History

The First 50 Years

Laclede Lodge #83 is located at the corner of Second and Madison Streets in Lebanon, Missouri. Most Worshipful Brother L.S. Cornwall was Grand Master when Laclede Lodge #83 was Chartered on May 25, 1854.

  The lodge was first located on Wood Street in "Old Town". It then moved to the Bradley Building on West Commercial Street. The lodge then built the third floor on the Opera House at the corner of Jefferson and Commercial. In 1942, the lodge purchased the Central Methodist Church at the corner of Commercial and Adams Streets. The present location was purchased in 1961. It was formerly a grocery store and remodeled for lodge use. At one point in time Laclede Lodge #83, Center Lodge #410, and Lebanon Chapter #64 Royal Arch Masons used the same facilities. Center Lodge later consolidated with Laclede Lodge.

  We have assembled today to celebrate the the 50th anniversary of Laclede Lodge #83. I have been designated by the committee to prepare and read a brief historical sketch of the lodge. I will place before you the names of the founders of the Fraternity in our city and county, as well as to invite your attention to their work in the order. We will also mention the names of some of those citizens who have honored Freemasonry by their life's work.

  In September 1853, Irven W. Greenstreet, Greenbury Mitchell., Josiah Ivey, John B. Harrison, Benjamin B. Harrison, James Thomas, James W. Ryder, Alfred S. Cherry, and Phillip Kinchloe, Master Masons, presented their petitions to L.S. Cornwall, Grand Master of Masons in the State of Missouri. They asked permission to open a lodge at Lebanon, Laclede County, Missouri. The petition was granted, and they were granted permission to open a lodge U.D., and Irven W. Greenstreet was named as Worshipful Master; J.B. Harrison, Senior Warden and G. B. Mitchell, Junior Warden. By virtue of that dispensation, they were called together on September 17, 1853 by William B. Farmer, DDGM Pro Tem, and were constituted a regular lodge U.D. They met again on September 21, 1853. They elected Josiah Ivey, Treasurer, B.B. Harrison, Secretary, James W. Ryder, Tyler. A.S. Cherry and James Thomas were appointed Senior Deacon and Junior Deacon respectively.

  On May 22, 1854, the said dispensation together with the proceedings of the lodge, were returned to the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri and on May 25, 1854, a charter was granted Laclede Lodge #83. Worshipful Brother A.S. Cherry was appointed Worshipful Master, J.B. Harrison, Senior Warden and G.B. Mitchell, Junior Warden. Thus, the temporary organization, which had its beginning 50 years ago today in the little town of Lebanon, was completed May 25, 1854 with its nine members. It is the same organization under whose auspices this meeting is held today with a membership of more than one hundred, besides the many who have demitted and affiliated with other lodges, and the great company who have called to the Grand Lodge above.

  The first Master of this lodge, U.D. you will notice was Dr. I. W. Greenstreet, who died March 24, 1882. He was an active, useful citizen up to the time of his death, and was eminent in his profession as a physician. The lodge performed the Masonic Funeral Service conducted by the lodge at the cemetery on the Glaize.

  Alfred S. Cherry, the Worshipful Master named in the charter at one time represented this county in the Legislature and was a wise and accomplished Mason who served his people in his day and generation with distinguished ability. He died during the War.

  John B. Harrison, the first Senior Warden, was one of the pioneer citizens of Laclede County. As a businessman and citizen, he was respected by all who knew him. He died July 25, 1860 and left a widow and two daughters living here to mourn his death.

  Josiah Ivey, the first Treasurer, was afterward elected Master of the Lodge, and served for a great many years in that important position. He was also appointed District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer. He filled these positions for many years with ability and enthusiasm and in fact, for a long number of years Josiah Ivey was the recognized authority on all matters Masonic. Many Masons now living are deeply indebted to him for all the Masonic light that they have ever received. He was a man of great character, and in almost every walk of life was a leader among men. He died at Mendon, Louisiana February 1, 1890, and was buried in Lebanon by the lodge. His widow survives him and now resides in Lebanon.

  Benjamin B. Harrison, the first Secretary, a brother of the late John B. Harrison, was also one of the pioneers of Laclede County. He was a man of great force and character, active and useful as a citizen, He died on April 14, 1886, and left a large family surviving him. One of his sons, James B. Harrison was a candidate for Congress before the Democratic Convention in 1892.

