Brookline

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BROOKLINE LODGE

Location: Brookline; Brighton (1960)

Chartered By: Arthur D. Prince

Charter Date: 09/14/1921 1921-265

Precedence Date: 10/21/1920

Current Status: in Grand Lodge Vault; merged with Norumbega Lodge to form Norumbega & Brookline Lodge, 03/12/1984. Now a part of Norumbega Fraternity Lodge.

PAST MASTERS

  • J. Everett Brown, 1920
  • Frederick A. Leavitt, 1921
  • Arthur B. Teele, 1922
  • F. Arthur Hinchcliffe, 1923
  • Francis T. Hall, 1924
  • Henry A. Varney, 1925
  • Gordon B. March, 1926
  • Elzear Tobin, 1927
  • Henry S. C. Cummings, 1928; N
  • Eugene L. Tufts, 1929
  • Oscar C. Gallagher, 1930
  • Miles S. Richmond, 1931
  • Winfield L. Nourse, 1932
  • Laurence M. Jackson, 1933; N
  • Malcolm Morse, 1934
  • Morton D. Dunning, 1935
  • Eugene E. Allen, 1936
  • Ernest R. Caverly, 1937
  • Russell Hastings, 1938
  • Hubert C. Fortmiller, 1939
  • Henry D. Harmon, 1940; SN
  • Everett F. Weygent, 1941
  • A. Burton Nelson, 1942
  • Robert J. McIlveen, 1943
  • Robert A. Ebaugh, 1944
  • T. Wesley Downer, 1945
  • Karl W. Forsell, 1946
  • Melbourne D. Nicholson, 1947
  • Winslow W. Robart, 1948
  • John J. Mick, 1949, 1983; Mem
  • Elliott N. Holley, 1950
  • James F. Lynch, 1951
  • Robert Burniston, 1952
  • Earl A. Umlah, 1953
  • Charles J. Knowles, 1954
  • Gustaf A. Swanson, 1955
  • John P. Custis, 1956
  • Evan W. Burgess, 1957
  • Arthur D. Martin, 1958
  • Victor T. Woleyko, 1959
  • Edward W. Booth, 1960
  • Alexander G. MacMillan, 1961
  • John D. Corley, Jr., 1962
  • Henry S. Albo, 1963
  • Thurston F. Ackerman, 1964
  • Edward Parsons, 1965
  • Edmund M. Patey, 1966, 1971
  • David W. Parfitt, 1967
  • Robert A. Merritt, 1968
  • Robert C. Patey, 1969; N
  • Malcolm A. Stone, 1970, 1981
  • James R. Franklin, 1972
  • John E. Banner, 1973
  • Martin E. Ellis, 1974
  • Frederick R. Patey, 1975, 1976
  • Leon D. McMahon, 1977
  • Fraser W. MacInnes, 1978
  • Ray B. Stevens, 1979
  • Alfred M. Flaxington, 1980
  • Michael B. Grosse, 1982

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1920
  • Petition for Charter: 1921
  • Consolidation Petition (with Norumbega Lodge): 1983

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1945 (25th Anniversary)
  • 1970 (50th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1933 1936 1938 1940 1946 1953 1966 1973 1979

HISTORY

  • 1945 (25th Anniversary History, 1945-348)
  • 1970 (50th Anniversary History, 1970-121)

25TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, NOVEMBER 1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-341:

By Worshipful Henry S. C. Cummings.

As we meet here tonight on the occasion of our twenty-fifth anniversary, it is natural that we should think back over the years to view the circumstances that brought our Lodge into existence; and to evaluate, if we can, the achievements of the past. We cannot help but be reminded of the similarity of this moment to a quarter of a century ago -— for the first World War had just been won over those who schemed to change our way of life. We have again triumphed over these same forces of evil, and in a real sense, enjoy much the same impulses that stirred then in the hearts of men, in their desire for a friendlier, more orderly and righteous world.

