Difference between revisions of "StPaulA"

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''Yours, fraternally, Ldther S. Bancroft.'
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''Yours, fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.''
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==== WILLARD DICKERSON 1782-1852 ====
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* MM 1827, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StPaulA St. Paul (Groton)]
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''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XI, No. 5, March 1852, Page 158:''
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''Brother Moore,- lt becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of two members of St. Paul's Lodge in Groton. Brother Dickerson, of Harvard, died a few weeks ago, his age was nearly 70 years. . .
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At our annual festival in Oct., Brothers Dickerson and Lawrence were there, and several brethren whose mean ages amounted to 78 years and upwards. There were present those who were at the consecration of St. Paul's Lodge in 1797. In all probability there is not a Lodge in the state of Massachusetts that contains so many old members as St. Paul's in Groton; it was remarked at the
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table by an elderly brother, "it is not probable that all of us will ever meet again on an occasion like the present;'' that remark has proved true, as our lodge room plainly shows - our furniture, &c is clothed in mourning for 30 days, and reminds us that our time is short.
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Yours Fraternally ''L. S. B.''
  
 
==== JOSEPH HOAR 1784-1849 ====
 
==== JOSEPH HOAR 1784-1849 ====
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Luther S. Bancroft.
 
Luther S. Bancroft.
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==== DANIEL H. LAWRENCE 1781-1852 ====
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''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XI, No. 5, March 1852, Page 158:''
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''Brother Moore,- lt becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of two members of St. Paul's Lodge in Groton. . . Brother Daniel H. Lawrence, of Pepperell, died Jan. 21st, aged 71 years; his remains were transferred to the house of silence Jan. 24th, with Masonic honors. The members of the Lodge who were able to attend, appeared in full regalia, trimmed with black crape; the most perfect order was observed by the Lodge on that mournful occasion, and great praise is due to old, middle aged and young, who had assembled near the grave to witness solemn ceremonies - order was observed in their ranks, and impressions left upon their minds, which can never be forgotten; when allusion was made to that "emblem o finnocence, and sprig of evergreen," all appeared deeply afiected. The ceremonies at the grave were such that reflected the highest praise upon the Masonic institution. It is nearly thirty years since a Mason has been buried with honors in rhis section
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At our annual festival in Oct., Brothers Dickerson and Lawrence were there, and several brethren whose mean ages amounted to 78 years and upwards. There were present those who were at the consecration of St. Paul's Lodge in 1797. In all probability there is not a Lodge in the state of Massachusetts that contains so many old members as St. Paul's in Groton; it was remarked at the
 +
table by an elderly brother, "it is not probable that all of us will ever meet again on an occasion like the present;'' that remark has proved true, as our lodge room plainly shows - our furniture, &c is clothed in mourning for 30 days, and reminds us that our time is short.
 +
 +
Yours Fraternally ''L. S. B.''
  
 
==== AARON LEWIS 1786-1849 ====
 
==== AARON LEWIS 1786-1849 ====

Revision as of 22:42, 5 December 2012

SAINT PAUL LODGE (AYER)

Location: Groton; Ayer (1871); Ashby ()

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 01/26/1797 tbd

Precedence Date: 01/26/1797

Current Status: Active



YEARS

1797 1804 1811 1851 1871 1872 1873 1897 1898 1899 1900 1913 1922 1928 1929 1930 1942 1947 1957 1959 1972 1977 1984 1986 1989 2000 2007


NOTES

INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 1852

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XII, No. 2, December 1852, p. 61:

MASONIC FESTIVAL AT GROTON, MASS. The members of St Paul's Lodge, at Groton, held a public installation of their officers, on the 25th October last, and from the following, account of the proceedings, given in the Groton Telegraph, seem to have had a very pleasant time:—

