USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Lodge no. 61, F. and A. M., Wilkesbarr?, Pa. with a collection of masonic addresses > Part 9
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The first public demonstration in Wilkesbarré by the " revived " Lodge was on St. John the Baptist's Day, 1846, when the Craft in very goodly numbers marched in proces- sion to the Methodist Church (the old church on the Public Square) where an address was delivered by Past Master
militia, and thereafter was addressed, and spoken of, as " Major" Helme.
He was made a Mason in LODGE 61 March 3d, 1806, and served as Junior Warden in 1814 and 1816.
He died April 17th, 1851, at the residence of his son Frank, in Kingston, and was buried in the old grave-yard, Wilkesbarré, with Masonic ceremonies, Sunday, April 21st, 1851. Bros. John L. But- ler, Daniel Collings, Jonathan Bulkeley, and W. S. Reddin acted as pall bearers ; Bro. E. L. Dana, Marshal ; Bro. Warren J. Woodward, W. M. Bros. Andrew Beaumont, Jon. Bulkeley, and John L. Butler were appointed to address a letter of condolence to the family of the deceased, and the members of the Lodge resolved to wear crape on the left arm for thirty days.
" Whether in public or private life, Brother Helme ever held the confidence of all who knew him-and to that a whole life of honesty and integrity gave him the right. He was a humane and a generous man."
Brother Helme was twice married. His first wife died October 11th, 1806, in the 28th year of her age. His second wife died Novem- ber 17th, 1843, aged 59 years. He had eighteen children, only five of whom are now living-three sons and two daughters. The sons are : Frank Helme, a farmer, residing in the borough of Kingston, Luzerne county, Penn'a ; Rev. Samuel Helme, a Presbyterian clergy- man, Shreveport, Louisiana ; George W. Helme, formerly an attorney at law in New Orleans, but now in business in New York city.
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Bro. Andrew Beaumont .* Following this the Brethren dined together at the " Pennsylvania Arms " hotel (formerly " The Free Masons' Arms ") kept by Bro. C. W. Potter on the spot where the " Luzerne House " now stands.
December Ist, 1846," by dispensation from the proper Ma- sonic authorities," Edmund Lovell Dana, Eleazer Blackman Collings and Ammorven H. Goff, all of Wilkesbarré, were entered, passed and raised, but were not admitted to mem- bership, in the Lodge. Brother Dana § was Captain of the " Wyoming Artillerists " of Wilkesbarré, Brother Collings §
* See Chapter VI., post, for address.
+ See Chapter V., post, for his biography.
¿ ELEAZER BLACKMAN COLLINGS was the fourth child of Daniel and Melinda (Blackman) Collings, and was born at Wilkesbarré in July, 1820. When the "Wyoming Artillerists" were organized in 1842 he was made Second Sergeant of the company, and subsequent- ly-as above noted-he became First Lieutenant.
After the surrender of Vera Cruz, in March, 1847, Lieutenant Col- lings being in ill health resigned his commission, and returned to Wilkesbarré. Subsequent to 1850 he became Captain of the "Artil- lerists." He was Post Master of Wilkesbarre from 1845 to 1849, and from 1858 to 1861, and Clerk of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, and of the Orphans' Court, of Luzerne county, from December, 1861, to December, 1867.
He died at Wilkesbarré October 7th, 1870, leaving a wife, but no children.
DANIEL COLLINGS, the father of Bro. E. B. Collings, was born, of English parentage, at Easton, Penn'a, in March, 1787. He learned the trade of clockmaker, and early removed to Wilkesbarré, where he carried on his trade, and engaged in other business pursuits, for many years. An old clock, now preserved in the rooms of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, is a specimen of his handiwork, and for many years did service as the "town clock" of Wilkesbarré. Mr. Collings, on the 7th of October, 1813, married Melinda, daughter of Bro. Maj. Eleazer Blackman-a brief sketch of whose life is given on page 103, ante. From 1835 to 1841 he was Post Master of Wilkes- barré.
