1850 - 1864
During the first ten years of Doylestown Lodge No. 245, meetings were critical to its continued existence. Communication, transportation and demographics were not what we have in the 21st century. Grand Lodge was also in a developmental stage. This, in turn, created concerns about financing, membership, operating procedures and establishing a permanent temple. Meetings were held at Temperance Hall on East State Street all twelve months of the year, on the first Monday before the full moon. A Warrant was granted on August 27, 1850 under the by-laws of Benevolent Lodge No. 168 (inactive) and endorsed by Charter Lodge No. 190 of Norristown. A list of Doylestown Lodge No. 245 officers was placed in the comer stone of the New Masonic Hall laid November 21, 1853 by the Grand Lodge officers. There were many petitions during the years 1853 to 1857 at which time the first Altar Bible was presented to the Lodge. On April 8, 1857, Beneficial Hall was purchased for $2545.00 and on May 8th, the RW.Grand Master visited to review the Lodge minutes for the previous years. The first stated meeting in Beneficial Hall was held in January 1858 with dedication of the hall by Grand Lodge on October 28, 1858. The Washington letter were framed and presented to the Lodge. This same year Grand Lodge required that all old business be conducted in a Master Masons' Lodge. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became president and for the next four years the Lodge continued to process petitions and conduct Lodge business twelve months a year.
1865-1879
During this fifteen year segment, the minutes reveal information regarding the history of our Country as well as the Lodge itself. The Post Civil War years recorded Lodge donations to the relief of our "Suffering Brethren:", in 1871 for yellow fever victims, in 1875 for help as a result of the grasshopper plague in Kansas, and in 1878 for aid to the South and Southwest portions of the Country. During this same time period, the Nation recorded the assassination of President Lincoln, the purchase of Alaska, the completion of the Suez Canal and the first Transcontinental railroad. Also recorded were the invention of the telephone by AG. Bell and the phonograph and electric light by Edison. Meetings were still held the first Monday preceding the full moon all twelve months of the year. The meeting times varied from 7 to 11 :30 P.M. with special meetings called at various times of the day to hold "funeral services." Lodge lighting progressed from candles to kerosene to gas. "Traveling Certificates" were necessary to visit lodges in other states. In 1867 the Lodge elected a representative (Worshipful Master or Past Master) to Grand Lodge. During this same year, the Lodge aprons were repaired and the By-Laws approved and printed. They are recorded in minute book No.2, pp. 168-172. The year 1872 saw the beginning of the inclusion of "letters of instruction to the District Deputy" which outlined duties and responsibilities of the Deputy at lodges in his Grand Lodge jurisdiction. Letters were also exchanged among the 7 lodges in Pennsylvania concerning members who were suspended or expelled as well as requests for "brethren in need". In 1895 our Lodge purchased new officer aprons, collars and jewels. By 1897 there were 91 active members of whom 80% attended the December election. It should be noted that several hundred had enrolled by this time, but many "passings," suspensions and demits to start Lodge No. 410, Hatboro and Lodge No. 427, Newtown had occurred. In reviewing the ages of 100 of our Lodge Brethren over this 15-year span, it was found that the average age of initiates was 30.5 years. The occupations of these Brethren were reflective of the time and insights into the changes taking place in the Doylestown area. The following are some examples: teacher, lawyer, engineer, physician, veterinary surgeon, farmer, watchmaker, hotel keeper, tinsmith, sheriff, merchant, butcher, laborer, carpenter, baker, house painter, harness maker, tailor, miller, drover, printer, hatter, clerk, real estate, bartender, gospel, carriage painter, supervisor Delaware Canal, milk agent N.P.R.R., and the keeper of Temperance House in Newtown.
R.T.B.
