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RIVERSIDE LODGE...Remembering our past...Embracing our future... An exciting new era for Freemasonry
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It has been the custom of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons from time immemorial to transmit the Tenets of the Institution by means of the instructive tongue and the attentive ear. It has also been the custom to preserve the historical records of Freemasonry and hand them down from generation to generation. We learn that in ancient times the pillars of King Solomon’s Temple were used as safe repositories for the archives of Freemasonry and in modern times the Corner Stone is used for the same purpose. We can not expect the Cornerstone of this humble edifice to endure for a great period of time as did some of the ancient temples because of the rapidly changing conditions of the time in which we live, but we do indulge the hope that it will preserve the story of the early days of this lodge for the benefit of our immediate descendants and prove of interest and encouragement to the members of this Lodge and inspire in them an increased loyalty to the Institution. The idea of organizing a Masonic Lodge in Riverside originated among the members of the Men’s Bible Class of the Riverside Baptist Church, in the fall of 1929. Brothers A.P. Hoagland and E.N. Upshaw interested other members of the class in the idea and it was decided to hold a meeting in the Sunday School room to discuss its feasibility. This small group invited all Masons in the community who could be contacted to gather and consider the organization of a Lodge. Several meetings were held with Brother Hoagland serving as Chairman and Brother Upshaw an ardent promoter of the project. All of the Brethren were enthusiastic and a campaign was started to ascertain how many Masons in this section of the City would affiliate with a new Lodge if organized, which resulted in two hundred and four Brethren pledging to come into the new Lodge. With this encouragement it was decided to request the Grand Master at the time M.W. Stafford Caldwell for a Dispensation to form a lodge. As the first step it was necessary to secure the approval of the Lodges in the City having concurrent jurisdiction, to the request. This was obtained, and our petition signed by forty six Brothers was forwarded to the Grand Master, who was pleased to grant the Dispensation on March 24, 1930. After the Dispensation was obtained a period of intense activity followed. The Brothers who had been selected as officers for the new Lodge met at the Masonic Temple every evening for several weeks to attain proficiency in their respective stations and under the instruction of Brother O.B. Webster of Temple Lodge No. 23 they made rapid progress and were prepared to discharge the duties of the officers in the three degrees in a very creditable manner when the first Communication of the U.D. Lodge was held. Riverside Lodge will be forever indebted to Brother Webster for his zeal, patience and service to the Lodge in rendering this help. While the Officers were being trained a number of the other Brethren were seeking a building which could be used as a Lodge Hall. This proved to be a very difficult undertaking and finally after a thorough search of the Riverside section the only building which was found was the one owned by Mrs. Julia V. Cranford, located at 657 May Street near the Corner of Gilmore Street. After negotiations a lease was drawn and executed and the labor of remodeling begun. Brother S. Ralph Fetner prepared plans for converting the second story of the building from the apartment which it had been to a Lodge room and after the plans had been adopted their execution was placed in the capable hands of Brother R. S. Tracy. The cost of the remodeling amounted to a much larger figure than had been anticipated, due to structural changes necessary in addition to removing partitions, changing location of stairway, new electric wiring, plumbing plastering etc. and on completion the Lodge found itself in debt for about $1,650.00. This debt was paid in a number of ways. First, by applying practically all of the income of the Lodge for the first year: by long term loans from members to the amount of $210.00 and by a loan from the Barnett National Bank, and although the Lodge had a hard struggle during the first few years all obligations were met and our future assured. It will perhaps be interesting to relate how the new Lodge was furnished. Being in financial straights it was necessary to save every possible dollar so every effort was made to secure the necessary equipment without cost. The Great Lights, three candle sticks, jewels, and some of the staffs were obtained from the Grand Secretary who had these items in his custody. The altar and three Stations we had built, originally in a very simple form, and the Lodge chairs were also purchased. Brother fetner located some porch columns at a house on East 9th Street where he was in charge of some alterations and Brother Ladd converted them into a pair of beautiful brazen pillars. The Secretary’s desk, tiler’s table, American flag, ballot box, jewel case and Ashlars were contributed by him. Brother Hilliard Hebb donated and installed the canopy over the East and the Altar Cloth. The columns for the South and West were wrought and presented by Brother Olsen. The ebony, gold embossed Gavel was presented by Albert J. Russell Lodge No. 126 and the Masonic Emblem door knocker was given to the lodge by the widow of Dr. Horace straight after his death as was also the case of the Masonic flag given to the Lodge by Mrs. John Jansen. An amusing incident at this time was the purchase of a piano by the Lodge for $10.00 but when it was attempted to deliver