USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Zanesville > A concise history of La Fayette Lodge, No. 79, Free and Accepted Masons of Zanesville, Ohio : including a brief history of Freemasonry > Part 4
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45
Cornelius Moore
At the Grand Communication of 1848, the following reso- lution was presented by Bro. Cornelius Moore, chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence: Any Free and Accepted Mason residing within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and within ten miles of a subordinate Lodge, who shall neglect or refuse to apply to, and if accepted, to become a member of the subordinate Lodge nearest his residence, after residing within its jurisdiction one year, shall be deemed an unworthy Mason, and shall not be entitled to any of the rights or privileges of a Mason, provided that no dues, annual, or for membership, either to a subordinate or for the Grand Lodge, shall be required from a poor and de- serving Brother, whom the Lodge shall consider unable to pay such dues without doing injustice to himself or to his family.
The thirteenth election of officers was held November 17, and the following were selected to serve for the ensuing year: Bro. Cornelius Moore, Worshipful Master; Bro. Joseph Sharp, Senior Warden; Bro. William C. Scott, Junior Warden; Bro. Gerardus Wynkoop, Treasurer; Bro. James Cochran, Secretary; Bro. Daniel Hattan, Senior Deacon; Bro. Henry W. Doster, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Brown, Steward and Tyler.
The first public installation of officers was held on December 1, 1837, the ceremonies on this occasion being performed by Bro. John T. Fracker, assisted by Bro. George L. Shinnick.
1838 BRO. CORNELIUS MOORE WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Moore was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, November 23, 1806. He lived upon his father's farm until he was sixteen, after which time he learned the trade of blacksmith.
Brother Moore came to Zanesville when twenty-six years of age, where he taught school and, after studying law, was ad- mitted to the bar in 1836. From a Masonic standpoint, Brother Moore was without question the greatest and most distinguished Mason that ever received his degrees in La Fayette Lodge. He was a Masonic writer and lecturer of national reputation, and in 1845 located in Cincinnati and began the publication of the Masonic Review. The valiant work of this editor and pub-
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History of La Fayette Lodge
lisher was continued under adverse circumstances until the Review was considered a textbook on Masonry.
Brother Moore was initiated an Entered Apprentice in La Fayette Lodge March 24, 1837; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft April 18, 1837, and raised to the Master Mason degree May 31, 1837. He was elected Worshipful Master at the fol- lowing election without having served as a Warden, and served in this capacity during 1838, 1839 and 1840.
He received the degree of Mark Master July 1, 1838, in Zanes- ville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons; having received the Past Master degree November 28, 1837; Most Excellent Master degree April 2, 1838, and Royal Arch June 7, 1838.
He served the Chapter as Principal Sojourner 1839 and 1840; and Secretary, 1841, 1842, and 1843.
Brother Moore was also a member of Reed Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, of Dayton; and Ohio Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, at Cincinnati.
He served on many Committees in the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and for a time was chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence.
He died at Windsor, Canada, June 3, 1883, and was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, at Cincinnati, Ohio.
The year 1838 was a fairly prosperous one considering the fact that the entire country was in the throes of financial de- pression, following the panic of the preceding year.
The first seal of the Lodge was made during this year at a cost of seven dollars. This seal is still in existence, but has long since been replaced by a better one.
Twenty-five meetings were held and the degree of Master Mason was conferred upon eight candidates during the year.
Bro. Cornelius Moore was re-elected Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
On November 2, the fourteenth election was held and Bro. Cornelius Moore was re-elected Worshipful Master. Other officers chosen were: Bro. Joseph Sharp, Senior Warden; Bro. Lemuel Page, Junior Warden; Bro. Gerardus Wynkoop, Treas- urer; Bro. James Cochran, Secretary; Bro. Richard I. Peach, Senior Deacon; Bro. James Hattan, Junior Deacon, and Bro. Isaac M. Brown, Steward and Tyler.
47
Lodge Secures New Quarters
On December 7, the Lodge rejected the proposition made by Amity Lodge and Zanesville Chapter, that they pay an annual rental of forty-five dollars for the use of Masons' Hall. Bros. Asa R. Cassady, James Hattan, and Gerardus Wynkoop were appointed a Committee to secure and furnish a new Lodge room.
On December 21, the officers were installed by Bro. John Barney, the Grand Lecturer, assisted by Bro. George L. Shin- nick, of Amity Lodge.
