USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 7
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Master Masons and that the R. W. Grand Master appoint a com- mittee of 15 to confer and advise with the committee appointed by many of the subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction to consider the subject, said committee to report at a future communication of the Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the R. W. Grand Secretary be and is hereby authorized to send to the several Lodges within this juris- diction a certified copy of the foregoing resolution." Out of this project, already discussed in Masonic circles for a number of years, grew the Home at Philadelphia.
On December 4, 1883 the following officers were elected : Henry R. Laucks, Worshipful Master; Abraham Seivard, Senior Warden ; Joseph W. Day, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustees of General Fund, James P. Sellers, three years; Henry Homan, one year; Trustees of Charity Fund, Joel K. Babb, three years, George H. Mengel, one year.
The minutes for 1884 show little beyond the routine business, social, and charitable activities of the Lodge. However, the Grand Lodge and the subordinate lodges, including Chandler, were in com- munication with reference to the project for a home for aged and indigent Masons. Plans thereto were maturing. Furthermore, attend- ance at the meetings was improving, and such improvement con- tinued during the next year. Visitations by members of other Lodges were numerous.
On December 2, 1884, the following officers were elected : Abra- ham Seivard, Worshipful Master; Joseph W. Day, Senior Warden; Benjamin W. Grist, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; Trustee to General Fund, Henry L. Homan; Trustees to Charity Fund, Jesse Orr, three years ; Henry A. Focht, one year.
On January 6, 1885, a communication from the R. W. G. M. to Henry A. Tyson, appointing him D. D. G. M. for the Seventh Dis- trict, was read.
On February 3, 1885, a letter from 15 members of the Lodge who resided at Birdsboro was received. In it they asked to be noti- fied of Lodge meetings and of the business to be transacted.
On December 1, 1885, the following officers were elected : Jo- seph W. Day, Worshipful Master; Benjamin W. Grist, Senior War- den ; Isaac Lawrence, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ;
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Henry A. Tyson, Secretary; Trustee to General Fund, Henry J. Richards; Trustee to Charity Fund, Joel K. Babb.
On January 5, 1886, the Worshipful Master announced the death of a brother at Camden, N. J., whose body was brought to this city and interred at Charles Evans Cemetery. On motion of P. M. S. E. Ancona the following bills were paid: The bill incurred at Camden for borrowed money, $25, the Camden undertaker's bill $35, and the donation granted the Worshipful Master $20. The Camden physician's bill was referred to the charity committee.
On May 4, 1886, the Secretary, Brother Henry A. Tyson, offered the following resolution which was adopted, to wit: Resolved that Chandler Lodge, No. 227, become a member of The Home for Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, and that an order for $100 be drawn for that purpose.
On motion of the treasurer, William G. Rowe, it was resolved that W. M. Joseph W. Day be chosen representative in said home for this Lodge.
Thus, Chandler Lodge early availed itself of the future bene- fits to be derived from Lodge membership in the Home.
On September 7, 1886, the Lodge received a communication from Grand Lodge, recommending to Chandler Lodge that it celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Independence of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, preferably by the delivery of historical or other Ma- sonic addresses by competent brethren, in the Lodge room of Chand- ler. A date on or about the 25th of September was suggested.
On October 5, 1886, a communication was received from the R. W. Grand Master, making an appeal for aid in behalf of the brethren suffering from the earthquake at Charleston, S. C., where- upon, on motion, a donation of $25 was granted. Thus, the minutes of Chandler Lodge reflect by its benefactions, the great disasters which Nature has visited upon our nation.
On December 7, 1886, the following officers were elected : Ben- jamin W. Grist, Worshipful Master; Isaac Lawrence, Senior War- den; William F. Shanaman, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Trustee of General Fund, James P. Sellers ; Trustee of Charity Fund, Henry A. Focht.
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On June 7, 1887, a communication was received from the Board of Managers of the Home for Friendless Children of this city, whereupon a donation of $25 was granted.
Forty dollars was ordered to be paid toward the burial expenses of a Mason's widow, who died in Philadelphia and was buried in Pottsville. The Grand Lodge charity fund assumed the remainder of the expense.
On December 6, 1887, a communication was read from William- son Lodge, No. 307, Womelsdorf, stating there existed on the part of said Lodge a Masonic objection to Chandler Lodge acting upon the petition for initiation and membership of four petitioners of the previous month.
