Difference between revisions of "Tahattawan"

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* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1954 1954]''' (25th Anniversary History, 1954-51)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1954 1954]''' (25th Anniversary History, 1954-51)
  
 +
==== 10TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1939 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1939-131:''
 +
 +
''By Wor. Chester T. Dolan''
 +
 +
'''FOREWORD'''
 +
 +
While gathering material necessary for his Historical Sketch of Tahattawan Lodge, it was interesting to the writer to note how happenings become confused by the lapse of time. Incidents previously regarded as facts proved to be fictitious, while others that seemed but fancies proved to be facts. Several Brothers who were active in the preliminary work preceding our Institution contributed valuable information, and their assistance, together with the minutes of our preliminary meetings, made possible this history of the first ten years of Tahattawan Lodge.
 +
 +
Prior to 1928 the idea of a local Lodge had been discussed several times by resident Masons but no further action had been taken. In the spring of 1928 a casual meeting of three members of the Fraternity resulted in a discussion of the possibility of a Masonic Lodge in Littleton, and a decision to communicate with a few known Masons to obtain their reactions. Those interviewed were members ot nearby Lodges and the result was not encouraging. It was then decided to visit Brothers affiliated with Lodges at a greater distance from Littleton, and this time much interest was manifest.
 +
 +
Worshipful Arthur H. Frost, Senior Past Master of [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Washington Washington] Lodge, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, had recently come to Littleton and was one of those approached by Reverend Brother Clarence Dunham. He showed immediate interest and from that time on, Worshipful Brother Frost became our guide and counselor. He consulted officers of the Grand Lodge and was advised to proceed with the movement then under way.
 +
 +
A group of those most interested met at the home of one of the Brothers and the subject was thoroughly discussed. It was decided to canvass the town, and papers were circulated by Worshipful Brother Frost and Brothers Hathaway and Dolan. Enough signatures were obtained to warrant going ahead with the proposed Lodge, and on October 30, 1928, the following notice was sent to all known Masons in Littleton.
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Dear Sir and Brother:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
You may or may not know that there is on foot a movement to establish a Masonic Lodge in the town of Littleton. About two thirds of the Masons known to those who are promoting this movement have approved of this. There will be a meeting to discuss and arrange preliminaries at the Unitarian Vestry  on Monday evening, November 5, 1928, at 7:45 o'clock. You are cordially invited and it is earnestly desired that you be there.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Yours fraternally,<br>
 +
Charles A. Kimball <br>
 +
(signed) Allen J. Hathaway <br>
 +
Chester T. Dolan
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
On November 5, 1928, thirty-three Masons met in the Unitarian Church. Brother Charles Kimball presided and Worshipful Brother Frost acted as Secretary. The meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Brother Clarence Dunham. A general discussion followed and all present expressed their views. It was voted to form a temporary organization with Brother Charles Kimball as Chairman and Worshipful Brother Arthur Frost as Secretary.
 +
 +
The following committees were appointed:
 +
* PLACE OF MEETING — Brothers Spinney, Hathaway and Griffiths.
 +
* FINANCE — Brothers Brown, Karner and Dolan.
 +
* MEMBERSHIP — Brothers Murray, Robblee and Wood.
 +
The meeting was adjourned until November 19, 1928.
 +
 +
On November 19, thirty Masons were present in the Church Vestry with Brother Kimball presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Brother John Wilson. The committees reported progress and were instructed to continue their work. A motion to establish a Masonic Lodge in Littleton was carried by a vote of twenty-five in favor and four opposed. The following committees were appointed:
 +
* NAME OF LODGE and DATE OF REGULAR MEETING — Brothers Dunham, Kelly, Christie and Blood.
 +
* NOMINATION OF OFFICERS — Brothers Spiers, Caldwell and Dodds.
 +
It was voted: To assess each member $5.00 to cover membership and dues to August 31, 1929.<br>
 +
It was voted: To raise money on notes to purchase regalia and furniture.<br>
 +
The meeting adjourned until December 4, 1928.
 +
 +
On December 4, Chairman Kimball called the meeting to order with thirty-five Masons present. The Finance Committee reported progress. The Unitarian Church Vestry was voted as the place of meeting and the time of regular meetings the fourth Monday of each month. The Committee on Name proposed several, and after much discussion, Rev. Brother Wilson was instructed to repair to the Public Library and obtain information regarding Tahattawan. He reported later in the evening that he was much impressed with what he had learned in the short space of time allotted, and TAHATTAWAN was voted the name of the Lodge.
 +
 +
It was voted: that Rev. Brother Wilson prepare a historical sketch of the life of Tahattawan for the permanent records of the Lodge.
 +
The following officers were elected after presentation of the names by the Nominating Committee.
 +
* Master, Arthur H. Frost
