History
Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, is well known as an active, industrious, friendly, and hard working lodge. Visiting brethren are always welcome and are invited to participate in the conferring of degrees. We are thankful for all the young men, who are seeing things they like about the lodge and asking to become members. Without them, continuing growth and progress would not be possible. Again, we are thankful for all of our visitors, neighbors, friends, supporters and dedicated members who make this lodge the wonderful success it is today.
Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, is well known as an active, industrious, friendly, and hard working lodge. Visiting brethren are always welcome and are invited to participate in the conferring of degrees. We are thankful for all the young men, who are seeing things they like about the lodge and asking to become members. Without them, continuing growth and progress would not be possible. Again, we are thankful for all of our visitors, neighbors, friends, supporters and dedicated members who make this lodge the wonderful success it is today.
In the following report it was difficult to determine, in some cases, the true intent of the old records. The Lodge Minute Books burned in 1920, and other sources are difficult to find. There are probably errors in interpreting this information, but at least an effort has been made. Any corrections or additions would be most welcome.
In the following report it was difficult to determine, in some cases, the true intent of the old records. The Lodge Minute Books burned in 1920, and other sources are difficult to find. There are probably errors in interpreting this information, but at least an effort has been made. Any corrections or additions would be most welcome.
The Pontotoc Blue Lodge Number 81 was organized in 1846 and chartered, February 27, 1847. In the beginning the meetings was held in The Lodge Room on the east side of the court square, long locally known as the Carr block. After the disastrous fire of 1855 destroyed the Baptist Church, which was a plank structure, the Baptist congregation and the Masons rebuilt a brick structure in 1856, the Baptist occupying the lower floor and the Masonic order, the upper. This arrangement lasted until 1920, when this building too, was destroyed by fire. When the Bank of Pontotoc was rebuilt in 1926 the Masons purchased the upper floor and met there until the present lodge hall was constructed in 1967. [1]
The Pontotoc Blue Lodge Number 81 was organized in 1846 and chartered, February 27, 1847. In the beginning the meetings was held in The Lodge Room on the east side of the court square, long locally known as the Carr block. After the disastrous fire of 1855 destroyed the Baptist Church, which was a plank structure, the Baptist congregation and the Masons rebuilt a brick structure in 1856, the Baptist occupying the lower floor and the Masonic order, the upper. This arrangement lasted until 1920, when this building too, was destroyed by fire. When the Bank of Pontotoc was rebuilt in 1926 the Masons purchased the upper floor and met there until the present lodge hall was constructed in 1967. [1]
The First officers of the lodge were:
The First officers of the lodge were:
J. Edmondson - Worshipful Master
J. Edmondson - Worshipful Master
T. H. Williams – Senior Warden
T. H. Williams – Senior Warden
George R. Freeman - Junior Warden
George R. Freeman - Junior Warden
James W. Brake – Treasurer
James W. Brake – Treasurer
Robert W. Edmondson – Secretary
Robert W. Edmondson – Secretary
G. M. Ragsdale – Senior Deacon
G. M. Ragsdale – Senior Deacon
*unknown*- Junior Deacon
*unknown*- Junior Deacon
John Davis – Steward and Tyler
John Davis – Steward and Tyler
Other members were John Huntington, R. J. Jones, and W. R. Harris. [1]
Other members were John Huntington, R. J. Jones, and W. R. Harris. [1]
Blue lodges have been located at Cherry Creek, later moved to Ecru, Buttermilk Spring, later known as Thaxton, Plymouth, Springville, Red Land, later moved to Old Houlka and then to New Houlka, Harrisburg, which was moved to Chesterville and given the name Robert E. Lee sometimes after the War between the States, and Palmetto, which was moved to Shannon. There were lodges at Troy, Chesterville, Toccopola, and Ecru. [1]
Blue lodges have been located at Cherry Creek, later moved to Ecru, Buttermilk Spring, later known as Thaxton, Plymouth, Springville, Red Land, later moved to Old Houlka and then to New Houlka, Harrisburg, which was moved to Chesterville and given the name Robert E. Lee sometimes after the War between the States, and Palmetto, which was moved to Shannon. There were lodges at Troy, Chesterville, Toccopola, and Ecru. [1]
