Category: Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

March History Fact of the Month

3/1/2022

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

The History of the Every Day: Singleton Lodge in 1922

WB Zevitas asked that I write this month’s history moment. I dug into the archives to see what our lodge was doing at the first meeting in March of 1922. How cool would that be? The 472nd stated communication of Singleton Lodge #30. I couldn’t wait to see what I discovered! Maybe it was a Degree, maybe it was an interesting speaker, a special guest of honor.

It was like National Lampoon’s Vacation with the Wally World Moose out front: “The Stated Communication Scheduled for Thursday, March 2nd, 1922, was called off due to repairs being made in the lodge room.”

Sometimes in history, mundanity rules the day.

Piecing together from other minutes there were concerns about the benches on the north side of the room and some other routine maintenance. It goes to show you the Temple Association is a thankless task.

Yet, 1922 was an interesting year for Singleton Lodge #30. The minutes of December 15, 1921 stated that the Worshipful Master Richard G. Fletcher had a “virile and truly Masonic platform” laid out for the year. It was an interesting year and I wanted to share some highlights of it:

Sprucing up the Hall: Members of Friendship Chapter #17, Order of the Eastern Star wanted help to redecorate the lodge. The Lodge Created a fundraising committee to get a minimum commitment for each brother to donate at least $5 ($83.66 in today’s money) towards improvements to the hall. Chief among them was the purchase of a new piano so the lodge piano could be moved downstairs to the banquet hall. In the fall, the lesser lights of the lodge had to be fixed.
21st Anniversary of the Lodge: On May 4, 1922 the lodge held its 21st-anniversary party. There was a special address by MW Ginn about the history of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home. In his remarks, Ginn made a reference to how nice the lodge looked. There were special flowers given to the members and each charter member present was called upon to “tell of the by-gone days when William R. Singleton Lodge” was in its infancy. Afterward, the brothers had a giant birthday cake made for them by the ladies of the Eastern Star.
The Worshipful Master was indicted in connection with the 1922 Knickerbocker Theater disaster (pictured above). Located over in Adams Morgan at the site of the current Sun Trust the Knickerbocker Theater collapsed on January 28, 1922. A 28-hour storm had left a lot of snow on the roof. It collapsed and killed. Ninety-eight people had died and 133 were injured. The Coroner’s Jury filed indictments against nine people involved in the building, including the sitting Master Richard G. Fletcher who served as the Cement Foreman for the project. At a meeting of the lodge WB Fletcher turned the gavel over to WB J Giles, PM to speak to the indictment. After the address, the lodge gave a vote of sympathy, a vote of confidence and an expression of hope “that he not be called upon to defend himself on the charge for which he had been indicted.” The Knickerbocker theater disaster, to the best of our knowledge, never resulted in a conviction of anyone as they could never figure out who was responsible.
A Past Masters’ Association: March 16, 1922 saw Past Masters’ Association formed with James L. Giles serving as the first president, and George A. Smith as the first secretary.
United Masonic Temple Fund: June 1922 saw WB Snavely of the United Masonic Temple fund come to the lodge to discuss the purchase of land for a new Masonic Temple. There were future conversations and at the October Grand Visit, 15 members of the lodge had subscribed $1,625($27,194.38 in today’s money) to support it.
American University Hosts the Grand Visitation: Due to the size of the lodge and the size of the Grand Lodge the October 19, 1922 Grand Visitation was hosted in the “Hall of History” (Hurst Hall) at American University. It was quite the party! The Almas Shrine Glee Club came and sang. EC Snyder, US Marshal for the District of Columbia gave a special address, Br. Ralon played his violin while Br. Jackson sang. The lodge was addressed by Bishop Hamilton, a Past Grand Chaplain of The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and an honorary member of William R. Singleton Lodge #30 and Chancellor (President) of American University. Bishop Hamilton was establishing a lecture series at American on Masonry. Notes in the minutes report that there were American flags and bunting. After closing the lodge, they processed and sang “Onward Christian Soldiers” and in the lower hall the brothers feasted on pyramids of fruit and the Grand Lodge were given fruit baskets as parting gifts. The money spent on fruit was $144.20 or $2,413.19 in today’s money.
Charlie Moy, a merchant whose Hong High Store was in China Town and George Y. Wen, Manager of the Eagle Restaurant in Penn Quarter both Applied on February 16, 1922. On April 20, 1922 they were both rejected after unanimously favorable reports. They reapplied in the fall and in December both were elected to membership in our lodge. This is interesting as most of us have a vision of Singleton Lodge #30 being a neighborhood lodge in Tenleytown. I don’t think any of us thought of it as having a Chinatown connection.
The Gang Trial: In 1921 the Masters’ Association of the Grand Lodge (today’s Masters and Wardens Association) hosted a baseball game. Brother William H. Gang of Singleton Lodge #30 was in charge and there was a dispute over $220 ($3,681.70 in Today’s money). Charges were filed. The trial committee under the leadership of Junior Steward (and future Grand Master) Dean H. Stanley worked on this for several months. Br. Gang made restitution but was convicted by the lodge on a vote of 32-1. The lodge considered various forms of punishment and settled on a suspension until the following year. After the end of the trial the Master, the Chaplain and a brother named Hecker stressed that it was important that they communicate to Gang that they were there to help him.
The Application of William E. Gore: Older members of the lodge will recognize the last name of Gore. I am unclear if this is our Worshipful Brother Fred’s uncle or father. But it would not be a year at Singleton Lodge without a reference to a Brother Gore.