The following officers were elected to serve during the year 1888: Benjamin W. Grist, Worshipful Master; W. Isaac Lawrence, Senior Warden; William F. Shanaman, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Henry L. Homan, Trustee to General Fund, and Jesse Orr, Trustee to Charity Fund.
W. JESSE ORR
W. Jesse Orr was born in Pikeland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1839. After obtaining a fair edu- cation in the common schools of his native township, he engaged in merchandising at Parker Ford until the year 1867, when he moved to Reading. Soon after his arrival in the city he became president of the Reading Stove Company, one of the largest manufac- turing firms in the city, which responsible position he held for a quarter of a century, or until his death, June 6, 1892.
In 1888, he was also one of the organizers and incorporators of Orr and Sembower Company, manufacturers of steam engines and boilers. He was deeply interested in all movements aimed at improve- ment of the city. He was a director of the following concerns : Na-
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tional Union Bank of Reading, Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the Reading Electric Light Company. He was active in Republican politics and served in both Common and Select Councils, as a member of the School Board, and upon the board of water commissioners. His first interest was the First Baptist Church and for 15 consecutive years he served as president of its board of trustees. For 20 years, he was superintendent of the Ricktown Mission Sunday School.
Brother Orr was made a Mason in Stichter Lodge, No. 254, Pottstown and was admitted to Chandler March 3, 1874. He became Worshipful Master in 1878. He was also a member of Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M., and of DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, of which he was Eminent Commander in 1872. At the time of his death, he was District Deputy Grand Commander. He was first T. I. G. M. of Creigh Council, No. 16 (1873), and was also a trustee.
The Jesse Orr School Building was named in his honor. He was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
HENRY R. LAUCKS
Henry R. Laucks was born in Boyertown in 1841. He came to Reading when a boy and entered the printing office of J. Lawrence Getz, where he learned the trade. He con- tinued at printing until 1865, when he became timekeeper in the Philadelphia and Reading Railway shops. He served in that capacity four years, and was then promoted to the position of chief clerk to Superintendent of Motive Power L. B. Paxon, which he held up to the time of death. He was unusually cap- able and possessed a remarkable memory.
In 1861, he enlisted in the Seventh Penn. Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to first sergeant. He was wounded in the chest at Antietam, and participated in the battles of Bull Run, Chambers- burg and others. He was an elder in St. Andrew's Reformed Church,
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and interested in civic affairs, but refused an invitation to be a candi- date for Mayor of Reading.
Brother Laucks was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Au- gust 20, 1866. He served as Worshipful Master in 1879, and again in 1884. He was a member of DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Brother Laucks died December 1, 1893, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
SAMUEL F. GUSS
Samuel F. Guss was born in Schuylkill Haven, Penna., in 1851, and educated in the public schools of that town. He entered the Cressona shops of the Philadelphia and Read- ing Railway Company, where he learned the trade of machinist. After being employed at Ashland for a short time, he came to Reading in 1871, and obtained a position as machinist with the Scott Foundry of the Reading Iron Company. He was in that company's employ 32 years, the latter 25 years as foreman of the machine shop.
Brother Guss was made a' Mason in Chandler Lodge June 3, 1873, and served as Worshipful Master in 1880. He died June 2, 1928, a life member of the Lodge. He was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
ISAAC E. ROBINSON
Isaac E. Robinson was born at Joanna, Penna., in July 1839. He was educated in the public schools of that area and came to Reading at an early age. Here he entered the employ of the Phila- delphia and Reading Railway Company and was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer prior to 1869. He served as Treas- urer of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
From 1861 to 1865, he served as quartermaster sergeant in Co. L, Seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.
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Brother Robinson was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge, April 26, 1870, and served as Worshipful Master in 1881.
He died October 4, 1882, as the result of a fatal accident at the Reading Hardware Company. He was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
A. HARVEY TYSON
A. Harvey Tyson, son of Henry A. Ty- son, was born in Reading, and attended the Reading public schools. He later obtained a collegiate education and became a prominent civil engineer. He served the City of Reading as engineer from 1881 to 1885. In 1888 he planned the water system for the City of Lebanon, Penna., whereby water was pumped and conveyed to Lebanon from the Little Swatara Creek. He also constructed a num- ber of buildings which are present day land- marks in Reading. Of him can truly be said "His works live after him."