He was initiated a member of LODGE 61 March 11th, 1823, and re- mained a faithful and zealous Brother until his death, which occurred
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1 was First Lieutenant, and Brother Goff * Brevet Second Lieutenant, and their company was to start from Wilkes- barré on December 7th for Pittsburgh, Penn'a, to be mus- tered into the United States service and take part in the war then being waged with Mexico.
.at Wilkesbarre October 11th, 1854. He was highly respected by all who knew him. [For a sketch of Samuel P. Collings, Esq., second child of Daniel Collings, vide biography of Andrew Beaumont, Esq., Chapter V., post.]
* AMMORVEN H. GOFF was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., April 25th, 1825. In 1844 he became, with his father, a resident of Wilkes- barré. As mentioned above he went into the Mexican War as Brevet Second Lieutenant of the "Artillerists," he being at the time not quite twenty-two years of age. He served with his company until after the capture of Peroté, Mexico, when he was appointed Post Quartermas- ter of that town. He was a fine looking man, of an extremely social disposition. One of his intimate friends was Capt. James H. Foster, of Co. " E," Georgia Battalion of Infantry. Unfortunately both men fell in love with the beautiful daughter of Senora Martinez, who kept the principal inn at Peroté. The Senorita showed her preference for Lieutenant Goff, whereupon Captain Foster became very angry, and attempted to provoke a quarrel with his successful rival. Subsequent- ly the two officers met at the door of the inn, when Foster exclaimed, "Goff, are you armed ?" "Sufficiently armed for such a man as you are, at any time!" was the indignant reply. Foster thereupon threw himself on Goff and stabbed him several times with a bowie-knife, before resistence could be offered or the bystanders interfere. Goff fell upon the door-step weltering in his blood, and, although every - care was bestowed upon him, he lived but a few days. Foster was arrested and placed in confinement, but before he could be tried es- caped from the castle and country. Brother Goff's remains were brought to Wilkesbarré, where they were interred by LODGE 61 with the honors of Masonry, July 30th, 1848.
JAMES W. GOFF, the father of Bro. Lieutenant Goff, was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1791. He served in the War of 1812 as a private. He removed to Carbondale, Penn'a, in 1828. In 1836 he began lumbering on the Lehigh, at White Haven. Having been *elected Sheriff of Luzerne county in 1844, he removed to Wilkesbarré. Serving as Sheriff for three years, he was then elected from Luzerne county to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he
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December 26th, 1846, the following Lodge officers were installed by Brother Pettebone, D. D. G. M .:
BRO. EZRA HOYT, Farmer, W. M.
BRO. ELIJAH W. REYNOLDS, Merchant, S. W.
BRO. JAMES W. GOFF, Sheriff of Luzerne county, J. W.
BRO. MINER S. BLACKMAN, Deputy Att'y Gen'l, Treas'r.
BRO. WARREN J. WOODWARD, Att'y at Law, Sec'y.
BRO. SAMUEL McCARRAGHER, Att'y at Law, S. D.
BRO. MARTIN LONG, Merchant, J. D.
BRO. CONRAD KLIPPLE, Shoemaker, Tyler.
From 1848 to 1850 the Lodge was in a very weak and poor condition. This was owing to the fact that private piques and quarrels had caused dissensions in the Lodge, and hard feeling among some of the members. Two or three un- worthy men had been admitted to membership, and through and by them much trouble was fomented.
In April, 1848, the question of surrendering the Charter was raised and discussed, but at the next meeting there was a goodly attendance of old and loyal members and this question was effectually disposed of. The financial affairs of the Lodge were greatly neglected, and in February, 1849, it was found that the sum of $199 was due to the Grand Lodge for dues for 1846, 1847 and 1848.
