USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Chambersburg > Anniversary booklet, George Washington Lodge No. 143, Free and Accepted Masons, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania : commemorating one hundred fiftieth anniversary > Part 1
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.
One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary George Washington Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M. 1816 - 1966 CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
A. D. 1816
A. D. 1966 Anniversary Booklet
George Washington Lodge No. 143 Free and Accepted Masons Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
GWLA 143
COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY A. L. 5816 A. L. 5966
ROBERT E. DEYOE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER of The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICERS FOR 1966
G
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER Brother Robert E. Deyoe
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Brother John K. Young
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL SENIOR GRAND WARDEN Brother Hiram P. Ball
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN Brother W. Orville Kimmel
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND TREASURER Brother Louis Bacharach
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND SECRETARY Brother Ashby B. Paul
3
JOHN K. YOUNG RIGHT WORSHIPFUL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER of The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
4
MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 143, F. and A. M.
The celebration of the 150th Anniversary of George Washington Lodge No. 143, F. and A. M., on October 15, 1966, should not only be the observance of a century and a half of existence but the means of creating a deeper inter- est in both the history and growth of the Lodge in particular, and Freemasonry in and about Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, in general.
Such a celebration as this enables you to look back with pride on the firm foundations laid by your predecessors and should encourage you to build with vigor and determination.
Brother Robert E. Deyoe, Right Worshipful Grand Master, finding it impossible to be present on this auspicious occasion due to another Masonic Lodge anniversary, was good enough to delegate me to represent him and the Grand Lodge. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I, on be- half of your Grand Lodge, extend to you hearty and sincere congratulations and all good wishes for a future which will prove even more successful than the past.
John K. Young R. W. Deputy Grand Master
5
PAUL G. PENSINGER District Deputy Grand Master
6
June 12, 1966 33 E. Middle Street Gettysburg, Pa.
To the Members of George Washington Lodge No. 143 Chambersburg, Pa.
Dear Brethren:
It is a privilege to extend fraternal and personal greet- ings to this Lodge on its One Hundred and Fiftieth Anni- versary.
You have had an historical past and, I assume, you will have a continuing influence upon the future.
I take great pleasure in sending hearty congratulations and best wishes.
Fraternally and sincerely,
Paul G. Pensinger District Deputy Grand Master District 4
7
ROBERT L. McNEW
Worshipful Master
8
Chambersburg, Pa July 20, 1966
To the Members of George Washington Lodge No. 143 Chambersburg, Pa.
Brethren:
On this One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of George Washington Lodge Number 143, Free and Accept- ed Masons, and as brethren of this Ancint and Honorable Fraternity, let us pause to reflect upon the past.
One hundred and fifty years ago Free Masons founded our Lodge and through their efforts many lives have been enriched through the friendship and loyalty of brotherhood. Many men followed in their path and have carried the torch to bring our Lodge to the enviable position it now holds. This is a challenge to us to pledge ourselves to the continued practice of the virtues of Masonry, through which other lives may be enriched.
It has been a privilege to serve as your Worshipful Master in this very historic year. Through your efforts our Lodge will continue to prosper.
Fraternally yours,
Robert L. McNew
Worshipful Master
9
ROBERT S. KYLE Senior Warden
HOWARD G. BUTTS Junior Warden
HARRY L. OYLER Treasurer
ROBERT W. FAHNESTOCK Secretary
10
-
143
113
db 143
143
ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE No. 143, F. & A. M.
GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE No. 143, F. & A. M. OFFICERS FOR 1966
Worshipful Master
Robert L. McNew
Senior Warden
Robert S. Kyle
Junior Warden
Howard G. Butts
Treasurer
Harry L. Oyler
Secretary
Robert W. Fahnestock
Trustees
James A. Strite
Frank B. Leidig
Horace M. Grayson
Representative in Grand Lodge
Dale L. Brindle
Chaplain
Charles H. Fritz
Senior Deacon
Charles G. Hoover
Junior Deacon
John G. Rajtik
Senior Master of Ceremonies
Roy K. Porter, Jr.
