Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 36, 1897

Chapter 36

There are but few secret fraternities of importance in existence that are not represented by a Iod<;e in Anderson. Since the discovery of natural ^as. and the u;reat influx of strangers caused thereby, the number of beneyolent orders and secret societies, has increased very rapidly, indicating that the social relation, so far as its promotion can be affected by secret orders, is not neglected.

For many years the Masonic and Odd Fellows were the onl\' secret fraternities in the city, and both orders had a large and influential membership. The former order was the first to estalilish a lodge here, one having been organized June 1, 184',l. This lodge - Mount Moriah - held its first meetings' in the old court house that stood where the present one is located, but sid)sequently met in a room on the third tloor of the United States Hotel building, mention of which is made elsewhere. The first officers were; Henry Wyman, W. M. ; Adam Reed, S. W. ; Robert Wooster, J. W. ; Townsend Ryan, S. D. ; Burkett Eads, J. D. ; Richard Lake, Sec. ; G. T. Hoover, Treas. There were elements of discord and discontent in the lodge, it appears, and in January, 1855, the charter was surrendered. It was restored, however, in the summer of the same year, and the lodge was reorganized. The growth of the lodge, for many years, was not unusual, and it experienced its seasons of activity, as all similar organizations do in the course of their existence. But a few years previous to l!S()5the membership of Mount Moriah began to increase to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to organize another lodge. Accordingly a charter was asked and obtained of the Grand Lodge of the State on the IGth of September, 1865, for the organization of Anderson Lodge No. 114, F. &

This lodge maintained a separate existence, but met in the hall of Mount Moriah lodge for a number of years, when both organizations were consolidated. From tiie date of the organization of Mount Moriah lodge up to April, 189G, the Masonic fraternity in Anderson had no permanent home and the meetings of the order were held at various places, the last hall occupied by the lodge previous to the dedication of tiie new Masonic temple on Meridian street being the third story of the building at the south-east corner of Main and Eighth streets, which for many years was known as Union hall.

Anderson Commandery is one of the finest of its kind in the country. Since its charter was granted its membership has steadily increased until it now numbers 137 Sir Knights, many of whom reside in difierent parts of the county. It is one of the organizations of which, not only the citizens of Anderson, but of the cour.ty, are justly proud. One of its members, the Hon. W. T. Durbin. has the distinguished honor of being the present Right Eminent Grand Commander of the State.

The present oflicers of Anderson Commandery are Jos. L. Schalk, E. C. ; George B. Wheelock, G. ; Edward R. Prather. C. G. A sketch of this commandery will be found elsewhere.

The New M.Vsonic Temple

Ground was broken for this stately edifice in March, 1895, the corner stone was laid by J. A. Thompson on the 21st of May following, and on the 2i]d of ^larch, 1896, it was formally dedicated. The building is four stories high, the front constructed of stone and the architecture both graceful and artistic. The rooms devoted to lodge purposes are finished and appointed in elegant style, particularly the main hall, which is one of the finest in Indiana, if not in the entire country. The ceiling is arched and a pretty gallery extends along tilt- north, south and west siiles of tlie liall and at an elevation that alTord.s a line view, to those wiio occupy it, of all that is going on below. .V spacious bani[uet hall is situated in the second story, where the order can entertain its guests, in that sumptuous style for which it is so justly noted, without inconvenience or unnecessary expense, as a kitchen supplied with .1 range and all other appliances and utensils necessary to a well-regulated culinary department is situated upon the same floor. The rooms upon the first or ground floor are used for business pur]50ses, and the froni rooms of the second story for offices. The building was erected at a cost of .'j!40, ()()(). ft is the finest in the county and members of the Masonic fraternity are justified in feeling proud of it.

Okder Of The Eastern Star

A lodge of this branch or degree of ^Masonry was first established in Anderson many years ago, and flourished for a while, but finally passed out of existence. On the H5tli of April, 1804, a new lodge was organized, of .whicli ISfrs. W. A. Kittinger was elected Worthy Matron. The order is, at the present time, in a prosperous condition.

