LODGE No. 274 F.8c A.M. QlorneU Unincraitg ffiibrarg FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030290104 Cornell University Library HS539.P54 H22 1903 Semi-centennial of Hamilton Lodge, no. 2 3 1924 030 290 104 oiln,anx Masonic Temple, Philadelphia #^mt-OI?nt?ttmal of 1053-1903 (Hersmattxes at Anntfatraarg, ©rtobfr 24, 1903 anil ffiotnplftp ffiist of iMfmbpraljip Qlnmptlfii bg Pllilaitflpliia, 1303 lEIwtfe mtxtns f attitltntt ffiobgr, No. 2Z4, A. ^. iffl. A, 1. 1853— A. Si. 5853 Worshipful Master JOHN L,. GODDARD. Senior Warden JOHN W. HORNER. Junior Warden CHARI^ES A. RUBICAM. Treasurer DON CARLOS EXOS. Secretary BENJAMIN HORNER. iElfrtfc Wftxcns ^nmMtatt Sin&gf. No, 2Z4, M. anb A. M. A, iB. 1903— A. 1. 5903 Worshipful Master ALLEN C. MIDDLETON. Senior Warden WILLIAM C. PINKERTON. Junior Warden BYARD E. PHILLIPS. Treasurer p. M. HARRY K. LEECH. Secretary p. M. WILLIAM SMILEY. r P. M. HENRY M. DECHERT. Trustees .; p. M. BENJAMIN EISEMAN. ( P. M. MICHAEL YOUNG. Representative to Grand Lodge P. M. BENJAMIN EISEMAN. 1353— i^aat iBaBtpra— 1903 D. John L. Goddard, 1853. D. John W. Homer, 1854. D. Charles A. Rubicam, 1855. D. William B. Goddard, 1S56. D. William T. Sears, 1857. D,. Samuel P. Pedrick, 1858. S. William Letford, 1859. Henry M. Dcchert, i860, D. George Rugan, Jr., 1861. D. John W. Pierson, 1862. D. Edwin Manley, 1863. R. Samuel Haworth, 1864. D. Edward Lyster, 1865. William Smiley, 1866. D. William S. Dilkes, 1867. D. Robert P. Dechert, 1868. D. Benjamin V. Sage, 1869. D. Samuel Bevan, 1870. Harry K. Eeech, 1871. D. Jonn W. Malone, 1872. D. Benjamin F. Bitner, 1873. Francis H. Good, 1874, Benj. Eiseman, 1875-1876. John A. Palmer, 1877. D. Philip G. McCollin, 1878. Michael Young, 1879. S. Levis P. Newlin, 1880. John Server, 1 88 1 . D. H. Kochersperger, 1882. James E. Ritchie, 1883. D. J. Thomas Cure, 1884. D. Samuel W. Rudolph, 1885. David A. Craig, 1886. Edgar S. Lougee, 1887-1888 Joseph H. Young, 1889. William E, Joslyn, i8go. Issachar h. Bowen, 1891, Paul D. Johnson, 1S92. D. Frank P. Gaul, 1893. Robert A. Getty, 1894. Walter W. Terry, 1895. Euther M. Weaver, 1896. Charles C. De Beust, 1897. W. Warren Weaver, 1898. George E- Dahis, 1899. Emerick H. Sickels, 1900. Jacob J. Briegel, igoi. George B. Miller, 1902. ^fmt-OIpntramal Qlommittf^a p. M. HARRY K. LEECH, Chairman of General Committee. P. M. WILLIAM SMILEY, Secretary. Committee on Invitations. P. M. Jamss E. Ritchie, Chairman. P. M. George B. Miller. Ebenezer Adams. Committee on Music and Entertainment. P. M. George E. Dahis, Chairman. P. M. W. Warren Weaver. Benjamin Stilling. Committee on Banquet. P. M. David A. Cbaig, Chairman. P. M. Walter Terry. James B. Stark. Committee on Decorations. P. M. Charles C. De Beust, Chairman. P. M. Emerick H. Sickels. William E. Gaunt. Committee on Souvenirs. P. M. Benjamin Eiseman, Chairman. P. M. Michael Young. P. M. Jacob J. Breigel. Committee on Printing. P. M. James E. Ritchie, Chairman. P. M. John Server. P. M. Luther M. Weaver. ^v^fntB At the stated meeting of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, held November 27, 1900, a resolution was offered by P. j\T. Bro. Harry K. Leech, that a committee of seven members be appointed to make such arrangements as may be necessary for the proper celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge, which would take place October, 1903, when the Worshipful Master was pleased to name the following brethren : P. M. Harry K. Leech, P. M. John Server, P. M. Charles C. De Beust, Jacob Singer, Frank Meade, Ebenezer Adams and James B. Stark. At a subsequent meeting of the Lodge the above com- mittee were empowered to add such members to the committee as they deemed necessary. There was there- fore added to the committee, Bros. P. M. William Smiley, P. M. Benjamin Eiseman, P. M. Michael Young, P. M. James E. Ritchie, P. M. David A. Craig, P. M. Walter W. Terry, P. M. Luther M. Weaver, P. M. W. Warren Weaver, P. M. George E. Dahis, P. M. Emerick H. Sickels, P. M. Jacob J. Briegel, P. M. George B. Miller and Bro. Benjamin Stilling. Various meetings of the committee were held for the purpose assigned them, at one of which your Treasurer was selected to prepare an historical sketch of the Lodge during the past fifty years. In accordance with the desire of the aforesaid com- mittee, the following is presented, together with the ceremonies that took place at our fiftieth anniversary : ORDER OF EXERCISES, Renaissance Hall, Masonic Temple. Opening of Lodge, Three o'clock P. M. Prayer, Brother Ebenezer Adams, Chaplain. Address of Welcome, Brother W. M. Allen C. Middleton. Historical Sketch, Brother P. M. Harry K. Leech. Prominent Brethren called on for Remarks. Closing the Lodge. Formation of Line and March to Banquet Hall. On October 24, 1903, Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, F. & A. M., was convened in Renaissance Hall, at 3 o'clock P. M. The Lodge was opened in ancient form. Bro. Ebenezer Adams offered the following prayer : O Lord God, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth. We worship Thee and laud and magnify Thy name for Thy great goodness and loving kindness to the sons of men; for Thy protection over us and for Thy many blessings upon us as a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. In the days, weeks, months and years that are past and gone. Thou hast dealt very kindly with us. Many of our members have been called from time to eternity, but Thou hast per- mitted us through Thy loving kindness to see this day and to enjoy this occasion. Let Thy blessing be upon us as a Lodge and upon us as individual members. Guide us in thought and in action so that our lives shall meet with Thy divine approbation. May Thy blessing be upon the widows and orphans of this and other lodges throughout the entire country. Again we invoke Thy benediction upon us so that we may live to accomplish something that shall be instrumental in blessing others and in bringing us into closer touch with Thee and with that which pertains to our souls' eternal interest. And when our life's race is run and our work upon the earth is completed, bring us an unbroken lodge to surround Thy throne in Heaven, and thine shall be the power and the glory forever. Amen. After the prayer, Worshipful Master Bro. Allen C. Middletoii made the following address of welcome: Brethren : — In the early days, before the City of Philadel- phia extended to the present limits of Philadelphia County, the outlying portions of the county contained a number of communities or villages separated from each other and from the city proper by considerable extents of farm lands and commons. In those days the facilities for traveling by public convey- ance from one part of the county to another were exceedingly crude and unsatisfactory, and Masonic brethren living in these outlying districts found it a serious task to regularly attend the meetings of their lodges. A number of the brethren residing in and about that portion of the county situated west of the Schuylkill River, and known as Hamilton village, decided to apply to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a charter for a lodge to be known as Hamilton Lodge, and to meet in a hall located at what is now Thirty-seventh and Market streets. This