Chapter V

For twelve years Anacostia Lodge occupied the small room in the Old
Blacksmith Shop. For nine years, it was in the old School House. Now
it is in its new home, said to be second to none in the city. W. B. Moses
and Son was paid One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Seven Dollars and
Seventeen Cents for furnishings. It is an interesting list-One Hundred
Cuspidors at Five Dollars and Fifty Cents per dozen, Chairs, Tables,
Desks, Water Coolers, Shades, Linoleum and over seven hundred yards of
Brussels Carpet at a cost of nearly Seven Hundred Dollars. There were
also sixty-five or more Gas Fixtures of polished brass or bronze; Wall
Brackets, Chandeliers and a square Lantern for the entrance. It wasHOME.
HOME, SWEET HOME
"There is No Place Like Home."
It has been said that no song had wider circulation or greater appeal
than "Home Sweet Home". There was a day when every English speaking
person in the world could, at least, hum it. It was sung by the choirs
in the churches, by Mothers and children in the homes, by travellers on
the highways, by soldiers on the frontiers, by high and low, rich and poor,
young and old, saint and sinner. 11 was the world's answer to pain and
unrest; it hallowed the fireside; sanctified marriage and checked disintegration
of home life. .
A man who once stayed in Anacostia, gave to the world this beautiful
melody, which struck upon the heart strings of our ancestors.
JOHN HOWARD PAYNE
There came a time when he had nothing to live for. Mary Shelly was
dead. In far away Tunis, he closed his eyes in death. Two French Sisters
of Charity had vainly tried to coax him out of his despair by calling attention
to a native girl singing "Home, Sweet Home" in Arabic. He
smiled but went on dying. These French women closed his eyes-Moors
carried out his remains and lowered him into the earth, while a Priest of
the Greek Church said a prayer. He left nothing but his song and that
went marching on.
Twenty years later a bronze bust of John Howard Payne was put up in
Brooklyn. People remembered and soon a great cry was raised for his
return. He became a Nation's Hero. The Nation re·sponded by sending
a battleship to Tunis for his remains. He was laid in state in City Hall,
New York City and thousands shed a tear at his bier. In that same year,
] 883, his body was brought to Washington, D.C. for interment and during
the ceremony, a thousand voices sang his immortal hymn. A portrait
statue by Alexander Doyle stands at his grave. The Wanderer was Home.
Along the Jordan, close by the Sea of Galillee, even in this day, may be
seen groups of black tents nesting low against the barren hillsides. Some
are small and tattered; others, large and pretentious. Shelters like those
sheltered Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants. One thing you
will observe, if you look closely-the larger the tent, the stronger the
stakes to anchor them against the wind.
58
of the District of Columbia 59,
Today we look at sKyscrapers, which darken the streets through which
we travel. In many instances, those who opened the soil came across
arrow heads. vessels and bones. Indians had pitched their tents on the
site. If life could come back to them, they would hardly believe what
they saw. White men's tents in steel and stone in comparison with their
puny little tents. OH! HOW MAN HAS ENLARGED HIS TENTS!
Deep and strong must be the stakes.
The New Home is built and dedicated and we believe that the stakes
are strong. However, the bright Master Masons will always remember
that strong moral and spiritual stakes are the ones required to make it
"Home, Sweet Home".
ADOLPHUS GUDE
December 4, 1893 December 3, 1894
One of the important items of business to come before the
Lodge was the institution of an Eastern Star Chapter in Anacostia.
The matter was discussed and continued for further information.
Consideration was then given to the report of the Finance Committee.
ASSETS
Cash on Hand .......................................................... $ 96.19
Two Notes on Old HalL......................................... 1,333.33
Due from Trustees ........ _.. ......... _............................. 7.31
Masonic Hall Value ................................................ 10,000.00
Furniture & Fixtures.............................................. 1,350.00
Total Assets ...................................................... $12,786.83
LIABILITIES
American Security & TrusL .................................. $10,000.00
James F. Harrison, Plumbing................................ 300.00
Loan from Bros. Kuhn & CampbelL................... 300.00
Total Liabilities ................................................ $10,600.00
Surplus in Favor of Lodge ................ _._.$ 2,186.83
Past Master, Henry Kuhn and Brother William D. Campbell
donated a Masonic Jewel to the Lodge, which cost $30.00 "to be
voted for". Three Hundred and Fourteen votes were purchased
and the Lodge had a profit of One Hundred Twenty-Eight Dollars.
