Charles M. Setzer Lodge #693 History
CHARLES MONROE SETZER, SR. ,LODGE # 693, A. F. & A. M.
This History is the original History, written through 1963, with an Addendum supplying data through 1984, incorporating information as gathered by members and given to O. Hal Hamby to be used in the first written History, along with information from the Minutes and Annual Reports of the years, 1951-1985.
The idea which culminated in the organization of Charles M. Setzer Lodge was conceived on the front lawn of the former Westminister Presbyterian Church at Dilworth ,Road and East Morehead Streets, in Charlotte, N. C.; the present site of Covenant Presbyterian Church and Westminister. Members of the Men's Bible Class, taught for many years by Brother LevJn M. Oglukian, P.M., were in the habit of gathering on the front lawn of the Church between Sunday School and the Morning Worship Services. Many of the brethren were Masons and their conversations frequently turned to “Mason’s Talk”. For several years they had been discussing the idea of forming a new lodge, using their own membership as a nucleus. In the fall of 1950, the subject was discussed more seriously, and at greater length. It was agreed that nothing would be done until the other lodges in the City had been told of their desires, and their whole-hearted approval expressed, and that a suitable place to meet could be found other than the Masonic Temple, which was already overcrowded with Masonic, and related Bodies. Brother O. Hal Hamby was designated to carry the wishes of the brethren to the other Blue Lodges. The idea not only received unanimous agreement, but was accompanied with generous offers of moral and financial support in the project.
Brothers Levon M. Oglukian and Lloyd J. Fleenor found a location at 1408-1/2 East Morehead Street which could be adapted to the needs of the Lodge. It was owned by Dr. Francis Martin, who made it available for six months without rental charges, and became one of the Charter Members of the new Lodge.
Worshipful Brother, James G. Johnston, District Deputy Grand Master, was contacted for his approval and assistance. He responded with full cooperation and support of the idea, and obtained necessary forms to be signed for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge.
After notices were placed in the newspapers, posted on the Bulletin Board at the Masonic Temple, announcements made in the various Masonic Bodies of the City, and from the pulpit of the Westminister Presbyterian Church, the first meeting of those interested in forming a new Lodge was held at the Masonic Temple. The Masters of the other Blue Lodges were present, bringing messages of support and encouragement from their Lodges. Many interested brethren were present, and it was decided to proceed with the organization. Worshipful Brother Johnston supplied the Forms necessary to be signed for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge.
A second meeting was held on March 3, 1951, and signatures were affixed to the Forms to be sent to the Grand Master. He did not issue the Dispensation, as the Grand Lodge was to meet in April; they were held on the desk for the new Grand Master, M.W. Herbert M. Foy.
The movement attracted much favor among the Masons of the City, and among the signers of the Petition were Masons from many far-away places, including the State of Washington, Canada, the Panama Canal Zone, and other Grand Jurisdictions over North America.
At the first meeting, committees were appointed as follows:
MEMBERSHIP: Chairman, R. M. Webb; L. W. Rogers, L. H. Salzman, J. A. Reid, C. J. Richardson and F. B. Cork. Brother Charles D. Keith, Sr., graciously offered his assistance, and contributed much to the groundwork for the new Lodge.
LOCATION: Chairman, O. E. Thomas; R. H. Farr, D. B. Cameron, W. A. Richard, L. W. Harkey, I. H. Murrell and A. B. Maine.
OFFICERS: Chairman, James G. Watson; L. M. Oglukian, T. B. Meacham, Jr., C. D. Sain, H. Harold Thompson, L. J. Fleenor and Lee P. Robinson.
These Brethren were instructed to contact some Past Masters in the City to become the three principal officers of the new Lodge; and additional signatures were placed on the Petition.
The Committee to obtain officers found many Brethren who were qualified, and wanted to become members, but did not wish to assume the responsibility of becoming Master of a new Lodge, and Worshipful Brother James G. Johnston selected the first officers after the Committee had succeeded in getting Brother W. Hugh Halliburton, Sr., Past Master of Joppa Lodge #530, to head the slate of officers.
