WinslowLewis

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WINSLOW LEWIS LODGE

Location: Boston

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 12/10/1856 VI-65

Precedence Date: 12/27/1855

Current Status: Active


PAST MASTERS

  • Clement A. Walker, 1855, 1856; SN
  • Benjamin Dean, 1857-1859
  • Duncan McB. Thaxter, 5860
  • Sereno D. Nickerson, 1860-1862
  • Andrew G. Smith, 1863, 1864; SN
  • Thomas Sprague, 1865, 1866
  • William H. Chessman, 1867, 1868
  • Percival L. Everett, 1869
  • R. Montgomery Field, 1870, 1871
  • Joseph Winsor, 1872, 1873
  • L. Cushing Kimball, 1874, 1875
  • George R. Marble, 1876, 1877
  • John A. Conkey, 1878, 1879
  • Glenville B. Macomber, 1880, 1881
  • George W. Terrill, 1882, 1883
  • F. Herbert Winsor, 1884, 1885
  • Walter L. Frost, 1886, 1887
  • George T. Coppins, 1888, 1889
  • George R. McFarlin, 1890, 1891
  • Daniel J. Strain, 1892, 1893; Mem
  • William G. Shillaber, 1894, 1895
  • Abraham Byfield, 1896, 1897
  • George H. Graves, 1898, 1899
  • Charles W. Galloupe, 1900, 1901
  • Thomas C. Cummings, 1902, 1903
  • Warren F. Gay, 1904, 1905
  • Percy E. Walbridge, 1906, 1907
  • William T. Coppins, 1908, 1909
  • Philip T. Nickerson, 1910, 1911
  • Howard M. North, 1912, 1913; Mem
  • Joseph Lovejoy, 1914, 1915
  • Arthur Longley, 1916, 1917
  • Thomas O. Paige, 1918, 1919
  • Edwin B. Nielsen, 1920
  • George P. Beckford, 1921, 1922
  • Henry H. Kimball, 1923; N
  • Bradford L. Ames, 1924, 1925; SN
  • Nathaniel T. Worthern, 1926
  • Allen T. Nye, Jr., 1927, 1928
  • George E. Graves, 1929, 1930
  • Samuel R. MacKillop, 1931
  • Lyndon B. Hardwick, 1932, 1933
  • Ernest S. Park, 1934, 1935
  • Matt B. Jones, Jr., 1936, 1937
  • Chester W. Barker, 1938, 1939
  • William H. Reece, 1940, 1941
  • Walter S. Rogers, 1942, 1943
  • Henry M. Chase, 1944
  • Joseph A. Locke, 1945
  • Richard J. Hapgood, 1946
  • John T. Summers, 1947
  • Frank S. Spencer, 1948, 1949; N
  • Davis T. Gallison, Sr., 1950
  • Davis T. Gallison, Jr., 1951
  • Benjamin C. Perkins, 1952
  • Peter L. Martin, 1953
  • Dudley Hovey, 1954
  • C. Robinson Fish, III, 1955
  • Howard N. Feist, Jr., 1956
  • Louis J. Foley, 1957
  • James G. Hawk, 1958
  • Frank P. Blazis, 1959
  • William H. Miller, 1960
  • Arthur B. Wight, Jr., 1961; N
  • H. Dunster Howe, 1962, 1963
  • Charles L. Foster, 1964
  • Louis McE. MacCartney, 1965
  • Henry L. Nielsen, 1966
  • Albert W. Lounsbury, 1967
  • Douglas W. Pollock, 1968
  • A. Roland Teiner, 1969
  • Edward P. Jenkins, 1970
  • John F. Morten, 1971
  • Robert C. Guiry, 1972, 1973
  • A. Lawrence Eastman, 1974, 1975
  • Donald S. Bishop, 1976, 1977; N
  • Robert F. Schumann, 1978, 1979
  • Jackson B. Parker, 1980, 1981
  • Robert B. Bramhall, 1982, 1983
  • Homer M. Shellenberger, Jr., 1984, 1985; N
  • Henry E. Cahill, 1986, 1987
  • W. Warren Richardson, Jr., 1988, 1989
  • Bradford H. Pottle, 1990, 1991
  • A. Peter Armstrong, 1992
  • Dean Benedict, 1993, 1994
  • John F. Sugden, Jr., 1995, 1996
  • Richard J. Stewart, 1997, 1998; Grand Master
  • John C. Harris, III, 1999, 2000
  • James W. Sugden, II, 2001, 2002
  • Robert J. Jones, II, 2003, 2004
  • Gerren R. Kopcinski, 2005, 2006
  • Rene Fauchet, 2007, 2008
  • John Appleby, 2009, 2010
  • David R. Holland, 2011, 2012; N

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1855
  • Petition for Charter: 1856

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1881 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1905 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1955 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1869 1870 1877 1879 1882 1885 1886 1888 1893 1894 1901 1904 1908 1916 1924 1926 1927 1930 1937 1939 1947 1956 1959 1960 1973 1976 1978 2007

HISTORY

  • 1955 (Centenary History, 1955-289; see below)

CENTENARY HISTORY, DECEMBER 1955

From Proceedings, Page 1955-289:

The Origin of Winslow Lewis Lodge

By Worshipful Samuel R. MacKillop.