Brother Tyson was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge Novem- ber 6, 1877, and served as Worshipful Master in 1882.
He died January 12, 1922.
JOHN E. GOODMAN
John E. Goodman was born at Temple, Penna., July 30, 1856. He grew up in Read- ing, attending the public schools and then learned the butchering business under his father, Jacob Goodman, also a member of Chandler Lodge. He did not make butchering his permanent occupation, but instead took a position with the National Brass and Iron Works, where he was employed as a shipping clerk for 13 years. He was later employed at the Mohn Hat Factory.
Brother Goodman was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge Jan- uary I, 1878, and served as Worshipful Master in 1883. He died in 1918, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
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ABRAHAM SEIVARD
Abraham Seivard was born near War- wick, Chester County on May 6, 1849. He attended the public schools of that locality, and then became a house carpenter for a short time, after which he moved to Reading. Upon his arrival in Reading, he took up pattern- making with the Orr and Painter firm, where he remained many years. He then established a nickel plating business (Pride Nickel Plat- ing Works), in part of the Mount Penn Stove Works, which business he conducted until appointed building inspector for Reading by Mayor William F. Shan- aman in 1893. Later he returned to the Mount Penn Stove Works as patternmaker, where he remained until his death. He was a great devotee of hunting and fishing.
Brother Seivard was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge May 4, 1875, and served as Worshipful Master in 1885. He also served as High Priest of Reading Chapter, No. 152, and as Eminent Com- mander of DeMolay Commandery (1886), and was a member of Lu Lu Temple, Mystic Shriners.
Brother Seivard died April 12, 1909, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
JOSEPH W. DAY
Joseph W. Day was born at Talleyville, Del., on November 23, 1853. He walked eight miles from the farm to Wilmington, Del., daily to receive his education in Wilmington schools. He was graduated from Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1872.
He was employed as an agent for the W. and N. R. R. at Second and Cherry Streets, Reading, and then became bookkeeper for the Obert Boiler Works. Later, he was employed by J. H. Sternbergh until the Pennsylvania Railroad entered Reading in 1884, when he was appointed passenger and freight agent by that
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company. He served in that capacity until September, 1888, when he resigned to become trust officer for the Reading Trust Company. He later became affiliated with the H. W. Johns-Manville Co., and was transferred to Philadelphia as superintendent of the roofing de- partment.
Brother Day was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on February 7, 1882, and served as Worshipful Master in 1886. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Lebanon-Berks District, No. 7, from 1898 to 1903 inclusive. He was a member of Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237, Reading Commandery, No. 42, of Philadelphia Con- sistory, and a charter member of Rajah Temple. He received the Royal Order of Scotland October 18, 1897 (Thirty-third Degree).
Brother Day died in Philadelphia July 29, 1912, and was buried in Centerville, Del.
BENJAMIN W. GRIST
Benjamin W. Grist was born in England on August 27, 1842, and came to Philadelphia at an early age. He learned the machinist trade, came to Reading and founded the "B. W. Grist & Co., Central Foundry and Machine Shop". This plant was located at Carpenter and Cherry Streets, and in his foundry he designed and built many steam engines. His business associates were W. Harry Orr and W. Jesse Orr.
Brother Grist was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on No- vember 6, 1877, and served as Worshipful Master in 1887 and 1888. He also held membership in Reading Chapter, No. 152; Reading Commandery, No. 42 ; Philadelphia Consistory and Lu Lu Temple.
The glory of Masonry is threefold and consists in its brother- liness, and its antiquity. Brother Grist came to us from across the ocean, and in Chandler Lodge found a second home, of which he became the Master and Chief Servant.
Brother Grist died in Philadelphia on September 29, 1912, and was buried in Westminster Cemetery, Philadelphia. Peace to our English-born Brother.
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CHAPTER V 1888-1898
This decade witnessed little change in Chandler's total mem- bership, partly because an economic depression covered a large part of the period. The attendance was poor at the outset, but improved and became unusually good. The large number of visitors recorded at each meeting indicates that the fraternal spirit and friendliness were of a high order. The financial condition of the Lodge remained satisfactory, and a handsome balance was invested. There was strong agitation for a new Lodge Hall, and a rapidly growing city was in need of the space occupied by the Lodges.
