MASONRY IN NORTH DAKOTA
Chapter 14
LODGES CHARTERED FROM 1916—1920
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Yellowstone Lodge No. 110, Alexander
Once more we are indebted to a devoted Master Mason, Brother Frank B. Jaynes, charter member of Yellowstone Lodge No. 110 at Alexander, for his accurate history of the lodge, which has preserved incidents in its progress, that otherwise would have remained unknown. It was he who has told us of the naming of the lodge, "Yellowstone", in perpetuation of the name in the first charter granted in northern Dakota Territory, by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota to Yellowstone Lodge No. 88 at Fort Buford in 1871, which was revoked in 1874. (See Chapter 4). Both lodges were closest to the Yellowstone River in Dakota, hence the name.
It is Brother Jaynes who tells us that there might not have been a lodge at Alexander, certainly not in 1915, had it not been for the assiduity and perseverance of W.'. Brother Lemuel B. Burns, its first worshipful master and Brother Robert B. Gore, its first tyler. It was through their efforts that the first meeting was called in January 1915, to vote on organizing a lodge; that, at succeeding meetings, officers were selected, plans made, and instruction in the ritual conducted by a splendid ritualist, Brother Edward E. Wescott, already fifty years a Mason.
Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 51 of Williston was pleased to be named as sponsor of the new lodge and it was on February 4, 1915, that the officers of the lodge went over from Alexander and proved their proficiency in the ritual. The dispensation was granted March 5, 1915. to YeUowstone Lodge U.'. D.'. of Alexander by M.'. W.'. Frank H. Sprague. Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Lemuel B. Burns; S.'. W.'. Einar Toenberg; J.'. W.'. Thomas J. Randolph; Treasurer Charles W. Kurd; and Secretary Gilbert C. Gunderson.
By previous agreement. H. O. Austad had built a second story on his butcher shop to provide a Masonic hall, at a rental of J25.CO per month, which was ready for occupancy at the first stated communication of the lodge held March 15, 1915. The officers took their stations, the dispensation was read, correspondence was attended to and four petitions — one of them from Hans O. Austad — were received and referred to committees. The hall was later sub-let to the A.O.U.W.
The lodge held four stated communications and one special before June 1st, when the dispensation expired. During that time it had received seven petitions for the degrees and initiated five candidates. The lodge under dispensation not having raised a member to the sublime degree of Master Mason, a charter could not be issued and the Grand Lodge, at its 1915 annual communication, voted to extend the original dispensation to June 1, 1916. This was attested on the dispensation June 17, 1915, by M.'. W.'. Harry Lord, Grand Master. The lodge had a busy year and raised eight Master Masons before the Grand Lodge met in 1916.
The charter was granted June 21, 1916, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Yellowstone Lodge No. 110 of Alexander, naming twenty-seven charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed by M.'. W.'. Grant S. Hager, Past Grand Master and personal representative of Grand Master Taylor. He was assisted by brethren of the Williston and Alexander lodges, among them M.'. W.'. Charles D. Milloy of Williston, who was installed as Grand Master in 1931.
Yellowstone lodge prospered during its first ten years, attaining its peak in 1926 of ninety-four members, from which it fell, gradually but steadily until May 23, 1960, when, by unanimous vote of both lodges, it was consolidated with Fort Union Lodge No. 128 at Watford City. At that time the membership was twenty-three. Years of drought and depression had taken their toll and the lodge suffered with the community. However, it had earned its place of love and respect among Masons and men and will be long remembered in North Dakota.
Here are the names of a few of those who gave of their time and talent for the lodge: W.'. Brothers Lemuel B. Burns, founder and first W.'. M.'. in 1916; Robert B. Gore, first tyler, in 1916, who worked hand in hand with Brother Burns; Edward E. Wescott, first ritualist, in 1916, who started the brethren along the pathway of proper ritual and ceremony; Joseph Rogers, W.'. M.'. in 1918 and 1919; Paul O. Wold, W.'. M.'. in 1929, 1938 and 1939; Roland B. Millhouse, W.'. M.'. in 1924 and 1942; Odin N. Stenehjem, banker from Arnegard, now from Watford City, W.'. M.'. in 1932; Ivar Drovdal, W.'. M.'. in 1934, 1940 and 1941; and Charles E. Fleck, W.'. M.'. in 1944 and 1945.
Then came one of God's noblemen, a rancher, philosopher, and the friend of all, W.'. Brother Anders Madson, W.'. M.'. in 1947 and 1953. Living on his ranch, year after year, through thick and thin, his family, his church, his lodge and his friends meant most to him. The writer has known him for thirty years and once to be a friend of Anders is always to be his friend. Today he lives in a beautiful home beside the highway south of Watford City, which he calls "the shack" and woe betide the friend of the olden days who passes that way and does not stop to "pass the time of day" with him. Yellowstone Lodge No. 110 justified its greatest reason for existence the day it added W.'. Brother Anders Madson to its roll of honor.
Finally, through those last years were such men as W.'. Brother Mel-vin E. Johnson, W.'. M.'. in 1948 and 1952; Charles N. Anderson, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and 1951; and Selmer Ohnsager, W.'. M.'. in 1959 and 1960, until the charter was surrendered and Yellowstone Lodge No. 110 passed into the history of North Dakota Masonry.
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New England Lodge No. 111, New England
Concerning the twenty-four petitioners for a new lodge at New England in the late fall of 1914, two facts are outstanding: 1) the first signature, that of Brother Charles Simon, was that of the same Charles Simon, who forty years later, gave his entire estate—approximately $13,000.00— toward the building of the beautiful new temple for New England Lodge No. 111; and 2) of the same petitioners, only two demitted from the same lodge—Red Stone No. 102, of South Dakota. Where could one find a greater unity of purpose than here?
Dickinson Lodge No. 32 evidently was pleased to act as sponsor for the new lodge and its recommendation for a dispensation to that effect was signed at Dickinson March 24, 1915. The dispensation instituting New England Lodge U.'. D.'. was signed March 30, 1915, by M.'. W.'. Frank H. Sprague, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Clayton H. Musser; S.'. W.'. Henry E. Schroeder; J.'. W.'. Edwin S. Curry; Treasurer Joseph H. Anderson; and Secretary Thorlief H. Stangebye.
The lodge proceeded to lease an adequate hall on the second floor of a business building on the main street for five years at $30.00 per month, payable for three months in advance, and after installing carpet, chairs and other furniture, was nicely located. Special thanks were accorded to Brothers William L. Adair and John A. Eklund for their gift of a hand-made altar and pedestals for the lodge.
The first stated communication of New England Lodge U.'. D.'. was held April 8, 1915, the new officers took their stations, the dispensation was read, by-laws were adopted, and seven petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. Four stated and three special communications were held between April 8, 1915 and May 27, 1915, but the lodge under dispensation not having exemplified the Master Mason degree, it was impossible for the Grand Lodge to grant a charter. Hence the dispensation was renewed for one year until June 1, 1916, as attested by M.'. W.'. Harry Lord, Grand Master, on the former dispensation, on June 17, 1915.
New England Lodge had fifteen busy months under dispensation and during that time "raised" sixteen Master Masons and affiliated four, bringing its total membership to forty-four. The charter was granted June 21, 1916, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to New England Lodge No. 11 of New England, twenty-four charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted by M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary and personal representative of M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master, assisted by M.'. W.'. Charles H. Starke and W.'. Brother Frederick W. Turner, both of Dickinson, on October 5, 1916.
The lodge has had its "ups and downs" since then, reaching a peak of 77 in 1928, and dropping to 55 in 1936. Today the membership stands at 58, so it will be lucky to hold at 60. Opposition is growing in these anti-Protestant communities and New England is among the stronger of them.