The choice of officers of the Lodge, took, place this forenoon. Of this part of the ceremony we were not permitted to be a spectator. At about 11 o'clock, a procession was formed at the hall, under the direction of Col. Bancroft, of Pepperell, as Chief Marshal, assisted by Col. Dane, of Groton, and others. The music was done by a detachment from Hall's Lowell Band, and well done of course, for Hall was there himself with that gold bugle. The delegation of Knights Templars from Worcester, followed by St Paul's Lodge, with large delegations from Worcester, Lowell, Nashua, Nashville, &c.—they were followed by ladies, and the ladies of the " outsiders," who had been invited. The procession proceeded to Liberty Hall, where, after prayer by Rev. Mr. Clark, of West Townsend, and a Masonic hymn, the Senior Deacon collected the "jewels," which consisted of the usual Masonic devices. The officers of the Lodge, who had been elected, were then installed in due form. F. C. Swain, of Nashua, was installed as Master of the Lodge. Some very excellent pledges were required of him before being invested with that authority. The Bible, the square and compass, the charter, the constitution and by-laws were then handed over to him. Luther S. Bancroft was then installed as Senior Warden, and invested with the Level, and exhorted to "look well to the West" Lorenzo P. Blood was installed as Junior Warden, invested with the Plumb, and admonished to " look well to the South." The other points of the compass seem to have been entirely overlooked. Jeremiah Kilburu, as Treasurer; Dexter Blanchard, as Secretary; Abel Lawrence, Senior Deacon; L. A. Winch, Junior Deacon; Alpheus Eastman, Senior Steward; Samuel Merrill, Junior Steward; Nathan Dane, Marshal; Moses Gill, Tyler, were then severally installed. During these ceremonies, the officiating officer kept his hat on. We suppose it was all right.

Then came another Masonic hymn, or song to the tune " Here's a health to all good leaves." Lewis Smith, of Nashua, was then announced as the orator of the occasion. (We find our notes of the address quite copious, and we might be obliged to curtail them for want of room, if we had not learned that it was to be published, which makes a report less desirable.] He alluded to the fact that several members of the Lodge, instituted more than half a century ago, were present The address was of a historical nature, and developed the Masonic system. He traced the Institution down from its earliest existence, through all its forms, and all its wanderings; recounted its trials and its triumphs, its persecutions and its encouragements—its members sometimes courted and encouraged, and sometimes denounced and hunted down like wild beasts, almost. The address was listened to with attention and interest.

After another song or two, the procession was again formed, and proceeded to the table, where a most bountiful and excellent dinner was provided by the liberality of the Groton Masons for their brethren and invited guests. The head of the table was graced with an enormous pitcher, covered with Masonic devices— the gift to the Iodge of the venerable Dr. Walton, of Pepperell, one of the original members, imported from England by him. The Doctor was present, and enjoyed the occasion highly.

Gen. Hunt of Nashua, was called upon, and referred in very appropriate terms to the founders of the Lodge, and the many distinguished men who had been enrolled as its members. He also spoke of the claims of the Institution as the nursery of all that is good, and alluded to the changes that had taken place since its organization. He closed with an appropriate sentiment.

Mr. Smith rose to respond to the sentiment complimentary to the orator. He spoke of the old members whom he met, and of Dr. Walton in particular, and expressed the hope of meeting him again and often upon similar occasions. He complimented the ladies, who added so much to the interest of the occasion by their presence. He said he had been complained of for not revealing some of the secrets, and explained that matter to them—whether satisfactorily, we are a little inclined to doubt

Mr. F. A. Sawyer, of Nashua, was called upon. He alluded to the sleep diet had fallen upon the Institution in years past, and its present bright and promising prospects. He spoke in high commendation of it No matter what outsiders, who knew nothing about it, might say, its tendencies were and must be good. No man had ever been made any worse by it, but many had been made better. He referred to its history, and the great and good men who had belonged to it as an evidence of its worthiness—to Washington, in particular. He assured the ladies that the secrets were nothing which affected their principles, hut were only such as were necessary to protect them from imposition. He spoke very warmly of the ladies and gave—

The memory of the distinguished Grand Master, whose faithfulness cost him his life—may we hope that those influences that Freemasonry ever strives to throw around her votaries, may cause his virtues to be reproduced in our hearts, as beautiful and fresh as the cassia over his grave."

Dr. Walton made a few remarks and gave a sentiment

Rev. Mr. Clark, of West Townsend, made a few remarks commending the Institution in the highest terms. It was not very common for gentlemen of his profession to belong to the Order, but he was proud to acknowledge himself a member.

Mr. North, Master of Pentucket Lodge, of Lowell, alluded to the charities of the Institution, and made an effective speech, alluding to its usefulness among strangers in a strange land.

Major Bagley, of Nashville, gave a sentiment complimentary to the liberality of St Paul's Lodge.

Regular Toasts.

