The History of
The Golden Rule Brotherhood
1908-1935
written by Dr. Raymond VanderWyk

On November 17, 1908, Dr. Frederick Harlan Page delivered an address on the meaning of brotherhood to the members of the Baraca Class at one of their monthly meetings. His words apparently fell on fertile soil for his listeners were so impressed that they decided to form an organization, which they named, "The Golden Rule Brotherhood." The Literary Committee of the Baraca Class was instrumental in its formation. On January 27, 1909,85 men gathered together and voted to proceed. A constitution was drawn up welcoming all men over 18 years of age, and all members of the Baraca Class.

The objectives of the Brotherhood were based on the precept of the "Golden Rule." They were to promote the moral, educational, and social welfare of its members, the extension of brotherly sympathy, aid in times of need, and the cultivation of Christian friendship among the men of the Church. A unique Article provided for monetary benefits for the sick or those members disabled for longer than one week, for the marriage of a member, and for a member whose wife gave birth to a child. It also provided a death benefit for survivors. Members eligible for these benefits were called Beneficial Members, and were assessed dues of $.50 per month.. Sick benefits could not exceed more than $20.00 in any one year. Members with "families in distress were paid a sum not to exceed $25.00. Others were called Social Members, and were assessed $.25 per month, but received no benefits. Marriage benefits were $5.00, and births were eligible for a gift not to exceed $3.00 in value, such as a silver spoon. Death benefits to widows were $50.00. Between 1909 and 1920, almost $1000. was paid out At each meeting, reports were given on the welfare of members, and the President assigned two members to visit each ill member, and to report back to the Brotherhood.

The Golden Rule Brother hood was an immediate success. Drawing heavily from the Baraca Class and the Pastor's Men's class for its members. Its emphasis was on fellowship within the Church. It bad no affiliation with any outside organizations, as did the Baraca Class., which dealt more with the theological and spiritual aspects of Church life. The monthly programs tended to be instructive and entertaining. Examples of presentations in 1912 were:

The Inside of Daily Life in the U.S Navy.
Boston, City of the Pilgrims
The Significance of a New Labor Program -Some Steps The Commonwealth Might Take

An Annual Brotherhood Sunday was held when the members marched into the Sanctuary, and sat as a body in the front pews.. An address was delivered by "someone especially invited for the occasion". An Annual Ladies Night was held with the Brotherhood cooking and arranging the dinner and the program which followed. The first Brotherhood cooking and arranging the dinner and the program which followed. The first Ladies Night was held on November 15, 1909. It featured a musical, with Mrs. Myrtle Jordon rendering a variety of selections on the pianoforte. Mr. Fred Bearce. our church organist, played selections on the organ, while Dr. Page explained the meaning of the music, and gave information about their composers.

Twenty-one members served in the First World War. They included Ensign George Davis, a prominent Waltham lawyer, and a pillar of the Church. His generous donation during the 1959 Church building renovation resulted in our present Chapel, which was named in his honor. Lieutenant Arthur Hansen later became Mayor of Waltham. When his wife gave birth to a son in 1921, he wrote this note to the Golden Rule Brotherhood," Mrs. Hansen and I wish to extend our appreciation, and sincere thanks for the beautiful gift which you so kindly gave to our little son, whom we believe will appreciate it in the years to come". It is believed that Sgt.Walter Jenson was the first Waltham boy to make the supreme sacrifice. In 1921, another veteran spoke at one of the Brotherhood meetings about his experiçnce in the Army of Occupation.

Some of the other presentations which were given during the years that followed the ending of the War to save Democracy were the following:

Arthur Burke: (later Principal of Waltham High School) "What the great continental glaciers did to Waltham and vicinity"

Leslie Jones: (Waltham High School Teacher} Demonstrated how a new fangled instrument known as a radio worked.

Dr. Page: "Who's Who', and What's What in Evolution" (I wish I had a copy of that discussion). He also described his personal experiences in his trip up the Nile to the Valley of the Tombs of Ancient Egyptian Kings.

1936-1972

By the Year 1935, The Golden Rule Brotherhood had become firmly established with a roster of over 100 men, a strong leadership, and a willing active membership.That was the year when it organized a Bowling League, which bowled continuously for 66 years, until the alleys were replaced by commercial buildings in 2003. Its history will be told in several Chapters, including the following
1. Organization, past officers, and distinguished members
2. Descriptions of typical meetings
3. Contributions to the welfare of the Church
4. Contributions to the welfare of its members
5. The Golden Rule Brotherhood Bowling League

ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS

As reported in Chapter XIX, it was stated that the objects of the Brotherhood as set forth by its founder, Dr. Harlan Page, were to promote the moral, educational, and social welfare of its membership, the extension of brotherly sympathy, aid in times of need, and the cultivation of Christian friendship. It followed closely the teachings of the Biblical Golden Rule.

