USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > History of Savannah, Ga.; from its settlement to the close of the eighteenth century > Part 22
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The Hibernian Society-The oldest Irish organization in Georgia was organized on March 17, 1812, and from that time to the present has served a most honorable purpose in promoting harmony and sociability among its members and in works of benevolence. Among the first mem- bers were John Cumming, Zachary Miller, John Dillon, David Bell, Isaac Minis, T. U. P. Charlton and James Hunter. The rules of the society limit the number of its active members to one hundred, which is re- stricted to those of Irish birth or extraction. A constitutional obli- gation has rested on the members to dine together on each anniver- sary, and this obligation has been faithfully observed, except on the an- niversary of 1863, when the condition of the country from the effects of the war precluded the idea of a convivial celebration. The present offi- cers of the society are P. W. Meldrim, president ; John R. Dillon, vice-
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president; J. F. Brooks, treasurer; Charles F. Prendergast, recording secretary ; J. M. Hogan, corresponding secretary ; J. Ward, standard- bearer.
The Savannah Widow's Society was organized in 1822 by a number of ladies of the city for the purpose of affording relief to indigent widows with families, and other destitute women. The work was sustained for sev- eral years by annual subscription and voluntary donations. In 1834 the city council gave to the society two lots on South Broad street, whereon a row of small wooden houses was erected to serve as an asylum for aged pensioners. These quarters were used until 1859 when the society, through the bequest of Mrs. Doratha Abraham, came into possession of the building now used on the corner of Broughton and East Broad streets. This has since been known as the Abraham's Home, so named in honor of the doner. It is used as a home for aged women without regard to religious sect or nationality. The present officers of the society are Mrs. J. W. Lathrop, president; Mrs. Octavus Cohen, vice-president ; Mrs. J. Champion, secretary ; Miss Susan Tufts, treasurer.
The Hebrew Benevolent Society was organized mainly through the ef- forts of Rudolpe Einstein, Abraham Einstein and Solomon Cohen in 1851. when eighty-one members were enrolled. The object of the society is to minister to the necessities of indigent persons of the Jewish faith. J. Kohn is president of the society.
The Savannah Benevolent Association was organized on October 12, 1854, to meet the cases of distress occasioned by the yellow fever epidemic of that year. The organization did a grand work in this trying period of the city's history, and has ever since been maintained. The present offi- cers are J. I. M. Solomons, president ; G. C. Freeman, treasurer ; J. M. Lewis, secretary ; directors, W. W. Gordon, J. H. Johnston, J. L. Warren.
The Mary Telfair Home is a benevolent institution for the reception of widows with families of small children. The home consists of four brick buildings on President street, the gift of Miss Mary Telfair. They were first used in 1883. To each family is given a flat of three rooms, with partial support in health, and additional aid in time of sickness. The home is under the management of the Savannah Widow's Society.
The Industral Relief Society and Home for the Friendless owes its origin to the exertion of Mrs. George W. Wylly, Mrs. Kollock, Mrs. L.
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J. Rosenfeld, Mrs. Thomas Purse, Mrs. Robert McIntyre, Mrs. Alexan- der Campbell, Mrs. Luke Cannon, who in 1869 applied to the Superior Court for a charter for a charitable institution to be known as The Refuge of the Homeless. The society however was not organized until February, 1875, when the present name was adopted. The main object of the so- ciety is to assist the destitute and ignorant ; to give them free instruction in industrial pursuits and at the same time to afford women and girls a temporary home. The society owns the building where its charities are dispensed on the southwest corner of Charlton and Drayton streets. Its present officers are Mrs. N. Lovell, president; Mrs. Octavus Cohen, first vice-president ; Mrs. Julia McLeod, secretary and second vice-president.
La Societé Francaise de Bienfaisance de Savannah was formed in 1871 and two years later was incorporated. The object of the society is to afford relief to distressed members and Frenchmen in need. Its officers are A. Bonnaud, president ; A. L. Desbouillons, vice- president ; and H. Thomasson, treasurer.
The Workingmen's Benevolent Association was organized in 1859 and was chartered in January, 1869. It has over 300 members and has been instrumental in accomplishing much good. T. Keenan is president and J. F. Fitzhenry, secretary.
