Henry H. Culver Lodge No. 617 F. & A. M.  

?-1897, Nov. 15 - The first lodge hall was located on the second floor "Saines Hall" of Seine's store (102 S. Main)

1897 - Nov 10 - Henry H. Culver Lodge No. 617 F. & A. M. (Free and Accepted Masons)

A dispensation for the information of this lodge was issued by the grand master November 10, 1897, in the name of Culver lodge.

It worked under that name until the meeting of the grand lodge May 24, 1898, when a charter was granted and the name changed to Henry H. Cluver lodge, and as such it was given number 617.

The first officers named in the dispensation and also in the charter instituted under charter, were as follows: Samuel C. Loring, master; John F. Behmer, senior warden, and Foster Groves, Junior warden.

The lodge was instituted under charter, by Daniel McDonald, past grand master, June 8, 1898.

The name was given to the lodge in honor of Henry H. Culver, the founder of Culver Military Academy, on the northeast shore of the lake, and for whom the town of Culver had been named named, and for the further reason he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Since its organization the following have served as worshipful masters: Samuel C. Loring, under dispensation, 1897; under charter, 1898 and 1899; Monroe C. McCormick, 1900; Al N. Bogardus, 1901-1904; Foster Groves, 1902; 0. A. Rhea, 1903; George W. Voreis, 1905, 1906, 1907. The lodge has a total membership of fifty, and is in every way in a prosperous condition. - MArshall county History of 1908

1897 - November 19 - Masonic Lodge holds first meeting as Culver Lodge U.D. F.& A.M.

1898 - was constituted as Henry H. Culver Lodge 617 F. & A.M. June 8, 1898. Charter dated May 24, 1898.

1908 - Dec. 17 - Election of Officers

Henry M Culver Masonic Lodge last Friday night elected the following officers:
W.M. - B. H. Greiner
S.W. - O. A. Rea
J.W. - Wm. Riggens
Treasurer - D. A. Bradley
Secretary - N. S. Norris
S.D. - Ed Bradley
J.D. - George Voreis
Tyler - Simon Hatten
S.S. - Howard J. Noble
J. S. - William O. Osborn
A public installationa nd banquet will be held on Wednesday evening, Dec. 23. A limmited number of tickets will be disposed of.

1909 - Nov. 18 - The Masonic lodge is decorating the walls and ceiling of the lodge room. Br. George Voreis is doing the work

1909 - Dec. 30 - Installation

Masonic Lodge Celebrates its installation with a Banquet

The Masonic brethern made the installation of officers on Monday night the occasion, as usual, of a social gathering in which the wives, and daughter participated

The installation ceremoners were conducted by Dr. S. C. Loring of Plymouth, formerly of Burr Oak, who was Herny H. Culver's first worshipful master.

Dr. Rea actes as marshall and subsequently presided over the banquet as toastmaster.

The banqquet was served by Caterer Al Porter, Dr. Norris and . H. Brradley being the banquet committee.

The newly decorated rooms were an object of interest to the guests, and in all its features the affair was accounted a glowing success

1912 - Index to Ledger opened Jan. 1, 1912:

1915 Aug 19 - Masons Take Over Cemetery Addition The Masonic lodge has taken over the acre and a quarter plat east of the old cemetery recently purchased by D. E. and Henry Zechiel of Aaron Jones.

1918 - Jan 2 - Officers of Masonic Lodge

Culver lodge elected the following officers Friday evening:
W.M. - R. H. Buttner
S.W. - George Overmeyer
J.W. - Arthur Morris
Secretary - F. L. Brooke
Treasurer - George Voreis
The appointice officers will be named Friday night.

1918 - Jan 2 - R. H. Buttne has been elected W. M. of the Masonic Lodge

1919 - May 28 - Frank Brooke represented the local Masonic lodge at the Grand Lodge session in Indianapolis last week.

1922 - Dec 20- - Sort of a Celebration - The recent election of Capt. J. W. Riggen as Worshipful Master of the Culver Masonic Lodge reminds him that he is the 25th occupant of the chair, the late Dr. Loring of Plymouth being the first. He is also the 25th president of the 157th Regimental association of Spanish-American War Volunteers. Sounds like a Silver anniversary, doesn't it, Bill?