Junior Master of Ceremonies
Donald C. Craig
Pursuivant
Raymond E. Heckman
Tyler
C. Herbert Arbaugh
Steward
Daxel Y. Tarner
COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCE
George M. Keim
Paul N. Geyer Solomon C. Hoover
COMMITTEE ON CHARITY
Harry L. Oyler
George G. Gonder, Sr. Paul Statler
12
MASONIC TEMPLE
13
----
LODGE ROOM IN THE 1880's
14
LODGE ROOM TODAY
15
INCIDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH LODGE 79, 143 F. & A. M. AND MASONIC TEMPLE CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
DELIVERED BY BROTHER GARNET GEHR ON JUNE 21, 1923
One afternoon a stranger debarked from a train at a hustling town in the West and headed up the street. Finally he met a man who looked like a native. "Pardon me," asked the stranger, "Are you a native of this town?" "Yes sir," was the ready rejoinder, "I have been here something like fifty years. What can I do for you?" "I am looking for a criminal lawyer," responded the stranger. "Have you one here?" "Well," said the native reflectively. "We think we have, but we can't get the proof on him."
Without any reflection at all on the wisdom of the Committee, having this happy occasion in charge, when they so kindly, perhaps inadvertently, asked me to respond to a subject in the nature of a historical address, I imagine that the good brethren took it for granted that I was qualified without the proof. However, with all my short comings and personal misgivings as to my ability as a historian, I assure you all that any effort on my part has been a labor of love for to me this dear old temple has been a shrine, surrounded by fond and tender recollections that will last through life and, I trust, even after.
It was here that I first saw Masonic light. It was here that I have heard the lesson that, if followed, points the way not only to happiness and peace and contentment of mind, but to good citizenship and fraternal duty and the sacred- ness of home. It was here that many years ago the brethren saw fit to make me their Worshipful Master and friendships were formed that have been delightful and enduring. It was here that my ancestors and kin knelt at the altar. It was here that so many good and worthy brethren, fine Masons, good men, now gone from our midst, whose blessings and benedictions for the present and pride in the past and fond hopes for the future we can almost feel present with us tonight, stood erect, as all good Masons have done in the past and will do in the future. It is for so many reasons such as these that I hail George Washington Lodge tonight in all her pristine youth and glory and vigor, and rejoice with all the members and the brethren from other lodges that we can meet in this temple, whose corner stone was laid so many years ago.
It is a matter of great regret that we cannot have with us Brother Samuel S. Shryock, of Philadelphia, the oldest living member of the lodge, and Brother Averett L. Langdon, of Long Island, the Senior Past Master. Both Brother Shryock and Brother Langdon in their active days took a deep and lively interest in the welfare and advancement of the Lodge. I feel sure that we all trust that many happy and contented years may be added to the long and useful lives of both of these loyal and prominent sons of George Washington Lodge.
I hope that some day some brother with abundance of time and patience, and who has the inclination and ability to write history, will compile a com- plete history of George Washington Lodge. It will be not only a history of a
16
lodge, but a history of a community, a biography of many distinguished citizens of this town and a recital of stirring events, both in peace and war, for over a century past; but, when it is read before the Lodge, I hope the Lodge will not have any other important business to transact and that the brethren will prepare the home folks for a late return to their firesides.
The roster of the Lodge reveals the names of many who were eminent in every walk of life - ministers of the gospel, scholars, doctors, soldiers, states- men, business men and lawyers. Such names as Chambers, Crawford, Heyser, Ruby, McClure, Shryock, Stoner, Montgomery, Lane and Stenger, and also many others, are names without which no real history of Chambersburg could be interestingly written.
When you speak of a man as being a good Mason, you accord him that praise of respectability that is recognized even among those who have never entered a Masonic hall. There is something in that term that creates esteem. Of course, every Mason should be a good man and a good citizen, but you know and I know that the fraternity is large, that Freemasonry is composed of men, and that men are of the flesh, fleshly. Just so it is with the Church and any other organization. The only difference is, we do not have the sisters to keep in leash. But there are in every Masonic Lodge those who, by their works, are especially active, especially worthy, who seem to impress one as bright exemplars. Since I have been a member of this Lodge, many brethren have, in my opinion, risen to that excellence, and, without any invidious comparisons, three brothers, two gone from earth, the third we repoice we have with us, have been deserving of marked distinction. In season and out of season they were always ready and anxious to serve and to strive; they never faltered, never refused. I refer to Brother Allen C. McGrath, for over thirty years our faithful secretary, Brother B. Latrobe Mower, a Past Master and once a District Deputy Grand Master, and Brother Past Master J. Brua Hoyer.
