1
A
HISTORY
OF
ST. JOHN'S NO. 1
St. John’s No.1 F. & A. M.
|
280 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
1
|
saintjohns1.org
2
This document was received by our lodge from the collection of Brother Gunter Nowak. It appears
to be a working copy of a book. Pages were double spaced with handwritten notes. Those notes
that could be understood were included. Text which had been crossed out was removed. It
appears to have several authors, one from about 1850 and the second from the late 1900’s.
Some editorial comments appear within the minutes, but it is not known which author entered
them. It was reviewed with a copy in possession of RW Don Pellington. There is mention of Bro.
JH Landell as being secretary, in about 1840, and he may be the original author. There is some
reference to an author in about 1916 and one reference to television - that would date a seperate
author to about 1950- 60. No names of authors are referenced.
- NJ Lodge of Research & Education [LORE], January 2005
In May 2005, one Robert Peppel, Past Master of St. John’s No. 1, visited the lodge and mentioned
that four Past Masters of St. John’s worked on this history in 1940: his father Frank W. Peppel
(1884 -1960), Fred W. DeCamp, Norman I. Morris and John Gibb. In an e-mail Peppel sent to St.
John’s one month after his visit, he stated the following:
I do not believe that there is any way to determine who wrote what. It is due to the diligence of
Bro. J. H. LandelI, Secretary, that a great deal of this information survives today. I do not believe
that the work in the first volume was entirely written by Landell, except for that which has been
quoted from minutes he wrote. The source for the material came from records and books in the
New Jersey Historical Society and the minute books of the Lodge. The four PM"s would each take
a volume of minutes as a source for the text that they each wrote. I believe that my father typed a
good part of it, if not all of it.
The Tentative Outline has been maintained so as to show the ambition of the early writers.
A Table of Contents has been added.
Comments by current authors (Thornton and Pellington) are marked “(Edit)”.
Tentative Outline of the Book
1. Title page
2. Dedication page
3. Table of Contents
4. Preface or Introduction
5. The History proper
2
3
6. Biographies
7. Appendix
a - List of meeting places with years
( Ed. not found
b - List of Lodges in the U.S. predating St. John's
( Ed. omits Pennsylvania lodges
c - Early visitors to St. John's with date of first visit
( Ed. ok
d - Table of membership figures by years
( Ed not found
e - List of Past Masters including affiliated ones
( Ed ok
f - Table of all officers - elective & appointive
( Ed not found
g - Alphabetical list of all members, 1761 to date
( Ed Not found
with Joining and leaving dates and
showing original lodge if possible
List of trustees with dates served Bibliography
( Ed not found
8. Subject index
( Ed not found
9. Page indicating book privately printed & limited edit. (Ed not found
Chapter Listing (added by LORE in 2005)
1
23
45678910
1112
Early Freemasonry In New Jersey
Pre Revolutionary War Period
Selected Early Minutes
Revolutionary War Period
Post Revolutionary War Period
St John's Lodge & The Newark Academy
James Murray & The Bug Bible
The Beginning of The Nineteenth Century ( 1800 )
War of 1812, Lafayettes Visit, Morgan Affair
Controversy With Newark Lodge
Resuscitation as St John's Lodge No. 1
General Darcys' Return & Louis Kosauth's Visit
End of Vol. One 1855
St Johns' Clandestine Grand Lodge of NY
(Edit apparently inserted later)
6
9
20
31
36
50
59
63
71
80
85
95
106
(Edit: prior to Chap. 13 are pages of notes that seem to refer to items in book one,
and additional writing referring to chapters 13,14,15 They appear to be notes of a
unknown reviewer )
Page nbrs referred in these writings are pages in original documents and were
not carried forward here. The original document was double spaced and contained 525
pages.
14 A New Lodge Room & The Centennial Celebration
15 Reflection of the Civil War & Lincolns' death
3
122
131
4
16
17
18
19
20
21
Other Activitiy During The Civil War Period
Post Civil War Days
Alpha Lodge & Other New Lodges
1886 On
St John's Lodge During the First World War
1932 Thru 1950
Appendix follows
138
151
158
170
183
196
Oldest Lodges in the United States
(LORE ED Note, this list also appears at the beginning of the Appendix)
1 Saint John's, Boston, Mass.
July 30, 1733
2 Solomon's No. 1, Savannah, Ga. ,
Feb. 21, 1734
.
3 Solomon's No. 1, Charleston, S.C.,
1735
4 Saint John-1 a No. 1, Portsmouth, N.H.,
1736
5 Norfolk No. 1, Norfolk, Va. ,
June 1, 1741
6 Saint John's No. 1, Newport, R. I.,
Dec. 27, 1749
7 Hiram No. 1, New Haven. Conn.
Nov. 12, 1750
8 Fredericksburg No. 4, ' Va. ) N1752 (Chartered. Jul. 21, 1758)
9 St. John's No. 2, Middletown, Conn. ,
Feb. 14, 1754
10 St. John's No. 1, Wilmington, N. C.,
March 1754
11 Union Kilwinning No. 4, Charleston, S.C.
May 3, 1755
12 Lodge of St. Andrew, Boston, Mass.,
Nov. 30, 1756"
13 Saint Johns No. 1, Providence, R. I.,
Jan. 18, 1757.
14 Blandford No. 3, Petersburg, Va.,
Sept. 9, 1757
15 St. John's No. 1, New York, N. Y.,
Dec. 7, 1757
16 Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, Pa.,
June 7, 1758
17 St. Tammany No. 5, Hampton, Va.,
Feb. 26, 1759
18 Philanthropic, Marblehead, Mass..,
Mar. 25, 1760
19 Independent Royal Arch No. 2, N. Y., ,
Dec. 15, 1760
20 St. John's No. 1, Newark, N. J.,
May 13, 1761
Edward R. Cusick in a list of lodges prepared for the April 1950 trestleboard of St. John's No. 1 of
New York lists, in addition to the above lodges, the following two: Kilwinning-Crosse No. 2-237 of
Bowling Green, Va. - 1754. According to my information Port Royal Kilwinning-Cross #2 became
extinct about 1830. The present lodge was not chartered until 1881. The connection if any is
remote. Union No. 5, Middletown, Del. - 1759. According to the Grand Seer, of Del. their oldest
lodge is Washington Lodge #1, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Penna. Lodge #14 on Dec. 27,
1769. The Gr. Seer, does not even mention Union Lodge.
Whether these Lodges in question are accepted or not it would seem to be no more than fair to
mention Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3 of Albany, N. Y. This Lodge known originally as Union Lodge
No. 1 Army worked with a copy of an English Army Charter dated April 11, 1759. It later was
officially chartered on Feb. 21, 1765.
In regard to Fredericksburg Lodge #4 of Va. The date of the formation of this Lodge is unknown.
George Washington. was made a Mason in it on Nov. 4, 1752. It was officially chartered on July
21, 1758.
4
5
Chapter ONE
Early Freemasonry In New Jersey
In an article entitled "Contributions to the Early History of Freemasonry in New Jersey" published
in the New Jersey edition of the "Master Mason" about 1926, Rt. Wor. Bro. David McGregor,
Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey made the following statement:
"To New Jersey belongs the unique honor of having had as prominent citizens of the Province:
1- The first known Freemason in America, John Skene, of Burlington, Deputy-Governor of West
Jersey.
2- The first native-born American to be made a Freemason, Jonathan Belcher of Burlington and
Elizabeth town, Governor of New Jersey.
3- The first Provincial Grand Master in America, Col. Daniel Coxe, of Burlington and Trenton."
These statements are given simply as a preamble for the account that follows.
While St. John's Lodge No. 1 was not the birthplace of Freemasonry in the Colonial Province of
New Jersey it was the cradle, and from it have sprung a good many Lodges and other Masonic
organizations in the northern part of the state most of which are still in existence. No history of the
Lodge would therefore be complete without a few words concerning the early state of the Craft in
the Province.
On June 5, 1730, Daniel Coxe was appointed Provincial Grand Master for the Provinces of New
York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania by His Grace, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk etc. and Grand
Master of the free and accepted Masons of England. The deputation was for two years from the
Feast of St. John the Baptist next ensuing, which would have been June 24, 1730. There is no
written evidence that Brother Coxe ever exercised the prerogatives contained in his deputation
although Masonic activity in Pennsylvania would seem to indicate he did.
A Lodge is known to have been in existence in Philadelphia in 1732 of which William Alien, the
Recorder of the City, was Master. It is quite possible this Lodge may have been warranted by
Brother Coxe.
The only other mention made of our early Brother masonically appears on the Journal of the
meeting of the Grand Lodge of England for January 29, 1731. On that occasion, the record states
"Bro. Daniel Coxe, Provincial Grand Master of North America, was present and his health was
drank." This record would seem to establish Brother Coxe as the first- appointed Provincial Grand
Master of Masons in the New World. His authority antedates that of Henry Price, Provincial Grand
Master of Massachusetts by nearly three years, the latter deputation being dated April 30, 1733.
According to Smith's "History of New Jersey" Daniel Coxe lived in Gloucester County and appears
to have been a resident of Burlington. He died on April 25, 1739.
St. John's Lodge was constituted on May 13, 1761 as will be told in more detail in the next
chapter. It is interesting to note that it was not until ninety-one years later that this date became
known. The discovery of this fact was due to the alertness of Brother John H. Landell, who was
Secretary during the years 1851 and 1852. In a book written "by him in long-hand, entitled "A
Comprehensive Historical Sketch, St. John's Lodge, No. 1, F & A M." he has given a full account
of the fortunate find.
About February, 1852, he wrote, while repairs to the lodge room were going on, it became
necessary to remove a portion of the floor which was badly worn. As chairman of the committee
5
6
and while superintending the work, he discovered a lot of old papers hidden under the floor which
upon examination were found to pertain to the early history of the Lodge. Up to that time the date
of organization had been fixed at 1786, at the time of the organization of Grand Lodge in that year,
the oldest members or persons who were familiar with the Lodge agreeing to that date.
Pursuing his search, Brother Landell finally was rewarded by discovering other papers in the
garret where they had probably been hidden to safeguard them during the days of the
troublesome Morgan excitement.
These papers, all of which were loose, included the early minutes of the Lodge, the Treasurer's
books, bills, addresses made before the Lodge, letters and a list of articles loaned to the Army
Lodge at Morristown in 1779. Upon arranging these minutes and papers in order, it was found that
the Lodge dated back to 1761 rather than 1786. Subsequently the minutes and other papers were
ordered to be bound.
The institution of St. John's Lodge of Newark apparently led the brethren of Elizabethtown, some
of whom had been guests at its festive gatherings, to consider the advisability of organizing a
Lodge of their own, and within a year had taken action thereon,, the earliest evidence of which is
found in the records of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, stating that a dispensation had been
granted on June 24, 1762, for the institution of a Lodge in that town,
They did not follow the precedent established by the brethren of Newark in securing a warrant
from the Grand Master of New York, but had gone far afield and applied for one to the Grand
Master of Massachusetts. It is strictly a matter of conjecture why they did so. and the confusion is
only added to by a statement in the minutes of St. John's Lodge for June 28, 1762, in which
Brother Lewis Ogden, the Senior Warden, was instructed to write a letter to the Grand Master in
New York "concerning a petition delivered in the Lodge on St. John the Baptist Day, relating to a
Grand Master for New Jersey in Elizabethtown. It is the opinion of some Masons that this may
have been a effort to form a Grand Lodge in New Jersey.
We are told that a strong anti-New York feeling existed at that time among the people of northern
New Jersey, because of the frequent oppressive measures that New York sought to have
imposed upon New Jersey in its trade relations with the outer world, more especially in
suppressing their ports of entry, the town of Elizabeth being one of the worst sufferers from that
policy. Nor had the Elizabethans forgotten the violent seizure and imprisonment of their Governor
Philip Carteret, by the forces of Governor Andros, of New York in 1680, in a futile attempt to force
submission to his assumed authority. Having been but recently released from the control of that
Province, they were not then in a frame of mind to again become subject to that- even in
Fraternal matters. This is borne out somewhat by the fact that St. John's Lodge was the only
Lodge in New Jersey that returned its warrant from New York, in spite of its convenience, and that
warrant was secured at the instance of a resident of that Province.
There may also have been borne doubt in the minds of the brethren of Elizabethtown as to the
right of a Provincial Grand Master of New York to institute Lodges outside of his own province,
although there is no doubt that Rt. Wor. Brother Harrison of New York felt that he was acting with
due authority when he went beyond his own Province in the granting of lodge warrants, as he also
established several in Connecticut and one in-Michigan.
As already mentioned, on June 24, 1762, Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Jeremy Gridley, of St. John's
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, granted a deputation to Jonathon Hampton, Esq. to constitute a
6
7
Lodge by the name of Temple Lodge No. 1 in Elizabethtown. This Lodge appears on the
Massachusetts records from 1762 to 1767 and there is evidence in St. John's Lodges minutes that
some of its members visited and took part in our meetings.
On St. John the Evangelist Day, December 27, 1765, a petition was granted by the same Grand
Master for constituting a Lodge by the name of St. John's Lodge at Princetown (now Prlnceton).
In the petition for this warrant, the writer of which is unknown, Richard Stockton was nominated to
be the first Master.
No records of the transactions of either of these Lodges has been discovered but according to the
records of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, both of them were duly organized and did Masonic
work. Apparently neither survived the Revolutionary War.
All of the above Lodges were offshoots of the GRAND LODGE OF MODERN MASONS or the
Grand Lodge of England in contradiction to the Grand Lodge of London or as it was then known
the GRAND LODGE OF ANTIENT MASONS.
Some time in the year 1767 the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (Antients) granted a
warrant for a Lodge at Baskingridge which was known on the Pennsylvania Registry as No. 10.
This Lodge is undoubtedly the same one mentioned in the proceedings connected with the
organization of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey as the "Lodge at Bedminster" and to which, by
general consent, the number "one" was assigned at the Grand Lodge meeting at Trenton on April
7, 1787. It appears also to have been known as Somerset Lodge No. 1 and later as Solomon's
Lodge No. 1. It subsequently became extinct and its number was assigned to St. John's Lodge at
the renumbering on November 8, .1842.
The Journal of the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on December 20, 1779 states that
a petition for a warrant was received and granted to six Masons residing in Monmouth County.
On December 29th of the same year the warrant was issued for the Lodge which was to meet at
Middleton (now Middletown) and to be known as No. 23. It never made any returns and in 1809 it
was reported to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as having Joined the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey. It is possible that Trinity Lodge No. 3 of Freehold, organized the year after the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey was formed, was Middleton Lodge No. 23 in a resuscitated form.
On March 30, 1781 an Emergent Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was held in Ample Form, at
Burlington, New Jersey, for the purpose of constituting Burlington Lodge No. 32. This Lodge
incidentally paid $2,160. to the Grand Lodge for its . warrant. This seems to "be an enormous
sum but it was calculated in depreciated Continental currency and the members who advanced it
were later repaid when the Treasurer was authorized to appropriate six pounds for that purpose.
About three years later this Lodge apparently became dormant for on June 12, 1786 the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania made an effort to locate and recall its warrant. Some of its members
however signed the agreement to form a Grand Lodge for New Jersey in New Brunswick on
December 18, 1786.
Chapter TWO
Pre-Revolutionary War. Period
7
8
The early days of the English colonies in America were far from serene and the Province of New
Jersey was doubly fortunate in the fact that it was not the scene of such blood and violence as
were some of its sister Provinces. The phase. 'French and Indian War', which was the American
phase of the ‘Seven Years' War in Europe, had been raging since 1754 and was the cause of
much uneasiness among the settlers who were forced to depend largely on their own resources
for protection against scalping and massacre.
The last Indian trouble occurred some six years before the formation of St. John's Lodge. About
1755, New Jersey was asked to increase her quota of men to fight the French but declined,
because of the Indian outrages on the western frontier, many savage bands having, recently
invaded the state and murdered numerous people of Sussex County and along the eastern side of
the Delaware. Newark and Essex County sent many men out on this Jersey frontier work and the
colonies were greatly upset at the time.
Cessation of hostilities came on September 8, 1760, after the fall of Montreal, when the French
signed the terms of capitulation which ended the war in America. Final peace however came only
with the end of the war in Europe and signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 by which the French
transferred Canada and all its dependencies to the English crown.
It was, at the close of this period that Freemasonry became active in New Jersey. Newark was
settled in May 1666 by a small band of Puritans of English descent who came here from the four
small towns of Milford, Branford, New Haven and Guilford, Connecticut. It was an agricultural
community and grew slowly, but even so, by the time ten years had elapsed the settlers had a
complete little village with a substantial church, an inn or tavern, a good grist mill and a staunch
boat which carried their produce to Elizabethtown and New York and brought back their
purchases.
We are able to get a general idea of the home equipment of the Newark just before the War for
Independence, from the "to-let" and "for sale" advertisements of the times which were more or
less common in the newspapers of the day. It may be said in this connection that there were
practically no poor people in the town at that time. No one was very wealthy, but all had their
homes. There were few squalid or mean habitations. There was plenty of land for everyone;
none was crowded and there were no homes of extreme magnificence or grandeur. The people
lived in comparative comfort aid their wants were few and simple. One of the more pretentious of
Newark's homesteads was put on the market in 1767, and the published description of it was as
follows:
"This is to give notice, that there will be sold on the first day of April next, in the town of Newark in
the county of Essex, and province of East Jersey, by Samuel Huntington, senior, a large stately
stone dwelling, with five fireplaces, a very large cellar, and a smaller one, very convenient for a
gentleman, being on the main road, and within less than half a mile of Newark church, and has a
good well and brook before the door that never freezes; etc."
This advertisement is particularly interesting because a Colonel Samuel Huntington was a
member of St. John's Lodge. The advertiser may have been one of our early brothers or possibly
the father of one of our members. The church referred to was the First Presbyterian Church.
Population figures are unfortunately spotty and the only ones available near the date we are
Interested in are for 1730 and 1775. At the former date the population is given as approximately
2,000 but this figure covered the entire township which extended from the Passaic River westward
8
9
and included what are now Orange, South Orange, Montclair, Belleville, Nutley, Passaic and all
the communities between.
In 1775 there were in the town of Newark proper, not more than 1,000 people and in all the county
(which is given as then including Newark, Elizabeth, Passaic, and the scattering groups of homes
and farms now known as Rahway, Plainfield, Bloomfield, Nutley, Montclair, Caldwell, the Oranges,
Irvington, Hillside, Union, Springfield and Chatham) perhaps 8,000 persons.
In 1776 Newark was described as a flourishing place and was the home of thrifty and even
wealthy families. The numerous farms were well stocked with horses, cattle, poultry and garden
produce. There were about two hundred families with two families occupying one house in a
number of cases. In 1771 the number of houses was given as 141.
St. John's Lodge No. 1 held its first meeting on May 13, 1761, under a warrant issued by Right
Worshipful George Harison, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of New York.
Most historians spell Brother Harison' s name with two r's but we prefer to follow the example of
the late Brother Ossian Lang and spell it with one. As he so succinctly wrote 'George Harison
spelled it with one 'r' himself, and he ought to know best."
The original charter has been lost but ample evidence of its having been issued remains in our
first minute book. George Harison, Esq. was appointed by Lord Carysfort, Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of England (Moderns). His deputation was dated June 9, 1753. He was an energetic
man and labored with untiring zeal and exceptional ability to establish Freemasonry in and near
the Province of New York. Several of the Lodges he warranted, including our own, have continued
to this day.
Undoubtedly preliminary meetings were held relative to the forming of St. John's Lodge, but there
is no record of who attended them or where they met. Due to Newark's proximity to New York it
seems more than likely that some of our original members were inducted into the ancient
mysteries of the Craft in that city where it had been flourishing since 1751.
The first minutes of St. John's Lodge (and it is a noteworthy fact that instead of using the stamped
paper of England, our-early brethren used Federal sheets bearing boldly the eagle's head.)
were written on small loose sheets of paper of two. different sizes Those from May 13, 1761 to
January 23, 1764 inclusive measure 6" wide by 7.5 inches long. Those from January 17, 1768 to
October 21,1789 measure 8.25 square. The original account sheets dating from May 13, 1761 to
May 1767 measure 7.5 by 6.25 long.
In 1852 Brother John H. Landell, who was then Secretary, discovered and collected as many of
them as he could "find from hiding places in the garret and under the floor of the lodge room in the
old Academy building at the corner of Broad and Academy Streets."
They had apparently been placed there for safe keeping at the height of the Anti-Masonic
excitement which forced St. John's Lodge to suspend operations in January, 1834. A few years
after they were found the Lodge had them bound, the earliest minutes and account sheets being
combined in a small book measuring 8.25 by 8.5 . As the years passed the paper be-the came
very brittle and pages were in danger of disintegrating completely both from age and much
handling. This problem was solved about 1916 when Wor. Bro. Alonzo Church, who was then
Archivist, had each page pasted between gossamer thin pieces of silk to preserve them and keep
9
10
them intact. We the present members of St. John's Lodge, thus owe to both these brothers, a
large debt .of gratitude for the preservation of facts pertaining to our early history.
In this chapter a resume and some notes regarding the early minutes will be given. In the
following chapter some of the minutes themselves will be given. In selecting those to be published
we have tried to choose those having some special interest. A few will be given in full because of
their possible interest to historians and to illustrate how lodge proceedings were recorded in the
Eighteenth Century.
In most cases the minutes ramble along without punctuation and with an over generous use of
capital letters. Where punctuation is used it is of a style not familiar to us today. By counting the
number of meetings for which we have minutes and adding those for which dates are mentioned
as well as those scheduled by the regulations, we are led to assume the Lodge held nineteen
meetings its first year of which one was the first meeting, seven stated meetings and eleven extra
or emergent communications. Of these the minutes of only one meeting are missing and that is
the Masters' Lodge of July 13, 1761, which may never have been held.
Using the same method of figuring, we find there should have been twenty-nine meetings in 1762,
seventeen of them stated and twelve extra. Of these thirteen are missing. In 1763 there were
supposed to have been sixteen stated meetings and nine extras. Of these ten are missing. In
1764 we have only the records of one stated meeting and one committee meeting. It is of course
quite possible that some of the scheduled meetings were never
There are no minutes for the years 1765 to 1767 and we have to rely on evidence in the account
sheets that meetings were held during that time. The following years are almost equally sketchy
there being preserved only the minutes of five meetings in 1768, two in 1769 and five in 1771.
There are none for 1770 and none after the single one of January 20th in 1772. As much as we
would like to have the missing minutes however, we do not bemoan our loss, but consider
ourselves fortunate indeed that those we have were so providentially restored when their
existence wasn't even suspected.
St. John's Lodge was constituted in due form at its first meeting with William Tuckey being
appointed as its first Master, David Jamison its first Senior Warden and James Banks its first
Junior Warden. There is nothing definite in the minutes but it would appear that Thomas Eagles
and Robert Boyd, both Master Masons, were also members of the original group, and possibly
also John Smith, a Fellow Craft, and Joseph Hildrith, Moses Ogden and Lewis Ogden, the latter
three being Entered Apprentices. The first five mentioned had received their degrees at some
earlier date as all are indicated as being Master Masons. Worshipful Brother Tuckey is believed to
have received his degrees in England. The others probably received theirs in some lodge in New
York.
The last three mentioned in the above paragraph were passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on
the following day, May 14th, and together with Joseph Hildrith were raised on May 15th, This
gave the Lodge a working nucleus of nine Master Masons.
On May 15th Worshipful Brother Tuckey nominated Brother Lewis Ogden as Treasurer and also
desired he act as Secretary until some other brother should be appointed. On June 8th Brother
Jamison while acting as Master pro tempore, nominated Brother Moses Ogden as Secretary for
the remainder of the year.
10
11
The Lodge seems to have had some difficulty in obtaining a Tyler, for on August 10th, William
Grant was initiated as an Entered Apprentice without paying the usual fee it having been
previously decided by the Lodge and agreed to by him that he would act as Tyler.
The first place of meeting was at the "Sign of the Rising Sun." In Frank J. Urquhart's "A History of
Newark" published in three volumes in 1913, the following reference is made of this tavern on
page 420 of Volume One.
"About the middle of the eighteenth century we read of the "Rising Sun" tavern which stood about
where River Street and Canal Street meet, on the then, highroad from Newark to New York, the
'Old Ferry Road as it was afterward called, and from which our present Ferry Street derives its
name. Travelers going to New York passed up or down Broad Street to Market and then eastward
to the ferry across the Passaic, over the meadows to the Hackensack River and on over Bergen
Hill to the inn at Paulus Hook (Jersey City), whence they took the ferry to New York. The 'Rising
Sun" tavern, located as it was on a little eminence, commanded an extensive view of the river and
bay and the country to the eastward. It was on both arteries of communication with the outside
world the road and the river. It seems to have been a famous place of entertainment in its time,
but, unfortunately, the records of its day are exasperatingly meager. We do know that under its
roof the first lodge of Free Masons in New Jersey, St. John's, was organized."
Probably a large number of our members, especially our younger brethren, have no idea where
the above location would be and for their benefit we will try to bring it up to date.The present
Raymond Boulevard from Plane Street to within a few hundred feet of the Pennsylvania Railroad
station covers the city railway subway in an excavation that some twenty-five years ago faced the
Morris Canal. On the north side of the canal from Broad Street to Raymond Plaza West was a
street known as North Canal Street. Its counterpart on the other side of the canal was known as
South Canal Street and was one block shorter, its westerly end terminating at Mulberry Street.
These streets within the area between today form the present Raymond Boulevard. As nearly as
can be Judged, the location of the "Rising Sun" tavern using today's street designations, would be
on the west side of Raymond Plaza West, between Raymond Boulevard and River Street, which
would be just a few hundred feet north of Pennsylvania Station.
Urguhart goes on to say, "in 1759 and probably for many years before, James Bank's (probably
the Junior Warden of St. John's Lodge) kept a tavern 'fronting the great road leading to
Elizabethtown.' It was located upon what is now Clinton Avenue, not far below Lincoln Park.
Banks had been a more or less prominent figure in the village from 1756. It is probable that he
was at one time 'mine host' of the 'Rising Sun' and that he removed thither from Clinton Avenue.
"There was comparatively little need for taverns in Newark until just before the War for
Independence, when the Old Ferry road route to Paulus Hook had grown popular enough
to be a modest competitor for traffic with the long ferry between New York and Elizabethtown.
Then we learn of a hostelry at what is now the north corner of Broad and William Streets, the
"Eagle Tavern", where Washington is believed to have stopped in November, 1776. There was
an inn kept by a Captain Pierson (also possibly a member of St. John's) during the war. It may
have been either the 'Rising Sun', the 'Eagle', or some other. The 'Rising Sun* seems to have
continued after the war began, until 1777, and possibly afterwards, although it was too close to the
bay and lower river territory over which Tories and militia and occasional detachments of British
and Hessians moved, to be a comfortable place of entertainment. It was reopened afterwards, if it
11
12
closed at all. James Banks continued as innkeeper until 1771, when he made the following
announcement in the newspapers:
" As I intend to leave off publick housekeeping soon, I will dispose of at private sale, the house
and lot of ground whereon I now live; its advantageous situation for publick business is well known
to be as good as any between Powles Hook and Philadelphia, being the county town; a large
house, convenient rooms, a good cellar, and a fine stable in the yard, an excellent kitchen garden
adjoining it; is likewise suitable for a gentleman's seat, or for a merchant, being in the centre of the
town."
This was, in all probability the 'Rising Sun.' Newark's first directory in its first issue, 1835-6, gives it
as one of the hotels and its keeper as 0. Dickerson. This was probably a revival of the old house
and does not indicate that its existence had been continuous. It had been unheard of in public
prints for generations. Indeed, it disappears from the directory a year or so after the first issue."
On page 233 Urquhart makes another reference to the "Rising Sun" as follows: "In November
1767, Matthias Ward acquaints the publick that he still continues his stage from Newark to Powle's
Hook, as usual.. ." The business evidently prospered, because a year later, in 1768, he had a
partner, John-Thompson, and in July of that year they announced an expansion "
In a somewhat lengthy advertisement in the New York newspapers. Part of the advertisement is
as follows:
"'The following is a new plan for a stage wagon, from Powles Hook, proposed by the subscribers,
viz: A waggon to set off every day in the week (Sundays excepted), one from Powles Hook, and
another from Mr. James Banks in Newark (probably the Rising Sun tavern which stood where
North Canal and River streets meet) precisely at half an hour past 7 o'clock in the morning.."
Incidentally the fare from Powles Hook (Jersey City) to Newark was Is. 6d. and from Newark to
Elizabeth-town, 1s
While on the subject of stages, it is interesting to note that the first notice of a New YorkPhiladelphia stage passing through Newark, appeared in the Pennsylvania "Chronicle" in
September 1769. It ran once a week, the entire trip consuming two days. Passengers were
required to change coaches at the south branch of the Raritan River and the fare from New York
to Philadelphia was 20s. or three pence a mile for any distance between. If such conditions
existed today the chances are that the annual visits between Lodge No. 2 in Philadelphia and our
Lodge would no longer be would once a year but more likely be once a decade.
According to Rt. Wor. Brother David McGregor, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey, the "Rising Sun"- tavern was located at what is now the north-west corner of Broad and
William Streets. According to him the tavern at that location was owned by James Banks, the
father of James Banks Jr., who he states was a member of St. John's Lodge. Rt. Wor, Brother
McGregor is now deceased and it is Impossible to ascertain where he obtained his information,
but from the evidence now available, it would seem likely that the first described location as given
by Urquhart is the more probable one. It is a matter of the records of the activities of our Lodge
were not set down in more complete form, the result being that the information they left is meager
to say the least. With very few exceptions no mention is made in the minutes as to where the
meetings were held. The first two were quite definitely held at the "Rising Sun"; one in December
1763 and six in 1768 and 1769 were held at John Robinson's and three in 1771 at William Botts
In 1771 and 1772 two are stated as being held at Brother Banks' who was the proprietor of the
12
13
"Rising Sun". For want of information to the contrary we can only assume that the balance of the
meetings were held at the "Rising Sun" as decided on at the first meeting.
The thought of a Masonic Lodge meeting in a tavern today would no doubt cause most of the
brethren to shudder (or would it ?), but it must be remembered that taverns in the eighteenth
century had little in common with taverns as we know they today.
As a matter of fact the word has an entirely different meaning today. Webster's New Collegiate
Dictionary gives as their first definition, "a house where liquors are sold to be drunk on the
premises" and as their second, " a house where transient guests are accommodated; an inn or
hotel." The first definition is also that for a saloon which is a much more apt description of the
present day establishments.
But to go back to the eighteenth century which is what we are concerned with at present. A tavern
then was an inn and a center of hospitality of a type no longer met with, at least not in this country.
It was often the most distinguished building in town, beautifully constructed and furnished and
managed by an inn-keeper and a staff who made hospitality a trained profession. They were
known far and wide and served as welcome stopping off or resting places for weary travelers who
were journeying on horseback or by stage coach and there is no doubt a trip in those days, even a
comparatively short one, was an arduous undertaking, as the roads were poor and the distances
between towns and villages great. Convenient proof of this is the length of time required to travel
the ninety miles between Newark and Philadelphia as mentioned previously.
Except in the smallest communities, the majority of inns were built with at least one large room
designed for lodges or other meeting purposes. These usually had a private service stairway or
entrance so that even after a Lodge's doors were closed, it could still make use of the facilities of
the kitchen, the wine cellar and staff of servants. Each inn or tavern had a sign in front which
consisted of a picture and which gave it its name and it was not unusual for a Masonic Lodge
meeting there, especially in England, to take its name from the inn at which it met. It was also not
uncommon for a Lodge or one of its members to own the tavern in which it met.
Our first Worshipful Master, William Tuckey, was a professor of the theory and practice of vocal
music and apparently came to Newark from New York City only shortly before St. John's Lodge
was constituted. His stay here appears to have been of short duration. He was re-elected Master
on January 18, 1762 and presided more or less regularly during the ensuing year. He is last listed
as a member at a committee meeting on August 26, 1762. At the meeting of April 26,1763 he is
listed as a visiting brother and that is the last time his name appears in the minutes. We are
therefore led to the assumption that he left the Lodge sometime between these two dates. More
information regarding Worshipful Brother Tuckey is given in his biography at the end of the book.
Apparently no one beside Worshipful Brother Tuckey was capable of conferring either the second
or third degrees, for during his lengthy absence in 1761 candidates received only the Entered
Apprentice degree which in the minutes is referred to as the "Entred Prentice" or "E P." degree.
When he returned in November he expressed himself as "being well pleased" with the work done
while he was away. At the following meetings he passed and raised all those eligible.
During its first year St. John's Lodge entered thirteen candidates, passed fourteen and raised
thirteen. At the end of the year the membership was composed of eighteen Master Masons, two
Fellow Crafts and three Entered Apprentices.
13
14
From entries in the account book we have reason to believe that St. John's Lodge endeavored to
interest other brethren in the formation of other Lodges in the Province. In John Smith's account,
the Lodge is charged eight shillings for the use of his horse to Amboy in 1761. Worshipful Brother
Tuckey seems to have been one of those particularly interested, for at a committee on August 26,
1762, to settle accounts, he was allowed two pounds and sixteen shillings, part of which was the
cost of a "journey to Brunswick." This trip certainly must have been on Masonic business or the
Lodge would never have approved it.
During Worshipful Brother Tuckey's absence the Lodge was presided over by Brother David
Jamison, the Senior Warden, and the reader's attention is called to the interesting wording in the
minutes of June 8, 1761 relating to his assuming the East. These minutes are given in the next
chapter. In the same minutes reference is made to a procedure that is distinctly different from
today's, "his Worship gave three Knocks with the Hammer and Call'd to Order." That this was the
custom then is substantiated by a similar reference on page 17 of "175 Years of Masonic History
of Lodge No. 2" (of Philadelphia, Pa.) published in 1933. In this book the following paragraph
appears:
"The original By-laws sent from England for the government of Lodge No. 1 (now No. 2) are very
comprehensive and specific. Among other things, Section 10 provides that 'When ye Master or his
Deputy takes ye Chair, and Calls to Order, then ye Brethren shall take their Seats also, and on the
third Stroke of ye Hammer there shall be profound Silence and Who Ever Break it without leave
from ye Chair shall be publickly Reprimanded.'"
Worshipful Masters no longer wield "hammers" although there are probably times when they
would like to and three knocks today have an entirely different meaning.
A number of the dates given in our early minutes are prefixed with the letters A: M: rather than the
A: L: we use today. This is true of all the minutes until 1792. From that year the letters seemed to
have been used indiscriminately until about 1796 when the use of A: M: appears to have stopped.
We can only suppose that these letters stood for "In the year of Masonry" which was an
expression in frequent if not common use on Masonic documents of that day.
Despite the fact that the initiation fee adopted May 16, 1761 was five guineas, the amount that
was actually charged for initiating a candidate into the mysteries of Freemasonry seems to have
been three pounds twelve shillings. This figure is recorded consistently in the account sheets until
February 16, 1762, when the amount seems to have increased to five pounds. The fees for
passing and raising were extra and were ten shillings for each degree until the same date when
they were increased to sixteen shillings for each degree. In addition each candidate had to pay to
the Tyler two shillings six pence for each degree he received. In 1762 the adjoining or affiliating
fee was one pound ten shillings All fees were payable in New York Currency due to the
fluctuating value of the money then in use.
The coins of English and the Netherlands appear to have been in common use.
And by example to show the varying value of the same coin in the various colonies it might be
cited that pieces of eight weighing not less than 17 pennyweight were current at 6 shillings in
Boston, 8 in New York, 7 shilling 6 pence in NJ and Penna and 4s 6p in Maryland.
In 1704 Queens Ann issued to proclamation to correct the condition but it proved unsatisfactory to
the colonists who soon came to ignore it. In 1708 the assembly of NY fixed the value of silver
14
15
coins at 8 shillings per ounce troy. Hence the term New York money. The probable reason for its
use in New Jersey.
In addition to the fees already mentioned each candidate was charged five shillings for two aprons
at the time he received his Entered Apprentice degree. Why two aprons were necessary is not
clear, but that item appears in the account sheets for every member including those who never
advanced beyond the first degree.
Dues were paid quarterly and amounted to four shillings a quarter or sixteen shillings per year. At
the meeting of January 17, 1768, it was agreed "that every member present shall pay to the Box
the sum of two shillings and every visitor the like sum." Apparently this arrangement did not work
out very well for a few years later on December 27, 1771, it was on motion "agreed to meet on the
third Monday of every succeeding month and on the first meeting they do agree to pay four
shillings whether present or absent and every meeting after the absent members pay two
shillings."
A set of officers' jewels is reported to have cost L 5 16 0. In 1771 twelve shillings and four pence
"York" were spent for ribbons for Jewels. Incidentally our first Secretary's book cost fourteen
shillings. Apparently the officers, even in those remote days, wore gloves, for a bill was presented
by Brother James Banks for three pairs of gloves at three shillings a pair.
While on the subject of money and fees, it is worth while noting that decorum was maintained In
the Lodge room by a system of fines, as for instance on October 17, 1763, when three brothers
were fined six pence each for laughing during the meeting.
It would seem the only officers were the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden,
Treasurer and Secretary who were elected annually in December and the Tyler who was
appointed and paid. If other officers were used in the degree work, the minutes contain no
mention of them.
At the meeting of May 16, 1761 a set of By-laws was adopted which are given in full in the next
chapter. These named the second Monday of every month as a Stated Meeting. On January 11,
1762 the meeting nights were changed to the third Monday of every month. This revision also
stipulated that a Masters' Lodge was to be held the first Friday in February, May, August and
November. This provision is interesting to us today because a number of members then never
went beyond the Entered Apprentice degree and yet were considered full fledged members of the
Lodge with the right to participate in its business, hold office and visit other Lodges.
A number of things our early brothers did in the 1760's were different than we do them today. In
several of the minutes the time of meeting is given as five o'clock which leads us to believe that
following the English custom, part of the time was spent at the festive board.
On December 15, 1761 the first visitor to the Lodge is mentioned, a Dr. B. Stokes. On December
21st, Thomas Eagles, one of the original members, is listed as a visitor, although no mention is
made of his demitting. Additional early visitors and the dates they first visited are given in the
appendix.
St. John the Evangelist's Day, December 27th, seems to have been celebrated consistently from
the very beginning. In 1761 the members of St. John's Lodge No. 1 accompanied by several of
15
16
the brethren from Elizabethtown, walked in procession to Trinity Church where a sermon suitable
to the occasion was delivered by Rev. Browne. After the church service they returned to Brother
Banks' to dinner, accompanied by several of the clergy and magistrates. Quoting our minutes "an
elegant entertainment" was provided.
According to Urquhart "the procession most probably moved from the tavern near the Junction of
North Canal and River streets, up the hillside to the upper end of Military Park." The brethren from
Elizabethtown undoubtedly were the same ones who a few months later in June 1762 were
constituted as Temple Lodge No. 1. Rt. Wor. Brother McGregor states, "it was a red letter day in
the history of New Jersey Masonry, as this was the first Masonic procession in the Province,
which, though small, must have caused quite a stir in the town."
June 24, St. John the Baptist's Day does not appear to have been celebrated so faithfully, it not
being mentioned at all some years. It seems to have been celebrated for the first time in 1762
when our members and their guests attended church services at Trinity Church, after which they
again sat down to a "plentiful dinner." Our minute for the occasion bears no more date and we are
forced to place it by contents than any other means. On this occasion reference is made to the
meeting being called to order by the Grand Master. Although he is not mentioned by name it
seems more than likely that the person referred to was Right Worshipful George Harison,
Provincial Grand Master of the Province of New York, the man to whom St. John's Lodge owes its
existence.
A few meetings later, on the evening of July 26, 1762, the Lodge was visited by Right Worshipful
William Kelly, the Grand Junior Warden. These visits evidenced a keen interest on the part of the
New York Provincial Grand Lodge officers in our fledgling Lodge.
In 1762 and 1763 the Lodge began to extend its radius of operations beyond the town of Newark.
The first out of town member of whom we have a record is Ebeneazer Lathrop Jr. who came from
Norwich, Connecticut, and the reader is referred to the minutes of February 15, 1762, in the next
chapter, for the manner in which his petition was handled. Shortly after the following members
were accepted from Morris County: Timothy Conner, Abraham Vernon, Thomas Kinney, Samuel
Munn, Jacob Ford Jr. and Reuben Riggs. At about the same time John Ogden Jr. of Pompton,
Nicholas Low of New York and Henry Dow Trip, also probably from New York were initiated.
Applications for membership to the Lodge at this time and for quite a few years after were
submitted in the applicant's own handwriting. A few of them have been preserved.. The one given
below was submitted in 1767 by the three signatories.
"To the Right Worshipful Moses Ogden Master The Wardens & Brethren of St. John, Lodge in
Newark No. 1. The Petition of Abra'm Talmage, Abra'm Howele, Sam'1 Stephens Jones, Humbly
Shewith that your Petitioners being Inform'd you are at present in Lodge Assembled, Humbly
takes this Method to Acquaint you that they are Desirous of Becoming Members of the Antlent and
Hon'ble Society of free & Accepted Masons, being willing and desirous of Paying the Customary
fees on Such Occasions & to Subject themselves to all Rules and Regularities Among Masons,
and to be Obedient to the by Laws of your Particular Lodge -In hopes of having the Above Honor
Done Your Petitioner's will Ever Pray (signed) Recommended by Abraham Talmage
(signed) Abraham Howell Jabbed Gampfield, Sam'1 Stevens Johnes
This application is a good illustration of two things.
16
17
First , These men were undoubtedly told what to write and it clearly indicates they were to be
bound by the by-laws of this particular Lodge rather than a Grand Lodge. It seems that as long as
a Lodge stayed within the bounds prescribed by the ancient landmarks they could do pretty much
as they pleased. This looseness of organization tended to create a number of minor
discrepancies in the operation of the various Lodges then at work and was probably also the
cause of the variations in the ritual of Lodges descended from the same source, which exists to
this day in adjoining jurisdictions.
Second - It shows what a historian has to contend with where proper names are concerned. Here
in this, one document two names are given with two different spellings. This multiplicity of
spelling a single person's name is repeated over and over in our early minutes and it is quite a
problem sometime to know which is the correct form. In such cases wherever signatures have
been found, they have been accepted as the correct form.
The minutes indicate that very little business was done between January 1768 and January 1772.
At the latter date the membership had apparently dwindled to eleven and consisted of the
Worshipful Master - Alexander Vance, the Senior Warden - Moses Ogden, the Junior Warden Garret Thibou, the Treasurer - John Robinson, the Secretary - William Hadden, the Tyler - James
Webster, and Obadiah Meeker, Jeremiah Bruin, Lewis Ogden, John Crabtree and James Banks.
The balance of the members had apparently either died or dimitted, but as a good many minutes
are missing there is no way of determining when their membership terminated
'
Even the minutes we have are scanty. Typical examples would be those of February 15th and
March 21st, 1768 which are almost identical. After giving the date, the place of the meeting and
the names of the members and visitors present, the only information they contain is: "After several
exhortations and lectures" or "After several Healths were drank the Lodge was closed in Due
form."
Certainly they did more than that or Masonry would have died a natural-death then and there, but
at this late date almost two centuries later, it is impossible to tell or even guess.
At the meeting of February 8, 1769, "it was agreed that fifty pounds shall be given for the relief of
Bro. Moses Ogden, twenty pounds of which is to be payed out of the Fund and thirty pounds to be
payed by Brothers Gabriel and Lewis Ogden."
The last entry in the minutes prior to the Revolution is as follows:
"Jan'y. 25, 5772. Agreeable to the motion of the last Lodge Bro. Vance, Bro. Thibou, Bro. Hadden
met at Brother Robinson's to inspect and settle the Lodge Accounts and allow the old Accts. to
stand according to the Balance made by Bro. Vance and Morris in May 5765. Upon examining
Bro. Robinson's Acc't. we find a Balance due to him of which he desires may not be enter'd till he
sees Brother Redden. "Brother Robinson's Bill unpaid L 0-5-0."
Chapter
THREE
Selected Early Minutes
17
18
In this chapter are given some of the minutes from our first minute book. Those given have been
selected as having some special interest. In order to make sense a few commas and periods
have been added. Capital letters and spelling have been left as the originals appear. In setting
up type it has been necessary to alter the original lines. Due. to the uneven size of the writing.
Otherwise no liberties have been taken. .
Minutes collected from various sources and arranged by John H Landell Sec. 1852.
May 13 th A: M: 5761. A: C: 1761. By Virtue of a Warrant from the Right Worshipful George
Harrison Esq. Prov: Grand Master at New York appointing William Tuckey Master a Lodge was
Constituted in due form at Newark By the Name of St. Johns Lodge in N Jersey No. 1 And after
the proper Forms were gone through as are usual on .such Occasions & other Matters not proper
to be written Completed The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey proceeded to chose his officers for the
Ensuing Year & appointed Brother David Jamison Sr: Warden Brother James Banks Jr: Warden
After which it was unanimously agreed upon & (ordered) to be Enter'd that the Place of holding
this (Lodge), be at the Sign of the Rising Sun for (the future) Subject Nevertheless upon
Extraordinary (occasion to) be removed at the Pleasure of the Master & his (Wardens)
It was then regularly Proposed that Joss: Hildrith, Moses Ogden & Lewis Osen, Brethren of the
(Degree) of an Entred Apprentice should agreeable to their (wish) be pass'd to the Degree of
Fellow Graft. Which (being) Unanimously Agreed upon the Worshipful Master desired the
Attendance of his Wardens & Brethren (for) that Purpose on the Morrow The Lodge was then
Closed in proper.(Form)
Note: The right hand side of this page has been torn and patched so that the last words in some
of the lines are almost completely obliterated. The words in parentheses have been inserted as
being the most logical and are not necessarily- those used originally.
May 14, 5761. At an Extra Lodge held in Virtue of the Constitution at the Rising Sun
Present The Worshipful William Tuckey Master David Jamison Sr: Warden James Banks Jr:
Warden Robert Boyd, Thomas Eagles M & John Smith F. C. When agreeable by Unanimous
Consent of Yesterday Joseph Hildrith, Moses Ogden & Lewis Ogden Brethren of the Degree of
Entred 'Prentice were in due Form pass'd to the Degree of a Fellow Craft And were Ordered to
take their Places accordingly. The Lodge, after the usual Instructions & other Matters
indispensably necessary were over, was Closed in proper Form.
May 15th. At an Extra Lodge Present The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey M: D: Jamison SW, Jas:
Banks J W:, R: Boyd & T: Eagles M It was regularly Proposed that John Smith, Joseph Hildrith,
Moses Ogden & Lewis Ogden Brethren of the Degree of Fellow Craft should be raised Masters
Which was agreed upon unanimously & the Worshipful the Master in his usual ( ? ) Directed the
Lodge to be properly prepared for the Purpose immediately, Which being done The said John
Smith, Jos: Hildrith, Moses Ogden & Lewis Ogden were duly raised Masters and Ordered to take
their Places accordingly.
The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey then Nominated Bro: Lewis Ogden Treasurer of this Lodge for the
Ensuing Year & also desired him to act as Secretary until some other Person should be
appointed, Which was unanimously Consented to and the said Lewis Ogden, being desired, took
his Place as Treasurer accordingly
18
19
A Petition from James Nutman & Abraham Anthony praying to be admitted & Enrolled as
Members of this Fraternity was preferred by Brother Jas: Banks who recommended them as
Worthy of that Favor and which being read by the Secretary, the Worshipful the Master Ordered a
Ballot for this Purpose which being done & Examined by the Master, he ordered the Secretary to
declare it to be the Unanimous Consent of this Lodge that their Petition should be granted & that it
was the Worshipful's Will & Pleasure that a Lodge should be formed to Morrow for that purpose.
The Lodge was then regularly Closed.
May 16th, 5761 At an Extra: Lodge, Present The Worshipful William Tuckey M Jamison S: W:
Jas: Banks J W:, Lewis Ogden Treas: (& Secr): Rob: Boyd, Tho: Eagles Jn: Smith Jos: Hildrith
Moses Ogden M James Nutman & Abm. Anthony were agreeable to .their Petition & the Consent
of Yesterday - duly Initiated into the First Degree of Masonry & By the Worshipful Master's Order
they took their Places as Entred Apprentices to receive in due form the necessary Instructions of
the Mysteries appertaining to their Station After which the Following Bye Laws were made,
agreed upon and Ordered to be Entred
I. That the 2nd Monday In every Month be a Stated Time for meeting, as well in Order that the
Younger Brethren may be well Instructed in the Noble Sciences & Mysteries of the Royal Art &
That the Materials for the Lord's Work be not spoiled for want of judgement and for the
Transacting other necessary Business.
II. That No Person shall be Entred an apprentice in this Lodge in future for less than two Guineas
And that every Brother on being pass'd to the Degree of Fellow Craft or rais'd a Master shall pay
into the Fund Ten Shillings New York Currency for each Degree.
III. That all New Initiated Brethren where Lodge is purposely called on that acc't: shall pay beside
the Initiating Fee af'd: All the Expense of the Lodge that Meeting - And if they are Initiated on a
Regular Stated Monthly Meeting — Shall Pay all the Expense before the Lodge is Closed- & the
Expense that accrues after in that Meeting to be paid by the Whole Lodge out of the Fund or
otherwise as, shall be then agreed.
IV. That every Person Installed a Member of this Lodge & residing in this Town or attending the
said Stated Meetings shall Pay into the Fund half a Dollar Quarterage Every Three Months the
First Quarter to Commence from the 1st day of May Instant And tho the Person should be Entred
the Day before the quarterage becomes; due he shall Nevertheless Pay the Quarterage at the
Ensuing Quarterly Meeting.
After which the Petition from Gabriel Ogden praying to be admitted, was preferred by Bro: Jos:
Hildrith Who Recommended the said Gab: Ogden as Worthy of that Favor Which being read & a
Ballot in . Favor of the Petitioner. The Worshipful the Master Signified it was his Pleasure that a
Lodge should be formed for that Purpose on Monday the 18th day of May Instant The Lodge was
then closed.
May 18th
At an Extra: Lodge, Present The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey M., D: Jamison S. W.
Ja: Banks
J. W. , Lewis Ogden Treas. (& Sec'y P.T.) Rob: Boyd, Thos.: Eagles Jn: Smith,
Jos: Hildrith, Moses Ogden , James Nutman , Abm. Anthony
Gabriel Ogden, Pursuant to his Petition & the approbation of the Lodge at their Last Meeting was
Entred an Apprentice and Initiated into the Noble Mysteries of the first Degree in Masonry and
was ordered to attend in his Place in future for further Instructions. The Lodge was then Closed.
19
20
Note: There is nothing to be gained by listing the names of the members present, as they are
pretty much the same at all the meetings, so from now on, they will be omitted.
June 8, 5761. At a Meeting Pursuant to the Stated Rule in the Bye Laws being the 2nd Monday,
Present (nine officers and members) The Senior Warden addressing himself to the Brethren
acquainted them that the Worshipful Wm. Tuckey Master of this Lodge was absent & probably
Would Continue so for some Time And the Secretary being order to Read the Regulation as
Recorded in the Constitution of Masonry that in such cases the Senior Warden was Empowered
to Act as Master pro Ternpore. The Worshipful David Jamison, Sr: Warden then Filled the Chair
and was Saluted as Master & after Nominating Brother Lewis Ogden as Junior Warden pro
Tempore, his Worship gave three Knocks with the Hammer & Call'd to Order.
A Lodge was then Formed Present The Worshipful D: Jamison - S. W. - Mass: P T: Jas: Banks J. W. - S:W: P T: Lewis Ogden Treas.- J:W: P T: (and six members)
The Worshipful David Jamison then Nominated Brother Moses Ogden as Secretary for the
Remaining part of this Year which being approved of by all the Members then Present - He was
ordered to. take his Place accordingly.
A Petition from Isaac Ogden & Jn; Robinson praying Admittance etc. was Proposed by Bro:
Rutman & a Ballot found in their Favor Also A Petition from "William Grant praying Admittance
etc. was proposed & read, (the said William Grant having previously promised & being
Recommended as a proper Person For a Tyler to this Lodge) and it was then Unanimously agreed
that he should be admitted as a Tyler without paying the Usual Initiation Fee -And after a Solemn
Lecture & the necessary Business over the Lodge was Closed.
Aug. 10.,5761 At a Lodge then Held Present (Nine officers and members with Brother Jamison
acting as Master) William Grant & Isaac Ogden pursuant to their Several Petitions & the
approbation of the Lodge at the Last Meeting were Entred apprentices in due form & Ordered to
attend in their Places the said Wm. Grant as Tyler as af'd to receive Proper Instructions on being
Initiated into the first Degree of Masonry.
A Petition from Alexander Vance & John Waters praying Admittance etc. was preferred By Br:
Moses . Ogden which being read A Ballot was made & found in their Favor The Wpf'l. David
Jamison signified his Pleasure that a Lodge should be formed for that Purpose on the first Day of
September next The Lodge was then Closed.
Sept: 1st. ,5761 At an extra: Lodge
Present (Eleven officers and members with Brother
Jamison acting as Master) Alexander Vance & John T: Waters pursuant to their Petitions at the
Last Meeting were Entred Prentices And Initiated in due Form into the Noble Mysteries of the first
Degree of Masonry. And they were order to attend in their Places & be ready to receive the
Masters Orders & for further Instructions. The Lodge was then Closed.
Sep 14th 5761 At a Lodge then Held Present (Ten officers and members with Brother Jamison
acting as Master) After a very Solemn & Serious Lecture for the Instruction of the Brethren & the
necessary Business not proper to be written were over the Lodge was Closed.
October: 12 ,5761 At a Lodge then Held Present (Ten officers and members with Brother
Jamison presiding) A Petition from David Johnson Ju:, Thomas Peirson & Obadiah Meeker 20
21
praying Admittance etc. was preferred by B: Moses Ogden - who being Read & a Ballot was
Ordered & being Examined the Secretary by the Master's Order Declared it in their Favor.
The Lodge taking into Consideration the necessity of Impairing some proper Person to purchase
several things wanted by the Lodge - gave authority to Bro: Lewis Ogden to purchase at the
Expense of the Fund such things as he should judge necessary -the Lodge was then Closed.
Oct 26th AM: 5761 At an Extra: Lodge Present (Twelve officers and members with Brother
Jamison presiding. The members are listed according to highest degree attained such as E.P.
and Mas.) David Johnson Jn:, Thomas Peirson & Obadiah Meeker pursuant to their Petition & the
Consent of the Lodge at the Last Meeting were Entred 'Prentices in due Form & regularly Initiated
into the Essential Mysteries of the first Degree of Masonry - And the Present time not permitting a
fuller Instruction they were Required to attend in their Places for their Future & perfect Instructions
in the Royal Art The Lodge was then Closed.
Nov: 9th. 5761 At a Quarterly Meeting - Present (Eleven officers and members with Brother
Jamison in the chair) The Treasurer Br: Lewis Ogden produced his Books of Accts., which were
Examined & the Sum of L 24.8.0 N: York Curr'y: was found on Balance. Remaining in his hands.
The Accs: were then allowed by B: Jam-son S: W: & Mas: pro Tempore '& Signed in proper Form
- and the Treasurer was Ordered to give the Lodge Cr. for the above -Sum of L 24.8.0 & pass the
same to a New Acco: The usual Business being over, a Lecture was had for the Instruction of the
newly Initiated Br'n. and then the Lodge was closed in proper Form.
Nov. At :an Extra Lodge Present (Twelve officers and members with Wor. Bro. William Tuckey in
the East after a lengthy absence) The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey. after having examined the Lord's
Work done in his Absence & the Tools used in Working was pleased to signify his being well
pleased therewith. The Lodge was then Closed.
Dec 14th A.M.5761
At a Lodge then Held Present (The Wor. Master and five members, all M.
M.) Jas: Nutman, Gab: Ogden, Isaac Ogden, John Robinson & Alex: Vance having applied to the
Lodge for the Honor of being pass'd to the Degree of F: C: & they being found to be Brethren of
the Degree of E: P: rec'd the Unanimous Consent of the Lodge in that behalf & they were
accordingly in due Form pass'd to , the 2nd Degree of Masonry, as was also - Wm. Grant, as Tyler
of this Lodge.
A Petition was then Rec'd from John T. Waters, Dav: Johnson :, Thomas Pierson & Ob: Meeker
requesting the Honor of being pass'd to the Degree of F: C: & if it was agreeable to the Worshipful
the Mas:, Wardens & worthy Brethren they proposed to Morrow Evening for that Purpose which
being duly Considered they being found to be of the Degree of E. P. The Master with the
Unanimous Consent of the Brethren was pleased to desire the attendance of the Brethren To
Morrow at five of the clock P. M. then to proceed on that Business. The Lodge after the usual
healths was Closed.
Dec 15th A:M: 5761 At an Extra Lodge pursuant to Appointment at last Meeting Present
(The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, seven officers and members and one visitor, Dr. B: Stokes)
21
22
John T. Waters, Dav: Johnson Jn:, Thos: Pierson & Obadiah Meeker, Brethren of the Degree of E:
Prentice Agreeable to their Petition & the Approbation of the Lodge at the Last Meeting were
pass'd to the Degree of F: C: in due form.
A Petition was then made by James Nutman, Isaac Ogden, John Robinson, Brethren of the
Degree of F: C: Requesting the Honor of being Rais'd to the Sublime Degree of a Master as soon
as the Worshipful Master & his Officers should think proper Which being duly Considered It was
agreed & the Master required the attendance of the Brethren of the 3rd degree for that Purpose on
the (blank) day of Dec: Instant.
After Instructions necessary on such Occasions was over the Lodge was Closed.
Dec 21 A:M: 5761 At an Extra Lodge Present . (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, four officers and
members and Thos. Eagles, who is listed as a visitor) James Nutman, Isaac Ogden, John
Robinson & Alexander Vance agreeable to the Consent of the 15th Instant were Raised to the
Noble Degree of a Master and after the necessary Instruction over. A Petition was rec'd from
John T: Waters, Dav: Johnson Jn:, Tho: Pierson & Obad: Meeker heartily desiring the Honor of
being Rais'd from the Degree of F: C: to the 3rd degree in Masonry, which being taken into mature
Consideration was Consented to & the Attendance of the Brethren desired for that Purpose on the
day of Dec.. Instant. A Petition was then rec'd from Jacob Banks advising the Favor of being
pass'd in this Lodge to the Degree of a F. C. & he being found upon due Examination to be a
Lawful Bro. of the Degree of an E. P. the Master, his Wardens & all the Brethren present
Considering duly the Emergency of the Occasion Unanimously consented that he should be
Grafted this Night. The Masters Lodge: was then Closed & a F. C. Lodge open'd & the s'd Jacob
Banks in due form pass'd to the Degree of a F. C. and on Petition the Lodge for the Reasons
above Considered that the s'd Jacob Banks should be rais'd as Master at the next Meeting.
Dec 23rd A:D:576l At an Extra Lodge .Present (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey and eight
members) John T. Waters, David Johnson Jn., Thos. Pierson, Obad: Meeker & Jacob Banks
agreeable to the Application of the 21st Instant were in proper Form rais'd to the Honorable
Degree of a Master. After the Usual Instruction & Business over -A Petition from the Hon'ble Col.
Thos. Dongan & Stephen Johnson was received & read by the Secretary requesting the Favor of
being Initiated into the Sacred Mysteries of Masonry And a Ballot being found in their Favor The
27th day of Dec. Instant was appointed for that Purpose.
Dec 27th A:M: 5761 St. John's Day happ'ning on a Sunday It was agreed that this Day shou'd
be kept instead there of And the Brethren Members of this Lodge & several others from Elia:
Town Viz: Joshua Bryan P.M., Jos: Woodruff M.M., Doct: W. Barnet M.M. & John Dennis M.M.
and also Brother John Boston M.M. from New York & P.M. of the Army Walk'd in Procession to
Trinity Church where a Sermon suitable to the Occasion was delivered by the Rev'd. M. Browne
& from there return'd in Procession to the House of Brother Banks to Celebrate the Day. An
Elegant Entertainment was there prepar'd for the Brethren & Several of the . Principal Gent'n: of
the Town, Viz: The Rev'd. M. Brown, The Rev'd. M. Chandler from S. I., the Rev'd. M. McWhorter,
John Ogden, Uzal Ogden & Danl. Pierson Esq. Every Thing being Conducted with the greatest
Decorum & to the Satisfaction as well of those Gent: present not of the Fraternity and the
Brethren. Those Gent,: not of this Society about four o'clock very Complaisantly took their Leave
& the Brethren adjourn'd into the Lodge Room & proceeded to the Business Concluded on at the
Last Meeting By Opening An Extra Lodge Present John Boston MM: N:York The Wors'l Tuckey
Mas. Joshua Bryan P:M:, James Banks S.W. pro , Eliz: Jos: Woodruff M.M. John Smith J.W.
Temp: Town Doc. Wm. Barnet M.M., Moses Ogden Secy. John Dennis M.M., Gab: Ogden Treas:
22
23
pro Temp: . of the Army Rob: Boyd, P.M. James Nutman ,Isa. Ogden, Jn: Robinson, Alex: Vance
Jn: T: Waters, DA: Johnson, Tho: Pierson
When agreeable to the Determination made on the Petition at the last Meeting The Hon'ble Col.
Thos.: Dongan & Stephen Johnson were Initiated in due form & Instructed in the Mysteries of the
first Degree of Masonry.
Jan 11th A:M: 5762 At a Lodge Held Present The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, thirteen officers
and members and Wm. Grant, Tyler. (This is the first meetinig the Tyler is listed specifically)
The Brethren Considering the several Inconveniences attending the Lodge on the Stated Monthly
Meetings being the second Monday in Each Month, It was proposd by Bro: Lewis Ogden &
Unanimously agreed that it should be Entred in the Book of Regulations & Bye Laws that in the
future the Stated Monthly Meetings should be on the third Monday & that a Masters Lodge be held
on the first Friday in February, May, August & November in every Year.
Brother Lewis Ogden at the Request of the Master & several of the Brethren drew up & Collected
a Number of Regulations to be proposed as Bye Laws to this particular Lodge, Which being read
& maturely deliberated on were approved of And unanimously Consented to In Testimony
whereof, Every Member Signed the Same as appears on the Book of Regulations etc. promising
steadfastly to Endeavour the Observance of them And the Bye Laws Entred in this Book of Minutes on the Sixteenth Day of May Last were by general Consent Totally Abrogated & Annulled
The Lodge was then Closed until the 18th Day of this Instant being the third Monday & a Stated
Meeting agreeable to the New Regulations
Jan 18th A M 5762 At a Lodge held in due form pursuant to the Bye Laws being a Stated Monthly
Meeting. (Present - The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, fourteen officers and members and Wm. Grant,
Tyler)
Brother Banks proposed a Desire of Br. Stephen Johnson of the Degree of an E. P. to be pass'd
to the Degree of a F. C. at the next Meeting of this Lodge Which was Unanimously Consented to
provided that Br: Banks & Br: L: Ogden upon Examination find him fit for that Favor. A: M: 5762
Jan: 18th. As the Officers for the Ensuing Year were not Chosen On St. John's Day & this being
the first stated Meeting since Pursuant to the Regulation on that head, the Brethren Proceeded to
that Business And in the first Place unanimously thanked the Worshipful Wm. Tuckey for his Care
as Master of this Lodge during the Year Past, & desired he Would do the Brethren the favor of
Continuing in that Office the Ensuing year, which he politely Refused but at length Consented that
if a Majority by Ballot should insist upon it he would Continue, & By a ballot a Majority appearing
he continued in the Chair And after the Usual Salutations he Declared Br. Jamison Senior Warden
& Br. Banks Junior. Warden to Continue in their respective offices But they for particular Reasons
declined the same, The Master then Nominated Br. Lewis Ogden Senior Warden, Br. Jas. Nutman
Junior. Warden, Br. G: Ogden Treasurer & Br. M: Ogden Secretary for the Current Year who were
unanimously approved & saluted by the Brethren & Installed severally by the Master for their
places.
Jan 18th AM 5762A: M: Sundry Accounts were produced by several of the Members of this Lodge
Which were Allowed & Pass'd by the Consent of All the Brethren & the treasurer was Ordered by
the Master to pay the same as follows Viz:
To Br. Will'm Tuckey for Sundries L 11. 7.
Br. Tho. Peirson for
ditto
3.17.
Br. G: Ogden for Ribbins
0. 6.
Br. M: Ogden for Sundries
0.10.0
23
24
Br. John Smith for Aprons
Br. Janes Bank's Account brought
2. 5.0
6. 4.0 for by the Stewards St. John's Day
Feb 15th AM5762 At a Lodge Held Present (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, thirteen officers and
members and four visitors - Antho: Waters Jun, Thos. Lyntch, Wm. Hogg and Ebenea'r Dough)A
Petition from Ebenea'r Lathrop Ju'nr. from Norwich in the County of New London & Colony of
Connecticut was preferred by Br. Moses Ogden Praying Admittance etc.: But as he was a Non
Resident & not Regularly Proposed at any stated Meeting heretofore, the Regulation relating to
Admitting Strangers was read & In pursuance thereof a Committee was Appointed by the Mast'r:
who after mature Deliberation unanimously agreed & Reported to the Mas'r: that it would "be
Consistent with the Honour of Masonry as the Occasion was emergent to Proceed Immediately in
Initiating him, & the said Ebenea'r. Lathrop was agreeable thereto Initiated In Due form Into the
Mysteries of the first Degree of Masonry
A petition was Then made by Stephen Johnson (&) Ebenea'r Lathrop Requesting the Honour of
being Pass'd to the Degree of F: C: & if it was agreeable to the Worshipful the Mas'r., Wardens &
Worthy Brethren they proposed to Morrow Evening for that purpose, which being Duly Considered
the Mas'r. with the Unanimous Consent of the Bre'n: was pleas'd to Desire the Attendance of the
Bre'n: To morrow at five of the Clock P: M: Then to Proceed on that business The Lodge after
Usual Healths was Closed.
Feb 16th AM 5762
At an Extra Lodge Present (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey and seven
officers and members) Stephen Johnson & Ebenea'r. Lathrop Ju'n., Bre'n. of the Degree of E: P:
Agreeable to their Petition & the Approbation of the Lodge at the Last Meeting were Pass'd to the
Degree of F: C: In Due form. A petition was then made by Gabriel Ogden, Stephen Johnson &
Ebenea'r Lathrop Ju'n., Bros. of the Degree of F: C: Requesting the Honour of being Rais'd to the
Sublime Degree of a Master as soon as the Worshipful Mas'r. & his Officers Should think Proper
Which being duly Considered It was Agreed & the Master Required the Attendance of the
Brethren of the 3rd Degree for that purpose on the morrow at 5 o'clock, the Lodge was then
Closed.
Feb 17th AM 5762
At an Extra Lodge Present The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey and six members
Gabriel Ogden, Stephen Johnson & Ebenea'r. Lathrop Jun'r. Bre'n. of the Degree of F: C:
Agreeable to their Petition & the Approbation of the Lodge at the Last meeting were rais'd to the
Honorable Degree of a Mas'r. A petition from Stephen Tutle was Received & Read by the Sec'y:
Requesting the favor of being Initiated into the Sacred Mysteries of Masonry And a Ballot being
found for his favor he Being Ordered to Attend on Monday the 15 of March the Lodge was then
Closed.
Mar 15th A:M: 5762 At a Meeting Pursuant to the Stated Rule in the Bye Laws being the 3rd
Monday Present (The Senior Warden and nine members) The S: W: Addressing himself to the
Bre'n. Acquainted them :he Wor'l. Wm. Tuckey Mas'r. of this Lodge was absent And this Secre'y.
being Order'd Read the Regulation as recorded in the Constitution of Masonry that In such Cases
the S: W: Was Impower'd to act as Mas'r. pro Tempore, the Worshipful Lewis Ogden S: W: then
filled the Chair & was Saluted as Mas'r. & After Nominating Br. John Smith J: W: pro ' Term: His
Wor'll: gave three knocks with the Hammer & Call'd to Order.
A Lodge was then formed Present The Wor'll. Lewis Ogden S:W: Mas'r Pro Term John Smith
24
25
James Banks J (and seven other officers and members)
Stephen Tuttle pursuant to his Petition & the Consent of the Lodge at the Last meeting was Entred
an Apprentice & Initiated Into the No'ble Mysteries of the first Degree In Masonry And was Order'd
to attend In his Place for further Instructions. A Petition from Joseph Morris was receiv'd & read by
the Sec'y: Requesting the Favour of being Initiated Into the Sacred Mysteries of Masonry And a
ballot being found In his favour he was Desir'd to Attend The Next Stated Lodge Night. The Lodge
was then Closed.
April 19th 5762 At a Lodge Held Present (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey and nine members)
Joseph Morris pursuant to his Petition & the Consent of the Lodge at the Last meeting was Entred
an Apprentice & Initiated Into the Noble Mysteries of the first Degree In Masonry & was Order'd to
Attend In his Place for further Instructions A Petition was then made by Joseph Morris Requesting
the Favour of being Pass'd to the Degree of F: C: & if it was Agreeable to the Wor'l: the Mas'r.,
Wardens: & Worthy Brethren he propos'd Thursday the 29th of April for that purpose which being
Duly Considered The Mas'r. with the Unanimous Consent of the Brethren was pleas'd to Desire
the Attendance of the Bre'n. on Thursday the 29th of April at 5 o Clock P: M: then to Proceed on
Business, the Lodge was then Closed.
April 29th 5762 At a meeting Pursuant to the Consent of the Last meeting Present - The Senior
Warden and twelve members The S: W: Addressing himself to the Brethren Acquainted them the
Wor'll. Wm. Tuckey Mas'r. of this Lodge was Absent & the Sec'y being Order'd Read the
Regulation as recorded In the Constitution of Masonry that In such Cases the S: W: Was
Impower'd act as Mas. pro: Tern: the Wor'll. Lewis Ogden S: W: then fill'd the Chair & was Saluted
as Mas'r & After Nominating Br. Moses Ogden S: W: pro: Tern: his Wor'll Gave three knocks with
the Hammer & Called to Order-A Lodge was the formed — Present (names given again)
Joseph Morris pursuant to his petition of the Last Meeting was Pass'd to the Degree of F: C: In
Due form. A Petition from Garret Thibou & Stephen Camp Was Receiv'd & read by the Sec'y.
Requesting the favour of being Initiated Into the Sacred Mysteries of Masonry And a ballot being
found In their favour they were Order'd to attend the Next Monthly meeting it being May the 17th.
A Petition was then Receiv'd from Wm. Grant as Tyler & Joseph Morris of the Degree of F: G:
Requesting the Honour of Being Rais'd to the Sublime Degree of a Master as soon as the Wor.
Mas'r. & his Officers Should think proper Which being Duly Consider'd It was Agreed & the Mas'r.
Requir'd the Attendance of the Brethren of the 3rd Degree for that purpose On Wednesday the
12th Day of May. The Lodge was then closed In Due form.
Note: At least one page of the Minutes is missing at this point but we believe the one immediately
following for which there is no date, is the Minute of the St. John's Day celebration of June, 1762.
The Procession of March was then Order'd to be from the Court House to Trinity Church, the
Lodge being by the GM's Order Adjourn'd till the Afternoon & the Furniture & Jewels of the Lodge
Plac'd in An Undiscoverable Position The Procession of March began According to Order as
Afforesaid To Trinity Church Where Divine Service was Perform'd (And In it's Proper Place the Te
Deum Laudamus Sung by a Select Company Together with Other Pieces of Music In Parts
Compos'd by Br. Tuckey was Perform'd) And An Excellent Sermon Preach'd by the Rev'd. Mr.
Isaac Brown Rector of the Parish from the beginning of the 35th Verse of the 5th Chap'r. of the
Gospel of Saint John He was A Burning Light, Divine Service being ended the Procession began
'as before from the Church to the Court House .(Having first made a Handsome Collection for the
Poor)
25
26
A Plentiful Dinner being Provided the Br'n. All sat Down Accompanied by the Rev'd. Mess'rs.
Browne & Chandler the Latter Being Rector of Elizabeth Town, John Ogden & Rob't. Ogden Esq.
Members of the County of Essex, Uzal Ogden & Dan'l Peirson Esq., John Low Esq. Coll. of the
Malitia & Doc'r. Dan'l. Madden --- None of the Above Gen'n. being masons, All Toasts In Form
were Omitted & many Loyal Healths Drank
After which the Above Gen'n. Withdrew & the Members & Br'n. Proceeded to Business According
to Adjournment When it was Ordered by the Grand Mas'r. & by the Unanimous Consent of All the
Br'n. Within mention' d being all Preferred that Bro. Wm. Tuckey, Br. E. Earle & Br. Tho's. Miller
Be Desir'd to Wait on the Rev'd. Mr. Browne with the Compliments & thanks of the Whole Body for
his Excellent Discourse Delivered before the Br'n. In the morning & to Desire his Acceptance Also
of Ten Pounds, A Surplice Value Seven Pounds & a Scarff & Sursingle Value Two Pounds Ten
Shillings Which Desire was Comply'd with By the three Br'n. who waited On the Rector
Accordingly & Return'd with the Rev'd. M. Browne's sincere Thanks both for the Honour Done him
& His Church for the Brn's. Kind Visit & Also for the hospitable collection made therein For the
Poor, As well as the Handsome Presents for his own Private Use all which (he was pleas'd to say)
far exceeded His expectations After Which the Usual Toasts Were Drank with Several Loyal
Additional Ones. All things being Regularly Transacted As Above, The Lodge was Closed with
Decency & Good Order, & the Day Ended with the Greatest Loyalty, Love & Harmony Ever Known
by any of the Br'n. present on the Like Occasion.
June 28th A:M: 5762 At an Extra Lodge Held Present (The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey, ten
officers and members and one visitor - Henry Harlin) It was Agreed for the future that all the
Expense Accrued Whilst the Lodge is Open Shall be Paid out of the Fund, & That All the
Quarterage & Arrearages Due Shall be Paid the Next Stated Lodge Night, & that the Trea'r. G: 0:
(Gabriel Ogden) Pays Bro. Wm. Tuckey 2 Dollars which he gave to a Poor Woman for Charity on
Account of this Lodge, & that Bro L: 0: (Lewis Ogden) Writes a Letter to the G: M: In New York
Concerning a Petition Delivered In the Lodge on St. John Baptist Day Relating to a Grand Master
for New Jersey In Elizabeth Town. The Lodge was then Closed in Due form.
July 26 th A:M: 5762 At An Extra (Master's) Lodge Held (Present - The Worshipful Wm. Tuckey,
seven officers and members. Win. Kelly, G: J: W: in New York and Wm. Grant, Tyler) Josiah
Banks of the Degree of F: C: Agreeable to His Petition & the Approbation of the Lodge at the Last
Meeting Was Rais'd to the Hon'l. Degree of a Mas'r. The Lodge Was then clos'd In Due Form.
An E: P: Lodge was then Open'd Present as Above Visiting Br'n. Joselyn White E: P: After Several
Toasts the Lodge was Clos'd in Due Form.
Aug 26th A:M: 5762 The Committee Appointed to Settle the Lodge Accounts Met at Capt'n.
Robinsons with Several of the Br'n. to wit - Wm. Tuckey, John Robinson, Alex. Vance, Josiah
Banks and Moses Ogden. At Which Time it was Order'd that Mr. Tuckey's Account be Allowed to
Wit
To a Scarf & Surcingle for M. Browne L 2.10.0
A Journey to Brunswick & Charity
2.16.0
Journey to New York
1. 0.O
Total 6.10.0
Mr. Tuckey's (JD ) - To Cash rec'd from
Treasurer
0.16.0
26
27
Total L 5.14-.0
To 5 yds Bedtieking at 3. 8
L 0.l8.4To 4 pcs & 16 yds Dowler at
0. 9.7 1/2
To P'd. Math'1. Andrason for Staffs
0. 5.0
To Ribbins
0. 2.0
To Cash to Mr. Tuckey
0.16.9
To John Cohran for a Chest
0.10.0
To Damage done a Peice of Braze
1. 0.0_
Light
4. 2.3 1/2
Moses Ogden's Acc't.
To Printing a Cloth
L 6. 0.0
To a Chest Locke
1. 0.0
To Board-, for a Chest
0. 6.0
To Hinges for Door
0. 2.0
To p'd. Mr. Cockran for Services 0. 7.5
Total
L 7.15.5
Alex'r. Vance's Acc't.
To p'd. for 4 Staves for Officers
0. 4.0
Settled & Allowed by the Committee
Witness our Hands — Aug. 26, 5762 (Signed) Lewis Ogden John Robinson Gabriel Ogden James
Banks
Dec 20th A:M: 5762 At a Lodge Held Present (The Wor'll. Gab: Ogden "Mas'r. Dep." And six
members) A Petition from Abraham Vernon of Morris County was Prefer'd by Bro'r. Josiah Banks
Praying Admittance But as he was a Non Resident & not Regularly Propos'd at any Stated
Meeting heretofore, the Regulation Relating to Admiting Strangers was read & In pursuance
Thereof a Committee was Appointed by the Mas'r. who after Mature Deliberation unanimously
Agreed & Reported to the Mas'r. that it would be Consistent with the Honour of Masonry as the
Occasion was Emerjent to Proceed Immediately In Initiating Him, & the said Abraham Vernon was
Agreeable thereto Initiated In Due form Into the Mysteries of the first Degree of Masonry & the
Lodge Clos'd In Due form.
Dec 27th A:M: 5762 St. John's Day. An Extra Lodge Present (The Wor'll. G-: Ogden "Mas'r.
Dep:", eleven officers and members and Henry Harlin, a visitor) After a Plentiful Entertainment &
Several Loyal Healths were Drank, we Proceeded according to the Bye Laws Directing to
Choosing of Officers for the Ensuing Year When a Majority appear'd for Gabriel Ogden to be
Mas'r. the. Ensuing Year & David Jamison S: W:, Alex'r. Vance J: W:, James Banks Trea'r,, M: 0:
(Moses Ogden} Sec'y. A Petition was then Receiv'd from Abram Vernon Requesting the Honour of
being Pass'd to the Degree of F: C: & if it was Agreeable to the Wor'll. the Mas'r., Warns & Worthy
Br'n. he Propos'd to Morrow Evening for that Purpose w'ch. being Duly Consider 'd the Mastr. with
the Unanimous Consent of the Bre'n. Desir'd the Attendance of the Br'n. to morrow Evening, then
to Proceed on Business. A Petition was then Received from John Cochrem Praying Admittance &
to act as Tyler to this Lodge, the Mas'r. Order'd a Ballot W'ch. being found for his favour he was
Desir'd to Attend On the Morrow for that Purpose. The Lodge was then Closed In Due form.
Oct 17th A:M: 5763 (1763) At a Lodge Held Present (The Wor'll. Gabriel Ogden and nine
officers and members This was apparently a Masters' Lodge.) A Petition from Bro. Vernon of the
Degree of F: C: Desiring to be Rais'd to the Degree of Mas'r. the usual Forms on such Occasions
being followed: our said Brother Was Accepted to that Honour etc. & the Lodge was then Clos'd.
27
28
An Apprentises Lodge was then Open'd; Present as Above. A Petition was then Receiv'd from
Henry Dow Trip Praying Admittance etc. But as he was a Non resident he was Dealt With
according to the bye Laws & was Entred an Apprentice & was Order'd to take his Place
Accordingly. Bros. David Johnson & Jamson & Stephen Johnson were Order'd GO be fin'd for
Laughing-etc. 6d. a Peice. The Lodge was then Clos'd.
Dec 27 5763 St. John's Day, At a Lodge Held by the Mas'r's. Orders at Bro. John
Robinson's.(Present, - The Wor'll. Gabriel Ogden and fourteen officers and members)
After an Elegant Dinner & the Usual Toasts, a Petition was Received from Mr. Nicholas Low in
New York, Who Being a Non resident, the Usual Forms on such occasions Being read, & a
Committee was appointed by the Mas'r. Whether it Would be Consistent with the Rules of
Masonry to Proceed In Initiating him Directly. After Mature Deliberation The Committee Resolved
unanimously that it would tend to the Honour of Masonry to Proceed Directly In Initiating Him,
Who was Accordingly Entred Into the First Degree of Masonry & was Order'd to take his Place. A
Petition was then Receiv'd from Thomas Winter Recommended by Bro. Isaac Ogden Praying
Admittance & Desiring to be Entred Into the First Degree of Masonry Directly, If it was Agreeable
to the Right Wor'll. the Mas'r. & Worthy Bre'n. After Mature Deliberation of the Whole Body, which
Unanimously Agreed he Should be Entred Immediately Agreeable to his Petition, & was Accordly
Entred Into the First Degree of Masonry. The Lodge was then Clos'd.A:M: 5764
Jan'y 16th At a Lodge Held Present (The Wor'll. Gabriel Ogden and ten officers and members) A
Petition was then Receiv'd from Bro. Nicholas Low of the Degree of F: C: Desiring if it was
Agreeable to the Wor'll. the Mas. & Wardens to be rais'd to the Degree of that of a Mas. Directly.
