USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Chandler Lodge No. 227 : Free & Accepted Masons of Reading, Pennsylvania from 1848 to 1948 > Part 9
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At the Stated Meeting of November 7, 1905, a communication was received from Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., as follows : At the stated conclave held Friday evening, October 13, 1905, it was unanimously Resolved: "That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., could have use of the Organ that the Ladies' Auxiliary presented to Reading Commandery."
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At the annual meeting held December 5, 1905, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Frank R. Fichthorn, Worshipful Master; Harry J. G. Schad, Senior War- den; W. W. B. Stamm, Junior Warden, and the other officers re- elected.
A letter from Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, was received, inviting the officers and members of Chandler Lodge to be present on Tues- day, June 19, 1906, at Rajah Temple to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
At the Stated Meeting of June 5, 1906, a request from Brother S. E. Ancona was read asking the Lodge to make proper disposition of the portraits of several Past Masters still in possession of the Lodge. They include among others those of J. O. D. Lilly, Daniel H. Feger, Joseph A. McLean and George Durell. These pictures subsequently were lost.
In August, among the orders drawn, was one in favor of the Reading Pants Company for Charity to Brother -, amount $4.00.
At the Stated Meeting held December 4, 1906, the following officers were elected : Brothers Harry J. G. Schad, Worshipful Mas- ter; William W. B. Stamm, Senior Warden; W. H. Kehl, Junior Warden; Frank R. Fichthorn, Representative to Grand Lodge, and the other officers were reelected. Three ballots were necessary to select a Junior Warden, the first two resulting in no choice.
On June 4, 1907, by order of the Worshipful Master, the fol- lowing resolution was unanimously adopted in consequence of the historic wreck on May II, at Honda, California, where many local Brethren lost their lives while returning from a gathering of Masons. All lodges in Reading, except Chandler Lodge, suffered loss of mem- bers. "Whereas : It has pleased Almighty God in his infinite wisdom to call away from our midst our beloved Brothers from our Sister Lodges, No. 62, Teutonia, No. 367; St. John's, No. 435; Reading, No. 549; Mt. Lebanon, No. 226, and Greenleaf, No. 561, therefore be it Resolved: That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, recognizes that our sister lodges have suffered an irreparable loss by the death of its noble Members who lost their lives in the Railroad disaster on May II, A. D. 1907, at Honda, California, which loss is felt alike by both the public and their respective families. Said members were
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honorable, courageous Brothers; Loyal to their respective Lodges, True to life and their families.
"Resolved, That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, hereby extends to said respective Sister Lodges its sincere sympathies in this sad hour of affliction.
"Be it further Resolved, that the above resolutions be spread upon its minutes and that a copy of the same be conveyed to the respective Lodges above named."
The annual election of officers for the ensuing Masonic year was held December 3, 1907, when the following brethren were named: William W. B. Stamm, Worshipful Master; William H. Kehl, Senior Warden ; Joseph H. Hasbrouck, Junior Warden; Harry J. G. Schad, Representative in Grand Lodge, and the other officers were reelected.
JONATHAN R. SHARMAN
Jonathan R. Sharman was born near Wernersville, Penna. He learned the ice cream and confectionery business under J. O. Koller on Penn Square, Reading, (now the site of Consumers Gas Co. building) and made it his life's work. For 20 years he conducted an ice cream manufacturing plant in Reading, first at Third and Court Streets, and later, for 16 years, at 306 North Ninth Street. In this community he became one of the best known manufacturers of and dealers in ice cream and his product was sold near and far. A generation of Readingites were familiar with the immensely oversized helpings of ice cream which Brother Sharman and his employes always sold for a nickel at the creamery, for consumption on the spot. Brother Sharman was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Brother Sharman was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on October 4, 1892, and served as Worshipful Master in 1898. He was a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; Reading Commandery, No. 42, and of Rajah Temple. He died in 1930.
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WALTER S. ESSICK
Walter S. Essick was born in Reading in 1863. He entered the optical business with his brother, W. W. Essick at a very early age, at Third and Franklin Streets. They organized the Penn Optical Co., on South Eighth Street. He was the inventor of a number of optical devices, on which he held patents.