In 100 years, may some future member of our Lodge look back on our records and think about how we acted and behaved as Masons.

April History Fact of the Month

4/1/2021

Wm. R. Singleton # 30

A Brewmaster, A Proposal, and a Singleton Lodge?

So how does the story of Singleton Lodge cross paths with Christian Heurich, the owner of the largest brewery in DC? It's just another typical DC-esque story that involves power, politics, and land.

Mr. Heurich, in his prime, was the largest landowner in Washington, DC, with the exception of the Federal Government. In 1901, the newly chartered William R. Singleton Lodge #30 was looking to build its own masonic temple in the Tenleytown neighborhood of DC and appointed a committee to find a site. In April 1901, the committee reached out to Mr. Heurich, who owned much of Tenleytown, requesting that he donate a plot on Wisconsin Avenue for the temple. He gladly agreed to do so and drafted up a deed. However, the deed proposed by Mr. Heurich included the following provision:

"And the trustees and their successors will at all times hereafter, whenever required by the said Christian Heurich, his heirs or assigns, sign all applications for license to conduct or carry on the liquor business upon such property, adjacent, adjoining, abutting, contiguous, opposite, or in the neighborhood of such conveyed real estate as may be owned or controlled by the said Christian Heurich, his heirs or assigns, and will not object to or oppose the granting or issuance of said license; and that the said William R. Singleton Lodge, if the law in force shall require its consent to the granting of such license or licenses, will by its proper officer or officers signify such consent in such manner and such form as may be required by law."

The DC Grand Lodge prohibited its member lodges from involving themselves with the business of alcohol. Singleton Lodge countered and proposed a provision whereby the Lodge would not oppose his liquor licenses but that wasn't sufficient for Mr. Heurich and he refused to sign that deed. As a result, Singleton Lodge respectfully backed out of its dealings with Mr. Heurich. A couple of years later a different location was purchased by the Lodge from brother Eli Riley.

Just goes to show you that no good story about DC is without drama, politics, and well...alcohol. A Brewmaster, A Proposal, and a Singleton Lodge?

So how does the story of Singleton Lodge cross paths with Christian Heurich, the owner of the largest brewery in DC? It's just another typical DC-esque story that involves power, politics, and land.

