USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 17
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It is with regret that I find myself debarred because of pre- vious engagements from accepting the invitation so kindly given.
I trust that the occasion may be 'for all concerned a most joyous and satisfactory one.
Fraternally yours, CORTLANDT WHITEHEAD.
From Grand Chaplain Getz.
WEST PHILADELPHIA, PA., APRIL 6, 1885. JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Lodge No. 43.
Dear Sir & Brother : Thank you very much indeed for the kind invitation to attend the Centennial Anniversary of your Lodge.
It would give great pleasure, I can assure you, to be present on that most interesting occasion, but I regret sincerely that it will not be possible to do so.
I trust you may have a profitable and joyful time, and that
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prosperity may continue to favor the Lodge, as well as every individual brother belonging to it.
With statements of personal regard and esteem, I am,
Fraternally, HENRY S. GETZ.
From Grand Chaplain Robins.
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 1, 1885.
Dear Sir & Brother : I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous invitation to participate in the Centennial Anni- · versary of Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Pa.
It would give me very great pleasure to be with you upon this occasion, but, very much to my regret, I shall be unable, on ac- count of pressing engagements to be absent from Philadelphia on the 21st instant.
Will you tender to the Lodge my congratulations upon the event which they, with very proper pride, now celebrate, and my earnest wishes for its continued prosperity ?
Be assured that I entirely appreciate the honor which has been done me in extending me an invitation to your festivities, and of the esteem and regard with which, I am,
Sincerely and fraternally yours, JAMES W. ROBINS, Grand Chaplain.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, EsQ., W. M., Lodge No. 43.
From Grand Chaplain Hirsch.
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 1, 1885. To JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Lancaster, Pa.
Dear & Respected Brother : Your kind invitation to be pre- sent at the Centennial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., is at hand.
Grateful for your fraternal courtesy, I beg leave to express my deep-felt regrets, that bodily ailments, and other obligations for- bid me to respond personally to your kindness. My prayers are, may the Gr. Ar. of the U. grant your respected Lodge a new seculum of prosperity and continued brotherly love.
Truly yours, DR. SAMUEL HIRSCH,
From Grand Chaplain Delo.
CLARION, PA., APRIL 8, 1885.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee, Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : I thank your committee for your fra- ternal invitation to be present at your Centennial Anniversary. I am sorry circumstances prevent my presence.
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M. 193
I congratulate you on your successfully building a century col- umn in the history of this our truly ancient fraternity. I wish you all prosperity. May your lights be always trimmed and burning and yourselves ready to do the Master's work.
Fraternally,
B. F. DELO, P. M., Clarion Lodge No. 277.
From Grand Chaplain Miller.
EASTON, PA., March 30, 1885.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee.
Dear Sir & Brother : Accept my thanks for the invitation to attend the Centennial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M. I regret to say that my engagements are such that it will be impossible for me to be present. Wishing you and the Brethren a very pleasant meeting, I am Yours sincerely, FRANK D. MILLER.
From Grand Junior Deacon Pattison.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, HARRISBURG, MARCH 31, 1885. J JOSHUA L. LITE, W. M., Secretary Centennial Committee, Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the Centennial Meeting and Banquet of your Lodge of F. and A. M., for which you have my sincere thanks, but I very much regret that my engagements cover the 21st of April -the time fixed-and that I shall be obliged to be absent.
I am, my dear sir, Fraternally yours, ROBERT E. PATTISON.
From Grand Sword Bearer Chasteau.
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 4, 1885.
JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., Secretary, etc.
WV. Dear Sir & Brother : Your very kind invitation found me an invalid.
Truly do you preside over ye ancient and honorable Lodge. It would afford me great pleasure to be with you, but sickness prevents.
Trusting you may have every enjoyment, I am Fraternally yours, LOUIS M. CHASTEAU.
13
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
From Rob. Morris, P. G. M.