In 1898, when only 35 years of age, he retired from the optical business and became interested in other activities. He was a mem- ber of the old Board of Public Works, at the time of construction of the Spring Street subway. He was associ- ated with Carr & Schad, which operated the Colonial and other motion picture houses. His philanthropic acts were beneficial to many people. He was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
Brother Essick was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on June 5, 1894, and served as Worshipful Master in 1899. He also held membership in Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; was High Priest in 1901 ; DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, and the Tall Cedars.
Brother Essick died November 6, 1931, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
ALLEN G. QUIMBY
Allen G. Quimby was born in Reading, November 2, 1867. He was a moulder by trade. He served as superintendent of the American Coke and Gas Company in New York City for 20 years. He relinquished that position in order to return to Reading and be- come custodian of the new Senior High School, the "Castle on the Hill". Owing to poor health, he retired in 1934.
Brother Quimby was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on November 7, 1893, and served as Worshipful Master in 1900. He also served as High Priest of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, and as Eminent Commander
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of Reading Commandery in 1910. He was a member of the Mystic Shrine, and a First Worthy Patron and charter member of Eastern Star Chapter.
Brother Quimby died March 11, 1937, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
IRVIN U. KERSHNER
Irvin U. Kershner was born in Bernville, Pa., on July 29, 1874. He graduated from Reading High School in 1892, and immedi- ately entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk in the superin- tendent's office at Reading. He completed a course in industrial relations at Harvard Uni- versity, and was given charge of employment and welfare on the Pennsylvania Lines east of Pittsburgh. In 1927 he was given a fur- lough to work for the Bureau of Information of Eastern Railways concerning wages and working conditions for the various railroads east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River.
After nearly 53 years of service with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, he is living retired in Teaneck, N. J. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a lifelong Republican.
Brother Kershner was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge, April 6, 1897, and was Worshipful Master in 1901. He is, at the present time, the oldest living Past Master of Chandler Lodge. He was High Priest of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, in 1916, and is a inem- ber of Reading Commandery, No. 42; the Consistory of New York City, and Crescent Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Trenton, N. J.
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LEE C. BRICKER
Lee C. Bricker was born in Reading, De- cember 4, 1873. He attended the local public schools until 1891, when he obtained employ- ment at the Orr and Sembower Co. plant, learning the trade of machinist. Upon com- pletion of his trade, he entered the employ of the Carpenter Steel Co., serving there for two years, after which he transferred to the Phila- delphia and Reading Shops, where he re- mained until his retirement in 1938. He was appointed assistant foreman of his department in 1908. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Democratic party, serving as Registry Assessor in Muhlenberg Township.
Brother Bricker was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Feb- ruary 2, 1897, and served as Worshipful Master in 1902. He was a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; Reading Commandery, No. 42, and Rajalı Temple.
He died February 4, 1945, and was buried in the Masonic section of Laureldale Cemetery.
JAMES S. AHRENS
James S. Ahrens was born in Reading in 1863, and attended the local schools. He was a member of the H. E. Ahrens and Brother Construction Co., one of the largest in this area. He later became senior partner and had his offices in Lewistown, Penna. The firm specialized in sewer, waterworks, bridge and trolley line construction. He was a member of Alsace Lutheran Church and of the Schuyl- kill Fire Company of Reading and was an honorary member of the Ringgold Band of this city. He served on the Board of Directors of the Allentown and Reading Traction Company.
Brother Ahrens was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on April 5, 1898, and served as Worshipful Master in 1903. He also
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held membership in Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; in Reading Com- mandery, K. T. No. 42, and in Harrisburg Consistory, Scottish Rites.
Brother Ahrens died March 2, 1910, and was buried in Alsace Cemetery.
CHESTER B. JENNINGS
Dr. Chester B. Jennings was born in Reading on March 2, 1857. Upon his grad- uation from Reading High School, he secured a position as assistant waybill clerk of the Philadelphia and Reading Co., and later was assigned to the position of head clerk in that department. He then studied medicine under Dr. W. F. Marks of Reading and entered Hahnemann Medical College, graduating in 1881, after which he at once began the prac- tice of his profession in Reading. Although he had a large general practice, he was more especially known as a successful surgeon. He was a member of the State Homeopathic Society ; Board of U. S. Pension Examiners of Berks; Reading School Board, 14 years, and St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church. He was a vestryman and superintendent of the Sunday School of St. Barnabas.
