Lodge History

Through Seventy-five Years

The History of

ADELPHOI LODGE, No. 33 F:.& A: .M:.

IN THIS YEAR OF OUR LORD 1951 A L 5951 it is eminently fitting and proper that we should pause in our strenuous daily activities and review the History of Adelphoi Lodge on this historic seventy-fifth anniversary of its founding.

To recall or, perhaps I should say, indicate the manner of living and environment of the year of 1876 the year in which Adelphoi Lodge was founded and constituted it is interesting to note that it was one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was the year in which General Custer of the U. S. 7th Cavalry put up his last fight in the Sioux Indian War at the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana. It was before the electric light was in use before the telephone-horse cars were operated for public transportation-the streets, when paved at all, were paved with cobble stones or granite blocks-and lamplighters made their rounds to light the street lamps.

The residential districts were the near East Side with fine residences on Benefit, Prospect, Angell and Waterman Streets and the streets running off Benefit nearly down to Fox Point; and on the West Side equally fine residences on Washington Street, Chestnut Street, Broadway, Elmwood Avenue and Bridgham Streets.

The population of Providence was slightly more than 100,000. This perhaps gives some idea of the city at the time the Lodge was formed.

At this time there were but four Masonic Lodges in Providence. They were Saint Johns; Mount Vernon; What Cheer; and Corinthian. In the entire State there were twenty-seven regular lodges and in 1876 four under dispensation of the Grand Lodge including Adelphoi.

Many of our members probably do not know of the Anti-Masonic Era in the United States culminating only forty-three years prior to the formation of Adelphoi Lodge.

In the year 1826 a man by the name of William Morgan of Virginia published a pretended exposition of Masonry which at the time attracted considerable attention. Shortly after its publication Morgan disappeared and his disappearance was never explained. Opponents of the order charged that Morgan was removed by foul means. Considerable antagonism was created against the fraternity which finally culminated in an Anti-Masonic Party organized in the United States whose purpose was to dissolve the order of Freemasonry as subversive of good government. This political party held several conventions and in 1831 nominated William Wirt as candidate for President of the United States. He actually received seven electoral votes, but by 1833 the party had quietly withdrawn from public notice. This was only forty-three years before Adelphoi Lodge was formed and the Charter Members already members of Mount Vernon Lodge were very conscious of the Anti-Masonic Era when Masons did indeed meet secretly. Many subordinate lodges throughout the United States turned their charters into their respective Grand Lodges during this period and I have heard my uncle, Howard N. Knight, tell of secret meetings of his lodge in Massachusetts during the Anti-Masonic period.

I refer to this period because it had an influence on the character of the men who founded Adelphoi Lodge.

They were men of impeccable character and determination who stood for their beliefs and by their friends.

I find this character reflected in the selection of a name and declaration of purpose of Ade1phoi Lodge a Society of Friends and Brothers-I quote from the original declaration of purpose when the Lodge was formed.

"We make declaration of our purpose to ever keep in mind the essential principles of our institution

and to be faithful thereto. We remember that its beauties and excellencies do not all lie upon the surface, for Masonry is a science to be studied, a philosophy to be unfolded, a system of morals intended alike to develop the best faculties of the mind and the best purposes of the heart and calculated thus to bind the life to duty and to God.

"Our chief object will be not to make Masons or to increase the aggregate of our Lodge membership, but rather to use the institution as a means for our own social and moral advantage, so that as a Lodge and as individuals we may aid in disseminating those virtues which characterize the true Mason.

"The idea at which we aim is that of a Family Lodge-an association in which we shall be held together by the bonds of a sweet and sacred fellowship, so that the interest of one shall be the interest of all, while honor, truth and mutual regard shall ever hold a controlling influence.

"Thus shall our Lodge become the centre of those fraternal influences and generous sympathies which ought ever to proceed from and distinguish the real Masonic home.

"It is our hope that the members of this Lodge may be drawn together in a free and hearty companionship, that brotherhood shall be a magic word to unlock the affections, to stimulate a cheerful, social intercourse and to ensure that harmony which is the especial charm as well as the bond of strength of Masonry.

"To this end we would be called with noble impulse of that Charity which prompts to generous words and loving deeds as we rise out of self into the purer atmosphere of friendship and love.

"With such aims and purposes, with hearts knit together in love, do we set forth on the new way of organized life and movement, confident that some blessed results will attend our labors and communions as we have faith in God, hope in immortality and charity to all men."

So in the environment of those days the records show that in the office of Henry A. Chace on January 6, 1876 there did gather Stillman White; Ezra S. Dodge; Henry A. Chace; John H. Sweet; Oliver E. Greene and Jesse B. Sweet and as a result of the gathering a resolution was adopted as follows:

"Resolved: That the initiative steps be taken toward forming a new Masonic Lodge bearing such name and number as may hereafter be determined."

Thoughtful resolutions were also adopted expressing a kindly fraternal feeling for Mount Vernon Lodge, No.4, of which all were members and it was further resolved:

"That W.· . Smith W. Sweet, W.· .Cornelius E. Bourne, W.·. John W. McKnight and Brother Daniel N. Davis, Brother Charles Sydney Smith, Brother Joseph A. Whe1den, Brother Thomas F. Arnold, Brother John Heathcote, Brother John M. Buffinton, Brother Fred I. Marcy, Brother Jesse B. Hopkins and Brother Thomas Dubois, be, and the same are, cordially invited to join with us in this noble and glorious undertaking. "

It was at this meeting that the "Declaration of Purpose" I have previously read was adopted. I will here take the liberty of suggesting for consideration the thought that every new member should be required to read this "Declaration of Purpose" in open lodge before signing the by -laws.

On January 18th just twelve days after the first gathering those invited to join in the "noble and glorious undertaking" met and further discussed their plans and methods of procedure.

At a meeting on January 27th nine days later it was agreed that the number of charter members of the proposed lodge should not exceed twenty. At the next meeting held January 31st only four days later a committee which had previously been appointed consisting of Stillman White, Ezra Dodge and Henry A. Chace to select a name for the proposed lodge submitted their report and the name "Adelphoi" was unanimously adopted "as possessing the proper significance for a Masonic Lodge name."

The courteous offer of Saint Johns Lodge, No.1, in Providence, tendering the use of its jewels and other paraphernalia for such time as they might be needed, was gratefully accepted, as was also the invitation to occupy the rooms of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite until permanent accommodations could be secured.

The records show that the next meeting was held on February 8th in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite parlors of the old Masonic Temple, which was subsequently destroyed by fire, and at this meeting the Dispensation of Most Worshipful Grand Master Nicholas Van Slyck dated February 5, 1876 authorizing the following petitioners to meet as a lodge was received and recorded.

The Petitioners were: - Cornelius E. Bourne, Ezra S. Dodge, Oliver E. Greene, John W. McKnight, John H. Sweet, Stillman White, Henry A. Chace, Smith S. Sweet, Charles Sydney Smith, Thomas F. Arnold, Jesse B. Hopkins, Jesse B. Sweet, Joseph N. Whelden, Daniel N. Davis, John M. Buffinton, Fred I. Marcy, John Heathcote and W. T. Nicholson.

The officers named in the Dispensation were: W :. Stillman White to be the first Master; W.· .Ezra S. Dodge to be the first Senior Warden; R.· .W.·.Henry A. Chace to be the first Junior Warden.

The Lodge continued to meet under Dispensation in the rooms of the Scottish Rite in the old Masonic Temple until April 25, 1876 when adequate quarters were obtained and suitably furnished in what was known as the Elizabeth Building on North Main Street near the present tunnel of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.

It is of interest to note that the furnishings of the Lodge were of such a quality that they were used up until 1949 when they were sold to Washington Lodge, No.5, of North Kingstown now located in new quarters in Lafayette where they are still in use.

On May 15, 1876 at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, it was:

Voted - That a charter be issued to Adelphoi Lodge, to be located in Providence, to be numbered (33) , and to have concurrent jurisdiction with Saint Johns Lodge, No.4; What Cheer Lodge, No. 21; and Corinthian, No. 27, all located in the City of Providence; also Rising Sun Lodge, No. 30, located in East Providence.

Voted - That the Dispensation of Adelphoi Lodge continue in force until the Lodge is constituted and that the By-Laws of Adelphoi Lodge, submitted with their petition for charter this day, are hereby approved.

On June 12, 1876, Adelphoi Lodge was constitutedby the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island, Nicholas Van Slyck. The officers installed were as follows:

STILLMAN WHITE, Master
EZRA S. DODGE, Senior Warden
HENRY A. CHACE, Junior Warden
DANIEL N. DAVIS, Treasurer
OLIVER E. GREENE, Secretary
JESSE B. SWEET, Senior Deacon
JOHN M. BUFFINTON, Junior Deacon
JESSE B. HOPKINS, Senior Steward
THOMAS F. ARNOLD, Junior Steward
JOHN W. McKNIGHT, Chaplain
FRED I. MARCY, Marshal
JOSEPH N. W HELDEN, Sentinel
THOMAS DUBOIS, Musical Director
JOHN HEATHCOTE, Tyler

Following the address by Past Grand Master Thomas A. Doyle, Worshipful Brother George M. Carpenter, Master of Saint Johns Lodge, No.1, Providence, in behalf of that organization, presented the "Great Lights" of our order to the newly constituted Lodge.

Thus did Adelphoi Lodge No. 33 enter upon its formal and distinguished existence.

Liberally endowed with a distinguished membership of friends and brothers in a home of their own, they set apart from their funds before the Lodge was a year old nearly two thousand dollars for a Charity Fund.

The first candidates for membership were Dutee Wilcox and John Sanford who were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 25, 1878.

The character of the work was of such a high standard that the visiting brethren from the other Lodges often came to see the exemplification of degrees. It was the custom of the members to fill the chairs and exemplify the work among themselves and receive Masonic instructions from visiting brethren who enjoyed the fraternal association of the membership. Notable among those early advisers was Past Grand Master Thomas A. Doyle. Following his death at a meeting held September 5, 1893 his Masonic Jewels were presented to the Lodge by his surviving sisters a legacy to remind the brethren of his great love and affection for Adelphoi Lodge and its membership.

On April 3, 1894 a bronze statue of Thomas A. Doyle was presented to the Lodge by Past Master Richard H. Deming. This memorial was a copy of that furnished the City of Providence by the sculptor, H. H. Kitson.

At the annual communication of 1889 when William N. Otis was elected Master, Past Master George H. Holmes presented Past Masters' Jewels to all Past Masters of the Lodge - a custom which has been continued to the present day.

It is worthy to note that during this year the Lodge rooms in the Elizabeth Building were attractively decorated and refurnished and it is recorded that a reception was held for members and their ladies "that their approval might crown the pleasure of the brethren in their inviting and well-appointed rooms."

In this same year the "Father of Adelphoi Lodge", as he was affectionately called, Brother Stillman White was elected Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations which office he filled with great honor and distinction and benefit to the fraternity.

On March 19, 1896 the Masonic Temple on Dorrance Street was completely destroyed by fire. The various bodies of Freemasonry in Providence with the exception of Adelphoi were without a home and Brother Henry A. Kirby as Master of Adelphoi extended the hospitality of Adelphoi Lodge rooms to all homeless Masonic bodies until such time as temporary quarters could be made available elsewhere.

One of the Lodges accepting the hospitality was Corinthian and this Lodge has by arrangement continued to enjoy a tenancy with Adelphoi until 1949 when Adelphoi terminated its lease as hereinafter referred to. In this same year, George H. Holmes presented the Lodge with a picture of Stillman White suitably framed to hang in the Lodge. This was the start of a custom of having all charter members' pictures hung in the Lodge and subsequently an album was started with the pictures of all members. Truman Beckwith many years later brought the album up-to-date, but I fear it has not been continued since his death.

On January 1, 1901 at the annual communication Edward H. Mason was elected Master and at that meeting a committee was appointed to arrange for a suitable observance of the 25th Anniversary of Adelphoi Lodge.

The celebration was held on June 12, 1901 at the Casino in Roger Williams Park, a place quite popular for assembly in those days. There was a reception at 6:30 followed by a banquet at 7 o'clock.

The menu on that occasion is worthy of record.

MENU

LITTLE NECKS
SOUP - PRINTANIA ROYAL
OLIVES RADISHES
SALMON AND PEASE
CUCUMBERS (A LA DEUTCHE)
POTATOES - PARISIENNE (A LA CREME)
SWEETBREADS BRAlSED
POTATOES - FRENCH FRIED SAUCE A LA TRUFFLES
PUNCH - TOM AND JERRY
ROAST MALLARD DUCK
RAB APPLE JELLY
ASPARAGUS TIPS POTATOES - DUCHESSE
TOMATO MAYONNAISE
INDIVIDUAL ICE CREAM
FANCY CAKE
CHEESE - ROQUEFORT, ROYAL
CRACKERS
COFFEE APOLLINARIS

The order of exercises was as follows:

MUSIC. • • • • • • • • • • • Schumann Quartette
"OUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER"
Response by R:.W:.J. EDWARD STUDLEY
THE GRAND LODGE OF RHODE ISLAND
Response by M:.W:.GRAND :NbSTER, J. ELLERY HUDSON
MUSIC. • • • • • • • • • • • Schumann Quartette
"THE DAY WE CELEBRATE"
Response by REV. AND R:.W:.HENRY W. RUGG
MUSIC. • • • • • • • • • • • Schumann Quartette
"FREE MASONRY AND OFFICIAL DUTY"
Response by HON. BRO. CHARLES DEAN KIMBALLMUSIC.
"MASONIC SENTIMENT (The Ladies)"
Response by HON. BRO. ELISHA DYER
. Schumann Quartette
AULD LANG SYNE

So I summarize the history of Adelphoi Lodge for the first twenty-five years, which was originally prepared and delivered by R.· .W.· .Henry W. Rugg, D.D., a frequent visitor but not a member of Adelphoi.

Now, I will review the next quarter century which is a matter of record so ably prepared and presented by our late Brother, Most Worshipful E. Tudor Gross, who was our capable Historian and who except for his untimely and deeply lamented death would have more ably prepared this historical review for the seventy-fifth anniversary.

It is an odd but interesting coincidence that at the end of the first twenty-five years of Adelphoi history, the Lodge had to find other quarters for their home and place of meeting and just fifty years later we find ourselves in the same predicament.

In 1901 it was learned that the owners of the property, Doric Hall on North Main Street, required the space for their own purposes and the members of Adelphoi had to find other suitable quarters of their own - it being an established tradition that Adelphoi meetings were held in their home amid Adelphoi surroundings and in an Adelphoi atmosphere.

Such quarters were found furnished and leased in the Winslow Building at 189 Mathewson Street. The first meeting was held in the new lodge room on September 2, 1902. The new Adelphoi Home known as Adelphoi Hall was formally dedicated to Masonic purposes on December 23, 1902 by Brother WaIiam H. Scott, Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, with a full suite of officers. The first candidate to be admitted in the new Lodge room was E. Tudor Gross who subsequently became Master of Adelphoi Lodge and Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Most Worshipful Brother Gross calls our attention in his 50th year history of the Lodge to the fact that in pursuance of an order of the Grand Lodge,the National Emblem of the United States - the American Flag - was to be displayed at all Lodge meetings and that it did not require a national emergency for the Masonic Fraternity to recognize the importance of patriotism as one of its principal tenets.

The National Emblem was first displayed in Adelphoi Lodge on January 17, 1902.

On April 3, 1903, Stillman White, "The Father of Adelphoi" entered the Celestial Lodge Above and subsequently his daughter, Mrs. George H. Holmes, graciously presented the Lodge with his various Masonic jewels emblematic of the offices he had so capably filled. These jewels have since December 6 1904 been displayed in the East at all of our communications.

At the Semi-Annual Convention of Grand Lodge in November 1908, Adelphoi Lodge presented to Grand Lodge a portrait of Most Worshipful Brother Stillman White which was graciously accepted and hung in the main Lodge room of the Masonic Temple.

The summer outings of Adelphoi were first suggested by Brother George H. Holmes and the first outing was held in 1909. The early outings were held on the various estates of the brethren and often the members were guests of a hospitable brother. Finally the Lodge decided that the summer outing was a most agreeable social occasion and it became an annual event.

At the annual communication of Grand Lodge on May 15, 1911, James B. Gay was elected Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He was the second member of the Lodge to be so honored and his exemplary record in all Masonic and affiliated bodies is one of great distinction.

The succeeding years of Adelphoi were marked with a loss in membership due to age and lack of new applications due to the strenuous economic conditions prior to our entry into the First World War.

Our membership when the United States entered the First World War was sixty-seven. As a matter of record it seems proper to here record the Honor Roll of our members in the service. The following is reprinted from the 50th anniversary history by Most Worshipful Brother Gross.

“At the outbreak of hostilities, Adelphoi had on its roster very few members of military age, so that we have not a long honor roll, as is the case in many other and larger lodges. Three of our members, however, entered the service. They were Richard S. Aldrich, Frederick V. Hussey and Herbert M. Sherwood. The war service of these three Brothers is as follows:

“Richard S. Aldrich joined the American Red Cross as a Field Representative, going to Europe in the spring of 1918. He was attached to the 5th Division, A.E.F., and was transferred to the 2nd Division, A.E.F., just prior to the offensive at St. Mihiel. He remained with this division until the Armistice.

“Herbert M. Sherwood enlisted in April 1917, attending the First Plattsburg Officers' Training Camp, from May to August 1917. He received a commission as Captain of Field Artillery, and was assigned to the command of Battery B, 303 F.A., at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. During the winter of 1917 - 1918 he took the artillery course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was overseas from June 1918 to July 1919, being honorably discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey on July 21st, 1919.

"Frederic V. Hussey was commissioned Lieut., Jr. Grade, Medical Reserve Corps, U. S. Navy, in April 1917, and was attached to Navy Base Hospital No. 4. In July 1918, he was ordered to Newport for service at the Naval Hospital. In August, of that year, he was promoted to Lieut., Sr. Grade, and transferred to Queenstown, Ireland, until November 1918. He was then attached to Navy Base Hospital No.6, at Brest, France, and at the end of December was transferred to the U. S. Transport "Siponey." In January 1919, he was put on Inactive Service, and was retired in March 1919.

"In addition to the above, it should be recorded that certain members who joined the Lodge after the closing of the war, were in various branches of the service, and note is therefore made of the fact in this connection, although they were not on our roll prior to the signing of the Armistice.

“While the records of the Lodge naturally make no reference to the participation of the various Brothers in the numerous war activities, it is a source of pride to us to know that our members were identified with everything that had to do with the successful prosecution of the struggle. As a Lodge, our funds, whenever available, were invested in bonds of the various Liberty Loans, and as individuals, the members gave unstintingly of their time and resources in the numerous drives incident to the war."

At the annual communication of Grand Lodge in May 1918, E. Tudor Gross was elected Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He thus became the third Grand Master to be selected from Adelphoi Lodge. The following May he made an official visitation to Adelphoi Lodge with a distinguished suite of Grand Lodge Officers and was honored with the presentation of a beautiful gavel by his Adelphoi Brethren. His distinguished career as Grand Master was marked among many other notable achievements by the dispensation he granted Overseas Lodge in Coblentz, Germany - which Lodge has subsequently been chartered and duly constituted in Rhode Island.

On February 4, 1919, Adelphoi Lodge took out a Charter Roll of Honor Life Membership in the George Washington National Memorial Association - a display of interest and support when the project of the now completed memorial was in its infancy.

Following the First World War the membership in Adelphoi steadily increased - the records showing a membership of ninety on the 50th anniversary of the Lodge.

In 1922 Adelphoi presented a set of rods for Stewards and Deacons to the newly formed Roosevelt Lodge and contributed to the Educational program of Grand Lodge following the First World War.

Up until 1923 the installation of officers had been conducted by the Grand Master, but in that year Grand Lodge decided that installations should be conducted by District Deputies of the Grand Master and the installation of Adelphoi officers of that year was conducted by Brother Winfield S. Solomon.

On February 14, 1924, Brother George H. Holmes passed into the Celestial Lodge Above. His jewels like those of his illustrious father-in-law, StaIman White, were graciously presented by his widow to the Lodge and displayed in the East at all communications.

At the annual communication of Grand Lodge in May 1925, Howard Knight was elected Grand Master of Masons in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, being the fourth member of Adelphoi to be so honored and on October 6th he asked Adelphoi Lodge at a notable meeting in Freemasons Hall to exemplify the first degree. The historian in justice to himself and, I hope, with sufficient modesty will consider it to suffice as a record to quote from the 50th anniversary history as follows:

“His term of office was characterized by a strict attention to the duties of his position, and the Proceedings of Grand Lodge record the countless matters which received his close attention. His work reflected honor not only on himself, but on the Lodge to which he belonged, and before his retirement he was presented a beautiful gavel by his Brethren."

During M.· .W.· .Brother Knight's term as Grand Master he delivered an extemporaneous charge after the 3rd degree at Hope Lodge in Wakefield. Many requests were made for repetition at various times and he has often delivered it during the past twentyfive years at Adelphoi. By request it is in substance printed in appended pages of this history.

The year 1926 marked the acquisition of a farm in South County for relaxation and outings - known as Wemattituock Lodge - not the property of Adelphoi, but a corporation located in the town of Richmond and owned exclusively by members of Adelphoi Lodge.

This Lodge, or camp, in the country, was the scene of many enjoyable occasions for a number of years but eventually was not used sufficiently and the property was disposed of in December 1940.

On December 11, 1926 Adelphoi Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Unfortunately the records from 1923 to 1929 are missing, so I am dependent upon the memory of myself and others as to the program on that historic occasion.

The Lodge was opened and closed in due form after which a banquet was held at the Biltmore Hotel. M.· .W.· .Brother Gross read the history of the Lodge which he had prepared covering the past 50 years. The history was dedicated to John Murray Buffinton, the sole surviving charter member, and he was presented with a beautiful leather upholstered chair. A book was prepared giving the history as written by M.· .W.· .Brother Gross and this, with a very attractive gold penknife which carried the seal of the Lodge and appropriate engraving, was presented to each member.

Adelphoi Lodge continued to grow and prosper and on February 4, 1930 it was voted that the membership should not exceed 125. This action proved somewhat optimistic, or perhaps unnecessary. Strange enough after the national financial panic of 1929 the Lodge took in about the average number of members each year through January 1932, but then there was a lapse until December 1936 before another member was admitted to the Lodge.

During the period from 1926 through January 1932 the Lodge admitted twenty-one members, two or more each year except for 1930 when no member was admitted. Of these twenty-one members, eight were to become Master of the Lodge in subsequent years. During the years when there were no admissions, the Lodge suffered the loss of a number of its members - and, of course, it was inevitable that the life span of the older members should be drawing to its close. Outstanding because of their devotion to the Lodge and their Masonic Service, I list the following brethren who during the past twenty-five years have passed into the Celestial Lodge Above where the Great Architect of the Universe presides.

Admitted Master
John Murray Buflinton Charter Member 1880
Edward H. Mason. 1891 1901
Arthur Henius . 1900 1905
W. Kinsley Low. 1902 1907
E. Tudor Gross. 1902 1908 and 1909
Newton P. Hutchison 1908 1917 and 1924

A suitable tribute to the memory of each of these brethren is recorded in a page of our records, but I feel that as historian I would be more than remiss in my duties and affection without further reference to their distinguished careers.

John M. Bujfinton, or «Uncle John", as we who knew him so well used to address him - was a regular attendant of Adelphoi as long as he lived and was able to get to the meetings. His counsel and advice made a lasting and valuable impression on those who followed him in carrying out the traditions of Adelphoi Lodge. It was a gracious and fitting token of esteem that the Fiftieth Anniversary History was dedicated to him while he was still living.

Edward H. Mason served Ade1phoi Lodge as its Master and for twenty-two years its Secretary. He received the fifty-year medal of Grand Lodge on November 4, 1941 and lived to enjoy it until April 18, 1948 when he entered the Celestial Lodge Above at the age of ninety-two years.

E. Tudor Gross served Adelphoi Lodge as its Master for the years 1908 and 1909. He was elected Grand Master of Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 1918. He granted a charter under dispensation to Overseas Lodge in Germany, the only Masonic Lodge operating under dispensation from any Grand Jurisdiction in the United States. He was an exceptional ritualist and delivered the esoteric work of the various degrees in a manner which won for him the highest esteem of his brethren. He was honored with the conferring of the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite. He was historian of Adelphoi Lodge - prepared the 50th anniversary history ofthe Lodge and would have prepared the 75th except for his untimely death. He received many jewels and citations from various Masonic bodies both within and without this Grand Jurisdiction and these jewels were presented to the Lodge by his sons after his death. As his close associate throughout his Masonic career I can unnecessarily vouch for his estimable qualifications and wish to record that Adelphoi Lodge never made a better Mason.

W. Kinsley Low served Adelphoi Lodge as its Master for the year 1907. He served the Lodge as its secretary for nine years. He was very active in the Scottish Rite and while he gave much of his time to that body he always found time to serve Adelphoi whenever called upon to do so.

Newton P. Hutchison served Adelphoi Lodge as its Master in 1917 and again in 1924. He also served the Lodge as Secretary for four years. He served Grand Lodge as District Deputy for a short term but had to retire from Grand Lodge Masonic duties because of ill health. His devotion to the Lodge and years of Adelphoi service were greatly appreciated by all his brethren.

Arthur H enius served Adelphoi Lodge as Master in 1905. His interest in the Lodge was intense up to the year of his death. His interest in all charitable and welfare work in the City and State made him an outstanding citizen and he truly exemplified the tenets of our institution which knows neither race, creed or color - a real Mason.

While dealing in personalities, I am not unmindful of George M. Parks who was most active in Lodge affairs - held in the highest esteem by his brethren but never cared to hold office. His bequest of $1,000 to the Lodge was just one of the many thoughtful things he did for the membership.

And, now I will return to the chronological order of events:

In 1937 the Lodge contributed at the request of Grand Lodge to the relief funds for Ohio, Mississippi and Florida disasters of that year.

The year 1939 brought the Second World War with all its horrors and the foreshadowing of untold worry and grief.

Five of our members were to lose their sons in the conflict. The members were - Walter O. Holt, Franklin N. Crowell, Robert G. Richards, Ralph L. Foster, and Ira Lloyd Letts.

The following members served in the armed forces and all returned safely:

RICHARD E. ALLEN
HENRY C. AYLSWORTH
NORMAN D. BAKER
NELSON J. CONLONG
WILLIAM E. FROST, JR.
RICHARD B. KNIGHT
CHARLES P. SISSON
GORDON P. STEARNS
DAVID C. ANTHONY, JR.
AUGUSTUS H. BAKER
FRANCIS H. CHAFEE
HOWARD F. EASTWOOD
A. TROWBRIDGE HORTON
HARVEY S. REYNOLDS
STANLEY H. SMITH, JR.

Subsequent to their service in the armed forces and return after the armistice, the following became members of Adelphoi Lodge.

H. LARNED DORRANCE, JR. W. CLARKE S. MAYS, JR.
GEORGE 1. FALES, JR. WALLACE 1. Mossop
DARIUS 1. GOFF MILTON M. SOMERS
CHARLES E. GROSS RAYMOND J. THOMPSON
CHARLES 1. KILVERT, JR. FREDERICK A. WEBSTER
CHARLES C. KNIGHT STEVEN B. WILSON
JOHN R. LEMON LEO A. WORRELL

While Masonry recognizes no man for his worldly wealth or honors it is nevertheless a source of family pride that our members served with distinction in every branch of the armed services of our country as well as in the supporting humanitarian units.

During the War the dues of all members in the armed services were remitted and the Lodge subscribed to the many welfare organizations as well as to the Government Bonds of the various issues to finance the War. During the War period the Lodge promptly responded to all Grand Lodge requests for support of the Masonic Service Association Hospital Visits Program, European Masonic Relief, and other activities.

On May 29, 1945 a fire destroyed some of the furnishings of the Lodge and the Lodge had to hold its June meeting in Freemasons Hall-127 Dorrance Street - Providence; and its October meeting in the same year at the Masonic Temple 190 Taunton Avenue - East Providence. These two meetings and the exemplification of a degree before Grand Lodge at the request of M.· .W.· .Brother Howard Knight when he was Grand Master were the only meetings held by Adelphoi Lodge outside their own quarters since the Lodge was constituted.

On November 2, 1945 the Lodge again resumed meetings in its own quarters on Mathewson Street.

On November 22, 1946 the Lodge held a Ladies' Night Dance which was well attended and proved so popular that the custom has been followed each year since.

On June 3, 1947 Adelphoi Lodge forwarded a citation suitably engrossed and embellished to the Masonic Lodges meeting in the Masonic Building at Bath, Somersetshire, England as a token of esteem for the fraternal courtesy and hospitality extended to our member, Francis H. Chafee and many members of the Craft serving in the armed forces of the United States stationed in their vicinity during World War II. This citation was duly acknowledged and is displayed in their Masonic Building.

On August 31, 1949 the lease of Adelphoi Hall on Mathewson Street expired and was not renewed because the brethren thought the increase in rent was unreasonable. Thus for the first time since it was instituted Adelphoi Lodge was without a home of its own.

Arrangements were made with Rising Sun Lodge -190 Taunton Avenue - East Providence for the use of their Lodge room for Adelphoi meetings until the Lodge shall determine upon permanent quarters.

The first meeting was held in Rising Sun Temple on October 4, 1949 and all meetings are still held there up to the date of this writing.

On November 1, 1949 the following committee was appointed to serve as a Joint Housing Committee with Adelphoi Association to consider a suitable home for Adelphoi that the members may again meet in a homelike atmosphere of friends and Brothers as established in the «Declaration of Purpose" by the founders of Adelphoi seventy-five years ago—Robert F. Eddy, Chairman; Sayles Gorham, Secretary; Herbert M. Sherwood; Alfred B. Lemon; Harvey S. Reynolds; Elwin T. Gammons.

On December 6, 1949 M: .W: .Past Grand Master Herbert A. Crowell was elected an Honorary Member of Adelphoi Lodge. For many years M.· .W.·. Brother Crowell had attended our meetings - graciously given assistance in the esoteric work and in many ways endeared himself to our membership. He was the second Brother ever to receive this honor from Ade1phoi Lodge and we hope he may be spared many years to enjoy our fraternal association.

In this history, with the exception of the officers when the Lodge was constituted, I have not mentioned the officers as duly elected each year; but as a matter of record I have in the appended pages provided a full list of all elective officers and their dates of service since Adelphoi Lodge was constituted. I have further arranged a list of all active members in both chronological and alphabetical order and a list of all deceased members with their dates of admission.

As of December 1950 there were 121 members of Adelphoi Lodge, the largest membership in its entire history.

To enumerate the many activities and disclose the ardent interest in the welfare of Adelphoi by its present active membership not only on the part of its officers and Past Masters - but by all the Brethren would be a task beyond my capabilities. I think they can be justly summed up in the word – ADELPHOI - a Society of Friends and Brothers.

I would like, however, to record that on many occasions various groups within the Lodge have made attractive and thoughtful gifts to Brothers in appreciation of efforts made to assist in the esoteric work of the degrees and to commemorate other occasions. Their kind and thoughtful gestures have been traditional within Adelphoi Lodge.

As this historic summary is being written, our country is dangerously near the possibility of a Third World War. Already our armed forces have been actively engaged in battle in Korea under the flag and direction of the United Nations. Whatever the future may hold in world horror and devastation Adelphoi Lodge will in keeping with its tradition help, aid and assist our Country - our Neighbors and our Brethren in accordance with the tenets of our institution.

In conclusion I would like to record that in preparing this history it has been my hope that I could make it sufficiently interesting that future members might find time to read it and so perhaps in a measure absorb the fraternal relationship upon which the Lodge was founded. If I have been successful and at least in a measure recorded material which will enlighten succeeding generations with the spirit of Adelphoi as exemplified by its founders – then I can hope to meet the Grand Architect of the Universe with the feeling that I did something for the Craft .