USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 12
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At the Stated Meeting of May 7, 1935, a communication was read inviting the members to participate in the ceremonies of Laying the Corner Stone at the Northwest Junior High School on Satur- day, May 25, 1935.
The Lodge was honored by the presence of Brother William I. Wise, D. D. Grand Master, at the November meeting.
The following officers were elected to serve during the year 1936: Brothers Herbert J. Muntz, Worshipful Master; Robert B. Bowman, Senior Warden; Donald E. Metz, Junior Warden; Edwin M. Fox, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were reelected.
At the Stated Meeting of February 4, 1936, Brother William G. Brosman, District Deputy Grand Master, paid his first official visit to Chandler Lodge.
On Saturday, July 25, 1936, the cornerstone of the new South- west Junior High School at Third and Chestnut Streets was laid by the R. W. Grand Master, assisted by the Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren of the local Lodges. The procession formed at the Masonic Temple and marched to the site of the cornerstone laying. The ad- dress was delivered by the Honorable Brother Forrest R. Shana- man, Judge of the Berks County Court, a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227.
The Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Independence of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was celebrated in Philadelphia, Sep- tember 2, 1936.
At the Stated Meeting of December 1, 1936, the following of- ficers were elected : Brothers Robert B. Bowman, Worshipful Mas- ter; Donald E. Metz, Senior Warden; Bard E. M. Leffler, Junior Warden; Herbert J. Muntz, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were reelected.
A program was held in observance of the 150th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution of the United States.
The following officers were elected to serve in the coming year : Brothers Donald E. Metz, Worshipful Master; Bard E. M. Leffler,
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Senior Warden; Douglass Elliott Weidner, Junior Warden; Robert B. Bowman, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were reelected.
HARRY E. GRAUL
Harry E. Graul was born on July 22, 1900, in Reading and graduated from Read- ing High School. He entered the employ of the Glidden Company and was promoted to the position of general superintendent in 1928, serving in that capacity until 1946. He is vice president and co-owner of Reading Motors, Inc. He was president of the Fore- men's Club of Berks County in 1941 and sec- retary and a director of the Reading Country Club.
Brother Graul was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Sep- tember 5, 1922, and became Worshipful Master in 1928, when only 27 years of age. He was a steward in Chandler from 1931 to 194I and is a member of the Temple Club and formerly of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
WILBUR B. LONG
Wilbur B. Long was born in Allentown, Pa., on June 26, 1897, and was educated in Girard College, Philadelphia. He was gradu- ated from this institution in 1915. He then came to Reading and was employed as an accountant by Swift and Company until 1921, when he became a teller for the Penn Na- tional Bank until 1927. He was then named manager of the Columbia Warehouse Co., in which capacity he served for a period of eight years, when he became an agent for the Met- ropolitan Life Insurance Company.
He was made a Mason in Richard Vaux Lodge, No. 384, and admitted to Chandler Lodge on February 6, 1923. He served as Worshipful Master in 1929. His Masonic affiliation ceased in 1937.
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JACOB F. HERTZOG
Jacob F. Hertzog was born September 30, 1899, in Exeter Township, Berks County. He is a graduate of Mt. Penn High School and of the Inter-State Commercial College. During World War I he served in the Twelfth Regiment, U. S. Cavalry. He has been post- master of West Lawn since 1935 ; is vice pres- ident of the Pennsylvania Chapter, National Association of Postmasters ; past president of Berks County Chapter, Postmasters ; formerly served as a school director of Spring Town- ship and is vice president of the Green Valley Country Club. He is active in the P. O. S. of A., Rotary Club and various civic organi- zations.
Brother Hertzog was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Feb- ruary 10, 1923, and became Worshipful Master in 1930. He is a trustee of the Lodge Relief Fund. He is also a member of Reading Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons; Rajah Temple, Mystic Shriners, of which he is a Past Potentate, and Neversink Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
EARL E. FAKE
Earl E. Fake, compiler of the records in this volume, was born on March 27, 1899, near Lickdale, Lebanon County, and was graduated from the Reading High School in 1919. He resided in Reading from 1912 to 1930 and since 1930 has resided in Stony Creek Mills, R. D.
He is a graduate of Lebanon Valley Col- lege, Annville, 1923, and attended Lehigh University and took extension courses in the University of Pennsylvania and Temple Uni- versity. He has been science teacher in Northeast Junior High School since 1925. He served in the Army in World War I. He is a charter member and was first president of Chandler Hunting and Fishing Lodge.
