USA > New Hampshire > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, New Hampshire > Part 24
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MASONIC AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
In testimony whereof, We, the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, by virtue of the power and authority to us committed, have hereunto set our hands, and caused the seal of the Grand Lodge to be affixed at Portsmouth this twenty-fourth day of October, A.D. 1804 and A. L. 5804.
CLEMENT STORER, Deputy Grand Master. JOHN MCCLINTOCK, Senior Grand Warden. EDWARD J. LONG, Junior Grand Warden.
Attest : L. SPAULDING, Grand Secretary.
This lodge continued in a prosperous and successful condition, and did for those times a large amount of work, enrolling among its members some of the most influential and substantial men of that time within its jurisdiction, which covered an immense section of territory, for its first initiate was a resident near the Canada line ; while there were applications from near Rochester and along the western side of the lake. For several years it flourished finely. We have no means of knowing how, or in what kind of a room, the lodge held its meet- ings, nor how elaborately it was furnished, but there was some pride in the fittings, for, June 8, 1808, the lodge voted to purchase a carpet for their hall. What a palatial appearance must have greeted the candidate when " brought to light " amid the glow of those illustrious luminaries, the " spermcite !"
The lodge, November 2, 1808, voted its assent for a lodge at Sanbornton, and March 29, 1809, for a lodge at Rochester. About this time interest ap- peared to wane; little work was done, and the last record of the lodge at Moultonborough was January 3, 1812, at which Samuel Meder was chosen master, and William Freese representative to the Grand Lodge.
At the session of the Grand Lodge, January 25, 1815, Morning Star Lodge was represented by Edward B. Neally, master; Josiah Bartlett, senior warden, probably as proxies, as none of these names appear on the records. At the next session, June 12, 1816, appears on the records : -
Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, proposed to resign their charter to the Grand Lodge, and it was voted to accept of said Charter, which was accordingly delivered to the G. Secretary.
It does not appear that any representative of the lodge was present. From this date the lodge was dormant until June 9, 1819, when the following is recorded by the Grand Lodge : --
These petitions of Asa Perkins and others, for the removal of Lodge No. 17, from Moul- tonborough to Wolfeborough, were referred to Bros. Pierce, Webster, and Sandborn.
To the Most Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire : - We, the subscribers, free and accepted Master Masons, and members of Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, organized and established at Moultonborough in said state, respectfully represent : that, agreeable to a vote of said Lodge, and the consent of the Grand Lodge, in the year A.L. 5816, we deposited our charter in the archives of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire for a certain time, and as we expected on such conditions that we could withdraw it at any period within the time specified, and that it should not affect our standing or deprive us of our rights and privileges as free and accepted Masons; the time long since has expired.
Wherefore your petitioners pray that the old Charter of said Lodge may be restored to them with all the rights and privileges of regularly constituted lodges, as long as we conform to the constitution of Masonry; that
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
having the prosperity of the fraternity at heart, we are willing and zealous to exert our best endeavors to fur- ther promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Masonry; that for the conveniency of our respective dwell- ings and for other good reasons, we are very desirous of having the old Charter restored to us and permanently established at Wolfborough in said state; the locality of the place and the respective dwellings of most of your petitioners are such that a lodge can be formed without inconvenience or encroachment upon our avoca- tions, which will greatly enhance our privileges and give us a better opportunity in promoting and diffusing the true and genuine principles of Masonry to those who are worthy and well qualified. In duty bound we ever pray. Wolfborough, May 12, A.L. 5819. Bartho. Gilman, Samuel Meder, John Piper, Jun., Ichabod Libbey, John Piper, Wm. Chamberlain, Nathl. Shannon, Wm. C. Freese, Ichabod Shaw, Jonathan Copp.
