125^th ANNIVERSARY

In preparing this history, it is a great pity that the early records of this Lodge have been destroyed. But, since many of our earliest histories are based on traditions, so we must turn to tradition for much of this early history.

Grateful acknowledgments are here made to the following authorities for facts: The Town History; The Masonic article which was Written by Bro. Sewall Putnam, which is probably correct in all essential particulars; History of Benevolent Lodge #7 of Milford; Wor. Bro Charles H. Burns; our former Secretary, Wor. Bro. Warren P. Putnam; and our former Treasurer, Bro. Henry L. Emerson; Rev.

Bro. Eugene M. Grant; and the records of Bethel Lodge #24 of New Ipswich.

Probably the first Mason in Wilton, certainly the first Wilton man to take the degrees, of whom we have any record, was Deacon Bro. John Burton, who was raised in Benevolent Lodge in 1797, the year that Lodge was chartered. At his death on November 18, 1816, the first Masonic service in Wilton of which we have any account was the funeral of Deacon Bro. Burton. Rev. Bro. Thomas Beede preached the sermon at the meeting house and conducted the other customary services; then a procession was formed which, to the music of three or four clarionettes, two bassoons, a fife and a muffled drum, proceeded to the North Cemetery where the Masonic ceremonies were performed.

Rev. Bro. Thomas Beede, one of the earliest Masons in Wilton, was born in 1771, in Corning (now Freemont), NH. He graduated at Harvard in the class of 1798, and was Ordained and settled as pastor of the church at Wilton, March 2, 1803. He was a Mason before coming to Wilton. He taught school in Harvard, Mass., while preparing for the ministry, where he met his future bride, whom he married two years after his settlement in Wilton, With the parish making great preparations to celebrate the event.

On the day he was expected home with his bride, his people turned out upon a grand sleigh ride. They went as far as Amherst, where they took dinner at Bro. Curtis' Tavern; and when the young minister and his bride reached that town, on their way home from Harvard, they formed an escort of more than a hundred sleighs waiting to receive them.

The ministry of the Rev. Bro. Beede was very successful, and Covered a period of twenty-five years. For seven successive years, from 1818 to 1825, he was Chaplain of the Legislature. He was secretary of the Grand Lodge for many years, Master of Benevolent Lodge for three years, and one of the founders of Clinton Lodge, of which he was the first Master.

Two year's after the Masonic funeral of Deacon John Burton, the few Masons in Wilton, assisted by many Brothers from neighboring towns, made elaborate preparations to celebrate St. John's Day. This was the second Masonic demonstration in the town, eight years before Clinton Lodge was chartered. The exercises were opened with a large choir, a procession, an address in the church, and a dinner. The church was completely filled, and the celebration made a deep impression.

The following were the early Masons of Wilton as far as known: Deacon John Burton, Rev. Thomas Beede, Col. Jonathan Burton, Capt. John Burton, Joel Abbot, Esq., Dr. John Putnam, and John Dale.

In 1825, several machinists came to Wilton to set up the machinery in the old mill, of whom George Kinson, Ira Bliss, John A. Burnham, and Joseph Putnam were Masons.

During 1826, the following citizens of Wilton were made Masons in Benevolent Lodge: Asa Jones, Ephraim Brown, Moses Spalding, Charles Spalding, Joseph B. Howard, Elephalet Putnam, Abiel A Putnam, and Luther Dascomb. During the year 1826 and early 1827 the subject of organizing a Lodge in Wilton was vigorously discussed by the local Masons.

The first record found of any definite action is in the records of Benevolent Lodge, where, on April 9, 1827, this item appears: “Voted to grant the request of the petitioners from Wilton for a new Lodge at that place." A petition to the Grand Lodge for a Charter must, therefore, have been made prior to that date.

At the Annual Session of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire, in June, 1827, a charter was granted to organize a Lodge in Wilton, by the name and style of Clinton Lodge #52. The hall over the brick store at the Center, opposite the church, now [1952] owned by Bro. Charles B. Sullivan, was fitted up to accommodate the Lodge.

