{"id":3654,"date":"2016-09-15T11:23:53","date_gmt":"2016-09-15T15:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eb1870.org\/?page_id=3654"},"modified":"2016-09-24T09:16:33","modified_gmt":"2016-09-24T13:16:33","slug":"bristol-commandery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eb1870.org\/bristol-commandery\/","title":{"rendered":"Bristol Commandery Knights Templar #29"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

Bristol Commandery Knights Templar #29<\/strong><\/p>\n

1870 – 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Bristol<\/p>\n

Mansfield ~ North Attleborough ~ Attleboro<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Massachusetts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Dispensation” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0Bristol Commandery ~ Knights Templar #29
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"jewel\"Dispensation<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

To all whom it may concern ~ Greetings<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Whereas, a petition of sundry Knights Templars residing in or near the Town of Mansfield, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, praying that a Dispensation may be granted them to open and hold a Commandery of Knights Templar and Council of the Appendant Orders in said town, and whereas the same has been duly recommended, as required by the regulations of our Grand Commandery.<\/p>\n

Now, know ye, that I, Benjamin Dean, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, by virtue of the power in me vested, do grant this Dispensation to: S.S. Ginnodo ~ Wm. H. Thomas ~ Wm. B. Crocker~ John R. Maintien ~ F. J. Sawyer ~ John L. Lynch ~ Charles E. Smith ~ Eliphlet Smith ~ Charles Downs ~ Thomas Schofield ~ D. B. Whittier ~ Wm. Graves ~ H. F. Day ~ D. H. Smith ~ O. S. Thayer ~ Frank S. Draper ~ and Charles H. Sawyer.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The petitioners aforesaid, and to their associates, and empower them to open and hold a Commandery of Knights Templar and Councils of the Appendant Orders at the place aforesaid, to be called and distinguished by the name of Bristol Commandery, and to confer the Orders of Knight of the Red Cross: 2, Knight Templar; 3, Knight of Malta, upon such person or persons, possessing the requisite qualifications, as them may deem proper.<\/p>\n

And I do by these presents appoint Sir Charles E. Smith to be Eminent Commander, Sir D. B. Whittier to be Generalissimo, Sir D. H. Smith to be Captain General; with continuance to them of the said power and privileges until the next Annual Assembly of our Grand Commandery in October A.O. 1870, and no longer.<\/p>\n

Provided, nevertheless, that the said Officers and members of the said Commandery, pay due respect to our Grand Commandery, and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and in no way to remove the Ancient Landmarks of the Order; otherwise, this Dispensation, and all things therein contained, to be void and of no effect.<\/p>\n

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars and Appendant Orders of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, this twenty-eighth day of May in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and Seventy,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Benjamin Dean ~ Grand Commander<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Attest: A. F. Chapman ~ Grand Recorder<\/p>\n

\"seal\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”First Home ” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

\"first-home\"<\/p>\n

First Permanent Home of Bristol Commandery ~ 1871<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lovell Building ~ North Main Street ~ Mansfield, MA<\/strong><\/p>\n

A History of Bristol Commandery ~ No. 29<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Organization under Dispensation ~ Mansfield, Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Prior to 1869 the fraternal organizations of Knights Templar were known locally as \u201cEncampments\u201d <\/em>and the State overseeing bodies were known as \u201cGrand Encampments\u201d. <\/em>The reason for the title changes to \u201cCommandery\u201d <\/em>and \u201cGrand Commandery\u201d<\/em> after 1869 is not particularly clear, but most likely is tied to several major internal organizational changes at the national level.<\/p>\n

