USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 44
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 44
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
404
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Gale was followed by S. A. Wallace, who served for two years, then the work was intrusted to Rev. Geo. S. Ricker for a little more than five years. In 1899, Rev. George Ricker resigned the pastorate, and in February, 1900, the present pastor, Rev. J. H. Albert, D. D., entered upon his work. The church has continued to prosper and maintain the commanding position it has ever held in the community. In 1904, Mrs. Hudson Wilson gave as a memorial to her husband, property to be used as a site on which to erect a new building. During the summer of 1910, an addi- tion was made to the edifice, of a kitchen and Sunday schools. A new heating and ventilating plant was installed, new windows were placed in the auditorium by the heirs of Mrs. Wilson, who were Mrs. W. E. Blodgett, Mrs. J. A. Barnes. The auditorium was newly decorated, seated and completed. The entire improve- ments amounted to $13,000. The present membership is 435. The officers are: Trustees, Dr. A. C. Rogers (president), A. L. Keyes (secretary), E. N. Leavens, E. G. Nutting, K. D. Chase and E. G. Frink: treasurer of the society, S. M. Donaldson ; treasurer of the church, William Wachlin. The deacons are E. G. Nutting, A. L. Keyes, C. G. Pye, J. Y. Ernst, J. H. Lewis, Mrs. T. B. Clement, J. J. Noyes. The church elerk is Dr. J. J. Dow, Ph. D.
BAPTIST.
First Baptist. The movement for the organization of this church was commeneed in 1856, by the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. M. Cole, E. Q. Rising and wife, J. L. Smallidge and wife, L. A. Fish and wife, D. Haskins and wife, Mrs. A. Van Brunt, Mrs. Emily A. Howe, and E. Darling. The organization was publicly effected on September 7, 1856, delegates being present from Prescott, Owatonna, Hastings, Minneapolis and St. Paul. The clergymen who participated were the Revs. T. B. Rogers, of Prescott, lowa; T. R. Cressey, of Cannon City ; Rev. Towne, of Owatonna; Rev. E. W. Cressey, of Hastings ; Rev. D. S. Deane, and M. Bailey, of Illinois. The first officers elected were: Trustees, Davis Haskins, M. Cole, E. Q. Rising, J. B. Cooper, and G. G. Howe ; clerk, Davis Haskins and E. Q. Rising. Among the carly pastors were Rev. T. R. Cresscy, Rev. A. O. Hazen, Rev. T. S. Mize, Rev. Swift, Rev. T. R. Peters, two Revs. Sanders, Rev. R. F. Gray, Rev. Jackson, Rev. S. S. Utter, Revs. F. E. Norton. Cyrus Thomas, A. L. Candee. John D. Rumsey, A. T. Erickson, and M. B. Critchett. After organization the congregation met for some time in Phelps' hall, subsequently, in 1857, Metropolitan hall was rented for three years. The resolution to build a church edifice was adopted in May, 1857.
405
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
but owing to various hindrances the building was not erected until May, 1862, being dedicated February 4, 1863. Three of the brethren purchased personally assuming the obligation. When the erection of a church was decided upon the society raised $900 and concluded to go on and build to the extent of their finances. Geo. W. Tower offered them all the timber they wanted, and their funds were expended long before the building was covered. A committee appointed for a Fourth of July cele- bration offered them the proceeds of a dinner to be served upon the occasion if they would undertake the labor. The offer was accepted and the ladies of Faribault provided the food, netting $300 towards the church.
On December 28, 1SS1, the church celebrated the twenty- fifth anniversary of organization, and the "Faribault Repub- lican" says in commenting upon it: "The first settlers of our city, who were largely of New England origin, brought with them the attachment to schools and churches that has ever characterized the descendants of the Puritans wherever trans- planted. It is not surprising, therefore, that as early as 1854, only a single year after the colonists had reared the first log cabins on the town plat, initiatory steps were taken for the organization of churches, the Baptist element being among the first in the field." The church is a comfortable frame structure situated on the southeast corner of Fifth street, on West Third avenue, north.