  • The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Its present Grand and Past Grand Masters.
  • The Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts—Bro. Charles W. Moore—His name and fame, as a Freemason, need no eulogy.
  • Solomon, the Luminary of the East—Washington, the glory of the West.
  • The Knights Templars of Worcester County Encampment—Our welcome guests They are ever ready at the call of danger, to guard the Threshhold of our Holy Temple from the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers.
  • The Orator of the Day—For his logical address—We the members of St Paul's Lodge return him our heartfelt thanks—We look upon him as a burning and shining light in the Masonic Temple.
  • The Ladies—They are with us, with heart and hand, we look upon them as the flowers that deck the Garden of Columbia—Although the rules of our Order exclude you from our mysteries yet you are not the less rapturously remembered by us, than by every one, who has a heart within him that throbs at God's most perfect work.
  • The Great Masonic Hive—May there be fewer drones than there has been for the last twentyfive years, less buzzing, and more pure honey.
  • The liberal hospitalities of St. Paul's Lodge—As brilliant as has been the rays of our glorious sun upon this day.

FROM LODGE RECORDS

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol XXV, No. 6, March, 1866, p. 166:

Pepperell, March 18, 1866.

Bro. C. W. Moore, — I have been delving among the Records of St. Paul's Lodge, and send you the following:—

At a special meeting of the members of St. Paul's Lodge, held at their hall in Groton on the ninth day of August, Anno Lucis 5797, for the consecration thereof, - present, all the members of said Lodge, and a large concourse of visiting brethren, — the Lodge is opened on the first step of Masonry, after which they proceed to the First Parish Meeting-house in Groton, where an elegant and ingenious discourse is delivered by Br. Thadcus Mason Harris, and the officers of this Lodge are duly installed, and the Lodge is consecrated in form; after which a charge is delivered by the R. W. Br. Isaiah Thomas, and the Lodge return in procession to their hall, and in company with the Grand Lodge partake of a sumptuous dinner. The usual ceremonies having been gone through with, after much gratulation, joy, and festivity, the Lodge is closed. Attest, Samuel Dana, Secretary.

At a meeting of the members of St. Paul's Lodge, assembled at their hall in Groton on the third Monday of August, Anno Lucis 5797, Voted, That Br. Walton be a committee to obtain from the Rev. Br. Harris a copy of his discourse, delivered at the consecration of this Lodge, and that he procure three hundred copies thereof, to be printed for the use of this Lodge. The Lodge being cheered by songs, and Masonic toasts being drank, the same is closed at the usual hour in great harmony. Attest, Samuel Dana, Secretary.

At a meeting of St. Paul's Lodge, at their hall in Groton, on Monday, the third day of February, Anno Lucis 5800, Voted, To choose a committee to make all necessary arrangements on 22d February, instant, and chose R. W. M. Oliver Prescott, R. W. P. M. James Brazer, and Br. Treasurer, Thomas Gardner. Voted, That the brethren, after the exercises of the day of the 22d of February, meet at Captain I. Richardson's for refreshment. Voted, That if any brother belonging to the militia, being called upon by his officer, and fined for non-appearance, that this Lodge discharge the fine, provided they attend in Masonic order.

St. Paul's Lodge met according to agreement on the 22d February, at ten o'clock, a.m., A.L. 5800, at their hall in Groton, to attend the solemnities occasioned by the late decease of our Worthy Br. George Washington, which some time since were recommended by the united government of this country, at which time an oration was delivered by Br. Samuel Dana, who was appointed by a joint committee of the town of Groton and St. Paul's Lodge. A true copy. Attest, John Walton, Secretary.

R. W. M. James Brazer was the first Master of St. Paul's Lodge, and held the office three years. He was a blacksmith by trade, and formerly lived in Peppereli, where he carried on the business. Relinquishing that, he opened a West India goods store in that town for several years, to the satisfaction of all who traded with him, as being an honest trader. He then moved to Groton, where he continued in trade for a number of years. He built an elegant house on the Main street (which now belongs to the corporation of the Lawrence Academy). He was a justice of the peace for a number of years, and became wealthy by being economical and industrious. He possessed a noble mind, and an iron-bound memory. At the return of the annual Thanksgiving, the poor and needy of that town received from his store a certain amount of the "good things of this world," to make their hearts glad, "without fee or reward." He lived to a good old age before he was "gathered to the land where our fathers have gone before us."

Yours fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.

P. S. — I have never been able to obtain the oration delivered by Br. Samuel Dana, February 22, A.L. 5800. It would be a treat to read it.

HISTORICAL NOTES

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol XXV, No. 9, July, 1866, p. 273:

PEPPERELL, May 14, 1866.

