Difference between revisions of "Wamesit"

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Line 133: Line 133:
  
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1976 1976]''' (History at Hall Dedication, 1976-234)
 
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1976 1976]''' (History at Hall Dedication, 1976-234)
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1993 1993]''' (Recent history, 1993-25)
+
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1993 1993]''' (Recent history, 1993-25; see below)
 +
 
 +
==== HISTORY AT HALL REDEDICATION, MAY 1993 ====
 +
 
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1993-25:''
 +
 
 +
''For earlier history of Wamesit Lodge please refer to page 234 of the 1976 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge.''
 +
 
 +
The first special communication in the new Temple was held on Saturday, June 26, 1976, when the Fellowcraft Degree was conferred on Brother Kevin D. Gordon. The ladies were invited to join the Brethren for a delicious pot-luck supper which was enjoyed by all.
 +
 
 +
The culmination of efforts to build the new Temple took place on Saturday, July 3, 1976, the day before America was to celebrate her Bicentennial, when Wamesit Lodge was privileged to have Most Worshipful [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMaxwell Stanley Fielding Maxwell], Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts conduct the Laying of the Cornerstone and the Dedication of the Temple ceremonies in full form. The day's events included a ladies' tea and entertainment and a delicious roast beef banquet and was attended by an overflow crowd. A highlight of the program was the presentation by Most Worshipful Maxwell of Meritorious Service Certificates to Worshipful Brothers Leonel V. Porter, [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHicks Donald G. Hicks, Jr.], and Kenneth E. Vinal in recognition of their efforts toward the building of the new Temple.
 +
 
 +
On September 11, 1976, the first Public Installation of Officers was held in the new Temple with a capacity attendance when Worshipful Brother Warren S. Lees was installed as Worshipful Master. This began a renewed interest in Lodge activities with large attendance and many new applicants, both for affiliation and for the Degrees. Many social events and fundraising activities were scheduled and were well attended, helping to pay off the costs of the new Temple as well as increasing the fraternal relationships between all. Events included Ladies Nights, Flea Markets, Organ Recitals at the Methuen Organ Hall, family cookouts, Christmas Parties, Table Lodges, Social Nights, Square Dances, Bean Suppers, Auctions, Chicken Barbecues, Family Picnic and Corn Roasts, Big Band Night Concerts, Fishing Trips, Pancake Breakfasts on Thanksgiving morning for football enthusiasts, and other events too numerous to mention.
 +
 
 +
At the September, 1976 Communication six applicants for the Degrees were elected, beginning a surge of applications which grew to twelve in 1981 and kept Lodge activities at high levels through the 1980's. At that time of moving into the new Temple in 1976 it was reported that 483 men had called
 +
Wamesit Lodge their Home Lodge. Since that time 108 more have joined, of which seven were affiliated members and one was an Honorary member.
 +
 
 +
On September 14,1976, Acacia Chapter No. 80, Order of the Eastern Star, transferred their home from the Wilmington Masonic Temple to Wamesit Masonic Temple and held their first meeting there.
 +
 
 +
On September 22, 1981, the Warren G. Harding Court No. 5, Order of Amaranth, transferred their home from the Billerica Masonic Temple to Wamesit Masonic Temple and held their first meeting there.
 +
 
 +
Both the Eastern Star and the Amaranth have been welcome additions to the Wamesit family and have made themselves a significant part of Masonry's presence in Tewksbury. The Lodge has particularly benefited from their willingness to cater many of the dinners at their meetings.
 +
 
 +
Brotherhood Nights with Father Coppens Council, Knights of Columbus of Tewksbury were initiated on May 17, 1966, when 300 men gathered in the K of C Hall for a delicious dinner and program designed around the subject of brotherhood and ecumenism. Those events continued for several years and sponsored a scholarship to a Tewksbury High School student each year during those years. Improved relationships between people resulted and continue to this day.
 +
 
 +
The Masonic Blood Donor Program became an important part of Wamesit Lodge's public activities in the early 1950's and has continued with great success up to the present time. The Grand Lodge Blood Certificate has been awarded to the Lodge seventeen times beginning in 1962, the special Grand Lodge 250th Anniversary Blood Certificate was awarded in 1984, and in 1990 the American Red Cross awarded the Lodge a Special Certificate for the contributions over the years. Credit for these awards goes to Right Worshipful Richard Trull and especially to Right Worshipful William B. Carey for chairing the program and encouraging the Brethren to participate so successfully over the years.
 +
 