The Charter members of Clinton Lodge were:

• George Kinson

• Jacob Lovejoy

• Eliphalet Putnam

• Elijah Stockwell

• Thomas Beede

• Jonathan Burton

• Ephraim Brown

• John Dale

• Luther Dascomb

• Asa Jones

• Mose Spalding

• Joseph Wilson

Clinton Lodge was chartered June 13,1827, and held its first meeting September 5, 1827, in its new hall. At this meeting there were present:

• Thomas Beede, Worshipful Master

• Jonathan Burton, Secretary

• George Kinson, Senior Warden

• Elijah Stockwell, Junior Warden

• Abiel A. Putnam, Senior Deacon

• Charles Spalding, Junior Deacon

• John Dale, Treasurer

• Ephraim Brown, Tyler

There was no station of Marshal or Chaplain, as is customary today.

The first work done by the Lodge was at the stated communication January 2, 1828. The Candidates were Sewell Putnam, William Emerson, and Samuel King.

The Lodge continued to meet in this hall at the Center from 1827 to 1838. From that time, there was no regular meeting of the Lodge for a period of nineteen years. On June 13, 1843, the charter was declared forfeited by the Grand Lodge. During this dormant period the brethren in small groups met secretly at private houses to discuss the principles of the fraternity and renew their allegiance to each other and to the Craft.

An interesting document has recently been brought to light, out of the safe of Bethel Lodge, which has been presented to Clinton Lodge. This bears out the fact that at that time the Clinton Lodge was dormant. It is dated May 17, 1853, and is as follows:

"To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Bethel Lodge in New Ipswich: Brothers, By direction of the brethren who were former members of Clinton Lodge of free and accepted Masons in Wilton, we would respectfully present to you the Jewels and other furniture of our Lodge now in your possession, hoping that this small donation may be affectionately received by you, not for its intrinsic value, but as a token of the high estimation in which we hold your untiring exertions to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of our ancient and honorable fraternity,

Signed: Eliphalet Putnam

Joseph Wilson

Committee"

It is only an assumption, but there is nothing that states otherwise, and Bethel Lodge has not purchased any new jewels since, that the Officers of Bethel Lodge are still wearing the original jewels of Clinton Lodge. Needless to say, new collars have been added.

During this period of inactivity, the former members of Clinton Lodge stood shoulder to shoulder and true as steel to their Masonic obligations, ready to resume their former activities as a Lodge. As an example of the determination to be faithful to their sacred trust, it is worthy of mention that Jonathan Burton, the faithful Secretary when the Lodge closed for its long sleep, kept in sacred trust its records, and when the Lodge met for the first time under its renewed charter, he broke before the assembled brethren the multitude of seals with which he had fastened the strong cords which secured the many wrappings covering the book of records, and was ready to begin anew the duties of Secretary at the point where they had been broken off nine-teen years before. He had "kept the faith," he had been true to his trust, he had discharged his duty without fear or favor or hope of reward, with conscientious fidelity. This record, so precious to us, was destroyed in the great fire of December 2, 1874, a loss greatly to be deplored. Thus the official records of more than forty of our one hundred and twenty-five years are past recovery.

In April, 1857, the Charter was restored with the old name and number, and on June 4, 1857, the Lodge was reconstituted, reconsecrated, and the officers installed. Thus Clinton Lodge took on a new lease of life, and nothing has occurred since to break the harmony and faithfulness of the members. When the Lodge reassembled, it was in the village of East Wilton (now known as Wilton) in the old Newell Building on Main Street, occupied as a residence and also a general store.

The following year, the Second Congregational Society having erected a new chapel near their church (the building now owned by Bro. Fred E. Tuttle adjoining the Gregg Free Library) the Lodge moved into quarters prepared for them on the second floor. Ten years later this building was sold for a residence and the Congregational Society built their present two-story chapel and fitted up rooms on the second floor for Clinton Lodge. These quarters were occupied for three years.

