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Interesting Histo \ Connect Westminster Lodi [Paper Read in Open Lo Some (line ago I promised to write, ns best 1 could, a history of West minster Lodge of Masons, giving its Organization, its trials and its growth up to the present time. We as a Lodge of Masons should not be. satisfied lo know that the Lodge sim ply oxlsts-whether a great big speckled hird laid the egg, and that by some mysterious process lt gave being to this grand organization in Westminster, or whether lt was born . of noble parentage, sacrificing sup eriors, heroic citizens and under trying circumstances. This 1 will try to show. Our Lodge was chartered In the year 1876, thus doubly made mem orable by the remarkable coincidence that lt was the centennial year of the independence of the United States and the year when the whole State of South Carolina was trying to and did throw off the yoke of bond ago (carpet bag government) and elected Wade Hampton Governor of South Carolina. Then lt was that Ibo few citizens of the little town of Westminster paraded these then stumpy streets with torches, banners and music In honor or that memora ble campaign that set South Carolina free. That was the first public dem onstration ever had tn Westminster. In like manner some ol* the good citizens lu and around Westminster, being desirous of casting off some of the ill effects of a long and demor alizing war, began agitating a Masonic Lodge, whose principles tended In the direction of a botter citizenship, the upbuilding of the then rising generation, the new South, the dower of tho old having been destroyed in the late war. The old records of tho l^odge be ing lost or misplaced, it is with diffi culty I write correctly, but being one , of the oldest members of the Lodge 1 am able to remember some data that may prove historical and of some Interest to the Lodge and Its newer members. (n tin yeal 1873 I moved to West minster, then In the woods, before tn l.owu ? laid out-no streets, . * SM' ewal no town lots, nothing lin r ! 'id and a strip of forest red aw tj one hundred feet wide, called the right of way. There were no inhabitants in the place except myself and family; but not for long. The town was soon surveyed out Into streets, town lots, etc. Store-houses, dwellings and bar-rooms at once be gan to go up, and Westminster was a town. The great Southern railroad was just completed, and the trains were thundering by to the delight of the small boy and the wonder and amazement of the average country citizen. Then the settlers began to move in-the pioneers of Westmin ster. A post office waa established, a depot built, stores opened up, churches planned and talked about, a school Btartod, and next a Masonic Lodge was proposed. The Rev. E. L. Sisk and W. N. Cox (Masons) moved here soon after 1 did, and shortly after this Bros. John R. Steele, G. W. Kay, C. C. Por ter, W. N. Cox, E. L. Sisk, S. M. Pool and David Dickson, members of Wal halla, Old Pickens and Clarkesvillo (Ga.) Lodges, made application to the Grand Master of South Carolina for a dispensation to organize a Lodge of Ancient Free Masons in Westminster. Major S. P. Dendy, now deceased, then W. M. of Wal halla Lodge, and once Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Caro lina, rendered these brethren valua Ide aid, and, in fact, without his aid and consent, they could not have or ganized at that time. The dispensation was granted dur ing the year 1875, and District Dep uty Grand Master Stewart was au thorized to organize the Lodge, which lie did by appointing Pros. John H. Steele, W. M.; G. W. Kay, S. W., and C. C. Porter, J. W., the other offi cers serving pro tem. The Lodge was then named Stewart Lodge, No. 200, In honor of District. Deputy Grand Master Stewart, the organizer. The first, meeting place for organi zation, under dispensation, was in a rough hall over my old store house, now removed, which stood near to .las. A. Kay's residence, and the first regular meeting place for the Lodge was in a rough, uncoiled hall over the store room of G. W. Green. The building is now standing, willi some alterations, on Main street, and is known as the Roland Duke store house. The Lodge continued to meet at this placo until about tho year 1886, whon the now school houso was built by a joint stock company on the present school lot; then tho Lodge meeting place was moved te tho hall in the new school building, and met lhere for about one year. This build ing was destroyed by fire In the year -~ *s ry and Incidents ed with \'A ie,No.200,A.F.M^ dge by A. Zimmerman.] 