LARUE LODGE #463 1872-1972
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND CELEBRATION
OFFICERS LA RUE LODGE #463 1971-1972
Worshipful Master --------------------- Larry J. Knapp
Senior Warden-------------------------- O. M. Roux
Junior Warden--------------------------- Richard Spracklen
Treasurer--------------------------------- Willis W. Bowles
Secretary---------------------------------- Robert J. Rizor
Senior Deacon--------------------------- Harvey A. Doss
Junior Deacon---------------------------- Robert E. Columber
Tyler--------------------------------------- Lloyd Williamson
Senior Steward--------------------------- Theo R. McElheny, Jr.
Junior Steward---------------------------- Pearl D. Gamble
Chaplain----------------------------------- Carl F. Berry
TRUSTEES
Franklin L. Armstrong
Phillip L. Winslow
Wayne D. Schaber
William Columber
Glenn Lucas
HISTORY OF LA RUE LODGE #463 F. & A. M.
Freemasonry is a society of friends and neighbors who have joined together in a fraternal organization. Our basis is a belief in one God, though we are not a religious sect, and for the furtherance of brotherly love, relief and truth.
Freemasonry, as it is known today, is thought to have its origin around the tenth century A.D., through the stone masons of that period in western Europe and England. These masons erected large stone structures of Gothic design. They lived in small buildings, or "lodges", which they erected on the building sites. It is also uncertain where the free of freemasonry originated. However, it is speculated it comes From~their work with freestone, which could be worked easily, or from the fact that they were free to travel throughout the country.
With the coming of the Protestant Reformation there was less call for erection of these large stone structures - many of which were Catholic Churches - and therefore the number of stone masons declined.
In 1717, four of these lodges" in London, England met on St. John the Baptist Day and formed the first Grand Lodge of England. For the next several years these 'masons' met for social discourse, usually in taverns. During this period the membership increased as it was not restrictive in membership to only stonemasons.
Freemasonry was brought to North America in the early 1700s and attracted many new members as a result of their desire to broaden and strengthen their acquaintances in those difficult times. Numerous, prominent individuals of the period became masons -George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Paul Jones, to name a few.
After the Revolutionary War, masonry was introduced into Ohio at Marietta. On June 28, 1790, American Union Lodge No. 1 was created, and from this the Grand Lodge of Ohio developed. Since that time the Grand Lodge of Ohio has grown into the largest Grand Jurisdiction in the United States, and is second only to the Grand Lodge of England, in the World.
The nearest lodge for the brethren of La Rue to attend in 1872 was Mt. Carmel Lodge #303 in Richwood. A story passed down to us by our good brother, W. Bro. Dr. Harry A. Hoopes (as passed on to him), relates that several members were riding to lodge in Richwood one night when it started to rain. They stopped under the covered bridge that crossed Rush Creek to await passage of the storm. While conversing on the spot, they determined to see about establishing a lodge in La Rue for greater convenience. Petition was signed by those interested, and, after gaining approval from Mt. Carmel and surrounding lodges, was sent to the Grand Master, Alexander H. Newcomb. Being sponsored by Mt. Carmel Lodge #303, a dispensation was granted on April Is, 1872.
The first meeting was held above the current Dennis Pharmacy on May 18, 1872. First, an organizational meeting when Bro. Luke Lenox was selected Chairman and Bro. James H. Leonard, Secretary. After the reading of the warrant and some discussion, James Leonard moved to organize and motion carried. The brethren then proceeded to the stated meeting.
Due to ill health, Bro. David Newcomb, who was to have been our first master, was replaced by the Grand Master appointment of Bro. A. P. Cutting. Bro. Cutting then called upon Bro. J. A. Rodgers to act as Master and a Lodge of Master Masons was opened. Those present were - Officers: J. A. Rodgers, W. M. pro tem; Bro. Silas A. Guthery, S. W., Bro. Luke Lenox, J. W., Bro. J. H. Leonard, Sec., Bro. Henry Thew, S. D., Bro. George F. Riley, J. D., Bro. C. W. Knapp, Tyler. Brothers present: T. H. Roberts, A. P. Cutting, E. E. Riley, T. L. Leonard, A. J. Knapp, and G. C. Allinger. The following appointments were made for the period under dispensation: Bros. Henry Thew, Treasurer, J. H. Leonard, S. D., George F. Riley, J. D., and C. W. Knapp, Tyler.
