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Brother James Dewitt Stehman, a future Master, was examined on his
master mason's catechism at the first meeting in 1940, and a visit to Manasseh, scheduled for the following
night was announced, after which there was discussion of the Masonic Benefit Association and its great value
to members.
Degree work and examinations took up most of the meeting of
January 18th when one petitioner was elected and one fellowcraft examined and balloted upon. The master
mason's degree was conferred on March 1st. The Master, WB Tompkins, announced that March 22nd would be Ladies
Night. MWB Gratz Dunkum visited the lodge on February 15th to help Cherrydale Lodge celebrate the birthday of
the father of our Country, WB George Washington. He spoke of "George Washington, the Mason" which was "most
instructive and greatly enjoyed by all." Brother Dunkum will be remembered as the speaker at the cornerstone
laying in 1936.
Supplementing this meeting of February 15th or vice-versa, a Joint
Communication of the four Lodges in District #54 (Sharon, Columbia, Concord and Cherrydale) was held at the
George Washington Masonic National Memorial at Alexandria, Va., on February 24th. The Grand Master, other
Grand line officers, as well as RWB H. Bruce Green, the newly appointed DDGM, were likewise present. The
Master of each of the lodges "opened" his lodge in turn and the meeting was turned over to RWB Green, who
formally received the Grand Master, MWB Thomas J. Traylor, and welcomed him to the East. After a few remarks
the Grand Master assumed the East and welcomed the Grand Masters, or their representatives, from 1.4 different
Grand Jurisdictions. Letters and telegrams from still other Grand Jurisdictions were read expressing regrets
that they could not be present. There was a eulogy of MWB Harry K. Green and expressions of regret that his
physical condition did not permit him to be present. R WB Bruce Green was asked to convey to his father the
heartfelt sympathy of his brethren and their great regret that he could not be with them.
A committee then presented the Honorable Brother Clifton A.
Woodrum, Congressman from Virginia (6th District) and a member of Lakeland Lodge No. 190, Roanoke, Virginia
the Grand Master's home lodge. Following a tribute to MWB Harry Green, and recalling a visit to Columbia Lodge
with Senator Glass at the) time of the raising of Brother H. Bruce Green, whom he now congratulated on his
advancement in masonry, he proceeded with an inspiring address. He spoke in reverent and laudatory terms of
the greatest of all masons of this country—WB
George Washington whose public and private life typified the high ideals of masonry. During his remarks he
stated that the present Congress contained a clear majority of members who belonged to the Masonic order.
The Master made a complete report on the recent Grand Lodge
Sessions at the meeting of March 7th, as well as a report on the very successful Ladies Night entertainment
which was held on March 2nd. He directed that a letter be sent to Brother Belew to be shown to the firm
furnishing the ice cream, expressing thanks for this most welcome gift. WB Palmer reported that the first
floor of the temple had been rented and enumerated the monthly rentals provided for in the lease, which was to
run for 3 years, with an increase each year and an option to renew for 2 more years at a further specified
increase.
He gave a general report concerning the financial standing of the
Temple Corporation, which had been damaged by the loss of rental from the store which had been empty for some
months, and suggested two steps which might be taken to improve the situation: one, that a committee be
appointed to contact each of the tenants of the hall, concerning a small raise in their rent, and; two, that
another committee be appointed to seek additional tenants. The two committees were appointed with the Master
as Chairman of the first and the Senior Warden, Brother Christenson, Chairman of the second.
Brother Paul Bischoff, on March 21st, presented the lodge a
beautiful Square and Compass, welded together, for use on the Bible during funeral services—a
gift from himself. WB Horner, reporting for the committee which had been appointed to wait upon the tenants
concerning an increase in rentals, moved that the lodge rent be increased from $25 to $35 per month for a
period of at least a year, which motion was approved and became effective beginning with the month of April.
The meeting of April 4th consisted of examinations and a
fellowcraft degree, after which WB Edwards suggested that the question of raising the fees for degrees should
be considered. He presented a resolution prescribing a fee of $25 for each of the three degrees, a total of
$75. The resolution was ordered to be laid over for the one month statutory period.
RWB H. Bruce Green, the DDGM, paid an official visit to the lodge
on April 18th at which time he outlined the program for the District during the year as follows: prompt
opening of the Lodge at the hour prescribed; conduct business promptly and close at a reasonable hour; appoint
a committee to call upon all members who do not attend regularly and encourage attendance; urged every Master
and other officers to do everything possible to make lodge meetings interesting; and asked each member present
who had not subscribed to the Masonic Herald to See him after the meeting.
The resolution to increase initiation fees from $60 to $75, was
called up on May 2nd and approved by vote of the lodge. The Secretary was requested to submit the proposed
amendment to the by-laws to the DDGM with the request that he secure the necessary Grand Lodge approval.
A motion was made by Brother Vingoe, at the meeting of May 16th,
that hereafter interest Coupons on Temple Corporation bonds owned by the lodge be clipped as they fell due and
turned over to the Corporation. The motion was approved. WB Palmer read a letter which he had received from
the Royal Arch Chapter containing a check for $50 as a donation to the Temple Corporation.
Degree work consumed the time of the meetings of June 6th, June
20th and July 4th. During the latter meeting WB Doe reported that the newly formed Cherrydale Anchor Club
would hold a picnic at Fort Hunt, July 28th, and that there would be a ball game between the Columbia All
Stars and the Cherrydale Wildcats. He also reported that Columbia Lodge had donated $10 toward the expenses of
the picnic which was much appreciated. A motion was made and approved that Cherrydale Lodge likewise donate
$10.
A master mason's degree was conferred on July 18th before 33
members and 28 visitors. The degree was followed by an address by RWB Hugh Reid on the principles of masonry
in general. He was followed by WB A. B. Honts, visiting from Front Royal, who reviewed his experiences and
fellowship with the brethren of Cherrydale Lodge in years gone by.
Conferring of degrees occupied both meetings in August and the
first meeting in September (5th). At the meeting of September 19th Brother Thomas read a history of Cherrydale
Lodge which had been prepared by Brother Willis Hurd. The paper was ordered spread upon the minutes but does
not now appear therein.
The sublime degree of master mason was conferred on two brethren
on October 3rd and at the conclusion of the degree work
it was decided by the lodge to recommend WB Doe for appointment as DDGM for the 54th District for the ensuing
year.