Joseph Warren Lodge Number 71, New Albany was in Pontotoc County when it was organized in 1843, and charted in 1846. Before the counties were divided New Albany, Harrisburg and Palmetto Lodges were in Pontotoc County. [1]
Joseph Warren Lodge Number 71, New Albany was in Pontotoc County when it was organized in 1843, and charted in 1846. Before the counties were divided New Albany, Harrisburg and Palmetto Lodges were in Pontotoc County. [1]
The Pontotoc Council Number 26 was organized in 1849, but was not chartered until October 1, 1859. The first officers were as follow: Edwin C. Bolton, John A. McNeil, James Sample, J. W. Drake, M.W. Martin, Charles S. H. Taylor, and N. I. Mayo. [1]
The Pontotoc Council Number 26 was organized in 1849, but was not chartered until October 1, 1859. The first officers were as follow: Edwin C. Bolton, John A. McNeil, James Sample, J. W. Drake, M.W. Martin, Charles S. H. Taylor, and N. I. Mayo. [1]
The charter members were: John Huntington, William R. Harris, Robert J. Jones, James C. Reid, Thomas H. Vaughn, John J. Formwalt, Benjamin C. Earle, William H. Kilpatrick, C. D. Fontaine, Wolfe Steppacher, James Oldshue, William E. McNeil, M. B. Feemster, and William M. Duncan. [1]
The charter members were: John Huntington, William R. Harris, Robert J. Jones, James C. Reid, Thomas H. Vaughn, John J. Formwalt, Benjamin C. Earle, William H. Kilpatrick, C. D. Fontaine, Wolfe Steppacher, James Oldshue, William E. McNeil, M. B. Feemster, and William M. Duncan. [1]
Shield’s Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Number 18 was instituted, January 9, 1849, with A. J. Edmondson, Thomas H. Williams, George R. Freeman, and John A. McNeil as officers. These two organizations, were discontinued a few years ago, along with Pontotoc Commentary Number 40. [1]
Shield’s Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Number 18 was instituted, January 9, 1849, with A. J. Edmondson, Thomas H. Williams, George R. Freeman, and John A. McNeil as officers. These two organizations, were discontinued a few years ago, along with Pontotoc Commentary Number 40. [1]
The Pontotoc Order of the Eastern Star Chapter Number 138 was organized, April 20, 1916, by District Deputy Grand Matron Addie Brown, of Blue Mountain. Those present and accepted as charter members were: W. H. Wood, Mrs. Ida Williamson Patterson, R. B. Patterson, Mrs. Clyde Hancock Mitchell, Mrs. Laura Souter Wood, Sue Souter, Mrs. Lucy Henson Young, L. B. Price, Hellen Young, Nattie Lee Ray, Mrs. Lela Bounds McClusky, Mrs. Levona Owen Long, Mrs. Clyde Moore Bass, F. R. Price, Mrs. Margarette Stegall Jenkins, Mrs. Stella Wilson Herman, A. F. Herman, and S. B. Long. [1]
The Pontotoc Order of the Eastern Star Chapter Number 138 was organized, April 20, 1916, by District Deputy Grand Matron Addie Brown, of Blue Mountain. Those present and accepted as charter members were: W. H. Wood, Mrs. Ida Williamson Patterson, R. B. Patterson, Mrs. Clyde Hancock Mitchell, Mrs. Laura Souter Wood, Sue Souter, Mrs. Lucy Henson Young, L. B. Price, Hellen Young, Nattie Lee Ray, Mrs. Lela Bounds McClusky, Mrs. Levona Owen Long, Mrs. Clyde Moore Bass, F. R. Price, Mrs. Margarette Stegall Jenkins, Mrs. Stella Wilson Herman, A. F. Herman, and S. B. Long. [1]
After the lodge burned on July 20, 1920, both the meetings of the Lodge and the Eastern Star were held in the Order of the Odd Fellows Hall over Jeff Brown Store. This arrangement was continued until the Masonic Hall was built over the Bank of Pontotoc in 1926. [1]
After the lodge burned on July 20, 1920, both the meetings of the Lodge and the Eastern Star were held in the Order of the Odd Fellows Hall over Jeff Brown Store. This arrangement was continued until the Masonic Hall was built over the Bank of Pontotoc in 1926. [1]
The Order has produced many outstanding local, district, and state leaders. It would be difficult to list all these, but we will mention three top state office holders. Mrs. Ada Helms was elected Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Mississippi in 1938. Hugh H. Brown was elected Worthy Grand Patron in 1990. “Mr. Hugh” traveled widely and represented the Order well. Mrs. Bobbie Harrelson was elected Worthy Grand Matron in 1999 and represented the state in a colorful and patriotic way. She was born on July 4th. She also served the International Eastern Star for three years, as Worthy Grand Warder of the General Grand Chapter.