Masonry has always grown rapidly during periods of war. We see the trend today repeated as it was evident twenty-five years ago. In Brookline then, the only other Lodge serving the community was Beth-Horon Lodge, which had just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its membership was not only over five hundred, but it was receiving far more applicants for the degrees than it could comfortably handle. So, with the encouragement of the Grand Lodge, it was agreed that the circumstances justified the formation of a new Lodge. Brookline Lodge will never forget how much it owes to Worshipful J. Everett Brown, who took the lead in organizing the Lodge —a long with Wor. Frederick A. Leavitt, Wor. Fred B. Richardson and other Past Masters, in securing a most distinguished group of Charter Members.

There were seventy-five Charter Members who petitioned the Grand Lodge on June 1, 1920. This group included all but the two oldest Past Masters of Beth-Horon Lodge, as well as a number of members of that and other Lodges who desired dual membership. The following Brethren were Charter Members of Brookline Lodge:

  • Abbott, Leon M., P. G. M.
  • Allen, Eugene E.
  • Allen, Leon L.
  • Atkins, Ora A.
  • Baker, Edward W.
  • Bates, John L.
  • Bauer, George U., W. M.
  • Bemis, Albion F.
  • Brown, J. Everett, P. M.
  • Burgess, Samuel C.
  • Burnham, Henry A.
  • Chace, Fred C.
  • Condon, Frank C, P. M.
  • Crosby, Arthur P.
  • Cushing, Arthur A.
  • Delano, Clarence A., P. M.
  • Dexter, Hiram
  • Estabrook, Wlllard W.
  • Farrington, William M., P. G. W.
  • Files, Fred W.
  • Gammon, Irving P.
  • Gibbs, Emery B., P. D. G. M.
  • Goodwin, Fred M., P. M.
  • Hall, Francis T.
  • Hazard, Arthur M.
  • Hinchliffe, F. Arthur
  • Hitchcock, Charles H.
  • Holmes, Edwin B., P. G. M.
  • Holtzer, Charles W.
  • Jones, John C, Jr.
  • Kemp, William S., P. M.
  • Leavitt, Frederick A., S. G. D.
  • MacKinnon, L. Ernest
  • Magee, Rev. J. Ralph
  • March, Gordon B.
  • Marvel, Harry E.
  • Moseley, F. Russell
  • Moore, J. Herbert †
  • Mowery, Ira
  • Nourse, Winfield L.
  • Oakes, Francis J., Jr.
  • Paul, Joseph T., D. D. G. M.
  • Pollard, Albert A.
  • Page, Henry R.
  • Pike, George D.
  • Raymond, Arthur C.
  • Race, A. LeRoy
  • Reynolds, David S.
  • Reynolds, Milton F., P. M.
  • Richardson, Fred B., P. M.
  • Robart, Chester F.
  • Robart, Edwin A.
  • Sherburne, John H.
  • Speare, Frank P.
  • Spencer, Chas, A. W., P. M.
  • Smith, R. Kendrick
  • Smith, Walter A.
  • Southard, Louis C., P. D. G. M.
  • Sylvester, Dana S.
  • Taylor, Frank T., P. G. W.
  • Teele, Arthur P.
  • Thibodeau, William A.
  • Tyler, Rev. Barrett P.
  • Tyler, Daniel
  • Varney, Henry A.
  • Waite, Frederick C.
  • Waterman, Alfred P.
  • Weekes, George L.
  • Wightman, George H. D.
  • Winsor, George R., P. D. D. G. M.
  • Wodell, Frederick W.
  • Wodell, St. Clair A.
  • Wright, Warren H.
  • Young, Dexter
  • Young, Frank D.

† = Deceased.

The petitioners met in these same apartments, at 1 Harvard Street, Brookline, and on this occasion determined on the name of the Lodge; nominated those who should serve it as officers; and voted that the regular communications should be thereafter held on the third Thursday of each month. The first officers presented their individual jewels, collars, batons, rods, etc., and in fact all the equipment and paraphernalia were presented by the members and the Lodge started off with all bills paid.