1891. Tho next meeting pince was In the ball of W. J. Strlbllng's old store-houBo. The building is now re moved and thc lot Is owned by J. S. Carter. The times were hard and Masonry progroBBOd Blowly In the beginning. With few exceptions the furniture of the Lodge was cheap and befitting the timos. The first jewels were made of tin, and were cut by H. H. Gaston, a tinner, living near West minster. He ls now deceased, but remembered by many of thia Lodge. The other Lodge furniture was In corresponding proportlona, with two( or three exceptions. From that time until now I can see but three pieces of Lodge furniture that have stood the times and have been In continu ous use and possession of the Lodge from its organization, and they de serve special mention. They are the Holy Bible, the ballot box and the COlfln. The Great God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe, ever takes care of'Ills Word and proves the say ing lt contains, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Word shall not pass away." This book has been the one we have all kissed In token of our sincerity to the vows we have taken as Masons and the one pointed out to us as the Inestimable gift from God to Man to guide us tn our faith and practice. God grant that lt may remain In the Lodge for all time and be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, both Inside and outside the Lodge room. This Holy Bible was bought by Bro. .lohn R. Steele with contributions from tho brethren. The ballot box, that grim sentinel, ever standing hard by the Holy Bible-always on hand and, ever ready to guard the Interests and welfare of the Lodge, io keep out Im posters and deceitful bad men-be sure to use it well, for by Its use the honor and integrity of the Lodge is maintained. This ballot box was made by Bro. Robt. Fullerton and present ed to the Lodge. He was a nativo of Ireland, having come to this country when 17 years of age. Ho was a member of Pendleton Lodge and a very bright Mason. He was a Gama liel to Westminster, and, Uko Paul, (often after Lodge work) have we sat his feet and enjoyed and profited by his words of Instruction and coun sel. In working with him and In hearing from him In the Lodge room we always learned something and went away filled with new inspira tion, never falling to enjoy his Irish wit and humor, but we honored his presence Hie more for it. When he died Masonry lost one of its bright est jewels. Unassuming and unpre tentious, ho was not taken for his real worth. It was only those who knew him bo?t that loved him most. He was a surveyor and cabinet work man of no moan repute, as thle bal lot box will attest. He died at the ripe old age of 82. And tho coffin, that emblem of death, that we aro taught in our rituals will soon hold you and me, and that ero long the brittle thread of life will soon be broken, and that wo will bo summoned to appear be^ fore the Great Architect of the Uni verse to give an account of our stew ardship in this world-this coffin was mado by Bros. C. C. Porter and G. W. Kay and presented to the Craft. Bro. Porter relates an incident that oc curred when he and Bro. Kay were making the coffin. A Mr. Dodd called in when they were at work making tho collin and Inquired who was dead. He was Informed, "Our Grand Master Hiram Abiff." He said he did not know him and asked where they weis going to bury him. They told him In Westminster. He said he would like to go to thc burial, but ho was informed that bo was too old. Ha went away mystified. A little remarkable that these three pieces of Lodge furniture of all others should bavo been handed down for theso 30 years, through all tts vicissitudes. Its death, Us burial and its resurrection, and that they all should have boen presentations to the Craft. And another piece of Lodgo furni ture that deserves mention here is tho Tiler's sword, which was pre sented to tho Lodge by Bro. H. L. O'Kelley. There Is a history con nected with this sword which I am sorry I am not able to give now. It was presented to tho Lodge by Bro. O'Kelley, Its history given with ex planatory remarks, and accepted by the Lodgo In duo form, with appro priate ceremony. I hopo tho Lodgo will over koop and cherish lt as a gift from one of the ledge's most enthu siastic supporters and ardent admir ers. Bro. O'Kelley was a veteran of the Confederate War, and this sword was a faithful companion of his dur ing that time. ^. i :> The charter members were poor and not able to pay for the charter, the fee