Preface
This account of the life and times of Eureka Lodge No. 84, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons has been compiled as a part of the celebration of the Lodge's 125th anniversary. In selecting its title, we have avoided referring to it as a history, not because it would be inappropriate, but for its probable effect on some potential readers. The word "history" has, unfortunately for many, come to recall school days when it involved little more than committing to memory countless names, dates and places. History can be a fascinating subject when properly presented. Eureka's story certainly is, and this account lacks only the literary skill needed to do it justice.
A Masonic Lodge is a social organization, and as such, reflects the character and background of the community in which its members live and work. In addition to telling the story of the Lodge itself, we have tried to inject a bit of human interest by relating something about the men who have been its members, and also of the downeast coastal town in which it makes its home.
As Masonic lodges go, Eureka is not a large one, nor is it a famous or even a particularly outstanding one. Its story however should instill in its members a sense of pride and the satisfaction of knowing that it is a solid citizen in the Masonic community.
Fortunately there has been a wealth of material to draw upon in preparing this story. All the minute books of the Lodge have been preserved and have provided a primary source of information. In 18S8 the Grand Lodge of Maine instituted a requirement that each of its constituent lodges prepare a summary of its history every ten years. Eureka's summaries, especially the first one covering the formative years 1855-1870, have been invaluable. Early newspapers, several published local histories, and the recollections of "old-timers" have filled in many of the gaps. Unfortunately many still remain and will very likely never be filled. This has brought home the fact that much information that is commonplace and known to all today, will in the not too distant future, be lost and gone forever if not recorded while it is current.
The significance of the title of this account, "Fish, Ships and Quarry Chips" will soon become apparent to the reader. Seafaring and quarrying have been the mainstays of the St. George economy over the past century and a quarter, and this has been reflected in the occupations of Eureka's members. While quarrying has very nearly disappeared and the occupational base somewhat diversified in recent years, seafaring is still the largest single vocation of Eureka's members.
Some two years have been taken in the preparation of this story, and to do it justice and run down all the loose ends, at least another two would be required. Unfortunately the anniversary year is fast approaching, and time has run out.
We hope you will find this story as interesting to read as it has been in the writing.
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