During the year 1849 there were no admissions to the Lodge. In 1850 there were no meetings held from August 2d to December 16th, and the other meetings of the year were very poorly attended. In this year there were only three admissions to membership.
served for one year. He was initiated a member of LODGE 61 Febru- ary 9th, 1846. His death occurred 'at Providence, Luzerne (now Lackawanna) county, Penn'a, November 10th, 1871. Brother Goff's second daughter, Mary, married in 1847 Bro. H. Hollister, M. D., of Providence, Penn'a, the Historian of Lackawanna Valley.
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In 1851 the affairs of the Lodge began to assume better shape; there were a good many admissions to membership, and new life and vigor seemed to have been infused into the Brethren. Energetic efforts had to be made, however, to lift the Lodge out of the depths into which it had fallen, and it was not until 1853 that the Brethren who had zeal- ously labored to that end began to feel encouraged.
In December, 1853, twenty-five members were suspended for non-payment of dues.' This was nearly one-half the membership of the Lodge, but the cutting off of these dead limbs very materially helped the Lodge, and caused it to put forth efforts tending towards a new and more vigorous life.
The year 1854 was a prosperous year ; the Lodge meet- ings were well attended by all the best members ; twenty- four new members were admitted (the largest number in any one year up to that time), and the work of the year was ended "in peace and harmony" on St. John's Day by a very enjoyable banquet, served at an expense to the Lodge of $153, and attended by nearly all of the members. About this time the officers of the Grand Lodge found much fault with the "work " done by "61," inasmuch as it was not " Pennsylvania work." R. W. Grand Master Hutchinson, in an address to the Grand Lodge on St. John's Day, 1854, speaking of an official visit made to the Lodges in Luzerne county, said : "I have found in that district a very large number of intelligent and worthy Brethren, among the most respectable of our citizens, anxious and willing to conform to the Landmarks, Rules and Regulations of the Order, but who in consequence, I must say, of the neglect of the Grand Lodge, have been left to grope their way very much in the dark, obliged for instruction in the work to persons working entirely different from that laid down for the Brethren of this jurisdiction."
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In January, 1855, Bros. E. B. Harvey, G. B. Nicholson, and James P. Dennis were appointed a committee to take into consideration the subject of procuring another Lodge- room-" either to rent, buy, or build one." In March it was decided to rent "Odd Fellows' Hall," located on the third floor of the brick block on Franklin below Market street, the same being offered-furnished-at a rental of $40 per annum. The first meeting of the Lodge was held in the new room March 30th, 1855.
April 26th, 1855, Bro. E. B. Harvey, Secretary of the Lodge, presented the Lodge with seven officer's aprons and a Masonic chart, valued at $60. During this year thirty- eight new members were admitted into the Lodge-the largest number admitted in any one year during the exist- ence of the Lodge.
In April, 1856, SHEKINAH R. A. CHAPTER NO. 182 hav- ing just been instituted, and having rented and furnished the old Lodge-room in the Reynolds building on Main street, the Lodge left Odd Fellows' Hall and became the tenant of Shekinah Chapter, at a rental of $50 per annum.
In July, 1856, the Lodge received from the Commission- ers of Luzerne county an invitation to lay the corner-stone of the new Court House with Masonic ceremonies. The invitation was accepted and the Lodge selected Bro. the Hon. John N. Conyngham, President Judge of the Courts of Luzerne county, orator for the occasion, and Bro. the Hon. Henry M. Fuller, alternate. The committee of ar- rangements, appointed by the Lodge, tendered invitations to the clergymen of the borough, to the officers of the county, to the several Masonic Lodges in the county, to the mem- bers of the Bench and Bar of Luzerne, and to other organi- zations. August 12th was selected as the day on which to perform the ceremony, and on that day ninety-one members of the Fraternity attended as a Lodge-Bro. Elisha B. Har-
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vey acting as W. M., Bro. Sharp D. Lewis, S. W., Bro. G. Byron Nicholson, J. W., and Bro. Hon. Henry Pettebone, D. D. G. M.
