Mount Moriah History from 1853 to 1978

1861 - The Civil War Years
W.M. - Charles C. Buzby

S.W. – Henry A. Perrine

J.W. - William F. Frazer

Several of the Brethren who were suspended for NPD, were reinstated upon payment.

Charity is said to begin at home, but Mount Moriah Lodge did not limit its charity there. During the year, it extended $8.00 relief to a Brother of a New York Lodge, $5.00 to a Brother of a Lodge in Ireland, and $10.00 to a Pennsylvania Mason, who was blind and unable to earn a livelihood.
A member was accused of un-masonic conduct and a Committee appointed to see if charges should be preferred. The Committee reported that they should, and the Senior Warden ordered to prefer them, namely:

1) Deceiving Brethren and uttering falsehoods.

2) Habitual intemperance and neglecting family.

3) Divulging business of the Lodge.

4) Obtaining money under false pretenses.
One month later the charges were sustained and the Brother was expelled.
A Committee was appointed to negotiate a lease renewal of premises for five or ten years.
1862 - The Civil War Years
W.M. - William E. Frazer

S.W. - James Stratton

J.W. - Israel Frazer
Although a great Civil War was raging in the land, its tumult did not often disturb the serenity of the Lodge Room. However, the tragedy of war was brought home to the Lodge when it received the following communication:
Ship Ann E. Thompson

Hatteras Inlet

January 25, 1862
To The W. Master, Wardens and Bros. of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 28 A.F.A.M.:
It becomes my painful duty to inform your Lodge of the decease of Brother Col. Joseph W. Allen, 9th Regt. N.J. Volunteers Burnsides Expedition.

On January 15^th, Brother Allen with several officers of the Regt., started to report at Gen. Reno 2^nd Brigade, and in the afternoon of that day, in attempting to return, the boat was swamped by a large breaker on the bar at the mouth of the Inlet, and Brother Allen, Brother Weller, Surgeon of the Regt. and the 2^nd Mate of the Ship, were drowned. The bodies of the Col. and the Dr. were recovered and taken on shore and buried with the honors of war.

I remain, Fraternally Yours,

Thos. N. Middleton, Capt.

Accompanying the letter was a copy of Resolutions adopted by the officers of the Regiment which show the high regard and esteem in which our Brother Allen was held.

The Lodge also adopted a beautifully composed Resolution which began:

“Whereas, it hath pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe to remove from amongst us our Worthy Brother, Joseph Warner Allen, whilst engaged in the service of his Country.”
“Therefore, resolved, that we the Brethren of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 28 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, have received with unaffected grief the intelligence of the death of a Brother so highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities, both as a man and a Mason, and one whose hand and heart were ever open to aid his fellow man by every means in his power.”
In June, a Committee was appointed to procure a chart for the Lodge, and next month the minute’s state, “The Committee appointed to procure a Masters Carpet reported that they had attended to that duty and presented a bill amounting to $20.00.
At the Annual Communication, Brother Buzby was received in his official capacity as Deputy Grand Master and proceeded to install the officers. Later, “On motion, the Brothers repaired to Brother Thompson’s to partake of refreshment.”

Pictured above, the Masonic gravestone monument in memory of Col. Joseph W. Allen, our Brother who died serving the United States 9th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, Burnsides Expedition (during the American Civil War). The monument was erected by the officers of the 9^th Regiment, in memory of their first commander, and stands in the cemetery of Christ Church graveyard.

