Lodge Growth During the middle seventies considerable agitation was on foot towards securing a new hall, several propositions were considered, among them, the new Craft's Building, now owned by the Holyoke Caledonian Club. It is evident that the building was intended for Masonic purposes, as on the front a Masonic emblem may be seen. The plan miscarried and Carter's Block with more improvements was our home until 1895 at a yearly rental of $400 during the last ten years. The members of the Lodge residing in South Hadley Falls having grown in numbers, felt that the time had arrived for taking action towards the establishment of a Lodge in their town. They accordingly requested permission of our Lodge to proceed with their plans. On March 5, 1869 it was unanimously voted to grant their request and recommend that their petition be granted by the Grand Lodge. The improvement of our hall and social rooms was a subject that was close to the heart of Bro. William Grover and he accordingly submitted plans for the improvement of the same. On the completion of the work a Special Communication was held for the Installation and Dedication of the new Hall on March 12, 1880. It was evidently a very gala occasion as the records mention that "Ladies and visitors were admitted" and the "Lodge with guests were then invited to repair to the Windsor where a banquet had been prepared." A new custom was established in 1882 in rewarding retiring masters with a Past Master's Jewel. The records show that the first recipient was Wor. Bro. Lewis M. Richards. Except at funerals the public appearances of the Fraternity have been comparatively few in number. On October 21, 1892; the members to the number of one hundred and eighteen, escorted by the Holyoke members of Springfield Commandery, Knights Templars, journeyed to Springfield for the laying of the corner-stone of what is now the old Temple in that city. Our next move was to the Hubbard and Taber Block on High Street. The Lodge-room was dedicated on December 27, 1895, by the Rt. Wor. Samuel B. Spooner, by virtue of a Warrant from the Most Wor. Grand Master Edwin B. Holmes. The new quarters were a great improvement over the old and the facilities for social enjoyment, being greatly increased, were taken advantage of to the fullest extent, resulting in greater prosperity than ever before. On October 10, 1903, the corner-stone of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church was laid by the Rt. Wor. Charles C. Spellman and suite by virtue of a Warrant from the Most Wor. Grand Master Baalis Sanford in which one hundred and fifty of the Brethren took part. Springfield Commandery, Knights Templars was present, making a total of about three hundred and fifty in line. During the latter part of 1908 there was considerable discussion as to the need and desirability of establishing a new Lodge in the City. After a series of informal meetings by a group of our members it was decided to petition the Lodge for permission to apply for a Dispensation from the Grand Lodge. This was done on January 1, 1909, the same was granted on January 7, 1909 and the new Lodge came into being on that day under the name of William Whiting Lodge with thirty-three Charter members. Wor. Bro. Abraham Davis, who was a Past Master of Mount Tom Lodge, was selected as first Master. With two Lodges in operation Masonry prospered and as a result many of the Brethren thought that steps should be taken toward building or acquiring quarters of our own. The Holyoke Masonic Association had been incorporated the previous May for that purpose and a great deal of interest had been shown in the matter. On September 2, 1910, a proposition was received from the Holyoke Masonic Association setting forth an opportunity to purchase the James H. Newton home on Chestnut St., now owned by the Holyoke Day Nursery. Nothing was done and the matter dropped. In 1913 stronger agitation developed with the idea of eventually erecting our own building. It resulted in the purchase of the lot upon which our Temple stands and for which the sum of $13,000 was paid. The interest and zeal of the members grew and it was voted to pay into the hands of the Trustees at the end of each Masonic year, two-fifths of all money received for dues. In addition, the Lodge purchased three hundred shares of stock in the Holyoke Masonic Association for the sum of $3000 during the period of 1912 to 1916. | Previous Page | Contents | Next Page | | Mt. Tom 100th Anniversary | | Mount Tom Lodge Home | | HolyokeMass.com Blog | HolyokeMass History | Hampden County | | Western Mass History & Genealogy | © Laurel O'Donnell 1997 - 2012, all rights reserved This is an adaptation of the original publication This document may be downloaded for personal non-commercial use only and cannot be reproduced or distributed without permission.