The lodge had a tremendous "shot in the arm" with the gift of nearly $13,000.00 from the estate of W.'. Brother Charles Simon, who passed away in 1954 without a family, leaving his entire estate for the building of a new temple. The effect was like magic and the members worked hard and long, furnishing most of the labor themselves. The cornerstone was laid with Masonic ceremonies July 17, 1954, and the temple was dedicated March 30, 1955, with M.'. W.'. Ernest D. Nelson, Grand Master, in charge. The total value was estimated at $30,000.00, with W.'. Brother Simon underwriting the largest portion and Brother Harold L. Schafer of Bismarck, taking care of the bill for the new furniture. Surely, New England lodge is fortunate as well as happy.
The lodge has had many leaders. Here are a few: W.'. Brother Clay-ton H. Musser, was the first W.'. M.'. in 1915 and 1916; Henry E. Schroeder was W.'. M.'. in 1917 and 1919; Charles Simon was W.'. M.'. in 1918 and was always active in the lodge; James A. Elliott was W.'. M.'. in 1924 and secretary for 25 years; Dr. Thorlief L. Stangebye was the first secretary in 1915 and W.'. M.'. in 1939, a remarkable character; Stanley R. Rafferty, W.'. II.'. in 1948 and 1955-56, also, District Deputy Grand Master from 1955-1959; Norman W. Cross, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and 1959-60, secretary from 1953-1957, also a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Annual Returns from 1953-63; and Robert A. Waller, W.'. M.'. from 1956-58.
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Killdeer Lodge No. 112, Killdeer
One of North Dakota's beauty spots which is often overlooked is Killdeer Mountain rising to a sheer, rocky height of 600 feet above the surrounding prairie at Oakdale, a few miles northwest of Killdeer. A cool, fresh water spring comes to the surface in a grove of trees near the Oakdale post office, an ideal place for a picnic lunch, before climbing the bold face of the cliff behind the store which houses the post office. It's a tough climb for a "tenderfoot" but the view from the top is gorgeous and you haven't seen North Dakota until you have made it. Its height above sea-level is 2,833 feet.
When the cowboy Masons in and around Killdeer decided on instituting a lodge they really meant business and lost no time. Seldom does a Grand Master grant a dispensation for that purpose before the sponsoring lodge has issued its certificate of proficiency in the ritual, but we suspect that District Deputy Grand Master L. R. Baird, a member of Dickinson Lodge No. 32, the sponsoring lodge, knew the Killdeer Masons were about ready; hence the deviation.
At any rate, the dispensation to institute Killdeer Lodge U.'. D.'. was granted January 10, 1916, by M.'. W.'. Harry Lord, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: \V.'. M.'. Howard H. Ellsworth; S.'. W.'. Thomas G. Saunders; J.'. W.'. Wilson Norred; Treasurer Robert L. Wilcox; and Secretary George E. Hanson. Then, on February 11, 1916, at a regularly called communication of Killdeer Lodge U.'.D.'., at which a number of the officers of Dickinson Lodge No. 32, including District Deputy Baird were present, the Masonic work was exemplified and the recommendation for the new lodge was signed.
Killdeer lodge was fortunate in obtaining splendid quarters on the second floor of the First National Bank building, which it still occupies in 1963. At its first stated communication on February 18, 1916, a committee was appointed to draft and present by-laws; also nine petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. Among the petitioners was Glen C. Hulett, now a chiropractor at Valley City, who was Grand Master of North Dakota in 1951-52. Later the lodge exemplified the third degree for Dickinson Lodge No. 32 on Brother Harvey N. Owens, its candidate.
A charter was granted June 21, 1916, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Killdeer Lodge No. 112, with twenty-two charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 6, 1916, by M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary and special representative of M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor. Grand Master, assisted by W.'. Brothers Frederick W. Turner and Frederic C. Heffron of Dickinson and several brethren from Killdeer.
The lodge increased by thirty-eight members during the following year, bringing the total to sixty-one and reached a crest of one hundred twelve in 1923. It dropped to sixty-one by 1939 and since ther. has reached a level of eighty-five, which it probably will maintain. Killdeer is the center of an immense cattle and sheep ranching country and its population remains steady and its income fixed, so conditions should remain prosperous for years to come, which speaks well for all of its institutions, including Masonry.
The great men of the Killdeer community and of Killdeer Lodge No. 112 were the cattlemen from the country-side and the business men from town, such as these: W.'. Brother Howard H. Ellsworth was a founder and the first W.'. M.'. in 1916 and 1917; Robert Lee Wilcox, southerner from Georgia, cattleman and leader was the first treasurer in 1916 and W.'. M.'. in 1920, a life member and 64-year Mason who died at 88 in 1957; Haakon M. Weydahl, first president of the First National Bank was W.'. M.'. in 1926; Thomas G. Johnson, attorney and W.'. M.'. in 1927 who later moved to Hillsboro and was Grand Lodge Custodian of the Work for many years; Leslie C. Hulett was W.'. M.'. in 1929 and Past Potentate of El Zagal Shrine, brother of Past Grand Master Glen C. Hulett; Christian S. Lee, a rancher, was W.'. M.'. in 1939, a remarkable patron of the Grand Lodge Library, a life member and 54-year Mason who died at 84 years in 1960. Otis D. Weydahl, son of Haakon, was W.'. M.'. in 1944 and 1945; and Earl Weydahl, his brother, was W.'. M.'. in 1952; the three Goth brothers, Weston H., Wendell G. and Arlie J., were W.'. M.'.s from 1955-1958. Finally, in a niche all his own, not a W.'. M.'. of the lodge, but one of its pillars, Brother Julian O. Sivertson, cashier of the bank, was secretary of the lodge from 1941-1948. A western ranching story for North Dakota, and we are better because of them.
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Tyrian Lodge No. 113, Sherwood
Far toward the northwest in North Dakota, bounded on the north by a port of entry into Saskatchewan; on the west, south and east by national wildlife refuges; and on all sides by productive farm lands when it rains; lies the little town of Sherwood. Perhaps one would little expect to find a Masonic lodge there but Tyrian Lodge No. 113 has carried on in this little community for nearly fifty years and, possibly, it is now approaching an unexpected destiny.
There were twenty-four signatures on the petition for a new lodge at Sherwood in late 1915, fifteen of the signers were from Mohall Lodge No. 73, its sponsor, twenty miles to the south which bespeaks the unselfish nature of the neighborhood. Its recommendation for a dispensation was signed December 21, 1915, and the dispensation to institute Tyrian Lodge U.'. D.'. at Sherwood was granted January 21, 1916, by M.'. W.'. Harry Lord, Grand Master. The following principal officers were named: W.'. M.'. Thomas T. Laird; S.'. W.'. Thomas Sorenson; J.'. W.'. D. Ray Gregg; Treasurer Knute R. Flem; and Secretary Glen R. Liven-good.
The first stated communication of the lodge was held January 27, 1916, with nine officers and two other members present. It is not known where the lodge first met, but for the most of its forty-six years it has leased the Odd Fellows hall, which has been commodious and comfortable. At this meeting three petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees, a committee was appointed to draw up a typewritten set of by-laws, a copy of which lies before us, and the secretary was instructed to purchase rituals and monitors. The treasury indicated a balance on hand of $215.00. Surely, Tyrian lodge was ready for "work."
The charter was granted June 21, 1916, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Tyrian Lodge No. 113 of Sherwood, naming twenty-four charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 12, 1916, by B.'. W.'. William J. Reynolds of West-hope, Deputy Grand Master and special representative of M.'. W.'. Alexander B. Taylor, Grand Master, assisted by several brethren from West-hope Lodge No. 74. A large delegation was present from Mohall, Antler, Newberg, Minot, Westhope, and from Carnduff, Saskatchewan.
