USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 2
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The old stage coach and the canals were about to give way to the speedier "iron horse". The Pottsville to Philadelphia railroad had been completed six years previously. With it had come the speedier means of communication-the telegraph, established in May, 1847.
Then, as now, market day was a big day in Reading. The two market houses on Penn Square had just been rebuilt two years previously, and in their stalls offered on Wednesday and Saturday a profusion of food stuffs, while the "Square" was a bedlam of lowing cattle, bleating sheep, cackling chickens, grunting swine and the shouts and noise of the selling, mingling with the thick clouds of dust which changed to deep mire on rainy days.
Reading had no City Hall until 1870, but boasted a new Court House, superior to most in the state, costing $59,000. It also erected an imposing county prison in City Park to replace the one at Fifth and Washington in 1848. Safeguarding the town was in the hands of the two constables, who wore no uniforms, and who spent several hours before and after midnight calling out the hours and conditions of the weather in a low, monotonous tone of voice.
The first public school building had been erected ten years previ- ously, and there were now seventeen public and thirteen private schools.
The people of the town lived busy, simple lives. Practically everyone did gardening on the lots upon which his home stood, or on some nearby lot. Fruit trees were numerous and preserving fruit was common. Nearly everybody boiled applebutter in the fall and crammed his cellar with home made sausages, pudding, scrapple, ham and mince meat. Housewives prided themselves on good feeding.
There were no street lights, and in the home tallow candles, oil and camphene lamps were used. But a new era was about to begin, for that year the officers of Chandler Lodge were to lay the corner- stone for the Gas Works and gas was introduced for lighting.
22
1948
There were few societies ; people still regarded secret ones with suspicion. In addition to the two Masonic Lodges, there was only the closely related Odd Fellows lodge. Since there were no lodges out in the county, the lodges in the city attracted many members from the rural districts.
During the century since Chandler Lodge came into existence Masonry has grown and flourished in Reading and Berks County. The following list depicts that growth.
MEMBERSHIP OF MASONIC UNITS
Member-
Name
No.
ship
Location
I.
62
606
Reading
When Instituted April 9, 1794 May 4, 1848
2. Chandler
227
794
Reading
3. Williamson
307
336
Womelsdorf
April 2, 1857
4. Teutonia
367
I72
Reading
May 30, 1866
5. Huguenot
377
380
Kutztown
Nov. 29, 1866
6. Vaux
406
35I
Hamburg
March 18, 1868 March 1, 1869 Nov. 10, 1871
8. Union
479
20I
Birdsboro
9. Reading
549
682
Reading
Dec. 28, 1876
IO. Isaac Hiester
660
599
Reading
Oct. 17, 1908
II. Puritan
740
222
Reading
Sept. 25, 1925
12. Boyertown
74I
152
Boyertown
Nov. 9, 1925
ROYAL ARCH MASONS
I. Reading Chapter No. 152
388
Nov. 20, 1827
2. Excelsior Chapter No. 237
404
Dec. 15, 1871
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
I. DeMolay No. 9
354
Feb. 7, 1854 Sept. 14, 1871
ROYAL AND SELECT MASTER MASONS
I. Creigh Council No. 16 275
June 14, 1861 and Dec. 21, 1920
SCOTTISH RITE
I. Reading Lodge of Perfection 2913
Sept. 20, 1906
2. C. Gilbert Steffe Council 3126
Sept. 23, 1915
3. Francis Marion Highley Chapter 3166
Sept. 23, 1915
4. Reading Consistory 3165
Sept. 18, 1918
7. St. John's .
435
587
Reading
2. Reading No. 42 375
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
23
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
JOSEPH R. CHANDLER
Chandler Lodge was named in honor of Past Grand Master Joseph R. Chandler. Brother Chandler was born in Kingston, Mass., August 25, 1792, where he attended the public schools and became a teacher. He located in Philadelphia about 1815, and with his wife conducted a successful school for about ten years. In 1821, he published a "Grammar of the English Language". While he was as- sociated with the U. S. Gazette from 1822 to 1847, he entered public life, and served in Philadelphia City Council from 1832 to 1848; in Congress from 1848 to 1854, and was appointed minister to the Five Sicilies in 1858 by President Buchanan. He served as a delegate to the State Constitution Convention in 1836. A gifted writer and lecturer, he was active in prison reform.
Brother Chandler was entered in Columbian Lodge, Boston, Mass., October 28, 1813; crafted November 4, and was made a Master Mason January 6, 1814.