Additional petitions were received at the meeting of October 17th
and a fellowcraft degree was conferred. One petition was received at the meeting of November 7th and this one
was from a man who would become Master of Cherrydale Lodge later—William David
Hefflebower. An entered apprentice degree was conferred and thereafter the Master announced that a
Thanksgiving service would be held in the Masonic Temple on November 28th in accordance with the wishes of the
Grand Master, and that Past Masters' Night would be observed at the first meeting in December. The DDGM
addressed the lodge on November 21st, and his address was followed by one by RWB Hugh Reid.
The Past Masters, on the night of December 5th, conferred a master
mason's degree on a future Master, Brother Albert Wright. The Master assigned WB Palmer to assume charge, and
every Past Master was assigned a part in the degree work, after the conclusion of which, Brother Palmer
received the DDGM, RWB H. Bruce Green, who gave an address that was enthusiastically received by the
members.
A special communication on December 12th was given over to the
conferring of three entered apprentice degrees and the next communication, December 19th was election night.
The auditing committee report indicated that there had been nine
entered apprentice, six fellowcraft and six master mason's degrees during the year. There was a further gain
of two by affiliation, but a loss of one by death and one by demit left a net gain of six and a total
membership of 144. The installation of officers was postponed until the second day of January, 1941.
The Master-elect, Worshipful Brother C. O. Christenson, and his
line of officers were installed on January 2nd, 1941, including the new addition to the line, Brother Charles
Potzler, as Junior Deacon. Two of the entered apprentices left over from the preceding year were examined and
elected to receive the fellowcraft's degree. Following this action an address entitled "Masonry in Colonial
Times" by WB Louis E. Graham, Past Master of St. James Lodge No. 457, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, was delivered
in an outstanding manner. This address was interesting and instructive, both as to the history of Colonial
America and that of the Masonic fraternity.
More degree work was conducted on February 6th and in the midst of
further degree work on February 20th, RWB Fred H. Doe, Past Master of Cherrydale Lodge, and the newly
appointed DDGM, was presented and welcomed to his lodge. He then made an address in honor of WB George
Washington and in celebration of that distinguished brother's birthday. A number of degrees were conferred on
March 6th and during the course of the meeting RWB H. Bruce Green appeared, was welcomed and spoke concerning
the suggestion of the Grand Lodge that brethren be encouraged to insert a clause in their wills providing for
a legacy to the Masonic Home of Virginia.
The lodge was gainfully employed in degree work on April 3rd but
the night of April 17th was set aside as Royal Arch Night. The Senior Warden of the lodge, Brother J. C.
Parker, was extended a welcome as the High Priest of Arlington Royal Chapter #35, as were a large number of
companions who were supporting him. Other distinguished Royal Arch Masons were welcomed, and all, including
Brother Parker made remarks suitable to the occasion in their honor.
A called communication for degree work was held on April 24th,
followed by further degree work on the nights of May 1st and May 15th, including a master mason's degree
conferred on Brother William David Hefflebower at the latter meeting. Another communication was called May
22nd for degree work as well. And at the meetings of June 5th and June 19th the lodge was busy with the
several degrees. However, the latter night developed into a "Herbert Tucker" Night with all of the Past
Masters and others speaking highly of this former Master and Past DDGM, during which time he was presented a
beautiful masonic ring, a gift from the members of the lodge.
While degree work occupied most of the time during the meetings of
July 3rd, July 17th and August 7th, during the meeting of July 17th a softball trophy was presented by Brother
Arthur J. Thomas in behalf of Brother ErIe Kirby and himself, to be presented to the lodge winning the
softball game between the lodges of the District. Also at the meeting of August 7th, Brother Maynard Rohrback,
on behalf of Columbia Lodge softball team, presented a new softball to the manager of the Cherrydale Lodge
team.
A master mason's degree was conferred August 21st and on August
23rd the lodge laid the cornerstone for the new United Baptist Church on North Quincy street in Cherrydale.
The Senior Warden, Brother Parker, made an address at the meeting of September 18th, regarding masonic
knowledge as set forth in the Methodical Digest, which was very interesting and enlightening to the brethren.
Following this, the Senior Deacon, Brother ErIe Kirby showed some interesting and instructive motion pictures.
The Master announced that the meeting of October 2nd would be
Senior Warden's night, and thereafter appointed a committee consisting of Wes Christenson, Palmer and
Douglass, to assist the Secretary in preparing a letter to all members owing dues for 1940 and prior years.
A letter was read from Columbia Lodge at the meeting of October
16th, inviting the members of Cherrydale Lodge and their ladies to attend their Ladies Night which would be
held in the Cherrydale Temple on the night of October 18th. Senior Warden's Night having been moved to this
meeting of the 16th, the lodge was turned over to Brother John Calvin Parker. He appointed officers from other
lodges to fill the stations and places to participate in the degree work and thereafter an entered apprentice
degree was conferred. The work was well done and Brother Parker and all others who participated were
congratulated on the excellence of their work.
On November 6th the lodge voted to concur in the recommendation of
Concord Lodge that WB Henry J. Hoppe of that lodge be appointed DDGM for 1942. Following an examination and
balloting thereon, Brother Willis Hurd, former Secretary, congratulated the Master on the monthly bulletins
prepared by him during the year 1941 and expressed the hope that future Masters would continue to issue a
monthly bulletin now that the financial condition of the lodge was somewhat improved.
Worshipful Brother Christenson thanked Brother Hurd for his
remarks and then addressed the lodge concerning masonry in general, but more particularly the necessity of
regular attendance at lodge meetings. The Master announced at the meeting of November 20th that the next
meeting on December 4th would be Master Mason's Night and that Brother Julius Schnitzer would prepare a
program for that occasion. This particular night (November 20) was the annual Past Masters' Night. The Master
had a "proper" greeting prepared for all the Past Masters attending—and
after extending it he had RWB Hugh Reid presented and escorted to the East. Brother Reid assigned various Past
Masters to the various chairs and conferred a fellowcraft degree. Following the degree which was excellent,
Brother Reid had the Reverend Brother Herbert E. Hudgins, who had just been raised May 22nd, approach the
East. Brother Hudgins conducted a beautiful Thanksgiving service assisted by Brother William E. Robey, and, at
the piano was the Master himself, Brother Christenson.
After the business of the lodge had been conducted at the December
4th meeting, the Master called a brief recess, announcing that following the recess, Brother Julius Schnitzer
would occupy the East and conduct the Master Mason's Night program. Brother Schnitzer, presiding as Master,
requested Brother Arthur J. Thomas to act as Senior Warden, Brother Maynard Rohrback to act as Junior Warden,
Brother Allen Ladd as Senior Deacon and Brother Kenneth B. Haynes as Junior Deacon. Brother Willis Hurd,
former Secretary, was introduced and addressed the lodge "giving a complete history of Cherrydale Lodge."