  John L. Herndon was the first profane to petition this new lodge for the mysteries of Masonry. His petition was presented September 21, 1853, at the first meeting after the organization. He was made an Entered Apprentice in December of 1853. He died October 6, 1885.

  The listing of the members who were made Masons in this lodge before the War were: Richard Wilkes, Josiah B. Lambeth, Joshua Moore, Samuel W. Barnes, Johnston Craig, O.S. Williams, , Isaac Worley, James W. Harrison, George H. Stith, David L. Britton, A. McHudson, Levi P. McAdoo, Rufus Phillps, M.R. Anthony, William A. Martin, A.M. Appling, John H. Cotton, Anderson Everett, John W. Stewart, Charles Popplewell, A.S. Hudson, J.W. Strickland, Joseph Henson, Joab Scott, R.D. Turner, J.W. Willoughby, Jon D. Foreson, John F. Thomas, E.W. Cheek, L.N. Turner, Alfred Case, Jon A. Hooker, Reuben Riggs, Ezekiel Lindsay, Matt H. Hooker, George E. Alexander, John W. Smith, W.F. Wyatt, John G. Latimer, Thomas Craig, John S. Shields, George W. Davis, G.B. Jones, Booker C. Jarrell, James W. Tindall, William C. Jarrell, Edward Day, William M. Dodson, Isham Cunningham, J.H. Craig, David Martin, John Mitchell, Joseph S. Kindred, Joseph J. Owens, William R. Craig, Peter Burns, M. Arrington, S.B. Noland, A.D. Mahaffey, Jesse Vestal, Andrew J. Turner, George W. O'Brien, John H. Wilson, D.Z. Keedy, I.J. Snider, Isaac Riddle, R.H. Roher, and Joseph M. Herndon. The records disclosed the fact that Joseph M. Herndon was made an Entered Apprentice on April 27, 1861, just as the war cloud was rising. Presumably, the lodge ceased to work until the war ended. On January 27, 1866, Joseph M. Herndon was made a Fellowcraft and, on August 17, 1866, he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

  Among the incidents connected with the history of Laclede Lodge, none will be more humorous than the knowledge, that in the early years of its existence, one of the Evangelical Churches and a church that today numbers many Masons among its members, excommunicated some of the members of Laclede Lodge from its membership in the church because they were Masons. This illustrates in some measure the prejudice that was then prevalent in the profane world against our mystic brotherhood.

  I have ventured the suggestion that work was suspended in the lodge during the period of the Civil War. It was related that an order was issued by the Grand Master for the arrest of the charter of the lodge, but to prevent the order from being carried into effect, Brother Alfred S. Cherry got possession of the document. He preserved it until a time when the brethren could meet upon the level and the lodge could open in unity and close in harmony.

  It is a fact worthy of mention that of the Master Masons who were members of this lodge in 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil War, only two survived so far as we know: Brother Alfred Case who is present with us today, with his faithful wife. She has shared more than half a century of the joys and sorrows of his eventful life. Brother John H. Cotton also survives and is a resident of this county. He is too feeble in body and mind, and he can no longer bear the heat and burden of the day or enjoy the hours of refreshment.

  On January 4, 1871, Brothers O.S. Williams, D.W. Faulkner, and Isaac Hoskinson, presented themselves for the purpose of forming a new lodge in the town of Lebanon, to be known as Center Lodge #401. They were examined and their application approved by the lodge. These brethren constituted the first Worshipful Master and Wardens of Center Lodge #401. Brother Williams died in Texas about two years ago. Brother Faulkner died during the past year. He lived in Bolivar from the time of his move from Lebanon. Brother Hoskinson died in this city, April 24, 1899, and his family through the fourth generation still reside in Lebanon.

  Center Lodge #401 consolidated with Laclede Lodge on November 30, 1892 after having existed for more than twenty-one years. From that date, members of both lodges have been but one organization, assuming the name and number of the oldest lodge.

  One of the members of Laclede Lodge, Brother Erwin Ellis was elected to Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Missouri in 1882 and served the Royal Craft with honor. He died in his home in Lebanon on June 26, 1900. His Family still resides here.

