Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsYear1924"

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1924

DUDLEY H. FERRELL, Grand Master

A portrait of Past Grand Master Everett C. Benton appears in the Frontispiece.

Frank L. Simpson, Deputy Grand Master
Stephen C. Luce, Jr., Senior Grand Warden
Edward M. Woodward, Junior Grand Warden

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS

(held at Masonic Temple, Boston)

• 03/12: 1924-4;
• 06/11: 1924-288;
• 09/10: 1924-343;
• 12/10: 1924-531; (Annual Communication)

03/12 Agenda

Sir Alfred Robbins

• 1924-16: Introduction of Guests: Most Wor. Winthrop Buck, Grand Master of Connecticut, and Grand Master George I. Whitney of Vermont,as well as Rt. Wor. Sir Alfred Robbins, Past Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England.
• 1924-17: Report of the Committee on Records.
• 1924-36: Rt. Wor. Herbert W. Dean elected a member of the Board of Directors.
• 1924-41: Address by Rt. Wor. Sir Alfred Robbins, President of the Board of General Purposes. He was presented with a Henry Price medal by the Grand Master. A picture of Bro. Robbins appears opposite Page 1924-41.
• 1924-42: Remarks by Bro. Thomas R. Marshall, Past Vice-President of the United States.

06/11 Agenda

• 1924-305: Reception of Most Wor. Charles H. Callahan, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. (He addressed the Grand Lodge later in the meeting, as reported on Page 1924-334.)
• 1924-306: Report of the Committee on Records.

09/10 Agenda

• 1924-353: Reception of Most Wor. Edward W. Cooch, Grand Master of Delaware. Bro. Gooch gave a short address (Page 1924-366).
• 1924-353: Report of the Committee on Records.
• 1924-365: Voted that one-half of the Grand Lodge dues collected in the overseas District Grand Lodges be allowed to retained in the Districts for the purpose of the District Grand Lodges.
• 1924-366: Introduction of Wor. Frederick Baker, an Inspector of the Grand Lodge of California.