1922 - Dec 20 the lodge was installed in its latest quarters, the new K. P. Building )110-112 N. Main

1923 - Nov. 21 - Masons Plan Mixer

Members of the Blue Lodge of the H. H. CUlver Masonic Lodge will get together on Friday of December 7th for a general good time and mixer.

A good time is being planned for the evening and it is expected that there will be a large crowd of members in attendance.

The lodge had not had a social hour of any kind for some time and differen members have expressed the idea that an entertainment would be appropo at this time.

The committe in charge for the evening has not yet announced definite plans but it is generally conceded by those who are on the inside track that a feed will be had.

Membes of the lodge are especially requested to bring visiting brether who happen to be in the city at that time.

1924 - Mar 12 - Another Community Asset ... Culver City Club...Three years ago the cemetery needed some repair and cleaning... Last year, the cemetery meeded a fence. The town board did not feel financially able to build a fence which would be the same as the one which the Masonic lodge was mutting in at the same time...

1924 - Jan 2 - Enjoy Annual Feast

About Eighty Attended Masonic Banquet and Installation

ABout eight members, wives and firends of he Masonic Lodge gathered aroung the banquet board in the K. O P. hall last Thursday evening. It was said to be one of the best affairs that the Masons have put on ever.<

The first part of the evening was taken up with the public installation of the newly elected officers.

After that ceremony, some fine talks were given by different members including Col. C. C. Chambers,, Col. H. F. NOble and Gen. L. R. Gignilliat

The banquet was served by a committe from the lodge members and consisted of two courses of good things to eat.

1925 - Feb. 11 - Moves Are Necessary - Tenants of Bank Building Forced to Temporary Quarters... Final arrangement have not been compleed for the Masonic Lodge...

1925 - Dec 23 - Local Msonic Lodge Holds Annual ELection

The annual election of officers for the local chapter of the Masonic Lodge was held last Friday night in the new chapter room

The following were elected
Worshipful Master - Lester P Young
Senior Warden - William Baker
Junior Warden - D. H. Smith
Treasurer - John Mitchell
Secretary - Frank L. Brooke
Trustee - Garland Bogardus
The order is planning a big time for January 22, 1926 when the formal opening of then new lodge rooms will be held.

At this time, Grand Master of Evansville, will be here to be the distinguished vistior at the services.

1926 - Jan 13 - Mmasons To Dedicate Beautiful New Hall

Installation Held

Extensive Preparations Made for Fitting Services and Banquet January 22

Annoncements have been sent to the members of the H. H. Culver Lodge, No. 617, F. & A. M., that the new Masonic Hall will be dedicayed Friday, January 22, by the Grand Master of the state, Mr. Albert W. FUnkhouser. The Grand Secretary William H. Swintz will also be present for the cermeony

The festivities of the evening will be opened by a banquet in the Methodist church at 7 p.m., that will be served by the local Eastern Star order. There will be no speaking at the banquet.

The dedication service will start at 8:00 p.m. in the lodge holl in the new bank building.

A fitting program has been arranged beside the prescribed ritual service. This dedication will go down as one of the red letter days in the history of the local Masonic lodge and it is expected that the entire membership will be present.

The new lodge rooms are now in use and are unusually complete and will furnished in every respect.

A fine club room for Masons has also been provided and is ipen every night for the enjoyment of the members.

The new officers have been installed and are as follows:
L. P. Young - W.M.
William Baler - S.W.
D. H. Smith - J. W.
John Mitchell, Treasurer
F. L. Brooke, secretary
Deane E. Walker - S.D.
Gus Swanson - J. D.
Ray Wolfram - S.S.
Ernest Parr - J.S. and
Geo. Vories - tyler

1926 - Jan 25 - Culver DEDICATES NEW MASONIC LODGE ROOM

Culver , Jan. 25. - Culver Masons dedicated their new and very fine lodge quarters Friday mght, making the grandest milestone in their career.

The event was preceded by a big banquet at the Methodist church parlors served by the ladies of the Eastern Star to a hundred local and visiting Masons.

Following this the dedication ceremonies were carried out at the new hall. The Culver Masons now have most commodious and elegant quarters in the new bank building of the State Exchange bank, one of the finest bank buildings in this section of the state.