1863 - The Civil War Years
W.M. - James Stratton

S.W. - Israel Frazer

J.W. - George Allen
Brother Robert Walker and Brother James Watson each demitted from this Lodge for the purpose of assisting in organizing a Lodge at South Amboy. The Grand Lodge on January 22 warranted St. Stephen’s Lodge No. 63 at that place and Brother Walker became its first Worshipful Master and Brother Watson its first Junior Warden. The interest of Mount Moriah in this new Lodge is demonstrated by this entry, “On motion resolved the old altar and candlesticks be presented to the Lodge about to be organized at South Amboy.” But then someone remembered that the candlesticks had been loaned by Trenton Lodge No. 5 (to the Bordentown Brethren), at the time of our formation, and they were ordered returned.
A perennial problem appeared in this entry, “The Worshipful Master appointed a Committee to confer with the Trustees of the Hall Association as to ventilating the Lodge Room and ascertain the cost.”
At a February meeting, Brother Buzby, now the Deputy Grand Master attended this Lodge and substituted as Tyler!
The Secretary was directed to procure a copy of Mackey’s Manual and a copy of his Masonic dictionary.
The sum of $20.00 was contributed to the children of a deceased Brother.
In May, the Reverend and Brother, Charles W. Dennison, a former member of Mount Moriah, gave a talk on his voyage to Europe. He discussed his reception there on the occasion of his commission to distribute the charity sent to the needy, evidently at Manchester, England. Brother Dennison read a resolution of commendation adopted by a meeting of Masons, convened at that place under the leadership of the Provincial Senior Grand Warden. It is not known who sent this charity, but it was doubtless an attempt to alleviate the distress among the textile mill workers of England. No doubt caused by the Union blockade cutting off the supply of cotton from the South (Confederacy).
Charges were filed against a Brother Fellow Craft Mason of the Lodge, “For taking improper liberties with a Brother Mason’s wife.” The report of the investigating Committee is spread in great detail in the minutes (there are nine pages of testimony taken by the Committee - witnesses were not Masons - with one exception). Then follows two pages of blank paper in the Minutes Book! Evidently the Secretary meant to fill in the result of the affair, but never did. However, minutes of the next year reveal the Brother who had been charged, was examined as to his proficiency in the Fellow Craft Degree, and duly raised to the Degree of Master Mason. Minutes of following years show him in attendance at many meetings.
The sum of $142.30 was received from the Estate of a deceased Brother.

The Grand Master, accompanied by many of his Staff, paid an official visit to Mount Moriah on October 28^th. It was evidently a gala affair, for in addition to a raising and the inevitable talks by distinguished visitors, a banquet appears to have been served - with a bill for $88.00 being paid at a subsequent meeting.

1864 - The Civil War Years
W.M. - James Stratton

S.W. - Israel Frazer

J.W. – Edward P. Buzby
The Lodge paid $3.94 for wood for stoves, and $1.00 to a Brother for splitting and carrying it in.
The Lodge made a contribution of $25.00 to the Sanitary Commission Fund. This organization was created during the Civil War to improve the conditions of the soldiers. Its work was similar to that of the modern Red Cross in time of war. The headquarters of the local unit were in the Hall Association building and boxes were packed here and sent to the front.
Another Charter Member of the Lodge died, Brother William Porter. He had requested a Masonic burial and so the Lodge conducted its first funeral service.
A Committee was appointed to ascertain “the cost of an oil cloth or carpet delineating the various steps.’’
Motion was made to raise the initiation fee from $25.00 to $50.00, and amended to read $35.00, with both motion and amendment withdrawn.
There was a donation of $10.00 to Brearley Lodge No. 2, for the relief of, “An aged widow of a worthy Brother.”
A Committee was appointed to procure a chest for purpose of filing away books and papers of the Lodge, also to procure garments for petitioners, and to have aprons of Lodge cleaned.
The Lodge listened to a very interesting account from Brother John B. Hulse, of the visits made by him to Lodges in San Francisco.
“Relief Committee shall furnish such relief to Brother John Gunter of Philomathea Lodge No. 23, Elberton, Georgia. Brother Gunter met with a severe accident, thereby losing one of his legs, as may be required to make him comfortable (as may be) during his sufferings, he being a worthy Brother and entire stranger in this place.”
1865 - The Civil War Years
W.M. - Israel Frazer

