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 twenty-five 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 en titled, "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 long page 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, SO 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. OLD-TIMERS: 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
old-timers is useful, just get ting 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 pre paring 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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