Chapter II
WILL THE YOUNG CHILD LIVE?
The District of Columbia was at the front during the Civil War. After Bull Run, Confederate troops camned across the Potomac. As late as 1864, General Jubal Early's Cavalry threatened our own Fort Stevens. In 1865, the War was over and 20,000 men of the Union Army, in ~fay of that year, paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue in a Grand Review. Lincoln was assassinated in April of 1865, and although seceding states 'were back in the Union, strife and suspicion continued to reign unabated for many years. Troublous years of war, bitterness, hatred, wounds and death were bound to leave marks upon the souls of men. It is little wonder that they sought for brotherhood behind the tiled door. And so a child was born in Anacostia and the head of the household was:
WILLIAM F . FARISH
December 22, 1868 January 3, 1871
They gather into one sacred band or society, The Master, a clerk; the Senior Warden, a bricklayer; the Junior Warden, a clerk; the Secretary, a lawyer. It is interesting to consider the occupations of those who were our Fraternal forebears in Anacostia Lodge. After their names we read-Hotel-keeper, Tin-smith, Blacksmith, Watchmaker, Merchant, Druggist, Carpenter, Gardener, Grocer, Farmer, Musician, Wood-dealer, Cigar-maker, Barber, Clerk, Brick-layer, Lawyer, etc.
UNDER DISPENSATION
A communication of Anacostia Lodge, UD, was held in Uniontown, District of Columbia, on Tuesday, December 22, AD 1868A.L.5868. The meeting place was in the second story of a rude frame structure, the lower part of which was used as a blacksmith and wheelwright shop owned by Mr. David E. Haines. There it met until May 2, 1881, and in a room only twelve by twenty feet.
The Lodge was opened and a Dispensation from Most Worshipful Grand Master, Benjamin Brown French, dated December 22, 1868, was read and made a part of the minutes. By that Dispensation, authority for the organization of the Lodge was granted. It discloses that Benjamin F. Wilkins, William F. Farish, John R. McConnell, Charles S. Wheeler, George H. Martin, John H. Wheeler and John Cruickshank were the petitioners for the formation of the Lodge, and that Naval Lodge No.4 had endorsed the Petition. The Most Worshipful Grand Master appointed William R. Farish as Master, George H. Martin as Senior Warden and Charles S. Wheeler as Junior Warden, and empowered them to assemble with their associates and work as a regular Lodge, UD.
The other officers, serving on this historical occasion, were John R. McConnell, Secretary, John Cruickshank, Treasurer, Benjamin F. Wilkins, Senior Deacon, Hiram F. Garrettson, Junior Deacon, and Henry L. Oliver, Tiler. Brother Cruickshank substituted for John H. Wheeler.
In those days, visiting brethren frequently served as officers and were installed as regular officers. Brother Henry L. Oliver served for years in different stations and was Tiler for many years. He was a member of Naval Lodge, No.4. Brother Hiram F. Garrettson was a member of Oseo Lodge, No. 317, Pennsylvania, and he also served frequently.
The question of By-Laws arose and the following resolution was passed:
"Resolved: That the stated meetings of the Lodge shaH be on the first and third Mondays of each month; and that the monthly dues shall be Fifty Cents per month, payable quarterly and the affiliation fees Three Dollars."
Brothers B. F. Wilkins, John Cruickshank and George Martin were appointed as a Committee with full power to report By-Laws in accordance with the Resolution and the Lodge was closed.
* * * * * *
On March 8, 1869, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Robert B. Donaldson, accompanied by fourteen officers of the Gr,and Lodge, assembled in Anacostia for the purpose of instituting Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, and installing its officers. As copied from the minutes of the Lodge:
| Robert B. Donaldson | M.W. Grand Master |
| J. B. Will | R.W. Deputy Grand Master |
| J. H. Russell | R.W. Senior Grand Warden |
| W. R. Orcutt | R.W. Junior Grand Warden |
| N. D. Larner | R. W. Grand Secretary |
| D. B. Searle | W. Grand Visitor and Lecturer |
| J. L. Asby | W. and Rev. Grand Chaplain p.t. |
| J. T. Powele | W. Grand Marshal |
| E. B. MacGraty | W. Senior Grand Deacon p.t. |
| C. T. Neutze | W. Grand Sword Bearer |
| G. B. Clark | W. Grand Pursuvant |
| J. Vermillion | W. Grand Steward |
| W. Mertz | W. Grand Steward p.t. |
| L. Stoddard | W. Grand Tiler |
The Lodge was instituted, the Officers installed and the Lodge closed in due and ancient form.
Here is a Lodge with a Charter Membership of only seven Master Masons, \yho were empowered to establish, maintain and build up a Lodge of Master Masons in a locality in which they were not well acquainted with the inhabitants. Some resided a long distance away from the place of meeting.
The FIRST stated communication of Anacostia Lodge, No. 21 was held on Monday, March 15, 1869. Brother Oliver left the station of Tiler to serve as Junior Warden and Brother George W. Skidmore of Naval Lodge, No.4 was duly installed as Tiler. The Child was weak and Oliver, Garrettson and Skidmore came to its assistance.
Several things attract one's attention very forcibly as he reviews the old records. First, it was very difficult to become a Mason. The Secretary of each Lodge was required to read the list of applicants with their history. Apparently war wounds and the memory of men's attitudes and actions during those trying days were responsible for the great number of rejections recorded in this Masonic Jurisdiction. Second, a man had to dig deep to pay the costs. The Degrees were Forty Dollars and the dues were Six Dollars. That Forty Dollars was more than most men earned in a month and that Fifty Cents a month was just about what most of them could earn in a day. The dues, in time, would be reduced to Four Dollars and later, around the year 1882, to Three Dollars.
Many of us can still remember when a Dollar a Day was the prevailing wage for a good carpenter or bricklayer. Their strength was in their willingness to sacrifice. Fraternal weakness in this day comes through failure to keep up with our higher standards or cost index.
FIRST APPROPRIATIONS: For Curtains-$8.85; For Chandelier-~$8.00; For Furniture$17.40; and For Carpenter Work -$34.30.
They fixed up the room above the Blacksmith's Shop. For that room, they paid Mr. Haines, the blacksmith and owner, $120.00 per annum, later reduced to $100.00 per annum. The first appropriation for refreshments will be found in the report of April 5, 1869-"To Robert F. Martin for supper for members of the Grand Lodge & Sundries-$38.89."
FIRST CANDIDATES. Robert F. Martin, a merchant, and Frederick Stromberger, a Tinner, applied for degrees on June 7, 1869. These, and others like them, would have to prove their proficiency in each Degree in open Lodge and would have to be voted on for each Degree, separately.
FIRST ACTIVITY: An Excursion. The following is an exact copy of the printed announcement.
"GRAND EXCURSION TO NORFOLK
Touching at
Alexandria, Piney Point, Fortress Monroe, etc.
And also making a trip
From Norfolk to The Capes,
This Excursion is solely for the benefit of
Anacostia Lodge No. 21,
Free and Accepted Masons
And wi1l take place on Thursday, August 19, 1869
Round Trip Tickets, Five Dollars,
The Steamer, W. W. COIT, Captain Ryther, has been engaged
and will leave her wharf, foot of Seventh Street at 10 o'clock
a.m., on Thursday, returning Saturday morning. Meals will be
furnished at reduced rates.
The Committee of Arrangements is composed of the fol1owing
Gentlemen who wil1 furnish information as to the excursion.
W. F. Farish
J. R. McConnell
Geo. H. Martin
H. F. Garrettson
B. F. Wilkins
J. R. Cruickshank
Tickets can be procured of any member of the above Committee, also from Mr. L. Stoddard, Janitor of Masonic Hall, corner of D and Nineth Streets and from Mr. Robert F. Martin at the Farmers Hotel, Uniontown."
We wonder what such an excursion would cost in 1961!
We wonder who remembers "Farmers Hotel in Uniontown"!
We know from the record that this was an ill-fated activity. From August 19, 1869 to March, 1870, we find no reference to it. Then on March 21. 1870, we find that the Lodge passed the following Resolution: "Resolved that the Chairman of the Excursion report in writing at the next communication the amount of money received and expended with vouchers."
With sadness, we report that as far as the record is concerned, the report was never made and then we ascertain that a very competent officer's name ceased to appear in the minutes.
We return the reader to October 18, 1869, for the FIRST VISITATION.
A member of Naval Lodge, No.4, acts as Master.
A member of Naval Lodge, No.4, acts as Junior Deacon.
A member of Naval Lodge, No.4, acts as Tiler
A member of Lebanon Lodge, No.7, acts as Senior Deacon.
The Child is weak.
The Grand Lodge is received. There is speaking and there is singing by the Masonic Choir, but the Child is weak.
On November 1, 1869, a Special is called for consideration "of feasibility of surrendering the Charter." The matter was deferred until December 27th. At the meeting on that night, Federal Lodge, No. 1 offered to confer the Degrees upon candidates Martin and Stromberger. After much discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Charter be held, "Each member pledging himself to do all he could to advance the prosperity of the Lodge."
The Charter was about to be lifted as the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1869 gives the Grand Master's address in which he states, "I attended personally the visitations of each of the nineteen Lodges now working under Charters granted by the Grand Lodge, with but a single exception, I can speak of them as being not only in a generally prosperous condition, but individually prosperous and harmonious. The exception alluded to is Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, held at Uniontown. As you are aware, the Charter to this Lodge was granted at our last December Communication on the application of seven worthy and properly vouched for Master Masons. Owing to various causes--one of which was the removal from Uniontown, of some of the Charter members-the Lodge has not succeeded well since its institution. The present limited number of members able to attend its meetings and other circumstances familiar to you, lead me to the conclusion that the best interests of the jurisdiction are not subserved by a continued attempt to sustain a Lodge in Uniontown. I, therefore, recommend that a Committee be appointed to investigate the affairs of Anacostia Lodge, and report at the next regular communication of the Grand Lodge, their judgment as to the propriety of revoking the Charter under which the Lodge is working."
The Proceedings of 1870 shows as follows: "Brother Searles, on behalf of the Committee appointed to investigate and report upon the condition of Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, submitted a report, which was received, and the consideration of the same postponed until May communication."
Proceedings of May, 1870 show: "The report of the Committee to investigate the affairs of Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, submitted at the ] anuary communication, having been brought before the Grand Lodge for action, on motion of Brother Lockie, the report was ordered to be placed in the files, and the Committee discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
(Note: In 1881, two Brothers were made Honorary Members of Anacostia Lodge-Noble D. Lamer and John Lockie-o-"Whose decided stand" saved the Charter of Anacostia Lodge.)
Assistance comes. Brothers Oliver of Naval Lodge. No.4, and Sheke of Harmony No. 17, received thanks for "Fitting up the Hall". Lebanon Lodge, No.7, received thanks for the loan of Jewels and other Lodges for the donation of furniture, fixtures, charts, etc.
Mr. David E. Haines, blacksmith, applies for the Degrees and visitors begin to cross the river to Anacostia Lodge.
On April 4, 1870, the Grand Lodge approved the By-Laws and on the 18th, the Grand Master confers the Third Degree in Anacostia Lodge.
The Child grows stronger.
THE INTERESTING BROTHER JOHN H. WHEELER,
Charter Member and Treasurer.
On February 21, 1870, "upon motion, the Secretary directed to address a communication to the Treasurer requesting his resignation on account of his age and distance from the Lodge."
On March 7th, his resignation was received and accepted.
Six months later, the Master directs the Secretary to confer with Brother John H. Wheeler and procure evidence to show that he is a Past Grand Master of the State of North Carolina. He was. On October 24th, at the Grand Visitation, Brother Wheeler addresses the Lodge as a Past Grand Master of North Carolina.
Among our Charter Members and first officers was a Past Grand Master, not known as such, and I assume that the old war had something to do with his silence.
In 1871, the distinguished Brother was made our FIRST HONORARY MEMBER. We regret that the record does not end at this point, for there is more later.
It is December 19, 1870.
FIRST ELECTION:
John H. Mills, Master
Joseph Burn, Senior Warden
George H. Martin, J unior Warden
C. B. Smith, Secretary
R. F. Martin, Treasurer (Held the office until his death in 1880)
H. L. Oliver, Tiler
John H. Mills affiliated on August 15, 1870. He came from Hiram Lodge, No. 10. He had been a Senior Warden and his was just the type of leadership needed in 1870.
For gratuitously designing our beautiful and appropriate Seal, Brother E. B. Me Grotty received the thanks of the Lodge.
Worshipful Master, William F. Farish concluded his service as Master at the communication of January 3, 1871. The new officers were installed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Stansbury. As was the custom in those days, the new Master appointed Brother Otto DeMoll, Senior Deacon; the Senior Warden appointed Brother Frederick Stromberger as Junior Deacon and the Junior Warden appointed Brother David E. Haines and Brother John McLean as Stewards and they were duly installed.
Thereafter, the Master Masons Degree was conferred upon two candidates.
| Cash on hand, January 1, 1869 | $40.00 |
| Received from all sources | 247.30 |
| Expended per vouchers | 278.53 |
| Cash on hand, January 1, 1870 | 8.77 |
The CH ILD will grow stronger.
JOHN H. MILLS
January 3, 1871 January 5, 1874
Petitions for the Degrees and for Affiliations are few and far between, but they come, and when they do, they receive very careful consideration. We are amazed with the number of rejections. Some were not disturbed by it, however, as they kept on applying~ One, who later became a tower of strength to the Lodge, was rejected on first application and rejected for Third Degree. He just wouldn't be discouraged. The brethren were mighty serious and mighty careful.
In the year 1871, a resolution was passed thanking Hiram Lodge, No. 10, for beautiful columns presented to support the Lesser Lights.
FIRST FUNERAL - June 26,1871.
The Lodge was directed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to take charge of the funeral of Brother John L. Staples, age 33, a member of Sagamore Lodge, No. 371, New York City. As was the custom, the Lodge voted to procure a band of music, coaches for the family and for members unable to walk. The Lodge proceeded to the residence of the deceased "accompanied his remains to the Church and thence to the Congressional Cemetery where the burial services were performed." The music was $20.00 and total cost, $115.00, which was later paid by Sagamore Lodge, No. 371.
In this year, the Secretary's salary was fixed at $32.00 a year "and his dues" and the Tiler's $24.00 a year "and his dues".
At the Grand Visitation, October 16th, the Lodge was congratulated on its high degree of prosperity and on its correct work. Twelve were raised and three affiliated with the Lodge. Four were rejected for the Degrees and one for affiliation. The Treasurer reported a balance of $229.34.
James C. Dulin gave an address on "The Spiritual Teachings of the Masonic Degrees." He was followed by Brother Lockie, Grand Visitor and Lecturer, a member of Federal Lodge, No. 1. This Brother appears on the scene many times, for years, was always well received and was, undoubtedly a most interesting speaker.
FIRST Reference to "Church".
On June 3, 1872, "An invitation was received from the ladies having in charge the festival for the benefit of the M.E. Church of Anacostia, requesting the attendance of the members in a body." "It was decided that they should meet in the hall and attend, not as a body, but as individuals."
YES, SIR, the Brethren were careful and when a motion was made for another excursion, they quickly rejected the idea.
Though limited in funds, the Brethren seldom missed an opportunity to extend help to those in distress. Union Lodge No. 75 of Unionville, South Carolina was assisted. Memphis and Shreveport, ravaged by yellow fever, were assisted as were many other areas in dire need.
The Lodge could boast of Thirty-one members at the Grand Visitation on October 21, 1872.
FIRST DEATH.
On May 5, 1873, attention was called to the personal condition of Brother Wilkins. The Charity Committee was directed to render aid and the members of the Lodge, in alphabetical order, were directed to watch through the nights with him. On May 9th, there was a Special Meeting. The Master announced the death of Brother Wilkins and stated that he had ordered the undertaker to take charge of the body. On Sunday, with a band of music, he was buried, Masonically, in Congressional Cemetery. He was a Charter Member.
FIRST CHARGE OF UNMASONIC CONDUCT.
For several months, August through October, the Brethren were busy with charges and counter-charges. One brother was expelled for a period of six months. Witnesses failing to appear were ordered to show cause why they should not be expelled for contempt. It was a busy time. Firmness was demonstrated and justice prevailed, but it was a long while before some disaffected brethren became reconciled.
On October 22, 1873, at the Grand Visitation, "Brother Dolin, Past Grand Master of Florida", was introduced and welcomed.
Brother Charles F. Stansbury, Most Worshipful Grand Master, addressed the Lodge "on proper Masonic conduct and the exercise of due caution in receiving members".
The amount expended during the year was $313.14 and the amount remaining in the Treasury was $18.52.
WILLIAM H. COLLINS
January 5, 1874 - January 3, 1876
On December 15, 1873, William H. Collins was elected Worshipful Master; H. Pettit, Senior Warden; C. B. Smith, Junior Warden; C. W. Okey, Secretary and R. F. Martin, Treasurer.
On January 5, 1874, the Most Worshipful Grand Master installed the officers. During the year, the Lodge contributed $50.00 to the Washington Monumental Association to assist in the completion of the Washington Monument. It was a busy year for a small Lodge. Six were raised, one affiliated, one rejected, one demitted, two suspended and one re-instated.
FIRST SUPPER-The Lodge voted to have an oyster supper for the members of the Grand Lodge at the time of the Grand Visitation. This supper was arranged at a cost of $30.00.
The Master was re-elected and Brother John McLean succeeds Broth~r Okey as Secretary.
AN ITEM OF GREAT INTEREST.
In the year of 1875, during the month of April, a very interesting letter was received. Brother Robert Morris, Past Master of the Royal King Solomons Mother Lodge, No. 293, of the City of Jerusalem, desired to know when it would be convenient for the Lodge to have him deliver his lecture on the Holy Land.
Brother Okey moved that the letter be referred to the Worshipful Master. As we find no further reference to the matter, we assume that it was forgotten. If so, what a misfortune!
Robert Morris was one of the most brilliant Masons that the order has produced. He was The Poet Laureate of Masonry. He received the Degrees of practically every Fraternal body associated with Symbolic Masonry in America and in Foreign Countries. In 1858-59, he served as Grand Master of Kentucky. In 1873, he demitted from Fortitude Lodge, No. 47, Kentucky, to become a Charter Master of Royal King Solomons Mother Lodge, No. 293, in Jerusalem. After this quest for knowledge, he returned in 1875 and again affiliated with Fortitude Lodge, No. 47 in Kentucky. He created the Order of the Eastern Star.
On December 17, 1884, he was crowned Poet Laureate of Masonry in New York by Most Worshipful Master William Brody, Grand Master of New York. Before doing so, the question had been submitted to one thousand distinguished Masons in the United States, Canada and Great Britain and the answers came in an avalanche, "Crown Him". Before seven hundred dignitaries, the honor was conferred for the second time in the history ofthe craft, the first time it having been given to Robert Burns, one hundred years before.
And so the great scholar, Masonic writer and orator became our Poet Laureate. He had received his inspiration from the Holy Bible, the mountains of Gilead, the fields of Boaz and other parts of the Holy Lands, which he knew well and loved. He published seventy-four volumes of Masonic literature in addition to the Universal Masonic Library of Fifty-six volumes, and lyrics and poems too numerous to enumerate.
This man sought an opportunity to give his lecture on the Holy Land in Anacostia Lodge and the Master missed his opportunity to make history.
In this year, the membership reached forty-two. The total receipts were $416.84 and the total disbursements were $309.79 leaving a balance of $107.05.
HUDSON PETTIT
January 3, 1876 January 3, 1877
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Eldred G. Davis, and his officers visited Anacostia Lodge on the night of January 3, 1876 and installed the officers.
Marlboro Lodge, No. 156, attended in a body. The relations between these two Lodges were very cordial and though the distance was great, they found time to visit. For this occasion, a collation had been prepared.
In this year, however, interest is dampened by three demits, among them was the First Master, Brother William F. Farish. Several are dropped and none are raised. On December 18, 1876, Brother William M. Collins is again called to the East.
WILLIAM M. COLLINS
January 3, 1877 January 7, 1878
FIRST INSTALLATION BY ITS OWN OFFICERS
Past Master, John H. Mills, installed the Officers. There was a balance of $72.18 in the Treasury. The records fail to show anything of interest during the year. At the election, Brother John
H. King became Secretary and we shall find that he became a power of influence in the Lodge. He served some thirty-three years as Secretary. Brother Robert F. Martin continues to hold the office of Treasurer.
CLAUDIUS B. SMITH
January 7, 1878 January 3, 1881
Past Master, Samuel Baxter of Harmony Lodge, No. 17, installed the officers.
A Special was called for the purpose of arranging for another excursion. They agreed to go to Blackstone Island-Boat to leave at 8: 00 A.M. and return at 9: 00 P.M.~Tickets Fifty Cents. It was a success and the Committee reported a profit of $87.00. Immediately $30.00 was appropriated for yellow fever sufferers in the south.
It appears that excursions created interest for at the end of the year the membership is forty-five.
On October 12, 1878, the Master brought up the subject of building a Hall and a Committee of four was appointed to inquire into the cost of a site. On November 4th, they reported that a site and a building would cost about $4,000.00. They were directed to make further study.
The site suggested was one offered by Brother Robert F. Martin, on the east side of Monroe Street about midway between Harrison and Jackson Streets, fronting on Monroe for forty feet with a depth of seventy feet together with twenty-seven thousand bricks on the premises. (That would have been half-way between Good Hope Road and You Street on the east side of Nichols Avenue.)
In December, the Committee recommended that a Corporation be created and that stock be sold.
WHAT COULD ENCOURAGE SO FEW TO PLAN SO MUCH?
THESE WERE THE MEN
John H. Mills, William H. Collins, Hudson Pettit, Claudius B. Smith, George H. Morgan, Henry Kuhn, Robert F. Martin, John H. King, James A. Jarboe, David E. Haines, James Tindall, Peter
C. Garden, Jefferson R. Moreland, Antonio J. Baptista, James F. A. Black, Wallace L. Bone, Joseph Burn, Alexander Crutchett, Rev. James Owen Dorsey, John T. Evely, Ambrose Ffolliett, Stephen M. Golden, Frank Gordon, James E. Holley, John E. Herrell, William H. King, William H. Kemp, William J. Latimer, John W. Little, Rev. Earnest McGill, John McLean, William F. Messer, Donald McCathran, John R. McConnell, Cornelius W. Okey, Robert T. Patterson, Frederick C. Pope, Richard O. Prather, Warren E. Ridgeway, William H. Roland, Joseph Scott, George C. Steadman, Joseph Torrens, Julius W. Tolson, and Charles F. Walson.
CLAUDIUS B. SMITH
He was re-elected and installed by Brother Joseph S. McCoy, the Deputy Grand Master. The Finance Committee reported a balance of $204.91.
FIRST HONOR IN THE GRAND LODGE
Brother Hudson Pettit, Past Master, was installed in Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, by the Deputy Grand Master as Worshipful Grand Sword Bearer.
On March 3, 1879, the Lodge authorized the Building Committee to take out Letters of Incorporation. On April 7, 1879, the Letters of Incorporation were read to the Lodge. "Masonic Hall Association of Anacostia, D. C."
As money was needed, another excursion was authorized. It turned out to be successful and $99.63 was returned as profit.
In August, 1879, the Building Committee reported that it was unable to raise more than half of the Five Thousand needed and suggested that the project be abandoned. No action was taken on the suggestion. The Lodge now has Fifty members.
THE WHEELER STORY CONTINUED
The very efficient Secretary discovered that Brother John H. Wheeler, Past Grand Master and Honorary Member, was indebted to the Lodge in the amount of $10.50 for dues from March 8, 1869 up to and including March 30, 1871, the time he received his Honorary Membership. The Secretary was directed to request payment. After such a great lapse of time, Brother Wheeler must have been surprised to receive the request. It prompted him to write the letter which remains in possession of the Lodge.
"28 Grant Place, Washington 17 Sept. '79
To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of
Anacostia Lodge No. 21, F.A.A.M.
Brethren:
J have received a note today signed J. H. King, Sec., advising me that he was by a vote of the Lodge directed to inform me that if my dues were not paid 21 proxo that my name would be struck from the rolls of the Lodge.
I regret the hasty and unmasonic step, and when the facts are presented it is believed such note will be reconsidered.
When the Charter was procured I was active and planting this little sprig of acacia on the borders of Anacostia, and freely ,advanced funds to aid in the fraternal work, but having been for half a century zealous and faithful to the Craft, I feel that I had a right to be excused-having the regard of my Brethren and enjoyed the highest honors of the Order. It was never expected that I should be an active member, or attend the meetings of the Lodge only as my age convenience might allow. The Lodge as your records will show in a spirit of philanthropy appreciated this and RESOLVED that J should be elected an honorary member, this excuses regular attenduance and all dues or claims. I have never been called on except by your Secretary, and had he been observant of your past proceedings he would have seen his error, and not dunned an aged soldier for amounts never due or expected to be due. Your printed proceedings will show that I was so regarded by the Lodge, as well as the Grand Lodge.
As to the threat of Dropping my name from the rolls, it cannot be a subject of deep regret if I am to be associated with those, who insist on an unjust demand.
I should not have mentioned this or answered it, but for the deep veneration I have for the Order, and the interest I take in Anacostia, that I have so freely toiled for, and respect.
Very respectfully and Fraternally,
John H. Wheeler."
On November 17, 1879, the matter was debated. A motion was made to drop him from the rolls. The Master ruled the motion out of order, as he was an Honorary Member. It was then moved that the action of April 3, 1871 making him an Honorary Member, be rescinded. The motion was adopted. Our Brother was to be notified and the proceedings continued until the next meeting. They waited until December 15, 1879, and having no record of the dues having been paid, they dropped the Brother from the rolls. Brother John H. Mills, Past Master, sought and obtained reconsideration. After much debate and by a vote of twent-three to seven, he was dropped.
It is an interesting story and one that we cannot judge at this date. Maybe he should have paid the debt which he owed to the Lodge-Maybe they should have forgotten it.
On December 15, 1879, the Lodge voted to purchase District of Columbia Bonds and eight Fifty Dollar Bonds were purchased at a net cost of $346.00. They also voted to purchase fifty "Respectful seats."
Brother Claudius B. Smith was re-elected for the year 1880 and was installed by Benjamin F. Fuller, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, who closed the ceremony with an appropriate prayer. Other officers were George F. Morgan, Senior Warden, James Tindall, Junior Warden, John H. King, Secretary, Robert F. Martin, Treasurer, William H. King, Senior Deacon, John H. O'Donnell, Junior Deacon, Julius W. Tolson, Senior Steward, James L. O'Donnell, Junior Steward, and Jefferson Moreland, Tiler.
THEY LONG FOR A BETTER HOME
Again we come face to face with the desire for improvement, for more adequate facilities. The Corporation fails to function, but men like Smith, King and Pettit keep the dream alive. Brother Pettit informs the Lodge that Brother Robert F. Martin is going to build on his property and if the Lodge desires, he will put a third floor on his building and give the Lodge a Ninety-nine year Lease on it, for the sum of One Thousand Dollars, with all rights of passage. This sounds like a most generous offer and the Lodge votes for a legal opinion as to its validity. This was March 1st and then came the news that Brother Martin had passed away on March 11th. (Pneumonia).
On Sunday, March 14th, the Brethren "performed the last sad and mournful duty" in the Congressional Cemetery. A faithful Treasurer, for many years, is now at rest. Suitable resolutions of respect were adopted and his station was draped in mourning.
His passing demonstrated the need for Trustees, and a By-law, very similar to the one in existence today, was adopted providing for the election of three Trustees and outlining their duties.
Henry A. Griswold was elected Treasurer.
On April 5th, a Committee was appointed to recommend a suitable site for the purpose of a Hall "Which shall meet the needthe wants of the public in Anacostia, D.C. and the wants and accommodations of the members of Anacostia Lodge."
The Committee reported on the size and price of many available lots and parcels. In June, this Committee was discharged and another appointed to confer with Brother David E. Haines and Brother John E. Herrell.
Then we come to November 1, 1880:
The Committee reported that Brother John E. Herrell was owner of a building, eighteen by thirty-six feet, two-story high, at the corner of Jackson and Pierce Streets used as a Public School. The owner offered to make the building suitable for the Lodge, the lower hall to be fitted as a public hall and the upper story to be fitted as a Lodge room, eighteen by fifty feet, as per plans submitted. Terms: For the Lodge room $90.00 annually. Should the Lodge decide to purchase, he would sell at cost with interest at six per cent and principal at the Lodge's convenience. (We should erect a Memorial to Brother Herrell.)
Brother Haines, for $30.00 more per annum, agreed to make the present hall six feet wider and eight feet longer. He submitted no plans.
The Brethren were given two weeks to consider the offers, at which time all members "within the length of their Cable-Tow would receive a summons to attend."
On November 15th, after much discussion of the two offers, Past Master, John H. Mills stated that he had obtained a price from Brother Herrell and moved that the Lodge purchase his piece of ground, with building, known as "The Uniontown School House" for One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars, or less, on the terms submitted by the Committee. The motion was adopted. Our present You Street was Jackson and our present Fourteenth Street was Pierce Street and we think that the area was ninety feet by fifty-two feet.
On December 6, 1880, the Lodge became the owner of the property and the price was One Thousand One Hundred Eighty-five Dollars. A note for One Thousand Donars with interest at six percent, payable in ten years was with cash sufficient to pay the balance handed over to Brother John E. HerrelL
The Brethren are now enthused and arrangements are immediately made to do "whatever is necessary to fix up the building."
On January 3rd, 1881, the Master could look with pride on what had been accomplished as he installed and surrendered the gavel to Brother John McLean, the newly elected 'Worshipful Master.
Brother Smith had served as Secretary for several years, and would serve as Treasurer for seventeen years. He was destined also to have many years of service in the Grand Lodge as Grand Chaplain. He was laid to rest on August 20, 1904.