USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 17
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"In the aftermath of a great War, the World is in revolutionary change. Great Truths are challenged. We are brought to the stark realization that a just and lasting Peace is more difficult of achieve- ment than Victory in War. There continue suspicion and mistrust, in the motives of men and Nations in the common pursuits of righteous- ness and peace, that must be composed.
"What part in a changing World has Masonry to play? Can Masonry continue to be a Power, a Force influencing the lives of men in our day and generation? I am confident it can and will, so long as we steadfastly adhere to our ancient landmarks-namely -- an abiding Faith in the Great Architect of the Universe; Loyalty and Love for Country ; a Code of social and moral ethics for Man as well as for Nations, and lastly a Brotherhood of Man founded upon Justice, Equality and Charity. And never before has there been a greater need for a revitalization of these great principles than in this very hour.
"Lulled by a fancied security in a 'it cannot happen to us' mo- ment, the very principles for which we stand may be in imminent peril. Totalitarianism is on the march. And it is not content to live by its own philosophy within its own national borders, but is aggres-
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sively and busily engaged in building up its sphere of influence, in- filtrating the thought and attempting to influence the political, social and economic life of our own as well of the other nations of the World. If we as Americans, as Masons, fail to meet its challenge on behalf of human dignity, and a halt is not called, then the end of civilization as we know it, and cherish it, is inevitable.
"We point with pride to the influence Freemasonry played in the establishment of this great Republic of free men; and its crown- ing achievement in its leadership in the convention which drafted and adopted the fundamental Law of the Land-the most important enactment of the will of a people ever penned by human hands, the Constitution of the United States. And with that same patriotic zeal and fervor of our founding Fathers, let us, as Masons, see to it that there are loyalties in all places of authority, that a strong America may bring hope and a righteous Peace to a distressed World.
"To you, Worshipful Master, I express my appreciation for the courtesies extended to me tonight. Proud, as you have a right to be, of the heritage of a splendid past, and glad in the comradeship of this hour, may I voice the hope that your future shall be more glorious."
Grand Chaplain Grove paid tribute to the "Seven Immortals" of 1848 who pioneered in establishing Chandler Lodge. Difficulties fac- ing the order and mankind in general, he said, are greater now than ever, but "the light of Freemasonry shines brighter today than ever before."
Senior Grand Warden Geisel, speaking on "Looking Forward," said every Mason should stop to consider what kind of lodge his would be, "if every member were just like me." "It behooves all of us to live our Freemasonry in our time, and in our daily relations to all in our communities," he declared.
Grand Marshal Lehr urged Chandler "to carry high the torch of Freemasonry, in its new century, as it has done in the past hun- dred years.
"The hour is always NOW," he said. "Now is the time for all of us to dedicate our lives to principles of Freemasonry ; for allegiance to the flag; to stand up and be counted and to renew our Masonic vows, to combat insidious influences that are operating in our time."
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"Freemasonry abhors Communism," the Grand Marshal as- serted. "It is our duty, as Free Masons, to see that it is annihilated, throughout the world."
Brother Schroder told the brethren of Chandler that he felt "very much at home" in this lodge, because of frequent visits to Reading School of Instruction. He said that an example of "perfect work" was presented at a recent Quarterly Communication in Phila- delphia, with Worshipful Master Glase of Chandler and his fellow members from Reading in charge.
"Wishing alone doesn't result in perfect floor work," Brother Schroder said. "It means hard work, and I would urge a larger attendance at all sessions of the school, to enable us to arrive at the perfection we aim at."
The Right Worshipful Grand Master, at this juncture, took occasion to congratulate the Reading School on the work it has done for many years past.
District Deputy Grand Master Brosman reminded the brethren that this is not only the 100th anniversary of Chandler Lodge, but also the 30th anniversary of Past Master Brother Michael S. Strebig as Secretary. The District Deputy Grand Master complimented the principals of the Reading School of Instruction on their devotion to the work of the school and on the excellence of the results they have accomplished.
Past Master Brother Earl E. Fake, chairman of the Chandler Historical Committee, reviewed the history of the lodge. In sum- mary, he said :
HISTORICAL ADDRESS
"Right Worshipful Grand Master, Worshipful Master and Brethren :
"The first attempt to establish Freemasonry in Reading and vicinity was made in 1780. At that time a small group of Masons under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Potts, a surgeon in the Revolu- tionary War and one of Reading's outstanding citizens, obtained a Warrant and a new Lodge, No. 24, was constituted. Brother Potts was elected Worshipful Master. Unfortunately he died in October, 1781, and the Lodge surrendered its warrant shortly thereafter.
