USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. and A.M., 1785-1910, with biographical sketches of charter members, past masters and present officers, together with a complete list of members of the lodge > Part 13
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 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
146
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
for want of due caution, should attempt to open new Chapters for their own enrolment, or for the purpose of conviviality, who could restrain them?" Could the Grand Lodge? No: according to the land-marks of Masonry they are not under its jurisdiction. But above all, "suppose the established regulations and ancient land- marks of R. A. Masonry should be violated and broken down, where is the power sufficient to remedy the evil?" Not the Grand Lodge, because, as a body of Master Masons, it must be totally ignorant of those regulations and land-marks; and therefore if they are infringed in any particular, how can the Grand Lodge say what is correct, or what incorrect, or how could the matter be argued before a body, one-half of whom perhaps know nothing of R. A. Masonry? From the very nature of the case it is impossible. No man, or body of men, can propagate a science when totally ignorant of its first principles. The only possible way in which R. A. M. can be kept in that subordination and regularity which are indispensable in both higher and lower degrees, is by the organi- zation of a Grand Chapter, and we think the Grand Lodge has acted with candour and prudence by consenting to its establishment.
Thus we conclude that the Grand Lodge never had a right to grant charters for the higher degrees, then how can it have violated the compact with the Subordinate Lodges? We are told by a circular of Perseverance Lodge No. 21, dated "Harrisburg, Septem- ber 20, 1826," that they hold a charter from the Grand Lodge for conferring Mark, Most Excellent, and Royal Arch degrees, for which they paid seventy-five dollars. This we have no doubt is correct, but how is that a violation of the compact? The 2d article of the constitution of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, guarantees to them a charter in unison with the land-marks of Royal Arch Masonry, without any charge. Then why should they complain? They sustain no loss: They incur no additional expense for a new charter: They are subject to no inconvenience whatever in conse- quence of the change. They also exclaim against the payment of dues to the Grand Chapter; but if that body is legally organized, it has a right to demand dues; and as long as these dues are not exorbitant or oppressive, where is the subject for complaint?
We think we have now established that the Grand Chapter has a right to grant charters and receive dues, then to what compass are the complaints of the subordinate Lodges circumscribed? Merely to this one point-shall the Grand Lodge, in consequence of the establishment of a Grand Chapter, reduce the fees for new warrants, and also the annual dues paid by members of the Subordinate Lodges? Were this the question under consideration, we would vote in the affirmative.
147
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The Grand Lodge, previous to the 16th of July, 1824, undertook to grant charters for conferring the three higher degrees, and the fees were fixed in proportion; but since the abandonment of that assumed authority, a proportional part of those fees ought, in justice and equity, to be relinquished. A reduction of the annual dues we think ought to be demanded as a matter of right, and, if refused, then we would say the Grand Lodge has violated its com- pact with the Subordinate Lodges.
While on this subject we cannot but disapprove of the extra- vagant fees demanded by the Grand Lodge, from the Subordinate Lodges. We admit the Grand Lodge has incurred a very great debt in erecting the Masonic Hall, but this Hall is of no benefit to Masons or Lodges without the city of Philadelphia; and we can- not perceive any propriety in taxing them for its erection. The annual dues paid by Subordinate Lodges are oppressive, and pre- vent them from accumulating a competent fund for charitable purposes. The object of Masonry is thus in a great measure de- feated, and the reputation of the craft materially injured.
Your committee entertaining these impressions offer the follow- ing resolutions:
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43 sanction the establishment of a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, believing it essential to the prosperity of Royal Arch Masonry in the state of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43, does not believe that the Grand Lodge violated the compact with the subordinate Lodges, by con- senting to the establishment of a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter.
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43 believes that a reduction of the annual dues demanded by the Grand Lodge, would essentially contribute to the advantage of masons and masonry in Pennsyl- vania.
Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of this report to the Grand Lodge, and each subordinate Lodge in the common- wealth.
MATHEW M'KELLY, JOHN MATHIOT, JOHN B. MAYER.
In accordance with the last resolution the foregoing report was; printed, and copies were sent to the Grand and subordinate Lodges .. If it served no other good purpose it at least defined the loyal' position of Lodge No. 43.
