Hope

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HOPE LODGE

Location: Gardner

Chartered By: William Parkman

Charter Date: 03/09/1865 VII-2

Precedence Date: 02/22/1864

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

  • Charles Heywood, 1864, 1865
  • Henry C. Hill, 1866, 1867
  • Edward J. Sawyer, 1868, 1869; SN
  • John D. Edgell, 1870, 1871; SN
  • Frank W. Cummings, 1872, 1873
  • Charles F. Reed, 1874, 1875
  • William Stone, 1876, 1877
  • Marcus H. Howe, 1878, 1879, 1880
  • Charles N. Edgell, 1881, 1882
  • Henry H. Adams, 1883, 1884
  • Charles A. Cowee, 1885, 1886
  • Arthur P. Derby, 1887, 1888
  • Charles O. Plantier, 1889, 1890
  • Calvin H. Hill, 1891
  • George E. Walker, 1892, 1893
  • Volney W. Howe, 1894, 1895
  • Fiorus D. Ramsdell, 1896, 1897
  • Edwin C. Wheeler, 1898, 1899; SN
  • Harlon P. Upham, 1900
  • Herbert T. Adams, 1901, 1902
  • Charles O. Miller, 1903, 1904
  • Charles B. Boyce, 1905, 1906
  • Charles E. Whitney, 1907, 1908
  • J. Myron Moore, 1909
  • John H. Jenkins, 1910, 1911
  • J. Herbert L. Smead, 1912, 1913
  • Merton H. Greene, 1914
  • Charles A. Brown, 1915
  • Seth Heywood, 1916
  • Harrison Greenwood, 1917
  • Stanford H. Hartshorn, 1918, 1919
  • Fordyce T. Reynolds, 1920; N
  • George N. Archibald, 1921
  • Silas M. Wheeler, 1922
  • Leslie R. Williams, 1923
  • Clifford W. Shippee, 1924
  • George H. Heywood, Jr., 1925, 1926; N
  • Harold Fulsom Brown, 1927; N
  • C. Amasa Whiney, 1928
  • Edgar L. Bugbee, Jr.,1929
  • Frank E. Lavallee, 1930
  • Alvin R. Walker, 1931
  • Paul A. Basset, 1932
  • Harold E. Walker, 1933
  • Frederick P. Bell, 1934
  • Henry L. Brooks, 1935
  • Roy C. Bruce, 1936
  • James W. H. Baker, 1937
  • Linwood C. Gates, 1938
  • Robert M. Crouch, 1939
  • Charles W. Sauter, 2nd, 1940
  • Elmer E. Louma, 1941
  • Arnold W. Gates, 1942
  • Harry C. Parry, 1943
  • Allen C. Shippee, 1944
  • George Schreiner, 1945
  • Charles F. Saunders, 1946
  • C. Arnold Munson, 1947
  • Harold E. Hobby, 1948
  • William J. Taintor, 1949
  • Kenneth B. Mann, 1950
  • Robert M. Clogston, 1951; N
  • Eino A. Kajander, 1952; N
  • Lloyd A. Steeves, 1953
  • James A. Mann, 1954
  • Hervey F. Bowden, 1955
  • Chester H. Smith, 1956
  • Clyde M. Smith, 1957
  • Percy M. Blanchard, 1958
  • Toivo J. Kujanpaa, 1959
  • Theodore R. Higley, 1960
  • Stanford Hartshorn, Jr., 1961
  • Newton A. Zebley, 1962
  • Clifford H. Lyon, 1963
  • Eino W. Winter, 1964
  • L. Porter Andrews, 1965
  • Ronald D. Smith, 1966
  • Richard B. Hawkins, 1967
  • Thorsten B. Lind, 1968
  • Norman W. Hicks, 1969
  • Robert E. Weeks, 1970
  • Bertel Mattson, 1971
  • John L. Stacy, 1972
  • Russel A. Vedoe, 1973
  • Edward T. Thompson, 1974; PDDGM
  • Daniel R. Livingston, 1975
  • Jeffrey C. McFaul, 1976
  • Franklin D. Everett, 1977
  • Aaron G. Ballinger, 1978
  • Albert L. Hughes, 1979; PDDGM
  • George H. Copeland, 1980
  • Leo P. Provencher, 1981
  • David P. Crumbley, 1982
  • Donald J. Meuer, 1983
  • John C. Janes, 1984
  • Richard M. Cunningham, 1985
  • Robert Trepanier, 1986
  • Wilfred E. Ducharme, Jr., 1987
  • Daniel E. LaDouceur, 1988
  • Calvin G. Knight, 1989
  • Gerhard J. Cremer, 1990
  • M. Paul Carlberg, 1991
  • Kenneth A. Tower, Jr., 1992
  • Harley McCartny, 1993
  • Donal A. Hicks, 1994
  • Richard K. Moulton, 1995
  • William A. Hunt, 1996
  • Herschel C. Hall, 1997
  • Edward N. Thompson, 1998; N
  • David H. Arens, 1999
  • Michael F. Terry, 2000
  • Christopher A. Hedstrom, 2001
  • Dennis R. Violette, 2002
  • Dale A. Larocque, 2003
  • Kenneth A. Tower, Jr., 2004
  • Raymond J. Gagne, 2005, 2006
  • Richard A. McAllister, 2007; PDDGM
  • James W. Pearce, III, 2008; PDDGM
  • Jay A. Jolicoeur, 2008; PDDGM, PDGM
  • Jonathan P. Gleason, 2009, 2010, 2011
  • Douglas A. Cormier, 2012

