Post Office Box 0490
Brown City, MI 48416-0490
Patrick Nason, W.M.
Kenneth Brown, SEC.
HISTORY OF THE BROWN CITY MASONIC LODGE #409 F. & A.M.
The Brown City Masonic Lodge petitioned the Grand Lodge on January 12, 1893, with 14
members. They are as follows:
Dr. J. Watson (W.M.)
0. A. Tuck
L. House
Geo. Etheruzton
A. 0. Church
Samuel McLeod
Chas. Goheen
John Bruce
C. Terpenning
D. Webster
John Makelin
Dr. James Lister
Dr. J. L. Benedict
Dr. Taylor.
The petition was signed by the following Lodges, Brockway No. 316, Marlette No. 343, and Elk No. 353.
On March 30, 1893, a meeting was held in the office of Dr. J. A. Watson. On a motion duly supported it was voted the regular meeting is to be held on the Tuesday evening on or before the full moon of each month.
At the same meeting, Dr. Watson, Dr. Benedict, and 0. A. Tuck were appointed to a committee
to furnish supplies and to furnish a hall. At the same meeting John Makelin, Dr. Taylor, and A.
0. Church were appointed the By-Laws Committee.
The Brown City Masonic, Lodge No. 409 was chartered on January 24, 1894.
James Benedict, Worshipful Master, signed a 5 year lease with John Shearsmith for $37.50, in
1898. It was payable every 6 months for the second floor on the north side of the Shearsmith
Brick-Block Building. Before the lease, the lodge paid $50.00 semi-annually.
The Brown City Masonic Lodge continued to pay John Shearsmith $37.50 until April 22, 190 1, then it was paid to the Shearsmith Estate as late as October, 1909.
Between April 25, 1893, to April 23, 1994, 391 new brothers were raised to the sublime degree of Master mason in the Brown City Lodge No. 409.
On February 22, 1910, Worshipful Master Walter H. Witt appointed five brothers to secure plans for the building of a Masonic Hall and report at the next meeting. They are as follows: Bro. 0. A. Tuck, Bro. James Benedict, Bro. J. Weed, Bro. John Flynn, and Bro. Walter Witt. At a meeting on December 27, 19 1 0, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee of Bro. Charles Noble, Bro. Wm. Baird, and Bro. Geo. McKay to purchase suitable aprons for the officers.
On December 5, 191 1, the following building committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master with instructions to report at the next meeting, they are as follows: Bro. W. R. Elliot, Bro. E. E. Swain, and Bro. A. Downey.
On March 26, 1912, the Worshipful Master appointed Bro. C. Noble, Bro. W. Baird, and Bro. Geo. McKay to a building committee to receive bids for building the Masonic Hall.
On April 9, 1912, a motion by Bro. C. Noble, seconded by Bro. Ware, that the Lodge accept Bro. Elliott and Bro. Stimson's bid for $2,200.00 for creating the Masonic Lodge Room according to the plans as agreed to. Motion carried.
On August 27, 1912, a motion by the Finance Committee was authorized to borrow the money to make payment on the new Masonic Hall.
On May 5, 1913, they set a date to dedicate the new Masonic Temple.
On May 20, 1913, Bro. John G. Bruce was elected to life membership in this lodge; he having been consummated over 50 years as an active Master Mason.
From the October 10, 1913, Brown City Banner:
"The dedication of the new Brown City Masonic Temple last Thursday October 2, marks an epoch in the history of Lodge No. 409. For years this order has had an enthusiastic membership in and at-out the city. For years they have looked forward to the time when the Masonic Lodge here could own their own Temple. Last Spring the time seemed ripe and the work was taken up and pushed to completion.
The day was wet and dreary, but beginning at 2 p.m., the people began to congregate at the hall and they kept arriving until 3 p.m. At the time for the dedication, the hall was well filled.
