Mount Moriah History from 1853 to 1978

1878
W.M. - John 0. Hudson

S.W. - William H. Wilson

J. W. - Alpheus McCracken
The body of a deceased member of the Meridian Sun Lodge, of Philadelphia, was brought by train to Bordentown on a Saturday afternoon. Our Lodge had received a notice on Friday asking to procure carriages. “All the carriages that were available in the limited time allowed, were procured and our Lodge (18 members) escorted them to and from the cemetery. A lunch was prepared for them in the adjoining room, much to the satisfaction of our visiting Brethren (who had eaten nothing since breakfast). A special meeting was held at the Lodge Room to exemplify the Fellowcraft Degree for the edification of the visiting Brethren who were loud in their praise for what they termed, “Their kind and hospitable reception and thanked us again and again.”
Several months later, Meridian Sun Lodge visited Mount Moriah on a regular meeting night, and presented us with engraved resolutions expressing thanks for the courtesies we extended. “They were received by our Worshipful Master on behalf of the Lodge with a very creditable address.” The affair closed with a banquet.
1879
W.M. - William H. Wilson

S.W. - Alpheus McCracken

J. W. - Henry Wetteroth
The Tyler was appointed a Committee of one to procure a dozen spittoons for the Lodge Room.
On April 22^nd, the cornerstone of the Episcopal Church was laid with Masonic ceremonies, by Grand Master Hamilton Wallis and the Grand Lodge. The Brethren of Mount Moriah were in attendance and Ivanhoe Commandery acted as escort. Afterwards the Grand Lodge was entertained in our rooms with “a handsome collation.” The Grand Master stated, “On no occasion has the Grand Lodge been more handsomely entertained.”
A communication was received from the Grand Master, “Calling for a contribution of $5.00 from each Lodge, for the purpose of creating a fund sufficient to place Miss McKissack (the daughter of Right Worshipful William McKissack, who was Deputy Grand Master of New Jersey from l8l0 to 1820), in a charitable institution, and maintain her there as long as she shall live. She is upwards of 80 years old, very infirm and with no one to care for her.” The donation was made.
The widow of a deceased member applied to Lodge for assistance, to repair the roof of her shed which was leaking badly, and she was without funds to have the work done. The Lodge paid $14.82 to have the job done.
A committee was appointed to rehang the outer door. Progress was reported at several meetings, until the Committee was discharged. A new Committee was appointed, and the work was successfully completed.
In a letter from the Worshipful Master of Excelsior Lodge, in Northport, Maine, “Brother

-- informs me that he was in trouble at your place and you kindly looked after him and sent him on his way all right, for which fraternal kindness please know that you receive the hearty thanks of the Officers and Brothers of Excelsior Lodge, as well as the Brother himself, he having a long run of southern fever. With these few words I close wishing success to your Lodge and happiness to the members individually, and if you get into trouble may you always find a friend.”

At one meeting, Right Worshipful Brother Buzby gave remarks, “In regard to a question propounded by himself inquiring the reason why there were no tools made of iron used in the erection of King Solomon’s Temple.”
At a special meeting, a lecture was given by the Rector of an Episcopal Church in Camden, on King Solomon’s Temple, illustrated by diagrams etc.
The Lodge Secretary reported for the year, “Owing to the continued depressed state of the times but little work has been done during the past year. In fact less work has been done than in any one year since the organization of the Lodge.”

1880
W.M. - William H. Wilson

S.W. - Alpheus McCracken

J.W. - Henry Wetteroth
The Worshipful Master stated, “That he had been unavoidably absent from the Lodge for a number of communications, thereby causing the Brethren an extra amount of labor, and in token of his appreciation of their kindness, he invited them all to accompany him to Brother Meseroll’s for refreshments after Lodge closed.” (While it is not known with certainty what kind of refreshments Brother Meseroll served, it is believed he had an ice cream parlor. In any event the minutes of the meeting show that he paid his dues that night.)
From an entry that sounds very modern, “A Committee of three was appointed to devise some means whereby to get the members interested in order to have better attendance.”
1881
W.M. -Alpheus McCracken