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"A second attempt was made in 1786, when Lodge No. 47 was constituted in Reading. This Lodge apparently transferred to Churchtown in Lancaster County in 1790, and became Lodge No. 46. It died a natural death in Lititz, September 4, 1826, after experienc- ing a brief stay in Ephrata and New Holland in Lancaster County.
"A third and successful attempt was made on April 9, 1794, when Lodge No. 62, our Mother Lodge, was constituted in Federal Inn, at Fifth and Penn Streets. Thus, to Lodge No. 62, goes the honor of being the oldest Masonic Lodge in Berks County. The year following, on June 1, 1795, Lodge No. 66, of Caernarvon Township was constituted. In 1823 it moved to Morgantown, Berks County, and in 1837 had its warrant vacated.
"After half a century of progress in Freemasonry within one Lodge, it was generally considered to be in the best interest of the fraternity to open an additional Lodge. Accordingly, five brethren from Lodge No. 62, with another brother from a distant Lodge, sent the following petition to Grand Lodge: 'To the R. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the commonwealth of Penn- sylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto Belonging, We, the undersigned being regular Master Masons, formerly members of the lodges mentioned against our respective names, and at this time not members of any lodge, pray for a warrant of constitution, empower- ing us to meet as a regular lodge in Reading to be called Chandler, and there to discharge the duties of Masonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of this order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. And we have nominated, and do recommend Brother John O. D. Lilly to be the first Master, Brother Daniel H. Feger to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother Jacob H. Greiner to be the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge. The prayer of the petition being granted, we promise strict conformity to the ancient land marks of the order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge.'
" 'Signed- J. O. D. Lilly, Lodge No. 62, Penna. Daniel H. Feger, Lodge No. 62, Penna. David E. Stout, Lodge No. 62, Penna. Robert Caldwell, Lodge No. 62, Penna.
S. E. Ancona, Lodge No. 62, Penna. Jacob F. Greiner, Lancaster Lodge No. 57, of Ohio.'
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"Brother Joseph L. Stichter, at that time District Deputy Grand Master, endorsed the petition and was most helpful in organizing and launching the project. He visited the Lodge regularly, and was highly regarded by the Brethren.
"At a meeting of Lodge No. 62 held at Reading on the ninth day of February, 1848, it was Resolved: That the petition be recom- mended to the favorable consideration of the R. W. Grand Lodge. Subsequently the petition was read and approved by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on March 6, 1848.
"In accordance with the Warrant, the brethren assembled on the second floor of the 'State House Building' on the Northeast corner of Fifth and Penn Streets on Thursday evening, May 4, 1848. There, amid three movable sperm candles about the altar, and a large ornamental chandelier, (with six oil lamps), suspended over the altar to light the room, the first officers of Chandler Lodge were installed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Brother Peter Fritz, and his officers.
"The members and visiting brethren sat on settees lined along the walls on slightly elevated platforms. The Master's chair was of an old fashioned pattern with a high back, and a heavy headboard upon which was carved a Rising Sun. Over the pedestal was a canopy, handsomely decorated and supported by two columns. The floor was carpeted and the windows were draped with curtains of purple worsted.
"Amid this setting the following charter members were in- stalled : John O. D. Lilly, Worshipful Master; Daniel H. Feger, Senior Warden ; Jacob F. Greiner, Junior Warden; Robert Caldwell, Treasurer and David E. Stout, Secretary. The Worshipful Master made the following appointments : Eliphalet H. Mason, Senior Dea- con ; Sydenham E. Ancona, Junior Deacon; and Henry Witman of Lodge No. 62, Tyler.
"After the installation of officers, Past Grand Master Brother Joseph R. Chandler, one of the most brilliant and distinguished scholars ever to attain the rank of Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and in whose honor Chandler Lodge was named, delivered a most excellent address on the vital principles of Freemasonry-Faith, Hope and Charity. After the address the Lodge adjourned to partake of a supper prepared at the
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home of Brother Andrew Davis. Upon the conclusion of that por- tion of the program, the celebration was continued at Mineral Springs, where refreshments were served, and a piano was rented at a cost of two dollars, to bolster the musical program. The evening was considered such a grand success that it more or less served as a pattern for future meetings. It is not uncommon to note entries in bills submitted for Annual Banquets such as the following :
2 baskets Champagne $60.00
Expressage on do .50
Corkage 12.00
100 Segars 7.00
50 Masonic Songs 5.00
"Somewhere along the way, coffee was substituted for wine.