An invitation to attend the laying of the corner stone of Naval
Lodge, No.4, Masonic Temple on Pennsylvania Avenue was accepted
and a "very creditable number of members of Anacostia
Lodge was in attendance when the stone was laid by Most Worshipful
Grand Master, Henry S. Merrill."
Brother John H. King has been appointed Secretary of the
Lodge, temporarily. Brother H. S. Stow submits his resignation
as Secretary and asks for a Demit. His resignation, as Secretary
is accepted. He withdraws his request for a Demit. He was careless
as Secretary but he will see service again in another capacity.
60 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
All these things are happening when this writer comes into
the world in October, 1894, just across the street from the Lodge
Hall.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Henry S. Merrill,
and his officers are received on November 8th when the membership
is still ninety-seven. The Grand Master presented Reverend
Brother Davenport as the Lecturer for the evening. Brother
Davenport took for his subject, "The Lambskin, Square and the
Compass".
The Grand Master was presented with a beautiful basket of
flowers, as one would expect with Brother Gude in the East.
Brother Davenport, also, received a basket of flowers "as a token
of the love and esteem" in which he was held by the membership.
Brother William R. Singleton, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary,
in the name of the Master, was presented with a basket of flowers
"as a token of the veneration and esteem in which he was held by
the members of the Lodge." Refreshments were served.
COMMENT: Many of us still remember the generosity of the
Gude Brothers. We recall in the years of our early membership,
that on the occasion of Grand Visitation. the Lodge room would be
decorated from East to West, North and South with an abundance
of flowers. Such was their love for the Order.
On the night of election, Brother Gude indicated that he could
not serve for another year. Brother John Mills, Past Master, was
elected on the ninth baliot and Brothel' King was again elected
Secretary. All officers were installed on the night of election,
December 3rd, 1894.
It is a critical period again, and so they reach out and elect
the Brother who was the first elected Master of the Lodge.
After the seven charter members, petitions for membership
and affiliations came in the following order:
Robert H. Martin June, 1869
Frederick Strom berger June, 1869
David E. Haines Jan. 1870
Claudius B. Smith Aff. Feb. 1870
John E. Herrell
Fielder W. Greer
Joseph Burn
Otto DeMoll
Cornelius W. Okey
William H. Roland
Richard O. Prather
John H. Mills
Mar. 1870
Mar. 1870
July 1870
Aug. 1870
Aug. 1870
Aug. 1870
Aft July 1870
Afr. Aug. 1870
of the District of Columbia 61
The reader will see that John H. Mills bears petition number
nineteen on the records of the Lodge. We will carryon to John
H. King.
John McLean
George H. Morgan
Donald McCathran
Edward J. Dorsey
Jefferson R. Moreland
John W. Van Hook
Sept. 1870
Oct. 1870
Oct. 1870
Nov. 1870
Nov. 1870
Aff. Nov. 1870
At this point Brother Mills became the first elected Master.
His Senior Warden was Joseph Burn and his Junior Warden
George H. Martin, and his Secretary, Claudius B. Smith.
William H. Collins Jan. 1871
Isaac P. Childs Jan. 1871
Jasper Scott Feb. 1871
John B. Dausch Feb. 1871
Antonio J. Baptista Feb. 1871
William Degin Affl. Feb. 1871
William S. Murphy Feb. 1871
Charles F. Walson Affl. Mar. 1871
John B. Ferguson
George A. Cross
John H. King
June 1871
June 1871
June 1871
JOHN H. MILLS
December 3, 1891 December 16, 1895
As Dne examines the minutes and watches the mDnths and years gD by,
there comes an impact akin tD grief. Illness is reported and death follDws.
A friend we have just been writing abDut, SD active and so interested, has
departed. We recall reading abDut a Sundial in a distant country Dn
which these wDrds are inscribed, "Every hour wDunds, the last hour kills".
They come, they play their part and bDW DUt. No matter how poor the
Lodge, ways and means were found to render assistance to the ill and to
the family of a Brother. I doubt if the Brethren of this day have any
conception Df the duties and responsibilities of the Brethren of the nineteenth
century. To sit up at night with a sick BrDther, tD sit up at night
with the deceased Brother, to go to a Special to arrange for the funeral
and to another Special for Church services and Masonic Funeral Ceremonies
at the grave. To walk in good weather and to ride in carriages in
bad weather. And then again, Dne cannot help but to observe the cost.
Nursing service paid by the Lodge, carriages, floral piece, advertisement,
often a band of music, apron, gloves, etc. In some instances recorded in
the record, the Master had to secure an Undertaker and even the site for
burial at Lodge expense.
