USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 13
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The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Jacob Albright, W. M .; Jno. A. Landis, S. W .; Ephraim Bowman, J. W .; David A. Donnelly, Treasurer, and Wendel Martzall, Secretary.
There were eighteen initiations during the year, and one mem- ber withdrew.
In the early part of the year 1839, the Lodge room was re- papered and new carpet placed upon the floor. The paper was a present to the Lodge from Worshipful Master Bro. Jacob Al- bright. Bro. Robert Moderwell, was, on the recommendation of the Lodge, appointed District Deputy Grand Master.
The following brethren were duly elected officers for the en- suing Masonic year at the election held December 11th : Jacob Albright, W. M .; Jacob Broom, S. W. ; Daniel Roth, J. W .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, Treasurer, and Wm. Schuler, Secretary. Bro. Kerfoot declined to serve as Treasurer, and Bro. E. McLenegan was elected in his stead.
There were eight initiations, one admission, three withdrawals, and one expulsion during the year 1839.
Bro. Junior Warden Daniel Roth died in May, 1840, and under a dispensation a special election was held June 10th to fill the vacancy, which resulted in the election of Bro. Joseph Mosher.
At the December meeting a resolution was adopted, author-
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izing the Worshipful Master to subscribe " six dollars yearly towards defraying the expenses consequent upon the introduc- tion of water through the streets of our city."
The election for officers resulted as follows: Bros. Emanuel Sheaffer, W. M .; Jos. Mosher, S. W .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, J. W .; Moses Goldsmith, Treasurer, and J. H. Brown, Secretary.
During the year there were fourteen initiations and one ad- mission. Five members withdrew and one died.
The first Grievance Committee to serve the Lodge was ap- pointed at the stated meeting of January 13, 1841. The follow- ing extract from the minutes describes its origin, duties, etc .: "Upon motion of Bro. Jacob Albright, a committee of five members were appointed as a standing committee for the ensu- ing or present Masonic year, whose duty it should be to hear all complaints made by one Brother against another, to settle the matter between them if possible, and if necessary to make report to the Lodge from time to time of their proceedings." The following were appointed said committee: Bros. Jacob Albright, Joseph Mosher, Geo. B. Kerfoot, Moses Goldsmith, and J. H. Brown.
At this time, by reason of the members neglecting the payment of their dues, and the funds of the Lodge being represented mainly by notes of the brethren for various sums due the Lodge, we find the Lodge again in arrears of its Grand Lodge dues, and obliged to borrow money to liquidate its indebtedness. Ener- getic efforts to collect the dues were now put forth, and a num- ber of the members were suspended for the non-payment of their dues.
During the year 1841 there were six initiations and one with- drawal.
The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. Joseph Mosher, W. M .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, S. W .; P. F. Myers, J. W .; M. Goldsmith, Treas., and J. H. Brown, Sec.
At this time there was a wing of the market-house extending northward from its western end and forming an L with the main building. According to the old agreement between the Lodge and the borough authorities, the Lodge possessed the authority to extend their building over this portion, and in fact some years
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previous to this a movement had been made in that direction, but owing to the scarcity of funds, action was postponed.
At the stated meeting of October 12, 1842, a petition was re- ceived from the Lancaster Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, praying for the privilege of occupying and building a Hall on this north wing of the market-house. This petition was referred to a committee who, at the November meeting, reported that "it was inexpedient at this time to enter into arrangements for such building."
At the December meeting the following were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Bros. Geo. B. Kerfoot, W. M .; Henry E. Leman, S. W .; Philip Reitzel, J. W. ; Moses Gold- smith, Treas., and J. H. Brown, Sec.
During the year 1842 there were two initiations, one admis- sion, and six withdrawals.
Bro. Henry E. Leman declining to serve as Senior Warden, at a special meeting held January 18, 1843, Bro. Wm. Shuler was elected to fill the vacancy.
At the stated meeting of March Sth, the Secretary, Bro. J. H. Brown, resigned his station on account of want of time to per- form the duties of the office, and Bro. John Fisher was elected to fill the vacancy.
In this year it was found necessary to place a new roof over the Lodge room. Proposals being asked for, the contract was given to Joshua W. Jack, whose bid of $38.00 was the lowest in amount of the four bids presented.