The first year the lodge "raised" four Master Masons and the second year it "raised" nine and affiliated five, bringing the total membership to forty. By 1928 it had reached its peak of sixty-six, which fell back to fifty during the "thirties" and has remained constant since that time. With the steady traffic and business afforded by the port of entry, fishing and hunting, and steady income from agriculture, Sherwood maintains a level population and should flourish as time goes by.
As intimated above, another destiny may await Sherwood and Tyrian lodge. Its territory borders on one of the many oil fields in the area and already stories are coming in of "strikes" not too far away. Recently, a member bequeathed a quarter section of land to the lodge which has already yielded nearly $2,000.00 in lease money, with more to come. The lodge has purchased a church building which it will remodel for a lodge hall and so will own its "home" for the first time in nearly fifty years. How true that: "They also serve who only stand and wait:"
Following are the names of a few of the men who have "carried the torch" for Tyrian lodge: W.'. Brother Thomas T. Laird, first W.'. M.'. in 1916; Thomas Sorenson, W.'. M.'. in 1917; Arthur C. Sorenson, W.'. M.'. in 1922 and 1934; Harry Sorenson, W.'. M.'. in 1949: Rolla M. Haseltine, W.'. M.'. in 1928 and 1933; Oscar T. Carlson, W.'. M.'. in 1931; Elmer E. Carlson, W.'. M.'. in 1938; John R. Bohm, W.'. M.'. in 1939; Frank E. Bohm, Jr., W.'. M.'. in 1940; John Bohm, W.'. M.'. in 1945; Didrik E. Bohm, W.'. M.'. from 1955-1957; Daniel S. Bohrc. W.'. M.'. in 1960-61; Herman M. Hanson, W.'. M.'. in 1937; Glenn M. Hansorv W.'. II.'. in 1947; Donald Hanson, W.'. M.'. in 1952; and Orlin M. Hanson, W.'. M.'. in 1959-60.
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How true it is that: "If a man invents a better mouse-trap than his neighbor, the world will beat a pathway to his door." So it has been at Hebron, North Dakota, where especially adaptable brick and pottery clays were found years ago. Profitable industries in these materials have developed, and with the usual agricultural resources of most communities in the state added, the future of Hebron is assured.
There probably would have been a lodge at Hebron before 1917 if there had been an adequate place to meet. The record indicates that meetings of interested Masons were held in the Commercial Club rooms on February 22, 1917, and monthly thereafter at which plans were made, a petition for dispensation for a new lodge circulated, and instructions obtained from the Grand Secretary were read. Prospective officers were selected and study of the ritual began. It was learned that the council chamber in the city hall could be rented for one night per week at $1.00 for each meeting, and they moved in April 4, 1917. Then George H. Funk of Hebron agreed to add a second story to his new business block on Main Street which would be ready December 1, 1917, and which he would lease to the Masons for five-year periods at $40.00 per month.
Dickinson Lodge No. 32 was pleased to sponsor the new lodge and on June 30, 1917, the brethren from Hebron appeared in Dickinson and proved themselves in Masonry, receiving a recommendation for the new lodge as their reward. The dispensation to institute Hebron Lodge U.'. D.'. at Hebron was granted August 28, 1917, by M.'. W.'. William J. Keynolds, Grand Master, who designated the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Albert R. D. Schierbaum; S.'. W.'. Adam Beyer; J.'. W.'. Ernest A. Burmester; Treasurer Henry W. Keller; and Secretary H. Louis Deibert.
It is most interesting to note, that among the original signers on the petition for dispensation, was the name of Brother John Moses, a young attorney at Hebron, who was very interested in the organization of the new lodge, served on several committees, whose advice was continually sought and whose assistance was invaluable. Brother Moses moved to Hazen in the spring of 1917, and Hebron's loss became Hazen's gain. M.'. W.'. John Hoses became charter worshipful master of Meridian Lodge No. 116, at Hazen in 1918, Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota in 1941-42, served three terms as Governor of North Dakota and was elected and installed as United States Senator from North'Dakota shortly before he passed away from cancer. He well deserved his designation as one of North Dakota's Most Distinguished Citizens.
The first stated communication of the lodge U.'. D.'. was held September 5, 1917, in a room over the creamery given rent free by Brother Adam Beyer until the new quarters in the Funk building were ready. At that meeting the first petition for the degrees was read and referred to a committee. At the second stated communication, held October 3, 1917, it was rejected, so the lodge was off to a slow start. On November 7th, four petitions were received which were later accepted and Hebron lodge was "on its way." The new quarters were opened to the public at a special party on December 27, 1917, and this was their lodge home until the late fifties when the present adequate building was purchased. This is being remodeled as funds permit and will be most satisfactory for years to come.
The charter was granted June 19, 1918, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Hebron Lodge No. 114 at Hebron, twenty-one charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry G. Vick, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed September 16, 1918, by Grand Master Vick, assisted by Junior Grand Deacon Edwin A. Ripley and Past Master E. A. Tostevin, both of Mandan, and District Deputy Grand Master Fred W. Turner of Dickinson.
Hebron lodge has had a steady growth over the years, attaining a peak of seventy-eight members in the fifties and maintaining an average of seventy, which should slowly become larger as the city increases in size.
The largest attendance recorded in the history of the lodge was in 1934 when the Sojourners Club of Bismarck journeyed to Hebron and exemplified the Master Mason degree on two candidates. The meeting was held in the opera house, which later became the city hall, and there were one hundred fifty Masons present for the occasion.
The lodge is a stabilizing force in a strongly non-Protestant community and its influence is felt far and wide. A unique event is sponsored by the lodge each summer when a large family picnic is held on Ouster's Lookout, a high butte southwest of Hebron, where General George A. Ouster camped with his cavalry battalion on his march to the Little Big Horn in Montana, shortly before he and his troops were massacred by the Indians, June 25, 1876.
One hesitates to select the names of the leaders in a lodge such as this, where each takes his place and performs the duty nearest him and very few predominate. The following are only examples: W.'. Brother (Dr.) Albert F. E. Schierbaum was surely the founder and was the first W.'. M.'. in 1918; he was followed by W.'. Brother Adam Beyer. W.'. M.'. in 1919, who gave the lodge free use of the room over the creamery in the fall of 1917. W.'. Brother (Dr.) H. Louis Deibert was the first secretary in 1917 and 1918, and was W.'. M.'. in 1920; and W.'. Brother Rudolph E. Dittus was W.'. M.'. in 1935 and 1937.
Then we note that charter member Waldemar H. Itrich was W.'. M.'. in 1923; and his son, Thomas A. Itrich, was W.'. M.'. in 1959-60; W.'. Brother Martin Underdahl was W.'. M.'. in 1941: Cord- M. Hel-ferich in 1944; Harold E. Helferich, a fine ritualist, in 1956-57: and Sayle W. Ward in 1957-58, who was District Deputy Grand Lecturer in 1959 and 1960.
Finally, Hebron Lodge No. 114 has developed a leader, not only for the lodge, but for the district and for the state in the person of R.'. W.'. Brother Alfred P. Underdahl who was W.'. M.'. in 1945 and 1946, District Deputy Grand Master from 1953-1955, and now, in 1963, is Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. Living on a beautiful livestock and grain farm, with his charming wife, Margaret, and their children, their home is "open house" to their countless friends from far and near, and a chicken dinner at Al's and Marge's is something to long remember. Masonry is truly a "way of life" to him and the world is a better place because he has passed this way.
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Broken Column Lodge No. 115, Drake
The town of Drake, in central North Dakota, came into prominence early in this century as the terminal of a branch line of the Soo railroad running from Fordville, through Devils Lake and ending at Drake. In a good farming community, the town soon grew to about 800 in 1917, and it was then that the Master Masons decided to organize their own Masonic lodge.