On January 21st, a Commitee is appointed to confer with a
similar Committee of Electa Chapter, No. 2 Order of the Eastern
62 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
Star for the purpose of giving a joint entertainment. This is the
second reference to that Chapter. The third comes on February
4th, when Brother Cornelius W. Okey speaks about the Joint Committee.
The fourth comes on March 4th, when Brother Okey tells
the Lodge that the Ladies want to know what they are going to
do. Some of these ladies are the ones who made the Fairs so successful-
Mrs. Elsie Robinson, Mrs. Annie Harnish, Mrs. Carrie
Smith, etc.
The Lodge decides to acquire wood from Mt. Vernon to make
gavels to be sent throughout the country with a request for a
donation.
The Lodge and the Eastern Star Chapter gave its first joint
entertainment on the 25th of May and each cleared Ninety-two
Dollars and Nineteen Cents. On June 17th, the Chapter donated
Twenty-five Dollars to the Lodge and requests information about
rent of the hall; also, requests that the Committees work up a
j oint excursion.
It looks like the ladies will keep the boys busy. The Lodge
accepts the cash, refers the rent item to the Trustees and agrees
to a joint excursion. In addition, the Lodge decides to use this
mighty force and appointed a Master Committee for a Bang-up
Fair, calling on Electa Chapter to assist.
THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
The Brethren did not know it, but "The Fairs" were responsible
for bringing the Order to the District of Columbia.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Frederick G. Alexander,
was a member of Stansbury Lodge, No. 24, and that Lodge had a
debt to liquidate in addition to a great desire to make a good
record for Stansbury's first Grand Master. Brother Henry Yost,
Senior and his Committee decided to hold a Fair for five days at
the National Rifles Armory on G Street, Northwest. They badly
needed the help of the Ladies. They decided to have a Booth named
for each Lodge and requested each Lodge to select two ladies to
assist at the Booth named after the Lodge. This proved to ge a great
success. Brother Yost suggested to his Lodge that a Fraternal
Organization of the wives, daughters, widows and sisters of Master
Masons might make for good fellowship in addition to being a help
to the Lodges. The Lodge thought it was a wonderful idea and the
Most Worshipful Grand Master promised that permission would
be granted to use the Lodge room for the meeting place. Meetings
were held and the General Grand Chapter was contacted. The
Right Worthy Grand Secretary was informed by the Committee
that it was desirous of having a Chapter in the District of Columbia
and the Right Worthy Grand Secretary instructed the
Committee as to the procedure. Meetings were held and thereof
the District of Columbia 63
after, a group meeting in Stansbury Lodge, No. 24, on June 20,
1892, signed an application for a Charter, which application was
granted on July 16, 1892.
The first regular meeting of Ruth Chapter, No.1, was held in
Stansbury Lodge Hall, August 11, 1892. In two years from that
time, Electa Chapter, No.2, was started in Anacostia. Certain
members of Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, were much interested in
having this organization on this side of the river. The General
Grand Chapter granted a Charter upon the recommendation and
sponsorship of Ruth Chapter, No.1, for a second Chapter to be
formed in the District of Columbia, Electa, No.2.
On July 12, 1894, Ruth Chapter, No.1, instituted Electa
Chapter, No.2, and installed its first officers. A large attendance
is reported, coming by horse-drawn street cars, buggies and an
onmibus which brought a large delegation from Alpha Chapter,
No.1, of Baltimore, Maryland.
ELECTA CHAPTER'S FIRST OFFICERS
Emma V. Dodge ............................ Worthy Matron
J. Edward Minnix. ........ _.. ................ Worthy Patron
Eliza P. Walson. ................ _.. . _.. .. Associate Matron
Carrie Golden (Smith) ................... _______ ._Secretary
Sophie Kuhn (Prediger) _________ .. _______ . _ .. _ Treasurer
Julianna Allen_._ .. _. ___ . __________ . ______ . _ . _ . __ Conductress
Flora Crozier _____________ . _ . _____ Associate Conductress
Mary N orth ... _. _____ . _______ ._._._._._._._. ____ . _____ ._.Chaplain
Blanch Okey_ ... _._ .. ____ ._._. _. __ . _ . ___ . _________ . _______ Marshal
Rosie Kuhn _____ .. ____ . _____________________ . _ . __________ Organist
Rosie Scott (Smith) _________ ._. ________________ . __________ Adah
Annie Hartley (Scott) _________ . ___ . ____ . ____________ . __ Ruth
Martha Redd (Truesheim) ______________ . __________ Esther
Mamie Fisher _ .. ____________________________________________ Martha
Sarah Swindells _____________ ._. ______________________________ Electa
Susie Harrison ___________ . __________ . _ . ___________ . ____ Warder
.J eff Moreland ___________ ._ .. ___________ . ____________ . __ .. ___ Sentinel
The following Charter Members will show the relationship to Anacostia
Lodge. One of these Charter Members remains with us
today, Carrie Golden Smith. Beloved by all, she throughout all of
the years has been a powerful influence in the Fraternal and Civic
life in this city.
