USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 6
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On August 3, 1875, the first trustees of the permanent Relief Fund were elected as follows: George W. Grant, Henry A. Tyson and Joel K. Babb.
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On October 5, 1875, a communication was read from the Ma- sonic Hall Association of the City of Reading, inviting this Lodge to participate in the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the New Masonic Hall on North Sixth Street, by the R. W. Grand Master and officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on Thursday October 7, 1875, at 12 o'clock. On motion of P. M. Hoffeditz, it was resolved that the communication be received and the invitation accepted and this Lodge participate in the ceremonies and agree to pay a proportionate share of the expenses of the band, etc.
On December 7, 1875, the following officers were elected : George C. Wilson, Worshipful Master; William G. Rowe, Senior Warden; W. Jesse Orr, Junior Warden; William S. Ritter, Treas- urer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustees of General Fund, George W. Phelps, Charles S. Bickley and William A. Sands; Trustees of Relief Fund, George H. Mengel, one year, Joel K. Babb, two years and George W. Grant, three years.
On March 7, 1876, the Worshipful Master was, on motion, in- structed to confer with the presiding officers of the different Masonic bodies with a view to the retiring of our worthy old Tyler, Stephen Orth, of Lodge No. 62, with an allowance of pay.
On December 5, 1876, the election of officers resulted as follows : William G. Rowe, Worshipful Master; W. Jesse Orr, Senior War- den; John L. Snell, Junior Warden; William S. Ritter, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustee of General Fund, William G. VonNeida, for three years; Trustee of Charity Fund, George H. Mengel, for three years.
A petition to the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was read from a number of brethren praying for a warrant for a new lodge to be constituted and held in this city. On motion of the Secretary, the same was recommended, whereupon the following resolution was unanimously adopted, to wit: Resolved that the above petition be recommended to the favorable consideration of the R. W. Grand Lodge.
The new Lodge subsequently created became Reading Lodge No. 549.
In February, 1877, a request was made by Reading Lodge, No. 549, for the use of the working implements belonging to Chandler Lodge. On motion of the Secretary said request was granted.
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It is interesting to note that at this time practically every Stated meeting of the Lodge received at least one communication from some Lodge notifying Chandler of the expulsion of a member of that Lodge for gross unmasonic conduct or intemperance.
During this year the trustees of the various Masonic bodies of Reading were considering the financing of the Masonic Hall then in progress of construction on North Sixth Street. In March the trustees of the Lodge, George W. Phelps, Charles S. Bickley and William G. VonNeida, reported to the Lodge "that we are not pre- pared at the present time to recommend our Lodge to invest its funds in that enterprise."
On December 4, the Lodge was notified of a reduction of its rent to $160 per annum, and a note of thanks was tendered the Board of Trustees for their generosity.
The following officers were elected for 1878; W. Jesse Orr, Worshipful Master; Henry R. Laucks, Senior Warden ; Samuel F. Guss, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Ty- son, Secretary ; Trustees of General Fund, George W. Phelps, three years; George W. Durell, one year; Trustee of Charity Fund, Joel K. Babb, three years.
CHARLES A. SAYLOR
Charles A. Saylor was born in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania in 1838, and graduated from the Central High school of Philadelphia. For fifty years he followed photography in this locality, enjoying a high reputation in that work, and becoming widely known among the citizens of Reading. Most of the early photo- graphs in this book are products of Brother Saylor.
In the early 70's he conducted two studios on Penn Street, one at Sixth and Penn Streets (now the Pomeroy store site) and another at Fifth and Penn Streets (old Fashion store corner). In later years he conducted a picture gallery and studio at 411 North Sixth Street. He retired from business in 1912.
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Brother Saylor was active in Republican politics and served three terms (1873-83) on the local school board, representing the Seventh Ward.
Brother Saylor was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge October 22, 1864. He served as Worshipful Master in 1868. He was also a member of DeMolay (E. C. in 1870) Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, and Rajah Temple. Brother Saylor died at his residence, I2I North Sixth Street, Reading, on October 9, 1921, aged 83 years.