A Royal Arch Chapter was organized (King Solomon Chapter) on November 6, 1868, and occupied the same quarters.

In 1870, Clinton Lodge and King Solomon Chapter moved into a new building erected by George W. Wallace on the Main street. They continued to meet there until the great fire of December 2, 1374, after which both bodies moved back to the chapel in their old quarters until the second building erected by George W. Wallace was completed in 1875. In this new building the two bodies continued to meet until January 21, 1881, when it was destroyed by fire. The Chapter was invited to move to Milford in the quarters occupied by Benevolent Lodge, and their move became permanent.

Clinton Lodge moved into the Congregational chapel for the third time, and remained there until the completion of the present Masonic Temple.

A few notes of interest copied from the available records of Clinton Lodge:

February 2, 1867. First records appear in a new book, seven years before the fire of 1874, which destroyed the old book. It might seem strange that of the two disastrous fires that Clinton Lodge experienced, neither one is mentioned in the records, although the records kept at that time are still intact. Probably it was because the secretaries recorded only the actual happenings of Lodge meetings. It can be seen from from the recorded that something happened, because at the following meetings there was action taken towards procuring new furniture and jewels. In order to find the dates and accounts of these fires it was necessary to refer to the town History.

On July 3, 1869 Clinton Lodge, attended the laying of the corner stone of the Milford Town Hall at the invitation of Benevolent Lodge.

January 13, 1881. "Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were approved, and a committee chosen to arrange for the annual party and officers were elected," in serene ignorance of the calamity which was again to wipe out all their Property within the week and leave them destitute. No word is recorded to indicate a fire.

June 9, 1881. "Voted thanks to Bro. Harriman for a donation of $6.00 towards the jewels. voted that a committee of one be chosen to procure a hall for Clinton Lodge. Voted that Bro. Wallace procure the furniture for the lodge."

January 25, 1885. Bro. Sewell Putnam read a paper of his early recollections of Clinton Lodge. “Voted to spread this address on the records and file the original." This "Recollection is the same as published in the Town History which would otherwise be lost. No one will question this item, ''Clinton Lodge within the 57 years of its existence has had probably as varied an experience as any Lodge in the State."

The Lodge appears to have prospered between 1889 and 1896, with quite a few candidates, and the Treasurer's report of 1892 showed a balance of 709.63 deposited in the Wilton Savings Bank.

On September 17, 1896, the following, communication from Wor. Bro. David A. Gregg of Nashua was read by Pro. David E. Proctor:

"Know all men by these presents, that I, David. A. Gregg of Nashua in the County of Hillsboro and the State of New Hampshire, give and make over to Clinton Lodge of Wilton in said County the sum of $9000.00 to have and hold the same to them and their successors and assigns: and I hereby appoint David E. Proctor, Daniel Cragin and Henry L. Emerson, all of said Wilton, a committee to take and hold the same with full power to expend the whole or any part of said sum in the erection of a building on a lot as said Lodge may provide according to plans and specifications of said Lodge in said Wilton, which is to be conveyed to said Lodge… and so forth.

David A. Gregg (ss)."

David E. Proctor read a resolution of acceptance and thanks to Wor. Bro. Gregg.

Next month, October 15, 1896, a communication from the heirs of the late Bro. Josiah Fleeman was presented and read:

"We the heirs of Josiah Fleeman M.D., late of Wilton, N.H., who for many years was a member of your Lodge, take pleasure in presenting to you in memory of him the enclosed deed of land for a Masonic building. May prosperity attend you always.

Cordially yours,

Candice K. Fleeman

Hattie E. Livesey

Frank B. Livesey."

Resolutions of thanks were adopted for the gift.

An item not in the records has been noticed by Masons visiting the Temple since its completion. Guests enter the Temple by d flight of winding stairs, consisting of three, five and seven steps. This picturesque arrangement came from the suggestive mind of the builder, Bro. Henry L. Emerson, and has been approved by the brethren.