Winslow Lewis Lodge, organized under a Dispensation granted by The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on December 27, 1855, is fortunate after one hundred years of continuous existence, in having the original records which state in detail the reasons for the founding of the Lodge.

The first recorded meetings of those who signed the petition for the new Lodge were held in the office of Bro. Benjamin Dean at No. 6 State Street, Boston, on Saturday evenings, December 15 and December 22, 1855. This location on the north side of the street opposite the Old State House is now the site of the" Devonshire Building. Present at one or both of these meetings were Wor. Bros. John Flint and Clement A. Walker, also Bros. Lyman Tucker, Duncan McB. Thaxter, Hubbard W. Swett, Eben F. Gay, Benjamin Dean, Charles Robbins, Jonathan H. Cheney, Rev. John T. Burrill, and James H. Collins, all members of Saint John's Lodge of Boston.

In commenting on the purpose of the meetings, Wor. Brother Walker stated that notwithstanding the increased population of the City and the present prosperous condition of the Fraternity, no new Lodge, except Germania, had been instituted in Boston proper for the past fifty years. In fact, the amount of work had become so great that existing Lodges were compelled to meet to a very late hour, and to hold many special meetings, thereby imposing on the time of devoted officers and members. The Grand Master had remarked on these conditions the previous year and recommended the formation of a new Lodge or Lodges. Moreover, many existing Lodges were considered much too large; very few members were acquainted with any considerable number of their Brethren in the same Lodge. As a result the social communion and intercourse which were among the objects of the Institution were wholly lost.

Hence the purpose of these meetings was to take the initiatory steps for the formation of a new Lodge. As a result of decisions made at these meetings, twenty-six Master Masons, whose names are listed below, signed the petition for the dispensation, of whom the nineteen marked with an asterisk were members of Saint John's Lodge, Boston, the oldest duly constituted Lodge in America.

  • Clement A. Walker, M.D.*
  • Joshua R. Lothrop, M.D.*

  • Duncan McB. Thaxter, M.D.*
  • Charles W. Walker
  • Rev. John T. Burrill*
  • William S. Thacher*
  • Hubbard W. Swett*
  • Benjamin French*
  • Moses Kimball*
  • Charles A. Davis, M.D.
  • Jonathan H. Cheney*
  • William K. Bacall
  • John M. Moriarty, M.D.
  • William S. Bartlett*
  • John Flint, M.D.*
  • John A. Warren
  • Charles Robbins*
  • John Amee*
  • Benjamin Dean*
  • Franklin F. Heard
  • Lyman Tucker*
  • Joseph Burnett*
  • Eben F. Gay*
  • John J. Rayner
  • James H. Collins*
  • Gustavus Jackson*

Of the seven signers who were not members of Saint John's Lodge, Charles W. Walker and John A. Warren were initiated but did not take membership in that Lodge; John M. Moriarty and John J. Rayner took the degrees in, but were not recorded as members of, The Lodge of Saint Andrew; William K. Bacall was initiated in and a member of The Massachusetts Lodge. Charles A. Davis took the First and Third Degrees in Ancient York Lodge, Lowell, Massachusetts, but was a member of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, Chelsea. No record of the Masonic affiliation of Franklin F. Heard has been found.

No explanation is given in the records for the unanimous choice by ballot of "Winslow Lewis" as the name for the new Lodge. Dr. W7inslow Lewis was a distinguished, respected and well-beloved physician in Boston, "the most genial of men," who in 1855 was completing his first year as Grand Master. He was the personal friend of many of the petitioners for the new Lodge, of whom six were also physicians. An article on the "Origin of the Lodge" published in 1857 stated:

"The name of the Lodge was selected because of the strong personal friendship existing between the members of the new Lodge and the Grand Master, added to a high appreciation of his untiring and invaluable labors for the good of the Institution, and his great worth as a good man and a true Mason."

However, in a speech at the Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Lodge in December 1905, Most Worshipful Sereno D. Nickerson stated:

"The name was adopted because he was the Grand Master who granted the dispensation, and also the Grand Master who signed the Charter." This was the opinion of a man who became a member of this Lodge on March 13, 1857, when all the Charter Members were still living, served as Master in 1861-1863, and became Grand Master in December 1871.

