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

by the Most Worshipful Timothy j.
Murray, Grand Master, assisted by
Right Worshipful Albert Moore
District Deputy Grand Master, and
other representatives of the Grand
Lodge. There were present as escort
to the Grand Lodge the following
Masonic Bodies: Kennebec Lodge,
Hallowell; Temple Lodge, Winthrop;
Northern Star, Arson; Bethlehem
| of Augusta; Somerset of Skowhegan;
Somerset Royal Arch Chapter; Maine
Commandery of Knights Templar of
Gardiner; Portland, of Portland;
Trinity, of Augusta; and DeMolay. of
superior in character and beauty to
anything that had ever before paraded
the streets of Skowheaan. After
marching through some of the prin-
cipal streets, the procession repaired
to Coburn Hall and partook of a
bountiful collation. prepared by the
fraternity and the willing hands OF
their ladies. Rev. Brother +. G,
Bolles, of Portland, delivered an elo-
quent and instructive address. The
arrangements for dedication were
admirably made and carried out, and
everything passed off in manner
creditable to all participating in the
interesting ceremonies. There were
present few of the old members who
were also present at the birth of the
Lodge, those who had labored as
faithful Entered Apprentices SO many
years since, whose hearts were made
glad now as never before, in the gra-
hafr hnp
From 1858 to 1886 the Lodge seems
to have moved along with regularity,
doing a reasonable amount dOf work.
In 1885 as a result of leaky roof and
long usage, the condition of the rooms
used by the Lodge had become rather
unsatisfactory. After consider able
discussion, a committee was appointed
| to refit and refurnish the halls.
Under their direction between thirteen
and fourteen hundred dollars was
spent in carpets, upholstery, fresco-
ing, and thoroughly renovating the hall
and anterooms, so that, when finished,
Somerset Lodge had as good quarters
as any Lodge in Maine.
In 1875, only seven years before his
DEATH James Bates, the First Master
of Somerset Lodge, came to Norridge-
wock to bury his life partner and
visited Skowhegan. To honor this
venerable Brother as much as possible
under the circumstances, meeting of
the Lodge was called so that the resi-
dent Brothers, if no others, might see
and grasp the hand of their first
Master, and one of the Charter Mem
bers. Much to his inconvenience and
tax of strength, Brother Bates climb
ed by the assistance of others, the
long flights of stairs leading to the
Masonic Hail. over Coburn Hall, and
favored the fraternity with his yen
cradle presence. He occupied Vfhe
Masters chair and there made one of
the most remarkable and interesting
speeches ever heard in that Lodge
room. In closing he bade the mem
bers an effectionate farewell, Impress
ing all present with the reluctant
thought that the sapds of his life were
nearly run out Brother Bates was a
Mason sixty years and at the time
his death an Honorary member OF
Somerset Lodge. Born in 1888 in the
town OF Greene, he was reared In the
then wilds of Maine and his character
acquired a vigor which enabled him
to encounter the battle of life vigor-
ously, manfully and successfully
He died In the year 1882 at the ripe
old age OF ninety-two years and five
months. Somerset Lodge was indeed
farored in having such man as its
first Master. He was physician
and one of the most eminent surgeons
of the State In 1880 he represented
his District in the 32nd Congress.
In 1S45 he was appointed superinten-
dent of the Insane Asylum at Augusta,
remaining in that responsible position
six years. In 1858 he moved to Var
mouth where, for ten years or more,
he was engaged in the active duties OF
his profession, being associated with
his SON With such a man to shape
the beginnings Of its experience, 1t is
no wonder that this Lodge has attain
ed the degree of success that 1t has.
From 1886 until December 16, 1904,
our Lodge passed through period of
prosperity. In May 1868, as before
stated, Somerset Lodge first met in the
commodious apartments in Coburn
Hall Block which, for more than
thirty-six years were the home of the
Masonic Bodies in this town. The
hall was dedicated and solemnly con-
secrated to. Masonry, Virtue, and
Universal Benovelence the following
August and was the occasion of one
of the finest professions that ever
appeared on our streets. Those loyal
members of our order of that day, now
remaining, can look back and truly
appreciate the commodious and beau
Itiful home they had in which to dis
pense Masonic light and knowledge.
But alas! in the early morning of
December IS, 1914, the block in which
the hall was located, then the best in
town, was in the grasp of the Fire
Fiend. When the sun rose, 1t shone
on that which, a few hours previous,
had been the pride of all. but now a
smouldering mass of ashes. In many
respects the loss was irreparable.
especially in the loss of many val
liable portraits and souvenirs.
Although we had lost our hall and all
It's contained, we we're not without