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 16
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
cerned, and in conclusion would suggest that the Lodge adopt such measures as they may deem most effective in relation to the safe keeping of this property.
To preserve this beautiful furniture, it must frequently pass through the cleaning process, and this with indelicate hand; to affect this, the committee would recommend the employment of a suitable woman, who under the supervision of the Tyler, would be able to keep everything in proper order.
Respectfully submitted, Signed, J. MCCALLA, Chairman.
On motion the report was received, and the Committee dis- charged.
The following resolution was then adopted.
Resolved, that Lodge No. 43 A. Y. M. issue coupon bonds of one hundred dollars each, interest payable semi-annually, at 6 per cent. per annum, for the whole debt of the Lodge, and that D. D. G. M. C. M. Howell be empowered to procure said bonds without delay, and that said bonds be signed by the W. M. & Secretary.
The bonds were prepared in accordance with the above. resolu- tion, and during the first year twenty-seven were disposed of, as follows:
Charles M. Howell. I
John Haar. I
Godfried M. Zahm
I
Emanuel Shober I
Christ. Widmyer . 2
J. H. Carmany I
Tobias H. Miller 3
C. C. Ihling . I
Geo. M. Steinman I
J. B. Kaufman I
Chas. F. Rengier I
H. Rathvon. I
Chas. A. Heinitsh I
John Rees. I
H. R. Fahnestock I
John McCalla
I
Robert Loag. I
H. Baumgardner I
John Herr. 4
C. H. Breneman. 2
During this year the creditors of the Lodge were reduced to three, as follows:
$1700'00
Farmers' Bank of Lancaster
I223 54
Charles M. Howell
570 51
$3494 05
To which must be added 27 bonds @ 100
2700 00
Making the total debt at this time.
$6194 05
Lancaster City
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
This amount deducted from $7358.68, the amount of the debt as reported by the committee, shows a reduction of $1164.63 in one year. From this amount, however, must be deducted the accrued interest on the debt, viz .: $236.92, which leaves a net reduction of $927.71. Ten more of the coupon bonds were then disposed of to the Brethren, and the amount applied to the pay- ment of the claims of Bro. Charles M. Howell and the City of Lan- caster. These bonds were disposed of as follows: George Lutz I, G. M. Zahm 6, G. M. Kline I, Horace Rathvon I, and W. H. Gorrecht I. The Lodge was fairly launched in its era of prosperity. These bonds were all redeemed and the entire debt of the Lodge canceled by the close of the year 1865.
At a special meeting held November 24, 1857, W. M. Bro. J. J. Sprenger presented to the Lodge on behalf of Bro. D. D. G. M. Charles M. Howell a framed lithograph of Peter Williamson, Esq., R. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, also two smooth ashlers. The thanks of the Lodge were tendered Bro. Howell for these presents, which are still in the possession of the Lodge.
This special meeting being called for the purpose, the R. W. Grand Master Peter Williamson, Esq., accompanied by his Grand Officers, honored the Lodge with his presence. The report of the R. W. Grand Secretary spoke in terms of the highest praise of the doings of the Lodge and it was remarkable for the absence of a single adverse criticism.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Elam D: Hurst, W. M .; Henry Baumgardner, S. W .; John L. Atlee, Jr., J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treasurer; J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and David Reese, Charles E. Wentz and Christian Widmyer, Trustees.
During the year 1857 thirty-one members were initiated, two admitted, and three withdrew.
At the stated meeting of March 10th, 1858, a donation of $100 was received from P. M. Bro. James Buchanan, and at this same meeting he was elected an honorary member, and granted a certifi- cate.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Henry Baumgardner, W. M .; John L. Atlee, Jr., S. W .; George M. Kline, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treasurer; J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and Christian Widmyer, Charles E. Wentz and David Reese, Trustees.
Twenty-seven members were initiated, three withdrew and one died during the year 1858.
On January 19th, 1859, one of the most active and useful mem- bers of Lodge No. 43, and one of the brightest ornaments in Free- masonry in this district was lost to the Lodge on earth by the death of Bro. P. M. Robert Moderwell.
At the stated meeting of February 9th, Bro. P. M. John McCalla offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were unani- mously adopted:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Almighty Architect of the Uni- verse, in the wise dispensation of his Providence, to remove from the scene of his earthly labors, our well-beloved Brother P. M. Robert Moderwell, therefore
Resolved, That we deeply lament the loss sustained by Lodge No. 43, by the bereaved family of our Brother, and the community at large; we bow in humble submission to the Divine Mandate, in the hopeful assurance that what is our loss, is his gain.
Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Moderwell, Masonry has lost one of its brightest ornaments; one, who in prosperity and adversity alike, exhibited the able, unflinching, and conscientious champion of its time-honored tenets.
Resolved, That to the afflicted family of our deceased Brother, we tender our heartfelt sympathies, commending them to the Great Disposer of events, from whence alone cometh our aid, for that consolation which earth can neither give nor take away.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to convey a copy of these resolutions, attested by the proper officer, to the family of our deceased Brother.
Brothers Wm. E. Loke and Jacob Neff having died about the same time, the Lodge room was draped in mourning for three months in memory of these departed brethren.
At the stated meeting of May IIth, a donation of $20 was made to Miss Catharine Yeates, subscription to the Mount Vernon Association.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
Previous to the meeting of June 9, 1859, the Charity Committee were not entrusted with any of the funds of the Lodge, it being the custom for the W. M. or the Committee to render any aid in an emergency, and then present the account to the Lodge for approval; or, the Lodge having considered an application, the Committee would act under the instructions received from the Lodge. At this meeting, it was resolved to place a sum of money to the credit of the Charity Committee, from time to time, as circumstances required. This custom was continued until 1864, when the present system of appropriating for that purpose a fixed sum per annum was instituted.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bros. John L. Atlee, Jr., W. M .; George M. Kline, S. W .; Wm. Aug. Atlee, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treas .; J. M. Westhaeffer, Sec., and Christ. Widmyer, John Rees, and Chas. A. Heinitsh, Trustees.
Seventeen members were initiated, two withdrew, and three died during this year.
During the year 1860 the debt of the Lodge was reduced $701.64, notwithstanding repairs, purchases of new regalia, numerous acts of charity, and a donation to Western Star Lodge No 2, of Nebraska City, towards rebuilding their hall, which had been destroyed by fire.
The annual election in December resulted as follows: Bros. George M. Kline, W. M .; Wm. Aug. Atlee, S. W .; Henry Car- penter, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treas .; J. M. Westhaeffer, Sec., and Christ. Widmyer, John Rees, and Chas. A. Heinitsh, Trustees.
During the year thirty-three members were initiated, one ad- mitted, five withdrew and three died.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, the Lodge dem- onstrated its patriotism by raising a U. S. flag on the hall. A committee was appointed to procure the flag and make all the necessary arrangements.
At a special meeting, called for the purpose on April 23d, which was attended by ninety-three members, the ceremonies were per- formed. The brethren assembled around the altar, the Past Mas- ters in the centre, when all took the oath of allegiance, after which
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
the flag was raised. A collection was then lifted, which amounted to $69.87, which was applied to paying for the flag, and the balance remaining was distributed among the families of brethren who had left for the war.
At this meeting Bro. D. W. Patterson received the three degrees by dispensation, he having enlisted a military company for service. On motion, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the initiation fee of Bro. D. W. Patterson ($25) be donated by the Lodge to the military Company which is com- manded by him, to be appropriated as he may desire.
At the meeting of May 8, 1861, on motion of Bro. P. M. Jno. L. Atlee, Jr., the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the dues, due and accruing, during the brethren's absence in the war, be remitted, and a certificate be forwarded and charged to the Lodge.
This resolution was rescinded October 14, 1863.
During the year 1861 the debt of the Lodge was reduced $198.36, and twelve members were initiated.
The following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year at the December meeting: Wm. Aug. Atlee, W. M .; Henry Car- penter, S. W .; F. S. Albright, J. W .; H. L. Zahm, Treasurer; J. M. Westhaeffer, Secretary, and the Trustees all reelected.
During this time, in which the Lodge was struggling with its debt (from 1856), its Grand Lodge dues were neglected and suf- fered to accumulate until they now amounted to $1394. A com- mittee composed of P. M.'s Charles M. Howell, Henry Baum- gardner and George M. Kline, were appointed to go to Philadelphia and make the best compromise possible with the Finance Committee of the Grand Lodge.
. At the stated meeting of March 12, 1862, this committee re- ported that they had met the Finance Committee of the Grand Lodge on February 26th, and after a full explanation of the finan- cial condition of the Lodge and expression of the committee's views of settlement, it was agreed that the Lodge pay the sum of $600, which would be received in full settlement of dues up to the year
43,
Extraits from the hunters. March gt 5861.
on thatum Resolvi That The Ines due, and accruiny during the absence of the Brothers in the bar, he re- - mitted, als a Certificate I forwarded to cache Pivo- Then and beared to the
atat
Lancaster May 9. 2
REPRODUCTION OF CERTIFICATE OF LODGE No. 43, EXONERATING BRETHREN WHO WERE SERVING IN THE UNION ARMY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
1861. This amount, together with the amount of dues for the year 1861 ($260) was forwarded to the Grand Lodge officers. The Lodge, by this agreement, received an exoneration of $794.
By the failure of the Lancaster Savings Institution, the Lodge suffered a loss of $57, the settlement with the depositors being made this year.
At the stated meeting of December 10th, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Henry Carpenter, W. M .; F. S. Albright, S. W .; Edw. W. Swentzel, J. W .; and the Treasurer, Secretary and Trustees were reëlected.
During this year, besides the settlement of the delinquent Grand Lodge dues, the Lodge debt was reduced $148.36, leaving the entire indebtedness of the Lodge, including the thirty-seven bonds, $4611.77.
There were twelve members initiated, one withdrew, and one was expelled.
Washington's birthday, February 22, in 1863, occurring on Sun- day, the Lodge by invitation attended divine service in the Duke Street Methodist Church, in the afternoon. The sermon was preached by Bro. James C. Meredith, the pastor of the church at that time. Forty members of the Lodge were present.
The year 1863 was a very prosperous one for the Lodge; forty- one members were initiated, five admitted, one withdrew and five died. During the year $1111.77 of the debt was liquidated, which included the balance due the City and the Farmers' Bank, and two of its bonds, leaving the balance of the $3500 represented by the remaining thirty-five bonds held by the members.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows: Bros. F. S. Albright, W. M .; Edw. W. Swentzel, S. W .; Wm. E. Heinitsh, J. W .; and the remaining officers were reelected.
At this meeting it was resolved to distribute $150 among the widows of deceased members. This was the first distribution of the kind made by the Lodge, and it established a precedent which has been followed to the present time, accomplishing an immeasur- able amount of good. To Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell belongs the credit of having proposed to the Lodge this commendable charity.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
The Lodge being now in the enjoyment of the greatest prosperity it had ever experienced, it was determined to celebrate St. John's day in an elaborate manner. An elegant banquet had been pre- pared and the tables spread in Fulton Hall, where 140 members and visiting brethren sat down to one of the most sumptuous Lodge banquets ever seen in Lancaster.
On the return from the war of Bro. Col. H. A. Hambright's 79th Regiment, Penn. Vols., on the morning of March 16, 1864, the Lodge assembled in special meeting and proceeded in a body to receive them.
On Wednesday evening, September 28th, the members of the Lodge, to the number of fifty or sixty, accompanied by a band of music, proceeded to York, Pa., and assisted in the ceremony of dedicating the new Masonic Hall in that place, the brethren re- turning to Lancaster on Friday following.
At the November meeting $50 were donated to Washington Lodge No. 143, of Chambersburg, Pa., towards the relief of the distress caused by the invasion of that portion of the State by the Confederate army.
The year 1864 was a remarkably busy and prosperous year for the Lodge, and it bears the distinction of witnessing the greatest number of additions to the membership of the Lodge made in any one year during its existence. Sixty-seven members were initiated, two admitted, two withdrew and eight died.
At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Henry Baumgardner, W. M .; Wm. E. Heinisth, S. W .; H. C. Biggs, J. W .; Abner D. Campbell, Treas- urer; Hugh S. Gara, Secretary; and the Trustees were reelected.
Six of the bonds were called in, leaving 29 in existence; $150 was again distributed amongst the widows of deceased members, and $300 was appropriated for the use of the Charity Committee.
CHAPTER IX.
1865-1875.
T HE prosperity and rapid growth of the Lodge, which distin- guished the year past, were continued in the year 1865. The great amount of work to be performed rendered it necessary to hold frequent special meetings. The principal business of the year was the conferring of degrees upon the large number of newly elected members. Other incidents of interest were as follows:
In February the Lodge, in conjunction with the Chapter and Commandery, purchased a cabinet organ. This was the first organ 1. used by the Masonic bodies in their meetings and it remained in use until 1879, when the organ now in use was purchased by the Lodge.
At the stated meeting of May 10th, P. G. M. William Barger, our Proxy in the Grand Lodge, visited the Lodge by invitation and conferred the degrees.
At a special meeting of May 15th, the Reverend Bro. John Chambers visited the Lodge by invitation, and delivered a very interesting and instructive lecture. This meeting was attended by a very large number of brethren, noticeable among whom was our distinguished brother P. M. James Buchanan, and this was the last time he attended a meeting of his old Lodge.
During the fall, head and foot stones were placed at the graves of the brethren buried in the lot belonging to the Lodge, in the Lancaster Cemetery.
At the December meeting, the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year: Wm. E. Heinitsh, W. M .; H. C. Biggs, S. W .; Wm. A. Morton, J. W .; Henry Baumgardner, Treasurer; H. S. Gara, Secretary; and C. Widmyer, Jno. Rees and C. A. Heinitsh, Trustees.
189
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
There were forty-seven members initiated, one admitted, four withdrew, and four died during the year.
All the bonds outstanding against the Lodge were canceled, and at the end of the year the Lodge was free of debt and in a very flourishing condition.
During the year 1866, twenty-six members were initiated, one withdrew, and seven died.
The Lodge having no longer a debt, the funds rapidly accu- mulated, and $200 were invested in city loan.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. Wm. A. Morton, W. M .; S. H. Reynolds, S. W .; Jno. F. Huber, J. W .; and the other officers all reelected.
At the Quarterly Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pa., held March, 1867, the Ahiman Rezon was amended, estab- lishing the representative system. Accordingly at the stated meet- ing of the Lodge held March 13th, Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell was elected Representative to the Grand Lodge from Lodge No. 43. Bro. P. M. Howell served the Lodge acceptably until 1875, when he was succeeded by Bro. P. M. B. Frank Breneman, who has been continued in office to the present time.
On the evening of July Ist, Right Worshipful Deputy, and Acting Grand Master Richard Vaux, Esq., accompanied by his grand officers, honored the Lodge with an official visitation.
At the stated meeting of August 14th, Bros. Geo. H. Ettla, Henry Landes and David Roth withdrew for the purpose of joining in the formation of a new Lodge at Marietta. Their application to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge for a charter was recom- mended by Lodge No. 43, which was granted September 5th, under the name of Ashara Lodge, No. 398.
Right Worshipful Grand Master John L. Goddard having died in office, the Lodges throughout the jurisdiction were duly noti- fied. Lodge No. 43 appointed a Committee to draft suitable reso- lutions, and the Lodge Room was draped in mourning for the space of three months.
During the year 1857 the Lodge extended aid to several southern Lodges, and donated $200 towards the building of the Children's.
.
Masonic Dall, Lancaster, Da.
Brother:
You are requested to mect Lodge No. 43, A. Y. M., on Thursday, the 4th day of June, A. L. 5868, at 2 o'clock, P. M., for the purpose of attending the funeral of our late
P. M. HON. JAMES BUCHANAN.
By order of Samuel H. Reynolds, W. M.
H. S. GARA, Secretary.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
Home in Lancaster. An additional $1000 were invested, making the investments of the Lodge $3000.
The annual election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Bros. S. H. Reynolds, W. M .; John F. Huber, S. W .; David N. Russel, J. W., and the other officers were all reelected.
During the year 1867 forty-one were initiated, twenty with- drew, and seven died.
In February, 1868, S. W. elect, Bro. John F. Huber, M. D., died and was buried with Masonic honors.
Brother P. M. James Buchanan having died June 1, 1868, a special meeting of the Lodge was held on Thursday afternoon, June 4th, for the purpose of attending his funeral. W. M. Bro. Samuel H. Reynolds announced the object of the meeting, as follows:
Again, the solemn notes that betoken the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle have alarmed our outer door. Another spirit has been summoned to the land where our fathers have gone before us.
Again, we visit the habitation of the dead to offer up to the memory of a departed brother the last tribute of our affection, to demonstrate our esteem for his noble character, and our attach- ment to the principles of our Order.
We meet today to attend the funeral of the Hon. James Buchanan, Past Master of the Lodge, who died at his residence, "Wheatland," near this city, on Monday last.
Mr. Buchanan became a member of our order in the year 1816. From the time he was first raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, he exhibited great admiration for the tenets of Free Ma- sonry, and made marked progress in our mysteries. Exemplary in his conduct, persevering in the practice of every virtue, he soon gave evidence of that merit which entitled him to Masonic privileges and honors.
In 1822 he was elected Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and filled the office for one Masonic year. Skilled in the noble science of the royal art, true and trusty, he discharged his duties with fidelity, leaving, when he retired from his honorable position, a trestle-board which would bear most critical inspection.
I need not, on this mournful occasion, detain you by referring to the many noble qualities which adorned the character of our brother, in private as well as in public life.
I3
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
I need not tell you how his native State, nay, how the nation lavished honors upon him. These facts are familiar to all, and when written by a faithful historian, will illumine a page in American history.
In private life he was pure and upright, full of sincerity, a giver of charity without ostentation. As a lawyer, he was eminent, fearless, indefatigable and conscientious. As a public servant he exhibited inflexible fidelity to his trust, and meant to be true to the faith of the fathers of the Republic.
His work is finished. The Grand Master of the Universe has removed him from the cares and troubles of this transitory existence in the Lodge on earth to a state of endless duration in the Lodge on high.
Like all men, he had his faults. None are perfect. Let us, how- ever, commend and imitate his virtues-and as we drop a tear over his grave, let us, as worthy members of an ancient and honor- able fraternity, cast around his foibles the broad mantle of Masonic charity.
Upon the conclusion of this address, Bro. Secretary H. S. Gara moved that a committee of five (of which the W. M. shall be chair- man) be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of our regard for our late brother, and that the Lodge be draped in mourning for the space of three months.
The motion was agreed to, and the W. M. appointed Bro. H. S. Gara, Past Masters J. J. Sprenger, J. L. Atlee, Jr., Charles E. Wentz and Bro. J. G. Peters said committee, who reported the following preamble and resolutions:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove our Brother P. M. James Buchanan, late President of the United States, to whose memory we now offer before the world, the last tribute of our esteem, as a Mason, a patriot and a citizen. Therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of every Mason to accept this dis- pensation of Providence with submission, and in the future be more alive to the sublime truths of our Order, which is founded on Liberality, Brotherly Love, and Charity, so that when the summons comes, we may be prepared to meet our Great Master, in the Lodge on high.
Resolved, That we will ever hold in remembrance the many virtues of our late brother. He was ever ready to-promote the
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
4
best interest of the Fraternity, and through it the good and welfare of society.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased Brother our sincere sympathy, firm in the belief that the Great Architect will fold the arms of his protection around them, if they place their trust in him.
Resolved, That these proceedings be placed upon the minutes, and a copy thereof sent to the family of our deceased brother.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Bros. E. D. Hurst, J. J. Sprenger, J. P. Wickersham, Thos. Cole- man, Jere. Rohrer, A. S. Bard, W. H. Pool and Samuel Burns were appointed carriers, and Bro. J. M. Westhaeffer, Marshal. The Brethren, to the number of 200, and preceded by the City Cornet Band, proceeded to Wheatland, where they joined the . funeral procession.
The remains of Bro. P. M. Buchanan were followed to the grave by the largest cortege that ever attended the funeral obsequies of any President who died out of office. The procession was under the Chief Marshalship of Bro. P. M. Charles M. Howell, it contained not less than 4000 people, and was two miles in length. At the cemetery (Woodward Hill) the Brethren formed a circle around the grave, and, as soon as the religious services had been concluded, the beautiful and impressive Masonic burial service was performed, the Brethren singing a funeral dirge with band accompaniment, and this was one of the most imposing and affecting parts of the memorable scene.
On St. John the Baptist's day, June 24th of this year, the corner- stone of the new Masonic Temple, Broad Street, Philadelphia, was laid with appropriate and impressive ceremonies, Lodge No. 43 participating in the same, accompanied by a band.
Among the charities of this year was a donation of $25 to the fair for the benefit of Ashara Lodge, No. 398, of Marietta.
Bro. David N. Russel was elected W. M .; Bro. Adam Z. Ring- walt, S. W .; Bro. George K. Reed, J. W., and the other officers reëlected, at the December meeting.
Twenty members were initiated, one admitted, eight withdrew, and three died during the year.
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