Mount Moriah History from 1853 to 1978

1938
W.M. - William R. Weaver

S.W. - W. Earl Reeder

J.W. - William H. Fronley
There was a “drastic report” by the Finance Committee regarding Lodge poor finances.
As a result of a fire, one of the Brethren lost his barn and all its contents, including the tools of his trade. The Master asked any of the Brethren who had such tools to spare, to give them to our distressed Brother and result were very good.
The evening of May 11^th, was set aside for reception and entertainment of Masters and their classes for the past ten years. Each Master in turn, presided and greeted his own class. This was concluded with a talk by Worshipful Brother Harold M. Smith.
On May 25^th, there was a delegation present from the Lodge at Mount Joy (Pennsylvania).
In November, there were fifteen members suspended for NPD.
On November 30^th, there was a visitation by Grand Master Arthur M. Dietrich.
1939
W.M. - W. Earl Reeder

S.W. - William H. Fronley

J.W. - Carlton W. Haines
The Master appointed regional Lodge representatives (Bordentown, Columbus, Crosswicks, White Horse, Roebling, etc.).
On April 29^th, we participated with the Grand Lodge in laying the corner-stone of our new U.S. Post Office Building, on Walnut Street.

On May 24^th, Brother Tomlinson gave a talk on his trip to Europe.

On October 25^th, the Claudy play, “The Greatest of These,” was presented by Covenant Lodge. There was also music by Brother Roger Naylor and the Shrine Chanters.
This entry is from our Annual Meeting, “As Most Worshipful Brother Woodward prepared to install the officers, there was an alarm at the door, and a number of visiting Brethren were announced (who had been vouched for).” This was a surprise visit by 23 Deputies, and the Ritual Committee, to pay tribute to the Grand Instructor.
1940 - 1^st Official Gold Token Presented
W.M. - William H. Fronley

S.W. - Carlton W. Haines

J.W. - Daniel W. Yochum
Consideration was given to renovating the first floor.
There was a ruling by the Grand Lodge Committee, “Lodges in Trenton and Mount Moriah Lodge shall have concurrent jurisdiction over the territory lying between the “City of Trenton” and the three mile radius from the intersection of State and Broad

Streets, which takes in the territory previously belonging to Mount Moriah Lodge.”

The Bordentown Hall Association reorganized, with Brothers Perry, Force, Yochum, Carey, and Feaster, as the incorporators.
On November 13^th, the first 50 year gold token was presented to Brother Howard L. Newell.
The initiation fee was reduced to $65.00.
There was a Custodian appointed with the same salary as that presently paid to the Tyler (whose salary hereafter shall be $10.00).
1941 (America Attacked - Declares War on Japan December 8^th)
W.M. - Carlton W. Haines

S.W. - Daniel W. Yochum

J.W. - Henry W. W. Carey
Affiliation with Lodge of Brother Roland J. Weisser (pastor of Baptist Church) from Commonwealth Lodge No. 958, Johannesburg, South Africa, jurisdiction of Scotland.
On February 26^th, there was a program by Brethren of Bordentown Military Institute, commemorating the birthday of George Washington.
The Trustees of the Hall Association were urged to reduce interest rate on notes from 5% to 3%.
The Order of the Eastern Star donated $25.00 toward the cost of renovating first floor.
Worshipful Brother Carlton W. Haines presented the Lodge with a square and compass set for the altar in memory of his father, Brother Charles T. Haines.
1942 - World War II
W.M. - Daniel W. Yochum

S.W. - Henry W. W. Carey

J.W. - Harvey H. Wyckoff
Following the fire at the High School, the Board of Education requested the temporary use of the first floor room for teaching purposes. Approval was immediately given and the first floor was used by the High School for the greater part of the year.
A 50 year gold token was presented to Brother Charles A. Spaulding. Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees were conferred upon a candidate at request of Owensboro Lodge No. 130, in Kentucky.
1943 - World War II
W.M - Henry W. W. Carey

