USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
Among the charities extended by the Lodge during this year was a donation of $50 towards the relief of the yellow-fever suf- ferers in the southern portion of our country.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bros. Wm. O. Marshall, W. M .; John Hull, S. W .; Eliphalet Oram Lyte, J. W., and the other officers all reelected.
During the year seven members were initiated, two admitted, five withdrew and one died.
At the stated meeting of January 8, 1879, the By-laws of the Lodge were revised and amended, the result being the By-laws now in use by the Lodge.
At the stated meeting held June 9th, a motion was offered to erect an additional story on the Lodge building. The consider- ation of the subject was postponed to a special meeting held June 23d, when it was resolved not to erect the additional story, but in place thereof it was resolved to improve the interior of the hall.
The ceiling of the Lodge room was beautifully frescoed, its side walls, as well as the walls of the ante-rooms and stairways, were papered, the wood work was painted, a new carpet was placed on the floor, new chandeliers, new stoves, and a new organ were purchased, and all the Lodge furniture was repaired, the entire improvements costing about $3,500, and when com- plete making the Lodge room one of the handsomest in the State.
On the evening of Friday, October 3d, the work being fin-
179
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
ished, a reception was given by the Lodge to its members, their families and friends. An address of welcome was delivered by W. M. Bro. Wm. O. Marshall, which was followed by addresses by D. D. G. M. Bro. Henry Baumgardner and P. M. Bro. B. Frank Breneman. The exercises were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, and all present partook of the hospital- ities of the Lodge in the banquet room.
Fully 1500 people participated in this reception. The fol- lowing evening the hall was opened to the public and was vis- ited by 5000 people.
Rear Admiral William Reynolds, a Master Mason, late a mem- ber of Lodge No. 325, Gibraltar, died at Washington, D. C., November 5th, 1879. Previous to his death he expressed the wish to be buried by Lodge No. 43. His remains arrived in this city on the evening of the 7th, and were at once conveyed to Masonic Hall, where they lay in state until the following morn- ing (Saturday, November 8th), when a special meeting of the Lodge was held for the purpose of carrying out the request of our deceased brother. The Lodge was opened at nine and one half o'clock, the business transacted and the Lodge closed, after which the friends of the deceased were admitted and the beau- tiful and impressive Lodge services for the dead were observed, after which the Brethren, accompanied by the relatives and friends of the deceased, proceeded to the Lancaster cemetery, where the remains were interred with the usual Masonic cere- monies.
R. W. Grand Master Michael Nisbet, Esq., accompanied by his grand officers, honored the Lodge with a grand visitation on the evening of November 12th.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year : John Hull, W. M .; Eliph- alet Oram Lyte, S. W .; Joel S. Eaby, J. W., and the other officers all reëlected.
During the year six members were initiated, two admitted, five withdrew, and three died.
At the stated meeting held January 14, 1880, a committee con- sisting of Bros. P. M. Charles M. Howell, P. M. Wm. O. Mar- shall and H. S. Gara, were appointed to select a suitable testi- monial for presentation to Bro. Charles A. Heinitsh, Treasurer.
ISO
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The committee selected a massive and very elegant silver ice pitcher, which they had appropriately engraved. Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell, on behalf of the Lodge, in his usual able and impressive manner, presented the gift to Bro. Heinitsh at the stated meeting of the Lodge on February IIth, and Bro. Heinitsh in accepting the gift responded in feeling terms.
On Thursday morning April 8, 1880, a special meeting of the Lodge was held for the purpose of attending the funeral of Bro. General James L. Reynolds, late a member of Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 226, of Lebanon, Pa. Bro. Reynolds was present at the funeral services held in the Lodge room over the remains of his brother, Bro. Admiral Wm. Reynolds, and was deeply im- pressed with their beauty and solemnity, being moved to remark, that that was the manner in which he wished to be buried when he died. He subsequently made the request that in the event of his death he desired to be buried by Lodge No. 43, and from their Hall. His body lay in state in the Lodge room, and the Lodge funeral services were observed in full, a Committee from Mount Lebanon Lodge and the relatives and friends of the de- ceased being present. The remains were interred in Lancaster Cemetery with the usual Masonic ceremonies.