Brother Jennings was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on March 7, 1899, and served as Worshipful Master in 1904. He was Eminent Commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42, in 1907; High Priest of Excelsior Royal Arch Chapter, No. 237, in 1906, and a member of Rajah Temple. He died on October 10, 1913, and was buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
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FRED M. MACHMER
Fred M. Machmer was born on January 22, 1873, at Berne, Berks County, Penna. He was educated in the public schools of Berks County and in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. During his lifetime he lived in Berne, at Reading and in Selinsgrove, Penna., where his present address is 403 West Market Street. During his years in Reading he became treasurer of the T. A. Willson Company, Reading. In Selinsgrove he has held the office of borough councilman.
Brother Machmer was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on November 7, 1899, and served as Worshipful Master in 1905. In addition he was affiliated with Excelsior R. A. Chapter, No. 237, of which he was High Priest in 1907. He has been affiliated with Read- ing Commandery, No. 42, and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
FRANK R. FICHTHORN
Frank R. Fichthorn was born on Feb- ruary 8, 1871, in Reading. After attending the Reading High School be became a letter carrier and held that position in Reading for 17 years, residing in Reading, from 1871 to 1914. In the latter year he removed to Lan- caster, Penna., where he is now retired and is residing at 316 North Queen Street.
Brother Fichthorn was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on December 5, 1900, and served as Worshipful Master in 1906. While in Reading he was a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church. He served as chairman of the 62nd Anniversary committee May II, 1910. He is a member of the Lancaster Lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His Masonic affiliation ceased in 19II.
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HARRY J. SCHAD
Harry J. Schad was born in Tamaqua, Pa., and was graduated from the Tamaqua High School, and in 1896 from the Philadel- phia College of Pharmacy and Science. In October, 1897, he opened a drug store on North Fifth Street opposite the Masonic Tem- ple, which he later sold. He entered the theatre business in 1907. He had considerable success in this venture, operating a chain of theatres, and still operates the Astor and Strand theatres. He is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church.
Brother Schad was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge on Sep- tember 3, 1901, and was Worshipful Master in 1907. He is a Past High Priest of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; Past Commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42 and Past Grand Tall Cedar of Never- sink Forest. He is very active as chairman of the Rajah Temple Shriners Crippled Children Hospitals Committee.
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CHAPTER VII
1908-1918
The decade 1908-1918 saw Chandler Lodge continue to prosper. Its membership increased to 552, and the assets increased corres- spondingly. Part of this prosperity can be attributed to the wave of prosperity which swept the country generally during the pre-war and World War I period. Chandler Lodge witnessed and aided in the founding of the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, Pa., and the formation of a new Masonic Lodge in this district.
At the Stated Meeting of January 7, 1908, on recommendation of the Auditors, it was ordered that an addressograph be procured for the use of the Secretary.
On April 7, 1908, a Special Committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master to arrange for the observance of the 60th Anni- versary of Chandler Lodge. The records describe a celebration last- ing until midnight, with over 200 Brethren partaking of the "finest menu ever served in the Temple since its erection." The speakers were D. D. G. M. Adam H. Schmehl; Brother Sydenham E. An- cona, P. M., the only one then living who was present at its institu- tion; Brother John A. Wiegand, of Lodge No. 549, and Brother Frederick A. Marx, P. M. of Huguenot Lodge No. 377.
At the Stated Meeting June 2, 1908, a communication was re- ceived from Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, located at Fredericksburg, Va., organized September I, 1752, asking for a contribution for the purpose of erecting a memorial to commemorate the virtues and worth of George Wash- ington, who was initiated November 4, 1752 ; passed to Fellow Craft Degree, March 3, 1753, and raised August 4, 1753 ; a lifelong mem- ber of that Lodge. The communication was signed by Clarence R. Howard, W. M. and Chairman of the Washington Masonic Me- morial Association. After a few remarks were made relating to this correspondence it was on motion, Resolved : That the sum of $5 be contributed towards this enterprise.
At the August Meeting a petition to the R. W. Grand Lodge was read, requesting a Warrant for a new Lodge to be called Isaac
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Hiester Lodge. The names of the following Brethren were on the petition : Frederick Augustus Marx, Amos Horst, William Jacob Kershner, Jonathan Valentine George, Henry Lenhart Sartorius, Charles Ottman Flatt, John Diefenbach Mishler, Reuben Lorenzo Kurtz, William Seaman, David Solomon Grim, Thomas Polk Merritt, Joseph Livingston Gehris, Nathan Dresher, Jr., Johnson Wilmer Fisher, Charles Wilson Swoyer, Henry Wilson Barth, Marvin Har- old Stettler, Adam Peter Spatz, Amos Leaman Sherk, Walter Scott Wells, William Wilson Webber.