Eleven members were initiated during this year and four with- drew.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows : Bros. Geo. B. Kerfoot, W. M .; J. H. Brown, S. W .; Albert F. Osterloh, J. W. ; Robert Moderwell, Treas., and John Fisher, Secretary.
A number of the brethren being in arrears for dues, and due notice being served them of the proposed action of the Lodge, twenty-one were suspended for the non-payment of the same at the stated meeting of March 13, 1844. Among those suspended was Bro. Junior Warden Osterloh.
At the April meeting the W. M. appointed Bro. A. N. Brene-
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man Junior Warden for the unexpired term of Bro. Osterloh. Bro. Breneman never filled the station to which he was appointed, and Bro. Fisher having resigned his station as Secretary, a special election was held to fill these two vacancies, at the August meet- ing, which resulted in the election of Bro. James Regan as Junior Warden, and Bro. Henry E. Leman as Secretary.
Special efforts were made this year to reduce the expenses of the Lodge and discharge its indebtedness, the latter being materially aided by the number of new members initiated, there being no less than sixteen initiations. Three members with- drew during the year.
The annual election in December resulted as follows : Bros. J. Henry Brown, W. M. ; James Regan, S. W. ; W. C. Cham- berlain, J. W. ; Robert Moderwell, Treasurer, and Chas. C. Ihling, Secretary.
CHAPTER VII.
1845-1855.
T THE year 1845 discovered the Lodge in an embarrassed condi- tion by reason of its want of funds. Appeals for charity could only be met by individual subscription, and notwithstand- ing one hundred dollars had been paid the previous year to the Grand Lodge, on account of dues, yet a considerable sum was still due the Grand Lodge; and the brethren feeling their inability to meet this debt along with the accruing dues, resolved to make an appeal to the Grand Lodge for a remission of the debt.
Accordingly Bros. Kerfoot and Regan were appointed a com- mittee to attend the Quarterly Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge in June, and make an appeal for relief. This com- mittee performed their duty so well that the Grand Lodge was pleased to remit all dues owing by Lodge No. 43 to the Grand Lodge up to December 27, 1844
Thus once more the Grand Lodge by its generosity gave en- couragement to the members of the Lodge, assisting them in bridging over a time of actual danger to the existence of the Lodge.
Ex-President General Andrew Jackson having died on June 8th, the W. M. convened the Lodge on the evening of June 24th, to take action thereon. The following is a copy of the minutes of said meeting.
The Worshipful Master stated that he had thought proper to convene the Lodge in consequence of the death of Gen. An- drew Jackson, late President of the U. States, that the Lodge might do appropriate honor to the memory of the illustrious General, Statesman and Patriot.
Bro. Geo. B. Kerfoot, offered the following preamble & res- olutions, by the request of the W. M., which were upon motion duly seconded, unanimously adopted and ordered to be recorded with the minutes of the proceedings.
In the increasing catalogue of passing events, it becomes our mournful duty to record the death of the venerable Andrew
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Jackson, late President of the United States; and although we are taught by inspired truth and daily observation, that "Man that is born of a woman hath but a few days to live & is full of trouble "-that Princes, Kings & Presidents must lie down in the dust & the glory of their enjoyments & exultations be clouded in the darkness of the tomb-yet when the great & the good pass away ; when the damps of the grave rest upon the brow once wreathed with the laurels of a country's acclamation ; when the eyes are closed in death, whose glance sent trepidation amongst the ranks of the enemies of his country; when the heart that beat with patriotic fervor ceases to throb, the tongue to com- mand, & the arm to wield the sword, or the pen, in the right- eous defence of liberty ; when the clods of the valley rest upon the form we were wont to admire, and the spirit, sustained by all the strength of christian faith, have passed through the dark shadow of the valley of death, fearing no evil, we may pause to record such an occurrence.
While the immediate presence of Andrew Jackson may have passed away and sunk behind the horizon of an earthly existence, yet the gloom created by his absence will be lighted up by the reflected brightness of his manly actions and christian virtue. Therefore,
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with our fellow citizens in the loss sustained by our country, and feel rejoiced to know that, from his last hours and sentiments, we need not mourn as those without hope, our loss being his infinite gain.
Resolved, That, as General Andrew Jackson was a warm friend and member of our Order, we will cause the Lodge to be hung in appropriate mourning.
