USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 5
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Brother Diehl was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on October 16, 1849, and served as Worshipful Master in 1858. He died Sep- tember 7, 1873, and is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
LIEUT. COL. JOSEPH A. McLEAN
Joseph A. McLean was born in Philadel- phia in 1823. He was a machinist and in 1848 removed to Reading, where he obtained em- ployment with the Reading Railway Com- pany. He was a member of the Reading School Board and of the Common Council of the city.
He was prompt in recruiting troops at the outbreak of the Civil War and was com- missioned a lieutenant colonel in 1861. With his regiment, he participated in many major battles. In the disastrous engagement of the second battle of Bull Run, he was mortally wounded and left upon the field, where he died August 30, 1862, and where he is buried.
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Two military societies were organized and named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel McLean. In 1866, a Grand Army Post, McLean Post, No. 16, was organized with Past Master George W. Grant as Senior Vice Commander, and Past Master J.C. A. Hoffeditz as Junior Vice Commander. This organization at one time boasted a member- ship of 1,364. In 1884, McLean's Relief Corps No. 10 was or- ganized.
Brother McLean was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on - August 2, 1853, served as Worshipful Master in 1859, and as Treas- urer in 1860-61.
CAPTAIN GEORGE W. DURELL
George W. Durell was born at Wilming- ton, Del., on November 25, 1816. He served as foreman painter for the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he promptly enlisted and served as a sergeant with the Ringgold Light Artillery for three months. He then organized Durell's Independent Battery D and was commissioned its captain, in which capac- ity he served until illness compelled his resig- nation in September, 1864. During the war, he was appointed Provost Marshal to conduct the drafts in Berks County. After his resignation, he resumed his foremanship at the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company shops and became ac- tive in the First Baptist Church and in various musical organizations.
Brother Durell was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge Septem- ber 3, 1849, and served as Worshipful Master in 1860. In 1872 he served as commander of McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R.
He died November 9, 1883, and was interred in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
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EMANUEL J. RAUCH
Emanuel J. Rauch was born at Chester, Pa., November 6, 1825. When he was seven years of age, he moved to Philadelphia with his parents, and was educated in the public schools of that city. He came to Reading at an early age, and was employed by the Phila- delphia and Reading Company as blacksmith, and later as master mechanic at the Locomo- tive Shops. Later, he served as Superinten- dent of Signal towers. He was a gifted writer and contributed regular articles to the local newspapers in Pennsylvania German under the name of Pete Schwef- felbrenner.
About the year 1867, he moved to New York City, where he entered the employ of the Metropolitan Elevated Lines. He served that company for a period of 35 years, until his retirement.
Brother Rauch was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on August 15, 1849. He served as Worshipful Master in 1861 and 1864. He was also a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237.
A lifelong friend of Sydenham E. Ancona, he named his son in honor of Brother Ancona.
He died in New York City April 8, 1914, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
JAMES MULLIGAN
James Mulligan was born in Luzerne County in 1827 and came to Reading from Wilkes-Barre about 1856. A machinist by trade, he was employed at the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company shops for many years, after which he was employed in Mellert's Foundry. Subsequently, he became superintendent of machinery and engines for the Schuylkill Navigation Company.
He was for years a member of the School Board from the Fifth Ward, in the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, and was a highly respected citizen.
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Brother Mulligan was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on June 8, 1848, and served as Worshipful Master in 1862. He died February 8, 1880, and is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading.
FRANKLIN TILL
Franklin Till was a bricklayer by trade, and for over 35 years was employed in vari- ous capacities at the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company Depot. Later he conducted a plumbing establishment at 522 and 524 Court Street, Reading, opposite the depot, un- der the name of F. Till and Company.
During the Winter of 1873-74 he was vice-president of the Second Ward Relief So- ciety, and did noble work in relieving small- pox patients and in dispensing charity. Brother Till was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Septem- ber 18, 1849 and served as Worshipful Master in 1863.
He died May 26, 1880, and is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
HENRY A. TYSON
Henry A. Tyson was born in Reading, Pa., December 14, 1832. He was educated in the Reading public schools and apprenticed to the trade of chairmaking. He was engaged in that occupation until he was elected city con- troller on the Democratic ticket in 1876. In 1879 he was elected Mayor, and was respon- sible for many important improvements in the City of Reading. It was during his adminis- tration that Antietam Lake was greatly en- larged.