"Annual banquets were held on St. John's Day during the first quarter century of the Lodge. Greater emphasis was placed on the Anniversary banquets after the 50th Anniversary. The extent of the celebrations, then as now, was dependent upon the condition of the treasury. The 25th Anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated at Rose Valley Park, also known as the Schweitzer House. It was an old-fashioned Masonic Barbecue, enjoyed by the members and their families. The 50th Anniversary of the Lodge was observed without a banquet, since the funds of the Lodge were invested in the new Temple, our present Temple. A historical program was presented.
"The 75th Anniversary was celebrated in grand style, May 4th, 1923, in Rajah Temple. Right Worshipful Grand Master Brother Abraham M. Beitler was present on that occasion.
"The Stated Meetings were held the first Monday in the month during the first two years of the existence of the Lodge, when in 1850 it was changed to the first Tuesday in the month. The dues were 121/2 cents per month, and many brethren paid by the month. The original warrant is still being displayed, and the Lodge has never failed to open and close on a Stated Meeting night. All the minutes and records of the Lodge are intact and in excellent condition. Many articles of historical importance however, especially paintings, were lost, due no doubt, to the overcrowded condition of this building.
"The Lodge notices were delivered in person by the Tyler as late as 1895, at which time the Tyler was requested to serve all
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notices thereafter between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, and the river and the hill, the others to be mailed or otherwise served. Previous to that time he delivered notices only as far east as Eleventh Street and west to Second Street. The members of the outlying dis- tricts frequently complained of not receiving their monthly notices. The notices were printed on a strip of cardboard until 19II. ,
"The Lodge has had, altogether, 93 Worshipful Masters, eight having served two terms. Of this total, 36 are still living. There were fifteen Secretaries and fourteen Treasurers. There have been but four Secretaries since 1867, and at this time I wish to pay tribute to our present Secretary, Brother Michael S. Strebig, who has been a tower of strength and a wise councillor to thirty-one Masters of the Lodge. We sincerely hope that he may continue for many more years.
"There was a total of 1924 initiations, and 164 admissions. The present membership is 814. The high water mark was 944 members in 1930. The ten-year depression period of 1933 to 1943 saw a decrease in membership from 902 to 728.
"The Lodge has been properly managed financially. It has always been charitable to those in need. Many thousands of dollars have been expended for charity, not only within the craft, but to many public institutions and groups of suffering humanity. Scanning the list of charity dispensations, we note such historical events as 'Confederate Raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania'; 'The Chicago Fire', 'San Francisco Earthquake', 'Johnstown Flood' and many others. For many years it was customary to present each of the widows of deceased members of this Lodge with a barrel of flour, a ton of coal and a turkey as a Christmas gift. Sometimes sewing machines were given to aid the widow in rearing the family.
"Chandler Lodge played a prominent part in all national con- flicts since its founding. The list of members who served in the Union forces during the Civil War, is, unfortunately, not complete, but no less than 55 members participated, which was well over 25% of the total membership. Past Master Brother Joseph A. McLean, a Lieutenant Colonel, paid the supreme sacrifice. In the Spanish- American War, which was of comparatively short duration, six mem- bers enlisted immediately. In World War I, 41 members were in the
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various branches of the armed forces. One member made the supreme sacrifice. In World War II, 37 members participated.
"Since Chandler Lodge was constituted, five additional Lodges were constituted in the city, and five in the county. The most recent are Puritan Lodge No. 740 and Boyertown Lodge No. 741. Both lodges were organized in 1925. The total membership of all twelve lodges in the city and county was 5,082 on St. John's Day, 1947.
"Our founding fathers had as their goal a stronger and a more active craft. They believed that this could more readily be attained with the organizing of an additional Lodge. Greater participation would mean increased interest and greater devotion to the principles of Freemasonry. So, in conjunction with the mother Lodge, Chand- ler Lodge aided in organizing other Lodges in the city and county, and in carrying on the work of the craft in its original excellence and simplicity, and governed by the customs, rules and regulations as they were in the beginning.
"In reviewing the records it is very apparent that this Lodge has served the community, and indeed the country, in a most accept- able manner. It has fulfilled every expectation of its idealistic founders and the membership can well congratulate one another and take great pride in their membership. The record of the past is a distinct challenge to the membership of the future that can not be ignored. From the excellent character of the membership at the present time, as in the past, and with the solid foundation prepared for future building, we do not hesitate to say that the future is indeed secure."
