Mount Tom Lodge, Holyoke, MA
History of 100 Years



A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry


World War I

At our country's declaration of war in 1917 many young members of the Lodge responded to humanity's call, some of them among the first of the American Expeditionary Force to set foot upon the soil of France. Alas, two did not return.

Two of our youngest members, stricken down in the flush of manhood, full of the joyous, unconquerable spirit of youth, met death unflinchingly and unafraid, for the sake of a great ideal, and for the welfare and freedom of generations yet to come.

"And with the flame of their bright youth unspent
Went shouting up the pathway to the sun,
Valiant dead, take comfort where you lie,
So sweet to live? Magnificent to die!"


SERGT. RAYMOND B. THOMSON,
killed in action September 12, 1917

LIEUT. CHARLES R. WILBER,
killed in action September 29,1917.

Another Brother whose memory we revere is John S. Mackenzie whose deed brought fame to himself, his Lodge and his City. During a heavy gale on the North Sea, a depth bomb weighing several hundred pounds broke loose from its fastenings on the U.S.S. Remlik. The heavy seas washing the quarter-deck made it dangerous to attempt to reach that part of the ship. The safety pin fell out of the charge making it a source of great danger. Bro. Mackenzie immediately realizing the danger, dashed down the deck and flung himself upon the cylinder. After four attempts he finally righted it on its flat end and held it until lines, could be run to him and the bomb safely lashed. For this daring act of heroism, our Government bestowed upon him its' highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. The City of Holyoke has further honored his memory by naming its leading athletic field, Mackenzie Stadium.

One of the largest attended funerals ever conducted by the Order was that of Bro. Daniel J. Gallivan on March 23,1918 when three hundred and forty-five Brothers turned out to pay their last respects. Bro. Gallivan was a member of Hancock Lodge No.311, of Fort Leavenworth Kansas. When his remains were brought to Holyoke at the request of his aunt, an apron was found upon the body and as a result the remains were turned over to the Fraternity. Masonic services were held and the Brethren of both Mount Tom and William Whiting Lodges marched 'to Forestdale Cemetery where the remains were deposited with full Masonic Honors in the Masonic lot. A military squad fired a salute over the grave.

The Fraternity continued to grow and it was felt among some of our members that a new Lodge was warranted by the growing interest in the Order. The proposed new Temple with its greater facilities for Masonic activities was no doubt an added stimulus. So on February 6, 1920, twelve Master Masons headed by Wor. Bro. Robert Gillette, petitioned the Lodge for approval to request a Dispensation from the Grand Lodge for the purpose of instituting a new Lodge in the City of Holyoke. This was granted by the Lodge and the Grand Lodge gave its formal assent on March 4, 1920. The new Lodge was instituted under the name of Mount Nonotuck Lodge with Wor. Bro. Robert Gillette as its first Master.


© 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.