Brother Tyson was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on June 7, 1859. He served as Worshipful Master for the years 1864 and
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1865, and as Secretary from 1867 continously to 1896. He was Dis- trict Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh District from 1885 to 1894 inclusive, and was recorder of Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, from 1872 to 1895. He was also a member of Reading Chapter, No. 152, serving as Secretary from 1867 to 1895, inclusive.
Brother Tyson died September 14, 1895, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
CAPTAIN JOHN C. A. HOFFEDITZ
John C. A. Hoffeditz was born in North- ampton County in 1829. He received his edu- cation in the public schools of that county and the Moravian school at Nazareth, known as "Nazareth Hall". He acquired the trade of tanner and followed it for one year at Easton, then moved to Reading, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1880, he joined with his son, J. Calvin Hoffeditz, Past Master of Reading Lodge No. 549, in the manufac- ture of carriages.
Shortly after the Civil War had begun, he organized a company of cavalry, called the "Reading Troop" and became its captain. Sick- ness forced his return to Reading in 1862, and he was appointed deputy provost marshal of the Berks County area. He was a mem- ber of the Reading School Board, organized the "Reading Electric Light and Power Company", and served as its first president.
Brother Hoffeditz was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge Feb- ruary 5, 1861, and served as Worshipful Master in 1867. He was a member of Reading Chapter, No. 152; DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, and a past officer in Reading Council, No. 16. He received the 33rd degree. In 1867, he was Eminent Commander of DeMolay Commandery, No. 9.
He died in 1901 and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
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CHAPTER III
1868-1878
The decade 1868-1878 was a period marked especially by the expanding charitable functions of the Lodge, and by the part it took in the growth of Masonry in Reading and elsewhere. The Chandler Lodge $10,000.00 Permanent Charity Fund was instituted. Num- erous gifts, not only to needy Masons and their widows, of this and other Lodges, but also to large groups of non-Masonic sufferers from calamitous disaster, are recorded. The new Masonic Hall was acquired and furnished in Reading City Hall and the Masonic Tem- ple was dedicated in Philadelphia. The decade showed no flagging in Masonic zeal.
At the Stated Meeting March 3, 1868, a communication was received from the Brethren at Hamburg, extending an invitation to the institution of Vaux Lodge, No. 406, at Hamburg, on Wednesday, March 18.
At the meeting in April, a committee was appointed to arrange for the Twentieth Anniversary celebration of Chandler Lodge. The portrait of P. M. John O. D. Lilly was purchased at a price of $25.
One hundred and thirty Brethren attended the annual election of officers on December 1, 1868, when the following were chosen : John B. Maxton, Worshipful Master; George W. Grant, Senior Warden; William A. Sands, Junior Warden ; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; William S. Ritter, C. S. Bickley and A. B. Wanner, Trustees.
Nothing of historical importance is contained in the minutes of 1869. There were 25 meetings held to do the "work".
On December 7, 1869, the following officers were elected : George W. Grant, Worshipful Master; William A. Sands, Senior Warden ; James H. Gentzler, Junior Warden ; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; William S. Ritter, Amos B. Wanner and Horace A. Yundt, Trustees.
The Charity Committee was instructed to present each of the widows of deceased members of this Lodge with a barrel of flour as a Christmas present.
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On March 1, 1870, it was resolved, that a committee of three be appointed to confer with similar committees of the other lodges to take into consideration the propriety of forming a Masonic Mutual Life Insurance Association.
At a Special Meeting of Chandler Lodge March 15, 1870, 59 members and 80 visitors being present, called for the purpose of receiving P. G. M. Brother William Barger and receiving instruction in the work. D. D. G. M. Brother Joseph L. Stichter arose and delivered a few remarks and in conclusion introduced P. G. M. Bar- ger. The Worshipful Master then delivered a short address of wel- come and invited Brother Barger to the chair, who, upon taking the same, thanked the brethren for the kind reception given him and proceeded to give an interesting lecture on the three degrees in Masonry.