On September 9, 1897, the Lodge held its first Stated Communication in the new Masonic Temple of Wilton. This being the first meeting of the Lodge in this beautiful Temple, the gift of our generous Wor. Bro. David A. Gregg, a goodly number attended.

December 2, 1897. "Thanks were voted to Mrs. Albert Beard for the gift of the altar as a memorial to her father who was an honored member of the Lodge. To Henry L. Emerson for the Treasurer's table and to Warren P. Putnam for the Secretary's table, and to all who have contributed to the furnishings of the Temple."

June 16, 1898. A special Communication of the Lodge was held at 10 A.M. for the purpose of dedicating the Temple. Following the dedication by the officers of the Grand Lodge, a procession of about 200 Masons was formed and marched to the Town Hall. War. Bro. George E. Bales gave an address of welcome. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. Bro. Charles R. Dutton. Address by Most Worshipful Grand Master John McLane. Address by His Excellency Governor George A. Ramsdell. Wor. Bro. Robert E. Cotton, in behalf of Clinton Lodge, Presented Wor. Bro. David A. Gregg a fine Past Master's Jewel. Bro. Gregg responded in a most feeling and pleasing manner. Oration by Wor. Bro Charles H. Burns. Singing by the Columbia Quartet of Boston. A banquest and party followed, to the great pleasure of all.

June 8, 1916. In recognition of the occasion of Wor. Bro. George H. Bales being elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, Bro. Bales was presented with a beautiful Past Master’s Jewel.

November 9, barely five months later, when the Lodge was in session, the death of our Most Worshipful Grand Master Bales was announced, and out of respect for his great worth and memory, it was voted to close the Lodge.

November 13, 1916. A Special Communication as held to attend the funeral of our Grand Master Bales. Over 400 relatives and friends were present to pay their last tribute. The Masonic Service was conducted by the Grand Lodge.

June 16, 1927. The Lodge celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Special Communication at the Temple followed by appropriate exercises at the Liberal Christian Church. There was an address by Most Worshipful Grand Master J. Melvin Dresser and an oration by Rt. Wor. Bro. Allen M. Wilson, and music by the Schubert Quartet of Boston.

October 25, 1939. Bro. William U. Adrian presented the Lodge with an indirect lighting system. Part of the installation and painting the sky effect on the ceiling was done by volunteer labor from the brethren. By means of certain switches, rheostats and three colors of bulbs, the Lodge Room may be brought from darkness with the rising sun to full light, and then begin to dim with the setting sun into darkness, when the stars may be seen overhead.

May 9, 1940. Mrs. Rena M. Holmes presented the Lodge with the Outside Emblem Illumination, in memory of her husband, Bro. Edgar Holmes.

March 10, 1949. Wor. Bro. Horace D. Stearns presented the Lodge with a projector and slides.

January 10, 1952. The Lodge voted to convey its real estate and building to the Maspnoc Temple Association, a non-profit corporation that was formed the year before for the express purpose of operating the Temple on a sound business basis. All Clinton Lodge members are members of the Association.

Over the period of the existence of Clinton Lodge, many of the influential citizens of the tom have been affiliated with the Lodge.

Historical Notes of Clinton Lodge, 1952-1977

During the past twenty-five years Clinton Lodge has continued its regular routine of admitting new members, calling on the sick and elderly, lending a helping hand to the brethren in distress, performing Masonic funeral services for our departed brothers, keeping in touch with our guests at the Masonic Home.

The annual pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Pines in recognition of St. John's Day has become an established event.

Presentations of twenty-five year membership pins and fifty year Veteran's Medals are continuing features of the Lodge. Several of the brothers have been awarded the Major General John Sullivan Medal for distinguished service in Masonry.

Clinton Lodge has been active in the district and Grand Lodge programs, where the exemplification of the work has been of the highest caliber.

