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HISTORY OF HUELEN LODGE |
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HUELEN LODGE A.F.&
A.M. (1876 - 2001) RICHTHOFEN CARRASCO On September 12, 1875, several Brethren in Santiago petitioned Bethesda Lodge - being the nearest Lodge from where the new Lodge was to be located - for a recommendation for a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The name of the new Lodge to be formed in Santiago was Huelen, which received due attention. MW Percival L. Everett Grand Master, bearing date 8th February A.L. 5876, granted dispensation. The Brethren requesting the petition for dispensation were: Frederick S. Golborne, J. Mitchell, Charles E. Edwards, George Hudson, Nathaniel Emmons, John Jones Applegath, Peter Ewing, William T. Benham, James Seccombe, Arthur Field, Malcolm Johnstone, Norman Ferguson, Robert MacIndoe, John J. Wilson, Andrew Jackson, Justus L. Saxton, Andrew Mc M. Stevenson, Geo. Pring Quick. It is worth mentioning that Bethesda Lodge is currently the oldest operating Lodge in Chile. On May 5 1876 the Grand Lodge of Chile sent a letter to all Lodges under its jurisdiction of which letter a quote of an abstract is translated as follows: "Whereas the new Lodge (Huelen) will use a ritual different from the one used by this Grand Lodge of Chile, we have granted our recognition and are happy to welcome a new and valuable addition to our strength which will undoubtedly further the ideals of our institution. The Grand Lodge of Chile knows that the Charter Members of Huelén Lodge desire to meet in your Temple and I have been instructed to inform you that we have no objection to this; on the contrary, we emphasize that it is our desire that every facility be granted these Brethren and that you should endeavor to maintain the closest and most fraternal relations with the new Lodge, just as you would do with a Lodge within our own jurisdiction". When the Lodges in Santiago informed the Worshipful
Master of Huelen Lodge, Bro. J. Mitchell, that they would welcome the
Lodge to use their Temple, the Secretary, Bro. Peter Ewing, sent them a
letter expressing: "Huelen Lodge takes this opportunity to thank you for
your cooperation and the acceptance of our request has filled us with
renewed will to work and we hope we soon shall be able to show our
appreciation with deeds and not with words alone". This attitude should not be surprising to any one who
knows the history of The Grand Lodge of Chile and goes back to the time
when they decided to separate from the Grand Orient of France. It was the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on December the 30th, 1862 - our mother Grand
Lodge - the first one who recognized it and gave international support to
the new conduction. During year 1876 the first stated Communication was held
on June 10and the Bylaws were approved. On the 13th of January 1877 the petition to grant a
Charter was submitted to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts,
to be named and located as aforesaid, in the following terms: "Should the
prayer of their petition be granted, they promise strict compliance with
the constitutions, laws, and edicts of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge,
and the landmarks and usages of the Order". The names of the Charter petitioners were: Frederick Stovin Golborne (Past Master Bethesda Lodge, Valparaiso), Nathaniel Emmons, Charles Emery Edwards, George Hudson, John Jones Applegath, William T. Benham, M.D., Arthur Field, James Seccombe (Past Master Lodge 510, England), Peter Ewing, Malcolm Johnstone, Norman Ferguson, Robert Mc Indoe, Rev.Geo.Pring Quick, M.A., Andrew McM. Stevenson, Justus Logan Saxton, Andrew Jackson, John Jacob Wilson. On March 14, 1877 the Committee on Charters presented the
following report: "The committee to whom was referred the petition of
Huelen Lodge, located at Santiago, Chile, South America, for a Charter,
would respectfully report: -That this new Lodge has been working the past
year under a Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Eight Regular and fifteen Special Communications have been held, in which they have initiated seven, crafted six, and raised five candidates, requiring in each case a strict examination in regard to proficiency in the preceding degree. Great interest is manifested by the petitioners, as shown by their constant attendance at all meetings; and perfect harmony prevails between this new Lodge and the other Lodges of the District. The sum of $102.89 has been collected during the year, by
passing what they designate as the "poor box", at each meeting of the
Lodge, - an example which your committee deems worthy of imitation by the
Lodges nearer the Grand East. Correct returns having been made of the doings of the
Lodge while under Dispensation, and all fees having been paid to the Grand
Treasurer, we recommend that a Charter be issued to Huelen Lodge, as
prayed for. Fraternally submitted,
In 1879 the war between Chile and Perú-Bolivia was mentioned in the proceedings of the Lodge; for instance, on November 20 we learnt that: "Wor. Bro Mitchell mentioned that he along with some Brothers belonging to this Lodge visited the prisoners of war at present in San Bernardo, and that they had found two English speaking Masons who gave them a cordial reception. The Wor. Master representing Huelén Lodge invited these captive Brethren to pay us a visit and assure them of the great pleasure it would give its members if they could in any way be of service to them". It looks like the prison guard was a Mason! In 1881 due to poor attendance, surrender of the Charter was under consideration but at the end of 1882 Huelén Lodge had 41 members and evidently the crisis had gone away. It is interesting to read the following in the minutes covering the election of Officers in 1891: "A question was then raised as to the right of visitors voting, which after a short discussion, was decided in their favor". On November 4 1898 the Lodge moved from Calle Agustinas to new rooms in the German Club "Frohsinn" on Calle Nataniel. DDGM Rt Wor G.W.Waters made the dedication of the new Hall. The cost of moving was $Ch 800 (pesos) and as the Lodge had a cash balance of only $Ch 600 Pesos. Bonds were issued for $Ch200 (pesos) to cover the difference.
