Subscribing for Stock in the Marietta Masonic Temple Company in 1900 began to receive serious consideration. The statement which follows on this subject, shows a remarkable hesitation on the part of the Lodge in affiliating with a very commendable movement, and which has long since demonstrated its merit. The subject of taking stock in the Marietta Masonic Temple Company was discussed at the session of March 12. The Secretary was directed to notify all members of the plan proposed, and a committee was appointed. On April 9 the committee on the subject of subscribing for stock made a report, which was read and ordered placed on file, and the committee discharged. From this time on until 1902 no action seems recorded.
On November 10, 1902, a motion was made that the Lodge subscribe for 100 shares of stock in the Marietta Masonic Temple Company. The motion was discussed and finally laid on the table until the next meeting. A committee of three, consisting of Brothers W. L. Kerns, E. B. Reeser and Joseph W. Sturgiss was appointed to examine into and report upon the advisability of the Lodge subscribing for stock. On December 8 the committee reported as follows:
"To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of American Union Lodge No. 1:
We the undersigned, your committee appointed at last regular meeting to inquire into the advisability of the Lodge taking stock in the Marietta Masonic Building Company, do respectfully recommend that the Lodge join the Masonic Building Company."
W. L. Kerns
E. B. Reeser
Joseph W. Sturgiss
The report of this committee was approved and adopted after considerable discussion, the vote being 26 for and 9 against. This action carried with it obligation to subscribe for $5000 to the Masonic Building Company. On January 13, 1903, an appropriation of $200 was made toward the stock purchase. Nothing further seems of record on this subject until May 7, 1906, when a representative of the Masonic Temple Company, made a statement, requesting American Union Lodge to pay its subscription, as the other Masonic Bodies had largely paid for what they subscribed. This resulted in the appointment of a committee to investigate and report on June 4. The committee did not report, and asked for further time, and on July 30 reported no recommendation, upon which the committee was discharged and a new one appointed. On October 1 the committee made a partial report, and was granted more time. The delays in the case seem most extraordinary. Not until March 16, 1908, was the matter again taken up, on which occasion the following resolution was offered by Brother Charles F. Hoist, Secretary of the Marietta Masonic Building Co.
"Resolved, That American Union Lodge No. 1 F. & A. M. subscribe for 96 shares of the capital stock of the Marietta Masonic Building Company, making its entire subscription $5000, including the present stock." On April 13 the subject was discussed after which it was laid over for a month. On May 11 the subject was again considered at length, after which vote was taken on the resolution, which resulted in 29 for and 30 against, upon which the Worshipful Master declared the motion lost.
On September 7, 1908, a hearty invitation
was extended the Lodge to attend the dedication of the Masonic
Temple on September 9th and 10th, and the desire was expressed
that all be present. The Worshipful Master appointed a committee
of Brothers Sturgiss, Schlitzer and Toler to consult a committee
of American Union Chapter regarding stock held by it, and report
on the terms with which the stock could be purchased by American
Union Lodge. On October 5 it was agreed to exchange the $250 in
stock held by them in the Masonic Building Association for $200
in stock held by the American Union Lodge in the Masonic Temple.
The Lodge ordered the Worshipful Master and Secretary to get transfers.
On November 2 the Secretary presented the
certificate for 25 shares in the American Union Building Association.
For the period of ten years from 1900 to 1909, no further progress
is recorded.
M. W. Grand Master E. L. Lybarger was invited to visit the Lodge at his convenience, in accordance with a motion adopted on June 11, 1900. On August 16 he visited the Lodge and was received with Grand Honors, being introduced by P. M. George T. Hovey. The Grand Master "delivered an appropriate address for the occasion.
The corner stone of the new Court House at Marietta, was laid by American Union Lodge on April 9, 1901, M. W. Grand Master Frank Harmon being in charge. Orations were delivered by Grand Orator J. H. Bromwell, and Brother S. J. Hathaway of Harmar Lodge No. 390 and H. L. Sibley of American Union Lodge.
An important gift of equipment to the Lodge was presented in a communication on April 29, 1901, from P. M.John Kaiser and P. M. J. C. Brenan, the Executor and Attorney of the estate of Bro. James W. Whiffing, deceased. Upon the settlement of the estate the fee of Brother Kaiser was $360, and of Bro. Brenan $50, as made by the Probate Court. This money they had used in purchasing some needed equipment, and now presented the same to the Lodge, which was as follows:
One illuminated glass sign; one illuminated letter G; one electric light dimmer; one set cherry candle sticks; one hour glass; one Low Twelve Bell, and one complete set of robes. On behalf of the Lodge, Bro. A. B. Scott returned thanks to Bros. Kaiser and Brenan for these fine gifts.
