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Chapter 2: 1931 - 1939
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Brother Marion F. Ward presented the lodge with a large American flag at the first stated communication in 1932. Thereafter at the Grand Lodge Session in February it was decreed, among other things, that the flag should be displayed every meeting of lodges in Virginia. Cherrydale attendance Grand Lodge was excellent. WB Fred Doe, our junior Past Master, received many compliments on his presentation of a silk hat to MWB Harry K. Green. He modestly admitted, in the words of the secretary, that it "was a pretty good speech."
The Master, WB Anderson B. Honts, formally welcomed the new DDGM, RWB Hugh Reid, at the meeting of April 7, 1932. Thereafter, RWB Reid presented MWB Larry K. Green, the newly installed Grand Master in his usually amiable and witty manner. Other DDGMs, as well as many other distinguished masons were present on this occasion. Brother William Porter Tompkins, who later became Master of Cherrydale Lodge (1940) was raised at this meeting.
The application for membership of the present (1966) DDGM for District No. 54, RWB John Calvin Parker, was received on June 16, 1932. A member of Bremond Lodge No. 241, Newport News, Virginia, he was elected to membership in Cherrydale Lodge on July 21, 1932, and became Master of the lodge in 1942.
At the meeting of October 6, 1932, the Junior Deacon, as Chairman of the Ticket Committee, reported that the total net returns sent to the Masonic Home on account of the children's' entertainment held at the Washington-Lee High School on August 20th was $221.00. It was also reported, by the Entertainment Committee for Ladies' Night, that a buffet supper and entertainment would be held on November 12th.
At his final meeting in 1932 Worshipful Brother Honts spoke briefly of the work and history of the lodge during the year, speaking sadly of the two losses by death we had suffered and of the misfortunes, due to sickness and loss of employment, felt by a number of members. He spoke specifically of the painful illness of MWB Harry Green. He recalled several great masonic occasions during the year 1932, it being the BiCentennial of the birth of our illustrious Brother George Washington.
The membership at the close of 1932 was 131 members.
The year 1933 was launched pleasantly by the appearance of Brother Samuel J. Gompers, the most famous early labor leader and then Chief Clerk of the Department of Labor, at the meeting of January 19th. He headed a group of about 20 other officials and employees of the Department, many of whom gave brief talks. All expressed the high esteem in which they held WB Ralph Horner, the newly installed Master. In the course of his remarks, Brother Gompers expressed his belief that the Labor Department was "the most thoroughly Masonic of any of the Government's Departments."
At the stated meeting of February 2, 1933, MWB Harry K. was elected to honorary membership in Cherrydale Lodge. Thereafter, MWB Green was officially welcomed as Grand Master. Early in his remarks, he removed the insignia of his office, saying "the honor [I am] about to confer on the Worshipful Master, Brother Ralph Horner, is one that never before has been conferred upon any Worshipful Master at any time in Virginia." He explained that the jewel of his office was carved for our early distinguished brother, George Washington, that it was first worn by our first Grand Master, MWB John Blair, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a Governor of Virginia. MWB Green then requested WB Horner to wear the jewel for the remainder of the evening.
The address of the Grand Master was one to be long remembered. It was a talk from one who had long been fighting for his health, amid the earnest remembrances and love of his brethren. After thanking the lodge for the special privilege honorary membership, he spoke sadly of the efforts being in some quarters to cut Grand Lodge revenues and its attendant charities. Such a move he said would well-nigh wreck the program of the Masonic Home, the tubercular pavilion, and other benevolences of the Craft. "Shall our brotherhood be outraged?” he asked. "For God's sake," he said, "let us act our sermon rather than merely to preach it! Let us not crucify our ideals upon the cross of selfishness."
To formalize Cherrydale Lodge's support of MWB Green's position, it was moved by RWB Hugh Reid that our representative at the coming Grand Lodge session be instructed to uphold fully the benevolent programs of the Grand Master. This motion, in the form of a resolution, was adopted unanimously. As it turned out nothing occurred at Grand Lodge to adversely affect its benevolences. However, the annual per capita tax of $3.25 was reduced to $2.50. At the same time provision was for a fee of $25.00 to be paid to the Grand Lodge for each affiliate member coming into a Virginia lodge from other jurisdictions. This change, it was explained, placed affiliate members from other jurisdictions upon the same contributory plane as Virginia masons.
The Master reported at the meeting of April 20th concerning the unfavorable condition of lodge funds, which were tied up in the Peoples' State Bank of Cherrydale, then undergoing reorganization under Government regulations following the' 'bank holiday". He said that inasmuch as it was necessary for all depositors, whether individual or organization, to conform to the rules governing the reorganization of the bank, he had instructed the Treasurer to turn in 13 percent of the lodge's funds and to apply 20 percent to the purchase of stock. He said further that in case the reorganization was completed we would have use of a sufficient amount of our funds to enable us to pay our Grand Lodge dues next winter. The lodge unanimously approved the Master's actions.
Also the Master spoke of the attention he had been forced to give to our delinquent list, for many members were out of work. Many had signified their intention of paying their dues, he said, but some will have to be carried or their dues remitted. He further reported that one citation for non-payment had been issued and two more were being delivered by hand. Cherrydale Lodge lost one of its first three stationed officers in November, 1933. Funeral services were held on November 20th for WB John Howard Warner, the second Master (1923), who died at Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday evening November 17th at the age of 46 years. Services were held at the home on Lee Highway, Cherrydale, Virginia, of WB G. Samuel Warner, blood brother of the deceased and a Past Master of Columbia Lodge. Burial services were conducted at Arlington National Cemetery with Masonic and Naval honors.
The record of 1933 reveals the great courage and determination of the Master, WB Horner, his officers, and members in the face of most difficult financial problems. The meetings nevertheless were well attended, with prominent speakers appearing on a number of occasions. The usual picnic was held at Beverly Beach. Three members were raised and two others affiliated. However, nine members were lost, three by death, four by demit, and two by suspension for non-payment of dues. The lodge decreased in membership from 131 to 127.
On the night of April 5th RWB Hugh Reid spoke concerning, what he called, a day of rejoicing in the exaltation of two of our members to high honors in the Order of the Eastern Star: WB Honts, the Treasurer, to the position of Worthy Patron, and Brother Ward to the position of Associate Patron. He then presented WB Honts with a present befitting his new position. The minutes do not disclose what the present was so the readers are left to surmise the contents of the package.
The Master and the lodge received a surprise visit on the night of April 19th by 50 members of the Five Points Club of the Interstate Commerce Commission, of which the Master was a member. This was apparently a genuine surprise to WB Douglass, but Brother W. H. Barringer, President of the Club, had a formal program of entertainment which he and other members of the Club, conducted in a highly professional manner. The President reported that the Club consisted of 120 masons, was established in 1921, among strangers from many Grand jurisdictions, and had been making many surprise visits to many lodges in different jurisdictions.
The Secretary described the program as one of the finest and most fraternal in many respects that it had ever been his privilege to record.
The called communication directed by the proclamation of February 15th, and known as "Reconsecration Day," was opened at 8:00 p.m., on June 25, 1934. At 8:15 WB Douglass read the proclamation, and Brother Robert Beatty led the brethren in reciting the obligations of the several degrees. The text connected with the entered apprentice degree was read by the Master, and the text connected with the fellowcraft and master mason degrees was read by the Junior Warden, Brother Clive W. Palmer. At 9:15 the radio especially installed for the evening was turned on and the lodge listened to an inspiring address by MWB William Mosely Brown, broadcast from the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia. This was a most historic occasion—the first time a Grand Master delivered an address to the Statewide Craft of Virginia.