12/10 Agenda

• 1924-548: Report of the Committee on Records.
• 1924-550: Presentation of distinguished guests: Most Wor. Bert S. Lee, Past Grand Master of Missouri; Most Wor. Walter W. Williamson, Past Grand Master of Quebec; R.E. R. S. Kingham, Past Grand Zed of the Grand Chapter of Quebec; Wor. Alexander B. J. Moore, Past District Deputy in Quebec; R.E. William M. Couper, Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Quebec; Ill. George E. Hatch, Commander-in-Chief of Rochester Consistory.
• 1924-577: A sketch of the beginning of Chin Ling Lodge, Nanking, China; included in the Grand Master's Address.
• Recorded in Grand Master Ferrell's address, beginning on Page 1924-581:
  • Anniversaries:
    • Phoenix, Hanover (03/25, 50th Anniversary, Special Communication)
    • Norfolk, Needham (05/19, 50th Anniversary, Special Communication)
    • Cochichewick, North Andover (06/02, 50th Anniversary, hall dedication; Special Communication)
    • Liberty, Beverly (06/09, Centenary, Special Communication)
    • Woburn; Centenary of Freemasonry in Woburn.
    • Mount Hope, Fall River (12/08, Centenary, Special Communication)
    • Rising Star, Stoughton (12/11, 125th Anniversary, Special Communication)
  • Funerals:
    • Memorial service for Most Wor. Everett C. Benton (02/07, Special Communication) (11/15, Centenary, hall dedication; Special Communication)
  • Lodges constituted, officers installed:
    • Russell, Arlington (05/02, Special Communication)
    • Bay Path, West Brookfield (05/12, Special Communication)
    • Eastern Star, Rehoboth (09/24, Special Communication)
    • Netop, Seekonk (12/17, Special Communication)
  • Hall Dedications and corner-stone layings:
    • Springfield; corner-stone laying for Shrine Hospital (05/26; Special Communication)
    • Springfield. Corner-stone laying for a Masonic Temple. (06/24; Special Communication)
    • Hyannis. Corner-stone laying for a Masonic Temple. (10/11; Special Communication)
    • Charlton. Dedication of the Williams Memorial. (10/15; Special Communication)
    • Arlington. Corner-stone laying for a Masonic Temple. (11/22; Special Communication)
    • Needham. Corner-stone laying for the Evangelical Congregational Church. (12/07; Special Communication)
  • Lodges visited:
    • Eliot, Jamaica Plain (12/18/1923)
    • Henry Price, Charlestown (01/02)
    • Golden Fleece, Lynn (01/07)
    • Mizpah, Cambridge (01/14)
    • Damascus, Lynn (01/16)
    • Shawmut, Boston (01/24)
    • Henry Price, Charlestown (02/13; Ladies' Night)
    • King Cyrus, Stoneham (02/15)
    • "Disciples of Hiram" (02/16)
    • Mystic Valley and William Parkman, Winchester (02/22; Ladies' Night)
    • Fourth Estate, Boston (03/10)
    • Washington, Roxbury (03/15)
    • Milton, Milton (03/21, Ladies' Night)
    • Galilean, Everett (03/26)
    • Sagamore, West Medford (04/08, Ladies' Night)
    • Hope, Gardner (04/10)
    • Union (Dorchester) (04/12)
    • King Philip, Fall River (04/15; Members' Night)
    • Pittsfield, Pittsfield (04/16)
    • Fidelity, Melrose (04/26)
    • Mountain, Shelburne Falls (04/29)
    • Aberdour, Boston (04/30; Ladies' Night)
    • Euclid, Boston (05/08)
    • Abraham H. Howland Jr., New Bedford (05/24; Members' Night)
    • Norumbega, Newtonville (06/05)
    • Damascus, Lynn (09/29)
    • Charles W. Moore, Fitchburg (10/03)
    • Doric, Hudson (10/19)
    • Essex, Salem (10/21; Ladies' Night)
    • Mechanic's, Turner's Falls (11/7)
    • Lodge of St. Andrew, Boston (11/13)
    • Golden Fleece, Lynn (11/17)
    • Paul Revere, Brockton (11/18; Old Timers' Night)
    • Lodge of St. Andrew, Boston (11/28; Feast of St. Andrew)
    • Wyoming, Melrose (12/05)

Note: The Proceedings also list the extensive visits of the Deputy Grand Master, beginning on Page 1924-593.

• 1924-601: Report of the Board of Masonic Relief. War Relief Fund. Report of the Visiting Committee. Residents. Finances.
• 1924-636: Re-election of Dudley H. Ferrell as Grand Master; election of other Grand Lodge officers. Brief address by Deputy Grand Master Simpson.
• 1924-648: Petition to permit West Roxbury Lodge to reduce fees to conform with other local Lodges; approved.

Grand Constitutions Amendment Proposals

• 03/12: 1924-40; Proposal to modify Section 334, regarding contributions from candidates; referred.
  • 06/11: 1924-317ff; adopted with modifications.
  • 06/11: 1924-333; "Matters of detail and procedure" referred with powers to the Board of Directors.

Grand Master's Address

• 03/12: 1924-23; Opening remarks; necrology; character of Masonry (lotteries, entertainments, Masonic clubs).

• 06/11: 1924-308; Opening remarks; necrology; constitutions and dedications; Board of Masonic Relief; Grand Constitutions; closing remarks (see below).

"We have come to the point, this very day, of deciding what our tomorrow is to be. We may, if we choose, continue as we have been going; fixing our attention upon ourselves, striving to preserve the inherited dignity of the past, making Masons in varying numbers according to the routine procedure which has never changed. This choice (and it is ours to make if we so desire) forecasts a tomorrow which is in no wise different from today except in this: There will be less justification for our place in society and some one will be compelled to pronounce an apologetic in our behalf. We cannot fail to realize that the pressure of life upon the various associations of men is constantly increasing. A developing intimacy of association produces new needs which must be met else the business of life suffers and living becomes a more difficult problem. The history of organizations shows one of two things. Either they accomodate themselves to whatever changes come, they expand their effort to meet an increase in duty or else they lapse into the oblivion which adherence to an unchanged and antiquated conventionality always brings. Now, for Freemasonry, the experience similar to that possible for any other institution awaits.