JOHN B. MAXTON
John B. Maxton was born in 1834. He was a machinist by trade, but at an early age entered the grocery business, trading as Frame and Maxton, and in 1867 conducted his own business establishment at Fourth and Binga- man Streets, Reading. He served as Alderman of the First Ward for a number of years, and at the time of his death was a time keeper at the Reading Iron Works. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was a member of the M. E. Church. Brother Maxton was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge September 13, 1863, and served as Worshipful Master in 1869. He died April 9, 1889 and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
GEORGE W. GRANT
George W. Grant was born in Reading in 1842, and at an early age entered the em- ploy of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company. For a number of years he served as a passenger conductor on the main line.
When the Civil War broke out he en- listed in Co. B, 88th Regiment, P. V. as a private, but was soon made a sergeant and later lieutenant and captain. He was captured at Gettysburg and became a Libby prisoner. He was appointed Postmaster of Reading by President Grant. Upon his retirement as Postmaster, he toured the west as a lecturer on the Battle of Gettysburg. He also was en-
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gaged in the novelty business for a number of years, conducting the "Little Store 'Round the Corner", at 15 North Sixth Street. He later moved to Minneapolis, where he served as Quartermaster of the Minnesota Soldiers' Home for six years until he was disabled by a stroke of paralysis. He was active in Republican politics and in the G. A. R. Brother Grant helped organize McLean Post, No. 16, in 1866 and was named Senior Vice Commander in 1868.
Brother Grant was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge July 19, 1865, and served as Worshipful Master in 1870 and in 1871. He was a charter member of Reading Commandery, K. T., No. 42, drafted its by-laws, served on its first board of trustees, and became its third Eminent Commander. He died at Minneapolis, Minn., on April II, 1901, and was buried at Lakewood Cemetery in that city.
WILLIAM A. SANDS
Colonel William A. Sands was born in Montgomery County in 1819, and at an early age became a salesman in the general store of William Eckert at Fourth and Penn Streets, Reading. Later, with Daniel Baum, he engaged in the general store business on North Fifth Street, until the business failed. Colonel Sands was known for his honesty and spent many years thereafter in paying off a large per- sonal indebtedness.
His services were much in demand as an auctioneer, and he was engaged in that capacity in the South when the Civil War broke out. He rushed home and entered the army as first lieutenant in Captain J. C. A. Hoffeditz's company. When Captain Hoffeditz resigned while the company was stationed at "Camp Hoffeditz", Baltimore, Md., he was succeeded by Captain Sands. For a time he was on Governor Curtin's staff. He was captured by the enemy in 1864 and was taken to Libby prison. Long before the war broke out he had taken an active interest in military matters, having had charge as first lieutenant of the "Reading Dragoons", subsequently known as "Reading City Troop". He held the office of U. S. Gauger in the Berks County District for almost 20 years. He was a lifelong men- ber and vestryman of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Brother Sands was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on No- vember 6, 1855, and served as Worshipful Master in 1872. He died July 27, 1897.
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GEORGE W. PHELPS
George W. Phelps was born in 1823 in Vermont. After com- pleting his education, he became a school teacher, and later joined the Ætna Life Insurance Company. He was transferred to Reading and became general agent for that company with offices at 40 North Sixth Street. He remained in Reading about 15 years and then pur- chased a fruit farm at Seaford, Del., to which he removed, and where he remained until death.
While in Reading he took an active part in the Sunday School of the old South Fourth Street M. E. Church, of which he was a member. He was also a director in the Reading School Board.
Brother Phelps was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge April 17, 1866, and served as Worshipful Master in 1873. He was a member of Reading Commandery, No. 42, and served as Prelate and Trustee for the first year of its existence.
He died at Seaford, Del., on January 15, 1893, and was buried at Shelburne, Vermont.
WILLIAM S. RITTER
William Snyder Ritter was born in Ex- eter Township in 1828. He attended the pub- lic schools of that township until 17 years of age and was then apprenticed to the "Reading Adler" to learn the art of printing. He re- mained with that establishment until 1856, when he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1864 he returned to the printing business, . and in 1876 erected the first extensive print- ing establishment in Reading. For a number of years he published the Reading Eagle in partnership with Jesse Hawley. He and other members of the Ritter family owned and published the Reading Adler, one of the early German newspapers in the United States, for over a century.
