USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 15
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During this time, in which the Lodge was struggling with its debt (from 1856), its Grand Lodge dues were neglected and suf- fered to accumulate until they now amounted to $1394. A com- mittee composed of P. M.'s Charles M. Howell, Henry Baum- gardner and George M. Kline, were appointed to go to Phila- delphia and make the best compromise possible with the Finance Committee of the Grand Lodge.
At the stated meeting of March 12, 1862, this committee re- ported that they had met the Finance Committee of the Grand Lodge on February 26th, and after a full explanation of the finan- cial condition of the Lodge and expression of the committee's views of settlement, it was agreed that the Lodge pay the sum of $600, which would be received in full settlement of dues up to the year 1861. This amount, together with the amount of dues for the year 1861 ($260) was forwarded to the Grand Lodge officers. The Lodge, by this agreement, received an exonera- tion of $794.
By the failure of the Lancaster Savings Institution, the Lodge suffered a loss of $57, the settlement with the depositors being made this year.
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At the stated meeting of December 10th, the following breth- ren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Henry Carpenter, W. M .; F. S. Albright, S. W .; Edw. W. Swentzel, J. W. ; and the Treasurer, Secretary and Trustees were reelected.
During this year, besides the settlement of the delinquent Grand Lodge dues, the Lodge debt was reduced $148.36, leav- ing the entire indebtedness of the Lodge, including the thirty- seven bonds, $4611.77.
There were twelve members initiated, one withdrew, and one was expelled.
Washington's birthday, February 22, in 1863, occurring on Sunday, the Lodge by invitation attended divine service in the Duke Street Methodist Church, in the afternoon. The sermon was preached by Bro. James C. Meredith, the pastor of the church at that time. Forty members of the Lodge were present.
The year 1863 was a very prosperous one for the Lodge; forty- one members were initiated, five admitted, one withdrew and five died. During the year $1111. 77 of the debt was liquidated, which included the balance due the City and the Farmers' Bank, and two of its bonds, leaving the balance of the $3500 repre- sented by the remaining thirty-five bonds held by the members.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows : Bros. F. S. Albright, W. M .; Edw. W. Swentzel, S. W .; Wm. E. Heinitsh, J. W. ; and the remaining officers were reelected.
At this meeting it was resolved to distribute $150 among the widows of deceased members. This was the first distribution of the kind made by the Lodge, and it established a precedent which has been followed to the present time, accomplishing an immeasurable amount of good. To Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell belongs the credit of having proposed to the Lodge this commendable charity.
The Lodge being now in the enjoyment of the greatest pros- perity it had ever experienced, it was determined to celebrate St. John's day in an elaborate manner. An elegant banquet had been prepared and the tables spread in Fulton Hall, where 140 members and visiting brethren sat down to one of the most sumptuous Lodge banquets ever seen in Lancaster.
On the return from the war of Bro. Col. H. A. Hambright's
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
79th Regiment, Penn. Vols., on the morning of March 16, 1864, the Lodge assembled in special meeting and proceeded in a body to receive them.
On Wednesday evening, September 28th, the members of the Lodge, to the number of fifty or sixty, accompanied by a band of music, proceeded to York, Pa., and assisted in the ceremony of dedicating the new Masonic Hall in that place, the brethren returning to Lancaster on Friday following.
At the November meeting $50 were donated to Washington Lodge No. 143, of Chambersburg, Pa., towards the relief of the distress caused by the invasion of that portion of the State by the Confederate army.
The year 1864 was a remarkably busy and prosperous year for the Lodge, and it bears the distinction of witnessing the greatest number of additions to the membership of the Lodge made in any one year during its existence. Sixty-seven members were initiated, two admitted, two withdrew and eight died.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year : Henry Baumgardner, W. M. ; Wm. E. Heinitsh, S. W. ; H. C. Biggs, J. W. ; Abner D. Camp- bell, Treasurer ; Hugh S. Gara, Secretary ; and the Trustees were reëlected.
Six of the bonds were called in, leaving 29 in existence ; $150 was again distributed amongst the widows of deceased mem- bers, and $300 was appropriated for the use of the Charity Committee.
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CHAPTER IX.
1865-1875.