"We can, today, say that we want no change in our effort; that we will be satisfied within the compass of our present measure of endeavor. But will the time be satisfied? We owe life something and we cannot deny it. I dream rather of Masonry making the other decision, a decision to try the adventure of greater service because the need of the time is more pressing. I vision a tomorrow that shares a Masonic understanding possessed by every man who bears the Masonic title. This will be the result of the education given him, superimposed upon ritualistic instruction. I see the Fraternity equipped to care for those who are not asking alms, but only a chance to provide for their own wants. My thoughts lead me into a tomorrow whose glory is our ability to care fully for all whose hands have grown palsied with age or sickness and who, amid the competitions of life, have no refuge except within the fortress of real Masonic benevolence. The dream will come true if you say it shall. The hope of your Grand Master and those associated with him in administering the affairs of the Craft has been amply explained throughout the jurisdiction. He was asking nothing for himself but all for Freemasonry. His hope for tomorrow, his dream of Masonry's greater service with all that it demanded of the Brethren he dared to place in your hands because he had faith in the reality of the Masonic profession."

• 09/10: 1924-354; Opening remarks; delinqency; chain letters; chain letters; Williams memorial; semi-Masonic organizations; conclusion.

• 12/10: 1924-550; Opening remarks; review of the year; Lawrence library ("gift of our late Brother M.W. Samuel Crocker Lawrence . . . has been examined and classified and added to our already splendid collection in the Grand Lodge Library."); Committees on Education and Service; Masonic Service Association; finances; report of the Board of Directors; survey of Lodge finances (a questionnaire was sent to every Lodge); Masonic philanthropy; Masonic Education and Charity Trust; overseas districts (constitution of Chin Ling, Nanking, China); visits (including those by the Deputy Grand Master); Henry Price Medals.

Lodge By-Law Changes

• 03/12: 1924-37;
  • Full Codes : None.
  • Amendments: Army, Budleigh, Canal Zone, Charles W. Moore, Eden (with changes), Golden Rule (with changes), Hykes Memorial, Indian Orchard, John Abbot, Jordan, Joseph Webb, Mount Hope, Mount Lebanon, Mount Orthodox, Noddle's Island, Rabboni, Robert Lash (with changes), Rufus Putnam, Sojourners, Springfield, Temple, Trinity, Winslow Lewis; approved.

• 06/11: 1924-37;
  • Full Codes : None.
  • Amendments: Aurora, Baalbec, Greylock, Jerusalem, John Warren, King Philip, Mizpah, Mount Orthodox, Olive Branch, Paul Dean, St. George, St. John's (Boston), Star in the East, Wessagusset, District Grand Lodge of China; approved.

• 09/10: 1924-363;
  • Full Codes : None.
  • Amendments: Amicable, Bethel, Charles W. Moore, Franklin, Montacute (with changes), Orient, Phoenix, Quinsigamond, Roswell Lee (with changes), St. Mark's, Siloam; approved.

• 09/10: 1924-363;
  • Full Codes : None.
  • Amendments: Athol, Belcher, Caleb Butler, Crescent, Darien, DeWitt Clinton, Excelsior, Franklin, Germania, Hiram, Hope, Isthmian, King Cyrus, King Solomon's,Meridian, Mizpah, Mount Hermon, Roswell Lee, St. John's (Boston), St. John's (Newburyport), Samuel Osgood, Shanghai, Sibert, Solomon's Temple, Springfield, Wamesit, Webster, Wilder; approved.

Necrologies and Memorials

Most Wor. Everett C. Benton

• 03/12: 1924-25; Death of Everett C. Benton; reported in Grand Master's Address.
  • 06/11: 1924-325; Memorial presented by Most Wor. Melvin M. Johnson, for the committee.

