History of Carroll County, New Hampshire, Part 26

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co.
Number of Pages: 1124

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February 1, 1875, a funeral-lodge was held at the court-house at Ossipee for the burial of Oliff C. Moulton. There were present forty-two members of the order. After the usual masonic ceremonies appropriate resolutions were adopted, to be spread upon the records of the lodge. February, 1876, the newly elected officers were installed by P. M. Charles Parsons, of Carroll Lodge, Daniel Abbott being master-elect. At the next regular meeting the application of Rev. William C. Bartlett was received, who subsequently received the three degrees of ancient craft masonry, and is still a member of the lodge.

Notwithstanding the amount of work that had been done, the lodge was in a poor condition financially, having only a small amount in the treasury. The rent of the hall that it occupied was more than it could afford to pay. During this period of financial embarrassment it was voted to accept the proposition of John W. Merrow to finish a hall in the attic of his store, the rent of which was to be ten dollars per year, the lodge to fit the hall for its occupation. This was not a suitable place for a masonic hall and really was a disgrace to the institution of Freemasonry, notwithstanding that it was the best that could be done under the circumstances. The lodge had to borrow nearly as much money as was in the treasury to finish the attic for its home. But the members resolved that the lodge should not go down, and, prompted by that zeal which characterizes the hearts of every true member of the order, they pushed forward, laboring under the great disadvantages with which they had to contend and preserved the life of the lodge, constantly desiring that further light might be given them to guide them in the path of progress and prosperity.

Daniel Abbott was reelected master in 1877, 1878, and 1879. In 1878 the treasurer reported the lodge free from debt with the exception of a note of

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twenty-five dollars due a member. On the same evening that their unflatter- ing financial condition was presented, an application was received and placed on file. Notwithstanding that they were in debt, he was rejected at the next meeting, he not being considered a suitable person to receive the degrees of masonry. Thus acting true to their masonic principles, the members then, as they ever have sinee, kept their doors guarded against the admission of all questionable characters.

From June, 1878, to January, 1879, no meetings were held, as at several previous meetings there were barely enough present to constitute a legality. From January until May, 1879, meetings were held, with a small number, however, often no more than four or five members being present. They then adjourned, and no more meetings were held until Deeember.

February, 1880, Frank W. Heath was installed master. The lodge now seemed to enjoy a better degree of prosperity than during the two previous years, having conferred the degrees upon several candidates, among the num- ber Rev. Charles W. Dealtry, pastor of the Freewill Baptist church at Water Village. At a publie installation of officers, January 26, 1881, Charles L. Connor was installed master. During this year the following were elected to receive the degrees : J. H. Connor, Sewall W. and Henry F. Abbott, and Inglis L. Pineo.

January, 1882, Charles A. White was elected master. The officers were publicly installed in the presence of a large company to witness the ceremo- nies. This was a prosperous year for Ossipee Valley Lodge. The total receipts were $241. Among the number admitted this year was Pearse Hawkey, of English origin. When a certain member jokingly told him he would "back down" during the conferring of the third degree, he made answer, "Perhaps you don't know who I am. I will tell you; I am Johnny Bull, and am not to be backed down by any one I see around me." He was gently reminded that Johnny Bull was once backed down upon the Ameri- can continent, and he had better not be too confident. However, he was willing to bet the cigars, which he willingly paid after the degree was conferred and the lodge closed. Brother Hawkey was a highly esteemed member, and filled the office of secretary faithfully until his death three years later.

Daniel Abbott was elected master for 1883. During his term of office several special meetings were held to do the work required. Total receipts for the year, $236.50. Henry F. Abbott was elected and served as master during the years of 1884 and 1885. During his term of office the same interest was manifested that had existed the two previous years, especially in the ritualistic work, each officer doing his utmost to render it correctly and in an impressive manner. A goodly number of members were present regularly at the meetings. New regalias had been procured. Total receipts for 1884 were $245.10, which, added to what was already in the treasury, placed the lodge in easy circum-

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stances. All the disadvantage under which they now labored was the size of their hall ; it not being large enough to accommodate the members attending, something had to be done. Accordingly a meeting was held March 3, 1885, to take action in regard to procuring a different lodge-room, and fitting it up suit- ably. After some discussion a motion was carried by a two-thirds vote in favor of moving to Centre Ossipee to occupy the hall where the lodge was first insti- tuted. Accordingly the lodge was moved thither, permission having been granted by John Francis Webster, Grand Master.