(Unfortunately this speech is not with the minutes.) Thereafter, Brother Cecil Vingoe was introduced and gave
a talk concerning Hiram Abif. Brother Schnitzer then called for remarks from brethren on the sideline as this
was their night, set aside specifically for them and in their honor. The Past Masters were for once cowed into
silence—except for RWB Fred Doe, who, as DDGM, felt
justified in speaking if only for the purpose of congratulating Brother Schnitzer and the other brethren for
their fine contributions. After the close of the program, a resolution presented at a previous meeting, to
raise the dues from $8 to $10, was thoroughly discussed and approved. The auditing committee's report
presented at the annual election meeting on December 18th showed that there were four entered apprentice,
seven fellowcraft and six master mason's degrees conferred during the year 1941. However, there were three
demits, five suspensions and one death, making a net decrease of three, for a total membership of 141 at the
year's end. The Lodge's Temple bond holdings at the close of the year were $1,150. The election was then held
and Brother John Calvin Parker was elected Master for 1942. Brother Horace Ellis was advanced to Senior
Warden, Brother ErIe Kirby to Junior Warden, Brother Julius Schnitzer was elected Senior Deacon and Brother
Arthur J. Thomas was elected Junior Deacon. The Officers were installed by Worshipful Brother W. Crawford
Edwards and at the conclusion of the installation a letter was read from the Grand Master approving the
increase of dues to $10, effective January 1st, 1942.
New petitions were received at both of the meetings
in January, 1942, and at the latter meeting a motion was approved to apply the $2.00 increase in dues to the
general fund of the
Temple Corporation which was still recouping losses which occurred
during the period when the first floor of the temple had produced no rents. Also a committee was appointed by
the Master, WB John C. Parker, to revise the printed by-laws of the lodge to include changes which had been
made since the last revision.
There was degree work on February 5th, a committee was appointed
to arrange for Ladies Night to be held on March 14th, and it was decided that meetings would be opened at 8:00
P.M. instead of 7:30 o'clock. On the 19th of February, WB Ralph Horner made an address of farewell to his
brethren. He would be moving to Philadelphia with his agency under the Government's decentralization program
incident to the deepening war situation and the growing need of space in Washington for new war agencies.
There was also degree work at this meeting and at the following meeting of March 5th. At the latter meeting,
WB Douglass was appointed chief air raid warden to assume charge of the lodge in case of an air raid warning
during lodge sessions.
The meeting of April 16th was Royal Arch Night when a number of
distinguished Royal Arch Masons were present headed by the Grand High Priest, Most Excellent Companion C.
Vernon Eddy. There were a number of short, interesting, Masonic addresses.
A note of sadness was cast upon the lodge at the meeting of April
2nd when the Master reported that he had received word that Brother Howard L. Norton had recently died and had
been buried at sea; he ordered a moment of silent reflection and a committee was appointed to draw up
resolutions of respect and sympathy for Brother Norton's family. There was further degree work at this and the
following meeting of April 16th, May 7th, and May 21st. Except for routine business, the meetings of June,
July and August were occupied with degree work and in examinations and balloting.
However, at the August 20th meeting, a motion was made and
carried, remitting the dues of all members serving in the Armed Forces. Degree work followed also at the
meetings of September 3rd, September 17th and at a called communication of September 24th.
New petitions continued to be received and degree work continued
heavy; and at the meeting of October 15th the Past Masters conferred the work, this being "their" night. On
the night of November 19th there were speeches in honor of RWB Herbert R. Tucker, participated in by at least
a dozen Past Masters and others who had personally received masonic instruction, advice and sympathy from
Brother Tucker during their masonic careers. During these addresses RWB Hugh Reid presented a $100 Temple
Corporation Bond to the lodge—a gift from the widow of
Brother Benjamin D. Shreve—which increased the lodge's
holding of bonds to $1,250.
There were two entered apprentice degrees conferred at the meeting
of December 3rd and two more on December 17th, which was election night. Following those degrees, Brother
Horace Ellis, the Senior Warden, was elected Master for the ensuing year 1943; Brother ErIe Kirby was advanced
to Senior Warden; Brother Julius Schnitzer to Junior Warden; Brother J. D. Stehman was newly elected as Senior
Deacon with Brother John D. Rathbone elected to serve as Junior Deacon. The new officers were duly installed
with the exception of the Junior Warden who had not received the Past Master's degree. Brother Schnitzer
received the Past Master's degree on December 23rd and was ready for installation as Junior Warden at the
first meeting of the new year, 1943, on January 7th.
The report of the auditing committee showed that there had been
ten entered apprentice degrees, six fellowcraft degrees and five brethren raised to the sublime degree of
master mason during the year. There were, unfortunately four losses by death, leaving a net gain of one for
the year 1942 and the total membership stood at 142.
The lodge meetings in 1943, like those of the preceding year, were
largely confined to degree work, and some of the restrictions on the interchange of masonic visits among
lodges and other similar activities are evidenced by the announcement of the Master WB Horace Ellis at the
January 7th meeting that it would be necessary to dispense with the schools of instruction then being held in
the temple due to the shortage of fuel oil. He indicated the schools would, however, be continued at the home
of WB Parker. Gasoline and tires were likewise being rationed due to the war situation.
However, the committee on arrangements for the Ladies Night
reported progress at the February 18th meeting and $40 was voted for refreshments and other incidentals for
this affair to be held on March 13th. As a further indication that all was not gloom, WB Palmer reported on
the financial condition of the Temple Corporation, indicating that the financial condition was much more
favorable now than for several years past. He stated that he would be leaving town in the next day or two and
would be gone for several months. WB Parker also spoke concerning the desirability of visiting the other
lodges in so far as possible with due consideration for the gasoline rationing which restricted all of the
members.
RWB Arnold Dahl, DDGM District #54, made his official visit to
Cherrydale Lodge on March 18th, and the Master announced that a joint meeting of all the lodges of the
District would be held in our lodge hall on April 6th for the purpose of receiving the Grand Master. WB Arthur
R. Geiger, Master of Columbia Lodge, announced that Brother Dahl would make his official visit to Columbia on
April 5th.
