Chapter 4:  1949 - 1957
              | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 |

     The year 1950 had a most unusual start when the Worshipful Master Brother John Wiseman lived up to his name and called a meeting for December 22nd, 1949. Since 1950 had all the appearances of being another busy year, Brother Jack wished to utilize this date to get started early and future events proved him to be very wise indeed as there were 84 degrees (4 courtesy) conferred. He also thereby probably established a record for called communications (25) during the year, WB Hefflebower, the Junior Past Master, offered a motion at the meeting of January 5th that an additional sum of $15.00 be appropriated to reimburse Brother Paul Bischoff for making the past master's jewel. Brother Bischoff, however, objected on the grounds that his efforts were a labor of love for his lodge; whereupon, WB Schnitzer offered an amended motion that" the sum of $15 be appropriated and presented to the Masonic Home of Virginia in the name of Brother Bischoff. Brother Bischoff acquiesced in the latter proposal and it was so ordered.

     A letter dated January 6, 1950, from Brother Frank M Steadman, presenting a copy of a petition for the formation of a new lodge to be located in East Falls Church, was received at the second stated meeting in January (19th). The petition signed by 35 members (Master Masons) was ordered laid over for action at the stated meeting of February 16th. At the latter meeting, R WB Louis Bulicek moved that this lodge concur in the petition, and the Secretary, after a vote of approval was ordered to inform the "Acting Secretary" of the proposed new lodge of Cherrydale Lodge's concurrence.

     Brother Bulicek at the meeting of February 22nd gave an interesting talk about the work of the Jobs Daughters and again urged as many as possible to attend their meetings whenever it was possible to do so. On February 23rd there was a called communication to initiate two candidates and to commemorate George Washington's Birthday. Speakers on this occasion were Brother Arthur L. Maiden, RWB Hugh Reid and RWB Fred H. Doe, all of whom spoke of George Washington as a Man and a Mason.

     Brother Elmore Newlon gave an interesting but brief description of the Home at the meeting of March 16th. He spoke of the progress of its educational facilities and expressed the belief that every Virginia mason viewing the Home would come away feeling proud. Brother Lawyer gave a brief talk on the catechisms, stating that the proficiency of this lodge is almost perfect as checked against the work he observed recently at the Grand Lodge School in Richmond. Brother Talley made a few remarks on the history of Cherrydale Lodge, reminding the brethren that due to its hardships of the past every member should now feel proud that it came through with flying colors.

     RWB Edward Buckley, DDGM for the 54th District, was present at the meeting of March 20th. He was formally welcomed and made a brief address, making particular reference to the Masters and Wardens Association and congratulating it upon the fine work it was doing to keep the bonds of fellowship alive within the District. Thereafter, the Master welcomed the Masters of Columbia, Concord, Glebe U.D., Arlington Centennial and Sharon Lodges. WB Lloyd B. Lucas, President of the Masters and Wardens Assn., assumed the East since that group was to confer the master mason's degree. He congratulated the side line members on the excellent work they had done in conferring the previous master mason's degree and permitted himself to wonder whether he and his fellow officers could do as well. The Secretary recorded that his moments of doubt were not justified.

     Prospective new aprons for the officers made their appearance at the meeting of April 6th when the Master displayed a sample which was circulated among the members, after which, WB Schnitzer made a motion that the lodge purchase a complete set of 12. The motion was carried and the Secretary was requested to submit the order.

     Two new petitions were received on May 4th, one of them being that of John Randolph Conner, formerly of Markham, Va. (a future Master); four more were received at the second May meeting (18th). On May 25th the Master announced that the first degree to be conferred that night on Mr. Manley Pollard (a future Master) would be conferred by his fellow workers from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

     The DDGM for District #54 was received on June 1st and upon assuming the East formally welcomed the Masters of the six Lodges consisting of WB Milton Brooke, Glebe, U.D., and WBs Williams, Concord #307; J. A. Wiseman, Cherrydale #42; Lloyd Lucas, Columbia #285; Irving Hood, Sharon #327 and Bushong of Arlington Centennial, #81. RWB Buckley then spoke of the excellent caliber of the officers of the lodges in the District and how encouraged he was by their support of him in his visits throughout the District. RWB Reid also made a brief talk regarding the creation of. a Virginia Lodge of Masonic Research the past Saturday, May 27, 1950, which Lodge was authorized by the Grand Lodge. He gave a short summary of the history of such an institution and explained the purpose of its formation and the nature of its functions.

     On July 6th WB William Hefflebower submitted an amendment to the by-laws of the lodge to provide for the appointment of a committee of not less than three members to make an investigation and report to the lodge on the moral and physical qualifications of every petitioner before the expiration of the statutory period, unless the time be extended by the Master or by the lodge. This motion was approved at the meeting of August 17th.

     Brother M. I. Talley, the Senior Warden, at the request of the Master on August 3rd, explained the new jurisdictional map which he had prepared showing the concurrent jurisdiction of the various lodges in the vicinity. He pointed out that the concurrent area was all that territory south of Columbia Pike and the Northern boundary of the City of Alexandria?and was concurrent among all the lodges in Alexandria and Arlington County. He pointed out that the new realignment was in conformity with the ruling of the Grand Lodge at its last session in February.

     During the meeting of September 21st, the Master announced that there would be a special communication on October 13th for the observance of Founder's Day pursuant to the Grand Master's proclamation, and appointed a committee to solicit contributions to the Endowment Fund of the Masonic Home of Virginia. The members of this committee were: Brother Elmore L. Newlon, Chairman; and Brothers E. Ray Lawyer, Gordon Marcey, L. T. Christenson and Bruce W. McNamee. He also announced that Cherrydale "Family Night" would be held on October 20th at the Firemen's Hall; also, that beginning with the first meeting in October the officers of the lodge would be expected to adorn themselves with their usual formal attire.