24
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
He became a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 130, under this Grand Jurisdiction, July 17, 1822, and was elected Worshipful Master of that Lodge on December 21, 1825, and re-elected Decem- ber 20, 1826. This Grand Lodge elected him Junior Grand Warden in December 1836; Senior Grand Warden, December 1837; Deputy Grand Master, in December 1838, and again in December, 1839. He served as Right Worshipful Grand Master for two terms, commenc- ing in December, 1840 and terminating in December, 1842.
His addresses to the craft during his administration as Grand Master are among the most cultured and interesting of the Masonic literature of this Jurisdiction. His labors for the craft were dis- tinguished for their value and influence. He gave to it a large por- tion of his ripened manhood.
He was an earnest, devoted, thorough man in all the work he was called upon to perform in the various positions of honor and trust he filled. His Masonic record is a lesson and an example.
In the fullness of years, after a life of exceptional usefulness, of high character and a stainless reputation, distinguished as a statesman and a true philanthropist, our Past Grand Master Joseph R. Chandler died in Philadelphia on the 10th day of July 1880. (G. L. Memorial by R. W. P. G. M. Brother Richard Vaux).
READING in 1848
(View from West Reading end of Old Covered Bridge over the Schuylkill River.)
25
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
CHANDLER'S FIRST RECORD
Organization of Chandler Lodge Me 22% Reading Thursday Coming Hay's 1945 la cremeneed of Installation of Office of Chandlied Ledge mary and performed by the light al the Grand Master I'll Grand lodge of chunch havia den tity mypeople Offices and installed the following potens end of Chandler Vedgel Nº224. I have the balance of the nw of the Present mannie khar duday on It plus day next. I. C. e villy Mothiffal Master denier Andder
J. J China
Mentary The northipfal master appointed 6. M.MVala nin Vereins 9. 6. ancona finca Season It Hitman
If the Ceremonies of Installation of Officeed Whether Joseph N. Chandler start brand made of Philade Can hower of whom the Lodge was Named ( 1) at the request of the member of Chandler Vedges and do and addvall on the Vithe Principles Mademy Int and Charly, Which of The Chandaaledge of to be Published ofthe the features the body Whether Andrew Dans by by the Committee of Arrangement for The Gutetamment of the Grand Offices and Other Visiting allethem which Shedid If i hamary and good feeling
Reproduction of Minutes of First Meeting.
26
1948
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
CHAPTER I 1848-1858
The first Stated Meeting of Chandler Lodge, No. 227 was held Thursday evening, May II, 1848. The Chairs were occupied by the seven Charter members as follows; John O. D. Lilly, W.M .; Daniel H. Feger, S.W .; Jacob F. Greiner, J.W .; Robert Caldwell, Treasurer; David E. Stout, Secretary ; Eliphalet H. Mason, S.D., and Sydenham E. Ancona, J.D. Brother H. Witman, a member of Lodge No. 62, acted as Tyler. There were present six visitors. Extracts from the minutes read as follows :
"The Committee appointed at a previous meeting of organiza- tion of Chandler Lodge to make the necessary arrangements for the Reception of the Grand Officers and such other duties connected with the installation of Officers, reported as follows: that they have at- tended to their duties assigned to them, and submit the following :
Expenses for 19 suppers at Brother Andrew Davis $19.00 Expenses for Refreshments at Mineral Springs 8.00
Expenses for Use of Piano 2.00
TOTAL EXPENSES. $29.00
which on motion was ordered to be paid out of the funds of the Lodge, and the Committee continued until all business is settled".
"On Motion which was agreed to, the By-Laws of Lodge No. 62 were adopted until such others as this Lodge may see fit to sub- stitute in place.
"On Motion the Committee on By-Laws (which was appointed at a previous meeting of organization) be authorized to have all printing done required for this Lodge, which was agreed to. Also to secure a suitable seal for Chandler Lodge".
BY-LAWS OF 1848
The following are the By-Laws adopted by the Lodge, December 14, 1848, and Rules of Order.
ARTICLE I.
Time of Stated Meetings.
The stated meetings of the Lodge shall be held on the first Monday in every month. From the 25th day of March until the 25th day of September, the hour of meeting shall be at seven o'clock P. M .; and from the 25th day of September until the 25th day of March, the hour of meeting shall be at six o'clock P. M. The Lodge shall be opened within thirty minutes after the time appointed.
27
1948
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
ARTICLE II.
Officers.
The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary shall be chosen by ballot at the stated meeting next pre- ceding Saint John's Day in December annually, and in the manner provided by the Rules of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. (See Ahi- man Rezon, page 132).