Free Will Baptist. A church was organized on April 8, 1868, Elder Smith, of Wasioja, Dodge county, officiating. Rev. D. O. Hink was the preacher and meetings were held in the school house with more or less regularity for some time.
METHODIST.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church is located on the corner of Third avenue and Fourth street. The church was organized in Faribault in 1855, by the Rev. Thomas M. Kirk- patrick, who was located at Red Wing and had charge of the Cannon river mission. The original class consisted of seven members: Mr. and Mrs. Truman Nutting, Rev. Morgan Noble and wife, James M. White, E. J. Crump and Harvey T. Rawson. The organization was effected in Nutting's hotel. The early services were held in Crump's hall, until the congregation grew strong enough to erect a house of worship. Soon after the organization, Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick was appointed presiding elder of the district, and Dr. J. L. Scofield was employed to supply the Cannon river mission. The Minnesota conference
406
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was created by the general conference of 1856, and met in Red Wing in August of that year, when Rev. G. H. Lennison was appointed resident pastor. He remained but six weeks, after which he resigned and returned to Iowa. Rev. William McKinley, pastor of the Cannon river mission, and Rev. A. W. Hiscock, pastor of the Morristown church, had the church under joint charge until the next meeting of the conference when Rev. James H. White was appointed and served two years, being succeeded by Rev. Thomas Day in 1859. Rev. J. O. Rich was appointed in 1860 and he completed the first church on a lot donated by Gen. James Schields. Rev. W. H. St. Clair was appointed in 1861, and was succeeded in 1862 by Rev. Charles G. Bowish. In 1864, Rev. E. R. Lathrop became pastor and served two years. During his term the church was enlarged by an addition in the rear. Rev. J. M. Rogers, the next pastor, remained three years. His successors during the next six years were Revs. Ezra Tucker, I. H. Riddick, David Tice and J. E. Klepper. Rev. J. F. Chaffee was appointed in 1875 and the present church edifice was commenced. The parsonage which was commenced and partly completed in 1871. was also improved at this time. The pastor is said to have contributed his entire salary toward the building of the church. Rev. E. R. Lathrop was appointed a second time in 1876. Rev. A. B. Bishop came in 1877 and Rev. R. Forbes in 1879. Many improvements in the church and property were made during his pastorate. Rev. T. C. Stringer was appointed in 1882 and during the next two years he cleared the parish of the debts that encumbered it, but was obliged to resign on account of ill health. The Revs. A. P. Mead, H. C. Jennings, L. H. Shumate, S. H. Dewart and J. J. Crist followed in succession. The latter died in 1894. He was succeeded by Rev. R. C. Grose, who served until the conference of 1895. Rev. Franklin M. Rule was appointed in October, 1895. In the fall of 1898, Rev. F. M. Rule was succeeded by Rev. M. G. Schueman. Rev. W. C. Rice came in 1902 and was succeeded by the Rev. J. E. Bowes, the present pastor. In the spring of 1901, a fire damaged the church which was afterward remodeled.
German Methodist. This church properly dates back to 1864, when C. H. Klemer and Fred Dittes, both German Metho- (lists, located in Faribault. Early meetings were held by the Rev. HI. Schnittger in Mr. Klemer's residence, in the upper rooms of the old engine house, now demolished, and in the upper rooms of C. Degen's store on Third street. The church was regularly organized in 1868, and the first trustees were Rev. F. Funk, Fred Dittes, Jacob Roth and C. H. Klemer. The first quarterly conference was held in 1869 in Degen's hall, Rev.