1839 BRO. CORNELIUS MOORE WORSHIPFUL MASTER
On January 4, the Lodge met for the first time in their new Lodge room, which was located on the north side of Main Street, at the corner of Court Alley. The building was the property of Bro. Leonidas L. Hamline, and the Lodge room was secured by the Committee at an annual rental of twenty dollars, payable quarterly in advance.
The Lodge expended two hundred and seventy-six dollars and eighty-five cents for alterations and the installation of new furniture.
On April 22, La Fayette Lodge and Somerset Lodge, No. 76, in conjunction with Amity Lodge, conducted the funeral services of Bro. Andrew Crooks, a member of the latter Lodge. The music for this funeral was furnished by the Zanesville Harmonic Band, composed of seven pieces of brass and string instruments. The cost of this band was six dollars and a half, which was equally divided between Amity and La Fayette Lodges.
On August 30, the Entered Apprentice degree was conferred upon Rev. Amos Bartholomew, pastor of the St. John's Con- gregational Lutheran Church. Brother Bartholomew received the three symbolic degrees without charge, but, contrary to the rule in such cases, he became a zealous and devoted member of the Craft. He served in various offices in Zanesville Chapter and was its High Priest in 1841, 1842, and again in 1851. He was a charter member of Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights
48
History of La Fayette Lodge
Templar, and was honored with office in the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of Ohio.
November 19 is a memorable date in the annals of the Lodge. M .:. W .. Bro. William J. Reese, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, visited the Lodge and, by virtue of his high powers and prerogatives, conferred the three symbolic degrees upon Bro. George S. Moore.
Twenty-four meetings were held during the year and nine candidates received the degree of Master Mason, and two new members were added by affiliation.
On November 22, the fifteenth election of officers was held and those chosen were: Bro. Cornelius Moore, Worshipful Master; Bro. Asa R. Cassady, Senior Warden; Bro. Daniel Hattan, Junior Warden; Bro. Gerardus Wynkoop, Treasurer; Bro. James Cochran, Secretary; Bro. Amos Bartholomew, Senior Deacon; Bro. Thomas Nevitt, Junior Deacon, and Bro. Isaac M. Brown, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed December 6, the ceremonies being performed by Bro. John T. Fracker and Bro. Daniel Con- verse.
1840 BRO. CORNELIUS MOORE WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Thirty meetings were held during this year, but little trans- pired that is worthy of mention.
Both the Secretary and Tyler were guilty of gross careless- ness in the performance of the duties for which they received compensation, and in consequence were severely reprimanded by the Worshipful Master.
On October 20, the Lodge assisted in the funeral services of Bro. Dudley W. Rhodes, a member and former Master of Amity Lodge.
Seven received the degree of Master Mason during the calendar year, and on November 13 the sixteenth election of officers was held.
The new officers consisted of Bro. John T. Arthur, Worship- ful Master; Bro. Gerardus Wynkoop, Senior Warden; Bro.
49
John T. Arthur
Daniel Hattan, Junior Warden; Bro. Asa R. Cassady, Treasurer; Bro. William C. Scott, Secretary; Bro. Richard I. Peach, Senior Deacon; Bro. James Galigher, Junior Deacon, and Bro. John Printz, Steward and Tyler.
At the meeting held December 14 an invitation was ex- tended to M .:. W .. Bro. William J. Reese, Grand Master, and R .:. W .: Bro. Michael Z. Kreider, Grand Marshal, to visit the Lodge and install the officers. Ten dollars were donated toward paying their traveling expenses.
The Secretary neglected to make any record of the result of this invitation or the meeting at which the officers were installed.
1841 BRO. JOHN T. ARTHUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Arthur was a native of southern Ohio and was born about 1805. He was an attorney and came to Zanesville in 1830 and began to practice law. He was a man of considerable education and refinement, and one of the earliest advocates of temperance in Zanesville.
On May 28, 1846, as Brigadier-General of the Second Brigade, Fifteenth Division, O. N. G., he left Zanesville for the war with Mexico, participating in some of the fiercest battles of the cam- paign. Upon his return to this city, at the close of the war, he was appointed collector of the tolls of the Muskingum Improve- ment. In 1853, he left Zanesville and established himself at Keokuk, Iowa.
Brother Arthur was initiated an Entered Apprentice in La Fayette Lodge July 13, 1838; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft August 10, 1838, and raised to the degree of Master Mason September 7, 1838. He served the Lodge as Worshipful Master 1841 to 1845 inclusive, and again in 1849, without having served as Warden or in any other official capacity.
