ATTEMPTING to give the history of Mount Hope Lodge it is well to refer back to the conditions as they existed here at the time of organization, in 1824. Fall River was only a village known as Troy, largely clustered near the present location of City Hall.

In the year 1820 a statement of facts touching on this village announced that, "the village contains fifty dwelling houses, two large cotton factories, several stores, one large school house, several grain and saw mills, several shops for various kinds of mechanics and about five hundred inhabitants".  Thus you will see that the Fall River of 1820 with a population of about five hundred, its stage coaches and sleepy old taverns, was vastly different from the busy city of today.

Yet the spirit of Masonry was inherent in those early settlers and it is to such men as these that Mount Hope Lodge owes its origin, growth, and prosperity.

With this small population, and many of the men of the com­munity not eligible to membership in a Masonic Lodge, the founders of Mount Hope Lodge displayed unusual courage and faith in the Institution of Free Masonry, when they organized a Lodge, not only in the face of small numbers, but many of them filled with an Anti-­Masonic spirit, which within two years, was fanned into flames by the Morgan episode to which further reference will be made.

       The first meeting was held on December 13, 1824 at the Law office of John Lindsey, Jr., and the following officers were elected:  Leander P. Lovell (Master), Benjamin Anthony (Senior Warde), Joseph Rice (Junior Warden), James Ford (Secretary),  Joseph E. Read (Treasurer), Hiram Barrows ( Senior Deacon), Richard Chace (Junior Deacon),  Calvin Seaver (Tyler), and the Rev. Augustus B. Read (Chaplain).  .

Bros. Ford, Lovell, Anthony, and Read were appointed a committee to frame By-Laws for the Lodge.

The Master and Senior Warden were appointed a committee to procure a room and furniture for the Lodge.

The next meeting is dated fifteen days later as held in "Mason's Hall", but fails to say where this hall was located.

The notices of the meetings which were printed in the local paper published here at that time, viz: the Fall River Monitor, gave notice that the Lodge will meet in "the Mason's Hall".   Where this old "Mason's Hall" was is a matter of conjecture.

The rent was Fifty Dollars per year and later evidently the Lodge found this sum a burden, as on June 5, 1827, a committee was appointed to see if this sum could not be reduced, but the owner declined to do so. Evidently the Lodge moved to other quarters at a rental of Forty Dollars per year, for soon thereafter we find a rent bill allowed to Ebenezer Andrews-who was the Worshipful Master in 1833-and again on December 6, 1831, a committee was appointed to confer with Bro. Andrews and see if the rent could be reduced to Twenty Dollars per year, and from December 1, 1831, the rental was established at Twenty Dollars per annum.

       The Following Items are gleaned from the records

On January 3, 1826, a vote was passed: "to purchase twenty black and eighteen white balls. Also, to supply the Altar with cushions".

December 27, 1826. Voted that the Treasurer be authorized to loan all monies arising from the initiation of candidates and all the Charity Funds excepting $15.00, which amount is to be retained on hand at all times.

February 27, 1827.  Voted that the Master be instructed to purchase two squares and a pair of compasses for the use of the Lodge.

December 20, 1828. A vote was passed that the Treasurer be authorized to furnish the Lodge with wood and oil until further notice.

January 13, 1829. The sum of Twenty-five Dollars was voted to a deceased brother's widow, who had suffered a loss by fire.

April 6, 1830. Ebenezer Andrews was elected to membership and the following vote was passed, "That the thanks of this Lodge be extended to Bro. Andrews for the liberal donation of nine dollars, being the amount of his bill for one quarter's rent after deducting his fee for membership".

At this same meeting, it was voted to print one hundred copies of the By-Laws, at a cost of six dollars and twenty-five cents.

August 31, 1830. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Winchester for washing the hall and the Treasurer ordered to pay her one dollar for same.

July 19, 1831. A member of the Lodge applied for some pecuniary assistance and a vote passed which authorized the Treasurer to furnish provisions at the rate of fifty cents per week.

October, 1832. It was voted to take down the Master's and Wardens' chairs and fit the hall to let for such purposes as it may be wanted, provided it does not interfere with the business of the Lodge.

       Between the lines of the records, we can read that finances had evidently been worrying the Lodge for some time.

November 22 1833. There are two votes recorded that indicate that the financial question was one that was still unanswered, as the Lodge voted to pay by individual subscription the fee due the Grand Lodge for the year 1833, which was accordingly done, the amount being four dollars.

Following November, 1833, only a few meetings were held in 1834 and 1835 and no business was transacted except to read the records, and approve the rent bill for payment.

On September 1, 1835, the Lodge Voted:-"To name a committee of three to sell all the furniture of the Lodge as they may think proper and that they may deem most proper for the interest of the Lodge."  Bros. Daniel Leonard, Seth Darling and John P. Winchester were appointed as that committee.

The record of one other meeting under date of March 1, 1836 appears and no business transacted.

Then followed the dark days of 1836 to 1845, tradition is that although no regular meetings of the Lodge were held during this period, and none were recorded, it is said that the members continued to meet in small groups from time to time, in various homes of the members, and informally talk over Masonic affairs.

In 1840, the storm clouds began to break, and with it came a renewal of interest in Freemasonry, the records of the Grand Lodge show that about this time many Lodges that had surrendered their Charters, were asking that they be returned to them and wherever an investigation of conditions and circumstances warranted, this was done.

Star in the East Lodge of New Bedford and King David Lodge of Taunton did not surrender their Charters and were among the first to resume their meetings and their influence soon spread to Fall River. Unfortunately during the big fire here in July 1843, the furniture that had been stored as well as the Charter were all destroyed and this caused some delay on the part of the Brethren here in resuming their meetings.

Following action by the Grand Lodge, a new Charter was granted under date of March 12, 1845, but stating that the precedence of the Lodge should date from the original Charter namely December 8, 1824.

A meeting of Mount Hope Lodge was held on March 21, 1845, and as the records read "in the hall", we are uncertain as to its location.

Officers were elected as follows:  Joshua Remington (Master), Thomas D.  Chaloner  (Senior Warden), Daniel Leonard (Junior Warden), Perez Mason (Treasurer), Edward Thompson (Secretary), Samuel B. Gardner (Senior Deacon),  John P. Winchester (Junior Deacon),  Thomas Keller (Marshall),  James Abbott (Senior Steward), Thomas Driver (Junior Steward) John S. Haskell (Tyler).

These officers were installed at a special meeting held on April 18, 1845.  Again the records merely read “Mount Hope Lodge met in their Hall” and leave us as before wondering where this hall was located.

On the occasion of the installation, a large number of brethren were present from various lodges in Rhode Island.

At this meeting, a vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Winchester for their handsome presents, the former lady for giving a Bible, the latter for the Square and Compass.  Also a vote of thanks extended "to all the ladies who assisted in fitting up the several articles belonging to the Lodge."

August 15, 1845. An application was received from. William Preston, a committee was duly appointed to enquire into his character.

September 12, 1845. This committee was called upon to report, the records read, " the committee retired; after a short time the chairman returned and stated that as far as he could learn, he was a worthy man", and the ballot was unanimous.  That the committee made no mistake in their report is borne out by the long record of service which Bro. Preston made as Secretary and Tyler of Mount Hope Lodge from December 23, 1859 to the time of his death in 1896.