Perfect harmony does not always exist in any society, though harmony in masonry is a submission to the will of the majority. The receipts for the year 1885 were $99.50. Thus the treasury afforded ample means to fit and furnish a lodge-room in a neat and tasty manner, which was done, leaving a goodly amount in the treasury with which to relieve a sick and distressed worthy brother should occasion require.

January 5, 1886, a funeral-lodge was held at Moultonville, to perform the last sad duties of respect over the remains of Pearse Hawkey, secretary of the lodge, a highly esteemed member, whose many virtues will long be cher- ished in the hearts of the brethren. A committee was chosen to accompany his remains to Salem, Mass., for interment.

At the annual communication of 1886 Willie C. Sinclair was elected master; he was reelected in 1887 and filled the office with credit to himself and honor to the craft. He was appointed district deputy grand lecturer by Grand Master Burleigh in 1886 and 1887, and district deputy grand master in 1888 and 1889. In June, 1886, the lodge sustained the loss of a good mem- ber and a highly esteemed citizen, John W. Folsom, after a long and severe sickness. He was laid to rest by the hands of the brethren, after which appro- priate resolutions were adopted and spread upon the records.

At a stated communication, August, 1886, the lodge-room was well filled to witness the work in the Master Mason's degree. Twenty-five visiting members from Morning Star and four from Charter Oak lodges being present. After the lodge was closed a bountiful supper was served, when the visiting brethren repaired to their homes, no doubt arriving there in season for an early breakfast.

June 24, 1887, John W. Merrow, a charter member and first junior warden of the lodge, having received the final summons from the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, the lodge was again called to mourn the loss of a worthy member, whose remains were deposited in their last resting-place by the members of the fraternity who, in token of their brotherly love, caused the charter and lights to be draped in mourning for thirty days. George L. Cate was elected and served as master during the year 1888. The usual harmony prevailed and it proved to be a prosperous year, although during the year the lodge was twice alarmed by the Grim Tyler and two members were called from

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its eirele : Lewman G. Moulton, a charter member, and one who always mani- fested a deep interest in the welfare of the lodge and masonry, and who put forth his best endeavors to promote its prosperity during the dark days through which it was called to pass; also, Orlando L. White, a merchant at Centreville, and a highly esteemed citizen of the town, a true and faithful brother.

Many other members have been called over the dark river, we trust to rest in peace on the other shore. Among them was Sanborn B. Carter, who was . buried with masonie honors July 11, 1881.

The three principal officers now are Inglis L. Pineo, W. M .; George L. Young, S. W .; George O. Bean, J. W. Their ability cannot be questioned, and with the other officers they manifest a deep interest in the working of the lodge and the preservation of the old landmarks of masonry.

Mt Washington Lodge, A. F. S. A. M., No. 87, North Conway. - [By W. A. Fergusson.] The early records are complete. Bro. J. M. Gibson, the secre- tary, with thoughtful care remembering that in the years to come the circum- stances attendant on the organization and full establishment of the lodge would be of great interest, has spread them upon the records in clear-cut penmanship like engraver's text. From them we extract : -

The subject of organizing a masonie lodge in North Conway having been discussed on several occasions by master masons residing in this town, it was deemed advisable that a meeting should take place at which the matter could be more fully considered. Agreeably to appointment a number of brethren as- sembled in the office of the Washington House on the evening of the twenty- fourth of November, 1868, where they were welcomed and accommodated by Bro. James M. Gibson, then an "entered apprentice." There were present at this meeting the following brethren of the Masonie Fraternity : Brothers William C. Eastman, Augustus Eastman, J. Cummings Eastman, Edwin C. Stokes, Haskett D. Eastman, John C. Davis, Nathaniel Faxon, Albert Barnes, master masons of Carroll lodge, No. 57; Rev. T. B. Newby, chaplain of Adelphic lodge, No. 348, New York City ; Brother James M. Gibson, entered apprentice of Carroll lodge.

