About our lodge

THE HISTORY

OF

MIDDLESEX LODGE A. F. & A.M.

1795 - 1995

The history of Middlesex Lodge has been more than adequately presented on several occasions - first by R. W. John J. Van Valkenburgh for our Centennial in 1895; secondly, by Bro. John M. Merriam for our sesquicentennial in 1945; and thirdly, by R.W. Richard T. Darby for our 175th anniversary in 1970. For additional historic detail, reference is herby made to the Proceedings of The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts June 13, 1895 and June 5, 1945.

Our objective here is to summarize the history of Middlesex Lodge over the past two hundred years with concentration on recent years and then attempt briefly to gaze into the future. The history presented below has been liberally plagiarized from the eminent historians noted above.

To set 1795 in historic perspective: The Revolution was just over; Washington was President; the country consisted of just 15 states; and the currency was pounds, shillings and pence as well as dollars and cents as bills allowed at these early meetings show. Framingham Centre, the birth place of the Lodge, was the stage coach station of a small farming community. Social life centered about the farms and the church and then the Lodge for a select few. The horse was the fastest mode of travel.

In 1790, there was one two-horse carriage in the Town of Framingham. Most of the traveling was done on horseback; the father sat in the saddle with one child in front; the mother, with the babe in her lap, sat on the pillion; and another child found room still farther behind. Letters to distant points must be mailed in Boston. As late as 1801 a man walked to Boston to mail a letter which required haste. The Framingham Post Office was established December 29, 1810. Jonathan Maynard, the first Master of Middlesex Lodge, was the first postmaster, and held the office until March 29, 1832, three years before his death.

From 1810 to 1835, the stageman's horn was a signal as common and well-understood as the engineer's whistle was later to become.

It must have been an interesting sight on Lodge nights to see the farmers congregate at Jonathan Maynard's house, still standing on Pleasant Street at the corner of Maynard Road, and now occupied by the Walsh family. Lodge opened as early as three o'clock on occasion and sometimes did not close until eleven. There was a bylaw in those times which provided that all candidates attend at five o'clock and that the Lodge close at nine unless two-thirds of the brethren voted to stay open till ten. Early to bed and early to rise was apparently a determining factor in those early times.

After the meeting, it was the custom to enjoy a collation. Crackers and cheese was the staple refreshment for some years. Then the Lodge voted to add cold meat. At the next meeting, this was reconsidered and it was voted to dispense with all solid refreshment. This leaves somewhat of a question until the records show a vote that the stewards dispose of a keg of rum.

The Charter of Middlesex Lodge was granted at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts held on the 9th day of June, 1795. The following is the brief report of the action as given in the records of the Grand Lodge:

"A Petition from Jonathan Maynard and others, praying for a Charter to hold a Lodge in Framingham, County of Middlesex, was read, with the papers accompanying the same; and on motion Voted, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted. Brother Maynard had a seat assigned him in Grand Lodge." To this is added a marginal index-note as follows: "Middlesex Lodge Charter granted, and issued June 9, 1795."

The Charter of Middlesex Lodge bears the following signatures: Paul Revere, Grand Master; William Scollay, Deputy Grand Master; Isaiah Thomas, Senior Grand Warden; Richard Salter, Junior Warden; William Little, Grand Treasurer; and Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary. Although granted on June 9, 1795, the actual charter bears the date of June 13, 1795.

The first meeting of the new Lodge was held on the 16th of June, only three days after the date on the Charter. All the Charter members are named in the record as present; Jonathan Maynard as right Worshipful Master, Peter Clayes, Senior Warden, and Barizillai Bannister as Junior Warden. It nowhere appears by what right or title these Brethren assumed these stations. The Charter did not authorize it, and there is no record of an election. It was probably of their own sweet will, and by common consent. According to the record "the members then proceeded to the choice of officers (to wit), Secretary, Treasurer, Senior and Junior Deacons." Samuel Frost, Jr. was chosen Secretary; Andrew Brown, Treasurer; Thomas Nixon, Senior Deacon; and Thomas Buckland, Junior Deacon. Six candidates were proposed.

The first candidate initiated in Middlesex Lodge was Daniel Gregory, a trader.