The following brethren were at the December meeting elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year : Eliphalet Oram Lyte, WV. M .; Joel S. Eaby, S. W .; George A. Marshall, J. W., and the other officers all reelected.
During the year 1880 but two members were initiated, the smallest number of initiations in any one year for thirty-eight years, two withdrew, and three died.
On September 19, 1881, our lamented Bro. Hon. James A. Garfield, President of the United States, died at Long Branch. Many buildings throughout the country were draped in mourn- ing in respect to his memory. The Lodge had the exterior of its Hall tastefully and elaborately draped for thirty days. An extensive and destructive fire having occurred in the State of Michigan, entailing great suffering upon its people, and aid hav- ing been solicited from all parts of the country, the Lodge do- nated the goods used for the above purpose, and $25 in money towards their relief.
ISI
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
In November of this year the Lodge purchased eight addi- tional burial lots in the Lancaster Cemetery.
The annual election for officers held December 14, 1881, re- sulted as follows : Bros. Joel S. Eaby, W. M. ; George A. Mar- shall, S. W. ; James B. Strine, J. W., and the other officers all reélected.
During the year five members were initiated, and one died.
The Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was observed with appropriate ceremonies in the Grand Lodge room of the Masonic Temple, Broad and Filbert streets, Philadelphia, and in the American Academy of Music, and by a grand street parade on St. John's day, June 24th, 1882. Lodge No. 43 having resolved to participate in the celebration, the officers and members of the Lodge to the number of one hundred and accompanied by a band of music, embarked on the morning of the 24th, and participated in the ceremonies and parade.
On November 17th a special meeting being called for the pur- pose, R. W. Grand Master Samuel B. Dick, Esq., accompanied by his grand officers, honored the Lodge with an official visita- tion.
At the stated meeting in December, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: George A. Marshall, W. M .; James B. Strine, S. W .; Joshua L. Lyte, J. W .; and the other officers all reelected.
During the year thirteen members were initiated, one with- drew, and two died.
At the stated meeting October 10, 1883, Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell stated that there was now an opportunity to make a decided improvement in our Lodge building by uniting with the city authorities in a proposed remodeling of the same. On mo- tion a committee of five members was appointed to confer with the property committee of Councils in the proposed alterations. A proposition was made to Councils to tear down the entire structure, the Lodge at its own expense to erect a new building on the site of the old, the title to rest in the Lodge, and the city to receive a perpetual lease for the use of such apartments as is necessary for the accommodation of the city officials. Coun-
182
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
cils failing to accept the proposition or to propose any accept- able substitute, the whole matter was dropped.
The annual election for officers held December 12, 1883, resulted as follows : Bros. James B. Strine, W. M .; Joshua L. Lyte, S. W .; John C. Carter, J. W .; C. A. Heinitsh, Treas- urer ; H. S. Gara, Secretary, and C. Widmyer, John Rees, and Jere. Rohrer, Trustees.
During the year 1883 seven members were initiated, two ad- mitted, and one withdrew.
At the stated meeting held May 10, 1884, the Trustees re- ported that they had been making an earnest effort to obtain an entrance to the Lodge rooms from West King Street, and that they had succeeded in obtaining the consent of Select and Com- mon Councils. The following is a copy of the proceedings fur- nished the Trustees by Clerk of Select Councils.
LANCASTER, SEPTEMBER 5, 1884.
To the Trustees of Lodge No. 43, A. Y. M.
GENTLEMEN : The following communication was presented to Select Councils on Wednesday evening, September 3, 1884, by the Property Committee, and passed, Common Council concur- ring in the action of Select Council.
In November, 1875, Councils passed a resolution giving per- mission to Lodge No. 43, A. Y. M. to erect at their own expense, a stairway and entrance from West King Street to their Lodge room, the said Lodge giving up their right to an entrance and stairway in the rear of the room formerly occupied by the U. S. Post Office. The said stairway to be 512 feet wide, and constructed as indicated in an accompanying draft.
