William F. Hurd
William Frederick Hurd (1826–1904) - Past Master of Corinthian Lodge and Founding Member of Walden Royal Arch Chapter[edit]
Early Life and Family[edit]
William Frederick Hurd was born on February 12, 1826, in Concord, Massachusetts, to Isaac Hurd Jr., and grandson to Isaac Hurd, Corinthian Lodge's first master. Hurd spent the majority of his life in Concord, where he became a respected figure. He was married twice, first to Sarah J. Rice, daughter of Reuben Rice, and later to Mrs. M. Augusta Simonds. He had two children, including a daughter, Mrs. William H. Brown, and a son.
Hurd accumulated significant real estate in Concord through careful investments, which contributed to his reputation as a successful and influential member of the community. He was in the business of buying and developing homes, often by moving them. In 1882 he bought the lodge building from the Town of Concord which had been using it as an engine house. He refurbished it, moved it 42' back from the sidewalk and added 16 feet to the rear of the building. [1]
Masonic Involvement[edit]
Hurd joined Corinthian Lodge in 1854 and became one of its most distinguished members. He served as Worshipful Master and was, at the time of his death, the oldest Mason in Concord, with the exception of Benjamin Tolman. Hurd’s commitment to Freemasonry extended beyond Corinthian Lodge. On February 17, 1873, alongside D. Goodwin Lang, Henry F. Smith, Edward C. Damon, and Henry J. Hosmer, he helped establish Walden Royal Arch Chapter. Hurd served as High Priest from 1873 to 1875, becoming the Chapter’s oldest Past High Priest.
In 1882, Hurd purchased and renovated the brick building adjacent to his residence on Lowell Road, converting it into a meeting space for Corinthian Lodge and Walden Chapter, further demonstrating his dedication to the Masonic community. He was also a 32nd-degree Mason and briefly affiliated with the Knights Templars, though he did not take an active role in that organization.
Later Life and Legacy[edit]
Hurd passed away on May 3, 1904[2], at his home on Lowell Road after a month-long illness related to heart trouble. He was 73 years old. His funeral was held at his residence, with both Corinthian Lodge and Walden Chapter calling special meetings to honor his memory. Hurd’s contributions to Freemasonry, his investments in Concord, and his role in founding and supporting Masonic institutions leave a lasting legacy in the town.
Hurd is remembered as a central figure in Concord’s Masonic history, and his efforts ensured the growth and stability of local Masonic bodies for future generations.