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 15
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The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Charles E. Wentz, W. M .; Junius B. Kaufman, S. W .; Charles M. Howell, J. W .; Joseph Gormley, Treasurer, and I. D. Rupp, Secretary.
On St. John's day (December 27th), the R. W. Grand Master appointed Bro. P. M. Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot District Deputy Grand Master for the district of Lancaster county.
At the stated meeting of July 11, 1849, the death of ex-President Bro. James K. Polk, which occurred June 15th, was brought to the attention of the Lodge by the following motion, offered by Bro. J. D. Bachman, which was adopted: "Whereas, we have learned with deep regret of the death of our late Brother James K. Polk, ex-President of the United States, that this Lodge be hung in mourning for the space of six months." On motion, a committee of three was appointed to draft a series of resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the Lodge on the death of our distinguished brother. Bros. Kerfoot, Gormley and Bachman were appointed
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said committee. The committee, at the stated meeting of August 8th, reported a series of appropriate resolutions, which were adopted and a copy sent to the family of the deceased brother.
At the stated meeting held November 14th, Bro. Charles M. Howell offered the following motion, which was adopted: "That a committee of three be appointed to make arrangements to have the Gas introduced into the Lodge room, and to dispose of the lamps in the chandelier." Bros. Howell, Gormley and Kaufman were appointed said committee. The performance of this duty occupied about one year, as "the gas" was not introduced until the latter part of the year 1850.
The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. Junius B. Kaufman, W. M .; Charles M. Howell, S. W .; Wm. Gormley, J. W .; Jos. Gormley, Treasurer, and John J. Keller, Secretary.
During the year 1849, nine members were initiated, two admitted, two withdrew, and two died.
The year 1850 found the Lodge in a more prosperous condition that at any time in its past history. There were funds not only for current expenses, but also for practical charity.
At the stated meeting for April 10th a movement was made towards the accumulation of a permanent fund by a motion, ap- pointing a committee to inquire into the expediency of investing the funds of the Lodge. Bros. C. M. Howell, G. B. Kerfoot, and J. J. Keller were appointed said committee and at the following meeting presented the following report: "That upon due consideration they are of opinion that the Lodge would be greatly benefited by in- vesting their funds in some safe loan, and would recommend the Lodge to take early measures to have their money so disposed of. They report that there is now in the hands of the Treasurer a balance of about $250.00." This same committee also offered an amendment to the By-Laws which was subsequently adopted, pro- viding for the election of three Trustees, at the annual election, and defining their duties to be the investment of all funds over $100 in the hands of the Treasurer. No investment was, however, made at this time, except the loan of $25 to a brother member.
The funds of the Lodge, from this time, were carefully guarded, and as a natural consequence gradually accumulated.
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At a stated meeting held December 12th, the committee, pre- viously appointed for the purpose, reported that they had per- formed the duty of having gas introduced into the Lodge Room, and presented the bills for the same.
The election for officers resulted as follows: Bros. J. B. Kaufman, W. M .; Wm. Gormley, S. W .; J. J. Keller, J. W .; Charles Bough- ter, Treasurer, J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Geo. Wilson, Geo. B. Kerfoot, and Robert Moderwell, Trustees.
This was the first board of Trustees elected by the Lodge and the office has been continued from that time to the present.
During the year fourteen members were initiated, one admitted, three withdrew and one died.
At the stated meeting held January 8, 1851, a communication was received from the Building Committee of the Washington, Monument, Washington, D. C., asking aid towards the erection of the same.
A donation of ten dollars was voted for this object; in consideral tion, of which, the Lodge received steel plate engravings of Gen. George Washington and of the Monument completed. These en- gravings were framed by the Lodge and are still hanging on the walls of one of the rooms.
The Sarcophagus, which had been constructed within the en- closure of the Girard College grounds as the final resting place for the remains of our distinguished brother, Stephen Girard, having been completed, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to whom had been assigned the duty of having the remains removed from the temporary to the final resting place, issued invitations to all the Lodges throughout the jurisdiction to join them in paying a tribute of respect to the memory of our deceased brother by joining in a procession and depositing the remains with Masonic honors on the 29th day of September.
