USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. and A.M., 1785-1910, with biographical sketches of charter members, past masters and present officers, together with a complete list of members of the lodge > 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.
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
TER.
10
LODGE
SOUVENIR OF THE
125TH ANNIVERSARY OF
LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M., LANCASTER, PA.
N 43
A
LODGE
STER.
HELD
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1910,
B. Frank Daylar AND PRESENTED TO
... Laceactor, Da
GEN
8 Baylor Ju, April 26-1926.
ATTENTION! BAR CODE IS LOCATED ON NEXT PAGE
35-
BNÁL 88
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyoflodgeno00welc_0
7
L
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 03213 1804
Gc 974.802 L22wea Welchans, George Reuben, 1845-1925. History of Lodge no. 43, F. and A. M., 1785-1910
Election of Oficias
BROTHER,
OU are requested to attend the Duties of your Lodge,
No. 43, Ancient YORK MASONS, at the Lodge-Room, in LANCASTER, at Six o'Clock, on the Evening of the Jury
Inftant. At your Peril fail not.
By Order of the worshipful Mafter, gr. 9. Sonnate SECRETARY.
6 Lancafter, Ccone 200 comber 10th 1792
REPRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE EARLIEST LODGE NOTICES
HISTORY
OF
LODGE No. 43, F. AND A. M. 1785-1910
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CHARTER MEMBERS, PAST MASTERS, AND PRESENT OFFICERS
TOGETHER WITH
A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE LODGE
BY GEORGE R. WELCHANS, P. M. FOR 1785-1885
ANDREW H. HERSHEY, P. M. FOR 1885-1910
LANCASTER, PA. PUBLISHED BY THE LODGE 19II
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA
APPROVED BY THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER BROTHER GEORGE W. GUTHRIE, AND PRINTED BY HIS AUTHORITY
OFFICERS.
R. W. GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA
1910.
R. W. GRAND MASTER, GEORGE W. GUTHRIE.
R. W. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, WILLIAM L. GORGAS.
R. W. SENIOR GRAND WARDEN, J. HENRY WILLIAMS.
R. W. JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN, LOUIS A. WATRES.
R. W. GRAND TREASURER, WILLIAM B. HACKENBERG.
R. W. GRAND SECRETARY, WILLIAM A. SINN.
ii
OFFICERS.
LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
1910.
WORSHIPFUL MASTER, SAMUEL R. FRAIM.
SENIOR WARDEN, MARTIN M. HARNISH.
JUNIOR WARDEN, THADDEUS G. HELM.
TREASURER, JOEL S. EABY, P. M.
SECRETARY, J. FRED. FISHER, P. M.
iii
PREFACE.
EDITION OF 1910
At a meeting of Lodge No. 43, held May 12, 1909, a resolution was offered by Past Master Brother John W. Lansinger, that a committee consisting of the Officers and Past Masters of the Lodge be appointed to consider the advisability of celebrating the one hundred and twenty-fifth Anniversary of this Lodge in 1910. This committee reported in favor of a celebration to be held "in a modest, yet becoming manner," when the Worshipful Master appointed the Elective Officers and the Past Masters a committee to arrange for the same.
At a meeting of the committee of which the Worshipful Master was chairman, he appointed the undersigned as historian for the anniversary occasion, and also to write the history of the Lodge for the past twenty-five years, adding to the HISTORY OF LODGE No. 43, F. and A. M., by Past Master Brother GEORGE R. WEL- CHANS, which was written by him for the one hundredth anniversary, as it had on motion been agreed that the History, brought up to date, should be reprinted, and a copy presented to each member of the Lodge and its guests of the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary.
The History, the Biographical Sketches of the Past Masters and the List of Members for the first one hundred years, is the work of Past Master Brother WELCHANS.
The work is completed. Of the humble part that has fallen to my compilation, I ask your forbearance. It gives facts of historic interest to the members of the Lodge which otherwise are of neces- sity available only to the few. As a whole it gives a very complete record of Lodge No. 43 since its institution, and should prove of historical value and interest to each member.
ANDREW H. HERSHEY.
LANCASTER, PA.,
October, 1910.
V
CONTENTS.
Approval of the R. W. Grand Master, Bro. George. W. Guthrie. i Officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1910. ii Officers of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M., 1910. iii Preface, Edition of 1910 V Contents. vii
Index Biographical Sketches. xiii
INTRODUCTION, EDITION OF 1910.
