Masonry In Noblesville, Indiana
Information, pictures,activities, of Noblesville Masonic Lodge #57
Secretary
- Marcus Jean
- Noblesville, Indiana, United States
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The History of Noblesville Lodge 57
The following history is from a book (Centennial Celeration of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 Free and Accepted Masons-1847-1947) and was written by Brothers Roland S. Truitt, and Meade Vestal, Committee on History of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 F. & A. M.
Masonry in Noblesville dates almost from the time of the organization of the town Government. The first Masonic Lodge here was Hamilton Lodge No. 32, whose charter was granted November 26th, 1828, with Jermiah Leaming, Worshipful Master; William Conner, Senior Warden, and Nathan D. Shoemaker, Junior Warden. The Grand Lodge of this State had been organized only ten years before at Madison, Indiana. Our first lodge met in the attic of a log house owned by Jesse Lutz, standing direclty east and across the street from the First M. E. Church on Lot 5 of the original town of Noblesville.
May 28th, 1847, nineteen years after the first Hamilton Lodge was organized, Hamilton Lodge No. 57 was granted a charter. The three principal officers were Jesse Lutz, Worshipful Master, Jas. B. Hall, Senior Warden, and Gardner Perry, Junior warden. In 1850 Noblesville Lodge No. 103 was granted a charter. This lodge was of short life and we find the following resolution in the records of the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis--introduced by Brother White, presumably George White, one of the Fathers of Masonry in this coulnty:
"Resolved, That the Grand Lodge accept the surrender of the Charter of Noblesville Lodge No. 103.
"Resolved, That the name of Hamilton Lodge No. 57 be changed to that of Noblesville Lodge No. 57" which was adopted".
So that our Lodge is really the old Original Hamilton Lodge No. 57, with the name changed to Noblesville Lodge No.57 - No. 103 existing only about three years. The above resolution and record bears date May 26th, 1853.
Masonry in Noblesville dates almost from the time of the organization of the town Government. The first Masonic Lodge here was Hamilton Lodge No. 32, whose charter was granted November 26th, 1828, with Jermiah Leaming, Worshipful Master; William Conner, Senior Warden, and Nathan D. Shoemaker, Junior Warden. The Grand Lodge of this State had been organized only ten years before at Madison, Indiana. Our first lodge met in the attic of a log house owned by Jesse Lutz, standing direclty east and across the street from the First M. E. Church on Lot 5 of the original town of Noblesville.
May 28th, 1847, nineteen years after the first Hamilton Lodge was organized, Hamilton Lodge No. 57 was granted a charter. The three principal officers were Jesse Lutz, Worshipful Master, Jas. B. Hall, Senior Warden, and Gardner Perry, Junior warden. In 1850 Noblesville Lodge No. 103 was granted a charter. This lodge was of short life and we find the following resolution in the records of the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis--introduced by Brother White, presumably George White, one of the Fathers of Masonry in this coulnty:
"Resolved, That the Grand Lodge accept the surrender of the Charter of Noblesville Lodge No. 103.
"Resolved, That the name of Hamilton Lodge No. 57 be changed to that of Noblesville Lodge No. 57" which was adopted".
So that our Lodge is really the old Original Hamilton Lodge No. 57, with the name changed to Noblesville Lodge No.57 - No. 103 existing only about three years. The above resolution and record bears date May 26th, 1853.
Jesse Lutz Memorial Services
Jesse Lutz Memorial, book #10, page 142
Sunday, August 20, 1939
Noblesville Lodge No. 57 F. & A. M. assembled pursuant to the call of the Worshipful Master for the purpose of joining Cicero Lodge No. 199 F. & A. M. , in the Memorial Services at the Cicero Cemetery, where our First Worshipful Master, Jesse Lutz , was buried in 1867. A large mumber of Master Masons and their families were present on this occasion.