Other interesting and constructive meetings followed as the year progressed; the usual semi-public fellowship affairs were held; and, despite difficult financial conditions discussion again arose concerning our need for a new home of our own although no specific action was taken. There was one new member raised and two were gained by affiliation. The newly raised brother, Elmer W. Wiseman, and one of the affiliates, C. O. Christenson, later became Masters of the lodge. The year ended with a membership of 125—a net loss of two.
The Grand Master, MWB William Mosely Brown, visited the lodge on its first stated meeting in 1935, at which time he installed the new Junior Warden, Brother J. Harry Clark, whose installation had been delayed in order that he could receive the qualifying past master's degree in a Provisional Lodge of Past Masters held on December 26, 1934, in Columbia Lodge Hall. MWB Harry K. Green was also present and was introduced as a Charter Member of Cherrydale Lodge. The meeting consisted of a number of masonic speeches from distinguished masons, including the DDGM for District No. 54, RWB J. C. Whitehead. There was piano music and singing by Lyman L. King and Christian O. Christenson—both of whom later became Masters of the Lodge.
There was discussion at the meeting of January 17, 1935,initiated by the Master, proposing that framed photographs of the Past Masters suitable for hanging in the lodge hall be obtained. This suggestion proved agreeable and led to a further suggestion that the time was ripe to take steps to obtain a new temple. A proposal was then made to form a new committee consisting of three from the lodge, three from the Royal Arch Chapter and three from the Order of the Eastern Star for the purpose of considering the erection of such a temple for the use of Cherrydale Lodge and the allied masonic and Eastern Star bodies which meet in Cherrydale. The first Master, WB John Dudley pointed out that the Eastern Star owned a lot on the south side of the highway between the property of Brother J. R. McCormick and Edgewood Avenue, which property he believed was desired by another person, so that it might be exchanged .for property on the north side of the highway, now available and more desirable for our purposes.
A committee was appointed for the purpose of obtaining the photographs of Past Masters, as was a committee of three for the purpose of conferring with the other bodies concerning the acquiring of land suitable for erecting a new lodge temple. A third committee was appointed on this occasion to study the visitors' lists and prepare a sojourners list so that the officers and members might visit and encourage them to repeat their visits to Cherrydale Lodge during their sojourn in the community.
A George Washington Birthday Night was held at the stated meeting of February 21, 1935, and 53 members and 80 visitors were present. At this meeting the entered apprentice degree was conferred on Arthur B. Fridinger, with Brother Palmer, Senior Warden in the East, Brother J. Harry Clark, Junior Warden, in the West, and the Senior Deacon, Brother Lyman L. King, in the South. The candidate was obligated on the Washington bible which was brought to the lodge for the occasion by WB Shelton, Master of Fredericksburg Lodge No.4. WB Shelton was accompanied by 15 of his members and six sojourning brethren. He gave a brief history of the bible, pointing out that it was printed in England in 1666, that on its pages George Washington was initiated an entered apprentice in Fredericksburg Lodge on November 4, 1752, passed to the degree of fellowcraft on March 3, 1753, and raised to the sublime degree of master mason on August 4, 1753. During the shelling of Fredericksburg in the civil war it was temporarily removed for safety to Danville, Virginia. The glass case in which it is now protected was made by a mason of the District of Columbia and the cushion on which the bible rests was made by that mason's mother.
At the meeting of March 7th the Master reported on his attendance, with the Senior Warden, upon the Grand Lodge sessions. An interesting item reported was that the Grand Lodge had voted to join the Masonic Service Association, already composed of several grand jurisdictions. A play was presented at this March 7th meeting entitled' 'The Greatest of These," which was adapted from a story of the same name written by RWB Carl H. Claudy, Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and a moving force in the Masonic Service Association. It was superbly done, according to the Secretary, and "highly dramatic and worthy of the utmost congratulations."
The first bulletin—The Ancient Square—was received from the Masonic Service Association on March 31st. The Master reported that he had requested Brother Eisler to make a report thereon at a later meeting. This meeting of March 31st developed into an impromptu "Herbert Tucker" night in honor of one of our Past Masters, then serving as DDGM for District No. 54. He was congratulated, commended and praised by several speakers from his own as well as Columbia Lodge. Thereafter, the Master announced that a number of the members had combined to donate a total of $22.00 to be used to cover the dues of several financially distressed brethren, whereupon a motion was approved to appropriate an additional $50.00 of lodge funds to be expended by the Master, at his discretion, for the payment of dues.
The Cherrydale Lodge Players presented the play "The Greatest of These" at Columbia Lodge on April 15th and were engaged to present it at Hope Lodge No. 10 in the District of Columbia on May 10th at which meeting RWB Carl Claudy, author of the play, planned to be present.
The Temple Site Committee reported at the meeting of May 2nd that no progress had been made in the matter of obtaining a suitable site for a new temple as the seller of the land under consideration had not decided on a price. Brother Cunningham presented a discussion of the second paper furnished by the Masonic Service Association entitled "The Three Principal Rounds," and was commended for his excellent presentation.
The first Past Masters' Night was held on June 6, 1935 with every living Past Master present except WB Hallock from whom a letter was received indicating he was then living and working in Denver, Colorado. The Past Masters raised Brother Arthur B. Fridinger, and those who did not participate in the degree work gave short speeches on this occasion in their honor.
The Secretary recorded that RWB Reid gave a dissertation upon the splendors surrounding the Past Masters and called upon WB Dudley, the first Master, to justify his statement relative thereto. Brother Dudley talked concerning the establishment of the Lodge at Cherrydale, with the many jurisdictional questions regarding membership at that time, questions which he said are now happily resolved. WBs Bulicek, May and Rohrback responded in turn, but the latter preferred to speak as a secretary, pointing out that the present Grand Master had said that secretaries are the most important members of masonic lodges. Brother Honts, said the secretary, then spoke' 'eloquently and vigorously" and Brother Doe preferred to say "his piece" in song—which he did with a paraphrase of "The Man On The Flying Trapeze" with Brother Christenson at the piano. Brother Lyman King, also accompanied by Brother Christenson in rebuttal of the previous song of praise, sang one of his own with appropriate references to each of the Past Masters.
RWB A. C. Cosdon, Past Master of Columbia Lodge, then arose to take gentle exception to some of the comments of the evening, even to wondering whether our lodge would ever so branch from its relation as daughter of Columbia Lodge to the sisterhood suggested by WB Horner during his earlier remarks. However, he congratulated the Past Masters on their excellent work of the evening and stated that every lodge should have a Past Masters' Night, alluding to our "full spirit of brotherly love which is exemplified even in the sometimes rigorous spirit of our fun-making."
At the meeting of June 20, 1935, the Master WB Beatty expressed his regret that the Grand Lodge had not continued the general celebration of St. John the Baptist's day, as he believed strongly that Masons should re-consecrate themselves to their ideals and their love for and faith in God. He thereupon requested RWB Reid to lead the brethren present in reciting the master mason's obligation in unison; following which WB Honts gave a masonic address on the three degrees in masonry. A question and answer contest, a product of the Masonic Service Association, was then conducted, with first prize going to Brother Hugh S. Ladd, second prize to Brother Andrew Jansen of Columbia Lodge, and third prize to Brother B. L. Lusby.
The lodge picnic was held on July 20 at Beverly Beach as had been customary for a number of years and despite the intense heat it was indicated that everyone had a good time. The Master reported on August 1st that our Treasurer, WB Honts had left for Marshall, Va., where he would assume a new position in the bank there; and that this would likely make it necessary for him to be absent from lodge meetings for the remainder of the year.
At the August 15th meeting Brother Elmer W. Wiseman (now a Past Master and long time Treasurer of the lodge) recited his master mason's catechism under examination by Brother Frank Eisler. The Secretary reported that Brother Wiseman's rendition was "splendidly, accurately and easily performed."
