Mount Moriah History from 1853 to 1978

1966- Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Edgar N. Peppler

S.W. - Frank Katona

J.W. - William A. Carter
Our oldest living Past Master, Ira C. Leedom, died.
A candidate was given the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, for Polaris Lodge No. 114, of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.
There was adoption by Grand Lodge of an examination in Master Mason degree, with exemplification of it given in our Lodge.
On April 27^th, there was a talk by Brother and Rev. Reginaldo Bartolini, the pastor of First Italian Presbyterian Church, of Philadelphia.
The Right Worshipful John R. Dougherty was elected a Trustee of the Masonic Home.
There was special recognition for member accomplishments on the Mount Moriah Bowling League Team.
At a Masonic raising for Brothers, the chairs were occupied by members of the Allentown Methodist Church.
There were 50 year gold tokens presented by the District Deputy to Brothers LeRoy Church, and Earl D. Garrison. Ceremonial entertainment was provided by the Crescent Temple String Band.
There was $12,531.96 received from the estate of Brother LeRoy Atkinson.
On November 23^rd, the Table Lodge presented “Masonry Past, Present and Future,” with speakers Brothers: Whiteley, Carl, and Parker.

1967- Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Frank Katona

S.W. - William A. Carter

J.W. - Charles E. Gamel
The Knights Templar swords of Brothers Leedom, Burr, and Atkinson were presented to the Lodge and placed in a case in first floor lounge.
On March 8^th, there was, “No heat due to heater failure and flooding in the basement.” But our meeting was held anyway.
There were, “Complaint submitted as regards a man using the lavatory for washing, and also sleeping on the sofa in the first floor lounge, on Order of the Eastern Star meeting nights.” The Worshipful Master said he would look into the matter.
Brother Seeland gave an illustrated talk on his tour of duty in Vietnam.
The 50 year gold token was presented to Brother George E. Brady.
The Lodge Bowling Team acquired several trophies.
The Rev. Charles R. Jackson, Chaplain at Masonic Home, was raised, with 25 guests present from the home.
The Table Lodge presented, “Masonry in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries,” by Brother Whiteley, and “Masonry in 20^th Century,” by Brother Koch.
The Craftsman Club presented a new American flag to the Lodge.
The Lodge made a donation of $518.00 to the Masonic Home.
1968 - Vietnam War Years
W.M. - William A. Carter

S.W. - Charles E. Gamel

J.W. - Larry Hitchcock
The Excelsior Consistory presented a play titled, “A Gift in Secret”.
The Craftsman’s Club sold pocket name badges to be worn in the Lodge.
The initiation fee was raised to $125.00, plus a $25.00 Masonic Home fee.
The Lodge presented a set of the Claudy books to the Bordentown Library.
Right Worshipful Thomas R. Dougherty was elected Junior Grand Warden. Brother Daugherty had a reception given him at Trenton Masonic Temple.
There were 50 year gold tokens presented to Brothers George Groveman, Hans Peterson, and Earl W. Harris. Brother Groveman donated his $500.00 bond to the Lodge.
The Bible to be carried at funerals was presented to the Lodge by Most Worshipful Brother Parker, in memory of his grandfather, Brother Francis H. Clinton.
1969- Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Charles E. Gamel

S.W. - Larry Hitchcock

J.W. - Robert C. Guest
On February 22^nd, the Youth Committee took twenty boys for visit to the old and new Masonic Temples in Trenton, and returned to the Lodge for a spaghetti dinner. The Committee also had a Father and Son Night on July 15^th.
There was a talk on March 12^th, on the, “Morgan Affair,” by Brother Vincent Cioffi, of Ionic Lodge.
The cushions around altar were refurbished by Brother Charles A. Tantum.
Brother T. Harold Pope was given a vote of thanks for securing the pictures of six of our oldest Past Masters.
A 50 year token was presented to Brother William Hargrove.
1970- Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Larry Hitchcock

S.W. - Robert C. Guest

J.W. - Richard H. Trout
There was a joint effort by the Lodge, and the Craftsman Club, to eliminate a pigeon nuisance from building.
The Youth Committee arranged a visit to the George Washington Memorial, at Alexandria, Virginia.
A 60 year token was presented to Brother Myron G. Field, and 50 year tokens to Brothers Chester W. Martin, Henry Trautwein, George L. Wolverton and F. Murray Westover (Brother Henry J. Hoffman to receive his token later).
On October 25^th, the film, “First Mason on the Moon,” was presented.
1971- Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Robert C. Guest