The Lodge and the various other bodies and organiza- tions formed a procession on the river bank, and, preceded by the German band, marched to the site of the building. The proceedings were begun with prayer by the Rev. Bro. George Peck, D. D., after which the ceremony of laying the stone was gone through with. Among the various articles deposited in the stone were lists of the members of the several Masonic Lodges in the county.
After the stone was laid, an excellent and pertinent ad- dress, fraught with highly interesting local historical facts; was delivered by Brother Conyngham to a large gathering of citizens. The following extracts from the address will be of interest to Masons :
"The present duty has been undertaken, and the corner-stone of this new building has been laid, by the Society of Free and Accepted Masons, according to the rules and regulations of their Order. We are here clothed with the garments and marked with the badges of this Association, simply because such is the ancient custom. By the exercise of this right no especial privileges are claimed for ourselves. We meet with you all as citizens of our common county, claiming to stand upon the holy and universal principles of law, justice and order. As speculative Masons we have now placed this corner-stone,-the operative Masons will erect the building to be constructed thereon.
"From an early day the Society to which we profess to belong has existed, formed originally by the union of practical workmen in vari- ous callings-and especially in the business of graving, working and cutting of stone-with the more speculative and theoretical in the arts and sciences, thus combining the wisdom and propriety of design with the highest skill of execution. In the darker ages, when science was not always permitted to show an open front, the doors of the Lodges with which we are connected were gladly opened to its entrance, and its coming hailed with pleasure.
"In the erection of this building the operative Mason will use the plumb line, the square and the level, and indeed these working tools have been now used by us in the laying of this corner-stone. To us,
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however, as Free Masons, these instruments have a figurative as well as an operative sense and meaning. Masons 'are taught to use them for more noble and glorious purposes.' * * * In ancient form * used at laying the corner-stones of public buildings we have poured upon this present stone corn, and wine, and oil. To Masons these symbols are emblematic of the hope, the wish, and the prayer, that for all of our community there may ever be a supply of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy.
" Charity, aid, and assistance to a Brother, are inculcated upon us, and we are called upon in our dealings with a fellow-member to do justice, but in so doing never to act unjustly to any other person or to the community at large. The figure of Justice, with her nicely bal- anced scales, is one of our emblems. The scale is to be even among Brethren, even among all. It would destroy the level of the beam, disarrange the proportions of the square, bend the plumb line erect- ness of the figure, pervert the moral of the emblem, and violate one of the first and universal lessons of our Society, to seek to render what might be falsely called justice to a Brother, at the cost of injustice to any member of the human family. The general obligations which we owe to society are strengthened by the bonds of our Union, and we are constantly taught that submission to, and respect for, the law of the land, is an ever abiding duty of a worthy Brother.
"As Masons, then, we here declare our earnest wish, and offer our solemn prayer to the great Architect of the Universe, that upon this corner-stone we here have laid, a temple may be erected in which the great and eternal principles of everlasting justice may ever be pro- claimed; where the law of the land in its universality, uninfluenced by clique, party, faction or society, knowing no individual, but look- ing only to the principles of right and wrong, may be pronounced and executed ' without fear, favor or affection ;' where all may be regarded as members of the same great human family, desiring to mete out to each other the measure of justice which, in like circumstances, they would feel should be dealt out to themselves. No one in this audi- ence will dissent from this supplication. Every Mason here I know will most cordially and heartily unite in it, and without hesitation give the Masonic token of assent, 'So mote it be !' "
June 24th, 1858, the Lodge assisted at the laying of the corner-stone of St. James' church, Pittston, Penn'a.
In 1859 the Lodge was in good condition, and the mem- bership large. The Lodge-room was still in the Reynolds
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building, and it had been occupied for nearly fourteen - years ; but early in 1860 arrangements were made to lease from Bro. George M. Hollenback, at a rental of $86 per annum, the third floor of the new building on West Market street known as "the Iron Front." The new room was fitted up at the following expense : -
96 feet of oak settees, 3 officer's chairs and
pedestals, altar, and 2 desks $316 00.
Tapestry carpet, oil cloth, etc .. 251 00.
