First section
Here's all that I have of the first 3 years of my Lodge. Hope you all enjoy!
Part I – The Building of the Temple
(1960-1969)
The decade of the 1960’s saw many landmarks in American history. In 1960 Dwight Eisenhower was finishing out his second term as President. In 1961 a young and energetic man named John F. Kennedy would take the presidency and symbolize the beginning of a new era in American history. Sadly that same young president would be killed by an assassin’s bullet three years into his term. The war in Vietnam increased from a few thousand advisors to a full fledged guerrilla conflict. In music, the American public was captivated by the British sound of rock groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
Locally, Youngstown saw the beginnings of what would be a devastating loss of heavy industry and steel manufacturing as well as the influx of higher crime rates. In 1960 the Democratic Presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy, made several campaign stops in Youngstown. Most notable was his speech from the marquee of the Todd Hotel in downtown Youngstown. In 1966 General Motors, Lordstown plant produced its first car. From 1966 to 1970 Lordstown would see the manufacture of the Chevrolet Caprice, Impala, Bell Air, and Pontiac Firebird. In 1967 Youngstown University entered the state system of colleges becoming Youngstown State University.
Poland Lodge #766 Free and Accepted Masons would realize its birth in this decade. From the idea sparked by a member of Hillman Lodge #481 in Youngstown, Poland would build its temple in Poland and grow in membership. Poland Lodge would aid in the growth and betterment of the Poland Township community.
Chapter 1:
1960
A history of Poland Lodge #766 must of necessity begin at how and when it was organized. It was first mentioned by Lewis Mehocic to George Schrock and Robert Chapin that the Master Masons of Poland should organize. Lewis Mehocic in turn brought the matter to the attention of W. Bro. Paul Greggs Master of Hillman Lodge #481 and asked his advice about the necessary steps to form a Masonic Lodge. A meeting was held at the home of Lewis Mehocic on April 15th, 1960, for all those interested in starting either a Club or a Lodge. Present at this historical meeting were Clifford M. Powell, D.D.G.M., W. Bro. Paul Greggs, of Hillman Lodge #481,W. Bro. Noble Hahn, Western Star Lodge #21, P.M. W. Bro. Harry L. Jones, Western Star Lodge #21, Joseph Eszenyi, James Johnston, E. Arthur Swanson, Edmund D. Jones, William H Hahn, Ray M. Johnston, R. W. Richards, George Schrock and Lewis Mehocic.
On June 3rd, 1960, a meeting was held at the home of R. W. Richards as to whether to start a Square Club or a Masonic lodge in Poland. By a vote of 22 to 5, it was agreed to try and form a Masonic Lodge. Mr. R. W. Richards was made chairman of the Poland Charter Committee. A motion was made, seconded and carried to ask Hillman Lodge #481 to sponsor a lodge at Poland. It was also decided on a charge of $25.00 as a charter fee. E. Arthur Swanson and Edmund D. Jones were appointed as co-chairman to organize a corps of officers and to find a Past Master to serve as the first master.
Beginning June 9th, 1960, organizational meetings were held each week at the home of Howard Bower or Lewis Mehocic. At the meeting of July 28th, 1960, Clifford Thompson, Past Master of Hillman Lodge #481, was present as master of the proposed lodge under dispensation. Also committees were formed for Budget, Temple Equipment and By-Laws.
On September 6th 1960 a proposition was made to rent Poland Union School for one year (with two meetings per month). On September 23,1960 a motion was made, seconded and passed to name the new Lodge in Poland, Ohio “Poland” Lodge. November 5th, 1960 saw the corps of officers announced as follows;
Worshipful Master W. Bro. Clifford Thompson
Senior Warden Bro E. Arthur Swanson
Junior Warden Bro Lewis Mehocic
Senior Deacon Bro Howard Bower
Junior Deacon Bro. Randall Gething
Senior Steward Bro. Edmund Jones
Junior Steward Bro. Merle Madrid
Secretary Bro. Richard W. Richards
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Chaplin Bro. C. B. Brooks
Tyler Bro. E. Jack Ellis
Team Captain Bro. William Robinette
On December 7th, 1960, a Temple Company meeting was held at the home of James Mann, at which time, it was decided to contact Most Worshipful Bro. Carl Ellenwood, Past Grand Master, chairman of the Ohio Grand Lodge Temple Committee for permission to incorporate Poland Temple Co. as a nonprofit organization. Also to write proper By-Laws and proceed to make plans for a lodge in Poland, Ohio, dedicated to Masonry.