The death of Brother William McKinley, President of the United States, was announced on September 23, 1901. The Secretary was directed to devote a page of the Lodge records to his memory, emphasis being placed on his Masonic history. On October 21, in compliance with an order from Grand Master F. S. Harmon, Memorial services were held in commemoration of the life and death of our esteemed Brother Wm. McKinley. Addresses of spe cial interest were made by Bros. A. J. Hawk and Jewett Palmer, also remarks were made by other Brothers. The Lodge joined in singing Bro. McKinley's favorite hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee." On Feb.17 a communication was received from McKinley Lodge, Canton, requesting contribution for the McKinley monument. On motion a committee of three, consisting of J. H. Dye, J. W. Holden, L. E. McVay, was appointed to solicit contributions. The committee later reported collecting $25 which was sent to. Canton Lodge No. 60.
The protection of old records and papers of the Lodge was discussed, and on motion a committee was appointed to procure a suitable fire proof safe, the present one being too small. The committee consisted of Brothers C. F. Henry, W. L. Kerns and Jewett Palmer. On December 8 the committee reported that a suitable safe to preserve the papers of the Lodge could be procured for $200 and the safe company would take the old one as part pay, at $45, the balance being cash. The report of the committee was accepted, and they were authorized to make the purchase.
A Librarian for American Union Lodge was authorized on March 17, 1902, and the Worshipful Master was instructed to appoint the same. The Worshipful appointed Brother C. G. Menke.
A registry book for all visitors was made a matter of record by the Lodge on April 21, 1902, and arrangements were then made for securing a suitable book.
Special recognition of St. John the Baptist was made a feature of June 24, 1902. The Entered Apprentice degree was conferred, after which the Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and eatables were served. Following this agreeable feature, interesting remarks were made by Brothers Jewett Palmer, M. R. Andrews, S. H. Snider of Columbus No. 30, and S. J. Hathaway of Harmar No. 390.
The dedication of the Masonic Temple at Zanesville took place on June 24, 1903. A communication from Amity Lodge No. 5 invited the Lodge to be present at the dedication. On motion the same was accepted, the Lodge agreed to attend in a body, and a committee was appointed to arrange for the same. However, on later investigation it was learned that no satisfactory arrangements could be made with either railroad or boat, so the Secretary advised Amity Lodge that American Union could not secure transportation, hence would not be with them.
A letter regarding the capture and return of the Masonic Jewels of Unity Lodge No. 168 of 17th Regiment Foot Guards of British Army at Stony Point during the Revolutionary War, was presented to American Union Lodge on November 30, 1903, by P. M. George T. Hovey. The nature of this correspondence is given on pages 49-51, of Chapter 11 in the section detailing Revolutionary War days, to which the reader is referred.
A complimentary report on American Union Lodge was made by the Acting District Lecturer Brother E. S. Lee on April 25, 1904. After examining the records of the Lodge, and witnessing the conferring of the Master Mason degree, he stated that very few Lodges were to be found in better condition, or presented the work of conferring the degree in any more able manner.
The search for original Minutes of American Union Lodge that were known to exist without its possession, was a passion of Brother George T. Hovey, P. M. On May 23, 1904, he stated that information was given the Lodge that original minutes of this Lodge from its organization, were in the hands of a Masonic History Society, and that he had gathered some further particulars regarding them from W. J. Allen, a member of it. He was on motion authorized by the Lodge to open up a correspondence and endeavor to secure these minutes, or in event they could not be secured, to obtain a copy of them (by typewriter or otherwise). For this the Lodge would pay the necessary expense in procuring same. He was instructed to report his success to the Lodge at the next succeeding meeting.
June 27 Brother Hovey read several communications from New York regarding the old minutes now in possession of the Historical Society of Brooklyn, saying they would not part with them, but are having a duplicate copy of them prepared, and would send same in a few weeks. Also stating that the Charter granted American Union Lodge by Grand Lodge of the State of New York could not be found among these papers.
On motion a committee consisting of Brothers M. R. Andrews, M.D. Follett and J. M. White was appointed to secure from Marietta College the papers of this Lodge, now in their possession, and which of right belong to American Union Lodge, especially the Charter granted by the G. L. of New York in 1776.