charter was granted, and Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, was constituted on the 2Sth day of October, 1853. For fifty years the Lodge has prospered, and has earned an enviable reputation for her work, her hospitality and good- fellowship; for fifty years she has extended a hearty welcome to all visiting Masonic brethren; and to-day I extend, on behalf of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, a most hearty welcome to all who are met with us in the celebration of her fiftieth anni- versary. A Historical Sketch of the Lodge has been carefully pre- pared by Brother Past Master Harry K. Leech, who is well skilled in such matters, and will now read the same for your entertainment and instruction. At the conclusion of the Worshipful Master's address, he called upon Bro. Past Master Harry K. Leech, to read the historical sketch which he had pre- pared, which is as follows : Iftatonral S>ktUl) Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, A. Y. M., having been duly organized by Anthony Bournonville, the Right Worshipful Grand Master, held their first meeting in the Masonic Hall, South Third Street, above Spruce, October 25, 1853, A. L. 5853- Present : Bros. John L. Goddard, W. M. ; John W. Horner, S. W. ; Charles A. Rubicam, J. W. Members : Bros. William B. Goddard, Jos. S. Riley, Jr., Benjamin Horner. Visitors : Bros. Joseph S. Riley, Sr., Francis Black- burn, Benjamin Riley, Harman Baugh, Samuel A. Markward. The Lodge opened in the Master Mason's degree, in ancient form, at 6 o'clock P. M. The Worshipful Master stated the first business was the election of Treasurer and Secretary, when the Lodge agreed to proceed to that duty and appointed tellers. Master Mason's Lodge closed. Entered Apprentice opened, and the Lodge went into a ballot, when it appeared the following brethren were elected, viz. : Bro. D. C. Enos, Treasurer, and Bro. B. Horner, Secretary. Entered Apprentice closed; Master Mason Lodge opened, and Bro. Horner was duly installed Secretary for the unexpired Masonic year. On motion, a form of by-laws was read by the Secre- tary, and on motion amended by introducing the name and title of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, A. Y. M. as the first article, and adopted unanimously, and ordered sent to the Grand Lodge for approval. Petitions were received from ten applicants for initia- tion and membership, and one for membership. The minutes do not show where the Lodge was con- stituted, but as the first meeting on October 25th was held at Masonic Hall, on Third Street, there is no doubt but what the Lodge was constituted there. The minutes do not show or give any particulars whatever to indicate what Lodge or Lodges the charter members were from, but from inquiries from the Grand Secretary's office and of Secretaries of other Lodges the following was gathered : Bro. John L. Goddard came from Lodge No. 51. He was the Father of our Lodge, and afterwards became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- vania, and died while holding that office. Bro. John W. Horner petitioned Lodge No. 2, Janu- ary 19, 1852. Was Entered in that Lodge February 16, 1852; passed March 15, 1852; raised April 22, 1852, and resigned June 20, 1853. Bro. Charles A. Rubicam, house carpenter, aged thirty-four years, was initiated in Philadelphia Lodge, No. 12, February 15, 1849; crafted March 15, 1849; raised April 19, 1849, and resigned September 15, 1849 1852, in Lodge No. 131, and resigned June 4, 1853. Bro. William B. Goddard, merchant, aged thirty-one years, was initiated into Lodge No. 121, January 15, 1850; crafted February 16, 1850; raised March 16, 1850, and resigned June 18, 1853. Bro. Benjamin Hormer was initiated October 28, 1852, in Lodge No. i^i, and resigned June 4, 1853. Brother Don Carlos Enos received the degrees by dis- pensation at a special meeting of Phwnix Lodge, No. 130, on January 15, 1849, and was elected a member in that Lodge January 17, 1849, and resigned on June 15, 1853. Brother Joseph S. Riley, Jr., was initiated in Phceni.v Lodge, No. ISO, March 20, 1839; crafted April 17, 1839; raised June 19, 1839, and resigned December 17, 1845. The first petitions for initiation and membership were received from : Thomas Allibone, merchant; residence, William Street, West Philadelphia. J. Francis Knorr, merchant. Thomas J. Natt, manufacturer. Joseph W. Cowan, secretary insurance company. Jesse T. Vogdes, carpenter. Morris L,. Keen, iron founder. Silas Pedrick, surveyor. Abraham Kendrick, provisioner. George Rugan, Jr., register gas company. John M. Ford, marshal of police. The first petition for membership was from : Samuel A. Markward, late a member of Solomon's Lodge, No. 114; residence, Washington and Park Streets, West Philadelphia. The Lodge closed in harmony at 7.15 o'clock. > ^ A special meeting of the Lodge was held at the hall, South Third Street, November 14, 1853, at 3.20 P.M. A dispensation was received from Anthony Bour- nonville, R. W. Grand Master of the State of Penn- S)dvania, to enter, pass and raise Louis S. Peck, which, no objection appearing, the Lodge proceeded to act on. These were the only two^ meetings held at the Third Street Masonic Hall, as the next meeting, a stated one, was held on November 22, 1853, at the new Lodge room in the Commissioners' Hall, West Philadelphia. At this meeting, among the applicants for initiation and membership, was the name of William T. Sears, who at once became very active in the Lodge, and later served the Lodge as its Worshipful Master, and Treasurer, of which better mention will be made later. A special meeting of the Lodge was held on Novem- ber 29th, when Bro. D. C. Enos was installed as Treasurer. At this special meeting the Tyler's salary was fixed at two dollars for each meeting, and he was exempted from dues, but the minutes do not show who the Tyler was. The first mention of the Tyler's name as an appointee was that of Robert Yeamans in the January meeting of 1856, who petitioned the Lodge for initia- tion and membership at the meeting of the Lodge, March 14, 1854, and therefore could not have been its first Tyler. At this special meeting a committee, consisting of Brothers William B. Goddard, D. C. Enos and B. Horner, were appointed to have the by-laws printed as soon as received from the Grand Lodge, unless they have some alterations requiring them to come before the Lodge. The next meeting of the Lodge was held December 13th, when a Master Mason's Lodge was opened, and after reading the minutes and receiving petitions, the Master Mason's Lodge was closed, and an Entered Apprentice's Lodge was opened. The Worshipful Master appointed Tellers, and proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : John W. Horner, Worshipful Master; Charles A. Rubicam, Senior Warden ; William B. Goddard, Junior Warden ; D. C. Enos, Treasurer, and B. Horner, Sec- retary. After the election, two candidates were separately introduced and received the first degree in Masonry, when the Entered Apprentice's Lodge was closed, and a Master Mason's Lodge again opened, and the newly- elected officers were duly installed. The next stated meeting of the Lodge was held December 27th, and you will, no doubt, observe that the Lodge at its commencement held two stated meet- ings each month. At this meeting the by-laws, as approved by the Grand Lodge, were approved. Also, on motion, ped- estals to correspond with the others were ordered to be made for the Treasurer and Secretary; also the Treasurer was ordered to sign the lease of the room we now occupy, for three years from January i, 1854, at $150.00 per annum, with the privilege of renewal. February loth : On motion, resolved that a com- mittee of three be appointed to inquire and report on the subject of purchasing a lot and building a hall for the Lodge. The Worshipful Master appointed Brothers John L. Goddard, Chas. A. Rubicam and D. C. Enos, and on motion the Worshipful Master was added to the committee. 