Lodge History  

Mount Holyoke Lodge was chartered on March 30, 1869, by Most Worshipful William Gardner, Grand Master of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, with the Reverend George E. Fisher as its first Worshipful Master.  Prior to the granting of this charter, Masons residing in South Hadley were obliged to attend meetings at the Mount Tom Lodge in Holyoke by crossing the Connecticut River by boat, sometimes under the worst possible weather conditions, due to the fact that there were no bridges connecting the two towns at that time.  The new lodge was first organized in an old school building on School Street, and has since been in six locations over the past 128 years.

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On September 5, 1886, meetings were held at "Dudley's Hall" at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, when the building and most of its contents were destroyed by fire, except for the lodge jewels, which fell off the wall face down, and were thus protected from the enveloping fire.  Soon after that the lodge was moved to the "Carey Building" which it continued to use until 1913 when the Mount Holyoke Masonic Association was formed and bought a building on land previously held by the Carew heirs and the Congregational Church.  The corner stone for the present building  on North Main Street was lain in September, 1914, and the following March the first meeting was held at this present home.

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In 1969, on the 100th anniversary of the lodge, a large celebration was held by the lodge members which was presided over by Worshipful Wilfred O. Hatch as Worshipful Master of the lodge.

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Upon the retirement of Bro. Samuel J. Somerville as Secretary of the lodge, a number of different brothers served in this post until it was stabilized by the election of R. W. Ronald E. Jackson, who is still serving as our present lodge Secretary. During the lodge year of 1970-1971 under Wor. Albert D. J. Asprey, Master, the lodge voted to sponsor a DeMolay Chapter.

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The following year, 1971-1972 under Wor. Richard B. Scott, Master, there was a fraternal visit to the lodge by R. W. Robert H. Edwards, who had planned to talk on "Lack of Candidates and Attendance", however, he had to change his subject matter for the address when he found to his agreeable surprise that the meeting was held before 48 members in attendance and three new candidate applications were read and balloted upon.

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While in 1979-1980 under Wor. Robert W. Tucker, Master, Wor. Ronald E. Jackson presented a Masonic Road Sign which was placed on Memorial Drive to inform visiting brethren and potential members of our lodge location.  This sign is still in place.

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During Masonic year 1984-1985 Wor. Eugene G. Anderson, Master, announced that R. W. Ronald E. Jackson of the Mount Holyoke Lodge was appointed Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.  The Scholarship Fund was established during the term of Wor. Eugene G. Anderson.

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It was during the 1991-1992 Masonic year under Wor. Henry A. Fusari, Master, that the Thanksgiving Food Basket Program started.
 

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We will be adding and inserting historical information here on a regular basis. On  Thursday, April 5, 2007 the Worshipful Master Paul A. Cataldo announced the launching of the newly designed Internet web site. The new web site will feature Brethren only information as well as a wide variety of  community service information.   

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On October 13, 2007 the Mount Holyoke Lodge participated in the 3rd annual Square & Compasses Day.  Members and Ambassadors of Lodge warmly invite the public to an open house. On this day more than 235 Lodges across the Commonwealth welcomed interested in learning more about Freemasonry, its history (real and imaginary), and the profound affect the fraternity has on its members and community. On this day Mount Holyoke Lodge accepted eleven (11) applications for membership. 

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On the evening of Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Mount Holyoke Lodge held its annual installation of officers at the Masonic building in South Hadley . This was the 139tth instillation of officers at Mt. Holyoke Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Paul A. Cataldo of South Hadley was installed as Worshipful Master and will lead the Lodge in the coming year.

Mount Holyoke Lodge Honored by Grand Master Award. On December 12th, 2007 , Mount Holyoke Lodge was honored by receiving the Grand Master's Award for Outstanding Achievement at the December Grand Lodge Quarterly Meeting at Grand Lodge in Boston . This award was given to only 6 Lodges statewide this year. This honor is a testament to the hard work and support of the Brethren, the dedication of the officers of 2006-2007, and to the sense of unity and affection for Montgomery Lodge that distinguish our membership that make Mount Holyoke Lodge such a special place to gather, work, and enjoy the good fellowship and camaraderie that are the hallmark of our Lodge. Special thanks and appreciation go out to Wor. Paul A. Cataldo, RW Mark C. Mueller and RW Edward L. Alford and all those who’s hard work and attention to the particular programs which helped bring this award to Mount Holyoke Lodge paid off in this most prestigious accolade. Congratulations to all.

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