On May 3, 1870, a petition to the R. W. Grand Lodge for a warrant for a new Lodge in Morgantown, Berks County, was read and on motion of Brother P. M. E. J. Rauch the usual resolution for recommendation was unanimously adopted.
On December 6, 1870, 105 members being present, at a Stated Meeting it was resolved that this Lodge recognize in Brother William Barger, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a bright and zealous Mason, one to whom the Fraternity of Free Masons in Penn- sylvania are largely indebted, not only for the purity of their work, but for their present prosperity. It was further resolved that this Lodge thank Brother P. G. M. Barger for the instruction and fostering care he has so often given to it and that we can best show our ap- preciation of his efforts in our behalf by endeavoring to practice the principles he has so often and so ably laid down for our guidance. It was also unanimously adopted that the charity committee be in- structed to present one barrel of flour, one ton of coal and one turkey to each of the widows under the care of this Lodge as a Christmas gift. At the same meeting the following officers were elected : George W. Grant, Worshipful Master; William A. Sands, Senior Warden; George W. Phelps, Junior Warden; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; William S. Rit- ter, Amos B. Wanner and J. C. A. Hoffeditz, Trustees.
The Auditor's report, presented at the Stated Meeting of Jan- uary 3, 1871, showed among other items a treasury balance of
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$355.34 ; the receipt of interest on investments, $448.37 ; expenditures for charity $376.58; for rent and insurance $160; for Grand Lodge dues $384; for horse hire $18.50, and for funeral expenses $278.24. The Lodge had over $6,000 in investments, and its membership was 348.
The auditors, John C. A. Hoffeditz, Amos Hooker and Jerome L. Boyer, reported that the expenditures had almost equalled the income, and recommended a retrenchment in expenses. On motion of the Secretary a donation of $50 was granted to certain brothers, sufferers by the fire at the Fink and Eisenhower Mill, who had lost all their tools.
At the Stated Meeting in March, 1871, 36 members were present and 7 visitors.
At the Stated Meeting of September 5, 1871, a visiting Brother from Lodge No. 40, Wheeling, W. Va., offered a few remarks solicit- ing charity, and on motion, a donation of $10 was granted him.
On November 7, 1871, a communication was read from the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, appealing for aid in behalf of the suffering of Chicago. Whereupon, on motion, a donation of $100 was granted, $50 for Chicago and $50 for the sufferers of the Northwest. It is interesting to find that the great Chicago fire of October 8-9, 1871, had its effects in the meeting room of Chandler Lodge.
On December 5, 1871, the Lodge considered the advisability of donating $50 to the Masonic reading room, and of renting the third story of the City Hall for the use of the various Masonic Lodges. The following officers were elected: William A. Sands, Worshipful Master; George W. Phelps, Senior Warden; William S. Ritter, Junior Warden ; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; William S. Ritter, Amos B. Wanner and J. C. A. Hof- feditz, Trustees.
On January 2, 1872, P. M. S. E. Ancona was appointed D. D. G. M. for the Fourth Masonic District. Two grievance cases were settled out of court to the satisfaction of all. Upon retirement of D. D. G. M. Brother Joseph L. Stichter, it was resolved that Chandler Lodge, No. 227, A. Y. M. deeply regret to sever the official relations
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that have so long and agreeably existed between Brother Joseph L. Stichter and Chandler. On motion of D. D. G. M. Ancona the trustees were instructed to take an inventory of the property of the Lodge and also to endeavor to recover the lost property, pictures, cane, etc.
On March 5, 1872, two inquiries were received from lodges in New England States as to whether the parties whose names were listed were made Masons in Chandler Lodge. This was a common occurrence, and apparently many profane represented themselves as Masons. Lodge charity was easily obtained at this period.
On April 2, 1872, the case of charity of Mrs. S- was brought up and remarks were made by several of the Brethren in her behalf, when a collection was taken among the Brethren and $20 collected towards the purchase of a sewing machine for her. Brother J. W. William S. Ritter laid upon the secretary's desk a Masonic Register for Berks County, when on motion the secretary was instructed to procure a sufficient number to serve each member with a copy.
