History of Our Lodge
Historical Review Written By: Shane Darren Retter, February 24th, 2016
Historical Review Written By: Shane Darren Retter, February 24th, 2016
The history of the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 is rich with its own culture that is deeply rooted in tradition, service to the community (sometimes unconventional service), and the ability to readily assimilate to a diverse world, which has allowed it to become adaptive through the ages, while still remaining a steadfast stronghold since its inception.
The history of the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 is rich with its own culture that is deeply rooted in tradition, service to the community (sometimes unconventional service), and the ability to readily assimilate to a diverse world, which has allowed it to become adaptive through the ages, while still remaining a steadfast stronghold since its inception.
On January 26th, in 1844, under the notice and authority of a dispensation granted on the 8th day of January, 1844, by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, (Phillip Mason Grand Master), Winchester Lodge U.D. met and proceeded to organize in the following manner: Brethren present: Charles Avery, Edward Edger, Beatie McClelland, Michael Aker, John Neff, Jacob Eltzroth, and Benjamin G. Cunningham, who assembled as a Lodge of Master Masons wanting to spread the light of the craft into the community in which they lived. On a motion, Charles Avery took the Chair and proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons in due form.
On January 26th, in 1844, under the notice and authority of a dispensation granted on the 8th day of January, 1844, by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, (Phillip Mason Grand Master), Winchester Lodge U.D. met and proceeded to organize in the following manner: Brethren present: Charles Avery, Edward Edger, Beatie McClelland, Michael Aker, John Neff, Jacob Eltzroth, and Benjamin G. Cunningham, who assembled as a Lodge of Master Masons wanting to spread the light of the craft into the community in which they lived. On a motion, Charles Avery took the Chair and proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons in due form.
Once the Lodge was opened, the acting Worshipful Master proceeded to install Edward Edger as the first Worshipful Master of Winchester Lodge No. 56, along with Beatie McClelland as Senior Warden, Michael Aker as Junior Warden. Next, the members of the newly established Masonic Lodge proceeded to elect the following officers: Jacob Eltzroth as Secretary, John Neff as Treasurer, Charles Avery as Senior Deacon, and Benjamin G. Cunningham as Junior Deacon. The very first mason listed on the registry is Bro. Jacob Eltzroth. The sash and apron that the first Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 56, Bro. Edward Edger, wore in the parade and reception for General Lafayette in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1825 can be seen in one of the display cases of the lodge.
Once the Lodge was opened, the acting Worshipful Master proceeded to install Edward Edger as the first Worshipful Master of Winchester Lodge No. 56, along with Beatie McClelland as Senior Warden, Michael Aker as Junior Warden. Next, the members of the newly established Masonic Lodge proceeded to elect the following officers: Jacob Eltzroth as Secretary, John Neff as Treasurer, Charles Avery as Senior Deacon, and Benjamin G. Cunningham as Junior Deacon. The very first mason listed on the registry is Bro. Jacob Eltzroth. The sash and apron that the first Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 56, Bro. Edward Edger, wore in the parade and reception for General Lafayette in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1825 can be seen in one of the display cases of the lodge.
No record was ever made of the location that held the very first meeting of Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. Bro. Allen R. Hiatt recorded in a 1906 Lodge No. 56 membership booklet that he had been informed by Bro. Calvin B. Edwards that the first meeting was held in the old Court House, later in Brother David Heaston's residence, then the meetings were held over the Sheriff's residence on the public square, and then the Lodge meetings were held in a more permanent location in the Masonic Hall in rooms on the third story of the Masonic block north side, of the public square.
No record was ever made of the location that held the very first meeting of Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. Bro. Allen R. Hiatt recorded in a 1906 Lodge No. 56 membership booklet that he had been informed by Bro. Calvin B. Edwards that the first meeting was held in the old Court House, later in Brother David Heaston's residence, then the meetings were held over the Sheriff's residence on the public square, and then the Lodge meetings were held in a more permanent location in the Masonic Hall in rooms on the third story of the Masonic block north side, of the public square.
Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 on the
Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 on the
third story of the Masonic block north side in 1906
third story of the Masonic block north side in 1906
A committee was appointed to draft a code of By-laws, said committee consisted of Beatie McClelland, Jacob Eltzroth, and Michael Aker, who were instructed to report at the meeting of February 24th, 1844, at which time said committee reported as ordered, and same were adopted by unanimous vote. However, the By-laws were not recorded at that time, although eight pages in record were left blank, where it is supposed that it was reserved for that purpose. On March 7th, 1868, the By-laws for Lodge No. 56 were first recorded by WM E. Murray, Bro. Nathan Fidler, WM D. Frazee with Bro. Edmund Engle installed as the secretary of the lodge at that time. In the By-laws, the initial fee for conferring the degrees of the lodge was set at twenty dollars ($20) and the fee for admission to annual membership was set at one dollar ($1). Interestingly enough, less than ten years later, in May 1876, David M. Woodson is recorded in the registry book as "an Imposter" to Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. This is not as surprising as it may seem because it happened during an era when clandestine lodges were springing up all across America, each trying to emulate the Masonic Lodge in tradition and ritual, but serving only a selfish purpose. The trend of clandestine lodges continued to grow for the next several decades as more people tried to find a sense of belonging and on December 26th, 1905, a letter was sent out to all of the Masonic Lodges warning them to question anyone that they were unfamiliar with who was attempting to enter their lodge under false pretenses. The only clandestine lodge listed on that letter in the state of Indiana was Human Rights No. 319 in Linton, Indiana.
A committee was appointed to draft a code of By-laws, said committee consisted of Beatie McClelland, Jacob Eltzroth, and Michael Aker, who were instructed to report at the meeting of February 24th, 1844, at which time said committee reported as ordered, and same were adopted by unanimous vote. However, the By-laws were not recorded at that time, although eight pages in record were left blank, where it is supposed that it was reserved for that purpose. On March 7th, 1868, the By-laws for Lodge No. 56 were first recorded by WM E. Murray, Bro. Nathan Fidler, WM D. Frazee with Bro. Edmund Engle installed as the secretary of the lodge at that time. In the By-laws, the initial fee for conferring the degrees of the lodge was set at twenty dollars ($20) and the fee for admission to annual membership was set at one dollar ($1). Interestingly enough, less than ten years later, in May 1876, David M. Woodson is recorded in the registry book as "an Imposter" to Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. This is not as surprising as it may seem because it happened during an era when clandestine lodges were springing up all across America, each trying to emulate the Masonic Lodge in tradition and ritual, but serving only a selfish purpose. The trend of clandestine lodges continued to grow for the next several decades as more people tried to find a sense of belonging and on December 26th, 1905, a letter was sent out to all of the Masonic Lodges warning them to question anyone that they were unfamiliar with who was attempting to enter their lodge under false pretenses. The only clandestine lodge listed on that letter in the state of Indiana was Human Rights No. 319 in Linton, Indiana.
On Monday evening, July 7th in 1941, during the stated meeting, discussion was first raised about remodeling the Lodge Hall and looking into the possibility of building a new Masonic Temple. During the stated meeting, on January 5th in 1942, the second floor of the Lodge was opened up to the Red Cross, if they needed the room during the war effort. Also at the meeting, the Worshipful Master requested that the trustees of Lodge No. 56 make necessary changes to the electrical wiring of the Lodge to make it safe and meet the present requirements. A few months later, during the stated meeting on Monday April 6th, 1942, Bro. Newton A. Wilkerson reported that no remodeling should be done until after World War II was over. This move, along with the fire marshal being out of town and unavailable to do an inspection of the Lodge would prove to have devastating effects on Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. By the stated meeting on Monday, October 4th, in 1943, a Club Room was formed, stocked with five leather chairs, a glass display case, a couple of lamps, a radio in need of a few repairs, and some card tables. A rule was also quickly enacted stating that the Club Room was to be closed on all Blue Lodge meeting nights and that all members should treat the designated leisure area like a room in their own house. The new furniture and fellowship formed in the Club Room would become just memories on one fateful day, February 1st, in 1944, when the Masonic Hall was destroyed by a fire. Immediately, the Knights of Pythias Lodge, which was located next to the Lodge Hall, on the corner of Washington Street and Main Street, granted the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 permission to hold meetings at their Lodge. Some relics, documents, and the Holy Bible were salvaged from the fire that destroyed the Lodge and those items now reside in display cases in the current Masonic Lodge No. 56. At the stated meeting on Monday, February 7th, 1944, letters were read from the Masonic Lodges in Lynn, Union City, and Ridgeville extending an invitation to Lodge No. 56 to use their buildings to hold meetings in.