ARTICLE III.
Duty of the Worshipful Master.
The Master shall appoint the Deacons, Chaplain, Masters of Cere- mony, Stewards, (not exceeding three) and Tyler. He shall have full power to determine the order of business, regulate all debate, as well as the conduct and work of the members of the Lodge, and appoint committees, where the members of the same do not exceed three.
Duty of the Secretary. ARTICLE IV.
The Secretary shall keep fair and correct minutes of the proceed- ings of the Lodge, issue summons for each Stated Meeting, special or adjourned Meeting, record all the By-Laws, rules and regulations made by the Lodge, and perform such other services appertaining to his Of- ficc, as the Lodge may direct. He shall receive all monies due the Lodge and may pay the same to the Treasurer, (who shall give him a receipt therefor.) He shall keep a register of all the members of the Lodge, showing the name, age, occupation, date of Entering, Passing, and Raising, or admission; also the withdrawal, death or expulsion, as the case may be. He shall deliver all books, papers, memorandums, vouchers and other documents, or property of the Lodge, in his pos- session, to his successor, or, in default thereof to such other person as the Lodge may direct, and as compensation for his services, he shall be paid one dollar for each meeting of the Lodge.
Duty of the Treasurer. ARTICLE V.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep fair and correct ac- counts of all monies by him received and paid on account of the Lodge; and he shall pay no monies without an order, signed by the Worshipful Master, and counter signed by the Secretary.
He shall also have his Books and Vouchers ready for examination, at such times as the Lodge may direct; such examination to take place at least once every twelve months; he shall pay over to his successor in Office, all Books, Monies and other property belonging to the Lodge, and give sufficient security for the faithful performance of his duty, if the Lodge requires it.
Duties of the Tyler. ARTICLE VI.
There shall be one brother appointed as Tyler whose duty it shall be to serve all notices, and perform such other services as appertain to his Office, or such duties as may be assigned him by the Worshipful Master or Lodge from time to time. He shall receive one dollar for every Stated or Extra meeting that he attends to the duties of his Office.
Financial Committees. ARTICLE VII.
The Master, Senior and Junior Wardens shall be a standing Com- mittee of accounts; they shall report the general state of the funds of the Lodge, at the stated meeting in January.
28
1948
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
ARTICLE VIII.
Petitions for Initiation.
Section 1. A person petitioning for Initiation in Masonry, shall be recommended by two Master Masons, who are members, at a stated meeting of the Lodge, whereupon, a committee of three Master Masons, who are members, shall be appointed to make the necessary inquiries and report thereon at the next stated meeting. Should the report be favorable, he shall be balloted for, and if unanimously approved, initiated.
Provided, such person failing to come forward for initiation for three Stated Meetings after his election; (unless, in the opinion of the Lodge, sufficient cause be shown for such neglect), shall not be con- sidered elected.
Section 2. Every person Initiated into the Mysteries of Free Masonry in this Lodge, by virtue of a dispensation from the Grand Master, shall pay the same fees as if he had petitioned the Lodge for that purpose. But the brother so initiated shall not be considered a member of this Lodge, unless regularly admitted agreeably to Section 1 of this Article.
ARTICLE IX.
Membership.
Section 1. If any Master Mason be desirous of becoming a mem- ber of this Lodge he shall send his petition in writing, signed by him- self, and recommended by at least two Master Masons, Members of this Lodge; and after such petition has been read, there shall be three Master Masons appointed, of which the recommending brethren shall not be, to inquire into the petitioners character and qualifications, and report the next stated night of meeting; if favorable to be balloted for, and if elected he shall be admitted a member, on producing sufficient evidence of his former good standing.
Section 2. An entered apprentice who was initiated in another Lodge, and who shall receive in this Lodge the degree of a Fellow Craft, shall pay Ten Dollars. A Fellow Craft receiving the degree of a Master Mason in this Lodge, shall pay Five Dollars.
ARTICLE X.
Dues.
Section 1. Each and every member of this Lodge shall pay to the Secretary for every Stated Meeting, Twelve and a half cents, and no member shall be advanced in Masonry until he has duly qualified himself, in the degree which he has previously received.
Section 2. No member shall be allowed to vote at any election of Officers or be eligible to any Chairs in the Lodge, unless he has previously paid off all his arrearages; and whoever neglects so to do, after he has been properly notified of the same, shall be suspended or expelled, as the Lodge may deem expedient.
ARTICLE XI.
Of Withdrawing.
