Difference between revisions of "Webster"

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(GRAND LODGE OFFICERS)
 
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<hr>
=== YEARS ===
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'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1858 1858]'''
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=== PAST MASTERS ===
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1859 1859]'''
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[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1860 1860]
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<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1861 1861]
+
* Charles E. Blair, 1859, 1861
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1862 1862]
+
* Charles E. Brown, 1860
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1863 1863]
+
* Hiram Allen, 1862, 1863
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1864 1864]
+
* Horace I. Joslin, 1864, 1865, 1872, 1873
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1865 1865]
+
* Edward F. Smith, 1866, 1867, 1871, 1883
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1866 1866]
+
* Frederick T. Chase, 1868-1870
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1867 1867]
+
* Samuel Slater, 1874
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1868 1868]
+
* Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1869 1869]
+
* James I. Meehan, 1876
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1870 1870]
+
* Cortland Wood, 1877
 +
* Samuel B. Childs, 1878
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMorton Elias P. Morton], 1879-1881
 +
* William Levens, 1882
 +
* John M. Crawford, 1884
 +
* Prentiss Howard, 1885, 1886
 +
* Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887, 1888
 +
* Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889, 1890
 +
* William Eddy, 1891, 1892
 +
* George A. Blackman, 1893-1895
 +
* Henry J. Clarke, 1896, 1897
 +
* Edward Forbes, 1898, 1899; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesAG#FORBES.2C_EDWARD_1864-1931 SN]'''
 +
* Charles M. Clark, 1900, 1901
 +
* William A. Childs, 1902
 +
* John R. Haskell, 1903; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesHM#HASKELL.2C_JOHN_ROBERT_1872-1921 SN]'''
 +
* Charles E. Drake, 1904
 +
* Frederick W. Johnson, 1905
 +
* Walter S. Estey, 1906
 +
* William W. Holmes, 1907; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersH#HOLMES.2C_WILLIAM_W._1874-1933 Memorial]'''
 +
* Joseph Crawford, 1908
 +
* William H. Klebart, 1909
 +
* John W. Dobbie, 1910
 +
* Frank R. Stillman, 1911
 +
* Edwin F. Davis, 1912
 +
* Henry Merritt, 1913
 +
* William Dick, Sr., 1914
 +
* George H. Bradley, 1915
 +
* John H. Matthews, 1916
 +
* James H. Lobban, 1917
 +
* Homer L. Lee, 1918
 +
* Charles W. Wiles, 1919
 +
* William Wallace, 1920
 +
* Ernest A. Joslin, 1921
 +
* Carlton H. White, 1922; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesSZ#WHITE.2C_CARLTON_HENRY_1883-1945 SN]'''
 +
* William F. Sims, 1923
 +
* Sidney C. Crawford, 1924
 +
* John B. Morgan, 1925
 +
* Ralph T. Larchar, 1926; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesHM#LARCHAR.2C_RALPH_TRESCOTTE_1874-1959 N]'''
 +
* Robert E. Straube, 1927
 +
* Horace Trull, 1928
 +
* William Dick, II, 1929
 +
* Spaulding Bartlett, 1930
 +
* Charles M. Leavens, 1931
 +
* James C. Buffum, 1932
 +
* George C. Marble, 1933
 +
* Harold E. Chafee, 1934; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesAG#CHAFEE.2C_HAROLD_EVENDON_1892-1986 SN]'''
 +
* George C. Littlefield, 1935
 +
* Ernest F. Wilson, 1936
 +
* Vernon L. Wilson, 1937
 +
* Richard E. Seifert, 1938
 +
* Leslie B. Howard, 1939
 +
* Oscar D. Rogers, 1940
 +
* Edmund A. Redlitz, 1941
 +
* George C. K. Duff, 1942; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesAG#DUFF.2C_GEORGE_CRUICKSHANK_KEMP_1906-1981 N]'''
 +
* William A. R. Klebart, 1943
 +
* Jay E. Clough, 1944
 +
* William Weinberg, 1945
 +
* ''Russell W. Nadeau'', 1946
 +
* Arthur H. Klebart, 1947
 +
* Howard S. Baker, 1948
 +
* Oscar Conrad, 1949; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesAG#CONRAD.2C_OSCAR_1908-1973 N]'''
 +
* Arthur D. Healy, 1950
 +
* Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., 1951
 +
* A. Rodney Klebart, 1952
 +
* John Zalla, 1953
 +
* Stanley H. Chambers, 1954
 +
* Dexter E. Bannister, 1955
 +
* Daniel P. Clark, 1956
 +
* ''John P. Trull'', 1957
 +
* A. Earl Hughes, 1958
 +
* E. Vernon Davis, 1959
 +
* Earl K. Moore, 1960
 +
* Norman Burgess, 1961
 +
* Gordon S. Dole, 1962
 +
* ''Vasil V. Condos'', 1963
 +
* Robert L. Spahl, 1964
 +
* ''Kenneth W. Davis'', 1965
 +
* Richard J. Trudell, 1966
 +
* Albert F. Donald, 1967
 +
* Clarence Jodoin, 1968
 +
* Roy W. Naumann, 1969
 +
* Stanley P. Tanca, 1970
 +
* Albert E. Kilian, 1971
 +
* ''Edward G. Starr, Sr.'', 1972
 +
* Carl A. Taylor, 1973
 +
* Ronald W. Siegmund, 1974, 1981
 +
* Stanley R. Bachand, 1975
 +
* William J. Ziaja, Jr., 1976, 1982; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesSZ#ZIAJA.2C_WILLIAM_JOHN.2C_JR..2C_1930-1995 N]'''
 +
* ''Gilbert J. Thibeault'', 1977
 +
* ''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJShaw John C. Shaw, Sr.]'', 1978, 1983
 +
* Kenneth R. Patri, 1979, 1987, 1988
 +
* David W. Armstrong, 1980
 +
* John K. Logan, 1984
 +
* ''Harold R. Logan'', 1985, 1986; '''PDDGM'''
 +
* ''Wayne S. Kilian'', 1989
 +
* ''Michael J. Spahl'', 1990
 +
* ''Stephen D. Chickering'', 1991
 +
* ''Richard P. Clark'', 1992
 +
* ''Wesley S. Stevens, Jr.'', 1993
 +
* ''Roy L. Abbott'', 1994
 +
* ''Norbert L. Savard, Jr.'', 1995
 +
* ''Gary L. Kilian'', 1996, 2003
 +
* ''Torrey W. Wallace'', 1997, 2008
 +
* ''Jay R. Spahl'', 1998, 2006
 +
* ''Thomas Houston'', 1999
 +
* Donald J. Davidson, Jr.'', 2000, 2004
 +
* ''John L. Dyson'', 2001
 +
* ''Jonathan C. Way, III'', 2002
 +
* ''Eben A. Nash'', 2005
 +
* ''Mark B. Sutor'', 2007
 +
* ''Donald J. Davidson, Sr.'', 2009
 +
* ''Kenneth M. Wilson, Jr.'', 2010, 2011
 +
* ''Daniel E. Violette'', 2012
 +
</div>
 +
 +
<hr>
 +
 
 +
== REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS ==
 +
 
 +
* Petition for Dispensation: '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1858 1858]'''
 +
* Petition for Charter: '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1859 1859]'''
 +
 
 +
=== ANNIVERSARIES ===
 +
 
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]''' (50th Anniversary)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1933 1933]''' (75th Anniversary)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1958 1958]''' (Centenary)
 +
 
 +
=== VISITS BY GRAND MASTER ===
 +
 
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1859 1859]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard Heard]; Constitution of Lodge and installation; see below)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1874 1874]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson]; Hall dedication)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1893 1893]''' (Deputy Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=DGMShepard Shepard])
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake Blake]; 50th Anniversary; Special Communication)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1927 1927]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSimpson Simpson])
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1933 1933]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMChipman Chipman]; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1947 1947]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWragg Wragg]; Veterans' Night)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1956 1956]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWJohnson W. Johnson]; corner-stone laying; Special Communication)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1958 1958]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAJenkins A. Jenkins]; Centenary; Special Communication)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1997 1997]''' ([http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAJohnson A. Johnson])
 +
 
 +
=== BY-LAW CHANGES ===
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1871 1871]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1871 1871]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1872 1872]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1872 1872]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1873 1873]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1874 1874]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1874 1874]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1875 1875]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1876 1876]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1877 1877]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1878 1878]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1878 1878]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1879 1879]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1880 1880]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1881 1881]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1882 1882]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1883 1883]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1883 1883]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1884 1884]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1885 1885]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1886 1886]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1887 1887]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1888 1888]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1889 1889]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1890 1890]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1891 1891]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1892 1892]
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1893 1893]'''
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1894 1894]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1895 1895]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1896 1896]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1897 1897]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1898 1898]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1899 1899]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1900 1900]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1901 1901]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1902 1902]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1903 1903]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1904 1904]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1904 1904]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1905 1905]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1906 1906]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1907 1907]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1907 1907]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1909 1909]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1909 1909]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1910 1910]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1912 1912]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1913 1913]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1913 1913]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1914 1914]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1915 1915]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1916 1916]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1917 1917]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1918 1918]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1919 1919]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1919 1919]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1920 1920]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1921 1921]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1922 1922]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1923 1923]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1924 1924]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1924 1924]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1925 1925]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1926 1926]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1927 1927]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1927 1927]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1928 1928]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1929 1929]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1930 1930]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1930 1930]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1931 1931]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1931 1931]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1932 1932]
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1933 1933]'''
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1934 1934]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1935 1935]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1936 1936]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1937 1937]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1938 1938]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1939 1939]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1939 1939]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1940 1940]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1941 1941]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1942 1942]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1943 1943]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1944 1944]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1944 1944]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1945 1945]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1946 1946]
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1947 1947]'''
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1948 1948]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1949 1949]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1949 1949]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1950 1950]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1950 1950]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1951 1951]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1951 1951]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1952 1952]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1953 1953]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1954 1954]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1955 1955]
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1956 1956]'''
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1957 1957]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1957 1957]'''
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1958 1958]'''
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1959 1959]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1960 1960]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1961 1961]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1962 1962]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1963 1963]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1964 1964]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1965 1965]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1966 1966]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1967 1967]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1968 1968]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1968 1968]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1969 1969]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1970 1970]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1971 1971]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1972 1972]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1973 1973]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1974 1974]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1975 1975]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1975 1975]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1976 1976]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1977 1977]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1977 1977]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1978 1978]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1979 1979]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1979 1979]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1980 1980]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1981 1981]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1982 1982]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1983 1983]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1984 1984]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1985 1985]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1986 1986]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1987 1987]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1988 1988]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1989 1989]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1990 1990]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1991 1991]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1991 1991]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1992 1992]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1993 1993]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1994 1994]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1995 1995]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1996 1996]
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1997 1997]'''
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1998 1998]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1998 1998]'''
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1999 1999]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2000 2000]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2001 2001]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2002 2002]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2003 2003]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2004 2004]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2005 2005]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2006 2006]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2007 2007]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2008 2008]
 
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2009 2009]
 
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2010 2010]'''
 
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2010 2010]'''
 +
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2011 2011]'''
 +
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2012 2012]'''
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
=== HISTORY ===
 +
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1908 1908]''' (50th Anniversary History, Not in Proceedings; see below)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1933 1933]''' (75th Anniversary History, 1933-370; see below)
 +
* '''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1958 1958]''' (Centenary History, 1958-194; see below)
 +
 +
==== 50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1908 ====
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterHistoryCover.jpg
 +
</p>
 +
 +
''From Anniversary Booklet, published by the Lodge in September 1908:''
 +
 +
'''WEBSTER LODGE 1858-1908'''<br>
 +
''Fiftieth Anniversary of Webster Lodge''<br>
 +
''Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons ''<br>
 +
''WEBSTER  MASSACHUSETTS''<br>
 +
''SEPTEMBER THE TENTH''<br>
 +
''Nineteen Hundred and Eight''
 +
 +
'''Webster Lodge''' has not a charter member, nor a Past Master of the old days, now living, and the only one living of the fifteen members made during the year of the dispensation is George Tracy, who we are greatly pleased to have with us to-night, and to whom the historian is indebted for some light on those old, gone-by days.
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterGeorgeTracy.jpg<br>
 +
''Bro. George Tracy: Only living member admitted during the Dispensation''
 +
</p>
 +
 +
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, held December 10th, 1856, it was
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Voted, That [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OliveBranch Olive Branch] Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular monthly communications alternately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
And another action of the Grand Lodge at that same communication is recorded thus:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Voted, That the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
These records show that the fifteen brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad road's to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge in Webster, which Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster brethren, met by this compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.
 +
 +
But compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge were held in Webster, when, in August, 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.
 +
 +
In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10th, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard] reports:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster, to Brothers Charles K. Blair (W. M.), C. E. Brown (S. W.), George Clapp (J. W.), Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, .Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherhigton, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Cates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Kolman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge, and approved by R. W. Levi Rawson, D. D. G. M. of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT4_1849-66 Fourth District], dispensation to be returned in September, 1859. The greater part, if not all the brethren named, are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past, met alternately at Sutton and Webster, and it is therefore believed that the convenience! of all the brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
This list of names is good stock, comprising many leading men of the town, and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its charter, and missed no meeting, through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion to Masonry through evil and good report.
 +
 +
And the effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster, many still looking askance at any demonstration of Masonry.
 +
 +
But nothing deterred these enthusiastic brethren and they went straight to work.
 +
 +
The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons so much.
 +
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterBaptistChurch.jpg<br>
 +
''Old Baptist Church''<br>
 +
''1858-1859''
 +
</p>
 +
 +
The following is a transcript of the record of the first meeting, in the handwriting of William Hetherington, the first secretary:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
''Webster, Sept. 20, 5858.''<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication for the transaction of business, the following brethren being present, viz.: W. M. Charles E. Blair, S. W. Charles E. Brown, J. W. William T. Shumway, Brother Cornelius Putnam, W. Hether-ngton, George Clapp, Pardon Stone, Lyman Sheldon.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge opened on the third degree of Free Masonry in due form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
''Voted'', That Brother W. Hetherington be Secretary of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
''Voted'', That Brother George Clapp be Treasurer of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Worshipful Master appointed John L. Harris Senior Deacon, and Cornelius Putnam, Junior Deacon of Webster Lodge, and Pardon Stone, Tyler.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
W. Hetherington was chosen a committee to procure a new set of jewels, collars, clothing, ballot-box, gavels, etc., for the use of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
William T. Shumway was chosen a committee to procure the books and stationery necessary for the use of the Lodge and officers.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge closed on the degree of Master Mason in due form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
''Charles E. Brown, Secretary, pro tem.''
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Later, Lyman Sheldon was appointed Marshal.
 +
 +
It will be seen that, for some reason not now known, Brother George Clapp, named in the dispensation as Junior Warden, was elected Treasurer, and Brother William T. Shumway, whose name, through some oversight, does not appear on the dispensation nor on the charter, was elected Junior Warden.
 +
 +
Brother Shumway was certainly a member of some Lodge, probably of Olive Branch, and was an active worker in the first year of the Lodge.
 +
 +
October 1st, the first application for degrees is recorded as that of George O. Raymond, and at that meeting it was voted that the regular communications be held on the first Tuesday on or before the full moon  of every month.
 +
 +
October 19th was the first regular communication, and Rev. Lucius Holmes was admitted to membership, and appointed Chaplain.
 +
 +
The first work was done at a special, October 25th, when George O. Raymond and Leonard Barnes received the degree of Entered Apprentice, and November 4th, George Tracy was initiated.
 +
 +
February 28th, 1859, a committee, W. W. Holmes, W. Hetherington and Lyman Sheldon, was appointed to procure a hall.
 +
 +
The brethren were early convinced of the necessity of correct work, and March 15th, it was voted that an application be made for a Grand Lecturer to instruct in the work, and March 28th, Caleb Rand, Charlestown, came for that purpose.
 +
 +
April 12th, "Voted, That Webster Lodge make a present of twelve and one-half dollars to the Baptist Society of Webster, in consideration for the use of Masonic Hall for six months, from September, 1858, to April, 1859."
 +
 +
The fees for degrees were fixed at twenty dollars, of which fifteen was paid at initiation, and five when raised, and the dues were one dollar per year.
 +
At the first annual communication August 9th, 1859, C- E. Brown acting as Worshipful Master, and Seymour A. Tingier, Secretary, a code of bylaws was adopted.
 +
 +
September 6th, Worshipful Master C. E. Blair, Worshipful Master-elect C. E. Brown, and Brother William Hetherington, were voted a committee to attend the Grand Lodge, and present the records and by-laws and petition asking for a charter.
 +
 +
The following brethren had been received during the period of dispensation: George O. Raymond, Leonard Barnes, George Tracy, William H. Davis,  Henry E. Bugbee, Samuel C. Brown, Elisha N. Bigelow, Harrison G. Corbin, L. C. Parks (of Oxford), Charles Wade, Seymour A. Tingier, George W. Emerson, Warren Marsh (of Southbridge), Solomon Shumway, Horace I. Joslin, Rev. Lucius Holmes, Levi Bartlett, and Dr. F. D. Brown had been admitted to membership from other Lodges.
 +
 +
Nine of the names given in the dispensation for a Lodge, do not appear on the charter. These brethren were resident in Oxford, and the success attending the year of Webster Lodge, had encouraged them to ask for a dispensation for Oxford Lodge, which was granted September 17th, 1859.
 +
The committee to go to the meeting of the Grand Lodge attended to their duty, and the following is an extract from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge Quarterly, held September 14th, 1859.
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"The dispensation, records, etc., of Webster Lodge were presented and referred to Brothers Martin, Patterson and Sampson, which committee subsequently offered the following report, which was adopted:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
''Most Worshipful Grand Master :''<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The committee appointed to examine the records and by-laws of Webster Lodge, have attended to that duty, and respectfully report as follows:
 +
Your committee find the records to have been very neatly kept, and that the proceedings of the Lodge have been very correct. Also, that the by-laws of said Lodge are found to be in accordance with the constitutions of the said Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Finally, your committee recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted.''
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
A charter was accordingly issued, and the following brethren appear  in the  order named: W. Hetherington, Charles E. Blair, Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, C. E. Brown, W. W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, George Clapp, Pardon Stone.
 +
 +
The charter is dated September 15th, 1859. precedence declared to be September 10th, 1858, and was signed by [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard], G. M., [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLLGamwell Lorenzo H. Gamwell], S. G. W., [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCRobbins Charles Robbins], J. G. W., and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Charles W. Moore], G. S.
 +
 +
The following is the next record of interest, in the handwriting of Seymour A. Tingier, a young lawyer, who had been received during the dispensation:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
''Webster, Sept. 22, 1859.''<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Lodge assembled for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The following brethren were present, viz.:
 +
Charles E. Blair, Charles E. Brown, George O.  Raymond,  W. Hetherington, George Clapp, S. A. Tingier, W. W. Holmes, Cornelius Putnam, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Otis Stone, W. H. Davis, Pardon Stone, Solomon Shumway, Leonard Barnes, George W. Emerson, William T. Shumway, Harrison G. Corhin, John L. Harris, L. C. Parks, George Tracy, H. I. Joslin.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Visiting brethren from Olive Branch Lodge, Elihu Harwood, L. H. Cleveland; [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Jerusalem Jerusalem] Lodge, A. H. Ward.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge was called to order, and the officers of the Grand Lodge entered, viz. :
 +
* Most Worshipful John T. Heard, Grand Master.
 +
* Right Worshipful Charles W. Moore, Deputy Grand Master.
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHGoddard Henry Goddard], S. G. W.
 +
* Right Worshipful John A. Dana, J. G. W.
 +
* Right Worshipful W. W. Wheildon,  G.  T.
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge W. D. Coolidge], G. S.