About 1829-1830, there arose what is known as the "Anti-Masonic Crusade." A strong, bitter and widespread feeling against Freemasonry sprang up and spread through the country to such an extent as to become a political issue, so that on September 25, 1831, a convention of delegates from all parts of the United States met in Baltimore and nominated a candidate for the Presidency on an Anti-Masonic Platform. The excitement arose in consequence of the Masonic disclosures by Morgan and his alleged murder by Freemasons in revenge therefor. In some parts of the country, it was dangerous for a man to acknowledge himself a Freemason. In all parts, it took moral courage to admit one's self to be a member of the order. Masons were persecuted, proscribed and ruined in their business and robbed of their reputation because they would not violate their faith and denounce as corrupt and evil, a society which, in all civilized countries, has numbered among its members the greatest, the wisest, the best, and the most exalted of all men. And some lodges temporarily suspended work. But, Middlesex Lodge, true to the spirit of its founders, faced the storm, continued its work, and never omitted a meeting. It was, however, thought best to secrete the charter, and that precious document, enclosed in a tin case for its preservation was, for some time, concealed in a hollow tree on the farm of Jonathan Greenwood on Nobscot Mountain. The present altar of Middlesex Lodge is said to have been made from the wood of that tree. It is not certain that such is the case, but it is certain that it was made from the wood of a tree which grew on the Jonathan Greenwood farm.

While the Anti-Masonic excitement was at its height, the Freemasons of Boston and vicinity, on December 31, 1831, issued a broadside ^"Declaration of Masonic Principles." deprecating the prejudice which had arisen against the order, and asserting, in substance, the freedom of the tenets and principles of the order from anything which "would improperly affect a man's duty to his God, his country, his neighbor or himself." This declaration was signed by many leading Freemasons, including thirty-seven members of Middlesex Lodge, including the Rev. Charles Train, Josiah Adams and Amasa Kendall, grandfather of Worshipful Past Master Frederic M. Kendall.

1842

On June 24, 1842, the birthday of St. John the Baptist, distinguished Patron of Freemasonry, was celebrated by Middlesex Lodge. It was the first public Masonic display since 1834. This celebration was regarded as one of the most interesting and important Masonic festivals ever held to that date in Massachusetts.

The procession was formed at about twelve o'clock noon and was escorted by the Boston Encampment of Knights Templar's through the principal streets of Framingham to the Rev. Mr. Barry's Church for ceremonies.

After the exercises at the Church, the procession was again formed, and marched to a spacious manqu, which had been erected for the purpose, where the Brethren and their ladies sat down to an excellent Temperance Dinner. It has been reported that although the "master of the feast" could not "taste the wine and distribute it to his guests," he furnished them with an abundance of that which the fashion of the time had pronounced to be a preferable beverage.

There were numerous toasts and several addresses. It is reported that there were approximately 100 ladies and 200 to 300 Masons, including many from distance parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The procession had been nearly a half-mile in length and included the Banners of St. John's, St. Andrew's and Mount Lebanon Lodges, and St. Andrew's from Boston; those of King Solomon's Lodge, Charlestown; Star of the East, New Bedford; and Middlesex, Framingham. The Boston Encampment was in full dress. Great credit was given to Middlesex Lodge for its spirited executions and to its committee of arrangements for the efficient and excellent manner in which they discharged the important and responsible duties entrusted to them.

The Centennial

The country had expanded to 44 states by 1895; Grover Cleveland was in his second term; Edison's kinescope (motion pictures) had been invented eight years earlier, but the first transcontinental airplane flight (with numerous stops) was still sixteen years away; the first telephone talk was twenty years away. Middlesex Lodge had 92 members.

The Centennial Celebration in 1895 was the highlight of the Framingham social year. Half-page accounts of the elaborate affair were carried by both the Framingham Tribune and the Framingham Gazette, both before and after the Celebration. More than 400 Masons attended the affair, including a delegation from the Grand Lodge which arrived at Framingham Centre by train. The Celebration included a Masonic Procession from the Lodge Hall in Bean's Block at the Centre to the 1st Parish Unitarian Church. Following the Church Service, there was a sumptuous banquet with many speeches and toasts at the Town Hall, concluding in time for the visitors to make the 9:28 P.M. train for Boston from South Framingham.