S.W. - Harvey H. Wyckoff

J.W. - Horace D. Carl
The Secretary was directed to notify the Board of Education that no rent was to be charged them for use of our first floor (for school purposes).
Permission was requested from the Grand Master to close the Lodge during February and March, because of the shortage of fuel. (The Lodge remained open during July and August.)
There was a violation of territorial jurisdiction by the Fraternal Lodge and it was settled by agreeing to donate the initiatory fee to the Children’s Christmas Fund at the Masonic Home, as a joint contribution from both Lodges.
There was an illustrated talk by Brother Mitchell about his trip to Mexico.
Permission was given to the American Red Cross to use the first floor for a blood bank.
Notice was received from the Masonic Service Center at Neosho, Missouri, of visits there by Brothers Parker and Carl.
1944 - World War II
W.M. - Harvey H. Wyckoff

S.W. - Horace D. Carl

J.W. - Clarence S. McNinney
Worshipful Brother Haines acted as Senior Warden (due to absence of Brother Carl in military service).
Dues of members in the armed services were remitted for the term of such service.
The Masonic Service Center at Washington reported a visit from Brother DeVincentis; also a Lodge in Honolulu reported a visit from Brother Pray.
The Lodge dues were raised to $16.00.
The Lodge met in July.
November 22^nd, celebrated the 90^th anniversary of the Lodge. A presentation of early Lodge history was given by Right Worshipful Brother Whiteley, with music by Brother Westover, and an address by Senior Grand Warden Kovach.
1945 - World War II
W.M. - Clarence S. McNinney

S.W. - Horace D. Carl

J.W. - Harry H. Conover
The Lodge was notified by the Grand Master of the, “Temporary suspension of the Grand Lodge scheduled for April - in conformity to the recent ruling of the Office of Defense Transportation.”
Brother Arthur Brick explained activities of the “Teen Age Canteen” and suggested the Lodge join with other organizations in town to help carry on its work. The Lodge granted use of the first floor to the Teen Age Canteen – with Brother Perry to act as the Lodge’s representative.
Sgt. Patrick Smith of Fort Dix, entertained us with war reels and a lecture on Japan.
The Lodge was draped in mourning for Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, who died April 12^th.
By direction of the Grand Master, an emergent communication was held on Sunday evening May 13^th, to attend church as an observance of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, with a service at the Presbyterian Church.
1946 - World War II Ends
W.M. - Horace D. Carl

S.W. - Harry H. Conover

J.W. - Robert D. Morgan
Philippines Lodge No. 89, requested Mount Moriah to confer the three degrees upon candidate Russell D. Parker.
There were fourteen 25 year tokens presented to our Brethren.
There was an engrossed scroll of our members, who served in World Wars I and II, presented to the Lodge by Brother Howard M. Rogers.
Worshipful Master of Loyal Lodge at Trenton presented a Past Master’s pin to the Worshipful Master of this Lodge, with the same to be handed down to succeeding Masters.
There was an address by Captain Roy L. Lewis, U.S.N., with music by Brother Westover.
Brother George Case of the Cleveland Indians, gave a talk on baseball and also presented a motion picture, “Circling the Bases,” together with highlights of the 1945 World Series (courtesy of Philadelphia Athletics).
1947
W.M. - Harry H. Conover

S.W. - Robert D. Morgan

J.W. - John R. Dougherty
There was a committee appointed to procure pictures of all our Past Masters.
A Special Savings Account was set up for the 1954 Centennial Year.
Brother Lawrence B. Koch was appointed to serve as State Supervisor of the Masonic Bureau, as well as Manager of the Trenton Branch.
The Bordentown Visiting Nurse Association used our first floor for clinics.
A 50 year gold token was presented to Worshipful Brother Wilkinson by Most Worshipful Brother Woodward.
Most Worshipful Brother Woodward installed the officers for the 37^th time, and Right Worshipful Brother Charles E. Burr acted as Marshal for 32 of these ceremonies.
1948
W.M. - Robert D. Morgan

S.W. - John R. Dougherty

J.W. - Howard M. Rogers
There was discussion as to the use of our first floor as a recreation area for members.
Worshipful Brother Parker was elected Junior Grand Warden at a session of Grand Lodge. And there was a reception for him in Mount Moriah on June 9^th.
The initiation fee was increased to $90.00, with life membership raised to $300.00.
Our annual dinner was held at the Columbus Grange.
There was a presentation of 50 year gold tokens to Most Worshipful Brother Woodward and Right Worshipful Brother Burr, by Grand Master Parsons. Also present on this occasion were Right Worshipful Brother Leedom, who was Worshipful Master in 1898, and Worshipful Brother Wilkinson, who was Senior Deacon that same year.
1949
W.M. - John R. Dougherty