Brother Hovey on August 22, 1904, reported he had corresponded with the Masonic Historical Society regarding securing the missing minutes of American Union Lodge which were in their possession, having been found in an old building by a Lodge in the upper part of the State. He reported he had at last secured a copy of these minutes, but had been unable to secure the original. He read extracts from them. This copy was then presented to the Lodge and deposited in the safe for keeping.
After some discussion Brother Hovey was appointed a special committee to proceed to New York and use his best endeavors to secure the original record of these minutes, but first to write and ascertain if the original is in the hands of the Grand Lodge of New York. On September 19, the Secretary stated that upon a visit to New York City during the past month, he had visited the Masonic Temple and while passing through the Historical Society's room, he had the pleasure of seeing and handling the old minutes of American Union Lodge (Military Union Lodge) relating the meetings held while located in the State of New York. This society declined to part with these records. Before leaving the Temple the Secretary called upon the Grand Secretary, Edward M. L. Eblus, and when the subject of the return of these records to American Union Lodge was broached, he stated, "that if the Grand Secretary J. H. Bromwell, would take up the matter and the Grand Lodge of Ohio would make the necessary request, no doubt the Grand Lodge of New York would order them returned to American Union Lodge No. 1 to whom they properly belonged."
The Secretary on February 13, 1905, was ordered to have copy of old minutes made, and to place $1000 of insurance on the Lodge building. On March 20 G. T. Hovey asked for a letter showing his appointment by Lodge to go to New York and secure old records and to have same endorsed by Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Secretary was ordered to prepare the necessary papers. April 17 the Secretary read a communication from Grand Secretary Bromwell saying he had written the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York asking that body to return to American Union Lodge the book of Revolutionary War records of that Lodge, now in the hands of the Historical Society of that Grand Body, and had enclosed the letter of the Secretary.
A motion was made and carried that the Lodge do not take any further action to send a duly credited representative of this Lodge to New York to attempt to secure the return of these records, until some report shall be had from Grand Secretary J. H. Bromwell, but that the necessary credentials be prepared to be used if necessity should require. On June 12 a communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York Was read declining the request of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
Display of the American Flag in the Lodge room was first suggested by M. W. Grand Master O. P. Sperra, who visited the Lodge on August 19, 1904. Brother Hovey delivered an address of welcome, to which the Grand Master made eloquent reply. Worshipful Master J. L. Barbour presented the Grand Master with a gavel made from wood from Mound Cemetery, for which he expressed his thanks to the Lodge. At this time he suggested display of the flag, and on September 19th a committee was appointed to purchase a flag.
Remitting dues of Life Membership was made a subject for consideration on November 6, 1905, by the following resolution:
Whereas, Our records show the names of a number of Brethren of this Lodge, who, faithful to every trust, of exemplary Masonic character, who have supported this Lodge and Fraternity during a continuous membership therein of 30 years or more, who still live to see and enjoy the prosperity of their chosen Fraternal Home, and
Whereas, We believe it well to show our appreciation of the devotion of such Brethren, thus encouraging others to emulate their example, and as Master Masons, binding us all in close bonds of Brotherly regard, be it therefore,
Resolved, That American Union Lodge No. 1 F. & A. M. from and after January 1, 1906, remit the annual dues of all Brothers in good standing on and after that date, who have held, or may hereafter hold, continuous membership in said Lodge for a period of 30 or more years, and that the Lodge does hereby authorize the Worshipful Master to issue and present to each of such Brethren a life certificate of membership in American Union Lodge No. 1 F. & A. M. On motion this resolution was laid on the table for one month.
Brother Gilbert P. Brown of Boston, Mass., was elected an Honorary Member on July 2, 1906. This was done on the recommendation of the Secretary of this Lodge.
An interesting Masonic visit to Boston was reported on July 2, 1906, by Brother Jewett Palmer, who visited the place where Waterman's Tavern stood, the birthplace of this Lodge. Also visited Washington Lodge of Rutland which remembered American Union Lodge so kindly upon its Centennial in 1876 by presenting working tools of gavel, and Warden's pillars, made from the famous "Warren Elm" of Boston. Bro. Palmer was presented with a beautiful bronze medal, as well as a volume of the History of Washington Lodge which he then presented to this Lodge. A vote of thanks was tendered Washington Lodge for its kindness to P. M. Jewett Palmer, and a committee consisting of Brothers Hovey and Dye, appointed to prepare the same, this being forwarded July 30.