The Order has produced many outstanding local, district, and state leaders. It would be difficult to list all these, but we will mention three top state office holders. Mrs. Ada Helms was elected Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Mississippi in 1938. Hugh H. Brown was elected Worthy Grand Patron in 1990. “Mr. Hugh” traveled widely and represented the Order well. Mrs. Bobbie Harrelson was elected Worthy Grand Matron in 1999 and represented the state in a colorful and patriotic way. She was born on July 4th. She also served the International Eastern Star for three years, as Worthy Grand Warder of the General Grand Chapter.
On December 17, 1998, Houlka Order or the Eastern Star Number 48 merged with Pontotoc. Thus, the Order became Pontotoc Order of the Eastern Star Number 48.
On December 17, 1998, Houlka Order or the Eastern Star Number 48 merged with Pontotoc. Thus, the Order became Pontotoc Order of the Eastern Star Number 48.
Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, derived it’s Charter from the Grand Lodge of Mississippi in 1847. This Grand Lodge was organized in the City of Natchez on the 27th day of July 1818, by a convention consisting of Masters, Wardens, and Past Masters of Harmony Lodge Number 33, holding under the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Andrew Jackson Lodge Number 15, and Washington Lodge Number 17, holding under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. [3]
Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, derived it’s Charter from the Grand Lodge of Mississippi in 1847. This Grand Lodge was organized in the City of Natchez on the 27th day of July 1818, by a convention consisting of Masters, Wardens, and Past Masters of Harmony Lodge Number 33, holding under the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Andrew Jackson Lodge Number 15, and Washington Lodge Number 17, holding under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. [3]
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi is descended from the Grand Lodge of York. Both the Ancient and the Moderns trace their origin from the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, which also came from York. The Grand Lodge of York, after the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, was known as the Grand Lodge of All England. We trace our descent as follows: The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formed October 30th, 1778, by Lodges which received their charters from the Grand Masters of both the English Grand Lodges and those of Scotland, Ireland, and Pennsylvania. The latter derived its authority from the Grand Lodge of England, but one of the constituent Lodges, over which Bro. Benjamin Franklin presided, was chartered in 1754, by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which was chartered by the Grand Master of England. Virginia chartered Lexington Lodge Number 25 at Lexington; Paris Number 35 at Paris, and Numbers 46 and 57, Virginia enumeration (probably Georgetown and Hiram); and these four, through their representatives, organized the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. [3]
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi is descended from the Grand Lodge of York. Both the Ancient and the Moderns trace their origin from the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, which also came from York. The Grand Lodge of York, after the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, was known as the Grand Lodge of All England. We trace our descent as follows: The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formed October 30th, 1778, by Lodges which received their charters from the Grand Masters of both the English Grand Lodges and those of Scotland, Ireland, and Pennsylvania. The latter derived its authority from the Grand Lodge of England, but one of the constituent Lodges, over which Bro. Benjamin Franklin presided, was chartered in 1754, by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which was chartered by the Grand Master of England. Virginia chartered Lexington Lodge Number 25 at Lexington; Paris Number 35 at Paris, and Numbers 46 and 57, Virginia enumeration (probably Georgetown and Hiram); and these four, through their representatives, organized the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. [3]
“All Grand Lodges and subordinate Lodges in the United States and Canada trace their origin back to the Grand Lodge of England.” [2]
“All Grand Lodges and subordinate Lodges in the United States and Canada trace their origin back to the Grand Lodge of England.” [2]
“Brethren, I have called attention to these facts in the early history of Mississippi, in connection with the establishment of Masonic Lodges, as an example of that distinguishing trait of the Masonic Institution, that it has always been found in the vanguard of every great movement in the progress and improvement of the human race.” [3]
“Brethren, I have called attention to these facts in the early history of Mississippi, in connection with the establishment of Masonic Lodges, as an example of that distinguishing trait of the Masonic Institution, that it has always been found in the vanguard of every great movement in the progress and improvement of the human race.” [3]