Mr. Heurich, in his prime, was the largest landowner in Washington, DC, with the exception of the Federal Government. In 1901, the newly chartered William R. Singleton Lodge #30 was looking to build its own masonic temple in the Tenleytown neighborhood of DC and appointed a committee to find a site. In April 1901, the committee reached out to Mr. Heurich, who owned much of Tenleytown, requesting that he donate a plot on Wisconsin Avenue for the temple. He gladly agreed to do so and drafted up a deed. However, the deed proposed by Mr. Heurich included the following provision:

"And the trustees and their successors will at all times hereafter, whenever required by the said Christian Heurich, his heirs or assigns, sign all applications for license to conduct or carry on the liquor business upon such property, adjacent, adjoining, abutting, contiguous, opposite, or in the neighborhood of such conveyed real estate as may be owned or controlled by the said Christian Heurich, his heirs or assigns, and will not object to or oppose the granting or issuance of said license; and that the said William R. Singleton Lodge, if the law in force shall require its consent to the granting of such license or licenses, will by its proper officer or officers signify such consent in such manner and such form as may be required by law."

The DC Grand Lodge prohibited its member lodges from involving themselves with the business of alcohol. Singleton Lodge countered and proposed a provision whereby the Lodge would not oppose his liquor licenses but that wasn't sufficient for Mr. Heurich and he refused to sign that deed. As a result, Singleton Lodge respectfully backed out of its dealings with Mr. Heurich. A couple of years later a different location was purchased by the Lodge from brother Eli Riley.

Just goes to show you that no good story about DC is without drama, politics, and well...alcohol.

March History Fact of the Month

3/1/2021

Wm. R. Singleton # 30

Singleton Lodge 40 Years Ago

It is important to look into our history, not only to recognize great events, men, or accomplishments, but to examine how our Lodge used to operate, what traditions existed that were forgotten or remain today, and measure our growth over the years. Looking back to Singleton Lodge 40 years ago, we are reminded of the constancy of Freemasonry in Singleton Lodge and realize that the strong and noble principles of Brotherly Love and Relief were as strong as they are today. In that vein, the minutes of the March 1981 Stated Communication do not identify any remarkable events, but ground us in our history and traditions, as well as remind us of our Brethren.

On March 19, 1981, Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30 held its 1604th Stated Communication. Worshipful Master Deitrick presided over the Communication. As we do today, minutes were approved, Past Masters were recognized, communications were read, the finances were reported, and fraternal greetings were extended from lodges outside of the jurisdiction. As it often happens today, the Communication was attended by a Past Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother William Rohrman, who was also an honorary member of Singleton Lodge. Although invited to the East, "he retired to his favorite seat on the sidelines;" a familiar tradition today.

Most importantly, our Brethren were taking great care of each other. WB Huson had been visiting with sick and shut-in Brethren, including Brethren that had moved to Florida. And, Brethren were circulating get-well cards to send to Brethren in the hospital.

January History Fact of the Month

1/1/2021

William R. Singleton # 30

On January 7, 1919 at the height of the 1918 flu pandemic, Brother William B. Dobie of William R. Singleton #30 passed on to the celestial lodge above after suffering double pneumonia. Brother Dobie was the former manager of the Morrison Paper Company, which was located at 1009 D Street, Washington, DC. In the month of January alone, Singleton Lodge lost three brothers and several members were sick (including WM Ernest Wilkins) presumably due to the pandemic.

September History Fact of the Month

9/1/2020

Wm. R. Singleton No. 30

Did you know that Singleton Lodge conferred the FC Degree upon a Congressman from Georgia? At the Stated Communication held on September 19, 1968, the Brethren of Singleton welcomed Bro. William Stuckey from Eastman Lodge #279, Eastman, Georgia and conferred the FC Degree upon him. After the degree was conferred, Bro. Stuckey presented a discussion to the Brethren on his position in Congress and the issues of the times. The discussion was well received by the Brethren.

June History Fact of the Month

6/1/2020

Wm. R. Singleton No. 30

On March 22, 1918, the Brethren of William R. Singleton #30 called a Special Communication to discuss a decision that would create a legacy. On this day, the Brethren received a report from a committee appointed to investigate the relationship between the Lodge and the William R. Singleton Temple Association. The committee reported “that it be the sense [of the Lodge] that steps be taken to acquire ownership of the Temple and the ground upon which it stands…and that a committee of three be appointed to proceed at once to consummate this project.” It was at this meeting that the quest to acquire the Lodge that we still use to this day began. Let this miraculous work by our Brethren over 100 years ago serve as motivation to what we can accomplish today for our posterity.