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

  • Petition for Dispensation: 1864
  • Petition for Charter: 1865

ANNIVERSARIES

  • 1914 (50th Anniversary)
  • 1939 (75th Anniversary)
  • 1964 (Centenary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

BY-LAW CHANGES

1888 1907 1911 1912 1913 1923 1924 1925 1928 1931 1934 1935 1937 1939 1949 1955 1956 1959 1972 1987 2009

HISTORY

  • 1897 (Historical address at hall dedication, 1897-26; see below)
  • 1939 (75th Anniversary History, 1939-13)
  • 1964 (Centenary History, 1964-6)

HISTORICAL ADDRESS, FEBRUARY 1897

From Proceedings, Page 1897-26:

It is well, whether as individuals or as an organization, when any special anniversary mile-stone in the march of life is reached, to pause, glance back over the past, review its successes and its failures, and seek to profit by their lessons for us in the forward march into the future.

So, upon this special anniversary, as well of the birth of our most illustrious Brother, the immortal George Washington, as our own as a Lodge, we assemble, and for the moment look back into the history of the past of Hope Lodge. It has fallen to the lot of the speaker, by request of the Committee of Arrangements, to act as the historian of the day. Conscious of my lack I am thankful for the honor bestowed. We are as a Lodge thankful for the honor conferred upon us by the presence of the representatives of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and of so many representatives of the Craft from sister Lodges.

At the twenty-fifth anniversary of Hope Lodge, its history up to that point was given in an eloquent Address by Wor. Bro. John D. Edgell. Of course the historical facts of the present Address must of necessity be a repetition up to that time, with the addition of its history since.

It is not material for us to know whether Freemasonry existed before the flood; we do know that it has existed since. Whether its inception was with the giving of the patterns to Moses in the Mount and the building of the Tabernacle and continued in the building of King Solomon's Temple or not, it is enough for us to know that our beloved Institution is both Ancient and Honorable. "Even monarchs have for a season exchanged the sceptre for the trowel to patronize our mysteries and join in our assemblies."

It has withstood the assaults of ignorance, hypocrisy and superstition, from time immemorial. It has been tried: in the fires of adversity and has come out purified as the fine gold. Evidences of the handiwork of the Craft, of which there can be no doubt, exist, that show its great antiquity. From an essay entitled The First Glimpses of Freemasonry in North America," by R.W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Past Grand Master, and Recording Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, I quote as follows:

"I find that the earliest trace of the existence of Masons or Masonry on this continent so far as we are now aware, is indicated by the discovery of a flat slab of stone, near Annapolis in Nova Scotia, on which was engraved a square and compasses and the date, 1606; this is the earliest footprint of Masonry upon the continent."

The first warranted Lodge of Freemasons in America was at Boston in 1733. Henry Price, of Boston, was appointed Provincial Grand Master — letters of commission coming from Viscount Montague, Grand Master of England. From small beginnings the Institution spread and flourished for a century. Then came the Morgan excitement, that cast a cloud over the Craft until the great light of truth overcame the clouds of prejudice and ignorance, and the Institution came forth into a brighter and purer light from its temporary obscuration.

From that time on Masonry in this country has steadily and quietly pursued its onward march, keeping pace with the "Westward Ho!" of the Republic.

In the year 1864 there were a number of Masons in Gardner, "good men and true," who felt the need of the establishment of a Lodge. Acting upon that desire they petitioned the Grand Lodge to that effect. The following named Brethren were signers of the petition: LEVI HEYWOOD, GEORGE NICHOLS, HORACE WHITNEY, ANDREW J. MOORE, HENRY C. HILL, CHARLES HEYWOOD, EDWARD J. SAWYER, GEORGE E. WOODMAN, JAMES A. LAKIN, NATHANIEL HOLMES.

The Most Worshipful William Parkman, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in him, granted a Dispensation "authorizing and empowering the aforesaid well-beloved Brothers to form and open a Lodge after the manner of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and therein to admit and make Freemasons, according to the ancient customs, and not otherwise."

The records of the Lodge while under Dispensation show a large amount of Masonic work. At the expiration of one year, a second petition was presented to the M. W. Grand Lodge, signed by LEVI HEYWOOD, HORACE WHITNEY, CHARLES HEYWOOD, HENRY C. HILL, EDWARD J. SAWYER, ALONZO B. CLARK, GEORGE HEYWOOD, GEORGE NICHOLS, GEORGE E. WOODMAN, WILLIAM D. HERRICK, A. M. GREENWOOD, NATHANIEL HOLMES, JOHN W. HILL, JAMES H. GREENWOOD, FERNANDO C. WHITCOMB.

The petitioners prayed "that they might be erected and constituted into a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the name of Hope Lodge, and that a charter might be issued to them empowering them to assemble in the town of Gardner and discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the ancient ways and customs of the Fraternity."

In response to that petition a Charter was granted, specially enjoining upon the Brethren "carefully to transact all matters relating to the Craft; to enter Apprentices, pass Fellow-Crafts, raise Master Masons, collect funds for the relief of poor and distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans; to attend the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and punctually pay all sums assessed for its support," and further it expressly declared that "the precedence of said Lodge in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere should commence from the twenty-second clay of February, Anno Lucis 5864."

