Difference between revisions of "Wilder"

Revision as of 23:49, 23 March 2013

WILDER LODGE

Location: Leominster

Chartered By: Winslow Lewis

Charter Date: 06/13/1860 VI-308

Precedence Date: 06/13/1859

Current Status: Active

PAST MASTERS

Living Past Masters only; need full list

REFERENCES IN GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS

• Petition for Dispensation: 1859
• Petition for Charter: 1860

ANNIVERSARIES

• 1910 (50th Anniversary)
• 1934 (75th Anniversary)
• 1959 (Centenary)

• 2009 (150th Anniversary)

VISITS BY GRAND MASTER

• 1860 (Lewis; Constitution of Lodge and installation; hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1875 (Everett; Hall dedication; Special Communication; see below)
• 1882 (Lawrence)
• 1895 (Holmes; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1909 (Flanders)
• 1910 (Flanders; 50th Anniversary)
• 1916 (M. Johnson)
• 1920 (Prince; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1934 (Chipman; 75th Anniversary; Special Communication)
• 1959 (Chipman; Centenary; Special Communication)
• 1976 (Maxwell; Hall dedication; Special Communication)
• 1982 (Berquist)
• 1989 (Ames)

BY-LAW CHANGES

1870 1876 1879 1883 1885 1890 1894 1912 1917 1920 1921 1924 1929 1940 1941 1948 1949 1955 1961 1971 1972 1976 1979 1983 1990 2003 2008 2009

HISTORY

• 1934 (75th Anniversary History, 1934-52)
• 1959 (Centenary History, 1949-145)

OTHER

• 1874 (Jurisdictional dispute, 1874-9)

EVENTS

HALL DEDICATION, APRIL 1875

From New England Freemason, Vol. I, No. 4, April 1875, Page 188:

Dedication at Leominster.—The new Masonic apartments of Wilder Lodge, of Leominster, were dedicated on the 15th inst. The Grand Master being prevented from attending by sickness, the ceremony was conducted by R. W. Charles A. Welch, Deputy Grand Master. He was assisted by the following-named Brethren: P. G. M. Sereno D. Nickerson, as Special Deputy Grand Master; P. G. Warden Henry Endicott, as S. G. Warden; P. G. M. William Parkman, as J. G. Warden; R. W. John McClellan, G. Treasurer; P. G. M. William D. Coolidge, as G. Secretary; R. W. Charles H. Titus, as G. Chaplain; Brother Frank E. Jones, as G. Marshal, and W. Brother J. W. Edgerly, as G. Tyler. The ceremony of dedication having been completed, the Deputy Grand Master briefly addressed the Lodge, congratulating them upon their improved accommodations, and the taste, skill and liberality displayed in furnishing them. He also exhorted them to display new zeal and diligence in the discharge of their duties as Masons, and to exercise increased vigilance in guarding the Fraternity against the admission of unworthy members.

The Brethren were then called from labor to refreshment, and about one hundred and sixty of them sat down to a bountiful collation. This part of the entertainment having been disposed of very satisfactorily, the toast-master, Brother F. C. Bowen, addressed the company at some length, relating the particulars of the destruction of the former Lodge-room, the liberality of Brethren in providing everything necessary for the new, the sublime principles and important lessons inculcated by the Fraternity, and the happy results which would follow from a faithful observance of its teachings. In response to appropriate sentiments, brief speeches then followed from the Deputy Grand Master, the Past Grand Masters, Grand Secretary Titus, District Deputy Grand Master W. A. Smith, of Worcester, and Brothers Joslin and Huntley. Of the seven living Past Grand Masters, all were present but two; R. W. Brothers John T. Heard and Wm. S. Gardner honoring the occasion with their presence, and participating in the festivities, in addition to the Brethren before named.

Wilder Lodge was constituted in July, 1860. Eight Brethren signed the petition for a Dispensation, only three of whom are now living, and one, W. Brother Wm. Durant, was present at the dedication of the new hall. It has been distinguished for the excellence of its work and the high character of its members, and is now in a very flourishing condition, under the direction of the following-named officers: Samuel Whittier, W. M.; W. D. Somers, S. W.; J. D. Miller, J. W.; F. X. Boutwell, Treas.; George F. Morse, Sec.; T. J. Ames, S. D.; H. P. Durant, J. D.; Adam Urqunhart, S. S.; C. H. Glines, J. S.; Win. Durant, Chaplain; George England, Marshal; W. F. Wilkins, I. S.; J. S. Darling, Tyler.

The new apartments comprise the whole of the upper story of a fine brick block just erected by Brother J. C. Allen, in the very centre of the flourishing town of Leominster. The main hall will compare very favorably with any Masonic hall of its size in the State. It is finely frescoed and elegantly appointed. There are, besides, three ante-rooms, a kitchen and banquet hall, all neatly and appropriately furnished. The walls of the Lodge-room are adorned with portraits of Past Masters David Wilder, William Durant, Daniel R. Haines, Calvin B. Cook and John H. Lockey.

In the evening a reception was held, to which ladies, and the public generally, were admitted. A supper, music, and dancing in the lower hall, made the time pass very pleasantly. The whdle occasion was greatly enjoyed by all who were present, and the day will be long remembered by the Brethren of Wilder Lodge as one of great pleasure and satisfaction.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Kenneth M. Andrews, DDGM, District 22, 2011, 2012
• Frank H. Blackman, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1951, 1952; N
• Carl S. Johansson, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1991, 1992; SN
• Robert C. Keogh, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1977, 1978; Wilder
• Joseph F. Lake, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1963, 1964; SN
• Edward D. Moody, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1896, 1897; Memorial
• Everett B. Richardson, DDGM, District 12 (Fitchburg), 1909, 1910; Memorial
• Frank D. Polley, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1937, 1938; N
• James C. Smith, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1937 (died in office); Memorial
• Rolfe W. Smith, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 1922; Memorial
• Roger E. Winchester, DDGM, District 13 (Fitchburg), 2001, 2002

DISTRICTS

1859: District 3

1867: District 11 (Worcester)

1872: District 7 (Lowell)

1878: District 11 (Worcester)

1883: District 12 (Fitchburg)

1911: District 13 (Fitchburg)

1927: District 13 (Fitchburg)

2003: District 22

LINKS

Lodge Web Site

Massachusetts Lodges