S.W. - Richard H. Trout

J.W. - Vincent G. Bruno
Some DeMolay boys portrayed their degree work after the close of Lodge.
The Scottish Rite Players, from the Valley of Trenton, presented a Claudy play called the “Rose upon the Altar.”
Member dues were increased to $20.00.
The Right Worshipful Thomas R. Dougherty was elected Grand Master of NJ. The Lodge held a reception for him at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on May 1^st, with the adjourned meeting of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge; for purpose of public installation of the Grand Officers.
There was a letter from Emon Lodge No. 179, in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, stating that our Brother Norman Campbell had been a visitor there.
During the summer, many members worked on the outside front of the Temple, burning off old paint and repainting it. Inside was completely repainted on second floor and new stair treads installed. Also, the Fire escape was rebuilt and roof repaired.
Among other programs, the Craftsman Club had a Karate exhibition, and an old glass demonstration.
Fifty year gold tokens were presented to Brothers Percy Griffiths, John W. Thatcher, George W. Powell, and Herbert S. Holcombe. Ceremonial music was provided by Crosswicks Men’s Choral Group.
Brother Malcolm Andrews presented his father’s Scottish Masonic apron to the Lodge.
Past Masters Night was held on October 13^th. Present that night were Most Worshipful Ben W. Graybill, Past Grand Master of Kansas, and Most Worshipful Brother Peck, Past Grand Master of Japan who spoke on, “Americans Masonry in Japan.” P.G.M Peck presented our Lodge with a book from Moriah Yama Lodge of Japan on 100 years of Masonry in Japan. (Yama means mountain in Japanese.)
Brother John K. McCoy made a wooden carrying case to be used in transporting the Hold Writings to funerals, and presented to Lodge.
A portrait of Most Worshipful Brother’s Parker, Carl, and Dougherty was presented to Lodge by Right Worshipful John R. Dougherty (and his wife Laurabelle).
1972 - Vietnam War Years
W.M. - Richard H. Trout

S.W. - Vincent G. Bruno

J.W. - Albert P. Griffiths
Clayton Bywater, the football coach at Princeton University spoke at a meeting of Craftsman Club.
On April 12^th, there was a reception for Right Worshipful Brother Edgar N. Peppler, Grand Marshal, and Right Worshipful Brother Charles A. Parker, Secretary to the Grand Master, preceded by dinner at the Elks Club.
A 60 year token was presented to Brother J. Harned Reeder and also for Brother D.C. Wells - who was not present. There were 50 year tokens presented to Brothers H. Stanley Earnest, and Fred Widmaier. Both William Brindley and Joseph Challender were also awarded 50 year tokens, but were not present.
On November 8^th, Brother and Major Robert Mease, U.S.A.F., showed color slides of his trip to Red China (he was a member of President Nixon’s visiting party).
Right Worshipful John R. Dougherty retired as Secretary of the Lodge after serving 21 years, and was succeeded by Worshipful Brother A. Robert Brick. Right Worshipful Brother Dougherty was presented with a white onyx desk set for his service.
1973- Vietnam War Ends
W.M. - Vincent G. Bruno

S.W. - Albert P. Griffiths

J.W. - Harry W. Fauver
The film, “History of Masonry in United States,” was shown at the Lodge.
The Scottish Masonic Club used our building for rehearsals.
The Most Worshipful Thomas R. Dougherty was very active in the formation of a state-wide Masonic Blood Bank, with good cooperation by Mount Moriah Lodge.
Fifty year gold tokens were presented to Brother L. E. MacDermid, Donald B. Taylor, and William R. Weaver (also entitled was Brother King J. Powell who was not present).
1974
W.M. - Albert P. Griffiths

S.W. - Harry W. Fauver

J.W. - Laurence E. Plummer
Worshipful Brother Fred Van Sant, of Haddon Heights Lodge, gave an illustrated lecture on the columns.
Worshipful Brother Harold Elliott of Mantua Lodge addressed our members on “Jeremiah the Prophet.”
Fifty year tokens were presented to Brothers Robert H. Aaronson, Jr., T. Harold Pope, and Wilmot J. Hartpence. Also entitled were Brothers Orlando Van Ness, and Gustav

L. Vickberg - who were not present.

The Lodge voted to donate $1,000.00 over a two year period to the Masonic Home in order to furnish a room.
1975 - First Public Installation of Officers
W.M. - Harry W. Fauver

S.W. - Laurence E. Plummer

J.W. - John K. McCoy
Participating in the Grand Lodge’s National Bicentennial Observance, the Master wore a tri-corner hat during the year.
On March 25^th, officers and members visited Mount Moriah Lodge No. 155 of

Philadelphia.

Lodges of the 19^th District donated a pick-up truck to the Burlington County Boy Scouts - our share of cost was $340.00.
A candidate who had taken the Entered Apprentice Degree in 1969 and gone no further, was reinstated and received the remaining degrees.
Jewels were purchased for the Organist and the Historian.

A sixty year token was presented to Brother Harlan McNinney, and 50 year tokens presented to Brothers Harry H. Andrews, Charles Perry, Jr., Clifford J. Whiteley, Charles K. Widrnaier, Jr., and Robert C. Laycock (also entitled were Brother Joseph DeVincentis who was not present).