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Brother Fake was made a Mason on December 18, 1920, and was Worshipful Master of Chandler in 1931. He is a member of Reading Consistory, Scottish Rites; was Thrice Potent Master of Reading Lodge of Perfection in 1944; holds membership in Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M. and DeMolay Commandery No. 9, K. T.
RUSSELL F. ALBRIGHT
Russell F. Albright, 307 North Wyomis- sing Avenue, Shillington, was born in Read- ing on August 28, 1901 and was educated in the Ocean City, N. J., schools, residing there from 1905 to 1917. In the latter year he re- turned to Reading and in 1928 he removed to Shillington.
He is chief train dispatcher for the Read- ing Company, Reading Division, and served a term as councilman in Shillington Borough.
He was entered in Chandler on February 10, 1923, and became Worshipful Master of Chandler in 1932 and was formerly a member of Reading Consistory, Scottish Rite Ma- sons, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
DAVID J. HILL, JR.
David J. Hill, Jr., was born March 9, 1904 in Reading, attended the Reading Pub- lic Schools, and graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1918 he was employed by the Berkshire Knit- ting Mills and advanced to Credit Manager in 1936. He is at present located in Johan- nesburg, South Africa, engaged in sales or- ganization work. He is prominent in civic af- fairs, was executive director of the War Fi- nance Committee during the war and Vice- Commander of Reading Flotilla of U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary No. 51. He was a member of Shillington Council and is a member of Holy Cross Methodist Church.
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Brother Hill was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge September 7, 1926, and was Worshipful Master in 1933. He represented Chandler on the Masonic Temple and Building Trust for many years. He is a member of Reading Consistory.
LYMAN H. HOUCK
Lyman H. Houck, 1227 Delaware Av- enue, Wyomissing, was born on January II, 1903 in Reading and was educated in the Reading Schools and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is an in- surance underwriter and assistant cashier of the Travelers Insurance Company, with of- fices in the Colonial Building, Reading. Since 1936 he has resided in Wyomissing.
He was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on September 7, 1926, and served as Worshipful Master in 1934 and holds membership also in Reading Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons.
EDWIN M. FOX
Edwin M. Fox, born on July 24, 1903, in Reading, was graduated from the Reading High School in January, 1920, and holds also a diploma from the Wharton School of Ac- counts and Finance, University of Pennsyl- vania. He was a Reading Company clerk for a time and later entered the employ of the City Bank and Trust Company, of which he is now assistant secretary.
He is a member of Delta Epsilon Fra- ternity ; is a trustee of the Temple Club since 1935 ; member of the Friendship Fire Company ; member of the Izaak Walton League and its treasurer, in 1942 and 1943; treasurer of Chandler Hunting and Fishing Lodge since its incorporation in 1946; member of and deacon, 1929-1935, in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church ; Kiwanis Club member and active in the Y. M. C. A.
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Brother Fox was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge, September 7, 1926, and was Worshipful Master in 1935. He is a member of Excelsior Chapter, R. A. M .; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., and Reading Consistory, Scottish Rites, serving as Consistory treas- urer since 1945. He is elected to be crowned Sovereign Grand In- spector General and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council 33°.
HERBERT J. MUNTZ
Herbert J. Muntz was born on January 3, 1897, in Reading, and attended the Reading public schools. He was employed as crew clerk for the Reading Company in its Read- ing offices ; later as stenographer to the train- master and is now yardmaster. He resides in Pennside and is a member of the Mt. Penn Fire Company.
Brother Muntz was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on November 2, 1920, and was Worshipful Master in 1936. He is a member of Reading Consistory, Scottish Rites Masons; Rajah Tem- ple, Mystic Shriners, and formerly of the Arab Patrol, Rajah Temple.
ROBERT B. BOWMAN
Robert B. Bowman, residing at 139 Oley Street, Reading, was born in Reading on Sep- tember 25, 1906 and educated in the Reading public schools and in the Extension School of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State College. He is a Power Plant Engineer for the Reading Company and a member of Grace Evangelical Church.
Brother Bowman was made a Mason on December 5, 1929, and served as Worshipful Master of Chandler in 1937. He is affiliated also with Reading Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons.