  Another member of Laclede Lodge represented this district in Congress for twenty-four years and was a prominent candidate for the Presidency of the United States in 1896. I refer to Richard P. Bland. Few Lodges of Masons, or any other fraternal order, can boast of numbering among its members so distinguished as a citizen. Yet, he was a plain man, so unostentatious that he was named " the Commoner" as he honored himself by a long and public life and won the admiration and esteem of the great masses of the people. He also honored the craft. He understood that the principles of Freemasonry taught that "the servant was greater than the master". His highest ambition was to be a faithful servant. A statue erected in our city testifies that his virtues are on perpetual record. He died in his home in this city on June 15, 1899 and was buried by the lodge.

  One of the most important parts of the Masonic history of this lodge is the fact that the law declaring saloon keeping a Masonic offense, was first introduced into the Grand Lodge by a member of Laclede Lodge #83. Referring to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge for the year 1882, we find the following.:

  "R.W.B. J.W. Farris, DDGM presented the following paper, which was referred to a special committee, consisting of Brothers J. W. Boyd, Xenophen Ryland, and J.M. Sallee: "Whereas, it is a shame that we acknowledge that there are Masons who so far forget their dignity as to get drunk, and thus to bring Masonry into disrepute, therefore, be it resolved, that it is hereby made a violation of Masonic Morals to be engaged in the traffic of liquor as dram shop keeper, and all persons engaged in such business are declared to be ineligible as petitioners for the Mysteries of Masonry' "

  Later, at the same Grand Lodge Session, the further proceedings were had, to-wit: "The special committee appointed to consider the report upon the paper presented by Brother J.W. Farris rendered their report and the report was adopted, which is as follows:

   "Resolved that the business of saloon keeping is hereby declared to be a Masonic Offense, and those engaged in that business are liable to be dealt with for Unmasonic Conduct."
                                            Committee Xenophen Ryland, J.W. Boyd J.M. Sallee

  The profane world may inquire why men band themselves in these fraternal organizations. What is the goal they seek? From the earliest history of man, we learn of mysteries, initiations or some kind of forms and ceremonies, designed to set apart men from the world, and by lessons and lectures taught in secret to elevate them above the common level of man. We read of Egyptian Mysteries, the Mysteries of India, the Druids, the Dionisian Mysteries, the Essenes, and other similar societies. Egypt was the cradle of all Pagan Mysteries and, hence, we may conclude that the Egyptians were the oldest of all the Mysteries of antiquity.

  The principal seat of the Egyptian Mysteries was at Memphis, in the neighborhood of the Great Pyramids. A candidate for these mysteries had to produce proof of blameless life. For days previous to the commencement of the ceremonies he abstained from unchaste acts and purified himself by frequent absolutions. In his obligation, the candidate is called to witness his promise to the gods of heaven, of earth and hell, and invoke their vengeance on his head if he should violate his vow. In the ceremony was the legend of the murderer of Osiris by his brother, Typhon. Osiris was a wise king of Egypt who, having achieved the reform of these subjects at home, resolved to spread the blessings of his civilization to other parts of the earth. This he accomplished, but on his return home he found his kingdom, which he had left in the care of his wife, Isis, distracted by the dissension of his brother, Typhon. Osiris attempted by mild remonstrance to convince his brother of the impropriety of his conduct, and Typhon murdered him.

  This legend is purely astronomical. Osiris represented the sun and Isis the moon. Typhon was the symbol of winter. The Druidical Ceremonies bore an undoubted reference to Noah and his seven companions in the ark. Cicero speaks of the Eleusinian Mysteries as the sacred and august rites of Eleusis, and the ceremonies commemorated the search of Ceres after her daughter, Prosperine.

  These mysteries taught the unity of God, but it was taught in secret, through the medium of initiation for, as Plato said, "it is difficult to discover the author and father of the universe, and when discovered, impossible to reveal him to all mankind." Among the ancient mysteries, the Essenes more closely resemble the forms and ceremonies observed by Freemasons than any other, perhaps for the reason that it was restricted to a sect of the Jews. They admitted no women to their order, abolished all distinctions of rank, meeting on the level, and giving precedent to virtue. Its members were enjoined, " to exercise piety toward God, and justice toward men; to hate the wicked and assist the good; to show fidelity to all men, obedience to those in authority, and kindness to those below them, and to be lovers of the truth."

  In all these ancient Mysteries, there was always a legend of which the symbolic instructions were based and usually these commemorated the death by violence and subsequent resurrection of some favorite hero or god, thus beginning in sorrow and ending in joy. In like manner, Freemasonry has its legends and allegorical references, many of them founded in fact, while others are based on Jewish traditions, and only invested with probability, while they equally inculcate and enforce the most solemn and important truths namely, the unity of God and the immortality of the soul.

  Wherever a Masonic Lodge is established, it is for the purpose of inculcating these fundamental principles, that by a belief in God and practicing His attributes, the world may be better because we have lived in it. Such has been the mission of Laclede Lodge #83, for a period of fifty years, and as we celebrate this semi centennial, let us hope that this work in the next half century may be far superior to its work in the period that has just closed.

                                                                   J.W. Farris, at the 50-year celebration
                                                                  of Laclede Lodge #83

The Second 50 Years

  This lodge was organized just four years after Laclede County was organized and the names of the organizers of Laclede Lodge #83 are to be found repeatedly in the early history of Laclede County.

  On June 25, 1855, a movement was made to build a new lodge hall. This resulted in the erection soon afterward of the square two-story building on "Old Town Hill" which was long known to Lebanon People as the Negro Brick Church. This building was built in connection with the church organization, the church using the lower floor and the lodge the upper. This building was used during the Civil War as a fort and later as a school known as "the Seminary". The lodge sold the building in 1891 for $600.00 to a negro congregation.

  It is reported that during the Civil War political feelings ran so high that some dissension arose among the members, and work was suspended from 1862 until 1865, but Brother Alfred Case preserved the charter.

  When the railroad came through Lebanon, the new town was built. Some of the town members tried to have the lodge moved but were unable to do so. So, this group applied to the Grand Lodge charter and organized a new lodge. This new lodge was Center Lodge #401. Both Lodges continued to function and prospered for twenty-one years, however, in 1892, these two lodges consolidated into Laclede Lodge #83.

  While both lodges were functioning together with Auglaize Lodge #192, I.O.O.F. they became interested in the matter of a proper burial ground. This resulted in the purchase of what is now known as the City Cemetery. This cemetery is still owned and controlled by the trustees, who are appointed by Laclede Lodge and Auglaize Lodge.

  Foreign visitors to the United States have often commented on the manner in which the people of this country, when faced with a community need, proceed on their own initiative to satisfy that need without waiting for local, state, or national government to supply it.

  Because so many of us devoted so much of our time and effort to philanthropic activities, we have been called a nation of do-gooders. Such was the case in the early days of Lebanon when it was determined that the community was in need of a proper burial ground that would be available to all the people. Therefore, the Odd Fellow and Masonic Lodges determined to cooperate in an effort to establish a cemetery that would be adequate to the needs of the community.

  The historical records of the organizing of this cemetery are found in the minutes of the various lodges. The first suggestion to provide a burial ground for the community is found in the minutes of Center Lodge #301, A.F.&A.M. on October 14, 1872. At this meeting it was proposed that Center Lodge in conjunction with Auglaize Lodge #192 I.O.O.F. and Laclede Lodge #83 A.F.&A.M. procure suitable land for the purpose of establishing a cemetery.

  Responding to this suggestion all of the lodges acted promptly and, in due time, the Lebanon Cemetery Association was organized under the direction of a board of six trustees appointed by the lodges. The association was so organized that the Board of Trustees held title to the property and assets without being responsible to the lodges.

  In 1885, a fire believed to be the one that destroyed the store of W.W. Spiller, located at the southwest corner of Commercial and Madison burned all of the early books and records of the association. In 1921, another fire destroyed the Laclede County Courthouse, and legal records having reference to the cemetery were lost. The information now available about the activities of the association during the period of 1872 to 1885 is found in the minutes of the Odd Fellows and Masonic Lodges, and these minutes are all too brief.

  It appears that in 1872, there were two cemeteries in the City of Lebanon. It is not believed that the cemeteries were under any kind of organized management. One of these cemeteries was located on Ash Street and the other is now part of the present City Cemetery. It is that part of the present cemetery that lies along Highway 64, Cut-off. There are graves in this section that date back to 1852.

  The lodge minutes show that the committee selected to investigate the matter "Recommend that four- and one-half acres of land adjoining the Old Cemetery north of town be bought."  In 1874, seven acres were added to this plot by purchase from the Atlantic Pacific Railroad. In 1892, five acres were bought from the J.G. Lingsweiler, and in 1903, another tract was purchased from the County Court, bringing the cemetery up to its present size of twenty acres including the original Old Cemetery.

  The first Board of Trustees: J.E. Smith, W. Wallace, B.C. Sullivan, Isaac Hoskinson, B.B. Harrison, and George Greenleaf. After the fire of 1885, new records were set up to show the Board of Trustees to be: J.P. Nixon, President; J.C. Lingweiler, Josiah Ivey, W.A. Spiller, Josiah McKnight and Alfred Case.

  M.W. Serl, not a member of the board, was Secretary. Most of this board served until 1905, at which time a new board was elected.

  This board consisted of: E.B. Kellerman, President; W.W. Serl, Secretary; B.F. Harris, W.H. Butts, J.E. Millsap and O.L. Weisgerber. These men, like the men of previous boards, were all prominent businessmen of early Lebanon.

  In 1909, M.W. Serl resigned from the board. It is believed he served with the board from 1872, a period of thirty - seven years. He gave a great deal of his time to the cemetery. Mr. Kellerman referred to him many times as the father of the cemetery. It is sad to read the letter of resignation. It is still in the possession of the Board. In it, he recounts his many labors and accomplishments at the cemetery. Now the board was refusing to adopt his plan of beautification that he had so laboriously drawn up. Instead, they were adopting a plan submitted by Lester Harris, a young civil engineer. He felt that his services were no longer needed or appreciated. Undoubtedly, this was a noble service.

  Both E.B. Kellerman and J.E. Millsap served from 1905 until their deaths. Mr. Kellerman served as president until 1942, or forty-four years, making his service longer by six years than that of anyone else. Both of these men were devoted to the cemetery and gave much time and effort on its behalf.

  In addition to those mentioned as board members, the following named persons served: M.T. Wright, K. Elmer McComb, F.W. Ploger, John A. Elliot, F.S. Tinsler, C.E. Lingsweiler, Elsworht Allison, Ray O. McCullough, S. A. Casey, R. W. Butts, Twyman Edwards, and J.H. Price. S. A. Casey served as president from 1942 until 1960, The present board: Irvin Engsberg, President; Marion Donald, Secretary; Harold Hough, Treasurer; S.M. Murrell, Rex Parson and J.H. Easley.

  The following persons have served as Sextons: Tom Root, Joe Cross, Lindsay Alexander, Charley Gordin, Charlie McCallister, Paul Atchley, Daris Hoke and Vester Griffin is the present Sexton.

  At the beginning, the association started out with a very modest charge for lots and services, so there was little money available for the improvement of streets and grounds. The minutes of the lodge show that many times they called on members for volunteer labor at the cemetery, and the members responded generously. It is a little surprising to see the number of prominent business men who volunteered for one- or two-days’ work.

  While the lodges have never had any responsibility in connection with the cemetery, except electing the trustees, they have always been interested in seeing that it is well operated and have always given their support to it. Without doubt, they are proud of the cemetery and the part they had in establishing it.

  Starting their operation eighty-nine years ago, the association sold full lots, ten grave spaces, for $40.00. While the price increased some through the years, the price remained quite low until very recent years when, because of high maintenance costs, it became necessary to increase prices considerably. At present, full lots of ten grave spaces each sell for $300.00, half lots bring $175.00, and a single grave space $40.00.

  Since this is an organization devoted to public service, all of the money received from the sale of lots is used for maintenance or set aside for the perpetual care of the cemetery. The sale of lots is the chief source of income for the association. No organization or gifts to the upkeep of the cemetery, save in one instance when the Lebanon Rotary Club installed a water supply in the cemetery. This was much needed and appreciated.

  Members of the board of trustees receive no pay for their services. The only member who receives any compensation is the secretary. He oversees the general operation at the cemetery, sells the lots, makes out deeds, keeps records, pays the bills and keeps minutes of the board. For this service he receives a flat annual salary of $75.00, modest indeed for the amount of work he does. The accumulated funds from the sale of lots is invested by the board in first mortgage loans, bonds, and time deposits. Earnings from these investments are pledged for the maintenance and perpetual care of the cemetery.

  Somewhat over half the land owned by the association has been opened for lots. In the part now in use, there are still many desirable lots and half lots available for purchase. The board estimates there is room in the cemetery for over 4,800 grave sites. This will take care of the need for many years to come.

  The cemetery with its lovely trees, shrubs, green grass and many colored monuments is a beautiful place, sacred to the memory of those who now occupy it. Here "virtues are only remembered and sweet memories bloom". Here we read the names of those whose lives, whose deeds and accomplishments made the history of Lebanon. Some were famous, some worthy, some capable, some illustrious, but all contributed their part.

  The most impressive monument in the cemetery was erected by the State of Missouri to the memory of J.W. McClurg, a former Governor of the State.

  Probably the most interesting monument is that of Eliza Matilda Lee Love, granddaughter of Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, a Revolutionary War General. This woman, born September 13, 1790, died January 17, 1875, had an interesting experience during the War of 1812. The British took the City of Washington and when they burned the White House, Dolly Madison, the President's wife, stayed at the home of Mrs. Love. She came to Lebanon after the Civil War with her son, the Rev. William Johnson, who established the Trinity Episcopal Church of Lebanon. Mrs. Love is the great, great grandmother of Mrs. S.R. Palmer of Lebanon.

  This cemetery has always been called the City Cemetery. It has served this community well. The trustees who have managed its affairs through the years should be commended for their work. Certainly, the lodges should be commended for their effort in promoting its establishment and for their continued support of it.

  The records of the lodge indicate that John L. Herndon was the first profane to petition Laclede Lodge #83 for the mysteries of Masonry. His petition was presented September 21, 1853, at the first meeting after the organization. He was made an Entered Apprentice in October, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft in November, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in December of 1853, which was prior to the Charter date of the lodge. He died October 6, 1885. Others petitioning the lodge on or about the same date were Richard Wilkes and Josiah Lambeth.

  Since history is made up largely about the lives of individuals, it is best to reflect upon some of the members of this lodge who have gained renown in bringing honor to themselves and to their lodge. One of the early members in our lodge, brother Erwin Ellis was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Missouri in 1882, and history records that he served the Royal Craft with honor.

  Another member of the Laclede Lodge represented this District in Congress for 24 years and was a candidate for President of the United States in 1896. Reference is made to Brother Richard Parks Bland, but few lodges of Masons or any fraternal order can boast of numbering among its members so distinguished a citizen. Yet, he was a plain man, so unostentatious that he was styled the "American Commoner". He honored himself by a long and useful public life and won the esteem and admiration of the masses of the people, so he honored the craft. He understood that the principles of Freemasonry taught that "the servant was greater than the Master", and his highest ambition was to be a faithful servant. A statue erected in our city testifies that his virtues are on perpetual record. Inscribed upon the statue is the following; "I do speak for the great masses of the Mississippi Valley when I say that we will not submit to the domination of any political party; however, much we may love it, that lays the sacrificing hand upon silver and will demonetize it."

  Another member of our lodge who has already gone to the Grand Lodge above was none other than the late Honorable Thomas L. Rubey, who for many years served in both branches of the General Assembly of Missouri and was Lieutenant Governor of Missouri in 1903-1905. He was then elected a Representative in Congress for the 16th District and served in that capacity for many years.

  Another one who has left an indelible imprint upon Lebanon and the State of Missouri was the late Colonel A.T. Nelson, who during his usefulness as a Master Mason was honored as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of Missouri. Colonel A.T. Nelson served the State of Missouri for many years on the State Board of Agriculture, State Highway Commission, and Penal Board. He is still remembered by many of us here today.

  Still another member who served over a third of a century in tireless hours for the cause of Masonry was Right Worshipful Brother J.W. Farris, DDGM and DDGL, who wrote the historical sketch of this lodge just 50 years ago and from which we have used some of his remarks.

  The records of this lodge indicate many others who have been faithful to the cause, but time would not permit us to mention all. Yet, having seen his name so often on older records of the lodge, I could not refrain from mentioning H.T. Wright, who for many, many years gave of the best that he had to the promotion of Freemasonry.

  Last, but not least, in recording the names of those formerly affiliated with our lodge, we presently have a member who has distinguished himself as a leader of men. He is our native son, the Honorable Phil M. Donnelly, who for many years ably served this county with distinction as a legislator and who today is serving in an unprecedented second term as Governor of the Great State of Missouri. Time would not permit one to enumerate even the highlights and achievements of this Brother, for his name and his works are being recorded as one of the great men of this nation, and we feel highly honored that he is a member of our lodge.

  It is worthy to note those who have devoted so much time to Masonry and who served this lodge as Master, from its inception down to the present day.

  The Mason of today belongs to a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. A consideration of these terms takes us back to a time when the history of Masonry emerged from unrecorded traditions, and the memory of men assumed a more tangible form as much of its regulation and proceedings came to be recorded.

  The use of the word free finds authority in the ancient landmark which provides that only free-born men may become Masons.

  The use of the word accepted in the early days is somewhat confusing, but it would seem to stem from the fact that men not following the profession of stonemasonry were being accepted into the lodges of the guilds as free or accepted, or Free and Accepted Masons.

  During the centuries of Masonry, Kings, Emperors, members of the Royal Family and Presidents of our country have held the highest honors in this fraternal organization.

  The landmarks of Masonry are ancient and irrevocable. In this province of religion, we seek to promote that healthy and active tolerance so sorely needed for world brotherhood. Thus, we require no man more than a sincere belief in a Supreme Architect.

  In each of the greatest religious groupings, there is an accepted and cherished Book of Law that is, to those whom it is revealed, a guiding light, expressing the will of the Divine Grand Master. There are several of these great moral and spiritual codes, and Masonry permits full freedom of choice in the selection, but in this land of ours, that choice is overwhelmingly the Holy Bible.

  Ever open on the altar when the lodge is at labor, is the first of the three Great Lights. Symbolically, the circle that circumscribes each brother, touches this Sacred Book, bringing him into contact with and into constant remembrance of this Maker. In it he finds strength, comfort, and guidance. As it lies open upon the sacred altar, its light shines upon him to be reflected by him upon others.

  The heritage of the lodge is thus immeasurably enriched from the Great Fountain of Life and Living. To say that Masonry rests upon only certain Bible passages is to discredit both the power of scripture and the great spiritual wealth that is ritual.

  Only those who know the ritual best in all its implications can fully appreciate the great number of points at which God's word seems to have prompted and inspired the minds of the Masonic scholars and lecturers.

  I would like before closing to comment upon the future of Masonry. Masonry, like all social life, suffered deeply in all countries torn by war, but these, as elsewhere, the seeds of Masonic Fraternity are Virile and enduring, and the wounds and casualties will be healed.

  In America, the picture is quite different. Lest enthusiastic reporting of its progress be construed as subtle solicitation of membership, the order sedulously refrains from open boasting of its growth. One has but to move from state to state and hear in casual and private conversation the number of candidates for the degrees, or the size of the classes in the Scottish and York Rite. This is to learn what Masonry has never been more potent than it is today, nor has it ever enjoyed more vigorous growth.

  Masonry flourishes best where the spirit of man is free, and so long as Masonry inculcates in its membership the teachings which best promote that freedom, its future is doubly secure.

  In conclusion, let it be said that we express our deepest appreciation to those who in the past have given so much of their time and effort to promote the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. To honor them, let us dedicate our efforts as our second century begins. For wherever a Masonic Lodge is established, it is for the purpose of inculcation of fundamental principles that believing in God and practicing His attributes, the world may be better because we have lived in it. This has been the principle of Laclede Lodge #83 for over one hundred years, and as we celebrate this centennial, let us hope that its work in the next century may be far superior than in the period that has just closed.

  Brethren let us remember that the Order of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is judged in every community. It is judged not by its beautiful teachings, but by the lives and influence of its members, and that we each as its custodians will sometime hear, " So shall the judgment be, thyself has decided it."

  That you, both severally and collectively, may enjoy a full measure or even a double portion of life's blessing, and that the teachings of Him, "Who was sent as a plumb line to Israel, " may find expression in your daily lives is my sincere wish.