In addition to the officers of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor, there was an Advisory Board consisting of the officers and three members, who were elected at the Annual 'Meeting in May. The minister of the Church was also a member. The duties of the Advisory Board were to look at situations of necessity, want of employment, illnesses, or deaths in a member's family, and to report the names of any members who were disabled. It also received applications for membership, and acted on delinquent dues payers. Bowlers were required to attend at least two meetings each year under penalty of dismissal. It acted on all business not otherwise provided for, and it managed the distribution of Benefit Funds. The Advisory Board met monthly, and kept a record of all transactions, which were reported to the members at the Annual Meeting for action.

The election of officers was conducted at the Annual Meetings in May. The new President appointed eight Program Committees, one for each of the eight meetings held on the first Monday of each month, September through May. The Committees consisted of four members. Each Committee Chairman was expected to complete the plans for its designated month, and to provide them to the Brotherhood's Secretary in time for distribution by mail to all members of the Brotherhood by the September meeting. The Secretary also had to print up, and distribute tickets.

The Golden Rule Brotherhood is proud of its 63 years of service to the Church, and to its members. Sadly, in 1972, the final Annual Report submitted by Secretary Arthur Mixon, and Treasurer, Robert Thayer stated simply, "There was no meeting this year"and "Savings Account, $488.60". The decision in 1971, not to continue was a difficult one to make, but changing times, dwindling attendance, and a lack of interest were apparently the answers. The final Annual Meeting was held in May, 1971, when an attempt was made to save the Golden Rule Brotherhood from disbanding. There were only 18 members present. The Minutes stated that there was a thoughtful discussion on the future of the ailing organization. There was a general agreement to continue on, despite the small turnouts, and to reduce the number of meetings from eight to four, and that they should be held on some other night, but Monday. A slate of officers was elected, but it never functioned. Elected were: William Stitt, President: Frank Everett, Vice-President: Arthur Mixon, Secretary, and Bob Thayer, Treasurer.

At the final order of business at the May 1971 Annual Meeting, it was voted to defray the cost of a flag for use by Boy Scout Troop 57, and to put on the November 10, 1971 supper at the Steeplecock Fair. Subsequently, 90 persons were served at $2.25 per plate, resulting in a profit of $135.65, which was given to the Women's Association..

Mention should be made of the only Brotherhood member to have been active during its entire 63 years. He was Kimball Johnson, who had to wait for a year and a half before he could legally join, because he was too young at the time. Following is a list of the surviving members of the Church, who were Golden Rule Brothers, when it disbanded in 1972.

King Chittenden (Deceased Nov. 2003)
Herbert Everett
Benjamin Potter
Eugene Rogers
Arthur Mixon
Robert Thayer
Raymond VanderWyk
Albert Toier (deceased Oct. 2003)
Malcolm Phillips
Norman Pokier

Past Presidents of the Brotherhood

The following list of past presidents is chronological, and may be incomplete because in some years the officers were not named, especially in the early years. Some of the presidents served for more than one year.
Charles Durgin (Charter member}
Richard Putnam
Albert Williams
William Wiley
James Johnson
Phillip Janes
Bernard Foss
Richard Pontz
Winthrop Crocker
Roland Lamy
Ernest Doe
George Gould
George Mansfield
David Duncan
Robert Steward
Robert Thayer
Charles Morgan
Arthur Mixon
Herman Ellis
J. Alden Wentworth
Edwin Wentworth
William Stitt
James Johnson
Robert Franks
William E. Hays
Lester Davis
Warren Whitcomb
William Garland
Donald Gummerson
Homer Hepler

The Golden Rule Brotherhood met eight times each year from September to May, at which time the Annual meeting was held. At one of the meetings, the women of the Church were invited, and it became known as Ladies Night. It was ordained in the By-laws, as was Laity Sunday, when the Brothers attended as a body, and sat together in the front pews. Other nights were named:

Father-Sons Night
Womens Association Night
Sports Night
Vice-Presidents Night
Father-Daughters Night
Pastors (Christmas Night)
Presidents Night
Fathers-Sons and Daughters Night

