INTRODUCTORY-DISPENSATION-FIRST MEETING AND ORGANIZATION-EARLY RECORDS-ORIGINAL MEMBERS- FIRST OFFICERS-BY LAWS-SEAL-JEWELS-FINANCES-CELEBRATION JUNE 24, 1844-SUBSEQUENT MEETING PLACES-IN THE COURT HOUSE-IN GEORGE B. NORRIS BUILDING-ERECTION OF A PERMANENT HALL-ITS COST-STOCKHOLDERS-LIST OF OFFCERS FROM ORGANIZATION-ROLL OF MEMBERS AND DATE OF FIRST ADMISSION, ETC.
WHEN Delaware County began to be populated by white men, and the era of civilization began to dawn upon the wilderness, Freemasonry, the handmaid of Christianity, was a primal element of the pioneer movement which has left its impress upon the society of to-day. In the course of time, the number of those who had been inducted into the mystic temple was sufficiently increased to justify the experiment of instituting a lodge authorizing them under the-regulations prescribed by the Grand Lodge to affiliate together and to work according to the usages of the fraternity. In the fall of 1842, a number of the brethren, feeling that the proper time had come to avail themselves of the opportunity to enjoy these privileges, made application for a dispensation empowering them to meet as a lodge and to work. The request was granted and a dispensation issued by Philip Mason, of Connersville Grand Master, bearing the date of 7th day of October, 1842, of which the following is a copy:
Whereas, it has been represented to us that at Muncietown, Delaware County and State of Indiana, there resides a number of Free and Accepted Ancient York Mason, who are desirous of associating together agreeably to the constitution of Ancient Masonry; and it appearing for the promotion of the Royal Art, necessary and proper that the said brethren should be enabled to work together as a regular lodge of Masons, Therefore, I, Philip Mason, Grand Master of the most ancient and honorable society of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, In the State of Indiana, by and with the consent of the Grand Lodge, testified by their rules and regulations, do hereby constitute and appoint the Worshipful Samuel P. Anthony, Master; Patrick Justice, Senior Warden, and John Brownlee, Junior Warden, together with all such brethren as are now or may hereafter become members, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, by dispensation, by the title of Delaware Lodge, U. D; and do hereby ordain that all regular lodges respect them as such, hereby granting them full power to assemble and work together as a regular Lodge, to receive and enter Apprentice, pass Fellow-crafts, and raise Masters, according to the form and established customs of Ancient Masonry, and not otherwise. Also, to exact from these members contributions, as they shall judge necessary, for the support of the lodge, relief of the brethren in distress, together with such contributions toward the Grand Charity Fund as are required by the constitution of Masonry and the laws of the Grand Lodge of Indiana; commanding the aforesaid brethren to reverence and obey their superiors in all thing lawful and honest as becomes the honor and harmony of Masonry. To record in their lodge-book this present dispensation, their own private regulations, and their whole acts and proceedings from time to time as they occur; and by no means to divert their said lodge hereby constituted, or form them themselves into separate meetings, without the consent of said Worshipful Master and Wardens; and are not to cease from their workings as a lodge until ordered to do so by the Most Worshipful Grand Master for the time being. And I do enjoin and command the aforesaid brethren to make due returns of this dispensation a copy of the private regulations, and a copy of all the proceedings had in the said dispensation, to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Indiana, at their next annual communication, to be held in the town of Indianapolis, on the fourth Monday in May, next ensuing the date hereof, and to which time this dispensation shall continue in force, and no longer. All which, by the acceptance hereof, they are bound to observe, and the brethren aforesaid, by the acceptance hereof, acknowledge the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and Master as their superiors, and promise to pay due regard to such instructions and recommendations as they shall hereafter receive from them. For the more effectual preservation of these presents, the same are hereby ordered to be recorded.
Given under the hand of Philip Mason, Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Indiana, and the seal of said Lodge, this 7th day of October, Anno Lucia 1842, Anno Domini 1842,
{L.S.}
PHILIP MASON.
Attest, AUSTIN W. MORRIS, Grand Secretary.
The organization of the Masonic order in Muncie was affected, pursuant to the aforesaid dispensation, by the institution of Delaware Lodge, U. D., on the 20th of March, 1843, in the then residence of. Dr. Samuel P. Anthony, the Worshipful Master. The building was a two-story frame, situated on the east side of High street, on the south side of the alley between Main and Jackson, and now occupied as a boarding house. A short time after the organization, the west upper room of the courthouse was fitted up, and from that time for several, the meetings of the lodge were held there. The first records appertaining to the transactions of this lodge, bear the marks of antiquity and are, indeed, venerable relics of the past. The minutes of those proceedings were kept upon sheets of foolscap paper and the whole, consisting of some forty-three pages of manuscript, inclosed in a flabby calf-skin cover, which has imparted to the paper a dark-brown color, giving it the appearance of greater age than it really has. We quote from these early records the following:
March 20, 1843. A meeting was convened. Present, James Hogan, S. P. Anthony, Patrick Justice, John Brownlee, John M. Thomas, John Hupp, Jesse Sythan, James O. Leas, B. Sayre and G. E. Cook.