The first petition for initiation was received July 26, 1872 from Dr. J. A. Mouser. Dr. Mouser was the lodge's first initiate on August 23, 1872, and the first to be passed on December 5, 1872. The first brother to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason was Brother Milton Morral on February 2, 1873.
Having proven themselves worthy of the honor, by the conduct of their lodge communication, the Grand Lodge granted a charter on October 17, 1872. At a special communication held on Friday evening, November 15, 1872, Bro. B. P. Brown of Bellefontaine Lodge #209, holding a proxy from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ohio, then proceeded to institute the lodge. He installed the first officers to serve under the charter: Bro. A. P. Cutting, W. M., S. A. Guthery, S. W., Luke Lenox, J. W., Henry Thew, Treasurer,' Marshal Vestal, Secretary, J. H. Leonard, S. D., George F. Riley, J. D., C. W. Knapp, Tyler.
The first public installation of officers was held in the Methodist Church on December 12, 1873, with A. P. Cutting as installing officer.
Minutes of the first twenty-five years clearly indicate the difficulties which faced our founding brethren. Their determined perseverance conquered the difficulties of establishing a lodge, from building a lodge hall, through years of debt which constantly threatened to engulf them. Due to years of dedicated service by a few hardy brethren, our lodge has survived its first century and we now look forward to the second. The first twenty-five years saw only four different masters, W. Bros. A. P. Cutting, the first four; Luke Lenox, eleven, G. C. Allinger, seven, and Milton Morral, four.
Owing to the increasing number of brethren, more space was desired and a committee composed of G. C. Allinger, J. H. Leonard, and J. F. Guthery was appointed on December 26, 1876 to look for a site to build a hall. They were also given authority to solicit subscriptions and sell stock for purchase of a site and building fund.
On February 2, 1877, the committee reported there were no sites available for construction. However, the firm of Hopkins and Leonard offered the lodge the opportunity to build the second story on the new brick building they intended to erect for a dry goods, grocery and clothing store....the new building to be located on the west side of High Street, present site of our dining room. This proposal was accepted at a meeting on February 8th. The total estimated cost was $1,366.25. However, the actual cost appears to have been $1,641.35 after all bills were paid.
There is no record of the first occupancy of this lodge room. It was dedicated on December 8, 1922 by R. W. Bro. John E. West, DDGM from Bellefontaine who held a proxy from the Grand Master. At that time W. Bro. Russell Wilcox was Master and seventy-three masons were present.
On Sunday evening March 15, 1925, the building under the present lodge room burned and there was extensive damage by heat, smoke and water to the lodge hall and its contents. Until January 29, 1926, under dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Knights of Pythias' generous offer of the use of their hall was accepted. We gratefully extend our gratitude to members of that organization and regret it is no longer active in our community.
Following this fire, which destroyed the building belonging to Mrs. Hart Johnson and Mrs. Zoa Keys and damaged the lodge hall, a fund drive committee of W. Bros. W. E. Thew, J. W. Campbell and J. W. Hoagland was appointed. A finance committee, W. Bros. M. C. Clements, J. C. Thuma and Riley W. Hoagland was also appointed. These committees, after conferring with the property owners, negotiated an agreement whereby the lodge was deeded the right to build a second story over the rebuilt first one. Here again is an example of the dedication of our brethren who demonstrated the tenacity that exemplified our founders. Instead of assessing members or increasing dues, members were solicited for contributions. As a result, of the $9,390.77 cost of the new construction, all but $2,800 was received by contribution. (this amount was borrowed and paid off January 9, 1944)
On Sunday, May 2, 1926, the Worshipful Master, Riley W. Hoagland, welcomed Most Worshipful Bro. Carl E. Stewart, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio into our lodge. At that time, Most Worshipful Bro. Stewart, with Rt. W. Bro. Asa Queen, DDGM, dedicated the lodge in due and ancient form. Included in the festivities was a parade of local and visiting brethren escorted by Sir Knights of Marion Commandery No. 36, Knights Templar, disbanding at the school house where a dinner was served by Mary Lenox Chapter #98, O.E.S. There were 350 master masons registered for this occasion.
