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; PDDGM

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)

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.

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.

MEMORIALS

CHARLES AUGUSTUS DAVIS 1825-1863

Funeral Obsequies for Ill. Charles Augustus Davis at Lowell.

The obsequies of Ill. Br. Davis were celebrated by Mt. Calvary Sov. Chapter of Rose Croix de H. R. D. M., on the eve of Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1864, in accordance with the sublime ritual of the Order, in the most imposing manner. Rarely, if ever, in this country, has such a spectacle been witnessed. The spacious Masonic Hall was converted into a "Hall of Mourning" for the occasion, and was elaborately decorated in a style of sombre magnificence. The walls were hung with black and white drapery, the voluminous folds of which were everywhere looped up with the Teutonic Cross, while from the centre of the ceiling broad streamers of the same colors radiated in all directions, making a tent-like roofing. In the East was a cenotaph emblazoned with appropriate devices. The altar was draped in black, and ornamented with the crucifix and candles. On its left was the Throne, on which reposed the robes of State of the deceased M. W. and P. Master, covered with a veil of crape. Immediately in front of the altar a Catafalque was erected. This beautiful structure, in correspondence with the rest of the decorations, was hung with white and black, the columns enrolled with the same, and the cross which surmounted the canopy blended the same colors. Beneath it, on a dais, lay the coffin, covered with black, with rich silver ornaments bearing the insignia of the rank of the deceased, with crossed swords and the brilliant collar of the Sovereign Inspectors General. At the head and foot and upon the coffin were placed wreaths of immortelles and choice flowers. Lighted tapers were also placed in the East, West and South. The organ was deeply shrouded in black, and all the jewels and furniture were covered. The room was lighted by three blazing crosses only, and the "dim religious light" which prevailed rendered the coup d'oeil inexpressibly solemn and affecting.

At the appointed hour the Chapter, habited in black robes and skull caps, and decorated with their jewels, with the sprig of evergreen on the breast, accompanied by several members of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Inspectors General, entered the apartment to the music of a dirge. The proper officers bore lighted tapers, and the Brethren silver vases and bouquets of flowers. The procession, preceded by the Master of Ceremonies with his sword, marched three times around the Catafalque, and the tapers were deposited in their proper places near the coffin, and the bouquets disposed on each side of it. .

The Sovereign Inspectors General having taken their seats in the East, the order of offices then proceeded. An opening chant was sting by the Choir. The M. W. and P. M. then recited from the ritual with responses from the S. Warden, a fitting introduction to the solemnities. The De Profundis was sung, and at its conclusion the Master of Ceremonies advanced, and, with uncovered head, extinguished one of the tapers. The ritual proceeded — the Choir gave the Anthem Ece. xi. xii. Another taper was extinguished with the same ceremonies. Ritual services succeeded, and then the Dies Iræ pealed forth in all its grand solemnity. The last taper was then extinguished. These services represented three periods of Darkness, Decay, and Dissolution, and the lessons were singularly appropriate and solemn.

Addresses and further responses were now recited by the different officers, in which the loftiest sentiments, in the pure spirit of Masonry, were inculcated. Mozart's Requiem followed, by the Choir. Prayer was offered by the Prelate, the Rev. Theodore Edson, D. D., Rector of St. Ann's. Impressive ceremonies then took place. The great brazen censer was then lighted at the head of the Coffin. A procession marched in three lines around the Catafalque, each time prostrating itself in appropriate devotions, and bidding a fraternal farewell to the Illustrious Brother deceased.

After another prayer from the Liturgy by the venerable prelate, the second part of the solemnity was commenced, opening with ceremonies illustrating the period of Faith. A hymn was sung by the Choir. After ritual observances, the Master of Ceremonies advanced as before, and rekindled one of the extinguished tapers, in the South, or at the side of the Coffin. Similar services appropriate to the period of Hope were next performed with suitable music. The taper in the West was lighted. The period of Resurrection was introduced with the ritual and appropriate music, and when the taper in the East was kindled the Hall was illuminated with a glow of light, and the concluding strains of the anthem "Where is thy Victory, O Grave, and where O Death, thy Sting," lifted all hearts, and thrilled through every soul with its joyous harmony.

The Eulogy was then delivered by III. and Hon. Br. Elisha Huntington, M. D. This was an able and eminently chaste production, repeated with feeling and beauty. The personal, social, professional and patriotic character of Dr. Davis was exhibited in a masterly manner, and the performance was listened to with the most profound attention.

' An address by the Prelate followed, and the services were closed by a Hymn, and Prayer, and Benediction by the Prelate. The Chapter formed in procession, and while the Dead March in Saul was performed on the organ, marched around the Catafalque, each one of the Respectable and Perfect Knights depositing his evergreen on the Coffin, and thus retired from the Hall.

These ceremonies were performed in the presence of invited guests who occupied the lower end of the hall in such numbers as might be accommodated. The whole arrangement and perfect execution of the programme reflects the greatest credit on the zeal, taste and liberality of Calvary Chapter. Everything was conducted in the most admirable manner, and the details were carried out with the minutest accuracy. The musical part of the services was very creditable to the quartette who executed it, and the organist managed the ex. eel lent instrument intrusted to his charge, in an artistic manner.