Chapter 2:
1961
On January 12, 1961 a meeting was held at Poland Union School in order that officers may practice opening and closing lodge. On February first Lodge #481 Free and Accepted Masons presented dispensation to Poland Lodge. The next day, it was decided at that meeting to hold our first official stated meeting on Thursday February 9, 1961 at Poland Union School in Poland, Ohio.
That first stated meeting was opened in due form and harmony on February 9th, 1961 by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Clifford Thompson. In attendance were 219 members. Bro. Fred Carr, a member of Hillman Lodge # 481, presented Poland Lodge with a Bible (a gift from Hillman Lodge). Also presented as gifts were a set of working tools and a Square and Compasses presented by W. Bro. Dale Boland of St. Albans Lodge #677. St. John’s Commandery #20 of Youngstown presented Poland Lodge with our Tyler’s sword. Also at this meeting, our By-laws were read. They were held over to be voted on at the next stated meeting.
At the second stated meeting of Poland Lodge U.D (Under Dispensation) Bro. George Schrock presented W. M. Clifford L. Thompson with a Master’s Pin. This pin is to be passed down to each successive Master. Also, at this meeting, it was decided that each Master of the Lodge is to sign the Alter Bible at the end of their term. The first special meeting was held March 17, 1961 at Poland Union School. At this meeting four brothers were initiated as Entered Apprentice. Our first inspection was held on April 27, 1961. The inspection was conducted by Clifford M. Powell, District Deputy Grand Master for the 24th District of Ohio.
At our fourth stated meeting on May 11, 1961 our Standing Resolutions were read before Lodge. Also at this meeting W. M. John Leach, or Argus Lodge, Canfield, introduced Bro. Lyle Orr. Bro. Orr presented Poland Lodge with Masonic books in order to start a library. The books were a gift from Mr. Frank R. Brandt, RD #1 North Lima, Ohio. The books were passed to him from his father, W.M. Benjamin Franklin Brandt.
The fifth stated meeting of Poland Lodge was held at Poland Union School on with thirty-five members and no visitors. W. M. Clifford Thompson was absent, so all officers moved up one station. Acting Secretary Randall J. Gething read the minutes of the last stated meting held May 11, 1961. The Standing Resolutions proposed at that meeting were motioned for approval, seconded, and passed unanimously with the exception of Section VII (concerning Gifts). This section will be deleted, rewritten, and proposed at a future meeting. The sixth stated meeting of Poland Lodge U.D saw the proposal of an amendment to our by-Laws. The amendment, Section VIII, shall read as such:
“There shall be no presentation of gifts to candidates in open Lodge, and no solicitations among candidates for gifts to be presented to any Lodge member.”
The tenth special meeting of Poland Lodge U.D was a very special occasion indeed. On this date our Lodge was constituted. A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form and harmony on October 19, 1961 at 5:30pm at Poland Union School Poland, Ohio. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and all members present retired to the Poland Methodist Church for dinner. At 7:30pm the Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Secretary, read telegrams of congratulation from Hillman Lodge #481, St. Albans Lodge #677, and a letter from the Master’s, Warden’s and Secretaries Associations. Most Worshipful Brother Daniel C. Jenkins, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio presided over the constitution and Consecration of Poland Lodge. Hereafter Poland Lodge U.D was known as Poland Lodge #766 F. & A.M. There were 167 members and 156 visitors present.
