Proceedings of the Lodge 1856-1981
1856 The Lodge minute books do not show an entry for May, but Brother Codman in his history states "In May, the first election of Officers took place, which resulted in the choice of Brother S. H. Jackson, WM." He goes on to say:-
"June seventh, the Lodge with quite a number of visitors from abroad, who kindly volunteered their services, met for the purpose of consecrating the hall and installing the first officers elected under the Charter."
The consecration ceremonies were conducted by M.W. John Miller, PGM, then District Deputy of the 4th District. The officers were then installed by M.W. Bro. Miller assisted by Brothers Sawyer and Sanborn, of Thomaston.
Brother Codman notes that the finances of the Lodge were in bad condition. It was with difficulty that bills were paid, and at one time he notes that members had to loan the Lodge "enough to meet the bill of a brother, which it would seem had been unduly pressed."
For the first time, a petitioner for the degrees was rejected. While early minutes of the Lodge do not mention by-laws, there must have been a set adopted, as on July 17, 1856 it was voted to amend them so as to hold stated communications every Thursday. A committee was elected "to visit the sick and attend to applications from worthy distressed Brothers, their widows and orphans."
Further evidence of the Lodge's poor financial condition is indicated by the entry of September 18, 1856, "Bills received and Treasurer instructed to settle same according to the best of his ability." The matter of the bill which was "unduly pressed" still remained unsettled evidently, as the minutes of January 10, 1857 show that the Treasurer "was chosen to visit Brother — and pay him what money was at the disposal of the Lodge, taking his receipt therefore." Later another installment of $12.50 (a loan from another member) was made, and it was several months before it was finally settled, an entry showing "the Treasurer was instructed to pay the balance on Bro —'s bill."
1857 The first official visit of the DDGM took place in April, when the Lodge's old friend M.W. John Miller was received with ceremony. "By order of the DD Grand Master, the Secretary read his authority, when he proceeded to examine the records of the Lodge and otherwise attended the duties assigned to him." In those days when communications were poor, District Deputies were authorized to grant dispensations, a practice now reserved to the Grand Master. On July 12, 1857, a dispensation was granted by DDGM Oliver Fernald to Eureka Lodge to elect and confer all three degrees on Joseph Kinney in the same evening. This was requested as Kinney was a mariner and was leaving on a voyage immediately. Brother Kinney never returned. He died on that same voyage, in Liverpool, England.
1858 Eureka's financial condition must have improved, as later in the year, a committee was appointed to "procure such articles of regalia and furniture as the Lodge is destitute of", and a member was instructed to procure materials to paper the Lodge room.
The Lodge voted to return the petition fee to the widow of a deceased Entered Apprentice, and also arranged for his body to be returned home from Savannah, where he had died.
1859 At the January 13, 18S9 communication, by-laws were ammended so as to hold the Annual Communication of the Lodge on the third Thursday in January. A committee was appointed to procure lamps, the old ones to be sold to Brother John H. Long for 20c. A committee was also appointed to "procure spitoons for the hall."
The first demit from the Lodge was granted, and the first member suspended for non-payment of dues. Both involved charter members.
1860 On the night of the annual communication, January 19, 1860 Brother Nathan Bachelder affiliated from Orient Lodge No. 15, Thomaston. On the same evening, he was elected Master of Eureka Lodge.
One of Maine's Masonic greats, M.W. Robert P. Dunlap, PMG died early in the year, and as a memorial, Eureka voted to close for two weeks.
The Lodge apparently was feeling growing pains, as a committee was formed to investigate "where lodge rooms will be most convenient, taking rent into consideration." On May 10th it was voted to move to rooms at Tenants Harbor. The move was made in September, to the third floor of the J.M. Fuller building on the waterfront in Tenants Harbor. (This building is now the East Wind Hotel) Dedication ceremonies were held on September 27th, conducted by WB E. B. Hinckley. Afterwards they "proceeded to the sail loft adjacent to the Lodge, where a supper was prepared by the ladies for the occasion."
