Chillicothe Royal Arch Chapter History
On December 24, 1818, was held the first convocation at which the Royal Arch Degree was conferred and at the same meeting Bros. Samuel Treat, J.A. Scranton and David KinKead, having regularly passed the chair were received and acknowledged as the Most Excellent Masters.
Considerable activity is shown during the January 1918 meetings being recorded on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th at which degrees were conferred.
There seems to have followed a period of rest, as, after a meeting on January 8th, 1819, the minutes of which close with the statement “Here endeth the Secretaryship of Companion Southward, signed Joseph Stewart S.P.T. “No meetings were held until July 8th, 1820, when the Most Excellent High Priest, King and Scribe were appointed by a committee to draft by-laws. The By-Laws are not in evidence, although read and adopted at a meeting on August 8th, 1820 at which meeting Thomas Orr was appointed a committee to secure necessary furniture for the chapter.
On August 5th, 1820, appears the first record of a petition having been referred to a committee.
August 11, 1820, it is shown that Companions Stewart, Orr and Fessenden were appointed a committee to wait on our Worthy Companion, the Most Excellent Grand High Priest John Snow, and return to him the thanks of this chapter for services rendered therein and also tender him a donation of $50 and pay his expenses while he sojourned with us.
October 2, 1820 is the first mention of Mark Book. At this meeting was appointed “a committee to examine the proceedings of the Chapter from its organization and cause same to be recorded in in a book kept by the secretary for this purpose.” It is a matter of regret that this book cannot be found.
December 4, 1820, John Bailhache was appointed to represent this chapter in the Grand Chapter at Columbus. In application fro a charter, the following Companions were named as officers, viz: Looker, High Priest; J.Stewart, King; and James Gates, Scribe. As we learn later this application, if ever made, was for naught, as on December 7, 1821, Brothers Brush, Gates and Stewart were “by ballot nominated and recommended “ to be named in the charter as High Priest King, and Scribe.
On Dec. 12, 1821,the Charter was issued, bearing the names Henry Brush, James Gates, and John Steward as these officers.
May 7, 1821, is the first mention of an Auditing Committee.
June 4, 1821, the minutes state “Brother Duffield was exalted”.
Sept. 3, 1821, it was ordered that “notice for the regular meetings of this Chapter be given through the medium of the Scioto Gazette.”
Jan. 25, 1822, Brothers Stewart, Looker and Hunter were appointed in a Mark Lodge, a committee to inquire into the conduct of Brother Jas. A. Scranton. This committee reported charges and specifications on Jan. 30, 1822. On this date the brother appeared and prayed for further time to answer to the charge, which was, on motion, extended on Feb. 11th, 8 ayes, 7 noes.
Feb. 8, 1822, appear two meetings, one at 2.P.M. for Mark, Past and Most Excellent Masters’ work, the second at 7 P.M. when the petition of Bro. John A. Fulton was received.
Feb. 11, 1822, a Royal Arch Chapter was opened in due form. Companion James A. Scranton was found guilty as charged and specified and, on motion unanimously carried, he was expelled from the benefits of Masonry. The Secretary was ordered to inform Scioto Lodge No. 6. Companions King and Looker were ordered to prepare an advertisement and hand to the Chapter at next meeting prior to its being published.
On March 4, 1822, this committee was discharged and “Bro. Bailhache appointed to draft an advertisement and report, which he did.” The report was accepted and ordered inserted in the Scioto Gazette three successive times. Scranton appealed and papers were prepared and forwarded to Columbus.
This Companion was restored to membership Aug. 15, 1828.
About this time appears the first record of an election of officers. The Chapter elected E. King, High Priest; Henry Brush, King; John Stewart, Scribe; and George Williams, Treasurer. C The remaining officers were filled by appointment.
April 7, 1827. By—Laws were amended to provide that the Chapter meet regularly on the second Tuesday each month. We note also that the fees for the degrees about this time were $30, dues $1.50.
Feb.12, 1830, this Chapter gave consent for instituting a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Circleville, likewise one at Portsmouth on Jan. 11, 1831.
Feb. 8, 1830, to Nov. 8, 1831, eight regular dates passed without meetings on account of ‘‘no quorum.
Dec. 13th a Lodge of Mark Masters opened in due form and adjourned to meet Dec. 16th, summonses being issued to compel attendance of members at that time.
From Dec. 16, 1831, until May 12, 1838, there are no records, from which we might suspect the Chapter was dormant, if its Charter had not been suspended, for on May 12, 1838, the minutes show that a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was ‘opened for the dispatch of business when the Most Excellent Grand High Priest was pleased to say that by virtue of his authority as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Ohio, he declared Chillicothe revived, reinstated ‘Er and declared the brethren a legally constituted body, duly authorized to elect suitable officers for this Chapter until the next election. Officers from the High Priest to Grand Master of the 3rd veil were then elected and installed. A committee of three was appointed to draft suitable By—Laws for government of the Chapter. The Chapter was closed, to stand closed until Saturday succeeding the first Thursday in June next.
