masons history

Mar. 23, 1899	First informal meeting to discuss organizing a Masonic Lodge.
Mar. 31, 1899	Second meeting. Officers elected and appointed.
Oct. 1899	Dispensation granted by Grand Lodge for formation of
	Caledonia Lodge. Rooms were rented in the Guthrie Building, now the Church of God on West Main Street.
Nov. 2, 1899	Regular meetings began with 22 charter members.
Dec. 31, 1899	First public appearance of the new lodge for a George Washington Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church.
Sept. 27, 1900	Lodge constituted by an emergent Grand Lodge with ceremonies held in Burgess Hall and permanent charter given for Eunice Lodge No. 830. The name "Eunice" was chosen as a memorial to an infant daughter of James Tennent who helped greatly in the organizing of the lodge.
Nov. 2, 1905	Masonic Temple Association formed.
Apr. 17, 1908	Present Masonic Temple purchased for $7,500.00
Mar. 23, 1909	Masonic Temple dedicated with large crowd and many grand officers present. The ceremonies were direction of M\W\( and Judge) S. Nelson Sawyer, Grand Master. Rochester Union and Advertiser article reported "It is considered one of the finest temples in western New York outside of the cities:"
May 15, 1925	25th Anniversary dinner held at Spring Brook Inn with M\W\S. Nelson Sawyer, Past Grand Master and R\W\George W. Tinklepaugh, Past Grand Sword Bearer as Principal speakers.
Nov. 6, 1947	Recognition was made that W\Emmett M. Day, Past Master, had been secretary for over 25 years, a splendid and unusual record.
May 18, 1950	50th Anniversary dinner at Caledonia High School. R\W\Henry G. Meacham, Grand Lecturer, was speaker for the occasion.
Sept. 20, 1951	Dues raised from $7 to $9 per year. Initiation fee raised from $41 to $50.
Mar. 6, 1952	W\Harold G. Relyea installed Master after having recovered from a heart attack suffered before the prescribed installation.
Jun. 19, 1952	New carpet authorized. Maximum cost to be $1400. (It went over).
Jun. 4, 1953	Bro. Wilbur Place presented 50-year pin.
Nov. 5, 1953	R\W\Henry G. Meacham, Grand Lecturer and a member of Pocahontas Lodge No. 211, Seneca Falls, New York was duly elected an honorary member of Eunice Lodge No.830.
Mar. 28, 1954	Bro. George McDonald received 50-year pin at his home. New light and globe to be installed on front of building.
Nov. 19, 1954	Bro. Edward J. Johnston received 50-year pin.
Jan. 6, 1955	Our Trestleboard was instituted by an initial contribution of $50 from Bro. Nathan Dinion.
Jun. 2, 1955	Third degree conferred on combined class from Avon and Caledonia by Avon Springs Lodge No.570. R\W\Luther Webster, Commander in Chief of Rochester Consistory, Spoke after the degree.
Jan. 5, 1956	W\Charles Russ, became the Third member of his family to serve Eunice Lodge as Master.
May 17, 1956	Master's expense allowance for Grand lodge annual communication was raised from $50 to $75.
Winter 1956	At the end of 1956, Eunice Lodge Had 160 members.
Nov. 21, 1957	Dues were raised from $9 to $12 per year.
Nov. 20, 1958	New lodge officer's aprons were received and worn this night.
Jun. 4, 1959	Charter member Bro. Fayette VanZile was presented with a 60- year palm.
Mar. 17, 1960	At a second degree, R\W\Grand Senior Warden Clarence Henry delivered the charge to the candidates. (He later became Grand Master).
Feb. 7, 1963	Bro. Wilbur Place presented with a 60-year palm.
Summer 1963	A lodge family picnic was held at Cedar Springs, the first of several yearly picnics.
Oct. 17, 1963	Bro. George McDonald presented with 60-year palm.
Nov. 21, 1963	The Temple Club mortgage was symbolically burned.
Jan. 6, 1965	Bro. Fayette VanZile died at 90. He was the last Charter member of Eunice Lodge.
Jun. 27, 1965	80 members and families attended the family picnic at Letchworth Park.
Apr. 7, 1966	Eunice Lodge honored Bro. Edgar Simpson, our chaplain, for his many years of faithful service.
Apr. 21, 1966	R\W\Murray A. Cayley, Grand Chaplain and a member of Valley Lodge was guest speaker.
