Chapter IV

GO ON
In the Great Light of Masonry you find these words: "Watch yourselves.
You must not lose what you have been working for, but gain a full
reward"-2 John 8.
As we think in terms of "going on", we are instantly confronted with
barriers. Will we be supported?, Can we do it?, Are the problems too
great?, Shall we put it off?, and similar questions confront us.
Eve Currie said that she was taught a lesson by a Chinese friend, who
told her that "Burma was a country of failures, of reinforcements that did
not arrive, of battles that were not fought, of decisions that were not taken
in time, of railroads built in vain, of routes opened after tragic delay".
She learned the lesson of perseverance from this and from the words of
Dr. Tseng who said: "China was supplied first by way of Hong Kong.
That line was cut off. Then she was supplied by way of Rangoon and
that road in turn is now being cut off. But each time that a new route
vanishes, we will find another and another, if necessary, so that China
can go on fighting. Let us never say when speaking of Burma of any
other place-"This is the last road for it is our job to see, to find a road
to be used after the last."
We shall find that the present Temple shall not be the last and that the
one to follow shall not be the last.
It is not the Big Things, so much as trifles, that oftimes defeat us. You
may have read of the overland traveller, who walked all the way from
San Francisco to New York. He said the hardest obstacle he had to face
was not the Rockies, the Allegheneys, the swollen Mississippi or the Ohio
but what almost defeated him was the sand in his shoes. It is the little
irritating trifles. Nothing shall stop our Brethren. They shall GO ON
and gain a full reward.
On December 5, 1887, the following officers were elected:
Samuel E. Shields, Worshipful Master, Alex B. Garden, Senior
Warden, David L. Pitcher, Junior Warden, John H. King, Secretary,
re-elected, Claudius B. Smith, Treasurer, re-elected, Julius
W. Tolson, Tiler, re-elected. They were installed on December 19,
1887.
SAMUEL E. SHIELDS
December 19, 1887 December 21, 1888
The Master's first business was to appoint Reverend Charles
O. Cook, as Chaplain.
His next business was the last sad tribute to a deceased
Brother. On January 9, 1888, Brother William H. King was buried
in Congressional Cemetery after services in the Methodist Church
where the Chaplain of the Lodge conducted the service.
45
46 Anacostia Lodge, No. 931, F. A. A. M.,
"Resolutions of Condolence" were read and adopted and copies.
forwarded to the widow, to the Anacostia Herald and to the Washington
Star.
On January 16, 1880, a distinguished member of the Lodge·
made a statement relative to his un-Masonic conduct in being intoxicated
on the ninth of January, and humbly apologized to the
Worshipful Master and to the Lodge and gave his promise that
it should not occur with him again while a member of the Lodge.
The Master accepted the Brother's apology and at the same time
administered a rebuke with the hope that the Brother would never
be seen in like circumstances again.
As we reflect upon our early Masonic History, we become impressed
with the great hostility that the Brethren had toward those who cannot
control their appetites. They will not tolerate intoxication. We surmise
that that evil condition contributed more than any.thing else, to the great
number of rejections. This problem, as old as man, disturbed them very
much. They understood the stark terror of alcoholic addiction, for on all
sides they were seeing it and hearing about it. These were the days of
strong Temperance Societies. Millions of men and women had joined these
groups and their influence was felt. Saloons, with free lunches, were in
almost every block. They had no legal status until the end of the Civil
War. President Lincoln, with much regret, signed the Bill what started the
License System in America, asserting, as he did so, that the devil must be
made to contribute to the needs of the Union. They knew that the Government
was against it, as it does not sell it and must restrict it. They
knew that the School was against it, as education stands for intelligence
and the wise management of life. They knew that the Church was against
it as it was the Church's worst enemy and a destroyer of its work. They
knew that the home was against it, as it brought about poverty, hatred,
hunger, deceit, wounds and death. They knew th·at Masonry was against
it and they had the courage to stand firm against the Mother of Want and
the Nurse of Crime.
An excursion to Bay Ridge netted Forty-one Dollars and Fifteen
Cents.
The Grand Visitation, as were all of the Meetings, was well
attended. On that night eighty-three Masons were in the room,
including the Grand Master and his Officers. Visitors came from
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. The Most
Worshipful Grand Master, Jesse W. Lee, Jr., congratulated the
Lodge on its progress and introduced Reverend B. F. Bittinger of
Dawson Lodge, No. 16, as the orator of the evening. The subject
of his address was "Dreams".