Bristol Commandery was organized in the latter part of 1870 under Dispensation <\/em>after the establishment of Commanderies, and was not subject to the former title of Encampment. It is noted that the rank of \u201cNumber 29\u201d<\/em> is not posted on the Dispensation, Charter, or any organizational Record. The first mention of Bristol Commandery No. 29\u201d <\/em>was in the minutes of June 7, 1895, but no explanation as to what prompted the change is posted. The best explanation is that they were numbered by order of seniority of the several State Charters. By numbering them, the same name of the local Commandery could be used in each Grand Jurisdiction with less of a change of duplication. Thus the name \u201cBristol\u201d could be used in other states, without the Number 29 attached. But verification of this could not be established.<\/p>\n

Receiving a Dispensation to organize in October of 1870, Bristol Commandery sought a rental agreement with Saint James Lodge of Mansfield who met at Temperance Hall<\/em> located at South Main Street and Webb Place. But in January of 1871 the Masonic fraternity moved to the newly constructed Lovell Block <\/em>at 4 North Main Street, Mansfield, and an association that would last until 1876.<\/p>\n

The Organizational Meeting <\/em>took place on Friday, November 18, 1870 with Bristol Commandery being opened \u201cwithout form\u201d by the Officers appointed by the Grand Commandery. Sir Knight Charles E. Smith, Commander ~ Sir Knight Daniel B. Whittier, Generalissimo ~ and Sir Knight Daniel Henry Smith, Captain-General. Here the first lines of Officers were appointed without ceremony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prelate\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samuel Ginnodo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sword Bearer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Henry F. Day<\/p>\n

Senior Warden\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Freeman J. Sawyer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warder\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William H. Thomas<\/p>\n

Junior Warden\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John R. Maintien\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Third Guard\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John L. Lynch<\/p>\n

Treasurer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William Graves\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Second Guard\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 O. S. Thayer<\/p>\n

Recorder\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eliphalet Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 First Guard\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thomas Schofield<\/p>\n

Standard Bearer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William B. Crocker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sentinel\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Charles H. Sawyer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At this first meeting the \u201cFees for the Orders\u201d <\/em>were established at thirty dollars, and it was generally agreed that candidates would \u201cstand proposed for at least fourteen days\u201d. <\/em>It was also favorably voted that Bristol Commandery would hold its meetings on the Friday evenings \u201con or after the Full Moon\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

A Special Assembly<\/em> was held on Friday evening, December 9, 1870 when a Council of the Order of the Red Cross was opened in due form. The Master of Finance, <\/em>Sir William Graves proposed the first slate of candidates for our new Commandery. They were Companions: William N. Hamblet ~ Henry N. Paine ~ James M. Mayhew ~ Doliver S. Spaulding and Edward P. Paine. An addition eleven Companions were recommended for membership at this Special Assembly. All were referred to different investigating committees. The work of the Order of the Red Cross was exemplified before closing without form.<\/p>\n

Another Special assembly was opened on Friday evening, December 23, 1870 and all sixteen candidates were elected to receive the Commandery Orders. It was also voted that the top three Officers and the Prelate be a Committee \u201cto procure all the working tools and paraphernalia required for working the several Orders; also to prepare a Code of By-Laws\u201d. <\/em>In January the Warder, Sir William H. Thomas was added to that Committee.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Also that evening in December, all sixteen elected Companions became the first class of candidates for Bristol Commandery being Created and Dubbed<\/em> Knights of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross in due and ancient form. It is interesting to note that the \u201carrangement of Orders\u201d <\/em>at that time in our history was the Order of the Red Cross ~ Order of the Temple ~ and then Knights of Malta of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem\u201d, <\/em>or as we now it, the Order of Malta. It was not until Friday evening; March 22, 1872 that Bristol Commandery would first confer this final Order upon a class of fifty-three candidates.<\/p>\n

January 1871 brought operational changes to both Bristol Commandery and St. James Lodge with the move to Mansfield\u2019s new Lovell Building <\/em>located at 4 Main Street. Soon Bristol Commandery entered into a five-year contract by which St. James Lodge would provide a meeting place \u201cincluding lights and fuel\u201d <\/em>for a fee of one hundred and fifty dollars per year.<\/p>\n

