Winthrop

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WINTHROP LODGE

Location: Winthrop

Chartered By: Henry Endicott

Charter Date: 03/14/1888 1888-41

Precedence Date: 03/22/1887

Current Status: merged into Star of Bethlehem Lodge, 06/26/1995.

PAST MASTERS

  • Peter S. MacGowan, 1887
  • Edmund S. Reed, 1888
  • Charles G. Bird, 1889, 1890; SN
  • Lewis A. Wallon, 1891, 1892; Mem
  • Sydney H. Griffin, 1893, 1894
  • George F. Payne, 1895, 1896
  • Albert B. Dunham, 1897, 1898
  • Edward F. Cutler, 1899, 1900
  • Charles G. Craib, 1901
  • Horace A. Magee, 1902, 1903
  • Walter P. Simonds, 1904, 1905
  • Harry W. Aiken, 1906
  • William W. Thompson, 1907, 1908
  • George E. Safford, 1909, 1910
  • William H. Vincent, 1911
  • Walter B. Thayer, 1912
  • David Belcher, 1913, 1914
  • George L. H. Stevenson, 1915, 1916
  • Frank F. Cook, 1917, 1918
  • Albert S. Smith, 1919, 1920
  • Gorham L. Walker, 1921, 1922; Mem
  • Allen E. Newton, 1923, 1924
  • Clyde D. Moulton, 1925
  • Winfred C. Mills, 1926
  • Benjamin H. Littlefield, 1927
  • Ernest R. Walker, 1928; N'
  • Francis F. Homer, 1929
  • Albert E. Whitney, 1930; N
  • Orin E. Fisher, 1931
  • Russell A. Lang, 1932
  • Albert W. Lythgoe, 1933
  • Benjamin A. Healey, 1934
  • Amos W. Crooks, 1935
  • Edgar F. Baker, 1936, 1937
  • Carl L. Root, 1938
  • Ralph E. Hamilton, 1939
  • N. Elliot Willis, 1940
  • W. Truman Hue, 1941
  • George A. Luke, 1942, 1943
  • James M. Letson, 1944
  • Leslie M. Walker, 1945
  • Edward G. Kalkert, 1946
  • William E. Brumby, 1947
  • Clarence A. Poole, 1948
  • John G. Markley, 1949
  • Thomas Knudson, Jr., 1950; N
  • Howard S. Reynolds, 1951
  • Douglas Fullerton, 1952
  • John H. Fenton, 1953
  • John M. Ballou, 1954
  • Frederick H. Cheeseman, 1955
  • Richard B. Learnard, 1956
  • Joseph F. March, 1957
  • Norman F. Siefert, 1958
  • Richard A. Marsh, 1959
  • Robert L. Siefert, 1960
  • Harold A. Ham, Jr., 1961
  • James William Dunnell, 1962
  • Lawrence J. Roberts, 1963; died in office
  • Henry J. Petzke, 1963, 1964
  • William West, Jr., 1965
  • Charles R. Smith, 1966
  • Ralph E. Blazo, Jr., 1967
  • Richard Dell Orfano, 1968
  • William A. Farquhar, 1969
  • James C. Dell Orfano, 1970
  • Frederick W. Hagman, 1971
  • George E. Durfee, Jr., 1972, 1976
  • Robert L. Sterling, 1973
  • James H. Carangelo, 1974
  • Frederick H. Cheeseman, 1975
  • Joe B. Collins, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1990
  • Hazen W. Lipsett, 1978
  • Orin F. Edgar, 1979
  • Odell Robinson, 1980
  • Joseph S. Agri, 1981
  • Ole R. Knudson, 1982, 1992
  • Ronald R. Wright, 1983
  • Donald F. Tabbut, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991; PDDGM
  • Robert E. Stephenson, 1993
  • Gerald R. Izzett, 1994, 1995


REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1912 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1937 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1962 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1987 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1888 1892 1905 1906 1907 1913 1918 1919 1932 1940 1946 1948 1950 1951 1957 1958 1960 1961 1963 1968 1979 1982 1984

HISTORY

  • 1962 (75th Anniversary History, 1962-68; see below)

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, MARCH 1962

by R.W. Thomas Knudson

As it is exceedingly desirable that the members of any organization should be fully acquainted with its origin and history so far as possible, and inasmuch as the membership is frequently changing, it was considered that the present occasion afforded a favorable opportunity to inform the younger members of the goodly heritage they have acquired through their association with this Ancient and Honorable Institution. This sketch is brief, embracing only the salient points in the history of the Lodge. A really complete history would require a volume of very large dimensions.

In compiling Masonic data relative to Winthrop Lodge, which had its beginning in 1887, our task is rather difficult. Lodges are but men, and their histories are nothing more than the record of the men who left the influence of their personality upon their successors and on the Lodge whose history they made. My task is to turn back the pages of history for three quarters of a century and give the story of our Lodge as briefly as possible, reciting only some of the high spots.