Gas fixtures, fitting, etc. 62 75.
Total $629 75.
The first meeting was held in the new room April 2d, 1860, and sixty-four members and visiting Brethren were present. Wednesday evening, April 11th, was set apart for the reception of visitors. On that evening a large party of ladies and gentlemen of Wilkesbarré and vicinity assembled at the new Lodge-room, and after inspecting, admiring and approving the various appointments of the room, were en- tertained by Past Master Bro. Caleb E. Wright, who deliv- ered an address in which he gave a brief history of the Fraternity from its origin. At the conclusion of Brother Wright's remarks a collation was served to the company, which broke up at 10 o'clock, all seeming highly gratified with the visit. In one of the Wilkesbarré newspapers of the day, mention of the Lodge-room was thus made: "It is, perhaps, as magnificent a Lodge-room as can be found in the State. It is appropriately and handsomely furnished, and arranged with much taste. The furniture was made by Stephen Y. Kittle, a member of LODGE 61, and is a credit to Wilkesbarré mechanics."
From 1860 to 1867 the members of "61 " worked along in peace and harmony, and the affairs of the Lodge and the inter- ests of Free Masonry prospered. Of the occurrences of this period, however, there is nothing of interest to record here.
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In February, 1867, a committee was appointed to report on the propriety of removing, from the old grave-yard at the corner of Washington and Market streets, Wilkesbarré, the remains of Captain Davis and Lieutenant Jones, which had been interred there with Masonic ceremonies July 29th, 1779 .* The committee-consisting of Bros. E. L. D.ana, S. D. Lewis, E. B. Harvey, H. B. Wright, George Urquhart, A. M. Bailey, and W. L. Stewart-subsequently reported in favor of the proposition, and submitted for the consideration of the Lodge a program of ceremonies. The committee's suggestions were approved, and they were instructed to make the necessary arrangements for carrying out the pro- gram.
St. John the Baptist's Day (June 24th) was fixed for the ceremonies, and invitations to unite and take part in the same were extended to all the Masonic Lodges in Luzerne county, and to some others in neighboring counties. Bro. Sidney Hayden, Past Master of Rural Amity Lodge No. 70, Athens, Penn'a, was invited to deliver the address on the occasion. In accordance with a resolution of the Lodge a lot (No. 330) in the Hollenback Cemetery was purchased, and a deed for the same taken in the names of Bros. H. B. Wright, S. D. Lewis and E. L. Dana, in trust for the Lodge.
The day selected proved a most favorable one, and Wilkesbarré was filled with strangers drawn thither to wit- ness the solemn and peculiar ceremonies that were to take place. At two o'clock P. M. a procession was formed on Market street, the right resting on River street. Bro. Capt. C. C. Plotz acted as Chief Marshal, assisted by Capt. O. K. Moore and Bro. W. G. Sterling, of Wilkesbarré, Bro. Bryce R. Blair, Plymouth, Bro. Captain Gordon, Shickshinny, Bros. George Parton and Julius Josephson, Scranton. The formation of the procession was as follows :
* "July 28th," the date given on pages 23 and 24, ante, is an error
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I. Veteran Zouaves and drum corps of Wilkesbarré- Capt. W. W. Ellis.
2. Officers and soldiers of the War of 1861, in full uniform.
3. Officers and soldiers of the Mexican War.
4. Officers and soldiers of the War of 1812.
5. Scranton Cornet Band.
6. Masonic Lodges in the following order : Sylvania No. 354, Shickshinny.
Schiller No. 345, Scranton.
Hyde Park No. 339, Hyde Park.
Plymouth No. 332, Plymouth.
Peter Williamson No. 323, Scranton.
Waverly No. 301, Waverly.
Union No. 291, Scranton.
Carbondale No. 249, Carbondale.
St. John's No. 233, Pittston. LODGE No. 61, Wilkesbarré.