S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J.W. - William K. Roberson
The expenses of the Master, Wardens, and Alternate at the Grand Lodge amounted to $10.00.
Bro -- got into trouble in the Mid-West, “Have one of the Lodges of St. Louis, where he is supposed to be, and clothe them with power to try him and if found guilty of the charges preferred against him, to expel him from the fraternity, if the offense should warrant it.”
At the Annual Communication in December, Right Worshipful Brother Buzby feeling unwell and was obliged to retire, when Brother P.M. Fred G. Wiese took the East and with the assistance of Brother P.M. William H. Wilson (as Marshal), duly installed the officers.
Seven members were suspended for NPD. Our Lodge membership was 154.
1882



W.M. - Alpheus McCracken
S.W. - Edwin S. Buzby

J. W. - William K. Roberson
Trustees were directed to purchase $350 of 4.5 percent Government coupon bonds. Also, they are to “purchase a suitable tin box for the purpose of keeping the valuable papers belonging to the Lodge, and now in their possession which the Trustees intend to place in the safe of the Bordentown Banking Co.”
We received communication from Washington Post No. 45, Grand Army of the Republic, inviting the Lodge to take part with them in the ceremonies of Decoration Day.
A communication from Commonwealth Lodge No. 409 was received, concerning a member of their Lodge now lying dangerously ill in Bordentown and requesting us to furnish him with a night nurse and charge the same to them. (Our Relief Committee had acted immediately upon receipt of this communication.)
There was a special communication to conduct Masonic Funeral Service for a Brother of Huntington Lodge, West Virginia.
A motion was passed that, “Past Master’s jewels similar to sample exhibited by Secretary be presented to Past Masters.”
1883
W.M. - Edwin S. Buzby

S.W. - William K. Roberson

J.W. - William B. Bunting, Jr.
Trustees instructed to confer with City Hall Association to see if our entrance at the lower front door could be improved.
Past Master jewels were presented to 6 Past Masters, “Each of whom responded with some appropriate remarks, concluding by inviting the Lodge after the labor of the evening was concluded to accompany them to a place especially prepared for them to partake of some refreshments, as a slight recognition of their appreciation of their valuable presents.”
In January a Committee was appointed to prepare some suitable means of escape from the Lodge room in case of fire. In December the Committee was still reporting progress.

A Committee was appointed to meet with a like committee of Mount Moriah.

Chapter and Ivanhoe Commandery met for the purpose of presenting Brother Fred G. Wiese, P.M. with a testimonial.
The Trustees were authorized to purchase stock of the City Hall Association of Bordentown at such time as the same should be offered for sale at desirable prices and in such amounts as they in their judgment deem the Lodge able to purchase. (They were authorized to use $35 to invest in U.S. Bonds.)
It was suggested that the Lodge provide some light refreshments for the benefit of the Brethren during the winter communications; it was left with the Stewards to report the probable cost. At the next meeting it was ordered that the Stewards, “Be relieved from any further consideration of the subject of refreshment for all regular communications.”
Brother Pettit suggested having a series of lectures during the year for the benefit of the Craft. He was promptly appointed a Committee of one to work up the matter. Rev. Brother J.F. Garrison of Camden was invited to give a lecture on “Symbols of Speculative Masonry, their Origin and Meaning.” He did so at a meeting attended by 31 members and many visitors.
On November 14^th, “Brother Wilson stated he had received a communication from Mrs. -- stating that her husband had been missing since the morning of the 12^th and requested that the matter be brought to the attention of the Lodge.” A Committee of two was appointed to go to Philadelphia and find Brother-- if possible, and they were given $9.23 for expenses. (Why they thought Brother-- had fled to Philadelphia remains unknown.) At the next meeting on November 28^th the committee reported, “They had visited Philadelphia as directed and with the aid of the police had searched for him but without success. They would find no trace of him after he had left the bank where he had gotten a check cashed. They had also advertised for him in the New York Herald but heard nothing.”
The old ballot box formerly used by this Lodge was presented to the Citizen Hook and Ladder Company.
1884
W.M. - Edwin S. Buzby