At the October meeting Bro. David Nathans, "Grand Lecturer,"" paid an official visitation to the Lodge, lecturing upon the Master Mason's degree.
.
148
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
On November 2d, Bro. John Gillard was buried with Masonic honors, the Lodge being accompanied by a band of music, as was customary in those days.
The annual election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bro. Mathew McKelly, W. M .; Bro. John Mathiot, S. W .; Bro. Robert Moderwell, J. W .; Bro. Emanuel Shaeffer, Treas- urer, and Bro. Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
During the year 1826, seven members were initiated, two were admitted, one suspended, and one died.
On February 24, 1827, the Lodge, accompanied by a band of music, attended the funeral of Bro. John Shaw, burying him with Masonic honors.
At the meeting in April a committee was appointed to inquire into the expediency of enlarging the Lodge room, and to inves- tigate the title which the Lodge has in its building. At the fol- lowing stated meeting this committee reported at length on the sufficiency of the title, and further reported that, "owing to the present state of the funds, it was inexpedient at this time to take possession of the room adjoining the Lodge room, and recommend it to be done on some future occasion." This report was adopted, when, on motion, it was resolved, "that a committee consisting of Bros. Mathiot, Moderwell and Keffer be appointed, whose duty it shall be to procure the key of the room adjoining the Lodge; to determine whether the Lodge room can be enlarged, to ascertain whether the funds will justify the enlarging of the room at this time and if so, to superintend the doing of it." The partition between the two rooms was removed, adding very materially to the comfort and convenience of the Lodge. Up to this time the Lodge had been using wood for fuel; the change was now made, the two wood stoves were sold and two coal stoves purchased.
Some idea may be formed of the struggles of our brethren in these days, to meet their obligations, as well as the expedients to which they were obliged to resort, by the following resolution, adopted at the June meeting:
On motion, Resolved, That a committee consisting of Bros. Wright, McLenegan and Danner, be appointed, to dispose of the demi-
149
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
johns, glasses, decanters, &c. which belong to the Lodge, and out of the proceeds, to pay a certain debt contracted by those, who attended lecturing in 1825 & 6 and the balance, if any, to pay into the treasury of Lodge No. 43.
On June 14th Bro. John Riddle, a member of the Lodge, was buried with Masonic honors.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bro. John Mathiot, W. M .; Bro. Robert Moderwell, S. W .; Bro. Elijah McLenegan, J. W .; Bro. Emanuel Shaeffer, Treasurer, and Bro. Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
During the year 1827 three members were initiated, one was admitted, five withdrew, and two died.
A large number of the brethren were in arrears with their dues, the Lodge was in arrears with their Grand Lodge dues, besides owing $113.5372 for sundry other accounts, at the close of this year. In the early part of the year 1828, the committee on col- lection of outstanding dues, &c., made extra efforts to collect the same, the Lodge compromising with some and permitting them to withdraw and enforcing the by-laws on others by suspending them.
At the special meeting held June 19th, Bro. David Nathans presented his authority as Lecturer, duly appointed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Upon being introduced he presented his report of the examination of the minutes of Lodge No. 43, and lectured upon the degrees. It will be observed that his visit par- took, very much, of the character of a grand visitation.
At the stated meeting held December 10th, the following brethren were duly elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: John Landis, W. M .; Elijah McLenegan, S. W .; Robert Russell, J. W .; John Longenecker, Treasurer, and Daniel Fuller, Secretary. The meet- ings during the year were poorly attended, the interest in the fra- ternity had materially decreased, the anti-Masonic times had begun, and it was no longer prudent or safe to be known as a Mason. But one new member was added to the lodge during the year, while ten withdrew.
The meetings of the Lodge during the year 1829, were very
150
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
small indeed; no meeting was held in August, and the other meetings were devoid of interest.
Two new members were initiated, four withdrew, and two died. At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Abner Thomas, W. M .; John Longenecker, S. W .; Ingam Wood, J. W .; Elijah McLenegan, Treasurer, and George B. Withers, Secretary.
At the stated meeting of January 13, 1830, a communication from the Grand Lodge was received, notifying the Lodge of the appointment of Bro. P. M. Samuel Humes, M. D., as District Deputy Grand Master for the Third District, of which Lodge No. 43 was a part.