At the meeting on December 22, 1855, Wor. Clement A. Walker was unanimously chosen to be the first Worshipful Master, Bro. Duncan McB. Thaxter, to be the first Senior Warden, and Bro. Benjamin Dean to be the first Junior Warden. On a motion by Wor. Bro. Walker, it was voted that regular meetings of the Lodge be held on the second Friday of each month, which has remained unchanged for a hundred years. The above-named officers were directed to present the Petition for the Dispensation to the Grand Lodge on the following Thursday, December 27th, and as a result, the Lodge seems to have had a rather curious inception. In accordance with Masonic usage, the consent and approbation of The Lodge of Saint Andrew having been requested and obtained, application for the dispensation was made at the Stated Communication of the Grand Lodge on Thursday, December 27, 1855, Saint John the Evangelist's Day. This was a communication for the installation of the Grand Officers and the celebration of the Feast of Saint John, and not for the transaction of business. Some doubt existed as to whether such an assembly had authority to grant Masonic rights. The Constitutions provided that dispensations for new Lodges might be granted by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, but the fact that the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis, in whom all had so much confidence, was present and assented to the unanimous vote granting the dispensation, probably corrected all errors, if any existed. The first regular meeting of Winslow Lewis Lodge under the dispensation was held at seven o'clock on Friday evening, January 11, 1856, in the old Masonic Temple, located at the corner of Tremont Street and Temple Place, the site which is now occupied by R. H. Stearns Co.

The Lodge was organized by the Master and Wardens previously elected and named in the dispensation. Bro. Jonathan H. Cheney was elected Treasurer, and Bro. Hubbard W. Swett elected Secretary, both unanimously. The regalia used at this and several subsequent meetings was generously loaned by The Lodge of Saint Andrew.

Applications for the degrees were received from Hall J. How, Alfred Randell and Edward G. Nickerson. Edward G. Nickerson was initiated an Entered Apprentice on February 8, 1856, received the Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees at a special communication on February 25, 1856, and thus became the first candidate to be raised in this Lodge.

The policy of making this a small Lodge in which every member would be acquainted with all other members evidently had a definite appeal, for in the year under the dispensation, twenty-seven applications for the degrees were received, and work completed on eighteen of the applicants. After working a year under the dispensation, application was made to the Grand Lodge in December 1856 for a Charter. Of the twenty-six men who signed the petition for the dispensation, only twenty-one signed the petition for the charter to become the Charter Members. Wor. Bro. John Flint and Bro. James H. Collins decided not to take membership in the new Lodge, but to remain as members of Saint John's Lodge. Bros. Joseph Burnett and John J. Rayner took no further part with the Lodge. Prevented by sickness and absence from the city from signing the petition for the Charter, Bro. Gustavus Jackson was elected on February 27, 1857, a member of the Lodge at the same rate as the Charter Members. The first meeting under the Charter, which was granted by the Grand Lodge at the annual communication on December 10th, was held on Friday evening, December 12, 1856, when plans were made for the Constitution and Consecration of the new Lodge on Friday evening, December 19th, with a banquet at the American House at the close of the services.

However, on Monday, December 15th, Galen C. Walker, brother of Wor. Clement A. Walker, Master of the Lodge, and of Charles W. Walker, the Senior Deacon, himself a Mason, while discharging his duty as Deputy Warden of the Massachusetts State Prison, was assaulted and brutally murdered by one of the convicts at the close of religious services in the Chapel of the prison. Because of this calamity, the ceremonies were deferred until the evening of Friday, December 26th, and the banquet cancelled. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis, accompanied by a large and distinguished delegation from the Grand Lodge, performed the ceremonies of Consecration, after which he installed Wor. Clement A. Walker as Master, and presented the Lodge with a beautiful jewel for the present and future presiding officers. At the close of the ceremonies, Dr. Lewis gave a memorable address. This was his last official act as Grand Master.

In addition to Wor. Bro. Walker as Master, the other principal officers of the Lodge for the first year under the Charter were Senior Warden, Benjamin Dean, Junior Warden, Charles A. Davis, Treasurer, Jonathan H. Cheney, and Secretary, Hubbard W. Swett.

This chain of circumstances made Saint John's Day particularly memorable to Winslow Lewis Lodge. The Dispensation was granted on Saint John's Day, December 27, 1855. The Charter confirmed the Masonic precedence of the Lodge from that date, and the Lodge was Consecrated on Saint John's Day, December 26, 1856.

To establish and maintain this as a small Lodge, which was the policy of the founders, the membership was limited to sixty members by the By-Laws adopted under the Charter, and higher fees were specified. Contrary to predictions, the Lodge prospered from the start.

These were the events of a century ago which we commemorate today in celebrating the One Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of Winslow Lewis Lodge.