Savannah Hospital .- This hospital is the outgrowth of the labors of a few benevolent citizens of Savannah who in 1819 erected by private subscription a commodious structure on Gaston street, between Drayton and Abercorn street, which was used for several years exclusively as a hospital for sailors. In 1830 $18,000 was left to the institution by James Wallace and Thomas Young. In 1835 the society was incorporated un- der the name of The Poorhouse and Hospital Society, upon the applica- tions of Joseph Cumming, S. C. Dunning, R. King, John Gardner, Mathew Hopkins, William R. Waring, Charles S. Henry, S. D. Corbett, Samuel Philbrick, N. G. Beard, Francis Sorrell, R. D. Arnold, and P. M. Kollock. The present commodious building, now used, was erected on the site of the old structure in 1877 at a cost of $40,000. It is 200 by 60 feet, in dimensions and has accommodations for 100 patients. The qualifications for admission are that the applicant shall be poor and sick, irrespective of other circumstances. Pay patients are received and fur- nished with private rooms when desired. The Savannah Hospital, as it
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is now called, is complete in all its appointments ; its grounds are exten- sive and well cared for and the air of neatness and comfort pervades the whole institution. It is under the direction of a board of seven managers of whom George J. Mills is president, Dr. William Duncan, superin- tendent, and C. H. Colding, resident physician. The corps of physicians besides the two named is as follows : Dr. J. D. Martin, Dr. T. J. Charlton, Dr. J. P. S. Houstoun, Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr. M. L. Boyd.
The Savannah Hospital is supported by the interest upon its invest- ments, the moneys received from pay patients, and annual appropriations from the city and county, the former appropriating $3,600 and the latter $1,000. Several bequests and donations have been made to the hospital, the largest being a donation of $100,000 by Mrs. Charles F. Mills, ac- cording to an expressed wish of her husband previous to his death.
The Georgia Infirmary is a charity institution for the support of dis- abled colored persons. It originated from an endowment of Thomas F. Williams, Richard F. Williams giving the land upon which the building was erected. It was incorporated by the Georgia Legislature in December, 1832. The hospital building is situated on the east side of Bull street, near the toll-gate. The city donates $3,600 annually to its support and the county $1,500, which with a small amount from pay- patients, in- cludes the revenue received for the support of the hospital. It is under the direction of a board of thirteen managers, of which John I. Stoddard is president.
St. Joseph's Infirmary, an eleemosynary institution which was organ- ized in 1875, is supported by voluntary contributions and pay-patients. It is under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister M. Eulalia being the Sister Superior. The infirmary is located on the northwest corner of Taylor and Habershanı streets.
The Telfair Hospital is of recent origin. It is located on the south- western corner of new Houston and Drayton streets, the fine brick build- ing and grounds used being the gift of Mrs. Margaret Telfair Hodgson and Miss Mary Telfair. The officers of the hospital are Mrs. J. F. Gil- mer, president ; Mrs. John Williamson, secretary ; and Mrs. James Ran- kin, treasurer.
Little Minnie Mission on the southwest corner of Jones and Lincoln streets, is a home for infants and is a memorial to a child whose death
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prompted the project in behalf of the helpless little ones. Miss L. Pitzer is matron of the mission.
The Workingmen's Literary and Relief Association was organized in 1877. Its objects are the intellectual advancement of its members and to afford relief in case of accident or death. The Savannah, Florida and Western and Charleston and Savannah Railroad Relief Association is an organization of similar aims. The latter was organized in 1878.
For several years the Chatham Club was the leading social organiza- tion in Savannah. It ceased to exist a few years ago, when most of its members united with the Oglethorpe Club. ..
The oldest social club in Savannah is the Harmonie which was organ- ized in 1865. It was instituted for social and mental improvement and made considerable progress under its first president Mr. Wolf. St. An- drew's Hall was first used as club rooms and here many pleasant balls and social gatherings were held, which added much to the winter amuse- ments of the city. The club became a chartered organization in 1887. Its present home is on the corner of Bull and Jones streets, formerly a private residence. Emile Newman is president; I. A. Solomon, jr., vice- president ; S. Binswanger, treasurer ; A. S. Milius, secretary.
The Oglethorpe Club was organized with twelve members in 1875. It was first intended to make it a club with a very limited membership. but it has since extended its membership to 175. It is in a flourishing condition ; is made up of the leading citizens of the city and has finely furnished and equipped quarters in the second story of the old Odd Fel- low's building on the corner of Broughton and Bull streets. The presid- ing officers of the club are George S. Owens, president ; T. M. Cunning- ham, vice-president; R. L. Mercer, secretary ; and John Sullivan, treas- urer.