Radiant Chapter No. 200, Order of Eastern Star joined with the Cicero Chapter No. 541 O. E. S. in the ceremonies of the day. The Lodge was not opened with ritualistic ceremonies, but met the Cicero Lodge at 3:00 o'clock on the day fixed in the program.
The Grand Master, John R. Hunter, the Grand Chaplain, the Rev. Russell L. Phillips, the Grand Treasurer, Richard Schweitzer and the Junior Grand Warden, Judge Clarence R. Martin, were present. Judge Martin delivered a fine address appropriate to the occasion. As nearly as can be ascertained the following brothers of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 F. & A. M., were in attendance:
Brothers Meade Vestal, Willard G. Holaday, Frank C. Kaiser, William A. Clarke, Robert T. McKee, Walter Duckwall, Mahlon A. Schaller, Chesley E. Baldock, Fred M. Atkins, Joseph Baker, Sassius M. Gentry, George E. Cornelius, John T. Kester, Howard M. Whitcomb, ted M. Michaels, Charles L. Goward, Arthur Heiny, Jack Carr, Leonard Eck, Thomas E. Kane, Dan Ballinger, Everett E. Neal, Anson E. Roberts, John W. M. Beals, Fred E. Hines and Oscar B. Landis.
( For a list of visiting Brothers see list in Jesse Lutz file)
The Grand Master did not dedicate the Memorial Gate nor the Monument at the Grave, because the Lodge could not be opened in regular form on Sunday, but he did address the meeting in a few well chosen words complimentary to both Lodges on the very worthy project of erecting the Memorials to their First Worshipful Master, Jesse Lutz. Otherwise the program was carried out as follows:
1. Ceremonies at Memorial Gate, Henry R. Holden, W.M. Cicro Lodge No.199 F. & A. M., presiding.
Welcome Address and Introduction of Grand Officers.
a. Invocation, Rev. Russell L. Phillips, W. Grand Chaplain.
b. Music, Jackson Township Band. Chas. Carter, Director.
c. Dedication of the Memorial Gate by John jR. Hunter, Most Worshipful Grand Master.
FORMATION OF NOBLESVNILLE LODGE NO. 57, F. & A. M., and CICERO LODGE NO. 199, F. & A. M., MARCH TO GRAVE OF JESSE LUTZ.
2. Ceremonies at the Grave. Ted M. Michaels, S.W. of Noblesville Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M. presiding.
Music - Jackson Township Band.
b. Prayer by Russell L. Phillips, W. Grand Chaplain.
c. Decoration of Grace by Cicero Chapter, No. 541, O.E.S. and Radiant Chapter No. 200 O.E.S., Pansy M. Wiles and Iva J. Hiatt, Worthy Matrons.
d. Reading of History of Life of Brother Jesse Lutz, by Past Master Meade Vestal.
e. Reading of Resolutions adopted by Cicero Lodge at the time of the burial of Brother Jesse Lutz, by Past Master Robert C. Tucker.
f. Music, Jackson Township Band.
3. Dedication of Monument.
a. By John R. Hunter, Most Worshipful Grand Master.
b. Unveiling of Monument by Vera O. Wiles.
c. Addrress by Right Worshipful Clarence Martin, Junior Grand Warden.
d. Masonic Ode, "Solemn strikes the funeral chimes"
f. BENEDICTION- W. Grand Chaplain.
The weather was all that could be desired and the whole ceremony was entirely satisfactory to the Grand Master. Several relative s of the late Jesse Lutz were present and several beautiful tributes were paid to his memory by Mrs. M. C. Haworth, who as a girl had live in Cicero and knew him quite well and who spoke words of praise for his fine character and kindness to the children who played about his home and place of busness in Cicero.
The occasion was one long to remembered by all present. The meeting closed with the Masonic Ode "Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chimes", sung by all brother present and the benediction was pronounced by the Grand Chaplain.
