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1853 – ORGANIZATION “Organization of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, December 6 th A.L. 5853. The Tiler L. Patton was reinstated to his office and informed of his duty to inform the Master of the Lodge in the future. As for Wm. P. Collinsworth, the Committee reported to the Lodge, even though they had no jurisdiction over Collinsworth, they did approach him on the matter and was told they could do nothing to him. He spoke openly about the matter in the shop where he worked to other than brother Masons, and as Collinsworth had been a Past Master of No. 67 he could not claim ignorance of the law. His open rebellion against Masonry in public was uncalled for, and the Committee recommended the charges be referred to the District Deputy for action at the Grand Lodge level. After the reading of the report, Bro. Collinsworth asked to 17 be heard before action was taken to accept the report. The Worshipful Master granted him recognition, after which the report was adopted, and the Lodge closed in peace and harmony. September 22, 1855. It was at this meeting Bro. Frederick Rasche announced his intentions to move to California, and asked to be relieved of his membership in the Lodge, which was granted with the Brothers’ respect and fraternal regard for the future of their Brother Rasche. (Bro. Fred Rasche became a Past Master of a lodge in California, as shown in the Proceedings of 1871 records.) December 7, 1855. Minutes show the report made ready for Grand Lodge. LIST OF OFFICERS: S. King Shay, Master Wm. J. Higdon, Sr. D. B. F. Price, Sr. W. Wolff Meyenburg, Jr. D. W. J. Summers, Jr. W. August H. Fuchsel, Stew. Henry Schwarz, Secy.’ Jos. Brager, Stew. Henry Blondhaem, Treas. Larken Patton, Tiler PAST MASTERS: S. King Shay W. P. Collinsworth MASTER MASONS: John T. Johnson Charles Orton A. Orcutt George H. Markell M. Eldridge L. Strauss Joe Cawood Jas. Fitzpatrick G. A. Bossart John Summers John T. Price J. L. Garth C. B. Golden A. Riker S. Strauss E. H. Gregory J. W. Ford S. Meyenberg G. W. Walker S. N. Chipley Tom Travers G. A. Cook C. W. Pralle D. W. Lewis Julius Morse Wm. Smith D. Brill Wm. A. Moore E. Kimberly (Forty members; fees to Grand Lodge - $7.75) December 21, 1855. Bro. Erastus Kimberly was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason (Kimberly Hardware). They resolved to invite the Brethren of Alexandria-Washington 22 to dine with them at the supper on the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, to be held at the Eldorada House on Cameron Street. (The Brethren of Alexandria-Washington 22 joined with Andrew Jackson 120 and they had a wonderful time. Cost to Andrew Jackson 120: $27.00.) February 5, 1856. Bro. George W. Walker elected and installed Secretary, following the resignation of Bro. James Fitzpatrick. Bros. John J. Carson and Joseph Brayer were then raised to Master Masons. March 7, 1956. Official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master. The District Deputy was invited to the East and there he gave a lecture in the 3 rd Degree. (NOTE: The minutes of the lodges during those early years refer to the giving of lectures in the First, Second, and Third degrees. This refers to the early lectures which have long since faded from the craft, and in the year of 1856, there were few Masons who could remember them. These particular lectures were the Prestonian Lectures and were no longer in use officially.) March 21, 1856. Bro. William Smith was raised to Master Mason. April 18, 1856. Report of Treasurer shows a balance on hand of $216.69, which was quite a bit of money considering the purchasing power at that time in history. (Historical Note: April 21, 1856 - First railroad train crossed the Mississippi River on the first bridge to span the Mississippi River traveling from Rock Island, Illinois, to Davenport, Iowa.) May 9, 1856. Received a communication from Fairfax Lodge 43, wherein they solicited aid in the building of their Lodge Hall, which was received. (Minutes of both Andrew Jackson and Alexandria-Washington show that they both contributed a great deal to the Fairfax Lodge.) It was at this meeting that a communication from the Grand Master of Virginia J. A. Leitch was read by the Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22. In short, it appeared that a complaint