 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLPJones Peter C. Jones], G. M.
 +
* Brother Eben F. Fay, G. T.
 +
<br>
 +
Grand Lodge opened on the second degree of Free Masonry in ample form, and performed the solemn and interesting ceremony of constituting Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Grand Lodge then installed the following officers elect of Webster Lodge, viz.:
 +
Charles E. Brown, W. M., W. Hetherington, S. W., G. O. Raymond, J. W., George Clapp, Treas., S. A. Tingier, Sec, Lyman Sheldon, M., W. W. Holmes, S. D., Cornelius Putnam, J. D., Dan. Munyan, Tyler.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Grand Lodge then closed on the degree of Fellow Craft in ample form.
 +
S. A. Tingier, Sec."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Brothers Davis, Shumway and Joslin, who were present, had received only the first and second degrees, which probably accounts for the peculiar record.
 +
The brethren gave the grand officers good entertainment at the Joslin House, but felt too poor to indulge themselves in the same way.
 +
 +
However the "Times" of November 10th, 1859, has this item:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Members of the Masonic Lodges of Worcester and Southbridge were entertained by their brethren here, at Joslin's Hotel, on Tuesday evening. A supper, sentiments etc., were the order of the occasion."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
December 6th, 1859, we have a record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"A petition was received from S. A. Drake and others of Southbridge, asking that the consent of the Lodge be given to the formation of a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Quinebaug Lodge at Southbridge].<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Voted, that the consent of the Lodge be given."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
This was the first meeting in the hall in Morris' new block, just built at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets.
 +
 +
The committee saw Mr. Morris and reported that the hall could be had for one hundred dollars per year. The Lodge voted to take it, if it could be had at seventy-five, and it was finally leased at eighty, a good example of the old Yankee "truck and dicker."
 +
 +
This was the Masonic home for eight years, some of thern very prosperous ones. But the ground seems to have been pretty well covered during the year of the dispensation, and the three years including 1861 brought but eight additional members.
 +
 +
The ''Webster Times'' tells of the first celebration of St. John's Day on Saturday, June 23rd, 1860. Guests from Olive Branch, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Quinebaug Quinebaug], and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Oxford2 Oxford] Lodges were present, also the ladies. The address was given by Brother Rev. Lucius Holmes.
 +
 +
A procession was formed, headed by the Webster Cornet Band, which proceeded to the new Engine Hall, where dinner was served by Brother H. I. Joslin, after which many toasts were responded to by visiting and local brethren.
 +
Stewards were appointed for the first time in 1860.
 +
 +
October 23rd, 1860, we have the first record of a visitation by a District Deputy Grand Master, and the official, according to the records, attended by no suite, was Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDTaft Daniel W. Taft], of Uxbridge, after, in 1902, Senior Grand Warden.
 +
 +
August 8th, 1862, the following appears on the records: "Voted, that the Secretary inform the Grand Lodge of the enlistment for the war of Brothers George O. Raymond and James H. Chadwick."
 +
 +
September 17th, 1862, Grand Lecturer E. D. Bancroft conferred the second and third degrees, under dispensation, on Noel E. Converse and William N. Leavens, they being about to leave for the war. Other dispensations were granted for the same reason.
 +
 +
The Senior Warden of the Lodge for 1861 was killed at Gettysburg, and his widow, going there for his body, was greatly assisted by the Masonic Lodge there, and we find the following on record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Whereas, the fate of war has removed from earth George O. Raymond, late Senior Warden of Webster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, therefore
 +
Resolved: That a noble man has fallen in a noble cause, that this Lodge has lost a worthy member, his family a kind husband and father, and our country a brave soldier and unselfish patriot.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
* Resolved: That we will cherish his memory and seek to emulate his virtues.<br>
 +
* Resolved: That to his family and relatives we extend our kindest sympathies in their bereavement.
 +
* Resolved: That to our brothers, the members of the Good Samaritan Lodge of F. and A. M., at Gettysburg, we tender our thanks for the kind aid extended to his wife in removing the body of her husband from the battlefield to his home for burial.'"
 +
</blockquote>
 +
Brother Raymond was the first initiated under the dispensation and became an active and zealous member of the Lodge. He was buried by the Lodge, with  Masonic rites, July 29th, 1863.
 +
 +
Seven members of the Lodge went into the Civil War and did good service for their country in that struggle for the union of states.
 +
 +
October 14th, 1864, Worshipful H. I. Joslin, Master, the Lodge attended the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston.
 +
 +
March 7th, 1865, the committee appointed to take an inventory of the property 
 +
of the Lodge "reported the Lodge to have on hand 8449.32 worth of property, appraised at gold or par value."
 +
 +
This was modest as to dollars, but from 1862 to 1866 the Lodge was prosperous as to members, and many men of good standing in the community, who have since been supports of the Lodge and good workers therein, were made Masons.
 +
September 4th, 1866, the fees were raised to thirty dollars—five on application, ten on first degree, ten on second degree, and five on taking the Master Mason's degree, and have remained so until now.
 +
 +
October 8th, 1866, "Voted, that Webster Lodge, if a chapter be formed, allow said chapter to use the hall for their meetings." The chapter was formed and had its home with the Lodge until 1872, when it was transferred to Southbridge, and since then members of Webster Lodge, wishing the capitular degrees, have had to take them in Doric Chapter of Southbridge. Rev. Brother George J. Sanger was the first Most Excellent High Priest, and Worshipful Brothers Fred T. Chase and Edward F. Smith held that office while the chapter was in Webster.
 +
 +
In 1866, Brother Cyrus Spaulding built a brick block (nearly every building in Webster was wooden then) which, twice renovated, is still standing on Main Street, and fitted up the upper story and attic for Lodge rooms, and Webster Lodge secured all the rooms and had its first meeting in the new hall February 12th, 1867, paying $250 per year.
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterSpauldingBlock.jpg<br>
 +
''Spaulding Block''<br>
 +
''1857-1893''
 +
</p>
 +
 +
Soon after, the upper hall was let to Sigel Lodge, D. O. H.
 +
 +
A subscription was raised to supplement what could be spared from Lodge funds, and the self-sacrifice of the brethren had its reward in renewed prosperity.
 +
June 24th, 1867, Worshipful E. F. Smith, then Master, the Lodge attended and assisted in the ceremonies of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Boston, on which occasion Brother Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, was present.
 +
 +
March 8th, 1872, the second and third degrees were again worked, with Grand Instructor E. D. Bancroft acting as Master, the Lodge, under H. I. Joslin as Master, exhibiting much interest in perfecting the work.
 +
 +
July 6th, 1873, the upper part of Spaulding's block was partly destroyed by fire, the damage being almost wholly to the Masonic apartments.
 +
 +
Lillium Aqua Lodge, I. O. G. T., offered the use of their hall, which was the old Masonic home in Morris block, but the offer was gratefully declined, and the Lodge was called together by W. M. H. I. Joslin, in A. L. Wood's hall, to take action in relation to fitting up a new Lodge room in the same Spaulding's block.
 +
 +
September 15th, "Voted to appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars towards fitting up and furnishing the hall."
 +
 +
December 8th, "Voted two hundred dollars for expense of dedication and installation."
 +
 +
The following is the Grand Lodge record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Special Communication at Webster.<br>
 +
Monday, January 12th, A. L. 5874.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodsre of Massachusetts was held in the town of Webster, on Monday the twelfth day of January, for the purpose of dedicating the new Masonic apartments of Webster Lodge.
 +
Present:
 +
* M. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno D. Nickerson], Grand Master.
 +
* R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge William D. Coolidge], as Deputy Grand Master.
 +
* R. W. Joseph B. Knox, as Senior Grand Warden.
 +
* R. W. Charles G. Reed, Junior Grand Warden.
 +
* R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCTitus Charles H. Titus], Recording Grand Secretary and acting Grand Chaplain.
 +
* W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWChessman William H. Chessman], Grand Marshal.
 +
* Wor. Nathan H. Sears,
 +
* Wor. Charles E. Brown, as Grand Stewards.
 +
* Bro. Frederick T. Chase, Architect.
 +
* Bro. Frank B. Jones, as Grand Tyler.
 +
<br>
 +
The Grand Lodge was opened in a room contiguous to the Lodge room, at fifteen minutes past seven o'clock p. m., in ample form, and was conducted by the Grand Marshal to the hall, where the Grand Officers assumed their several stations.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The new apartments were dedicated to Masonic purposes in accordance with the ancient ritual and usage of the Craft and of this Grand Lodge, and proclamation duly made.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Grand Master appointed as a Committee to examine the Master-elect and qualify him to preside: R. W. Bros. Charles H. Titus, William D. Coolidge and Charles G. Reed, who, having attended to the duty assigned them, reported the Master-elect duly qualified.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
As the brethren had arranged to have the installation of the Officers of the Lodge at the Methodist Church, in the presence of their lady friends and other invited guests, the Grand Lodge was conducted to the place of opening, and having been duly tyled, was closed in ample form at fifteen minutes past eight o'clock P. M. The Grand Officers were subsequently escorted to the Methodist Church, where the Officers of the Lodge were installed in ample form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
(Signed) Sereno Dwight Nickerson, Grand Master. <br>
 +
Attest. (Signed) Charles H. Titus, Recording Grand Secretary."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
The record does not tell of the good speeches made by the Grand Officers and the fine impression made upon the community by the dignified exercises.
 +
 +
The officers installed were:
 +
* Samuel G. Slater, W. M.,
 +
* F. A. Stockwell, S. W.,
 +
* S. H.  Waters, J. W.,
 +
* George D. Bates, Treasurer,
 +
* J. Byron Burnham, Secretary,
 +
* Amos I. Sly, Chaplain,
 +
* Solomon Shumway, Marshal,
 +
* James I. Meehan, S. D.,
 +
* Daniel W. Crosby, J. D.,
 +
* Samuel B. Childs, I. S.,
 +
* Butler Bates, S. S.,
 +
* Andrew Francis, J. S.,
 +
* J.  B. Clark, Organist,
 +
* Joseph S. Hetherington, Tyler.
 +
 +
In fitting up, the old attic was eliminated and the main hall made higher, and until 1887 no other society used the hall for meetings.
 +
In February, 1875, a concert and ball were given under the auspices of the Lodge, and the proceeds, $134, carried to the Charity Fund.
 +
 +
On Saturday evening, September 30th, 1876, the Dresser block, next door, was partly burned; the fire made its way into the hall and again the Lodge suffered a loss by fire in their quarters, this time the damage being some two hundred dollars. The hall was promptly repaired again .so that no meeting there was lost.
 +
 +
In 1880, the Grand Lodge made an earnest effort for the communation of the Masonic Temple tax by all the Lodges. Committees of ways and means were appointed ; the matter was fully discussed in all its pros and cons and the tax of seven hundred dollars was paid by using all the funds of the Lodge, including the Charity Fund, and a subscription of two hundred and ninety-seven dollars raised from the pockets of the brethren. Worshipful Brother Fred. I. Chase contributed liberally to this, as, indeed, it was his habit to do so in all emergencies of the Lodge.
 +
 +
It has been always a great satisfaction to the writer, that this action, which proved in its results so beneficial to the Lodge, was taken during one of the years he served as Master.
 +
 +
In 1887, an Odd Fellows Lodge was formed in town, and as available quarters seemed to be found with difficulty, the Lodge voted to allow them the use of the hall. In 1893, the Odd Fellows had a hall built for them in the new Eddy block, and in return for the courtesy of the Masons voted to let it to them.
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterEddyBlock.jpg<br>
 +
''Eddy Block''<br>
 +
''1893-1908''
 +
</p>
 +
 +
Quite a little opposition by some of the older brethren was made to leaving the hall, which was under Lodge control and had been the Masonic home for more than twenty-six years But a majority thought otherwise; much of the old fittings was sold, and the Lodge held the first meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall, January 1st, 1894. Events proved the wisdom of the move, as the Lodge has never been more prosperous than in the years we have been in our present quarters.
 +
 +
In June, 1906, Past-Masters' jewels were procured and presented to all the living Past Masters, the number being eighteen, and it was voted to present each retiring Master with a similar jewel.
 +
 +
The Past Masters of the Lodge are:
 +
* Charles E. Blair, 1859-'61;
 +
* Charles E. Brown, 1860;
 +
* Hiram Allen, 1862-'63;
 +
* Horace I. Joslin, 1864-'65-'72-'73;
 +
* Edward F. Smith, 1866-'67-'71-'83;
 +
* Frederick T. Chase, 1868-'69-'70;
 +
* Samuel Slater, 1874;
 +
* Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875;
 +
* James I. Meehan, 1876;
 +
* Cortland Wood, 1877;
 +
* Samuel B. Childs, 1878;
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMorton Elias P. Morton], 1879-'80-'81;
 +
* William N. Leavens, 1882;
 +
* John M. Crawford, 1884;
 +
* Prentiss Howard, 1885-'86 ;
 +
* Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887-'88 ;
 +
* Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889-'90;
 +
* William Eddy, 1891-'92;
 +
* George A. Blackman, 1893-'94-'95;
 +
* Henry J. Clarke, 1896-'97 ;
 +
* Edward Forbes, 1898-'99;
 +
* Charles M. Clark, 1900-'01;
 +
* William A. Childs, 1902;
 +
* John R. Haskell, 1903;
 +
* Charles E. Drake, 1904;
 +
* Frederick W. Johnson, 1905;
 +
* Walter S. Estey, 1906 ;
 +
* William W. Holmes, 1907.
 +
E. P. Morton and Edward Forbes have been District Deputy Grand Masters, and E. P. Morton was Senior Grand Warden in 1900.
 +
 +
<p align=center>
 +
http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/WEBSTER/WebsterJamesMeehan.jpg<br>
 +
''Wor. Bro. James Meehan''<br>
 +
''Oldest Living Master of the Lodge, 1876''
 +
</p>
 +
 +
The early Masters were not very fine ritualists, and Horace I. Joslin was the first Master who made an earnest effort, by having the Grand Lectures and by the other usual means, to attain excellence in the work. His successor, Edward F. Smith, was particularly gifted with the memory and presence to continue the good work. Frederick T. Chase, the next in order, not only preserved the excellence of the work but, by earnest devotion to the Lodge and liberal contributions of money, was a great benefactor.
 +
 +
The long list of Masters after his time shows, with no exceptions as to earnest zeal for the welfare of the Craft and hardly any as to good ritual work, a fine record of good Masters, and the teachings and lessens of Masonry have been in good hands.
 +
840 regular and special meetings have been held, and 856 members have been made and admitted up to the present time.
 +
 +
The following is a list of the members of the Lodge who have been buried with Masonic rites at their own request:
 +
* July 29th, 1863, George O. Raymond.
 +
* July 7th, 1864, A. W. Fullerton.
 +
* November 29th, 1868, Dan Munyan.
 +
* December 21st, 1868, John N. Leavens.
 +
* November 16th, 1871, Otis Stone.
 +
* July 30th, 1872, William W. Holmes.
 +
* October 3d, 1872, George Bennett.
 +
* December 12th, 1872, Seth Woodhead.
 +
* December 9th, 1874, A. L. Wood.
 +
* March 13th, 1875, D. W. K. Brackett.
 +
* June 28th, 1876, Ernest Tod.
 +
* February 11th, 1879, Amos T. Sly.
 +
* March 6th, 1881, James H. Chadwick.
 +
* August 3d, 1883, Benjamin T. Bryden.
 +
* November 22d, 1884, Henry E. Bugbee.
 +
* December 28th, 1885, Horace I. Joslin.
 +
* January 8th, 1886, Leonard Barnes.
 +
* March 24th, 1886, George Clapp.
 +
* July 22d, 1886, John Goulding.
 +
* November 11th, 1886, Dr. Frederick D. Brown.
 +
* March 25th, 1887, Samuel G. Slater.
 +
* December 13th, 1890, George K. Hill.
 +
* March 1st, 1891, James Douglas.
 +
* May 6th, 1893, Moses Barnes.
 +
* August 17th, 1894, John F. Hinds.
 +
* April 10th, 1896, Horace Nichols.
 +
* January 21st, 189S, Frederick T. Chase.
 +
* April 21st, 1899, Samuel B. Childs.
 +
* December 19th, 1899, Charles E. Brown.
 +
* January 30th, 1901, Daniel W. Crosby.
 +
* March 20th, 1901, Solomon Shumway.
 +
* April 21st, 1901, Samuel G. Rea.
 +
* August 24th, 1903, Edward E. Johnson.
 +
* November 12th, 1905, Cornelius Putnam.
 +
* March 13th, 190S, Elisha N. Bigelow.
 +
 +
And now, brethren, T have outlined the bare facts of the history of Webster Lodge for these fifty years. It is well to have them collated from Grand Lodge and Lodge records, newspapers and traditions, and put in this condensed form, that the historian of our one hundredth anniversary may have an easier task.
 +
 +
But this bald statement of facts hardly does justice to the hand of earnest spirits who have striven to uphold manfully, the pure tenets of our profession through evil and good report, and the lodge has not only been an influence for good to those who gathered within its folds, but in its teachings and results, an uplift to the community in which it exists.
 +
 +
I am. reminded of what our Brother James Douglas, who joined us from a lodge in Ireland, told me when, the next morning after we had worked the third degree, I asked him how it appeared to him?
 +
 +
"Why," he said, "it is so different from ours, here; it seems like a religious ceremony."
 +
 +
So may it ever be when, from .the profane world, we enter our Lodge-room. May we feel like one who leaves the noise and bustle of a busy street to enter some fine, old cathedral aisle, perchance sit him down where the light, through stained window, falls upon  some monument to knightly devoir and lofty aims, and the swelling strains of organ and choir speak of the upright life here and the  beautiful life beyond.
 +
 +
So may we ever meet, act and part. May the beautiful and holy teachings of our order influence our hearts and minds to brave and true living here, and bright hopes for the life hereafter, when we shall have  passed the East Gate.
 +
 +
And may there never be found wanting in Webster Lodge men to raise up and advance high standards of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
 +
 +
''E. P. MORTON.''
 +
 +
==== 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1933 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1933-370:''
 +
 +
The first local organization of Free Masonry which led up to the formation of Webster Lodge.
 +
 +
Before there was any Town of Webster, it not being incorporated until 1832 and formed from parts of both Oxford and Dudley, the first Masonic body in the vicinity was [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OliveBranch Olive Branch] Lodge, of Oxford. A movement was made for its formation early in 1797, and in May Officers were chosen. A committee was elected to petition the Grand Lodge for a charter and a vote passed to hold meetings monthly on Mondays at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. A charter was granted the 14th of the following September.
 +
 +
On the 25th of that same month the Lodge very ambitiously voted to build a hall in Oxford near to West Sutton where a large part of the membership was located. No hall was built but the house of a Mr. Davis near the West Sutton line was chosen as the regular meeting place while the Lodge remained in Oxford, with occasional meetings at the Tavern hall on the Plain. In November, 1797, it was voted to pay Brother Jonathan Davis ?24.00 per year for the use of the hall furnished and warmed. On September 13, 1798, the Officers were installed at the "new" meeting house now world famous as the oldest Universalist Church, the first of that denomination to be built. The members met at Campbell's Tavern where the procession was formed and at 12 o'clock marched to the church where after a sermon by Thaddeus M. Harris the ceremony of Installation was performed. The procession returned to the hall and "from thence to a booth prepared for the purpose and partook of an elegant dinner." In November, 1814, a new hall was projected and a committee chosen in August, 1815, to finish and furnish it. The new quarters were built at West Sutton and were first occupied on February 21, 1816, the Grand Lodge having given leave for the change. In March, 1845, it was again removed to Wilkinsonville. In December, 1856, permission was granted to hold meetings alternately at Sutton  and Webster. After
 +
September 8, 1858, "Or after the formation of Webster Lodge," all meetings were held in Sutton. On December 14, 1859, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge granted leave to remove Olive Branch Lodge to Millbury, which was done in 1860, and it has since continued there. On the walls of its Lodge room hangs its Charter signed by [http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRevere Paul Revere], Grand Master.
 +
 +
''The following history from 1858 to 1908 is taken verbatim from a booklet published on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of Webster Lodge.''
 +
 +
''1858-1908''
 +
 +
Webster Lodge has not a Charter member, nor a Past Master of the old days, now living, and the only one living of the fifteen members made during the year of the Dispensation is George Tracy, whom we are greatly pleased to have with us tonight, and to whom the historian is indebted for some light on those old, gone-by days.
 +
 +
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held December 10th, 1856, it was "Voted, That Olive Branch Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular monthly communications alternately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."
 +
 +
And another action of the Grand Lodge at that same communication is recorded thus:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Voted, That the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance,, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
These records show that the fifteen Brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad roads to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge in Webster, which Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster Brethren, met by this compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.
 +
 +
Hut compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge were held in Webster, when, in August, 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.
 +
 +
In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful John T. Heard, reports:
 +
"Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster, to Brothers Charles E. Blair (W. M.), C. E. Brown (S. W.), George Clapp (J. W.), Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherington, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Gates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Holman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge, and approved by R. W. Levi Rawson, D. D. G. M. of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT4_1849-66 Fourth District], dispensation to be returned in September, 1851). The greater part, it not all the brethren named, are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past met alternately at Sutton and Webster, and it is therefore believed that the convenience of all the brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge."
 +
 +
This list of names is good stock, comprising many leading men of the town, and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its Charter, and missed no meeting, through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion to Masonry through evil and good report.
 +
 +
And the effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster, many still looking askance at any demonstration of Masonry. But nothing deterred these enthusiastic Brethren and they went straight to work.
 +
 +
The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons so much.
 +
 +
The following is a transcript of the record of the first meeting, in the handwriting of William Hetherington, the first secretary:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Sept. 20, 5858.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication for the transaction of business, the following brethren being present, viz: W. M. Charles E. Blair, S. W. Charles E. Brown, J. W. William T. Shumway, Brother Cornelius Putnam, W. Hetherington, George Clapp, Pardon Stone, Lyman Sheldon.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge opened on the third degree of Free Masonry in due form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Voted, That Brother W. Hetherington be Secretary of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
Voted, That Brother George Clapp be Treasurer of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Worshipful Master appointed John L. Harris Senior Deacon, and Cornelius Putnam, Junior Deacon of Webster Lodge, and Pardon Stone, Tyler.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
W. Hetherington was chosen a committee to procure a new set of jewels, collars, clothing, ballot-box, gavels, etc., for the use of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
William T. Shumway was chosen a committee to procure the books and stationery necessary for the use of the Lodge and officers.
 +
Lodge closed on the degree of Master Mason in due form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Charles  E. Brown, Secretary, ''pro tem''."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Later, Lyman Sheldon was appointed Marshal.
 +
 +
It will be seen that, for some reason not now known, Brother George Clapp, named in the dispensation as Junior Warden, was elected Treasurer, and Brother William T. Shumway, whose name, through some oversight, does not appear on the Dispensation nor on the Charter, was elected Junior Warden.
 +
 +
Brother Shumway was certainly a member of some Lodge, probably of Olive Branch, and was an active worker in the first year of the Lodge. ''(Bro. Shumwav was raised in Olive Branch Lodge on Sept.  17,  1858, but did not sign the By-Laws. F. W. H.)''
 +
 +