At the joint meeting of the four lodges on April 6th there were
present 23 members of Cherrydale #42, 26 members of Columbia #285, 10 members of Concord #307 and 7 members of
Sharon #327. Also present were 31 visiting brethren—members
of lodges in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Texas, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and
Michigan. The Masters of the four lodges—Brothers Horace
Ellis, Arthur Geiger, E. E. Buckley and E. E. Rivercomb, each assumed the East and in turn declared their
lodge opened in ancient form. After each had welcomed the members and Past Masters of his respective lodge,
the visiting brethren were welcomed by WB Ellis. The Grand Master was received by WB Geiger, and he proceeded
to address the brethren on matters of particular interest to the Craft in Virginia. Thereafter a master
mason's degree was conferred upon a fellowcraft of Cherrydale Lodge. Stations and places were filled by the
various officers of all of the lodges.
WB George Douglass announced at the meeting of July 1st that
official business would take him out of town for some time and RWB Louis Bulicek was appointed to act as
Treasurer, pro tem, until his return.
A special communication called at the direction of the Grand
Master was held on September 17th and the minutes state that the Worshipful Master explained the reason for
the meeting but the minutes do not disclose the reason. However, the Flag of our Country was presented at the
Altar, the Pledge of Allegiance given, following which the proclamation of the Grand Master was read and the
Secretary read the Honor Roll of the lodge. Brother Hurd read the preamble to the Constitution and amendments
thereto, and various portions of a history book he had studied 50 years earlier. RWB Reid then delivered the
main address "on the Constitution and Masonry in general." This appears to have been a night for
reconsecration of the brethren to the Constitution of our Country and to the principles of our fraternity.
Following the usual degree work, a Thanksgiving Service was
conducted on November 18th by Reverend Brother H. E. Hudgins at the request of the Master, and the meeting of
December 2nd was Past Masters' Night, with RWB Hugh Reid acting as Master of Ceremonies. The Past Masters
conferred a master mason's degree on a fellowcraft of the lodge. Following this, RWB Dahl, DDGM, WB Arthur
Geiger, and the Past Masters of Cherrydale Lodge made talks appropriate to the occasion, which, in the words
of the Secretary, "were thoroughly enjoyed."
The night of December 16th was election night and Brother Erle R.
Kirby was elected Worshipful Master for 1944; Brother Schnitzer was elected Senior Warden; Brother J. D.
Stehman, Junior Warden; and again elections were held to fill the Senior and Junior Deacon's offices, with
Brother Cecil Vingoe elected as Senior Deacon and Brother Albert Wright as Junior Deacon. WB Crawford Edwards
served as installing officer. All of the officers, elected and appointed, were duly installed and the audit
report showed there had been five entered apprentice, five fellowcraft and seven master mason's degrees
conferred during 1943. The membership increased by a net of 5 to 147.
While new petitions had been increasing gradually for several
years, the number doubled in 1944. This required a considerable number of special meetings to supplement the
work performed at regular stated meetings.
RWB Dahl paid his last visit as DDGM on January 6th, thanking
Cherrydale Lodge for its cooperation during the past year and inviting all to be present at the last District
meeting of his year to be held at Sharon Lodge on the following Tuesday night. At the meeting of January 20th
the Master WB Erle Kirby showed movies of interest to the members. The Worshipful Master and other officers
reported on the Grand Lodge sessions at the meeting of February 17th. He also reported on the fine
entertainment put on by the ladies of the Eastern Star on February 14th. He also suggested, and the lodge
approved, the purchase of silver to be added to that purchased by Columbia Lodge as a gift to the new Grand
Master, MWB John Malcolm Stewart, Past Master of Columbia Lodge.
The new Grand Master was received at the meeting of March 16th at
which time he spoke of the Masonic Home of Virginia, the Masonic Herald and its importance to the Home and the
children of the Home; also concerning the Masonic Service Centers and the work the Centers were doing among
the members of the Armed Forces of our Country. He was then presented with a gift of silver to match that
which he had previously received from Columbia Lodge.
A gift of $100 was presented by Brother Willis Hurd in behalf of
Mrs. Reece Horace Lucas at the meeting of June 1st. She was the widow of Brother Lucas who died on February
20, 1944, and who before his death had informed her that if anything should happen to him he wished her to do
something for the lodge. This gift was added to the lodge's bond redemption fund.
On July 6th the Master reported that a number of the members of
the lodge had attended the funeral of Brother Joe Fought, and that the lodge had sent flowers. Brother Fought,
a member of Hiram Lodge, D.C., was a long‑time regular attendant of Cherrydale Lodge. He usually came in late
after having attended his home lodge (Hiram) or another lodge in the District of Columbia. He served as a
volunteer fraternal link between D.C. lodges and those in nearby Virginia.
A committee was appointed on August 17th to draw a resolution of
sympathy to be sent to the family of the late RWB W.L. Golden, DDGM for District #54, who died on August 8th,
1944. The resolution was read at the meeting of September 7th at which the newly appointed DDGM, RWB J. C.
Holm, was officially received.
The annual Past Masters' Night was held on October 5th and the
lodge was turned over to the senior Past Master, WB Bulicek. After a brief address he asked RWB Tucker to take
charge and make assignments for the conferring of a master mason's degree. After the degree all of the Past
Masters were given an opportunity to make comments‑appropriate or inappropriate. It was suggested that letters
be sent to WBs Palmer and Christenson who were serving with the Armed Forces abroad, and the Master responded
that he had already written both of them concerning Past Masters' Night.
WB Harry Clark became Cherrydale's nominee for DDGM at the meeting
of October 19th and the Secretary was ordered to write letters to the other lodges of .the District asking for
their concurrence.
Election of officers was held on December 21st and Brother Julius
Schnitzer was elected Master for 1945, Brother Stehman was promoted to Senior Warden, Brother Vingoe as Junior
Warden, Brother A. Wright as Senior Deacon, and Brother William David HeffIebower was elected Junior Deacon.
The audit committee's report showed there were 21 entered
apprentice, 19 fellowcraft and 19 master mason's degrees conferred during 1944. There was one reinstatement
and three deaths, making a net increase of 17 and a total membership of 164. The Lodge's holding of Temple
Corporation bonds had increased to over $1,600.
Degree work continued to increase slightly in 1945 over the
previous high level of 1944. WB Julius Schnitzer ordered dues cards to be issued to all members of the Armed
Forces without payment of dues at the first meeting on January 4, 1945. R WB Reid gave a report concerning the
forthcoming Grand Lodge Session to be held in Richmond in February and, on the basis of his comments, it was
decided to ask the brethren not to go to Richmond for the meeting because of the war emergency ban on
conventions and the fact that only a skeleton meeting for emergency action would be held.
RWB J. Harry Clark made his first visit at the meeting of February
15th as the new DDGM for the 54th Masonic District, at which time he thanked the brethren for recommending him
for this high honor. R WB Reid, the Chairman of a newly appointed committee on Masonic History, gave an
outline of the plans of the committee for the year, following which he gave an interesting talk on the
beginnings of masonry.