407
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES £
F. Kopf acting as presiding elder. Rev. F. W. Buckolz was then the minister in charge. The old church was built on Third street about 1870, with the parsonage in the rear. The church has two country branches in charge of the same pastor, one in the town of Forest and the other near Roberd's lake. Rev. C. H. Sauter, a pastor, remained from 1885 to 1902. During his pastorate, in 1901, the new church was erected. Rev. F. J. Funk succeeded him, and remained until 1902. Then came Rev. W. H. Miller, Rev. O. G. Boemmals, Rev. Emil Ull, and Rev. H. J. Hobert. In 1908, the present pastor, Rev. H. E. Young, took charge. The parsonage was remodeled the same year. In 1910 the base- ment to the church was refitted and furnished. A feature of the life of this church is the "Hausfreund," a monthly publication which has been maintained for twenty-one years. The member- ship of the church is 200.
LUTHERAN.
St. Lucas German Evangelical Church was organized in 1908, by Rev. W. Koring, of Wheeling, on account of the erection here of the deaconess home and hospital. The first regular pastor was the Rev. W. Meyer, superintendent of St. Lucas hospital. Services were first held in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and in the summer of 1909, a house of worship was erected at the corner of Eighth street and Fifth avenue, at a cost of about $6,000, including the lot. The edifice was dedicated August 27, 1909. The congregation numbers about thirty fami- lies, and belongs to the German Evangelical Synod of North America.
The Immanuel Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church was organized about twenty years ago. For two years the congre- gation worshiped with the Zion church. In 1892 the present church edifice was erected between Seventh and Eighth streets on First avenue. The present membership is about 175 souls. This church was served for a number of years by the Rev. G. H. Bakken. The present pastor, Rev. C. M. Larsen, came in 1901.
The same pastor serves the Eklund Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran church in the southeast corner of Walcott township. This church was organized about forty years ago, and at one time had a membership of 300 souls. At the present time the number of worshipers is about 200.
Markers Evangelical Lutheran Church was erected in 1893, and for many years Rev. O. A. Ostby served zealously as its pastor.
408
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Trinity Evangelical is situated on the corner of Fourth street and Sixth avenue. Rev. Henry Schulz is the pastor.
Zion Church of the Evangelical Association of North America had its beginning in 1878 when several families moved into Fari- bault from East Prairie, and the pastor from East Prairie came here to preach to them. In 1880, Rev. G. Hussen became the regular pastor. Other pastors have been: L. Von Wald, G. Spaeth, J. Drehmel, Aug. Huelster, A. Inan, C. F. Kachel, H. Isker, E. J. Hielscher, J. Gongoll and Charles A. Tesch.
CHAPTER XXI.
FARIBAULT ORGANIZATIONS.
Masonic Orders by Prof. Harry E. Whitney-Patriotic Orders- Odd Fellows-Knights of Pythias-Elks-Eagles-Fraternal Insurance Industrial Unions-Faribault Commercial Club- Catholic Societies-Recreation Clubs-Literary Clubs.
FARIBAULT FREEMASONRY.
(By H. E. Whitney.)
Faribault Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M. In collecting the mate- rial for a history of Faribault Lodge, No. 9, difficulties have been met with, owing to the meagerness of the early records. We may say, however, that, from its inception, it has met the earnest support and hearty co-operation of its founders, and to this day its influence is felt wherever the order prevails, even though many of its originators are wrapt in the close embrace of death. This lodge has seen its days of prosperity and adversity, and has many times been hemmed in by doubts and fears, when a mere handful of true and faithful brothers stood shoulder to shoulder and kept it alive by their zealous and earnest efforts. Those days have happily passed, and the bright light of pros- perity has placed it in the foremost rank of the sucessful lodges owing allegiance to this Masonic jurisdiction. It is not our purpose to enter into the many details of its fifty years of exist- ence ; but rather to give the concise facts in as pleasing form as truth will admit.