To the Most Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire : -
We, the subscribers, Master Masons and members of other Lodges in this state, Inhabitants of Wolfborough and its vicinity, respectfully represent, that it is our hearty and sincere desire that the Charter of Morning Star Lodge, formerly established at Moultonborough, may be restored, together with its constitutional rights and privileges, to the foregoing petitioners Members of said Lodge, and be established at Wolfborough, where we have every reason to hope that Masonry might flourish; considering the locality of the place, the situation and respectability of the members of said Lodge. Therefore your petitioners pray that you grant the request of the before mentioned petitioners, so that we may receive instruction aud the benefits of masonry ourselves by aiding and assisting the further promotion of its genuine principles to others, whereof we ever pray.
Wolfborough, May 14, A.L. 5819. Asa Perkins, Warren Smith, Levi Merrill, Benjn. Fullerton, John Morrison.
The committee to which was referred this petition reported that the prayer thereof be granted, which report was accepted, and the lodge instructed to elect the same master that was installed last previous to the depositing of their charter.
After remaining silent six years, seven months, and twenty-nine days, Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, again began to manipulate the trowel to " spread the cement of brotherly love and affection." On the first day of September, 1819, it held its first communication at the " Inn " of Daniel Libbey in Wolfeborough. This inn was located at "Goose Corner." The large two-story building occupied by William Rendall as a dwelling is said to be the house. There were present Samuel Meder, Jonathan Copp, John Piper, Jr, Jedediah Chapman, John Piper, Levi and Asa Merrill. The lodge was opened in ancient form on the E. A. degree, and Brother Jonathan Copp chosen Master, pro tem. ; Samuel Meder, S. W., pro tem .; John Piper, J. W., and Asa Perkins, secretary, pro tem. At the next meeting at the same place, September 29, it was voted : -
Brother Samuel Meder be authorized to procure the furniture, jewels, by-laws, and all other property belonging to this lodge, from Moultonborough to our lodge room at Libbey's Inn, in Wolfeborough, before our next regular communication, and in case of the disability of Brother Meder, Brother Copp is to see that this vote is fulfilled according to its intent and purposes.
Agreeable to the above vote, Brother Copp had procured them at the next communication. October 27, 1819, these officers were elected : Samuel Meder, W. M. ; Jonathan Copp, S. W .; William C. Frecse, J. W .; John Piper, Jr, treasurer; Levi Merrill, secretary; William Chamberlain, S. D .; John Piper, J. D .; Ichabod Libbey, S. S .; William Chamberlain, J. S .; Ichabod Libbey, tyler.
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After the removal, the hour of meeting was
From 1 to & P.M., on the Wednesday of or preceding every full of the moon, " and the annual cholce of officers was at the regular lodge-meeting preceding the festival of St John the Evangelist, and each member paid at every quarterly communication the sum of fifty cents in lieu of evening fees, while visiting brothers were exempt from all fees at his first sitting, after which he was to pay twenty cents evening fees. E. A.'s and F. C.'s were to each pay evening fees of like amount. Fees for initiation were twelve dollars; F. C. or M. M., four dollars. Every member who did not attend punctually at the hour to which he was summoned and keep his place while in the lodge, was tined or otherwise dealt with as a majority thought proper.
The members of the lodge at this time were Jonathan Copp, Levi Merrill, Lyford Shorey, William Piper, Samuel Leavitt, John Piper, David F. Libbey, Samuel Meder, and Thomas Rust.
June 21, 1820, Brother Joseph Farrar made this proposition, which was enacted as a law July 10, 1820 : -
That every use of ardent spirits or wine be totally interdicted at any and every future communication of the lodge, except when attended by a visiting brother not amenable to its regulations, nor at such time, unless specially directed by the Master.
This caused dissatisfaction among some of the older masons who were accustomed to the use of wine when called from "labor to refreshments," and about this time there appears to be a lack of interest and enthusiasm in the lodge.
Brothers Asa Crosby, Samuel Meder, and Jonathan Copp were appointed a committee, November 15, 1820, to procure chairs and pedestals for the use of the lodge, and December 13 the lodge purchased a tyler's sword of Bro. Levi Merrill. February 14, 1821, the annual election of officers was changed to April. The first expulsion was June 13, 1821. December 5, 1821, the lodge voted to buy one copy of "Speculative Masonry," and January 2, 1822, bought of Daniel Brewster a Masonic Chart for two dollars.