had been sent to the Grand Master, stating that Andrew Jackson was not notifying the membership of petitioners to the Lodge, and they had no opportunity to ballot on the petitions; also, a complaint on the Degree work. In the communication, the Grand Master forbade Andrew Jackson from conferral of any further degrees until the charges might be investigated. By a vote of the Lodge the Worshipful Master was requested to obtain a copy of the Charges of Irregularities and have an investigation as early as possible. May 16, 1856. At the regular meeting, a letter was read from the Grand Master, stating that copies of letters would be forthcoming, but at present they were not at his disposal, except for a letter from the Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22. In time, copies would be sent to Andrew Jackson Lodge, but he hoped that the issue might be resolved without a judicial Investigation of Charges. June 6,1856. Bro. Tom Travis, a Mason of No. 67, was elected .to membership in Andrew Jackson Lodge 120; also, a petition from William P. Collinsworth of Lodge 67 was received. (Collinsworth was elected to membership on July 18th. There was no reference to the Tyling incident.) (Historical Note: .June 15, 1856 - A complete story reached Alexandria and printed in the paper of May 21st, of the burning of Lawrence, Kansas, by the slavery party led by John Brown. Also, in June, the newly-formed Republican Party nominated their first candidate for President, John C. Fremont; and although A. Lincoln made 50 speeches for Fremont, he was defeated in November by James Buchanan, a Master Mason. June 20, 1856. Election of officers. The results will be listed later in the Grand Lodge report. As action was limited in the Lodge, and so far no word from the Grand Master, the following meetings were very short, as they just listed the members in attendance. August 23, 1856. Letter received from the Grand Master, removing the restrictions on degree work, was read and cheered by the membership. Lodge closed in peace and harmony. (Letter is written into the minutes of August 27th, which gives details of decision by the Grand Master.) September 19, 1856. Bro. Solomon Meyenberg was raised a Master Mason. December 7,1856. Report of Andrew Jackson 120 to the Grand Lodge: LIST OF OFFICERS: B. F. Price, Master J. Fitzpatrick, Treasurer Wm. J. Summers, S. Warden J. T. Crump, S. Deacon Daniel Lewis, J. Warden Wm. P. Collinsworth, Tiler J. W. Ford, Secretary PAST MASTERS: S. King Shay Wm. P. Collinsworth MASTER MASONS Larkin Patton W. Meyenberg Tom Travis J. T. Price S. N. Chipley J. H. D. Smoot A. H. Fuchsel H. Schwarz Geo. Duffey C. G. Golden L. Strauss A. L. Gibson J. T. Johnson Wm. H. Smith J. Campbell G. H. Markell S. Meyenberg W. J. Higdon Jacob Pugh S. Strauss J. E. Alexander Alfred Riker D. Brill J. A. Humphries John Summers Geo. Knabb John Howell C. W. Pralle J. L. Garth E. H. Gregory J. Morse Joe Brager G. W. Walker Wm. A. Moore E. Kimberly J. D. Javins C. A. Orton A. Orcutt M. Eldridge H. Blondhaem J. T. Devaughn (Fifty members; fees to Grand Lodge - $10.50) January 2,1857. Bro. E. H. Gregory presented the Lodge with a Charter case, for which he was thanked. Brother W. Meyenburg was instructed to secure some more aprons for the Lodge. Bro. G. W. Knabb was raised to a Master Mason. A committee was appointed to investigate the payment or non-payment of five dollars by Bro. L. Strauss. The committee reported that Bro. Strass owed the Lodge five dollars. Bro. Strauss then gave notice that he would appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master. Bro. B. F. Price then brought a written charge against Bro. Strauss for unmasonic conduct, but this was denied by the Lodge. The Worshipful Master then appointed another committee to try Bro. Strauss on the preceding charges. (All over $5.00.) January 23, 1857. Bro. Crump received the third Degree of Masonry. Bro. Strauss notified the Lodge if he were allowed to, he would withdraw his action to appeal. The Lodge granted his request. Then Bro. Price withdrew his action for unmasonic conduct against Bro. Strauss. (It appears in a very few minutes they had cleared up a very sticky mess.) April 3, 1857. It was agreed and approved by the Lodge that all brothers who owed six dollars or two years dues, and all brothers who had not been in the Lodge at least once in