Arrangements were being made by all of the Lodges for the
entertainment of visiting Knight Templars at the Triennial Conclave
to be held in Washington on October 8, 1889.
JAMES E. HALLEY
December 21, 1888 December 2, 1889
of the District of Columbia 47
On the 3rd of December, Brother Halley was elected as W orshipful
Master on the THIRTEENTH BALLOT. This was some
kind of record. The 13 seemed to be working, for he and the officers
in his line were immediately installed.
On December 17th, we find Brother Shields still in the East
and he calls for a Special Meeting on December 21st, "For the purpose
of installing the officers elect prior to St. Johns Day, as required
by the By-Laws". On the 21st of December, he installs
the Officers and retires with thanks to the Lodge for its support.
It would appear that Brother Halley is the only Master ever
to be installed twice in eighteen days and this, too, is some kind
of a record.
The Lodge obtains an expensive "Visitor's Book" and purchases
a "Nine-stop Estey Organ" as the Brethren now seek entertainment,
"when there is no work".
There ,vas "no quorum" on March 4th, Inauguration Day.
The Senior Deacon, Brother Charles J. James, presented on
behalf of William H. Douglas, a Past Master of St. John's Lodge,
No. 11, "a handsome Metal Nickel Plated Charter Case."
Fraternal relations were very strong with Maryland and
Virginia and invitations to visit were constantly being considered.
The Brethren voted to visit Washington Lodge, No. 22 in Alexandria,
Virginia, on May 9th, all to meet at the Baltimore and
Ohio Depot to take the 6: 21 Train. The record shows that they
didn't make it "on account of non-communication between the two
cities by rail."
On May 20th, that persistent Secretary presented a statement
and drawing for a proposed New Hall.
A Special Meeting was called for the purpose of conferring the
Master Masons Degree on Brother William F. Gude and Samuel
M. Frazier. Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harrison Dingman
was invited to confer the Degree. He did so in a manner which
brought him many compliments.
At the following meeting on June 17th, "Reverend "Villard G.
Davenport, late of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 25, Brendon, Vermont"
applied for affiliation and a gardener named Alfred T. Grimes,
age 23, applied for the Degrees.
(Comment: As I write this, the ground is covered with fifteen inches of
snow. It is February, 1961, and snow has been on the ground since before
Christmas. It's a good time for thinking and I recall a night in October,
1960, when we honored our Past Masters and particularly one-the Dean
of our Past Masters, Alfred T. Grimes. Our Brother is alive and
fairly well, today. He was Master of his Lodge in 1914. The reader is
referred to that year and to October 3rd communication, 1960.)
48 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
On June 17th, the Secretary again calls attention to the need
for aNew Hall and the Master at the following meeting appoints
Brothers John H. King, James Tindall, John McLean, William D.
Campbell and James C. Lee, as a Committee to examine the matter.
Brothers King, McLean and Tindall presented a written report
on July 15th. They gave locations available and cost estimates
but they considered the present site as the best. They recommended
the moving of the present Hall to the south line of the
lot and the building of a Brick Hall, twenty-five by sixty feet on
the north-west corner to be three stories high and at the approximate
cost of Seven Thousand Dollars. The matter was referred
back to the Committee for further study.
On September 2, 1889, they reported that they had sought information
as to the price of a Lot twenty-five by one hundred three
feet, corner of Monroe and Jackson Streets, and Mr. Richard A.
Pyles, M.D., wanted Seventy-five Cents per foot, one-third Cash and
balance in one or two years. This was too much, Two Thousand
Seven Hundred Three Dollars and Seventy-five cents. The Committee's
long report set forth that the Lodge had the most desirable
location in Anacostia and more than sufficient ground for
a new building. They presented Brother John E. Simms, Architect
and member of Lebanon Lodge, No.7, who had made drawing
and elevations for a three-story building. They thought of
using the first floor for a store or school room and estimated that
all rents would produce Six Hundred Dollars per annum. The
Building costs remain at Seven Thousand Dollars. The Lodge was
favorably impressed and requested "Specifications".
At this time the Lodge had sixty-six paying members and their
dues amounted to One Hundred Ni.nety-eight Dollars per annum.