• 06/11: 1924-310; Death of Rt. Wor. Austin A. Heath, Past District Deputy Grand Master; reported in Grand Master's Address.

• 12/10: 1924-711: Death of Most Wor. Edwin B. Holmes, Senior Past Grand Master.

Petitions for Charters

• 03/12: 1924-38; Russell U.D., Arlington; granted.

• 03/12: 1924-39; Bay Path U.D., West Brookfield; granted.

• 09/10: 1924-364; Eastern Star U.D., Rehoboth; granted. Note: there is no record of this dispensation.

• 12/10: 1924-647; Netop U.D., Seekonk

• 12/10: 1924-576; Chin Ling U.D., Nanking, China (03/08; reported in Grand Master's Address)

• 12/10: 1924-649; Petition by Mariners' Lodge to amend its charter for jurisdiction over Barnstable; opposed by Fraternal Lodge, and the petition was denied.

Petitions for Dispensation for Lodges

• 12/10: 1924-585; Netop, Seekonk (02/29; mentioned in Grand Master's Address)

• 12/10: 1924-585; Elm, West Springfield (04/18; mentioned in Grand Master's Address)

• 12/10: 1924-586; United, Cambridge (12/05; mentioned in Grand Master's Address)

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

• 02/07: 1924-1. Boston. Funeral Service for Past Grand Master Everett C. Benton.
  • 1924-2: Funeral Services at Park Street Church; service performed by Rev. Dr. A. Z. Conrad, the pastor, with the Grand Master and Grand Chaplain Wor. Rev. Edward A. Horton performing the Masonic ritual.

• 03/25: 1924-44. Hanover. 50th Anniversary of Phoenix Lodge.
  • 1924-44: Grand Lodge opened and was received by brethren of the Lodge and the Master, Rev. and Wor. Edwin H. Gibson.
  • 1924-45: Anniversary exercises. Addresses by the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master. Living Charter Members were recognized and presented with commemorative medals.
  • 1924-46ff: History of the Lodge by Rt. Wor. Horace T. Fogg. Note: this history includes information about the original Phoenix Lodge.

• 05/02: 1924-64. Boston. Constitution of Russell Lodge of Arlington.
  • 1924-65: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-65: Constitution of the lodge and installation of officers "with full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-66: Grand Master's Address, "eloquent and impressive."
  • 1924-66: Organization for 1924 and list of Charter Members.

• 05/12: 1924-69. West Brookfield. Constitution of Bay Path Lodge.
  • 1924-70: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-70: Constitution of the lodge and installation of officers "with full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-70: Grand Master's Address, "with earnest and eloquent words which made a deep impression upon his hearers."
  • 1924-71: Organization for 1924 and list of Charter Members.

• 05/19: 1924-73. Needham. 50th Anniversary of Norfolk Lodge.
  • 1924-73: Grand Lodge opened and was received by brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-74: Grand Lodge and lodge members repaired to the Town Hall "where they were entertained at dinner by the members of Norfolk Lodge, a very large company being present." Address by Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy.
  • 1924-75: (05/18) Commemorative religious service at the Town Hall, following a public procession involving various lodges.
  • 1924-75ff: History of Norfolk Lodge by Wor. Leonard Dawson.

Corner-stone Laying, Shrine Hospital

• 05/26: 1924-120. Springfield. Laying of the corner-stone of a Shrine hospital.
  • 1924-121: Grand Lodge opened at the Masonic Temple and repaired to the site of the hospital, in the company of a Shrine parade.
  • 1924-121: Corner-stone laying "with full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-122: Contents of corner-stone box.
  • 1924-123: Address by Grand Master and by Conrad V. Dykeman, Imperial Potentate.

Cochickewick Lodge Hall

• 06/02: 1924-127. North Andover. 50th Anniversary of Cochichewick Lodge.
  • 1924-128: Grand Lodge opened and was received by brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-128: Rededication of the Temple; address by the Grand Master, "an eloquent and inspiring treatment of thoughts arising from the double occasion that was being observed."
  • 1924-129ff: History of the Lodge by Bro. James R. Baldwin, Harry Wilkinson, and Thomas Milner.