The final draft of the Petition had one hundred three (103) names of qualified Masons on it, including the following Past Masters: M.W. Herbert C. Alexander, Past Grand Master and Grand Treasurer, Frank B. Cork, Irvin H. Murrell, James R. Keever, Sr., W. Hugh Halliburton, Sr., and George Diamaduros.
The name of Charles Monroe Setzer was proposed for the Lodge, and met with instant and unanimous approval. Brother Setzer was a most distinguished and beloved Mason, having received the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite; was Past Master of Phalanx Lodge; a Knight of the York Cross of Honor; a Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star; and many other honors that are bestowed on Worthy and unselfish workers for Masonry. He was active in all Bodies until his death in 1947.
After the name was chosen, a Ballot Box, made by Brother Setzer, was given to the Lodge, and a Bulletin Board, or Roster Board, made by him for the Masonic Fellowship Club to be used as a Roster of Members in the Armed Forces of our country, was presented to the Lodge. It was later used as a Roster of the Charter Members of the Lodge, then placed in storage.
The Great Lights and the remaining Officer's Jewels, used by the Lodge of Pineville, N. C., which had surrendered its Charter some time previously, were presented to the Lodge by some Brethren who were formerly with the Pineville Lodge. The Bible was used as long as possible, then stored in a safe place to preserve it.
The original Officer's Aprons were the gift of Brother Charles D. Keith, Sr., and a set of Officer's Jewels were hand made by Brother Murray C. Alexander and presented to the Lodge. Many other necessary articles were given to the Lodge by interested Brethren and friends. In 1983, Officer's Aprons were purchased according to Station or Place.
After the merger of the Second and Westminister Churches was completed, and the congregation of the Second Church moved into the Fellowship Hall at the new location, their building on North Tryon Street was vacated. The Lodge appointed Brothers Oglukian, Fleenor and Hamby to negotiate for the purchase of the carpeting and pews from the Second Church, and a number of chairs not needed at Westminister. Red carpet for the floor of the Lodge, and the pews used in the East, West and South, and at the entrance to the Lodge, were among the properties bought from the merged churches. In 1971, Brother Mangrum Lorenzo Kelly, Jr., who became Master in 1973, purchased old seats from a theater in Wilmington, N. C., completely painted and reupholstered them, and installed them at no cost except materials. In use in our present home, these seats provide much comfort.
The Lodge was Instituted on June 27, 1951, by M.W. Brother Herbert M. Foy, Grand Master of Masons in N. C., assisted by W. Brother Joel J. Faulk, District Deputy Grand Master, and Wore Brother James G. Johnston, who was Grand Steward, Brother Fey remarked that the Lodge had taken the name of a most distinguished Mason, and a personal friend of his for many years, and further remarked that this was the largest number of Masons in the hi story of North Carolina Masonry to be granted a Dispensation by the Grand Lodge. He then appointed the Officers and installed them in due Form, as follows:
| Master | W. Hugh Halliburton, Sr. |
| Senior Warden | O. Hal Hamby |
| Junior Warden | Levon M. Oglukian |
| Treasurer | P. Evans Bostick |
| Secretary | Lonnie W. Rogers |
| Senior Deacon | J. Hunter Hudson |
| Junior Deacon | Charles D. Keith, Jr. |
| Steward | James S. Smith, Jr. |
| Steward | Charles M. Setzer, Jr. |
| Tiler | Leo S. Thomas |
| Chaplain | James B. Ficklen (Pastor, Westminister Church) |
The first members to be raised in the new Lodge were blood brothers, John S. Moore and Thomas M. Moore. They were Initiated on September 10, 1951, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on October 29, 1951, along with James C. Davenport and Arthur C. Garrison, who had joined their class. The Lodge closed the year, 1951, with 107 members.
On April 15, 1952, the Officers appeared before the Charters and Dispensations Committee of the Grand Lodge, and on the recommendation of the Committee, a Charter was granted to Charles M. Setzer Lodge, #693.
The Fee for the Charter, One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) was given to the Lodge by Brother L. J. Fleenor, who requested that he remain anonymous, but since the donor had transferred his membership to that Eternal Lodge above, it was the opinion of the writer of the first History that his identity be made known, in 1963.