Meetings

For many years, Middlesex Lodge was the rallying point of Freemasonry in Southern Middlesex, and its monthly communications were events in the life of Framingham. The Freemasons of those days were earnest men. Freemasonry meant much and was a serious matter to them. Neither heat, nor cold, nor distance kept them from their lodges. Old Central Square and its old tavern, the "Central House," could tell many a tale of Masonic parades, Masonic funerals, Masonic Celebrations of St. John's Day, and Masonic Dinners and suppers which they have witnessed and of the men of note from this and surrounding towns who gathered on those occasions.

The first meeting place of Middlesex Lodge was the third story of the Jonathan Maynard House.

Rent of Brother Maynard's Hall was ten dollars a year and in 1807, when the Lodge moved to Abner Wheeler's Hall, the rent climbed to twenty dollars. The tyler was paid one dollar for each night, provided he attended in season, but if he did not attend at the opening, he received only fifty cents. The steward's were paid for their labor by exempting them from quarterages. There was a further expense which we no longer have to bear. The records show a bill of twenty dollars for the Grand Lecturer for instruction.

During these early years, the officers worked hard. It was common practice to pass and raise a brother at the same meeting and it was not uncommon to work the three degrees at one meeting. It was also a common practice to pass and raise visitors.

From 1805 to 1808, the Lodge met at Abner Wheeler's, the old Framingham Centre Hotel, subsequently the Central House.

From 1808 to 1811, back to Jonathan Maynard's Hall.

From 1811 to 1834, in Henderson's Hall, afterwards called Gleason's Hall, for which they paid thirty dollars per annum, "with wood and cleaning of furniture." It became a part of White's stable.

For a short time in 1834 in Maynard's Hall again. October 14, 1834, it was voted "to pay twenty dollars for one year from 10th inst." Jonathan Maynard died July 17, 1835.

For a few months in 1834 and 1835 in the old Academy.

From 1835 to 1851 in the new Academy.

From 1851 to 1867 in the third story of the original Esty's Block, which was burned in about 1868.

From 1867 to 1927, the Lodge met in the Post Office Building, the Bean Block on Old Central Square, Framingham Centre.

The Lodge removed to South Framingham, a move which caused some consternation and discord among some of the more conservative members. It continued to prosper, nonetheless, and many memorable evenings were spent at its several locations "down-town." The principal place was in the Smith Block on Irving Square.

In 1955, along with Alpha Lodge, Concord Royal Arch Chapter, Orient Chapter O.E.S. Framingham Chapter, Order of Demolay for Boys and Rainbow Assembly for Girls, Middlesex Lodge moved to its present quarters at 404 Concord Street, Framingham on property bordering on Gleason's Pond.

Membership

The number of initiates from June 30, 1795 to January 1, 1833 was             277

The number of initiates from October 22, 1839 to June 13, 1895 was          327

Total for our first century (average of six per year)                                       604

The number of initiates during our second century was                                 773

.............................................                    (or an average of close to eight per year)

On the occasion of its Centennial Celebration, the Lodge listed 92 members. At its 150th year celebration, Middlesex listed 232 members; 21_. were initiated in 1950 and in 1953; in 1970 (175th year), membership was up to 330; and in 1962, we hit our peak membership at 349. Today, as we celebrate our 200th anniversary, our membership stands at 162.

The Recent Past

During the 1950's through 1960's, there was a Square and Compass Club at the Raytheon Company, one of the largest employers in the area. Its members would often serve as a degree team, visit various Lodges and assist in the raising of fellow employees to the third degree. At least two of our past masters, David J. Johnson in 1952 and John Moy in 1968 were thus raised. There were degree teams from the Weymouth Naval Air Station (performed in full uniform) and the Hood Rubber Company. Raisings in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's included such uniformed degree teams as the Scottish Hirams, Colonial Craftsmen, the Massachusetts State Police, Framingham Fire Department, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the latter group performing without their horses. In March, 1959, the officers of Middlesex Lodge conferred the 2nd degree on candidates at Alpha Lodge. In May, 1959, the officers of Alpha Lodge played a visiting role with us. This reciprocity was also done with Perfection Lodge.

Ladies' nights were held with some regularity from the 1950's into the 1970^'s. One of our Past Masters, Bob MacKenzie, was the organizer of the very first Grand Master's Day at the Masonic Home in Charlton.

In the 1970's, there was always one or more pitch games after each meeting and often after rehearsals. The games regularly lasted until after midnight and on one memorable evening, the card playing lasted until 6:45 A.M. If Wor. Ben Murphy did not have to drive to Westborough to care for his girlfriend's cat, we might still be playing.