At the Grand Visitation in October 21, 1889, seventy-six
Brethren heard the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harrison Dingman,
praise the Master, officers and members for the "good showing
of work and financial condition of the Lodge". Brother W. R.
Singleton, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary addressed the Lodge
"on the differences of the work at the present time from that when
he was made a Mason nearly fifty years ago."
Brother Charles J. James favored the Lodge with several
songs accompanied on the organ by Brother D. G. Pfieffer of
Harmony Lodge, No. 17. At this point the Lodge retired for refreshments
and after "an hour in feasting and becoming nlore
intimately acquainted with one another", the Lodge was called
from refreshment to labor.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master again addressed the Lodge
and gave his blessing to the contemplated building of a New Hall
and assured the Brethren of heartiest support.
of the District of Columbia 49
On November 18, 1889, the "Specifications" for the New Hall
were approved. The project being approved, the next step is to
secure a loan.
ALEXANDER B. GARDEN
December 2, 1889 December 1, 1890
On Decembel' 2, 1889, Alexander B. Garden was elected as
Master and installed. On January 20, 1890, the Lodge was notified
that the Building Committee had elected William D. Campbell,
Chairman and John H. King, Secretary. It recommended that the
store contemplated be dropped from fUl'ther consideration and
that thereafter, the Committee be empowered to proceed without
further authority of communication with the Lodge. This was
approved.
On April 7, 1890, in the presence of the Most Worshipful
Grand Master, James K. Sample, the Building Committee reported
that it had selected Mr. A. P. Clark, Jr., as the architect for the
building. The cost would be greater as the size was increased to
thirty-four feet by ninety feet on the first floor with other changes
throughout. The plans and specifications had been completed and
estimates had been secured from a number of builders. Five bids
had been received ranging from Ten Thousand Eight Hundred
Forty-six Dollars to Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars. It
was estimated that the lowest bid of Ten Thousand Eight Hundred
and Forty-Six Dollars from William F. Kirby and Brother with
hardware, fixtures, plumbing, heating, furniture and moving the
old building would bring the cost to Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred
and Forty-six Dollars.
The Lodge discussed the report, gave its approval and directed
the Committee to negotiate a Loan. At that time the balance in
the Treasury was Four Hundred Sixty-four Dollars and NinetyCents.
On May 19th, the Building Committee recommended the purchase
of additional ground and the recommendation was approved.
Lot #349-twenty-eight feet by ninety feet was purchased for the
amount of Three Hundred Dollars. They now owned ninety feet
on Jackson Street and one hundred and four feet on Pierce Street.
CORNER STONE
OF
ANACOSTIA LODGE, NO. 21, F.A.A.M.
Laid JULY 2nd, 1890 by
James A. Sample, M.W. Grand Master.
Officers of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for
1890.
James A. Sample. __ ........... __ ....... _.. ..... _.. M.W. Grand Master
50 Anacostia Lodge, No. '21, F. A. A. M.,
Thomas F. Gibbs ________________________ R.W. Deputy Grand Master
Frederick G. Alexander _______________ R.W. Senior Gr. Warden
L. Cabell Williamson ______________ R.W. Junior Grand Warden
William R. Singleton _______________________ R.W. Grand Secretary
Charles C. Duncanson _______________________ R.W. Grand Treasurer
Officers of Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, for 1890.
Alexander B. Garden _____________________________ Worshipful Master
David L. Pitcher _____________________________________________ Senior Warden
Charles J. J ames ______________________________________________ J unior Warden
John H. King ___________________________________________________________ Secretary
Claudius B. Smith ___________________________________________________ Treasurer
Adolphus Gude __________________________________________________ Senior Deacon
James H. Dony _________________________________________________ Junior Deacon
John N. Minnix ___________________________________ Master of Ceremonies
Rev. Ezekiel Richardson ___________________________________________ Chaplain
James E. Minnix ___________________________________________ Senior Steward
William F. Gude _____________________________________________ Junior Steward
Julius Tolson _____________________________________________________________________ Tiler
TRUSTEES
John H. O'Donnell Charles F. Walson John N. Minnix
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Bro. William D. Campbell, Chairman
Bro. John H. King, Secretary
Bro. John H. O'Donnell
Bro. Alexander B. Garden
Bro. James Tindall Bro. Charles F. Walson
John E. Herrell, Treasurer
Architect: A. P. Clark, Jr.
