Obediah G. Rundell

The First Worthy Master of the Norwich Lodge of Masons

Utica Saturday Globe, June 20, 1903

Obebiah G. Rundell

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  It is 50 years since their charter was granted to Norwich Lodge, No 306, Free and Accepted Masons.  The members observed the semi-centennial of the organization by attending in a body the evening services of the Congregational Church last Sunday upon invitation of the pastor, Rev. D.W. Dexter.

 

It was in 1853 that the charter was granted and the first worthy master to serve the lodge was Obediah G. Rundell, who held the highest office in the gift of the lodge from the election in 1853 for five years, until and including the year 1857.  Very few of the original members of the order remain.

 

At the services Sunday evening Rev. Mr. Dexter congratulated the lodge upon its long and honorable history; that with the passing of time the cement of fraternity and good fellowship had not crumbled, but like good mortar had grown firmer and more enduring with the lapse of years.  He briefly reviewed the record of the ancient and honorable institution of Free Masonry and eloquently portrayed the blessings with which it had brightened the pathway of humanity.

 

In the good that has been done the Norwich lodge was no exception but he believed the members were better men for being Masons and that the community was enriched by the existence of their beneficent body.