The member of Middlesex Lodge with the highest Masonic profile during the past 50 years was, clearly, Rt. Wor. Bill Stoddard, Jr. Bill was raised in 1961; his Dad had been Master in 1953. Bill served Middlesex as Master in 1968 and again in 1985. He was President of the Framingham Temple Association, District Deputy Grand Master, Chairman of the Grand Master's Fair, Master of the Lodge of Instruction, recipient of two Certificates for Meritorious Service and recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal. Bill was also a regular participant in the pitch games - and was often heard to remark, " The cards have left me." A testimonial was held for him in 1977.

Rt. Wor. John G. Moy, 33rd degree, a distinguished Mason. He was twice Master of Middlesex Lodge, first in 1973 and again in 1991, and was its Secretary in the mid-seventies. He was elected Master of the 38th Lodge of Instruction in 1976. John was District Deputy Grand Master of the Marlboro 24th Masonic District in 1974 and was awarded the Joseph Warren Medal in 1994 by Most Worshipful David W. Lovering. In addition to his service to Middlesex Lodge, John was dedicated to the Scottish Rite in Boston where he served, for three years, as Thrice Potent Master of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection and was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd degree, in 1987.

The author of this historical report, Wor. Dick Manelis, was Master in 1991/1992. During that year, we tried several things to promote our visibility with the general public and to stimulate member involvement. Books on Masonry were donated to the local library, planters were placed on the Route 30 entrance to Framingham, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Wor. William L. Stoddard, Sr. and we received an award from Grand Lodge for raising more candidates than in the prior year. During that year, each meeting had a meal with an ethnic or cultural theme. We had a German Octoberfest, an Irish St. Patrick's Day dinner, a Jewish Seder and even celebrated the Chinese New Year. The Masonic year ended with a ^"bring your own food^" cookout between sections of the third degree. Our meeting notices contained Masonic trivia (answers available at the meeting).

Wor. Charles T. Moses (1994-1995) has also placed public awareness as a priority and demonstrated a concern for family, community and charity. Members were encouraged to bring wives and children to the pre-meeting dinner. Throughout the year, the Lodge held monthly pancake breakfasts open to the public at low cost ($3.00), press releases about the Lodge and its members have been plentiful and the proceeds from the Bicentennial Souvenir Book have been allocated to a bicycle helmet program for Framingham youth.

The Bicentennial

Our second hundred years comes to a close in grand Masonic style. In May, we held a Masonic workshop. Invitations were sent to all area past masters and current officers. The event was highly promoted. The attendees separated into groups and held sessions concerning various Masonic problems and issues.

We located the gravesite of Jonathan Maynard in Framingham's Old Burial Ground on Main Street. On May 30th just prior to our rehearsal for Past Masters' Night, we held a Masonic funeral service in the cemetery. Flowers, a sprig of evergreen, an American flag and a Masonic marker were left at the gravesite.

As this portion of our history is being written, our plans for June, 1995 start with a Past Masters' Night on the 6th, with past Masters from several Lodges assisting in the ritual. The highlight of the evening will be the raising of the candidate, John David Nordfeldt, by the oldest living Past Master of Middlesex Lodge, Waldon Caldwell who was Master 60 years earlier in 1935. Our candidate's father and grandfather, both members of Middlesex Lodge, will have seats in the East.

On Friday night, June 9th, the actual anniversary of the Lodge, we will gather to read the Lodge's history; the Grand Master will attend and be acknowledged in a ceremony open to the public. We will then adjourn to Framingham's Village Hall for a celebration banquet. The menu for 1895 was used as our guide; the Grand Master will be escorted into the room preceded by Colonial Craftsmen, in Colonial attire, with fife and drum. A most enjoyable evening is planned with many Masonic and non-Masonic friends.

For Saturday, the 10th of June, we will hold a Masonic Open House. Invitations have been sent to potential new members and those who might be interested in attending it is open to the public. The Lodge will present awards to non-Masons in the categories of: Community Human Relations, Community Charity, Community Service and Excellence in Mathematics (to a High School Junior). Following the presentations, we will adjourn to the front yard of the Lodge where our time capsule will be ceremoniously planted adjacent to the flag pole. On Sunday, our week concludes with the Lodge participating in the annual Framingham Flag Day Parade.

