USA > California > Santa Barbara County > History of Santa Barbara county, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 79
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Masonry was introduced into Ireland in 1730. In Scotland the history of the order was mneh like that in England, except that at one time females (widows of members) were admitted as parties interested in building contracts. Desaguliers, the apostle of Ma- sonry in England, appeared in Edinburg in 1721 and succeeded in modifying the character of the organi- zation, and bringing about a union with the London
societies. St. Andrew's Day was substituted for that of St. John the Baptist, and on November 30, 1736, a Grand Lodge for Scotland was formed, acting in connection with the Grand Lodge of England.
It is said that in Scotland the growth of the order was rather towards conviviality than charity. Some of the ceremonies, such as drinking beer out of a human skull, had to be eliminated. The head of the St. Clair family resigned his hereditary office and became the first Grand Master. The Supreme Grand Royal Areh Chapter was organized at Edinburg, but its authority is not recognized by other similar orders.
Masonry as a speenlative order was introduced in France, in 1725, and, from the first, was patronized largely by the nobility. An attempt to engraft on it the mysteries of Cagliostro, the most accomplished humbug the world ever saw, which were said to have been derived from the deciphered records of Egypt, and also the Rosicrucian mysteries, and still more, a pretension to holy inspiration, came near strangling the infant society in its eradle. Some of the Bonapartes, and Marshals Kellerman and Massena, were members of the order. Napoleon the Great rather frowned on the order, as it contained too many of the nobility, who might come to a better understanding, and the members of the familie withdrew from the order. It does not flourish in France, as in the more Protestant countries, the seerets of the order being out of reach of the confessional.
Germany claims the honor of organizing modern Masonry, and have what is called the Royal Mother Lodge of the World. Those best acquainted with its workings and history, or at least some of them, say that the Masonic organization was older in England than in Germany; that it was carried to Germany and flourished there while it was nearly forgotten in England; that it was brought baek from Germany, getting its final movement in England.
GENERAL TENDENCY OF MASONRY.
It is impossible, even for members, to judge aecu- rately what its general tendency is. It undoubtedly is to some extent a rival for favor with the religious societies of the world, in a manner satisfying the hunger for a religious belief by holding in its bosom a continued mystery, whose end cannot be reached. The claim to be a charitable institution, to do good to the whole world, has haps a tendency to make them brethren with those who cannot give the signs of fellowship. Others contend that there is a tendeney to a degeneracy into a convivial club. It is likely that all these tendencies prevail in different places, depending upon the tone of the surrounding society.
The charge that was made against the order half a century sinee, of hatching treason to government, or the general plunder of society, has been forgotten, and need not be defended here, though the Masonic lodges in some parts of Europe, especially in France, Italy and Austria, are said to be amenable to this
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RESIDENCE & RANCH OF JAMES TYLER, 8 MILES FROM GUADALUPE, SANTA BARBARA CO. CAL.
ANTONIO TOGNAZZINI'S DAIRY, NEAR GUADALUPE, SANTA BARBARA CO. CAL.
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MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS.
charge, as also to the charge of entertaining irrelig- ious opinions.
INTRODUCTION INTO THE UNITED STATES.
Masonry was introduced into Boston in 1733, which was followed by lodges in different colonies. After the war of Independence, grand lodges were formed in several States. It flourished until 1829, when an exposure was made by a man by the name of Mor- gan, in Batavia, New York. He was spirited away, and never heard of more. The old Whig party, which had an existence of a quarter of a century, was formed out of discontents in regard to the tariff and opponents to Free Masonry. In the hurry and scurry of politics, Masonry was forgotten and allowed to outgrow the odium attached to it in Morgan's time. Ben. Franklin was a Grand Master of a lodge in Philadelphia. Washington was also a member. There are now forty-three grand lodges and 5,000 subordi- nate lodges in the United States, numbering 400,000 members, officers being elected each year by ballot.
The officers of an organized lodge are: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Tyler, and Chaplain.
The Masonic library of books, written to explain its workings and claims to antiquity and support, numbers 4,000 volumes.
The first lodge of Masons in Santa Barbara was organized July 10, 1868. This was the year of the great immigration, and the coming of many mem- bers of lodges in other places gave an opportunity to re-establish their old meetings and renew their social intercourse. This society was followed by others in due time, and now every village of any size has its hall, where the brethren meet on the level and part on the square.