At the eighth stated meeting of Poland Lodge # 766 we elected the corps of officers to serve Poland Lodge in the year 1962. The election was held by written ballot with a majority of those present needed in order to be elected. The officers elected were:
Worshipful Master W. Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
Senior Warden Bro. Lewis Mehocic
Junior Warden Bro. Howard Bower
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Secretary Bro. Richard Richards
Senior Deacon Bro. Randall Gething
Junior Deacon Bro. Edmund Jones
Senior Steward Bro. Merle Madrid
Junior Steward Bro. Richard Dearing
Chaplain Bro. J.W. Stevenson
Tyler Bro. Jack Ellis
Trustees Bro. Richard Richards
Bro. C. B. Williams
Bro. Paul Stevens
Also at this meeting, it was motioned, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge #766 subscribe to a page in the Mahoning Mason, the monthly newsletter of all Masonic groups in the Mahoning Valley area. It was motioned, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge #755 object, in writing, to the Grand Lodge decision to keep the jurisdictional line between Poland Lodge #766 and Allen Lodge #276 unchanged.
At our ninth stated meeting held on December 14, 1961 the corps of officers for 1962 was installed. Kenneth W. Barnes (incoming Treasurer), W. J. Lomax Jr. and George Chrock (incoming Trustees) were absent. After the installation ceremony W. Bro. Clifford Thompson (Past Master of Poland Lodge) was presented with the Gavel and Hat that he used in his year of service. He was also presented a rifle by Poland Lodge. W. M. Ernest A. Swanson was presented an attaché case which was a gift from the Masonic members of Poland Methodist Church.
Chapter 3:
1962
The year 1962, the first full year for Poland Lodge, had many new and exciting changes and events. Several changes were proposed (and passed) to our By-Laws and Standing Resolutions. Committees were formed to investigate the purchase of land for our Temple. Later in the year Lodge approved the Poland Temple to purchase land for the building of the Temple. Inspection, Special nights, and many other fellowship events highlighted Poland’s first full year.
The tenth state meeting of Poland Lodge #766 (which was the first meeting of the new year) was held on January 11, 1962. At this meeting the following changes were proposed to our Uniform Code of By-Laws:
Article VIII
“Each member who shall be in arrears for dues as of the last day in February of each year is hereby declared to be suspended, and if his dues are not paid by the last day of the following May, ‘indefinitely suspended for non payment of dues’ shall be entered against his record.”
This amendment would eventually be adopted at our twelfth stated meeting held on March 8, 1962. Also at this meeting, W.M. Arthur Swanson installed Bros. W.J. Lomax and George Schrock as Trustees, and declared Br. Kenneth W. Barnes to be duly installed as Treasurer.
On April 12, 1962 a Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form and harmony at 7:30pm. This was our 13th stated meeting. Amongst other business discussed was an addition to our Standing Resolutions. It read as follows:
Section X
Steward’s Petty Cash Fund
“The Stewards are allowed a Petty Cash Fund of $50.00 to cover expenses incident to their office. This fund to be properly accounted for and to be included in the Annual Audit.”
Other business of the meeting included a report from the Poland Temple Company. Bro. Jim Mann reported that the Trustees have been meeting regularly with Bro. Ellingwood, and have Grand Lodge opinions on various matters. Bro. Philip Heim was heading a committee to acquire land. Bro. John Opritza was heading a committee to raise funds. Nothing was definitive yet, but progress was being made and the Temple Committee would report back in the coming months.
The 27th special meeting, held on July 5, 1962 was a continuation and finalization on many aspects of the building of our temple. There were 57 members and one visitor present. It was called, specifically, by W.M. Swanson so as to discuss and take action on purchasing of land for the Temple. This meeting was authorized through special Dispensation from The Grand Lodge of Ohio. Bro. Mann, of the Poland Temple Company, described the parcel of land to be purchased along Route 90 (current-day Ohio SR 170). Bro. Mann motioned, Bro. Withers seconded, and it was unanimously passed by Poland Lodge to purchase the parcel of land suggested along SR 90 for the purpose of building a Masonic Temple.