On April 3, 1888, Brother Past Master Sydenham E. Ancona arose and announced the death of P. M. John O. D. Lilly, the first Worshipful Master of Chandler Lodge, who was killed on the rail- road near Mauch Chunk on March 9, 1888. The following resolu- tion, to wit, "Resolved, That a committee be appointed to make ar- rangements for the proper recognition of the death of P. M. Lilly and other members of this Lodge," was unanimously adopted, and the Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Past Masters Syden- ham E. Ancona, W. Jesse Orr and William A. Sands as said com- mittee.
On May 1, 1888, a communication was received from the Right Worshipful Grand Master, stating that Chandler Lodge had in the previous year initiated an applicant without having first obtained from the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary a certificate that the records of the Grand Lodge contained no Masonic objection to the applicant. The communication declared the initiation to be unlawful and null and void, and directed Chandler Lodge to strike the name of the said person from its list of members and to return to him all money he had paid to Chandler Lodge either as fees or dues.
At the Stated Meeting on October 2, 1888, communications were received from ten members, tendering their resignations.
At the annual election on December 4, 1888, the following offi- cers were chosen: Brothers Isaac Lawrence, Worshipful Master ; William F. Shanaman, Senior Warden; Samuel E. Nies, Junior
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Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer ; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Henry R. Laucks, Trustee of General Fund; George C. Wilson, Trustee of Charity Fund; H. A. Tyson, Representative in Grand Lodge, and Joseph W. Day, Representative to the Masonic Home.
At the Stated Meeting of April 2, 1889, a proposition was pre- sented relative to the purchase of the Seyfert Mansion at the corner of Fifth and Cherry Streets for Masonic Hall purposes. This was referred to the Trustees for further consideration.
At the June meeting a donation of $100 to the sufferers in the Johnstown Flood was ordered. The Trustees were authorized to favor the purchase of the Seyfert Mansion for Masonic Hall pur- poses in connection with the other Masonic bodies.
At the Stated Meeting on December 3, 1889, all officers were re- elected, and Brother W. W. Werner elected Trustee of the General Fund, and Brother Henry A. Focht a Trustee of the Charity Fund.
In 1890 the Joint Board of Trustees asked the Lodge to re- lieve the Tyler from serving the notices beyond the limits of Wash- ington and Franklin Streets, and Front and Eleventh Streets.
During the year 1890 an edict was issued by the R. W. Grand Master, requiring each candidate to be examined as to his proficiency in the preceding degree in open Lodge before advancement, and for a number of years the Lodge observed this custom.
At the annual election on December 2, 1890, the following of- ficers were elected to serve during the ensuing Masonic year : Broth- ers William F. Shanaman, Worshipful Master; Samuel E. Nies, Senior Warden; Howard E. Ahrens, Junior Warden; Henry L. Homan, Trustee of the General Fund; Jesse Orr, Trustee of the Charity Fund, and the other officers were reelected.
Very little of historic interest was found in the minutes of 1891. There was an unusually large number of requests for Charity during the year, mostly from distant sources, and none were refused.
At the Stated Meeting of December 1, 1891, the following Brethren were elected to office : Samuel E. Nies, Worshipful Master ; Howard E. Ahrens, Senior Warden; Lewis H. Lutz, Junior Warden ; Henry R. Laucks, Trustee of General Fund; George C. Wilson, Trustee of Charity Fund, and the other officers were reelected.
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At the meeting of January 5, 1892, the Secretary was instructed to have 1,000 copies of the By-Laws printed and bound, each mem- ber of the Lodge to be served with a copy.
A beautiful portrait of Past Master George W. Durell was pre- sented to the Lodge in October.
This was a busy year, and with many applications for admission, the attendance was greatly improved.
The following officers were elected at the annual election on December 6, 1892: Brothers Howard E. Ahrens, Worshipful Mas- ter ; James C. Johnson, Senior Warden; Daniel M. Freehafer, Junior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secretary ; Brothers Henry R. Laucks, Henry L. Homan and J. Henry Rein- hold, Trustees ; Brother Howard E. Ahrens, Representative to Grand Lodge, and Brother William A. Sands, Representative to Masonic Home.