The Grand Master, M.W. Brother William H. White, called an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge on May 15, 1952, for the purpose of Constituting Charles M. Setzer Lodge, with the following Grand Officers and Acting Grand Officers:
| Grand Master | M.W. William H. White, Grand Master |
| Acting Deputy Grand Master | M.W. Luther T. Hartsell, P.G.M. |
| Acting Senior Grand Warden | R.W. James G. Johnston |
| Junior Grand Warden | R.W. Charles H. Pugh |
| Acting Grand Treasurer | W. Lester M. Hancock |
| Grand Secretary | R.W. Wilbur L. McIver |
| Acting Senior Grand Deacon | W. William H. Newman |
| Acting Junior Grand Deacon | W. Ralph E. Cashion |
| Acting Grand Marshall | W. Joel J. Faulk, D.D.G.M. |
| Acting Grand Steward | W. Andrew S. Melvin, Sr. |
| Acting Grand Steward | J. B. Bass, Jr. |
| Acting Grand Tiler | L. K. Rice |
| Acting Grand Chaplain | W. William H. Harper |
| Grand Lecturer | W. Arnold W. Kincaid |
The Grand Master then appointed, and installed, the Officers of the Lodge, as follows:
| Master | W. W. Hugh Halliburton, Sr. |
| Senior Warden | O. Hal Hamby |
| Junior Warden | Levon M. Oglukian |
| Treasurer | P. Evans Bostick |
| Secretary | Lonnie W. Rogers |
| Senior Deacon | J. Hunter Hudson |
| Junior Deacon | Charles D. Keith, Jr. |
| Steward | James S. Smith |
| Jr. Steward | Leo S. Thomas |
| Tiler | James E. Jones |
| Chaplain | Robert C. McKnight |
Shortly after the Lodge was Constituted, the strong hand of death took one of the group who had fostered and executed the idea of the new Lodge when Brother Lloyd J. Fleenor passed away on September 8, 1952.
In 1953, Brothers Charles D. Keith, Sr., and Charles D. Keith, Jr., presented the Lodge a desk for the use of the secretary.
In 1954, thirteen (13) members demitted to help form the new Lodges of Friendship and St. Andrew. During this year, the Queen City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was instituted, composed largely of female relatives of the members of Setzer Lodge, and some members of the Lodge.
In 1955, the first Master of the Lodge, W. Hugh Halliburton, Sr., joined the Celestial Lodge above.
In 1957, the Lodge experienced its first losses by Exclusion for Nonpayment of Dues when six (6) were lost.
In 1961, four (4) members demitted to help form Keystone Lodge, and the Lodge had its first Net Loss in membership for a year, three (3). The Lodge building at 1408-1/2 East Morehead Street. was sold by Doctor Martin. The owner and the Lodge was unable to negotiate a suitable arrangement with the new owners for continued use. Lodge meetings from October 1961 until new quarters were found in 1962 were held in the Masonic Temple. The York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite Bodies and Lodges in the Temple were generous in letting Setzer Lodge use their facilities. The Order of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly surrendered one of their regular meeting nights for Setzer to hold Stated Meetings each month. Meanwhile, quarters were being prepared and financed by a group of Masons who bought the old Southside Baptist Church and its Educational Building at 2201 South Boulevard which would be rented to Setzer Lodge and related Bodies. The Dilworth Investment Company who rendered this service had a great bearing on Setzer Lodge. Members of several Lodges were investors in the company with NO PROFIT in mind only providing for others.
In 1962 four (4) members demitted to help form the first day-light Lodge in the City, Meridian. #728 and probably the first in N. C.
In 1967 the Lodge had its first Certified Lecturer Brother Guy L. Bullard who was Master in 1971. In 1983 the Lodge had probably the youngest Certified Lecturer Brother David L. Keith and the oldest to ever pass the examination: W. Brother P. Evans Bostick as Certified Lecturer. (Ages 24 and 78. respectfully).