S.W. - Clifford A. Tantum

J.W. - Howard M. Rogers
At our January 9^th meeting, there was entertainment by an octet of Lodge members, with Brother Charles Brecht as soloist.
The Play, “The Third Great Light,” was presented on March 23^rd, by Brethren from Ionic Lodge.
The commission as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia (near the Grand Lodge of New Jersey), presented to Right Worshipful Brother Parker on April 13^th, by Most Worshipful Brother Woodward on behalf of the Grand Master.
1950 - Korean War Begins
W.M. - Clifford A. Tantum

S.W. - Howard M. Rogers

J.W. - Norman F. Schaller
There was a talk by Brother William A. Bowen on, “The Magic Church,” and was illustrated with electrical demonstrations.
After the close of Lodge, a surprise birthday party was held for Secretary C. E. Force. Surprisingly, at the next meeting, the same thing occurred for Worshipful Brother Wilkinson.
As a courtesy to Olive Branch Lodge No. 47, of South Dakota, our Lodge instructed candidate George W. Irmisch in the Entered Apprentice Degree and conferred the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees upon him.
There was a talk by Brother Gordon A. Philips on the relationship between the Church and Freemasonry.
A 50 year gold token was presented to Right Worshipful Brother Force by the Grand Master.


Mt. Moriah #28 Lodge room pictured in 1950.

1951 - Korean War Years
W.M. - Howard M. Rogers

S.W. - Norman E. Schaller

J.W. - Nicholas A. Pulianas
On January 24^th, “A pleasant surprise during this communication, there was a presence of almost 100% of Crosswicks membership, and the presentation of a purse to the Worshipful Master.”
There was a reception at the High School, on April 28^th, for Grand Master Parker.
On November 28^th, there was a reception for Right Worshipful Brother Carl, (Grand Marshal).
Right Worshipful Brother Cornelius E. Force retired as Secretary, after 43 years of service.
1952 - Korean War Years
W.M. - Norman E. Schaller

S.W. - Nicholas A. Pulianas

J.W. - Lawrence B. Koch
There was an evening in honor of Right Worshipful Brother Force on January 9^th, for his years of, “excellent, faithful and untiring service and devotion as Secretary.” He was made Secretary Emeritus. Music was provided by the Lodge quartet (Brothers Perry, Brecht, Good, and Jaggers), with Brother Westover as accompanist. A framed copy of dispensation to close was presented to Brother Force by the Grand Master.
The Lodge was notified by his executor that Brother LeRoy Atkinson left one quarter of his estate to Mount Moriah Lodge (upon death of life tenant).
Most Worshipful Brother Parker was appointed Grand Instructor at the April session of Grand Lodge, succeeding Most Worshipful Brother Woodward.
On May 14^th, there was a visitation by Grand Master Hommell. Presentation of a 50 year gold token to Brother Walter L. Reeder, as well as several 25 year tokens. Most Worshipful Brother Woodward was given a framed copy of a Grand Lodge resolution making him Grand Instructor Emeritus for life.
The annual dinner was held at the Columbus Grange, with a minstrel show by members, and directed by Brother Carl.
1953 - Korean War Ends
W.M. - Nicholas A. Pulianas

S.W. - Lawrence B. Koch

J.W. - Edward E. Whitehouse
Brother George Groveman became affiliated with Mount Moriah (from Ogema Lodge No. 120, of Saskatchewan, Canada).
Fort Bragg Lodge No. 607, North Carolina, conferred the degrees upon our candidate Charles H. Rose.
Right Worshipful Cornelius E. Force died. His apron and Past Master’s jewel was presented to the Lodge by his widow.