OTHER

  • 1877 (Presentation of a Jewel to Past Grand Master Everett; 1877-305)
  • 1885 (Contribution to ME & CT, 1885-65)
  • 1900 (Gift to Grand Lodge, 1900-19)
  • 1911 (Gift to Grand Lodge, 1911-226)
  • 1935 (Reduction in fees approved, 1935-316)

EVENTS

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS, DECEMBER 1856

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 4, February 1857, Page 107:

This new Lodge was consecrated and its officers installed at the Masonic Temple in this city, on the evening of the 26th Dec. last. The attendance of Brethren was large, and the ceremonies were unusually interesting and effective. After the consecration services, the W. Master of the Lodge, Dr. Clement A. Walker, was installed by the M. W. Grand Master, whose name the Lodge bears, and who availed himself of the occasion to present to the Lodge, through its Master, a beautiful Jewel, for its present and future presiding officers. The Jewel is of silver, richly chased, with a Diamond in the angle at which it is suspended from the Collar. It was manufactured in London. On investing the Master elect, the Grand Master addressed him as follows :—

I warmly greet you as Master elect of this Lodge, and I congratulate its members, that it commences, what I trust will prove a long and prosperous career, under the presiding influences of so able a Head.

My Brother: Though but young in Masonry, you have already concentrated the activities and labors ordinarily acquired only by many years of devotion. With great ability and success you have sustained the chair of the oldest Lodge in these U. States. You are now at the Head of an Encampment which has been raised from torpor to brilliancy ; and now, investing you with the insignia of your office here I doubt not the vivifying influence of your administration will continue. Receive therefore this Jewel, as a slight testimonial of the regards and interest of the donor towards you and your associates. I need not tell you its emblematic relation to duty. It has one addition, a diamond, which monitorially is not laid down; but may it teach you, that the heart should have the purity of the diamond, without its hardness, and all its brightness, without its coldness.

The remainder of the officers were installed by the S. W. John T. Heard, who acted on the occasion as Deputy Grand Master. The services were interspersed with appropriate music, and we have rarely seen them more acceptably performed, and this was the general sentiment of all present. At their conclusion, the M. W. Grand Master addressed the new Lodge in his usual happy and effective manner; after which the Grand Lodge retired. We had intended to lay the address before our readers in this connection, but a pressure of other matter obliges us to defer it until our next. We are happy to add, in conclusion, that the Lodge is in the hands of young, active, and devoted Brethren, whose intelligence and social position are a sure guaranty of its future prosperity and usefulness, and that, while in present hands at least, it will not tarnish, by act, of its own, the brightness of the honored name it bears.

GRAND MASTER LEWIS' ADDRESS

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 5, March 1857, Page 142:

Amid the varied embarassments of a varied life, of the many positions in which circumstances have placed me, where there was a demand for readiness of action or of speech, — and there have been many, when, by a species of " floundering," I have escaped, surprised at the survival ,— none has so palled my serenity, or to overcome my self-possession, as the present one. [ have addressed Lodges abroad in bad French, — have ventured, in worse Italian, a speech to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and even succeeded tolerably with his Holiness Pius IX. But these all were such as befall the many who visit such "lions," or witness the "elephant" here and there. This has a more difficult aspect, producing, W. Master, that unpleasant peculiar action, well known to those illy gifted in speech (not, air, that you have so suffered,) where vox haesit faucibus.

"To you, Worshipful Master, I address myself, as both my Masonic and professional Brother — as one deservedly high in both relations, with a heart for others' woes, and a skill to minister to the mind diseased. And it would seem that Masonry and Medicine are not deemed incompatible by our Brethren — that there was almost some alliance or connexion between them. It certainly cannot be, that there is any disease in the Order; and, therefore, these are selected to that duty which they are supposed best to understand — the administering to morbid bodies ' Surely not! But the fact is determinate and prominent. Six of the Grand Masters of our venerable Grand Lodge were Physicians. One fell, liberty's first martyr, on Bunker's heights, —three were Presidents of the Massachusetts Medical Society,— one is now an eminent Professor of Surgery in the great school of Louisville, Ky., and the last, is one not likely to fall for any service he may render his country, nor has he any aspirations in that direction! neither has he been, or ever will be, President of our State Medical Society. The only compliment to be paid him is, that he presided over the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts two years, and no harm befell it! Both the Encampments of this city are excellently managed by M. D.'s, both adepts in wielding the lance for health as for chivalry, — and all our Lodges are teeming with the sons of Æsculapius.

But the power, the extended peculiarity of the connexion, has been demonstrated this evening in the consecration of your new organization. If is chartered under the name of an humble Medical individual, known only as an active Mason, and as" one who cuts society with tolerable success! By his official position, you have been inducted to the privileges of fellowship with the Lodges. Two of your first officers are of the Medical Corps, and among you are included the professional Heads of the House of Correction, the Lunatic Asylum, and of the Quarantine, Deer Island, and United States Marine Hospital. What an array to meet any emergency which may befall a Body! And for those even who may require safe keeping, you have the Master of the Jail! I trust, that this last Brother may find his office a sinecure as regards you all, and that you may never need his official hospitality or shelter! With these and others, true and trusty, you now commence your career as a duly and regularly constituted Lodge; and now is the period for laying the basis on which your superstructure is to rest, to regulate a platform of the requirements you demand from all who are to form your future associates, of those who are to be admitted to your Masonic hearth. "The Spiritualists," to ensure the success of their operations, form a circle, and the efficiency of the manifestations they deem dependent on the " mediums" being consentaneous in their sentiments and feelings. One, not sufficiently imbued, breaks the harmony, and the efforts of the rest are null, ineffective. So compose your Masonic circle, that the electric chain may be>unbroken, that the kindly spark may be transmitted through all, without discord of action or feeling—that the same thrill of affection shall vibrate through every heart, producing that glorious manifestation, a Brotherhood dwelling together in peace and unity. You may not produce "rappings," but every heart will beat more vigorously with pleasure's increased pulsation. You may not receive "communications" from the spirit land, but be assured, all good angels hover over those, who seek the well-being of their fellows—the promotion of diffused happiness.