Introduction To The Sketch Of The Life Of Jesse Lutz, Worshipful Master
The following sketch of the life and Masonic Work of Jesse Lutz, First Worshipful Master of Noblesville Lodge No.57 and Cicero Lodge No.199, Free and Accepter Masons, was written by the late Samuel Bussell, Esquire, of Noblesville, Indiana, at the special request of Past Master Meade Vestal, about thiry-six years ago and recorded in the Records of the Noblesville Lodge. Later, on the occasion of the various celebrations of the Anniversaries of that Lodge, and of Cicero Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, the sketch was read as part of the proceedings. and now on the occasion of the dedication of the beautiful Memorial Gate and imposing Monument erected in the Cicero Cemetery to this great Masonic Leader and Ritualist we come again to read to those present this interesting bit of the early history of Hamilton Coulnty and to pay tribute to the organizer of two of the pioneer Lodges of Hamilton County, which continue to do good in our community.
Samuel Bussell sat in Lodge with him as Senior Warden and from his personal knowledge and associaton has written down the facts of his career that posterity may know and realize the importance of the work of this really great Worshipful Master as on organizer and presiding officer of Masonic Lodges.
He testified not only to his worth as a Mason but to his high standing as a man, a Christian and a public servant, who stood upright among his fellows in the business of life.
(For sketch of the life of Jesse Lutz, See Jesse Lutz file).
Noblesville Lodge No.57 should feel proud that the first W. M. of said Lodge was a man of such abilities and moral integity and worth, and should endeavor to emulate his virtues and high moral character and unflinching integrity.
"That when man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets, or ever the Silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or ther wheel be broken at the cistern".
That we may be prepared to meet the subject of this sketch in the Grand Lodge on High where the Grand Master of the universe presides.
"Samuel Bussell"
TESTIMONIAL TO MARK H. WILES
Brother Mark H. Wiles:
You have presented your work for inspection. I observe that it is neither regular, oblong or square, yet from its singular form and beauty, we are loath to reject it. We will not reject it, because it is good work and such as we are authorized to receive.
Brother Wiles, we of Cicero Lodge No. 199, and of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 Free and Accepted Masons, have had a vision. We have believed that this good man and our first Worshipful Master should be honored by his brothers and that his grave should not go unmarked.
Like Hiram Abiff, you have wrought skilfully and shall have the credit for your work. The joint Committee, compsed of Brothers Fred M. Atkins, Ted M. Michaels, Bernie M. Newby, Floud Crowthers, Ralph w. Small, and the Speaker, Meade Vestal, embodiment of our respect and esteem for Jesse Lutz, our first Master, and with it goes our thanks for your fine work as a Mason and Builder.
So now about the dedication ---
Seven score and one year ago there was born in this Country a great man who devoted his live to the welfare of his fellow men, and who three score and twelve years ago was borne to this spot by his Brother Masons. So let us paraphrase that immortal Gettysburg address:
Now on this memorial occasion we have come to dedicate a portion of this Cemetery as a final resting place for the whom we honor. Here he lived and worked for those he loved - here he devoted his life to humanity, and through Masonry strove to inculcate the principles of Brotherly Lodge, Relief and Truth among his brothers of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 and Cicero Lodge No. 199, Free and Accepted Masons and with all men. so in like manner, and after the sprig of Acacia was set at the head of the grave of another great patron of Masonry long years ago, we now erect that beautiful gate at the entrance of this burial ground and this imposing monument at the head of his grave that the place my be known, and to commemorate his labors, his fidelity and his untimely death.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate -- we cannot consecrate this ground. Jesse Lutz, our first Worshipful Master, by his life and devotion to our freat Fraternity, did that. The World will little note nor long remenber what we say here, but his brethern can never forget wnat he did here.
It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated to the unfinished work which he began and so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to ther task remaining before us - that from this honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which he devoted his life - that we here highly resolve that his labors shall not have been in vain and that Masonry shall not perish from the Earth. Seventy-two years ago his brethern assembled about this grave to pay tribute to his memory and to testify that he WAS A JUST AND UPRIGHT MASON: so let that dedication stand until time shall be no more.