On February 15, 1929, the lodge moved to present a Masonic Holy Bible to each candidate who would be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The first presentation was to Bro. Earnest McClaren on March 2, 1928. This custom has been followed ever since. At that time, Bro. J. Sam Myers composed a lecture to accompany the presentation. Many visiting brothers requested a copy to take back to their lodges. It is still used in our lodge.
May 17, 1929 saw the first presentation of a fifty-year award to a member of La Rue Lodge when W. Bro. Milton Morral, the first to be made a M. M. in our lodge, received his 50-year pin. The presentation of Bro. Maurice A. Virden's fifty-year medal in 1942 was of special significance. Past Masters occupied the chairs and R. W. Bro. Dr. John E. Virden, PDDGM of the Bronx District in New York was present to bestow the medal. John had been raised in La Rue lodge, but had demitted after he moved to New York to practice medicine. The Virdens held a close relationship with the lodge. Maurice, on his passing in 1946, left a bequest of $500 to the lodge. R. W. Bro. John made several return visits to our lodge and contributed many useful implements of Masonry, including photo in the reception room of a plaque made of Cedar of Lebanon wood, with the masonic emblem inlaid in it. On July 18, 1930, he presented the lodge stands for officers stations and on June 20, 1930 he had presented a sprig of Acacia and a gavel made of Cedar of Lebanon. This spray of Acacia replaced one he had presented on October 26, 1923. He presented three rosewood gavels on December 4, 1914.
A special and very stirring occasion took place on April 20, 1938. At that time an esteemed W. Bro. James L. McGuire P.M., then 83 years old, assumed the master's station and conferred the Eternal Apprentice Degree on his grandson, John McGuire.
Another such occasion occurred on July 5, 1939 when W. Bro. Dr. J. M. Ruckman assumed the master's station and, with the assistance of his son, Bro. Merrit Ruckman as S. W., conferred the Master Mason Degree on a second son, Bro. Thomas W. Ruckman.
The past years have seen many achievements and much nostalgia. Following are some other highlights not previously noted:
At the inception of the lodge, degree fees were set at $25 (10/5/10) and annual dues were $2.
The secretary and tyler were each granted .50 a meeting for services rendered for the evening.
In the first years of our lodge the brothers had to keep their eyes to the heavens for meetings were set for the Friday on or after the first full moon. On May 11, 1917 it was set for the first Friday after the first full moon, if unable - the 2nd Friday.
Scattered throughout the minutes of the first several years are examples of brotherly love, relief and charity which each of us strive to exemplify. At a time when lodge finances were on the verge of collapse they seldom let a call for assistance go unanswered, ie., on November 27, 1874, Bro. Marshall Vestal was found in distress and the sum of one-hundred dollars was collected for his relief. On July 23, 1895 requests for aid were received from two Ohio lodges and assistance to defray debts was granted. The same night, the wife of a departed brother requested aid by communication. The hat was passed and $7.50 was gathered.
On October 6, 1876, the lodge received a request from Bro. M. C. Cousell to form a lodge at Marseilles, Wyandotte County, Ohio. This was granted unanimously.
In recent years La Rue Lodge #463 and Magnolia Lodge #20 have established extremely friendly relations. Each tries to have several visitations throughout the year and we of La Rue Lodge greatly appreciate the close friendship of this fine lodge. Our paths first crossed at the first recorded funeral service when our lodge conducted rites for Bro. A. S. Warren of Magnolia on April 8, 1877.