How important is the act by which another is added to our Order,—by which the "Mr." is baptised into "Br.," and alas ! how much to be deplored when one is rejected from the privileges to which he may justly be entitled. Consider well what you do with your great power, with your black ball; which may wound not only the sensibilities bat the reputation of a good man. Think before you act.

In the Lodges in France, and in the French Lodges in this country, whenever a ballot is taken for the solemn purpose of admitting or rejecting, the box is placed on the altar, — resting on the Holy Bible, square and compasses. The Brethren advance singly, for a moment pause, take the ballot, and making the sign of the de-pee, slowly deposit it. The effect of this is both impressive and good. It reminds them, that what they are about to do, is an act requiring calm consideration, an act which involves deep responsibilities. Thus standing alone, in the centre of the Lodge, before the Altar of God, with God's word there placed, with emblems also to remind him of bis high duties, will the Brother not shrink from the exercise of the malevolent passions, and let conscientiousness alone be his sole monitor? I commend this practice to your consideration. It will take a little more time, but its loss will be your gain.

My Brethren ! — This is the last time that I shall be privileged to address a Lodge as Grand Master, and the last subject, but the first in importance, is the selection of your associates. I charge you look well to, and ponder most seriously on, the effect of every ballot cast for admission. How much evil one black sheep may produce upon a whole flock ! how "one bad voice will put twenty good ones out of tune!" Most seriously do I emphasize on the importance of the severest scrutiny into all the qualifications and peculiarities of those who are to be admitted into the "Household of your Faith."

There are men, who, in the transactions of life, in their vocation, their business, are fair, just and honorable ; humane and generous at times; but who are endowed with a morbid excitability, a morbid jealousy, imputing wrong to all who may differ from them, and suspecting evil when none was practised or intended. Touch them, however gently, and they explode, making confusion and strife, stirring up the angry passions, painful recriminations and discord ; ever carping at the motives and actions of those whose judgments differ from their own ; scanning with the most acrid severity, and eagerly watching for an expression, aye, even for a look, on which they may eject their venom. Such, gifted with the power of "talk" (and generally such are loud and constant declaimers,) vox et praeterea nihil, will too oft infuse their poison into the minds of the younger, collect around them a coterie, call this perhaps "young America," and all others "old fogies." For them, age, experience, long tried fidelity, are not the respected essentials. They would plough up the old soil without improving it, disturb the feature* of its ancient fields, without any addition to their beauties, e'en though they shroud themselves and all with them, in the dust and smoke of their innovations. Keep such out of your fraternal sanctuary ; but if, unluckily, you receive them, keep them down, if you wish to keep yourselves up. Scan well and probe deeply into the motives of those who would pass your threshold. Look to it, that they are not influenced by expectations of mere personal interest or selfish advance. To Freemasonry they are useless. In them, you receive no accession. Both parties are aggrieved and disappointed. They find not what they sought, nor you what you hoped for. They throw no incense on the altar of the heart. They add no fuel to keep alive the sacred flame of Brotherly Love and Relief.

They are called to give, when they looked to receive. The real fund of Brotherhood and Friendship of which they are made stockholders, to such is of no account. To them " it don't pay," and the only satisfaction that will accrue to you is, that they will not trouble you long with their attendance; but to you, the regret will attach, that through you, drones have been added to a good hive, bringing no sweets, producing no addition, but a miserable numerical one. Secure to yourselves those who give the promise of becoming useful as members of your Lodge, those who are capable of appreciating, and will devote their minds to its ritual, qualify and instruct themselves to fill the important stations as officers and leaders in the cause. Failing to secure such, how large may be your numbers, but how weak your organization — how ineffective, how lifeless, how totally unimpressive your ceremonials! and consequently how feeble the impress on your initiates. I have seen the most solemn degree of Masonry gont through urith, (that is the proper phrase) and its impress on the recipient fall cold and powerless. The sublime monitions come as it were from a machine, an automaton. " Words that should burn" were uttered by icy lips, from a frozen soul — from a stolid mind. That same degree has been given, where the candidate has evinced by his emotions, his tears, that his heart was reached to its very centre, was penetrated to its keenest and best susceptibilities — and why t Because it was properly administered, by one who understood and felt, and could communicate, with the strong force of action and delivery. This was the touch of "Ithuriel," quickening into life, — the other, the deadening weight of a stupid Boeotian. The one, the inanimate statue, the other, the vital, breathing, warm original. Select for your officers those whose position in society is prominent, well known and esteemed, —not for their worldly wealth, but for the eminence of their characters, for honesty, benevolence, moral worth and intelligence. The world looks to our officers as our "Representative Men," as the exponents of our principles and actions. Show to it, that your jewels are also those who are prized as citizens, as honored members of the general community. Besides character and position in life, knowledge of the work and lectures, there are other requirements, — courtesy, mildness, judgment, grace, should be sought for in your choice. Place no dictator at your head—no lex et ego autocrat. The car of Masonry needs no such drivers, and 'tis a truism, "from where there is no judgment, that the heaviest judgment comes."

