Forged in Service, Bound in Brotherhood: Inside Overseas Lodge No. 40

Step inside a meeting of Overseas Lodge No. 40, F.&A.M., at the Scottish Rite building in Cranston, Rhode Island, and you sense something very special. It's not only the impact of seeing your brothers in uniform and it’s more than just the fraternal vibe, common to Masonic lodges; it’s a profound connection woven from threads of shared military service, time-honored tradition, and a history unlike any other in the state. This is a lodge born overseas, forged in post-World War I Europe, and today, under the leadership of their Worshipful Master Paul Fetter III—himself an Army veteran who remarkably began his Masonic journey while still in high school—it stands as one of our Rhode Island gems.

"There's a uniqueness with specifically Overseas Lodge," W∴ Fetter explains, his passion evident. "That brotherhood aspect... it really reaches to everybody, from our older members to our younger members." While all Masonic lodges cherish fraternity, Overseas Lodge amplifies it through the lens of shared military experience. It’s a place where sharing stories isn't just casual conversation, but a bridge connecting generations of servicemen. Fetter notes, "It's really the fraternity that keeps the Craft tightened at Overseas Lodge," setting it apart even from other veterans' organizations.

Masons Made in Germany

The lodge's origins lie with the "Masons made in Germany"—American servicemen stationed in the Army of Occupation after the Great War. Meeting first as a Masonic Club in Coblenz, Germany, they displayed incredible zeal, raising an astonishing 3,000 candidates in roughly eight months. They convened in remarkable locations, including one of the Kaiser's private estates and a local German lodge with its own rich history dating back to Napoleon's campaigns. Chartered under the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 1920, thanks to the pivotal support of influential brethren like Colonel Winfield Scott Solomon (Past Master of Morning Star Lodge No. 13 and future Grand Master), Overseas Lodge became the only lodge under Rhode Island's jurisdiction constituted on foreign soil.

Today's members embody this legacy. They wear distinctive military-style uniforms during meetings, a direct "homage," as W∴ Fetter puts it, "to our original brothers." They also treasure and utilize a stunning set of sterling silver officers' jewels, presented to the lodge upon its return stateside around 1921—a ceremony graced by the esteemed Major General John A. Lejeune of the US Marine Corps. These aren't mere relics; they are symbols worn with pride, connecting the present-day officers directly to their founders' spirit of service and Masonic dedication. The lodge even carefully preserves historical artifacts like a Masonic diploma signed by Marshal Ney —a French Mason and very famous general in Napoleon’s army_— a testament to the deep intersection of military and Masonic history Overseas Lodge stewards.

This profound connection to service naturally fuels the lodge's charitable spirit, which gravitates around the veteran community. "Our big piece... is not to forget our brothers and our fellow veterans and their families that can't attend lodge or need a helping hand," emphasizes Fetter. The lodge is a key partner in the Grand Lodge's annual Christmas gift distribution at the Bristol Veterans Home, bringing cheer and recognition to residents. They conduct a vital annual coat drive, led by W∴ Bowman, ensuring warmth for those in need during colder months.

Recently, W∴ Fetter spearheaded a particularly touching program focused on allowing veterans and their families to share their stories and access support, highlighting the lodge's role as a caring community. Many members also amplify their commitment to relief through active participation in the Rhode Island Shriners, especially the Clown Unit and Motor Corps, directly benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Strong Roots That Endure

Overseas Lodge is navigating the currents of the 21st century with vigor and foresight. Like many other lodges, attracting new members presents a challenge, intensified by the lodge's unique requirement that members must be veterans. Yet, far from fading, Overseas Lodge is experiencing what Fetter hopefully terms a "renaissance." A key indicator? "This year is the first year in a long time that Overseas Lodge has had a progressive line with no past masters of Overseas Lodge in it." The lodge is intentionally cultivating younger leadership, bringing fresh energy and perspective while honoring the experience of its established members.

The seeds of growth are bearing fruit. New, younger candidates are actively progressing through the Masonic degrees, excited to contribute. Established Masons who are also veterans are increasingly choosing to affiliate, drawn to the lodge's unique character. Recent meetings have seen strong attendance, including a March program on VA benefits from a younger veteran's perspective that drew almost exclusively Overseas Lodge members – a powerful display of unity. "You can definitely see that we're slowly coming back as a much stronger lodge," Fetter observes. The lodge is also poised to play a significant role supporting one of its own esteemed members, Most Worshipful Rick Baccus, former Brigadier General, as he is installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island– a testament to the lodge's commitment to service within the broader fraternity, especially poignant during this 250th anniversary year of the founding of America's armed forces.

Overseas Lodge No. 40 represents a powerful convergence: the discipline and camaraderie of military service married to the timeless principles of Freemasonry. It's a living history, a supportive brotherhood, and a force for good within the veteran community.

Your Brothers in Arms Are Waiting

W∴M∴ Fetter extends a heartfelt welcome: "The doors are always open... If you're a veteran, please come and visit us and see what we're all about and be amongst not only your fraternal brothers, but also your brothers in arms." For any Mason, and especially any veteran Mason, seeking a place where service, history, and fraternity intertwine so profoundly, Overseas Lodge No. 40 offers a truly unique and welcoming Masonic home.

For more information about Overseas Lodge No. 40, please visit: https://overseaslodge.com/