The first request for a waiver of jurisdiction was received, from Orient Lodge. It was refused.
The foregoing account covers what might be called the formative years of Eureka Lodge. During that period, membership steadily increased from 14 charter members, to 32 in 1860. The Lodge met frequently, with 25 to 36 communications held each year, many of which were taken up with degree work. In spite of the many seafaring members who were often away at sea for long periods of time, interest and attendance at meetings was excellent, averaging better than 30% of membership.
1861 At the annual meeting on January 7th, Brother Henry C. Levensaler was elected to membership by affiliation, having demitted from Orient Lodge No. 15. He was elected Master of Eureka Lodge the same evening. This was the second consecutive year that a newly affiliated member from Orient Lodge was elected to the East.
The minutes of January 31 show that Stewards were appointed, for the first time. Installation of Officers was held on February 1st, conducted by R.W. Oliver J. Fernald, Grand Chaplain, of Thomaston. Afterwards all hands "proceeded to the sail loft below the hall...collation partaken with universal good feeling by all present."
On May 9th, word was received of the death of R.W. Bro. Fernald. Bro. Fernald was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 4th District, and was Grand Chaplain at the time of his death. He was well liked and had been a strong supporter of Eureka Lodge. The Lodge voted to attend his funeral and drape its furniture and jewels for 30 days in his memory. It was voted to publish a resolution in the Rockland Gazette and the Democrat and Free Press, with a copy to Brother Fernald's family.
Dresden Lodge U.D. was added to the Fourth Masonic District. The minutes of August 29 note that the "W.M. was chosen to write the history of this Lodge, in conformity to a vote passed by the Grand Lodge of Maine." Nothing came of this however, as the history was not published until 1870, with a different historian responsible for its preparation.
This was the beginning of a period of activity. The Lodge met 45 times during the year, with work about evenly divided between degree work, exemplifications and lectures.
1862 Membership was reported as 44 in 1862, and attendance was holding up well. The Civil War was underway by this time, but the only reference to it in the minutes, was a note "voted to exempt Bro. (Nathan) Bachelder from dues to this Lodge while he remains in the army."
The finances were evidently much improved as it was voted to loan a member $50, and considerable work was also done in improving the hall. Equipment purchased included carpet for the hall and ante room, changing lamps to kerosene, painting the winding stairs and "install a door and bell at the foot of the stairs to the Lodge room."
It was voted to meet only once a month during the Summer. Total number of communications held during the year was 29, and were evenly divided between business, degrees and lectures. Membership held at 44, but attendance was down somewhat.
1863 Activity increased sharply during this year. There were 48 communications held of which 27 were for degree work. Membership jumped from 44 to 61. Attendance was down somewhat, with business conducted at the April 16th stated communication with only four present. The Lodge attended funeral services in Rockland on May 24th, for Major General Hiram G. Berry.
1864 On June 2nd, it was voted to change the by-laws so as to hold stated communications on Thursday evenings on or before the full moon. Eureka thus became a "moon lodge.** Dues were reduced from $1.00 to 25c. 29 of 44 communications held this year were for degree work, and membership jumped to 74.
Brother Andrew Stover was buried with Masonic funeral services, on July 12th. Brother Stover died of wounds received during army service.
1865 Grand Lodge advised that there was "some surplus matter" in Eureka's by-laws. The DDGM did not visit Eureka because of "the weather being stormy." This was quite common in the years before Route 131 was surfaced. Evidently the going was pretty atrocious during the Winter and "mud season" over the dirt road.
While there is nothing to show it in the minute books, Brother Codman's history notes that on May 10th, it was voted to drape the Lodge regalia for 6 months in memory of late President Abraham Lincoln.
Minutes of June 8th note that "The case of — was introduced, objection having been made and persisted in to the W.M., who decided he could not confer the degree." Dues were again raised to $1.00.