On motion Bro. William C. Eastman took the chair, and Brother Newby acted as secretary. On motion it was

Resolved, that in the opinion of this meeting we ought to proceed to obtain a dispensation to enable us to work in accordance with the principles of our order, from the Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire.

Previous to the passage of the above resolution, it was stated by some of the members of Carroll lodge that the distance to that lodge being about twenty-two miles it was practically impossible for them to enjoy any of the

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privileges of masonry, and they considered the formation of a lodge in Con- way to be desirable and necessary. An informal ballot for officers of the new lodge (supposing one should be established) was then taken, electing Nathaniel Faxon, W. M .; T. B. Newby, S. W .; William C. Eastman, J. W .: Augustus Eastman, secretary, treasurer, and S. D .; Edwin C. Stokes, J. D .; J. C. Eastman, tyler.

The question of naming the lodge was then brought up. Bro. William (. Eastman suggested "Pequawket," but this was not adopted, and Brother Newby proposed " Mount Washington," giving these reasons for its acceptance :

First, Mt Washington, one of the greatest natural curiosities of the world, second to only one mountain this side the Rocky Mountains in height, is in full view of our town, and is vis- ited annually by thousands from all parts of our country and Europe, has formed an object of interest to poets and artists for many years, and is intimately connected with most interesting events in the private history of most of us. It is an object of which the people of Conway feel justly proud. As it has honored us, let us accordingly honor it. Secondly. I find upon investigation that General George Washington, America's noblest patriot, was made a mason in lodge No. 227 of the registry of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, which was held in the distin- guished Forty-sixth British regiment while on duty in this country. For these reasons then, brethren, and in order that we may jointly honor one of Nature's fairest works and one of her noblest sons, I move that the lodge to be established in North Conway be called Mt Washington lodge.

The reasons were deemed satisfactory by the meeting and the name unani- mously chosen. The lecture on the E. A. degree was rehearsed, and the meet- ing adjourned. A dispensation was soon granted in accordance with the request of the brethren as to name and officers with lodge-number 87. The first regular communication of Mt Washington lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, acting under a dispensation properly granted, was held at the Wash- ington House, North Conway, on Wednesday, January 27, A.L. 5869. [Arrangements had been made to hold the meetings during the winter at this hotel.] There were present Nathaniel Faxon, W. M. ; George II. Willard, S. W. (pro tem.) ; William C. Eastman, J. W. : brothers Augustus Eastman, Edwin C. Stokes, Bennett P. Strout, J. M. Gibson, Albert Barnes, J. C. East- man. The minor officers were elected, namely, J. M. Gibson, secretary ; B. P. Stront, treasurer ; Augustus Eastman, S. D .; E. C. Stokes, J. D. : Albert Barnes, steward ; George W. Barbour, chaplain : J. C. Eastman, tyler.

Work was ready for the new organization, seven applications for member- ship coming in at this meeting. The lodge voted to purchase twelve collars, twelve jewels, a sash, square and compasses, and a copy of Mackey's Masonic Jurisprudence. The " quarterages " were established at one dollar annually, this year in advance. Thirty-five dollars was received at this meeting with the petitions of the applicants for membership.

The lodge is now an entity, starting off in, it is hoped, a long and useful existence, in good spirits, " harmony," and with money in its treasury.

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At a stated communication held February 24, 1869, Isaac E. Merrill, Dr Loammi B. Dame, George F. Boston, James T. Randall, Ezra R. Eastman, and Samuel D. Thompson were elected as candidates. The lodge voted to accept three charts sent by Brother Newby for the use of the lodge. Daniel E. Pen- dexter made application for membership. May 19, 1869, a lease of Academy Hall as a place of meeting was received and accepted. July 21, fifty copies of the by-laws were ordered to be printed. About this time a charter of the lodge was obtained, as at this meeting measures were taken to pay the expenses of the delegates " who obtained the charter." Rev. Thomas B. Newby tenders his resignation as Senior Warden October 20, as he was about removing from the state. He had been of valuable service in forming and establishing the workings of the lodge, and was voted the thanks of the lodge for the efficient manner in which he had done his duties.