On Monday evening, July 7th in 1941, during the stated meeting, discussion was first raised about remodeling the Lodge Hall and looking into the possibility of building a new Masonic Temple. During the stated meeting, on January 5th in 1942, the second floor of the Lodge was opened up to the Red Cross, if they needed the room during the war effort. Also at the meeting, the Worshipful Master requested that the trustees of Lodge No. 56 make necessary changes to the electrical wiring of the Lodge to make it safe and meet the present requirements. A few months later, during the stated meeting on Monday April 6th, 1942, Bro. Newton A. Wilkerson reported that no remodeling should be done until after World War II was over. This move, along with the fire marshal being out of town and unavailable to do an inspection of the Lodge would prove to have devastating effects on Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. By the stated meeting on Monday, October 4th, in 1943, a Club Room was formed, stocked with five leather chairs, a glass display case, a couple of lamps, a radio in need of a few repairs, and some card tables. A rule was also quickly enacted stating that the Club Room was to be closed on all Blue Lodge meeting nights and that all members should treat the designated leisure area like a room in their own house. The new furniture and fellowship formed in the Club Room would become just memories on one fateful day, February 1st, in 1944, when the Masonic Hall was destroyed by a fire. Immediately, the Knights of Pythias Lodge, which was located next to the Lodge Hall, on the corner of Washington Street and Main Street, granted the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 permission to hold meetings at their Lodge. Some relics, documents, and the Holy Bible were salvaged from the fire that destroyed the Lodge and those items now reside in display cases in the current Masonic Lodge No. 56. At the stated meeting on Monday, February 7th, 1944, letters were read from the Masonic Lodges in Lynn, Union City, and Ridgeville extending an invitation to Lodge No. 56 to use their buildings to hold meetings in.
No account of location is mentioned in the records of the new meeting location for Lodge No. 56, but at the stated meeting on Monday, March 6th in 1944, a building committee that consisted of A. Eugene Cover, Newton A. Wilkerson, Arthur Longnecker, Everett Addington, Eddie Stonerock, and Glen Gartley reported that they had "found the only suitable place for a new Masonic Temple". The location that they had found was 125 E. North Street, the Moose Home, which was built in 1914 and had been vacated since 1924. A vote was taken and the result was unanimous to purchase the Moose Home for $5000 as the new location for the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. A brief period later, on July 3rd, 1944, the purchase of eight feet of additional ground to the north of the Lodge was made.
No account of location is mentioned in the records of the new meeting location for Lodge No. 56, but at the stated meeting on Monday, March 6th in 1944, a building committee that consisted of A. Eugene Cover, Newton A. Wilkerson, Arthur Longnecker, Everett Addington, Eddie Stonerock, and Glen Gartley reported that they had "found the only suitable place for a new Masonic Temple". The location that they had found was 125 E. North Street, the Moose Home, which was built in 1914 and had been vacated since 1924. A vote was taken and the result was unanimous to purchase the Moose Home for $5000 as the new location for the Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. A brief period later, on July 3rd, 1944, the purchase of eight feet of additional ground to the north of the Lodge was made.
Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 at
Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 at
125 E. North Street in 2016
125 E. North Street in 2016
The choice for a new Masonic Temple location would soon prove to be a wise decision for both the masons and the community of Randolph County. In the latter part of the 1940's, Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56, located at 125 E. North Street, was asked to provide a rather unconventional service to the community. As early as June 17th, 1946, Lodge No. 56 opened its doors to serve as the local emergency hospital for the people of Randolph County, while the "new" hospital (the current location of the Randolph County Health Department and The Journey Home), located at 325 Oak Street in Winchester, was being constructed. While serving as an emergency hospital, Lodge No. 56 was filled with patients, beds, wards, and a surgical room where actual operations took place. Some of these records of surgeries and diagnoses, signed by popular local doctors during that time period, like Dr. Dininger, have been archived and preserved for nostalgic purposes at the Lodge. This is an excellent example that demonstrates how a Masonic Lodge filled with masons serves as a steadfast stronghold in the community.
The choice for a new Masonic Temple location would soon prove to be a wise decision for both the masons and the community of Randolph County. In the latter part of the 1940's, Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56, located at 125 E. North Street, was asked to provide a rather unconventional service to the community. As early as June 17th, 1946, Lodge No. 56 opened its doors to serve as the local emergency hospital for the people of Randolph County, while the "new" hospital (the current location of the Randolph County Health Department and The Journey Home), located at 325 Oak Street in Winchester, was being constructed. While serving as an emergency hospital, Lodge No. 56 was filled with patients, beds, wards, and a surgical room where actual operations took place. Some of these records of surgeries and diagnoses, signed by popular local doctors during that time period, like Dr. Dininger, have been archived and preserved for nostalgic purposes at the Lodge. This is an excellent example that demonstrates how a Masonic Lodge filled with masons serves as a steadfast stronghold in the community.