Brother C. A. Wharton gave a report at the stated meeting of September 5th on "The Hour Glass and Scythe," referred to in the master mason's lecture. The report was based upon a paper issued by the Masonic Service Association. He stated that these symbols were originated in America by masons in this country, particularly Thomas Webb, and that our British contemporaries regarded them as superfluous. On the 19th of September the Master of St. John's Lodge #11, Washington, D.C., visited Cherrydale Lodge With his officers and several members and conferred the fellowcraft's degree on a Cherrydale Lodge candidate. Among those accompanying the Master was Brother T. H. Watson, Chaplain of St. John's Lodge who was 86 years old. The degree was conferred under dispensation from the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia and Virginia.
Another Masonic Service Association paper entitled "Old Romances" was discussed at the meeting of October 3rd by Brother A. B. Fridinger. He referred to the earliest known poem of masonry, entitled "Pegrirs" which was published in the 14th century. Most of the poem, he said, pertained to the craft, although it contains some ritualistic statements savoring of the Roman Catholic Church; the 790 lines end, however, with our familiar "So Mote It Be. Amen." The old documents bearing on Romance subjects are innumerable, he said and cover in romantic form practically all the phrases we recognize as pertaining to modern freemasonry. Still another Masonic Service Association paper concerning the two pillars Strength and Wisdom was reported on by Brother Julius Schnitzer on October 17th. At this meeting also action was taken to concur in the recommendation of Sharon Lodge that W.B. Billups, Past Master of that lodge, be appointed DDGM for District No. 54 for the year 1936.
In November at the first stated meeting the business was conducted very rapidly and the Lodge closed at 8:15 P.M. for the purpose of going to Hiram Lodge #10, Washington, there to confer a master mason's degree upon a fellowcraft of Cherrydale Lodge Brother Clarence Robert Stoner. This was done under a dispensation of the Grand Master dated October 3rd.
Brother H. J. Pere reported at the meeting of November 21, on a paper issued by the Masonic Service Association entitled "Grand Master's Powers." The Senior Warden reported that the Ladies Night held on the previous Saturday night was attended by about 100 persons despite the fact that it was a very stormy night and was also in conflict with meetings of the Royal Arch Chapter and the Eastern Star. The entertainment was excellent and the night closed With some fine refreshments.
The Secretary added to the minutes of the November 21st meeting a summary of information concerning the lodge's visit to Hiram #10 following the early closing on November 7th. He noted that about 25 members and visitors from Cherrydale Lodge were present and that at the appointed hour the officers of Hiram #10 vacated their stations and places in favor of the officers of Cherrydale who conferred the master mason's degree for the first section of which WB Beatty was in the East, for the second section Brother Palmer presided and the lecture was delivered by MWB Harry K. Green.
On December 5th, 1935, a committee which had been appointed at the previous meeting to consider the purchase of a life insurance policy on one of our members with the Masonic Home of Virginia as beneficiary reported that the lodge was financially able to do so. It was suggested that the policy be purchased on our youngest member who happened to be Brother Elmer W. Wiseman. The purchase was approved by vote of the lodge.
The Master then asked WB Dudley, Chairman of the Temple Site Committee, to report concerning the acquisition of a temple site. Brother Dudley reported that the situation had not changed since his previous report, that real estate values were still at an exaggerated peak, and that no suitable building site had been found on Lee Highway at a figure less than $6000. He then called attention to the building site now owned by the E astern Star lying on Lee Highway at Quebec Street. He expressed the view that this would be suitable and believed that it would be a good idea to invite the Eastern Star and the Royal Arch to join with us in considering this matter. The Master, WB Beatty, said the lodge was facing a major proposition in this matter which he hoped could be worked out satisfactorily. He then discharged the Building Site Committee and requested the Senior Warden, Brother Palmer, to make a full study of the situation prior to his election as Master two weeks hence, with freedom to appoint his own committee and take his own action.
At the annual election night communication of December 19th it was reported that the insurance policy on the life of Brother Wiseman had been issued and transmitted to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home. The Master then gave a report concerning the Masonic Service Association bulletins which had been covered during the year, and specifically concerning his own Masonic Educational contest, consisting of a series of questions mailed with the last three trestleboards. Of the many returns only one was declared 100% correct, that of Brother J. O. Barton. He was declared the winner of the contest and was awarded first prize. A tie resulted for second prize between Brothers W. Crawford Edwards and J. Harry Clark. 1935 unlike the two years preceding it showed a net increase of four in membership, the total standing at 129.
Following the election and installation of officers the new Master WB Clive W. Palmer, stated that he expected to pay special attention to the matter of a new temple; and speaking of the splendid work and educational activities of Brother Beatty, he expressed the hope that he would be able to continue all of the special activities designed to secure wider interest in lodge affairs by the brethren.
Brother Willis Hurd expressed his regret that he found it necessary to retire as Secretary, chiefly due to his moving some distance from the lodge to a new home in Fairfax County. He was replaced by Brother C. O. Christianson; and WB Honts, who a few months earlier had moved to Marshall, Va., was succeeded by WB George S. Douglass, as Treasurer.
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The first two meetings in 1936 were devoted to reports by a number of brethren on various Masonic educational subjects. There followed on February 8th a meeting designated as "Willis Hurd Night" in honor of the first "permanent" secretary of the lodge who had retired upon completion of 12 years of service. He was roundly praised by his fellows as the outstanding lodge secretary in Virginia and was presented with a lamp for the new home to which he was moving.
On February 20, 1936, there was a special brief program in remembrance and in honor of Brother George Washington followed by a "splendid, informative and authoritative talk" by Brother Julius Schnitzer on the Masonic Service Association bulletin dealing with early Anti-masonic Movements and Persecutions. The Master, WB Clive W. Palmer, then reported on the business of the recent Grand Lodge session, mentioning among other matters, a substantial donation to the Masonic Home by WB Robert South Barrett of Alexandria, in memory of his son; also, that Grand Lodge was planning to discontinue its membership in the Masonic Service Association. The Master then requested Brother Willis Hurd, former Secretary, take down a detailed report of the discussion about to in the Lodge concerning the building of a new temple. “This report," he said, "will be given to a committee to for the purpose of carrying forward what is believed to be fixed determination of the members of Cherrydale Lodge to obtain a new temple at the earliest possible date!"
Although the Grand Lodge had discontinued its membership in the Masonic Service Association, RWB Carl H. Claudy, the force behind this organization, was the Lodge's invited speaker on March 5th. The Master invited to this meeting the officers and members of all other lodges in District No. 54 and several other lodges from nearby Districts. Among the visitors present were representatives from Sharon, Concord, Columbia, Manasses and Kemper Lodges, including six of their Past Masters, as well as five PDDGMs. RWB Claudy gave a most informative talk concerning the Masonic Service Association and discussed historical items of interest to masons, especially how masonry has been and is being kept alive in European countries. The area lodges were all greatly interested in the work RWB Claudy was performing in the field of masonic education as evidenced by the warm welcome he received from our members and the visiting brethren.
Prior to RWB Claudy's talk on March 5th the Master appointed a Temple Committee consisting of Brother Julius Schnitzer, Chairman, and Brothers Hugh Reid, George S. Douglass, Robert S. Beatty, J. Harry Clark, W. Crawford Edwards and Oscar C. Rauh, and presented them for their guidance the record of the detailed discussion held in the lodge on February 20th concerning the building of a temple. The committee went to work immediately and was in a position to make its first report at the meeting of March 19th. WBs Douglass and Reid spoke at length concerning the possibility of taking over a building then being planned by a builder for lease to a chain store. They recommended that a definite plan of action be drafted for consideration by the lodge, and asked for specific criticisms on all possible questions. There followed considerable general discussion, and on motion of WB Fred Doe the lodge went on record as highly gratified with the progress reported and voted unanimously that the committee should present a formal operating plan immediately.