 +
Two Honorary Life Memberships have been awarded since the 1950's: one to Brother Clifford Haines for the many years he served as Secretary and one in 1982 to Worshipful Nicholas Georgoulis in appreciation for the many years that, though not a member of Wamesit Lodge, he prepared the dinners for the Table Lodges without compensation.
 +
 
 +
On September 16, 1984, Wamesit Lodge entered a float in the 250th Tewksbury Anniversary Parade and, along with many other Lowell area Masons, proudly marched with several other fraternal organizations.
 +
 
 +
When Massachusetts Masonry entered into the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program in 1987, Worshipful Roland L. Noel, on becoming Worshipful Master, initiated the Lodge's participation and soon thereafter activities were begun. Since that time Worshipful Noel has continued
 +
as Chairman and many programs have been run to raise funds and provide educational opportunities for the town's youth.
 +
 
 +
On October 3, 1992, when the new Muster Fountain sculpture by Mico Kaufman was unveiled in the new Muster Park in South Tewksbury, Wamesit Lodge's name was included on the history plaque as a supporter and contributor to that community effort. One of our members, Brother Edward H. Bowley, Jr., was the Chairman of the Committee of Interested Citizens through whose efforts the park and sculpture were created. Sadly, Brother Bowley died July 9, 1992, before the sculpture was erected and the new park was dedicated in his memory. Brother Bowley had been one of our benefactors in the fundraising for the new Temple.
 +
 
 +
Over the years after the new Temple was completed many of the Brethren continued to contribute to the building fund and, thanks to them and the fundraising projects, income from the lease, rents of the five bodies who called the Temple their home, plus occasional rentals of the facilities, the mortgage and operating expenses were kept paid. However, in 1989 income had fallen off to the point that it was necessary to place a two-year assessment of $25.00 per year on the members to carry the Association until the Lease of the property in Tewksbury center would be renewed at a higher rate. That assessment, a first for the Lodge, did the trick and at the time of this writing the financial picture is bright.
 +
 
 +
Wamesit Lodge has been fortunate to have had many members who went beyond the doors of the Home Lodge and contributed their time and talent to the larger Masonic community. The following Worshipful Masters became Masters of the Lowell 32nd Lodge of Instruction:
 +
* Worshipful Augustus L. Dutton
 +
* Worshipful J. Harper Gale
 +
* Worshipful Leonel V. Porter
 +
* Right Worshipful William B. Carey
 +
* Right Worshipful William A. Hamm *
 +
* Worshipful George A. O'Connell
 +
* Worshipful Wilmer S. Garrick
 +
* Right Worshipful Donald B. Hicks, Jr.
 +
* Worshipful Richard J. Thompson
 +
* Worshipful Alfred L. Morin, Jr.
 +
 
 +
The following were District Deputy Grand Masters:
 +
* Right Worshipful Melvin G. Rogers 
 +
* Right Worshipful William A. Hamm
 +
* Right Worshipful William A. Smith

 +
* Right Worshipful Richard Trull
 +
* Right Worshipful William B. Carey
 +
 
 +
The following were Grand Lodge Officers:
 +
* Worshipful Herbert L. Trull, Senior Grand Steward
 +
* Right Worshipful Richard Trull. Grand Pursuivant
 +
* Right Worshipful Donald G. Hicks, Jr., Deputy Grand Master
 +
* Right Worshipful William B. Carey, Junior Grand Steward
 +
* Worshipful David H. Hicks. Grand Standard Bearer
 +
 
 +
With the renewal of the lease in 1991, the Association has been able to repair and replace items wearing out and to do a number of things that were beyond the financial ability at the time of building the Temple in 1975. Complete refurbishing of the interior and exterior, completion of the parking lot renewal of the driveway, re-landscaping with a driven well and automatic watering system, new and larger rear entry and handicap ramp, canopy with new lighting over the Masonic Emblem mosaic on the front of the building, roof over and new door and stepson the emergency exit out of the Lodge room, replacement of the electric heat pumps with new gas furnaces and air conditioning units, new ceilings over the banquet hall, restrooms, and outer rooms to the Lodge room, tiled restrooms, new carpeting in the lounge and corridor, exhaust canopy over kitchen stove, automatic exterior lighting controls, are s°me of the improvements accomplished such that the Temple is again like new and ready to carry Tewksbury Masonry well into the next century.
 +
 