Early History of Freemasonry in Lancaster City-Short Biographical Sketches of the Charter Members-Lodges of Lancaster County .. I5 Action of the Lodge on Printing its History of 1885 29
Officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1885. 30 Officers of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M., 1885. 3I Letter from R. W. Grand Master E. Coppee Mitchell, Esq 32 Preface, Edition of 1885 33
INTRODUCTION, EDITION OF 1885.
Origin of Free Masonry in this Country, in Pennsylvania, and in Lancaster County-Preliminary Meetings of Lodge No. 43-Application for a Warrant-The old Original Warrant of the Lodge-Dispensation to Constitute Lodge No. 43-Its Constitution-List of Lodges in Lancaster County and Date of Their Warrants 35
CHAPTER I.
1785 to 1795-The First Meeting of the Lodge-Copy of Proceedings of the First Meeting-The First By-Laws-Signers of the First By-Laws- First Petition for, and Initiation to Membership-Proceedings of the Grand Lodge in its Declaration of Independence of Great Britain-The New Warrant for Lodge No. 43-First Elections for Officers of the Lodge-Different Places of Meeting of the Lodge-Record of Initia- tions, Admissions, Deaths, Withdrawals, etc., during the First Ten Years of the Lodge's Existence-Biographical Sketch of Bro. Matthias Slough 43
vii
viii
Contents.
CHAPTER II.
1795 to 1805-Elections of Officers-First Action toward the Erection of a Masonic Hall-Different Sites for the Same Considered-Consent of the Corporation Authorities of the Borough obtained for the Erection of a Lodge Room over the New Market House-Estimate of the Expense of Building- Agreement Made between the Corporation and the Lodge-Agreement Made between the Committees of the Corpora- tion and Lodge No. 43 and the Workmen - Removal of the Lodge to the "Fountain Inn"-Funeral Procession in Honor of Bro. Gen. George Washington, Dec'd-First Meeting of the Lodge in its new Lodge Room-Description of the Hall at that Time-The Use of the Lodge Room for Holding Court, etc .- Financial Condition of the Lodge-Renting of the Lodge Room, and Removal of the Lodge to the "Indian King"-First Grand Visitation-Withdrawal of Members to form Philanthropic Lodge, No. 104-Record of Initiations, Admis- sions, Deaths, etc., for the Ten Years. 63
CHAPTER III.
1805 to 1815-Finances-Bills Receivable and Bills Payable Large, but Cash Credit Light-Grand Lodge Dues and Other Debts Pressing- W. M. Bro. Wm. Kirkpatrick to the Rescue-Better Times-The First Expulsion in 1807-First Steps Taken Towards the Establishment of a Royal Arch Chapter-Organization of Chapter No. 43, R. A. M .- Removal of the Lodge to Its Own Lodge Room-Clothing Worn in Lodge and Funeral Processions-The Brethren Called from Labor to Refreshment-Biographical Sketch of Bro. John Banister Gibson, LL. D .- The Masonic Term Made Twelve Months in 1814. ... 77
CHAPTER IV.
1815 to 1825-"Bull" from the R. W. Grand Master-First Seeds of Dis- satisfaction-Dedication of the Masonic Hall at Marietta-Initiation of Bro. James Buchanan-Withdrawal of Members to Form Washington Lodge No. 156-First Step Taken in the Difficulties Between the Lodge and the Grand Lodge-Circular Letter to the Different Lodges Throughout the Jurisdiction-Replies to the Circular Letter-Answer to the Letter from Lodge No. 51-Report of Committee to Attend Com- munication of the Grand Lodge-Letter from Industry Lodge No. 131 -Reply to the Letter from No. 131-Donation to Suffering Savannah -Appointment of Grand Lecturers-Report of Committee of Grand Lodge on Application of Lodges No. 21 and 43 for Charity to the Widow of a Past Master-Report of Committee of Lodge No. 43 on the State of Masonry in this Commonwealth-Action of the R. W. Grand Lodge
ix
Contents.
with Reference to the Same-Report of the Committee of the Grand Lodge-Letter from the R. W. Grand Master-Report of the Com- mittee of the Lodge on the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge and the R. W. Grand Master's Letter-Action of the Grand Lodge in Vacating the Warrant of Lodge No. 43-The Officers and Members Cited to Appear before the Grand Lodge-Convention of the Masons of Lan- caster County in the Lodge Room at Lancaster-Resolutions with Reference to the Differences Between the Grand Lodge and Late Lodge No. 43-Committee of Late Lodge No. 43 before the Grand Lodge -- Resolution to Rescind All Proceedings and that the Warrant Be Returned -Resuscitation of the Lodge-Bro. James Buchanan's Letter on Being Notified of his Election as Worshipful Master-First Appointment of District Deputy Grand Masters-Masonic Convention at Harrisburg- Official Visitation of R. W. Grand Master Josiah Randall, Esq .- Pro- cession and Sermon at Church. 85
CHAPTER V.