The "fever" for a new temple carried over to the April 2nd meeting and the lodge had as its major item of business another lengthy discussion of the proposed new building. WB Douglass, at the request of the Master, went into detail in his summation of the committee's findings, including various details concerning the type of organization that would be necessary, and the financial angles involved. A formal motion was unanimously approved authorizing the Temple Committee to enter into negotiations with the builder engaged in constructing a one-story building for lease by a chain store; to erect instead a two-story building containing lodge quarters on the second floor; the building to be of masonry construction and to cost not in excess of $25,000.
The Committee was authorized to examine specifications submitted by the builder to assure the erection of a building in accordance with such plans and specifications as would meet their final approval. WB Fred Doe congratulated the Master on the progress made towards the practical accomplishment of acquiring a new temple. Brother John C. Parker also commended this action and stated that in his opinion plans could be worked out to have the Royal Arch Chapter continue as tenants.
At the next meeting Brother Julius Schnitzer, Chairman of the Temple Committee, read a list of members appointed by the committee to constitute a Bond Committee to handle the sale of bonds to provide a portion of the financing of the new building. WB Palmer was appointed as Chairman, together with Brothers W. Crawford Edwards and William P. Tompkins, as Vice Chairmen; also WBs J. H. Rohrback, Joseph L. May, Sr., Herbert R. Tucker, and Fred H. Doe; and Brothers Willis Hurd, Lyman L. King, E. F. Inbody, J. C. Parker, R. C. Beard, A. B. Fridinger, C. A. Wharton, Henry Pere, W. H. Preston, J. Frank Cunningham, and E. M. Shreve. Brother Schnitzer then answered questions concerning the set-up of the Bond Committee and its plan of operation for the guidance of the committee members. WB Douglass reported that the contractor's estimate for the finished building and yard work complete is $24,500. The Master then reviewed in detail previous lodge discussions concerning the temple, and expressed appreciation for the efforts put forth by the Temple Committee and the brethren of the lodge in working out the various details and stated he felt gratified with the progress made to date. He spoke specifically concerning the width of the building discussed during Brother Schnitzer's question and answer period. He explained that shortly after its appointment information came to the attention of the Temple Committee that a lot which the prior Temple Committee had been considering, had been bought by a builder who it was then discovered had already entered into a three-year lease with a chain store for rental of a one-story building he would erect thereon according to their specific needs. He was bound by the lease contract to provide certain floor-space and certain parking-space. He was free however to add a second floor, and to sell 1 completed building and to assign the lease to the purchaser.
The Master explained further that he visited with the Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, who was accompanied by progress other appropriate representatives, when there was a discussion to determine whether that organization was interested in participating in the temple undertaking. There was a full and frank discussion of a very friendly nature but the group finally voted not to participate based upon their conclusion that the lodge room would not be wide enough to accommodate the Eastern Star and their degree work. Possibly reports of this discussion are the basis for questions now raised concerning the width of the building, the Master said, but in fact we had no way of making a change to meet their requirements. He expressed the hope that, after a friendly explanation to anyone raising the question, no difficulty would be encountered on that score in the sale of the bonds to individual members.
WB Hugh Reid reported during the May 7th meeting that articles of incorporation for the Cherrydale Temple Corporation should be officially recorded in Richmond and in the hands of the Temple Committee in a day or two, and at the following meeting of May 21st, the Chairman of the Temple Committee reported that the Corporation was officially in existence and that he considered that the duties of the Temple Committee had been completed. On regular motion approved by the lodge, the Temple Committee was officially discharged, which action automatically ended the original Bond Committee. The Corporation assumed the full responsibility thereafter for all activities in connection with the completion of the funding and official purchase and maintenance of the temple.
The Master stated that the tentative date for the cornerstone laying for the new temple was set for June 27th, 1936, that he had invited Columbia Lodge to participate therein in a dual ceremony, and had also asked MWB Harry K. Green to act as Master for the ceremony. The Secretary was asked to obtain through the DDGM the necessary dispensation for the cornerstone laying; also, that he send official invitations to all lodges of District #54, as well as to Kemper, Manesseh, Henry Knox Field and Andrew Jackson lodges in Virginia and to Hiram and Hope lodges in the District of Columbia.
As evidence that the Masonic educational work was continued during this busy period, the minutes show that Brother B. F. Lusby presented at this meeting an interesting biographical outline of the life of Dr. Albert Gallatin Mackey whose masonic service was noteworthy, particularly in historical research work during the middle 1800's.
The DDGM, RWB Billup, visited the lodge on June 18th when he and other visiting Masters congratulated the lodge on its progress, particularly with respect to securing a new lodge temple; and at the meeting of July 2nd, the Master reported that WB Calhoun of Columbia Lodge #285 had presented him a special gavel to be placed with other material in the cornerstone—the gavel having been made from material taken from the White House roof during recent repairs. A motion was made at this time that the lodge move into its new temple before the first meeting in August and not later than July 31st. The Master requested the Secretary to notify the members that this motion would be taken up at the next meeting, July 16th; also, that he notify our landlord that the lodge would no longer be in its present quarters after July 31st, 1936. The Chairman of the picnic committee then reported that the usual lodge picnic would be held at Beverly Beach on Saturday, August 1st.
The cornerstone laying of Cherrydale Lodge's Temple during a called communication on July 11th, is fully described in an article prepared for the Masonic Herald by former Secretary Willis Hurd, and appended to the minutes of that meeting. This article reads as follows:
CHERRYDALE LODGE LAYS CORNERSTONE OF NEW TEMPLE
Saturday, July 11, 1936, has passed as a day of momentous history in the annals of Cherrydale Lodge No. 42. On that day was laid the cornerstone of its new home, with Masonic ceremonies. The Building is now so nearly completed that the Lodge will hold it's first Stated Communication of August, on the 6th, another historic date, in the beautiful and roomy new hall on Lee Highway and North Oakland Street, just across the highway from it's present rented quarters.
Opportunity to secure a Temple home knocked before the Lodge in the preceding March. Enthusiasm relative to the new and stupendous idea waxed with the discussions attending the possibilities, despite the apparent obstacles that were presented. A real Masonic Lodge home in Cherrydale! It was exhilarating! What obstacle could then withstand the enthusiasm and the will to accomplish. If George Washington, and therefore Freemasonry, was the cornerstone of this American Republic, so was the will to do of Cherrydale Lodge the mental cornerstone of it's visualized Temple.
The Cherrydale Temple Corporation was formed, and all legal and business formalities were completed. The corporation officers, drawn from the membership of the Lodge, were chosen, as follows: Clive W. Palmer, Chairman, Board of Directors; Robert S. Beatty, President; W. Crawford Edwards and J. Harry Clark, Vice-Presidents; Julius Schnitzer, Secretary; George S. Douglass, Treasurer; Hugh Reid, Counsel.
With this able corps of officers and a committee for the sale of bonds, work in connection with the plans and financing of the Temple forged ahead until July 11!
At two o'clock in the afternoon of that date, despite the prevailing shade temperature of 99 degrees and the high humidity of the day, large numbers of Cherrydale Lodge members and Masons from all parts of District No. 54, beside visiting Brethren from neighboring districts and jurisdictions, assembled.
Lodge opened at 2:30 P.M., with Worshipful Clive W. Palmer, Master of Cherrydale Lodge, in the East. An interesting and important incident of the half-hour gathering at the Lodge room, prior to the opening of the ceremonies for which the meeting was called, was the introduction of Brothers Vaughan and Smith who, through courtesy of Potomac Lodge No.5, F. & A.M., of the District of Columbia, had in their care that revered instrument, the gavel used by Worshipful George Washington in the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. It was this gavel that was to perform similar duty in connection with Cherrydale Lodge's new Temple.