Br. Moore, — I send you the following which I hope will be interesting to your numerous readers: —

The first clergyman who received the three degrees in St. Paul's Lodge, Groton, Mass., was the Rev. Laban Ainsworth of Jaffrey, N.H. On the "Third Monday of November, A.L. 5797, the Lodge voted to remit the initiating fees of the Rev. Br. Laban Ainsworth, and that Br. S. W. inform him thereof." "June 24th, A.L. 6800, St. Paul's Lodge assembled in ample form, proceeded to the Meeting House; where was delivered by the Rev. Br. Ainsworth, an excellent discourse, calculated to produce masonic virtues. After the ceremonies, the Lodge returned to a bower erected for entertainment and hilarity; and the brethren, estranged from the secular concerns of life, passed a social hour in all the joys of fraternal affection."

I find by the Records that the Rev. Br. Laban Ainsworth is the only clergyman who has received the degrees of Freemasonry for sixty-nine years in St. Paul's Lodge, until last January, February, and March, when the three degrees were conferred upon the Rev. Burtis Judd, of Townsend; and the Lodge voted to remit his fees, with the exception of the fee to the M. W. Grand Lodge. You see by the above statement that the clergy in this section are indifferent. We wish them well, and hope their eyes will be opened in this or the spirit-world to the holy and sublime teachings of Freemasonry! The next W. Master of St. Paul's Lodge (after Br. James Brazer), was Dr. Oliver Prescott, Jr., who was chosen by a unanimous vote, Dec. 16, A.L. 5799. He held the office two years. On the 27th of December, AL. 5802, he was again elected W. Master, and held the office untill the 29th of August, 5803. He was the first High Priest of St. John's Royal Arch Chapter in Groton, which no longer exists. He was the oldest son of Dr. Oliver Prescott of Groton, a distinguished physician of those days. Born April 4, 1762. He was prepared for Harvard College under the tuition of the celebrated Master Moody, at Dunimer'a School in Byfield, and entered in 1779. He studied medicine with his father, and with Dr. Lloyd of Boston; settled in his native town, and had an extensive practice in his profession in that and other towns in the vicinity. In 1811 he, with his family, removed to Newburyport, where he died, Sept. 26, 1827. His companion, both in preparatory studies and in College, says of him, "His natural parts were good. He had a quick mind, retentive memory, and sound understanding."

"Soon after the battle of Bunker Hill, he was at Pepperell, and his uncle, Col. William Prescott, showed him the banyan and waistcoat, and the rents or holes made in them by the British bayonets." "Col. Prescott was among the last that left the redoubt, and before leaving it was surrounded by the enemy, and had several bayonets pushed at his body, which he parried with his sword; they pierced his banyan and waistcoat, but ho was not wounded." "In his person he was tall, his frame large and muscular, his features strong and intelligent, with an eagle eye." "About nine o'clock on the morning of June 17, 1775, it became apparent that the British were preparing to cross the river and attack them. The officers then urged Col. Prescott to send a messenger to head-quarters, and request the commander, Gen. Ward, to relieve them according to his engagement, as they had brought on no provisions for a longer time, and had worked all night. This he refused, saying the works should be defended by those who built them; their honor required it, and they could do it successfully; but he would send for reinforcements and refreshments." The action began between two and three o'clock, p m. Do you hear the word of command from that "darling child" of New England ? "Don't you fire until yon see the whites of their eyes." The word is given in "thunder tones!" The British ranks are swept down, as the'mower sweeps the grass. Those who remain retreat to the water's edge and form again for the second charge. The enemy were suffered to come within a few rods, when this "Spartan band of heroes " opened their deadly fire. Their ranks are again broken, and they retreat to the place of their landing. The third charge was made in the form of a triangle. The British officers were obliged to make great exertions to bring up their men this time. The redoubt was entered on the south-eastern side, and at the same time the enemy advanced between the breastwork and the rail fence to the rear of the redoubt. A few men were shot down as they mounted the breastwork, among others Major Pitcairn, by Joseph Spaulding, of Chelmsford (who belonged to Captain John Ford's company of minutemen). "The amunition of the Americans was exhausted; a cartridge of one of the field-pieces furnished powder to load the last muskets that were discharged. They had few bayonets and were obliged to use the butts of their guns." "Col. Prescott was always confident he could have maintained his position with the handfull of men under his command, if he had been supplied with amunition. The British staggered before they entered the redoubt, and he thought would not have rallied if they had been again repulsed. This battle made a lasting impression on Gen. Howe's mind, and rendered him in over-cautions commander during the remainder of his command." When Washington heard of the result of the battle of Bunker's Hill, he exclaimed, "We shall conquer! " It was the great battle of the American Revolution. It severed forever the connecting link between Great Britain and the colonies.