On November 6, 1952 a joint communication of Clinton Lodge and Benevolent Lodge was held to celebrate the Bi-Centennial of George Washington' initiation as a Mason at Alexandria, Virginia, on November 4, 1752. The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master of Benevolent Lodge Wor. Bro. Leo Comoli. Following the invocation by Rev. Bro. John H. Wilson, an appropriate program was presented “On George Washington the Mason." The Lodge was closed by the Master of Clinton Lodge, Wor. Bro. Donald M. Maki.

Clinton Lodge had a telephone installed in October 1955.

A special gifts committee was established September 13, 1956 to lighten the duties of the Master.

Clinton Lodge and Charity Chapter jointly purchased a new organ in September 1957, which has been a valuable asset to both orders.

June 5, 1963 the Second District held visiting officers night with Clinton Lodge, the host Lodge. The Most Worshipful Grand Master George B. Ward and five members of the New Hampshire Grand Lodge were received. Clinton Lodge worked the first section while the officers of the second Masonic District were in charge of the second section. There were 131 members present which probably made this the largest local Masonic gathering since the Temple was dedicated in 1897.

March 12, 1964 a special 175th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was celebrated with Clinton Lodge #52, Bethel Lodge #24, Pacific Lodge #15 and Souhegan Lodge #67 participating.

August 29, 1964 Clinton Lodge entered a very fine float, depicting a Master Mason's Lodge, in the Wilton Old Home Day celebration. It received many favorable comments along the parade route.

November 12, 1964 the kitchen facilities were greatly improved by the addition of built-in cabinets, new counters and built-in electric ovens. These additions were made in co-operation with Charity Chapter O.E.S.

A Memorial Service for our late brother, Rt. Worshipful George Edward Bales, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, was held at the Temple November 18, 1964. The following Sunday his grave was decorated in the presence of several members of Clinton Lodge.

October 6, 1965 Clinton Lodge received the traveling Bible from Social Lodge #50 of Enfield, N.H. with appropriate ceremonies.

On October 11, 1965 Clinton Lodge conveyed the Bible to St. Andrews Lodge in Portsmouth, where it was presented in due form.

On October 13, 1966 Clinton Lodge hosted the White Mountain Priory as its contribution to DeMolay work. This marked "the first time ever," that the White Mountain Priory had worked outside a regularly scheduled Priory Conclave.

April 1567, three members of Clinton Lodge joined members of the Grand Lodge and other Masonic brothers under the direction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Herbert Kimball on a pilgrimage to the Grand Lodge of Virginia.

Wor. Bro. Arthur Dick was presented his twenty-five year pin by Worshipful Master Elmer C. Boutwell of Clinton Lodge at this meeting. Wor. Bro. Dick was one of the founders of Elmer Timberman Lodge Annandale, Virginia.

Dedication of a Bronze Plaque on June 9, 1968 at the Red House in Wilton Center marked a historical landmark for Clinton Lodge. The following inscription is noted:

"Clinton Lodge #52, F.& A.M. held as first. Masonic meeting in this building September 8, 1827. The first Master of Clinton Lodge was Rev. Thomas Beede. This plaque was dedicated June 9, 1968."

There were 19 Grand Lodge officers present for the dedication service.

October 19, 1968, New Hampshire hospitality was extended to several Masonic brethren of Elmer Timberman Lodge of Annandale, Virginia. High-lights of the trip included a tour of the area with visits at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, The Cathedral of the Pines and Parker Farms apple orchards. Bro. George Parker gave all the visitors bags of apples. Wor. Bro. Arthur Dick was among the guests.

October 1969, several members of Clinton Lodge were guests of Elmer Timberman Lodge of Annandale, Virginia.

By invitation of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, Clinton Lodge #52, F.& A.M., under the direction of Wor. Master Milan H. McGrath exemplified the E. A. Degree at the Semi-Annual Communication in a very outstanding manner, in November 1969.