On March 22, 1887, Most Worshipful Henry Endicott, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, granted a dispensation to nineteen Brethren, authorizing them to convene in the Town of Winthrop, under the name of Winthrop Lodge, the petition being recommended by Mount Tabor, Baalbec, Hammatt, and Temple Lodges, all of East Boston, and countersigned by R.W. Charles S. Robertson, District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District.

The Lodge first met in a room on the third floor of "Read's Block", located on the corner of Pauline and Hermon Streets, on the side toward Hermon. The,"Lodge Room" was the only part of that floor that was finished and plastered for the kitchen and dining-room were in the "loft" or unfinished portion. However, the baked bean, clam chowder, and frankfort spreads were well enjoyed and relished regardless of the surroundings. The lodge-room was about fifteen by thirty feet with low ceilings sloping on three sides, with three or four windows on the Pauline Street side, which were kept closed. In the summer all stewed and sizzled alike, but in the winter the stove in the Northwest corner furnished the Senior Warden, Organist, Tyler, and the Brethren in that area with heat, while the Master and those in the East nearly froze. Members dressed for comfort, and a half a dozen pairs of feet in rubber boots were no novelty.

It is interesting to note that the building was the property of the first Senior Warden, Bro. Edmund S. Read, and that the first year's rental was $100.00, with the option of renewing for a period of five years at an annual rental of $125.00. A vote was taken which stated that the hall could only be used for Masonic purposes.

At the second communication, fifteen applications for the degrees were read. It was voted that the applicants be acted on alphabetically.

At the third communication, the fifteen applicants were elected to receive the degrees, and five more applications were read. The first class of candidates were then received, Orlando Fuller Belcher, Marcellus Austin Belcher, Charles Harris Brown, and Job Samuel Durant. To these Brethren go the honor and distinction of being the first Entered Apprentices of Winthrop Lodge. While "under dispensation", a total of thirty-six Brethren signed the By-Laws.

On March 14, 1888, the Grand Lodge saw fit to reward the new Lodge with a Charter, which bore seventeen names, and gave precedence from March 22, 1887.

At a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge held in Corinthian Hall, Masonic Temple, Boston, on Monday, April 30, 1888, at 7:30 p.m., Most Worshipful Henry Endicott, the Grand Master, proceeded to constitute Winthrop Lodge in accordance with the forms and ceremonies prescribed in our ritual. Temple Quartette supplied appropriate music. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the Grand Marshal, Wor. George H. Rhodes, proclaimed Winthrop Lodge duly constituted. The Grand Master then installed Peter Stainforth Masgowan as Worshipful Master, the Senior Grand Warden installed Edmund Sewell Read as Senior Warden, the Junior Grand Warden installed Frank Emerson Bennett as Junior Warden, the Grand Secretary installed Warren Belcher as Secretary, the Grand Chaplain installed Edwin Faxon Dunham as Chaplain, the Deputy Grand Master installed Osman Baker Ingalls as Marshal, Charles Grandison Bird as Senior Deacon, Thomas Henry Cross as Junior Deacon, Sidney Haskell Griffin as Senior Steward, Henry Frederic Shaneck as Junior Steward, and Joseph Bowman as Tyler. After the customary proclamation by the Grand Marshal, the Grand Master delivered a most inspiring and appropriate Charge to the newly-installed officers and to the Brethren of Winthrop Lodge.

Among the gifts to the new Lodge were a set of officers' collars from Washington Lodge of Roxbury, a ballot-box from Mount Tabor Lodge of East Boston, a gavel from the Grand Master, the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses and a Past Master's chair from Bro. John H. Collamore. Ten summer residents, not members of Winthrop Lodge, gave the Master's chair, Bro. Fred Seavey gave a safe, and other gifts came in to enable the new Lodge to work properly.

Exclusive of officers, the other Charter members were Sylvanus Payne, Edward Francis Cutter, Richard Shackford, Charles Albert Grant, Benjamin Whippey Clisby, and Hermon Douglas Tewksbury. While under dispensation, a total of thirty-six Brothers signed the By-laws, making a total membership of fifty-five at this time.

In 1889 the membership was sixty-one, and in 1890, sixty-six. The new Lodge was outgrowing its quarters. Bro. Edward B. Newton, at the annual communication held on October 14, 1890, moved that a committee be appointed to consider the matter of new and larger quarters for the Lodge. The committee was appointed, and on April 15, 1892, these Brothers formed the Winthrop Masonic Building Association, duly chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and they proceeded to sell fifteen hundred shares of stock at ten dollars a share. At a stockholders' meeting held on July 19, 1892, the Board of Directors purchased the land of Edwin F. Cutter, located on Winthrop Street opposite Madison Avenue, and awarded the mason work to Marcellus A. Belcher, and the carpenter work to James Bacon. Ground was broken on July 29, 1892, and the building was completed in December. The last communication in Read's Block was on January 10, 1893, at which time the second degree was conferred on Brothers Harry W. Aiken, Hamilton R. Douglass, Albert B. Dorman, and Horace A. Magee.