Times force many changes. In 1973 the Lodge building was sold by the Dilworth Investment Company, which we rented. The new owner allowed the Lodge to continue meeting there until November 1, 1973. On August 8,1973 the Lodge had voted to accept an offer to rent from the Westgate Community Improvement Corporation the facilities used by the Westgate Lodge on Highway #16. On October 21, 1974 a Resolution was adopted to seek an agreement with the York Rite Bodies of Charlotte. N C at 1201 Central Ave in order to meet closer to the homes of the members. An agreement was reached, and we moved to that location.
During these moves, the members investigated several methods to obtain a permanent home. Sunset Road Baptist Church had agreed to donate their old sanctuary building if we would move it. Lodge members were called upon to donate as much as $300.00 each for a building program; many responded, some with more than asked for. In April, 1975, three (3) land proposals were discussed. It was moved, voted on, and passed to purchase land on Stacy Boulevard, Charlotte, N. C.
The land was purchased in June, 1975, for $15,950.00. In the same month, the permit to build was obtained, the old church sanctuary moved to the site, members began clearing land, setting up the building, and adding brick-veneer to the frame building. The Lodge was completed the first few days of December, and the first meeting held there was the Stated Meeting ,in December, 1975.
It was necessary to secure a loan of $10,000.00 from the Setzer Foundation, Inc. This loan was donated to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home and the Oxford Orphanage, in the amount of $5,000.00 each by the Foundation. The first payment on the loan were made on August 31, 1975, and the Lodge is looking forward to the last payment on July 31, 1985, when the Lodge will be debt free.
Two other loans of $5,000.00 each were secured from a member; one on February 9, 1975, and one on March 2, 1976. All loans were at the rate of 7-1/2% interest. The two separate loans have been paid in full.
Wore Brother William L. Bishop, Master in 1975, was the principal of the building program, although joined by many members in the various works necessary for culmination of the project.
In response to our request, M.W. Brother S. Frank Noble, Jr., Grand Master, called an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge of A.F. and A.M. of N. C. on Saturday, April 3, 1976, at 7:30 P.M., for the purpose of dedicating the new Temple. The following served as the Officers at the Emergent Communication:
| Grand Master | M.W. Bro. S. Frank Noble, Jr., G.M. |
| Deputy Grand Master | Bro. Carl Price Short |
| Senior Grand Warden | Bro. Lester F. Jackson, Jr. |
| Junior Grand Warden | Bro. Clifford J. Warnstaff |
| Grand Treasurer | W. Bro. Oscar H. Hamby |
| Grand Secretary | W. Bro. P. Evans Bostick |
| Senior Grand Deacon | Bro. Stacy L. Oxendine |
| Junior Grand Deacon | Bro. Leo D. Corneilson |
| Grand Marshall | W. Bro. Robert P. Dudley, Gr. Sect, P.M. |
| Grand Steward | Bro. Larry L. Schlekewy |
| Grand Steward | Bro. Charles J. Freeman, Jr. |
| Grand Tiler | Bro. Rufus B. Hoffman, Jr. |
| Grand Chaplain | W. Bro. Charles W. Smith, P.M. |
Other distinguished Masons present were: M.W. Bro. William W. Mims, Jr., P.G.M.; Wore Bro. Edwin R. Todd, P.M., District Deputy Grand Master, 41st Masonic Dist.; and Wore Bro. William E. Kerr, P.M., District Deputy Grand Master, 42nd Masonic District of N. C.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form by M.W. Bro. S. Frank Noble, Jr., Gr. Master, who announced that the purpose of this Emergent Communication was to Dedicate the new Temple of Charles M. Setzer Lodge, #693, A.F. and A.M.
Labor was dispensed within the Grand Lodge to admit Masons, guests, non¬Masons, and families to the public ceremony.
The address of welcome was given by Wore Bro. Kenneth M. Mullis, Master. Music was provided by Mrs. Frances Harkey, Soloist, and Mrs. Virginia Mays, Pianist. The Ceremony of Dedication was completed with the usual Masonic custom, with the following participants:
| Master | W. Bro. Kenneth M. Mullis |
| Master Principal Architect | W. Bro. William L. Bishop, P.M. |
| Bearer of the Taper | W. Bro. Charles D. Keith, Jr., P.M. |
| Bearer of Constitution | W. Bro. John P. Hamilton, P.M. |
| Bearer of 3 Great Lights | W. Bro. Guy L. Bullard, P.M. |
After the Ceremony of Dedication, those who were not Master Masons retired, and the Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form.