64 Anacostia Lodge, No. fel, F. A. A. M.,
CHARTER MEMBERS OF ELECTA CHAPTER, NO.2
Julianna Allen
Edna Allen
H. P. Allen
Cora Burn
S. H. Burn
Mary Calvoe
Flora Crozier
Horace Crozier
Emma V. Dodge
M. A. Dodge
Wilbur S. Dodge
Mary Davenport
Rev. Willard Davenport
Emma Eno
Henry Eno
Hattie Fowler
Jack Fowler
Mamie 1. Fisher
Walter Fisher
l\lIrs. F. Feddon
Mrs. J. F. Feddon
Carrie Golden (Smith)
Stephen M. Golden
Annie E. Gaskins
M. Elizabeth Gude
Adolphus Gude
E. Gessford
Alexander B. Garden
Annie Hartley
Susie Harrison
Dr. J. S. Harrison
James F. Harrison
C. L. Heath
Sophie Kuhn
Rosa Kuhn
E. V. Kessler
Fred R. Kramer
J. Edward Minnix
Ida V. Minnix
Jeff Moreland
Cornelius W. Okey
Mary B. Okey
Dr. Richard Pyles
Mattie Redd
Elsie Shields (Robinson)
Josephine Shields
J. B. Redd
Samuel E. Shields
Jennie Stowe
Henry S. Stowe
Rosa Scott
Sarah Swindells
S. Swindells
Eliza P. Walson
C. F. Walson
Joanna Warwick
J. Frank Scott
Julius W. rrolson
Louis J. Smith
G. H. Gaskins
A. T. Grimes
This Chapter is now the largest of forty Chapters in the
District of Columbia. Two of Electa Chapter's Charter Members
served as Grand Treasurer in the Grand Chapter, of the District
of Columbia.
Sister Julianna Allen served from 1900 to 1901 and Josephine
V. Shields served from 1902 to 1905.
The following members have served in the Grand East:
Cornelius B. Okey.----..... ---- .. ----_______ . _________________ 1897
of the District of Columbia
Eliza P. Walson ............... _. __ ._ ... _.. .................. _.. .. 1902
Adolphus A. Gude .............................................. 1904
Mary T. O'Brien. ................... _.. . _.. ...... _.. ............ 1909
Charles F. Roberts P.G.M ............................... 1912
Cora P. Mayberry .............................................. 1919
Gratz E. Dunkum P.G.M .. _.. ........................... 1922
Walter L. Fowler.. _________ . _____________ . __________________ .1935
(Elected Right Worthy Grand Sentinel, General Grand
Chapter, September, 1958. Elected Right Worthy Associate
Grand Patron, November, 1961.)
Alice L. W olfe ____________________ . _____________________________ 1948
Francis P. Smith _ . __________________________________ . ____ ._.1961
LIVING PAST MATRONS
65
Sistel's Carrie G. Smith 1908, Helen E. Roberts 09, Cora P. Mayberry 10,
Lulu R. Eno 16, Helen N. Butz 17, Mary E. Bennoff 18, Ethel C. Frazier 20,
Corinne M. Clements 22, Alvena H. Hughes 23, Marjorie H. Campbell 24,
Florence K. Fowler 27, Elizabeth E. Hal'mon 28, Margaret Mills Wallingsfol'd
30, Elsie F. Fishel' 31, Elsie D. Allen 33, Margaret T. Lainhart 34, Nellie M.
Murphy 36, Alice L. Wolfe 37, Ida Mae Selby 38, Edna E. Dyer 39, Lyda B.
Davis 40, Ardah P. Hennings 41, Miranda A. Hodge 42, Isabella A. Clarke 43,
Mary W. Renfro 44, Frances P. Smith 45, Alma G. Wilson 46, Kathryn S. Rodgers
47, Edna H. Treasure 48, Jean Thorne 49, Catherine L. Harris 50, Mary C.
Asay 51, Jennie Luckel 52, Louise D. Riemann 53, Catherine E. Jacob 54,
Louise Merritt 55, Janet 1. Smith 56, Z. Louise Hood 57, Grace Mullinix 58,
Frances E. Gilliam 59, Anne E. Duke 60.