After Due Consideration the Mas. Called to Order & Desir'd the Bre'n. to Proceed Directly on
Business & Raise him to that :Hon'ble Degree; he was Accordingly Raised & was Desir'd to take
his Place.
As the Officers for the Ensuing Year were not Chosen On St. John's Day, & this being the first
Stated Meeting since, Pursuant to the Regulations on that Head, the Bre'n. Proceeded to that
Business, & In the first Place unanimously thanked the Wor'll. Gabriel Ogden For his Care as
Master of this Lodge During the Year Past. The Mas'r. Order'd a ballot for the Mas'r. & other
Officers. A Ballot was found In Favour of Gabriel Ogden Mas'r., Lewis Ogden SW, Henry Harland
J: W: James Banks Trea. & Alex. Vance Sec'y. for the Current Year, Who were Saluted by the
Bre'n. & Install'd Severally In their Places. The Lodge was then Clos'd.
The following is taken from an account sheet dated January 23, 1764.
An Account of Lottery Tickets taken by the Lodge for the Philadelphia Light House Lottery.
No. 7899, 7898, 7892, 7893, 7894 & 7895
(A notation added in pencil by Bro. J. H.Landell, Secretary in
states "I have heard that none of
these Tickets drew a prize.)
Chapter FOUR
The Revolutionary War Period
Actual fighting in the Revolutionary War or the American War for Independence began with the
skirmish at Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. Trouble however had been brewing for
28
29
some years previous and the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765 only made things
worse. Considerable organized resistance was offered to the latter which consisted of the
passage of resolutions of protest by the lower houses of some of the colonial legislatures, the
calling- of a congress at New York which was attended by delegates from nine of the Colonies
and in the activities of patriotic groups formed under the name of the "Sons of Liberty." The Stamp
Act was repealed in 1766 but the damage had been done and the prestige of Great Britain given a
severe blow.
Other acts followed most of which had to do with taxation on goods imported by the Colonies and
culminated with the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. It possibly should be stated that
the Tea Party is now considered by most authorities to have been a Masonic affair and is said to
have originated in St. Andrew's Lodge of Boston, of which Lodge, Joseph Warren was Master and
Paul Revere a member.
In all this New Jersey was active. A meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Township
of Newark was held on Thursday, the 4th day of May, A. D. 1775, with Dr. William Burnet, Sr.
presiding. The meeting was called to pledge support and carry into execution whatever measures
were recommended by the Continental Congress or agreed upon by the proposed convention of
Deputies of this Province, for the purpose of preserving and. fixing our constitution on a
permanent basis and opposing the execution of the several "despotic" and oppressive Acts of
British Parliament, until the wished for reconciliation between Great Britain and America on
constitutional principles could be obtained.
A General Committee consisting of forty-four was chosen who immediately convened. Two
members of this commit-tee, Lewis Ogden and Isaac Ogden, both prominent members of St.
John's Lodge, were elected as part of the Committee of Correspondence for this town. This
committee was active from the very day of its organization. A plan for gathering ammunition was
adopted by the Essex County committee and it was agreed to collect saltpeter and sulfur and
forward them to the new powder mills erected at Morristown on the banks of the Whippany River
and conducted by the Ford family, who built and occupied the house, later turned over to
Washington, and how known as Washington's headquarters. One of this family, Jacob Ford Jr.
who was a member of our Lodge.
Throughout New Jersey, the Council of Safety, appointed Commissioners of Forfeited Estates,
whose chief duty was to take the regularly prescribed measures for the confiscation and sale of
the property of offensive loyalists. One of the Essex Commissioners was Samuel Hayes. .
.Urquhart states that " Samuel Hayes besides serving upon a number of patriotic committees was
in active service as a major a good part of the time from 1776 to November, 1783. After the war
he was for many years one of the leading figures in all patriotic demonstrations." It seems more
than likely that this is the same man who is listed on our records and mentioned many times in
our minutes as Colonel Samuel Kay and often as Samuel Hays.
Amid all this excitement during which friends and neighbors and even relatives became at first
unfriendly and finally bitter enemies, it is little wonder that Lodge meetings became less and less
frequent until at last they probably ceased completely.
St. John's was a "Modern" Lodge and if the same conditions prevailed in New Jersey as they did
elsewhere in the colonies, we are reasonably safe in assuming that its membership was
composed largely of the wealthier members of the community who probably reasoned they had far
29
30
more to gain by remaining loyal to the mother country than they had by espousing a cause which
at the beginning certainly must have appeared hopeless. The thought that a good many of them
were loyalists is strengthened by the fact that most of the Lodge's religious services were held at
Trinity Episcopal Church rather than at the First Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Isaac Browne, minister of the Episcopal church was an uncompromising loyalist and left
Newark in January, 1777 as did nearly all the leading members of his congregation, among whom
were many of the most substantial and prosperous citizens, men of affairs of most estimable
character. They had resented the tyrannies of the short-sighted British ministry in common with
their fellow townsmen, but considered rebellion as unjustifiable treason. Many of these loyalist
families found their way to Nova Scotia, where large numbers of Tories from the various colonies
were transported by the British.
On the other side of the struggle were the members of the Presbyterian church led by its sturdy
pastor, the Rev. Alexander Macwhorter, one of the "fighting parsons" of New Jersey. This group
was comprised of large numbers of farmers, small merchants, indentured servants and
redemptloners, as well as a large proportion of the most aggressive young men, who not
infrequently departed from the traditions and teachings of their families to give their services to the
cause of liberty.
Between its formation in 1761 and the last pre-war minute we have in 1772, St. Johns Lodge had
taken sixty-two members into its folds. In most cases we have .no way of knowing today which of
our early members were patriots and which were loyalists. The fact is significant however, that at
the re-susitation of the Lodge in 1787, only four of the original s members: Moses Ogden,
Jeremiah Bruen, Elijah Hedden and Obadiah Meeker, were on the list sent to the newly organized
Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
This is not to be interpreted that all the missing members were loyalists. Between the two dates
As a period of twenty-six years and in that time it is more than likely that a good portion of our
early brethren died, moved farther into the country or just lost interest in the Lodge. It would take
years and years of research to obtain the answer and the chances are that even then our findings
would be neither complete nor conclusive.
During the war, according to Urquhart, (pg312) "there were about one hundred battles and
skirmishes in New Jersey and at least a score in what was then Essex County. From the close
of 1776 until after the battle of 'Springfield on June 3, 1780, Newark and Elizabethtown were,
more or less outposts, with Staten Island and Bergen Heights what might be termed neutral
ground. The Americans made occasional dashes into the enemy's country arid the British and
Hessians conducted swift plundering raids across the neutral ground into Newark and
Ellzabethtown, never getting further west than Springfield and seldom beyond Orange Mountain
from Newark. On no occasion did they pass the mountain in any force.
During the winter of 1779-1780 General Washington made his encampment at Morristown during
which time he used the Ford family mansion as his headquarters. In Urquhart's book we read
"Washington himself made a number of visits to Newark during that winter, sometimes attending
meetings of St. John's Lodge of Free Masons and accepting the hospitality of patriotic citizens."
That is a beautiful legend and we certainly wish we could offer proof to justify it The fact remains
however, that with one exception, we have no records of the Lodge from January 25, 1772 until
April 23, 1788. We know that some of our early minutes are missing and it is possible that the
30
31
Lodge continued to meet during the war years. It is also possible that if meetings were held,
Brother Washington may have visited the Lodge. The old Lodge room has long since ceased to
be and there are no more floor boards to be ripped up, so whether Washington visited or not is
one of those academic questions that will probably go forever unanswered.
It seems reasonable however to assume that our lights were extinguished throughout the period of
the war and that no regular communications were held. It was during the time that General
Washington was at Morristown that St. John's Lodge loaned American Union Lodge of the
Connecticut Line some of the Lodge furniture for a St. John's Day celebration. It is known that
Brother Washington attended this Meeting. It was also at this time that the proposal for a General
Grand Lodge in the United States was made and letters regarding it ordered to be sent to all the
Deputy Grand Masters in the United States of America."
Following is the now well known document that forms part of our first book of minutes.
"An account of Sundry articles taken out of the Lodge Chest of Newark St. Johns Lodge No. 1 by
consent of Bro. John Robinson Bro. Lewis Ogden' Brother Moses Ogden & Sent unto Brother
Thomas Kenny & Bro. Jerry Brewin to carry as far as Morris Town, said Bro. Kenny & Brewin
promising on the word of Brothers to return the same articles as Inventory below unto our Bro.
John Robinson present Secretary when call'd for witness our hands Brothers as below
24 Aprons, besides one that was bound & fring'd which Bro. Kenny claims as his own
2 Ebony Truntchions tipt with silver the other they are to get if to be found
3 Large Candlesticks
3 Large Candle molds
1 Silk pedestal Cloth Bound with silver Lace
1 Damask Cutchion
1 Silver Key with, a blue Ribbin'd Striped with black
1 D. Level with a D. --. D. ——————— D.
1 D. Square
D. — D. ——————- D.
1 D. plumb - - D. -- D. ——————— D.
Newark Dec: 24th, 1779 (Signed) Thomas Kinney Jer'h. Bruen"
The first three men mentioned in the document were of course members of the Lodge. What is not
usually mentioned however is that Brothers Thomas Kinney and Jeremiah Bruen were also
members.
The "truntchions" mentioned were apparently batons similar to those now carried by Marshals.
The present day spelling is truncheon. From the fact that there were three of them we surmise
they were used or carried by the three principle officers. The following reference is made to them
in an article on one of the old English Lodges which appears on page 102, Volume LXII of "Ars
Quatuor Coronatorum" Law No. 8 mentions a 'Trunchon, an instrument still used by Masters of
many old Lodges in the North of England. It is not the usual policemen's truncheon, but a piece of
rounded wood about 16 inches long, with the ends rounded and a piece of velvet 6 inches wide
sewn round the centre."
Unfortunately the Lodge preserved no record of the members who took part In the heroic struggle
for freedom. In an attempt to correct this oversight we have searched through histories and other
records in an effort to compile a list. In most cases we have been forced to go more by similarity
of names than anything else. Such a list of course can not possibly be complete and errors can
easily be made. At this late date however, it is the best we can do and the following is the result.
31
32
MEMBERS OF ST. Johns LODGE, NO. 1 who apparently served in the Revolutionary War An
asterisk (#) indicates the member so designated joined the Lodge after the war was over.
Samuel Allen
* Samuel Baldwin
*Simon Baldwin Josiah Banks
* Joseph Beach Zophar Beach Jr.
* William Bond
* Josiah Brown
Jeremiah Bruen (Major)
* William Burnet Jr. (Dr.)
* James Campbell Jabez Campfield
* Moses Condit Jr.
* Samuel Crane (Capt.)
* Joseph Crane
* John N. Cumming (Col.)
* Richard Dey (Major) Thomas Eagles Jacob Ford Jr. (Col.)
* Amos Freeman (Capt.)
* John Gifford
* Samuel Hay (Major) Elijah Hedden
* Israel Hedden (Col.)
* James Hedden (Lt.)
* Zadock Hedden (Capt)
* Samuel Huntington (Capt.)
Stephen Jones* Zebulon Jones (Capt.)
* John Johnson
* Uzal Johnson (Dr.)
John King
Thomas Kinney (Capt.)
* William Lee
* James H. Maxwell
Obadiah Meeker (Capt.)
* Samuel McChesney
* John S. Miller
Joseph Morris
Samuel Munn
John Ogden Jr. (Capt.)
* George Price
John Smith
* Moses P. Smith (Capt.)
* Henry Squire Jr.
* David Tichenor Jr. (Lt.)
A history giving only one side of a story would not be a true history and since we have listed those
of our members who we believe fought in the Revolution on the side of the patriots we will also
give the names of a few of our members who were either loyal to King George or were so neutral
as to be regarded with suspicion by their more outspoken fellow colonists. The same remarks
apply to this group as to the previous one. We know it is not complete and again we are going by
a similarity of names.
In the 'printed extracts from the Proceedings of the Committee of Safety for- June 24, 1777, we
find that an Isaac Ogden, then in the gaol of Morris County was ordered to be removed for trial to
32
33
the County of Essex in which he resided. This is probably the same Isaac Ogden that belonged to
our to be Lodge and apparently ceased to be member about 1771.
In the proceedings of July 2, 1777, it was reported John Robinson, James Nuttman and others
were in the Common Gaol in New Ark, in the County of Essex for the space of six months for
refusing to take the Oaths of Abjuration and Allegiance agreeably to Law. That the charges in the
case of these two were not too serious is evident by the fact that John Robinson some years after
the war again became a member of the Lodge. James Nutman had apparently left the Lodge
about 1771 but another James Nutman, possibly his son or grandson, was raised on November
12, 1818. It is said time heals all things and perhaps it was so in these cases.
Chapter FIVE
The Post-Revolutionary War Period
Peace was declared on April 19, 1783 and with the end of the War for Independence came the
beginning of an entirely new order of things for Newark, which in a number of our minutes is
spelled New Ark. The smiling village so pitilessly scarred by the recent conflict was to blossom
forth for awhile in new and radiant beauty, and then, gradually, with scarcely perceptible transition
at first, was to take on the more or less monotonous and unattractive attributes of the industrial
town.
The war had dealt Newark and all Essex County staggering blows, as indeed was the case
throughout the length and breadth of the inhabited country. Newark had been a farming village but
due to most of its man power being otherwise occupied during the war, agriculture had been
almost entirely neglected and the farms were in a sad state of repair. Neither the village nor the
county had any industries worthy of the name and communications with the outside world were
crude, unreliable and grossly inadequate.
As Urquhart states, "It is most significant that when you search the records of this city for the
quarter of a century immediately following the war, the men who stood staunchly for the cause of
freedom throughout the trying time, were constantly in the lead among the builders of the new
community."
This statement could also be applied to the men who helped reestablish Freemasonry. Using St.
John's Lodge as a criterion, we find that of the fifteen members whose names appear on the first
list sent to the newly formed Grand Lodge, at least ten "were veterans of the war and it seems
more than likely that the remaining five were too, although we have no records at present to prove
it.
33
34
When this country's independence from Great Britain was finally acknowledged a complete
disallowance of the authority exercised by the Grand Lodges of the mother country over the
American Grand and subordinate Lodges naturally followed, with the result that on September 25,
1786, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, under whose authority Baskingridge Lodge
worked, reorganized itself, as an independent "Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic
Jurisdiction thereunto belonging," requiring all subordinate Lodges to surrender their warrants and
receive new ones from it.
The brethren of Baskingridge Lodge determined however, that that was an opportune time to bring
about the institution of a Grand Lodge in their own State, and accordingly a convention was called
to be held in New Brunswick on December 18, 1786. From the minutes of the Grand Lodge we
learn that:
"Pursuant to notice given for that purpose a Convention of Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of New Jersey was this day held, at the City of New Brunswick for the purpose of
establishing a Grand Lodge in the said State, when the following' instrument was drawn up and
unanimously agreed upon and signed by the members of the' said Convention, to wit: State Of
New Jersey, In Americe. New Brunswick, December 18th, 5786.
The underwritten, being Master Masons, as every of them find upon strict trial and due
examination, and residing in the State of New Jersey, taking into consideration the propriety and
necessity of forming a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, do
hereby unanimously nominate and elect the following Master Masons to the several offices
following, to wit:
The Hon. David Brsarley, Esq., Chief Justice of New Jersey - Right Worshipful Grand Master.
The Hon. Robert Lettis Hooper, Vice President of New Jersey - Deputy Grand Master.
Willima Leddle, Esq., late High Sheriff of Morris -Senior Grand Warden.
Daniel Marsh, Esq., Representative in the Assembly of New .Jersey - Junior Grand Warden.
'John Noble Cumming Esq., late Colonel in the Army of the United States - Grand Secretary.
Maskell Ewing, Jun., Esq., Clerk of the General Assembly of New Jersey - Deputy Grand
Secretary. Joshua Corshon, Esq., High Sheriff of Hunterdon - Grand Treasurer.
To continue in said several offices till the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, which will be in
the year of Masonry, 5787, on which day the officers of Grand Lodge shall be elected, or continue
in office till others are elected, the said Grand Lodge and their successors to be a Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons, to be called and known by the name of the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey, and to exercise the powers and duties of a Grand Lodge, in as full and ample a manner as
any Grand Lodge in the world.
And we the underwritten, do hereby solemnly promise and engage to support the said Grand
Lodge to the utmost of our power, and also to deliver up and cause to be delivered up to the said
Grand Lodge, upon their being installed, all warrants and dispensations for Lodges in our
possession under other Jurisdictions, hereby authorizing the said Grand Lodge and their
successors to form as well, rules and regulations for the government of the said Grand Lodge, as
the By-Laws for the Lodges constituted by the said Grand Lodge and their successors, with the
assistance of the representatives of the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of the said Grand
Lodge. The By-Laws of every Lodge to be in all things the-same; Provided al-ways. that every
Lodge shall have the privilege of appointing the time and place of their meeting.
34
35
Subscribed, William McKissack,
Master of Lodge No. 10, as by the warrant constituting said Lodge, and filed herewith, will appear.
"The document was then signed by the four other officers, one Past Master and ten members of
Lodge No. 10. Included in the ten other persons who signed this association and were present at
the Convention was Moses Ogden of St. John's Lodge, No. 1. Seven other persons came forward
after the Convention and subscribed their names. On January 30, 5787, sixteen additional
persons agreed to the document and signed it.
Of the forty-nine brethren identified with the institution of the Grand Lodge, twenty-three were
members of Basking-ridge Lodge No. 10, one was from St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of Newark, four
were from Lodge No. 32, at Burlington and two belonged to Lodge No. 190 under dispensation.
This dispensation apparently was for a Lodge in New Brunswick. There were thus representatives
from three regularly warranted Lodges and one Lodge working under a dispensation.
It is also interesting to note that thirty-seven of these forty-nine were members of Lodges working
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and that all the Grand Lodge Officers
but one hailed from that jurisdiction, so that the Grand Lodge was predominantly "Ancient" from
the beginning. There were thirty-eight brethren present at the ceremony of Installation of tho
Grand Lodge Officers which took place at New Brunswick on January 30, 1787, in accordance
with a notice that appeared in the January 24th issue of the "New Jersey Journal" of
Elizabethtown.
The convention was presided over, as in the constitution of the Grand Lodge of London in 1717,
by "the oldest Master Mason present, then Master of a Lodge," Worshipful Brother William
McKissack, M.D., who opened a Lodge of Master Masons in due form, after which "the Grand
Master-elect was in the usual manner conducted into the Lodge, honorably seated in the Chair
and regularly installed Grand Master of Masons for New Jersey."
" Agreeable to petition from sundry Master Masons in Newark, Elizabethtown, Bedminster,
Morristown and Monmouth, to the Grand Lodge, the Right Worshipful Grand Master was pleased
to grant dispensations for the term of three months, at which term warrants will issue, to wit: To
Brother Moses Ogden, for holding a Lodge in Newark; to Brother William McKissack, for
Bedminster, in the County of Somerset; the Honorable Brother Elias Dayton, for Elizabethtown; to
Brother John Jacob Faesch, for Morristown; and Brother Jonathan Rhea, for Monmouth.
It was ordered that the sum of twelve dollars be paid for initiation and one dollar to the Tyler. If a
special Lodge is called to initiate, the applicant is also to pay the expenses of the night.
On April 2, 1787 it was moved and carried that the sum of ten pounds should be paid by every
Lodge to the Grand Lodge for a warrant.
At the same meeting it was agreed that the Lodge at Bedminster, in the County of Somerset, be
Lodge No. 1, and that the other Lodges ballot for their numbers, which on being done, Newark
drew No. 2; Monmouth, No. 3 Morristown, No. 4 Elizabethtown, No. 5, whereupon, it was
Ordered. That the Lodge at Bedminster be Lodge No. 1; Newark, No. 2; Monmouth, No. 3;
Morristown, No. 4; and Elizabethtown, No. 5.
'' Ordered. That the several dispensations issued 31st January last, to the above Lodges, for
three months, be enlarged to the further term of three months.
In the minutes for the Grand Lodge session of July 3,1787, we find the following:
35
36
"Application having been made by petition to this Grand Lodge by the members of a Lodge held
under a dispensation in Newark, in the county of Essex, for a warrant to be issued to Brother
Moses Ogden, Master, James H. Maxwell, Sw, and Jeremiah Brewen, J. W.,
"
Ordered. That a warrant do issue, agreeably to the above application, for a Lodge to be hereafter
held at Newark, in the county of Essex,, to be distinguished by the name of St. John's Lodge, No.
2; Brother Cumming, in behalf of the said Lodge, having paid the Treasurer the sum of L 10, 6s,
Od, for the warrant, one initiation, and one shilling to the Charity Fund, being his own dues.
"Brother Cumming returned the dispensation which was issued the 31st January last, to Brother
Moses Ogden, of Newark, which was ordered to be canceled, and canceled accordingly
"Thus out of deference to the first Grand Master of New Jersey, St. John's Lodge, the oldest
Lodge in the state gave up its right to the number one, that the Lodge at Bedminster to which the
Grand Master belonged might have it.
Unfortunately for us, the first minutes of this period have been lost and we do not know exactly
when the Lodge resumed its activities. From dates gleaned from the minute , book however the
resuscitation appears to have occurred about March 1 1787. The announcement of the
convention to be held in New Brunswick in December, 1786, to form the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey, more than likely acted as a spark to rekindle the flame of Freemasonry in Newark, if
perchance it was not already burning. In any event the earliest post-war date that appears in our
minutes is that of March 1, 1787.
At the Grand Lodge meeting of December 30, 1788, it was
'Ordered. That the officers of all private Lodges under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall, at
each half yearly meeting, "deliver an exact list of the names, titles and occupations of all the
officers and members of each Lodge, together with the usual times and places of meetings.'
Following is a copy of a list of names taken from the minute book which is probably the first list of
members that was sent to Grand Lodge. It bears no date other than those in the left margin which
apparently are the dates of Joining, either by affiliation or by being entered as new Masons.
A Return of the Officers & Members of St. John's Lodge No. 2 at New Ark The Worshipful Moses Ogden Master
1787 March 1st,
James Homer Maxwell Sr Warden
Jeremiah Bruen Jun Warden
Samuel Huntington Treas
15th Wm, Burnet Secty
Oct. 17, Israel Hedden Stew'd
March 1 John Gifford Sen Deac
Dec'. 27 John Reading . Jun Deac
Aug. 22 Samuel Reading
Dec. 12 Zebulon Jones
1788 March 29 Joseph Kimball
June 20 Wm. Kersey
1787 March 1 Elijah Hedden ,
Richard Dey
March 3 Obadiah Meeker
A true return from the Records To John N. Cumming, Secty. G. Lodge
36
37
(Signed) Wm. Burnet Jun. Secty.
As this list was undoubtedly made up pursuant to the Grand Lodge order it must date from some
time after that order, which was issued on December 30, 1788. It does not however reflect a true
picture of the membership between March 1, 1787 and December 30, 1788. The Lodge had two
additional members and why they were not listed is hard to understand.
According to our records, Josiah 0. Hoffman was entered on April 15, 1787, passed on April 25,
1787 and raised June 2, 1787. A notation in the roster indicates he was a resident of New York
and it is possible he was not considered a regular member of the Lodge. By the same line of
reasoning then, William Kersey should not have been listed .either, as he received all three
degrees in two days "as he was going to travel abroad". Neither brother is mentioned again in the
minutes with the exception that a letter was received from Brother Hoffman in August, 1792, which
had to do with the raising of funds for the Lodge room in the Academy. At that time he was
residing in New York and apparently was not a member of the Lodge.
A more serious omission is that of John Noble Cumming. Just when he affiliated is not known but
from the following facts we know that it was in 1787 and sometime between March 1st and July
3rd. He attended the Convention to form the Grand Lodge on December 18, 1786, as a member
of Lodge No. 19 of the Pennsylvania registry. At the first two meetings of Grand Lodge on January
30th and April 2nd of 1787 he is listed as Grand Secretary without showing which Lodge he
belonged to, if any. At the third meeting of Grand Lodge on July 3, 1787, he is listed both as
Grand Secretary and as Brother John Cumming, Newark Lodge, No. 2. Being Grand Secretary he
of course knew which Lodge he belonged to and probably assumed everyone else did, which they
undoubtedly did at that time.
In the first minutes following the resuscitation, which is April 23, 1788, Brother Cumming is listed
as Master pro term. This of course is too late a date to mean anything His name also appears on
two dues statements bearing the dates of March 12, 1788 and October 23, 1788. However, we do
have the petition of two applicants dated March 1, 1787, which bears Brother Cumming's name as
one of the recommenders. If the same rules were then in force as they are now, it would have
been necessary for him to have been a member of the Lodge to sign the petition. Taking
everything into consideration we are inclined to believe that he affiliated either on or close to
March 1, 1787 and will therefore use that date.
By benefit of the dispensation issued on January 30, 1787, St. John's Lodge resumed its labors
with a nucleus of seven members as of March 3, 1787. Four .of these, Brothers Moses Ogden,
Jeremiah Bruen, Elijah Hedden and Obadiah Meeker were former members of old St. John's, No.
1, and thus preserved the continuity from that body. The other three, Brothers James H. Maxwell,
Samuel Huntington and John N. Cumming were affiliates from other Lodges. On March 1, 1787,
two candidates were entered, John Gifford and Richard Dey, who thus became the first two
members to Join St. John's Lodge, No. 2, through the initiatory ceremony. Six additional
candidates were entered during 1787 and. Masonry in Newark was again a living reality.
As a matter of interest and for sake of comparison with an earlier petition given on page ' , the
Joint petition of two candidates is given below. Attention is called to the fact that in this petition,
the petitioners promise obedience to the Grand Lodge of this State, while in the earlier one they
promised obedience only to the by-laws of this particular Lodge.
37
38
" To the Right Worshipful Moses Ogden Master the Wardens and Brethren of a Lodge held at
Newark The Petition of John Gifford (&) Rich'd Dey Humbly herewith That your petitioner being
informed the Brethren are at present in Lodge assembled take this method to acquaint you that
are desirous of being admitted into the Antient and Honorable Society of free and accepted
Masons and etc. - promise to pay the customary Fees and to Submit
to the Rules and Customs
among Masons and to be obedient to the Laws of the Grand Lodge of this State and of your
particular Lodge. In hopes of having the above Honor done and your petitioner pray
Recommended by (signed) John Gifford Richard Dey, New Ark March first 1787 Rich'd Dey
recommended by (signed) J, N. Cumming, Elijah Heiden Samuel Huntington "
Note: Of the three recommenders who signed this petition only one, Elijah Hedden, was a
member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1.
'The first election of officers for St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of which we have record was held on
December 26, 1788, at which time Brother James H. Maxwell was elected Worshipful Master;
Jeremiah Bruen, Senior Warden; and William Burnet Jr., Junior Warden. The Worshipful Master,
Moses Ogden, with the assistance of Brother John N. Cumming, Grand Secretary, then
proceeded to install Brother Maxwell as Master and invested him with the Badge of his office.
The following day an extra Lodge was held to celebrate the Festival of St. John the Evangelist,
which was at-tended by thirteen members and visitors. The minutes record "The day being spent
with that Harmony, Decency & good order which always distinguish true masons and after a
number of Select toasts being drunk the Lodge Closed in due form".
At the meeting of April 23, 1788, a letter was read from the Grand Secretary requesting the
attendance of the Brethren of this Lodge to a Grand Procession at New Brunswick .on the 24th of
June next, being John the Baptist Day.
On October 8, 1788 and again on January 8, 1794, it was ordered by the Master and Brethren
that' the Tyler be paid by the Treasurer, four shillings for every night he has served or shall serve
until the further order of the Master and Brethren.
On October 23, 1788, it was ordered that every Brother present or absent shall pay on every
regular Lodge Night the sum of two shillings to defray the expense of the evening and for the use
of the Lodge. Practically all of the meetings at this period were held at Brother Reading's or Archer
Gifford's.
Early in 1789 a communication was received from Grand Lodge containing a copy of the address
made by Right Worshipful David Breariy, Esq., the Grand Master, before the, Grand Lodge on
December 30, 1788. This message is Just as applicable today as it was then and as it does not
appear in the Grand Lodge Proceedings nor in our Minute Book we are giving it in full.
Brother Landell copied it in long hand in his "Comprehensive Historical Sketch" from the original
now apparently lost.
"Brothers, it is now Just two years since this Grand Lodge was formed and established, since a
few private Lodges or rather remnants of Lodges associated and by solemn compact according to
ancient customs and right erected a Head, a Grand Lodge.
"And what has been the effect ? What benefits have flowed from this association ? I rejoice my
Brothers that I can answer these questions so perfectly agreeable to your wishes and my own.
38
39
"Masonry has flourished in this short space of time beyond our most sanguine expectations. It
has risen to a degree of eminence unknown in this state in former times. Our numbers are greatly
multiplied, but it is not from number that we derive our consequence. It is from the good conduct
of those numbers. It is from keeping within compass and acting upon the square. and these things
alone have raised our consequences. It is these that induces so many of the first characters for
talent and virtue to sue for admission into our Society. It is the same cause that keeps the
profligate and profane at a distance. They do not desire to come among us for they would have
no pleasure with us. It is natural for them to associate with spirits congenial to their own. "I need
therefore only recommend that you persevere in the line of conduct in which you have begun.
Shut your doors against the unworthy for they burden the Society and disgrace the institution. Our
Society founded upon beneficence and love, and its great objects are to extend the pleasure and
comforts of life, and to alleviate the misfortunes' incident to man. It is not difficult to discern the
characters suitable for these great and noble purposes. And those characters we gladly embrace
under the endearing appellation of Brothers. "Again I say my Brothers, let us go on to practice the
virtues which our institution inculcates and although the storms may gather and thunders sound,
yet they will be at a distance. Our good work shall ascend to the Grand Master of all, and being
approved by Him, we shall finally be embosomed in that Grand Lodge where there is eternal light."
“”Editors comments:Today we hear a lot of talk about the small attendance at Lodge meetings
especially in city Lodges. For a while the movies and automobiles were blamed, then radio came
to bear its share and finally television. After reading literally hundreds of minutes of bygone days
we are led to the belief that they are really innocent bystanders, the scapegoats of human frailty. If
-members don't want to attend Lodge, they just don't attend. Excuses are many and easy to find I
Masters from time immemorial have been plagued with the same trouble that Masters are today .
“”
In 1789 , our Secretary recorded the following:
"As the members of the Lodge did not attend in general, the business of telling accounts could not
be done - it was ordered that the Lodge should meet again on the regular night and that the
Secretary be particularly requested to give Each brother Summons desiring to attend and that the
Worshipful feels himself distressed at the non attention. The Lodge Closed in due form to meet
again on the next regular Lodge night unless in case of Emergency of which Each Brother will
have timely notice."
By October 21, 1789 the membership had apparently dropped to ten members not counting the
Tyler. On that date the Secretary gives what seems to be a complete list of members and notes
that of that number, seven including the Master were absent. It doesn't say so, but we presume
no meeting was held.
In 1790 there is a lapse in the minutes between the meetings of January 20th and October 27th,
but meetings were undoubtedly held as evidenced by the following letter addressed to
"The Presiding Officer, St. Johns Lodge No. 2. . Brethren
An unforeseen Accident prevents me from having the Pleasure of Attending this Evening, & as I
find it will be out of my Powers to attend as punctually as I would wish I beg leave to repeat my
solicitation to have permission to leave the Lodge & resign the Chair to a Brother who will be able
to perform the office more Attentively than possibly it will be in my Power in future to do. I shall
39
40
ever wish unanimity & Prosperity to Lodge No 2, Newark & will do every thing to promote its
Interest. I am Brethren Your respectfully (signed) J. H. Maxwell Wednesday April 14, 5790"
That Brother Maxwell's resignation as Worshipful Master was accepted is indicated by minutes
later in the year showing Brother John N. Cumming as Master without the usual pro tem
The following December 22nd, Brother Cumming was reelected Master for the ensuing year.
Lotteries in the eighteenth century were perfectly legal and could be held under certain conditions
as prescribed by the laws of that time. At the meeting of June 8, 1791 " it was agreed that every
member come provided at the next Lodge night with a ticket in the Bridge Lottery, to be deposited
in the hands of the treasurer for the use of the lodge. At the (5-17)by the laws of that time. The
bridge lottery of 1791 was held by an Act of Legislature of 1790 to build bridges across the
Passaic and Hackensack Rivers on the line of the road from Newark to Paulus Hook (Jersey City).
There were to be 15,000 tickets divided into four classes and ranging in price from One dollar to
Four dollars per ticket. The highest prize was $3,000 and the lowest $300. The managers were
Brothers John N. Cumming and John D. Alvey, both members of St. John's Lodge, and Jese
Baldwin.
At the meeting of June 8, 1791, "it was agreed that every member come provided at the next
Lodge night with a Ticket in the Bridge Lottery, to be deposited in the hands of the Treasurer for
use of the Lodge." At the following meeting on June 22nd, we find in the minutes, "there not being
Tickets enough to be procured to furnish each Brother with one, only eleven could be procured,
the purchase of which each Brother is to pay One Dollar." We might add that these were the first
bridges over these rivers and were completed in 1794.
“” Editors comments::Brother Landell writing in the 1850's states, "No mention appears on the
Lodge records respecting charity funds, yet it is known that the Lodge was liberal in its
contributions for that purpose. The appropriation by the town for 1791 was only two hundred
pounds. The poor children were ordered to be sent to school this year. The charity contributions
of the Lodge were applied to the poor and the poor children individually as the necessities of the
case required.”"
While not outstanding historically, we believe the following incident is interesting and unusual
enough to be included. It occurred at our meeting of July 27, 1791.
"Agreeable to the recommendation of Mr. Comfort Sandy of New York in favor of John .Conrad
Muyskin, a Dutch Gentleman from Demasaria, the vote was taken of this Lodge for his being
Initiated, when they passed unanimously in his favor. Mr. Muyskin was Introduced and rec'd the
first degree of Masonry. Brother Muyskin expressed his desire of being Crafted & raised to
Morrow Evening on acc't of his speedy departure for Europe." His wish was granted and he
received the two degrees on the 28th.
Demasaria is evidently a misspelling by the Secretary. What he probably meant was Dernerara,
now part of British Guinea in South America, where the Dutch had made a few settlements in the
early seventeenth century. In 1773 Demerara was constituted as an independent colony. In 1781
British privateers took possession of it which might account for Brother Muyskin s presence in
New Jersey.
40
41
On November 4, 1791, the Right Worshipful Grand Master, John Beatty, made an official visit to
the Lodge and signified his pleasure "to hear a Lecture in the usual manner practiced in this
Lodge." After listening to lectures in all three degrees, the Grand Master gave a short lecture and
ex-pressed himself pleased with the appearance of the Lodge.
On November 9, 1791, a proposal was received from the people of the town to assist them in
building an Academy. This is a subject by itself and is fully described in the following chapter.
At the same meeting a motion was adopted that every Brother should be served with a written
summons to attend on every meeting of the Lodge and that said summons was to be delivered to
every member at least twenty-four hours previous to the time of meeting. Elsewhere in the
minutes it appears that it was the duty of the Tyler to 'deliver these summons.
At the next regular meeting two weeks later, the By-law imposing fines for absence and tardiness
at meetings was repealed unanimously. The Brethren were apparently either in a rebellious or
possibly progressive mood for not content with this victory over an old custom, they passed a
motion to revise the By-laws. The committee for that purpose lost no time and went to work with a
will.
On January 11, 1792, the new By-laws were submitted to the Lodge and after some altering were
approved and ordered be entered in the beginning of the book appropriated for the purpose.
These By-laws didn't last very long for on December 11, 1793, a new set was adopted.
Some unnamed Brother unfamiliar with the Secretary's duties and probably not knowing exactly
what to record made an interesting entry on January 25, 1792, when he wrote the Lodge was
"opened in the name of God and the holy St. John".
At the regular meeting held on February 22, 1792, an event took place that sets St. John's Lodge
apart from every other Masonic Lodge in this country. It was done simply and unostentatiously,
probably with never a thought that. it would (5-20) someday be of historical significance. Because
of its importance to us, the minutes for the meeting are given in full.
"An Apprentice's Lodge was opened for the doing of business. After some conversation about the
New Lodge room, the Lodge was called to refreshment and some toasts and songs suitable to the
celebration of the birthday of our right Worshipful Brother George Washington were given and
sung. "The Lodge closed in Due form."
This first celebration of our country's first president and most outstanding Freemason occurred just
two months and eight days less than eight years before his death which came suddenly on
December 14, 1799, as a result of acute laryngitis contracted by exposure to cold and snow only
two days previously. Thus did St. John's Lodge become not only the first Masonic Lodge but
probably the first organization of any kind to celebrate our Illustrious Brother's natal day.
In the past many statements have been made and written endeavoring to link Washington with St.
John's Lodge. Most of them are myths or can't be proven. At the risk of suffering all the penalties
of Masonry combined, from the day the first Mason used a plumb-line and trowel to the presentday Mason who does his building less laboriously, the writers of this book are with all due caution
about to explode another story. For decades the legend has been passed down from one
generation to the next that we have celebrated Washington's birthday every year since the first
one in 1792. To use a popular phrase "it Just ain't so I"
41
42
Brother Washington passed away in December, 1799, and between our initial celebration and that
date there is nothing in the minutes, which are fairly complete, to suggest that his birthday was
celebrated again. For five years, 1800 to 1803 inclusive and in I806, the Lodge commemorated
his death, on the 22nd of February or as near that date as possible. In 1805 the event was
celebrated as his birthday. For 1804 and the years between 1807 and 1812 the minutes are
entirely mute as to whether the day was celebrated or not. (5-22)
On July 25, 1792, it was resolved that Brothers Pintard, Higgins and Duplessis be appointed a
committee to prepare a device for a seal for the Lodge. At the next meeting on August 8th, they
made their report and following is their description of the device: "An Altar standing on a. Mosaic
floor cloth elevated on the three degrees of Masonry. In the center of the Altar a burning Heart,
over the whole the Eye of Providence with diverging rays, Emblematic of the First degree of
Masonry. Encircled with the words 'Seal of St. John's Lodge No. 2, Newark, New Jersey, 5787'".
On August 20, 1792, Brother Pintard presented the Lodge with the seal as a token of his sense of
the honor conferred on him by admitting him a member of this Lodge.
On April 16, 1794, the Lodge was paid a visit by Samuel W. Stockton, the Worshipful Grand
Master, and heard the Worshipful Master lecture on the first degree.
There seems to have been no set procedure at this time as to who represented the Lodge in
Grand Lodge for on June 27, 1792, it is recorded that the Lodge proceeded to the appointment of
officers to attend the Grand Lodge session in Trenton on July 3rd, and named the Master and the
two Wardens as their representatives. A similar motion was made December 27, 1793, for the
Grand Lodge communication of January 6, 1794.
At the meeting of December 27, 1794, Brother John N. Cumming, a Past Master, was appointed
to represent the Lodge at the next Grand Lodge meeting and was also instructed to petition that
body in behalf of St. John's Lodge, that they permit us in the future to distribute our own charity
funds as the Lodge thinks proper.
On January 9, 1796, an extra Lodge was held for the purpose of consulting on ways and means
for some of the Brethren of the Lodge to go to Trenton to represent us In Grand Lodge. It was
agreed that five members should go and of the five named only one was a Past Master. The
Secretary was ordered to collect what money he could from the Brethren to defray their traveling
expenses and succeeded in collecting a total of forty-six and one-half dollars. This amount plus
ten dollars on hand in the treasury made fifty-six and one-half dollars available for the purpose.
At an extra Lodge held on January 5, 1799, Brother Isaac Andruss, the Junior Warden, was
appointed to represent the Lodge, not being a Past Master, he was duly installed with the Master's
jewel and in a Past Masters' Lodge regularly passed the chair. Thus prepared Brother Andruss
attended Grand Lodge as St. John's representative and paid the Charity fund dues amounting to L
4-4-0 and the Initiation dues of ten shillings.
On December 12, 1792, the custom of paying dues by the quarter which had recently prevailed
was brought up. It apparently had not proven very successful and having been objected to by the
Master as well as the Brethren, It was set aside and the ancient custom of paying them nightly
adopted in its stead.
42
43
On September 25, 1793, the first mention of printed demits was made, when a committee was
appointed to prepare a certificate for those Brethren "who wish to depart from this place."
At the meeting of January 8, 1794, it is recorded that "Brother Parkhurst having transcribed the
By-laws agreeable to appointment, it was ordered he be paid the sum of ten shillings and receive
the thanks of the Lodge for his particular services."
During this same year and the one following, several subjects came up for discussion that seemed
to have aroused considerable debate. On January 8, 1794 it was on motion ordered that no
Brother would be permitted to speak more than twice on any subject.
At the meeting of December 10, 1794-, a question was moved and seconded "whether when a
candidate is rejected by a single vote, the party rejecting shall not be obliged to give his reasons
for dissent and whether this Lodge shall have the power of over-ruling such dissent if it thinks
proper and admit the candidate notwithstanding such rejection by a single vote." After much
discussion it was laid over for further consideration the next regular Lodge night.
After several postponements the subject was again brought up on March 11, 1795. After a very
free and full discussion it was unanimously determined that in the future all candidates shall be
liable to the same rules on which every member of this Lodge has been initiated (viz) that one
vote shall exclude a candidate, that such dissenting member shall not be called upon for his
reasons, and that this resolution be entered in the By-laws.
The same night another problem was disposed of: that no wine or spirituous liquors be made use
of in this Lodge, in Lodge hours, or at any time at the expense of the Lodge, excepting festivals, or
particular meetings etc. It was negatived by the slim majority of one vote. Looking back
on this long and apparently heated argument, it seems rather amusing that the question was not
whether wine or liquors should be consumed but who should pay for them.
On December 27, 1793, Brother Vinar -.Van Zandt, who had been a more or less regular visitor
since 1788, presented the Lodge with a book entitled "The Modern Free Mason's Pocket Book"
which was received with thanks and ordered to be entered on the records.
It will surprise many to know that as early as 1794 and for a long time thereafter, Essex County
maintained a brigade of militia of which Brother John N. Cumming was Brigadier General. The
brigade consisted of the regiments of Colonels Crane, Hedden, Condit and Swain and the
Paterson battalion commanded by Major Blachly. There was also a detachment of Captain
Parkhurst's company of artillery and a detachment of cavalry under the command of Lieutenant
Day. The Colonel Hedden referred to is believed to have been Israel Hedden, a member of St.
John's Lodge. Training days were held in the spring and fall, in May and October. "Muster" day
was a general holiday and a sort of festival.
On December 27, 1794-, it was ordered that the sum not exceeding three pounds at the discretion
of the Master, be appointed from the funds of this Lodge for the relief of the Widow Thibou.
In 1795 a document was received that today would be nothing short of phenomenal. It is
reproduced below that it may be forever preserved for posterity.
43
44
"In Grand Lodge Trenton July 1, 5795 The Grand Treasurer having reported that the sum of L
114-1-3 remains in his Hands Unappropriated Resolved
That the Grand Lodge will at their next communication dispose of this money either by Loan or
otherwise and that the Secretary be requested to give information to the Lodges not at present
represented this their intended disposition Extract from the Minutes (Signed) Maskell Ewlng, G.
Sec'y."
In the minutes of December 27, 1796, we read that Brothers Bibby, Halsey and Parkhurst were
advanced to the Past Masters Degree. At the following meeting on January 4, 1797, we are
informed a Masters Lodge was opened and Brothers Thomas Bibby, William Halsey and Jabez
Parkhurst, after having made a request for that purpose, were formally advanced to the Pass
Masters degree. It would be interesting to know if the first entry was an error or whether they
received two different degrees. It seems likely that they asked for the degree on December 27th
and received it on January 4th.
Editors comments””The most interesting question though is why they should ask for it at. all and
still more why they received it ? Brother Bibby did not become Master of the Lodge until 1798 and
Brother Halsey until 1803. Jabez Parkhurst was never Master. The only solution that presents
itself at present is that they received the degree so that they might be eligible for the Royal Arch
degree, although there was no Royal Arch Chapter in New Jersey "that we know of at that time.
There was however a Chapter in New York, Washington Chapter, which probably came into
existence in the early 1780's and it is quite possible our early brothers may have taken their
capitular degrees there.”
Two years later on January 5, 1799, Brother Isaac Andruss regularly passed the chair in a Lodge
of Past Masters that he might attend Grand Lodge as St. John's representative.
On February 3, 1797, an entered apprentices Lodge was opened for the transaction of business,
but before any was gone into, the alarm of "Fire" was cried, which soon became so general
through the Town, that-the Lodge closed.
The buildings in Newark were mainly of frame construction and fire was the thing the townspeople
dreaded most. One night in midwinter of 1797, the home of Elisha Boudinot, Esq., one of the most
pretentious residences in the whole village, was destroyed by fire The house stood in what is now
Park Place about one hundred yards south of East Park Street.
About one month later a Fire Association was formed at a mass-meeting in the Court House. It
was a voluntary association and its members were assessed according to the appraised value of
their houses. The sum of $1,000 was raised in a few weeks and two fire engines and other
equipment was ordered from Philadelphia. It was not until January, 1798, however that word was
received that the New Fire Association could have the first of the engines upon discharge of the
remaining sums. It was a clumsy little tank on wheels with long wooden bars fastened to an iron
pumping gear. When in action men lined the bars on either side of the machine and pumped water
which others poured into the tank from buckets, the water being thrown on the flames through an
iron pipe. Hose apparently was not introduced until 1815.
Members of St. John's Lodge who were officers of the association were: John N. Cumming, vice
president; Col. Samuel Hay, treasurer; -James Hedden and Thomas Griffith, members of the
standing committee. William ?. Smith, the president, later became a member of the Lodge.
44
45
The first fire fighting company was composed of twenty-one men and of that number the following
six belonged to the Lodge: Jabez Camfield, assistant foreman; Isaac Andruss, clerk; Aaron Roff,
Israel Gurry, Obadiah Woodruff and Jabez Giger (spelled Greger on the list).
On October 25, 1797, the Lodge convened at three o'clock to bury Brother John Robinson with
funeral honors. iv. The name is spelled "RobertSon" in our minutes. He apparently was not
considered an active member, but he had been a fairly regular visitor since June, 1791 and
appears to have held the esteem of the Brethren. The following obituary notice was found by
Brother Landell in the papers of that date:
"Capt. John Robinson died in his 77th year October 24th. He was buried by. his lodge. The
address was by Rev. Mr. Gardener of E Town (Elizabethtown). His last words were 'Sweet hope
thou author of my soul how dost thou kill my pain and cheer my heart.'
"As a Mason the life of Capt. Robinson was also exemplary for he certainly was observant of that
great moral maxim of Freemasonry which conjoins of this order fear God and work righteousness.
He has therefor left to the Brotherhood an example worthy of imitation, he exemplified to their view
that golden rule by which they should Square all their actions. May each Mason go and do
likewise."
On July 24, 1799, Brother Pintard, agreeable to the request of the Lodge, presented a copy of his
address given before the Lodge on June 24th, it being a vindication of Masonry as confuting the
many recent calumnious publications against the fraternity by Messrs. Robertson and Morce. The
Worshipful Master ordered it to be deposited in the archives of the Lodge.
An interesting note informs us that the Lodge did not meet on October 23, 1799, because the
Tyler left. the town in a "clandestine manner" and the Lodge-room was unprepared. On December 25, 1799, Brother Pintard made a motion that the funeral obsequies of our late
Illustrious Brother General Washington be attended on Friday next, in conjunction with the military
and citizens of this town, which being seconded by General Cumming, it was unanimously
adopted. A committee was appointed to prepare the mourning for that purpose.
Brother Pintard then made a motion that an escutcheon or some device be prepared and hung
over the Master's chair, to commemorate the virtues of this greatly respected, departed Brother.
Ordered that Dr. Buxton and M. B. Higgins prepare the same as soon as possible. According to
Brother Hugh McDougal in 1853, this escutcheon was a large picture that hung
in back of the Master's chair until about 1852 when it was apparently removed to the ante -room.
What it represented and what became of it is not known.
Brother Pintard moved that the usual refreshments on .the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist
be suspended in respect to the memory of our late Illustrious Brother Washington.
At ten o'clock, Friday, December 27, 1799,. the Lodge met agreeable to its decision of the last
meeting. "The Lodge (then} proceeded to form the procession, and after going through the
ceremony, Joined the grand procession of the town in the following order, viz: Tyler with drawn
sword, Secretary with Bible, Square and Compass, covered with black Supported by two Knight
Templars with drawn swords Junior Warden General Mercer & James Murray, Esqs. with the
Monument. Treasurer Brethren, two and two, Senior Warden Master supported by his Deacons
45
46
Stewards
After attending .service at church the Lodge returned in the- same order and adjourned until six
o'clock in the evening."
A motion was made that a committee be appointed to wait on the Rev. Dr. Macwhorter to present
the compliments of our society for his exertions on this melancholy occasion and request a copy
of his discourse for publication.
Brother Pintard observed to the Lodge the propriety of thanking, their Secretary, Matthias B.
Higgins, for his exertions in preparing the obelisk in commemoration of General Washington,
which was done by the Master and brethren.
According to Brother J. H. Landell, the procession was said to have been the finest ever seen in
Newark to that date. The soldiers marched with reversed arms and on reaching the (5-27) church
door, they opened ranks, through which the procession passed. The Rev. Dr. Ogden
commenced the services by offering up to God a touching and fervent prayer. The Rev. Dr.
MaeWhorter then delivered the discourse, his text being a part of the fifth verse of the thirty-fourth
chapter of Deuteronomy, "So Moses the Servant of the Lord died." The discourse, a very
eloquent one was published at the time.
St. John's Lodge was particularly noticed in the procession. An old newspaper of the day said,
"Were we to discriminate any individual or circumstance as deserving more particular notice than
the rest, we should select the fraternity of Free Masons, whose share in the procession attracted
every eye, and gave a solemn dignity to the whole. The emblem and badges of the Order were all
veiled in the deepest mourning, and a monumental obelisk to the memory of their Illustrious
Brother was born by the two eldest and most respectable members of the Lodge, which during the
time of Divine- Service was elevated on the desk before the pulpit and made a most pleasing
impression on every beholder."
The obelisk was three feet in height consisting of a base and pyramid in proportion, representing
black marble. On the front was a good likeness of General Washington in white, bas-relief, above
which were Masonic emblems in pearl and gold. The remaining three sides contained the three
great characteristics of Masonry - Faith, Hope and Charity, also in white bas-relief. On the base
was inscribed the name and dates of the age and death of Washington with monumental
inscriptions. The top was encircled by a wreath of laurel. This obelisk was carefully preserved in
the Lodge room for a number of years. It was removed sometime between 1833 and 1836 to the
paint shop of one of our members and. eventually destroyed, it having become very much
disfigured by time.
Brother Landell notes that neither General Mercer nor John Murray were members of the Lodge,
although both were Masons. Brother Murray was known at the time as an Ancient York Mason, he
being an Englishman. He attended the Lodge quite regularly and might have been taken for a
member by the reporter. Brother Murray and Brother Mercer being both aged men, were selected
by the Worshipful Master to support the monument.
On December 24, 1800, Brother William Halsey moved "that in commemoration of our Illustrious
Brother Washington, a resolve might be entered into for the commemoration of so truly
46
47
a worthy patron of our Ancient Order, and that the 22nd of February, the day of our former festivity
might henceforth considered as a day of sincere mourning and that this Lodge meet, annually on
that day or evening for the purpose of solemnizing so great an event as the death of that great
and good man and that one of the members of this Lodge be appointed to deliver an oration
elongium on the occasion." The resolution was unanimously adopted and Brother Isaac Andruss
was selected to deliver the address on the forthcoming day.
Chapter SIX
St. John's Lodge and the Newark Academy.
One of the most serious material losses the town of Newark suffered at the hands of the enemy
during the War of the Revolution was the destruction by fire of the Academy that stood on the
Upper Common (Washington Park). One of the trustees responsible for the erection and
maintenance of that "slightly and commodious" two story building, of which the less than one
thousand inhabitants of the town were justly proud, was Dr. William Burnet, Sr., who passed to the
great beyond before an effort was inaugurated to replace it. His sons, Brother Dr. William, Jr. and
John Burnet, the postmaster, were active in the securing of funds and the erection of the new
Academy as were also Worshipful Brother Moses Ogden, Right Worshipful Brother John N.
Cummins and Brother Zebulon Jones. The latter was Moderator of the Town during 1791.
The people of the town after much discussion respecting better school facilities finally met to
discuss the question. The site chosen for it was the corner of Broad and Academy Streets, where
the former post office later stood. It was no doubt at the suggestion of the brethren mentioned
above that St. John's Lodge was invited as a body to take part in its erection. In the minutes of the
regular Lodge meeting of November 9, 1791 we read, "The next business which appeared before
the Lodge was a proposal made by the people of this Town for this Lodge to assist them in
building an Academy and to have a part of it for a Lodge Room. Also requesting that a committee
from the Lodge should be appointed and meet their committee on Thursday evening concerning
said business. It was accordingly agreed to by the Lodge & Brothers Hay, Griffith, Johnson, W.
Burnett & Billby were appointed a committee to transact the above " business."
On November 23, 1791 the above committee stated they had met with the committee of the Town
agreeable to their appointment and on behalf of the Lodge made the following proposals - viz.
"1st. To pay one-third of the expense of the frame of the Academy.
"2nd. To weather board and glaze a third story in the house.
"3rd. To have the sole propriety of the third story and to finish the inside of the same as they find
convenient to themselves. The Lodge having considered these proposals do approve and ratify
the same and agree that the expense shall be defrayed by monies raised by subscription. Also
that the aforesaid committee be continued to negotiate further with the committee of the Town on
said business and inform them that the Lodge had confirmed their former proposals."
On February 8, 1792 the Lodge met and closed immediately to meet with the Inhabitants of the
Town on the business of the Academy and New Lodge Room. The building to be thus jointly
erected was to be devoted exclusively to "the education of youth in English, French, Latin and
Greek languages, and in the Arts and Sciences, except the third story, which will be the property
of the Fraternity of Free Masons." Thus did Masonry and education go hand in hand in this as in
other communities throughout the State and nation.
47
48
This mutual cooperation and recognition was further evidenced in the ceremony of laying the
foundation stone of the new structure on Monday, June 25, 1792. From the minutes and papers
of the day, it appears that a procession was formed by the citizens and members of the Lodge,
which moved in the following order to the site of the new building:
1st.Civic Officers, viz: Constables with staves. Citizens. Sheriff and Deputy. Justices of the-Peace.
Judges of the Court. 2nd.
Members of the Academy, viz:
Committee for conducting the Building. Master masons and carpenters carrying the plan of
the Building. Masters of the Academy and Teachers of the Public Schools Scholars of the
Academy, two and two, with green laurel in their hats. Band of Music, Governors of the Academy
and Clergy. St. John's Lodge, No. 2, viz: Tyler, with drawn sword. Two Stewards, with white rods.
A brother carrying the Mosaic Floor-Cloth. A brother with Silver Urn, containing Corn. A brother
with two Silver Pitchers, containing Oil, and Wine. Architect, carrying Plumb, Level and Square.
Junior Warden. Visiting Brethren Treasurer, with Constitution and Warrant on a Cushion. Past
Masters. Secretary, with Bible, Square and Compass on a Cushion. Master of St. John's Lodge,
supported by two Knight Templars. Two Deacons, with white rods.
When they arrived, the procession halted, the Civic officers, Citizens and Clergy forming a circle
around, while the members of the Lodge descended into the cellar, where the Master, Cumming,
with his face to the East, laid the corner-stone in due and ancient Masonic form. It seems
particularly fitting on this occasion that Worshipful Brother Cumming should also have been one of
the Governors of the Academy. This was the first ceremony of its kind in which the Masonic
Fraternity of this State participated. The upper story of the building was to be erected by and at
the expense of the Lodge, and it was therefore the first lodge room erected for, and dedicated to,
the exclusive uses of Freemasonry in the State.
The event was considered of such importance that Brother Woods, the proprietor of the Newark
Gazette, published a supplement to the issue of June 28, giving a full account of it, including the
address by Rt. Wor. Brother Cumming. He said: "The business of this day, equally to be
remembered in the annals of the town and of Masonry, will transmit the names of the promoters of
this institution with lustre to posterity, and the erection of this building will effectually obliterate the
only existing trace in this town of the ravages attending the late glorious revolution of America";
and concluded with the prayer that the "Great Grand Master of the Universe, who first brought
light out of darkness, may bless the endeavors now exerting to extend the light of liberty and the
blessings of independence and happiness throughout every region of this earthly lodge."
In response, Bro. Rev. Dr. MacWhorter, General Cumming '-s brother-in-law said: "It has devolved
on me, by the absence of Mr. Governeur, President of the Board of Governors of the Academy, in
Newark, to make some reply to your polite ad-' dress upon this important occasion. "Gentlemen,
our cordial thanks are presented to you for the generous and liberal part you have taken in the
encouragement of an institution designed to advance the interest of the rising and future
generation, the cause of science, virtue and our common country. We rejoice with you that a
public spirit, under the direction of reason and propriety, prevails in this town, and that honest
industry and domestic economy exhibit their effects to the advantage of the community, and we
hope to the felicity of posterity. May this Academy rise and flourish, and the issues of it embalm
the memories of its founders, and of the gentlemen of the ancient Masonic order for many
generations. Allow gloomy events to darken the historic page, but let every vestige of the late
unhappy and unnatural war be blotted from the noble minds of generous Americans, as this
erection is to cover its last traces in this town.
48
49
"May this edifice be an oblivion of martial animosities, and the great altar of peace, unanimity and
love among brothers. The Governors of this Academy, honored by the trust reposed in them, will
faithfully endeavor, under the auspices of beneficent heaven, to promote useful learning, and
secure good morals in this institution, and diffuse far and wide the beams of that sun of Liberty
which has arisen in this Western Hemisphere, and already begins to illuminate Eastern climes.
"May fraternal affection reign in all breasts, and every man be a brother to every man, and the
Supreme God bless every society instituted for the felicity of mankind, and render you, gentlemen,
the promoters of virtue and literature; and may you long remain the glory of your country, and, at
last, be admitted to an unchangeable residence in Mansions and Lodges not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens." After the ceremonies were completed, the people repaired to the new
Presbyterian Church, where the Rev. Uzal Ogden, rector of Trinity Church, delivered an excellent
discourse suitable to the occasion from Proverbs xvi:l6. "How much better is it to get wisdom than
gold ? and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver? A translation of the Latin
inscription on the cornerstone follows: "By the blessing of God, Under the auspicious Government
of George Washington, the beloved Father of his country, President of the United States of
America, and William Paterson, Governor of New Jersey, The Governors of the Academy,(Amidst
the acclamation of a large concourse of Freemasons) Laid the Foundation Stone of this Building,
Dedicated to the Patrons of Literature and Freemasonry, on the 25th day of June, In the year of
our Lord ,1792 ,of . And the year of Masonry, 5792.
Both persons mentioned on this tablet were members. of the Fraternity, Governor Paterson having
been made a Mason in Trenton Lodge, No. 5, on May 17, 1791. This brownstone slab, measuring
one by two by four feet, lay buried for over sixty years in the foundation of the Academy, until it
was torn down in 1855 to give way to a new post office, when the existence of the stone was
recalled and its preservation recommended by a correspondent (M. L.W.) in the Daily Advertiser
of September 18, 1855. It was taken to the grounds of the new Academy on High Street and there
lost sight of until an extension was made to the school building in 1887. This work involved the
removal of a doorstep, which on examination turned out to be the missing cornerstone, long
trodden upon by the youths of the city, but happily restored to a place of honor in the wall of one of
the rooms.( The stone today has a place of honor in the wall of the vestibule of the present
Academy at 215 First Street, Newark.
Thus like another stone prominent in the symbolism of. Masonry was the missing stone found. In
this case the analogy is close because this stone so carelessly discarded and lost to view was
actually the first cornerstone of the first building erected either in part or in while for Masonic
purposes in this State and is therefore by allusion the cornerstone of all Masonic Temples in New
Jersey.
The brethren with other people of the town had assembled and marched in procession to the
Academy site. After the ceremonies they returned in like manner to the Presbyterian Church, then
less than two years old, where the Rev. Uzal Ogden delivered an "excellent discourse well
adapted to the occasion". According to Urquhart "the whole was conducted with much decorum,
and the remainder of the day spent at Mr. Gifford's tavern, where a magnificent dinner was
provided for the occasion, in a social, friendly manner, attended with that hilarity common on such
occasions."
Funds for building the Academy were raised by subscription, the pastors of the two churches (the
First Presbyterian and Trinity Episcopal), together with the postmaster, John Burnet, being a
committee of three to solicit them. Permission was obtained from the Legislature to hold a lottery
49
50
to raise additional funds of an amount not to exceed -t 800, and this was done, the enterprise
being closed and the lottery "drawn" in June 1794. There was a first prize of $2,500, one of
§1,500, two of $1,000 each, two of $500, one of $300, three of $200, five of §100 and twelve of
$50 each, a total of $9,000 in prizes. Our minutes of January 22, 1794- record a resolution that
the Lodge buy nine tickets "in the Academy" and that the numbers be entered in the Secretary's
book. So far as is known they were not winning numbers.
Brother Landell states in his "Historical Sketch" that "for years past money had been scarce and
business generally depressed. In the early part of the year (1791) Congress incorporated a
National Bank with a capital of $10,000,000 and a charter for twenty years. The public securities
which had depreciated to one-eighth of the nominal value now rose to par and confidence
restored properly and trade revived. These causes operated favorably upon the town hence the
interest for building a lodge room. Persons were freely proposed in the lodge and the idea
prevailed that no unforeseen event could occur to prevent a speedy and successful completion of
the building."
Despite the improved business conditions it was still apparently a hard struggle for the town to
raise sufficient money and we know from our Minutes that the Lodge was confronted with the
same serious problem. At this time the Lodge only had about thirty members. On July 25, 1792,
the Worshipful Master was requested by the Lodge to raise what money he could among the Graft
to assist in carrying on the building of the proposed Lodge room. The committee representing the
Lodge was instructed to report at the next meeting a plan for the Lodge room and also instructed
to confer with the committee for building the Academy to whom they were authorized to make
such advances as they should judge necessary.
On August 8th Brother Hay of the above committee reported that they had conferred with the
Academy committee and it was deemed inexpedient to make any advance then, but to wait until a
proportion of materials should have been provided by the Lodge. At the same meeting the
Treasurer reported that, no payments had been received from the brethren in accordance with
their pledges, except from one member. This default was blamed on the want of a subscription
list which being supplied in due course, the members were urged to make payment of one-third of
their subscriptions so that necessary purchases could be made. On August 8th Brother Ogden
informed the Lodge that the subscription list which had been sent to Brother Josiah Ogden
Hoffman in New York to solicit donations, had been returned with the remark that it would be more
formal if separate petitions were drawn up and signed by the officers of the Lodge, and then sent
to the respective Lodges in New York, in which case he would be happy to lend every assistance
in his power.
Brothers Ogden, Harris and Pintard were appointed a committee to prepare such petitions and on
August 22nd reported they had drawn up petitions to the Lodges of New York' and Philadelphia
which were engrossed on parchment and ready to be signed. Following is a copy.
"To the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens & Brethren of the respective Lodges in the
State of Brethren Actuated by a zeal for promoting the general interest of Masonry as well as their
own private accommodation the Members of St. John's Lodge No. 2 established in the Town of
Newark in the State of New Jersey have undertaken to erect a Lodge room which may not only be
suitable to: the purposes of Masonry but which may do honor to the Craft. For this purpose as our
number is small and inadequate to execute the building agreeably to our wishes without some aid
we take the liberty to solicit the friendly assistance of our brethren in the State or City of assuring
them that we shall gratefully acknowledge any favors they may be pleased to bestow and shall at
50
51
all times be happy to make every return on similar occasion in our power.With our sincerest prayer
for the prosperity of your respective Lodges and the jurisdiction to which you belong we beg leave
to subscribe ourselves in behalf of St. John's Lodge No. 2. Your Affectionate brethren Master,
Treas'r, S.Warden, Secretary J. Warden "
On September 12, 1792 Brother William Van Waggennen the of Holland Lodge gave to the Lodge
for use of building the new Lodge room the sum of three pounds for which the Master returned the
thanks of the Lodge. At the same meeting Brother Bond very generously offered the Lodge "the
use of a room in his house till they can furnish themselves with the new Lodge room." Brother
Bond was thanked and the next meeting was ordered to be held at his house.
Brother Samuel Hay had apparently advanced considerable money to the Lodge for building
purposes and began to press for repayment. On December 1, 1792 an extra meeting was held to
determine on ways and means to satisfy him. It was agreed by the brethren that the best method
for forwarding the subscriptions which were to be sent to other Lodges was to depute a brother to
urge them at those Lodges and that the expense of any brother be borne by the Lodge while on
such duty.
On January 9, 1793 a motion was adopted that a sum of money, not to exceed two hundred
pounds, be borrowed by the Lodge in order to refund the money advanced by Brother Hay.
Apparently nothing came of this for on May 1, a motion was carried that a committee be appointed
to assess the sum of two hundred pounds on the individual members of the Lodge according to
their respective circumstances, and that the Treasurer credit each Brother the sum assessed, to
be repaid whenever the funds of the Lodge shall be in a capacity. Brothers Uzal Johnson, David
Ogden, James Redden, David Ross, John. Cumming and. John Gifford were accordingly
appointed for that purpose. A motion was also adopted that the interest due on the above sum be
paid out of the funds of the Lodge. On May 8th the committee made the following report: "We the
Subscribers being appointed by St. John's Lodge No. 2 to assess the sums to be paid by each
and every individual toward defraying the expenses already accrued in building the new Lodge
rooms, do certify that we assess the different members agreeable to the sums as fixed to their
respective namesThomas Bibby. ..... .Dolls. 24
J. Pintard.........Dolls. 24
Moses 'Ogden. .......
24
U Johnson.. ....... " 19
Thomas Gautier.....
24
A. .Freeman.. ... " 19
David A. Ogden.. ... " 24
J. Burnet (Israel)" 15
Alex. C. McWhorter.
24
M.B, Higgins
15
J. N. Cumming.....
24
J. Hedden........
15
S. Hay
24
T. Griffith.......
12
Wm. Burnet.........
23
Wm. Halsey...
14
J. Rogers..........
24
James Redden
6
A. Gifford.
24
. D. Ross...........
10
J. Parkhurst.......
17
J. Bruen. ..........
8
0. Meeker.........
23
J. Beach..........
10
Zadock Redden.
6
J. Betts........
1
J. Crane...........
10
J. Johnson.......
1
Z. Jones..........
5
J. Kimble........
1
J. Qifford.........
5
J. Woods.......
5
Upon motion it was ordered that the Brethren whose subscriptions are unpaid should respectively
give notes for the sum due payable to the Treasurer.
51
52
On August 28, 1793 it was ordered that each member of the Lodge be credited the sum which he
was assessed on the books of the Lodge and that a certificate be given him entitling the holder to
receive the same from the treasury when it shall be equal to that purpose. The Secretary was
instructed to produce a form, of such certificate at the next meeting which he did and which was
approved. On December llth a plate was ordered made and the required number of certificates
pointed.
On October 25 of the same year a committee appointed to estimate the probable expense
necessary to finish the Lodge room reported that from the best calculations they have been able
to make, the expense of the carpentry including work and materials would be about one hundred
and eight pounds and the masonry work and materials about forty-two pounds, making on the
whole one hundred and fifty pounds.
The plan for the Lodge room prepared by Brother Pintard was unanimously adopted on October
25 and a committee consisting of Brothers Pintard, Israel Hedden and Parkhurst appointed to
carry it into effect.
The Lodge room seems to have been very slow in building or perhaps they didn't hurry in those
days. At any rate it wasn't until August of 1794- that they started to consider the dedication. Four
months later it was ordered that three pieces of crimson moreen be immediately purchased for the
purpose of festooning the windows.
On motion it was agreed that the Lodge convene at the new Lodge room at 5 o'clock precisely on
St. John the Evangelist day for the purpose of installing the officers elect for the ensuing year and
for the purpose of celebrating the festival of St. John.
The first meeting in the new room was accordingly held on December 27, 1794 with sixteen
members of the Lodge and two visitors present. The visitors were Brother Judge P. Smith and
Brother Riviere. After the installation the brethren were informed of the necessaries as well as
ornaments that would be needed not only for the dedication but for the comfort of the Lodge.
Whereupon the following voluntary donations were promised; Bros. Burnet, Pintard and Cumming
promised the large sofa'chair for the east. Bros. Griffith and Johnson the chairs for the west and
south, all to be covered with stuff, fringed etc.
Bros. James Hedden, D. Ross, McElheran, Hay, Bruen, Zadock Hedden and D. Ogden would
each be at the expense of finishing one window, Bro. John Woods offered for two. Bro. Cumming,
promised also for Bros. McWhorter and Beach, each a window and for Bro. Rogers There being more offered than windows, it was agreed the residue should be applied to the other
donation for the chandelier. (This apparently refers to a former gift of which there is no record).
Brother Hay presented the Lodge with three dozen elegant wine -glasses and Brothers Burnet and
Pintard each a quart decanter. Brother Higgins engaged to furnish the altar "complete" agreeable
to the draft presented by Brother Pintard.
On January 10, 1795 Captain Bibby presented $5-1/2 towards the purchase of the chandelier.
Brother Landell informs us that the chairs presented by the members for use in the Academy
Lodge room remained there until the sale of the property when they were loaned to Bloom-field
Lodge, No. 40, who used them until 1869, when they were returned to St. John's Lodge. The
52
53
large sofa chair, known to us as the Lafayette chair, is the only one remaining in the possession of
the Lodge today, and' that now reposes in a storage warehouse for want of a better place. Of the
ordinary chairs at least four were taken by members :. (Brothers Landell, William A. Ludlow, J. <; .
Carter and Henry Whitenaek) when the furnishings were disposed of. The altar was destroyed.
The wine glasses or at least the portion of them that remained, as well as the chandelier were sold
at auction.
Originally the dedication had been set for the second Wednesday in February, but for reasons not
given was postponed a few times and was finally held on June 16, 1795. Despite the fact that the
Lodge celebrated St. John's Day on December 27, 1794 in the 'new room', most of the meetings
following that date seem to have been held at Brother Parkhurst's until February, 1796.
In the minutes for May 18, 1795 we read, "The necessity of a number of clean aprons for that day
(the day of dedication) being discussed it was agreed Brother McElheran should purchase two
dozen lambskins at the expense of the Lodge." Apparently this order was not complied with for
the next meeting provides us with one of the unsolved mysteries of St. John's Lodge. On May
27th it was "agreed that every brother should provide himself with a new apron, trimmed with
crimsons and uniformly cut and trimmed." But why red ? We can't associate it with a Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons where red is the symbolic color, because there is absolutely nothing to
indicate that St. John's Lodge ever conferred the Royal Arch degree as some other symbolic
Lodges at that time did. The first mention of Capitular Masonry in New Jersey apparently
occurred at the Grand Lodge Communication of November 13, 1804, when a committee was
appointed to consider the proper measures to be followed in establishing a Royal Arch Chapter for
the higher Order of Masonry under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. The committee's report,
while noncommittal., paved the way for the first Chapter to be formed , and in the following year,
1805, M. W. Bro. John Beatty, Grand Master, granted a dispensation to Washington Lodge;,- No.
12, of New Bruswick, to hold a Royal Arch Chapter there. It will be remembered that the curtains
purchased for the windows, mentioned a few pages back were of crimson moreen. Some
Masonic writers state that the symbolic color for a Lodge of Master Masons' is red or crimson and
it is quite possible St. John's was following this conception in the choice of this color. We are
probably all more or less familiar with the fact that Independent Royal Arch Lodge, No. 2, of New
York, which today is strictly a symbolic Lodge still wears the crimson trimmed aprons it did when it
had the right to confer the Royal Arch degree. This is mentioned, not with the idea of confusing
the reader, but to show that Independent Royal Arch Lodge Nbr 2 is in a category by itself.
A further mention of red in the aprons is seen in the lines written by Joseph Green to burlesque
the St. John's Day celebration at Boston, December 27, 1749. These lines are from a lengthy
poem entitled Entertainment for a Winter's Evening and allude to a public procession of
Freemasons to and from church.. "At length in scarlet apron drest, Forth rushed the morning of
the fast" The above references were taken from Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
and are to be found on Volume 1, Page 213 and Volume 2, Page 926.
For a good many years after the formation of the Grand Lodge there was no uniformity of design
for aprons in New Jersey with the result that the individual Lodges wore whatever suited them. . .
Brother William S. Whitehead, who incidentally was a member of St. John's Lodge, graphically
described the situation in 1867 when he said, "As I cast my eyes over this large assembly,
representing all the lodges in this jurisdiction, the varieties of Masonic clothing presented to my
view are as numerous as the lodges represented".
53
54
"Aprons with square corners and aprons with round corners, white aprons and aprons whose
whiteness is marred by printer's ink, aprons bound with blue and aprons not bound, of satin,
aprons of cotton, of linen, of silk of velvet, and alas, too rarely, aprons of pure white lambskin".
It wasn't long after this arraignment before an apron of stark simplicity was adopted as standard
clothing. To return to the dedication of the Lodge room, it was agreed the price of a ticket to each
visiting brother would be One dollar and for each member attending Two dollars. Freemasons are
said to have gathered from far and near to at-tend the dedication, a function of great dignity and
importance as may be gathered from the following newspaper notice: "The members of St. John's
Lodge, No. 2, purpose to dedicate their new lodge room erected in this town, on June l0th. Every
member conforming with the resolutions of the lodge shall be entitled to four tickets from the
Stewards, for the. admission of his friends. The brethren of the several lodges in this State and in
the city of New York are invited to attend with their clothing. A masonic procession will take place
on this occasion."
"The hour of assembling is appointed at 5 o'clock P. M. at Brother Archer Gifford's long room. The
procession to be formed, move to the Lodge room before sunset, and the dedication to take place
at 8 o'clock. The Stewards will furnish the visiting brethren with tickets at one dollar each."
"The erection and completing this Lodge has been attended with very considerable expense. The
stile of its architecture is perfectly adapted to masonic operations, and the elegance of the room
and furniture may vie with, if not surpass, any structure of the kind in the United States. Its
dimensions are about 38' by 30'. The centre forms a dome 18' high, supported by eight columns,
surrounded by panel work, within which is placed the altar etc. The seats for the officers and craft
are distributed around the extension of the elipsis, by which means the Lodge may be conducted
with that order and decorum so essentially necessary to the operations of masonry."
.The hall was splendidly illuminated by a superb glass chandelier (with ordinary candles for the
illumination) suspended from the center of the dome, and eight patent lamps, which gave a
delightful effect to the elegance of the room and decorations. These lamps were the recently
introduced "Argand" or round wick oil burners.
The appointed hour having arrived, the Worshipful Master appointed Capt. Bibby, Junior Warden,
In the room of Dr. Johnson, and Zebulon Jones Esq. to carry one of the lights in the room of J.
Rogers, both of whom did not choose to conform with the resolve of the Lodge in the contribution
for defraying the expense of the night and therefore did not attend. The procession being formed
and headed by a band of music, passed around Military Park on the way to the new Lodge.
Occurring just at dusk with the marchers carrying torches, it must have been a very impressive
sight.
Having gone through the various ceremonies and solemnities antiently used on such occasions,
the Master delivered an elegant and spirited oration to a brilliant and crowded audience of Ladies
and Gentlemen, after which he descended to the altar and with the assistance of his officers he
consecrated with corn, wine and oil and dedicated the room to Virtue, Masonry and Universal
Charity.
A newspaper account of the exercises was quite extraordinary, as the following will make clear:
"The labors of the craft in constructing this Lodge were more than compensated by the smiles of
approbation from a brilliant assemblage of ladies, who honored the ceremonies of the day with
their presence. "Having passed an agreeable and instructive evening, the meek-eyed daughters of
54
55
benevolence and love reluctantly retired, casting longing, lingering looks behind; tenderly
impressed with a fond belief of the last persuasive accents of the fraternity reverberating from the
hallowed dome of the Lodge to their sympathetic bosoms: "No mortals can more The ladies adore
Than a free and accepted Mason." The inside of the building having been described it might not
be amiss to say something about the outside as well as the Academy itself. Urquhart states "an
attractive structure of brick was built, with a frontage of 66' on Broad Street, setting back some
distance from the street.
The Newark Academy Association was organized in February, 1794-, with Isaac Gouverneur, as
first president of the board of trustees. Dr. MacWhorter, the first president of the association, so
continued until he passed away in 1807. The two lower floors of the Academy were completed
late in 1792 or early in 1793 and were at once put into use as a school for boys and young men."
The Lodge room was designed by Brother Past Master John Pintard, "a highly respectable
gentleman of considerable architectural taste," as one writer says. A fitting closing for this chapter
is taken from the minutes of May 25, 1796 and is as follows: "Agreed that the Treasurer should
have shutters made for the windows in the north end of the house and present the bill of the
expense at the next meeting." The shutters were duly installed and now we figuratively close
them.
'" The dome or canopy was quite large and projected up into the attic. In it was represented the
starry canopy of heaven, it being painted and decorated with the sun, moon and stars. It is said to
have been a very pretty thing
Chapter SEVEN
James Murray and the "Bug" Bible
On February 12, 1800, Brother James Murray presented to St. John' s Lodge an ancient Bible
which has since come to be known as the "Bug Bible". This priceless Volume of the Sacred Law,
now over four hundred years old. It is for safety's sake kept securely locked in the vault of one of
Newark's downtown banks and is brought out only on state occasions. It having once been stolen
and lost sight of for several years we are taking no chances of having that incident repeated when
we might not be so fortunate in recovering it again. As one writer said some twenty-five years ago,
"probably no other Masonic Lodge in this or any other country owns an English Bible as old as the
"Bug" Bible of this Lodge."
This old book has a tradition of its own that unfortunately is known to only a very few of the Lodge
members. The story is well worth telling and to do it justice it is necessary to turn the pages of
time back Much information has been taken from Brother David McGregor's article which
appeared in the .Master Mason about 1927. In the last decade of the fifteenth century a child was
born on the Welsh border who was destined to lead the way in discovering of the Bible to the laity
of England in their native tongue, thereby sowing the seeds of the Reformation of the sixteenth
century and the Revolution of the seventeenth century.
In it all we can readily see the guiding hand of Providence, preparing the world for religious and
civil freedom, by bringing within the reach of the people at large that Light which is given to us as
the rule and guide for our faith and practice the Bible, and by preparing a haven of refuge from the
persecutors, a home for the faithful, a land of freedom - America.
55
56
This boy, William Tyndale, proved to be an apt and assiduous pupil. He graduated from Oxford
College in 1515 with the degree of M. A. and went to Cambridge to pursue his studies in theology
and the classical languages until 1521, when he took the priest's orders and was assigned to a
charge In London. He soon became very much dissatisfied with the limitations imposed on him by
the methods then in effect among the Prelacy in expounding, or rather failing to expound, the
Scriptures to the people. Having perceived by experience how that it was impossible to stabilize
the lay people in any truth, except the Scriptures were plainly lade before their eyes in their
mother tongue, he determined to translate the Bible into the English language and publish it for
general distribution among the people; declaring to a "learned" member of the clergy, that God
spare my life, ere many years, I wile cause a boy that dryveth the plough shall know more of the
Scripture than thou doest.This declaration at once aroused a storm of opposition, and in pursuance of his self-allotted task
he was compelled to find refuge on the continent. There, within a year or two, he published an
octavo edition of 3000 copies of the New Testament, translated from the original Greek text; the
first time that any part of the Bible had been printed in the English language.
It was offered for sale in England in 1526. The Prelacy of England became furious. Bishop
Tunstall publicly condemned it, threatening excommunication to any one found to have a copy in
his possession. The Archbishop spent considerable money in buying up and confiscating the
whole edition. So successful was this campaign of extermination that but one whole copy of it is
known to be in existence today. Cardinal -Wolsey sought to have Tyndale seized and brought to
England for trial as a rebellious heretic, but he managed to evade his persecutors for a time and
continued the work of translating the Old Testament from the original Hebrew, all previous
translations having been from the Latin text.
He published the Pentateuch in 1530, and in addition to many other publications on religious
subjects and on the Prelacy, had finished the translation of the Chronicles and the Book of Jonah
at Antwerp, before he was finally betrayed and .thrown In prison on May 24, 1535.
On October 6, 1536, the sentence of death by strangulation was carried out and his body burned
at the stake, a martyr to the cause of religious freedom and the open Bible.. His last words were
"Lord, open the King of England's eyes."