T HE prosperity and rapid growth of the Lodge, which distin- guished the year past, were contiued in the year 1865. The great amount of work to be performed rendered it necessary to hold frequent special meetings. The principal business of the year was the conferring of degrees upon the large number of newly elected members. Other incidents of interest were as follows :
In February the Lodge, in conjunction with the Chapter and Commandery, purchased a cabinet organ. This was the first organ used by the Masonic bodies in their meetings, and it re- mained in use until 1879, when the organ now in use was pur- chased by the Lodge.
At the stated meeting of May 10th, P. G. M. William Barger, our Proxy in the Grand Lodge, visited the Lodge by invitation and conferred the degrees.
At a special meeting of May 15th, the Reverend Bro. John Chambers visited the Lodge by invitation, and delivered a very interesting and instructive lecture. This meeting was attended by a very large number of brethren, noticeable among whom was our distinguished brother P. M. James Buchanan, and this was the last time he attended a meeting of his old Lodge.
During the fall, head and foot stones were placed at the graves of the brethren buried in the lot belonging to the Lodge, in the Lancaster Cemetery.
At the December meeting, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year : Wm. E. Heinitsh, W. M .; H. C. Biggs, S. W. ; Wm. A. Morton, J. W. ; Henry Baumgardner, Treasurer; H. S. Gara, Secretary; and C. Widmyer, Jno. Rees and C. A. Heinitsh, Trustees.
There were forty-seven members initiated, one admitted, four withdrew, and four died during the year.
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All the bonds outstanding against the Lodge were canceled, and at the end of the year the Lodge was free of debt and in a very flourishing condition.
During the year 1866, twenty-six members were initiated, one withdrew, and seven died.
The Lodge having no longer a debt, the funds rapidly accu- mulated, and $200 were invested in city loan.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows : Bros. Wm. A. Morton, W. M .; S. H. Reynolds, S. W. ; Jno. F. Huber, J. W. ; and the other officers all reelected.
At the Quarterly Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pa., held March, 1867, the Ahiman Rezon was amended, establishing the representative system. Accordingly at the stated meeting of the Lodge held March 13th, Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell was elected Representative to the Grand Lodge from Lodge No. 43. Bro. P. M. Howell served the Lodge accept- ably until 1875, when he was succeeded by Bro. P. M. B. Frank Breneman, who has been continued in office to the present time.
On the evening of July Ist, Right Worshipful Deputy, and Acting Grand Master Richard Vaux, Esq., accompanied by his grand officers, honored the Lodge with an official visitation.
At the stated meeting of August 14th, Bros. Geo. H. Ettla, Henry Landes and David Roth withdrew for the purpose of joining in the formation of a new Lodge at Marietta. Their ap- plication to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge for a charter was recommended by Lodge No. 43, which was granted September 5th, under the name of Ashara Lodge, No. 398.
Right Worshipful Grand Master John L. Goddard having died in office, the Lodges throughout the jurisdiction were duly noti- fied. Lodge No. 43 appointed a Committee to draft suitable resolutions, and the Lodge Room was draped in mourning for the space of three months.
During the year the Lodge extended aid to several southern Lodges, and donated $200 towards the building of the Children's Home in Lancaster. An additional $1000 were invested, mak- ing the investments of the Lodge $3000.
The annual election for officers at the December meeting re- sulted as follows : Bros. S. H. Reynolds, W. M. ; John F. Huber,
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
S. W. ; David N. Russel, J. W., and the other officers were all reëlected.
During the year 1867 forty-one were initiated, twenty with- drew, and seven died.
In February, 1868, S. W. elect, Bro. John F. Huber, M. D., died and was buried with Masonic honors.
Brother P. M. James Buchanan having died June 1, 1868, a special meeting of the Lodge was held on Thursday afternoon, June 4th, for the purpose of attending his funeral. W. M. Bro. Samuel H. Reynolds announced the object of the meeting, as follows :
Again, the solemn notes that betoken the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle have alarmed our outer door. Another spirit has been summoned to the land where our fathers have gone before us.
Again, we visit the habitation of the dead to offer up to the memory of a departed brother the last tribute of our affection, to demonstrate our esteem for his noble character, and our attach- ment to the principles of our Order.
We meet to-day to attend the funeral of the Hon. James Buchanan, Past Master of the Lodge, who died at his residence, " Wheatland," near this city, on Monday last.
Mr. Buchanan became a member of our order in the year 1816. From the time he was first raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, he exhibited great admiration for the tenets of Free Masonry, and made marked progress in our mysteries. Ex- eniplary in his conduct, persevering in the practice of every vir- tue, he soon gave evidence of that merit which entitled him to Masonic privileges and honors.