This Charter was signed by

The first officers chosen by Hope Lodge were

  • CHARLES HEYWOOD, Master.
  • HENRY C. HILL, Senior Warden.
  • EDWARD J. SAWYER, Junior Warden.
  • ALONZO B. CLARK, Treasurer.
  • GEORGE HEYWOOD, Secretary.
  • GEORGE E. WOODMAN, Senior Deacon.
  • GEORGE NICHOLS, Junior Deacon.
  • L. S. STOWE, Senior Steward.
  • ANDREW J. MOORE, Junior Steward.

Thirty-three Brethren were added to the Fraternity by the work of the Lodge under Dispensation. The rooms used by the Lodge then were over the horse-sheds attached to the store of Abel S. Wood, which stood upon a portion of what subsequently became the lawn of our late Bro. Alvin M. Greenwood. Your historian records with pleasure that he there first beheld 'the "form of a Lodge," and received his first instructions as the youngest Entered Apprentice thereof.

The first official visitation by the Grand Lodge to Hope Lodge was made Dec. 6, 1864. The Most Worshipful William Parkman was attended by the following suite:

  • R. W. WENDELL T. DAVIS, Senior Grand Warden
  • R. W. WILLIAM D. STRATTON, Grand Marshal, as Junior Grand Warden.
  • R. W. FREDERICK J. FOSS, Grand Treasurer.
  • R. W. CHARLES W. MOORE, Recording Grand Secretary.
  • Bro. EBEN F. GAY, Grand Tyler.

On that occasion the Lodge exemplified the work of the Third degree, Bro. Albert Lovejoy being the candidate.

The Lodge soon outgrew its accommodations and a new Hall was fitted up in the upper portion of the Town Hall building. Most of the older members will remember that we used to reach those rooms by a stairway on the outside of the building; and that we were often reminded (in winter) that "sinners stood upon slippery places." Those rooms were dedicated and consecrated to the uses of Freemasonry on the third day of May, 1865, by appropriate ceremonies, and its officers publicly installed by the Most Worshipful William Parkman and suite.

The Worshipful Masters have been:

  • Charles Heywood
  • Charles N. Edgell
  • Henry C. Hill
  • Henry H. Adams
  • Edward J. Sawyer
  • Charles A. Cowee
  • John D. Edgell
  • Arthur P. Derby
  • Frank W. Cummings
  • Charles O. Plautier
  • Charles F. Read
  • Calvin H. Hill
  • William Stone
  • George E. Walker
  • Marcus H. Howe
  • Volney W. Howe
  • Florus D. Ramsdell

The oldest member of the Lodge is Seth Heywood, a Brother upon whose head the frosts of more than four score winters sit lightly. One of whom it may be truly said, "the almond-tree doth flourish, yet the grasshopper is no burden." The weight of years permits only occasional visits to the Lodge, but his interest in Masonry, and in Hope Lodge in particular, is still unabated. May many more years of usefulness be added to his already long life!

The Lodge held its first Masonic Festival July 2, 1866; voted aid to the sufferers by the Portland fire, Sept. 18, 1866; attended the dedication of the Masonic Temple, Boston, June 24, 1867; suffered the first death of a member, March 31, 1871; participated in the Centennial celebration of the town, June 27, 1885, entertaining as guests Artisan Lodge, of Winchendon.

From the organization of the Lodge until the present time 277 Brethren have signed its By-Laws. The number of members in good standing to-day is 185. Since the date of organization we have lost by death forty-five members. The following-named Brethren have passed on to "that bourne whence no traveller returns:"

  • CHARLES HEYWOOD
  • HENRY C. HILL
  • EDWARD J. SAWYER
  • ALONZO B. CLARK
  • JOHN W. HILL
  • JAMES H. GREENMAN
  • ALVIN M. GREENWOOD
  • LEVI HEYWOOD
  • GEORGE GREENWOOD
  • O. C. GARDNER
  • B. S. MASON
  • SAMPSON STONE
  • JOHN W. WORK
  • CHARLES EVERETT
  • D. A. NEWTON
  • JOHN C. BRYANT
  • WILLIAM A. PUTNAM
  • E. A. LAMB
  • THOMAS GREENWOOD
  • ARTHUR W. BROWN
  • LYMAN M. DRURY
  • NATHANIEL C. HOLMES
  • FRANCIS CONANT
  • GEORGE W. LUSK 
*CHARLES A. PERLEY
  • MARCUS WRIGHT
  • LEVI N. SMITH
  • V. P. PARKHURST
  • HARRISON CLOSSON
  • JAMES EMERSON
  • E. A. DAMON
  • R. S. BLODGETT
  • A. S. HILL
  • ELIPHAS BALLARD
  • FREDERICK PARKER
  • F. L. SARGENT
  • L. M. BAKER
  • CHARLES H. VAN DURAN
  • CHARLES S. TRAVERSE
  • ETHAN W. HOLDEN
  • GEORGE W. BLACK
  • EDWARD S. KENDALL
  • ALBERT W. HOWARD
  • EDWIN W. HART
  • LYMAN WOODWARD

Truly

"There is a reaper whose name is death
And with his sickle keen,
He reaps the bearded grain with a breath
And the flowers that grow between."

We have always held in grateful remembrance the first three Masters of the Lodge, — its three strong pillars. To maintain the high standard of work set by them has always been the aim of their successors in office; and very much of the prosperity enjoyed may be directly traced thereto.