Resolved, That in the patriotic course of his life, and in the religious sentiments of his last hours, we recognize the influence of our principles.
At the stated meeting in July, Bro. Charles C. Ihling pre- sented his resignation as Secretary of the Lodge. No other Secretary was elected to fill the vacancy, a Secretary pro tem. being appointed at each meeting.
At the December meeting, the election for officers being held, resulted as follows: Bros. James Regan, W. M .; Wm. C. Cham- berlain, S. W .; Adam Kendig, J. W .; Emanuel Sheaffer, Treas- urer, and Joseph Mosher, Secretary.
There were eight initiations and four withdrawals during the year 1845.
At the stated meeting of April 8, 1846, a colored man made application for relief, and also intimated that he wished to visit
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the Lodge. Bro. D. D. G. M. Robert Moderwell decided that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania did not recognize colored Masons.
At the June meeting Worshipful Master Bro. James Regan in- formed the Lodge that he expected soon to leave the United States for England ; he therefore asked leave to resign his station and to withdraw from the Lodge.
Bro. Regan had received information of a fortune and a baronetcy awaiting him in England, which was the cause of his presenting his resignation.
His request was granted by the Lodge, and a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the estima- tion in which he was held by the Lodge.
The committee having withdrawn for a short time, returned and presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, Lodge No. 43 is called upon to sever its connection with Worshipful Master James Regan, who has this evening sig- nified his intention of returning to England,
Therefore, Resolved, That the Brethren in being called upon to part with our beloved Brother, do so with extreme regret, having in all our relations with him, either as workman or Master, enjoyed uninterrupted harmony, pleasure and love.
Resolved, That the Brethren of this Lodge, have full confi- dence, that the Grand Architect, in his goodness, will preserve our worthy brother through all his trials and difficulties here on earth, and finally remove him to a Master's seat, in the Grand Lodge above, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.
Resolved, That we in parting with our beloved brother, part with him as one whom they are assured will always wear the " Lamb Skin " with credit to himself and this Ancient Order, and believe he will always be found a Master workman, in every situation in which the Great Grand Master in his providence may place him.
Resolved, That we individually, as Brethren of the Mystic Tie, recommend to all A. Y. M. wheresoever scattered, our worthy and well qualified, beloved Brother James Regan, and assure them, from his good conduct while among us, that we believe him worthy of all confidence, and that he carries with him our lasting esteem and brotherly love.
Signed,
PHILIP REITZEL, P. M.
THOS. JEFFRIES, P. D. D. G. M. Jos. MOSHER, P. M.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
No election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the resig- nation of Bro. Regan, Bro. D. D. G. M. Robert Moderwell per- formed the duties of the station, presiding as Worshipful Master for the remaining portion of the Masonic year. At the meeting in December the brethren expressed themselves as unwilling to dispense with the valuable services of Bro. Moderwell, and again elected him Worshipful Master. The following Brothers were elected to the remaining offices : Horace Haldeman, S. W .; Charles C. Ihling, J. W .; James H. Pennell, Treas., and Joseph Mosher, Sec.
The custom of holding a Lodge supper on St. John's day, which had been discontinued for some years, was this year re- sumed, the supper being held in the long entry of the Lodge room, and well attended by members and visitors.
During the year seventeen members were initiated, three ad- mitted, and four withdrew.
The appointment of a Charity Committee, which custom had been adopted a few years previously, and then discontinued, was this year resumed, and Bros. Geo. Wilson, M. Goldsmith, C. C. Ihling and Jos. Mosher were appointed said committee. From that date to the present time charity committees have been annually appointed by the Lodge.
At the stated meeting of February 17th, 1847, a donation of $25.00 was made from the funds of the Lodge towards the relief of the distressed poor in Ireland. The donation was made in the name of " the friends of the distressed in Ireland." At this meeting the S. W. Bro. Horace Haldeman resigned his station and withdrew from the Lodge, on account of his having entered the army. At the stated meeting held April 14th, a dispensa- tion for the purpose being granted, an election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of S. W. Bro. Haldeman, when Bro. Charles E. Wentz was elected for the unexpired term.