He served three terms as a member of Common Council and was its president. He also served two terms as prison inspector.
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Brother Ritter was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge October 5, 1852, and served as Worshipful Master in 1874. He was treasurer of Chandler Lodge in 1876 and 1877.
He died May 2, 1891, and was buried in Charles Evans Cem- etery.
CHARLES S. BICKLEY
Charles S. Bickley was born in a log cabin that stood at Sixth and Penn Streets, Reading, in 1807. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1829 and lived there 20 years. After that, he removed to Philadelphia, then to Hamburg, and finally to Reading. Upon his return to Reading, he became captain of a boat running from Reading to Philadelphia, carrying coal, pig iron, merchandise, etc. He then entered the salt business and had his salt depot at the foot of Penn Street, where he conducted a busy wharf. In 1881, he entered the baking business at 323 Penn Street, where he conducted a large and extensive business until his death.
Brother Bickley was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on March 5, 1867, and served as Worshipful Master in 1875. He was also a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, and a charter member of Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T.
He served as Treasurer of Reading Commandery from its con- stitution until 1874.
Brother Bickley died October 1, 1893, aged 86 years. He was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
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GEORGE C. WILSON, SR.
George Cookman Wilson Sr., was born in Reading in 1847 and was educated in the local grammar schools. He became a machin- ist and was employed at the P. and R. Shops as a layer-out of sheet metal tanks and boilers. He was a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church.
Brother Wilson was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge July 20, 1869. He served as Worshipful Master in 1876 and as Treasurer from 1896 to 1899. He was a member of Reading Royal Arch Chapter, No. 152, which he served as High Priest in 1888, and was a member of Reading Commandery, No. 42, which he served as Eminent Commander in 1895. He was a member of both Lu Lu and Rajah Temples, Mystic Shriners.
Brother Wilson was very active in degree work. Masons will readily understand this from his having held the offices of Worship- ful Master, High Priest and Eminent Commander through many years. The regular attendance and the arduous labors connected with Brother Wilson's Masonic career constitute a generous gift by him of his life-long service to our order.
Brother Wilson died March II, 1917, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
WILLIAM G. ROWE
William G. Rowe was born in Cumber- land County August 13, 1841. He was edu- cated in the common schools of Reading, and learned the trade of blacksmith under his father. Upon his return from active military service in the Civil War, he became a partner with his father in the blacksmithing business, remaining at the same old stand, on Cherry Street below Fourth, for a long period of time. He had a reputation for expertness in horse- shoeing.
He was active in Republican politics and served three years in Common Council. In 1881 he defeated Past Master Henry A. Tyson
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as a candidate for Mayor of Reading, and was reelected in 1883. His election and reelection, in a then powerful Democratic strong- hold, exhibits in a high degree the popularity which he enjoyed in Reading.
Brother Rowe was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Jan- uary 17, 1871. He became Worshipful Master in 1877 and also served as Treasurer 1878 to 1895, a period of 17 years. He died January 5, 1896, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
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CHAPTER IV 1878-1888
The decade 1878-1888 included a brief period when attendance at meetings was slipping downward, but the pendulum soon swung toward greater interest. Nevertheless, the world-wide depression of 1873 continued, without doubt, to exercise during its long duration a somewhat cramping effect upon purely voluntary organizations. Dur- ing this decade the lodge frequently evinced its alacrity in responding to every proper call upon it for pecuniary benevolence. In this decade, the project for a Masonic Home for the indigent came to a head. The Committee of Fifteen was created by the Grand Lodge on June 6, 1883, to confer with a committee made up from the member- ship of the subordinate Lodges in the jurisdiction. At the following Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, the subject was recom- mitted to the Committee of Fifteen, who held further conferences with the committee of the subordinate Lodges. Having unanimously agreed upon their recommendations, the Committee of Fifteen pre- sented their report to the Grand Lodge on December 5, 1883, at the Quarterly Communication. The report observed that since the Grand Lodge is the Supreme Authority within the order, "it should, in all its actions, carefully protect itself from any mischief which incon- siderate legislation by itself might, even unsuspectingly, permit. It therefore becomes of the greatest moment in all matters which, in themselves, do not absolutely demand the control and government by the Grand Lodge in their practical execution or administration- because there may be something of Masonic character attached to them-that the Grand Lodge in its sovereign capacity should not of- ficially intervene. The establishment therefore of a Home for Aged and Indigent Master Masons is one of those enterprises over which the Grand Lodge must either assume entire exclusive authority, or leave it where it properly belongs, to the care and oversight, and control of brethren who voluntarily associate for this purpose.