1866 Since the stated communications were reduced in number to "full moon" schedule, the Lodge continued to meet almost as often as before, but in special rather than stated communications. A request was received from Alna Lodge for contributions to the "General Relief Fund" for sufferers from the Wiscasset fire.
The 37 meetings held during the year were about evenly divided between degree work and lectures. Attendance ranged from 8 to 22, down somewhat from previous years. Membership 82, up 5 from the year before.
1867 Grand Lodge instituted a re-districting, which put Eureka Lodge in the 9th District, which also included the following Lodges:
| 6- | Amity - Camden | 79- | Rockland - Rockland |
| 15- | Orient - Thomaston | 82- | St. Paul's - Rockport |
| 16- | St. George - Warren | 84- | Eureka - Tenants Harbor |
| 50- | Aurora - Rockland | 120- | Meduncook - Friendship |
| 59- | Mt. Hope - Hope |
At the stated communication of October 10th, five members requested and were given demits. (Some dissention??) Membership held at 82, with 15 of 34 communications devoted to degree work.
1868 On January 24, 1868, "formed in procession and marched to the meeting house where officers were publicly installed by R.W. E. E. Wortman, DDGM, and returned to the Hall for a "bountiful repast."
The DGM reported following his inspection, that he had "found the Lodge affairs in a very satisfactory and healthy condition. There has been considerable opposition manifested to the institution of Masonry by persons outside the Order in this town, but the members of the Lodge have kept on in the even tenor of their ways, careful in the choice of their work, and now number as its members the most respected among its citizens."
Moses Webster Lodge U.D. of Vinal Haven was added to the 9th District.
Attendance was down, which resulted in a committee appointed "to inquire into the non attendance of members." 28 communicatons held, only 4 for degree work. Average attendance was 11, out of a total membership of 86.
1869 Money was voted to widows of deceased members on two occasions. Some matter evidently arose about the jurisdiction of the Lodge, as it was voted to write Grand Lodge to inquire.
It was voted to pay a member 4c each for washing the aprons. The Lodge met 39 times during the year, mostly for lectures and exemplification of the work. Membership was up by 2 however, to 88. Attendance was still down, averaging 11 per meeting.
1870 For the first time, the minutes show that the Lodge applied to Grand Lodge for financial help for the widow of a deceased member.
Minutes of February 10th note "W.M. ordered Secretary to write the Grand Master to inquire who should bring a charge against an offending Brother." The reply was discussed and a Brother summoned to appear before the Lodge. He did, but evidently was exonerated as nothing further appears and he continued as a member.
Loans of Lodge funds were voted to three members, at 6% interest.
The Brother who had earlier "unduly pressed" for money owed him by the Lodge, was notified he was in arrears. Apparently he paid up as the Lodge later voted him a "dispensation" (demit?).
The decade came to a close with membership up to 90. 28 communications were held during the year, with only 4 for degree work. Attendance dropped to a new low, averaging only 10% of membership.
The District Deputy's report of his inspection of Eureka Lodge noted that the work was "well performed. A large portion of the members of the Lodge being at sea, its meetings are poorly attended... still there is a good degree of interest, harmony and brotherly love prevail... among my most interesting visits."
1871 A letter was received and is still in the Lodge files, from the Board of Relief in Portland, inquiring about a "man representing himself as -------, and holding a demit from your Lodge...He is a drunken beast, very persistant in his requests for aid, and in every way a 'dead beat'." (We've been unable to determine if this was Eureka's former member, or if the demit had come into other hands.)
For the first time, a Marshal appears on the list of Officers appointed. Bro. William S. Codman, JW was appointed to write the Lodge history for publication. He completed the job in short order, and the Lodge voted to have 300 copies printed, of which 200 were paid for by Brother John M. Fuller. A copy was presented to each member.
The Lodge rooms were cleaned up and the wood work varnished.
Membership was down by one, to 89. There were 31 communications held, with improved attendance. The minutes frequently indicate the Lodge was opened and/or closed "in due form, charge and/or prayer omitted..."