A petition for a new lodge containing twenty-one approved signatures had been circulated and on October 24, 1917, Holden Lodge No. 81 at Balfour, its sponsor, signed a certificate of recommendation for the institution of Broken Column Lodge U.'. D.'. at Drake. The lodge was named for Broken Column Lodge No. 331 of Sibley, Iowa, the home lodge of charter member James H. McAllister.
The dispensation was granted November 19, 1917, to Broken Column Lodge U.'. D.'. at Drake by M.'. W.'. William J. Reynolds, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Thomas D. Morrow; S.'. W.'. Andrew J. Ingalls; J.'. W.'. A. Himas Reed; Treasurer Harold Thorson; and Secretary Edwin J. Carlen.
The first stated communication of the lodge was held on November 28, 1917, at which the officers were seated, the dispensation and correspondence from the Grand Secretary were read, and two petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. At the next succeeding stated communications on December 12 and 26, 1917, a by-laws committee was appointed, the purchase of a desk, floor runners and other paraphernalia was authorized, and another petition for the degrees was received and referred. The minutes do not indicate where the lodge hall was located but it is understood that adequate quarters have been leased, through the years, on the second floor of a business block on the main street.
The lodge was busy through the winter and spring of 1917-1918, and conferred its first Master Mason degree on February 27, 1918, closing lodge at 2:30 a. m. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota June 19, 1918, to Broken Column Lodge No. 115 of Drake, with twenty-one charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry G. Vick, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed by Grand Master Vick September 19, 1918, assisted by W.'. Brothers Albert Weber, Grand Marshal, and Henry H. Bergh, Grand Lecturer.
In forty years of history Broken Column Lodge No. 115 has come "full cycle;" with a membership of 29 in 1918, it had increased to 61 in 1948, and now in 1962, it has fallen back to less than 30. The railroad is practically extinct and the railroad men are gone; decreasing agricultural population has taken its toll; and Drake is no longer a trade center. Consolidation of the lodge with Holden No. 81 at Balfour is a solution that should be effected. Time alone will tell.
In every lodge there are several capable and devoted Masons upon whom the cares and responsibilities of the lodge seem to descend and Broken Column lodge is no exception. Following are the names of a few of these.
W.'. Brother Thomas D. Morrow was the leader in founding the lodge and was its first W.'. M.'. in 1918; he was followed by Himas A. Reed as W.'. M.'. in 1919 and 1920; and next came Julius H. Miller, W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1930, until he left the jurisdiction during the year. W.'. Brother Otis M. DeLa completed the year for him and was also W.'. M.'. in 1928.
One of the truly devoted Masons of our time is W.'. Brother (Dr.) Almon B. Parmenter. Born April 24, 1878, in Perry, Iowa, he was "raised" in Panora Lodge No. 121 of Iowa, February 24, 1903, demitted to become a charter member of Holden Lodge No. 81 of Balfour June 26, 1907, and was its first W.'. M.'. in 1907. He moved to Drake and affiliated with Broken Column Lodge No. 115 January 26, 1921, where he was W.'. M.'. in 1924, 1941 and 1944, also secretary from 1925-1936 and from 1953-1955. He was District Deputy Grand Master for seven years and has served for many years on Grand Lodge Committees; first, on the committee on the Frank J. Thompson Memorial Prize in Oratory and. until recently on the Committee on Grand Master's Address and Reports of Other Grand Officers. His untold services to his lodge and community have been endless and his name and memory are enshrined in the minds and hearts of all who know him. He was made a life member of Broken Column Lodge February 5, 1953, is 84 years old and has been a Master Mason for 59 years.
W.'. Brother John A. Erikson was W.'. M.'. in 1927 and secretary from 1946-1952; Edmund W. Fors was W.'. M.'. in 1932 and secretary from 1937-1939 and again in 1944 and 1945; Erland R. Ma-r.inz was W.'. M.'. in 1938 and secretary from 1940-1943; Emil R. Cr.riitianson was W.'. M.'. in 1933, 1945 and 1946: William G. Schucht was V.V. M.'. in 1934 and 1951, and Walter Olstad was W.'. M.'. from 1954-1956.
There is only one W.'. Brother Aisem M. Hayke; and Broken Column lodge may well be proud that he belongs to it. Born in Syria, October 25, 1882, he came to McClusky in the early days, working where he could and obtaining a meager grade school education. He became interested in Masonry and was raised in McClusky Lodge No. 86 November 30, 1920. Moving a few years later to Drake where he clerked in a general store, he affiliated with Broken Column Lodge No. 115 December 8, 1926, and was W.'. M.'. in 1936, 1943 and from 1947 through 1949. He was elected secretary in 1956 and was still serving as such in 1962. It is also remarkable that he has four sons who are members of the lodge, the second of whom, Ernest H. Haykel, was W.'. M.'. in 1953-54 and 1956-57. A truly remarkable family and a striking example of the culture and refinement which has come down to us from the Holy Land.
Then we have W.'. Brother Fred J. Nehrenberg who is a late Master Mason in the Grand Lodge family but worth his weight in gold. Born May 2, 1901, at Balfour, he came to Drake in early manhood as manager of the Drake Farm Implement store and was raised in Broken Column lodge, January 23, 1952. He served as W.'. M.'. in 1959-60, and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 2 in 1959 and 1960, and since 1961 has held the office of Grand Lecturer with great credit and distinction. We anticipate many years of distinguished service from this devoted Mason.
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In the story of Hebron Lodge No. 114, it was mentioned that Brother John Moses—three times Governor, elected United States Senator and a Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota—had become a charter member of Hebron lodge in 1917, but moved to Hazen that year and became a charter member of the new lodge there.
It is natural that Brother Moses took the lead in organizing Meridian Lodge at Hazen. Thirty-six signers were obtained for their petition, of whom thirty-one qualified and the officers were certified as proficient in the ritual March 19, 1918, by Mandan Lodge No. 8, their sponsor, of which Past Grand Master Earl K. Bitzing, later of Fargo, was then worshipful master.
The dispensation was granted March 22, 1918, by M.'. W.'. William J. Reynolds. Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. John Moses; S.'. W.'. Edgar P. Martin; J.'. W.'. Ralph N. Harmsen; Treasurer Gustav A. Daffinrud; and Secretary Cornelius N. Janzen.
The first meeting of Meridian Lodge U.'. D.'. at Hazen was a special communication, held March 24, 1918, in its hall over the Keeley store building, at which the dispensation was read and plans were made for the future. The first stated communication was held April 3, 1918, and meetings have continued regularly since that time.
The charter was granted June 19, 1918, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Meridian Lodge No. 116 of Hazen, naming thirty-one charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry G. Vick, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on September 17, 1918, by Grand Master Vick, assisted by W.'. Brothers Edwin A. Ripley, Junior Grand Deacon, and Earl K. Bitzing and Otto Bauer of Mandan.
Meridian lodge suffered from two fires early in its career, but luckily, was able to save its records both times. The first fire was on April 21, 1921, after which the lodge moved to rooms over the Engeseth store. This building burned January 9, 1925, and as before, temporary quarters were afforded in the school house. At this time, the present splendid brick and tile building was erected, which was dedicated by M.'. W.'. Walter H. Murfin, Grand Master, October 16, 1927, and has served the lodge well since then.
Starting with a membership of 31, in 1918, the lodge enjoyed its greatest period of growth the following year, ending the year with a total membership of 47. This increased more or less steadily to a peak of 100 in 1948 and it is now maintaining a level of 90, which is especially good considering the drought conditions prevailing in that area recently.