 +
* Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
 +
* Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
 +
* Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
 +
* Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
 +
* Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
 +
* Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
 +
* Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson
 +
The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the Master-elect.
 +
 +
From the last preliminary meeting to the first regular Lodge meeting there was a period of great activity. Trips were made to Boston to purchase regalia and furniture; and nearly every night Brothers Kimball and Dolan met with Worshipful Brother Frost at his home and rehearsed their parts in the Ritual.  On Sundays we held general rehearsals, discussed floor work, and corrected errors.
 +
 +
No Master ever had a harder task than Worshipful Brother Frost and none ever gave more liberally of his time and energy than he in the two years that he served in the East, first under Dispensation, and then under Charter. Few if any of his officers had any previous experience in Masonic Ritual. Yet, when the first regular meeting night arrived we made a creditable impression. To the officers who served under him, "Daddy" Frost will always be remembered for his unselfish devotion.
 +
 +
A meeting of the Masons who had petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the Unitarian Church Vestry on Monday, January 28, 1929, at 8:30 P.M.
 +
 +
Right Worshipful Frank B. Crandall, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg, Thirteenth Masonic District, called the meeting to order for the purpose of reading the Dispensation, Instituting Tahattawan Lodge A. F. & A. M. under Dispensation. He was accompanied by Worshipful Philip Andrew, District Deputy Grand Marshal.
 +
The following officers were conducted to their stations by order of the District Deputy Grand Master.
 +
Worshipful Master Arthur H. Frost
 +
Senior Warden Chari.es A. Kimhai.i.
 +
Junior Warden Chester T. Dolan
 +
Treasurer Lenox S. Karner
 +
Secretary Winthroi> H. Kei.ley
 +
Chaplain Clarence S. Dunham
 +
Associate Chaplain John H. Wilson
 +
Marshal William H. Ewing
 +
Senior Deacon Harry R. Robiii.ee
 +
Junior Deacon John W. Hutchinson
 +
Senior Steward Harold N, Caldwell
 +
Junior Steward Allen J. Hathaway
 +
Inside Sentinel John C. Robertson
 +
Tyler George W. Tooker
 +
The Dispensation carried the names of sixty-eight Master Masons.
 +
"Previous to the Constitution the Grand Officers were entertained at dinner by the Lodge.
 +
"The first organization of the Lodge under its Charter was as follows:
 +
Arthur H. Frost Master
 +
Chari.es A. Kimball         Senior Warden
 +
Chester T. Dolan         Junior Warden
 +
Lenox S. Karner Treasurer
 +
WlNTHROP H. Kf.i.i.ey Secretary
 +
Rev. John II. Wilson .    . ...      Chaplain
 +
William H. Ewino ....      Marshal
 +
Harry R. Robiilee Senior Deacon
 +
John W. Hutchinson Junior Deacon
 +
Harold N. Caldwell Senior Steward
 +
Allen J. Hathaway Junior Steward
 +
G. Leslie Blood Inside Sentinel
 +
George W. Tooker Tyler
 +
"The Charter Members of Tahattawan Lodge numbered 66."
 +
The Constituting of Tahattawan Lodge by Grand Lodge officers presided over by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, (irand Master, was most inspiring, and the members of the Lodge and visiting Brothers were deeply impressed with the ceremony.
 +
Of the officers installed at that time, one has dimitted; three have retained their original stations at their own request; and seven are now Past Masters. One, Worshipful Brother Charles A. Kimball, has been called to the Celestial Lodge Above.
 +
Of the sixty-six Charter Members, four have passed on; nine have dimitted; and four have been suspended.
 +
In March, 1930, we held our first Annual Masonic Ball, in the Town Hall of Littleton. The hall was beautifully decorated by the committee, under the very able direction of Brother Harry Spinney, and with the assistance of a number of volunteer workers. The Ball was a marked success both socially and financially.
 +
The Annual Rail was held on four subsequent occasions, but was given up after the financial state of the country made the idea impracticable. All were successful, but memories of the First Annual Masonic Ball remain the most vivid.
 +
The years since our Constitution have passed swiftly and in spite of adverse conditions Tahattawan Lodge has forged steadily ahead.
 +
Forty-nine names have been added to the Lodge Rolls in the past ten years. Forty-two of these were Entered, Passed, and Raised in Tahattawan Lodge, and seven were added by affiliation.
 +
The 120th Communication (regular) of Tahattawan Lodge was held in Town Hall, Littleton, on January 23, 1939. That evening we had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Right Worshipful George W. Tooker, newly appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District.
 +
On the evening of our first Communication, ten years before, Brother Tooker had been installed as Tyler of Tahattawan Lodge U.D. Always popular with his Brothers, his interest and activity in Masonry increased throughout the years. His year as Master was most successful and he proved worthy of higher honors.
 +
The news of Brother Tooker's appointment as District Deputy Grand Master was received with pleasure by his many friends throughout the District. His Brothers wish to convey to the Most Worshipful Grand Master their sincere gratitude for the honor conferred upon Brother Tooker and, through his appointment, upon Tahattawan Lodge.
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
  