The establishment of a charity fund was one of the first things attended to; and year by year our fund has increased until now it shows a balance of $3,218.23. A little more than $1,900 was paid into the building fund for the erection of the new Masonic Temple in Boston. We have an efficient Charity Committee whose ministrations are of the quiet, "distilling" kind that refreshes and blesses. I have asked of them no statistics.

The Lodge-room in the Town Hall building, owing to the increase in membership, had for a long time been too small for the Lodge, and they embraced the first opportunity for a change for the better. The result is evident in these beautiful rooms, to-day dedicated to the uses of Masonry. "Hope ends in fruition." So, to-day, Hope Lodge sees the fruition of her hopes for new quarters, in their realization. Upon this thirty-third anniversary of the organization of the Lodge, we can look back with satisfaction over the past and its noble and honorable record. The Thirty-third degree is the highest in Masonry. The Lodge has reached that number in the rolling years of its existence, yet it is still incumbent upoii us to press on to still greater perfection in everything that pertains to true Masonry, remembering that the rough ashler only becomes the perfect by constant labor.

My Brethren: Let us never forget the boundary line of our duty, observing unwaveringly all of its obligations. When we are asked by our friends, not Masons, questions that indicate their honest interest, let us guide them in the light of truth. If they ask us to define Masonry, let us tell them frankly that Masonry is not a religion, but that it is a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory; and that it is so far interwoven with religion as to lay us under obligations of reverence and homage, and that those obligations are vividly impressed upon the mind of the novice.

Let the Mystic Tie that binds find its exemplification in our daily lives. Let us not grope in the darkness of our own passions and prejudices, but be guided by the three great Lights, and thus we shall not materially err.

"Who, looking backward from his manhood's prime,
Sees not the spectre of his misspent time?
Yet, who, thus looking backward o'er his years,
Feels not his eyelids wet with grateful tears,
If he hath been permitted, weak and sinful as he was,
To cheer and aid, in some ennobling cause,
His fellow-men?

"He has not lived in vain, and while he gives
The praise to Him, in whom he moves and lives
With thankful heart,
He gazes backward, and with hope before,
Knowing that from his works he nevermore
Can henceforth part."

75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY, FEBRUARY 1939

From Proceedings, Page 1939-13:

by R. W. Fordyce T. Reynolds.

It has now become my duty and privilege to give you a short history of Hope Lodge. I fully realize that I may make omissions and commissions in what I may say.

I will begin by reading a very important communication sent to the Grand Lodge sometime prior to February 22, 1864.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts:

The undersigned petitioners, being Ancient Free and Accepted Master Masons having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Masonry, respectfully represent —

That for the convenience of their respective dwellings, and for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a new lodge in the Town of Gardner to be named Hope Lodge.

They therefore pray for letters of dispensation, or a warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the duties of Masonry, in a regular and constitutional manner according to the original forms of the order, and the regulations of the Grand Lodge.

They have nominated and do recommend Brother Charles Heywood to be the first Master. Brother Henry C. Hill to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother Edward J. Sawyer to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge.

If the prayer of the petition shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to all the constitutions, laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge.

  • Levi Heywood
  • Horace Whitney
  • Henry C. Hill
  • Edward J. Sawyer
  • James A. Larkin
  • George Nichols
  • Nathaniel J. Holmes
  • Andrew J. Moore
  • Charles Heywood
  • George E. Woodman

The following reply was received from the Grand Master.

To all persons to whom these presents may come Greeting:

Whereas a petition has been presented to me by sundry Brethren, to wit, Levi Heywood, Horace Whitney, Henry C. Hill, Edward J. Sawyer, James A. Larkin, George Nichols, Andrew J. Moore, Charles Heywood, George Woodman, and Nathaniel Holmes — praying to be congregated into a regular lodge under the name and title of Hope Lodge with permission to hold the same in the Town of Gardner, and whereas, said Petitioners have been recommended to me as Master Masons in good standing by the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Aurora Lodge holden in the Town of Fitchburg; and their petition having been countersigned and approved by our District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District.

Therefore I, William Parkman, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, reposing full confidence in the recommendation aforesaid and in the Masonic integrity and ability of the Petitioners, do, by virtue of the authority of my office, and of Ancient Masonic usage, thereby grant the Dispensation, authorizing and empowering our trusty and well beloved Brethren aforesaid to form and open a Lodge, after the manner of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons and therein to admit and make Freemasons, according to the Ancient Custom and not otherwise. And this Dispensation is to continue in full force until the regular Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge aforesaid to be holden in the City of Boston in the month of March A.D. 1865, A.L. 5865, unless sooner revoked by me, or by authority of our said Grand Lodge.

And I do hereby appoint Brother Charles Heywood to be the First Master, Brother Henry C. Hill to be the First Senior Warden and Brother Edward J. Sawyer to be the First Junior Warden of our said Lodge. And it shall be the duty of said Master and Wardens and their associates and they are hereby required to return the Dispensation, with a correct transcript of all proceedings, had under the authority of the same, together with an attested copy of their By-Laws to our Grand Lodge aforesaid at the expiration of the time herein specified, for examination, and such further action in the premises as shall be deemed wise and proper for the advancement of the general interests of the Craft.