Repairs were found necessary for the roof, cornice and exterior of the building. Costs were estimated to be $25,000.00. The Trustees were authorized to use $15,000.00 of Debt Reduction Funds, and to borrow $10,000.00.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland conferred the Master Mason degree upon one of our candidates.
Following the Annual Communication, the Lodge held its first Public Installation of officers. The Master and Wardens, with the approval of the Grand Master, wore Colonial costumes at their installation - and during their term of office.
In response to an appeal from the Masonic Home, 103 members contributed $1,876.96.
1976
W.M. - Laurence E. Plummer

S.W. - John K. McCoy

J.W. - Edward T. Royce
Right Worshipful Brother Edgar N. Peppler was elected Junior Grand Warden. A reception for him was held at the Trenton Masonic Temple.
Fifty year tokens were presented to Brothers John M. Lieber, Joseph T. Tweedale, Henry M. Sutterlin, Frank H. Weaver, Jr. and I. G. Bryan.
There was an intensive effort for the State Masonic Blood Bank. In connection with this, a Bloodmobile was in Bordentown on September 20^th, at which time 38 Brethren donated blood.
On September 21^st, there was a re-dedication service for members to again take the Master Mason obligation.
The Lodge had float built by Brother Varga, in Bordentown Bicentennial Parade.
The play, “The Petition,” was presented by Brethren of 11^th Masonic District.
There was an “Open Installation” of officers.

1977
W.M. - John K. McCoy

S.W. - Edward T. Royce

J.W. - Charles A. Tantum
Right Worshipful Brother Eugene Kelchner gave a talk on, “Mozart, the Mason.”
The Finance Committee recommended insurance on the building be increased to $150,000.00.
The meeting of May 11^th was closed by the Most Worshipful Brother Parker - as it was the 50^th anniversary of his raising.
Over $150.00 was collected for Bill Sullivan, Jr. to pay for his trip to Europe as a member of All High School Band. After his return, he gave an interesting illustrated talk (about the trip) at a meeting of the Craftsman Club.
Brothers Horace E. Cason, Paul Englund, and Lewis M. Parker received 50 year tokens.
On September 25^th the Building was made available for “Open House Tours” of the Bordentown Historical Society.
Brother David Ross entertained with feats of magic after the close of Lodge.
The November 9^th, Table Lodge presented Most Worshipful William Davies as the main speaker.
The Charity Committee reported donations of $950.00 to various charities.
1978
W.M. - Edward T. Royce

S.W. - Charles A. Tantum

J.W. - Ronald R. Meadows
W. Brother Joseph Varga succeeds W. Brother Edward E. Whitehouse as Treasurer.
The Lodge By-Laws were revised.
Dues were increased to $19.00, plus all Grand Lodge assessments, with the total to be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar.
Emergency lights were installed by the Craftsman Club.

Sixty year token were presented to W. Brother Earl Harris and fifty year token to Brother SE. Sharp. (Brother Kostas Prassas was also entitled to a 50 year token; but he died three days before the scheduled presentation date.)

Most Worshipful Brother Parker installed the officers for the 30^th time. Most Worshipful Brother Carl acted as Marshal for 24 of these occasions.
1979
W.M. - Charles A. Tantum

S.W. - Ronald R. Meadows

J.W. - Herbert W. Borgstrom
On March 14^th, we had two visiting Brethren from the Panama Canal Zone. There was Snapper soup for refreshments after Lodge - prepared by Brothers Huber, Crispin, Carslake, and Recla.
There was a donation of $25.00 to the George Washington Memorial at Alexandria.
The Right Worshipful Edgar N. Peppler was elected Grand Master of NJ. The reception for him was combined with observance of 125^th anniversary of the Lodge, held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Trenton; preceded by dinner at the Crescent Temple. Our Lodge presented $1,000.00 to the Grand Master for the Chapel fund at the Masonic Home.
A portrait of Most Worshipful Brothers Parker, Carl, Dougherty, and Peppler was presented.
The Right Worshipful Lawrence B. Koch was given the Daniel Coxe Medal.
Mt. Moriah #28’s Past New Jersey Grand Masters
(Taken from RW Carl Doan’s “An Updated History of Mt. Moriah #28)
Mount Moriah Lodge has been fortunate to be the home of five past Grand Masters of New Jersey:
Richard C. Woodward, Grand Master 1912, Grand Instructor 1922-1951

Lewis M. Parker, Grand Master 1951, Grand Instructor 1952-1971

Horace D. Carl, Grand Marshal 1951, Grand Master 1963, Deputy Scottish Rite of NJ

Thomas R. Dougherty, Grand Marshal 1963, Grand Master 1971

Edgar N. Peppler, Grand Marshal 1971, Grand Master 1979
- Photos below -


Past Grand Masters of Mount Moriah From left to right: Richard C. Woodward, Lewis M. Parker, Thomas R. Dougherty, Horace D. Carl, Edgar N. Peppler.