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 14
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&c., &c., since our organization, and all such other information as is usual.
Having thus plainly and candidly confessed our total inability to pay our past dues, and assigned such cogent reasons therefor, which will be found in the report accompanying this communica- tion and to which we respectfully beg leave to ask your serious attention,-we subscribe ourselves
Fraternally yours etc.
A committee was appointed to determine how many of the old members were willing to continue their connection with the Lodge. This committee were unable to make a report until the stated meet- ing in July, when they presented the names of twenty-six former members, together with the names of four applicants for initiation and membership.
The Grand Lodge charitably considered the circumstances of the Lodge and generously accepted their proposition in regard to dues. Lodge No. 43 once again received a new lease of life, and slowly but surely moved forward and upward. The meetings were now regularly held and well attended. The force of the storm was spent; the Lodge had survived the shock and from this time its condition became one of progress. All honor to the brethren who upheld the Lodge through those trying times. With unwearying devotion they anxiously watched its flickering spark of life, and when almost extinct fanned it into renewed existence. We here reverently and with fraternal gratitude record the roll of honor: Henry Keffer, Thomas Jeffries, Arthur Toner, Philip Reitzel, Alex- ander Miller, Thomas Barry, Elijah McLenegan, George B. Withers, and Robert Moderwell. They have long since finished their pil- grimage here below and have gone to their rewards. But they have left us this inheritance-our beloved Lodge, saved by their unweary- ing efforts and devotion.
At the stated meeting held December 10th, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Alexander Miller, W. M .; Emanuel Shaeffer, S. W .; W. F. Eberman, J. W .; Jno. Longenecker, Treasurer, and E. McLenegan, Secretary.
During the year 1834, seven members were initiated, two ad- mitted, and two withdrew.
CHAPTER VI.
1835-1845.
N TOTHING of special interest occurred during the year 1835, the meetings being devoted to routine business, and the en- tering, passing, and raising of nine new members. At the Decem- ber meeting the election for officers resulted as follows: Bro. Eman- uel Shaeffer, W. M .; Bro. Philip Reitzel, S. W .; Bro. Wm. F. Eber- man, J. W .; Bro. Thos. Jeffries, Treasurer, and Bro. E. McLenegan, Secretary. District Deputy Grand Master Bro. Sample not being present, the officers were not installed until the meeting in April, 1836.
Bro. Emanuel Shaeffer declined serving as W. M., and Bro. Robert Moderwell was elected to fill the position. In the month of July, the use of the Lodge room was granted to the Philharmonic Society to meet for practice.
The Brethren feeling the need of instruction, at this time, a communication was sent the Grand Master requesting him to send a lecturer to visit the Lodge, to which they received reply that the Grand Lodge had dispensed with sending persons to lecture to sub- ordinate Lodges for some time back in consequence of the great excitement that prevailed throughout the country. A visiting brother, however, rendered them asisstance, and the Grand Master appointed Bro. Thomas Jeffries District Deputy Grand Master. At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Robert Moderwell, W. M .; Wm. F. Eberman, S. W .; Frederick Fick, J. W .; Thomas Jeffries, Treasurer, and E. McLenegan, Secretary.
During the year 1836, nine new members were initiated, one admitted, and two withdrew.
The year 1837 was a particularly busy one for the Lodge, there
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being twelve stated and thirteen special meetings held during the year. There were twenty new members initiated, one admitted, and two withdrew. The meetings were mainly devoted to work and the record disproves the assertion of the disastrous effect of the anti-Masonic sentiment upon the Lodge during this year.
At this time, and for a number of years later, as long as the pre- judice against our fraternity was marked, the brethren would ap- proach the entrance to the Lodge room by the most circuitous route, and endeavor to glide in unobserved. The windows of the hall were hung with dark and heavy curtains, so that no light was visible from without, and the outside world had no evidence of a meeting being held.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bros. E. McLenegan, W. M .; Geo. B. Withers, S. W .; D. A. Donnelly, J. W .; Emanuel Shaeffer, Treasurer, and John Longenecker, Secre- tary.
During the years 1837 and 1838, a number of the brethren who had withdrawn from the Lodge during the exciting times just past, made application for readmission, and their prayer was granted on their paying the Grand Lodge dues.
At the stated meeting of Febraury 14, 1838, on motion, it was resolved, that a committee of three members be appointed, to be called the Committee on Charity. The W. M. appointed Bros. Thomas, Shaeffer and Fick said committee. This was the first charity committee ever appointed by the Lodge.
Considerable dissatisfaction manifested itself among the mem- bers of the Lodge at this time. A number of improper characters had succeeded in gaining admission into the Lodge, and gradu- ally acquired more or less control over its doings. A number of the officers of the Lodge resigned their stations and places, and finally, at the stated meeting of May 9th, the first attempt was made to establish a second Lodge in the city of Lancaster. At this meeting the following preamble and resolutions were presented and read, and action thereon postponed .:
WHEREAS, It appears indispensably necessary from the rapid increase of the number of members of Lodge No. 43, which at
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present amounts to sixty-six, being a greater number of members than can be accommodated with seats in the Lodge room at one time, and for the benefit of the Craft generally, we the undersigned members of Lodge No. 43, for the purpose of establishing another Lodge in the City of Lancaster, offer the following Resolutions, which we hope will be concurred in and adopted by the officers and brethren of Lodge No. 43.
And your petitioners will every pray,
ROBERT MODERWELL, J. ALBRIGHT, M. GOLDSMITH, FREDK REINSTEIN, J. M. HARMANY.
Resolved, That for the establishing or forming of another Lodge in the City of Lancaster, any of the members of Lodge No. 43, who may feel desirous in furthering said object, can cease to be members of Lodge No. 43, by notifying the Lodge of their desire to withdraw.
Resolved, That the following shall be the terms and conditions under which Lodge No. 43 and the new Lodge to be established, shall control and manage such matters and things generally, as may pertain to the respective business of both Lodges.
First. Lodge No. 43 shall have for its stated, adjourned and special meetings the first and second weeks in each and every month.
Second. The new Lodge, to be established, shall have for its stated, adjourned and special meetings, the third and fourth weeks of each and every month.
Third. The meetings of Lodge No. 43 and the proposed new Lodge, to be held in the rooms over the Market House, and neither old nor new Lodge shall lease, let or allow the rooms to be occupied or used for any purpose whatever, other than for their own meetings.
Fourth. The furniture &c., &c., at present in Lodge No. 43 to be used by both Lodges, except the Jewels, which are the property of Lodge No. 43.
Fifth. Any of the members of Lodge No. 43 who may withdraw for the purpose of joining the new Lodge, shall pay to the new Lodge, the amount of arrears, if any, he or they may be owing at that time, to Lodge No. 43.
Should the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions be adopted by Lodge No. 43, the Secretary shall then furnish the Petitioners, with a copy of the foregoing, together with the consent of Lodge No. 43 to the same, under the seal of said Lodge, signed by its officers and attested by the Secretary.
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No formal action was ever taken on this communication, except postponement, and, from the fact that no further efforts were put forth by the petitioners, we infer that they became reconciled to the existing circumstances. This inference is strengthened by the fact that at a subsequent meeting a series of resolutions touching irregularities in the proceedings of the Lodge, were under discussion and favorable action was only prevented by an alarm of fire, a motion to adjourn was made and the Lodge closed. At the following meeting however these informalities were corrected without debate as follows. At the special meeting held June 2d, R. W. Grand Master John M. Read, Esq., accompanied by the R. W. Grand Secretary made an official visitation to the Lodge, and after examin- ing the minutes and correcting all errors and irregularities, they exemplified the work by passing Bro. Christian Widmyer to the degree of Fellow Craft Mason, and raising Bro. Christian Gast to the sublime degree of Master Mason. These two brethren are the two oldest living members of Lodge No. 43.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Jacob Albright, W. M .; Jno. A. Landis, S. W .; Eph- raim Bowman, J. W .; David A. Donnelly, Treasurer, and Wendel Martzall, Secretary.
There were eighteen initiations during the year, and one member withdrew.
In the early part of the year 1839, the Lodge room was repapered and new carpet placed upon the floor. The paper was a present to the Lodge from Worshipful Master Bro. Jacob Albright. Bro. Robert Moderwell, was, on the recommendation of the Lodge, appointed District Deputy Grand Master.
The following brethren were duly elected officers for the ensuing. Masonic year at the election held December IIth: Jacob Albright, W. M .; Jacob Broom, S. W .; Daniel Roth, J. W .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, Treasurer, and Wm. Schuler, Secretary. Bro. Kerfoot declined to serve as Treasurer, and Bro. E. McLenegan was elected in his stead.
There were eight initiations, one admission, three withdrawals, and one expulsion during the year 1839.
Bro. Junior Warden Daniel Roth died in May, 1840, and under
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dispensation a special election was held June 10th to fill the vacancy, which resulted in the election of Bro. Joseph Mosher.
At the December meeting a resolution was adopted, authorizing the Worshipful Master to subscribe "six dollars yearly towards defraying the expenses consequent upon the introduction of water through the streets of our city."
The election for officers resulted as follows: Bros. Emanuel Shaeffer, W. M .; Jos. Mosher, S. W .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, J. W .; Moses Goldsmith, Treasurer, and J. H. Brown, Secretary.
During the year there were fourteen initiations and one admis- sion. Five members withdrew and one died.
The first Grievance Committee to serve the Lodge was appointed at the stated meeting of January 13, 1841. The following extract from the minutes describes its origin, duties, etc .: "Upon motion of Bro. Jacob Albright, a committee of five members were appointed as a standing committee for the ensuing or present Masonic year, whose duty it should be to hear all complaints made by one Brother against another, to settle the matter between them if possible, and if necessary to make report to the Lodge from time to time of their proceedings." The following were appointed said committee: Bros. Jacob Albright, Joseph Mosher, Geo. B. Kerfoot, Moses Goldsmith, and J. H. Brown.
At this time, by reason of the members neglecting the payment of their dues, and the funds of the Lodge being represented mainly by notes of the brethren for various sums due the Lodge, we find the Lodge again in arrears of its Grand Lodge dues, and obliged to borrow money to liquidate its indebtedness. Energetic efforts to collect the dues were now put forth, and a number of the members were suspended for non-payment of their dues.
During the year 1841, there were six initiations and one with- drawal.
The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. Joseph Mosher, W. M .; Geo. B. Kerfoot, S. W .; P. F. Myers, J. W .; M. Goldsmith, Treas., and J. H. Brown, Sec.
At this time there was a wing of the market-house extending northward from its western end and forming an L with the main
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building. According to the old agreement between the Lodge and the borough authorities, the Lodge possessed the authority to ex- tend their building over this portion, and in fact some years pre- vious to this a movement had been made in that direction, but owing to the scarcity of funds, action was postponed.
At the stated meeting of October 12, 1842, a petition was received from the Lancaster Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, praying for the privilege of occupying and building a Hall on this north wing of the market-house. This petition was referred to a committee who, at the November meeting, reported that "it was inexpedient at this time to enter into arrangements for such build- ing."
At the December meeting the following were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Bros. Geo. B. Kerfoot, W. M .; Henry E. Leman, S. W .; Philip Reitzel, J. W .; Moses Goldsmith, Treas., and J. H. Brown, Sec.
During the year 1842 there were two initiations, one admission, and six withdrawals.
Bro. Henry E. Leman declining to serve as Senior Warden, at a special meeting held January 18, 1843, Bro. Wm. Shuler was elected to fill the vacancy.
At the stated meeting of March 8th, the Secretary, Bro. J. H. Brown, resigned his station on account of want of time to perform the duties of the office, and Bro. John Fisher was elected to fill the vacancy.
In this year it was found necessary to place a new roof over the Lodge Room. Proposals being asked for, the contract was given to Joshua W. Jack, whose bid of $38.00 was the lowest in amount of the four bids presented.
Eleven members were initiated during this year and four with- drew.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bros. Geo. B. Kerfoot, W. M .; J. H. Brown, S. W .; Albert F. Osterloh, J. W .; Robert Moderwell, Treas., and John Fisher, Secretary.
A number of the brethren being in arrears for dues, and due notice being served them of the proposed action of the Lodge,
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twenty-one were suspended for the non-payment of the same at the stated meeting of March 13, 1844. Among those suspended was Bro. Junior Warden Osterloh.
At the April meeting the W. M. appointed Bro. A. N. Brene- man Junior Warden for the unexpired term of Bro. Osterloh. Bro. Breneman never filled the station to which he was appointed, and Bro. Fisher having resigned his station as Secretary, a special election was held to fill these two vacancies, at the August meeting, which resulted in the election of Bro. James Regan as Junior Warden, and Bro. Henry E. Leman as Secretary.
Special efforts were made this year to reduce the expenses of the Lodge and discharge its indebtedness, the latter being materially aided by the number of new members initiated, there being no less than sixteen initiations. Three members withdrew during the year.
The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. J. Henry Brown, W. M .; James Regan, S. W .; W. C. Chamberlain, J. W .; Robert Moderwell, Treasurer, and Chas. C. Ihling, Secretary.
CHAPTER VII.
1845-1855.
T HE year 1845 discovered the Lodge in an embarrassed condi- tion by resaon of its want of funds. Appeals for charity could only be met by individual subscription, and notwithstanding one hundred dollars had been paid the previous year to the Grand Lodge, on account of dues, yet a considerable sum was still due the Grand Lodge; and the brethren feeling their inability to meet this debt along with the accruing dues, resolved to make an appeal to the Grand Lodge for a remission of the debt.
Accordingly Bros. Kerfoot and Regan were appointed a com- mittee to attend the Quarterly Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge in June, and make an appeal for relief. This committee performed their duty so well that the Grand Lodge was pleased to remit all dues owing by Lodge No. 43 to the Grand Lodge up to December 27, 1844.
Thus once more the Grand Lodge by its generosity gave encour- agement to the members of the Lodge, assisting them in bridging over a time of actual danger to the existence of the Lodge.
Ex-President General Andrew Jackson having died on June 8th, the W. M. convened the Lodge on the evening of June 24th, to take action thereon. The following is a copy of the minutes of said meeting.
The Worshipful Master stated that he had thought proper to convene the Lodge in consequence of the death of Gen. Andrew Jackson, late President of the U. States, that the Lodge might do appropriate honor to the memory of the illustrious General, States- man and Patriot.
Bro. Geo. B. Kerfoot, offered the following preamble & reso- lutions, by the request of the W. M., which were upon motion duly
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seconded, unanimously adopted and ordered to be recorded with the minutes of the proceedings.
In the increasing catalogue of passing events, it becomes our mournful duty to record the death of the venerable Andrew Jackson, late President of the United States; and although we are taught by inspired truth and daily observation, that "Man that is born of a woman hath but a few days to live & is full of trouble"-that Princes, Kings & Presidents must lie down in the dust & the glory of their enjoyments & exultations be clouded in the darkness of the tomb-yet when the great & the good pass away; when the damps of the grave rest upon the brow once wreathed with the laurels of a country's acclamation; when the eyes are closed in death, whose glance sent trepidation amongst the ranks of the enemies of his country; when the heart that beat with patriotic fervor ceases to throb, the tongue to command, & the arm to wield the sword, or the pen, in the righteous defence of liberty; when the clods of the valley rest upon the form we were wont to admire, and the spirit, sustained by all the strength of christian faith, have passed through the dark shadow of the valley of death, fearing no evil, we may pause to record such an occurrence.
While the immediate presence of Andrew Jackson may have passed away and sunk behind the horizon of an earthly existence, yet the gloom created by his absence will be lighted up by the reflected brightness of his manly actions and christian virtue. Therefore,
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with our fellow citizens in the loss sustained by our country, and feel rejoiced to know that, from his last hours and sentiments, we need not mourn as those without hope, our loss being his infinite gain.
Resolved, That, as General Andrew Jackson was a warm friend and member of our Order, we will cause the Lodge to be hung in appropriate mourning.
Resolved, That in the patriotic course of his life, and in the religious sentiments of his last hours, we recognize the influence of our principles.
At the stated meeting in July, Bro. Charles C. Ihling presented his resignation as Secretary of the Lodge. No other Secretary was elected to fill the vacancy, a Secretary pro tem. being appointed at each meeting.
At the December meeting, the election for officers being held, resulted as follows: Bros. James Regan, W. M .; Wm. C. Chamber-
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lain, S. W .; Adam Kendig, J. W .; Emanuel Shaeffer, Treasurer, and Joseph Mosher, Secretary.
There were eight initiations and four withdrawals during the year 1845.
At the stated meeting of April 8, 1846, a colored man made application for relief, and also intimated that he wished to visit the Lodge. Bro. D. D. G. M. Robert Moderwell decided that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania did not recognize colored Masons.
At the June meeting Worshipful Master Bro. James Regan in- formed the Lodge that he expected soon to leave the United States for England; he therefore asked leave to resign his station and to withdraw from the Lodge.
Bro. Regan had received information of a fortune and a baronetcy awaiting him in England, which was the cause of his presenting his resignation.
His request was granted by the Lodge, and a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the estimation in which he was held by the Lodge.
The committee having withdrawn for a short time, returned and presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, Lodge No. 43 is called upon to sever its connection with Worshipful Master James Regan, who has this evening sig- nified his intention of returning to England,
Therefore, Resolved, That the Brethren in being called upon to part with our beloved Brother, do so with extreme regret, having in all our relations with him, either as workman or Master, enjoyed uninterrupted harmony, pleasure and love.
Resolved, That the Brethren of this Lodge, have full confidence, that the Grand Architect, in his goodness, will preserve our worthy brother through all his trials and difficulties here on earth, and finally remove him to a Master's seat, in the Grand Lodge above, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.
Resolved, That we in parting with our beloved brother, part with him as one whom they are assured will always wear the "Lamb Skin" with credit to himself and this Ancient Order, and believe he will always be found a Master workman, in every situation in which the Great Grand Master in his providence may place him.
Resolved, That we individually, as Brethren of the Mystic Tie,
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recommend to all A. Y. M. wheresoever scattered, our worthy and well qualified, beloved Brother James Regan, and assure them, from his good conduct while among us, that we believe him worthy of all confidence, and that he carries with him our lasting esteem and brotherly love.
Signed,
PHILIP REITZEL, P. M. THOS. JEFFRIES, P. D. D. G. M. Jos. MOSHER, P. M.
No election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of Bro. Regan, Bro. D. D. G. M. Robert Moderwell performed the duties of the station, presiding as Worshipful Master for the remaining portion of the Masonic year. At the meeting in Decem- ber the brethren expressed themselves as unwilling to dispense with the valuable services of Bro. Moderwell, and again elected him Worshipful Master. The following Brothers were elected to the remaining offices: Horace Haldeman, S. W .; Charles C. Ihling, J. W .; James H. Pennell, Treas., and Joseph Mosher, Sec.
The custom of holding a Lodge supper on St. John's day, which had been discontinued for some years, was this year resumed, the supper being held in the long entry of the Lodge room, and well attended by members and visitors.
During the year seventeen members were initiated, three ad- mitted, and four withdrew.
The appointment of a Charity Committee, which custom had been adopted a few years previously, and then discontinued, was this year resumed, and Bros. Geo. Wilson, M. Goldsmith, C. C. Ihling and Jos. Mosher were appointed said committee. From that date to the present time charity committees have been an- nually appointed by the Lodge.
At the stated meeting of February 17th, 1847, a donation of $25.00 was made from the funds of the Lodge towards the relief of the distressed poor in Ireland. The donation was made in the name of "the friends of the distressed in Ireland." At this meeting the S. W. Bro. Horace Haldeman resigned his station and withdrew from the Lodge, on account of his having entered the army. At the stated meeting held April 14th, a dispensation for the purpose being granted, an election was held to fill the vacancy caused by
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the resignation of S. W. Bro. Haldeman, when Bro. Charles E. Wentz was elected for the unexpired term.
R. W. Grand Master James Page, Esq., accompanied by his Grand Officers, made an official visitation to the Lodge at its stated meeting in December. The Grand Master exemplified the Master Mason's degree, and conducted the annual election for officers, which resulted as follows: Bro. Charles E. Wentz, W. M .; John Auxer, S. W .; Junius B. Kaufman, J. W .; Geo. Wilson, Treas., and David King, Sec.
Five members were initiated, two admitted, and three with- drew during the year 1847.
During the year 1848 there were twelve initiations and three admissions. Four members withdrew and five died.
This was a very prosperous year for the Lodge; its affairs were so well managed that at the expiration of his term of office the Treasurer, Bro. Geo. Wilson, paid over to his successor the sum of $118.93, notwithstanding there had been a number of unusual expenses, including the purchase of two lots in the Lancaster Ceme- tery for the use of the Lodge.
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