This motion was amended to read that the Poland Lodge authorizes Poland Temple Company to purchase land along SR 90, but not to exceed $8,000.00. Another motion was made, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge purchase 100 certificates from the Poland Temple Company. These certificates were bought at $50.00 each for a total of $5,000.00. Another motion was made and seconded that Poland Temple Company be limited to a maximum of $10,000.00 for the cost to purchase land and pay for utilities. This motion was defeated.
In total, much was accomplished at this meeting. It was decided that Poland Temple Company be permitted to purchase land along Route 90 (current day SR 170) for the use of building a Temple. Lodge members limited the Temple Company to a maximum of $8,000.00 to be spent on the land and utilities.
Two of our first local workers nights (U.S. Steel Night and Youngstown Sheet and Tube Night) were held on our 30th and 31st Special meetings (respectively). At these meetings Masonic brethren from each steel company were invited to Lodge to help raise a candidate. Special nights such as these helped encourage fellowship and interaction amongst the different Lodges throughout the 24th Masonic District. Unfortunate, as the steel industry declined in the Mahoning Valley, these nights became fewer and fewer and eventually non-existent.
Another event-night was at our 35th Special meeting held November 17, 1962. This meeting was held under special Dispensation from Grand Lodge of Ohio at the Youngstown Masonic Temple. At the meeting the brethren were treated to a production of the play A Rose Upon the Alter. The production was presented by W. Bro. Roy A. Curl and his Scottish Rite Players.
The installation of Officers for the year 1963 was held on December 6, 1962, our 37th Special meeting. Officers installed were as follows:
Worshipful Master W. Bro. Lewis Mehocic
Senior Warden Bro. Howard Bower
Junior Warden Bro. Randall Gething
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Secretary Bro. Robert Wooldford
Senior Deacon Bro. Edmund Jones
Junior Deacon Bro. Merle Madrid
Senior Steward Bro. Richard Dearing
Junior Steward Bro. John Stevenson
Chaplain W. Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
Tyler Bro. Jack Ellis
Trustee Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
Part I – The Building of the Temple
(1960-1969)
The decade of the 1960’s saw many landmarks in American history. In 1960 Dwight Eisenhower was finishing out his second term as President. In 1961 a young and energetic man named John F. Kennedy would take the presidency and symbolize the beginning of a new era in American history. Sadly that same young president would be killed by an assassin’s bullet three years into his term. The war in Vietnam increased from a few thousand advisors to a full fledged guerrilla conflict. In music, the American public was captivated by the British sound of rock groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
Locally, Youngstown saw the beginnings of what would be a devastating loss of heavy industry and steel manufacturing as well as the influx of higher crime rates. In 1960 the Democratic Presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy, made several campaign stops in Youngstown. Most notable was his speech from the marquee of the Todd Hotel in downtown Youngstown. In 1966 General Motors, Lordstown plant produced its first car. From 1966 to 1970 Lordstown would see the manufacture of the Chevrolet Caprice, Impala, Bell Air, and Pontiac Firebird. In 1967 Youngstown University entered the state system of colleges becoming Youngstown State University.
Poland Lodge #766 Free and Accepted Masons would realize its birth in this decade. From the idea sparked by a member of Hillman Lodge #481 in Youngstown, Poland would build its temple in Poland and grow in membership. Poland Lodge would aid in the growth and betterment of the Poland Township community.
Chapter 1:
1960
A history of Poland Lodge #766 must of necessity begin at how and when it was organized. It was first mentioned by Lewis Mehocic to George Schrock and Robert Chapin that the Master Masons of Poland should organize. Lewis Mehocic in turn brought the matter to the attention of W. Bro. Paul Greggs Master of Hillman Lodge #481 and asked his advice about the necessary steps to form a Masonic Lodge. A meeting was held at the home of Lewis Mehocic on April 15th, 1960, for all those interested in starting either a Club or a Lodge. Present at this historical meeting were Clifford M. Powell, D.D.G.M., W. Bro. Paul Greggs, of Hillman Lodge #481,W. Bro. Noble Hahn, Western Star Lodge #21, P.M. W. Bro. Harry L. Jones, Western Star Lodge #21, Joseph Eszenyi, James Johnston, E. Arthur Swanson, Edmund D. Jones, William H Hahn, Ray M. Johnston, R. W. Richards, George Schrock and Lewis Mehocic.