The Savannah Turn Verein Club was organized in 1856. It is com- posed entirely of Germans and meetings are held the first Sunday in each month at their hall No. 187 Broughton street. The officers are John Wohanka, president; Henry Kolshorn, vice-president; J. G. C. Kruse, secretary ; M. L. Byck, treasurer.
The Standard Club is a social organization but recently organized. H. M. Boley, is president ; M. Solomons, vice-president ; S. G. Lowen- thal, secretary ; and M. D. Hirsch, treasurer.
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Savannah has three gun clubs, the Chatham, Forest City and the Sa- vannah Rifle Association. Of the first named the officers are C. A. Drayton, president; H. W. Palmer, vice-president; W. H. Connerat, secretary and treasurer; G. S. McAlpin, ordnance officer.
Forest City Club .- E. J. Kieffer, president ; J. Reideman, vice-presi- dent ; C. A. Lamont, secretary and treasurer; J. Rocker, ordnance officer.
Savannah Rifle Association .- J. W. McAlpin, president; R. Falli- gant, vice-president; J. M. Bryan, secretary and treasurer ; J. P. White, ordnance officer.
The Savannah Yacht Club was organized several years ago; is strong in membership and one of the most popular organizations in the city. The club-house is located near Thunderbolt, and during the summer months is a favorite resort. The officers are G. A. Mercer, commodore; F. S. Lathrop, rear-commodore ; T. L. Kinsey, vice-commodore; W. D. Johnston, secretary ; M. A. Cohen, treasurer ; M. Henderson, John Screven, jr., S. P. Goodwin, sailing committee.
The history of Free Masonry is almost coeval with the birth of the city. Solomon Lodge No. I was chartered in 1735, only eighteen years after the organization of a Constitutional Grand Lodge in London. Although Georgia is the youngest of the original thirteen States, it is third in the list with chartered lodges, only Massachusetts and Pennsylvania being given priority in this respect.
Tradition has it that Solomon's Lodge was formed as early as 1733, but there is little to substantiate this assertion. Even the place of meet- ing during the earlier years of the Savannah Lodge is in doubt, but it is probable that no regular place was secured until some years after the lodge was chartered. 'Among those who accompanied Oglethorpe to the site of Savannah in 1733 there must have been several who were masons, for at a meeting of the Grand Lodge in London in the year of the settle- ment of the colony, it is recorded that " Deputy Grand Master Batson re- commended the new colony of Georgia in North America to the benevo- lence of the particular lodges."
Free Masonry rapidly grew into a strong order in Savannah, and soon occupied an important position among the incorporated bodies of the town. In 1758 Solomon's Lodge was mentioned as one of the distin-
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common head, the day was celebrated with harmony and good fellow- ship."
The account does not give the number of lodges participating in the meeting. It is evident, however, that Savannah at this time had two lodges Solomon's No. I, and Hiram No. 2, for it appears that five out of the six officers elected were members of the first named lodge, and the remaining office junior grand warden, was filled by a member of Hiram Lodge. The grand lodge organized at this time issued new charters to the two lodges named, and to a number of others soon after instituted.
Masonry flourished in Savannah under the grand lodge but the same prosperity was not enjoyed by the fraternity at large. In 1818 outside of the large towns the ancient institution had become almost extinct. In that year but ten lodges were at work, and of these, three were in Savan- nah, viz .: Solomon No. I, Union No. 10, and L'Esperance No. 31. Hi- ram Lodge No. 2, which had been instituted immediately succeeding the war for independence, ceased to exist about the beginning of the present century. It was revived in 1826, but became defunct a short time after- ward.
"At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge held in Savannah in 1820," says Colonel J. H. Estill, in his history of the two Grand Lodges, "the movement, from which was to result a complete revolution in the then existing system of Free Masonry, began. It was the consideration of 'the constitution or new code of by-laws submitted by a committee appointed at a previous communication.' This report was, after numer- ous alterations, adopted. Under this constitution it was provided that the first two meetings in the year (the Grand Lodge then held quarterly meetings) namely, those in March and June, should be held in Savannah, and the last two, those of September and December, in Milledgeville, then the capital of the State ; the grand officers being elected in Savan- nah, at the March communication. This division of honors was devised for the purpose of harmonizing the conflicting interests of the upper and lower portions of the State, it being almost, if not absolutely, impossible for the representatives of all the lodges to meet together at either place at any time, owing to the lack of facilities for quick transportation, for those were the days when steamboats were just beginning to plow the waters, and railroads were still unknown. Though intended to better
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the condition of affairs, it virtually made two grand lodges, with different officers and conflicting interests." It is not necessary in this connection to follow the history of the two grand lodges which a few years after were created, the one named the Savannah Grand Lodge and the other the Milledgeville Grand Lodge; but this result was most unfortunate for the advancement of Free Masonry in Georgia for several years. Solomon Lodge No. 1, Union No. 3, and Hiram No. 35, remained with the Savan- nah Grand Lodge, while the L'Esperance No. 8, joined the Milledgeville Lodge.