Commenting on the history of the Lodge, as prepared by Past Master Brother Fake, The Right Worshipful Grand Master said :
"Now we can realize, after hearing this history of Chandler Lodge, how great is the heritage of the membership of this lodge. I congratulate the historian and Worshipful Master Glase and his fellow members on the excellent record of Chandler in the century just closed. We hope Chandler will continue to go forward in the new century of its life, and we wish you continued success and God- speed."
Closing the Grand Visitation, the Grand Lodge officers vacated their stations and retired, and the officers of Chandler Lodge re- sumed their places and formally closed the Special Meeting.
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ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
The third and final feature of the Chandler Lodge Centennial celebration was the anniversary banquet at 6 o'clock on Saturday, May 8, in Rajah Temple ballroom. After the fifty-year members, the aged and the guests had taken advanced positions, the brethren in numerous files entered the banquet hall. At the head marched the Grand Marshal, whom the Grand Lodge party and the Lodge of- ficers immediately followed. Each of those privileged to be present beheld a scene whose beauty is never to be forgotten. The ballroom, the stage, the guest table before it, and the long tables extending the length of the great hall, bore a profusion of graceful and beautiful flowers, above which shone the Masonic Emblem and the words "Hundredth Anniversary, Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M." Amid the beauty of the flowers towered a huge birthday cake, whose tapering form, as if clad in white and pink, resembled the fairy queen of an enchanted garden. Meanwhile, sensuous strains of music from a hidden orchestra delighted the throng. The combined effects of beautiful sight and sound so ravished the senses that for a time the room became vocal with audible exclamations of pleasure.
Honor guests were the Right Worshipful Grand Master, George H. Deike; District Deputy Grand Master William G. Brosman, and other officers of the Grand Lodge. The guests included also the of- ficers of all the other lodges in the Seventh District, and the principal and vice-principals of the Reading School of Instruction.
Worshipful Master John D. Glase was toastmaster and con- ducted the event with outstanding ability and dignity. He addressed the assemblage, introducing the guests of honor and expressing his appreciation of the honor of serving as Chandler's master in its 100th anniversary year. He said, in part :
"Brethren, I am very proud to be the Master of Chandler Lodge on the occasion of the celebration of its One Hundredth Anniversary. It is a privilege and an experience which I shall remember with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction for the remainder of my life.
"Chandler Lodge has now reached the point where we can state with justifiable pride that our Lodge has worked under the Ancient Landmarks of Free Masonry for one hundred years without inter- ruption. I purposely stress the words 'without interruption' because we of Chandler, together with our brethren of all lodges in our great
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and free country, have been so fortunate in that our Masonic activi- ties have not been forcibly interrupted, as they have been in certain other parts of the world. I have been told that during World War II when the enemy marched into a new city or town, one of the first things they sometimes did was to seek out the Masonic Temple. The enemy then compelled the citizens to assemble in the streets in front of the Temple, where they read their orders of occupation to them and then proceeded to burn the Temple before their very eyes as a symbol of their authority. It was heartening to hear at several recent Grand Lodge meetings that, while the physical lights of Free Masonry may have been temporarily dimmed in these places, the spiritual lights never allowed themselves to be extinguished, and that many of these Lodges are now springing to life and labor again.
"The World today needs the lessons and teachings of Free Masonry more than it has ever needed them before. Friendship and brotherly love and the will to work together side by side in peace and harmony are great ideals which we all sincerely hope will be- come a world-wide creed long before Chandler celebrates its two hundredth anniversary.
"In 1848, Chandler Lodge No. 227 was constituted and com- menced its work under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania. Today, in 1948, we proudly celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of our Lodge. I know I speak for every one of us when I voice the fervent hope and conviction that in the year 2048 Chandler will be able to look back upon two hundred years of un- interrupted work and activity in the furtherance of the teachings of our great and beloved fraternity."
Grand Master Deike congratulated Chandler Lodge on attaining its one hundred year mark and said he regarded it "a privilege to have been invited, with fellow officers in the Grand Lodge, to attend the celebration and to take part in so notable an occasion in Masonic affairs."
District Deputy Brosman spoke briefly, recalling compliments paid by Grand Lodge officers to the Reading School of Instruction, and adding his own felicitations to the officers and teachers in the school on the excellence of the work done in presentation of degrees. He presented the well wishes of the other lodges of the district to Chandler Lodge and their hopes for its future welfare and success.