My Brethren, receive these suggestions from one deeply interested in your welfare and success, crude and disjointed as they are, unpolished and unadorned, — though they may lack mind, the heart is not wanting. And now, how can I thank you for the great compliment, aye, for the greatest honor of my life? In "storied urn or animated bust," posthumous rewards and praises are given to the departed. But here, while among you, with the chance whether my humble reputation may be sustained or lost, you have founded an institution, and attached to it my name. Be assured, it will be the strongest incentive to preserve the little I possess of what is good, and if that little should be less, yon may still preserve your name without a blush, by using still the same, which, throughout a long, useful life, in the performance of life's highest duties, was attached to an old Mason, my honored Father. My grateful thanks to you all, and though the unpretending name on your banner will not excite your emulation in a cause whose course is onward and upward, may it remind you of one who did his best of what God had favored him, in advancing that Order, whose end is "Peace on earth, good will to men."

To those who have just commenced their Masonic career, permit me, who have reaped so much of the harvest of my life's happiness from its fertile fields, enjoyed so profusely of its blessings through so long a period, now, as my official duties are almost closed, to declare with gratitude, that to this connexion I am indebted for the best friends, the best social blessings that can accrue to one, without the pale of his own family hearth. So may you all thus find the result with you in your new fraternal relation. May the light now kindled on your altar, shed on your paths the most genial and cheering radiance.

"Almighty Jehovah!
Descend now and fill This Lodge with thy glory,
Tour hearts with good will! Preside at your meetings,,br> Assist you to find True pleasure in teaching
Good will to mankind."

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS, DECEMBER 1860

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XX, No. 3, January 1861, Page 74:

The officers of this excellent and prosperous Lodge were installed on the evening of the 14th December, at Freemasons' Hall, in the presence of the wives and daughters and other female friends of the members. The new Master was installed by his immediate predecessor, W. Bro. D. McB. Thaxter, who also installed the Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary. The remainder of the officers were then installed by Bros. Benj. Dean and Clement A. Walker, Past Masters of the Lodge. The ceremonies were handsomely performed, and apparently interested the lady visitors ; as from their peculiar character they were well calculated to do. At the conclusion of them, W. Bro. Sereno D. Nickerson, the new Master, in behalf of the Lodge, presented his predecessor with a very beautiful gold Past Master's Jewel; after which an elegant and appropriate address was delivered by the M. W. Brother Dr. Lewis, G. M., which, as the addresses of our excellent Brother never fail to do, gave the highest satisfaction to all who were privileged to listen to it. The music was furnished by a quartette choir and a part of Gilmore's Band.

After the ceremonies in the hall were over, the party repaired to the Banqueting Hall, where the " Prince of Caterers," Mr. J. B. Smith, had arranged an entertainment in a style of elegance and good taste which can be equalled only by himself.

This part of the ceremonies having been satisfactorily disposed of, and the several apartments of the building, including the various halls, and the armories of the Encampments, examined by the fair visitors, an hour or two were pleasantly spent in dancing.

The occasion was an exceedingly interesting one, and the officers of the Lodge are entitled to great credit for the successful manner in which the whole affair passed off.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS, NOVEMBER 1861

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 2, December 1861, Page 64:

Officers of Winslow Lewis Lodge for the ensuing year.

  • Sereno D. Nickerson,, M.
  • Andrew G. Smith, S. W
  • Thomas Sprague, J. W.
  • John F. Mills, Treas.
  • Hubbard W. Swett, Sec'y.

OFFICER LIST, FEBRUARY 1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 2, December 1861, Page 64:

Officers of Winslow Lewis Lodge, Boston.

  • Andrew G. Smith, W. M.
  • Thos. Sprague, S. W.
  • Richard A. Newell, J. W.
  • John F. Mills, Treas.
  • Hubbard W. Swett, Sec.
  • David Pulsifer, Chap
  • Theodore H. Dugan, Mar.
  • William H. Chessman, S. D.
  • Stephen S. Winchester, J. D.
  • Percival L. Everett, S. S.
  • Ward J. Parks, J. S.
  • Benjamin F. Brawn, Sentinel.
  • Eben F. Gay, Tyler
  • Chas. Robbins, Stephen S. Winchester, Com. of Charity.
  • Clement A. Walker, Benjamin Dean, Theodore H. Dugan, Members' Committee.