With an ever-increasing influx of new candidates, Bristol Commandery became very active in the conferring of the first two Orders, establishing operational procedures, and procuring the necessary regalia endorsed by its several Committees. A \u201cCommittee on Caps\u201d <\/em>chaired by Sir William E. Smith recommended the \u201cBell Crown\u201d <\/em>style cap for the Order of the Red Cross. Another Committee worked to procure \u201cCrockery and articles necessary for Banqueting\u201d,<\/em> and yet another worked on the adoption of the \u201cDark Regalia without an Apron\u201d <\/em>uniform that led to our adoption of the \u201cUnited States Grand Encampment Regulations on Regalia\u201d<\/em> on May 5, 1871.<\/em><\/p>\n

On that same evening, May 5th<\/sup>, Sir Samuel S. Ginnodo was appointed to chair a Committee to procure a \u201csuitable Seal and Press\u201d <\/em>for our official documents. Sir Knights R.H. Trested ~ William B. Crocker and John B. Maintien were appointed as a Committee to design and procure a new \u201cBristol Commandery Banner\u201d,<\/em> and it was voted to change the Stated Assemblies to \u201cthe Friday Evening on or before<\/u> the full of the moon\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

At the Special Assembly <\/em>of May 24, 1871, Bristol Commandery received its first visiting Grand Commandery Officer, Eminent Sir Nicholas Van Slyck ~ Eminent Grand Generalissimo, who witnessed the work of the Order of the Red Cross on one candidate that evening.<\/p>\n

Bristol Commandery continued its labors through the summer of 1871, working candidates at several Stated and Special Assemblies. On August 25th<\/sup> it received an invitation from Monumental Commandery No. 3 of Baltimore, MD to partake of their hospitality at the Triennial Convention <\/em>to be held in their City that September. It was voted that the invitation be accepted and \u201cplaced on file\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

At the Stated Assembly of September 22, 1871 it was voted that the \u201cCouncil Officers\u201d<\/em> be constituted a Committee to approached the Right Eminent Grand Commander for the arrangements to procurement of a Charter<\/em> for Bristol Commandery and Install<\/em> of a new line of Officers.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday evening, October 11th<\/sup>, a Special Assembly of Bristol Commandery was opened without form within the Masonic Hall of Mansfield. The purpose of the Assembly was to respond to a communication from the Right Eminent Grand Commander, ordering that Bristol Commandery, together with all other Commanderies of this Grand Jurisdiction, provide an escort for the Most Worshipful Grand Master on the occasion of \u201claying the Cornerstone of the United States Post Office and Sub-Treasury in the City of Boston on Monday, October 16, 1871\u201d. <\/em>It was voted to invited the North Attleboro Cornet Band<\/em> to join in those ceremonies and that the Sir Knights be ordered to appear at Agricultural Hall <\/em>on Saturday Evening, October 14th<\/sup> for rehearsal and \u201cDrill\u201d <\/em>for this event.
\n<\/em>
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Order to Appear” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

Order to Appear<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Office of the Grand Commander<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Boston, Massachusetts ~ October 4, 1871<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