They occupy the entire rear portion of the second floor, and here have had made to their special accommodations a large lodge hall, a fine social room for recreation and visiting, etc., and a kitchen from where meals can be served.

An entrance lobby or coat room is also a part of the elegant quarters. Present at the big affair were Grand master of Indiana F. & A. M. Albert W. Funkhouser of Evansville and Grand Secretary, Wm. H. Swintz of South Bend. [The News-Sentinel, Monday, January 25, 1926]

1927 - Jan 5 - The masonic lodge wll have the following for their officers next year

W.M. - D. H. Smith
S.W. - J. R. Robinson

Secretary - D. M. Scheuren
Treasuer - John Mitchell
J.W. - Deane E Walker

Trustee - W. O. Osborn

1928 - Jan 4 - Held Installation

The Masonic Lodge heled its annual installation of Officers Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Besides the elective officers as announced before, the following appointive officers were installed:
Clark Bogardus - Senior Deacon
Fred Cooper - Junior Deacon
G. Louden - Senior Steward
Ray Fisher - Junior Steward
G. W> Voreis - tyler

1927 - Dec 21 - Dr. J. R> RObinson was elected master of the Masonic Lodge

1928 - May 23 - Local Masonic Lodge To Observe Anniversry

The Henry H. Culver lodge, No. 617, F & A. M. will celebrate its thirtieth anniversay, Thursday May 24, at 7:30 p.m.

A sumptuouse banquet will be served and will be followed by an imposing arrary of speakers.

A hird degree will be conferred with Harry R. Speyer in leading the role.

A record attendance is expected to make this occasion one of the high lights in the history of the local lodge.

1928 - Jul 11 - Ladge Has Vacation - The local lodge has decided to take a vacation during the hot weather and not regular busniess meeting will be held untill September 7th. Members are requested to watch ldge notice card in the Citizen for called meetings

1929 - Jan 9 - Masonic Ladge Names Officers for 1929

The followinf officers have been elected by Henry H. Culver Lodge F. & A. M., No. 617, for 1929
W.M. - Deane E. Walker
S.W. - Frank L. Brooke
J.W. - Clark Bogardus
Treas - John Mitchelll
Sec. - H. L. Hennign
S.D. - D. M. Schueren
S.S. - Bert Alumbaugh
J. S. - Harry Speyer
Tyler - George Vioreis
Trustee - Harry Medbourn

1929 - Mary 22 - ... The town board wals voted to join with the township and the Culver Masonic Lodge in repairing and keeing up the old cemetery south of town. The funds of the twonship for this purpose are insufficieint and these two grounps have decided to aid in putting this tract in the shape it should be.

1929 - Nov. 13 - Culver Masons Invited to Join COunty Meeting

All of the Masonic loadges in Mrshall county have been invited to be guests of the Plymouth lodge on Friday night, November 15.

Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian church, after which a program will be given, with George Nearpass, the whistling brakeman and former Culver boy, as the feature.

At 7:30 p.m., the M. M. degree will be conferred by the past masters of the county.

This is the first county meeting and all mason are invited. There will be no charge to visiting brothers for the supper.

1929 - Dec 29 - Frank Brooke Head of Masonic Lodge in 1930

Frank Brooke was elected Woroshipful Master of the Henry H. Culver Masonic Lodge last
Friday night when the annual election was held.

Other officers named to lead the lodge during 1930 were
Clark Bogardus - S. W.
Henry Henning - J. W.
John Mitchell - Treasurer
William E. Friend - Secretary and
W. O. Osborn - trustee
Installation will be held Friday, December 27.

1931 - Dec 30 - Henning to Head Mason During Coming Year

Henry L. Henning has been elected Worshipful Master of the Culver Masonic Lodge for 1932, with the following officers to assist him:
Arthur J. Dillon - Senior Warden
T. G. Louden - Junior Warden
John Mitchell - treasurer
Lester P. Young - secretary
Harry R Speyer - Senior Deacon
Daniel M. Schueren - Junior Deacon
Earnest V Parr - Senior Steward
Walter Johnson - Junior Steward
George W. Voreis - Tyler
Harry E. Medbourn - Trustee
These officers were installed at a special meeting on Saturday, December 26.