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CHAPTER X
1938-1948
Emerging from the stress and difficulties of the world-wide depression that began in 1929 and lasted until the Second World War began in Europe, Chandler Lodge began the tenth decade of its hundred-year history amid the new problems, national and world- wide, developing as the new war gained headway. In three years, in December of 1941, America itself was drawn directly into the world conflict. Many members of Chandler Lodge and their sons and daughters were engaged either in various war services or in indus- trial or other phases of the war effort, and helped the Masonic order to fulfill its share in the nation's struggle for victory.
The Second World War, incidentally, was preceded in some countries by the suppression of the Masonic Order, and interference with or suspension of Masonic activities continued in some of the totalitarian countries during the war. The end of the conflict brought a revival of interest in Masonic affairs and service in such countries.
In America at large, and in Reading and its Masonic District generally, the war increased the tempo of Masonic activities along all lines helpful to the war effort and national defense. As was the case with most lodges, Chandler Lodge increased its operations and the number of its meetings throughout the last half of the tenth decade.
The year 1938 had little of historical interest.
At the Stated Meeting of December 6, 1938, the following of- ficers were elected : Brothers Bard E. M. Leffler, Worshipful Mas- ter; Douglass E. Weidner, Senior Warden; Carl A. Focht, Junior Warden; Donald E. Metz, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were reelected.
On Saturday, May 13, 1939, the officers of the Grand Lodge laid the cornerstone for the new Reading Post Office.
A Special Meeting was held August 25, 1939, to honor the memory of our late Brother William F. Shanaman, who died August 2, 1939.
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Chandler Lodge was honored by the presence of Brother George D. Sell, of Lodge No. 561, District Deputy Grand Master of the Ioth District, on September 5, 1939.
The attendance during the year was exceptionally good, and the Brethren attending were rewarded with interesting lectures, mo- tion pictures or musical programs.
At the Stated Meeting of December 5, 1939, the following were elected to office: Brothers Douglass E. Weidner, Worshipful Mas- ter ; Carl A. Focht, Senior Warden; Leon A. Bowman, Junior War- den; Bard E. M. Leffler, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were reelected.
At the Stated Meeting March 5, 1940, the Worshipful Master announced the appointment of a committee consisting of Brothers Earl E. Fake and Michael S. Strebig to begin the preparation of a History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, for the 100th Anniversary.
Brother James C. Eyler, who served as Steward for the past 25 years, and Brother Harry E. Graul, who served in a similar capacity for the past 10 years, asked to be relieved from further duty. In recognition of their long and faithful service to the Lodge, and as a token of their high esteem for these Brethren, the officers presented them with useful gifts.
A communication from Grand Lodge was read, calling attention to the fact that Masters and Wardens must wear their Jewels and Aprons and Past Masters must wear their Jewels at the Communica- tions of the Grand Lodge.
Brother William G. Brosman, District Deputy Grand Master, honored Chandler Lodge with his presence and made the first pre- sentation of the Life Membership Emblems on October 1, 1940. The recipients of that honor were Brothers Eli V. R. Ludwig, Horace Grander, P. M., John L. Day and Lewis P. Muthart. They were members of the Fraternity for 50 years.
The following officers were elected at the December meeting : Brothers Carl A. Focht, Worshipful Master; Leon A. Bowman, Senior Warden; Harry W. Hart, Junior Warden; Douglass E. Weidner, Representative in the Grand Lodge; all the other officers were reelected.
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At the Stated Meeting of May 6, 1941, a request was received from the R. W. Grand Master, "that the Secretary obtain complete information as to all members or their sons who are in the Armed Forces of the United States." At a subsequent meeting an appeal was made for "donations to aid in Welfare Service among our Brethren or their Sons who are in the Armed Forces of the United States."
The officers elected during the year 1942 were as follows : Brothers Leon A. Bowman, Worshipful Master; Harry W. Hart, Senior Warden; Harry W. Moyer, Junior Warden; Carl A. Focht, Representative in the Grand Lodge; the other officers were re- elected.
At the Stated Meeting of March 3, 1942, the members were instructed as to the proper procedure in the event of an Air Raid Alarm in compliance with the regulations prescribed by the Civilian Defense Authorities.
The Lodge acted favorably upon a motion to remit the dues of all members in the Armed Forces.
At the April meeting the members were urged to contribute to the Masonic Military and Naval Service Committee, and to attend Divine Services on Sunday, May 31, 1942.
The following officers were elected in December: Brothers Harry W. Hart, Worshipful Master; Harry W. Moyer, Senior Warden; Harold G. Painter, Junior Warden; Leon A. Bowman, Representative in Grand Lodge; all the other officers were reelected.