S.W. - William K. Roberson

J.W. - William B. Bunting, Jr.
The sum of $250.00 was turned over to the Trustees with instructions that they deposit same in the Trenton Saving Fund Society until such time as they may find a better investment.
A member of St. Stephens Lodge of South Amboy, now living in this city, was reported sick and in needy circumstances. The Relief Committee was directed to call and render such help as might be required (assistance given and letter of thanks from St. Stephens Lodge with reimbursement). Aid was continued but the Brother died. Mount Moriah, “Proceeded with the body to Hightstown where they were met by a delegation of Brethren from St. Stephen’s Lodge and from Hightstown Lodge - joined and proceeded to the church and from thence to the cemetery where the late Brother was buried with due Masonic ceremony.”
An invitation was received to attend ceremonies of laying cornerstone of new Masonic Temple at Trenton (State and Warren Streets).
The testimonial to Brother P.M. Wiese from the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery was, “A handsome gold watch with the emblems of the different bodies and the monogram of the recipient appropriately engraved thereon.”
1885
W.M. - William K. Roberson

S.W. - William B. Bunting, Jr.

J.W. - Allen D. Wood
After two attempts to get a waiver of territorial jurisdiction from Hightstown Lodge over a petitioner had failed, the Lodge, on a third try, offered one half the initiation fee to Hightstown - this time they consented!
Charges were preferred against a member for forgery. The Grand Lodge sent a Deputy to oversee the trial proceedings. A Trial Committee was appointed, with one member each from Fraternal, Amwell and Trenton Lodges. The Committee considered the forgery charges sustained, and so reported to the Lodge and on ballot the Brother was declared guilty. (He had already pled guilty in a court of law.) Ballots were then taken on the grade of punishment: expulsion, indefinite suspension, definite suspension, public reprimand, and private reprimand. None of which carried! At the next meeting, however, he was suspended due to NPD.
A Committee was appointed to purchase a new stove.
1886
W.M. - William B. Bunting, Jr.

S.W. - Henry Wetteroth

J.W. - William A. Worrell
In February it was “Ordered that on every meeting night we have a small lunch consisting of coffee, rolls, etc.”
Members authorized a “purchase of a suitable album for use of the Lodge, so that all Brothers who wished might place their pictures therein.”
Ten Dollars was donated to the distressed Brethren of Charleston, South Carolina, harmed by recent earthquake.
Fifty cents was paid for cleaning spittoons.
The Certificate of Membership in Masonic Mutual Life Insurance Co. for deceased Brother could not be located. The Lodge went on a surety bond to enable payment to widow.
The Grand Lodge announced a Centennial Celebration of its founding, with ceremonies and a banquet on January 25, 1887. The cost of banquet was $5.00 and the Lodge voted to purchase one ticket for the Master.
1887
W.M. - William B. Bunting, Jr.

S.W. - Henry Wetteroth

J.W. - William A. Worrell
Brothers authorized the purchase of three new jewels for the Master and Wardens.
A brother of the Lodge moving to Syracuse, for the purpose of engaging in business there, was presented with a silver ice pitcher as a token of remembrance by his Masonic friends.
Word from the Grand Master, “Notifying this Lodge that a District Lodge of Instruction for the exemplification of the esoteric work of the symbolic degrees, would he held under the supervision of the Senior Grand Warden at Trenton Masonic Temple on Sept. 28, 1887.” That being our regular meeting night, it was moved that the communication be omitted and the Master, Wardens and Senior Deacon attend with expenses paid.
Right Worshipful Brother Robert C. Buzby died on November 3^rd. The Lodge had a special communication the next day to make preparation for his funeral at 12 noon on November 7^th. At that time there were present several Grand Lodge Officers,

numerous visitors, and many Brethren. Past Grand Master Henry R. Cannon stated that he was presently, “Agreeable to a promise exacted of him by Brother Buzby some years ago that he would (in case he should outlive Brother Buzby), officiate and perform the Masonic service at his funeral, and if it pleased the Worshipful Master, he was ready to fulfill his promise.” A telegram was read from Grand Master William E. Pine, expressing regret at his inability to attend and paying tribute to Brother Buzby. A procession was formed which proceeded to the late residence of Brother Buzby, from thence with the body to the Bordentown Cemetery, where he was buried with due Masonic ceremony, and MW, Brother Cannon beautifully fulfilling Brother Buzby’s request.