Two outstanding Masons, and Charter Members of this Lodge, must be remembered in this History: First; Wore Bro. Oscar Harold Hamby, P.M., who wrote the first History. He was born on June 14, 1899, Initiated on June 2, 1924 and Passed on June 16, 1924 in Inman Lodge #699, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised as a courtesy candidate by Excelsior Lodge, #261, in Charlotte, N. C., on June 30, 1924. He was elected Master of Setzer Lodge for 1953, died on July 14, 1978, and was buried with Christian and Masonic Rites on July 16, 1978.
Second; Wore Bro. Phillip Evans Bostick, who is the only member to be an officer from the inception of the Lodge to this date, 1985. He was Treasurer, placed in line to journey to the East, where he served in 1961, then was again elected to Treasurer until 1973, when he was elected Secretary; the office he presently holds, as he is approaching his 80th birthday.
The first time this Lodge conferred the Second Section of the Master Mason's Degree in full costume was on December 9, 1968, Forest C. Putnam, P.M. presiding. This was done after a ten month's campaign to raise funds. The
Lodge has conferred this work for many Lodges in North and South 'Carolina since that time.
During the existence of this Lodge, from June 27,1951, to December 31, 1984, we have brought four hundred-ninety-eight (498) Brethren to further light, by raising; have admitted one hundred-fourteen (114) by Affiliation; and the strong hand of death has claimed one hundred-twenty-five (125) members. We have conferred degrees for other Lodges as a courtesy. Our Lodge has also given members to the formation of five (5) other Lodges, including Westgate Lodge, #738, in which this writer was a Dual member for several years. We have assisted in the organization of one (1) Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; Queen City Chapter. We also provide a home for the Charlotte Chapter of the Order of Demolay for Boys.
I n the words of the writer of our first History, O. Hal Hamby: We have enjoyed a glorious past, and the full story of the struggles will never be told completely, but we cannot continue to grow and prosper on the work of those who have gone before. The opportunity for service to mankind through our Fraternity is greater than ever; and the need for the propagation of the
Ideals which our Order teaches presents an opportunity and a challenge for all of us. This writer has learned much about the past, is concerned about the present and anxious about the future, as we endeavor to serve God and man. Yet I am confident that just as God will "Never Forsake Us", neither will the "Fraternity forsake us". What we will do about the use of the teachings we have shared is how we will enjoy the future.
Charles W. Smith, P. M
P. Evans Bostick, P. M., Secretary
Robert W Brawley, Master Bill Jones Moretz, P. M ..
Added on January 20, 1985
The information for the following addendum was provided by Worshipful Brother Ken Mullis and addresses the expansion of our current Lodge in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
In the late 1980's when the uptown Temple was demolished, the Brothers of Charles M. Setzer spread the word that we would gladly share our Lodge facilities with any other interested Masonic groups. The response was overwhelming. The York Rite, two Chapters of Eastern Star, one Chapter of Demolay and Excelsior Lodge all accepted our invitation. To say that our Lodge was "well used" would be an understatement.
IIn 1989 the Master announced a building program to add some "closet space" in the back of the Lodge. The program got off to a slow start and bogged down until 1990 when Master Barry Rogers ordered that it "be finished or torn down". W. B. Barry rallied the Brothers and in June construction began in earnest on afternoons, evenings and weekends. With the excep¬tion of brick laying and roofing, all the work was done by Brothers who volunteered their time, resources and energies to make it happen. The carpet for the new area was donated by Honorary Brother Red Robins. It was installed by W. B. M. L. Kelly and his son-in-law Mitch.
The electrical work was done by Brother Stacy Oxendine. The interior doors were donated by W. B. Dave Hargate. The sheetrock was donated and installed by W.B. Nick Wych. The sheetrock was finished by W.B. Zeb Greene's son-in-law Maulton Presley. The doors were finished by a Brother form Friendship Lodge. A great deal of technical assistance was provided by W. B. A. G. Bartlett.