After a few remarks, the following resolution was presented and adopted: Resolved: That the above petition be recommended to the favorable consideration of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge. Resolved: That Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., purchase the working tools for the New Lodge. Thus a new Lodge, Isaac Hiester Lodge, No. 660, was born. Reading, Penna., now boasted six Masonic Lodges, and the rapid growth of this new organization demonstrated the wisdom of this movement.
At the Stated Meeting December 1, 1908, the following officers for the year 1909 were elected : William H. Kehl, Worshipful Mas- ter ; Joseph H. Hasbrouck, Senior Warden; Jacob H. McConnell, Junior Warden; Fred M. Machmer, Treasurer; Samuel E. Nies, Secretary ; David T. Schmehl, John Drexel, Henry Price, Trustees, and William W. B. Stamm, Representative in Grand Lodge.
At the Stated Meeting on February 2, 1909, a committee was appointed to communicate with engravers of lodge covers and have them submit samples with the view of selecting a more suitable cover.
At the Stated Meeting on March 2, the Board of Directors of the Masonic Temple and Building Trust informed the Lodge that the loan made to enable the Trust to change the Theatre was greatly reduced. They further stated that they had contracted to change the elevator system to direct electric current and to fully renew the roof of the Temple.
At the April meeting a resolution was presented directing the Worshipful Master and Officers to make arrangements for the proper observance of the 61st Anniversary of the Lodge, the cost
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not to exceed $50. The amount of money allotted to this occasion brought forth remarks and resulted in an amendment to the resolu- tion, directing the stewards not to be limited to any amount in pre- paring the banquet. The amendment was unanimously adopted. "When 203 Brethren had responded to the invitations enclosed in the monthly notices the program awaited every one on his plate. After the inner man had been satisfied, The Rev. Brother Henry Y. Stoner, who acted as Toastmaster on behalf of the Worshipful Master, opened the occasion in words befitting the 61st Anniversary of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, and called upon those whom the com- mittee had selected to address the Brethren at this time. The Toast- master announced the name of Brother Past Master Sydenham E. Ancona, the only remaining member of the original number of that historic day, May 4, 1848." This banquet, as was the custom then, lasted well past 12 o'clock, midnight.
At a Special Meeting of September 17, 1909, Brother Past Master Benjamin W. Grist, having been absent from the Lodge for 21 years, presented the Worshipful Master with a beautiful Silver Trowel with the donor's name and the Worshipful Master's name inscribed thereon.
At the Stated Meeting, December 7, 1909, the following of- ficers were elected for the year 1910: Joseph H. Hasbrouck, Wor- shipful Master; Jacob H. McConnell, Senior Warden; Walter S. Ludwig, Junior Warden ; Fred M. Machmer, Treasurer ; Samuel E. Nies, Secretary; David T. Schmehl, Henry Price, John Drexel, Trustees ; William H. Kehl, Representative in Grand Lodge.
At the Stated Meeting April 5, 1910, amendments to the By- Laws were adopted. The initiation fee was raised from $50 to $75 and the salary of the Secretary increased from $125 per annum to $150. Three new committees were formed as follows: Committee on Grievance, Committee on Charity and Committee on Furniture.
On June 7, 1910, the Worshipful Master appointed Brothers Samuel F. Guss, P. M .; Jacob H. McConnell, S. W .; and George F. Eisenbrown a committee to act with similar bodies from other Lodges of the Seventh District, relative to preparing plans for me- morials to be erected at the new Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, Penna. The resolution was offered by Isaac Hiester Lodge, No. 660,
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and presented by the D. D. Grand Master Brother Adam H. Schmehl.
At the Stated Meeting December 6, 1910, the following officers for 19II were elected: Jacob H. McConnell, Worshipful Master ; Walter S. Ludwig, Senior Warden; Harry F. Shindel, Junior War- den; Fred M. Machmer, Treasurer; Samuel E. Nies, Secretary ; Henry Price, John Drexel, David T. Schmehl, Trustees; Joseph H. Hasbrouck, Representative to Grand Lodge.