The lodge was consecrated and officers installed, for the first time, December 16, 1869, the ceremonies being conducted by J. W. Dearborn, D. D. G. M : A. Doe, D. G. M .; A. M. Drake, G. S. W .; F. W. Barker, G. J. W .; A. M. Rumery, G. T .; J. L. Drake, G. S .; C. K. Moore, G. C .; J. P. Emerson, G. M. The incoming officers were N. Faxon, W. M .; William C. Eastman, S. W. ; Arthur L. Meserve, J. W. ; Isaac E. Merrill, treasurer ; J. M. Gibson, secretary ; Augustus Eastman, S. D .; E. C. Stokes, J. D .; S. D. Thompson, marshal ; Bennett P. Strout, chaplain; Albert Barnes, E. R. Eastman, stewards : J. C. Eastman, tyler.

Death first visited the lodge January 30, 1870, when Dr Loammi B. Dame, of Bartlett, one of the first masons made in the lodge, was called to the lodge above. The record says : -

A special meeting was called February 2. 1870, for the purpose of attending the funeral of our worthy and well-beloved brother Loammi B. Dame. After the usual ceremonies at the lodge-room, the brethren formed into procession and escorted the remains to the Congrega- tional church, and from thenee to the cemetery where the masonic burial services were performed according to the ancient usages of the craft. A goodly number of brethren were ' present from Pythagorean lodge, Fryeburg.

March 16, 1870, one of those pleasant incidents occurred on which memory loves to linger. Again from the records : A beautiful copy of the Holy Bible was presented to this lodge this evening accompanied by this letter : -

Worshipful Master, officers, and members of Mt Washington lodge of Freemasons : Please accept from us this Bible as a slight token of our regard. Value it as a gift from those who have a just regard for your cause, and whose best wishes you will always have. Though denied admission within the secret portals of Masonry, we have no desire for the knowledge of your mystie band, and as long as we are assured that you acknowledge God as the Great Master of us all, and accept this Bible as your guide, we will not question the motive that debars us from participation in your meetings. May you be faithful to that Great Master, so

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that when summoned from earth (as has recently been one of your number) you may meet the approval of Him in whose presence is fullness of joy and at whose right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Mrs J. Cummings Eastman, Mrs J. M. Gibson, Mrs William C. Eastman, Mrs S. D. Thompson, Mrs Moses Chandler, Mrs J. T. Randall, Mrs M. A. Dame, Mrs E. C. Stokes, Mrs I. E. Merrill, Mrs Albert Barnes, Mrs E. R. Eastman, Mrs I. M. Chase, Mrs Sumner C. Eastman.

On motion it was voted to copy the above letter into the records of this lodge, and Bro. A. L. Meserve was directed to express the thanks of the lodge in a suitable letter to be sent to the donors of the Bible.

January 24, 1872, George F. Boston was elected representative to the Grand Lodge. February 21, it was voted to procure two dozen aprons for the use of the lodge. April 4, at a special meeting, a committee was appointed to ascertain the cost of land for a site of a masonic building, and the cost of erecting one. April 17, a building committee was appointed consisting of Dr William H. Bragdon, Augustus Eastman, George F. Boston, Albert Barnes, Hiram H. Dow, A. L. Meserve. Resolutions regretting the sudden death of Isaac E. Merrill on March 21, 1872, are spread upon the records. He was one of the first four to be made a mason here, and one of the first two " raised." He succeeded Dr Dame as treasurer, and was a valued member.

