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Lodge History
(The story of Ashlar Lodge)
ASHLAR LODGE
No. 570 F. & A. M.
of Lykens, Pennsylvania
A CONDENSED HISTORY
A desire to establish a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of
Wiconisco, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania was first initiated by a group of Master
Masons formerly members of several other Lodges, and at this time not members of
any Lodge, decided to submit a formal request to the Right Worshipful Grand
Master and Grand Officers, of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging.
Praying for a warrant of constitution, empowering those Master Masons of
respective names attached to meet as a regular Lodge at Wiconisco, Pennsylvania,
to be called Ashlar Lodge and thereto discharge the duties of Masonry in a
constitutional manner according to the forms of the Fraternity, and the rules
and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
We have chosen and do recommend Brother Lewis M. Neiffer to be Master, Brother
W. H. Clay Keen to be Senior Warden and Brother J. Walter Park to be Junior
Warden of the said Lodge.
The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict conformity to the
ancient landmarks of the Craft and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
The prayer of the Petition was favorably recommended to the Grand Lodge by five
Brethren and Brother William B. Lamberton, District Deputy Grand Master.
At a meeting of the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania held of
March 14th A.D., 1887, A.L. 5887 a warrant was granted to hold a Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons at Wiconisco, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Said Warrant was signed by the following named Grand Officers: Joseph Eichbaum -
R. W. Grand Master, Clifford P. MacColla - R. W. Deputy Grand Master, J. Simpson
Africa - R. W. Sr. Grand Master, Michael Arnold - R. W. Jr. Grand Master, Thomas
R. Patton - R. W. Grand Treasurer, Michael Nisbet - R. W. Grand Secretary.
Charter Officers
Lewis M. Neiffer........Worshipful Master
W. H. Clay Keen.........Senior Warden
J. Walter Park............ Junior Warden
The Lodge was constituted on June 20, 1887 by Joseph Eichbaum, Right Worshipful
Grand Master, to be established in the town of Wiconisco, Dauphin County,
Pennsylvania.
Without regard to a letter submitted by the Brethren requesting careful
consideration be given by the Grand Lodge in becoming acquainted with the most
desirable location and very important facts as listed before determining where
the new Lodge should be instituted either in Lykens Borough or Wiconisco, a
warrant was granted in favor of Wiconisco.
A special meeting was held June 22, 1887, when By-Laws were drawn up and
adopted, using a printed copy of Susquehanna Lodge #364 as a basis, with the
exception of a few obvious changes, the By-Laws were officially adopted November
29, 1887.
From the outset a proficiency examination of all candidates was established to
ensure that the oaths and obligations were thoroughly understood.
The Lodge prospered from its beginning and had a reputation of doing excellent
degree work.
For a number of years, the danger of fire in the building that housed the Lodge,
was of great concern, due to insufficient fire escape, also another tenant
(Hosiery Mill) was started on the second floor of the building, which further
increased the danger of fire.
By 1903, there was a large membership from Lykens. There was also a large brick
building, being erected in Lykens on the corner of Main and Market Streets, the
three story structure being ideal for a Masonic Hall.
After the clouds of ignorant oppression had cleared away and the members of the
Fraternity residing in Lykens Borough were ambitious to again have the Lodge
relocated to Lykens, due to many adverse situations being encountered, thus a
movement was started to move the Lodge to Lykens.
On June 14, 1904 action was taken and by unanimous vote and decision to relocate
to Lykens. The first stated meeting was held in the new quarters in Lykens June
21, 1904, the 17th Anniversary of its Constitution.
This was a very fortunate move for the Lodge, as the former Lodge building in
Wiconisco was a total loss due to fire, a few months later the same year.
The Lodge membership continued to grow and prosper, along with its growth there
was a desire by many of the brethren for a Masonic Building, they could call
their own. Henceforth, the situation to construct a Temple they could call their
own, became more prevalent, caused by the sale of the building which they were
meeting, was sold to the P.O.S. of A. organization, compelling both
organizations to share the same meeting area, causing a most undesirable
situation.
Action was taken by Brother Isaac Mossop at Millersburg, that he would
contribute $1,000.00 toward the erection of a new building and stated he would
get Brother Lewis M. Neiffer, P.M. to a like contribution.
On March 9, 1920 Lodge resolution was passed, authorizing the trustees to look
for a suitable and convenient site.
On August 10, 1920, it was resolved that the trustees of the Lodge be authorized
and directed to purchase a parcel of land from the Heilner estate for $3,500.00
and convert into available cash any securities or to borrow sufficient monies as
may be necessary.
In 1921, W. Walter Duncan, W.M. appointed a building committee.
On February 13, 1923 this committee was authorized to raze old building on site
purchased and to erect a Masonic Temple at a cost of $30,000.00 with complete
plans to finance it.
On April 22, 1924, the present Masonic Temple was formally dedicated. Present
for the traditional occasion were: Brothers Samuel S. Goodyear, R.W.G.M.,
William S. Snyder, Jr. Grand Warden, And W. Harvey Musser, D.D.G.M.
A continuous fund raising to retire the financial obligations was well supported
by many members giving to the Lodge gifts, such as decorations, chairs,
stations, etc. All donors of large or small gifts were kept as a permanent
record and as of June 1927 an audit by the finance committee submitted the
following report: Value of all property, furniture, and fixtures amounted to
approximately $45,000.00
It was resolved that the same dedication and determination be continued into the
future, by all brethren for the continuous success of Ashlar Lodge No. 570 F. &
A.M. of Lykens, Pennsylvania.
CHARTER MEMBERS
Leopold Marks
J. Lyda Brallier
Barnet H. Karper
Joseph W. Durbin
Levi Workman
John J. Nutt
J. Walter Park
E. Lane Schofield
Charles P. Sweeny
John F. Workman
John Chester
James C. Durbin
William H. Smith
Milton F. Moyer
W. H. Clay Keen
Jeremiah R. Carl
Charles D. Christmas
Emanuel T. Matter
George C. Diefenderfer
J. Frank Foster
William H. Powell
Lewis M. Neiffer