In an old minute book we find the "By-laws of Lodge No. 79, Ancient York Masons, to be holden in Chambersburg." In this book there is recorded a charge delivered at the institution of the Lodge, also an essay on Masonry. Who de- livered the charge or what good Brother edified the Lodge with the essay does not appear. Suffice it to say that the charge and the essay are replete with sound Masonic counsel and guidance and would be of great interest to the brethren were I to read them at length, but I know we have no longing desire to remain here all night, in spite of the congenial surroundings.
That meeting was held on April 5, 1800, and the minutes tell us, "That agreeable to appointment, Brother James Chambers, Owen Aston, Sr., and Peter Whitesides (being the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden, as per warrant) and Brother J. Burns, from Lodge No. 56 and Brother William Stimmit, from Lodge No. 68, met in due form. Brother General James Chambers was installed as Worshipful Master, Brother Owen Aston, Sr., as Senior Warden and Brother Peter Whitesides as Junior Warden. Resolved, that this Lodge meet at the house of Brother Owen Aston, the first Tuesday of each month.
On July 5, 1805, without much ado or ceremony and without the minutes divulging any particular reason, Old No. 79 went into history and ceased to exist.
17
As the program for the evening states, George Washington Lodge was warranted on January 15, 1816, and constituted April 23, 1816. From this time to 1823, the Lodge has no established home and met at various places-at the homes of the brethren, in the Court House, at George Coffey's Inn and various hotels-and that was years before the 18th Amendment-in the building now occupied by S. A. Huber Sons, Grocery Store, on South Main Street, and many other places.
During the early days the minutes record transactions which may seem to us rather amusing, but somewhat serious to some of the brethren. It seems that in the early days fines were imposed for non-attendance at meetings, not a bad regulation and perhaps one that would increase the attendance today. On several occasions it was solemnly resolved that charges against some members be published in the newspapers, but, on reconsideration, the offending brethren were spared that humiliation. One brother had objections filed against him because he charged too much for meat. Another was expelled for owing a brother $80.00. This brother was given ample opportunity to make payment, but doubt- less the brother valued his Masonic privilege below that sum. In 1821 appears the first funeral notice and the Lodge invited one or two uniformed companies to attend. On one occasion the Lodge purchased a great coat for the Tyler. It may be that the Tyler in those days had duties with which we are not familiar today, or it may be that it was his duty to round up the brethren in inclement weather, thereby saving them the payment of fines. It is said that in the days when Freemasonry was in somewhat of disrepute in this community that a Metho- dist minister, our next door neighbor, proclaimed from the pulpit that the three most wicked places in the community were Sam Brandt's Tavern on the corner across the street from the church, another den of iniquity on the opposite corner, and the neighboring Masonic Temple. Let us hope that our good Methodist neighbor repented of his error before it was too late.
It was on the 6th day of February, 1823, A. L. 5823, the Lodge having been opened in ancient form and manner, that Andrew Colhoun, the Secretary, re- cords in the minutes, that it was resolved that the reading of the letters in answer to the circular letters written for the purpose of securing subscriptions toward building a hall be omitted. This seems to indicate that the resolve to build had been decided upon by the brethren. Today some good brother would, no doubt, move that bonds be issued and sold for building purposes and the money would be quickly forthcoming. That the news of the intended building operations had gone to other jurisdictions can be gathered from the record of the same meeting; for we find that Wigmore Lodge, No. 79 of Baltimore, Maryland, subscribed $20 to the building fund. As we gather here, let us never forget the generosity of our Maryland brethren, as I imagine that $20 in those days meant much more than a like sum at the present time. And to show that the brethren at that meeting so long ago, though needing money for their pet project, were of the true Masonic mind, it was resolved further, that $10 be appropriated towards the relief of the poor and indigent persons of the Borough and that the above sum be given the Female Charity Society for distribution, proving by the name of the distributee that the good women of the town were even then, as now, doing the important work of relieving the needy and dis- tressed.