7. The clergy.
8. Hearse.
9. Pall bearers: Bros. Gen. H. M. Hoyt, Col. S. H. Stur- devant, Col. William Brisbane, Lt. Cols. E. S. Osborne, T. C. Harkness, George N. Reichard, Majors C. M. Con- yngham, O, Parsons, and George Smith, in full uniform.
The procession moved down River street, and thence through several other streets to the old grave-yard. Here the remains of the long-buried Brethren (previously disin- terred and laid in a new coffin) were placed in the hearse, and the procession moved on to the Hollenback Cemetery, the band and the drum corps playing " Roslin Castle." * Arriving at the cemetery, where a large concourse of citi- zens had gathered, the following program was carried out : I. Prayer, by the Rev. Bro. Thomas P. Hunt. 2. Dirge, by the band.
See page 22, ante.
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3. Masonic burial services, conducted by Bro. E. H. Chase, W. M. of LODGE 61.
4. Music.
5. Introduction of the orator, by Bro. Gen. E. L. Dana.
6. Oration, by Bro. Sidney Hayden. *
7. Music.
8. Remarks, by Bros. H. B. Wright and E. L. Dana.
9. Benediction, by the Rev. Bro. J. G. Eckman.
10. Firing, by the military escort.
The procession then returned to Masonic Hall, where it was dismissed.
The number of Masons who took part in the ceremonies was estimated at 500-LODGE 61 turning out in great strength. The expenses incident to the re-interment, and the ceremonies of the day, amounted to $169.41, which were paid by LODGE 61.
The report of the finance committee for the year ending St. John's Day, 1867, shows, that at the beginning of the year the membership of the Lodge was 115. During the year 19 members were admitted, 2 died, and 2 withdrew, leaving at the close of the year 130 members. The dues at this time were $2.50 per annum. During the year the Lodge paid out in charity and gratuities the sum of $119- about 16 per cent. of the amount paid into the treasury by the members.
At the meeting of the Lodge held July 13th, 1868, a com- munication was received from the Luzerne County Commis- sioners requesting the Lodge to lay the corner-stone of the County Prison about to be erected. The invitation was ac- cepted, and Bros. Past Masters S. D. Lewis, G. B. Nichol- son, E. B. Harvey, T. S. Hillard and H. M. Hoyt were ap- pointed a committee to make arrangements for the occasion. Past Master Bro. John N. Conyngham was selected to de-
* See Chapter VI., post, for the oration.
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liver the address, and September 9th, 1868, was fixed for the ceremonies.
At 12:30 o'clock P. M. on that day LODGE 61 assembled in their Lodge-room, together with many members of other Lodges, and forming a procession marched to the Public Square, where the general procession was formed by Bro. Edward H. Chase, Marshal, and Bros. C. C. Plotz and E. S. Osborne, Assistants. The following was the order :
I. Waverly Lodge No. 301, A. Y. M.
2. LODGE No. 61, and members of visiting Lodges, formed · as follows :
Two Tylers with drawn swords. Two Stewards with white rods. Entered Apprentice Masons. Fellow Craft Masons. Master Masons. Past Master Masons.
Past Master S. D. Lewis bearing a golden vessel of corn.
Past Masters HI. M. Hoyt and T. S. Hillard bearing silver vessels of wine and oil.
Architect, Bro. John McArthur, of Philadelphia, with the jewels.
Bro. George Urquhart, Secretary, and Bro. W. G. Sterling, Treasurer, of LODGE 61.
Bible, Square, and Compasses, supported by two Stewards with white rods.
Chaplains, the Rev. Bros. T. P. Hunt and J. G. Eckman. Past Master Bro. John N. Conyngham, orator of the day. Bro. D. L. Patrick, Burgess of the borough of Wilkesbarré. Bro. C. M. Conyngham, Junior Warden, and Bro. I. M. Leach, Senior Warden, of LODGE 61. Two Deacons with black rods.
Bro. Gen. E. L. Dana, W. M. of LODGE 61. Two Stewards with white rods.
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3. Members of the Bench and Bar of Luzerne county.
4. County officers.
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