13 Also at this meeting a committee of three were appointed, consisting of Brothers William B. Goddard, B. Horner and Chas. A. Rubicam, to buy either a rope or a fire escape for the benefit of the members of the Lodge. On motion, the Worshipful Master was added to this committee. It might be well to state, for the benefit of those who are unacquainted with the situation of our Lodge room in West Philadelphia, that our place of meeting was in the fourth story, and to reach it was by a long, winding stairway, there being neither elevators nor fire escapes at that day, and it was not altogether a safe place to meet in case of fire. February 28th : A case of charity coming before the Lodge, it was referred to the Charity Committee, and the Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint on the said committee Brothers John L. Goddard, Charles A. Rubicam and D. C. Enos, it not having been pre- viously done. March 28th : The Committee on Ladder or Fire Escape reported that they could purchase one at $25.00, 75 feet long and 13 inches wide. The report was accepted and the subject postponed indefinitely. April 25th : An invitation was received from Bristol Lodge, No. 25, to attend the dedication of their new hall, May i, 1854. December 26th : This being the annual meeting, the Lodge proceeded to the election of officers, which was done by closing the Master Mason's Lodge and open- ing an Entered Apprentice Lodge, when the following were chosen for the ensuing year : Chas. A. Rubicam, Worshipful Master; Wm. B. 14 Goddard, Senior Warden; Jos. W. Cowan, Junior Warden; D. Carlos Enos, Treasurer, and George Rugan, Jr., Secretary. March 13, 1855: The Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Thomas S. Johnston as Chaplain of Hamilton Lodge for the remainder of the Masonic year. May 8th : A petition for initiation and membership was received from Henry M. Dechert, who is now our oldest living Past Master, and Chairman of our Board of Trustees. June 26th : A communication was received from the Grand Secretary in reference to the dedication of the new hall, which was referred to a committee. At this meeting it was resolved that the meetings be discontinued until the second Tuesday in September. September nth: The Committee on Dedication of New Hall on Chestnut Street relative to the procession of the Order, report that they have attended to the duty assigned and ordered fifty sets of regalia for Hamilton Lodge for that occasion. September i8th : On motion, it was resolved that the Worshipful Master and Wardens be a committee to furnish omnibuses for the use of the Lodge on the 26th inst., for the dedication services. It was also resolved that the brothers leave the Lodge room at 7.30 o'clock A.M., precisely. Brother Samuel A. ]\Iark- ward was appointed to act as marshal for the occa- sion. November 13th: Brother John L. Goddard made a statement in reference to the Grand Lodge charity fund, and presented the following resolution : IS Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to take into consideration the propriety of tliis Lodge uniting with other Lodges in forming a Grand Lodge charity fund, which was adopted. December 25th : This being the annual meeting the following were chosen for the ensuing Masonic year : William B. Goddard, Worshipful Master ; Joseph W. Cowan, Senior Warden; Samuel P. Pedrick, Junior Warden ; D. C. Enos, Treasurer, and Samuel A. Mark- ward, Secretary. January 8, 1856: The Worshipful Master an- nounced the death of Jos. W. Cowan, the Senior Warden-elect, and offered a series of resolutions, which were adopted. At the next stated meeting, held Janu- ary 22d, by resolution the representative was instructed to apply to the Grand Master for a dispensation to hold an election for Senior Warden in place of Brother Joseph W. Cowan, deceased. At this meeting, on motion of Bro. John L. God- dard, the Secretary was ordered to procure three sets of Past Masters' regalia, and deposit the same in the hands of the Grand Tyler, for the use of the Past Masters of Hamilton Lodge at the communications of the Grand Lodge. February 26th : The Lodge proceeded to an election for Senior Warden, and the Tellers announced that Brother William T. Sears had received a majority of the votes cast. March loth : Permission was given to members of this Lodge to hold a meeting in the Lodge room on Tuesday night next for the purpose of starting a Mark Lodge, but I cannot find any other minute in reference to this, and suppose the matter fell through. i6 April 8th: At this meeting a committee of three were appointed to inquire into the expediency of pur- chasing a lot of ground to build a Masonic Hall, and at a subsequent meeting held June 24th, after discus- sion and resolutions offered, the Lodge proceeded to the election of three Trustees to act in compliance with the resolutions passed in reference thereto. I can find no other minute as to any further action being taken in regard to the securing or purchasing of a lot, and as we now know none was every purchased. December 23d : This was the annual meeting and election for officers. At this meeting, on motion of Brother J. W. Horner, the Worshipful Master appointed Brothers Enos, Bowlby and Markward as a committee for the purpose of getting up a supper for the Lodge, to take place on January 27, 1857. The minutes of the stated meeting of January 27th show that a Master Mason's Lodge was opened at 7.10 o'clock, the minutes read, a candidate balloted for, and then closed in harmony at 7.40 o'clock, no doubt to spend the balance of the evening at the supper ordered prepared at the previous meeting. February 10, 1857: At this meeting the following resolution was offered : Resolved, That Article ist of the by-laws be amended by striking out the words "and fourth" in the second line of said article, and the letter "s" from the word "Tuesdays" in said line, so that it will read "on the second Tuesday." At the stated meeting held April 14th, this resolution came up for action, when an amendment was offered, striking out "second Tuesday," and inserting "fourth Tuesday," which amendment was adopted, so that here- 17 after the Lodge will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. May 1 2th : A communication was received from the Grand Lodge approving this amendment to the by-laws in regard to the night of meeting. June 23, 1857: A stated meeting of the Lodge was held, when the Grand Pursuivant was admitted and announced that the Right Worshipful Grand Master was in waiting, prepared