"There appears, now, to be no difference of opinion that the latter course, in this respect, ought to be adopted. The Grand Lodge has officially promulgated that 'it approves of the establishment of a Home for Aged and Indigent Master Masons'. This approval by the Grand Lodge, in the broad and fraternal spirit which it adopts ex-
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tends to subordinate lodges and brethren of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons the privilege of forming a voluntary association for this purpose, if they so please. If such an association is organized with a wise prudence, it should have the absolute and entire govern- ment of so laudable an institution."
The Grand Lodge accordingly by resolution reaffirmed its ap- proval of the establishment of the home as pronounced by it on June 6, 1883, further declared that it deemed further action by it unnecessary, and discharged the Committee of Fifteen. Thus, in 1883, the ground was cleared and the foundation laid for the sub- sequent association of all Masons within the jurisdiction, and for the creation of the Home.
On January 1, 1878, Brother P. M. William S. Ritter, late treas- urer, stated that he had deposited in the Dime Savings Bank the funds of the Lodge and in consequence of the failure of said bank he was unable to pay over the balance in the treasury amounting to $554.60, and intimated a desire to be relieved therefrom, when on motion of P. M. George C. Wilson, the matter was referred to the trustees for examination and report at a future meeting.
Brother P. M. William S. Ritter also stated that he held in his possession a gold watch belonging to one of the members of this Lodge, which he had taken from a pawn broker some two years ago and desired the Lodge to take some action in the matter. On motion of Past Master S. E. Ancona, it was ordered that an order of $25 be drawn in favor of Brother Ritter, and that the watch be placed in the hands of the trustees and an opportunity be given the brother to redeem the same.
The trustees, to whom was committed the matter of the account in the failed Dime Savings Bank, later recommended to the Lodge that in view of the relations between Masons and the responsibilities of the Lodge, P. M. Ritter should not in their opinion ask for any abatement at this time, that he ought at his earliest convenience close the account with the Lodge, but that, if he found it inconvenient to do so at this time, they would recommend that he pay over $54.60 into the Lodge treasury, and that the balance of the account in the failed bank, amounting to $500., should be considered a loan from the Lodge to him.
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On March 5, 1878, Brother Louis M. Chastean, J. W. of Wil- liam B. Schneider Lodge, No. 419, Philadelphia, arose and delivered a short address, expressing sentiments of fraternal feeling toward this Lodge from the Brethren of Lodge No. 419, for favors shown them upon the occasion of their visit to this city in January last, when attending the funeral of Brother John H. Anderson, late mem- ber of said Lodge. And as a further token of their fraternal regard, Brothers Past Masters John Wilcox and Robert Steel, in behalf of said Lodge No. 419, presented to W. M. W. Jesse Orr, for this Lodge, a beautiful Worshipful Master regalia and jewel, which was received with remarks on behalf of this Lodge by W. M. Orr, Past Masters Ancona, Strickland, Durell, Mulligan and Grant and D. D. G. M. Shearer.
On April 2, 1878, the secretary, chairman of the committee on anniversary celebration, reported that the committee had agreed upon a celebration to take place in the Lodge room on Saturday evening, May 4, the exercises to consist of an address by P. G. M. Richard Vaux, music by the Reading Choral Society, and refreshments, the price of tickets to be 50 cents for members and 25 cents for ladies. Brother P. M. George C. Wilson offered a motion that tickets be presented to such members as may be too poor to pay for them, but this motion, after an explanation by the committee, failed to pass.