1933 - Dec 27 - Louden Elected Head of Masonic Lodge

T. G. Louden was elected worshipful master of the local Masonic loadge for 1934 at a meeting last Thursday night.

Other officers for the coming year are:
Senior Warden - Harry Speyer
Junior Warden - Dan Schueren
Secretary - Lester P. Young
treasurer - John Mitchell
Senior Deacon - Walter Johnson
Junior Deacon - A. R. McKesson
Senior Steward - Charles Buffingon
Junior Steward - Tom Bogardus
Trustee - Dr. H. H. Tallman
Installation of officers was held Wednesday night.

1934 - Invite Past Masters -

The Past Masters of Henry Harrsion Culver Masonic Lodge have been invited to be guests of the Plymouth ladge at a special meeting at Plymouth, Friday evening, March 2

All Past Masters of Marshall county are to be honored at this time when the Worshipful Master of the Plymouth lodge will confer the Master Mason Degree.

1934 - May 30 - Local Masonic Lodge Observes Anniversary

The local loadge of Masons celebrted its 36th anniversry on Thursday night with a large attendance present to witness a third degree and the social hour that followed.

Short talks were given and refreshments served during the evening.

There were visiting brothers from Plymouth, Argos, Logansport, and Naperville, Ill.

Attractive souvenirs were given to commenorate the occasion.

The Bremen lodge has invited local Masons to visit that chapter on May 29; June 2,5 and 9 when third degrees are to be given.

1934 - Dec 26 - Mason Elect officers of Lodge for Next Year

Harry R. Speyer has been elected worshipful master of the Henry H. Culver Msonic lodge for 1935 with
Walter Johnson - Senior warden
A. R. McKesson - Junior warden

and John Mitchell and Lester P. Young re-elected treasurer and secretary respectively

The past master's degree will be given tonight and on Thursday the installation of officers will be held.

1935 - Dec 11 - Johnson Elected Master of Masonic Lodge for 1936

Walter Johnson was elected Worshipful Master of the Henry H. Culver Lodge of F. & A.M. at the annual election held Thursday night.

Other officers named to serve in 1936 were
A. R, McKesson - Senior Warden
F. M. Anis - Junior warden
John Mitchell - treasurer
Lester Young - Secretary
W. O. Osborn - Trustee

1936 - Dec 9 - McKesson ELected to Head Masonic Lodge

A. R. McKesson was elected woroshipful master of the local Masonic lodge at the annual election held last week.

Other officers named are
Senior Warden - Floyd M. Annis
Junior Warden - Charles Buffington
Treasurer - John Mitchell
Secretary - Lester P. Young
Trustee - Dr. H. H. Tallman

1937 - AUg 18 - Masonic Lodge Buys Lnd for Cemetery Plat

1937 - Dec 8 - Masons Elected Annis to Head Lodge During Year

Floyd M. Annis was elected Worshipful Master of the local Masonic Lodge at the election held Thrusday night. He Succeeds A. R. McKesson



Other officers selected for 1938 were
Charles BUffington - Senior Warden
Russell Easterday - Junior warden
Lester Young - secretary
John Mitchell - treasurer
Harry Medbourn - Trustee
After the third degrees initiation for Donald Zechiel, refrehments wee served.

1937 - Dec 29 - Masons Instralled Officers on Moandy

At the installation of offiecers of the local Masonic lodge held Monday night at the club rooms, Floyd M. Annis was installed as Wordhipful Master.

Other well-known local men who were honored are as follows:
Charles Buffington - Senior Warden
Russell Easterday - Junior warden
Lester Young - secretary
John Mitchell - treasurer
Frank McLane - Senior Deacon
Henry Heine - Junior Deacon
Howard Listemyer - Senior Steward
Will Easterday - Junior steward
Harry Medbourn - Trustee
After the installation of officers the members of the lodge enjoyed a swiss steak supper.

1938 - Mar 2 - Pot-Luck SUpper and Card Party Well Attended

About eighty members and guests of the Eastern Star Lodge and the Masonic Lodge atteded the pot-luck supper and card party in the club rooms on Thursday evening last week

A bountiful pot-luck supper was served and the evening was spent in various games of cards.