Meridian lodge has always been community minded and has worked for the good of all in war and peace; always subscribing its quotas of war bonds; its allotments in Red Cross and Masonic Service Association drives; and participating in public school essay contests, Boy Scout programs, etc.
Naturally, with a leader like M.'. W.'. John Moses, the lodge was always ready and eager to follow his call and much was accomplished. Brother Moses was raised in Acacia Lodge No. 4 at Grand Forks, April 28, 1916, and came to Meridian Lodge No. 116 at Hazen as a charter member in 1918. He was W.'. M.'. in 1918 and 1919, and was a member of the first Grand Lodge Trial Commission and was chairman from 1927-1932. He became Grand Master in 1941 which high office he filled with dignity and distinction.
M.'. W.'. Brother John was best known and loved by North Da-kotans as their distinguished, three-term Governor from 1939-1945. He was elected United States Senator in the fall of 1944 and took office in January 1945, but was stricken with cancer and passed away March 3, 1945. Surely a remarkable career was ended and a great loss was incurred by the state and nation in the untimely passing of this great and good man. A bust of Brother Moses adorns the public park in Hazen and he will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.
Others who have given much in time and talent to ileridian Lodge No. 116 have been: W.'. Brother Edgar P. Martin. W.'. M.'. in 1920 and 1945, who served on the temple building board: Ralph X Harmsen. W.'. M.'. in 1921 and 1922; Gustav A. Daffenrud, the first treasurer in 1918 and invaluable in his services during the temple building period. Iver O. Lee was W.'. M.'. in 1926 and 1927 and followed Fred W. Haas on the building board. W.'. Brother Haas was W.'. M.'. in 1930 and passed away in 1936; Charles B. Chapman was W.'. M.'. in 1929 and Benjamin Stoelting in 1939, both of them indefatigible laborers for the temple and Masonry. There have been many others and the fact that in more than forty years only four have held the office of W.'. M.'. for two years, proves that all are ready and able to carry their share of the burden and the success of the lodge is secure.
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Hillside Lodge No. 117, Marmarth
No one has seen North Dakota until he has seen Marmarth, the farthest southwest town in the state, west of the Little Missouri River and west of everything, except a little chunk of hilly land between it and Montana. Such land as is good for anything is used for ranching and nothing more. We are told that there was once a grain elevator at Marmarth, but it burned and was not replaced. Originally this was a division point on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad's main line to the Pacific Coast and the shops and roundhouse gave employment to upwards of one hundred men, hence the reason for the town. Today the division point has been moved back to Mobridge, South Dakota, with the advent of diesel motors and the population of Marmarth has fallen from 469 in 1950, to 319 in 1960. The "Milwaukee Road" has petitioned for permission to withdraw passenger service from the line, due to severe loss in operation, and the future of this region is far from bright.
Here Masonry has brought culture and refinement of such a sort as could not be otherwise attained. The fact that there were forty-one charter members in Hillside lodge in 1918 indicates how eager were her citizens for "light," and we can only pray that it may not be denied them in the years to come.
The petition for dispensation to institute Hillside Lodge U.'. D.'. at Marmarth was prepared in the spring of 1918, with Brothers Frederick G. DeLange, Marvin A. Tripp, Frank Gibbs, C. Perry Allison and William C. Vandervort, as promoters. The ritual was certified May 30, 1918, by the officers of Bowman Lodge No. 92 at Bowman, as sponsor. The dispensation was granted July 5. 1918, by M.'. W.'. Henry G. Vick, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Frederick G. DeLange; S.'. W.'. Marvin A. Tripp; J.'. W.'. Frank Gibbs; Treasurer C. Perry Allison; and Secretary William C. Vandervort.
The first stated communication of the new lodge U.'. D.'. was held July 23, 1918, the officers were seated, the dispensation was read, and seven petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. The minutes do not state where the lodge met but the financial statement, ten months later, indicates that $35.00 was paid for rent, hence $3.50 per month must have been the rental. Today, the lodge owns its own building which is adequate and is kept in splendid condition.
The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota June 18, 1919, to Hillside Lodge No. 117 of Marmarth, forty-one charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Amil P. Len-hart, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on December 9, 1919, by R.'. W.'. Charles E. Best, Deputy Grand Master, representing M.'. W.'. Amil P. Lenhart, Grand Master, and by M.'. W.-. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary. Following the ceremony two hundred guests were entertained at a banquet, musical program and dance in the opera house, which we are told: "will go down in Marmarth's social history as the most successful, the most elaborate and the most enjoyable affair ever held in the city."
Hillside lodge was off to a good start and increased its membership to fifty-two at the end of the first year, passed the one-hundred mark in the twenties, and has since fallen off to about seventy-five, which it is hoped may be maintained.
Although isolated from the rest of the state, except its own district, the lodge has been a good district member and has kept in close touch, especially, with Bowman Lodge No. 92 and Hettinger Lodge No. 93, has usually sent a delegation to Grand Lodge, and has been co-operative. It has assisted with community and school affairs and has shown fine leadership for the better things of life.
Among those who deserve great credit are: W.'. Brother Frederick G. DeLange, first W.'. M.\ in 1918 and in 1919 and 1920; Theron A. Chil-ders, charter member, W.'. M.'. in 1921; and his brother, Asbury A. Chil-ders, W.'. M.'. in 1953. Theron has a son, George B. Childers, who is a member. William E. Striebel was W.'. M.'. in 1926 and 1942; and his son, William L. Striebel, was W.'. M.'. in 1937, 1944 and 1958-59. There were five Striebels in the lodge. Oliver G. Hedges was W.'. M.'. in 1946 and 1947 and assisted with the ritual on many occasions.
There were two John Richmonds, both born in Scotland, one in 1872, who was a charter member, and the other in 1902, who became a member December 12, 1939, and was W.'. M.'. in 1949 and 1950. He has been the "backbone" of Hillside Lodge for the past fifteen years and much of its success has been due to his patience and devotion.
At his invitation, the writer—then Grand Master—spent two days with his lodge in April 1950, while John was worshipful master. The roads south of Dickinson were impassable from melting snow and we were compelled to drive west to Wibaux, Montana, south to Baker and back to Marmarth. We were royally entertained by the Richmonds, the Grar.d Master sleeping with the worshipful master and Mrs. Richmond bunking with the kiddies.
After a long session on ritual with the officers a^ Grand Lecturer. the guest, as Grand Master, enjoyed a very successful Past Masters' night the second evening, beginning with a banquet, served by the ladies of the Eastern Star and attended by fifty-four Master Masons from Marmarth and the surrounding lodges. Later the third degree was exemplified by past masters, with Brothers Hedges and Richmond taking the leading parts. We were justly proud of them. They informed us that we were the first Grand Master to visit them in twenty years. At any rate, we were more than delighted with their hospitality and co-operation.
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Victory Lodge No. 118, Maxbass
In the year from June 1918 to June 1919, M.'. W.'. Henry G. Vick, Grand Master, issued but one dispensation for a new lodge, that to Hillside Lodge at Marmarth, stating in his annual address: "During this uncertain period it has not been our policy to encourage the formation of new lodges."
However, in the report of the Committee on Lodges IT.'. D.'. at Grand Lodge in June, 1919, we find the following: "In the matter of issuing a dispensation for a lodge at Maxbass, we beg leave to report that, while the jurisdiction of this lodge will be small—Russell Lodge No. 89 being located ten miles southeast, Lansford Lodge No. 82, eleven and one-half miles southwest, and Westhope Lodge No. 74, fourteen and one-half miles northeast—the brethren in this district are badly handicapped in getting to any other lodge at a time of the year when most of the lodge work is done, etc., etc. We would, therefore recommend that a dispensation be granted for a lodge at Maxbass."