To all the subordinate Commanderies within our jurisdiction<\/em><\/strong>:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whereas<\/em><\/strong>: ~ <\/em><\/strong>Most Worshipful William Sewall Gardner, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, has accepted an invitation to lay, with Masonic ceremonies, the Corner Stone of the new Post Office, in the City of Boston, on the 16th<\/sup> instant, in the presence of the President of the United States and Officers of his cabinet, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Mayor of the City of Boston, and has requested of me a Templar Escort, which request appears to me a fit and proper one to be granted. ~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/em> It is hereby ordered<\/em>, <\/em>That our several Commanderies assemble on Monday, the 16th<\/sup> day of October instant, in full Templar costume, on the Tremont Street Mall of Boston Common at Ten o\u2019clock in the forenoon, and report to E. Sir Charles Adams Stott, Grand Captain General, who will have command of the lines.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>It is further ordered<\/em>, <\/em>That Boston Commandery be detailed as Body Guard to the Grand Lodge, and report to M. W. M.\u00a0 S. W. Gardner, Grand Master, at the hour aforesaid.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Benjamin Dean ~ Grand Commander<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attest: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alfred F. Chapman ~ Grand Recorder<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The dedication was a gala event for this architecturally beautiful building on Devonshire Street in Boston (<\/strong>between Water and Milk Streets)<\/strong>, which also housed the U.S. District Court.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The fruits of their labors came to reality on Friday evening, October 20, 1871, when a Special Assembly <\/em>of Knights Templar was opened without form and the members awaited upon the Grand Commandery Officers. A roster of fifteen Officers and thirty-eight Sir Knights were present.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eminent Sir Charles E. Powers, Grand Senior Warden, announced that the Grand Commandery Officers were in waiting to be received. A Committee chaired by Sir Samuel G. Ginnodo was dispatched for their reception and escorted the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Sir Benjamin Dean into the Asylum accompanied by the following Grand Officers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Nicholas Van Slyck\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Generalissimo<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Charles A. Stott\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Captain General<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Charles E. Powers\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Senior Warden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Horace Daniels\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Junior Warden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Alfred F. Chapman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Recorder<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir William Parkman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Prelate<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Stafford W. Razee\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Warder<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Em. Sir Seranus Bowen\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Sentinel<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Right Eminent Grand Commander proceeded with the ceremony of Constitution and after presenting the Charter, directed the Grand Warder to give the proclamation. <\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=” Bristol Commandery Charter” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0Bristol Commandery Charter<\/strong><\/p>\n

From The East<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of the<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grand Commandery of Massachusetts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

And <\/em><\/strong>Rhode Island<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0R.E. Benjamin Dean ~ Grand Commander<\/strong><\/p>\n

To all Knights Templars throughout the World.<\/p>\n

Whereas ~ a Petition has been presented to us, signed by<\/p>\n

Charles E. Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William B. Crocker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William Graves<\/p>\n

Daniel B. Whittier\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John B. Maintien\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Henry F. Day<\/p>\n

Daniel H. Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Freeman J. Sawyer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Oscar B. Thayer<\/p>\n

Samuel S. Ginnodo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Q. Lynch\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Frank S. Draper<\/p>\n

William H. Thomas\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Charles Downs\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Charles H. Sawyer<\/p>\n

Eliphalet Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thomas Schofield<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knights Templars residing in and near the Town of Mansfield in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, praying that a Charter may be granted to them, authorizing and empowering them to open and hold a Commandery of Knights Templars in said town; and whereas the said Petition was, on the twenty-sixth day of May, A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-One, duly submitted to, and considered by, our said Grand Commandery, in Open Session; and it appearing that the Rules and Regulations in such case made and provided has been fully complied with, an order was passed authorizing the prayer of the petitioners be granted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now Know Ye, that we, the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, reposing special confidence and trust in the fidelity, zeal, and Masonic skill of the petitioners aforesaid, and for the purpose of diffusing the benefits of the Order, and promoting the happiness of its members, do by these Presents, constitute and establish the said petitioners in a Commandery Knights Templars and the Appendant Orders by the name of<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bristol Commandery<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

With full and adequate powers to confer the several Degrees of Knights of the Red Cross,<\/p>\n

Knights Templar, and Knights of Malta, upon such person or persons, possessing the requisite qualifications, as they may think proper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And we do hereby appoint Sir Charles Eugene Smith to be first Eminent Commander.\u00a0 Sir Daniel Bartlett Whittier to be first Generalissimo, and Sir Daniel Henry Smith to be first Captain General of said Commandery. \u00a0And We hereby declare that the said Commandery shall take rank and precedence in the Grand Commandery and elsewhere from the date of the Dispensation, to wit May twenty-eighth, A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy. Therefore, we hereby recognize the said Brethren as Officers and Members of said Commandery with continuance of the foresaid powers and privileges to them and their successors forever.<\/p>\n