Any member wishing to withdraw from the Lodge, shall declare his intention in writing, at a stated meeting, and upon producing, at the next stated meeting, a certificate from the Treasurer of his having paid his dues, or the Treasurer stating such to be paid, his request
29
1948
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
shall be granted. Provided, nevertheless, that when it appears necessary for a brother to make a sudden and unexpected departure from the City, his request may be granted at the meeting to which he makes application, and the said brother may receive a Lodge Certificate from the Secretary, for which he shall pay One Dollar.
ARTICLE XII.
Visitors.
No visitor shall be admitted unless he is known to the Master, or vouched for, in open Lodge, by a Master Mason, who shall distinctly state his degree. If he cannot be so vouched for, the Master may appoint a committee of two Master Masons to examine him, and if their report be favorable, he shall be admitted, but no brother what- ever shall be permitted to accompany the committee, unless by par- ticular leave from the Master.
ARTICLE XIII.
Stewards.
There shall be two Master Masons, members of this Lodge, ap- pointed Stewards, whose duty it shall be to receive directions from the Worshipful Master, and provide for the Lodge accordingly.
ARTICLE XIV.
Widows and Orphans.
The widow of any deceased member of this Lodge shall, if the funds permit, receive the same benefit as her husband was entitled to; and should he or she leave a child or children, they shall be entitled to the same.
This Lodge will further provide a trade for such child, or some calling whereby he, she or they, may obtain an honest livelihood.
And this Lodge will, as much as possible supply the place of the deceased parent.
ARTICLE XV.
Committee of Grievance.
That the voice of discord may not be heard amongst us, the Wor- shipful Master and Officers, shall be a Committee of Grievance, a ma- jority of whom, when met, form a quorem, whose duty shall be to hear all complaints, and settle them amicably if in their power. If they cannot settle said disputes, or should think them of sufficient magni- tude to bring before the Lodge, then to report the same to the Lodge.
ARTICLE XVI.
Amendments to the By-Laws.
Any amendment or additions to these By-Laws, shall be proposed in writing, and read at a stated meeting. If seconded they shall be read again, and laid over till the next stated meeting, when if approved of, by a majority present, they shall be adopted.
RULES OF ORDER.
First.
When the Master takes the Chair, the brethren shall repair to their respective places, and upon proper notice, shall observe a profound silence. No brother shall leave his work, or move from his place, ex- cept such as may be required to do so in the performance of their duty, without permission of the Master.
30
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
Second.
Every brother shall stand up when he speaks, and shall address himself to the Master, in a respectful and decorous manner.
He shall speak but once on any subject unless it is merely to explain, until every member present has spoken, who choose, to avail himself of the privilege. But no Member shall be permitted to speak more than twice upon any one subject. He shall not be suffered to say anything, which will have a tendency wantonly to wound or irri- tate the feelings of a brother; as the sole object of debate, regard being had to precious time, is, to enlighten and expand the mind, and elucidate the subject under discussion.
Third.
In all motions, debates, etc., the rules usually practiced in Leg- islative bodies shall be observed, as near as may be.
Fourth.
The Master shall be a judge of order, and debate; where his deci- sion is fairly questionable, an appeal may be made to the Lodge; but such appeal must be neither captious, contemptuous, nor contumacious. Truth, justice and candor must be the desiderata of such an appeal.
Fifth.
The Master shall discountenance useless and tedious debate, as an injurious hindrance to the regular work of the Lodge, and shall hasten to put a stop to it.
Sixth.
For gross violation of the rules of the Lodge, or contemptuous behaviour, the Master may direct the offending Brother to withdraw for the evening, and refer the matter to the Lodge.
Seventh.
In all cases where there is an equality of votes the Master shall have the casting vote.
Eighth.
Whenever the Master rises, all debate shall cease, and a strict silence shall be observed.
The dignity of the Oriental Chair must always be supported.
The minutes of the subsequent meetings during that first year continue with records of petitions received and approved, member- ship elections, members entered, and dues paid. These latter are in amounts strange to our eyes, stated meetings total receipts often reading $0.50, or $0.621/2. At the meeting of August 10, 1848, an invitation was received from the D. D. Grand Master Joseph L. Stichter "to assist in Laying the Corner Stone of the Gas Works on Tuesday, September 5th." This invitation was accepted, and a Com- mittee of Arrangements appointed. The first annual meeting was held Thursday, December 14, 1848, when John O. D. Lilly was
31
1948
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1848
elected Worshipful Master ; David E. Stout, Senior Warden; Syden- ham E. Ancona, Junior Warden; Robert Caldwell, Treasurer; and William H. Strickland, Secretary. The Committee on Regalia made this report :
Purchased : 12 Aprons and Collars @ $7.50 per set. $90.00
2 Aprons and Collars @ $4.75 per set 9.50
36 Aprons plain @ $1.121/2 each 40.50
A bill of $3.00 for Omnibus Hire at the Installation of the Lodge was ordered paid, and new By-Laws were adopted.