Given under our hand and the Seal of the Grand Lodge, aforesaid, at Boston, this Twenty-second day of February A. D. 1864 A. L. 5864.
William Parkman, Grand Master

Attest, Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary

1864

The first regular communication of Hope Lodge was held in
 Freemasons Hall, Gardner, on Tuesday Evening, March 22, 1864.
 Present
:

  • Charles Heywood, Master
  • Henry C. Hill, Senior Warden
  • Edward J. Sawyer, Junior Warden

and others The organization of the Lodge was completed by the appointment of the necessary officers by the Worshipful Master as follows:

  • Treasurer, Alonzo B. Clark
  • Secretary, George Heywood
  • Senior Deacon, George E. Woodman
  • Junior Deacon, George Nichols
  • Senior Steward, L. S. Stowe
  • Junior Steward, Andrew J. Moore

Forty-six meetings were held in 1864. Six meetings were held in 1865 and then a petition was sent to the Grand Lodge informing them that the petitioners had worked for a year under a Dispensation.

The petitioners now requested that they, and such others as may join them, may be erected and constituted into a regular Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, under the name and title of Hope Lodge and that a Charter be issued. This request was granted, and Hope Lodge was given a Charter. The Charter was signed March 9, 1865, Anno Lucis 5865.

M. W. William Parkman, Grand Master, with a delegation from the Grand Lodge visited Hope Lodge December 6, 1864.

On May 9, 1864, a petition signed by Brother J. G. Folsom and others from Winchendon to the Grand Lodge for letters of Dispensation was presented for endorsement by Hope Lodge which after a discussion was not granted.

A Committee was appointed to secure subscriptions to pay for building and furnishing the Hall.

On July 18th, 1865, Star Lodge invited Hope Lodge to be present on Thursday July 20, 1865, to join with them in the dedication and consecration of their new Hall. It was voted to accept the invitation.

August 1, 1865. The Committee to solicit funds for new hall reported that $2687.50 had been secured.

August 29, 1865. A petition of twenty-seven Master Masons of Winchendon to the Grand Lodge for a Dispensation for a Lodge in Winchendon was presented for the endorsement of Hope Lodge. It was voted to endorse the petition.

March 27, 1866. Voted to have treasurer invest $200. in United States 7-3/10 Bonds.

June 26, 1866. Lodge voted to hold a social festival.

July 24, 1866. Lodge voted to pay for expenses of recent social festival held by voluntary contributions.

September 18, 1866. A communication from the Grand Master was read in which the Grand Master asked for aid for the Brethren who suffered loss in the fire at Portland, Maine.

October 23, 1866. Committee on Charity reported that they had sent $50.00 to aid Brethren in Portland, Maine.

December 18, 1866. A financial circular was read from the Grand Lodge. A Committee was appointed to consider the same.

January 15, 1867. Committee appointed at previous meeting recommended a loan of $500. to the Grand Lodge.

September 19, 1881. Death of President James A. Garfield was announced and a Communication received from the Grand Master.

December 18, 1888. Voted to observe Twenty-fifth Anniversary of Hope Lodge.

April 9, 1889. Voted — that the thanks of the Lodge be given to John D. Edgell for his excellent historical address. By vote of the Lodge Secretary John D. Edgell was instructed to lay upon the records of the lodge in full his historical address. This was evidently not done, as I have been unable to find any account of the same.

LOCATIONS OF LODGE-ROOMS

The first Lodge-room was located in Freemasons' Hall north of the house now owned by Richard N. Greenwood on Elm Street. There was a store in the downstairs part occupied by Abel Wood. The sign over Abel Woods' store is now safely stored in the School Department's Supply Room downstairs in City Hall. The building was torn down during the years 1865 or 1866.

"Hope Lodge then secured quarters in the upper story of the Town Hall, the dimensions of which were 55 x 35 feet exclusive of ante-rooms of which there were four. The Main hall was finely frescoed and appropriately ornamented and handsomely carpeted; as are all the rooms." "The furniture, including the altar, pedestals, chairs and settees, we believe were all made by the Heywood Chair Manufacturing Company of Gardner expressly for the Lodge, and do great credit, in the excellence of their workmanship, to the skill and good taste of that popular establishment." (Quoting from the Levi H. Greenwood Historical Address on the fifteenth anniversary.)

The Lodge was constituted in the upper Town Hall by the Grand Master and his officers. There were about sixty Brethren present.

In the evening there was a public installation of Hope Lodge officers by the Grand Master at which time there were present more than two hundred of the ladies and gentlemen of the village. An able and appropriate address by the Grand Master followed. He complimented Hope Lodge and said it was one of the best and most perfect in its work in this jurisdiction.

The furniture which was In use during the time the Lodge was in the Upper Town Hall is now in a room adjacent to the present Lodge-room in the Syndicate Building. The old organ is also located there. The electric light fixtures in our present ante rooms were installed in the old Lodge-room in 1889.

In the early days of Hope Lodge candles were to some extent used for lighting and on February 28, 1882, it was voted "that suitable lights be procured to take the place of candles now in use." Five kerosene brackets had been purchased however in 1864 at a cost of $11.25. It may be interesting to the Brethren that due to the recent hurricane, the Lodge building and rooms were so damaged that electricity was not available and the present officers were installed by the District Deputy Grand Master by the sole and only light obtained from candles.

On May 14, 1895, a Special Meeting was called to consider what action would be taken to secure new quarters in the New Syndicate Block to be erected at the head of Chestnut Street.

Under date of June 4, 1895, a letter was read from the syndicate corporation offering the use of the hall for $350.00 including water and heating two nights a month. If heat is desired more than that it will be furnished at cost.

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

At the regular meeting of Hope Lodge held June 17, 1913 It was voted to observe the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hope Lodge on February 22nd and 23rd, 1914. Worshipful Master J. Herbert L. Smead appointed the following as a Committee.