The Grand Lodge Officers, acting Grand Master Wm. M. Perritt of Detroit, Grand Chaplain Rev. Wm. H. Gallagher of Caro, Grand Marshall Chas. B. Eddy of Hart, and Grand Tiler James F. McGregor of Detroit marched to the hall at 3 p.m. and took charge of the ceremonies. Solemn and impressive, the work was carried forward in a manner that could not help but give those present a reverence for and order, thus founded or thus governed.
Immediately after the ceremony part of the program was given so as to allow the Grand Lodge Officers to get away on the train. W. H. Witt, acting as Chairman, lived up to his reputation for with and humor, and kept things lively all the way.
Speeches by Rev. Gallager, Mr. Perritt and Mr. Eddy were instructive and interesting, and should not have been missed by anyone who could have been present. The audience was given a rare treat in the form of two solo's by Mrs. Wilton. Her sweet and full voice filled the hall and she was encored on both occasions.
The Lexington Five Piece Orchestra had been engaged for the day, and their well rendered selections were received with pleasure.
At 5:30, a banquet was given by the Ladies of the Eastern Star. It was served in the dining room of the Lodge. These ladies certainly are to be congratulated upon the delicious appetizing banquet spread. It was good enough for a king, and beautifully served by 12 of the high school girls gowned in white frocks and caps.
After the banquet, the program was continued in the Lodge Room the company being entertained by speeches by Rev. Caldwell of Marlette, Rev. Roof of Brown City, and others, solo's by Miss Merle McKay, and several selections by the orchestra.
At 8:30 p.m., the orchestra crossed over to the auditorium where, until the wee small hours, those so inclined enjoyed themselves dancing and seeing a three reel feature play in motion picture.
Surely the day was a well spent, enjoyable one that will be long remembered by those participating."
A special meeting was held on October 2, 1913. The following officers and 35 brothers on the
sideline accounts as recorded in the Lodge records:
Bro. Norman Witmer, W.M.
Bro. C. E. Swain, S.W.
Bro. D.A. Brooks, J.W.
Bro. James Benedict, Treas.
Bro. Geo. A. McKay, Sec'y.
Bro. Chas. Trumble, S.D.
Bro. Ezra Ware, J. D.
Bro. L. McFadden, S.S.
Bro. H. McLeod, J. S.
Bro. Robert Flynn, Tiler
At I p.m., the lodge was then thrown open to the invited guest of the Lodge, Bro. W. M. Perritt acting Grand Master, and other officers of the Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan were then introduced and welcomed with appropriate Grand Honors.
The officers of the Lodge then resigned their stations and placed to the following Grand Officers:
Bro. William M. Perritt Acting M. W. Grand Master
Bro. Charles E. Keen if R.W.S. Grand Warden
Bro. William S. Baird of Grand Warden
Bro. George Sittle it Grand Secretary
Bro. Wm. Gallagher to Grand Chaplain
Bro. Charles B. Eddy Grand Marshall
Bro. James F. McGregory Grand Tiler
The Masonic Temple, with all its apartments and its various halls and corridors, and its furniture, were then duty and solemnly dedicated to the Masonic purpose according to form and usage.
Remarks were made by Bro. Gallagher, Bro. Keen, Bro. Eddy, Bro. McGregory, Bro. Howse, and Bro. Calwell Fanton, Bro. Walter H. Witt acted as Toast Master. Beautiful singing was rendered by Mrs. Wilmont and Miss Merle McKay. Music was by the Lexington Orchestra. A splendid banquet was served by the ladies of the O.E.S. No further business appearing, the lodge was closed in due form at 8:30 p.m.
On December 9,1913, Worshipful Master Norman Witmer appointed Bro. L. H. House and Bro. W. H. Witt as a committee to solicit and get enough monies to pay off the indebtedness on the furniture in the Lodge.
On April 19, 1916, it was moved and supported that the O.E.S. be required to pay a rental fee of$15.00 for the use of the Lodge for their meetings.
On Monday, November 13, 1916 at a special meeting to raise Brother Richard Howton to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The Lodge was closed in due form at 10:30 P.M., quoting from page 192 of the minutes, "At this time there arrived upon the scene three well roasted hogs representing the three degrees in Masonry, which after a sharp engagement by the brethren and there wives surrendered and despaired over the brow of Verdon." The minutes were signed by Brother Daniel H. Brooks.