Within the last 200 years numerous societies have sprung into existence for various purposes, social, political, and moral. Whenever any system of secret recognition or assistance is required, the organization has used the forms of the Masonic order, which, from having been in use for hundreds of years, are undoubtedly the most perfect of their kind.
ORIGIN OF ODD FELLOWSHIP.
Unlike the Masons, the origin of this order was in a convivial club, existing in the latter part of the last century in London, called the " Ancient and Honorable Order of Odd Fellows." Attempts were made to change the character of the order to one of more sobriety and decorum, which not succeeding, a portion seceded, and called themselves the Union Order of Odd Fellows. The members in England now number about five hundred thousand. April 26, 1819, Thomas Wildey and four others organized the first lodge of Odd Fellows in the United States, acting under a charter from the Union Order of Odd Fellows. This day is frequently celebrated by the members. The order was established in Boston,
March 26, 1820, and in Philadelphia, December 26, 1821. both lodges receiving their charter from the Baltimore Lodge. A grand charter was then issued to the Past Grands of New York. Since then the order has been established in every State and Terri- tory, and, perhaps, every county in the Union. There are forty-eight grand lodges, thirty-six grand encampments, five thousand four hundred and eighty- six subordinate lodges, one thousand five hundred and twelve subordinate encampments, and five hun- dred and twelve Rebekah degree lodges. Candi- dates for admission must be free white males, of good moral character, and twenty-one years old, who believe in a Supreme Being, the creator and pre- server of the universe. Fidelity to the laws of the land and of the society, and the duties of good citi- zenship are strictly enjoined. though the order is moral and beneficiary, rather than religions. Its secrecy consists of an unwritten and unspoken lan- guage by means of signs, which serve for mutual recognition. Five or more members may constitute a subordinate lodge, whose functions are chiefly administrative. It provides means to relieve its sick and distressed members, to bury the dead, to relieve the widow, and to educate the orphan. The by-laws constitute the legal contract between the initiate and the lodge. The series of degrees with white, pink, blue, green, and scarlet, represent moral lessons. The officers of a subordinate lodge are Noble Grand, Vice-Grand, Secretary and Treasurer, and are elected semi-annually. The degree of Rebekah was created in 1851, to be conferred upon the female members of the Odd Fellow families.
THE ENCAMPMENT
Is composed of members of the scarlet degree. The officers are Patriarch, High Priest, Senior and Junior Wardens, Secretary and Treasurer. They have the exclusive right to confer the patriarchal, golden rule and royal purple degrecs, and are officered by a Chief Patriarch, High Priest, Senior Warden, Scribe, Treas- urer and Junior Warden. All Past Patriarchs in good standing are members of grand encampments. The grand encampment meets annually, and is offi- cered by a Grand Patriarch, Grand High Priest, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Scribe, Grand Treas- urer, and Grand Junior Warden, clected annually. The grand lodge and grand encampments derive their revenues from charter fees and per centage on lodge or encampment revenues, and a per capita tax. The Grand Lodge of the United States is composed of representatives elected biennially by the several grand lodges and encampments. 1ts elective officers are a Grand Sire, Grand Secretary and Grand Treas- urer, elected biennially. The seat of government is Baltimore, where the order in the United States was first organized. Its revenue now amounts to over five million dollars annually. Since 1843 the order has had no official connection with or responsibility to the Union Order of Odd Fellows of England;
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HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
hence the term Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has four supreme grand lodges-one in the United States, one in the German Empire, one in Australia, and one in New Zealand. In the United States it has forty-eight subordinate grand lodges, thirty grand encampments, 6,734 subordinate lodges, 1,318 subordinate encamp- ments, and 870 Rebekah lodges, composed of mem- bers of the fifth degree and their wives. Total rev- enue for one year, $4,516,660.63. During the year 1877 there were 40,578 initiations. Since the organ- ization to 1877, the initiations amounted to 1,064,928; members relieved, 816,882; widowed families relieved, 108,385; members buried, 74,226. The whole amount of relief was $69,235,989.45. The membership is now (1882) nearly a million.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows in Santa Barbara was formed March 30, 1869. The officers chosen were, N. G., Crowson Smith; V. G., Thomas B. Curley; R. S., Albert Boeseke; Treasurer, W. F. M. Goss.