On December 20, 1894 La Rue invited Marion #70 to a special meeting which included lunch. At that time the lodge conferred all three degrees. Thirty-five of our good brothers from Marion were in attendance, having come by train.
December 10, 1897 saw the first glimmer of the Eastern Star in La Rue. On that date the lodge voted to have an Eastern Star organization and instructed the secretary to find out the cost. March 3, 1898 a resolution was adopted to organize the O.E.S. in La Rue and that they should have use of the lodge hall.
On December 2, 1878 it was moved and seconded to reimburse Bro. B. M. Sager for the expenses of a horse and buggy hired to visit the sick.
The lodge was honored to have a speaker, at a special meeting held June 24, 1900, M. W. Bro. B. F. Sutton, PGM, of Indiana and a brother of Bro. Rev. P. A. Sutton.
On July 13th of the same year the lodge voted to adjust the meeting time to 7:30 P.M. "sun-time" April 1st to October 1st and 7:00 P.M. "sun-time" October to April.
The lodge took a step toward modernization in 1904 when it was voted to wire the lodge room for electricity. Bro. Joseph Slanser completed the job for $25, plus a ten-year electrical maintenance agreement of one dollar per month which included bulbs. The year 1904 also saw the lodge on 'sound' financial footing as it now had $200 to the good as compared to $1,500 in the red ten years before.
On January 28, 1908 the lodge conferred four M. M. degrees for the benefit of inspecting officer, R. W. Bro. F. H. Marquis, District Lecturer. These were Bros. J. D. Harris, L. L. Truax, LeRoy S. Walker and Floyd L. Topliff. Of these, the first three have departed our membership roll, but W. Bro. Floyd is still an active member, now in his sixty-fourth year. W. Bro. Floyd received his 50-year pin in 1958, and his 60-year pin from his son at the annual inspection in 1968.
The Topliff family has deep roots in our lodge and has carried the precepts of masonry above and beyond the average call. W. Bro. Calvin H. Topliff was raised in 1877 and served as master from 1900 to 1902. W. Bro. Floyd, raised in 1908, served as master in 1911-12 and as secretary 1917-19. His son, R. W. Bro. Calvin H. Topliff was raised on April 3, 1947. He had distinguished himself and the family by the following achievements: master of La Rue Lodge #463, 1950-52 and 1961-62; high priest of Marion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons in 1960; master of Marion Council, Royal and Select Masters in 1969 and Commender, Knight Templar in 1965. He served as district deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1957, 58, 59. He was elected and confirmed as a member of the Ohio Priory and awarded the designation of Knight of the York Cross of Honor.
It is with extreme pride we extend to the Topliff family our gratitude for their exemplification of the tenets and precepts of the masonic fraternity. They have and are serving the fraternity with all the devotion and sincerity of any brother past or present.
On February 21, 1908 the fees for the secretary and tyler, for services, was raised to one dollar per meeting. It was also moved to join with the O.E.S. to buy a new carpet for the lodge, cost to be $147.95 for 134 and 1/6 yards.
In 1911 there was another display of fraternal cooperation in La Rue when the lodge, along with Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows held a joint memorial night on June 25th, paying respects to each of their deceased members.
Also, in 1911, the lodge voted five dollars to the council to help defray cost of erecting hitching racks.
The year 1915 saw four E. A. given in one evening. These included Bros. Milton J. Markey, Carl McGuire, Theo McElheny and John Leslie. Of these, W. Bro. Theo, P. M. 1932-33 and a fifty-year member, is still on the roll. He is still very active in lodge and has brought his son and grandson into the light of masonry T. R. McElheny, Sr., and Jr.
On September 29, 1918 the lodge established the practice of presenting each E. A. candidate an apron.