“No loyal Freemason has ever been a traitor to his country. Next to love of God, Freemasonry teaches love of country. For that reason, the growth of Masonic membership has been greatest during times of the nation’s peril.” [3]
“No loyal Freemason has ever been a traitor to his country. Next to love of God, Freemasonry teaches love of country. For that reason, the growth of Masonic membership has been greatest during times of the nation’s peril.” [3]
“The Freemasons of this country cannot afford to remain idle and ineffective, when the civilization of the world is threatened. The great fundamental principles upon which this government was founded are the principles of Freemasonry. The principles for which our flag stands and in defense of which our brave troops are now fighting are the principles of Freemasonry.” [3]
“The Freemasons of this country cannot afford to remain idle and ineffective, when the civilization of the world is threatened. The great fundamental principles upon which this government was founded are the principles of Freemasonry. The principles for which our flag stands and in defense of which our brave troops are now fighting are the principles of Freemasonry.” [3]
Our members enjoy working together, studying together, traveling together, meeting together and just plain being together. We like to visit and discuss all the current events. It is always interesting to find out what everyone else has been doing since the last meeting. Someone always has a good clean funny story to share. We sometimes laugh about the time back when the Lodge was located over the Bank of Pontotoc and a highway patrolman was getting one of his degrees. A team of patrolmen came to confer his degree and they came in there patrol cars and the phone began to ring and soon word was all over town that the bank had been robbed. [6]
Our members enjoy working together, studying together, traveling together, meeting together and just plain being together. We like to visit and discuss all the current events. It is always interesting to find out what everyone else has been doing since the last meeting. Someone always has a good clean funny story to share. We sometimes laugh about the time back when the Lodge was located over the Bank of Pontotoc and a highway patrolman was getting one of his degrees. A team of patrolmen came to confer his degree and they came in there patrol cars and the phone began to ring and soon word was all over town that the bank had been robbed. [6]
Over the years, this Lodge has produced many outstanding leaders. It would be very difficult to attempt to name them. However, I will mention three that I have had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with.
Over the years, this Lodge has produced many outstanding leaders. It would be very difficult to attempt to name them. However, I will mention three that I have had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with.
Greenberry Hardin Andrews was District Deputy Lecturer and an excellent ritualist. He was a quiet man, but he knew the work. Merrian R. Turner is remembered, by all, as being District Deputy Lecturer, for many years, and then Grand Master in 1985. Many of us were privileged to travel for miles with him. James Homan also served us well in that same position. His talent of leadership and instruction is of great benefit to this Lodge even today. Our present District Deputy Lecturer is Jerry Weaver of Houston. I will conclude this report with a challenging story of a member of the past.
Greenberry Hardin Andrews was District Deputy Lecturer and an excellent ritualist. He was a quiet man, but he knew the work. Merrian R. Turner is remembered, by all, as being District Deputy Lecturer, for many years, and then Grand Master in 1985. Many of us were privileged to travel for miles with him. James Homan also served us well in that same position. His talent of leadership and instruction is of great benefit to this Lodge even today. Our present District Deputy Lecturer is Jerry Weaver of Houston. I will conclude this report with a challenging story of a member of the past.
John Newton Sloan was born in Pickens County, South Carolina, on February 8, 1829. As a young man he moved to Mississippi and settled in Wallerville, Pontotoc County (now a part of Union County). On December 15, 1853, he was married to Susan P. Coleman, a union that would produce four children and last for 44 years. [5]
John Newton Sloan was born in Pickens County, South Carolina, on February 8, 1829. As a young man he moved to Mississippi and settled in Wallerville, Pontotoc County (now a part of Union County). On December 15, 1853, he was married to Susan P. Coleman, a union that would produce four children and last for 44 years. [5]