At the meeting of September 12, 1845, two items of business are noted that may possibly be interesting. First:-"Some of the Brethren felt bound to complain of Bro. _________ being intemperate. After some consultation, there was a committee appointed to wait on Bro. _____  and remonstrate with him in regard to his habits."  At a later meeting this committee reported "very favorable results", so much so that the Lodge voted to take no further action at present. (May 22, 1846.)

The other item reads: "Voted that there be a committee appointed to get a cushion for the Altar; and the same committee be instructed to paint the rods; and also to get a Trowel and also that the same committee shall see that the South East room be put in order and that the furniture of the Lodge be kept there." And then they appointed Bro. Mason as that committee. (Probably Bro. Mason was a handyman.)

October 10, 1845. We find a vote "that there be a committee of two appointed to wait on Free Masons in general whether members of this Lodge or not, and see if they will subscribe in order to liquidate the debt of the Lodge". Voted, "that Bro. Mason to receive the donations".

Then follows a vote "that the treasurer procure a box of sand".  Was this for the committee, the subscribers, or for other purposes?  The records show about $180.00 was collected by the committee.  Evidently the box of sand helped.

May 22, 1846, at a special meeting of the Lodge, the following action is recorded against the same Bro. referred to in the action of September 12, 1845. "A complaint, was filed by Bro. A. B. against Br. C. D. charging him with intemperance and the subject was also stated to the Lodge by Bro. A. B., when Br. C. D., who was present agreeable to notification, arose and addressed the Lodge, confessed his fault in drinking to excess and bringing disgrace on himself, his family and this Lodge of which he is a member; asked forgiveness for his errors and hoped that he might be enabled to amend his life for the time to come."

On motion Voted: "That judgment in the case of Bro. C. D. be suspended during the pleasure of the Lodge, for the purposes of giving him an opportunity to prove the sincerity of his profession, by his acts."

Evidently his promises were of no effect, for under date of May 29, 1846, the case was again discussed and it was unanimously voted to expel him from the Lodge.

This may have been an extreme case or it may have been that the Brethren at that time felt that with the renewed interest in Masonry, that its record must be kept as clear as possible, if it was to maintain a creditable standing in the community, hence the action.

An invitation having been received from the Lodge at Newport, R. I., to assist in a celebration of St. John's Day, June 24, 1846, it was voted to accept and make the journey by steamboat. The arrangements for the trip included a reception to the members of Star in

the East Lodge and their ladies, at six o'clock in the morning upon their arrival here from New Bedford. The two Lodges then paraded to the boat, which left here at seven-thirty A. M. the ladies being transported thereto in barges. A splendid day followed at Newport, the boat returning to Fall River at five-thirty P. M. Refreshments were again served on reaching Fall River, and then the New Bedford brethren resumed their way home.

During 1847 the By-Laws were redrafted and a new paragraph inserted that indicates the feeling held at that time in regard to the subject:

Art. 7. Miscellaneous Regulations.

Sec. 7. "No member or visiting Brother shall be admitted if he

be in the least intoxicated, or who is in the habit of using intoxicating drinks as a common beverage, or who is engaged in any illegal traffic, or who does not sustain a good moral character."  No doubt this regulation was the result of several experiences, which the Lodge had, and that appear rather frequently in the records.

The morals of the members of the Lodge were carefully looked after as evidenced by the records, as on a number of occasions, we find a committee appointed to interview a certain member, usually named, about his habits or a quarrel with another member or something of that nature; today we should be inclined to frown upon such action as an infringement of our "personal liberty".

A little later a change in Officers took place and we find a Secretary who was a good old soul, but not the man for the position, as quotation from the records will illustrate:

"Voted that a committee of three be appointed to furnish the Lodge with Gas Light, provided it can be done for 25 dollars, to be paid out of the Lodge Fund."  Bros. G. D. Cook, P. Mason, T. D. Challner are appointed the committee.

"Voted that this committee be authorized to dispose of the Chandelier for as much as it will fetch."

Evidently the committee was unable to raise money enough, for at a later meeting, it is recorded that after making their report they were discharged and the following vote was passed: "Voted that all the small lamps be so altered as to burn fluid in them".

A short time afterwards the Lodge voted to purchase three large glass lamps and authorized the Tyler to sell the old ones. He did so and reported that he had received sixty-nine cents for the same.

October 15, 1849. The Lodge voted to purchase an improved melodeon and that a committee be appoint-ed to select appropriate pieces out of "Masonic Melodies" to be sung at the different stages of our meetings".

October 26, 1849. The Lodge voted to have singing at the opening and closing of each meeting and elected a Chorister and Assistant Chorister to lead the same.

May 1, 1851, on receipt of a donation from Br. John Eddy of New York, toward supplying the hall with gas, it was voted to have gas installed at once and that contributions be solicited to defray the expenses.

December, 1852, witnessed an unusual event. Four applications were received at one time, election of officers was held, and it was voted to hold a public installation in the Town Hall.

Many more applications were received during the year 1853; several of the names are those who later were prominent in the Masonic life of this city.

July 15, 1853, appears the record of a purchase of a Master’s carpet at a cost of Twenty Dollars.

August 5, 1853. The Lodge voted to purchase a set of collars for the officers and a hat for the East.

The improved melodeon purchased in 1849 was evidently not giving full satisfaction, for in March, 1854, it was voted to purchase a better one.

April 7, 1854. A committee was appointed "to ascertain if some more convenient hall can be obtained for the use of the Lodge". This committee reported on April 21st that they had conferred with a committee from Mount Hope Lodge No.63, I. 0. 0. F., and had received the following proposal, "that they will lease the use of their hall and furniture one evening each week, viz: Friday evening, Gas and Fuel included at One Hundred Dollars per year", which was accepted.

A committee was authorized to dispose of the old furniture and later reported sales to the extent of Seventy Dollars and sixty-two cents and that they had leased the gas fixtures for Three Dollars per year.

July 21, 1854, the records read: "the weather being extremely warm, w. Master Remington only appeared".

September 29, 1854. A vote was passed directing the Treasurer to deposit One Hundred and Twenty-five Dollars in the Fall River Institution for Savings to the credit of this Lodge. This is the first evidence of prosperity and wealth in the thirty years of Mount Hope Lodge's existence.

In the records of the meeting held on May 25, 1855, appears the first rejection of an applicant. At this meeting two candidates were rejected.

On February 29, 1856, a committee on hall is again appointed to see if the room formerly occupied could be obtained. This committee reported that the former room was not available, but suggested the Sons of Temperance hall. The records do not indicate that any action was taken on this suggestion, but evidently there was, and they moved to the Sons of Temperance hall, for on June 6, 1856, a bill of rent to May 15th was approved £or payment.

The following November, a committee was appointed to confer with the Sons of Temperance in regard to purchasing their £furniture and leasing the hall. This committee reported that the purchase could be effected £or the sum 0£ One Hundred and Thirty Dollars and were instructed to close the trade which they did. The Lodge then voted to withdraw the money placed in the Savings Bank and paid the bill on December 22, 1856.

Again we find Mount Hope Lodge the owner of its meeting place.

The Lodge evidently had another experience with fire, £or in the records of September 4, 1857, the first three Officers together with Bros. Joshua Remington and J. S. Howard are authorized to supervise the rebuilding of the hall, to arrange and supervise the same to their liking, also to settle with the Insurance Company. The amount 0£ insurance collected was Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars, as appears from the Treasurer's book. .