to pay this Lodge a grand visitation. Having withdrawn, in a few minutes the Right Worshipful Grand Master with the following grand officers were admitted, and received the cus- tomary honors : Peter Williamson, Right Worshipful Grand Master. John K. Mitchell, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Henry M. Phillips, Senior Grand Warden. John Thompson, Junior Grand Warden. James Shields, Grand Treasurer. William H. Adams, Grand Secretary. William English, Senior Grand Deacon. J. L. Hutchinson, Junior Grand Deacon. Leon J. Levy, Grand Steward. Jacob Loudenslager, Grand Marshal. John L. Goddard, Grand Standard Bearer. Joseph T. Thomas, Grand Pursuivant. Henry W. Woods, Grand Chaplain. Edward B. Schneider, Grand Tyler. William Whitney, Past Grand Master. The Grand Secretary read a report of the examina- tion of the books, and concluded as follows : "The work and doings of the Lodge appear to have been carried on with great zeal and in Masonic harmony, and, as i8 far as can be j udged, have been in accordance with the ancient customs of the Order and agreeable to the regulations of the Grand Lodge. "The Lodge may be said to be in a truly prosperous condi- tion, and although one of the children as to its short existence, by the last return, made up to December 27, 1856, it numbered 82 members. "The distribution of aid to the unfortunate has been liberal, and the worthy applicants for assistance have never been sent' away empty. "The minutes are recorded in a very neat and legible man- ner, and the worthy Secretaries deserve praise for their care and attention." December 22, 1857: This was the annual meeting, when a resolution was offered that all owing over $6.00 dues should be considered in arrears and not allowed to vote. This resolution being carried, they proceeded to an election, when immediately after, sev- eral of the members protested against the action of the Worshipful Master in permitting members to vote that owed $6.00 and under. One of the members who pro- tested was Past Master John W. Horner, who claimed that the Worshipful Master allowed him to vote, and that he owed $6.00. At the next meeting the members protesting pre- sented a paper, stating that after deliberation and con- sultation they would respectfully ask to withdraw their protest, being satisfied that the Lodge had a right in the matter in dispute. At this election Brother Henry M. Dechert was elected Junior Warden, and Brother Winthrop Sargent, M.D., Secretary. January 22, 185S: At this meeting a resolution was offered that a committee be appointed to take rneasures preparatory to changing the place of meeting to the hall in the city. A committee of three was so 19 appointed, consisting of Brothers W. B. Goddard, William Letford and Samuel P. Pedrick. Also at this meeting, on behalf of the managers of the Mount Moriah Cemetery Association, State Senator Brother George Connell made a tender of a lot in the said cemetery, of such dimensions and location as we might select. On motion, the communication was received and the lot accepted, with thanks returned to Brother Connell, through a committee consisting of Brothers Dechert (H. M.), W. B. Goddard and J. K. Lee. The lot selected was in the southwest corner of section 45, being 32 feet front by 25 feet deep. July 27, 1858 : The committee who were appointed at the Jime meeting to take into consideration the removal of the Lodge to the hall in the city, reported what rooms could be obtained, etc., and their report was laid upon the table for action at the September meeting, and at the September meeting further post- poned to the October meeting, but the October meeting, nor any subsequent one, does not show that any further action was taken upon the subject. November 22, 1859: This was the annual meeting, and our Brother Henry M. Dechert was elected Worshipful Master. November 27, i860 : The Right Worshipful Grand Master, with his officers, paid the Lodge an official visit. The Grand Secretary made a lengthy report, stating that the Lodge was in a prosperous condition, and gave much praise for the charity dispensed. April 23, 1861 : At this meeting Brother John L. Goddard made a motion, which was carried, that the Secretary be directed to notify such of the brethren who may become volunteers in the active service of the Army or Navy of the United States, that their dues are remitted during the War. December 24, 1861 : This was the annual meeting, and Brother William T. Sears was at this time chosen Treasurer, and for twenty-four years after was annu- ally elected to that office which he so faithfully served. He died September 8, 1885, while still in office. At the stated meeting held August 26, 1862, the committee appointed to confer with the general com- mittee, for the purpose of relieving the sick and wounded brother Masons in military hospitals, reported progress, and on motion of Brother Goddard, the committee were instructed to subscribe, on the part of the Lodge, $100.00 for that purpose. At the stated meeting held November 25, 1862, the Committee of Relief of Brethren in the various hospi- tals made quite a lengthy report, stating how they were relieving the sick, and also stating that Brother William T. Sears was assigned to the Summit Hospital, Brother Dechert to the West Philadelphia, and Brother Haworth to the Hestonville Hospital. At the meeting of March 26, 1867, the resignation of a number of members was received and accepted, who were about to form a new Lodge in the Twenty-fourth Ward, and on motion of Brother Past Master William Letford, it was resolved that the petition of sundry brethren for a Warrant for a new Lodge to be located in the Twenty-fourth Ward, be recommended to the favorable consideration of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge. This was what is now Oriental Lodge, No. 385. A request was received from these retiring brethren who were about to form this new Lodge, for the use of our Lodge room and its furniture, which was granted. And it is a pleasure at this day to report that after more than a quarter of a century has passed, that the most cordial relations have ever existed between the mother and daughter. At the meeting of July 23, 1867, the Secretary having announced the death of Brother Past Master John L. Goddard, Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on motion, a com- mittee was appointed, consisting of five brethren, viz. : Brothers Past Masters Henry M. Dechert, William T. Sears, William Smiley, Robert P. Dechert, and Brother Winthrop Sargent, to draft resolutions suit- able for the occasion. The following resolutions were then offered and adopted : Whereas, Brother John L. Goddard, late Ihe R. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and a Past Master and charter member of this Lodge, died on the 17th day of July, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. He has suddenly passed away, cut down in the midst of honorable duties and of endearing family associations ; and, as it is fitting that some memorial of our departed brother should be found among our archives, therefore, Resolved, That Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, A. Y. M., received the information of the demise of the R. W. Grand Master, Brother John L. Goddard, with unfeigned sorrow, and bow humbly before this solemn decree of the Grand Master of the Universe. Resolved, That his long and eminent connection with the craft, the laborious and honorable positions he held among them, and his extensive and profound knowledge of Masonic landmarks, will make his loss one to be seriously felt by the fraternity generally. The members of our Lodge have lost one who has, since the day of its institution, been the kind adviser of every mem- ber appealing to him for advice or instruction. His purse was always open for the relief of a worthy but distressed brother ; his hand was ever ready to sustain him ; his heart beat respon- sively to our joys and to our sorrows. Resolved, That in civil, business and domestic life our deceased brother faithfully discharged every duty as a good citizen and an honest man, and as an affectionate husband. Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the widow of our deceased brother in this her sore affliction, and leave her for consolation to that Supreme Being who doeth all things well. Resolved, That the usual habiliments of mourning be placed in the Lodge room for the space of six months, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent the family of the deceased. At the meeting held December 24, 1867, on motion, the Secretary was instructed to invite the officers and members of Oriental Lodge, No. 385, to be present at our annual feast, December 26, 1867, at 7 P. M. At the meeting held April 28, 1868, the Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Brother Harry K. Leech as Pursuivant. This was in accord with the new regulations of the Grand Lodge, the duties of this office being previously attended to by the Junior Deacon. At the meeting held December 22, 1868, the annual election for officers was held, when Brother William Smiley was elected as Secretary, and has held that office continually, by re-election, to the present time. At that election the writer of these records was accorded the privilege and honor of being elected Junior Warden. At the meeting held April 27, 1869, the following letter was received and read: To the Worthy Master, Officers and Members of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, A. Y. M.: Sirs and Brothers : — Having obtained a satisfactory like- ness of John L. Goddard, our late friend, brother and Grand Master, and feeling that a copy would be an acceptable gift 23 to you, I herewith send you one presenting those Hneaments which recall the pleasures of the past, when he, the real gentle- man, was a living example of the upright and true Mason. That the presentment may long grace the walls of your Lodge room as his memory fills the hearts of those who knewj him, is the sincere desire of your friend and well wisher, (Signed,) J. Henry Askin. A series of resolutions was offered accepting the portrait, with the thanks of the Lodge, and this por- trait hung on the walls of our Lodge room until we removed from Thirty-seventh and Market Streets to our present quarters in this Masonic Temple, when the portrait was presented to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and now hangs in one of the com- mittee rooms. At the meeting held August 31, 1869, on motion inade and seconded, it was resolved that the petition of sundry brethren, Master Masons, praying for a Warrant to form a new Lodge to be located in West Philadelphia, be recommended to the favorable con- sideration of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge. This was for the formation of Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 449, who met in our Lodge room at Thirty-seventh and Market Streets for many years, and with whom we have been in constant cordial and fraternal relations since that time as another daughter added to our family. March 25, 1873 : A communication was received from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge asking that a committee be appointed to visit the new Masonic Temple, consisting of not more than five. The elect- ive officers were appointed upon that committee, con- sisting of Worshipful Master B. F. Bitner, Senior Warden F. H. Good, Junior Warden Benj. Eiseman, 24 Treasurer W. T. Sears and Secretary William Smiley. July 22, 1873 : A communication was received from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge in relation to the dedication of the new Masonic Temple on the 26th day of September. On motion, this Lodge de- cided to parade on that occasion. At the meeting held June 23, 1874, Brother Past Master H. K. Leech made a motion that a committee be appointed to make inquiry and to take measures relative to securing other accommodations for a place of meeting of the Lodge, by reason of the more than doubling of our rent in our then present quarters. A committee of seven was appointed, but subsequently the Lodge having sub-let the room, action thereon was deferred indefinitely. July 28, 1874: At this meeting the Committee on Charity made a report recommending that a donation of $25.00 be made to the Louisiana sufferers from the recent overflow, which mption was carried. At the August meeting, held on the 25th inst., a donation of $25.00 was made for the relief of the sufferers by the late flood at Allegheny City. At a special meeting held November 28th, Brother Alexander Brown declined the office of Senior Warden, after an election held November 23d, giving as his reason that he was about to leave the city. At the December meeting, held on the 28th inst., a resolution was passed asking the Grand Lodge to grant a dispensation to hold an election to fill the vacancy. The Right Worshipful Grand Master was pleased to grant the dispensation, and at the meeting 25 held January 25th, Brother John A. Palmer was elected Senior Warden. On March 25, 1879, the Lodge was honored by a visit from the Grand Master, Brother Michael Nisbet, and the grand officers. June 25, j88o, the Lodge was honored by a visit from Grand Master Nisbet and the grand officers. At this meeting a communication was received from Hiram Lodge, of Arlington, Mass., thanking this Lodge for the tender care of a member of their Lodge, and also for the courtesies shown to their representa- tive, George W. Storer, at the time of the burial of the aforesaid brother, Milton Capron. June 28, 1881 : The Committee on Grievance made the following report : The matter of grievance between and , two brothers of this Lodge, report that the matter has been amicably settled, as will be seen by the letter sent to your com- mittee by Brother It is with much pleasure that j-our historian has to say thajt this was the only grievance that this Lodge has ever had during its half century of existence, and, as you will see above, that was amicably settled. We had one other case, where a brother was guilty of unmasonic conduct, and as the aforesaid brother left the country, he was expelled, September 27, 1881 : Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes offered the following preamble and resolu- tions in reference to the death of Brother James A. Garfield, President of the United States, who was assassinated : Whereas, Assassination has done its work, and as the chill shadow of this fearful calamity has extended over all our 26 broad country and across the ocean, and awakened the pro- foundest sympathy in the hearts of all good people; therefore be it Resolved, That we, as a Lodge, express our sorrow as well as admiration of our deceased brother, James A. Garfield, President of the United States. Resolved, That the patient suffering of eleven weeks of tor- ture inflicted by wanton hands and borne with manly fortitude has filled our hearts with amazement and tender sympathy. Resolved, That we hold the name and virtues of our deceased brother in the highest veneration and esteem. Start- ing from the lowest round of the ladder of life, steadily rising step by step till he reached the highest round ; combining those true Masonic qualities of mind and heart which constitute the good man and Mason, and which we are taught to cherish as the only true qualifications for entrance into our fraternity, and the lives of such "still remind us we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.'' Resolved, That the above preamble and resolutions be in- scribed on our minutes, as our testimony to the memory of our departed brother, James A. Garfield, whose life, sweetened and exalted by tender ministries and Masonic virtues, has made his death to us an individual calamity. His life's race well run. His life's work well done. His life's crown well won. Well earned rest. The above was unanimously adopted. February 28, 1882 : A communication was received from the Grand Lodge in reference to a parade of the craft, and appropriate ceremonies in the celebration of its 150th anniversary, when at the next meeting of the Lodge, held March 28th, on motion, a committee of five was appointed to make necessary arrangements for a parade of the craft on the 24th of June. At the meeting held April 23d, on motion, the 27 Worshipful Master was requested to extend an invi- tation to Oriental Lodge, No. 385, F. & A. M., to meet with this Lodge on the occasion of the parade. At a special meeting held June 6th, the Stewards were authorized to provide a suitable collation for the Lodges at their hall after the parade. June 27, 1882: At this meeting some brethren of other Lodges made informal charges against the ad- vancement of Brother , an Entered Apprentice Mason ; the charges not being in accordance with the Ahimon Rezon, the Worshipful Master declined to receive them. These brethren then referred the mat- ter to the Grand Master, who decided that our Worshipful Master was right, and ordered that the Entered Apprentice receive the remaining degrees. It is with much pleasure that after many years the afore- said brother proved to be a worthy Mason, and always an upright and most honorable man, and one that proved he was worthy of every confidence. September 26, 1882: A communication was re- ceived from Brother Solomon Ewell, a member of this Lodge, tendering to the Lodge a picture of Brother George Washington in full Masonic dress, in the act of closing a Master Mason Lodge. On motion, the same was accepted with the thanks of the Lodge to Brother Ewell. At a special meeting held May 15, 1883, Brother Benjamin Eiseman made a motion thai a committee be appointed to take into consideration the securing of a room in the Masonic Temple for our meetings. A committee was appointed, and they subsequently re- ported that having received some concessions from our present landlord, that we could remain where we 28 were at a cheaper rate than going to the Temple, and offered a resolution that we remain where we were, which motion was adopted. At the meeting held March 25, 1884, on motion of Brother Dilkes, it was resolved that this Lodge go into the Masonic Home by the payment of $100, and a representative be appointed to represent this Lodge, which motion was carried. Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes was appointed representative, and served continuously until his death, which occurred in February, 1889. At the meeting held July 28, 1885, Brother Dilkes presented to the Lodge a certificate of membership in the Masonic Home to this Lodge. At the meeting held September 22, 1885, the Worshipful Master, in appropriate remarks, an- nounced the death of our late Treasurer, Brother Past Master William T. Sears, who had served faithfully and continuously from December 24, 1861, to Sep- tember 8, 1885, the day of his death. At this meeting the Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes as Treasurer pro tern., and at each meeting thereafter until the election in December, when he was unani- mously elected as Treasurer and served until his death in 1889. At the meeting held September 28, 1886, the fol- lowing communication was received from the man- agers of the Masonic Home: To the Worthy Master, OMcers and Brethren of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, P- &" A- M.: Brethren : At a stated meeting of the Board of Managers of the Home for Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, held September 10, 1886, the following was unanimously adopted : 29 Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to convey the thanks of this corporation to Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, F. & A. M., for its generosity in defraying the expense of the burial of Brother Edwin Manley, an inmate of the Home, without expense to the institution. Attest: Thomas Jacobs, Secretary of Masonic Home. At this meeting a communication was received from the Right Worshipful Grand Master, E. Coppee Mitchell, Esq., asking aid in behalf of the people of Charleston, S. C, caused by the earthquake, which, on motion, was referred to the Charity Committee, with power to act. At the meeting held April 26, 1887, on motion of Brother Henry T. Dechert, which was duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That there be a Committee of live appointed to inquire into the advisability of Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, F. & A. M., removing to the Masonic Temple, at Broad and Filbert streets. The Worshipful Master then appointed the follow- ing committee: Past Masters William S. Dilkes, David A. Craig, Harry K. Leech, and Brother Henry T. Dechert and Senior Warden Joseph H. Young. At the meet held June 26th of the same year the committee made the following report : The Committee appointed under the resolution passed at the stated meeting held April 25, 1887, to consider the advisability of this Lodge removing its place of meeting to the Temple, Broad and Filbert streets, report that they have carefully con- sidered the subject referred to them, and are unanimously in favor of the Lodge so removing its place of meeting. WttLiAM S. Dilkes, David A. Craig, Harry K. Leech, Henry T. Dechert, Jos. H. Young, Committee. 3° Brother John A. Palmer made a motion, which was duly seconded, that the recommendation of the com- mittee be adopted, and that a special meeting of the Lodge be held on the third Thursday evening of Sep- tember for hearing and determining upon it, and that summonses be issued to every member of the Lodge. A special meeting was held on September 20, 1887, The call for the meeting was then read. Brother Past Master James E. Ritchie moved that a vote be taken on the question of removing the Lodge to the Masonic Temple at Broad and Filbert Streets, which was seconded by Brothers Past Masters John W. Peirson and John M. Errickson, when, after some discussion, a vote was taken and the motion was adopted by a vote of 62 in favor, and seven in the negative. On motion of Brother Past Master James E. Ritchie, which was duly seconded and adopted, it was voted that the Trustees procure the Egyptian room for the Lodge to meet in at once, or any room at the dis- cretion of the Trustees. At the stated meeting, held September 27th, on motion, the Trustees were authorized to notify the owner of this Lodge room that the Lodge is about to vacate the room on or about the first of November, 1887, and that they make arrangements to dispose of the furniture and fixtures belonging to the Lodge. At the meeting held October 25th, the Trustees reported they attended to the duty assigned them in reference to the Lodge removing to the Masonic Temple, and reported that this Lodge's term of lease expires on January i, 1888. Brother Past Master Harry K Leech made a motion, which was duly sec- onded and adopted, that this Lodge retains possession 31 of this room until after the 27th of December, and that they take possession of the Egyptian Hall in the Masonic Temple on the first day of January, 1888. On January 24, 1888, the Lodge held its first stated meeting in Egyptian Hall, which has been our Masonic Home ever since. Brothers Edgar, S. Lougee being the Worshipful Master, Joseph H. Young Senior Warden, and William B. Joslyn, Junior Warden. At the meeting held February 26, 1889, a series of resolutions were offered upon the death of our late Treasurer, Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes, and following these resolutions, which were unani- mously passed, a resolution was also passed asking the Grand Master to issue a dispensation authorizing the Lodge to hold an election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother Dilkes. The Grand Master granted this resolution, and at the meeting held the following month, viz. : March 26, 1889, an election was held, and Brother Past Master Harry K. Leech was elected to the office of Treasurer. At the meeting held April 23, 1889, on motion duly made and seconded, a committee was appointed to have a portrait painted of our late Treasurer, Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes, for presentation to the Masonic Home, of which he had been an active mem- ber in the Board of Managers. At a subsequent meeting the committee, consisting of Brothers Past Masters Harry K. Leech, Philip G. McCollin and Benjamin Eiseman, reported having attended to the duty assigned them, and presented to the Lodge a very handsome portrait of our deceased brother, and the Worshipful Master was authorized to present it to the Home, where it now adorns the walls of that institution. 32 At the meeting held November 28, 1893, the Lodge was honored by a visit from the Grand Master, Brother Michael Arnold, and the grand officers. The Grand Secretary, in making his report of the examina- tions of the minutes, said the Lodge was in very good financial condition, having nearly $11,000 invested, and distress has been assisted liberally and in propor- tion to its means. At the meeting held April 27, 1897, the Lodge was also honored by a visit from the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Brother William J. Kelly, and the other grand officers. The Grand Master highly com- plimented the Secretary for the correctness of his minutes, and also complim.ented the officers for the correct rendition of the work. At the meeting held April 26, 1898, the following communication was received from Fernwood Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M. : At the stated meeting of Fernwood Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., held at Masonic Temple, Broad and Filbert streets, it was, on motion, resolved that the Secretary be instructed to tender to Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, F. & A. M., the sincere thanks of Fernwood Lodge for their kind and generous offer of the use of their paraphernalia of their Lodge while meeting in the Temple, which offer it was unanimously agreed to accept, and also for the kind expression of sympathy for the loss sustained by this Lodge at the fire at Fernwood, Dela- ware County, Pa., on the 26th day of February, 1898. D.^NIEL DooLEY, Secretary of 54$. Places of Meeting. The first meeting of the Lodge was held at ]\Iasonic Hall, South Third Street, on October 25, 1853, and a special meeting on November 14th. From November 22, 1853, to December 27, 1887, 33 the meetings were held at their hall, Thirty-seventh and Market Streets, West Philadelphia. From January 24, 1888, to the present time, the meetings have been held in Egyptian Hall, Masonic Temple, Broad and Filbert streets. The names of the fifty members who have occupied the station of Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and year of their serving, are as follows ; also, number entered each year : Entered. 1853. John L. Goddard CD) 12 1854. John W. Horner (D) 23 1855. Charles A. Rubicam (D) 28 1856. William B. Goddard (D) 13 1857. William T. Sears (D) 5 1858. Samuel P. Pedrick (D) 12 1859. William Letford (S) 20 i860. Henry M. Dechert 14 1861. George Rugan, Jr. (D) 4 1862. John W. Pierson (D) 12 1863. Edwin Manley (D) 16 1864. Samuel Haworth (R) 23 1865. Edward Lyster (D) 21 1866. William Smiley 26 1867. William S. Dilkes (D) 23 1868. Robert P. Dechert (D) 18 1869. Benjamin V. Sage (D) . 15 1870. Samuel Bevan (D) 13 1871. Harry K. Leech 7 1872. John W. Malone (D) 10 1873. Benjamin F. Bitner (D) 18 1874. Francis H. Good 13 1875. Benjamin Eiseman 16 1876. Benjamin Eiseman 8 1877. John A. Palmer 4 1878. Philip G. McCoUin (D) 6 1879. Michael Young 8 1880. Levis P. Newlin (S) 3 34 i88i. John Server 3 1882. Daniel H. Kochersperger IS 1883. James E. Ritchie 3 1884. J. Thomas Gore (D) 9 1885. Samuel W. Rudolph (D) 6 1886. David A. Craig 5 1887. Edgar S. Lougee 4 1888. Edgar S. Lougee 11 1889. Joseph H. Young 12 1890. William B. Joslyn 14 1891. Issacher E. Bowen 12 1892. Paul D. Johnson 10 1893. Frank P. Gaul (D) 6 1894. Robert A. Getty 13 1895. Walter W. Terry 15 1896. Luther M. Weaver 14 1897. Charles C. DeBeust II 1898. W. Warren Weaver 18 1899. George E. Dahis 9 1900. Emerick H. Sickels 17 1901. Jacob J. Briegel 19 1902. George B. Miller 17 1903. Allen C. Middleton to September 22d 24 There have been four Treasurers during the fifty years of the I^odge : Brother Don Carlos Enos serving from October 25, 1853, to December 24, 1861. Brother Past Master William T. Sears from December 24, i86r, to September 8, 1885. Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes from Sep- tember 22, 1885, to February 14, 1889. Brother Past Master Harry K. Leech from March 26, 1889, to the present time. There have been five Secretaries : Brother Benjamin Horner from October 25, 1853, to December 26, 1854. Brother Past Master George Rugan from December 26, 1854, to December 25, 1856. 