At the stated meeting of August 13th, the communication being read, it was unanimously resolved that the Lodge participate in the ceremonies, and Bros. Jos. Gormley, Chas. M. Howell, J. J. Keller, J. M. Westhaeffer and J. H. Reigart were appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements. The brethren
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met at the Lodge Room on Monday morning, September 29th, at II o'clock, to the number of fifty or sixty, and proceeded to Phila- delphia, where they were assigned their place in the line.
This was one of the finest Masonic demonstrations ever seen in Philadelphia. The regulations required every brother to wear a full black dress suit, including swallow-tailed coat and black necktie, black silk hat, white apron, white gloves, and a blue sash from right shoulder to let hip. Every brother being thus clothed, and the number in line being very large, the procession presented a most beautiful appearance, and one not soon to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Within the enclosure of the College grounds the brethren formed in a large double-lined circle around the sar- cophagus, while the Grand Officers deposited the remains with the beautiful funeral ceremonies of the Fraternity.
Bro. P. M. Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot, D. D. G. M., died September IIth, and at an adjourned meeting held September 15th, the fol- lowing preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, It has pleased God in his wisdom to remove from this life our late worthy and esteemed Brother Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot, D. D. G. M. Therefore
Resolved, That while we bow with submission to this bereavement, we feel pleasure in bearing testimony that for a period of fifteen years he has been a member of this Lodge, the zeal and devotion with which he performed his duties as a Mason, made him second to none in the Lodge.
Resolved, That we sympathize with the family of the deceased in our mutual loss, but are comforted in the reflection that his deportment through life is the best evidence that our loss is his gain.
Resolved, That as a mark of our unfeigned sorrow and affection for his memory, our Lodge be clothed in the habiliments of mourning for the space of six months.
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased.
On motion, Bros. C. M. Howell, Jos. Gormley and J. J. Keller were appointed a committee to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect.
A monument was erected over his remains in Woodward Hill
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Cemetery, which was paid for jointly out of the fundsof the Lodge, and by individual subscription of Royal Arch Chapter No. 43, members.
The election for officers at the stated meeting in December, resulted as follows: Bros. J. J. Keller, W. M .; Wm. M. Gormley, S. W .; Jos. Gormely, J. W .; H. W. Hess, Treas .; J. M. Westhaeffer, Sec., and Robert Moderwell, Charles M. Howell and H. L. Zahm, Trustees.
The year 185I was a busy one for the Lodge, not less than twenty- one members being initiated, one admitted, six withdrew and one died. This year the Lodge invested $400 in city and school bonds, which was the beginning of the permanent fund.
In these years of increased prosperity for the Lodge the custom of holding a banquet on St. John's day was resumed. At the close of the year an examination of the treasurer's accounts showed a balance of in his hands of $503.5472.
On the death of District Deputy Grand Master Kerfoot the Lodge petitioned the Grand Master to appoint the retiring Master, Bro. J. B. Kaufman to that office, which was accordingly done.
At the stated meeting of February 11th, 1852, a communica- tion was received from Bro. Maungundans, chief of the Chippewa Indians, asking aid to educate his sons. A donation of five dollars was voted him for the purpose.
In 1835 the Grand Lodge feeling the depressing effect of the anti-Masonic excitement, its membership being greatly diminished, decided it was unnecessary to hold so large a hall as its Chestnut Street Temple. The temple was accordingly sold to the Franklin Institute for the sum of $110,550, and the Grand Lodge purchased Washington Hall, Third street above Spruce for $25,000 and re- moved to that place, where its meetings were held for twenty years.
The Franklin Institute failing in their payments of the purchase money, the Chestnut street property was reconveyed to the Grand Lodge in 1841, and rented out for exhibitions, amusements, &c.
In the early part of 1852, a movement was made looking to the sale of the property, and the matter was made a special order of business for the meeting of Grand Lodge in May. Notice of this meeting and the business to be transacted being received by Lodge
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No. 43, it was resolved that all the members of the Lodge who were members of the Grand Lodge be directed to attend said meeting, and that the Lodge pay each member attending, the sum of five dollars.
At the meeting of the Grand Lodge in May the question of the sale of the Chestnut Street Temple, after discussion, was post- poned. The different Lodges throughout the State appointed Com- mittees of Conference. Bros. Albright, Boughter and Westhaeffer were the committee appointed by No. 43.
It was finally determined not to sell the property, but to take down the building, and erect on the site a suitable Temple to be dedicated exclusively to Masonic purposes.
The corner-stone of this Temple was laid November 21, 1853, and in it was placed a list of officers and members of every Lodge in the district .* It was dedicated September 26, 1855, and it was used for Masonic purposes until after the dedication of the Broad Street Temple in 1873. It was used for various purposes for nine years afterwards, and was sold to Wm. M. Singerly, Esq., in 1882.
At the stated meeting of December 8, 1852, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Charles M. Howell, W. M .; H. L. Zahm, S. W .; Charles W. Cooper, J. W .; H. W. Hess, Treasurer; J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Robert Moderwell, F. H. Carpenter and J. J. Keller, Trustees.
During the year twenty-six members were initiated, four ad- mitted, three withdrew and one died.
In May, 1853, the Lodge donated $20 to Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, Virginia, towards the erection of a monument to the memory of our illustrious Bro. Gen. George Washington.
At this same meeting it was resolved, "that each brother supply himself with a pair of white gloves, as no brother is properly clothed unless so attired." This was the beginning of the wearing of gloves by the members at meetings, a custom which has been more strictly observed in Lodge No. 43 than perhaps any other Lodge in the jurisdiction.
*A printed list of the officers and members of Lodge No. 43 being included.
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At the September meeting, $50 was donated for the relief of the distress caused by an epidemic of cholera at New Orleans.
Bro. Capt. John Steel, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, whose residence was at the Hermitage, this county, was an occasional visitor to the Lodge, and was respected, honored, and loved by all who knew him. His death was announced to the Lodge by W. M. Charles M. Howell, at the November meeting, and a committee consisting of Bros. H. L. Zahm, Henry Baum- gardner and S. P. Spencer was appointed to draft suitable resolu- tions. The Lodge was draped in mourning for six months as a tribute of respect to his memory, and the Lodge attended his funeral.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Charles W. Cooper, W. M .; Seth P. Spencer, S. W .; Elam D. Hurst, J. W .; Charles M. Howell, Treasurer; J. M. West- haeffer, Secretary, and F. H. Carpenter, Henry Baumgardner and Horace Rathvon, Trustees.
At this meeting Bros. John Barr, Jacob M. Strickler, Daniel Herr, Peter A. Kimbry, C. S. Kaufman and John Eckert withdrew for the purpose of instituting a new Lodge in Columbia. Their application to the Grand Lodge for a charter was recommended by Lodge No. 43, and their warrant was dated December 19, 1853, under the name of Columbia Lodge, No. 286.
During the year twenty-four members were initiated, one ad- mitted and nine withdrew.
At this time the investments of the Lodge had increased to the sum of $900, and the year closed with a balance of $250.29 in the hands of the Treasurer due the Lodge.
During the summer of 1854 the burial lots in the Lancaster Cemetery, the property of the Lodge, were enclosed by a substantial iron fence at an expense of $260.
James Hutchinson, Esq., R. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, accompanied by his grand officers, paid the Lodge an official visitation on the evening of November 8, 1854.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Charles M. Howell, W. M .; I2
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E. D. Hurst, S. W .; John McCalla, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treasurer, J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Horace Rathvon, Henry Baum- gardner and Christian Gast, Trustees.
During the year twenty members were initiated, one admitted, two withdrew, and three died.
At this time the rights of the Lodge to title in the Hall property were questioned by members of City Councils. The Lodge em- ployed counsel, who examined into the matter, and reported that the Lodge's title was good, but that the original agreement between the borough authorities and the Lodge had never been recorded. The agreement was then recorded, and a clear title was vested in the Lodge.
CHAPTER VIII.
1855-1865.
T HE eighth decade of the Lodge's existence opened with the Lodge enjoying a degree of prosperity far exceeding any- thing it had ever before experienced. The active membership numbered 124, and in addition to the properties, furniture, regalia, etc., the Lodge had $900 invested in bonds, and a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $528.69.
Several notes held by the Lodge against members had for a number of years been carried by the Treasurer as cash. At the stated meeting of February 14, 1855, on motion, the W. M. drew his warrant for the amounts, and the notes were destroyed.
Mountain Lodge, No. 281, of Altoona, in the early part of this year met with the misfortune of having their hall burned down, and applied to the various Lodges throughout the jurisdiction for aid in rebuilding the same. At the March meeting of the Lodge a donation of $25 was voted them for that purpose. At the Septem- ber meeting $50 was donated for the relief of the Portsmouth and Norfolk sufferers.
On September 26th the new Masonic Temple, Chestnut street, Philadelphia, was dedicated with impressive Masonic ceremonies. Lodge No. 43 participated, having 75 members in line in the pro- cession.
At the December meeting the following officers were elected for the ensuing Masonic year: Bros. John McCalla, W. M .; J. J. Sprenger, S. W .; Charles F. Shreiner, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treasurer; J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Wm. A. Morton, John Lippincott, and Wm. M. Gormley, Trustees.
There were eighteen initiations and one withdrawal from member- ship during the year.
On St. John's day, December 27th, the Right Worshipful Grand
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Master appointed P. M. Bro. Charles M. Howell, D. D. G. M. for this Masonic district.
At the stated meting of January 9, 1856, $50 was donated to the Union Dorcas Society.
At the March meeting the W. M. stated that Bro. Herman Baugh had presented to the Lodge a cane made of wood taken from the Old Masonic Temple at Philadelphia, which was to be used by the W. M.'s of the Lodge, each handing it down to his successor. Bro. John Herr also presented to the Lodge a picture of the New Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
On June 25th, a special meeting was called for the purpose of considering the propriety of purchasing a lot of ground adjoining the Lodge building on the West. This lot had formerly been an open street called Union Court, but Market Street having been opened to West King Street there was no longer any use for this street and it was proposed by the City Councils to sell the same. The W. M. stated that he had deemed it a case of emergency, and had appointed a committee consisting of Bros. Wm. Aug. Atlee, Charles M. Howell, and J. B Amweg to confer with Messrs. Peter McConomy and Watson Miller in relation to the purchase of the same, they having in conjunction with Dr. Thomas Elmaker, agreed to purchase it along with the two properties to the west of it, from the City. Bro. Wm. Aug. Atlee presented the report of the com- mittee in which they stated Messrs. McConomy and Miller would permit the Lodge to become the purchaser of this portion of the property; they also presented the advantages the Lodge would derive from such purchase as well as the injury which might arise from a failure to purchase it.
On motion the following Resolution was adopted.
Resolved, That three Brethren be appointed, who together with the W. M. and Trustees, shall constitute a committee to purchase sixteen feet of ground adjoining our present Lodge Room on the west, and shall proceed to erect thereon, a plain substantial three story brick building, the first story to be a Store Room and the second and third stories adapted for Lodge purposes.
The W. M. appointed Bros. Chas. M. Howell, J. H. Barnes and Jno. L. Atlee, Jr., as said committee.
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This joint committee purchased the property from the city for the sum of $2685.31, paying $100 purchase money, the balance it being agreed should be paid in annual installments.
On October 2d, the corner-stone of the new building was laid with appropriate Masonic ceremonies. Bro. P. M. Chas. M. Howell presented the corner-stone, Bros. J. J. Sprenger and J. M. West- haeffer (then associated together in the book and stationery busi- ness), presented the Bible, and Bro. Treasurer, H. L. Zahm, pre- sented the vessels which were placed in the corner-stone.
In the alterations to the Lodge building, the entrance back of the old post-office was abandoned and a new entrance made at the north-east corner of the new building fronting on Market Square. The partitions between the Lodge room and the long entry running along the north side of the hall, and between the Lodge room and the two small ante-rooms were removed, making the Lodge room its present size, and the third story of the new building was divided into a Tyler's and two preparing rooms-the second story of the new building (now the Armory) being a banquet-room. The walls were papered, and new chandeliers, carpets and furniture purchased.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. J. J. Sprenger, W. M .; Chas. F. Shreiner, S. W .; J. L. Atlee, Jr., J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treas .; J. M. Westhaeffer, Sec., and David Reese, Wm. A. Morton, and Jno. Lippincott, Trustees.
During the year sixteen members were initiated, one admitted, five withdrew, and five died.
At the stated meeting of May 31, 1857, the building committee presented the following report:
The Committee appointed by this Lodge on the 25th of June last, to carry out its wishes in regard to the purchase of a lot of ground from the City of Lancaster, and the erection thereon of a substantial brick building, for Lodge and other purposes, beg leave to report:
That they have attended to the duties assigned them, to the best of their ability. The lot, embracing 16 feet front on West: King St., by 40 feet deep, and immediately adjoining this Hall on the West, has been purchased from the City, for the sum of $2,685.31,, to be paid in annual installments with interest. The first install- ment to be paid on the Ist of April, 1857.
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A contract was entered into with Bro. J. W. Jack, to erect the building, according to certain specifications, for the sum of $1,866, to be paid upon the completion of the work.
The corner-stone was laid at high twelve on the 2d of October, 1856, with Masonic ceremonies, by the officers and members, assisted by the Right Worshipful D. D. G. M. of Lancaster Masonic District; and thanks to the Great Architect above, the building was carried on to completion without accident or anything calculated to inter- rupt the good feelings which prevailed among the workmen.
Your Committee, with a view to expedite the work, and prevent if possible the interruption of the regular Masonic business of the Lodge, employed Bro. John Hogendobler to make the necessary alterations in the old Hall; such was the nature of the work, that we were unable to contract for it. Bro. H. was therefore allowed so much per day, for each hand employed, amounting in all to $485.79. Notwithstanding the utmost exertions of the Committee to hasten forward the work, they were subjected to many vexatious delays, which placed its completion much beyond the time originally calculated upon. Yet it is gratifying to know that the business of the Lodge met with no serious interruption. At the regular stated communication in August last, the Lodge appointed three additional members to the Committee for the purpose of procuring suitable furniture. This division of labor was found to work well. A num- ber of the Committee were convenient to the Hall, and could be easily brought together to suit emergencies, which frequently arose in the progress of the work.
. The following presents an accurate exhibit of the receipts and expenditures connected with the entire improvement:
City of Lancaster. Dr.
Cr.
1856.
Aug. 12. To Cash . $100.00
Aug. 12, By lot of ground
16 ft. front on
April I. " Ist Install-
ment 861.77
West King St. adjoining present Hall $2,685.31
Interest of Prin- cipal 99.52
Balance due City 1723.54
1857. April I. Interest on same to date . ยท 99.52
$2,784.83
$2,784.83
Bro. J. W. Jack as per contract. do Extra Work. 135.00
$1866.00
$2001.00
1856.
1857.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
Brother Jno. Hogendobler for work in Hall. $485 70
Bro. Chas. M. Howell, Cash paid to Sundry persons for Materials & Labor.
$3699 03
Recd from various sources. 2992 24 Bal. due Bro. Howell $706 79
To Farmers Bank, Lancaster, Note. $2000 00
" Geo. M. Steinman & Co.
266 35
" Bro. Christn Widmyer. 561 50
" Sener & Sons "per Hogendobler" 147 00
" Bro. John Herr.
505 60
" Wm H. Coryl Philada
559 75
" Cornelius & Baker Philada
192 00
" S. B. Fullerton Philada
185 00
" Marshbank & McConkey
31 80
" Shenk & Long.
63 05
" Sener & Sons "per Jack"
116 30
" Carmargo Manuf. Co.
300 00
" Chas M. Howell Balance
706 79
" Balance due City. 1723 54
Amt. paid by Lodge. $7358 68
1393 0I
Total Expenditures for Ground & Improvements. $8751 69
It now remains for the Lodge to devise some plan for the liquida- tion of this debt; several have been suggested to the committee, but the one which meets with most favor is the issuing of $100 certificates, bearing 6 per cent interest; in this way the Lodge will relieve itself, without the necessity or resorting to a permanent loan.
Your Committee therefore recommend that printed certificates, or coupon bonds be issued by the Lodge with its seal affixed, which will render them as safe and profitable 'an investment as need be desired, our whole property being pledges for their redemption.
The rent from the room will pay our Grand Lodge dues, so that all our income from work, and members dues will be devoted to the liquidation of the debt.
The Committee have insured the property to the amount of $1500, but would now recommend an increase on this amount.
The first floor & cellar of new building has been leased to Dr. Thos. Ellmaker, for the full term of five years, from last Ist of April, at an annual rent of $300.
Your Committee believed that they have conscientiously dis- charged their duty in this matter to the Lodge, and all others con-
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