During the late winter and spring of 1823, our ancient brethren of George Washington Lodge were a busy crowd with their plans and work for the building
18
of the Temple; busy and earnest and determined, as all good Masons should be, with such a worthy and all important project on hand. Meetings were held weekly, sometimes daily, to discuss and plan and scheme and appoint committees on raising funds, on selection of a site, spelled "scite" in the record, or style, I suppose, and make preparations for a great imposing parade on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone, and, I wager that there were many economies practiced in order that the necessary funds be raised and, no doubt even then some of the brethren, as we are prone to do today, were longing and almost praying for clear skies and fine weather, thus proving that after all time does not change human nature so much, and if time does not, it might occur to some of us that Legislation cannot.
After much preliminary hard work, discussion, no doubt difference of opinion, I suppose some argument, in which I feel sure no estrangement or ill feeling were engendered which would never do in Masonic gatherings, decided progress was made. A committee composed of Brothers Harry, Fahnestock, Stevenson, Col- houn and Walker was appointed to raise funds for the erection of a Masonic Hall, and, at a subsequent meeting Brother Harry, Fahnestock, and Colhoun were named as a committee to make the necessary inquiries relative to a suitable site for the building. The fact that the names of these brethren are mentioned so often in connection with the building of the temple leads us to believe that they were important and active workers and counselors in the Lodge.
On the evening of Thursday, April 3, 1823, the Committee on a site, having given the matter great care and attention, I quote from the minutes, "The Lodge took into consideration where the scite of the new Masonic Hall should be fixed and the question being put, it was carried that the lot owned by Dr. John Sloan, adjoining the M. E. Church, is the most proper lot for erecting the intended hall on." Time has justified the wisdom of that Committee. It was the site where we assemble tonight. That it was a wise selection, no one can doubt; that the Lodge has displayed sound judgment in retaining this site, and that for our purposes it cannot be equaled in this community, and that it will remain a Masonic land-mark for generations to come is the hope and prayer of all of us. For all these long years this lot of ground has been dedicated to the high purposes of the layers of the corner stone.
To purchase said lot and to determine on the plan of the building and receive proposals, a committee of the officers of the Lodge and Brother John Shryock were named. At a meeting of the Lodge on the 15th day of May, 1823, proposals for the erection of a hall were offered. Brother Silas Harry, having offered to build and finish the hall for the sum of $2500, his offer was accepted and it was then resolved, "That there be a procession on the 24th of June, being St. John's Day, for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the Masonic Hall and that a committee be appointed to make arrangements for the intended procession. This committee was composed of G. K. Harper, W.M., John Steven- son, S.W., H. Greenfield, J.W., Andrew Colhoun, Secretary, and Brothers A. Lindsay, Walker, Shryock, Brobst and John Armstrong.
On June 12, it was resolved, "That a brother be sent on to Philadelphia for the purpose of securing a banner belonging to the Grand Lodge in case the same should not arrive before Sunday next." We trust that the banner arrived
19
before Sunday next, in time for the procession, and was returned in good condi- tion, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
On Tuesday, June 24, 1823, the day the corner stone was placed in position, the Lodge met in special meeting, but no mention is made in the minutes of that day's proceedings in connection with the laying of the corner stone. The minutes disclose that a number of visiting brethren from other jurisdictions were present and also that Brother Murray, having satisfied the Lodge that he was Grand Lecturer, proceeded to deliver a lecture on Masonry. However, the Lodge met again the next morning at nine o'clock and from the minutes we find the fol- lowing resolution was passed, "Resolved, that the thanks of this Lodge be present- ed to Brother T. Hartley Crawford for the appropriate address delivered by him yesterday and that a copy be procured from him for publication, that the thanks of this Lodge be given to the ladies who composed the choir and our fellow citizens, Samuel Blood for conducting the same, to the gentlemen composing the musical band, to the Rev. Mr. Rahauser and his vestry for the use of the Church, to the Reverend Gentlemen who performed the religious exercises of the day, to Capts. McClintic, Campbell and Boggs and the members composing their respective companies individually, to the civil authorities and representatives who joined the procession and to the spectators for their decorous conduct dur- ing the ceremony." From this resolution we can infer that the event passed off happily and solemnly, as all such Masonic functions should, that the day was fine and propitious, the parade made up of civic and military organizations, accom- panied by vocal and instrumental music and the eloquence of the orator and prayers of the clergy. The next evening the Lodge met and resolved, "That the sum of $40 be presented by the Lodge to the Rev. Mr. Vinton, as a small evidence of the satisfaction that was produced by his manner of conducting the public exercises of yesterday, kindly undertaken by him at the request of the committee of arrangements. The Grand Lecturer again delivered a lecture and the Lodge closed in harmony."