This prayer was answered in the person of King James VI, and in a few years many editions of the
English Bible, based largely on Tyndale's translations and that of Cloverdale, who completed the
unfinished task of Tyndale, were published.
One of the earliest of these was the edition of 1549, edited by Edmund Becke and printed by John
Daye and William Seres. Edmund Becke was ordained a Deacon of the Church of England by
Bishop Ridley in 1551. He supervised the publication of this Bible, that is to say, all the Holy
Scriptures, in which are contained the Old and New Testament truly and purely translated into
English and now lately with great industry and diligence recognized, which he dedicated to'
The most Pursuant and mighty Prince Edward the Sixth There was but little difference in their
recognized (revised) edit ion from the original Tyndale and Cloverdale translations. John Daye,
the printer, was born in Dunwlch, Suffolk County in 1522. He established himself in business in
London where, in partnership with William Seres, he printed this edition of the Bible. Daye was
the first English letter founder of whom there is any authentic record. He cut the first Anglo-Saxon
56
57
type produced in England. His Roman and Greek types were remarkably executed and he
established a high reputation as a printer, having produced no less than two hundred and forty
books during his lifetime.
A zealous reformer, he suffered imprisonment during the reign of Queen Mary but escaped and
fled to the Continent, where he remained until 1556. He died in Waldon, in Essex County, on July
23, 1584, at the age of sixty-two.'
This (l549) edition of the Bible, of which there are very few copies in existence today (a perfect
copy being in the possession of the New York Public Library), is known as the Bug Bible, from the
fifth verse of the ninety-first Psalm, which reads: "So that thou shalt no need to be afraid
for any bugges by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by daye." In our Authorized edition the word
terror is substituted for bugges. The Bible owned by St. John's Lodge is one of these and seems
to be a perfect copy with the exception of the title page of the Old Testament, which is missing.
This page is thought to have been torn out when the Bible was stolen a number of years ago.
Brother McGregor very kindly took it upon himself to secure a photostatic copy of the missing
page from the Bible-in possession of the New York Public Library and had it inserted in the proper
place in our copy. In acknowledgment to Brother Murray for his valuable sift, the following
resolution was published in the Newark Gazette of April 1, 1800.
"Lodge Room, March 25th, A. L. 5800. On motion. Resolved: That the thanks of this lodge be
presented to our Right Worshipful Brother James Murray, Esq., late of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 41, of
Birmingham, England; President o£ the Caledonian Society in England of Free and Accepted
Masons, member of the R. A. C., and one of the superior order of the K. T. of Malta, etc., for his
greatly appreciated present of an elegant edition of Beck and Tyndale's British folio Bible, printed
in the reign of Edward the Sixth, A. D. 1549, which he presented to this lodge in person on the
12th of February last, covered with an Ancient Masonic Apron.
Further resolved; That in token of the estimation of this present of antiquity, it be covered with
crimson velvet and lettered in gold, with the donor's name, titles, dates, arms, etc.; and that this
intention be communicated to Brother Murray with the particular thanks of the Fraternity, and with
his consent, these resolutions be published in both newspapers of this town.
Approved,
(Signed) John N. Cumming, W. M. M. B. Higgins, Secty.
In response to the anticipated question, who was Brother Murray ?, Brother McGregor informs us
that he "was born in the Parish of Hulton, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, about 1739, and settled in
Birmingham, England in 1772, where he became a linen and woolen draper in Moor Street.
'' He took an active interest in Masonry as is evidenced by his affiliations. He became a member
of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1789 and gave it several articles of antiquity for display
in its historic collection at Edinburgh. He was one of the organizers and President of the
Birmingham Caledonian Society, which was established there in 1789, but which was not directly
associated with Masonry, as might be inferred from the wording of the resolution quoted above.
He was a man of strong, and progressive political ideas and joined with eleven other kindred
spirits in forming a literary club or debating society, known as the Free Circle, which met regularly
at Poet Freeths Tavern to discuss matters political and philosophical over a social glass. It was
nicknamed -''The Twelve Apostles'' and the ''Jacobean Club' and it is said that ''the mighty
debates and clever productions of these worthies gave birth to and assisted in diffusing those
great and glorious principles which in after years resulted in the passing of the Reform Bill, the
Catholic Emancipation Bill, together with other progressive measures, and mainly contributed
57
58
toward diffusing into the hearts of the people those sentiments of liberalism and loyalty which
experience has proven to have been productive of highly beneficial effects.
"The religious riots against the dissenters, which occurred in July 1791, greatly disturbed its peace
and discredited its reputation, bringing about a long period of dismal and disastrous hard times to
its merchants, which was the immediate cause of Brother Hurray leaving the city with his children
and coming to America. They arrived in New York on July 11, 1794-, where he resumed business
as a dry-goods merchant at 85 Maiden Lane, and continued for two years. Early in 1796 he
moved to Newark and took up his residence on the west side of Broad Street) on the north ..side
of what is now West Park Street. "He later gave up the dry-goods business and became a
licensed valuator and auctioneer. He took an active interest in the public affairs of the town. He
brought with him from England much of his antiquarian collections, among them being a valuable
collection of old Roman coins, which was given to Princeton College, and two or three hundred
books, including the Beck and Tyndale Bible, then over two hundred and fifty years old, which had
come into his possession just before leaving for America, and which was his most' treasured relic
of days gone by. According to Brother McGregor, 'the gift of this an ancient Bible to St. John's
Lodge, was Brother Murray's tribute to the memory of our Illustrious Brother, George Washington,
who had passed on to his reward two months before. The presentation was made just in time for
it to be placed on the altar of the Lodge for the first time at the services held in commemoration ,of
his death, when the customary celebration of his birthday was turned into a memorial service on
February 22, 1800.'*
Another historic event associated with this Bible was the visit of Brother General Lafayette to the
lodge rooms in the Academy building on the morning of July 15, 1825, where he was received
and greeted with due honors by Worshipful Brother Joseph W. Gamp and the local brethren as
an illustrious member of the Fraternity. This Bible, (then two hundred and seventy-five years old),
served as the Great Light on the alter for that occasion. Brother Murray died in Newark on March
21, 1807, at the age of sixty-seven, and was buried in the graveyard of Trinity Episcopal Church.
According to Brother Landell, the Bible remained in the Lodge until 1819 when it was removed
and had passed from the minds of all but few persons remaining members in 1853 who were
members in 1819, While examining the Minutes, Brother 'Landell came across the record of the
presentation and being anxious to see the book, called the matter to the attention of the Lodge. A
committee consisting of Brothers Luther Goble, A. L. Wilcox and Landell was appointed to
endeavor to locate it. Brother Landell states the Bible was soon found and returned to the Lodge
in 1853.
Chapter EIGHT
The Beginning of the Nineteenth Century
By 1800, both sides of Broad Street, from what is now Raymond Boulevard to William Street, were
quite closely built upon, with two or two and one-half story frame buildings for the most part, and
now and then a little one story structure in which some citizen plied his trade or kept his store and
lived in the rear. There were stores for the sale of general merchandise on three-sides of the
"Four Corners", Gifford's tavern occupying the other.
South of William Street and north of Raymond Boulevard, the intervals between the buildings,
most of them residences, became wider. Orchards filled generous spaces to the rear and often
58
59
on either side. A block or so east and west there were small farms with only an occasional
farmhouse here and there.
The town was to lose the appearance of a farming village slowly. As late as 1800 and for nearly a
decade thereafter, there were few families that did not keep at least one cow; grazing space was
readily and cheaply to be had, if not on one's own premises, on the stretches of open country but
a few hundred yards away. It was part of the morning and evening "chores" of every boy and girl
to drive the cows to and from pasture.
A few years previously, in 1795 Aaron Munn had strode proudly into Market Street, leading an ox
fattened by Obadiah Meeker, that weighed 1500 pounds. A newspaper account says, "The ox was
the largest and made perhaps the best beef ever brought to this market. We have on this occasion
been thus particular, wishing that it might create a spirit of emulation and improvement among our
fellow citizens, as nothing "but this will tend to raise the reputation of the market." Brother Meeker
was a well known and successful farmer and a member of St, John's Lodge.
About 1794 the town had begun to feel the need of a market of its own. The street curbs and the
parks ( South or Lincoln, Military and Washington ) did well enough for the farmers and buyers
from New York in mild weather, but shelter : was needed at other times. In that year, a committee
of five was chosen at the town meeting to provide such a place. Two of the committee-men ,
Samuel Hay and John Pintard, were members of our Lodge. A small two story building measuring
a-bout twenty feet square, was promptly erected on the south side of Market Street about sixty
feet east of Halsey Street. In 1800, Newark, within. the same area it now covers, had between
1200 and 1500 inhabitants, Essex County (far larger than at present) about 22,000 and the entire
state about 184,000. Men of eminence were infatuated with its attractiveness and for longer or
shorter periods made their homes here.
A number of Frenchmen, driven from their homeland because of the sad state of affairs there,
took up residence here in the early 1790's. One of these wrote to a friend that Newark was quite a
lively little town, and that the passing and repassing of several stage coaches every day made it at
times quite gay. A few years previously in 1796, Harman Blennerhasset, an Englishman of ancient
lineage had written enthusiastically of it as follow "Newark possessed sufficient attractions within
itself to induce me to tarry there for several days. if considered as a village, which it more exactly
resembles than a town, (it) is perhaps the handsomest in the world. Of extent nearly three miles,
it is seated in a plain, clear and level as a parlor floor, on the banks of the Passaic by gently
swelling hills. Its academy, court-house and two neat buildings for public worship, added to the
nine stages, which, beside an infinity of wagons, pass through it every day, give an air of business
and gaiety to the place. It is also the residence of many private families of respectability.
Although the Lodge was now meeting in their own rooms in the Academy it might not be amiss to
say something about Brother Archer Gifford's Tavern, where in the past a number of meetings had
been held. It was situated on the northeast corner of Broad and Market Streets, and was by far
the most popular inn in Newark, from the early 1790's and for a period of nearly twenty years
thereafter. It possessed a famous "Long Room", apparently fronting on Broad Street, where all
the public gatherings not conducted in the churches, the Academy, or the Court House, were held.
It was the royal place for feasting at times of popular celebration. Distinguished transient visitors
stopped there and held receptions in the "Long Room".
59
60
For a Iong time all the mail and other stages swung noisily into Market Street and thence to
Gifford's stables, just east of the inn. On the corner was the inn sign, swinging from a post,
bearing the tavern name, "The Hounds and Horn", and with a. painting depicting the end of a fox
hunt. There were hunters on horseback, one of them holding up the fox above a pack of hounds.
It was the most ambitious work of art in Newark for many a day.
Several other members of St. John's Lodge also conducted taverns and inns that were more or
less well known. To here and now, those reading this history, we would like to state just as a
matter of record, that we did have some members who were not inn-keepers.
Brother Captain Jabez Parkhurst kept an inn shortly after the Revolutionary War that stood on the
west side of Broad Street, just south of Market Street. Brother Parkhurst was a man of high
standing in the community, and a school building that formerly stood on a little plot Just west of
Lincoln Park was erected chiefly through his efforts. In 1796 he offered the hostelry for sale and it
was acquired, probably at this time, by Brother Stephen Roff. From about 1808 and on, it was
presided over by Brother Johnson Tuttle.
The old Eagle Tavern, at the corner of Broad and William Streets, was run, shortly after the war,
by a Major Sayres, who may also have been a member of the Lodge. In 1803 a third story was
added and the county courts were held there for a short time while the court house and Jail on the
site of the present Grace Episcopal church was being erected. About this time the property was
acquired by Brother Moses Roff.
In 1803, Brother Stephen Halsey kept a tavern in a building about where the Broad Street station
of the Central Railroad stands. A writer in telling of the days of 1800 and thereabouts, naively
remarked, "The best worn path across the entire length of Broad Street (then unpaved) ran from
Halsey's tavern to Roff's."
On February 22, 1800, the Lodge held a special communication to commemorate the death of
illustrious Brother George Washington. The meeting was attended by a large number of visiting
brethren. Of the oration given by Brother William Halsey, Brother Higgins, the Secretary, records
that "to attempt a description of the Orator's composition, his elegance of ex-pression, the lively
sensibility manifested by himself (which) was universally reciprocated by the audience) would be a
stretch of austentation that would ill-become the keeper the minutes of this Lodge and would fall
infinitely beneath the due encomiums, that the heart of every Mason will glow with when they view
the copy, the author has been obliging enough to suffer to be deposited in the archives of this
Lodge."
Brother Halsey was authorized to have his oration copyrighted & the Lodge ordered three hundred
copies to be printed at a cost of $31.25. The retail price was established at eighteen cents per
copy and Brother Halsey was made sole selling agent.
On December 11, 1800, "Worshipful Deputy" Brother Mc-Kissick, the Deputy from the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey and Worshipful Master of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1 made a visit and
"proceeded on the business of his mission." A copy of his short but comprehensive and
complimentary address was ordered deposited in the archives of the Lodge.
On January 14, 1801, the Lodge numbered among its visitors,. Alpheus Freeman, Esq., the
Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge, No. , of New Brunswick and a former member of this
60
61
Lodge and Brother Peter Lenox who attached the letters P. M., M. M., R. A. and K. Templar after
his name. There is no indication where Brother Lenox hailed from but he appears to have been
well versed in Masonry as signified by the above initials which undoubtedly stand for Past Master,
Mark Master, Ht Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar.
Brother Lennox made application to Join the Lodge as an adjoining member the same evening
and Brother Landell lists him as a member in the large roster he compiled. More careful scrutiny
of the records however would seem to indicate that he never actually Joined. The minutes
indicate that action on his petition was to have been taken January 28-, 11301, but "Brother
Lennox not attending no ballot was taken." At all of the subsequent meetings he attended he was
always listed as a visitor. On May 28, 1806, he was reported to be in indigent circumstances and
a donation was made to him out of the funds of the Lodge. Brother Lennox was not the first
however to indicate that he belonged to other Masonic bodies. On July 24, 1799 Brother John
Pintard appended the initials P. M. and K. T. to his name and on May 28, 1800 added the initials
R. A. In the Dr. minutes of January 22, 1800, Brother Charles Buxton is listed as a K. Templar.
On November 12, 1800 this same Brother Buxton introduced three French Brothers into the Lodge
namely Mons. Gabriel Amy, Mons. Pollet and Mons. Dubernard.
Masons then seem to have done Just as much traveling as they do today and the time honored
question heard so often, "Have you ever traveled ?" is quite apropos. In February, 1801, we had
another French visitor, a Mons. Charles Denfiere, from Lodge No. 89 of St. Demingo (probably
San Domingo). Mons. Denfiere was more than likely a relative of Stephen or Etienne Denfer, who
was our Tyler for a number of years and whose name is spelled in a variety of ways in our
minutes. It was the custom years ago for Masons having grievances against each other to try and
settle their differences in the Lodge room before resorting to other means. One such case
occurred in our Lodge about 1800. On February 7, 1801, the Lodge voted to hear the complaint
made by Brother Findlay against Brother Wallace and the latter being present to hear his excuse
or refutation. Both Brothers proceeded to give their sides of the disagreement, when it was found
by explanation and mutual declarations, that each was mistaken. On motion they took each other
by the hand, in front of the altar before the whole Lodge, gave each other the token of brotherly
affection and begged the society to bury in oblivion their former mistaken animosities. The Lodge
heartily concurred in their reconciliation.
On March 11, 1801, Brother Reading was authorized and requested to procure a proper dress for
the introduction of candidates in the different degrees of Masonry.
Although the Lodge had been occupying the rooms in the Academy since 1796, the cost of
erecting and furnishing them was apparently not fully paid for several years after. On May 27,
1801, Brother Samuel Hay presented a demand for $46.88 being the balance due him of money
he had advanced to pay for the construction. Two of the notes of hand he held were from
Brothers now deceased and Brother Hay contended the Lodge should take over the notes and
reimburse him. A committee was appointed to consider the matter and on January 27, 1802, they
reported "that in their opinion, as soon as the Lodge becomes possessed of sufficient funds, they
ought to pay the principal of said claim" to which report the Lodge agreed.
While the North Room or parlor was in the third cost of finishing and story of the Academy, the
furnishing of it seems to have "been kept completely separate from that of the Lodge room."
There are several references to it such as the one on March 13, 1805, when the committee
appointed to settle the old accounts of the Lodge, reported that they had called on Brother
61
62
Cumming who "held a claim on the North Room of this Story" and after duly examining the
accounts found a balance due him from the Lodge of $80. for which they gave a note payable in
four months and took his receipt in full for the Lodge.
On January 13, 1802, a motion was adopted that every Brother presenting a petition for the
admission of a candidate pay to the Lodge half of the initiation fee before the petition is presented
and read to the Lodge.
On August 24, 1802, the Tyler's pay was raised from four shillings to six shillings.
On January 12, 1803, a motion was carried "to vote by Black and White balls, and the Yeas and"
Nays to be struck off the boxes and one of the holes to be stopped up."
The same evening it was resolved to purchase the Free Mason Monitor for the use of the Lodge.
Brother Landell noted in 1853 that this was probably the first Monitorial work the Lodge ever
possessed, the work having been imparted from one to the other as had always been the case
and was thus pure and free from the _" modern innovations" since incorporated into it. He goes
on to say that these innovations were "So much so that at the time of writing (1853) a Mason of
twenty or thirty years is astonished at the change."
On February 23, 1803, the following proposition was unanimously agreed to:
"Any member of this Lodge who shall on a charge of frequent intoxication or a general immorality
of conduct unbecoming a regular member of this Lodge, be reported to this Lodge and the
charges be SD supported, as to obtain the votes of the majority of the members present, against
him, the whole members being specially notified to attend; shall for the first offense be
reprimanded from the chair, for the second offense shall be suspended for three months; and, if at
the expiration of that time, he does not reform and make such concessions, as shall merit the
forgiveness of the brethren, he shall be expelled, and reported to the Grand Lodge."
On December 12, 1804, the following resolutions were adopted:
"1- That the three large candles be permanently-fixed around the altar.
"2- That there be candles provided for the Master and Wardens.
"3- That the Master be provided with a Cocked Hat at the expense of the Lodge.
"4- That there be forms or desks provided for the Treasurer and Secretary and be placed .where
the Lodge shall think proper."
In assembling the data for the Lodge Roster there has been considerable confusion about the
membership of Ezekiel Ball. An extra meeting was held December 20, 1804 "for the purpose of
taking into consideration the attending of the funeral of B. Ezekiel Ball at Connecticut Farms. He
particularly having requested it before his death." The Lodge unanimously resolved "that we
attend the Funeral in Masonic form on the following day."
This Ezekiel Ball would appear to be the father of our member who was a "Jr." and not only
attended the funeral but a number of meetings thereafter. There is no record of it, but he seems
to have dimitted about December, 1806, for he is listed as a -visitor on January 28 and February
25, 1807 and for numerous meetings afterward. He is last listed as a member in the minutes of
December 24, 1806. We might add further that this is not the Ezekiel Ball who later became a
Charter Member of Franklin Lodge, No. 53 (now Nbr. 10). That Brother Ball was raised in St.
John's Lodge on June 19, 1816.
62
63
On November 1803, the Lodge took under consideration the importance of procuring a title for the
Lodge-room and appointed Brothers Cumming, Halsey and Andruss a committee for that purpose.
They reported on February 8 of the following year that the title was likely to be obtained from the
Trustees of the Academy very shortly and moved that Trustees be appointed to hold the property
in trust for the Lodge which was unanimously assented to. After some deliberation it was resolved
that five should be the number for that purpose and Brothers John N. Cumming, Dr. Uzal
Johnson, James Hedden, Isaac Andruss and Jacob Plun were named.
For some undisclosed reason the title was not immediately obtained and on January 13, 1808,
Brother Moses P. Smith was appointed a committee to obtain it and have it signed by the
President of the Board. On January 27th Brother Smith reported that as there was no President of
the Board of Trustees of the Academy at that time, he thought it proper to let the matter lay until
there was a President, which would probably be soon. A brethren year later on January 11, 1809,
Brother Smith informed the brethren that he had obtained the title. At the direction of the Lodge
he turned it over to the 'worshipful Master, Isaac Andruss.
On March 27, 1805, the following resolution was passed: "That every visiting Brother who is a
member of any regular Lodge, or any sojourner visiting this Lodge a second time, shall pay into
the hands of the Secretary the sum of twenty-five cents for every evening they may visit this
Lodge to be accounted for as other dues, any by-law to the contrary notwithstanding." It would be
pointless to name all the visitors that attended our meetings, but every now. and then we come
across one that we feel is worthwhile mentioning.
One such Brother in the person of John Konkapot, an Indian from the Stockbridge Tribe at
Stockbridge, N. Y. paid us a visit on December 11, 1805. The Stockbridge Indians were
Mohicans.- Between 1783 and 1788 nearly all of them moved to New York, where they built New
Stockbridge located about fourteen miles south of present day Utica. Many of them had fought on
the American side during the Revolution.
Occasionally we read something that gives an inkling of what our early brothers had to contend
with and the conditions under which they met. From all the accounts we have seen and all the
information we have been able to gather, the Lodge room in the old Academy must have been an
"elegant" piece of work and something of which the members were justly proud but there seems to
have been a serious drawback in one respect. Apparently the only means of illumination was from
candles which were the chief source of light in the early nineteenth century. They gave off a lot of
"smoke" and in 1806 two suggestions were made to overcome this. The first was that a ventilator
be made through the top of the canopy which apparently refers- to the. domed ceiling in the center
of the room. The second was that canopies be placed over the candles. The latter suggestion
seems to have been adopted.
In November, 1807, a motion prevailed that the Secretary send the widow Thibou one cord of
hickory wood, one hundred superfine wheat flour, one hundred buckwheat flour and four bottles of
"Madera" wine.
On January 13', 1808, it was moved and carried that the Lodge erect a headstone in memory of
our departed Brother, Matthias B. Higgins who had died on St. John the Baptist's Day, 1805 and
was buried in the graveyard of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark. The memorial was
eventually erected and bore the following inscription:
63
64
"This monument is erected by St. John's Lodge No. 2, of Free and Accepted Masons of Newark,
as an honorable testimony of respect for the memory of their deceased brother Matthias B.
Higgins, who departed this life June 24th, 1805, aged 49 years."
Right Worshipful Brother McGregor about twenty-five years ago, reported that the inscription was
badly eroded and in places scarcely decipherable. As it is the only existing memorial bearing the
name of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, he recommended to the Brethren of No. 1 that it be recut before
the inscription was entirely effaced. So far as is known the work was never done.
A resolution was also offered at the meeting of January 13, 1808, "that no member of this Lodge
shall be permitted to receive the Sublime degree of a Master Mason until he deposits with the
Secretary the sum of Seven dollars. The resolution was ordered to "held over" and apparently was
forgotten about.
On October 12, 1808, a tablet was ordered to be prepared, at the expense of the Lodge, on which
were to be recorded the deaths of the members of the Lodge. No further mention is or not made
of it and it is not known whether it was ever made.
On January 11, 1809, the Secretary was authorized to procure a trunk suitable to contain the
books and papers of the Lodge.
March 22 , 1809, an interesting resolution was presented "freeing those members from paying
regular dues who live more than three miles from this Lodge." It was held over until July 26th
when it was again brought up. for discussion it was adopted and ordered to be "annexed" to the
By -Laws.
"l- That the Secretary shall annually lay before the Lodge at their stated meeting previous to St
John the Evangelist's Day, a statement of the accounts of the Lodge together with a list of the
names of the members who are in arrears and the amount due.
"2- That the Secretary shall make out within two months after the Festival of .St. John the
Evangelist; the-amount of every member of this Lodge and present the same for settlement or
enclose the same in a letter addressed to the member requesting payment of the same.
"3- That any member who shall be in arrears for dues to the amount of two years or more, and
having had his account presented, or notified by the Secretary in writing, shall neglect to
discharge this account for six months after such notification, shall be liable to be struck off the list
(suspended) and reported to the Grand Lodge."
On October 25, 1809, Brother Jeptha Baldwin informed the Lodge" that a number of Brethren,
some members of this Lodge, some of Paterson Lodge and some of Cincinnatti Lodge, had had a
meeting in Orange, at Brother Condit's, respecting the establishing of another Lodge to be held at
Orange or Crane Town, and had agreed to apply at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge for a
Charter and wishes the concurrence of this Lodge, he there fore moved that the Lodge approbate
the same and instruct their representatives to use their endeavor in Grand Lodge, in conjunction
with such Brothers as they may send to obtain a Charter for said new Lodge on such conditions
as they think most desirable." The question being taken, it was carried unanimously in favor of the
motion.
At the meeting of November 8th, Brother Jabez Canfield (or Camfield) who was elected to
represent St. John' s at the Grand Lodge meeting was instructed to use his endeavors to obtain a
64
65
Charter for a Lodge to be established either in Orange or Crane Town as the applicants might
agree upon.
At the session of Grand Lodge held November 14-, 18 09, desired warrant the referred to above
was granted to twenty- six Master Masons, for a new Lodge to be called Union Lodge, No. 21, and
to hold their meetings alternately in Orange and in Bloomfield, two years in each place. Jeptha
Baldwin was appointed its first Master.
On December 20, 1809, the following eight members took from St. John's Lodge their demits to
help form the new Lodge: Jeptha Baldwin, Samuel Baldwin, Stephen Tichenor, William Baldwin,
Benjamin Lindsley, Moses Condit, Jr., Edward Gruett and Stephen D. Day.
Simeon Baldwin who dimitted October 28, 1807 also joined Union Lodge 43 A. Charter
On February 14, 1810, St. John's voted to present Forty Dollars to Union Lodge to assist them in
getting started.
At about this time and for a few years previous things seem to have been very bad in and about
Newark, for the Lodge had a number of requests both from members and their widows for relief
and assistance. In 1810 at least three of our members were confined in the County prison as
debtors. To the credit of our early brothers, not a single plea was turned down despite the fact that
money was scarce. To Stephen Conger, a later member of this Lodge, the honor belongs of causing the repeal of the imprisonment for debt law about Probably with the thought of adding to
the funds of the Lodge as well as the fact that it was used only on meeting nights, the North Room
in the third story was rented to various individuals from time to time.
In 1805 it was "let" to a Mr. Woodbridge for the purpose of hanging maps and placing books in it"
at the rate of Twenty dollars .per dollars ...per year
In 1806 it was rented to a Mr. Chilton for an undisclosed purpose for Thirty dollars per annum. In
1809 when Rev. Woodbridge's lease expired he declined renting the room again apparently
because he was refused permission to use the garret. In 1810 it was rented to Mr. J. Proull, a
French teacher, for Twenty dollars per year.
Under date of February 27, 1811, is the following notation: "This "being a regular Lodge night, but
in consequence of an alarming fire at the Newark Brewery, the Lodge did not meet."
It had only been a year previous, in February, 1810, that a mass-meeting had been held "at early
candle-lighting" in the Court House, to take preliminary steps to organize a fire insurance company
among the citizens on a mutual plan. A committee of nine had been chosen to "digest and report
a plan for the establishment of a company for the purpose." Those nine whom we may call the
real founders of the company included Brother Isaac Andruss. It started in business in April, 1810
under the name of Newark Mutual Assurance Company and was the first fire insurance company
in New Jersey.
At the meeting of November 11, 1812, the Worshipful Master communicated the following
resolution that had been adopted by Grand Lodge on the preceding day: "That the Lodges under
the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall not initiate into the mysteries of the Craft any person of
this State, or of any of the United States, or a foreigner, unless before he be so initiated, he shall
satisfy said Lodge, by a test or otherwise, that he hath not at any time made application to a
Lodge for admission, and been rejected or otherwise refused admission into the same." A few
meetings later, on January 13, 1813, a committee was appointed to make inquiry respecting the
65
66
character of a petitioner. This seems to have been the first time a committee was appointed and
was apparently done in accordance with the Grand Lodge resolution. It might not be amiss at this
point to say a few words regarding some of our members of this period. The following notes were
taken mainly from the "Centennial of Freedom" the local newspaper .published by
As early as 1804, Robert B. Campfield was making carriages and his concern developed great
skill in making heavy coaches. For a time General John N. Cumming, who conducted stage lines
and obtained contracts for mail carrying, bought his coaches of him. Brother Campfield however
was a Federalist, while Brother Cumming was a staunch supporter of Jefferson and Madison, and
at last, in the heat of political excitement, he withdrew his patronage. Brother Campfield then
sought a market in New York and soon found himself making money for his concern and. winning
wide fame for Newark. He made great carriages of state, coating as high as $2,000 each, a
handsome sum for that time. Some were made for Gen. Santa Anna of Mexico and for a leading
official in Cuba.
Bro. Matthias Day was appointed Postmaster April 1, 1804.
Bro. Isaac Andruss operated a retail and wholesale dry goods, grocery and hardware store at the
corner of Washington and Market Streets. In 1810 he took Bro. Caleb S, Halsted as a copartner
and from that time on the firm was known as Andruss & Halsted.
In addition to his other activities Bro. Andruss was also Pres. of the Trustees of Market St. School,
Bros. Capt. John P. Decature and Srsikar John A. Rucker " operated a powder mill on Second
River in Belleville known as Decatur & Rucker . Bro. Decatur apparently also operated a shop or
store in Newark at which samples of gun powder "could be seen". They advertised frequently for
barked willow, poplar or maple Wood for use at their Belleville Powder Kills.
Samuel Kutiaan was in the tobacco business. Thomas T. Kinney was Surrogate in 1811.
Israel Beach & Son operated a paint, hardware and grocery store at the corner of Orange and
Broad Streets. Charles Basham conducted a school for young ladies with a "separate apartment"
for young gentlemen. According to a census taken by Samuel Whitaker (not a member of the
Lodge) there were in the Town plat of Newark in 1811, 4838 inhabitants, 668 dwelling houses,
644 stores, barns, stables etc.
Chapter NINE.
The War of 1812, Lafayette's Visit and the Morgan Affair.
As early as 1805, the troubles with Great Britain, which seven years later were to culminate in the
1812 war, had become quite acute. In common with many of their countrymen, many Newarkers
strove to avoid doing anything that would offend Great Britain, for they feared a collapse of the
infant industries and of the now moderately flourishing commercial business. They saw their
enterprises in danger, as did the shoe and leather manufacturers of this same Newark, on the eve
of the Civil War, fifty years later. Besides the Newark loyalists, who had stood by the crown at the
opening of the war and had been forced to fly to Canada and Nova Scotia, were beginning to
return. All these tried to have the Independence Day celebrations as devoid of anything
calculated to arouse the British Lion as possible. The old newspapers show the dyed-in-the-wool
patriots and their children loudly opposed to anything like truckling to Great Britain. Four main
facts stand out as the causes of the breaking off of friendly relations between this country and
Great Britain and eventually led to war. These were:
66
67
1- Great Britain's claim to. allegiance over American naturalized subjects;
2- her claim to the belligerent right of search of neutral vessels;
3- her claim of right to impress for her vessels of war her subjects who were seamen wherever
found
4- the difficulty of distinguishing native-born American from British subjects, even if the right to
impress naturalized American subjects were granted. British naval officers even undertook to
consider all who spoke the English language as British subjects, unless they could produce proof
that they were native-born Americans. The American sailor who lost his papers was thus open toimpressment .
In 1807 the people of Newark were aroused sufficiently to draft a resolution which was sent to
President Jefferson. In it they expressed their willingness to go to war, if necessary, to protect the
rights of all Americans. They also appointed a committee to correspond with similar committees
at other places. This manner of keeping outlying towns alerted and ready to act was used with
great success during the Revolution. On this committee were Brothers John N. Cumming, Isaac
Andruss and Robert B. Campfield.
Conditions steadily became worse and on June 18, 1812, war was declared. On July 3rd, a mass
meeting of Essex County folks was held and another resolution passed in the same mood as the
previous one.
On Independence Day, 1812, Brother Captain John P. Decatur, who was a brother of the famous
commodore, led his troop of light horse on a test run, to see how fast the cavalrymen could move.
The town newspaper records the fact that they covered the distance between the center of
Newark and the First Presbyterian Church in Orange (about four miles), with flying artillery, in
eighteen minutes They must have picked a day when traffic was light or possibly there was no
such problem in 1812 I
On November 16, all uniformed companies of militia paraded in a gala array of fancy uniforms,
being reviewed by Governor Aaron Ogden. It must have been something to watch, for in those
days, as in the days of the preceding century, it seems to have been one of the prime duties of
any military unit to devise for itself a uniform at least twice as dazzling as any : other in existence.
But no matter how clothed, inside the uniform was the same breed of man who had won the
Revolution. The Governor was escorted to the scene by Brother Captain Decature's Horse
Artillery. After a deal of marching and countermarching, with appropriate artillery and small arm
fire, His Excellency delivered a short address; whereupon all but the lowliest repaired to Brother
Captain Gifford' s tavern, where a sumptuous repast had been prepared. However silly may seem
to us the military posturing of the period, which was a hold-over from the eighteenth century, when
a man's valor was indicated by the splendor of his uniform, the menace of war seemed very real to
the people of Newark. For them the Revolution had been a bloody and continued misery. They
had given a great deal to the cause in those days, and had occasion required, they would have
done so again, with or without uniforms.
To the heads of the military, it seemed probable that the British would try to take New York. A
draft of every seventh man was made in Newark and about one thousand of them were sent to
Brooklyn Heights to assist in fortifying the place against the expected attack. As it turned out, the
attempt to capture New York was never made.
67
68
On October 11, 1814, we have the only direct reference to a Brother who lost his life in the war, in
this Minute: "it was resolved that from respect to the memory of Brother William P. Smith who lost
his life in the service of his country on Lake Ontario, the Lodge should be put in mourning and the
members requested to wear a crape band on the left arm for thirty days."
The war ended early in 1815 with no action having taken place within many miles of Newark.
Peace had actually been made at Ghent fifteen days before the last battle was fought and won by
Andrew Jackson in Louisiana on January 8, 1815. News of it reached Newark eventually and on
February 15, 1815, there was a great celebration. It started at dawn with salutes fired from the
Common, and it continued into the night, when there was a general illumination of nearly every
building and dwelling in the town.
A minute of February 22, 1815 reads, "Motion was made and seconded to pay the expenses
incurred in consequence of the recent Illumination in commemoration of the news of Peace
between this country and Great Britain out of the funds of the Lodge."
The Revolution had caused the virtual extinction of Masonic activity hereabout, for a number of
years, but this later war had no such effect. As we browse through the Minutes we find only an
occasional reference to the fighting, but many indicating Masonic expansion. Thus we find this
under date of March 24, 1813:
"Motion passed that such of the brethren of this Lodge and any other brethren as may associate
with them have leave to appropriate the room adjoining the Lodge for the purpose of establishing
a Royal Arch Chapter or any other purposes of Masonry." This was the beginning of Washington
Chapter, No. 1, which later upon the establishment of a state Grand Chapter, became Union
Chapter, Mo. 7. As this was a milestone in New Jersey Masonry, we may well spend a moment in
considering some of the- details.
On May 26, 1813, Ezra Ames, General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
the United States, granted a dispensation - "to form, open, and hold a Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons in the town of Newark . until the next meeting, of the General Grand Chapter aforesaid ...
which shall be known and distinguished by the name of Washington Chapter No. 1."
The dispensation appointed Companion John N. Cumming to be the first High Priest, Companion
John E. Ruckel to be the first King and Companion Jeptha Baldwin to be the first Scribe, and
invested them with full powers to confer the four Capitular Degrees. Twelve Companions are
mentioned in the dispensation, namely: John N. Cumming, John E. Ruckel, Jeptha Baldwin,
Stephen D. Day, John P. Decatur, Jabez Camfield, Samuel McChesney, Jephia Harrison, Joan
Boston, John Gifford, Prudden Ailing and Moses P. Smith. Of these twelve, all, with the exception
of John E. Ruckel and John Boston, were, or had been, members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Of
the other ten, Jeptha Baldwin and Stephen D. Day had dimitted from St. John's on December 20,
1809 to. help form Union Lodge, No. 21 (now No. 11) of Orange. John Gifford had dimitted
January 28, 1789, and it is not known with what Lodge he affiliated. The remaining seven were
active members of St. John's at the time of the formation of the Chapter. Unfortunately the name
of John E. Ruckel has been the cause of considerable confusion. In the 75th Anniversary booklet
published by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey in 1931, he is named as a member of
St. John's Lodge. The source of the confusion is undoubtedly the fact that a John A. Rucker was
a member of St.John's, having affiliated on January 22, 1812. It is an odd fact that his name is
often misspelled "Ruckel" in our Minutes. If proof is needed that these were two individuals it is
68
69
found in the Minutes of Washington Chapter of September 9, 1813, when Brother John A.
Rucker's name was proposed for membership while Companion John E. Ruckel was acting as
Master, pro tern. This is not an error, for at that time all business of the Chapter was conducted in
a Mark Master Mason's Lodge.
Companion Ruckel who incidentally was raised in Washington Lodge, No. 21, of New York in
1806, was undoubtedly the prime mover in the formation of Washington Chapter and acted as its
High Priest from the beginning. Companion Cumming, not being well versed in the work of the
Chapter, held the office for one year in a strictly honorary capacity. Companion Ruckel later took
a very active part in the founding of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey. We would be very happy to
be able to number him among our members, but the record proves that to be impossible.
Following the installation of the officers of the new Chapter by Thomas Lownds, Deputy Grand
High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York on August 7, 1813, five additional
members of St. John's, Companions Kinney, Burnett, Denfer, Andruss and Munn, were elected
adjoining members. A sixth, also admitted at the same time, is listed as L. Lindsley. This quite
possibly was Benjamin Lindsley, who dimitted from St. John's on December 20, 1809, to aid in the
formation of Union Lodge. Companion Denfer was elected Tyler. He had served St. John's Lodge
in that capacity for a number of years, and he continued to serve both bodies until his death in
1826. It is thus evident that Washington Chapter was a direct offshoot of St. John's Lodge, and for
a number of years drew almost all its members from that body. While this is the first official record
of the organization of Capitular Masonry in. Newark, it is by no means the earliest mention. As
early as 1799 and 1900 two of our members and a visitor to the Lodge indicated they were Royal
Arch Masons and KnightsTemplars as mentioned in the previous-Chapter. Where they received
their degrees and to what bodies they belonged is unknown. In the account and ledger sheets
bound in an early minute book, we find that between 1805 and 1808, at least eighteen of our
members and one outside member paid Three dollars for their "Mark", ".Mark Initiation" or "Mark
Fee"; as clear an indication as could be desired that they had received the Mark Master Degree.
In the ledger under the mentioned dates are the following interesting entries:
April 22, 1806 To cash from the Mark Lodge ....... $9.50
June 24, 1806 By cash from J. Potter as Mark dues .75(the only one mentioned who was not a
member of St. John s Lodge)
July 17, 1806 To cash collected Mark ....... 6.00
Jan. 21, I80-r By -cash from Mark members ........ 7.5
Jan. 24, 1810 Paid Wm. Tuttle for printing blanks for the Mark Lodge ........ 3.00
We presume that this body, if it followed the usual custom, was known as St. John's Mark Lodge
although nowhere can we find a trace of a name. It continued in existence at least until 1810 and
from the fact that three of its members were Charter members of Washington Chapter and two
others became adjoining members at the first meeting there is good reason to suppose that the
Chapter was the outgrowth of the earlier Mark .Lodge. Two of these same members and one
other, were among the original members of Union Mark Lodge, No. 2, of Orange, constituted in
November 1812. Which brings up the interesting question, Was St. John's Mark Lodge or some
other number one ?
Before leaving the subject of Capitular Masonry, we would like to make note of the interesting fact
that in the minutes of Washington Chapter from March 3, 1814 and on, the designation "Chair
Master" seems to have .been substituted for the Past Master Degree. On January 30, 1817
however, a Mark Masters Lodge was opened, a Chair Masters Lodge, a Past Masters Lodge and
69
70
a Most Excellent Masters Lodge. This seems to indicate there was some difference between a
Chair Master and a Past Master. As we resume our browsing we find that at almost every
communication there were presented petitions for membership. From time to time the Lodge room
was spruced up, its furniture renovated, visitations made and received, festivals celebrated, alms
distributed - all normal activities of an active Lodge.
In 1813 an elaborate St. John the Baptist Day celebration was held at which other Lodges and
brethren were invited to join. The procession formed at the Lodge room and then proceeded
down Broad Street to Fair (Lafayette) Street to Mulberry Street, up Mulberry to Market Street, up
Market to Broad, and up. Broad to the Episcopal Church. After the service the procession
reformed and marched up Broad Street, around the Upper Common (Washington Park), down
Washington Street to Market Street, and down. Market to John Gifford's Inn. After dinner they
returned to the Lodge room to close the Lodge. Brother Kinney delivered the oration which was
said to have been a splendid affair. A copy of the address was asked for which Brother Kinney by
letter declined to furnish.
On December 16, 1813, it was "resolved that the Washington obelisk in the Lodge be rep'd and
that Br. Green see. the same carried out. On May 25, 1814, an invitation was received from No.
17 Cincinnati Lodge at Whippany" that St. John's members attend St.John's Day celebration next
ensuing at that, place."
With the increase in activities the Lodge at the same meeting agreed to procure new "badges" or
Jewels.
On November 10, 1814, the Grand Lodge granted a warrant for a new Lodge in Chatham to be
known as Chatham Lodge, No. 33. Jeptha B. Munn, later a member of this Lodge, was named its
first Master. On December 26, 1814, it was resolved that the members of St. John's Lodge attend
the installation of the new Lodge in a body. On May 24, 1815, another visitation was voted:
"Resolved that this Lodge meet at Paterson the ensuing St. Johns Day to join in the Celebration
there."
Every once in a while we come upon a tantalizing little squib like this of June 28, 1815:"Comm. of
three appointed to inquire and ascertain what brother had at any time disclosed the secrets of this
Lodge." What had happened ? What secrets had been disclosed ? No one knows, but we can
have a lot of fun guessing.
On August 23, 1815, Washington Chapter, through a Companion, Moses Smith, thanked St.
John's Lodge for the loan of -sundry implements and badges, used-since their institution. In 1815
there were still a number of St. John's alive but probably not Lodge, No. 2 founders active in the
Lodge.
On November 8th the following resolutions were- submitted:
"Resolved. First that a committee of three be appointed to wait oh the surviving members of this
Lodge who assisted in the erection and establishing the same, and inform them that this Lodge
have resolved that in consideration of their relinquishing all claims and demands, which they may
respectively have against the Lodge, either for any monies advanced or expended for the same,
or on any other account, that their respective dues up to the 27th of December next will be
considered as paid and they exonerated from all further liability for the same; and that hereafter
70
71
they shall be considered as Honorary Members and subject to the payment of their respective
Grand Lodge dues only.
"And further - Resolved Second, that all delinquent members (saving the above exceptions) do
pay within thirty days after notice a moiety of their respective dues that are now in arrears up to
the said 27th December next, or shall be severally struck off the list and reported to the Grand
Lodge. The above resolution however is understood not to include any of members who have
been delinquent in the payment of their dues for three years only. "These resolutions were
unanimously adopted at the meeting of November 22nd. On March 12, 1817, a committee was
appointed "to wait on Hugh McDougall to ascertain the correctness of his assertions relating to
Masonry and to report at next regular. We have no idea what remarks were the cause of the
investigation, but we are happy to report that at the meeting of March 26th, the committee
informed the Lodge that Brother McDougall had denied the truth of the reports and expressed his
regrets.
It may be of some interest to the practical minded that in this year the Lodge took out insurance on
the Lodge room and furniture to the amount of $ 1500. Washington Lodge, No. 41 (now No. 33)
was instituted in 1818 ,in Elizabethtown. The officers were installed In ceremonies conducted in
St. John's Lodge, as recorded in this minute of December 17, 1818:
"The Worshipful William McKissack, Deputy Grand Master, arid Jeptha 3. Munn, Grand Senior
Warden, of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, were announced and received with the .usual
ceremony. The Worshipful Master then made known to the Lodge the object of 'the meeting, to
wit, for the purpose of installing the officers of Washington Lodge, No. 41 located at
Elizabethtown. The Dep'y Gr. Master then took the chair and the officers elect then came forward
and were respectfully (sic) installed in Ancient form. "On January 27, 1819 a resolution was
passed thanking Worshipful Brother Andruss for his "indefatigable industry as Master" , and
authorizing the procurement and presentation to him of a gold medal for his years of devotion to
the Lodge. The medal was completed and the presentation made by Brother Samuel McChesney
at the communication of June 28, 1820. On June 20, 1819 a letter was received requesting the
attendance of St. John's Lodge at the installation of Washington Lodge 'on July 7th.
As proof that the Lodge was a busy center of Masonic activity, on July 6th, fifty "common aprons"
were ordered to be purchased for the use of the Lodge. On March 10, 1819 a motion was made to
change the By-Laws so that the petition of a candidate should lay over at least one month, to
conform with Grand Lodge By-Laws and regulations.
As there was but one Lodge in Newark, and as the town was growing rapidly, it was inevitable that
sooner or later there would come a division of opinion on some matter that would result in a split.
The first direct evidence of such a split is seen in the minutes of December 22, 1819, when there
was a long discussion of the dissatisfaction of some of the members, and considerable talk of
forming a new Lodge, all of which was first carefully recorded in the minutes and then just as
carefully crossed out. A similar fate overtook the minutes of January 12, February 9 and 23, and
March 8 and 22, 1820. For some time:-following the latter date, the discussions seem to have
been abandoned, but they will show up later.
On August 9, 1820 a letter was read from Apollo Lodge, No. 49, requesting pecuniary aid owing to
a distressing fire which reduced many of the members of the Lodge to needy circumstances. This
71
72
apparently was not a New Jersey Lodge and where what the facts were it was located or if it was
pertaining to the fire we do not know.
At a date sometime between May 23 and June 27, 1821, the Lodge, with Washington Chapter,
attended the funeral of a well known townsman and Revolutionary War veteran, Captain John
Gifford.
This year saw the death of another distinguished member of St. John's Lodge, General John
Noble Cumming. Brother Cumming had been a distinguished soldier of the Revolution. His
wisdom, experience and good sense are said to have made him the valued confidant of General
Washington. Until he died he was a leader in preserving the military preparedness of his State,
and there was no important civic or commercial project in Newark that did not have his
enthusiastic support and 'council
During the period since 1800 Newark had been making enormous strides as an industrial center.
Leather, shoes and carriages, were three of the first industries to flourish. Indeed, on a map of
Newark made in 1806 by Brother Charles Basham Head Master of Newark Academy, is a note
that at that time, one-third of the inhabitants, were engaged in the leather industry. A very potent
stimulus was the opening of the Fulton Steam Ferry that operated between Paulus Hook and New
York City.
'
It took some twenty minutes to cross the river and permitted loaded carts and drays to be driven
directly from Newark to their city markets. The development of this ferry was largely the result of
the activities of the "Associates of the Jersey Company", who, with the assistance of Alexander
Hamilton as counsel, had purchased land and ferry rights back in 1804. In this group were several
Newarkers including Brothers Cumming, William Halsey and Alexander McWhorter of our Lodge.
We can appreciate the speed with which this industrial development proceeded, by reviewing the
elaborate parade that featured the celebration of Independence Day, 1821. In it were some forty
floats showing craftsmen at work at their several trades.
Among them were: Capt. Moses Baldwin and Bro. Dadid Tichenor, two farmers of distinction, with
sprigs of wheat in their hats.
Moses Harris & Sons, Merchant tailors. A stage on a four horse wagon, with awning and a
carpeted floor. Hanging were a variety of ready-made clothing, several persons at work and a
member of the firm prepared to take orders.
John Ruckel, Baker. A stage showing stove and fires, and the molding and baking of sugar cakes
and crackers.
Bro. Jacob Alyea. Blacksmith shop erected on a two horse wagon, having a forge and bellows.
Isaac Nichols. A carpenter shop with work bench, chest and tools, saws, grind stone etc. and men
at work.
John Allen. Cabinet maker. Three work benches erected, a roping lathe and tools. Men making
a bedstead and roping a set of table legs.
Bro. Hugh McDougall. Cabinet maker. Stage decorated with evergreen. Two work benches men at work making a cradle, claw work, stands and portable desks.-David Beach. Coachmaker.
Stage on two wagons. Several hands at work on trimming, harness making, woodwork and
painting.
Nathaniel Canfield and Bro. James Nutman. Mason contractors. A wagon and cart. In first were
men erecting a fireplace and chimney; in second a mason preparing brick, mortar etc. , with the
help of a pitcher of "black betty".
72
73
Mr. Thomas and Bros. Goble and Jabez Camfield, boot & shoe mfgrs. Stages on two wagons. On
first, a wareroom with people packing shoes, writing letters etc. In rear, a work shop and several
hands working.
Bro. Andrew Rankin. Hat Mfgr. A large kettle set with fire under it. Five hands sizing hats, one
finishing, one sewing and one pulling and cutting muskrat. Bro. William Stephens. Coach lace
mfgr. A loom in operation.
Four hands at work at various tasks.
William Stevens. Coach Lace mfgr. A comber combing wool of various colors for spinning
machinery which was run from power derived from rear wheels of wagon. Seven hands at work.
We have purposely refrained from mentioning the Washington's Birthday celebrations .as being
repetitious .but the one of February 22, 1822, seems to have been a notable affair. All of the
Lodges in this vicinity and all the sojourning brothers had the Companions of been invited together
with Washington Chapter in their full regalia. In addition there were present the Most Worshipful
Grand and Master the Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
Brother William 3. Kinney delivered the oration and Brother Thomas Pitts of Elizabethtown
performed the religious exercises.
In the fall of 1824 General Lafayette made the first of two visits to Newark. On September 23rd of
that year he was escorted from Jersey City "by a parade headed by General Jonathan Dayton, on
whose staff was Brother Thomas T. Kinney. He was led through an elaborate erection of arches
prepared by Moses Ward and Brother William Halsey, to the home of Major Boudinot, where he
was appropriately entertained. It is not recorded that he attended St. John's Lodge during this
visit. The same afternoon he left for Elizabethtown, where he was received with honors.. In our
minute book under date of September 22, 1824, is this entry:
"An invitation was received from Washington Lodge, No. 41, of Elizabethtown, requesting the
attendance and assistance of this Lodge as a body to pay respect to our Worthy and
Distinguished Brother General Lafayette. On motion resolved that we attend as a body . "
On April 27, 1825, we have another reference to the late war. Brother Jeremiah D. Hayden, who
had received his Fellowcraft Degree in 1814, wished to be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master
Mason, "he being at that time in the service of his Country and obliged to leave this place before
he could take the_ Master Mason Degree." He seems to have been unknown to any of the
members attending that meeting which isn't surprising. After checking the minutes and finding his
statements true they conferred the desired degree on him that night.
On Friday, July 15, 1825, General Lafayette paid his second and last visit to Newark. He had
made a round-about trip from Hoboken through Hackensack to Paterson and Morris town, where
he had spent the night. He must have arrived in Newark quite early in the morning, for a minute of
a special meeting of the Lodge on the 14th states, "Resolved that we meet tomorrow morning at
seven o'clock to receive our Distinguished Brother General Lafayette." A minute of the next day,
July 15th, says: "The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment when our Illustrious Brother
General Lafayette was conducted in by a committee from the Lodge. After spending some time in
the room he was escorted to Norton's Hotel by the brethren."
Tradition has it that while he was in the room he was seated on the large sofa that formerly graced
the East of the Academy Lodge room. The sofa, now known as the "Lafayette Chair", is still
owned by the Lodge and is one of our most prized possessions.
73
74
At the hotel he was regaled with an "elegant breakfast" by a group of the town's leading citizens.
After a number of brief calls on friends and points of interest, he left under escort for
Elizabethtown on his way to Philadelphia, where he was to embark for home. Urquhardts "History
of Newark" states that when Lafayette made this, his last circuit, "he visited the Lodge rooms of
St. John's Lodge' of Masons on the top floor of the Academy (some of whose -appurtenances had
been lent during the War for Independence to be used at Morristown at the time Lafayette was
made a Mason."
We have already mentioned the loan of certain aprons, candlesticks, jewels etc. to American
Union (military) Lodge at Morristown . There is no proof that Lafayette was there on that
occasion, or that he was there made a Mason. Indeed, there is no known record of where he
received that honor.
On February 22, 1826 discharges or dimits were granted to Brothers Joseph Camp, Ezekiel Ball,
James Tichenor, Jr. and Horace Harrison for the purpose of forming a new Lodge at Camptown
(now Irvington). Brother Gamp prayed for a recommendation to that effect to the Grand Lodge,
which was unanimously given. On November 14, 1826 the Grand Lodge granted a warrant to the
above Brothers and others for a new Lodge, to be called Franklin Lodge, No. 55 (now No. 10).
Brother Camp was named as its first Worshipful faster. Earlier in 1826, on March 22nd, St. John's
Lodge had donated Thirty dollars to assist them in starting. On motion, the Lodge agreed to
attend the installation of the officers of the new Lodge, as a body, on April 15, 1826.
Shortly after Franklin Lodge had received their warrant, their Lodge room was destroyed by fire,
together with the warrant and all their furniture and clothing except the officers' jewels. An
Invitation was immediately extended by St. John's to use their Lodge room until such time as their
own , was rebuilt and Grand Lodge issued the necessary dispensation.
On September 27, 1826 a circular letter was received from the Grand Master of New Jersey in
regard to erecting a monument at Mt. Vernon in memory of General Washington. No action was
taken and the request ordered to lay over.
On October 13, 1826 the Lodge held funeral services for-Brother Stephen Denfer, who had been
its Tyler for many years. He had also been Tyler of Washington Chapter, No. 1 since its inception.
It was at the communication of January 10, 1827, that a petition was received from a. number of
Master Masons for a recommendation from this Lodge to the Grand Lodge, for a dispensation to
form themselves into a new Lodge to be called Newark Lodge. As this apparently simple
proceeding resulted in a variety of complications extending over a number of years, it has been
made the subject of a separate chapter.
On February 3, 1827 a communication was read from Winder Lodge of Baltimore, Md., "wishing
this Lodge to cooperate with them in aiding the Colonization Society of the United States in
transporting the free Blacks of this country to the settlement of Liberia." On motion the matter was
laid over. There is no record that anything was ever done about it.
On July 25, 1827 a committee recommended the investment of Fifty dollars in the fund for building
the Masonic Hall at Orange.
On September 12th of the same year, a committee was appointed to effect a lease with
Washington Chapter for the room now occupied by them on the following terms: "The room to be
74
75
occupied by them solely for their own meetings as a Royal Arch Chapter of Masonry, or in case it
should be let by them for any different purpose, it must be done by the consent of St. John's
Lodge and all proceeds of the to room belong to St. John's."
On December 18, 1827, St. John's Lodge and Washington Chapter had agreed among
themselves as to the propriety of erecting a stone at the grave of the late Brother Denfer. The
committee to settle the details reported that they could get a brown stone for Twelve dollars.
Apparently that was considered slightly disrespectful for on motion the committee was authorized
to erect a marble stone, Lodge and Chapter each bearing half the cost.
About this time Masonry began to feel the effects of the Morgan incident which occurred in or
about Batavia, N. Y. in 1826. The disappearance of William Morgan, a renegade Mason, was the
signal for a violent anti-Masonic outburst There would be no point in re -telling the story, for
countless books have been written about it. It is sufficient to say that by 1830 it took a very
determined man to stand up in public and declare himself a Mason. There was a great deal of
mob violence in many quarters as the movement became more and more political.
Lodges were forced to meet in secret, or to suspend labor entirely. To show the extent of the
slump, in 1827 there were twenty-three Lodges represented at the New Jersey Grand Lodge
Communication; in 1834- there were but four. A few of the missing had given up and surrendered
their charters; most of them merely "holed up" to await better times.
St. John's Lodge minutes show less and less activity. On January 5, 1831 there was an extra
communication for the election of officers. There was not another until March 28, 1832 when,
"after a long recess" the Lodge again assembled and proceeded to elect officers for that year.
There were but three and. meetings in 1832 five in 1833, the last one being on December
11th There was not another meeting until 1838.
Brother Landell notes in the Roster that a great Anti-Masonic Convention was held in Newark on
June 24, 1830, with Silas Cooke as chairman, James Vanderpool as secretary, and Judge
Hornblower the principal speaker A Obadiah Woodruff, John Poinier and Hugh McDougal}. ,
former members of this Lodge, are said to have publicly renounced Masonry,
Chapter Ten
The Controversy With Newark Lodge
In the minutes of St. John's Lodge for January 10, 1827, there appears the following: "A petition
from a number of Master Masons was presented praying for a recommendation to the Grand
Master of this State for a dispensation to form themselves into a Lodge to be denominated the
Newark Lodge." It was passed unanimously and immediately after a resolution was passed, also
unanimously, "that we tender to the applicants the use of our lodge room for one year."
The total number of brethren signing the petition was twenty-one, but not all were from St. John's
Lodge. The three principal officers were named as James Hedden, Moses Smith and James
Black. Grand Master, John S. Darcy, promptly issued the dispensation.
On February 6, 1827, Newark Lodge met in St. John's Hall. By request Worshipful Master Isaac
Andruss of St. John's opened a Lodge of Master Masons. Grand Master Darcy then assumed the
75
76
East and proceeded to install the officers of the new Lodge . Apparently everything went along
peaceably and smoothly until March 28, 1827, when we find this fiery minute: "On motion it was
unanimously resolved that the vote of the Lodge on the 10th of January last giving the use. of St.
John's Hall to Newark Lodge be rescinded for the following reasons:
1) Resolved that the Newark Lodge who hold their meetings in St,. John's Hall by the tenure of a
vote of St. John's Lodge, No. 2
2) have acted in an ungrateful, unbecoming and unMasonic manner; To wit," in asserting that they
have a right to the property of St. John's Lodge and demanding the use of their Hall as a right and
not as a favor.
"In denouncing St. Johns Lodge as a class of Masons devoid of honor and respectability.
3 In receiving from transient men who say they are Masons under the jurisdiction of the G.L. of
Connecticut, and obligation and not only never acknowledged by the G.L.
"For refusing to sit with a well known and respectable Brother unless he would receive such
obligation and for refusing admission to two respectable members of St. John's Lodge, one a Past
Master and the other the second officer in said Lodge.
4 For admitting adjoining members contrary to the express regulations of the Grand Lodge.,
The resolutions being unanimously adopted the Secretary was ordered to furnish the Master and
Secretary of Newark Lodge with a copy of the charges and resolutions.*
The curious part about all this is that it was not merely an explosion of temper but had bases of
fact or reason-able presumption. Let us consider them for what they are worth.
1- The charge that members of Newark Lodge claimed a right to St. John's Hall. Newark Academy
gave a deed to Brothers John N. Cumming, Uzal Johnson, Isaac Andruss, Jacob Plum and James
Hedden dated January 3, 1801. It is recorded in Book V2, Page 279, Essex County records. It
declares that the top, or fourth, floor of the Academy "was built at the sole expense of the
members belonging to the Society of Free Masons in this town, known by the name of St. John's
Lodge, No. 2; and should belong to them and be appropriated to their exclusive use." The deed
conveys the same- "in trust for the use of the said John N. Cumming, Uzal Johnson, James
Hedden, Isaac Andruss and Jacob Plum and all such other persons as now are members of St.
John's Lodge No. 2, Newark, or who hereafter shall become members of said Lodge, according to
the rites and ceremonies thereof.
It is obvious to us, at this distance, that the intention was to give St. John's Lodge the exclusive
use of the top floor, which they had paid for with their own money. It was not a right that belonged
to the members individually, but rather to the Lodge. However clear this may seem to us, it is true
that a number of respectable men and superior legal minds, like William Kalsey, E.Boudinot and
Lewis Atterbury, definitely did not believe in the Lodge's exclusive right. It was their expressed
belief that the rooms had been built for the Masons of Newark, no matter what their Lodge,
Clause 3 was doubtless inspired by the fact that on March 23, 1827, two members of Lafayette
Lodge, No. 72, of Connecticut, were engaged by Newark Lodge to lecture for three days that the
officers might be improved in their work. Unfortunately there was not the best of feeling existing
between the Grand Lodges of Connecticut and New Jersey.
As to who the "respectable members" were who were refused admission, we do not know. At the
present day However, no master of a Lodge is OBLIGED to admit a visitor if he feels that visitor's
presence would disturb the peace and harmony of his Lodge. In fact any member of a Lodge may
object to the admission of a visitor and the Master must recognize such objection.
76
77
Clause 4 is also based on a curious fact. Of the seventeen men from St. John's Lodge who either
were in the original group or were admitted shortly after, five of them show no record in our minutes, of ever being granted dimits. These five were James Hodden, William Halsey, Matthias
Day, Thomas R. Christie and James Nuttman. As all five were in the original founding group,
there could be no question of their legitimacy, nor could it be said that Newark Lodge was derelict
in its duty on their account. Two others, William H. Earl and Jonathan G. Ball are believed to be
suspect. We know that they were both discharged February 3, 1827, but it is claimed that the
Secretary of St. John's Lodge did not furnish them with the required certificates.
. Another group of three, James M. Hewson, Sidney Condit and Isaac W. Nuttman, were
discharged February 14, 1827, and on April 12, 1827 were admitted adjoining members of Newark
Lodge. Only one, Brother Hewson, could present his discharge. From the minutes of Newark
Lodge we find, "it was then stated, with regard to these brethren, that the informality of their not
presenting discharges, is owing to the refusal of the Secretary of St. John's Lodge No. 2 to make
out the same, though it is well known to this Lodge that they are regularly and honorably
discharged." And there we have it. Four men, Brothers Earl, Ball, Condit and Nuttman, are known
to have been admitted adjoining members of Newark Lodge without presenting their discharges.
This is definitely a breach of Grand Lodge regulations, and is not defensible from any angle. It
makes no difference if everybody in town knew they were discharged; without the official
document from their own Lodge, they were not free to go where they would.
Newark Lodge having presented to the Grand Master a statement of their grievances, the Most
Worshipful Grand Master visited St. John's or: the evening of April 23rd. According to our
minutes, "The Grand Master stated the object of the meeting to be the reconciliation of what he
pleased to term the differences existing between this and the Newark Lodge.:
"The member;-' of the Lodge denying that any difficulty did exist, it having been settled to the
entire satisfaction of this .lodge, the Grand Master stated at large his opinion of the business and
then withdrew."
He then went over and attended a meeting of Newark Lodge and addressed the members. As the
annual communication of the Grand Lodge approached, St. John's prepared for action with the
following motion: "On motion resolved that all recommendations from this Lodge of the brethren
composing Newark Lodge to the Grand Master and Grand Lodge of New Jersey be withdrawn."
1827. Grand Lodge met on November 13th It is said that St.John's Lodge, adopted a memorial to
Grand Lodge enlarging on their side of the difficulty. That such a memorial was actually sent is
not clear, for it is not mentioned in our minutes, and in those of the Grand Lodge only as:
"remonstrance containing certain specifications and charges." There is no such paper on file,
either in Trenton or here. At any rate, Grand Lodge proceeded to issue a charter to Newark
Lodge as No. 55.
Brother William Halsey was spokesman for Newark Lodge before the Grand Lodge, and as such
offered a resolution for the .appointment of a committee to examine into the differences between
the Lodges, and to "inquire into and report to the Grand Lodge aforesaid as to the situation of the
right of property, of the room and property claimed by St. John's Lodge, in the town of Newark,
and the terms and means by which the same was built, and that the said committee be authorized
to require inspection of the minutes and resolutions of St. John's Lodge in relation to the building
of said Lodge room" etc.
77
78
''Which resolution was agreed to and Past Grand Master S. J. Reed, John W. Mickle, Joseph Y.
Miller, were duly appointed said committee."
On November 17th, St. John's minutes record: "A motion was then made, seconded and carried
that a protest be issued by St. John's Lodge, No. 2 against .the measures adopted by the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey concerning the grant of a charter to the Newark Lodge. "On January 2,
1828, the Grand Lodge committee came to Newark. The next day a committee of Newark Lodge
presented to St. John's Lodge a proposal for the settlement of differences thus: 1). In brief, Newark Lodge to make all due and proper acknowledgment to St. John's Lodge of
their words or acts that may have been judged improper. St. John's to reciprocate.
2). "That St. John's Lodge, No. 2 do agree to permit Newark Lodge to occupy, for the purpose of
their Lodge, and as often as the said Lodge shall find it necessary, either the room now occupied
by the Chapter, in the third story of the Academy, or the room now occupied by St. John's Lodge,
No. 2, provided that Newark Lodge do not interfere with the regular meetings of said Chapter or of
St. John's Lodge, No. 2 at the times now established, ant that the Newark Lodge do annually on
the 27th of December, pay to St. John's Lodge, No. 2 the sum of $20. for and toward keeping and
maintaining in repair the third story of the Academy and the rooms now occupied by the Chapter
and St. John's Lodge No. 2; and that St. John's Lodge No. 2 do execute, or cause to be executed,
such deed or other instrument in writing to the Newark Lodge, or trustees in their behalf, as will
secure to them the use of the rooms before mentioned so long as the said rooms shall endure, if
the said Newark Lodge shall meet and occupy the same as a Lodge, but for no other purpose
whatsoever." It would seem that the technique on muscling-in was not original with Prohibition.
3} . In effect, on execution of the deed, all quarrels, animosities, name calling and so forth were to
cease,
4). "As a contemporaneous act, with the execution and delivery of the deed or instrument before
mentioned, the Newark Lodge shall procure from James Redden and William Halsey, a release to
St. John's Lodge No. 2. .all their right, title -and interest, whether at law or equity of, in and to the
3rd floor of the Academy heretofore claimed and occupied by St. John's Lodge No. 2, arid of all
and every demand which they, or either of them, now have, or of right ought to have, of St. John's
Lodge No. 2; an I that if John Pintard, Esq. of the City of New York, and .Capt Thomas Bibbie of
the same place, will voluntarily release any claims which they may have, of, in and to the 3rd story
of the Academy or Lodge Rooms, the Newark Lodge will procure such release to St. John's Lodge
No. 2."
Altogether, this was -a -rather choice bit- of effrontery , John's committee replied as follows. "They
agree to the first article and are desirous of having the same carried into effect as soon as
practicable in the manner that shall be considered most effective.
"They also agree to the 3rd, upon the exchange of resolutions. "They reject the 2nd for the
present. They also reject the 4th.
"They also submit the following, viz: That Newark Ledge shall strike from the roll of its members all
persons who have been admitted, if any, as members of said Lodge, contrary to the rules and
regulations of Grand Lodge. "Upon the foregoing being adopted, St. John's Lodge No. 2 will agree
with Newark Lodge that the members of each be received and admitted In their respective Lodges
upon the same terms as members of adjacent Lodges. "St. John's Lodge No. 2 also agrees to
withdraw the memorial presented by them to the Grand Lodge, from the consideration of the
committee appointed to investigate the same, so far as St.John's Lodge No. 2 may be enabled to
do. the same, and that said committee may report that all differences between the Lodges have
been amicably accommodated.*
78
79
"In rejecting the second and fourth propositions of the Committee of Newark Lodge, the
Committee from St. John's Lodge No. 2 are persuaded that the peace and harmony of the two
Lodges can be better preserved, for the present, by their holding their meetings in their different
Lodge rooms, than they can in the manner proposed by the Committee of Newark Lodge. "They
also consider the persons offering to release, as mentioned in the fourth article, as having no
interest, either in law or in equity, to the third story of the Academy, where the Lodge Room is
situated. Jan. 4, 5823, P. Ailing, E.VanArsdale Jr. Asa Torrey. Committee."
This seemed to show, pretty well that the members of St. John's knew what was going on and
would have none of it. Newark Lodge however was persistent and a prompt reply offered this:
1). Newark Lodge agreed to strike from its rolls all persons improperly admitted members since
the Lodge received its dispensation.
2). "The committee in behalf of the Newark Lodge do further agree to waive the 4th article and not
to release as therein proposed.
3). "The committee aforesaid do agree that all the differences be reconciled, excepting as to the
dispute about the right and use of the Lodge room, provided that St. John's Lodge will agree to let
Newark Lodge have the use of the Lodge Room for one year from this date; and they will submit
to the Grand Lodge or to a committee appointed by the Grand Lodge, or to five Masters of Lodges
in New Jersey, two to be chosen by St. John's Lodge, two to be chosen by Newark Lodge, and the
fifth to be determined by ballot:- the .names of five other Masters being put in a box, two by St.
John's, three by the Newark Lodge, and St. John's Lodge to draw one of the names therefrom,
who shall be the fifth man. Which five Masters of Lodges thus chosen, or a majority of them, shall
determine what right or privilege in the third story of the Academy and Lodge rooms, the Newark
Lodge ought, upon right or the principles of Masonry, to have and enjoy."
4). "in case St. John's Lodge shall agree to. let the Newark Lodge have the use of either of the
Lodge Rooms, the St. John's Lodge shall always have the priority of accommodation on extra
nights, they giving notice to the Newark Lodge if they' wish to occupy the room for extra business."
The St. John's Committee at once replied:
1). The Committee from St. John's Lodge agree to the first article above mentioned.
2). The different propositions and modifications of agreement by and on the part of the Committee
of the Newark Lodge are made subordinate to the final adjustment respecting the right and use of
the 3rd story of the Academy and Lodge Room; and in case that shall not be agreed upon, all
other matters of difference are, for the present, left upon the same footing as before any
negotiation". All this must have been a rapid fire affair, for on January 9, 1828 our minutes show
that a committee from Newark Lodge-requested "as a favor" the use of St. John's Hall for Masonic
purposes for one year from January 1, 1828. It was unanimously granted; St. John's reserving the
refusal of it on all occasions. Newark Lodge continued to meet there until 1840.
Meanwhile the committee appointed by Grand Lodge to investigate the differences, came to town,
talked with the Newark Lodge committee and departed. If they had had sense enough to
determine the basic rights of St. John's Lodge to its own Lodge room, they would have prevented
a great deal of future controversy. Although things seem to have been quiet as far as the
record shows, there appears to have been some sort, of continuing, friction. Some of it may have
been due to the fact that Newark Lodge wanted their own Tyler. Whoever was Tyler of St. John's
Hall was also '.Tyler of the Chapter Room - that is he would have access to whatever' equipment
and regalia the Chapter might -own. St. John's Tyler belonged to the Chapter, so there was no
trouble on that score.
79
80
At any rate, in our minutes of March 11, 1840, we find this: "Resolved that St. John's Lodge No. 2
will grant the use of their hall to Newark Lodge for the purpose of holding their usual meetings, for
the sum of $25. a year to be paid half-yearly, provided that Newark Lodge employ the same
person as Tyler as shall be employed by St. John's Lodge."
Various propositions were offered without success and at our meeting of April 22, 1840 the
following was passed: "Resolved that the Secretary of this Lodge furnish Newark Lodge with a
copy of the resolution passed by St. John's Lodge 'relative to the occupying of their Hall by
Newark Lodge and that this Lodge is unwilling to negotiate further upon the subject unless it be
upon the terms originally proposed by St.John's Lodge."
At a meeting of Newark Lodge on May 12, 1840 the proposition of St. John's Lodge was
unanimously rejected and a committee appointed to find another place to meet and they obtained
quarters at t Stuart's Hotel, which served for a time. The last time they ever met in the Academy
Building was on January 11, 1841, when they convened in the room of Washington Chapter. St.
John's promptly delivered an ultimatum to the Chapter and the experiment was not repeated.
Later the same month, Newark Lodge sent a long and involved proposal to St johns which was
curtly rejected
Chapter Eleven
The Resuscitation as St. John's Lodge,
If things were quiet Masonically during the 1830's, they certainly were not otherwise. During this
period Newark took a mighty stride forward. One noteworthy development was" the opening of
the Morris and Erie Canal in 1832. It was a very remarkable piece of work, totaling one hundred
and one-j miles in length, with a total rise and fall of 1,674 feet. It was noted too, for containing the
first example of the use of the inclined plane to take the place of water locks. According to Shaw's
"History of Essex and Hudson Counties", the first boat to reach tide waters was the 'Walk in the
Water' , with a consignment to Stephens & Condit. By 1832 the town had grown to a point where it
was impossible to find a room large enough to hold a town meeting. A committee was appointed
to devise a plan for dividing the town into two or more wards. The committee consisted of Brother
Isaac Andruss, Joseph Hornblower, Stephen Dod, Brother William H. Earl and Archer Gifford, a
relative of Brother Archer Gifford, the inn-keeper. After an unsatisfactory attempt at a division into
four wards, a city charter was granted in 1836. The first election was held on April 11th On April
16th the city government was organized in St. John's Lodge a member Room.The first mayor was Brother William Halsey of St. John's Lodge. This was also the period of the
development of the railroad in Newark. The first to enter the town was the New Jersey Railroad
and Transportation Company, which received its charter on March 7, 1632, and whose first
president was General John S. Darcy, a member of our Lodge. Regular service was furnished
between Newark and Jersey City, the cars at first being drawn by horses. By 1839 the road had
been extended to Philadelphia. After .a few consolidations and mergers, a lease was
consummated in 1871 with the Pennsylvania Railroad, whereby that company obtained. control
for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. By a curious coincidence another member 'of
St. John's Lodge, Martin W. Clement, was president of the Pennsylvania Railroad until about(two
year ago, when he was made Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The Morris and Essex Railroad, later the Lackawanna, also got its start during this period. But to
return to the Lodge. Its first meeting after the Morgan trouble was on December 26, 1838.
80
81
It apparently had no organization, for it was called to order by Past Grand Master John S. Darcy.
Occupying the other stations and places were: Daniel B. Bruen, Senior Warden; Samuel Baldwin,
Junior Warden; John R. Crockett, Treasurer; and C. S. Dickerson, Secretary. As soon as Lodge
was opened Brother Ellas VanArsdale, Jr. read this proceeding of the Grand Lodge:
"Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Trenton, November 13, 1838."I certify that at the annual
communication of the Grand Lodge held this day in the city of Trenton the following resolution was
unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge viz:
"Resolved that St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, be allowed and permitted to renew their labors
on the payment of their dues for the last year or the sum of Four Dollars and Twenty Five Cents in
lieu thereof and that all other dues from said Lodge be remitted. John Mershon, G. Secy."
The following officers were then elected: Elias Van Arsdale, Worshipful Kaster; Jacob Alyea,
Senior Warden; Solomon H. Pratt, Junior Warden; Jonas Agens, Treasurer; William W. Baldwin,
Secretary; and Benjamin T. Jarvis, Tyler.
Installation promptly followed and "the brethren adjourned at an early hour with apparent
satisfaction with the entertainment of the evening and with a renewed and cheering prospect for
the success of our ancient and honorable institution." The Lodge was at labor again. The
unpleasant effects seemed of the late excitement rapidly to disappear, and by 1840 activity was
back to normal.
On April 18, 1841 a letter was read from the Trustees of Newark Academy inquiring if we were
willing to dispose of our property, or that part of the building, and on what terms. A committee was
appointed to confer with the Trustees of the Academy and ascertain "what authority they have in
the premises, and also in regard to having the roof repaired." It was also decided to obtain
$2,000. insurance on the rooms and furniture.
That roof was a source of frequent discussion between Lodge and Academy. When there wasn't
anything else to do, they would bicker about patching it. To a mere lay mind, it would seem that
there would be a rather intimate relation between the top floor of a building and the roof,
something like that of a man and his hat; that roof and attic would be parts of the same erection,
but it was not so. Apparently the Lodge figured it this way: the building had t$ have a roof
anyway, no matter how many floors were under it. The fact that St. John's Lodge had paid for
sandwiching in another floor did not change the situation. We owned the top floor, the Academy
owned the roof. "
At the Grand Lodge Session of November 9, 1841 the Grand Secretary, Right Worshipful John
Mershon, stated in his report that together with the Lodges which formed the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey, there had been fifty-eight warranted in this. State. Two of these in New Brunswick united
a few years ago making the number fifty-seven. Of these he said eight could be called working
Lodges, seven had been stricken off, nine had surrendered their warrants and thirty-three had
ceased working but retained their warrants. He recommended "that the Grand Secretary be
directed, when he advertises for the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, to give
notice that all Lodges that are not there represented, or have not been for the past three years
preceding, be stricken from the list of Lodges, and that the remaining Lodges be then
renumbered." at This recommendation was acted upon and the Grand Lodge session of
November 8, 1842 it was resolved that all Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand
Lodge, that have lain dormant for three or more years be stricken from the list of Lodges. But that
on application to the Most Worshipful Grand Master for a Dispensation until the next Annual
81
82
Communication, they may resume their labors, and on proper application at that time their warrant
may be restored.
It was further Resolved and Ordered, That the Grand Secretary re-number the Lodges that are
working, and that all Lodges that may hereafter be restored or warranted, shall take number in the
order in which they are restored or warranted. The Lodges were then re-numbered as follows:
St. John's Lodge No. 2 to be No. 1
Brearley Lodge No. 9 to be No. 2
Cincinnati Lodge No. 17 to be No. 3
Tuckerton Lodge No. 43 to be No. 4
Trenton Lodge
No. 5 to retain the same number
Lebanon Lodge No. 54 to be No. 6
Newark Lodge
No. 55 to be No. 7
Clinton Lodge
No. 56 to be No. 8
* Washington Shrewsbury. Lodge No. 34 to be No. 9
* Franklin Lodge No. 53 to be No. 10
Of these only those prefixed with an no asterisk (*) were actually working on November 8, 1842,
the date of the re-numbering. New numbers for the last two were in anticipation of their resuming
labor shortly, which they did.'
The great clandestine Grand Lodge rumpus began in 1842, It would appears that in 1837, certain
New York City Lodges disregarding a Grand Lodge ruling prohibiting a St. John's Day parade
went ahead and held one anyway. Whereupon they lost their charters and proceeded to form their
own "St. Johns Grand Lodge" . Our connection with the affair lies in the fact that two New Jersey
Past Grand Masters, John S. Darcy and Jeptha B. Munn, took it upon themselves to install the
officers of the clandestine Grand Lodge. Soon after, some New Jersey Lodges, feeling that
Lodges subordinate to this St. Johns Grand Lodge must have some sort of legitimacy because of
the New Jersey Past Grand Masters who had given it their blessing, began to receive visitors from
those Lodges. Other Lodges, like our own, refused to admit such visitors. After the usual
succession of charges and counter -charges, resolutions, memorials etc., everything simmered
down, the New York Lodges were taken back into the fold, and our Past Grand Masters gently
admonished. Both of these brothers later became members of St. John's Lodge.
'On January II, 1843 the committee appointed for that purpose reported settlement with the old
members. The report is not given but it apparently concerned any claims the older members of
the Lodge might have on the Lodge room or its fixtures.
For some time past trouble had apparently existed between St. John's Lodge and the Grand
Lodge of New York. On January 25, 1843 a committee consisting of Brothers VanArsdale, Goble
and Ailing was appointed "to review the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey for the
present and past years and to take into consideration the difficulties existing between this
Lodge and the Grand Lodge of New York and report to this Lodge."
On April 12, 18-43 a motion was carried that the following resolutions be entered on the minutes
and a copy be forwarded by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey,
one to the Grand Master and one to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York. "Whereas
certain statements have been made derogatory to St. John's Lodge No. 1 and in consequence it is
said that they have been prohibited from enjoying their Just rights as members of the Masonic
Family and whereas the members of St. John's Lodge No. 1 are not aware of violating any of the
82
83
rules of the Fraternity" Therefore Resolved that St. John's Lodge No. 1, Newark, N. J., as a Lodge
and as Individuals are fully resolved to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of
this State as long as they are confined to the ancient land marks of the order and longer they
certainly will not be asked to.
"Resolved 2nd, that a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey and further, that a copy be forwarded to the Grand
Master of this State and of any in these statements we call upon 'the officers of the Grand Lodge
of this State to perform their duty and see to it that all the Masonic rights of St. John's Lodge be
respected. "Resolved that the secretary of St. John's Lodge do send a copy of these proceedings
to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. "On April 26th a motion was carried
"that the Secretary send the Resolution to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York with the
Seal and also to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of this State and ask for a certificate from the
Grand Master that St. John's Lodge is in communion with the Grand Lodge of this State."
A few weeks later on May 17th it was resolved that a committee of three be appointed to
superintend all the business relating to the Resolutions passed respecting the Grand Lodge of the
State of New York and this State and report the same to this Lodge. Brothers Goble, Young and
Ailing were appointed on said committee. On June 5, 1843 the committee on Grand Lodge
business reported. The report was passed unanimously and a copy ordered to be put on file. A
resolution was then made that the Grand Master of, this State attend the Grand Lodge of New
York meeting on the 7th Inst. "to see to our Rights copy of which is on file." Apparently neither the
Grand Lodge nor the Grand Master took any action in regard to the matter.
In the previous chapter we dealt with the difficulties existing between the two Lodges in Newark.