A Bazaar and Fair was held on January 17, 18, 19, and 20, 1893, which netted a profit of $1935.01 to assist in the celebration now about ready to be held. February 7, 1893, the building completed, stock delivered, all bills paid, the climax was reached with the dedication. At 4:00 p.m. Wor. Lewis A. Wallon, the Master, opened the Lodge, and sent a committee with Wor. Charles G. Bird as Chairman, to escort the Grand Lodge Officers into the new apartments. Bro. Bird introduced R.W. Harvey N. Shepard, Deputy Grand Master, who in turn introduced the remaining Grand Lodge Officers. The Master resigned the East to the Deputy Grand Master, and the remaining Grand Officers assumed their respective stations. Prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain, and Bro. Frank W. Tucker, representing the Architect, surrendered the working tools, and the usual examination of the new apartments was made by the Grand Officers. The report being satisfactory, R.W. Bro. Shepard then proceeded to solemnly dedicate the Hall to Freemasonry, to Virtue, and to Universal Benevolence, in accordance with ancient form and usage, and the ritual of this Grand Lodge; after which and several Past Masters. Historical reminiscences of the Lodge were read by the Secretary. A roll call of the Charters Members was made, and a banquet enjoyed at the close of the evening.

The 25th anniversary was celebrated in the Masonic Temple, Boston, on Friday, March 29, 1912. A reception to M.W. Everett C. Benton, the Grand Master, by about 350 Brethren and their ladies was followed by a sumptuous banquet, after which all proceeded to Ionic Hall for the program, which included a welcome by Wor. William H. Vincent, the Master, an address by the Grand Master, historical addresses by Brothers David Floyd and Frank W. Tucker, and a principal speech by R.W. Leon W. Abbott, who became Grand Master in 1917. The addresses were interspersed by musical numbers rendered by the Webber Male Quartette. At the conclusion of the speeches America was sung by all, led by the Quartette, and all repaired to another room where dancing was enjoyed until midnight. All declared it a truly successful celebration.

During the summer of 1913, the hall was modified to accommodate another row of seats by Wor. George E. Safford, who labored early and late to accomplish the task. New carpets and hangings were provided for the officers' stations, and new electrical fixtures were installed.

The first Past Masters' Night was held on Tuesday, January 22, 1914, the 404th communication, at which time a reception was held for R.W. Charles G. Bird, whom M. W. Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master, had appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Third Masonic District. M. W. Everett C. Benton, Past Grand Master, was present and spoke of his recent return from Chile, where he had visited Lodges working under the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge. There were about 300 present, and the third degree was conferred on five candidates, with R. W. Bro. Bird in the East.

On April 13, 1915, M.W. Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master, visited Winthrop Lodge to present a Henry Price Medal to Bro. Daniel Hollinger, who was born in Bavaria on September 13, 1815, and was raised in Harmony Lodge No. 11 of Brookville, Indiana. At the regular quarterly communication of Grand Lodge on December 8, 1915, at the age of one hundred, and seventy-eight years a Mason, Brother Hollinger was elected an Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts with the rank of Past Senior Grand Deacon. Wor. Bro. Hollinger departed on December 27, 1915.

The only regular communication omitted during these seventy-five years was the one scheduled for October 1918, when the Grand Master ordered all Masonic meetings cancelled because of the influenza epidemic.

M.W. Leon M. Abbott, Grand Master, visited the Lodge on Wednesday, November 19, 1919, to present the Henry Price Medal to R.W. Lewis A. Wallon.

The 606th communication, held on Wednesday, May 25, 1921, marked the first time a group appeared as a team to perform degree work. The Past Masters' Association of the Third Masonic District raised five candidates, with our own Wor. George E. Safford in the East. There were 147 visitors, and 197 members, totaling 344, the largest number ever present on record in Winthrop Lodge.

M.W. Arthur D. Prince, Grand Master, visited on June 21, 1922, to confer the Henry Price Medal on R.W. Charles G. Bird.

On January 8, 1924, a reception was tendered R.W. Gorham W. Walker, who had been appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Third Masonic District by M.W. Dudley H. Ferrell, Grand Master.

At the annual meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 1931, Bro. James Christian Nelson, who had served as Secretary for thirty-five years, declined further nomination, and the Junior Past Master, Wor. Albert E. Whitney, was elected Secretary, which position he was to fill for twenty-five years. Brother Nelson was designated "Secretary Emeritus", the designation now held by R.W. Bro. Whitney. On November 27,. 1933, at the age of eighty-eight, Brother Nelson was called to the "Celestial Lodge Above".