DECEASED PAST MATRONS
Sisters Emma V. Dodge 1894, Julianna Allen 95, Eliza P. Walson 96, Mary
B. Okey 97, Josephine V. Shields 98, Iddy Williamson 99, Joanna F. Warwick
1900, Mary T. O'Brien 01, Sophie 1. French 02, Flora E. Crosier 03, Mamie E.
Copes 04, Annie S. Harnish 05, Eva M. Rauchenstein 06, Mary E. Gude 07,
Mary M. North 11*, Frances E. Frazier 11, Frances C. Guernsey 12, Bertha B.
Haines 13, Edna S. Rauchenstein 14, Lavinia R. Kelly 15, M. Ella Fillius 19,
Ethel V. R. Tice 21, Marion B. Linden 25, Marietta H. Thompson 26, Florence
B. Wormersley 29, Dorothy M. Tucker 32, Mary A. Moody 35.
* Affiliated.
LIVING PAST PATRONS
Brothers Walter L. Fowler 23, F. Tracy Campbell 25, Raymond D. Fillius
27, Robert Thompson 28, Raymond F. Selby 32, Norman H. Murphy 33, John
W. James 34, John W. Lainhart 36, Frank M. Hodge 38, Norman J. Koontz 40,
Lee H. Wolfe 41, Frank Luckel 42, Earl Garretson 44, Samuel R. Warnock 45,
Marcene Rausch 46, Donald J. McLaughlin 47, Earl D. Jacob 48, Lamar F.
Renfro 49, H. Frederick Bowman 50, George P. Smith, Jr. 51, Vernon L.
Vogan 52, W. Herbert Thorne 53, Percy L. Atkins 54, Charles W. Armentrout
55, George R. Asay 56, Harley H. Hood 57, George Tizard 58, James J. Gilliam
59, Eugene H. Albert 60.
DECEASED PAST PATRONS
Brothers James E. Minnix l894. Cornelius W. Okey 95, Adolphus A. Gude
96, Charles J. James 97, Julius W. Tolson 98, Alexander R. Garden 99, Samuel
E. Shields 1901, Henry S. Stowe 02, Wilbur S. Dodge 03, Walter n. Fry 04,
66 AnacOo';tia Lodge, No. 2j, F. A. A. M.,
Thomas S. Reilley 05, Charles F. Roberts 06, 07, Gratz E. Dunkum 08, Wm.
R. Rauchenstein 09, Milton Fillius 10, Simon Bube 11, George H. Copes 12,
Elmer C. Mayberry 13, Wm. Scantlebury, Jr. 14, Joseph W. Kelly 17, Charles
Cloyes Fletcher 18, William F. Kelly 19, William C. James 20, Jas. C. Beveridge
21, Samuel R. Campbell 22, Charles V. Etzler 24, Francis A. Dony 26, William
J. Tucker 29, Alonzo M. Stone 31, Walter G. Dyer 35, Wm. B. Handy 37,
Ernest J. Reed 39.
The Brethren who read these names will have a better understanding of
our close relationship.
FINANCIAL CRISIS.
The condition of the Lodge with respect to finances was considered
in the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master,
David G. Dixon. Sixty-seven members were present constituting
three-fourths of the membership. The financial condition of the
Lodge was the first order of business.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, David G. Dixon, expressed
his pleasure at being present, hoped that some solution
towards the relief of the embarrassing financial condition would be
accomplished. He believed that the members would find a way
to retain their beautiful home.
A motion was made that every member contribute Five Dollars
and the motion was adopted. Due to the lateness of the hour,
the meeting was closed and a Special meeting was called for the
consideration of the unfinished business on September 30th.
At the Grand Visitation on October 7th, the total membership
was ninety-five. The Grand Master again suggested that the members
devise some plan to retain possession of their Hall. Refreshments
were served in the lower hall.
At the next stated meeting, the Lodge donated a letter (G) and
a set of middle chamber pillars to King David Lodge, No. 28.
Every effort is made to collect dues.
At this communication, an interesting letter is received by
the Secretary from Brother Edward Stoker.
"U.S.S. Machias, Shanghai, China, October 25, 1895
Dear Sir and Brother:
Your communication of August 13 has come to hand and I have the
honor to thank you for your information and well wishes. Enclosed,
please find money and after my dues have been deducted therefrom, please
donate the balance to the Lodge fund. There is no news in the Far East
that the people in the U.S. do not hear before we do ourselves; the cholera
has carried away many natives and a few Europeans, we have ourselves
lost two men from the ship by the above named disease but as cold
weather approaches, cholera graduaIJy disappears. You speak of having
never met me. 1 for myself can hardly say more to you as I have only
of the District of Columbia
met you once, still we are lodge brothers just the same. Please give my
regards to Brother Kuhn and others."
(His donation was $10.85)
67
Brother Wilbur S. Dodge was elected Worshipful Master on
December 2, 1895 and was installed on December 16, 1895.
WILBUR S. DODGE
December 16, 1895 December 7, 1896
An eight-page written report from the Bazaar Committee was
received. It discloses that the ladies from Electa Chapter, No,. 2,
did most of the work; that it was a ten-day "FAIR"; that Anaco,
stia Street Rail Road Employees were on a strike, preventing
a great number from attending the Bazaar. Many donations were
l'eceived and many received thanks from the Lodge. Columbia
Lodge, No.3, Naval Lodge, No, 4, B. B. French Lodge, No. 15,
Da-wson Lodge, No, 16, Harmony Lodge, No. 17, LaFayette Lodge,
No. 19, Mo,unt Vernon Chapter No.3, Washington Naval Chapter
No.6, Washington Chapter No.2 and DeMolay Co,mmandery contributed
a total of One Hundred Thirty Dollars.
The First Regiment Uniform Rank o,f the Knights of Pythias
attended in a body, "and one captured our Goat (in the shape of a
very fine sheep) do,nated by Ruth Chapter No,. 1, Order o,f the
Eastern Star". Mineola Tribe No. 14, Impro,ved Red Men and the
Knights o,f the Go,lden Eagles and their ladies also attended.
The repo,rt shows a net profit to, be Eight Hundred Forty-nine
Dollars and Thirty-one Cents, which acco,rding to the Committee
was excellent for "the extremely hard times and lack of money in
circulatio,n."
Comment: I desire to, say here and no,w that the Brethren were
great o,n keeping records. Every individual who, handled mo,ney,
articles of value and tickets were listed and charged as tho,ugh
they were dealing with a Bank. There was a slim chance o,f
missing a single Dollar 0,1' seeing that it wasn't properly
recorded.
At the Communication of January 6, 1896, we find the first
reference to Past Master's Jewels. Brother Kuhn presented one
to Brother Claudius B. Smith and Brother Julius W. Tolson presented
one to Brother Ado,lphus Gude.
George W. Baird, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Matthew
Trimble, Deputy Grand Master and Frederick G. Alexander, Past
Grand Master were visitors on the evening of February 3rd. There
were also visitors from fourteen other Lodges in the city and visitors
from New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Nebraska, Maryland
and Pennsylvania.
68 Anacostia Lodge, No. fJI, F. A. A. M.,
The occasion was the conferring of the Master Masons Degree
upon Wilbur M. Dodge~the Son as Worshipful Master, the
Father as the candidate, the two as Brothers. Fellowship around
the festive board ended a perfect evening.
The Lodge, in March, remitted the rent of Electa Chapter,
No.2, for six months. This was declined with thanks, the
Chapter requesting that bill be rendered monthly. The Chapter
asked permission to clean the carpet and paper the walls and
ceiling of the Lodge room. Permission was granted. For the
"Wonderful" cleaning, papering, tinting of walls and ceiling and
the placing of handsome curtains at the windows, the Lodge forwarded
to Electa Chapter, No.2, a Resolution of Thanks.
FIRST RUMOR OF UNSAFE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING.
Brother James H. Dony stated that he had heard rumors and
as he had had one experience with the collapsing of a building, he
did not desire another. Brothers Eno and Walson said the building
was entirely safe, "and there the matter rested."
The building may not collapse but according to Brother Adolphus
Gude, it may be surrendered to the American Security and
Trust Company unless something is done soon.
Grand Visitation and the membership is ninety-seven again.
The Grand Master referred to the Financial standing of members.
He said the report was not good, but that he wanted the members
to know that the Six Dollars paid in Anacostia Lodge was double
of that paid in Sister Lodges. Addresses of encouragement were'
made by Brothers Noble D. Larner and Past Master John H. Mill,
who also presented a basket of flowers to the Grand Master.
The members were summoned to a Special on November 2,
1896 to consider Financial Condition.
At the election on December 7th, James E. Minnix was elected
Worshipful Master and Past Master, John H. Mills installed him
and his officers.
JAMES E. MINNIX
December 7, 1896 December 6, 1897
Another "Fair" is in the making. A new piano purchased by
Electa Chapter, No.2, is in the Lodge Room. In the months following,
much time was given to By-Laws Amendments and to
the preparation for the Fair.
William Scantlebury, a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 17,
acts as Organist time after time.
Brother T. E. Sherman, an Honorary Member, observing that
"the handsome gavel", which he had presented to the Lodge, was
of the Distr'ict of Columbia 69
in bad condition, asked and received leave to have it repaired.
He returned it in excellent condition and stated that he would keep
it in neat condition as long as he lived. He received the thanks
of the Lodge.
Chandler Lodge, No. 10, of Oklahoma appeals for relief.
Chandler City, on March 30, 1897, was visited by one of the most
destructive cyclones on record. Three-fourths of all buildings in
the city were swept away. Many were killed, wounded and left
homeless. The Lodge building and all in it was destroyed by fire,
not a Mason escaped loss and many injured, some seriously maimed.
The Lodge could never refuse appeals like this and although at
the bottom of the Barrel, found ways and means to contribute to
those worse off.
The Brethren really came out for the Third Degree. The minutes
of September 20th 1897, show forty-eight members of the
Lodge present and sixty-four visitOl'S from seventeen Lodges in the
District and twelve from New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland,
Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
At the Grand Visitation, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
Matthew Trimble received a report showing the membership to be
ninety-one. There was an increase of ten but the losses amounted
to sixteen, fourteen being dropped for non-payment of dues. After
an address by Reverend Brother Joseph B. North of St. Johns
Lodge, No. 11, they repaired to the Refreshment Hall and, undoubtedly,
discussed "hard times".
At the election, Brother William F. Gude becomes Master and
he and his officers were installed by Brother Alexander B. Garden,
Past Master.
WILLIAM F. GUDE
December 6, 1897 December 5, 1898
Brother M. Kets Kenethy, Photographer, offered to take portraits
of the members-Fifty Cents for the first picture and
Twenty-five Cents for copies, all cabinet size. His offer was posted
in the Hall.
The Fair showed a profit of Eight Hundred Forty Dollars and
Eighty-seven Cents.
At the Grand Visitation, Brother Gude could be proud of
raising thirteen new members and reporting the membership to be
one hundred six.
He and his officers were congratulated by Most Worshipful
Grand Master, Samuel C. Palmer on the showing for the year. The
Program was as follows;
70 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
Samuel E. Shields, Past Master rendered a Solo entitled "The
New Jerusalem."
Reverend Brother Willard G. Davenport, Chaplain, addressed
the Lodge.
Charles J. James sang a song entitled "The Old Sexton".
Brother Evander French of Washington Centennial Lodge, No.
14, recited "The Jiner".
Brother C. H. Buckler of Osiris Lodge, No. 26, recited "The
Coon stealing a Watermelon".
It was a happy group which marched in a formation to the
lower hall for refreshments. The record shows that the Lodge
room was beautifully decorated with flowers and palms, sent over
by the Gude Brothers.
The total receipts during the year were $2,247.79.
The total expenditures during the year were $1,954.6l.
Balance, $293.18.
JULIUS W. TOLSON
December 5, 1898 December 2, 1903
The Chaplain, Brother Davenport installed the Master and
Past Master, Claudius B. Smith installed all other officers.
A letter from K. N. Harper, Past Master of Naval Lodge, No.
4, requesting that the Lodge offer the use of its Hall to Naval
Lodge tenants, while Naval Lodge holds its Fair. Request was
complied with.
Most Worshipful Grand Master, John H. Small, Junior, the
Grand Lecturer and other members of the Grand Lodge, visited
Anacostia No. 21 on August 21st. Two Brothers received the
Sublime Degree. The Grand Master retired early, as Brother
Young, the Grand Lecturer, had been drenched with rain and was
uncomfortable in his wet clothing.
The Lodge is busy with Degree work. Petitions still come
in. On the other hand members are being dropped because they
have not paid their dues. It is a trying time for some and we
read of a Past Master, whose dues are remitted because "he cannot
earn sufficient to support his family." He and many more like
him found the going mighty tough around the close of the century.
The Secretary, as usual, lists the names of all who attend the
Grand Visitation. On the occasion of the Grand Visitation of
October 25, 1899, he goes further by typing the roll of members, the
affiliation date, date raised and address of each in attendance.
of the District of Columbia 71
Sixty-seven were present, nine of the number being Past Masters.