35 Brother Samuel Markward from December 25, 1856, to December 22, 1857. Brother Winthrop Sargent, M.D., from December 22, 1857, to December 22, 1868. Brother Past Master William Smiley from Decem- ber 22, 1868, to the present time. There have died in office: Brother Joseph W. Cowan, Senior Warden, who was elected as such December 25, 1856, and died before the next meeting of the Lodge. Brother Charles A. Litzenburg, elected Senior Warden December 22, 1863, and died August 15, 1864. Brother William H. Richards, elected Junior Warden December 26, 1871, and died April, 1872. Brother Frank Meade, elected Junior Warden De- cember 25, 1900, and died September 8, 1901. Brother Past Master William T. Sears, elected Treasurer December 24, 1861, and died September 8, 1885. Brother Past Master William S. Dilkes, elected Treasurer December 22, 1885, and died February 14, 1889. Brother Alexander Brown, M.D., declined the office of Senior Warden after election November 23, 1875, by reason of leaving the city. The Lodge has taken part in a number of public displays, prominent among which was the dedication of the Masonic Hall, on Chestnut Street, above Seventh, September 26, 1855. At laying of corner-stone Masonic Temple, Broad and Filbert Streets, June 24, 1868. Dedication of Masonic Temple at Broad and Fil- bert Streets, September, 1873. 36 Participated in 150th anniversary of the Grand Lodge, June 24, 1882. Charity, pure Masonic charity, has always been freely given by Hamilton Lodge, and scarcely a meet- ing has passed without some needy ones having their wants relieved. Among the many may be mentioned donations in 1873 to the sufferers from fire in Somer- set; in 1874 to Louisiana sufferers from water; also in 1874 to Allegheny City flood sufferers ; 1889, the Johnstown sufferers from flood ; also many Lodges that have been losers by fire, and to a number to assist in building their new halls for Masonic purposes. In 1889 the Lodge raised the sum of $315 to aid a widow to start business, and many smaller amounts have been raised for a like purpose. In the fifty years there have been received by the Lodge 893 applications, with the following results : Entered members 802 Withdrawn 35 Rejected 26 By dispensation 9 Physically disqualified 2 Stricken off time limit 8 Reported unworthy 11 Dispensations for second and third degrees 2 FINANCES. During the fifty years the aggregate re- ceipts have been $100,622.79 Disbursements have been about 85,000.00 With a permanent fund invested of 13,000.00 It will perhaps be of interest to many of the mem- 37 bers to hear the old names of the streets in West Phila- delphia, where the Lodge met for so many years : Thirtieth Street was once known as Upper Ferry Road; Thirty-second Street, Mansion Street; Thirty- third Street, Crammoned Street; Thirty-fourth Street, Moore Street; Thirty-sixth Street, Margaret Street; Thirty-Seventh Street, Park Street; Thirty-eighth Street, Mary Street; Thirty-ninth Street, Boudinot, and William; Fortieth Street, Till Street; Forty-first was Logan, Handy and Hamilton Streets at different times; Forty-second Street, Rose Street; W'oodland Avenue, Darby Road; Spring Garden Street, Bridge Street; Chestnut Street, James Street; Market Street, Washington Street; Walnut Street, Andrews Street; Ludlow Street, Oak Street; Filbert Street, Green Street. Brethren : A half century rolled off from the "reel" of time. As we take a retrospective view of the fifty years gone and past, what shall the summing up be? No man can tell. Our lives have been better for our association; brotherly love and affection have grown and ripened ; but while these things have been, they are but the nucleus of greater good in the future, not only to our- selves, but to mankind around and about us. Our Masonic life, with its beautiful teachings and precepts learned during the fifty years will, if we will but continue to practice them, be but the germ that will so multiply and grow for good that it may be said of us, "We builded better than we knew." Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Lerch. 38 At the conclusion of the reading of the historical sketch a number of the brethren were called upon for remarks, among which is the following from Brother Past Master Henry M. Dechert. Brother Past Master Henry M. Dechert said : "I move that the thanks of the IvOdge be voted to Bro. Past Master Leech for his accurate and interesting history of the Lodge, and that a suitable number of copies of it be printed for the use of the members." We have been deeply interested in listening to this recital of the operations of the Lodge during the last fifty years. A flood of memories has swept over us as we heard the story of the men and scenes of other days. The mention of their names has recalled incidents and delightful events of past years. We have listened to the names of brethren who during those years have helped us in our lives ; of others whom we have been able to help ; of those who for years were our intimate friends, and whom we honored for their good lives as men and as Masons. The first Worshipful Master of Hamilton Lodge was John L. Goddard, a man of education and great force of character. He was treasurer of the Harrisburg and Columbia Railroad. He was a devoted Mason, and gave a great deal of personal attention to the building up of the new Lodge and to the instruction of the younger officers. At the time of his death he was our Right Worshipful Grand Master. The Senior Warden was John W. Hornor. He had been in mercantile life, and was the first actuary of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He occupied that position until his death. He was a remarkably fine mathematician, and by his knowledge and skill was able to lay firmly and successfully the foundation of his company. The Junior Warden was Charles A. Rubicam. He had erected some of the largest buildings in Philadelphia, and was a popular and well-known citizen. For some years Hamilton was the only Lodge in the Twenty-fourth ward, covering the whole territory of Philadel- phia west of the river Schuylkill. Our membership soon embraced men from all parts of the district and of different 39 occupations in life. Our frequent meetings and the fraternal feeling of the members led us in many cases to close inti- macies which have remained with us during all of our lives. During all these years I have known personally very many of the members of the Lodge, and I can say confidently that no member has during all that period dishonored himself or the Lodge by any act which has exposed him to discredit in name or character. As this interesting history proves, during all that time the Lodge has existed in entire peace and harmony, its meetings have been regularly convened, its work has been carefully done, its charitable duties have been generously discharged, not as if to a creditor, but to our brethren of this and other lodges, in a true and fraternal spirit. Perhaps some of the youngest members of this Lodge may live to attend its cen- tennial. We may confidently hope that the story of the next fifty years will show a continuation of the harmony and success which have attended the Lodge during the last fifty years. At the conclusion of the addresses the Worshipful Master proceeded to close the Lodge (6 o'clock P. M.) , and the line was formed and proceeded to the banquet- ing hall. 40 A "Welcome, thrice welcome friend, sit down to my board." — Shakespeare. OYSTERS BLUE POINTS, HALF SHELL "Thou art a slippery elf, and must be taken with