At all meetings, a supper was served, either catered, or served by one of the Groups of the Women's Association. For them it was one of their money raising efforts. Occasionally, The Senior Pilgrim Fellowship served, and received a percentage of the profits. The average cost was $1.50 for adults, and $.90 for the youth, monthly programs were entertaining (especially for the youth of the Church), educational, social, and informative, including the field trips. Members of the Brotherhood were varied in their careers, and most were willing to speak about their work at the monthly programs. While the expressed purpose of the Brotherhood fellowship, it should be emphasized that the spiritual and religious education of its members was still available for all men who desired it. In most instances during this period, it was the pastors who led Bible study classes. For example, in 1948, a Steeplecock edition reported that Rev. Harold Leland would hold a class on the subject the Ten Commandments. Other pastors who led classes were Rev. Charles Reidt, Rev. Paul Barnes, and Rev. Norman Levinson.

During the 40's and into the 60's, a favorite program was the sing-a-longs. Perhaps you have sung a few of the following tunes, as well.

"When the Saints Come Marching Home"
"By the Light of the Silvery Moon"
"She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain When She Comes"
"I've Been Working on the Railroad"
"You Are My Sunshine"
"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" <
"Good Night Ladies: (at the end of Ladies Night, of course)

The Annual Father and Sons Night of February 23,1938 merited a two column spread in the Waltham News Tribune. It was attended by 200 fathers and sons. The occasion featured a supper put on by the the Womens Association, which was prepared by Miss Grace (Macfarlane) Johnson and Mrs, Malcolm Pearce. The room (downstairs) was decorated with a patriotic theme with a flag-draped portrait of George Washington, arranged by Kimball Johnson. Balloons were distributed to the boys as favors. Following the supper there was a community sing-ra-lang with Fred Bearce at the piano. During the short business meeting, it was reported that Dr. Emil Guba was recovering from a recent appendectomy. Dr. Harlan Page, former Pastor, spoke about the history of the Brotherhood, which he founded in 1908, and the benefits derived by being a member. There were remarks by Boy Scout Director, Stanley Merrill, and "moving pictures" showing excellent views of a Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. A balloon blowing up contest was held among the boys. The two winners with the stoutest lungs were Donald Skackle and William King. A clown performance by Herbert Taylor concluded the program. The Toastmaster of the evening was George Davis.

Dick Olson, Secretary of the Brotherhood in May in 1951, reported on the Annual Meeting which beg _ with a supper prepared by Louise Toler. It was voted to purchase adressographs plates for the Church OfficeT and to give Charter Member, Kimball Johnson, a Vote of thanks for his work as Treasurer. Scout Troop 57 gave a contribution of $25.00 toward the renovation of the new supper room (Page Hall)

Field Trips
Boys Club of Waltham
Beneficial Members Insurance
Cedar Hill (Weston)
Payson Park Church (Belmont)
Cabot Reservation
Cedar Hill (Waltham)
Waltham News Tribune
Waltham Fire Alarm Headquarters
New England Tel. @ Tel.
M.I.T.Campus and Chapel
Andover Newton Theological School
Brandeis University Chapels
Christian Church in China Town (Boston)
Newton Incinerator
Espousal Retreat (Waltham)
Walpole State Prison
New Waltham High School
Hanscom Air Force Field"
Carling Brewery (FINAL MEETING)

Contributions
Sunday School
Red Cross
Community Red Feather Fund
Christian Higher Education
alpole Correctional Institute
Protestant Youth Center
Murphy General Hospital.
Waltham Boys Club
Perkins Institute for Blind
Boston Missionary Soc.
Pilgrim Fellowships
Boy Scout Troop 57
Sign/Lights front Lawn $400
Church Renovation '62 $500
Home for Little Wanderers
Income, Roast Beef Suppers
Reducing Church Debt
Steeplecock Fair

At the final meeting ever of the GoldenRule Brotherhood in 1971, Secretary Arthur Mixon thusly reported "The tour took an hour and a hah; when all of the steps in the production of beer and ale were demonstrated. A most rewarding finish to the tour came when a sample of the brew on draught was tested." There was no Business Meeting that evening.

1953-1954

The period, 1953-54 seems to be typical of the many activities of the Golden Rule Brotherhood. Membership stood at 118 men, and participation was universally excellent, Raymond Withey was Secretary, and recorded the following account in his Annual Report: The October 1953 meeting began with a meat pot pie supper served by Eldora Putnam and Helen Janes of the Womens Association, Group IV. With President, John Scott presiding, it was voted to contribute $15.00 to the Red Feather Campaign, and plans were made to put on the Roast Beef Supper at Steeplecock Fair time, to be supervised by chef, Ellsworth "Red" Lundgren. This being Sports Night, Bob Raymond, a Brotherhood member, and former coach of the Methuen High School football team, gave a talk on the new T-formation in football. This was followed by movies of a game between The University of Vermont and Northeastern University."