ASTOR HOUSE, NEW YORK, MARCH 30, 1885. JOSHUA L. LYTE, Esq., W. M., Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Pa.
Wor. & Dear Brother : The reception of your kind invite to your Centennial causes mingled pain and pleasure. Pride at feeling I am so graciously remembered at your venerable place, is blended with profound regret that my engagements absolutely forbid my presence. It will be an occasion for you all to be proud of, and I know enough of Lancaster Masons to feel sure your proceedings will be crowned with success.
If there is room for my contribution* I shall be happy to offer it as an humble token of my admiration and esteem.
With cordial good wishes,
Your obliged Brother, ROB. MORRIS.
From John W. Simons, P. G. M. NEW YORK, APRIL 1, 1885. W. BRO. JOSHUA L. LYTE, Lancaster, Pa.
Dear Sir & Brother : I am in receipt of your very kind invi- tation to participate in the exercises at the Centennial of Lodge No. 43, and should be delighted to accept were it in my power.
But alas, the treadmill of duty holds me fast ; but you have my best wishes for a pleasant time, and my hope that the exist- ence of your lodge may continue into centurial years.
Fraternally, JNO. W. SIMONS, P. G. M.
From John Mills Browne.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, 1 WASHINGTON, APRIL 3, 1885. S B. FRANK BRENEMAN, Esq., P. M., Chairman etc., etc.,
Dear Sir & Brother : I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of an invitation to be present at the Centennial Anniver- sary of Lodge, No. 43, F. & A. M., Lancaster, Pa., on the 2 1st instant.
I have deferred its reply until the present, hoping to be able to accept, but having been ordered as a member of a general court-martial, which presumably will be in session at the time, I have, with much regret, to declare my inability to participate with the B. B. at the memorable festivity.
Convey to the B. B. my due appreciation of the courteous at- tention, and accept assurances of my high fraternal considera- tion.
Faithfully yours,
JNO. MILLS BROWNE.
* Bro. Morris' contribution, "Centennial Poem," will be found on page 203.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
From Henry R. Coleman.
LOUISVILLE, KY., APRIL 6, 1885. J. L. LYTE, Esq., Secretary Centennial Anniversary Committee.
My Dear Sir & Brother : Permit me to thank you most heartily for the cordial and fraternal invitation to join you in the Anniversary Celebration of the Centenary of your Lodge, No. 43, F. & A. M., Lancaster, Penn. It would give me great pleas- ure to be there, but duties which are absolute at this time, pre- clude the pleasure. I can therefore only send you my warmest wishes for the entire success of the occasion.
I lay the elegant card of invitation, &c., away with my other Masonic treasures.
My absence from home delayed my answer.
With fraternal esteem, H. R. COLEMAN.
From Edwin G. Martin, P. M.
ALLENTOWN APRIL 4, 1885.
BRO. B. FRANK BRENEMAN, Chairman Commmittee of Arrange- ments.
Dear Brother : I am sorry that I cannot accept your kind invi- tation to be present, to join with you in celebrating the Centen- nial Anniversary of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., on Tuesday, April 21, 1885.
Be kind enough to present my compliments to the officers of Lodge No. 43, and to the Brethren of the Committee.
Fraternally yours, &c., EDWIN G. MARTIN.
From H. Stanley Goodwin, P. M.
SOUTH BETHLEHEM, PA., APRIL 21, 1885.
MASTER OR SECRETARY OF MASONIC LODGE, 43.
I greatly regret that I am hindered from going to Lancaster. Please accept my best wishes for future centuries.
H. S. GOODWIN.
From Brother Charles F. Rees, Lodge No. 43. MILLERSVILLE, APRIL 6, 1885.