The by-laws of the lodge were rewritten and included in the
minutes of the March 15th meeting. The lodge received a letter from the Grand Master outlining a program for
the purpose of receiving our brethren returning from the Armed Forces, and a committee was appointed for this
purpose at the meeting of April 19th. Degree work kept the lodge working until a late hour at each stated
communication and on a number of special meetings called for degree work alone.
RWB Clark paid his first official visit to his own lodge at which
time he outlined the Grand Master's program for the year and added remarks concerning his own understanding of
what is expected of a mason and the importance of our living our masonry daily. After this fine talk, RWB Doe
delivered a talk, postponed from the previous meeting because of the lateness of the hour, which was a part of
the program of the Committee on Masonic History. It was also reported that the recent Ladies' Night was very
successful and most enjoyable to everyone.
Brother Charles P. (Pete) Kale was elected and installed Secretary
of the lodge at the meeting of July 5th to succeed Brother John A. Wiseman who had recently resigned.
The Master WB Julius Schnitzer announced at the meeting of August
2nd that the holdings of Temple Corporation bonds would be redeemed on August 15th and that Brother Samuel W.
Fox had generously donated his bonds to the lodge. At the stated meeting of August 16th the Master ordered the
lodge to stand in silence for one minute in grateful thanks for the war's end.
October 18th was designated Past Masters' night and the Past
Masters participated in conferring the master mason's degree on Brother Ernest S. Crack. A $100 Temple
Corporation Bond was presented to the Lodge by MWB Harry K. Green, to be turned over to the Temple
Corporation.
The auditing committee's report presented at the meeting of
December 20th, 1945 showed that 26 entered apprentice, 21 fellowcraft and 19 master mason's degrees had been
conferred during the year. There was a net gain in membership of 19, making a total of 183.
RWB Tucker was elected an honorary member of his lodge at this communication.
The Master was congratulated heartily on his very busy and successful year. The holding of Temple Corporation
bonds had increased from $1600 to $1800, which were ordered transferred to the Corporation for cancellation.
In the annual election of officers, Brother J. Dewitt Stehman was
elected Master for 1946; Brother Vingoe, Senior Warden; Brother Wright, Junior Warden; Brother Hefflebower,
Senior Deacon; and Brother John Alexander Wiseman was elected Junior Deacon.
WB Stehman, at the first meeting on January 3rd, 1946, followed
the practice begun in previous years of ordering that the dues of all members serving in the Armed Forces be
remitted and that paid-up dues cards be sent to each of them. Two entered apprentice degrees were conferred at
this meeting and degree work continued at stated and called communications throughout the year. This
continuing increase in petitions and applications for membership was due apparently to the rapid increase in
Arlington County's population during the war years and immediately thereafter.
At the meeting of May 2nd the DDGM for District #54, RWB Merle G.
Moreland, paid his official visit and addressed the lodge concerning the program of the Grand Master for the
year.
The Master of Columbia Lodge #285 together with his officers and a
number of brethren paid Cherrydale Lodge a fraternal visit on June 6th and conferred one of the several
degrees conferred that night.
As an indication of the amount of work being done in degrees, the
minutes show two entered apprentice degrees on January 3rd; three entered apprentice degrees on January 17th;
three master mason's degrees on January 24th; two fellowcraft degrees on February 7th; three entered
apprentice degrees on February 21st; four entered apprentice degrees on February 28th; three master mason's
degrees on March 21st; three entered apprentice degrees on April 11th; four fellowcraft degrees on April 25th;
one master mason's degree on May 16th; four fellowcraft degrees on May 23rd; three fellowcraft degrees on June
6th; three master mason's degrees on June 20th and four entered apprentice degrees on June 27th, making a
total of 42 degrees in the first six months of 1946. The second six months saw a slightly larger number. The
trend was continuing upward and while the increased membership was beneficial and important to the lodge's
financial stability, it simply did not leave time for other activities so necessary for developing and
maintaining membership interest and participation.
As evidence that the Secretary and other officers had been working
hard and had reached the point where refreshment had become of prime importance the following portion of the
minutes of August 15th are of interest. "At the conclusion of the degree work a most delicious and delectable
repast was served to the members, candidates and visitors. This buffet meal consisted of Virginia ham, potato
salad, potato chips, olives, pickles, rolls and ice cold soft drinks, which were all served in the usual
courteous and efficient manner of our two 'worthy' stewards."
Past Masters' Night on September 5th with RWB Fred Doe in charge
in the East, found the Past Masters also bending their backs to the task and putting their shoulders to the
wheel in the interest of getting the good (degree) work done. Actually, however, it is likely that they also
bent their voices to the usual task, for the Secretary added a mild note that' 'Worshipful Brother Doe with
the assistance of the other Past Masters gave to the line officers many kind and useful words of advice."
There was a joint meeting of the lodges of the 54th District held
in Cherrydale Lodge on October 3rd, it being a regular, stated meeting of Cherrydale Lodge. The joint meeting
had been called for the express purpose of receiving the Grand Master, MWB T. Penn Coleman with RWB Merle
Moreland presiding. Fifty-nine Cherrydale members and 97 visitors from the other lodges were present. The
Grand Master made a masterful address and "by quoting from the Bible, and from the tenets of Freemasonry"
showed that Love rules over our destinies and should always be 'In The Hearts Of Men' who would live the
teachings of freemasonry.
At the meeting of December 5th, the Master ordered that $375 be
turned over to the Temple Corporation for debt reduction, the amount being derived from the raising of 15
candidates. Earlier in July $250 had been turned over in the same way, derived from the raising of 10
candidates. This practice had been followed by succeeding Masters for several years following a vote of the
lodge setting up this method of reducing the Temple Corporation's debt.
The Auditing Committee report filed at the stated meeting of
December 19th showed a net gain of 24 members, making a total membership of 207. There had been a total of 34
entered apprentice, 30 fellowcraft and 25 master mason's degrees conferred during the year. This meeting was
election night and Brother Richard C. Vingoe was elected Master for 1947; Brother Albert Wright, Senior
Warden; Brother Hefflebower, Junior Warden; Brother John A, Wiseman, Senior Deacon; and Brother Maurice Ivan
Talley was elected Junior Deacon. The officers were installed by WB Erle R. Kirby.