In 1822 he was elected Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and filled the office for one Masonic year. Skilled in the noble science of the royal art, true and trusty, he discharged his duties with fidelity, leaving, when he retired from his honorable position, a trestle-board which would bear most critical inspec- tion.
I need not, on this mournful occasion, detain you by referring to the many noble qualities which adorned the character of our brother, in private as well as in public life.
I need not tell you how his native State, nay, how the nation lavished honors upon him. These facts are familiar to all, and when written by a faithful historian, will illumine a page in American history.
In private life he was pure and upright, full of sincerity, a giver of charity without ostentation. As a lawyer, he was em-
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
inent, fearless, indefatigable and conscientious. As a public ser- vant he exhibited inflexible fidelity to his trust, and meant to be true to the faith of the fathers of the Republic.
His work is finished. The Grand Master of the Universe has removed him from the cares and troubles of this transitory exis- tence in the Lodge on earth to a state of endless duration in the Lodge on high.
Like all men, he had his faults. None are perfect. Let us, however, commend and imitate his virtues-and as we drop a tear over his grave, let us, as worthy members of an ancient and honorable fraternity, cast around his foibles the broad mantle of Masonic charity.
Upon the conclusion of this address, Bro. Secretary H. S. Gara moved that a committee of five (of which the W. M. shall be chairman), be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of our regard for our late brother, and that the Lodge be draped in mourning for the space of three months.
The motion was agreed to, and the W. M. appointed Bro. H. S. Gara, Past Masters J. J. Sprenger, J. L. Atlee, Jr., Charles E. Wentz and Bro. J. G. Peters said committee, who reported the following preamble and resolutions:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove our Brother P. M. James Buchanan, late President of the United States, to whose memory we now offer before the world, the last tribute of our esteem, as a Mason, a patriot and a citi- zen. Therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of every Mason to accept this dispensation of Providence with submission, and in the future be more alive to the sublime truths of our Order, which is founded on Liberality, Brotherly Love, and Charity, so that when the summons comes, we may be prepared to meet our Great Master, in the Lodge on high.
Resolved, That we will ever hold in remembrance the many virtues of our late brother. He was ever ready to promote the best interest of the Fraternity, and through it the good and welfare of society.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased Brother our sincere sympathy, firm in the belief that the Great Architect will fold the arms of his protection around them, if they place their trust in him.
Resolved, That these proceedings be placed upon the minutes, and a copy thereof sent to the family of our deceased brother.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Bros. E. D. Hurst, J. J. Sprenger, J. P. Wickersham, Thos. Coleman, Jere. Rohrer, A. S. Bard, W. H. Pool and Samuel Burns were appointed carriers, and Bro. J. M. Westhaeffer, Mar- shal. The Brethren, to the number of 200, and preceded by the City Cornet Band, proceeded to Wheatland, where they joined the funeral procession.
The remains of Bro. P. M. Buchanan were followed to the grave by the largest cortege that ever attended the funeral obse- quies of any President who died out of office. The proces- sion was under the Chief Marshalship of Bro. P. M. Charles M. . Howell, it contained not less than 4000 people, and was two miles in length. At the cemetery (Woodward Hill) the Breth- ren formed a circle around the grave, and, as soon as the religious services had been concluded, the beautiful and impressive Masonic burial service was performed, the Brethren singing a funeral dirge with band accompaniment, and this was one of the most impos- ing and affecting parts of the memorable scene.
On St. John the Baptist's day, June 24th of this year, the cor- ner-stone of the new Masonic Temple, Broad Street, Philadel- phia, was laid with appropriate and impressive ceremonies, Lodge No. 43 participating in the same, accompanied by a band.
Among the charities of this year was a donation of $25 to the fair for the benefit of Ashara Lodge, No. 398, of Marietta.
Bro. David N. Russel was elected W. M .; Bro. Adam Z. Ring- walt, S. W .; Bro. George K. Reed, J. W., and the other offi- cers reëlected, at the December meeting.
Twenty members were initiated, one admitted, eight withdrew, and three died during the year.
At the stated meeting of August 11, 1869, Bro. P. M. Samuel H. Reynolds, on behalf of Bro. S. S. Strachan, presented to the Lodge a set of wooden Masonic emblems or working tools. Bro. Strachan's letter, accompanying the gift. was as follows :
WASHINGTON, D. C., AUG. 7, 1869.
To the W. M., Wardens & Brethren of Lodge No. 43, A. Y. M.
BRETHREN : For a long time I have had under consideration the best method of expressing my profound respect for your Lodge, for your complete and generous extension of Masonic honors to your deceased brother, my father, some years ago.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The selection of a fit emblem of recognition of those services has delayed the tribute till now.
Please accept with my heartfelt wishes for your prosperity, the Masonic emblems herewith. They are made from cedar, inlaid with rare woods, all from the vicinity of our immortal brother's (George Washington's) tomb at Mount Vernon, Virginia; and were cut and brought here by myself.
The cedar forming the bulk of the memento is from a limb overhanging Brother Washington's first tomb.
Fraternally yours, S. S. STRACHAN.
After the reading of this letter, Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43 A. Y. M. accept with much pleasure the beautiful Masonic emblems presented by Bro. S. S. Strachan, and the Secretary be directed to convey to Bro. Strachan the thanks of Lodge No. 43, with the fraternal regards of all the brethren.
Resolved, That a suitable frame be placed around the Masonic emblems, and that Bro. P. M. Reynolds be requested to prepare a suitable inscription to be placed on the frame.
The beautiful emblems and relics are among the most valued of our possessions, and have a conspicuous place upon one of the walls of the Lodge rooms.
Among the charities of the year was a donation of $20 to Prince Edwards Lodge, Va.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows : Bro. Adam Z. Ringwalt, W. M .; Bro. Geo. K. Reed, S. W .; Bro. Wm. A. Wilson, J. W. ; and the other officers all reelected.
During the year fourteen members were initiated, three with- drew, and nine died.
At the stated meeting of January 10, 1870, a petition was pre- sented asking the approval of Lodge No. 43, to an application to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, for a warrant to constitute a new Lodge in this City. This petition not being in proper form, no action was had upon it. Considerable opposition to the movement was at this time apparent among the brethren, and a resolution was adopted declaring it " detrimental to the dignity, good order and peace of the Fraternity " to have another Lodge in this City. The brethren interested in the formation of the
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
new Lodge now resorted to a petition to be signed by individual · members, whose signatures were solicited outside the Lodge meet- ings. A resolution strongly condemning this procedure was adopted at the February meeting. The opposition was, how- ever, gradually overcome, and at the stated meeting of May IIth, Bros. P. M. Henry Baumgardner, P. M. Wm. A. Morton. Samuel F. Rathvon, Edward Welchans, J. Fred. Sener, Wm. Z. Sener, H. R. Fahnestock and John A. Shultz withdrew from the. Lodge, and a petition bearing their signatures, praying the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge to grant a Warrant to Constitute a new Lodge in Lancaster, being read, was on motion recom- mended to the favorable consideration of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge. As a result thereof, Lamberton Lodge No. 476, was duly warranted June Ist, and duly constituted June 23, 1870.
The office of Treasurer becoming vacant by the withdrawal of Bro. P. M. Baumgardner, Bro. Charles A. Heinitsh was elected to fill the vacancy, and Bro. P. M. John McCalla was elected to fill the vacancy in the Board of Trustees caused by Bro. Hein- itsh's election as Treasurer.
The report of the Trustees at the close of the year showed that the investments of the Lodge amounted to $7200.
At the December meeting Bro. George K. Reed was elected W. M .; Bro. Wm. A. Wilson, S. W .; Bro. Jere. Rohrer, J. W., and the other officers all reelected for the ensuing year.
During the year thirteen members were initiated, two admit- ted, sixteen withdrew, and three died.
At the stated meeting of March 8, 1871, a number of Brethren withdrew their membership in the Lodge for the purpose of forming a new Lodge at Safe Harbor. At the April meeting their application was recommended to the favorable considera- tion of the R. W. Grand Lodge. A charter was granted them on June 7th, under the name and number of Charles M. Howell Lodge No. 496.
During the year improvements were made in the matter of furniture-a new clock was purchased, chairs were substituted for settees, and all were upholstered in blue rep. Among the charities of the year was a donation of $300 to the sufferers from the Chicago fire, which generous act called forth from the ven-
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
erable Grand Secretary, Bro. John Thomson, the following expressive approval : " Bully for Lodge No. 43 in regard to Chicago."
During the year twenty-six members were initiated, fourteen withdrew, and four died.
The following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year : Wm. A. Wilson, W. M .; Jeremiah Rohrer, S. W .; B. Frank Breneman, J. W., and the other officers were all re- elected.
At the stated meeting of May 8, 1872, Bros. Samuel Slokom, Edwin Garrett, H. S. Kerns, John D. Harrar, Wm. H. Sproul, Joseph D. Pownall and George Pownall withdrew for the pur- pose of forming a new Lodge at Christiana. A resolution pray- ing the Grand Lodge to grant their request was adopted. The charter of Colerain Lodge No. 417, was transferred to them.
The accommodations for the Lodge and other bodies meeting in the hall proving insufficient, the third-story of the McConomy property, adjoining the Lodge rooms on the west, was rented in November, and a door-way opened into the same.
Among the charities of this year was a donation of $50 to the relief of the sufferers from the Somerset fire.
At the December meeting, the following brethren were elected ' officers for the ensuing Masonic year : Jeremiah Rohrer, W. M .; B. Frank Breneman, S. W .; James B. Strine, J. W. ; and the other officers were all reëlected.
During the year eleven members were initiated, two admitted, five withdrew, and four died. The investments of the Lodge at the end of the year amounted to $10,600.
The dedication of the new Masonic Temple, Broad Street, Philadelphia, took place on September 26, 1873, and was partic- ipated in by a large body of Masons from this and other juris- dictions. The officers and members of Lodge No. 43, accom- panied by the City Cornet Band, left the City on the morning of the 26th, arriving in time to participate in the parade. The Lodge paraded 130 inembers, and was assigned the position of the left of the third division.
During the year seven members were initiated, one admitted, five withdrew, and two died.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The annual election in December resulted in the following brethren being chosen officers for the ensuing year ; B. Frank Breneman, W. M .; John B. Warfel, S. W .; George R. Wel- chans, J. W. ; and the other officers all reelected.
The year 1874 was uneventful ; eight members were initiated, four withdrew, and five died.
The following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year, at the December meeting : John B. Warfel, W. M .; Geo. R. Welchans, S. W .; James P. Wickersham, J. W. ; and the other officers all reëlected.
At this meeting the annual appropriation to the charity com- mittee was increased to $600. The investments of the Lodge at * the end of the year amounted to $12,600.
CHAPTER X.
1875-1885.
THE last decade of the century found the Lodge in the enjoy-
T ment of the highest degree of prosperity, usefulness and im- portance.
During the year 1875, the question of making improvements to the hall was agitated. In November consent of City Councils was obtained to erect a stairway to the hall in the west end of the Market House on West King Street. Plans and specifica- tions were drawn and the work begun, but the enemies of the measure persuaded the property committee of Councils to tear the same down, which was done at night. The Lodge being un- willing to enter into a controversy on the subject, took no further steps in the matter at that time.
There were eight initiations, ten were admitted, one withdrew, and six died during the year.
The following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year at the December meeting : George R. Welchans, W. M .; James P. Wickersham, S. W .; Henry P. Eichler, J. W. ; and the other officers all reelected.
The year 1876 was uneventful. New regalia for the officers and new working tools were purchased. Eight members were initiated, one admitted, three withdrew, and three died.
The annual election in December, resulted as follows : Bros. James P. Wickersham, W. M. ; H. P. Eichler, S. W. ; Wm. O. Marshall, J. W. ; and the other officers all reelected.
At the stated meeting held May 9, 1877, eleven members withdrew for the purpose of establishing a new Lodge in Mount Joy. A resolution was adopted recommending to the favorable consideration of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, their appli- cation for a charter.
A warrant was granted them on June 6th, under the name and number of Casiphia Lodge, No. 551.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
During the year 1877, five members were initiated, fifteen withdrew, four died, and one was expelled.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year : Henry P. Eichler, W. M .; Wm. O. Marshall, S. W .; John Hull, J. W .; Chas. A. Heinitsh, Treasurer, H. S. Gara, Secretary, and Chr. Widmyer, Jno. Rees and John B. Warfel, Trustees.
At the stated meeting of April 10, 1878, Bro. P. M. Geo. K. Reed presented the Lodge with an engraving of the new Masonic Temple, Broad Street, Philadelphia, which on motion was accepted, and the thanks of the Lodge tendered Bro. Reed for the present.
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