Nov. 3, 1966	W\Sidney V. Clark received his 50-year pin.
Apr. 6, 1967	Bro. Jack MacKay was appointed chairman of a committee to collect and send clothing to Vietnam to be distributed by Bro. Elmer Storm.
Jun. 1, 1967	R\W\Gerald R Keith received the Livingston District Distinguished Achievement Award at the annual Communion breakfast.
Sept. 5, 1967	A plaque was received from Bro. Elmer Storm in appreciation for clothing sent to the Air Force Advisory Group MACV orphanage committee.
Feb. 1, 1968	Dues were increased from $12 to $15. Initiation fee raised to $75.
Feb. 17, 1968	First George Washington dinner dance was held with over 90 in attendance.
May 16, 1968	Lodge contribution for Master's expenses for Grand Lodge Annual Communication was raised from $75 to $100.
Dec. 19, 1968	50-year pins presented to Bro's. Gordon E. Peisler, John L. Alexander and Harry H. Emerson. 60-year palm presented to George Stears in Florida.
Dec. 4, 1969	An altar bible was given to Eunice Lodge by Jeanne Armstrong, owned by her father, Burt Snyder. R\ W\ Johnston J. Doley made the presentation.
Jan. 15, 1970	By-Laws amended-Lodge to meet the first Thursday of each month.
May 1, 1970	Bro. Elmer Storm received the District Meritorious Service Award for his work aiding orphans in Vietnam.
Oct-71	First fall auction held, W\ Louis Johnston, Sr. auctioneer.
Feb. 26, 1972	The first Masonic Talent Show for youth was held.
May-72	A lady in a new Buick attempted to gain admission by smashing the stone pillars on the porch; car came to rest partly through the front door.
April-73	The kitchen was remodeled with the help of the Eastern Star.
May 20, 1973	R\ W\ J. J. Doley received the Livingston District Distinguished Achievement Award at the annual Communion breakfast.
Nov. 1, 1973	50-year pins were presented to Bro's. David Alloway, Fox D. Holden, J. M. Bostwick and W\ Joseph W. Ward, Sr.
Jun. 6, 1974	W\ Sidney Clark presented with a 60-year palm. W\ Louis Purvis and Bro. Alphonse J. Baldeck received 50-year pins.
Dec-74	Lodge rooms painted in preparation for our 75 year of Masonry in Caledonia.
Jan. 18, 1975	Our first public installation of officers was held. D.D.G.M. R\ W\ Eugene E. VanOverbake was installing Master. R\ W\ Luther Webster, Past Judge Advocate, was guest speaker.
Jun. 5, 1975	64% of Eunice Lodge brothers have contributed to the Brotherhood Fund.
Sept. 13,1975	The 75th Anniversary dinner held at the Caledonia-Mumford Central School. The Grand Master, M\W\Arthur Markewich was guest of honor and speaker for the event.
Dec. 4, 1975	Election of officers for 1976 and voted to sell bonds to help Temple Club pay off the mortgage.
Jan. 8, 1976	'76 officers installed. And Bro. & Dr. Fred M. Hinsdale presented a slide show of his travels in Russia. A ham dinner was planned for the public.
Jun. 3, 1976	Brotherhood fund reported to be 60% with $600. We voted to help pay for new carpet in the clubroom on the second floor.
Sept. 2, 1976	A breakfast was held for family "go to church day" and a ladies night was also planned.
Apr. 7, 1977	$226.50 was realized from the ham dinner.
Jun. 2, 1977	W\Walt Howe won 2 photo contest plaques from Grand Lodge and W\Joseph W. Ward Sr. received the Livingston District Distinguished Achievement Award at the annual Communion breakfast.
Sept. 7, 1978	50-year pin & certificate was presented to W\ S. Clark Place and he took a 60-year pin & certificate to Florida to present to Bro. Gordon Piester.
Jan. 04, 1979	Officers for '79 installed. It was decided to split the cost of our new fire escape three ways. Eunice Lodge, Caledonia Temple Club and the Caledonia Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.
May 3, 1979	The proceeds of the old fashioned days food stand was reported to be 1229.31. Mother & Daughter banquet is planned.
Mar. 06, 1980	Past Masters Night, a roast beef dinner was held and the past masters filled the officers chairs. We had several visitors from surrounding lodges.
May 1, 1980	The talent show, antique car show & the old fashioned farming day food are good fund-raisers, but it is very hard to get help.
