Men's Club of Braintree

Welcome

The Men’s Club of Braintree, Massachusetts, now marks 100 years of unbroken existence since it was formed in 1907. The club was formerly known as the Men’s Club of the All Souls Church. 

The founder of the club was the Reverend Frederick R. Griffin, first pastor of 
the All Souls Church in Braintree. Noting that the newly erected church was most favorably located near the railroad station off Elm Street, and compelled by a sense of community fellowship which transcended any religious denominationalism, Rev. Griffin sparked the formation of the Men’s Club, “where all men might pause on their homeward way for a meal together, a sharing of the news of the day and a speaker to activate their mental process.” 

The first meeting, held on February 15, 1907, featured as its main speaker 
Congressman Louis A. Frothingham who gave an address on the Panama Canal, 
drawing from his experience during an extended stay on the Isthmus of Panama. 

Since that first guest speaker, the non-sectarian Men’s Club, which meets on the 
first Wednesday of each month between October and March for a roast beef dinner, 
has had literally hundreds of speakers on varied subjects representing a wide 
spectrum of interests and activities. 

The main purpose of the club is to promote fellowship and an opportunity to meet new friends. Although the majority of club members live in Braintree, membership is not restricted to residents of the town. New members are most welcome. 

The meeting opens with the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of “America”, and an 
invocation by a member. Dinner follows immediately, served by Boy Scout Troop 22. 
Following dinner, there is a three song sing-along, a very short business meeting, and the guest speaker is introduced for a varied program by business leaders, educators, distinguished judges, historical experts or even entertainment by a local musical group. The meeting concludes with the singing of “God Bless America”. 



Written by Maurice R. Reardon and updated by John M. Pelose