The hour of assembly of this Lodge, by action on June 2, 1906, article II of the by-laws, was amended to read as follows: "The hour of assembling shall be 7:00 o'clock p. m. Central Standard time during the months of March to September inclusive, and 6:30 p. m. Central Standard time during the remainder of the year." The motion was laid over for a month,, and on July 30, the change was adopted.
A visit from Brother Charles Warren Fairbanks, Vice President of the United States.
At a Special Meeting at 9:30 a. m. on Friday, October 19, 1906, the Brethren of American Union Lodge No. 1, Harmar Lodge No. 390, and visiting Brethren to the number of 128, assembled for the purpose of extending a Masonic greeting to our distinguished Brother Charles Warren Fairbanks, of Oriental Lodge No. 500 F. & A. M. of Indiana, who also holds the exalted position of Vice President of the United States. His presence was due to his sojourn in Marietta in attendance upon the dedicatory exercises of the new buildings at Marietta College, and unveiling the bronze tablet erected at the College to the memory of the men who first settled in the Northwest Territory, and who laid the foundations for the five great States of the Northwest.
Shortly after the opening of the Lodge Brother Fairbanks was announced as in waiting, and after due examination, was introduced with suitable honors. After Brother Charles F. Holst, P. M., had welcomed him with a few brief remarks, he invited him to a seat in the East, and introduced to him Bro. George T. Hovey, the oldest Past Master of the Lodge, who extended a more formal welcome, which was as follows:
"Brother Fairbanks:
"The Brethren of American Union Lodge No. 1 feel highly honored and rejoice to have the opportunity of meeting you in this Sanctum Sanctorum of Free and Accepted Masons. We welcome you here as a worthy and noble Brother, a gentleman in whose fidelity the Fraternity and the people have the utmost confidence. We are proud to address you by the endearing and significant name of Brother, but we are more than proud to know you, honor you and welcome you as Vice President of the United States of America.
"The Lodge of which I have been given
the honor to say a few words on this occasion, was Chartered by
the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, February 15, 1776. It is older
than the government which bears her honored name. It has a history
that is not surpassed by any Lodge in this or any other country.
We claim for our ancestors a long line of illustrious, brave and
noble
Craftsmen, reaching far back in the dim twilight of past ages.
Born with the flag of the Stars and Stripes, and baptized with
the booming of Washington's cannon, she followed him who was first
in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,
in the greatest, grandest and most glorious victory ever achieved
by mortal man. Her clothing has been stained in blood; her members
have fought, bled and died for this glorious country, and by the
grace of God, she still lives and will live forever.
"Washington was pleased to visit this Lodge, dine at her banquets, and counsel with her members upon the grave and momentous business that was daily before him. After the Revolutionary War, the Ohio Company, composed mostly of Free Masons, including some of the original members and visitors of American Union Lodge, made the first settlement in Ohio at Marietta, and on June 28, 1790, American Union Lodge, by its Worshipful Master Jonathan Heart, and its original Charter, was convened in this then vast wilderness. At first the settlement was called Adelphia, which signifies Brethren. It was here that the Masonic gavel was first sounded in Ohio, and the mystic trowel wielded to the music of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Her members were foremost in the good work of that early day. They organized the first school, and furnished the first teacher, opened the first court, and furnished the first Judges, and organized the first church with our Worshipful Master, the Rev. Daniel Story its first pastor. Her members also organized the first bank in Ohio. All the gentlemen who petitioned to have the village incorporated as a town were members of American Union Lodge, one member donating the ground for the Court House, another member the ground for the jail.
"Lodge funds were liberally used for the church and the establishment of a town library, both of which are still in existence. The very air they breathed was scented at the Altar of Free Masonry. You cannot write the history of the first school, court or church in Ohio, without writing history of this Lodge. More than this you cannot write the history of Ohio or the history of this grand Nation without touching upon the history of American Union Lodge No. 1. Generals, Governors, Congressmen and Senators have been enrolled among her members. She engaged in the work that God gave it to do. Pillars may crumble and temples may fall, but her work is immortal, and her crown is the dome that is over all.