He was a member of Zanesville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, receiving the degrees of Mark Master and Past Master February 4, 1839, and Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch July 18, 1839. He served as Captain of Host 1841 to 1844 in- clusive, and King in 1845.
50
History of La Fayette Lodge
It is not definitely known where he received the cryptic de- grees. He was a charter member of Zanesville Council, No. 12, Royal and Select Masters, and its first Principal Conductor of Work, serving 1844 and 1845.
He received the Orders of Chivalry in Lancaster Com- mandery, No. 2, Knights Templar, becoming a charter member of Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar. He was the first Generalissimo of this Commandery, serving in 1849.
Although busied with manifold duties in the exercise of his private affairs, he was very active and deservedly popular in the Grand Bodies of Ohio.
He served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1845 and 1846, relinquishing the office to enter the service of his country.
He died in February, 1855, at Keokuk, Iowa.
On April 19, suitable resolutions of sympathy were drafted by the Lodge in honor of our late President, William Henry Harrison, who died in office.
Little business of importance was transacted during this year : fifteen meetings were held and two were raised to the degree of Master Mason.
The seventeenth election was held December 3, and Bro. John T. Arthur was re-elected Worshipful Master. The other officers were: Bro. Daniel Hattan, Senior Warden; Bro. John W. Davis, Junior Warden; Bro. James Galigher, Treasurer; Bro. Cornelius Moore, Secretary; Bro. Thomas Launder, Senior Deacon; Bro. William Hunter, Junior Deacon, and Bro. John Printz, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed, December 27, by Bro. Amos Bartholomew, assisted by Bro. John Hall.
1842 BRO. JOHN T. ARTHUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER
On January 18, the M .. W .. Grand Master, Bro. William J. Reese, introduced a series of resolutions in the Lodge at Lan- caster, of which he was a member, whereby he construed that the great Masonic virtue of temperance meant exactly what it said,
51
Plans For Masonic Hall
and advocated that total abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages be practiced by every Mason in Ohio. Whiskey being the favorite refreshment of the Lodge, the Brethren were very indignant over this action of the Grand Master. By almost an unanimous vote, it was declared an innovation in Masonry, and the Brethren present refused to even consider it.
On May 3, the question of erecting a building for the use of the Lodge was first agitated, and a Committee was appointed to investigate the project.
This Committee reported that the idea was impractical. considering the meager finances of the Lodge, and recommended that the money of the Lodge be loaned at six per cent interest. A joint meeting of Amity and La Fayette Lodges was held on August 6, in response to a request received from the Grand Master, R .:. W ... Bro. William J. Reese, who was present and addressed the Brethren regarding the construction of a Grand Lodge hall at Lancaster.
Forty-three meetings were held by the Lodge this year, and a review of the year's work showed fourteen candidates raised and two admitted by affiliation.
The eighteenth election was held November 18, and the officers selected were: Bro. John T. Arthur, Worshipful Master; Bro. Daniel Hattan, Senior Warden; Bro. John W. Davis, Junior Warden; Bro. James Galigher, Treasurer; Bro. J. Y. Hopkins, Secretary; Bro. Thomas Launder, Senior Deacon; Bro. John A. Lemon, Junior Deacon; Bro. James Hattan, Steward and Tyler. At this meeting a resolution was passed to publish the names of all expelled members in the Zanesville newspapers.
The officers were installed on Christmas eve, the ceremonies being performed by Bro. Amos Bartholomew and Bro. Asa R. Cassady.
1843 BRO. JOHN T. ARTHUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER
In the minutes of May 26 we find the statement, "The Worshipful Master was instructed to secure the portrait of La Fayette, belonging to the Lodge." The meaning of this state-
52
History of La Fayette Lodge
ment is rather ambiguous, and it is very doubtful that it referred to the lithograph of General La Fayette, now hanging in the ante-room of the Lodge.
Elaborate preparations were made for the celebration of St. John's Day, and eleven meetings were held, from May 2 to June 24.
At the meeting of June 14 all petitions then in the hands of the Secretary were declared to be cases of emergency and im- mediate action was taken thereon.
June 24, 1843, was a gala day in local Masonic circles, and the natal day of the patron saint of Freemasonry was celebrated with due pomp and ceremony.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio was present and occupied the post of honor in a procession composed of Amity Lodge, La Fayette Lodge, Zanesville Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Cyprus Commandery, Knights Templar. The line of march extended over the principal business streets and thence to the Presby- terian Church, where an able address was given by Rev. John N. Moffit. The expenses of the orator were borne by La Fayette Lodge, and one hundred dollars were donated for this purpose.