During the period of reconstruction, the Lodge must have met in the old engine house on the south side of Pleasant Street between Second and Third, £or in the records 0£ February 19, 1858, there appears a vote 0£ "thanks to Niagara Fire Company, No.4, £or their kindness to this Lodge while destitute 0£ a place £or meeting".

April 16, 1858, a vote is recorded as follows: "That the members of the original Mount Hope Lodge 0£ Free and Accepted Masons, whose names are not now upon our list, be considered members by signing the By-Laws and paying Quarterly Dues hereafter".

April 23, 1858, it was Voted: "that the occupancy o£ the Lodge Room be granted to such brothers as may choose upon Wednesday of each week, to meet for instruction in Free Masonry".

June 25, 1858, there is a vote "That the Treasurer be authorized to loan such funds as he may have in his hands, to the contemplated Chapter, taking their obligation therefore".

The year 1858 was a busy year, the annual returns of the Lodge for this year shows twenty-nine initiates.

On January 7, 1859, at a special meeting of the Lodge, a beautiful Banner was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Capt. Job Terry. The address of acceptance was made by Bro. Josiah C. Blaisdell, after which the Lodge with their invited guests, repaired to the Richardson House, where they partook of a bountiful supper prepared by William Hodges. (This banner was placed on exhibition at the Centennial exercises.)

In these former days, it was the custom to ballot for an applicant on each degree. In October, 1859, there is a record of an applicant, who was elected and had received the first degree. In due time, his name was propounded for the second degree and the ballot not being clear, he was declared rejected and never received any further advancement in Masonry.

The annual visitation for 1859 was made on November 4th and the returns show a membership of 113, with 22 initiates for the year. The Treasurer's report for this year shows a balance on hand of $528.26. Truly Mount Hope Lodge was growing.

At this election of Officers it required four ballots to elect a Master and three ballots to elect a Junior Warden. The competition was keen.

In January, 1860, is a vote appropriating the sum of Fifty Dollars for the relief of sufferers in the city of Lawrence and that the same be forwarded to the Mayor of the city.

In June, 1860, it was voted "to form a Class for those members of the Lodge who desire further instruction in Masonry and that the Class meet each Monday evening at 7: 30 o'clock."

Another year rolled around and this time we find the annual returns with one hundred fifty-five members and twenty-one initiates for the year. The cash assets had grown to $747.99.

May 24, 1861, the Lodge voted to adopt the one ballot system for all degrees.

October 18, 1861, the Lodge voted to invest Five Hundred Dollars in Government War Loan Bonds.

The effect of the war is easily seen in reading the records for this year. Meeting after meeting is recorded: "Lodge opened. No business. Lodge closed".

Only ten initiates were reported for this year and they were all admitted before the shot was fired upon Fort Sumter, which was the beginning of the great Civil War of 1861 to 1865.

The Annual Meeting for 1861 was held on November 15th and some difficulty was experienced in a selection of Officers, as the record of an unusual number of ballots for a choice testifies. These Officers were installed a week later; and evidently some one was dissatisfied with the choice, for under date of November 29th, there is a record of a special visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, Wor. Bro. J. M. Cook, who was ordered by the Grand Master to investigate the election upon the complaint of a member of the Lodge.

The Worshipful Master vacated the East and the D.D.G.M. assumed the chair and called for the reading of the records of the Annual Meeting. This being done, he called upon Past Masters Remington and Davenport, in reference to the election, who produced such evidence and information as they were able. The D.D.G.M. then gave the members his idea of Masonry in such cases and vacated the chair and ordered the W. M. to assume the East. P. M. Davenport asked the D.D.G.M. what his report would be to the Grand Lodge in regard to Mount Hope Lodge. He replied that his report would be that there is harmony and good feeling prevailing with the brethren and that the records were correct in regard to the election of Officers.

During this year (1862) only three candidates were initiated.  The annual returns gave the membership as one hundred fifty-eight.

February 27, 1863 there was a vote approving the formation of a Lodge in Somerset.

A committee having been appointed to assist the Secretary in collecting dues in arrears, they reported on .July 24, 1863, that they had collected $63.25 from thirty-one members and recommended the suspension of sixteen members, which was unanimously voted.  This was the first time in the nearly forty years of the life of Mount Hope Lodge that this action was taken.  The year 1863 closed with ten initiates and a membership of one hundred forty-six.

In March, 1864, Mount Hope Lodge received an invitation to be present at the Dedication of the Hall, Consecration of the Lodge and Installation of Officers of Pioneer Lodge of Somerset. This invitation was accepted and several of the members attended. The following May, the Wor. Master of Pioneer Lodge appeared at a meeting of Mount Hope Lodge and after expressing the thanks of Pioneer Lodge for the many courtesies extended, presented Wor. Master Holmes of Mount Hope Lodge with a Masonic apron.

An incident of the war is noted in the records of August 5, 1864... A vote was taken "that the W .M. communicate with Bro. Bowers of Georgia, through the proper channels, for the liberation of Bro. H. H. Heald, who is there confined."

Before this Brother could be liberated, evidently he died, as in the records of December 9, 1864, appears the following:

"Voted: That the first three Officers of the Lodge be a committee to see what course they can take to procure the body of Bro. H. H. Heald."

Under the date of September 23, 1864, it is recorded that an invitation was received from the Grand Lodge to be present at the laying of the corner-stone of the new Masonic Temple in the city of Boston on Friday, October 14.th. A committee reported on October 7th that a round trip ticket could be had for one fare and that dinner would be served at One Dollar per plate.

The annual returns for the year 1864 give a membership of one hundred fifty-seven and twenty-five initiates.

April 18, 1865, a special meeting was held. The object of this meeting as stated was, "to see what action, if any, the Lodge would suggest in decorating the hall and to attend services tomorrow". It was voted: "That we drape the front windows tomorrow".  This presumably was in memorial to President Lincoln, who died on April 15, 1865.

June 2, 1865. The committee chosen to confer with a similar committee from the Chapter in regard to rent and SO forth reported that they had agreed that the Chapter pay one half of the rent, fuel and lights from July 1, 1865. The report was adopted.

Further prosperity is evidenced by the Treasurer's report on November 3, 1865, showing assets of the Lodge amounting to $1,385.40 and all bills paid. The membership had grown to one hundred and eighty-four during the year. Twenty-nine had been initiated.

December 8, 1865, a petition was presented from Bro. J. Remington and twenty-eight others asking the consent and recommendation of this Lodge in the formation of a new Lodge in this city, to be known as King Philip Lodge. Voted: "That this Lodge consent and recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted".

January 26, 1866, it was arranged that the rent should be equally divided between King Philip and Mount Hope Lodges and the Chapter.

At the meeting of December 14, 1866, an invitation was extended

.to the members of Mount Hope Lodge to be present at the Institution of King Philip Lodge and the Installation of its Officers. This was followed on Jan. 4, 1867, for a request for a Demit from thirty-seven members, which was granted as they were the charter members of King Philip Lodge.

Notice was received at this same meeting (January 4th) that the rent would be increased to Sixty Dollars per quarter on and after Jan. 1, 1867. This acted as an incentive to procure another hall and a committee was appointed which reported a week later that the owner of the present quarters had agreed to make certain repairs and that the Odd Fellows Hall could be procured at $3.50 per night. The committee was instructed to confer with committees from King Philip Lodge and the Chapter.

At the Annual Meeting of November 6, 1868, the following vote is recorded: "That the three first Officers of this Lodge for the time being, be appointed a committee to confer with King Philip Lodge, Fall River Royal Arch Chapter and Godfrey de Bouillon Encampment and ascertain upon what terms we can jointly rent, furnish, and occupy the Bank Hall, with power at their discretion to enter into an arrangement with said parties".