1825 to 1835-Bro. P. M. George B. Porter appointed District Deputy Grand Master-Visit of Bro. Gen. Lafayette to Lancaster-Subordinate Chapters of R. A. M. of the State Placed Under the Control of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter-Report of Committee of Lodge No. 43 on the Subject-The Lodge Room Enlarged-Economy of the Brethren-Bro. P. M. Samuel Humes, M. D., Appointed District Deputy Grand Master-Anti-Masonic Times-Its Effect Upon Lodge No. 43-Reaction and Reorganization-The Roll of Honor. I43
CHAPTER VI.
1835 to 1845-Bro. P. M. Thomas Jeffries Appointed District Deputy Grand Master-The First Charity Committee-Attempt to Form a Second Lodge in Lancaster-Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master John M. Read, Esq .- The Oldest Living Members of Lodge No. 43- Repairs to Lodge Room-Bro. P. M. Robert Moderwell Appointed District Deputy Grand Master-The First Grievance Committee. 158
CHAPTER VII.
1845 to 1855-Financial Embarrassment-Action of the Lodge on the Death of Bro. Ex-President Andrew Jackson-Resolution on the Withdrawal of W. M. Bro. James Regan-Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master James Page, Esq .- Action of the Lodge on the Death of Bro. Ex- President James K. Polk-Introduction of Gas into the Hall-The Beginning of the Accumulation of a Permanent Fund-The First Board of Trustees-Procession and Ceremonies in the Removal of the Remains
X
Contents.
of Bro. Stephen Girard to their Final Resting-place-Resolutions on the Death of Bro. D. D. G. M. George B. Kerfoot, M. D .- Bro. P. M. J. B. Kauffman Appointed District Deputy Grand Master-The Ma- sonic Temples in Philadelphia-Death of Past Grand Master Bro. John Steel-The Title to the Lodge Property Recorded-Withdrawal of Brethren to Form Columbia Lodge, No. 286. 165
CHAPTER VIII.
1855 to 1865-The Prosperity of the Lodge-Dedication of the Chestnut Street Masonic Temple, Philadelphia-Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell Appointed District Deputy Grand Master-Adjoining Property Pur- chased by the Lodge-Laying of the Corner-stone of the New Building -The Lodge Room Enlarged-Expense of Building-Bonds Issued- Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master Peter Williamson, Esq .- Bro. P. M. James Buchanan Elected Honorary Member-Resolutions on the Death of Bro. P. M. Robert Moderwell-The Lodge's Patriotism at the Breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861-The First Distribution of Money Among the Widows of Deceased Members-Grand Banquet in Fulton Hall-The Return of the 79th Regiment Penna. Vols .- Dedication of the Masonic Hall at York, Pa. 177
CHAPTER IX.
1865 to 1875-Visit of P. G. M. William Barger, Esq .- Lecture by Rev. Bro. John Chambers-The Bonds all Canceled-Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell Elected Representative to the Grand Lodge-Grand Visita- tion by R. W. Deputy Grand Master Richard Vaux, Esq .- Withdrawal of Brethren to Form Ashara Lodge, No. 398-Death of R. W. Grand Master John L. Goddard-Funeral Ceremonies of our Late Bro. P. M. James Buchanan-Masonic Emblems from Mount Vernon-With- drawal of Brethren to Form Lamberton Lodge, No. 476-Withdrawal of Brethren to Form Charles M. Howell Lodge, No. 496-Withdrawal of Brethren to Form a New Lodge at Christiana-Dedication of the New Masonic Temple, Broad Street, Philadelphia-Relief for the Sufferers from the Chicago and Somerset Fires 189
CHAPTER X.