Probably anticipating the above action, twenty-two petitioners for a new lodge at Maxbass presented their work to Russell Lodge No. 89, as sponsor, on March 20 and April 17, 1919, and received its recommendation for a dispensation, which was granted July 1, 1919, to Victory Lodge U.'. D.'. at Maxbass by M.'. W.'. Amil P. Lenhart, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. A. Victor Smith; S.'. W.'. Knute Tillotson; J.'. W.'. John E. Bruil; Treasurer John G. Bately; and Secretary D. Bruce McDonald.
The first stated communication of the lodge was held July 23, 1919, in their leased hall over a store across the street and toward the right from the bank. This was the only hall in town and was sub-let by the lodge to other organizations for various purposes. At the first meeting the officers were seated, routine business was transacted and three petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. During the year ten candidates were raised, bringing the membership up to thirty-two.
The charter was granted June 16, 1920, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Victory Lodge No. 118 at Maxbass, with twenty-two charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 7, 1920, by Grand Master Haig, Deputy Grand Master Henry E. Byorum, Grand Secretary Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Marshal Frank C. Falkenstein, District Deputy Grand Masters Thomas I. Bowerman, George H. Phelps and Alexander D. Hagenstein, together with 150 guests from Bottineau, Westhope, Antler and Minot. A delicious banquet followed the ceremonies and the Grand Lodge officers did not return to Minot until 3:00 a. m.
The story is told that Brother Christian O. Mehuse furnished a bottle of homemade wine for the consecration ceremony at the request of M.', W.'. Brother Stockwell and only a small portion was used. After the ceremony Brother Mehuse found his bottle but it was empty. To this day, no one has been able to learn the sequel to this part of the ceremony, as to whether it was a local or a visiting brother who disposed of the rest of the wine.
Victory lodge continued in the same hall until late December 1945, when the building burned completely, destroying all of the lodge property, including the charter and all records. In the meantime the bank which faced the central square had closed and the postoffice had leased the first floor, leaving adequate rooms on the second floor.
Never had the affairs of Victory lodge been at so low an ebb and had it not been for the courage and pertinacity of W.'. Brother John G. Bate-ly and one or two others the lodge would never have recovered. However, they went to work, leased the rooms over the bank, remodeled the rooms that had been a living apartment to fit their needs, found furniture or made it, obtained a copy of the charter, and were in business once more. The same rooms amply house the lodge today and stand as a memorial to John G. Bately and his crew.
W.'. Brother Bately has supplied the following interesting information with regard to the regeneration of the lodge in 1946: "The work of remodeling took some time and we discovered that we must hold a meeting on the next Wednesday to hold our charter, as nearly a year had elapsed, so we held the first stated communication in the unfinished temple, with improvised furniture on November 28, 1946."
"Somehow we learned that the lodge at Butte had lost its charter December 2, 1946, so we wrote the Grand Lodge and they gave us the Butte furniture which has served us very well. W.'. Brother William Shaffer gave us a letter "G", and when Russell Lodge No. 89 surrendered its charter, we gained some useful things, and a few members."
How fully justified was Grand Master Vick in requesting a dispensation for Victory Lodge at Maxbass in 1919, has been fully proven by the events which have taken place since then. All of the credit and honor goes to such men as these: W.'. Brother Albert Victor Smith, one of the founders and first W.'. M.'. in 1920; Knute Tillotson. W/. M.'. in 1921 and 1923; John G. Bately, first treasurer in 1920, W.\ M.'. in 1931 and 1944, and secretary from 1950-1953; D. Bruce McDonald, first secretary in 1920 and W.'. M.'. in 1927; Sofus Sausker, W.'. M.'. in 1930; Walter R. Sausker, W.'. M.'. in 1932 and 1943 and secretary from 1954-1959; Henry Sausker, W.'. M.'. in 1934 and 1950; Alien Sausker, W.'. M.'. in 1954-55; Bennie C. Phipps, W.'. M.'. in 1937 and 1940; Ragnvald E. An-derson, W.'. M.'. in 1941 and 1942; William Shaffer, W.'. M.'. in 1945 and 1946; Justin Engg, W.'. .M.'. from 1947-1949; Jack R. Rogers, W.'. M/. in 1955-56 and 1958-59; and Archie G. Spencer, W.'. M.'. in 1956-57 and 1959-60. The present capable secretary is Oswald M. Sveen.
Always a small lodge, starting with a membership of thirty-two in 1920, it had its best gain in 1952, when Russell Lodge No. 89 consolidated with Victory Lodge No. 118, bringing the latter's total to forty-four, which it has maintained; a happy family of Master Masons, living by themselves and ministering to each other's needs and to the community around them. What more doth the Lord require?
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Aneta lies toward the western edge of the fertile valley between Northwood and the Sheyenne River and has maintained a steady population of upwards from 500 sturdy residents, predominently Scandinavian, for the past forty years. It was an ideal location for a Masonic lodge back in the early 1920's, when new lodges were fewer in number and were located only in strategic places.
It was late in 1919 that twenty-one petitioners requested a dispensation for a new lodge at Aneta, but one of them could not secure his demit, thus leaving twenty charter members. The selected officers appeared before Mayflower Lodge No. 94 at Finley, as sponsor, December 26, 1919, proved their proficiency in the ritual and secured a recommendation for a dispensation to institute Loyalty Lodge U.'. D.'. at Aneta. The dispensation was granted February 5, 1920, by M.'. W.'. Amil P. Lenhart, Grand Master, who designated the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Lytle W. Adams; S.'. W.'. Swen M. Hendrickson; J.'. W.'. John O. Forberg; Treasurer Axel O. Raaen, and Secretary Edwin H. Lowen.
The first stated communication of the lodge was held in a rented hall on February 12, 1920, the officers were seated, routine business was transacted, and six petitions for the degrees were read and referred to committees. The lodge met regularly throughout the year, adding eight members to the roll, making a total on December 21, 1920, of twenty-eight.
The charter was granted June 16, 1920, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Loyalty Lodge Xo. 119 of Aneta, naming twenty charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 17, 1920 by Grand Master Haig, assisted by Grand Secretary Walter L. Stockwell, District Deputy Grand Master Theodore G. Thompson and others. About 125 brethren were present from Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown and Pinley. A banquet was served and a very enjoyable program provided.
Little do those living in larger communities realize how completely are the smaller places dependent on local conditions for their very existence, and this has been noticeably true in the Aneta community. Starting out with twenty-eight members in 1920, Loyalty lodge had reached forty-five by 1930; then came the havoc of drought and depression and by 1940 the lodge was back to twenty-eight again. The forties were more than good to them and by the end of another decade they had reached an all time high of ninety. In 1960 the membership had leveled off at sixty-four and should remain about there.
Loyalty lodge No. 119 has spent most of its past in rented halls, but in the early fifties, a carefully planned movement toward a home of its own came to fruition and the lodge has recently emerged with a locally planned, financed and constructed lodge hall, which is a credit to the fraternity and to the community. The diligence of these fine people is most commendable.
It is difficult to pick any one person as a leader in such a group as this, as each one has worked for the good of all and deserves equal credit with the rest. Eight of the charter members served as master of the lodge; only four members served more than one term; and thirty-three members served one term each over a period of forty-one years; a truly remarkable record.
Here are a. few of them: W.'. Brothers Lytle W. Adams, W.'. M.'. in 1920 and 1921; Swen M. Hendrickson, W.'. M.'. in 1922; John O. Forberg, W.'. M.'. in 1923; Enoch G. Larson, W.'. M.'. in 1924; William F. Boehne, W.'. M.'. in 1925; Melvin A. Gunderson, W.'. M.'. in 1926 and 1929; Wallace E. Smith, W.'. M.'. in 1931; Ivan H. Johnson, W.'. II.'. in 1933 and 1934; Anfin Qualey, W.'. M.'. in 1938; Axel O. Raaen, W.'. II.'. in 1941; and Norman M. Lavanger, W.'. M.'. from 1958-1960.