the last twelve months should be summoned to appear at the next regular meeting of the Lodge. April 17, 1857. Bro. J. T. Devaughn was raised to Master Mason. The names of those who had been summoned were read. Each one explained his reason to the Lodge (which is not in the minutes), and they were treated with brotherly love and excuses. (The minutes do show the collection of money, in amounts of from $3.00 to $0.75. The minutes of that era show very few of the members paid their dues in full at one time. They were consistently paying to the Secretary amounts from $0.25 to $1.25, etc., throughout the year. It is no wonder the brothers had a time keeping the records straight as to who owed what.) May 7, 1857. The Lodge voted on a resolution which was to give the Secretary $20.00 per year plus his dues. It was carried unanimously. June 18, 1857. Election of Officers was the order of business and the examining of the books of the Secretary and Treasurer. The balance on hand, $125.41. Results of the election will be noted in the report to the Grand Lodge in December. Committee formed to make plans for a St. John’s Day supper for the membership. July 23,1857. Bros. J. E. Alexander and J. A. Humphries were raised to Master Masons. It appeared that a part of the minutes of July 9th had not been written into the minutes of the Lodge, and that the Secretary should be summoned to see why this deletion was made. (We will never know just what did happen as the page was tom from the book and there is just a small reference to the missing page in the margin.) (Historical note: Due to the Great Mutiny in India, also referred to as “Sepoy Rebellion” which had begun on May 10, 1857, word had come to the port of Alexandria, Virginia, that the East India Co., with which we did business, had been abolished, and India had been placed under Crown rule.) August 6, 1857. J. H. D. Smoot received the first degree in Masonry, and two other candidates were rejected that meeting. Also, the Lodge was informed that the closet in which the paraphernalia of the Lodge was kept was no longer safe. Motion was made and carried that the Master secures a strong wardrobe with locks. September 17, 1857. A report was made on the number of candidates who had been initiated, passed and raised since the adoption of the By-Laws of the Lodge. The number was 20. The Lodge ordered not to exceed $2.50 for refreshments for anyone meeting. The Master announced he had secured a wardrobe closet which cost $7.50. (Today that would be approximately $230.00.) (Historical Note: John D. Lee led a raid against a wagon train at Mountain Meadows. Not only were the U.S. Army supplies destroyed, but 120 men, women and children were killed; only 17 children under the age of seven were spared; 6,000 troops were sent to suppress the rebellion.) To continue with the minutes of September 17th, it was also on that evening that Bro. J. H. D. Smoot was raised a Master Mason. Unknown to the membership at this time, this J. H. D. Smoot was to become Master in 1859, when the present Master B. F. Price stepped down. October 1, 1857. It is noted that Bro. J. H. D. Smoot occupied the Sr. Deacon’s station at this meeting, just fifteen days after he was raised. Motion was made for the purchase of one share of “State Stock” and to hold same in trust for special charity; Passed. There were motions to change several articles in the By-Laws but each one was voted down. November 5,1857. Charges were preferred by Bro. A. L. Gibson against Worshipful Bro. B. F. Price for unmasonic conduct. He informed the Lodge that Price had called him a Damn Liar on a public street. Bro. Price said he had called him a Damn Liar because he had impeached him in public as being very dishonorable. Bro. Price then asked Bro. S. King Shay to take the East, and he would waive being tried by the Grand Lodge in favor of keeping it within the Lodge, and Bro. Shay appointed a committee to try the case. November 19, 1857. Committee reported back with the following report. Due to the fact that both brothers were in fault and had publicly abused each other on a public street in front of young and unmasonic ears, it was their judgment that both brothers were at fault, and they be directed to apologize to the Lodge and also to each other, whereupon they both agreed and shook hands at the altar. Afterward, Bro. Price resumed the chair as Master of the Lodge. December 3, 1857. An appropriation of $10.00 was made for the Masonic Temple at Fredericksburg, Virginia. December 10, 1857.Report was made ready for Grand Lodge as follows: LIST OF OFFICERS: B. F. Price, Master J. A. Humphries, Sr. Deacon J. T. Crump, Sr. Warden J. T. Devaughn,Jr. Deacon J. H. D. Smoot, Jr. Warden J. E. Alexander, Steward J. W. Ford, Secretary Jesse Garth, Steward D. M. French, Treasurer Wm. P. Collinsworth, Tiler PAST MASTERS: Samuel King Shay William P. Collinsworth Benjamin F. Price John Craven MASTER MASONS: G. W. Walker M. Eldridge A. L. Gibson Julius Morse J. Fitzpatrick John T. Johnson Wm. A. Moore John T. Price George H. Marshall C. A. Orton Alfred Riker John Summers L. Strauss Wm. H. Smith C. B. Golden H. Blondhaem J. Rosenthal E. H. Gregory H. Schwarz Rev. J. Manning E. Kimberly J. Brager A. Orcutt Solomon Meyenberg G. Whittington Wolff Meyenberg T. B. Travers J. W. Campbell Geo. Bossart Daniel Lewis W. Avery John Howell August Fuchsel L. Patton Wm. Summers Geo. Duffey E. Hunt (51 members) March 31, 1858. Called meeting of the Lodge. The Master announced to the Lodge that B. S. S. Gover of No. 142 Casia Lodge had died, and motion was made by George Duffey that he be buried by the lodge with full Masonic honors. It was agreed. Arrangements were discussed for the funeral the following day at 2:00 P.M., with all Masons being invited to attend; special letter of invitation to be sent to Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22. (This was the first Masonic funeral conducted by Andrew Jackson Lodge 120.) April 1, 1858. Funeral lodge opened and they proceeded to the funeral, after which they returned and closed the Lodge. May 20, 1858. Bro. D. M. French was examined on the Fellowcraft and then was raised to Master Mason. (Although Bro. French never attained the East as Master, he became a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson 120 and served many years as Treasurer.) June 3, 1858. Received a letter of invitation from Linn Banks Lodge 126, to be present at the dedication of its new Masonic Hall at Madison Court House. June 17, 1858. Election of Officers. The books were examined, and it is noted that the books were closed on a total of $178.87. It was also noted that $100.00 was in State Stock, and only $78.87 in the General Fund. By the close of the meeting they had received $20.19 from back dues. Results of election, as follows: B. F. Price, Master; J. T. Crump, Sr. Warden; J. H. D. Smoot, Jr., Warden; Edward Hunt, Sr. Deacon; J. T. Devaughn, Jr. Deacon; D. M. French, Treasurer; J. W. Ford, Secretary; W. P. Collinsworth, Tyler. (A little bit of Trivia. Although the Grand Lodge spelled it TILER, the subordinate lodges spelled it TYLER. They never got together on the spelling until after the war. I also note the expenditure of 75 cents for refreshments, although there were from ten to fifteen members present.) August 6, 1858. A committee appointed, J. T. Crump and J. E. .Alexander, to procure suitable Regalia for the officers. (Historical Note: August 5, 1858 - Cyrus W. Field completed the first Atlantic Cable, and President Buchanan spoke to Queen Victoria on this date. Although the cable failed on September 1st, it was finally successful in 1866, after the war. Also, it was between August 21 and October 15 of that year the Lincoln-Douglas debates were held.) September 2, 1858. The District Deputy J. C. Brown (of Lodge 22) made an official visit to Andrew Jackson 120. He expressed the finer results of the “Fellowship Committee” and the friendship and brotherly love which existed between the two lodges, and his desire to see the continuance of the committee. (Author’s Note. Feeling I had missed something in the minutes, I went back, but there is no mention of a “Fellowship Committee.” What I did notice was that at every meeting of Andrew Jackson 120 and also at every meeting of Alexandria-Washington 22, there was always at least one member present from the other Lodge. Also, it was very seldom the same brother. It appeared to be one officer and one member most of the time. I discussed this with the Secretary of Alexandria-Washington 22, Bro. Charles Cornnell, and he suggested it might have been a suggestion emanating from the Grand Lodge.) Mr. Loudon Campbell had petitioned the Lodge but before he was voted on he informed the Lodge secretary that he had just received notice of his appointment as an engineer in the U.S. Navy and expected orders to report. The Lodge voted in favor of Campbell, and it was agreed that the Grand Master be requested for a dispensation to confer all three degrees on Loudon Campbell. September 7, 1858. The Master informed the Brothers that the meeting had been called to confer degrees on Loudon Campbell, as authorized by the Dispensation granted by the Grand Master. The Dispensation, signed by John S. Caldwell, Grand Master, and John Dove, Grand Secretary, was read, “. . Authorizing and Empowering Andrew Jackson 120 to suspend the operations of such laws as may interfere, as to time, and to proceed forthwith to initiate, pass and raise said Loudon Campbell. . . “ The Lodge proceeded to initiate, pass, and then instruct Brother Campbell in the rites. September 9, 1858. Special called meeting to raise Bro. Campbell to the degree of Master Mason, which was the only order of business. November 18, 1858. Bro. G. T. Whittington was raised to the degree of Master Mason. December 16, 1858. Report made ready for Grand Lodge. LIST OF OFFICERS: B. F. Price, Master J. S. Humphries, Sr. Deacon J. T. Crump, Sr. Warden J. T. Devaughn, Jr., Deacon J. H. D. Smoot, Jr. Warden J. E. Alexander, Steward J. W. Ford, Secretary Jesse Garth, Steward D. M. French, Treasurer Wm. Collinsworth, Tiler PAST MASTERS: Samuel King Shay William Collinsworth J Ben F. Price John Craven MASTER MASONS: J. T. Johnson E. Kimberly J. W. Campbell G. H. Marshall S. Meyenberg W. Avery G. W. Walker T. B. Travers A. L. Gibson J. Morse D. W. Lewis E. Hunt W. A. Moore A. H. Fuchsell J. Rosenthal C. A. Orton W. J. Summers Rev. J. Manning L. Strauss Geo. Duffey Albert Orcutt M.Eldridge L. Patton W. Meyenberg J. Fitzpatrick H. Blondhaem George Bossart J. T. Price H. Schwarz John Howell A. Riker J. Brager W. H. Smith G. T. Whittington (47members) This was the first five years of Andrew Jackson 120. January 6, 1859. During the meeting there was mention of a Communication which had been received from the Grand Master of Virginia, declaring a Brother J. D. Javins to be a member of this Lodge. But as of the minutes of January 6, there is no record of the communication, and it cannot be found. January 20, 1859. The Tyler was ordered to procure a quantity of black and white balls for balloting. March 3, 1859. Bro. Wolff, a photographer in Alexandria, presented to the Lodge a photograph of B. F. Price and invited the Lodge officers to come to his studio for a group picture, which was accepted by the Lodge. Brother Wolff also petitioned for membership in Andrew Jackson 120. (Historical Note: April 4, 1859 - Daniel D. Emmett’s composition of Dixie was first played by the Bryant’s Ministrels at Mechanics Hall, in New York City.) May 5, 1859. Resolved, that we curtail the Secretary’s salary $10.00. Resolved, that we pay for the next year to the Tyler, $0.50 per night in the place of his present salary. Resolved, that we apply for a reduction in rent. May 19, 1859. A very short meeting. They did not bother to read the minutes. The only order of business was to vote $0.50 to the Tyler for serving notices. (In fact, the minutes become sketchy to a point where only the date, names of those present, and closing time are recorded.) June 24, 1859. Election of Officers and Installation, with Bro. J. H. D. Smoot, Worshipful Master; Isaac Peverell, Sr. Warden; (For some reason Isaac Peverell never served as Sr. Warden except for that Installation night. Bro. J. T. Crump served out the year as Sr. Warden.) J. A. Humphries, Jr. Warden; Geo. T. Whittington, Secretary; J. D. Javins, Treasurer. At this point, question was raised as to the legality of Bro. J. W. Campbell as Jr. Deacon, according to Article 2, Section 2 of the By-Laws. The Master decided that the election was legal. Bro. J. Craven then stated that he would appeal to the Grand Master. With that, the Installation came to a halt, and Lodge was closed. July 21, 1859. Bro. J. W. Campbell, to prevent further unrest, declined to serve as Jr. Deacon; so a new election was called, with Bro. T. D. Hodjkin elected to serve as Jr. Deacon. August 5, 1859. A letter was received from the Washington National Monument office which was read by the Master and laid on the table. (Historical Note: August 27th - Drake drills well and strikes oil at Titusville, Pennsylvania.) September 15, 1859. Received petition from George P. Hill. A summons was received from Rt. Wor. John Dove, Grand Secretary, summoning the Lodge to participate in the Masonic Ceremonies at Williamsburg, Virginia, on October 11tho Although there is no mention in the minutes as to what the ceremonies were at Williamsburg, Virginia, the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge 1860, Page 7, The Grand Master’s Report, reads: “I accepted on the part of the Grand Lodge a cordial and flattering invitation from the Faculty of the College of William and Mary, to be present in the City of Williamsburg, on the 11th of October last and assist in the ceremony of Raising the Capestone of the new College Edifice. . . “ October 6, 1859. The books of the Treasurer were examined during the meeting. Names were listed as to who owed dues; 12 members were summoned to show reason, etc. They collected $45.00. (Historical Note: October 17, 1859 - News was received and printed in the Alexandria Gazette that John Brown, with 21 men who had seized the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, was captured by Lt. Co!. Robert E. Lee. Also, on the same date, October 17th, the Governor of Virginia ordered the militia companies to prepare for active service. The Alexandria Riflemen had not waited for formal orders, but left Alexandria the morning of the 18th and went to Washington, where they sought out the governor, John Letcher, who went with them to Harpers Ferry. The Company consisted of only 28 men without ammunition. By the time they arrived everything was over, and so they returned to Alexandria the following day.) December 1, 1859. (The meetings from October to December were filled with degree work.) The membership nominated Bro. J. A. Milburn for District Deputy Grand Master. Bro. Milburn was a Past Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22. (Historical Note: December 3,1859 - John Brown was hung at Charleston.) December 15, 1859. Report made ready for the Grand Lodge session and Bro. J. T. Crump carried the report in person. LIST OF OFFICERS: J. H. D. Smoot, Master Isaac Peverell, Sr. Deacon James T. Crump, Sr. Warden T. D. Hodjkin, Jr. Deacon J. A. Humphries, Jr. Warden W. E. H. Clagett, Steward Goo. T. Whittington, Secy J. W. Campbell, Steward J. D. Javins, Treasurer Wm. Collingsworth, Tiler PAST MASTERS: S. King Shay Wm. Collinsworth Ben F. Price John Craven MASTER MASONS: C. B. Golden T. B. Travers D. M. French E. H. Gregory D. W. Lewis J. T. Devaughn George W. Walker A. H. Fuchsel J. E. Alexander J. Morse W. J. Summers J. Garth W. A. Moore Geo. Duffey A. Orcutt C.A. Orton Larkin Patton G. Bossart L. Strauss Henry Blondhaem John Howell M. Eldridge J. Brager G. H. Markell J. Fitzpatrick W. Avery S. Strauss J. P. Price A. L. Gibson Loudon Campbell Alfred Riker E. Hunt Wolff Meyenberg Wm. H. Smith J. Rosenthal Henry Jenkins E. Kimberly Rev. J. Manning Sol. Meyenberg J. W. Ford (51 members) December 22, 1859. This was the final meeting of the year 1859, and a committee was formed to make arrangements for a supper to be served on St. John’s night, with instructions to invite Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22 members, with the three principal officers as guests of Andrew Jackson 120. The committee was instructed to make sure the tickets did not exceed $1.00. February 2, 1860. Petition of Mr. John Haislip of Fairfax County received. Ordered that $5.00 be paid to Wor. P. J. Bunnel, a distressed Master Mason. (It must be remembered that $5.00 had the purchasing power of $150.00 in 1978.) May 17, 1860. Committee of Crump, Duffey, and Summers to audit the books of the Lodge. Invitation received from Olive Branch Lodge 14 to join with them at the St. John’s day celebration at Leesburg, Virginia, on the 25th of June. June 14, 1860. Arrangements were made for the visit to Leesburg. Committees were formed for many things, one of which was to obtain tickets for those who would attend. Price of the tickets was $1.50 round trip, first class, with one meal served. (It was a 3-hour trip most of the time, if they didn’t have troubles.) The Tyler was instructed to put the Aprons and Regalia in order for the trip. Results of the Election and Installation will be noted in the 29 report to the Grand Lodge. However, we will