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As the years pass and the founders of Thomas Talbot Lodge are no longer with us, we
must depend upon the written word to tell us what went on before our time. Such is the
reason for this brief history of events.
Masonic history was in the Billerica as far back as 1826, for on June 14 of that
year, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts issued a charter to Zadock Howe and others for the
Institution of Clinton Lodge in Billerica, so named in honor of Governor DeWitt Clinton of
New York. Clinton Lodge made returns to the Grand Lodge in 1826, 1827, and 1828 but none
thereafter. The building in which the lodge held its meetings was situated on Boston Rd.
just south of the center, opposite the present location of the Central Fire Station. It
was completely destroyed by fire in 1828. We have no further record of Clinton Lodge.
During the next sixty years, many residents of Billerica received their degrees in
Lowell Lodges. By 1883, there were twenty-five masons living in Billerica, but attending
lodges elsewhere. Ten of these brethren, having a desire to establish a lodge in
Billerica, petitioned the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to grant a dispensation. This was
granted at the quarterly communication in March 1889.
The following quote is taken from an historical sketch of the early years of Thomas
Talbot Lodge by Wor. Charles H. Kohlrausch:
It was not without many misgivings that the brethren began their work; but
everything was before them to do. No lodge room, no paraphernalia, no experience in the
Masonic Chairs, and but little money, it seemed indeed a great task that the brethren had
undertaken. But, indomitable will, untiring energy, pluck, perseverance and patience
overcame all obstacles, and through the darkness of the night the anxious watchers saw
appearing slowly but surely, the dawning light in the Masonic east of Billerica.
The first business meeting was held at the office of the Faulkner Manufacturing
Company by courtesy of the superintendent, Worthy Brother Warren A. Evans. Eight Master
Masons; Herbert W. Sheldon, Matthew H. Kolrausch, Henry M. Hutchens, Warren A. Evans,
Robert Ritchie, Charles Kohlrausch Jr., John E. Rowell, and Hiram C. Brown met and
organized by choice of Bro. Charles H. Kohlrausch, Jr. As Chairman and Bro. Hiram C.
Brown as secretary. At this meeting, it was voted by the brethren present, to
"organize themselves into a Masonic body under the name of Thomas Talbot Lodge, as a
mark of respect and a memorial to their beloved brother and distinguished townsman,
Ex-Governor Thomas Talbot, deceased.
They pledged themselves individually to pay a specific sum of money to defray the
expenses of organization and starting the lodge. At this meeting, when the brethren knew
of no place available for holding their meetings, Bro. John E. Rowell laid them under
lasting and loving obligation by inviting them to make use of his home for that purpose
until a place could be secured. This kind offer was gladly accepted, and accordingly
through the winter of 1888 and 1889, the brethren wended their way weekly to Bro. Rowell's
home, made themselves proficient in the work, and there on March 12 A.L. 5889, held their
first regular communication under the dispensation of which nine applications for the
degrees were received and referred. At the meeting at Wor. Bro. Evans' office, nominations
were made for offices as follows, vis.: for Worshipful Master, Charles H. Kohlrausch, Jr.;
for Senior Warden, Henry M. Hutchins, for Junior Warden, Warren A. Evans.
Thus auspiciously, was the little lodge started on its way. On Tuesday evening,
April 9th A.L. 5889, Masonic Hall, which had been fitted up by the brethren over the
Baptist Church in North Billerica, was used for the first time. Bro. Jonas Whatmough,
their first candidate, was initiated in due and ancient form. Under the dispensation,
thirteen brothers were raised to the Master Mason degree.
The dispensation was returned to Grand Lodge, together with the records, by-laws and
a report of all doings of the lodge, at the annual communication of that body in December
1889, with a request signed by the ten brethren who had started the lodge, praying that a
charter might be granted to them, should their work have been satisfactory . The names of
the brethren who petitioned for the charter were:
Charles H. Kohlrausch. Jr., mfg. Chemist, Henry M. Hutchens, merchant; Warren A.
Evans, manufacturer; John E Rowell, farmer; Hiram C. Brown, tinsmith; Robert Ritchie,
dresser; Matthew H Kohlrausch, dyer; Albert C. Lane, physician; Herbert W. Sheldon, master
mechanic; Saville D. Metcalf, loom fixer.
The charter was granted December 11, 1889, and bears the name of Henry Endicott,
Grand Master.
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Thomas
Talbot Lodge AF & AM