March 4, A. D. 1856, A. L. 5658, Bro. A. T. C. Pierson, then grand master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, issued his dis- pensation for a lodge to be held in the town of Faribault, Minn., appointing Bro. C. A. Cottrell, worshipful master ; Bro. John C. Whipple, senior warden, and Bro. John Cook, junior warden ; and on March 11, 1856, was held the first regular communication of Faribault Lodge, No. 9, U. D., meeting (if our information is correct), in a hall in the second story of Tower's building, on the northwest corner of Main and Second streets. The room was about 16 x 30 feet in dimension, furnished in a humble way, provided with the necessary paraphernalia for conferring the degrees, in marked contrast, however, to the roomy apartments and well appointed furnishings of these later days. In the East
409
410
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
sat Bro. C. A. Cottrell, a most earnest and zealous Mason, always striving to be right and just, both in the affairs of men and Masonic erudition, well versed in the ritual or "work" of that day. In the West sat Bro. John C. Whipple, one of the most able men Masonically that this lodge has ever known, one who has been loved and revered by his brethren for years since his death, the pink of integrity and uprightness. His delivery of the several Masonic lectures, rendered in a clear, emphatic, con- versational manner, has become a matter of history to the living members of the lodge. Bro. John Cook "called the craft from labor to refreshment." These, with General Shields, the famous senator from three states, and five other brethren, with visiting members from Blufftown Lodge, No. 145, Jurisdiction of Indiana, constituted the nucleus of No. 9. Several petitions for degrees were received, and in due course of time, balloted upon and elected. During the first few months of its existence, the lodge grew rapidly : meetings were frequent, and, as was customary, or at least permissible, at that time, we find that the lodge was often in session for several days at a time, being simply called from labor to refreshiment, and vice versa, from day to day. Ballots were spread for each degree, and frequently a second and third ballot was had, when the first did not elect, very peculiar proceedings, which would hardly be upheld in these days of enlightened Masonry. That the lodge prospered finan- cially may be inferred from the fact that eight jewels (of pure silver), collars and aprons were ordered for the officers, a new Masonic carpet, a chandelier with four lights (a great luxury and extravagance), twenty-four scarfs and twenty-four aprons for the brethren, as shown by the following letter of Brother Cottrell to Most Worshipful Grand Master Pierson, which may perhaps be of interest :
"Faribault Lodge, March 27. 1856, Rt. Worshipful Bro. Pier- son, Dear Sir: Your letter of the 24th inst. was read before the lodge on Tuesday last (our regular semi-monthly meeting), and I am happy to inform you that all the members (General Shields not excepted), fell in unhesitatingly and accept of your offer, in procuring for us the eight jewels, square and compass, together with eight collars and aprons. The jewels of insignia to be of pure silver, the aprons as mentioned in your letter, also the collars. There was a motion made by General Shields at our meeting, that the secretary be authorized to order through yon the above mentioned paraphernalia together with a master's carpet (not an expensive carpet) and twenty-four scarfs and aprons, such as will be uniform at the coming procession, and the lodge has authorized the secretary, Bro. James M. Tower, to order the same, also to state to you that the money will be
411
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
forthcoming on the delivery of the articles ordered. Allow me to give you a statement of our work since the dispensation was granted. Eight petitioners being Master Masons, three Master Masons by demit, forming eleven and six Entered Apprentice Masons forming in the whole seventeen, all of the best material, and six more desirous of receiving the rights and benefits of the order, while we hear of many more coming in, hailing from other lodges in every quarter. All that mars my joy is, that I wish they had a better master than your humble brother, C. A. Cottrell."
Among those who were raised while the lodge was working under dispensation, and who have since become well known both as men and Masons, we may be permitted to mention Hon. George W. Batchelder, H. E. Barron, R. H. L. Jewett, Dr. N. M. Bemis and C. C. Perkins, all of whom "have passed to that bourne, from which no traveler returneth." On Tuesday, Octo- ber 7, 1856, Bro. John Cook prayed that a dimit be granted him from the lodge which was favorably acted upon, and a vote of thanks extended him by the lodge, "for his prompt and punc- tual attendance and for the interest taken by him for the welfare of the craft and his untiring zeal in the propagation of the princi- ples of friendship, charity and brotherly love."