James Hogan was called to the chair and a lodge was opened in the Master Mason's degree. Samuel P. Anthony was then installed as Worshipful Master, Patrick Justice as Senior Warden, and John Brownlee, as Junior Warden. After which the lodge proceeded to ballot for subordinate officers with the following result: James Hogan, Secretary; John M. Thomas, Treasurer; John Hupp, Senior Deacon, Jesse Sythan, Junior Deacon; James O. Leas, Tiler. These latter officers were then duly installed. A committee was appointed draw up a code of by-laws, to report at the next meeting. The lodge was then closed, to meet again March 21, at 6 o'clock P. M.
March 21. the committee on by-laws, consisting of Brothers Hogan, Justice and Hupp, made report, and the by-laws, so reported, consisting of twenty-five articles, were unanimously adopted by the lodge, which, after adoption, were signed by the following members: Samuel P. Anthony, Patrick Justice, John Brownlee, James L. Hogan, John Hupp, Jesse Sythan and James O. Leas.
At the session of the Grand Lodge, on the 23rd of May, 1843, Brother Bartlett from the commitee on dispensations, having examined the proceedings and by-laws,and found them generally regular, noting certain exceptions, reported the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That a charter be granted Delaware Lodge, at Munceytown as Delaware Lodge, No. 46; and that Brothers Samuel P. Anthony be the first Master thereof, Patrick Justice, the Senior Warden, and John Brownlee, the Junior Warden. A charter was issued of that date.
July 8, 1843. A committee of thre was appointed to confer with the County Commissioners in reference to renting the grand jury room in the court house, for a lodge-room. Subsequently, the committee reported that the room could be procured for that purpose and it was procured accordingly.
November 4, 1843. The committee appointed to investigate the accounts of the lodge, made the following report:
1st. We find Moses L. Neely in arrears as Treasurer to the amount of $16.18¾. This calculation is made after deducting his account of $49.50; $6.06, printer's fees for by-laws, washing aprons, etc.; $5.00 paid to James L. Hogan. Samuel W. Harlan is in arrears as Secretary, $38.75; John Brown for dues, 50 cents; B. G. Cunningham for dues, 25 cents; James L. Hogan, cash, $7.37½; George H. Billingall, for called meeting, $2; D. Kilgore, for dues, 25 cents; John Neff, dues, 25 cents; J. O. Leas, dues, 50 cents; J. Sythan, dues, 50 cents; William T. Scott, dues, 25 cents; total due the lodge, $66.81¼.
We find the lodge is indebted as follows: S. P. Anthony's account, $18.67½; fee to Grand Secretary, 75 cents; Grand Lodge claimed for dues, charter, etc., $16.25; total indebtedness, $39.12. Deduct Hodge's account, $7.37½, which leave in the treasury, $19.31¼. At this meeting a committee was appointed to devise a seal.
December 2, 1843. The following persons were elected officers for the ensuing six months: David Kilgore, W. M.; Samuel Anthony, S. W.; George H. Ballingall, J. W.; James O. Leas, Secretary; M. L. Neely, Treasurer; S. W. Harlan, S. D.; B. W. Scott, J. D.; Joseph Bowman, Tiler. These officers were installed at the semi-annual festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1843.
March 19, 1844. A committee was appointed to procure jewels for the lodge and make report, the next meeting. At the meeting of April 27 following, the committee having procured a set of plated jewels, A. M. Klein was allowed $500 for the same. Jesse Sythan, on of the original members of this lodge having died, the lodge, by its committee appointed for the purpose, passed resolutions of respect to his memory, at the meeting of March 19, 1844, and ordered that the lodge be draped in mourning and that the brethren wear the usual badge for thirty days.
April 27, 1844. The committee on finance make report as follows: Haiving examined the bookd of the Secretary and Treasurer, we make report as follows:
June 24, 1844. At 11 o'clock A. M., the necessary preparations having been made for the celebration of the anniversary of St. John the Baptist. The lodge proceeded in the following order the Presbyterian Church, in charge of W. T. Scott, Marshal of the Day, music, ladies, brethren, citizens, who marched through the principal streets to the church, where the order of proceedings was as follows:
Prayer by Rev. Robert Irwin, of the Presbyterian Church; music by the band; installation of officers; address by Samuel W. Harlan; music by the band; singing by the citzens. Benediction by Rev. Mr. Clifford.
The procession was again formed in line of march and proceeded to, and all participated in, the dinner prepared for the occasion by M. Russey. Dinner over, the crowd dispersed and the order proceeded to the lodge-room, after which the exercises closed. The officers installed on this occasion were David Kilgore, W. M.; Patrick Justice, S. W.; Moses L. Neely, J. W.; F. E. Putnam, Secretary; Joseph Bowman; Treasurer; S. W. Harlan, S. D.; H. E. Bowen, J. D.; J. O. Leas, Tiler.