to the Lodge room it was found that it could not be gotten up the narrow winding stairs, so it was exchanged for the small organ which we still have. At a later date a friend of the lodge offered to loan us her piano if we would store it for her and profiting by past experience a corner of the stairway was removed and the instrument installed in the Lodge room. This piano was later purchased for $35.00. We are indebted to Brother Claude Marcus Weller for the beautiful inlaid Altar and Stations which we now have. Brother Weller conceived the idea of inlaying this furniture with the Masonic emblems after the Lodge had purchased them from Mr.Wilkins (Brother in law of Leo Grimes Sr.) the four inlaid chairs, Treasurer’s desk and small stand for $50.00, and the work was all done by him at home with only a small power saw and hand tools. The Mosaic pavement was furnished and laid by Brother Jack Amrein and paid for by taking up a collection from the members. The picture of George Washington was a gift from Mrs. Ruth Bryan Owens a former Congresswoman from Florida and was framed by Brother McDaniel and lighted by Brother Ladd. The Lodge has been most fortunate in having a membership always interested in its welfare and has profited greatly by their generosity. Brother Luther H. Cooper, our present Master has made many material as well as intangible contributions to the Lodge as have many other Bretheren and our progress has been in large measure due to their unselfish devotion. After the Lodge was formed, as might be expected it awakened Masonic interest in the community and during the year under dispensation there were many affiliations and much material received into the Lodge. This growth aided us greatly financially and provided work for much Masonic activity and under the guidance of Brother Frank M. Hadley, Past Master of Temple Lodge No. 23 who had been appointed Master of Riverside Lodge U.D.by the Grand Master much progress was made and the Name and reputation of the “Friendly Lodge” established. We all feel at this date that the action of the Grand Master appointing Brother Hadley was very wise and that the experience which he had and the counsel he gave us has been of inestimable value. During the first year the Lodge suffered the loss by death of three members, Brothers Charles Roy Rudisil, John JAnsen, and Howard M. Lowrie all valued members of the Lodge. Brothers Rudisil and Lowrie had been particularly active and it was Brother Lowrie who first suggested the idea of a Christmas Fund to provide Christmas baskets for the needy in the neighborhood and after his death the Lodge named this fund the Lowrie Memorial Fund and have made it taken at each Regular Communication, in a contribution box bearing the name which is placed on the Altar at the close of the meeting. This charitable work has gradually grown and has brought relief and cheer to many destitute families at the Christmas Season. The first year of work closed with the meeting of March 16, 1931 and the exhibit of our progress prepared for presentation to the Grand Lodge with our petition for charter. An election of officers was held which resulted in Brother M.A. Ladd being elected Worshipful Master, Eugene G. Breedlove, Senior Warden and Frank Bryant Junior Warden, subject to the approval of Grand Lodge. By-laws had been prepared by a committee composed of Brothers Ladd, J. Allen Axson and Claude M. Kennedy which were adopted by the lodge subject to Grand Lodge approval. This meeting being the end of Lodge U.D. and marking the retirement of Brother Hadley many expressions of appreciations of his services were voiced and co-operation to the new officers pledged. The Grand Lodge was pleased to grant a charter to Riverside Lodge No. 266 on April 22, 1931 and the Lodge constituted, dedicated and the officers installed on May 4, 1931. This occasion was one to which we had been looking forward with the keenest anticipation and was a never to be forgotten land-mark in the annals of the lodge. The hall seating about 75 persons was crowded to capacity by both members and visitors. Brother J.S.B. Moyer, Deputy Grand Master was in charge of the ceremonies, assisted by many Grand Lodge Officers and Past Masters from other JAcksonville Lodges. Brother Ladd was escorted to the East and having never previously occupied any station but that of Senior DEacon and being in a high state of excitement and embarrassed by the presence of so many dignitaries made the error of closing the Lodge in due form “In the Master Mason Degree” and will never forget the correction administered my M.W. Marcus Endel, of the Grand Lodge Committee on Work after the meeting was over. The mistake was never made again. We progressed slowly through the years gradually increasing in membership and resources, unsuspected talent developing in the Lodge which always supplied competent Officers and it is due to the ability and energy of these officers that we are now able to undertake the erection of our own Lodge Building. In January 1935 the Lodge attempted to renew their lease on the building occupied and learned that the owner did not want to renew for a period extending beyond October first 1935. This presented the problem of securing other quarters and a committee was appointed to search for a suitable location and report. After diligent search only two feasible propositions were developed one was the possibility of Mr. Gordon Perkins building a second story over a store building he was erecting on St. Johns Avenue at Ingleside and the other possibility of the Lodge securing and remodeling a one story building owned by Hon. John W. Martin, on McDuff Avenue. Both propositions were rejected by the lodge, but the Martin proposition did give us the idea of erecting a one story building of our own. Brother