Holyoke's Masonic Temple
The outstanding activity of the year 1920 was a two weeks' campaign for funds for the new Masonic Temple and its successful culmination in pledges amounting to $150,000 to start the undertaking. Great progress was made and on September 11, 1920 the corner stone was laid before a large and enthusiastic assemblage. This affair was one of the greatest ever held in Holyoke. The report of the Grand Lodge follows in part:
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"SPECIAL COMMUNICATION AT HOLYOKE"
September 11, A. L 5920.
LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF A MASONIC TEMPLE
"A Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was held in the City of Holyoke on Saturday, the eleventh day of September, A. L. 5920, A. D. 1920, for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of a Masonic Temple.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form in an apartment of the Masonic quarters at ten minutes before two o'clock in the afternoon, and was immediately received in the Lodge-room by the Worshipful Master, and members of Mount Tom Lodge. Following the reception the members of the Grand Lodge in automobiles were escorted by the Lodges of Holyoke and surrounding cities and towns, together with Springfield Commandery, Knights Templars, to the site of the new Masonic Temple. There were forty-two hundred Masons in line, making a far greater display than was ever before seen in this part of our state on such an occasion. The exercises were opened with the singing of the national anthem, followed by an address' by His Honor John Cronin, Mayor of the City of Holyoke. A silver trowel being presented to the Grand Master by Brother Chipman, the corner-stone was then laid in full form in accordance with ancient usage. The Grand Master was assisted in spreading the cement by the Worshipful Masters of Mount Tom, William Whiting and Mount Nonotuck (U.D.) Lodges and His Honor the Mayor. The Grand Master made a beautiful and soul stirring address. Proclamation was made at five o'clock. A reception to the Grand Lodge officers was held at the home of Brother William Whiting, after which the Grand Lodge repaired to the Masonic Apartments where it was closed in Ample Form at six o'clock P. M.
During the exercises at the laying of the corner-stone an historical address was given by the present historian, entitled "Masonry in Holyoke."
At half past seven in the evening a dinner was served at the Nonotuck Hotel, which was attended by officers of the Grand Lodge and about three hundred and fifty members of the Craft. Addresses were made by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Arthur D. Prince, Ex-Mayor Avery, Mayor Cronin and Congressman Allen T. Treadway.
Sunday morning at 9:30 Masonic services were held in the Skinner Memorial Chapel. A fine address was given by Rt. Wor. Clarence A. Brodeur, Acting Grand Chaplain. After the service the Grand Lodge was taken in automobiles through surrounding towns, finally landing at the top of Mount Tom where an excellent lunch was served."
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One of the important events in our history was the Dedication of the new Temple which was held on October 22, 1921 and conducted by the Grand Lodge under the Most Wor. Grand Master Arthur D. Prince. The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form in the small Lodge-room at a quarter before two o'clock in the afternoon, and immediately proceeded under escort to the principal Lodge-room where it was received by the officers of Mount Tom Lodge under Wor. Master David Coutts. The Grand Officers then assumed their stations and the Temple was Dedicated with full form and ceremony in accordance with the ancient customs of the Craft. Very delightful music was furnished by the Mendelsohn Male Chorus of sixteen members, with organist and director, all members of the Craft.
The Dedicatory address was delivered by the Grand Master who warmly congratulated the Brethren on the success of their undertaking and impressed upon them the splendid opportunity and great responsibility coming with their new, beautiful and splendidly located Temple. This was followed by a reception to the Grand Officers and inspection of the Temple until six o'clock when a banquet was served by the ladies of the Eastern Star to about four hundred of the Brethren in the auditorium.
The first Visitation in the new Temple was on November 11, 1921, when Rt. Wor. A. A. Brooks, D. D. G. Master made his official visit. He and his suite were greeted by an assemblage of four hundred and eighty Masons who filled the Lodge-room to capacity.
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