Later in their history the Odd Fellows have de- voted their resources to beautifying the city, by erecting their present fine building on the corner of Haley and State Streets. This structure is of brick, is eighty feet deep and sixty feet front, faced with pressed brick, painted and penciled, and ornamented with pilasters. The lower of the three stories is rented to merchants, who occupy it for the purpose of trade. The second story contains the Free Read- ing-room and a hall, now occupied by H. C. Ford, the landscape painter. The rooms of the Union Club are in the same story. In the upper story the Odd Fellows themselves meet, in rooms which they have reserved, leaving two or three large rooms on this floor for rent as occasion demands.
To the benevolence of this order is due the exist- ence of that very important and commendable insti- tution, the Free Library and Reading-room. The society had procured a collection of books, and supported their own private library for a time, until internal difficulties presented obstacles to its continu- ance, and these books were removed from circulation and stored away for considerable time. When public opinion became inpressed with the view that a public library was a necessity, the custodians of the former Odd Fellows Library agreed to donate the before- mentioned volumes. Thus was laid the foundation of the Santa Barbara Public Library. It must not be left unsaid that a part of the eredit of establishing and keeping open the library is due to the musicians of the place, who generously gave their time and talents that coneerts might be given, whose proceeds helped to swell the library fund. "By June 18, 1874," says the Index, "the sum of $2,000 had been subscribed in aid of the Free Reading-room."
ORDER OF KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
All who have read the ancient story of Damon and Pythias will at once know the intent and meaning of
the Knightly Order that has for its title the name of the devoted and honorable friend. As long ago as the third century before the Christian era the term has been a synonym of truth and fidelity.
Damon and Pythias were disciples of the Pythago- rean principles of friendship. The tyrant of Syra- cuse had condemned Pythias to death, but the victim begged for his liberty for a short period that he might return to his home and arrange his affairs previous to his execution. Damon pledged his life for the return of his friend. The tyrant, appearing satisfied if he could have one to execute, granted the strange request and accepted the pledge. Before the appointed time of execution the faithful Pythias returned to undergo his fate and relieve his friend from jeopardy. The noble action of the condemned man, and the perfect confidence manifested by his friend, so excited the astonishment of the tyrant, Dyonysius, that he not only released both friends, but begged to be admitted to their friendship.
Such an example has been held as the chivalric model of true manhood through all the intervening centuries, and as such presented to the brotherhood of clerks and attaches of the various Bureaus and Departments at Washington. The great war of the Rebellion was raging with all its intensity and fierce- ness in the beginning of 1864, and during the year were to occur the culminating campaigns, both polit- ical and military, that were to determine the future of the Republic. They were dark days. The neces- sity of organization, of intimate relationship, of mutual knowledge and confidence with associates, for self-protection and the good of the public. were apparent to all. Being the period of a great war, many of the associations assumed a semi-military character.
Such were the circumstances that led to and sug- gested the organization of the Knights of Pythias. The exigencies of the Government had called a large number of men to Washington in a civil capacity, as officers, clerks, and attaches of the various depart- ments. Generally, they were far from home, friends, and relatives. Naturally they sought for association and friendship. Those who were musically inclined formed the Arion Glee Club. This was too limited. Mr. J. H. Rathbone, who had previously conceived the idea of an association of this kind, and had drawn up a form of constitution, now saw the oppor- tunity to carry it forward. Assisted by Mr. J. T. K. Plant, he prepared a ritual and plan of an order of friendship for mutual aid and protection among the clerks of the departments, which were presented to the members of the Arion Glee Club and others, were heartily approved by them, and on the 10th of Feb- ruary, 1864, the Order of Knights of Pythias was organized, with the motto of Justitia et Fedelitas, and its principles based on the lesson of friendship and honor as taught by the example of Damon and Pythias.
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MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS.
WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 1,
Was the title of the lodge organized, with J. H. Rath- bone as Worthy Chancellor; Joel K. Woodruff, Vice- Chancellor; J. T. K. Plant, Venerable Patriarch; D. L. Burnett, Worthy Scribe; A. Van Derveer, Banker; R. A. Champion, Assistant Banker, and George R. Covert, Assistant Scribe.
On the following 8th of April a Grand Lodge was formed with but one subordinate body as a base of authority; but there soon followed four other organ- izations, among which was Franklin Lodge, No. 2. Soon, however, all ceased to operate excepting No. 2, which maintained its existence and exercised the functions of a Grand Lodge.
A reorganization took place, and on the 9th of July, 1866, the new Grand Lodge held its first meet- ing, at which there was a total membersbip in the Order of 139. On the same date the Supreme Lodge of the United States held its first meeting at Wash- ington.