On June 3rd, 1960, a meeting was held at the home of R. W. Richards as to whether to start a Square Club or a Masonic lodge in Poland. By a vote of 22 to 5, it was agreed to try and form a Masonic Lodge. Mr. R. W. Richards was made chairman of the Poland Charter Committee. A motion was made, seconded and carried to ask Hillman Lodge #481 to sponsor a lodge at Poland. It was also decided on a charge of $25.00 as a charter fee. E. Arthur Swanson and Edmund D. Jones were appointed as co-chairman to organize a corps of officers and to find a Past Master to serve as the first master.
Beginning June 9th, 1960, organizational meetings were held each week at the home of Howard Bower or Lewis Mehocic. At the meeting of July 28th, 1960, Clifford Thompson, Past Master of Hillman Lodge #481, was present as master of the proposed lodge under dispensation. Also committees were formed for Budget, Temple Equipment and By-Laws.
On September 6th 1960 a proposition was made to rent Poland Union School for one year (with two meetings per month). On September 23,1960 a motion was made, seconded and passed to name the new Lodge in Poland, Ohio “Poland” Lodge. November 5th, 1960 saw the corps of officers announced as follows;
Worshipful Master W. Bro. Clifford Thompson
Senior Warden Bro E. Arthur Swanson
Junior Warden Bro Lewis Mehocic
Senior Deacon Bro Howard Bower
Junior Deacon Bro. Randall Gething
Senior Steward Bro. Edmund Jones
Junior Steward Bro. Merle Madrid
Secretary Bro. Richard W. Richards
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Chaplin Bro. C. B. Brooks
Tyler Bro. E. Jack Ellis
Team Captain Bro. William Robinette
On December 7th, 1960, a Temple Company meeting was held at the home of James Mann, at which time, it was decided to contact Most Worshipful Bro. Carl Ellenwood, Past Grand Master, chairman of the Ohio Grand Lodge Temple Committee for permission to incorporate Poland Temple Co. as a nonprofit organization. Also to write proper By-Laws and proceed to make plans for a lodge in Poland, Ohio, dedicated to Masonry.
Chapter 2:
1961
On January 12, 1961 a meeting was held at Poland Union School in order that officers may practice opening and closing lodge. On February first Lodge #481 Free and Accepted Masons presented dispensation to Poland Lodge. The next day, it was decided at that meeting to hold our first official stated meeting on Thursday February 9, 1961 at Poland Union School in Poland, Ohio.
That first stated meeting was opened in due form and harmony on February 9th, 1961 by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Clifford Thompson. In attendance were 219 members. Bro. Fred Carr, a member of Hillman Lodge # 481, presented Poland Lodge with a Bible (a gift from Hillman Lodge). Also presented as gifts were a set of working tools and a Square and Compasses presented by W. Bro. Dale Boland of St. Albans Lodge #677. St. John’s Commandery #20 of Youngstown presented Poland Lodge with our Tyler’s sword. Also at this meeting, our By-laws were read. They were held over to be voted on at the next stated meeting.
At the second stated meeting of Poland Lodge U.D (Under Dispensation) Bro. George Schrock presented W. M. Clifford L. Thompson with a Master’s Pin. This pin is to be passed down to each successive Master. Also, at this meeting, it was decided that each Master of the Lodge is to sign the Alter Bible at the end of their term. The first special meeting was held March 17, 1961 at Poland Union School. At this meeting four brothers were initiated as Entered Apprentice. Our first inspection was held on April 27, 1961. The inspection was conducted by Clifford M. Powell, District Deputy Grand Master for the 24th District of Ohio.