1954
W.M. - Lawrence B. Koch

S.W. - Edward E. Whitehouse

J.W. - Elmer Dwier, Jr.
The 100^th anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated on January 11^th, with a dinner at the High School. There was an address by Right Worshipful Joseph H. Gick, Senior Grand Warden, with historical excerpts by Brother Jay B. Tomlinson, and reminiscences by Most Worshipful Richard D. Woodward.
On March 24^th, there was a visit by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful John C. Barbour. Most Worshipful Brother Parker “Gave an address on the 100 years of Masonry in Bordentown and Burlington County.” He also related many points to the history of the City for the past 272 years.” There was a talk by Most Worshipful Brother Woodward, who was Master 50 years ago. A quotation from the address given by the Grand Master, “He believed that Mount Moriah Lodge had contributed more to Grand Lodge than any other single Lodge in the State.”
There were new film slides for all degrees.
Brother Jay B. Tomlinson gave a talk April 28^th, on 100 years of Masonry in Mount Moriah.
Right Worshipful Brother Horace D. Carl was elected a Trustee of the Masonic Home and Charity Foundation. A reception was held in his honor on September 29^th, at which he was presented with various gifts, including “A facsimile lawn mower symbolic of that which he should use to personally mow the lawn at the Home.”
The annual dinner was held at the Hotel Hildebrecht.

The “Building Improvement and Renovating Committee” was appointed, with Worshipful Brother Clifford A. Tantum, Chairman.

A 50 year gold token was presented to Brother Harold B. Wells.
1955
W.M. - Edward E. Whitehouse

S.W. - Elmer Dwier, Jr.

J.W. - Lester E. Gennett
Tuscan Lodge No. 115 of Englewood conferred the three degrees upon our candidate John S. MacDermid (who was in military service).
The Lodge purchased a new projector for slides.
Worshipful Brother Earl Perry died, who had been Treasurer since 1937 and Right Worshipful Brother Whiteley appointed to serve as Treasurer for the balance of year.
There was a donation of an electric wall clock for ante-room.

(Note: This clock was restored to working condition in 2014 by Past Master Joe Varga - See our web site to view photos.)

In November, for first the time, receipts were not itemized in the Lodge minutes, but entered as “Receipts of $ and entered in Cash Book.”
1956



W.M. - Elmer Dwier, Jr.

S.W. - Lester E. Gennett

J.W. - Edward Bockle
The deed to two cemetery lots in Colonial Memorial Cemetery, at White Horse, presented to the Lodge by Brother Samuel R. Smith.
Renovation Committee reported that suggested improvements would cost $38,000.00. They were authorized to proceed on this basis. Trustees and officers were authorized to incur indebtedness not in excess of $30,000.00.
1957
W.M. - Lester E. Gennett

S.W. - Edward Bockle

J.W. - Morris F. Herbert
The addressograph machine was overhauled and repaired.
When bids were received for building improvements, the total cost amounted to $50,194.00, instead of the anticipated $38,000.00. The Lodge voted to incur the additional indebtedness and authorized borrowing up to $40,000.00.
1958
W.M. - Edward Bockle

S.W. - Morris F. Herbert

J.W. - A. Robert Brick
Use of the first floor granted to Burlington County Shrine Club for March and September meetings.
Brother and Rev. Robert Curry of Newtown Lodge (Pa.), addressed the Lodge on subject of George Washington.
Brother Lawrence B. Koch appointed Junior Grand Deacon. The reception in his honor on March 26^th was attended by the Grand Master and his staff.
Letter of charges received from a Brother against another member. Our Secretary was directed to follow the procedure set by the NJ Grand Lodge.
New drapes were placed in the East, West and South of the Lodge room.
Most Worshipful Richard C. Woodward died on September 22^nd. He was raised in 1898, became Worshipful Master in 1904, Grand Master in 1912, and Grand Instructor from 1922 until1952. He had requested no Masonic service.
The Lodge conferred three degrees upon a candidate as a courtesy to a Lodge in the Panama Canal Zone.
1959
W.M. - Morris F. Herbert

S.W. - A. Robert Brick

J.W. - Thomas R. Dougherty

There was a tribute and gift given to the Worshipful Master by his Masonic friends of Chesterfield Township.