1875 to 1885-Improvements-Withdrawal of Members to Form Casiphia Lodge, No. 551-Reception by the Lodge to its Members and Their Families on the Completion of the Improvements to the Hall-Funeral of Bro. Rear Admiral Wm. Reynolds-Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master Michael Nisbet, Esq .- Testimonial to Bro. Treasurer Charles A. Heinitsh-Funeral of Bro. Gen. James L. Reynolds-Death of Bro.
xi
Contents.
President James A. Garfield-The Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania-Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master Samuel B. Dick, Esq .- A New Entrance to the Hall on West King Street-Records of the One Hundred Years-Inventory of the Lodge's Possessions 198
CHAPTER® XI.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION-Committee of Arrangements-Programme Adopted-Invitations-Telegrams and Letters of Regret-Centennial Meeting-Worshipful Master's Address-Sketch of the History of Lodge No. 43-Other Addresses-The Banquet-Menu-The Cen- tennial Poem-Toasts and Responses. 207
CHAPTER XII.
1885 to 1900-Communication from the R. W. Grand Master, Brother E. Coppe Mitchell-Continued Prosperity of Lodge No. 43-Committee Appointed for Printing and Distribution of History of Lodge No. 43- Trustees Directed to procure Bookcase and Appointment of Committee on Library-Completion of Centennial History of Lodge No. 43-Appro- priation to Earthquake Sufferers of Charleston, S. C .- Became Member of General Masonic Relief Association-Inauguraton of Presenting . Medal to Brethren of Fifty Years Membership-Special Memorial Service-Contribution to Garfield Lodge, No. 559-Contribution to Johnstown Sufferers-Past Master Brother Jeremiah Rohrer Raises his Fourth Son-Edict of R. W. Grand Master Requiring Examination of Candidates in Open Lodge-Appropriation to Bloss Lodge, No. 350 -Increase of Secretary's Salary-Appropriations to Temple Lodge, No. 248 and to Petrolia Lodge, No. 363-Installation of Electric Light- Presentation of Gas Chandeliers-Appropriation to Everett Lodge, No. 524-Cost of Lodge Property-Death of Brother Christian Widmyer- Purchase of the McConomy Property-Presentation of Trowel to Lodge No. 43 by Gramercy Lodge, No. 537, of New York-Improvement of the McConomy Property-Resolution to Present Testimonial to Past Mas- ter Brother Jeremiah Rohrer for Services as Trustee-Presentation Address by the Worshipful Master-Response by Bro. Rohrer-Reso- lution to Secure Portraits of all Past Masters-Resignation of Brother Hugh S. Gara as Secretary-Amendment to By-Laws-Presentation of Silver Trowel to Mount Lebanon Lodge-Grand Visitation by R. W. Grand Master Brother William J. Kelly-Death of Brother Charles A. Heinitsh, Treasurer-Presentation of Silver Trowel to Mastens Lodge, No. 244, Knoxville, Tenn. 229
xii
Contents.
CHAPTER XIII.
1900 to 1910-Continued Prosperity of the Lodge-Adoption of New By- Laws-Appropriation to the Storm Sufferers of Texas-Resolution Adopted to Set Apart a Page in Minute Book on Death of Members- Joint Meeting of Lodge No. 43 and Lamberton Lodge, No. 476, Cele- brating the Sesqui-centennial Anniversary of the Initiation into Free- masonry of Brother George Washington-Receipt of Unique Souvenir from Brother George Steinman-Appropriation to the Flood Sufferers at Safe Harbor, Pa .- Relics Presented to the Lodge-Contribution to the Earthquake Sufferers in San Francisco-Improvement of Lodge Property and Fitting Up of Library-Employment of Permanent Cus- todian of the Building-Bequest to the Trustees of the Lodge-Resolu- tion to Celebrate the One-Hundred and Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Lodge-Appropriation of $5000 Made Toward a Memorial at the Masonic Home, at Elizabethtown, Pa .- Carrying Out the Resolution- The Anniversary Meeting-Program of the Anniversary Meeting- Guests at the Anniversary Meeting 246
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 271
COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBERS OF LODGE NO. 43 353
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Albright, Frederick S. 309
Henry, Benjamin West
280
Albright, Jacob 293
Hershey, Andrew H. 338
Atlee, John L., Jr., M. D 306
Howell, Charles M. 299
Atlee, William Augustus 307
Hubley, Adam, Jr 273
Barton, Mathias. 275
Hull, John 323
Baumgardner, Henry 305
Humes, Samuel, M. D. 28I
Breneman, B. Frank 316
Hurst, Elam D. 304
Brown, J. Henry 296
Buchanan, James 286
Carpenter, Henry, M. D. 308
Kauffman, John R. 337
Carpenter, Henry
335
Keller, John Jacob 299
Keller, William H. 344
Cooper, Charles W. 302
Dering, Henry
272
Kline, George M.