April 9, 1970, Clinton Lodge received the Grand Lodge traveling Hour Glass along with the record of its travels from Bible Lodge #27, Goffstown. Clinton Lodge delivered the Hour Glass and record book to Washington Lodge in Manchester on the evening of April 15, 1970

In May 1971 Clinton Lodge authorized the purchase of a new carpet to cover the entire upstairs flooring of the Temple. This project was completed during the summer of 1971, with full payment made on September 8, 1971. This project was another goal attained by the efforts of many interested brethren and friends to whom Clinton Lodge is duly grateful.

During May 1972 Clinton Lodge was notified that it had exceeded the goal assigned it in the fund drive for the Grand Lodge Masonic Home Improvement Fund, by 30 per cent.

May 12, 1973 marked the first Table Lodge held by Clinton Lodge.

A sign was erected and illuminated by Clinton Lodge #52 in June 1973 to alert the public as to the location of the Temple.

September 1973 a report was made to the Lodge stating the benches and officers chairs had been reupholstered marking another step toward the completion of the restoration program.

Clinton Lodge received the Masonic traveling Liberty Bell on November 8, 1974 from Gideon Lodge #84 of Kingston. Bro. Hamilton S. Putnam, a former secretary of Clinton Lodge, gave an interesting historical lecture on the significance of the Liberty Bell. On November 15, 1974 Clinton Lodge took the Liberty Bell and record book to Bethel-Souhegan Lodge #24 where it was accepted with appropriate ceremony.

April 10, 1975 the Lodge voted to install new window shades; with this project finished in September 1975, the restoration program of the upstairs Lodge Rooms was completed, a job well done.

On September 17, 1975, Clinton Lodge officers exemplified the E. A. Degree at Rising Sun Lodge #39 in Nashua. The officers were dressed in colonial costumes for this degree as part of the Bi-Centennial Celebration.

April 9, 1976, Clinton Lodge officers as the Second Masonic District Bi-Centennial Degree Team exemplified the E. A. Degree in colonial costume at Social Friends Lodge #42 at Keene.

June 6, 1976 was celebrated in Wilton as the Bi-Centennial Anniversary. Clinton Lodge sponsored the 304th Regiment Pipe Band as its contribution to the celebration.

June 10, 1976-, a committee was appointed for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Clinton Lodge #52, F. & A.M.

June 13, 1976, officers of Clinton Lodge participated in a dedication and service of a new Message Center at the Main Street, United Methodist Church, Nashua. In 1867 Clinton Lodge #52 was present at the corner stone laying of this same church.

The Lodge acquired new Aprons and Jewels which were refinished late in 1976 and these were worn for the first time in January 1977. A fine case to store these furnishings was made and presented to the Lodge by Bro. Edward J. Kelvington.

Rt. Wor. Elmer G. Boutwell of Clinton Lodge was appointed Associate Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire in May 1977

June 18, 1977 Clinton Lodge celebrates the 150th Anniversary of its foundling , with members of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire participating; this being opened to the public, many guests were present for the Banquet and Program.

For many years Clinton Lodge has remembered the guests at the Home in Manchester, N.H. with gifts, entertainment and visits. New Hampshire Masonry is proud of its Masonic Home and Clinton Lodge is a part of it.

Clinton Lodge is justly proud of the Antique Masonic Apron that hangs in the Lodge room. This apron was the personal property of Capt. John Burton, the first known Wilton resident to become a Mason. He was a member of Benevolent Lodge. This apron has been passed down through the family over the years. Two of our brethren, the late Rt. Worshipful Bro. Roger E. Hopkins and Bro. Guy Burton Reynolds are direct descendants of Captain Burton.

As coauthors of this twenty-five years of recorded activities, we have tried to bring to this history a continuity of the highlights we have experienced through these past twenty-five years. Our apologies for any omissions or over-sights. Looking to the future, we have the utmost confidence that Clinton Lodge will continue to be a landmark in Masonry and the brethren who follow will maintain the highest principles of Masonry.

Lawrence S. Putnam, P.M., Historian

John G. Kinnvall, Assistant Historian