The first clergyman made a mason was Rev. Joseph Kellum, of Tufton- borough, February 6, 1822. On account of his profession, his fees were returned.
June 9, 1824, voted to furnish "Master's Jewel " and belts for the three principal officers. August 16, 1826, the lodge voted to remove to a hall which Bro. Jon" Copp was then preparing. This hall was situated directly opposite where the lodge was holding its meetings, and was in the second story of the store in which Mr Copp was trading. September 4, 1826, a committee was appointed to examine the hall and move the furniture ; said committee consisting of Brothers Joseph W. Lang, John Piper, and Samuel Meder. The committee made this report : -
Bro. Jona Copp agrees to furnish a hall and a room adjoining, with a stove in each room, for the use of Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, for the consideration of $12 per year, or at that rate as long as the lodge sees fit to occupy it for masonic purposes. The above hall is to be ready at all times for regular and special communications.
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The lodge was now in a flourishing condition. The D. D., L. B. Walker, in his report to the Grand Lodge, June 12, 1827, says : -
I have visited Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, at Wolfeborough. The lodge is respectable for the number and masonie acquirements of its officers and members, and has recently much improved in the quantity and quality of its work. Harmony and good fellowship prevail among them.
It appears that this continued, for the D. D., Charles Lane, in report June 10, 1828, says : -
Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, at Wolfeborongh, is in a flourishing situation, and appears to keep pace with the growing condition of Masoury in this state.
The second expulsion was May 5, 1830, publicly announced in the Masonic Mirror. May 5, 1830, resolutions were presented on the death of Bro. John Pike, who died April 20, 1830, the first instance on the records.
About this time the interest again declined, the treasury was depleted, and future prosperity in a precarious condition. The records show that, April, 1829, there was $133.38 uncollected annual dues, and October 27, 1830, a vote was passed
To postpone the settlement with Bro. Copp until the next communication, and have a committee chosen to use their influence to get the lodge together at the next communication, and assist the treasurer in collecting the debts.
Little more was done, or at least recorded, the most important action for a long time being November 7, 1832, when it was " voted that Masonie Hall be let to parties for a ball by Bro. Asa Crosby."
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, June 12, 1838, the Grand Secretary was requested to make a statement showing when each lodge last made returns, and make report at next annual. In 1839 he reported, and in the list was " Morning Star Lodge, 1831." In 1840 a committee of two was appointed to compare this report with returns received after that report was made. Their report was substantially the same, and was recommitted to the same committee to recommend some action. They reported this resolution : -
Resolved, That the following named lodges, having neglected to make returns to the Grand Lodge within the time required by the Grand Regulations, be, and hereby are, stricken from the Grand Lodge Books, and their charters are hereby declared forfeited.
In this list was Morning Star Lodge. During a lapse of twenty-three years the charter remained in the archives of the Grand Lodge. June, 1854, the Grand Lodge was petitioned for the restoration of the charter by Thomas Rust, William Chamberlain, William P. Edgerly, William Piper, T. E. Lang, and Thomas Shannon. At a session of the Grand Lodge, June 12, 1855, the petition was presented by Bro. Josiah B. Edgerly, and referred to the standing committee on lodges, who reported : -
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MASONIC AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
The committee having full confidence in the good standing, skill, and ability of the petitioners, do recommend that, by virtue of a resolution of this Grand Lodge passed at their annual communication, A.L. 5844, the M. W. Grand Master be authorized to return the charter asked for.
And it was voted to return the charter, and this warrant issued : -
CONCORD, June 13, A.L. 5855.
L.8. By virtue of power and authority in me vested by the Grand Lodge of the state of New Hampshire, full power and authority is hereby granted and given to Thomas Rust, William Chamberlain, William P. Edgerly, William Piper, John Piper, Thomas E. Lang, and Thomas Shannon, former members of Morning Star Lodge, No. 17, at Wolfborough, and such other brethren as may associate with them, to call a meeting of said Lodge, elect officers, adopt by-laws, and exercise and enjoy all the rights and privileges pertaining to Lodges of Master Masons, they conforming at all times to the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge this thirteenth day of June, A.D. 1855, A.L. 5855.