Application has been made to your Property Committee now to make this stairway, and your Committee consented to the making of the same in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing resolution. Provided, Lodge No. 43 can get the con- sent of the tenant occupying the restaurant in the old Market House, without in any way affecting the lease between the City and said tenant.
GEO. B. KELLER, Clerk of Select Council.
The Trustees reported they had obtained the consent of the tenant of the restaurant to proceed with the work, they having paid him the sum of thirty dollars, and he having signed a con- tract permitting them the free use and right of ingress and egress
183
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
for the purpose of erecting the stairway and permitting the re- moval of the window and awning in front of the building.
On motion it was unanimously agreed that the Trustees and Bros. S. W. Joshua L. Lyte, and P. M. Wm. O. Marshall be constituted a building committee to have the stairway erected at once.
The work was begun the latter part of September, 1884, and was finished the beginning of February, 1885. The work com- pleted cost about $2300, and is one of the most substantial, con- venient and handsome entrances and stairways to any hall in the State.
At the stated meeting of the Lodge held December Io, 1884, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Joshua L. Lyte, W. M. ; John C. Carter, S. W .; Geo. B. Willson, J. W. ; Chas. A. Heinitsh, Treasurer; H. S. Gara, Secretary ; and Christ. Widmyer, John Rees and Jeremiah Rohrer, Trustees.
During the year 1884, seven members were initiated, one ad- mitted, three withdrew, and four died.
In the year 1885, previous to the Centennial celebration, four members were initiated.
During the one hundred years of the existence of the Lodge, 1089 members have been initiated and 108 admitted to member- ship, making a grand total of 1197 members.
The records, which for a number of years were imperfectly kept, show the following figures : 369 withdrew, 251 stand sus- pended, 25 were placed in good Masonic standing, 23 were made by dispensation, never becoming members, 12 were expelled, and 165 died. The membership of the Lodge on April 21st, 1885, was 269. These figures leave 83 of the members unaccounted for, the majority of whom doubtless died while members in good standing.
During the century of its existence, 75 members of the Lodge occupied the Oriental Chair in the East. 34 of these 75 are liv- ing at the present time, 29 of whom are still members of the Lodge in good standing, the remaining five having withdrawn. Eight of them, viz .: Bros. Jeremiah Mosher, George H. Whit- taker, Ebenezer Wright, Henry Keffer, Thomas Jeffries, Robert
184
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Moderwell, Charles M. Howell and Henry Baumgardner were each at two different times elected to that responsible position, while Bro. Jacob Carpenter was three different times, and Bro. William Kirkpatrick was six different times so elected.
The oldest living Past Master of the Lodge is Bro. J. Henry Brown, who was Worshipful Master from St. John's day 1844 to 1845. He withdrew from the Lodge in 1849, and was admitted a member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 72, where he still holds membership.
The oldest living member of the Lodge is Bro. Christian Gast, who was made a Mason on January 10, 1838.
Since the creation of the office of District Deputy Grand Master, this Masonic district has been presided over by fifteen distinguished brethren in that capacity. They were the follow- ing :
Bro. James Buchanan . . December 1823 to 1825.
Bro. George B. Porter 1825 to 1830.
Bro. Samuel Humes. . 1830 to 1832.
Bro. Nathaniel W. Sample, Jr 1832 to 1837.
Bro. Thomas Jeffries
1837 to 1839.
Bro. Robert Moderwell
1839 to 1848.
Bro. Geo. B. Kerfoot .
1848 to 1851.
Bro. J. B. Kaufman . 66 1851 to 1852.
Bro. Jacob Albright
1852 to 1854.
Bro. Chas. W. Cooper
1854 to 1855.
Bro. Charles M. Howell.
1855 to 1874.
Bro. Fitz James Evans. . 1874 to 1875.
Bro. Henry Baumgardner 1875 to 1880.
Bro. B. Frank Breneman
1880 to 1882.
Bro. Wm. A. Morton .
1882.
Bro. Sample was a member of Philanthropic Lodge No. 104, and Bro. Evans, of York Lodge No. 266. The remaining thirteen were all Past Masters of Lodge No. 43, two of them, however, Bros. Baumgardner and our present worthy and efficient District Deputy, Bro. Morton, are members of Lamberton Lodge, No. 476, they having withdrawn from Lodge No. 43, for the purpose of joining in the formation of No. 476.
The season of prosperity which set in for the Lodge in the latter third, continued to the end of the century ; when an inventory of her possessions presents the following :
185
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Value of Regalia, Lodge Furniture, etc. $3,000 00
" Real Estate about . . 15,000 00
Investments (Bonds and Mortgages)
16,000 00
Total. . $34,000 00
Thus we find Lodge No. 43 enters upon the second century of her existence with a membership of 269, a wealth of $34,000; and, after a chequered and interesting history, occupies a posi- tion, for usefulness and importance, second to none under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
G
LODGE NO. 43, F.and A. M.,
LANCASTER, PA.
CENTENNIAL MEETING :
On Tuesday, April 21st. A. D. ISSO.
.
ORDER OF EXERCISES ·
AFTERNOON,
1 opening at 2 o'clock, P. M.
2. Short Address by the Worshipful Master
3. Sketch of the History of the Lodge by the Historian George R, Welchans, P. M.
4. Short Addresses by Members and cthers
5 Closing
EVENING
The Members and Visiting Brethern will meet at the Lodge Room in full Masonic Dress, at 7:00 o'clock, and proceed in a body at 7:15 to Maennerchor Hall, where the Banquet will take place at 7:30 o'clock
LODGE AO. 45. P. and A. I.
LANCASTER, PA,
Brother
A Special Meeting of Lodge No. 43,
F A. M. will be held at Masonic Hall,
On Tuesday, the 21st Day of April, A. L. 5885 At 2 o'clock, P. M. to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Lodge
By order of JOSHUA L LYTE, W. M.
HUGH S. GARA, Serv.
BRICERS ..
JOSHUA L. LYTE, WORSHIPFUL MASTER.
JOIIN C. CARTER, SENIOR WARDEN. GEORGE B. WILLSON, JUN. WARDEN.
CHARLES A. HEINITSH, TREASURER. HUGH S. GARA, SECRETARY. WILLIAM O. MARSHALL, CHAPLAIN.
GEORGE H. ROTHERMEL, S. D. FRANK H. COBLE, JUN. DEACON.
JACOB P. SHIRK, S. M. of C.
JOHN W. LANSINGER. . I. M. of (.
WM. D. WEAVER. PURSUIVANT. GEORGE LUTZ, TYLER.
TRUSTEES.
(. WIDMYER, JOHN REES, P. M. JERE ROHRER.
CHARITY COMMITTEE.
P. M. GEORGE R. WELCHTANS, P. M. JOEL S. EABY. P. M. WILLIAM O. MARSHALL.
CHARLES E. WENTZ, .JUNIUS B. KAUFFMAN, CHAS. M. HOWELL, JOHN MCCALLA, J. J. SPRENGER, E. D. IFU'RST. JOHN L. ATLEE, JR., GEORGE M. KLINE, WM. ATG. ATLEE,
PAST MASTERS.
HENRY CARPENTER,
SAMUEL H. REYNOLDS,
DAVID N. RUSSELL, ADAM Z. RINGWALT,
GEORGE K. REED, WILLIAM A. WILSON, JERE ROHRER. B. FRANK BRENEMAN,
JOHN B. WARFEL,
GEO. R. WELCHANS,
JAMES P. WICKERSHAM, HENRY P. EICHLER, WILLIAM O. MARSHALL, JOHN HILL, ELIPHALET ORAM LYTE, JOEL S. EABY,
GEORGE A. MARSHALL, JAMES B. STRINE.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
T HE following is an account of the preparation for the Cen- tennial Celebration of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., and the manner in which it was celebrated.
At the stated meeting of the Lodge held October 8, 1884, on motion of Bro. P. M. George R. Welchans, it was unanimously resolved, that a Committee consisting of the Past Masters and present officers of the Lodge, be appointed to make all the neces- sary arrangements for the celebration of the approaching Cen- tennial of Lodge No. 43.
The committee consisted of the following Brethren :
CHARLES E. WENTZ, P. M., JUNIUS B. KAUFMAN, P. M., CHARLES M. HOWELL, P. M., JOHN MCCALLA, P. M., J. J. SPRENGER, P. M., E. D. HURST, P. M., JOHN L. ATLEE, JR., P. M., GEO. M. KLINE, P. M., WVM. AUG. ATLEE, P. M., HENRY CARPENTER, P. M., SAMUEL H. REYNOLDS, P. M., DAVID N. RUSSEL, P. M., ADAM Z. RINGWALT, P. M., GEORGE K. REED, P. M., WILLIAM A. WILSON, P. M., JERE. ROHRER, P. M.,
B. FRANK BRENEMAN, P. M., JOHN B. WARFEL, P. M., GEO. R. WELCHANS, P. M., JAMES P. WICKERSHAM, P. M., HENRY P. EICHLER, P. M., WILLIAM O. MARSHALL, P. M., JOHN HULL, P. M.,
ELIPHALET O. LYTE, P. M., JOEL S. EABY, P. M., GEORGE A. MARSHALL, P. M., JAMES B. STRINE, W. M., JOSHUA L. LYTE, S. W., JOHN C. CARTER, J. W., CHARLES A. HEINITSH, Treas., HUGH S. GARA, Sec.
The Committee met and organized by electing Bro. P. M. B. Frank Breneman Chairman, and Bro. S. W., Joshua L. Lyte Secretary.
It was resolved to have the celebration on April 21, 1885, it corresponding to the date of our warrant, viz. : April 21, 1785.
On motion of Bro. P. M. Geo. K. Reed, a Committee con-
(187 )
188
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
sisting of Bros. B. Frank Breneman, Joshua L. Lyte, Hugh S. Gara, Charles M. Howell, and Chas. E. Wentz, was appointed to prepare a programme of exercises.
The programme adopted was as follows :
AFTERNOON.
I. Opening of the Lodge at 2 o'clock, P. M.
2. Address by the Worshipful Master.
3. Sketch of the History of the Lodge by the Historian, P. M. George R. Welchans.
4. Addresses by members and others.
5. Closing.
EVENING.
The members and visiting brethren to meet at the Lodge-room in full Masonic dress, at 7:00 o'clock, and proceed in a body at 7:15 to Mænnerchor Hall, where the banquet would take place at 7:30 o'clock.
The following sub-committees were appointed to carry out the programme which had been adopted :
Committee on Banquet : Bros. Jere. Rohrer, Chairman ; Geo. B. Willson, John B. Warfel, Geo. R. Welchans, Geo. A. Mar- shall, Wm. Aug. Atlee and James B. Strine.
Committee on Printing : Bros. Joshua L. Lyte, Chairman ; Wm. O. Marshall, Joel S. Eaby, H. S. Gara, and Wm. A. Wilson.
Invitations were extended to the Grand Officers and Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the offi- cers and members of Lamberton Lodge No. 476, the Masons residing in Lancaster who were not affiliated with either of the two Lodges, the Worshipful Masters of the remaining Lodges in Lancaster county, and to a number of distinguished members of the fraternity throughout the country.
The invitation to the celebration was printed on a heavy card in a very attractive style, a fac simile of which is given at the opening of this chapter.
The Worshipful Master issued a notice for the meeting of the Lodge, a fac simile of which is here given.
189
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Accompanying the invitation and the notice of the meeting was the following circular :
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. 1785-1885. LODGE 43, F. A. M., LANCASTER, PA., MARCH 30, 1885. 5
Dear Sir & Brother : In order that a seat may be assigned to you at the Banquet, you are earnestly requested to let us know whether you will be present or not. Please reply so that we may receive your answer not later than April 10, 1885. Yours fraternally, JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee.
The following letters and telegrams were received in response to the invitations :
From the Right Worshipful Grand Master. PHILADELPHIA, PA., April 21, 1885. JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., Worshipful Master, Lodge 43.
Am in the midst of a jury trial, and very sorry not to be able to join you. Best wishes for your renewed prosperity. E. C. MITCHELL, Grand Master.
From the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. PITTSBURGH, APRIL 3, 1885.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : The invitation to attend the Centen- nial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, has been received.
Owing to other engagements about that time I shall not be able to be present, and very much regret that such is the case. Thanking you for the courtesy, and hoping you may all have a most enjoyable occasion, I am
Yours fraternally, Jos. EICHBAUM.
From the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, HARRISBURG, APRIL 11th, 1885. ) JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : Temporary absence from this city pre- vented me from replying by the roth instant, as requested, to the fraternal invitation to be present at the Centennial Anniver- sary of your Lodge, to be held on Tuesday the 21st instant. I regret to say that on examining my calendar I find the stated
IGO
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
meeting of our Board of Pardons to be fixed for 31/2 o'clock on that day ; I also find a subpoena to appear as a witness in a land case in one of our County courts that week. I am anxious to be present, but as matters look now it seems that I shall be deprived of the pleasure of meeting my Lancaster brethren on that occa- sion.
Thanking your Committee for your kind consideration, I am, Fraternally yours, J. SIMPSON AFRICA.
From Past Grand Master Thomson.
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 7, 1885.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee.
Dear Sir & Brother : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your fraternal invitation to be present at the Centennial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., on Tuesday, April 21, 1885. I sincerely regret that I am physically unable to attend, and I desire to express to the members through you, my sincere and hearty good wishes for the continued prosperity of the Lodge. Very truly and fraternally yours, JOHN THOMSON.
From Past Grand Master Lamberton.
THE LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, SOUTH BETHLEHEM, PA., PRESIDENT'S ROOM, APRIL 13, 1885. ) JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., W. M., No. 43, Secretary Centennial Com- mittee, Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : My absence from home for the past month has prevented an earlier acknowledgment of your frater- nal invitation to be present at the celebration of your Centennial Anniversary on the 21st inst. To my great regret, I cannot be with you. I thank you for the invitation.
You have my earnest wishes for a successful celebration, and for the continued welfare and prosperity of your Lodge.
Yours fraternally, R. A. LAMBERTON.
From Past Grand Master Day. PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 15, 1885. J. L. LYTE, Esq., Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : Since I accepted the invitation to your Centennial Anniversary on the 21st, my cold has developed into bronchitis, and I am used up for the present. The Doctor says I must not go to Lancaster under any circumstances, nor go out at night, hence I am reluctantly compelled to stay at home.
191
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
I hope you may have a good time, however, and I feel sure you will. I had looked forward with a great deal of pleasure towards participating with you, as I desired very much to meet some of our Brethren of your Lodge and city again. I have de- layed writing as long as possible, hoping to be better, but I am sorry to say I do not feel able to be with you.
Fraternally yours, CONRAD B. DAY.
From Past Grand Master Nisbet.
OFFICE OF THE GRAND SECRETARY, GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, F. & A. M., MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 15th, 1885. ) My Dear Sir & Brother : I regret that in consequence of the sudden death of a sister I will not be able to attend the Cen- tennial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, on the 21st instant.
Yours fraternally, MICHAEL NISBET, Grand Secretary. To JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee.
From Grand Chaplain Whitehead. BISHOP'S HOUSE, ELLSWORTH AVE., PITTSBURGH, MARCH 31, 1885. J
JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M.
Dear Sir & Brother : Your courteous invitation to take part in the exercises commemorative of the Centennial of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., is received, and I hereby gratefully acknowledge your fraternal kindness.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.