Anderson Lodge, No. Uil, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the ISth of April, 185:5, and was the first lodge of that order organized in the county. The first officers of the lodge were, (j. R. Diven, X. G. ; R. N. Clark, V. G. ; A. M. Williams, .Sec. ; William Wilson. Treas., all of whom have been called to their reward. The first lodge hall was situated in the second story of the old court house, the same occupied by the Sons of Temperance. This latter order at that time flourished in Anderson, but long since passed out of existence. The Odd Fellows previous to had no permanent home, but in that year they joined with the owners of the lot where the present Odd Fellows' block is situated and erected a building, the order owning the third story. This building, along with others on tne " West Side," burned on the 27th of May, 1875, but was rebuilt in the autumn antl winter following. The hall of Anderson lodge is well adapted to the purpose for which it is used, being centrally located, ample in size, well ventilated and possessing other advantages that render it one of the best lodge rooms in the State. It is also the home of .Star Encampment No. 84, I. O. O. F., and

Daughters of Rebekah. Anderson Lodge, No. i;il, lias been honored twice in its history by the Grand Lodge of tiie State, two of its members having been chosen Grand Master, namely : The Hon. W. R. Myers and the Hon. M. A. Chipman, the latter being the present incumbent of that ofHce.

Witliin Star Encampment was organized a uniform rank, known at the time as the '- Uniformed Patriarchs "' that became famous in the "80s on account of its proficiency in military tactics. An account of this once famous company's achievements in drill contests will be found elsewhere in tiiis \\ ork.

Ononga Tribe, Inijjroved Order of i<ed Men, was organized in 1,S74, with twenty-two charter members. The tribe was not \ery prosperous for some time after it was organized, but in 1877-88 there were a great many accessions to the membership, and the order to-day is the strongest in point of numbers in Anderson. From Ononga Tribe have sprung a lodge of the Daughters of Pocahontas, and Mingo and Kamula tribes. Mingo was instituted October 19, 1892, and Kamala October 18, 1893. Both tribes have a large and active membership, and are in a prosperous condition. The Red men of Anderson and Madison countv, like the Odd Fellows, have been honored by having one of their number chosen by the Grand Lodge of tiie State as its chief oflicer, the Hon. Alfred Fllison. ex-judge of the ^Madison Circuit court, ha\ ing been elected to the office of Great Sachem of Indiana.

Knights Of Pythias

There are two lodges of this order in Anderson, and the membership of both is large and influential. Anderson Lodge, No. 106, was instituted January 2(5, 1883, with twenty-one charter members. It now has a membership of 200 Knights and is steadily growing. A uniformed rank was organized in the summer of 1889 composed of thirtj'-two members. This is one of the finest organizations connected with the order in the State, but of late has not been very active. Anderson Lodge owns its own Castle hall, one of the largest and handsomest in the city. This hall occupies the third story of the Donnelly block on Meridian street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, and was dedicated with great ceremony November 23, 1894. A grand banquet followed the ceremonies at which Judge Alfred Ellison acted as toast master and

Banner Lodge, No. 41(), K. of P., was iiistituteil on the 17th of April, 1895, with eighty charter members. The lodge now has about 135 members, and is in a satisfactory condition, financially and otherwise. The meetings of the lodge are held in the Elks' hall, at the northwest corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.

This lodge was instituted in Anderson on the ]f-!th of January, IMKK with sixty-eight charter members. It is benevolent and fraternal, and is gradually increasing its membership, which at the present time numbers seventy in good standing. There is also a lodge of " The Ladies of the Golden Eagle." which is largely composed of the wives, daughters and sisters of the members of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Ladies whose husbands are not members of the order are eligible to membership in this order, however. The lodge is known as " Hope Temple Lodge, No. 3, Ladies of the Golden Eagle. " Both lodges meet in the same hall which is situated in the third storj' of the Newsom block on Meridian, between Seventh and Eighth streets.

The Ohder Of Elks

Anderson Lodge, No. 2(KI. B. P. O. E., was organized c)n the 30th of June, 1891, with thirty-one charter members. The ceremonies of organization and initiation were performed in Odd Fellow's Ilall and immediately following the exercises a banquet was spread on the stage of Doxey Music Ilall. The lodge has about one hundred active members and is in a verv prosperous condition. The idea of establishing a lodge of Elks at Anilerson originated with R. 11. Cokefair, C. K. Mc- Cullough, and H. B. Ileineman. The meetings of the lodge are held in IClks" Hall, situated in the third story of the Halter block at the northwest corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.

Knights Of The M.Vc'Cahees

Anderson Tent, Xo. 39, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted at Anderson December 18, 1890. with forty charter members. The Order is social, fraternal and beneficial. The membership is not increasing as rapidly perhaps as in other organizations, for the reason that no special effort has been

Tiik Tribe Of Ben Hur

Idernee Court, No. 2(5, was organized March 25, 1895, with seventy-five charter members. The meetings of this lodge are held in the same room occupied by the Knigiits of the Golden Eagle. The lodge is gradually increasing its membership.

