THE FIRST 100 YEARS
OF
SACRAMENTO LODGE No.40
Page 35-44
NOTES OF INTEREST
NOTES OF INTEREST
The first installation of the officers of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 was held
Friday evening, May 26, 1854. Past Grand Master Townsend A. THOMAS was the
installing officer. At this meeting, our Lodge recommended that dispensation
from the Grand Lodge be issued to form two new Lodges: one to be called Volcano
Lodge at Volcano, Calaveras County, and the other, Union Lodge at Sacramento.
On December 7, 1855, a resolution was unanimously adopted suggesting that the
Grand Lodge of California should be permanently located in the City of Sacramento.
On November 7, 1856, one hundred copies of the printed Masonic Burial Service,
arranged by the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, Alexander G. ABELL, were
ordered for the use of our Lodge. On the same date Brother W. F. KNOX was
appointed to serve as our representative on the committee for selecting the
location and supervising the erection of the proposed new Masonic Hall.
On June 12, 1857, its first Masonic trial was conducted by our Lodge. The
charge was "conduct unbecoming a Mason." The accused Brother was
found not guilty.
From about July, 1857, to about April, 1882, the Secretaries of our Lodge kept
a "Black Book" in which were inscribed the names of all men within the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California, who had been rejected for membership
in the subordinate Lodges, suspended, or expelled, together with the dates of
the action taken. In the event that a member was reinstated, the date of the
restoration was shown. Information for this record was supplied by the Grand
Lodge. This custom, however, was gradually discontinued as it became too much
of a burden upon the secretaries, but it was not until 1891 that the Grand
finally dispensed with the ruling, although it continued for a while to provide
the subordinate Lodges with circulars containing the names of those who had
been rejected, suspended, or expelled. The Lodges are no longer required to
keep a file on the subject.
On December 4, 1857, it was decided that the Lodge would not vote for more than
one degree at a time to any candidate. It was also determined that the
Secretary, heretofore unpaid, should receive an annual salary of $75.00 and 5
per cent of all collections for the faithful discharge of his duties but not
until he discharged the duties to the satisfaction of the finance committee.
The salary was to be paid in quarterly installments of $18.75.
On December 2, 1859, our Lodge recommended that the Grand Lodge grant a
dispensation to open a new Lodge at Franklin, in the county of Sacramento.
Page 36
THE W. F. KNOX JEWEL
Immediately following the joint installation ceremonies of the
Sacramento Lodges by the Most Worshipful N. Greene CURTIS, Grand Master of
Masons of California on December 27, 1860. Brother W. H. HILL on behalf
of the members of Sacramento Lodge No. 40, presented
Brother W. F. KNOX, the retiring Worshipful Master with a beautiful Past
Master's jewel as a token of the respect and in appreciation of his services as
Worshipful Master of our Lodge during the years 1857 to 1860 inclusive. The
jewel made of pure gold, is now a treasured possession of our Lodge, it having been
presented to us by the relatives of Brother Knox after his passing. The diamond
which was originally set in the jewel was retained by the family. It has been
replaced by a beautiful moonstone.
THE LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE OF THE STATE
CAPITOL
During the Twelfth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California held
in Sacramento City on Wednesday afternoon, May 15, 1861, the Most Worshipful Grand
Master, N. Greene CURTIS, assisted by the Deputy Grand Master and the Grand
Wardens laid the cornerstone of the State Capitol. After the ceremony, the
Grand Lodge officers returned to the Masonic Hall and the Grand Master, in
behalf of the fraternity of the City of Sacramento, invited all of its officers
and members to partake of a banquet to be given in the Pavilion of the State
Agricultural Society, located at the N. E. corner of 6th and M Streets, at 7:30
o'clock that evening. The members of the banquet committee were W. F. KNOX
(Sacramento Lodge No. 40), J. H. CULVER (Tehama Lodge No. 3), Richard DALE
(Union Lodge No. 58) and John WHITELAW (Concord Lodge No. 117). The report of
the Banquet Committee indicated that $1,694.00 had been raised by subscription
of which amount $100.00 had been contributed by the State of California. The
cost of the Banquet was $1,523.00, leaving a balance of $170.24.