This story is of interest. Brother Bill
Ludwig was deathly ill. The doctor told him to go home and sit
in a rocking chair, he didn't have long to live. After a month
or so of sitting and rocking, Bro. Bill couldn't stand it any
longer and began working at the Lodge to pass the time. When he
went back to the Doctor, the Doctor said "I don't know what
you're doing, but keep it up ... your condition has improved
greatly". A couple months later he was so improved the doctor
returned Bill to his regular job. Brothers I think there is a
moral to this story!
The following addendum to the history of Charles M. Setzer Lodge has been written by:
Worshipful Brother Rev. Charles W. Smith in
2002 at the request of Worshipful Master Ted Hill. It covers the
history from approximately January 1985 to December 2000. During
this sixteen year period, we have brought forty
brethren to further light in Masonry by raising, admitted twenty one by affiliation and
restored to membership nineteen.
The strong hand of death has claimed ninety
nine: forty five were excluded for N.P.D.; twenty eight members
demitted; and one was expelled. With eighty additions and two
hundred and 23 lost, we had a net loss of 43 members during the
period January 1985 to December 2000.
In the thirty seven years this writer has
enjoyed the fruits of the labor of so many distinguished, hard
working and dedicated brethren, all Masonic organizations have
declined in membership. The future of Masonry depends on the labors
of the dedicated members that are left
Cities, counties, states and nations have suffered
from the same unconcern that has been the reason for our decline in
membership. Churches have a problem existing, families are torn
apart and our great body of Masonic Fraternities suffer from a lack
of dedication.
If this sounds depressing, it is! However,
there is a silver lining to every cloud. It rains on the unjust as
well as the just. We reap our rewards commensurate with our efforts.
There is a lot of hope if we wake up and work!
Our Lord started with one person, HIMSELF. He added twelve, as he found willing followers to continue His work; and one of the twelve died in disgrace after letting thirty pieces of silver
cloud his vision. The Church, Masonry and
human life has had to endure mediocrity and unproductive results because of secular
attitudes, selfish desires and
the unwillingness to put forth a worthy effort for
the good of all. The future is waiting
-
success is there
-
rewards are there
-
for those who serve for the good of others.
In my opinion, since the merger of Charles M. Setzer and Friendship Lodges in 2000, our Lodge has come alive. We are working nearly every Monday night, new Masons are being made, activities to cultivate friendships with non - masons are being provided, a new love for each other has been shown and our future has begun to brighten. The next addendum will show how we have come to the realization of our responsibilities as Masons, as human beings and as believers in God Almighty as our Creator, our Lord and our Master..
Compiled and written
This first day of September, 2002
Charles W. Smith, P. M.
In the fall of 2000, THE Officers of Setzer Lodge were approached by a Committee of the Master and several Past Masters and Officers of Friendship Lodge. They asked if Setzer Lodge would be interested in exploring the possibility of Friendship Lodge merging with them. After thoughtful review and discussion and in consideration that such a merger would/could strengthen Charles Setzer Lodge, the idea was approved by the Setzer membership.
It was agreed between the Lodges that
Charles M. Setzer #693 would be the surviving Lodge. Following Code,
the necessary forms were filed with Grand Lodge and their approval
of the consolidation was received in November of 2000. In
recognition of the importance of both Lodges blending as quickly and
smoothly as possible, the brothers of both Lodges elected Ted Hill
(Friendship’s Sr. Warden) as Sr. Warden, W. B. Buddy Kessler
(Friendship’s Secretary) as Secretary, W. B. J. B. Kiser (Friendship
P. M.) as Trustee, and appointed W. B. J. J. Yates and Richard
Thompson (both Friendship Jr. Officers) as Jr. Officers.
Assets, ornaments jewels and records were transferred without incident. Charles M. Setzer Lodge has made ample provisions to recognize Friendship Past Masters, Charter Members and specifically honored Friendship members. The fine history of Friendship Lodge, its members and its legacy will continue to be preserved and honored.