Inited American Mechanics

A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson on December 19, 1894. with forty-three charter menibers. It is social and benevolent in its character. The meetings of this lodge are also held in the hall of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

Modern Woodmen Ok America

Oak Leaf Camp, No. 8690, was organized in March, 1S9G, with twenty charter members. The membership is steadily increasing. The ineetings of the order are held in the Newsom block on Xorth Meridian street.

Wood.Men Of The World

Hemlock Camp, No. 18, was organized March 7, 1892, with eleven charter members. The order is fraternal and benevolent. The meetings of the Camp are held in the Hancock building, on West Ninth street, between Meridian and Jackson.

Anderson Council, No. 5, Junior Order American Mechanics, was organized in June, 1891, the charter being granted on the 17th of that month and year. The lodge organized with thirty-eight charter members. The organization is in a healthy condition and growing. The Daughters of America are a branch of this order and have a lodge which meets in the J. O. U. A. M. hall, in the Hancock block.

Eqjlitari.E Aid Union

.Vnderson L'nion, No. 548, was organized October li5, 1895, with twelve charter members. The lodge now has a large membership and is growing rapidly. The order is social, fraternal and beneficial. The lodge meets in the Hancock building.

A lodtre of this order was established in Anderson May is, 1875, with eighteen charter members. The lodge at present is in a prosperous condition. Its meetings are held in the Leib block, on the corner of Meridian and Tenth streets. I'p to the present time $^;5, ()()() in benefits have been paid to the relatives of deceased meniliers of this lodge in Anilerson.

Anderson Division, \o. I, Ancient Order of Hibernians, was organized September 7, IStll, with eighteen members. The society now has fiftv-two active members. The society also has a number of honorary members, who are entitled to the social pri\ileges of the lodge room onlv. The meetings of the society are held at ]iresent in the basement of the Catholic Church.

St. Marj-'s Hrancii. No. (146, was instituted in March, 1801, with twenty-one charter members. The membership, as the name of the order indicates, is confined to Catholics. '1 he lodge is in a \ ery prosperous condition and is growing rapidly. St. Mary's Commandery, No. 640, C. K. of A., was organized June 8, 1895, with thirty-six members. At the present time the roll bears the names of fifty-seven Knights, and the membership is rapidly increasing. It is conceded that this commandery is one of the finest in tiie State, both as to appearance and proliciencv in militarj- maniruvres.

Knights And Ladies Of Iionok

A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson, September 22. J81I4, with twenty charter members. The meetings of the lodge are held in Cook's hall, at the northwest corner of Main and Twelfth streets.

Sons Of St. George Knights Of The Ancient Essknic Order

A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson. August 23, 1895, with fifty-two charter members. The order is social, fraternal and benevolent. The meetings of the lodge are held at the Elks" hall at the north-west corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.

The Druids

A lodge of this order was instituted in Anderson, Tulv 22, 1896, but owing to a lack of interest on the part of the membership in its success, was shortlived. After several meetings had been held it became apparent that the lodge could not succeed, audit was taken by consent that the charter should be surrendered. This was accordingly done and the lodge passed out of existence.

Anderson lodge, No. 5, Order of Lincoln, was organized September 22, 1896, with thirty charter members. The order is social, literary and patriotic. The lodge has forty members at the present time, and is in a prosperous condition. The tirst officers of the organization were. Dr. F. J. Hodges, president; J. C. Teegarden, secretary, and H. C. Ryan, treasurer.

Major May Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized September 18, 1883, at the court house with seventvone charter members. The meetings of the post were held in various halls for a number of years, but in 1895, an arrangement was effected with Major Charles T. Do.xey which secured a permanent home for the organization as long as it exists. The post hall occupies the entire second story of the building situated at the north-west corner of Central avenue and Xinth streets and is one of the most commodious in the city. It was completed in May, 1890, and while affording tiie local G. .\. R. an asj-lum of which the membership can feel justly prouil. \\ ill stand as a monument to the generosity of Major Doxey.

social, literary and militarj' cliaracter. Among these are the Colnmbia Rifles, or Company C, of the Indiana National (jiiard : Major Doxey Camp, Sons of Veterans ; the Anderson Club, Columbia Club, Fortnightly Club, Epworth League, Y. P. S. C. E., Y. M. C. A., Edgerlie Chib, Clio Club and Anderson Athletic Club.

In closing this chapter the fact is noted that Rev. J. A. McGlone, the popular rector of Trinity Episcopal Church is connected ofhciallv with seven of the foregoing secret orders and with a number of others in an unofficial capacity. He is also at the head of the organized charities of Anderson where his efforts in behalf of the worthy poor ha\e been in the highest degree praiseworthy and successful.