J. L. LYTE, Esq.
Dear Sir & Brother: While I return my sincerest thanks to the Honorable Lodge No. 43 for their kind invitation to their Centennial Anniversary, I deeply regret to say that it is impos- sible for me to be present, as I am, and have been, sick for five months and unable to leave the house. O how much would I have liked to attend this festival in the midst of my Brethren of
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
our Lodge, as I did attend a similar one forty-five years ago, namely, the Centennial Anniversary of the National Grand Lodge of Prussia, called " The Three Globes," which was held at Ber- lin in 1840. But at that time I was a young robust man, while now I am an old man, sick and crippled.
Wishing all the respected Brethren the greatest pleasure and enjoyment, I remain with much respect
Your obedient servant and Bro., CHAS. F. REES.
Regrets were also received from the following named Brethren : David Conyngham, Paradise, Pa., Lodge No. 43. Samuel Eby, Elizabethtown, Pa., Lodge No. 43. John H. Grove, Philadelphia, Pa., Lodge No. 43. Christian J. Hiestand, Florin, Pa., Lodge No. 43. Francis A. Lyte, Minneapolis, Minn., Lodge No. 43. John W. Myers, Philadelphia, Pa., Lodge No. 43. Charles H. Nauman, Haulover, Fla., Lodge No. 43. Jacob Stoner, Jr., Lancaster, Pa., Lodge No. 43. George W. Wood, Grand Marshal, Philadelphia. Rev. Luther F. Smith, Grand Chaplain, Mount Union, Pa. S. Kingston McCay, Grand Steward, Philadelphia. George W. Kendrick, Jr., P. M., Philadelphia, Lodge No 59. Edgar A. Tennis, P. M., Thompsontown, Lodge No. 371. J. Willis Westlake, P. M., Millersville, Pa., Lodge No. 476. John V. Montgomery, Millersville, Pa., Lodge No. 476. Rev. C. F. Knight, Lancaster, Pa., Winslow Lewis Lodge, Mass. Milton J. Brecht, Lancaster, Pa., Lodge, No. 551.
William B. Hall, Lancaster, Pa., Lodge No. 25, Conn.
Coe Mulock, Lancaster, Pa., Lodge No. 407, New York.
THE MEETING OF THE LODGE.
The Lodge was opened at 2:15 o'clock p. m., with the fol- lowing officers present :
Joshua L. Lyte, Worshipful Master.
John C. Carter, Senior Warden.
James B. Strine, P. M., as Junior Warden.
Charles A. Heinitsh, Treasurer.
Hugh S. Gara, Secretary. William O. Marshall, Chaplain.
George H. Rothermel, Senior Deacon.
Frank H. Coble, Junior Deacon. Jacob P. Shirk, Senior Master of Ceremonies. John W. Lansinger, Junior Master of Ceremonies. William D. Weaver, Pursuivant. George Lutz, Tyler.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
A letter was read from Bro. George B. Willson, Junior Warden, stating that he could not be present at the Centennial on ac- count of the serious illness of his brother at Bradford.
This Centennial meeting of Lodge, No. 43, was one of the largest and most successful meetings the Lodge ever held. Nearly two hundred and fifty Masons occupied seats in our beautiful Lodge Room.
The Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Bro. Clifford P. MacCalla, the Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer, Bro. Thomas R. Patton, of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. William A. Morton, honored the Lodge with their presence.
Among the distinguished visitors were Bro. Charles E. Meyer, P. M., of Lodge No. 295, also Bro. William A. Sinn, P. M., of Lodge No. 19, and Grand Tyler of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
The visitors present represented the following Lodges :
Montgomery, No. 19, Philadelphia.
Lodge 51, Philadelphia.
Concordia Lodge, No. 67, Philadelphia.
Union Lodge, No. 121, Philadelphia.
Washington, No. 156, Drumore Centre.
York, No. 266, York.
Bellefonte Lodge, No. 268, Bellefonte, Pa.
Mountain, No. 281, Altoona.
Columbia, No. 286, Columbia.
Melita, No. 295, Philadelphia. Burger, No. 333, Allentown. Goddard, No. 383, Coatesville.
Apollo, No. 386, Philadelphia. Perkins, No. 402, Philadelphia.
Robert Burns, No. 464, Harrisburg.
Lamberton, No. 476, Lancaster. Union, No. 479, Morgantown.
Casiphia, No. 551, Mount Joy.
Trenton, No. 5, Trenton, N. J. Mercer, No. 50, Trenton, N. J. Ashlar, No. 75, Trenton, N. J. Column, No. 120, Trenton, N. J.
Eureka, No. 82, Concord, N. H.
Lafayette, No. III, Baltimore, Md.
Lowville, No. 134, Lowville, N. Y.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO 43, F. & A. M.
The following address of welcome was delivered by the Wor- shipful Master, Joshua L. Lyte.
Brethren of Lodge 43, Free and Accepted Masons-This spe- cial meeting has been called to celebrate the Centennial Anni- versary of our Lodge. One hundred years ago, on the 21st day of April, 1785, the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- vania, in extra session assembled, considered " a petition from a number of Brethren from the borough of Lancaster, praying for a warrant," and directed that the " Secretary prepare a war- rant, No. 43, with the name of Stephen Chambers, Master, John Doyle, S. W .; and Henry Stuber, J. W .; " by this act creating a Lodge that has had an uninterrupted existence of a century, and to-day stands upon the threshold of its second century, full of life, vigor and hope. It is highly gratifying to the officers of Lodge 43, that so much interest has been manifested by its mem- bers in this meeting and so many Brethren are here to participate in its exercises on this anniversary occasion.
Brethren, officers and members of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania, and of the various Subordinate Lodges, who are here to join with us in these exercises, in the name and on behalf of Lodge, No. 43, I extend to you a welcome, a cordial Masonic welcome, to this the Centennial Anniversary of the Lodge.
This is an interesting and important meeting in the history of Lodge 43, and the members are to be congratulated that the Lodge that was organized by a few Masons a hundred years ago, has outlived the gnawing tooth of ten decades, and is now in the full tide of Masonic prosperity, with hundreds of members, a neatly furnished hall, a well filled exchequer, and a standing second to none in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania.
A century ago when Lodge No. 43 was organized, our country had just passed through the thrilling events of the Revolution. Two years before, in 1783, the Continental army was disbanded, and on the first roll of members of this Lodge are the names of those who joined in the war for Independence. Our beloved Brother, General Washington, took his seat as President of the United States four years after this Lodge was organized. The federal Constitution became the law of the new Republic of the United States, in 1789, so that the warrant of Lodge 43, is four years older than the Constitution of our Nation.
Its century of existence is full of Masonic history, and a record of its struggles and triumphs would make a volume. It passed safely through the anti-masonic period, when ignorance, super- stition, jealousy and uncharitableness waged a cruel war against an Order founded on Truth, Justice, Toleration, Brotherly Love, Charity, and a firm and full belief in the existence of a Supreme
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Being, and threw our Country into a political revolution that lifted anti-masonic officers into places of the highest rank and power in the State.
It has numbered among its members many of every degree and station in life. A President of the United States, a Governor, a United States Senator, a Judge of the Supreme Court, Minis- ters to Foreign Countries, Mayors, and many other of the most prominent citizens of our beautiful and prosperous Inland City, have stood in Worshipful Master's station in the east, and with justice and equity, ruled a Lodge of which it might be truly said :
"We meet upon the level, though from every station come,
The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home; For the rich must leave his wealth and state outside the Mason's door, And the poor man finds his best respect upon the checkered floor."
A sketch of the history of the Lodge will be given by Brother George R. Welchans, P. M., and to this I invite your attention, knowing that the account he will read of the notable events in the life of the Lodge, will be both instructive and interesting.
I trust, too, that all the exercises of the afternoon, and the ban- quet that follows this evening, will be fully enjoyed by every one.
And now, with the hearty wish that the close of the second century will find Lodge 43 as happy and as prosperous as the close of the first, and the earnest prayer that the blessings of our beloved fraternity may widen as "the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns," I again bid you, Breth- ren, welcome, thrice welcome to our festivities.
The Worshipful Master's address was followed by the " Sketch of the History of Lodge, No. 43," which was delivered by the historian, P. M. Bro. Geo. R. Welchans.
The address opened as follows :
A history is a narration of events, in the order in which they occurred, together with their causes and results.
The record of events, chronologically arranged, which oc- curred during the first century of the existence of this Lodge, together with their causes and results, comprises much more than it would be possible to narrate upon such an occasion as this. I
am, therefore, directed to present you a " Sketch of the History."
To do this necessitates a selection of incidents of interest, without reference to order, and with little study of cause and effect.
One hundred years ago this now prosperous city of 30,000 in- habitants was a borough containing from 3,000 to 4,000 people, residing mainly in small plain houses and surrounded by the lim- ited conveniences of those early times. This rural hamlet,
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
though denied the pomp and splendor, the wealth and grandeur of the Oriental cities, yet was not without its seven good and wise men; for among this 3,000 or. 4,000 people were to be found seven good and true Brother Masons.
These seven Brothers were Stephen Chambers, Soloman Et- ting and Henry Dering, Past Masters; and John Doyle, Henry Stuber, Adam Hubley, Jr., and Wm. Feltman, Master Masons. All of them were highly respected and honored citizens, and most of them had been officers in the Revolutionary army, where they had served with distinction.
The address presented in a brief manner many of the interest- ing historical facts contained in this work, together with short biographical sketches of the founders of the Lodge, and of a number of the most distinguished and active members, who have greatly aided in developing the Lodge's History. The address closed as follows :
Our work is ended. Step by step we have traced the progress of our Lodge from the days of its conception, through its de- pendent infancy, through its hopeful youth, to its present vigor- ous maturity ; through all its struggles, trials and difficulties, through all its successes and triumphs, until to-day, with the weight of a century upon her shoulders, she stands out bright and con- spicuous, second to none in her devotion to the principles of our Order, in her fidelity to the Grand Lodge, under whom she has her being, and in her usefulness and importance among her sister Lodges in this jurisdiction. Thus we find her to-day as she enters upon the second century of her existence, and we bid her God speed in her upward progress to scenes of brighter glo- ries and deeds of greater usefulness. Great names and great events lie buried in her dead past, but they have " left footprints on the sands of time," and the memory of them lives to-day to stimulate the present and to ennoble and glorify the future.
It occupied a little over one hour in delivery, and was listened to with that rapt attention which gave evidence of the deep in- terest felt by the members in the history of their old Lodge.
It was followed by interesting addresses delivered by R. W. Senior Grand Warden, Bro. Clifford P. MacCalla; R. W. Grand Treasurer, Bro. Thomas R. Patton; Grand Tyler. Bro. Wm. A. Sinn ; P. M. Bro. Charles E. Meyer, of No. 295 ; P. M. Bro. Henry Baker, of No. 281; P. M. Bro. Charles M. Howell ; P. M. Bro. Wm. A. Atlee, and P. M. Bro. James P. Wicker- sham, of Lodge No. 43.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The Secretary, Bro. Hugh S. Gara, read the following letter :
LOUISVILLE, KY., APRIL 6TH, 1885.
J. L. LYTE, EsQ.
My Dear Sir & Brother : Please accept the accompanying copy of my book, as a Centennial offering to the Library of your Lodge. Fraternally, H. R. COLEMAN.
The book accompanying this letter is Bro. Coleman's latest Masonic work, entitled " Light in the East."
P. M. Bro. Geo. R. Welchans read the following extract from a letter received from our oldest living Past Master, Bro. J. Henry Brown, of Philadelphia, Pa .:
Herewith, I send as a present to the Lodge on its Centennial Anniversary a Lodge notice, dated December 10th, 1782. If the Lodge willl accept and preserve it, I will be happy to part with it. I value it highly on account of its great age-being al- most coeval with the Lodge itself, and because it was a present from a dear friend. It has been in my possession forty-five years, and was presented to me by Worshipful Master Jacob Albright in IS40.
It bears the marks of a lock of hair having been folded up with it at some time, probably that of the Brother to whom the no- tice was issued, and perhaps put there by loving hands.
Hoping that the Brethren of No. 43 may have a very pleasant time at the Centennial festival, I remain, yours,
Respectfully and fraternally, J. HENRY BROWN.
This old Lodge notice was arranged between two plates of glass and tastefully framed. It was accepted by the Lodge, and a vote of thanks tendered Bro. Brown for his valuable gift.
The Worshipful Master Bro. Joshua L. Lyte extended a cor- dial invitation to all who were present to return to the Lodge room at seven o'clock, P. M., and take part in the banquet.
This successful Centennial meeting was then harmoniously closed at 4:30 P. M.
THE BANQUET.
At seven o'clock in the evening the members and their invited guests, to the number of about 300, assembled at the Lodge room, formed in line and preceded by the City Cornet Band, proceeded to Mænnerchor Hall, where the Centennial festivities were ap- propriately ended with a grand banquet.
When Bro. Rev. James Y. Mitchell said grace more than three
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
hundred men bowed their heads in reverence as they stood around the tables in Mænnerchor Hall. Covers had been laid for 403, but some were unable to be in attendance. Seven large tables ran the length of the hall, meeting at right angles another, where sat officers of the Grand Lodge, the Past Masters of Lodge 43, and of Lamberton Lodge No. 476. The stage on the south of the room was green in fern, palm and potted plants, from behind which came the sweet strains of music by Thorbahn's orchestra. The tables were profuse in plants and flowers. Following is the
MENU. " Read o'er this : And after this, and then to feast with What appetite you have."
Shrewsberry Oysters, on half shell.
Snapper Soup,
Puree of Clam.
Columbia Shad, French Fried Potatoes.
Of the various fishes that come from the sea, There are none so good to be had, And none that's so juicy and toothsome to me, As a nice baked Columbia shad.
Roast Beef. Roast Mutton. Roast Chicken.
Ham. Beef Tongue. Spiced Oysters.
Hammondsport Sec. Special "Centennial" Vintage.
" Give me a bowl of wine, In this I bury all unkindness."
Fried Oysters.
Saratoga Potatoes.
Lobster Salad. Chicken Salad.
" Small cheer and great welcome, Makes a merry feast."
Vanilla Ice Cream.
Oranges.
Bananas. Apples. Nuts.
French Coffee. John Copland, Caterer.
The wine was specially labeled for the occasion and bore the following: "A. D. 1785-A. L. 5785, Lodge 43 F. and A. M .- Centennial A. D. 1885-A. L. 5885, made to the order of Jere. Rohrer." The flowers were furnished by A. D. Rohrer & Bro.
It was eight o'clock when the guests sat down to the banquet. Thirty-five waiters under the direction of Joseph Lebar were kept busy until midnight.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
During the latter courses of the banquet the festivities were enlivened by speech and song.
The first toast was the " Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania," which was responded to by R. W. Senior Grand Warden, Bro. Clifford P. MacCalla.
The Centennial Poem, written for the Centennial of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., by Bro. Rob. Morris, was then read by Rev. Bro. James Y. Mitchell, of Lodge No. 51. It is as follows :
How the souls of friends departed Hover o'er this joyful scene ! Tender, brave and faithful-hearted They have left their memory green ; Could we see them, Smiles on every face were seen.
As they view our gladsome meeting, It recalls a thousand joys ; As they hear our cheerful greeting 'Tis to them a glorious voice : 'Tis the echo Of one hundred years of joy.
One by one the loved ones perished, But they left the chain still wound ; Every virtue that they cherished Here is found as here they found : Thus in Heaven Blessed souls with ours are bound.
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