Chapter 9

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LODGES CHARTERED FROM 1890—1895

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Dickinson Lodge No. 32, Dickinson

            It is interesting to note that the first new lodge, instituted and chartered by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota after June 13, 1889, was situated in the vast territory west of the Missouri River, known as "out where the west begins", then abounding in buffalo and other wild game, still the primitive, pioneer home of ranchers and stockmen, and almost until that time the scene of Indian raids.

            Here, 100 miles west of Bismarck, the cow town of Dickinson with a few hundred people had been established in the 1880's, and here Masonry took root and has flourished ever since. Today Dickinson is a flourishing city of 10,000 people, the county seat of a rich farming community, the home of Dickinson State Teachers' College, and its Masonic lodge has a membership of 230 in 1962.

            It was W.'. Brother Victor H. Stickney who took the lead in organizing the lodge at Dickinson in 1889, and he with W.'. Brother William A. McCloy, Edward R. Knowlton and fourteen other Master Masons, forwarded a petition for a dispensation to institute Dickinson Lodge U.'. D.'. to Grand Master James W. Cloes of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. The dispensation was signed by him October 11, 1889 naming W.'. Brother Victor H. Stickney W.'. M.'.; William A. McCloy S.'. W.'., and Edward R. Knowlton J.'. W.'..

            The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Dickinson Lodge Xo. 32 on June 17, 1890, and the lodge was constituted at Dickinson October 1. 1890, when M.'. W.'. Brother Frank J. Thompson was present and made the principal address. The occasion was celebrated with a banquet at the Kidder House, and a ball in the Masonic hall, which was located in the First National Bank building. Until this time fourteen Master Masons had been "raised", making the total membership of the lodge thirty-one.

            The lodge continued to meet in the First National Bank building until the present adequate temple was dedicated February 22, 1911.

            There have been many men who have served Dickinson Lodge No. 32 with great distinction down through the years, but we can mention only a few of them here, such as W.'. Brothers Victor H. Stickney, W.'. M.'. in 1890 and 1891; John J. Freeman, W.'. M.'. in 1892 and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge in 1894; Thomas J. Green, W.'. M.'. in 1895 and 1896 and the first president of the building association in 1909. Others prominent in the building of the new temple were Alfred White, Frederick W. Turner, W.'. M.'. in 1909, M. L. McBride, George Perkins and George Senour; M.'. W.'. Brothers John Riessbeck, W.'. M.'. in 1899 and 1900 and Grand Master in 1907; and Charles H. Starke, W.'. M.'. in 1917 and Grand Master in 1930; W.'. Brothers Robert W. Rodgers, W.'. M.'. in 1946 and Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter R.'. A.'. M.'., at the time of his untimely death in 1960; Frank Richards, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and secretary for many years; John H. McDonald, W.'. M.'. in 1956-1957 and District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge; Edward C. Blackorby, W.'. M.'. in 1957-1958; and Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge in 1958-1959; and Hunter M. Picken, W.'. M.'. in 1962-1963 and Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter O.E.S. in 1957-58. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Lecturer of District No. 6 in 1961. All have served Dickinson lodge well.

            For over seventy years Masonry has revolved about Dickinson Lodge No. 32, as a pivot for the great Missouri Slope area of southwestern North Dakota and in the meantime more lodges have grown up around it until today Masonry has fully established itself and is a dynamic force in the development of this prosperous and colorful section of our great state.

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Star in the West Lodge No. 33, Minot

            When the Great Northern Railway reached Minot in 1886, it found a small, but flourishing town which was the county seat of a vast domain, comprising about one eighth of the entire state of North Dakota and known as Ward County. Everything in Northwestern Dakota centered there — business, trades, professions, farming, ranching, everything — and there was not a Masonic lodge within 100 miles.

            Masonry was not long in grasping its opportunity and early in 1890 a petition was on its way to M.'. W.'. Brother James W. Cloes. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, for a dispensation to institute a lodge at Minot, signed by twenty Master Masons and sponsored by Minnewaukan Lodge No. 21 of Devils Lake, 120 miles to the east.

            A dispensation to institute Star in the West Lodge U.'. D.'. at Minot was issued March 28, 1890, by Grand Master Cloes, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. James W. Truax; S.'. W.'. James Johnson; J.'. W.'. Carl Aurland; elected later were Treasurer Joseph S. Colton; and Secretary William Hope. Brother Aurland did not qualify as J.'. W.'. and John McJannett was elected in his place. The first regular meeting was held April 8, 1890.

            The charter was granted, June 17, 1890, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Star in the West Lodge No. 33 at Minot, and the lodge was constituted November 24, 1890, by M.'. W.'. Brother Frank J. Thompson, Grand Master.

            The lodge first met in a small building near the site of the present temple, and we are told that the roof was so low that on arising to address the Worshipful Master, a member was obliged to advance one step in order to clear the slope of the roof and stand erect. This building was used only two or three years until the lodge moved to the third floor of the building, where the Montgomery Ward Company building now stands. Judge William Murray made the furniture, some of which is used today. The present temple was built in 1907 and has served all of the bodies of Masonry well. With a growing need for more room and for parking space, the .Minot Scottish Rite Bodies have purchased lots in the southwest part of Minot, and it is expected that a beautiful new temple will soon arise there.

            Five of the charter members of Star in the West Lodge became Worshipful Masters, as follows: James W. Truax, 1890 and 1891; James Johnson, 1892 and 1896; John McJannett, 1893; Charles E. Gregory, 1894; and Carl Aurland, 1899. Then came W.'. Brother John M. Wilson, who was W.'. M.'. in 1897, 1900-1903 and again in 1908. Thus six men filled the East in thirteen of the first nineteen years of the lodge, which speaks well for their interest in Masonry.