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One Hundredth Anniversary 1848-1948
odde
Nº 227
4TH 1848
CONSTITUTED
MA
Accepted Masons
STATED MEETINGS FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH MASONIC TEMPLE READING, PA.
MAY 8, 1948-6 P.M., D.S.T. RAJAH TEMPLE BALLROOM READING, PA.
Program
Toastmaster BROTHER JOHN D. GLASE Worshipful Master
Invocation BROTHER THOMAS B. SMYTHE Chandler Lodge No. 227
-
Singing America
DINNER MUSIC
QUARTETTE "The Troubadours" of Philadelphia
Introduction of and Remarks by the Right Worshipful Grand Master BROTHER GEORGE H. DEIKE
Presentation of the District Deputy Grand Master BROTHER WILLIAM G. BROSMAN
ADDRESS-"Thoughts While Flying High" BROTHER CALVIN H. WINGERT Chandler Lodge No. 227
BENEDICTION BROTHER THOMAS K. LEINBACH Chandler Lodge No. 227
Menu
Grapefruit-Maraschino
Hearts of Celery
Green Queen Olives
Carrots
Garden-fresh Radishes
Anniversary Soup
Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Candicd Sweet Potatoes
Green Baby Lima Beans
Fresh Asparagus Fresh Garden Peas
Hearts of Lettuce with Russian Dressing
Vanilla Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberries
Coffee
Salted Nuts
Cigars
Mints Cigarettes
Ginger Ale
Worshipful Master-JOHN D. GLASE General Chairman-JAMES C. EYLER
History Committee
Earl E. Fake, Chairman
Carl A. Focht
Claude H. Glase
Ralph W. Kinsey
Walter S. Ludwig
John G. Rothermel
Forrest R. Shanaman
Thomas B. Smythe Fredrick R. Snyder
Music and Entertainment Committee
Elmer D. Miller, Chairman
Paul E. Glase
Harry E. Graul
Charles E. Hoffmaster Stanley W. Loose
Printing Committee Jacob F. Hertzog, Chairman Lyman H. Houek Harry D. Korb I. Carroll Regar
Reception Committee
Harold G. Painter, Chairman
Russell F. Albright Joseph H. Hasbronck John C. Hiester Harry J. G. Schad
Douglass E. Weidner
Speakers Committee
Michael S. Strebig, Chairman Edwin M. Fox John D. Glase
Banquet Committee
Harry W. Hart, Chairman
Robert L. Baer, Jr.
Robert L. Hostetter
Warren R. Miller
Banquet Hall and Decorations Committee
H. Earl Sheetz, Chairman
Norman J. Bressler
Edward D. Dreas
Amos I. Fake
John H. Herbine
Thomas I. Hunsberger
Edward L. Kepner
Charles L. Kirn
Frederick J. Marks
Aged Members Committee
W. Wayne Weber, Chairman Robert B. Bowman
Donald E. Metz
Harry W. Moyer
Herbert J. Muntz
Walter S. Strause
Visitors Committee
Leon A. Bowman, Chairman William K. Bridegam Ray E. Godshall Jacob H. McConnell John B. Stevens, Jr.
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Worshipful Master Glase paid particular tribute to Brother James C. Eyler, general committee chairman, and Past Master Earl E. Fake, chairman of the historical committee, for their untiring and efficient service in preparing for the anniversary, along with their fellow committee members.
Brother Thomas B. Smythe, of Birdsboro, presented on behalf of the lodge a large bouquet of flowers to Worshipful Master Glase.
Music was furnished by a specially selected orchestra under the direction of Brother Lester R. Yeager; the Masonic Chorus of 45 men, led by Brother Charles E. Hoffmaster, sang "Stout Hearted Men", Romberg, and "Soldiers Chorus", from "Faust", Gounod. Singing by "The Troubadours", an unusually excellent quartet of Masonic brethren from Philadelphia, was especially enjoyed by the brethren. The members of this quartet were E. Raymond Fredericks, baritone, Past Master of William C. Hamilton Lodge, No. 500; George W. Lewis, Jr., first tenor, Kensington Lodge, No. 211; Wil- liam Hutchinson, bass, of Phoenix Lodge, No. 130; and Harry W. Nelson, second tenor, of Mozart Lodge, No. 436, with Amos M. Heacock, pianist, also of Mozart Lodge.
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