TW8 Templet

Trenton-Wyandotte Lodge #8

History

Trenton Lodge No. 8 was granted the authority to work under Dispensation on March 14, 1854, and the Charter was granted January 11, 1855, the Lodge being dedicated on January 16, 1855. The three officers who were appointed to work under Dispensation were: Harry Sanders, Worshipful Master, N. C. Alvord, Senior Warden, and James I. David, junior Warden. One of the peculiar things and certainly very interesting, is the fact that James I. David was not a Master Mason at the time of this appointment, but was made a Master Mason on March 24, 1854.

Trenton Lodge No. 8 was given a number of a defunct Lodge near Jackson called St. John's Lodge. The Grand Lodge presenting the Charter, jewels and other things to Trenton Lodge No. 8 in January of 1855. According to Grand Lodge proceedings another Lodge at Jackson may have used the number for a short time but not with authority.

A few of the first members came from New York State. Among the first members was a man by the name of D. Jacob, who was a Methodist minister, whom afterwards became the Grand Chaplain. Also one of a committee of three appointed by the Grand Master to proceed to Ypsilanti to witness the exemplification of the three degrees of Masonry according to the Ritual written by Joseph Smith Webb and exemplified at Baltimore Convention in 1847. This work became known as the "Barney Webb Work."

Until 1856 the Lodge met above Duddleson's store. In March, 1856, they rented a hall above Jaquith's store. The same hall was used by the Oddfellows. They continued meeting there until June, 1863, when they purchased Hudson's store, which stood on the lot now owned by Brother Aaron Simmons. They met at this hall until March, 1868, when that building was destroyed by fire. Then they rented Saunder's Hall, which stood on the southeast corner of St. Joseph and Front Street, where the Edison Office now stands. In 1869 they built a new building on this site at the cost of $2,200.00, the old building was moved to another location and is now known as the Trenton Inn. The new building was dedicated December 27, 1869. The cornerstone was laid June 1, 1869, by Bro. Alex McIlhenny acting as Grand Master. This building was occupied until April 7, 1920, when the Lodge was moved into the present Temple.

Although during early history of this Lodge the members may have been regarded as hard-hearted for the fact that one month they might suspend a Brother and the next month expel him, at the same time there was always a great deal of hilarity and fun on occasions. In one instance, members of Trenton Lodge were going to Detroit to bury a Brother, traveling by train, and on the trip there and back they were entertained by Brother, Jake Rieger. Upon the return to Lodge a motion was made and carried that some one be delegated to purchase a Leather Emblem and present to Brother Rieger in appreciation of the entertainment provided. This was done and many laughs followed this presentation.

The cemetery located at South Jefferson and Fifth St. was purchased by the Lodge in 1867. Many of our Brothers have been buried here. This cemetery was deeded to Monguagon Township in 1916.

On March 4, 1868, demits were granted to Brothers Arzeno, Munger, Harryman, Rice and Penoir to form Hiram Lodge No. 110. On December 7, 1864, demits were granted to J. S. Van Alstyne and others for the purpose of forming Wyandotte Lodge No. 170.

A few things taken from the records of Trenton Lodge No. 8 caught our fancy as being rather interesting, two or three of which we will relate. It appears that sometime after Hiram Lodge No. 110 was organized a group of members from Trenton visited at their Lodge and on the return home D. Kimball's horse ran away and in the melee one of the horses belonging to a Flat Rock Brother was killed. Lodge No. 8 purchased a horse after much heated discussion to replace the dead horse. Also on record, on February 23, 1864, a motion was carried that no more orders for beer, wine or liquor would be allowed.

It was Grand Lodge regulations in the early days that the Grand Lecturer make a request for a school of instructions and his expenses be paid by the Lodge. Upon one occasion the Worshipful Master notified the Grand Lecturer that he could not make the trip to Trenton until navigation had closed on the Great Lakes. A great part of the membership being made up of Seamen and Sea Captains on the Lakes. Trenton at that time was regarded as one of the greatest shipbuilding centers on the Great Lakes. The Craig Ship building Co. and the Turner Boat Works being located here.

A Temple Board functions as a unit to take care of the business pertaining to the Temple. The board has done a magnificent job from a financial standpoint with the use of good sound judgment" they have preserved and maintained the Temple and reduced the indebtedness to a point within reach of a clear title very soon. The members of the present Board, who served on the board with the late Brothers H. L. Bloonishield, Sam Vreeland and N. A. Mans appreciate the importance of their sound business judgment.

One thing concerning the history of Trenton Lodge No. 8 can not be found in the records. That is the great amount of work that was done by the Brothers in making our present Temple what it is today. Very little work was done by contractors. The hard days put in by our older members can well be appreciated.

Although our Lodge has never had the honor to have one of its Past Masters serve as Grand Master, one of our Past Masters did serve as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of the State of Michigan, Bro. Chas. G. Williamson in 1943. The success he enjoyed throughout the state is not found in the records in the Archives of our Lodge, but rather it is registered in the hearts of thousands of Royal Arch Masons throughout the state and adjoining states.