In addition to the Grand Officers, there was a large gathering of
visitors and the newspapers reported that two hundred were in
attendance. In addition to the Most Worshipful Grand Master,
J. H. Small, Junior, and his officers, there is Past Grand Masters
Nichols and McCreery of Texas. The Lodge was congratulated for
its excellent work of the year. It had reached a total of one hundred
twenty members but losses had reduced the number to one
hundred twelve. The Grand Master was very pleased and he refelTed
to the old days when they had to hunt up officers to open
the Lodge.
Reverend Brother Davenport addressed the Lodge. His subject
was "Be a Man, Sound in Mind and Under the Tongue of Good
Report."
The Program was as follows:
Samuel E. Shields, Solo
Rev. Marcus H. Carroll, Instrumental Solo
Rev. Nelson H. Miller, Address
Evander French, Recitation
Warren Tolson, Solo
All retired for refreshments.
There were eight Special Communications during the year.
It was a good year and the Brethren, on December- 3rd, reelected
Julius W. Tolson as Master and Past Master John H. Mills
installed him and his officers on the night of election.
MASONIC SERVICES
AT THE
TOMB OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
December 14, 1899
Anacostia Lodge took part in the Centennial Anniversary of
the death of George Washington, at Mount Vernon, Virginia, on
December 14th.
The members were notified by an article in the Washington
Star to report at the Ebbitt House at 8 A.M. to escort the Grand
Lodge and visiting Grand Lodges to Mount Vernon, Virginia. The
following assembled at the designated place: Julius W. Tolson,
William N. Freeman, John II. King, Rev. W. G. Davenport, Charles
J. James, William H. Scott, Eyra A. Mathers, and Charles H.
Stevens.
Representatives from all District Lodges were part of the
escort. It was a long line that marched through the streets of
Washington to the Steamer McAllister. At the boat two more
72 Anacostia Lodge, No. 21, F. A. A. M.,
members of Anacostia Lodge joined and two more at Mount Vernon
making the total twelve for Anacostia. They were Martin
H. Schneider, Charles Brooks, William D. Campbell, and James C.
Leonard. The Steamer arrived at 11 A.M. and a line was formed
and proceeded to the Mansion. United States Artillery fired a
twenty-one gun salute. Every half hour a gun was fired at Fort
Washington. This started at sunrise and continued until sunset.
President McKinley reviewed the procession as it passed in front
of the Mansion. Grand Masters from many States took part in
the exercises as guests of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. They
marched past the old tomb to the new one where sleeps the illustrious
dead and as they marched by evergreen was deposited.
When the exercise at the Tomb was over the President of the
United States, Brother William McKinley was introduced by the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Virginia and the President
addressed the Brethren. The printed proceeding indicated that the
President would hold a reception in the Parlor of Old Willards.
While the reception was in progress "a buffet banquet will be
spread in the grand dining rooms below" and the guests were invited
to partake at their pleasure. The celebration lasted far into
the night. From Virginia records we find that this was said to be
the most universal commemorative service ever inaugurated in
the history of our fraternity. N early every Grand Lodge in
America was represented. Canada, England, and some of the Continental
Grand Lodges were represented. Ceremonies were held
all over the United States. Twelve thousand were at Mount Vernon
and to them President McKinley was introduced as follows
by the Grand Master of Virginia:
"My BRETHREN; At this shrine we have come to show that Masonry
can never forget her i11ustrious dead, can never forget that Death is but
the birth of Immortality, and that nothing that is good in man, or worthy
of love and admiration, can ever die. To speak to us today, we have
bidden one who like Washington, disdains not the humble badge of labor,
the Master's Apron, who fills today the chair once filled by Washington,
and for whose success in government, for whose health, prosperity and
peace every true citizen offers his sincerest prayers. How shall I introduce
him? I might bid you hail him as the Head of the United Commonwealths,
the Chief of the Nation, your chosen ruler. 'I might speak of him
as the gallant soldier, gallant upon the field and braver yet in honoring the
bravery of his former foeman.
But I will not do so. Other times and other places might suit such an
introduction. Today, I shan bid you listen to the voice of a Virginia-made
Mason-the son of the great Commonwealth of Ohio, once a part of
Virginia-whom Virginia Masonry claims here, yet gives him as Virginia
hath ever given alike her lands and her children to her country, the American
Mason, our Brother William McKinley."
The President delivered "a chaste and beautiful address."
President McKinley was made a Mason at Winchester, Virof
the District of Columbia 73
ginia during the Civil War. A full account of this ceremony, including
the orations of both President McKinley and Most Worshipful
Grand Master Duke, can be found in the proceedings of
the Grand Lodge of Virginia, 1899.
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ENDS
VALE, GAY NINETIES-COME ON YOU ROARING
TWENTIES