Memorabilia

We are fortunate to have a number of treasured memorabilia and items of archival interest. Paramount among these is our Charter signed by Paul Revere, G.M.; William Scollay, D.G.M.; Isaiah Thomas, S.G.W.; Richard Salter, J.G.W.; William Little, G. Treasurer; and Daniel Oliver, G. Secretary.

We also have a lock of Jonathan Maynard's hair. Maynard was one of the last of the Framingham men who persisted in wearing his hair in the colonial style to the time of his death in 1835. It came to us from his grandniece, Mrs. Isabella G. Morse of Ashland. She also presented Jonathan Maynard's cane, but this is now among the missing.

A piece of George Washington's original coffin, retrieved when his body was reburied at Mt. Vernon, is among our treasures, as is a piece of the stuffing of Washington's Master's chair at Alexandria, Virginia, and other memorabilia.

There are numerous old aprons and diplomas, some in rather poor condition and unidentifiable. One leather white apron, however, is labeled ^"Apron of Ashvel Kidder" with the dates 1795 and 1796. Others are of silk and beautifully hand painted with Masonic symbols in keeping with the old custom. The apron of R.W. John J. Van Valkenburgh has been framed.

Tradition informs us that the Deacons' staves were made from wood salvaged from the U.S.S. Constitution, "Old Ironsides."

The Lodge also acquired a gavel made by Wor. C. Edwin Doney from a hip rafter recovered by Wor. Holger Svensson from Jonathan Maynard's house (still standing) during a roof repair job.

Biographies

No Middlesex Lodge history would be complete without biographical information about its illustrious sons. The following are but a few of the men who have provided leadership and direction for Middlesex Lodge during its first 200 years.

Jonathan Maynard, first Worshipful Master of Middlesex Lodge, was born May 22, 1752, in a house which stood near the location of the residence of the late Joseph C. Cloyes. He entered Harvard College with the class of 1775, but on April 24, 1775, he dropped his studies, enlisted in the Continental Army, and was commissioned Sergeant in the Framingham Company of Minute Men commanded by Capt. Thomas Drury. With that Company, he took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. Later, he was commissioned Lieutenant in Col. John Nixon's regiment, and with that regiment accompanied General Washington, when he removed his headquarters from Cambridge to New York in April 1776.

He was in the campaigns of 1776 and 1777 on the Hudson and in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga.

"In 1778 near West Point," Lt. Maynard with a small party went out on a foraging excursion, a considerable distance from the camp, when they were set upon by a scouting band of Indians, and after a sharp skirmish taken prisoners. They were conducted for a distance of several miles away from American lines, when a halt was made, and all but Lt. Maynard were tomahawked and scalped. As he wore a sword, he was considered a great prize, and was conducted by the Indians to the camp of Brant, their Chieftain.

After a brief consultation it was decided to burn the captive, and the fire was ready to be kindled. Though a stranger to all in the group and ignorant of the fact that the Indian Chief was a Freemason, as his last hope, Lt. Maynard gave the Masonic sign of distress. The sign was recognized by Brant, who was standing by, and he ordered the execution to be postponed. Maynard was put under guard, and in due time, with other prisoners, was sent to Quebec. He was held in captivity there till December 26, 1780, when he was exchanged.

Upon his return from Quebec, Lt. Maynard was promoted to the rank of Captain, and continued in the military service until Nov. 19, 1782, when he was honorably discharged.

In the meantime, Capt. Maynard had not been forgotten by his college, which conferred upon him in 1776 the degree of A.B. as of his class of 1775, and in 1781 the degree of A.M.

Upon his discharge from the army Capt. Maynard returned to Framingham and passed the remainder of his life here - dying in 1835, aged 84 years.

To the end of his days he was a prominent and leading citizen, in fact the leading citizen, of the town. He was our first postmaster - holding that office from 1812 to 1822 inclusive. Also one of the founders of the Framingham Academy, and for many years a trustee of the same, a member of our first board of School Committee - Justice of the Peace - Selectman and Town Clerk.

For fourteen years he was the town's representative in the General Court, and for seven years he was Senator from this District.

In point of faithful, indefatigable service no other officer of Middlesex Lodge can compare with the venerable Tyler, Timothy Eames, commonly called "Col.," probably on account of service in the militia in some subordinate capacity.