A communication dated May I, 1893, was received from Grand Lodge requesting Chandler Lodge officers and members to accom- pany them to Lebanon, Penna., by train on Saturday, May 13, to lay the Corner Stone of a hospital at that place.
At the Stated Meeting of December 5, 1893, the following offi- cers were elected: Brothers Samuel E. Nies, Worshipful Master ; Daniel M. Freehafer, Senior Warden ; Gideon B. Kostenbader, Jun- ior Warden; William G. Rowe, Treasurer; Henry A. Tyson, Secre- tary ; J. Henry Reinhold, David T. Schmehl and John Drexel, Trus- tees ; Samuel E. Nies, Representative in Grand Lodge; William A. Sands, Representative to Masonic Home.
A copy of the Centennial History of Lodge No. 62 was pre- sented to the Lodge on behalf of Lodge No. 62 by the Secretary, when on motion the thanks of the Lodge was tendered No. 62 for the valuable gift.
The following officers were elected on December 4, 1894, to serve during the ensuing Masonic year: Brothers Daniel M. Free- hafer, Worshipful Master ; Gideon B. Kostenbader, Senior Warden ; Horace Grander, Junior Warden ; George C. Wilson, Representative to Masonic Home, and the other officers were reelected.
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At the Stated Meeting of June 4, 1895, the Tyler was requested to serve all notices thereafter between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and the river and the hill, the others to be mailed or otherwise served.
The following resolution was adopted at the Stated Meeting of July 2, 1895 : "That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, A. Y. M., pledges the sum of $5,000 toward the erection of a Masonic Temple in this city. Provided said Temple be erected by and in charge of a Building or Finance Trust to be composed of one member elected or chosen by each Masonic body joining in said undertaking and the Deed be made to said Trustees and said Successors as Trustees".
A communication was received from a brother asking for a loan upon a life insurance policy of $100. The same being contrary to the By-Laws and the Brother being in destitute circumstances, it was resolved that a donation of $50 be granted him.
An Emergency Special Meeting was held on September 17, 1895, at 10:30 A. M. for the purpose of attending the funeral of P. M. Brother Henry A. Tyson, Secretary of Chandler Lodge for 29 years, and D. D. Grand Master.
At the Stated Meeting of October 1, 1895, a commission from the R. W. Grand Master, appointing Brother James Lewis Rake, of Reading Lodge, No. 549, District Deputy Grand Master for the Seventh District, was read.
The following officers were elected on December 3, 1895 : Brothers Gideon B. Kostenbader, Worshipful Master; Horace Grander, Senior Warden; Jonathan R. Sharman, Junior Warden; George C. Wilson, Sr., Treasurer ; Samuel E. Nies, Secretary ; Dan- iel M. Freehafer, Representative in Grand Lodge, and the other offi- cers were reelected.
At the Stated Meeting of February 4, 1896, a letter was read from the newly created Masonic Temple and Building Trust, in- forming the Lodge of their unanimous decision to purchase the Wil- helm property, Nos. 121, 123, and 125 North Fifth Street, 60 feet by 230 feet at the price of $19,250, and requested an order for at least ten percent of the total amount subscribed.
A motion to reduce the amount allowed the officers for expenses to Grand Lodge from $7 to $5 was defeated on September 1, 1896.
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At the Stated Meeting of December 1, 1896, the following offi- cers were elected to serve during the ensuing Masonic year : Brothers Horace Grander, Worshipful Master; Jonathan R. Sharman, Senior Warden; Walter S. Essick, Junior Warden; J. Henry Reinhold, Trustee of the Masonic Temple and Building Trust; Gideon B. Kostenbader, Representative to Grand Lodge, and all other officers were reelected.
At the meeting of January 5, 1897, it was Resolved: "That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., celebrate its 50th Anniversary on the 4th day of May, 1898, in an appropriate manner and that the respective stations and places of the Lodge be filled with Past Mas- ters in accordance to Seniority in office and that the Worshipful Master appoint five Stewards for the occasion". The W. M. immedi- ately named the five Stewards and reports of progress were made during the year.
The Trustees were authorized to have a box made of tin large enough to admit all the Records of the Lodge not in constant use, and place them in some fireproof vault for safe keeping.
A vote of thanks was tendered P. M. E. J. Rauch for the presentation of his portrait to the Lodge, in compliance with a resolu- tion adopted in 1860.
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