It is interesting to note that after the State Capitol was enlarged in 1952,
some difficulty was experienced in locating the cornerstone, and it was not
until communicating with the Grand Lodge that it was finally located.
On
July 1, 1864, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 recommended to the Grand Master, the
granting of a dispensation to form a new lodge at Elk Grove, Sacramento County.
On May 7, 1869, a committee was appointed to act with committees from the other
Sacramento Lodges to purchase 5 acres of land adjoining the City Cemetery for a
Masonic burial plot.
On April 29, 1870, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 agreed to contribute the same as the
other lodges to defray the expense of sprinkling 10th Street from N Street to
the City Cemetery.
On July 7, 1871, the salary of the Secretary was reduced to $75.00 per annum;
the 5 per cent on collections to be discontinued.
On May 2, 1873, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 was presented with a picture
representing King Solomon's Temple, by Bro. S. J. NATHAN "as token of his
esteem to this Lodge and its members."
The
Minute Book containing the minutes of the Lodge from December 4,1874 to April 6, 1888 is missing. It was presumably lost
while the records were being transferred from the Masonic Temple at 6th and K
streets to the present location.
On January 3, 1890, our representative to the Masonic Hall Association was
instructed to act favorably with the other delegates in the purchase of a new
pipe organ to be installed in the Masonic Hall.
On March 6, 1891, all other business being finished, the Worshipful Master
requested that all who were not members of this Lodge retire. Bro. R. B. HARMON
then arose and in appropriate words presented Sacramento Lodge No. 40 with a
check for $500.00 on behalf of Bro. Jefferson WILCOXSON who realized that his
time allotted upon this earth was fast drawing to a close. Bro. WILCOXSON who
was unable to be present expressed the wish that no publicity whatever be given
to the gift as it was intended for Sacramento Lodge only to know of its
existence.
On August 5, 1892, a communication was received from David Lubin,
President of the Historical Committee of the State Fair for 1892, requesting a
loan of curios, relics, pictures, historical documents, etc. for exhibition in
the historical section but he was informed that our Lodge was not in possession
of any articles which would be of interest to the committee.
On March 3, 1893, the Secretary's salary was raised to $100.00 per annum to
take effect July 1, 1893.
On
May 5, 1893, a contribution was made to Fall River Lodge No. 276 of Burgettville, Shasta County which requested assistance to
enable it to retain its Hall which it was liable to lose by a foreclosure of
the mortgage. According to the records of Grand Lodge, Fall River Lodge No. 270
failed to exist after Oct. 10, 1895.
On
April 1, 1898, a committee of three was appointed to draft suitable resolutions
expressive of the high appreciation of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 for the work
done by Detective FISHER and others in promptly arresting the assailants of our
Brother CROLY and placing them in "felon cells" and on May 6, 1898,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
"Whereas,
Brother E. J. CROLY, a respected and upright citizen of this community and a
member of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 F & A. M. on the night of March 21, 1898,
and in the sanctity of his own home, was assassinated (assailed) and almost
killed by ruffians and thugs, and
Whereas, by the energy, vigilance and fidelity to duty of the peace officers of
the City of Sacramento and particularly of Chief of Police Thomas DWYER and
officer Michael FISHER, the assailants of Mr. CROLY have been detected and
brought to speedy conviction and punishment, and
Whereas said officers above named have thereby earned and richly merit the
confidence and gratitude of all good citizens.