Union Lodge No. 3 at this time (1827) was an influential body of Ma- sons, and its membership included some of the best citizens of Savannah. It was in this lodge that Royal Arch Masonry first made its appearance in Georgia, and within its portal was born that flourishing Masonic body known as Georgia Chapter No. 3 It had an elegant room on Bull street, corner of Bay lane, where the Grand Lodge for a time held its quarterly session. It ceased to exist in the great anti- Masonic crusade which oc- curred in the United States during the few years following 1826, shortly after the alleged expose of Free Masonry made by William Morgan of New York. During the excitement which spread all over the country at this time, and the warfare made upon the order, Hiram, Union and L'Es- perance Lodges of Savannah suspended work, and were never revived. Solomon Lodge No. 1, alone withstood the storm.
In 1839 a union of the two grand lodges of Georgia was effected, and from that date the Masonic order in the State has had a most prosper- ous career From a half dozen lodges it has grown to a present list of 300 lodges, and an affiliated membership of nearly 15,000 Masons.
The first hall erected for the meetings of the Savannah Lodges was situated on President street, near St. James Square. It was a two-story frame building, and for many years was used as a private residence. This building was torn down in 1888, and the Morning News of March 28, 1888, had the following account of the old landmark.1 The next
1 TEARING DOWN THE OLD MASONIC HALL, AN HISTORIC ROOKERY .-- The two- story wooden building on a brick basement fronting on President street was erected by the members of Solomon's Lodge in 1799, and was used by the Masonic fraternity until 1858, when they removed to the building on the northeast corner of Bull and Brough- ton streets, having sold the old site to the city in 1856. The city bought the property and that adjoining on the west, which was at one time the residence of General Iach-
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building used is on the northeast corner of Broughton and Bull streets, which was jointly used by the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges until these two orders erected separate buildings of their own. The present Masonic temple is situated on the northwest corner of Liberty and Whit- aker streets. This is a substantial and handsome building. The first story is rented for stores. The second story is a fine, capacious hall for concerts, balls, dramatic representations, etc. The third story contains the chambers of the fraternity.
At the present time Savannah has five lodges of Master Masons, Com- mandery of Knights Templar, Council of R. and S. M., and a chapter of the Royal Arch as follows:
Palestine Commandery No. 5 was instituted on the 15th of April, 1867,
lan McIntosh of the Revolutionary Army, intending to erect thereon a guard-house or police station ; but the people in the neighborhood objected to its being used for that purpose, and it was sold to the late John J. Kelley for one thousand dollars. That gen- tleinan on his death bequeathed the entire property to the Union Society. The work- men yesterday pulled down the partitions that divided the old lodge-room into bed- rooms, and it once more had the appearance of a meeting-place of the brethren. In the arched ceiling, almost obliterated by the numberless coats of whitewash that had been put upon it by people who have occupied the premises, could be seen the outlines of the " Blazing Star." The hooks in the walls and marks on the floor indicated that Royal Arch Masons had there seen for the first time the . Sanctum Sanctorum,' and that they had worked in the quarries and showed evidence of their skill. It was in that old lodge- room that Honorable William Stephens, General James Jackson, Governor Josiah Tatt- nall, and other illustrious Georgians and Masons met in the early days of the then young State. It was there also that the Cuban patriot, General Lopez, who was soon after garroted in Havana, was made a Mason in 1850. There are quite a number of mem- bers of the fraternity now living who were brought . to light' in the old room, which to- day will disappear forever. It is with feelings akin to regret that we see these venera- ble structures torn down, while yet their inner timbers appear to be strong enough to stand for centuries. They, however, must make way for buildings more suitable to the uses of the present generation. A noble structure, the Whitefield Building, will succeed the old hall, and the site is virtually a Masonic contribution to that noble charity, the Union Society ; for the land was the gift of the late John J. Kelley, Past Master of Zer- ubbabel Lodge, number fifteen, and the money with which the new structure is to be erected is a part of the bequest of the late William F. Holland, Past Master of Ancient Landmark Lodge, number two hundred and thirty-one. The building will be a fitting memorial to George Whitefield, the founder of the Bethesda Orphan House, and John J. Kelley and William F. Holland, two members of the society whose timely beneficence has added this valuable property to the assets from which is to be derived an income for the support of the orphans of the Union Society, the present guardian of Whitefield's sacred trust to the people of Savannah.