1880-1894
The end of the 80's and the beginning of the 90's marked the end of one era and the beginning of another. Our country was experiencing record industrial expansion and the development of the arts and sciences. Many individuals amassed private fortunes yet mass poverty existed throughout the country. New By-Laws were approved and moneys donated to the fire victims in Michigan. The Lodge banquet hall was established and an iron fence added to the front of the property. . An extensive undertaking involved repairs, refurbishing and refinishing the Lodge. This work completed in 1884. During this same period of time, Brother James A. Garfield and President was assassinated, the first skyscraper was built in Chicago, the Barnum and Bailey circus was formed and the Wild West Show with Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull were entertaining the masses. Jessie James was shot, and Cornelius Vanderbilt and former President U.S. Grant passed away. Pennsylvania was the leader in the iron ore, coal and logging industries as well as locomotive production at the Altoona PRR works. In 1886 each Lodge held a celebration for the Centennial Anniversary of the Independence of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Lodge purchased swords, belts and scabbards and a committee formed to solicit pictures of all Past Masters. June 1889 moneys were donated in for the victims of the Johnstown flood. In the Nation, the Statue of Liberty was completed, ALCOA was formed in Pittsburgh, ten million immigrants entered the country, trolley cars carried over 184 million passengers, John Wanamaker opened the largest store in the nation, H.J. Heinz Co. was formed and Philadelphia controlled 45% of the manufacturing business. In February 1890 the framing, lettering and display of the Past Masters' pictures were completed. A "Committee on Instruction" was appointed to examine candidates in the Lodge before each degree as per Grand Lodge letter but was changed by 1893. Walks were added, and the outside of the building was plastered and painted. In 1894, the Lodge secured a "policy of Insurance" for five years. Lodge No. 246 of Philadelphia presented a gift of two ashlars. As a rule there were no August meetings scheduled. The Nations wealth by 1890 was 65 billion with a population of 63 million persons with 46 million persons east of the Mississippi River. Lumber mills, Portland cement, and lime kilns were common terms. Ellis Island was opened in 1892, and the Carnegie Steel Co. was producing 30% of the Nations steel. By 1894, the Westinghouse Co. had installed generators at Niagara Falls and the Baldwin Locomotive Works opened in Philadelphia. Lodge was indeed in the midst of a new era.
1895-1909
Our Lodge continued to increase its membership to 221 members by 1909, with stated meetings held as a "moon lodge." Special meetings were called for funerals and transportation as a group, was by train or horse carriage to the funeral. The years 1895-1899 included events such as "skyscrapers," The Marconi radio, The Spanish American War, Hawaii annexed, and the pasteurization of milk along with continued growth in population and virtually all industries. In July the 50th Anniversary Committee recommended celebrating the date. The Lodge was constituted at the annual meeting in November. One hundred members and fifteen guests attended this meeting and a special program was given to the celebration which encompassed the history of the Lodge during the first 50 years. Here is an excerpt from that presenation: "Such, in brief, brethren, is some of the history of Doylestown Lodge of Freemasons. For fifty years it has existed and been actively engaged in work. The founders built on a strong and excellent foundation. Their successors have erected a temple worthy of the Fraternity. Thus the heritage from the fathers comes to the hands of their successors with the growth and gain that are the evidences of life and vitality." This same year, several resolutions were adopted of which one was quoted: "Resolved, that Doylestown Lodge No. 245 F. & A.M. may place upon record the recognition of the death of President William McKinley, at the City of Buffalo, N.Y. on the 14th day of September, 1901, as a cause of national grief and great public loss." On February 1st, 1902 the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia was opened daily to visitors. On November 14, a reproduction of Washington's apron was sent to our Lodge for framing and display. From 1903 to 1909 several events of note took place such as the Wright Brothers flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C., Pullman automobiles at York, PA and the production of Hershey Chocolate.
1910-1924
World shaping events, scientific advancements and social changes influenced this time period. World War I, air mail, automobiles, the sinking of the Titanic, along with phrases such as "Modern Society", "Roaring 20's and dream Palaces" to name but a few. In September 1911, Blue Lodges held celebrations commemorating the Grand Lodge's 125th anniversary of its independence as a Grand Lodge. The cornerstone for the "Grand Lodge Hall" in Elizabethtown was dedicated." The Pennsylvania Sproul Road Act of 1911 established the State highway Department, and by 1912 New Mexico and Arizona were added as States, the Titanic sank and the E. Budd Co. of Ardmore was producing high speed rail cars. In 1914 Henry Ford used an assembly line to mass produce cars, the Panama Canal was opened and World War I began in Europe. On December 8, 1916, the Lodge held its annual dinner in the "Fountain House" (Historic Building in Doylestown) with 20 Past Masters, 131 Members and 16 visitors in attendance. By this year Americans owned 3,500,000 automobiles, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce was founded and Sun Ship Building began it's operations. In 1917 the United States was involved in the "Prussian Revolution" for which our Lodge donated to the Red Cross, purchased an American Flag, expended $300.00 for "Second Liberty Loan Bonds", donated $161.00 to the Grand Lodge "War Relief Fund," and by resolution authorized a Veteran "Lodge Masonic Identification Medal". IThe Lodge purchased $625 in "War Savings Stamps" and the Federal Air Mail Service began official operations. The next year saw mass movement of citizens to the cities thereby ushering in the "Roaring Twenties" along with "prohibition". By this time the cornerstone for the "George Washington Masonic National Memorial' had been dedicated and the Masonic census recorded 2 million 700 thousand Masons on its national roster. It is respectfully noted that this segment of our lodge minutes has reflected changes and events which ushered in the "Modern Society".