R. W. Grand Master James Page, Esq., accompanied by his Grand Officers, made an official visitation to the Lodge at its stated meeting in December. The Grand Master exemplified the Master Mason's degree, and conducted the annual election for officers, which resulted as follows: Bros. Charles E. Wentz, W. M .; John Auxer, S. W .; Junius B. Kaufman, J. W .; Geo. Wilson, Treas., and David King, Sec.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Five members were initiated, two admitted, and three with- drew during the year 1847.
During the year 1848 there were twelve initiations and three admissions. Four members withdrew and five died.
This was a very prosperous year for the Lodge ; its affairs were so well managed that at the expiration of his term of office the Treasurer, Bro. Geo. Wilson, paid over to his successor the sum of $118.93, notwithstanding there had been a number of unusual expenses, including the purchase of two lots in the Lancaster Cemetery for the use of the Lodge.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Charles E. Wentz, W. M .; Junius B. Kaufman, S. W .; Charles M. Howell, J. W .; Joseph Gormley, Treasurer, and I. D. Rupp, Secretary.
On St. John's day, (December 27th), the R. W. Grand Mas- ter appointed Bro. P. M. Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot District Deputy Grand Master for the district of Lancaster county.
At the stated meeting of July 11, 1849, the death of ex-Pres- ident Bro. James K. Polk, which occurred June 15th, was brought to the attention of the Lodge by the following motion, offered by Bro. J. D. Bachman, which was adopted : " Whereas, we have learned with deep regret of the death of our late Brother James K. Polk, ex-President of the United States, that this Lodge be hung in mourning for the space of six months." On motion, a committee of three was appointed to draft a series of resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the Lodge on the death of our distinguished brother. Bros. Kerfoot, Gormley and Bachman were appointed said committee. The committee, at the stated meeting of August 8th, reported a series of appropriate resolu- tions, which were adopted and a copy sent to the family of the deceased Brother.
At the stated meeting held November 14th, Bro. Charles M. Howell offered the following motion, which was adopted : " That a committee of three be appointed to make arrangements to have the Gas introduced into the Lodge room, and to dispose of the lamps in the chandelier." Bros. Howell, Gormley and Kauf- man were appointed said committee. The performance of this duty occupied about one year, as " the gas " was not introduced until the latter part of the year 1850.
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The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. Junius B. Kaufman, W. M .; Charles M. Howell, S. W .; Wm. Gormley, J. W .; Jos. Gormley, Treasurer, and John J. Keller, Secretary.
During the year 1849, nine members were initiated, two ad- mitted, two withdrew, and two died.
The year 1850 found the Lodge in a more prosperous condi- tion than at any time in its past history. There were funds not only for current expenses, but also for practical charity.
At the stated meeting for April 10th a movement was made towards the accumulation of a permanent fund by a motion, appointing a committee to inquire into the expediency of invest- ing the funds of the Lodge. Bro. C. M. Howell, G. B. Kerfoot, and J. J. Keller were appointed said committee and at the fol- lowing meeting presented the following report : " That upon due consideration they are of opinion that the Lodge would be greatly benefited by investing their funds in some safe loan, and would recommend the Lodge to take early measures to have their money so disposed of. They report that there is now in the hands of the Treasurer a balance of about $250.00." This same committee also offered an amendment to the By-Laws which was subsequently adopted, providing for the election of three Trustees, at the annual election, and defining their duties to be the investment of all funds over $100 in the hands of the Treasurer. No investment was, however, made at this time, ex- cept the loan of $25 to a brother member.
The funds of the Lodge, from this time, were carefully guarded, and as a natural consequence gradually accumulated.
At a stated meeting held December 11th, the committee, pre- viously appointed for the purpose, reported that they had per- formed the duty of having gas introduced into the Lodge Room, and presented the bills for the same.
The election for officers resulted as follows : Bros. J. B. Kauf- man, W. M .; Wm. Gormley, S. W .; J. J. Keller, J. W .; Charles Boughter, Treasurer, J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Geo. Wilson, Geo. B. Kerfoot, and Robt. Moderwell, Trustees.
This was the first board of Trustees elected by the Lodge and the office has been continued from that time to the present.
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During the year fourteen members were initiated, one ad- mitted, three withdrew and one died.
At the stated meeting held January 8, 1851, a communication was received from the Building Committee of the Washington Monument, Washington, D. C., asking aid towards the erection of the same.