Thirteen new Master Masons were raised during the year and one admitted by affiliation.
The nineteenth election was held November 10, and the officers for 1844 consisted of Bro. John T. Arthur, Worshipful Master; Bro. Daniel Hattan, Senior Warden; Bro. Thomas Bell, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treasurer; Bro. James Cochran, Secretary; Bro. G. Nelson Cuming, Senior Deacon; Bro. George D. Palmer, Junior Deacon, and Bro. Thomas Launder, Steward and Tyler.
A public installation of these officers was held on Christmas night and each member of the Lodge was permitted to bring two other persons. The installing officers were Bro. John T. Fracker and Bro. Daniel Converse. The principal address of the evening was made by Bro. Cornelius Moore, while the remainder of the program consisted of vocal and instrumental music.
53
Malta Lodge Instituted
1844
BRO. JOHN T. ARTHUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER
On January 21, the Lodge conducted the funeral obsequies of Bro. Joseph A. McConnell, formerly Secretary of the Lodge. On April 5, the Worshipful Master tendered his resignation to the Lodge, but they refused to accept it.
Prior to this time the Masonic Bodies of the city had retained their individuality while marching in processions, and in con- ducting funerals the expenses, in most cases, being divided. This practice was discontinued in 1844, owing to a disagreement between the two Lodges over the funeral of Bro. James Hender- son, of Amity Lodge.
On May 3, a resolution was presented by Bro. Cornelius Moore: that,
WHEREAS, Misunderstandings have arisen in the past be- tween two Masonic Bodies of Zanesville, relative to the order of conducting funeral ceremonies, which ought not to be among Masons, therefore, for the purpose of averting a reoccurrence of such an unfortunate state of things in the future, be it
Resolved, That the Worshipful Master appoint a Committee to meet with a like Committee from Amity and the Chapter, should they see fit to appoint a Committee, which joint Com- mittee shall prepare for the adoption of their respective Lodges a uniform mode of procedure at Masonic funerals, conducted by either of these Bodies.
Bros. Cornelius Moore, Daniel Hattan, and Austin Berry were appointed to act as this Committee.
Like Committees were appointed by Amity Lodge and Zanesville Chapter, but each Lodge refused to make any con- cessions regarding the points in question and the conference resulted in failure.
On July 5, the Lodge received a petition from a number of Brethren who resided at Norwich, praying for assistance in es- tablishing a Lodge at that place to be known as Malta Lodge. As they were unable to secure enough members for this purpose, Bros. John G. F. Holston and George D. Palmer, of La Fayette
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History of La Fayette Lodge
Lodge, permitted the use of their names as charter members of this new Lodge.
At the meeting of the Lodge, held on July 21, the Lodge was called to refreshment and did not resume labor until August 2, twelve days later.
Five new members were raised during the year.
On November 29, the twentieth election was held and Bro. John T. Arthur was elected for the fifth consecutive year as Worshipful Master. Other officers elected were: Bro. Daniel Hattan, Senior Warden; George D. Palmer, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treasurer; Bro. Imri Richards, Secretary; Bro. G. Nelson Cuming, Senior Deacon; Bro. Joseph W. Clayton, Junior Deacon, and Bro. Thomas Launder, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed by Bro. Cornelius Moore on December 21. The name of the other installing officer was not mentioned.
On December 27, the Lodge received a certificate for one hundred and eleven dollars, which was the amount that was expended by this Lodge toward building a Grand Lodge hall at Lancaster, including interest, at six per cent, from October.
This was the culmination of the movement that was un- successfully agitated in the Grand Lodge of Ohio for almost twenty years, to procure a permanent meeting place. As early as January, 1826, a Committee was selected by the Grand Lodge at their meeting in Columbus to act in conjunction with a like Committee to be appointed by the Grand Chapter, to inquire into the expediency of erecting a Masonic hall, for the use of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter.
It is interesting to note that in the report of this Committee, which was made at the Annual Communication of the succeed- ing year, they stated "that they had received concessions from four cities who were desirous of being the location of the building for the permanent meeting place of the Grand Bodies, viz., Cincinnati, Zanesville, Columbus, and Lancaster.
The communication received from the Masons of Zanesville was as follows:
55
Grand Lodge Hall
The Brethren and citizens of Zanesville, provided the Grand Lodge Hall shall be located here, propose to give a site on the public square, and two thousand dollars in money, materials, and labor, toward the erection of the same, and the use of their hall until the Grand Lodge Hall is completed.