At the Stated Meeting of March 2, 1943, Brother Edwin M. Fox was elected Trustee of the General Fund to succeed Brother Frederick W. Cox, deceased.
The election of officers on December 7, 1943, resulted as fol- lows: Brothers Harry W. Moyer, Worshipful Master; Harold G. Painter, Senior Warden ; Edward L. Kepner, Junior Warden ; Harry W. Hart, Representative in the Grand Lodge; all the other officers were reelected.
At the July meeting the Lodge was informed by the Masonic Temple and Building Trust that the rental was increased from $1.65 to $1.85 per member per year.
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Extra meetings were held during the summer months because of the national emergency. A number of candidates received the three degrees on the same day by dispensation while home from the War on furlough.
At the Stated Meeting of December 5, 1944, the following of- ficers were elected to serve during 1945 : Brothers Harold G. Painter, Worshipful Master; Edward L. Kepner, Senior Warden; Stanley W. Loose, Junior Warden; Harry W. Moyer, Representative in the Grand Lodge; other officers were reelected.
At the February meeting, the ceremony of the presentation of the flag was performed for the first time in the Lodge.
At the Stated Meeting on May 1, 1945, the Worshipful Master announced the appointment of Brother John H. Herbine as Pursui- vant to succeed Brother Clarence E. Cook, deceased. Brother Cook served the Lodge faithfully for many years as Pursuivant and Chap- lain and was highly esteemed by his Brethren.
MEMBERS OF CHANDLER LODGE NO. 227 WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR II.
Baer, Robert L., Jr.
Army
Ludwig, David Richard Navy
Brecker, Joseph H.
Army
Miller, Vincent N. Army
Breneiser, George G. Army
Miller, Warren R. Army
Drake, Carroll O. Army Postetter, David E., Jr. Navy
Dresher, Jesse N. Army
Reiniger, George L., Jr. Army
Epstein, Daniel
Army
Schultz, William B. Army
Eshbach, William M.
Navy
Seidel, Francis F. Army
Fake, Paul A. Navy
Sell, Edwin H. Navy
Frantz, Harry M. Army
Simmons, Daniel H. Army
Gehris, Paul W. E.
Navy
Snyder, Frederick R.
Army
Gernert, George S.
Navy
Snyder, John H. Army
Glase, John D.
Navy
Snyder, Luke M. Army
Good, Paul D. Navy
Sproesser, George Army
Goodhart, George G. Army
Stoudt, George K. Army
Heist, Russell L.
Army
Stuebner, Robert L. Army
Houck, E. Karl Navy
Uhler, Eugene E.
Navy
Kephart, S. Bruce
Army
Weidner, Frederick P. Army
Landis, Harold O.
Navy
Zohn, John M. Army
Lesher, Alfred C.
Army
In 1945 it became customary to observe the flag ceremony at each meeting.
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In the Stated Meeting of September 5, 1945, a notice was read from the Grand Secretary, stating that in deference to the request of the War Mobilization Director the Quarterly Communi- cation of the Grand Lodge would not be held. This was due to the scarcity of gasoline for use in passenger automobiles of Representa- tives traveling to the Grand Lodge.
At that time the Masonic Military and Naval Service Com- mittee reported contributions of $981.75, which were sent to the Grand Secretary. There were 27 members and 99 sons of members of Chandler in the Armed Forces.
On November 6, 1945, it was on motion, "Resolved, that the dues of the members who are in the Armed Forces be remitted for the duration of the war and for six months thereafter."
On December 4, 1945, the following officers were elected: Ed- ward L. Kepner, Worshipful Master; Stanley W. Loose, Senior Warden; John D. Glase, Junior Warden; John C. Hiester, Treas- urer; Michael S. Strebig, Secretary; Jacob H. McConnell, Elmer D. Miller and Edwin M. Fox, Trustees ; George S. Beck, Jacob F. Hertzog and Russell F. Albright, Relief Fund; Harold G. Painter, Representative in Grand Lodge.
On February 5, 1946, it was "Resolved, That silver Masonic medals, suitably inscribed, be purchased and presented to the mem- bers of the Lodge who were, or are, in the Armed Forces in World War II."
On December 3, 1946, the following officers were elected : Stan- ley W. Loose, Worshipful Master; John D. Glase, Senior Warden ; Harry D. Korb, Junior Warden; Edward L. Kepner, Representative in Grand Lodge. All other officers were reelected.