     RWB Reid made an excellent speech at the Founder's Day program on October 13th. Brother Reid, Past Master of Cherrydale Lodge, and Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge, in the words of the Secretary, "proceeded to give a most enlightening talk by first reviewing briefly the history of Masonic Lodges in general and more particularly those in the Commonwealth of Virginia." He traced the ancestry of our lodges located along the Eastern seaboard of our Commonwealth including their origin and descent from our age-old predecessors across the Atlantic—pointing out a few dissimilarities in the procedural forms between those of the earlier days and our lodges as we know them today. Of particular interest was the fact that our earlier brethren opened and transacted their business on the first degree.

     He then directed his remarks along the line that there prevails an erroneous impression that our established ritual constitutes the life-blood of masonry but instead he insisted that we should think of the Brotherhood of Man as being the life-blood of our fraternity. After establishing this thought his discourse quite naturally flowed to the subject of human charity, thus culminating in the great and merciful deeds being performed by the Masons of Virginia through our Masonic Home. He concluded by urging that each of the brethren search deeply into his resources—coming up with as liberal a contribution as he possibly can toward the support and maintenance of that Home. Brother Newlon then reported that as of this date a collection of more than $100 had been received.

     An amendment to the by-laws was approved on October 19th increasing the Secretary's salary to $240 per annum, payable in equal monthly installments. On November 2nd the lodge concurred in the recommendation of Arlington Centennial Lodge #81 that WB Philip O. Shepherd, Jr. be appointed DDGM for pi strict #54 for the coming year. The Master announced that November 16th would be Past Masters' Night and urged that as many as possible attend the Eastern Star's Masonic Night at Firemen's Hall on November 13th. The Secretary announced that all 1949 dues had been paid, and that it had not been necessary to issue a single citation. WB Douglass reported that he had recently had a visit with Brother Samuel F. Cooper at his home in Freedom, New Hampshire, and he also read a letter from Brother Cooper enclosing a donation to the Masonic Home.

     At the meeting of November 16th the Secretary read a letter from the Secretary of Columbia Lodge dated November 11th stating that a resolution had been favorably acted upon in Columbia Lodge on November 6th requesting the Grand Master to issue a dispensation establishing concurrent jurisdiction among the lodges of Arlington County in the remainder of the county which lies north of Columbia Pike. The letter requested Cherrydale Lodge to concur in this resolution. This request was laid over until the stated meeting of December 7th.

     The 16th being Past Masters' Night the Master requested WB Erle Kirby to preside. Brother Kirby received the DDGM, R WB Buckley, who expressed his pleasure at being present when 25 year pins were to be presented to the brethren entitled to them. Brother Kirby then presented these pins to 32 of the brethren and it was announced that those absent would receive their emblems by mail. After this ceremony the Past Masters made brief addresses containing, according to the Secretary, many words of praise of the present officers; although there was some effort to interject a small amount of deflationary seasoning.

     The letter from Columbia Lodge previously referred to was discussed on December 7th. It was concluded by the lodge not to concur for reasons stated in a formal resolution adopted and forwarded to Columbia Lodge. Following action on this resolution the lodge was called to refreshment at which time there was given a masonic play entitled "The Greatest Of These," written by MWB Carl H. Claudy, Past Grand Master of the District of Columbia. The play was enacted by ten members of Cherrydale Lodge and was warmly received.

     Election of officers for 1951 was held on December 21, 1950, and Brother Maurice Ivan Talley was elected Master. Brother Elmer Wiseman was advanced to Senior Warden; Brother Leroy Barghausen, Junior Warden; Brother Elmore Newlon, Senior Deacon; and Brother Carl C. Comley was elected Junior Deacon. The new officers were installed by WB Cecil Vingoe, who later moved and the lodge approved that the line officers including the Deacons, have their expenses at the Grand Lodge paid by the lodge.

     There were 84 degrees (4 courtesy) conferred during the year and the year ended with a net gain of 23, for a total membership of 315.

     During the year 1951, 25 petitions were received, but only 17 of them were raised to the master mason's degree during the year. The explanation for this lies in the fact that eight petitions were received late in the year at the second meeting in October. This situation permitted the Master to conduct 13 special programs, to which the following paragraphs will be devoted.

The Master, WB M.I. Talley at the meeting of January 18th formally received RWB James (Jake) Sherrier, PDDGM for District #1, who gave an informative and interesting discourse on the history of freemasonry as it existed in the early days of Tidewater Virginia prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia..

     He pointed out that during the early colonial days of Virginia most of the settlements were located along the waterfronts of the various rivers and bays‑and of special interest was the fact that ships from England were able to dock at Fredericksburg. There was in those days no "Westward Expansion" and the early lodges were necessarily formed in the Eastern Provinces such as Norfolk where Lodge #1 is located; Port Royal, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg and others.

     He discussed the chartering of those first lodges from Scotland and England, and went into some detail explaining the various attempts to form a Grand Lodge, which incidentally was at a time when independence was "in the air," and at a time when Virginia masons, being the first imbued with such an atmosphere, were desirous of severing their subservience to "foreign" Grand Masters. He said that several attempts were made to elect General George Washington as first Grand Master, but he declined on the grounds that he had not been a Master of a lodge, and also because of his limitless duties with the Continental Army, which then was being mobilized to thwart campaigns of the British forces.