October 1st, the first application for degrees is recorded as that of George O. Raymond, and at that meeting it was voted that the regular communications be held on the first Tuesday on or before the full moon of every month.
 +
 +
October 19th was the first regular communication, and Rev. Lucius Holmes was admitted to membership, and appointed Chaplain.
 +
 +
The first work was done at a special, October 25th, when George O. Raymond and Leonard Barnes received the degree of Entered Apprentice, and November 4th, George Tracy was initiated.
 +
 +
February 28th, 1859, a committee, W. W. Holmes, W. Hetherington, and Lyman Sheldon was appointed to procure a hall.
 +
 +
The Brethren were early convinced of the necessity of correct work, and March 15th it was voted that an application be made for a Grand Lecturer to instruct in the work, and March 28th Caleb Rand, Charlestown, came for that purpose.
 +
 +
April 12th, "Voted, That Webster Lodge make a present of twelve and one-half dollars to the Baptist Society of Webster, in consideration for the use of Masonic Hall for six months, from September, 1858, to April, 1859."
 +
 +
The fees for degrees were fixed at twenty dollars, of which fifteen was paid at initiation, and five when raised, and the dues were one dollar per year.
 +
 +
At the first annual communication, August 9, 1859, C. E. Brown acting as Worshipful Master, and Seymour A. Tingier, Secretary, a code of by-laws was adopted.
 +
 +
September 6th, Worshipful Master C. E. Blair, Worshipful Master-elect C. E. Brown, and Brother William Hetherington were voted a committee to attend the Grand Lodge, and present the records and by-laws and petition asking for a Charter.
 +
 +
The following Brethren had been received during the period of Dispensation: George O. Raymond, Leonard Barnes, George ■ Tracy, William H. Davis, Henry E. Bugbee, Samuel C. Brown, Elisha N. Bigelow, Harrison G. Corbin, L. C. Parks (of Oxford), Charles Wade, Seymour A. Tingier, George W. Emerson, Warren Marsh (of Southbridge). Solomon Shumway, Horace I. Joslin, Rev. Lucius Holmes, Levi Bartlett, and Dr. F. D. Brown had been admitted to membership from other Lodges.
 +
 +
Nine of the names given in the Dispensation for a Lodge, do not appear on the Charter. These Brethren were resident in Oxford, and the success attending the year of Webster Lodge, had encouraged them to ask for a Dispensation for Oxford Lodge, which was granted September 17, 1859.
 +
 +
The committee to go to the meeting of the Grand Lodge attended to their duty, and the following is an extract from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge Quarterly, held September 14th, 1859.
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"The dispensation, records, etc., of Webster Lodge were presented and referred to Brothers Martin, Patterson and Sampson, which committee subsequently offered the following report, which was adopted: <br>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Most Worshipful Grand Master:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The committee appointed to examine the records and by-laws of Webster Lodge, have attended to that duty, and respectfully report as follows:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Your committee find the records to have been very neatly kept, and that the proceedings of the Lodge have been very correct. Also, that the by-laws of said Lodge are found to be in accordance with the constitutions of the said Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Finally, your committee recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted."<br>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
A Charter was accordingly issued, and the following brethren appear in the order named: W. Hetherington, Charles E. Blair, Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, C. E. Brown, W. W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, George Clapp, Pardon Stone.
 +
 +
The Charter is dated September 15, 1859, precedence declared to be September 10, 1858, and was signed by [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard], G. M., [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLLGamwell Lorenzo H. Gamwell], S. G. W., [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCRobbins Charles Robbins], J. G. W., and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Charles W. Moore], G. S.
 +
 +
The following is the next record of interest in the handwriting of Seymour A. Tingier, a young lawyer, who had been received during the Dispensation:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster, Sept. 22d, 1859.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Lodge assembled for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The following brethren were present, viz.:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Charles E. Blair, Charles E. Brown, George O. Raymond, W. Hetherington, George Clapp, S. A. Tingier, W. W. Holmes, Cornelius Putnam, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Otis Stone, W. H. Davis, Pardon Stone, Solomon Shumway, Leonard Barnes, George W. Emerson, William T. Shumway, Harrison G. Corbin, John L. Harris, L. C. Parks, George Tracy, H. I. Joslin.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Visiting brethren from Olive Branch Lodge, Elihu Harwood, L. H. Cleveland; [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Jerusalem Jerusalem] Lodge, A. H. Ward.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge was called to order, and the officers of the Grand Lodge entered, viz.:<br>
 +
* Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard], Grand Master.
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Charles W. Moore], Deputy Grand Master.
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHGoddard Henry Goddard], S. G. W.
 +
* Right Worshipful John A. Dana, J. G. W.
 +
* Right Worshipful W. W. Wheildon, G. T.
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMCoolidge W. D. Coolidge], G. S.
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLPJones Peter C. Jones], G. M.
 +
* Brother Eben F. Gay, G. T.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Grand Lodge opened on the second degree of Free Masonry in Ample Form, and performed the solemn and interesting ceremony of constituting Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Grand Lodge then installed the following officers-elect of Webster Lodge, viz.:<br>
 +
* Charles E. Brown, W. M.
 +
* W. Hetherington, S. W.
 +
* G. O. Raymond, J. W.
 +
* Geo. Clapp, Treas.
 +
* S. A. Tingier, Sec.
 +
* Lyman Sheldon, M.
 +
* W. W. Holmes, S. D.
 +
* Cornelius Putnam, J. D.
 +
* Dan. Munyan, Tyler.<br>
 +
Grand Lodge then closed on the degree of Fellow Craft in Ample Form. <br>
 +
<br>
 +
S. A. Tingier, Sec."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Brothers Davis, {Solomon} Shumway, and Joslin, who were present, had received only the first and second degrees, which probably accounts for the peculiar record.
 +
 +
The Brethren gave the Grand Officers good entertainment at the Joslin House, but felt too poor to indulge themselves in the same way. However the ''Times'' of November 10, 1859, has this item:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Members of the Masonic Lodges of Worcester and Southbridge were entertained by their brethren here, at Joslin's Hotel, on Tuesday evening. A supper, sentiments, etc., were the order of the occasion."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
December 6, 1859, we have a record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"A petition was received from S. A. Drake and others of Southbridge, asking that the consent of the Lodge be given to the formation of a Lodge at Southbridge.<bR>
 +
<br>
 +
Voted, that the consent of the Lodge be given."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
This was the first meeting in the hall in Morris' new block, just built at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets.
 +
 +
The committee saw Mr. Morris and reported that the hall could be had for one hundred dollars per year. The Lodge voted to take it, if it could be had at seventy-five, and it was finally leased at eighty, a good example of the old Yankee "truck and dicker."
 +
This was the Masonic home for eight years, some of them very prosperous ones. But the ground seems to have been pretty well covered during the year of the Dispensation, and the three years including 1861 brought but eight additional members.
 +
The ''Webster Times'' tells of the first celebration of St. John's day on Saturday, June 23, 1860. Guests from Olive Branch, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Quinebaug Quinebaug], and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Oxford2 Oxford] Lodges were present, also the ladies. The address was given by Brother Rev. Lucius Holmes.
 +
 +
A procession was formed headed by the Webster Cornet Band, which proceeded to the new Engine Hall, where dinner was served by Brother H. I. Joslin, after which many toasts were responded to by visiting and local Brethren.
 +
 +
Stewards were appointed for the first time in 1860.
 +
 +
October 23, 1860, we have the first record of a visitation by a District Deputy Grand Master, and the official, according to the records, attended by no suite, was Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDTaft Daniel W. Taft], of Uxbridge, after, in 1902, Senior Grand Warden.
 +
 +
August 8, 1862, the following appears on the records: "Voted, that the Secretary inform the Grand Lodge of the enlistment for the war of Brothers George O. Raymond and James H. Chadwick."
 +
 +
September 17, 1862, Grand Lecturer E. D. Bancroft conferred the second and third degrees, under dispensation, on Noel E. Converse and William N. Leavens, they being about to leave for the war. Other dispensations were granted for the same reason.
 +
 +
The Senior Warden of the Lodge for 1861 was killed at Gettysburg, and his widow, going there for his body, was greatly assisted by the Masonic Lodge there, and we find the following on record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"''Whereas'', the fate of war has removed from earth George O. Raymond, late Senior Warden of Webster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, therefore<br>
 +
''Resolved'': That a noble man has fallen in a noble cause, that this Lodge has lost a worthy member, his family a kind husband and father, and our country a brave soldier and unselfish patriot.<br>
 +
''Resolved'': That we will cherish his memorv and seek to emulate his virtues.<br>
 +
''Resolved'': That to his family and relatives we extend our kindest sympathies in their bereavement.<br>
 +
''Resolved'': That to our brothers, the members of the Good Samaritan Lodge of F. and A. M., at Gettysburg, we tender our thanks for the kind aid extended to his wife in removing the body of her husband from the battlefield to his home for burial."
 +
</blockquote>
 +
Brother Raymond was the first initiated under the Dispensation and became an active and zealous member of the Lodge. He was buried by the Lodge, with Masonic rites, July 29, 1863.
 +
 +
Seven members of the Lodge went into the Civil War and did good service for their country in that struggle for the union of states.
 +
 +
October 14, 1864, Worshipful H. I. Joslin, Master, the Lodge attended the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston.
 +
 +
March 7, 1865, the committee appointed to take an inventory of the property of the Lodge "reported the Lodge to have on hand $449.32 worth of property, appraised at gold or par value."
 +
 +
This was modest as to dollars, but from 1862 to 1866 the Lodge was prosperous as to members, and many men of good standing in the community, who have since been supports of the Lodge and good workers therein, were made Masons.
 +
 +
September 4, 1866, the fees were raised to thirty dollars — five on application, ten on first degree, ten on second degree, and five on taking the Master Mason's degree, and have remained so until now.
 +
 +
October 8, 1866, "Voted, that Webster Lodge, if a Chapter be formed, allow said Chapter to use the hall for their meetings."
 +
The Chapter was formed and had its home with the Lodge until 1872, when it was transferred to Southbridge, and since then members of Webster Lodge wishing the Capitular degrees have had to take them in Doric Chapter  of Southbridge. Rev.
 +
Brother George J. Sanger was the first Most Excellent High Priest, and Worshipful Brothers Fred T. Chase and Edward F. Smith held that office while the Chapter was in Webster.
 +
 +
In 1866 Brother Cyrus Spaulding built a brick block (nearly every building in Webster was wooden then) which, twice renovated, is still standing on Main Street, and fitted up the upper story and attic for Lodge-rooms, and Webster Lodge secured all the rooms and had its first meeting in the new hall February 12, 1867, paying $250 per year. Soon after, the upper hall was let to Sigel Lodge, D. O. H.
 +
 +
A subscription was raised to supplement what could be spared from Lodge funds, and the self-sacrifice of the Brethren had its reward in renewed prosperity.
 +
 +
June 24, 1867, Worshipful E. F. Smith, then Master, the Lodge attended and assisted in the ceremonies of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Boston, on which occasion Brother Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, was present.
 +
 +
March 8, 1872, the second and third degrees were again worked, with Grand Instructor E. D. Bancroft acting as Master, the Lodge, under H. I. Joslin as Master, exhibiting much interest in perfecting the work.
 +
 +
July 6, 1873, the upper part of Spaulding's block was partly destroyed by fire, the damage being almost wholly to the Masonic apartments.
 +
 +
Lillium Aqua Lodge, I. O. G. T., offered the use of their hall, which was the old Masonic home in Morris block, but the offer was gratefully declined, and the Lodge was called together by W. M. H. I. Joslin, in A. L. Wood's hall, to take action in relation to fitting up a new Lodge-room in the same Spaulding's block.
 +
 +
September 15th, "Voted to appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars towards fitting up and furnishing the hall."
 +
 +
December 8th, "Voted two hundred dollars for expense of dedication and installation."
 +
 +
The following is the Grand Lodge record:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"Special Communication at Webster<br>
 +
Monday, January 12, A. L. 5874.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the town of Webster, on Monday the twelfth day of January, for the purpose of dedicating the new Masonic apartments of Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Present:
 +
* M. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno D. Nickerson], Grand Master.
 +
* R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWCoolidge William D. Coolidge], ''as'' Deputy Grand Master.
 +
* R. W. Joseph B. Knox, ''as'' Senior Grand Warden.
 +
* R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCReed Charles G. Reed], Junior Grand Warden.
 +
* R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCTitus Charles H. Titus], Recording Grand Secretary and acting Grand Chaplain.
 +
* W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWChessman William H. Chessman], Grand Marshal.
 +
* Wor. Nathan H. Sears, Jr., Grand Steward.
 +
* Wor. Charles E. Brown, Grand Steward.
 +
* Bro. Frederick T. Chase, Architect.
 +
* Bro. Frank E. Jones, as Grand Tyler.<br>
 +
The Grand Lodge was opened in a room contiguous to the Lodge room, at fifteen minutes past seven o'clock P.M., in Ample Form, and was conducted by the Grand Marshal to the hall, where the Grand Officers assumed their several stations.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The new apartments were dedicated to Masonic purposes in accordance with the ancient ritual and usages of the Craft and of this Grand Lodge, and proclamation duly made.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Grand Master appointed as a Committee to examine the Master-elect and qualify him to preside:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
R. W. Bros. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLCTitus Charles H. Titus], William D. Coolidge and Charles G. Reed, who, having attended to the duty assigned them, reported the Master-elect duly qualified.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
As the brethren had arranged to have the installation of the Officers of the Lodge at the Methodist Church, in the presence of their lady friends and other invited guests, the Grand Lodge was conducted to the place of opening, and having been duly tyled, was closed in Ample Form at fifteen minutes past eight o'clock P.M. The Grand Officers were subsequently escorted to the Methodist Church, where the Officers of the Lodge were installed in Ample Form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
''(Signed)'' SERENO DWIGHT NICKERSON, Grand Master <br>
 +
''Attest (Signed) '' CHARLES H. TITUS, Recording Grand Secretary
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
The record does not tell of the good speeches made by the Grand Officers and the fine impression made upon the community by the dignified exercises.
 +
 +
The officers installed were:
 +
* Samuel G. Slater, W. M.
 +
* F. A. Stockwell, S. W.
 +
* S. H. Waters, J. W.
 +
* George D. Bates, Treasurer
 +
* J. Byron Burnham, Secretary
 +
* Amos I. Sly, Chaplain
 +
* Solomon Shumway, Marshal
 +
* James I. Meehan, S. D.
 +
* Daniel W. Crosby, J. D.
 +
* Butler Bates, S. S.
 +
* Andrew Francis, J. S.
 +
* Samuel B. Childs, I. S.
 +
* J. B. Clark, Organist
 +
* Joseph S. Hetherington, Tyler
 +
In fitting up, the old attic was eliminated and the main hall made higher, and until 1887 no other society used the hall for meetings.
 +
 +
In February, 1875, a concert and ball were given under the auspices of the Lodge, and the proceeds, $134, carried to the Charity Fund-On Saturday evening, September 30, 1876, the Dresser block, next door, was partly burned; the fire made its way into the hall and again the Lodge suffered a loss by fire in their quarters, this time the damage being some two hundred dollars. The hall was promptly repaired again so that no meeting there was lost.
 +
 +
In 1880 the Grand Lodge made an earnest effort for the commutation of the Masonic Temple tax by all the Lodges. Committees of ways and means were appointed; the matter was fully discussed in all its pros and cons and the tax of seven hundred dollars was paid by using all the funds of the Lodge, including the Charity Fund, and a subscription of two hundred and ninety-seven dollars raised from the pockets of the Brethren.
 +
 +
Worshipful Brother Fred I. Chase contributed liberally to this, as, indeed, it was his habit to do so in all emergencies of the Lodge.
 +
It has been always a great satisfaction to the writer, that this action, which proved in its results so beneficial to the Lodge, was taken during one of the years he served as Master.
 +
 +
fn 1887 an Odd Fellows Lodge was formed in town, and as available quarters seemed to be found with difficulty, the Lodge voted to allow them the use of the hall. In 1893 the Odd Fellows had a hall built for them in the new Eddy block, and in return for the courtesy of the Masons voted to let it to them.
 +
 +
Quite a little opposition by some of the older Brethren was made to leaving the hall, which was under Lodge control and had been the Masonic home for more than twenty-six years, but a majority thought otherwise; much of the old fittings was sold, and the Lodge held the first meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall, January 1, 1894. Events proved the wisdom of the move, as the Lodge has never been more prosperous than in the years we have been in our present quarters.
 +
 +
In June, 1906, Past-Masters' jewels were procured and presented to all the living Past Masters, the number being eighteen, and it was voted to present each retiring Master with a similar jewel.
 +
 +
The Past Masters of the Lodge are:
 +
* Charles E. Blair, 1859, '61
 +
* Charles E. Brown, 1860
 +
* Hiram Allen, 1862-'63
 +
* Horace I. Joslin, 1864-'65, '72-73
 +
* Edward F. Smith, 1866-'67-'71, '83
 +
* Frederick. T. Chase, 1868-'69-'70
 +
* Samuel Slater, 1874
 +
* Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875
 +
* James I. Meehan, 1876
 +
* Cortland Wood, 1877
 +
* Samuel B. Childs, 1878
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMorton Elias P. Morton], 1879-'80-'81
 +
* William N. Leavens, 1882
 +
* John M. Crawford, 1884
 +
* Prentiss Howard, 1885-'86
 +
* Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887-'88
 +
* Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889-'90
 +
* William Eddy, 1891-'92
 +
* George A. Blackman, 1893-'94-'95
 +
* Henry J. Clarke, 1896-'97
 +
* Edward Forbes, 1898-'99
 +
* Charles M. Clark, 1900-'01
 +
* William A. Childs, 1902
 +
* John R. Haskell, 1903
 +
* Charles E. Drake, 1904
 +
* Frederick W. Johnson, 1905
 +
* Walter S. Estey, 1906
 +
* William W. Holmes, 1907
 +
E. P. Morton and Edward Forbes have been District Deputy Grand Masters, and E. P. Morton was Senior Grand Warden in 1900.
 +
The early Masters were not very fine ritualists, and Horace I. Joslin was the first Master who made an earnest effort, by having the Grand Lectures and by the other usual means, to attain excellence in the work. His successor, Edward F. Smith, was particularly gifted with the memory and presence to continue the good work. Frederick T. Chase, the next in order, not only preserved the excellence of the work but, by earnest devotion to the Lodge and liberal contributions of money, was a great benefactor.
 +
 +
The long list of Masters after his time shows, with no exceptions as to earnest zeal for the welfare of the Craft and hardly any as to good ritual work, a fine record of good Masters, and the teachings and lessons of Masonry have been in good hands.
 +
Eight hundred and forty regular and special meetings have been held, and 356 members have been made and admitted up to the present time.
 +
 +
The following is a list of the members of the Lodge who have been buried with Masonic rites at their own request.
 +
* July 29, 1863, George O. Raymond
 +
* July 7, 1864, A. W. Fullerton
 +
* November 29, 1868, Dan Munyan
 +
* December 21, 1868, John N. Leavens
 +
* November 16, 1871, Otis Stone
 +
* July 30, 1872, William W. Holmes
 +
* October 3, 1872, George Bennett
 +
* December 12, 1872, Seth Woodhead
 +
* December 9, 1874, A. L. Wood
 +
* March 13, 1875, D. W. R. Brackett
 +
* June 28, 1876, Ernest Todd
 +
* February 11, 1879, Amos T. Sly
 +
* March 6, 1881, James H. Chadwick
 +
* August 3, 1883, Benjamin T. Bryden
 +
* November 22, 1884, Henry E. Bugbee
 +
* December 28, 1885, Horace I. Joslin
 +
* January 8, 1886, Leonard Barnes
 +
* March 24, 1886, George Clapp
 +
* July 22, 1886, John Goulding
 +
* November 11, 1886, Dr. Frederick D. Brown
 +
* March 25, 1887, Samuel G. Slater
 +
*  December 13, 1890, George K. Hill 
 +
* March 1, 1891, James Douglas
 +
* May 6, 1893, Moses Barnes
 +
* August 17, 1894, John F. Hinds
 +
* April 15, 1896, Horace Nichols
 +
* January 21, 1898, Frederick T. Chase
 +
* April 21, 1899, Samuel B. Childs
 +
* December 19, 1899, Charles E. Brown
 +
* January 30, 1901, Daniel W. Crosby
 +
* March 20, 1901, Solomon Shumway
 +
* April 21, 1901, Samuel G. Rea
 +
* August 24, 1903, Edward E. Johnson
 +
* November 12, 1905, Cornelius Putnam
 +
* March 13, 1908, Elisha N. Bigelow
 +
 +
And now, Brethren, I have outlined the bare facts of the history of Webster Lodge for these fifty years. It is well to have them collated from Grand Lodge and Lodge records, newspapers, and traditions, and put in this condensed form, that the historian of our one hundredth anniversary may have an easier task.
 +
 +
But this bald statement of facts hardly does justice to the band of earnest spirits who have striven to uphold manfully the pure tenets of our profession through evil and good report, and the Lodge has not only been an influence for good to those who gathered within its folds, but in its teachings and results, an uplift to the community in which it exists.
 +
 +
I am reminded of what our Brother James Douglas, who joined us from a Lodge in Ireland, told me when, the next morning after we had worked the third degree, I asked him how it appeared to him?
 +
 +
"Why," he said, "it is so different from ours; here it seems like a religious ceremony."
 +
 +
So may it ever be when, from the profane world, we enter our Lodge-room. May we feel like one who leaves the noise and bustle of a busy street to enter some fine, old cathedral aisle, perchance sit him down where the light, through stained window, falls upon some monument to knightly devoir and lofty aims, and the swelling strains of organ and choir speak of the upright life here and the beautiful life beyond.
 +
 +
So may we ever meet, act, and part. May the beautiful and holy teachings of our order influence our hearts and minds to brave and true living here, and bright hopes for the life hereafter, when we shall have passed the East Gate.
 +
 +
And may there never be found wanting in Webster Lodge men to raise up and advance high standards of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
 +
 +
E. P. MORTON.
 +
 +
''September 10, 1908''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary with the following officers present, viz:<br>
 +
* Joseph Crawford, Worshipful Master
 +
* William H. Klebart, Senior Warden
 +
* Frank R. Stillman, Junior Warden
 +
* Philip Pearl, Treasurer
 +
* William A. Childs, Secretary
 +
* C. E. Webb, Chaplain
 +
* John R. Haskell, Marshal
 +
* F. W. Taft, Senior Deacon
 +
* F. C. Crawford, Junior Deacon
 +
* A. A. Arnold, Senior Steward
 +
* E. F. Davis, Junior Steward
 +
* H. A. Tenney, Inside Sentinel
 +
* C. J. Walker, Organist
 +
* J. I. Meehan, Tyler<br>
 +
At 6:15 P.M. the Lodge opened on the third degree in form and was called from labor to refreshment. The Brethren then adjourned to partake of a very elaborate banquet. At 8:15 the Lodge was called from refreshment to labor again and received with due Masonic Honors the following members of the Grand Lodge:
 +
* Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMBlake John Albert Blake], Grand Master
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWOdell W. H. L. Odell], Deputy Grand Master
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWBelcher W. M. Belcher], Senior Grand Warden
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLORoberts O. A. Roberts], Junior Grand Warden
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMFlanders D. J. Flanders], P. S. Grand Warden
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMorton E. P. Morton], P. S. Grand Warden
 +
* Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLTDavis T. W. Davis], Recording Grand Secretary
 +
* Right Worshipful H. S. Joslin, District Deputy, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge19_1883-1910 19th District]
 +
* Right Worshipful G. J. Tufts, Grand Marshal<br>
 +
After receiving the Grand Lodge Officers the program for the evening was given. The opening remarks were made by R. W. Homer S. Joslin who acted as Master of Ceremonies. R. W. Elias P. Morton, historian, read the history of Webster Lodge giving a well written account of the past fifty years. Addresses were given by the following Grand Lodge Officers: M. W. John Albert Blake, G. M., R. W. Thomas W. Davis, Recording Grand Secretary, R. W. Oliver A. Roberts, J. G. W. and R. W. George J. Tufts, Grand Marshal.
 +
The Schubert Male Quartette rendered several selections during the evening.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Lodge closed on the third degree in form at 11:30 P.M. and Webster Lodge commenced the second fifty years of its existence.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''April 15, 1912''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication with the following officers present:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