Fees for degrees were raised April 22, 1921, along with dues. Thirty-five dollars now being the fee (10/10/15) with dues of three dollars. Fees for degrees were lowered in March 1935 to twenty-five dollars (10/5/10).
The first annual Past Masters night was held on August 19, 1921, with brothers coming from five different states. On this date, Bro. P. H. Bogan was raised.
The lodge celebrated its 50th year December 8, 1922. R. W. Bro. John West, District Lecturer acting as Grand Master, dedicated the lodge. W. Bro. Harry A. Hoopes was master during that occasion. W. Bro. Hoopes has been a long and faithful brother of La Rue lodge, and although ill health often sidelines this fifty-year member, he still attempts to attend special occasions.
On May 11, 1923, the lodge received communication from Douglas, Wyoming informing it that one of our founders had been honored by the brethren of that town. Because of the many things Bro. Lester W. Cleland had done for masonry and the town of Douglas, the brothers there honored him by naming their body in his memory.
The By-laws, concerning meeting times, were amended April 17, 1931 to the first and third Fridays. Meeting hours were 7:30 P.M. November to April and 8:00 P.M. April to November. Meeting dates were changed for the last time on May 11, 1937 - to the current first and third Wednesdays.
The photo of one of our most celebrated brothers, Bro. George Washington, which hangs on the lodge wall, was presented on March 4, 1932 by Hon. Bro. Grant E. Mouser. On April 1st we were informed of the George Washington Memorial to which all masons contributed.
During WW II La Rue lodge followed the custom of most lodges that of remitting the dues of its brothers in the service. On June 7, 1944, WW I brother veterans assumed the various stations and conferred the M. M. degree on Frank G. Montgomery, a veteran of WW I. Filling the stations were: W. Bro. Jay C. Thuma, W. M., W. Bro. Theo McElheny, S. W., W. Bro. Aulton Cook, J. W., Bro. Aubrey Smith, Secretary, Bro. Dwight Sager, S. D., W. Bro. E. M. Lingo, J. D., W. Bro. Harry A Hoopes, S. S., Bro. Ralph Dunkin, J. S., Bro. Alvin B. La Rue, Chaplain, Bro. John E. Dutton, Tyler.
On March 6, 1946 an unusual meeting conferred the E. A. degree on Robert A. Jones and Calvin H. Topliff and F. C. degree on Bro. John Ingle and James J. Thuma. All were sons of past masters and their fathers were present for the work.
The year 1947 saw the celebration of our 75th anniversary. R. W. Bro. James Musser was present as speaker. R. W. Bro. Harold Robinson, P. M. 46-47, 48-49, held the meeting on October 22nd. W. Bros. Dr. H. A. Hoopes was M.C. and Riley W. Hoagland, P. M. 25-26, read the history to that date.
During the years 1946-48, Bro. M. C. Clements, P. M. 18-19, purchased and presented aprons to each of the line officers. W. Bro. Jay C. Thuma purchased and presented W. Bro. Clements his secretary's apron in appreciation of the generosity and service Bro. Clements had given as secretary from 1939 to that date. His service as secretary continued until 1953.
September 5, 1951 dues were increased to $6.
September 12, 1951 the lodge was honored by the presence of R. W. Bro. Wm M. Judd, DGM, and R. W. Bro. Thomas A Reber, SOW, during the 15th District Association Meeting.
La Rue lodge had the masters degree conferred for them in exemplary manner on April 16, 1952 when R. W. Bro. Calvin Topliff invited the veteran fellow craft team from the Masonic Home to confer the degree on Bro. Warren M. Lowther. This was a tremendously inspirational experience.
In 1957, R. W. Bro. Calvin Topliff was appointed district deputy grand master. The lodge was therefore inspected by R. W. Bro. Charles Cunningham, Junior Grand Warden.
` In 1958 the lodge was again honored by the visitation of two grand officers. On February 26th, Worshipful Master, H. E. McMahan greeted M. W. Bro. Andrew J. White, GM when the lodge hosted district meeting. M. W. Bro. White presented W. Bro. Floyd L. Topliff his fifty-year medal at that time. On April 9th, R. W. Bro. Charles Cunningham, Senior Grand Warden, inspected the lodge in the M. M. degree.