The prizes at bridge were won by Mrs. D. H. Smith and Earl Mishler. Those of pinochle were won by Henry Heine and Mrs. Edgar Shaw and Miss Edna Sthal and Mrs. Herman young wing the flinch prizes.

1938 - Dec 7 - Buffington Elected to Head Masonic Lodge

Charles Buffington was elected Worshipful Maser of the local Masonic Lodge at the annual election held last week.

Other officers named were:
Russel Easter day - S.W.
Frank McLane - J.W.
John Mitchel - treasurer
Lester Young - secretary
W. O. Osborn - Trustee
The appointive officers will be selected later.

Installation of the newly elected officers will be Thursday, Dec. 29.

1938 - Dec 29 - Masons to Install Officers Thursday

Charles Buffington will be installed as WOrshipful Master of the local masonic lodge Thursday evening at the annual installation ceremonies. He succeeds Floyd M. Annis

Other officers for the new year are as follows
Russell Easterday - Senior Warden
Frank McLane - Junior Warden
John Mitchell - treasurer
Lester Young - secretary
W. O. Osborn - Trustee
New officers appointed by Mr. Buffington are
Henry A Heine - Senior Deacon
Howard A Lindenmeier - Junior Deacon
William Easterday - Senior Steward
William E Friend - Junior Steward
As is the custon in the local organization the installation ceremoies will be followed by a soical hour in the lodge rooms with the Worshipful Master and the new wardes as hosts.

The annual meeting and elections of officers of the Low Twelve Club is also scheduled for Thursday night.

1939 - May 10 - Constitution Day is Observed by Masons

Constitution Day was observed by the local Masonic lodge Thursday, Mary 4th, with Robert Rust of the high school faculty, as the speaker of the evening.

Tracing the thread of government-forming agencies, from earliest times, he showed how the American democratic gevernment came into being.

A social hour concluded the evening.

1939 - Jun 14 - Lodges Plan Joint Evening of Entertainment

The Masonic Laodge and the Eastern Star Lodge are entertaining their families and invited guests at a joint meeting to be held in the Community Building, Thursday evening, June 22. Registration will be at 6:30 p.m.

The committess in charge have planned an evening of entertainment, including a boat ride on Lake Maxinkuckee, cards, dancing, and other amusements.

The Girl Scouts will have a booth to sell sandwiches, ice cream and ohe foods, but there will be no charge for the other features of the evening.

Lodges from over the county have been invited to attend.

1939 - Jun 28 - 600 attend Masonic Eastern Star Evening

Approximately 600 persons from 19 cities in Indiana, Covington, Ky., Chicago, Ill. and New York City attended the gala event of the Masonice and Eastern Star Lodges at the Community Building here Thursday evening

Following registration at the Community Building, thorugh the courtesy of the Culver Military Academy and Arthur Simpson, the guests enjoyed a cruise around Lake Maxinkuckee on the boats "The Admiral Rodman" and "Maxinkuckee"

This was followed by greetigs bu C. A. Buffington, Worshipful Master of the H. H. Culver Masonie Lodge and by Ms. O. T. Smith Worthy Matron of the Emily Jane Culver chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

William Rowland, Worshipful Master of Argos; Axel Anderson, Worshipful Master of St. Joseph Lodge of South Bend; Syulvan Long, Worshipful Master of Plymouth; and J. L. Wright, Worthy Worshipful MAster of Bourbon, were presented by Mr. Buffington. Mrs. Vance Fenstermaker, Wothy Matron of Argos; Mrs. Leonard Cook, Worthy Matron of Knox; Mrs. Loren Lelmert, Worthy Matron of Plymouth; Mrs. Mary Vatu, Past Worthy Grand Matron from South Bend and Deph McKesson, Past Worthy Grand Matron from Plymouth were prestentd by Mrs. Smith.

After the presentation of the visiting officers, the following program was given - accordian selections by Miss Thelma McConel of Plymouth, songs by Paul odd's Bridge City Quartet from Logansport, solos by Roy Goppelsrorder of Chicago accompained by Mrs. Robert Rust of Culver, piano solos by Miss Thelma Armstrong of Akron, and tap dances by Mrs. McConnell accompanied by Robert Berger's 12 piece orchesta from Arkon.