On January 7, 1947, it was "Resolved, That Brother James C. Eyler be elected to represent the Lodge at meetings of the Masonic Temple and Building Trust."
On April 1, 1947, an Amendment to the By-Laws was pre- sented, changing the dues from $8 to $II and $5 to $8. The amend- ment was unanimously adopted at the next Stated Meeting.
On November 4, 1947, it was, on motion, "Resolved, That the 100th Anniversary Committee are authorized to make contracts and to spend such Lodge funds as may be necessary to provide for
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printing a Lodge history, and other matters connected with the 100th Anniversary."
On December 2, 1947, the following officers were elected : John D. Glase, Worshipful Master; Harry D. Korb, Senior Warden; Frederick J. Marks, Junior Warden; Stanley W. Loose, Repre- sentative in Grand Lodge. All other officers were reelected.
DONALD E. METZ
Donald E. Metz was born in Reading on March 30, 1907 and is a graduate of the Reading High School; Albright College, B.A. and Temple University, M.Ed. He also took graduate work in Duke University. He is a teacher in Northwest Junior High School and resides in Reiffton.
Brother Metz was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on June 6, 1931, and became Worshipful Master in 1938. He was steward for a number of years, holds membership in the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and is a member of the Reading Teach- ers' Association. He was formerly a building representative.
BARD E. M. LEFFLER
Bard E. M. Leffler was born in Reading on January 26, 1908. He is a graduate of Ephrata High School, and of Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a charter member of the Reading Chapter of Phi Beta Alpha Fraternity, and a member of the Lions Club. He is an underwriter in the Harleysville Mutual Casualty Co. and previ- ously was employed by the Travelers Insur- ance Co. and the Pennsylvania Casualty Co.
Brother Leffler was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on April 2, 1929, and served as Worshipful Master in 1939. During his tenure he arranged programs to create interest and boost attendance at a period when interest generally was lacking.
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DOUGLASS ELLIOTT WEIDNER
Douglass Elliott Weidner was born in Reading, Pa. on June 29, 1905. He was edu- cated in the local public schools and is a graduate of the Reading High School and Gettysburg College. He also attended the University of Brussels in Belgium and Tem- ple University. He is an educator in the Reading public schools, and was named prin- cipal of Southern Junior High School in 1948. While at Gettysburg he held his first teach- ing position as instructor of Chemistry. He is the author of a science workbook and an honorary member of the Eugene Field Society of Poets and Authors.
Brother Weidner was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on May 3, 1927, and served as Worshipful Master in 1940. He was a Vice Principal of Reading School of Instruction for a number of years. He is a member of Reading Consistory, and served as Sovereign Prince of C. Gilbert Steffe Council, Princes of Jerusalem, in 1940, and is at the present time Senior Warden in Reading Lodge of Per- fection. He is also affiliated with the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
CARL A. FOCHT
Carl A. Focht was born in Berks County on March 20, 1903. He is a Graduate of the Reading High School and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and was a member of the Pi Delta Epsilon Fraternity connected with the Wharton School. He has been employed in various capacities by several insurance companies all his life. He is inter- ested in the Boy Scout movement and served as Cubmaster of a Cub Scout Pack. In St. James Evangelical and Reformed Church of West Reading he has been a teacher, assistant superintendent and superintendent of the Sunday School.
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Brother Focht was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on June 28, 1927, and served as Worshipful Master in 1941. He was a Vice Principal of the Reading School of Instruction from 1941 to 1944 and Most Wise Master of Francis Marion Highley Chapter of Rose Croix in 1943. He is an active member of Reading Consistory.
LEON A. BOWMAN
Leon A. Bowman was born in Reading on November 2, 1909. He attended the Read- ing Public Schools and Boys' High School. An electrician by trade, he is employed by the Reading Company. He is a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church.
Brother Bowman was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on February 2, 1932, and served as Worshipful Master in 1942, at a time when the fraternity was feeling the ef- fects of the war and it was his duty to provide interesting meetings without the aid of work.
HARRY W. HART
Harry W. Hart was born in Lower Hei- delberg Township, Berks County, on January 4, 1889. He attended the public schools in Krumsville and Reading. A boilermaker by trade, he is employed by the Reading Com- pany. He is a resident of Laureldale, a mem- ber of the Borough Council since 1940, and active in civic affairs. He is a charter mem- ber of the Chandler Hunting and Fishing Club.
Brother Hart was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on May 28, 1929, and served as Worshipful Master in 1943. He is a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and Read- ing Consistory, in which he takes an active part.
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