S.W. - John B. Hulse

J.W. - Joseph Wilson
Brother Thomas W. Dunn had been elected Worshipful Master at the Annual Communication on December 14, 1864, and was installed as such, but never served in that capacity. It was discovered that his election violated the Seventh Landmark which states, “The Master of a Lodge, before his election as such, must have served as a Warden.” The Lodge appealed to the Grand Master who declared the election of Brother Dunn void and ordered a new election. Accordingly, on January 11^th the Lodge elected as Master, Brother Israel Frazer, who had served as Senior Warden the two preceding years.
Grand Lodge dues of $35.00 for 1864 were paid.
The Lodge donated $25.00 to the Testimonial Fund for Brother Albert G. Mackey, the distinguished Masonic scholar and historian.
An Act of Incorporation of the Lodge was passed at the last session of the State Legislature.
An amendment to the By-Laws was adopted as follows: “No Brother shall be eligible to any office in this Lodge unless he is square on the Secretary’s books, nor shall anyone, have the right to vote at an election of officers until all his dues have been paid.” (Such a ruling today would be illegal.)
On May 10^th, “A Committee of three was appointed to deck the Lodge in mourning for our late President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and for the Lodge to remain in mourning for 90 days.” At the next meeting a bill for “flags and mourning decorations” was ordered paid.
A communication was received, addressed to the Masonic Fraternity in the United States, making an appeal in behalf of Miss Clara Barton. There is no clue as to the nature of the request.
At one meeting, the Master ordered the reading of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge; after finishing the Grand Master’s Report, a motion was made and passed postponing further reading of the Proceedings. (This was a wise motion!)
On August 31^st, a special communication was called to confer the Entered Apprentice Degree, but after considering the warmness of the weather and the noise below, the Worshipful Master ordered a special communication for September 7^th. The “noise below” arose from a Dancing School held in the large hall on the second floor. A Committee of the Lodge was appointed to wait upon the Hall Trustees concerning the matter. Some satisfactory arrangement must have been made because there are no further references to the school.
Fifty dollars was appropriated for purpose of procuring lamb skins for aprons.
“Masonic objection being made to Mr.-- being made an Entered Apprentice Mason, after discussion a vote was taken to determine whether the objection should be sustained or not. It was not sustained.”
1866



W.M. -John B. Hulse

S.W. - Thomas W. Dunn

J.W. - William R. Haffelfinger
“Master requested to communicate to Master of Concordia Lodge (Philadelphia), regarding the un-Masonic conduct of one of their number. Brother -- charged with slandering the good name of another Brother of the Lodge. A Committee was appointed to investigate, and upon its report he was found guilty (by the Lodge). Motion to expel lost; motion to be suspended for one year and then to attend Lodge for purpose of being publicly reprimanded passed.
The Secretary was authorized to purchase for the Lodge an engraving of “Washington as Master of a Masonic Lodge.”
There was a visit by the Grand Master on September 12^th.

1867



W.M. -John B. Hulse
S.W. -Joseph Wilson

J.W. - Robert Julien
A Cabinet organ was purchased for $120.00.

Our Lodge united with Burlington Lodge in paying one half the funeral expenses of Brother -- (a Delaware Mason), who died in indigent circumstances and was buried near this city (Total expense $32.00 - Funeral Director Brothers of the Lodge take notice.)

A Committee was appointed to procure an umbrella stand for ante-room.

A Brother was charged with intemperance, “At which time he was accustomed to display himself in the most public places, thereby inciting the contempt of those who witnessed it, and in at least one instance throwing glass ware about in such a way as to make it dangerous to be near him.” He was found guilty, but the motion to expel was lost, a motion to suspend indefinitely was lost, but a motion carried for reprimand in open Lodge, which was done at subsequent meeting by the Worshipful Master. Also at this subsequent meeting, the Brother who had been suspended for one year was reprimanded in open Lodge, and received back into the fold.

A visit on October 29^th, by the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Junior Grand Warden, “Who respectively addressed the Lodge on the condition of the work as used in this Lodge and upon other topics of interest to the Craft.”

Brother Moore of Ecuador, South America, delivered a lecture on evidences of Masonry as found among the South American Indians. A donation of $6.00 was made to him.

1868
W.M. - Joseph Wilson

S.W. - Fred C. Wiese

J.W. - George L. Suydam

A motion passed that all emergent communications of the Lodge shall be advertised in the “Bordentown Register.”