  • Bro. Merton H. Greene, Chairman
  • Wor. Bro. J. Herbert L. Smead, Vice-Chairman
  • Bro. Frank B. Edgell, Secretary
  • Bro. Charles B. Boyce, Treasurer
  • Wor. Bro. John D. Edgell
  • Wor. Bro. Charles E. Whitney
  • Wor. Bro. John H. Jenkins
  • Bro. Fred L. Butler
  • Bro. Charles A. Brown
  • Bro. Seth Heywood

Invitations were sent to the members of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge and all the Brethren of the Thirteenth Masonic District to join in the Semi-centennial of Hope Lodge.

The celebration was financed through the sale of tickets, and voluntary contributions by Lodge members, almost half of the $1101.50 being made up of such voluntary contributions. The very large number of Brothers who contributed, and the generous response to all requests of the Committee, and the energy and care of the finance Committee enabled the Lodge to report a balance of $2.03.

A Special Communication of Hope Lodge was held Sunday, February 22, 1914, in Masonic Hall for the purpose of attending Divine Worship at the First Congregational Church at 10.30 A.M. The Lodge was escorted to and from the Church by Eminent Commander C. H. Hartshorn and a detail of Sir Knights from Ivanhoe Commandery No. 46. At the Service, prayer was offered by W. Rev. Edward A. Horton, Grand Chaplain. The Sermon An Interpretation of Masonry was preached by Rev. Bro. F. F. Ramsdell. After the Church Service the Lodge was escorted to the site of the first meeting place of Hope Lodge located north of the residence of Honorable Levi H. Greenwood at the intersection of Elm and Pearl Streets where the

Dedication of a Tablet,

presented by the Lodge and Brother Levi H. Greenwood was participated in by the following:

Tablet Tested by the Worshipful Master, Senior, and Junior Wardens of Hope Lodge.

Tablet Dedicated by R. W. Chauncey E. Peck, Senior Grand Warden, assisted by R. W. Thomas W. Davis, Rec. Grand Secretary, and R.W. Albert N. Ellis, District Deputy Grand Master.

  • Prayer, W. Rev. Edward A. Horton, Grand Chaplain
  • Address, by R.W. Chauncey Peck, Senior Grand Warden,
  • Proclamation by Grand Marshal
  • Benediction by Grand Chaplain


The inscription on the tablet is as follows:

Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
was here Instituted February 22, 1864
and Constituted March 9, 1865
Charles Heywood W. M.
Henry C. Hill, S.W. Edward J. Sawyer, J. W.
Erected Feb. 22, 1914.

Sunday Afternoon: The Lodge-rooms were open during the afternoon for an informal reception to the Members of the Grand Lodge.

Monday, February 23, 1914: A Special Communication of Hope Lodge was opened in Masonic Hall for the purpose of celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hope Lodge.

Order of Exercises

  • Reception of Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and Grand Officers.
  • Selection: Corinthian Quarttete
  • Address of Welcome: Brother Charles A. Brown, Senior Warden

Grand Ball: Mondav Evening, Feb. 23, 1914.

I quote Secretary Frank B. Edgell's report in full.

"The fiftieth anniversary was brought to a close by a Grand Concert and Ball in the Town Hall which was attended by about 200 Brother Masons with about 400 guests who were welcomed on entering by Wor. Bro. John D. Edgell, the oldest living Past Master of Hope Lodge. The Hall was transformed into a scene most beautiful by the elaborate decorations and electrical effects furnished by the Atlantic Decorating Co. of Boston, Mass.

"On the stage was seated the Hardy Orchestra of seventeen pieces and two vocalists who rendered excellent music.

"After a fine Concert of five numbers by the orchestra partners were taken for the Grand March which was led by Senior Warden Charles A. Brown and wife followed by about 112 couples.

"Although not able to participate in the activities of the evening we were all pleased to have our Worshipful Master Greene present. His illness during the entire celebration was regretted by all.

"During intermission refreshments were served by caterer Seiler. One o'clock A.M. brought to a close the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hope Lodge and one and all pronounced it the grandest event in the history of the Lodge."

The Brethren may in interested in a number of expense items listed for the celebration.

  • H. P. Glasheen, Hacks, $12.00
  • W. H. Hinds, Hacks $3.50
  • Mass.-Northern St. R.R. Co. $7.30
  • H. J. Seiler, Caterer, $529.21
  • Hardy Orchestra, $170.00
  • Atlantic Decorating Co., $100.00
  • Rent of Town Hall, $15.00

Meeting of Hope Lodge March 17, 1914. Lodge voted to extend the thanks of the Lodge to Jessamine Chapter No. 75, O.E.S., for the beautiful bouquet of white carnations sent on occasion of Fiftieth Anniversary.

Mrs. Louis E. Carlton was also thanked for bouquet of flowers sent.

Mrs. Volney W. Howe and other ladies were thanked for decorating the Masonic Emblems.

The Lodge voted to thank Bro. Levi H. Greenwood for the most interesting talk given, and interest taken by him in the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary.

OFFICERS OF HOPE LODGE FEBRUARY, 1914.