Progress was evidently being made in the matter, for on December 4th, it was voted: "That the Treasurer be authorized to pay all drafts drawn by the committee on rent and furnishing new hall".

At this same meeting, it was voted: "To loan a sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars to Godfrey de Bouillon Encampment".

January 1, 1869, the first three Officers were authorized "to value the furniture and other property of the Lodge and dispose of the same to the best advantage".

After a three years' struggle in an endeavor to find more commodious quarters, the incident is apparently closed in a vote recorded on March 5, 1869. Under this date, following a statement that the W. M. read a Lease from the Fall River Savings Bank to the several Masonic bodies, it was Voted: "That this Lodge accept the Lease."

The Lease established an annual rental of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars, Mount Hope Lodge to pay not more than one fourth of the rent.

During the years 1866 through 1873 a large number of rejections are quite noticeable. Some of these years, the rejections exceeded the number of initiates, yet the Lodge continued to grow and prosper.

Nothing of the unusual happened during this period, having settled down to the enjoyment of their new quarters; affairs continued to run smoothly.

James Ford, the first Secretary of Mount Hope Lodge, a charter member, who had maintained a continuous membership for nearly fifty years, passed away on July 27, 1873, and from the records is to be gleaned something of the regard in which he was held.

In June 1874, it was voted to purchase anew set of Officers collars and jewels, Officers' aprons, fifty lambskin aprons and a Tyler's Sword. This was done at an expense of $249.25.

At the Regular Communication of October 2, 1874, the first action was taken in regard to a semi-centennial celebration. The report of the celebration as given by the Fall River Daily News dated December 9, 1874 is as follows:

      

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT HOPE LODGE

This eminent Masonic organization celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its existence last evening, in a genial manner and in true Masonic style.

According to previous notice, the members of the Lodge met at the Lodge room on North Main Street, and having arranged matters marched with full ranks to Temple Hall escorted by the Godfrcy de Bouillon commandery of Knights Templar in full regalia. The music was furnished by the Third Regiment Band, and though the streets were far from smooth, the exercise was borne uncomplainingly, and the virtue of patience comfortably economized. On reaching Temple Hall, a scene of comfort and enjoyment was presented, that did one good to witness. Nine long tables graced the center of the hall, and six short ones were disposed on the platforms and vacant corners, all loaded with the delicacies made and provided for such occasions. The crowd was so great that a full hour was occupied in filing into the hall, cloaks and great coats being disposed safely in the south ante-room.

At a quarter to 9 o'clock, the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts were introduced by Past Master Abraham G. Hart, and after an invocation of the Divine blessing by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Joshua Young, the whole company of ladies and gentlemen, some six hundred in number, fell to with a twill, and while the waiters sprang to their task with alacrity, the eatables disappeared in a manner not exceeded by the ancient workers in Solomon's Temple. Coffee, cake, oysters, tongue, sauces and grapes, fled in dismay from among visible things, and at a quarter past nine the music from the band again announced by its stirring strains, that the refreshment season was ended, and the time had come for the "feast of reason and flow of soul."

Among the notabilities present was the venerable brother, Thomas D. Chaloner, 88 years old, and probably the oldest mason in the city. Hz has been a member of this Lodge from the beginning. Samuel Caswell, from Taunton, aged 83, who was present at the formation of the lodge in 1824, and the Grand Master of the State, Serene D. Nickerson, and William Parkman, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Grand Secretary Charles Titus.

At the close of the collation, and after enjoying a musical selection from the band, Past Master Hart called the company to order, and after announcing the object of the gathering, he read some extracts from the records of the Grand Lodge in regard to the early history of the Mt. Hope Lodge, showing some of the early struggles of the organization

 

Shortly before the dedication, Mount Hope Lodge received a gift which is worthy of note at this time. The story is told in the following:

To the Wor. Master, Wardens and

Brethren of Mount Hope Lodge of F. and A. M. Dear Brethren:

I have the pleasure of notifying you officially of the generous gift of a beautiful Masonic Altar, by the widow of the late James M. Morton, Esq., of this city, in honor and memory of her husband, who was so many years, an honored and honorable member of Mount Hope Lodge and its Secretary, Junior and Senior Warden and Wor. Master several years. It is her desire that the Altar should be used for the benefit of the entire Fraternity in connection with the new hall now occupied by the various Masonic organizations of this city.

Fall River, Mass., April 3, 1885.

Fraternally Yours,

       {signed) ABRAHAM G. HART

 

{Note. On the completion of the Masonic Temp/e at the corner of E/m and No. Main Streets, this A/tar was p/aced in the room known as the Prelate's Room, on the fourth floor, and was the on/y piece of furniture brought from the building on Frank/in Street. )

After settling in the new home, the affairs of the Lodge moved along smoothly and nothing of unusual note appears in the record for several years. There were held a series of summer excursions and mid-winter socials, as the Treasurer's account shows accretions from time to time from these sources.

One year when apparently there had been an unusual amount of sickness among the membership of the Lodge, a tax of one dollar was assessed upon each member, to pay for watchers. In this day of trained nurses, many of the present generation do not understand the method of supplying watchers to sit up nights with those who were sick.

Further reference to the subject of supplying watchers is made in the records of the meeting of January, 1891, when the following report was made by a committee to whom the subject had been referred:

"We hereby recommend that the Secretary be requested to notify members by sending a circular upon which shall be the following questions, to which he shall request answers."

1st. Will you watch with sick Brethren when called upon by the Wor. Master, each member to be called upon in regular order? Answer Yes or No.

2nd. If you answer "No", will you contribute the sum 0£ Two Dollars annually as a watch fund and thus be exempted from the duty of watching for the term of one year. Answer Yes or No.

If your answer is "No" to both questions, you are respectfully notified that Mount Hope Lodge will not consider itself under obligation to provide watchers for you in case of sickness".

The report of the committee was unanimously adopted.

In 1888, definite action was taken towards the establishing 0£ a

"Charity Fund". March 2, 1888, the following vote was passed:

"That the sum 0£ One Hundred and Eight Dollars be deposited by the Treasurer in the Savings Bank and that no part 0£ this sum shall be used for any purpose until the same shall amount to One Thousand Dollars, when the interest only may be used under the direction of the committee on "Charity".

The principal of this £und was further increased in February, 1889, by the sum of Two Hundred Eleven Dollars from the Committee on Entertainment, and a vote 0£ thanks was extended to the Ladies £or this liberal addition to the Fund.

A special communication 0£ the Lodge was held on August 8, 1889, to join with the other Lodges of this city, New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Taunton under the escort of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery Knights Templar, to accompany the Officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to the site of the County Court House on North Main Street, where the ceremony of laying the cornerstone was carried out by the Grand Lodge in due and ancient form.

On December 2, 1904, the following vote was unanimously passed:

"That Mount Hope Lodge donate One Thousand Dollars from its funds, Principal and Interest, to be used toward the establishment of a fund to provide a Masonic Home by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge 0£ Massachusetts and that the Treasurer be directed to withdraw the amount from the Charity Fund in the Citizens Savings Bank and send it to the R. Wor. Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, for that purpose". (This was the first donation received by the Grand Lodge for purchase of the Masonic Home)

At the Annual Meeting on October 27, 1905, Worshipful Brother Abraham G. Hart having completed thirty years as the Treasurer of the Lodge declined a re-election.