An entry dated December 21st shows the Lodge paid a bill "for provisions sent by order of the Charity Committee to the widow of our deceased brother —."
1872 It appears that they were in the habit of using abbreviated short form ritual on occasion, as the minutes frequently state that the "W.M. 'declared' a Lodge of Fellowcrafts open...closed Lodge omitting ceremonies, etc."
The Lodge voted to purchase a square, compass, trowel and plumb "for the use of the Lodge." 30 communications were held, with attendance slightly improved. Returns show membership up to 92.
1873 The Lodge was saddened at the sudden passing of Brother and Dr . William S. Codman, who died on January 13, 1873, only four days after his election as Senior Warden. Brother Codman was the compiler of the first History of Eureka Lodge, from its beginning to 1870. A memorial page appears in the Lodge minutes, for the first time. Dispensation was obtained to elect a new Senior Warden.
Minutes of March 13th note that it was "voted that the Treasurer pay interest on the Lodge funds that he may hold in his hands from time to time during his term of office, not required to be used by the Lodge." The rate of interest was later fixed at 6%.
The District Deputy Grand Master's report stated that "This Lodge is growing in strength, if not in wisdom (??) and has done a large amount of good work for the past year. . . Work is substantially correct, but not as perfect as it should be. . .Prosperity appears to follow them in their labors to promote the welfare of their fellow men."
Membership showed a sharp increase, from 92 to 104. There were 35 communications held, with 23 devoted to degree work.
1874 A busy but not a very eventful year. There were 29 communications devoted to degree work out of a total of 36. Minutes of the annual communication note that Brother John H. Long is to "build fires, tight the hall and keep it clean for the ensuing year, also furnish wood - all for $15 plus the cost of the wood!
The DDGM's report indicates that Eureka had the highest number of initiates of any Lodge in the District (20). Membership increased to 119, or 13%.
1875 Another largely routine but busy year. Procured a ritual from the Grand Lecturer for $12.00, also "a Bible and square and compasses to be used by the Lodge."
Money was voted to the widows of two deceased members. Brother John H. Long was made an Honorary member (the Lodge's first). Brother S. A. Wheeler was appointed to bring the Lodge History up to date.
Another increase in membership is shown, from 119 to 128. Of 36 communicatons held, 22 were devoted to conferral of degrees.
1876 "Voted 1/2 cord of wood be procured and fitted for the stove, also to be put under cover by the lowest bidder." (it was $4.50)
"Voted to purchase furniture (?) from the Good Templars ($6.75) and to procure 100 copies of the By-Laws." Brother W. Long was appointed to buy Past Master's regalia and apron. (First mention of these)
"Voted $10.00 to the widow of a deceased member. A committee was appointed to collect back dues.
A small increase in membership was shown, up to 130. The Lodge met 35 times during the year, with average attendance down somewhat, to 10.
1877 A washbowl and carpet was purchased for the ante room. Voted the Secretary $10.00 for his services. Upon receiving word of the death of a member in Scotland, investigation was made to see if he was a member of the "Mutual Relief Association of Rockland."
Minutes show an invitation was received to take part in a gala St. John's Day celebration and picnic, and to share with Orient Lodge the cost of engaging the Thomaston Band for the occasion. The Rockland Courier Gazette for June 28, 1877 devotes a quarter of a page to the affair, from which the following is taken: -
St. John's Day in Rockland
"The efforts of the Masonic Fraternity of Rockland to have a celebration of St. John's Day were crowned with success... and the gathering of the fraternity from the Ninth District was larger, if anything than was anticipated. Every Chapter and Lodge was represented handsomely .. . the day was a beautiful one ... so that the long march was rendered pleasant. The parade began at 11 AM and arrived at the picnic grove at 1 PM. Following rest and refreshment, the gathering listened to distinguished speakers including M. W. Josiah H. Drummond, PGM. They then formed and marched back to the Masonic Temple. The line of march is described as including four bands and contingents from three Royal Arch Chapters and ten Lodges, led by a 75 man escort from Claremont Commandery." Eureka Lodge was represented by 25 men led by Charles Crocker, WM and Whitney Long, Marshal.