Provided nevertheless that the said Officers and Members, and their successors in said Commandery, pay due respect to our Grand Commandery of aforesaid, and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and in no way remove the Ancient Land Marks of our Order. Otherwise, this Charter, and all things herein contained, to be void, and of no effect.<\/p>\n

Given at the City of Boston in the State of Massachusetts, this twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy One, and of our Order Seven Hundred and Fifty Three.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

By <\/em><\/strong>order of the<\/em><\/strong> Grand Commandery <\/em><\/strong>of<\/em><\/strong> Massachusetts <\/em><\/strong>and<\/em><\/strong> Rhode Island.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Benjamin Dean<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grand Commander<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>William S. Shurtleff\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Deputy Grand Commander<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Nicholas Van Slyck\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Grand Generalissimo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Charles Adams Stott\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Grand Captain General<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Attest<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alfred F. Chapman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Grand Recorder <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Now legally constituted, <\/em>the Right Eminent Grand Commander, assisted by the Grand Captain General, installed the first slate of Officers <\/em>for the newly Chartered Bristol Commandery.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Charles Eugene Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eminent Commander<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Daniel B. Whittier\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Generalissimo<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Daniel Henry Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Captain General<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Samuel S. Ginnodo \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prelate<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Allen F.\u00a0 Belcher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Senior Warden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir John B. Maintien\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Junior Warden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir William Graves\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Treasurer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Eliphalet Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recorder<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Henry F. Day\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sword Bearer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir William B. Crocker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Standard Bearer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir William H. Thomas\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warder<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir John Q. Lynch\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Third Guard<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Thomas Schofield\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 First Guard<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sir Charles A. Blake\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sentinel<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> After an interesting and appropriate address by the Right Eminent Grand Commander, the Grand Officers retired from the Asylum escorted by the Officers of Bristol Commandery to the Banquet Hall were one hour of hospitality as spent. This seems to have been the proper protocol of that era. The Officers of Bristol Commandery then returned to the Asylum where the Commandery was closed without form. Thus concluded a productive year under Dispensation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Synopsis of \u201cOrganization Under Dispensation\u201d<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

12 Stated Assemblies ~ 12 Special Assemblies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

53 Candidates for the Order of the Red Cross and Order of the Temple<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”The Mansfield Years” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n

The Mansfield Years ~ 1871 \u2013 1876<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Bristol Commandery continued to flourish with a flood of candidates, but not all Companions advanced to Knighthood. Some, for whatever reason, where rejected. Still the desire for Knighthood continued, and on March 22, 1872, sixteen months after the organizational meeting, fifty-three Knights completed their York Rite journey with their reception as Knights of Malta of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. <\/em>Then, the final Chivalric Order in the York Rite of Freemasonry.<\/p>\n

On Friday evening, December 22, 1871, the First Annual Assembly <\/em>was held. Besides the usual business, the election and installation of new Officers took place, officiated by the Right Eminent Grand Commander who was received at this Assembly. The minutes gave no hint of any required Reports <\/em>that are currently presented at such meetings.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the evening of Saturday, June 8, 1872, a Special Assembly was called at the Masonic Hall in Mansfield to act upon an invitation of Bristol Lodge F & A.M. <\/em>to participate with them in the celebration of their 75th<\/sup> Anniversary on Friday, June 14th<\/sup>, also to take part in the ceremonies attending the \u201claying of the Corner Stone of Grace Methodist Protestant Episcopal Church\u201d <\/em>by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. However, the Grand Commandery proceedings list the Church as \u201cGrace Episcopal of North Attleboro\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