* Edwin F. Davis, Worshipful Master
 +
* Henry Merritt, Senior Warden
 +
* Robert M. Sartain, Junior Warden
 +
* Philip Pearl, Treasurer
 +
* William A. Childs, Secretary
 +
* C. E. Webb, Chaplain
 +
* W. H. Klebart, Marshal
 +
* William Dick, Senior Deacon
 +
* G. H. Bradley, Junior Deacon
 +
* F. W. Johnson, Senior Steward
 +
* M. E. Wood, Junior Steward
 +
* C. M. Nash, Organist
 +
* J. A. Matthews, Inside Sentinel
 +
* James I. Meehan, Tyler<br>
 +
The Lodge opened on the first degree in form. The Marshal of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=JosephWarren Joseph Warren] Lodge of Boston then announced that the Worshipful Master and officers of that Lodge were in waiting in the ante-room to make a fraternal visit to Webster Lodge.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
After the visitors had been duly received by Worshipful Master Edwin F. Davis the Officers of Webster Lodge resigned their chairs to the visiting brethren.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Officers of Joseph Warren Lodge received and initiated William Holt Wallace as an Entered Apprentice. After the work there were speeches and music given by the Beethoven quartette. Lodge closed on the first degree in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Brethren present: 76<br>
 +
Boston Brethren present: 25<br>
 +
Other Brethren present: 65<br>
 +
TOTAL 166
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''March 15, 1915''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication and opened on the third degree in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Right Worshipful Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLFHamilton Frederick W. Hamilton] was escorted to the Lodge-room by a committee, appointed by the Worshipful Master and although his visit was informal he was received with the ceremony due him as Secretary of the Grand Lodge. His address, "The Master Mason and His Ballot," was very interesting and was greatly enjoyed by all the Brethren. A collation was served after the address.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''October 18, 1915''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication with the following officers present:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
* George H. Bradley, Worshipful Master
 +
* John A. Matthews, Senior Warden
 +
* James A. Lobban, Junior Warden
 +
* Philip Pearl, Treasurer
 +
* William A. Childs, Secretary
 +
* Henry Merritt, Chaplain
 +
* W. H. Klebart, Marshal
 +
* H. L. Lee, Senior Deacon
 +
* J. G. Scott, Junior Deacon
 +
* A. D. Healy, Senior Steward
 +
* M. S. Freeman, Junior Steward
 +
* C. W. Wiles, Inside Sentinel
 +
* James I. Meehan, Tyler<br>
 +
<br>
 +
This special communication was held for the purpose of having the Brethren meet Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin M. Johnson], who had been invited to make the Lodge a fraternal visit. Webster Lodge opened at 7:15 P.M. on the third degree in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Grand Marshal announced the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master in an adjoining room and the Worshipful Master appointed a committee to escort him to the Lodge-room.  Worshipful Master Bradley introduced the Most Worshipful Grand Master to the Brethren. Shortly after a procession was formed and all marched to the banquet hall where supper was served.
 +
On returning to the Lodge-room the Brethren were called from refreshment to labor again and the following program was rendered:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
* Selection by the Lodge Orchestra
 +
* Address by the Rev. Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJBreaker J. C. Breaker] of Worcester
 +
* Song by Worshipful Brother Edwin F. Davis
 +
* Speech by Right Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLWFarrington William M. Farrington]
 +
* Violin solo by Brother C. H. Straube
 +
* Song by Worshipful Brother William Dick
 +
* Address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master
 +
* Recitation by Worshipful Brother William Dick<br>
 +
The Most Worshipful Grand Master and his Marshal then retired and the Lodge closed in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Members present, 106<br>
 +
Visitors, 34<br>
 +
TOTAL, 140
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''May 7, 1917''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
The Worshipful Master announced in the Lodge that Nokomis Chapter No. 128, Order of the Eastern Star, had made a gift of the beautiful silk flag on display on the Master's Carpet to Webster Lodge. It was accepted with enthusiasm. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by the members and a vote of thanks given to the Eastern Star.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''October 1, 1917''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
At a regular communication held on this date it was voted to provide a duplicate Charter to be hung in the Lodge room. It was also voted to establish an Honor Roll of the members of Webster Lodge who should serve in the Great War.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''January 7, 1918''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
The Officers and Past Matrons of Nokomis Chapter No. 128, Order of Eastern Star, presented the Lodge with a Service Flag
 +
bearing ten stars.  More were added later, denoting that during the war seventeen members were in the service.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Brother William Eaton Sherwood, the first name on the Honor Roll, made the supreme sacrifice.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''November 3, 1919''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
At a regular communication on this date, Charles W. Wiles, Worshipful Master, an amendment to the By-Laws was voted raising the admission fee to the sum of Fifty dollars. Five dollars to be paid on application, Fifteen on entering, Fifteen when passed and Fifteen on being raised. It was also voted to establish a building fund.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
At a regular communication held June 22, 1926, Ralph T. Larchar, Worshipful Master, it was the pleasure of the Lodge to receive from Worshipful Brother John M. Crawford a legacy of $5,000 in bonds from the estate of our late Brother Irving Wood specifying that the interest only should be used for relief work. Worshipful Brother Crawford read a short, interesting history of the life of Brother Wood. A Bronze Memorial has been placed in the Lodge Room in memory of Brother Wood.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''December 30, 1920''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
The Lodge opened on the third degree in form and the Marshal presented Worshipful Brother William N. Leavens to the East. Worshipful Brother James A. Lobban presented to him a Henry Price medal on behalf of the Grand Master, Leon M. Abbott. Worshipful Brother Leavens had been a member of Webster Lodge for 58 years.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''May 2, 1921''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a regular communication. The Lodge opened on the third degree in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Worshipful Master instructed the Marshal to present Worshipful Brother Wyman E. Phetteplace to the East. Worshipful Brother John M. Crawford presented to him on behalf of the Grand Master a Henry Price medal in honor of his fifty years Masonic membership.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''May 2, 1922''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a special communication and opened on the third degree in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Worshipful Master then announced that the Officers of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Germania Germania] Lodge, of Boston, were present to work the second section of the third degree, a portion of which would be done in the German language. He then called Worshipful Brother Loewenberg, Worshipful Master of Germania Lodge, and asked him to address the Brethren. This he did with a short but well chosen speech.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The Officers of Webster Lodge worked the first section and the Officers of Germania Lodge the second section.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Members present, 73<br>
 +
Visitors, 34<br>
 +
TOTAL, 107
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''May 16, 1927''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Webster Lodge held a regular communication on this date. The Lodge opened at 6:15 P.M. with the following officers present:<br>
 +
* Robert E. Straube, Worshipful Master
 +
* Horace Trull, Senior Warden
 +
* William Dick, 2d, Junior Warden
 +
* Philip Pearl, Treasurer
 +
* Chester A. Wheeler, Chaplain
 +
* Frank R. Stiliman, Secretary
 +
* Ralph T. Larchar, Marshal
 +
* Ernest A. Joslin, Senior Deacon
 +
* Charles M. Leavens, Junior Deacon
 +
* Stanley Chambers, Senior Steward
 +
* William E. T. Small, Junior Steward
 +
* Edward E. Emerson, Inside Sentinel
 +
* Thomas Scott, Tyler<br>
 +
Most Worshipful Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMSimpson Frank L. Simpson] was received in due form. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and the Brethren retired to the banquet hall where a special supper was served. After the refreshment the Lodge returned to the Lodge-room. A musical program was rendered by the pupils of the Bartlett High School. Worshipful Brother James A. Lobban acted as Master of Ceremonies. Remarks were made by District Deputy G. M. Carlton H. White, by Right Worshipful Brother Harold Fenner of the 19th District and Right Worshipful Brother Herbert P. Bagley, Past D. G. M., a present member of the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge. The principal address of the evening was made by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Frank L. Simpson. His remarks were most pleasing, interesting and instructive.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
His visitation was one of the 230 or more visits made by him to the different Lodges in the State during the past year. After his talk the Most Worshipful Grand Master asked to retire. The Lodge then took up the regular work of the meeting.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Lodge closed in form.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Members present: 39<br>
 +
Visitors: 40<br>
 +
TOTAL: 79
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''October 15, 1928''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
At a regular communication held on this date with Horace Trull, Worshipful Master, a legacy from the estate of our late Brother, Henry J. Clark, was presented to the Lodge by his daughter, Miss Mary Clark, according to the terms of his will, the interest only to be used for relief work. A suitable letter of acknowledgment was sent Miss Clark in appreciation of her Father's generosity.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''December 15, 1930''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
At a regular communication held this date, Charles M. Leavens, Worshipful Master, a communication was read from Mrs. Fannie D. Pearl, the widow of our late Brother Philip Pearl, presenting to the Lodge the sum of $500.00 to be used at the discretion of the Lodge with the request that mention of this gift be made only among members of the Brotherhood. The thanks of the Lodge were expressed in the following letter to Mrs. Pearl.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
''December 17, 1930''<br>
 +
Dear Mrs. Pearl:<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Webster Lodge, A. F. & A. M., accepts with deep appreciation your gift of $500.00 to the Lodge in memory of your husband and of our late honored Brother Philip Pearl.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
It will be held as loving tribute to his steadfast loyalty and interest in the Lodge and serve as a lasting memorial to his name and to your thoughtful generosity.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
With the gratitude and the best wishes of the Lodge,<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Respectfully<br>
 +
Ralph T. Larchar<br>
 +
Secretary<br>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
''June 19, 1933''
 +
<blockquote>
 +
At a regular communication, George C. Marble, Worshipful Master, Brother Charles Brown presented through the Secretary, Worshipful Brother Ralph T. Larchar, a gift of $250.00 from the estate of Miss Anna E. Brown in memory of their Father, Worshipful Brother Charles E. Brown, who was the second Master of Webster Lodge in 1860. It was received with appreciation by the Lodge and a vote of thanks extended to Brother Brown.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
The last twenty-five years may be regarded as a period of prosperity for Webster Lodge and we have kept strong in the Spirit of Masonry,strong in numbers, and strong financially even in the country's lean years.
 +
 +
From September, 1908 to September, 1933, Webster Lodge has admitted 305 regular members, has rejected by ballot 85 and has held 245 Regular Communications and 246 Special ones. It has always been the policy of the Lodge to keep its standard of membership very high.
 +
 +
We hope that the next Quarter of a Century will bring only good fortune to Webster Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
 +
 +
==== CENTENARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1958 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1958-194:''
 +
 +
''By Worshipful George C. Marble.''
 +
 +
Booklets published on our 50th and 75th Anniversaries respectively carry a complete outline of various important occasions during our first seventy-five years. For that reason, this present outline will dwell only with the actual forming of Webster Lodge with the events leading up to it and then go on to give the highlights of the last twenty-five years up to the present time.
 +
 +
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held December 10, 1856, it was "Voted that [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OliveBranch Olive Branch] Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular meetings alter nately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."
 +
 +
Another action of the Grand Lodge at that same Communication is recorded thus: "Voted, that the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."
 +
 +
These records quoted above show that fifteen Brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad roads to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge at Webster. Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster Brethren, therefore had met the petition by a compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.
 +
 +
But compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings were held in Webster, when in August 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.
 +
 +
In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard John T. Heard], reported:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster to Brothers Charles E. Blair (W.M.), C. E. Brown (S.W.), George Clapp  (J.W.),  Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherington, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Gates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Holman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge and approved by R.M. Levi Rawson, D.D.G.M., of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT4_1849-66 Fourth District], dispensation to be returned in September 1859. The greater part, if not all the Brethren named are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past met alternately at Sutton and Webster and it is therefore believed that the convenience of all the Brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
The list of names mentioned above, comprising many leading men of the town and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its Charter and missed no meeting through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion through evil and good report.
 +
 +
The effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster as many still looked askance at any demonstration of Masonry but nothing deterred these enthusiastic Brethren and they went straight to work. The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons to that extent.
 +
 +
From that early beginning in September 1858, Webster Lodge has prospered through good times and bad under the leadership of a good corps of officers headed by Worshipful Masters who all did their best  for Webster Lodge.
 +
 +
These last twenty-five years, however, will probably be the most memorable in the history of our Lodge and it is safe to say that the last five years stand out the most. Although many notable things have happened, the climax of them all was, without doubt, the action started so that we might have our own Masonic Temple.
 +
 +
Several attempts were made in the past to have Webster Lodge purchase land or a building or both, yet for various reasons these attempts were not successful, so for many years we rented, finally leasing our quarters on Main Street.
 +
 +
However, early in 1952 with some groundwork already done by Wor. Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., and his Building Committee, together with a survey conducted by Wor. A. Rodney Klebart as to what financial prospects were available, a real attempt was made for us to have our own Masonic Temple.
 +
 +
Under date of November 17, 1952, with A. Rodney Klebart as Worshipful Master, a committee was appointed to look into the matter of a new Masonic Temple. Over a period of several months and with several changes in the original committee, together with considerable discussion, personal contacts, canvassing and letter writing, a decision was made.
 +
 +
By a vote of Webster Lodge under date of March 16, 1953, a committee was appointed consisting of the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, and six Past Masters to serve as incorporators of a Masonic Building Association. This association was to proceed at once with the raising of funds and construction of a Masonic Temple on the site offered to us as a gift by Worshipful Brother William A. R. Klebart.
 +
(Note: Under date of April 20, 1953, by vote of Webster Lodge, seven new members were added to the above-mentioned committee.)
 +
Application for a Charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was made by the following Brethren, all members of Webster Lodge: Oscar Conrad, Charles B. Robba, George C. Marble, Dexter E. Bannister, Harold E. Chafee, Stanley H. Chambers, George C. K. Duff, Alfred S. Erlich, A. Rodney Klebart, Anthony T. Lawida, Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., Horace Trull, Abraham Heller, William A. R. Klebart, Julius Wilson and John Zalla.
 +
Under date of May 28, 1953, a Charter was granted to the Webster Masonic Charitable and Educational Association Incorporated  whose voting members had  to be members of Webster Lodge and then started the task of actually raising funds, which was not easy, yet we were given great assistance from numerous sources. Together with the Building Fund of Webster Lodge, cash donations and pledges, and a very substantial bequest from our late Brother Myron S. Freeman and his wife Marion C. Freeman, we had the means with which to start building our new Temple. In August 1955, ground was broken for the erection of  this  Temple.
 +
 +
Under date of August 27, 1956, we held the ceremony of the "Laying of the Corner-stone" and this ceremony was performed by the then Most Worshipful Grand Master, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWJohnson Whitfield W. Johnson], now an Honorary Member of Webster Lodge, and he was assisted by a Suite from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
 +
 +
Much work has been done since then and by many, whose names would be too numerous to mention, and under date of April 15, 1957, we held our first meeting in our new Masonic Temple. It was really a gala evening. We have been meeting here since that time while more work was being done, and now with the interior mostly complete, we can be proud to say that we have our own Masonic Temple.
 +
 +
Tonight, on the 100th Anniversary of Webster Lodge, what could be more fitting for the occasion than the dedication of our new Temple. We are proud to have with us on this "great and important occasion" our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins and a Suite of Grand Lodge Officers to dedicate the new Temple and join with us in the celebration of our 100th Anniversary. There is more work to be done in and about the Temple, but what has already been accomplished may best be stated by again repeating the inscription which appears on the Memorial Plaque located inside the entrance to the Temple, which reads as follows:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
This Temple, erected on land given by Wor. Bro. William A. R. Klebart in memory of his father, Bro. William C. Klebart, was made possible by the  generous bequest of our late Bro. Myron S. Freeman and his wife, Marion C. Freeman. Their bequest together with funds given by members of Webster Lodge, interested Sojourners and friends and the contribution of time, labor and even parts of the Temple itself were a vital part in the completion of the Temple.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
<hr>
 +
 +
=== EVENTS ===
 +
 +
==== CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, SEPTEMBER 1859 ====
 +
 +
''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 12, October 1859, Page 384:''
 +
 +
On Thursday evening, Sept. 22d, the Grand Lodge constituted Webster Lodge, at Webster, and installed the officers as follows:
 +
* C. E. Brown, Master;
 +
* W. Heberington and George O. Raymond, Wardens;
 +
* Geo. Clapp, T.;
 +
* S. A. Tingier, S.:
 +
* Wm. W. Holmes and Cornelius Putnam, D.;
 +
* Lyman Sheldon, M.;
 +
* Dan Munyan, T.
 +
 +
At the conclusion of the ceremonies brief addresses were made by Grand Master Heard, C. W. Moore and W. W. Wheildon.
 +
 +
The Grand Lodge was represented on these occasions by the M. W. John T. Heard, G. M.; R. W. Charles W. Moore end Henry Goddard as G. Wardens; R W. Wm. D. Coolidge as G. Sec.; Wm. W. Wheildon as G. T.; Peter C. Jones as G. M.; Ehen V. Gay, G. Tyler. R. W. John A. Dana, of Worcester, Diet. Deputy, also assisted the Grand Master at Webster. At each place, notwithstanding the severe rain storm, visiting Brethren from Worcester and neighboring towns were present.
 +
 +
==== HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1873 ====
 +
 +
''From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 1, January 1874, Page 54:''
 +
 +
The New Masonic Hall of Webster Lodge was dedicated to Masonic purposes on the twelfth instant by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson], assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge. This new hall will afford the Brethren of this Lodge better facilities for the practice of our rites than the old one destroyed by fire; and they have shown a commendable zeal and enterprise in fitting and furnishing their neat and well-arranged apartments.
 +
 +
The newly-elected officers of the Lodge were installed the same evening, in Ample Form, at the Methodist Church, which was filled, even to crowding, by the Brethren and their invited guests.
 +
 +
==== INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 1984 ====
 +
 +
''From '''TROWEL''', Spring 1985, Page 31:''
 +
 +
An open installation on Oct. 20, 1984, saw Master-elect Harold R. Logan installed as successor to the office held by his father Wor. John K. Logan, in Webster Lodge, Webster, MA, in the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABlackstone20_1927-2003 Blackstone 20th Masonic District].
 +
 +
The Ancient Charges in the ritual were recited by Bro. Logan's brother, Wor. John K. Logan, Jr., Master of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Brigham Brigham] Lodge in Ludlow, MA.
 +
 +
Special presentations were made to R. W. L. Sargent Clifford and R.W. William J. Ziaja, Jr., for their service to the Craft while performing the duties of D. D. G. M. of the Blackstone 20th District during their respective terms. A special award was given to Wor. Norman Burgess for his 38 years of dedicated service to Masonry. ''(Thanks to Wor. John K. Logan, TROWEL representative, for info.)''
 +
 +
<hr>
 +
 +
=== GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ===
 +
 +
* Harold E. Chafee, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1935, 1936; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesAG#CHAFEE.2C_HAROLD_EVENDON_1892-1986 SN]'''
 +
* Oscar Conrad, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1967, 1968; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesAG#CONRAD.2C_OSCAR_1908-1973 N]'''
 +
* George C. K. Duff, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1943, 1944; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesAG#DUFF.2C_GEORGE_CRUICKSHANK_KEMP_1906-1981 N]'''
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHFolger Harry Paine Folger, II], Grand Chaplain 1962-1965
 +
* Edward Forbes, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge19_1883-1910 District 19 (Southbridge)], 1900; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesAG#FORBES.2C_EDWARD_1864-1931 SN]'''
 +
* John R. Haskell, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1911-1926 District 20 (Southbridge)], 1911, 1912; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesHM#HASKELL.2C_JOHN_ROBERT_1872-1921 SN]'''
 +
* William W. Holmes, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1911-1926 District 20 (Southbridge)], 1917, 1918; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersH#HOLMES.2C_WILLIAM_W._1874-1933 Memorial]'''
 +
* Ralph T. Larchar, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1935, 1936; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesHM#LARCHAR.2C_RALPH_TRESCOTTE_1874-1959 N]'''
 +
* ''Harold R. Logan'', DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1991, 1992
 +
* ''Anselme B. Maxime'', DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT24_2003andAfter District 24], 2021
 +
* [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLEMorton Elias P. Morton], DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge19_1883-1910 District 19 (Southbridge)], 1887, 1888, 1889; Senior Grand Warden 1900
 +
* ''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJShaw John C. Shaw, Sr.]'', Grand Chaplain 2004-2009
 +
* Carlton H. White, DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#SOUTHBRIDGE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Southbridge)], 1927, 1928; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASuppNecrologiesSZ#WHITE.2C_CARLTON_HENRY_1883-1945 SN]'''
 +
* William J. Ziaja, Jr., DDGM, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#BLACKSTONE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Blackstone)], 1979, 1980; '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MANecrologiesSZ#ZIAJA.2C_WILLIAM_JOHN.2C_JR..2C_1930-1995 N]'''
 +
 +
=== OTHER BROTHERS ===
 +
 +
* Thomas Elmer Chase, '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersC#CHASE.2C_THOMAS_ELMER_1930-2008 Biography]'''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 171: Line 1,299:
 