On June 1, 1920, the Worshipful Master appointed Bro. J.F. Watz, Bro. J.W.Gunn, and Bro. S.W. Garnett as a committee to repair the roof and to prepare the hall for electrical power.
On May 4, 1926, it was moved and supported that the Lodge purchase material to build three more dining room tables. Motion carried. Worshipful Master Wm. Newman appointed S.C. Stokes, Bro. Carl Palmer, and Bro. W.R. Elliott as the committee to have tables made.
On June 1, 1926, Bro. S.C. Stokes reported that the tables were made for the dining room.
On February 5, 1929, bills were paid as follows: telephone to April 1, 1929, $4.60, and insurance $19.60.
On March 6, 1934, the city tax bill was $32.28.
On February 7, 1939, on a motion by Bro. Delmer Root, supported by S.H. Welch, that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee to assist the Secretary in calling on suspended brothers and see if we can get them to come back to the Lodge. (During the years of 1936, '36, '37, and '38, many brothers were suspended for non-payment of dues.)
On April 4, 1939, Bro. Carl Wendt reported on the supper for the Boy Scouts. On a motion by Bro. Wm. Shaw, supported by Bro. Delmer Root, the date was set for April 21, 1939. Motion carried. A motion by Bro. Carl Wendt, supported by Wm. Shaw, that the Masonic Lodge sponsor the Boy Scout movement in Brown City for the year of 1939. Motion carried. The Masonic Lodge continued to sponsor the Boy Scouts through 1943.
On July 1, 1941, "Be it resolved that the Brown City F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge N. 409, elect a Board of Trustees to consist of five brothers, to serve for one year, or until their successors are elected, and that such Board of Trustees be empowered to purchase the lower floor of this building for the benefit of this Lodge, and represent the Lodge, and to perform any and all duties that my develop on this, in the purchase,-and maintenance of the same." The Worshipful Master ordered the ballot for the election of the Trustees. On the first ballot, Bro. Root, Bro. McKay, and Biro. Shaw were elected. On the second ballot, Bro. Wm. Newman and Bro. Smith were elected. A motion was made by Bro. Welch and seconded by Bro. Newman, that the brothers be paid 6% interest on amount advanced by them to the Board of Trustees and the remaining $1,700.00 be obtained at 4%, if possible. Motion carried.
On September 2, 194 1, Bro. Delmer Root reported on the progress of the purchase of the lower floor: that the said had been purchased, that the abstract had been brought up-to-date, that the deed had been sent to the owners in Colorado for their signature, and that $975.00 had been collected by the Board of Trustees from the individual brothers.
On April 1, 1947, it was moved by Bro. Welch, seconded by Bro. Root and carried, that corsages for the ladies be purchased for Easter.
On September 1, 1953, a resolution that $ 1.00 be levied to each member for one year for the purpose of repairing the rear wall; said monies to be turned over to the Board of Trustees for the purpose of repairing the rear wall. The Worshipful Master, S.H. Welch, Jr., ordered the resolution to be laid over until the next regular meeting.
On October 6, 1953, the resolution to access brothers $ 1.00, for one year, for the repair of the building was reread. The resolution was unanimously carried.