On May 7, 1872, a communication was received from the R. W. Grand Master with a communication enclosed from the R. W. G. M. of Michigan, giving information of clandestine-made Masons within the respective jurisdictions, advising the greatest caution in the exam- ination and recognition of visitors, and recommending that brethren about to visit other Lodges provide themselves with Grand Lodge certificates of recent date. A communication was read from St. John's Lodge, No. 435, embodying resolutions of instructions to the trustees of said Lodge to rent and furnish the third story of the City Hall for Masonic purposes and inviting the cooperation of the Masonic bodies now meeting in this hall. On motion of P. M. E. J. Rauch, it was resolved that the communication be received and the trustees instructed to act in conjunction with the trustees of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, in carrying out the spirit of the resolution at as early a day as possible.
At a special meeting held on June 4, 1872, $500 was subscribed toward the establishment of a Masonic Home in Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. D. D. G. M. Sydenham E. Ancona was chosen repre- sentative of the Lodge. The Trustees were instructed, on motion of
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Brother P. M. John C. A. Hoffeditz, to cooperate with the Trustees of Lodge 62 in the project of building a Masonic Hall in Reading.
On July 2, 1872, the Worshipful Master announced the follow- ing committee for the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the in- stitution of Chandler Lodge, on May 4, 1873: D. D. Grand Master S. E. Ancona, chairman; P. M. E. J. Rauch, P. M. J. C. A. Hof- feditz,, P. M. Henry A. Tyson and Charles F. Ware. The Lodge granted $50 to the Brethren and Lodge at Somerset, Pa., suffering from a fire.
At this meeting it was decided to change the stated place of meeting of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, A. Y. M., to the new Masonic Lodge room in the third story of the City Hall, Northeast corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets, Reading.
At a Special Meeting held in the new Masonic Hall in City Hall on July 16, 1872, with 103 members and 10 visitors present, a com- munication from St. John's Lodge, No. 435, was, at the request of Bro. William S. Ritter, J. W., read and its terms ratified, whereby the trustees of St. John's Lodge agreed to rent the room for $200 per annum, and to furnish janitor and light.
At the meeting of December 3, 1872, the following officers were elected : George W. Phelps, Worshipful Master ; William S. Rit- ter, Senior Warden; John E. Arthur, Junior Warden; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; William S. Rit- ter, E. J. Rauch and George W. Grant, Trustees.
A Communication from St. John's Lodge was read as follows :
"Brethren : The Trustees of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, have been instructed to make the following proposition to you in regard to the renting and furnishing of the new Masonic Lodge room over the City Hall, now occupied by your Lodge.
The whole cost of furnishing the room was a little more than $5,000. The exact amount can be ascertained, should you determine to take an interest in the same., It is proposed to divide the whole cost into as many shares as there are bodies meeting in the room, namely, six, which would make each share about $850, and should any of the other Masonic bodies now meeting elsewhere conclude to use said room, the cost of the share would then be reduced in pro- portion. The cost of rent, gas, janitor services, and repairs and im- provements would then be divided pro rata.
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These bodies occupying said room not considering it advisable to take a share in the furniture, it is proposed to charge as annual rental for the use of furniture, repairs, etc., the sum of $200, payable quarterly with the exception of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, who are to pay $150 per annum.
All of which is respectfully submitted for your consideration.
Very truly and Fraternally yours, EDWARD H. SHEARER.
On February 4, 1873, preliminary arrangements were made for the courteous reception and proper Masonic entertainment of the offi- cers of the county lodges, Williamson, Huguenot, Vaux and Union, who with the officers and members of Lodges 62, Chandler, Teutonia and St. John's convened in this hall on and during Friday morning, afternoon and evening, February 21, for the purpose of exemplifying the work in all the degrees, the conduct of business, and to secure ac- curacy and uniformity and promote Masonic intercourse among the brethren.
On March 4, 1873, it was decided to celebrate the 25th anni- versary of the institution of Chandler Lodge with an old fashioned Masonic Barbecue at Rose Valley Park (known also as the Schweit- zer House). The celebration was held at that place on Saturday, May 3, 1873 by members and their families. A deficiency expendi- ture of $275 was incurred and paid.
On August 5, 1873, a communication was read from the R. W. G. L. in relation to the dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on September 26, and the matter was referred to the officers as a committee to make the necessary arrangements. Five hundred tickets were purchased. Past Master Samuel McDonnell was accidentally killed at the dedication in Philadelphia.
