Masons 52 Years Old

1949 - 2 March - Local Masonic Lodge 52 Years Old

Back in the days when a lamplighter was an importsnt cog in the community, when the name "Culver" was fairly new, when there were no improved streets or sidewalks and the population was approcimately 700, the Masonic Lodge was organized in this communtity. In fact, the first meeting was held November 15, 1897.

The first lodge hall was located on the second floor of Seine's {Saine} store where the Marathon Station is now located.

Later the Masonic Lodge obtained quarters in the building where they are now located in what is now the kitchen, club or social rooms. There were no social rooms until the bank bulding was remodeled, when provisions were made for the present quarters.

It is generally agreed that Henry Harrison Culver was one of the first petitioners for the oroganization of the lodge at Culver and for this reason, the local chapter was named after him and made known as the Henry H. Culver Lodge, Number 617, Free and Accepted Masons.

Among those present at the first meeting were:
S. C. Loring, Worshipful master;
B. H. Greiner, S.W. protem;
J. F. Behmer, Junior Warden;
A. Hays, Treasurer;
J. H. Koonz Secretary;
C. H. McGaffey, Senior Deacon;
George W. Grove, Junior Deacon;
Clarence Behmer, S.S.;
Jonas Voreis, J.S.;
D. A. Bradley, Tyler; and
John Osborn.


The first meeting of the lodge was opened on Third Degree following which the Worshipful Master ordered the reading of the Dispensation from the Grand Lodge for the establishment of the Culver Chapter.

By-laws which were adopted at the first meeting are practically the same as today. Dues were established at $2.00 per year and initiation fees were $20.00.

At the second meeting on Novemebr 26th there were six petitioners for Masonic degree including
Paul DeBlumenthal,
William A. Dehn, Simon Hatten,
Samuel E. Wise,
C. E. Thirnburg, and
Norman J. Falconbarg
.

The petition for the local charter was granted on May 24, 1896 and after the formal meeting of the lodge, the 150 members and guests repaired to the Colonnade Hotel which was located in the neighborhood of the present Express Office, for a banquet. During the course of the banquet Dr. Wiseman directed the music.

A year ago the lodge celebrated its golden anniversary - Culver Citizen