On a motion of Sir William Thomas, it was voted to accept the invitation and appear in full regalia. The Eminent Commander ordered the Sir Knights to assemble at the Agricultural Hall in Attleborough on Tuesday evening, June 11th<\/sup>, for Drill. A proper Grand Commandery Dispensation <\/em>was granted for this event.<\/p>\n

Bristol Commandery\u2019s \u201cFirst One-Day Class\u201d <\/em>was conducted on Monday evening, September 9, 1872 at Mansfield. Companion Charles E. Fisher was Created and Dubbed a Knight of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple. Then he and four other candidates were \u201cCreated and Dubbed a Knight of Malta of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem\u201d<\/em>; all on a single evening.<\/p>\n

Not all events of our Commandery were joyful ones. \u00a0Death<\/em> performed its first infiltration of our ranks early in October of 1872 with the passing of our Warder, Sir William H. Thomas. At the Special Assembly of October 25, 1872, an In Memoriam<\/em> and Resolution <\/em>was posted upon our Records.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Sir Knight William H. Thomas Resolution <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whereas:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In obedience to the mysterious purposes of Divine Providence, death has <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 removed from our midst a beloved Brother and Sir Knight<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

William H. Thomas<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolved, <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That while we humbly acknowledge the right of Him to do as he pleases with <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 his own, we deeply deplore the death of one, whose usefulness was acknowledged by all,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and whose many virtues, rendered his life an example, worth of imitation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolved,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That by the death of Sir Knight Thomas, the Commandery has lost a valued<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member, a devoted friend, and an earnest worker for the best interest of the order of <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Freemasonry.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolved,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That as a body we extend our truest sympathy to the family of Sir Knight<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thomas in their great bereavement.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolved,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That the Commandery forward a copy of these Resolutions to the family of <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the deceased. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Committee<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Samuel S. Ginnodo ~ John L. Kendall ~ Eliphalet Smith<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>At the May 9, 1873 Stated Assembly of Bristol Commandery, a petition was received on behalf of eighteen Sir Knights asking permission to form a Commandery of Knights Templar at Stoughton, Massachusetts to be named Mount Lebanon Commandery. The request was unanimously approved, but no record of its formation could be found in the Grand Proceedings through 1878.<\/p>\n

The first Public Installation of Bristol Officers occurred by Dispensation at the Town Hall of Foxborough on Friday evening, January 30, 1874. The Right Eminent Grand Commander was publically received and preformed the Ceremony of Installation in public form. After closing, the Sir Knights and their ladies partook of a delicious banquet and enjoyed a fine evening of entertainment by the Adelphi Quartello of Boston.<\/p>\n

The first mention of the presentation of a Past Commander\u2019s Jewel, <\/em>are in the minutes of January 8, 1875, and was presented to Sir Robert L. Kendall, Past Commander. No cost of production is expressed.<\/p>\n

History and the Records give no hint as to why there seems to be some underlying rumblings of discontent early in 1875 within the Commandery ranks. The first hint came at the March 19, 1875 Assembly when Sir Charles E. Smith ~ P.C. presented the plans for a \u201cMasonic Hall at North Attleborough\u201d. No Official <\/em>action was taken as he only presented \u201csuggestions as to any alterations in the plan which might be desirable\u201d. <\/em><\/p>\n

By the following June 18th<\/sup> a formal proposal was presented on the subject of \u201cremoval to North Attleborough\u201d. <\/em>A Committee of five Sir Knights (Samuel S. Ginnodo ~ Jacob Silloway, Jr. ~ John L. Kendall ~ Edward P. Paine ~ George F. Seaver) was appointed to investigate the proposal and report their findings. The Committee made a \u201cDivided Report\u201d <\/em>at the July 16th<\/sup> Assembly that produced a 36 to 28 vote favoring the Commandery to remain in Mansfield.<\/em><\/p>\n

The issue was again brought to a vote at the November 20, 1875 Special Assembly with the locations of Attleborough and Taunton being added to the mix. Three separate ballots were conducted with the following results.<\/p>\n