Money was voted to the widow of a deceased member. There were 35 communications held during the year, with only 8 for degree work. Membership dropped to 125.
1878 Apparently the Lodge was beginning to feel her growing pains, as the public installation of officers was held in Centennial Hall.
Brother George K. Davis died from exposure after abandoning the wreck of the schooner FREDERICK FISH while crossing from Handkerchief Shoals to Nantucket. A further account will be found in the chapter "The Seafarers". His body was returned to St. George by Union Lodge of Nantucket, for which Eureka Lodge passed a resolution of appreciation. Masonic funeral services were held, and burial was in Seaside cemetery. A money donation was voted by the Lodge to his widow.
The Secretary's "salary" was increased to $15.00. The District Deputy's report notes that the depression and lack of work was hurting all the lodges of the District.
Membership remained unchanged, at 12S. Attendance was down at the 29 communications held however.
1879 There must have been a great deal of discussion at the annual communication of January 2nd, as it had to be continued on January 9th. Minutes of April 3rd note that a barrel of flour was voted for the widow of a deceased member.
It was voted to lone (sic) a member $500 at 6%, with two other members as signers.
The funeral expenses of a deceased member were paid by the Lodge. Installation of officers was again held in Centennial Hall.
Membership dropped to 120, and only 15 communications were held. Attendance averaged 8% of membership, the lowest in the history of the Lodge.
1880 Installation was held at Centennial Hall for the last time, as the hall burned down during the year following.
There were 19 communications held, but activity was at a rather low ebb and average attendance was only 9 members. Finances were also a problem, and an entire meeting was devoted to discussion of the matter.
The District Deputy however, reported that Eureka "maintains a high standing."
1881 This was another rather quiet year, with little of note happening. The minutes of March 24th indicate that "a protest was entered against the advancement of Mr. — to the degrees, by a brother in good standing."
Two Brothers from St. Andrew's Lodge of Scotland were received as visitors. Later minutes show that both served as officers pro-tem on several occasions.
The widow of a deceased member applied for assistance. A committee was appointed to investigate and later minutes show approval of a bill for a barrel of flour for her.
$10.00 was voted as a contribution for the relief of sufferers from the forest fires in Michigan, and $65.00 was loaned to Brother — for one year at 6% interest.
Membership was unchanged, at 120. 19 communications with average attendance the same as the previous year.
1882 Another quiet year, but the installation banquet must have been impressive, as the Secretary reported that after the ceremonies, the Brethren and ladies "repaired to the hall below where ample provision had been made by the committee, assisted by the ladies, to satisfy the wants of the inner man. After doing full justice to which, and spending awhile in social converse interspersed with music, the lodge was closed without ceremony and the brethren with their friends returned to their homes to dream the dreams of the just." (wow!)
A new stove was purchased for the lodge room ($6.92), and a member was voted $10.00 (sick and unable to work), and $20.00 to the widow of Brother — . It was also voted to loan Captain — $500.00.
The District Deputy did not visit the Lodge, due to "the horrid state of the roads."
Membership showed a sharp drop to 109, due primarily to a pruning of the rolls. 15 were suspended for non-payment of dues. Attendance continued to be poor.
1883 Activity appeared to be on the increase although membership dropped to 100, due partially to 6 suspensions NPD. Dues for several others were remitted.
21 communications were held, with 8 for degree conferral. One candidate was rejected because of physical disability.
Two hanging lamps were purchased. A Brother who had been assisted by the Lodge during the previous year, died, and his casket and funeral expenses were paid for by the Lodge.
A notice was received from Grand Lodge forbidding the use of printed rituals. A Bible and a cushion were purchased. The Finance Committee was instructed "to loan $500.00 on good and sufficient security", and later was voted power to loan $100.00 (additional?). Attendance at communications improved somewhat.
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