We salute the others; they all deserve equal mention.
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East Gate Lodge No. 120, Fargo
No lodge was ever instituted on a firmer foundation than that underlying East Gate Lodge No. 120 at Fargo, organized in the spring of 1920. The idea was well expressed by Brother E. George Guthrie, first secretary of the lodge, as early as 1914 when he said: "The thought has come to me that there are a large number of Fargo Master Masons, not affiliated with Shiloh Lodge No. 1. whom it would be an excellent idea to group into another lodge, especially as Shiloh lodge is so large that it is apparent these non-affiliated brethren care little about applying there for membership."
The matter lay dormant until February 1920, when M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Brother John R. McGibbon and one or two others revived the latent idea and called a meeting of resident Master Masons, not affiliated with Shiloh lodge, for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a new Masonic lodge in Fargo.
The meeting was held March 10, 1920, in the Masonic temple with about forty Master Masons present; M.'. W.'. Brother Stockwell was named chairman and Brother McGibbon, secretary. It was unanimously voted to proceed with the institution of such a lodge, to be named "East Gate," with the following to be principal officers: W.'. M.'. Walter L. Stockwell; S.'. W.'. John R. McGibbon; J.'. W.'. Amos C. Crowl; Treasurer Alfred H. Leimbacker; and Secretary E. George Guthrie. M.'. W.'. Brother Stockwell, Grand Secretary, was authorized to proceed with the organization of the lodge.
It had been hoped that fifty signatures would be secured for the petition for the new lodge, so the officers were delighted to find one hundred seventeen Master Masons eager to become charter members. Shiloh Lodge No. 1 gladly signed the recommendation for a dispensation as sponsor March 12, 1920, and later the officers of East Gate lodge exemplified the degrees of Masonry on a class of eighteen candidates for Shiloh Lodge, thus proving their efficiency in the ritual. The dispensation instituting East Gate Lodge U.'. D.'. was granted March 24, 1920, by M.'. W.'. Amil P. Lenhart, Grand Master, designating the principal officers as listed above.
East Gate Lodge went right to work and its first stated communication was held in the Masonic temple at Fargo the evening of March 24, 1920—the day the dispensation was granted—which could only happen where the Grand Secretary and Worshipful Master were one and the same person, namely M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell.
This meeting served two purposes: 1) the officers were seated, the dispensation was read, and fourteen petitions for the degrees of Masonry were received and referred to committees; and 2) the Entered Apprentice degree was conferred upon eighteen candidates for Shiloh Lodge No. 1 of Fargo, in the presence of W.'. Brothers Walter M. Jennings, W.'. M.'. and Melvin S. Mays, Past Master of Shiloh lodge. This constituted a part of the proficiency test of East Gate lodge in the ritual before its sponsor.
Five stated communications of the lodge and one special were held between March 24 and May 26, 1920, at which much business was transacted. Fees and dues were set; a benevolence fund of $10.00 from each candidate's fee and all benevolence gifts were set aside; petitions from twenty-five candidates for the degrees and five for affiliation were received. Committees were appointed and degree work was started, the Master Mason degree having been exemplified upon a class of candidates for Shiloh Lodge. As might be expected the work was carefully planned and systematically performed so that all was in readiness for the lodge's petition for a charter at Grand Lodge in June 1920.
The charter was granted June 16, 1920, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to East Gate Lodge No. 120 of Fargo and was signed by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master. The charter named one hundred seventeen charter members.
The constitution of East Gate Lodge took place in the Masonic temple in Fargo, on the afternoon of November 27, 1920. Grand Master Allan V. Haig officiated, assisted by Past Grand Masters Louis A. Jacobson and Alexander B. Taylor, also Grand Officers Walter L. Stockwell, Oscar St. C. Chenery, Ralph L. Miller, Theodore B. Elton, Walter H. Murfin and others. At this time the lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed, with M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell as worshipful master. The ceremony was followed by a banquet for 300 guests. A fine program, at which Past Grand Master George L. Schoon-over of Iowa, Chairman of the Executive Commission of the Masonic Service Association of the United States, gave an instructive and inspiring address. Dancing occupied the brethren and their ladies from 10:00 p. m. until midnight. This night, in the month of November, on the suggestion of M.'. W.'. Brother Stockwell, has ever since been commemorated as the Annual Family and Birthday Party Night of East Gate Lodge No. 120.
The growth of the lodge in the first ten years was phenomenal. Ending the year 1920 with one hundred fifty-three members, it had reached three hundred four by 1930; but fell back to two hundred sixty-seven, during the "thirties"; and then increased to two hundred ninety by 1950; and in 1960 to two hundred ninety-six. East Gate lodge has again passed the three hundred mark in 1962, and should maintain or surpass that average in the foreseeable future.
East Gate lodge has always been a busy organization, finding something for its members to do, even when degree work lagged. We are told that in 1933, under the leadership of W.'. Brother James J. Martin as worshipful master, when the total membership decreased by eleven, interesting programs were arranged; short plays were given; a monthly magazine, "The East Gate Messenger"—which was continued through 1940—was published; and the lodge room was filled for every communication.
It was on February 6, 1933, that a Walter Lincoln Stockwell Testimonial Communication was held when one hundred twenty-five Master Masons sat down to a banquet, served by the ladies of the Eastern Star, after which lodge was opened and M.'. W.'. Brother Stockweil was presented with a bound volume of over one hundred letters of appreciation and esteem from his many friends throughout the wor'.d. In his acknowledgment, Brother Stockwell stated that "next to the Great Light, this would be the book of books to him." Following the presentation the guests were entertained by the presentation of a short play, "The Trestle Board of Friendship," by the members.
And so we might go on recounting the events which have continued over forty years, to make this one of the oustanding lodges of all time in North Dakota, but as the success of any lodge rests with its personnel, especially its worshipful masters and secretaries, we shall move from a narration of some of its "doings" to that of a few of its "doers", and possibly the result will be the same.
Naturally, the first name that appears in the story of East Gate Lodge No. 120 is that of M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell. As we shall portray his life and character more fully elsewhere, the outline here will be brief. He was born at Anoka, Minnesota, January 12, 1868, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1889, and came to North Dakota the same year as principal of the school at St. Thomas, in Pembina County.
He became a Master Mason in Temple Lodge No. 30 at St. Thomas, March 11, 1891. Moving to Grafton soon after, he affiliated with Crescent Lodge No. 11 and was worshipful master there in 1898. In 1902, he was elected and installed as Grand Master in North Dakota and served until June 1903; he was elected Grand Secretary in 1910 and filled that office most efficiently until his death December 4, 1950.
M.'. W.'. Brother Stockwell was a charter member of East Gate Lodge No. 120, assisted most actively in its organization and served as its first worshipful master in 1920. During the year, he held eighteen stated communications and twenty-one specials, for a total of thirty-nine meetings; twenty members were raised and eleven affiliated, for a total of thirty-one; and the membership December 31, 1920, stood at one hundred fifty-three. He was awarded a life membership January 12, 1938, and at the time of his passing had been a Master Mason for fifty-nine years. Surely this lodge is a fitting monument to his long and devoted Masonic career.
W.'. Brother E. George Guthrie was born in Leeds, England, December 24, 1861, and came to Casselton, Dakota Territory, in the early days. He became a member of Casselton Lodge No. 3, March 7, 1889, and served as its worshipful master in 1900 and 1901. He moved to Fargo after the "turn of the century" and served for many years as secretary of the Fargo Board of Education. He was one of the early promoters of East Gate lodge, was a charter member and became its first secretary, serving with distinction from 1920-1927. He was elected to life membership November 21, 1933, and passed away August 12, 1935, at the age of 74 years.