 +
With more than "ten weeks of years" of service working for the betterment of mankind, Wamesit Lodge now looks forward to a renewal of our commitment to our task. Masonic renewal programs are now well underway and promise that, if we get into the action demanded by these programs, we Can "make the difference". We must let the world know that we are open to Membership of men of all faiths and creeds so long as they believe in the monotheistic God. We must also let them know that no Mason will directly ask them to join that they must make the first move by asking and that once they ask, their path into our Fraternity will be lined with good will and pleasant experiences. Our future depend on them.
 +
 
 +
We have built the foundation and the Temple — now let us use it to the glory of The Grand Architect of the Universe.
  
 
=== OTHER ===
 
=== OTHER ===

Revision as of 04:42, 26 December 2014

WAMESIT LODGE

Location: Tewksbury

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 03/08/1922 1922-44

Precedence Date: 03/23/1921

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

Need list of living Past Masters

  • Herbert L. Trull, 1921, 1922
  • Melvin G. Rogers, 1923, 1924; N
  • Joseph W. Jordan, 1925
  • Harry P. Nash, 1926
  • Austin F. French, 1927, 1928
  • George A. Marshall, 1929, 1930
  • James C. Marshall, 1931, 1932
  • Frederick M. Carter, 1933, 1934
  • Wilfred C. Johnson, 1935, 1936
  • Thomas W. Davies, 1937, 1938
  • Augustus L. Dutton, 1939, 1940
  • William A. Smith, 1941, 1942; SN
  • George A. O'Connell, 1943, 1944
  • Justin F. Fitzgerald, 1945
  • Bernard H. Sherwood, 1946
  • Lindsay L. Meister, 1947
  • W. Arthur Scarlett, 1948
  • J. Harper Gale, 1950, 1951
  • George A. Ward, 1952, 1953
  • Anstein Myhr, 1954
  • Wilmer S. Garrick, 1955, 1956
  • John L. McPhail, 1957, 1958
  • Gilbert E. French, 1959
  • Allan C. Osterman, 1960
  • Richard Trull, 1961; N
  • Gordon L. Jackson, 1962
  • Eugene Winter, 1963
  • Leonel V. Porter, 1964, 1965
  • Norman W. Rice, Sr., 1966, 1967
  • Gordon R. Vivian, 1968
  • Donald G. Hicks, Jr., 1969, 1970, 1999, 2013
  • Kenneth E. Vinal, 1971, 1972
  • Dester E. Bowers, 1973
  • Alan S. Hunter, 1974
  • William B. Carey, 1975; N
  • Warren S. Lees, 1976
  • David H. Hicks, 1977
  • Alfred L. Morin Jr., 1978
  • James W. Lennox, 1979
  • Dana S. MacAllister, Sr., 1980; PDDGM
  • Donald W. Carter, 1981
  • Richard J. Thompson, 1982
  • William A. Hamm, 1983; N
  • Henry E. Breault, 1984
  • John Appleby, 1985, 1986; PDDGM
  • Roland L. Noel, 1987
  • Norman W. Rice, Sr., 1988
  • David W. Wellington, 1989
  • Alfred L. Morin, Jr., 1990
  • Keith L. Bennett, Sr., 1991
  • Joseph A. Bowden, 1992
  • David W. DuCom, 1993
  • Herbert A. Ramsdell, 1994
  • Kevin J. Resca, 1995
  • William L. Lindsey, 1996
  • Grant L. Thorne, 1997, 1998
  • Archibald H. Campbell, 2000, 2001
  • Charles E. Kirk, 2002, 2003
  • Grant L. Thorne, 2004
  • John T. Haines, 2005, 2006
  • Joseph C. Roux, 2007
  • Jay E. Cheney, 2008, 2009, 2011
  • Robert F. Kinckle, Jr., 2010, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1921
  • Petition for Charter: 1922

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1924 1926 1928 1938 1941 1949 1953 1955 1956 1957 1967 1977 1979 1982 1986 1997 2000 2004 2009 2010 2012

HISTORY

  • 1976 (History at Hall Dedication, 1976-234)
  • 1993 (Recent history, 1993-25; see below)

HISTORY AT HALL REDEDICATION, MAY 1993

From Proceedings, Page 1993-25:

For earlier history of Wamesit Lodge please refer to page 234 of the 1976 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

The first special communication in the new Temple was held on Saturday, June 26, 1976, when the Fellowcraft Degree was conferred on Brother Kevin D. Gordon. The ladies were invited to join the Brethren for a delicious pot-luck supper which was enjoyed by all.