            In 1909, W.'. Brother Henry E. Byorum was W.'. M.'. and went on to become Grand Master in 1921; likewise, William J. Hunter was W.'. M.'. in 1931, and became Grand Master in 1948.

            A remarkable character in Star in the West Lodge was Dr. Archibald D. McCannel, who came to Minot in 1909 from Ontario, where he had become a member of Forest Lodge No. 393 in 1904. He affiliated with Star in the West in 1910 and served as Master in 1915. He served as Captain in the Medical Corps in World War I, and received a War Service Certificate. Much beloved for community and Masonic service, he became a fifty-year Mason, every moment of the half century having been devoted to his love for his fellowman.

             Other outstanding members have been W.'. Brothers Guy R. Van Sickle. W.'. M.'. in 1918: Donald G. Brunner, W.'. M.'. in 1947 and District Deputy Grand Master for many years; Hayden M. Williams, W.'. M.'. in 1956-1957 and Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1962-1963. One of the kindliest men in the lodge was Brother Olof C. Aakrann, who was never master, but served as its devoted and capable secretary from 1945 until his untimely death in 1957. No one will forget his courtesy toward all, his interest in the affairs of those about him and his devotion to Masonry and its precepts. Star in the West Lodge No. 33 was richer because Olof passed that way.

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Lebanon Lodge No. 34, Langdon

            The Masons from Ontario and Manitoba who were among the earliest settlers in Cavalier county left to the lodge that they founded at Langdon strong affinity for Canadian Masonry that has persisted and grown throughout the years. This international fraternization, punctuated with International Past Masters' Nights at Langdon each spring, has been a helpful inspiration to Masonry throughout the area, on both sides of the 49th parallel.

            Twelve of those hardy pioneers who brought with them Masonic membership, seven from Canadian lodges, most of them of English or Scottish descent, signed the petition for a dispensation to establish a lodge at Langdon. Though the first settlers had come to the community as early as 1883, Langdon did not attain a size to justify establishment of a lodge until after the Great Northern extended its railroad from Park River to Langdon in 1887 and the permanent and continuing growth of the town started. The petition was not executed until October 25, 1890, when it was forwarded with a certificate of proficiency in the ritual from Golden Valley Lodge No. 26 of Park River, their sponsor.

            The dispensation was signed November 19, 1890, by M.'. W.'. Brother Frank J. Thompson, Grand Master, designating John M. Blakely, W.'. M.'.; Marcus G. Fossum, S.'. W.'.; and John Bidlake, J.'. W.'. for Lebanon Lodge U.'. D.'. Robert Meiklejohn was elected the first Treasurer and Frank J. Hodgins the first Secretary. The first meeting under dispensation was held December 12, 1890.

            The charter was granted June 17, 1891, was signed by M.'. W.'. John F. Selby, Grand Master, and Lebanon Lodge No. 34, with twelve charter members, was duly constituted July 27, 1891, by R.'. W.'. James McDonald of Grafton, Junior Grand Warden. The golden anniversary of that occasion was celebrated gloriously July 28, 1941, with the late M.'. W.'. John Moses, then Grand Master and Governor of North Dakota, as the jubilee speaker.

            In its first 10 years the lodge grew to 167 members, by 1930 had attained 200 members and has maintained a large membership, near 200, throughout the years. Three periods of accelerated activity have been the basis for the large membership. Brother Blakely. the first master; Brother Hodgins, the first secretary; Walter A. Laidlaw; William F. Winter and John E. Truax were worshipful masters successively during those first ten years. The worshipful masters during the 1916-21 period, when 89 brothers were raised were Robert Work, Mark I. Forkner, Henry Albrecht and James Mirehouse. Beginning in 1945 the lodge prospered under the leadership of another succession of unusually effective worshipful masters. While Louis L. Arnold, George K. Brooks, Louis M. Whalen, Paul K. Skabo, Oscar I. DeVold, Emil Soderstrom and Ellis G. Snow-field were in the east Lebanon Lodge raised and affiliated 110 Master Masons.

            Hugh McDowall, 1905-07, long-time state legislator; William Stevenson, 1910-11, later long secretary of the lodge; John A. Crawford, 1923-24 and 1926, for fifteen years a member of the Grand Lodge Credentials committee; Gus Gilbertson, 1930, later secretary and candidate instructor for many years; Victor Sturlaugson, 1933; Orren D. Ellis, 1937, for several years Grand Lecturer; Harold W. Bartlett, 1953, ardent advocate of public school education support; Roy E. Herrud, 1958, Grand Lodge Committeeman and continuing advisor to his successors; and Roy M. Wells, Hon. 1961, now secretary since 1951; are other worshipful masters who served diligently and continued to serve beyond the call of duty as past masters.

            The first meeting place of Lebanon Lodge was upstairs in a building near the present site of the First Bank of Langdon. The lodge moved October 14, 1892, to a hall over the Ferguson restaurant, located near the present site of the Penney store. In 1902 the lodge raised $7,000.00 by selling insurance-type bonds to its members and erected a brick lodge hall which served well until 1927. When the Langdon Opera House was condemned in 1923 as unsafe for public use, the Masonic Holding Corporation was organized to buy and improve the building, more to save it as a public meeting place for the community than to provide a new lodge home. The Masons raised 525,000.00 with a bond sale and completely remodeled the structure to provide a large lodge hall and six regalia rooms on the second floor; a large auditorium which seats 500; a stage with elaborate lighting system and four dressing rooms; two suites of income-producing offices on the main floor; and a dining room to seat 200, modern kitchen) furnace room, secretary's office with a vault, club room and Boy Scout room on the ground floor. Not a day passes that there is no activity in the building.

            The building erected in 1902 having been sold for a very nominal figure, not enough to pay the bonds outstanding against it, Lebanon Lodge put itself into strained financial circumstances for many years by assuming the liability for the two bond issues, retiring thousands of dollars worth of bonds and interest coupons by accepting them in lieu of dues. The late M .'.W.'. Hark I. Forkner, who had personally redeemed many bonds from the second issue, donated all of his bonds on condition that others donate an aggregate equal amount. His son, Brother Richard E. Forkner, personally conducted the successful drive which eventually culminated in a bond-burning ceremony in 1951, when M.'. W.'. Charles M. Pollock of Fargo, then deputy for North Dakota of the Scottish Rite, S. J., burned the bonds to make Lebanon Lodge debt free for the first time in 49 years.

            Most dear in the heart of Lebanon Lodge is the memory of Robert Meiklejohn, treasurer of the lodge from its beginning until he died in 1935, a 58-year Mason. He brought his Masonic membership from Ontario to Morris, Manitoba, where he was a charter member of King Solomon Lodge No. 8, and thence to Langdon, where he again was a charter member of his lodge. He came to Langdon as a pioneer blacksmith and continued at that trade until a few years before his death. His sagacious brotherliness held the lodge together through a tempestuous internal turmoil during its third decade and earned for him the distinction of having done more for Lebanon Lodge than any one man.

            Two members of the lodge were privileged to serve the Masons of North Dakota as Grand Master. M.'. W.'. Brother Mark I. Forkner, worshipful master in 1917-18, was installed as Grand Master in 1934, and M.'. W.'. Brother Edward J. Franta, 1934, was installed as Grand Master in 1952.

            The tenure of each was marked by outstanding Masonic meetings which have importance in the history of the lodge. As Grand Master, M.'. W.'. Brother Forkner presided at an emergent communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, at Langdon April 25, 1935, when Brother Meiklejohn was formally received and honored. M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, grand secretary and past grand master, gave the laudatory address. Brother Meiklejohn died August 17, in that year.

            Eight past grand masters from North Dakota, Manitoba and Minnesota gathered at Langdon October 10, 1952, with 200 other Masons, when Lebanon Lodge honored M.'. W.'. Brother Franta as Grand Master. Unforgettable, and completely unusual in Masonic annals, was the meeting May 10, 1953, when M.'. W.'. Gordon A. McMorran, as then Grand Master of Masons in Manitoba, opened an emergent communication of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba at Langdon. This completed the exchange which had started 10 days previously when M.'. W.'. Brother Franta, assisted by all of his line officers, except one, opened an emergent communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, at Souris, Manitoba, home town of M.'. W.'. Brother McMorran, also a weekly newspaper publisher.

            Equally outstanding and with as much international significance was the meeting May 23, 1938, when a delegation of Manitoba past grand masters and others came to an International Past Masters' Night meeting of Lebanon Lodge to honor M.'. W.'. Brother Forkner by presenting to Lebanon Lodge a silk Canadian flag which has since graced the east in Lebanon Lodge beside the Stars and Stripes. M.'. W.'. Brother Pollock, then Grand Master, was the principal speaker on the occasion.

            Besides the two members who  served as  Grand Master.  Walter  A. Laidlaw, third worshipful master of Lebanon Lodge, was appointed Grand Tyler in 1902, but did not continue in the Grand Lodge line.

            The District Deputy system was inaugurated in 1911 and from Lebanon Lodge William Flack served as District Deputy Grand Master from 1914 until 1917, to be succeeded by W.'. M.'. Brother Forkner, who served until 1924. Victor Sturlaugson was appointed in 1933 and served two years, to be succeeded by M.'. W.'. Brother Franta who served until 1943. George K. Brooks became District Deputy in 1946 and served until 1952.

            Brother Sturlaugson later served many years as District Deputy Grand Lecturer. Worthy patron of Lebanon Chapter No. 37 O.E.S. since 1948, he was elected Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter O.E.S. in June 1962.

            Brother Brooks served on the Grand Lodge Committee on Policy and General Purposes nine years after his six-year tenure as District Deputy.

            Brother Flack and Brother John A. Crawford served long terms on grand lodge committees and Brother Roy E. Herrud is serving on the Committee on Annual Returns. Brother Louis L. Arnold, appointed to the Grand Lodge Insurance Committee in 1953, worked several years to make available the blanket liability insurance policy now protecting the Grand Lodge and many participating constituent lodges.

            The continuing Masonic activity at Langdon has effects beyond maintaining Lebanon Lodge as one of the prominent lodges in the state. One non-Mason, a protestant minister, once said that he had been informed, within his profession, that Langdon was the most Masonically active town in the entire country. It is true that through the Masonic energy generated in Lebanon Lodge, Langdon is the smallest city in the world to maintain a ful! complement of Scottish Rite Bodies. The Masonic influence in Langdon also helps make Lebanon Chapter No. 37 O.E.S. unusually active and successful. Mrs. Tillie McGruer, first worthy matron of the chapter, and Mrs. Ina Grimson, after demitting from the chapter upon moving to Rugby, became Worthy Grand Matrons of the Grand Chapter, and Brother Victor Sturlaugson now serves the Grand Chapter as Worthy Grand Patron. Several members of Langdon Assembly No. 8 of the Order of Rainbow for Girls have attained Grand Assembly honors and offices.

            Masonry at Langdon created an unusual parallel. M.'. W.'. Brother Mark I. Forkner was raised in Lebanon Lodge April 12, 1912. He raised M.'. W.'. Brother Edward J. Franta May 25, 1928. In Blue Lodge work the younger man followed his idol as worshipful master of Lebanon Lodge, District Deputy and Grand Master.

            The succession has prevailed in two other important offices. M.'. W.'. Brother Forkner became deputy for the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, S. J., in 1941 and Sovereign Grand Inspector General in North Dakota in 1943, serving until his death December 1, 1947. Subsequently M.'. W.'. Brother Franta has been serving as deputy since 1953, M.'. W.'. Brother Charles M. Pollock of Fargo having served during the six-year interval.

            In the newspaper business during most of his mature life, M.'. W.'. Brother Forkner served the North Dakota Press Association as an officer for 25 years, including -two years as president and the last 17 years as secretary, and was succeeded in the latter office in 1939 by M.'. W.'. Brother Franta, who served 18 years after six previous years as acting secretary during his predecessor's semi-retirement. The two were associated in the Cavalier County Republican, weekly newspaper at Lang-don, since 1928, and since 1932 with Brother Richard E. Forkner. The two younger men have continued as full partners since the death of their senior partner.

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Hamilton Lodge No. 35, Hamilton

            The petition for a dispensation to organize a lodge at Hamilton was filed July 14, 1891, and was granted August 8, 1891, by M.'. W.'. John F. Selby, Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. James T. Blacklock; S.'. W.'. Thomas W. Brown, and J.'. W.'. James B. Muir.

            The charter was granted June 28, 1892, to Hamilton Lodge No. 35 at Hamilton and was signed June 29, 1892, by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master. There were twelve signatures on the original petition and twenty-four were listed as charter members on the charter. Bath-gate Lodge No. 23 was sponsor and the lodge was constituted by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master.

            The lodge first met in the Chisholm building on Main Street, and moved to the Sarver building in 1909. The building burned July 7, 1918, and most of the lodge property and records were destroyed. After two years in the old high school building, Hamilton Lodge bought a building adjoining the Paxman store from Joseph Paxman, giving a mortgage for most of the purchase price. In 1954 the family of the late George L. Paxman, son of Joseph Paxman, presented the mortgage to the lodge. The members raised $4,500.00 and remodeled the building into spacious and adequate lodge quarters and are thus nicely situated today.

            Several families have been prominent in the lodge throughout the years. Among them, M.'. W.'. Brother James T. Blacklock, its charter master, served as W.'. M.'. from 1892-94 also in 1899. and was Grand Master in 1903. George L. Paxman was W.'. M.'. in 1906. His son, Gordon L. Paxman, was W.'. M.'. in 1939 and 1944, and was elected Grand Master in 1960. M.'. W.'. Brother Paxman has also personally "raised" his three sons in Hamilton Lodge, Gary L., in 1957, Gordon B. in 1959, and George W. in 1960. George F. Erskine was W.'. M.'. in 1900. 1901, 1903 and 1904. Franklin L. Page became a member in 1914, was W.'. M.'. in 1920, and was a prominent state senator for many years. The Rowe family is also well known, Clarence J. was W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1928; Allerd T., in 1929, 1933, 1936 and 1942; and Jack T., in 1960-61. Then there is Harry McMillan, W.'. M.'. in 1947 and 1948, one of the finest ritualists one will ever find. Another faithful and efficient member is Brother John E. Argue, secretary from 1940-1963, and "still going strong."

            It's just a small lodge of 61 members, but what a power for good in the Hamilton community!

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St. Johns Lodge No. 36, Forest River

            It is evident that St. Johns Lodge at Forest River was slow in getting started, as its recommendation and certificate of proficiency in the ritual were signed by the master and secretary of Minto Lodge No. 17, its sponsor, on February 24, 1892, and the dispensation for organizing the lodge was not signed by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, until July 27, 1892. The principal officers named were: W.'. M.'. .Marshall D. Miller; S.'. W.'. George Gibbon; and J.'. W.'. William J. Brennan. The first Treasurer was Henry Brennan and the first Secretary was Robert B. Warren.

            The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge on June 14, 1893, to St. Johns Lodge No. 36 at Forest River and was signed by M.'.W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master, on June 15, 1893. There were twelve charter members.

            The first meeting was held August 4, 1892, in the J. B. Sprague building and it is noted that the rental was $5.00 per month. June 17, 1893, the rent was raised to 5140.00 per year, and the quarters were sublet to three other bodies for a total of $100.00. Good financing! After using rented quarters for over half a century, St. Johns Lodge No. 36 built an adequate temple of its own on the main street of Forest River in 1950, which was dedicated by Grand Master Harlow L. Walster late that year. The building is free of debt and reflects great credit on the members of the lodge.

            W.'. Brother Marshall D. Miller was the first W.'. M.'. and served in 1893, 1894, 1901, 1902. 1904 and 1906; William J. Brennan was W.'. M.'. in 1897, 1911, 1912 and 1913; James H. Scott was W.'. M.'. in 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1921; Walter E. Howe was W.'. M.'. in 1918, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923 and 1930; William G. Legg was W.'. M.'. in 1927, 1928, 1933 and 1940; Fred S. Spragge was W.'. M.'. in 1936, 1937 and 1938; and Charles J. Lester was W.'. M.'. in 1925 and 1939. It is remarkable that only seven masters served a total of thirty years and fully illustrates their devotion to the craft, as well as that of the thirty-four other masters, who have taken their turns in between during the lodge's sixty-eight years of existence from 1893-1961. This is one of the principal reasons why Masonry "pays off", in some of our smaller lodges.

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Fairmount Lodge No. 37, Fairmount

            The plans for a Masonic lodge at Fairmount began in the summer of 1892 when eleven Master Masons signed a petition for a dispensation to organize a lodge, and on August 16, 1892, went before the officers of Wahpeton Lodge No. 15 at Wahpeton, as sponsor, and received their certificate of recommendation and proficiency in the ritual. The dispensation was signed December 2, 1892, by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Myron J. Holly; S.'. W.'. Bart W. Schouweiler; and J.'. W.'. DeWitt C. Clinton. The first Treasurer was Henry Pelham and the first Secretary was Edward C. Gale.

            The first meeting of the new lodge U.'. D.'. was held December 14, 1892, at which the master appointed the other officers who took their stations. The lodge met regularly until June 14, 1893, when a charter was granted to Fairmount Lodge No. 37 with eleven charter members by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, which was signed by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master.

            The early minutes do not record where the lodge meetings were held, but it is stated that the rental was $20.00 per year. In 1929 the present lodge hall was purchased and was shared with the I.O.O.F. until 1948. It has been kept in good repair and is adequate and attractive in every way.

            Masonic leaders through the years have been such men as Worshipful Masters Myron J. Holly, Charles A. Tuttle, Bart W. Schouweiler, Thomas Jacobson, Louis N. Abbott, Harley R. Swanson, Alfred G. Olson, Earl W. Schouweiler, John A. Earner, Rev. David F. Knecht and Clarence T. George. These are but a few of the many men who have served Fairmount Lodge and Masonry faithfully and well.

             Well known in Grand Lodge circles in recent years have been W.'. Brothers Harley R. Swanson and Alfred G. Olson, District Deputy Grand Lecturers; Rev. David F. Knecht, Grand Chaplain; and M.'. W.'. John A. Earner, elected Grand Master in 1957; fearless, hard working, a Christian gentleman and a leader among men. His year as Grand Master will not soon be forgotten.

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Crystal Lodge No. 38, Crystal

            Crystal Lodge No. 38 began at Crystal in 1893, moved to Hoople in 1922 and consolidated with Crescent Lodge No. 11 at Grafton in 1950, so is now in its third thirty-year phase, which appears to be a happy one. Last spring in 1961, Past Master Murray S. Swanson informed us that four Hoople young men were taking the Masonic degrees at Grafton and the old Crystal Lodge spirit was still very much alive.

            The petition for dispensation for a lodge at Crystal had twelve signatures and the recommendation of Temple Lodge No. 30 at St. Thomas, as sponsor, was signed December 2, 1892. The dispensation was signed by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master, January 9, 1893, listing the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Henry Baldwin; S.'. W.'. Alexander Proctor; and J.'. W.'., Harry C. Carr. Fredrick Weise was the first Treasurer and Alfred A. Halliday the first Secretary.

            The charter was granted June 14, 1893, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Crystal Lodge No. 38 at Crystal, with twelve charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master, on June 15, 1893.

            Little is known of the early history of the lodge as their quarters burned, with all their records late in 1912, and a duplicate charter was issued, dated January 6, 1913. Interest lagged in the lodge and January 11, 1922, by unanimous vote, M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master, moved Crystal Lodge No. 38 to Hoople, where it prospered for another generation.

            By 1950 the membership was down to 41, from a high of 67 in 1928, and again by unanimous vote, the lodge was consolidated with Crescent Lodge No. 11 at Grafton, under an order by M.'. W.'. Harold S. Pond, Grand Master, dated March 31, 1950, effective April 5, 1950. Due to storms and floods, the actual consolidation was effected on June 7, 1950.

            Looking over the names of the leaders in the lodge, we find such Worshipful Masters as Henry Baldwin, 1893; Harry C. Carr, 1894 and 1895; William S. Stinson, 1897, 1898, 1899 and 1901; Henry S. Dickson, 1907-1910; Robert H. Woods, 1912, 1916, 1922 and 1923; George E. Springsted, 1911, 1915 and 1920; Swain S. Johnson, 1918 and 1919; Murray S. Swanson, 1929; and Vernon D. Rodger, 1941, 1948 and 1949. There were many others and it is regrettable that the lodge could not continue under its own charter.

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Mizpah Lodge No. 39, Sheldon

            Events followed each other in quick succession at Sheldon when they were ready to form Mizpah Lodge U.'. D.'. Eleven Master Masons signed the petition for dispensation and on December 20, 1892, the recommendation was signed by Sheyenne Valley Lodge No. 12 of Lisbon, as sponsor.

            The dispensation was signed January 18, 1893, by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. James P. Aylen; S.'. W.'. Robert J. Mitchell; and J.'. W.'. Mark Turnbull. Charles K. Durbin was the first Treasurer and Frank H. Russ the first Secretary. The lodge met January 19, 1893, in the I.O.O.F hall to install the appointive officers and to read the petitions of three candidates for membership.

            The charter for Mizpah Lodge No. 39 at Sheldon was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota on June 14, 1893, and was signed by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master, on June 15, 1893, naming eleven charter members. The lodge was constituted and the new officers installed November 9, 1893, by M.'. W.'. Albert B. Herrick, representing Grand Master McDonald.

            The lodge moved early in -1894, to the A.O.U.W. hall where it remained until the present lodge hall was built in 1905. The new temple was dedicated January 18, 1906, by Deputy Grand Master Grant S. Hager. The temple has experienced two fires, the damage from which was amply covered by insurance.

            History relates that the first treasurer, Charles K. Durbin, was short $32.47 in his accounts, which he did not replace. He left the lodge and was suspended for non-payment of dues, but was not prosecuted for un-Masonic conduct.

            Several fine leaders have come from Mizpah Lodge, among them, a fourteen term Worshipful Master, which could be a record. James Lincoln Green served as W.'. M.'. in 1897, 1899-1906, 1908, 1911-1913 and 1920; James P. Aylen, the first W.'. M.'., served from 1893-1895; Frank E. ' Shaw was W.'. M.'. from 1916-1917, in 1919, 1921 and 1922; Guy L. Culver was W.'. M.'. from 1940-1942; and Chauncey E. Cavett was W.'. M.'. in 1943, and later was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.'. A.'. M.'. Eighteen different masters have served since then and the lodge had 96 members in 1961.

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Cando Lodge No. 40, Cando

            Greetings posthumously and in absentia, from one historian to another! Imagine our surprise and delight when we learned that W.'. Brother Elmer T. Judd, a charter member and the third W.'. M.'. of Cando Lodge, No. 40, grew to manhood on a farm near Judd's Bridge, Connecticut, a few miles from our home town of Washington; and though we never knew him personally, it is a coincidence that we are using his history of Cando Lodge in preparing this review. One wonders if some of his ancestors and ours were acquainted in 300 years of almost co-existence. His demit from Eureka Lodge No. 83, of Bristol, Connecticut, dated March 25, 1892 and signed by W.'. M.'. L. F. Judd, probably his father, lies before us and we surmise that they hated to see him go so far from his home and his lodge.

            It is understood that the Judd family of Connecticut was distantly related to Tom Thumb, the celebrated midget of many years ago. As evidence of this fact the Grand Lodge Museum displayed for many years a pair of white trousers formerly belonging to Tom Thumb, which were presented to the Museum by Brother Judd.

            Preliminary work toward organizing a lodge at Cando was started early in the year of 1893. Fourteen Master Masons signed a petition for a dispensation to institute a lodge and requested Minnewaukan Lodge No. 21 at Devils Lake to act as sponsor, which they were pleased to do. On February 16, 1893, a delegation from Cando visited Minnewaukan Lodge, proved their proficiency in the ritual and obtained the recommendation of the lodge for the issuance of the dispensation.

            The dispensation was issued March 1, 1893, by M.'. W Brother Albert B. Herrick, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, to Cando Lodge U.'. D.'. stipulating the following as principal officers: W.'. M.'. Fountain L. Thompson; S.'. W.'. Thomas W. Conyers; and J.'. W.'. Charles E. Hunter. Later elected were: Treasurer Carroll J. Atkins; and Secretary A. Horace McLain. The first regular meeting was held March 18, 1893, and work has continued since that time.

            The charter was granted June 14, 1893, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Cando Lodge No. 40 with fourteen charter members. However, the charter was not delivered at that time, due to irregularities in the operation of the lodge, while under dispensation, which the new Grand Master, M.'. W.'. Brother James McDonald, wished to have corrected. Accordingly, he sent W.'. Brother John A. Percival of Devils Lake, past master of Minnewaukan Lodge No. 21 and member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Finance, to Cando on November 23, 1893. A special meeting of the lodge was held, the matters under discussion were adjusted, the charter was delivered and the officers of the lodge were installed. In the interim, between June 14 and November 23, 1893, eleven regular meetings were held by Cando Lodge No. 40, under special dispensation from Grand Master McDonald.

            The lodge has never owned a lodge hall of its own, but has rented quarters over a business establishment on the main street, which have been comfortable and commodious. The members have been frugal and careful in the handling of lodge funds and have never felt that they could afford the luxury of a modern temple.

            In addition to W.'. Brothers Fountain L. Thompson, W.'. M.'. in 1893 and 1900, and Elmer T. Judd in 1895, Cando Lodge has produced a number of remarkable men who have served Masonry and their community well. Space will permit the mention of only a few.

            M.'. W.'. Brother Harry Lord became a Master Mason in Golden Valley Lodge No. 26 at Park River May 5, 1896 and affiliated with Cando Lodge No. 40 January 24, 1899, was W.'. M.'. in 1901 and 1902, treasurer for many years, and was Grand Master in 1915-1916. His brother, Curtis J. Lord, became a member of Cando Lodge in 1894, but was never an officer. He was an outstanding member of the community and was respected by all who knew him. His son, Vine D. Lord, became a Mason May 31, 1918, and has always been an active member. He was W.'. M.'. in 1923 and Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.'. A.'. M.'., in 1941. He was the first District Deputy Grand Master in District No. 22. His two sons are members of Cando Lodge, and the elder, Robert M. Lord, was W.'. M.'. in 1961-1962. A remarkable family.

            W.'. Brother Forrest P. Vaughan was W.'. M.'. in 1905 and was active in Capitular Masonry, being elected Grand High Priest in 1927.

            W.'. Brother William H. Parker was W.'. M.'. in 1945 and 1946 and served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master in 1948 and 1949. He compiled an interesting history of Cando Lodge No. 40, for the 60th anniversary observance June 23, 1953.

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Maple River Lodge No. 41, Edgeley

            Maple River Lodge, as well as the Grand Lodge, should be eternally grateful to its historians, M.'. W.'. Brother Walter H. Murfin, W.'. M.'. in 1912, who recorded the first 25 years; and W.'. Brother Arthur N. Calhoun, W.'. M.'. in 1935, who wrote the second 25 years of the history of the lodge. Both of these consecrated Masons, living in 1963, have devoted their lives to painstaking and accurate work of this nature and have left a heritage of interesting and authentic records which are priceless for posterity to study and enjoy. It is from their labors that the following is taken.

            The first Mason at Edgeley to show interest in the craft was W.'. Brother John T. Butler, who came to Edgeley in the early days from LaMoure, where he had been a charter member of Mackey Lodge No. 18. He interested thirteen other Masons of the Edgeley community in the forming of a lodge and May 2, 1893, their petition for a dispensation to institute Maple River Lodge U.'. D.'. had been signed by fourteen Master Masons, certified by Mackey Lodge No. 18 of LaMoure, as sponsor, and was ready for presentation to Grand Master A. B. Herrick. The dispensation was signed by him May 16, 1893, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. John T. Butler; S.'. W.'. Hiram H. Cornwell; and J.'. W.'. Amous F. Pierce. The first Treasurer was Brother Albert E. Franks; and the first Secretary was Brother John B. Kesler.

            Only one meeting was held before Grand Lodge in June, and that was on May 23, 1893, when four petitions for membership by initiation and one by affiliation were read.

            Application for charter was made on that date and this was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota on June 14, 1893, to Maple River Lodge No. 41 at Edgeley. The lodge was constituted November 3, 1893, by R.'. W.'. Brother George L. McGregor, Deputy Grand Master. In the meantime the lodge had affiliated one, initiated five, passed three and raised three. No objections were raised for conferring degrees in an un-constituted lodge and Maple River was on its way.

            Where our lodges hold their meetings is always an interesting topic, and as the story is told in M.'. W.'. Brother Walter H. Murfin's inimitable style, in his history of Maple River Lodge No. 41, we quote, verbatim:

           "And then, as lodges will, we had temple troubles. Did space permit, we might tell how the old hall, over the A. J. Brodtkorb store, became too small; how a new temple was built, as the largest building in town, modern, with a heating plant that never worked; of the sore spots it caused; how totally unsuited for a lodge home it was.

            "We might even tell how the dedication tore the town asunder, how those of the public, who were invited to the banquet, resented the charge of five dollars per plate (thus expensive to procure Fargo's best caterer); how those, who did not receive invitations, were insulted by not being considered socially eligible; how the repercussions were heard for years, and how the brethren, finally, became weary of all its inconveniences, sold the building and secured the present delightful and convenient temple."

            The present temple was a well built and equipped hospital, which was completely remodelled and provides every comfort and necessity a modern lodge hall could require. May it long serve the needs of Edgeley Masons and their friends.

            Many, indeed, have been the great men and Masons who have added to the fame of Maple River Lodge No. 41 and the community of Edge-ley. First of all, we mention M.'. W.'. Brother Walter H. Murfin, a Mason since 1905, W.'. M.'. in 1912; Grand Master in 192T; for many years commissioner of the Masonic Service Association of the United States; and Fraternal Correspondent of this Grand Lodge.

            W.'. Brother John T. Butler, first W.'. M.'., together with Brother John B. Kesler, first secretary, were the pillars around whom the lodge was built and were followed by such dedicated men as John M. Gifford, W.'. M.'. in 1899-1901; Charles W. Burgess, W.'. M.'. in 1923; Lawrence L. Murphy, W.'. M.'. in 1924, and for several years District Deputy Grand Lecturer (one of the best); Roscoe H. Sherman, W.'. M.'. in 1925, and for many years a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on By-Laws; Emil G. Bloedow, W.'. M.'. in 1929, secretary for 25 years, and president of the North Dakota Masonic Foundation (one of God's noblemen); Arthur A. Calhoun, W.'. M.'. in 1935 and 1944, and a good historian; and finally, the Hird boys, William, the father, W.'. M.'. in 1943; Livy W., a son, W.'. M.'. in 1958, and present secretary; and Samuel A., another son, W.'. M.'. in 1960.

            Space does not permit the telling of the many and varied accomplishments of this fine lodge. Like the immortal Washington, they have always been "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of their countrymen," and what more can be said. One example suffices. For the past ten years, the Grand Lodge has asked the lodges to collect an amount equal to fifty cents per capita from its members to be used by the Masonic Service Association of the United States for its work among the patients in our Veteran's Hospitals. Not only has Maple River Lodge always responded with over 100 per cent of its quota, but more often between 200 and 300 per cent. No wonder that North Dakota leads the United States in per capita giving to this great cause!

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Reynolds Lodge No. 42, Reynolds

            In the early days of North Dakota Reynolds Lodge No. 42 filled a great need for a lodge half way between Grand Porks and Hillsboro, and drew its membership from the thriving towns of Thompson, Reynolds and Buxton. Today, with the moving of the highway, the decrease of population in the smaller towns and the growth of religious opposition, one wonders what their future will be.

            There were eleven petitioners asking for a new lodge at Reynolds in 1893, and Hillsboro Lodge No. 10 was glad to sign the recommendation as sponsor, for Reynolds Lodge U.'. D.'. on July 13, 1893. The dispensation was signed by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master, on July 22, 1893, naming the following as principal officers: W.'. M.'. Jorgen Howard; S.'. W.'. Charles H. McManus; and J.'. W.'., John J. Sercombe.

            The charter was granted to Reynolds Lodge No. 42, with eleven Charter members, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota on June 13, 1894, and was signed by M.'. W.'. George L. McGregor, Grand Master, on June 14, 1894. The lodge was constituted at Reynolds September 19, 1894, with M.'. W.'. Frank J. Thompson, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary, in charge.

            At the first meeting after receiving its dispensation, held August 14, 1893, Brothers Melvin V. Hostetter and George L. O'Neale were elected Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. The records do not indicate where the lodge rooms were located, but they were adequate and well cared for, and a rental of $28.79 per quarter was paid to C. E. Wilcox. Later the lodge purchased a church building north of the main street, which was remodeled and has made an excellent Lodge Hall for many years.

            Many patriarchs of Masonry have come from Reynolds Lodge. Among them, the founders: W.'. Ms.'. Jorgen Howard, John J. Sercombe and James Halliday carried the lodge through its first decade. Then came W.'. Ms.'. William H. Hemmy, Myron N. Brathovde, and Thomas H. Brendy, who took it from 1908 through 1922, and again in 1927 and 1928. Since then they have had such men as W.'. M.'. E. Clinton Lebacken, later county judge for Grand Forks county; Ralph Weigel, W.'. M.'. in 1930, and secretary from 1947-1954; Oscar J. Sorlie, W.'.M.'. in 1945; William E. Block, W.'. M.'. in 1946 and Maurice A. Ellingrud W.'. M.'. in 1954-1955 and secretary, beginning in 1955 and still serving in 1963. Great men, devoted Masons, serving a splendid lodge.