On May 7, 1878, the Lodge by unanimous resolution, tendered their thanks to Brother E. A. Berg, and to the ladies and gentlemen composing the choir that furnished the excellent music on the occa- sion of the reception in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Lodge. On July 2, 1878, a communication was read from Reading Com- mandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, inviting the members of Chand- ler Lodge to accompany them on their Grand Excursion to Atlantic City on July 17.
On September 3, 1878, a donation of $50 was granted to the R. W. Grand Secretary on account of this Lodge for the sufferers from yellow fever in the South.
On December 3, 1878, Brother P. M. S. E. Ancona offered the following Resolution, which was adopted, to wit: "that a committee of three be appointed to secure for the Lodge, Brother James A.
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Hopkins or other distinguished brethren to deliver lectures before the Lodge occasionally."
The following officers were elected : Henry R. Laucks, Worship- ful Master; Samuel F. Guss, Senior Warden; Isaac E. Robinson, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustee of General Fund, George W. Durell ; Trustee of Relief Fund, George W. Grant.
Meetings were rather poorly attended during 1879, and the minutes contain nothing deemed of interest to the members today. However, financial aid continued to be given to needy Masonic cases, and the funeral expenses of the widow of a deceased Brother were paid.
On December 2, 1879, the following were elected: Samuel F. Guss, Worshipful Master; Isaac E. Robinson, Senior Warden ; A. Harvey Tyson, Junior Warden ; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustee of General Fund, William G. Von- Neida; Trustee of Charity Fund, George H. Mengel.
It was moved and adopted that Chandler Lodge give a supper on the evening of St. John's Day, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements.
On January 6, 1880, the cases of certain orphan boys of Masonic parentage were referred to the officers and to the representative, with instructions to use every endeavor to have them admitted to Girard College.
On November 2, 1880, the Worshipful Master asked for an order of $2.50 donation granted a traveling Brother, which on motion was granted.
On December 7, 1880, the following officers were elected : Isaac E. Robinson, Worshipful Master ; A. Harvey Tyson, Senior Warden ; John E. Goodman, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; Trustee to General Fund, George W. Phelps; Trustee to Charity Fund, Joel K. Babb.
Attendance was poor during the year. Some times less than a dozen members attended, outside of the Chairs.
On June 7, 1881, a communication was read from Lodges No. 224 and 516 at Danville, Pa., inviting this Lodge to the corner stone
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laying of Christ Episcopal Church on June 24 next, which on motion duly seconded was received and referred to the officers with power to act. The trip was made by many members and their families at the very low rate of $1.00. This large church was completely de- stroyed by fire in 1948.
On December 6, 1881, the following officers were elected : A. Harvey Tyson, Worshipful Master ; John E. Goodman, Senior War- den ; Joseph R. Robinson, Junior Warden ; William G. Rowe, Treas- urer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustee to General Fund, George W. Durell; Trustee to Charity Fund, George W. Grant.
Attendance during the year was poor. Provision and arrange- ments were made for the St. John's Day banquet.
On February 9, 1882, a communication was received from Grand Lodge inviting the Lodge to cooperate to its utmost ability with the Grand Lodge in the celebration on June 24, 1882, of the 150th An- niversary of the organization of the Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania. The Grand Lodge asked to be promptly told how many aprons would be necessary, and offered to supply them at cost. The communication was signed by Michael Nisbet, Grand Secretary, acting under orders of the committee on Sesqui-Centennial Celebration.
On May 2, 1882, the Worshipful Master stated that the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's Hospital had called several times to solicit a donation for said hospital, whereupon on motion a donation of $50 was granted.
On December 5, 1882, the following officers were elected : John E. Goodman, Worshipful Master ; Joseph R. Robinson, Senior War- den; John Shadel, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; Trustee of General Fund, Henry J. Richards; Trustee of Charity Fund, William H. Becker.
On May 1, 1883, a communication was read from Dr. Murray Weidman, for the Reading Hospital, soliciting aid in behalf of said hospital, and on motion it was resolved that a donation of $50 be granted.
On June 6, 1883, the following important communication was received from the Grand Lodge: "Resolved, That the R. W. Grand Lodge approves of the establishment of a home for aged and indigent
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