M. W. Curtis Chipman, Grand Master, saw fit to appoint as District Deputy Grand Master of the Chelsea Third Masonic District, R.W. Ernest R. Walker, and on Tuesday, January 9, 1934, a reception was held for him.

During the term of Wor. Benjamin A. Healey, there were several fraternal visits withJordan Lodge of Peabody, as the Master of Jordan Lodge, Wor. Carleton A. Healey, was the blood brother of our Master.

The fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was held with various celebrations: on Sunday, March 21, 1937, a service was held in the First Church of Winthrop, Methodist, at which time the sermon was delivered by M.W. and Dr. Frederick W. Hamilton, Honorary Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary; and on March 23rd an anniversary and Ladies' Night was held at the Elks Home. The Grand Master, M.W. Claude L. Allen, was in attendance, as well as many other prominent Masons and their ladies. A delicious banquet, fine program, and good entertainment, followed by dancing, rounded out a well-spent evening for all who attended. A Past Masters' Night was held on April 13th, at which time the first degree was worked on two candidates. The Master's work was done by Wor. Albert W. Lythgoe, assisted by R.W. Ernest R. Walker and Wor. Albert E. Whitney.

Wor. Harry Wallace Aiken, first candidate raised in the present hall, and our Treasurer since 1915, was called from our midst on January 25, 1942.

On January 8, 1946, at the 946th communication, a reception was held for R.W. Albert E. Whitney, whom M.W. Samuel H. Wragg, Grand Master, had appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Chelsea Third Masonic District.

The regular communication of June 11, 1946, marked the inception of "Past and Presiding District Deputies Night", at which time all the stations were filled by past or presiding District Deputy Grand Masters. The third degree was worked on four candidates with R.W. George H. Mclntire, an Honorary Member of Winthrop Lodge, in the East.

This type of evening was repeated on January 14, 1947, when our R.W. Albert E. Whitney raised his son, assisted by a group of past and presiding District Deputy Grand Masters from the Third Masonic Districts.

The 1000th communication was celebrated on Wednesday, February 18, 1948, with a reception to R.W. Eugene B. Hamilton, Deputy Grand Master, who brought the greetings of the Grand Master, who was out of the State. This was also the occasion of a Past Masters' Night, with Wor. George E. Safford conducting the work in the East.

On Tuesday, May 9, 1950, Winthrop Lodge held a "State-of-Maine Night", at which time the officers and members of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 17 of Portland, Maine, conducted the work on one of their candidates. Winthrop Lodge returned the visit on Wednesday, May 24, 1950, when about fifty officers and members of Winthrop Lodge journeyed to Portland and worked the third degree on one of our candidates. This was accomplished by dispensation granted by the Grand Masters of both Maine and Massachusetts.

As the oldest fraternal organization in Winthrop, and by special dispensation granted by M.W. Thomas S. Roy, Grand Master, on Saturday, August 2, 1952, Winthrop Lodge participated in the Centennial Celebration of the Town of Winthrop, by parading in white aprons and gloves. The band and uniformed units of Aleppo Temple, plus other collateral bodies brought the total number of Masons to about one thousand. Following the parade, all enjoyed a collation under a tent which had been erected on our parking lot at the corner of Winthrop and Jefferson Streets, next to the Masonic Hall.

Inter-Lodge visitations with Star of Bethlehem Lodge of Chelsea, and Baalbec Lodge of East Boston, presently also of Chelsea, have been held at various times throughout the years.

During these seventy-five years, Winthrop Lodge has never failed to celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist by attending Divine Worship. Of late it has been preceded by a breakfast, and the several collateral bodies have been invited to accompany us.

Winthrop Lodge has had fifty-seven Masters, including the present one, of whom twenty-nine are living. The senior, Wor. Walter P. Simonds, was Master in 1904-1906.

We now share our lodge-room and building, for on Monday, March 23, 1959, M.W. Andrew G. Jenkins, Grand Master, constituted 125 Brethren into Ocean Lodge, with three of our Past Masters as its first three officers: Wor. John M. Ballou, Master; Wor. Frederick H. Cheeseman, Senior Warden; Wor. Howard S. Reynolds, Junior Warden.

The year is now 1962, seventy-five years have come and gone, from the "horse and buggy" days to the "atomic and outer space" age. I have tried to narrate some of the important events in the history of Winthrop Lodge. We look back in pride to these years. Therefore, we would do well to rededicate our lives to upholding the splendid traditions of Winthrop Lodge, and to promoting and perpetuating all that our time-honored institution stands for.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

OTHER BROTHERS

DISTRICTS

1887: District 3 (East Boston)

1911: District 3 (East Boston)

1927: District 3 (Chelsea)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

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