September 3, 1909, a vote was unanimously adopted, "that all members who had been in good standing for fifty years, be elected as Honorary Members".

In 1913, steps were taken to establish a "Permanent Fund". An amendment to the By-Laws was adopted on May 2, 1913, to take effect at the Annual Meeting in November. At this meeting held on November 7th, the sum of Nine Thousand Dollars was transferred from the General Treasury to the Permanent Fund.

Think of the olden days when Mount Hope Lodge could not afford to pay an annual rental of Forty Dollars!

In reviewing the history of the Lodge, we find that as the Lodge grew and progressed, so would come periodically a demand for better accommodations. Consequently after occupying the Masonic Building on Franklin Street since 1885, and with the continued steady growth in membership, again came the call for more room.

At the meeting of February 6, 1914, Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner, the Treasurer, presented the subject of a new Temple, and informed the Lodge that the Directors of the Masonic Hall Association had secured an option on the property located at the corner of No. Main and Elm Streets, known as the.’Stone Church", belonging to the First Congregational Society.

The Lodge passed a vote endorsing the action of the Board of Directors in securing this option, and also authorized the Trustees of the Permanent Fund to vote the stock held by them in favor of the purchase.

Later the Trustees of the Permanent Fund were given power to subscribe for additional stock in the increased capital to be issued by the Masonic Hall Association.

The First of Maya committee of ten was appointed to interview the members of the Lodge, and see if they would subscribe as individuals to this new issue of stock.

This committee met with success, as did like committees in the other Lodges.

The project received the hearty endorsement of all the Masonic bodies in the city, and operations were finally commenced on October 18, 1920, when the first spadeful of earth was turned by Wor. Bro. Joseph Turner of Mount Hope Lodge, as the President of the Masonic Hall Association.

The foundation was completed, but during the War, building material was not only high in price, but scarce also, as the Government had taken over the control of all supplies, consequently operations were suspended until the spring of 1922, when the corner stone was laid by the Officers of the Grand Lodge on the 6th of May.

Work was then pushed through, and the building duly dedicated on October 6, 1923, with all the ceremonies and rites of the Grand Lodge.

For some time previously, the Lodges throughout the State had quite generally adopted the method of issuing monthly notices, stating the business to be transacted at each communication of the Lodge, but it was not until 1920 that Mount Hope Lodge adopted this method, by a vote of the Lodge taken on March 5th.

In 1923 a committee to have charge of the centennial anniversary was appointed, consisting of R. Wor. Bro. William Ridings, Wor. Bro. Charles N. Bowen, Wor. Bro. Charles W. Borden, Wor. Bro. James H. Harrison and Wor. Bro. Tom Brierley. This committee was later enlarged by the addition of Wor. Bro. Chester C. Wolstenholme and Wor. Bro. Clarence L. Bliss.

 

Report of Sunday Evening Service taken from the Fall River Dai/y News, Dec. 8, 1924.

MOUNT HOPE LODGE BEGINS OBSERVANCE CELEBRATION OF CENTENARY OPENS WITH SERVICES AT CENTRAL CHURCH

Sermon by Rev. Frederick W. Hamilton, D. D., Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts We/come by Rev. Mr. Hellens.  While nearly 500 persons stood with bowed heads in solemn reverence, some 500 members of Mount Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M. marched into Central Congregational Church, Sunday evening, and took their places to join in the opening ceremony of the three-days celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the constitution of the lodge.

The members of the lodge had gathered at the new Masonic Temple on North Main Street, and paraded through Elm, Durfee, Bank, North Main, Cherry, and Rock Streets to the Church, headed by Worshipful Master Tom Brierley. Marching in columns of four, the members presented a fine spectacle in the gathering twilight. Following the Worshipful Master, marched Worshipful Brother Charles W. Borden, Past Master, who was in supreme command of the parade.

The procession was divided into four platoons, as follows: The first platoon, led by Brother Ernest B. Fantom; the second by Worshipful Brother John J. Brindley; the colors, carried by Brother Joseph E. Ogden; the third platoon, led by Brother Arthur A. Whalley; and the fourth platoon by Brother Edwin S. Southworth, Jr. Brother John S. B. Clarke was marshal. He was followed by the past masters and distinguished guests, among whom were included present heads of all the Masonic Orders in Fall River, the present masters of all the Masonic Orders in the 30th Masonic Massachusetts district, and the past district deputies of the various lodges of the district.

The officers of the lodge and the distinguished guests were seated on the platform, together with the orator and Rev. Clarence E. Hellens, pastor of the Central Church, who was in charge of the service.

Right Worshipful and Reverend Brother Frederick W. Hamilton, D. D. grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, was the speaker of the evening.

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1924

The second day's observance of the 100th anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge of Masons was in the form of a banquet, held Monday evening, in Temple Hall, with about 650 in attendance, and was an occasion long to be remembered. The program opened with a reception to Most Worshipful Dudley Hayes Ferrell of Lynn, grand master of Masons of Massachusetts, and his suite of officers from the Grand Lodge. Addresses were given by the grand master, Worshipful Tom Brierley, master of Mount Hope Lodge, and Most Worshipful Mark L. Simpson of Swampscott, deputy grand master of Massachusetts.

A synopsis of the history of Mount Hope Lodge, for the past 100 years, was interestingly presented by Worshipful Elmer B. Young, past master of King Philip Lodge of Masons. The reading by Worshipful Charles N. Bowen of a list of deposited mementoes brought to a close one of the largest affairs ever held by Mount Hope Lodge, the oldest lodge in Fall River, and the second oldest in the 30th Masonic district of Massachusetts.

 

Of the large number of members and invited guests present, many were members of the lodge residing out of town, and who returned for the occasion, thus giving the affair the aspect of a reunion and adding to its enjoyment.

A brief reception was tendered the Grand Master and his suite. Following the reception the members of the lodge present adjourned to Temple Hall. Owing to the large number present, it was necessary to accommodate approximately 200 members in the banquet hall on the fifth floor. Headed by Marshal John So B. Clarke, the Grand Lodge officers, past masters of Mount Hope Lodge, present masters of the various local lodges, together with those of other Masonic lodges throughout the 30th district, the heads of the various Masonic bodies locally, the officers of Mount Hope Lodge and specially invited guests, marched from the west lodge room to Temple Hall, where they occupied tables reserved in front of the platform.

At the conclusion of the delicious repast, the 200 or more members of the lodge who had dined in the banquet hall on the fifth floor joined their brethren in Temple Hall, taking places in the balcony.

Worshipful Master Brierley opened the after dinner speech-making with a short address of welcome in which he thanked the Most Worshipful Master, members of the Grand Lodge, District Deputies, Past Masters, Masters of the various lodges in the 30th Masonic District and the hundreds of brethren in attendance for their presence on the 100th anniversary of the 1odge.

Worshipful Brother Brierley introduced Most Worshipful Dudley Hayes Ferrell, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, as the principal speaker.