Builders: William F. Kirby & Brother
The Master called a Special Communication for the purpose
of escorting the Grand Lodge to the site of the proposed new building.
The Lodge assembled at Naval Lodge, No.4, Fifth and
Virginia Avenue, S.E. There they formed with DeMolay Commandery
No.4, mounted, and headed by a section of the Marine
Band, they made what must have been a very beautiful escort
for the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his officers. The Secretary
records the line of march as follows:
"Along Virginia Avenue to 6th Street; up 6th Street to G, along G
Street to 8th; down 8th Street to M, along M Street to 11 th Street, S.E.;
along 11th Street to the Bridge; across the Bridge to Nichols Avenue;
along Nichols Avenue to Jackson Street, when within suitable distance
from the hall, the line was halted-where DeMolay Commandery formed
in line and the head of the line resting on Pierce Street. The line was then
counter-marched and saluted by the Commandery and then proceeded to
the building where the impressive ceremony of laying the corner stone
-----------------------
of the District of Columbia 51
by Grand Master, James A. Sample, took place amid the vivid flashes of
lightning and roaring thunder."
The following articles were deposited in the copper box of the
corner stone:
1. A short sketch of the organization and the building transactions of the
Lodge with a list of members to June 19, 1890.
2. Copy of By-Laws.
3. Masonic Calendar, 1890.
4. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, 1889.
5. Constitution of the Grand Lodge, 1888.
6. Sunday Herald and Post, June 29, 1890.
7. Evening Star and Morning Post, July 2, 1890.
8. Coin of 1890--(One Silver Dollar, One Silver Half-Dollar, One Silver
Quarter Dollar, One Dime, One Nickel, and One Nickel Cent.)
9. Masonic Monitor.
After the ceremony, the Lodge returned to its own hall and
conferred the E. A. Degree. The Corner Stone was jointly donated
by William D. Campbell and John Burns, who were thanked under
seal of the Lodge.
On August 4th, the permanent Committee was appointed on
Entertainment, with Brother Charles J. James, Chairman.
On September 1, 1890, the Lodge was granted permission to
hold its meetings in Naval Lodge, No.4, without compensation until
completion and dedication of its building. On September 15th,
1890, the Lodge met in Naval Lodge Hall and continued to meet
there until November 4, 1890.
On October 6th, the Excursion Committee reported a net profit
of One Hundred Twenty-three Dollars and eighty-five cents on a
trip to Colonial Beach.
Great plans are in the making for a Dedication Ball and Bazaar.
Invitations were sent out and B. B. French Lodge, No. 15,
sent a check for Twenty-five Dollars as a "tangible expression of
our interest in the success of the enterprise".
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION
First Meeting in the New Hall, November 4, 1890, for the purpose
of Dedication. This was also the night fixed for Grand Visitation.
In the presence of a large gathering of members and visitors,
the Most Worshipful Grand Master, James A. Sample, dedicated
the new hall in ancient form. The Grand Master congratulated
the Lodge upon the success and upon its membership,
now eighty-one. He spoke of its history, its trials and its prosperity,
stating that it now had a Hall, second to none, in the jurisdiction.
He then presented Sixty-three Dollars to the Lodge as a
contribution from the Grand Lodge Officers.
52 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
Brother John H. Olcott, Secretary of LaFayette Lodge, No. 19,
presented Fifty Dollars on behalf of his Lodge. The Choir, engaged
for the evening, donated their services. All were invited to remain
for a collation.
On November 17th, the Lodge received Twenty-five Dollars
from Acacia Lodge, No. 18, and Ten Dollars from Brother James
Lansburg.
December 1, 1890, is a red letter day for the Historian. It's the
beginning of typewritten pages. On this day, Brother Charles J.
~r ames, on behalf of Mrs. Elvira B. Sheldon, widow of Brother Joel
S. Sheldon, presented a cane from the Tomb of George Washington
to the Lodge.
DAVID L. PITCHER
December 1, 1890 December 7, 1891
The Master and his officers were installed and the Master was
presented with a very handsome apron from McLilley and Company
of Columbus, Ohio, "to be worn by Masters during Lodge
hours."
The Lodge received a donation of Twenty-five Dollars from
St. Johns Lodge, No. 11, and Twenty-five Dollars from Harmony
Lodge, No. 17.
On February 16, 1891, the Fair or Bazaar Committee filed a
fourteen-page report of its activity. First there was the Dedication
Ball which netted a profit of 'fhree Hundred Forty-eight Dollars
and sixty-three Cents; then the Bazaar, which commenced
on the 18th and closed on the 28th day of November. All remaining
articles were auctioned off on the following day. All of the
ladies and gentlemen assisting are listed and their duties outlined.
The amount of labor put in an affair of this kind is beyond our
comprehension today. We just couldn't get the ladies or gentlemen
to do it.
These were some of the Tables, with income.
1. Ice Cream Saloon and Confectionery _______________ $170.00
2. Variety & Stationery____________________________________________ 84.40
3. Bazaar Table ________________________________________________________ 148.57
4. Rebecca's Well ____________ ._________________________________________ 39.45
5. Voting Table ________________________________________________________ 2,094.23
6. Combination Table _____________________________________________ 155.56
7. Fancy Table __________________________________________________________ 48.77
8. Miscellaneous Table ______________________________________________ 208.00
9. Front Table __________________________________________________________ 33.32
10. Paddle Table ________________________________________________________ 245.33
11. Floral Stand _______ .________________________________________________ 26.49
12. Lunch Table _______________________________________________________ . 14.70
of the District of Columbia
13. Shooting Gallery _______________________________________________ _
14. Gypsy Tent _________________ . ___________________________________ -----
24.73
19.50
Other receipts from guessing, auction, etc., brought the
53
total to ______________________________________________________________________________ $3,915.00
Plus Ball ________________________________ 437.75
Excursion ____________________________ 17.55
From Lodges ______________________ 50.00
Total __________________________ $4,420.30
Total Profit $2,500.00
The items won through "voting" consisted of Ladies' Diamond
Ring, suit of Boy's clothes, Umbrellas, Harness, Mattress and
Pillows, Bedroom Suite, Plush Chair, Gentleman's Overcoat, Ladies'
Muff and Cape, Remington Typewriter, Stieff Piano, Road Cart,
Bicycle, Brewster Buggy, Lady's Gold Watch, Masonic Gold Pin,
Knight Tenlplar's Uniform, l\i[ystic Shrine Jewel, etc.
A delegation from Osiris Lodge, No. 26, visited the Bazaar
and donated a beautiful clock and statuary to be "guessed for".
Well, they had fun, but you will notice that most of the receipts
came from the "Voting Table".
The Building Committee made a complete report in March
containing the history of the program from beginning to end.
They recapitulate the cost as follows:
Total cost of Building ___________________________________________ $10,909.16
Commission on Loan from American
Security and Trust _______________________________________ _
Interest on Loan paid Nov. 5, 1890 __________________ _
Amount of Reserved Bills __________________________________ _
Cementing Basement Floor ________________________________ _
Cost of furnishing New HaIL ____________________________ _
300.00
300.00
953.41
70.00
1,357.16
Total --- _____________________________________________ $13,889.73
The Committee was William D. Campbell, John H. King,
Charles F. Walson, James Tindall, John H. O'Donnell, and Alexander
B. Garden. ~Tohn E. Herrell was appointed to the Committee
by the Committee. He became Treasurer.
Grand Visitation, April 20, 1891
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas F. Gibbs. accompanied
by his officers, came to pay a visitation to Anacostia Lodge
and to confer the Mastor J\1:asons Degree. He had been requested to
do so by the Master and stated that it was a pleasure for him and
his officers to assume all of the stations in the Lodge. This appears
to be the first time that this was done in Anacostia Lodge.
Refreshments were served in the "Main Saloon".
54 AnacosUa Lodge, No. Bl, F. A. A. M.,
On June 15th, Brother Reverend Ernest McGill stated that the
Lodge had been very kind to him, and as it had assumed a heavy
debt, he would like to have his name placed upon the rolls as a Contributing
Member. Later Brother Reverend Davenport made the
same request. When he explained his reasons, he received great
applause.
The Lodge considers ways and means to liquidate the debt.
A number of proposals are made. Two excursions net One Hundred
Five Dollars and Fifteen Cents, but it is evident that trouble
is ahead. A Committee recommends the issuing of Bonds and
another Committee recommends the creation of the Anacostia
Lodge Revenue Association. These matters call for lengthy reports
and much debate. In times like this,when the balance in
the Treasury is around Forty Dollars, the members become a little
edgy. When the election takes place, it will be down to Four
Dollars and Eighty-six Cents.
Each member is assessed Five Dollars. Further entertainment
for Grand Officers is voted out. Nine candidates are rejected.
They recognize that they are in trouble and they vote to raise the
dues to Ten Dollars with credit being given for the Five Dollar
assessment.
1. The Junior Warden, Adolphus Gude, presents charges
against a Brother. His charges are sustained by a Committee appointed
to investigate them. Trial date is fixed and summons is
issued. The Lodge is assembled, there was much discussion, and
charges were abandoned by vote of the Lodge.
2. Brother James Tindall, Past Master, files charges against
an E. A. Mason. A Committee sustains his charges. The Lodge,
by a vote of eleven for and twenty-six against causes Brother Tindall
to appeal to the Grand Master, who thought it advisable that
charges be brought against the Brother. A Committee to take
testimony was appointed. The Committee found no evidence to
sustain charges and the Lodge voted to dismiss them. Brother
Tindall then demitted.
3. The Worshipful Master stated that at a Special during a
trial Brother, .................... had conducted himself in a disorderly
and unmasonic manner and that he had suspended him from office.
A Committee was appointed and sustained two of three charges.
The Brother was intoxicated and he did use bad language. This
is the second time that he"had to stand before the altar and take a
severe rebuke from the Master. After the apology and rebuke, the
charges were dismissed by vote of the Lodge.
Fred Douglas is permitted to lecture in the hall for the benefit
of the poor and rent was free.
of the District of Columbia 55
HENRY KUHN
December 7, 1891 December 4, 1893
Brother Hemy Kuhn served the Lodge as Master in 1885 and
now he comes back at a very critical time to carryon for two years.
Adolphus Gude becomes Senior Warden and William S. Dodge,
J uniOl' Wal'den. Henry S. Stow becomes Secretary and Reverend
Brother Davenport becomes Chaplain. Past Master, John H. Mills
installs the officers.
Comment: We have no record of any words which the Chaplain
may have used in those days of tribulation. He had a great opportunity
to take for a text these words found in 2 Kings 20-25.
These might have been his words:
"WHAT HAVE THEY SEEN IN THY HOUSE"
Here is a new Temple built and dedicated to God. Your courage was
great and your enthusiasm high. Shall defeat be considered because the
clouds hang heavy! Let us consider the thrilling and tragic story of many
years ago when God asked the searching question, "What have they seen
in thy house?" Hezekiah, the King, was told that he would shortly die.
He prayed, "I beseech Thee, Lord, remember now how I have walked before
Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which was
right in Thy sight." He wanted to live and God said, "I have heard Thy
prayer and seen Thy tears and I will heal Thee". Fifteen years more
were alloted to him. He was grateful but he wanted a sign and so God
performed a great miracle for him, by making the shadow on the sundial
to turn backward for ten degrees. Something tremendous must have
happened for not only was the miracle observed in Jerusalem but perplexed
astronomers in far away Babylon saw it in their sundials. They
argued about it and found no answer until travellers from Jerusalem informed
them that it was a sign that their Lord had given to their King.
The story came to the attention of the King of Babylon and his interest
was great enough for him to send ambassadors to Jerusalem to find out
more about this God. What an opportunity for Hezekiah! If he had
risen to it, the entire history of the world might have been changed. But
he failed. He showed the ambassadors all of the beauties of Jerusalem,
"the house of precious things", loaded them with gifts and let them return
to Babylon. Then it was that God asked him the great searching question,
"What have they seen in Thy house?" He told God's prophet and had to
admit that he had not said a word about "The Pearl of Great Price" and
then it was that Isaiah said "Behold the day is come that all that is in thine
house, and that which thy Fathers have laid up in store shall be carried unto
Babylon nothing shall be left, saith the Lord". And it came to pass even
as the prophet said-Jerusalem was destroyed because God had been
forgotten.
Put your shoulders to the wheel. This new Temple is dedicated to God.
All men will not be true. There was a Judas among the Twelve, there was
a Pilate representing Rome, and there was an Ananias who belonged to the
official family. Be not dismayed! Acknowledge the "Pearl of Great
Price" and Victory is assured.