Revision as of 13:23, 10 July 2014

TAHATTAWAN LODGE

Location: Littleton

Chartered By: Herbert W. Dean

Charter Date: 12/11/1929 1929-256

Precedence Date: 01/15/1929

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

  • Arthur H. Frost, 1929
  • Charles H. Kimball, 1930
  • Chester T. Dolan, 1931
  • Harry R. Robbles, 1932
  • John W. Hutcherson, 1933
  • Harold N. Caldwell, 1934
  • Alan J. Hathaway, 1935
  • George W. Tooker, 1936; N
  • William H. Ewing, 1937
  • Paul A. Selfridge, 1938
  • William A. Heuss, 1939
  • Henry F. Lawrence, 1940
  • Thomas Forsley, Jr., 1941, 1942; N
  • Roger M. Hidreth, 1943
  • Harris L. Badger, 1944
  • Clyde L. Field, 1945, 1946
  • Walter G. Phelps, 1947
  • Earl W. Sawyer, 1948
  • Robert H. Barber, 1949
  • Fred W. Willett, 1950
  • John W. Lymberg, 1951; N
  • S. George Kimball, 1952; SN
  • Irving T. Dunn, 1953
  • George H. Linton, 1954
  • Walter R. Shea, 1955
  • Chris F. Kimball, 1956
  • William A. Badger, 1957
  • Harold H. Will, 1958
  • Donald G. Robbins, 1959
  • Charles A. Jackson, 1960
  • Fred R. Cunningham, 1961
  • Roland F. Pendlebury, 1962
  • Robert G. Smith, 1963
  • Fred Hugel, 1964
  • Alf A. Neilson, 1965
  • Robert Newton, 1966
  • Gerald E. Germain, 1967
  • Norman R. Robertson, 1968
  • Alexander Belida, 1969
  • Henry J. Pruden, 1970
  • Arthur J. Piet, 1971
  • David A. Leach, 1972
  • William H. Grennell, 1973
  • Roger E. Gay, 1974
  • Donald P. Baker, 1975, 1976; N
  • Everett E. Miller, 1977, 1978
  • Jack Taub, 1979, 1999, 2000; N
  • Alfred Gay, 1980
  • Kenneth E. Atkins, 1981; PDDGM
  • Charles V. Mottola, 1982
  • Steven P. Savage, 1983
  • Robert G. Parsons, 1984
  • Ronald S. Jones, 1985
  • Paul A. McLellan, 1986
  • Richard J. Domine, 1987
  • Donald R. Parsons, 1988
  • Alfred R. Towle, 1989
  • Donald P. Ellis, 1990, 1992
  • Robert F. Gillette, 1991; SN
  • Gerald W. Simmons, 1993, 1994
  • Robert O. Anderson, 1996
  • Ian T. Flockhart, 1997, 1998
  • Edward J. Burg, 2001, 2002
  • Andrew G. Anderson, 2003
  • H. Arnold Wilder, 2004 (Hon.); SN
  • R. Dennis Breen, 2004
  • Michael K. Higgins, 2005
  • Donald E. Eastlake, III, 2006
  • William R. Harland, Sr., 2007, 2008
  • William R. Harland, Jr., 2009
  • Jacob Donat, 2010
  • David R. James, 2011
  • Dennis Gibbons, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1929
  • Petition for Charter: 1929

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1939 (10th Anniversary)
  • 1954 (25th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1932 1936 1937 1946 1949 1952 1955 1957 1961 1962 1967 1970 1977 1982 1999 2000 2001 2005 2009 2012

HISTORY

  • 1939 (10th Anniversary History, 1939-131)
  • 1954 (25th Anniversary History, 1954-51)

10TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-131:

By Wor. Chester T. Dolan

FOREWORD

While gathering material necessary for his Historical Sketch of Tahattawan Lodge, it was interesting to the writer to note how happenings become confused by the lapse of time. Incidents previously regarded as facts proved to be fictitious, while others that seemed but fancies proved to be facts. Several Brothers who were active in the preliminary work preceding our Institution contributed valuable information, and their assistance, together with the minutes of our preliminary meetings, made possible this history of the first ten years of Tahattawan Lodge.