March 7, 1846. At this time the lodge received from the members who had removed the jewels, etc., from the grand jury-room in the court house, a report setting forth that the removal was consummated in consequence of a demand made for the rent of the room by the Couny Commissioners, the grand jury having granted the lodge the use of the room rent free. The jewels, etc., in the meantime, had been removed to the room of Dr. S. P. Anthony, Past Master of the lodge. Subsequently, the meetings of the lodge were held in a room then occupied as a family residence by Mr. G. B. Norris. At the meeting of May in that year, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Norris for the use of this room. About this time, the matter having been under consideration, the committee appointed for the purpose, reported favorably on the proposition to secure the old room in the court house in common with the Sons of Temperance, who were then occuping it, the lodge to pay one-third of the rent. A review of these preceedings is given as follows:
When the lodge was removed from the court house, under the circumstances referred to, the effects, for the time being, were deposited in a room in the building owned by Mr. Anthony, in Commercial row, from which, soon after, they were removed to the building occupied by George B. Norris, a frame building recently moved off the lot at the northwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets--the present site of the Boyce Block--but burned in the street during the process of removal. From this building the lodge was again moved into a room which Mr. Anthony had built with a special view to its occupancy as a Masonic hall, and fitted up for that purpose during the interim. This room was on the south side of Main street, immediately east of High. The inconvenience of the construction--ingress and egress, as well as the rooms--caused the order to make arrangements with the County Commissioners, which were afterward consummated, renting the entire upper story of the court house and remodeling it to suit the convenience of the fraternity. The next removal was to the Globe Block,which was fitted up expressly for the purpose of a lodge-room, being built by Fred E. Putnam and Judge J. Brady in conjunction. An understanding was arrived at between the builders, Messrs. Putnam and Brady, that the lodge, in conjunction with the I. O. O. F., would put on the third story and fit the same for the purposes of a lodge room. Mr. Putnam, however, not neeting with anticipated success in the collection of the subscriptions, fitted the same at
his own expense and rented it to the Masonic Order, at the rate of $50 per year. The rent of this hall commenced on the 15th of of October, 1853, and Mr. Putnam having collected on subscription the sum of $150, three months rent was allowed in advance.
June 14, 1851. The lodge appropriated $8 toward the building of the Washington Monument at the national capital, in return for which it received a portrait of Washinton and a design of the monument, with a certificate of membership in the association.
On the 9th of October, 1851, A. M. Klein, jeweler, presented the lodge with an appropriate seal, with a compass and square, etc.
At the meeting in April, 1852, the committee on lodge-room reported that they had leased the court house room for a period of seven years, and had used it only two years and a half; but, as the room was very inconvenient, it was resolved to surrender the lease and rent the room of Fred E. Putnam, for a period of five years.
March 23, 1862. The record shows the following abstract of the condition of the lodge at that date and a review of the work done during the year preceding:
Initiated, 6; passed, 7; raised, 5; number of members at the commencement of the year, 69; dimitted, 3; re-instated, 1; admitted from other lodges, 2; total membership, 74.
During the current year 1862, a committee was appointed for the purpose of acquiring ground and making all necessary preparations for building a hall. In February, 1863, and addition of two was added to the committee in the persons of John W. Burson and Archibaid Hamilton, the original committee being D. H. Case, Geroge W. Fay and Manuel Marks. On March 28, 1863, the commitee made and submitted the following report:
We have bargained for the lot known as the "Charley Cooper lot," at the southwest corner of the public square, and are waiting for a deed, which will be made next Saturday, the amount of stock raised is $3,350. Your committee is of the opinion that the amount of stock now in hand is sufficient to make a commencement, and would offer the following resolution and ask to be discharged. Which was adopted:
The following were then appointed on the committee: David H. Case, John W. Burson, James Montgomery. May 2, 1860, this committee reported a proposition to collect moneys and issue a certificate of stock, in share of $25 each, to be known as Stock of the Masonic Hall in Muncie, to be signed by the Chairman of the committee, and countersigned by the Secretary, and to have the seal of the lodge on them, which was adopted.
May 13, 1863. The committee reported the purchase of the "Cooper lot", of twenty-four feet front, for $1,252, and that they had let the contract for excavating the cellar, and had contracted, also, for the brick and stone, lumber, laying the brick, stone, etc.; collected from stock and other sources, $1,775. Paid out for materials, $1,189.54; balance on hand, $585.46.
On the 24th of June, 1863, the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, upon which was engraved the following: "M. W. G. M. William Hacker, A. D., 1863, A. L., 5863." The following is an abstract of the deposit: "Holy Bible; names of officers of Delaware Lodge, No. 46; date of dispensation; date of organization under dispensation; date of charter and general officers of the same; list of names of members of Delaware Lodge, No. 46; list of first officers and present; date of dispensation for Muncie Chapter; petitioners for same; date of charter and petitioners for the same; date of organization under charter; first officers, present officers and members; a list of member of Mount Moriah Lodge; copy of by-laws of Delaware Lodge, Mount Moriah Lodge and of Muncie Chapter: a craftsman; history of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Presbyterian Church of this place; name of State and county officers; copy of Delaware County Times; also, Times and Free Press; Greeley Almanac for 1863; a blank stock certificate of Masonic Hall; copper coins, U. S. A.; one 3-cent piece; one 5-cent piece, one 10-cent piece, one 25-cent piece; copy of the Little Messenger; three copies of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Indiana; Fravell's report to Grand Lodge on Foreign Correspondence."