Therefore be it Resolved, that Sacramento Lodge No. 40 F. & A. M., heartily
commends and applauds the effective and creditable work of Chief of Police
DWYER and Officer FISHER in their excellent service in the arrest and
conviction of assailants of Mr. CROLY, and hereby extends to each of them its
sincere and grateful appreciation of their work and fidelity to duty, and
Be it further Resolved that these resolutions be
spread at large upon the minutes of the Lodge and that an engrossed copy
thereof be presented to each of said officers."
E. C. HOPKINS
W. D. KNIGHTS
JOSEPH W. HUGHES
Committee
On
April 7, 1899 a resolution was adopted expressing the wish, the other Blue
Lodges concurring, that the Masonic Hall Committee be authorized to purchase an
organ for the benefit of the five Blue Lodges, the price not to exceed
$500.00.
On May 5, 1899 it was ordered that 250 ballots, one third of which should be
cubes and two thirds balls he purchased and that the ballot box used by the
Lodge be suitably lined with a soft cushion.
On June 2, 1899 it was ordered that the Lodge purchase a set of working tools
at a cost not to exceed $100.00.
On January 5, 1900, a communication from Tehama Lodge No. 3 was received
extending a cordial invitation to all the members of Sacramento Lodge No. 40
together with their wives to attend its fiftieth anniversary.
On
February 2, 1900 announcement was made that Bro. Charles W. FRAZIER, Past
Master of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 had been appointed inspector of the 18th
Masonic District.
On May 30, 1903, the following resolution was introduced by Bro. I. B. GIFFEN,
and adopted---
"The
Order in this City has grown to such an extent as to render our hall inadequate
for its uses.
Be it resolved, That it is the sense of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 that the
trustees of the Masonic Hall Association be empowered and authorized to sell the
Masonic Temple and to arrange for a site and to build a modern Masonic Temple
suitable for the requirements of the Masonic bodies of this City."
On September 4, 1903, the Committee on the 50th Anniversary of our Lodge
recommended that the History of the Golden Jubilee be printed and together with
a souvenir of the same be placed in a copper box suitably engraved and the box
to be placed in the archives of the Lodge to be opened just before the
celebration of our 100th anniversary.
Notice was also given that the Grand Lodge would lay the cornerstone of the
Westminster Presbyterian Church (then located at the corner of 13th and K
streets) on Monday, Sept. 7, and it was ordered that we pay our proportion of
expense of a brass band for that occasion.
On
October 2, 1903, a communication was received from the Westminster Presbyterian
Church thanking the Lodge for our presence and assistance at the laying of the
cornerstone of its building on Sept. 7, 1903.
On April 5, 1907, Past Master, William Monroe PETRIE presented a photograph of
the original certificate of membership or diploma of Brother John Drake SLOAT,
Rear Admiral of the United States Navy, dated October 16, 1805. On the morning
of July 7, 1846 Brother SLOAT raised the flag of the United States at Monterey
and proclaimed California annexed to the United States.
On May 3, 1907, the offices and members of our Lodge were extended a cordial
invitation by Concord Lodge No. 117 to join with it in the celebration of its
50th anniversary on May 15, 1907.
A CRITICAL PERIOD IN THE HISTORY OF
SACRAMENTO LODGE NO. 40
Perhaps
the most critical period in the history of our Lodge extended from about the
middle of 1908 to early 1912 during which all petitions for the degrees were
denied by ballot and there was only one affiliation. This crisis was due, it is
believed to the stand taken by one or two members who were determined that no
petitions should be favorably acted upon.
In 1910, the membership was summoned to attend a special meeting at which every
effort was made to create harmony among the brethren. Speeches were made and a
committee appointed to bring about the desired effect, but apparently without
effect.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, on three separate occasions, at the request
of the Lodge, issued a special dispensation for the reballoting
upon the petition of a certain candidate who had been rejected, but it was not
until another petitioner had been received by ballot early in 1912, that the
candidate was subsequently elected to receive the degrees, and from thence on,
elections proceeded in a normal manner.
On August 2, 1912, our Lodge decided to set aside a sum, not to exceed $300 as
a nucleus for the establishment of a Masonic Library for the use of all members
of the fraternity and the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Temple Association
was authorized to establish such a library. A resolution was also adopted
creating the office of librarian who would cooperate with other librarians
appointed from other Lodges, members of the Masonic Temple Association, the
librarian to be appointed by the Worshipful Master and to hold office for one
year.
On
January 11, 1916 the first funeral was conducted by Sacramento Lodge No. 40
under the ruling of the Grand Lodge whereby it was no longer necessary that the
members meet at the Lodge rooms and open Lodge in due form and return to the
Lodge and close. It was made mandatory however that the Secretary must make a record
to show that the Brother was buried by the Lodge, giving a list of officers
present and the date of the funeral.
This was in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 164 amended at the 1914
annual communication of Grand Lodge. A letter from the Grand Master dated March
24, 1917 stated that when the funeral is held in the Lodge Room, the Lodge must
be formally opened.
On
February 16, 1917 there was a banquet and a presentation of a jewel to the
retiring Master, Allyn L. BURR, by the 25 men who had
been raised during the year 1916. An account of the evening was rendered by
Secretary Irvine as follows:
"The foregoing can hardly be considered as a part of the
records of this Lodge as it was not opened in
due form but I have
inscribed them here as a token of brotherly love to
the above named
Brethren for the pleasure given their guests and the thought also
Came to me that in the years to come perhaps when many of them
had
entered that "Temple not made with hands," some of their sons
or
even grandsons might be looking over the archives of good old
No. 40 this page would be
testimony that their ancestors were among
the
good fellows that contributed to the welfare and pleasure of their
brethren
and guests and helped swell the roll of 1916. I therefore
dedicate
this page to the class of 1916.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
R. C. IRVINE, Secretary"
Note:
The 25 men raised during the year 1916 were:
Henry Edwin MARVIN
Clarence Hugh MILLER
George Albert SPENCER
Paul Adrian BAUER
Lemuel Oscar LUMRY
Loucien Garton BRAYTON
Henry
"R" BROWN
George Collis HICKINGBOTHAM
Frank Veach MAYO
Edward Stratten JONES
Charles Henry MAUERHAN
Donald
Harvey ARMSTRONG
George Washington BARR
Hans Andreas DAAE
R
J CLARK
Leslie Thomas SHOWLER
John KOHLES
Franklin Addison MORAST
George John HENLE, Jr.
Benjamin Howard MARSH
Garrett Gillis DOTY
Gustav Henry WENDT
Arthur Matthew SCHROTH
Harry Andrew HAMILTON
Charles Leslie SWANTON
Of these 25 men Brothers MILLER, SPENCER, LUMRY, HENLE, HICKINGBOTHAM, BARR,
SCHROTH, and SWANTON are still members of Sacramento Lodge No. 40.
On September 6, a committee consisting of Bros. James B. GIFFEN, P.M., W. H.
RENWICK, W.M., R. C. IRVINE, Secretary, Frank TADE, P.M., H. H. STEPHENSON,
P.M., and F. F. ATKINSON was empowered to employ a stenographer and interview
the old Masons regarding the early history of California Masonry so that it
could be filed in the archives for future generations. So far as it can be
ascertained, this was never accomplished.
On
Sept. 3, 1920, a vote of thanks was extended to Bro. William DUPEN for a very
beautiful and useful "Low Twelve" gong which he had recently
presented to the Lodge and the Secretary was instructed to write him under the
seal of the Lodge thanking him for the gift.
On January 5, 1923, an emblematic perpetual calendar for the secretary's desk
was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Charles F. WRIGHT.
On August 3, 1923, Bro. Fredd MOORE announced that he
was organizing a class to read to Bro. John REEVES who eyesight had failed. A
class large enough to supply a reader each night was desired. The Lodge was
closed out of respect for our Brother Warren G. HARDING, President of the
United States who had been called from labor the day before at 7:30 P.M. in San
Francisco.