The culmination of efforts to build the new Temple took place on Saturday, July 3, 1976, the day before America was to celebrate her Bicentennial, when Wamesit Lodge was privileged to have Most Worshipful Stanley Fielding Maxwell, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts conduct the Laying of the Cornerstone and the Dedication of the Temple ceremonies in full form. The day's events included a ladies' tea and entertainment and a delicious roast beef banquet and was attended by an overflow crowd. A highlight of the program was the presentation by Most Worshipful Maxwell of Meritorious Service Certificates to Worshipful Brothers Leonel V. Porter, Donald G. Hicks, Jr., and Kenneth E. Vinal in recognition of their efforts toward the building of the new Temple.

On September 11, 1976, the first Public Installation of Officers was held in the new Temple with a capacity attendance when Worshipful Brother Warren S. Lees was installed as Worshipful Master. This began a renewed interest in Lodge activities with large attendance and many new applicants, both for affiliation and for the Degrees. Many social events and fundraising activities were scheduled and were well attended, helping to pay off the costs of the new Temple as well as increasing the fraternal relationships between all. Events included Ladies Nights, Flea Markets, Organ Recitals at the Methuen Organ Hall, family cookouts, Christmas Parties, Table Lodges, Social Nights, Square Dances, Bean Suppers, Auctions, Chicken Barbecues, Family Picnic and Corn Roasts, Big Band Night Concerts, Fishing Trips, Pancake Breakfasts on Thanksgiving morning for football enthusiasts, and other events too numerous to mention.

At the September, 1976 Communication six applicants for the Degrees were elected, beginning a surge of applications which grew to twelve in 1981 and kept Lodge activities at high levels through the 1980's. At that time of moving into the new Temple in 1976 it was reported that 483 men had called Wamesit Lodge their Home Lodge. Since that time 108 more have joined, of which seven were affiliated members and one was an Honorary member.

On September 14,1976, Acacia Chapter No. 80, Order of the Eastern Star, transferred their home from the Wilmington Masonic Temple to Wamesit Masonic Temple and held their first meeting there.

On September 22, 1981, the Warren G. Harding Court No. 5, Order of Amaranth, transferred their home from the Billerica Masonic Temple to Wamesit Masonic Temple and held their first meeting there.

Both the Eastern Star and the Amaranth have been welcome additions to the Wamesit family and have made themselves a significant part of Masonry's presence in Tewksbury. The Lodge has particularly benefited from their willingness to cater many of the dinners at their meetings.

Brotherhood Nights with Father Coppens Council, Knights of Columbus of Tewksbury were initiated on May 17, 1966, when 300 men gathered in the K of C Hall for a delicious dinner and program designed around the subject of brotherhood and ecumenism. Those events continued for several years and sponsored a scholarship to a Tewksbury High School student each year during those years. Improved relationships between people resulted and continue to this day.

The Masonic Blood Donor Program became an important part of Wamesit Lodge's public activities in the early 1950's and has continued with great success up to the present time. The Grand Lodge Blood Certificate has been awarded to the Lodge seventeen times beginning in 1962, the special Grand Lodge 250th Anniversary Blood Certificate was awarded in 1984, and in 1990 the American Red Cross awarded the Lodge a Special Certificate for the contributions over the years. Credit for these awards goes to Right Worshipful Richard Trull and especially to Right Worshipful William B. Carey for chairing the program and encouraging the Brethren to participate so successfully over the years.

Two Honorary Life Memberships have been awarded since the 1950's: one to Brother Clifford Haines for the many years he served as Secretary and one in 1982 to Worshipful Nicholas Georgoulis in appreciation for the many years that, though not a member of Wamesit Lodge, he prepared the dinners for the Table Lodges without compensation.

On September 16, 1984, Wamesit Lodge entered a float in the 250th Tewksbury Anniversary Parade and, along with many other Lowell area Masons, proudly marched with several other fraternal organizations.