On November 15, 1920, the Lodge was Instituted at a special meeting. Right Worshipful James Young, Jr., then District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth District, read the dispensation of the Grand Master, and with the help of his Marshal, Worshipful James H. Dalton, escorted the Master and Wardens elected to their respective stations. The original line of officers installed were:

  • Wor. J. Everett Brown, Master
  • Wor. Frederick A. Leavitt, Senior Warden
  • Bro. Rev. J. Ralph Magee, Junior Warden
  • Wor. William S. Kemp, Treasurer
  • Wor. Fred B. Richardson, Secretary
  • Bro. Arthur P. Teele, Senior Deacon
  • Bro. F. Arthur Hinchcliffe, Junior Deacon
  • Bro. George L. Weekes, Senior Steward
  • Bro. Francis T. Hall, Junior Steward
  • Bro. Henry A. Varnev, Inside Sentinel
  • Bro. Rev. Barrett P. Tyler, Chaplain
  • R. W. Georce R. Winsor, Marshal
  • Bro. Robert M. Grant, Acting Organist
  • Bro. David A. Kenrick, Tyler

The first regular communication was held on December 16, 1920; the first to present applications for the degrees were: Tappan E. Francis (first initiate), Ernest S. Cooper, Walter S. Turner, Arthur W. Spencer and William C. Johnson. The first affiliation accepted was Brother George E. Howe, on December 15, 1921. Among the Charter Members we have lost by death or dimit all but sixteen of the original seventy-five. These we delight to honor tonight.

One of the most impressive meetings was on October 5, 1921, when the Lodge was Constituted. There were fifty-nine Charter Members present, including Most Worshipful Brothers Leon M. Abbott and Edwin B. Holmes, Past Grand Masters; Right Worshipful Brothers William M. Farrington, Joseph T. Paul, Louis C. Southard, Frank T. Taylor and George R. Winsor, and Worshipful Brothers George U. Bauer, J. Everett Brown, Frank C. Condon, Clarence A. Delano, Fred B. Goodwin, William S. Kemp, Frederick A. Leavitt, Milton F. Reynolds, Fred B. Richardson and Charles A. W. Spencer. Present also were the ten candidates raised during the preceding year, which included in addition to those previously mentioned, Brothers Frank L. Gormley, Warren K. Russell, Elzear L. Tobin, Ralph L. Kirk and Paul R. Tucker. Accompanying Most Worshipful Arthur Dow Prince, Grand Master, were two Past Grand Masters, 20 Past District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as 30 Past Masters; among this group were such distinguished Masons as Claude L. Allen, Samuel H. Wragg, Frank L. Simpson, Frederick W. Hamilton, Frank H. Hilton, Frederic L. Putnam, John M. Gibbs and James Young, Jr. It was a momentous occasion in the history of Brookline Lodge.

During the past twenty-five years we have been honored by the presence of many well known Masons. Our history would not be complete if it did not record at least a few of them. We have entertained 14 Past Grand Masters: Most Worshipful Brothers Edwin B. Holmes, Melvin M. Johnson, Leon M. Abbott, Arthur D. Prince, Dudley H. Ferrell, Frank L. Simpson, Herbert W. Dean, Claude L. Allen, Joseph Earl Perry, Albert A. Schaefer, Frederick W. Hamilton, Arthur W. Coolidge and Robert A. Gordon, Past Grand Master of Prince Edward Island, and Lee S. Tillotson, Past Grand Master of Vermont. In addition, nine Past Deputy Grand Masters, including Louis C. Southard, Emery B. Gibbs, James Young, Jr., Louis A. Jones, H. Wendell Prout, Edwin O. Childs,Samuel 11. Wragg, Winthrop J. Cushing and Rev. Frank D. Taylor. Prominent in public life to visit us has been Leverett Saltonstall, Channing Cox, John L. Bates, former Governors; U. S. Senator Sinclair Weeks, Congressman Christian A. Herter; Daniel L. Marsh, President of Boston University. Also, the Grand High Priest of the Grand Master, as the Installing Master, assisted by Right Worshipful H. Wendell Prout, Past Deputy Grand Master, later Grand Treasurer, as the Installing Marshal. It would include the meeting on May 21, 1942 when we were hosts to what seemed like a very successful "Fifth District Service Conference." Eighteen Lodges made reports, exchanged helpful and constructive ideas—and it was made more interesting by the presence of Worshipful Philip C. McMurdie, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Service, and Right Worshipful Harry A. Starr, Grand Lodge Committeeman of Zone 1.