The new Officers were installed at a special Meeting, held on St. John's Day, December 27, 1848, when an audited report of the financial condition of the Lodge was received as follows: "To the Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brothers of Lodge No. 227. Your Committee to audit the accounts have attended to the duty assigned to them, and find the Lodge at present consists of twenty two mem- bers. There has been withdrawn, during the past year, one member. The receipts for the past term as fees, dues, etc., are $288.75
Expenditures 163.1212
Leaving a Balance on Hand of 125.621/2
"The amount percentage to Grand Lodge on the above is Fifty Two Dollars ($52.00) which amount they have not included in the above account."
Signed : J. O. D. LILLY WILLIAM H. STRICKLAND JOHN C. WHALLY
This closed the first Masonic year for Chandler, a period of eight months, during which the membership grew from 7 to 22, and the Treasury from nothing to a balance of $125.00. It should be borne in mind, too, that many non-recurring purchases had to be made for equipment of the Lodge, so that one may well state that the hopes of those who founded Chandler were fully realized. The new lodge had made a grand start, and promised bright things for the future.
The year 1849 was marked by a number of interesting incidents. For example, at the February meeting a new gavel for the use of the Worshipful Master was obtained at a cost of $2.50. In March
32
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
the Lodge accepted a proposition from Lodge No. 62, to furnish Chandler with a Lodge Room, Lights, Fuel and Tyler for One Hun- dred Dollars per annum. This room was in the Keystone House, a hotel situated on the northwest corner of Sixth and Penn Streets.
In May the Lodge presented to Lodge No. 62 "a handsome copy of Harper's Edition of the Holy Bible" at a cost of $12.00.
In June, a special Grievance Committee was appointed at the request of Brother S. E. Ancona and Brother G. Hoffman. Dues that night totalled $0.25, though $10.00 was given as a donation to Brother Dale, a Master Mason in distress. At that time there was no standing committee on relief, but the Master dispensed charity to "sojourning brothers" within his discretion, and later billed the Lodge for the amount so expended.
In July at a Special Meeting, it was found that a candidate, one John G. Geissler, had such an imperfect understanding of the English language, that his initiation was postponed for 10 days, when it was given in German.
In August 1849, the By-Laws were amended to read, "Every person initiated into this Lodge Shall pay the Sum of Twenty Five Dollars: to wit, Ten Dollars as his initiation, Ten Dollars upon being passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and Five Dollars upon being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason."
In October, the Worshipful Master announced his intention of leaving Pennsylvania for a distant State, and the Lodge adopted a suitable Resolution, expressing appreciation of his services to the Lodge, and commending him to the good offices of Master Masons wherever he should be.
The year closed with the annual meeting at which these Officers were elected: Brothers David E. Stout, W. M .; Sydenham E. An- cona, S. W .; James Mulligan, J. W .; Robert Caldwell, Treasurer, and Henry Crowther, Secretary. The Auditor's Report for the year 1849 reads :
Total Receipts, dues, fees, etc.
$772.95
Total Amount of Disbursements 452.76
Cash Balance in Treasury
320.19
Amount of arrearages for dues
92.421/2
Total resources of Lodge
412.611/2
33
1848
History of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.
1948
There were four members received by certificate, 32 by initia- tion, making a total membership of 56.
Percentage due Grand Lodge : 32 Init. @ 2.00 $64.00 Percentage due Grand Lodge : 56 members @ 1.00 56.00
Percentage due Grand Lodge on Total Amount I20.00
During 1850 little unusual transpired. However, the beginnings of our system of dispensing charity were laid, when "a certificate of a deceased Master Mason having been received from his widow, Mrs. Mary Overholtzer, she was granted an order for $5.00".
To match the gavel purchased in 1849, "a block of Irish marble" was purchased at a cost of $6.00. At the annual meeting on Tuesday evening, December 3, 1850-this was the start in selecting Tuesday for meetings-Sydenham E. Ancona was elected W. M .; J. Mulli- gan, S. W .; Samuel McDonnell, J. W .; R. Caldwell, Treasurer, and A. Jordan Swartz, Secretary. The membership now reached 77.
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.