On December 6, 1955, Bro. Delmer Root gave a history of the Masonic Building, as follows:
In 1941, the lower portion of the building was purchased for $2,200.00 with the following brothers loaning money on certificates issued by the Board of Trustees in the amount of $1,050.00: Bro. E.R. Hunt, Bro. C. Bower, Bro. H. Liebler, Bro. L. Fisher, Bro. Ed Curson, Bro. Len Brooks, Bro. S.C. Stokes, Bro. Dr. McIntyre, Bro. S.H. Welch, Bro. S. Kalbfleisch, Bro. R. Powerson, Bro. J.B. Hageman, Bro. L. Burger, Bro. H. House, Bro. L. VanEtten, Bro. Dr. Koch, BTO. W.R.Elliott, Bro. Wm. Shaw, Bro. C. Wendt, Bro. C. Boughner, Bro. Wm. Newman, Bro. L. McKay, Bro. D. Root, and Bro. M.D. Smith. Smith sold his certificate to Bro. M. Shadley. The balance of the monies was furnished by Mrs. Force on a mortgage. The Board of Trustees elected to manage the affairs. They were as follows: Bro. Wm. Newman, Bro. Wm. Shaw, Bro. M.D. Smith, Bro. L. McKay, and Bro. D. Root. In 1944, more money was needed and three $100.00 certificates were sold to Bro. J. Stokes, Bro. L. McKay, and Bro. C. Wendt. The mortgage held by Mrs. Force was purchased by Bro. L. McKay. The interest was reduced by 2%. In 1948, the building was I remodeled for the Detroit Edison Co., when this remodeling was done the Lodge owed only $300.00. Money for the remodeling was raised by issuing certificates for $700.00 to Bro. C. Wendt, Bro. J. Sauder, Bro. D. Owens, Bro. L. Nichols, and Bro. S.H. Welch; $4,000.00 was borrowed from the cemetery board and $2,000.00 from Bro. James Stokes. To date, December 6, 1955, there is owing on the building $1,000.00 to brothers and $3,300.00 to the cemetery board. Only two brothers of the original Board of Trustees have been changed, they ate Bro. S.H. Welch who was replaced by M.D. Smith, and Bro. C. Wendt who was replaced by Bro. L. McKay. Taxes on the building in 1944, were $57.80; taxes in 1955, were $159.00.
From December 1956 to December 1993 the Lodge had improvements made, and the usual raising of brothers into the Lodge. A rear fire escape was built.
NAME, YEAR
James A. Watson 1893, and 1894
Past Worshipful Master-Cont.
J. L. Benedict 1895, thru 1899
George McKay 1900, thru 1902
Sam George 1903
William Baird 1904, thru 1907
Charles Noble 1908, thru 1909
Walter Witt
1910 thru 1911
John Weed 1912
Norman Witmer 1913, and 1914
Dan Brooks 1915, and 1916
C. H. Trumble 1917, thru 1919
William Newman 1920,'26, and'35
J. F. Waltz 1921, and 1922
W. B. Smallfield 1923
A. C. Fisher 1924, and 1925
Len Brooks 1927
George Johnson 1928
C. H. Wendt 1929,'30, and'36
S. H. Welch 193 1, '32, and'44
J. D. McLeod 1933
William R. Elliott 1934
William Shaw 1937,'38, and'49
Elbert R. Hunt 1939, and 1940
Delmer Root 1941, and 1942
M. Cole Seager 1943
Lowell VanEften 1945
C. W. Bower 1946
Morris Shadley 1947
Milo Nichol 1948
Thomass Isles
1950
Clair Root
1951
Raymond Greenlee 1952,'59. and'74
S.H. Welch, Jr.
1953
Donald Campbell
1954
Gordon Marion 1955, and 1968
Lloyd Nichol 1956, and 1967
Mark Wendt
1957
Lee Vannest 1958.'65.'69. and'70
Jack Storey
1960
Walter Seley
1961
John McCann
1962
Alvah Wanamaker
1963
Daune Carman
1964
Thomas Burgess 1966.
Paul E. Kalbfleisch
1971
Stanley Gassel 1972, and 1973
Robert Shadley 1975, and 1976
Burdette Render
1977
Larry Webb
1978
Paul Carpenter
1979
Gary McDonald
1980
Lloyd Lobstein
1981 thru 1983
Leland Bartle 1984
William Mahaffy
1985
Frank Detzler 1986. and 1987
Edwin Kalbfleisch 1990.'93 and 94
Ralph Lowe
1991 and 1992
Kenneth William Welch 1995
John Welsh 1996
Arthur Tank 1997
Frank Lung 1998
Ken Brown 1999