From that time prosperity has rewarded by success the zeal of its members for the expansion of the order. The membership has increased to upwards of 100,000, extending over the United States, Canada and the Hawaiian Islands. From the primitive objeet of encouraging friendship, and guarding the interests of a class, the broad principle has spread its joyful light over all classes, knowing no south, no north, no east, no west; no class or religion, but a human brotherhood of all who possess its requirements and conform to its rules.
The order is very popular and prosperous in Cali- fornia, with lodges in every county.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
A band of the Knights of Pythias was instituted at Santa Barbara, May 12, 1874. G. G. C., L. M. Manzer, assisted by Grand Venerable Patriarch, A. G. Booth. Past Chancellor, L. Steele; Chancellor Commander, A. S. Winchester; Vice Chancellor, Sebern Steele; Prelate, A. D. Risdon; Master of Exchequer. C. H. Kelton; Master of Finance, Cyrus S. Stotwell; Keeper of Records and Seal, F. Solomon; Master at Arms, W. H. Wheaton; Inner Guard, Ed. H. Moore; Outer Guard, A. Davis. This order has spread over the county until it has become a strong rival to the older ones in obtaining members. They are particularly strong in the western part of the county, where, also, flourish the temperance orders.
THE AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR
Was organized at Santa Barbara, June 22, 1881, by Deputy Supreme Commander D. S. Van Slyke, with the following officers: Commander, P. J. Barber; Vice Commander, 1. K. Fisher; Past Commander, W. C. Stratton; Orator, Henry Clifton; Secretary, Mrs. Whitlock; Collector, Fred O. Moore; Guide, Arthur C. Rynerson; Treasurer, A. Ott; Chaplain, Mrs. N. N. Cameron; Warden, T. H. Buckingham; Secretary, Samuel Leightner; Trustees. W. C. Strat-
ton, R. F. Winchester, and I. K. Fisher; Medica] Examiner, Mrs. A. MeStuart: Alternate, R. F. Win- chester. Total membership, thirty-five.
THE SANTA BARBARA WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY Was organized January 23, 1873. In 1873 it num- bered 116 members, having for its object the dissemi- nation of missionary intelligence and to collect money for missionary purposes. The donations were voluntary, no regular sum being required. First officers: Mrs. J. W. Hough, President; Mrs. D. E. Upson, Mrs. H. B. Tebbetts, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. M. Il. Van Winkle, Treasurer; Mrs. D. W. Thompson, Assistant Treasurer; Mrs. S. E. A. Higgins, Corres- ponding Secretary; Mrs. W. E. Barnard, Recording Secretary. This society became very prosperous, and continues to this day. Two auxiliary societies, com- posed of young men and women, were also formed, which accomplished much. Santa Barbara in those days seemed prolific in benevolent societies, but then it had some of the best workers in every department. moral, political, religious, and scientific.
THE GOOD TEMPLARS
Organized a lodge as long ago as August 29, 1870, giving to their lodge the seriptural name of Rizpah. The order has strong lodges in several parts of the county. J. W. Webb, formerly of the Lompoc Record, has been very instrumental in building up this order. They have given many social entertain- ments in Santa Barbara and elsewhere, which have been highly spoken of. Whether the order is mak- ing beadway in propagating temperance habits may be questioned, but the social benefits arising from these meetings are universally recognized. In Santa Maria and Guadalupe they have been a power also. W. O. Clark, the temperance orator, and Mrs. Emily Pitt-Stevens were instrumental in building these soeieties up here as elsewhere in the State.
THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Was organized August 14, 1869, with the following list of officers: President, Col. W. W. Hollister; Vice- Presidents, O. L. Abbott and R. K. Sexton; Secre- tary, D. B. Clark; Treasurer, J. E. Goux; Directors, H. H. Linville, J. S. llickox, and German Senter.
In the following spring (April 22, 1870) the an- nouncement was made that the society had re-organ- ized, with the board of officers changed somewhat. They now were: President, W. W. Hollister; First Vice-President, Henry Robinson; Second Vice-Presi- dent, H. II Linville; Managers, Robert Orr and J. Mayhew.
From this beginning the Santa Barbara Agricult- ural Society has gone on through all the succeeding years, doing valuable work for the county, and for the country at large, and making its influence felt, directly or indirectly, over a great territory. It has held exhibitions regularly, and offered premiums for excellence in every department of agriculture and the related arts. It has improved the breeds of farm
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HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
animals, and labored to bring out the finer points of neglected species. It has powerfully aided the de- velopment of horticulture, and it has not scorned to assist in the purely ornamental diversions of the landscape gardener and the propagator of flowers and shrubs. There is much to say of the exertions and triumphs of the institution, but as the typical work and successes of Colonel Hollister, Ellwood Cooper, Russel Heath, and others, have necessarily been included in other parts of this work, the sub- ject is here reluctantly laid aside.