Another moving was completed, to Suecia Street (Ekono
present location) where Huelen Lodge worked in Lodge Bernardo O'Higgins
79's installations. Lodge Britannia 1033 was also there. Some
discrepancies due to running times provoked the moving of both Huelen and
Britannia to the present premises in the Grand Lodge of Chile building on
Marcoleta 659. It was the year 1973.
2.- A Special Communication was held on Monday October 2
1916 for the purpose of giving a Masonic welcome to Bro. Sir Ernest
Shackleton, Irish explorer, who together with his 22-person crew had been
stranded in the Antarctic Continent for almost two years, when trying to
cross from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea. This rescue was done thanks to
the help of a Chilean Navy force, commanded by pilot Luis Pardo Villalón,
who also happened to be a Brother Mason, on board of the oceanic towboat
Yelcho. The meeting was presided by Rt. Wor. D.Urquhart, D.D.G.M. 3.- In March 1925, all Lodges under Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts were again visited by a presiding Grand Master. During the
term of WM C. Doenitz the Lodge received the visit of MW Dudley H.
Ferrell, Grand Master of Massachusetts, and Rt. Wor Frank H. Hilton, Grand
Marshall, who witnessed the work on the third degree on March 21. 4.- In 1950 the Grand Master of Chile visited the Grand
Lodge of Massachusetts. He was presented the Henry Price Medal and the
brethren of the three Massachusetts Lodges in Chile, Bethesda, Huelén and
Saint John's all rejoiced that this outstanding award were given in
recognition of the brotherly love and hospitality extended to the members
of these Lodges. 5.- In September 1953, Most Worshipful Grand Master
Thomas Roy and Mrs. Roy visited South America, paying a visit to Brazil,
Uruguay, Argentina, Peru and Chile. During their visit to Chile they were
received at the airport by Huelen Lodge's Master and other Brethren with
their ladies to greet them. On that evening (September 22) the Officers of
Huelen Lodge and their ladies honored the visitors with a dinner at the
Crillon Hotel. On the evening of the next day Grand Master Roy was
received by Most Worshipful Orestes Frödden into the Council of the Grand
Lodge of Chile where he was presented with an address of welcome and a
certificate of Honorary Membership of the Grand Lodge of Chile. Afterwards
he made an official visit to Huelen Lodge, accompanied by Rt.Wor. Albert
E. Jones, DDGM for the District of Chile. He appointed the necessary
acting Grand Lodge officers and opened a special communication of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusettts to receive Most Worshipful
Orestes Frödden, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile, and his Grand
Lodge Officers. In the words of Grand Master Roy "this proved to be an
interesting meeting for me, in that the addresses were all in Spanish this
because of the fact that so many of the visitors could not understand
English. The only address I understood was my own." On that Friday September 25, Bro.Ernst Vassen, Treasurer
of Huelen Lodge, drove MW Roy from Santiago to Valparaiso and Viña del
Mar. The trip in the own words of MW Roy was: " That trip will remain with
us as one of the unforgettable experiences of a life time. The rugged and
placid scenery afforded by the mountains and valleys through which we
passed, with the vivid greens of the springtime, brought beauty beyond
description. The Chilean villages and towns through which we passed had a
lively interest for us. Let me pass over the thousand interesting
experiences of the weekend in Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, and speak only
of the climax of our South American trip, the celebration of the
one-hundredth anniversary of Bethesda Lodge in Valparaiso". This is, of
course, another entire story as well as his visit to Saint John's Lodge in
Concepción, the third Lodge in Chile under the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts. A final comment from him after leaving Chile was: "If we
are going to continue to have Lodges in Chile, then the Grand Master ought
to visit them more often than once in twenty-eight years, for the last
visit was by Most Wor. Dudley H. Ferrell in 1925". 6.- On October 13, 1976 the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Massachusetts, Most Worshipful Stanley F. Maxwell and Mrs.