After some discussion, a proposal was lost to buy a coal stove of the latest pattern for heating the Lodge Room.
On May 13^th, visiting Brethren whose purpose it was to apply for a charter for a Masonic Lodge at New Egypt. Mount Moriah being the nearest Lodge to that place, they asked to be allowed to exemplify the work in our Lodge. The Worshipful Master and the Secretary signed their petition to the Grand Lodge.
On August 26^th, the Grand Lecturer, Brother Meade, was present and the Lodge exemplified the Fellowcraft Degree. “Brother Meade expressed his approbation of the manner in which the work was gone through, correcting a few errors.” (The last four words in the entry have been lined out.)
Grand Master Henry R. Cannon and other Grand Officers were present on October 14^th. On behalf of this Lodge, the Grand Master presented a gold headed cane to Right Worshipful Brother Robert C. Buzby, as a testimonial of the respect and esteem of the Brethren. This was followed by a supper with more than fifty people present (cost of the supper was $24.40).
Then there was this interesting excerpt, “The Lodge paid the expense of putting one of Brother -- boys in the State Reform School at Jamesburg.”
1869
W.M. - Joseph Wilson

S.W. - Fred C. Wiese

J.W. - Benjamin Ross
There was a purchase of two new “cable tows” for $3.00.
The Mount Moriah Chapter of Royal Arch Masons rented the adjoining room and tendered to the Lodge the outer rooms for use of candidates, etc.
The Stewards were directed to proceed as is customary upon the occasion of visitation of Grand Officers in preparing supper, etc.
Several Brethren urged the necessity of having the stairway cleaned.
Funeral expenses of $44.11 for a Brother were ordered paid, together with carriage hire of $12.00.
1870
W. M. - Frederic C. Wiese

S.W. - Moses Wolf

J. W. - Joseph W. Allen
There was a motion made that cards or notices be filled in by the Lodge Secretary, notifying members of the applicant names for membership - the motion was not approved.
The Trustees were authorized to loan $300.00 of Lodge funds out to the best advantages.
Bodies occupying the adjoining rooms (e.g. Chapter and Commandery), were granted the privilege to use the Lodge Room and that they should retain the closet built (by them) in the ante-room.
The City Hall Association consented to have $20.00 expended for the cleaning of stairway, and the same to be deducted from rent of two rooms.
1871
W.M. - Frederic C. Wiese

S.W. - Moses Wolf

J.W. - Edwin S. Buzby
There was an appeal received from the Grand Master for relief of Brethren in Chicago, suffering as a result from the great fire in that city (members voted $50.00). Also, “The Lodge being informed by one of the Brethren that a Relief Committee of the citizens of Bordentown was also soliciting aid for the sufferers.” The Lodge donated an additional $25.00 to that Committee.
A motion was passed that the Minutes of Grand Lodge were to be bound in leather.
The Secretary’s salary was increased to $50.00.
Grand Lodge dues for the year were $69.00.
A motion was passed for a supper to be provided on the evening of St. John’s Day, and each member attending, to pay one dollar. At the next meeting, the motion was amended to have the Lodge pay the bill. (The bill for that supper was $39.39.)
1872
W.M. - Moses Wolf

S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J.W. - William C. Wilson
The Lodge purchased, “A book to record the names of such of the Brethren as desire to be buried with Masonic honors.”
An inquiry was made to the Grand Master as to the Masonic jurisdiction of Florence.
There was a Sunday excursion of the Brethren and their families to Central Park, New York, and a trip up the East River. There were 197 tickets sold, at $2.50. (The Lodge made up the deficit.)
Our Lodge welcomed a visiting Brother from a Lodge in Hawaii.
1873
W.M. - Moses Wolf

S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J.W. - William Watson
The Lodge Organist was directed to have the organ “put in order.”
Right Worshipful Brother Buzby gave a talk about, “Speaking on the beauties of the Fellowcraft Degree, desiring the Brethren to give it more attention, and to not lightly pass it by.”
The Lodge purchased three Monitors for the use of officers in the Lodge Room (only).
The annual rent for the premises was raised to $75.00.
There was notice from Tuckerton Lodge, advising of the mysterious disappearance of its Worshipful Master.
At a Funeral Service held on a Sunday, there were 57 members present, and 11 visitors. “The Lodge proceeded to late Brother’s residence, carried his body to the Beverly Station and taken by train, where the last solemn rites were duly administered.”

The total expenses for the year were $573.00, of which $226.00 (39%) were for charity. There were 24 regular, and 7 special communications, 14 membership petitions were received, of which 9 were elected, 2 rejected, 2 withdrawn, and 1 still open. Membership cost was 135.00.