being ono hundred dollars, so they bad to work under dispensation until December 13tb, 1870, when a charter was granted to Bros. .lohn B. Steele, G. W. Kay and 0. C. Porter. Bro. Porter informs mo that he paid $2f>.00, Bro. A. Zimmerman $25.00, and the Lodge and other members $50.00, making $100.00, the charter fee paid to the Grand Lodge. The first candidates Initiated in the Lodge were A. Zimmerman, It. fi. Smith and J. A. Cook, and right here I will relate an incident connected with the Lodge. Tho railroad was now just completed and the road bed not settled. They were having con siderable trouble with slides and wash-outs. On Saturday night of the first regular communication of Stew art Lodge, under dispensation, there was a large land-slide sin Harbin's dee]) out, which delayed all trains. There were several passenger 'rains delayed at Westminster that night, and when the Lodge horn was blown there was qiiite a crowd of Masons, from the trains rapped at the Lodge door for admittance, and they proved to be some of the brightest and most distinguished Masons connected with the order. A Bro. Calhoun, of New York, an o Ulcer in the Grand Lodge of New York State, presided and,con ferred the first degree in Masonry, and the first degree ever conferred'In this Lodge, H. E. Smith and myself being the candidates. 1 must say from experience that the work was well and ably done. There wert quite a number of other distinguished Masons In the company, .and they all expressed themselves well pleased lu open Lodge and seemed not to con sider it derogatory to their dignity to be placed on a level with West minster Masons, meeting In a pool ball with cheap Lodge furniture. The first elective officers of Stew art Lodge, No. 200, were Bros. Join R. Steele, W. M.; G. W. Kay, S. W.| C. C. Porter, J. W.; A. Zimmerman Secretary, and W. N. Cox, Treasurer These officers continued to serve tin Lodge for some years, and until Bro John R. Steele moved away fron Oconee county in the year 1885 t< Attalla county, Miss. He died li 1895 1 think it would be approprl ate for the Lodge, oven at this lat* date, to appoint a committee to draf suitable resolutions of esteem and re spect In honor of the founder am first W. M. of the Lodge, and tba the resolutions, with his portrait, to gether with those of Bros. G. W. Ka and C. C. Porter, be enlarged, frame and hung in the hall of the Lodge 1 honor of its founders and charte members. Bro. G. W. Kay was elected W. M. A. Zimmerman, S. W., and C. C. Poi ter, J. W., in the year 1885, an served the Lodge as such for on year. The next W. M. was Bro. i Zimmerman, who served as such fe a number of years. I have not bee able to find correctly who the conse< utlve Wardens were for this perlo of years, except Bro. C. C. Porte who served as J. W. consecutlvel for eleven years. Then lt was tin the Lodge had Its worst and moi trying days. Bros. Steele, Slsk an Cox moved away from Westmin3te Bros. Kay and Porter lived In tl country, and my recollection is tin I was the only affiliating Mason ll lng In the town, a member of tb Lodge. lt was with difficulty v could live Masonically, at Lodi meetings often not enough heir present to officer the Lodge, oxee] in the Master's Degree. The Lodi drifted along in this condition for number of years, no work dplng, ha rent due, Grand Lodge dues due, ar nothing to pay with. Tho brethrt were then just like they are now would get behind with Lodge due The Lodge could not afford to dr< any from the roll for non-pay me of dues, as they did not have any spare; and right here 1 venturo tl assertion that lt may be consttt Gonai, but not Masonic or politic, suspend a brother Mason for no payment of dues. There are lots good men all over this country und the tongue of good repute, non-affi atlng on account of back dues-nu who are deprived of Lodge rlgh and who die and are put away wit out Masonic burial. "Onco a Maso always a Mason." Better make good man a life-member than sn pend him for non-payment of Lot! dues. Several times I bavo paid t most of the Grand Lodge dues f the Lodge to keep tho organlzatb together. Tho Lodge did everylhh lt could, seemingly, to bold togcth for .several years, requiring on Grand Lodge dues from tts membei trusting to chance for tho other e penses. . Sometimes not meetti more than three or four times year, discouraged, despondent, th finally quit meeting, and tho Lod died and lay in tho gravo for se\ ral years. In the monntlmo t Lodge jewel? and furniture we stored in the hall of tho Strlbllng o store-house until the Lodgo was