SHELBURNE FALLS — Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere and John Hancock are among the most famous Freemasons of Massachusetts, but local Mason Edwin Baker left a legacy for the Masons as well in Shelburne Falls.
Born in 1843, he was the “Baker” in Baker Pharmacy, the historic shop on Bridge Street, according to Martin Driggs of the Shelburne Falls Mountain Lodge. The Shelburne Falls lodge at 7 Main St. (above the Senior Center) will be one of several lodges to participate in a statewide “open house” on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After serving in the Army for three years, Baker was hired in 1864 to be the pharmacy’s drug clerk. He was only 21. But three years later, he bought the drug store and became its lead pharmacist.
Besides running the pharmacy, Baker served on the boards of two banks and was an Arms Library trustee for 16 years. He was also a state representative, state senator, a school committee member and superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school.
Baker was master of Shelburne Falls’ Mountain Lodge of Masons and Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic district.
Those who visit the Shelburne Falls Masonic Building on Saturday can get a tour of the building and learn more about what the Masons say is “the world’s oldest and largest fraternity.”
The purpose of the open house is to raise awareness of who the Freemasons are and what they do.”
Driggs said Freemasons’ history goes back to the stonemason guilds that built Europe’s cathedrals and castles; but the group has also been part of Massachusetts’ history since its founding here about 280 years ago.
“Freemasons believe that the strength of their community and country rests with people of strong conviction, firm ethical and moral values and a devotion to our democratic system of government,” Driggs wrote, in a news release. “Masons help each other intensify their devotion to these enduring values.”
Other Franklin County Freemasons will be holding open house at the following lodges:
Republican Lodge, 215 Munson St. in Greenfield.
Harmony Lodge, 20 Masonic Ave. in Turners Falls.
North Quabbin Lodge, 336 Main St., Athol.
For online information, go to:
www.FreeMasonry.org