307
Doyle, John
270
Landis, John 290
Lansinger, John W 339
Eichler, Henry P. 322
Lightner, Nathaniel
282
Etting, Solomon. 271
Long, David E. 34I
Feltman, William 274
Lyte, Eliphalet Oram 324
Fisher, J. Frederick
340
Lyte, Joshua Louis 328
Fraim, Samuel R.
349
Marshall, George A. 326
Gamble, James
276
Marshall, William O
322
Gara, Hugh S. 330
Marshall, Charles L ..
345
Getz, Peter 277
Mathiot, John 289
Groezinger, Robert W 342
McCalla, John, D. D. S. 302
Hamilton, William 281
McElwee, Robert
280
Harnish, Martin M. 349
McKelly, Matthew
289
Heinitsh, Charles A. 329
McLenigan, Elijah 292
Heinitsh, William E. 309
Miller, Alexander 291
Helm, Thaddeus G. 350
Miller, John. 279
Henry, Abraham 280
Miller, Herbert C ..
346
xiii
Jeffries, Thomas 284
Kaufman, Junius B. 298
Carpenter, Jacob.
278
Keffer, Henry. 286
Carter, John C. 332
Chambers, Stephen
269
Kerfoot, George B., M. D. 295 Kirkpatrick, William 276
Eaby, Joel S. 325
xiv
Biographical Sketches.
Moderwell, Robert 29I
Sherts, G. Howard 347
Moore, James.
274
Shirk, Jacob P. 335
Morris, John.
279
Slaymaker, Jasper 288
Morton, William A.
310
Smith, Charles, LL. D. 275
Mosher, Jeremiah
278
Smith, D. Sherman. 347
Mosher, Joseph
295
Nixdorf, Washington M.
348
Stevens, J. Frank. 346
Porter, George B.
285
Strine, James B.
327
Pinkham, Albert D
342
Stuber, Henry, M. D. 271
Reed, George K.
313
Thomas, Abner
290
Rees, John.
33I
Warfel, John B. 317
Regan, James
296
Weaver, William D. 343
Reynolds, John
283
Welchans, George R., M. D. 319
Reynolds, Samuel H.
3II
Wentz, Charles E.
297
Ringwalt, Adam Z.
312
Whitaker, George H. 283
Rogers, Molton C.
282
Widmyer, Christian. 332
Rohrer, Jeremiah
315
Wickersham, James P., LL. D. 320
Rohrer, George R.
336
Wiley, James C .. 338
Rothermel, George H
334
Willson, George B. 333
Russell, David N.
312
Wilson, William A.
314
Rudy, Frank H.
344
Wright, Ebenezer.
287
Schaeffer, Emanuel.
294
Sprenger, John Jacob 303
INTRODUCTION. EDITION OF 1910.
I [N attempting to bring the History of this Lodge to date, adding to the admirable History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M., written twenty-five years ago, by Past Master Brother George R. Welchans, on the one hundredth anniversary of this venerable Lodge, it seems desirable to incorporate the history of Freemasonry in Lancaster County prior to that time so far as known and authen- ticated. This is made possible partly through the research of Past Master Brother Julius F. Sachse, of Lodge No. 91, Librarian of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, from the records of Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, recently published, and from other sources.
While Brother Sachse was searching through the Archives of the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, he found an old account book, which proved to be a Journal of Benjamin Franklin, and which has inscribed on the fly-leaf "Benj. Franklin, Journal began July 4, 1730," in which he found a number of entries of great value to Masonic students. Brother Sachse prepared a paper on this old Journal, illustrated with facsimile reproductions, which he read before the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication, Decem- ber, 27 1898, and which was printed in its Proceedings for that year.
Under date of August 31, 1734, the following entry appears:
"For 3 Constitutions by John Catherwood Lancr County, 7.6."
Under date of August 15th (after the above entry), is one as follows:
"For 8 by Reynells to Lancaster." (This was omitted from its proper place in posting and is so marked on the margin.)
