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LODGE HISTORY
It happens several times each year. Someone calls the Masonic
Service association with what they consider an insurmountable
challenge. It usually goes something like this:
"Help! I don't know why, but the Master has appointed me to chair
the Lodge History Committee. How the heck do I go about writing a
lodge history?"
Then it is "twenty-question" time. How old is the lodge? When was
the last time a history of the lodge was published? What do you know
about the charter members? Why was the lodge formed? What were the
principal occupations of the founding members? What were the
economic conditions in the Community when the lodge was organized?
What impact was made on the community by the formation of the
lodge? Who were the "prime movers?" Where did they first meet? When,
where and why did they move? What were the high points and low
points of lodge finances? What were the charitable projects the
lodge was engaged in?
The questions could go on and on, but usually the call is on "his
nickel", so we feel as though we've given him a basis to start his
research. Next, he will have to organize the material into logical
segments.
Selecting those segments, of course, will depend upon the age of
the lodge. Older lodges can usually be divided into fifty or
twentyfive year segments. Younger lodges will probably wish to use
ten year segments or possibly yearly. This naturally will be
dictated by the interests of the author(s). One notable exception
that comes to mind is a history of an old lodge in Pennsylvania. The
author used varying lengths of time for each segment, but identified
the major inventions which were patented in those years. It was
fascinating and an interesting point of reference. A lodge in South
Carolina prepared a history which was tied to the growth of the
county, emphasizing the contributions made by the lodge members in
the development of the county government and economic growth. Other
lodge histories have been tied to the expansions of the railroads,
the oil fields, industry and other social factors affecting the
lodge.
A number of years ago, Brothers B. F. Mandelbaum and L. E. Vanatta
presented a paper at the Oklahoma Lodge of Research entitled,
"Preparation of a Lodge History." Following is a summary of that
paper:
Masonic Research divides itself into numerous lines: history,
philosophy, symbolism and other aspects of the Craft, as well as the
practical application of the teachings of our Fraternity.
Of these, history is one of the most important aspects; to give
knowledge of what has gone on before, to account for the spread of
the Craft, and to know the contributions we have made to our cities,
states and country. We are concerned with the aspect of history and
primarily the history of Masonry, mainly Craft Lodge History.
We propose to outline what should be looked for in preparing a
Lodge history. Perhaps with this outline, more Lodges could find a
member who would be interested in compiling a history or information
for a history.
The most fundamental, and first start on compilation of a
history is to go through the minutes of the Lodge, write a brief or
longpage for each year and in this manner cover the month
to month business and activities of the Lodge. But even in this sort
of compilation, we need to know and plan what to look for.
Let us, therefore, itemize, with some discussion the several
aspects that make up the Lodge history.
1. PICTURES: Strangely enough, it is possible to find old ones if
time is taken to look. They may be in old newspaper files in
photographers' studios. If possible, pictures of the first temple
building (even if rented) and subsequent temples would be of
interest; as will a few of the more prominent members especially
Grand Lodge Officers. Although not a picture, if an imprint of the
Lodge Seal is available it should be included especially when the
Lodge was chartered under another jurisdiction.
2. DATES: When the Lodge was issued a dispensation, how was it
obtained and when was it chartered? The dates of its first meeting
Under Dispensation and after Charter and other firsts. When the
Lodge moved to other temples, or built their own should be of
importance, as well as when the first degrees were conferred.
3. PEOPLE: At the start, Masons who were the charter members: Who
were they? Where did they come from? Who among them were most
active? Some of the more prominent members should be noted for their
civic or business activity as well as Masonic offices. While we are
writing a history of a Lodge it is made up of people and therefore
we will find names all through the history. Probably a list of
Worshipful Masters and Secretaries should be included, and any long
time officers such as a Tyler, who served many years.
4. FINANCIAL: What were the first dues? What changes were made
over the years? How was the temple financed and if on borrowed
money, when and how was it paid off? Were there any gifts or
bequests to the Lodge and for what were they used?
5. CHARITY: We are a fraternal organization and any assistance to
our members should not be openly published, except as perhaps an
amount used for such purpose each year. Many Lodges, however,
contribute much to our Grand Lodge Homes, to civic uses, hospitals,
and other charities.
6. SPECIAL MEETINGS: Some Lodges have annual picnics, social
functions, special events, 5O year presentations and other
activities.
7. OTHER MASONIC BODIES: We are seeking further Masonic
education and affiliate with other bodies, the York and Scottish
Rite and others. We also sponsor and assist DeMolay, Rainbow and
Job's Daughters. Such activity, where it affects the Lodge or Lodge
members is a part of our history.
8. OLDTIMERS: The best source of events and happenings in the
Lodge is the older members who might remember items of interest,
or may be able to elaborate on the items in the Lodge minutes that
are briefed by the Secretary. Because these are memory items, they
should be checked in some manner with other members or other sources
for exactness. The use of a tape recorder to interview oldtimers is
useful, just getting them to reminisce about events in the Lodge
while the recorder is on, and some questions are asked.
These are merely eight items, and there are others not listed,
which might help a member in preparing a history of his Lodge. While
some would not consider writing a history, perhaps they could, using
an outline, prepare sufficient information from the Lodge records
for another Brother to compile the information into a history.
Such are the challenges which we face in preparing a lodge
history. Just as the "proof of the pudding is in the eating", when
writing we must never lose sight of the reader. "The proof of the
writing is in the reading." Lodge histories, to be effective must
bring the events into focus so that those who read it will be
interested, inspired and informed.
A lodge history should give a logical, factual and interesting
story of the formation, events and individuals which resulted in the
lodge being what it is. There is usually a good story as to how and
why the name of the lodge was selected, and every member deserves to
know. It costs money to publish a lodge history. The funds available
will usually determine how extensive a volume will be published,
and how many copies will be available. We think a quality lodge
deserves a quality history. Just as in every other worthwhile
endeavor, we need to "place our designs on the trestleboard." We
need to plan. It is a good idea to set aside a set amount each year
for several years in an interest-bearing "History Fund." In this way
you can insure sufficient funds for a quality history. Many lodges
supplement that fund by having annual fund raising dinners, picnics
and family outings.
A lodge history is a challenge. More important, to meet that
challenge, a great many members will become involved in its
research, planning, preparation, proofreading, printing and publication. The more involvement in the project the more interest and
support will be given to it.
The same is true when it comes time to update a lodge history.
It's a constant challenge to record the good years and the bad and
to evaluate the accomplishments of the lodge.
Does your lodge have a printed history?
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