In 1848 begin to appear names familiar to may of us viz.:
Angus L. Waddle, Addison Pearson, E. P. Saf ford, S. Earl Mosher,r F. H. Rehwinkel~ Philip,Korat,.MatH, Watt, R. N~. Lansinqy Philip Klein, Sam Kendrick, Win. 13. Mills, Philip A. Rodes, Nm. A. Wayland, Orland Smith, Nm. F. Evans, J. N. Woltz, Jonathan Miesse, Christian Elsass, Isaiah Lord, F. Tritscheller, D. R. Harness,N. N. Peabody, Nm. H. Prestley, F. M. DeWeese, A. C. Kopp, J.Nm. Mader, Nm. L. Pulleys, R. Enderlin, F. 1-1. Hopkins, GeorgeElsass, M. J. Killits, Charles Hoyt, Most of whom have been active in the work and prominent in the local fraternity.
Dec. 4, 1848, consent was given for instituting a Chapter of —Royal Arch Masons in Hillsboro.
Nov. 9, 1852 shows $100 was received from Chapter in Cincinnati to be used in replacing Chapter Vails and Clothing lost in the fire.
This is the only mention found in the minutes of the conflagration which destroyed all that part of the city bounded by Walnut and Mulberry Streets on the East and West, and Water and Second on the North and South on, except the quarter square fronting East on Paint Street and South on West Second. The Chapter minutes are painfully silent on the matter, but we learn from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge that its communications of 1852 and1853 were held in Chillicothe, the former in Athenium Hall, the latter in Masonic Hall, indicating that in 1852 the Masons had no home and in 1853 that their home had been rebui1t. The Masonic hall was in the building that stands on the northwest corner of Walnut and Second Streets. The Masonic Hall referred tot: the present Majestic Theatre, being on the southeast quarter of In-Lot 48. This property was deeded to the Master and Wardens of Scioto Lodge No. 6 by Thomas Orr and wife, Rebecca Qrr, by deed dated April 3, 1851, recorded in Ross County Record of Deeds, Vol. 51, Page 243.
Jan. 12, 1864, was received the petition of E. P. Safford, ~he first shown since 1857. This shows there was not great activity in the conferring of degrees during the period of the Civil War, but the period of inaction was followed by a renewal of interest, as the Report to the Grand Chapter in September, shows eighteen Exaltations during the preceding year.
Nov. 14, 1865, minutes record as expression of thanks to Brother John P. Brown for remembrance of his Masonic Friends by sending copies of the Levant Herald published in Constantinople. Brother Brown was at that time United States Minister to the Government of Turkey. To this Companion, Scioto Lodge No. 6 is indebted for the Block of Cedar from Mount Lebanon, and the Block of Marble for which we have certification of government authorities in Turkey, as coming from the foundation of what was known as Solomon’s Temple. These two interesting and valued relics are to be found in the glass case situated in the Memorabilia room on the fourth floor of the Chillicothe Masonic Temple.
George D. Martin, while Master of the Scioto Lodge No.6 in 1857, had a block of marble cut into two pieces and presented one piece to a friend. To say he was guilty of unwarranted abuse of his power as Worshipful Master is a mild expression. It is worth noting however, that he served as Master one year, whereas others preceding and following him served from two to five years.
November 13, 1866. The Chapter loaned Scioto Lodge No. 6 $600 to enable it to purchase the Masonic Building.
Oct. 1, 1867. Report to the Grand Chapter shows 80 members. 30 Exaltations.
Sept. 1, 1871. Membership increased to 104, Fees $30.
Oct. 10, 1871. $50 was sent to “some Chapter in Chicago for relief of Companions, sufferers by fire in that city.
Nov. 14, 1871. Consent for Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Greenfield.
Dec. 12, 1871, there prevailed a resolution giving consent and recommending that a Chapter be instituted in Bainbridge. Vote was by ballot. It is evident however that a Charter was not granted, as there is no Chapter in Bainbridge.
On June 8, 1888, the Chapter was called to mourn the death of Past Most Excellent High Priest Frederick H. Rehwinkel, who also a Past Commander of Chillicothe Commandery No. 8 K.T. and the then Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio. He was the first in Chillicothe to receive the 33rd and last degree in Scottish Rite Masonry.
March 13, 1900. Very interesting minutes, showing the steps taken in the proceedings and transactions that culminated in purchase of the ground and erection of the Temple at 57 East Main Street. The money needed for purchasing the ground secured by sale to the First National Bank of this city of a note for $11,650, signed by the seventeen following-named companions: Albert Douglas, D. H. Roche, Allan W. Hamill, Jno. P. Phillips Reinhard Wissler, A. C. Kopp, Samuel M. Veal, W. L. Miller, Otto Wissler, J. W. Lash, D. M. Massie, C. Hoyt, Chas. P. Mosher, William E. Evans, S. Earl Mosher, C. Z. Erdmann, F. M. DeWeese. An exhaustive account of proceedings will be found in the minutes of the date shown at the head of this paragraph.
