USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > The history of the Masonic fund society for the county of Allegheny from the year 1847 to 1923; with biographical sketches of deceased members of the Board of trustees By Hiram Schock. > Part 7
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The following communication was read and ordered to be En- tered on the Minutes: "At a meeting of Past and present D. D. G. Masters, Past and present Masters and Wardens of Lodges of Free and Accepted A. Y. Masons, assembled at the Hall, corner Wood and Third Streets, August 27th, A. D. 1850, A. L. 5850, on motion made by Past Master W. W. Wilson and duly seconded by W. M. A. Tindle, the following resolution was offered: Resolved, That it is the opinion and decision of the now assembled D. D. G. Masters, Past and pres- ent Masters and Wardens, That the habitual and intemperate use of Liquor is contrary to the obligations, and teachings, of Masonry, and dangerous to the welfare of the Craft; and that the Several Lodges in this Jurisdiction be requested, most affectionately, to con- form to this expression of opinion. Unanimously adopted.
Signed, S. McKinley, Chairman. A. Bradley, Secretary.
For what other purpose this notable gathering of Ma- sonic officers, past and present, met is not known. Extend- ed research has failed to bring to light additional informa- tion relative to this meeting of 1850 and its objects. They must have considered various matters of importance to the local Craft. It may be safely assumed that in addition to the subject of liquor, earnest attention was given to the project of erecting the new Hall and to the general welfare of the fraternity. There was doubtless heard the eloquent
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voice of Judge Shaler as he sought for and gave counsel. There also would be heard the earnest Mckinley, directing, as chairman, the interesting proceedings. The grave face of Shidle would light up with pleasure as he urged the adoption of the important motions, and he would be ably supported by the firm declarations of Hoon. There, too, would be Hailman and Tindle, and others of that brave, sin- cere and cultured band of Masons who in those now far-off days were adding lustre and giving strength to the Craft, all of them exerting an influence which was to grow in extent and power through all the years down to the times of our own brilliant Masonic existence.
Remembering how greatly we are indebted for so much of our early Masonic information to Mr. Lecky Harper it is pleasing to find his name mentioned in the minutes of a meeting of the Trustees, March 20, 1851, to the effect that, "On motion made and seconded, resolved that Mr. Leckey Harper be requested to procure a Cut of the New Hall;" a request which he carried out satisfactorily, as the wood-cut of the new building which he ordered made and later printed in his newspaper is the one now found in all the publications which furnish a picture of that edifice.
When the trustees met on April 28, the committee hav- ing charge of the selection and purchase of the furniture and fittings of the new building was requested to "issue proposals to have the different apartments furnished." At the next meeting, May 8, the bids received were opened, and it was "Resolved, that I. Lemmon & Co's bid be accepted & the committee instructed to close the same, provided said Lemmon & Co. agrees to number the setees." The follow- ing is the bid as accepted: "144 Setees, 10 ft. long, painted Orange Color in Oil, at $5.75 apiece." Then, at the meeting held May 15, Brother Hailman being president of the Board, bids were accepted for :
Two Solid Sofas at $3.50 per ft., with Springs, and covered with Blue plush. Also eight Large Arm Chairs. The Two Sofas 10 ft. each, at $50 Each. 100 Arm Chairs at $1.25 per Chair. Cushions for chairs at $2.95 each.
At the same meeting :
The Board ordered that the president be added to the Committee
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on Furniture, and the Com. have power to order the two principal Chairs for the East with whomsoever they thought best.