January Historic Fact of the Month

1/1/2020

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge No. 30

Bro. Col. Victor C. Swearingen passed to the Celestial Lodge on January 15, 1968. Bro. Swearingen was initiated, passed, and raised in Mt. Gilead Lodge #255 in Science Hill, Kentucky and affiliated with William R. Singleton Lodge #30 on May 5, 1960. MWB President Harry S. Truman appointed Bro. Swearingen, who previously served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General, as alternative judge to the Military Tribunal. In this capacity, Bro. Swearingen served on the bench during The Doctor’s Trial, where 23 defendants were accused of participating in Nazi human experimentation. 7 defendants were acquitted, 7 were sentenced to death, and the remainder received 10 years to life imprisonment. Singleton Lodge stood for a moment of silent prayer in honor of Bro. Swearingen.

December History Fact of the Month

12/5/2019

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge No. 30

General John Pershing was born in 1860 in Missouri. He graduated from West Point in 1886 and went on to serve in the Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, the Philippines, and in pursuit of Pancho Villa into Mexico. He led US military forces in WWI, and was chief of staff of the Army from 1921-24. He is one of less than 20 officers in US history to attain a 5-star rank, which he did in 1919 after his service in WWI. Brother Pershing is accompanied in this honor with his Brethren: Gen. George Washington, Gen. George C. Marshall, Adm. Ernest King, Gen. Douglas McArthur, Gen. Hap Arnold, and Gen. Omar Bradley. Brother Pershing was raised on December 22, 1888 in Lincoln Lodge No. 19, Lincoln, Nebraska. He received his 50 year award in 1939; was a York Rite Mason, exalted in Lincoln Chapter and knighted in Mt. Moriah Commandery in 1894; a Scottish Rite Mason, coroneted with the 33rd degree in January 1930; and a Shriner. Brother Pershing was made an honorary member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Stansbury Lodge of Washington, DC, and William R. Singleton Lodge of Washington, DC. A moment of silence was held for Brother Pershing at Singleton Lodge the day that he passed to the celestial lodge, July 15, 1948.

March History Fact of the Month

3/1/2019

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

Brother Rev. John W. Hamilton, 33°, Chancellor of American University from 1916-1922, was born in March 1845. He visited and presented to Singleton Lodge #30 in 1921 a proposal for an AU Lectureship on Freemasonry. A motion was passed for the Master to confer with Brother Hamilton and the Grand Master for the consummation of this proposal. Upon further discussion the motion was amended to include three more members and to thank Bro. Hamilton for the honor of Singleton Lodge #30 to father the proposal. Bro. Hamilton became a Methodist Bishop in 1900, and was pastor of congregations in Ohio and Massachusetts, before succeeding his brother, Rev. Franklin Elmer Ellsworth Hamilton, as Chancellor of AU. Bro. Hamilton is included in 10,000 Famous Freemasons.

February History Fact of the Month

2/1/2019

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

Bro. Gen. Dr. Sidney Lovett Chappel was elected to receive the degrees of Freemasonry from Singleton Lodge #30 on February 21, 1918. Bro. Chappel was born on July 22, 1886 in Washington, DC, and earned his M.D. from George Washington University in 1909. He joined the United States Army Medical Corps in 1913; served in both WWI and WWII, and as head of Neuropsychiatry at Walter Reed in the 1930’s; and advanced to the rank of Brigadier General in 1945. He received the Legion of Merit and retired from the Medical Corps in 1946. He was also a member of Watertown Lodge No. 49 in Watertown, NY, and is included in 10,000 Famous Freemasons. Bro. Chappel and his wife Florence, are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 1, Site 942-B.

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Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

Wm. R. Singleton # 30

Wm. R. Singleton # 30

William R. Singleton # 30

Wm. R. Singleton No. 30

Wm. R. Singleton No. 30

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge No. 30

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge No. 30

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

Wm. R. Singleton Lodge #30

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