A donation of ten dollars was voted for this object ; in con- sideration of which, the Lodge received steel plate engravings of Genl. George Washington and of the Monument completed. These engravings were framed by the Lodge, and are still hang- ing on the walls of one of the rooms.
The Sarcophagus, which had been constructed within the en- closure of the Girard College grounds as the final resting place for the remains of our distinguished brother, Stephen Girard, having been completed, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to whom had been assigned the duty of having the remains removed from the temporary to the final resting place, issued invitations to all the Lodges throughout the jurisdiction to join them in paying a tribute of respect to the memory of our deceased brother by joining in a procession and depositing the remains with Masonic honors on the 29th day of September.
At the stated meeting of August 13th, the communication be- ing read, it was unanimously resolved that the Lodge participate in the ceremonies, and Bros. Jos. Gormley, Chas. M. Howell, J. J. Keller, J. M. Westhaeffer and J. H. Reigart were appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements. The brethren met at the Lodge Room on Monday morning, September 29th, at II o'clock, to the number of fifty or sixty, and proceeded to Philadelphia, where they were assigned their place in the line.
This was one of the finest Masonic demonstrations ever seen in Philadelphia. The regulations required every brother to wear a full black dress suit, including swallow-tailed coat and black neck-tie, black silk hat, white apron, white gloves, and a blue sash from right shoulder to left hip. Every brother being thus clothed, and the number in line being very large, the procession presented a most beautiful appearance, and one not soon to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Within the enclosure of the College grounds the brethren formed in a large double-lined
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circle around the sarcophagus, while the Grand officers de- posited the remains with the beautiful funeral ceremonies of the Fraternity.
Bro. P. M. Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot, D. D. G. M., died Septem- ber 11th, and at an adjourned meeting held September 15th, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, It has pleased God in his wisdom to remove from this life our late worthy and esteemed Brother Dr. Geo. B. Ker- foot, D. D. G. M. Therefore
Resolved, That while we bow with submission to this bereave- ment, we feel pleasure in bearing testimony that for a period of fifteen years he has been a member of this Lodge, the zeal and devotion with which he performed his duties as a Mason, made him second to none in the Lodge.
Resolved, That we sympathize with the family of the deceased in our mutual loss, but are comforted in the reflection that his deportment through life is the best evidence that our loss is his gain.
Resolved, That as a mark of our unfeigned sorrow and affection for his memory, our Lodge be clothed in the habiliments of mourning for the space of six months.
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased.
On motion, Bros. C. M. Howell, Jos. Gormley and J. J. Keller were appointed a committee to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect.
A monument was erected over his remains in Woodward Hill Cemetery, which was paid for jointly out of the funds of the Lodge and by individual subscription of the members.
The election for officers at the stated meeting in December, resulted as follows : Bros. J. J. Keller, W. M .; Wm. M. Gormley, S. W .; Jos. Gormley, J. W .; H. W. Hess, Treas., J. M. West- haeffer, Sec., and Robert Moderwell, Charles M. Howell and H. L. Zahm, Trustees.
The year 1851 was a busy one for the Lodge, not less than twenty-one members being initiated, one admitted, six withdrew and one died. This year the Lodge invested $400 in city and school bonds, which was the beginning of the permanent fund.
In these years of increased prosperity for the Lodge the custom of holding a banquet on St. John's day was resumed. At the close of the year an examination of the treasurer's accounts showed a balance in his hands of $503.5412.
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On the death of District Deputy Grand Master Kerfoot the Lodge petitioned the Grand Master to appoint the retiring Master, Bro. J. B. Kaufman to that office, which was accordingly done.
At the stated meeting of February 11th, 1852, a communica- tion was received from Bro. Maungundans, chief of the Chippewa Indians, asking aid to educate his sons. A donation of five dol- lars was voted him for the purpose.
In 1835 the Grand Lodge feeling the depressing effect of the anti-Masonic excitement, its membership being greatly dimin- ished, decided it was unnecessary to hold so large a hall as its Chestnut Street Temple. The temple was accordingly sold to the Franklin Institute for the sum of $110,550, and the Grand Lodge purchased Washington Hall, Third street above Spruce for $25,000 and removed to that place, where its meetings were held for twenty years.
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