At the next meeting, a check for $10.00 was drawn to Most Worshipful Brother Cannon to cover expenses traveling to Bordentown.
At the Annual Communication, M.S. Brother Cannon acknowledged the check but returned it stating, “While I fully appreciate the fraternal kindness of the Brethren I would much prefer to have the recollection on that the duty I owed to Brother Buzby had been discharged without fee or reward.” He suggested the money be used for some benevolent purpose. (It was given to the widow of a Charter member.) The Lodge adopted fitting resolutions and the veneration in which Brother Buzby was held by his Brethren may be inferred from the statement, “We have been accustomed to regard him as one of the Land-marks of Masonry.”
1888
W.M. - Henry Wetteroth

S.W. - William A. Worrell

J.W. - Aaron Robbins
Death of P.M. Moses Wolf – A Committee of the Lodge accompanied the remains to Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Philadelphia.
The following communication was received by the Worshipful Master:
To the Master of the Masonic Lodge at Bordentown:
Dear Sir and Brother - Being about to shuffle off this mortal coil I leave my body to your care and would like it to have Masonic burial. I am a member in good standing of Joppa Lodge No. 201 Brooklyn. The Secretary’s name is Wm. H. Resley, corner of Court and Joralemon St., Brooklyn.

Fraternally yours

The above letter was found in a bottle, in the company with three others, near the body of Brother -- who committed suicide on the morning of April 22^nd. The Secretary telegraphed Joppa Lodge which requested Mount Moriah to attend to the funeral. Eight or ten local Brethren together with visiting Brethren from Joppa Lodge attended the funeral in citizen dress.
The Trustees bought 35 shares City Hall stock at $8.50 per share and later bought 85 more shares at the same price.
An estimate of $60.00 was received to build a fire escape, half to be borne by the Chapter and the Commandery. Later the price was reduced to $50.00 and the job was done.
1889
W.M. - William A. Worrell

S.W. - Aaron Robbins

J.W. - Robert T. Bantle
The retiring Master, Brother Wetteroth, presented with Past Master’s jewel, “Which was received by Brother Wetteroth with an elegant speech returning his thanks to the Brethren and inviting them all, after Lodge closed, to a banquet which he had ordered prepared for them at Brother A.D. Hughes’ Restaurant.” Personal comment by the Secretary, “I can only add that the Brethren responded nobly, every man was at his post and fulfilled the duty assigned to him.”
There was a presentation of a Testimonial to Mount Moriah by the Corner Stone Lodge, for fraternal help extended when body of a deceased Corner Stone member was brought by train to Bordentown for burial.
We received a letter from St. Stephen’s Lodge enclosing a check for $25.40 ($20.00 plus $5.40 interest), in payment of money used by Mount Moriah on account of funeral expenses of a St. Stephen’s member in 1884 and expressing regrets it was not paid sooner.
The Grand Master issued a communication relative to establishment of a Masonic Home for aged and indigent Masons of New Jersey, and soliciting subscriptions for the same. The cost of the Home was not to exceed $15,000,would and subscriptions not be called for until the whole amount was pledged.
The ending of minutes usually now read, “Closed in due and ancient form.”
1890
W. M. - Henry Wetteroth

S.W. - Joseph L. Wickes

J.W. - Robert C. Hutchinson
The Lodge received a letter from the Grand Master stating that two men (residents of Hoboken and of Paterson), are not to be recognized as Masons, as they having been initiated by a Lodge in New York and a Lodge in Ireland without waiver of territorial jurisdiction being obtained.
There was a Committee appointed, “To ascertain the cost of a sign with Masonic Hall painted upon it, in black and gold, and to be placed across the front of the Lodge building.” The cost was ascertained to be $17.50 for the sign, with 11 inch letters. Lodge members voted its approval, with Chapter, and Commandery each to pay one third. And the sign was obtained.
A Communication from St. Stephen’s Lodge stated they had lost everything by fire, and they were requesting the loan of whatever paraphernalia the Lodge might have to spare. Some items (not in use) were sent to them.
There was a Committee appointed to solicit subscriptions for the proposed Masonic Home.
1891
W.M. - Robert T. Bantle