No lodge will survive the ages, unless it becomes adaptive to the times and Lodge No. 56 is certainly no exception. Since 1927, at least five other lodges and their members in the surrounding area have consolidated and assimilated with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. On Saturday, May 14th, 1927, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 became the first lodge to consolidate with Lodge No. 56. Originating in 1868, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 saw a need to create a place where great men meet and become even better men. With Bro. Hugh M. Hunt as its first Worshipful Master, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 fulfilled that need and served the community for 59 years!
No lodge will survive the ages, unless it becomes adaptive to the times and Lodge No. 56 is certainly no exception. Since 1927, at least five other lodges and their members in the surrounding area have consolidated and assimilated with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. On Saturday, May 14th, 1927, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 became the first lodge to consolidate with Lodge No. 56. Originating in 1868, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 saw a need to create a place where great men meet and become even better men. With Bro. Hugh M. Hunt as its first Worshipful Master, Huntsville Lodge No. 367 fulfilled that need and served the community for 59 years!
The second lodge to consolidate with Winchester Lodge No. 56 was Summers Lodge No. 638. In the year 1901, Bro. John H. Boltz became the first person seated as the Worshipful Master of Summers Lodge No. 638. Summers Lodge was formed for the White River area, but shared the same building as Winchester Lodge No. 56 on the Masonic block on the north side of the town square. After 40 years of service, on Monday evening, June 2nd in 1941, Summers Lodge No. 638 met for the final time before consolidating with Winchester Lodge No. 56. Little is known about Summers Lodge No. 638's activity, other than a list of its past masters, which hangs in the halls of Lodge No. 56.
The second lodge to consolidate with Winchester Lodge No. 56 was Summers Lodge No. 638. In the year 1901, Bro. John H. Boltz became the first person seated as the Worshipful Master of Summers Lodge No. 638. Summers Lodge was formed for the White River area, but shared the same building as Winchester Lodge No. 56 on the Masonic block on the north side of the town square. After 40 years of service, on Monday evening, June 2nd in 1941, Summers Lodge No. 638 met for the final time before consolidating with Winchester Lodge No. 56. Little is known about Summers Lodge No. 638's activity, other than a list of its past masters, which hangs in the halls of Lodge No. 56.
On May 16th, 1857, the Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 opened its doors and began to serve the community. After much discussion, followed by a vote, on the evening of Monday, October 4th, 1982, the Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 met for the final time and after 125 years since its inception, its members voted successfully to assimilate and consolidate with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. The Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 would be the third masonic lodge to consolidate with Lodge No. 56.
On May 16th, 1857, the Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 opened its doors and began to serve the community. After much discussion, followed by a vote, on the evening of Monday, October 4th, 1982, the Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 met for the final time and after 125 years since its inception, its members voted successfully to assimilate and consolidate with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56. The Lynn Masonic Lodge No. 223 would be the third masonic lodge to consolidate with Lodge No. 56.
Another great lodge that served the community was Doric Lodge, which was located in Ridgeville, Indiana. After having sought the consent and approval of Deerfield Lodge No. 117, Half Way Lodge No. 298, and Farmland Lodge No. 308, the Doric Lodge No. 362 opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 1st, in 1866. The last meeting held at Doric Lodge occurred on Wednesday, March 17th, 1999, when after 133 years of service to its members and the community, the members of Doric Lodge No. 362 voted at half past eight o'clock in the evening to assimilate and consolidate with Winchester Lodge No. 56. The final words written in the minutes from the secretary of Doric Lodge No. 362 was "Doric Lodge No. 362 now belongs to the ages". Doric Lodge No. 362 would now become the fourth Masonic Lodge to consolidate with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56.
Another great lodge that served the community was Doric Lodge, which was located in Ridgeville, Indiana. After having sought the consent and approval of Deerfield Lodge No. 117, Half Way Lodge No. 298, and Farmland Lodge No. 308, the Doric Lodge No. 362 opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 1st, in 1866. The last meeting held at Doric Lodge occurred on Wednesday, March 17th, 1999, when after 133 years of service to its members and the community, the members of Doric Lodge No. 362 voted at half past eight o'clock in the evening to assimilate and consolidate with Winchester Lodge No. 56. The final words written in the minutes from the secretary of Doric Lodge No. 362 was "Doric Lodge No. 362 now belongs to the ages". Doric Lodge No. 362 would now become the fourth Masonic Lodge to consolidate with Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56.