While relations were not all they might have been the members of the two Lodges continued to
visit each other freely. On November 8, 1843, the olive branch was extended by Newark Lodge
No. 7 by sending to St. John's Lodge an invitation to visit them on their regular and extra
meetings. On motion the invitation was accepted and a similar one returned to Newark Lodge.
On November 8, 1843 a new set of By-laws was adopted and one hundred and fifty copies
ordered printed.
There seems to have been internal dissension in the Lodge during 1843 and 1844. There is
nothing to indicate what the basic causes were but they culminated in charges being brought
against three of our members at the Grand Lodge session of May 7, 1844. These were referred to
a committee to report on at the next Annual Communication. Daniel B. Bruen, the Grand Master,
refers to them in his address to the Grand Lodge on November 12, 1844 and we can not improve
on his explanation, excerpts of which are given below.
"It is well known to you, brethren, that there has long existed (within the Jurisdiction of this Grand
Lodge) a feud among the brethren and sister Lodges in the city of Newark, toward" which the
Grand Lodge and its officers have exercised that lenity and forbearance, and to individuals in
particular, which has emboldened them not only to insult the Grand Lodge, in the person of its
officers, but to assume to themselves rights and privileges to which none are entitled but members
of this body. Out of these circumstances have grown charges against several individuals, which
have been presented by the Junior Grand Warden. These charges were acted upon at the extra
meeting held in the city of Newark in May last; two of them were referred to a committee, to be
reported on at this meeting, the other was dismissed, which finally disposes of it, unless again
called up, and presented by a member of this body. "immediately following the filing of the charges
83
84
referred to, charges were presented by Samuel Smith, Past Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 1,
(who was disqualified at that time to exercise any right or privilege of membership of this Grand
Lodge, by charges then lying on the files against him) against me as Grand Master, for expressing
and stating facts in open Lodge, when called upon by St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for my official
action as Grand Master of this State. Charges were also presented to this Grand Lodge by Bro.
Schultz, (a private member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1) against Bro. Luther Goble, (a Past Master
of said Lodge), for violating his obligations as master of a Lodge. Charges were also preferred in
this Grand Lodge by Bro. J. T. Baldwin, (a private member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1) against the
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge. To these charges, and the
assumption of the individuals bringing them, I wish to call your attention. In doing so, I ask nothing
as an. humble individual, neither do I wish to arrogate to myself, as Grand Master of the State of
New Jersey, any more than the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Ancient
Constitutions and landmarks of the Fraternity entitle me to; that I ask, and that I demand of you as
a right and a protection to me in my official capacity, as the executive officer of this body."There is no necessity, brethren, for me to consume time in endeavoring to show to you that this
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge has been insulted and treated with Indignity by some of its
members; on you rests the responsibility to maintain your dignity and protect your officers from
insult and to the disorganizing principle (if tolerated) would I ask the attention of this Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge, that a private member of a Subordinate Lodge should assume to himself
the right (which the Grand Lodge never gave, nor does the ancient landmarks of the Fraternity
justify) to bring in this Grand Lodge grave and serious charges against one of its members; which
charges he cannot be present to sustain, and the threshold he cannot pass without special
invitation, and when admitted he is not allowed to vote, or even to speak on any question without
leave.
I refer to the charges brought by Bro. Jabez P. Baldwin (a private member of St. John's Lodge,
No. 1} against Bro. Bartholomew West, the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of this Grand
Lodge; his assumption to exercise rights belonging to members of this body, and to embarrass its
proceedings, by laying illegal and irregular papers before it for its action, is an indignity offered to
it, and a trifling of privilege, which should not be tolerated nor pass without severest censure.
The assumption of Bro. Shultz (in his charges against Past Master Luther Goble) of his knowledge
of the obligations and duties of the Oriental chair, are of the most offensive kind. He charges Past
Master Goble with violating his obligations as Master of a Lodge. How brother Shultz (who is only
a Master Mason) should be in possession of the knowledge of the obligations and duties of the
Master of a Lodge, is best known to himself; he certainly assumes that knowledge. If he has
come into possession of it illegally, he has not acquired by that possession a right to a peat in the
Grand Lodge, or in the East of a Subordinate one; he has either been made a dupe of, or else
deserves the most severe censure of this Grand Lodge." Following the Grand Master's report, the
committee appointed to consider the charges brought by Bro. Bartholomew West against Past
Master Prudden Ailing and Joseph Hollingsworth made their report. As this report is given in full in
the Grand Lodge proceedings of that year there is no point in giving it again. On vote of the
Grand Lodge the first named brother was expelled and the second suspended from all the
benefits and privileges of Masonry for the space of one year.
It was also Ordered, That a vote of censure be passed upon Jabez T. Baldwin and Benjamin S.
Shultz, for bringing charges against members of this Grand Lodge without authority. The Lodge
had apparently been without active Trustees for several years for on December 11, 1844 it was on
motion resolved to "go into Election of three Trustees to hold the property of St. John's Lodge."
84
85
The following were thereupon duly elected: Brothers John R. Crockett, Luther Goble and Henry K.
Ingraham.
It was then "Resolved, that the said Trustees wait upon P. M. Isaac Andruss and respectfully
request of him the deed and other papers that he may have in his possession be-' longing to this
Lodge and also to execute to said Trustees a conveyance of the property of St. John's Lodge
which he now holds as surviving Trustee for the same."
It was also "Resolved, that the Trustees take charge of the Chapter Room and the Furniture and
Fixtures therein and hold them subject to the order of this Lodge." On April 23, 1845 a committee
was appointed to obtain $2,000 insurance on the building and furniture of the Lodge. They
reported on June 11th that they had obtained a policy with the Mechanics Insurance Company of
Newark for $1,700 insurance on the building and $300 on the furniture, apparently at a cost of
$10.50.
In the previous chapters we have frequently mentioned distinguished or unusual visitors. On July
9, 1845 we had another in the person of J. Edrehi from Morocco. In anticipation of the coming
Grand Lodge communication the following interesting resolutions were passed on October 29,
1845:
"On motion resolved that the representatives of this Lodge to the Grand Lodge of the State of N. J.
which is to convene at Trenton on Tuesday the eleventh day of November next, be instructed 1st
to protest against a certificate being required by the Grand Lodge of the State for visiting Brethren
from subordinate Lodges in the State of New Jersey." This apparently refers to the Grand Lodge
of New York's requirement that visitors to its subordinate Lodges carry membership certificates to
prove they belonged to duly constituted Lodges.
"2nd. That the dues to the Grand Lodge from subordinate Lodges be reduced to the original sum,
viz., twenty-five cents; also -in regard to the property of the Grand Lodge & if any in what does it
consist.
"3rd. That the constitution of the Grand Lodge be a-mended so that Past Masters of Blue Lodges
be eligible to office in the Grand Lodge.
"4th. That the communications of the Grand Lodge be held alternately at Newark & Trenton and
that the communication be held at Newark in May 1846. Also to urge upon the Grand Lodge the
discontinuance of appointing representatives of this Lodge to Grand Lodges in other States.
"5th. That the Grand Secretary be required to make a report of the fees or dues & moneys
received from the subordinate Lodges in this State for the last fifteen years."
On February 11, 1846 a committee was appointed to procure a book to copy the By-laws and for
all those who are or may become members of this Lodge to sign. The book was reported
purchased on March 25th and is probably the one still in use.
On January 13, 1847 it was resolved that all the old minutes of the Lodge still in unbound state be
bound and Brother Brown appointed to carry the same into effect. On February 10th he reported
that as the books were not of uniform size he would advise some other mode of preservation. The
report was received, the committee discharged and apparently nothing done.
On February 10, 1847 it was resolved that the Deed .from the Trustees of the Academy to this
Lodge, be recorded in the By-laws of said Lodge.
The North or Chapter room had apparently become vacant for on June 23, 1847 a committee was
appointed "to confer with any of the Fraternity who may wish to rent the adjoining room as a
85
86
Chapter Room at an annual rent of 30 dollars, each reciprocating as regards using rooms for
preparing candidates and further more, in case they be in arrears six months, this Lodge reserves
the right of peaceable possession of same." It would seem that no one was Interested immediately
for on March 22, 1848 the same committee was continued to take an inventory and appraisal of
the effects in said room with full powers to rent it or rent or sell the said effects for the use of a
Royal Arch Chapter.
In the minutes of October 13, 1847 we find the following interesting entry "No special business
appearing, Craft were called from Labor to refreshment, and the Honorary Degree of Secret
Monitor conferred on Brethren present."
This is a particularly tantalizing bit of information because no mention is made of who conferred it
and also because some interest has been shown in this degree in recent years. For those who are
not familiar with the degree, we might say that in this country, it is now under the protection of and
forms a part of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America.
The meeting was slimly attended and for the benefit of those historians who are always searching
for clues we will list the names of those brethren who were there: Most Worship-Ira Merchant, the
Grand Master, and former member who acted as Worshipful Master protem. M. W. Pfrsonettj
Milton Baldwin) W.J. Munn; Charles Stewart, a visitor and later member who acted as Junior
Deacon pro tern.; William Godber, Tyler; Jacob Alyea of St. John's; John Ogden, William L. Ross
and George W. Clark of Newark Lodge; Van Houten of Abrams Lodge, N. Y.; Richardson, Brigbee
of Union Lodge, Orange; and Casteline of Franklin Lodge, Camptown (Irvington).
Fortunately the question is more or less solved for about two weeks previous on September 27th,
in Newark Lodge No. 7, "Bro. Ira Merchant, Most Worshipful Grand Master, gave notice that he
would, if assisted by some of the older brethren of the lodge, confer two or three ineffable degrees
on any brother Master Masons who would wish to receive them, said degrees to .be conferred
free of expense," and "it was resolved, unanimously, that the lodge will accept the generous offer
of our Most Worshipful Grand Master."
When it came to the question of approving the minutes at Newark Lodge's next communication,
objection was made to that portion of the minutes referring to the extra degrees and it was ordered
stricken from the minutes. There is therefore some doubt as to whether the degrees were
conferred in Newark the Secret Monitor Degree Lodge or not. There is however no doubt about it
having been conferred in St. John's Lodge and the evidence points to the Most Worshipful Grand
Master as having conferred it.
On November 10, 1847 it was resolved "that a committee be appointed at some subsequent
meeting, to revise the Bylaws for the purpose of protecting ourselves from aggression on any
Masonic imposition, either as Individuals, or; as a society." What aggression and who were the
impostors ? Men
In those days weren't easily taken in and this resolution certainly arouses our curiosity.
On January 12, 1848 it was "Resolved, That in consideration of the valuable and efficient services
rendered to this Lodge by Past Master, Brother Luther Goble, he be constituted a privileged
member of St. John's Lodge No. 1, and that his dues be remitted him."
86
87
An extra or special meeting of the Lodge was held on January 19, 1848. -The minutes read: "The
Lodge opened in E. A. decree, when, it having been stated to the W. M. that Past Master Brother
Isaac Andruss, late of this Lodge, was at the door, the Senior & Junior Deacons were directed to
conduct him into the Lodge; which was accordingly done, and Past Master Andruss entered the
Lodge, and was received with Grand Honors, three times three, the Brethren all standing. He was
conducted to the chair of the W:. M. and took the seat of the W. M. at the request of Br. Stewart
the WM. presiding. (Bro. Edward Stewart was a member of Newark Lodge No. 7.)
"Worshipful Master Andruss then called Br. Luther Goble, and. presented him in the name of the
Lodge with a Silver Tobacco box, in which was enclosed a copy of the Resolution of the Lodge
directing its presentation, and on which was engraved the following inscription:
""Presented to Past Master Luther Goble, by St. John's Lodge No. 1, Newark, N. J."
The Newark Gas-Light Company was chartered in 1846 and the late Henry Farmer states "the
people of the city were interested in the subject to a high degree. Nevertheless, when the books of
subscription to the capital stock were opened, on April 14, it was looked upon by many as. a
chimerical scheme, and they not only stood aloof from the enterprise, but dissuaded others from
embarking in it." Erection was soon started of gas works to supply forty thousand cubic feet of gas
per day and also the laying of four miles of distribution mains. The entire Job was completed in
eight months and the distributing of gas begun on January 5, 1847. At first only a few of the stores
and other business houses were supplied.
St. John's Lodge did not become interested in the venture until a little over a year later when on
March 22, 1848, a committee was appointed to ascertain the cost of. gas lighting. They reported
about one month later, that the expense, including laying a pipe from Broad and Academy Streets
would be about forty dollars. On May 24th a bill from the Newark Gas Light Company for $43.74
was ordered to be paid if found correct. Gas was used for lighting by the Lodge for the first time on
June 14, 1848. On the same night a bill submitted by Bowe & Dougherty Company apparently for
fixtures and amounting to $50. was ordered paid if found correct by the committee on gas.
On June 22, 1848 an invitation from Newark Lodge No. 7 to attend the dedication of their new hall
the same evening at eight o'clock was read and accepted.
On January 24, 1848 an event occurred over three thousand miles away that created a veritable
uproar. Gold was discovered at Sutter's mill on the south fork of the American river near
Columbia, California I It took some time for the news to reach" New Jersey but when it did the
rush was on. Men quit there jobs and others sold their businesses and no doubt more than wife
and family were deserted.' (They went by land and sea, in fact anyway they could, Just so long as
they got there.)
Starting on the first day of February in 1849 and continuing well into 1850, St. John's Lodge
became a bee hive of instigated industry by men who wanted to become Masons before they
began the long trek. Of course all wanted to receive all three degrees the same if not sooner, and
a good many of them did
This was made possible through the cooperation of the Right
Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Edward Stewart, who resided in Newark and was a frequent
visitor in St. John's Lodge,
These brothers made by dispensation were entered, passed and raised without the formality of
being first investigated or even voted on. They were sojourners or unaffiliated Masons from the
very beginning. A few of them later made application to St. John's as affiliating members but most
87
88
of them were never heard from again. All of them are listed in our roster of members but it is our
belief that some of them are not entitled to be considered as members .having never voted on and
accepted. So intense was the excitement that a motion was carried that the cost of the
dispensation for the first four brothers (David Tyre, James W. Newell, John Rickelton and E,
Belant amounting to sixteen dollars be paid out of the funds of the Lodge.
This terrific extravagance and willful waste of Lodge funds occurred on February 9, 1849. That
very same night however Fate stepped in and gave the Brethren an opportunity to make up for it
when that old bugaboo 'Upkeep' came a knocking. To quote the minutes: "A communication from
the Trustees of the Newark Academy was read and on motion (.it was agreed) that a committee of
three be appointed to confer with the Trustees of the Academy on the subject of Painting and that
they be instructed not to agree to pay any portion of the painting until the Trustees pay their
proportion of the roof.
On February 20, 1849 a motion was passed "that an order be drawn on the Treasurer signed by
the Worshipful Master for countersigned by the night and the Secretary for thirty dollars for
dispensation for *"N Jersey Lodge" and that this Lodge recommend said Lodge to the Grand
Lodge." The peculiar wording "Worshipful Master for the night" is accounted for by the fact that
the elected Master was not present and that someone else was pro tem for him. The question is
where was "N Jersey Lodge" and who were its members ? It is not mentioned again in our
minutes nor can we find any such name in the Grand Lodge proceedings. There is some
possibility that it may have been Hiram Lodge of Jersey which was City which given a
dispensation about that time. Whoever the men were who were interested in it, they must have
enjoyed the full confidence of St. John's Lodge
.
On May 2, 1849 the following preamble and resolution were adopted: "Whereas, Finding that
some of the members of this Lodge, having applied as visitors, for admission into one or more of
the subordinate Lodges in the State of New York, and have been denied both examination and
admission into said Lodges; they not having a Grand Lodge Certificate, the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey not recognizing the 'Certificate System, "Therefore be it resolved, That this Lodge instruct
the Secretary to communicate with all the Grand Lodges of the U. S. and the Subordinate Lodges
of New York; asking them for an expression of the several Lodges on the case in question and
requesting a copy of such expression sent to this Lodge. "Resolved If the Subordinate Lodges
shall continue to support the 'Certificate System' and the Grand Lodge continue to deny our
admission into their Lodges (which we consider an invasion of our rights as members of the
Masonic Fraternity) that we as a Lodge with our views of the Landmarks of the Order, to deny the
admission of all hailing from under the Jurisdiction of such Grand Lodge into our Lodge.
"On motion the Secretary be instructed to have the foregoing Preamble and Resolution printed in
the form of a circular." After a lapse of several years trouble with Newark Lodge No. 7 flared up
again. In the minutes of May 11, 1849 we find the following: "On motion resolved that the
following Preamble and Resolution be adopted which was carried.
"Whereas St. John's Lodge No. 1 did on the 10th day of January in 5849 receive a petition signed
by one Joseph Gam-field praying for initiation into the first degree of Ancient Free Masonry, and
said petition having been taken from the Lodge Room without the consent or knowledge of the
Lodge by one Francis E. Lindsley, and it having become known to this Lodge, that said petitioner
has applied for admission to Newark Lodge No. 7 and that said Newark Lodge No. 7 knowing that
the petitioner had presented his petition to St. John's Lodge and that said petition was
88
89
clandestinely taken from said Lodge did receive the said petition, ballot for and elected Gamfield a
member of said Lodge and conferred the 1st degree on him.
"in consideration of the facts stated above, we the officers and members of St. John's Lodge do
feel aggrieved by the act of said F. E. Lindsley and that the Masonic courtesy due from one Lodge
to another has been violated by Newark Lodge No. 7. "Therefore be it Resolved, That this Lodge
request the R. W. G-. Lodge to put us in possession of our Masonic rights and order said Newark
Lodge to desist from conferring any of the degrees of Ancient Free Masonry on said Camfleld."
The Grand Lodge committee appointed to settle the difficulty made the following report which was
adopted; "After weighing the subject carefully and deliberately, would recommend this Grand
Lodge to request St John's Lodge No. 1, to restore Francis E. Lindsley, upon condition he
confesses his error. Your committee cannot censure the proceedings of St.John's Lodge in the
above case. "This committee would also recommend this Grand Lodge to request the Grand
Master to withdraw his protest, and permit the Newark Lodge to proceed in giving Joseph
Camfield his degrees.
"Your committee would also recommend St. John's Lodge No. 1, and Newark Lodge No. 7, to
exercise more brotherly kindness toward each other. Charity covers a multitude of sins; we beg
those brethren, for the honor of Masonry, for the sake of Heaven, and their own comfort,
henceforth to live as brethren of one family.
Ephraim Camp, William B. Williams, T. A. Sterritt.'
"On motion, the Secretary was directed to make out certified copies of the report, to be sent to the
Grand Master and to Newark and St. John's Lodges."
We have no Information as to why Joseph Camfield wished to withdraw his petition from St.
John's and submit it to Newark Lodge.- As a matter of fact it may not even have been of his doing.
Not being a Mason he would have had no knowledge concerning the routine of petitions etc.
At any rate St. John's Lodge was not inclined to let the matter rest. They undoubtedly felt they
had a just grievance and that discrimination had been shown and in our opinion they were right.
On July 19, 1849 the following motion was adopted:
"That this Lodge respectfully request the Grand Master to furnish this Lodge or order furnished a
copy of the minutes of Grand Lodge or so much as relates to the Petition of Joseph Camfield and
also request him to furnish this Lodge with any information either written or verbal that induced
him to withdraw his protest against the making of Joseph Camfield in Newark Lodge."
On September 12, 1849 the following preamble and resolution were adopted:
"The Secretary having informed the Lodge that in compliance with resolution of July 18th, 1849,
he had written to the Grand Master for the information asked for in said resolution that in answer
he had received a copy of the minutes of the Grand Lodge but that the Grand Master had declined
or neglected to furnish this Lodge with any information either written or verbal that induced him to
withdraw his protest against the making of Joseph Camfield in Newark Lodge. It was on motion
Resolved that the Secretary be directed to write again to the Grand Master and request him
without delay to furnish the said information or state his reasons for not doing so, that the Lodge
may take such measures in reference thereto as the usages and customs of the Order entitle us
to."
As far as the minutes are concerned this apparently ended the matter for as nearly as we can
ascertain neither that John P. Lewis, the Grand Master, nor the Grand Secretary made any kind of
answer. The offending brother of St. John's Lodge was expelled but restored four years later.
89
90
Joseph Camfield given in the roster of Newark Lodge as "Joseph Ganfield" seems to have
completed his degrees in Newark Lodge while the .case was still being argued.
On November 28, 1849 a committee of one was appointed to procure a stone to be placed in the
National Monument at Washington. Whether or not a stone was obtained is not clear for the
committee was discharged about one year later without a report being given in the minutes.
Our first honorary membership was conferred on March 2, 1850 when William H. Stevens was so
honored. Brother Stevens was apparently a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi
and a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the same state. On March 1st of
the same year he is said to have made an impressive address at the funeral services of Past
Master Isaac Andruss. On January 22, 1851 Past Master Luther Goble presented to the Lodge a
work entitled "True Masonic Guide", edited and published by Brother K. C. Attwood, Esq. of New
York. On January 28, 1851 Brother William L. Rosa offered to give to the Lodge a hat, when
made, for the use of the Worshipful Master. We of course -are not aware of the condition of the
Master's hat in 1851, or how badly he needed one, but in Brother Ross offer was accepted and
the hat duly presented on March 13th
Chapter Twelve
General Darcy's Return, Brother Louis Kossuth's Visit, Sale of the Academy.
At the meeting of January 28, 1851 Brother Isaac P. Brown informed the Lodge that Past Graiidi Master .L Brother General John S. Darcy had returned from California where he had resided for
nearly two years. On a motion by Brother Brown it was unanimously resolved to give him a
Masonic welcome. An extra meeting was accordingly held on January 30th which was attended by
about one hundred and twenty five Masons. Among the notables who attended were Grand
Master Edward Stewart and Past Grand Masters- Jepthah B. Kunn . and Ira Merchant and Past
Deputy Grand Master- John Garside of New Jersey; Past Grand Master A. C. Babcock of the
Grand Lodge of Connecticut; and Past Grand Masters Henry C. Attwood and Thomas Hyatt of the
Grand Lodge of New York. Brothers Attwood and Hyatt and William S, Munday (Worshipful
Master of Mariners Lodge No. 67)' were introduced and received with Grand Honors. Brother
Attwood in a "neat and concise" speech thanked this Lodge for the honor of the invitation
extended him and his companions on this occasion, Alluding to the late difficulty of the- Grand
Lodge in New York he took the occasion of saying that" this Lodge and the , Grand Lodge of this
state were the first to receive him and give him and his associates a resting place and those that
.set the trap for him and his associates at that time, thank God are caught in it themselves, that
the olive branch had been extended and honestly and honorably received after a struggle of
thirteen years. "Past Grand Master Brother General Darcy and Past Grand Master Munn were
then received with Grand Honors after which Brothers Darcy and Attwood were introduced.
Brother Darcy then addressed the Lodge alluding to the kindness extended to him on many
occasions which placed him under many obligations to St. John's Lodge,
"After Lodge closed the brethren repaired to the ad-Joining room to partake of a collation prepared
for the occasion under the direction of Brother Edward Stewart. The balance of the evening was
spent in "flow of Wit & Humor, Sentiment & Songs." The first toast was to "The Memory of our
venerated & world renowned Washington, Who ever conducted himself as a correct & upright
Mason." Numerous other toasts followed. At the meeting of February 12, 1851 a communication
was read signed by B. West, J. Baylis, B. McCormick (Jr.?), G. V. Wilson, Win. W. Pool, Jas.
Nlcholson and H. G. Jones asking this Lodge to recommend them to the Grand Master of this
90
91
Action on state for a dispensation to open a new Lodge in this city. The application was postponed
until the following meeting when on February 26th the following preamble and resolution were
adopted: ;
"Whereas an application has come before us, that we recommend to the Grand Master the
granting of a dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge in this city, and whereas the two
Lodges at present existing here are amply sufficient to promote the best interest of Masonry,
affording room enough for all present and immediately prospective members, therefore resolved
that we-deem it inexpedient to give our sanction to the establishment of said new Lodge."
On March 26, 1851 it was resolved that the Secretary be instructed to procure certificates of
discharge printed on parchment.
'On May 28, 1851 the Secretary was instructed to subscribe to the "National Monument", a
newspaper published in Washington, D. G., each copy of which was to be preserved on file for the
use of the Lodge. Apparently the newspaper had ceased operations for on November 13 of the
same year a communication was received from it containing two dollars worth of Post Office
Stamps returned as the cost of the subscription. -It was on motion .decided to accept the stamps
in lieu of money. It would seem that a lot of time had been spent discussing the matter for the next
resolution is a masterpiece, "Resolved the papers published by Bro. H. G. Attwood be received &
the Lodge go to work." This last paper may have been the "Masonic Sentinel" .
On July 25, 1851 Michael P. Nearny received all three degrees by dispensation. He was elected a
member on December 26, 1851. Probably no one reading this history ever heard of Brother
Nearny which isn't at all surprising. We believe his story is worth retelling but to do it we will have
to go back a few years.
Newark was made a port of entry in 1834- and about two years later warehouses for the reception
of sperm oil and whalebone were built near the Centre Street docks by the Stephens, Condit &
Wright Whaling and Sealing Company. One of the whaling ships this company fitted out was the
"John Wells" which made a trip around Gape Horn in 1837. Unfortunately after three more trips'
the whaling industry in Newark seems to have petered out.
One of the members of the "John Wells" crew was a boy, Michael Nearny, who later became a
New Jersey pilot of marked efficiency. He was one of the first to realize the great need of
lighthouses in Newark Bay and at Bergen Point. He aroused public sentiment and called upon a
Congressman from Jersey City for assistance. In 1847 money was appropriated for the erection
of both, of them. Both houses were lighted for the first time on September 20, 1849. Captain
Nearny was made keeper of the Newark Bay light and held that post for twenty-one years. He
kept a record of the vessels that passed his light and found that as many as three hundred
sometimes passed in a single day.
On October 22, 1851 an application was made by a number of German Brothers to St, John's
Lodge, praying for a recommendation to the Grand Master for a dispensation to hold a German
Lodge in the City of Newark to be styled Diagnose Lodge. This group fared better than the
previous one for it was resolved that St. John's recommend them to the Grand Master providing
he found them worthy. It-was also resolved that we grant them the use of our Lodge-room on
Monday evenings until they became organized. The dispensation was granted and the Lodge
duly warranted at the Grand Lodge session of January 14, 1852.
91
92
In the minutes for the annual communication of 1851 we find the first complete report by the
Secretary. Among other things it mentioned that there were sixty-two full paying members, seven
who paid Grand Lodge dues only, one exempt ( a minister) and three officers whose dues were
apparently remitted making a total of seventy-three full members. The Lodge spent that year
$94.12 or about one-third of the total amount received for charity.. Brother John K. Landell, then
Secretary, said in his report: "I would state that at the beginning of this year I found the Books &
papers of the Secretary in a very confused condition & it has been with a great deal of trouble, that
I have been able to arrange them (the members) on the Roll Book that correct returns may be
made to the Grand Lodge."
On February 11, 1852 Brother George Z. Waldron of South Carolina was made an Honorary
Member of St.. John' s by a resolution of the Lodge. Brother Waldron was the second Mason and
the last one to date (1951) to be so honored.
On the same evening it was decided to ascertain what the Old Jewels could sold for and the cost
of a new set of Officers' regalia. Over a year later on April 13, 1853, the committee appointed to
look into the matter reported the new regalia and jewels purchased. There is no itemized account
but Day, Thrush & Company's bill' for a goblet and jewels amounting to $71.50 was ordered paid
the same night.
On February 11, 1852 it was resolved "that all dues remaining against any Past Master or
Worshipful Master while acting as Master of this Lodge be remitted during their official term."
In July 1851 a motion had been passed that a committee be appointed to repair and refit the
Lodge-room. On February 17, 1852, the committee consisting of Brothers Landell, Brown and
Ricord reported as follows:
"The undersigned, a committee appointed to refit and furnish the Lodge-room would most
respectfully report, that the duty assigned them, is now discharged; and beg leave also to state
that since their last partial report the Lodge by a special resolution directed them to substitute for
the lights in use, burners upon each and all the columns supporting the dome, together the with
three regular Masonic lights for the altar; also, to carpet and procure chairs for the room, all of
which has been done by your committee and the expense attending the carrying said resolution
into effect are as follows:
3 Doz. Chairs S .|13 per Doz.
$39.00
3 Candlesticks
5.50
Work on Doors
.37
Changing Gas Lights & fixtures 35.30
Carpet & Trimmings
75.88
Zinc for Stone
.50
Making & putting down carpet
9.87
Upholstering
207.18
Carpentering
113.38
Sash & Blinds
40.59
2 Tables
8.00
Painting
65.98
Papering
60.00
Cleaning
6.25
Stone & pipe
16.81
92
93
Spittoons & rugs
12.25
.Masonry
7.18
Total Expense
$704.04
Paid
190.28
Balance Unpaid
$513.76
"Your committee would further state that several articles in the Lodge-room which were of no
further use have been sold at auction for the sum of $8.89.
"Though it may not come within the province of your committee to devise means for the payment
of the debt contracted by sundry resolutions of the Lodge, still your committee, on inquiry, have
found that a large amount of money is due the Lodge from its members and although great
exertion has been made to collect what is due, a very small sum has yet been received. If the
§350.00 which now stands upon the Books of this Lodge can be obtained we shall be .able to
liquidate all our debts within sixty days from this date. "Your committee in justice to themselves
must state, that the amount expended, though large, is nothing more than was ordered by special
resolutions of the Lodge, and they sincerely hope that the working members, will protect them
from the charge of extravagance brought against them by those who are ignorant of the
circumstances by reason of their irregular attendance upon our meetings.
"And your committee would also most .respectfully beg to be discharged. J. H. Landell F. W.
Ricord Isaac P. Brown Court." It is well to remember when reading the above report and noting
the various amounts spent that this work was done almost exactly one hundred years ago. The
prices are utterly foreign to us today, but somehow the portion of the report regarding outstanding
dues and the difficulty of collecting them has a familiar ring. some things have changed but not
human nature.
On February 25, 1852 a complaint was read from Diogenes Lodge No. 22 of this city, stating that
Sohokke Lodge No. 202 in New York City had entered, passed and raised some ten persons
within six months past who were residents of this state in violation of all Masonic usages. On a
motion by Past Grand Master Jeptha B Munn. it was decided that a committee be appointed to
investigate the matter and report "forthwith" to this Lodge There is no record of this committee
ever reporting. On April 6, 1852 a communication was-read from a group of Masons seeking to
form a new and Lodge to be called North Ward Lodge to be located in the North Ward of this City.
The communication was signed by E. T. Hillyer, J. R. Crockett, Alex. Eagle, Levi H. Sanford, D.
W. -Morris, Nicholas W. Rutan, Israel G. Eagles, E. Norwood and John Garside. They asked that
St. John's Lodge recommend their application to the Most Worshipful Grand Master. The
application was referred to a committee who reported adversely on May 12, 1852. The petition
however eventually reached Grand Lodge apparently through some other Lodge and that body
after much discussion granted a warrant On January 12, 1853, the new Lodge to be known as
Northern Lodge No. 25.
In the latter part of 1851 Louis Kossuth, the noted Hungarian patriot visited the United States
where he received a tumultuous welcome. He seems to have made a tour of the country for or.
April. 19, 1852, a series of resolution's (not given in the minutes) were read inviting him and his
suite to visit St. John's Lodge. On motion a committee was appointed to confer with the other
Lodges about receiving him. Past Grand Master John S. Darcy seems to have been the chairman
and had members of St. John's, Newark and Diogenes Lodges to assist him. Two days later on
April 21st, an extra meeting was held to receive Brother Kossuth, which was attended by about
one hundred and sixty-five of the brethren. A committee was immediately appointed to wait upon
Brother Kossuth and those of his suite who were Masons and conduct them to the Lodge. While
this--was being done it was resolved to appoint another committee to collect whatever the
93
94
brethren wished to contribute as "material aid" to Brother Kossuth. Brother Silas Merchant, the
chairman, reported that forty-one dollars had been collected and stated there were two Brothers
present who said that if the sum was made up to fifty dollars, they would contribute a similar
amount to make the entire amount one hundred dollars. Needless to say the deficit was quickly
made up.
A short time later Brothers Louis Kossuth and Col. Bethle'ny were announced and entered the
Lodge attended by Grand Master Brother Edward Stew art, Past Master Luther Goble and the
committee and were received with Grand Honors. Brother Kossuth was welcomed by the
Worshipful Master, Frederick W. Ricord, after which he replied in a happy manner and took his
seat. After an Entered Apprentice degree, the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment to
permit the brethren an opportunity to congratulate the two visitors. Upon being called to labor
again Brother Koasuth was presented with the amount collected "in a few happy and well timed
remarks, which were replied to in a feeling manner after which Brother Kossuth left."
Both visitors signed the minutes and gave as their Lodge Cincinnati Lodge of Ohio.
On May 18, 1352 Brother Scott made a statement relative to the family of Brother Alexander C.
Forbes, who was made by dispensation in this Lodge on December 6, 1849, and who has been
confined in a South American prison. On motion it was resolved that a committee be appointed to
circulate a subscription list for the benefit of Brother Forbes family. . Brother Landell notes that
Brother Forbes became identified with politics in Brazil, was arrested and remained in prison for
several years. The Lodge was informed of the situation by Judge Scott of New Brunswick and
called the attention of the United States Government to it. On June 24, 1852 Brother George Z.
Waldron presented to the Lodge two bound volumes entitled "Mackay's Ahiman Rezon of South
Carolina" and Mackay's Lexicon of Free Masonry". The thanks of the Lodge were tendered to
Brother Waldron for his beautiful present.
*On the same evening it was resolved "the sum of one dollar be appropriated to the Tyler to
procure the extermination of mice and other vermin from the Chapter room." A jest could easily
be made of this but rather than risk offending our Companions of the Royal Arch, we will simply
state that all refreshments were served in the Chapter room rather than in the Lodge room.
We have purposely omitted mention of Masonic funerals of which there had bean a number prior
to this time, but one was held on August 31. 1852, which we believe should be mentioned. On the
day previous an extra meeting had been held which was presided over by Right Worshipful Grand
Master Edward Stewart acting as Worshipful Master pro tern. At the meeting Brother Stewart
stated that Brother Jesse R. Donaldson, formerly a member of this Lodge, had requested previous
to his death that he be buried by the Fraternity. Brother Stewart as Grand Master decreed that
last tribute of respect should be paid him. There must nave been extenuating circumstances of
which we are not aware for Brother Donaldson had been a member of the Lodge only about two
weeks, having been raised on January 27, 1849 and given his dimit on February 9, 1849. Past
Grand Chaplain Linhart officiated at the church service and Past Grand Master William Stevens of
Mississippi pronounced the funeral ceremony at the grave. The procession to and from the
cemetery was accompanied by a band of music.
On September 22, 1852 the Secretary was empowered to procure a Roll Book to record the
names of the members of this Lodge from 1761. This is more than likely the large book still in
use.
94
95
The Lodge seems to have got Into difficulties this year for at the meeting of December 8th the
following communication was read and ordered on file: "Newark, Nov. 30th, 1852 "To the WM,
Wardens & Brethren of St. John's Lodge At an Emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State
of New Jersey the following Resolutions were passed.:Resolved that the Resolutions of the report
of the Committee on difficulties of St. John's Lodge be adopted and that the Secretary be
requested to transmit a copy thereof to St. John' s Lodge.
"In accordance with the above resolution I. herewith send a copy of said resolutions.
"Resolved that St. John's Lodge by accepting Due Bills instead of money for the fee of petitions,
Receiving Minority Reports of the committees on candidates for Masonry, and by rescinding the
resolutions of the regular communications at Extra lodge meetings has departed from the Ancient
Landmarks of Masonry and also violated the 1st, .2nd and 4th Sees. Art. IV, By-Laws, by which
the same is governed.
"Resolved that the election of Brother John R. Peirson is contrary to Masonic Law and that he is
not a member of St. John l s Lodge .
"Resolved that St. John's Lodge be directed to dismiss the charges against Past Master Luther
Goble and that the same be erased from the Book: of Minutes.
"Resolved that we urge upon the Brethren of St. John's Lodge the necessity of a strict adherence
to the ancient usages and customs of the Craft and also recommend them to unite their earnest
endeavors to restore harmony and good order again in the lodge thus promoting their best interest
as well as increasing the general welfare and prosperity of the whole Fraternity with respect I am
fraternally yours, Milton Baldwin D. G.
In January of 1853 the Lodge made its first suspension of members for nonpayment of dues. Up
until this time members owing dues and failing to pay had been expelled. The change was due to
new Grand Lodge regulations which were explained in detail to the members by Grand Master
Stewart.
On January 5, 1853 a communication from officers of the Clay Monumental Association of
Lexington, Ky. was read. On motion a committee of three was appointed to solicit subscriptions.
At the communication of February 9 1853 the following was adopted: "Resolved that this Lodge
hold their regular meetings hereafter until further notice, on Wednesday evening of every week in
lieu of second and fourth Wednesdays as heretofore." In the minutes for March 24, 1853 we find
the following; "Whereas that inasmuch as several members of this Lodge reside out of the city of
Newark and in some cases out of the county and to avoid any difficulty respecting a certain
resolution said to have been passed several years since, respecting non-resident members,
therefore Resolved, that any member who resides out of the city be exempt from the payment of
full dues, but shall pay Grand Lodge dues only and be considered non-resident members."
1853 seems to have been a monument year for on March 31st a communication was received
from R. J. Stewart on behalf of the Board of Managers of the Washington Monument Society
apparently asking for a contribution. A committee was appointed to consider it.
At the same meeting Most Worshipful Grand Master Stewart presented the Lodge with a beautiful
setting maul. The "neat and useful" present was accepted with thanks.
On March 31, 1853 and agreeable to a resolution passed some time since, the committee
appointed for the purpose presented Brother John H. Landell with a silver goblet as a memento
from the Lodge in just appreciation of his valuable services as Secretary of the Lodge and fidelity
and zeal as a. member thereof. The presentation was made by Brother Chandler in a neat and
appropriate address, to which Brother Landell responded.
95
96
Some time back it had been suggested that the old minutes be bound but apparently the work was
not done for on . April 6, 1853 it was resolved "that the old minutes of this • Lodge in an unbound
state, also the pamphlets and magazines of this Lodge, be bound and placed in such condition as
to insure their preservation." Brothers Landell, Pierson and Clark were appointed as a committee
to see that it was done.
On May 4, 1853 the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Edward Stewart, introduced a petition from
Jerusalem Lodge of Plainfield and one from Rahway Lodge of Rahway, which having declined,
now ask for a dispensation, that their Lodges may be resuscitated, so that they may work until
next regular communication of Grand Lodge. On motion the same was carried.
On May 18, 1853 the following preamble and resolution were presented and read by Brother
Gabriel Grant:
"Whereas, an expedition is about to embark for the Arctic regions under the command of our
Brother Mason, Dr. E. K. Kane, under the auspices of the beneficent Mr. Henry Grinnell of New
York, for scientific discovery and more especially in search of the long lost Brother Mason, Sir
John Franklin, therefore,
"Resolved, that the search so long and so ardently prosecuted, so interesting to the scientific and
enterprising and enlisting the sympathies of the two great nations of the world., demands from us
however humble an expression of sympathy as Masons.
"Resolved that our hearty sympathy and confidence be hereby tendered to Brother Dr. E. K. Kane,
his officers and men, in their hazardous enterprise, with the assurance that their enterprise will be
successful, if numbers, energy and perseverance can accomplish it. "Resolved that these
resolutions be communicated to Brother E. K. Kane and those interested with him."
On motion the above resolutions were adopted and the Secretary instructed to enter them upon
the minutes and also to communicate the same to Brother Dr. E. K. Kane.
On November 30, 1853 a vote of thanks was passed to Union Chapter No. 2, R. A. M. for fitting up
the anteroom of the Lodge. At the same meeting a resolution was defeated to appoint a
committee to confer with Union Chapter "to make arrangements with them for rent for the last two
years."
At the communication of December 28, 1853 the following resolutions were adopted:
"Whereas in all well regulated associations their success and prosperity is mainly to be attributed
to the wise administration of affairs by the one upon whom is imposed the task of government and
as this St.' John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. have during the year been greatly benefited and
prospered by the wise councils and purely Masonic doctrine that has emanated from the east of
the Lodge as represented and ably filled by our late Worthy Worshipful Master Luther Goble
therefore be it
"Resolved, That this Lodge do appreciate and would embrace this method of conveying to our late
Worshipful Master our Just appreciation of the faithful and successful manner in which he has
conducted the affairs of the Lodge during the past year Slightly less than four years later, on the
evening of March 25, 1857, Brother Luther Goble moved that a committee be appointed to draft
suitable resolutions in reference to the death of Brother Elisha Kent Kane.
96
97
On April 8, 1857 the following resolutions were reported by the committee and unanimously
adopted: "Whereas, it has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove to the Heavenly
Lodge, our friend and Brother, Elisha Kent Kane, therefore, "Resolved, That as St. John's Lodge
showed its sympathy and interest, when our brother left these shores on his last heroic expedition
towards the pole, by sending a deputation to witness his departure, and bid him God-speed; So
now it is especially entitled to recall in a formal manner his stern self-denial, his unfaltering
courage, his large heartedness, and his rare capacity. "Resolved, That among the many illustrious
names which adorn the annals of Masonry, there is none more worthy to be held in lasting
remembrance, than that of him who first planted on the icy peaks of the Arctic Circle, the flag
which bears the emblem of our Ancient Craft: whose life was squared by the principles of right,
and contained within its too narrow limits every virtue; and whose early death, although too soon
for science and humanity, was yet not too soon for a glorious and Immortal fame.
"Resolved, That as we treasure among our most valued souvenirs the fact that Lafayette hallowed
our venerable Lodge, by occupying on one occasion the Master's Chair, so will the memory of our
connection, though slight, with the illustrious Kane be forever cherished with, the liveliest feelings
of gratification and pride. "Resolved, That we tender our sincere condolence to his bereaved
family, and that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to them. On behalf of the Lodge
Alex. N. Dougherty, Luther Goble, Committee James Ross Newark, Apr. 8, 1857."
On April 22, 1857 the Secretary reported that he had, in accordance with the order of the Lodge at
the last communication transmitted to the father of Dr. Kane a copy of the resolutions passed by
this Lodge in relation to his bereavement, and had received a reply, which was ordered to be filed
and engrossed upon the minutes as follows: "Dear Sir, I pray you to tender to the officers and
members of St. John's Lodge, my sincere thanks for the Honour they have done to my son's
memory, by their eloquent resolutions, and to believe me Very faithfully, Yours, J. K. Kane Phil:
20th Apr. 1857."
"Resolved, That we recognize the system of work in which we have been so ably instructed by
Bro. P. M. .Goble to be purely Masonic and believe it to be of vital importance not only to
ourselves, but also to all who love and adhere to our ancient institution that we should thus listen
to and attentively regard the counsels era. wisdom, age and experience as we are
permitted to receive them from such an Apostle of Masonry
"Resolved, That although our late Master has retired from his seat in the east yet he carries with
him the consciousness, that those who have been faithful to the best interests of the Lodge during
his late administration and have been present to assist him in carrying on the work do warmly and
heartily extend to him a grateful remembrance of his faithfulness which it is their peculiar and
happy privilege to accord
"Resolved, That a copy of these preamble and resolutions be presented to Brother Past Master
Luther Goble and also engrossed upon the minutes."
The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted at the communication of
January 4, 1854:
"Whereas, the practice of the great principle of the fraternity - Charity - is enjoined upon us, not
only individually as Masons, but collectively as a Lodge and believing that every body of
congregated Masons ought sedulously to promote the active exercise, of that virtue among
Masons, and the Masonic fraternity as well as the world at large
"And whereas as in union there is strength and by a union of our strength in a holy cause we are
better enabled to secure success. Therefore be it Resolved that the representatives of St. John's
Lodge to the Grand Lodge of the state be instructed to present before that body for its adoption a
series of resolutions proposing the establishment among the. subordinate Lodges under its
jurisdiction of a voluntary fund to be devoted exclusively to the purpose of establishing, erecting,
97
98
furnishing and completing a Building to be used as a home for indigent Masons, their widows and
orphans.
"Resolved that our representatives as aforesaid be directed earnestly to urge upon the attention of
the Grand Lodge the great value of such an institution to the fraternity, and the advantages it
presents for the exercise on an extended scale of those principles which we all profess and
advocate."
On January 18, 1854 a committee appointed a few meetings previously to consider the
advisability of increasing the initiation fee reported as follows:
"Your committee appointed at the last regular meeting of this Lodge to examine into the feasibility
of raising the initiation fee from $16. to $24. would respectfully report that they have consulted with
brethren of different Lodges in this city and have ascertained that the Northern Lodge have since
their organization had their fees fixed at $20. and also that Newark Lodge did at a meeting held a
few weeks since appointing a committee for the same purpose for which this committee was
appointed and this said committee do report in favor of raising the Initiation fee as above.
. "Your committee therefore do respectfully report in favor of raising the initiation fee from $16. to
$24. provided the Newark Lodge do likewise believing that it will affect our interest more favorably
than otherwise."
On February , 1854 a new set of By-laws was adopted and are given in full in the minutes. Among
other things they provided the following., some of which are quite interesting at this date almost
one hundred years later.
The Lodge was to meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. (Within the next
ten years this was changed several times, the changes being to weekly meetings, to the fourth
Wednesdays of each month, to every Wednesday, to twice a month, back to every Wednesday
etc. Either they couldn't make up their minds or they were experimenting.)
The hours of meeting to be from the vernal to the autumnal equinox at seven o' clock and from
autumnal to the vernal equinox at six o'clock.
The officers to be a Master, two Wardens, a Treasurer, a Secretary, two Deacons, two Stewards
and a Tyler.
The duties of the Tyler are Interesting: "For the preservation of secrecy and good harmony a
Brother well skilled as a Master Mason shall be elected to tyle the Lodge during the time of
communication and shall be subject to removal by a majority of the members present at any
meeting upon conviction of carelessness or unmasonic conduct and he shall receive for his
services the following sums viz. for tyllng per night 75 and for every candidate raised $1.00.
No Brother to serve more than two years in succession in same office, Treasurer, Secretary and
Tyler excepted.
Dues to be one shilling for each regular night and any Brother in arrears three months shall not be
entitled to vote, or speak on any subject or hold office. Initiation fee to be $24. out of which $1.
shall be given to the Tyler. (Fee as reduced to $20. on September 15,1854)
Every candidate at his initiation to be presented 'with a lambskin apron or white leather apron, a
copy of Cross Masonic chart and a pair of white silk gloves. (The giving of the last two articles was
rescinded on Sept. 13, 1854.)
Adjoining (affiliating) membership fee to be $5. (This was reduced to $3. on Sept. 13, 1854.)
No visitor to be admitted without the consent of the Master and without having performed a certain
ceremony in the presence of some officer of the Lodge except such visitor as shall be known as a
lawful brother of good standing.
Every visiting brother to pay one shilling a night after his first visit except he is a contributing
member of some other Lodge. On refusal or neglect to pay admittance could be refused.
98
99
On April 26, 1854 it was on motion ordered that the Secretary receive fifty cents per night
beginning with the first regular meeting in May.
At the communication of May 24, 1854, Brother Augustus L. Wilcox, as chairman of the Charity
Fund Committee, reported that after due consideration they thought it advisable to establish a
fund for the relief of Brothers in distress, together with their widows and orphans and
recommended the appointment of a committee of five. Only three of the committee were in favor
of it for on June 7th the balance of the committee gave a minority report opposing it. On June 14th
it was resolved that the proceedings of the Lodge on June 7th and 14th were irregular. The
majority of the members however seemed to be in favor of something be done for on June 28th a
resolution by Brother Wilcox way adopted that St. John's Lodge establish a fund for the express
purpose of Charity and that a committee of five be appointed to draft a plan to be submitted to the
Lodge for their consideration and support. Just what happened is not clear. Possibly no suitable
plan could be devised. At any rate, at the meeting of September 27, 1854 the committee was
discharged and a resolution was carried that the matter be indefinitely postponed.
On April 19, 1854 a communication had been received asking assistance of the Lodge to aid in
the construction of a Masonic Temple at Washington, D. C. On June 7th the committee appointed
to consider the request reported adversely to any appropriation from the Lodge but recommended
as far as individual members were concerned that the Treasurer be authorized to receive all
donations that might be handed in and forward them to Washington.
On July 26, 1854 the Secretary reported that acting on instructions from the Lodge he had
purchased a book for visitors to sign.
The Federal Government had apparently expressed an interest in buying the Academy as a site
for a new post office for on August 9, 1854 it was "Resolved, That the Trustees be instructed to
attend immediately to the procurement of a proper title or deed for the property of this Lodge and
procure Counsel if necessary."
On September 6th a special communication of the Lodge was held -at which a note from the
Trustees of the Academy was read requesting an interview with the St. John's Lodge, for the
purpose of effecting a sale of their interests in the Academy. A resolution was adopted that "The
Trustees of St. John's Lodge confer with the committee appointed by the Trustees of the Academy
Building.
At the annual communication held on December 20, 1854, the subject was brought up again when
Brother John H. Landell offered the following motion, "that a committee be appointed to disburse
charity to Brothers in distress, and Lodge the indigent widows of deceased Brothers, and that the
funds be placed at their disposal. An amendment was offered by Brother Peirson that the
committee be authorized to draw upon the Treasurer, without consulting the Lodge, for any sum of
$10.00 or under, but over that sum the Lodge to be consulted. This sum was afterwards raised to
$25.00. Another amendment was offered by Brother Craven, that $100.00 be placed in the hands
of the committee. Brother Wilcox then proposed a substitute for the original motion, that a
committee be appointed to relieve present cases of distress, which being amended by Brother
Teese, placing $40.00 at their disposal, was carried. Committee - J. H. Landell, C. H. Peirson and
A. L. Wilcox."
This is undoubtedly the forerunner of our present day Relief Committee who "has the power to
dispense charity or relief as they see fit and to call upon the Lodge for whatever funds they need
without accounting in detail for their disbursement.
99
10
0
The members, all having been notified to attend, the Trustees reported at the next meeting,
September 13th, that they had had a conference with the Trustees of the Academy but had
arrived at no definite conclusion in regard to the .sale of the Lodge title. They also stated theTrustees of the Academy wished the Lodge to fix some price for their interests and authorize them
to dispose of the whole to the General Government as soon as convenient. A resolution was then
passed that the Trustees of the Lodge be empowered to act with the Trustees of the Academy, in
the sale of the property, and that in the opinion of the Lodge, the price of the Lodge property
should not be less than $15,000.
In the minutes of December 13, 1854 we read, "information having been received, that the
Trustees of the Academy contemplated violating the rights of the Lodge, in the matter of disposing
of the property, it was resolved, that the Trustees of the Lodge be instructed to watch the
proceedings of the Trustees of the Academy, at the approaching session of the Legislature, in
their efforts to obtain a Charter, and take such action in the premises, as they may deem fit for the
best interests of the Lodge."
On Jan 19, 1855 a special meeting was held to take into consideration the sale of the Interests of
the Lodge in the Academy Building. "On motion, the Deed by which St. John's Lodge holds the
property was then read. Motion was then made that the resolution authorizing the Trustees of the
Lodge, to sell the property, for a sum not less than $15»000. be reconsidered. Carried. And
motion then made to authorize them to sell for sum, not less than $12,000. which was amended,
to authorize them to sell for sum not less than $10,000. The amendment being carried the vote
was then taken on the resolution as MB amended, by ayes & nays." There were 59 ayes and 8
nays, all of whose names are given.
"A majority of all the members (59) having voted in the affirmative, it was declared, that the
resolution authorizing the Trustees to dispose of the interests of the Lodge in the Academy
Building according to terms of the Deed, was carried."
On February 23, 1855 another special meeting was held to take into consideration the title to the
Lodge property. The following resolution was adopted: "That Brother Wm.' Silas Whltehead, be
appointed to confer and act with the Trustees of this Lodge, and their Counsel, in securing the
legal interest of this Lodge in the transfer of the Lodge property to the General Government, And
that the Trustees and their Counsel, are hereby Instructed to secure the legal title of this Lodge in
a Bill now before the Legislature."
On motion, the protest of Brother Lewis C. Grover against the sale of the Lodge property, was
ordered to be received and placed upon the records."
On June 13, 1855 Brother James J. Carter stated that $10,000. had been placed in the City Bank
to the credit of the Trustees of St. John's Lodge, being the purchase money for the ;property, thus
indicating that the sale had been consummated.
At the communication of September 26, 1855 a committee was appointed to procure if possible,
the Corner Stone of the ;Old Academy, and also the archives deposited in it. They reported on
October 10th that there were no documents found in the stone, and that the stone Itself, had
already been disposed of to the New Jersey Historical Society. The stone apparently was later
returned to the Academy for use in another building on High Street. It now has a place of honor in
the present building on First Street, as described in an earlier chapter.
100
End Book 1 at 1855
Prior to Chapter 13
Notes on the relations of St. Johns Lodge No.1
with the so-called clandestine St. John's Grand Lodge of New York 1821-1850.
St. John's Lodge was involved with a so-called clandestine Grand Lodge of New York way back in
the period from 1825 to 1850. In fact, in 1841 St. John's Lodge No. 1-, was admitting the
members of St. John's Grand Lodge of New York. This matter was brought before the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey and charges were preferred against two Past Grand Masters, Jeptha. B.
Munn and John S. Darcy. These charges were in the form of a letter from Brother Persons of
New York to Brother Spencer of New Jersey. (Hough, 510-511) These were the Grand
representatives of the respective jurisdictions. Brother Perssons letter was what might be called
"somewhat warm" and he referred to a meeting of St. John's Lodge of New Jersey where he had
been asked to visit and confer some of the degrees and while there, a member of a New York
Lodge which admitted allegiance to St. John's Grand Lodge was admitted and, of course, there
was trouble and Brother Perssons protested. The Grand Lodge, however, laid the matter on the
table on the ground that there was no evidence before the Grand Lodge.
The original charges were brought against Brothers Munn and Darcy in St. John's Lodge in
September, 1842 (Hough 518) but those brethren were not members of St. John's at the time so
the charges were apparently under the Ancient Regulations permitting charges in any Lodge. The
two brothers affiliated with St. John's in 1850.
However, at the November session in 1842 (Hough 318) the charges again came up and among
these charges were those of installing a spurious Grand Lodge commonly known as St. John's
Grand Lodge of New York. This finally resulted in the dismissal of the charges because they had
not properly come before the Lodge but later they were brought up again and finally resulted in a
resolution "that Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and. John S. Darcy for the part they took in
the year 1837 in installing the Grand Officers of self-styled St. John's Grand Lodge in the City of
New York, deserve the censure of this Grand Lodge".
Apparently that is the last that was ever heard of the charges so that it is necessary to inquire as
to what this St. John's Grand Lodge was?
March 9, 1821 the lodges in the ten western counties through a convention, petitioned the Grand
Lodge of New York that a Grand Lodge be organized in the Western part of the State.
Involved in this question were various other questions of proxy rights, voting, payment of mileage
and expenses of representatives.
The Grand Lodge met in New York City, was controlled by the New York City Lodges and the
country Lodges didn't have a look-in. Remember this was in 1822. Railroads had not been started,
they did not come along until 1830. Even the Erie Canal had not been built. It was the stagecoach age. The country lodges felt that they were not properly represented and were imposed
upon and hence this rebellion and apparently many influential Masons in other jurisdictions joined
in the rebellion. This schism finally came to a head in 1822.
In 1827 a compromising compact was made and the two Grand lodges got together. Then came
the Anti-Masonic period, but in 1837 a new schism resulted and on September 12th 1837 St.
101
10
1
10
2
John's Grand Lodge was formed. The regular Grand Lodge thereupon declared it clandestine and
all the lodges which formed it were declared clandestine and this remained in this situation for
thirteen years but in 1850 the St. John's Grand Lodge was with great ceremony, merged in Grand
Lodge of New York, but St. John's Grand Lodge never gave up its contentions, nor did it submit
and consequently we have the situation of the Grand Lodge of New York admitting as regular in
1850, what it had declared in 1857 to be irregular and clandestine.
In 1853 a new schism developed in New York. There were four grievances:
(l) Because of the election as Grand Master of Reuben Walworth formerly Chancellor of the State;
the opinions he had entertained concerning Masonry from 1827 to 1852; that for £5 years he had
been a non-contributing member; that it was intended to make him Grand Master for life.
(2) Large amounts of money had been shamefully squandered.
(3) Lodges had been inordinately taxed by Grand Lodge.
(4)The inquisitorial exercise of power by the Grand Lodge over subordinate lodges and
individual members.
In addition to these four grievances, I think we can read in another one and that is the
political question which has always existed in New York and to some extent in New Jersey,
i.e. the conflict between the metropolitan ,district and the "up-state" district. This conflict between
New York City and the rest of the State has existed so far back: "that the memory of man
runneth not to the contrary" and it probably had its effect on the Masonic Institution.
The same situation has existed in New Jersey between North Jersey and South Jersey
politically but not to the same extent masonically but there has always been a conflict between
the rural and the urban districts. Sometimes this has been friendly and once in a while it has
been acrimonious.
But finally, in New York, the "hatchet was buried" in about 1856 or 1657 so we have the situation
of prominent officers of the New Jersey Grand Lodge and of St. John's Lodge of Newark assisting
in forming a so-called clandestine Grand Lodge in New York which clandestine Grand Lodge later
was merged and that ended the irregularity.
The same situation happened in the Grand Lodge of England around 1757 when the Grand Lodge
was split up, the seceders calling themselves the Ancients and denominating those who stayed
as the Moderns and this state of affairs existed until 1813 when the two Grand Lodges merged
under the present title of the United Grand Lodge of England.
In the meantime, both English Grand Lodges had sent provincial Grand Masters into America and
lodges were formed here emanating from both Grand Lodges but finally all were reunited after the
uniting of the Grand Lodges of England.
Some of these defections and splits both in England and America were caused by overambitious Masons with a desire for office and some of the reasons we may lay directly to the
spirit of independence and belief that the brethren had been unfairly treated. .
We. must also remember that clandestine or irregularity may mean merely a failure to be
sanctioned by the Grand Lodge having territorial jurisdiction so that in the case of the St. John's
Grand Lodge what was once irregular later became regular.
The facts in this have been gathered from the History of Free Masonry and the Concordant
Orders, 1900 - Fraternity Publishing Company and the facts on New York were by Charles
E.Meyer, PM of Melita Lodge 295, Penna., from Right Worshipful Brother Hough's reprint on
102
10
3
Proceedings of New Jersey, 1786 to 1857 and from Mackay's Encyclopedia of Free Masonry as
revised and from Right Worshipful Ossian Lang's History of Free Masonry in New York.
LORE editor: the following items appear at this point in the document. They appear to comments
by someone on the past chapters.
Chapter 13
1855 Onward
February 22,1855, Past Master Goble was presented with a jewel for his past services, etc. yet
on May 16, 1855 a report .was made on charges- and the committee upheld the three last
charges but the motion to adopt the report of the Committee was lost.
Then there was a motion to fine Goble $25.00 which, of course, was a considerable amount of
money in 1855f and it isn't to be thrown around even today, but then this motion was amended
to make the fine $6 which, I think, is one farthing English money but you had better look it up.
In other words, the reprimand was a slap on the wrist.
Labelled Page 5
We do not know the reason for this action but apparently the Senior Warden stood up to the
Grand Master and the Grand Lodge and the Committee retired.
Apparently there was an amicable settlement at the last meeting but the Worshipful Master
submitted to authority by technically 'surrendering the Warrant' and immediately having it returned.
It is to be remembered that the Worshipful Master was Worshipful Master Silas Whitehead who
had a wonderful grasp of Masonic Law and, in my opinion, was the man who put Masonic Law in
New Jersey into some kind of shape. Of course, it was followed up later by. Hamilton Wallace who
completed the job. I am inclined to think that on that first meeting, if the Grand Master had
exercised his prerogatives, he could have lifted the warrant at the time and told the Senior Warden
where he got off but apparently they were actually working in the interests of peace and harmony.
Labelled Page 6
I had forgotten all about this meeting place over the office of Hayes & Chetwood at 314 Broad
street and in our little sketch of 1936 at the time of the 175th anniversary, we omitted this meeting
place and noted that the Lodge went directly from the Academy Building to the Bank Building at
Broad & Bank Streets. Apparently, in 1856 the new Bank Building was being erected.
Labelled Pages 8 & 9
Apparently this $10,000.00 was the foundation of our present invested funds.
Labelled page 10
The matter of charges against certain persons, handled by a Committee, is dealt-with at some
length and this was at a time when the Grand Lodge had not defined the machinery for trial and
each Lodge apparently went on its own hook following the general Masonic regulations and the
old Charges.
This Committee seems to be a rather biased Committee and I have not the Minutes, of course,
before me but what did you make out of that statement that the Resolutions were offered "after
working hours."
103
10
4
I think that the items that you have put in are very .interesting and this certainly shows that there
was internal dissension and from what we know of brother Landell, and the work he did, I think his
remarks in the "comprehensive sketch" are very illuminating. I do not think, however, that we.
should give the names of the people who fell into disgrace, etc.
LORE Editor Note The following still appears to be corrections or additions:
Chapter 14
Apparently we had some brethren who could form a quartet and in 1861 at this Centennial
Celebration, Brother Alden was one of this quartet.
I can remember when I was a boy hearing Brother Alden sing in the Universalist Sunday School at
Broad and Hill Street which was 25 years later.
Page 5
A Resolution had been passed that no candidate should be advanced until he had shown himself
competent in the preceding degree which is another illustration of the development of Masonic
Law because this is now. covered by the General Regulations when at that time (1858) apparently
the .lodges worked under the old masonic Regulations.
The thanks of the Lodge were extended to Dr. Nichols for his interest in procuring the Gavel and
block from Hartford so apparently he got missed in the general vote on December 3, 1857.
Page 6
Apparently we had trouble with Massachusetts because they would hot admit one of our brothers.
We don't know just the circumstances, but, of course, any Lodge may refuse to admit a brother on
objection from any member, what does stand out in this note is that St. John's Lodge took onto
themselves the duty of communicating with the Grand Master of Massachusetts and telling him
what they thought of it but the worshipful Master apparently used his good judgment and decided
not to appoint the committee.
Such a situation could not occur at the present time because these things are regulated by the
Grand Lodge and by correspondence between the respective Grand masters.
Pages 8 & 9
1 think this question on the color line is quite interesting and I have not checked up on Brother
Voorhee's Negro Masonry but it was clearly before any attempt was made to establish the colored
Lodges in New Jersey which began in 1871, after the Civil War.
It is too bad we haven't more information but he. may have been from the west Indies or some
other place where a Lodge under the English Register had made him a Mason. We must also
remember there was not the interchange of information between Grand Lodges at that time that
there is now and each individual Lodge satisfied itself as to whether or not the applicant was
genuine or an impostor.
I note that a motion was made that the Worshipful Master be a member of a Committee. The
Lodges were very fussy about following Ancient Masonic Law on some things, i.e. Charges,
independence from the Grand Lodge, etc., but on other things they were somewhat lax because,
under Ancient Masonic Law the Worshipful Master is a member of all Committees and, if he
chooses to exercise his prerogatives, he is the Chairman of every Committee.
104
10
5
Pages 10 & 11
The .Lodge wasn't a bit backward in asking the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England to
attend its celebration and I think it is quite interesting to note the very courteous response from
the Grand Secretary of England.
Page 13
It strikes me that this set of Resolutions on the Centennial is a model of English composition and
when you read the names on the Committee you can account for it. Luther Goble, the Past
Master, Thomas, the Secretary, Ricord, Public Citizen who held public office, was Mayor of
Newark, School master and other public offices and Frederick Teese who was a Judge of the
County Court and who I can just hazily remember, for he lived in a mansion, (I think it could be
considered as; such,) at the corner of Johnson Avenue and Clinton Avenue. The last time I saw
the place there was a restaurant there.
Chapter 15
Page 1
Note the appropriations made by local institutions in case of the public emergency which seems to
be quite different from the present attitude to let the government do everything.
Page 2; He speaks of the Regiment marching to the high school on Linden Street. I went to the
same school '60 years later.
Page 7 Sefrine Daily was a prominent physician and property owner in Nutley
Pages, 9_& 1Q
I am checking up on Major William W. Morris and Marcus L. Ward as to whether they were
Masons. I knew Major Morris and he used to speak at the grammar school where I went when a
boy and Marcus L. Ward was ..afterward Governor of New Jersey. .I am quite sure that neither
was a member of St. John's Lodge.
( LORE edit, end of what appears to be comments relating to other chapters)
( No indication of who "I" was)
Chapter Thirteen Internal Dissension
On September 13, 1854 it was moved by Brother Augustus L. Wilcox, "that a committee be
appointed to take measures for ascertaining and returning to the Lodge, the Bible, that has been
taken therefrom." The motion was carried and a committee of three consisting of Brothers Wilcox,
Luther Goble and John H. Landell appointed. The Bible referred to was the priceless "Bug" Bible
presented to the Lodge in by Brother James Murray. On November 22nd Brother Goble reported
the missing relic had been returned to him. On motion a committee was appointed to have it
properly bound. The thanks of the Lodge was voted to Brother Goble for his exertions in. securing
the return of the Bible.
At the meeting of December 6, 1854 the thanks of the Lodge was tendered to Brother John R.
Chapin, the Worshipful ' Master, for the presentation -to the Lodge of a "beautiful Masters'
Carpet." Later at the same communication Brother Chapin signified his intention of withdrawing
from the Lodge, as he expected soon to become Worshipful Master of Franklin Lodge.
105
10
6
On December 2?, 1854 a motion was made that the Lodge room be opened the next evening, for
the purpose of conferring the Eastern Star Degree by Brother Rob Morris. An amendment was
offered, that refreshments be provided. The motion as amended was then carried and the Tyler
directed to furnish suitable refreshments.
At the meeting of January 3, 1855 an effort was made to secure jewels for the Past Masters. We
read in the minutes, "A motion was made to present P. M. Luther Goble with a P. M.'s jewel,
Amended to include P. M. John R. Chapin. Again amended to include all PMs of St. John's Lodge.
Original motion and amendments were then withdrawn."
At the following meeting on January 17, 1855 the following Preamble and Resolution were offered
and carried: "Whereas, The members of St. John's Lodge thinking it high time, that our worthy
Brother and Past Master, Luther Goble, should have some appropriate and suitable testimonial,
as a token of respect, and the high esteem, which this Lodge regards him, as a man and a Mason,
therefore
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to procure a P. M.'s Jewel, to be presented to him, as
a small token of the respect due him for his past services, and that it will be considered, a great
favor to this Lodge in his acceptance of the same."
The Jewel was obtained and presented at the Washington' s Birthday Celebration on February 22,
1855. "The presentation was made through Brother Daniel Bruen, who improved the occasion, in
a few well timed and appropriate remarks, to thank Brother Goble, in the name of the Lodge, for
the services he had rendered to it, the care with which he had regarded its interests and the high
estimation in which the members held him for his staunch adherence to the order, in its dark, as
well as lightest days.
"Brother P. M. Jeptha B. Munn, responded for Brother Goble, stating that there were occasions,
when feelings of gratitude, would so overcome one that the powers of utterance were not
adequate to a full expression of thankfulness, and that this was one of them."
On March 21, 1855 a committee was appointed to purchase an organ at a cost not exceeding
three hundred dollars and to solicit subscriptions from the members.
Sometime back charges had been preferred against Brother Luther Goble. At the communication
of May 16, 1855 Brother Henry S. Boyden offered the following, as the report of the minority of the
committee:
"To the W.M. Wardens and Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1 - Brethren, some weeks since,
myself with four other Brothers, were appointed a committee to investigate, charges preferred
against Brother Luther Goble, by Brother Charles H. Peirson, and as the committee have made a
verbal report, on the three remaining charges, left in the hands of the committee by the action of
the Grand Lodge, I would respectfully offer this as a minority report, on the three last of the Five
Charges, preferred by Brother Peirson. That after having met on several occasions and hearing
all the testimony offered in support of said charges, and no defense having been offered, Brother
Luther Goble, having refused to attend to the summons to appear before said committee, would
report, that in my opinion, the three last charges were fully sustained, and would ask to have my
discharge from said committee. All of which is respectfully submitted.
(Signed) Henry S. Boyden."
"Brother Carter, presented a verbal report for the majority of the committee, to the following effect:
That the first two charges had been taken from the hands of the commit-tea, by the Grand Lodge,
and that the committee considered the three remaining charges, frivolous, and unworthy of their
investigation'. Whereupon, on motion,' both reports were received and the committee discharged.
106
10
7
Motion was then made, that the report of the minority be adopted as the sense of the Lodge. An
amendment was offered that the report of the majority be adopted, which was lost. The report of
the minority was then adopted. Motion was then made that Brother Goble be fined being $25.
which as amended that he be fined 6 1/4 was carried." (Note: The last sentence referring to the
fine was ordered ex-purged from the minutes on May 17, 1859.)
On the evening of May 23, 1855 an event occurred which at this late date is hard to understand.
Being unable to ascribe any reason for the occurrence we will present it exactly as it appears in
the minutes without comment. Worshipful Brother William. Silas Whitehead was Master of the
Lodge at the time.
"Lodge opened in Due & Ancient form and declared at labor on 3rd Degree of Masonry. Minutes of
the last communication were read and approved.
"M.W.G.M. Edward Stewart, then entered the Lodge, accompanied by, P.G.M's. Jeptha B. Munn
and Scott, P.G. Chaplain John L. Lenhart, R.W.J.G.W. John H. Janeway, R.W. Deputy G.
Secretary John R. Chapin. The Grand Officers were received with Grand Honors, after which the
M.W.G.M. stated, that he with this Committee of the Grand Lodge had visited St. John's Lodge for
the purpose of examining the Minutes, and requested the W.M. of St. John's Lodge to order the
Secretary to lay his books and papers upon his desk, vacate his chair, and allow him the G.M. to
appoint some one who will read to the Committee such portions of the minutes as I may designate
back to a certain period.
"The W.M. replied, that while he desired to treat the M.W.G.M. and the Grand Officers with all
deference and respect, yet that it was also his duty, to preserve in all their integrity the
independent rights of St. John's Lodge. That the Secretary of St. John's Lodge had been regularly
elected and installed Secretary of the Lodge and he had no power to compel him to leave his seat.
That the Books and papers of St. John's Lodge were always open for inspection, and its Secretary
would ever be ready, according to the ancient customs of Masonry, to transmit copies to the
Grand Lodge, whenever required by proper authority. And that he must respectfully decline the
request of the M.W.G.M.
"The M.W.G.M. then asked the W.M. to request the Secretary to vacate his chair, that the Grand
Lodge Committee might place in it, the Deputy Grand Secretary to examine the Minute Book. The
W.M. again declined, stating as before that the Books and papers were open for inspection, and
that if the Grand Master desired it, he would instruct the Secretary to immediately make out
correct copies of the minutes, and transmit to the Grand Lodge, or if it was the pleasure, of the
Grand Officers, the Secretary would read the minutes to them, as far back as they wished. This
not answering the G.M. and officers then withdrew."
In the minutes for June 27, 1855 we find the following: "In the previous minutes (referring to June
13, 1855), it was omitted that the Grand Master appeared and demanded of the Senior Warden,
who was acting as W.M. Pro Tern, through the G. Marshal, -the Warrant or Charter of St. John's
Lodge, The W.M. Pro Tern, did not comply with the request, deeming it beyond his powers to do
so, as the W.M., in his opinion, alone had the power to surrender the Warrant.
"The Warrant was subsequently surrendered by the W.M. to the G.M. and directly returned to the
Lodge by the Grand Lodge."
On July 25, 1855 the committee on room appointed at an earlier meeting, reported through the
Secretary, that they had made arrangements for occupying the room of Newark Lodge No. 7, at
314 Broad Street, when it should become necessary to abandon the Academy Building. This
room was over the office of Hayes & Chetwood, on the west side of Broad Street about 175' south
of Market Street. According to the records of Newark Lodge the agreement was made on August
3rd, the meetings to be held every Wednesday, at the rate of two dollars per night. The first
107
10
8
meeting of St. John's Lodge in the new room was on September 26, 1855, the last meeting in the
Academy having been held there on September 12th.
At the meeting of September 12th a communication was received from the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania inviting the members of St. John's Lodge, through the Most Worshipful Grand
Master of New Jersey, to participate in the ceremonies of dedicating the new Masonic Temple, at
Philadelphia, on the 26th of September. Those members of the Lodge intending to go were
requested to report themselves to the Grand Master.
At the same communication the committee on room, in connection with the Worshipful Master,
were instructed to sell such articles of Lodge furniture as in their opinion were not. worth storing.
Ample evidence of the frugality of our fraternal ancestors is given in the minutes of November 14,
1855, when on motion a. committee was appointed to ascertain, what the gas pipes used in the
Old Lodge room were worth and what they could be sold for. A second motion authorized the
committee to sell them for a reasonable price, and also to dispose of the two stoves and pipe. On
November 28th the committee reported they had sold the whole in one lot for $30. cash.
Following is an inventory and disposition of the Lodge furniture as of November 14, 1855. No. 1.
Stored at Granniss & Thomas', 300 Broad Street.
3 large cushioned chairs, joined, being the Masters and Past Masters seats.
1 S. W. Chair
1 J. W. Chair
5 Officers Chairs, viz. Treasurers, Secretary's, S. D., J. D. and Tylers, with the cushions.
Front Piece of the Master's Desk.
Altar and Altar cushions.
3 lights for Altar, used by the Lodge at time of removal.
3 lights - common.
3 Balconies, and Drapery, being that which hung over the Master's, S. W's. & J. W's. Chairs.
Curtains and Cornices.
2 Ashlars
1 Bell
4 Staves - Deacons.
1 1/2 Doz. Spittoons.
1 Box, Magazines, Bye-Laws, Old Regalia, Masonic Books, Lodge Papers, etc.
1 Pitcher and Glasses.
1 Tray, 2 Decanters & Wine Glasses.
1 Slate, 2 Old Masters Carpets.
No. 2. Stored at Anthony C. Beams, Mechanic Street.
Gas Burners and old Chandelier, also the Master's Carpet presented by P. M. John R. Chapin.
No. 3. Stored in cellar in Academy Street. The pillars which supported the dome of the old Lodge
room, also the circular fence, and gas pipes.
No. 4. In keeping of Win. Silas Whitehead, W. M.
The Old Bible, Swords, and Working tools of the Lodge, viz. three Gavels & 2 Columns.
No. 5. In keeping of L. G. Thomas, Sec'y. of the Lodge. Old Minute Books, Book of Bye Laws,
Blank. Petitions & the Certificates, Seal of the Lodge, with present Minute Book.
No. 6. At Campbell's Picture rooms. The painting which hung back of Master's Chair.
No. 7. In possession of Brother C. H. Pierson.
Picture of General. Darcy. Also the picture which hung behind the J. W's. Chair. 5 Knockers.
No. 8. In possession of J. J, Carter.
The copy of the deed of the Lodge.
108
10
9
At the meeting of November 14th, the minutes state, "Two of the old Pillars were presented to
Franklin Lodge No. 10." (These were more than likely two of the pillars that formerly supported the
dome.)
The minutes of November 28th state, "On motion, the circular fence, tongs, shovels and remaining
rubbish (sic), in the cellar of the Marshall's office, were presented to ¥m. Godber, Tyler. On
motion one of the old Knockers, was presented to Brother P. M. Isaac P. Brown."
On December 12, 1855 Brother John R. Weeks, as President of the Board of Trustees, made the
following report, "The amount originally invested in Newark City Bonds was $9,800. at
7 % interest. The amount, at present reinvested is $10,085.83 at the same rate of interest,
payable June 2nd, 1856."
• The following motion was then offered and carried: "Resolved. That St. John's Lodge No. 1
approves of the investment, made by the Trustees of St. John's Lodge, of the funds of the Lodge,
as stated by Brother John R. Weeks, and return their thanks to the Trustees, for the care, and
prudence, which they have exercised in the premises."
On November 14th a. resolution had been adopted, "That St. John's Lodge No. 1 apply .to the
Legislature of the State, at its next session, for an Act of Incorporation, and that the Worshipful
Master and two others whom he may appoint be the committee to attend to the same."
At the communication of December 26, 1855, Brother Walter Harris offered the following
resolution which was adopted:
"Whereas, A committee has been appointed by this Lodge, for the purpose of procuring an act of
Incorporation of St. John's Lodge, and Whereas, the grounds of the said application have not
been completely understood by the Brethren of the Lodge, and much opposition has arisen to the
same, and considerable difference of opinion expressed.
"Resolved, That the resolution appointing said committee be rescinded.
"Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to examine the position in which the Lodge is placed
by the Law of the Legislature, passed at the last session, and report to the Lodge, whether in their
opinion any further Legislation is desirable in the premises in order to perpetuate the interests of
the Lodge."
At the annual communication on December 26, 1855 A resolution submitted by Brother Isaac P.
Brown at an earlier meeting was brought up as follows: "That all Brothers who have been
members of St. John's Lodge for twenty years, or who hereafter shall retain their membership for
that length of time, are and shall be exempt from all dues, except Grand Lodge dues." The
resolution after being amended by Brother James Ross so as to exempt those only, who had, or
should pay dues for twenty years, was carried.
At the communication of May 14, 1856 charges for Gross unMasonic conduct, were preferred
against J. J. Carter, D. Thrush, Wm. A. Ludlow, J. B. Vanderen, C. E. Stewart and John H.
Landell, by Brothers Silas C. Halsey and A. B. Whitehead. Charges were also preferred against J.
J. Carter, Wm. A. Ludlow and John H. Landell, for conspiracy to break up the Lodge by Brothers
A. J. Hedges and A. B. Whitehead.
On motion the charges were referred to a committee of five, and by resolution the following were
appointed said committee, Charles H. Peirson, Orson Wilson, A. S. Dodd, George W. Nelson and
Henry S. Boydem.
109
11
0
On May 28th Brother I. M. Tucker offered the following series of Resolutions:
"Whereas, Brothers J. J. Carter, Wm. A. Ludlow, D. Thrush, J. B. Vanderen, C. E. Stewart and
John H. Landell are now under charges, and on trial before a committee appointed by this Lodge,
and whereas, said committee has refused to permit, or in any way recognize such Counsel, M.
Masons, as have been selected by the said accused Brethren, to aid them in conducting their
defense against said charges. And whereas said committee have also refused to allow the said
accused Brethren to see certain papers offered in evidence by the accusers of the said Brethren,
or to permit them to know the exact language of such papers otherwise than by reading the same
to them, while in the hands of the committee, therefore
"Resolved, That the committee appointed on the evening of the 14th inst. to try the charges then
preferred against the aforesaid Brethren, be, and they are hereby directed by St. John's Lodge
No. 1, to permit the appearance of the Counsel selected by the accused to conduct their defense
against the said charges, and that they are further directed to allow the accused to see all
documentary evidence in the matter, and to have copies of the same if required by them, whether
the same be offered by any member of the committee or by any of the accusers"
These resolutions being offered after working hours in the Lodge, in accordance with an old
established rule, the W.M. refused to entertain them. There being but fourteen members present
to thirty-two, when Brother Tucker entered the room. Brother Tucker requested that the
resolutions might be placed upon the minutes and acted upon at a special meeting to be called for
the purpose, that they had not been brought forward at an earlier hour, under the expectation, that
a motion would be made to appoint a committee to adjust the pending difficulties. No such motion
having been made, he now offered the Preamble and resolutions and wished to have them
received and acted on-at a special meeting. The W.M. saw no good reason for departing from the
established rule.
At the following communication on June llth, the above resolutions were brought forward and read,
and on motion laid on the table.
The following resolution was then offered:
"Resolved, That this Lodge, having appointed a committee to examine the truth of certain charges,
which have been presented against several of the brethren, and having confidence in the capacity
of the committee to perform the duties which have been intrusted to them, deems it unnecessary,
improper and derogatory to their committee to interfere with their action, during the pendency of
the Investigation by volunteering instructions, or otherwise, especially as this Lodge has the
power, to approve or reject the report of their committee, upon the presentation of the same."
"Brother Tucker moved to lay the resolution on the table. Lost. Brother Tucker moved to postpone
the further consideration of the resolution. Lost. On motion the resolution was then adopted as the
sense of the Lodge."
On August 13th a communication was read from Brother Charles E. Stewart, addressed to the
Worshipful Master, notifying the Lodge, that he had been shown a copy of the charges preferred
against the other Brothers and himself of May 14th, that he acknowledged service of the same,
was ready to stand trial, and that Brother I, M. Tucker had full power to appear and answer for him
in his absence, and to conduct his defense.
The Worshipful Master reported to the Lodge in brief the notice contained in the communication,
and the Secretary was instructed to notify the committee to try the charges. A resolution was then,
adopted that the committee on charges be directed to report at the next meeting of the Lodge,
what progress had been made in the trial and the causes in full of the long delay that had attended
their proceedings.