i vived. lt. looked Uko the Lod would never be resurrected aga but times began to change, conditio t financially began 'to Improve, other MasoiiB moved to tho town and oth ers moved nearby. (This Interesting blt of history will be concluded In Tho Courier .May 31st, taklug up the thread of the narrative at tho reorganization of tho lodge In 1.89G.) Foley's Kldnoy Remedy Acted Quickly., M. N. George, Irondale, Ala., was bothered with kldnoy troublo for many years. "I was persuaded to try Foley Kidney Remedy, and be fore taking lt three days I could feel its beneficial effects. The pain loft my back, my kidney action cleared up, and ? am so much hotter. I do not hesitate to recommend Foley Kidney Remedy." Barton's Phar macy, Walhalla; W. J. Lunney, Seneca. Card of Thanks. Editor Courier: Will you kindly allow us space In your paper to ten dor our heartfelt thanks to our friends and relatives for the kindness shown us during the Illness and death of our dear little daughter? May God's richest blessings ever dwell with them. When grief is deepest such evidences of sympathy and kindly interest can but bind closer the friendships that are so highly prized. Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Elrod. Oak way, S. C. ALCOHOL is almost the worst thing for consumptives. Many of the "just-as-good" preparations contain as much as 20% of alcohol; Scott'o Emulsi?n not a drop. Insist on having Scott's Emulsion roa SALB BY ALI. DRUGGISTS A largo Hamburg restaurant ls housed in a building of compressed paper. will cure any skin disease. That's tho price of HUNT'S CURE, and it is absolutely guuranteed. A. B. Richards Medlolne Company. Sherman, Texas Sold by NORMAN CO., DRUGGISTS. Ann I BUY $5 COU VOTE I C. w X ALCOHOL 3 PER. CENT*. AVesclable PrcparalionrorAs slrallai?igihcfrjodanURc?ula llngtlie Stomachs andBowelsof INFANTS ./CHILDREN rVomotcs Digcslion?heeriU ness and ItescContalns ncliter Opiuni.Morphlne norMiacral. NOT NARCOTIC. i\nfJ?M$etd Jlx.Smna * JMH/eS?lts utiseSttd * HirmSrtd Aperfecl Remedy forCcmsflpa lian, Som- StomaclbDlarrltoea Y/orras .Convulsions .Feverish ness and Loss OF SLEEP. Facsimile Signature of NEW YORK. <Atb months old 35 Bosfcs Exact Cbpy of Wrapper. Child Killed in Central. Central, Mny 18.-Little Johnnie Puckett, aged six years, was run over by T. M. Morris's motor car yester day afternoon, death resulting In a few minutes. At the same time Grace Kelley, aged Blx, was also struck. It is thought she will live. 1785 1911 COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON. 127th Year Beging September SO. Entrance examinations nt all tho county seats on Friday, July 7th, at 9 a. m. The College is well endowed, enab ling it to maintain the highest stand ards. lt offers complete 4-year courses in Ancient and Modern Languages, Mathematics, History, Economics, Science and Engineering. Courses for B. A., B. S., and B. S. degree with Engineering. A free tuition scholarship to each county of South Carolina. Vacant Boyce scholarships, giving $100 a year and free tuition, open to com petitive examination in September. Expenses reasonable. Terms and catalogue on application. Write to HARRISON RANDOLPH, President, Charleston, 8. C. May 17, 1911. 20-25? ouncemei xtraordir PON BOOK AN IS IN UPTON G >IANO CONTES1 PITCHI WALHALLA, S. C For Infants and Children? The Kind You Have Always Bought Bears the Signature of Thirty Years CASTOR? TH? OINTAUH COMPANY, NSW Vf fl* CITY. Father of It, F. D. Dead. Aberdeen, Md., May 18.-Former Congressman Wm. B. Baker, known as the father of the rural free deliv ery system, diod nt his homo boro yesterday. Mr. Baker was 71 years old. Ile served two terms in Con gress ns a Republican. WINTHROP COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AND ENTRANCE EXAMINATION. The examination for the award of vacant scholarships In Winthrop Col lege ?and for the admission of new students will bo held nt the County Court House on FRIDAY, JULY 7, at 9 a. m. Applicants mupt be not less than fifteen years of age. When scholarships aro vacant after July 7 they will be awarded to those making the highest average at this examina tion, providod they meet the condi tions governing the award. Appli cants for scholarships should write to President Johnson before the ex amination for scholarship examina tion blanks. Scholarships are worth $100 and free tuition. Tho next session will opon September 20, 1911. For fur ther Information and catalogue, ad dress Pres; D. R. Johnson, Rock Hill, S. C. 29* nt D GET 30,000 RAND r. FORD, ,4. ?H?l"M? ?j"M"M* *H*H}