(This historical sketch was prepared by Fern E. Willard and was read by him at the Lodge's Centennial Celebration, in 1954) 

The Civil War Period

  During the Civil War, 1861 through 1865, Laclede Lodge #83 ceased operation as a lodge. Just what happened to the lodge’s charter at the time, is in question. The story is told that the Master, Alf Case, took the charter from the lodge room and hid it in a haystack and later went to Jefferson City on horseback and had the lodge incorporated under the laws of Missouri. The latter part of this story is extremely doubtful, yet no one knows what happened to the charter. While at Grand Lodge in 1960, Brother Howard Jones and myself examined the files of Laclede Lodge #83 that are maintained at the Grand Lodge Office. We found the letter that follows:

  “October 4th, 1866, Right Worshipful Brother G. Frank Gouley, Grand Secretary : Your letter of 28th September, 1866 is received and contents noted, and in reply would state that as our lodge ceased to exist as a lodge from 4th day of May 1861, it being the last meeting held until our charter was restored to us by the Grand Lodge in 1865, and in accordance with the said proceedings, Brother N.J. Hubble, District Deputy Grand Master called the members together, dedicated their hall and installed officers and our first meeting was held on the 29th Day of November 1865. This being the condition of our lodge we were under the impression the Grand Lodge would demand no dues. But if we are mistaken in this, we most respectfully ask that we be permitted to continue until the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. When, if not reduced, we will pay the demand. Please notify us at once if this will be satisfactory, as we wish to do all things in accordance with the law and regulations of the Grand Lodge and exalt justice towards our brothers. Fraternally Yours, John L. Herndon, Secretary.”

The letter says, “Ceased to Exist'' and “Charter Restored” neither of which necessarily mean that the charter was returned, canceled, surrendered or voided, which, if true, the lodge was in existence, and Grand Lodge dues were accumulating. In any case, the original charter, issued in 1854, is still in use and our lodge at this time (1972) is one hundred and eighteen years old. A very ripe old age, when it is considered that the first settlers in Laclede County arrived twenty-six years prior to this time. This writer believes that some members of the lodge had possession of the charter during the Civil War. This original charter is preserved in the safe at the Lodge Hall. The one on display is a photograph.

                                                                                                             by J.H. Easley
Before Laclede Lodge #83 built its new building in the old part of town, it is not definitely known just where the meetings were held. The original handwritten charter that is still in the possession of the lodge contains the following statement: “The stated communications of the lodge shall be held at the Courthouse, in the Town of Lebanon until otherwise provided for.”

At a meeting on December 27, 1854, a committee was appointed to contract with the trustees of the Lebanon Academy for the upper room of the same for lodge purposes. At the next meeting, January 30, 1855, the committee asked to be relieved, and was. There is nothing in the records to indicate that a contract was made with the trustees of the Lebanon Academy. So, it is not known whether the lodge held its meetings at the courthouse, the Academy, or possibly somewhere else. During the period from its beginning until 1857, the Academy that is mentioned here is the building that is long known among Lebanon residents as the “old Academy''. It was located at the east end of the old town in what is now a field. It was about three hundred southeast of Main Street and about four hundred feet north east of Walnut Avenue. This is the building to which Harold Bell Wright refers in his book, “The Call of Dan Matthews.”

The established date for the regular meetings of the lodge was "The first Wednesday night, after the first full moon of each month." By setting the meeting near the full moon, the members had the light of the moon by which to travel. A number of Laclede Lodge members had to travel ten to fifteen miles to lodge, and the light of the moon was a great help to them. Many lodges in small communities held their meetings in relation to the moon. Laclede Lodge continued this practice until 1928, and they had to vote on it twice before they could get it changed.

When the Christian Church and the Congregational Church organized their congregations in 1867, Laclede Lodge had been using Wednesday night for its meeting for fourteen years. It was customary for Protestant Churches to hold their mid-week Prayer Service on Wednesday night. So that there would be no conflict of meeting nights, the lodge made an agreement with the churches, whereby the churches would use Thursday night and the lodge Wednesday night, and that each would respect the others' night and not hold a meeting on that night. Later when the Methodist, and still later, the Baptist organized, they each agreed to participate in this agreement. This agreement was kept for almost one hundred years. It is believed that Lebanon is the only town in the country where the Protestant Churches held their midweek Prayer Service on Thursday night.