2
15
16
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The charges for these books were made against the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and this fact, taken in connection with the number of books charged, indicates that the books were sent for the use of a Masonic Lodge.
Bro. Sachse has the following to say in relation to the gentlemen mentioned in connection with the books and the entries referred to:
"The two persons named in connection with the Mason Books sent to Lancaster were both well known residents of Lancaster county. John Catherwood was a bachelor, and lived in Donegal township, where he died July 10, 1742. His property was be- queathed to John and William Davenport, sons of Jonah Davenport.
"Brother Reynells (John Reynolds) was appointed as a Justice for the 'other side of the Susquehanna' by Governor Thomas, August 9, 1739. Many of his descendants, I am informed, are living at the present time.
"The finding of the above trace of Masonry in Lancaster, so soon after the organization of the separate county, is of double interest, as it shows that the light of Freemasonry was disseminated in Pennsylvania, even to the outlying settlements, in the early days of our history."
Another fact bearing upon this subject, is found in the following notice in the "Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 108, December 8, 1730, printed by Benjamin Franklin":
"As there are several Lodges of FREE-MASONS erected in this Province, and People have lately been much amus'd with Con- jectures concerning them: we think the following Account of Free-Masonry from London, will not be unacceptable to our Readers."
From the evidence above given it seems that about 1730 or shortly after that date, there was a Masonic Lodge in Lancaster.
The population of Lancaster at that time was about 200, and from that time until 1766 we have no further Masonic history in Lancaster.
The following record appears on the Minutes of Lodge No. 2, under date of July 22, 1766.
"Transactions: A petition from Wilton Alkinson [possibly Atkin- son] a gent'n of Lancaster and likewise a clandestine mason, was presented to the chair in order to his being admitted a member of
17
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
the Antient regular and Honourable Craft the same was read and unanimously approved of by the members present that the Peti- tioner should receive the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, which was afterwards done.
"The reason of our acting in so speedy a manner as to the above was our Brother Alkinson comes here with the intention of Procuring a Warrant from Mr. Allen which he took to be Grand Master of the Ancient Craft of this Provence but finding his mistake he petitioned our body, his intention is to be one of a proper number to hold a Lodge in the town of Lancaster."
The Hon. William Allen was acting as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of "Modern" Masons of Pennsylvania at this time.
October II, 1768, we also find among the visiting brethren of Lodge No. 2, Brother Isaac Soloman, of Lancaster.
Whether Brother Alkinson procured a Warrant to form a Lodge in Lancaster is not known, but there is no doubt about the fact that Lodge No. 9 was instituted in Lancaster about that time, between June 24, 1766, and August 17, 1768.
The first reference to this Lodge in the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is found in Vol. I. of the "Reprint of the Minutes."
The oldest Minute Book of the Grand Lodge begins in the year 1779, and the "Preface" of that Minute Book says:
"The former Minutes of this Grand Lodge being either mislaid or carried away by some Enemies to the Royal Art, during the Confusions of the present War, it has been found necessary to open new Books of Minutes and proceedings."
On page 12, Vol. I. of the Reprint, in the proceedings of a meeting held December 18, 1779, it is stated that at a former Grand Lodge it was "ordered that a Lodge No. 22, be constituted in the town of Sunbury" and that a Warrant was granted. One of the names mentioned in the Warrant is that of Brother Stephen Chambers, who was afterwards the first Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 43. The Minutes state that "our said Brother Chambers now appearing and requesting to be install'd Master of the said Lodge, he was
18
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
installed accordingly in due and ancient Form, after which Br. Chambers returned to the Grand Lodge the Warrant of No. 9, according to an order formerly made."
On July 27, 1780 (see Vol. I., page 27, Reprint), a petition was presented by eight brethren of Lodge No. 4, praying to be con- Stituted into a New Lodge "and the ballot being put, it was unani- mously voted that a Warrant be granted agreeable to the Pray'r of the said Petition, which Warrant is to be numbered Nine-the Warrant of that number formerly granted for the Borough of Lancaster having been call'd in and Surrendered to this Lodge about [seven months] ago, and no application made for renewal of same.''
Mention is made afterwards in Vol. I., page 139, Reprint (meeting of December 27, 1789), of "Lodge No. 9, Lancaster," and of the Warrant being "surrendered" in a "List of Warrants issued by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania."
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.