  • W. M., Merton H. Greene
  • S. W., Charles A. Brown
  • J. W., Seth Heywood
  • Treas., George A. Matthews
  • Sec., Frank B. Edgell
  • Chap., Pro tem., Elwin J. Sawyer
  • Marshal, John W. Hunting
  • S.D., Harrison Greenwood
  • J.D., Charles T. Carswell
  • S.S. , Stanford H. Hartshorn
  • J.S., Silas M. Wheeler
  • Sentinel, Fred W. Shippee
  • Organist, Byron A. Stanley
  • Tyler, Albert L. Potter
THE FLIGHT OF STEPS

At a meeting of Hope Lodge held October 20, 1914, the following motion was made: "Voted. That a Committee be appointed to see the Water Commissioners of the Town of Gardner, and the State Hoard of Health to ascertain if there would be any objection to the use of the top of the Gardner reservoir by the Public as a place to enjoy the exceptionally fine view which can be obtained from there. Also to get estimates on the cost of a flight of steps from the base to the top of the reservoir and to attend to any preliminaries incident to the construction and gift of these steps to the Town of Gardner by Hope Lodge."

The following brothers were appointed by the Wor. Master.:

  • Wor. Bro. J. Herbert L. Smead, Chairman
  • Wor. Bro. Merton H. Greene
  • Bro. John W. McVine
  • Bro. Levi H. Greenwood
  • Bro. Elmer W. Crouch
  • Bro. Roy E. Tarr

On May 18, 1915, Wor. Bro. J. Herbert L. Smead, Chairman of the Committee on the Flight of Steps to be erected,reported that no serious objection was made by the State Board of Health, and the Gardner Water Commissioners to the erection of the steps up to the reservoir. It was voted to build the steps if the cost did not exceed $500.

Four new members were appointed to the Committee:

  • Bro. Stanford H. Hartshorn
  • Bro. George E. Priest
  • Bro. Edwin F. Brainard and
  • Bro. Herman D. Bone.

A Special Communication on June 9, 1915, was held for the purpose of celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Wor Bro. John D. Edgell, he having become a member of Hope Lodge June 6, 1865. Worshipful Master Charles W. Brown presented Wor. Bro. Edgell a Henry Price medal. All the living Past Masters with the exception of Wor. Bro. Charles N. Edgell who was ill, were present.

Interesting remarks were made by Brother Nichols, the only living Charter Member of Hope Lodge, also by Wor. Bro. John D. Fdgell and Charles A. Read.

On November 15, 1916, Bro. George A. Matthews made a financial report as Treasurer of the Masonic Steps Committee. A Committee of three was appointed by the Wor. Master to arrange for the presentation and present to the Town of Gardner the Masonic Steps built at the reservoir. The following members were appointed.

  • Wor. Bro. Charles N. Edgell
  • Bro. Amasa B. Bryant
  • Bro. Fred L. Butler

At this meeting, Resolutions were read in which a more liberal policy in considering names for membership be adopted. The Resolutions were signed by all the Past Masters of Hope Lodge.

Presentation of Masonic Steps at reservoir to Town of Gardner, Mass.

Gardner, Mass.
March 8, 1916

To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Gardner.

Gentlemen:

In recognition of a half century of prosperous existence under the protection of the Town of Gardner, and in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of its institution, Hope Lodge A. F. & A. M. desires to present to the Town the concrete steps recently constructed at the head of Reservoir Street.

It is the hope of the donors of these steps that their free use by the citizens of the Town may bring about a broader appreciation of the beauties of nature revealed from the vantage point to which they lead, and thereby make for a greater feeling of contentment and satisfaction with the community in which we all have a common interest and pride. Hope Lodge A.F.& A.M.

Charles N. Edgell
Amasa B. Bryant
Fred L. Butler
Committee

1919-1939

During the Masonic years of 1919, 1920, and 1921 there were many new members initiated into Hope Lodge, and its greatest growth occurred at that time. In 1919 and 1920 there were held during the term of Wor. Master Fordyce T. Reynolds, eleven regular, one annual and thirty-four special meetings. There were sixty-eight candidates balloted upon during the year. There were six meetings during one week. The Worshipful Master being ill, the work was carried on by Senior Warden George N. Archibald.

May I, at this time, again thank the officers who served with me. We all enjoyed many happy meetings together.

I wish to express my appreciation to Wor. Bro. John H. Jenkins who acted as District Deputy Grand Marshal and Wor. Bro. J. Myron Moore who served as District Deputy Grand Secretary.

When I held the office of District Deputy, due to their help and inspiration the official visits were conducted in a very proper manner. On June 17, 1924, Worshipful Master Clifford W. Shippee had the rather unique distinction of conferring the third degree upon his son, Roland F. Shippee. Few presiding masters have done this.

Hope Lodge has been happy on various occasions to have the officers of Charles W. Moore Lodge, of Fitchburg, visit and confer degrees for us. Also Middlesex Lodge, of Framingham. On other occasions the chairs have been filled by representatives of the Heywood-Wakefield Co. Also by employees of the Florence Stove Co. These special occasions all make for good fellowship.

On March 17, 1925, some flowers were sent to Wor. Bro. Herbert T. Adams as he was ill at his home. This was the first time that Wor. Bro. Adams had missed a Third Degree meeting since his connection with the Lodge. May I mention that the Master's Lecture as given by Wor. Bro. Adams for many years past has been a perfect piece of work. The Brethren have always enjoyed hearing him.

The work done by Hope Lodge during the past years has been well done. The officers have been efficient in the ritual and interest has been kept. Owing to lack of time I must necessarily omit many items of interest during many years which are very familiar to many.