ANNIVERSARY, DECEMBER 1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVII, No. 3, January 1868, Page 96:

Winslow Lewis Lodge celebrated its eleventh Anniversary, at the Parker House, on the 10th December. There was a large attendance of members and invited guests, and the dinner was served in the excellent style of that popular establishment. The speeches at the table were in keeping with the high and intelligent character of the Lodge. The following are the principal officers for the present year:

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1870

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXIX, No. 4, February 1870, Page 124:

PRESENTATION, MARCH 1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 5, March 1872, Page 158:

A Handsome Present. Winslow Lewis Lodge of this city has recently presented to Blaney Lodge of Chicago (which lost all its regalia by fire), a rich and elegant outfit, consisting of an entire set of heavy silver Jewels, manufactured by Messrs. Guild & Delano of this city, in their best style of workmanship, together with the necessary working tools, also of solid silver, richly chased, and rods for the Deacons and Stewards of corresponding style; an entire set of rich blue velvet embroidered Collars, and a large folio high cost Bible — the whole making one of the most complete outfits for a Lodge ever manufactured in this country. This Lodge had previously contributed in a very liberal manner to the sufferers by the recent fire. Such acts of liberality are a beautiful illustration of the kindly and fraternal sympathies which bind our fraternity together in a common bond of friendship

VISIT OF GRAND MASTER LEWIS, MAY 1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 8, June 1872, Page 237:

A special communication of this fine Lodge was held at the Masonic Temple in this city, on Friday evening the 10th of May, ult. The particular purpose of the meeting was a Fraternal Welcome to Past Grand Master Dr. Winslow Lewis, on his return from a recent trip to Europe. It was a delicate and appropriate compliment to our distinguished Brother, and one in which the hearts and sympathies of all his friends were warmly enlisted. There was one beautiful feature in the arrangements, which so far as we know, is without a precedent in the history of masonry in this country. The Lodge was organized in 1855—6, and has had nine regularly installed Masters, all of whom are still living and are active, zealous, and beloved members of it. Availing themselves of this interesting, if not remarkable circumstance, the Lodge unanimously adopted, as a prominent feature in the festival, the conferring of the third degree, filling all the offices, from the highest to the lowest, with the exception of Secretary and Treasurer, with their Past Masters as follows : —

  • W. M. Wor. Bro. C. A. Walker, first Master, 1856-7.
  • S. W. R. Wor. Bro. Benj. Dean, Second Master, 1858-9.
  • J. W. Wor. Bro. D. McB. Thaxter, Third Master, i860.
  • S. D. M. W. Bro. S. D. Nickerson (present Grand Master o( Massachusetts,) Fourth Master, 1861-2-3.
  • J. D. Wor. Bro. A. G. Smith, Fifth Master, 1864-5.
  • S. S. Wor. Bro. Thomas Sprague, Sixth Master, 1866-7-
  • I. S. Wor. Bro W. H. Chessman, Seventh Master, 1868-9.
  • Marshal, Wor. Bro. P. L. Everett, Eighth Master, 1870
  • I. S. Wor. Bro. R. M. Field, Ninth Master, 1871-2.

The Lodge was formally opened by its W. Master, Bro. R. M. Field, in the presence of about three hundred Brethren, including many of the past officers of the Grand Lodge, and other distinguished guests. The introductory address by W. Bro. Field was a neat and appropriate beginning to what was to follow. He closed by introducing the W. Bro. Dr. Clement A. Walker, as the acting Master of the Lodge for the evening. The work then proceeded, and was of course given with great impressiveness and accuracy. It could not well have been otherwise with such a Board of experienced and accomplished officers. The music interspersed through the ceremonies was by a double quartette, and was finely executed.

At the conclusion of these ceremonies the Lodge was closed, and the members, with the invited guests, repaired to the Banquet Hall, and to a repast spread by the distinguished caterer, Bro. J. B. Smith.

At the proper time, short speeches were made by the W. Master of the Lodge; by Dr. Lewis, as the guest of the evening; by Grand Master Nickerson and other Brethren. It is hardly necessary to add that the occasion' was one of peculiar interest, and was highly enjoyed by all who were privileged to participate in it.

OFFICER LIST, FEBRUARY 1873

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXII, No. 2, February 1873, Page 63:

Organization 1872-3.

