Recalling the Ritual, New Brother Clears the Path To 130-Year Old Monument With Masonic Links
Francis J. Bell remembered what he heard when he was raised last March 2003 in St. Alban-Swain Lodge No. 529, Philadelphia. Two months later, he was reading a feature article in the Sunday, May 25 edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer about the deteriorated conditions of many of the area's cemeteries and spied a reference to Mount Moriah Cemetery in southwest Philadelphia. "Mount Moriah" registered with him. Since that name figured prominently in the Ritual he had experienced recently and is reflected in the names of some Lodges, he considered the possibility of a Masonic link.
Bro. Bell decided to find out and traveled to Mount Moriah Cemetery to assess the situation. The newspaper article was correct; there was terrible overgrowth and conditions were bad. Bro. Bell also was correct; he found substantial Masonic presence there.
On his initial foray into the brush, he discovered an imposing monument with definite Masonic symbolism marking the final resting place of Past Grand Tyler William B. Schnider (click here for more on Bro. William B. Schneider). The inscription states:
DEDICATED BY THE GRAND OFFICERS
OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PA.
JUNE 24th, A.D. 1871 A.L. 5871
After a great deal of effort and judicious application of a machete, weed whacker, and mower, it became clearly evident that there had been a great deal of planning given to the location. The primary burial monument was oriented so that Bro. Schnider's sculpted bas-relief bust faces the East; was situated at the apex of the highest ground in the cemetery; and was central to two concentric paths, making it "A Point Within A Circle."
Further inspection of the surrounding area revealed other monuments and vaults testifying to Masonic burials, and references to Royal Arch Masonry and other Masonic organizations. Further research is necessary to establish whether there are more than casual or chance relationships among the numerous Masonic gravesites. Was this widely known as a Masonic burial ground? Certainly what has been uncovered so far would indicate this.
Bro. Bell has made a number of trips since then and has begun an effort to restore the areas in the vicinity of the monument to the "harmony and good order" befitting the Brethren and their families who have traveled to that "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." He has interested other Members of the Lodge in joining him in the effort. Recently, Stephen W. Long, P.M. and the Secretary, Robert M. Stauffer, P.M., joined Bro. Bell not only to help in the work, but also to get photos, and publicize his effort to enlist the aid of more Brethren interested in the reclamation.
Past Master Stauffer said, "The Members of St. Alban-Swain Lodge welcome and urge Brethren from other Lodges and from the Coordinate Bodies to join them in this worthy task. We also suggest that DeMolay Chapters and Boy Scout Troops that benefit from Masonic support could help in the effort. Contact Bro. Bell to volunteer your services or for further information, call (215) 637-0635."