110
11
1
On August 2.J Brother Charles H. Peirson in behalf of the committee requested further time
inasmuch as he had been unable to get a full meeting of the committee since the last
communication. He also stated that "although the committee unanimously concurred in the report
he had with him, but three of them had signed it, one member being out of town and another
deeming it proper the committee should have a full meeting before it was presented."
Brother Tucker insisted on the immediate presentation of the report, charging the committee with
partiality, and endeavoring to persuade the Lodge that they (the defendants) had made
unnecessary delay, had thrown obstacles in the way of a thorough investigation and not been
given a fair hearing. These statements having been denied and refuted, by various members of
the Lodge who had attended the meetings of the committee, Brother Peirson stated he was
perfectly ready to make a report and it was only for the reasons he had stated that he requested
further time, but as he wished to show the Lodge by whom the delay had been caused and who
had thrown obstacles in the way of a more speedy investigation, he would read the report. He
then proceeded to read a four page report which is given in full in the minutes. but was ordered
expunged on May 18, 1859. Briefly it charges that at the very beginning of the investigation the
committee was "met by an obstacle thrown in our way by the accused in the shape of a formidable
array of professed lawyers who claimed the right as counsel to take their seats with us and
conduct the case in behalf of the accused." The assumed right of these "legal gentlemen" was
refused on the grounds that "the prosecution claimed no right to substantiate their statements by
the aid of counsel and seemed desirous of adding nothing that would complicate matters. "the
charges were a simple statement of matters alleged to be true and actually to have occurred, and
therefore easily proven or disproved by proper witnesses," "the object of the defense in producing
this multitude of counsel seemed to be rather to Intimidate the committee and embarrass their
action.....", "as soon as the eminent counsel presented themselves before the committee it was ,
very evident that it was more against the committee their strong and vigorous powers were to be
directed than against the prosecution and their witnesses."
Brother .Pierson also stated four of the accused made a "vituperative and most venomous attack
on the committee charging "that it was well known by us (the committee) what would be our
verdict in relation to these charges". The balance of the report continues in like manner with a
complaint of the alleged actions and deeds of the accused toward the committee. The only
reference to the charges is the following:
"Recent transactions in the Lodge room at regular meetings too plainly tell also whether guilt
always grows timid and desists from its wicked purposes, even when it is arraigned before a
tribunal to answer for past misdeeds, we will not attempt to give you even a synopsis of the
evidence already given before the committee, because it is not necessary, and we are not called
upon to produce this."
The report closes with the following: "Is the whole machinery of this Lodge to stand still forever,
because there is but a .slight impediment to its harmonious working!? ) Or will the members of this
Lodge throwing off all unworthy and timid reserve arise in their strength, vindicate her cause, and
by a severe but necessary example stop at once the blows which are aimed at the existence of
our venerable and beloved Lodge." accepted On motion the report was ordered entered on the
minutes.
111
11
2
At the meeting of September 24, 1856 Brother I. M. Tucker preferred certain charges against
'three members of the committee on charges and offered a resolution that they be received and
referred to a committee. The following amendment in place of the resolution was carried instead:
"Resolved, That inasmuch as the charges preferred by Brother Tucker, have evidently been
presented for the purpose of embarrassing the proceedings of the committee on charges, that
they be not received."
On November 12th the committee on charges submitted their report. On motion the report was
received, the committee discharged and requested to furnish the Secretary with the evidence
taken before them, for investigation by those who may desire. Notice was then given by the
Worshipful Master that all the members of the Lodge should be notified, as far as possible, to
attend the next regular communication, when the report would come up for final consideration.
At the stated meeting on November 26th a motion was made that the report of the committee be
adopted, and that the time of debate be limited to ten minutes. The report was then read and the
evidence which had been brought before the committee. Upon its conclusion, an animated
discussion ensued, and the vote being taken upon the adoption of the report, it was decided in the
negative.
The following resolution was then offered* "Resolved, That the charges presented against
Brothers James J. Garter, John H. Landell, William A. Ludlow, D. Thrush, I. B. Yanderen and
Charles E. Stewart be dismissed, and that the Brethren presenting the charges be exonerated
from all liability or censure by reason of their having signed and preferred the said charges."
On September 23, 1857 it was resolved, "That the Report of the Committee on Charges against
Brothers Carter, Landell, Thrush, Ludlow, Vanderen and Stewart presented August 26, 1854, and
also a report of the same committee on the same subject presented November 12, 1856, be
erased from the minutes."
On October l4th it was resolved, "That the resolution of this Lodge, passed at its last Regular
Communication, directing the Secretary to erase certain portions of the minutes of St. John's
Lodge, consisting of Reports therein mentioned, be, and the same is hereby rescinded.
"Resolved, That if the Secretary has not erased such Report, he is hereby directed not to do so;
and if he has erased it, he be directed to insert the same again."
Notice was then given of the following addition to the By-laws to be proposed at the next meeting:
"No resolution or proposition to alter or erase any portion of the minutes of this Lodge, which have
once been adopted, shall be entertained, unless such resolution or proposition shall lay before the
Lodge at least one regular communication, and not then, unless every member of this Lodge, who
may conveniently be reached, be notified to attend such meeting." This addition to the By-laws
was adopted October 28, 1857. ..
Brother John H« Landell in his "Comprehensive Historical Sketch" writes as follows regarding the
above charges. "A system of blackballing candidates had been carried on for some time past,
which resulted in a series of charges being preferred against five of the brethren, who were
suspected Just of casting the Black Balls. I will mention the circumstances as they occur briefly,
without mentioning names, as many of the actors in the scene are dead now and one in particular
who was on the committee who took a prominent part, as mentioned before in trying to divide the
Lodge after it became in possession of funds, and who ultimately was convicted in our Courts of
Justice for cruelty to his wife and who fortunately for the Lodge had withdrawn. This person was
112
11
3
the chairman of the committee. Another of the committee is dead, he died a dreadful death and
now but two of those preferring the charges with the committee are members of the Lodge, while
two of those charged already dead and the other three are yet members.
"The subject of charges being extensively canvassed it seems proper that names should be
mentioned as the actors and participators should be known in this disgraceful transaction, and as
the Secretary of the Lodge at the time neglected to make correct entries of the transactions, it will
be necessary to rely on memory.
.(Note: this was apparently written about 1870)
"The charges were brought by S. C. Halsey and A. B. Whltehead against" the five brethren
already mentioned "for gross unmasonic conduct and by A. B. Whitehead and A. J. Hedges
against J. J. Carter, Wm. A. Ludlow and J. H. Landell for conspiracy to break up the Lodge.
"These charges were referred to Brothers C. H. Peirson, Orson Wilson, A. S. Dodd, Geo. W.
Nelson and Henry S. Boyden. Brother Landell states in reference to the resolution offered by
Brother Tucker on September 24th that the minutes do not state what Brother Tucker said.
Quoting Brother Landell, "He (Bro. Tucker) did say that the action of that committee was wrong,
nay outrageous. That in their report they do not say if the accused are guilty or not, that they had
falsified one of the committee, at least Brother Wilson who had not signed the report or had he
acquiesced in it, and that the committee if the Lodge would not receive the charges should be
severely censured."
Brother Landell continues, "I think as I. have before stated that there was but one put on trial, that
Brothers Landell, Thrush and Vanderen never saw the charges against them or even knew with
what they were charged. Brother Stewart had them read to him the charges. Brother Carter was
charged with all kinds of subjects. A portion of the committee would hold clandestine meetings
and appoint meetings at unusual hours and in out of the way places, in fact used every endeavor
to convict the accused, but at the meeting of November 26th, at the final action, the facts came
out and there being forty-six members present upon the vote being taken on the adoption of the
report, forty-one voted against it and five for it - three of the committee, the Worshipful Master and
Secretary. Brother Wilson did not sign the report at all."
Brother Landell adds "of the actors of the committee, it may be stated that G. H. Peirson was
afterward convicted of cruelty to his wife by the court of this county A. B. Whitehead died a
drunkard as did H. S. Boyden and L. G. Thomas. Of those charged S. G. Halsey G W Nelson
suspended and restored
On June 11, 1856 a resolution was adopted that the old altar, cushions and accompaniments, be
loaned to. Eureka Lodge No. to be used by them, until they obtain their own furniture, the
Worshipful Master of Eureka giving a receipt for them.
On July 9, 1856 the committee on room was instructed to make inquiries concerning the building
about to be erected in Broad Street by the Messrs. Ailing, and to consult with other Lodges
regarding the propriety of leasing a room in said building for Masonic use. On January 28, 1857
this committee was discharged and a new committee appointed consisting of Brothers Ross, 0.
Wilson, James J. Carter and-I. P. Brown,
On March 25, 1857 the new committee reported the following resolutions, which were ordered to
lie on the table until the next regular communication and the Secretary was directed to notify the
members: "Resolved, That the Trustees of St. John's Lodge be requested to act with the
committee already appointed by this Lodge, as a committee, with power to select and lease for a
113
11
4
term of years, a proper room for the meetings of this Lodge,' and to fit up and furnish the room
with proper fixtures and furniture.
"Resolved, That the Trustees be authorized and requested to expend so much of the funds of the
Lodge (received by them as the proceeds of the sale of the interest of the Lodge in the Academy
Building) as in their judgement may be necessary for the proper fitting up and furnishing of said
room, and from time to time paying the rent thereof "provided that the expenditure hereby
authorized shall not at any time encroach upon the principal fund of $10,000. without the further
order of this Lodge."
The resolutions were passed unanimously on April 8, 1857. On May 13th the committee having
reported, that they had made an agreement with the Newark Banking Company to lease the fourth
story of their new banking house, at the corner of Broad and Bank Streets, for fifteen years, at an
annual rent of three hundred and fifty dollars; it was unanimously resolved that the action of the
committee be approved and that the Trustees be requested to execute said lease in accordance
with the terms reported by the committee.
On June 10, 1857 a communication was received from Brother Wm. Silas Whitehead, S. G. W. of
the Grand Lodge, directing, under instructions from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this
State, that this Lodge transmit a copy if its By-laws and the amendments thereto, to Brother
Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary, on or before the 24th instant. The Secretary was directed to
comply with the request.
A copy of the new Constitution, By-laws and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge was
presented at the same communication, whereupon it was "Resolved, That the Grand Lodge be
informed that this Lodge has not had. sufficient time to examine the same and recommend that
the matter be left over to the time of. the Annual Communication; and that this Lodge objects to
their consideration because they have not been printed in the form prescribed by the order of the
Grand Lodge. "The Representatives from this Lodge were also instructed to vote against the
adoption of the new Constitution, Bylaws etc. and to explain the reasons therefore." On June 17,
1857 a new set of By-laws was adopted.
They are 'pretty much the. same as the earlier ones. The Lodge was again meeting on the second
and fourth Wednesdays except during the four months from June to September inclusive when
they met on the fourth Wednesday only.
The hours of meeting were changed to 7 1/2 o'clock from the 20th of March to the 20th of
September and 7 o'clock from the 20th of September to the 20th of March.
The Worshipful Master, Secretary and Treasurer were exempted from dues and in addition the
Secretary was to receive thirty dollars per year. The Tyler's fee was changed to one dollar per
night and one dollar for serving notices of special meetings.
The initiation fee was .increased to §25. and the fee for affiliation restored to |5. The dues were
changed from shillings to $3. per year.
It was ordered that 250 copies of the new By-laws be printed and that the General Regulations of
the Grand Lodge , when adopted, be printed with them.
On December 23, 1857 Past Master Brother John R. Chapin presented to the Lodge on behalf of
St. Johns Lodge No. 4, of Hartford, Conn., a gavel and block made from the Charter Oak, and "in
some eloquent and appropriate remarks gave a rapid sketch of the circumstances which had
114
11
5
made that tree famous and also detailed the circumstances which had led to the procurement of
this valuable gift."
Past Master Brother Wm. Silas Whitehead then expressed the gratification the Lodge felt at
receiving the gift and moved that a committee be appointed to draft suitable resolutions. The
committee reported the same evening as follows:
"Resolved, That the hearty thanks of St. John's Lodge No. 1, Newark, N, J. are hereby tendered to
St. John's Lodge No, 4, of Hartford, Connecticut, for the beautiful and appropriate present of a
gavel and block, made from the wood of the Charter Oak; a gift valuable from the extrinsic beauty
of its workmanship, and more valuable from the glorious reminiscences which cluster about the
tree, of which it was originally a part.
"Resolved, That the obligations of this Lodge are acknowledged to' Brother H. P. Seymour, and
those individual members of St. John's Lodge No. 4, whose unceasing exertions have been
mainly instrumental in securing to St. John's Lodge No. 1, this valuable addition, to its working
tools.
"Resolved, That the value of the gift is enhanced to this Lodge, by the evidence which its
presentation furnishes, of the universality of that feeling of fraternal regard upon which our
institution is founded, and which is not bounded by State lines, or any territorial limitations.
"Resolved, That the Secretary of this Lodge be directed to transmit a copy of the enclosed
resolutions to Worshipful Brother H. P Seymour and also to the Secretary of St. John's Lodge No.
4, of Hartford, Conn."
The following resolution was also unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That the thanks of this Lodge
are due to Brother James Ross, for- the initiatory steps taken by. him in procuring this valuable
relic; and to Brother John R. Chapin for his able and interesting address on this occasion, and that
a copy of his address be requested of him, to be laid among the archives of this Lodge."
For those not up on their history (and how many of us are ?) we will state that the tree became
famous in 1687 When Governor Andros went to Hartford to take away the royal charter of 1662,
under which the colonists practically had local sovereignty. At his meeting with the officials of the
colony, when the document was on the table, the candles were suddenly blown out. When they
were re-lighted the charter had disappeared. Captain Joseph Wadsworth appeared. It had been
taken and hidden in a hollow tree, which from then on was known as the Charter Oak. The site of
the tree is now marked by a granite monument.
At the meeting of January 6, 1858 the representatives of St. John's Lodge to Grand Lodge, were
again instructed to vote against the new constitution and by-laws ,also to vote for a reduction of
Grand Lodge dues from fifty cents to twenty-five cents for each member, and to oppose all
extravagant expenditures in the Grand Lodge.
On January 27, 1858 the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, John R. Chapin, was introduced
and received with grand honors. Brother Chapin expressed his gratification in making this his first
official visit to St. John's Lodge in which he had received his first instructions in Masonry. After
some congratulatory remarks he stated, "that he had been appointed by the Grand Lodge of this
State, at its recent annual communication, as one of a committee to prepare a History of Masonry
in this State, and desired the Lodge should take some action which would facilitate the
undertaking, so far as the history of this venerable institution was concerned."
A committee consisting of Brothers Landell and Goble was appointed to furnish Brother Chapin
with all the information in their power to give, relative to the history of this Lodge. Also The
Secretary was directed to furnish Brother Chapin with facilities for access to the books of the
Lodge.
115
11
6
On April 28, 1858 we find what is believed to be the first mention of the "Black Book" in our
minutes. This book, which is still in our possession, was used to record the names of members of
other Lodges who had been suspended or expelled. Previous to this time they had simply been
received and ordered filed. The Lodges seems to have been very strict about how the names
were sent. If a communication wasn't properly made out or didn't. bear the seal of the Lodge, it
was ordered returned to be made out in proper form. There were getting to be so many Lodges
by this time that a more systematic way of recording the names was apparently necessary, hence
the "Black Book". This book was also used for inscribing the names of Masonic impostors, of
which there were quite a few during this period. The use of the book on this evening was to record
the name of one such who was known as Thomas McCann, alias Thomas McKane, alias Thomas
Smith, alias William Hutchinson.
On June 23, 1858 the committee who had been appointed to look into the matter of various
articles in storage, was which had formerly been used in the old Hall, was instructed to sell such of
the articles as in their judgement were not be desirable to be retained.
In the minutes for July 28, 1858 we find, "A statement was made, on behalf of Bro. Simeon
Baldwin, of Bloomfield Lodge No. 40, initiated, passed and raised in this Lodge 55 years ago,
urgently asking that the chairs of the Master and Senior and Junior Wardens formerly belonging to
the old Hall, might be given to that Lodge, they pledging themselves, that in case of their demise
as a Lodge they would return them to St. John's Lodge.
"Whereupon it was unanimously resolved, that the request be granted, and the said chairs be
presented to Bloomfield Lodge No. 40, on those conditions.
"The committee on the New Hall reported progress, and that they had presented to Oriental
Lodge, the Altar and the lesser Lights formerly belonging to the old Hall. This action of the
committee was approved; the same conditions being observed." What happened probably is that
the altar and lesser lights were given to Oriental Lodge on the same conditions as the chairs were
given to Bloomfield Lodge.
On November 24, 1858 the last communication was held in the Lodge room of Newark Lodge No.
7. Lodge No. 40, on those conditions.
"The committee on the New Hall reported progress, and that they had presented to Oriental
Lodge, the Altar and the 3 lesser Lights formerly belonging to the old Hall. This action of the
committee was approved; the same conditions being observed." What is meant probably is that
the altar and lesser lights were given to Oriental Lodge on the same conditions as the chairs were
given to Bloomfield Lodge.
On November 24, 1858 the last communication was held in the Lodge room of Newark Lodge No.
7.
Chapter 14
A New Lodge Room & the Centennial Celebration
On December 1, 1858 St John's Lodge held its first communication in its second "permanent" hall.
The new Lodge room was located at the northwest corner of Broad and Bank Streets. The
meeting was attended by thirty-three members of our own Lodge and twenty-seven visitors from
other Lodges, mainly Newark No. 7, Eureka No. 39, and Northern No. 25. Brother John E. Beam
was appointed Tyler for the remainder of the year.
116
11
7
The dedication was held at an extra meeting on February 22, 1859 attended by fifty-five of our
own members and about one hundred visiting brethren including Past Grand Master Edward
Stewart. "The Worshipful Master stated that an extra meeting had "been called for the purpose of
dedicating the Hall and in conformity with an ancient resolution of this Lodge passed some fifty or
more years ago, to celebrate the birthday of our illustrious deceased brother, General George
Washington. After some preliminaries had been gone through with the Worshipful Master,
Wardens and Brothers of Eureka Lodge were announced and admitted, also the Worshipful
Master, Wardens and-Brothers of Union Lodge of Orange were announced and admitted.
"The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey was announced and received with grand
honors and addressed by the Worshipful Master, Luther Goble (welcoming them to participation of
the ceremonies) as follows:
"Most Worshipful, The brethren of St. John's Lodge being animated with a desire of promoting the
honor and interest of the craft have at great pains and expense erected a
Masonic Hall for their convenience and accommodation. They are now desirous that the same
should be examined by the Host Worshipful Grand Lodge and if it should meet their approbation,
that it should be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purpose agreeably to ancient form.
"The Right Worshipful Grand Master then directed the Grand Secretary to read the order of
procession which he delivered to the Grand Marshal. A Grand procession was then formed, the
organ being played while the procession marched three times around the room. The Lodge was
placed in the centre, the Grand Master having taken the chair. Grand officers taking their
respective stations, the Masters and Wardens of other Lodges took their places. The three Lights
in a triangular form, the Gold and Silver pitchers with the corn, wine and oil were placed upon the
Lodge at the head of which was the altar with the Bible open and the Square and Compass fixed
thereon."
An ode was then sung by Brothers Gamble, Alden and Carter to the tune of "Old Hundred".
Brother Gabriel Grant delivered the Exordium which fills five large pages of our minute book, after
which Brother James Ross, acting Architect, addressed the Lodge as follows:
"Most Worshipful, Having been intrusted with the superintendent and management of the
workmen employed in the construction of this edifice and having according to the best of my ability
accomplished the task assigned me I now return the thanks for the honor of this appointment and
beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my care when the foundation
of this fabric was laid humbly hoping the exertions which have been made on this occasion will be
crowned with your approbation and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
"To which the Grand Master replied: "Brother, The skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of
the trust reposed in you at the commencement of this undertaking have secured the entire
approbation of the Grand Lodge and they sincerely pray that this edifice may continue a lasting
monument of the taste, spirit and liberality of its founders."
An ode in honor of Masonry was then sung by Brothers James Carter, James Ross, James
Gamble and James Alden.
The Deputy Grand Master then said, "Most Worshipful, This hall in which we are now assembled
and the plan upon which it has been constructed having met with your approbation, it is the desire
of the Fraternity that it should be now dedicated according to ancient forms and usage." The
Grand Master then requested all to retire but such as are Master Masons. The procession was
then formed. Bro. John Rodgers G. Marshal Bro. Robt. S. Green G. Standard Bearer Bro.
Jacob Alyea, P.M. with Light Bro. J. J. Terhune, P.M. with Holy writings Bros. G. Grant and L. A.
Smith each with a Light Bro. P.G.M. Wm. H. Stephens of Miss. Bro. W.G.M. A. L. Pierson of
Minnesota . Bros. P.G.Ms. J. B. Munn and Jos. Scott of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Bro.
P.G.M. 3. Stewart-Grand Chaplain Bro. Pettit G. Secretary and Treasurer with Emblems Bro. R.
117
11
8
C. Buzby, G.J.W.Bro. H. G. Cannon, G.S.W. Bro. J. W. Trimble, Grand Master Two Stewards with
rods (Bros. Jonas Agens and Condit) "During the movements of the procession an ode was
performed by the brethren.
"The Lodge being uncovered and the procession being marched around it.
"The Grand Master having reached the East, the Grand Junior Warden presented the pitcher of
corn to the Grand Master who striking it with his gavel poured it upon the Lodge at the same time
saying 'In the name of the great Jehovah to whom we all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate
this Hall to Free Masonry.' The Grand honors were given. The second procession was made
three times around the Lodge and the Grand Senior Warden presented the pitcher of wine to the
Grand Master who sprinkled it upon the Lodge saying, 'In the name of Holy Saint John I do
solemnly dedicate this Lodge to virtue."
The Grand honors were repeated twice. The third procession was then made round' the Lodge
and the Deputy Grand Master presented the pitcher of oil to the Grand Master who sprinkled it
upon the Lodge saying, 'In the name of the whole Fraternity I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to
Universal Benevolence." The Grand honors were given three times.
"A solemn invocation was then made to Heaven by the Grand Chaplain and an anthem sung by
Brothers Carter, Ross, Gambe and Aldeni to the tune of 'Hebron'.
"The labors of the 3rd degree dispensed with and the Lodge opened in the 1st degree after which
the Lodge was covered and the Grand Master resumed his seat."
The oration of the evening was given by Brother Charles R. Waugh. The oration over the Grand
Lodge again formed, in procession and returned to the adjoining room. The .Lodge being called
from labor to refreshment, the Brothers retired to a lower room and partook of refreshments
prepared by order of the Lodge and "which was served up in a beautiful manner. Every luxury the
market afforded was bountifully supplied."
After returning to the Lodge room and the usual toasts given and answered, the Lodge was called
from refreshment to labor and closed in due and ancient form.
To go back a month or two, on December 8, 1858 a resolution had been passed "That hereafter
no candidate shall be advanced in this Lodge from one degree to another, until he shall have
made himself competent to explain the manner and the mode of his initiation in the proceeding
degree to the satisfaction of the Master and Wardens."
On February 9, 1859 it was resolved, "That the thanks of St. John's Lodge be tendered to Dr.
Seward P. Nichols for the interest he manifested in procuring for the Lodge the block and gavel of
the Charter Oak at Hartford.
"Resolved, That the Secretary present to Dr. E. P. Nichols a copy of these resolutions. "On March
23, 1859 it was resolved, "That the thanks of St. John's Lodge No.1 are tendered to the officers of
the Newark Banking Company for their courtesy and kindness in allowing up the use of the suite
of rooms in their third story on the occasion of the dedication of our Hall February 22nd, 1859.
"Resolved, that the Secretary be directed to transmit a copy of the above resolution to Charles G.
Rockwood, the cashier of the Bank."
On March 23, 1859 the thanks of the Lodge was tendered to Brother Charles F. Hanneburg for the
"elegant clock" presented by him and Immediately hung in the Lodge room.
On April 20, 1859 a motion was adopted "that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee to
procure the original deed belonging to this Lodge." There is no record of the committee reporting.
118
11
9
In 1859 the Lodge experienced considerable difficulty in electing candidates to membership. They
would be proposed, investigated and approved by the committees but rejected two or three times
before passing a clear ballot. Whether this was due to internal dissension or not is not clear but it
seems to have been a repetition of part of the trouble that led to charges being preferred against
several of the members in 1854.
Apparently one of our members, Brother W. H. Emerson, had attempted to visit a Lodge in
Massachusetts and been refused .admission for on June 1, 1859 the following resolution was
passed; "that a committee be appointed to inform the Grand Master of the State of Massachusetts
that no Mason of that State should be admitted in this Lodge until the regulation requiring visitors
to have a Grand Lodge certificate when they wish to visit in that State had been rescinded." The
Worshipful Master decided not to appoint the committee.
On June 22nd a communication was read from Brother Emerson giving the name of the Master
and Lodge who refused him admittance without a certificate (Master named John A. Danna.,
name of Lodge, Morning Star Lodge, Worcester, Mass.). The communication was ordered on file
and the Secretary directed to address the Master of the above Lodge and ask by what authority
they refused to examine and admit Brother Emerson to the Lodge.
On June 29th a communication was received from John A. Danna of Worcester, formerly
Worshipful Master of Morning Star Lodge, and ordered on file. On motion a committee of three
was appointed to prepare a memorial to be presented to the Lodge at the next communication for
its approval.
They reported as follows on July 6th: "Resolved, Whereas Brother William H. Emerson was
refused an examination and admission into Morning Star Lodge at Worcester, Mass, in
consequence of his not having a Grand Lodge certificate therefore
"Resolved, That St. John's Lodge No. 1 protests against such edict or regulation, they deeming it
an unmasonic regulation.
"Resolved, That the Master of our Lodge be requested to refuse admission to all members of
Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts while such regulation remains
in force against members under our jurisdiction.
"Resolved, That the Grand Master of Massachusetts be requested to furnish this Lodge with the
regulation (If any governing such) giving the examination and admission of visitors.
"Amended that a copy of this memorial be sent to the Grand Master of this state." At the following
meeting on July 13th the amendment was reconsidered and the motion to send it lost.
On June 1, 1859 a vote of thanks was passed to Brother D. Thrush for the picture of King
Solomon's Temple. At the same meeting a committee was appointed to have the pictures
belonging to this Lodge, framed and properly hung on the walls of the ante-room of the Lodge.
On June 8, 1359 another set of By-laws was taken up and ,*passed by section. Fortunately for
this scribe they are not spread upon the minutes for they are getting slightly monotonous.
On June 15, 1859 a communication was received from Brother L. G. Wilcox .of St. John's Lodge
No. 6, Connecticut, as a committee from that Lodge, extending an invitation to attend a
celebration of that Lodge on .the 24th of June anniversary of St. John the Baptist Day. The
invitation was accepted.
On November 9, 1859 Brother J. J. Carter presented to the Lodge, the pictures of George
Washington and Lafayette, which were ordered to be purchased and framed in a proper manner.
(This seems to have been a purchase by the Lodge rather than a gift by Brother Carter.)
119
12
0
On January 25, 1860 the Tylers fee was increased from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents per
night. At the same communication it was on motion resolved that a committee be appointed for the
purpose of procuring new regalia for the first three officers and having that of the subordinate
officers retrimmed. A resolution was also adopted "that the Trustees and joint committee on
furnishing room be requested to report at their earliest convenience a full statement of the cost of
fitting up this room, also the amount of funds remaining on hand at this .time and where the same
is Invested."
On February 8, I860 we read "A communication was received from Thomas Davis, a colored man,
reporting himself as a Mason asking for assistance. Brothers Jenkinson and Baldwin were
appointed a committee to inquire into his case. They reported that from what they could learn
from him, he was in a very destitute condition and worthy. On motion the Lodge donated five
dollars to him."
They must indeed have considered him worthy for the amount usually given in similar cases was
much smaller, it varying from one to three dollars. It is also quite evident that they were satisfied
he was a Mason. It would be interesting to know where he received his degrees and where he
haled from, but unfortunately the minutes offer no evidence.
On October 10, i860 a communication was received from Metropolitan Lodge No.?? inviting the
members of this Lodge to attend their Eighth Anniversary at the Cooper Institute on evening,(ed.
date blank).5860. The communication was ordered on file and the Secretary instructed to
acknowledge its receipt.
On November 14, i860 a communication was received from Kane Lodge U. D., for the use of St.
John's Hall. On motion the application was referred to the Trustees of the Lodge with full power to
act.
At the same communication a motion was adopted that a committee be appointed to draft a plan
for celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of the Lodge. The committee appointed consisted of
Brothers C. R. Waugh, Wm. S. Whitehead, James Ross, C. H. Harrison and J. J. Carter. A second
motion was made that the Worshipful Master, A. L. Wilcox, be added as a member of the
committee. On November 21st the committee submitted the following report:
"To the Worshipful Master & Brethren of St. John's Lodge, Your committee appointed to report a
general plan for the celebration of the approaching Centennial of this Lodge, respectfully report
that they have considered the matter referred to them, and recommend the following as the basis
of a plan for the celebration of the day
"That all Masonic Brethren participating in the celebration meet together at the Lodge and proceed
in procession with music to a church.
"That the services in church consist of an opening prayer, Masonic odes by a choir, a historical
sketch of St. John's Lodge and a Masonic oration.
"That after services in the church the brethren return in procession to the Lodge, that they again
assemble, and proceed in a body, to such place as may be designated for a Masonic dinner,
which shall conclude the celebration of the day.
(Signed) C. R. Waugh Chairman Committee"
The report was received and adopted and the same committee continued with full power to carry
the proposed plan into execution and to invite other Lodges to participate etc.
120
12
1
On February 27, 1861 the committee in charge of arrangements offered the following resolution
which was unanimously passed:
"Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Officers of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of England, or such representation as they may select, be invited to be -present and unite
with this Lodge in celebrating its first Centennial Anniversary on the Thirteenth day of May, A. L.
5861, and that the committee of arrangements be instructed, to transmit under the Seal of this
Lodge, a copy of Resolution with their letter of invitation." On motion it was ordered that the
Secretary notify the members of the Lodge by printed notices to assemble at the next regular
communication for special and important business pertaining to the Centennial Anniversary."
At the following communication, March 13th, "The plan of the Celebration as reported by the
committee and accepted by the Lodge, November 21st, was then read, and remarks as to the
best manner of procuring the necessary amount of money to carry out the same was fully
discussed. Whereupon the Secretary was directed to go to the members in the room, to ascertain
what amount they are willing to subscribe, at which time the amount of $l53. was pledged.
"On motion of L. G. Thomas a committee of three was appointed. to visit the Brothers not present
for the purpose that they may contribute for the same object."
On March 27th Brothers Goble and Olds were added to the Committee of Arrangements for the
Centennial Anniversary. It was also moved that the members of the Lodge be notified to attend at
the next regular communication to assist the Committee of Arrangements.
April 10th the Centennial Committee through its chairman, Brother Waugh, reported, "That a
speaker had been selected with every possibility that he would accept the invitation, such person
being Professor Geiger of Princeton Lodge and of the Priceton College, and that they had also
secured the. South Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church for the exercises of the day, and that
,the committee had agreed to place the tickets for dinner at the sum of $1.50 and suggested the
tickets be sent to some one person of the various Lodges for the purpose of sale."
In the minutes for May 13, 1861, which was a special communication, we read:
"The Worshipful Master stated this day was the Centennial Anniversary of this Lodge, that one
hundred years ago today, May 13th, A. L. 5761 was held the first communication of St. John's
Lodge, the oldest in the state, and after some other appropriate remarks for the occasion,
proceeded to inform the Brethren then assembled that owing to the distracted condition of the
country, the Committee of Arrangements, had concluded and agreed at a full board, to postpone
the formal ceremonies as before laid down for this occasion, but that the same would be carried
out in full as soon as affairs were more settled and at the time which, this Lodge should so
determine.
"On motion a committee of three were appointed consisting of Brothers Thomas, Ricord and
Teese, for the purpose of drafting resolutions appropriate to the occasion.
The following communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of England was read and on motion was ordered to be engrossed in full upon these
records, and the Secretary ordered to acknowledge receipt of same.
"Freemasons Hall, London, W. C. April 27th, 1861 Worshipful Master I am commanded by the
Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
12th of March, forwarding a copy of Resolutions, passed by the St. Johns Lodge of Newark, New
Jersey, inviting the Grand Master and officers of the Grand Lodge of England or such
representations as they may select, to visit the St. Johns Lodge on the 13th day of May next, to
celebrate its Centenary.
"The Grand Master of England desires me to convey to you and through you to the members of
your Lodge, his cordial thanks for your fraternal invitation: and I am to assure you that it would
121
12
2
have afforded him much pleasure to have visited your Lodge on this interesting occasion: but his
Lordship's many important public avocations, more especially those connected with the North
Riding of Yorkshire of which he is Lord Lieutenant will not allow of his absenting himself from
England at the present time.
"With every cordial good wish for the prosperity of your Lodge and for the spread of Freemasonry
in your state, I have the honor to be W. Master
Your faithful brother and Servant
Wm. Gray Clarke,
To. Secy. Augustus L. Wilcox, Esq. W. M. St. Johns Lodge Newark, New Jersey."
"The Committee appointed by the Lodge to draft Resolutions etc. here gave notice that they were
ready to report, when the following Preamble and Resolutions were read. "Preamble &
Resolutions concerning the Centennial Anniversary., "whereas. St. John's Lodge No. 1 is this
evening convened to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of its institution, which occurred on the
13th of May A. L. 5761, and Whereas this Lodge has during a period of one hundred years,
maintained its integrity, and the efficiency amidst the revolutions of government, and the hostile
attacks of enemies, being now the oldest and one of the most prosperous Lodges in the State of
New Jersey. Therefore, "Resolved That our humble and heartfelt thanks are first due to the great
Master above for his watchful care over our institution, and for the encouragement therein given to
all good Masons to be active in every good work and more especially in the practice of Precepts
derived from his Divine word. "Resolved. That in Reviewing the history of this institution, we
cannot call to mind the names of those worthy brothers who one hundred years ago met to give it
an existence; without feeling the deepest reverence, and without an ever increasing desire to
perpetuate, what they so nobly begun; what their immediate successors so generously
maintained; and what is to us such a priceless legacy.
"Resolved. That we deeply deplore with all good Masons, the unhappy condition of our National
Affairs, to which alone can be ascribed, the Informal celebration of this great occasion, and that
we sincerely hope that those principles of Brotherly Love, and charity, which should actuate all
true Masons; may so influence our beloved land that ere long, peace and good will, may prevail;
and that our descendent on every future occasion similar to this, may find this Lodge ever
prosperous and happy, and the institution of Masonry a continued Blessing to mankind.
"Resolved, That we celebrate. the Centennial Anniversary of this Lodge in a formal manner on the
ensuing anniversary do St.John's the Evangelist, December 27th, 1861.
"Signed, L. Goble, Thomas, Fred. Ricord & Fred. Teese Committee."
It was then on motion resolved that the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions be adopted and
engrossed in full upon the minutes. The proceedings and minutes of the first communication,
dated May 13, 1761, were then read.
At the communication of October 10, 1861, Brother Waugh, as chairman of the Centennial
Anniversary Committee made a progress report and suggested several modifications from the
previous arranged program, having mainly in view, the reducing of expenses as far as possible.
Remarks were made by several of the members, all encouraging the most strict economy, and at
the same time having a creditable celebration.
On December 27, 1861 a special communication was held to celebrate ,he Centennial
Anniversary of St. John's Lodge as postponed on May 13th of this year. There was a large
attendance. Among the notables were Past Grand Masters John S. Darcy and Jeptha B. Munn of
New Jersey and Past Grand Master James Jenkinson of New York.
122
12
3
"Lodge opened in due and ancient form and declared at labor on the Master Mason degree. The
Worshipful Master stated the object of the meeting to be the celebration of our-first Centennial
Anniversary of the Lodge which should have occurred on the 13th day of May of the present year,
but was postponed at that time in consequence of the civil war, in progress, the members being so
engaged that it could not be done in a satisfactory manner. The labor of the Master Mason degree
was dispensed with and the Lodge opened in the E. A. Degree. The W. Master appointed Bro. J.
J. Carter, .Marshal of the day who proceeded to form the brethren in procession, at 2 o'clock when
they proceeded to the Broad Street M. E. Church where the following services took place.
Order of Exercises
1st.Ode by the choir, tune "Old Hundred"
2nd. Prayer by the Rev. John Hanlon of the Broad Street M. E. Church.
3rd. Anthem by the choir, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof."
4th. Historical sketch of the Lodge by Bro. Charles R. Waugh.
5th. Ode by the choir, tune "America", "Hail Masonry Devine."
6th. Address by Past Master G. Musgrove Geiger, D. D., Professor in Princeton College. 7th.
Patriotic ode, "Lord of Lords and King of Kings."
The minutes state, "The singing was under the direction of Bro. Albert G. Cann, Organist of the
Lodge. The Choir was composed of mixed voices and numbered about 40. The music was well
rendered, but the last anthem was particularly so, and stirred the hearts of all both old and young
with holy patriotic devotion to God and our Country. The Church was well filled, and the address of
Bro. Geiger, the historical sketch of the Lodge by Bro. Waugh, the prayer by Bro. Hanlon, and the
grand music, all conspired to make the services in the Church, inspiring, impressive and beautiful.
Old Masons! present declared it to be the greatest celebration they ever attended, and although
some of the old members felt they were too old to attend Lodge at night, they were so impressed
with the services, that they could not break away from their brethren and returned to their homes
without once more meeting around the festive board.
"The procession was reformed under the direction of the Marshal and all returned to the Lodge
room at about four o'clock. The refreshments were arranged in the Lodge room, three tables were
set the whole length of the room and one a-cross the east in front of the Master's chair. with the
Worshipful Master presiding, on his right was Bro. Geiger, the orator of the day, next on his right
was Bro. Hanlon of the Broad Street M. E. Church, next on his right was the Rev. James M. Tuttle
and next on his right was the Rev. Dr. Neville of Trinity Church. On his left was Past Grand Master
Jeptha B. Munn and next was Past Grand Master Dr. John S. Darcy, and next was the Right
Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Dr. Thomas J. Corson, next was were Past Grand Master
James Jenkinson of New York, next Past
Masters Luther Goble, Samuel Smith, Jacob Alyea and William Silas Whitehead.
"The Worshipful Master appointed Past Master F. W. Ricord toast reader who took his place in the
south.
"All being arranged in their proper places at the tables the Worshipful Master called up the
brethren and Divine blessing was invoked by Brother Hanlon. All being seated the brethren
proceeded to refresh the inner man with the good things before them, in good, old fashioned
masonic style. It was a sight not often and perhaps never witnessed; to see so many old
patriarchs in masonry assembled together, some of whom (and quite a number of them) had been
masons over fifty years. The younger members of the Lodge all vied with each other to do them
honor and were delighted-to listen to the masonic incidents of their early life. "After an hour thus
spent, the intellectual feast commenced with the following toasts,
1st. The day we celebrate, at the announcement of which all voluntarily rose to their feet.
Responded to by Past Master William Silas Whitehead.
123
12
4
2nd. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
Responded to by the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Thomas J. Corson.
3rd. The President of the United States.
Patriotic Ode by the whole Lodge, Brothers Carter, Ross, Gamble and Alden leading.
Responded to by Brother Nehemlah Perry, Member of Congress from this district.
4th. Our Sister Lodges I CO-workers in the great masonic Temple; may their emulation be, who
can best work and best agree.
Responded to by Worshipful Master C. 5. C. Gifford of Northern Lodge No. 25.
5th. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York.
Responded to by Past Grand Master James Jenkinson of NewYork City.
6th. The Clergy.
Responded to by Rev. Dr. Neville of Trinity Church.
7th. The orator of the evening. Responded to by G. Musgrave Giger.
8th. The Press. Responded to by Brother E, N. Fuller of Evening Journal.
9th. The Ladies. Responded to by Past Master Milton Baldwin of Eureka
Lodge No. 39» Newark. 10th. The memory of our departed brethren.
Drank in silence and standing. Song by J. S. Gamble, the Lodge Joining in the chorus, 'Friends of
Old1.
Responded to by Brother Charles R. Waugh.
"At this time Brother Abram Baldwin approached the Worshipful Master and informed him that he
desired to retire, and requested that he might be permitted to make a few remarks, before doing
so. The Worshipful Master informed the brethren of the request, which was granted. "Brother
Baldwin proceeded to say that he was probably the oldest Mason In Hew Jersey, having been
made in this Lodge in the year 1802 and that it gave him great pleasure to be with his Masonic
brethren on this Interesting occasion, but, that he should never meet with them again on earth,
and hoped to meet them all again in the Lodge above. He had one request to make before
leaving them for the last time, and that was, that when he died they would bury him with masonic
honors. He then bade them an affectionate farewell and started to retire. Brother James Alden
being near the organ, struck up, Auld Lang Syne, all the brethren rising to their feet and Joining
hands with the venerable Patriarch, sang with great effect, while the tears ran down the old man's
cheeks. After the singing was finished, he retired saluting the brethren as he went. The brethren
continued to stand until he had passed from the room. It was one of the most interesting events of
the day and made an impression upon all present, not to be forgotten while life lasts.
"Voluntary toasts, songs and speeches continued until low twelve, when all Joined hands and
sang 'Auld Lang Syne' and the Lodge was closed.
"Thus passed one of the most interesting events in the history of St. John's Lodge. May its future
be prosperous and bright, and when another century shall have passed, end the members shall
again assemble, around the festive board to celebrate the interesting occasion, may she still hold
her position among her sisters, as the first Lodge in the State."
124
12
5
On January 8, 1862 the following resolutions were presented by Brother Wm. Silas Whitehead
and apparently adopted: "Resolved, That the thanks of this Lodge are due and they are hereby
tendered to the Ladies and Gentlemen, of the Choir, for their gratuitous services upon the
occasion of our late Centennial Anniversary.
"Resolved, That the Lodge hereby acknowledge the special obligation under which they rest, to
Brother Waugh for his full and interesting Historical Sketch upon the same occasion; and to
Brother Professor Giger for his finished and eloquent oration, and that it is the earnest desire of
this Lodge that both said addresses may be published, and for that purpose, the committee upon
the Centennial Celebration are hereby charged with the duty of expressing to those Brethren our
sincere and grateful thanks and of procuring copies of such addresses for publication if possible."
Chapter
15
Reflections of the Civil War and Lincoln's Death.
Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United Spates in i860 causing discontent in the
southern states and resulting in their secession and one of the costliest civil wars in history. The
war began on Saturday, April 13, 1861, with an attack upon Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor by
the Southerners. The war spirit was running strong after the news flashed over the telegraph
wires the following morning, that Major Anderson had surrendered to General Beauregard of the
Confederate Army.
Newark's slogan was, "In such crisis no man can remain neutral." Leading men of the city met in
Union Hall on April 19th and discussed the critical condition of national affairs. Col. John R,
Crockett, a former member of St. John's Lodge, was chairman of the conference, which decided to
hold a mass meeting in front of the Court House on April 22nd.
On the same evening the Lodge held a special communication. The Worshipful Master, Augustus
L. Wilcox, stated "the Lodge was convened by the special notice for the purpose of an expression
of opinion in regard to those Brothers who are about to leave our city under call of the
Government, and as they are supposed to leave before our next regular communication, it was
thought advisable to make proper provision for their families, and place themselves in a proper
condition before leaving.
"On motion of Brother Lathrop it was resolved that Brother Henry V. Rockafellow dues be remitted
and that he be reinstated as a member in good standing in this Lodge.
"On motion of Brother Whitehead the following resolution was unanimously passed:
"Resolved, That this Lodge do appropriate out of its funds the sum of $20. to each of its members
who have volunteered in the country's service at this time (and who of them who may desire it), to
enable them to procure a suitable outfit, and that it does hereby pledge itself to appropriate
monies during their absence towards the support of their families, and that this Lodge appoint a
committee of three, to see that the families of our brothers who render their services to the
government on the present occasion receive their just proportion of such appropriations as may
be publicly made for the support of families of others similarly situated. Brothers Morris, Harrison
and Carter were appointed said committee."
Newark's banks made an immediate free will offering of $170,000. for use in equipping troops, and
the Common Council appropriated §500,000. "for the support of the families of our citizens who
shall enter the military service" and 05,000. to supply the troops with clothing. President Lincoln
issued a call for 75,000 volunteers from the country's militia organizations. The First Regiment of
Newark responded and prepared for active service. It was ordered to report at Trenton on
Monday, April 29th, and that morning assembled at Military Park at seven o'clock. Company F
125
12
6
was marched to the quarters of Union Hook and Ladder Company, where the members were
entertained at breakfast. A pleasant feature was the presentation of a sword to Lieutenant John £.
Beam, a member of our Lodge.
Before leaving the regiment marched to the High School on Linden Street where exercises were
held, At the conclusion of the address by City Superintendent George 3. Sears, he presented a
handsome silk flag, a gift of the pupils, to Col. Adolphus J. Johnson. At the latter's request, Dr.
John J. Craven, Surgeon of the regiment and a member of St. John's Lodge, accepted the
emblem with a ringing address.
After a farewell dinner provided by the citizens of Newark, the regiment marched to the former
Chestnut Street station, where the troops entrained in the twenty waiting cars, The First Brigade of
which the First Regiment was a part was mustered into United States service on May 1, 1861, for
three months duty.
St. John's Lodge unfortunately made no record of its .members who served in the war and only
now and then do we come across a reference to it when some brother was reported killed or
wounded or his family in distress.
Newark's peculation at this time was about 73,000 and there were seven Masonic Lodges in the
city. St. John's membership was about (Ed blank) It is estimated over 10,000 men from Newark
served in the United States Army and Navy. When these figures are considered it seems almost a
hopeless task to identify those who might have belonged to our Lodge.
David L. Pierson in "Narratives of Newark" states, "Colonel Isaac M. Tucker,, thirty years of age,
was commandant of the Second New Jersey Regiment. While gallantly leading several of his
companies into action at the Battle of Gaines Farms, on June 27, 1861', he received a mortal
wound, and died within a few minutes. His remains were interred on the battlefield in an unknown
grave."
The same author also states, "Company F, of the First New Jersey Regiment, organized Battery
B, Second Artillery, the muster taking place in August, 1861. First Lieutenant John E. Beam was
commissioned captain. He acquitted himself with bravery in the Seven Days' Fight before
Richmond, and was killed in action at the Battle of Malvern Hill, on July 1, 1862."
At the communication of July 9 1862, a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions in
relation to the deaths of Brothers Tucker and Beam and to report other recommendations that
might be necessary in the matter. On July 23rd they reported as follows: "Resolved, That this
Lodge has received with profound sorrow, the sad and distressing Intelligence of the death upon
the field of Battle in Virginia, of Brother Isaac M. Tucker, Colonel of the Second Regiment, New
Jersey Volunteers, and Brother John E. Beam, Captain of New Jersey Battery known as Beam's
Battery, both members of this Lodge. "Resolved, That the many opportunities for intimate
intercourse with our deceased brothers, arising out of the fraternal relations of a Masonic Lodge,
enable us to testify with Confidence to the! - many striking and admirable virtues; and while , as
men, we sympathize with their respective families upon these distressing bereavements, and as
Masons mourn the loss of two zealous and constant supporters of the Craft, we also as citizens
and patriots, recognize the fact that "by their death the community has lost two enterprising and
valuable citizens and the army two of its bravest and most skillful soldiers.
"Resolved, That although the untimely decease of these brothers, in all the pride and strength of a
vigorous manhood must necessarily be the source of great regret and sorrow, yet we cannot fail to
be comforted by the reflection that they died bravely in a holy and glorious cause; that a grateful
126
12
7
country will keep their memories ever green, and that they have written their names upon the list
of the heroes of this stirring epoch in the world's history,
"And departing, left behind them Footprints on the sands of time.
"Resolved, That Patriotism is a Masonic virtue; and that our brethren whose death we mourn, by
the alacrity with which they sprang to the relief of the nation in distress, and by the sacrifice of
their lives upon the altar of their country, have demonstrated, in the strongest manner possible
their appreciation of the lessons inculcated in this Lodge, which place a Masonic duty to his
country as second and subordinate only to his duty to his God.
"Resolved, That in commemoration of these events the Lodge room be appropriately draped in
mourning, and that a Lodge of Sorrow be held in this Hall at as early & day as is compatible with
the necessary arrangements. "Resolved, That the Secretary of this Lodge be directed to send a
copy of these resolutions to the families of each of our deceased brothers. Charles R. Waugh
William Silas Whitehead Committee" Horace H. Olds
On motion the resolutions were adopted and the committee discharged. A. Lodge of Sorrow was
accordingly held on August 20th, which was attended by a large number of the brethren together
with their wives and daughters. The widows and friends of the deceased were also present.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Brother David Graves, formerly of Joppa Lodge No. 29 of Paterson.
The address was by the Worshipful Master, Augustus L. Wilcox, and the a second address and
eulogy by Past Master Frederick W. Ricord.
On April 9, 1863 a motion was made that a committee be appointed to procure two tablets to be
placed in the walls of the Lodge, to perpetuate the memories of our deceased brethren, Col. Isaac
M. Tucker and Capt. John E. Beam. The motion was then amended to refer the matter to a
committee to take the same into consideration and report. The motion as amended was carried.
On May 13th the committee reported that in their opinion, it was inexpedient at this time to procure
tablets, in view of the unsettled condition of the country and the low state of the Lodge finances.
The report was received and the committee continued. There is no record of the tablets ever
having been obtained.
On October 14, 1863 the committee appointed a few weeks earlier to examine the papers found
among the effects of Brother Tucker, reported that in examining them they found none
appertaining to the Grand Lodge, but did find some of interest to St. John's Lodge, they being old
papers even dating back as far as 1787 and which should be placed on file in the archives of the
Lodge. The report was accepted and the papers apparently turned over to the Lodge.
On March 1, 1864 the Grand Master, William Silas Whitehead granted a dispensation to confer on
Jacob Rhein, a Fentleman, employed in the military service of the United States, the several
degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason at one and the same
communication.
On April 27, 1864 a similar dispensation was granted to confer the Fellow Graft and Master Mason
degrees on Sefrine Daily, also in military service.
On November 4, 1864 a dispensation was issued to craft and raise George M. Emery and William
C. Aber, who may also have been in military service,
To skip ahead a few months Just so that everything in connection with our brothers who served in
the war may be together. On June 7, 1865 it was resolved that the ''Lodge bury the body of
127
12
8
Captain Beam and defray the expenses out of our funds. A- committee was appointed to arrange
for his funeral.
At the same meeting it was moved and carried that an appropriation of $25. from the Lodge funds
be made to the widow of Captain Blauvelt, to aid her in getting the body of her late husband Home
from the field where he was buried.
On June 8, 1864 a committee was appointed to prepare suitable resolutions In relation to the
death of Captain Daniel Blauvelt Jr. who was killed in the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, on May
31, 1864.
On June 22nd they reported as follows:
"Your committee to whom was referred the duty of preparing resolutions expressive of the feelings
of this Lodge in regard to the death of our Brother Captain Daniel Blauvelt Jr. of the Eighth New
Jersey Volunteers, who was instantly killed while fighting at the head of his company on the 31st
of May, 1864, would beg leave to present the following Preamble and Resolutions:
"Whereas; it has pleased Almighty God in his wisdom again to remind us of the instability of all
earthly things, and the certainty of death, by transferring from this world our Brother Captain
Daniel Blauvelt Jr. to that Lodge eternal in the skies, therefore be it
"Resolved, That we as Masons in this affliction recognize the hand of the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe and humbly bow ourselves in submission to His will, knowing that 'He* doeth all things
well
'»
"That the Brother having died at his post in the discharge of his duty, while fighting in the army of
the United States, we acknowledge his merit and services, and would recommend that his
photograph be procured (if possible) for the purpose of having it framed to become the property of
the Lodge, as a lasting memorial of our deceased Brother and Soldier.
"That we tender our sympathies to the widow and family of the deceased, in this their hour of
affliction. "That a copy of these resolutions with the accompanying preamble be furnished the
family of the deceased, and also that they be engrossed upon the Book of Minutes of this
Lodge.(Signed) Joseph E. Haynes , Committee" G. W. Harrison J
At the same communication a committee of three was appointed to procure the photographs of
Brothers Col. Isaac M. Tucker and Capt. John E. Beam, to become the property of the Lodge.
On« April 12, 1865 the committee reported they had secured the photographs.
On June 8, 1364 a committee was appointed to prepare suitable resolutions In relation to the
death of Captain Daniel Blauvelt Jr. who was killed in the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, on May
31, 1864.
On June 22nd they reported as follows:
"Your committee to whom was referred the duty of preparing resolutions expressive of the feelings
of this Lodge in regard to the death of our Brother Captain Daniel Blauvelt Jr. of the Eighth New
Jersey Volunteers, who was instantly killed while fighting at the head of his company on the 31st
of May, 1864, would beg leave to present the following Preamble and Resolutions:
"Whereas; it has pleased Almighty God in his wisdom again to remind us of the instability of all
earthly things, and the certainty of death, by transferring from this world our Brother Captain
Daniel Blauvelt Jr. to that Lodge eternal in the skies, therefore be it
128
12
9
"Resolved, That we as Masons in this affliction recognize the hand of the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe and humbly bow ourselves in submission to His will, knowing that 'He* doeth all things
well
"That the Brother having died at his post in the discharge of his duty, while fighting in the army of
the United States, we acknowledge his merit and services, and would recommend that his
photograph be procured (if possible) for the purpose of having it framed to become the property of
the Lodge, as a lasting memorial of our deceased Brother and Soldier.
"That we tender our sympathies to the widow and family of the deceased, in this their hour of
affliction.
"That a copy of these resolutions with the accompanying preamble be furnished the family of the
deceased, and also that they be engrossed upon the Book of Minutes of this
Lodge.
(Signed) Joseph E. Haynes ]
\ Committee" G. W. Harrison J
At the same communication a committee of three was appointed to procure the photographs of
Brothers Col. Isaac M. Tucker and Capt. John E. Beam, to become the property of the Lodge.
On« April 12, 1865 the committee reported they had secured the photographs.
On June 14th it was moved and carried that the fund necessary to cover the funeral expenses of
Brother Beam be raised by subscription among the members of this Lodge.
On June 21st the committee reported that the required amount had been raised and also $50. for
the widow of Brother Blauvelt. The motion of June 7th to pay the expenses out of the funds of the
Lodge was then rescinded.
On July 25, 1866 the sudden death of Brother G. Theodore Calhoun of cholera, at Hart's Island in
New York Harbor was reported. He was Surgeon of the Post where he administered to the United
States troops during the cholera epidemic. He apparently served during the war and the minutes
note "he was one of the youngest members of the Lodge and died at the threshold of manhood's
years."
In our large roster prepared by Brother John H. Landell we find the following notes appended to
the names of the members listed below. Brother Joseph Trawin - Was Colonel in Union Army,
Eighth New Jersey Regiment. Brother Burr Porter - Was Colonel in the Turkish Army in the
German War and a Colonel in Union Army. Killed in France during war with Germany in 1870-71.
Brother Edward G. Eurnett - made by dispensation and affiliated on October 12, 1853- Had
charge of Jefferson Davis at Fortress Monroe, Virginia.
Brother John J» Craven - made by dispensation and affiliated December 28, 1853. Medical
Director in Army and Surgeon in charge of Jefferson Davis. Brother George T. Woodbury Captain of Battery D, New Jersey Light Artillery, Armies of the Potamac and James.
The three following members received their degrees by dispensation during 1862 and 1864 and
may also have served in the Union forces: Aaron Carter Jr., John C. Downing and Reuben F.
Harford. Brother George 0. Glavis received his degrees by dispensation in 1863, but as he listed
as a clergyman in our records, it seems unlikely that he served, in the army unless it was a
chaplain.
129
13
0
On Monday, April 10, 1865, after the announcement of the surrenders- of the Confederate forces
at Appomattox, the city had given Itself over to the expression of intense relief that the long, cruel
struggle between the states was at last over, and the common exuberance vented itself in the
ringing of bells, firing of canon, blowing shop whistles etc. That night a great jubilee was held at
Liberty Hall which was packed to capacity, with thousands more left on the street unable to get
inside. The whole community was quietly recovering from the celebrations and preparing to pull
itself together to enjoy the blessings of peace, when suddenly the telegraph told of the dastardly
assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.
Flags were sadly lowered to half mast and the people walked the streets with pale; drawn faces
unable to believe the news that was printed on the front pages of the newspapers. Public buildings
and many private homes were draped in black and white. Legends like these appeared on many
structures: "We Mourn Our Loss," "The Nation Mourns" "The Fathers of Our * Country Have Met."
At the meeting held on April 19, 1865, St. John's Lodge resolved "That a committee of three be
appointed to draft suitable resolutions relative to the tragic death of Abraham
Lincoln late President of the United States." *0n motion it was also resolved "That the Secretary
be requested to record on the minutes the fact that the members of St. John's Lodge took part in
the obsequies of President Lincoln held today in this city, and such other facts connected above
therewith as may be of interest. Agreeable to the above motion the Secretary pens the following
as embracing perhaps everything intended by the motion, or desirable to be written as a matter of
record.
"On the day and hour appointed for the funeral ceremonies of President Lincoln, by direction of
the Hon. Acting Secretary of State, that the people throughout the United States should assemble
in their accustomed places of worship, and engage in solemn religious ceremonies the churches
of this state were filled with grief-stricken people. At high twelve the bells throughout the city were
solemnly tolled. The whole city was draped in emblems of mourning; business was everywhere
suspended, and an almost Sabbath stillness rested upon the crowded streets. Short religious
services were held in the various churches from twelve to one o'clock. At two o'clock P. M. the
booming of cannon announced that the funeral procession had started from Military Park. The
procession moved in the following order, passing through several of the principal streets, and was
under the command of Major William W. Morris, Grand Marshall."
The make-up of the procession is given in detail. There were three divisions, the third one being
comprised of the Masonic Fraternity, Odd Fellows and various literary and benevolent societies
and citizens on foot, on horseback and in carriages.
"The Masonic Order under Bro. J. J. Garter of this Lodge, and Bro. P. M, Kinney of Kane Lodge
No. 55 as Marshals. The Masonic Order was proceeded by Most Worshipful Grand Master William
Silas Whitehead of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey.
"A sprig of acacia was the only Masonic emblem worn by the brethren. All had crape on the left
arm. A large number of our members met at St. John's Hall and proceeded in a the
body to Join Sister Lodges in the procession under the direction of Brother J. J. Carter as Marshal.
The right of the line of the Masonic Order was given to St. John's as was her due."
"The procession was the largest ever known in the City of Newark, was an hour, or more, in
passing a given point. During the march bells were tolled and minute guns fired. The procession
reached Military Park, the place of starting, at four and one-half P, M., where an immense
assemblage had gathered around a beautiful stage erected for the occasion.
"Marcus L. Ward took the chair, when the exercises were opened with a dirge by Dodworth's
Band, followed by a hymn sung by the German Singing Society. Rev. -Edgar M. Levy, Chairman
130
13
1
of Committee of Resolutions, then read the resolutions prepared by the committee, and they were
adopted. A dirge from the "band then followed, after which the Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen delivered
an impressive and eloquent oration. The 'Star Spangled Banner and 'Rally Round the Flag' were
admirably given by the band, and in conclusion the vast multitude was led by Alderman Hays in
singing the grand old doxology 'Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.
"At sunset, as at sunrise, a salute was fired on the park. The citizens slowly retired to their homes
carrying with them the memory of a day which will ever be conspicuous in American history."
The committee of arrangements under whose direction the obsequies were held included the
following members of St. John's Lodge: Brothers Orson Wilson, Dr. Jeremiah A. Cross and John
G. Littell.
On April 26th the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
"Whereas St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. of Newark, N. J. have heard with sincere sorrow of
the sudden and violent death of the late Chief Magistrate of the United States, Abraham Lincoln,
at a moment, when, for the first time since he assumed the duties of his exalted station, he could
see with certainty the happy and triumphant issue of his beloved country from the overwhelming
perils, which had envisioned it; and, "Whereas, It is eminently fitting that our fraternity, who are
taught to be quiet and peaceable subjects, true to our government, and Just to our country should
place upon record their appreciation of the surpassing merits and virtues of the late President, and
their detestation of the horrible crime, which resulted in his death, and of the criminal, by whom
the 'silver cord was loosed and the golden bowl broken'"Therefore - Resolved - That this Lodge recognize. in the character of Abraham Lincoln, all the
elements of a good citizen, an honest and upright man, and a sterling .patriot, who loved his
native land with a fervid and unfaltering devotion; and that his love of country, his untiring
exertions in her behalf, his hope in the hours of adversity, his faith in the ultimate triumph of the
right, and his charity to all mankind, as evinced by innumerable acts of kindness and mercy to his
Implacable enemies, have endeared him to the hearts of his countrymen, and have insured to him
a place in their affections, second only to that occupied by George Washington.
"Resolved - That the universal sorrow and lamentation with which the intelligence of the late
President's demise has been received by our fellow citizens of all classes and parties, throughout
the vast extent of our territory, has given the lie to the false maxim that 'Republics are ungrateful',
and. that the manifest strengthening of the bonds of affection for our country, and the enthusiastic
revival of a firm determination to stand by her to the last, which have followed his assassination,
have demonstrated the truth of that other maxim, that 'The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the
church.
"Resolved - That the depth of infamy to which his indulgence in the crime of treason, reduced the
assassin of our beloved President, and the universal execration with which his name is
everywhere received, should impress upon every Mason, with thrilling emphasis, that lesson of
our ritual which commands us 'not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but to patiently submit to
legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which we live
"Resolved - That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved and afflicted family of the deceased
and, for consolation, may assure them, that, in addition to the reward which we believe to be laid
up for him in that 'temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens' he will receive, until the last
syllable of recorded time, the heartfelt benedictions of a grateful people.
"Resolved - That in token of sorrow, the members of this Lodge will wear the usual badge of
mourning for thirty days.
"On motion it was resolved that a copy of the above resolutions be sent to the family of the
deceased and that they be published in the Newark Daily Advertiser."
131
Chapter 16
Other Activities During the Civil War Period
On January 23, 1361 the following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted.:
"Whereas, It is the desire of this Lodge to preserve and transmit to our posterity unimpaired the
Ancient Landmarks and Ritual of this Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity therefore,
"Resolved, That the Lodges of this City are requested to meet with St. John's Lodge No. 1 on
Wednesday Evening, the 30th-inst., at seven o'clock, for the purpose of conference and to take
such action as the several Lodges may determine.
"Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to send a copy of the above preamble and resolution to
all the Lodges in the City under the seal of the Lodge."
The regular communication of St. John's Lodge on January 30th was attended by twenty
members from the other Lodges in the city, viz.: Newark No. 7, Northern No. 25, Diogenes No. 22,
Eureka No. 32, Oriental No. 51 and Kane No. 55
The Worshipful Kaster stated, "that the Lodge was convened with invited officers .from the other
Lodges of the City for the purpose of conferring with the sister Lodges in regard to the working of
openings- as specified by the Grand Lodge of the State, and solicited remarks from the brethren
present as to what they could propose or what was necessary for the purpose of having uniformity
of work in our city.
"Remarks were made by P. M. Luther Goble who then said, that the opening of the Lodge as
performed this evening by the W. M. was the same he had always seen done and always used by
himself as V. M. and handed down to him by the best authority, and he regarded it as the only
Legitimate, manner of so doing, and also suggested, that any other manner of opening was an
innovation upon our ancient order which should not be permitted
"Further remarks were made by W. M. Chas. H. Jones and D. Clark of Newark Lodge No. 7 and
Taylor, Dodd and Ding-well of Eureka No. 39. "Whereupon on motion of C. W. Harrison, a Comm.
of three, one of whom to be the W. M. was appointed, to meet a similar Comm. from the other
Lodges of the city, for the purpose of ascertaining if there exists a difference in the workings of the
various Lodges and for the purpose of uniting on some uniformity of the same.
"Resolved, That the other Lodges of the City be requested to appoint a similar Comm. to meet the
said Comm. from this Lodge and that the Secretary send communications to the other Lodges to
this affect. Committee A. L. Wilcox."
News of the meeting of February 13, 1861 was apparently well circulated for in addition to our own
members there were forty-four visitors including one from St. Johns Lodge No. 80, Ireland.. After
the usual business the Worshipful Master introduced Past Deputy Grand Master John R. Chapin,
"who went into an explanation as to what was called the new work of the Order, and explained by
saying it was only the old work and the same as had been 0handed to him from P. M. Luther
Goble of this Lodge. Some slight wording had been changed by the G. L. but they were
immaterial. He then went through the form of opening & closing Lodge, also a full detail of
Entering, Passing & Raising a Candidate, and explained the entire working of the order as
promulgated by the G.L. and gave the authority from a. number of Lectures as handed down a
long time since."
His explanation must have satisfied the brethren for that seeing to have been the last time the
subject was discussed.
On May 10, 186l Brothers Passmore and Meeker of Newark Lodge No. 7 presented to St. John's
Lodge a Rough and a Perfect Ashler. On motion a vote of thanks was unanimously tendered to
them.
132
13
2
13
3
On August 14, 1861 a motion was passed that a committee of three be appointed to procure a
photograph of Past Master Luther Goble. On February 5, 1862 the committee reported they had
secured the desired photograph and that it had been framed and now hung in the ante-room.
In the minutes for January 8, 1862 we read, "Application was made at this time for admission to
the Lodge by a Bro, Mead representing himself a W. M. of a Lodge under dispensation at Galdwell
and also by a Bro. Bush of same Lodge.
"The W.M. directed the S. D. to proceed to the anti room and ask of the Bro. Bush if he was
regularly Installed as W. M. of the Lodge he pretends to represent, under Dispensation. "The S. D.
returned with the following reply, That the Bro. was not so Installed and that he was working under
a dispensation from the G.M. The S.D. was then instructed to inform the Bros, that if they were
vouched for they would be admitted as sojourners only and not as members of a. regularly
instituted officers as they were not duly installed in due form.
"The answer of the W.M. was given the Brethren and they. at once left the Hall."
(Note: The errors in the above are the Secretary's and not this scribe's. Some one got himself
twisted as to who was Master, Mead, or Bush ? Also the Secretary probably meant to say
"regularly instituted Lodge" rather than "regularly instituted officers" These Secretaries ! You
have to watch them and even then it doesn't do any good They read what isn't there and swear it
was )
Apparently the brethren had been mulling over the above event, even as we have been trying to
figure it out, for later in the evening the following Preamble and Resolution was adopted:
"Where's: It has been the custom under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New
Jersey, when application has been made to open a new Lodge, (and the Petition granted) for the
Most Worshipful Grand Master to grant a Dispensation and Install the Officers in to the several
offices in Due and Ancient form. Therefore,
"Resolved, That the recent practice of the Most Worshipful Grand Master granting a dispensation
to Three Brothers authorizing them to confer the three degrees of Masonry on any person they
may deem proper, as a departure from one of the oldest Landmarks of Masonry in our State, and
should receive the condemnation of all regular Masons.
"Resolved, That the only way in which the Worshipful Master of a Lodge working under a
Dispensation or Warrant, can receive his authority, is by the regular form of Installation, and
cannot enter upon the duties of his office before such installation.
"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Lodge all persona who may have been Entered, Passed and
Raised to the sublime decree of a Master Mason by persona holding Dispensations from the
Grand Master and the officers of. which Lodge have not been Installed, have been irregularly
made, and should be so declared by the Grand Lodge.
Lodge
"Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master at its next annual Communication be
requested to give the subject their careful consideration and pass such resolutions as shall
prevent any farther departure from one of our oldest Land-Marks.
"Resolved, That a copy of the above Preamble and Resolutions be sent to the Right Worshipful
Grand Secretary with the request that they may be brought before the Grand Lodge at its next
annual Communication."
133
13
4
On January 8, 1862 a motion was passed that a committee of three consisting of Brothers Waugh,
Borcherling and Whitehead be appointed to publish the proceedings of this Lodge from its
commencement to its 100th anniversary, in a suitable book form. On May 14th the committee
Reported they had prepared the Historical Sketch and also procured the address delivered by
Professor Gieger of Princeton College at the Centennial Anniversary. Whereupon on motion it
was unanimously resolved, "That the committee appointed to compile the Historical History of this
Lodge and of procuring the address of Brother Professor Gieger be instructed to have 500 copies
of the works and address combined printed, and that those brothers wishing, copies of same may
have them upon paying the price that may hereafter be designated by the Lodge."
On January 15, 1862 application for a recommendation from this Lodge to the Grand Lodge was
made by several persons; having for their purpose, the organization of a French Lodge. The
chairs being vacated by the officers of St. John's Lodge they were filled by the Brethren wishing to
form said Lodge, at which time the opening and closing of the three degrees was performed in the
French language by them, to assure the members present of their ability to work the French rite.
On motion it, was resolved that this Lodge recommend to the Grand Lodge, the granting to
Brother Letellier and others a Warrant to institute a Lodge to work what is called the French rite, it
having every reason to believe it will be an advantage to the Craft generally.
On January 29, 1362 on motion it was resolved, "That the Worshipful Master be authorized to
open a correspondence with G. M. Pierson of Minnesota (in behalf of this Lodge) in reference to a
secret organization which has some reference to Masonry."
At the communication of March 5, 1862 the following Preamble and Resolutions were read and
unanimously adopted: "Whereas; It has been made known to this Lodge, that a person by the
name of John Sheville, is endeavoring to institute a Secret Body in the Subordinate Lodges as
well as the Grand Lodge of this State, Called by him Conservators of the "work, And "Whereas;
overall members of this Lodge have been recommended and invited, to become members of the
above named secret Society for the purpose of controlling the work of this Lodge. .Therefore "Be
it Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be requested to issue an Edict to all Lodges
under his Jurisdiction, requesting them, not to countenance or give encouragement to the said
John Sheville and that those Brethren who connect themselves with the above named secret
body, will subject themselves to Masonic discipline.
"Resolved, That a copy of the above Preamble and Resolutions be forwarded to the Most
Worshipful Grand Master under the Seal of the Lodge and signed by the proper officers."
A motion was then made and lost to "appoint a committee of three to investigate the subject and
ascertain to what extent this Lodge had been worked. upon."
At the communication of March 26, 1862, the Worshipful Master stated he had received a
communication from G. M. Pierson of Minnesota in regard to the secret organization called
"Conservators", which was read. No hint of the contents is given in the minutes.
At the communication of May 3, 1862 the Worshipful Master preferred the following charges
against Brother Israel Baldwin of this Lodge: "Charge, unMasonic Conduct Specification lst By
joining a secret organization called "Conservators of the work", whose object is to control Grand
and Subordinate Lodges, by taking, upon themselves peculiar engagements to be faithful to their
trusts, and to one another, by observing the strictest secrecy that the Craft at large may know
nothing of the association, nor of its members or plans.
134
13
5
2nd , By using his influence to get other members of St. John's Lodge No. 1 to become members
of said secret organization thereby disturbing the Peace and-Harmony of this Lodge."
Brother Boroherling announced that he was present 'to appear as Council for Brother Baldwin, but
was called to order by the Worshipful Master, as Brother Baldwin was not on trial at that meeting.
The charges were referred to a committee consisting of Brothers Carlisle, Post and Ryerson.
Brother Borcherling offered a protest about the proceedings which was declared out of order.
At the meeting of May 12, 1862 the following communication was read, purporting to be from the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, but without the seal of that
body attached. "Paterson May 12th, 1862 To Bros. Lewis L. Carlisle Committee to investigate
Charges made John E. Post against Bro. Israel Baldwin David A Ryerson
It having been represented to me that the proceedings of St. John's Lodge No 1 in the matter of
charges preferred against Bro. Israel Baldwin and the appointment of a Committee to investigate
the same; were irregular and Un-Masonic, This is therefore to require you and each of you to
refrain and desist from Investigating said Charges until farther (sic) directed by me Fraternally
Isaac VanWagoner Grand Master of New Jersey"
(Note: A Brother Sheville of Metropolitan Lodge No. was present at this meeting and may have
been the Brother Sheville who started the "Conservators".)
At the communication of May 14, 1862 the Worshipful Master asked permission of the Lodge to
withdraw the charges made .by him against Brother Israel Baldwin for Un-Masonic conduct, which
on motion was agreed.
Brother George B. Jenkinson then presented the following charges against Brother Baldwin: "To
the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M., I do hereby
prefer the following Charges against Bro. Israel Baldwin of this Lodge.
"Charge. Un Masonic Conduct. Specification 1st. By .Joining a secret organization (called
Conservators of Symbolic Masonry) whose object is; First, To disseminate the unwritten Masonic
Ritual in an irregular and Un Masonic manner, and in violation of Masonic Obligation.
Second, By creating an office in a subordinate Lodge unauthorized by the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of New Jersey, called Conservator, who is authorized to appoint two deputies (for whose
prudence and discretion he is to be held personally responsible to the Chief Conservator) for the
purpose of controlling the election in subordinate Lodges, thereby securing the control of the
Grand Lodge.
Third, By taking upon themselves peculiar engagements to be faithful to their trusts and to one
another by observing the most strict secrecy that the Craft at large may know nothing of the
association, nor of its members, nor of its plans on foot; until they shall have accomplished their
object.
Specification 2nd. • By using his Influence to get another member or members of St. John's Lodge
No. 1 to join said secret organization thereby disturbing the peace and harmony of this Lodge.
Signed George B. Jenkinson."
"The Charges being read were referred to a Committee of Three consisting of Bros. Olds, Carlisle
and Battin. After the appointment of the Committee, Bro. Carlisle declined to serve and 3rd. Sealy
was appointed in his stead. The committee standing thus, Bros. Olds, Battin and Sealy.
135
13
6
"On motion of P. K. William S. Whitehead, It was Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to write
to the Grand Master to ascertain what irregular proceedings had emanated from this Lodge that
he (the G. M,) has been constrained to grant an injunction upon a committee appointed by this
Lodge from acting as said committee upon their duties."
At the meeting of May 28, 1862"a communication was handed in by the Worshipful Master which
he wished read. The said communication was charges and specifications preferred by Brother
Israel Baldwin against the Worshipful Master of this Lodge (Augustus L. Wilcox) to the Grand
Master, the same had been served upon the Worshipful Master in due form.
"The Most Worshipful Grand Master (Isaac VanWagoner) was announced and received as such,
when he demanded the Gavel which was given him. He desired the reading of the minutes of
those portions relating to the charges against Brother Baldwin, but they not being present, he
directed the Worshipful Master to have the Secretary forward him a certified copy of same."
At the communication of July 23, 1862 the committee appointed to investigate charges against
Brother Baldwin offered the following report: "Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of St.
John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. Your committee appointed May 24th to investigate Charges
preferred against Brother Israel Baldwin by George B. Jenkinson both of this Lodge most
respectfully beg leave to report as follows:
"Your Committee met pursuant to agreement and at the urgent solicitation of each member of the
Committee present W. M. A. L. Wilcox acted as Chairman, Ex Officio.
"The Committee after having examined a large number of witnesses have come to the conclusion
(after carefully examining the evidence) that the Charges are not sustained and would recommend
the same be dismissed.
"The Committee before closing their Report would call the attention of the Lodge to the conduct of
the Proxy for the Defendant, Bro. Charles Borcherling Jr., who in their opinion deserves the
censure of the Lodge by his persistent endeavors to embarrass the Committee, and throwing
impediments in their way, also insisting upon adducing testimony, which the Committee decided
had no bearing upon the case before them. His frequent assaults upon the chairman of the
Committee cannot be passed over without encouraging an insult to the Lodge. His conduct was
ungenerous and Un Masonic.
"The Committee would also call the attention of the Lodge to the fact that Bro. P. M. Fred. S.
Dodd, Lewis Grans, S. W., Chas. B. Thurston & William Stagg all of Eureka Lodge No.9, W. M.
Kinney & Elisha M. Smith of Kane Lodge No.55, also Batty, S. W. of Northern Lodge No. 25, all of
whom refused to answer questions which the Committee deemed proper and necessary to a
proper investigation of the charges against Bro. Baldwin.
"Also William G. Cunningham, S. W. of Metropolitan Lodge, N. Y., refused to obey summons, his
objection being that he had not been summoned in writing. "All of which is most respectfully
submitted. Signed Horace H. Olds Sylvester S. Battin."
"After the reading of report motion was made and seconded that the Report be received and
Committee discharged, whereupon Bro. P, M. Whitehead moved an amendment, to recommit the
report to the Committee with instructions to strike out all that portion or section relating to censure
of Bro. Borcherling Jr. which amendment was agreed to by the Lodge.
"Bro. Baldwin also moved as an amendment, that the Committee be instructed to strike out the 5th
clause, relating to those persons who refused to answer questions before the committee, which
was Lost. "On motion of P. M. Whitehead the Committee was instructed to report at this
136
13
7
communication." Later in the same minutes we find "The report of the Committee upon charges
against Bro. Baldwin not being ready, the committee on motion had farther time granted them."
At the communication of August 13, 1862 the subject was again brought up and "On motion it was
Resolved, That the amendment of Bro. PM Whitehead at the last regular communication, to the
report of the committee upon charges .against Bro. Israel Baldwin, (which same amendment
relates to striking out portions relating to Bro. Borcherling Jr. and his conduct as proxy in the case)
be reconsidered, and it was so ordered.
"PM Whitehead withdrew his amendment and offered as an amendment the following, Resolved,
That all that portion of the Report referring to Bro. Borcherling be stricken out, which was Lost.
"On motion, it was resolved that the report be received and the committee discharged, which was
so Ordered."
On August 27, 1862 "Bro. Borcherllng requested that the Secretary be instructed to furnish him
with a certified copy of the report of the committee appointed to Investigate charges preferred by
Bro. Jenkinson against Bro. Baldwin both of this Lodge, and also certified copies of minutes of
July 23rd and Aug. 13th.
"On motion the application was laid upon the table."
At the communication of January 7, 1863 the following Preamble and Resolution were adopted:
"To the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free & Accepted Masons for
the State of New Jersey.
"Whereas it has always been the practice and purpose of St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Free &
Accepted Masons of Newark, New Jersey, to maintain and preserve the ancient Land Marks and
customs of Free Masonry unimpaired and also to pay due respect to the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey and its officers since its organization, And still being desirous of maintaining our loyalty, to
the Grand Lodge and of promoting harmony and good will among the Brethren. Therefore for the
purpose of settling and adjusting all matters of difference between the Grand Lodge and its
officers and St. John's Lodge and also between St. John's Lodge and the brethren and of
promoting good will and harmony among all the brethren.
"Be it resolved that your Honorable Body be requested to appoint a committee to investigate and
adjust all matters of difference arising in St. John's Lodge from whatever cause, and more
particularly to investigate and adjust the following transactions of the Lodge.
"First The rejection of Mr. Lemuel Thomas by this Lodge and his subsequent initiation, passing
and raising in Washington Lodge No. 33 at Elizabeth.
"Second Certain charges preferred against Bro. Israel Baldwin, May 3,1862 and the subsequent
action of the Grand Master in relation thereto.
"Third Certain charges preferred against Bro. Israel Baldwin, May 14, 1862 and the refusal of
certain brothers to testify at the trial of the same.
"Fourth To ascertain the reasons of the Moat Worshipful Grand Master's official visit .to this Lodge
May 28, 1862 and whether he had sufficient reasons for and was Justified in his action, on that
occasion.
"Fifth To hear and examine all grievances and matters of difference between the brethren of the
Lodge and the action of the Lodge for the purpose of forever settling all past disputes and
promoting the harmony of the Lodge for the future."
On January 14, 1863 a communication was received from Brother Charles Borcherling, notifying
this Lodge of his intention to appeal to the Grand Lodge from the action of this Lodge in relation to
the report of the committee on charges against Brother Baldwin on July 23, 1862. The
communication was ordered on file and the Secretary directed to transmit to the Grand Lodge a
137
13
8
copy of the minutes referring to the case. This is the last reference made to the case in our
minutes.
It might be well at this point to say something about this movement which caused such a furor in
our Lodge. About 1860 Robert Morris established a secret society of Masons
styled by him as "The Conservator Movement". Its members were called "Conservators" The
purposes of the organization were: to disseminate the Webb-Preston Work, to 'discountenance'
innovations in the ritual, to establish national uniformity of 'means of recognition' etc., to detect
and expose impostors, to hold conferences among Conservators themselves etc. The scheme
was to be a closely-guarded secret among the few men in each Lodge who were active
Conservators and each Conservators to keep in close touch with the Chief Conservator, who was
Morris himself, and carry out his orders- A Vice Chief Conservator was to be present at each
Grand Communication of each and every Grand Lodge.
The 'society' was so loosely administered that Morris did not know how many where in it but
"guessed" that at one time it may have had but guess 2,795 members. The "era" of the
association was to begin June 24, 1860 and last until June 24, 1865, at which time it would
everywhere automatically cease to exist. A secret language, cabalistic signs etc. were much used.
Once they had discovered its existence and had become aware of its nature and purposes, the
Grand Lodges began a determined campaign to abolish the movement. It was intolerable
to have a secret society at work within the Fraternity itself; and not a group of
outsiders, it was for a Grand Lodge to decide what its standard work was to be; nor could a Lodge
permit one of its own members to have more authority than its own Master. The. whole movement
was quickly aborted and soon passed out of the memory of the Craft.
To go back several months to the George Washington Birthday celebration of February 22, 1862.
In the minutes for that communication we find the following: "As an incident and one not out of
place to record here, was the wearing by the orator (Brother Charles L. C. Gifford of Northern
Lodge No. 25) of a Past Masters' Jewel having inscribed thereon the following 'Presented by St.
John's Lodge No. 2 to P. M. Isaac Andruss December 17th 1819' and of all the members of St.
John's Lodge at that time only, Bros. Luther Goble and Alyea are left."
On March 26, 1862 it was resolved that hereafter the stated communications of the Lodge be
held on the second Wednesday of each and every month until further ordered.
At the communication of January 7, 1863 the following Preamble and Resolution were adopted:
"To the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free & Accepted Masons for
the State of New Jersey.
"Whereas it has always been the practice and purpose of St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Free &
Accepted Masons of Newark, New Jersey, to maintain and preserve the ancient Land Marks and
customs of Free Masonry unimpaired and also to pay due respect to the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey and its officers since its organization, And still being desirous of maintaining our loyalty, to
the Grand Lodge and of promoting harmony and good will among the Brethren. Therefore for the
purpose of settling and adjusting all matters of difference between the Grand Lodge and its
officers and St. John's Lodge and also between St. John's Lodge and the brethren and of
promoting good will and harmony among all the brethren.
"Be it resolved that your Honorable Body be requested to appoint a committee to investigate and
adjust all matters of difference arising in St. John's Lodge from whatever cause, and more
particularly to investigate and adjust the following transactions of the Ledge.
"First The rejection of Mr. Lemuel Thomas by this Lodge and his subsequent initiation, passing
and raising in Washington Lodge No. 33 at Elizabeth.
138
13
9
"Second Certain charges preferred against Bro. Israel Baldwin, May 3» 1862 and the subsequent
action of the Grand Master in relation thereto.
"Third Certain charges preferred against Bro. Israel Baldwin, May 14, 1862 and the refusal of
certain brothers to testify at the trial of the same.
On May 14th of the same year the meeting nights were changed to the second and fourth
Wednesday of each month. On January 14, 1863 the Lodge voted to meet on every Wednesday
night. On August 27, 1862 a bill amounting to $56. For printing the Centennial Anniversary
Address was ordered paid. Motions were then passed that the Secretary send ten copies of the
Address to the New Jersey Historical Society, twenty copies to Brother Professor Gieger of
Princeton College, one copy to each Lodge in this State, one copy to each of the daily papers in
this city and one copy to each of the following papers, out of the state, viz. New York Dispatch,
New York Courier and Moores Masonic Magazine of Boston and of Cincinnati. It was also moved
that ,a number of copies be placed in the hands of Brother Horace H. Olds, to be sold by him for
the benefit of the Lodge, at the price of twenty cents each.
On November 23, 1862 a special communication of the Lodge was held for the purpose of
attending the funeral of Samuel H. Tyrrill, late Worshipful Master of Varick Lodge No. 31 of Jersey
City. After the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment the brethren proceeded to the Centre
Street depot and there 'received* the several Lodges which escorted the remains, in a special
train from Jersey City. At half past two o'clock the procession was formed under the direction of
Brother James J. Carter, Marshal, appointed by this Lodge according to the rules and regulations
as laid down by the Grand Lodge. The procession then proceeded to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
where the usual Masonic ritual was performed by Varick Lodge No. 31 and St. John's Lodge No.
1.
At the following communication on November 25th, the Lodge adopted a resolution of sympathy
and condolence copies ordered to be sent to Varick Lodge and the family of the deceased brother.
At the communication of January 14, 1863 the following letter was road.
"Jersey City, Nov. 28, 1862 To the W.M., Wardens & Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A.
M., Newark, N. J. Brethren: At a regular Communication of Varick Lodge No. 31, F. & A. M. held
on the above date the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved that Varick Lodge No. 31
acknowledges with sincere gratification the fraternal regard manifested by our sister Lodges of
Hudson County, Newark & New York on the occasion of the funeral of our late Brother and ¥. M.
Samuel R. Tyrrill showing as it did to the world, that we are brethren of one common family
worshipping at one common Altar, whose ties are more strongly cemented by the stroke of
affliction & whose love extends beyond the grave. Resolved That the Secretary be directed to
forward a copy of the above resolution to each of the Lodges represented on the occasion. I am
also directed to acknowledge the receipt of your fraternal letter and resolutions of 26th inst. for
which please accept our thanks. Fraternally yours, H. E. Phelps, Secy."
On March 25, 1863 a communication was received from Eureka Lodge No. 39 inviting St. John's
Lodge to be present at the dedication of their new hall at 259 Broad Street on Friday evening,
April 3rd. It was ordered placed on file and the Secretary directed to acknowledge receipt of it. On
April 1st it was resolved that the Lodge meet on Friday evening and attend the dedication of the
new room of Eureka Lodge in full regalia.
Past Master Luther Goble died on April 25, 1863. In consequence of the objections of some
members of his family he was not buried according, to Masonic usage, but a few of the brethren
accompanied his body to the grave and deposited the usual token. On May 21st a Lodge of
Sorrow was held in his memory which was attended by a large number of the brethren with their
139
14
0
families together with the relatives and friends of the deceased. A long address was given by
Brother Past Master John R. Chapin which is given in full in our minutes. After the address the
brethren assembled around the altar while Most Worshipful Grand Master Isaac VanWagoner
conducted the services usual on a funeral occasion, "eliciting the commendation of all the brethren
by his excellent manner of reading the 'service at the grave."
At the communication of November 12, 1862 the Secretary on motion was directed to notify the
several members composing the Board of Trustees, earnestly requesting them to hold a meeting
and give the Lodge a report of the condition of the funds in their hands.
On January 14, 1863 it was on motion, resolved, that the Board of Trustees be officially notified to
make a detailed report to this Lodge of the amount of funds they have received, the disposition
made and accumulation of said fund,., the cost of furnishing the Lodge rooms, what amount of
funds are now in their hands and how invested.
Apparently the Trustees paid no attention to either of these requests for on September 2, 1863,
the following resolutions were offered by Brother Whitehead and adopted:
"Resolved, That the surviving Trustees of St. John's Lodge be, and they are hereby required to
present to this Lodge on the last Wednesday in October next, a statement in writing of their
receipts and disbursements on account of this Lodge, and its funds in their hands, and of the
manner in which any balance which may be in their hands has been invested.
"Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Worshipful Master to report at the same
time whether in their opinion the Lodge has the power legally to fill the vacancy in the Board of
Trustees occasioned by the death of Brother Luther Goble, and if such committee shall be of
opinion that the Lodge has not now such power, that then they further inquire and report what
steps it is necessary the Lodge should take to acquire the power to fill that vacancy and any which
may hereafter occur.
"Resolved, That the Secretary be directed, as soon as practicable, to serve a copy of these
resolutions duly certified under the seal of this Lodge, on each one of the surviving members of
said Board of Trustees.
"The Worshipful Master appointed Brothers Whitehead, Waugh and Teese, a committee in
accordance with the above resolutions.
On October 28, 1863 the committee appointed on September 2nd to report on the necessary
steps to be taken in relation to filling the vacancies on the Board of Trustees made the following
report: "To the Worshipful "Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. John's Lodge
"The undersigned to whom it was referred by this Lodge to examine and report whether the Lodge
has the legal power to fill any vacancy which has heretofore occurred and may hereafter occur in
the Board of Trustees of the Fund of this Lodge, and if in their opinion, the Lodge has no such
right legally to fill such vacancies then to report what steps ought to be taken to acquire that
power, beg to report:
"That in their opinion the Lodge has not the power legally to fill any vacancy which has occurred or
which may occur in said Board of Trustees, "And they beg leave further to report, that in their
opinion the speediest, least expensive, and most effectual way to acquire such power, is by
application to the Legislature of the State of New Jersey.
"Your committee therefore recommend that a committee of three be appointed by this Lodge
whose duty it shall be to give the necessary legal notice of the intention of ..this Lodge to make
such application: to prepare a draft of an act for that purpose and present the same to this Lodge
at its next annual meeting for the election of officers: and to press the passage of such act through
the Legislature.
140
14
1
"All which is fraternally submitted Wm. Silas Whitehead C. R. Waugh Dated Oct. 2?, 1863 F.H.
Teese Committee."
On motion the report was received, the recommendation adopted and the same committee
appointed to carry the resolution into effect.
The minutes continue "This being the time at which the Board of Trustees were notified to make a
report of the condition of the Lodge funds in their hands and no report having been received,
Brother Whitehead made some remarks in relation thereto, after which Brothers Carter and Harris
of the Board of Trustees stated to the Lodge their views, favoring stringent action on the part of
the Lodge if necessary for the purpose of obtaining the called for report and stating that the fault
was not with them, as they had used their best efforts to comply with the requests and directions
which had been made. Brother Carter also stated the $7,200. of the surplus funds had been
invested in United States 5-20 bonds. Of any further disposition of the surplus funds he was
unable to make any report.
"Brother Whitehead then offered the following resolution:- Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to take legal measures to compel a report from the Board of Trustees of the Fund of
this Lodge: of the expenditures by them and the manner in which such funds as may be in their
hands have been invested.
"Unanimously adopted and Brothers Whitehead, Waugh and Harrison appointed such committee.
"The Worshipful Master gave notice that at the proper time he should offer a resolution to amend
the By-laws by adding the following - 'That the Board of Trustees be required to make an annual
report to this Lodge or oftener as the Lodge may direct."
On December 23rd the committee to draft an Act to be presented to the next Legislature, made
their report, which was "And whereas the said trustees of St. Johns Lodge have duly conveyed to
the said trustees of the Newark Academy such rights, title, and interest and received the
consideration therefore; and whereas the said Luther Goble one of the said trustees has departed
this life, and it is desirable that some member of said St. Johns Lodge should be elected to fill the
vacancy created by his death, and that the said St. Johns Lodge should have the power to fill any
vacancy which may hereafter occur in said board of trustees, and doubts having arisen as to the
power of said St. Johns Lodge to fill such vacancy or vacancies; therefore
"Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey
"That it shall and may be lawful for said Society, known as St. Johns Lodge Number One, Free
and Accepted Masons of Newark, New Jersey, at its first regular meeting in the month of March
next ensuing, the passage .of this act to elect by ballot a member of said Society to be trustee in
the place of said Luther-Goble deceased.
"2. And be it enacted That whenever any vacancy shall occur in said board of trustees, either by
death, voluntary resignation, expulsion from said society, or voluntary withdrawal therefrom, or
refusal or failure of said trustees to make annual report of their receipts and disbursements, at the
time specified by the bylaws of said St. Johns Lodge, it shall and may be lawful for said Society at
its regular meeting next preceding the day known in said Society as the festivity of St. John the
Evangelist, to elect by ballot a member of said Society to be trustee to fill such vacancy
"3. And be it enacted That the trustees to be elected by virtue of this act, shall with the surviving
trustees, hold and appropriate all money which may come to their hands, on account of said St.
Johns Lodge Number One, to the same trusts, uses and purposes, as are expressed in the said
act, referred to in the foregoing preamble
"4. And be it enacted That this act shall take effect immediately.
Approved February 18th, 1864."
It was resolved that the thanks of St. John's Lodge be tendered to Most Worshipful Grand Master
Whitehead for his efforts in procuring the passage of the above bill through the Legislature. An
141
14
2
election was then held and Brother Caleb W. Harrison was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy
on the Board of Trustees. The following addition to the By-laws was offered and adopted at the
communication of March 30th:
"It shall be the duty of the Trustees of the funds of St. John's Lodge No. 1 to present a report of
their receipts, disbursements, and all further official transactions, to this Lodge, on -the first regular
meeting of this Lodge, in the month of December in every year."
On November 2, 1864 the Trustees made their first annual report which showed that they had
received from, J. D. Vermllyea, Treasurer of the Trustees of the Newark Academy, the sum of
$10,000., the consideration money of the sale of our estate in the old Academy Building. At the
same time our share of the transfer expenses amounting to $192,6? was paid. Not knowing when
this money would be needed to procure and furnish a place of meeting for the Lodge, the balance,
$9,800. was invested in the temporary loans of the City. This money was kept so invested until it
was wanted to pay the bills for furnishing the present Lodge -rooms.
The Trustees further reported that on April 1, 1858 they had leased of the Newark Banking
Company, the rooms now occupied by the Lodge for the term of fifteen years, at an annual rent of
$350. The rooms were furnished in 1858 under the direction of a joint committee, consisting of
the Trustees and Brothers J. Ross and Orson Wilson, appointed by the Lodge, and were
dedicated February 22, 1859. The cost of furnishings and decorating was $4,842.80. A lengthy
financial report is also given which is of no particular interest.
On October 7, 1863 it was resolved that a committee be appointed to ascertain if lecturers could
be obtained to deliver a course of lectures before St. John's Lodge once a month. The committee
consisting of Brothers Isaac A. Nichols, Glasby and Lord reported at the following meeting on
October 14th that they had conferred with Brothers Ricord, Waugh and Walker, who had
consented to deliver a lecture each during the corning winter. On motion, it was resolved in view
of the favorable report, that we have a course of lectures, and that the second Wednesday of each
month be devoted to that purpose. It was also resolved that the details of the arrangements be left
with the committee who have had the matter in charge. Some. of the speakers and subjects noted
in the minutes are as follows:
November 11, 1863 - Brother Past Master F. W. Ricord delivered a lecture after the Lodge was
closed on "Hiram the Laborer."
December 9, 1863 - Rev. Brother 0. T. Walker of Boston gave a talk on Masonry which "was
listened to with Interest by a number of our members and their ladies."
January 13, 1864 - Brother Past Master David Naar of Trenton Lodge No. 5, delivered "an
interesting and instructive lecture after the Lodge meeting on "Masonry, its origin and uses."
February 17, 1864 - Most Worshipful Grand Master A. T. C. Pierson of Minnesota addressed the
Lodge and the Secretary was instructed to record the following extract in the minutes:
"My earliest recollections of Masonry are associated with General Lafayette and the late Most
Worshipful Jeptha B. Munn, who was our representative near the Grand Lodge of New
Brother Munn died at Chatham NJ June 22nd 1863 aged eighty-six years.
"While the army of the Revolution were in winter quarters at Morristown, N. J., the charter and
jewels of St. John's Lodge, located in Newark, N. J. were loaned to their brethren in the army.
During that winter 1779-80 General La Fayette received the third degree, and it is said, at the
hands of General Washington.
"I think it was in 1824 that I first saw Brothel? Munn. The acclamations of the people are still fresh
in my memory as Brother Munn, then Grand Master of New Jersey, presented La Fayette to the
assembly on the Green at Morristown. Each of them were clothed in the insignia of Masonry.
Brother Munn was initiated in 1806 and at the time of his death was supposed to be the oldest
142
14
3
Mason in New Jersey. He was buried with Masonic honors at Madison in that state. Thus is
broken another link which connects us with the past. Alas I how few old time Masons are left."
The statements made by Most Worshipful Brother Pier-son in the second paragraph are most
interesting but unfortunately can't be verified.
On December 16, 1863 a resolution was adopted amending the by-laws to read "The Secretary
shall receive for his services the sum of $1.00 per night."
The winter of 1863-1864 was apparently a cold one for on January 6, 1864, it was resolved "the
Tyler be notified to build three fires in the afternoon before each meeting." What the normal
number of fires were is anyone's guess.
On November 30, 1864 a communication was read from George Washington Lodge No. 143 of
Chambersburg, Pa. calling attention to the suffering of the brethren of that place. An appropriation
of ten dollars was made.
On January 11, 1865 permission was asked, in behalf of certain brethren interested in the
Institution of a new Lodge in this city to exemplify Masonic work before St. John's Lodge in
accordance with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. A resolution was passed that permission be
granted and a special communication was held January 16th, at which time Brothers Bleything, D.
T. Clark and Kertson, all sojourners, exemplified the work of the three degrees. Nothing further is
mentioned of this group nor of the action the Lodge took if any.
In commemoration of the Washington's Birthday celebration, of February 22, 1865, the following
verses were written by Worshipful Brother M. B. Smith of Passaic Lodge, No. 6?.
"February 22nd
Fraternally inscribed to 'Our Oldest Sister' St. John's Lodge No. 1
Kindly words can never perish, Loving deeds can never die -Time may blot an earth-born record,
These, are written in the sky. Friendly grasp, and thrill electric, Secret word, and mystic sign These are graved on memory's tablet, In characters divine.
Mystic ties that bind together -In one - Our ancient band, Are golden chains whose links were
welded By virtues cunning hand. To my soul, such thoughts came flowing In current deep and
strong, As yesternight our voices Were blent in festal song; Whilst the cordial words of welcome,
And the hearty words of cheer, Like soothing strains of music Fell upon each 'listening ear. We
blent our joys with sorrow, As we thought of many a grave,
Where for aye shall life's true symbol, The green Acacia wave; Wave, to mark the dust of
craftsmen, Who loved their country well, Held aloft our starry banner, And beneath that banner
fell: These had caught their inspiration From our Sacred altar-fires,
From the record of our Washington And the life-work of our Sires. We met upon the Level, As
craftsmen only may, Who on the level Journey Through darkness to the day, And on the Square
we parted, When the feast of love was o'er, To tread again at day-break Earth's tesselated floor;
'To enter on our life-work Checkered o'er with good and ill, Yet bordered with a Tessel Of Peace
and God's good will. We met amid the discord And strife of civil war, But our eyes were fixed at
parting On the mystic 'Blazing Star': which told each gazing craftsman, Of God, whose strong
right hand, Holds for aye, our spangled standard, Keeps for aye, our native Land. May festal
seasons many Yet mark the record true Of our 'oldest Sister'; may she Even thus her youth
renew, May no cloud obscure the brightness Of the canopy o'erhead, Starry-decked, a mystic
covering, O'er the Lodge forever spread. May no blots or stains dishonor, Her bright historic
page;-May she flourish as the Almond Yielding fruit in vigorous age. May the dew of heaven's
blessing Fall upon each trusty Son; And before high Heaven's Orient May each rest, where toileth
none. M. B. S. Passaic, N. J. Feb'y. 1865"
143
14
4
On March 1, 1865 the following resolution was passed: "Resolved that the Secretary of this Lodge
be directed to convey to Worshipful Brother M. B. Smith of Passaic Lodge, No. 67, its grateful
appreciation of the brotherly love and partiality which have dictated the beautiful verses this
evening presented by him to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and that the Secretary be further directed to
engross the same upon the minutes of this Lodge in connection with the record of its proceedings
on the 22nd day of February A. L. 5865."
Some time back it had apparently been decided to obtain new pillars (columns I)'for the Lodge for
on June 29, 1864 a committee reported that they had been ordered. At the meeting of May 3,
1865 the committee reported the columns had been completed at a cost of $507. and that the bill
had been paid by the Trustees. These are possibly the columns that were recently loaned to
Brother Charles Kolb for use in a contemplated Lodge-room in the old hall at the corner of Broad
and Orange Streets, Newark.
Chapter 17
Post Civil War Days.
Right Worshipful Brother Albert G. Mackey, the noted. Masonic writer from South Carolina, had
apparently been invited or had expressed his intentions of visiting Newark, for on May 17, 1865, a
communication was read from the Mackey Committee on invitations, cordially inviting this Lodge
to attend the reception to be given to him on Wednesday, May 31st, at St. Paul's Methodist
Episcopal Church, which formerly stood at the corner of Broad and Marshall Streets. The
invitation was accepted and after opening and closing the Lodge proceeded in a body to the
Church.
On September 6th the Mackey Committee reported that the total amount collected by them was
$2,319.50 which was a large sum for those days. Of this amount $2,000. was presented to
Brother Mackey by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, William Silas Whitehead. Mrs. Mackey was
given sundry articles of silverware to the value of $101.25. Nothing was mentioned of the
remainder of the sum, but it is presumed it was used for expenses or some such thing. Of the
amount collected St. John's Lodge contributed $179.50.
Beginning with the meeting of May 10, 1865, the Lodge was opened directly on the Master Mason
Degree. Going from one degree to another as necessary the Lodge was closed on the Master
Mason Degree. Previous to this time the Lodge had opened on the Entered Apprentice Degree,
labor on that degree dispensed with, a Fellow Craft Lodge opened, labor on the Fellow Craft
Degree dispensed with and the Lodge finally declared at labor on the Master Mason Degree. At
closing the minutes simply state, "the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form." This quite often
followed work in either of the two lower degrees and there is nothing to indicate in what degree the
Lodge was actually closed in.
On June 21, 1865 the following amendment to the Bylaws was adopted: "Any brother who may
introduce, or bring into the Lodge, or either apartment connected therewith, or cause the same to
be done, spirituous or intoxicating liqueurs of any description, for the purpose of being drank
within the limits of said apartments, on any occasion, or under any circumstances whatsoever,
shall be considered guilty of a misdemeanor, and for such act, may be suspended or expelled."
On January 24, 1866 a committee of five was appointed to act in concert with other Lodges in
reference to the building of a Grand Lodge hall. How long the committee functioned is unknown
but we do know that nothing came of the effort.
144
14
5
On May 16, 1866 an invitation was received from the Committee of the Common Council to
participate in the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Newark.
Because the Lodge could not Join in any procession without violating the general regulations of
the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, the Secretary was instructed to reply to the Committee and
respectfully state the Lodge's reasons for having to decline.
On May 17, 1866 and a number of later occasions the Lodge granted the use of the rooms to the
New Jersey Historical Society for meetings and celebrations of one kind or another.
On May 21, 1866 a three page report submitted by the Committee on Finances was Incorporated
in the minutes of that meeting. Among other things they stated the Lodge was not self supporting
and relied too much upon their inheritance. They recommended to overcome this condition that
the Lodge hereafter should undertake to pay all of its expenses out of income with the exception
of the rent, "which the Trustees are bound by their contract to pay, and to request that the Board
not to pay any other bills without the vote of the Lodge." Other recommendations were that the
dues be Increased from two dollars to three dollars per year and that the Lodge use more energy
in their collection and that the cost of the annual celebration of Washington's birthday be borne by
the individual members rather than the Lodge. It was suggested that the latter would "avoid
further bickering and discussion upon the vexed question of the time honored custom of
purchasing spirituous liqueurs with the funds of the Lodge, believing the removal of the occasion
to be the best method of settling a question on which there is such a diversity of opinion."
It was further stated "If the suggestions of your committee are carried out, a considerable addition
to the funds of the Lodge can be made, so that those who come after us, may be able to build a
temple of their own, sacred to the altar of Masonry."
As a result of the above the By-laws were amended on June 20th, Increasing the annual dues
from two to three dollars. A resolution was also adopted "that there shall in future be no collation
at the expense of the Lodge."
On July 2, 1866 a special communication of the Lodge was held- for the purpose of making
arrangements to attend the funeral of Brother. Charles E. Stewart which was to be held on the
next day. Union Chapter, R. A. M. was asked to Join in the services. Brother Stewart had died in
Petersburg, Va. and five brothers of Bedford Lodge, No. 3 had accompanied his body to Newark.
They were Brothers William Whitehead, Cook, McGregor, White and Archer. While here they were
boarded at the expense of the Lodge at the Park House.
On July llth the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved - That the sympathy and devotion of
the several Masonic bodies of Petersburg, Va. as extended by their
representatives in accompanying the remains of our late brother PM. Charles E. Stewart to their
final resting place, challenged our admiration, and approval, and we trust that the acquaintance
thus providentially begun, may be continued and cherished by the several bodies thus
represented.
"Resolved - That we cordially invite our Masonic brethren of Petersburg, Va. to visit St. John's
Lodge whenever convenient, and trust that the memory of our deceased brother may be an
incentive to cherish that friendship and brotherly love which should always exist among Masons.
"Resolved - That a copy of the above be sent under the seal of this Lodge, to the Masonic Lodges
thus represented."
On July 25th the following resolutions were adopted: "Whereas we have received the sad
intelligence of the decease of Brother Charles Stewart, a member of this Lodge who has been
removed from us by the will of Divine Providence, in the flower of his tears, Therefore Resolved That although Brother Stewart has been long separated from us by his residence (in another
Jurisdiction, yet he has ever been affectionately held in remembrance by the members of this
Lodge.
145
14
6
"Resolved - That not only the Grand Lodge of Virginia, of which he was an honored officer, but
also the craft in New Jersey, have sustained a great and Irreparable loss in the death of our
lamented brother, that his kindness of disposition, his genial and friendly deportment and his
generosity, endeared him to all who knew him, and that he well exemplified in his daily walk and
conversation, the true Mason.
"Resolved - That we tender to the afflicted friends and family of the deceased our heartfelt and
sincere condolence upon their severe berea'venient.
"Resolved - That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Secretary to the family of the
deceased, and to the several Masonic bodies in Petersburg, Va. and that they be published in the
daily papers of this city."
On February 20, 1867 a communication was read from Corinthian Lodge No. 29 of Petersburg
acknowledging the receipt of the Resolutions of Condolence in reference to the death of Brother
Stewart and stating that, "he was greatly esteemed by the Fraternity in Virginia and requesting a
dozen more copies of the resolutions and offering to pay the expense of the same. The Secretary
was authorized to prepare two dozen copies with the seal of the Lodge attached at the expense of
St. John's Lodge and transmit them to Corinthian Lodge.
At the meeting of October 24, 1866 a communication was received from the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey signifying their acceptance of an invitation of the Grand Lodge of Maryland to be present at
the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic temple in Baltimore on November 20th and inviting
this Lodge to join them. On motion the invitation was accepted and the Worshipful Master, William
B. Glasby; the Senior Warden, Lewis L. Carlisle and the Junior Warden, George T. Woodbury;
were appointed to represent this Lodge at the ceremony, the Lodge defraying their expenses.
Sometime in 1866, probably November, the Jewels of the Lodge were stolen. On the 28th of that
month the Secretary was instructed by resolution, to advertise in the New York Herald, the
Newark Daily Advertiser, Currier and Journal for their return and offering a twenty dollar reward. At
the same meeting the Tyler was instructed to procure bolts for the top and bottom of the outside
doors and a new lock for the door of the anti-room. On December 5th the amount of the reward
was increased to fifty dollars but the Jewels were not recovered.
In February, 186? a committee was appointed to purchase new jewels to replace those stolen.
Apparently nothing was done for in January of the following year another committee was
appointed to ascertain the cost of a set of jewels. This committee functioned for on March 11,
1868, the bill of William Pllkington for a set of solid silver Jewels amounting to $110. was ordered
paid. On April 1st the bill of George Haskins for engraving letters on Jewels (and .three ribbons or
collars) In the amount of $8.95 was ordered paid. The Jewels incidentally were to conform in size
as nearly as possible with the recommendations of the Grand Lodge.
While they were in & spending mood the Lodge also decided to get new staffs for the Masters of
Ceremony and on a later thought for the Deacons too. The Masters of Ceremony's staffs cost $8.
and it is presumed the others cost the same.
After a very short meeting on February 13,. 186? the Lodge was closed. Instead of dismissing the
members the Worshipful Master requested that they remain seated. In a short time Brother Fast
Master Lord entered the room and informed the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brothers that
forty wives, sisters and daughters of Masons were in the Parlor of the Lodge and prayed
admittance. Upon their being properly vouched for they were admitted and introduced by Brother
Lord.
The Worshipful Master made a few appropriate remarks and introduced Brother Borcherling who
in a very neat speech welcomed them to seats in St. John's Lodge rooms. A pleasant social
evening followed and at a late hour all Joined in singing Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot, and
parted, all well pleased with the first "surprise" visit of St. John's Lodge.
146
14
7
In response to a plea for aid from Cherokee Lodge No, 66 of Rome, Georgia, for the relief of
indigent Master Masons, their widows and orphans, a motion was passed on May 22, 1867, that
the sum of twenty-five dollars be donated. Before the donation was sent, word was received from
the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, that the necessities of the said Lodge had
been relieved. The motion was then reconsidered and the twenty-five dollars ordered to be sent
to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, to be used at his discretion in relieving the
necessities of Lodges or the Fraternity in Georgia.
At the meeting of July 24, 1867 the following communication was read:
"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. John's Lodge, F&AM
"Dear Brethren At a Regular Communication of Oriental Lodge No. 51, F&AM. held on June 12th,
A. L. 5867, the following preamble. and resolution were unanimously adopted.
"Whereas - During the early history of Oriental Lodge No. 51, F&AM. and while struggling for
existence she was indebted to St. John's Lodge No. 1 of this city, for that moral support, counsel
and material aid which with the faithful cooperation of its members placed No. 51 In a position of
permanent prosperity and usefulness in the Order - and enabled her to procure such lodge
furniture as is necessary for the successful working of the lodge, and to dispense with the further
use of the furniture so kindly loaned her by No. 1, therefore
"Resolved - That the furniture loaned by St. John's Lodge No. 1 to Oriental Lodge No. 51 be
returned with the thanks of the lodge for its use and the sympathy which prompted its loan.
Fraternally yours, Seal of (signed) James Gillen Lodge Sec'y. pro tern."
On January 29, 1868 the Secretary reported an average attendance at the meetings for 1867 was
twenty-two, of which seventeen were members and five visitors.
For several years St. John's Lodge as well as the other Lodges in Newark had been literally
besieged with requests for charity and assistance from members of the odder hailing away from
distant Jurisdictions, some being as far away as South America. On February 8, 1865 a
committee had been appointed to confer with similar committees from other Lodges, for the
purpose of organizing a central relief committee. On the mentioned date the Lodge voted to
extend the use of the parlor to the committee for conference purposes.
Apparently nothing came of these meetings, if indeed they were held, for at the meeting of April 8,
1868, over three years later, a communication was read from St. Albans Lodge No.68 requesting
St. John's Lodge to appoint a committee of one to meet with similar committees from sister
Lodges to take into consideration the creating of a Masonic Board of Relief for this city. Fast
Master William B. Glasby was appointed to represent St.John's.
On April 22, 1868 the following resolution was adopted: "That the Worshipful Master be authorized
to appoint Masonic a delegate to the proposed Newark Board of Relief and
that said delegate be instructed to have the first Section of Article V of the proposed By-laws
amended so that it shall provide that no one assessment shall exceed 10 cents for each member,
that the total assessments shall not exceed 40-cents per annum and that no assessment shall be
made unless the funds in the hands of the Board shall be less than $50.00.
"Resolved That if said Section be amended as provided in the foregoing resolution this Lodge
consents to be represented in said Board." Past Master Glasby was again appointed as St. John's
delegate.
On May 20, 1368 the following communication was read "To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and
Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. "At a meeting of the Board of Relief held on
Monday evening, May 18th, 1868, the following Officers were elected to serve until the Annual
147
14
8
Meeting in December -"President - P. M. William B. Glasby of No. 1, Vice President - Eugene
Bleything of No. 68, Secretary - Augustus Pruyn of No. 7, Treasurer - Charles Ingalls of No. 39.
."The following Brethren were appointed as the Relief Committee to serve until 1st of July, 1868
"Brothers Bender 109 Market Street, Abos 75 Broad Street and C. W. Leech 8 So. Essex Street.
"I was directed to draw on your Lodge for 10 cents each member. Not having the number of your
members will you please fill out a check for the proper amount.
"The next meeting of the Board will be on Monday evening, 1st June 1868.
(Signed) Augustus Pruyn, Secty."
On January 27, 1869 Brother Charles Borcherling presented the Lodge with a. photograph of the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prussia on behalf of John A. Nichols who was at the
time a sojourner in Berlin, Prussia. It was resolved that the picture be framed and hung in the
parlor.
In 1869 one of our members, Brother J. B. DaCamara, met with a serious accident. On June 16th,
Brother DaCamara stated to the Lodge that "at the time he met with his accident he was taken to
Fort Hamilton, and the circumstances becoming known to (blank space left for name), the
commander of the fort, that he was a Mason, orders were given to give every attention to him
which were fully carried out."
A committee was appointed to draw up suitable resolutions and on June 30th reported as follows:
"Whereas our esteemed Brother J. B. DaCamara did while in company with a party of friends in
New York Bay meet with a serious accident by the premature discharge of a gun, said Brother
being taken to Fort Hamilton for medical attendance and
"Whereas Brother I. H. Councilman, Brevet Lt. Col. of said Fort did by his personal attention to
Bro. J. B. DaCamara confer special and lasting benefits on said Brother, therefore be it "Resolved,
That the thanks of this Lodge is due and are hereby tendered to Bro. I. H. Councilman, Brevet Lt.
Col., Commander of Fort Hamilton, for his personal and particular attention to Bro. J. B.
DaCamara during his confinement in said Fort by said accident. Resolved, That the members of
St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. will ever deem it a pleasure to extend to Brother I. H.
Councilman, Brevet Lt. Col. and his personal Masonic friends a cordial welcome to our Lodge and
express the hope that he may ever receive the same fraternal welcome to the hearts of all true
Masons,
Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be transmitted to Brother I. H. Councilman
with the seal of the Lodge attached.(Signed) Aug. L. Wilcox
On June 24, 1869 the Lodge celebrated St. John the Baptist's Day by a steamboat ride on the
General Sedgewick. Sixty-eight members attended. The total cost was $601.40 of which $225. *as
for the hire of the boat, $55. for music and $20. for use of the grounds at Glenwood. Refreshments
included twenty-two bushels of clams, one hundred quarts of ice cream and a quantity of bread,
meat and miscellaneous groceries. The $110.60 surplus from the amount collected was expended
for crockery which was later turned over to the Lodge.
The Lodge seems to have been gradually acquiring a number of books and pamphlets for on
November 10, 1869 it was voted to appoint a librarian. Past Master Augustus L. Wilcox was
appointed to the post and reappointed in December for the ensuing year.
On November 24, 1869 Brother John H. Landell offered the following preamble and resolution
which was adopted: "Whereas: This St. John's Lodge No. 1 having been organized the 13th day
of May in the year 1761, by George Harrison, Provincial Grand Master of New York, must have
received a charter empowering them to work and hold meetings; and whereas, the Right
Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey was organized in the year 1786; and whereas, the charter
of this Lodge emanated from said Grand Lodge bearing date July 3rd, 1787, it is fair to presume
148
14
9
that the Provincial or Original Charter was surrendered to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of
New Jersey; and whereas, it is necessary that knowledge should be had from whom the Warrant
of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey was obtained, therefore be It "Resolved - That
the Secretary be instructed to communicate with the Grand Secretary of the Right Worshipful
Grand Lodge of New Jersey respecting these subjects, and that the representatives to the Grand
Lodge from this Lodge at its next communication be instructed to use every effort to obtain
possession of the said Provincial Charter and to ascertain from whom the Warrant or Charter of
the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge was obtained."
It is believed that diligent search was made at the time, but the charter was never found. This is
not at all surprising when it is remembered that the Grand Lodge in its infancy had no permanent
meeting place and no place to store its records. It Is also probable that a number of the early
records including the charters collected from the various constituent Lodges were destroyed as
being of no further value...
At the communication of December 15, 1869 a number of Brethren proposing to form a new
Lodge were, on motion, afforded an opportunity to exemplify the work. After the work in the
various degrees had been done, the proper officers were authorized to certify to the satisfactory
exemplification and sign a recommendation to the Grand Lodge, that the petitioners' prayer for a
charter for a new Lodge to be called Cosmos Lodge, to be located in the city be granted. The
names of twenty-six brothers were given as being those proposing to form the said Lodge. "At our
meeting of January 26, 1870 Cosmos Lodge, U. D. asked for the use of certain furniture loaned by
St. John's Lodge to Oriental Lodge No. 51 and returned by them for want of use. Their request
was granted. Cosmos Lodge received its warrant as No. 106 on January 20, 1870.
On February 16, 1870 Brother S. E. Gardner, Past Senior Warden, of St. John's Lodge No. 1,
AF&AM. of New York, in behalf of said Lodge presented a history of the same "by which it
appears that St. John's of New York was instituted in 1757." Brother Gardner made a pleasing
speech and stated "that by a resolution of his Lodge, 'The Proceedings' of his Lodge at their
Centennial Celebration with the history, were to be sent to all Lodges in the United States that had
passed their centennials."
On February 16, 1870 a resolution was passed to obtain the licenses of all the Past Masters of
this Lodge. On June 29th a list of fifteen Past Masters is given, whose photographs were taken by
FS. Huff and handsomely framed. They were promptly suspended in the parlor
On March 2, 1870 Brother Landell presented the Lodge with the large roster containing the names
of all members of the Lodge to date.
In the minutes of May 25, 1870 we find an interesting little item: "Whereas at a communication of
this Lodge held about the 13th of October, 1869, a resolution was passed granting the use of the
room to Electa Chapter No. 3, of the Eastern Star Degree on Monday evenings and whereas the
Secretary neglected to record the same upon the minutes .of this Lodge, therefore be it resolved
"That a record of the same be entered upon the minutes of this Lodge this evening and a note be
made of the same. "The following resolution was then submitted to the Worshipful Master and
declared to be in substance the resolution referred to in the above preamble and resolution.
"Resolved, That permission be granted to certain persons, members of St. John's Lodge and of
other Lodges, to use St. John's Hall for the purpose of holding a Chapter of the Eastern Star
Degree to be known as Electa Chapter No. 3."
On May 11, 1870 the Secretary stated that he had received twenty-five dollars from Electa
Chapter No. 3, with the desire that the Lodge accept it and apply it towards paying the gas and
fuel bill of this Lodge, which upon motion was accordingly done. This Electa Chapter incidentally is
149
15
0
in no way connected with the present Electa Chapter No 68, of Newark, which was instituted
November 17, 1913
Admiral David G. Farragut died on August 14, 1870 and oh September 23rd the following letter
was written which is self explanatory: "Newark, New Jersey Sept. 23rd, 1870. Rev. Joseph J.
Eane, United States Navy, Portsmouth, N.H. Dear Sir & Brother: The undersigned were appointed
a committee by St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. of this City to prepare resolutions to be placed
upon the records of this Lodge relative to the death of our late illustrious Brother Admiral Farragut.
Will you be kind enough to furnish us with some Masonic incidents in the life of our deceased
Brother; by so doing you will greatly oblige. Yours Fraternally, John H. Landell Wm. S. Whitehead
V Comt. Thos Godson
The following letter was also written but we have no record left of an answer:
"Newark, New Jersey Sept. 23rd, 1870 "To the WM. St. Johns Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M.
Portsmouth, N. H. Dear Sir & Brother: The undersigned a committee from St. John's Lodge No. 1,
F. & A. M. of this City to prepare resolutions to be placed upon the records of the Lodge relative to
the death of our late Illustrious Brother Admiral Farragut. Will you be kind enough to furnish us
with the proceedings of a "Memorial Service under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity" held in
your City "as a tribute of respect to the memory of our late lamented Brother Admiral D. G.
Farragut or such other information as relates to the Masonic history of our late Brother. By so
doing you will greatly oblige.
Yours Fraternally, John H. Landell Wm. S. Whitehead Thos. Godson
On October 19, 1870 the following resolutions were adopted to the memory of Admiral David G.
Farragut : "That our late Brother was honored among Masons, not for his Rank, nor for his fame or
fortune. He was honored and loved for his sterling integrity, his virtues and his ever genial social
character. His noble deeds will live emblazoned on the page of History and far into the distant
future, generations yet unborn will read and profit by his life and virtue. "There are but few men in
the World's history that combined such noble qualities as Admiral Farragut, reaching in a short
space of time the lofty pinnacle of fame, a grateful nation strewing his path with flowers, Honored
as few men honored before him, yet amidst all this tendency to develop Self Esteem in humanity,
he was ever the same genial social man, pride and vanity were strangers to his nature. The
Admiral was naturally a Religious man and his Religion was deep seated and unostentatious.
"He believed more in practice and less in theory, he loved the prayers that came from the heart,
and which he believed went direct to the Throne of Grace, with a firm Faith in the guidance of
Divine Providence, he went forward without faltering in the path of duty, and was proof against the
tempters power to sell his country or his God. "The Nation weeps for the loss of her gallant son,
for the removal of such a righteous man. "The Mystic Fraternity of Masonry has lost a Noble and
Worthy Brother, therefore Resolved, That the name of Farragut, be entered upon our Record with
those other Heroes, who have gone before him and whose names are known throughout the
World as members of our Fraternity.
"At the communication of March 1, 1871 the following letter was read;
"Brooklyn Navy Yard, U. S. Recrg. Ship, Vermont, Feb. 21st, 1871 "Bro. J. H. Landell &
Committee, Dear Brethren, Your letter of 23 Sept. signed by yourself and committee, asking for
Masonic incidents in the life of our late lamented Bro. Admiral Farragut, was received. "I was
detached from the Portsmouth Navy Yard and away on leave of absence, when your letter came
and it was several months after date, when I rec'd it and as It was mislaid I forgot the name of the
lodge, but as I found the letter the other day I now reply. "Although intimate with the late Admiral,
still I do not know of any Masonic incidents other than those contained in my Memorial Sermon
150
15
1
preached after his death under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity at Portsmouth, N.H. .."He
was a bright star and our Naval horizon has been dim, since the shadow of death swept across it
and the glorious old Admiral fell at the post of duty. Believe me yours with many fraternal feelings,
(Signed) Jas. J. Kane Chaplain, U. S. N.
Chapter 18
Alpha Lodge and other New Lodges
On November 30, 1870 the following Grand Lodge officers of the Grand Lodge of the State of
New Jersey were introduced and received with Grand Honors: Most Worshipful Robert Rusling,
Grand Master; Most Worshipful William Silas Whitehead, Past Grand Master; Right Worshipful
William E. Pine, Deputy Grand Master; and Worshipful William Mead, Grand Lecturer. The
Worshipful Master called on the Most Worshipful Grand Master for a few remarks and he
expressed himself "as being much gratified at the manner in which the work had been performed"
and that "it gave him great pleasure to visit St. John's Lodge because he was always sure of
seeing good work done." In closing he said "he hoped St. John's would always be as she is
tonight, one of the first Lodges in the jurisdiction."
Past Grand Master Whitehead spoke of the difference in the work now and when he was Master
of St. John's Lodge and said that he could not have gone into another Lodge and worked with the
officers, but now owing to the effort of the Grand Lecturer a uniform system was practiced in each
Lodge throughout the jurisdiction.
On January 4, 1871 a request for a demit was received from Brother Edward W. Norton and also
a request for a reduction on dues owed as he in connection with some other brethren were about
to start a new Lodge in New Cambria, Macon County, Missouri, and the expense was "very heavy
on them". The demit was granted.
At the same communication the following brethren also made applications for dimits which were
granted: Nathan Mingus, Israel Baldwin, William M. Clarke, Samuel Morrow Jr. and Marcus W.
Adams. Brother Mingus then rose and said they were about to start a new Lodge. in this city and
wished St. John's Lodge to recommend them to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Brother L.
Wilcox Augustus moved the Lodge recommend them which was carried.
On being asked Brother Baldwin stated they had chosen Nathan Mingus as Worshipful Master,
William M. Clarke as Senior Warden and himself as Junior Warden. Remarks were then made by
these Brothers expressing themselves "as feeling like leaving home in going away from St. John's
Lodge and hoping the brethren would visit them after they got started." The brethren then joined
hands in singing the closing hymn "Friends the Parting Hour Has Come."
At the following communication, for some reason not explained, a motion was made to rescind the
resolution passed at the previous communication recommending the above brethren, and to
Instruct the representatives of the Lodge to vote against granting the charter to Alpha Lodge, but
the Worshipful Master decided it was out of order. The Grand Lodge subsequently granted the
charter on January 19, 1871. Despite this reversal of consent, which was apparently only on the
part of a portion of the members, there seems to have been no hard feelings, for Nathan Mingus
and other members of Alpha Lodge No. 116 attended the following meetings quite frequently.
About one year later, on January 24, 1872, a communication from Union Lodge No. 19 was read
stating that E. I. Kentscher, Leonard Grumwald, Frederick Gearhart, Philip Weigle, John Wiegle
and Theo Silzer were initiated in a Lodge of Negroes who boast they will visit Lodges in this
Jurisdiction. The subject of Alpha Lodge No. 116 has been well covered in several books and
151
15
2
magazine articles and we do not intend to dwell on the subject except as it affected St.John's
Lodge.
On February 28, 1872 a communication from Trenton Lodge No. 5 was read as follows: "Trenton,
N. J., February 19th, 1872
"At a regular meeting of Trenton Lodge No5, AF&AM. held at their Hall on Monday evening
February 5, 1872 the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted.
"Whereas, At the late session of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of New Jersey, the Most Worshipful Grand Master reported he had arrested the
warrant of Alpha Lodge No. 116 for reasons which he deemed sufficient to Justify him in so doing;
and the Committee on Grievances, after careful examination concurred with the Most Worshipful
Grand Master in the action he had taken; and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge sustained the
actions of both Grand Master and the Committee on Grievances; and whereas the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge did, at its late session, restore to A1pha Lodge No. 116, its warrant and
placed said Lodge in the same position it occupied prior to the arrest of its warrant; and whereas
in the opinion of the officers and members of Trenton Lodge No. 5, the admission of persons of
color to membership in the order of Free and Accepted Masons would be of no benefit to said
persons of color; and it is also our belief that the admission of persons of color to membership in
the society of Free and Accepted Masons in New Jersey, would derange and disturb the peace
and harmony of our beloved Institution, and thereby destroy its usefulness; therefore,
"Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be forwarded to the Most Worshipful
Grand Master under the Seal of Trenton Lodge No. 5 with the respectful request that, in case it
comes to his knowledge that the aforesaid Alpha Lodge, or any other Lodge persists in pursuing a
course calculated to disturb the, peace and harmony of Free Masonry in New Jersey by making
colored Masons, he will take such course as will save the fraternity from harm.
"Resolved. That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be sent each Lodge in this Jurisdiction,
with a request that such Lodge will take similar action and unite with this Lodge in requesting the
Grand Master to call a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge to fully consider the subject, or
take such other course as will arrest the danger that threatens our institution. Attest George M.
Mltchell, Sec'y."
On motion it was ordered that the communication be returned to Trenton Lodge No. 5 and that a
committee be appointed to draft a letter of explanation to accompany the communication to be laid
before this Lodge before being forwarded. A committee consisting of Past Grand Master WilliamSilas Whltehead, Past Master Lewis L. Carlisle and Brother William H. Garrison was then
appointed. The committee retired and after consultation returned and reported as follows.
"Newark, Feb. 28, 1872 "To Trenton Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M. The circular from Trenton Lodge
No. 5, A. F. & A. M. addressed to St. John's Lodge No. 1, dated February 19th, 1872. is herewith
returned in virtue of the vote to that effect of St. John's Lodge No. 1; and the undersigned were
appointed a special Committee to prepare an appropriate answer to accompany the document.
"St. John's Lodge No. 1 declines to place the circular upon its file for the following reasons "
lst Because it invites an unwarrantable interference into the private affairs of a Subordinate Lodge
with which neither Trenton Lodge No. 5 nor St. John's Lodge No. 1 has any right to Intermeddle "
2nd Because it contains an indirect insult upon a Subordinate Lodge in this Jurisdiction, in as
good standing as the Lodge from which the circular emanates
"3rd Because it contains a direct insult to the Grand Lodge of has New Jersey which unanimously
declared that the doors of the Masonic Lodge in New Jersey are open to all men, free-born and of
lawful age, of every clime, of every color, and of every creed, who declare their trust to be in God,
152
15
3
have passed the scrutiny of a Committee of a lawful Lodge, and have achieved the favorable
verdict of the secret ballot
"4th Because it contains a direct insult upon the institution of Free Masonry in that it declares that
their is a class of persons, to whom membership in our Fraternity can be of no benefit
"5th Because it invites the cooperation of St. John's Lodge in requesting the Grand Master to
Interfere in the private concerns of a subordinate Lodge, against which no charge of a breach of
the landmarks are urged; an interference which would be an exercise of authority beyond the
Grand Master's prerogative, and for which he would be Justly liable to the censure of the Grand
Lodge.
"6th Because the circular in question can have no other effect than to disturb the peace and
harmony of the Craft now so happily prevailing throughout the entire Jurisdiction
"For these and other reasons St. John's Lodge No. 1 decline to place the said circular upon its file,
and to unite with Trenton Lodge in the request which it contains.
(Signed) Wm. Silas Whitehead Lewis L. Carlisle Committee Wm. H. Garrison"
On motion the report of the committee was received and ordered sent.
While the following is not concerned with Alpha Lodge it is indicative of a trend of thought and
action that immediately followed the Civil War.
On January 8, 1873 a communication was read from a group of colored brethren proposing to
establish a new Lodge to be called Surgam Lodge and requesting permission to exemplify the
work before this Lodge. On motion the communication was received and the petition granted. The
following brethren were then admitted and proceeded to exemplify the work: A. T. Cook acting as
Worshipful Master, Ellas D. Ray as Senior Warden, John N. O'Fake as Junior Warden and Jas. M.
Baxter, J. G. Evans, T. Washington and Peter P.O'Fake as Senior and Junior Deacons and
.Masters of Ceremony. All three degrees were exemplified. The Worshipful Master then resumed
his seat in the East. On motion it was unanimously resolved that this Lodge recommend the
granting of the prayers of the petitioners and that the exemplification of the work was performed to
the entire satisfaction of this Lodge.
Unfortunately the minutes do not state where these brethren were from nor where they obtained
their knowledge of the ritual. Neither do we know whether or not their petition was ever presented
to Grand Lodge. No warrant however was ever granted to a Surgam Lodge.
To go back a year or two to the history of St. John's itself, we find that on March 8, I871 Brother
Borcherling presented to the Lodge for safe keeping and in the name of John 0. Ford, a Masonic
relic in the shape of a gold medal on which was engraved "John Flood, Orange M.M. Lodge
No.13* 5806." On motion it was Received and the Secretary instructed to return the thanks of the
Lodge to Mr. Ford. At the same communication, a motion was made and passed, and a committee
appointed to take steps towards inviting the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England, who was
then in this country, to visit the Lodge.
On March 22, 1871 Most Worshipful William S. Whitehead moved that a copy of Brother Joseph
H. Hough's "Origin of Masonry in N. J." be presented to St. John's Lodge No. 1 of New York, in
return for their having presented us with a copy of the proceedings of their Centennial Celebration.
On April 26, 1871 a vote of thanks was tendered to Brother D. J. Camfield for the restoration of an
old ledger belonging to St. John's Lodge.
On June 7, 1871 Brother C. W. Harrison presented to the Lodge in behalf of Mr. T. E Lyde of
Roseville, a Masonic apron and scarf formerly the property of Brother John R. Colender of St.
John's Lodge of Wilmington, N. C. On motion the valuable relics were received and the thanks of
the Lodge tendered to Mr. Lyde.
153
15
4
At the communication of June 14, 1871 the By-laws were amended changing the meeting nights
from every week to twice a month in June, July, August and September and every week for the
other eight months.
On October 26, 1871 a special communication was held for the purpose of visiting New Brunswick
to assist in the ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple. A sum not to exceed
twenty-five dollars had been appropriated at the previous meeting to pay for a band of music. The
Newark Lodges assembled on Broad Street, "resting" on Market Street, St. John's having the left
of the line. Past Master Augustus L. Wilcox acted as Marshal. Marching to Market Street Depot
they took a special train to New Brunswick at which place they arrived a-bout ten o'clock. They
were met there by the New Brunswick brethren and marched through some of the principal streets
to the site of the Temple on Albany Street, where the cornerstone was laid at "High Twelve" with
elaborate ceremonies by the officers of the Grand Lodge. After a suitable coalition the brethren
returned to Newark where they arrived about 5:30 P. M.
At the communication of November 1, 1871 a letter from the Grand Master was read warning all
Masons from having Masonic intercourse with a society claiming to be Masonic and known as
"Lodge Beton zum Licht No. 3, located at Hoboken, N.J. and claiming to work by authority of an
organization known as the "Grand Lodge of Hamburg" in Europe.
On November 15, 1871 Brother John H. Landell presented the Lodge with a copy of an address
from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to Brother George Washington and his reply, two
photographs of Masonic medals in his possession and a description of the "ancient picture" in the
ante-room.
At the Washington's Birthday celebration of 1872 a number of toasts were made as usual, but one
of them is of particular interest. It was "Our Brethren from Foreign Lands" and was made by
Brother V. P. Suvoong, a native of China and a medical student, who had affiliated with our Lodge
from Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 of Virginia, on December 20, 1871. He dimitted on
October 22, 1875 to return to "his native land."
On June 12, 1872 it was on motion ordered that the use of the Lodge room be tendered to Brother
Rob Morris, the well known Masonic writer and poet, to deliver a lecture on "Freemasonry in the
Holy Land" on Monday evening, June 17th.
On July 5, 1872 a special communication of the Lodge was held for the sad purpose of attending
the funeral services of Brother John H. Landell. During his two terms as Secretary in 1851 and
]L852 Brother Landell had become interested in the history of St. John's Lodge and took it upon
himself to write what he termed "A Comprehensive Historical Sketch 1761 to 1861.!' Besides
making extracts from the minutes he delved into other sources for his information and today we
feel we owe him a big debt of gratitude for information that might otherwise now be lost. In
addition to the historical sketch, Brother Landell found time to gather the names and arrange a
roster of all the members who had been raised or affiliated with the Lodge since its organization in
1761, together with other pertinent information and many interesting side notes. This roster, (a
large affair, as books go,) has been kept up by each Secretary and is still in use today. To Brother
Landell also goes the credit for finding the early minutes and records of the Lodge which had been
hidden under the floor and in the attic of the old Academy apparently to keep them safe during the
Morgan excitement. Brother Landell was never Master of the Lodge, but he has left a record that
will never die and today, eighty years later, his name is remembered while those of many of our
Past Masters go unrecognized.
His earthly labors over Brother Landell was laid to rest in Fairmount Cemetery in Newark where
Masonic services were held with forty-two members and visitors attending.
As was customary, a page of our Minute Book was Inscribed to the memory of our departed
Brother. In tribute to him we are giving the full text of that page.
154
15
5
IN MEMORIAM "Whereas. St. John's Lodge No* 1, has received information of the decease after
a protracted and afflicting Illness of Brother John H. Landell, an who for a great number of years,
has been a active and zealous member of this Lodge, and one of its Trustees And Whereas. The
Masonic virtues of our departed brother, his constant and unswerving attachment and fidelity to
the principles of our Fraternity, and his steady interest in the "operations and success of this
Lodge have endeared him to the brethren
Therefore Resolved. That St. John's Lodge No. 1 has heard of the decease of Bro. Landell with
sincere sorrow. Resolved. That the long and faithful services of the deceased to the Fraternity,
and to this Lodge, and his exemplification in private life of the virtues inculcated in the lessons of
our Ritual, which obtained for him the affection and confidence of the Craft, while living, entitle him
when dead to a tribute of affection and respect from his surviving brethren Resolved. That not only
is the death of Bro. Landell. a loss to the Masonic Fraternity, but as citizens of Newark, we deplore
the decease of one, who In public and private station, was ever active in promoting the interests
and prosperity of the community in which he resided Resolved. That these resolutions be spread
in full upon the minutes of this Lodge and that the working tools be draped in mourning for six
months. Re solved , That copies of these resolutions under the seal of this Lodge, be sent to the
relatives of the deceased. Newark, 10 July
Wm. Silas Whltehead Lewis L. Carlisle Committee Jos. E. Haynes"
In December, 1873, the Trustees signed a lease for the Lodge rooms .for ten years at the yearly
rental of six hundred dollars for the first five years and six hundred . and fifty dollars for the second
five years.
At the Washington's Birthday celebration of 1873, Brother Caleb W. Harriaon, the Treasurer, was
presented with* a silver sugar bowl, as a testimonial for his "long combined and responsible duties
performed without compensation."
On February 11, 1874 a notice was received from the Grand Lodge advising that at the Annual
Communication of that body in January, 1874, this Jurisdiction had been divided into seven
Masonic districts, each to be under charge of a District Deputy Grand Master. Brother John S.
Clark of Oriental Lodge No. 51 was appointed for the Sixth District of which St. John's Lodge was
part.
On November 18, 1874 the District Deputy Grand Master made his first official visit for the
purpose of examining the condition of the Lodge. The work of the Entered Apprentice Degree
was exemplified.
At the Washington's Birthday celebration of 1874 a collection was made for an Endowment Fund
for the support and preservation of the home of George Washington at Mt. Vernon.
At the communication of April 8, 1874 a committee was appointed to procure an album to contain
the photographs of the Past Masters of the Lodge.
In response to an appeal from the Grand Master read at the communication of June 10, 1874, an
appropriation of twenty-five dollars was made to relieve the terrible suffering of the people in the
state of Louisiana
On June 17, 1874 twelve members of St. John's Lodge accompanied by five visiting brethren
proceeded to Tennent Church Cemetery in Monmouth County to attend the funeral of Brother
William E. Ried. They were met at the train by members of Olive Branch Lodge So. 16 of
Freehold. After the funeral our members were taken to Freehold in carriages by members of Olive
Branch Lodge and entertained there until the arrival of the train for Newark. At the following
communication of St. John's Lodge a vote of thanks was tendered to Olive Branch Lodge No, 16
for the kind and brotherly reception and entertainment they accorded our members and a copy of
the resolution directed to be sent to them.
155
15
6
The By-laws were amended on July 22, 1874 to. provide that at any stated communication during
the months of June, July, August or September, the Worshipful Master could with the consent of
the Lodge, order a recess not to extend beyond the first Wednesday evening in October.
On January 6, 1875 the following petitioners for a warrant for a Lodge to be called Roseville
Lodge exemplified the work: Brother C. Day acting as Worshipful Master, Brother S. Klotz as
Senior Warden, Brother J. D. Topham as Junior Warden and Brother T. W. Topham as Senior
Deacon. At the following communication of St. John's Lodge. it was unanimously resolved to
.recommend the granting of the prayers of the petitioners, the exemplification of the work having
been performed to the entire satisfaction of this Lodge. Roseville Lodge was warranted as No.
143 on January 21, 1875.
On March 10, 1875 a notice was read that by an act of the Grand Lodge the Affiliation Fee was
abolished.
On November 3, 1875 the Lodge purchased a picture of the old Academy from Brother James J.
Garter for five dollars. In response to an invitation Worshipful Master J. H. Durand and about
thirty-three members of Lafayette Lodge No. 27 attended the communication of St. John's Lodge
on November 17, 1875 and conferred the Master Mason Degree on one of our candidates. So far
as we know this was the first time the officers of another Lodge had attended our Lodge for the
purpose of conferring a degree. There was a large attendance of our own members and visiting
brethren. Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead highly complimented the officers of
Lafayette Lodge on their, excellent work. A magic lantern or as we call it today, a stereopticon
projector, was apparently used in giving the lecture, for a vote of thanks was tendered to Eureka
Lodge No. 39 for the use of it. This seems to have been the first time that such a device was used
in St. John's. In the years following its use is mentioned on numerous occasions for degree work.
While some form or other of magic lantern was known as early as 1646, it was probably not in
common domestic use before the latter part of the nineteenth century, when it suddenly became,
very popular as some of our older members may recall with various emotions.
It isn't likely that the magic lantern had anything to do with it but on March 1st the By-laws were
amended so that the Secretary would receive $1.50 per night for his services effective March 1,
1876.
On April 26, 1876 the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That the Secretary be
Instructed to notify the Newark Savings Institution that Brother Past Master Osceola Currier was
elected December 22, 1875 to fill the vacancy in the Board of Trustees caused by the death of
Brother James J. Carter and further to notify the Bank that vacancies in the Board of Trustees
occur only in case of death, removal from the city or expulsion from the Lodge."
Brother Isaac M. Rutan formerly a member of this Lodge -who was raised in March 1852 and after
an absence of twenty-four years, returned to his native state and attended a meeting on June 7,
1876. He very pleasantly entertained the Lodge by reciting some incidents of his life in California,
also of the good the Masonic Fraternity is accomplishing in that state. He stated he had since
become a member of Naval Lodge No. 87 of California.
On June 21, 1876 a special communication was held apparently for the sole purpose of
presenting a communication from the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Marshall B. Smith, relating
to the order of exercises to take place on the occasion of the centennial celebration of American
Union Lodge No. 1 of Marietta, Ohio, on St. John's Day, June 24, 1876 and suggesting the
propriety of some acknowledgment by this Lodge to American Union Ledge No. 1.
A committee consisting of Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead, Caleb W. Harrlson and
Paat Master Osceola Currier was appointed to prepare a suitable memorial which is given below.
"Whereas - St. John's Lodge No., F. & A. M. of Newark,NJ. has received through the hands of the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of New Jersey, a communication from American Union Lodge No.
1, of Marietta, Ohio, being a copy of the Order of exercises to take place on Saint John's Day next,
156
15
7
upon the occasion of the Centennial celebration of the institution of that Lodge. "And whereas it is
becoming and proper that this Lodge, which dates its existence from the 13th May A. D. l76l
should appropriately recognize the coming to the Masonic age of discretion of the younger
members of the family,
"Therefore, Resolved that St. John's Lodge No. 1 hereby transmits to American Union Lodge No.
1 of Marietta, Ohio, its hearty and cordial greetings and congratulations upon the memorable
event of the occurrence of its Centennial Anniversary. "Resolved - That in tendering the fraternal
courtesies suggested by the Occasion, to American Union Lodge, St. John's Lodge is reminded
that this is not the first occasion on which an exchange of the courtesies of the craft has taken
place between this Lodge and American Union Lodge and that the ancient records of St. John's
Lodge of the date of December 24th, A. D. 1779 show that on that date the working tools and
Jewels of this Lodge were loaned to American Union Lodge for the purposes of a festival Meeting
of the last named Lodge held at Morristown, N.J. December 27th, A. D. 1779, on which occasion
Bro. Geo. Washington was recorded as one of the visitors of American Union Lodge.
"Resolved - That St. John's Lodge No. 1 rejoices to learn that advancing years have not palsied
the arm or abated the vigor of American Union Lodge but that it continues to enjoy the full strength
and elasticity which animated its youth and invigorated its mature manhood.
"Resolved - That the revolutionary memories which cluster around the name and story of
American Union Lodge must thrill with pride and exultation the heart of every patriotic Mason, and
that its history and memorials demonstrate the truth of the fundamental Masonic axiom, that every
true Mason is a true lover of his country.
"Resolved - That with the congratulations of the occasion St. John's Lodge No. 1 of N. J. sends to
American Union Lodge No. 1 of Ohio the benediction of an elder brother, and the sincere and
heart felt prayer that success, prosperity and fraternal affection may attend the future, as they
have blessed the past, of American Union Lodge. "Resolved - That the Secretary of St. John's
Lodge No. 1 be and he is hereby directed to forward to American Union Lodge No. 1 at Marietta,
Ohio, the proper extracts from the Minutes of this communication together with a copy of the
foregoing resolutions, under the seal of this Lodge and also a photographic copy of the record of
this Lodge of December 24th, 1779 referred to in the foregoing resolutions. Wm. Silas Whitehead,
C. W. Harrison, 0. Currier, Committee"
At the communication of May 2nd of the following year, the communication given below was read
and ordered to be spread on the minutes. "Marietta, Ohio, April 24th, 1877
"Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F.& A. M. Newark, N. J. Dear Brother
We send you herewith the response of American Union Lodge to your communication in relation
to our celebration. "We hoped to be able to send you with the enclosed, a printed copy of the
proceedings and addresses delivered at our Centennial Celebration but the publication has been
delayed, and we have concluded to forward this without waiting longer. Fraternally Yours, A. ¥.
McCommack M. D. Follitt Y Committee" J. McClure
"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M., Newark,
N. J. American Union Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M., of Marietta, Ohio, Sends Greeting
Dear Brethren The very courteous communication we received from you, on the occasion of our
Centennial Anniversary, .with the extracts from the Minutes of your Lodge covering resolutions
adopted by you were duly presented to American Union Lodge and also the photograph Of a page
of your records of 1779 showing a loan of your Jewels to our Lodge on an occasion when the
Illustrious Washington visited American Union.
"Much interest was manifested in these valuable papers when read, and the thanks of our Lodge
were unanimously tendered to .St. John's Lodge for these manifestations of your Masonic regard
and brotherly love.
157
15
8
"We learned with pride that our early history was so agreeably blended with that of a Lodge so
distinguished as St. John's and the undersigned were appointed a committee to respond to your
memorial.
"We assure you, Brethren, the courtesies extended us by St. John's Lodge will ever be held in
grateful remembrance, Especially do we prize these kindly tokens coming from one of the few
Lodges now working in America, that can claim an existence more ancient than our own. As this is
not the first, we hope it may not be the last exchange of courteous between our Lodges and that
our intercourse in the future may be as pleasant as was that of our forefathers in days that gave
birth to the American Union.
Fraternally yours A. W. McCormack M. D. Follett (Committee) J. McClure
At the communication of September 6, 1876, Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead stated
that "on a recent visit to London, England, he saw and purchased a photograph of the Prince of
Wales and present Grand Master of Masons of England and as our parlor was graced with the
likeness of the Grand Master of Prussia, he would present the Lodge with this picture, and hoped
it might be suspended with the other distinguished characters that grace our parlor walls." .
At the annual communication of December 20, 1876 the By-laws were amended changing the
initiation fee from ?? to $30.
On January 30, 1878 a letter of thanks from Bloom-field Lodge No. 40 was read "for the beautiful
and impressive manner in which the officers of St. John's Lodge conferred the Master Mason
Degree upon a candidate in their Lodge room on November 20, 1877."
On June 5, 1878 a communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Master was read giving notice
of the laying of the corner stone of a monument to be erected upon the Battlefield of Monmouth to
take place on the one hundredth anniversary, June 28, 1878 and requesting the attendance of this
Lodge and also a donation to defray the expense of building the monument. On motion fifty dollars
was appropriated.
On June 12th it was moved to accept the invitation of Olive Branch Lodge No. 16 to take part in
laying the corner stone of the Battle Monument.
On June 28th Brother James N. VanArnam, Worshipful Master pro tern, accompanied by eighteen
officers and members of St. John's Lodge and nineteen visiting brethren proceeded to Freehold
and from thence to the Old Battle Field of Monmouth where they took part in the ceremonies. The
corner stone was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Marshall B. Smith.
Two years later on the occasion of the Washington's Birthday celebration in 1880, Past Grand
Master William Silas Whitehead on behalf of Past Grand Master Marshall B. Smith, presented to
St. John's Lodge, the Trowel which he had used to apply "the cement at the laying of the corner
stone and also the Medal which had been struck for the occasion.
Brother Charles Borcherllng offered the following resolutions which on motion were adopted:
"Resolved, That St. John's Lodge No. 1 thankfully accepts the valuable and appropriate presents
made this evening by Past Grand Master Marshall B. Smith, of the trowel used at the laying of the
corner stone of the Monmouth Battle Monument and the medal attached thereto, and that the
same be deposited with the archives of this Lodge. "Resolved, That a Committee of three be
appointed to express to Most Worshipful Brother Smith, in suitable terms under the seal of the
Lodge, the high appreciation entertained by it of his gift, 'and to convey to him its thanks for the
same, and for the compliment paid to this Lodge by its selection as the custodian of this Memorial
of an important historical event, in which the Masonic Fraternity of that day were prominently
engaged.
"Resolved, That the same Committee be charged with the duty of causing & proper inscription to
be engraved upon the trowel."
158
15
9
At the communication of September 11, 1878 the following communication was read from the
Grand Master: "Brethren:-The fearful ravages of pestilence in the cities and towns of the South
and the destitution which follows the disease, should awaken in the heart of every brother that
Charity which is the very foundation of our Ancient Institution. Will
great you not contribute your shares be it small or great toward the alleviation of want and
suffering. Fraternally yours, (Signed) W. B. Smith, Gr. M."
On motion fifty dollars was appropriated for the relief of the yellow fever sufferers. A committee
was also appointed to solicit subscriptions from the members for the same cause.
A request was received from Marshall Lodge No. 8 of West Virginia on November 20, 1878 asking
assistance to furnish a Lodge room. On motion five dollars was donated.
On December 11, 1878 the Lodge voted to appropriate thirty dollars to purchase a rifle to be
presented to the Treasurer, Caleb W. Harrison, as a token of appreciation for faithful services.
In 1879 the George Washington Birthday celebration was held while the Lodge was at labor on
the Master Mason Degree. All the previous celebrations appear to have been held OH while on
the Entered Apprentice Degree.
At the communication of February 26, 1879 a suggestion was made that the Lodge make an effort
to discover the whereabouts of certain records relating to the history of the Lodge which had been
compiled by Brother John H. Landell. They were apparently found for on March 26th "a very
interesting history of St. John's Lodge was read." It had been compiled by a committee and
Incorporated in an address delivered by Rev. Bro. Q. Musgrave Giger, D.D. at the Centennial
Anniversary.
On April 9, 1879 the Lodge gave permission to Right Worshipful Jacob Guyer, the District Deputy
Grand Master, to hold a Lodge of Instruction in St. John's Hall on the evening of April 18th.
Under orders from the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Hamilton Wallis, a special communication
was held on March 7, 1880 to attend the funeral of Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen. The
brethren were instructed to-be clothed in black clothes and high hats, and the jewels, rods etc.
were to be properly draped.
On May 12, 1880 the By-laws were amended as follows: "No addition or alteration shall be made
to the Bylaws of this Lodge unless the same be offered in writing, stating the amendment
proposed with the section written out as the same will read as amended, when the proposed
amendment shall lie over four weeks, and every member shall have at least ten days notice of
such proposed change, and to be adopted, must receive the vote of two-thirds of the members
then present."
On June 28, 1880 the Lodge went to Rahway to attend the funeral of one of our members, William
W. Martin. Once again they were met by the members of Lafayette Lodge No. 2? who
accompanied them to the cemetery and entertained them after the services. At the next regular
communication several resolutions were adopted thanking Lafayette Lodge for their courtesy and
thoughtfulness, and a copy of the same sent to them.
At the 'communication of October 6, 1880 the Lodge moved to accept the invitation issued by the
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York to all Masonic Lodges in this jurisdiction (New
Sersey) to participate in the ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the Egyptian Obelisk in
Central Park, New York. The Secretary was Instructed to order one hundred badges to be worn
on the occasion. On Saturday, October 9th, the Lodge proceeded in a body to New York with
Brother G« D. Haynes acting as Marshal. Assigned a position in the Eleventh Division, they
marched from Twenty-second Street to Eighty-first Street and Central, Park where the
cornerstone was laid by Most Worshipful, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
New York.
159
16
0
On February 9, 1881 the Secretary was appointed a committee of one to ascertain whether the
ventilators in the ceiling of the Lodge room were insecure and if so, to have them properly secured
to prevent eaves dropping. This seems to have been a rather belated precaution for the Lodge
had been occupying the room for ( LORE Ed text ends)
On September 21, 1881 the Worshipful Master announced the death of our Illustrious Brother
James A. Garfield, President of the United States of America, which occurred on September 19,
1881. On September 26th a special communication was convened for the purpose of taking part
in the obsequies.
The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Worshipful Master then appointed Brother
George W. Haynes as Marshal, who formed the Lodge in funeral procession and pro- to the
position assigned by the Marshal, Past Master W. D. Kinney of Kane Lodge, No. 55, where they
Joined the other Lodges of Newark in the civic parade. Cincinnati Lodge No. 3. of Morristown
participated as guests of St. John's Lodge.
Washington, D. C. October 4, 1881 W. H. Garrison, Esq. Secy. St. Johns Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M.
Newark, N. J. Dear Sir £ Brother, In answer to your communication of the 30th , I have to state
that the late President of the United States, Brother James Abram Garfield, was one of the original
charter members of Pentalpha Lodge No. 23, F. & A. M., and at the time of his untimely death was
a member of the Lodge in good standing.
Pentalpha Lodge would be gratified to receive a report of the proceedings of any memorial service
held by the fraternity of Newark in. memory of our venerated brother.
Fraternally yours, (Signed) James C. Poynton, Secretary Pentalpha Lodge.
On December 21, 1881, the Worshipful Master on behalf of Right Worshipful Brother Robert E.
Salle, District Deputy, Grand Master of the Ninth Masonic District of Arkansas, presented to this
Lodge a copy (neatly framed) of the Gazette of the United States dated July 4, 1792. On motion,
it was received' and ordered to be hung upon the wall of the parlor.
On the following February 1st the sum of three dollars was on motion appropriated, to pay the bill
of David Maclure for engrossing a set of resolutions to RtWor. Brother Salle. the following On
March 1, 1882 a communication from the Most Worshipful William Hardacre, Grand Master of
New Jersey was read and ordered to be spread upon ,the minutes:
"Camden, N. J. ,February 24, 1882. J. L, Johnson, W. M. W. Sir & Bro.
Yours of the 16th inst. was duly received and in reply will say that when any irregularity has been
practiced by a Lodge, in suspending members for non-payment of dues, the Grand Master only is
empowered to declare such suspension null and void.
The action therefore of the W.M. of St. John's Lodge No. 1, in declaring the suspension of certain
members for non-payment of dues 'to be illegal and invalid, and the brethren not suspended, but
members in good standing, was irregular, and null and void, and of no binding effect. Fraternally
yours, (Signed) William Hardacre Grand Master."
On June 7, 1882 a motion prevailed "that the Lodge present each of its Past Masters, who will
present themselves within one year to receive the same, a Grand Lodge Regulation apron."
Aprons had been presented before but not consistently. In accordance with the resolution aprons
were obtained and the first of them were presented to four of the Past Masters on December 13,
1882. As the rest of the Past Masters appeared at meetings they received theirs. In addition to
the Past Masters of our own Lodge, Robert Green, a Past Master of Arcana Lodge 60 was
presented with an apron "for his kindness in assisting the Lodge at all times in its work."
On June 28, 1882 new By-Laws were adopted which are given in full in the minutes One of the
changes was that the Secretary hereafter was to be elected. Previously it had been an appointive
office. The other appointive officers were: the Senior and Junior Deacons, two Masters of
Ceremony, a Tyler and an Organist. No Stewards were appointed. The initiation fee was set at
160
16
1
$30. and the dues $4. per year. The Secretary was to receive $1.50 for each communication.
The Tyler was to receive $1.50 for tyling each communication and keeping the room in order and
$1.50 extra for serving notices of special meetings. The Organist was to receive $50. per annual.
At the same communication the committee on By-laws was authorized to print not less than 500
copies and to include the Grand Lodge Regulations. A motion was also made to include the
names of members of the Lodge from the beginning to the present which was referred to the
committee with power. On July 5th the committee requested permission to take the record of
names of members of the Lodge from the lodge room so they could have it convenient to aid them
in arranging names for the printer. On December 13th the committee reported the task completed
and turned 500 copies over to the Secretary. None of these are available at present but it seems
most unlikely that a complete roster of members was included. A vote of thanks was tendered to
Brother E. F. Brainard on October 18, 1852, for relining the "Old Charter" with parchment.
We find an interesting item in the minutes of February 14, 1883, when on motion the Secretary
was instructed to procure a pointer, for the use of the Senior Deacon in pointing out the emblems
on the chart.
On February 28, 1883 the sum of fifty dollars was appropriated to pay for the oil painting of
Brother Past Grand faster William Silas Whitehead. On March 14th permission was given to
exhibit the portrait in the show window of Brother C. J. Campbel1 store for a suitable period.
On March 28, 1883 the following communication was read and on motion, was received and
adopted, and the committee discharged: "To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and brethren of St.
John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M. "The joint committee of the Lodge and the Trustees
• beg leave to report that they have performed the duties assigned them in reference to procuring
rooms for the Lodge after April 1st, 188J, and as a result of their deliberations, the Trustees have
effected a lease with the authorities of the National Newark Banking Company for the rooms now
occupied by the Lodge for a term of five years from April 1st, 1883, at an annual rental of five
hundred dollars with privileges to sublet to Masonic Lodges. Respectfully submitted, (The
Committee}"
"On December 19, 1883 Brother Charles Borcherling moved that a committee of five members of
this Lodge be appointed by the Worshipful Master, to report to this Lodge respecting the
expediency of purchasing a suitable lot of land located in the central part of the city of Newark,
with a view of erecting thereon a Masonic Temple, and that such committee be instructed to make
inquiry as to the probable cost of such lot, if one can be had, which was carried."
At the following meeting the committee reported progress. At the same meeting a motion was
made and carried to appoint a committee to investigate and report to the Lodge what legislation
would be necessary to enable St. John's Lodge to purchase and sell real estate.
On February 6, 1884 the Trustees were authorized by the Lodge to sublet the rooms occupied by
them to Kane Lodge No. 55, for Friday evening of each week, at an annual rental of not less than
#150. per annum, for the term of one year.
At the communication of February 2?, 1884, Brother Past Master Currier, offered the following
resolution, which on motion was adopted: "Resolved, That the sincere thanks of this Lodge be
tendered to Brother Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead for the eloquent and masterly
oration delivered by him at our annual celebration of Washington's birthday held on February 22,
1884.
"Resolved, That whereas the Oration merits the high appreciation and careful study of Masons
because it presents in its true light, the relations of Masonry to our country, it be placed on file in
the Archives of Saint John's Lodge for preservation, and that it be printed for distribution."
On March 19, 1884 a communication was read from Past Grand Master Henry R. Cannon,
requesting permission to examine the records of St. John's Lodge No. 1. The request was
granted on condition that the records were not to be removed from the Lodge room. Apparently
161
16
2
nothing came of it for on October 8th another request was received from the same brother, for the
same purpose. The second communication suggested that a committee be appointed from the
Lodge to cooperate and assist him in examining the minute books. A motion was made and
carried that the request be granted. Our minutes state that K,'. W.'. Brother Cannon was chairman
of the Historical Committee appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
On April 22, 1885 a motion was carried "that hereafter each Entered. Apprentice Mason shall
receive a Lamb Skin Apron upon his initiation and the Secretary was instructed to . procure a
limited number."
On November 18, 1885 a resolution was carried "that a committee of five be appointed to take in
consideration and report the cost of printing a historical sketch of the Lodge, also to print a list of
members from the formation of the Lodge to the present time." This was rescinded on April 20,
188? and a motion adopted that only By-laws and the names of the members be printed.
On December 30, 1885 a committee of three was appointed to take into consideration "the best
method to procure a secret ballot or Improve the present ballot box."
A communication was received on March 24, 1886 from Brother Joseph M. Ward of Kane Lodge,
New York City, with a photo copy of "Wood's Newark Gazette" enclosed. Printed Thursday, June
28, 1792, it contained a report of the proceedings of laying the corner stone of the Newark
Academy by St. John's Lodge No.2 in 1792. On motion it was received and the thanks of the
Lodge extended to Brother Ward under the seal of the Lodge. The Secretary was ordered to have
the paper framed and hung in the parlor.
On April 14, 1886 the Worshipful Master, after an expression of the will of the Lodge, ordered,
"that hereafter, smoking in the Lodge room shall be prohibited, except upon the occasion of the
celebration of Washington's birthday."
Chapter
19
1866 On
A committee previously appointed to make arrangements to celebrate the One hundred and
twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Lodge reported on April 7, 1886 that they had some suggestions to
make which required, action by the Lodge. The following motion was then carried, "That on that
occasion there be a banquet with a charge of $3.00 per ticket." The Secretary was then instructed
to notify each member of the action taken.
Public procession being prohibited it was necessary to obtain permission from the Grand Master
to hold one and his letter of authority is given below:
"Paterson, May 10, 1886. "To all whom it may concern: Greeting Permission is hereby granted to
the officers and members of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. of Newark, N. J. to appear in
public in Masonic clothing on Thursday, May 11th inst. in celebration of the 125th anniversary of
the founding of that lodge. Given under my hand and private seal this 10th day • of May, 1886, A.
D. 5886. (Signed) Jos. W. Congdon Grand Master"
The weather being stormy the WM ordered the brethren to proceed to the church and there
assemble before the meeting. The One hundred and twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration was
appropriately celebrated in St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church of which the Rev. J. W. Boyle
was pastor. The church now demolished for some years, formerly stood on the south-west corner
of Broad and Marshal Streets. The speaker of the evening, was Most Worshipful Beverly R.
Welford, • Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. After the services the assemblage
proceeded to a hall on Broad Street where a banquet was held.
162
16
3
At the next communication of the Lodge on May 19th it was "Resolved, That MW. Brother Welford
be requested to furnish the manuscript of his oration to this lodge for publication."
On June 16, 1886 a communication from Union Lodge No. 11 was read extending an invitation to
St. John's Lodge to be present and take part in the laying of the corner stone of the new Masonic
Hall at Orange, N. J., on Thursday, June 24, 1886. On motion the invitation was accepted and the
Secretary instructed to notify them of the same.
On September 22, 1886 a communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey was read, setting forth the suffering of the people of the city of Charleston,
S. C. by the recent earthquakes in that vicinity, and their need for help, accompanied by a copy of
a letter from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of South Carolina. On motion the communication
was received and the amount of fifty, dollars was appropriated for their relief.
The Grand Lodge of New Jersey celebrated Its Centennial Anniversary in 1887 and at our
meeting of January 12th of that year it was moved that the Lodge appropriate five dollars for a
ticket to the banquet and that the Worshipful Master, Henry J. Anderson, represent the Lodge. It
was also voted that a ticket be purchased and presented to Brother Past Grand Master William
Silas Whitehead.
Mention was made in a previous chapter of the popularity of Magic Lanterns. Apparently the
members of St. John's were convinced of their usefulness for after borrowing one on various
occasions a resolution was carried on December 29, 1886 that a committee be appointed to
purchase one as well as a proper number of emblems of the three degrees. On January 19, 188?
the committee reported they had purchased a Magic Lantern, a viewing screen and twenty-eight
views for $86.40.
For a number of years past the Lodges in this jurisdiction notified each other directly whenever
they suspended, expelled or restored a member. We find numerous references to such
communications in our minutes and always followed by the order that "the name be placed in the
Black Book." Possibly this Black Book was fictitious or possibly the Lodge Just never bothered to
obtain one. In any event a motion was made on January 12, 188? that the Secretary procure a
book so that a "correct list of all members in this Jurisdiction who are under suspension for nonpayment of dues" could be kept. The book was purchased and is still in our possession. Fittingly
enough it IS black.
On February 23, 188? Brother William A. Gay presented the Lodge with a neatly framed photo
copy of the laying of the corner stone of the pedestal which supports Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty
in New York harbor by the. Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Of New York. On
motion it was accepted with the thanks of the Lodge.
On September 7, 1887 the Secretary was on motion instructed to take the necessary steps that
St. John's Lodge might become a member of the Masonic Protective Association.
On November 15, 1887 the Secretary was instructed to communicate with the Grand Secretary of
the Grand Lodge of New Jersey and ascertain whether the General Masonic Relief Association of
the United States and Canada has any status in this jurisdiction.
On March 27, 1889 a communication from the Inaugural Centennial Celebration Committee under
the auspices of the Board of Trade of Elizabeth, N. J. was read, inviting this Lodge to participate in
their festivities on April 29th. On motion the Secretary was instructed to communicate with the
163
16
4
Grand Master and request his permission to take part in the celebration and if granted, the
Secretary to notify the committee of its acceptance. The Grand Master answer follows.
"Haddonfield, N. J., Apr. 2, 1889 William H. Garrison, Esq., Secretary, St. John's Lodge, No. 1, F.
& A. Dear Sir and Brother In reply to your communication of the 27th ult. (which has just been
received) I will say that I cannot approve of a lodge appearing in public unless it be for the
purpose of performing a Masonic service, and while appreciating the patriotic motives which have
prompted the asking for permission to participate in the "Centennial Celebration and public
demonstration and reception of President Benjamin Harrison, at Elizabeth, N. J. on April 29th" I
cannot, without committing a breach of what I consider to be good Masonic custom and usage,
give my consent. Yours fraternally, SEAL
(Signed) Chas. H. Mann Grand Master."
On June 5, 1389 St. John's Lodge contributed $50. for the relief of the sufferers of the
Conemaugh Valley, Pa. and the same was paid to the Mayor of the city of Newark. This was the
disastrous Johnstown Flood.
On June 26, 1889 the Secretary on motion was instructed to send to each member of the Lodge a
copy of a resolution by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the establishment of a Masonic
Home, and request a subscription from them. Our minutes would seem to indicate that the
response was not too great for on September 24, 1890 a motion was carried that a committee of
five be appointed to bring the subject before the Lodge again, as set forth in a communication
from a committee appointed by the Grand Lodge at the 1890 session. It was apparently the duty
of the committee to take in consideration the soliciting of subscriptions from of the members rather
than actually taking subscriptions.
On November 26th the committee reported they did not approve of the project and the matter
seems to have been dropped.
On October 2, 1889 the committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions congratulating Brother
Louis Kossuth upon attaining his eightieth birthday reported as follows:
"The undersigned, the committee charged by the Lodge in pursuance of the above recited
resolutions with the honorable and agreeable duty of formulating an expression of the sense of St.
John's Lodge No. 1, A. F. & A. M. upon the subject referred to in the foregoing citation from its
minutes, beg to report the following.
"Resolved That St. John's Lodge No. 1 hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bro. Louis
Kossuth upon his arrival to an age which exceeds by a decade the Psalmists limit of three score
and ten.
"Resolved That among the many distinguished visitors, who, during the century and a quarter of
its existence, have honored St. John's Lodge by their presence, including the distinguished
Lafayette, no name is enrolled upon its records in which this Society takes greater pride, than the
eminent name of Louis Kossuth.
"Resolved That this Society recognizes in the subject of these resolutions one who devoted the
energies of an active and illustrious life to the promotion of the liberty, and the amelioration of the
condition of his fellowman, Wheresoever dispersed over the globe, and who, by so doing
exemplified the teachings of the universal Fraternity of Free Masons with which he was proud to
be affiliated.
"Resolved That in tendering this declaration of its sentiments, St. John's Lodge expresses a
sincere and heartfelt hope that the Great Architect of the Universe may, in His good providence for
many years, vouchsafe health and life to the distinguished Brother, whose merits and honorable
career are, by these resolutions, feebly and imperfectly recognized.
"Resolved That the Secretary of this Lodge cause these resolutions and the preamble to be
suitable engrossed and forwarded to Bro. Kossuth.
"P. W. Ricord, P.M., W. M. 1852; Wm. Silas Whitehead, P. G. M.; H. J. Anderson, P.M.; Wm.
Godber, Tyler, 1852; Committee."
164
16
5
The resolutions were adopted, ordered to be suitably engrossed and forwarded to Brother
Kossuth.
On March 26, 1890 Brother George C. Sonn "kindly entertained the brethren with an exhibition
with the phonograph vote of thanks was extended to Bro. Sonn." This was undoubtedly one of the
early machines that used tubular shaped wax records. With the radio and television as yet
undreamed of this "gay ninety" scene in the gas lighted lodge room can easily be imagined with
the very dignified and properly dressed brethren leaning forward in their chairs and thoughtfully
stroking their beards or toying with their heavy watch chains as they solemnly listened to a shrill
rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic or some similar tune.
On October 22, 1890 the Lodge entertained a delegation from St. John's Lodge No., 1 of New
York. After witnessing a Master Mason degree all repaired to B. & J. Davis' where a collation had
been prepared. On April 23, 1891 the members of our Lodge paid a return visit to St. John's
Lodge in New York.
At the communication of September 30, 1891 the following resolution was offered by Brother Past
Master William A Gay: "Whereas the 22nd day of Feb., 1892 will complete the century since the
first observance of the birthday of George Washington by St. John's Lodge, therefore be it
resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to consider and report to this Lodge such form
and manner for the observance of the annual celebration of Washington' s birthday next ensuing
as In their judgement may comport with the Importance and dignity of the occasion, and the
traditional repute of St. John's lodge. It is further resolved that the committee be requested to
submit such report not later than four weeks from this date."
On October 24th the committee reported, "That in their opinion the celebration to be held on
February 22, 1892 r to commemorate the birth of our brother George Washington, in view of this
being the 100th celebration under the resolution of our ancestors, should be on a more extensive
scale than usual, and therefore beg leave to suggest, that in order to carry their views into effect,
that the usual exercises should be held in one of our churches to which brother Masons and their
wives have admission tickets and considering .the limited space to accommodate them, that after
the exercises a banquet be held in some suitable hall of the city, In manner and extent to be
considered by a committee appointed by the lodge for that purpose."
To skip forward a few months the Centennial Anniversary celebration of the birthday of George
Washington was held as planned on February 22nd, 1892. It presumably was held in the lodge
room with a banquet being provided at Oration Hall, at the corner of Broad and Bridge Streets. No
mention is made of who the speaker was. There was a large attendance including the Most
Worshipful Grand Master Thomas W. Tilden, the Deputy Grand J. H. Durand and Past Grand
Masters Robert N. Mooreand Henry Veshlage. The cost of the affair was $999 and the total
amount collected $1019.50 leaving a profit of $20.50.
On December 23, 1891 the Worshipful Master Theodore C. E. Blanchard and the Senior Warden
Frederick C. Blanchard presented each of the officers of the Lodge with a beautiful regulation
lambskin apron for service in the Lodge and also gavels for each station.
On December 30, 1891 the Secretary was instructed to communicate with the Grand Secretary
and ascertain whether the original warrant of St. John's Lodge was in his possession or if he could
give any Information as to where it could be • found. Former attempts to locate the warrant had
been unavailing and this one proved to be just as unsuccessful.
165
16
6
On February 17, 1892 the trustees informed the Lodge they had received notice from the National
Newark Banking Company to vacate the lodge room. Possibly this notice had something to do
with the appointment on February 24th, of a committee to confer with committees from "such other
lodges as St. John's may designate" to consider the erection of a Masonic Temple. The
committee from St. John's Lodge was to act with its trustees and consisted of Brothers E. S.
Ward, G. W. Weidenmayer, H. J. Anderson, P. M., ¥. A. Gay, P. M. and G. H. Harrison, P. M.
In the minutes for May 11, 1892 we read "The undersigned, a sub-committee appointed by the
committee on Finance of 'The Masonic Temple Co. desire to present to you the formula as
adopted by said committee for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions from the respective
members of your lodge, and also a subscription from the invested fund of your lodge. Your hearty
cooperation in the project will materially aid the committee' in consummating their permanent
plans. Please communicate the result of the action of your lodge to the chairman of our
committee at an early date, Fraternally submitted, Robt. Dingwell, Chandler C. Coats, Austin H.
McGregor."
On May 25, 1392 the following resolution was adopted: "That the lodge direct the trustees to place
the invested funds in their hands, at their discretion in the stock and bonds of 'The Masonic
Temple Co. after the said company is properly formed."
On November 23rd the committee reported that a number of meetings of the General Committee
had been held and the progress made was encouraging. The Worshipful Master, Theodore C. S.
Blanchard, urged the brethren to subscribe to the stock of the Temple company. On December
7th the trustees reported they .had held a meeting on November 14th, at which it was resolved
that they would recommend to the lodge, that when the proper time arrived they should invest the
fund of the lodge in the first bonds of the Masonic Temple Co. after the. amount had been
subscribed and paid in to cover the cost of the land, making the bonds a first lien on the property.
The enterprise seems to have collapsed for no further mention is made of the Temple Company in
our minutes.
On February 8, 1893 the use of the lodge room was at no charge tendered to Damascus
Commandeer No. 5 while repairs were made to their hall. The repairs took from April until August
inclusive.
On March 29, 1893 a communication was received from Past Grand Master William Silas
Whitehead offering the lodge a number of Masonic publications for their use which was accepted
with thanks.
On September 20, 1893 a communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Master was read,
requesting that the Lodge place in the hands of Kost Worshipful Brother Henry R. Cannon, the
minutes of the Lodge from 1761 to 1843 and also the Lodge register, Brother Cannon being the
chairman of the Committee on Masonic History of New Jersey. The communication was dated
August 29th and the Lodge not being in session the Worshipful Master had obeyed the request.
By unanimous vote the Lodge sanctioned his action.
On November 22, 1893 William Godber, a member of the Lodge for fifty year was received as an
honored guest and $100. in gold was presented with an engrossed certificate expressing the
congratulations of the Lodge. At the following meeting his dues were remitted.
166
16
7
On November 29, 1893 the Secretary was instructed to procure a new seal for the Lodge. The
seal was ordered adopted and purchased on January 31, 1894.
On June 6, 1894 a communication was read from Chadwick Lodge No 68, Coquille, Coos County,
Oregon, stating they were in need of funds in order for them to exist and carry on Masonic work.
A gavel was also received from them with the request that we purchase it or send them a donation
to enable them to liquidate their obligations. On motion five dollars was appropriated with a
request that a set of three gavels
At the same meeting Brother Joseph E. Haynes stated he had in his possession fourteen Masonic
books presented to him by the widow of Brother Charles Stewart, late a member of this Lodge. His
wish was that they should be in possession of this Lodge, that they might form the nucleus for a
library in the near future. Brother Haynes then formally presented the books which had been part
of the library of the Late Past Grand Master, Edward Stewart. A copy of the Ahiman Rezon
presented to Brother Haynes by Brother John H. Landell was also presented. The Lodge
accepted the gifts with thanks.
On April 17. 1895 the By-laws were amended so that the Secretary was to receive for his
services, the sum of two dollars for each communication and the Tyler to receive one hundred
dollars a year for tyling and keeping the room in order.
On April 29, 1896 Brother Herbert C. Rorick presented the Lodge with a copy of Mackey's
Masonic Encyclopedia. The library was gradually increasing in size and on May 6, 1695 a black
walnut bookcase was purchased for $22.
The communication of May 12, 1897 was devoted entirely to the-entertainment of Most Worshipful
Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead. During the course of the evening he was presented
with an armchair which had been made on special order.
On June 9, 3597 a communication was read from the Past Masters through their Secretary,
accepting the use of St. John's Lodge room for the evening of June 14-th, to organize their
association. At the Lodge's invitation they used the room on numerous occasions thereafter.
On June 30th of the same year another milestone in the attainment of "more Light" was reached.
On that evening a committee was appointed to consider the "advisability of introducing electricity
into the lodge room." For the past years or so this and the previous rooms had been illuminated
by gas lights.
Prior to the opening of Lodge on October 27, 1897 an informal reception was given to Major
General 0. 0. Howard of the U. S. Army. He took a special delight in looking over the old records
and trophy's in possession of the Lodge.
On January 12, 1898 Brother George C. Sonn presented the Lodge with copies of the Centenary
of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and Worshipful Brother James Steven's book, "Chips From a Rough
Ashlar Knocked Off by the Gavel of Common Sense."
On June 8, 1898 a communication from Worshipful Brother Moses W. Personette of Trinity Lodge
No 27, F. & A. M. of Waeversville, Cal. was read and the Secretary instructed to make note of the
fact in the minutes that the brother has passed three score ten and yet is in active service, he
being Secretary of the above Lodge. Brother Personette was formerly a member and Worshipful
Master of St. John's Lodge. He dimitted on February 5, 1849.
167
16
8
On November 16, 1898 about seventeen members of St. John's Lodge No. 1 of New York paid us
a return visit.
On January 18, 1899 the thanks of the Lodge was extended to Brother Nathan Grotta for his gift of
an old certificate, neatly framed, issued to Moses Smith in 1802 by St. John's Lodge.
On March 29, 1899 a communication was. read from Mrs. James B. Boylan Jr., the widow of one
of our former members, requesting that we receive through her and in the name of her late
husband, a chair, the same to be presented to the Masonic Home in Burlington. The chair was
said to have a historic record, it supposedly having been used by Brother General George
Washington while at Washington Rock near Plainfield, N. J., during the Revolutionary War. On
motion the Secretary was ordered to receive the chair and forward it to the Masonic Hone and
extend to Mrs. Boylan the thanks of the Lodge for the honor conferred on it, in making it the
medium of her gift.
On May 10, 1899 Brother William Godber presented the Lodge with a copy of the Grand Lodge of
New Jersey Proceedings from 1786 to 1857.
On December 6, 1899 the New Jersey Historical Society requested the loan of several articles
used at Morris-town on December 24, 1779, now the property of this Lodge, for exhibition on the
one hundredth anniversary of the death of George Washington which was to take place in their
rooms on December 14, 1899. On motion the request was granted.
On December 13, 1899 the Lodge voted to become a contributing member of the Masonic Relief
Association of the United States and Canada at the cost of one cent per capita of our Lodge.
In response to an appeal from the Grand Master on September 19, 1900, twenty ,-five dollars was
appropriated to relieve the distress of the people of Galveston, Texas, following an appalling
disaster.
On December 19, 1900 the Lodge entertained visiting brothers from St. John's Lodge No. 1 and
Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2, both of New York. Dinner was served .at the Continental
Hotel (now the Hotel Berwick).
On March 13, 1901 the By-laws were amended increasing the Initiation Fee from |JO. to $50.
On April 10, 1901 a motion was passed to appropriate $150. to furnish a room at the New Jersey
Masonic Home near Burlington and the Secretary was instructed to so notify the Home
Committee. During this year each member of the Lodge contributed $3.50 toward the Masonic
Home. Whether this amount was in addition to the $150. is not clear as we were unable to find
any resolution concerning it. In the minutes for June 12, 1901 we find the following
recommendation submitted by the Trustees:
"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brothers of • St. John's Lodge of New Jersey,
"The subscribers respectfully show that they are the trustees of a certain trust fund amounting to
$10,000. held in trust for the Lodge and, Whereas, the income of said fund has heretofore, for a
number of years, been used by the trustees to pay the rent of the Lodge room now occupied by
the Lodge,
"And Whereas, the trustees are of the opinion and believe that the income of the Lodge, derived
from dues and fees, is sufficient to meet and to pay the running and other expenses of the Lodge
Including the rent, and that the income of the said fund should be used towards accumulating a
fund for the purpose of securing a Masonic Home for the Lodge, either by itself, or in conjunction
with other Lodges of the city of Newark,
"And Whereas, it is further the opinion and Judgement of the trustees that St. John's Lodge, being
the oldest and the, Mother of all the Lodges in the state of New Jersey, should take the initiative in
the matter of procuring such a Masonic Home.
168
• "Therefore, the trustees hereby respectfully recommend that the Lodge, hereafter, from the 1st
day of July, next, pay the rent of the Lodge room as well as all other expenses connected with the
Lodge. Respectfully submitted, C. H. Gleason, Pres. G. W. Wiedenmayer . J. L. Johnson Geo.
Forman Osceola Currier " The recommendation was referred to special finance committee who
reported on June 26th that they favored the paying of the rent out of the regular Lodge funds,
which was concurred in by the Lodge.
The special finance committee referred to above had apparently been appointed on May 1, 1901,
although there is no record of it in the minutes, to devise ways and means to pay the running
expenses of the Lodge. On November 13th they submitted their report and made the following
recommendations: "
1st. That the dues be increased to $6. per annum, which was lost.
2nd. That the vocal music which has heretofore been furnished by outside talent for the 3rd
degree, hereafter be discontinued. Carried.
3rd. That an entertainment committee be appointed by the Worshipful Master to furnish music on
such occasions as the Lodge may designate. Carried.
4th. That a more stringent enforcement of the payment of dues be made. To have the Secretary
make a list of all delinquents on the 1st day of February, each year, and give the same forthwith to
a collector for collection, and on the 1st day of May, then next following, the Secretary shall give
each delinquent, who is then in arrears for dues, three months notice in writing, of such
delinquency and of his liability to suspension if his dues are not paid within said period.
"That Article 5 of the By-laws be amended to read as follows: 'Sec. 2.- Any member who shall be
in arrears for dues for one year, and shall refuse or neglect to pay the same within three months
after demand thereof shall be made by the Secretary of the Lodge, shall be reported by the
Secretary to the Lodge for action thereon." Carried.
"5th. That the committee earnestly recommend a more economical use of the funds of the Lodge,
to the end that a substantial yearly balance may be shown to its credit. Carried.
"Your committee recommend that the action of the Lodge taken in June last, whereby the Lodge
acted upon the recommendation of the Trustees and voted to pay the rent of the Lodge
commencing with July 1st, 1901, be not rescinded, as your committee feel that the Lodge should
pay its running expenses and be self supporting."
On September 18, 1901 "the Worshipful Master announced the death of our late Brother and
President of the United States, William McKinley, which occurred on Saturday, September 14,
1901. On motion the Lodge was ordered draped in mourning for the space of thirty days and a
page in the minute book be suitably inscribed to his memory."
On October 9th the committee appointed to draft resolutions in respect to President McKinley's
death "offered the following tribute which was received and ordered in the minutes." The tribute is
in the form of a small black bound memorial pamphlet issued by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey
and signed by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary.
District An attempt was made to hold a District Grand Lodge of Sorrow in respect to the memory
of the late President and on October 9th St. John's Lodge voted to pay its proportionate share of
the expenses. Several Lodges of the seventeen forming this district however objected and the
general committee decided to abandon the project.
On January 8, 1902 Worshipful Brother Rorick offered the following resolution which was
adopted, "that some Brother be appointed to make a list of the old records of the Lodge." There is
no record of such an appointment being made and presumably nothing was done.
169
16
9
17
0
On February 19, 1902 the following resolution was carried: "That a committee be appointed to
inquire into the advisability of acting in conjunction with other Lodges in securing
and fitting up new quarters for St. John's Lodge." The appointment. of the committee was delayed
until April 9th and it seems might Just as well have been forgotten altogether for they apparently
never made a report.
On December 17, 1902 the By-laws were amended to increase the dues from $4. to $6. per year.
Notice was received from the National Newark Building Company on January 21, 1903 to vacate
the Lodge room by May 1st. We are not informed as to what transpired, but the Lodge did not
move for at the communication of October 28th the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved,
That it is the sense of the Lodge that the Board of Trustees enter into a lease with the Newark
National Banking Company for the use of the Lodge room for the term of six months commencing
October 1st, 1903 at the rental of $41.6? per month in advance."
The following resolution speaks for itself and appears on page 268 of our Minute Book for 1901 to
1905 in the form of a handsomely engrossed and colored certificate. "At the regular
communication of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F & A M, Newark, N. J., U. S. A. held on Wednesday
evening, Mar. 25, 1903* the following resolutions were adopted: "Whereas an esteemed member
of this Lodge, Brother Benjamin Shepherd, was a passenger on board the S.S. Madlana which
was wrecked off the coast of Bermuda on Feb. 10, 1903; and Whereas, Wor. Bro. Harry S.
Chester, W. M., Bro. George K. Hargis, S. W., Bro. E. Meyer, Jr., J. D., and other members of St.
George's Lodge, Mo. 200, of St. George, Bermuda, not only assisted in rescuing him from his
perilous position, but also extended to him many fraternal courtesies, thereby ministering most
hospitably to his necessities, and comforting him in his distress, be it therefore "Resolved, That
the thanks of this Lodge be extended to Wor. Bro. Harry S. Chester, W. M., Bro. George K.
Hargis, S. W., Bro. Wm. E. Meyer, Jr., S, D., and the other members of St. George's Lodge for the
many kindness shown to our Bro. Shepherd. We desire to express to our brethren in Bermuda our
heartfelt appreciation of their noble conduct, and to assure them that, if any one of their members
should ever visit Newark, K. J., U. S. A., our members will receive them with such fraternal warmth
as will testify to our appreciation of their action. "Resolved: That these resolutions be entered on
our minutes, and a copy of the same be sent to our brethren in Bermuda. Day Hardie George
Forman Committee W. C. Sandy
Almost two years later on January 11, 1905 a communication was received from St. George's
Lodge No. 200, F. & A. M. of Bermuda giving notice "that a medal had "been forwarded to St.
John's Lodge No. 1 for the purpose of presenting it to Bro. P. M. George K. Hargis (late of St.
George's Lodge and now residing at Camden, N. J.) for his success in saving a member of this
Lodge with others near the Isle of -Bermuda, Feb. 10, 1903. The medal is in possession of Mr.
.Robt. L. Brown, 151 East 121st St., N. Y. The Secty. was instructed to communicate with him
and ascertain when it could be secured. Also to communicate with Bro. Hargis when the medal is
obtained."
On April 8, 1903 a communication was read from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, giving
notice of a resolution passed at the Grand Lodge session held March 11, 1903, that the sum of
two dollars had been assessed against every member-for the Orphanage of the Masonic Home.
The subject was taken up by the Lodge on April 29th and the following adopted: "Resolved, That
the members be requested to contribute the sum of two dollars to the Masonic Home Committee
to erect and equip the Orphanage at Burlington, N. J. and to pay the same before July 1, 1903, on
which date the Secretary be instructed to forward a check to the Secretary of the Masonic Home
170
17
1
Committee for the full amount due from this Lodge, and the sum of two dollars be charged up
against all members who have not complied with this resolution."
A special communication of the Lodge was held on August 5, 1903. After opening the members
proceeded to Military Park where they joined the members of sister Lodges, under the direction of
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Marching to the corner of Broad and Green Streets, the officers
of the Grand Lodge laid the corner stone of the new city hall
with Masonic ceremonies. St. John's Lodge was represented by about thirty-six of its officers and
members.
On September 16, 1903 Brother Fine B. Boyette presented the Lodge with a photograph of the
Lodge room. On December 16, 1903 Brother W, J. Burke presented the Lodge with a similar
photograph. The thanks of the Lodge was tendered to both.
The regular communication of November 18, 1903 was devoted by the Worshipful Master to the
purpose of congratulating our Venerable Brother William Godber who was made a Mason on
November 22, 1843 and had been a member of St. John's Lodge for sixty years. There was a
very large attendance of both our own members and visiting brethren. The meeting was in charge
of the Past Masters.
On December 23, 1903 a committee was appointed to procure suitable aprons and collars for the
officers.
On May 25, 1904 the By-laws were amended so that the per annum Secretary was to receive
$150 per annum for his services instead of $2. for each communication.
On February 1, 1905 the By-laws were amended so that the Organist was to receive $75. per
annum for his services in place of $50.
At the communication of May 31» 1905 Brother George C. Wiedenmayer who had Just returned
from the Orient and Eastern countries paid the Lodge a visit and stated that while at Jerusalem he
had procured a gavel made from the clay taken from the earth near that city and mounted on a
handle of olive wood. With a, few appropriate remarks he presented it to the Lodge. It was
received by the Worshipful Master who extended the thanks of the Lodge,
On March 28. 1906 a. motion was passed that a Bible inscribed, be purchased, suitably inscriber
and presented to Whitehead Lodge No. 184 at Grantwood, N. J. on the night of their dedication.
On April 25, 1905 the Lodge appropriated $100 toward relieving the distress of our brethren at
San Francisco. This was probably the disastrous earthquake and fire.
On December 23, 1908 the Trustees and committee appointed to formulate a plan for securing a
new home for the Lodge, recommended that the Lodge rent for the next few years and that a
committee of five be appointed as heretofore with power to procure as soon as possible a site for
the building of a home for the Lodge, and that they take steps at once to finance the enterprise in
whatever way they deem moat feasible.
Notice had been given by the owner of the building, the Prudential Insurance Company, to vacate
the Lodge room.
On March 10, 1909 the Secretary was Instructed to write to for the Lodge them asking permission
"to remain in its present lodge rooms until May 13th in order that it might celebrate its 148th
Anniversary in its present rooms, having been occupied for the
past fifty odd years." the On April 24, 1909 Most Worshipful Grand Master, J. Clarence Conover,
granted special dispensation to the lodge to change its meeting nights from Wednesday to
Saturday, of each week from May 1st for two months or until such time as arrangements can be
171
17
2
made to again meet on Wednesday nights, also from present place of meeting to 810 Broad
Street, Newark.
On April 28, 1909 Worshipful Brother Charles G. Kurd read an interesting discourse on the history
of the Lodge and it was moved and carried that it be printed and a copy spread in full upon the
minutes. At the same communication Brother Church offered an amendment, to the By-laws, that
in addition to the two Deacons, two Masters of Ceremony, Tyler and Organist, an Archivist shall
be appointed on the night of installation, provided that Worshipful Brother Kurd serve as Archivist
until the next installation. The amendment was carried and Brother Kurd accepted the new duty.
This amendment was officially adopted May 29th.
This seems to have been the last meeting in these rooms for the minutes state, "The Lodge was
closed in due and ancient form to meet at 810 Broad Street on Saturday nights from May 8th."
This new location was only temporary for under date of October 13, 1909 the Grand Master
granted permission to the Lodge to hold communications at 655 Broad Street. On November 24th
the House Committee and the Trustees received a new vote of thanks for procuring and fitting up
the Lodge room.
On December 22, 1909 it was moved and adopted that a committee of five be appointed to
examine into the corporate powers of the Trustees of this lodge etc. On February 16, 1910 the
term of the Trustees was changed by vote from life membership to five years. This change was
approved by the Grand Lodge on March 9, 1910.
It was moved and unanimously carried on February 16, 1910 that an invitation be extended to
Brother William H. Taft,' President of the United States, to be with us and participate in the
celebration of the 150th Anniversary to be held on May 13, 1911.
On June 1, 1910 it was moved that St. John's Lodge present St. Cecile Lodge No. 193 with five
long and five short cable tows, six pairs of sandals and two dozen hymn books.
On June 8, 1910 St. John's. Lodge accepted an invitation to be present at the laying of the corner
stone of Hope Lodge No. 124* s new building in East Orange's .
On March 8, 1911 it was moved and carried that the Washington Birthday Committee be
empowered hereafter to employ a stenographer to take the speech of the orator at the
Washington Birthday celebrate on so that it may be printed, a copy placed in the archives and
each member furnished one.
On April 26, 1911 Worshipful Brother Mudd reported on the visit of the committee to Washington
to invite President Taft to the 150th Anniversary and the Secretary read a letter from the Secretary
to the President in which the President accepted the Lodge's invitation. It was moved and carried"
that the letter be received and placed in the hands of the Archivist. A copy of the letter is
reproduced on the following (or opposite) page'.
On May 10th a dispensation was received, through the Grand Secretary, to hold a Special
Communication of the Lodge at 83 Orange Street on the afternoon of May 13,. 1911.
At the same communication Brother Benjamin Shepherd .presented the Lodge with three gavels,
two made of wood from Mt. Olive and one made of the same stone as used in the erection of
Solomon's Temple and taken from the quarry in that vicinity. They were accepted by the Lodge
with a vote of thanks.
In connection with the 150th Anniversary, resolutions of thanks were adopted on May 31st and
copies were directed to be forwarded to tie following, the originals to be filed with the Archivist:172
17
3
R.W. Brother Joseph D. Richardson 33°, Hon. Samuel McCall, Hon. Thomas W. Sisson, MW.'.
George W. Guthrle, Grand Master of Masons of Pennsylvania.
Brother Harry Fowler, General E. W. Hine, Mr .John M. Lederer ,Mr. Arthur Mees, Board of Police
Commissioners ,Lodge No. 2, Phila., Pa., John A. Rowan, WM. St. John's No. 2, Middletown,
Conn., Eben Jackson, WM., St John's No 1 New Haven» Conn., Gustav Good, WM. St.John's,
Boston, Mass., Leonard G. Roberts, WM St. John No 1, Norfolk, Va.., Walter Dixon, WM.,
St.John's No. 1, Providence, RI, Jas. H. Thurston, St. John's No. 1, New York City, Edwin H.
Wendell, WM., Philanthropic, Marblehead, Mass, Robt. M. Green, WM. Independent Royal Arch
No. 2, N. Y. C., Chas. G. Mary, WM
On June 14th the 150th Anniversary Committee, through its chairman, Worshipful Brother Charles
S. Reed, submitted an exhaustive report which was listened to with keen interest. It was moved
and carried that the report be received, the fact noted on the minutes, the report be placed in the
archives and the committee discharged with the thanks of the Lodge.
At the same communication, Mr. John Fred Lenten who was elected to membership in this Lodge
on April 6, 1910, and not receiving any degrees on account of business causing him to take up his
residence at Minneapolis, Minn. , requested that the degrees be conferred upon him by a Lodge in
said city. It was accordingly moved and carried that Charm Lodge No. 112,F. & A. M. of Minnesota
be requested to confer the degrees through Most Worshipful Brother Leslie A. Burritt, Grand
Master. On November 22, 1911 Brother Past Master Hurd presented the Lodge with a Souvenier
of the 150th Anniversary, attractively framed, which was on motion accepted with the thanks of the
Lodge.
On December 6th it was moved and carried that souvenirs of the 150th Anniversary be
forwarded to St. John's Lodge No. 4 of Hartford, Conn., the New Jersey Historical Society and the
Grand Lodges of the States of New York, Pennsylvania and Iowa. On December 20th it was
moved that souvenirs also be presented to the Grand Lodges of the States of Ohio and North
Dakota. On January 10, 1912 it was moved that a similar souvenirs be presented to Princeton
University to be placed in its library.
On February 28, 1912 a communication was read from Brother Rudolf Haae, Custodian of the
"Medallion Collection of the Lodge of Archimedes and the Three Trestleboards" at Altenburg,
Saxe-Altenburg, Germany, requesting one of the souvenirs of St. John's 150th Anniversary. It
was moved and carried that one be sent him with the compliments of the Lodge.
On March 6, 1912 Brother Arthur Mudd, chairman of the George Washington Birthday Committee
reported that the 1912 celebration was the 121st one celebrated by the Lodge.
On March 20, 1912 Worshipful Brother Herbert C. Rorick presented the Lodge with a copy of the
"Ulster County Gazette" dated Saturday, January 4, 1800 and printed at Kingston, Ulster County,
N. Y. It was on motion accepted with the thanks of the Lodge and ordered placed in the hands of
the Archivist.
On May 12, 1912 Chapman Lodge No. 2 of East Las Vegas, N. M. preparing to celebrate its 50th
anniversary, requested as a guidance, the program of St. John's Lodge in connection with our
150th anniversary, the table placing and other data used.
On September 25, 1912 an invitation was received from Roseville Lodge No. 143 to participate in
the laying of the corner stone of Roseville Temple on September 28th.
At the. same communication Brother Charles E. Weeks, Chairman of the History Committee of
Newark Lodge No. 7, presented St. John's Lodge with a portrait of Colonel James Hedden, the
173
17
4
first Worshipful Master of Newark Lodge and Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge from 1799 to
1811.
On November 27, 1912 Mrs. Jane G. Young through Brother C. F. Smith, presented the Lodge
with a picture of her late husband, Brother Thomas Young, who was Worshipful Master of St.
John's Lodge in 1845.
At the Washington Birthday Celebration held on February 22, 1913, Gustav P. Metz, the
Worshipful Master, presented to the Lodge on behalf of his brother R.W. Herman A. Metz of
Commonwealth Lodge No. 509 of Brooklyn, a life size portrait of George Washington. Is this the
picture that now hangs in the lodge room ? ( in pencil YES)
On April 2, 1913 the Lodge appropriated $100 to the Grand Master for aid to Masonic brethren in
Ohio. In consequence of the destruction by fire of the building in which Franklin Lodge No. 10 held
its meetings, the use of 3t. John's Lodge rooms were tendered to Franklin Lodge on September
24, 1913, until such time as their new quarters are ready.
At this same meeting a committee was appointed to meet with .Brother Past Master Weeks of
Newark Lodge No. 7 and inspect some photographs in his possession. If any of them were found
to be Past Masters of St. John's Lodge, the committee was authorized to accept his offer to
present them to the Lodge. One thing usually brings up another and this offer probably reminded
the brethren that they had no complete list of Past Masters. A committee was accordingly
appointed to check the history of the Lodge and prepare such a list. Whether this was ever done is
not known but we believe that the list of Past Masters in the appendix of this volume is the first
complete list ever to be made and printed.
On November 5, 1913 the pictures of Past Masters Isaac Andruss and Luther Goble were loaned
to Worshipful Brother Weeks to have copies made for the rooms of Union Chapter No. 7, R. A. M.
On November 19, 1913 a proposed amendment to the Bylaws to increase the Initiation Fee from
$75. to $100. and reduce the yearly dues from $6. to $4. was defeated. Another amendment, to
decrease the Initiation Fee from $75. to $50. was also defeated.
April 8, 1914 the Trustees advised they had rented the lodge rooms of Northern Lodge No. 25 at
472 Broad Street, beginning May 1 st.
On April 29, 1914 it was moved and carried that a suitable trowel be presented in the future to
each brother raised to the Master Mason Degree in St. John's Lodge. This seems to have been
the start of the custom that still prevails. On June 10, 1914 the Master Mason Degree was
conferred on the 500th living member, in the person of Robert C. Klemm. The several stations
and places were occupied by the District Deputies This auspicious event was marked by the
attendance of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Charles P. Russ; the Deputy Grand
Master, Right Worshipful Brother Edward M. Searing; the Senior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful
Brother William R. Meakle; the Deputy Grand Secretary, Right Worshipful Brother Theodore B.
Townley; and other Grand Lodge officers. We are very happy to note here that Brother Klemm
was not confounded by so much glitter. In fact Just the opposite resulted, for Brother Klemm soon
became Worshipful Master and has served his Lodge faithfully ever since.
On January 20, 1915 a contribution of ten dollars was made toward a memorial building of the
National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association at Youngstown, Ohio.
On May 5, 1915 a reception was given to Right Worshipful Herbert C. Rorick, in honor of his
election as Junior Grand Warden in the Grand Lodge. The brethren presented him with a
handsome .gold watch.
174
17
5
The following resolution was also unanimously adopted on May 5th: "in view of the fact that next
year the City of Newark is to celebrate its 250th Anniversary, and that public subscriptions for that
purpose are now being made, and the fact that St. John's Lodge holds a peculiar relationship to
the early history of Newark, now therefore be it resolved that the sum of $50. be appropriated by
the Lodge for that purpose."
On May 19, 1915 it was moved and carried that the Lodge purchase new officers' collars and
aprons to comply with the Grand Lodge regulations. These purchases were eventually made and
the collars now in use are undoubtedly the same ones which were purchased at a cost of $79.50.
On November 24, 1915 the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Whereas, the City of
Newark In 1916, to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of its founding, and "Whereas, St. John's
Lodge No. 1, F. & A, M. is the oldest secular organization in the municipality having been founded
in 1761, and bears a significant relationship to the City's early history, "Therefore Be it Resolved,
that the Worshipful Master be requested on behalf of the Lodge to tender to the Committee of One
Hundred its services in connection with the celebration and assure it of the hearty cooperation of
St. John's Lodge should it be deemed advisable to have the Masonic Fraternity take part in the
celebration.
"Resolved Further, that the Worshipful Master be requested to see that a copy of these resolutions
be presented to the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee."
Chapter 20
St. John's Lodge During the First World War
The First World War began on July 28, 1914- when Austria declared war on Serbia following the
murder of the heir to the Austria an throne by Bosnia Slavs at Serajevo. Germany declared war on
France on August 3rd and soon most • of Europe was in arms.
In full accord with the tradition of abstaining from all entanglements in European affairs the United
States at first remained neutral although there is no doubt that its sympathies were with Great
Britain, France and Belgium. The sinking of the "Lusitania" on May 7, 1915" by a German
submarine, involving the death of one hundred and twenty-four Americans aroused public opinion
in this country and President Wilson informed Germany that he would be obliged to go to war if
she continued to take the lives of American citizens. Notwithstanding this, the "Sussex" was
torpedoed in March 1916 and additional American lives lost. Efforts by the United States
government to negotiate a peace between the belligerents proved unsuccessful.
On January 31, 1917 President Wilson was informed by the German government that that country
would commence unrestricted submarine warfare on February 1st. Diplomatic relations were
broken on February .3rd and on April 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany.
(Britannica 14th Edit. Vol. 8, Pages 868-872)
The Masonic Fraternity is a peaceful, law abiding group and it is not at all surprising that no
mention of the outbreak of hostilities is mentioned in our Minutes. The main references to it are in
the forms of dispensations granted to confer degrees at shortened intervals of time and the raising
of funds for various purposes which are mentioned specifically in the following paragraphs.
The first mention of the war occurred on March 17, 1915 when we are informed that after the
close of the communication, the brethren and their non-masonic friends were favored by a talk by
175
17
6
Rev. Bro. Henry R. Rose on "Masonry and the Great War". This of course was before the United
States became embroiled.
On April 11, 1917 a large American flag was presented. to the Lodge by Rev. Brother A. Boylan
Fitzgerald, on behalf of the craftsmen and brethren. It was moved and carried that it be placed at
the left of the altar at each communication and that the names of the members who contributed to
its cost be inscribed in the Minutes. The latter suggestion was not carried out.
On May 9, .1917 Worshipful Master, Oscar H. Cushwa, stated "that in view of the warlike
conditions (existing) throughout this country and the world, and that three of the candidates were
about to enter active service probably taking them to France, there would be a departure from the
usual custom in conferring the degree in prescribed time." He then read a communication from the
Most Worshipful Grand Master granting a dispensation to confer the Fellow Craft and Master
Mason Degrees on Brother Entered Apprentice Henry A. Wallhauser and the Master Mason
Degree on Brother Entered Apprentice Herbert Norman Schwartzkopf before the prescribed time
had elapsed. The wording of the previous sentence may seem to be in error but it is not, for
Brother Schwartzkopf was scheduled to receive his Fellow Craft degree on May 9th and needed a
dispensation for only the last degree.
On May 23 1917 it was moved and carried "That a committee be appointed to consider the
proposition of the purchase of Liberty Bonds by the Lodge and otherwise and to report at the next
regular communication." Liberty Bonds was the name given to the bonds issued by the United
States government to finance the war. On June 6th the committee recommended "that the Lodge
invest $1,000. of its funds in same and that a Liberty Bond Club be formed among the members of
the Lodge thru a return postal card to each member soliciting their individual subscription."- This
recommendation was adopted.
"Under date of June 15, 1917 the Committee on Red Cross Relief Fund requested assistance in
raising the allotment of $750,000. to Newark in connection with the campaign throughout the
entire county to raise $100,000,000. It was moved and carried that $100. be appropriated to the
cause."
At the communication held on October 31, 1917, Brother deZaya "suggested that some
arrangement be made whereby the members of this Lodge who have responded to the Countries
Call would receive recognition by the Lodge other than having their names upon the monthly
trestleboard. It was moved and carried that a committee be appointed to give the matter
consideration and report.
On December 26, 1917 the Lodge voted to appropriate $72. to the War Camp Community
Recreation Fund.
At the communication of February 13 » 1918 it was "Resolved, That the members of St. John's
Lodge in the service of the United States Government on January 1, 1918 be exempt from the
payment of dues for the year 1917; that any payment or. account thereof made to the Lodge by
any such members stand to their credit until such time as a proper adjustment can be affected and
that a memorandum of this resolution be entered on the respective accounts."
On February 20, 1918 the committee on memorial to our Brothers at the front through its
chairman, Brother Mudd, presented a beautifully engrossed framed "Honor Roll" containing the
names of the Brothers.
Under date of February 21, 1918 Grand Secretary Isaac Cherry advised, that the request of this
Lodge to have the Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees conferred upon Entered Apprentice
Addison DuBois by some Lodge in Charlotte, K. C. as E. A. Brother DuBois had been called in the
service of the Government and was located in that vicinity, had been complied with. He stated the
176
17
7
Fellow Craft degree had been conferred on February 14th by Phalanx Lodge No. 31 and the
Master Mason degree had. been conferred on February 16th by Excelsior Lodge No. 261, both of
Charlotte. It was moved and carried that a notation of the above be made on our Minutes and that
the Secretary write letters of thanks to Phalanx and Excelsior Lodges.
On May 22, 1918 it was moved .and carried that $500. be subscribed to the Red Cross and a
committee of three be appointed to solicit subscriptions from the members. On June 12th the
committee reported a subscription of $600. which on notion was turned over to the Treasurer with
instructions to draw a check for the full amount to the order of the Red Gross.
During the war the Masonic Fraternity was prevented from taking an active part in aiding the
service men similar to that done by the Salvation Army and the Y. M. G. A. because they had no
central unified organization, but Instead were divided into forty-nine jurisdictions. This is reflected
in a letter received from Most Worshipful Grand Master Herbert C.Rorlck under date of June 17,
1918 concerning the adoption by "' several of the Grand Jurisdictions of resolutions for the
establishment of a fund for Masonic Fraternal Service Overseas and requesting each Lodge to
contribute five cents per member toward the establishment of such a fund. On motion the Lodge
concurred in the suggestion and appropriated the necessary amount.
On November 6, 1918 it was moved and carried that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee
to raise a fund of not less than $500. in the name of the Lodge and through its members for the
United War Work Campaign. On December llth the "War Drive Committee" which we presume is
the same, reported a collection of $1,00.0. and the Lodge tendered them a vote of thanks for their
work.
After the close of Lodge on November 20, 1918, the mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts of all
brethren in service were admitted and welcomed by the Worshipful Master, after which Most
Worshipful Grand Master Rorick and Rev. Bro. George P. Dougherty addressed the assemblage.
Vocal and instrumental selections were given and refreshments served.
The first contingent of American troops landed in France at the end of June, 1917- and their
number increased speedily. The collapse of Germany and her allies began when Bulgaria sued for
peace and an armistice was granted on September 29, 1918. An armistice was finally signed
between the Western Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918 (Britannica Vol. 8, Page 875,
14-th Edit.) also pages 868-972.) By August 1919 practically all of our men had returned with the
exception of a small number left in the Army of Occupation.
At a meeting of the Lodge on January 8, 1919, a letter from Charles P. Gillen, Chairman, dated
January 7th, was read, concerning the appointment of a representative of this Lodge to serve on
the Victory Celebration Committee. The Minutes are completely silent as to what action was
taken if any.
Following is the Honor Roll of members of St. John's Lodge who served in the First World War.
Ralph W. Appleby Alfred Bickford Edward H. Binoeder William Buermann W. Howard Demarest
Addison DuBois Edwin F. Fettiner Lewis H. Field Leon S. Gordon Horace D. Hart James S.
Hewson Frank Hodson Jr. Alfred Hardlng Robert B. Hooper Albert S. Harden Ralph M. Kutz Ralph
A. Ludlow James H. Lowrey Frank L. Martine Harrison S. Martiand Clarence F. Huller Walter B.
O'Donnell Henry B. Orton
Albert W. Peppel William H. Partington William R. Prettyman John (James) H. Philips Charles F.
Rathgeber Mortimer Remington Richard P. Richardson August A. Strasaer
Arthur B. Schuman William K. Snyder Ernest H. Seibert Joseph J. Smith H. Norman Schwartzkopf
Karl C. Sackman Carlyle E. Sutphen Jr. Oscar C. Telfer Willard J. Tunison Harry L. VanBuren
177
17
8
Cornelius L. Wells Henry A. Wallhauser Andrew Wilson Jr. Carl F. Watter Jean F. Wolfs Joseph
Oschwald
The following served in the Y, M. C. A. Walter W. Carpenter, John H. Beyer, Henry,L. Jenkinson
In addition to these on the previous list the following brothers also served in the armed forces but
Joined the Lodge after the war.
Howard W. Beers John S. Gampen John Gibb Russell C. Graef James E. Hewson Frederick J.
Houck Frank F. Hunt William H. E. Keeler Harry R. Klein Gustave Modersohn Thomas L. Pier
Ernest Schneider George J. Tattam Earl LeRoy Wood
The evening of March 17, 1920 was set aside as a "Welcome Home" to the Boys' who had been
in service. The Worshipful Master, Frank W. Peppel, called those present before the altar and
received them on behalf of the Lodge. Right Worshipful Brother Herbert C. Rorick and Brother
Warren P. Coon, Chaplain of the 113th Regiment, gave strong and interesting talks on
Americanism and experiences from the battle front.
On November 10, 1920 a motion was carried that a committee be appointed by the Worshipful
Master to compile a record of the members of the Lodge who participated in the late war, said
record to show in detail their respective activities and to be spread in full on the minutes. On
October 3, 1923 Brother John Contrell reported that the Committee on Service Men's Records
was making progress and hoped to have a complete record before the
close of the year. This is the last mention of the project. Apparently it never was completed and
the records were certainly never spread in the minutes.
We have purposely kept references to the war separate but while these things were going on the
following things on the more peaceful side were happening.
On February 16, 1916 a communication was read from Aloha Lodge No. 116 advising that their
Lodge room had been destroyed by fire and asking the use of St. John's room. The Secretary
was instructed to advise them with regret that we could not help them as we were meeting in
rented quarters.
On April 26, 1916 Brother Past Master Church, the Archivist, reported that Minute Book #1 had
been restored and recommended that the same be done with other Minute books requiring
attention.
On May 31, 1916 an invitation was read from Copestone Lodge No. 14? to participate in the laying
of the corner stone of their new temple in Kearny on June 24th.
On December 6, 1916 a motion was carried that the Lodge furnish a room in the new addition to
the Masonic Home when it is completed.
On January 24, 1917 Brother C. F. Smith presented the Lodge with two "valuable Masonic historic
books" which were accepted by Past faster Church, Archivist, on behalf of the Lodge.
On February 7, 1917 it was moved and carried that St. John's Lodge present the new Forest Hill
Lodge (No. 206) with the, working tools of the three symbolic degrees.
On March 28, 1917 a motion was carried that we present three Great Lights to the new Clinton Hill
Lodge (No.209). Under date of June 15th Brother Henry P. Frey, Worshipful Master of Clinton Hill
Lodge No. 209 on behalf of its members thanked St. John's Lodge for the presentation to them of
the "three lesser lights". Did the Great Lights become lesser in their journey up Clinton Avenue,
were they lesser in the first place, was Worshipful Brother Frey misquoted or shall we blame the
Secretary for the discrepancy ?
At our communication of March 28, 1917 a letter dated March 21st was read, inviting this Lodge to
participate In a monster parade composed of all the kindred Masonic organizations in New Jersey
178
17
9
and sister jurisdictions on Saturday afternoon, April 28th, at three o'clock, at the relaying of the
cornerstone of a building purchased by the Masonic Club Association of Hoboken, composed of
the members of Euclid Lodge No. 136, F. & A. M. of Hoboken.
On May 2 , 1917 announcement was made of the appointment of Rev. Bro. Harry Y. Murk land as
Grand Chaplain. The evening of May 16, 1917 was devoted to the entertainment of those
members living, who were raised in St. John's Lodge or had affiliated with it during the years 1859
to 1889. Rev. Bro. D. F. Diefendorf of Roseville Lodge No. 153 delivered a very interesting talk
and some of the honored brethren also spoke.
On May 23, 1917 it was moved and carried that a committee be appointed to act in conjunction
with the Trustees in selecting the furniture belonging to the Lodge to be removed from the
storehouse of the Gouperwaith -VanHorn Company and restored.
On June 6th the committee was given power to dispose the of furniture at their discretion.
On May 1, 1918 an official communication from the Grand Secretary was read informing the
Lodge of the election of our Brother, Herbert C. Rorick, to the exalted station of
Most Worshipful Grand Master. After the meeting the brethren proceeded, in a body to "The
Washington" to attend a reception in his honor.
In the Minutes for March 5, 1919 we find the following footnote that is reminiscent of the meetings
of a very much earlier period: "The key to the Lodge room having been carried away it was
necessary to break through the door in order to open Lodge."
On May 14, 1919 Worshipful Brother Charles A. Bloomfield, a Past Master of Mt. Zion Lodge No.
135 of Metucheon, presented the Lodge with a black walnut ballot box made from a tree two
hundred and four years old, planted and grown on his family estate. It was moved and carried
that a suitable plate be placed on the box to indicate its history.
On October 1, 1919 the Most Worshipful Grand Master advised that the rooms at the Masonic
Home furnished by the various Lodges were being renovated and that if St. John's Lodge wished
to continue its name on the door of their room there would be a certain initial cost to the Lodge to
renovate the room, after which there would be an annual payment of $50. for upkeep. It was
moved and carried that the Lodge continue its name on the door and make the annual payment of
§50.
On October |8, 1919 a reception was given to Most Worshipful Brother Herbert C. Rorick, Past
Grand Master, at Grand which time he was presented with a Past Master's Jewel
by Past Grand Master Meakle of Haledon Lodge No. 169. Rev. Brother Harry Y. Murkland
delivered an interesting talk on Masonic Unity and Brotherhood. Vocal music was furnished by the
Apollo Quartet.
At the communication of January 7, 1920, Brother Arthur Kudd, on behalf of the Trustees, stated
that the Franklin Street property had been sold for $40,000. the Lodge to receive in return for its
equity $1,000. in cash and a mortgage of $14,000. bearing interest at 4# the first year, 4 1/2$ the
second and third years and 5% the fourth and fifth years with renewal for additional five years,
said mortgage to become due and payable if the property was sold. This property had been
purchased some years previous with the intention of erecting a Masonic Temple on It.
On January 7, 1920 the By-laws were amended so that the Secretary was to receive the sum of
fifty cents per capita of the Lodge membership, as shown by its annual report to the Grand Lodge,
and the Tyler $125. a year, payable quarterly, for tyling and keeping the room in order. Both
changes were effective as of January 1, 1920. The Lodge membership at this time was 563.
On March 31, 1920 Worshipful Brother Mudd announced Order of the that a new Chapter of the
Eastern Star was about to be instituted with Worshipful Brother John T. Torbett as its first Worthy
Patron and suggested that St. John's Lodge provide some of its furnishings. It was moved and
carried that we furnish the Jewels and a committee was appointed to procure them.
On May 12th it was moved and carried that a bouquet of flowers be presented on behalf of
179
18
0
the Lodge to Worthy Matron Marie Mudd of Mizpah Chapter.
At the 159th Anniversary of the institution of the Lodge on May 12, 1920, Worshipful Brother
Alonzo Church, the Archivist gave "a very interesting address on the history of the Lodge from the
date of institution, May 13t 1761 to date." He was tendered a rising vote of thanks and it was
moved that his remarks be spread on the minutes. Unfortunately they were not. At the same
communication Brother Sidney S. Smith presented the Lodge with an apron worn by Brother John
Pionier, a member of this Lodge, who was raised October 8, 1806. The gift was received and on
motion a vote of thanks was tendered Soother Smith for obtaining it and a letter ordered to be
written to John Pionier's grandson thanking him for presenting the apron to the Lodge. Worshipful
Brother Osceola Currier also took the occasion to present the Lodge with a Masonic Manuel
formerly belonging to our late Brother and Treasurer, Caleb W. Harrlson, which was received with
thanks. Worshipful Brother Currier also gave an account of the disappearance of the Lodge
Jewels in 1879 from his own personal recollections. He stated that shortly after the Civil War at a
meeting of the Lodge at which he was present, the Secretary, Brother Mills, reported that while he
was writing up the minutes of the meeting, in the afternoon, he left the safe open in an adjoining
room and when he returned to the safe to replace his books he found the jewels had been taken.
No trace of them was ever found although every effort was made, by advertisement and
otherwise.
Right Worshipful Brother Rorick spoke the same night of the efforts to raise funds for the purpose
of erecting a monument to our late Illustrious Brother George Washington at Alexandria, Va. It
was moved and carried that the Lodge pledge the sum of one dollar per capita to said fund. About
one and one-half years later, on October 5, 1921, the Lodge voted to appropriate $563. to the
George Washington Memorial Fund. This seems to be the original appropriation and not an
additional one. Pursuing this subject, a memorandum apparently from the Grand Lodge was read
by the Worshipful Master on June 6,1923 seeking a contribution from the Lodge of $55.,
representing one dollar for each member raised since the last contribution. It was moved and
carried that the Lodge appropriate said amount to the Washington Memorial Fund and that each
member well as those raised since January 1, 1923 be billed for one dollar. This seems to have
been the beginning of a custom that ±s still prevails.
On September 19, 1923 a communication was received from the Grand Lodge in reference to the
laying of the corner stone of the memorial to Illustrious Brother George Washington at Alexandria,
Va. on November 1, 1923* On October 3rd it was moved and carried that in view of the above
ceremony, the Secretary request permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to omit the
regular communication of the Lodge on October 31st which was granted. A printed invitation from
the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey to the officers and members of the Lodge
requesting their presence at the ceremony is attached to our minutes of December 26,.1923• St.
John's Lodge was represented at Alexandria by
To return to 1920, on October 13th a communication was received from the Grand Lodge with
reference to the bonding of all Grand Lodge and subordinate Lodge officers. It was decided to
bond the officers of St. John's Lodge as follows: the Treasurer - $5,000., the Secretary - $3000.,
the President of the Board of Trustees - $1,000. and the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of
Trustees - $1,000.
On December 1, 1920 an appropriation of $50. was made to the Burke Memorial Day Nursery of
Newark, in memory of our departed Brother and Past Master, William J. Burke. An appropriation
has been made every year since to this worthy institution.
It was moved and carried on February 2, 1921 that a committee of one be appointed to cooperate
with the other Lodges in this jurisdiction to arrange to decorate the monuments of Washington and
Lincoln on their respective anniversary birthdays, Memorial Day and Independence Day. The
180
18
1
custom prevailed for several years and then was permitted to end. During 1921 and the years
immediate following there was a great surge of Masonic activity not only in New Jersey but all
over the country. Numerous new Lodges were established. St.. John's Lodge helped wherever
possible to get them started.
On March 16, 1921 it was .moved and carried that we present Vehslege Lodge, U.D. with the
working tools. At the communication of May 25th the Worshipful Master reported that on.
Saturday, May 21st, St. John's Lodge had presented to Vehslege Lodge, No. 225 of Irvington, a
set of working tools. The presentation made by Worshipful Brother Fred W. DeCamp was
accepted by Worshipful Brother Alien on behalf of Vehslege Lodge.
On March 1, 1922 it was moved and carried that St. John's Lodge present to the new Wilkens
Lodge, No. 231 of Irvington a set of gavels.
On May 24, 1922 a motion was carried that we present the new Damascus Lodge, No. 235 of
Newark a set of gavels. St. John's Lodge was also invited to participate at the corner stone laying
of the following temples: that of Clinton that of Hill Lodge on December 17, 1921; Copestone
Lodge No. 147 and Triune Lodge No. 159 of Kearney on April 15th, 1922; that of the new temple
in Hoboken ton October, 1924; and that of Salaam Temple. on March 27, 1925.
While all this activity was going on things were by no means dormant in our own Lodge. We were
receiving numerous petitions for membership and taking in a number of new members. Several of
our elected candidates moved from Newark before the degrees could be conferred and we were
forced to call on Lodges of other jurisdictions for assistance. At the same time we reciprocated by
conferring degrees on candidates of other Lodges. These requests of course were made through
the Grand Lodge. Between February 25, 1920 and November 11, 1925 the Lodges were asked
following to confer degrees for us. Jefferson Lodge No. 90 of Middletown, Ohio - all three degrees
on Mr. Percival C. Jones. Done on March 9, April 19 and May 22, 1920. Tracy Lodge No. 810 of
Chicago, 111. F.C. and M.M. on Bro. E.A. George W. Webber, degrees Not recorded as to
whether done or not.
Davenport Lodge No. 37 of Davenport, Iowa - all three degrees on Mr. John E. Witman.- Raised
by them June 25, 1921. New London Lodge No. 131 of New London, Wis. - all three degrees on
Mr. Otto J. Haarlander. - No record of dates degrees were conferred. (1921)
Washington Lodge No. 1 of Wilmington, Del. - PO and M.M. degrees on Ero. E.A. Joseph
Weaver. Not recorded as to whether done or. not. (1922) Silver Bow Lodge No. 48 of
F.C. and M.M. degrees on Bro. E.A. Arthur L. Wills. Done on May 22 and June 26, 1925.
Ebenezer Fuller Lodge of Brighton, Mass. - E.A. and F.C. degrees on Mr. Chester K. Ludlow. No
record in minutes of dates degrees were conferred.
On February 25, 1920 it was moved and carried that Jefferson Lodge of Middletown, Ohio, be
requested through the Grand Secretary to confer the three degrees on Mr. Percival C. Jones an
elected member of this Lodge who has taken up a temporary residence in said city. We were later
advised by the Grand Secretary that the Entered Apprentice Degree had been conferred by
Jefferson Lodge No. 90 on March 9, 1920, the Fellow Craft Degree on April 19, 1920 and the
Master Mason Degree on May 22, 1920.
On March 2, 1921 Brother Entered Apprentice George W. Webber who had received the first
degree on October 5th, 1910 requested the remaining two degrees be conferred on him by Tracy
Lodge of Chicago, Ill. The committee reporting favorably it was moved and carried that Tracy
Lodge be asked to confer the degrees through the Grand Secretary.
181
18
2
On March 9, 1921, Mr. John 3. Witman an elected member of St. John's Lodge who had moved to
Davenport, Iowa, requested that the three degrees be conferred on him by Davenport Lodge No.
37. The proper procedures having been gone through Brother Witman wax ultimately received
the Master Mason Degree on June 25, 1921.
On June 15, 1921 Mr. Otto J. Haarlander who had recently been elected to membership
requested that the Entered Apprentice Degree be conferred on him by New London Lodge No.
131 of New London, Wis. as he expected to be stationed in that city for some time. This being
done it was moved and carried on through the Grand Secretary
October 26th that the same Lodge be asked to confer the remaining degrees on him.
Brother Entered Apprentice Joseph Weaver having moved to Wilmington, Del. and made request
that the remaining degrees be conferred on him by some Lodge in that city it was moved and
carried on March 29, 1922, that Washington Lodge No. 19 of Wilmington be requested through
the Grand Secretary to confer the degrees.
At our communication of March 11, 1925 a request was read from Mr. Arthur L. Wills and Entered
Apprentice of this Lodge that the Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees be conferred on him by
Olympia Lodge No. 864 of Chicago, 111. It was moved and carried that his request be granted
and the necessary steps taken. Under date of July 14th the Grand Secretary notified the Lodge
that the degrees had been conferred by Silver Bow Lodge No. 48 on May 22 and June 26.
On November 11, 1925 Mr. Chester M. Ludlow a recently elected member advised that he had
been transferred to Boston, Mass, and requested that the first two degrees be conferred on him by
Ebenezer Lodge of Brighton, Mass. It was moved and carried that his request be granted and the
Grand Lodge asked to make the necessary arrangements.
On May 11, 1921 Worshipful Brother Fred W. DeCamp presented to the Lodge a picture of our
Illustrious Brother George Washington which on motion was accepted with thanks.
On May 18, 1921 it was moved and carried that the Lodge move to Kane Hall on Hill Street and
that permission to change the Lodge's place of meeting be obtained from the-Most Worshipful
Grand Master. Permission was granted and on Hay 25, 1921 the Worshipful faster announced
that this would be the last communication held at 422 Broad Street. The first communication at 20
Hill Street was held on June 1, 1921.
For some time the Lodge had been burdened with a piano from a former Lodge room that they
didn't know what to do with. On October 26, 1921 Brother Sidney S. Smith reported that the
Trustees of Kane Lodge had given consent to place it in the Lodge room.
Relative to a motion adopted by the Lodge on October 5, 1921 that some suitable action be taken
to show this Lodge's appreciation to Fredericksburg Lodge and Worshipful Brother
William H. Rice of said Lodge for the service rendered on behalf of our Brother Stephen W.
Gordon, the following resolutions were adopted on November 2nd and ordered to be engrossed
and sent to the above.
"St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. of Newark, New Jersey expresses its sincere thanks to
Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M. of Fredericksburg, Virginia, for the Fraternal Courtesy
which it has shown in spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and Affection and rendering help,
aid and assistance to Brother Stephen W. Gordon of St. John's Lodge, Newark, N. J., October 19,
1921." Signed by the W.M., S.W. and J.W. and attested by the Seer. under the seal of the Lodge.
182
18
3
"St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A.. M. of Newark, New Jersey extends to Worshipful Brother William
H. Rice, Past Master of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M. of Virginia a warm and fraternal
greeting and conveys to him its sincere thanks and appreciation for the kindness, consideration
and masonic spirit which ha has shown in assisting in the care
of Brother Stephen W. under what must have been at times trying conditions.
Newark, N. J., October 19, 1921." Signed by the W.M., SW, and JW and attested by the Seer.
under the seal of the Lodge.
Acknowledge of the above resolutions were received & read in Lodge on November 9th &23rd.
The communication of November 9 1921 was devoted to the honoring of Worshipful Brother
Osceola Currier, who at the time was the oldest Past Master and had been a member of St.
John's Lodge for fifty-eight years. Worshipful Brother Frank Tanner, Secretary of Kane Lodge No.
55, read the minutes of that Lodge for the regular communication of September 19, 1862 and the
special communications of September 20 and 21, 1862, covering the entering, passing and raising
of Brother Currier in said Lodge, The Apollo Quartet rendered many vocal selections and Brother
Currier gave an interesting talk, Rev. Brother Henry R. Rose presented to Brother Currier on
behalf of the Lodge a Past Master's jewel "being the first Past Master's jewel ever presented to a
Past Master (of this Lodge.)."
At the following communication on November 16th., Brother John B. Foster offered the following
resolution which on motion was adopted: "Resolved that all the brethren living who have served
St. John's Lodge as Worshipful Master 'be presented with a Past Master's jewel, of the same
design as the jewel presented to Worshipful Brother Currier, and that in the future each retiring
Master be presented with such a jewel."
The Jewels were obtained and the evening of December 7, 1921 set aside for a reception to the
Past Masters. -On behalf of the Lodge Brother Scott German presented Jewels to twenty of our
Past Masters. Worshipful Brother .Wayland S. Stearns responded for the Past Masters.
On November 30, 1921 Brother S. R. Graig of Anchor Lodge No. 149 of Plainfield, N. J. presented
to the Lodge a traveling certificate or diploma of the third degree issued by St. John's Lodge No. 2
to Abraham Craig on July 24, 1822. The thanks of the Lodge were tendered to Brother Graig and
the certificate ordered to be deposited In the archives.
On December 14, 1921 the sixth hundred living member of the Lodge was raised in the person of
Brother Alexander A. Eraser. The second section of the degree was conferred by the Masonic
Association of Scottish Highlanders of New Jersey in charge of Worshipful Brother Donald
Sargent, Past Master of Bergen Lodge No. 4? and Worshipful. .Brother Charles S. Elliot, Past
Master of Pioneer Lodge No. 70. There was an exceptionally large attendance.
The evening of January 25, 1922 was devoted to a . reception to Brother C. Forman Smith,. our
late organist, he having severed his connection in that capacity on January 1, 1922, after having
served the Lodge for forty-three years. Several members recalled past happenings in the Lodge
concerning Brother Smith. On behalf of the Lodge Worshipful Brother Demarest presented him
with. a purse containing five ten dollar gold pieces which was accepted by Brother Smith with
appreciative remarks.
At the Annual Celebration of Washington's Birthday on February 22, 1922 a tableau was
presented representing the taking of our Lodge jewels to Morristown, N. J. during the
Revolutionary War period. Brother Glenn K. Carver represented Brother George Washington and
183
18
4
Brothers George W. Myer Jr., Walter J, Crater and Frederick H. Benjamin the brothers who
journeyed to Newark to secure the jewels. All wore Continental uniforms.
At the meeting of April 25, 1923 a letter dated April 3rd from Brevard Lodge No. 113 F&AM. of
Cocoa, Florida was read advising that Worshipful Brother Osceola Currier of our Lodge had been
made an Honorary Member of Brevard Lodge.
At the communication of September 19, 1923 the following resolutions were adopted and ordered
to be spread in full on the minutes. "It having been decreed by the Grand Master of the Universe
that our well beloved and Illustrious Brother Warren G Harding should be called from the labors of
his earthly existence into the larger realm of peace and joy, "And we his brethren, servants of the
same Master, having with becoming submission borne the sorrow of so great a loss; "Now
therefore, we the members of St. John's Lodge No. 1, of Free and Accepted Masons, at Newark in
the State of New Jersey, do in this manner express our deep regret and sorrow at the sudden and
untimely end of so great and good a man as our late kindly Chief Executive. As it was said of
Washington, that the span of his life had admitted of no stain, and that by his death he had been
removed from the possibility of contamination, so do we say that Warren G Harding passed to his
reward unstained and uncontaminated. Like the biblical Gamaliel who was unmoved by clamor
and. unbiased by prejudice, he calmly judged and righteously decided the heavy problems he had
to face. His whole life was a perfect exemplification of the tenets of Freemasonry. "Conscious of
the unanimous approbation of mankind, we are confident that the seal of approval has been
affixed by God, and in this confidence do we find our consolation." Herbert C. Rorick, Osceola
Currier, Committee Frank Peppel ,. Howard DemarestJr
On September 26, 1923 Worshipful Brother Currier presented to the Lodge a book of accounts
transcribed on the front page as follows: "Treasury Department • Register's Office, 1st June,
1833. General Washington's Account of Expenses during the Revolutionary War in his own hand
writing, is on file in this office. The annexed is a facsimile copy of it. M. Nourse Chief Clerk in the
Register's office."
The book was accepted with thanks and ordered to be placed in the archives.
On October 17, 1923 Worshipful Brother DeCamp landed to the Secretary the following articles: a
Masonic Register and Pocket Magazine for the Masonic year 5827, a copy of St. John's By-laws
for 1874-1888 and 1905, a written description and bibliography of the old Bible belonging to the
Lodge and a notice for the Lodge of Sorrow held on Thursday evening, May 23, 1889.
On October 17, 1923 a communication from the Masonic Service Committee was read referring to
the recent Japanese calamity and suggesting a contribution of five cents per capita of the Lodge
membership to a fund to rebuild in the name of American Masonry, a hospital and school in Tokyo
or Yokohama. The committee appointed to consider the question reported favorably and a five
cent contribution per member was voted on October 24th.
On December 5, 1923 the Master Mason Degree was conferred on three candidates who were
obligated on the "Equity Washington Memorial Travelling Bible." It was moved and carried that a
committee be appointed to have the record of this communication properly inscribed on the page
reserved in the Bible for that purpose. • Also on December 5th, Brother John J. Schmidt gave a
check for $500. to be used only for the benefit of the orphans, at the Masonic Home in Burlington.
.It was moved and carried that the gift be acknowledged and the check forwarded to the proper
persons. in the form of an engrossed parchment was On March 19, 1924 fraternal greetings
received. from St. Andrew's Lodge No. 1, A. F. & A. M. of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the oldest Lodge
on the Registry of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia and the oldest Lodge of the British Empire
184
18
5
Overseas, it having been founded in 1750. The document was on its travels to the Senior Lodge
of each English speaking jurisdiction, seventy-five in number, throughout the world. It was signed
by the Worshipful Master and Secretary and the seal of St. John's Lodge attached in open Lodge.
The document was then forwarded to Dorchester Lodge No.' 1 of Vergennes, Vermont and
Secretary of St. Andrew's Lodge so advised.
On May 14, 1924 the "worshipful Master announced -that Past Master Day Hardie had as a
commemoration of St. John's Lodge 163rd birthday, contributed $110. for the support and
maintenance of the Masonic Home at Burlington.
At the meeting of October 29, 1924 Brother PG. Span of Triluminar Lodge Nbr 112 presented to
the Lodge through Worshipful Brother Currier, a picture of the old Lodge rooms formerly located at
the northwest corner of Broad and Bank Streets. The picture was accepted and the Secretary
instructed to write a letter to Brother Span containing the resolutions to be adopted.
On November 26, 1924 a communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Master was read
relative to furnishing a room at the Masonic Home at Burlington. It was referred to the Finance
Committee for their recommendation as to the finances of the Lodge.
On May 13, 1925 a reception was tendered to Right Worshipful Brother George W. Backoff who
had recently been appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
On May 20, 1925 the By-laws were amended changing the initiation flee from $75. to $125.
On November 25th they were amended again to increase the Tyler's salary to £200. per year, for
tyling the Lodge and keeping the Lodge room in order. , On September 22, 1926 a letter from G.
M. Mackey was read informing the Lodge that additional funds were needed to complete the
George Washington Memorial at Alexandria, Va. and outlining a block plan offered by the National
Association to that end. It was moved and carried that $100. be appropriated as St. John's
contribution to the plan.
On October 27, 1926 a letter dated. October 25th from the Host Worshipful Grand Master was
read regarding the relief of Brother Masons in Florida. On recommendation of the Finance
Committee $75. was appropriated for their needs.
A motion was carried on December 1, 1926 that "Candidate Suits" be presented to the new
Pomegranate Lodge. This Lodge was instituted the following year as No. 265.
On June 1, 1927 it was moved and carried ''that the sum of §2100. be appropriated from the
income from the permanent fund of St. John's Lodge for a private room in the Presbyterian
Hospital."
Official notice was received on May 9,1928 from the Grand Lodge of the appointment of Right
Worshipful W. Howard Demarest of St. John's Lodge as District Deputy of the Eighth Masonic
District, a post he held for two years. After the regular order of business on June 6th, a reception
was given to him in the Lodge room.
On June 6, 1928 the Committee on Lodge Finances submitted a full and complete analyses of the
financial condition of the Lodge and recommended that the dues be increased from six dollars to
ten dollars per year. An amendment to the By-laws was then adopted to that affect increasing the
185
18
6
dues as of January 1, 1929 and providing that the sum was not to include any assessment or
imposition levied by the Grand Lodge.
Under date of September 25, 1928 Grand Master William T. Vanderlipp made an appeal for ten
cents per capita for the relief of Masons in Florida and Porto Rico. On October 3rd it was moved
and carried that the amount asked for be appropriated and that the Treasurer forward a check for
the same.
The evening of October 10, 1928 was devoted to tendering. a reception to Brother John Contrell
to commemorate his fortieth anniversary as a member of the Lodge. He was presented with a
brief case by the Worshipful Master, Holmes X. Sarrett.
On November 21, 1928 the By-laws were amended changing the meeting nights from every
Wednesday to the First, Third and Fifth Wednesdays. A motion was carried on January 30, 1929,
that the Lodge advance the sum of twenty-five cents per capita towards the "George Washington
Masonic National Memorial 'Grand Organ additional $25,000. fund" and that the members be
solicited through the Trestle Board or by letter for the amount.
At the communication of September 18, 1929, Brother Henry Bergfels stated that a new Lodge
was soon to be instituted in Irvington and that Brother Haller had requested the loan of the two
columns and altar belonging to St. John's Lodge. It was moved and carried that the request be
complied with and but no name is mentioned in our minutes A the columns and altar be loaned
for one year. This was undoubtedly Vailsburgh Lodge No. 28.
On March 19, 1930 the By-laws were amended to provide "that the Secretary shall receive for his
services annually the sum of seventy-five cents per capita of the Lodge membership as shown by
the previous report to Grand Lodge."
On February 19, 1930 the By-laws were amended as following "The Treasurer shall receive $100.
per annum for his services, payable quarterly."
At the communication of April 29, 1930 the Committee on Resolutions on the death of our late
Brother, the Honorable William Howard Taft, former President of the United States, submitted
resolutions which were on motion ordered engrossed on. the minutes. Unfortunately the
Secretary recorded only the fact that the committee had reported and we have no record of the
resolutions.
On May 7, 1930 the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Whereas Brother Ralph W,
Gildersleeve has faithfully served St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. as Tyler for many years and
is now in ill health, Be it Resolved that Brother Gildersleeve DO appointed Tyler Emeritus for life
with his present pay continued." Brother Gildersleeve did not enjoy his honorary title long for he
passed away on December 3, 1930.
On May 21, 1930 the Masonic Association of Scottish Highlanders paid the Lodge a second visit
and once again conferred the second section of the Master Mason Degree.
On June 4, 1930 Worshipful Brother Fred W. DeCamp offered the following resolution which on
motion was adopted: "Whereas the Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has made
inquiry of us as to whether we have an original signature of General and Brother Lafayette on our
Visitors Book and that if such is the case requesting a photo static copy for their use for exhibition
186
18
7
purposes in the Library of the Grand. Lodge in connection with the other exhibits pertaining to
General and Brother Lafayette, Therefore, be It Resolved, that the Archivist be authorized to
investigate and ascertain if any such original signature exists in our records and if so that he be
authorized to make a photostatic copy for the use of the Librarian of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania and also a photostatic copy of those portions of the old minute book relating to the
visit of Brother arid General Lafayette to St. John's Lodge and that the Secretary be authorized to
certify the same as true copies under the seal of the Lodge."
Under date of November 22, 1930 William Dick, Librarian and Curator of the Library of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania, acknowledged receipt of a certified photostatic copy of the minutes of St.
John's Lodge showing the visit of General Lafayette to said Lodge in 1825.
On October 15, 1930 it was resolved that a committee be appointed to investigate the location of
the grave of William Tuckey, the first worshipful Master of St- John's Lodge, and if possible to affix
an appropriate tablet, if permission can be obtained from the proper sources.
On February 18, 1931 the Newark Museum Association at 49 Washington Street, Newark,
advised that they were planning an historical exhibit of Newark from 1666 to 1930 and requested
that some of the Lodge's historic relics be loaned them. On motion the matter was placed In the
hands of Wor. Bro. Fred W. DeCamp, the Archivist, for such action and cooperation as he thinks
proper. On March 4th Wor. Bro. DeCamp reported he had loaned the Newark Museum
Association, the Minute Book, the old Bible and the old Master's hat. On motion his action was
ratified by the Lodge.
On May 20, 1931 Worshipful Brother Edgar N. Bernhardt on behalf of the Lodge presented
Brother John Contrell with a traveling bag as a token of esteem on his having served the Lodge as
-its Secretary for twenty-five years.
At the communication of September 16, 1931 Wor. Bro. DeCamp reported that all of the archives
which had been in the vault of the New Jersey Historical Society had been collected, properly
boxed and were now stored in the vault of the National Newark and Essex Banking Company.
Bro. DeCamp stated that while most of the archives were in two large "brass covered boxes he
had also rented a safe deposit box in the same bank which, was large enough to contain the old
Minute Book, small medallions, some of the gavels and other souvenirs which have been given to
the Lodge from time to time.
At the request of Hon. Herbert Hoover, President of the United States, the lights of the Lodge
room were extinguished for one minute at ten o'clock on October 21, 1931, as a token to the
memory of the late Thomas A. Edison.
On November 4. 1931 a motion was carried that the Lodge contribute thirty-five cents per capita to
the George Washington Memorial Fund.
On December 2, 1931 it was moved and carried that the Lodge advance $500. to the Burke
Memorial Building Fund. On April' 6, 1932 Wor. Bro. Robert C. Klemm offered the following
resolution which was unanimously adopted: "That the Trustees of St. John's Lodge be and are
hereby directed to pay to the Treasurer of the Lodge and the Treasurer of the Lodge shall pay to
the Treasurer of the Burke Memorial Day Nursery Committee, the sum of $197.25 for the purpose
of canceling the deficit incurred by the Burke Memorial Day Nursery Committee in the construction
of an addition to the Burke Memorial Day Nursery." The Committee was then directed to turn over
187
18
8
to the Secretary of the Lodge any donations or subscriptions for the building fund it may hereafter
receive.
On January 6, 1932 the Worshipful Master announced that Brother John J. Schraidt had donated
$500. to the Masonic Home orphans in the name of St. John's Lodge.
Chapter
21
1932 thru 1950
The year 1932 was celebrated throughout the United States as the Bicentennial Anniversary of
the birth of our illustrious Brother, General George Washington. Under date of January 30th the
following letter was received by our Secretary from Mr. Peter A. Cavicchia, Representative of the
9th District of New Jersey in the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C. "Dear Mr.
Gontrell, The George Washington Bicentennial Commission, as part of the birthday celebration of
the first President of the United States, has had printed in colors a picture of George Washington,
the Mason, in Masonic regalia. I take great pleasure in sending you, for the use of your Lodge
Room, one of these pictures. I am sure that the Brethren of the Craft will enjoy it. I shall esteem it
a favor if you will be good enough to acknowledge the receipt of this picture when it arrives I have
had franks addressed in my office and turned them over to the Bicentennial Committee, so there
may be a delay of some two or three weeks before you receive the picture. In any event, if you
should not get it by the third week in February I should like to be notified so that I may keep
informed. Yours fraternally, (Signed) Peter A. Cavicchia"
On January 3, 1932 it was moved and carried "that the old Historical Chair, known as the
Washington and Lafayette Chair, which was alleged to be used at the time Lafayette was made a
Mason, be presented to the Washington Society at Morris-town, to be publicly displayed at
Washington's Headquarters at Morristown, same to be suitably inscribed in the name of St. John's
Lodge."
The above statement regarding Lafayette is of course not correct, but the fallacy of his having
been initiated into the Fraternity at Morristown was widely accepted until quite recently. The chair
incidentally was never given to the Washington Society and still remains in our custody in a
storage warehouse. Keeping in step with the national trend St. John's Lodge made its One
Hundredth and forty-first Celebration of George Washington's birthday, one of the largest and best
it had ever held. Probably the best way to tell about it is to quote from the report submitted by the
committee chairman,
Following are Right Worshipful George W. Backoff. Excerpts from the report. "The first part of our
memorial was a dinner on February nineteenth -at Salaam Temple, which occasion was
celebrated with great dignity and pleasure by members and their guests, 340 being present."
"The Toastmaster Bro. J. Henry Bacheller carried the affair on with great precision and the
speeches by Worshipful faster Geo. M. Wallhauser, Most Worshipful W. Stanley Waughright,
Honorable Franklin Fort and Honorable William K. Doak shall be remembered as masterpieces.