Another memorable evening was the installation of Worshipful A. Burton Nelson, when he had as his guests a number of very prominent Royal Arch Masons—inasmuch as he was at about that time Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand R. A. Chapter of Massachusetts. Among those present were George W. Long, the Grand High Priest, Raymond T. Sewell, Secretary of the Grand R. A. Chapter, William F. Clark, Grand Lecturer, and Granville Hancock, Grand Captain of the Host. Another outstanding occasion would include a "St. Paul's R. A. Chapter Night" when 17 of its 23 living Past High Priests were present. All stations were occupied by Past High Priests who were also all Past Masters, with Worshipful Oscar Storer occupying the East and Judge Robert G. Wilson, Jr., the dinner speaker. It would include the occasion on December 17, 1942, when the Kilwinning Club Degree Team visited our Lodge to raise Brother Earl A. Umlah. Rev. Brother Samuel M. Lindsay was the guest speaker; Worshipful Hugh Goddard delivered a magnificent Charge; Worshipful Alex Campbell presided, and with a colorful and spirited musical demonstration in Scotch Kilties, with bagpipes and drums, made a deep impression on everyone present.

The fraternal visit of Right Worshipful Leon E. Smith February 17, 1944, when we had a "Past Masters Association Night" in honor of Worshipful Russell Hastings, its President and one of our Past Masters. Of the 21 former Presidents of this Association in the 5th District, we had ten present, as well as the one who had served as its Secretary since 1927. Another occasion would include the final visitation of Right Worshipful Laurence M. Jackson November 21, 1941, which attracted 184 Masons, including such distinguished Masons as Most Worshipful Brothers Joseph Earl Perry and Claude L. Allen, Past Grand Masters, Right Worshipful Arthur W. Coolidge, Deputy Grand Master; also Right Worshipful Brothers Samuel H. Wragg, H. Wendell Prout, Louis A. Jones, Past Deputy Grand Masters; Right Worshipful Frank H. Hilton, Grand Secretary; Right Worshipful George R. Winsor, Past Senior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful J. Arthur Gibson and many others, which furnished a fitting tribute and testimony to a faithful servant of the Craft, who is as widely known and respected as anyone from our ranks in the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts. Lastly, it would include the "Past District Deputy Grand Master's Night" March 19, 1942, when we attempted to bring together the 23 Past District Deputy Grand Masters of the 5th District. All but seven were present—a real achievement—and we happily have a fine photograph to remind us of this outstanding occasion. Each one present on that evening received a memento listing all the living Past District Deputy Grand Masters and Past Masters, grouped by District and Lodge. It was noted that in the 18 Lodges of the Brighton-Waltham 5th Districts there were 366 living Past Masters out of a membership of 6,121 Masons. We have had many other delightful evenings where the meetings have been built around such occasions as a Ladies Night, the Past Masters, the Chaplains of the District, the Teachers of Brookline, or a Father and Son Night. We have witnessed the work of DeMolay and Rainbow; had most successful Sports Nights; and a right jolly time with the Ki-wanians and Rotarians.