Theophilus H. Hill, Jr., Master
March 2002
2002, our Golden Anniversary Year, was a busy, exciting, energizing and productive year for Charles M. Setzer Lodge. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, the Lodge held a great Birthday Party filled with fun, games and prizes, not to mention cake and ice cream. We also invited all Charlotte area Masons and their Ladies and all Eastern Star Ladies and their Gentlemen to a huge Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at the Scottish Rite Temple as part of our yearlong celebration. The Shrine Band and Shrine Chanters entertained while we enjoyed lots of delicious homemade ice cream.
We did much maintenance work on the Lodge,
including vinyl siding both the Lodge and York Rite building.. Most
notable was the re-carpeting of our Lodge Room and the addition of
new chairs to match existing ones (and re-upholstered them all). We
added new framed remembrances of our Charter members (both
Friendship and Setzer). We held an Open House, Ladies and Old Timers
Night and a fine Awards Banquet. We raised money for our charities,
raised three Master Masons and are working on four more. The
Brothers pitched in and made all this happen in a positive way that
made everyone very proud of our results.
It was a very good year!
Theophilus H. Hill, Jr., Master
November 2002
AN INFORMAL HISTORY OF
FRIENDSHIP LODGE #700 A.F. & A. M.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
An organizational meeting was held on Friday, May 28,1954 at 7:30 PM at the Masonic Temple on South Tryon Street. Ed Burrier, then District Deputy Grand Master, explained the rules and regulations pertaining to the formation of a lodge. Fred Trethewey was approached to serve as the Master of the new lodge.
Subsequent meetings were held a Charles M Setzer Lodge #693 at 1408 1/2 Morehead Street. The first stated communication of Friendship Lodge, U.D. (Under Dispensation) was held on August 6, 1954 at 7:30 PM. W. L. Barber, R. B. Byrum, J. Z Eakes, and D. D. Phillips, Jr. were the first men to be initiated (9/10/54), passed (9/24/54) and raised (10/15/94) in the lodge. In the early 1960’s due to a fire in the building housing Charles M. Setzer and Friendship Lodges, Friendship moved up-town to use the York Rite room in the Masonic Temple on South Tryon Street, then moved to Central Avenue to use the facilities of Eastgate Lodge. In 1979, Friendship Lodge became the first Lodge to move in to the new Scottish Rite building on Randolph Road. James E. Culp was the first man to be initiated, passed and raised in the new building.
Over the years Friendship Lodge members were instrumental in the formation of other Lodges which were formed to accommodate Charlotte’s growing population. In the early 1960’s two Friendship members became the firs Senior and Junior Wardens (Jim Irwiin and Bob Grubb) at the newly formed Keystone Lodge. In the mid-60’s several members of Friendship Lodge demitted to the then forming Westgate Lodge. Friendship members became officers in the in the formation of Newell (Julius P. and Virgil L. Torrence), Steel Creek (Gilbert R. Cooper) and James K Polk (James Van “Jimmy” Wilson) Lodges.
Members of Friendship Lodge continue to be particularly active in Scottish Rite work. Four current members hold the 33rd Degree which is an honorary degree conferred in recognition of outstanding service to the Rite, or in public life, to the principles taught in the degrees. Brothers Thomas A Burleson, J. B. Kiser, D. D. Phillips, Jr. and Ed Todd have been so honored. A number of Friendship Lodge members, now deceased, have also been so honor. These include, Brothers Fred Trethewey, Luke Solomon, Dr. W. O. Johnson, Isador Silverstein and Grady Black.
Many members of Friendship Lodge have been honored with the K.C.C.H. (Knight Commander of the Court of Honor) in the Scottish Rite. Currently only Harry Lee Henderson, who was Charter Secretary of the Lodge and Jack Jordan hold this honor, although many who have gone on before have also been thus privileged.
A large number of Friendship members participated in the spring and fall reunions of the Scottish Rite. These Brethren participated in a wide range of capacities to help in conferring these degrees.