"My Brethren this is indeed a very interesting occasion for our Lodge and the visiting Brothers here assembled, to have as our guest the second officer of this grand nation, and on this historic ground we are pleased to welcome our distinguished Brother at all times, and when he departs from us, may the recollection of his visit be such that he can join with us all and say,
All hail to old No. 1, whose historic lore
Our fathers were justly proud for victory won,
We will always remember her wherever we roam
And breathe a prayer for the old Lodge at home.
When Brother Hovey discontinued speaking, the Vice President arose and thanked the Lodge for their kind reception and most heartily thanked Brother Hovey for his kind remarks. He said in part:
"I wish to thank you for your heartfelt and cordial welcome, and you Brother Hovey for your generous speech. I come here with feelings of gratitude and generous appreciation for your kindness. There is something in Free Masonry that is generous and gratifying to me, and indeed the history of this Lodge is an inspiration to all. As I understand, her garments were stained with blood in the Revolution, but never were they stained with dishonor. When we read the story of our national progress, it is gratifying to know that this great institution was back of the formation of the public schools, the church, and other humane and benevolent institutions. There is something about this Lodge that is an inspiration within itself. We know not when it was born, but we know why it was born. It was born in the spirit of Christianity and because it was necessary, and next to the church there is nothing so sweet in Christian influence as this great body of Free Masonry.
"I was glad to come to Marietta, but my gladness was increased when I received the kind invitation tendered by your committee to visit your venerable Lodge.
"Brothers, a great honor is yours to belong to an institution which takes its root far back in the ages of our history. We know its past, but we do not know its future. Who can measure its influence in the years to come?"
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Worshipful Master requested the Brethren to form in line and pass by the East, where each was given a greeting and warm hand shake by Brother Fairbanks. Following this ceremony, he withdrew in order to prepare for his departure from Marietta.
In his notes the Secretary says: AThis will be a most noted meeting in the history of this Lodge, and will be long treasured in the memory of all Brothers who were present."
Brother Fairbanks was unanimously elected an Honorary Member of American Union Lodge No. 1, on the night of October 29, and a committee of Brothers George T. Hovey, W. L. Kerns and John Kaiser, was appointed to notify him of his election.
Photostatic copies of the Charters, by action on August 27, 1906, were to be procured by the Worshipful Master and the original Charters in metal tubes, placed in the safe, a copy of each recent one being framed and displayed on the wall in the Lodge.
A Masonic Board of Charity was in contemplation in Marietta in August, 1906, and at a session of the Lodge on the 27th, on motion, the officers of this Lodge were ordered to cooperate with those of Harmar Lodge No. 390, and other Masonic Bodies in forming such a Masonic Board of Charity. By such an organization Charity work would be better administered by the Craft.
The Presentation of Past Master's Jewels was first given official
record at a session of the Lodge on August 27, 1906. On motion
it was then ordered that the Past Master's Jewels be procured
and presented to all Past Masters who have not already received
them, and a committee of three was appointed to procure these
Jewels. On October 1 the committee reported the jewels were obtained,
and the Worshipful Master stated that he would attend to the engraving
on them. Eleven were entitled to such jewels.
A special event of presenting Jewels to Past Masters who had not been so honored heretofore was noteworthy on October 29, 1906. Past Master J. C. Brenan presented each Past Master of the following list, with a beautiful Past Master's Jewel: George T. Hovey, James McClure, John Kaiser, John L. Barbour and James H. Dye. The following Past Masters were unable to be present and the Secretary was directed to forward the same to Z. D. Walter, D. R. Greene, Jewett Palmer, Alonzo B. Scott, Nahum W. Bergen, and H. W. Craig.
The following is the address of P. M. Bro. J. C. Brenan:
"Worshipful Master, and Brothers of American Union Lodge No. 1 F. & A. M.:
"By the authority of our Worshipful Master there has devolved upon me this evening the performance of a very pleasant duty. I have been delegated to act as the mouthpiece of this Body in an expression of gratitude to a number of its honored members, and to present each 6f them a token which no doubt will be received in the spirit it is offered, and appreciated as an indication of the esteem and admiration in which they are held by their fellows in this fraternity.
"A gentleman of this city once said to me: 'Don't bring me flowers when I am dead. If you have aught to say of me, that I would like to hear, say it now.' And it may be observed without contradiction that we are all too likely to defer expressions of regard until our friends have been called from labor to their eternal rest, and have passed through the pearly gates into that higher Lodge above; and then, when it is too late to bring them cheer, we decorate the memories of our departed comrades with garlands of reverence and praise.
"It is to prevent this frequent oversight that we are met here on this occasion. We believe that our living Brothers will appreciate far more the evidence of our esteem, than can be possible for the friends of those Brethren after their departure from this earthly life, when at best they will be to us but hallowed memories. And to certain of these Brothers we expect at this time to offer some physical evidence of our appreciation.
"We have with us in person this evening, five Brothers, and in spirit five others but unavoidably absent, each of whom has served this Lodge faithfully and well as its Worshipful Master, some for shorter periods, others for longer; and one of whom, whose name among the Craft at large is a synonym for Masonic knowledge, has given his time and counsel as the chief officer of this Lodge full fourteen years of his life. It is to them we now desire to show some mark of favor.
"As each of you, my Brothers, made your first appearance
in a Masonic Lodge, and were presented with a white lambskin apron,
to be worn as an emblem of innocence and the peculiar badge of
a Mason, more honorable than the Star and Garter or any other
order that could be bestowed on you at that or any future period,
by King, Prince, Potentate, or any other person except he be a
Mason; and when on that same occasion you were told it might
be that in the coming years upon your head might rest the laurel
leaves of victory, that pendant from your breast might hang Jewels
fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern Potentate, nay, more than
these, with Light added to the Light, your ambitious feet might
tread round after round the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic
Temple, until at last the purple of the fraternity should rest
upon your honorable shoulders, you perhaps little thought that
ever you should be selected by your newly found Brothers to preside
over their deliberations and to give of your counsel and wisdom.
"But your fidelity of purpose and unwavering interest in the welfare of the Order, brought their inevitable reward, and you each have been chosen and have served as Worshipful Master of this historic and highly honored Lodge; a Lodge which has been presided over by such men as Jonathan Heart, Rufus Putnam, and Return Jonathan Meigs; visited by Washington on the battle fields of the Revolution; and but a few days ago graced by the presence in the East of the Vice President of the United States, Brother Charles W. Fairbanks. A Lodge too, whose very name presaged the Declaration of Independence; whose Seal, with a chain of thirteen links representing the thirteen Continental States, was designed by Benjamin Franklin and executed by Paul Revere; and even whose Tyler's sword has come down to us from the Father of our Country, through the hands of the first Grand Master of Ohio, our revered Past Master Gen. Rufus Putnam.
"That you have acquitted yourselves as men and Masons, lived up to the high standards of your predecessors, and left warm memories in the hearts of your Brethren, is again evidenced this evening in the cause which at this time brings us together.
"I now take great pleasure, my Brothers, in presenting to you, as slight tokens of the regard in which you are held by the members of American Union Lodge, these several golden emblems of your past service. Take them with the congratulations of your Brethren, and with the assurance that their hearts are beating in unison with fond hopes for your future welfare.
"And as you were told the lamb skin apron was yours B yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be placed upon the coffin which should contain your earthly remains, and with them laid beneath the silent clods of the valley, so, I say to you, are these Jewels of beaten gold also yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be handed down from generation to generation, as a testimony of the honor and esteem in which you were held by your Brothers and fellows in Free Masonry."
Each member as he received his Jewel expressed his very sincere thanks in a few words for the beautiful Masonic Jewel and memento. Letters of appreciation were later received from the Brethren who were unable to be present and receive the Jewel on October 29th as did the others.
High water in Marietta necessitated the following notice:
Hall American Union Lodge No. 1 F.&A.M.
Monday evening, March 18, 1907.
''This being time set for annual inspection, no meeting was held owing to 'high water,' water being several feet deep on the street in front of the hall, and no Inspector being able to reach Marietta. J. W. Sturgiss, Secretary."
On February 17, 1908, a still more serious flood prevailed at Marietta. On this occasion the meeting of the Lodge was held with difficulty, the city being practically surrounded by water. Many of the Brothers wore rubber boots, water being four inches deep on the first floor of the Temple when Lodge opened, and by time of closing had raised to 12 inches, and those Brethren having on rubber boots were compelled to carry the less fortunate Brethren to dry ground. Some had to resort to skiffs to reach home. The flood reached a stage of 40 feet and 7 inches.
A proposal to increase Lodge fees was introduced July 22, 1907, in the following resolution, calling for a change in the by4aws. The motion was laid over until the next Stated Meeting:
"Resolved, That the first clause of Article 4 of the bylaws, Viz.: 'The fees for conferring of degrees in this Lodge shall be $30.00,' be amended to read as follows: 'The fees for conferring the degrees in this lodge shall by $45.00, to be paid as follows: $15.00 on applying for Entered Apprentice Degree, $15.00 for Fellow Craft, and $15.00 for Master Mason Degree.'