Prior to 1928 the idea of a local Lodge had been discussed several times by resident Masons but no further action had been taken. In the spring of 1928 a casual meeting of three members of the Fraternity resulted in a discussion of the possibility of a Masonic Lodge in Littleton, and a decision to communicate with a few known Masons to obtain their reactions. Those interviewed were members ot nearby Lodges and the result was not encouraging. It was then decided to visit Brothers affiliated with Lodges at a greater distance from Littleton, and this time much interest was manifest.

Worshipful Arthur H. Frost, Senior Past Master of Washington Lodge, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, had recently come to Littleton and was one of those approached by Reverend Brother Clarence Dunham. He showed immediate interest and from that time on, Worshipful Brother Frost became our guide and counselor. He consulted officers of the Grand Lodge and was advised to proceed with the movement then under way.

A group of those most interested met at the home of one of the Brothers and the subject was thoroughly discussed. It was decided to canvass the town, and papers were circulated by Worshipful Brother Frost and Brothers Hathaway and Dolan. Enough signatures were obtained to warrant going ahead with the proposed Lodge, and on October 30, 1928, the following notice was sent to all known Masons in Littleton.

Dear Sir and Brother:

You may or may not know that there is on foot a movement to establish a Masonic Lodge in the town of Littleton. About two thirds of the Masons known to those who are promoting this movement have approved of this. There will be a meeting to discuss and arrange preliminaries at the Unitarian Vestry on Monday evening, November 5, 1928, at 7:45 o'clock. You are cordially invited and it is earnestly desired that you be there.

Yours fraternally,
Charles A. Kimball
(signed) Allen J. Hathaway
Chester T. Dolan

On November 5, 1928, thirty-three Masons met in the Unitarian Church. Brother Charles Kimball presided and Worshipful Brother Frost acted as Secretary. The meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Brother Clarence Dunham. A general discussion followed and all present expressed their views. It was voted to form a temporary organization with Brother Charles Kimball as Chairman and Worshipful Brother Arthur Frost as Secretary.

The following committees were appointed:

  • PLACE OF MEETING — Brothers Spinney, Hathaway and Griffiths.
  • FINANCE — Brothers Brown, Karner and Dolan.
  • MEMBERSHIP — Brothers Murray, Robblee and Wood.

The meeting was adjourned until November 19, 1928.

On November 19, thirty Masons were present in the Church Vestry with Brother Kimball presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Brother John Wilson. The committees reported progress and were instructed to continue their work. A motion to establish a Masonic Lodge in Littleton was carried by a vote of twenty-five in favor and four opposed. The following committees were appointed:

  • NAME OF LODGE and DATE OF REGULAR MEETING — Brothers Dunham, Kelly, Christie and Blood.
  • NOMINATION OF OFFICERS — Brothers Spiers, Caldwell and Dodds.

It was voted: To assess each member $5.00 to cover membership and dues to August 31, 1929.
It was voted: To raise money on notes to purchase regalia and furniture.
The meeting adjourned until December 4, 1928.

On December 4, Chairman Kimball called the meeting to order with thirty-five Masons present. The Finance Committee reported progress. The Unitarian Church Vestry was voted as the place of meeting and the time of regular meetings the fourth Monday of each month. The Committee on Name proposed several, and after much discussion, Rev. Brother Wilson was instructed to repair to the Public Library and obtain information regarding Tahattawan. He reported later in the evening that he was much impressed with what he had learned in the short space of time allotted, and TAHATTAWAN was voted the name of the Lodge.

It was voted: that Rev. Brother Wilson prepare a historical sketch of the life of Tahattawan for the permanent records of the Lodge. The following officers were elected after presentation of the names by the Nominating Committee.

  • Master, Arthur H. Frost
  • Senior Warden, Charles A. Kimball
  • Junior Warden, Chester T. Dolan
  • Treasurer, Lenox S. Karner
  • Secretary, Winthrop H. Kelley
  • Chaplain, Clarence S. Dunham
  • Senior Deacon, Harry R. Robblee
  • Junior Deacon, John W. Hutchinson

The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the Master-elect.