Lodge members have held positions as District Deputy Grand Lodge Officers for the 41st Masonic District (J. B. Kiser and Ed Todd). Ed Todd went on to serve as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and J. B. Kiser was the honored recipient of Joseph Montfort Medal, a meritorious service medal which is the highest award that can be conferred by a Grand Master upon a Freemason in the Grand Jurisdiction. Ray Kimball of Friendship Lodge served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern Star in North Carolina and he along with other members of the Lodge were instrumental in the formation of the Friendship Chapter of The Order of Eastern Star #369. D. D. Phillips, Jr. of Friendship Lodge served as Potentate of the Oasis Temple of the Shrine. Harold A. Kessler (PM) is the Secretary Recorder of the York Rite Bodies and was President of the Charlotte Shrine Club. James H. Glenn (PM) also served a Treasurer of the Charlotte York Rite Bodies and Jack D. Stallings (PM) is the Past Presiding Officer of these York Rite Bodies. W. Hugh Harkey, Jr. (PM) and Walter C. Mays, Jr. (PM) are past Presidents of the Charlotte Shrine Club.
Outside of the Lodge, members of Friendship have been actively involved in church, business and civic affairs. Brother James Van Wilson served as town councilman for the town of Pineville and Don Petty has been active in school board activities. Perhaps the best know of our Brethren outside the Lodge was Grady Cole who was for several years a radio announcer for WBT Grady was honored posthumously when the old Park Center Building was renamed the Grady Cole Center.
Friendship is known among other Lodges for its ritual work. Four members are certified lecturers: J.B. Kiser, Ed Todd, Frank Wilson and James Van “Jimmy” Wilson. These lecturers and those that preceded them have helped to maintain this reputation.
For many years in the 60’s the Lodge was known for its “Tuxedo” Degree, where officers wore a tuxedo at the initiation of a new brother. Many of the brethren who were initiated during this degree remember how impressive it was for them. The Lodge was also fortunate to have costumes with which to put on a most impressive third degree.
The composition of Friendship Lodge, as with most Masonic Blue Lodges, has included men from all walks of life who have met upon the level. However, at various times, the Lodge had large numbers of its members from the telephone companies, the Charlotte Police Department and Duke Power Co.
Friendship Lodge met on Friday nights from its inception until 1993 when the members voted to change the meeting night to Monday. Lodge Stated meetings were held in the Blue Lodge Room of the Scottish Rite Temple on Randolph Road.
During the mid to late 90’s, the Lodge struggled with a declining active membership. In the year 1999, Friendship celebrated its 45th year since formation. Because of the decline in new and active members Friendship Lodge found itself in a position where it could not fill the Officers position for the coming year. Under the leadership of Jim Sloan (Master) a committee of Past Masters and current Officers was formed to investigate and recommend another Lodge to merge with. Several Lodges were considered, but Charles M. Setzer #693 was clearly the best fit for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, there had been an ongoing close personal relationship between the two Lodges. The Brothers in Charles
Setzer Lodge was most willing to accept the merger. Following prescribed Code the two Lodges agreed to merge with Charles M. Setzer #693 being the surviving Lodge. Such merger was approved by the Grand Lodge in November of 2000. At Charles M. Setzer’s stated communication in December, Friendship Lodge’s Secretary WB Buddy Kessler was elected Secretary and Friendship Senior Warden Ted Hill was elected Senior Warden of Charles M. Setzer Lodge; WB J. J. Yates and Richard Thompson (both Friendship Officers) accepted line appointments: WB J. B. Kiser was selected as a Trustee. The merger and integration of the Lodges was complete.
Although Friendship Lodge is no more, its history, reputation and its treasures remain in tact and are either displayed or preserved in Charles M. Setzer Lodge. The Brothers of Friendship are participating in the combined Lodge activities and in their communities.
Together the two Lodges have formed a stronger Lodge that will carry on well into the future and will continue to serve Masonry and mankind well.
DEDICATION
This history is dedicated to all of our Brothers both past and present, who have served our Lodge so faithfully over the years. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of time and talents to create and maintain was has been known as:
Friendship Lodge #700
A. F. & A. M.
Harold A. Kessler
Secretary, P.M.