In accordance with the following edict the lodge was duly constituted : "Office of Grand Master of Masons, St. Paul, Minn., January 29, 1857. To all whom it may concern : Know ye, that I, A. T. C. Pierson, Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, reposing special con- fidence in the skill, prudence, and integrity of our worshipful brother, C. A. Cottrell; (being unable to attend in person), I hereby nominate and appoint him my proxy to constitute 'in form' the brethren of Faribault, Rice county, into a regular lodge to be known and distinguished by the name of Faribault Lodge, No. 9, and to install their officers elect, according to the ancient forms and usages of the craft and for so doing, this shall be his warrant. Our Worshipful Brother Cottrell will return this proxy with a report of his doings immediately thereafter. Given under my hand and private seal this twenty-ninth day of January, A. D., 1857, A. L. 5857, A. T. C. Pierson, G. M." On the seven- teenth day of February, 1857, Brother Cottrell writes that in accordance with the above edict, with such assistance as he could find, he did, on the 7th inst., install, "in form" the following officers : Bro. John C. Whipple, worshipful master; Bro. E. C. Hinde, senior warden; Bro. E. C. Houck, junior warden; Bro. C. A. Cottrell, treasurer (had a substitute) ; Bro. S. C. Gilmore. secretary ; Bro. L. K. Flanders, senior deacon, and Bro. R. H. L. Jewett, junior deacon, for the ensuing Masonic year, adding that
412
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
he had no form neither did he know that any was requisite, pleading ignorance in such matters, as it was a new thing for him to be grand master, protem. At this time there were forty- four members in good standing, nearly one-fourth as many members as we have at present, showing that the zeal and interest of the earlier brethren was not lacking in the least. On several occasions the lodge held its communications in a log house, on the south bank of the Cannon river, nearly opposite the Hulett farm, the reasons for which are at present unknown to the writer. Bro. John C. Whipple was twice re-elected as wor- shipful master. He was succeeded by Bro. Solon C. Gilmore, who served one year, being followed by Bro. N. M. Bemis for two years, when Bro. Thomas Carpenter was chosen to succeed him.
During Brother Carpenter's administration internal dissen- sions, which had, for several years threatened the very life of the lodge, arose and culminated in the arrest of the charter. Septem- ber 1, 1863. According to Bro. Thos. Montgomery (Page 24, proceedings of Masonic Veteran Association, 1897), the lodge, No. 9, was charged with gross irregularities, which were investi- gated by the grand master in person, the charges found sustained, and the charter arrested. His action was upheld, and a petition for the restoration of the charter was refused by the grand lodge in October, 1863, owing to evidence of a discordant element among the members. Several visits were paid to Faribault by the grand master, but all of no avail, until finally he discovered this discordant element, suspended two of the offenders, and with the approval of the remaining members placed the charter in the hands of a past master, Bro. Luther Dearborn, as his proxy, and authorized a resumption of labor. At the grand lodge session of October, 1864, the charter was restored, and the lodge ordered to prefer charges and try the members suspended by the grand master. From Grand Master Prescott's address, in 1865, we learn that in May of that year, he was advised by Brother Dearborn that the trouble still existed, tarnishing the fame both of the lodge and of Masonry and that, on June 1, the charter was surrendered, with the consent of nearly all the members. A petition for a new lodge immediately followed, and was granted June 7, 1865, and Brother Dearborn directed to receive all the money, records and property, and forward to the grand secretary, retaining the jewels and furniture for the new lodge. There were ninety members on the roll at this time, but more than one-half had been stricken from the roll, or had withdrawn. The new lodge was chartered October 25, 1865. as Faribault Lodge, No. 53. but by vote of the grand lodge. it was changed to No. 9. on January 15, 1869, which accounts for the disappearance of No.
413
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
53 from the roll of the grand lodge. The minutes of the lodge which have been preserved, show nothing of the trials and tribu- lations which beset the master and his officers at this trying time. That Brother Carpenter was in no wise responsible for the causes which led to the arrest of the charter is shown by the sanction of the grand master, ratifying his appointment as senior warden by Brother Dearborn when the charter was given into his keeping.