56 Anacostia Lodge, No . . ()~1, F. A. A. M.,
The Master guides the Lodge well, through these months, finding
it necessary to advance as much as Eighty-five Dollars to meet
the bills. He must feel moments of discouragement as he observes
the balance in the Treasury sink to. One Dollar and Eighteen Cents.
He keeps the spirit alive by arranging for a "Ladies Night", the
first o.f its kind in Anacostia Lodge. His one condition that there
be no cost to Anacostia Lodge. It was, undoubtedly, a great success
for Mrs. Stow, Miss Lulu Pumphrey, The Columbia Musical
Club, Brothers Tavender and Samuels were enthusiastically
thanked. The Master also suggests that a Lodge Choir be fo.rmed.
As petitions come in and dues are paid, things look brighter
and when the Excursion Committee reports a net gain of Three
Hundred Thirteen Dollars and Thirty-five Cents on a trip to Marshall
Hall, hearts are lighter. The Secretary, Brother H. L. Stow,
keeps remarkable minutes, each page being a work of ART. He is
a Pen and Ink Artist and appears to enj oy his work. His letters
grow larger as the Finances increase.
The Trustees seek permission to sell the Old Hall and lots on
which it stands for Two Thousand Dollars and permission is
granted in June of 1892.
When Frederick G. Alexander, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
makes his Grand Visitation, he, on behalf of himself and his
officers, congratulates the Lodge on its excellent reports and
for its membership of ninety. The Grand Master presents Reverend
Brother Charles L. Pate of Acacia Lodge, No. 18, as the
Lecturer of the evening. The Secretary's record shows that "his
eloquent discourse was listened to with marked attention."
The By-Laws were amended to reduce the dues from Ten Dollars
to Six Dollars, payable quarterly. The Master was re-elected
on December 5th and installed on December 12th.
At the February Meeting, Past Master Claudius B. Smith, on
behalf of Brother Thomas E. Sherman of St. Paul Lodge, No. 14,
Newport, Rhode Island, presented a handsome gavel as a Memorial
to Past Master, William H. King. For this generous gesture, the
Lodge elected him as an Honorary Member, the fourth to receive
such honor in Anacostia Lodge.
Upon the death of Past Master, Hudson Pettit on March 21st,
Past Master after Past Master and Brother after Brother gave
eulogistic remarks, The Special called for arrangements and the
Special called for the Ceremonies are both works of Art from the
pen of Brother H. L. Stow, Secretary. In May, this Secretary
records the FIRST DEFICIENCY-NINTEY-NINE DOLLARS
AND SIXTY-FIVE CENTS. In June, the Deficiencies appear in
letters one-half inch high.
A net profit of Ninety-six Dollars and Sixteen Cents from anof
the Distr'ict of Columbia 57
other excursion comes as a life saver in July. Another worry
comes in the form of a warrant from the District Government requiring
the Lodge to make sewer connections: "to erect and maintain
running closets in our hall within thirty days". Brother J. F.
Harrison offered to do the work and wait for his pay.
THESE ARE THE GAY NINETIES!
In August, Naval Lodge, No.4, was granted the use of Anacostia
Lodge Hall, rent free, until the completion of their Building.
The Anacostia Lodge Revenue Association goes into liquidation.
On September 18, 1893, Brother John R. McConnell, the only
remaining Charter Member, requested his Demit. It was granted
with expressions of sorrow.
CHARTER MEMBERS
William F. Farish _________________________ Demitted, March 6, 1876
George H. Martin _____________________ Demitted January 20, 1873
John R. McConneIL _____________ Demitted, September 18, 1893
Charles S. Wheelec __________________ Demitted December 7, 1872
John H. Wheeler__ _________________ Dropped, December 15, 1879
Benjamin F. Wilkins ________________ . __ .. _.. _. ___ . _ Died, May 9, 1873
John Cruikshanks __ .. __ ..... _.. ___ . _____ . __ .. _________ . _ .. ____ ... _.. .. Dropped
At the Grand Visitation, L. Cabell Williamson, Most Worshipful
Grand Master, congratulated the Lodge on having a membership
of ninety-seven. Reverend Brother W. G. Davenport addressed
the Lodge.
After his election on December 4, 1893, Adolphus Gude was
installed as Worshipful Master.