The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-12-28

Dunlap VINO was planning 10 erect d
brick block on Water street near the
Municipal building. Accordingly,
and with enthusiasm and unanimity,
\ Brothers F. w. Bucknam, w. p. Ord
/ way and George w. Cover were ap-
pointed a committee on the part of
Somerset Lodge to act with the Trus-
tees and others on the part of Som
erset Royal Arch Chapter and De Mo-
lay Commandery, to close contract
with Brother Dunlap. The commit
tee at once performed the duty assign
ed them and the work was begun In
the construction. Later, the build
ing committee was appointed a fur
nishing committee, with instruction to
purchase everything necessary for an
up-to-date hall.
In 1907 our new home was finished.
The dedicatory services took place on
the evening Of October II, 1907. There
we're present on that interesting oc-
casion very many visiting Brethren
from Lodges in surrounding towns in
the county, and also some from towns
and cities more remote, making an au-
dience of nearly three hundred. Bro
Their DeForrest II. Perkins, personify-
ing the architect in the ceremonial
plan, addressed the Grand Master, an
nouncing that the Temple was complet-
ed. Grand Master Charles. F. john
son, always dignified and impressive
when in public, seemed on this oc-
casion more SO than common, when
with outstretched arm, holding cup
containing the emblems OF nourish-
ment, refreshment and joy, he said;
II I'm the name of the Great Je-
hovah, to whom be all honor and
glory, | do most solemnly dedi-
cate this hall to Freemasonry,
Virtue and Universal Benevol-
ence."
At the close of the ritualistic services,
the Grand Master addressed the ga
thering, expressing his great pleasure
that his official position called MIN
to perform such a pleasant duty ana
congratulating the Brethren OF SOM
erset Lodge upon their outlook for
fraternal work in much pleasant sur
roundings. An admirable address OF
considerable length upon the aims and
purposes of Freemasonry followed, and
several among the visiting Masons
took occasion to assure the members
of Somerset Lodge that they and the
organizations they represented reJolc-
ed with them upon the completion OF
their beautiful Masonic home
The exquisitely beautiful tones of
the organ, at which presided Mr. wal
ter =. Young of Boston, followed the
various phases Of the ceremonial and
added greatly to their solemnity and
impressiveness. 1t is worthy of note
that the dedication was witnessed by
nine of the Brethren who were pres
ent at the dedication Of the Masonic
Lodge rooms in Coburn Hall block in
1858. These were Gen. Isaac Dyer,
/ O. A. Priest, L. c. Emery, Ben S. Foss,
! w. r. G. Estes, B. F. Eaton, Harrison
Baker, J A. Hoxie and J. F. Williams.
/ OF these only two now remain, b. F.
Eaton and j. F. Williams, the former
confined to his home by the weight
of advancing years, the latter grac-
ing this occasion by his ever genial
presence.
Upon the adjournment OF the Lodge
session all present were invited to
partake of a buffet lunch in the ban
quet hall. With the completion OF
this new home, it seemed that every
thing favored prosperous future for
our Lodge. The history of the Lodge
in Skowhegan from 1907 has justified
everything that was expected. Things
went along smoothly. Harmony has
always prevailed.
In the year 1915 our venerable and
| honorable brother, Most Worshipful
William Roscoe Green Estes, than
whom no man has done more for Ma
sonry in Skowhegan, passed to his
/ final reward. A burial service was
! held, conducted by the Most Worship
/ full Grand Lodge of Maine, which ser
vice many Brethren attended. and 1t
was with a sense of deep mourning
at his loss, and the highest thanks
giving for his faithful services, that
/ his brethren OF many years laid him
tenderly to rest.
/ In the early summer OF 1917 once
more our Lodge suffered a loss by
4 fire. The huilding which we had oc-
cupied was partially destroyed and
our furnishings were somewhat dam
aged A satisfactory adjustment was
made by the trustees with the lnsur-
ance companies and, as an illustra-
tion that "all things work together
for good" plans were matured where
by the Masonic bodies in Skowhegan
purchased the building which had for
several years been their home. The
building was repaired the Lodge |
rooms and fittings renovated and the
Lodge at last was housed under its
own roof.
From that time until the present we
have experienced period of wonder
full prosperity; harmony has prevail
ed and it would seem that the future
could only be of the brightest kind
realize that this historical account I
OF this wonderful Lodge is but frag-
mentary and of the briefest sort. In t
presenting it, it is my earnest desire
and fervent prayer that the record |
may inspire the fraternity with new
zeal and faith and courage Our
older Brethren are fast passing away; |
to us they have delivered a glorious
heritage, preserved and advanced thru
much self-denial and with fortitude