From this time the lodge began its era of prosperity and progress. Old scores were forgotten, peace and harmony pre- vailed, the future looked bright and encouraging. We were honored with the presence of the officers of the grand lodge on April 6, 1866. Most Worshipful Grand Master Prescott installing the officers of the lodge publicly, in Metropolitan hall, where a bounteous repast was enjoyed "amid a feast of reason and flow of soul." Rev. Dr. S. Y. McMasters, of St. Paul, at that time a very honored and respected Mason, delivered a most scholarly and instructive address. The prospects of the year were as bright and inviting to the brethren as had been experienced at the first. Many men who afterwards became prominent in vari- ous walks of life knocked at the door and were admitted, which infused activity, and gave promise that in the future No. 9 would redeem herself and become first among her equals. For a period of six years the growth of the lodge was steady, and as members increased the old hall was found too small for the suitable accom- modation of the brethren and more commodious quarters were found in the new stone building erected by Geo. F. Batchelder. Subscriptions were raised and festivals of various kinds were held (in which the ladies kindly and promptly aided), that funds might be provided for the furnishing of the new rooms which were at that time equal to any lodge room in the jurisdiction. For many years the lodge had met in their rooms in the old Tower hall. The companionship of men, and reminiscences of events that are coupled with those meetings can never be told -- the ups and downs, the dashing spirit of activity, followed by apathy and sluggishness. How the minds of the brethren wander backward, and enter every nook and corner of the old hall, remaining sufficiently long in each to dwell upon some particular object of interest, or to look back to scenes recalled by some familiar face and called to mind by some trite word spoken at that time!
The new element that had undertaken the management of the body was composed of men of good judgment-earnest workers who gave promise of hard and well directed labor- and at last placed the lodge once more on the road to prosperity. They knew the battle was to be a severe and difficult struggle, and
414
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
hence bent every effort to accomplish their cherished purpose, and well did they succeed. Later as the numbers increased, it was determined by the lodge to have an abiding place to be called its own. With determined hearts and indefatigable exertions, the brethren put their shoulders to the task. The Masonic Hall Building Association was formed and on the twenty-second day of February, 1876, the beautiful, convenient and commodious Masonic hall thoroughly completed and fur- nished, was formally and publicly dedicated to the uses of Masonry, Bro. A. T. C. Pierson, then grand secretary, acting as grand master; Bro. C. N. Daniels, worshipful master of the lodge, making the usual address upon such an occasion, after which the beautiful and impressive ceremony of dedication was celebrated in due and ancient form. The address of dedication delivered by Bro. Benj. F. Byran, of La Crosse, Wis., was one of the most appropriate and eloquent efforts ever made in the city. It was indeed a proud day for the Masonie fraternity, and the individual exertions of every member, the harmony with which they worked, the utter lack of discord is something that the brethren of No. 9 will long remember with satisfaction and pleasure. The expense of fitting up the lodge rooms was heavy, but the satisfaction that our mother had now a home of her own more than compensated, for it is an attraction to our city in which all can take pride and interest. On June 28, 1878, our home was destroyed by fire, nothing being saved except some of the records of the lodge, the charter, columns and master's table. The Knights of Pythias courteously tendered the use of their ball, which was cordially accepted, and for some months regular communications were held there. Did our brethren despair? No! Renewed exertions were put forth; greater zeal than ever was manifested and phoenix-like from the ashes rose a new edifice, and on the evening of December 18, 1878, the opening reception was held. All the brethren were proud and happy, and the guests of the evening shared this feeling with them. From this time to the present date the lodge has passed through various periods of rapid growth and advancement, as well as stages of stagnation and decline; but through sunshine or shadow, darkness or despair, through the thorough efficiency of its officers the reputation of the lodge for doing good work and true work has always been maintained.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.