Members "raised " in 1869: Loammi B. Dame, Isaac E. Merrill, Samuel D. Thompson, George F. Boston, James T. Randall, Ezra R. Eastman, Mahlon L. Mason, Arthur L. Meserve, Moses Chandler, Angevine Pitman ; in 1870: Daniel E. Pendexter, Isaac J. Hill, Sumner C. Eastman, Isaac M. Chase, George G. Lucy, Orren Seavey, Hiram H. Dow, Frank George, G. W. Me- serve, Chase B. Perkins, George Pinkham. No clear records are shown from this last record until February 17, 1875, when the officers for the year appear to be George F. Boston, W. M .; W. C. Eastman, S. W .; Lycurgus Pitman, J. W .; Gideon H. Allen, treasurer ; Jonathan C. Ela, secretary ; Joseph F. Dinsmore, S. D .; Frank M. Black, J. D .; James G. Martin, tyler. Quite an interest seems to prevail in favor of masonry, and much and pleasant labor goes on in the lodge-room. March 17, Gideon H. Allen and William H. Bragdon were chosen to revise the by-laws. October 13, Bro. Albert O. Phillips, Distriet Deputy Grand Master, being present, exemplified the work, and instructed the lodge as to the "ancient landmarks." November 10, Bro. G. F. Boston was chosen to confer with committees of Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance lodges concerning the purchase of an organ.

1876, January 5, officers elected for ensuing year : George F. Boston, W. M. ; Joseph F. Dinsmore, S. W .; James G. Martin, J. W .; Moses Chand- ler, treasurer: Hiram H. Dow, secretary ; William H. Bragdon, representa- tive to the Grand Lodge; G. F. Boston, J. C. Ela, S. D. Thompson, H. H. Dow, Moses Chandler, trustees. January 19, public installation of officers. 1877, January 1, the members number eighty-five. January 24, officers

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elected : Lycurgus Pitman, W. M .; Joseph F. Dinsmore, S. W .; Albert Barnes, J. W .; George F. Boston, treasurer; Hiram H. Dow, secretary ; William H. Bragdon and Nathan Whitaker, standing committee; S. D. Thompson, representative to the Grand Lodge ; S. D. Thompson, G. F. Bos- ton, H. H. Dow, James M. Gibson, and Lycurgus Pitman, trustees. Brothers Dinsmore and Barnes declining to serve, May 23, Ezra R. Eastman was elected Senior Warden and Samuel D. Thompson Junior Warden.

1878, January 1, eighty-five members are reported. January 16, officers elected : Lycurgus Pitman, W. M .; William H. Bragdon, S. W .; Henry Hedstrom, J. W .; George F. Boston, treasurer; Hiram H. Dow, secretary ; John C. L. Wood, representative to Grand Lodge; James M. Gibson, Hiram H. Dow, Lycurgus Pitman, George F. Boston, John C. L. Wood, trustees. February 6, installation of officers by Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master II. A. Hayes. October 9, the lodge voted to allow Bro. Ernest H. Owen to conclude his degrees of masonry at Amherst, N. H.

1879, January 1, lodge now has ninety-nine members, and is in flourishing condition. This year the three degrees have been conferred on Brothers Augustus Bowie, William Pitman, Daniel Mason, Elvin II. Washburn, Mel- ville C. Sturgis, Edwin C. Thompson, Marshall C. Wentworth, George R. Carson, Lyman R. Charles, Joseph H. Pitman, E. B. Packard, G. B. Trickey, Charles J. Poole. January 8, officers elected : Lycurgus Pitman, W. M .; Ephraim E. Hodgdon, S. W .; Marshall C. Wentworth, J. W .; Levi J. Ricker, treasurer; Charles J. Poole, secretary ; Augustus Eastman, repre- sentative to Grand Lodge; Lycurgus Pitman, John C. L. Wood, Levi J. Ricker, Charles J. Poole, Hiram H. Dow, trustees. January 30, officers installed by Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master C. A. Varney. The year commences, with a good amount of work, prosperously. April 2, a communication was received from Carroll Lodge, of Freedom, giving permis- sion to Mt Washington Lodge to confer degrees upon Bro. George W. M. Pitman. April 30, something unparalleled in the history of masonry in the world occurred at this communication. The degree of Master Mason was conferred upon Bro. George W. M. Pitman by his son, Lycurgus, assisted by four other sons and one son-in-law; the names and stations were these : Lycurgus, W. M .; Joseph H., S. D. ; William, S. A .; Winthrop M. and Ange- vine as F. C.'s ; George R. Carson, J. D.