R. W. Bro. Edgar Ott, Senior Grand Deacon, inspected the lodge in the E. A. degree on April 22, 1959.
On October 10, 1959, W. M. James Leibold held a special meeting to honor R. W. Bro. Topliff at the termination of his term as district deputy grand master. On October 4, 1961, W. M. Bro. Robert J. Hougendobler, Jr. honored him again with presentation of the past DDGM jewel.
April 4, 1962, another brother was honored when W. Bro. Lawrence Seller, P.M. '35-'44 had the York Rite Cross of Honor conferred on him.
The lodge started getting its 'face lifting' in 1963. Dues were raised to $8 in November for needed repairs and the ladies of the Eastern Star laid new carpet in the lodge room.
May 18, 1966 saw a great improvement in the appearance in our M. M. degree. Magnolia Lodge #20, having purchased new robes, donated their previously worn robes to our lodge. For this token of friendship we are again deeply grateful. The lodge traveled to Columbus on December 7, 1965 to confer the M. M. degree on Bro. Dennis Montgomery, Son of P. M. Francis Montgomery, a student at O. S. U.
Due to increased fixed expenses of $1100 and needed repairs to the roof and furnace bus desired remodeling, the dues were raised to $12.
Over the next four years, plans were started on remodeling of the lodge and for the centennial year. These were guided by the respective masters, W. Bros. Wm Columber, '68; Wayne Schaber, '69; Phil Winslow, '70 and Frank Armstrong, '71. The dining room was redecorated in 1969 The lodge hall has an entirely new roof and the lodge room was redecorated in 1970-71. All of this was done by voluntary help and cooperation between the Eastern Stars and lodge brothers.
And so, the last chapter of the first century of La Rue lodge comes to a close. On June 11, 1972, a joint picnic was held at La Rue Area Park, with the assistance of our sister lodge, Prospect Lodge #404 and its Master, W. Bro. Dale Jones. Also invited was our 'mother' lodge, Mt. Carmel.
MEMBERS OF LA RUE LODGE NO. 463, F. & A. M. AS OF AUGUST 1, 1972
Adams, Donald M..............................................*Harruff, Robert S.
*Aikin, Robert S...............................................**Hares, Rev. Francis E.
Armstrong, Franklin L..........................................Hazen, Elwood
*Ashworth, Ralph D.............................................Hicks, Dannie P.
*Bailey, Marshall S..............................................Hicks, Jackie O.
*Ballinger, Waldo E.............................................Hildebrand, Leroy
*Harden, Clayton M.........................................**Hoopes, Dr. Harry L.
*Behner, Raymond A...........................................Hoover, Richard L.
Berry, Carl F.........................................................Hougendobler, Robert J.,Jr.
*Black, Grafton W..............................................*Hougendobler, Robert J., Sr.
*Blazer, Richard E................................................Huffman, Randall
Boles, Henry F......................................................Johnson, Earl W.
*Bowles, Willis W..............................................*Johnson, Dr. Jesse R.
*Campbell, Harold R..........................................*Jolliff, Robert W.
*Carey, Cuvis.......................................................Jones, Kenneth F.
*Carr, Robert M.................................................*Jones, Robert A.
*Cates, Lowell.....................................................Keirns, Arthur Edward
Cluff, Walter D..................................................*King, George M.
Columber, Robert E.............................................Knapp, Larry J.
Columber, William............................................*Laubach, Donald E.
*Cook, Aulton G..................................................Lee, Ralph
*Cock, Nelson A..................................................Lee, Robert M.
*Cookston, Charles D..........................................Lee, William R.
*Davis, Frank H...................................................Leibold, James C.
*Davis, Howard C..............................................*Lightfoot, Paul M.