After the ceremony was concluded, the assembly repaired to the fair grounds, where an oration was delivered by Grand Master Hacker, and a dinner was served, prepared by J. M. Davis. The old house on the building lot was sold to R. H. Mong, and removed.
The following are the shareholders in the "Stock of the Masonic Hall in Muncie:"
The following is a summary report of the Building Committee, submitted May 26, 1877:
drawing interest at the rate of 6 per cent, redeemable at the pleasure of the lodge.
We find the grand total expense to date to be $29,310.66, which includes every item of expense, even the original and re-issue of stock from which we have deduted stock redeemed, showing the following:
The following is a complete roll of the officers of Delaware Lodge, No. 46, from the date of Organization to the present time, with date of election and the term of service of each:
The following is a nearly complete list of the members who have been initiated and admitted into the lodge from the date of organization to the present time, as taken from the records of the lodge:
In the fall of 1870, it became apparent that another lodge than Delaware, No. 46, was necessary within this jurisdiction to accommodate the increasing wants of the order in Muncie. On application, therefore to W. M. Grand Master Martin H. Rice, a dispensation was granted the applicants and such others as might affiliate with them for that purpose, to work as a lodge, bearing date November 10, 1870, under which, on the same day, Muncie Lodge, U. D., was organized and proceeded to work, Asa H. Dobson, as W. M.; Isaac Branson, S. W.; and Robert C. Bell, J. W. On the evening of the institution of this lodge and election was held for subordinate officers, with the following result: Hugh Hughes, Treasurer;
William L. Little, Secretary; Web. S. Richey, S. D. ; George W. Van Metre, J. D.; Jacob W. Heath, Tiler. For the time being the meetings were held at the hall of Delaware Lodge, No. 46, at the corner of Main and High streets.
At the session of the Grand Lodge, in May following, the records, etc., were sent up for inspection and consideration. These having been referred to the committee on charters and dispensations in that body, at the proper time the following report was made and concurred in:
The records of Muncie Lodge, U. D., have been neatly and correctly made up, in proper form, and in a book of superior quality. The bylaws are in harmony with the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. The committee, therefore, recommended that a charter be granted the brethren of Muncie, in Delaware County, to organize a lodge, to be called Muncie Lodge, No. 433, and that Brothers Asa H. Hodson, be appointed W. M.; Isaac Bronson. S. W.; and H. Clay Hodge, J. W., of said lodge.
At that time Muncie Lodge reported a membership of six. A charter was accordingly issued May 23, 1871, to Muncie Lodge, No. 433. The report submitted at the session of 1872, of the grand body, make the following more satisfactory showing: initiations, 22; passed, 20; raised, 15; affiliated, 27; death, 1--John E. Erwin, October 14, 1871. Total membership, 46; representing a fair portion of the best Masonic element of the community. The report for the next year was quite satisfactory also; 6 initiated, 6 passed, 10 raised, 2 affiliated, 1 death--William Hollingshead, January 23, 1873--and a total membership of 57; an increase of eleven over the last year. During the years 1874 and 1875, there was a total increase of eight, four each year, while in 1876, there was a decrease of one in the aggregate membership. At the close of the year 1880, the number reported to the Grand Lodge was sixty-seven.
In April, 1879, Muncie Lodge purchased Odd Fellows Hall, East Main street, and, after refitting and thoroughly overhauling it, moved and took possession and have since occupied the premises as owners. The hall is sufficiently large for the use of the order, and well adapted, in furniture and fixtures, to the purpose for which it has been especially set apart.
The following persons have served as Worshipful Masters of Muncie Lodge, from the date of its institution. November 10, 1870, to the present time: Asa H. Hodson, from 1870 to December, 1873; Webster S. Richey, from January, 1874, to December, 1874; Asa H. Hodson, from January, 1875, to December, 1875; and William H. Wood, from January, 1876, to the present time. At the stated meeting in December, 1880, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year and installed December 18, 1880: William H. Wood, W. M.; Charles M. Kimbrough, S. W.; John R. McMahan, J. W.; Joseph Hummel, treasurer; J. Wall Perkins, Secretary; Julius C. Wood, S. D.; George Cummings, J. D.; William H. H. Richey, Tiler. (Page 176)
In the latter part of the year 1855, Samuel P. Anthony, Thomas Whitney, Joseph A. Hill and a number of other companions, resident in the town of Muncie and the immediate vicinity, petitioned the M. E. G. High Priest of the State of Indiana for dispensation authorizing them to meet and work a Royal Arch Chapter. The prayer of the petitioners was granted and the dispensation was issued appointing Samuel P. Anthony, H. P.; Thomas Whitney, K.; Joseph A. Hill, S., designating the chapter as Anthony Chapter, U. D. At the meeting of the Grand Chapter in May, 1865, the by-laws and records of the proceedings had under the authority of said dispensation were presented and referred to the Committee on Charters and Dispensations. This committee on the 22d of May, 1856, made report thereon as follows:
The Committee on Charters and Dispensations having examined the by-laws and records of Anthony Chapter, U. D., and find them generally correct, and would recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
The resolution was concurred in by the grand body.
A charter was issued accordingly, bearing the date 22d day of May, 1856, signed by the proper officers and attested by the seal of the Grand Chapter. The charter having been granted, M. E. High Priest Hacker, gave his proxy to Companion S. P. Anthony, with the necessary authority to institute said chapter in accordance with the usages of Capitular Masonry. In consequence of some misunderstading among the companions growing out of the action of the Grand Chapter in issuing the charter, a complete organization of the chapter had failed to be comummated. Subsequently, upon the notification of the M. E. G. H. P., by Mr. Anthony, of the situation of affairs in December, 1857, that Grand Officer soon after visited the companies and conferred with them concerning the nature of their disaffection, "explaining the particular action of the Grand Chapter which appeared to stand in the way of their organization." Thereupon, the charter was unanimously accepted and a complete organization immediately followed, to the entire satisfaction of all. This final action was consummated on the 22d of January, 1858, as exhibited in the following extracts from the records of the chapter:
A special meeting of this chapter, under dispensation, was held in the chapter room, in the town of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind., on the 22d day of January, A. D. 1858, A. L. 5858. Present, Companions
Most excellent Grand High Priest, Hacker as High Priest; Samuel P.
Anthony King, pro tem.; Frederick E. Putnam, Scribe, pro tem.; William Craig, Captain of the Hosts, pro tem.; PhilIilp F. Davis, Principal Sojourner pro tem.; Adam Wolfe, Royal Arch Captain, pro tem.; John W. Burson, Master of the First Vail, pro tem.; John Marsh, Master of the Second Vail, pro tem.; George H. Baxter, Master of the Third Vail, pro tem.
A chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened in due and ancient form, for the dispatch of business. Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the State of Indiana, William Hacker, being present, stated the object of the meeting to be: "The reception of the charter granted by the Grand Chapter at its annual communication, May 22, 1856; organize under the same, and to commence the active duties of a chapter thus constituted." Most excellent Grand High
Priest Hacker then presented the following charter, which, on motion, was ordered to be read, after which it was tumultuously adopted:
To all the Fraternity, we, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana, convened in the town of Shelbyville, send Greeting :
The High Priest then made the following appointments : George H. Baxter, Captain of the Hosts; Philip F. Davis, Royal Arch Captain; Samuel V. Jump, Principal Sojourner: Frederick E. Putnam, Secretary; Adam Wolfe, Treasurer; Jonas Harris, Master of the First Vail; John W. Burson, Master of the Second Vail; John Marsh, Master of the Third Vail; Guard.
The following resolution was introduced and adopted:
The petitions of Brothers Joseph M. Davis and William M. Petty, praying to receive the several degrees conferred in this chapter, were received, read and ordered to be laid over until the next stated meeting. The High Priest, appointed George H. Baxter, J. W. Burson and Philip F. Davis, a committee of investigation on their petitions.
"No further business appearing, the chaper was closed in harmony and good order until March 16, 1858." At the meeting on the 16th of March, Joseph M. Davis amd William M. Petty were, elected to the degree of Mark Master, being the first admitted into the chapter. John E. Dynes also made, application and was received the same evening. The following other candidates received the Mark Master's degree, during the year ending March 21, 1859: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, May 27, 1858: Carlton E. Shipley, May 29, 1858: Alfred Kilgore, August 17, 1858; Peter H. Lemon, September 23, 1858; Manuel Marks, December 28, 1858.
During the same period, the following persons received the Past Master's degree: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, July 1, 1858; Alfred Kilgore, August 31, 1858; Peter H. Lemon, November 9. 1858; Manuel Marks, February 18, 1859.
The following persons received the Most Excellent Master's degree during the same year: William H. Campbell and Nelson D. Clouser, July 1,1858; Carlton E. Shipley, October 26, 1858; Alfred Kilgore and Peter H. Lemon, November 9, 1858; and Manuel Marks, February 18, 1859. And the following persons, also, during the same year, received the degree of Royal Arch Mason: William H. Campbell and Peter H. Lemon, November 10, 1858; Alfred Kilgore, November 11, 1858; Carlton E. Shipley, November 12, 1858; Jonathan Ross, November 25, 1858: Manuel Marks, March 24, 1859. The following was the entire membership of Muncie Chapter, No. 30, at the date last named: William Craig, John W. Burson, Thomas Whitney, Frederick E. Putnam, Franklin A. Hardin, Oliver M. Hollister, George H. Baxter, Samuel P. Anthony, Philip F. Davis, Samuel V. Jump, John Marsh, Jonas Harris, William M. Petty, John S. Hutchings, Joseph M. Davis, Benjamin G. Cunningham, Nathan Branson, Samuel Faulkner, John McMullen, A. J. Gilfillen, Madison Faulkner, John F. Dynes, Adam Wolfe, Jonathan Ross, David J. Silver and Joseph A. Hill, admitted March 24, 1859. At that date, also, Joseph Thomas and Jacob W. Miller had received the Mark Master's degree, and Nelson D. Clouser, the Most Excellent Master's degree.
June 16, 1859, the following resolution, reported by the committee. previously appointed on the rent of rooms, was adopted:
"June 24, 1859, a meeting was held in the hall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After the meeting, the companions formed in procession with various lodges of Master Masons and a few Knights Templar, and marched to the music of the Anderson and Muncie Sax Horn Bands, through the various streets of the town to the fair grounds to hear an address by companion Hardin; after which, music by band and choir; the benediction was pronounced by Companion Chaplain John W. Sullivan. The procession again formed and marched to the table and partook of a sumptuous dinner, prepared by Companion Joseph M. Davis, thence to the hall, where, after the meeting had been regularly closed, the companions separated and dispersed."
In the report submitted to the Grand Chapter at the communication of May, 1860, twelve exaltations were reported, showing the total membership to be forty-one. The officers reported at the same time were as follows: Franklin A. Hardin, H. P.; Thomas Whitney, K.; Joseph M. Davis, S.; George H. Baxter, C. H.; William Craig, P. S.; Philip F. Davis, R. A. O.; Carlton E. Shipley, G. M. Third Vail; Alfred Kilgore, G. M. Second Vail; John W. Burson, G. M. First Vail; John Marsh, Treasurer; Frederick E. Putnam, Secretary; Oliver M. Hollister, Guard. During the year above represented, the chapter exhibited a fair degree of prosperity and activity in the practice and exemplification of Royal Arch Masonry. The year following, there were nine exaltations, one re-instatement and one suspension, showing an absolute membership of fifty. In 1861, however, owing to some dissentions that had arisen in the management of the affairs of the chapter and the display of considerable ill-feeling, the former activity and zeal that characterized its operations were not apparent, the report showing but one exaltation, one dimission and one death, a decrease of one in the total member-ship. The showing in 1862, was an improvement in the status of affairs, six exaltations having taken place, two admissions and one death, William S. Bradford; total membership, fifty-six.
During the year ending August 31, 1868, eleven members were added by exaltation and three by affiliation. There were also, two dimissions and one suspenison, making the active membership sixty-two. In 1869, there were seven exaltations, one re-instatement and three dimissions--total membership, sixty-eight. Following this date, a period of more than usual activity and zeal ensued, the work of 1870 showing 21 exaltations, and one affiliation, with a total membership, of eighty-nine; that of 1871 showing twenty-three exaltations, two dimissions and two deaths--John Oakerson, July 27, and Alfred Kilgore, August 22; membership, 108. In 1872, there was a loss of one in the aggregate number of members; but, in the course of the year ending August 31, 1873, there were fifteen additions by exaltation and one by affiliation; there were also one dimission and four deaths--John W. Burson, September 21, 1872; A. F. Gough, May 16, 1872; Smnuel W. Harlan, December 23, 1872; Charles Parker Sample, August 29, 1873; total number of members, 118. Again, during the next year, there were eighteen exaltations, three dimissions and two deaths--William M. Winslow, August 20, 1874; James T. Makepeace, August 28, 1874; aggregate membership, 132.
From September 1, 1876, to August 31, 1877, there were five exaltations, one admission, three dimissions and two deaths--James L. Stephenson, March 20; Joseph A. Walling, April 22, 1877; membership, 137. The year 1878 was less propitious; there were one admission and three dimissions, two deaths Charles A. Harper and Phineas Turner, the latter May 18, 1878, the former not given; membership, 132. The year following, 1879, there were six exaltations, one reinstatement,
three dimissions, two suspensions and one expulsion, leaving the aggregate membership 132.
The following are the officers and members of Muncie Chapter, No. 30, as shown by the report to the Grand Chapter, in September 1880:
William H. Wood, H. P.; William H. Johnson, King; Samuel Cecil, Scribe; W. Albert Hoyt, Captain of the Hosts; Nathan Long, Principal Sojourner; Samuel U. Huffer, Royal Arch Captain; Charles S. Westlake, G. M. Third Vail; Heiman Silverberg, G. M. Second Vail; David W. Stewart, G.M. First Vail; John Marsh, Treasurer; Frederick E. Putmun, Secretary; A. M. Klein, Guard.
Members--James Boyce, Thomas Whitney, Orville Reed, Herman Hart, Andrew J. Riley, George W. Fay, C. E. Shipley, James R. Turner, John Marsh, F. E. Putnmn, J. M. Davis, P. F. Davis, C. H. Maitlan, M. F. Cyester, A. R. Hoover, John A. Powers, Duncan Williams, O. M. Todd, W. H. Barlow, W. A. Hoyt, C. W. Moore, J. F. Nickey, John W. Abrell, William M. Petty, S. V. Jump, George L. Elliot, S. L. Sutton, Benjamin Smith, John F. Dynes, John M. Kirby, William Patterson, E. H. Swain, W. S. Birch, James L. Streeter, William H. Powers, Z. W. Cecil, W. W. Cornelius, T. C. Robe, S. O. Budd, J. A. Hill, Joshua Powers, A. H. Hodson, David M. Huber, A. J. Lewellen, Samuel Gibson, H. C. Marsh, C. G. Neely, John Parry, H. C. Klein, J. E. Mellette, John A. Powers, Nathan Long, David H. Case, Clark Skiff, A. F. Patterson, James W. Driscol, Thomas S. Walterhouse, Thomas S. Gutherie, William H. Stanley, Frank Ellis, Samuel U. Huffer, S. Ambrose Wilson, J. M. W. Culbertson, James H. Long, J. A. Compton, A. M. Klein, F. M. Hoover, George Kirby, William Ribble, Samuel P. Anthony, R. S. Gregory, T. E. Burt, Daniel B. Youse, William L. Little, David Stewart, J. V. H. Cassady, T. J. Brady, William H. Bates, David W. Stewart, Robert Cones, James Oard, Luther Frazier, George Louthain, Marion Crosley, G. W. Spilker, Holmes McCoy, William H. Johnson, Isaac Brown, David R. Armitage, Marcus C. Smith, John J. Shields, Eli Cox, L. B. Wilson, Hugh Hughes, John L. McClintock, Goldsberry, S. Maddy, H. C. Hodge, G. A. Ribble, John E. Burson, George H. Andrews, L. M. Neely, J. W. Perkins, J. N. Templer, W. H. Wood, Heiman Silverberg, W. M. Knapp, Samuel Cecil, Charles W. Legg, Thomas H. Kirby, A. C. Mellette, John Thomas, N. C. Branson, H. W. Little, Orlando H. Swain, William Young, John B. Cecil, Charles
W. Cecil, W. S. Richey, E. B. Bishop, David Hoover, J. B. Knowlton,
Albert Williamson, A. E. Smith, E. A. Maddy, J. E. Koch, Charles S. Westlake, George W. Carter, Marcus S. Claypool.
Number of members, August 31, 1879, 132; number of members suspended, four; dues for 128 members, at 50 cents each, $64. (Pages 176-178)
In the winter of 1863, Companion Peter H. D. Bandey, George W. Fay, Philip F. Davis and other Royal and Select Masters residing in
Muncie and vicinity, feeling that it was desirable to have the privilege, of assembling as such, possessing the rightful authority to work and confer the degree of the cryptic craft according to the usages of their ancient, companions, petitioned the dispensing power of the State of Indiana, requesting his interposition in their behalf. The prayer of the petitioners was granted accordingly, on the 15th of December, 1863, by Eden H. Davis, Deputy Puissant Grand Master, in the absence of companion Solomon D. Bayless, Most Puissant Grand Master, and a warrant of dispensation was issued to them as of that date. Upon the meeting of the Grand Council in May, 1864, the records and method of work was sent up and referred to the Committee on Charters and Dispensations who, having examined and duly considered the same, submitted the following report of such examination:
That they have examined the work and by-laws of Muncie Council U. D., and find their work regular, their records well kept and their bylaws in accordance with the regulations of the Grand Council. They would, therefore, offer for adoption the following resolution:
These reports and recommendations having been adopted, a charter was granted bearing date May 17, A. D. 1864; Anno. Dep. 2864, in which said companions named as principal officers, and others, were duly empowered to work as a council and confer the degrees belonging thereto. On the following day, May 18, the most Puissant Grand Master duly installed Companions Peter H. D. Bandey the Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of Muncie Council, No. 16, in the city of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind.
By the report submitted to the Grand Council for the year ending December 31, 1863, we learn that ten companions were advanced to the degree of Select Master by Muncie Council, making, with the three companions designated as the principal officers, thirteen, as the aggregate membership of this council. During the year succeeding, being the first year of its chartered existence, there were twenty-five advancements, showing the aggregate membership thirty-eight. In the year 1865, there were but eight advancements, one admission and one death--John C. Dragoo total membership, thirty-eight. By the report of the condition of subordinate councils during the year 1868, including the period from the 31st of December, 1866, to August 31, 1868, twenty three advancements are shown, with one expulsion, leaving the total membership sixty-one. From September 1, 1870, to August 31, 1871, the report shows fourteen advancements, two dimissions and two deaths--John Oakerson, July 2l, 1871; Alfred Kilgore, August 29, 1871; total membership, seventy nine. In the year 1873, there were nine advancments and five deaths--Samuel Folkner, September 4, 1872; T. B. Forkner, October 15, 1869; John W. Burson, September 21, 1872; Samuel W. Harlan, December 24, 1872; Charles Parker Sample, August 29, 1873. The report submitted to the Grand Council of the operations of Muncie Chapter, during the year ending August 31, 1876, shows five advancements, one dimission and two deaths--George H. Baxter, September 8, 1875; Jonathan F. Hunk, April 23, 1876; total membership, ninety-six. In 1879, there were no advancements, but three dimission; and three expulsions; total membership at, that date, eighty-five.
In addition to the foregoing review, which contains a liberal abstract of the preceedings connected with the institution and subsequent history of Muncie Council, No. 16, we append hereto the following and present more fully and in greater detail some of the more important transactions, which, from their significance, are essential to a reasonable comprehension of the sphere and magnitude of its operation.