January 15, 1880, shows one hundred and ten members. February 5, officers installed by Rev. D. D. G. M. Charles A. Varney as follows : Ephraim E. Hodgdon, W. M .; Marshall C. Wentworth, S. W .; Joseph H. Pitman, J. W .; Levi J. Ricker, treasurer; George R. Carson, secretary ; James D. Martin, S. D .; Alfred Eastman, J. D .; Jonathan Gale, chaplain ; Augustus Bowie, marshal ; John W. Babb, S. S .; James L. Gibson, J. S.

October 14, this resolution among others was passed by the Lodge : -

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Resolved, that in the death of Angevine Pitman this Lodge laments the loss of a brother ever ready to proffer the hand of aid and the voice of sympathy to the needy and distressed of the Fraternity ; an active, though quiet, meniber of this lodge, whose utmost endeavors were exerted for the welfare and prosperity of the brotherhood, and who was a friend and companion esteemed by us all.

1881, January 13. Sickness must be prevailing in the community, as the Worshipful Master appoints as "sick committee," brothers J. W. Babb, W. E. Chase, W. S. Carter, E. A. Stevens, C. E. Gale. Officers elected : E. E. Hodgdon, W. M. ; J. II. Pitman, S. W .; Alfred Eastman, J. W. ; L. J. Ricker, treasurer; J. L. Gibson, secretary ; M. C. Wentworth, representative to the Grand Lodge. January 17. This communication was called for the purpose of attending the funeral of Bro. John C. Davis. January 23. This commu- nication was called for the purpose of attending the funeral of Bro. F. W. Grover. 1882, January 12. Public installation and ball. The by-laws were changed in April. In 1883 a publie installation of officers occurred. Novem- ber 10, 1886. A Kranich & Bach piano was presented to the lodge by the ladies of North Conway and vicinity ; the committee of presentation being Mrs L. W. Brock, Mrs A. C. Bragdon, Mrs H. K. Dinsmore, Mrs L. J. Pitman, Mrs J. L. Gibson. September 29, 1887, the thanks of the lodge were voted to Saco Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., for their generous offer of the free use of their lodge-room to hold meetings in until the completion of the Masonic Hall. November 17, Masonic Hall was dedicated. This was the old building made fifteen feet longer, fitted up with a lodge-room in the third story, and covered with a mansard roof. 1888, Public installation January 24. Bro. Lycurgus Pitman, acting as District Deputy Grand Master, George F. Boston, as Grand Marshal. April 6, a beautiful bookmark for the new Bible of the lodge was presented by Miss Minnie E. Pitman. In May, Bro. Lycurgus Pitman receives the appointment of District Deputy Grand Leeturer for the Sixth Masonic District of the State. September 20, the lodge voted to send $25 for aid of brethren in Jacksonville, Florida (yellow fever epidemic). Publie installation of officers, December 25. 1889, June 6, Centennial year of Masonry in the United States, celebrated by a public installation and supper. The lodge is a harmonious and flourishing one ; the interior of the lodge is arranged in artistic manner, and presents the appearance of a dream of beauty. Cultured taste is shown everywhere. The officers for 1889 are James L. Gibson, W. M. (fifth year) ; George F. Wolcott, S. W .; Horace W. Harmon, J. W .: Alfred Eastman, treasurer; William C. Eastman, secretary ; Augustus Eastman, S. D .; Charles W. Nute, J. D. ; Ezra R. Eastman, F. W. Russell, stewards: Charles H. Whitaker, chaplain ; Joseph H. Pitman, marshal ; George W. Gordon, tyler : David G. Dolloff, representative to the Grand Lodge. The membership is one hundred and twenty. The following have been Worshipful Masters : Nathaniel Faxon, two years ; Augustus Eastman, two

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History of Carroll County, New Hampshire, Part 26

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co. Number of Pages: 1124

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co.
Number of Pages: 1124