=== DISTRICTS ===
 
=== DISTRICTS ===
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1867 1867]: District 11 (Worcester)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1858 1858]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MADISTRICT4_1849-66 District 4]
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1870 1870]: District 12 (Milford)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1867 1867]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAWorcester11_1867-1882 District 11 (Worcester)]
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1871 1871]: District 11 (Worcester)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1870 1870]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAMilford12_1867-1882 District 12 (Milford)]
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1883 1883]: District 19 (Southbridge)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1871 1871]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAWorcester11_1867-1882 District 11 (Worcester)]
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]: District 20 (Southbridge)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1883 1883]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge19_1883-1910 District 19 (Southbridge)]
  
[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1931 1931]: District 20 (Blackstone)
+
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1911 1911]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1911-1926 District 20 (Southbridge)]
 +
 
 +
'''[http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear1927 1927]''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MASouthbridge20_1927-2003#SOUTHBRIDGE_20TH_DISTRICT District 20 (Southbridge)]
 +
 
 +
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Latest revision as of 18:47, 28 December 2020

WEBSTER LODGE

Location: Webster

Chartered By: John T. Heard

Charter Date: 09/14/1859 VI-258

Precedence Date: 09/10/1858

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Charles E. Blair, 1859, 1861
  • Charles E. Brown, 1860
  • Hiram Allen, 1862, 1863
  • Horace I. Joslin, 1864, 1865, 1872, 1873
  • Edward F. Smith, 1866, 1867, 1871, 1883
  • Frederick T. Chase, 1868-1870
  • Samuel Slater, 1874
  • Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875
  • James I. Meehan, 1876
  • Cortland Wood, 1877
  • Samuel B. Childs, 1878
  • Elias P. Morton, 1879-1881
  • William Levens, 1882
  • John M. Crawford, 1884
  • Prentiss Howard, 1885, 1886
  • Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887, 1888
  • Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889, 1890
  • William Eddy, 1891, 1892
  • George A. Blackman, 1893-1895
  • Henry J. Clarke, 1896, 1897
  • Edward Forbes, 1898, 1899; SN
  • Charles M. Clark, 1900, 1901
  • William A. Childs, 1902
  • John R. Haskell, 1903; SN
  • Charles E. Drake, 1904
  • Frederick W. Johnson, 1905
  • Walter S. Estey, 1906
  • William W. Holmes, 1907; Memorial
  • Joseph Crawford, 1908
  • William H. Klebart, 1909
  • John W. Dobbie, 1910
  • Frank R. Stillman, 1911
  • Edwin F. Davis, 1912
  • Henry Merritt, 1913
  • William Dick, Sr., 1914
  • George H. Bradley, 1915
  • John H. Matthews, 1916
  • James H. Lobban, 1917
  • Homer L. Lee, 1918
  • Charles W. Wiles, 1919
  • William Wallace, 1920
  • Ernest A. Joslin, 1921
  • Carlton H. White, 1922; SN
  • William F. Sims, 1923
  • Sidney C. Crawford, 1924
  • John B. Morgan, 1925
  • Ralph T. Larchar, 1926; N
  • Robert E. Straube, 1927
  • Horace Trull, 1928
  • William Dick, II, 1929
  • Spaulding Bartlett, 1930
  • Charles M. Leavens, 1931
  • James C. Buffum, 1932
  • George C. Marble, 1933
  • Harold E. Chafee, 1934; SN
  • George C. Littlefield, 1935
  • Ernest F. Wilson, 1936
  • Vernon L. Wilson, 1937
  • Richard E. Seifert, 1938
  • Leslie B. Howard, 1939
  • Oscar D. Rogers, 1940
  • Edmund A. Redlitz, 1941
  • George C. K. Duff, 1942; N
  • William A. R. Klebart, 1943
  • Jay E. Clough, 1944
  • William Weinberg, 1945
  • Russell W. Nadeau, 1946
  • Arthur H. Klebart, 1947
  • Howard S. Baker, 1948
  • Oscar Conrad, 1949; N
  • Arthur D. Healy, 1950
  • Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., 1951
  • A. Rodney Klebart, 1952
  • John Zalla, 1953
  • Stanley H. Chambers, 1954
  • Dexter E. Bannister, 1955
  • Daniel P. Clark, 1956
  • John P. Trull, 1957
  • A. Earl Hughes, 1958
  • E. Vernon Davis, 1959
  • Earl K. Moore, 1960
  • Norman Burgess, 1961
  • Gordon S. Dole, 1962
  • Vasil V. Condos, 1963
  • Robert L. Spahl, 1964
  • Kenneth W. Davis, 1965
  • Richard J. Trudell, 1966
  • Albert F. Donald, 1967
  • Clarence Jodoin, 1968
  • Roy W. Naumann, 1969
  • Stanley P. Tanca, 1970
  • Albert E. Kilian, 1971
  • Edward G. Starr, Sr., 1972
  • Carl A. Taylor, 1973
  • Ronald W. Siegmund, 1974, 1981
  • Stanley R. Bachand, 1975
  • William J. Ziaja, Jr., 1976, 1982; N
  • Gilbert J. Thibeault, 1977
  • John C. Shaw, Sr., 1978, 1983
  • Kenneth R. Patri, 1979, 1987, 1988
  • David W. Armstrong, 1980
  • John K. Logan, 1984
  • Harold R. Logan, 1985, 1986; PDDGM
  • Wayne S. Kilian, 1989
  • Michael J. Spahl, 1990
  • Stephen D. Chickering, 1991
  • Richard P. Clark, 1992
  • Wesley S. Stevens, Jr., 1993
  • Roy L. Abbott, 1994
  • Norbert L. Savard, Jr., 1995
  • Gary L. Kilian, 1996, 2003
  • Torrey W. Wallace, 1997, 2008
  • Jay R. Spahl, 1998, 2006
  • Thomas Houston, 1999
  • Donald J. Davidson, Jr., 2000, 2004
  • John L. Dyson, 2001
  • Jonathan C. Way, III, 2002
  • Eben A. Nash, 2005
  • Mark B. Sutor, 2007
  • Donald J. Davidson, Sr., 2009
  • Kenneth M. Wilson, Jr., 2010, 2011
  • Daniel E. Violette, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1858
  • Petition for Charter: 1859

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1908 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1933 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1958 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1871 1872 1874 1878 1883 1904 1907 1908 1909 1911 1913 1919 1924 1927 1930 1931 1936 1939 1944 1949 1950 1951 1957 1968 1975 1977 1979 1991 1998 2010 2011 2012

HISTORY

  • 1908 (50th Anniversary History, Not in Proceedings; see below)
  • 1933 (75th Anniversary History, 1933-370; see below)
  • 1958 (Centenary History, 1958-194; see below)

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1908

WebsterHistoryCover.jpg

From Anniversary Booklet, published by the Lodge in September 1908:

WEBSTER LODGE 1858-1908
Fiftieth Anniversary of Webster Lodge
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons
WEBSTER MASSACHUSETTS
SEPTEMBER THE TENTH
Nineteen Hundred and Eight

Webster Lodge has not a charter member, nor a Past Master of the old days, now living, and the only one living of the fifteen members made during the year of the dispensation is George Tracy, who we are greatly pleased to have with us to-night, and to whom the historian is indebted for some light on those old, gone-by days.

WebsterGeorgeTracy.jpg
Bro. George Tracy: Only living member admitted during the Dispensation

At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, held December 10th, 1856, it was

"Voted, That Olive Branch Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular monthly communications alternately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."

And another action of the Grand Lodge at that same communication is recorded thus:

"Voted, That the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."

These records show that the fifteen brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad road's to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge in Webster, which Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster brethren, met by this compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.

But compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge were held in Webster, when, in August, 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.

In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10th, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful John T. Heard reports:

"Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster, to Brothers Charles K. Blair (W. M.), C. E. Brown (S. W.), George Clapp (J. W.), Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, .Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherhigton, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Cates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Kolman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge, and approved by R. W. Levi Rawson, D. D. G. M. of the Fourth District, dispensation to be returned in September, 1859. The greater part, if not all the brethren named, are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past, met alternately at Sutton and Webster, and it is therefore believed that the convenience! of all the brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge."

This list of names is good stock, comprising many leading men of the town, and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its charter, and missed no meeting, through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion to Masonry through evil and good report.

And the effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster, many still looking askance at any demonstration of Masonry.

But nothing deterred these enthusiastic brethren and they went straight to work.

The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons so much.


WebsterBaptistChurch.jpg
Old Baptist Church
1858-1859

The following is a transcript of the record of the first meeting, in the handwriting of William Hetherington, the first secretary:

Webster, Sept. 20, 5858.

Webster Lodge held a special communication for the transaction of business, the following brethren being present, viz.: W. M. Charles E. Blair, S. W. Charles E. Brown, J. W. William T. Shumway, Brother Cornelius Putnam, W. Hether-ngton, George Clapp, Pardon Stone, Lyman Sheldon.

Lodge opened on the third degree of Free Masonry in due form.

Voted, That Brother W. Hetherington be Secretary of Webster Lodge.

Voted, That Brother George Clapp be Treasurer of Webster Lodge.

Worshipful Master appointed John L. Harris Senior Deacon, and Cornelius Putnam, Junior Deacon of Webster Lodge, and Pardon Stone, Tyler.

W. Hetherington was chosen a committee to procure a new set of jewels, collars, clothing, ballot-box, gavels, etc., for the use of Webster Lodge.

William T. Shumway was chosen a committee to procure the books and stationery necessary for the use of the Lodge and officers.

Lodge closed on the degree of Master Mason in due form.

Charles E. Brown, Secretary, pro tem.

Later, Lyman Sheldon was appointed Marshal.

It will be seen that, for some reason not now known, Brother George Clapp, named in the dispensation as Junior Warden, was elected Treasurer, and Brother William T. Shumway, whose name, through some oversight, does not appear on the dispensation nor on the charter, was elected Junior Warden.

Brother Shumway was certainly a member of some Lodge, probably of Olive Branch, and was an active worker in the first year of the Lodge.

October 1st, the first application for degrees is recorded as that of George O. Raymond, and at that meeting it was voted that the regular communications be held on the first Tuesday on or before the full moon of every month.

October 19th was the first regular communication, and Rev. Lucius Holmes was admitted to membership, and appointed Chaplain.

The first work was done at a special, October 25th, when George O. Raymond and Leonard Barnes received the degree of Entered Apprentice, and November 4th, George Tracy was initiated.

February 28th, 1859, a committee, W. W. Holmes, W. Hetherington and Lyman Sheldon, was appointed to procure a hall.

The brethren were early convinced of the necessity of correct work, and March 15th, it was voted that an application be made for a Grand Lecturer to instruct in the work, and March 28th, Caleb Rand, Charlestown, came for that purpose.

April 12th, "Voted, That Webster Lodge make a present of twelve and one-half dollars to the Baptist Society of Webster, in consideration for the use of Masonic Hall for six months, from September, 1858, to April, 1859."

The fees for degrees were fixed at twenty dollars, of which fifteen was paid at initiation, and five when raised, and the dues were one dollar per year. At the first annual communication August 9th, 1859, C- E. Brown acting as Worshipful Master, and Seymour A. Tingier, Secretary, a code of bylaws was adopted.

September 6th, Worshipful Master C. E. Blair, Worshipful Master-elect C. E. Brown, and Brother William Hetherington, were voted a committee to attend the Grand Lodge, and present the records and by-laws and petition asking for a charter.

The following brethren had been received during the period of dispensation: George O. Raymond, Leonard Barnes, George Tracy, William H. Davis, Henry E. Bugbee, Samuel C. Brown, Elisha N. Bigelow, Harrison G. Corbin, L. C. Parks (of Oxford), Charles Wade, Seymour A. Tingier, George W. Emerson, Warren Marsh (of Southbridge), Solomon Shumway, Horace I. Joslin, Rev. Lucius Holmes, Levi Bartlett, and Dr. F. D. Brown had been admitted to membership from other Lodges.

Nine of the names given in the dispensation for a Lodge, do not appear on the charter. These brethren were resident in Oxford, and the success attending the year of Webster Lodge, had encouraged them to ask for a dispensation for Oxford Lodge, which was granted September 17th, 1859. The committee to go to the meeting of the Grand Lodge attended to their duty, and the following is an extract from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge Quarterly, held September 14th, 1859.

"The dispensation, records, etc., of Webster Lodge were presented and referred to Brothers Martin, Patterson and Sampson, which committee subsequently offered the following report, which was adopted:

Most Worshipful Grand Master :

The committee appointed to examine the records and by-laws of Webster Lodge, have attended to that duty, and respectfully report as follows: Your committee find the records to have been very neatly kept, and that the proceedings of the Lodge have been very correct. Also, that the by-laws of said Lodge are found to be in accordance with the constitutions of the said Lodge.

Finally, your committee recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted.

A charter was accordingly issued, and the following brethren appear in the order named: W. Hetherington, Charles E. Blair, Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, C. E. Brown, W. W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, George Clapp, Pardon Stone.

The charter is dated September 15th, 1859. precedence declared to be September 10th, 1858, and was signed by John T. Heard, G. M., Lorenzo H. Gamwell, S. G. W., Charles Robbins, J. G. W., and Charles W. Moore, G. S.

The following is the next record of interest, in the handwriting of Seymour A. Tingier, a young lawyer, who had been received during the dispensation:

Webster, Sept. 22, 1859.

Webster Lodge assembled for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The following brethren were present, viz.: Charles E. Blair, Charles E. Brown, George O. Raymond, W. Hetherington, George Clapp, S. A. Tingier, W. W. Holmes, Cornelius Putnam, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Otis Stone, W. H. Davis, Pardon Stone, Solomon Shumway, Leonard Barnes, George W. Emerson, William T. Shumway, Harrison G. Corhin, John L. Harris, L. C. Parks, George Tracy, H. I. Joslin.

Visiting brethren from Olive Branch Lodge, Elihu Harwood, L. H. Cleveland; Jerusalem Lodge, A. H. Ward.

Lodge was called to order, and the officers of the Grand Lodge entered, viz. :

  • Most Worshipful John T. Heard, Grand Master.
  • Right Worshipful Charles W. Moore, Deputy Grand Master.
  • Right Worshipful Henry Goddard, S. G. W.
  • Right Worshipful John A. Dana, J. G. W.
  • Right Worshipful W. W. Wheildon, G. T.
  • W. D. Coolidge, G. S.

  • Right Worshipful Peter C. Jones, G. M.
  • Brother Eben F. Fay, G. T.


Grand Lodge opened on the second degree of Free Masonry in ample form, and performed the solemn and interesting ceremony of constituting Webster Lodge.