The participants in the cornerstone laying ceremony, which began at 3:30 P.M., consisted equally of members of Cherrydale and Columbia Lodges. The acting Worshipful Master was MW Harry K. Green, Past Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, supported by Brothers W. C. Edwards and Stanley Schreiner as Senior and Junior Deacons. Brothers J. H. Clark and P. O. Sheppard acted as Senior and Junior Wardens. R. W. Herbert R. Tucker, PDDGM, performed the duties of Marshall in a highly efficient and impressive manner. Worshipful Robert S. Beatty, PM of Cherrydale Lodge, represented the building authorities.
The metal box incased in the cornerstone contained the following items: a gavel, with description, presented by Worshipful H. C. Calhoun, PM of Columbia Lodge; list of officers and members of Cherrydale Lodge; copy of an extract from the minutes of the meeting at which decision was made to carry out plans for construction of the new Temple; list of officers and members of Arlington Royal Arch Chapter No. 35 and Chapter penny; list of participants in cornerstone laying; list of officers of the Temple Corporation; a current newspaper; copy of the Virginia Masonic Herald; several current coins; calendar of Arlington Chapter No. 39 A.E.S., with roster of members and copy of by-laws.
The sky clouded as the ceremony progressed, the humidity diminished, and greater comfort was thus experienced by the assembled Masons and visitors.
At the conclusion of the cornerstone laying, Most Worshipful Brother Green introduced Worshipful A. B. Honts, PM of Cherrydale Lodge, who, now living at Marshall, Va., had come "from the Blue Ridge to be with his Brethren at the cornerstone laying of his Lodge and introduce for us the principal speaker of the occasion." He spoke of the: ' love borne by Brother Honts for his Lodge and of his unceasing labors performed in it's behalf during his years spent in our community.
Worshipful Brother Honts, a speaker of established high reputation in and out of the Lodge, after thanking MWB Green for the introduction given him, delivered a beautiful tribute to the distinguished Brother that he in turn introduced. He spoke of that Mason as a native of our Commonwealth; a man of splendid business, Church, and Lodge qualities—a man who, in Lodge affairs, had risen in 1927 to the supreme position of Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia, and who since that time has remained closely connected with affairs of the Craft—MW Gratz B. Dunkum.
MWB Dunkum alluded to the new Temple—our symbol of the nobility of Masonry—as promising incalculable benefit only to the Lodge but to the community in which erected. Though the mothers of Masons, he said, cannot become, members of the Craft, yet their teachings, in harmony with its golden tenets, are the guiding lights of their sons into those upright qualifications which fit them for Masonic membership. He alluded to the Washington Gavel as the historic instrument used in laying the cornerstone of the Capitol by that man of destiny, who in himself was and is the cornerstone of our Republic, made glorious by his life. All Virginians, he said are proud of their soil, and truly and intensely proud of the soil, every acre of which had been trodden by the feet of Washington. "Even on the very spot where rises this Temple to Masonry," pointing to the edifice, "Washington himself may once have walked." He alluded to Franklin, Grand Master of Pennsylvania, whose Masonic symbolisms and teachings evidenced in public words and utterances; to Marshall, Grand Master of Virginia, who was the cornerstone of our constitutional Jurisprudence; to Webster in connection with the district upholding of our Constitution; and to Gladstone who referred to that Constitution in unmeasured terms of admiration. Their words, rather than my words to you, said the speaker, are words that you should know and remember.
The speaking now being concluded, the Lodge was closed at 5 p.m., and a general inspection of the new Lodge Hall followed.
Brethren of the Craft, to you Cherrydale Lodge extends fraternal greetings and an invitation to attend its communications henceforward to be held on the first and third Thursdays of each month in its fine new home.
The cornerstone having been laid, the Master at the July 16th meeting, spoke of the desirability of a house-warming party in the new temple, possibly early in October. He appointed a committee for this purpose, consisting of WB Ralph H. Horner, Chairman, with Brothers Lyman L. King and W. Crawford Edwards.
The first meeting in the new temple, held on August 6, 1936, saw a large gathering of members and visitors. MWB Otto B. Roeppke, Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia was present and was the principal, though not the only, speaker. Brother Roeppke expressed his regrets 1n not being able to attend the cornerstone laying but was most happy to be present at our first meeting in our new home.
Good news was forthcoming at the second stated meeting in the new temple on August 20th when the Temple Corporation reported that the title to the building had been received by them, the funding having been arranged, and the builder having been paid in sufficient amount to justify that action.
Degree work took place at the second stated meeting in September when Maynard G. Rohrback, Son of RWB Jesse Rohrback, was initiated an entered apprentice. His petition had been received at the first meeting in the new temple and this was the first degree conferred in the new lodge room. A committee was appointed at this time to consider the matter of establishing a bond redemption fund for the retirement of the Temple bonds, consisting of WB Jesse W. Rohrback, RWB Herbert Tucker and Brother William P. Tompkins. This committee reported on October 1st, recommending that lodge dues be increased from $7 to $8, the one dollar to be used for redemption of the bonds on the temple. This recommendation was made in the form of a written resolution which the Master received and ordered laid over for the statutory period, the members to be notified in the meantime. A motion was then made and approved that the lodge purchase a total of $450 worth of bonds, which would include all amounts previously advanced to the Temple Corporation from the special fund of $450 voted by the lodge at the meeting of May 21st, and set up under the control of the Master on that date. This action repaid the in bonds for all amounts advanced to the Corporation necessary fees, expenses for printing of the bonds, etc.
The house-warming party was held after early closing the lodge on October 15th, following examination of Brother Maynard Rohrback on the first degree, the welcoming distinguished visitors and the entertainment of a motion by Senior Warden, offered by Brother Schnitzer, that a thanks be sent to Mrs. Mary V. Palmer, wife of the and Mrs. Nelda Springer, for decorating the lodge room the party. The party was well attended by Eastern Star, wives and daughters and friends of this and other lodges, with suitable refreshments, entertainment and dancing.
Brother Maynard Rohrback was passed to the degree fellowcraft at the meeting of November 5th; and the resolution for the increase of dues from $7 to $8 was approved striking out the provision earmarking the one dollar specifically for bond redemption which provision was to be in violation of Grand Lodge laws. The Master asked Secretary to write the DDGM, asking him to secure Lodge approval of the by-law amendment.
A visitation to Cherrydale was made by Columbia Lodge #285 on November 19th, at which time 25 of our own members and 33 visitors witnessed the conferring of the mason's degree on two fellowcrafts of Columbia Lodge. The first, Brother Buton Cole Manville, was raised by the of Columbia Lodge and the second, Brother Forest Bennett Huchison, was raised by Past Masters of Cherrydale. Honts, now residing and working in Marshall, Virginia, expressed his pleasure in being in attendance and with the other Past Masters of Cherrydale. He warmly congratulated the Master on his successful year. The Master responded, pointing out that this meeting among other things was our Past Masters' Night, that they, like the Columbia Lodge had acquitted themselves in an excellent manner in the degree work and that he more particularly wanted to thank the Past Masters as well as all the brethren for unfailing aid and moral support during a year that offer number of difficult and challenging problems. A letter read from Columbia Lodge, signed by MWB Harry K. Green requesting Cherrydale Lodge to concur in its recommendation of WB Jesse W. Rohrback for the office of DDGM for the year 1937. This nomination was concurred in and the Secretary was requested to write MWB Green of Cherrydale Lodge's concurrence.
December 3rd 1936, saw the first raising in Cherrydale Lodge of a brother who had received all three degrees in the new temple. Brother Maynard Rohrback was raised in the presence of 29 of our own members and 41 visitors. During a recess after the degree, music was provided by the St. George's Episcopal Church quartet. Brother Rohrback was raised by his father and MWB Green addressed the candidate, in the words of the Secretary, "with a beautiful and old time message."
On December 17th, 1936, officers were elected for the ensuing year. At the outset a letter from the DDGM was read approving the increase in dues from $7 to $8 effective January 1, 1937, and it was specifically noted during discussion that it was the general understanding the extra one dollar would be appropriated from time to time to the bond redemption fund. After the election of officers, WB Palmer reviewed ten events, which had occurred during the year 1936, that he considered worthy of special mention and thanked the officers and members for their unfailing cooperation and support. WB Beatty spoke briefly emphasizing the carrying out of plans resulting in construction of the new Temple, which, he stated, would stand as a continuing monument. to Brother Palmer's efforts. Lodge membership at the end of the year 1936 was 130, a net gain of one.
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Several special invitations were received at the first stated meeting in 1937, to-wit; an invitation to visit Columbia lodge on Saturday January 9th for the conferring of a fellowcraft degree; a meeting of the Masonic Benefit Association, also at Columbia, on January 12th; and a special invitation from Arlington Chapter #39 G.E.S., on January 11th, for their annual Masonic Night. At the meeting of January 21st, an application for affiliation and a petition for the degrees was received and at the invitation of the Master, WB J. Harry Clark, RWB Hugh Reid read extracts from "The Book Of Constitutions." Brother Schnitzer also reported that a committee of the younger members were arranging for a dance in the lodge hall on February 12 for the purpose of raising money for much needed temple equipment.
The Past Masters were in evidence at the meeting of February 5th when they conferred the fellowcraft's degree. Brother Schnitzer urged all to attend and support the dance and WB Douglass turned over to the lodge certain bonds of the Cherrydale Temple Corporation, valued at $450, previously purchased by the lodge.
WB Clark reported on the business conducted at recent Grand Lodge session during the meeting of February 18th; he also announced that WB Jesse W. Rohrback had been appointed DDGM for District #54 for 1937. RWB Rohrback was present at this meeting, as was MWB Harry K. Green and R WB Robert South Barrett, who had just been elected Grand Junior Deacon. Brother Barrett was introduced as the principal speaker of the evening and he proceeded to give a fine address to the 60 assembled members and visitors. He spoke in detail, tracing the progress of Man in democracy and freedom through the dark ages, our own colonial history, to the present time.
Another fund raising affair was announced by WB Palmer at the meeting of March 4th; he stated that the wives of the officers of the Temple Corporation would hold a card party on March 16th at the temple. During the March 18th meeting RWB Herbert Tucker gave the lodge a $50 temple bond, which was turned over to the Treasurer with the sincere thanks of the Master.
Degree work was plentiful at the meetings of April 15th, May 6th and May 20th which also was the night of the official visit of the DDGM. RWB Rohrback spoke concerning his deep appreciation of the large attendance from the other lodges of the District. He thereupon advocated a certain degree of regulation of smoking and spoke regretfully about the too loud talking in the lodge on some occasions. He also urged extreme care in the acceptance of material for membership and stressed the important place occupied by masonry in guarding our freedom and preserving the traditions and institutions of our democracy.
The death of the first Master of Cherrydale Lodge, WB John Dudley, occurred on May 29,1937, and a called communication was held on June 1st to conduct funeral services for the deceased brother. Services were begun at the residence of the late brother and concluded at the gravesite in Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
Hiram Lodge #10 of Washington, paid another visit to Cherrydale on June 3rd and conferred master mason's degrees on two of their own candidates. MWB C. Vernon Eddy, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, was present and the Master of Hiram Lodge took occasion to thank him for granting a dispensation for this occasion, at the same time reading a dispensation from the Grand Master of the District of Columbia authorizing Hiram Lodge to confer these degrees in Cherrydale Lodge. The first degree was conferred in "short" form, and the second in due and ancient form. This meeting was attended by 26 Cherrydale members and 62 visiting brethren. The Grand Master was presented but spoke only briefly “owing to the lateness of the hour."
There was degree work and examinations at the meetings of June 17th and July 1st and the meeting of July 15th was a night on which Columbia Lodge paid Cherrydale Lodge another fraternal visit. There were 40 visitors present, and the Master of Columbia Lodge, when he was formally presented, was "backed up" by 24 members of his own lodge. The Columbia Lodge officers conferred the master mason's degree on one of our candidates, Brother Howard Malcolm Annis. Following the degree the Chairman of the picnic committee reported that plans had been completed for the annual picnic at Beverly Beach on Saturday, July 24th; it was also reported that WB Honts would move from Marshall to Front Royal, Va., on August 1st, 1937.
As evidence that ritualistic proficiency in Cherrydale Lodge is not confined to the officers and Past Masters, an entered apprentice degree was conferred by members from the sideline at the meeting of August 5th, the candidate being Mr. Maurice O. Sinclair. Further degree work was performed at the meetings of August 19th and September 2nd, and at the latter meeting, a motion was approved authorizing the lodge to purchase $400 worth of Temple Corporation bonds.
Following a second degree in September 16th, the lodge was declared at ease and the members listened to a radio address by Senator Williq.m E. Borah, commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution—the broadcast having been sponsored by the Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges of the District of Columbia. On resuming labor the lodge had the pleasure of listening to a most interesting and historical address by RWB Hugh Reid on "The Background of the Constitution”.
On the night of October 7th Brother C. O. Christianson gave a piano recital as a part of a program designated by the Master as "Warden's Night." The lodge was also entertained by a string orchestra and by an accordion player, obtained by Kenneth Rohrback, son of the DDGM.
"Past Masters' Night" was celebrated on October 21st and after the usual greetings they occupied the stations and places and conferred the master mason's degree on our fellowcraft, Brother Maurice O. Sinclair. The degree was followed by speeches from those Past Masters who had no part in the degree and by other members and visitors.
A fellowcraft, Brother Harold Ward Beall, from Columbia Lodge was raised by Cherrydale Lodge at its meeting of November 4th in the presence of the Master and 19 members of Columbia Lodge as well as 24 of our own members.
A special communication was held on the 29th of November at which time there were 62 Cherrydale Lodge members present. The Master stated that the purpose of this special communication was to discuss ways and means of making final financial settlement with the builder of the temple, and turned the meeting over to WB Palmer, Chairman of the Temple Corporation. Brother Palmer gave facts and figures regarding the situation to date, stating that the problem, which had to do with the completion of bond sales, was one for the entire membership of the lodge and not for the Corporation only. He stated that definite action was necessary NOW. He then called upon WB R. S. Beatty for further explanation and comment. Brother Beatty reviewed the fixed income and expenses of the lodge and demonstrated that the lodge itself was not in a position to do any more than it had already done in the way of purchasing additional bonds.
RWB Reid was then called upon and, after explaining the founding of the Corporation and it's efforts to protect the lodge, explained that the property was self-supporting, that the income was in excess of the expenses and the Corporation was operating at a profit, but we still owed a certain amount to the builder—that amount being represented by the amount of the unsold bonds. He explained that the results obtained in the sale of bonds represented the accomplishments of a very small percentage of the members, and that the small remainder would be comparatively easy to accomplish if more members would cooperate. WB Douglass was then called upon, and, as Treasurer of the Corporation, stated the profits to date were in excess of $700 and that the Corporation had an equity of some $1,700 in the property. He spoke of the bonds as a very good investment, paying 5% interest, with interest coupons payable at any bank.
WB Palmer then called for general discussion, and after further questions and explanations, fifteen different members expressed the desire to purchase bonds. Brother Palmer then announced a short recess so that those who did not wish to make purchases from the floor could do so directly from the Corporation Treasurer.
Following the recess the Treasurer advised that purchases during the evening had taken all but $1,050 worth of the bonds. Thereupon one of the Corporation board officers purchased another $50 bond, and another board officer, not to be outdone, took another $50 bond, thus bringing the unsold balance to $950. Another brother then announced that no further effort need be made as he would take the remaining balance, which announcement brought on prolonged applause. After congratulating the brethren upon their excellent demonstration of cooperation Brother Palmer turned the meeting back to WB Clark, the Master, who thanked the many brethren present for their splendid response to a situation which had endangered important interests of their lodge. He particularly urged that those brothers present who had not been to lodge regularly, come back more often.
Columbia Lodge paid another fraternal visit to Cherrydale on December 3rd and WB P. O. Shepherd assumed the East, at the invitation of the Master. Brother Shepherd announced that Columbia Lodge would have charge of the cornerstone laying of the Community Methodist Church at Key Boulevard and North Bryan Street on Saturday, December 4th at 2:00 P.M. He invited all members of Cherrydale Lodge to be present. An entered apprentice of Columbia Lodge was then passed to the degree of fellowcraft by the Columbia Lodge officers.
Brother Lyman L. King was elected and installed Master of Cherrydale Lodge for 1938 at the meeting of December 16th, 1937. There were four members gained by degree during the year 1937 and one by affiliation, with a loss of one by death and one by demit, making a net total membership of 133 at the close of 1937.
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At the first meeting of the new year, Jaunary 6th, 1938, the new Master was reported as necessarily absent because of his work assignment. The Chairman of the Temple Corporation, WB Palmer, reported that the financing of the temple was "over the top," and suggested that now that this was disposed of, a further field of activity should be furnishings, i.e., furniture and equipment for the temple. The suggestion was discussed and amplified by others, particularly by Brother George P. Brannon, whose financial interest in the temple project had ended a previous special meeting so satisfactorily.
RWB Herbert R. Tucker reported on the gains in membership and satisfactory financial condition of the Masonic Benefit Association on which some very intensive work had been done during the past several years.
The meeting of February 3rd consisted of a fraternal visit from the Master of Columbia Lodge, WB JohnP. Balster and a large number of his members, including RWB Jesse W. Rohrback, Secretary of Columbia Lodge, Past Master of Cherrydale and presently the DDGM for District #54. Brother Rohrback then performed his last official act as the DDGM, presenting a 50 year pin to Brother H. P. Lapham, a member of Widows' Son Lodge No. 60, Charlottesville, Va., and a long time regular visitor to Cherrydale Lodge. Brother Lapham spoke entertainingly of the difficult, pioneer days in his own lodge, as well as his own pioneering days fighting Indians in the West to the great enjoyment and amusement of those present.
Columbia Lodge provided two entered apprentices for the meeting of February 17th. Cherrydale Lodge officers conducted the first part of the fellowcraft degree and Columbia Lodge officers the second part. Thereafter, the officers of Columbia Lodge conferred the first part of the degree on the second candidate and the Cherryda1.e Lodge officers the second part. Brother Frank Eisler, reporting on the recent Grand Lodge Sessions, stated WB Robert S. Beatty had been appointed DDGM for District #54.
Rev. Brother Hunter M. Lewis, one of our members, who had served for a number of years as a missionary to Japan and now was home on furlough, spoke at the meeting of March 17th. Rev. Brother Lewis was, in a sense, the lodge's own contribution to the missionary field having been raised in the lodge just prior to his leaving for his assignment, and having maintained correspondence with the lodge over the years. His talk on this occasion was enthusiastically received and he was cordially welcomed back into the Cherrydale Lodge family.
There was degree work and a visit from the officers and members of Potomac Lodge #5 as well as from George C. Whiting Lodge, both of the District of Columbia, on April 7th.
RWB Robert S. Beatty paid his first official visit as the DDGM on April 21st. He emphasized the need for more thorough Masonic information for the members, and, in line with this thought, read a number of pertinent and instructive decisions by the various Grand Masters. Attention was called during the meeting to a forthcoming pilgrimage to Fredericksburg Lodge #4 on Friday, May 27th; also, to a meeting at Kemper Lodge #64 on April 22nd, at which time the play' 'The Rose Upon The Altar," by Brother Carl Claudy , would be given. Brother Edwards, representing the Temple Corporation, reported substantial progress in the acquisition of furnishings for the lodge room.
At the meeting of May 19th it was decided that the usual picnic be changed to a boat ride down the river and the Committee, headed by Brother William P. Tompkins, was authorized to purchase tickets at the lodge's expense. RWB Reid reported a conversation with Past Grand Master Price, Governor of Virginia, in which the Governor expressed a desire to be remembered to the brethren of Cherrydale Lodge.
It was reported by the DDGM on June 2nd that the sale of tickets for the proposed boat ride was approved by the Grand Master, and action was initiated to invite other lodges of the district to participate in the boat ride. A future Master of the Lodge, Mr. Richard Cecil Vingoe was initiated at this meeting. Examinations and degree work followed at the meetings of June 16th and July 7th, and at the meeting of July 21st, a report was presented on the Boat Excursion held on July 15th. WB Fred Doe said it was a success socially, and that the final report would show a financial return to the lodge. The Secretary then presented his resignation for compelling, personal reasons and the Master stated that the members would be notified that the election of his successor would be held on the next meeting night, August 4th. At this latter meeting Brother John Alexander Wiseman was unanimously elected Secretary for the remainder of the year. It was reported that Brother Frank Eisler, the Junior Deacon, was very seriously ill in the hospital and was receiving frequent blood transfusions, all of which had been donated by members of the lodge, also, that additional transfusions would continue to be needed and consequently additional volunteers would be needed. The Master called attention to the Masonic Field Day to be held at the Masonic Home in Richmond on September 10th.
There was a called communication held on August 25th for the purpose of conducting funeral services for Brother Frank Eisler, who died on August 22nd. The Masonic service at the grave was conducted by the DDGM, RWB Robert S. Beatty, as specifically requested by Brother Eisler before he passed away. Interment was in Arlington National Cemetery.
An election was held at the meeting of September 1st to fill the vacancy created by the death of Brother Eisler, the Junior Deacon. Of the two active candidates, Brother George P. Brannan received the majority of votes cast and was declared elected Junior Deacon for the remainder of the year. The Master stated that the meeting of October 6th would be the Senior Warden's Night, who would have complete responsibility for conducting the meeting, with the right to select the particular candidate upon whom he wanted to confer a degree; and at the meeting of September 15th he expanded this order to include the meeting of October 20th which would be the Junior Warden's Night. The meeting of September 15th also saw an entered apprentice degree conferred and several examinations.
Two new petitions and an application for affiliation were received at the meeting of October 6th after which the Master turned the Lodge over to the Senior Warden, Brother W. Crawford Edwards, who proceeded to confer the degree of fellowcraft, followed by a master mason's degree, together with examinations and balloting. The DDGM was welcomed officially and explained a move in progress to establish an Endowment Fund for the support of the Masonic Home. He stated that every member of the lodge would be called on and the proposition would be explained fully at that time.
The Junior Warden's Night of October 20th consisted ofa master mason's degree on one of the fellowcrafts of Cherrydale Lodge. The degree was followed by an entertainment by the Drum and Bugle Corps of the Acca Temple of the Shrine of Alexandria, Virginia, as well as several old time selections played on the concertina by Brother Campbell of Tentucket Lodge, Lowell, Massachusetts, accompanied at the piano by Brother Sam Wade. Brother Tompkins, the Junior Warden, was congratulated heartily on the diversity of the program he had provided.
At the meeting of November 3rd one new petition was received, and two previously received were favorably voted upon. The Master announced that the meeting of December 1st would be Past Master's Night, that a master mason's degree would be conferred on that night, with WB Clive W. Palmer in charge as Master of Ceremonies. He also announced that the Grand Master would be present in Fredericksburg Lodge #4, the next night, November 4th, and urged the members to attend.
Two elected candidates were initiated as entered apprentices during the meeting of November 17th. WB Palmer called attention to the improvements that had been made in the lodge room, referring to the recent painting and the new blinds installed and complimented Brother Edwards, who was in charge of the work for the Temple Corporation. He also spoke of further improvements to be made in the future, and Brother Edwards explained the items of work already planned and asked for all who could contribute to the work to please do so.
Past Masters' Night having finally arrived on December 1st, the Master formally welcomed them to the East where each of them was greeted in turn. Eleven of the sixteen Past Masters were present, being all but two of those who were still living. There were also two Past Masters from Concord, five from Columbia, and one from Marcelain Lodge No. 481, Marcelain, Missouri. The Past Masters conferred a master mason's degree. The degree was followed by a speech from each of the Past Masters in turn, so that the Master barely had time to complete necessary work and close his lodge before the hour of 12 o'clock midnight had arrived.
At the annual election meeting on December 15th, 1938 Brother W. Crawford Edwards, the Senior Warden, was elected as Master for 1939, the rest of the line was voted promotions in regular order, and Brother John Calvin Parker was elected Junior Deacon. The officers were installed by RWB Robert S. Beatty, the DDGM of District #54. The audit committee's report for 1938 showed that there had been six entered apprentice degrees, four fellowcraft degrees and four master mason's degrees conferred. There was one gained by affiliation and two losses by death, making a net gain of three and a total membership of 136.
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On the night of January 12th, 1939, the lodge held a special meeting for the purpose of paying tribute to its deceased members. The Master WB W. Crawford Edwards announced that the meeting was in special honor of Brother Frank Eisler who had died during his term as Junior Deacon, and who before his death had started negotiations for an Altar cloth which was to be presented to the lodge when it was completed. One of his last requests to his wife was that she carry out his wish in this respect. MWB Harry K. Green was introduced and presented the Altar cloth which the widow of Brother Eisler had specifically asked him to do. She had also asked him to extend to the brethren of Cherrydale Lodge her deepest gratitude and appreciation for the help and comfort they had been to her and Brother Eisler during his illness and passing.
The lodge was fully occupied during the first three months of the year by the receipt of petitions, balloting thereon, and performing degree work. Two entered apprentices had been left over from the previous year and new petitions were being received rapidly due to changing economic conditions. However, there was one counter-indication—a warning against too hopeful a view concerning improved conditions—because the Master had to take time out from degree work at the April 20th meeting and give attention to the matter of delinquent dues. Five members owed 1936,37 and 38 dues and an additional three owed for 1937 and 38. Action was taken in each case to arrange for collection or other appropriate action, and the Master was congratulated heartily on the steps he had taken to clear the records of the lodge in this matter.
WB Palmer reported the appointment of WB Doe as a member of the Board of Directors of the Temple Corporation to succeed RWB Beatty, who had found it necessary to resign therefrom. The Master reported that R W Brother May had given him a $50 bond to be presented to the lodge and to be used as he saw fit. He turned it over to the furniture committee which had recently installed new benches and consequently had a current need for additional funds.
Thereafter the meetings of May 4th and May 18th were given over to degree work and at the meeting of June 1st the County Manager of Arlington County, Brother Frank C. Hanrahan, was received and made a talk of interest to every resident of Arlington County. The DDGM for District #54 was present, accompanied by a number of his brethren of Sharon Lodge. He was officially received and made a very fine talk of Masonic interest.
WB George Douglass, Treasurer of the Lodge and also of the Temple Corporation, suggested at the meeting of July 6th, that $25 be set aside for each Master Mason raised in Cherrydale Lodge this year to be applied to the bond redemption fund and it was so ordered by the Master. The Master then spoke on the proposed picnic and asked for suggestions. A number of the brethren suggested abolishing the idea, whereupon the Master called a halt on all plans for the picnic.
Again all available time at the meetings of July 20th, August 3rd and August 17th was utilized for examinations, balloting and degree work. The Master informed the members that the stated communication of September 7th would be Royal Arch Night; that Masonic Home day would be held September 9th at the Masonic Home, near Richmond, Va.; and that the second meeting in September would be Past Masters' Night. He also called a special communication on September 14th for the purpose of conferring two fellowcraft degrees.
The Past Masters' Night of September 21st developed into a benefit drive in behalf of the Golden Anniversary Appeal for funds for the Children's home. WB Palmer, who had been designated as Master of Ceremonies for the meeting, and, who previously had been appointed Chairman of the Golden Anniversary Appeal, explained the program and progress which had already been made by the Committee. H~ said he would give each Past Master an opportunity to talk "on this subject, and each of them was called upon in turn. Mter this part of the program, RWB Robert South Barrett, the Grand Junior Warden was received in the East. Brother Barrett expressed pleasure at the way Cherrydale Lodge was accepting the Golden Anniversary Appeal and added further explanation of the importance of this venture. There were further comments from visiting officers of other lodges and the master indicated he had already received a donation of $50 before any solicitation had been made. WB Palmer then explained how the Committee would proceed with its drive and declared a recess of ten minutes to permit the brethren, who desired to do so, to make their donations. Brother Palmer thanked the Master for allowing him to conduct the meeting and, after resuming his station, the Master announced that $152.50 in cash and $35 in pledges had been received during the evening.
The meeting of October 19th saw degree work and examinations. The lodge, upon formal motion, purchased with money in the bond redemption fund a $50 Temple bond which had been donated to the Masonic Home Endowment Fund; and thereafter voted that the interest coupons of lodge-owned temple bonds of February 15th and August 15th, be clipped and turned over to the Temple Corporation general fund.
The Master announced on November 2nd that, at the second meeting in November (16th), two master mason's degrees would be conferred by a degree team from the District of Columbia by special dispensation from the Grand Master of Virginia. During this same meeting the lodge voted to concur in the recommendation of Columbia Lodge that WB H. Bruce Green be appointed as the DDGM of the 54th Masonic District for the year 1940.
Firemen's Night was celebrated in Cherrydale Lodge at the meeting of November 16th with 48 visitors present. First, WB Porter, Master of Potomac Lodge, D.C., was officially received, followed by the introduction and reception of WB Stein, Master of Brightwood Lodge, D.C. The officers and degree team of Brightwood Lodge conferred the master mason's degree on two fellowcrafts of Cherrydale. They were Brother Ernest A. Brust and Brother Howard C. Bunch—each of whom received the degree "District of Columbia style."
A well-appreciated gift was received at the meeting of December 7th when Brother Charles E. Morrell of Union Lodge No.5, Stamford, Connecticut, presented the lodge with a Rough Ashlar and a Perfect Ashlar, which stones were placeQ on either side of the Master's chair in the East. Also, Brother Arthur J. Thomas presented a 19 volume Masonic work—a gift from Brother Thomas P. Moore of B. B. French Lodge of the District of Columbia. (Note: the title of this work is not shown in the minutes.) WB Palmer announced that the tenants of the store on the ground floor were not renewing their lease and asked that any brother who knew or learned of a prospective tenant to please let him know.
The report of the audit committee on December 21st, showed along with the usual financial data, that there had been eight entered apprentice, nine fellowcraft and eight master mason degrees conferred during the year. The Treasurer, WB Douglass, stated that there might properly be added to the report the item that $1,075 worth of Temple Corporation bonds were now owned by the lodge, acquired by purchase through the bond redemption fund, or by gift. There had been a gain in membership of eight by degrees and one by affiliation. However, with losses, there was a net gain of two and a total membership of 138 on December 15th, 1939.
The election of officers was the next order of business and Brother William Porter Tompkins was elected Master for 1940. All other line officers were advanced and Brother Horace P. Ellis was elected Junior Deacon. The officers were installed by WB Clive W. Palmer, who also presented the Master a personal gift of an apron.
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End of Chapter 2 |
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Cherrydale Lodge.
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