• 06/09: 1924-193. Beverly. Centenary of Liberty Lodge.
  • 1924-193: "Owing to the recent destruction by fire of the Masonic apartments," Grand Lodge opened in the Odd Fellows' apartments and was received by brethren of the Lodge. Grand Master Charles H. Callahan of Virginia and the Master of Wor. C. Philip Heishley, Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, were also present.
  • 1924-194: Exercises of the evening; Grand Master made a "a very eloquent and inspiring address"; remarks by Wor. Herbert W. Wilson, Police Commissioner of Boston, and the Grand Master of Virginia. Presentation by Wor. Heishley of a gavel made from a walnut tree at Mount Vernon.
  • 1924-195: (06/08) Brethren and ladies' commemorative religious service at the Ware Theatre, with Rt. Wor. and Rev. Frederick Hamilton preaching.
  • 1924-196: (06/10) Dinner and ball at the Salem Armory.
  • 1924-196ff: History of Masonry in Beverly by Wor. Eugene J.V. Huiginn. Covers the period from 1779 to 1924, including notes on United States Lodge and Amity Lodge in Beverly.

Corner-stone Laying, Springfield

• 06/24: 1924-335. Springfield. Corner-stone laying for a Masonic Temple.
  • 1924-336: Grand Lodge opened in the existing Temple and moved in procession with some three thousand Brethren to the new site. In addition to local Commanderies, the following Lodges were represented: Hampden, Roswell Lee, Springfield, Esoteric, Samuel Osgood, Samuel D. Sherwood, Indian Orchard, Mount Moriah, Huntington, Federal, Charles C. Spellman, Mount Orthodox, Elm, Brigham, Newton, Belcher, Chicopee, Mount Tom, William Whiting, Mount Nonotuck, Thomas, Mount Holyoke.
  • 1924-337: Order of exercises; contents of corner-stone box.
  • 1924-340: Ceremony; remarks by the Grand Master reproduced in part.
  • 1924-342: Luncheon at the Hotel Kimball, with a "delightful address" by the Grand Master.

• 09/24: 1924-367. Rehoboth. Constitution of Eastern Star Lodge.
  • 1924-368: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-368: Constitution of the lodge and installation of officers "in full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-368: Grand Master's Address. He "congratulated the Brethren upon the success which had crowned their efforts to organize a new Lodge and gave them wise advice and inspiring encouragement for the work before them."
  • 1924-369: Organization for 1924-25 and list of Charter Members.

Corner-stone Laying, Hyannis

• 10/11: 1924-371. Hyannis. Laying of the corner-stone of a Masonic Temple.
  • 1924-372: Grand Lodge opened. Procession from the old Temple to the site of the new Temple. Representation of York Rite bodies, local organizations, and the following Lodges: Universal, St. Martin's, Mariners', Howard, Adams, Pilgrim, DeWitt Clinton, Mount Horeb (West Harwich), Marine, King Hiram's, Fraternal.
  • 1924-373: Corner-stone ceremony. Contents of corner-stone box.
  • 1924-375: A shore dinner at the Mill Hill Pavilion with about a thousand Brethren.

• 10/25: 1924-376. Charlton. Dedication of the Williams Memorial.
  • 1924-377: Grand Lodge opened in the Chapel of the Masonic Home and proceeded to the Reading Room in the Williams Memorial.
  • 1924-377: Building dedicated "in full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft," similar to the form used at the dedication of the Home in 1911.
  • 1924-378: "Eloquent address" by the Grand Master.

• 11/19: 1924-379. Woburn. Centenary of Freemasonry in Woburn.
  • 1924-380: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Mount Horeb Lodge.
  • 1924-380: Addresses by Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.
  • 1924-380ff: "A Brief Sketch of Masonry in Woburn 1824 to 1924" by Wor. William F. Davis, Jr. Notes on Freedom Lodge and Mount Horeb Lodge.