On December 2, 1873, officers were elected as follows : William S. Ritter, Worshipful Master; Charles S. Bickley, Senior Warden ; George C. Wilson, Junior Warden; William G. VonNeida, Treas- urer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; J. C. A. Hoffeditz, William A. Sands and George W. Phelps, Trustees.
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FIFTH MEETING PLACE (1873-1902)
City Hall
The Fifth Lodge Hall was located on the third floor of City Hall on the northeast corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets. St. John's Lodge, No. 435, had taken previous action in leasing and fur- nishing the hall, and all other Masonic bodies subsequently removed to this hall. Chandler Lodge and most of the other Masonic bodies purchased equal shares in the furniture and equipment.
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Entrance was made by a stairway at the front or Fifth Street side of the building. The customary waiting room, preparing room, examining room and hallway were near the stairway. The station of the Worshipful Master was at the East end or Sixth Street side. The stations had the customary elevation or raised platforms, and the room was draped in blue. A number of paintings adorned the East, among them being that of Brother J. O. D. Lilly, the first Worshipful Master of Chandler Lodge, and those of other early Past Masters.
The Lodge Room was rather small in size, and greatly in need of repairs and refurnishing when the lodges moved to Masonic Temple.
The Masonic Board of Relief reported on February 3, 1874, that 15 contributions had been made to Masons of Reading affiliated with out-of-town Lodges, or to their widows. Some were members of foreign lodges in England, Scotland and Germany. That board no longer exists, possibly because it encouraged imposters.
On March 3, 1874, the committee on dedication of Masonic Temple at Philadelphia reported a balance of $452.37. This was do- nated to the Masonic Board of Relief.
On June 2, 1874, the Worshipful Master stated that a serious difference had arisen between a Brother and himself, and that the Brother had expressed his determination at a public place to use a black ball against one of the applicants to be balloted on a second time that evening, whereupon the Brother arose in his place and offered a few remarks of explanation. Brother D. D. G. M. S. E. Ancona arose and delivered an address on the use and abuse of the black ball.
The Monument Committee was authorized to contract with Brother William Leas for the erection of a monument on the Chand- ler lot in Charles Evans Cemetery at a cost not to exceed the sum of $500.
On July 7, 1874 a donation of $100 was ordered for sufferers in the Mississippi River flood in Louisiana.
On December 1, 1874, Brother P. M. S. E. Ancona offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That from and after the ensuing Masonic year commencing with the 27th of December, 1874, a certain proportion of
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all receipts for initiation and membership shall be set apart and invested from time to time under the direction of the trustees, with the approval of the Lodge, in first mortgage bonds or like securities for the establishment of a permanent charity fund, the interest thereof to be reinvested as it accrues in like manner, until the sum reaches the full sum of $10,000, after which the interest may be ap- propriated for the charities of the Lodge in aid of its members, their widows, and orphans.
"Resolved : That the Past Masters of the Lodge be and they are hereby constituted a committee to report such amendments to the By- Laws or other provisions or regulations for the proper management of this fund".
On December 1, 1874, the following officers were elected : Charles S. Bickley, Worshipful Master; George C. Wilson, Senior Warden; William G. Rowe, Junior Warden; William G. VonNeida, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; William A. Sands, J. C. A. Hoffeditz and William S. Ritter, Trustees.
On March 2, 1875, the Lodge amended its By-Laws by adopting, subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, an Article 14 for the government of the newly authorized permanent charity fund. The fund was to be maintained by appropriations from the treasury and by the allocation to it of one half of all initia- tion and membership fees, and of all interest earned by the fund, and no appropriation was to be made from it until it had reached the amount of $10,000. It was to be managed by a board of three trustees with staggered incumbencies, and, after the first year, one trustee was to be elected each year for a term of three years to fill the vacancy then occurring. Vacancies arising for other reason than the expiration of a term were to be filled for the unexpired term by the Lodge at a stated meeting. Investments of the fund were re- stricted to First Mortgage Bonds, secured by improved real estate in the City of Reading, worth at least double the amount loaned thereon. Investments could also be made in bonds of the United States, the State of Pennsylvania, the City of Reading, and of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. No loan could be made to any member of Chandler Lodge.
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