Brookline Lodge has recognized the services of seven of its members by having elected them as "Honorary Members." They have been the following: M.W. Leon M. Abbott, January 17, 1929, M. W. Edwin B. Holmes, January 17, 1929, R. W. Fred B. Richardson, September 19, 1935, Won J. Everett Brown, November 21, 1940, R. W. Laurence M. Jackson, November 21, 1940, R. W. George R. Winsor, June IS, 1944, and Wor. Henry S. C. Cummings, June 15, 1944. These men each have labored long and earnestly for the upbuilding of the best in our great Fraternity, and for Brookline Lodge in particular. They have been pillars of strength and inspiration to their fellow members, selflessly seeking to build the structure of Freemasonry that its light might shine among men. They have exemplified the real spirit of Brookline Lodge during its early and formative years. Much might be said about each, but we choose to let their record of service to Masonry speak for itself. An interesting time took place in Brookline Lodge December 16, 1943, when seven of the ten holders of the "Distinguished Service Medal" in the Fifth District were guests of the Lodge. Two possessors of this medal were members of Brookline Lodge. They were Worshipful J. Everett Brown, who received this recognition from the Grand Master on March 21, 1940, and Worshipful Henry S. C. Cummings on November 21, 1941. Both of these presentations had previously been made by Right Worshipful Laurence M. Jackson while he was District Deputy Grand Master. Brookline Lodge has had a number of its members interested and active in Grand Lodge affairs. Right Worshipful Brothers Fred B. Richardson and Laurence M. Jackson have each served the Brighton Fifth District as District Deputy Grand Master by appointments of Most Worshipful Brothers Herbert W. Dean and Joseph Earl Perry. The latter has also served as Senior Grand Steward and Grand Sword Bearer, and is at present the Director of Administration of the Grand Lodge. Worshipful Frederick A. Leavitt has been a Senior Grand Deacon; Worshipful J. Everett Brown has been a Grand Sword Bearer; Worshipful Arthur P. Teele for a number of years served as a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Trials; Worshipful Henry S. C. Cummings has served as Junior Grand Steward and is at present Senior Grand Deacon and Vice-President of the Masonic Secretaries Association; Right Worshipful George R. Winsor has not only been a Senior Grand Warden (an elective position), but was District Deputy Grand Master of the old 20th District.

This interest in the affairs of the Craft has led to an equally keen participation in the Masonic life of the 5th District. The records will reveal that Worshipful Francis T. Hall and Right Worshipful Laurence M. Jackson have filled the position of District Deputy Grand Marshal; while Worshipful Henry A. Varney and Worshipful Russell Hastings have served as District Deputy Grand Secretary; that Worshipful Henry S. C. Cum-mings was a Charter Member of the 34th Lodge of Instruction and its 5th Master; that Worshipful Winfield L. Nourse served the 34th Lodge of Instruction as its 10th Master; that Worshipful J. Everett Brown, Right Worshipful Laurence M. Jackson, Worshipful Russell Hastings have served the 5th District Past Masters Association as its President or Secretary; and that Worshipful Herbert P. Hollnagel, one of our affiliated Past Masters, has served as the 12th Master of the 29th Lodge of Instruction (8th District) and in 1941 was District Deputy Grand Marshal in the 8th District.

It seems proper that we should call attention to those who have served Brookline Lodge in one way or another faithfully over many years. Worshipful J. Everett Brown was elected Representative of the Board of Masonic Relief December 15, 1921, and still occupies this same position; Brother William J. Samsel was appointed Organist February 15, 1923, and still serves; Worshipful Frederick A. Leavitt has served as Trustee for 18 years and has just been reelected for another three year term; Rev. Brother William R. Leslie first served as Chaplain in 1927 and still gives his best to our spiritual uplift. Right Worshipful Fred B. Richardson served as Secretary for 15 years; Brother David Kenrick was Tyler for 13 years; Brother Fred W. Files was 11 years a Trustee and several years Treasurer. Rev. Brother Robert Wood Coe started as Chaplain in 1932 and continues to be a great inspiration, as has been Rev. Brother Ashley Day Leavitt, Associate Chaplain. The present Secretary and Treasurer have each served ten years; Brother Russell Spurr has just completed ten years as Tyler; Right Worshipful George R. Winsor was ten years Marshal; Right Worshipful Alfred P. Waterman was Instructor eight years; Brother Francis J. Oakes, Jr., Brother George D. Pike and Brother Dexter Young were Trustees for 12 years. Worshipful William S. Kemp, our first Treasurer, established a system of financial records that have been a model for other Lodges, and followed throughout the past 25 years in our Lodge. Such devotion as these Brothers have given to their Lodge over the years has been a steadying influence and the basis of a spirit which permeates throughout the entire membership of friendliness and goodwill.