The evening's program was brought to a close with the reading of the list of mementoes which are to be deposited in a copper box to be fittingly inscribed and laid away in the archives of the Temple to be opened at the 150th anniversary of the lodge in 1974. The list of articles in the box follows:

Copies of Fall River daily papers (News, Globe, and Herald of October 6, ) containing the story of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple; one official program of the dedication; Central Congregational Church calendar of December 7, 1924, containing the order of services at the opening of the 100th anniversary; daily papers (News, Globe, and Herald of December 8, 1924,) containing details of the services at the Central Congregational Church; copies of the official centennial programs for Monday and Tuesday, December 8 and 9, 1924; copies of all notices relative to the celebration; copy of the by-laws of Mount Hope Lodge; copies of the lodge notices of December, 1921; copy of the history of Mount Hope Lodge; photographs of the centennial committee, 1924, and the officers of Mount Hope Lodge, 1924. On top of all was laid a silk American Flag.

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1924

The three days celebration was brought to a close Tuesday evening with a delightful concert, followed by dancing till midnight. There were about 1000 present, and the occasion was a fitting termination of the three days' fete.

Following is the list of officers at the time of the Centennial Anniversary:  Tom Brierley (Worshipful Master), Clarence L. Bliss (Senior Warden), Chester C. Wolstenholme (Junior Warden), Wor. Joseph Turner (Treasurer), Wor. Samuel Smith (Secretary),  Wor. James H. Harrison (Chaplain),  John S. B. Clarke (Marshal), George M. Jackson (Senior Deacon), Robert Ogden (Junior Deacon),  John J. Brindley (Senior Steward), George R. Cox (Junior Steward),

Clarence W. Jackson (Inside Senitnel), Arnold F. Williams (Organist), Wor. Edwin A. Grant (Tyler).

The twenty-five year period since 1924 was marked by prosperity, depression, and World War II, and the secretary's records show the trend of the times through the years.

The period of prosperity is reflected by the 130 candidates raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason during the five calendar years 1925 through 1929. The next ten year period shows only 54 raised, with none at all during the calendar years 1933 and 1934. Also during the years 1930 through 1937, there were 274 members suspended for non-payment of dues, while between 70 and 80 demitted in that same time, many being unable to keep up their dues. The period from 1940 through 1949 saw 115 raised, 90 of them being after 1944, reflecting an upswing in Masonry such as occurred after the First World War

There has been a marked trend away from Masonic funerals. In the ten years from 1925 through 1934, the officers of Mount Hope Lodge officiated at 44 funerals of deceased members. There were 33 funerals between 1935 and 1944, and only 6 from 1945 to date.

June 4, 1926. It was voted that the petition of 23 brethren for a new lodge called Watuppa Lodge to be located in Fall River, be approved and consented to.

March 23, 1928. The Officers of Watuppa Lodge were escorted into the Lodge Room, and after being conducted to their several stations, proceeded to perform the Third Degree upon two Mount Hope candidates, Morris Leviten and Edward Strolsky, the work being conducted in a pleasing manner.

Jan. 18, 1929. A Special Communication of the Lodge was held for the purpose of conferring the Second Degree, and to receive the D. D. Grand Master for the purpose of "Healing" Brother Robert Leonard McKean, whose name was shown on the Monthly Notice for December as "McLean". The Grand Master had notified the Wor. Master not to confer the Second Degree until the matter was straightened out. The First Degree was conferred Dec. 14, 1928 before the notification was received from the Grand Master. The D. D. Grand Master explained the object of the Communication and re-administered the Obligation of the First Degree to the Candidate, after which he informed Bro. McKean that it having been shown that the error was through no fault of his own, he was now in position to receive the Second Degree at the pleasure of the Wor. Master, Bro. McKean took the Second Degree on Feb. 15, 1929 and was raised on March 22, 1929.

Dec.4, 1931. By vote of the Lodge, Wor. Master Albert E. Grant appointed a committee to raise money for the relief of needy members of the Lodge. George M. Jackson, Clarence W. Jackson, Carl A. Crafts, Morris Horvitz, Jr., George R. Smith, Milton P. Ogden and Samuel Ogden were appointed, and reported at the regular Communication on Jan. 8, 1932 that $226.50 had been collected, one Brother donating three chickens.

March 4, 1932. A further reflection of hard times is found under this date, when it was voted that the Trustees of the Permanent Fund be requested to turn interest thereon over to the Treasurer to be used for current expenses. The directors of the Masonic Hall Association had been having difficulties "making ends meet," and it was voted that all new candidates be required to be assessed $25 for one share of stock in the Masonic Hall Association-$10 to accompany the petition and $5 to be paid with each degree. This action had been taken by the other four Lodges in the City.

May 6, 1932. An amendment to the By-Laws increasing the annual dues from $6 to $10 was adopted by a vote of 56 to 11. (It has been felt that this increase in dues in face of depressing times has been a large factor in Mount Hope Lodge's continued growth and prosperity through the years. The usual dinners and entertainments were conducted at low cost to members, thereby helping to keep good fellowship alive. )

March 17, 1933. Wor. Bro. William H. Broomhead, who was master of the Lodge in 1891, was presented a 50 year medal at Past Master's Night. (Wor. Bro. Broomhead served on the l25th Anniversary Committee in 1949.)

May 19, 1933. This was the occasion of a Fraternal visit by the Officers and members of King David Lodge of Taunton who exemplified the first section of the First Degree in an excellent manner, witnessed by a large gathering who had a very enjoyable evening.

At the end of 1933, the Secretary's record lists 286 brethren delinquent in their dues. At the end of 1934 there were 301, and in 1935, 272 delinquents, reflecting the times.

Dec. 6, 1935. Voted: Whereas present financial conditions and the very small number of candidates received during the period since the assessment became effective March 4, 1932, the assessment for 1 share of Masonic Hall Association stock on all new candidates be discontinued.

Feb. 14, 1936. A largely attended special communication was held to honor those Brothers who had been members for 35 years or more. The feature of the evening was the presentation by the R. W. D. D. Grand Master, Herbert A. Sullivan, of a Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal to Wor. Bro. Samuel Smith, Secretary, who was taken entirely by surprise. Several "Old Timers" were introduced to the Lodge, and recounted interesting experiences they had had with the Secretary in the Lodge and outside, and Wor. Brother Smith was given great applause by the members present.

May 29, 1936 was the occasion of a fraternal visit of Overseas Lodge #40 of Providence, R. I. The second and third sections of the third degree were exemplified by them, the Rhode Island ritual proving very interesting to the large gathering.

Nov. 19, 1936. The installation of officers on this date was unique in that it seemed to be 'Smith, Jackson and Ogden" night. The Fall River Herald News for November 20, 1936 covered the affair in part as follows:

 

QUOTATION FROM FALL RIVER HERALD-NEWS

"More than 300 members and guests attending the public installation of officers of Mount Hope Lodge, A. F. and A. M., in Masonic Temple last night witnessed the unusual sight of father and son installing each other, of father installing two sons, and of son installing his father.

Dr. George R. Smith was installed as master by his father, Past Master Samuel Smith, who in turn installed his father as secretary for his 39th term. Past Master William Jackson installed one of his sons, Past Master George M. Jackson, as treasurer, and another son, William M. Jackson, as senior deacon. Past Master Milton P. Ogden installed his father, Past Master Robert Ogden, as Tyler, and Past Master Samuel Ogden (brother of Robert Ogden) seated Albert Wood as organist."

 

On Dec. 7, 1937, Wor. George R. Smith was installed as Master for a second time, due to both the Senior and Junior Wardens dropping out of line due to business reasons. Thus Wor. Bro. Smith became the first two-term master since Wor. William S. Gray in 1904 and 1905.