The following are listed as Past Masters of Hope Lodge:

  • Charles Heywood •
  • Henry C. Hill •
  • Edward J. Sawyer •
  • John D. Edgell •
  • Frank W. Cummings •
  • Charles F. Read •
  • William Stone •
  • Marcus H. Howe •
  • Charles N. Edgell •
  • Henry H. Adams •
  • Charles A. Cowee •
  • Arthur P. Derby •
  • Charles O. Plautier •
  • Calvin H. Hill •
  • George E. Walker •
  • Volney W. Howe •
  • Florus D. Ramsdell •
  • Elwin C. Wheeler
  • Harlan P. Upham •
  • Herbert T. Adams
  • Charles O. Miller •
  • Charles B. Boyce
  • Charles E. Whitney •
  • J. Myron Moore
  • John H. Jenkins
  • J. Herbert L. Smead
  • Merton H. Greene C
  • Charles A. Brown
  • Seth Haywood •
  • Harrison Greenwood •
  • Stanford H. Hartshorn
  • Fordyce T. Reynolds
  • George N. Archibald
  • Silas M. Wheeler
  • Leslie R. Williams
  • Clifford W. Shippee
  • George H. Heywood
  • Harold F. Brown
  • C. Amasa Whitney
  • Edgar L. Bugbee, Jr.
  • Frank E. Lavallee
  • Alvin R. Walker
  • Paul A. Bassett
  • Harold E. Walker
  • Frederick P. Bell
  • Henry L. Brooks
  • Roy C. Bruce
  • James W. H. Baker
  • Linwood C. Gates

</blockquote>

• = Deceased.

The following have been District Deputy Grand Masters.

  • Edward J. Sawyer
  • John D. Edgell
  • Elwin C. Wheeler
  • Fordyce T. Reynolds
  • George H. Heywood
  • Harold F. Brown

Most Worshipful Grand Master and friends, having recorded the past to my best ability and with reverence to those who have passed beyond, and honor to the living, I wish to thank you all for your kind attention.

EVENTS

CONSTITUTION OF LODGE, MAY 1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 8, June 1865, Page 228:

HOPE LODGE, GARDNER. This new Lodge was duly Constituted, under its Charter, on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 3d of May last, by a delegation of the officers of the Grand Lodge. The ceremonies took place in the new Hall, which the Lodge, since the expiration of its Dispensation in March, has fitted up for its accommodation. There were about sixty Brethren present, including visitors from the neighboring towns. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the Lodge took a recess until the evening, when the ladies and invited guests were admitted, and the new Hall was Dedicated in accordance with the ancient customs of the Craft. The company then repaired to the Town Hall, where, in the presence of more than two hundred of the ladies and gehtlemen of the village, the officers of the new Lodge were Installed by the M. W. Grand Master, with the usual ceremonies, interspersed with appropriate music. An able and appropriate address by the Grand Master followed, and was listened to by the large audience present with apparent interest and satisfaction. At the conclusion of which he stated that he had been commissioned by Brother Edward Maynz of this city to present, in his behalf (he being necessarily absent), the new Lodge with a large quarto and beautifully-bound Alta-Bible: which duty he performed in a very graceful and appropriate manner. The Gift was received by the Chaplain of the Lodge, the Rev. Wm. D. Herrick, in suitable terms, and placed upon the altar. Singing by the choir concluded the ceremonies.

We took occasion some time since to speak of this Lodge as one of the best and most perfect in its work, in this jurisdiction; and we have now the great satisfaction of adding, that its new Hall is one of the most beautiful in the Commonwealth, alike in its conveniences, decorations, and furniture. No expense has been spared in fitting it up, and good taste is everywhere manifest in its appointments. It is located in the upper story of the Town Hall building (which is itself an ornament to the village), and is about 55 by 35 feet, exclusive of ante-rooms, of which there are four. The main hall is finely frescoed and appropriately ornamented, and handsomely carpeted; as are all the rooms. The furniture, including the altar, pedestals (representing the three orders of architecture), the chairs and settees, we believe were all made by the Heywood Chair Manufacturing Company, of Gardner, expressly for the Lodge, and do great credit, in the excellence of their workmanship, to the skill and good taste of that popular establishment.

The officers of the new Lodge are as follows:-

  • Charles Heywood, W. M.
  • Henry C. Hill, S. W.
  • Edward J. Sawyer, J. W.
  • Alonzo B. Clark, Treas.
  • George Heywood, Sec.
  • William D. Herrick, Chaplain
  • George E. Woodman, S. D.
  • George Nichols, J. D.
  • John W. Hill, S. S.
  • James H. Greenwood, J. S.
  • Alvin M. Greenwood, Marshal
  • F. C. Whitcomb, Tyler

OFFICER LIST, JANUARY 1868

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXVII, No. 3, January 1868, Page 95:

Officers of Hope Lodge, Gardner, 1868. —

  • Edw. J. Sawyer, W.M.
  • George E. Woodman, S. W.
  • George Nichols, J. W.
  • Alonzo B. Clark, Treasurer
  • Charles F. Head, Secretary
  • Harrison Closson, Chaplain
  • F. C. Whitcomb, M.
  • John D. Edgell, S. D.
  • F. W. Cummings, J. D.
  • James H. Greenwood, S. S.
  • O. C. Gardner, J. S.
  • Albert Lovejoy, Tyler
  • Levi Heywood, Seth Heywood, G. F. Ellsworth, Committee on Charity

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

DISTRICTS

1867: District 8 (Greenfield)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Barre)

2003: District 22

LINKS

Massachusetts Lodges
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