This session of the Trustees held May 15, 1851, is of exceptional interest from a Masonic historical standpoint, as it was the last meeting of the Board to convene in the old "Hall" in the Darsie building at the corner of Wood and Third streets, which they had rented shortly after the fire of 1845 had destroyed their building at the northwest cor- ner of Smithfield and Third streets, title to which had been, as has been shown, the subject of the litigation between the Masons and Mr. Darsie. It was almost six years since the great conflagration and during that time the brethren had gone to considerable expense to furnish and decorate the rooms used by them. They had occupied in this building one large room on the third story, and at least two small adjoining chambers. The entrance to the Masonic rooms was by a stairway leading up from a doorway opening on Third street, now Third avenue. After the Masons had re- moved from the place into their new large Hall on Fifth avenue the third story was used for many years as a print- ing establishment, and the present writer has been told by one of the old time printers, still living in Pittsburgh, and who "set type" in the old building years ago, that the ap- prentice boys used to find huge enjoyment in knocking with great ceremony upon the door leading into the room for- merly occupied by the Masons and then howling out mys- terious "pass words" through the little opening in the door. Twenty or more years ago this ancient structure was torn down and replaced by a larger building, which in its turn has been demolished and upon which site is being erected in this year of 1922 an imposing edifice for the Pittsburgh Y. M. C. A, which organization now owns the property. The trustees present at the last meeting there, May 15, 1851, were Brother Hailman, who was president of the Board; and Brothers Shidle, Hoon, Mckinley and English.
From the beginning of the year 1851 the local news- paper became more observant of the progress of the work on the Fifth avenue structure. Particular public attention was attracted to it by an extended publication in the "Morn- ing Post" of March 31. This was a carefully prepared ar-
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ticle, not only descriptive of the structure, but also giving a recital of the reasons that led up to the decision to erect it. A large and accurate picture of the building illustrated the article. Later came a memorable event that brought the edifice into a more pronounced public notice. This was the appearance in the new Hall in 1851 of the famous song- stress, Jenny Lind, under the personal supervision of the famous P. T. Barnum. Of this notable, as well as exciting event, a more extended account will be found further on.
On March 27, 1851, this information was printed in the "Post:"
We have in the hands of the engraver a view of the splendid new Masonic Hall on Fifth street. It will be ready for use about a week from this time. We shall at the same time give a full and interesting description of the building. Persons who may wish extra copies of the paper will please leave their orders at the office as soon as con- venient.
This article, accompanied by the picture, is of especial value, as it is the only complete description of the building to be found, and is now printed for the first time since its publication seventy years ago. It is given herewith in full:
Above we present to our readers a beautiful and very accurate view of the new Masonic Temple on Fifth street, engraved expressly for the Morning Post by Mr. Neville Johnson, of this city.
It may be proper briefly to state the progress of Masonry in this city within the last 5 years and some of the circumstances which led directly to the erection of the above Hall. In 1845 only one lodge ex- isted in this city-Lodge 45-which for more than half a century pur- sued its peaceful labors, holding its meetings in the hall, corner Third and Smithfield streets, which was destroyed by the great fire of 10th of April, of that year. The members were few and being unable to rebuild, were obliged to rent small and inconvenient apartments which, in consequence of the rapid increase of members were soon found to be entirely inadequate. It was deemed prudent, however, to continue to use the hired rooms even at great inconvenience, until the Frater- nity would gather strength and means to build a Hall, which would be an ornament to the city, and a credit to the Craft. In the Spring of 1840 a seond lodge was constituted, and soon after another, and the Order continued to increase in favor; so that in 1849 there were four lodges of Ancient York Masons, a Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- sons, a Council of Royal and Select Masters, and Encampment of K. T. It was now absolutely necessary that larger and more commodious apartments should be had. Accordingly it was determined to make an effort to erect a Hall, but how to carry this effort into execution
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was a question not easily solved, as the amount of means which would be required would be much greater than the lodges in their organized capacity would be able to contribute. It was therefore proposed to form a joint stock company, or "Masonic Fund Society," for the pur- pose of building a Hall and creating a fund for charitable uses. This received the approbation of the Brethren, and in the Spring of 1849 the "Fund Society" was organized. A lot of ground on Fifth street, 70 feet front by 120 feet deep, was purchased for the sum of $10,500. In October following, a Charter was obtained. The prospect was now encouraging; and the Brethren, with commendable liberality, sub- scribed for the stock; so that early in the Spring of 1850 a contract was made for the building of a Hall, for $4,000, exclusive of the painting and ornamental work, which will cost $3,000. The furniture for the lodge room and Chapter will probably cost $2,500; making the entire cost of building, lot, Hall and furniture, $30,000.
The "Fund Society" being now in a situation to push forward the work, determined to fix upon an early day upon which to lay the foundation stone. It was thought not inappropriate to select the 4th of July, the birthday of our Republic; as it would be beautifully con- sistent with the true democratic principles of the Order, which keeps alive true equality and warm affection among its members; and through these members conveys these principles to the world.