Davis, John H.......................................................Lucas, Glenn
*Davis, Rev. Thomas C.......................................Mackey, Gage R.
Dean, Howard, Jr.................................................Mollett, Charles W., Jr
*Dennis, Richard L..............................................Montgomery, Dennis E.
Dickason, John W................................................Montgomery, Francis
*Dickason, Lawrence E.......................................McCullough, Phillip
Dickson, George W............................................*McElheny, John D.
Dietrich, Dr. Richard A...................................**McElheny, Theo M.
Dietrich, Dr. Richard A., Jr.................................McElheny, Theo R., Jr.
Doss, Harvey A.................................................*McElheny, Theo R., Sr.
*Dutton, Irvin W.................................................McMahan, Harrison E.
Dutton, Michael W..............................................McMillen, Lester C.
Elsasser, Theodore L.........................................*Oberdier, Clair H.
*Fields, Lawrence F............................................Orians, William
Foos, Stanley R....................................................Phelps, Carroll L.
Foster, Paul Leo.................................................*Phelps, Wilbur
*Fraber, Gerald C.................................................Phillips, George
Fraber, Gerald D.................................................*Pilkington, Carl D.
*Freeman, Howard Z............................................Radcliffe, Robert C.
Crappy, Duane S...................................................Redd, Donald
Gamble, Pearl D..................................................*Reynolds, George W.
*Hater, Er J............................................................Rhoads, Lawrence
Hafer, J. Lewis.....................................................*Ridgway, Clair C.
Hafer, Terry L......................................................*Ridgway, John F.
*Hardin, Russell L.................................................Rizor, Robert J.
*Robinson, Harold L.
*Rodgers, Ralph R.
*Roux, Guy
Roux, Otto M.
*Ruckman, Thomas W.
Sager, Ben R.
Sager, Sam B.
Schaber, Wayne D.
Schertzer, Ronald
*Seller, Lawrence J.
Shope, James E., Jr.
Smith, Guy E.
*Spitter, Joseph F.
Spracklen, Richard E.
*Sprague, Charles M.
Stanbro, William D.
*Stanton, Clarence F.
*Stephenson, Van M.
Stoner, Bob J.
Swartz. Lowell
**Thew Le Roy
**Thuma, Dr. Jay C.
*Thuma, Dr. James J.
*Topliff, Calvin H.
***Topliff, Floyd L.
*Underwood, W. Fred
Vanest, Gerald L.
Weist, James
Weist, Philip F.
Wentzel, Donald H., Jr.
*White, Robert W.
Wiley, Rev. Leland F.
*Williamson, Lloyd
Winslow, Phillip L.
*Wolfe, Gerald J.
Wood, Lowell
* Twenty-five years or more
** Fifty years or more
*** Sixty years or more
PAST MASTERS
A. P. Cutting........................1872-74
Luke Lenox..........................1874-78, 80-86
Thomas Lenard....................1879-80
G. C, Allinger..........................86-93
Milton Morral..........................93-97
Thomas P. Dodd......................97-98
N. Sifritt...................................98-00
Calvin H. Topliff..................1900-02
Joseph Slanser..........................02-03
W. E. Denman..........................03-05
J. W. Hoagland.........................05-07
Em L. Marsh............................07-09
John W. Slagle.........................09-11
Floyd L. Topliff.......................11-12
Wooster B. Denman................12-13
Edward G. Long......................13-14
James L. McGuire...................14-15
C. Earl Ballinger.....................15-16
J. W. Campbell........................16-17
M. H. Leslie.............................17-18
M. C. Clements........................18-19
Carl McGuire...........................19-20
LeRoy Thew............................20-21
H. A. Hoopes...........................21-22
Russell Wilcox........................22-23
J. M. Ruckman, Sr..................23-24
R. G. Clark..............................24-25
Riley W. Moagland ................25-26
Jay C. Thuma ........................26-27
J. Sam Myers ........................27-28
H. F. Smalley .......................28-29
D. B. Jones ...........................29-30
E. E. Blazer ..........................30-31
E. M. Lingo ..........................31-32
Theo M. McElheny ................32-33
DeVere Jones .......................33-34
Lawrence J. Seller ..................34-35, 43-44
Asa McCrary ........................35-36, 40-41
