Western Mass Masonic History

Western Mass Masonic History Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Western Mass Masonic History, Community Organization, Ware, MA.

09/29/2025

Eden's Gate

We once met in a garden so sweet
Eden's light was gentile and work was sure.
Columns rose steady and familiar,
and Brothers gathered as if forever.

But every gardens have their season.
The voice that walked in evening air
spoke of endings, of paths untried.
The gate we knew grew heavy to close.

Outside, the night waited-wide and strange
like the first to leave paradise,
we stepped beyond the green enclosure,
hearts aching for what could not stay.

Behind us angels seemed to stand,
silent watchful, with swords of fire.
Not cruel, but guarding what was holy,
keeping the memory unspoiled.

And yet in exile we are not alone.
Another house extends its hands,
another hearth waits to be kindled.
Two streams of labor find one course.

Eden is not lost but carried-
in our words, our craft, our bond.
Though we pass beyond familiar gates,
We build anew here light can rise.

Dr. Samuel Guthrie Sr., First Master of Thomas Lodge of Monson, MA (later of Palmer, MA)Born: May 22, 1756 Woodbury, Con...
02/01/2025

Dr. Samuel Guthrie Sr., First Master of Thomas Lodge of Monson, MA (later of Palmer, MA)

Born: May 22, 1756 Woodbury, Conn
Died: August 23, 1808 Brimfield, Mass
Buried: Brimfield Cemetery, Brimfield, MA

Dr Guthrie had moved with his parents to Lenox, Mass in 1770 when he was fourteen years old. A few years later he would enlist there in the War of the American Revolution

He studied medicine and settled down in Brimfield, Mass where he attained eminence as a physician and surgeon.

His homestead still stands in Brimfield. Near the house a bridge spans "Hitchcock's Brook" which was also known as " Guthrie's Bridge". See the lithograph of his home below.

In his will he appointed his friend and fellow mason, Stephen Pynchon of Brimfield (also a Past Master of Thomas Lodge) as guardian for his sons Alfred & Rufus. Stephen also served as executor of his will. Stephen Pynchon was a 3rd great grandson to William Pynchon, founder of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Dr. Guthrie was twice married. First to Sarah. With her he had two sons: Samuel Jr. & James.

Secondly to Anna Bicknell. With her he had two sons: Rufus & Alfred.

His son from his first marriage, Dr. Samuel Guthrie Jr. was also a prominent doctor. He also studied chemistry. In fact he invented the chemical chloroform independently in 1831. He also invented percussion caps which made the flintlocks obsolete.

Dr. Samuel Guthrie Sr. died at the age of 52. He is interred at Brimfield Cemetery.

**From a contemporary obituary**George S. Dixon (1835-1908)7th Master of Bethel Lodge, Enfield, MAWor. Bro. Dixon was bo...
01/25/2025

**From a contemporary obituary**

George S. Dixon (1835-1908)
7th Master of Bethel Lodge, Enfield, MA

Wor. Bro. Dixon was born on Templeton, MA to Samuel Dixon and Edna Rider. He came to Enfield, MA at a young age with his family. He began his career as a traveling salesman for Secomb, Kehew & Thayer who were dealers in lubricating oils and continued in this field for 15 years. He removed from Enfield to Worcester around 1876. In Worcester he became associated with A.H. Sawyer lubricating oils business before setting up his own oil business in Worcester (on the block where the Federal building now stands).

He was the first man in Worcester County to send an oil wagon through the area. He was known as the "Oil Tank Man of Worcester County".

He was a Civil War Veteran serving in the 46th Massachusetts Regiment Ambulance Corps. He connected with the first body of troops sent out from Enfield & had an excellent record in the service. He had three horses shot under him while attending to the wounded on the battlefield. He served two enlistments.

He served the City of Worcester for two terms in the Common Council during the administration of Mayor Henry A. Marsh and also served in the Sewer Committee.

He was an attendant of the Piedmont Church ever since it was founded.

He was a member of the Commonwealth Club.

He was also an honorary of the Worcester Continentals

He was a friend to many gave generously & was fond of his home and his horses. He often rode his horses around the city.

He leaves his two sons, one daughter and his widow.

He was originally interred at Cemetery Hill, in Enfield, MA but due to the Quabbin Reservoir being built he was reinterred at Quabbin Park Cemetery in Ware, MA.

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Ware, MA
01082

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