     Notwithstanding this situation the first independent Grand Lodge of Virginia was finally formed at Williamsburg on October 13, 1778, at which the assembled representatives of several lodges elected John Blair, then Past Master of the Williamsburg Lodge, and acting Governor of Virginia, as the first Grand Master. Brother Sherrier concluded by suggesting that through such men as George Washington, Patrick Henry, Edmond Randolph, James Madison and James Monroe, all of whom were masons, there was imparted to the Assembly which ratified the Constitution of the United States the fundamental teachings of freemasonry.

     The Master requested at the meeting of February 1st, that the Senior Warden, Brother Elmer Wiseman, give a reading from the Book of Constitutions. Then at the meeting of February 17th a roll was called of the brethren whose anniversaries in Cherrydale Lodge fell in this month and three brethren responded; Brothers E. E. Hoover, J. W. Thatcher and Eldridge Garrett. This appears to be a fairly good number for the second month of the Masonic year. A committee was appointed by the Master consisting of RWB Reid and WBs William Hefflebower and W. Crawford Edwards to determine what type of memento from Cherrydale Lodge would be placed in the Cornerstone of the new portion of Fredericksburg Lodge #4, which the Grand Lodge of Virginia would lay at an Emergent Communication on a date to be announced later. The Secretary, Brother Arch Brown gave a brief talk concerning the influence of Masonry during the Colonial period of our Country.

     WB Charles C. Wall, Past Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22 was received at a called communication on Washington's Birthday in 1951 and he gave an unusually informative address covering some of the highlights of the life of George Washington whose birthday was being celebrated at this meeting, especially called for the purpose. Then Superintendent of Mt. Vernon, with a personal and keen interest in WB Washington, Brother Wall was especially equipped to give the lodge intimate views of the man not ordinarily obtainable. He stated that a great deal of myth, legend and folklore—some innocent and some malicious—had through the ages obscured the true picture of Washington the man and human being, possessed of a true and normal balance. He then called attention to the fact that at the Constitutional Convention which lasted through many weeks of raging debate it was Virginia—whose delegation was no doubt subject to Washington's influence—which cast the balance of votes which spelled ratification. A further point of interest was the fact that Washington was neither a conservative nor a Federalist, but instead chose to consider himself—and in fact was—a nonpartisan. Brother Wall also discussed Washington's financial status and stated emphatically that while he was what might be considered "comfortable"— he was not wealthy in the strict meaning of the term. In the last three years of his life it was necessary for him to sell land in order to "keep afloat." This, said Brother Wall, was due in large part to the fact that Washington "never felt able to decline acts of benevolence to his friends and neighbors without a feeling of deep uneasiness."

    Brother Harry W. Carver at the meeting of March 1st presented the Past Master's jewel of RWB Herbert R. Tucker, in behalf of his widow, for preservation in the custody of the lodge. WB Hefflebower, speaking on behalf of the committee previously appointed to determine the type of memento to be included in the Cornerstone of Fredericksburg Lodge #4 addition, read a resolution of respect for the Masonic and historical traditions surrounding the early Colonial Lodge there. He proposed that this resolution and a small photograph thereof be forwarded to Fredericksburg Lodge; the resolution itself for the records of that Lodge, the small photograph of it to be placed in the Cornerstone on March 3, 1951. This proposal was unanimously approved by the lodge.

     A call of the roll on March 15th of the brethren whose anniversaries in Cherrydale Lodge fell in the month of March showed nine present and there was one letter of regret that official business made his attendance impossible. Thereafter, RWB Doe was introduced as the principal speaker of the evening, selected by the Committee on Masonic Education. He gave a fine talk concerning the forming of the first Grand Lodge in 1717. He pointed out that historically masonry is divided into the period prior to the year 1717 and the period subsequent thereto. The year 1717 was the year of birth of the Grand Lodge of London, recognized as the Premier Grand Lodge of Masonic authority. In the years immediately following 1717 the authority of the new Grand Lodge did not extend beyond the four lodges whose action had brought it into being. Many lodges in England, Scotland and Ireland, and even in London, did not recognize the authority of the Grand Lodge of London or become a part of it. Other lodges formed other Grand Lodges but as time passed so far as America was concerned there survived in England only the Grand Lodge of London which later became the Grand Lodge of England. Subsequently independent Grand Lodges were formed in Scotland and Ireland which had an important bearing on American masonic history.

    Masonic funeral services were held for RWB Joseph L. May, Sr., on April 5th, 1951. Religious services were held at the Cherrydale Methodist Church with burial in Columbia Gardens Cemetery, where Masonic services were conducted. Brother May served as the sixth Master of Cherrydale in 1927.

The Master closed the meeting of April 5th early so that the Order of DeMolay could confer their degrees on several candidates. He asked all members who could possibly do so to remain and witness the fine work of these boys. The Committee on Masonic Education chose RWB Hugh Reid as the speaker for the meeting of April 19th. He opened his remarks on the subject' 'Origins of Freemasonry" by stating that Masonic historians, except for the past century, have not approached their subject in the manner employed by ordinary historians—in that they have failed to follow the line of their subject closely. Instead they have followed a "hit and miss line," based on legend to a large extent, thereby bringing into their writings many weird and horrid mysteries which, though entertaining, have been unbelievably fantastic. He said that none of them have looked to the obvious source by examining the workings of operative masonry, which is odd indeed when we consider that we are told over and over again that it is from operative masonry that what we know as speculative masonry has evolved. We have, therefore, had handed down to us many volumes of inaccuracies pertaining to the craft. He pointed to one of the historians, named Anderson, who has been responsible for many untruths, notwithstanding the fact that many living masons could have set him right. But, apparently he preferred not to extend himself by extensive and painstaking research, and prepared his studies along the lines of embroidering many myths and legends upon the basic fundamentals of freemasonry.

     Brother Reid pointed out how practically all our lodges can trace their origin and so-called title deeds to the Grand Lodge of England, Ireland or Scotland, which were the first to develop speculative masonry from operative masonry; and he stated that the fore-runner of most of our masonry evolved from some of the early guilds, which were organized for the purpose of invoking self-help. In this connection, at the time of and following the Norman Conquest, the British Isles were operating under a feudal system and many guilds were formed as a protection against the oppressions inherent in the system. Subsequently they became a part of city governments, and later formed into groups of masons and freemasons. With respect to the latter, the word "freemason" properly means "craft" or "skill" instead of "mystery", which more accurately applied to the Church and its doctrines. The "Freemasons" formed a Constitution much like the Constitutions of Freemasonry in existence today. He concluded by saying that in his opinion it is much finer to think of masonry as having grown from democratic principles of men binding themselves together for self-protection and the development of lofty ideals, rather than to be too deeply immersed in much of the foggy theories which, in the final analysis, are based on everything but fact.

     WB John C. Parker was welcomed on the evening of May 17th, as the Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education, and as the principal speaker of the evening. His subject was "Masonry in Northern Virginia." Brother Parker traced the origin of masonry generally and explained that Royal Arch Masonry has always been a part of Ancient Craft Masonry. He added that while George Washington played a prominent part in the craft in Virginia, there were many other outstanding leaders during the early days who were instrumental in the growth of masonry in the Commonwealth. He said he was impressed by the fact that early masons always took an influential part in the leadership of local communities in Virginia. At this same meeting Brother Willis Hurd, former Secretary, read a poem entitled "Shooter's Hill” which he had written in May 1932, and had dedicated to the late MWB Harry K. Green, who passed away March 12th, 1951.

     The serious illness of the Master, Brother Talley, was reported at the meeting of June 7th by the Senior Warden. He stated that Brother Talley would be in Doctors' Hospital, Washington, for quite a while and that upon his release it would be necessary for him to recuperate at home for a long period. Meanwhile, Brother Wiseman stated he would carryon as best he could and asked that everyone lend their support. The DDGM for District #54, RWB Philip O. Shepherd, Jr., paid his official visit at this same meeting. The Masters of the five other lodges were present and he thanked them for their support, and expressed his regret that WB Talley was physically unable to be present but congratulated the other officers on the fine way they were carrying on in his absence. He then proceeded with a brief resume of the highlights of the recent conference of the DDGMs, presided over by the Grand Secretary and attended by the Grand Master.

     Brother Elmer Wiseman, the Master pro tem, reported on June 21st on the condition of Brother Talley, and stated that while the crisis had passed he would remain in the hospital two or three weeks. He suggested that when he returned home, the brethren who wished to visit him clear it with brother Joe Harris to make arrangements for their visit, and thus avoid a large gathering at one time. WB Parker, as education chairman, answered two questions which had been received by the Question box, as follows: (1) Why do we not salute the Flag in Cherrydale Lodge? (2) Is the reference to Masonry in the year 900 A.D. a legend or a fact? He stated that there was no law or edict of the Grand Lodge with respect to a salute to the Flag and that it was left to the discretion of the individual Masters of subordinate lodges as to whether or not such a ceremony should be followed. With respect to the second question, he said, it was purely legend—there being no written record of masonry going back to the year 900.. Thereafter, WB William Hefflebower, gave an address on "St. John the Baptist" and he was followed by WB Convass B. Dean, P.M. of St. John's Lodge #11, Washington, on the subject, "The Rights and Duties of a Master Mason." Both of these addresses were enthusiastically received.

     Reports at the stated meetings in July (5th & 19th) indicated that Brother Talley was improving and was now at home and able to have a few visitors. RWB Leonidas R. Littleton was the principal speaker at the latter meeting. He gave an interesting address on "Masonry's Contribution to American Statesmanship." This address included a long list of outstanding statesmen, beginning with our Presidents on down to the various officers in Government both National and State who were Master Masons.

    WB Julius Schnitzer was the speaker on August 16th, being chosen by the Committee on Masonic Education. He spoke on the subject "What Masonry means in everyday life." This address, like all those which had preceded it, was received with outstanding applause.

     The meeting of September 6th had been set aside for the official visitation of the Masters' & Wardens' Association. The Master pro tem welcomed the Masters of the other five lodges of the District as well as our own WB Talley, who was in his lodge for a brief visit during his recuperation. WB Chester Brasse, the President of the association, responded to the welcome and thereafter the members of the association conferred a Master Mason's degree on a Cherrydale fellowcraft.

     A proclamation from the Grand Master was read at the September 20th meeting and the Master announced that in compliance therewith a special communication would be called for October 13th to celebrate Founder's Day, this being the 173rd anniversary of the Grand Lodge's formation. He stated that the speaker for that occasion would be MWB Clarence D. Freeman. He also appointed the following committee to receive contributions to the Endowment Fund; Brother B. W. McNamee, Chairman and Brothers E. Ray Lawyer, L. T. Christianson and H. C. Kelley.

     The Master, Brother Talley, assumed his proper station at the meeting of October 4th for a short while, opened the lodge, and greeted the Past Masters. He congratulated Brother Wiseman for the fine work he had done in handling the affairs of the lodge during his long absence. It was announced that WB Erle Kirby had been appointed Chairman for the program for Past Masters' Night on November 15th, 1951. At a called communication for degree work on October 11th, Brother Talley was again in the East, indicating that his recovery was practically complete and he was now able to assume charge of the lodge. He congratulated Brother Newlon, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, on the splendid Family Night held the preceding Saturday at Stratford Junior High School. Brother Wiseman reviewed the events to come as reported in the Trestleboard.

     MWB Freeman made an excellent address on October 13th based upon 49 years experience as a Mason. The fact that he had become Grand Master is proof that those years were active ones in behalf of masonry. His words on the subject' 'What Masonry is, and what. it means obviously came from an expert on the subject. RWB Reid expressed his regret that the address had not been heard by thousands of masons. Brother Wiseman reported that the contributions to the Endowment Fund last year exceeded $300; and as of this evening $118 had been received this year. He expressed the hope that the final figures for 1951 would match or exceed the previous year's record.

     Eight petitions were received on October 18th and one of these was from Mr. Carl D. Ford (a future Master). WB Crawford Edwards, another speaker designated by the Masonic Education Committee, spoke concerning "The Morgan Affair and Anti-Masonry.'

     Cherrydale concurred in the recommendation of Sharon Lodge #327 that Brother Albert Gorham be appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master for 1952. This action was taken at the meeting of November 1st. The second stated in November was Past Masters' Night with WB Erle R. Kirby acting as master of ceremonies, and among other activities appropriate to the occasion, WB John A, Wiseman presented to the lodge a collection of photographs of a great portion of the Past Masters of Cherrydale Lodge, giving due credit to Brother Lon Thomas for his technical contribution to the project. The framed collection was placed upon the wall "for the benefit of posterity" according to the Secretary.

     The annual election of officers was held on December 20th and Brother Elmer W. Wiseman was elected Master for 1952. Brother Barghausen, as Senior Warden; Brother Newlon, as Junior Warden; Brother Comley, as Senior Deacon, and Brother E. Ray Lawyer was the successful candidate for Junior Deacon. Brother Philip J. Straley was elected Treasurer, to succeed WB Douglass who had held that office for 16 years. The father of the newly elected Master served as Installing Officer and this was a "first" for Cherrydale Lodge. WB John Wiseman had served as Master during 1950 and had been "in the line" for several years with his son.

     The audit committee report showed a net gain in membership of seven for a total of 322 at the close of 1951.

     The year 1952 was another busy one in degree work though the number of new petitions was down considerably from the preceding year. Many of the 1951 petitions were received too late for full processing and were left over for 1952. Further, speaking in general terms the receipt of petitions in the fifties was trending downward from the high peak reached in the late forties.

     Two stated and three called communications in January were occupied in the conferring of degrees, including one master mason's degree conferred by the Masters' & Wardens' Association on January 31st. The new Masters of the five other lodges in the District were welcomed as follows: Harold Upfold, Arlington Centennial Lodge; Leonard T. Golden, Columbia; James B. Small, Concord; John C. Hanley, Glebe; and Bright M. Carper, Sharon. However the degree was conferred by Past Masters with WB Chester Brasse in the East for the first section; WB Robert Sweetwood for the second section. WB Joseph Thompson, Concord, gave the lecture. This association had now become fairly strong as indicated by the number of times its activities are recorded in the minutes during this period.

     Four new petitions were received on February 7th and another on February 21st and at a called communication of February 28th two master mason's degrees were conferred. These comments are made to show that efforts were being made to keep the backlog of degree work within bounds and not because of any intention of the writer to trace all of the degrees at all of the meetings during the year.

    WB Wiseman at the meeting of March 6th designated the Senior Warden, Brother Barghausen, to represent him and the lodge at the installation of WB Albert Gorham as DDGM. He also asked for a report from previously appointed Brothers Barghausen and Newlon as co-chairmen of the committee on arrangements for the forthcoming 30th Anniversary of Cherrydale Lodge. They reported on the progress made to date, stating particularly that the tickets were available. A ticket committee was appointed consisting of WB John A. Wiseman, Chairman, and Brothers Pollard, Christianson, Comley, Lawyer, Copenhaver, McNamee, Guise, Kelley and Sizoo.

    Brother Bernard Suttler, special agent of the F.B.I. and President of the Alexandria Shrine Club, gave a talk at the meeting of March 13th on the subject "Masonry and the F.B.l." In a comparison he drew between the F.B.I. and Masonry he stated (1) that neither advertises for new business (2) in each, its members must be of good character (3) there are no infidels in either (4) there necessarily must exist good citizenship coupled with good fellowship (5) both must meet with openness and frankness and part in the same manner, and (6) the initiation in both is "rough."

     Movies were shown at the meeting of March 20th by Brother Wesley Harris showing many scenes along the Alcan Highway in Northwest Canada and Alaska. Also the committee on the 30th Anniversary reported on their progress and explained that in view of the necessity of making heavy financial commitments it was urgent that the sale of a certain number of tickets be insured in order to meet expenses and urged the purchase of these tickets by the brethren as soon as possible. Brother Newlon reported that the reason for the irregular attendance of WB Julius Schnitzer was due to a physical difficulty which requires a reasonably quiet routine and early retirement at night.

     A letter was read from the Chairman of the George Washington Bi-Centennial Committee at the meeting of April 17th, advising the lodge of a forthcoming essay contest on the Masonic life of George Washington—open to boys and girls who have masonic connections. The Master appointed a committee consisting of Brothers James Thomason, A.L.C. Newman and S. W. Burnett to handle the contest for the lodge.

     On May 1st Brother Elmore Newlon made a final report on the preparation for the banquet in celebration of Cherrydale Lodge's 30th Anniversary. He stated the situation looks very good, that arrangements have been made for 400 dinners and congratulated his committee as well as the ticket committee for their fine work in behalf of the project.

      Brother James F. Thomason, Chairman of the essay committee, read an open letter to the Masons of Virginia with respect to the forthcoming essay contest on the Masonic Life of George Washington, sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. He then made a motion that Cherrydale Lodge inaugurate a program of its own for the purpose of encouraging the children of our own lodge to participate in this worthwhile undertaking—setting forth certain rules for the guidance of the local committee and offering prizes totaling $102.50. After discussion and deliberation the motion was carried.

    The banquet in celebration of Cherrydale Lodge's 30th Anniversary held on May 3rd, 1952, was adjudged an outstanding success, with 400 in attendance. The principal speaker for the occasion was MWB James Noah Hillman, PGM and at that time the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Although his talk is not recorded it is remembered that he kept his audience spell-bound as he was a very gifted orator.

     WB William Hefflebower spoke also, on "Cherrydale Lodge in Review." These remarks were ordered spread on the minutes of the May 15th meeting and a copy of his address is attached thereto. It would be well worth quoting in full, except that the foregoing pages have covered the same ground in more detail, though probably with less felicity of expression. One paragraph is quoted from his opening remarks which seems to set the tone of his speech: "The present members, I feel, owe much to two different groups of brethren, separated by slightly more than a decade. The first group were the Charter Members of the lodge; the second group being those who had the foresight to undertake the acquisition of a Temple on almost nothing during a time when the country was just beginning to come out of the worst depression it had ever known. In the recollection of almost every Brother present tonight, several new Lodges have been initiated in this vicinity but all of them were instituted at a time when there were many seeking admittance to our Order, and when a meeting place could be obtained with little trouble."

     Brother Thomason reported on July 3rd a disappointing lack of interest in the essay project, and on August 7th, the deadline for the receipt of the essays, he reported that there were only two submitted—one by Mary Eloise Seiler, 14 year old daughter of Brother C. H. Seiler; the other by Gay Smith, 15 year old daughter of Brother Howard Smith. He moved that instead of having these two essays adjudged by the Cherrydale Lodge Committee, the first prize money of $25 and second prize money of $15 be put together and then divided between the two contestants, after which the Secretary will forward the two essays to the Grand Lodge Committee. This motion was carried by unanimous vote of the lodge.

      The annual Founder's Day Program was held in a joint communication with Glebe Lodge #181 in their hall at Columbia Pike and South Glebe Road on October 13th. The meeting was held pursuant to the usual proclamation of succeeding Grand Masters to celebrate the founding of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and to promote donations for the Endowment Fund of the Masonic Home. An excellent attendance of 160 Masons were present to hear RWB Orvin McLean Miles, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia.

     On October 16th the Master announced that he had appointed WB William D. Hefflebower as Chairman of the annual Past Masters' Night to be held on November 20th. Brother Carl D. Ford then demonstrated his qualifications to become Master eight years hence by advancing to the Alter and examining himself on the master mason's catechism. He earned an immediate reward of a Certificate of Proficiency. At the close of this meeting the George Washington Chapter of the Order of DeMolay presented itself and conferred one of its degrees for the information and edification of the brethren.

    A letter was read on November 6th from Arlington Chapter #39 O.E.S. inviting the members of Cherrydale Lodge to their annual Masonic Night on November 10th. A letter was also received from the Secretary of Columbia Lodge advising our lodge that on October 20th their lodge had voted to propose WB Theodore Reppen for appointment as DDGM for 1953 and asked for our concurrence which was cheerfully voted by the lodge. A proclamation was also read from the Grand Master directing that each lodge in Virginia assemble in a stated or called communication sometime during November to celebrate the Bi-Centennial of the initiation of Brother George Washington. The Master announced that in compliance therewith Brother Barghausen would address the lodge at this meeting, after the conclusion of other business. Brother Barghausen read Washington's Inaugural Address as being appropriate to the occasion. He proved the appropriateness of his selection in well-documented preliminary remarks, and the entire presentation was well received by those present.

     Past Masters' Night, which everyone—particularly the line officers—had been awaiting with carefully concealed enthusiasm, finally was held on November 20th. Brother Barghausen, the Senior Warden assumed the East, greeted the Past Masters, and recited the biography of each of them. Thereafter, WB Hefflebower, as chairman for the evening, called upon each individual Past Master for comments. "Whereupon there began a flow of oratory befitting only the Past Masters of Cherrydale Lodge in general, and on Past Master's Night in particular." (The quotation is from the secretary.)

     There followed what was probably a more serious presentation by WB Herbert A. Friede of Nelson Lodge #30, Wheeling West Virginia, concerning the "The utilization of radio and television in the educational field." He explained that Channel No. 26 has been allotted to the District of Columbia-Metropolitan area for the inauguration of an educational program which should prove to be a wonderful advantage to the many thousands of youths who are unable to attend classrooms, by bringing to them an opportunity for visual education.

     The annual election of officers was held on December 18th, 1952, when Brother Leroy Gus Barghousen was elected Master for 1953; Brother Elmore Newlon, as Senior Warden; Brother Carl C. Comley, Junior Warden; Brother Philip Straley, Treasurer; Brother Glen Glezen, Secretary, succeeding Brother Arch Brown; Brother E. Ray Lawyer, Senior Deacon; and Brother James F. Thomason was elected as Junior Deacon. WB Hefflebower installed the officers.

     The auditing committee report showed a net gain in membership of 18, for a total membership of 340.

     At the first meeting in 1953 on New Year's Day, WB Barghausen announced that it was planned to redecorate the Lodge hall and asked for volunteers to assist in this work.

     Funeral services were held on January 8th for WB George S. Douglass, Sr., who was Master of the lodge in 1934, Treasurer from 1936 through 1951, and Treasurer of the Temple Corporation since its formation in 1936. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery where Masonic services were held.

     RWB Albert Gorham, DDGM for the 54th District, was officially welcomed at a called communication on January 29th. He expressed his appreciation for the fine reception he had received each time he had visited Cherrydale and the other lodges in the District during the past year and expressed his pleasure on the condition of masonry in the District and the quality of work being performed. He then formally welcomed the six Masters of the Lodges in District 54 as follows: James S. McCurdy, Arlington-Centennial; James Page,  Glebe; Joseph Harry, Columbia; James Coulter, Concord, and our own Master, Brother Barghausen. The Masters' & Wardens' Association then, under direction of its President WB McCurdy, conferred the Master Mason's Degree. RWB Gorham assumed the East for the second section and Brother McCurdy delivered the lecture.

     The Masonic Home Endowment Fund Committee reported on February 5th that it had collected a total of $260.50 for the fund. Then on February 19th, RWB Reid gave a report on the establishment of a Masonic Home for the Aged at the recent Grand Lodge Session and expressed the hope that the brethren will give this new venture their full support.

     On March 5th the Master announced that WB Theodore Reppen was installed DDGM for District #54 at Columbia Lodge on March 2, 1953. The Master appointed a committee to arrange a "Fred Doe Night" consisting of WB John A. Wiseman, Chairman; WB Julius Schnitzer and WB William Hefflebower. Also a motion was made that RWB Fred Doe be elected as honorary member, which motion was laid over until the statutory period had expired. It was favorably acted upon at the meeting of March 19th, and the first stated meeting in April was designated as the night on which he would be honored.

     On April 2nd the Master announced that this night had been set aside to honor Brother Doe who is leaving the area soon. WB Schnitzer then assumed the East and requested RWB Louis Bulicek, the Senior Past Master and WB Elmer Wiseman the Junior Past Master to present RWB Doe. Brother Schnitzer then presented Brother Fred with an honorary membership certificate, a masonic ring, and a watch chain as tokens of esteem from his brethren, both in Cherrydale Lodge and throughout Arlington County. Brother Schnitzer then recounted many of the things Brother Doe had done for Cherrydale Lodge and the important part he played in helping to obtain and retain our temple. WB Palmer then presented a financial report on the Cherrydale Temple Corporation and stated that the excellent condition of that body was to a large extent due to Brother Fred's fine work. WB Crawford Edwards then presented to the lodge, in the name of Brother Doe, a picture of the members of the Board of Directors of the Temple Corporation, which was hung in the northeast corner of the lodge.

     Brother Doe thanked the lodge for the fine gifts presented him this evening, but most particularly the honorary membership and the many fine words which had been spoken about him at this meeting. He also stated that he regretted leaving his many friends and hoped that whenever any of the brethren were in Florida they would visit him. The Master announced that t regrets had been received from MWB John Stewart and RWB Leonidas Littleton because of their inability to be present.

     On AprIl 16th' the Secretary read a letter from Brother George Douglas, Jr., stating that he and his mother desired that his father's Past Master's Jewel remain With the lodge. The Master then presented the jewel of the late WB George, S. Douglass, Sr., and WB HoraceEllis placed it in the case with the other Jewels. This meeting having been set aside as Royal Arch Night, the Master welcomed all present Excellent Companions, all past High Priests, all past DDGHP's and Past Grand High priests as well as all of the companions who were present. WB John C. Parker and WB William Hefflebower then presented MWB James Noah Hillman, PGM of Masons in Virginia. Brother Hillman expressed his pleasure in being present and spoke concerning the reasons Master Masons should consider becoming members of the Royal Craft, emphasizing however, his belief that there is nothing higher than a Master Mason though further advancement will provide additional knowledge.

     The DDGM, RWB Theodore Reppen made his official visit on May 7th and enumerated the program of the Grand Master stressing these points: Support of the Masonic Home; support of the Youth programs—Job's Daughters and Order of Demolay; more family affairs by the lodges; visitations between the lodges; and, to guard well the West Gate. Concerning the latter point, Brother Reppen said that while it might be desirable to increase the numbers of masons, we should not compromise masonry by trying to induce men to join—we must continue to receive as members only those who actually seek membership. He then received the Masters of the six Lodges of the District.

     The Senior Warden, Brother Comley, delivered an address at the meeting of May 21st on that part of the Scriptures used in conferring the Master Mason's Degree.

     At the meeting of July 16th a letter was read from the Grand Secretary enclosing a drawing showing the details of the Home for the Aged to be erected on the grounds of the Masonic Home of Virginia. This project had been discussed by R WB Reid, the Deputy Grand Master, at the meeting of February 19th. At the meeting of November 7th, Brother Newlon reported on the cornerstone laying for this building which had been accomplished on October 24, 1953, with a large delegation present from District #54.

     One of the highlights of 1953 occurred on August 4th in a joint communication of the six Lodges of District #54 held at Concbrd Lodge, Vienna, Va. Cherrydale was represented by Brother Newlon and 19 members. All of the other lodges were well represented and there were delegations from Kemper, Henry Knox Field, Alexandria-Washington, and from Lexington, Danville, Lynchburg, Manassas and Herndon. There were brethren from 11 Grand Jurisdictions and one member from Germany, another from Hawaii. The Secretary of Concord added a note that some attendance cards were not filled out but a close estimate of the attendance would be 200. RWB Reppen, the DDTM for District #54, stated the purpose of the meeting was to observe the 200th Anniversary of the raising of WB George Washington. Following the usual introductions MWB William Mosely Brown captivated his audience from the moment of his introduction, holding his listeners in rapt attention to the end—and suddenly the scene passes in review to the writer as it will to others who were in attendance more than 13 years ago.

     At the meeting of September 17th a letter was read from Brother Reppen, the DDGM, stating that an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge had been called for October 24th, 1953, for the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the Home for the Aged. He stated that RWB Reid had suggested that this be a District event. The Master appointed a committee to receive donations for the Masonic Home EndoWment Fund consisting of Brother Newlon, Chairman; assisted by Brothers Comley, Copenhaver, Marcey, McNamee, Stevens and the regular Telephone Committee. Also that in accordance with the Grand Master's proclamation we will have a called communication on October 13th to observe Founder's Day with the Deputy Grand Master, RWB Reid as the speaker.

     Brother Comley announced at the meeting on October 1st that the annual Family Night would be held on Saturday, October 10th, at 8:00 P.M. with appropriate entertainment and refreshments and urged all of the brethren to attend with their wives and families.

     Founder's Day was celebrated on October 13th and RWB Hugh Reid gave a most interesting and informative talk on the formation of the Grand Lodge 175 years ago. He explained the reasons behind its formation and discussed the many difficulties encountered by the brethren of that time in this task. He told of our first Grand Master and some of those who immediately followed him and the high caliber of the men responsible for those early years of the Grand Lodge. He discussed the manner in which our Masonic Home was founded and pointed out that support of this Home is one of the obligations of ALL VIRGINIA MASONS! Brother Newlon, thereafter, reported that $173.50 in contributions for the Home had been received from approximately one-sixth of the membership of Cherrydale, and expressed the hope that a much larger amount would be forthcoming.

     A motion was made and unanimously carried at the meeting of October 15th that it be the pleasure of Cherrydale Lodge to recommend WB Clive W. Palmer to the Most Worshipful Grand Master for appointment as DDGM of District #54 for 1954. The Master ordered the Secretary to notify the other lodges in the District of this resolution. The Master then expressed his view that the Family Night held the preceding Saturday was an outstanding success and expressed his thanks to the committee Chairman, Brother Comley, as well as his committee members for their excellent work.

     On November 5th the Master announced the receipt from Brother Joseph L. May, Jr., of the Past Master's Jewel of his father, RWB Joseph L. May, Sr., and had it placed with the other jewels now in the custody of the Lodge.

     Past Masters' Night was celebrated on November 19th with RWB Littleton as Chairman. He called upon each of the Past Masters who in turn spoke of the "abilities" each of the line officers had displayed during the year. WB William Hefflebower, while "extolling" the Master, presented the Lodge with a stone taken from the White House which was under extensive repair. These stones had been accumulated for MWB Harry S. Truman, PGM of Missouri, while he was President of the United States. Brother Newlon reported that as of this date his committee had received $364.50 for the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, and at the following meeting, December 3rd, the amount had risen to $410.50.

     Annual elections were held on December 17th, 1953, when Brother; Elmore L. Newlon was elected Worshipful Master for 1954: Brother Carl Comley, as Senior Warden; Brother E. Ray Lawyer, Junior Warden; WB Elmer W. Wiseman was elected Treasurer to succeed Brother Straley; Brother Glen F. Glezen, Secretary; Brother James F. Thomason, Senior Deacon; and Brother Philip J. Straley was elected Junior Deacon. WB Maurice I. Talley installed the officers elected to serve in 1954.

     The auditing committee reported that there had been a net gain of nine members during the year for a total membership of 349.

     The Master, WB James F. Thomason and others reported at the meeting of February 21, 1957 on their visit to Grand Lodge held on February 12th, 13th and 14th. MWB Hugh Reid was appointed Chairman of the Grand Lodge Founders' Day

     Committee; RWB Edward H. Cann of Fredericksburg Lodge #4 was elected Grand Junior Deacon.

     The newly appointed DDGM, RWB James S. McCurdy, was received at the meeting of March 7, 1957, during which meeting a petition was received from Mr. Stewart Wilson Miner, who was destined to become Master in 1965. RWB McCurdy outlined the Grand Master's program for the year which included: Creating a lasting impression of masonry on new members; reactivating an interest in masonry in all masons; create greater and more general interest in the Masonic Home; improve our art of self-government in freemasonry; the freemason's part in community circles; the freemason's part in religious circles; improve our Masonic educational procedures and background; and to further the understanding of the Grand Lodge by the brethren. All six Masters of District #54 were formally welcomed by the DDGM. R WB Sinclair, who had been scheduled as principal speaker, was welcomed but suggested his speech be postponed on this occasion of the official visit of the DDGM.

     Brother Edward Young presented the lodge a beautiful hand embroidered pillow on March 14th and suggested that the old one he had presented 28 years ago be used in the entered apprentice degree, and the new one be used in the master mason's degree.

     A resolution adopted by Arlington Centennial Lodge #81 at its meeting of March 14th was received by Cherrydale Lodge on March 21st. The resolution proposed that all the lodges of Arlington County have concurrent jurisdiction over all of Arlington County. This matter was laid over until the first stated meeting in April. WB John C. Parker moved that RWB Francis Asbury Coe, be made an honorary member of Cherrydale Lodge. The ballot was spread and found clear and he was declared duly elected as such. RWB Coe was present at the meeting of April 4th and was presented his honorary membership card.

     WB Elmore