At our fourth stated meeting on May 11, 1961 our Standing Resolutions were read before Lodge. Also at this meeting W. M. John Leach, or Argus Lodge, Canfield, introduced Bro. Lyle Orr. Bro. Orr presented Poland Lodge with Masonic books in order to start a library. The books were a gift from Mr. Frank R. Brandt, RD #1 North Lima, Ohio. The books were passed to him from his father, W.M. Benjamin Franklin Brandt.
The fifth stated meeting of Poland Lodge was held at Poland Union School on with thirty-five members and no visitors. W. M. Clifford Thompson was absent, so all officers moved up one station. Acting Secretary Randall J. Gething read the minutes of the last stated meting held May 11, 1961. The Standing Resolutions proposed at that meeting were motioned for approval, seconded, and passed unanimously with the exception of Section VII (concerning Gifts). This section will be deleted, rewritten, and proposed at a future meeting. The sixth stated meeting of Poland Lodge U.D saw the proposal of an amendment to our by-Laws. The amendment, Section VIII, shall read as such:
“There shall be no presentation of gifts to candidates in open Lodge, and no solicitations among candidates for gifts to be presented to any Lodge member.”
The tenth special meeting of Poland Lodge U.D was a very special occasion indeed. On this date our Lodge was constituted. A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form and harmony on October 19, 1961 at 5:30pm at Poland Union School Poland, Ohio. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment and all members present retired to the Poland Methodist Church for dinner. At 7:30pm the Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Secretary, read telegrams of congratulation from Hillman Lodge #481, St. Albans Lodge #677, and a letter from the Master’s, Warden’s and Secretaries Associations. Most Worshipful Brother Daniel C. Jenkins, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio presided over the constitution and Consecration of Poland Lodge. Hereafter Poland Lodge U.D was known as Poland Lodge #766 F. & A.M. There were 167 members and 156 visitors present.
At the eighth stated meeting of Poland Lodge # 766 we elected the corps of officers to serve Poland Lodge in the year 1962. The election was held by written ballot with a majority of those present needed in order to be elected. The officers elected were:
Worshipful Master W. Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
Senior Warden Bro. Lewis Mehocic
Junior Warden Bro. Howard Bower
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Secretary Bro. Richard Richards
Senior Deacon Bro. Randall Gething
Junior Deacon Bro. Edmund Jones
Senior Steward Bro. Merle Madrid
Junior Steward Bro. Richard Dearing
Chaplain Bro. J.W. Stevenson
Tyler Bro. Jack Ellis
Trustees Bro. Richard Richards
Bro. C. B. Williams
Bro. Paul Stevens
Also at this meeting, it was motioned, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge #766 subscribe to a page in the Mahoning Mason, the monthly newsletter of all Masonic groups in the Mahoning Valley area. It was motioned, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge #755 object, in writing, to the Grand Lodge decision to keep the jurisdictional line between Poland Lodge #766 and Allen Lodge #276 unchanged.
At our ninth stated meeting held on December 14, 1961 the corps of officers for 1962 was installed. Kenneth W. Barnes (incoming Treasurer), W. J. Lomax Jr. and George Chrock (incoming Trustees) were absent. After the installation ceremony W. Bro. Clifford Thompson (Past Master of Poland Lodge) was presented with the Gavel and Hat that he used in his year of service. He was also presented a rifle by Poland Lodge. W. M. Ernest A. Swanson was presented an attaché case which was a gift from the Masonic members of Poland Methodist Church.
Chapter 3:
1962
The year 1962, the first full year for Poland Lodge, had many new and exciting changes and events. Several changes were proposed (and passed) to our By-Laws and Standing Resolutions. Committees were formed to investigate the purchase of land for our Temple. Later in the year Lodge approved the Poland Temple to purchase land for the building of the Temple. Inspection, Special nights, and many other fellowship events highlighted Poland’s first full year.
The tenth state meeting of Poland Lodge #766 (which was the first meeting of the new year) was held on January 11, 1962. At this meeting the following changes were proposed to our Uniform Code of By-Laws:
Article VIII
“Each member who shall be in arrears for dues as of the last day in February of each year is hereby declared to be suspended, and if his dues are not paid by the last day of the following May, ‘indefinitely suspended for non payment of dues’ shall be entered against his record.”