"Your Committee hail with pleasure this determination of the petitioners to return to the palmy days of our fathers, when intimate friendly social intercourse was one of the chief objects of Masonry."

The Constitutions of the Grand Lodge were amended by increasing the minimum fee for initiation from twenty to twenty-five dollars; and the annual dues of Lodges to the Grand Lodge from six to ten dollars. The dues to the Grand Lodge,on initiates were also raised from three to five dollars.

The bodies of eight soldiers from Pepperell who were killed in that battle, slumber near that Monument, of which Daniel Webster exclaimed in earthquake voice on the 17th of June, 1826 (when the corner-stone was laid by the M. W. G. Master of Massachusetts, John Abbot of Westford), " May it rise until it meet the sun in his coming; may the earliest light of the morning gild its top, and parting day linger and play upon its summit." Eight soldiers from Pepperell were wounded in that battle. Seventy-five men from this small town were with Col. Prescott's "forforn hope." I obtained more information about that battle when I was young, by talking with those who were there than I ever did by reading the different accounts of the action. Col. Prescott died at his residence in Pepperell, Oct. 18, 1795, aged 69. His remains were transferred to the house of silence under the honors of war, Col. Jonathan Bancroft of Pepperell commanding the battallion. His monument, eternity!

"Pepperell was the birth-place, though not the constant residence of the Hon. William Prescott, the only offspring of Col. William and Abigail Prescott." He was a man of inflexible integrity, hospitable and courteous, beloved by all who knew him. He presented two beautiful stands of colors to a company of light infantry in this town, bearing the name of Prescott Guards, in honor of his intrepid father. What pleasure it gave the company, on the anniversary of the 17th of June, to march to bis place of residence in Pepperell, and partake of his hospitality! His wife, the late Madam Prescott of Boston, was a mother in Israel, a Josephine. Ask the poor, the sick, the orphans, in this town, or in the city of Boston, and they would say she was a ministering angel. What lover of history does not admire the writings of the scientific historian, the late William H. Prescott of Boston, their son? — His history of Ferdinand and Isabella; his history of the Conquest of Peru under Pizarro; his Conquest of Mexico under Cortez; his miscellanies, biographical and critical works ? Unborn generations will call his' name blessed! When he died, history lost one of its noblest champions. We all ask how those immense blocks of stone, thirty-eight feet long, eighteen feet wide, and six feet thick were fashioned into shape, and conveyed from their native bed from four to fifteen leagues, and adjusted with the nicest accuracy, so that it was impossible to introduce even the blade of a knife between them ? This waa done by a race ignorant of the use of iron. They had the knowledge of tempering copper better than our smiths have of tempering steel. And these immense blocks were conveyed without beasts of burden. They had a mechanical power superior to any now in use. Their magnificent Temple of the Son ! Who would not wish to gaze upon it ? Their bridges, roads, and aqueducts are viewed with admiration by all travellers. Their agricultural knowledge far surpassed that of the white race which are upon the earth. No person in Peru was poor; all had enough. What industry, what economy, was practiced by the Peruvians under the Incas! Those blocks of stone were but a trifle smaller than those used in the building of Solomon's Temple, some of them forty-three feet nine inches long, twenty-nine feet wide, and fourteen feet thick! What Freemason can tell me with what machinery they were raised?