• 11/22: 1924-410. Arlington. Laying of the corner-stone of a Masonic Temple.
  • 1924-411: Grand Lodge opened at the Orthodox Congregational Church and repaired to the site of the new Temple, escorted by Hiram and Russell Lodges.
  • 1924-411: Dedication exercises; contents of corner-stone box.
  • 1924-413: An "interesting, helpful and inspiring" address by the Grand Master. The building is intended to replace one destroyed by fire in March, 1924.
  • 1924-414ff: History of Freemasonry in Arlington.

• 12/07: 1924-419. Needham. Laying of a corner-stone for the Evangelical Congregational Church.
  • 1924-420: Opened of Grand Lodge at the Masonic apartments. Procession to the building site.
  • 1924-420: Building dedicated "in full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-420: Contents of corner-stone box.
  • 1924-421: "Eloquent address" by the Grand Master. Ceremony of consecration by Pastor Rev. Bro. Harry W. Kimball, and other ceremonies.

• 12/08: 1924-423. Fall River. Centenary of Mount Hope Lodge.
  • 1924-423: Grand Lodge opened and was received by members of the Lodge.
  • 1924-424: (12/07) A special religious service of commemoration at the Central Congregational Church; sermon by Rt. Wor. and Rev. Frederick W. Hamilton.
  • 1924-424: Banquet, with addresses by Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master Simpson and other Brothers.
  • 1924-425: (12/09) Entertainments with ladies, including dancing.
  • 1924-425ff: History of Mount Hope Lodge.

• 12/11: 1924-653. Stoughton. 125th Anniversary of Rising Star Lodge.
  • 1924-654: Grand Lodge opened and was received by members of the Lodge.
  • 1924-654: Addresses by the Grand Master and the presiding Master, Wor. G. Arthur Sprague, Jr., as well as the Deputy Grand Master and the Master at the 100th Anniversary Wor. Lemuel W. Standish.
  • 1924-655: (12/07) Commemorative religious service at the Universalist Church, sermon preached by Rev. Bro. William P. Farnsworth, Chaplain of the Lodge.
  • 1924-655ff: Historical Sketch of Rising Star Lodge, by Rt. Wor. Ira F. Burnham.

• 12/17: 1924-692. Seekonk. Constitution of Netop Lodge.
  • 1924-693: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Brethren of the Lodge.
  • 1924-693: Constitution of the lodge and installation of officers "with full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • 1924-693: Grand Master's Address, an "inspiring call to duty."
  • 1924-694: Organization for 1925 and list of Charter Members.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

(held at Masonic Temple, Boston, 12/29/1924)

Charles H. Ramsay

A portrait of Grand Treasurer Charles H. Ramsay appeared on the menu for the feast.

• 1924-695: Opening and roll call.
• 1924-698: Report of Grand Secretary; 6,238 Diplomas issued through 08/31/1924. List of Lodges not represented in 1924 and for the past 2 years.
• 1924-700: Thanks voted to Norumbega Lodge for the present of an "ancient Masonic pitcher."
• 1924-700: Installation of Grand Master Ferrell, and other Grand Lodge officers.
• 1924-707: Address of Bro. Hon. Alvan T. Fuller, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts. Reproduced in full.
• 1924-713: Feast of St. John, listing toasts and names of speakers.
  • 1924-713: The Grand Master.
  • 1924-720: Most Wor. Walter L. Stockwell, Past Grand Master of Masons of North Dakota.
  • 1924-734: Past Secretary of International Lodge, Bro. and Dr. Samuel S. Young.
  • 1924-738: Rt. Rev. Dr. and Bro. Philip Cook, Bishop of Delaware and Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Delaware.

HISTORICAL SUPPLEMENT

• 1924-753: The Beginnings of Army Lodge, by Wor. G. W. Edgerly.
• 1924-758: The Beginnings of Pittsfield Lodge, by Rt. Wor. S. Chester Lyon.

LIST OF LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS BY DISTRICT: 1924

There were 33 districts in Massachusetts in 1924, as well as districts for Chile, China and the Canal Zone.

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