ICHI. G. JORDAN, Grand Master.
Agreeably to notice, Morning Star Lodge met at brother Thomas Rust's office, September 19, A.L. 5855, and opened a " Lodge of Master Masons," in due and ancient form, at which were present R. W. District Deputy Josiah B. Edgerly ; Bro. Thomas Rust, S. W .; William Chamberlain, William Piper, Dudley L. Libbey, John Avery, Bro. D. T. Parker, of Humane Lodge, No. 21, and proceeded to the election of Thomas Rust, Master; William Chamberlain, S. W .; Dudley L. Libbey, J. W .; John Avery, secretary ; Thomas J. Tibbetts, treasurer. These were appointed : Bro. Samuel Reynolds, S. D .; William Piper, J. D .; Joseph V. Wiggin, tyler.
The lodge assumed work under very favorable circumstances, and increased in membership rapidly. The by-laws were ordered printed in pamphlet form June 15, 1856. The first masonic funeral conducted by the lodge was that of Bro. Andrew J. Fullerton, October 13, 1856. Brothers John M. Brackett, Abel Haley, and Blake Folsom were chosen a committee to furnish the hall Decem- ber 10, 1856.
September 2, 1858, bought a masonic library of Bro. Robert Morris. October 20, 1858, Brothers John Wingate, Thomas Rust, and William C. Fox were appointed a committee to prepare rules and regulations for the govern- ment of the library, but there does not appear by the records that the committee ever reported. This library consisted of many valuable works ; many cannot now be found. June 27, 1860, assented to the establishment of Red Mountain Lodge, of Sandwich. September 26, 1860, purchased chandelier for $20. May 22, 1861, first public installation of officers. May 7, 1862, voted to meet at 4 P.M. until otherwise ordered. In 1865, by vote of the lodge, the secretary prepared a printed list of all the members from 1804 to 1865, giving date of initiation, passing, and raising.
The officers-elect of Morning Star for 1867 were publicly installed May 15, the brethren marching in a body from the lodge-room to Rollins' Hall. The ceremonies were performed by R. W. D. D. Grand Master John Blackmer.
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
July 10, 1867, Brothers Charles H. Parker, C. Moulton, and Nathaniel Mason were appointed a committee to take into consideration the propriety of removing the lodge-room to some more convenient hall. August 14, 1867, it was voted to lease the new hall in Goodwin's block on Main street, the present place of meeting, for ten years at $100 per annum ; also, that the funds on hand, $300, be expended in furnishing the same, and if insufficient an additional sum of $100 be raised by subscription. This room was fitted and furnished and the lodge took possession January 4, 1868. This hall was richly furnished and is one of the finest and best-arranged lodge-rooms in Carroll county. About this time dissatisfaction was expressed by some of the older members on account of the change, and some withdrew. For a time the life of the lodge was only kept up by great efforts. In 1880 interest was revived and new members were added rapidly. In 1882 Bro. George F. Horn was elected master. Mr. Horn became deeply interested and devoted a great amount of time to the cause, infusing new life and energy into the body. There was soon much im- provement ; the lodge-room was beautified, new implements introduced, and "more light " shone all about. He encouraged and greatly promoted the social virtues, and many enjoyable evenings were passed in the lodge-room. Decem- ber 12, 1883, under his direction a convention was held here of nearly all the lodges in the county. This proved not only an enjoyable but a most profitable occasion. Work was exemplified in each of the degrees by different lodges with a view to the perfection of the work, and great good resulted. During . Brother Horn's term of office much time was devoted to the ritual work, and Morning Star was credited with being one of the best and most accurate work- ing lodges in the district. Mr. Horn was also district deputy grand lecturer of the district, which office he filled with credit to himself and with honor to his lodge; he was also the first district deputy grand master which this lodge furnished.
The lodge is now in a prosperous condition.