Grand Lodge then installed the following officers elect of Webster Lodge, viz.: Charles E. Brown, W. M., W. Hetherington, S. W., G. O. Raymond, J. W., George Clapp, Treas., S. A. Tingier, Sec, Lyman Sheldon, M., W. W. Holmes, S. D., Cornelius Putnam, J. D., Dan. Munyan, Tyler.

Grand Lodge then closed on the degree of Fellow Craft in ample form. S. A. Tingier, Sec."

Brothers Davis, Shumway and Joslin, who were present, had received only the first and second degrees, which probably accounts for the peculiar record. The brethren gave the grand officers good entertainment at the Joslin House, but felt too poor to indulge themselves in the same way.

However the "Times" of November 10th, 1859, has this item:

"Members of the Masonic Lodges of Worcester and Southbridge were entertained by their brethren here, at Joslin's Hotel, on Tuesday evening. A supper, sentiments etc., were the order of the occasion."

December 6th, 1859, we have a record:

"A petition was received from S. A. Drake and others of Southbridge, asking that the consent of the Lodge be given to the formation of a Lodge at Southbridge.

Voted, that the consent of the Lodge be given."

This was the first meeting in the hall in Morris' new block, just built at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets.

The committee saw Mr. Morris and reported that the hall could be had for one hundred dollars per year. The Lodge voted to take it, if it could be had at seventy-five, and it was finally leased at eighty, a good example of the old Yankee "truck and dicker."

This was the Masonic home for eight years, some of thern very prosperous ones. But the ground seems to have been pretty well covered during the year of the dispensation, and the three years including 1861 brought but eight additional members.

The Webster Times tells of the first celebration of St. John's Day on Saturday, June 23rd, 1860. Guests from Olive Branch, Quinebaug, and Oxford Lodges were present, also the ladies. The address was given by Brother Rev. Lucius Holmes.

A procession was formed, headed by the Webster Cornet Band, which proceeded to the new Engine Hall, where dinner was served by Brother H. I. Joslin, after which many toasts were responded to by visiting and local brethren. Stewards were appointed for the first time in 1860.

October 23rd, 1860, we have the first record of a visitation by a District Deputy Grand Master, and the official, according to the records, attended by no suite, was Right Worshipful Daniel W. Taft, of Uxbridge, after, in 1902, Senior Grand Warden.

August 8th, 1862, the following appears on the records: "Voted, that the Secretary inform the Grand Lodge of the enlistment for the war of Brothers George O. Raymond and James H. Chadwick."

September 17th, 1862, Grand Lecturer E. D. Bancroft conferred the second and third degrees, under dispensation, on Noel E. Converse and William N. Leavens, they being about to leave for the war. Other dispensations were granted for the same reason.

The Senior Warden of the Lodge for 1861 was killed at Gettysburg, and his widow, going there for his body, was greatly assisted by the Masonic Lodge there, and we find the following on record:

"Whereas, the fate of war has removed from earth George O. Raymond, late Senior Warden of Webster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, therefore Resolved: That a noble man has fallen in a noble cause, that this Lodge has lost a worthy member, his family a kind husband and father, and our country a brave soldier and unselfish patriot.

  • Resolved: That we will cherish his memory and seek to emulate his virtues.
  • Resolved: That to his family and relatives we extend our kindest sympathies in their bereavement.
  • Resolved: That to our brothers, the members of the Good Samaritan Lodge of F. and A. M., at Gettysburg, we tender our thanks for the kind aid extended to his wife in removing the body of her husband from the battlefield to his home for burial.'"

Brother Raymond was the first initiated under the dispensation and became an active and zealous member of the Lodge. He was buried by the Lodge, with Masonic rites, July 29th, 1863.

Seven members of the Lodge went into the Civil War and did good service for their country in that struggle for the union of states.

October 14th, 1864, Worshipful H. I. Joslin, Master, the Lodge attended the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston.

March 7th, 1865, the committee appointed to take an inventory of the property of the Lodge "reported the Lodge to have on hand 8449.32 worth of property, appraised at gold or par value."

This was modest as to dollars, but from 1862 to 1866 the Lodge was prosperous as to members, and many men of good standing in the community, who have since been supports of the Lodge and good workers therein, were made Masons. September 4th, 1866, the fees were raised to thirty dollars—five on application, ten on first degree, ten on second degree, and five on taking the Master Mason's degree, and have remained so until now.

October 8th, 1866, "Voted, that Webster Lodge, if a chapter be formed, allow said chapter to use the hall for their meetings." The chapter was formed and had its home with the Lodge until 1872, when it was transferred to Southbridge, and since then members of Webster Lodge, wishing the capitular degrees, have had to take them in Doric Chapter of Southbridge. Rev. Brother George J. Sanger was the first Most Excellent High Priest, and Worshipful Brothers Fred T. Chase and Edward F. Smith held that office while the chapter was in Webster.

In 1866, Brother Cyrus Spaulding built a brick block (nearly every building in Webster was wooden then) which, twice renovated, is still standing on Main Street, and fitted up the upper story and attic for Lodge rooms, and Webster Lodge secured all the rooms and had its first meeting in the new hall February 12th, 1867, paying $250 per year.

WebsterSpauldingBlock.jpg
Spaulding Block
1857-1893

Soon after, the upper hall was let to Sigel Lodge, D. O. H.

A subscription was raised to supplement what could be spared from Lodge funds, and the self-sacrifice of the brethren had its reward in renewed prosperity. June 24th, 1867, Worshipful E. F. Smith, then Master, the Lodge attended and assisted in the ceremonies of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Boston, on which occasion Brother Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, was present.

March 8th, 1872, the second and third degrees were again worked, with Grand Instructor E. D. Bancroft acting as Master, the Lodge, under H. I. Joslin as Master, exhibiting much interest in perfecting the work.

July 6th, 1873, the upper part of Spaulding's block was partly destroyed by fire, the damage being almost wholly to the Masonic apartments.

Lillium Aqua Lodge, I. O. G. T., offered the use of their hall, which was the old Masonic home in Morris block, but the offer was gratefully declined, and the Lodge was called together by W. M. H. I. Joslin, in A. L. Wood's hall, to take action in relation to fitting up a new Lodge room in the same Spaulding's block.

September 15th, "Voted to appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars towards fitting up and furnishing the hall."

December 8th, "Voted two hundred dollars for expense of dedication and installation."

The following is the Grand Lodge record:

Special Communication at Webster.
Monday, January 12th, A. L. 5874.

A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodsre of Massachusetts was held in the town of Webster, on Monday the twelfth day of January, for the purpose of dedicating the new Masonic apartments of Webster Lodge. Present:

  • M. W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Grand Master.
  • R. W. William D. Coolidge, as Deputy Grand Master.
  • R. W. Joseph B. Knox, as Senior Grand Warden.
  • R. W. Charles G. Reed, Junior Grand Warden.
  • R. W. Charles H. Titus, Recording Grand Secretary and acting Grand Chaplain.
  • W. William H. Chessman, Grand Marshal.
  • Wor. Nathan H. Sears,
  • Wor. Charles E. Brown, as Grand Stewards.
  • Bro. Frederick T. Chase, Architect.
  • Bro. Frank B. Jones, as Grand Tyler.


The Grand Lodge was opened in a room contiguous to the Lodge room, at fifteen minutes past seven o'clock p. m., in ample form, and was conducted by the Grand Marshal to the hall, where the Grand Officers assumed their several stations.

The new apartments were dedicated to Masonic purposes in accordance with the ancient ritual and usage of the Craft and of this Grand Lodge, and proclamation duly made.

The Grand Master appointed as a Committee to examine the Master-elect and qualify him to preside: R. W. Bros. Charles H. Titus, William D. Coolidge and Charles G. Reed, who, having attended to the duty assigned them, reported the Master-elect duly qualified.

As the brethren had arranged to have the installation of the Officers of the Lodge at the Methodist Church, in the presence of their lady friends and other invited guests, the Grand Lodge was conducted to the place of opening, and having been duly tyled, was closed in ample form at fifteen minutes past eight o'clock P. M. The Grand Officers were subsequently escorted to the Methodist Church, where the Officers of the Lodge were installed in ample form.

(Signed) Sereno Dwight Nickerson, Grand Master.
Attest. (Signed) Charles H. Titus, Recording Grand Secretary."

The record does not tell of the good speeches made by the Grand Officers and the fine impression made upon the community by the dignified exercises.

The officers installed were:

  • Samuel G. Slater, W. M.,
  • F. A. Stockwell, S. W.,
  • S. H. Waters, J. W.,
  • George D. Bates, Treasurer,
  • J. Byron Burnham, Secretary,
  • Amos I. Sly, Chaplain,
  • Solomon Shumway, Marshal,
  • James I. Meehan, S. D.,
  • Daniel W. Crosby, J. D.,
  • Samuel B. Childs, I. S.,
  • Butler Bates, S. S.,
  • Andrew Francis, J. S.,
  • J. B. Clark, Organist,
  • Joseph S. Hetherington, Tyler.

In fitting up, the old attic was eliminated and the main hall made higher, and until 1887 no other society used the hall for meetings. In February, 1875, a concert and ball were given under the auspices of the Lodge, and the proceeds, $134, carried to the Charity Fund.

On Saturday evening, September 30th, 1876, the Dresser block, next door, was partly burned; the fire made its way into the hall and again the Lodge suffered a loss by fire in their quarters, this time the damage being some two hundred dollars. The hall was promptly repaired again .so that no meeting there was lost.

In 1880, the Grand Lodge made an earnest effort for the communation of the Masonic Temple tax by all the Lodges. Committees of ways and means were appointed ; the matter was fully discussed in all its pros and cons and the tax of seven hundred dollars was paid by using all the funds of the Lodge, including the Charity Fund, and a subscription of two hundred and ninety-seven dollars raised from the pockets of the brethren. Worshipful Brother Fred. I. Chase contributed liberally to this, as, indeed, it was his habit to do so in all emergencies of the Lodge.

It has been always a great satisfaction to the writer, that this action, which proved in its results so beneficial to the Lodge, was taken during one of the years he served as Master.

In 1887, an Odd Fellows Lodge was formed in town, and as available quarters seemed to be found with difficulty, the Lodge voted to allow them the use of the hall. In 1893, the Odd Fellows had a hall built for them in the new Eddy block, and in return for the courtesy of the Masons voted to let it to them.

WebsterEddyBlock.jpg
Eddy Block
1893-1908

Quite a little opposition by some of the older brethren was made to leaving the hall, which was under Lodge control and had been the Masonic home for more than twenty-six years But a majority thought otherwise; much of the old fittings was sold, and the Lodge held the first meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall, January 1st, 1894. Events proved the wisdom of the move, as the Lodge has never been more prosperous than in the years we have been in our present quarters.

In June, 1906, Past-Masters' jewels were procured and presented to all the living Past Masters, the number being eighteen, and it was voted to present each retiring Master with a similar jewel.

The Past Masters of the Lodge are:

  • Charles E. Blair, 1859-'61;
  • Charles E. Brown, 1860;
  • Hiram Allen, 1862-'63;
  • Horace I. Joslin, 1864-'65-'72-'73;
  • Edward F. Smith, 1866-'67-'71-'83;
  • Frederick T. Chase, 1868-'69-'70;
  • Samuel Slater, 1874;
  • Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875;
  • James I. Meehan, 1876;
  • Cortland Wood, 1877;
  • Samuel B. Childs, 1878;
  • Elias P. Morton, 1879-'80-'81;
  • William N. Leavens, 1882;
  • John M. Crawford, 1884;
  • Prentiss Howard, 1885-'86 ;
  • Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887-'88 ;
  • Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889-'90;
  • William Eddy, 1891-'92;
  • George A. Blackman, 1893-'94-'95;
  • Henry J. Clarke, 1896-'97 ;
  • Edward Forbes, 1898-'99;
  • Charles M. Clark, 1900-'01;
  • William A. Childs, 1902;
  • John R. Haskell, 1903;
  • Charles E. Drake, 1904;
  • Frederick W. Johnson, 1905;
  • Walter S. Estey, 1906 ;
  • William W. Holmes, 1907.

E. P. Morton and Edward Forbes have been District Deputy Grand Masters, and E. P. Morton was Senior Grand Warden in 1900.

WebsterJamesMeehan.jpg
Wor. Bro. James Meehan
Oldest Living Master of the Lodge, 1876

The early Masters were not very fine ritualists, and Horace I. Joslin was the first Master who made an earnest effort, by having the Grand Lectures and by the other usual means, to attain excellence in the work. His successor, Edward F. Smith, was particularly gifted with the memory and presence to continue the good work. Frederick T. Chase, the next in order, not only preserved the excellence of the work but, by earnest devotion to the Lodge and liberal contributions of money, was a great benefactor.

The long list of Masters after his time shows, with no exceptions as to earnest zeal for the welfare of the Craft and hardly any as to good ritual work, a fine record of good Masters, and the teachings and lessens of Masonry have been in good hands. 840 regular and special meetings have been held, and 856 members have been made and admitted up to the present time.

The following is a list of the members of the Lodge who have been buried with Masonic rites at their own request:

  • July 29th, 1863, George O. Raymond.
  • July 7th, 1864, A. W. Fullerton.
  • November 29th, 1868, Dan Munyan.
  • December 21st, 1868, John N. Leavens.
  • November 16th, 1871, Otis Stone.
  • July 30th, 1872, William W. Holmes.
  • October 3d, 1872, George Bennett.
  • December 12th, 1872, Seth Woodhead.
  • December 9th, 1874, A. L. Wood.
  • March 13th, 1875, D. W. K. Brackett.
  • June 28th, 1876, Ernest Tod.
  • February 11th, 1879, Amos T. Sly.
  • March 6th, 1881, James H. Chadwick.
  • August 3d, 1883, Benjamin T. Bryden.
  • November 22d, 1884, Henry E. Bugbee.
  • December 28th, 1885, Horace I. Joslin.
  • January 8th, 1886, Leonard Barnes.
  • March 24th, 1886, George Clapp.
  • July 22d, 1886, John Goulding.
  • November 11th, 1886, Dr. Frederick D. Brown.
  • March 25th, 1887, Samuel G. Slater.
  • December 13th, 1890, George K. Hill.
  • March 1st, 1891, James Douglas.
  • May 6th, 1893, Moses Barnes.
  • August 17th, 1894, John F. Hinds.
  • April 10th, 1896, Horace Nichols.
  • January 21st, 189S, Frederick T. Chase.
  • April 21st, 1899, Samuel B. Childs.
  • December 19th, 1899, Charles E. Brown.
  • January 30th, 1901, Daniel W. Crosby.
  • March 20th, 1901, Solomon Shumway.
  • April 21st, 1901, Samuel G. Rea.
  • August 24th, 1903, Edward E. Johnson.
  • November 12th, 1905, Cornelius Putnam.
  • March 13th, 190S, Elisha N. Bigelow.

And now, brethren, T have outlined the bare facts of the history of Webster Lodge for these fifty years. It is well to have them collated from Grand Lodge and Lodge records, newspapers and traditions, and put in this condensed form, that the historian of our one hundredth anniversary may have an easier task.

But this bald statement of facts hardly does justice to the hand of earnest spirits who have striven to uphold manfully, the pure tenets of our profession through evil and good report, and the lodge has not only been an influence for good to those who gathered within its folds, but in its teachings and results, an uplift to the community in which it exists.

I am. reminded of what our Brother James Douglas, who joined us from a lodge in Ireland, told me when, the next morning after we had worked the third degree, I asked him how it appeared to him?

"Why," he said, "it is so different from ours, here; it seems like a religious ceremony."

So may it ever be when, from .the profane world, we enter our Lodge-room. May we feel like one who leaves the noise and bustle of a busy street to enter some fine, old cathedral aisle, perchance sit him down where the light, through stained window, falls upon some monument to knightly devoir and lofty aims, and the swelling strains of organ and choir speak of the upright life here and the beautiful life beyond.

So may we ever meet, act and part. May the beautiful and holy teachings of our order influence our hearts and minds to brave and true living here, and bright hopes for the life hereafter, when we shall have passed the East Gate.

And may there never be found wanting in Webster Lodge men to raise up and advance high standards of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

E. P. MORTON.

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1933

From Proceedings, Page 1933-370:

The first local organization of Free Masonry which led up to the formation of Webster Lodge.

Before there was any Town of Webster, it not being incorporated until 1832 and formed from parts of both Oxford and Dudley, the first Masonic body in the vicinity was Olive Branch Lodge, of Oxford. A movement was made for its formation early in 1797, and in May Officers were chosen. A committee was elected to petition the Grand Lodge for a charter and a vote passed to hold meetings monthly on Mondays at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. A charter was granted the 14th of the following September.

On the 25th of that same month the Lodge very ambitiously voted to build a hall in Oxford near to West Sutton where a large part of the membership was located. No hall was built but the house of a Mr. Davis near the West Sutton line was chosen as the regular meeting place while the Lodge remained in Oxford, with occasional meetings at the Tavern hall on the Plain. In November, 1797, it was voted to pay Brother Jonathan Davis ?24.00 per year for the use of the hall furnished and warmed. On September 13, 1798, the Officers were installed at the "new" meeting house now world famous as the oldest Universalist Church, the first of that denomination to be built. The members met at Campbell's Tavern where the procession was formed and at 12 o'clock marched to the church where after a sermon by Thaddeus M. Harris the ceremony of Installation was performed. The procession returned to the hall and "from thence to a booth prepared for the purpose and partook of an elegant dinner." In November, 1814, a new hall was projected and a committee chosen in August, 1815, to finish and furnish it. The new quarters were built at West Sutton and were first occupied on February 21, 1816, the Grand Lodge having given leave for the change. In March, 1845, it was again removed to Wilkinsonville. In December, 1856, permission was granted to hold meetings alternately at Sutton and Webster. After September 8, 1858, "Or after the formation of Webster Lodge," all meetings were held in Sutton. On December 14, 1859, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge granted leave to remove Olive Branch Lodge to Millbury, which was done in 1860, and it has since continued there. On the walls of its Lodge room hangs its Charter signed by Paul Revere, Grand Master.

The following history from 1858 to 1908 is taken verbatim from a booklet published on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of Webster Lodge.

1858-1908

Webster Lodge has not a Charter member, nor a Past Master of the old days, now living, and the only one living of the fifteen members made during the year of the Dispensation is George Tracy, whom we are greatly pleased to have with us tonight, and to whom the historian is indebted for some light on those old, gone-by days.

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held December 10th, 1856, it was "Voted, That Olive Branch Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular monthly communications alternately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."

And another action of the Grand Lodge at that same communication is recorded thus:

"Voted, That the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance,, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."

These records show that the fifteen Brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad roads to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge in Webster, which Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster Brethren, met by this compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.

Hut compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge were held in Webster, when, in August, 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.

In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful John T. Heard, reports: "Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster, to Brothers Charles E. Blair (W. M.), C. E. Brown (S. W.), George Clapp (J. W.), Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherington, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Gates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Holman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge, and approved by R. W. Levi Rawson, D. D. G. M. of the Fourth District, dispensation to be returned in September, 1851). The greater part, it not all the brethren named, are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past met alternately at Sutton and Webster, and it is therefore believed that the convenience of all the brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge."

This list of names is good stock, comprising many leading men of the town, and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its Charter, and missed no meeting, through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion to Masonry through evil and good report.

And the effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster, many still looking askance at any demonstration of Masonry. But nothing deterred these enthusiastic Brethren and they went straight to work.

The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons so much.

The following is a transcript of the record of the first meeting, in the handwriting of William Hetherington, the first secretary:

Webster Sept. 20, 5858.

Webster Lodge held a special communication for the transaction of business, the following brethren being present, viz: W. M. Charles E. Blair, S. W. Charles E. Brown, J. W. William T. Shumway, Brother Cornelius Putnam, W. Hetherington, George Clapp, Pardon Stone, Lyman Sheldon.

Lodge opened on the third degree of Free Masonry in due form.

Voted, That Brother W. Hetherington be Secretary of Webster Lodge.
Voted, That Brother George Clapp be Treasurer of Webster Lodge.

Worshipful Master appointed John L. Harris Senior Deacon, and Cornelius Putnam, Junior Deacon of Webster Lodge, and Pardon Stone, Tyler.

W. Hetherington was chosen a committee to procure a new set of jewels, collars, clothing, ballot-box, gavels, etc., for the use of Webster Lodge.

William T. Shumway was chosen a committee to procure the books and stationery necessary for the use of the Lodge and officers. Lodge closed on the degree of Master Mason in due form.

Charles E. Brown, Secretary, pro tem."

Later, Lyman Sheldon was appointed Marshal.