Sept. 3, 1937. The diploma of Wor. Bro. Daniel Leonard, one of the first candidates raised by Mount Hope Lodge, was presented to the Lodge by Mr. Earl A. Aldrich, a direct descendant. Wor. Bro. Leonard was our third Master in 1829, and also served in 1848 and 1849.

May 19, 1939. Officers and members of Harmony Lodge #9 of Pawtuxet, R. I. were visitors. Their officers assumed the chairs on the Third Degree, changed to the first degree, then exemplified the first section of the first degree in a very dignified manner. Rhode Island ritual was used throughout-something never seen in Mount Hope Lodge before.

On March 5th 1943, the matter of buying the Masonic Temple was brought up, and after a very serious discussion, the Wor. Master appointed a committee to consider the proposition. R. W. George M. Jackson, Wor. John Friar and R. W. Benjamin Barnes thoroughly investigated the whole proposition and presented the information in writing at the next regular communication which was held on April 2, 1943. In accordance with the recommendation of the committee it was voted "that a committee consisting of the Master, Wardens, and Wor. Brothers Albert E. Grant, Walter Brierley and Milton C. Epstein be authorized to represent Mount Hope Lodge on the General Committee of the various Masonic Bodies for the purpose of considering the purchase of the building or other property for Masonic Quarters." (See Jan. 29, 1946)

Dec. 1, 1944. Homage was paid to Wor. Bro. Samuel Smith who had just retired as Secretary, after serving the Lodge faithfully and well in that capacity for forty-six years. He told of many interesting things that had happened during his years of service, and stated that during his years as Secretary there had been 1391 candidates initiated, 421 funerals, 417 members suspended, and 187 had taken demits. During this 46 years of service, Wor. Bro. Smith had missed only 14 meetings, which were all special communications. He had never been absent from any regular meetings. A purse from the members of the Lodge was presented to Wor. Bro. Smith by Wor. Bro. William H. Broomhead, who reminisced with the retired Secretary over the times they had had at Lodge together through the many years.

Jan. 29, 1946. The Fall River Herald News amply covered this historic event-the burning of the mortgage on the Masonic Temple Building, which took place with fitting ceremony. Briefly, the story behind it all was as follows: after many discouraging years, under the burden of a $232,000 mortgage, the Masons of Fall River were about to lose their Temple at foreclosure. Brother Max Kaplan of Mount Hope Lodge and his brother Samuel (not a member of the fraternity) purchased the building on Dec. 24, 1943, thereby saving it for the Masons of Fall River. They offered it to the Masons at $50,000, (the cost to them) and accepted a five year mortgage at no interest. Wor. Bro. Louis Dafgard of King Philip Lodge was the very energetic leader in the refinancing campaign which paid off the mortgage in exactly two years. In the presence of one of the largest gatherings of members of the Masonic fraternity in this city in many years, Chairman Dafgard was awarded the Joseph Warren Medal from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Max and Samuel Kaplan were presented suitably engraved plaques in appreciation of their generosity in assisting the Masons in saving the Temple.

Jan. 17, 1947. At a Special Communication, W or. Bro. Broomhead introduced Rt. Wor. Benjamin Barnes as the new District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Fall River Masonic District.  Thirty-five years ago this night, Rt. Wor. Barnes had received his third degree in Mount Hope Lodge.

November 28, 1947. W or. William H. Sherrett was installed for a second term-the first Master to succeed himself since Wor. George R. Smith ( 1937) and only the second since 1904-5.

Jan 7, 1949. The lodge was presented an American and a Massachusetts State Flag. The donors of these beautiful gifts wished to remain anonymous, but their generosity went a long way in "dressing up" the Lodge in preparation for its 125th anniversary celebration in December.

March 4, 1949. Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson read a detailed report on the financial condition of the Temple which showed that the building was being run on a sound basis, with again for the year 1948.

June 17, 1949. A testimonial dinner was held in honor of the Lodge's two living Past District Deputy Grand Masters, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson ( 1937 -38) and Rt. W or. Benjamin Barnes (1947-48) .They were handed gifts on behalf of the membership of the Lodge. Bro. Charles A. Smithson was also presented with a 50 year Veteran's Medal by Rt. Wor. Hiram A. Linfield of the 30th Fall River Masonic District.

January 7, 1949. At a regular communication it was voted that the 125th anniversary of Mount Hope Lodge be celebrated in a fitting manner. Wor. Kendall T. Stone, the presiding Master, appointed the following named brethren to serve as the Anniversary Committee for the celebration to take place on December 9, 10, and 11, 1949: Wor. Lyle E. Beal (Chairman). Wor. Kendall T. Stone (Master), Rt. Wor. Benjamin Barnes, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson, Wor. William H. Broomhead, Wor. Milton C. Epstein, Wor. John Friar, Wor. Milton P. Ogden, Wor. John W. Wilde, Bro. Edward F. Hearth (Senior Warden ), Bro. Everett J. Ogden (Junior Warden), Bro. Morris Horvitz Jr. ( Marshal).

The celebration got under way on Friday, December 9, 1949 with a reception for Roger Keith, Grand Master of Masons of Mass, and his distinguished suite of officers and invited guests, following which all those attending adjourned to Temple Hall to partake of a banquet. After the banquet, the brethren met in the Lodge Room, presided over by the Grand Master. After remarks by different dignitaries, the meeting was climaxed by the presentation by the Grand Master of a hand lettered, framed, testimonial to Brother Max Kaplan for his unselfish services to the Lodge and all local Masons. The testimonial referred to the purchase on December 24, 1943 of the Masonic Building by Bro. Kaplan and his brother Samuel. (For further details and background of that event, please refer to page 34 of this booklet.) On Saturday, December 10, Ladies Night took place in Temple Hall, with a buffet dinner, dancing and professional entertainment. On Sunday morning, December 11, the brethren of Mount Hope Lodge paraded from the Masonic Temple building to the First Baptist Church to attend worship services conducted by the pastor, Rev. Finley Keech. This concluded the 125th. anniversary celebration.

May 18, 1951. A special communication was called to celebrate the 90th birthday of Past Master William H. Broomhead, the oldest past master living at that time. He was born in 1861, raised in 1883, and became Master in 1891. At the end of the celebration Wor. Bro. Broomhead was presented the Joseph Warren Medal on behalf of the Grand Lodge, by District Deputy Grand Master Erford W. Poole.

November 23, 1951. At this communication, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was presented with a Masonic ring by Wor. Milton P. Ogden on behalf of the officers and Past Masters of the Lodge, for his faithful service as a lodge officer for 31 consecutive years. District Deputy Erford W. Poole presented Rt. Wor. Bro. Jackson with the Joseph Warren Medal, on behalf of the Grand Master of Masons in Mass.

December 13, 1957. At this communication, Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was escorted to the East, and introduced to the brethren by Wor. Thomas Gillett, who announced that Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was presented the Henry Price Medal by the Grand Master, at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge.

January 10, 1958. Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde was feted at a testimonial dinner, sponsored by Mount Hope Lodge in Temple Hall. The Grand Master and a suite of distinguished guests were present. The occasion was the election of Rt. Wor. John W. Wilde as Junior Grand Warden of the Mass. Grand Lodge of Masons.

October 7, 1960. At this communication, it was announced that Bro. Chester S. Deplitch was elevated to the 33d. degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, as a mark of recognition for his services to Masonry.

June 2, 1961. For long and faithful service to the Lodge, Bro. Morris Horvitz Jr. was presented the Joseph Warren Medal on behalf of the Grand Lodge, by D.D. Grand Master Jacob S. Levine. On behalf of the officers and members of the Lodge, Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson presented Bro. Horvitz with a mahogany and brass plaque, suitably inscribed. Bro. Horvitz served in various offices from 1942 to 1961.