The first public funeral which Morning Star Lodge attended was that of Brother George H. Hicks, of South Wolfeborough, September 19, 1869. October 5, 1870: The first Grand Lecturer from Morning Star Lodge was Brother Henry R. Parker, who was installed in open lodge by W. M. Levi T. Haley, by order of M. W. G. M. John R. Holbrook, over lodges No. 17, 57, 58, 62, 63, 74, and 78.
OFFICERS .- Worshipful Masters. 1804, John Anthony ; 1805, Nathan Hoit; 1806, James Otis Freeman ; 1807, 18OS, 1809, 1813, Asa Crosby ; 1810, Ichabod shaw ; ISH, 1812, 1820, Samuel Meader; 1821, 1822, 1823, 1821, 1825, 1826, 1827, Jon- athan Copp; 1828, 1829, 1830, Thomas Rust ; 1831, Levi Merrill; 1855, 1856, Thomas Rust ; 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1862, 1863, Abel Ilaley ; 1861, 1864, John Wingate: 1865, C. F. Parker; 1866, 1867, 1871, William C. Fox; 1868, Henry Rust Parker; 1869, 1870, 1875, 1876, Levi T. Haley; 1872, 1873, 1874, 1879, 1880, 1881, Oliver Dowlin; 1877, 1878, C. H. Tebbetts; 18>2, 1883, 1884, George F. Horn; 1885, 1886, J. E. Gridley; 1887, 1888, W. J. Mattison; 1889, Sewall W. Abbott. Senior Wardens. 1804, Nathan Hoit; 1805, John Anthony; 1806, 1825, Asa Crosby; 1807, 1808, 1809, lehabod Shaw; 1810, 1822, Samuel Meader; 1811, 1812, 1813, William C. Freese; 1820, 1830, Jonathan Copp; 1821, 1829, Levi Merrill; 1823, John Piper, Jr; 1824, David Clark; 1826, 1827, 1831, Thomas Rust; 1828, Nathaniel Horn;
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MASONIC AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
1855, William Chamberlain; 1856, Abel Haley; 1857, 1864, J. W. Avery; 1858, 1859, Charles F. Parker; 1860, John Wingate, Jr; 1861, Henry Rust Parker; 1862, 1865, William C. Fox; 1863, C. G. Tebbetts; 1866, 1867, C. H. Parker; 1868, Levi T. Haley ; 1869, 1870, 1872, 1875, 1876, Charles Il. Tebbetts; 1871, 1879, J. II. Rust; 1883, Nathaniel II. Scott; 1884, JJ. E. Gridley; 1885, 1886, W. J. Mattison; 1887, C. L. Horn; 1888, S. W. Abbott; 1889, E. J. Libbey. Junior Wardens. 1804, Lott Cooke; 1805, J. Otis Freeman; 1806, Nathaniel Shannon; 1807, 1808, 1809, 1812, Jonathan Copp; 1810, William Chamberlain; 1811, William Bean; 1813, Jedediah Chapman; 1820, Levl Merrill; 1821, Samnel Meader; 1822, 1823, Asa Crosby ; 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1831, William Piper; 1:28, Moses Colby; 1829, 1830, Andrew Wiggin; 1855, Dudley L. Libbey ; 1856, John Avery; 1857, R. R. Davis; 1858, John Wingate, Jr; 1859, HIenry P. Glidden; 1860, Henry R. Parker; 1861, 1862, Levi T. Piper; 1863, J. Varney; 1864, G. D. Nowell; 1865, C. H. Parker; 1866, 1867, 1877, 1878, J. H. Rust; 1868, C. F. Chase; 1869, Charles W. Hicks; 1870, John W. Avery ; 1871, Oliver Dowlin; 1872, 1873, Francis Jaclard; 1874, 1875, 1876, George E. Chamberlain; 1883, J. E. Gridley; 1884, J. G. Cate; 1885, F. W. Prindall; 1886, C. L. Horn; 1887, S. W. Abbott; 1888, E. J. Libbey; 1889, G. E. Libbey. Secretaries. 1804, Charles Little; 1805, N. Shannon; 1806, J. Copp; 1807, Samuel Meader; 1808, 1809, John W. Bean; 1810, William C. Freese; 1811, 1812, 1813, Benjamin Hoit; 1820, Samuel Farrar; 1821, Asa Crosby; 1822, David T. Libbey ; 1823, David Clarke; 1824, 1825, 1826, 1830, Joseph W. Lang; 1827, 1828, 1829, 1831, Samuel Leavitt; 1855, Jolin Avery; 1856, W. C. Fox. From 1857 to 18;1 (inclusive), Thomas Rust ; 1872, 1873, 1874, B. A. Morgan; 1875 to 1881, Alexander II. Durgin; 1882, 1883, 1884, F. W. Prindall; 1885, Joseph Lewando; 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, A. II. Fowler.