Finally we must admit that many interesting points concerning the history have been omitted. Some of the points might be wrong, for we did find some differences of opinion. If mistakes have been made, let this be an inspiration and an incentive for some one to write a bigger and better history.

The portraits that hang on the walls are of old members of Trenton Lodge No. 8, some of whom are Past Masters. The following list is the names of the Brethren starting in the Southeast corner and continuing around the room: James Chase, Robert Cooper, Alex McIlhenny, John Clee, George W. Crook; WestWm. Smith, N. C. Alvord; North side-J. B. Clough, and one unknown, James Lister, Thomas Limbocker, James Hook, James Vreeland, and Samuel Vreeland; East-Samuel Hendricks, and A. B. Smith.

The hat and can, resting above Bro. McIlhenny's portrait, was presented to him by the Lodge by the members when he was made Master.

The frame containing the Past Master's Apron and jewel that hangs beneath the portrait of Bro. S. Vreeland were his and were presented to the Lodge by his widow.

The organ that is in the balcony was ordered purchased by the members at a meeting held October 20, 1869, no record of exact date of purchase, however the last payment was made February 25, 1870.

The table in the balcony that is now used to hold boxes of slides was used as a desk by the Treasurer of Trenton Lodge No. 8 when the Lodge was in its infancy.

The drapes that surround the railing of the balcony was hung through the efforts of the Order of the Eastern Star, Trenton Chapter No. 325, in 1940.

The frame that hangs above Southwest door contains the jewels that were granted to the Lodge by Grand Lodge in 1855 when this Lodge received its Charter.

The frame that hangs above the Northwest door is something that all Masons are acquainted with and need no explanation

The frame that hangs above the Northeast door is a photographic copy of a letter that was written by Lewis Cass on November 7, 1803, asking admittance to Masonry.

The frame that hangs above Southeast door contains the portrait, Past Master's Apron and jewel of Bro. James McFadden and was presented to the Lodge by the members of his family.

The frame that hangs behind the Secretary's desk was presented to Trenton Lodge No. 8 by Bro. P.M. Chas. G. Williamson, and it contains a small trowel received from George Washington's Lodge at Alexandria, Va. Also a medal commemorating the 200th year of Masonry in Massachusetts.

The Roll of Honor in the Northeast corner of the Lodge room contains the names of our Brethren who served their country in World War 1: Geo. E. Amiot, Kenneth John Aten, Arthur Asmus, Jesse Flowers, Homer S. Teall, John W. Stokes, Vinton L. Williams, Douglas P. McIlhinny, Arthur R. Sanders (died in line of dutv September 11, 1918), James E. McFadden, Wm. P. Laffayette, James W. Fielding, Louis S. D. Rucker, and Geo. W. Ingersoll.

The electric organ was purchased by the members of the lodge in 1929.

The seats surrounding the Lodge room were purchased by the members subscribing and purchasing any amount of feet they desired.

The Altar was presented to the Lodge by Bro. P.M. Jarnes McFadden.

The Pedestals with the three Burning Tapers was presented to the Lodge by Bro. P.M. Warren Rogers.

The two Brazen Pillars in the West were presented by Brothers E. Sullivan and Grant Otis.

The Treasurer's desk was given by Bro. S. L. Hendricks.

The Secretary's desk was presented by Bro. A. B. Smith.

There are in the Archives of our Lodge three Holy Bibles that have seen service on the Altar. Two of them were in service from 1883. John Clee purchased the second Bible Trenton Lodge had and presented it in 1883. The third Bible was presented by Bro. P.M. James Crawford in 1933. The Bible now in service was presented to the Lodge in 1944 by Worshipful Master Myles Scott.

The Rough and Perfect Ashlar that are in the East were presented io the Lodge by Alex McGregor in 1886.

The Square and Compasses used on the Altar of our Lodge have been in service since a time prior to 1903.

The lantern used by the Watchman in Degree work was made and presented by Bro. Geo. Campbell.

The Building Blocks used in Degree work were presented by Bro. P.M. D. Morrison.

The folding twenty-four inch gauge now being used was presented to Trenton Lodge No. 8 by Bro. P.M. Chas. H. Haase of Friendship Lodge No. 411 Detroit, in 1944.

The Tyler's Sword was presented to the Lodge by Bro. James Lister and it is said that it was used by him. during the Civil War.

The portrait hanging in the anti-room is that of Bro. Elliott Slocum.

The Preparation room contains the portrait of Bro. Thomas Sheriff. Within this same room there is also a mantle and a mirror from the days of the Hotel.

On the second floor there is a marker that hangs on the West wall of Club Room inscribed - Trenton Lodge No. 8, 1869. This marker at one time adorned the West Gable of t he Masonic Temple on Front Street. This marker was moved to its present site in 1920.