Tracy and many of the other members embraced this idea with enthusiasm and while many felt that the lodge was not yet well enough established and financially able to embark on so ambitious an undertaking, a lot committee was appointed consisting of Dr. Horatio N. Parker Chairman, Charles B. Moorman Secretary, Earl L. Howson Treasurer, T.K. Boardman, and C.D. McDaniel. Subscriptions were solicited from the membership and over $600.00 paid in. The lot was purchased largely through the personal efforts of Brother Tracy who worked unceasingly for the project and devoted weeks of his time to collection of pledges and searching for a lot which could be purchased within our means. Success crowned his efforts and in the face of many discouragements the lot was secured. The problem of a building and financing again faced us and while a Building Committee consisting of Brothers Ladd, Seager, LaForge, Axson, Cooper, Bay, Patterson, Howson, Parish, Boardman, Moorman, Weller, Fetner, McDaniel, and Dr. Parker as Chairman was appointed; it was not until 1937 after the Lodge had entirely paid all obligations and had a substantial balance that activity was renewed. A campaign was then launched to raise funds for the building, over $800.00 was subscribed and at the time work was commenced with about $400.00 paid in. The finance group of the building committee arranged a loan from the Florida National Bank for $3,000.00 for three years at 5% and ground was broken in August of 1937. In order to accomplish our objective it was necessary to hold the cost of the building down to a minimum and this was done by Brother Fetner drawing plans for a one story building which were subsequently approved by the Grand Master and the purchase of salvaged material from an old residence being torn down on East Church Street between Main and Laura Street. The Lodge purchased all material and let a contract to Mr. J.H. Tuttle in amount of $1,420.00 for the labor at this writing the foundation has been built and the floor laid and the corner stone will be set tomorrow, September 16, 1937. There are many things which this Lodge can be proud of and thankful for, but more than all else for the splendid personnel of its membership, their loyalty to the Lodge, and the harmony which has prevailed through the years. Those of us who have been most intimately connected with our struggles and successes have had an experience and formed friendships which they will value through life and be happy in the hope that they have accomplished something for posterity and Masonry. If to those who read this story of Riverside Lodge see the name of the writer seems to appear with undue frequency, his only excuse is the difficulty of writing a chronicle of events in which he has been so vitally interested and active without permitting the personal element to enter. We bespeak from those who follow us in Riverside Lodge the same Masonic spirit which has prevailed through the years which have passed and the devotion to an ideal which has brought us this far along the road to “Light”. Merrill A. Ladd Worshipful Master -1931 First Official Worshipful Master of Riverside Lodge No. 266 September 15, 1937 Contents of the Cornerstone History of the Lodge Names of Charter Members Roster of Membership September 1, 1937 Trestle Boards for the years 1931-2-3-4-5-6-7 (Giving names of Officers and Committees) Florida Monitor, Digest with Supplement Proceedings of the Grand Lodge 1937 Riverside Lodge Membership Card Copy of the minutes of Regular Communication August 5, 1935 Newspaper clippings announcing “Ground Breaking” and plans for laying corner stone Photograph of old Lodge room May & Gilmore Street EXCERPTS FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FLORIDA Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Florida 1930, Page No. 22 Report of M.W. Stafford Caldwell “On the twenty fourth day of March A.D. 1930 I issued a dispensation to forty six brothers to form Riverside Lodge U.D. with A.P. Hoagland Worshipful Master: E.G. Breedlove, Senior Warden and F.O. Bryant, Junior Warden” “The report and exhibit of work of the Lodges U.D. should be here at this Grand Communication for the attention of the Committee on Dispensations and By-Laws and the action of the Grand Lodge” Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Florida 1930 Page No. 143 Report of the Committee on Dispensations and By-Laws “We recommend that Riverside Lodge U.D be continued under dispensation, but because of the various Grand Jurisdictions represented by petition, we feel that a Past Master of broad experience in Masonic procedure should be appointed Master. The field for a large and active Lodge in this suburban community with the possibility of bringing into the activities of Masonry some of the best citizenship of Jacksonville; with this in mind and still leaving with the U.D. Lodge the privilege of choosing its own MAster when charter may be granted, we recommend that a Brother with this qualification who we are sure would not join in their request for charter, be appointed Master of this Lodge U.D.” Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Florida 1931 Page No. 36 Report of M.W. Wallace R. Cheves “May 1, 1930, I renewed the dispensation of Riverside Lodge U.D. by action of the GRand Lodge, with F.M. Hadley Worshipful Master; E.G. Breedlove, Senior Warden, and Frank O. Bryant Junior Warden” Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Florida 1931 Appendix Part 1, Page No. 49 Lodges Chartered Riverside Lodge No. 266……….April 22, 1931 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Florida 1932 Page No. 19 Report of M.W. Samuel Pasco Lodges Constituted “On May 4, 1931 R.W. Brother J.S.B. Moyer Deputy Grand Master at my request constituted and dedicated Riverside Lodge No. 266” |