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Present officers : Thomas Ballantyne, T. C .; W. A. Walker, G .; J. A. Roberts, P .; J. H. Cavanaugh, C. G .; R. R. Lovell, T. J .; J. F. La Far, R.
Georgia Council No. 2, R. and S. M., was established several years ago. The present officers are Thomas Ballantyne, Ill. M .; W. S. Rock- well, Ill. H. of T .; R. J. Nunn, Ill. H. A .; Robert H. Footman, T .; Henry T. Botts, R.
Georgia Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch, was established in 1818 The present officers are Thomas Ballantyne, E. P. H .; T. S. Haines, E. K .; J. H. Cavanaugh, E. S .; C. A. Drayton, C. H .; B Brady, P. S .; P. H. Ward, R .; R. C. Kennedy, R. A. C .; C. G. Anderson, sentinel.
The lodges of master masons are as follows : Solomon's Lodge No. I, as previously stated, was chartered in 1735. Among the treasures of the lodge is an old Bible, presented by General Oglethorpe, with writing on the fly-leaf. The present officers are W. B. Spann, W. M .; E. E. Buck- ner, S. W .; J. A. Thomas, J. W .; H. S. Colding, S .; R. H. Lewis, T .; J. H. Fox, tiler.
Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 15, was chartered on the 5th of November, 1840. The present officers are W. A. Walker, W. M .; J. Kiley, S.
Clinton Lodge, No. 54, was chartered on the 27th of October, 1847. Its present officers are J. E. Mallery, W. M .; ' W. Russell, jr., S.
Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 241, was chartered on the 15th of No- vember, 1859. The present officers are W. S. Rockwell, W. M .; J. S. Haines, S.
Landrum Lodge, No. 48, is the youngest of the Masonic lodges of the city. Its officers are A. H. McDonell, W. M .; S. P. Goodwin, S. W .; J. W. Pead, J. W .; H. E. Wilson, S .; C. H. Carson, T .; D. L. Jackson. tiler.
The colored citizens of Savannah are represented by four Masonic lodges, the Eureka Lodge, No. 1, Hilton Lodge, No. 2, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 16, Pythagoras Lodge, No. 14.
The society of Independent Order of Odd Fellows has five lodges, an encampment, and one canton of the uniformed division in Savannah.
Oglethorpe Lodge, No. 1, the first branch of the order established in Savannah, was instituted in 1843. The officers are H. Emmett Wilson. N. G .; J. H. Osborne, secretary.
Live Oak Lodge, No. 3, was instituted in 1843. Isaac Beckett is N. G .; John Houston, secretary.
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De Kalb Lodge, No. 9, was instituted in 1843. Its officers are J. W. Smith, N. G .; J. Riley, secretary.
Haupt Lodge, No. 57, was instituted in 1869. Its officers are J. A. Shephard, N. G .; A. N. Manucy, secretary.
Golden Rule Lodge, No. 12, was the fourth lodge instituted in Savan- nah. Its officers are T. Stockton, N. G .; E. E. Cheatham, secretary.
Magnolia Encampment, No. I, was instituted in 1845. W. J. O'Brien is C. P., and J. S. Tyson, secretary.
Chatham Canton No. I of the uniformed rank has the following offi- cers : J. W. Jackson, commander ; A. B. Brook, lieutenant ; J. W. Pear- son, ensign ; A. N. Manucy, clerk ; C. H. Dorsett, accountant.
The Odd Fellows General Relief Committee has been a most valuable . auxiliary in affording aid to distressed members of the order. D. Morgan is president.
Odd Fellows Hall was for many years on the northeast corner of Broughton and Bull streets. In 1887 a new hall was completed on the northwest corner of State and Barnard streets. This fine building was totally destroyed by fire on the evening of April 6, 1889. Efforts are now being put forward to secure the erection of another building for the use of the fraternity.
The Knights of Pythias have several flourishing branches in Savan- nah. Among the lodges are Forest City Lodge, No. 1, Myrtle Lodge, No. 6, Teutonia Lodge, No. 7, Excelsior Lodge, No. 8, Calanthe Lodge, No. 28, Du Guesclin Division, No. 1. One branch of the Endowment rank, and of the Uniform Division. Knights of Pythias' Hall is situated on the southeast corner of Barnard and York streets.
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