After deliberating upon this matter for several years, a convention was finally held in the month of June, 1838, to con- sider the project.
This convention was composed of representatives from the various Lodges throughout the State and, by a majority vote, it was resolved that it was expedient that a suitable Masonic edifice should be erected in the town of Lancaster, to comport with the character and dignity of the Institution. The plans for this building, which were later accepted, called for a structure, of Doric character, one hundred feet in length, seventy-three feet in width, and fifty feet in height.
The corner-stone was laid by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Oc- tober 18, 1841, and La Fayette Lodge was among the list of ten Lodges that participated in the ceremonies.
The elaborate design of this proposed structure and the ex- cessive cost incident thereto was highly impractical, considering the conditions prevailing at the time.
Lodges throughout the State were struggling from the effect of the Morgan excitement, and this, coupled with the financial depression following the panic of 1837, rendered it impossible for them to secure the funds necessary for its com- pletion. This building was never constructed, the entire project being abandoned.
1845 BRO. JOHN T. ARTHUR WORSHIPFUL MASTER
At the session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held on January 10, Bro. John T. Arthur was elected to the office of Grand Secretary.
No business of importance was transacted during the year, and but five candidates were raised to the degree of Master Mason.
56
History of La Fayette Lodge
The twenty-first election was held on November 21, and the following Brethren were elected to the various offices: Bro. Thomas Launder, Worshipful Master; Bro. John W. Thompson, Senior Warden; Bro. G. Nelson Cuming, Junior Warden; Bro. John A. Blair, Treasurer; Bro. Imri Richards, Secretary; Bro. Abraham P. Gorsuch, Senior Deacon; Bro. George W. Thomp- son, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed December 20, but the installing officers were not recorded.
1846 BRO. THOMAS LAUNDER WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Launder was born at Chichester, England, May 14, 1817. The family emigrated to America when he was about twelve years of age, and shortly after their arrival located in this city. Brother Launder attended the public school and, after attaining his majority, entered the grocery business. For many years he conducted a grocery at the northwest corner of Main and First Streets, and during leisure hours enter- tained his friends with his masterful playing upon the cello, being an accomplished musician.
Brother Launder was united in marriage with Miss Lettie Ann Cargill, of this city, and to this union were born eight children-Clarence, Clare, Edward, Arelius, Alice, Charlotte, Julia, and Lettie, the last named having distinguished herself in her mastery of the violin.
Brother Launder was prominent in all the grades of Masonry and was highly proficient in the ritual of the various degrees. He was made a Mason in La Fayette Lodge, receiving the Entered Apprentice degree February 24, 1837; Fellow Craft, March 24, 1837, and Master Mason April 21, 1837.
He was active in the organization of Friendship Lodge, No. 103, at Dresden, Ohio, withdrawing his membership for_a time to become a charter member, and was appointed its first Senior Deacon. At the first election, he was chosen Senior Warden. He was directly responsible for the organization of Wakatomica
57
Arthur Elected Grand Secretary
Lodge, No. 108, at West Carlisle, Ohio, and served as its first Worshipful Master. He then withdrew his membership and re- affiliated with La Fayette Lodge.
He served as Senior Deacon, 1842 and 1843; Steward and Tyler, 1844 and 1845, and Worshipful Master, 1846.
He received the degree of Past Master at a convocation of Past Masters, held January 4, 1841. The Mark Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch degrees were conferred in October, 1843, at Lancaster, by authority of a dispensation issued by the Grand High Priest and without the consent of Zanesville Chapter, with which he affiliated on June 7, 1847.
He served the Chapter as Grand Master of the Third Veil, 1848; Second Veil, 1849, and Captain of Host, 1854, 1855, and 1858.
He was a charter member of Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, receiving his degrees at Lancaster.
During the early part of his career he was very active in the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and was frequently appointed to instruct Lodges regarding the proper exemplification of the Ritual.
He died January 20, 1900, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.
At the session of the Grand Lodge, Bro. John T. Arthur was re-elected to the office of Grand Secretary.
During the year the Lodge voted to retain the membership of Brother Arthur, who as General in command of the Second Brigade, Fifteenth Division of the State Militia, was called to serve in the Mexican War.
On September 5, the funeral services of Bro. J. Nelson Cuming were conducted by the Lodge, R .. W .. Bro. M. Z. Kreider, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, pre- siding.
The funeral services were conducted at the Episcopal Church, and the music was furnished by the German band.
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