November was Garden Night, and began with a baked pork chop supper, served by Group VI of the Womens Association, under the supervision of Mrs. Harry Curtis. It was announced that the October Roast Beef Supper had grossed $136.07, which had been turned over to the church. By motion of Warren Whitcomb, it was voted to reduce the note owed by the church to the Brotherhood by an equal amount. After the business meeting, the members adjourned to the Waltham Field Station on Beaver St., which is a part of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The Brotherhood was well represented on the Staff. Bill Garland was the expert on garden flowers. Professor Warren Whitcomb was the apple expert. He distributed several varieties of apples, and asked for a judgment on the best tasting variety. Harold Wilson led a tour of the facilities, and explained the experiments which were going on. Albert Wollrath, a professional florist, spoke on the commercial growing of horticultural plants. Dr. Emil Guba spoke on poison mushrooms, and how to identify them. His book, entitled, "Wild Mushrooms, Food and Poison" is acclaimed as being the guide in its field. Dr. Guba also wrote a history of Nantucket, called "Nantucket Odyssey."

At the Christmas meeting in December the members enjoyed a baked ham supper served by Violet Scott and Group II of the Womens Association. Ed Towne was given a vote of thanks for leading the Church Campaign in raising money for the next year's budget. He was assisted by 74 Brotherhood members. King Chittendon was voted into membership. Pastor Harold Leland introduced Reverend Henry Helms of the Morgan Memorial and Good Will Industries. He gave a talk on the activities of those organizations. Following his talk, he was presented with gifts from the Brotherhood for the children's Christmas Party.

In January, 1954, The Brotherhood observed its Annual Ladies Night. A Roast Beef Supper was catered by Codman of Dorchester, with 66 members and guests present. There was no business meeting. Benjamin Worth, Chairman of the Program Committee, introduced a group of 25 students from the Perkins Institute of the Blind. They entertained the gathering with their singing, after which, refreshments were served and a social hour was observed.

The February meeting began with a chicken pie Supper served by Louise Toler and Janet Keyes, representing Group V of the Womens Association. The Brotherhood was asked to underwrite the expenses of the Pilgrim Fellowship basketball team. Twenty dollars was provided to do so. Harold Barber, employed by Atlantic Register Co., gave a talk on printing forms, and introduced Harold Nyman, a Brotherhood member and Superintendent of the company. The group visited the plant on Moody St., and were given demonstrations on the methods of printing, using different types of machinery and presses.

In March, the Brotherhood enjoyed a Swedish meat ball Supper prepared by Group I of the Womens Association under the supervision of Mrs. Harold Garish and Mrs. Herbert Vinal. Mr. Fred Flagg gave a talk on behalf of the Layman's Conference of Massachusetts, and asked for contributions for their work. Charles Basle, adult Scout leader for Troop 57, asked the Brotherhood to support the troop so that the Scouts could attend a jamboree in Washington. It was so voted. Arthur Lazarus, Chairman of the evening's program, introduced Mr. Frank Crandell, Chief Engineer, and Vice-President of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. of Boston. He spoke on "Automobile Crash Research."

April 26 was "Fathers and Daughters Night", with 140 members and daughters attending. The supper meal was a meat pie served by the ladies of Group III under the chairmanship of Marion Stearns. Miss Dianne Archibald gave a toast "to our Dads", and this was followed by a toast "to our Daughters" by dad, Porter Archibald. Following the acceptance into membership of Melvin Ham and Harold Pride, Carlton Owen led the group in a community song fest. Members of the Pilgrim Fellowship sang and played a number of popular selections. Warren Whitcomb gave a talk apropos to the occasion including several anecdotes and advice to both generations. Carlton introduced Bob Munstedt, magician and ventriloquist, who amazed his audience with feats of magic.

The Annual Meeting of the Golden Brotherhood was held in May, with the election of Officers, and the Advisory Board. The meeting was held at Cedar Hill, where a cook-out Supper was prepared by the members of Group III, under the direction of Dora Putnam and Elva Worth. Charles Hepler was elected President. He introduced Brotherhood member, Bob Raymond, who was also Director of Cedar Hill. Bob explained his work, and took the group to the site of the new swimming pool.

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Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002