THE IMMIGRATION BUREAU
Was organized September 24, 1875. T. B. Dibblee. President; C. A. Storke and J. F. Morris, Managers; Business Managers, Messrs. Barker, Tebbetts, Ivison, Cooper, Neumyer, Morris, Storke, and Dibblee; Com- mittee to Draft a Constitution, Dr. Dimmick, Judge White and O. L. Abbott. At the time this society was organized, similar institutions were existing in other parts of this State, also in Oregon. They pro- posed to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding soil, climate, productions, etc., for which there was much inquiry. The society did not turn very many immigrants towards the county. It was said of the promoters of the organization that the mem- bers, many of whom were land-holders, were desir- ous of making a market for their lands.
The organization of the Santa Barbara
NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Took place in 1876. In that year Professor Bowers, the enthusiastic archæologist and student of natural history, was occupying the pulpit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the neighborhood the reverend scientist found ample opportunity to gratify his deep- seated love of nature, and soon his enthusiasm ex- tended to the intelligent people by whom he was surrounded. Explorations made near town brought to light a great variety of objects of scientific atten- tion, and the interest spread, and finally culminated in the organization as above. Professor Stephen Bowers was chosen President of the new society; Mrs. Ellwood Cooper, II. C. Ford, L. N. Dimmick, Vice-Presidents; Treasurer, Dr. Augustns Mason; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. H. G. Otis; Recording Secretary, Miss Abbie J. Hailes; Curator, Professor Alphonse Bel.
This society does not make any pretension to the solution of the multitude of questions that are con- tinually arising, or of being wise or learned. The want of such an institution had long been felt. The design was to procure books which would be consid- ered authority, and hold frequent meetings for mutu- ally benefiting each other by an exchange of views. They have accumulated many valuable specimens of rocks, shells, and plants, as well as natural and arti- ficial curiosities, and are exerting a healthful influ- ence on the public mind in leading it to a study of the wonders of nature.
A FARMERS' GRANGE
Was organized at Carpenteria August 20, 1873, with O. N. Cadwell, Master; J. L. Crane, Overseer; J. A. Blood, Lecturer; R. McAlister, Steward; E. H. Pierce, Assistant Steward; Harloe Woods, Treasurer; Albert Doty, Chaplain; John A. Walker, Gate-keeper; Miss J. Walker, Ceres; Miss Clara Woods, Pomona; Miss A. Walker, Flora; Mrs. E. G. Thurman, Stewardess.
As Carpenteria was the first place where agricult- ure was practiced to any extent in the county, it is quite natural that the order should commence there. The reader will recognize many names of persons who have since become noted in the county fairs for their exhibits of grain, fruits, and flowers.
There are several large granges in the western part of the county, which have had a good influence in bringing the farmers together. The Chute Land- ing is the result of grange meetings.
THE UNION CLUB OF SANTA BARBARA,
This club was organized March 18, 1872. It was effected for purely social reasons, as the different members felt the want of a place of quiet entertain- ment and harmless diversion. Its membership has included seventy-six of the most prominent, socially and intellectually, citizens of the town. The monthly subscription, first fixed at $5.00, was reduced in later years to $3.00, $2.50, and finally $1.50, thus making the club more popular in its character. A feature is the giving of entertainments to invited guests. The location of the club-rooms since 1875 has been in the Odd Fellows Building, where it occupies a suite of really elegant apartments. The reading matter has always been of a very high order, such as cultivated minds would find pleasure in. Many of these books were donated. The cash receipts up to May 1, 1881, amounted to $8,080. Since that time $1,360 more have been received, making a total of $9,440. In 1882 the club was dis- solved, some of the members removing to quarters at the corner of State and Cannon Perdido Streets, and retaining the former club name, while the re- mainder stayed in their old quarters in the Odd Fel- lows Building, re-organizing under the name of the Pioneer Club. The split was caused by the oft- recurring question of " up town" or "down town," a portion of the members wanting to remain, others to move. Captain Greenwell, the principal promoter of the club when it was organized, bid in the prop- erties when the division was made, and retains the leadership of the " Pioneer Club."
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