On January 2, 1925 the formation of Provident Lodge in Sacramento was approved,
and we wished the original petitioners success.
On February 6, 1925 the formation of Three Pillars Lodge in Sacramento was
approved and we wished the original petitioners success.
On Nov. 5, 1926 a request was received from Bro. R. R. CARRYL, a member of
Courtland Lodge No. 1034, New York, asking the location of ground where he
could pan out $5.00 per day in gold.
On
Sept. 3, 1937, a special committee was appointed to compile biographies of our
fifty-year brethren and also of any other members whose biographies would be of
interest to the Lodge, a copy to be sent to Grand Lodge. Apparently this was
never done.
On February 3, 1939, the Secretary was authorized to procure whatever materials
he thought necessary to properly preserve certain historical data and records
which he had just located and which it was deemed proper to carefully protect
against destruction or loss. The Secretary was appointed a committee of one to
correlate, arrange and mount the data referred to above, he having the
authority to draw upon the membership for assistance in the preparation of such
records.
On April 7, 1939, Past Master Charles Madison SMITH reported completion of the
steps taken to preserve the records of the Lodge and it was the pleasure of the
membership that it be one of the important duties of the Secretary of this
Lodge to continue each year the records of this Lodge as brought up to date by
our Secretary and to take such steps as may be necessary to carefully preserve
these records.
On May 7, 1939, Secretary SMITH reported that the 19 volumes of the Proceedings
of the Grand Lodge of California missing from the files of the State Library
had been supplied by the office of the Grand Secretary; that the Proceedings
from 1850 to 1938 were now available and that other volumes would be added as
they were published.
At
this meeting it was decided that it shall be required of each Master of
Sacramento Lodge No. 40 as soon as practicable after his installation to have
his photograph taken in the clothing and regalia of his official position and
that the Lodge shall defray the expense of securing one copy of such photograph
in order that it may be included in the book of History and Past Masters of our
Lodge, the photograph to be mounted with the original papers executed by such
Master at the time of his having either received his degrees in this Lodge or
affiliating with us.
On June 2, 1939, the Secretary was authorized to prepare
and to mail biography blanks to the entire membership of our Lodge and to arrange
the biographies received in a suitable binder.
On July 7, 1939, a committee was appointed to purchase a safe to be used, in
addition to the one the Lodge then owned, for the preservation of our records.
On December 22, 1939, the officers for the ensuing Masonic year were installed
at an open public ceremony for the first time in the history of Sacramento
Lodge No. 40.
On October 2, 1942 the Worshipful Master announced that the estate of our late
brother William Domer Shonefelt,
having been settled, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 received a one-eighth interest
therein or a net sum of $2,025.25
On Nov. 6, 1942, a roll of honor of those members who served in World War II
was prepared and presented to Sacramento Lodge No. 40 by Bro. John W. McPARTLAND.
On
July 5, 1946, a letter dated June 1, 1946 was received from the M.W. Grand
Master Arthur W. BROUILLET appealing for funds to restore the building of
old Yolo Lodge No. 81 F. & A.M. Yolo, California which building was
recently completely destroyed by fire.
On Aug. 2, 1946, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 donated $500 to Yolo Lodge No. 81 to
assist it in rebuilding the Masonic Temple in Yolo which was recently destroyed
by
fire.
On July 11, 1947 Sacramento Lodge participated with other Sacramento Lodges in
supplying replacement jewels for the officers of Yolo Lodge No.81, the original
jewels having been destroyed by fire. It is interesting to note that Isaac
DAVIS, an original petitioner of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 was one of the
founders of Yolo Lodge No. 81 which received its dispensation Jan. 24, 1855 and
its charter on May 3, 1856. He was made an honorary member of that Lodge. He
withdrew from Yolo Lodge No. 81 in 1863.
On July 11, 1947, Secretary Charles Madison SMITH, P.M., received a vote
of thanks from the Lodge for having the By-laws Book reconstructed and for
research work performed over and above the regular duties of his office.
On March 5, 1948, W. M. Volney SCOTT tendered both
his personal thanks and those of our Lodge to Bro. Frank MILLER for three
beautiful gavels which he presented to Sacramento Lodge No. 40. The gavels are
made from splendid specimens of lignum vitae and the handiwork is exceedingly
beautiful.
On September 3, 1948, a committee was appointed to endeavor to locate our
missing minute book covering the period from December 4, 1874, to April 6,
1888. In spite of the exhaustive search made for this minute book it has not
been located.
On October 1, 1948, Sacramento Lodge No. 40 agreed to participate with the
other local Lodges on a pro-rata basis in the supplying to Georgetown Lodge No.
25, Georgetown, California, Masonic jewels to replace those recently lost in
the disastrous fire which destroyed nearly all the Lodge effects.
On August 4, 1950, W. M. Alfred Merrill FISHER read a letter of resignation
from the office of Secretary effective 12:01 o'clock A.M., Friday, Sept. 1,
1950, of Charles Madison SMITH, Past Master, due to ill health and Bro. Harry
Murdock BAKER, Past Master, was appointed to fill the position.
On Sept. 1, 1950, a presentation from the officers and Past Masters of
Sacramento Lodge was made by Past Master Walter STODDARD to our beloved
outgoing Secretary, Charles Madison SMITH, and his loving wife, Mabel, although
the latter was not present except in spirit. Brother SMITH was presented with a
nice table model radio and also a beautiful table lamp for Mrs. SMITH who had
been such a pillar of strength and assistance to Brother SMITH and who had
rendered unseen service to our Lodge for many years.
On May 2, 1952, biographical sketches of Past Grand Masters James Lawrence
ENGLISH and Edmund Clement ATKINSON, which had been prepared by Past Master
Walter E. STODDARD were incorporated in the minutes of
our Lodge. These biographies had been previously read by Worshipful Master
Eugene HUSTON at a service held at the Sacramento City Cemetery April 5, 1952,
when Grand Master Louis C. DRAPEAU paid tribute to the deceased Past Grand
Master of this area.
On May 9, 1952, the ritualistic work of Bethel No. 159 of the International
Order of Job's Daughters was exemplified before the members of Sacramento Lodge
No. 40. Miss Patricia LUSK, Honored Queen of this Bethel is the daughter of
Hilton E. LUSK, Past Master of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 and Associate Guardian
of the Bethel.
On
October 23, 1952, the marble cornerstone of the annex to the Public Works
Building of the State of California at 12th and O Streets, Sacramento, was laid
by Chester H. WARLOW, member of the California Highway Commission and Past
Grand Master of Masons in California. The working tools of the craft were
supplied by Sacramento Lodge No. 40.
On March 9, 1953, the Executive Committee of the Centennial Celebration of
Sacramento Lodge No. 40 met at the home of Junior Warden John VINING. Those
present were Boyd COLLIER, Worshipful Master; Forrest Robinson, Senior Warden;
John VINING, Junior Warden; Past Masters Nathan GARTNER, Eugene HUSTON, and
Walter STODDARD and members Fred AUFORTH and John CLARK.
During the meeting, the copper box which was sealed and placed in the archives
of our Lodge on March 4, 1904, by the Committee on the Fiftieth Anniversary,
was opened. In the box were found the following:
(1) 1904 Roster of Sacramento Masonic Lodges.
(2) Souvenir Booklet of the 50th Anniversary.
(3) Pamphlet entitled "Golden Jubilee - Sacramento Lodge No. 40 F.
& A. M. 1853-1903."
It was the consensus among those present that these documents, together with
appropriate souvenirs of our Centennial celebration and other interesting
documents he deposited in a box to be opened immediately prior to the
celebration of our 150th anniversary.
© 2007 Sally Kaleta.