Three new petitions had been received at the last stated meeting
of the preceding year and a number of candidates were progressing through their degrees, so the new Master for
1947, WB Vingoe, had his work cut out for him. There was balloting on a fellowcraft at a short meeting on
January 2nd, and at a called communication of January 9th, five candidates were initiated as entered
apprentices. At the second stated meeting in January (16th) a committee was appointed to recheck the audit
committee reports of prior years to determine the correct figures on membership totals. (The writer had
difficulty several times with these figures and feels reassured to find that the changes noted had been the
result of a recheck.)
The Master appointed a ticket committee at this time, headed by WB
Schnitzer, for the lodge's 25th Anniversary Night to be held on March 15th. He appropriated $100 for use in
arranging affairs for that celebration. The committee reported at the meeting of April 3rd, the report being
accompanied by a check for $267. Two fellowcraft degrees were conferred at this meeting, and a called
communication followed on January 30th when four master mason's degrees were conferred. There were
examinations and balloting at the first meeting in February, and four entered apprentice degrees at a called
communication on February 13th. The month closed with six fellowcraft degrees on February 20th.
The foregoing is sufficient to show the tempo of degree work and
additional figures would be tiring to the reader. As proof, however, that the tempo continued through the year
it might be noted that a total of 93 Degrees were conferred during 1947. Such a heavy work load of degree work
of course severely affected other activities which a Master hopes to find time to include in his program but
the degree work must take precedence. Be that as it may, only important incidents and special activities will
be included in this account for the remainder of the year.
The DDGM for District #54, RWB John H. Carper, paid his
official visit on March 20th. He discussed the Grand Master's program for the year and mentioned specifically
the plan to start a Foundation Fund by the Masons of Virginia, for the Masonic Home.
Royal Arch Masons were honored on April 3rd. The Senior Warden,
Brother Albert Wright, was welcomed as High Priest of Arlington Royal Arch Chapter #35, along with other
distinguished Royal Arch Masons. At the meeting of April 17th, WB J. C. Parker moved that a committee be
appointed to ascertain the cost of new and additional benches to be installed in the lodge. The Master
complied with his wishes and appointed WB Hugh Reid, Crawford Edwards and Fred Doe who were requested to
report at the next stated meeting. However, the committee was unable to report until the June 5th meeting when
it reported that benches could be secured at a cost of $419 with delivery in from 12 to 18 months, but this
price would not cover the cost of a platform to raise the back row. Thereafter, Brother Parker made a motion
that the committee proceed with obtaining folding chairs as well as building the platform for the back row of
seats. This motion was carried and at the meeting of July 3rd it was ordered that a check be drawn to the
Temple Corporation not in excess of $207.90 for the purchase of chairs to be delivered immediately.
On August 21st a letter was read from the Grand Lodge committee
concerning the Founder's Day Program to be held on October 31st. The Master appointed a committee consisting
of WB Reid, Parker and Schnitzer to arrange the Founder's Day Observance program. He also appointed WB Kirby
as chairman of the Ladies Night affair.
September 4, 1947, was a night free from degree work and a number
of talks were made "off the cuff." Brother Elmore Newlon said the Masonic Bowling League would start in a
week, that he needed some bowlers and made a motion that the lodge pay the franchise fee for the team, which
motion was approved by the lodge. The Master announced the DDGM had informed him he would like to have the
various lodges of the District get together with their families in some sort of a social event, like a picnic
or Ladies Night, but that nothing definite had been determined. RWB Reid gave a talk on the "Origin and
Foundation of Masonic Lodges" which was enthusiastically received by the brethren. WB Parker outlined the
fundamentals of Royal Arch Masonry' 'in his usual eloquent and concise manner." WB Schnitzer was called on and
gave a talk on his recent travels to Germany and Japan, giving the highlights of his journeys. The Master
thanked the brethren who had given these interesting talks and expressed the hope that we may be able to have
more of them at some future date. A committee was appointed on September 18th for Past Masters' Night with RWB
Doe, Chairman; WB Ellis and RWB Reid.
MWB Harold Stephenson, Grand Master in 1947, issued a proclamation
fixing October 13th as Founder's Day and directing that all lodges meet simultaneously on that date to do
honor to the brethren who had founded the Grand Lodge of Virginia on October 13th, 1778. Fortunately a copy of
the address of WB Julius Schnitzer delivered at the called communication of October 13th, 1947, is recorded
with the minutes of that meeting. It is reproduced here as an excellent short history of Virginia Masonry. The
original may be found in the minute books of 1943-1948, page 194.
FOUNDERS' DAY SPEECH, CHERRYDALE LODGE, OCTOBER 13,1947
"As you all probably know, 1 am substituting for Rt. Worshipful
Brother Reid, and if he were here I would have told you that instead of oratory you are going to hear facts,
but 1 can't say that since he isn't present. Much of my spare time in the past two weeks has been devoted to
research work on Masonry in Virginia.
"I think we, with so many conveniences and services available, are
too prone to forget the hardships with which the early settlers of this State had to contend. The area of
Virginia was much greater in the late 17th and early 18th century. Here was an area much greater than we now
enjoy in this Commonwealth and a population less than that of Richmond today. There were vast plantations
along the tidewater area in the years prior to 1750. As yet, there was little migration to the interior of the
Colony of Virginia, and the comparatively few who had gone into the then wilds went mainly to hunt and fish,
collecting furs for sale to dealers in the larger settlements of the colony. It is interesting to note that
the plantations had their own wharves and did considerable trading on their own, both locally and with other
colonies. They had sizable ships which went down the rivers and along the coast, south to the Carolinas and
north to New York, and occasionally to New England colonies.
"Virtually all traveling was done by boats on the rivers and along
the coast line and by horseback or carriage on the trails or rough roads. It very often took days to cover the
same distance as we can cover in an hour or so in the cars almost each of us now own. (If there is anyone here
who doesn't own a car, I think that can be fixed by having them appointed as Stewards next year.)
"All of this historical background is just to recall to you what
you learned in elementary school and is necessary to understand conditions back in those years‑when Masonry
was becoming more recognized in the Virginia Settlements, an area in which the population through the 18th
century was almost entirely dependent, either directly or indirectly upon the tobacco for a livelihood.”
"It was quite common for the plantation owners in the early half
of the 18th century to send their sons to the Mother Country for education in the schooling and social graces.
Records indicate that many of them were initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry. Some very few of the
wealthier early settlers who came to the New World for various reasons were Masons who had little opportunity
to mingle with their Brother Masons because of the lack of Lodges in their new home locale. However, it was
quite common in other colonies in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, for a group of Masons to gather
together and "make" Masons of worthy men of the day, and it would be very unusual if the same practice did not
prevail in Virginia.
"There is still considerable controversy as to when and where the
first Masonic Lodge was established in what is now the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the limited time I have
had available, I have been able to locate some evidence of a Lodge actually operating as early as 1728. Rt.
Worshipful Brother Mosely Brown mentions one Lodge as being active in 1729, and states that the first
chartered Lodge was established in Norfolk in 1733, or 214 years ago! An English publication of 1759 lists two
Virginia Lodges.
"Available records indicate that there were from 10 to 15 lodges
operating in Virginia in 1777. These had obtained charters from various Grand Lodges including those of
England, Scotland, Ireland, Pennsylvania, and America. There had been occasional talk of establishing a
Virginia Grand Lodge and this was culminated by a meeting called for May 6, 1777 at Williamsburg. All known
lodges were invited and five responded, each being chartered by the different Grand Lodges I just mentioned.
It was decided that since Masonic work could and had been done in "3's" sufficient representation was present
to go about the business of the moment. After the numerous but necessary preliminaries, Most Worshipful
Brother John Blair was installed as the first Grand Master of Masons in Virginia on October 13, 1778.
"To determine just who were the Founders of Masonry in Virginia
you need but to look into your History books and any Virginian you find listed there, with very few
exceptions, you will also find in the records of our Ancient Order. Just let me list a few: Washington, Blair,
Madison, Rose, Waddill, Stewart and Kemp. Now the list is not confined to those alone since we find the
honorable trader, craftsman, farmer listed as well. One interesting thing to me was the absence of the well
known name of Lee in the Masonic records of those days.
"Founders of Masonry in Virginia came from all walks of life, from
the military, the statesman, the doctors, the plantation owners, hunters and dealers of the day. There were
architects and scholars, carpenters and clerks, lawyers and judges, sailors and even mechanics, or machinists,
as some of them prefer to be called nowadays. Considering the natural changes in the progress of civilization,
the membership was not too much different from that of Cherrydale Lodge. There were Englishmen and Irishmen,
Dutchmen and German, Frenchmen and Swede, and one or two Indians were also reported to have been introduced
into the mysteries.
"Our present. Grand Master very wisely decided it was suitable at
this time that we honor those brethren who participated in the formation of the Grand Lodge on October 13,
1778. Therefore, we are gathered at this called communication to pay honor to those departed Brethren who 169
years ago today established our Grand Lodge and elected our first Grand Master, John Blair, who was a Past
Master of Williamsburg Lodge. The officers chosen for this Provisional Lodge were Robert Andrews, Master;
James M. Fontane, Senior Warden; James Willison, Junior Warden; Duncan Rose, Treasurer; and William Waddell,
Secretary. It should be of interest to note the Lodges from which these and other delegates to the Sessions of
this Assembly came. Masonic records show that Duncan Rose was from Blandford Lodge; Robert Andrews, William
Waddill, James McClurg and John Minson Galt from Williamsburg Lodge; James Fontane and Christopher Pryor from
Botetourt Lodge, and James Willison, James Bolscher and John Crawford from Cabin Point Royal Arch Lodge.
"These Brethren, and their associates, are the ones we are
assembled tonight to do honor; they were the Founders of the Grand Lodge of Virginia as it is today. It is
right that we gather here in their memory, for were it not for their vision and foresight it would have been
many years before the Masons in Virginia would have come out from under the jurisdiction of "foreign" control.
Delay in setting up a Grand Lodge here would also have slowed up progress in this Commonwealth, and it is not
difficult to believe that Masonry in Virginia would not have recorded the development it has in the past 169
years. We who now enjoy the privileges and benefits of the Grand Lodge of Virginia cannot pay too much honor
to these departed Brethren and their immediate successors.
"Most Worshipful Brother Stephenson has suggested the most
desirable manner in which each Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction can honor the memory of the historic Greats of
our Order. How better can we give honor to our departed ones than by preparing our future Masons for the task
that lies ahead. 1 believe you will all agree that the children at the Masonic home are the responsibility of
each Mason of this State. It is a responsibility we cannot and will not shirk. The home is truly a Temple of
Living Stones, and our duty is to keep it so. As a memorial to the living, as well as the dead, it should be
made into a monument of such standing and magnitude that it will so be recognized throughout the Nation by
Masons and non-Masons.
"You now have the opportunity, and I use the word advisedly, of
taking part in such an endeavor. Most Worshipful Grand Master Stephenson has suggested that an amount equal to
$2.00 for each Master Mason be subscribed in this Grand Jurisdiction for the Endowment Fund of the Home in
memory of Founder's Day. By doing so, we have each been given the opportunity of cementing still stronger that
bond of fellowship which unites us into one sacred band or society among whom no contention should ever exist
save that noble contention, or rather emulation of those who best work and best agree. Many of you have
already answered his request, relayed to you through a Lodge Committee, and most of you have been liberal
indeed. I believe that most of the others have felt it would be more desirable to make your donation at the
Special Communication called for Founder's Day. As Chairman of this Committee, I am going to use my
prerogative by asking Brothers to go into the ante room and each bring in a hat which they will present in the
East. After this has been done I will make my final remarks.
"Brethren your Most Worshipful Grand Master has asked for
donations in memory of your Masonic Founders for the Endowment Fund of your home. Some of you have already
given very liberally and the rest of you now have that opportunity. The appointed Brethren will pass among you
for this purpose, and I urge you to give as liberally as you can without material injury to yourself,"
WB Vingoe at the meeting of October 16th introduced Brother Dana
Johnson, a minister of the Lutheran Church, invited to speak on this occasion. Brother Johnson gave an
interesting talk on the need for each individual to search his own heart and mind to see if he is doing the
necessary things to overcome local and world problems.
Cherrydale Lodge at the stated meeting on November 6th voted to
concur in the recommendation of Columbia Lodge of WB Stanley Schreiner for appointment as DDGM of District #54
for the coming year. WB Vingoe announced that he would close early since the girls from Bethel #1, Order of
Job's Daughters, would be visiting the lodge to exemplify their work.
Past Masters' Night, which had been awaited with keen
anticipation, arrived on November 20th with RWB Fred Doe in charge. The Past Masters conferred a master
mason's degree in their usual outstanding manner and thereafter gave "wise and serious" advice to the officers
and members of Cherrydale Lodge.
The audit committee report and the election and installation of
officers for 1948 occupied the attention of the Lodge on December 18th. Brother Albert Wright was elected
Master; Brother Hefflebower, as Senior Warden; Brother John A. Wiseman, Junior Warden; Brother R. W. Hannemann,
as Secretary to suceed Brother C. P. (Pete) Kale; Brother M. I. Talley, Senior Deacon; and Brother Elmer W.
Wiseman was elected Junior Deacon, he being the son of the newly elected Junior Warden.
Ninety three degrees were conferred during 1947, the largest
number to date. There was a net increase in membership of 32, bringing the total to 239. Worshipful Brother
Erle Kirby served as the installing officer. Worshipful Brother Parker announced that a provisional lodge of
Past Masters would be held at Concord Lodge #307 on January 3rd. A motion was made and approved at this
meeting, that the lodge be authorized to pay the expenses of the stationed officers while attending Grand
Lodge.
Since the first meeting of 1948 fell on January 1st, New Year's
Day, the Master announced that it would be a short business meeting only and the lodge would close in record
time‑8:10 P.M. Degree work decreased slightly this year but it was ample to keep the officers busy in this
important area of lodge endeavors. As to the other areas an effort will be made to trace the highlights as was
done in preceding years.
Following Grand Lodge Sessions the Master made a report on
February 19th on changes in procedures in the catechism as corrected by the Grand Lodge School. At the meeting
of March 18th a communication from the Grand Master, MWB Charles E. Webber was read in which he outlined the
many things he wished the lodges to accomplish during his year. He stressed the importance of attendance at
lodge meetings, an annual Ladies Night, strict adherence to the ritual and the renewal of subscriptions to the
Masonic Herald.
The DDGM, RWB Stanley Schreiner, paid an official visit to the lodge on April
1st. Twenty members and 25 visitors were present. Six Past Masters of other lodges were welcomed and there
were present, also, the Master of Sharon Lodge, WB Albert E. Gorham; and WB James H. Nuttycombe, Master of
Columbia Lodge. Brother Schreiner outlined in detail the program of the Grand Master, and spoke of his own
conviction that more attention should be given to educating all of the members in the work of the Grand Lodge,
suggesting that there be a special meeting in September designated Grand Lodge Night for this purpose. An
invitation was received on April 15th from Jobs' Daughters requesting our presence at a Masonic and Eastern
Star Night on Friday, April 16th, and the Master expressed hope that there would be a large attendance of
members of the lodge.
On May 6th a communication was read from the Grand Master
commending the lodge on its fine condition and the good work it was doing in the community as reported to him
by the DDGM. RWB Schreiner was present at this meeting. Also at this meeting a petition was received from Mr.
Joel Thomas Broyhill, a realtor and builder (now U. S. Congressman from the 10th District of Virginia). Mr.
Broyhill was elected on June 3rd to receive his entered apprentice degree. WB Wright appointed a committee on
July 15th, consisting of RWB Fred Doe, Chairman; RWB Harry Clark and RWB Hugh Reid, to give talks on Grand
Lodge proceedings at the first meeting in September. This was to carry out the suggestion previously made by
the DDGM. Mr. George S. Douglass, Jr., son of the Treasurer, WB George S. Douglass, Sr., and Mr. Joel T.
Broyhill, were initiated as entered apprentices on August 5th. A committee was appointed on August 19th with
Brother E. Ray Lawyer as Chairman, to prepare a Ladies Night Program; at the same meeting WB George Douglass
was named to chair the annual Past Masters' Night.
On September 2nd, RWB Hugh Reid made an interesting and
instructive talk on Grand Lodge proceedings and gave a brief history of the forming of the Grand Lodge of
Virginia as well. R WB Stanley Schreiner added some remarks on the history of early Virginia masonry, and also
amplified the remarks of RWB Reid concerning the proceedings of Grand Lodge.
The Worshipful. Master announced on September 16th that Founders'
Night would be celebrated on October 13th, 1948, at Columbia Lodge‑the meeting to be a joint celebration with
Columbia Lodge as well as Arlington Centennial lodge. Brother Ray Lawyer reported progress on Ladies Night and
asked that the Secretary send formal invitations to the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron and members of Arlington
Chapter #39 of the Order of the Eastern Star to attend Ladies Night on November 6th.
On Past Masters' Night, September 23rd, the Chairman, WB George
Douglass, assisted by other Past Masters, had the rare privilege of raising his son, George Jr. Following the
degree, a number of the Past Masters gave interesting and instructive talks, as did RWB Renah Camalier, Senior
Grand .Deacon of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and Past Master of Benjamin B. French Lodge #15,
Washington, D.C. On the night of September 30th, a future Master, Homer Floyd Cooper, was initiated into the
mysteries of freemasonry.
Worshipful Brother J. C. Parker moved on October 7th that the
lodge recommend WB Louis Bulicek for appointment as DDGM for the 54th Masonic District for the ensuing year,
1949, which motion was unanimously approved. Brother Bulicek at the time was the Associate Guardian of Bethel
#4, Job's Daughters, in Alexandria, Va.
The communication which the Grand Master, MWB Charles E. Webber,
had specifically directed, was convened on October 13th, 1948, for the purpose of honoring the Founders of the
Grand Lodge, in joint communication with Columbia and Arlington Centennial Lodges. The meeting was opened at
8:05 P.M. in Columbia Lodge hall, Clarendon, with RWB Stanley Schreiner presiding as Master. Eighty-eight
members of the three Lodges were in attendance as well as 10 visitors, including MWB William R. Weisiger, Past
Grand Master of Virginia, who was the principal speaker. In his address he told of the early forming of
subordinate lodges in Virginia and gave a full history of the forming of the Grand Lodge, by the
representatives of four Virginia lodges 170 years ago; and how Honorable John Blair, Jr., one-time Governor of
Virginia was elected the first Grand Master of Masons in Virginia; also a resume of the business transacted at
the early meetings of the Grand Lodge. Continuing, he spoke of some of the accomplishments of the Grand Lodge
in succeeding years and concluded with information pertaining to the Masonic Home of Virginia and the
necessity for all Virginia Masons to assist with the support of the Home and the education of the children
there. Brother Schreiner made an explanation of the necessity for increasing the Endowment Fund of the Home,
and an opportunity was offered for those present to make contributions for that purpose.
Brothers Hilton D. Bateman and Homer F. Cooper were both raised on
December 2nd and both became Master of Cherrydale Lodge in due time‑Brother Bateman in 1961 and Brother Cooper
in 1963.
The annual election of officers was held on December 16th and
Brother William David Hefflebower was elected Master for 1949; Brother John A. Wiseman was elected Senior
Warden; Brother M. I. Talley, Junior Warden; Brother Elmer W. Wiseman, Senior Deacon; and Brother Leroy G.
Barghausen was the successful candidate for Junior Deacon. WB Julius Schnitzer served as installing officer.
The Audit Committee report showed a total membership of 261, a net gain of 22, at the end of 1948.
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