At the convention of Royal and Select Masters which met in the hall of Muncie Chapter, No. 31, on the 15th of December, 1863, preliminary to the institution of Muncie Council, U. D.. there were present Companions Thomas Newby, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; Francis King. Grand Recorder; William Hacker, Past M. P. Grand Master; John M. Bramwell, Grand Captain of the Guard; W. W. Austin, Thrice Illustrious Master of Wayne Council, No. 10; James K. Jameson, John Marsh,
James Montgomery and Peter H. D. Bandey. On motion, Companion
Francis King was called to the chair and Companion James Montgomery appointed Recorder. Then the committee before appointed to procure a dispensation reported that the duty assigned it had been discharged and the necessary instrument procured, the application having been presented to and recommended to Cambridge Council, No. 14. The dispensation having been read, it was accepted by the companions so applying, therefore, it was unanimously
And then the convention adjourned. On the evening of the same day, a meeting was held and the organization perfected, the companions aforenamed being present. The dispensation recites, among other things, that, "Whereas. it has been represented to us by the petition of William Roach, John Marsh, Peter H. D. Bandey, George Riley, Peter H. Lemon, G. C. Beeks, James Montgomery, Moses Woolf and George F. Myers, who are regular Royal and Select Masters, that they are desirous of associating together as a Council of Royal and Select Masters, in the town of Muncie, county of Delaware, and State of Indiana agreeably to the Constitution of the Grand Council of Indiana, and is appearing for the promotion of the Royal Craft necessary and proper that the said companions should be enabled to work together as a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters. Therefore, I, Eden H. Davis. Deputy Illustrious Grand Puissant of the Grand Council of Indiana, by and with the consent of the said Grand Council, testified by their rules and regulations, do hereby constitute and appoint Companions Peter H. D. Bandey, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, and James Montgomery, Principal Conductor of the Work, together with all such companions as are or may hereafter become members a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters, by dispensation, by the title of Muncie Council, U. D.- and I do enjoin and command the aforesaid companions to make due return of this dispensation to the Most Excellent Grand Council of Indiana, at their next annual grand communication to be held in the city of Indianapolis on the Tuesday preceding the 4th Monday (18th day) of May, next ensuing the date thereof, until which time this dispensation shall continue in force and no longer."
At this meeting, companions John W. Burson, A. J. Riley, George H. Baxter, William Craig, George W. Fay and P. F. Davis, on petition, were elected and duly advanced.
The report of the work sent up, to the grand body proved satisfactory a charter was granted on the 17th day of May, 1864, by which Peter H. D. Bandey was appointed first Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; George W. Fay, first Deputy Illustrious Grand Master: and Philip F. Davis. first Principal Conductor of the Work. This charter being accepted, the companions of Muncie Council. No. 16 have since continued to work and prosper.
The following are the names and dates of advancement, respectively of the members of Muncie Council, as shown by the Recorder's report to the Grand Council at its annual session in 1864. December 15, 1863--John Marsh, James Montgomery, Peter D. H. Bandey, John W. Burson, A. J. Riley, George H. Baxter and William Craig. December 16, 1863--George W. Fay, Jacob C. Palsey, Philip F. Davis, Frederick E. Putnam, John Oakerson and John Shibler. March 2, 1864--John S. Powers, Jacob H. Swearingen, Joshua H. Powers and Taylor C Kerr. April 5, 1864- Oliver M. Hollister and J. Hurley. April 18, 1864-Emanuel Marks, Asa H. Hodson, Benjamin A. Clark, David H. Case, Jeremiah F. Nickey and Clark Skiff. April 19, 1864--John C. Carter, John Ross, John B. Routh and John C. Dragoo. April 20, 1864--William W. Cornelius. May 3, 1864 John Nelson and James T. Makepeace. June 7, 1864, in addition to the foregoing, James White, Samuel V. Jump, Andrew R. Hoover, James M. Smith, Alfred Kilgore and David M. Hoober.
The following persons have filled the chair of Thrice Illustrious Master in Muncie Council: Peter H. D. Bandey, elected first, December 6, 1864, and successively re-elected each year until December 5, 1871; John V. H. Cassady, from December 5, 1871, to December 2, 1873; Philip F. Davis, from December 2, 1873, to December 1, 1874; Peter H. D. Bandey, from December 1, 1874, to December 7, 1880; S. Ambrose Wilson, from December 7, 1880, to the present time, (April, 1881).
The following officers were elected December 7, 1880: S. Ambrose Wilson, Illustrious Master; Peter H. D. Bandey, Deputy Illustrious Master; William H. Wood, Principal Conductor of the Work; William Patterson, Captain of the Guard; John Marsh, Treasurer; Frederick E. Putnam, Recorder; Armsted M. Klein, Sentinel and Steward. The total membership on the 1st day of September, 1880, was eight-two.
Muncie Council is now and has been in a most healthy and prosperous condition, financially and otherwise. In evidence of this, the members during the past two years have paid no dues, nor have any been charged during that period. (Pages 178-179)