Brookline Lodge has purchased a substantial amount of War Bonds; was the second Lodge in the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts to raise its quota of funds for the Masonic Military Service Activities. Credit is due especially to the enthusiastic leadership of Worshipful Malcolm Morse and Worshipful Robert A. Ebaugh. It has given generously when it has received calls for relief and during the War, it has tried to keep close to our members serving patriotically in the Armed Forces of our country. Happily, so far, this circle has come through the trials and tribulations of war unharmed. We are proud to list herein their names, that they may in this way ever be honored and remembered:

  • Edward Bruce Kingsmill, ARC
  • Comdr. Robert F. Carmody, MC-USNR
  • Capt. C. Malcolm Derry, AAF
  • Maj. Frederick K. Hunt, USA
  • Cpl. Burton T. MacAndrews
  • David L. McElroy, Y 1/c USCG
  • Lt. Wilmot H. Smith, USNR
  • Lt. Douglass R. Temple, USA
  • Earl A. Umlah, CBM, USNR
  • Joseph M. Stacey, USNR
  • Joseph K. Rhodes, SF 2/c
  • Benjamin P. Bullman, QM 1/c
  • Lt. Comdr. Robert W. Coe, Jr., Chap USNR
  • Pvt. Freeman W. Bailey
  • Lt. Comdr. John F. Pear, USNR
  • Carl E. Rosenquist, F 1/c
  • Lt. Walter B. Sherriff, AAF
  • Lt. Col. Frederick A. Spencer, USA
  • Capt. Ralph W. Totman, A.C.
  • Pvt. Clarence E. Wheeler, USA
  • Capt. John S. White, Jr., CWS
  • A. Burton Nelson, USCG Aux.

We cannot "detour time." It comes at us as a freshet crowds the river bank on its downward surge to serve nature and man. Yet, the twists and turns of the riverway of life, with its variations from trickling reflective quiet moments, to the elaborate roaring overflow of gala experiences has provided countless opportunities for us individually and collectively to live more fully and happily; to know more intimately the beauty of the heavens, the richness of our Mother Earth; and about all its creatures, including man, who share it. "Time" is ever fleeting, temporary and illusive. Yet, within its mystic stretches we live, and in common with the most privileged, equally share. Thus, we have the thrilling experience of making it great by the good we can do for others, for our country and for the glory of God!

Masonry opens our eyes to stimulating new pathways; places in our lives priceless friendships; and guides men to the better day —the better way! In the spirit of humility we turn over the pages of the past that we may start afresh on the new pages of opportunity that the many tomorrows will bring to us. As "Apprentices" for a time, we now seek to be "Fellows of the Craft," building not for ourselves alone, but for our time—not of things material, but of things spiritual. That is God's plan, and that is the great Masonic message we are taught. We've "taken root," and we hope we may be worthy of the trust of those who shaped and influenced the pattern of our early life, and we look forward to the day 25 years hence when we may again honor those who have worthily served, not only our particular membership, but the Fraternity of Freemasonry, which binds us all into one great worldwide Brotherhood of friends and Brothers. Fiat Lux!

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1920: District 5 (Waltham)

1927: District 5 (Brighton)

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges

The curator for this page is Brother Walter H. Hunt. Please direct informational updates and questions to him.

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