The effect of this unique ceremony cannot well be described so as to carry a just idea to those who were not privileged to witness it. The ritual, so sublime in itself, was heightened in interest by the accessories so admirably arranged. The spectacle was sorrowfully magnificent. The gloom which prevailed at the opening, after the beautiful ceremony of depositing the lights and flowers around the coffin, just revealing the funereal drapery of the Hall, was in fit accordance with the sad and disconsolate services which represents Darkness, Decay and Dissolution, culminating in the wail of the Dies Iræ. Then a partial relief came over the saddened feelings in listening to the beautiful requiem which is clothed with so many tender associations, followed by the consolation of prayer. Afterwards, the exquisite, simple and touching ceremonies of the fraternal farewells increased the soothing influence. And the gradual emergence into light again, as the hymns and lessons spoke of Faith and Hope, — advancing into brilliancy as the Resurrection anthem gave forth its voice of triumph, formed a filling termination to this appropriate and impressive service. Whoever witnessed it will never forget it, and will henceforth acknowledge that Masonry is the true handmaid of Religion.

THOMAS SPRAGUE 1822-1872

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXXI, No. 11, September 1872, Page 349:

This estimable brother died at his summer cottage in Hingham Centre on Saturday afternoon, August 17th, at the age of sixty years. He was a member and Past Master of Winslow Lewis Lodge of this city, by the members of which he was held in high and deserved esteem, and by whom his funeral was attended. He was also active in other branches of the Order. He was born in Hingham, but had lived in Boston over thirty years, engaged in active mercantile business. He had served the City, as a member of the Common Council and the Board of Alderman, and also in its fire department The disease of which he died was pneumonia.

DUNCAN McBEAN THAXTER, 1828-1873

We are again called upon to record in our pages the death of another estimable and beloved brother, in that of him whose name we have placed at the head of this brief notice. He died, after a short illness, at his residence in South Boston on the 17th of November last, in the 45th year of his age, and was buried with Masonic honors on the 20th. The funeral services were held at the Unitarian Church, and were opened by the Rev. George A. Thayer, its pastor, who, after the usual impressive religious services, briefly sketched the life and character of the deceased. At the conclusion of the address by the pastor, the beautiful Templar burial service was effectively recited by the officers of St. Omer Commandery, of which the deceased was a Past Commander, some fifty or sixty of the members being present in full regalia. The remains were then taken in charge by the members of Winslow Lewis Lodge, of which the deceased was a Past Master, and escorted to Forest Hills for interment, where the regular Masonic funeral service was performed by W. Bro. Joseph Winsor, Master of the Lodge, assisted by the Rev. Charles H. Titus as Chaplain. Among the brethren present were the Most Worshipful Grand Master and other officers of the Grand Lodge, who gladly united with their brethren of Winslow Lewis Lodge in publicly manifesting their sympathy with the afflicted family of the deceased, in the early loss of their beloved and honored head.

Besides the Lodge and Commandery above named, the deceased was a member of several other Masonic bodies, and of all the various Masonic grades up to and including that of the Sov. P. A. S. 32°, and in Grand Lodge had held the office of Dist. Deputy Grand Master for the District in which he resided. He had also held various civil offices, and was esteemed to be one of the most prominent physicians in the circle of his practice. He leaves a wife and two children, an aged mother and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss and honor his memory.

CHARLES W. WALKER d. 1861

The funeral of this estimable man and Brother, who was recently accidentally killed while on his way to Washington with the second New Hampshire regiment, took place at Concord, N. H., on the 26th nit. The deeeased was attached as Lieutenant to Co. B (Goodwin Rifles). He was for a long period connected with the Massachusetts States Prison as Deputy Warden, was a brother of Galen C. Walker, who was murdered at the prison about four years ago, and of Dr. Clement A. Walker, Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum of this city. He stood high in the Masonic Order, and was a man extremely popular on account of numerous excellent traits of character. The accident by which he met his death excited deep sorrow here, but particularly in New Hampshire, where he was best known.

The ceremonies attending the burial were impressive in the extreme, business in Concord was suspended, bells were tolled and flags hung at half mast, and general gloom pervaded the city. The De Molay Encampment of Knights Templar, forty in number, and under the command of Sir Kt. William Parkman and the Winslow Lewis Lodge, Bro. S. D. Nickerson, Master, went up from Boston to join in the tribute of respect to be paid to the memory of the lamented dead, and were received at the depot by the Encampments and Lodges of Concord. They were escorted to the Phoenix House, then to Masonic Hall, and afterwards to the State House, where the body of Lieutenant Walker lay in state. The body was conveyed to the area of the State House at 9, A. M., by the Goodwin Rifles, and there remained in state until noon. The rotunda was dressed throughout in mourning, and the body deposited under a canopy of flags. The apartment was densely crowded the whole time. The procession was formed at twelve o'clock, as follows;— Concord Cornet Band, Goodwin's Rifles, Funeral Car, Drum Corps, Fisherville Home Guard, City Government, Company A, Governor's Horse Guards, Governor Berry, Ex-Governor Goodwin, Honorable Cunncil and Officers of State, Band, Concord Home Guard, members of the House of Representatives. There were five or six bands in the procession, which was quite lengthy, and the passage of which was witnessed by immense crowds of people thronging the streets. The body was conveyed to the North Church, where funeral service was performed in the presence of a congregation which.entirely filled the building. An excellent choir sang several appropriate hymns, an address was offered by the clergyman of the church, and a final opportunity of viewing the features of the deceased was afforded.

The services at the church concluded, the body was conveyed to the burying ground for interment, and at the grave the burial service of the Orders of Masonic Knighthood was conducted by the De Malay Encampment of Boston. The remains were then committed to their final resting place, and the procession returned. The De Molays and their Brothers of the Winslow Lewis Lodge were escorted to the Phoenix House, where they dined, and subsequently to the depot, where they took the cars for home.

There were thousands of strangers in Concord during the day, and the occasion presented a marked contrast to that of the preceding Thursday, when the regiment of which Lieut. Walker was a prominent member, left New Hampshire amidst the most enthusiastic public demonstrations.


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