He was born Sept. 9, 1762. Following the example of his grandfather and great-grandfather, he became an operative Mason, and commenced business for himself in 1794, the year before the Lodge was instituted. He was initiated June 17, 1800, passed September 16, and admitted to membership Feb. 24, 1801. He served as Tyler during the year 1803, and resumed the office on the 10th of November, 1807. We presume he held the position up to the time of his death, on the 19th of March, 1846, in the 84th year of his age. The volume containing the records from 1841 to 1857 inclusive is missing. Those examined show that from Nov. 10, 1807, to Dec. 28, 1819, the Tyler was absent from only six meetings, and from Jan. 25, 1820, to Nov. 3 1840, he was never absent. This must be regarded as a remarkable record, especially in view of the vote passed by the Lodge on the 17th of December, 1799, as a gentle reminder to his predecessor: "That the Tyler be allowed one dollar for each night he shall attend, provided he attend in season; but if he does not attend the opening of the Lodge, he shall not receive but fifty cents."

R. W. John I Van Valkenburgh was the "compleat" Mason. He was all things to Middlesex Lodge, active in the collateral bodies, both York and Scottish Rites, and a District Deputy Grand Master. He was one of the two Middlesex men who were coroneted an Honorary 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite. Although he had advanced only to the station of Junior Warden at the time of our Centennial, he had already gathered the material and written the extensive history published at that occasion. He was a modest man, and hesitant about his ability to serve as District Deputy Grand Master when that office was offered to him. Only through persuasion did he finally accept. His service was, of course, exemplary.

Van Valkenburgh was a balloonist by avocation and made numerous ascents from Framingham, coming down in nearby towns. He was professionally, a Civil Engineer, and served Framingham in that capacity for many years.

He was initiated in Middlesex Lodge on September 20, 1890, served as its Master in 1899 and 1900. He was District Deputy Grand Master in 1902 and 1903. His activities in the York Rite included the Concord Royal Arch Chapter, of which he was High Priest in 1902 and 1903, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter from 1919 to 1921, and Eminent Commander of Natick Commandey in 1895 and 1896.

In the Scottish Rite his activities were principally in the Lodge of Perfection, serving as Thrice Potent Master in Boston from 1911 to 1913. He was also a 1st Lieutenant Commander of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation.

In other areas, he was a member of Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.M.M.S., and a Past Patron of Orient Chapter, O.E.S., in 1906. He was truly an outstanding Mason.

The preeminent Middlesex Mason, Moses Holbrook, gained most of his fame elsewhere. He was born in Sherborn in 1783, probably descendent from the original settlers. He was entered in Middlesex Lodge in 1804, two months after his 21st birthday,  and raised February 12, 1805. He graduated with the class of 1808 from Harvard University. He became a physician, but we do not know where he received his medical education. Sometime between 1811 and 1819, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he raised a large family. It was there that he became most active in Masonic affairs, serving as Master of Washington Lodge No. 7, Charleston and as Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. He received the 33rd degree on November 18, 1822, at the age of 39, and he was Lt. Commander of the Supreme Council, 33 degrees in May 1825. He became Grand Commander in 1825. In 1830, he was elected an Honorary Member, Supreme Council, 33 degrees of the Northern Jurisdiction. In 1843, after some 25 to 30 years in South Carolina, he became a homesteader in Florida near what is now Ft. Pierce. He died there in 1844.

Conclusion

This milestone in the history of Middlesex Lodge affords us the opportunity to look in both directions of time.

As we look back, we are ever mindful of the vacant chairs. We think of those who, over the centuries, labored with us awhile. They have now taken their departure to that other world where faith at last finds justification in reality. But fond memories still span the gap between their world and ours. Their voices still we hear; we benefit from their labors here and our lives are richer that they have lived.

And now, as Middlesex members and guests look forward to our third century and generations of Masons yet to come, we say simply:  

"May the blessing of Heaven rest upon them, may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement them."

So mote it be

"I, Dick Manlis am the author of this article, and I release its content under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 and later." 

Middlesex Lodge Past Masters

 D-Demitted; 1-Past DDGM, Marlboro 24th Masonic District; 2Past Master, 38th Lodge of Instruction, 3 Joseph Warren Medal; 4- Past Senior Grand Steward; 5-Meritorious Service Award; 6-Suspended