This amendment would eventually be adopted at our twelfth stated meeting held on March 8, 1962. Also at this meeting, W.M. Arthur Swanson installed Bros. W.J. Lomax and George Schrock as Trustees, and declared Br. Kenneth W. Barnes to be duly installed as Treasurer.
On April 12, 1962 a Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form and harmony at 7:30pm. This was our 13th stated meeting. Amongst other business discussed was an addition to our Standing Resolutions. It read as follows:
Section X
Steward’s Petty Cash Fund
“The Stewards are allowed a Petty Cash Fund of $50.00 to cover expenses incident to their office. This fund to be properly accounted for and to be included in the Annual Audit.”
Other business of the meeting included a report from the Poland Temple Company. Bro. Jim Mann reported that the Trustees have been meeting regularly with Bro. Ellingwood, and have Grand Lodge opinions on various matters. Bro. Philip Heim was heading a committee to acquire land. Bro. John Opritza was heading a committee to raise funds. Nothing was definitive yet, but progress was being made and the Temple Committee would report back in the coming months.
The 27th special meeting, held on July 5, 1962 was a continuation and finalization on many aspects of the building of our temple. There were 57 members and one visitor present. It was called, specifically, by W.M. Swanson so as to discuss and take action on purchasing of land for the Temple. This meeting was authorized through special Dispensation from The Grand Lodge of Ohio. Bro. Mann, of the Poland Temple Company, described the parcel of land to be purchased along Route 90 (current-day Ohio SR 170). Bro. Mann motioned, Bro. Withers seconded, and it was unanimously passed by Poland Lodge to purchase the parcel of land suggested along SR 90 for the purpose of building a Masonic Temple.
This motion was amended to read that the Poland Lodge authorizes Poland Temple Company to purchase land along SR 90, but not to exceed $8,000.00. Another motion was made, seconded and passed that Poland Lodge purchase 100 certificates from the Poland Temple Company. These certificates were bought at $50.00 each for a total of $5,000.00. Another motion was made and seconded that Poland Temple Company be limited to a maximum of $10,000.00 for the cost to purchase land and pay for utilities. This motion was defeated.
In total, much was accomplished at this meeting. It was decided that Poland Temple Company be permitted to purchase land along Route 90 (current day SR 170) for the use of building a Temple. Lodge members limited the Temple Company to a maximum of $8,000.00 to be spent on the land and utilities.
Two of our first local workers nights (U.S. Steel Night and Youngstown Sheet and Tube Night) were held on our 30th and 31st Special meetings (respectively). At these meetings Masonic brethren from each steel company were invited to Lodge to help raise a candidate. Special nights such as these helped encourage fellowship and interaction amongst the different Lodges throughout the 24th Masonic District. Unfortunate, as the steel industry declined in the Mahoning Valley, these nights became fewer and fewer and eventually non-existent.
Another event-night was at our 35th Special meeting held November 17, 1962. This meeting was held under special Dispensation from Grand Lodge of Ohio at the Youngstown Masonic Temple. At the meeting the brethren were treated to a production of the play A Rose Upon the Alter. The production was presented by W. Bro. Roy A. Curl and his Scottish Rite Players.
The installation of Officers for the year 1963 was held on December 6, 1962, our 37th Special meeting. Officers installed were as follows:
Worshipful Master W. Bro. Lewis Mehocic
Senior Warden Bro. Howard Bower
Junior Warden Bro. Randall Gething
Treasurer Bro. Kenneth Barnes
Secretary Bro. Robert Wooldford
Senior Deacon Bro. Edmund Jones
Junior Deacon Bro. Merle Madrid
Senior Steward Bro. Richard Dearing
Junior Steward Bro. John Stevenson
Chaplain W. Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
Tyler Bro. Jack Ellis
Trustee Bro. E. Arthur Swanson
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