Maxwell arrived in Chile to celebrate the 100thAnniversary of Huelén
Lodge. They were warmly received by his District Deputy, WMs and Officers
of the three Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts in Chile. Also, by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Chile, Past Grand Master, Grand Officers and other members of the higher
degrees in the Grand Lodge of Chile. The schedule of his visit can be
summarized as follows: Monday October 19, 1976: Special Communication of the
Grand Lodge of Chile held at the Grand Temple, with an attendance of 650.
An excellent octet played music composed by Mozart, greatly enhancing the
reunion. The Grand Lodge of Chile paid homage to MW Maxwell by making him
an Honorary Member. A magnificent banquet followed. Tuesday 20. Mainly dedicated to meetings with the Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile, MW Horacio González Contesse and the
Past Grand Master, MW René García Valenzuela. Wednesday 21. A morning visit to the surroundings areas
of Santiago. On that evening a Ladies Night was organized by Huelén Lodge,
as part of the celebration of the Centennial. Thursday 22. On that evening, an Official Special
Communication was held to commemorate the Centennial of Huelén Lodge with
full attendance of members and an important number of visitors. Friday 23 to Monday 26. Visit of Brethren from Saint
John's from Concepción, and Bethesda Lodges from Valparaíso, both under
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Tuesday 24. Meeting with the DDGM Right Worshipful
Jeffrey K. Mac Donald, Master and Past Masters of Bethesda Lodge. On that
evening MW Maxwell was received in a Special Communication by the Supreme
Council of XXXIII Degree, Scottish Rite, where he was honored by being
made an Honorary Member. A fine cocktail put end to that memorable
meeting. Wednesday 28. MW Maxwell commented: "I received an
extraordinary invitation to have breakfast with the President of the
Republic of Chile, General Augusto Pinochet; my hosts drove me from the
hotel where I was staying to the offices of the President, where six of us
had breakfast with him and talked on different general topics regarding
Masonry, but most of all on what was our opinion with relation to Chile.
On that night I had a private farewell dinner with Grand Master of Grand
Lodge of Chile and some Grand Officers." Thursday 29. In the morning, MW Maxwell visited other
places in Santiago and early in the afternoon flew back to the USA. He
commented after departing: "It was quite a pleasant surprise to see a
couple of dozen of Brethren and wives to wish us the best on our trip back
home." MW Maxwell said later, referring to his visit: "I
consider that the trip was very positive. The three Lodges of our
Jurisdiction have their problems, specially their memberships, but they
had the opportunity to discuss them with me openly, without restrictions.
They felt quite satisfied in being able to have had the chance to do it."
And ended with, "We had the most pleasant satisfaction in acquiring many
new friends, among them members of our Lodges as well as from those of
Grand Lodge of Chile and from the Supreme Council XXIII Degree." The friendship and brotherhood attained between both
Grand Lodges Grand Masters became demonstrated once more when some months
later, MW Maxwell requested the Chair of Garante de Paz y Amistad de La
Gran Logia de Chile before the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. At the time
that Chair was vacant. The Grand Lodge of Chile considered an important
honor that MW Maxwell could be their representative and consented to such
request immediately. During its 125 years of existence Huelén Lodge has had
its ups and downs, but somehow there was always a brother who would give
his time and energy to help the Lodge pull through when the going was
rough. In this opportunity we have not with us the sound of the voices of
those brethren that made the existence of our Lodge possible, but we have
with us those that come from beyond, from their spirits to excite the
attentive ear, the faithful breast. Again, it is impossible to name them
all, just a few sparkling lights, one from the beginning another from in
between and the last from our days. Peter Ewing. One of the founders of Huelen, was initiated at
Justicia y Libertad 5 Lodge at a time when this Lodge had its
meetings in a building fronting the Municipal Theatre. In the words of his
son Bro.:Victor Guillermo Ewing: "my father was the kindest man I ever
knew, in every sense, very rigid, severe and strict like all parents used
to be in those days. His studies had ended at the age of fourteen,
according to the logic of his own father who on his side had begun to work
at that age". He raised three sons, all of them freemasons who gave
brightness to their respective Lodges: Alfredo, a distinguished military
officer; Roberto, who became Mayor of the city of Punta Arenas; and Víctor
Guillermo. Their Lodges were: Huelen, Estrella de Magallanes
N°25 and Justicia y Libertad N°5. Peter Ewing, a singular and
exemplar Bro.:, reached the highest posts within his Lodge becoming its
Worshipful Master between 1879 and 1882 and then between 1890 and 1891.