Let us go with Prescott to Mexico, and read about the Toltecs, Aztecs, &c. What advances they had made in astronomy, architecture ! — their immense calendar stone! How we should like to see the beautiful city of Mexico, as Cortex saw it, —their floating gardens, temples, bridges, &c What would the historian have given for those manuscripts of the Aztecs which were destroyed by the soldiers of Cortez! —a disgrace to the Spaniards! "We may well doubt," says the historian, " which has the strongest claims to civilization, the victors or the vanquished." "They fixed the true length of the tropical year with a precision unknown to the great philosophers of antiquity." The great French astronomer, La Place, supposed it was original with the Aztecs. We ask in vain of the antiquarian, who built Otolum, in Guatemala, in North America, eighteen degrees north of the equator. There are the ruins of a city seventy-five miles in circumference, thirty-two miles long, and twelve miles wide! How sad it is to think whole nations of our race have experienced such terrible revolutions! Pestilence, wars, and the convulsions of the globe have destroyed the proudest works, and rendered vain the finest efforts of human genius! Where is the finite mind that can write their history ? Alas! buried in the ocean of time 1 We read in the Holy Bible of only one season before the Deluge. If the earth then moved in a complete circle round the sun, there would be but one. But after the Deluge we read of the four seasons. From the Almighty Architect of the universe comes the declaration, " There shall be seed time and harvest, summer and winter, as long as the earth remains." We view with delight the beautiful arch in the cloud after a shower, the rainbow, " the token of the covenant between God and all flesh, that the earth shall never be destroyed again by a Deluge." The seasons are occasioned by the earth's axis being inclined to the plane of the earth's orbit 25° 30' nearly, always in one direction, in its circuit round the sun. Ask not the astronomer when this inclination took place. Astronomers have been for ages watching the sun (or the earth) in the ecliptic, and never have they seen it a single second short of or beyond the tropics. There is no science which ever entered the human mind so sublime as the science of astronomy. We discover by it the wisdom, power, goodness, and magnificence of the all-wise Creator.

Yours fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.


MEMORIALS

AMOS BANCROFT 1768-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 10, August 1848, p. 319:

Pepperell, June 26, 1848.

Sir Kt. Moore,—"A great man hath fallen in Israel." Died in Boston, July 12th, Dr. Amos Bancroft, of Groton, Mass., in the 82d year of bis age. While crossing near the head of State street, he was knocked down by a horse and carriage, the approach of which, being very deaf, he did not hear—and the injury thus received resulted in his death within a few hours. He was a son of Capt. Edmund Bancroft, of Pepperell—the man who sent his sons and journeymen to fight the battles of their eountry, for the sacred cause of freedom. Amos, being quite a lad, and not old enough to wield a musket, was kept on the farm. One day, while riding a horse to plough, the horse took fright, mad went at the top of his speed, with the plough attached to him, until he came to a high fence, and stopping suddenly, threw him a number of feet on a heap of rocks. He was taken up for dead, but by skillful treatment, soon recovered.

To this incident in his life be owed his education. He graduated at Harvard College in 1791; studied medicine under Dr. Oliver Prescott, sen., of Groton, and Dr. Hurd, of Concord; practised in that profession at Westford and at Weaton; removed to Groton in 1811, where he lived until death summoned him from the terrestial Lodge below, to repose ou the bosom of his Maker in the celestial Lodge above. He received the degrees of Freemasonry in Middlesex Lodge, Framingham, Mass. He always spoke in the highest terms of the Masonic Institution, and during the antimasonic excitement, he stood like a lower of strength in defence of the Masonic flag. Thanks be given to the Almighty Architect, that nag is still floating on the battlements, where it will remain until the consummation of all things. As a Physician, for judgment and skill in the healing art, be had not a superior in New England. He was for many years a counsellor in the Massachusetts Medical Society. A large circle of relatives and friends are left to mourn his sudden death:

" Catch, oh catch the transient hour,
Improve each moment as it flies;
Life's a short summer, man a flower—
He dies—alas! how soon he dies!"

Yours, fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.

JONATHAN BANCROFT 1761-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 4, February 1848, p. 125:

Died Dec. 10th, Col. Jonathan Bancroft, in the 87th year of his age.

Col. Bancroft served his country during the war of the American Revolution. He enlisted when quite a lad, under Lieut. Edmund Bancroft, of Pepperell, (his oldest brother,) as his waiter. His brother soon died in Charlestown, of the small pox, and was buried on the west side of Bunker Hill. After this heart-rending scene, young Jonathan bad to take his pack and gun, without the instructions of an affectionate brother. He was stationed at West Point at the time of Arnold's treason. Two of his brother soldiers belonging to the same company helped row Arnold down the Hudson river, and put him on board tbe British sloop of war Vulture. He witnessed the execution of the accomplished Major André, the pride of the Royal Army, and has stated that he was the handsomest man that he ever saw. He had the honor to hail the great Washington, when on sentry on the banks of the Hudson, and order him to give the countersign, at the bayonet's point. He was soon selected to join the Light Infantry commanded lby the darling child of France, the magnanimous La Fayette; and during their toilsome marches through the Carolines and Virginia, when they were pressed by the British Army under Lord Cornwallis, LaFayette would address his soldiers in language like this: "O! my brave Light Infantry! I must Adjutant you a little tonight." He was at the taking of Lord Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown, and was stationed near the American flag when a grape-shot from the British cannon, cut the staff and it fell on to him and Cprl. Hart, of Lynn, then a brother sergeant with him in the army. One says to the other, "Who has got it?" "Both," was the answer. They placed it on the breast-work, and the terrible pas de charge was heard from the right to the left wing of the American army. They penetrated through the British lines and carried them at tbe point of tbe bayonet.