February 2, 1962. Bro. Chester S. Deplitch was conducted to the East, and presented the Joseph Warren Medal on behalf of the Grand Lodge by D. D. Grand Master Jacob S. Levine. The presentation was in recognition of the long hours and work involved as chairman of the George Washington Memorial Fund raising committee, whereby Mount Hope Lodge came up with the largest number of contributors and the highest sum of money among the local lodges. He was also presented with a scroll by Wor. Henry Entwistle, on behalf of the officers and members of the Lodge.

June 15, 1962. At a special communication, Wor. Clarence L. Bliss was presented with a 50 year Veterans Medal, and recognized as the oldest living Past Master of Mount Hope Lodge at that time.

November 22, 1963. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

October 2, 1964. It was announced that Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was elevated to the 33d. degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, as a mark of recognition for his work and service.

February 15, 1966. At this communication, the Ancient Table Lodge Ceremony was performed by the Lodge -a first locally.

January 20, 1967. The newly elected District Deputy Grand Master, C. Allen Norman Jr. was received for the first time in his own lodge.

May 10, 1969. Tragedy struck the Masonic Fraternity of Fall River. Rt. Wor John W. Wilde was accidentally electrocuted while trying to make some electrical repairs in the cellar of the Masonic Temple building. He was 68 years old at the time. He died as he lived -serving Masonry.

March 20, 1970. Rt. Wor. George M. Jackson was presented with a 50 year Veterans Medal by Rt. Wor. William 0. Rowand, District Deputy Grand Master, with appropriate remarks. As an additional honor, R. W. Bro. Jackson was elected Worshipful Master of Mount Hope Lodge for a second time November 2, 1973, in order for him to preside during the 150th Anniversary year.

One of the most important programs to come into being during this 25 year period is the Masonic Blood Program which has proven its merits over and over again.

From time to time, various members of the Lodge made donations of money or valuables to the Charity and General funds. The Lodge in turn made contributions to various Masonic or Masonic connected activities, such as the DeMolay Foundation, Rainbow Girls, etc., the most recent one being our contribution of $1000.00 to the Masonic Home Expansion Fund.

The years since 1974 to the present time have been years of change and uncertainty in the life of Mount Hope Lodge. In September of 1976, Wor. Kendall T. Stone, who had served the Lodge faithfully for sixteen years passed away very unexpectedly and it was not until February of 1977 that a successor was elected and installed. Fortunately there is no break in the records during that period.

The energy crisis in 1974, during which oil prices more than tripled in a few months, took its toll on Fall River Masonic Associates, and in June of 1980 the Masonic Temple at 150 North Main Street was sold in the hope of finding more energy efficient quarters on one level. From September of 1980 to February of 1981, Mount Hope Lodge, along with all the other groups who met in Fall River, met at Pioneer Lodge in Somerset.

In February of 1981, Masonic Associates leased the upper floors of the Herrick House, 178 Pine Street from the First Baptist Church and the Masonic groups met there until June of 1986. On June 21, 1981, Mount Hope Lodge as the oldest Lodge in Fall River opened a special communication and received Most Worshipful J. Philip Berquist, Grand Master and suite. After dinner in the banquet hall, Most Worshipful Brother Berquist and the Grand Lodge officers formally dedicated the quarter at Herrick House for Masonic purposes.

In June of 1986 the First Baptist Church sold the Herrick House and once again tile Fall River Masonic groups returned to meeting temporarily at Somerset.

During all this time Masonic Associates met with a series of obstacles and setbacks in their efforts to obtain new quarters in the city of Fall River. Finally a building was purchased and extensive remodeling started. Amid rumors of rents being increased several fold, Mount Hope Lodge took a cold hard look at their finances as we were already operating at a deficit in recent years. With these concerns in mind, the Lodge voted on October 4, 1996:

1. To withdraw from Fall River Masonic Associates; 2. To request Pioneer Hall Association and Pioneer Lodge to accept us on a permanent basis. 3. To request approval of the Grand Lodge to allow us to meet in Somerset on a permanent basis.

The relationship with Pioneer Lodge is ironic. Pioneer Lodge was chartered in 1863 through the efforts of Mount Hope Lodge members who lived in Somerset. At tile time there was no bridge across tile Taunton River and the brethren had to make connections with the ferry to get to and from Lodge Meetings. The first Master of Pioneer Lodge was Worshipful Charles A. Holmes, who also served as Master of Mount Hope Lodge for three terms. Our current Secretary, Rt. Wor. James H. Douglass has served as Master of Pioneer Lodge for three terms, while our Junior Deacon, Charles F. Rowe, Jr. is currently the Junior Warden of Pioneer lodge. Thus, after 135 years, Mount Hope Lodge still maintains a warm relationship with its first offspring.

On March 6, 1997, Brother Orswell Lexington Bates passed away at the age of one hundred years and eleven months. We note his passing as he had been a member of Mount Hope Lodge for seventy-six years and ten months. While we have no way of confirming it, this is undoubtedly the record for the longest continuous membership in the Lodge.

During this past quarter century several members of Mount Hope Lodge had the privilege of serving as Grand Lodge officers. Rt. Wor. James H. Douglass, Rt. Wor. Sydney Grunberg and Rt. Wor, Barry S. Novek all had the honor of serving as District Deputy Grand Master for the Fall River 30th District. Rt. Wor. Barry Novek also served as a Grand Steward.

Honors to Mount Hope Lodge members during this period included presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate of Merit to Wor. Clarence L. Bliss in recognition of his many years of service as Tyler of the Lodge. In March, 1995, Rt. Wor. James H. Douglass was presented with the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal in his mother Lodge, Pioneer Lodge. The presentation was made by our own Rt. Wor.Barry S. Novek who was serving as District Deputy Grand Master at that time. On November 7, 1998, Rt. Wor. Walter L. Craveiro, presiding District Deputy Grand Master, presented Rt. Wor. Barry S. Novek with the Joseph Warren Medal in recognition of his many years of service in several areas of Masonry.

Since the 150th Anniversary, we have had one fraternal visit by a presiding Grand Master. On November 18, 1978, Most Worshipful Arthur Melanson and suite paid a fraternal visit to witness the installation of officers.

Thus concludes the latest twenty-five years in the history of Mount Hope Lodge. During this period, churches, veterans and fraternal organizations all experienced declines in membership, mainly because there are so many more things to take up our time than there were in years before. Mount Hope Lodge is no exception. But we look forward with hope:

Hope that the general public will become more aware of the extent of Masonic charitable endeavors throughout the world, not only on behalf of its members, but to the benefit of the entire human population, and that men will want to become a part of such a great institution.

Hope, that in this time of declining morality, Freemasonry will stand tall in it's teachings of morality and building of character, and that good men will want to be a part of it and help influence society in general to return to high moral principles.

Hope that men will become aware of the friendships to be made and the social aspects to be enjoyed, and want to be included as members of our great fraternity.

Finally, while many of us will not be here, Hope that in 2024, Mount Hope Lodge will have a gala observance at its’ 200th Anniversary.

SO MOTE IT BE.

Historical Committee

Brother Bradford W. Woodruff Rt. Wor. Barry S. Novek Wor. Henry I. Babineau, Ir. Rt. Wor. James H. Douglass.