Brother Alfred H. Leimbacker was born in Switzerland October 28, 1866, came to Minnesota in the early days, and became a member of North Star Lodge No. 23 at St. Cloud, July 20, 1896. He moved to Fargo where he was manager of the Gardner Hotel for many years, becoming a charter member of East Gate Lodge and was its first treasurer, serving from 1920-1929. He was made a life member October 28, 1936, and passed away April 14, 1946, a fifty year Mason.
The second worshipful master of East Gate Lodge No. 120 was M.'. W.'. Earl K. Bitzing, a prominent citizen and well known Master Mason in North Dakota for the past half century. He was born November 1, 1881, in Oswego, Kansas, and came to Mandan, in early manhood where he became a Master Mason in Mandan Lodge No. 8 May 8, 1912, and served as worshipful master in 1917 and 1918. W.'. Brother Earl moved to Fargo soon after to become a member of the editorial staff of the Fargo Forum, which position he has filled magnificently for over forty years. He became a charter member of East Gate Lodge in 1920, and was its second worshipful master in 1921.
Like his predecessor, W.'. Brother Bitzing held thirty-nine communications, with this difference, twenty-one were stated and eighteen were specials; he raised thirty-four Master Masons and affiliated seventeen, for a total of fifty-one, which stands as a record for any one year in the history of the lodge. The membership December 31, 1921, stood at one hundred ninety-five.
He was appointed in the Grand Lodge official line in 1925 and was elected and installed Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota in 1933, which office he filled with dignity and distinction. M.'. W.'. Brother Bitzing was elected a life member of East Gate lodge December 10, 1951, and is today, in 1962, a fifty-year Mason, and a beloved member of the Presbyterian Church and the Fargo community.
Another "second incumbent" is none other than Brother Earl L. Shaw, charter member of East Gate lodge, who became the second treasurer in 1930, and is still serving in that capacity in 1963—certainly a record for him and for the lodge. He was born in Lackawanee, Alabama, September 10, 1891, coming to Tower City, as a young man where he became a Master Mason in Cereal Lodge No. 9 November 6, 1913. He later moved to Fargo where he was employed by the Merchants National Bank, and for many years has been identified with the Fargo National Bank as an executive officer and is now chairman of the board. Brother Shaw is one of the most honored and respected members of East Gate lodge.
It would take pages to tell the story of W.'. Brother George A. McGregor, one of God's noblemen, whose life has been co-incident with that of North Dakota and who has never failed a friend.
George was born in Minneapolis April 23, 1886, and as a young man moved to Beach, where he became a member of Sunset Lodge No. 88, January 2, 1912. He later moved to Fargo as a bookkeeper, and for many years was connected with the Knight Printing Company a^ secretary-treasurer. He became a charter member of East Gate lodge and was worshipful master in 1928. He became secretary of the '.:dg-e in 1932 and held that office with great distinction through 1944.
During his term of service he started the East Gate Messenger as a monthly bulletin to the membership which continued from: 1932-1940. He also made up a most remarkable scrapbook of the "doings" of the lodge from 1920-1940, which is an invaluable historical document. His records were faultless, and no worshipful master ever had a more faithful and efficient assistant than he.
It was W.'. Brother George who named "Sunrise" lodge in Fargo back in 1947 when it was organized to guard the eastern portal of North Dakota, just as his old "Sunset" lodge in Beach had guarded the western portal for so many years. He later became a dual member of Sunrise Lodge No. 130 and it was on January 2, 1962, that his old friends at Beach called him back to Sunset Lodge No. 88 to receive a fifty-year button and a life membership in Sunrise Lodge No. 130 at the hands of his old friend, Jim Martin. (See the history of Sunset lodge for the story). W.'. Brother George A. McGregor passed away in Fargo, July 16, 1962, at the age of seventy-six.
One more outstanding character must be brought to light before the tale of East Gate Lodge No. 120 has been told. You guessed it: that of Worshipful Brother James Jeremiah Martin, born May 7, 1880, in Montgomery, Minnesota. He didn't grow very tall or robust in stature, like Zacchaeus of old, but like him, he grew up to accomplish great deeds for the Master.
As a young man Jim was first heard from in Havre, Montana, where he began his life work in the railway mail service, and where on May 19, 1904, he saw "further light in Masonry" in Havre Lodge No. 55. Moving to Larimore, Grand Forks and then to Fargo, he became a charter member of East Gate Lodge No. 120 at Fargo June 16, 1920, and was worshipful master in 1933. This was during the heart-breaking days of drought and depression and you have already been told of his heroic accomplishment in keeping the lodge interested and busy. Surviving members still talk about "Jim Martin's year as Master."
In 1937 Grand Master Charles M. Pollock of Fargo appointed him District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 5, which office he filled most capably through 1945, and though he always said it was the best district in North Dakota, there were those who knew that if it were true, it was because Jim made it so.
He was among the first appointees by Grand Master John A. Stormon in 1946 to the Grand Lodge Committee on Policy and General Purposes, which office he filled in his usual energetic manner for four years.
W.'. Brother Martin was as versatile as he was energetic and no task was too great for him. In 1936 he was elected secretary-treasurer of the Masonic Veteran's Association, an organization of twenty-one year Masons, which meets annually at luncheon during the stated communication of Grand Lodge. Jim filled this busy office in the most efficient manner for twenty-one years and was elected president in 1956, serving through 1959. He was loved and respected by every Veteran Mason in North Dakota.
On September 22, 1950, Jim was elected to a life membership in East Gate Lodge No. 120 of Fargo, and on April 3, 1958, he was elected to a dual membership in Sunrise Lodge No. 130 of Fargo at the same time receiving a life membership in the lodge. On June 5, 1958, he was elected Honorary Worshipful Master of Sunrise lodge.
The 1960 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota bear this inscription: "These 1960 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge A.'. F.'. & A.'. M.'. of North Dakota, are dedicated to W.'. Brother James Jeremiah Martin, Charter Member of East Gate Lodge No. 120, in appreciation of his long years of faithful and untiring service to his lodge and to Masonry."
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
Strange as it may seem, no lodge can exist on celebrities alone, and after all, it's the mass of everyday Master Masons who perform their daily duties reliably and well who make up the body of Masonry. From these we have selected a few names to represent the rest and offer them as examples.
W.'. Brother (Judge) Frank A. Leonard was W.'. M.'. in 1929 and brought much of his saintly character and dignity to the office. Clarence C. McDonald, a leader in many branches of Masonry, was W.'. M.'. in 1936. Max R. Hughes, a promising young construction engineer, who lost his life in the performance of duty, was W.'. M.'. in 1937. Horace G. Zimmerman, a leader of youth, was W.'. M.'. in 1944, and secretary from 1945-1952. W. Fulton Burnett, first known as the "cowboy" attorney from Dickinson and member of Dickinson Lodge No. 32, later transferred to East Gate No. 120 and was W.'. M.'. in 1945. Walter Lagerburg, one of the younger, dedicated Masons, was W.'. M.'. in 1952. George M. Mc-Hose, son of James W. McHose, charter member, was W.'. M.'. in 1953, and secretary from 1957-1959. And Ralph W. Martin, one of Jim Martin's three sons, who has started out in his illustrious father's footsteps, was W.'. M.'. in 1959-60, then moved into the secretary's chair, which he undoubtedly will fill to the satisfaction of all, ad infinitum.
Such has been the story of East Gate Lodge No. 120 of Fargo, North Dakota, a monument to some, a workshop for others, a meeting place of friends and a symbol of light, justice and truth to all.
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