1874
W.M. - William C. Wilson

S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J.W. - William Watson
A salary of $12.00 per year was voted to the Organist.
A miscellaneous bill of $2.50 was paid for repairs to urinating basin.
Donations of $25.00 were sent to Louisiana for relief of victims of the Mississippi River flood.
“Brother -- who has been sick for some time was much worse and required someone to sit up and take care of him every night.” Two Brethren were assigned for this purpose each night for the next 15 days. The Relief Committee was ordered to provide continuing service.
There were 13 petitions received during the year, 8 of which were elected, 3 rejected and 2 withdrawn.


1875
W.M. - William C. Wilson

S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J.W. - John 0. Hudson
The Gas bill for January was $1.20.
Communication was received from Brother -- stating he would like to borrow $50.00 from the Lodge for one year on interest - this was granted.
We conducted a Funeral Service at Bordentown, for a member of Harmony Lodge at Toms River.
There was a, “Committee appointed to settle the grievance between Brother -- and another Brother of the Lodge. It was reported the difficulty had been amicably settled between the parties.”

The request of Pyramid Lodge was granted for the waiver of territorial jurisdiction over a man living near Recklesstown (known today as Chesterfield).

A stereopticon with slides was purchased for $51.25.
The Tyler was ordered to buy two dozen fans for use in the Lodge. (This was one way to solve the ventilating problem.)
There was a communication from the “Masonic Board of Relief of Kansas City,” asking for a donation towards relieving distress and suffering caused by the ravages of grasshoppers in that section of the country. Lodge members donated $10.00.
The Tyler was ordered to have leaks in the gas pipes repaired.
Another minister of the Gospel had his initiation fee waived.
At one raising there were 40 members and 51 visitors present; 29 of the latter being from Fraternal Lodge at Trenton. After the meeting participants, “Proceeded to the Hotel of Brother Levi Davis where a banquet was prepared.” At the next meeting Brother Davis presented a bill for $90.
There were 16 petitions received during the year, 12 were elected, 1 rejected, and 3 withdrawn.
1876
W.M. - William C. Wilson

S.W. - John 0. Hudson

J.W. - Lewis Jemison
The Lodge purchased a copy of Mackey’s “Parliamentary Laws.”
There was a communication received from the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco, advising that they had assisted a Brother of this Lodge to the extent of $5.00. The Lodge ordered a check sent in reimbursement and authorized San Francisco to extend further aid up to $25.00 if necessary. Later word said they had given the Brother $3 gold, and he had now found work. The Masonic Board of Relief requested reimbursement, including the gold premium.
A communication from Brother Theo. McPherson, a Brother of this Lodge, supposed to have been dead for a number of years, informed the Lodge that he was still in the land of the living, and desiring information as to his standing in the Lodge.

A complaint was made to the Hall Association regarding the filthy condition of the lower entrance.

We conducted a Funeral Service for a member of the Bergen Lodge, in Jersey City.
The Lodge Room was completely renovated at total cost of $1,268.85.
The District Deputy Grand Master, present on the occasion of a raising gave, “Remarks complimentary to the work as rendered this evening, and also to the appearance of our newly furnished Lodge Room.”
1877
W.M. - William C. Wilson

S.W. - John 0. Hudson

J.W. - William H. Wilson

The Lodge minutes have this to say about the renovated Lodge room, “Having one of the handsomest furnished rooms in the jurisdiction, procured at the lowest possible price, and insured for $1,000, everything being receipted and paid. Our present accommodations are sufficiently ample to answer all demands of this generation of members.”

The Tyler was instructed to procure a suitable pail or bucket to receive the waste water at the water cooler (in the Lodge Room).
Mount Holly Lodge appropriated $2.00 per week toward support of the orphan daughter of Brother -- (living in Bordentown), Mount Moriah matched this with an equal of $2.00.
As regards the funeral of Brother Ellis, the Lodge proceeded to his home, and took the body by rail to Mount Holly. He had a service in the Baptist Church and internment in the (Baptist) Cemetery.
A member demitted to Altoona, PA, but was later suspended there for NPD. Notwithstanding his suspension, our Lodge took up a collection for his relief (when it was learned he was in destitute circumstances).