Later, he was appointed representative of the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Massachusetts as District Deputy Grand Master. Again, in the
words of his son Bro.: Victor Guillermo Ewing: "I remember my mother
sewing some special clothing with her hands, adorned with hanging silvered
figures of thread.. Time after I learned that these garments were named as
aprons and were to be the gifts that Worshipful Masters received after
their term". I would not like to pass this opportunity without offering
homage to this lady and R.Wor. Peter Ewing in the person of one his sons,
Victor Guillermo Ewing, who as member of Justicia y Libertad 5 in
difficult times during the 1891 Revolution in Chile, and being obliged to
leave the Temple because of the many debts owed by a group of Lodges
located in Galeria San Carlos, and occupying the position of Treasurer,
was able to collect the money, even from Brethren living in Europe, to pay
the debts. As Galeria San Carlos was going to be re-arranged, the Lodge
had to move its furniture which was kept in his house; communications were
held at Drei Ringe Lodge's Temple on Nathaniel Street, thanks to the
kindness and fraternal offer of this Lodge. This outstanding Mason became
afterwards Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile and also Grand
Comendador of the Chapter in its highest degree, the 33rd. Enrique Jenkins Carter. Born in Baltimore, Maryland -USA, he arrived in Chile in
1884 hired by the Chilean government to participate in the construction of
a railroad between Angol and Valdivia and in the installation of a
telephonic plant in Iquique. Was initiated in Huelen Lodge on November 6,
1884 and passed and raised in 1885. In 1901 he moved to Talca where he
helped in the foundation of Lodge Constancia y Fraternidad 40 and Lodge
Voltaire 18 becoming its first Worshipful Master. He occupied the Chair of
Master for 16 years between 1914 and 1930, which has been considered as an
extraordinary and outstanding event not known in other Lodges in Chile.
This Wor. Bro.: dedicated a great deal of his personal fortune and time to
the community being the founder of Colonias Escolares de Cordillera,
Escuelas Públicas, Liceo de Talca Scouts, Federaciones Mutualistas and
other. He became Grand Regional Deputy Master of the Grand Master of Grand
Lodge of Chile and reached Degree 33. He passed away in 1950 under the
deep regret of his fellow citizens and Brethren from the Region and
Chile. Samuel Torregrosa Now a brother born in the South of Chile, almost 90 years
ago. Initiated in one of the Lodges under the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, Saint John's Lodge and its Master in 1947. Later in 1951 he
moved to Santiago and joined Huelen Lodge where he has served all the
officer's positions, including WM for the following periods 1972-74,
1980-82 and 1985-88, totalizing 7 years devoted to the Craft. He was the
founder of a number of important institutions, among which are INDISA and
Universidad de la Republica in Santiago, and YMCA, Polyphonic Chorus, Ski
Club and Hockey Club in Concepcion, where he also excelled as a superstar
basketball player and practiced several other sports. He received in 1993
the Veteran's Medal awarded by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts when he
attained 50 years as a Master Mason. On the Communication held on April 5
2001, he was unanimously elected Honorary Member, in recognition of his
outstanding merits, his permanent collaboration and commitment to the
Craft and to the principles of Freemasonry. He married Agueda Zuniga in
1938 and they have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grand
children. He is currently our Treasurer and a vivid example for all of
us.
At present, its financial situation is normal and, above
all, harmony has prevailed at all times among its members. We are proud of our past; at present we are 25 members, 5
of them permanently unable to attend due to illness and physical
inability. Approximately half of the remaining normally attend
communications. Despite of the drawbacks we look into the future with
confidence, it is full of work to be done and with lots of expectations:
we need to increase the number of seekers as Bro.: Buxton expressed in his
Lecture, one month ago. The task is difficult for regular men, but we are
masons, this is to say better men and for men of this condition this task
is nothing more than joy, for it is the search of the Spring for the
search of the lasting evergreen. Richthofen Carrasco
Bro. Richthofen Carrasco was born on the 12th of August 1938 in Valparaiso, where he carried on his full education, and achieved the degree of Civil Chemical Engineer (Catholic University of Valparaiso). He has worked for important international firms such as Dupont-Enaex and Unilever. Among his numerous socially oriented activities are: President of Río Loa Golf & Country Club (Calama), President of Lion’s Club International (Yungay), co-founder of Chillán’s Ham Radio Club. Presently he is devoting a lot of his time to the teaching of young hooligans, towards their reinsertion in normal social life. He married Irene M. Johnson in 1968; they have one daughter and one son, both studying in US Colleges. He was initiated in Huelén Lodge on May 14 1998, was Passed on July 9 and Raised on November 12 1998. He has served Officer Posts (Junior Warden 1999/2000, Secretary 2000/2, Senior Warden 2002/3) in Huelén Lodge and is a member of the Financial Committee. His diligence and commitment to the Lodge and Freemasonry have been remarkable, fruitful and contagious. He is a frequent visitor and collaborator of other Lodges, no matter the different rites, and after an 18 month course he achieved in November 2002 the category of Coach of Masonic Instruction, bestowed by Gran Logia de Chile. |