FIRE INTERRUPTS 1910 MEETING
At the special meeting, December 10, 1910, immediately after Brother Jacob H. McConnell had been duly installed as Worshipful Master in the presence of various Past Masters of the Lodge, all other members having retired, Brother Henry Price hurried into the Lodge Room and announced to the Worshipful Master that fire had been discovered in the basement of the building. The Worshipful Master immediately suspended the business of the Lodge; the Secre- tary, with assistance from the Brethren, carried all of the Lodge records to the drug store of Brother L. Scott Kemp at 124 North Fifth Street. The fire was extinguished by city firemen about 7 P. M. and the conduct of the business of the Lodge resumed until the Lodge closed at 8:50. Apparently only smoke ever entered the Lodge rooms.
At the Stated Meeting May 2, 1911, a resolution was adopted authorizing a "subscription" of $500 of the funds of the Lodge for the Masonic Home Loan (total of $200,000) of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, Series A.
On Tuesday, September 26, 1911, at noon, the cornerstone of Masonic Hall at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, was laid by the officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge under ideal weather conditions. Various Officers and Brethren of the Lodge at- tended this interesting historical event. From 3,500 to 4,000 brethren were in line and about 10,000 visitors and spectators were present.
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To Subordinate Lodges and Members of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvan'a ;.
GREETING :- You are fraternally invited to participate in the laying of the corner-stone of the
Grand Lodge Hall, Masonic Homes AT ELIZABETHTOWN, PA., ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1911 AT 12 O'CLOCK M.
Permission is hereby granted to the officers and members of Lodges to appear in proper Masonic clothing; officers are to wear collars, jewels and aprons appropriate to their rank, and members to wear aprons.
Masonic Dress-Black clothes, black neck-tie, black high hat, black shoes and white gloves to be worn. Those in other apparel will not be allowed in line.
Give this information to your members, and advise me, at an early date, how many to expect. Fraternally yours,
GEORGE W. GUTHRIE, Grand Master.
The Lodges of this district will attend the above ceremonies accompanied by the full Ringgold Band, on a special train leaving the Outer Station at 8.30 o'clock A. M., Tuesday, September 26th, 1911, via Lancaster. Returning, leave Elizabeth- town at 4 o'clock P. M.
FARE, Round Trip, $1.90
The Grand Lodge will serve lunch for all the brethren and their ladies who may attend.
It is the desire of your Worshipful Master that all the members of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, attend.
Masonic Dress-Black clothes, black tie, black hat, black shoes and white gloves. Aprons and gloves will be provided by the Tyler on the train.
Fraternally, JACOB H. McCONNELL, W. M.
At the December meeting the following officers for the year 1912 were elected : Walter S. Ludwig, Worshipful Master; Harry F. Shindel, Senior Warden; David S. Wise, Junior Warden; Fred M. Machmer, Treasurer; Samuel E. Nies, Secretary ; Henry Price, John Drexel, David T. Schmehl, Trustees; Jacob H. McConnell, Representative in Grand Lodge.
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Nothing of historical importance took place in 1912.
On December 3, 1912, a Stated Meeting was held and the fol- lowing officers for the year 1913 were elected: Harry F. Shindel, Worshipful Master; David R. Wise, Senior Warden; William H. Bridegam, Junior Warden; George F. Eisenbrown, Treasurer ; Sam- uel E. Nies, Secretary ; David T. Schmehl, Henry Price, John Drexel, Trustees ; Representative in Grand Lodge, Walter S. Ludwig.
At the May meeting a communication was received from the R. W. Grand Master announcing the dedication of Grand Lodge Hall at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, to take place Thursday, June 5, 1913, at 12 o'clock noon, to which the Brethren of Chandler Lodge were invited. Many of the Brethren attended this ceremony.
Like all other Masonic Lodges, Chandler Lodge is extremely proud of the Masonic Homes, which have grown to such huge pro- portions since their founding. The Brethren have ever shown their interest in various ways, and it is the custom of Chandler Lodge to make a yearly pilgrimage with entertainment groups for the Guests.
Berks Home at Elizabethtown
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Main (Grand Lodge) Hall at Elizabethtown Masonic Homes
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GUESTS IN MASONIC HOMES
Guests Credited to Chandler Lodge No. 227 at Masonic Homes of Pennsylvania, at Elizabethtown
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