The Charity Fund invested $7000.00 in notes of the Bordentown Masonic Hall Association.
Dues were raised to $15.00.
There was a talk with color slides on wild-flowers and the historic points of South Jersey, by Brother William W. Hawkins of Pemberton Lodge.
Brother John R. Dougherty was appointed Senior Grand Deacon. And there was a reception in his honor at which he was presented with a spinning surf reel.
The report of Grand Lodge Trial Committee on charges preferred by member - struck out three charges and declared the Brother innocent of the other four.
Brother Nicholas Garbo, of Leonard Wood Lodge in the Philippines, spoke on Lodge activities in his home area, particularly during the Japanese occupation.
1960
W.M. - A. Robert Brick

S.W. - Thomas R. Dougherty

J.W. - John W. Baxter
There was a tribute and gift given to the Worshipful Master by Masons of Crosswicks and Chesterfield areas.
W. Brother Horace D. Carl was elected junior Grand Warden and there was a reception for him on September17th.
Brothers Wright and Koch gave an illustrated talk on the Masonic Home.
The Capital Chapter of DeMolay exemplified their work after the close of Lodge on November 9^th.
1961 - Craftsman Club Initiated
W.M. - Thomas R. Dougherty
S.W. - John W. Baxter

J.W. - James E. McCay
The inscription “Masonic Temple” was placed on front of our Lodge building.
There was the formation of the Craftsman Club.
A hospital bed and mattress was provided for a sick Brother.
The Order of the Eastern Star replaced the Lodge kitchen gas stove with a new and larger one.
The Lodge presented “Rusty Brother Night,” a dramatization of the Committee of Investigation.
A 50 year gold token was presented to Brother Enoch F. Bills.
1962
W.M. - John W. Baxter
S.W. - James E. McCay

J.W. - Charles A. Parker
An “electric” apartment house type lock, with suitable controls, was installed on the outside front door and an inter-com system was installed on door of ante-room.
There were two funeral services performed on the same evening, one at Trenton, and one at Allentown.
There was a set of rules adopted for use of first floor lounge.
Mrs. Woodward presented the Lodge with the Past Grand Masters jewel, and other Masonic mementoes of Most Worshipful Brother Woodward.
There were two 50 year gold tokens presented. One was given to Brother D.C. Well, Jr., and the other to J. Harned Reeder. And Brother John Oblinger was commended for his excellent work as Custodian.
1963
W.M. - James E. McCay

S.W. - Charles A. Parker

J.W. - Joseph Varga
Right Worshipful Brother Carl was elected Grand Master. In addition, the following appointments of Mount Moriah members: Thomas R. Dougherty, Grand Marshal; Charles R. Mitchell, Senior Grand Deacon; and A. David Seeland, Grand Chaplain.
A dinner was held for Most Worshipful Brother Carl on May 4^th, at Clara Barton School, with a reception at MacFarland High School. There were 266 members and guests in attendance.
Note: The High School building is named in honor of William MacFarland, an early

Bordentown Superintendent of Schools and was a member of Mount Moriah Lodge.

The Lodge donated $25.00 to the Capitol Chapter of DeMolay, to offset expenses of a trip to Texas for DeMolay National Honors Competition.
On December 11^th, the Altar was draped for 30 days to mourn the death of President John F. Kennedy.
Worshipful Brother Edward E. Whitehouse was elected Treasurer.
1964 - America Enters the Vietnam War
W.M. - Charles A. Parker

S.W. - Joseph Varga

J.W. - Edgar N. Peppler
On January 22^nd, thirty-five members from Crosswicks and Chesterfield were present to honor the Worshipful Master. He was presented with a gavel made of wood from the famous Crosswicks oak tree.
There was a reception on April 8^th, for Right Worshipful Brothers Dougherty, Mitchell and Seeland. A Resolution was drafted by the Lodge, and sent to the testimonial dinner to be given for Brother and Dr. L. E. MacDermid.
The Right Worshipful Thomas R. Dougherty was appointed District Deputy of the 19^th District.
A 50 year gold token was presented to Brother Jay B. Tomlinson.
One of the lots in Colonial Cemetery was sold back to the Cemetery Association, and proceeds put in the Charity Fund.
1965 - Vietnam War Years



W.M. - Joseph Varga

S.W. - Edgar N. Peppler

J.W. - Frank Katona
There were 50 year gold tokens presented to Brothers Harlan McNinney, George Mount, Harry Frazier, and Elmer Miller.
There was a donation of $25.00 to the State Council of DeMolay.
There was a reception for District Deputy Thomas R. Dougherty, with dinner at the Bordentown Grill.
The Lodge held a Past Master’s Night for 20 Mount Moriah P.M.’s (present), plus 7 visiting PM’s.