1925- 1939
The 75th Anniversary of our Lodge was celebrated in 1925. This year also ushered in the "Golden Age of Radio Broadcasting", the minimum wage was raised to $5 per day, and permanent flying fields were hosts to the "Barnstormers." In 1926 "daylight saving time" became an issue with the members of our Lodge, and commercial air passenger service began. On May 13, 1927 Lodge members donated to the relief of people made homeless due to the Mississippi flood, and on November 11 a War Memorial was dedicated by Grand Lodge at Elizabethtown. This same year saw Charles Lindbergh make his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, and the "Jazz Singer" was the first successful motion picture "talkie." The years 1928 to 1930 recorded Admiral Richard Byrd's first Antarctic expedition, the Stock Market crash ushering in the "Great Depression years," and the "Dust Bowl" desolation of the Country's midsection. The Grand Lodge's celebration of the Bi-Centennial of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania and on October 19 of that year, Lodge No. 245 and Lodge No. 410 met in Doylestown for a Grand Lodge designated joint celebration. There were 88 members from Doylestown Lodge No. 245, 98 members from W. K. Bray Lodge No. 410 and 29 visitors present. From 1931 to 1939 our lodge did not hold meetings during July and August and the Annual Dinner was held as part of the December Stated Meeting. In 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for the first of four terms as President. The "New Deal" program was started to end the Depression and "Prohibition" was repealed. The Johnstown flood of 1936 brought devastation to that town in Western Pennsylvania. Several major events from 1937 to 1938 were the creation of the Pennsylvania Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the Civilian Pilot Training Program and the first flights of the U.S. Air Mail "pick-up" service. On March 1st 1939, Grand Lodge issued its "Declaration of Principles" and on the 13th day of October the Altar, presently used by our Lodge, was presented. It was also the year of the New York "World's Fair" and the beginning of World War II with troops entering Poland.
1940-1954
The "Era of Electricity" is used to describe the many changes within our society during this decade. All American Aviation linked 54 cities in Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania turnpike "tunnel system" west of Harrisburg was opened to traffic. With the advent of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States entered World War II. In 1942 the Grand Lodge established "The Masonic Military and Service Committee" and issued guidelines on securing the warrant and minutes in case of an "air raid". Our Lodge leased the Fellowship Hall in May of 1943 to the War Price and Ration Board No.269-3 (Federal Office of Price Administration). Lodge events, refreshments and dinners were held at other locations for the duration of the lease which ended in 1947. World War II ended in 1945, with the development and use of nuclear weapons inaugurating the nuclear standoff of the Cold War. The Grand Lodge issued an edict in 1946 regarding the disposition of members, within the Pennsylvania jurisdiction, made Masons while in the Armed Forces. It was during this time that the transistor was invented and became the heart of electronic devices. This was also the era of the Truman Doctrine. The 100th Anniversary of our Lodge was celebrated on November 17, 1950 with 23 Past Masters, 92 members and 43 visitors in attendance.
During this same year, the Grand Lodge began the distribution of three Pamphlets beginning with "On the Threshold". It was also the year in which the Korean War began along with the onset of the McCarthy Era. In 1951 the Grand Lodge initiated the Flag ceremony and prayer "in commemoration of those who are in the Armed Forces of the United States" to be carried out as Part of each stated meeting. In 1953 the banquet hall was painted and repairs to the furnace and building were made.
1955-1969
The world became the home base for the new pioneers of this "Aerospace Age". The first space satellite, "Sputnik" was placed in orbit in 1957 which forever changed our concept of space conquest. There were several building repairs completed by 1956 to the roof and heating system. At this same time the Grand Lodge increased assessments, member fees and changed the "War Relief Fund" to the "Emergency" fund. They also decreed that all "Charges" were to be done by memory. In 1959 Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th States. In 1961 Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr.was the first American in space. This was followed in 1962 by the Cuban missile crisis. That year the Lodge banquet was held at Central Bucks High School West and it also was the last year that the Lodge minutes were recorded in pen and ink. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. In 1965 American combat troops entered the Vietnam War. Our Lodge initiated the "Mason of the Year" award in 1966. On November 11, Brother Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. piloted the Gemini spacecraft. The Past Masters' pictures were re-photographed in 1967. Manned space exploration also began in 1969 with the Apollo 11 spacecraft piloted by Neil A. Armstrong and Brother Edwin E. Aldrin as copilot. Astronaut Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon and he said: One small step for man, a giant leap for mankind". Eleven of the fifteen Past Masters from our Lodge during this time segment are living testaments to these recorded events.