The anti-Masonic feeling was now on the rapid increase, but few members attended the meetings of the Lodge, the dues could not be collected, the Grand Lodge became importunate for the Grand Lodge dues, the few members who struggled on with the Lodge became disheartened, and at the meeting held May 12th, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to notify the members of Lodge No. 43 to meet here, on this night a week, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of surrendering up the charter of Lodge No. 43 to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
At the special meeting of May 19th, thirteen members and two former members of the Lodge presented themselves. The resolu- tion of the 12th inst. was withdrawn, a committee was appointed to solicit the Grand Lodge to exonerate the Lodge from paying its dues, because of its want of funds, and the brethren were enjoined to be more regular in their attendance upon the meetings of the Lodge.
The encouragement derived from the unusually large attendance of thirteen members at one meeting was destined to be but short- lived. The Brethren did not foresee the bitter persecutions which were at this time having their origin among the enemies of our noble fraternity, and which soon, at the hands of an ignorant and superstitious populace, was destined to break over their heads with the force of a hurricane. The June meeting was very poorly at-
15I
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
tended, there only being present eight members, including the offi- cers: the Worshipful Master resigned his station and withdrew from membership.
A sufficient number of members could not be assembled to open a lodge until the following December, when eight of the members met and held an election for officers, with the following result: Bros. Henry Keffer, W. M .; John A. Landis, S. W .; John Powell, J. W .; Elijah McLenegan, Treas., and Geo. B. Withers, Sec.
The meetings of January, February, and March, 1831, were poorly attended, and no business transacted. After March there were no meetings until July, when seven members met to confer the Fellow Craft degree upon a brother. There was no lodge opened from this time until December 14th, when nine members assembled, opened a lodge, elected and installed the following offi- cers: Bros. Henry Keffer, W. M .; John Powell, S. W .; Arthur To- ner, J. W .; John Longenecker, Treas., and Geo. B. Withers, Sec.
In January, 1832, four members presented themselves, after which no meetings were held until November 13, 1833. These were true anti-Masonic times.
The period of time which has been denominated "the anti-Masonic time," was from the fall of 1828 to the year 1838. After the Federal party had collapsed, in 1817, there was no political opposi- tion of any importance to the Democratic party until the fall of 1828, when a considerable party was organized upon the principles of opposition to the Masonic order, which was charged as being the Nestor of the Democratic party. This party had its origin from the anti-Masonic crusade, which took its rise from the dis- appearance or so-called abduction of William Morgan, in New York State, in the year 1826.
We copy from Harris' Biographical History of Lancaster County the following:
It was a very captivating question with which to make capital for a party. A jealously aways exists in the human mind against that which is exclusive, and towards secret societies this feeling is ever alive. Particularly amongst the people of the rural districts does this jealousy exist the strongest; and with many religious
152
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
bodies secret societies receive no favor. The Mennonites, Amish, and other such German sects were not hard to be persuaded into a party that had for its object the overthrow of Masonry, and they therefore welcomed the crusade that was being preached against the murderers of Morgan and the advocates of the Masonic iniquity, as they regarded it.
An organ of the new party was started in June of the year 1828, at New Holland, entitled the Anti-Masonic Herald, with Theo. Fenn as its editor. This sheet was widely circulated through the county, and the effect was tremendous. Quite a number of those who had hitherto acted with the Democratic party received the new paper, and became converts to the new cause.
The party grew with great rapidity. The most of the German non-residents warmly espoused the cause. In the election held in 1829, the anti-Masonic party swept the county with a considerable majority. From that time for several years anti-Masonic principles in Lancaster county were in the ascendant. Masonry sank rapidly below par. No longer was a member of the Order free from insult, and they mostly ceased all connection with their Lodges. These were closed one after another, and every Lodge in the county remained closed for some years. Most of the rural Lodges were never again reopened.
Lecturers passed through the country detailing the horrors of Masonry; exhibitions were given in which the different scenes of Masonic initiation were said to be represented upon the stage; and almanacs, both English and German, were filled with cuts repre- senting Masonry in the most ludicrous light. Feeling became more and more intense against the order; and he was a bold man, indeed, who any longer owned himself the member of an organization under such public odium. Most members of the order denied that they were Masons, and it even became matter of insult to charge a man with being a Free Mason.
Lancaster Lodge No. 43, after being closed for a considerable time, was again opened, and members stealthily began to visit it in small numbers, few members of respect, for a long time, fre- quenting any of the meetings. Robert Moderwell, Esq., Mayor Albright, and Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot were amongst the most respected and influential Masons who helped to lift the order again to re- spectability. In 1837 the meetings of the Lodge were small, and those who visited them sought access so as not to be seen by their neighbors. An odium hung over the Order even for years later, and it was not much before 1850 that Masons felt bold enough to hold their public processions as in times prior to the anti-Masonic excitement.
I53
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The above account is very accurate as regards the rise and prog- ress of the anti-Masonic craze; it also gives a correct account of the bitter persecutions then heaped upon the fraternity, and which were especially marked in Lancaster county,-in fact, in no other portion of the State was there to be found a population so credulous and so ready and willing to espouse such a cause. But in the remarks relating to Lodge No. 43, Mr. Harris is somewhat in error, as will appear more fully from the records of the Lodge during those years. It will be seen from those records that the Lodge suffered more or less from the summer of 1830 until November, 1833, and particularly from January, 1832, until November, 1833, during which time no meetings of the Lodge were held.
But on November 13, 1833, the Lodge resumed its meetings, which from that time were regularly held, the attendance and interest gradually increasing. The year 1837, of which the writer makes especial mention, was a particularly busy year, for in addition to the Lodge meeting regularly on the second Wednesday of every month during the year, there were also nine special meetings for work, &c., held during that time. It is true, however, that the popular prejudice against the fraternity still existed, and continued to exist for a number of years afterward, but it was no longer dan- gerous to life and limb to be known as a Mason, only still imprudent as a business policy.
At a meeting of the Lodge held November 13, 1833, seven mem- bers and one visitor were present at the opening of the Lodge.
The Worshipful Master laid before the Lodge a communication from the Grand Lodge, in relation to the inactivity of the Lodge and its accumulating dues. This communication was referred to the officers of the Lodge.
A special meeting was held on November 18th, which was at- tended by nine members, one visitor, and District Deputy G. M. Nathaniel W. Sample of Lodge No. 104, who had been appointed Dist. Dep. G. M. during the time the Lodge had discontinued its meetings. At this meeting two brethren were admitted members of the Lodge, and the election for officers was held with the fol- lowing result: Bros. Thomas Jeffries, W. M .; Philip Reitzel, S. W .;
I54
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
Alexander Miller, J. W .; John Longenecker, Treas., and Robert Moderwell, Sec.
At the stated meeting held February 12, 1834, Bro. Moderwell offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the whole amount of this, and Grand Lodge dues against all the members of this Lodge, prior to the last election of the 18th of November, 1833, the same shall be remitted.
The resolution was referred to a committee consisting of Bros. Barry, Miller and Moderwell, to report at next meeting.
This committee presented the following report at a special meet- ing, held on the 15th inst .:
The committee to whom have been referred the resolution offered at the last stated meeting of Lodge No. 43, in relation to the out- standing dues against all the members of this Lodge prior to the last election on November 18th, 1833-that the same shall be remitted &c. &c.
REPORT,-that after a careful examination of the minutes of Lodge No. 43, they find-that up to the year 1829, the Lodge was in a flourishing condition, there having been during the year just mentioned (1829) eleven stated and three special meetings, making in all fourteen meetings in that year-but that since the year 1829, until the present time, February, 1834, a period of upwards of five years, the minutes exhibit a most deplorable state of affairs, the real cause of which they decline stating, as it is already well known to all the brethren, and it is with extreme regret they lay before you the facts as they are presented to them from the minutes of the Lodge, which are as follows:
In the year 1830, the Secretary states that at the stated meetings for July, August, September, October, and November, a sufficient number of members did not attend, no Lodge was opened. Here it will be seen that for almost one half of the year 1830, no business was transacted in the Lodge, and in the following year the minutes exhibit a still more desponding state of affairs.
In the year 1831, the Secretary states, that at the stated meetings for April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December, a sufficient number of members did not attend, no Lodge was opened, so that for the year 1831, you have the lamentable fact, that for eight months, nothing was done, and the four meetings which were held this year, were very small indeed; and, as we pro- ceed still further into our examination, we find we have not yet arrived at the worst.
I55
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The next year, which was 1832, there is but one meeting recorded, during the whole of this year, on which occasion there was but four brethren present. The Lodge, during this year, may certainly be considered, nearly, if not altogether, extinct.
We have now brought our examination to the last year, which is in 1833; and, we find that the Lodge did actually cease to exist as a Lodge, there being not a solitary meeting during the whole of the year, until the Lodge was specially convened on the 18th of last November, in pursuance of a communication from the Grand Lodge to the late Worshipful Master, the result of which meeting has had the effect of bringing together a few of its brethren, who are now striving to revive the standing and usefulness of this Lodge; which certainly can never be accomplished, should each of its members be required to pay Lodge No. 43 and Grand Lodge dues for upwards of five years,-therefore
Resolved, That the resolution offered at the last Stated Meeting, re- mitting the dues against the members of Lodge No. 43,-be adopted.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Lodge send a copy of the foregoing to the Grand Lodge, signed by the officers of this Lodge and attested by him.
Resolved, That this report be entered on the minutes.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Signed, THOMAS J. BARRY, R. MODERWELL, Committee. ALEXANDER MILLER.
This report was unanimously adopted.
Bro. Thomas J. Barry, on the part of the committee to whom was referred the circular from the Grand Lodge, bearing date Mon- day, March 4, 1833, to make reply to the Grand Lodge, presented the following report, which was adopted:
To the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Lodge No. 43, held at Lancaster, and under the jurisdiction of your Worshipful body, respectfully begs leave to state, that they have received your circular of date March 4, 1833, A. L. 5833, but circumstances of a peculiar of nature, and entirely beyond their control, totally prevented them from acting on it, until November, 1833, when a few of the old members, with some resident Brethren of good standing, met together, under the sanction of the District Deputy Grand Master, when an election was held, the lodge reorgan- ized, and the officers were installed by the Deputy Grand Master.
It cannot have escaped the attention of your Worshipful body, that this Lodge has had more difficulties to encounter, and has met
I56
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
with more violent and determined opposition from the enemies of our order, than an other under your jurisdiction: and to such extremes were we persecuted that it was impossible to obtain a meeting for some years. The consequence of this persecution has been an almost total abandonment of our duties as a Lodge, and an entire neglect of the election of officers for the space of two years, until the present reorganization.
We refrain at this time from entering minutely into our griev- ances or our difficulties, and will only observe now, that it gives us pleasure to say, that our Lodge is again revived, and we hope will be successful in proving to the world, "how Masons love one another."
In the reorganization of Lodge No. 43, it was found impossible to comply with the tenor of your circular in all its terms, as it is impossible to collect from the members of the late Lodge, their dues. And, to insure harmony and good feeling throughout the Masonic body here, this Lodge has adopted a resolution, after a diligent and mature examination into the premises, by a committee, to remit all the dues, due by members up to November 18, 1833. And this Lodge is perfectly aware that this was the only means of enabling us to resuscitate at all.
Having then on our part acted as was deemed most advisable, under the existing circumstances of the case, and feeling ourselves surrounded by a host of watchful and vindictive enemies, only wait- ing to avail themselves of any breach they might find amongst us to again draw public attention (and perhaps the indignation of some) upon us, we felt ourselves measurably compelled to adopt that mode of tranquilizing any feelings of animosity that might have existence amongst our body. Having thus acted on our part, we say, with our delinquent brethren (and a majority of whom are only delin- quent from their inability to pay) we are compelled to throw our- selves upon the mercy and generosity of the R. W. Grand Lodge, and to ask of them an extension of their fatherly kindness and protection, by a remission of our past dues, and to permit us to commence our operations anew from the date of November 18, 1833. We would further state, in regard to compliance of the first requisi- tion in your circular, which states "that we must remit the annual amount of dues to the Grand Lodge for said members so organized for the year 1832, which must in all cases be paid up to entitle any Lodge to the benefit of this resolution," that this Lodge literally had no existence in that year, and it was only in November, 1833, that it was reorganized, from which date, we are willing to pay, and annually thereafter. Our Secretary will forward you the necessary returns comprizing a list of the present members with the initiations
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.