It will be seen that, for some reason not now known, Brother George Clapp, named in the dispensation as Junior Warden, was elected Treasurer, and Brother William T. Shumway, whose name, through some oversight, does not appear on the Dispensation nor on the Charter, was elected Junior Warden.

Brother Shumway was certainly a member of some Lodge, probably of Olive Branch, and was an active worker in the first year of the Lodge. (Bro. Shumwav was raised in Olive Branch Lodge on Sept. 17, 1858, but did not sign the By-Laws. F. W. H.)

October 1st, the first application for degrees is recorded as that of George O. Raymond, and at that meeting it was voted that the regular communications be held on the first Tuesday on or before the full moon of every month.

October 19th was the first regular communication, and Rev. Lucius Holmes was admitted to membership, and appointed Chaplain.

The first work was done at a special, October 25th, when George O. Raymond and Leonard Barnes received the degree of Entered Apprentice, and November 4th, George Tracy was initiated.

February 28th, 1859, a committee, W. W. Holmes, W. Hetherington, and Lyman Sheldon was appointed to procure a hall.

The Brethren were early convinced of the necessity of correct work, and March 15th it was voted that an application be made for a Grand Lecturer to instruct in the work, and March 28th Caleb Rand, Charlestown, came for that purpose.

April 12th, "Voted, That Webster Lodge make a present of twelve and one-half dollars to the Baptist Society of Webster, in consideration for the use of Masonic Hall for six months, from September, 1858, to April, 1859."

The fees for degrees were fixed at twenty dollars, of which fifteen was paid at initiation, and five when raised, and the dues were one dollar per year.

At the first annual communication, August 9, 1859, C. E. Brown acting as Worshipful Master, and Seymour A. Tingier, Secretary, a code of by-laws was adopted.

September 6th, Worshipful Master C. E. Blair, Worshipful Master-elect C. E. Brown, and Brother William Hetherington were voted a committee to attend the Grand Lodge, and present the records and by-laws and petition asking for a Charter.

The following Brethren had been received during the period of Dispensation: George O. Raymond, Leonard Barnes, George ■ Tracy, William H. Davis, Henry E. Bugbee, Samuel C. Brown, Elisha N. Bigelow, Harrison G. Corbin, L. C. Parks (of Oxford), Charles Wade, Seymour A. Tingier, George W. Emerson, Warren Marsh (of Southbridge). Solomon Shumway, Horace I. Joslin, Rev. Lucius Holmes, Levi Bartlett, and Dr. F. D. Brown had been admitted to membership from other Lodges.

Nine of the names given in the Dispensation for a Lodge, do not appear on the Charter. These Brethren were resident in Oxford, and the success attending the year of Webster Lodge, had encouraged them to ask for a Dispensation for Oxford Lodge, which was granted September 17, 1859.

The committee to go to the meeting of the Grand Lodge attended to their duty, and the following is an extract from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge Quarterly, held September 14th, 1859.

"The dispensation, records, etc., of Webster Lodge were presented and referred to Brothers Martin, Patterson and Sampson, which committee subsequently offered the following report, which was adopted:

Most Worshipful Grand Master:

The committee appointed to examine the records and by-laws of Webster Lodge, have attended to that duty, and respectfully report as follows:

Your committee find the records to have been very neatly kept, and that the proceedings of the Lodge have been very correct. Also, that the by-laws of said Lodge are found to be in accordance with the constitutions of the said Lodge.

Finally, your committee recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted."

A Charter was accordingly issued, and the following brethren appear in the order named: W. Hetherington, Charles E. Blair, Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, C. E. Brown, W. W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, George Clapp, Pardon Stone.

The Charter is dated September 15, 1859, precedence declared to be September 10, 1858, and was signed by John T. Heard, G. M., Lorenzo H. Gamwell, S. G. W., Charles Robbins, J. G. W., and Charles W. Moore, G. S.

The following is the next record of interest in the handwriting of Seymour A. Tingier, a young lawyer, who had been received during the Dispensation:

Webster, Sept. 22d, 1859.

Webster Lodge assembled for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The following brethren were present, viz.:

Charles E. Blair, Charles E. Brown, George O. Raymond, W. Hetherington, George Clapp, S. A. Tingier, W. W. Holmes, Cornelius Putnam, Dan. Munyan, Lyman Sheldon, Otis Stone, W. H. Davis, Pardon Stone, Solomon Shumway, Leonard Barnes, George W. Emerson, William T. Shumway, Harrison G. Corbin, John L. Harris, L. C. Parks, George Tracy, H. I. Joslin.

Visiting brethren from Olive Branch Lodge, Elihu Harwood, L. H. Cleveland; Jerusalem Lodge, A. H. Ward.

Lodge was called to order, and the officers of the Grand Lodge entered, viz.:


Grand Lodge opened on the second degree of Free Masonry in Ample Form, and performed the solemn and interesting ceremony of constituting Webster Lodge.

Grand Lodge then installed the following officers-elect of Webster Lodge, viz.:

  • Charles E. Brown, W. M.
  • W. Hetherington, S. W.
  • G. O. Raymond, J. W.
  • Geo. Clapp, Treas.
  • S. A. Tingier, Sec.
  • Lyman Sheldon, M.
  • W. W. Holmes, S. D.
  • Cornelius Putnam, J. D.
  • Dan. Munyan, Tyler.

Grand Lodge then closed on the degree of Fellow Craft in Ample Form.

S. A. Tingier, Sec."

Brothers Davis, {Solomon} Shumway, and Joslin, who were present, had received only the first and second degrees, which probably accounts for the peculiar record.

The Brethren gave the Grand Officers good entertainment at the Joslin House, but felt too poor to indulge themselves in the same way. However the Times of November 10, 1859, has this item:

"Members of the Masonic Lodges of Worcester and Southbridge were entertained by their brethren here, at Joslin's Hotel, on Tuesday evening. A supper, sentiments, etc., were the order of the occasion."

December 6, 1859, we have a record:

"A petition was received from S. A. Drake and others of Southbridge, asking that the consent of the Lodge be given to the formation of a Lodge at Southbridge.

Voted, that the consent of the Lodge be given."

This was the first meeting in the hall in Morris' new block, just built at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets.

The committee saw Mr. Morris and reported that the hall could be had for one hundred dollars per year. The Lodge voted to take it, if it could be had at seventy-five, and it was finally leased at eighty, a good example of the old Yankee "truck and dicker." This was the Masonic home for eight years, some of them very prosperous ones. But the ground seems to have been pretty well covered during the year of the Dispensation, and the three years including 1861 brought but eight additional members. The Webster Times tells of the first celebration of St. John's day on Saturday, June 23, 1860. Guests from Olive Branch, Quinebaug, and Oxford Lodges were present, also the ladies. The address was given by Brother Rev. Lucius Holmes.

A procession was formed headed by the Webster Cornet Band, which proceeded to the new Engine Hall, where dinner was served by Brother H. I. Joslin, after which many toasts were responded to by visiting and local Brethren.

Stewards were appointed for the first time in 1860.

October 23, 1860, we have the first record of a visitation by a District Deputy Grand Master, and the official, according to the records, attended by no suite, was Right Worshipful Daniel W. Taft, of Uxbridge, after, in 1902, Senior Grand Warden.

August 8, 1862, the following appears on the records: "Voted, that the Secretary inform the Grand Lodge of the enlistment for the war of Brothers George O. Raymond and James H. Chadwick."

September 17, 1862, Grand Lecturer E. D. Bancroft conferred the second and third degrees, under dispensation, on Noel E. Converse and William N. Leavens, they being about to leave for the war. Other dispensations were granted for the same reason.

The Senior Warden of the Lodge for 1861 was killed at Gettysburg, and his widow, going there for his body, was greatly assisted by the Masonic Lodge there, and we find the following on record:

"Whereas, the fate of war has removed from earth George O. Raymond, late Senior Warden of Webster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, therefore
Resolved: That a noble man has fallen in a noble cause, that this Lodge has lost a worthy member, his family a kind husband and father, and our country a brave soldier and unselfish patriot.
Resolved: That we will cherish his memorv and seek to emulate his virtues.
Resolved: That to his family and relatives we extend our kindest sympathies in their bereavement.
Resolved: That to our brothers, the members of the Good Samaritan Lodge of F. and A. M., at Gettysburg, we tender our thanks for the kind aid extended to his wife in removing the body of her husband from the battlefield to his home for burial."

Brother Raymond was the first initiated under the Dispensation and became an active and zealous member of the Lodge. He was buried by the Lodge, with Masonic rites, July 29, 1863.

Seven members of the Lodge went into the Civil War and did good service for their country in that struggle for the union of states.

October 14, 1864, Worshipful H. I. Joslin, Master, the Lodge attended the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in Boston.

March 7, 1865, the committee appointed to take an inventory of the property of the Lodge "reported the Lodge to have on hand $449.32 worth of property, appraised at gold or par value."

This was modest as to dollars, but from 1862 to 1866 the Lodge was prosperous as to members, and many men of good standing in the community, who have since been supports of the Lodge and good workers therein, were made Masons.

September 4, 1866, the fees were raised to thirty dollars — five on application, ten on first degree, ten on second degree, and five on taking the Master Mason's degree, and have remained so until now.

October 8, 1866, "Voted, that Webster Lodge, if a Chapter be formed, allow said Chapter to use the hall for their meetings." The Chapter was formed and had its home with the Lodge until 1872, when it was transferred to Southbridge, and since then members of Webster Lodge wishing the Capitular degrees have had to take them in Doric Chapter of Southbridge. Rev. Brother George J. Sanger was the first Most Excellent High Priest, and Worshipful Brothers Fred T. Chase and Edward F. Smith held that office while the Chapter was in Webster.

In 1866 Brother Cyrus Spaulding built a brick block (nearly every building in Webster was wooden then) which, twice renovated, is still standing on Main Street, and fitted up the upper story and attic for Lodge-rooms, and Webster Lodge secured all the rooms and had its first meeting in the new hall February 12, 1867, paying $250 per year. Soon after, the upper hall was let to Sigel Lodge, D. O. H.

A subscription was raised to supplement what could be spared from Lodge funds, and the self-sacrifice of the Brethren had its reward in renewed prosperity.

June 24, 1867, Worshipful E. F. Smith, then Master, the Lodge attended and assisted in the ceremonies of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Boston, on which occasion Brother Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, was present.

March 8, 1872, the second and third degrees were again worked, with Grand Instructor E. D. Bancroft acting as Master, the Lodge, under H. I. Joslin as Master, exhibiting much interest in perfecting the work.

July 6, 1873, the upper part of Spaulding's block was partly destroyed by fire, the damage being almost wholly to the Masonic apartments.

Lillium Aqua Lodge, I. O. G. T., offered the use of their hall, which was the old Masonic home in Morris block, but the offer was gratefully declined, and the Lodge was called together by W. M. H. I. Joslin, in A. L. Wood's hall, to take action in relation to fitting up a new Lodge-room in the same Spaulding's block.

September 15th, "Voted to appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars towards fitting up and furnishing the hall."

December 8th, "Voted two hundred dollars for expense of dedication and installation."

The following is the Grand Lodge record:

"Special Communication at Webster
Monday, January 12, A. L. 5874.

A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was held in the town of Webster, on Monday the twelfth day of January, for the purpose of dedicating the new Masonic apartments of Webster Lodge.

Present:

  • M. W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Grand Master.
  • R. W. William D. Coolidge, as Deputy Grand Master.
  • R. W. Joseph B. Knox, as Senior Grand Warden.
  • R. W. Charles G. Reed, Junior Grand Warden.
  • R. W. Charles H. Titus, Recording Grand Secretary and acting Grand Chaplain.
  • W. William H. Chessman, Grand Marshal.
  • Wor. Nathan H. Sears, Jr., Grand Steward.
  • Wor. Charles E. Brown, Grand Steward.
  • Bro. Frederick T. Chase, Architect.
  • Bro. Frank E. Jones, as Grand Tyler.

The Grand Lodge was opened in a room contiguous to the Lodge room, at fifteen minutes past seven o'clock P.M., in Ample Form, and was conducted by the Grand Marshal to the hall, where the Grand Officers assumed their several stations.

The new apartments were dedicated to Masonic purposes in accordance with the ancient ritual and usages of the Craft and of this Grand Lodge, and proclamation duly made.

The Grand Master appointed as a Committee to examine the Master-elect and qualify him to preside:

R. W. Bros. Charles H. Titus, William D. Coolidge and Charles G. Reed, who, having attended to the duty assigned them, reported the Master-elect duly qualified.

As the brethren had arranged to have the installation of the Officers of the Lodge at the Methodist Church, in the presence of their lady friends and other invited guests, the Grand Lodge was conducted to the place of opening, and having been duly tyled, was closed in Ample Form at fifteen minutes past eight o'clock P.M. The Grand Officers were subsequently escorted to the Methodist Church, where the Officers of the Lodge were installed in Ample Form.

(Signed) SERENO DWIGHT NICKERSON, Grand Master
Attest (Signed) CHARLES H. TITUS, Recording Grand Secretary

The record does not tell of the good speeches made by the Grand Officers and the fine impression made upon the community by the dignified exercises.

The officers installed were:

  • Samuel G. Slater, W. M.
  • F. A. Stockwell, S. W.
  • S. H. Waters, J. W.
  • George D. Bates, Treasurer
  • J. Byron Burnham, Secretary
  • Amos I. Sly, Chaplain
  • Solomon Shumway, Marshal
  • James I. Meehan, S. D.
  • Daniel W. Crosby, J. D.
  • Butler Bates, S. S.
  • Andrew Francis, J. S.
  • Samuel B. Childs, I. S.
  • J. B. Clark, Organist
  • Joseph S. Hetherington, Tyler

In fitting up, the old attic was eliminated and the main hall made higher, and until 1887 no other society used the hall for meetings.

In February, 1875, a concert and ball were given under the auspices of the Lodge, and the proceeds, $134, carried to the Charity Fund-On Saturday evening, September 30, 1876, the Dresser block, next door, was partly burned; the fire made its way into the hall and again the Lodge suffered a loss by fire in their quarters, this time the damage being some two hundred dollars. The hall was promptly repaired again so that no meeting there was lost.

In 1880 the Grand Lodge made an earnest effort for the commutation of the Masonic Temple tax by all the Lodges. Committees of ways and means were appointed; the matter was fully discussed in all its pros and cons and the tax of seven hundred dollars was paid by using all the funds of the Lodge, including the Charity Fund, and a subscription of two hundred and ninety-seven dollars raised from the pockets of the Brethren.

Worshipful Brother Fred I. Chase contributed liberally to this, as, indeed, it was his habit to do so in all emergencies of the Lodge. It has been always a great satisfaction to the writer, that this action, which proved in its results so beneficial to the Lodge, was taken during one of the years he served as Master.

fn 1887 an Odd Fellows Lodge was formed in town, and as available quarters seemed to be found with difficulty, the Lodge voted to allow them the use of the hall. In 1893 the Odd Fellows had a hall built for them in the new Eddy block, and in return for the courtesy of the Masons voted to let it to them.

Quite a little opposition by some of the older Brethren was made to leaving the hall, which was under Lodge control and had been the Masonic home for more than twenty-six years, but a majority thought otherwise; much of the old fittings was sold, and the Lodge held the first meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall, January 1, 1894. Events proved the wisdom of the move, as the Lodge has never been more prosperous than in the years we have been in our present quarters.

In June, 1906, Past-Masters' jewels were procured and presented to all the living Past Masters, the number being eighteen, and it was voted to present each retiring Master with a similar jewel.

The Past Masters of the Lodge are:

  • Charles E. Blair, 1859, '61
  • Charles E. Brown, 1860
  • Hiram Allen, 1862-'63
  • Horace I. Joslin, 1864-'65, '72-73
  • Edward F. Smith, 1866-'67-'71, '83
  • Frederick. T. Chase, 1868-'69-'70
  • Samuel Slater, 1874
  • Frederick A. Stockwell, 1875
  • James I. Meehan, 1876
  • Cortland Wood, 1877
  • Samuel B. Childs, 1878
  • Elias P. Morton, 1879-'80-'81
  • William N. Leavens, 1882
  • John M. Crawford, 1884
  • Prentiss Howard, 1885-'86
  • Wyman E. Phetteplace, 1887-'88
  • Hezekiah W. Williams, 1889-'90
  • William Eddy, 1891-'92
  • George A. Blackman, 1893-'94-'95
  • Henry J. Clarke, 1896-'97
  • Edward Forbes, 1898-'99
  • Charles M. Clark, 1900-'01
  • William A. Childs, 1902
  • John R. Haskell, 1903
  • Charles E. Drake, 1904
  • Frederick W. Johnson, 1905
  • Walter S. Estey, 1906
  • William W. Holmes, 1907

E. P. Morton and Edward Forbes have been District Deputy Grand Masters, and E. P. Morton was Senior Grand Warden in 1900. The early Masters were not very fine ritualists, and Horace I. Joslin was the first Master who made an earnest effort, by having the Grand Lectures and by the other usual means, to attain excellence in the work. His successor, Edward F. Smith, was particularly gifted with the memory and presence to continue the good work. Frederick T. Chase, the next in order, not only preserved the excellence of the work but, by earnest devotion to the Lodge and liberal contributions of money, was a great benefactor.

The long list of Masters after his time shows, with no exceptions as to earnest zeal for the welfare of the Craft and hardly any as to good ritual work, a fine record of good Masters, and the teachings and lessons of Masonry have been in good hands. Eight hundred and forty regular and special meetings have been held, and 356 members have been made and admitted up to the present time.

The following is a list of the members of the Lodge who have been buried with Masonic rites at their own request.

  • July 29, 1863, George O. Raymond
  • July 7, 1864, A. W. Fullerton
  • November 29, 1868, Dan Munyan
  • December 21, 1868, John N. Leavens
  • November 16, 1871, Otis Stone
  • July 30, 1872, William W. Holmes
  • October 3, 1872, George Bennett
  • December 12, 1872, Seth Woodhead
  • December 9, 1874, A. L. Wood
  • March 13, 1875, D. W. R. Brackett
  • June 28, 1876, Ernest Todd
  • February 11, 1879, Amos T. Sly
  • March 6, 1881, James H. Chadwick
  • August 3, 1883, Benjamin T. Bryden
  • November 22, 1884, Henry E. Bugbee
  • December 28, 1885, Horace I. Joslin
  • January 8, 1886, Leonard Barnes
  • March 24, 1886, George Clapp
  • July 22, 1886, John Goulding
  • November 11, 1886, Dr. Frederick D. Brown
  • March 25, 1887, Samuel G. Slater
  • December 13, 1890, George K. Hill
  • March 1, 1891, James Douglas
  • May 6, 1893, Moses Barnes
  • August 17, 1894, John F. Hinds
  • April 15, 1896, Horace Nichols
  • January 21, 1898, Frederick T. Chase
  • April 21, 1899, Samuel B. Childs
  • December 19, 1899, Charles E. Brown
  • January 30, 1901, Daniel W. Crosby
  • March 20, 1901, Solomon Shumway
  • April 21, 1901, Samuel G. Rea
  • August 24, 1903, Edward E. Johnson
  • November 12, 1905, Cornelius Putnam
  • March 13, 1908, Elisha N. Bigelow

And now, Brethren, I have outlined the bare facts of the history of Webster Lodge for these fifty years. It is well to have them collated from Grand Lodge and Lodge records, newspapers, and traditions, and put in this condensed form, that the historian of our one hundredth anniversary may have an easier task.

But this bald statement of facts hardly does justice to the band of earnest spirits who have striven to uphold manfully the pure tenets of our profession through evil and good report, and the Lodge has not only been an influence for good to those who gathered within its folds, but in its teachings and results, an uplift to the community in which it exists.

I am reminded of what our Brother James Douglas, who joined us from a Lodge in Ireland, told me when, the next morning after we had worked the third degree, I asked him how it appeared to him?

"Why," he said, "it is so different from ours; here it seems like a religious ceremony."

So may it ever be when, from the profane world, we enter our Lodge-room. May we feel like one who leaves the noise and bustle of a busy street to enter some fine, old cathedral aisle, perchance sit him down where the light, through stained window, falls upon some monument to knightly devoir and lofty aims, and the swelling strains of organ and choir speak of the upright life here and the beautiful life beyond.

So may we ever meet, act, and part. May the beautiful and holy teachings of our order influence our hearts and minds to brave and true living here, and bright hopes for the life hereafter, when we shall have passed the East Gate.