When Massachusetts Masonry entered into the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program in 1987, Worshipful Roland L. Noel, on becoming Worshipful Master, initiated the Lodge's participation and soon thereafter activities were begun. Since that time Worshipful Noel has continued as Chairman and many programs have been run to raise funds and provide educational opportunities for the town's youth.

On October 3, 1992, when the new Muster Fountain sculpture by Mico Kaufman was unveiled in the new Muster Park in South Tewksbury, Wamesit Lodge's name was included on the history plaque as a supporter and contributor to that community effort. One of our members, Brother Edward H. Bowley, Jr., was the Chairman of the Committee of Interested Citizens through whose efforts the park and sculpture were created. Sadly, Brother Bowley died July 9, 1992, before the sculpture was erected and the new park was dedicated in his memory. Brother Bowley had been one of our benefactors in the fundraising for the new Temple.

Over the years after the new Temple was completed many of the Brethren continued to contribute to the building fund and, thanks to them and the fundraising projects, income from the lease, rents of the five bodies who called the Temple their home, plus occasional rentals of the facilities, the mortgage and operating expenses were kept paid. However, in 1989 income had fallen off to the point that it was necessary to place a two-year assessment of $25.00 per year on the members to carry the Association until the Lease of the property in Tewksbury center would be renewed at a higher rate. That assessment, a first for the Lodge, did the trick and at the time of this writing the financial picture is bright.

Wamesit Lodge has been fortunate to have had many members who went beyond the doors of the Home Lodge and contributed their time and talent to the larger Masonic community. The following Worshipful Masters became Masters of the Lowell 32nd Lodge of Instruction:

  • Worshipful Augustus L. Dutton
  • Worshipful J. Harper Gale
  • Worshipful Leonel V. Porter
  • Right Worshipful William B. Carey
  • Right Worshipful William A. Hamm *
  • Worshipful George A. O'Connell
  • Worshipful Wilmer S. Garrick
  • Right Worshipful Donald B. Hicks, Jr.
  • Worshipful Richard J. Thompson
  • Worshipful Alfred L. Morin, Jr.

The following were District Deputy Grand Masters:

  • Right Worshipful Melvin G. Rogers
  • Right Worshipful William A. Hamm
  • Right Worshipful William A. Smith

  • Right Worshipful Richard Trull
  • Right Worshipful William B. Carey

The following were Grand Lodge Officers:

  • Worshipful Herbert L. Trull, Senior Grand Steward
  • Right Worshipful Richard Trull. Grand Pursuivant
  • Right Worshipful Donald G. Hicks, Jr., Deputy Grand Master
  • Right Worshipful William B. Carey, Junior Grand Steward
  • Worshipful David H. Hicks. Grand Standard Bearer

With the renewal of the lease in 1991, the Association has been able to repair and replace items wearing out and to do a number of things that were beyond the financial ability at the time of building the Temple in 1975. Complete refurbishing of the interior and exterior, completion of the parking lot renewal of the driveway, re-landscaping with a driven well and automatic watering system, new and larger rear entry and handicap ramp, canopy with new lighting over the Masonic Emblem mosaic on the front of the building, roof over and new door and stepson the emergency exit out of the Lodge room, replacement of the electric heat pumps with new gas furnaces and air conditioning units, new ceilings over the banquet hall, restrooms, and outer rooms to the Lodge room, tiled restrooms, new carpeting in the lounge and corridor, exhaust canopy over kitchen stove, automatic exterior lighting controls, are s°me of the improvements accomplished such that the Temple is again like new and ready to carry Tewksbury Masonry well into the next century.

With more than "ten weeks of years" of service working for the betterment of mankind, Wamesit Lodge now looks forward to a renewal of our commitment to our task. Masonic renewal programs are now well underway and promise that, if we get into the action demanded by these programs, we Can "make the difference". We must let the world know that we are open to Membership of men of all faiths and creeds so long as they believe in the monotheistic God. We must also let them know that no Mason will directly ask them to join that they must make the first move by asking and that once they ask, their path into our Fraternity will be lined with good will and pleasant experiences. Our future depend on them.

We have built the foundation and the Temple — now let us use it to the glory of The Grand Architect of the Universe.

OTHER

  • 1922 (Participation in church cornerstone laying, 1922-123)

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1921: District 12 (Lowell)

1927: District 12 (Lowell)

2003: District 12


LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges