CHAPTER XX
The Challenge of Changing Times.
Administrations of Raymond M. Rideout, Sr. (1962 and 1963), Wallace H. Campbell (1964 and 1965), M. Donald Gardner (1966 and 1967), and Harold L. Chute (1968 and 1969).
From the Masonic viewpoint, the period covered by this Chapter and in which we are still living presents a genuine paradox. On the one hand, it has been marked by able and effective leadership at the Grand Lodge level, by solid Masonic accomplishments, by an all-time high in attendance at our Grand Lodge sessions, by many manifestations of genuine Masonic enthusiasm and loyalty, and by many notable Masonic events. On the other hand, it has witnessed a small but persistent annual loss in membership. This condition is not peculiar to Maine, but is shared by a majority of our American Grand Lodges. Indeed, our Maine losses are, in proportion, much smaller than those of many sister Jurisdictions.
There are three obvious reasons for these losses—an unusually large number of deaths, a slight decline in the number of candidates, and a disturbing increase in the number of dimissions and suspensions for non-payment of dues. The first of these causes is easily explained. One of our largest membership groups, that composed of brethren who entered our Fraternity at the time of the first World War, has now reached a time of life at which deaths among its members naturally become more numerous. The other two causes, however, are largely the result of external conditions for which Freemasonry itself is in no way responsible.
We are now faced by the challenge of changing times. Our Country is passing through a period of great material prosperity, but it is also passing through a period of profound moral depression, of social upheaval, and of rapid and drastic change. Long-established and time-tested concepts of religion, morality, political philosophy and social behavior are now challenged by concepts which profess to be new but which are, in reality, only the exploded fallacies of by-gone centuries. A new generation of fools proclaims that God is dead and that the moral law has lost its force. In particular, a small but noisy minority of our young people is in open revolt against everything which preceding generations have regarded as decent and respectable.
Social evils, such as crime, immorality, divorce, illegitimacy, venereal disease, drug addiction, alcoholism, juvenile delinquency, vandalism, violence, disrespect for constituted authority, and wanton disregard for law and order, are all increasing at an alarming rate, and society seems incapable of coping with this problem. The very virtues which Freemasonry teaches and upon which our Country was founded are now regarded by many as outmoded and obsolete. Honor, duty, loyalty, reverence, chastity, sobriety, and even common honesty are objects of ridicule. Patriotism is derided. The very word "square" has become a term of reproach. Under such conditions, it is not at all surprising that Freemasonry, with its old-fashioned ideas of right and wrong and its dedication to the moral improvement of mankind, has apparently lost popularity in certain circles, that the number of candidates has declined, and that those of our nominal members who were carelessly admitted during our last great membership boom and who have never become Freemasons in anything but name are now deserting our ranks.
Our membership losses have caused natural concern to responsible Masonic leaders in Maine, but these leaders have not allowed themselves to become unduly alarmed or to entertain any doubts as to the future of our Fraternity. From their own experience and observation, they know that the heart of Maine Freemasonry is sound, that there is a hard core of loyal and devoted brethren which can be relied upon to carry on the work of our lodges, that desirable candidates in reasonably good numbers are still being received, and that Freemasonry in our State is very much alive. Maine's Foreign Correspondent, in the Foreword to his 1966 Report, used these words:
"Fortunately, Freemasonry does not need to be popular with the masses in order to survive. Our Fraternity is, and always has been, a highly selective society, limiting its membership to men of the highest quality, who already share its basic beliefs, who have proved their fitness for membership by living under the tongue of good report, and who can reasonably be expected to appreciate, to understand, and to profit by its teachings. There are still plenty of such men in our Country. The criminals, the perverts, and the traitors make the headlines, but the fact remains that there are still far more good people than bad, more honest men than knaves, more God-fearing men than atheists, more law-abiding citizens than criminals, and more patriotic Americans than traitors. It is from the ranks of these good people that Freemasonry will continue to draw its recruits. While Freemasonry remains true to its own fundamental principles, while it successfully resists all attempts to relax its traditional moral standards, and while it exercises due and proper care in the selection and training of its candidates, it has nothing to fear of the future."
* * * * * * * *
At this particular time in its history, Freemasonry also faces several problems of its own. The flight of better-class people from our great cities to the suburbs presents a real problem to the large down-town lodges in such cities, while the dwindling population in certain rural communities presents an equal problem to some of our small country lodges. Future consolidations appear to be inevitable. With people moving about the Country as never before, most of our lodges now find themselves with an ever-increasing number of non-resident members, with whom it is necessary to keep in touch if their interest and membership are to be retained. At the same time, a keener competition than ever before for the time, interest and attendance of our resident members now exists. With so many other activities now taking place, we can no longer expect our members to attend our meetings just because it happens to be "lodge night". The Master who provides a well-planned, well-presented and well-publicized program of activities can still expect a good attendance at his meetings, but we cannot expect our members to attend lodge merely to confirm the records of the last communication and to pay the current bills. With so many brethren now asking for dimits or becoming liable to suspension for non-payment of dues, a thorough investigation of each individual case, with personal contact wherever possible, becomes imperative, if unnecessary losses are to be prevented. Today, as in the past, the crying need of Freemasonry is for good leadership at the district and lodge levels.
Throughout the period covered by this Chapter, R. W. Harold S. Baker continued to render efficient service as the M.S.A. Field Agent at Togus. Our Grand Lodge continued its financial support of this program, and Bro. Baker received loyal co-operation and support from many of our Maine brethren. The lodges in the 11th Masonic District, assisted by volunteers from the Order of DeMolay, furnished an escort service for wheel-chair patients attending Sunday services at the Post Chapel. All Grand Masters have paid official visits to the hospital, visits which were much appreciated by our hospitalized brethren. Through the generosity of our Maine brethren, new television sets were placed in several of the wards, the brethren of the 6th District being particularly active in their support of this project.
Ritualistic instruction remained in good hands. R. W. M. Donald Gardner served as Grand Lecturer from 1962 to 1965, R. W. Aubrey H. Chase from 1965 to 1967, and R. W. Donald S. Smith from 1967 to the present time. All have carried on the fine tradition of service established by our former Grand Lecturers. In the past, Maine had never had a permanent Committee on Ritual or Board of Custodians, such as were common in other Jurisdictions. When needed, special committees had been appointed for a specific job, but the Grand Lecturer was the sole Custodian of the Work. While our Grand Lecturers served for many consecutive years, this arrangement had worked well. The more frequent changes taking place in recent years led many to feel that a permanent committee was now desirable. Accordingly, a standing Committee on Ritual was authorized and appointed. At present, this committee is composed entirely of Past Grand Lecturers, and M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., serves with distinction as its Chairman. This Committee is specifically "charged with the Preservation of the Ritual and the perpetuation and continuity of accurate interpretation".
For the past twenty years or more, the custom of holding formal receptions to honor ranking Grand Lodge officers has been gradually becoming popular in this State, and is now quite the accepted and expected thing. Some of these "receptions" are simple and informal parties, but some, especially those held in our larger cities, are often truly brilliant social events.
Before the close of the period covered by this chapter, the impact of such government programs as social security, old-age assistance, mothers aid and medicare had begun to be felt by our Fraternity. There was a noticeable decline in the number of calls being made upon individual lodges and upon the Grand Lodge Charity Fund for the financial relief of distressed brethren and their dependents. There were still, as there always will be, many cases in which nothing can take the place of Masonic charity, but the number of such cases was now smaller than it would have been at an earlier time.
Raymond M. Rideout, Seventieth Grand Master
M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., the proprietor of wholesale and retail oil companies in Augusta, became Grand Master in 1962. He was one of our most vigorous and forceful Grand Masters, and his administration was an outstanding success. He was in great demand as a speaker, both within and without his own Jurisdiction. He spoke at the Grand Masters Conference, responded to the welcome extended to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association by the Grand Master of Virginia, addressed several Grand Lodge sessions, spoke to lodges in Delaware and Massachusetts, and delivered an address at one of the official schools of instruction in Virginia.
The Grand Lodge of Maine was host to the seventh annual Northeast Conference on Masonic Education and Libraries, held in Portland on June 29-30, 1962. Twelve Jurisdictions participated in this Conference. Sessions were held in the Armory of the Portland Masonic Temple. M. W. Paul L. Powers presided on June 29, R. W. Earle D. Webster on June 30. The address of welcome, which sounded the keynote of the Conference, was delivered by M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., Grand Master of Masons in Maine. Reports were made by heads of all participating delegations. Prepared papers were presented by M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank of Maine, R. W. Earl W. Taylor of Massachusetts, R. W. James R. Case of Connecticut, M. W. Ralph J. Pollard of Maine, M. W. Conrad Hahn of Connecticut and the M.S.A., and Wor. Allen E. Roberts of Virginia, the distinguished author of "House Undivided". A feature of this Conference which will be long remembered by our out-of-state visitors was the old-fashioned Down East clam and lobster bake, served at the South Freeport Yacht Club by members of Freeport Lodge, No. 23, under the personal supervision of M. W. Paul L. Powers. Our Grand Secretary is to be highly commended for the promptness and efficiency with which the proceedings of this Conference were published.
Under the direction of Grand Master Rideout, an official "Guide for Masters and Wardens" was prepared by M. W. Bro. Ralph J. Pollard, Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service. This was published in the Fall of 1962, was distributed to the lodges, and was studied at meetings of Masters and Wardens Associations in many Districts.
The new forty-year service button was produced and made available for distribution. This beautiful button was designed by our Grand Treasurer, R. W. H. Norton Maxfield.
On October 6, 1962, officers from the ten lodges in our 15th Masonic District exemplified the Maine working of the Master Mason degree in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. Two bus loads of Maine Masons made this pilgrimage. Grand Master Rideout and Grand Lecturer M. Donald Gardner were among those present, and were highly pleased by the compliments paid to the excellent work done by the Maine brethren, the first group from our State to work in this great Temple. R. W. B. Warren Dodge, D.D.G.M., 15th District, was largely responsible for the organization and success of this pilgrimage.
In the course of his administration, M. W. Bro. Rideout held four Unity Conferences, attended by representative leaders from all bodies of the York and Scottish Rites of Freemasonry and from the two Shrine Temples in Maine. At these Conferences, matters of mutual interest to the several bodies and for the common good of Freemasonry were discussed.
One of Bro. Rideout's primary objectives was to make the Freemasons of Maine aware of the threat of international Communism, both to our Country and to our Fraternity. He urged the brethren to read the books on this subject written by Ill. Bro. J. Edgar Hoover, 33°, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The film "Hollywood's Answer to Communism" and documentary films on this subject furnished by the Army through the Adjutant General's Department where shown at the Area Meetings conducted by the Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service and at many other Masonic gatherings throughout the State. Bro. Ray C. Ellis, of Island Lodge, No. 89, who had served our Government in the Soviet Union, spoke on several occasions.
The Grand Master appointed a special advisory Committee on Public Relations, composed of professionals in the several news media. This committee was represented at official Area and District Meetings, and gave the lodges good advice as to how newsworthy Masonic activities might be brought to the attention of the public.
A special Committee on DeMolay, headed by M. W. Paul L. Powers, worked closely with Bro. Robert S. Gass, Executive Officer of the Order of DeMolay in Maine, to promote the interests of that organization in our State. A color film on DeMolay was shown at one of the Unity Conferences and at many other Masonic gatherings.
A bill exempting Masonic and other fraternal property used exclusively for fraternal purposes from taxation was enacted by the Maine Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Reed. Our Grand Master appeared before the legislative committee considering this measure and spoke in favor of its adoption.
Maine Masons were happy to participate in "Operation Handclasp", the project designed to collect used text-books for use in the schools of the Philippines. Through the courtesy of the Adjutant General, these books were picked up at National Guard Armories throughout the State and transported to the Naval Air Station at Brunswick, from which point the U. S. Navy supervised their transportation to the Philippines. More than ten tons of books were collected by our lodges. For its participation in this project, our Grand Lodge received a plaque of appreciation from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.
Our Blood Bank program, now under the General Chairmanship of R. W. Gilbert R. Chadbourne, continued to render invaluable service to brethren and their families. In this two year period, 2,177 pints of blood were donated. A new donor pin, in the form of a gallon jug, was adopted for presentation to brethren giving that amount of blood.
At this time, our Country was observing the centennial of the American Civil War, and incidents of that war were discussed at many of the Masonic educational meetings held in our State. Outstanding among such meetings was that held on April 16, 1963, by United Lodge, No. 8, Brunswick, honoring the memory of Maine's great hero of that conflict, Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who was a member of United Lodge for fifty-two years. A record crowd filled the lodge room. A fine bust of General Chamberlain adorned the Secretary's desk. Bro. John Gould, the distinguished Maine author, presided. M. W. Edward W. Wheeler, our senior Past Grand Master, was in attendance and presented the Governor. His Excellency, Wor. Bro. John H. Reed, Governor of the State of Maine, delivered a scholarly address dealing with Bro. Chamberlain's services as Governor of Maine and as Commanding General of the State Militia at the time of the famous "disputed election". Bro. Philip S. Wilder, Assistant to the President of Bowdoin College, discussed Bro. Chamberlain's work as an educator and paid tribute to his services as President of Bowdoin. M. W. Bro. and Captain Ralph J. Pollard spoke of Bro. Chamberlain's military record in the American Civil War. R. W. Bro. Wallace H. Campbell, Deputy Grand Master, spoke for the Grand Lodge of Maine. This was most fitting, as both Bro. Campbell and Wor. Bro. Reed are Past Masters of Eastern Frontier Lodge, No. 112, at Fort Fairfield. R. W. Aubrey H. Chase and the officers of United Lodge are to be congratulated on the success of this meeting.
We feel that Bro. Chamberlain's record is worthy of incorporation in this history. As Colonel of the famous 20th Maine Infantry, he prevented the Union left at Gettysburg from being turned, thus deciding the final result of that great battle. For his valor on this occasion he received our Country's highest decoration, "The Medal of Honor" The next year, he was promoted on the battlefield to the grade of Brigadier General by General Grant himself. He was later brevetted Major General for his gallantry in action at the Battle of Quaker Road, and again distinguished himself at Five Forks. At Appomattox, his division held the most advanced position in the Union lines. It was to him that the first Confederate flag of truce came, and it was through his lines that General Lee passed on his way to his historic meeting with Grant. General Chamberlain was designated to command the ceremonial formation at which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia was formally received. In a chivalrous gesture, which won the hearts of the South, he received the gallant enemy with a formal salute of arms. During the war, he had participated in twenty hard-fought battles and had been wounded on six occasions.
Several special communications of Grand Lodge were held. The cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple of Yorkshire Lodge, No. 179, North Berwick, was laid. The new Temple of Liberty Lodge, No. 111, Liberty, was dedicated. So were the Temples of Pownal Lodge, No. 119, Stockton Springs, Yorkshire Lodge, No. 179, North Berwick, and Felicity Lodge, No. 19, Bucksport. Pythagorean Lodge, No. 11, Fryeburg, celebrated its 160th anniversary, York Lodge, No. 22, Kennebunk, its 150th, and Eastern Frontier Lodge, No. 112, Fort Fairfield, and Pownal Lodge, No. 119, Stockton Springs, their centennials.
One of the outstanding educational programs of this administration originated in Rabboni Lodge, No. 150, Lewiston, under the direction of Wor. Bro. Arthur Griffiths. Known as the "Masonic College Bowl", this competitive quiz on Masonic knowledge and information was pattenred upon the popular G. E. College Bowl on television. R. W. Lewis T. Brown of our Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service was one of the sponsors of this program, which was later taken to other lodges and Districts.
One of our most illustrious members, M. W. Bro. and Hon. Edward W. Wheeler, our senior Past Grand Master and Chairman of our Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, passed to the Grand Lodge Above on November 1, 1963. One of the most distinguished members of the Maine Bar, he was Vice President of the Maine Central Railroad and General Counsel for the Maine Central and Boston and Maine Railroads. He had served as a State Senator, as a member of the Governor's Executive Council, and as Chairman of the Board of Prison Commissioners. In Freemasonry, he had also served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in Maine and as Grand Lieutenant Commander of the Northern Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Grand Master Rideout was among the many brethren attending his funeral. M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank, Grand Chaplain, was one of the officiating clergymen. The eulogy was delivered by Ill. George E. Bushnell, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Supreme Council.
At the close of this administration, seventy-three of our Maine lodges had become 100% contributors to the endowment fund of the Washington Memorial. The 14th Masonic District, of which R. W. Richard A. Agathos was District Deputy, became the first District to make 100% contributions.
Our Grand Lodge was represented on the Governor's Highway Safety Committee by Wor. Edward E. Haskell of Augusta.
The Grand Master, R. W. Wallace H. Campbell, R. W. Lewis T. Brown and R. W. Ray Littlefield represented our Grand Lodge at the Northeast Conference held in East Orange, New Jersey.
Our Speakers Bureau continued to be extremely active, more than 250 addresses being delivered in each year of Bro. Rideout's term.
For many years, our annual communication had extended over a three-day period, with morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday, an afternoon session on Wednesday, and a final morning session on Thursday. In 1963, a two-day schedule was adopted, with morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday and a concluding morning session on Wednesday. This change by Grand Lodge made it necessary for the other Grand Masonic Bodies to re-arrange their own schedules.
Since the dedication of the Portland Masonic Temple in 1912, our Grand Lodge sessions had been held in the stately Corinthian Hall, one of the most beautiful and impressive Masonic apartments in the entire Country. The place was now hallowed by the thronging memories of fifty years. However, attendance at Grand Lodge had so increased that Corinthian Hall could no longer accommodate the crowd. Accordingly, M. W. Bro. Rideout reluctantly moved our sessions to the Scottish Rite auditorium on the fourth floor of the Portland Temple. This great apartment had ample seating capacity, but it was not arranged in the traditional form of a lodge room, and much in the way of atmosphere was lost. No one really liked the change, but we were highly fortunate in having such a splendid Masonic apartment available. Moving here was far better than moving to a profane auditorium, as so many of our sister Grand Lodge; had been forced to do.
Fraternal recognition was extended to the new Grand Lodge of India, in 1963. In 1964. the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina was recognized. With deep regret, formal fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Cuba, were suspended, an action made necessary by the establishment of a Communist government in Cuba, our resultant inability to know what was going on in that Country, and growing doubts as to the continued sovereignty, independence and regularity of the Grand Lodge.
Wallace H. Campbell, Seventy-first Grand Master
M. W. Wallace H. Campbell, United States Postmaster at Fort Fairfield and a former officer in the Maine National Guard, succeeded to the Grand East in 1964. He had a happy and successful administration. He participated in the National Conferences both in 1965 and 1966, served on several committees, and witnessed the dedication of the new Scottish Rite room in the Washington Memorial containing memorabilia of Washington's time. At the Grand Masters' banquet, United States Senator Margaret Chase Smith was the honored guest of the Maine delegation, and received an enthusiastic welcome by the brethren. Bro. Campbell's longest out-of-state trip was that to the Grand Lodge of Idaho, where he was elected an Honorary Past Grand Master of that Grand Lodge and where he and the Grand Master of Idaho exchanged pleasantries as to the respective merits of Maine and Idaho potatoes! Grand Master John P. Halliwell of Idaho visited our Grand Lodge in 1966. Bro. Campbell's visitations in his own State included attendance at a Chapel Service at the Veterans Hospital at Togus and a visit to the Square and Compass Club at Loring Air Force Base.
Maine was represented at the ninth annual Northeast Conference, held in Concord, New Hampshire, by M. W. Wallace H. Campbell. M. W. Raymond M. Rideout. Sr.. R W. M. Donald Gardner, R W. Earle D. Webster, R. W. Lewis T. Brown, and R. W. Ray Littlefield. At the 1965 Conference, held in Washington, D. C., M. W. Raymond M. Rideout was our representative and was one of the speakers. A paper by M. W. Ralph J. Pollard was also read.
On October 24, 1964, M. W. Bro. Campbell had the great pleasure of laying the cornerstone of the new United States Post Office at Kingfield with Masonic rites. This was the first time in twenty-five years that the Grand Lodge of Maine had been privileged to lay the cornerstone of a public building. Grand Master Campbell also laid the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple of Warren Phillips Lodge, No. 186, Westbrook, and later dedicated the completed building.
The Grand Master presided over the consolidation of Reliance Lodge, No. 145, Stonington, with Marine Lodge, No. 122, Deer Isle. This was the first consolidation to take place in twenty-five years.
The lodges in the 1st Masonic District held a joint St. John's Day Service in 1964. A motor caravan formed at Houlton and picked up additional vehicles as it proceeded northward to Fort Kent, where the joint service was held, with a Past Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick as the guest preacher.
Several important anniversaries were celebrated in Bro. Campbell's administration. Hancock Lodge. No. 4, Castine, observed its 170th birthday. Freeport Lodge, No. 23, Freeport, held an outstanding sesqui-centennial celebration, with M. W. Bro. A. Neill Osgood, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, as the principal speaker. Phoenix Lodge, No. 24, Belfast, observed its 150th anniversary by a year-long program, including several outstanding meetings of various types. Greenleaf Lodge, No. 117, Cornish, and Drummond Lodge, No. 118, North Parsonsfield, held a joint centennial celebration at Cornish. R. W. Earle D. Webster, a member of Greenleaf Lodge, was largely responsible for the success of this affair. Our Grand Master was pleased to welcome M. W. George B. Ward, Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire, who was accompanied by one of his Grand Stewards, Bro. Sherman D. Parsons, the oldest living Freemason in the world, then 102 years of age. An historical address, telling of the lives of Simon Greenleaf and Josiah H. Drummond, was delivered by M. W. Ralph J. Pollard. Centennial celebrations were also held by Marine Lodge, No. 122, Deer Isle, Trinity Lodge, No. 130, Presque Isle, and Asylum Lodge, No. 133, Wayne.
M. W. Dwight L. Smith, distinguished Masonic author, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, writer of the Indiana Correspondence Report and editor of "The Indiana Freemason", was the banquet speaker at our 1965 communication. He was decorated with our Drummond Medal by Grand Master Campbell.
At this communication, fraternal recognition was extended to the new Grand Lodge of Belgium. With his 1965 report, M. W. Bro. Pollard completed twenty years of service as Chairman of our Committee on Foreign Correspondence. He mentioned this fact in his Foreword, from which we quote:
"For the last twenty years, we have consistently refused to recommend the recognition of any applicant body whose past conduct has been such as to bring the good name of Freemasonry into disrepute; which does not now live under the tongue of good report; whose own interpretation of the Ancient Landmarks is, in the slightest degree, evasive, ambiguous or equivocal; or which remains in amity with any of those apostate groups which have ceased to require a belief in God or to display the Holy Bible upon their altars. As we enter upon our third decade of service, we pledge a continued adherence to this policy. It will be our aim to make sure that no embarrassment comes to the Grand Lodge of Maine through negligence, haste or gullibility on our part, and that the solemn seal of its official approval is never set upon any concept or interpretation of Freemasonry less regular and worthy than its own."
On May 19, 1965, M. W. and Rev. David L. Wilson, L.H.D., the Dean of our Past Grand Masters and Grand Chaplains, was called to the Grand Lodge Above after a lifetime of distinguished service in the Christian Ministry. Many Masonic dignitaries attended his funeral at Bath, including a uniformed detachment of Knights Templar. His memorial in Grand Lodge was presented by M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank, Grand Chaplain. Dr. Wilson was also a Past Grand High Priest of our Grand Chapter, a Past Grand Master of our Grand Council, a Past Grand Commander of our Grand Commandery, and a former Chaplain of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar for the United States of America. His passing was mourned throughout the Masonic world.
The Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service was active throughout this administration. New editions of our official candidate booklets and of the "Guide for Masters and Wardens" were published. Publication of our official bulletin "The Wayfarer" was continued. Six Area Meetings were held in 1964, five in 1965. The outstanding patriotic and educational Masonic film "In the Hearts of Men", produced by the Southern Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, was widely shown at Area and District Meetings and at other Masonic gatherings throughout the State. Some 320 educational addresses were delivered by members of our Speakers Bureau. While visiting in Australia, M. W. Paul L. Powers addressed a joint meeting of lodges in Sydney, New South Wales. Several of our District Representatives were doing an exceptionally fine job at this time, foremost among them being R. W. Elmer J. Russell of the 13th District, whose good work won for him an award of our Simon Greenleaf Medal.
The first of the new gallon-jug lapel buttons awarded under our blood-donor program was presented to Bro. Norman Mee, of Day Spring Lodge, No. 107, West Newfield. In this administration, 2,170 pints of blood were donated. R. W. Gilbert R. Chadbourne remained at the head of this program.
On February 3, 1966, the Grand Master attended the reception tendered to R. W. Lewman B. Soper by Meridian Splendor Lodge, No. 49, Newport, on the occasion of his retirement after fifty-two years of consecutive service as Secretary of that lodge.
A special Committee on Communism, headed by M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., continued to warn the brethren against the threat of Communism, and to show the Grand Lodge film on this subject at Masonic gatherings and before other interested groups.
Our Grand Lodge and Grand Master were officially represented at the Annual Konvent of the United Grand Lodges of Germany, held in West Berlin on September 26-27, 1964, by Bro. Stewart M. L. Pollard, who was then serving at Headquarters, United States Army in Europe, at Heidelberg. This was the first time in history that our Grand Lodge had been represented at a Grand Lodge communication on the Continent of Europe. While stationed in Germany, Bro. Pollard had acquired dual membership in Alt Heidelberg Lodge, No. 821, which he served as Worshipful Master. For his work in promoting fraternal relations with the old German-speaking lodges, he was created an Honorary Past Master of Ruprecht zu den funf Rosen Lodge, No. 372, in Heidelberg, and an Honorary Member of the venerable Carl zur Eintracht Lodge, No. 31, in Mannheim. Wor. Bro. Pollard was present at our 1966 communication, and reported on his assignment as Bro. Campbell's representative in Germany.
In 1966, we were again honored by the presence of His Excellency, Wor. Bro. John H. Reed, Governor of the State of Maine, at our Grand Lodge session. He addressed the brethren, and presented Maine sea chests to two of our out-of-state visitors. A framed replica of the Great Seal of the State of Maine was presented to Grand Master Campbell, who then invested Wor. Bro. Reed with our Simon Greenleaf Medal. As previously mentioned, Bros. Campbell and Reed are both Past Masters of Eastern Frontier Lodge, No. 112, Fort Fairfield.
At this time, Bro. Reed had served as Governor for a longer time than any other individual in the history of our State. At this point, we think it appropriate to include in this history a revised and up-to-date list of the Masonic brethren who have served as Chief Executive of our State:
| William King | Llewellyn Powers |
| William D. Williamson | John P. Hill |
| Albion K. Parris | Bert M. Fernald |
| Nathan Cutter | Frederick W. Plaisted |
| Jonathan G. Huntoon | William T. Haines |
| Robert P. Dunlap | Oakley C. Curtis |
| William J. Crosby | Frederick H. Parkhurst |
| Samuel Wells | Ralph Owen Brewster |
| Joshua L. Chamberlain | William Tudor Gardiner |
| Sidney Perham | Lewis O. Barrows |
| Nelson Dingley, Jr. | Sumner Sewall |
| Daniel F. Davis | Horace A. Hildreth |
| Harris M. Plaisted | Burton M. Cross |
| Frederick Robie | Clinton A. Clauson |
| S. S. Marble | John H. Reed |
| Edwin C. Burleigh |
A happy solution for the problem of accommodations at our Grand Lodge sessions had been found. On Tuesdays, when the attendance was greatest, sessions were held in the Scottish Rite auditorium, but the Wednesday morning session, at which officers for the ensuing year were installed, returned to the well-loved environment of Corinthian Hall.
M. Donald Gardner, Seventy-second Grand Master
M. W. M. Donald Gardner, a Portland attorney and an officer in the United States Navy during World War II, succeeded to the Grand Mastership in 1966. His installation was particularly impressive, as the installing officer, M. W. Clark D. Chapman, was his own father-in-law. He was a very busy man. During part of his term as Grand Master, he also served as Thrice Potent Master of Yates Lodge of Perfection and as Commander-in-Chief of Maine Consistory, A.A.S.R. He presided over one of the panel discussions at the Grand Masters' Conference in 1967, and became a member of the Commission on Information for Recognition sponsored by that Conference. He lectured on the subject of Masonic Jurisprudence at the New Hampshire College for Masonic Knowledge. His many out-of-state visitations included attendance at the colorful centennial observance of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.
The outstanding event in his administration was his presence at the Especial Grand Lodge held in the Royal Albert Hall in London on June 27, 1967, at which the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the first Grand Lodge in 1717 was observed, and at which His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was installed and enthroned as the new Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. A formal resolution of congratulations from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maine was presented to the Mother Grand Lodge at this time. While in England, M. W. Bro. Gardner also attended meetings of a Provincial Grand Lodge and of a private lodge, at which he witnessed the English working of the Fellow Craft degree.
Bro. Gardner reverted to the custom of holding official District Meetings, fifteen such meetings being held in each year of his administration. At these meetings, the Grand Master was always the principal speaker, but the remainder of the program was arranged locally by the D.D.G.M. and the resident Representative of the Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service in that District. Programs were diverse, including other speakers, degree work, the presentation of service and blood donor awards, re-obligation nights, the showing of Masonic films, the presentation of Masonic plays, and the rendition of musical numbers, both vocal and instrumental.
In 1966, M. W. Raymond M. Rideout represented Maine at the Northeast Conference held in Warwick, Rhode Island. At the Baltimore Conference in 1967, we were represented by R. W. Raymond M. Rideout and Wor. John S. Turner.
Grand Master Gardner took prompt steps to prevent the holding of lotteries by certain associated groups meeting in Masonic Temples. He also ruled against the holding of so-called Table Lodges in Maine, because of a possible conflict with our Maine law against intoxicating beverages. He took a strong stand against the solicitation of candidates, either for Masonic membership or for the acquisition of additional degrees, particularly where such solicitation is made within the precincts of a Masonic Temple and while the man solicited for the additional degrees is still a candidate.
Bro. Gardner participated in a special inter-faith Chapel Service held at the U.S.V.A. Center at Togus as part of the centennial observance of that Facility. He also attended an inter-faith "Day of Brotherhood" at Caribou, at which a Methodist Bishop was the principal speaker.
The guest speaker at our Grand Lodge banquet in 1967 was Ill. Bro. George A. Newbury, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Bro. Newbury also addressed our Grand Lodge session, and was decorated by M. W. Bro. Gardner with our Josiah Hayden Drummond Medal.
During our Grand Lodge session in 1967, a Masonic program was presented on the educational television station on Channel 10. This consisted of a previously taped introductory address by Grand Master Gardner and a showing of the Southern Supreme Council film "In the Hearts of Men". Television sets in Grand Lodge enabled the brethren to see and hear this program.
Legislation was adopted permitting our Maine lodges to confer a degree upon one of their own candidates when paying a fraternal visit to another Maine lodge.
Four special communications of Grand Lodge were held. Cornerstones were laid for the new Masonic Temples of United Lodge, No. 8, Brunswick, and Fraternal Lodge, No. 55, Alfred. These buildings were also dedicated, as were the new Temples of Washburn Lodge, No. 143, Washburn, and York Lodge, No. 22, Kennebunk.
The year-long sesqui-centennial observance of Phoenix Lodge, No. 24, Belfast, continued into this administration. Temple Lodge, No. 25, Winthrop, also held its sesqui-centennial celebration. Interesting centennial programs were presented by Presumpscot Lodge, No. 127, North Windham; Mount Tir'em Lodge, No. 132, Waterford; Riverside Lodge, No. 135, Jefferson; Kenduskeag Lodge, No. 137, Kenduskeag; Lewy's Island Lodge, No. 138, Princeton; Archon Lodge, No. 75 (formerly No. 139 before its consolidation with Plymouth Lodge, No. 75) East Dixmont; and Augusta Lodge, No. 141, Augusta. At the Augusta meeting, a third bronze star for his Veterans Medal, indicating more than sixty-five years of service to the Craft, was presented to M. W. Bro. George F. Giddings.
Our Speakers Bureau continued to be of service. The Grand Master was, of course, our most active speaker, telling of his visit to the United Grand Lodge of England. He spoke on this subject at the annual picnic of the Maine District Deputies' Association and at the Maine banquet held in connection with the Supreme Council session in Pittsburgh. M. W. Paul L. Powers showed slides and told of his recent trip around the world on many occasions. Other active speakers included M. W. Aubrey L. Burbank, M. W. Carroll W. Keene, M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, M. W. Ralph J. Pollard. R. W. Harold L. Chute, R. W. Emery L. Scribner, Jr., R. W. Elmer J. Russell, and Wor. Stewart M. L. Pollard.
Early in this administration, M. W. Bro. Pollard published a new booklet, entitled "Our Heritage of Valor", and dealing with the part played by Freemasons in the military history of the United States. Widely circulated, this booklet received much favorable comment in both military and Masonic circles.
The Masonic Service Association's "Short Talk Bulletin" for September of 1967 was written by Wor. Walter M. Callaway, Jr., a member of the Educational and Historical Commission of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Entitled "The Captain and His Lady", this bulletin was Bro. Callaway's personal tribute to M. W. Bro. and Mrs. Ralph J. Pollard of Maine. Bro. Callaway visited our State and spoke at the annual Ralph J. Pollard Night at Orrington. Grand Master Gardner, accompanied by a distinguished suite of past and present Grand Lodge officers, honored this meeting by his presence.
M. W. Bro. Gardner had the great pleasure of seeing his own son installed as Master Councilor of Forest City Chapter, Order of DeMolay. The young man's distinguished grandfathier, M. W. Clark D. Chapman, was also present at his installation.
It also gave our Grand Master a great deal of pleasure when he presented a fifty-year Veterans Medal to our distinguished Grand Treasurer, R. W. Bro. H. Norton Maxfield. This presentation was made in Deering Lodge, No. 183, Portland.
The following telling quotation is made from the Annual Address delivered by M. W. Bro. Gardner in 1968:
"While we are met here in peace, harmony and good fellowship, we cannot be insensitive to the restless, disquieting disturbances and protestations in the world about us. In this kind of world, Freemasonry has an important role, even though our teachings appear to many, to be a bit old-fashioned. Deficiencies in human relations which have brought about our problems are a challenge to our Ancient Craft, dedicated as it is, to the improvement of man's relationship to his fellow-man. Promoting the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, and standing firmly for an unswerving belief in God, loyalty to country and abiding faith in the dignity and worth of the individual, the message of Masonry is timeless."
During Bro. Gardner's term, our Maine brethren donated some 1,800 pints of blood. R. W. Duane E. Tracy now served this project as its General Chairman.
At the close of this administration, Maine contributions to the endowment fund of the Washington Memorial amounted to $35,095. Six Masonic Districts and 160 lodges had now made 100% contributions to this project.
At our 1968 communication fraternal recognition was extended to the Grand Lodges of Southern Africa and China.
For most of our history, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Maine had also served as Grand Secretary of our Grand Chapter, Secretary of Maine Council, Order of High Priesthood, Grand Recorder of our Grand Council, Grand Recorder of our Grand Commandery, and Secretary of Maine Council of Deliberation, A.A.S.R. This arrangement had worked well, and had been mutually advantageous to the several bodies concerned. It had certainly helped to promote a genuine Masonic Unity in our State, and had resulted in a close cooperation and understanding between the various branches of Freemasonry in Maine. However, with the passage of time, the work-load in the Grand Secretary's office had naturally increased. In 1966, the Committee on Condition of the Fraternity suggested that the time had come when the Grand Lodge needed the full-time services of its Grand Secretary. Grand Master Gardner referred this matter to a special study committee. This Committee, headed by M. W. Paul L. Powers, made an exhaustive study of practices prevailing in other Jurisdictions. In 1967, it submitted its report, recommending that the Grand Lodge henceforth require the exclusive services of its Grand Secretary, but that no change be made in the current year, so that the other bodies concerned might make an orderly adjustment of their own affairs. This recommendation was adopted. In 1968, a further delay for an additional year was voted.
Harold L. Chute, Seventy-third Grand Master
M. W. and Dr. Harold L. Chute, a Professor at the University of Maine and an internationally recognized authority in his own scientific field, was elected Grand Master in 1968. Very appropriately, he was installed by M. W. and Dr. Charles E. Crossland, also associated with the University of Maine for many years, and also, like Dr. Chute, a Past Master of Mechanics Lodge, No. 66, Orono. Shortly after his installation, M. W. Bro. Chute attended the great sesqui-centennial observance of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. He also visited the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, where he was decorated with the Erasmus James Philipps Medallion. As Dr. Chute was born in Canada, this honor was particularly pleasing to him.
The Northeast Conference for 1968 was held in Montpelier, Vermont. Our Grand Lodge was represented by M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., and R. W. Donald S. Smith.
Maine Freemasons have rendered loyal and devoted service during every war in our Country's history. They are still following this tradition during our present military operations in Vietnam. Some have made the supreme sacrifice, and have died on the field of honor. One of these brethren was Sergeant Charles O. Baker II, a career soldier in the Regular Army, who was killed in action on June 15, 1968. Bro. Baker was a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 180, South Portland, and a dual member of Hands Across the Main Lodge, No. 879, Kitzingen, Germany, which he had served for two terms as its Worshipful Master.
On June 21, M. W. Harold L. Chute, Grand Master of Masons in Maine, was the guest speaker at the 85th Annual Convocation of Maine Council of Deliberation, A.A.S.R., held in the Rockland Masonic Temple. His subject was "Masonic Unity". At this meeting, presided over by Ill. Donald S. Higgins, 33°, Deputy for Maine, the first DeMolay scholarship awarded by the Council was presented to David Meyers, Past Master Councilor of Orono Chapter, who is now preparing for the ministry.
As usual, many of our Maine lodges followed the goodly custom of observing St. John the Baptist's Day by attending Church in a body. On June 16, the lodges in the 13th Masonic District united in attending a special afternoon service in the new Centenary Methodist Church in Skowhegan, of which M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank is the Pastor. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and both Grand Wardens participated in the worship service.
The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and six Past Grand Masters from Maine and one from New Hampshire were among the many brethren and their ladies who assisted M. W. Bro. and Mrs. Ralph J. Pollard in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. This delightful affair was held in the Masonic Temple in Waldoboro. Grand Master Chute spoke, and a beautiful discourse on marriage was delivered by M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank.
On August 9, 1968, the famous degree team known as the Virginia Craftsmen visited Maine and presented the Virginia working of the Master Mason degree before an audience of more than 500 brethren. Our Grand Master was formally received in the impressive manner peculiar to Virginia, and was presented with a Virginia State Flag. A fine historical address, linking Maine and Virginia in their earliest Colonial days, was delivered by Grand Lecturer Donald S. Smith. Temple Lodge, No. 86, was host to this meeting, which was held in the new Westbrook High School.
The Grand Master, accompanied by more than twenty of his officers and their ladies, paid an official visit to the U.S.V.A. Center at Togus on September 20, 1968. They attended service in the Post Chapel, visited with hospitalized brethren and were taken on a conducted tour of the Facility by Field Agent Harold S. Baker.
The most important event in Grand Master Chute's administration was the establishment of the DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation. Bro. Chute held two conferences with the heads of other Masonic Bodies and of the two Shrine Temples in Maine, at which he unveiled his plans for such a foundation and secured their endorsement and support. On October 9, 1968, this Foundation was chartered by the State as a non-profit, non-stock, tax-exempt corporation. M. W. Harold L. Chute, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine, serves as President of this corporation; Ill. Donald S. Higgins, 33°, Deputy for Maine, A.A.S.R., as its Vice President; Bro. George F. Peabody as its Secretary; and R. W. Roger I. White, Deputy Grand Master, as its Treasurer. The Order of DeMolay and all sponsoring Masonic and affiliated groups are represented on the fifteen-man Board of Trustees. The purposes of this corporation are to implement and encourage educational, religious and charitable programs for the benefit of DeMolay and Youth in the State of Maine. Its initial goal is an endowment fund of at least $100,000, for which voluntary contributions from the Craft are now being received. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that gifts to the Foundation are proper income tax deductions.
The Grand Master held the usual schools for D.D.G.M.'s, one in Bangor and one in Portland. His twenty-two official District Meetings followed the pattern set in the previous administration. In all cases, the Grand Master was the principal speaker, but the remainder of the program was arranged locally by the D.D.G.M., the resident Representative of the Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service, and the host lodge. Some of these meetings were most interesting and successful.
On November 14, 1968, M. W. Bro. Chute had the great pleasure of presenting a Maine Veterans Medal to M. W. Charles E. Crossland in Mechanics Lodge, No. 66, Orono. Six Past Grand Masters paid tribute to Bro. Crossland's many services to the Craft. For this occasion, Bro. Crossland wore the white lambskin apron which had been presented to him on the night of his initiation.
To make intelligent plans for the future, M. W. Bro. Chute appointed a special Long-Range Planning Committee, with M. W. Charles E. Crossland as its Chairman, and M. W. Bros. Paul L. Powers, Carroll W. Keene, Raymond M. Rideout, St., and Leon M. Sanborn as members.
Several significant anniversaries have been observed in this administration. Adoniram Lodge, No. 27, Limington, and Northern Star Lodge, No. 28, North Anson, held sesqui-centennial celebrations, while Ocean Lodge, No. 142, Wells, and Evening Star Lodge, No. 147, Buckfield, have reported centennial observances. Rabboni Lodge, No. 150, Lewiston, is holding a year-long centennial celebration in 1969, with several meetings of various types. Ralph J. Pollard Lodge, No. 217, Orrington, held its twentieth birthday party in the Fall of 1968. M. W. Carroll W. Keene, the Grand Master who had issued the original dispensation for this lodge, was the principal speaker at this event.
Our Grand Master headed the Maine delegation which attended the National Conferences and which participated in the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Masonic Service Association of the United States. At the Grand Masters' banquet, the Hon. Peter N. Kyros, Member of Congress from the First Maine District, was a specially invited guest. Bro. Kyros is a member of Corner Stone Lodge, No. 216, Portland. Bro. Chute has also paid fraternal visits to the Grand Lodges of New Brunswick, New Hampshire, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.
Several outstanding meetings took place. On May 27, 1968, Euclid Lodge, No. 194, Madison, conferred the Master Mason degree upon the Rev. James W. Garner, Pastor of the Congregational Church. Wor. and Rev. Robert M. Mitchell, Grand Chaplain, presided during the first section, M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank, Grand Chaplain, during the second section. The Deputy Grand Master and both Grand Wardens participated in the work. On June 27, Aroostook Lodge, No. 197, Mars Hill, held its 62nd annual strawberry festival. Sixteen past and present Grand Lodge officers conferred the Master Mason degree. M. W. Wallace H. Campbell was in the East. On October 25, United Lodge, No. 8, Brunswick, held a meeting attended by 232 brethren, at which past and present Grand Lodge officers conferred the Mastor Mason degree. M. W. Paul L. Powers presided, and six Past Grand Masters participated in the work. Grand Master Chute presented a Simon Greenleaf Medal to Bro. and Dr. Maurice J. Dionne. On December 11, R. W. George W. Haskell received his fifty-year Veterans Medal in Monument Lodge, No. 96, Houlton. On March 25, 1969, Augusta Lodge, No. 141, held another in its long series of "Legislative Nights", at which stations and places were filled by members of the 104th Maine Legislature, then in session.
On April 18, 1969, Tremont Lodge, No. 77, and McKinley Lodge, No. 212, both located on Mt. Desert Island, were formally consolidated, the second consolidation to take place during the period covered by this chapter.
R. W. Bro. Sir Stanley Harley, Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maine near the United Grand Lodge of England, was the guest of honor at an outstanding District Meeting held in Westbrook on April 17, 1969. He was introduced by M. W. Bro. M. Donald Gardner, was welcomed by our Grand Master, and addressed the brethren. He witnessed the Maine working of the Master Mason degree, presented by a group of past and present Grand Lodge officers, with R. W. Charles R. Glassmire, D.D.G.M., in the East. Some 250 brethren were present to welcome Sir Stanley to our State.
At this meeting, a beautiful and unique Masonic clock, the handiwork of R. W. Leroy G. McCorison, P.D.D.G.M., 7th District, was presented to Grand Lodge by its creator and dedicated by him to M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., and R. W. Earle D. Webster. This gift was accepted by Grand Master Chute, and now stands in the Grand Lodge office in Portland.
The 150th annual communication of our Grand Lodge was attended by distinguished visitors from fifteen Jurisdictions. Our banquet speaker was M. W. and Ill. Albert P. Ruerat, 33°, Past Grand Master in Rhode Island, Grand Treasurer General of the Northern Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., and immediate Past Grand Master of the International Order of DeMolay. Our Josiah Hayden Drummond Medal was conferred upon him by Grand Master Chute. The Grand Master of Rhode Island and his entire staff of officers were present to see Bro. Ruerat receive this award.
R. W. Stewart M. L. Pollard was officially received in his new capacity as a Past Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of China, an honor conferred upon him by that body in recognition of distinguished services rendered to the Craft in China while serving in that Country with the American Military Assistance Advisory Group. He brought to his own Grand Lodge the personal greetings of M. W. Bro. and Lieutenant General Wego W. K. Chiang, Grand Master in China and son of President Chiang Kai Shek. Bro. Pollard is now a member of Ralph J. Pollard Lodge, No. 217, Orrington.
At this communication, legislation was adopted authorizing the appointment of not more than three assistants to our Grand Lecturer. The final termination of our Grand Secretary's services to other Masonic bodies was delayed for another year. The annual per capita tax was increased to $1.25.
M. W. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., and R. W. Donald S. Smith represented Maine at the Northeast Conference on Masonic Education and Libraries held in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 8-10, 1969.
Another break in the ranks of our Past Grand Masters occurred when M. W. George F. Giddings answered the call of the Supreme Grand Master. His funeral was held on June 13, 1969, in the First Universalist Church in Augusta, which he had formerly served as a Deacon. R. W. Roger I. White, Deputy Grand Master, officially represented Grand Master Chute, who was then absent from the State. At the time of his death, Bro. Giddings was in his ninety-fifth year and had been a Master Mason since 1900. He was still serving as a Trustee of our Grand Lodge Charity Fund, and as a member of the Committee on Doings of Grand Officers. He was also a Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Maine, Knights Templar. Memorial services were conducted by Augusta Lodge, No. 141.
Bro. Chute's second term, now in progress, will see a continuation of the fund-raising campaign on behalf of the DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation, the usual schools, District Meetings and fraternal visitations, an expanded program of ritualistic instruction, the holding of seminars for the instruction of lodge officers by the Committee on Masonic Education and Lodge Service, the first events in the observance of our Grand Lodge sesqui-centennial, including the publication of these additional chapters to our Grand Lodge History, and the formulation of final plans for the fitting celebration of this important milestone in the life of our Grand Lodge. This program is in charge of a special Sesqui-Centennial Committee, headed by M. W. Bros. M. Donald Gardner and Paul L. Powers.
On October 1, 1969, a Maine Freemason, Major General Roland M. Gleszer, United States Army, became Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, one of the Army's most important posts. Bro. Gleszer is a native of Brewer and a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 83, Bangor. He attended the University of Maine before entering the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1940. He has had a distinguished military career, including combat duty as a battalion commander in the European Theatre during World War II. He has since served as an instructor at both West Point and The Infantry School, has had a tour of duty with the Military Assistance Advisory Group to Saudi Arabia, and has served on the General Staff of the Army. He has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Maine, at which he delivered the commencement address in 1967.
One of our beloved Grand Chaplains, Wor. and Rev. M. Gerry Plummer, answered his Master's call on October 13, 1969.
The first event in our Grand Lodge's sesqui-centennial observance took place on October 14, 1969. This meeting, held in Corinthian Hall with Portland Lodge, No. 1, as host, saw a re-enactment of the historic convention of October 14, 1819, at which the formation of the Grand Lodge of Maine was decided upon. Brethren from the old lodges which had participated in the 1819 convention represented the original delegates.
>> Next Page