1970-1984
The 125th Anniversary of our Lodge and the 200th Anniversary of the United States came to pass during these fifteen years. On May 8, 1970 Eastern Star No.327 was granted approval to use the Lodge for their activities and meetings. The 26th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution was passed in 1971 setting the voting age at 18 years. In 1974 President Richard Nixon resigned and by 1975 the Vietnam War was officially ended. This was also the year of our Lodge's 125th Anniversary. A special meeting was held on October 18, 1975 wherein a new set of officer aprons was presented and a 50 star National flag. A 125th Anniversary printed booklet was also distributed. The banquet was held that evening at The Dublin Fire House. The 200th Anniversary of the United States was celebrated in 1976 with a Table Lodge held at Doylestown in July of that year. In 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia was launched and our country was experiencing a recession comparable to the same event in the 1930's. The name of the Neshaminy Valley Chapter Order of the DeMolay was changed to the Doylestown Chapter in 1982. As a consequence of an edict from the Grand Lodge, a motion was approved on September 10, 1982 to authorize the Washington, Past Masters' and Secretaries' pictures to be displayed on the Lodge room walls.
1985-1999
This final fifteen year segment brings our Lodge history to the Sesquicentennial year 2000 which was noted in the January Lodge Notice. There were 466 members in 1985 with dues set at $24.00. Nationally, Ronald Reagan was elected President. In 1986 By-Law amendments were approved, and an air conditioning unit was installed in the Lodge. A new American flag and flag pole were purchased. This was also the Bicentennial of the signing of the United States Constitution. At the September 9 Stated Meeting, a resolution was passed to restore the Lodge Charter and on November 11 to establish an escrow fund for the Sesquicentennial. A motion was passed to restore four deacon benches at a cost of $1000.00 and to appropriate $5253.00 to insulate, paint, add carpet and repair the stone wall. It was this year that George Bush was elected President. In 1990 the slate was removed from the Lodge roof, plywood and 30 year shingles added and the tine roof painted. Maddox Studios was approved to make replacement photographs of the older Past Master's pictures in 1991. By 1992 the dues were $39.00 and in 1993 the Lodge furnace was replaced at a cost of $2057.00. A resolution was approved to present a Past Master's apron to a Past Master who served more than one year as Master of this Lodge. Grand Lodge required Stated Meetings to be held this year. This was the first year of "0" suspensions for our Lodge and the first year to accept dual memberships authorized by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
2000
The Lodge history for the sesquicentennial year is included in the January 2001 Lodge Notice in order to include events through December 27, 2000. Previous years were presented in ten fifteen year segments beginning with the year 1850. Information was derived from over 7000 pages of Lodge minutes and interspersed with historical events in order to offer each Brother an insight into 150 years of dedicated service by our membership to Masonry in general and our Lodge in particular. Lodge membership in the year 2000 averaged 418. Prior to January 2000 a new Lodge cover design, logo and pin were adopted by the Lodge and approved by Grand Lodge. The January 2000 Stated Meeting was preceded by a dinner in which the Worshipful Master pledged to: "give guidance and support to all endeavors which will strengthen our fraternity". Fifty Brethren attended the February Stated Meeting in spite of the ice and cold weather. One of our brothers, presented a Masonic flag to the Lodge which is on display in the Lodge of Refreshment. At the March Stated Meeting the Sesquicentennial Committee presented the Lodge with new aprons and collars for all officers. In April a dinner was held prior to the Stated Meeting. Our May Stated Meeting was highlighted by a program on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. An Extra Meeting was held on Saturday, May 20 in the Washington Memorial Lodge at Alexandria, VA for conferring a Master Mason's degree. Each of the Degree Team participants signed a copy of the Lodge Notice which is framed and on display. Scholarships were presented to several students. Our annual Memorial Day pancake breakfast was held on May 29 and was well attended. The Lodge Officers participated in the parade carrying our Anniversary banner. The June Stated Meeting program honored the Past Masters. Each Past Master in attendance was presented with a specially cast Pennsylvania Past Master's tile. In August the annual Doylestown Lodge Golf Outing was a success. Each player received a 150th Anniversary logo golf ball and enjoyed an early evening dinner roast. Our Lodge recognized the Masonic Brothers in attendance who were Veterans. It was announced that the final Sesquicentennial addition to the Lodge will be a Masonic mural. The Worshipful Master concluded the meeting with remarks concerning his year as Worshipful Master and expressed appreciation for the confidence the Lodge had placed in him. The 150th year ended in the Lodge of Refreshment with over fifty Brothers enjoying Anniversary cake, companionship, good fellowship and above all the practice of Masonic Brotherhood.
R.T.B.
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