The most recent lodge to join with Lodge No. 56 is Turpen Lodge No. 401, which was located last at the corner of Plum Street and State Road 28 in Union City, Indiana. In the year 1868, on Tuesday, November 24th, Turpen Lodge received its dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the state of Indiana with the Worshipful Master Routh of Winchester Lodge, the Worshipful Master Pierce of Deerfield Lodge, and the Worshipful Master Stewart of Pittsburg Lodge attesting to the dispensation. The first Worshipful Master of Turpen Lodge was William H. Anderson. Turpen Lodge had served its community for an amazing 147 years before fully consolidating with Winchester Lodge No. 56 in 2015.
The most recent lodge to join with Lodge No. 56 is Turpen Lodge No. 401, which was located last at the corner of Plum Street and State Road 28 in Union City, Indiana. In the year 1868, on Tuesday, November 24th, Turpen Lodge received its dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the state of Indiana with the Worshipful Master Routh of Winchester Lodge, the Worshipful Master Pierce of Deerfield Lodge, and the Worshipful Master Stewart of Pittsburg Lodge attesting to the dispensation. The first Worshipful Master of Turpen Lodge was William H. Anderson. Turpen Lodge had served its community for an amazing 147 years before fully consolidating with Winchester Lodge No. 56 in 2015.
A milestone in Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 was attained on October 1st in 1994, when it celebrated its 150th year since its inception. Mayor Jack Fowler, who was also a Master Mason and member of Lodge No. 56, dedicated October 1st, 1994 as "Masonic Night" and a special plaque was created to commemorate this occasion, which hangs in the halls of the lodge. A celebratory dinner was served to honored guests and fellow masons with two of the descendants of Brother Jacob Eltzroth, Lodge No. 56's first secretary, in attendance.
A milestone in Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 was attained on October 1st in 1994, when it celebrated its 150th year since its inception. Mayor Jack Fowler, who was also a Master Mason and member of Lodge No. 56, dedicated October 1st, 1994 as "Masonic Night" and a special plaque was created to commemorate this occasion, which hangs in the halls of the lodge. A celebratory dinner was served to honored guests and fellow masons with two of the descendants of Brother Jacob Eltzroth, Lodge No. 56's first secretary, in attendance.
On July 7th, 2012, Winchester Lodge No. 56 was host to not only the surrounding Masonic Lodges, but also the Grand Lodge of the state of Indiana, York Rite and Scottish Rite Masons, Templars, and the Shriners, as together they braved temperatures in excess of 102 degrees to rededicate the Winchester Court House after a major remodel/construction process to replace the clock tower and northern annex to the Court House. A procession of these masons started at Winchester Lodge No. 56, turned south onto Main street and then turned west onto Washington street. The ceremony was held on the north side of the square, which consequently, was right in front of the original Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 Hall on the Masonic Block. During this time, the north eastern most stone was set into the Court House, which encloses a time capsule that will someday be opened to recall the events of this day. For those of us in attendance for this event, the memory evokes not only a milestone in the history of our lodge, but also in our own lives.
On July 7th, 2012, Winchester Lodge No. 56 was host to not only the surrounding Masonic Lodges, but also the Grand Lodge of the state of Indiana, York Rite and Scottish Rite Masons, Templars, and the Shriners, as together they braved temperatures in excess of 102 degrees to rededicate the Winchester Court House after a major remodel/construction process to replace the clock tower and northern annex to the Court House. A procession of these masons started at Winchester Lodge No. 56, turned south onto Main street and then turned west onto Washington street. The ceremony was held on the north side of the square, which consequently, was right in front of the original Winchester Masonic Lodge No. 56 Hall on the Masonic Block. During this time, the north eastern most stone was set into the Court House, which encloses a time capsule that will someday be opened to recall the events of this day. For those of us in attendance for this event, the memory evokes not only a milestone in the history of our lodge, but also in our own lives.
On March 2nd, 2020, Lodge No. 56 would hold its last stated meeting until June of that same year. Like all Masonic lodges in the state of Indiana, as well as businesses, schools, churches, etc. would close due to the spread of COVID-19, a deadly virus that would globally change the way people interacted with each other.
On March 2nd, 2020, Lodge No. 56 would hold its last stated meeting until June of that same year. Like all Masonic lodges in the state of Indiana, as well as businesses, schools, churches, etc. would close due to the spread of COVID-19, a deadly virus that would globally change the way people interacted with each other.