When war fell upon the south, John enlisted in the 45th Mississippi Infantry where “his bravery and worth being so apparent that he was made a Captain.” During the Battle of Chickamauga, a cannon ball tore away the lower part of his face. Left for dead, he lay on the field for the greater part of the day. Much of this time he was unconscious, but during one of those conscious periods, he was able to take a scrap of paper and a stub of a pencil from his pocket and laboriously scrawled a note stating, “I am not dead” and somehow managed to stick the note on a rail fence post against which he was lying. Just before dark, a Baptist minister, Rev. Charles H. Otkins, rode along the road by the fence. Afterwards, he said, he never knew what made him notice the paper on the post but he did read it and discovered Captain Sloan in the grass beside the fence. Captain Sloan recovered in the days before plastic-surgery in a field hospital with nothing but the most primitive facilities for healing. The Word courage seems a little threadbare when applied to Captain Sloan for he had more than courage and more than gallantry. He possessed a formidable faith in life itself and an indestructible will to live or he would never have returned home. He did return home, joined the Baptist Church, and in the years following the war moved to Pontotoc. An artificial chin was contrived for him and he lived on a liquid diet but he refused to allow himself to be denied a full life. A person would have to listen very carefully when he spoke but this was the only way he was slowed down. [5]
When war fell upon the south, John enlisted in the 45th Mississippi Infantry where “his bravery and worth being so apparent that he was made a Captain.” During the Battle of Chickamauga, a cannon ball tore away the lower part of his face. Left for dead, he lay on the field for the greater part of the day. Much of this time he was unconscious, but during one of those conscious periods, he was able to take a scrap of paper and a stub of a pencil from his pocket and laboriously scrawled a note stating, “I am not dead” and somehow managed to stick the note on a rail fence post against which he was lying. Just before dark, a Baptist minister, Rev. Charles H. Otkins, rode along the road by the fence. Afterwards, he said, he never knew what made him notice the paper on the post but he did read it and discovered Captain Sloan in the grass beside the fence. Captain Sloan recovered in the days before plastic-surgery in a field hospital with nothing but the most primitive facilities for healing. The Word courage seems a little threadbare when applied to Captain Sloan for he had more than courage and more than gallantry. He possessed a formidable faith in life itself and an indestructible will to live or he would never have returned home. He did return home, joined the Baptist Church, and in the years following the war moved to Pontotoc. An artificial chin was contrived for him and he lived on a liquid diet but he refused to allow himself to be denied a full life. A person would have to listen very carefully when he spoke but this was the only way he was slowed down. [5]
He entered public life and became Chancery Clerk, and office he held for 18 years. He became a member of Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, F&AM and was secretary of the order for many years. He was also a member of Shield’s Royal Arch Chapter Number 18 and Pontotoc Council Number 26. John died “from a complication of diseases at his home Monday night at ten o’clock, December 13, 1897, after a lingering illness of many months at the age of 68.” [5] “The funeral was held at home Wednesday morning, December 15, the forty-fourth anniversary of his marriage.” The body was consigned to its last resting place in the Pontotoc Cemetery with a Masonic ceremony. The life of John Newton Sloan is a beautiful example of man’s indestructible will to live, to rise above obstacles that may be encountered, and ring true again the fact that man is never defeated until he gives up. [4]
He entered public life and became Chancery Clerk, and office he held for 18 years. He became a member of Pontotoc Lodge Number 81, F&AM and was secretary of the order for many years. He was also a member of Shield’s Royal Arch Chapter Number 18 and Pontotoc Council Number 26. John died “from a complication of diseases at his home Monday night at ten o’clock, December 13, 1897, after a lingering illness of many months at the age of 68.” [5] “The funeral was held at home Wednesday morning, December 15, the forty-fourth anniversary of his marriage.” The body was consigned to its last resting place in the Pontotoc Cemetery with a Masonic ceremony. The life of John Newton Sloan is a beautiful example of man’s indestructible will to live, to rise above obstacles that may be encountered, and ring true again the fact that man is never defeated until he gives up. [4]
References Notes:
References Notes:
[1]Caldwell, Mildred Boyd, Pontotoc, County History, WPA Historical Project, 1936.
[1]Caldwell, Mildred Boyd, Pontotoc, County History, WPA Historical Project, 1936.
[2]Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Meridian, MS, pp. 112, 646, 621, 645.
[2]Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Meridian, MS, pp. 112, 646, 621, 645.
[3]Henry, Jeanne Hand, Certified Genealogist Southern Genealogical Services, New Market, AL.
[3]Henry, Jeanne Hand, Certified Genealogist Southern Genealogical Services, New Market, AL.
[4]Neet, Mrs. Fred, Pontotoc, MS.
[4]Neet, Mrs. Fred, Pontotoc, MS.
[5]Outlaw, Perry, Ed., Alabama Confederate, vol. 14, number 1, January 1995 (newsletter of the Alabama Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans).
[5]Outlaw, Perry, Ed., Alabama Confederate, vol. 14, number 1, January 1995 (newsletter of the Alabama Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans).
[6]Turner, Merrian R., Pontotoc, MS.
[6]Turner, Merrian R., Pontotoc, MS.