It is meet for us, as Masons and patriots, to remember the deeds of such men. The last man who belonged to the flower of Washington's Army, in this section of the State of Massachusetts, has gone. God, and Washington, were on his lips while his senses remained.

"How sleep the brave who sink to rest
With all their country's honors blest!"

Yours, fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.

WILLARD DICKERSON 1782-1852

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XI, No. 5, March 1852, Page 158:

Brother Moore,- lt becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of two members of St. Paul's Lodge in Groton. Brother Dickerson, of Harvard, died a few weeks ago, his age was nearly 70 years. . .

At our annual festival in Oct., Brothers Dickerson and Lawrence were there, and several brethren whose mean ages amounted to 78 years and upwards. There were present those who were at the consecration of St. Paul's Lodge in 1797. In all probability there is not a Lodge in the state of Massachusetts that contains so many old members as St. Paul's in Groton; it was remarked at the table by an elderly brother, "it is not probable that all of us will ever meet again on an occasion like the present; that remark has proved true, as our lodge room plainly shows - our furniture, &c is clothed in mourning for 30 days, and reminds us that our time is short.

Yours Fraternally L. S. B.

JOSEPH HOAR 1784-1849

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. IX, No. 2, December, 1849, p. 63:

Pepperell, Nov. 12, 1849.

Died, in Groton, Mass., Nov. 3, 1849, Br. Joseph Hoar, aged 65 years. Br. Hoar was a worthy Mason, and a member of St. Paul's Lodge. His wife has been suddenly called to mourn the loss of a kind husband, and his children an affectionate father. Brethren! How true it is, that in the "midst of life, we are in the midst of death." Then let us be prepared to enter the Grand Lodge of eternity, where peace and harmony forever reigns.

Yours, fraternally,

Luther S. Bancroft.

DANIEL H. LAWRENCE 1781-1852

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XI, No. 5, March 1852, Page 158:

Brother Moore,- lt becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of two members of St. Paul's Lodge in Groton. . . Brother Daniel H. Lawrence, of Pepperell, died Jan. 21st, aged 71 years; his remains were transferred to the house of silence Jan. 24th, with Masonic honors. The members of the Lodge who were able to attend, appeared in full regalia, trimmed with black crape; the most perfect order was observed by the Lodge on that mournful occasion, and great praise is due to old, middle aged and young, who had assembled near the grave to witness solemn ceremonies - order was observed in their ranks, and impressions left upon their minds, which can never be forgotten; when allusion was made to that "emblem o finnocence, and sprig of evergreen," all appeared deeply afiected. The ceremonies at the grave were such that reflected the highest praise upon the Masonic institution. It is nearly thirty years since a Mason has been buried with honors in rhis section

At our annual festival in Oct., Brothers Dickerson and Lawrence were there, and several brethren whose mean ages amounted to 78 years and upwards. There were present those who were at the consecration of St. Paul's Lodge in 1797. In all probability there is not a Lodge in the state of Massachusetts that contains so many old members as St. Paul's in Groton; it was remarked at the table by an elderly brother, "it is not probable that all of us will ever meet again on an occasion like the present; that remark has proved true, as our lodge room plainly shows - our furniture, &c is clothed in mourning for 30 days, and reminds us that our time is short.

Yours Fraternally L. S. B.

AARON LEWIS 1786-1849

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. IX, No. 2, December, 1849, p. 63:

Pepperell, Nov. 12, 1849.

Sir Knight Moore :—Br. Aaron Lewis, of Groton, Mass., died Oct. 9th, 1849, aged 63 years. He was a member of St Paul's Lodge in that place, and served his country during the last war with Great Britain, as Lieutenant of Infantry. At the hard fought battles of Chippewa, the storming of Queenstown Heights, Lundy's Lane, and the sortie of Fort Erie, he distinguished himself as an intrepid officer. In the onward march of human life, we all seem to forget that we are born to die! But that still small voice speaks to us, in solemn and deep tones, that we soon shall wither and fade as the leaf, and return to our elementary state, and the vital spark to Him who gave it. His four orphan children—"The Lord bless them, and keep them, and cause his face to shine upon them."