Bridge, pinochle, bingo and dancing were enjoyed by various groups during the remainder of the evening.

Small prizes were awarded the winners at the bingo table, and high and low prizes were given in both bridge and pinochle.

1939 - Dec 13 - Russell Easterdy To Head Masons in 1940

Russell Easterday was elected worshipful master of the local Masonic lodge at the annual election held thursday night.

Other officers selected were:
Seinor Warden - Frank McLane
Junior Warden - Henry Heine
Secretary - Lester Youg
treasurer - John Mitchel
trustee - Dr. H. H. Tallman.
Other lodge officeas are appointive and will be named later

Installation will be held Thursday, Dec. 28. Charles Buffington is the retiring Worshipful master.

1940 - Dec 11 - Frank McLane Named to Head Masonic Lodge

Frank McLane was elected Woroshipfule Master of the Culver Masonic Lodge at the annual election held last week

Other officers for 1941 are
Will Easterday - S.W.
Charles Ferrier - J. W.
John Mitchell - Treasurer
Lester Young - Secretary
Harry Medbourn - trustee
Installation will be held Thursday, Dec. 26. Russell Easterday is the retiring Worshipful Master.

The county past masters will meet in the Methodist church basement here Wedensday
night, Dec. 11, with the Eastern Satr chapter serving the dinner. A. R. McKesson is in charge of the affair.

1943 - Dec 22 - Robert Berger to Head Masonice Lodge in 1944

Robert Berger has been elected worshipful master of the Henry H. Culver Lodge of Masons for 1944, with the following officers to assit him:
Ernest Parr, senior warden
Max Fechner, Sr. - junior warden
John Mitchell - treasurer
Lester Young - secretary
Archie Gardner - senior deacon
Cloyde B. Miller - junior Deacon
Jesse Pettis - senior steward
Howard J. Maxey - junior steward
J. W. RIggens - tyler
Harry E. Medbourn - trustee.
Installation of officrs will be held Monday, Dec. 27, with lodge members at the hall at 6:45 p.m. and going from there to the banquet place.

1948 - May 26 - Masons Celebrate 50th Anniversary; Receive Gift from the Culvers

1949 - Jan 5 - Masons Install New Officers for 1949

Fifty members and quests of the Henry H. Culver lodge, No. 617, F. & A. M., attended tbe annual baquet held in the club-rooms last week.

The following officers were installed wit Jess E. Pettis, retiring worshipful master, as installing officer
Worshipful master, Everret E. Easterday;
senior warden, Henry D. Winkler;
junior warden, Harold V. Shaw;
treasurer, John Mitchell;
secretary, Lester P. Young;
senior deacon, Henry W. Hinkle;
junior deacon, Harry D. Edgington;
senior steward, Cary Cummins;
junior steward, Jack D. Easterday;
tyler, James W. Riggens; and
trustee, William R. Easterday. - Citizen

1949 - 2 March - Local Masonic Lodge 52 Years Old

1950 - Jan 18 - Masons Honor Quarter Century Masons

1968 - To provide for needed expansion of The State Exchange Bank at Culver, remodeling called for using the entire second floor of the building. The Masonic Lodge, which had occupied quarters on the second floor of the bank building since 1907, moved across Main Street to the ">K.P. Building

1968 - Feb - 8 Culver Lodge 617 To Give Three 50 Year Awards

Masons from Henry H. Culver Lodge 617 will cite three 50-year members at an awards ceremony Feb. 17 in the lodge rooms. The lodge will open at 7 p.m. and be opened to the public at 7:30. Past Master Harry R. Speyer, serving as special deputy for John L. Bloxsome, Grand Master of Indiana, will present the 50-year pins to Henry L. Henning and Russell J. Miller. Perry F. Overmyer will be given his pin in Florida.

Superintendent of Schools Robert Rust, a Mason and the Culver Jaycees' Man of the Year in 1967, will speak on the meaning of Masonry.

The lodge's living 50-year members have been invited to attend the ceremony. They are Frank L. Brooke, Pierre V. Butler, William R. Easterday, William E. Friend, William T. Parrish, William O. Osborn, and Lester A. Rockhill. - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1968 Culver citizen

Sometime around 1989 they merged with the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge #149, Plymouth, Indiana

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