On December 3, 1830, the Lodge held a meeting at which it was decided that the Lodge be dissolved and cease to exist, for the present at least. It is said that one cause was the great Anti-Masonic Crusade, which was led by the ignorant and fanatical as other crusades have been led before, are being led today and may be led in the future.
On the 20th of August, 1845, the Lodge being reconstituted, held its first meeting and District Deputy Grand Master, G. M. Park, installed these officers: William Heyser, Worshipful Master, Samuel Seibert, Sr. Warden, John Wunder- lich, Jr. Warden, P. W. Seibert, Sr. Deacon, and Henry Ruby, Secretary.
It is Masonic history that when the town was destroyed by confederate cavalrymen under Johnson and McCausland, on July 30, 1864, the building and its neighbors were saved from destruction through the interposition of a brother holding a high command among the invaders.
For a number of years the "Reformed Messenger," a religious paper, was published in the basement of the Hall. From 1852 to 1864 the "Franklin Re- pository" was printed by the Messenger on account of up-to-date presses having been installed by the Messenger. When the rebel cavalry visited the building,
20
although they spared the Temple, they destroyed the plant of the Messenger on the first floor. It was this that caused the Messenger owners to move to Phila- delphia and that paper lost to Chambersburg.
The corner stone was not disturbed until 1897. At that time it was found that the building was too small for the growing Lodge. A committee of seven was appointed to procure plans for a twenty-five foot extension to the building and make other necessary repairs. During the early Fall of 1897, while the repairs were in progress, the Lodge met in the Knights of Pythias Lodge Room. The con- tents of the old corner stone were removed and were found to be in somewhat dilapidated condition, the glass receptacle in which they were enclosed had broken and the weather had done its worst. They were replaced in a copper case together with the following some articles and up-to-date memoranda.
I am informed that while the members of the committee were removing the contents of the old corner stone and replacing them together with the new articles and memoranda, that an aged lady, Mrs. Lizzie Keagey, with whose works of sweet charity and Christian character some of us older members are familiar, was passing, and being attracted by the work inquired what was being done. When told, she informed the brethren that she well remembered that on the day the old corner stone was laid she was one of the girls wearing white dresses and blue sashes who marched in the parade on June 24, 1823, from the Court House to the Church and then to the site of the Temple.
Time and tide wait for no man, and time and tide wear away and destroy. And so time has taken from our midst the ones who struggled in the earlier days to make place for those in whose hands the sacred trust of preserving and in- creasing has devolved. Those early Masons builded far better than they knew. If they could see the fruit of their planting, how the seed has developed into full bloom, how the Lodge has increased and multiplied in strength and numbers and, I trust, in true Masonic spirit, how proud they would be that their efforts have not been neglected, but, handed down from generation to generation, from family to family, yes, from father to son, it has flourished and grown stronger as the years go by.
With the flight of years, faces change, customs alter, communities spring up and grow into dwelling places for vast population. Governments and dynasties and ruling families are as chaff before the wind, science seems to revolutionize our very existence; but the pure, immutable principles of Freemasonry are the same yesterday and today and, if followed, will be forever; for those principles, supported by precept and example, all appeal to what men know and can feel is best in life.
May that corner stone, placed in position on that St. John's Day in June 1823, never crumble and never support a Lodge unworthy of the pure intentions and aspirations of the brethren who prayed to the Almighty for divine support and guidance on that day.
So George Washington Lodge stands before you tonight, pardonably proud of its ancestors and antecedents, in the full bloom of honorable old age, tinged with all the eagerness of youth, taking a new inspiration from the glories that are gone but that live in undying memory., and ready and confident, with God's help, for the future.
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.