In autamn of 1904, this chapter, together with Scioto Lodge No. 6, F. & A.M., Chillecothe Council #4, R.&S.N., and Chillicothe Commandery No. 8, K.T., bade adieu to the old Masonic Hall, situated one-half square east of Paint Street on the north side of Second Street and took quarters in the just completed Temple situated one-half square east of Paint Street on the north side of Main Street
Oct. 11, 1904. The Chapter met for the first time in this our new Temple on East Main Street, the written permission of Most Excellent Grand High Priest 0. B. Hannum being embodied in the minutes. Much work is recorded. Reports to the Grand Chapter showing that in the year ending July 31, 1904, D. H. Roche High Priest, 21 Exaltations; July 31, 1905, C. Hoyt High Priest, 12 Exaltations; July 31, 1906, C. Hoyt High Priest, 41 Exaltations. Membership in 1906, 259. By—Laws adopted April 14, 1903, will be found recorded in Volume 8, Page 287, of Chapter Records.
The Masonic Bodies of Chillicothe have passed through tribulations and over many “Rough and rugged roads,” but for the trials there have been men equal to the demand of each occasion. For the work in construction of this Temple, there were a number to whom is due the gratitude of the members of the four bodies who have their organization homes within its walls. With the work of construction finished, the care and work of preservation began and continues.
Dec. 13, 1921. Howard W. Laymon, High Priest, called a meeting for the purpose of celebrating the 100th anniversary of Chillicothe of Chapter No. 4. One hundred sixteen members were in attendance consisting of 12 officers, 4 Past High Priests, and 92 Companions. Officers were Companions Howard Laymon, High Priest; A. G. Morgan, King; George Fullerton, Scribe; L.S.Evans, Capt. of Host; H. W Cruit, Principal Sojourner; A. L. Johnson, R.A.Capt.; James W.Kern, Sect.; R. Wissler, Treas.; W. L. Schafer, 3rd Vail; Johrn Reichle. 2nd Vail, W M Wagenman, 1st Vail; Thos. Thompson, Guard. It is also noted that fees were $30 and dues were $3. Membership at this time was 388.
During the depression years Chillicothe Chapter had some bad years. Attendance at meeting was poor and many demits were issued. At the election in 1931, all officers were re-elected. It can only be assumed that interest at this time was very low. During 1936 and 1937, membership was at an all-time low of 260. In 1942,we had increased to 341 members with 34 exalted.
In 1946, Rolfe C. Bradbury was High Priest and the Chapter was again growing. We had membership of 400 as of May 31, 1946. We mention 1946 because this was our 125th year.
From 1946 to 1969, the Chapter continued to grow and prosper. In 1969, the membership hit an all-time high of 681members. Since 1969, the membership has followed other Masonic Bodies in a gradual decline of members and showed 447 members on May 31, 1996. Since 1969, just three years showed increases in membership. In 1973, the increase was nine members were 34 were exalted. In 1980, the increase was 3 members when 20 were exalted. In 1992, the increase was 9 when 30 were Exalted.
By the 150th year in 1971, Chapter fees had remained at $25 but dues had been raised to $5.00. Despite inflation over the years, the fees and dues have remained $25.00 and $5 respectively until this 175th anniversary year of 1996.
While many persons have contributed much to Mason Chillicothe over the years, we wish to recognize three outstanding Excellent Companions who have been taken from us by the Grand Architect of the Universe during this past quarter of a century.
Howard W. Laymon, 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, served asHigh Priest of Chillicothe Chapter in 1919. For years, he was president of the Masonic Temple Association and saw that the building was kept in good condition. He served as an active Advisor to the Great Seal Chapter of DeMolay while it existed in Chillicothe, and his advice was often sough by the DeMolay and by Masons as well. He died on November 9, 1983.
Max Fulks, as a 33rd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, served as High Priest of Chillicothe Chapter in 1939. He served as Grand Illustrious Master of The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons in Ohio. He was also president of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield for several years. He died on August 8, 1986.
Cecil S. Blair served as High Priest of Chillicothe Chapter in 1949. He served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio in 1967. He was a lawyer whose legal advice was most useful while a member of the Masonic Temple Association. He died on November 16, 1991.
The major problem facing Chillicothe Chapter #4 today is the declining membership. The Chapter officers and Past High Priests continue to exhibit very impressive ritualistic work in all the degrees. It is our hope that this fine ritual work and dilligent recruitment of Blue Lodge Masons will turn the tide and cause the Chapter to show an increase in membership in the near future.
Fraternally submitted
Chapter History Committee
Alvin DePugh, High Priest
Willard Homans, Treasurer & P.H.P.
James Hertler, Secretary