"Our Chaplains Bro. Joseph Hunter and Harry L. Luerich acquitted themselves with glory and
honor. "The affair was a great success and all Newark has been talking about it." "The Church
visitation held on Sunday evening February Twenty-first at St. Luke's Church, the second part of
the celebration, was attended by fifty members together with Masonic friends, wives and
sweethearts of St. John's Lodge. "Bro. Harry L. Luerich presented a very fine program closely
Interwoven with the life of Geo. Washington and preached a beautiful sermon which will ever be
188
18
9
remembered by those who were privileged to hear it. "The third part of the celebration was on
February twenty-second, a great day in the history of St. John's Lodge
#1. "About One Hundred Brethren met at the Lodge Room at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon, when
the Worshipful Master opened the Lodge with every Officer in his place, and, after giving a resume
of the occasion he delivered the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, Aprons, Truncheon, Plumb,
Square and Level, into the hands of Wor. Bro. Oscar H. Cushwa and Bro. Henry Bergfels, to be
carried to Morristown for use at Cincinnati Lodge #3, typifying the event which occurred on
December twenty-seventh, Seventeen Hundred and seventy-nine. "He commanded Wor. Bro.
Fred W. DeCamp to carry the original minute book which recorded the above occasion, to
Morristown for exhibition.
"He then called the Lodge on refreshment and we repaired to the Washington Monument and
there witnessed the laying of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge wreath on the monument by Right
Worshipful George W. Backoff.
"Then our oldest living Past Master, Worshipful Brother Oscebla Currier who has attained the ripe
age of 92, with the assistance of Worshipful Brother Wallhauser laid on the
monument the wreath of St. John's Lodge. We then returned to the Lodge Room and enjoyed a
delightful repast prepared by the Lodge. At about 1:00 P. M. we started for Morristown where we
arrived at 2:15.
"We were received with due ceremonies by the Worshipful Master of Cincinnatti Lodge #3.
Worshipful Brother Cushwa presented to our hosts the articles consigned to his care in a very
beautiful, dignified and glorious manner, a great credit St. John's Lodge.
"The Lodge was then called on refreshment and we formed in parade having as guest of honor
Right Worshipful Floyd Kilpatrick, Deputy Grand Master. The brethren in full Masonic regalia
marched to the Washington Monument opposite Washington's Headquarters, and there with
solemn ceremony the Right Worshipful Brother Kilpatrick laid the wreath of Cincinnatti Lodge at
the base of the monument, and then with appropriate prayer by our own Right Worshipful Harry Y.
Murkland the services ended. We again formed in parade and marched back to the Lodge where
the ceremonies continued. "Right Worshipful Brother Murkland made a wonderful address which
will long be remembered by those who heard it.
"Worshipful Brother Tillotson of Cincinnatti Lodge then returned our tools and implements to
Worshipful Brother Cushwa and Brother Berg who in turn presented to Cincinnati Lodge #3 a
trowel as a memorial of this occasion. , Brother Holmes. Barrette, Chairman of the Committee and
Rt. Wor. Bro. George W. Backoff made a few appropriate remarks."
"After the ceremonies the Worshipful Master of Cincinnatti Lodge gave the officers of St. John's
the honor of closing the Lodge. St. John's may well be proud of .the excellent work on this
occasion by their master and other officers. ."Following a delightful repast we returned to Newark
and closed St. John's Lodge at 7:00 P. M.
"We were all deeply gratified at having thus honored the memory of so great and so good a man
as Brother George Washington. "The total cost of the affair to the Lodge was .$1251.
On April 6, 1932 the following resolution was adopted:.
"Resolved that Wor.Bro. Osceola Currier who celebrated his ninety-first birthday on April 4, 1932
and has been a devoted member of this Lodge since November 17, 1863 and ruled over its
destinies during the years 1870 and 1871 and therefore we express to him our senior Past Master
and senior member, our congratulations, best wishes and sincere appreciation for his
distinguished and honorable services to the Lodge and to the
framed Craft."
189
19
0
On May 4, 1932 the By-laws were amended changing the initiation fee from $125. to $75. such
amount not to include such sum as shall be Imposed by the Grand Lodge for the maintenance of
the Masonic Home.
On May 18, 1932 a large delegation from Cincinnatti Lodge No. 3 of Morristown paid us a visit
and on motion a photostatic copy of the old minutes of the Lodge showing the
transfer of the Lodge working tools to Morristown was presented to them.
On January 4, 1933 a vote of thanks was extended to Brother Sidney S. Smith for his gift to the
Lodge of a photograph of the old Lodge room and to Brothers. W. Blanchard and Henry Bergfels
for various mementos given by them, all of which were placed in the hands of the Archivist.
At the communication of May 17, 1933 the following resolutions were adopted:
"Whereas, the transcript of the Minutes of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. prepared by Brother
John H. Landell, former Secretary, has been missing from the Archives of this Lodge for many
years and its whereabouts unknown, but recently, through the efforts of Brother William ¥.
Friberger of Gavel Lodge No. 273, F. & A. M. has been finally recovered and replaced in the
Archives, "Be it Resolved that the thanks of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. be and they are
hereby extended to Brother Friberger for his assistance in recovering this record and for the
Masonic courtesy and fraternal spirit exercised in the matter, and "Be it Further Resolved that a
copy of this Resolution signed by the Worshipful Master and attested by the Secretary. under the
seal of the Lodge, be forwarded to Brother Friberger."
On May 31, 1933 it was moved and carried "that the Worshipful Master represent St. John's
Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. at the 200th Anniversary of the formation of St. John's Lodge F. & A. M. of
Boston, Mass, on June 26, 1933» on invitation from said Lodge and in the event of his not being
able to attend that he deputize a representative of the Lodge in his
stead, the trip to be at the expense of the Lodge.
On June 7, 1933 it was moved and carried that the Archivist with the approval of the Worshipful
Master be authorized to have such of the old Minute Books and the Landell record book rebound,
as shall be necessary for their proper preservation.
Under date of September 22, 1933, Worshipful Brother Paul D. Summers, Worshipful Master of
Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M. of Philadelphia, Pa. extended to Worshipful Brother William H. Partington
an invitation to attend the 175th Anniversary of Lodge No. 2 on Sunday, October 15th and
Monday, October 16 th, 1933. It was moved and carried that Worshipful Brother Partington or a
representative selected by him attend said celebration at the expense of the Lodge.
The evening of October 18, 1933 was devoted to an educational meeting "to promote greater
knowledge of the principles and mechanics of our great Masonic Fraternity." We were fortunate in
having two well known Masons in the persons of Wor. Bro. Carl H. Claudy, Executive Secretary of
the Masonic Service Association of the United States, of Washington, D. C. .who spoke on "The
Structure of Lodges and Grand Lodges in this Country" and Rt. Wor. Bro. Ossian Lang, Grand
Historian of the Grand Lodge of New York who spoke on "The Structure of Lodges and Grand
Lodges in Foreign Countries." Among the guests were Most Wor. Arthur P. Johnson, Grand
Master of Masons of New Jersey, who paid an official visit accompanied by his staff. According to
the Secretary the actual number of members and visitors present was 230.
190
19
1
At the communication of September 19, 1934- the Worshipful Master reported that in the early
part of last July our Brother George W. Stone while traveling through Wyoming" met with quite a
serious accident and was confined in the Wyoming General Hospital at Rock Springs, Wyoming,
and that through the efforts of the Grand Secretary and Wor. Bro. DeCamp his needs were
promptly and satisfactorily taken care of through the kindness of Rock Spring Lodge, No. 12, A. F.
& A. M. of that city. To show the appreciation of St. John's Lodge the following was adopted:
"At a regular communication of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. held on September 19, 1934- ,
being the first regular communication after the summer vacation, the Worshipful Master advised
the Lodge that in June of this year Bro. George W. Stone, while traveling through Wyoming, met
with a serious accident and that with the assistance of the Grand Secretary, Rock Springs Lodge
No. 12, A. F. & A. M. of Wyoming immediately got in communication with Brother Stone at the
hospital at Rock Springs and it was, thereupon,
"Resolved, that the thanks of St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. be extended to Rock Springs
Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M. and Bro. John L. Dykes, Secretary of that Lodge, for the great
promptness with which they went to the assistance of our Brother and for the many Masonic
courtesies extended to him and that a copy of this resolution under the seal of the Lodge be
immediately forwarded to Rock Springs Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M.!! At the same communication
a letter of appreciation for the kind thought in St John's Lodge invitation and thanks in sending a
baton suitably inscribed and dated September 5, 1934 was received and read from Bro. Ezra F.
Packard.
Under date of November 1, 1934- a souvenir book was received from Wor. Bro. Robert G.
Jennings, Master, of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Boston, Mass, giving in detail the activities
in connection with the celebration, during 1933, of the 200th Anniversary of the founding of his
Lodge. There letter head states St. John's Lodge of Boston to be the "First duly constituted Lodge
of Freemasons organized in America" and that it was "Instituted July 30, 1733* at the 'Bunch of
Grapes Tavern on King (now State) Street, Boston." The Secretary was instructed to
acknowledge receipt of the book with the thanks of the Lodge.
On January 16, 1935 Bro. Gordon H. Fleming presented the Lodge with a copy of the "Newark
Daily Mercury" of October 30, 1863, containing the funeral notice of Major Horace H. Olds, a
former member of our Lodge. The gift was received with thanks and turned over to the Archivist.
On May 29, 1935 the By-laws were amended reducing the initiation fee from $75. to $40.
exclusive of such amounts as may be- imposed by the Grand Lodge.
On November 6, 1935 a letter addressed to Wor. Bro. Robert C. Klemm from the Burke Memorial
Day Nursery was read thanking the members of St. John's Lodge for their financial assistance in
building a fence about the play yard.
On February 19, 1936 the Worshipful Master announced a the appointment of a committee for the
purpose of securing a head stone to mark the grave of our late Worshipful Brother, William
Tuckey, the first Worshipful Master of this Lodge. The committee reported on September 16th but
the minutes give no indication as to whether a stone was procured or not.
On March 4, 1936 a motion was carried that the papers in custody of the Secretary pertaining to
the 150th celebration of the Lodge be turned over to Wor. Bro. Arthur* Kudd for perusal and that
when he is finished with them they are to be turned over to Bro. DeCamp, the Archivist.
191
19
2
The evening of April 15, 1936 was designated by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Martin G.
Deitzf as a statewide simultaneous communication for the purpose of "Reconsecration and
Reobllgation" of the Graft. St. John's Lodge met with the members of Oriental Lodge No. 51, Kane
Lodge No. 55 and Germania Lodge No. 128 in the Temple on Hill Street. There was a total of 301
members of the four Lodges and visitors present. The obligations and of the working tools of the
three degrees were given by the Masters and Past Masters of the various Lodges. There were
also vocal solos and musical selections.
The 175th Anniversary of St. John's Lodge was held on May 13, 1936. It was an all day affair
starting about ten o'clock in the morning and attended by 95 members of our Lodge and 38
visitors. The first section of the Master Mason Degree was conferred on three candidates in the
morning after which the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and the members and guests
repaired to the lower hall where luncheon was served. At 2:30 P. K. the Lodge was called to labor
and the Worshipful Master, George J. H. Werner, received the following honored guests:
Worshipful Masters of other Lodges in the 8th Masonic District .Wor. Bro. Winthrop E. Nightingale
of St. John's Lodge, Boston, Mass.
Wor. Bro. George B. Ward of St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Portsmouth, N. H.
Wor. Bro. R. Ernest Butler of Branford Lodge No. 3 of Petersburg, Va.
Wor. Bro. George C. Meinsinger of St, John's Lodge No.l of New York, N. Y.
Wor. Bro. Howard R. Detweller of Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, Pa.
Most Wor. William Moseley Brown, Paat Grand Master of Masons for the State of Virginia.
Most Wor. Charles B. Folley, Grand Master of Masons of the State of New Jersey accompanied
by his staff ,with a number of Past Grand Masters and the Past Masters of St. John's Lodge. The
Grand Master ascended to the East where he was presented to the brethren and accorded the
Grand Honors.
The three candidates were then raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Having been
obligated on individual Bibles, each candidate was presented with the Bible he had been obligated
by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Wor. Bro. Alonzo Church presented the Lodge two old
brass candlesticks with the following remarks: "Worshipful Master; I am here today to bring a
birthday present to St. John's Lodge message goes with the present and that I have reduced to
writing for the sake of historical accuracy.
"For a period of 51 years, ending in 1909, St. John's Lodge occupied the upper story of the old
brown-stone building that stood on the northwest corner of Broad and Bank Streets. "When the
building was torn down, two old brass candle sticks were found in the rafters of the loft over the
waiting hall, Just outside the lodge room. "In December 1804, according to the minutes, still
preserved, it was ordered that desks and candlesticks be procured for .the Secretary and
Treasurer.
"These may or may not be the candlesticks thus referred to. The strong probability, however, is
that they were used on the Secretary's desk before the days of gas and electricity, and when
better lighting facilities were introduced were put a-way and forgotten. They were given to me to
keep until the Lodge should acquire a home of its own, with adequate accommodations for the
display of its treasures.
"There seems to be no immediate possibility of the happening of this much desired event.
Moreover, mortal life is uncertain and should I be called to render my accounting to the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, with the candlesticks still in my possession, their identity might be lost and
their story never told. I therefore now, on its 175th Birthday, return them to the Lodge, to be kept
with the other memorials of its long eventful and distinguished history.
192
19
3
"I also leave with the Lodge a photograph of the minutes of its first meeting, May 13, 1961. When I
was appointed first Archivist of the Lodge, I found the records in a deplorable condition. The old
minutes were fast crumbling into dust. I rescued the Master's Cocked Hat which the Lodge
acquired in 1804 from a waste basket. I engaged an expert from the Morgan Library who bound
the old minutes and preserved them for all time by placing them between transparent sheets of
silk paper, and I had this photograph made at that time."
Responses were made by M. W. Charles B. Folley, G. K. of Masons for the State of New Jersey;
M. W. William Moseley Brown, P. G, M. of Masons for the State of Virginia; and the five Masters of
St. Johns Lodge of Boston, St. John's Lodge No.1 of Portsmouth, K. H. , Blanford Lodge No. 3 of
Petersburg, Va., St. John's Lodge No. 1 of New York and Lodge No. 2 of Philadelphia, Pa.
After the closing of the Lodge at 5:25 P. M. a banquet was served at the Hotel Douglas opposite
the Lodge room.
At the communication of May 20th a resolution was adopted commending the officers on their
work on the occasion of the 175th Anniversary. Another resolution was adopted thanking the
members of the 175th Anniversary Committee for their untiring work in making it a success and
ordering that a copy of the resolution be sent to each member of the committee, the same to be
signed by the Worshipful Master and under the seal of the Lodge,
On June 3, 1936 an invitation was received from Worshipful Brother George B. 'Ward, Master of
ST. John's Lodge No. 1 of Portsmouth, N. H. inviting our Worshipful Master to be his guest on
June 24th when his Lodge was to celebrate their 200th Anniversary. On September l0th Wor,.
Bro. Werner gave an interesting report on his attendance at the celebration.
In May 1936" the Worshipful Master of St. John' s Lodge No. 1 of New York presented the Lodge
with a souvenir book of the 175th Anniversary of his Lodge.
On September 16, 1936 the Lodge was advised by the Grand Master that twenty-five year silver
tokens were available to be given by Lodges to their members who had been Masons for twentyfive or more continuous years.
On September 29, 1937 a By-law was adopted providing for the reading of the names of the
members who had paid dues in this Lodge for forty years, for the purpose of voting to exempt
them from the further payment of dues.
On October 6, 1937 a committee was appointed to make a survey of the relics and property of the
Lodge and report as to the disposition of the same. The committee reported on the following
January 5th and was authorized to proceed with suggestions made in the report.
A resolution was also adopted on October 6, 1937 whereby the Lodge would make a donation to
the Masonic Home and Charity Foundation instead of sending a floral piece as heretofore, in
memory of a deceased Brother.
On December 15, 1937 Brother William H. Hoffman in token of his feeling toward the Lodge and
now demitting, donated $100 to the Lodge for philanthropic purposes. It was moved and carried
that the money be deposited by the Treasurer and segregated as a special fund to be known as
"The Burke Memorial Day Nursery Fund", to be expended for the benefit of the nursery upon
recommendation of the Nursery Committee of the Lodge with the approval of the Lodge.
193
19
4
On March 16, 1938 the Lodge donated $150. to complete the new extension to the Masonic Home
(?) and forwarded the same to Rt. Wor. Bro. Isaac Cherry, Grand Secretary.
On January 17, 1939 a special communication of the thirteen Lodges comprising the Eighth
Masonic District was held in the Mosque at 1020 Broad Street. Approximately 550 members of the
various Lodges attended. The main address was made by Kost Worshipful Grand Master Arthur
K. Dietrich with shorter addresses being made by Right Worshipful Joseph Imhoff, Deputy Grand
Master; Right Worshipful Robert M. Davidson, Junior Grand Warden; and Most Worshipful William
T. Vanderlipp, Past Grand Master. There was community singing, violin and vocal solos etc.
On May 17, 1939 Brother Louis R. Menagh presented the Lodge with a pamphlet history of
Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., of Fredericksburg, Va., wherein a history' of the
Masonic activities of our late illustrious Brother George Washington are delineated.
On December 6, 1939 Brother Arthur H. Lott presented the Lodge with a "Pictorial Holy Bible",
edition of 1873, on behalf of his parents.
On February 7, 194-0 Worshipful Brother Arthur Mudd and Brother Bergfels presented the Lodge
with an old setting maul.
On December 4, 1940 a visit was paid by a delegation from Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2,
of New York City.
A hint of the approaching Second World War was given on the occasion of the 150th Celebration
of George Washington's birthday,-when on February 19, 1941, Brother Richard Hartshorne gave
an address on "National Defense". Our country was already mobilizing for defense and civilian
committees of all kinds were being formed to cope with whatever emergencies might arise. Ten
months later on December 7th the Japanese made their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Shortly after the United States declared war on Germany and Italy.
The effect in the Lodge was almost immediately apparent. Quite naturally most of the talk was
about the war. Brother Karl Sackman who had signified his inability to continue as Treasurer the
preceding December, in anticipation of being called into service, was given an engraved resolution
on March 5, 1941, in appreciation of his efficient service as Treasurer of the Lodge since
December 22, 1925. Numerous other members joined the armed services as indicated in the list
given further on in this chapter.
In place of the usual peaceful subjects our members listened to more appropriate martial subjects
as on January 1, 1942 when Brother Brigadier General Charles W. Barber of St. Thomas Lodge
No. ',08, of St. Thomas, Ky. gave a forceful and interesting talk on the "Present World Conflict." Or
again on February 18th of the same year when Robert R. Lane of the Newark Evening News
spoke on "America at War." Even Masonic subjects took on a warlike sound as when Most
Worshipful Brother Ralph E. Lum gave an address "Landmarks in a Chaotic World" at a tiled
meeting on May 20, 1942
On May 20, 1942 the Lodge decided to purchase a service flag bearing a star for each member in
service. The flag was presented on September 16th and placed at the left of the Worshipful
Master in the East. Starting in December, 1942 gifts were sent by the Lodge to all its members In
service throughout the duration of the war.
On March 15, 1944 it was moved and carried "that dues of all members in service from January 1,
1944, shall be paid by the Lodge in some manner that is in conformity with Grand Lodge." • St.
194
19
5
John's Lodge like a numerous other Lodges through out the country tried to make things as
cheerful and homelike for Masons away from home as they could. With the cooperation of the
various agencies, notices were posted in service men's centers informing them of what was going
on at the Lodge and inviting them to Join us. A .number of traveling Masons took advantage of the
invitations and we had as guests at our meetings brothers from all over the country.
Gasoline was being rationed and all forms of conveyances were crowded to the bursting point. In
response to an order from the United States government covering the holding of large
conventions, a communication was received from the Most Worshipful Grand Master on February
21, 1945, to the effect that owing to transportation limitations the Annual Communication of the
Grand Lodge scheduled for April 18 and 19 would be curtailed to fifty members.
On Sunday, May 13, 1945, in compliance with the proclamation of the President of the United
States, Most Worshipful Brother Harry S.Truman, for a V-E Day of Prayers to mark the cessation
of hostilities in Europe, the Lodges of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 26th Masonic Districts of New
Jersey formed in procession at the Mosque and marched up to Clinton Avenue to St. Lukes
Methodist Church where services were conducted Rev. and Right Worshipful Brother Frank
Kovach, Senior Grand Warden; Rev. and Right Worshipful Brother Albert E. Campion, Grand
Chaplain; and Right Worshipful Brother Rabbi Julius Silberfield, Past Grand Chaplain.
With the end of the fighting in Japan the Brothers in service began to gradually return. Most of
those who had been officers in the Lodge resumed their places where they had left off.
Regrettably others did not.
Following is the Honor Roll of members of St. John's Lodge No. 1 who served in the Second
World War: Robert F. Gasey Jerome T. Congleton Jr. Richard J. Congleton Elmer K. Drake Leon
S. Gordon A. L. Gordon Hunter William H. E. Keeler Robert Michaelson Daniel Noble
Louis Nuse Jr. John R. Qulntin Selwyn W. Roberts Jr. G. Albert Schmon H. Norman Schwartzkopf
Frank J. Stengel Frank H. Sturgis Jerome B. Wiss Earl LeRoy Wood
The following members also served in the armed forces but. Joined the Lodge after the war.
Donald W. Beers Wilbur I. Dreikorn Francis P. Phelps
As in previous similar circumstances we have kept references regarding the war together. Going
back a few years we will pick up the other activities of the Lodge.
On September 17, 1941 Brother. Sherwood V. Westlake presented the Lodge with an old
publication printed in Holland Dutch in 1786.
On February 4, 1942 Brother Malcolm Douglass, a member of Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Expedition
gave a lecture, exhibiting equipment used and a husky dog brought home by him. The meeting
was open to members' families and friends and was most entertaining and instructive.
On December 16, 1942 a motion was passed that the Archivist be permitted to take from the safe
deposit vault, the Charter Oak Gavel and the Monmouth Battle Monument Trowel to be used by
the Most Worshipful Grand Master in connection with his Masonic addresses and then returned to
the vault.
On March 3, 1943 Worshipful Brother Allan Schneider held the first Royal Arch Mason Night in
honor of Brother Most Excellent Gustav B. Whitehead, Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of the State of New Jersey. He was received accompanied by forty-seven Royal Arch
195
19
6
Masons and introduced by Right Worshipful John S. Caie, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey. Brother Whitehead spoke as did Right Worshipful Brother Caie. The Royal
Arch Masons then conferred the second section of the Fellow Craft Degree on two candidates.
Since that time Royal Arch Mason Night has been a yearly event in St.John's Lodge. The story is
told, untrue of course, that the Lodge was afraid to entrust the red apron men with the conferring
of the Master Mason Degree until they showed what they could do with something simpler.
Proving themselves worthy on the first occasion, they have ever since conferred the Master
Mason Degree either in whole or in part. While we are being humorous, the "whole" has no
reference to any possible omissions in the work
On November 15, 1944 a gavel made from stone taken from King Solomon's Quarries at
Jerusalem was received from Brother H. Norman Schwartzkopf who was on a United States
government mission in that area.
On December 20, 1944 twenty-five dollars was appropriated toward a memorial tablet for the late
Right Worshipful Brother Nicholas G. Mariconda of who had devoted much time to the cause of
Masonry in New Jersey. The tablet was dedicated at the Masonic Home in Burlington on Sunday,
.November 4, 1945.
At the suggestion of Worshipful Brother Norman I. Morris, the retiring Master the old "Bug" Bible,
Charter Oak Gavel and ancient candle sticks were used in connection with the installation
ceremonies on December 20, 1944, It was the first time these articles had been used In
connection with the work of the Lodge for a good many years.
During 1945 Worshipful Brother Arthur W. Buermann instituted a number of visitations to various
old Lodges including Cincinnati Lodge No. 3 of Morristown, Union Lodge No. 11 of Orange and
Lodge No. 2 of Philadelphia, Pa. Unfortunately these have all been permitted to wane with the
exception of the visits to Lodge No. 2 of Philadelphia with whom we make a yearly exchange of
visits to the mutual enjoyment and benefit of the members of both Lodges.
At the meeting of May 2, 1945 a communication was read from the Grand Secretary dated April
23rd, requesting that ail Lodges in this Jurisdiction be draped in mourning in tribute to the memory
of our late President, Right Worshipful Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for thirty days starting
April 14 th.
On March 20, 1946 it was moved and carried that the Board of Trustees of this Lodge be
authorized to loan the use of our old columns for use in a new hall to be opened at the corner of
Bridge and Broad Streets, the loan to be made on such terms and conditions as prescribed by the
Trustees. The columns were loaned but due to objections by the
hall committee from Grand Lodge the was never sanctioned for Lodge purposes.
On May 29, 1946 the second section of the Master Mason Degree was conferred by the Masonic
Association of New Jersey Scottish Highlanders. This in itself is not important as the Highlanders
do considerable degree work throughout the state. What is important is that the Worshipful
Master, Brother John Gibb, was a member of the group and presided in the East in kilts, probably
the first time that a Master of this Lodge ever wore such attire while acting as Master. Cocked
hats, yes 1 but kilts, never before 1
Under date of July 16, 1946, Brother Malcolm P. Andruss of Army and Navy Lodge No. 306 of
Fortress Monroe, Vale , a great grandson of a former member of this Lodge, Isaac Andruss, sent
to the Lodge the Masonic apron used by his ancestor in 1797. Isaac Andruss was raised in St.
196
19
7
John's Lodge on October 25, 1797 elected master nine times and was Worshipful Master between
the years 1804 and 1820. The apron was gratefully received and turned over to the Archivist. The
Secretary was instructed to send a letter of appreciation to Brother Andruss.
On November 5, 1947 an amendment to the By-laws was offered raising the initiation fee from
$50. to $75 It was adopted on December 17th and approved by the Grand Lodge on February 5,
1948.
On May 5, 1948 a communication from the Grand Secretary was read announcing that all Lodges
in the state now had statewide Jurisdiction. This action by the Grand Lodge put to an end the
friction between Lodges in adjoining cities and towns over the Jurisdiction of applicants.
At the same meeting the notice of a beneficent interest in the will of Julia A. Vogt, deceased, was
read. Under the terms of the will Mrs. Vogt bequeathed to the Lodge $2,000. in memory of her late
husband, Andrew G. Vogt;- for relief purposes and $1,000. in memory of her late brother, J. Jacob
Schmidt, subject to New Jersey and Federal taxes.
On October 6, 1948 the Lodge was advised that Idella A. Shurts, widow .of Marvin S. Shurts, had
bequeathed to the Trustees of St. John's Lodge, $250. to be known as the Karvin S. Shurts Fund,
the interest to be used for the aid and relief of needy members of St. John's Lodge.
On November 17, 1948 the Lodge paid Masonic felicitations to Brother John Contrell In
commemoration of his sixtieth Masonic birthday and also for having served as its Secretary for
almost forty-three years. He was presented with an engraved token.
During 1948 St. John's Craftsmen's Club was revived after a lapse of a number of years. Since Its
revival it has taken over the running of most of the Lodge's social activities.
For some years past the Lodge had been appropriating a sum of money each year for a
Christmas party for the children at the Burke Memorial Day Nursery. At the suggestion of
Worshipful Brother Henry Kinero a voluntary fund for the same purpose was started on December
7, 1949. The suggestion met an immediate response and thanks to the generosity of the Lodge
members a much larger sum has been collected each year since, enabling the Lodge to contribute
not only to the Burke Memorial Day Nursery but to other organizations as well.
In the past several attempts have been made to publish a history of St. John's Lodge but with the
exception of a few small pamphlets nothing ever came of any of them. For the most part these
pamphlets each copied the proceeding one more or less, and each contained the same errors and
inaccuracies.
On May 31, 1950 it was moved and carried that we publish a history .to be brought out in 1951 on
the occasion of our 190th anniversary. The present volume while not published at the
contemplated time is the result of that motion.
End text 1950
OLDEST ACTIVE MASONIC LODGES IN THE UNITED STATES
1
St. John's,
Boston, Mass.
197
July 30, 1733
19
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Solomon's, No. 1,
Solomon's, No. 1,
Saint John's, No. 1,
Norfolk, No. 1,
Saint Johns, No. 1,
Hiram, No. 1,
Fredericksburg, No. 4,
Savannah, Ga.
Charleston, S.C.
Portsmouth, N.H.,
Norfolk, Va.
Newport, R.I.,
New Haven, Conn.,
Fredericksburg, Va.
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
St. John's, No. 2,
St. John's, No. 1,
Union Kilwinning, No. 4,
Lodge of St. Andrew,
Saint Johns, No. 1,
Blandford, No. 3,
St. John's, No. 1,
Lodge No. 2,
St. Tammany, No. 5,
Mt. Vernon, No. 3,
Philanthropic,
Ind. Royal Arch, No. 2,
St. John's, No. 1,
Middletown, Conn.,
Wilmington, N.C.,
Charleston, S.C. ,
Boston, Mass.,
Providence, R.I.,
Petersburg, Va. ,
New York, N.Y.,
Philadelphia, Pa.,
Hampton, Va. ,
Albany, N.Y.,
Marblehead, Mass.,
N.Y., N.Y.,
Newark, N.J.,
Feb. 21, 1734
1735
1736
June 1, 1741
Dec. 27, 1749
Nov. 12, 1750
Prior to 1752
(Chartered July 21, 1758)
Feb. 14, 1754
March 1754
May 3, 1755
Nov 30, 1756
Jan. 18, 1757
Sept. 9, 1757
Dec. 7, 1757
June 7, 1758
Feb. 26, 1759
April 11, 1759
Mar. 25, 1760
Dec. 15, 1760
May 13, 1761
Note: Most of the information in the above list was obtained from the Grand Secretaries or Grand
Historians of the respective Jurisdictions.
Most lists of this type do not include Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 3,- of Albany, N. Y. ,
because it worked with a copy of an English Army Lodge Charter until 1765. We
believe this to be unfair discrimination and cite as a similar example, Fredericksburg
Lodge, No. 4, of Virginia. .The actual date of the formation of this Lodge is unknown
and it was not officially chartered until July 21, 1758. However George Washington was
made a Mason in it on November 4, 1752 and for that reason it is credited as being a lawfully
constituted Lodge.
Kilwinning-Crosse Lodge, No. 2-237 of Bowling Green, Va. was originally chartered in 1754 as
Port Royal Kilwinning-Cross, No. 2. According to our Information it became extinct about 1830 and
the present Lodge was not chartered until 1881. The connection if any, is remote, and for that
reason it has been left out of this list.
Visitors to St. John's No.1 prior to 1800
John Adams ...................
Peter Alex. Allaire of New York
Bela Badgen ............ .....
Eleazer Ball ...................
Ezeakial Ball .................
Dr. William Barnet of.Elizabeth.
Col. Wm. Bell - Union Lodge #6 .
?? Bladgley ................
Sep. 26, 1798
July 27, 1791 and later
July 13, 1791
Sep. 26, 1798
May 27, 1771
Dec. 27, 1761
Nov. 9, 1791 and later
Mar. 26, 1794
198
19
9
John Boston of New York ........
?? Bouton ..................
James Brier ....................
Capt. Bright ...................
William Britton ...............
?? Brobell .................
Joshua, Bryan, P.M. Elizabeth ...
John Caldwell, Hudson Lodge, N.Y.
David Cochran, P.M. ............
John Coock .....................
Sayres Crane ...................
Henry Davis, St. John's #6, N.Y.
Elias Dayton Sr. ...............
Jonathan Dayton ................
John Dennis of Elizabeth ...:...
Patrick Dennis,.St Johns# 2,Phila
John Devan .....................
C. De Wint .....................
Joseph Dixon ...................
Ebenea1r Dough .................
Edward Dunlap, W.M. Sussex Lodge
Edward Earle ...................
William Elllnior of Paterson ...
Charles Faliorle -Gnd Lodgeof Paris
?? Fitch ...................
Andrew C. Frances - Holland Lodge
Rev. (?) M. Gardner ............
William Graham .................
Richard Groves .................
George Harison (shown as GM
Abner Heatfield ................
George Hedden ..................
James Hill of New York .........
John Hog ......................
William Hogg ...................
Robert L. Hooper ...............
??——— Jennings of New York .. ..
Timothy Johnson ................
William Kelly, G.J.W. of N.Y.
Nathaniel Kennedy Nbr697? of Ireland
Thomas Kenny ............ .
D. Labretsch ..................
James Leach
.
??Leoaley of St.Michaels,Dunfrie
Robert Logan ...................
Thomas Lyntch ..................
Daniel Marsh ...................
White Matlock - St. Andrews #169
Archibald McGarol ..... ..
Dec. 27, 1761
Dec. 10, 1794
Sep. 26, 1798
Aug. 27, 1794
May 15, 1771 and later
June 24, 1799
Dec. 27, 1761
Oct. 10, 1792 •
Nov. 23, 1791
Jan. 17, 1768 and later
Dec. 28, 1789
Nov. 12, 1794
Dec. 27, 1791 and later
Dec. 27, 1788
Dec. 27, 1761
Dec. 23, 1788 and later
Dec. 27, 1788,
Feb. 17, 1799
Feb. 11, 1794
Feb. 15, 1762 and later
Aug. 20, 1792
Dec. 1762
Nov. 12, 1794
Sep. 27, 1797
Dec. 9, 1795
Feb. 11, 1795
Oct. 25, 1797
Dec. 28, 1762 and later
June 24, 1771
Jun 24,1762
Dec. 28, 1762
Feb. 11, 1794
June 23, 1792
Sep. 26, 1798
Feb. 15, 1762
Mar. 23, 1791
Jan. 12, 1791
Jan. 12, 1791 and later
Jul 26,1762 .
Nov 12 1794 & later..
June 25,1792 and later
Jan. 23,1793 and later
July 2,1796 and later
Dec 11,1793
July 13,1791
Feb. 15, 1762
Feb 11 1789 and later
Sep 24,1788
Oct 12,1791
199
20
0
James McQuilling .(McQuillen)
Daniel Mea (possibly Then)
Thomas Miller ............
John Mills ...............
James Mitchell ...........
Calvin Morrell ...».......
James Murray of England ..
Robert Nell, WM
Union Lodge #6 Bergen Co.
?? Nelony (?) ..............
Aaron Ogden.................
Jonathon Ogden .............
Mathlas Ogden ..............
Nath111 Potter .............
Daniel Pugh ................
D. Purcel ..................
Jonathan Rhea ..............
George Richee ..............
John Ripley (?).............
Mons. Riviere ...............
Alexander Robertson
- Lodge #380 of Ireland .....
John Robertson .............
Francis Rabinau
..
John Sayers
Solomon's Lodge #1 .
Samuel Sealy ...................
Joseph Seely ...................
Robert Sharp (?) ...............
Bryant Shay ....................
Thomas Shreeves ................
William P. Smith ...............
Judge P. Smith .................
Henry Stagg ....................
Joseph Stansbury ...............
Samuel R. Stockton, GM of N.J.
?? Stockwell of New York ..
Dr. B. Stokes .
?? Stotesbury
?? Symns
George Turnball
John Van Beuren
...
?? Vander Brark,WM
Holland Lodge of NY
(Dr) Vinar Van Zandt
Kelso (?) Verding of Morris
Anthony Waters Jr
.
Nehemiah Wade Union Bergen Co
Joselyn White ......
Feb 15 1786
Dec 25th 1793 and later
Dec 1762 & later
Jun 18, 1792 & later
Jul 26, 1797 & later
Apr 9, 1789
May 25, 1796 and later
Apr 23,1788 and later
Jan. 12, 1791
Dec. 27, 1788 and later
Feb. 8, 1769
Dec. 27, 1788
Dec. 28, 1762
Apr. 23, 1788
Sep. 26, 1798
Dec. 10, 1788
Dec. 28, 1762
Sep. 26, 1798
Dec. 27, 1794
Jan. 14, 1795 and later
June 24, 1791 and later
Jan. 28, 1789 and later
Dec. 28, 1796 and later
June 20, 1788 and later
June 25, 1792
Sep. 26, 1798
Apr. 27, 1791 and later
Sep. 6, 1763
Dec. 21, 1791 and later
Dec. 27, 1794 and later
July 26, 1797
June 25, 1792 and later
Oct. 23, 1794
Jan. l2, 1791
Dec 15 , 1761...
Jun 25, 1792
Oct 23,1794
Mar 11,1789
Apr 11, 1792
Feb 25 1789
May 28, 1788 & later
Jun 25 , 1794
Feb 15, 1762
Jan 14, 1789
Jul 26,1762..
200
20
1
John Whltehead ....
..
John Willhelms ......
Joseph Woodruff of Elizabeth
Asa Worthington ...
..
Wm Van Waggennen of Holland Lodge
Dec 27,1796 & later
May 25,1796 & later
Dec 27,1761 & later
Mar 31,1791........
Sep 12, 1792
Past Masters of St. John’s No.1
William Tuckey
Gabriel Ogden
Alexander Vancs
Moses Ogden
James H Maxwell
John Cumming
Henry Duplessis ( Affil)
John Pintard ( Affil)
William Burnett Jr
Thomas Griffith
Uzal Johnson
Thomas Bibby
James Heddon
William Halsey
Isaac Andruss
Hugh McDougal
Jabez Campfleld
Moses P. Smith
Thomas T. Kinney
James W. Burnet
Lewis Atterbury
Pruden Ailing
Joseph W. Camp
Samuel McChesney
Luther Goble
George Loring
Jacob Alyea
Ellas VanArsdale, Jr.
John R Crockett ( Affil)
Samuel Smith
Simeon Baldwin ( Affil)
Thomas Young
Isaac P Brown
Moses W Personett
Jihn Clark Jr
Edward W Lennon
Charles E Stewart ( Affil)
Fredrick W Ricord
John Chapin
William S. Whitehead
Antboryr C. Beam
201
20
2
N. Norria Halstead (Affil)
Augustus L. Wilcox
Timothy W. Lord
William B. Gladsby
Lewis L. Carlisle
Israel Baldwin
Osceola Currier
Charles H. Harrison (Affil)
Alfred V. C. Genung
John S, Gamble (Affil)
John D. Mitchell
Charles H. Gleason
James N. VanArnam
Charles E. Hill
John L. Johnson
William M. Giffin
Samuel J. MacDonald
Henry J. Anderson
William A. Gay
Theodore G. E. Blanchard
Frederick C. Blanchard
George W. Wiedenirayer
George Forman
Herbert C. Rorick
Robert A. Willia (Affil)
Orray E. Thurber
Ernest C. Strempel
Ralph R. Eichlln
William J. Burke
Marvin S. Shurts
William J. R. Hegeman, Jr.
Wayland E. Stearns
Day Hardie
Charles G. Hurd
Charles S. Reed
Arthur Mudd
Alonzo Church
Gustave P. Metz
George W. Backoff
Frederick F. Kennedy
Edmund LeC. Hegeman (Affil)
Philip R. VanDuyne
Oscar H. Cushwa
John T. Torbert
J. Emmett Sheesley
Frank W. Peppel
Fred W. DeCamp W.
Howard Demarest
Robert C. Klemm
202
20
3
LeRoy M. Ludlow
John W. Hunt
Edward S. Klemm
Raymonds A. Albray.
Holmes K. Barrett
Otto R. Schilling
Frederick D. Heiss
Edgar N. Bernhardt
George M, Wallhauser
William H. Partington
John N. Race (Affil)
Robert B. Smith
Henry A. Laidlaw (Affil)
Frederick W. VanDuyne, Jr.
George J. H. Werner
Robert C. Stengel
John R. Quintin
Frank J. Stengel
Richard J. Congleton
Russell F. Chapman
William A. Themann
Allan Schneider
Norman I. Morris
Arthur W. Buermann
John Gibb
Frederick W. Engel
Henry Minero
August Maier
Elmer K. Drake
William H. Quinn
MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE WHO HAVE SERVED IN GRAND LODGE
* Served before affiliating with St. John's
** Served after dermitting from St. John'a
John Noble Cumming
Jepthah B. Munn *
John Stevens Darcy *
Elias VanAradale, Jr.
Daniel B. Bruen **
William H. Earl **
Gnd Mstr
1796-1798
1820-1823
1826-1827
1834-1835
1841-1843
1844
Deputy
1794-1795
1824-1825
1832-1833
1839-1840
1843
203
Sr/Jr Gnd W Dep Secretary
1789-1790
1787-1788
1817-1819
1822-1823
1819-1821
1831
1830
1837- 1838 1846-1847
1841-1842
20
4
Ira Merchant **
Edward Stewart **
William S Whitehead
Herbert C Rorick
John R. Chapin
John R. Crockett **
Israel Hedden
.
Isaac Andruss
Isaac P. Brown
Staats S. Morris *
1840
1845-1847 1844
1850-1855 1848-1849
1864-1867 1857
1918
1917
1915
1858
1916
1853-1855
1846-1847
1796-1798
1820-1821
1850
1844-1845
APPOINTED GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
Charles E. Hill District Deputy
W. Howard Demareat District Deputy
Anthony C. Beam Senior Grand Deacon
Isaac P. Brown Senior Grand Deacon
George Gibb
Senior Grand Deacon
George W. Backoff Junior Grand deacon
Charles E. Stewart Grand Marshall
James Ross
Grand Sword Bearer
John R. Weeks
Grand Pursuivant
Henry R. Rose
Grand Chaplain
M.Joseph Twomey Grand Chaplain
Fred W. DeCamp Grand Chaplain
Harry Y. Murkland Grand Chaplain
Frank W Peppel Grand Chaplain
MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN'S No.1
WHO HAVE SERVED AS TITULAR HEADS
OF OTHER MASONIC BODIES
Grand High Priests of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey
Israel Baldwin
1866-186?
Ralph R. Eichlin
1911-1912
Gustav B. Whitehead
1942-1943
Grand Masters of the Most Puissant Grand Council of R. & S. M. of New Jersey
Israel Baldwin
1863-1864
Edward C. Smith
1946-1947
204
20
5
Grand Commanders, K. T.of the Grand Commandery of the SAate of New Jersey
John P. Contrell
1911-1912
George Stringer
1942-1943
Potentates Salaam Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. 3.
Frank A. Champlin
HONOR ROLL OF VETERANS OF WORLD WAR I
Ralph WJ. Appleby
Alfred Bickford
Edward H. Binoeder
William Buermann
W. Howard Demarest
Addison Du Bois
Edwin F. Fettinger
Lewis H. Field
Leon S. Gordon
Horace D. Hart
James S. Hewson
Frank Hodson Jr.
Alfred Harding
Robert B. Hooper
Albert S. Harden
Ralph M. Kurtz
Ralph A. Ludlow
James H. Lowrey
Frank L. Martine
Harrison S. Martland
Clarence F. Muller
Walter B. O'Donnell
Henry B. Orton
Joseph Oschwald
Albert W. Peppel
William H. Partington
William R. Prettyman
James H. Philips
Charles F. Rathgeber
Mortimer Remington
Richard P. Richardson
August A. Strasser
Arthur B. Schuman
William K. Snyder
Ernest H. Seibert
Joseph J. Smith
H. Norman Schwartzkopf
Karl C. Sackman
205
20
6
Carlyle E. Sutphen Jr.
Oscar C. Telfer
Willard J. Tunison
Harry L. VanBuren
Cornelius L. Wells
Henry A. Wallhauser
Andrew Wilson Jr.
Carl F. Watter
Jean F. Wolfs
MEMBERS WHO SERVED IN THE Y. M. C. A..
John H. Beyer
Walter W. Carpenter
Henry L. Jenkinson
VETERANS OF WORLD WAR I WHO JOINED AFTER THE WAR
Howard W. Beers
John S. Campen
John Gibb
Russell C. Graef
James E. Hewson
Frank F. Hunt
Frederick J. Houck
William H E. Keeler
Harry R. Klein
Gustave Modersohn
Thomas L. Pier
Ernest Schneider
George J. Tattam
Earl LeRoy Wood
HONOR ROLL OF VETERANS OF .WORLD WAR II
Robert F, Casey
Jerome T. Gongleton Jr.
Richard J. Gongleton
Elmer K. Drake
Leon S. Gordon
A. L. Gordon Hunter
William H. E. Keeler
Robert Michaelson
Daniel Noble
Louis Nuse Jr.
John R. Quintin
206
20
7
Selwyn W. Roberts Jr.
G. Albert Schmon
H. Norman Schwartzkopf
Frank J. Stengel
Frank H. Sturgis
Jerome B. Wiss
Earl LeRoy Wood
VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II WHO JOINED AFTER THE WAR
Donald W. Beers
Wilbur I. Dreikorn
Francis P. Phelps
Martin G. Bross, Jr.
Biographies
WILLIAM TUCKEY
William Tuckey, the first Worshipful Master of St. John' s Lodge, was a native of Somersetshire,
England, a professor of the theory and practice of vocal music, Vicar-Choral of the Cathedral
Church and Clerk of the Parish of St. Kary's Port, Bristol, England. He came to America in 1752
at the request of Trinity Episcopal Church of New York City. He is said to have been a musician
of exceptional ability.
Brother Tuckey did not limit his endeavors exclusively to the services in the Church, but sought to
cultivate the musical tastes and talents of the general public by giving public concerts, one of
which, given in the New Exchange on December 29, 1755, had for one of its numbers an "Ode to
Masonry" , composed by himself and "never performed in this country, nor in England but once in
public;" indicating that he had been associated with Masonry before leaving Bristol.
He organized and trained a public choir which he taught to sing a Te Deum Laudamua composed
by him and used at the dedication of the new organ in Trinity Church in 1767. On April 21, 1769,
he gave a public concert at which was rendered, for the first time in America, the new national
anthem, "God Save The King," and on January 16, 1770, his Oratoria Society rendered an
ambitious musical program in public, including part of Handel's Oratoria, "The Messiah," the first
time that any part of that masterpiece of musical composition was performed before an American
audience, which, as 0. G. Sonneck puts it, "alone entitles him to lasting fame in the history of our
musical life."
William Tuckey 's association with Newark seems to have been of short duration. His name
appears in the records of the Court of Common. Pleas of Essex County as plaintiff in a lawsuit on
April 8, 1760, which is, apart from our minutes, the only record we have identifying him with
Newark.
207
20
8
No reason is given for his coming to Newark, but it is quite probable that Trinity Episcopal Church
of this city had enlisted his services for a time in the development of their choral services.
The absence of any Masonic Lodges in New Jersey greatly surprised him, no doubt, and his zeal
for the cause led him to take the initiative in the institution of one in Newark. He interested a few
of the brethren in the project,' and with their approval applied for a warrant from the Grand Master
of New York, R'. W.'. Bro. George Harison, with whom Brother Tuckey was personally acquainted,
he also being closely identified with Trinity Church of New York, more particularly in its musical
activities, and Tuckey had, no doubt, taken a leading part in the Masonic service held in that
church on December 27, 1753, it being part of the ceremony of Harison's installation as Provincial
Grand Master of New York.
It is recorded in our minutes that our members marched in procession to Trinity Church, where the
Rector, Rev. Isaac Brown, addressed them, and a select company rendered several pieces in
parts composed by William Tuckey. The page containing .the first part of the minutes is missing
and the remaining page bears no date, but considering the fact that a dinner and Lodge meeting
were held after the service, it seems logical to suppose that the brethren were celebrating the
Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24, 1762.
Worshipful Brother Tuckey was re-elected Master on January 18, 1762. He is last mentioned as a
member of the Lodge at a committee meeting held August 26, 1762, at which he was present. His
name is only mentioned once more in our minutes and that is at the meeting of April 26, 1763,
when he is listed as a visitor. It seems apparent that he left the Lodge between these two dates
and probably in the latter part of 1762.
Brother Tuckey continued to devote his time and talents to choral work and to composing church
music. In 1773 he advertised in the New York papers his intention of publishing some of it in full
score, consisting of some sixty folio pages, one of the numbers being an anthem based on the
133rd Psalm, which he intended "for use at any Grand meeting of Free and Accepted Masons" - a
Psalm quite familiar to all Masons.
The next we hear of Brother Tuckey is in the records of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in
Philadelphia, where he is mentioned as Clerk of the Parish in 1778-1779. He died two years later.
The inscription on his gravestone, which is almost entirely obliterated, was as follows: "To the
memory of WILLIAM TUCKEY, who was born in Somersetshire in England and died September
14, 1781, in the 73rd year of his age." His place of burial is but a few feet away from that of R'.
W.'. Brother Benjamin Franklin, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
To quote RW Brother McGregor: "Like a meteor in the Masonic sky he blazed the way for
Masonry in New Jersey; a way that has since become like to the milky way of the heavens, with its
myriad's of Masonic stars, reflecting with more or less brilliancy the Great Lights of Masonry, as
they seek to-exemplify in their dally life and conduct the pure principles of morality, brotherly love
and charity; and which is represented today by about lodges with a membership of ( ????? )
DAVID JAMISON
David Jamison, our first Senior Warden, was a grandson of David Jamison, Chief Justice of New
Jersey, and Attorney-General of New York, one of the many Scottish Covenanters who were
banished from their native land on account of their unfaltering adherence to their religious
convictions.
208
20
9
William Jamison, son of David Jamison, Sr., was. an attorney-at-law and was made a freeman of
New York in 1731. In his will, proved April 2, 1748, he gave his son David all his books,
manuscripts and precedents on condition that he study law. David graduated from Princeton in
1753, received the degree of' A. M. May 1758, and in all probability followed the same profession
as his father and grandfather had before him.
He refused re-election as Senior Warden the following year, but was prevailed upon to accept it in
1763, after which his name disappears from the records. He apparently left the lodge about 1764,
having evidently moved to New York.
JAMES BANKS
James Banks, the first Junior Warden of the Lodge, was the son of James Banks, According to
RW Brother McGregor, the elder Banks was the proprietor of a tavern near the Northwest corner
of Broad and William Streets. There is nothing in the city records to indicate by what name it was
known and while in the possession of Mr. Banks and there is considerable doubt that this was the
"Rising Sun" tavern in which St. John's Lodge met.
According to Urquhart the "Rising Sun" was located at the corner of North Canal and River Streets
as described in more detail in the second chapter of this book. While the tavern is only mentioned
by name a few times in our minutes, there are a number of references to meetings being held at
"Brother Banks" which would seem to indicate that the "Rising Sun" was meant and also that our
Junior Warden was the proprietor rather than. his father as claimed by Brother McGregor.
Brother Banks declined re-election as Junior Warden for 1762, but remained active in the Lodge
and was elected Treasurer for the years 1763 and 1764. Our minutes are missing for the years
1765, 1766, 1767 and the first part of 1768 so we do not know whether he served as an officer in
those years or not. He was elected Senior Warden again for 1769 and 1770 and probably also for
1771. Our early minutes end in 1772 and it is not known when Brother Banks-left the Lodge. He
advertised the tavern for sale in 1771 when he stated he intended "to leave off publickhousekeeping soon". What became of him after that is unknown.
LEWIS OGDEN
Lewis Ogden, our first Treasurer, was a cousin of the wife of James Banks, our first Junior
Warden, all three being great grand-children of David Ogden,. one of the first settlers of
Elizabethtown, and progenitor of the noted family of Ogdens of Newark. Lewis' grandfather,
Captain David Ogden, was active in the civil, religious and military affairs of the town and
province, while his grand uncle, Colonel Josiah Ogden, was a leading citizen of the town, a man of
sterling worth and strong personality, who is particularly remembered as the founder of Trinity
Episcopal Church, where his gravestone is to be seen today at the north side of the vestibule of
that venerable building; while that of his brother, Captain David Ogden, occupies the same relative
position on the south side.
209
21
0
Lewis' father was Uzal Ogden, a prominent citizen and leading merchant of the town, Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, Surrogate of East Jersey and High Sheriff of Essex County, and was
spoken of as "a gentleman of goodness and held in high esteem," while one of his brothers was
the Reverend Uzal Ogden, for many years Rector of Trinity Church.
Brother Ogden was one of the early graduates of the College of New Jersey, his diploma, dated
1753 and signed by the Reverend Aaron Burr, President. He was a lawyer by profession and
Clerk of the Prerogative Court for ten years. He took an active part in the civil activities
preparatory to and during the Revolutionary War, as a member of the Council of Safety, and
represented Essex County at the Provincial Council held at Burlington in 1776. He moved to New
York in 1786 and was President of the St. Cecelia Society from 1790 until his death in 1798.
Besides serving as Treasurer of St. John's Lodge, Lewis Ogden also acted as our first Secretary,
and served in that capacity until June 8, 1761, when Moses Ogden was appointed. He was
elected Senior Warden for the years 1762 and 1764. He apparently left the Lodge about 1779.
MOSES OGDEN
Moses Ogden, a younger brother of Lewis Ogden, was appointed Secretary of the Lodge on June
8, 1761, the first regular meeting after he was raised, and continued in this capacity for the next
two years, 1762 and 1763. In 1771 he pro temmed as Junior Warden for four of the five meetings
of which we have record. He was elected Senior Warden for 1772. When the Lodge was
reorganized under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in 1787 he was Worshipful
Master and continued as such for the following year. He -represented St. John's Lodge at the
Convention in New Brunswick in December, 1786 and his name appears on the warrant issued by
R.W. David Brearley, the first Grand Master in the State of New Jersey.
Moses Ogden was one of the first to be admitted to St. John's Lodge after its institution. He had
been initiated in some other Lodge, most probably a New York one, and came to St. John's as an
Entered Apprentice. He continued as an active member for most of his lifetime.
Brother Ogden was born in Newark in 1736 and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of
which his brother, Uzal; was Rector. He was a prominent merchant in the town and was a highly
respected citizen. He was one of the first proprietors of" an iron foundry that. was located on the
north corner of Washington and James Streets, where the Second Presbyterian Church now
stands. An advertisement reads: "Hollow ware of all kinds made at Vesuvius furnace, at Newark,
in N. J. and allowed by the best Judges to be far preferable to any made in America." In 1769 the
plane was owned by Ogden, Laight & Co. and Gabriel and Lewis Ogden were apparently
connected with it.
Upon his death on July 1, 1814, in the seventy-ninth year of his age and his fifty-third as a Mason,
the Newark Sentinel" referred to him as "a very worthy character, a firm believer in the Christian
religion and many years a communicant in the church of which he was a member; he retained his
senses until the moment he expired, and died in peace. Mark the perfect man and behold the
upright, for the end of that man is peace."
210
21
1
GABRIEL OGDEN
Gabriel Ogden was elected Worshipful. Master for the years 1763 and 1764 and as the second
Master of St. John's Lodge succeeded Worshipful Brother Tuckey. It is possible he may also have
served from 1764 to 1767 or for part of that period, but as our minutes for those years are missing
we have no way of telling. He was entered May 18, 1761, but did not receive his Fellow Craft
Degree until December 14, 1761 and was not raised until February 17, 1762. His name
disappears from the records about 1771. Our information on this brother is practically nil. We
know that he was associated with Moses and Lewis Ogden in the foundry business and can safely
assume that he was a close relative, possibly a brother.
ROBERT BOYD & THOMAS EAGLES
There were five Master Masons identified with the institution of St. John's Lodge: William Tuckey,
David Jamison, James Banks, Robert Boyd and Thomas Eagles. The first three have already
been described. We know very little about the other two except for the following.
Robert Boyd was born in 1727, was a schoolmaster in the town and died here on February 13,
1777, at the age of fifty. His name disappears from our records about 1763.
Thomas Eagles was born in Newark in 1724, the son of Thomas Eagles and Rachel Nutman. His
home was at the corner of Washington and Orange Streets, then the outskirts of the town. He
attended Lodge regularly until September 1, 1761, . ; . • after which his name appears but once,
on December 21, 1761, when he is listed as a visitor, suggesting that in the meantime he had
moved from town. In any event, nothing further can be learned of him.
THOMAS KINNEY
Thomas Kinney one of the more notable of our early members was raised on May 28, 1763 and
served as Junior Warden in 1769, 1770 and possibly 1771.' He was of pure Scotch lineage
traceable it is said with precision to the twelfth century. He was born in Carlung, Scotland, April 9,
1731, and died in Morristown, NJ on April 2, 1793. He probably came to America as early as
1755. Possessing substantial means, he soon acquired much property in lands and associated
himself with his uncle John and Colonel Jacob Arnold in the iron manufacturing business. They
erected the second slitting mill in the county at Speedwell, near Morristown. Kinney remained as
one of the proprietors of this foundry until his death. He was the owner of a large farm in
Morristown, on which stood the noted tavern where Washington had his headquarters in 1777,
known as the Arnold Tavern.
He was a man of energetic character and prominently and usefully identified with public affairs.
He was. high sheriff of Morris County from 1773 to 1776.
At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Brother Kinney organized a company of Light Horse
from among his neighbors, Brother Jacob Arnold (not a member of St. John's) being the first to
sign the enlistment document.
It fell to Captain Kinney's lot in 1776 to be placed in charge of an escort for Governor Sir William
Franklin of New Jersey, a loyalist and a brother Mason, as a prisoner of war from New Jersey to
211
21
2
Connecticut, there to put him in charge of Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. It seems a rather
peculiar combination of circumstances that not only was the order covering this detail issued by
the Continental Congress on St. John's Day, June 24, 1776, but that a member of the first
Masonic Lodge in New Jersey, should be called upon to arrest and convoy, as a prisoner of war, a
member of the first Lodge of Pennsylvania, St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of Philadelphia, and place
him in charge of "Brother Jonathan," as Washington was wont to affectionately refer to Governor
Trumbull, although we do not know that he meant to convey the thought that Trumbull was a
Mason, nor have we any records to show that he was.
Captain Kinney was called before the Provincial Council of New Jersey on July 17th, to answer
charges preferred against him for "loitering on the way" to Connecticut, but was
completely exonerated on account of accidental causes. What the nature of those "accidental
causes" were, we are not informed, yet may we not look upon the seeming dilatoriness as a
practical application of that spirit of Masonry, as Benjamin Franklin has said, "makes men of the,
most hostile feelings rush to the aid of each other, that spirit that stays the uplifted hand of the
destroyer, that often the aspirates of the tyrant, and mitigates the horrors of captivity"; a spirit
which we can frequently discern at work during the heartrending period of this country's history,,
and one which in this particular instance evinced .itself in an effort to reduce to a minimum the
discomforts and Indefinites of a forced journey under military escort.
Brother Kinney resigned from the militia, and was succeeded by Jacob Arnold as Captain, feeling
that he could serve the cause much better by devoting his entire attention to the ironworks at
Speedwell, the products of which meant so much to the success of Washington's troops. Under
Arnold's leadership the company, known as Arnold's Light Horse, became noted.
When Hiram Lodge, No. 4, of Morristown, was instituted in 1787, Kinney became a member of it
and represented it at a Grand Lodge meeting at Trenton on July 3, 1789, as Senior Warden, while
his associate Jeremiah Bruen, represented St. John's in a similar capacity at the same
communication. In the public and other records he was always referred to as Thomas Kinney,
Esquire, a designation of distinction in those times. Ha is buried in the cemetery of the First
Presbyterian Church of Morristown.
JACOB FORD, JR.
Colonel Jacob Ford, Jr. another of our early members, who served our county well during the
Revolution, was raised on May 28, 1763, the same evening his comrade-in-arms Thomas Kinney,
was raised.
Jacob Ford, Jr. was born in Morristown on February 10, 1738. His grandfather John Ford of
Newark, was one of the first settlers in that section, he having purchased a tract of two hundred
acres from Thomas and Richard Perm, near what is now the center of the town. On January 27,
1762, Jacob Jr. married Theodosia, the daughter of Reverend Timothy Johnes, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church. The same year he began the erection of a capacious home on a
commanding site in what was then the outskirts of the town, and was residing there with his wife
and young family of five children when the war began.
Brother Ford was appointed by the Provincial Congress on January 13, 1776, first Colonel of the
Eastern Battalion of Morris County Militia, which was detailed to cover Washington's retreat across
212
21
3
New Jersey, after the evacuation of New York, and did so under his directions with honor and
success. It is recorded they rendered good service to the cause by "harassing the enemy,
surprising their guards, and taking their wagons," during their occupation of the nearby country in
the latter part of 1776,
He had been authorized by Congress to erect a powder mill, which he located on the Whippany
River almost in the rear of his home. In order to facilitate matters the Government advanced him
two thousand pounds, to be paid back without interest in good quality gunpowder, "an article so
necessarily essential at the present time," as the contract read. Naturally this became an object of
particular interest to the enemy, but Ford saw to It that none got near enough to do it harm, their
efforts being frustrated by the eternal vigilance of his troops.
It was while anticipating such a move on the part of the enemy that he stationed his forces near
Springfield and checked the advance of the much larger forces of General Leslie on December 1",
1776, who was forced to withdraw during the night after a stout resistance that brought him to a
standstill. This was the first time in the Province of New Jersey that the British troops had turned
their backs and fled before the patriotic American forces, and although it was but a comparatively
small affair, it brought home, not only to the militia of New Jersey, but also to the Continental Army
under Washington, the fact that the enemy was not invincible, and it aided in by small measure to
revive the spirits of the American Army then in the despondency of defeat, helping them to bring
about the victories of Trenton and Princeton.
Upon his return to Morristown, Colonel Ford proudly paraded his men on the Village Green on the
morning of December 31st, in the course of which he was seized with "a delirium in his head and
was borne off the Green by a couple of soldiers after which he never rose from his bead," and
passed away, the victim, of puropneumonl a, on January 10, 1777'.
General Washington arrived during his brief illness and saw to it that the best care and skill
available was rendered this young hero, who had slashed the first rift in the clouds of despair that
had well nigh enveloped the American forces, and brought the first. ray of hope into the dejected
hearts of his men, but these services were all in vain, and Ford's heroic soul Journeyed on to that
undiscovered country, from whose borne no traveler returns,- while his body was tenderly
consigned to Mother Earth in the old Presbyterian churchyard, with military honors.
Washington was the guest of Theodosia Ford, Colonel Ford's widow, during his stay at Morristown
in 1779. He arrived on December 1st and was joined by Mrs. Washington on New Years Day.
Their hostesses hospitality, so generously offered, was sorely handicapped by the scarcity of food
and the inclemency of the season, it being one of the most severe winters ever experienced by
the inhabitants of Northern Jersey. The Ford home which is still standing and in good state of
repair has since become known the country over as "Washington's Headquarters at Morristown."
JEREMIAH BRUEN
Jeremiah Bruen was a direct descendant of Obadiah Bruen, who was closely associated with
Robert Treat in the settlement of Newark in 1666.
213
21
4
He was born in Newark in 1744, the son of Timothy Bruen and Phebe Ganfield Bruen, whose
home was located on what is now Clinton Avenue near Wright Street, close to the extreme
southern limits of the town proper at that time.
He was a carpenter by trade and enlisted in the patriotic forces early in the war, became captain
and then major of a regiment of artificers commanded by Colonel Baldwin, of Massachusetts. A
relic of his military career, his old camp chest, along with one that belonged to General
Washington, is to be seen in Washington's Headquarters at Morristown.
He was initiated in St. John's Lodge on October 21, 1765 and passed and raised on December
16, 1765. In the records of Baskingridge Lodge, No. 10, his name appears as one of a committee
to secure for publication a copy of the sermon preached before that Lodge at Morristown on
December 27, 1784.
Upon the re-establishment of St. John's Lodge in 1787. he was one of the four members who had
belonged to the earlier body. He served as Junior Warden in 1787 and 1788 and as Senior
Warden from 1789 through 1791. His membership appears to have terminated about 1797. He
died in Newark on January 9, 1809 and was laid to rest in the family plot in the old Presbyterian
churchyard.
We learn from the newspapers of the day that he was "a true and active patriot throughout the
Revolutionary War, and his character was that of a good citizen, a tender husband and an
affectionate father."
JABEZ CAMPFIELD
Jabez Campfield was born in .Newark on December 24, 1737, graduated from Princeton College
in 1759 and got his M. A. degree in 1762. He studied medicine with Dr. William Burnet and began
Ms career as a physician at Morristown, his home being located on Morris Street, corner of
Lombard Street, where Alexander Hamilton became a frequent visitor during his courtship of his
future wife, Betsy Schuyler.
He was appointed Surgeon of Colonel Oliver Spencer's regiment in the Fifth Battalion of the New
Jersey Line in the Continental Army on January 1, 1777, and was with it, during the expedition of
General Sullivan in Pennsylvania in 1779. An interesting diary kept by him of that period has been
preserved. He was transferred to the Second Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons on August
17, 1781, became Senior. Surgeon of the Hospital Department of the Continental army and was
honorably discharged November 3, 1783, when his services were no longer required in the army.
He resumed his practice in Morristown and was chosen first Surrogate of Morris County in 1784,
which office he held for twenty years. He was one of the incorporators of the New Jersey Medical
Society in 1791.
In 1765 he married Sarah Ward of Newark. He was raised in St. John's Lodge on December 16th
of the same year. He was one of three members from St. John's who Joined in the celebration at
Morristown on December 27, 1779. He died there on May 21, 1821, and was buried in the
Presbyterian churchyard.
JAMES H. MAXWELL
214
21
5
James Homer Maxwell was a son of William Maxwell, Esq., merchant of New York City. He
married Catherine Van Zandt of Newark. Being one of those mentioned as "an old ma- ._. son" in
our records, we may presume that he had been made a Mason in New York before taking up his
residence in Newark. He affiliated with St. John's Lodge NO. 2, on March 1, 1787. He held the
office of Senior Warden during 1787 and 1788 and was elected Worshipful Master for 1789 and
1790. He resigned, as Master on April 14, 1790 and was succeeded in the chair by John N.
Cumming. The last time his name appears in the minutes as a member was on February 9, 1791.
On June 13, 1792, he is recorded as a visitor, having evidently returned to New York, probably to
carry on his father's business, the elder Maxwell having died early that year. The next we hear of
Brother Maxwell is that he is a merchant in New York.
JOHN NOBLE CUMMING
John Noble Cumming, the first Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey,
was of Scottish descent; His grandfather. John Gamming, was a lawyer of repute in Montrose,
Scotland, where his son Robert was born. in 1701. Robert came to New Jersey when he was
about eighteen and lived in Newark about two years. He then moved to Freehold where he made
his permanent home. He was very active in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of Freehold.
Robert married twice, his second wife, whom he married on January 8, 1746, was Mary, daughter
of Cof Bristol, England, who came to New York in 1717.
John N. Cumming was baptized "at a catechizing" on February 5, 1752, by his step-grandfather,
Rev. William Tennent. He graduated from Princeton in 1774- and on November 25, 1775, he
entered the patriotic forces in his country's defense as first lieutenant of Capt. Howell's Company,
Second Battalion, First Establishment, gradually rising in rank until he became Lieutenant-Colonel,
Commandant of the Third Regiment, New Jersey Continental Line on February 11, 1783.
He won the confidence of General Washington and fought under General Lafayette, whom he
held in the highest esteem, and of whom his son, Rev. Hooper Cumming, in later days said, "I
have been taught from my cradle to revere him, and the maturity of reflection, and soberness of
realities, have confirmed and rendered indelible those first impressions of Lafayette."
Colonel Cumming was honorably-discharged at the close of the war and later became General of
the. State Militia. He took up his residence in Newark at the corner of Broad and Lombardy
Streets, and became prominently identified with the religious, political and business activities of
the town. He established and maintained for many years a successful stage coach line between
New York and Philadelphia and held the contract for transportation of the mail. In all the important
local developments along financial, industrial or transportation lines he was a leading spirit.
He was a director In the Society of Useful Manufacturers of Paterson, so closely associated with
the name of Brother. Alexander Hamilton, and he built the first raceway in that city. He was active
in the incorporation and promotion of the Aqueduct, Bridge, Ferry and Turnpike companies, and
one of the incorporates in 1804 of the Newark Banking and Insurance Company, the first of its
kind in New Jersey, and was President of it from 1815 until 1820. In 1807 his name appears in
the city records as Moderator (Mayor) of the Town Meeting and also as Judge of Elections.
For many years he was trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of which his brother-in-law, Rev.
Alexander MacWhorter, was pastor. He also helped to organize the Second Presbyterian Church
and became one of its trustees. He married Sarah, daughter of Justice Joseph Heddenof Newark,
215
21
6
whose barbarous treatment at the hands of the enemy was one of the saddest events in the
history of the Revolutionary War.
Colonel Cumming was initiated on August 21, 1779, in Military Lodge, No. 19, of Pennsylvania,
while serving under General Sullivan in the Indian campaign of that year.
He and Moses Ogden were the only Masons from Newark present at the institution of the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey, when he. was installed as Grand Secretary and Brother Ogden at
the same time received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge for the reinstitution of Gt. John's
Lodge as No. 2 under the Jurisdiction of tae Grand Lodge.
After serving two years as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, he was appointed Senior Grand
Warden, an office he held until January 1791, when he resigned, owing to the inconvenience to
him of attending the Grand Lodge meetings regularly at Trenton. He was present occasionally
however, and on January 6, 1794-> was elected Deputy Grand Master. On January 12, 1796, he
was elected to the high and exalted station of Most Worshipful Grand Master, in which office he
continued to serve the Fraternity at large with earnestness and zeal for three years.
He pro temmed as Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge for most of the meetings during 1790
following the resignation of James H. Maxwell and was elected Master for 1791 and 1792 and
from 1800 to 1802 inclusive.
He died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy on July 5, 1821,' in the 70th year of his age. He was
buried in the family vault in the rear of the First Presbyterian Church, his body being conveyed
there by members of the Society of the Cincinnati of which he was a prominent member and
officer. By his death the city lost one of its leading citizens.
The Grand Lodge registered its sympathy for the bereaved wife .and family in a resolution in
which they expressed "their highest respect and consideration for the virtue and character of the
deceased Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, General John Noble Cumming, as a citizen, as a
patriot, and as a member of the Fraternity." As an evidence of their respect and sorrow the
members of St. John's Lodge wore a mourning band for thirty days and a special memorial service
was held on Saturday afternoon, July 28, 1821, in the Trinity Episcopal Church, to which the
brethren of the various Masonic organizations in the city and neighborhood proceeded in orderly
procession and listened to an appropriate Eulogies by Brother Rev. Mr. Pitts of Elizabethtown.
Dr. WILLIAM BURNET, Jr.
The first Secretary of St. John's Lodge No. 2 was Dr. William Burnet, Jr., son of Dr. William Burnet
, the well known patriot and member of Washington's official family. He was the second person to
be initiated into the resuscitated Lodge, being entered on March 15th, passed on April 5th and
raised on May 13th, 1787. He was elected Secretary of the Lodge, which office he held for the
balance of that year and the year following. He held the office of Junior Warden for 1789 and was
elected Senior Warden for 1790. His name disappears "from the minutes after January 20, 1790
and does not appear again until July 13, 1791, Brother Jeremiah Bruen having been elected to fill
Ms place as Senior Warden.
The absence of his name from the town records during that same period confirms the thought that
it was he and not his father that went out to Ohio. This is still further confirmed by an entry In the
local court records of January 1790, where it is noted that a writ made out in his name was "not
216
21
7
served for want of time." We find from a letter written by Brother Judge J. C. Symmes from
Cincinnati on May 26, 1791, that Dr. Burnet was then "in a boat and impatient to sail" on his return
to Newark. Immediately following his return we find an application for membership in the Society
of the Cincinnati' was presented by him and favorably acted upon on July 4, 1791.
He attended the session of the Grand Lodge at Trenton on September 9th and presented "a
petition from General Arthur St. Clair, General Harmer and others from Cincinnati, Hamilton
County, Territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio, praying that a warrant to hold
a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons may be issued to Brothers William Burnet, Master; John
Ludlow (a Morris County man), Senior Warden; and Dr. Calvin Morrell, Junior Warden."
This petition was unanimously granted, Dr. Burnet personally paying into the hands of the Grand
Treasurer, the sum of ten pounds for the same. He was present at a meeting of St. John's Lodge
on September 14th and 18th. His father died on October 7th and on October 12th his name
appears in the minutes as a Past Master, while acting as Master pro tern, in the absence of the
Master, at which time he gave the lecture pertaining to the First Degree. From that time on his
name appears with the initials P. M. attached, which would seem to indicate that he had
relinquished the office of' Master of Nova Caeserea Lodge No. 10, of Cincinnati. It also suggests
that he had in all likelihood been elected Master of that Lodge and presided over its early activities
as such before coming east to secure a warrant for it. He had recently lost by death not only his
father, but also his stepmother on May 4, 1791, of which he did not learn until his return. They
had left three young children parentless and he no doubt felt it necessary for him to remain at
home, for some time at least, until these were properly taken care of. Another factor was the
greatly disturbed condition that had developed in the Ohio territory after his departure which
resulted in the terrible slaughter of General St. Clair's forces in November, 1791, by the Indians.
Whatever the reasons were though, he finally decided to remain at home and resumed his
practice. Like his father he had been a surgeon in the Continental Army.
He was reelected Senior Warden of St. John's Lodge in 1792 and Master for the three succeeding
years. He took an active interest in the erection and equipment of the new Lodge in the Academy
building and upon its dedication on June 16, 1795, delivered the oration as Worshipful Master. He
lived for some time on the site now occupied by Aronson's Art Metal Works, on the corner of
McCarter Highway and Centre Street, overlooking the Passaic River. He later moved to Belleville
where he died on September 8, 1799 at the early age of forty-five.
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
The first Treasurer of St. John's Lodge No. 2, Captain Samuel Huntington, was a great-grandson
of Thomas Huntington, one of the pioneer settlers who came from Branford, Conn., in 1666, to
establish "Our town upon the Passaic River", and Jointly agreed "to carry on their spiritual
concerns as well as their civic and town affairs, according to God and a Godly government." His
grandfather, Samuel Huntington, owned a half acre of .the ground fronting on Market Street,
where Bamberger' s Department Store now stands.
He was born in Newark in 1738. His home was located on the east side of Broad Street opposite
Eighth Avenue. He is mentioned as "a man of public spirit and of manly and generous New
Jersey impulse." He was a captain in the Essex County Militia during the war and a cooper by
trade. His name appears frequently among those appointed to public office in the town
government. He is spoken of as "Colonel" and as "an old Mason" in the Lodge records. He
affiliated with St. John's on March 1, 1787. Where he received his degrees is not known. He
217
21
8
resigned from the Lodge on January 28, 1789 and died on March 16, 1818. He was buried in a
plot adjoining that of General John N. Cumming in the Old First Church graveyard, where a stone
marks the spot.
JOHN GIFFORD
John Gifford had the honor of being the first initiated into St. John's Lodge No. 2. He was born in
Wales and was a blacksmith by trade. His name appears for the first time on the records of New
Jersey as a private in Captain Graig's company of state troops during the Revolution. He became
a captain of a military school in Newark in 1798. He was a brother of Archer Gifford, also a
member of St. John's Lodge, who was the proprietor of the well-known tavern at the northeast
corner of Broad and Market Streets, where the Lodge met for several years. John Gifford was
Secretary of the Lodge in 1789 and Junior Warden in 1791, when his brother, .Archer, became a
member. After the war (John built a house on what is now the southwest, corner of Broad and
Academy Streets. In April, 1779, he married Hannah, the second daughter of Joseph Crane, who
was the great-grandson of Jasper Crane, one of the original settlers Joseph Crane was town
constable in 1778 and from Branford. This may be the same Joseph Crane who was initiated into
St. John's Lodge .in 1792. John Gifford died in 1821. His daughter Sarah, married Benjamin
Whittaker, a member of St. John's Lodge
MATTHIAS B. HIGGINS
Matthias B. Higgins proved a valuable acquisition to the Lodge, served frequently as Secretary pro
tern, during 1790 and on December 22, 1790 was. elected Treasurer, which office he held for
three years. He was elected Secretary for the years 1795, 1799, 1800 and 1301, but resigned in
April of the latter year on account of moving to New York.
A coach painter by trade, he carried on an extensive local and export trade in coaches and
general painting and decorating supplies, his store being close by Gifford's Tavern. In- 1792 he
announced the establishment a' drawing school where young ladies and gentlemen of the town
might obtain instruction in the art. He donated the complete altar for the new Lodge-room in 1795,
and as Secretary took an active part in the arrangements for the first commemoration of George
Washington's death, on the anniversary of his birthday, February 22, 1800, when an ode
composed by him for the occasion was chanted by twelve singers secured for the purpose to the
tune of "Roslyn Castle", "with such effect that tears flowed from the eyes of every age and sex
present."
This is a contribution that deserves to go on record in our history, as an indication of the love and
esteem in which our illustrious brother was held by his contemporary brethren:
“Ode to Washington”
Genius of Masonry lament
Your shining Light;' his rays are spent,
Your Pride is gone, your Glory's fled,
Your Patron's numbered with the dead.
Ye brother's of the mystic tie
218
21
9
This day to mourning turn your joy,
For see enshrined your brother lies,
Ever; forever closed, his eyes.
For him his country vents her woe,
For him the orphan's tears now flow,
For him the .widows sighs arise,
In grateful incense to the skies.
Them Masons mourn; in solemn strains,
His dear loved name alone remains,
All hope in him from hence give o'er,
Your Friend: your Brother; is no more.
To dress his grave then let us bring,
The richest odors of the spring,
And all with solemn rites prepare,
And plant the fragrant Cassia there.
And when 'tis done return each year,
To wet it with a grateful tear;
Then shall it thrive through time to come,
And flourish in immortal bloom.
Brother Higgins died on St. John the Baptist's Day, 1805, and the Lodge erected a memorial to
him in the graveyard of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, with the following inscription
thereon:
"This monument is erected by St. John's Lodge No. 2 of Free and Accepted Masons of Newark,
as an honorable testimony of .respect for the memory of their deceased brother Matthias B.
Higgins, who departed this life June 24th 1805, aged 49 years."
The inscription is badly eroded and in places scarcely decipherable. Brother McGregor made the
recommendation some years ago that "as it is the only existing memorial bearing the name of St.
John's Lodge No. 2, it deserves the attention of the brethren of No. I, by having it recut it is entirely
effaced." There is no record that this suggestion was ever acted on, but it is still worthy of
consideration, providing that the stone has net completely disintegrated or destroyed by vandals.
JOHN STEVENS DARCY
General John Stevens Darcy was the son of Dr. John Darcy and was born in Morristown on
February 24, 1788. He was at one time U. S. Marshall and was the first president of the New
Jersey Railroad and Transportation Company, which was the first railroad to enter Newark. He
affiliated with St. John's Lodge as a Past Master on May 28, 1851. He served in the Grand Lodge
as Deputy Grand Secretary from 1819 to 1821, Junior Grand Warden from 1822 to 1823, Deputy
Grand Master from 1824 to 1825 and as Grand Master from 1826 to 1827 (a term of two years).
THOMAS TALMAGE KINNEY
Thomas T. Kinney was a grandson of Thomas Kinney one of the early members of our Lodge.
His father Abraham Kinney married Hannah, the sister of Dr. William Burnet, Jr. Thomas T.
219
22
0
Kinney was born January 28, 1785 and became surrogate of Essex County and a member of the
House of Representatives. He was highly respected and admired by his fellow citizens for his
sterling worth and virility, being "the idol of the young Americans of the day," and would' no doubt
have been the recipient of still higher honors had he lived, but unfortunately his career was cut
short, as he died on January 1, 1826. He was raised in St. John's Lodge on March 24, 1813. He
was elected Worshipful Master for the years 1814 and 1815 without ever having served as a
Warden.
WILLIAM BURNET KINNEY
William Burnet Kinney, the brother of Thomas T. Kin-He served with his father in the War of 1812.
he, was born on September 4, 1799•/ With a military career in view, his father sent him to West
Point Military Academy, but his tastes were not In that direction, so he returned to Newark and
took up the study of law in his brother James' office, and later in that of his cousin, the Honorable
Joseph G. Horn-blower, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He afterwards turned his attention to
literary pursuits and, in 1821, became editor of the Newark Eagle. and later took over the
management of the Daily Advertiser of Newark, then the only daily newspaper in New Jersey. A
short history of Newark prepared by him, appears as a preface to the first Newark City Directory,.
published in 1835 and printed by the Daily Advertiser.
He became prominently Identified with every movement for the promotion of the general education
and uplift of the common people by devoting his energy and ability toward the introduction and
development of the free public school system in the city of Newark. He Joined in the
establishment of the Newark Library Association, the forerunner of the present Free Public
Library. He was one of the organizers of the New Jersey Historical Society in 1845 and a vicepresident of It from 1872 to 1876. He had also to do with the establishment of the Mercantile
Library of New York and the American Lyceum of Newark,
In 1851 he was appointed United States Minister to Sardinia, where he served with distinguished
ability and remained in Europe until the close of the Civil War.. Upon his return he was chosen to
give the oration at the 200th anniversary of the founding of Newark. In 1822 he gave the memorial
address at the commemoration of Washington's birth-day and "being a ripe scholar and an
excellent speaker, the address elicited much applause," as recorded In our minutes. He was
raised November 28, 1821. He died October 21, 1880.
220