And may there never be found wanting in Webster Lodge men to raise up and advance high standards of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

E. P. MORTON.

September 10, 1908

Webster Lodge held a special communication to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary with the following officers present, viz:

  • Joseph Crawford, Worshipful Master
  • William H. Klebart, Senior Warden
  • Frank R. Stillman, Junior Warden
  • Philip Pearl, Treasurer
  • William A. Childs, Secretary
  • C. E. Webb, Chaplain
  • John R. Haskell, Marshal
  • F. W. Taft, Senior Deacon
  • F. C. Crawford, Junior Deacon
  • A. A. Arnold, Senior Steward
  • E. F. Davis, Junior Steward
  • H. A. Tenney, Inside Sentinel
  • C. J. Walker, Organist
  • J. I. Meehan, Tyler

At 6:15 P.M. the Lodge opened on the third degree in form and was called from labor to refreshment. The Brethren then adjourned to partake of a very elaborate banquet. At 8:15 the Lodge was called from refreshment to labor again and received with due Masonic Honors the following members of the Grand Lodge:

After receiving the Grand Lodge Officers the program for the evening was given. The opening remarks were made by R. W. Homer S. Joslin who acted as Master of Ceremonies. R. W. Elias P. Morton, historian, read the history of Webster Lodge giving a well written account of the past fifty years. Addresses were given by the following Grand Lodge Officers: M. W. John Albert Blake, G. M., R. W. Thomas W. Davis, Recording Grand Secretary, R. W. Oliver A. Roberts, J. G. W. and R. W. George J. Tufts, Grand Marshal. The Schubert Male Quartette rendered several selections during the evening.

The Lodge closed on the third degree in form at 11:30 P.M. and Webster Lodge commenced the second fifty years of its existence.

April 15, 1912

Webster Lodge held a special communication with the following officers present:

  • Edwin F. Davis, Worshipful Master
  • Henry Merritt, Senior Warden
  • Robert M. Sartain, Junior Warden
  • Philip Pearl, Treasurer
  • William A. Childs, Secretary
  • C. E. Webb, Chaplain
  • W. H. Klebart, Marshal
  • William Dick, Senior Deacon
  • G. H. Bradley, Junior Deacon
  • F. W. Johnson, Senior Steward
  • M. E. Wood, Junior Steward
  • C. M. Nash, Organist
  • J. A. Matthews, Inside Sentinel
  • James I. Meehan, Tyler

The Lodge opened on the first degree in form. The Marshal of Joseph Warren Lodge of Boston then announced that the Worshipful Master and officers of that Lodge were in waiting in the ante-room to make a fraternal visit to Webster Lodge.

After the visitors had been duly received by Worshipful Master Edwin F. Davis the Officers of Webster Lodge resigned their chairs to the visiting brethren.

The Officers of Joseph Warren Lodge received and initiated William Holt Wallace as an Entered Apprentice. After the work there were speeches and music given by the Beethoven quartette. Lodge closed on the first degree in form.

Webster Brethren present: 76
Boston Brethren present: 25
Other Brethren present: 65
TOTAL 166

March 15, 1915

Webster Lodge held a special communication and opened on the third degree in form.

Right Worshipful Brother Frederick W. Hamilton was escorted to the Lodge-room by a committee, appointed by the Worshipful Master and although his visit was informal he was received with the ceremony due him as Secretary of the Grand Lodge. His address, "The Master Mason and His Ballot," was very interesting and was greatly enjoyed by all the Brethren. A collation was served after the address.

October 18, 1915

Webster Lodge held a special communication with the following officers present:

  • George H. Bradley, Worshipful Master
  • John A. Matthews, Senior Warden
  • James A. Lobban, Junior Warden
  • Philip Pearl, Treasurer
  • William A. Childs, Secretary
  • Henry Merritt, Chaplain
  • W. H. Klebart, Marshal
  • H. L. Lee, Senior Deacon
  • J. G. Scott, Junior Deacon
  • A. D. Healy, Senior Steward
  • M. S. Freeman, Junior Steward
  • C. W. Wiles, Inside Sentinel
  • James I. Meehan, Tyler


This special communication was held for the purpose of having the Brethren meet Most Worshipful Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson, who had been invited to make the Lodge a fraternal visit. Webster Lodge opened at 7:15 P.M. on the third degree in form.

The Grand Marshal announced the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master in an adjoining room and the Worshipful Master appointed a committee to escort him to the Lodge-room. Worshipful Master Bradley introduced the Most Worshipful Grand Master to the Brethren. Shortly after a procession was formed and all marched to the banquet hall where supper was served. On returning to the Lodge-room the Brethren were called from refreshment to labor again and the following program was rendered:

  • Selection by the Lodge Orchestra
  • Address by the Rev. Worshipful J. C. Breaker of Worcester
  • Song by Worshipful Brother Edwin F. Davis
  • Speech by Right Worshipful William M. Farrington
  • Violin solo by Brother C. H. Straube
  • Song by Worshipful Brother William Dick
  • Address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master
  • Recitation by Worshipful Brother William Dick

The Most Worshipful Grand Master and his Marshal then retired and the Lodge closed in form.

Members present, 106
Visitors, 34
TOTAL, 140

May 7, 1917

The Worshipful Master announced in the Lodge that Nokomis Chapter No. 128, Order of the Eastern Star, had made a gift of the beautiful silk flag on display on the Master's Carpet to Webster Lodge. It was accepted with enthusiasm. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by the members and a vote of thanks given to the Eastern Star.

October 1, 1917

At a regular communication held on this date it was voted to provide a duplicate Charter to be hung in the Lodge room. It was also voted to establish an Honor Roll of the members of Webster Lodge who should serve in the Great War.

January 7, 1918

The Officers and Past Matrons of Nokomis Chapter No. 128, Order of Eastern Star, presented the Lodge with a Service Flag bearing ten stars. More were added later, denoting that during the war seventeen members were in the service.

Brother William Eaton Sherwood, the first name on the Honor Roll, made the supreme sacrifice.

November 3, 1919

At a regular communication on this date, Charles W. Wiles, Worshipful Master, an amendment to the By-Laws was voted raising the admission fee to the sum of Fifty dollars. Five dollars to be paid on application, Fifteen on entering, Fifteen when passed and Fifteen on being raised. It was also voted to establish a building fund.

At a regular communication held June 22, 1926, Ralph T. Larchar, Worshipful Master, it was the pleasure of the Lodge to receive from Worshipful Brother John M. Crawford a legacy of $5,000 in bonds from the estate of our late Brother Irving Wood specifying that the interest only should be used for relief work. Worshipful Brother Crawford read a short, interesting history of the life of Brother Wood. A Bronze Memorial has been placed in the Lodge Room in memory of Brother Wood.

December 30, 1920

The Lodge opened on the third degree in form and the Marshal presented Worshipful Brother William N. Leavens to the East. Worshipful Brother James A. Lobban presented to him a Henry Price medal on behalf of the Grand Master, Leon M. Abbott. Worshipful Brother Leavens had been a member of Webster Lodge for 58 years.

May 2, 1921

Webster Lodge held a regular communication. The Lodge opened on the third degree in form.

The Worshipful Master instructed the Marshal to present Worshipful Brother Wyman E. Phetteplace to the East. Worshipful Brother John M. Crawford presented to him on behalf of the Grand Master a Henry Price medal in honor of his fifty years Masonic membership.

May 2, 1922

Webster Lodge held a special communication and opened on the third degree in form.

The Worshipful Master then announced that the Officers of Germania Lodge, of Boston, were present to work the second section of the third degree, a portion of which would be done in the German language. He then called Worshipful Brother Loewenberg, Worshipful Master of Germania Lodge, and asked him to address the Brethren. This he did with a short but well chosen speech.

The Officers of Webster Lodge worked the first section and the Officers of Germania Lodge the second section.

Members present, 73
Visitors, 34
TOTAL, 107

May 16, 1927

Webster Lodge held a regular communication on this date. The Lodge opened at 6:15 P.M. with the following officers present:

  • Robert E. Straube, Worshipful Master
  • Horace Trull, Senior Warden
  • William Dick, 2d, Junior Warden
  • Philip Pearl, Treasurer
  • Chester A. Wheeler, Chaplain
  • Frank R. Stiliman, Secretary
  • Ralph T. Larchar, Marshal
  • Ernest A. Joslin, Senior Deacon
  • Charles M. Leavens, Junior Deacon
  • Stanley Chambers, Senior Steward
  • William E. T. Small, Junior Steward
  • Edward E. Emerson, Inside Sentinel
  • Thomas Scott, Tyler

Most Worshipful Grand Master Frank L. Simpson was received in due form. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and the Brethren retired to the banquet hall where a special supper was served. After the refreshment the Lodge returned to the Lodge-room. A musical program was rendered by the pupils of the Bartlett High School. Worshipful Brother James A. Lobban acted as Master of Ceremonies. Remarks were made by District Deputy G. M. Carlton H. White, by Right Worshipful Brother Harold Fenner of the 19th District and Right Worshipful Brother Herbert P. Bagley, Past D. G. M., a present member of the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge. The principal address of the evening was made by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Frank L. Simpson. His remarks were most pleasing, interesting and instructive.

His visitation was one of the 230 or more visits made by him to the different Lodges in the State during the past year. After his talk the Most Worshipful Grand Master asked to retire. The Lodge then took up the regular work of the meeting.

Lodge closed in form.

Members present: 39
Visitors: 40
TOTAL: 79

October 15, 1928

At a regular communication held on this date with Horace Trull, Worshipful Master, a legacy from the estate of our late Brother, Henry J. Clark, was presented to the Lodge by his daughter, Miss Mary Clark, according to the terms of his will, the interest only to be used for relief work. A suitable letter of acknowledgment was sent Miss Clark in appreciation of her Father's generosity.

December 15, 1930

At a regular communication held this date, Charles M. Leavens, Worshipful Master, a communication was read from Mrs. Fannie D. Pearl, the widow of our late Brother Philip Pearl, presenting to the Lodge the sum of $500.00 to be used at the discretion of the Lodge with the request that mention of this gift be made only among members of the Brotherhood. The thanks of the Lodge were expressed in the following letter to Mrs. Pearl.

December 17, 1930
Dear Mrs. Pearl:

Webster Lodge, A. F. & A. M., accepts with deep appreciation your gift of $500.00 to the Lodge in memory of your husband and of our late honored Brother Philip Pearl.

It will be held as loving tribute to his steadfast loyalty and interest in the Lodge and serve as a lasting memorial to his name and to your thoughtful generosity.

With the gratitude and the best wishes of the Lodge,

Respectfully
Ralph T. Larchar
Secretary

June 19, 1933

At a regular communication, George C. Marble, Worshipful Master, Brother Charles Brown presented through the Secretary, Worshipful Brother Ralph T. Larchar, a gift of $250.00 from the estate of Miss Anna E. Brown in memory of their Father, Worshipful Brother Charles E. Brown, who was the second Master of Webster Lodge in 1860. It was received with appreciation by the Lodge and a vote of thanks extended to Brother Brown.

The last twenty-five years may be regarded as a period of prosperity for Webster Lodge and we have kept strong in the Spirit of Masonry,strong in numbers, and strong financially even in the country's lean years.

From September, 1908 to September, 1933, Webster Lodge has admitted 305 regular members, has rejected by ballot 85 and has held 245 Regular Communications and 246 Special ones. It has always been the policy of the Lodge to keep its standard of membership very high.

We hope that the next Quarter of a Century will bring only good fortune to Webster Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

CENTENARY HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 1958

From Proceedings, Page 1958-194:

By Worshipful George C. Marble.

Booklets published on our 50th and 75th Anniversaries respectively carry a complete outline of various important occasions during our first seventy-five years. For that reason, this present outline will dwell only with the actual forming of Webster Lodge with the events leading up to it and then go on to give the highlights of the last twenty-five years up to the present time.

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held December 10, 1856, it was "Voted that Olive Branch Lodge at West Sutton be authorized to hold their regular meetings alter nately at West Sutton and Webster, in conformity with the vote of said Lodge."

Another action of the Grand Lodge at that same Communication is recorded thus: "Voted, that the Treasurer be directed to refund to the petitioners for dispensation for a new Lodge at Webster, by the name of Central Lodge, the sum of ten dollars paid in advance, they having withdrawn the request for such dispensation."

These records quoted above show that fifteen Brethren in Webster, wearied of driving the six miles of bad roads to attend Lodge meetings, made this early start for a Lodge at Webster. Olive Branch Lodge, not wishing to lose the Webster Brethren, therefore had met the petition by a compromise of meeting at Webster half of the time.

But compromises rarely last long, and only eight meetings were held in Webster, when in August 1858, we find a vote of Olive Branch Lodge that all subsequent meetings be held in West Sutton.

In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of September 10, 1858, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful John T. Heard, reported:

Dispensation granted to form Webster Lodge in the town of Webster to Brothers Charles E. Blair (W.M.), C. E. Brown (S.W.), George Clapp (J.W.), Elijah Pratt, John L. Harris, James Stanfield, William Hill, William W. Holmes, John N. Leavens, Daniel Morrison, Lyman Sheldon, Cornelius Putnam, Jr., Otis Stone, W. Hetherington, L. H. Cleveland, Elisha Harwood, L. Shumway, B. Gates, B. Paine, J. Bacon, John Wetherell, William Sigourney, David Holman and Pardon Stone, recommended by Olive Branch Lodge and approved by R.M. Levi Rawson, D.D.G.M., of the Fourth District, dispensation to be returned in September 1859. The greater part, if not all the Brethren named are members of Olive Branch Lodge. The latter Lodge has for some time past met alternately at Sutton and Webster and it is therefore believed that the convenience of all the Brethren will be promoted by the establishment of the new Lodge.

The list of names mentioned above, comprising many leading men of the town and membership in Olive Branch Lodge, that grand old body which kept its Charter and missed no meeting through all the anti-Masonic times, was an evidence of their devotion through evil and good report.

The effects of the anti-Masonic crusade had not all died out in Webster as many still looked askance at any demonstration of Masonry but nothing deterred these enthusiastic Brethren and they went straight to work. The first meeting was held in the attic of the old Baptist Church, standing on the site of the present stone church on East Main Street. This hall had been used for the eight meetings of Olive Branch Lodge in Webster, so that one denomination of the Protestant Church was willing to tolerate the Masons to that extent.

From that early beginning in September 1858, Webster Lodge has prospered through good times and bad under the leadership of a good corps of officers headed by Worshipful Masters who all did their best for Webster Lodge.

These last twenty-five years, however, will probably be the most memorable in the history of our Lodge and it is safe to say that the last five years stand out the most. Although many notable things have happened, the climax of them all was, without doubt, the action started so that we might have our own Masonic Temple.

Several attempts were made in the past to have Webster Lodge purchase land or a building or both, yet for various reasons these attempts were not successful, so for many years we rented, finally leasing our quarters on Main Street.

However, early in 1952 with some groundwork already done by Wor. Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., and his Building Committee, together with a survey conducted by Wor. A. Rodney Klebart as to what financial prospects were available, a real attempt was made for us to have our own Masonic Temple.

Under date of November 17, 1952, with A. Rodney Klebart as Worshipful Master, a committee was appointed to look into the matter of a new Masonic Temple. Over a period of several months and with several changes in the original committee, together with considerable discussion, personal contacts, canvassing and letter writing, a decision was made.

By a vote of Webster Lodge under date of March 16, 1953, a committee was appointed consisting of the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, and six Past Masters to serve as incorporators of a Masonic Building Association. This association was to proceed at once with the raising of funds and construction of a Masonic Temple on the site offered to us as a gift by Worshipful Brother William A. R. Klebart. (Note: Under date of April 20, 1953, by vote of Webster Lodge, seven new members were added to the above-mentioned committee.) Application for a Charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was made by the following Brethren, all members of Webster Lodge: Oscar Conrad, Charles B. Robba, George C. Marble, Dexter E. Bannister, Harold E. Chafee, Stanley H. Chambers, George C. K. Duff, Alfred S. Erlich, A. Rodney Klebart, Anthony T. Lawida, Holmes V. Tracy, Sr., Horace Trull, Abraham Heller, William A. R. Klebart, Julius Wilson and John Zalla. Under date of May 28, 1953, a Charter was granted to the Webster Masonic Charitable and Educational Association Incorporated whose voting members had to be members of Webster Lodge and then started the task of actually raising funds, which was not easy, yet we were given great assistance from numerous sources. Together with the Building Fund of Webster Lodge, cash donations and pledges, and a very substantial bequest from our late Brother Myron S. Freeman and his wife Marion C. Freeman, we had the means with which to start building our new Temple. In August 1955, ground was broken for the erection of this Temple.

Under date of August 27, 1956, we held the ceremony of the "Laying of the Corner-stone" and this ceremony was performed by the then Most Worshipful Grand Master, Whitfield W. Johnson, now an Honorary Member of Webster Lodge, and he was assisted by a Suite from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Much work has been done since then and by many, whose names would be too numerous to mention, and under date of April 15, 1957, we held our first meeting in our new Masonic Temple. It was really a gala evening. We have been meeting here since that time while more work was being done, and now with the interior mostly complete, we can be proud to say that we have our own Masonic Temple.

Tonight, on the 100th Anniversary of Webster Lodge, what could be more fitting for the occasion than the dedication of our new Temple. We are proud to have with us on this "great and important occasion" our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Andrew G. Jenkins and a Suite of Grand Lodge Officers to dedicate the new Temple and join with us in the celebration of our 100th Anniversary. There is more work to be done in and about the Temple, but what has already been accomplished may best be stated by again repeating the inscription which appears on the Memorial Plaque located inside the entrance to the Temple, which reads as follows:

This Temple, erected on land given by Wor. Bro. William A. R. Klebart in memory of his father, Bro. William C. Klebart, was made possible by the generous bequest of our late Bro. Myron S. Freeman and his wife, Marion C. Freeman. Their bequest together with funds given by members of Webster Lodge, interested Sojourners and friends and the contribution of time, labor and even parts of the Temple itself were a vital part in the completion of the Temple.


EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, SEPTEMBER 1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 12, October 1859, Page 384:

On Thursday evening, Sept. 22d, the Grand Lodge constituted Webster Lodge, at Webster, and installed the officers as follows:

  • C. E. Brown, Master;
  • W. Heberington and George O. Raymond, Wardens;
  • Geo. Clapp, T.;
  • S. A. Tingier, S.:
  • Wm. W. Holmes and Cornelius Putnam, D.;
  • Lyman Sheldon, M.;
  • Dan Munyan, T.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies brief addresses were made by Grand Master Heard, C. W. Moore and W. W. Wheildon.

The Grand Lodge was represented on these occasions by the M. W. John T. Heard, G. M.; R. W. Charles W. Moore end Henry Goddard as G. Wardens; R W. Wm. D. Coolidge as G. Sec.; Wm. W. Wheildon as G. T.; Peter C. Jones as G. M.; Ehen V. Gay, G. Tyler. R. W. John A. Dana, of Worcester, Diet. Deputy, also assisted the Grand Master at Webster. At each place, notwithstanding the severe rain storm, visiting Brethren from Worcester and neighboring towns were present.

HALL DEDICATION, DECEMBER 1873

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 1, January 1874, Page 54:

The New Masonic Hall of Webster Lodge was dedicated to Masonic purposes on the twelfth instant by Grand Master Nickerson, assisted by the officers of the Grand Lodge. This new hall will afford the Brethren of this Lodge better facilities for the practice of our rites than the old one destroyed by fire; and they have shown a commendable zeal and enterprise in fitting and furnishing their neat and well-arranged apartments.

The newly-elected officers of the Lodge were installed the same evening, in Ample Form, at the Methodist Church, which was filled, even to crowding, by the Brethren and their invited guests.

INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 1984

From TROWEL, Spring 1985, Page 31:

An open installation on Oct. 20, 1984, saw Master-elect Harold R. Logan installed as successor to the office held by his father Wor. John K. Logan, in Webster Lodge, Webster, MA, in the Blackstone 20th Masonic District.

The Ancient Charges in the ritual were recited by Bro. Logan's brother, Wor. John K. Logan, Jr., Master of Brigham Lodge in Ludlow, MA.

Special presentations were made to R. W. L. Sargent Clifford and R.W. William J. Ziaja, Jr., for their service to the Craft while performing the duties of D. D. G. M. of the Blackstone 20th District during their respective terms. A special award was given to Wor. Norman Burgess for his 38 years of dedicated service to Masonry. (Thanks to Wor. John K. Logan, TROWEL representative, for info.)


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1858: District 4

1867: District 11 (Worcester)

1870: District 12 (Milford)

1871: District 11 (Worcester)

1883: District 19 (Southbridge)

1911: District 20 (Southbridge)

1927: District 20 (Southbridge)

1931: District 20 (Blackstone)

2003: District 24


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges