MASONRY IN NORTH DAKOTA
Chapter 11
LODGES CHARTERED FROM 1901—1905
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It is interesting to note that no effort is ever made for the good of society, that, though the effort in the main may fail, still some progress is made somewhere and some benefit has accrued to someone. When Dickey Lodge No. 63 was chartered June 19, 1901, ten of its eleven charter members demitted from Mackey Lodge No. 18 at LaMoure. When the lodge, through circumstances beyond its control, consolidated with Mackey Lodge No. 18 at LaMoure, by vote of the Grand Lodge June 19, 1934, twenty of the members of Dickey lodge became active members of Mackey lodge. Surely, the bread which was cast upon the waters was returned to them, two-fold
Eleven Master Masons petitioned for a dispensation to institute Dickey Lodge U.'. D.'. and were recommended by the members of Mackey Lodge No. 18 at LaMoure on May 15, 1900. The dispensation was signed July 5, 1900, by M.'. W.'. Edwin H. James, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Charles E. Bobo; S.'. W.'. George D. Bowe; and J.'. W.'. John Colclough. Treasurer Charles A. Searle; and Secretary Arthur W. Porter were elected at the first stated communication on July 18, 1900.
The charter was granted June 19, 1901, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Dickey Lodge No. 63 at Dickey with eleven charter members and was signed by M.'. W.'. Thomas L. Foulks, Grand Master.
The lodge met in Searle's hall until December 22, 1914, when the hall was destroyed by fire; even the charter was destroyed and was replaced January 15, 1915. Later a building south of Main Street was purchased and remodeled, which served the lodge well while it was operating.
Aside from W.'. Brother Charles E. Bobo, who served as W.'. M.'. in 1901 and 1902, and Henry D. Bloss, who was W.'. M.'. in 1905, 1907 and 1908, some member of the Roscoe family was W.'. M.'. for thirteen of the remaining twenty-nine years the lodge existed. While this indicated the tremendous interest of these men in Masonry, it also proved that Dickey was too close to LaMoure and did not have the source manpower with which to operate a Masonic lodge. The charter was surrendered June 19, 1934.
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In most of our lodges there is one member who is interested in the history of the lodge, and if it were not for these persistent and capable men the stories of many lodges would never be told. At Hannah we were fortunate to find W.'. Brother Elmer Skene, secretary in 1929 and W.'. M.'. in 1935, who prepared a sixty-year history of Ionic Lodge No. 64 which has become our only source of information, outside of the original documents in the Grand Secretary's office. May his tribe increase!
There were twenty Master Masons who in the spring of 1900 decided they wanted a lodge at Hannah, in Cavalier County, near the Canadian boundary. They spent the summer perfecting themselves in ritual and getting ready. Lebanon Lodge No. 34 at Langdon was their sponsor and signed their recommendation on November 9, 1900.
A dispensation to institute Ionic Lodge U.'. D.'. at Hannah was signed November 19, 1900, by M.'. W.'. Edwin H. James, Grand Master, naming as principal officers: W.'. M.'. Duncan McLean; S.'. W.'. Charles B. McMillan; and J.'. W.'. Charles A. Gilbert. At the first stated communication held December 11, 1900, George Bullock was elected Treasurer and Thomas H. Prior, Secretary.
The charter was granted to Ionic Lodge No. 64 at Hannah June 19, 1901, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. Thomas L. Foulks, Grand Master. There were twenty charter members. The lodge was constituted October 15, 1901, by the officers of Lebanon Lodge No. 34 of Langdon, representing the Grand Lodge.
The lodge first met over the Adams hardware store, and on June 13, 1905, a resolution was passed to build a lodge hall which was carried through, and on April 14, 1908, the present building was dedicated by W.'. Brother Charles B. McMillan, representing the Grand Master.
Among those carrying the burden for Ionic Lodge No. 64 have been: Duncan McLean, W.'. M.'. in 1901, 1902 and 1906; John H. McLean, W.'. M.'. in 1907, 1908 and 1909, and secretary from 1910-1920; Duncan McLean was secretary from 1921-1927; and Walter I. Pflaum was secretary from 1938-1948; William Beaton was W.'. M.'. in 1917, 1918 and 1919; Peter W. Moffatt, W.'. M.'. in 1926, 1927 and 1928, and since that time, in 33 years, there have been 30 worshipful masters, a splendid record for a fine lodge.
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Not many outside of North Dakota are aware that Rugby, county seat of Pierce County, State of North Dakota, has for many years held the distinction of being designated the geographical center of North America. A cairn stands at the junction of United States Highway No. 2 and North Dakota Highway No. 3, at the south edge of Rugby, marking the spot, and it is significant that here all of the roads of the northern continent of the western hemisphere meet and that here Rugby Lodge No. 65 stands ready to greet the sojourners from every land.
It was late in the year 1900 that a group of Master Masons decided to petition the Grand Master for a dispensation to institute a lodge at Rugby and selected Mouse River Lodge No. 43 at Towner, twenty miles to the west, to be their sponsor. The recommendation of the latter lodge was dated January 3, 1901, and the dispensation was signed January 7, 1901, by M.'. W.'. Edwin H. James, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Fred L. Ely; S.'. W.'. Herbert C. Hurd; and J.'. W.'. William W. Potter. At the first stated communication of the lodge after receiving the dispensation, held January 15, 1901, Henry H. Hall was appointed Treasurer and Isaac M. McBride was appointed Secretary.
A charter was granted June 19, 1901, to Rugby Lodge No. 65 at Rugby by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. Thomas L. Foulks, Grand Master. Eleven charter members were named. The lodge was constituted September 17, 1901, by R.'. W.'. Thomas E. Fox, Senior Grand Warden.
It is evident that the lodge first held its meetings in the school house, as a bill of $62.50 for rent, in favor of the Rugby school board, was passed at the stated communication of the lodge March 19, 1901. For many years it has leased quarters over the bank, on Main Street, gaining entrance from the rear. Its rooms are well kept and attractive.
Like most lodges, Rugby Lodge No. 65 has produced its full share of distinguished men> loyal to lodge, community and state. We mention only a few. Fred L. Ely was W.'. M.'. in 1901, 1902, 1903, 1905 and 1906; Charles B. Hughes, W.'. M.'. in 1904 and 1911, and Herbert C. Hurd, W.'. M.'. in 1909 and 1910.
Richard E. Wenzel became a member February 15, 1910, and was W.'. M.'. in 1914. He was a brilliant young attorney and outstanding public speaker. He affiliated with Acacia Lodge No. 4 at Grand Forks September 24, 1920. He was appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota in 1920 and held the office through 1930. He prepared the main address for the outdoor dedication of the Masonic Marker on the site of Northern Light Lodge (U.'. D.'. 1863) at Fort Pembina June 21, 1921, but was unable to deliver the oration due to a downpour of rain. It is included in this history under Chapter 3. W.'. Brother Wenzel passed away at Chevy Chase, Maryland, June 25, 1959, at the age of 76 years.
Oscar A. Spillman came to Rugby in 1903 from Wisconsin, where he had already become a Mason, February 2, 1896, and affiliated in Rugby Lodge May 5, 1903. He was WV. M.'. in 1918 and secretary from 1924-1934. He was a life member and a 60-year Mason. He passed away June 10, 1955, at the age of 84 years.
Gudmundur Grimson became a member of Rugby Lodge No. 65, April 8, 1931, by affiliation from .Corinthian Lodge No. 78 at Calvin, where he was raised May 2, 1910. He was W.'. M.'. in 1939 and Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota from 1946-1960. In 1962 he is still Grand Historian Emeritus. He won distinction about forty years ago when he prosecuted a manslaughter charge against Walter Higginbotham the "whipping boss" of a chain gang in Florida, who whipped a North Dakota boy named Martin Tabert to death. He won the case and was instrumental in having the whipping laws repealed. Since then he has been District Judge of the Second Judicial District and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Dakota.
Having been born in Iceland, Judge Grimson was appointed as the official representative of the State of North Dakota at the millennial celebration of the founding of the Icelandic Parliament, held in Iceland in June 1930. He delivered to the Icelandic people the greetings of North Dakota before an audience of 30,000, representing the nations of Europe and America.
At the same time he was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Iceland; also the Order of the Millennial Celebration, a special medal struck off by the Icelandic government for the occasion; and in 1939 he received the Order of the Falcon for distinguished service to his native country.
Judge Grimson is 84 years of age in 1962, now retired, a 52-year Mason, a life member of his lodge and one of North Dakota's most beloved Masons and citizens.
Finally we come to Brother Louis R. Nostal, born in Norway December 28, 1872, and one of the early settlers of Rugby. He became a Mason in Rugby Lodge February 3, 1903, and though he has never held office in his lodge, he is known to all and loved by everyone with whom he comes in contact. An attorney by profession, he has given his life to the easing of the problems and burdens of others and "verily, by his works he is known". Ninety years of age and a 59-year Mason, he has been a life member since March 3, 1941. No visitor attends Rugby Lodge without inquiring about him, and if the occasion is out of the ordinary he will be present to answer for himself.
We cannot close this account without mentioning three more, who may be surprised to find their names inscribed here: Dr. Olafur W. Johnson, who with his Brother Christian, operate the Johnson Brothers medical center at Rugby; and Albertus C. (Bud) Scott, manager of the clinic. Olafur was W.'. M.'. in 1942 and Bud in 1943; both have been interested in York Rite Masonry and have served as Grand High Priests of the Grand Chapter B.'. A.'. M.'. John A. Lysne, an attorney, was W.'. M.'. in 1945 and is always on hand to do his part.
And so we leave it to our readers and we are sure that you will agree that Rugby is not only the geographical center of North America, it is also the Masonic center of a large area in central North Dakota and is performing its functions well.
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For sixty years Rolla Lodge No. 66 has stood as a "Beacon on a Hill," dispensing Masonic light toward Bottineau on the west, Rugby and Cando on the south, Langdon on the east and Killarney and Boissevain, in Manitoba, on the north, until the entire region has been filled with its glory and mankind has benefited thereby.
To W.'. Brother William J. Hoskins, editor of the Turtle Mountain Star, belongs the credit for the early success of the lodge and there are those who believe that it might have been much later in its organization had he not piloted it through its maiden voyage. After several meetings in Brother Hoskins' office during 1901, it was voted on December 14, 1901, to petition the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to institute Rolla Lodge U.'. D.'. at Rolla. Twenty-three petitioners were enrolled; Cando Lodge No. 40 was secured as sponsor, and on April 22, 1902, the latter lodge's recommendation, together with Rolla's petition, was forwarded to the Grand Master for his disposal.
The dispensation was signed April 26, 1902, by M.'. W.'. Thomas L. Poulks, Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. William J. Hoskins; S.'. W.'. William O. DePuy; and J.'. W.'. Aaron Beede. The first meeting under dispensation was held May 6, 1902, at which Brother George W. Pow was appointed Treasurer and Brother Ernest F. Foley, Secretary.
A charter was granted June 25, 1902, to Rolla Lodge No. 66 at Rolla by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Master. There were twenty-three charter members. M.'. W.'. Stockwell constituted the lodge in person, assisted by the officers of Cando Lodge No. 40.
It is interesting to note that Rolla Lodge has maintained the same lodge hall, on the second floor of a frame building on Main Street in Rolla, since its first meeting in 1902 and still finds it commodious and satisfactory. The membership of the lodge for the past forty years has averaged about 105 and there has been no demand for a larger lodge hall.
Rolla Lodge No. 66 has always been friendly toward the community, especially its public schools, and the lodge rooms are available at all times for social gatherings of lodge, school and community. In recent years one evening each week has been devoted to the operation of a high school canteen, with games and dancing for the youth which has been well attended and much enjoyed.
Probably the most elaborate function of the lodge was the observance of its fiftieth anniversary May 20, 1952, when 168 Masons gathered at the banquet in the high school gymnasium, representing twelve lodges in North Dakota, four in Manitoba and two in Saskatchewan. M.'. W.'. Glen C. Hulett of Valley City, Grand Master, was the principal speaker, preceded by M.'. W.'. John A. Stormon of Rolla, Past Grand Master, who introduced him and R.'. W.'. Edward J. Franta of Langdon, Deputy Grand Master. A splendid history of the lodge was prepared by a special committee and was given by M.'. W.'. J. Marlin Kyle, chairman; also worshipful master of the lodge in 1947 and Grand Master in 1961-1962. It was from this history that the present story of Rolla Lodge No. 66 has been written.
One of the truly great traditions has been the development of International Peace Garden Night which has been held annually in June, beginning in 1948, at the International Peace Garden between Canada and the United States, north of Dunseith, sponsored by Rolla Lodge No. 66 and Dunseith Lodge No. 99. The Grand Masters and several of the officers of the Grand Lodges of Manitoba and North (Dakota usually attend, as well as about 200 lodge members from both sides of the boundary. Lodge is opened and closed, alternately by Rolla and Dunseith lodges, and the second section of the Third Degree is exemplified. A turkey dinner is served to all and the evening closes, with addresses by the Grand Masters and remarks by the other Grand Lodge officers. Nowhere could a finer spirit of Masonic brotherhood be displayed and this has become one of the richest experiences in North Dakota Masonic history.
Among those who have contributed to the success of this fine lodge through the years have been: William J. Hoskins, W.'. M.'. in 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1914; Fred E. Harris, W.'. M.'. in 1909 and 1917, life member and 56-year Mason, still living in 1962; Frank A. Foley, W.'. M.'. in 1912, life member and 56-year Mason, still living in 1963; Nels H. Fagerlund, W.'. M.'. in 1913, life member, 50-year Mason, at the time of his death in 1955; Henry O. Olson, W.'. M.'. in 1923 and 1924 and secretary 1928-1959, life member, 44-year Mason, still living in 1963.
John A. Stormon was W.'. M.'. in 1925, Grand Master in 1946 and Grand Orator 1958-1963. He is an attorney and for many years has been President of the International Peace Garden. This is a large tract of land lying partly in North Dakota and partly in Manitoba, beautifully landscaped, commemorating a century and a half of peace between our two nations. A cairn on the boundary, recites: "To God in His Glory we two Nations dedicate this Garden and pledge ourselves that as long as men shall live, we will not take up arms against one another." M.'. W.'. Brother Stormon has been most active in promoting and preserving this potent testimonial to peace in our time in a distraught world — a great tribute to him and to the Masonry he practices.
George R. Heddens was W.'. M.'. in 1932 and District Deputy Grand Master, as well as Grand Lodge Committeeman for several years. He passed away in 1957, and is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
M.'. W.'. J. Marlin Kyle was W.'. M.'. in 1934 and 1947 and in 1961 was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota. A successful farmer, living on his own land east of Rolla, he has always been a leader; in the Farm Bureau Federation; in his chosen political party; in his church; as president of the school board; in his lodge, as master; and everywhere as servant of all, he has always been at the forefront, wherever duty has called. He proved to be the same kind of a Grand Master to the Masons of North Dakota as he has been leader at home.
Clarence R. Jacobsen was W.'. M.'. in 1935 and has served as Potentate of Kern Temple of the Shrine; Theodore B. Fagerlund, son of Nels H. Fagerlund, was W.'. M.'. in 1950, has served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master and is now a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Finance.
William Maxwell was W.'. M.'. in 1939 and 1957 and was District Deputy Grand Lecturer, from 1954-1959; and Robert T. Foley, son of Frank A. Foley, was W.'. M.'. in 1952.
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Leeds Lodge No. 67 is a shining example of a lodge starting with small beginnings, reaching a summit of 100 members in 1930, dropping below 60 after a disastrous fire in 1939 and the depression of the "thirties", replacing their temple and re-attaining a membership of 100 by 1960. Nowhere has a finer spirit been found in North Dakota.
The moving spirit in the first year was Brother Elisha B. Page, president of the First National Bank, who came to Leeds from nearby Churchs Ferry where he was "raised" in Welcome Lodge No. 54 in 1900.
Activity began in the spring of 1903 when twenty-two Master Masons signed a petition for a dispensation to institute Leeds Lodge U.'. D.'. The recommendation was signed March 26, 1903, by Welcome Lodge No. 54 at Churchs Ferry, its sponsor, and the dispensation was signed April 18, 1903, by M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Master. He named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Elisha B. Page; S.'. W.'. Melanc-thon L. Strong; and J.'. W.'. Edward F. Jones. Brother John H. Warren served as the first Treasurer and Brother Andrew L. Johnson as the first Secretary. The first stated communication was held April 27, 1903.
A charter was granted to Leeds Lodge No. 67 with twenty-two charter members June 24, 1903, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master.
There is no record of the first meeting place of the lodge, but in 1906 the Hilmen Mercantile Company constructed a two story building, 50 by 140 feet, and the entire second floor was given over to the lodge. Here it established a beautiful lodge, hall, large and spacious, well equipped with rooms, furniture, jewels and robes, but the entire building was destroyed by fire March 6, 1939, and none of the lodge property was saved. It happened that Bisbee Lodge No. 121, not too far from Leeds, had surrendered its charter November 1, 1937, and all of its lodge paraphernalia was turned over to Leeds Lodge No. 67 which gave them a new start. The lodge moved into the A.O.U.W. hall (now American Legion hall) and it got along until it moved into rooms in the Leeds city hall; where it stayed until 1956, when the lodge purchased the Congregational Church "which was remodeled into spacious and comfortable rooms and the lodge is back to "status quo."
Two events stand out in the history of Leeds Lodge: the dedication of the new lodge hall, February 22, 1908, and the golden jubilee anniversary of the lodge June 25, 1953. Governor E. Y. Sarles of Hillsboro was the banquet speaker at the dedication, the installation of the officers took place, the dedication ceremony followed and the rest of the evening was devoted to dancing.
The 50th anniversary observance was a gala affair and was held in the American Legion hall. Among the Grand officers present were Grand Master John A. Graham and Grand Secretary Harold S. Pond. The banquet was served in the basement dining room and M.'. W.'. Brother Pond spoke at that time. The anniversary program was held in the upstairs lodge room where M.'. W.'. Brother Graham gave the principal address. W.'. Brother J. B. Kinneberg prepared and presented a splendid history of Leeds Lodge No. 67, of which we are using a copy. Brothers William B. Runcorn, Arthur P. Hendrie, each 90 years of age, and Andrew L. Johnson, all fifty-year Masons, were introduced and Brothers Runcorn and Hendrie were presented with life memberships. Brother Johnson had received his life membership previously.
Several outstanding Masons have piloted the lodge through rough and smooth waters through the years and we mention only a few. The first W.'. M.'. was Elisha B. Page, a banker, who served in 1903, 1904, 1905, 1919, 1920, 1921 and 1922; Victor Wardrope was W.'. M.'. in 1912; Elmer S. Wardrope was W.'. M.'. in 1916 and secretary from 1938-1956; Arne A. Gregor, another banker, was W.'. M.'. in 1932; Andrew L. Johnson, the first secretary in 1903, was W.'. M.'. in 1933 and 1934. Johan B. Kinneberg, our historian, was W.'. M.'. in 1939, 1940 and 1948, as well as secretary from 1959 to the present time (1962).
In conclusion may we state that no "old timer" could quite surpass "old Bill Runcorn;" farmer, banker, humanitarian. He was born June 3, 1861, in Plainfield, Wis., became a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 208 on January 18, 1896, and a charter member of Leeds Lodge No. 67 on June 24, 1903. He was present at the 50th anniversary, 92 years of age, a 57 year Mason, and it was our privilege to present his life membership to him. He passed away October 30, 1954.
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Prudence Lodge No. 68, Cogswell
For the past sixty years there have been five lodges in southeastern North Dakota in an area thirty miles square, at Lisbon (12), Milnor (25), Oakes (29), Forman (31) and Cogswell (68). The latter is seven and a half miles west of Forman and sixteen miles east of Oakes (county seat); and when the lodge was instituted at Cogswell, twelve brethren demitted from Golden Fleece Lodge at Forman to become charter members of Prudence Lodge U.'. D.'. at Cogswell. Its highest membership was 65, and in 1962 is 50. Does Masonry gain by spreading out under 100 members or vice versa?
The petition for dispensation instituting Prudence Lodge U.'. D.'. at Cogswell was signed by twenty Master Masons and the recommendation was signed June 3, 1903, by Golden Fleece Lodge No. 31 at Forman, its sponsor.
The dispensation was signed August 1, 1903, by M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Howard L. Saylor; S.'. W.'. William E. Johnson; and J.'. W.'. Albert Peterson. The first elected Treasurer was Frank W. Zimmerley and the first elected Secretary was George W. McWilliams.
The charter was granted June 29, 1904, to Prudence Lodge No. 68 at Cogswell by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master, naming twenty charter members.
The lodge has always met in a frame building, off the main street, formerly leasing the second floor. However, the property was recently purchased by the lodge, for taxes. It has been remodeled and makes them a comfortable lodge home.
Among its leaders have been such men as W.'. Brother Howard L. Saylor, who came to Cogswell from South Dakota and was not among those demitting from a nearby lodge. He was the first W.'. M.'. and served in 1904, 1905, 1906 and 1911. Other men have been Charles A. Jordan, W.'. M.'. in 1909 and 1910; Albert Solberg, W.'. M.'. in 1919 and 1920; Floyd E. Prentice, W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1922; Julius J. Wolsted, W.'. M.'. in 1942, 1943 and 1947; Anton M. Thompson, W.'. M.'. in 1944 and 1945; and the "daddy of them all," Arthur L. Auty, W.'. M.'. in 1939 and 1940, Secretary from 1941-1962, and still "going strong." What a man!
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Ashlar Lodge No. 69, Granville
It is interesting to note that of the twenty-one signers of the petition for dispensation for Ashlar Lodge U.'. D.'. at Granville, only two de-mitted from Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 at Minot and one from Mouse River Lodge No. 43 at Towner, its neighbors on the west and on the east. As a general rule, this indicated voluntary action on the part of the local Masons, who had moved from far away places and wished to reestablish themselves in their new home, without disturbing the "status quo" among their neighbors. In the case of Ashlar Lodge this has always been apparent and has worked to the benefit of all.
The petition for dispensation, to institute Ashlar Lodge U.'. D.'. and the recommendation of Mouse River Lodge No. 43, at Towner, its sponsor, were dated, October 15, 1903. The dispensation was dated October 20, 1903, and signed by M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Charles O. Piatt; S.'. W.'. W. Hoyt Nelson; and J.'. W.'. Richard L. Richardson. The first Treasurer was William E. Howes and the first Secretary was Ulysses G. Morrison.
The first stated communication of the lodge after dispensation was held November 4, 1903, in the hall over Gutterman's pool room and ten petitions for membership by initiation were read. The lodge then moved to a hall over the Granville State Bank, which it occupied until 1925-26 when it moved to its present quarters.
A charter was granted to Ashlar Lodge No. 69 at Granville June 29, 1904, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master. There were twenty-one charter members. The lodge was constituted July 30, 1904, by R.'. W.'. Thomas E. Fox of Willow Lodge No. 47 of Willow City, Past Senior Grand Warden, representing Grand Master Foley, and assisted by the officers of Mouse River Lodge No. 43 of Towner.
Ashlar Lodge has always looked to the welfare of its community over the years, sponsoring high school oratorical contests, father and son banquets, receptions for the school faculty, family nights, organization of boys' and girls' scout troops and sending a crippled boy to the Shrine Hospital. These are samples of the co-operative spirit of the lodge.
The golden anniversary celebration of the lodge was held November 17, 1954, with a number of Grand Officers in attendance, including Deputy Grand Master Merle Kidder of Towner and Grand Secretary Harold S. Pond of Fargo, both of whom addressed the brethren. A short history of Ashlar Lodge No. 69 was read by Secretary Fred Roble and a copy was used in preparing this account. A unique feature of the occasion was the presence of W.'. Brother Frederick K. Kolk, W.'. M.'. in 1925, who had been a physician at Granville in the early days and had driven over 800 miles from Wisconsin to be present.
Among those prominent in Ashlar Lodge have been: Charles O. Piatt, first W.'. M.'. in 1904; Richard L. Richardson, W.'. M.'. in 1905; William W. Horton, W.'. M.'. in 1906; and Albert E. Lecy, W.'. M.'. in 1910; all charter members.
Then came such men as Charles R. Kendall, W.'. M.'. in 1917, 1918 and 1919; Thomas R. Gunn, W.'. M.'. in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937, all depression years; then Fred Roble, W.'. M.'. in 1939 and 1940; also secretary in 1953, 1954 and 1955; Arthur L. Orth, W.'. M.'. in 1941, 1942 and 1943; Ivan D. Christianson, W.'. M.'. in 1956 and secretary from 1957-1962; Charles A. Park, W.'. M.'. in 1960 and appointed District Deputy Grand Lecturer, in old District No. 2, now District No. 7 of the Grand Lodge.
Of Ashlar Lodge No. 69 of Granville it may well be said, "I want to sit in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man."
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Kenmare is a beautiful little city, situated on the east shore of Des Lacs Lake which is formed by a dam in the Des Lacs River. The town nestles among the trees along the hillside above the lake in such an unforgettable manner that one never tires of lingering there. The river valley, at this point, is several miles wide at the top and its banks rise to a height of a hundred feet or more, indicating that a tremendous torrent of water must have poured down the valley following the recession of the huge glacier which once covered North Dakota. What a spectacle it must have been!
It was at Kenmare that twenty-five Master Masons decided to organize a Masonic Lodge and with the assistance of Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 at Minot, fifty miles to the south, as sponsor, they petitioned M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master, on December 10, 1903, for a dispensation.
Accordingly, a dispensation to institute Kenmare Lodge U.'. D.'. at Kenmare was signed by M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master, December 15, 1903, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. William H. Campbell; S.'. W.'. William H. MaKee; and J.'. W.'. John N. Fox. The first Treasurer was Emil Larsen and the first Secretary was Carl E. Nilson.
The charter was granted June 29, 1904, to Kenmare Lodge No. 70 at Kenmare by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master. Twenty-five charter members were named. The lodge was constituted August 23, 1904, by W.'. Brother Charles B. Hughes of Rugby, as Deputy Grand Master, representing Grand Master Foley.
The lodge first met in rooms on the second floor of the Cole block, on the west side of the public square. It met here until 1932 when it moved to the second floor of the Vleck block on the south side of the square where it remained until 1960, when the lodge purchased a church building in the northeastern part of town. This property is undergoing a complete remodeling, and when completed will make a comfortable and commodious home for Kenmare Lodge in the years to come.
It is interesting to note that Kenmare Lodge, assisted by Kenmare Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, organized the first assembly of the Order of Rainbow for Girls in North Dakota at Kenmare in February 1923, and also sponsored a chapter of the Order of DeMolay for Boys at one time.
The fiftieth anniversary observance of the lodge took place at Kenmare, November 16, 1954. Among those present were M.'. W.'. Harold S. Pond, Grand Secretary; W.'. Brothers Edwin A. Haakenson, Grand Tyler; Donald G. Brunner, Arthur H. Bird and Glen E. Powell, District Deputy Grand Masters; and Claude G. Swett, District Deputy Grand Lecturer. Brothers Pond and Haakenson were the speakers and the Rainbow Girls provided a delightful program. Past Master Robert T, Gammell presided at the banquet and Worshipful Master Gordon M. Nelson at the evening program.
Prominent among the leaders in Kenmare Lodge No. 70 have been: W.'. Brothers William H. Campbell, W.'. M.'. in 1904 and 1905; William H. MaKee, W.'. M.'. in 1906 and 1907; Olaf Ribb, W.'. M.'. in 1908 and 1909; Daniel H. Bell, W.'. M.'. in 1911 and 1912; Daniel A. Fisk, W.'. M.'. in 1923 and 1924; Victor Phillips, W.'. M.'. in 1927 and 1928; Robert T. Gammell, W.'. M.'. in 1942 and 1945; Orville K. Sevenson, W.'. M.'. in 1943 and 1944; David J. Halliday, W.'. M.'. in 1933 and 1946; Morris Wright, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and 1951; Lester Lawrence, W.'. M.'. in 1952 and 1953; Kenneth McKeague, W.'. M.'. in 1957-1959; Arvie L. Hanson, W.'. M.'. of Bowbells Lodge No. 75 in 1948, who moved to Kenmare and was District Deputy Grand Master from 1956-1958; and Louis N. Larsen, W.'. M.'. in 1956-1957 and District Deputy Grand Lecturer from 1960-1961.
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Wimbledon Lodge No. 71, Wimbledon
According to the lodge historian: "It was way back in 1903, December the fourth, that a group of young Masons assembled, right here in this very room (the present lodge room) to talk over the advisability of organizing a Masonic Lodge at Wimbledon. With conditions then prevailing—there were no automobiles or gravelled highways—it was a matter of considerable inconvenience, sometimes of hardship and danger, to attend lodge meetings at a distance. Thus it is no wonder that these brethren wanted a lodge closer to home, where they would not have to worry about getting back if a blizzard came up while they were away".
As a result of this meeting, twenty Master Masons signed a petition for a dispensation instituting Wimbledon Lodge U.'. D.'. at Wimbledon, which was recommended by Independence Lodge No. 59 at Leal, its sponsor. The dispensation was signed January 21, 1904, by M.°. W.'. James T. Elacklock, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Robert B. Cox; S.'. W.'. Albert H. Hanson; and J.'. W.'. Arthur J. Swartwout. At the first stated communication of the lodge held February 3, 1904, Cepew R. Swartwout was elected Treasurer and William O. Joos, Secretary.
A charter was granted June 29, 1904, to Wimbledon Lodge No. 71 at Wimbledon, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota and was signed by M.'. W.'. James W. Poley, Grand Master, listing twenty charter members. The lodge was constituted August 3, 1904, by W.'. Brother Thomas N. Ritchie, representing Grand Master Foley.
As stated, Wimbledon Lodge has never occupied any other quarters than the spacious rooms upstairs in a frame building on the main street. At different times they have shared the rooms with other fraternal organizations. The property has been purchased by the lodge and is kept in good repair.
M.'. W.'. Robert B. Cox, the first Worshipful Master of Wimbledon Lodge No. 71, was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota Wednesday, June 19, 1929.
The following incident concerns his son, Russell H. Cox, who passed away January 17, 1951, at Larson Air Force Base, Moses Lake, Washington. Previously, Russell had requested that his ashes be scattered over his native town of Wimbledon and this duty was assigned to Brother (Captain) Curtiss L. Blaylock, a member of Fraternity Lodge No. 1111, of El Paso, Texas. Russell was not a Master Mason, but was a close friend of the Captain.
Brother Blaylock arrived in Wimbledon by train at 9:40 p. m. and saw a light in the Masonic Hall, so went there for information. He was admitted to the lodge where degree work was in progress, told his mission and was royally received. Arrangements were made that evening whereby a plane was secured and the following day Russell's ashes were scattered over the town and the urn was deposited on the grave of his father, M.'. W.'. Robert B. Cox, as he had requested.
Subsequently, the lodge received beautiful letters from Mrs. Russell Cox and Brother Blaylock, thanking the brethren for their many courtesies.
The foregoing was carefully recorded in the minutes of Wimbledon Lodge No. 71 by its secretary, W.'. Brother William J. Brenner, and appeared in the Grand Lodge Bulletin for March 1951.
Some of the notables in the lodge were: M.'. W.'. Robert B. Cox, first W.'. M.'. in 1904, also in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908 and from 1912-1918; he was Grand Master in 1929-30. H. Milton Chase was W.'. M.'. from 1921-1923, also in 1927; Frederick A. Wilke was W.'. M.'. in 1909, also 1934 and 1935. John L. More was W.'. M.'. from 1930-1933, also in 1936 and 1937; Robert H. Joos was W.'. M.'. in 1940, 1943, 1944, 1949 and 1950; and William J. Brenner who was W.'. M.'. of Hankinson Lodge No. 57 in 1915 and 1916, transferred to Wimbledon Lodge No. 71, and served as secretary from 1948-1954.
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Berthold Lodge No. 72, Berthold
When one considers the gradual depopulation of the rural areas of North Dakota during the past thirty years, due to economic and atmospheric conditions beyond the control of man, it is perhaps remarkable that only ten per cent of the Masonic lodges have been forced to surrender their charters, while a much larger percentage of schools, churches and business places have ceased to exist. Berthold is located in a sub-marginal area, where the soil is light and the rainfall uncertain so it is not strange that a ghost town remains and Masonry has disappeared along with most of the better things of life. As the poet has said: "Our little systems have their day; they have their day and cease to be." Who can deny that Berthold was a better place in which to live because Masonry was there and performed its duty when it was most needed?
It was on May 12, 1904, that twenty petitioners from Berthold obtained a recommendation for a dispensation to institute Berthold Lodge U.'. D.'. from Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 at Minot, its sponsor. They received the dispensation from M.'. W.'. James T. Blacklock, Grand Master, under date of May 31, 1904, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Frederick C. Walther; S.'. W.'. Charles C. Butler; and J.'. W.'. Charles S. Galh. Later Marcus L. Meyer was elected Treasurer and Walter E, Krick, Secretary. The first stated communication of the lodge was held June 7, 1904.
The charter was granted June 29, 1904, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Berthold Lodge No. 72 with twenty charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master. One of the charter members, M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, became Grand Master of North Dakota in 1921.
Others who were of great assistance to the lodge were Frederick C. Walther, first W.'. M.'. in 1904 and in 1905, also in 1915 and 1916; William E. McQueen, W.'. M.'. in 1£07 and 1908; Walter E. Krick, W.'. M.'. in 1911. 1913 and 1914; Otto T. Sands, W.'. M.'. in 1917 and 1918; Thomas D. Wright. W.'. M.'. in 1910, 1919, 1920 and 1930; Lonious R. Colvert, W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1922; Nels P. Larson, W.'. M.'. in 1923 and 1924; Guy H. Sawyer. \V.'. M.'. in 1928 and 1929; and finally Charles Wisen, W.'. M.'. in 1925 and 1932, at the close of whose second year, November 7, 1932, the charter was surrendered and Berthold Lodge No. 72 ceased to be.
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Not one in a hundred could guess the derivation of the word "Mohall", which is the name of one of North Dakota's thriving cities in the northwestern part of the state. From time immemorial cities, towns and villages have been named for people, using their last, or even their first names; but when or where have you heard of the initials and last name of any person being used to name a place? Mohall was named for one of its pioneers, probably the owner of the original townsite — M. O. Hall. Unique, at least!
Here it was in June, 1904, that twenty Master Masons signed a petition for a dispensation to institute Mohall Lodge U.'. D.'., which was recommended by Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 at Minot, as sponsor, on June 14, 1904. The dispensation was signed July 5, 1904, by M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Henry H. Steele; S.'. W.'. Charles Lano; and J.'. W.'. Rockie W. Anderson. At the first stated communication of the lodge held July 28, 1904, John S. Ferguson was elected Treasurer and George Juergens, Secretary.
A charter was granted June 28, 1905, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Mohall Lodge No. 73, at Mohall with twenty charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Louis A. Jacobson, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted on November 14, 1905, by B.'. W.'. Brother Thomas E. Pox, of Willow City, former Senior Grand Warden. He was assisted by W.'. Brothers Robert A. Fox of Mouse River Lodge No. 43 of Towner, and Leonard W. Gammons, of Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 of Minot.
From the early minutes of Mohall Lodge, it is learned that M. O. Hall — previously mentioned — owned a general store and rented the second floor to the lodge for meeting purposes at one dollar per night. The lodge also purchased supplies from him, as indicated in the financial report. He was not, however, a member of the lodge.
Some years later the lodge began the erection of a lodge building of its own on Main Street and had only completed the basement when the depression days of the "thirties" came along. The basement was roofed over and the structure served them well for twenty years. In 1956 and 1957 the building was completed with lodge rooms on the main floor and the basement was converted into a large dining room, kitchen and utility room. There is a large fireplace in a corner of the dining room and around it gather community parties of the finest kind. Here, the high school students hold their dances and other parties and Mohall has no finer meeting place than this.
The completion of the temple was celebrated April 22. 1957, by a banquet in the crowded high school gymnasium, at which John E. Davis, Governor of North Dakota, past master of McClusky Lodge N"o. 86, was the principal speaker. The high school band played a beautiful concert and Brother Earl Abrahamson of Valley City, a former superintendent of schools at Mohall, was master of ceremonies. Following the banquet, ceremonies were held in the Masonic Temple at which M.'. W.'. Brothers James C. McCormick, Grand Master, and Harold S. Pond, Grand Secretary, addressed the group. The entire program was indicative of the remarkable spirit of the Mohall brethren.
Two years earlier on November 14, 1955, Mohall Lodge had celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, in the high school gymnasium with a similar program. Past Master Earl Abrahamson was master of ceremonies and W.'. Brother Emmet R. Christensen, 33rd, of St. Paul was the principal speaker. M.'. W.'. Brother Harold S. Pond, Grand Secretary, and W.'. Brother Herman W. Page of Bottineau, Senior Grand Deacon, represented the Grand Lodge and spoke briefly. W.'. Brother Gustav A. Huss, a charter member, gave an interesting history of the lodge. W.'. Brother Lyle D. Stewart was the presiding W.'. M.'. and was given the credit for a fine program.
Mohall Lodge No. 73 is one of those lodges which has never relied on any one man to carry the load for very long. Very few worshipful masters have had to repeat their years and always have had capable replacements ready. We shall only try to offer examples here and will miss many capable men in the process.
W.'. Brother Henry H. Steele was the first W.'. M.'. in 1905 and was followed by Charles Lano, in 1906 and 1907. Ludwig M. Rockne was W.'. M.'. in 1916 and served the Grand Lodge for many years as District Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lodge Committeeman; Gustav A. Land was W.'. M.'. in 1924 and is the present District Deputy Grand Lecturer, from 1958 to 1963; Earl Abrahamson was W.'. M.'. in 1939, while he was superintendent of schools, and has often returned to assist his lodge on important occasions.
Fred Crawford, W.'. M.'. in 1944, is a unique character; a leader in community affairs, who has applied equal skill and enthusiasm to his lodge. He is a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Island and, in 1961, was appointed Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge. Clair O. Southam was W.'. M.'. in 1944 and served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer, in 1956 and 1957. George Witteman was W.'. M.'. in 1950 and was secretary from 1951-1955. Another remarkable member has been Brother Irvin F. Skari, secretary from 1956-1960.
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Westhope Lodge No. 74, Westhope
Westhope, on the northern border, with no lodges in North Dakota nearer than Bottineau and Mohall, and with several across the border in Manitoba, is strategically located Masonically. It has always maintained an average of sixty members and has held the interest of its constituency through the years.
There were twenty-two signatures on the petition for dispensation to institute Westhope Lodge U.'. D.'. when it was presented to Tuscan Lodge No. 44 at Bottineau, as sponsor, and a recommendation was signed by the master and secretary of the latter lodge March 10, 1905. The dispensation was signed March 15, 1905, by ,M.'. W.'. James W. Foley, Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. William H. Lackey; S.'. W.'. William A. Meddaugh; and J.'. W.'. Charles N. Mor-wood. At the first stated communication of the lodge held March 30, 1905, Joseph L. Page was elected Treasurer and M. Davis Dyar, Secretary.
The charter was granted, June 28, 1905, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Westhope Lodge No. 74 of Westhope and was signed by M.'. W.'. Louis A. Jacobson, Grand Master, naming twenty-two charter members. The lodge was constituted August 11, 1905, by R.'. W.'. Thomas E. Fox of Willow City, former Senior Grand Warden, representing M.'. W.'. Louis A. Jacobson, Grand Master. R.'. W.'. Brother Fox was assisted by members of Willow Lodge No. 47 of Willow City and Tuscan Lodge No. 44 of Bottineau.
Some twenty years ago the lodge purchased a Methodist Church building in Westhope which was remodeled and has served well as a lodge hall since that time. During its first fifty years the lodge prospered, reaching a membership of seventy-five in 1931 and levelling off at sixty in 1956, which it has pretty well maintained.
Westhope Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on April 20, 1956. The date had been set for March 27, 1956, but a heavy snowstorm necessitated postponement until April 20th, when 150 Master Masons came from North Dakota and Manitoba for the occasion. From the Grand Lodge came: M.'. W.'. Brothers Merle Kidder, Grand Master; Harold S. Pond, Grand Secretary; R.'. W.'. Brother James C. McCormick, Deputy Grand Master; W.'. Brother J. Marlin Kyle, Senior Grand Steward; also a number of District Deputy Grand Masters, District Deputy Grand Lecturers and Grand Lodge Committeemen.
W.'. Brother Hayden M. Williams of Star-in-the-West Lodge No. 33 of Minot, formerly of Westhope Lodge No. 74 and now (1962-63) Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge, was present and presided at the banquet. W.'. Brother Harvey A. Meddaugh, Past Master, gave a splendid history of the lodge; M.'. W.'. Brother Pond conducted a memorial service for W.'. Brother Herman W. Page of Westhope Lodge; W.'. M.'. in 1936 and 1937, and Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge at the time of his passing February 13, 1956. M.'. W.'. Brother Kidder, Grand Master, gave the address of the evening. Among the fifty-year Masons present was W.'. Brother Archie D. McCannel, Minot doctor, formerly of Westhope, who spoke of his enjoyment of life among the local brethren. This was Dr. McCannel's last appearance in lodge. Soon after he sustained a paralytic stroke, from which he subsequently died. He had been Chairman for many years of the Trustees of the North Dakota Masonic Foundation.
This has been a lodge where every member has been a worker for the lodge and for the community, so what is said of one applies to all. We can only cite a few: W.'. M.'. William H. Lackey came first in 1905 and 1906; then William J. Reynolds was W.'. M.'. in 1907 and 1910, and was installed Grand Master of North Dakota Masons in 1917; William A. Meddaugh, W.'. M.'. in 1908 and 1909; Charles Durnin, W.'. M.'. in 1913 and 1914; Thomas A. Findlay, W.'. M.'. in 1915 and 1916; George H. Burns, W.'. M.Vin 1917 and 1918; Gilbert H. Condit, W.'. M.'. in 1927; Henry A. Jensen, W.'. M.'. in 1935, 1943, 1949 and 1950; and District Deputy Grand Master from 1954-1960; Arthur Jensen, W.'. M.'. in 1939; and George V. Jensen, W.'. M.'. in 1942. Now, the Pages; Joseph L. Page was a charter member, as was Elisha W. Page; Herman W. Page, has been mentioned; Donald C. Page, W.'. M.'. in 1954-55; and Edwin H. Page, brother of Herman W. Page, W.'. M.'. in 1956-57. Finally, there is Arthur O. Benthagen, W.'. M.'. in 1933 and 1941 and secretary continuously from 1942-1962. There can be no greater loyalty to one's lodge than these have shown.
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