The replica of the Master's Carpet that hangs on the East wall is a fine piece of workmanship and was prsented to the Lodge in 1887, by Bro. Angus Armstrong and were made by Bro. Frank Martin.

The Masonic Library was presented by Bro. John Mack on October 5, 1927. This library contains some very fine and interesting literature on Masonry and it is well worth a Brother's time to look it over.

The portrait of Bro. George Washington and the reprint of the Constitution of the United States of America was presented to. the Lodge by Bro. P.M. Chas. G. Williamson.

In the Recreation room, the pool table was donated by Bro. Frank Parrent in 1921, and is still the scene of many a hot game of pool, even if the Brothers do have to make their own rules.

The ping pong table was given to the Lodge by Bro. P.M. A. J. Kloock in 1937, and it also is the scene of many a good game.

The four wooden chairs in the Recreation room are the only remaining chairs of 1885.

The kitchen was equipped through the efforts and aid of the Order of the Eastern Star, Trentpn Chapter No. 325. ' There has been many good meals prepared within the realms of this room and we hope many more to come.

The table that holds the coffee,urn was used as a desk by the Secretary of the Lodge during its infancy.

The tables in the dining room were remodeled through the efforts and hard work of Bro. Frank Bampton in 1938.

The complete second floor and all of the equipment was presented to the Masonic Service Association as a recreation center for the use of all members of the Armed Forces, American and her Allies in World War II in 1942. Since opening a large number of boys and girls have found their way into this center and have had enjoyable times. They are able to dance, play pool, and table tennis, read and write letters. The Agents in attendance have done a good job in finding places for the families of Service men to live.

The first floor is composed of a Post Office, Township Offices Barber Shop, janitor's quarters and the Secretary's office. The Secretary's room was built in 1941 and contains the Archives of Trenton Lodge, also all of the necessary stationery for the operation of the Lodge. Some day it is hoped it will be the best equipped Secretary's room to be found anywhere. On the North wall of this room hangs a frame containing the certificate of membership to the Third Degree of Masonry to Bro. N. C. Alvord from Pacific Lodge, Amherst, Mass., in August, 1826.

The Masonic world edited by Brother J. Fairbairn Smith of Detroit, has set forth several interesting points. One which attracted my attention is that the oldest building dedicated to Masonic purposes in America was erected in Halifax, Noth Carolina, in 1771, a two-story log, structure sitting on stone pillars, the first floor about two feet above the ground with no wainscoating. this was possibly a good structure in those days.

Also I find that Gen. George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of U. S. Army, was made a Mason at sight in Washington, D. C., December 16,1941. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Allied leader in the Pacific Theatre, is a member of Manila Lodge No. 1, Philippine Islands. Gen. Arnold, Chief of U. S. Air Force, is a member of Union Lodge No. 7, Junction City, Kansas. Admiral, King, Commander of U. S. Fleet, is a member of George R. Whiting Lodge No. 22, Washington, D. C.

In the United States there are 15,460 Brue Lodges. New York State has 1037, Illinois 989, Texas 892, Iowa 622, Missouri 620, California 581, Pennsylvania 563, and ranking ninth is Michigan with 512. There are two million four hundred fifty-six thousand and forty-seven Master Masons in the United States. Michigan ranks sixth with about 118,000.

Masonry in Michigan was established in the year 1764, when Zion Lodge No. I was organized by the Provincial Grand Lodge of the State of New York under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England.

Thus Michigan Masonry antedates the establishment of the Statehood for Michigan by more than 73 years. During the 180 years of Masonic History for Michigan the Craft has grown to 118,000 members divided into some 512 Lodges. Moreover every branch of the Masonic system exists in a distinctly healthy condition. Royal Arch Masonry was established in 1818, when the General Grand Chapter of the U. S. A. chartered Monroe Chapter No. 1; today there are 150 chapters with a membership of 24,000. The Grand Council of Connecticut chartered the first Cryptic Rite Council as Monroe No. 1, in 1857, and there are now 50 Councils with an aggregate membership of 4,000. The First Commandery, Detroit No.1was established in 1851 by the Grand Encampment of the U. S. A. Total Commanderies and members today are respectively 53 and 8,000. Scottish Rites came to Michigan in 1861. Today there are four Consistories and 13,000 members. Detroit enjoys the distinction of possessing the largest, the most costly and certainly the most beautiful Masonic Temple in the entire world. It is an outstanding feature of Detroit's extensive convention facilities. This world famed structure contains the largest public auditoriums in the city, five large exposition halls, three huge ballrooms, a smaller auditorium, facilities to feed 5,000 at a single sitting. It contains seven Lodge Rooms, a Chapter Room, a Commandery Asylum Consistory Cathedral and a Shrine Mosque. It serves thirty-two Lodges, five Chapters, a Council, two Commanderies, Scottish Rite Bodies and Shrine. Visitors from every nook and corner of the civilized globe are amazed at its beauty and vastness. Tours of the building may be made daily