Guy Roux .............................36-37, 39-40
M. S. Bailey ..........................37-39
Homer C. Aikin ......................41-42
Ralph D. Ashworth ................44-45
Aulton G. Cook .....................45-46
Harold L. Robinson ..............46-49
Raymond A. Behner .............47-48
Russell L. Hardin .................49-50
Calvin H. Topliff .................50-52, 61-62
William Stanbro ..................52-53
Lowell Swartz .....................53-54
Carl F. Berry .....................54-55
G. Clifford Thompson ........55-56
Kenneth Kinsler ..................56-57
H. E. McMahan ..................57-58
James Leibold ....................58-59
Walter D. Cluff ..................59-60
Robert J. Hougendobler, Jr 60-61
Lawrence G. Fields ............62-63
Lowell Wood ...................63-64
Francis Montgomery .........64-65
John Dickason ...................65-66
Glenn Lucas ....................66-67
William E. Collumber .......67-68
Wayne Schaber .................68-69
Phillip L. Winslow ...........69-70
Franklin L. Armstrong .....70-71
Larry J. Knapp .................71-72
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
GRAND MASTER........................................FAY L. GULLION
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER ......................DALE E. FOX
SENIOR GRAND WARDEN.......................ROYAL C. SCOFIELD
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN.......................ROBERT D. SAGER
GRAND SECRETARY................................ROBERT A. HINSHAW
GRAND TREASURER................................JAMES J. HARBAGE
GRAND ORATOR.......................................CALVIN T. HUBLER
GRAND MARSHALL.................................CHARLES S. WARD
SENIOR GRAND DEACON.......................JERRY C. RASER
JUNIOR GRAND DEACON.......................DANIEL F. ICEMAN
GRAND TYLER..........................................ROBERT L. HENDERSON
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
La Rue Lodge #463, in completing its first one-hundred years, concludes an era of dedication and perseverance. Sixty-six different masters have brought 470 new members to light. The lodge now looks forward to a new and equally fulfilling one-hundred years.
As past Masters have been the backbone of the lodge, likewise the influx of new,dedicated and hard-working brethren permits us to look forward, with great expectation, to another 100 years of rewarding Masonry.
Although all who have contributed to the success of this occasion are too numerous to name, I would be remiss not to extend the Lodge's and my gratitude to the following: R. W. Bro. Calvin H. Topliff; W. Bras. Carl F. Berry, Harold L. Robinson, Phillip L. Winslow, and William Stanbro, and Bro. Robert J. Rizor. Without their assistance, this history and our celebration would not have been consumated. Their guidance and the support of the officers and brothers of La Rue Lodge #463 has made this an especially memorable year.
Larry J. Knapp, W. M.
EVENTS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1972
3:30 P.M.................................OPEN LODGE
3:45.........................................INTRODUCTION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
4:15........................................ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND REMARKS BY VARIOUS
...............................................BRETHREN
4:45........................................RECONSECRATION OF LODGE BY GRAND MASTER,
...............................................FAY L. GULLION
5:15........................................CLOSE LODGE
6:30........................................DINNER AT LA RUE SCHOOL
7:15........................................ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
................................................INTRODUCTION OF LODGE OFFICERS
................................................INTRODUCTION OF GRAND OFFICERS
................................................READING OF HISTORY BY W. BRO. PHILLIP L. WINSLOW
................................................INTRODUCTION OF 50 and 60 YEAR MEMBERS
................................................PRESENTATION OF 25 YEAR PINS
................................................REMARKS BY GRAND MASTER, FAY L. GILLION
MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR EVENING - R. W. BRO. CALVIN H. TOPLIFF
Dinner served by La Rue United Methodist Church W.S.C.S.
(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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