Jun. 05, 1980	W\Howard Burt was honored with the presentation of a 50- year pin & certificate. The Worthy Matron of Caledonia Chapter O.E.S. invited the brothers to a dinner.
Apr. 07, 1981	Past Masters night, all the offices were filled by past masters. They all felt good about being in office one more time.
May 7, 1981	The old-fashioned day food stand netted over $1500.
Jun. 04, 1981	The antique car show netted $1822.48, which was divided with our Star Chapter. Their help was appreciated.
Dec. 02, 1982	Election of officers and voted to give a $100 scholarship to a senior who plans to go to college.
Feb. 3, 1983	$200 music scholarship presented to a senior going on to college. 60-year palms & certificates were presented to Bro. Sylvanus Hollbrook and to W\Joseph W. Ward Sr. Lodge voted to sell unused kitchenware.
Apr. 7, 1983	60-year palm & certificate was presented to Bro. Floyd Eberts. Past masters filled the officers chairs and each were given time to reminisce.
May 5, 1983	Old-fashion days food stand netted $2182.55.
Jun. 2, 1983	Brotherhood fund is a success with 80% participation. It was noted the R\W\Gerald Keith is a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on publications.
May 3, 1984	Five Master Masons from Scotland visited Eunice Lodge.
Sept. 6, 1984	Received $500 from a estate of a deceased brother. An equal amount was added and invested in an interest account.
May 1, 1986	The horse show & talent show were successful. Lodge voted for two (2) scholarship for college bound seniors.
May 7, 1987	Our lodge rooms have been painted and with the new carpet that the Star and lodge agreed to share in the cost back in March, makes a very pleasant meeting for the Star and us. Plus we have new officers aprons and jewels.
Jun. 4, 1987	The Star Chapter invited us to a dinner and meeting for Master Mason night, June 9th.
Dec. 17, 1987	A special open meeting for the purpose of presenting a 50-year pin & certificate to R\W\Gerald F. Keith. His wife and daughter were present. Refreshments were served after the meeting.
Feb. 4, 1988	R\W\Allen Roggen gave an interesting talk about Royal Arch Masonry.
May 2, 1988	Grand Lodge session was held in Niagara Falls.
May 5, 1988	A Masonic Widows dinner and social was held and ten (10) widows attended. They were impressed and pleased.
Sept. 15, 1988	An open meeting was held was held to present R\W\Francis Oberer with an apron as a badge of his office as Grand Director of Ceremonies. Also to present Bro. Fred M. Hinsdale with a 50-year pin.
Oct. 6, 1988	We voted to order Masonic signs for access routes to our village and the old-fashion days horse show netted $953.16.
Mar. 2, 1989	Our village Chamber of Commerce is planning a Memorial Day celebration. We voted to participate. Bro. Alan McNab was surprised with the presentation of the Dedicated Service Award apron and carrying case.
Nov. 16, 1989	We voted not to have the Lodge Youth Talent Show this year, due to a lack of interest.
Dec. 7, 1989	Bro. Jack McKay was honored for his excellent work with the Brotherhood Fund campaign and he was presented with a certificate.
Mar. 1, 1990	Our By-Laws are amended to start our meeting at 7:30PM.
Sept. 6, 1990	Thank you letters were read from recipients of the scholarships awards. An invitation was extended to all to the reception of W\ Walter Howe at The Gateway in Henrietta. He is the Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York.
Oct. 4, 1990	Bro. Floyd Manley thanked all who honored him by going to his O.E.S. Homecoming celebration. He held the office of District Grand Lecturer.
May 2, 1991	Bro. Lester McGray was recently reinstated in our lodge and graciously sent a $1,000 check for our lodge to use as needed. We voted to buy a Masonic flag for our lodge room. Help needed for the National Warplane Museum Air Show food stand in Geneseo.
Sept. 5, 1991	Wor. Master thanked all who helped with the success of the Air Show food stand. The O.E.S. also had a food stand.
Oct. 4, 1991	W\Eugene Hill gave an account of the progress at the Hospice House in Geneseo. Several brothers discussed differences in lodge work in different states.
Jan. 2, 1992	The Livingston District College of Grand Lodge Officers installed our officers for the last time in January. The Wor. Master and officers will hold office for six months.
Jun. 4, 1992	Officers were installed for the ' 92-' 93 year ahead. W\Eugene Hill reported that Kodak had donated $500 to the Hospice House. Grand Lodge appointed R\W\Gerald Keith and R\W\Arnold E. Palmer as members of a Grand Lodge Committee.
Jan. 7, 1993	Our own W\Eugene Hill is a member of the board of the Hospice House.
Jun. 2, 1994	Officers were installed for the '94-'95 year. R\W\Gerald Keith received the Wendall Walker Award medal. Bro. Jack McKay received the Dedicated Service apron, certificate and pin.
Mar. 2, 1995	Our R\W\Eugene Hill read a letter of thanks from the Theresa Hospice House for the $5,200 that was contributed by Masons of the Livingston District.
Apr. 6, 1995	We voted to contribute money to the District Association to help two young people to go to Camp Turk.
Jun. 1, 1995	So many officers were sick, that the installation of the officers was postponed to a later date. Grand Lodge sent us an award for community service.
Oct. 5, 1995	Installation of the officers was finally done by the Liv. Dist. Purple Apron Club.
Nov. 9, 1996	W\Walter Howe was presented the Dedicated Service Award, apron, pin, certificate and carry case. R\W\David Parish gave a fine talk about Masonry during the civil war.
Dec. 4, 1997	R\W\Gerald Keith was honored and presented his 60-year palm. Also R\W\Charles Russ was presented with his 50-year pin.
Jun. 4, 1998	Officers for the years '98-'99 were installed. R\W\Charles Russ gave up being our secretary after many years of faithful service to our lodge.
Oct. 1, 1998	The Grand Master to be here May 13, 2000 for 100anniversary. Bro. Mel Hussey was the recipient of a certificate of appreciation for his work with the Brotherhood Fund.
Nov. 5, 1998	The elected officers moved ahead one station and all did well. R\W\Eugene Hill donated Eunice Lodge share of the Camp Turk money to Livingston Masonic Association. A noble deed.
Jan. 7, 1999	R\W\Gerald Keith reported very ill. The brothers voted to raise our dues to $50 and the By-Laws will be changed.
Feb. 4, 1999	R\W\Gerald Keith passed away, he will be sorely missed by our lodge and community. Reported that 40% contributed to the Brotherhood Fund. R\W\Arnold E. Palmer to be Married in July. Recent fires at two lodges in the district prompted us to look at our own insurance coverage.
Mar. 4, 1999	Regular meeting was cancelled for bad weather (Over 24 inches of snow).
Mar. 18, 1999	Lodge finally met after digging out from the snowstorm. Brotherhood chairman reported almost 60% of the members contributing.
Apr. 1, 1999	Bro. George Middleton has been seen sporting around town on his electric cart. Fred Keith presented our lodge with $1,000 in honor of his father, R\W\Gerald Keith. Plans for the horse show (Old-Fashion Days at Estes Farm) were discussed.
May 6, 1999	It was reported that the horse show was a success, but there was a shortage of help. R\W\Arnold E. Palmer, the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, State of New York R.A.M. was present and given grand honors. Officers were elected for the next year.
Nov. 4, 1999	Bro. Louis Bedford was presented his 50-year pin and certificate in the hospital. The pie sale netted $188.00. R\W\Allen Roggen was honored by the presentation of a Symbolic Award from the Scottish Rite, Valley of Rochester.
Dec. 2, 1999	Bro.'s Robert Baldeck and Howard Smith were presented with their 50-year pins and certificates. Bro. Kenneth Mattice and wife (Barbara) gave $100 in honor of Barbara's father, Bro. George Middleton.
Jan. 6, 2000	The Brotherhood fund is at 57% with 32 contributors. The anniversary committee reports some progress.
Feb. 3, 2000	Second degree will be conferred by Eunice Lodge, in Nunda. Two of our new brothers will be in the class. R\W\Allen Roggen report on the 100th year anniversary celebration. A discussion was held about the feasibility of staying with the Livingstone publication or to go with the Monroe Masonic Times. Old Fashioned days refreshment stand was discussed. Date is Apr. 30th.
Mar. 2, 2000	Our two newest members attended Lodge tonight, David & Dereck Howlett. R\W\Allen Roggen announced that there is a need for commitment to help with the Old Fashioned days set up, work the stand & tear down & store equipment. Discussion about the 100th anniversary. The District Assoc. dinner & meeting to be held here on Mar. 27. The lodge brothers will be putting on the dinner. W\ Floyd Manley report that the lodge is over the top with 104% contributions to the Brotherhood Fund. Eunice Lodge is to share the expense of sending a young person to Camp Turk.