Meade Vestal,
August 20, 1939 Chairman Joint Committee.
Sunday, August 20, 1939
Noblesville Lodge No. 57 F. & A. M. assembled pursuant to the call of the Worshipful Master for the purpose of joining Cicero Lodge No. 199 F. & A. M. , in the Memorial Services at the Cicero Cemetery, where our First Worshipful Master, Jesse Lutz , was buried in 1867. A large mumber of Master Masons and their families were present on this occasion.
Radiant Chapter No. 200, Order of Eastern Star joined with the Cicero Chapter No. 541 O. E. S. in the ceremonies of the day. The Lodge was not opened with ritualistic ceremonies, but met the Cicero Lodge at 3:00 o'clock on the day fixed in the program.
The Grand Master, John R. Hunter, the Grand Chaplain, the Rev. Russell L. Phillips, the Grand Treasurer, Richard Schweitzer and the Junior Grand Warden, Judge Clarence R. Martin, were present. Judge Martin delivered a fine address appropriate to the occasion. As nearly as can be ascertained the following brothers of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 F. & A. M., were in attendance:
Brothers Meade Vestal, Willard G. Holaday, Frank C. Kaiser, William A. Clarke, Robert T. McKee, Walter Duckwall, Mahlon A. Schaller, Chesley E. Baldock, Fred M. Atkins, Joseph Baker, Sassius M. Gentry, George E. Cornelius, John T. Kester, Howard M. Whitcomb, ted M. Michaels, Charles L. Goward, Arthur Heiny, Jack Carr, Leonard Eck, Thomas E. Kane, Dan Ballinger, Everett E. Neal, Anson E. Roberts, John W. M. Beals, Fred E. Hines and Oscar B. Landis.
( For a list of visiting Brothers see list in Jesse Lutz file)
The Grand Master did not dedicate the Memorial Gate nor the Monument at the Grave, because the Lodge could not be opened in regular form on Sunday, but he did address the meeting in a few well chosen words complimentary to both Lodges on the very worthy project of erecting the Memorials to their First Worshipful Master, Jesse Lutz. Otherwise the program was carried out as follows:
1. Ceremonies at Memorial Gate, Henry R. Holden, W.M. Cicro Lodge No.199 F. & A. M., presiding.
Welcome Address and Introduction of Grand Officers.
a. Invocation, Rev. Russell L. Phillips, W. Grand Chaplain.
b. Music, Jackson Township Band. Chas. Carter, Director.
c. Dedication of the Memorial Gate by John jR. Hunter, Most Worshipful Grand Master.
FORMATION OF NOBLESVNILLE LODGE NO. 57, F. & A. M., and CICERO LODGE NO. 199, F. & A. M., MARCH TO GRAVE OF JESSE LUTZ.
2. Ceremonies at the Grave. Ted M. Michaels, S.W. of Noblesville Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M. presiding.
Music - Jackson Township Band.
b. Prayer by Russell L. Phillips, W. Grand Chaplain.
c. Decoration of Grace by Cicero Chapter, No. 541, O.E.S. and Radiant Chapter No. 200 O.E.S., Pansy M. Wiles and Iva J. Hiatt, Worthy Matrons.
d. Reading of History of Life of Brother Jesse Lutz, by Past Master Meade Vestal.
e. Reading of Resolutions adopted by Cicero Lodge at the time of the burial of Brother Jesse Lutz, by Past Master Robert C. Tucker.
f. Music, Jackson Township Band.
3. Dedication of Monument.
a. By John R. Hunter, Most Worshipful Grand Master.
b. Unveiling of Monument by Vera O. Wiles.
c. Addrress by Right Worshipful Clarence Martin, Junior Grand Warden.
d. Masonic Ode, "Solemn strikes the funeral chimes"
f. BENEDICTION- W. Grand Chaplain.