From the last preliminary meeting to the first regular Lodge meeting there was a period of great activity. Trips were made to Boston to purchase regalia and furniture; and nearly every night Brothers Kimball and Dolan met with Worshipful Brother Frost at his home and rehearsed their parts in the Ritual. On Sundays we held general rehearsals, discussed floor work, and corrected errors.

No Master ever had a harder task than Worshipful Brother Frost and none ever gave more liberally of his time and energy than he in the two years that he served in the East, first under Dispensation, and then under Charter. Few if any of his officers had any previous experience in Masonic Ritual. Yet, when the first regular meeting night arrived we made a creditable impression. To the officers who served under him, "Daddy" Frost will always be remembered for his unselfish devotion.

A meeting of the Masons who had petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the Unitarian Church Vestry on Monday, January 28, 1929, at 8:30 P.M.

Right Worshipful Frank B. Crandall, District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg, Thirteenth Masonic District, called the meeting to order for the purpose of reading the Dispensation, Instituting Tahattawan Lodge A. F. & A. M. under Dispensation. He was accompanied by Worshipful Philip Andrew, District Deputy Grand Marshal. The following officers were conducted to their stations by order of the District Deputy Grand Master. Worshipful Master Arthur H. Frost Senior Warden Chari.es A. Kimhai.i. Junior Warden Chester T. Dolan Treasurer Lenox S. Karner Secretary Winthroi> H. Kei.ley Chaplain Clarence S. Dunham Associate Chaplain John H. Wilson Marshal William H. Ewing Senior Deacon Harry R. Robiii.ee Junior Deacon John W. Hutchinson Senior Steward Harold N, Caldwell Junior Steward Allen J. Hathaway Inside Sentinel John C. Robertson Tyler George W. Tooker The Dispensation carried the names of sixty-eight Master Masons. "Previous to the Constitution the Grand Officers were entertained at dinner by the Lodge. "The first organization of the Lodge under its Charter was as follows: Arthur H. Frost Master Chari.es A. Kimball Senior Warden Chester T. Dolan Junior Warden Lenox S. Karner Treasurer WlNTHROP H. Kf.i.i.ey Secretary Rev. John II. Wilson . . ... Chaplain William H. Ewino .... Marshal Harry R. Robiilee Senior Deacon John W. Hutchinson Junior Deacon Harold N. Caldwell Senior Steward Allen J. Hathaway Junior Steward G. Leslie Blood Inside Sentinel George W. Tooker Tyler "The Charter Members of Tahattawan Lodge numbered 66." The Constituting of Tahattawan Lodge by Grand Lodge officers presided over by Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean, (irand Master, was most inspiring, and the members of the Lodge and visiting Brothers were deeply impressed with the ceremony. Of the officers installed at that time, one has dimitted; three have retained their original stations at their own request; and seven are now Past Masters. One, Worshipful Brother Charles A. Kimball, has been called to the Celestial Lodge Above. Of the sixty-six Charter Members, four have passed on; nine have dimitted; and four have been suspended. In March, 1930, we held our first Annual Masonic Ball, in the Town Hall of Littleton. The hall was beautifully decorated by the committee, under the very able direction of Brother Harry Spinney, and with the assistance of a number of volunteer workers. The Ball was a marked success both socially and financially. The Annual Rail was held on four subsequent occasions, but was given up after the financial state of the country made the idea impracticable. All were successful, but memories of the First Annual Masonic Ball remain the most vivid. The years since our Constitution have passed swiftly and in spite of adverse conditions Tahattawan Lodge has forged steadily ahead. Forty-nine names have been added to the Lodge Rolls in the past ten years. Forty-two of these were Entered, Passed, and Raised in Tahattawan Lodge, and seven were added by affiliation. The 120th Communication (regular) of Tahattawan Lodge was held in Town Hall, Littleton, on January 23, 1939. That evening we had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Right Worshipful George W. Tooker, newly appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Fitchburg Thirteenth Masonic District. On the evening of our first Communication, ten years before, Brother Tooker had been installed as Tyler of Tahattawan Lodge U.D. Always popular with his Brothers, his interest and activity in Masonry increased throughout the years. His year as Master was most successful and he proved worthy of higher honors. The news of Brother Tooker's appointment as District Deputy Grand Master was received with pleasure by his many friends throughout the District. His Brothers wish to convey to the Most Worshipful Grand Master their sincere gratitude for the honor conferred upon Brother Tooker and, through his appointment, upon Tahattawan Lodge.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1929: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 14

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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