Yours, fraternally,

Luther S. Bancroft.

JAMES LEWIS 1785-1845

  • MM 1807, WM ? St. Paul (Groton)
  • Son and grandson of Masons; father was Master of St. Paul in 1813

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol IV, No. 7, May, 1845, p. 156:

Feb. 6th. Hon. James Lewis, of Pepperell, aged 60 years, died in Boston, where he had been sick a number of months, (rheumatic fever.) He was a peaceful and enlightened townsman, and a firm supporter of the Masonic Order. He had held various offices in St Paul's Lodge—presided as its Master a number of years—and as High Priest of St. John's Royal Arch Chapter, in Groton, Mass. One more has gone to swell the ranks of the slumbering dead. His soul, we trust, is now reposing on the bosom of his Maker in the holy of holies; in that Temple made without hands eternal in the heavens—where our Supreme High Priest forever presides and forever reigns. A Companion saw his body deposited in the silent tomb, and drop'd the tear of sympathy there! May we all have our minds garnished in the glorious lectures of Freemasonry, that we may be fitted and prepared to enter the Grand Lodge of eternity, as workmen who have not spent our strength and time for naught When we enter into the world and discover around us' the effects of the artifice of the tempter in the Garden, passed when first behold this existence. apostate transformed into a serpent, are called from this probationary scene and prostrated in the pallid leprosy of death, the second veil is drawn behind us. In the morning of the resurrection when the slumbering ashes shall arise, and we learn that the words of the woman of Tekoa are untrue, when she declares that "we are as water spilt upon the ground which cannot be gathered up," then shall the third veil be parted before us. Though the frosts of death may palsy the mortal tenement of the soul shrouding it in the coffin, and withering it in the tomb; the soul itself remains unaffected, flourishing in immortal vigor. Thus, when the faithful die - they have only given the watch word to the grim tyrant death, and passed on to serve a better Master.

- A Companion, R. A. Mason.

DANIEL SHATTUCK 1802-1850

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. IX, No. 11, September 1850, p. 351:

Died at Groton, July 21, 1850,* Cnpt. Daniel Shattuck, aged 48. Brother Shattuck was made a Mason in the year 1825. During the anti-masonic excitement, which immediately succeeded that period, he remained a steadfast, consistent and faithful supporter of the Fraternity, of which he had become a member. As a Mason he was a strict adherent to the true principles of the Order, holding fast Brotherly-love, relief and truth, having faith in the prospect of a better life hereafter, a lively hope of its attainment, and exercising charity towards all mankind. He has been repeatedly elected by the Brotherhood to the highest office in their gift, and he was at the time of his decease Master of St Paul's Lodge, at Groton. In this as well as in other offices, which he successively held, he was diligent in business, wise in command, able to instruct and diffuse light

In civil life Capt. Shattuck had the respect and confidence of his fellow- townsmen. He was often elected to the highest municipal offices, and in 1838 he was chosen a Representative in the General Court. He was frequently appointed to administer the estates of deceased persons, and guardian of the persons and property of orphans.

In emergencies, which required exertion, strength and promptitude, he was always an efficient operator. Deliberate in purpose, prompt in application, fearless of danger, his aid was ever present, where duty called.

In his social capacity he was no less the favorite of his .Companions, than in his civil, military, or Masonic character. Intelligence and cheerfulness distinguished his intercourse with his friends. To accommodate and oblige his neighbors, relieve the distressed and succor the needy, were his constant prac¬ tices. And finally, that, without which no human character is complete, may be truly said of him, he was "the noblest work of God," "an honest man."

SAMUEL SMITH 1784-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 5, March 1848, p. 136:

Died, in Pepperell, Mass., Jan. 6th, 1848, Br. Samuel Smith, aged 64 years, a worthy member of St. Paul's Lodge, Groton. Br. Smith had seen a great deal of trial in this world. A number of times he had been burned out, but never cast down. He was an euterprising man, and a distinguished soldier of the Westford and Littleton Rifle Company, in the years of 1814, '15, &c. Soon do the moments of our being wing away the brief season of life. The ashes of a worthy Brother Mason will rest in the narrow house, till the Grand Master shall order themchangel to proclaim that "time shall be no longer."


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DISTRICTS

1803: District 5 (Framingham, West and North)

1821: District 5

1835: District 3

1849: District 3

1867: District 7 (Lowell)

1883: District 11 (Lowell)

1911: District 12 (Lowell)

1927: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 14


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