note that J. T. Crump was elected Master. June 21, 1860. Bill for eight collars and aprons for the officers, $31.50, ordered paid to S. G. Harper. Motion was made to place an advertisement in the Alexandria Gazette and Virginia Sentinel requesting the members to meet at the Lodge room, Monday morning, the 25th, at 6:30 A.M., for their trip to Leesburg. June 25, 1860. Meeting called and opened on the 3 rd. The members present proceeded to the train and Leesburg for the celebration. (We have no record as to how many went.) They returned to Alexandria and the Lodge was closed at 8:30 P.M. September 6, 1860. Bro. Wm. B. Richards raised to Master Mason. (Historical Note: Alexandria shared the agitation which swept the South, following the raid at Harpers Ferry. On December 1st, there was a notice placed in the Alexandria Gazette for the organization of the Old Dominion Rifles, signed by Edgar Warfield, Sr., father of Edgar, Jr., and Frank Warfield. W. S. Kemper, father of Kosciusko Kemper, became Captain of the Home Guard, and later joined with the Alexandria Battalion. Delaware Kemper, his brother, was elected Captain of the Alexandria Artillery, under Lieutenant Colonel Duffey.) December 20, 1860. A very historical night. Bro. A. Woods was raised to Master Mason. Following the Degree, the Master informed the brothers that one of the members informed him that he had balloted against W. C. Castleman, and he wished to have another ballot that he might correct his mistake. The Lodge agreed and the ballot was taken, this time in favor of Castleman. (It was on this date, December 20, 1860, that South Carolina adopted an ordinance of secession. Lincoln’s election had not stirred the citizens of Alexandria as much as the action taken by South Carolina. At this time Virginia was against secession.) With the report made ready for Grand Lodge, and the brothers’ innocent of what history had in store for them, they went on with the duties of the Lodge, mostly the conferral of degrees. The report to Grand Lodge: LIST OF OFFICERS: J. T. Crump, Master T. D. Hodjkin, Sr. Deacon J. E. Alexander, Sr. Warden Sherman Bates, Jr. Deacon G. T. Whittington, Jr. Ward. Wm. B. Richards, Steward J. Rosenthal, Secretary Wm. Clagget, Steward J. D. Javins, Treasurer W. P. Collinsworth, Tyler PAST MASTERS: S. King Shay J. Craven B. F. Price W. P. Collinsworth J. H. D. Smoot MASTER MASONS: A. Fuchsel W. H. Smith G. G. Harper E. H. Gregory J. Brager W. Avery M. Eldridge D. M. French H. Jenkins H. Schwarz G. Bossart W. H. Clagget A. Riker J. Devaughn D. W. Lewis J. T. Price S. Meyenberg W. A. Moore George Duffey T. Travis E. Hunt Larkin Patton A. L. Gibson J. Severel J. W. Ford J. Humphries J. W. Campbell W. Meyenberg J. Howell (42 members) This was to be the last return to the Grand Lodge until December of 1865. The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge show very few returns made during the next four years. January 17, 1861. The lodge continued to operate mostly for degrees. (Historical Note: February 8, 1861 - South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida formed the Confederate States of America and elected Jefferson Davis as President. They were joined much later by Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, and Tennessee.) March 7, 1861. Bros. G. Kenner and O. Babcock were raised to Master Mason. Bro. B. F. Price was appointed to examine the report of the Grand Lodge. April 4, 1861. Called meeting for degrees. This was to be the last meeting before war was declared. When next they met they would be at war. Surrender of Fort Sumter on April 11, 1861. (We might look back to the election on March 5th, when Bro. Wm. B. Price was elected mayor of Alexandria. Price was considered a Union Conservative at the time of the election. The Virginia Convention met on April 16 and 17, after which they adopted the ordinance of secession. April 22nd, Robert E. Lee was appointed Commander of military and naval forces of Virginia.) May 17, 1861.No mention of civil news. The Lodge went on with the business of degrees. END First 125 Years with Andrew Jackson 120, A.F. & A.M. 1853- 1978 Researched and Compiled by William Adrian Brown 1978 Copyright @ 1981 by Andrew Jackson Lodge 120 A.F. & A.M. All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America |
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