S.W. - Robert C. Hutchinson

J.W. - Harry B. Goodwin
Our Lodge was requested by Union Lodge No. 4 of New Mexico, to confer the Entered Apprentice Degree upon a candidate of theirs now living in our jurisdiction.
$100.00 was subscribed for Masonic Home.
At a Masonic raising of a Brother in March, “Very complimentary remarks were made by our distinguished visitors on the efficiency of the officers in the correct rendering of the Ritual.”
A special Communication was held on July 30^th, for the purpose of visiting Mount Holly Lodge No. 14, and participating in ceremonies of laying the corner stone of their new Masonic Hall. The Brethren proceeded to Mount Holly by the 1:40 p.m. train, and took part in ceremonies, “Which were very much interfered with by a heavy rain storm - but the program was finally carried out in a lull at the Opera House, and the Brethren later on served with a fine collation.”
At the Annual Communication, a letter was received from a Lodge in Illinois, requesting Mount Moriah, as an act of charity, remit the dues of Brother -- who was suspended NPD. And asked to reinstate him with a demit (also a letter from Brother -- requesting the same). This was granted.
Afterward the Brethren repaired to the Washington Hotel, where the Stewards had prepared the First Annual Banquet.


1892
W.M. - Robert C. Hutchinson

S.W. - Harry B. Goodwin

J.W. - Frank C. Dibert
We received a Communication from Amity Lodge, in Hackett City, Arkansas. It asked for donation of five to ten dollars for the purchase a memorial stone to be used in the construction of their new Temple. In recognition, they would put the name of our Lodge thereon. A donation of $10.00 was made.
Lantern slides were procured for use in the E. A. and F. C. degrees, at cost of $38.50.
The District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful W. Holt Apgar was present at conferring of the E. A. degree. “He complimented the work as performed this evening by the Junior Warden, Brother Dibert and the assisting officers very highly, stating that he had never seen it performed in a better or more efficient manner.”
1893
W.M. - Harry B. Goodwin

S.W. - Frank G. Dibert

J.W. - Isaac E. Antrim
The Lodge paid funeral expenses for a deceased Brother of $54.00.
There was a circular letter from the “Royal Craftsman” - the only Masonic paper published in New Jersey - soliciting our card in the directory at cost of 50 cents per month, including a copy of the paper. (The subscription was taken for one year.)
Invitation to attend Pyramid Lodge, “All desiring to go leave their names with the Secretary and transportation would be provided.”
The Master stated he had a letter from the District Deputy Grand Master, saying he would hold a Lodge of Instruction (at our Lodge room), on the evening of September 27^th. However, the DDGM never arrived, although the Lodge was held open until 9:15.
The Lodge bought 5 more shares of Hall Association stock at $8.50 per share.
We received an invitation from Brother Taylor, Rector of Christ Church, for Lodge members to attend divine services on Sunday evening, December 31^st. The attendance on that occasion was 35 members and 12 visitors.

1894
W.M. - Frank G. Dibert

S.W. - Isaac E. Antrim

J.W. - Charles 0. Anderson
There was no meeting on February 28^th. The Master and both Wardens were unavoidably absent.
Trustees were authorized to renew lease of the Lodge Room for 10 years at $75.00 per year.
Past Master Harry B. Goodwin presented to the Lodge several handsome photographs (elegantly framed) of Roslin Chapel, procured by him while on a tour through Europe.
The Master reported that Brother -- living in Camden, had suffered a stroke, and temporary nursing care was obtained for him. Later he was admitted into Cooper Hospital, and finally into the Soldiers Home.
1895
W.M. - Isaac F. Antrim

S.W. - Charles 0. Anderson

J.W. - George P. Osmond
Two candidates, who were raised, invited the Brethren to banquet at the American House.
We were again invited to attend Christ Church for observance of St. John’s Day.
A donation of $32.00 was made to the widow of deceased member. This was to assist her in the education of her daughter and to become a teacher.
The salary of Organist was $1.00 per night.