Charter Oak Lodge, No. 58, A. F. g. A. M., Effingham. - [By Frank W. Barker.] The first steps toward the organization of a masonic lodge in Effingham were taken January 1, 1855, when a petition was presented to the Grand Master, asking for a dispensation to form a lodge to be known as Charter Oak Lodge. This petition was signed by Cyrus K. Drake, Benjamin F. Taylor, John C. Leavitt, 2d, Thomas P. Drake, Silas M. Morse, Augustus Colley, and Joseph P. Emerson.
A dispensation was granted February 2, by I. G. Jordan, Grand Master. Cyrus K. Drake was named as Master, Joseph P. Emerson, Senior Warden, John C. Leavitt, 2d, Junior Warden. The first meetings were held in the hall in the third story of Thomas P. Drake's store.
The next session of the Grand Lodge granted a charter bearing date of June 13, 1855, to Cyrus K. Drake, John C. Leavitt, 2d, Thomas P. Drake, and Silas M. Morse, of Effingham, and Joseph P. Emerson, Bartlett Doe, and John Bailey, of Parsonsfield, Maine.
They held their first meeting under the charter, June 23, and elected Cyrus K. Drake, Master, Joseph P. Emerson, Senior Warden, John C. Leavitt, 2d, Junior Warden.
The following were then elected as members of the lodge : Dr John Black- mar, Silas M. Morse, Jr, Josephus L. Drake, Levi Champion, James Walch, Archelaus Hayes, Seth C. Lane, John Leavitt, 2d, Lewis A. Leavitt, Otis Rumery, Nathan W. Titcomb, William Powell, Nathaniel Paul, David Wedg- wood, Jonathan M. Burley, Charles G. Wilkinson, Morris D. Rumery, Morris H. Leavitt, Daniel Wood, William L. Taylor, Henry A. F. Colcord, Alvah S. Libbey, and Joseph Wedgwood.
Josephus L. Drake was elected secretary, Levi Champion, treasurer, Henry A. F. Colcord, representative to the Grand Lodge. John Blackmar and Silas M. Morse, standing committee.
The master-elect then made the appointments of John Blackmar, Senior
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
Deacon, Archelaus Hayes, Junior Deacon, Charles G. Wilkinson and Morris H. Leavitt, stewards; John Leavitt, 2d, marshal, Henry A. F. Colcord, chaplain, James Walch, tyler.
The lodge was publicly constituted and the officers installed July 4; Most Worshipful I. G. Jordan, Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire, presid- ing. The ceremonies were held in the Baptist Church at Drake's Corner and in an adjoining grove. Carroll Lodge, of Freedom, and Freedom Lodge, of Limerick, Maine, were present and a large number of the members of other lodges, and also many people from the surrounding towns. An address was delivered by the Rev. Bro. J. Milton Coburn, of Manchester; subject, " Inde- pendence of Character the Ideal of a true Mason." After-dinner speeches were made by Grand Master Jordan, Rev. Bro. Elbridge Cox, of Freedom, Bro. F. R. Chase, of Conway, Bro. A. McArthur, of Limington, Maine, and Bro. Calvin Topliff, of Freedom.
At a special communication held February 21, 1857, the lodge voted "To build a Masonic Building for a Masonic Hall and other purposes." This build- ing was erected the following year, and the hall dedicated with the usual cere- monies in August, 1859.
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