodge with a set of unique station lights in memory of his father, Brother Warren M. Derby, who passed away December 17, 1936.

February 8, 1939, Right Worshipful Harry E. Burnham, District Deputy Grand Master for the 24th Masonic District, paid Saint Bernard's Lodge a fraternal visit and was accompanied by a large suite. After assuming the East, he instructed his Marshal, Worshipful Brother Gray, to conduct Worshipful Paul S. Lincoln to the East, where after a very cordial greeting, he presented to him a Veteran's Medal in commemoration of his fifty years as a Mason.

During the seventy-five years of its existence, Saint Bernard's Lodge has had forty-two Past Masters, fifteen Treasurers and fifteen Secretaries. The Lodge has been honored three times by the Grand Lodge by the appointment of District Deputy Grand Masters for the District from among its Past Masters, namely: Right Worshipful Brothers Francis Dexter Newton, Eugene P. Bent and Clarence W. Wentworth.

I have diligently searched the records to gather something of the light which has guided our Brethren through the past seventy-five years. The records are imperfect and incomplete, but the real record of the Lodge is not recorded in books, but by its influence upon the community. What the future holds for us we do not know, but we are confident that Saint Bernard's Lodge will continue to be a landmark and a power for good in this community. Our institution has always been a part of the life and growth of man in all ages, turning him from material things of life to spiritual things that lead to truth and character. It measures its existence not by years but by centuries. Where-ever Masonry flourishes and is allowed to build without being hindered, liberty, justice and true religion flourish, and where it is hindered, all suffer. We need only to turn to Continental Europe for corroboration of this statement.

Freemasonry in Southville of today is not the Freemasonry of 1867, nor will it be that of 1967. The Institution has grown and will continue to adapt itself to the new conditions which each age presents. Our Masonry of today is what they made it — Masonry of tomorrow will be what we make it, and as we return to our homes, let us resolve to act as Masons, to live up to the teachings of Masonry in our daily lives and Saint Bernard's Lodge will continue to grow and to have a bright future.

OTHER

• 1870 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1870-13)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Eugene P. Bent, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1925, 1926; Memorial
• Herbert P. Faber, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1955, 1956; N
• Francis D. Newton, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1913; SN
• Ralph F. Rand, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1965, 1966; SN
• David F. Schnare, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1982, 1983; SN
• Erwin L. Smith, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1945, 1946; SN
• James A. Vytal, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1973; Junior Grand Warden 1992; N
• Clarence W. Wentworth, DDGM, District 24 (Marlborough), 1935, 1936; N

DISTRICTS

1867: District 11 (Worcester)

1883: District 21 (Framingham)

1911: District 24 (Marlborough)

1927: District 24 (Marlborough)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges