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 19
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A century ago when Lodge No. 43 was organized, our country had just passed through the thrilling events of the Revolution. Two years before, in 1783, the Continental army was disbanded, and on the first roll of members of this Lodge are the names of those who joined in the war for Independence. Our beloved Brother, General Washington, took his seat as President of the United States four years after this Lodge was organized. The federal Constitution became the law of the new Republic of the United States, in 1789, so that the warrant of Lodge 43, is four years older than the Constitution of our Nation.
Its century of existence is full of Masonic history, and a record of its struggles and triumphs would make a volume. It passed safely through the anti-masonic period, when ignorance, super- stition, jealousy and uncharitableness waged a cruel war against an Order founded on Truth, Justice, Toleration, Brotherly Love, Charity, and a firm and full belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and threw our Country into a political revolution that lifted anti-masonic officers into places of the highest rank and power in the State.
It has numbered among its members many of every degree and
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station in life. A President of the United States, a Governor, a United States Senator, a Judge of the Supreme Court, Ministers to Foreign Countries, Mayors, and many other of the most promi- nent citizens of our beautiful and prosperous Inland City, have stood in Worshipful Master's station in the east, and with justice and equity, ruled a Lodge of which it might be truly said:
"We meet upon the level, though from every station come, The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home; For the rich must leave his wealth and state outside the Mason's door, And the poor man finds his best respect upon the checkered floor."
A sketch of the history of the Lodge will be given by Brother George R. Welchans, P. M., and to this I invite your attention, knowing that the account he will read of the notable events in the life of the Lodge, will be both instructive and interesting.
I trust, too, that all the exercises of the afternoon, and the ban- quet that follows this evening, will be fully enjoyed by every one.
And now, with the hearty wish that the close of the second century will find Lodge 43 as happy and as prosperous as the close of the first, and the earnest prayer that the blessings of our beloved fraternity may widen as "the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns," I again bid you, Brethren, welcome, thrice welcome to our festivities.
The Worshipful's Master's address was followed by the "Sketch of the History of Lodge, No. 43," which was delivered by the historian, P. M. Bro. Geo. R. Welchans.
The address opened as follows:
A history is a narration of events, in the order in which they occurred, together with their causes and results.
The record of events, chronologically arranged, which occurred during the first century of the existence of this Lodge, together with their causes and results, comprises much more than it would be possible to narrate upon such an occasion as this. I am, there- fore, directed to present you a "Sketch of the History."
To do this necessitates a selection of incidents of interest, without reference to order, and with little study of cause and effect.
One hundred years ago this now prosperous city of 30,000 in- habitants was a borough containing from 3,000 to 4,000 people, residing mainly in small plain houses and surrounded by the limited conveniences of those early times. This rural hamlet, though denied the pomp and splendor, the wealth and grandeur of the Oriental cities, yet was not without its seven good and wise men;
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for among this 3,000 or 4,000 people were to be found seven good and true Brother Masons.
These seven Brothers were Stephen Chambers, Soloman Etting and Henry Dering, Past Masters; and John Doyle, Henry Stuber, Adam Hubley, Jr., and Wm. Feltman, Master Masons. All of them were highly respected and honored citizens, and most of them had been officers in the Revolutionary army, where they had served with distinction.
The address presented in a brief manner many of the interesting historical facts contained in this work, together with short bio- graphical sketches of the founders of the Lodge, and of a number of the most distinguished and active members, who have greatly aided in developing the Lodge's History. The address closed as follows:
Our work is ended. Step by step we have traced the progress of our Lodge from the days of its conception, through its dependent infancy, through its hopeful youth, to its present vigorous maturity; through all its struggles, trials and difficulties, through all its successes and triumphs, until to-day, with the weight of a century upon her shoulders, she stands out bright and conspicuous, second to none in her devotion to the principles of our Order, in her fidelity to the Grand Lodge, under whom she has her being, and in her usefulness and importance among her sister Lodges in this jurisdiction. Thus we find her to-day as she enters upon the second century of her existence, and we bid her God speed in her upward progress to scenes of brighter glories and deeds of greater usefulness. Great names and great events lie buried in her dead past, but they have "left footprints on the sands of time," and the memory of them lives to-day to stimulate the present and to ennoble and glorify the future.
It occupied a little over one hour in delivery, and was listened to with that rapt attention which gave evidence of the deep in- terest felt by the members in the history of their old Lodge.
It was followed by interesting addresses delivered by R. W. Senior Grand Warden, Bro. Clifford P. MacCalla; R. W. Grand Treasurer, Bro. Thomas R. Patton; Grand Tyler, Bro. Wm. A. Sinn; P. M. Bro. Charles E. Meyer, of No. 295; P. M. Bro. Henry Baker, of No. 281; P. M. Bro. Charles M. Howell; P. M. Bro. Wm. A. Atlee, and P. M. Bro. James P. Wickersham, of Lodge No. 43.
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The Secretary, Bro. Hugh S. Gara, read the following letter:
LOUISVILLE, KY., APRIL 6TH, 1885.
J. L. LYTE, EsQ.
My Dear Sir & Brother: Please accept the accompanying copy of my book, as a Centennial offering to the Library of your Lodge. Fraternally, H. R. COLEMAN.
The book accompanying this letter is Bro. Coleman's latest Ma- sonic work, entitled "Light in the East."
P. M. Bro. Geo. R. Welchans read the following extract from a letter received from our oldest living Past Master, Bro. J. Henry Brown, of Philadelphia, Pa .:
Herewith, I send as a present to the Lodge on its Centennial Anniversary, a Lodge notice dated December 10th, 1782. If the Lodge will accept and preserve it, I will be happy to part with it. I value it highly on account of its great age-being almost coeval with the Lodge itself, and because it was a present from a dear friend. It has been in my possession forty-five years, and was presented to me by Worshipful Master Jacob Albright in 1840.
It bears the marks of a lock of hair having been folded up with it at some time, probably that of the Brother to whom the notice was issued, and perhaps put there by loving hands.
Hoping that the Brethren of No. 43 may have a very pleasant time at the Centennial festival, I remain, yours,
Respectfully and fraternally, J. HENRY BROWN.
This old Lodge notice was arranged between two plates of glass and tastefully framed. It was accepted by the Lodge, and a vote of thanks tendered Bro. Brown for his valuable gift.
The Worshipful Master Bro. Joshua L. Lyte extended a cordial invitation to all who were present to return to the Lodge room at seven o'clock, P. M., and take part in the banquet.
This successful Centennial meeting was then harmoniously closed at 4:30 P. M.
THE BANQUET.
At seven o'clock in the evening the members and their invited guests, to the number of about 300, assembled at the Lodge room, formed in line and preceded by the City Cornet Band, proceeded to Maennerchor Hall, where the Centennial festivities were ap- propriately ended with a grand banquet.
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When Bro. Rev. James Y. Mitchell said grace more than three hundred men bowed their heads in reverence as they stood around the tables in Maennerchor Hall. Covers had been laid for 403, but some were unable to be in attendance. Seven large tables ran the length of the hall, meeting at right angles another, where sat officers of the Grand Lodge, the Past Masters of Lodge 43, and of Lamberton Lodge No. 476. The stage on the south of the room was green in fern, palm and potted plants, from behind which came the sweet strains of music by Thorbahn's orchestra. The tables were profuse in plants and flowers. Following is the
MENU.
"Read o'er this: And after this, and then to feast with What appetite you have."
Shrewsberry Oysters, on half shell.
Snapper Soup.
Puree of Clam.
Columbia Shad. French Fried Potatoes.
Of the various fishes that come from the sea, There are none so good to be had, And none that's so juicy and toothsome to me, As a nice baked Columbia shad.
Roast Beef. Roast Mutton. Roast Chicken.
Ham. Beef Tongue. Spiced Oysters.
Hammondsport Sec. Special "Centennial" Vintage.
"Give me a bowl of wine, In this I bury all unkindness."
Fried Oysters.
Lobster Salad.
Saratoga Potatoes. Chicken Salad.
"Small cheer and great welcome, Makes a merry feast."
Vanilla Ice Cream.
Oranges.
Bananas. Apples. Nuts.
French Coffee.
John Copland, Caterer.
I5
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The wine was specially labeled for the occasion and bore the following: "A. D. 1785-A. L. 5785, Lodge 43 F. and A. M .- Centennial A. D. 1885-A. L. 5885, made to the order of Jere. Rohrer." The flowers were furnished by A. D. Rohrer & Bro.
It was eight o'clock when the guests sat down to the banquet. Thirty-five waiters under the direction of Joseph Lebar were kept busy until midnight.
During the latter courses of the banquet the festivities were enlivened by speech and song.
The first toast was the "Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania," which was responded to by R. W. Senior Grand Warden, Bro. Clifford P. MacCalla.
The Centennial Poem, written for the Centennial of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., by Bro. Rob. Morris, was then read by Rev. Bro. James Y. Mitchell, of Lodge No. 51. It is as follows:
How the souls of friends departed Hover o'er this joyful scene! Tender, brave and faithful-hearted They have left their memory green; Could we see them, Smiles on every face were seen.
As they view our gladsome meeting, It recalls a thousand joys; As they hear our cheerful greeting 'Tis to them a glorious voice: 'Tis the echo Of one hundred years of joy.
One by one the loved ones perished, But they left the chain still wound; Every virtue that they cherished Here is found as here they found; Thus in Heaven Blessed souls with ours are bound.
So shall we, though long-departed, When an hundred years are sped, Join the brave and faithful-hearted, Who around this Lodge shall tread, And our memories Shall be cherished here, though dead.
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"Masonry Around the Globe" was responded to by P. M. Bro. Wm. A. Wilson, of No. 43.
"Our Centennial" by P. M. Bro. James P. Wickersham, of No. 43. "Our Sister Lodges" by Bro. B. Frank Eshleman, of No. 476.
"Brother George Washington" was drunk in silence, all standing.
Addresses were also delivered by Bros. A. C. Reinoehl, Rev. James Y. Mitchell, P. M. William J. Fordney, P. M. A. J. Kaufman, P. M. Charles E. Wentz, and P. M. George R. Welchans.
The proceedings were interspersed with music by the orchestra, and with songs by the brethren, and it was midnight's hour before the curtain dropped on the last act of the Centennial Celebration of Lodge No. 43.
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. and A. M. 1885-1910
CHAPTER XII.
1885-1900.
T HE one alloy of the successful Centennial Celebration just nar- rated was a communication by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Brother E. Coppé Mitchell to the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 43, calling attention to the violation of Masonic Law, in admitting to the banquet several prominent citizens of Lancaster who were not members of the fraternity, and which was directed to be read in open Lodge. The address was most courteous, and simply called attention to decisions on the subject, and exonerated the Worshipful Master of all intention to do wrong or set at defiance the regulations on the subject.
After the interesting events recorded by the Historian of the first one hundred years of the existence of Lodge No. 43, we find the vigor of the Mother Lodge of Lancaster County unabated, the impetus of the Centennial Celebration showing with marked effect in her continued prosperity.
At the meeting of May 13, 1885, a committee was appointed for the purpose of taking in charge all matters in connection with the printing and distribution of the History of Lodge No. 43, as prepared by Past Master Brother George R. Welchans. Proper pecuniary recognition and engrossed resolutions were presented to the author for his admirable work.
Resolutions directing the Trustees to procure a bookcase for the nucleus of a library, and that a Library Committee be appointed to take charge of the matter in connection therewith were adopted.
During the year 1885 there were fifteen initiated, two restored to membership, two resigned, and two died.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as
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follows: Brothers John C. Carter, W. M .; George B. Willson, S. W .; - George H. Rothermel, J. W .; Charles A Heinitsh, Treas .; Hugh S. Gara, Secy .; John Rees, Christian Widmyer and Jeremiah Rohrer, Trustees.
In the early part of 1886, the Centennial History of Lodge No. 43 was completed, in a handsome volume of over 300 pages, and distributed among the members, Grand Officers, and others, and to various libraries throughout the country.
An appropriation of twenty-five dollars was made to the earth- quake sufferers of Charleston, S. C.
During the year there were seven initiations, one admitted, two resigned, three suspended and one died.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Brothers George B. Willson, W. M .; George H. Rothermel, S. W .; Jacob P. Shirk, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
In 1887 Lodge No. 43 became a member of the General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada, for the detec- tion of Masonic impostors, and the Charity Committee thereby relieved of much imposition by these traveling fakers. The Lodge also became a member of the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, located at Philadelphia, in April, and Past Master Brother Joshua L. Lyte was appointed its first representative.
During 1887 there were eight initiations, one admitted and eight died.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted in the reëlection of Brothers George B. Willson, W. M .; George H. Rother- mel, S. W .; Jacob P. Shirk, J. W .; as by a resolution of the Grand Lodge, the Worshipful Master was required to serve two years to become a member of the Grand Lodge. This resolution was rescinded during the year, restoring the time of service to one year. The Treasurer and Secretary were reelected, and Brothers Christian Widmyer, Jeremiah Rohrer, William O. Marshall, Trustees, and B. Frank Breneman, Representative to the Grand Lodge.
At the January meeting in 1888 was inaugurated the beautiful custom of presenting a medal to members who had held continuous membership in this Lodge for a period of fifty years. The first
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recipient of this honor was Brother Christian Gast, who stood steadfast during the trying times of Free-masonry in Lancaster. It was an honor worthily bestowed, and has been continued to the present time. It is of silver, in the form of a disc, about the size of a silver dollar, with raised emblems of the order on the face, with suitable engraving, and enameled in blue, while the reverse is en- graved with the full event of the presentation. It is suspended by a blue ribbon attached to a silver bar, on which the name of the recipient appears in blue enamel. It is a highly prized memento by all those fortunate enough to be entitled to it.
February 9, a special memorial service was held in the Lodge room in memory of the deceased members of the previous year, an unusual number of prominent members having died, including three past masters, the tyler who had served during many years, one of the trustees, and a number of brethren. An elaborate program was prepared, and eulogistic addresses delivered by promi- nent brethren in memory of each of the members who had passed to the Great Beyond. The attendance of members was large and it seemed a fitting recognition of the virtues and services of those who would meet with us no more.
May 9, the fifty-year jewel was presented to Brother Christian Widmyer, one of the trustees, who at this time had served in that position for thirty-one consecutive years.
A contribution of twenty-five dollars was made to Garfield Lodge, No. 559, DuBois, Pa., which had suffered in the great fire of that town.
During 1888 six were initiated, one resigned, two suspended and one expelled.
The election of officers at the December meeting resulted as follows: Brothers George H. Rothermel, W. M .; Jacob P. Shirk, S. W .; Henry Carpenter, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
1889 was a prosperous year for the Lodge, little of historic im- portance occurring. A contribution of one hundred dollars was made to sufferers of Johnstown's great flood.
During the year twelve were initiated, one resigned, two died, one expelled and two suspended.
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At the election at the December meeting the following were elected: Brothers Jacob P. Shirk, W. M .; Henry Carpenter, S. W .; George R. Rohrer, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
At the May meeting of 1890, the Worshipful Master Brother Jacob P. Shirk, called Past Master Brother Jeremiah Rohrer to the Chair, giving him the privilege of raising his son Howard Rohrer to the degree of Master Mason, which was done in an impressive and accurate manner. At its conclusion the Worshipful Master resumed his station, when in some interesting remarks he stated that the raising of Brother Howard Rohrer, by his father Past Master Jeremiah Rohrer, marked a very unusual and interesting event in the history of Lodge No. 43, inasmuch as it was the fourth son that Brother Rohrer was permitted to raise to the sublime degree of Master Mason: Brother Jacob B. Rohrer, June 8, 1881, Brother George R. Rohrer, April 8, 1885, Brother Grant Rohrer, February 10, 1887, and Brother Howard Rohrer, May 14, 1890. The opinion was expressed that probably no lodge in the United States could rival Lodge No. 43 in this respect. A resolution was offered that a medal be ordered, suitably engraved for presentation by the Lodge to Past Master Brother Jeremiah Rohrer, commemorating the event. The medal was presented to him by the Worshipful Master at the following meeting, in a suitable presentation speech, which was responded to by Past Master Rohrer in a feeling manner.
It is a matter of congratulation that at the celebration of the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Lodge No. 43, April 9, 1910, father and sons remain members in good Masonic standing in this Lodge, the father beyond the four-score years in age; and that all seated together were permitted to attend its festivities, and the first time that the entire five were enabled to attend the Lodge together.
During the year an edict was issued by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, requiring each candidate to be examined as to his proficiency in the preceding degree in open Lodge before advance- ment, and for some years this custom was observed by the Lodge.
During the year six members were initiated.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as
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follows: Brothers Henry Carpenter, W. M .; George R. Rohrer, S. W .; John R. Kauffman, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
In 1891 ten dollars was approriated to Bloss Lodge, No. 350, toward a fund for the relief of a disabled brother.
Four were initiated and two withdrew.
The following officers were elected at the December meeting: Brothers George R. Rohrer, W. M .; John R. Kauffman, S. W .; James C. Wiley, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
In 1892 the secretary's salary was increased to one hundred and fifty dollars per year. Ten dollars was appropriated to Temple Lodge, No. 248, Tunkhannock, Pa., for the relief of a daughter of one of its deceased members, and five dollars was contributed to Petrolia Lodge, No. 363, toward the payment of the indebtedness of their hall.
During July and August of the year electric light was installed into the hall and building of the Lodge at a cost of $770.00, and the gas chandeliers which were removed from the Lodge room were on motion presented to St. John's Episcopal Church, which present was acknowledged by the Vestry of that congregation in a graceful letter of thanks.
Ten dollars was appropriated to Everett Lodge, No. 524, for the benefit of a destitute member.
In the Trustees' Annual Report of November 9, 1892, an in- teresting statement was made of the expenditures of the Lodge in the improvements of its property, including the original cost of the hall in 1800, and the expenditures from 1856 to date, which shows that to this time the property has cost the Lodge $20,609.29. This ap- plies principally to the improvements of the real estate.
On November 25 Brother Christian Widmyer, a member of this Lodge, for over fifty-four years and a Trustee for thirty-five years, was buried with Masonic honors. Touching tributes were paid his memory by a number of the Past Masters and the Worshipful Master extolling his worth as a citizen and his untiring zeal and interest in the Lodge.
During the year six members were initiated, two admitted, and two resigned.
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The following officers were elected at the December meeting: Brothers John R. Kauffman, W. M .; James C. Wiley, S. W .; An- drew H. Hershey, J. W., and Gustavus Groezinger, Trustee, in place of Brother Christian Widmyer, deceased. All the other officers were reelected.
The year 1893 was an important one in the history of the Lodge, in the purchase by the Trustees of the McConomy property, ad- joining the Masonic Hall on the west, for the sum of $13,800.00. By resolution the Trustees were instructed to convert this property into purposes necessary for the several Masonic bodies meeting in said Lodge room as follows: Convert the second story room of said building, together with the adjoining room on the east, into a banquet hall; convert the third story room into an armory for the use of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T., and for other purposes, and the first floor remodeled into a modern store room, and also to place an improved heating apparatus in all the properties belonging to the Lodge for the purpose of heating the entire property with heat other than stoves, the whole to be completed by September I, 1894.
A beautiful silver trowel was presented to the Lodge by a com- mittee from Gramercy Lodge, No. 537, of New York, as a testimonial for the services rendered by the Lodge in conducting the funeral of Brother De Ville, a member of Gramercy Lodge. Proper acknowl- edgment of the receipt of the same was made to Gramercy Lodge by resolution, a copy of which was forwarded to them.
During the year ten were initiated, two resigned and one with- drew.
The following officers were elected at the December meeting: Brothers James C. Wiley, W. M .; Andrew H. Hershey, S. W .; John W. Lansinger, J. W., and the other officers reelected.
During the year 1894 the improvements ordered to be made to the McConomy building, and the installation of a new heating plant were completed to the entire satisfaction of the Lodge. A modern store room was constructed on the first floor and the second and third floors were finished as directed, and a hot water heating plant installed throughout the entire property. The cost of the
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improvement to the building was $2,240.22, and of the heating plant $1,115.72, which added to the original cost of the building, $13,800, made a total cost of $17,155.94. Lodge No. 43 was now very comfortably and conveniently housed throughout in its own building.
During the year seven were initiated and three resigned.
At the December meeting the following officers were elected: Brothers Andrew H. Hershey, W. M .; John W. Lansinger, S. W .; J. Fred. Fisher, J. W .; and the other officers reelected.
At the January meeting of 1895, Past Master Brother Henry Carpenter stated that as the improvements ordered to be made to the Lodge property had now been completed in such a satisfactory manner, by the untiring efforts of Past Master Brother Jeremiah Rohrer, chairman of the Trustees, who devoted much time and labor to the work, he considered it but right and proper that some notice should be taken of it. He therefore offered the following resolution :
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