Accordingly the corner stone was laid with appropriate cere- monies on the day designated.
The Masonic Hall has a front of 70 feet and is 110 feet deep. The body of the building is 53 feet wide, leaving a space of 81/2 feet on each side for light and air, in the front of which space are placed the stairways. The whole building is 3 stories in height, the first story being 14 feet, the second 25 feet and the 3rd 15 feet high; the second story being approached by a stairway on one side, and the third by a second stairway on the other side. The third story of the building is devoted exclusively to Masonic purposes, and is divided into two commodious rooms, one 19 x 20, and the other 30 x 70 feet, with their ante-rooms. The large room is designed for the use of the Blue Lodges, of which there are now five in the city, and the Encampment of K. T. The other will be occupied by the Royal Arch Chapter and the Council of Royal and Select Masons. The second story forms one clear room, 49 feet 8 inches wide, by 100 feet long, and will be furnished in the richest manner, with a highly ornamen- tal ceiling; and as it has large windows on all the sides, besides ven- tilating flues leading up to the wall, will be well ventilated. The stairway to this room forms one broad flight, 8 feet wide; but there being two sets of stairs, the room can be entered from either side; so that in case of large crowds both sides can be used, affording abun- dant and easy egress. This room is intended for concerts, exhibitions, etc.
The first story and basement will be occupied by stores, the
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Board of Trustees having determined to permit no restaurant or drinking establishment within these walls. The walls above ground are of brick, excepting the front of the first story, which is of polished stone work, and all are designed for great strength, being 22 inches thick up to the third floor, and 18 inches thick above that level.
The whole building is covered with a slate roof. The building was designed and superintended by J. W. Kerr. The stone work was executed by George Howarth; the carpenter work by Boyd & Murdock; the plain plastering by Wright & Sons; the ornamental plastering by Blythe & Morganoth ; the painting by S. Mckinley; the gas fixtures by Gallagher, Long & Miller, and the brick work by Columbus Cole- man.
The erection of the Hall is a proud achievement for the Craft and for the city. Five years since there was but one lodge with but few members, and a small hired room to meet in. Now there are five lodges, viz .: Lodge 45; St. John's Lodge, Franklin Lodge, Solomon's Lodge and Washington Lodge. There are also an Encampment of K. T., a Royal Arch Chapter and a Council of Royal and Select Masters. There is also a Lodge and Mt. Moriah Council in Allegheny City. Such has been the progress of Masonry in this city within the past five years. Its object, in its associated action, is to promote true equality, inculcate pure morality, and administer relief to the desti- tute among its members.
No Masonic brother can read the above interesting and illuminating recital without a feeling of just pride in the courage, the progressiveness and the spirit of devotion so unfalteringly displayed by those Pittsburgh Masons of seventy years ago in entering upon and carrying through so triumphantly a labor of service and of beauty that should present visible evidence, in the form of an elegant edifice, of the elevating and useful aims of our great Fraternity. And this structure, when completed, was a real ornament to the city, and down until its destruction by fire in 1887, it easily met favorable comparison with other Masonic build- ings throughout the country.
During the progress of the work the local newspapers continued to make note of its advancement. On April 17, 1851, the "Chronicle" had these lines :
Masonic Hall .- This beautiful building is fast approaching to completion. One of its cellars is already tenanted.
Again on April 22 we are informed that "the workmen are busily engaged on Fifth street, in laying the gas pipes that are to furnish Masonic Hall." Work was vigorously
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pushed through during the winter and spring, and by the first of May, 1851, not only was the basement rented, but there had been provided a meeting place for the Board of Trustees. Thus it came about that the first session of the Board was held in the new Hall, the interior of which was still far from completion, on the third day of June, 1851, and the Secretary, Brother Samuel Mckinley, does not fail to make note of that interesting fact in his minutes, which are in the following form:
Called Stated Meeting of Trustees of Masonic Fund Society was held at the New Hall, Tuesday, June 3d, 1851. Pres .: Hailman, Hoon; Shidle, & Mckinley.
Minutes Read and Approved.
The Com. on furniture Reported that in Consequence of Jno. C. Davitt declining to Make the 2 Soffas, they, together with the two Large Chairs, were given to Minas Tindle, the Soffas to be made in the best Manner for the sum of $50 Each. The Three Pedestals for Blue Lodge Room were given to Messrs. Troth & Phelan at 10 dollars Each, to be made in the best Manner.
The blinds to Westervelt at four dollars fifty cts. Each. The blinds to be painted Pearl & Scarlett.
On Motion Made and Seconded, the Masonic Bodies have the use of this Room for the Transaction of business and their Regular Meet- ings.
Board aj'd.
S. McKinley, Sec. of Board.
The names of the merchants noted in the above min- utes were those of leading business men of Pittsburgh at that time. John C. Davitt was a cabinet maker on Smith- field street, near Water street and resided on Fourth street at the corner of Second street. The other names noted were citizens whose locations are given as follows in the Pittsburgh Directory of 1850, the street numbers being of course of that year: Minas Tindle, chair maker at No. 21 Smithfield street; Troth & Phelan on Smithfield street, "be- tween 5th & Diamond alley, cabinet and chair makers;" R. M. Vestervelt, "venetian blinds," at No. 13 St. Clair street, now Federal street.
Being now in their new Hall, the Trustees of the Ma- sonic Fund Society so solidly established that organization as a working and guiding Masonic force that it has come
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down through three-quarters of a century without ever tak- ing one step backward and without any deviation in its straight course of intelligent management and service. Na- turally the first matters which chiefly demanded their at- tention at this period were the completion and furnishing of the Hall and the accumulation of funds necessary to pay for building operations. Their methods and successes in securing the funds have been shown in the preceding chap- ter. Here we are concerned with the building only.
All the subsequent meetings of the Board were hence- forth held in the new structure, and much important busi- ness was attended to at their second session there on June 16, 1851. It was decided to ask for bids for the painting of the lodge room and the large "Concert room," a place which was soon to become highly popular by reason of the high class entertainments and lectures which were given therein. Also "a diagram for the Altar was adopted." They also arranged for "extra furnishing in the West of Chapter room," and the Chapter and Blue Lodge rooms are "to be covered with Brussels Carpet, and the Platform with Oil Cloth." In the meantime, from all appearances, desirable tenants were on hand. On June 14 the "Chronicle" news- paper announces that "the lower stories of the Masonic Hall are about occupied by stores." And amiably it adds this recommendation : "This is an excellent location for bus- iness and the stock in this building will increase in value each year, as it is close to the site selected for the govern- ment building." Inquiries began to be received more nu- merously by the Board from would-be tenants, and in the minutes of the only meeting of the Trustees held in July it is set down that "the President was pleased to announce that he had rented the Upper Cellar room to Mr. Dake at the sum of $112 perannum." It is sometimes difficult in taking note of the rentals subsequently obtained for space in the new Hall, to refrain from the belief that our worthy brethren who were hoping for a good income from this source were perhaps remiss in fixing such low rent charges. But this idea promptly disappears when one con- siders the enormous difference in rentals and the expense of living as they were seventy years ago and as they are in
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these high priced times of the troublous years following the Great War. But we shall see later on that one highly es- teemed tenant who paid at the start a couple of hundred dollars for a store room in the Masonic Hall ended years later by signing a lease that called for a yearly outgo in rent in the same structure of $18,000. Times change, and so do rents.
As the work on the building progressed the brethren of the different Masonic Bodies in the city began to be par- ticularly eager to occupy the new edifice. But it had been decided that the building should be formally dedicated be- fore any of the Bodies moved in, and arrangements were started for that ceremony in July, 1851. At a meeting of the Trustees held August 5 the following action in that matter was taken:
On motion, resolved, That the Hall be dedicated by Public pro- cession on Wednesday, 1st October coming, and that the President, Secretary and Bro. Shidle be a Committee of Invitation.
It was also announced at this meeting that "Bro. S. B. Cooper was appointed janitor of the Hall at a salary of $225 and rent free, his duty to be defined by the President." Brother Cooper, who thus became the first janitor, contin- ued in that position for five years. He was a member of Lodge 45. At this same session it was resolved that the "President and Secretary call a meeting or Convocation in the new Hall Monday evening next at 8 o'clock."
The original intention of dedicating the edifice before the lodges occupied it fell through. The membership had grown so fast that the room at Wood and Third street had become entirely too small, and they clamored for quarters in the Fifth avenue building. As a result of this insistence, two rooms were hastily finished and partially furnished, and on Wednesday evening, June 25, 1851, old Lodge 45 had the honor of holding the first lodge meeting in the building. Important action in the matter of the occupancy of the Hall by the Bodies was taken at a meeting held August 11, which was attended by Brothers Hailman, Hoon, Shidle, McCam- mon and Mckinley. The minutes read :
On motion made and seconded, Resolved that the resolution passed at our last meeting, giving permission to occupy the Hall on and after
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the last Wednesday of this month, be reconsidered. Carried. And on motion made it was resolved that the possession be given to the En- campment, Chapter and Lodges on and after the 12th inst.
On motion, Resolved that the Encampment may have the use of Chapter Room at such times as may not interfere with the meetings of the Chapter.
The minutes of this meeting also make the pleasant an- nouncement "that the President be authorized to accept from Bros. Davidge & Eakins the Three Lights in Masonry, and on behalf of the Trustees return thanks for the same."
The Convocation called pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Trustees at their meeting of August 5, as noted above, assembled in the new Hall Monday evening, August 11. It was largely attended, and must have been a most delightful and enthusiastic affair. It was the first general gathering of the brethren in the building and we can easily picture those happy Masons congratulating each other on the acquisition of their elegant new home for the various Masonic Bodies. Secretary Mckinley has left us an account of the event, but as usual he sets down only the leading facts. It is not difficult, however, to see that this careful brother was himself deeply moved by the incidents of the evening, for all through his terse record there is a note of jubilation. He says :
August 11, 1851. Trustees assembled in the new Hall, there being present a very large assemblage of the brethren; when addresses were made by Bros. Hailman, Shaler, James I. Craft and others. A large amount of stock subscribed and loans taken.
On behalf of Bros. Thomas Davage and Samuel Eakin, the Three Great Lights were presented to the Masonic Fund Society, for the use of the Lodges. Brother Shaler presented the same with a few re- marks, very appropriate to the occasion, and the President returned thanks in a very impressive and learned manner.
A set of Gavels of beautiful design were also presented to the Masonic Fund Society, for the use of the Lodges, by Bro. J. W. Hail- man. Brother Shaler also presented these with appropriate remarks, when, on motion, the vote of the Society expressed thanks to Brother Hailman.
On motion duly made and seconded, resolved that the vote of the Stockholders be given to the Trustees of the M. F. S. for the able and zealous manner in which they have conducted the affairs of this Society. Carried.
Altogether that was a great convocation of the breth-
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ren. With the liberal subscriptions of stock, the presenta- tion of elegant and appropriate gifts, the eloquent addres- ses and the immense satisfaction felt over the erection of their fine Hall, the Convocation must have been extremely enjoyable and encouraging, and it is to be regretted that no fuller account has been left to us. But while the breth- ren could thus properly jubilate, the Trustees themselves had to settle down to a real practical management of con- cerns connected with the new Hall. At a meeting of Sep- tember 13 it was decided that "the expenses of gas lights be paid by the different bodies of Masons occupying the halls;" also that "all applications for renting the halls be made to the Trustees through the President, and by some authorized person." There was also a resolution adopted to the effect that "Mount Moriah Council have the hall at the rate of $60 per annum."
There are records of but one meeting in September, 1851, that of the 13th, as noted above. The next session of the trustees was held October 17, and it was probably at this meeting that the date for the dedication was changed, although there is no mention of such proceeding on the min- utes. As has been stated, the date for this ceremony was originally set for the first of October, but the event actually transpired on October 9. The preparations for this cere- mony had gone on apace. Many invitations were sent out to the Grand Lodge and to the brethren in Pennsylvania and in other States. The invitations were most cordially worded and left no doubt as to the real desire of the Pitts- burgh brethren to have a great attendance of the Craft. The invitations were in the form of a printed circular, and read in this manner:
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