"Be it further resolved that said amendment to bylaws go into effect immediately upon the approval of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio." On August 19, the resolution was taken up, and after lengthy discussion, adopted 22 to 3. October 21 the Grand Secretary reported amendment approved by Grand Lodge.
The laying of the corner stone in the New Masonic Temple at Marietta was conducted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio on October 7, 1907, the building being on Front Street and facing the City Park and Muskingum river. The day' was beautiful, and all passed off pleasantly and harmoniously.
A request that the Lodge furnish a room at the Masonic Home was presented at its meeting on February 17, 1908. The matter was referred to a committee of the Master and Wardens and they decided to expend for this purpose $75. Many Lodges were showing a personal interest in the furnishing of rooms at the home, or contributing in some other direction for its welfare.
Expressions of appreciation for the services of Brothers Sturgiss and Wagner were features of the meeting on March 16, 1908. On this occasion Brother Charles A. Ward, P. M., in a few appropriate remarks, on behalf of the Lodge, presented a beautiful Masonic ring to Secretary Jos. W. Sturgiss in appreciation of his long, faithful and continuous service as Secretary; and a handsome chain and charm to Brother Theodore Wagner, retiring Treasurer, who had served for 16 years in that capacity. Each of these Brothers in a few remarks thanked the Lodge for these handsome gifts, as tokens of love and appreciation after long service.
Congratulations to American Union Lodge No. 1 from the Grand Master, were expressed as follows in a letter to Worshipful Master Robert B. Hanna, on January 31, 1908.
"I have the report of your District Lecturer on the condition of your Lodge, and the same is very gratifying. I cannot too highly commend the Brethren at Marietta for their zeal and fidelity. American Union Lodge No. 1 has long been an example worthy of imitation by the Masons of the State of Ohio. I wish to thank you, and through you the Brethren of your Lodge for the excellent condition of this oldest Lodge in Ohio.
Yours truly and fraternally,
George D. Copeland,
Grand Master."
Request for a donation toward a Monument in honor of Brother General George Washington was received from Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 of Virginia, and presented to the Lodge at its session on August 10, 1908. The matter was laid upon the table, but on September 7 the Lodge appropriated $10 for this purpose.
Special services in honor of the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, on December 27, 1908, were requested by the M. W. Grand Master of all Ohio Lodges, and the matter was presented to the Lodge on December 7. To this request the Lodge was pleased to comply. Services were held in the First Unitarian Church, the Lodge marching to the church in a body, where a sermon was preached by Rev. Brother E. Alfred Coil. There were 83 Brethren in the procession. On March 1, 1909, Brother Coil gave an interesting talk to the Lodge of a visit by him to Washington Lodge at Roxbury, Mass.
The use of electric lights at the Altar instead of the candles was favorably acted upon at a meeting on May 3, 1909, and provisions were discussed by which the wiring might be satisfactorily accomplished under the floor.
The repairs of the roof and wall above the roof of the Lodge referred to a committee for its execution; reported on May 31, 1909 that the work was completed.
The erection of a sign in front of the hall had been referred to a committee, who not being able to agree, requested on May 31 to be discharged, which was done. A new committee for the same purpose was appointed and requested to report at the next Stated Meeting. On September 27 the committee submitted several designs, which were referred back for further consideration. On April 18, 1910, the committee reported approval of light design No. 1. This report was received and the committee discharged.
The history of American Union Lodge came up for discussion at a meeting on June 28, 1909, and Brother George T. Hovey, P. M. gave a very interesting talk on that subject, and called attention to the establishment of the Lodge in Ohio 119 years ago. The preparation of a history of the Lodge was discussed, "but as usual with no action by the Lodge."
The first instance recorded of Past Masters
conducting degree work occurred on October 18, 1909. A very large
attendance was present. There were present seven Past Masters
of American Union Lodge, and six of other Lodges. There were also
present 57. members of American Union, 60 of Harmar No. 390, and
46 visitors from 23 other Lodges of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The meeting was a great success. The Secretary's record showed
168 Brethren present, and "the hall filled to utmost capacity
and work put on in excellent style." A quartette furnished
music, and Brother Walton H. Parker, P. M. delivered the Charge.
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