  • Joseph Winsor, M.
  • L. Cushing Kimball, Sen. W.
  • Geo. R. Marble, Jun. W.
  • John F. Mills, Treas.
  • Alonzo V. Jones, Sec.
  • Benj. F. Brown, A. Sec.
  • Rev. Wm. R. Alger, Chap.
  • John C. Farnham, Mar.
  • Geo.
E. Otis, S. Dea.
  • John A. Conkey. J. Dea.
  • Clarence J. Blake, S. Stew.
  • Geo. 
D. Fenno, J. Stew.
  • Edward E. Clark, Sen.
  • Eben F. Gay, Tyler.
  • Committee 
on Charity, Richard A. Newell; Geo. K. Guild.
  • Members' Committee, Clement 
A. Walker; Benjamin Dean; Benjamin F. Brown.
  • Library Committee, Chas.
 Levi Woodbury; Sereno D. Nickerson.
  • Committee on Sodality Room, Andrew
 G. Smith; Benj. F. Brown; Wm. H. Chessman.

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, DECEMBER 1881

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. V, No. 10, January 1882, Page 316:

Winslow Lewis Lodge, F. and A. M., celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its charter (December 10th, 1856,) by a social gathering of its members and their ladies, at Masonic Temple on Saturday evening, date as named.

An excellent programme was prepared for their entertainment in Corinthian Hall. This consisted of an address, delivered by R. W. Charles Levi Woodbury, in which he gave a history of the formation and charter of the Lodge, and of the lives and labors of its charter members, also paying a deserved tribute to the memory of the late Winslow Lewis, for whom the Lodge, in whose success he always took a lively interest, was named. His signature as M. W. Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts is also attached to the charter of the Lodge.

Following the address came a varied entertainment of instrumental music by Carter's orchestra, readings by Mrs. Louise H. Ingraham and singing by Mrs. Marie F. Marchington and the Mendelssohn Quartette. Mrs. Ingraham read two scenes from Fazio, and gave a humorous dramatic recitation; Mrs. Marchington sang Mulder's Staccato Polka and Knapp's Bird Carol; the orchestra gave a selection from Lucretia Borgia, and the quartette Zo-liner's Vocal March, and Koschat's song, The Young Lover. These selections were well performed, and were highly appreciated by the audience. A short time was then spent in visiting the many apartments in the Temple, which were thrown open and brilliantly lighted for inspection, the company finally gathering at the banquet hall, where a fine collation was well served.

OFFICIAL VISIT, NOVEMBER 1886

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. X, No. 10, January 1887, Page 320:

Tlie annual visitation to Winslow Lewis Lodge, F. A. M., Masonic Temple, was made Friday evening, November 12th, by R. W. Herbert L. Burrell, D. D. G. M. for the 1st Masonic District, and the following suite: W. Eugene H. Richards, D. S. G. W.; W. J. Arthur Jacobs, D. J. G. W.; W. Edwin B. Holmes, D. G. T.; W. George P. Kustis, D. G. S.; W. William D. Hodges, D. G. M. After an exemplification of the work a supper was served, with the usual season of social enjoyment.

PAST MASTERS' NIGHT, DECEMBER 1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 5, February 1908, Page 183:

No meeting ever held by Winslow Lewis Lodge of Boston will be longer remembered or with greater interest than that of Friday, December 13. when all of the chairs of its officers were filled by Past Masters of the lodge. The crowning interest of the occasion was in the presence of the brother who was seated in the chair of the Worshipful Master, it being Right Worshipful Sereno D. Nickerson, the distinguished Grand Secretary and Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

It was the first time in forty-four years that Brother Nickerson had taken any part in the exemplification of lodge work and it is safe to say that at no time in his younger days was his work watched with deeper interest or he regarded with greater respect than at this time.

The Past Masters associated with Rrother Nickerson were: G. B. Macomber as Senior Warden; Walter L. Frost as Junior Warden; L. C. Kimball as Treasurer; George T. Coppins as Secretary; George H. Graves as Chaplain; Thomas C. Cummings as Marshal; Daniel J. Strain as Senior Deacon; George W. Tirrell as Junior Deacon; William C. Shillaber as Senior Steward; Abraham Byfield as Junior Steward; Warren F. Gay as Inside Sentinel. Other Past Masters of the lodge present were: George R. McFarlin, C. W. Galloupe and Percy E. Walbridge.

There was a distinguished assembly of brethren present, including all the Past Masters of Winslow Lewis Lodge except two, and nearly all of the Masters of the lodges in the temple.

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, JANUARY 1917

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XII, No. 5, February 1917, Page 172:

The Sixtieth Anniversary of the granting of the charter to Winslow Lewis Lodge, Boston, was observed Friday, January 12th, by a banquet of the members at the Algonquin Club. The menu was printed on the typical lamb-skin. Worshipful Master Arthur Longley presided.

Clement A. Walker was the first master of the lodge and Benjamin Dean followed him. Two Grand Masters, Sereno D. Nickerson and Percival Everett, have come from its ranks, and Past Grand Secretary Charles W. Moore was on its honorary list. It has had two District Deputy Grand Masters, Daniel j Strain and Right Worshipful Howard M. North, now in office.


GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS


DISTRICTS

1855: District 1

1867: District 1 (Boston)

1883: District 1 (Boston)

1911: District 1 (Boston)

1927: District 1 (Boston)

2003: District 1


LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges