Chapter III

"Remember, a white ball elects, and a black ball (or cube) rejects."

This statement, or one like it, was made just prior to voting on the application of one who had expressed the desire of becoming a member of the Lodge. Now is the time to be "careful and make no mistake". Now each member is the master of another's fraternal fate. No one can question what he does. No one will know how he votes~no one, but God. To seek to know how another voted or to question another concerning his vote is a very serious breach of our law. There you have it. No one knows who uses the black ball, and only those who usc it knows why it is cast. This tremendous power the individual member has when he advances to cast his ballot.

The requirement that the ballot be unanimous to elect may seem some times to work a hardship, but serious reflection will indicate how important this principle is to the harmony and peace of our Order. It permits a member who does not desire to make public his secret knowledge, to use that knowledge for the benefit of all other members. It gives to all members the right to say who shall not become members of the fraternal family. We must ever recognize that we have a responsibility to unhestitatingly use the black ball if we believe in our hearts that the applicant is unfit morally or even one who would destroy the peace and harmony of our Order. In its use however, we must be sure. We must think carefully, deliberate slowly, and act cautiously looking into the innermost recesses of our hearts, being sure of what we do. It is a period of great testing involving the personal honesty of the one who contemplates its use. The rejection of an individual does more than merely prevent him from being given the degrees. There is the matter of retention of jurisdiction, which places another disability upon him and which he is powerless to remove. We could not undertake to suggest all of the reasons which would justify the llse of the black ball. You know that our family must be protected from those who are unfit. That unfitness may be caused by their sinful life, their over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages, their ill-nature, their violent temper, their boastful and self-seeking attitudes. These types would not be assets and should have no place in our Fraternal home, no matter how important or wealthy they may be.

On the other hand, the turning of the black ball into a secret dagger for personal revenge, or for small mean reasons is indefensible. We could never trust persons who, without good cause, would drop the black ball into the banot box. Those individuals may have the satisfaction of knowing that they have accomplished their ends in secret, but somewhere deep down in their hearts, they know they are stained. Give attention to the "Ballot". Have no fear of the black ball (or cube). Fear only that we may use it unwisely. Think carefully, deliberate slowly and act cautiously, remembering that a white ball elects and a black ball or (cube) rejects.

JOHN McLEAN

January 3, 1881 - January 2, 1882

May 2, 1881

FIRST MEETING IN THE OLD PUBLIC SCHOOL HOUSE

At this first meeting, a Dispensation was read from the Most Worshipful Grand Master to move from the Blacksmith Shop Hall to the New Han. It was signed by Noble D. LarueI', Grand Master.

The Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred on Thomas M. Garden.

The members are enthusiastic and make arrangements for "A Fair."

In June, the Committee repoded that "The Fair" held at the Masonic Temple on Monday, May 9th through Thursday, May 19th, was opened by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and the other Officers of the Grand Lodge. Eleven Ladies acted as "Lady Managers" of the Fair.

THIS WAS A FAIR
The Committee gave credit to the following for most of the
success: Mrs. M. Kaufman, Mrs. J. W. Little, Mrs. C. F. Gristock,
Mrs. W. H. King, Mrs. C. W. Okey, Mrs. E. A. Adams, Mrs. L. G.
Cook, Mrs. ,r ohn McLean, Mrs. C. F. Wilson, Mrs. Noble Harding,
Mrs. George Jarboe, and Messrs, Noble Harding and George Miller.
It is hard to believe, but the record shows that the total receipts
amounted to $2,447.00 and the total expenditures were
$928.11. The profit was $1,518.19. In addition to this profit, the
Lodge retained many items of value which were not sold, among
them being a "Beatty" organ valued at $65.00. This was a most
amazing demonstration of what can be done, if you can get the
Ladies interested and think big. Of course, we have to admit that
the old game of chance had a lot to do with the success of such
enterprises in those days But consider it-in just a few days
they raised more cash than their new ground and Temple had cost.
The Secretary, at the end of his minutes does not use the
usual language "Cash On Hand", he now writes "Total wealth of
the Lodge, $1,856.14."
In the month of June, $600.00 is spent for the improvement
of the building. 'l'hrec Hundred Ninety-nine Dollars and Fifty
36 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
Cents was appropriated for furniture and Five Hundred Dollars
was applied to the reduction of debt.
In August, an excursion on the "John W. Thompson" to lower
Cedar Point netted One Hundred Eleven Dollars and Eighty-five
Cents.
With the building improved, the Tiler was appointed as "Tiler
and Janitor," with Special Police authority obtained from the
Police Department. For those that think that Grandma sat on her
rocker with her Bible in her lap, consider the charges for rent of
the lower hall.
For Balls lasting from 8: 00 p.m. to 4: 00 a.m.
Festivals for six or more days
Festivals for less than six days
Socials, Hops, etc., lasting till midnight
ETC.
$8.00
2.00 per day
3.00 per day
5.00
October 3, 1881, was the last time when candidates for advancement
were examined on their proficiency, in Open Lodge.
DEDICATION OF LODGE HALL
The Grand Visitation was the night of the Dedication. The
records indicate that it was a beautiful and impressive ceremony
and that the singing by the Masonic Choir was appreciated by all.
After the Dedication, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Noble D."
Larner, introduced Past Grand Master Charles F. Stansbury, who
gave the following address:
"Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren:
The Lodge whose Hall we dedicate tonight to God, to Freemasonry and
to Universal Benevolence, has reached its present honorable position only
after passing through the usuaJ vicissitudes of prosperity and depression
which characterize the progress of most human lives, enterprises and
institutions. The road to the Mount of Triumph, has lain, as usual,
through the val1ey of Humiliation.
Anacostia Lodge was established in the year 1868, holding its first meeting,
under dispensation from our revered and lamented Grand Master
B. B. French, on the 22nd of December of that year. Her Charter was
granted about a month later-Dec. 28, 1868, and the Lodge was instituted
by Grand Master Donaldson, March 8, 1869.
The first year of her Masonic life was one of great depression and despondency.
Not a single initiate was added to her membership, and it
seemed to her best friends, and to many of her own members, that the
attempt to establish a Lodge in this community would prove a failure. The
Grand Master felt great solicitude upon the subject, and the question of the
surrender of the Charter was seriously discussed by the Lodge itself.
Happily, a hopeful policy prevailed. Friends, among whom our present
Grand Master was conspicious, urged a continuance of the effort,
of the District of Columbia 37
and, inspired by this encouragement, and impressed with a sense of their
own duty and responsibility, the brethren resolved that they would not
abandon the work they had begun, or listen to the cowardly suggestion of
failure.
The Lodge started in 1868 with 7 Charter members. Its membership
remained at that figure till 1870, when it rose to 16. In 1875, it had risen
to 42, and it numbers at the present time, 55.
Being once fairly started on the road to success, the brethren felt that
all that was further needed to make it secure and permanent, was a
respectable and comfortable home, which they could call their own, and
where, supplied with the proper equipment and appliances, they could do
justice in their work to the noble and impressive ritual of the Order.
A number of efforts were made from time to time, with this great
object in view, beginning in 1878; but all were frustrated by adverse circumstances
and occurrences until, in October, 1880, the plan was adopted
which resulted in the purchase and refitting of the present edifice.
It required faith, courage and enterprise to carry out this plan, but our
brethren were not found wanting in these high qualities. The Fair opened
May 9, 1881, at Masonic Temple, in Washington, was equal in attractiveness
to any ever held in the City, and the appeal made by it to the support
of the Masonic Fraternity, met with a hearty and generous response.
The gross receipts were nearly $2500 and, after paying all expenses, the
Lodge found itself the possessor of a fund of $1518.95. From a Treasury
thus liberally replenished, her pecuniary obligations were nearly extinguished,
leaving only the small debt of $500 payable in ten years.
The real and personal property is now valued at $2443.25, and it may
be reasonably expected that the rent of the Hall for the various public
purposes to which it is adapted, will be sufficient to meet the moderate
necessary current expenses of the Lodge.
In a community like this, there are few objects of charity, and the
local demands in that direction are small. In her contributions to the
general charitable outlays of the jurisdiction, this Lodge may be relied upon
to do her full Masonic duty. She has already signalized her patriotic liberality
by a handsome SUbscription to aid in the completion of the National
Monument to Washington.
It may now, upon thi,s brief review of her past history and present condition,
be safely accepted that Anacostia Lodge is established upon a firm
and enduring basis, and that a career of prosperity and usefulness is fairly
opening hefore her. On this happy consummation, we are justified in
tendering to her, and to the community in the midst of which the beneficent
influences of Masonry are introduced through her agency, our heartfelt
congratulations, and in joining cordially in the joyful solemnities of the
present occasion. Such solemnities are but the natural expression of the
human heart on occasions of public joy.
It has been the custom of mankind from the earliest ages to celebrate
with ceremony and rejoicing the completion of edifices dedicated to public
use. In proportion as that use is wide and noble, should the ceremony be
imposing, and the rejoicing sincere. On the mere suggestion of it, you will
recall at once the grand spectacle which was witnessed at Jerusalem when
38 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
King Solomon called together all the chief men and elders of the Nation
to assist at the dedication of the magnificent Temple which was the wonder
of the world for beauty and grandeur, and which we, as Masons, are taught
to revere as the source of so much of the rich symbolism of our Order.
It was not only, or mainly, because it was so costly and splendid, that
the dedication ceremonies were celebrated with such deep solemnity and
such prolonged rejoicings.
"And the King and all Israel with him offered sacrifice before the
Lord. And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings * * two and
twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the
King and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord." And
at that same time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him-a great
congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt,
before the Lord our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.
On the eighth day, he sent the people away: and they blessed the King and
went unto their tents, joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that
the Lord had done for David his servant and for Israel his people."
It was the purpose of the Temple that made its erection one of the greatest
events of human history. It was to be the religious centre of the
world, whence iJJumination was to spread to every portion of our race.
It raised its sublime pinnacles to heaven, "that all the people of the earth
might know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else."
When it ceased to serve that purpose, and when the chosen, people
themselves forgot and repudiated the lesson it was designed to teach,
the grand and priceless structure was swept away. Its sacred vessels, which
none but consecrated hands might touch, were carried by an idolatrous
conqueror into a heathen country, and degraded to the service of false
gods. Thus, when the gorgeous furniture and ornaments of the Temple no
longer symbolized and adorned a true worship, Jehovah withdrew from it
his presence and his favor and suffered it to perish.
This thought-that it is not the size, costliness or magnificence of a building
that gives it true dignity and value, but the purpose which it embodiesfinds
further confirmation and il1ustration in the second Temple. Chastened
by long years of captivity and exile, the people of Israel were at last permitted
by God to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord.
This structure, though spacious and magnificent, was so inferior in many
respects to its predecessor, that the old men who had seen the Temple of
Solomon, broke forth in lamentations and tears as they remembered the
departed glories of the ark, the mercy seat, the cloudy emblem of the divine
presence, the urim and the thummim and the wonder working rod.
Yet of that structure, thus shorn of the adornments and treasures which
seemed greatest in human eyes, the prophet declared "The glory of that
latter house shall be greater than of the former". It was given to him to
foresee by what holy feet its sacred courts should be trod!
The God to whom we dedicate this comparatively humble Temple
here tonight, is the same God to whom Solomon offered his sublime
prayer of dedication before the altar, with his hands stretched towards
heaven, in the sight of alJ the people. But I think we are justified in believing
that our conception of God is higher and more worthy of him than
that which Solomon entertained. He regarded him as the God chietly
of the District of Columbia 39
of the Jewish peopJe. In all that eloquent and fervent prayer, which it
is impossible to read unmoved, there is but a single reference to the outside
world, and the only "stranger" who is remembered, is one who "cometh out
of a far country for thy names sake, and shall corne and pray toward this
house."
To us, God is the Father of all his creatures, who "hateth nothing that
he has made."
Solomon's failure to recognize fully the universal Fatherhood of God,
necessarily implied an equally imperfect conception of the universal brotherhood
of man.
The basis of our institution is a wider and more generous creed, than
the priests of the Temple ever knew; for on them the light of these latter
days had not come.
And if their creed, narrow and partial as in some aspects, it was, could
yet so dignify and ennoble the edifice that symbolized and embodied it as to
justify its costly grandeur and the august ceremonial and joyous festival
with which its dedication was celebrated, may we not, with at least equal
propriety, celebrate with praise and rejoicing the dedication to God of
the humblest Masonic edifice whose real purpose is to propagate the principles
of universal brotherly love, relief and truth, on whose threshhold is
inscribed "Trust in God", and at whose bloodless altar we vow benevolence
to man!
In conclusion, my brethren of Anacostia Lodge, I address a few kindly
words of advice to you. In your present condition of prosperity, and with
your new and attractive surroundings, you are subjected to new temptations,
and should hold yourselves to a stricter consecration to duty.
Your temptation will be to seek a seeming increase of prosperity and
importance, by a too careless exercise of the ballot. It sounds trite to
caution you as to the character of the material you admit to your membership,
and yet this is the fundamental consideration on which all your
future will depend. It is well to remember that, as no one has a right to
admission to our Fraternity, so no one has a right to complain of exclusion
from it; and no good Mason should feel aggrieved if the Lodge sees
fit to deny admission to one whom he may have recommended. We
should never forget that the true rule is that it is better that ten good men
should be kept out, than that one unfit man should be admitted.
In a community so small as this, it is in an especial sense true that every
Mason is responsible for the sentiment of the neighborhood towards the
Fraternity. For in such a community, every man is closely observed and
thoroughly known, and if his conduct is not without blemish, and especially
if his known errors seem to have no prejudicial . . ."
(The Historian regrets that he is unable to find the closing
sentences of this most excellent address.)
Thereafter, all enjoyed a Banquet in the New Hall and the
cost, including Cigars, was $82.10.
JAMES TINDALL
January 2, 1882 December 17, 1883

of the District of Columbia 41
was forty-nine. In December 1883, the Secretary's salary was
raised to Fifty Dollars. It is interesting to note that the last
funeral, including Weber's Band of twelve pieces, cost Fifty-nine
Dollars and Fifty Cents.
WILLIAM H. KING
December 17, 1883 December 15, 1884.
In this year, the Excursion Committee reported a loss of
$44.25 and the report was received with regret. The Lodge is
scraping the bottom again, financially, and consideration is given
to assessing the Brethren. Another excursion to Blackstone Island
nets Sixty-two Dollars and Fifty Cents. Things pick up as
applications come in and before the year ends, the Lodge appropriates
funds to help liquidate the debt. Quite a few visitors
from this and other jurisdictions, help to keep up the interest.
When Most Worshipful Grand Master, Myron M. Parker,
made his visitation on October 29th, the Lodge could report that
it had reduced its indebtedness to One Hundred Dollars and that
there had been an increase of ten making the membership fifty-six.
The Lodge was congratulated. Brother John Wilson of LaFayette
Lodge No. 19 gave an address on "Robert Burns, the Poet"
and the Grand Secretary, Brother William R. Singleton, gave an
addl'ess on "Ancient and Capitular Masonry.
HENRY KUHN
December 15, 1884 December 21, 1885
His principal officers were Stephen M. Golden, Senior Warden,
Charles M. Wood, Junior Warden, John McLean, Secretary, Claudius
B. Smith, Treasurer, and Jefferson R. Moreland, Tiler and
Janitor.
John H. King will come back to the Secretary's desk for many
more years of service.
In this year the debt was liquidated and a motion was made
and adopted to put all real estate on the market to see what it
would bring.
A collation was approved for Grand Visitation.
An excursion netted Fifty-six Dollars and Sixty Cents and
the membership reached sixty. The organ sold for Twenty-five
Dollars.
STEPHEN M. GOLDEN
December 21, 1885 December 19, 1887
More funerals and more bands. The Floral Emblem is
adopted. Clergymen, not engaged in secular duties, were made
exempt from dues in August of 1886.
42 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
The Grand Master, Thomas P. Chiffelle, addressed the Lodge
on the subject of "Charity" and called attention to the proper
clothing to be worn at funerals.
In 1886, the gain in membership was three.
Brother Stephen M. Golden was re-elected and Brother John
H. King comes back as secretary. Throughout the past few years,
the lower hall has been rented and that rent paid the taxes and
nearly all of the expenses connected with the Building. The Rechabites,
Good Templars, a Dancing School, The Anacostia Building
Association and Churches, made use of the facility. An then
there were "Balls and Hops." Another excursion nets Thirty-six
Dollars and Seventy Cents.
Brother H. W. Walker, a member of St. Paul Lodge, No. 14 of
Rhode Island presented the Lodge an olive wood gavel made in and
sent over from Jerusalem.
(Note: We find the record of many gifts, such as gavels, batons, jewels,
medals, etc., and many addresses which were turned over to the Lodge,
of pictures of the three hans which used to be on the wall, and other items,
WhICh would be of great interest today--hut all we can find is "the record".
We express the hope that in our new building, provision will be made for
the sate custody of all such items.)
On April 17, 1887, the Centennial Committee of Baltimore invited
Anacostia Lodge, No. 21 to attend its celebration on l\l[ay 12,
1887.
FIRST REFERENCE TO CHAPLAIN.
In 1887, we find the first reference to a Chaplain, when the
Master appointed and installed Reverend Charles O. Cook. A
collar and a Jewel were ordered for him.
The Lodge was closed with prayer by the Chaplain and a collation
was served.
INSTRUCTIONS for the Centennial in Baltimore.
Deacons and Stewards to carry rods. Tiler to carry Sword.
Officers and Past Officers to wear Jewels and Master to carry
Gavel. No other badges or decorations. All were to wear dark
clothes, silk hats, white gloves and lambskin aprons.
Anacostia Lodge was assigned to the First Division. Thirtyone
members, with Brother John N. Minnix, as Marshal, assembled
at Ninth and F Streets at eight A.M. and upon the sound of bugle
and drums proceeded to the Baltimore and Ohio station on New
Jersey Avenue. They were late in getting to Baltimore, arriving
at eleven A.M. and "after considerable marching and countermarching
through the rough cobblestones of the streets, failed to
pass the reviewing stand." The lines were opened and the Most
of the District of Columbia 43
Worshipful Grand Master of Maryland, accompanied by distinguished
Masons in carriages, including some Past Grand Masters
of the District of Columbia, followed by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master of the District of Columbia, Jose M. Yznaga, and
his officers on foot, passed through. Thereafter they proceeded to
the Armory for lunch and dinner. On returning, Brother Minnix
presented the Marshal's Baton to the Lodge.
Years later Brother John H. King gave this description:
"The most splendid occasion in the opinion of the narrator of these
crude reminiscences, was, when the Lodge took part in the celebration of
the Centennial Year of the Grand Lodge of the State of Maryland, which
was in May, 1887. The entire Lodges as an escort to the Grand Lodge of
the District of Columbia assembled on the streets around and about the
old Masonic Temple on F and 9th streets, N.W., the right of line resting
on G Street, each Lodge being designated by a staff from which floated a
blue silk Burgee with its number in gilt thereon, and after being formed
in procession of six members in file, and headed by the Marine Band, took
up the line of march, along G to 12th Street, down 12th Street to Pennsylvania
Avenue, (and when the line was fully stretched out with its fifteen
hundred members, all clothed in black dress suits, silk hats, lambskin
aprons and white gloves, it was the most unique pageant and largest number
of Masons ever seen on public parade, especially, as to them all being
apparelled alike, for not even a derby hat was allowed to be worn on that
occasion, thence along Pennsylvania Avenue to the B. & O. Depot, at
that time on the corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street, N.W., where
there awaited us a Committee from Baltimore, who presented each member
with a medal commemorative of this special occasion, (like the one accompanying
this narrative, which I desire the Lodge to accept from me,
and suspend it among the other relics depending from the walls of the
Lodge room) after all the members going over to Baltimore had been
provided with medals, they boarded the cars and proceeded to the Monumental
City, and on arrival there, the District of Columbia contingent,
being of so imposing body, it was formed into a separate Division as a
special honor to the members of the District of Columbia. The members
were most cordially entertained by their brethren of Maryland, and every
one that had gone over to Baltimore, rejoiced that he had the opportunity
to participate on that momentous occasion, and none more so, than the
humble narrator of this incident."
Comment: Picture if you can fifteen hundred Master Masons in
Lambskin aprons, black dress suits, white gloves and silk hats.
What has become of all those silk hats?
HE WAS EXCITED
On July 18th, a Committee of three reported on the objection
of the Secretary to the advancement of a Brother. They wrote as
follows:
"That they had performed their duty not only in regard to the particular
circumstances that led to the protest, but also to his standing in the community
as a man and a citizen. We found him to be a man of honor, integrity,
possessing the confidence of his fellow men both financially and
44 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
morally and that they found no one to say ought against him. The
Brother, however, has a temperament easily excited and some of the
Brethren had called on him and twitted him about what he had to go
through with-he closed his store at seven P.M., hurried to the Lodge,
so as to be there on time, which in his excited condition, formed a combination
of circumstances that produced the appearance that deceived more
than one of the Brothers present. Your Committee are fully satisfied, not
only that Brother was not under the influence of intoxicating
liquor, but that he has never been known to drink to excess. The Protest
should not be sustained.
James Tindal1
James H. Dony
John H. Minnix"
The Report was unanimously adopted.
The lesson~"Don't get too excited."
A report of an Excursion Committee may be of interest to
some.
30% Commission-The Steamer HH. E. Bishop" to Lower Cedar Point
Tickets 50c and 25c.
The Steamer "Mary Washington" to River View Twelve miles down river
$100.00 per day.
20% Commission-The Steamer "Pilot Boy" to Glymont, Tickets 25c
25% Commission-Adults Only-The Steamer "Arrowsmith" to Colonial
Beach, Tickets 50c.
To Bay Ridge by rail, Adults $l.OO-Children under 12 yrs. 50c.
20% Commission-Profit Twenty-nine Dollars and Seventy-one Cents
was made on a trip to Bay Ridge.
On October 3, 1887, the Master "in a few well chosen remarks
announced the death of late Brother William C. Alder, whose
death was caused by a blow~from a Ruffian on October 1, 1887."
At the Visitation on October 17th, Most Worshipful Grand
Master, Jose M. Yznaga, and members of the Grand Lodge and
visitors heard an inspiring address from Reverend Charles O. Cook,
which address was ordered to be printed by the Lodge. Ladies
and gentlemen thereafter entertained and received the thanks of
the Lodge, which on that night boasted of having sixty-seven on
its rolls.
On N overnber 7th, the Secretary recommends that a Committee
be appointed to submit plans for a NEW HALL; to inquire about
a loan and to ascertain the cost of moving the present building.
Brothers John H. King, David L. Pitcher and John McLean were
appointed.