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Mouse River Lodge No. 43, Towner

            It was a long time before there was a lodge between Devils Lake and Minot, on the main line of the Great Northern Railway, a distance of 120 miles, until fifteen Master Masons from Towner petitioned the Grand Lodge in 1893 for a dispensation for that purpose. They obtained a recommendation from Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 at Minot, their sponsor, on December 15, 1893; and the dispensation to organize Mouse River Lodge U.'. D.'. was signed by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master, January 4, 1894, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Evarts C. Stevens; S.'. W.'. Robert A. Pox; and J.'. W.'. John A. Ely. At their organization meeting on January 13, 1894, the lodge elected Brother Abner L. Hanscom, Treasurer and Allan Mitchell, Secretary.

            The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, to Mouse River Lodge No. 43 of Towner June 13, 1894, with fifteen charter members, and was signed the next day by M.'. W.'. George L. McGregor, Grand Master.

            The records of the lodge under dispensation, indicate that adequate quarters were found in a building owned by treasurer Abner L. Hanscom, at a rental of $120.00 per year, and a three year lease was obtained. Some years later the lodge moved into rooms over the Towner Pire Department and still has found them satisfactory in 1963.

            In most of our lodges, the early Masters seemed to be expected to serve for more than one term and Mouse River Lodge was no exception, but in the past thirty years, there have been few "repeats", and it would seem to be better thus. With more men working in the lines there are shorter waits and there is more interest among the members. Here are some of the examples: first W.'. M.'., W.'. Brother Evarts C. Stevens, 1894-1896, 1899 and 1900; W.'. Brother George H. Soule, W.'. M.'. 1897, 1902, 1903, 1905-1907; W.'. Brother Albert Weber, W.'. M.'. 1911-1913. Then came one of the really remarkable Masonic families in Towner; first, W.'. Brother William P. Sommerdorf, W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1922; then his brother, Paul B. Sommerdorf, W.'. M.'. in 1935, and secretary from 1937-1962. What a contribution to Masonry he has made! His son, Carl W. Sommerdorf, was W.'. M.'. in 1956-1957. M.'. W.'. Brother Merle Kidder, W.'. M.'. in 1940, was Grand Master in 1955; and finally, Brother Adolph M. Christianson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Dakota, was a fifty-two year Mason when he died in 1954.

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Tuscan Lodge No. 44, Bottineau

            Bottineau is one of those fortunate places in North Dakota, situated as it is at the northern boundary of the prairie, with the Turtle Mountains, Lake Metigoshe and plentiful woodland to the north; all making a beautiful background for the city and providing an ideal recreation center for its people and for the less fortunate citizens of our great state. The State School of Forestry is located there adding to the industry and development of the city and country. So it is natural that Masonry came early to Bottineau and has stayed and prospered there.

            It is evident that W.'. Brother James G. Thompson, formerly a member of Joppa Lodge No. 76 of Goodthunder, Minnesota, was the promoter of the lodge at Bottineau, and began collecting demits from the Masons there prior to 1894. Seven of these demits were mislaid and most of them did not come to light until later, some of them never, so affidavits were filed with the Grand Secretary, substantiating their former membership.

            At any rate, a petition for dispensation to initiate Tuscan Lodge U.'. D.'. at Bottineau was filed with thirteen signatures, on or about January 6, 1894, sponsored by Minnewaukan Lodge No. 21 of Devils Lake. The dispensation was issued March 3, 1894, by M.'. W.'. James McDonald, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. James G. Thompson; S.'. W.'. Nathaniel Meighen; and J.'. W.'. William R. McIntosh.

            The charter was granted on June 13, 1894, and was dated at Fargo, June 14, 1894, naming thirteen charter members.

            The first regular communication of the lodge U.'. D.'. was held March 8, 1894, and at this time Brothers William Craig and James B. Sinclair were appointed Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.

            The lodge first met in a building owned by Kelcey and Pinkerton, for which it paid a rental of $100.00 per year. Sometime later it took over the third floor of the Ertresvaag building on Main Street, which has furnished adequate and comfortable quarters for many years. The lodge holds title to the top floor of this property, has its own heating plant and only lacks an elevator, as it is hard for the older members to climb so many stairs.

            Many distinguished Masons have served Tuscan Lodge No. 44 throughout the years, of whom we can mention only a few: James G. Thompson was W.'. M.'. in 1894 and 1895; Thomas Sims, from 1902-1905; Alexander G. Burr in 1906, who was later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Dakota; John H. G. Turner was W.'. M.'. in 1907, 1908 and 1910 and lived all of his adult life in Bottineau. Then came M.'. W.'. Brother Frank C. Falkenstein, W.'. M.'. from 1912-1914, Grand Master in 1926, and later Grand Lecturer; Adolph D. Ertresvaag, W.'. M.'. in 1923, and prominent in the York Rite; Wilfred L. Mclntosh, W.'. M.'. in 1929, Roger A. Bond in 1937; Frank S. Hunter in 1947; Dean M. Gillett in 1951 and 1952; and Dr. William H. Pewe, from 1954 to 1956, and his son, Wayne W. Pewe, in 1960-61. W.'. Brother Herman W. Page came to Bottineau in 1951, moving from Westhope and was W.'. M.'. there in 1937. In 1949 he was appointed in the Grand Lodge line, where he showed great promise, but he passed away in 1955. His son. Robert, is taking his place in the lodge and in the Bottineau community and will be heard from as the years go by.

            Tuscan Lodge has shown great interest over the years in Masonic Island in Lake Metigoshe, which is owned by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, and where Masonic meetings of an international character have been held in the summer time, for many years. The first of these meetings was held in 1905, under the sponsorship of the neighboring lodges, with Tuscan Lodge in the lead. Sometimes as many as 200 Canadians and North Dakotans have gathered for several days of picnicking and performing degree work together. These communications have been of great value in establishing closer fraternal relations with our Canadian brethren.