The weather was all that could be desired and the whole ceremony was entirely satisfactory to the Grand Master. Several relative s of the late Jesse Lutz were present and several beautiful tributes were paid to his memory by Mrs. M. C. Haworth, who as a girl had live in Cicero and knew him quite well and who spoke words of praise for his fine character and kindness to the children who played about his home and place of busness in Cicero.
The occasion was one long to remembered by all present. The meeting closed with the Masonic Ode "Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chimes", sung by all brother present and the benediction was pronounced by the Grand Chaplain.
Introduction To The Sketch Of The Life Of Jesse Lutz, Worshipful Master
The following sketch of the life and Masonic Work of Jesse Lutz, First Worshipful Master of Noblesville Lodge No.57 and Cicero Lodge No.199, Free and Accepter Masons, was written by the late Samuel Bussell, Esquire, of Noblesville, Indiana, at the special request of Past Master Meade Vestal, about thiry-six years ago and recorded in the Records of the Noblesville Lodge. Later, on the occasion of the various celebrations of the Anniversaries of that Lodge, and of Cicero Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, the sketch was read as part of the proceedings. and now on the occasion of the dedication of the beautiful Memorial Gate and imposing Monument erected in the Cicero Cemetery to this great Masonic Leader and Ritualist we come again to read to those present this interesting bit of the early history of Hamilton Coulnty and to pay tribute to the organizer of two of the pioneer Lodges of Hamilton County, which continue to do good in our community.
Samuel Bussell sat in Lodge with him as Senior Warden and from his personal knowledge and associaton has written down the facts of his career that posterity may know and realize the importance of the work of this really great Worshipful Master as on organizer and presiding officer of Masonic Lodges.
He testified not only to his worth as a Mason but to his high standing as a man, a Christian and a public servant, who stood upright among his fellows in the business of life.
(For sketch of the life of Jesse Lutz, See Jesse Lutz file).
Noblesville Lodge No.57 should feel proud that the first W. M. of said Lodge was a man of such abilities and moral integity and worth, and should endeavor to emulate his virtues and high moral character and unflinching integrity.
"That when man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets, or ever the Silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or ther wheel be broken at the cistern".
That we may be prepared to meet the subject of this sketch in the Grand Lodge on High where the Grand Master of the universe presides.
"Samuel Bussell"
TESTIMONIAL TO MARK H. WILES
Brother Mark H. Wiles:
You have presented your work for inspection. I observe that it is neither regular, oblong or square, yet from its singular form and beauty, we are loath to reject it. We will not reject it, because it is good work and such as we are authorized to receive.
Brother Wiles, we of Cicero Lodge No. 199, and of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 Free and Accepted Masons, have had a vision. We have believed that this good man and our first Worshipful Master should be honored by his brothers and that his grave should not go unmarked.
Like Hiram Abiff, you have wrought skilfully and shall have the credit for your work. The joint Committee, compsed of Brothers Fred M. Atkins, Ted M. Michaels, Bernie M. Newby, Floud Crowthers, Ralph w. Small, and the Speaker, Meade Vestal, embodiment of our respect and esteem for Jesse Lutz, our first Master, and with it goes our thanks for your fine work as a Mason and Builder.
So now about the dedication ---
Seven score and one year ago there was born in this Country a great man who devoted his live to the welfare of his fellow men, and who three score and twelve years ago was borne to this spot by his Brother Masons. So let us paraphrase that immortal Gettysburg address:
Now on this memorial occasion we have come to dedicate a portion of this Cemetery as a final resting place for the whom we honor. Here he lived and worked for those he loved - here he devoted his life to humanity, and through Masonry strove to inculcate the principles of Brotherly Lodge, Relief and Truth among his brothers of Noblesville Lodge No. 57 and Cicero Lodge No. 199, Free and Accepted Masons and with all men. so in like manner, and after the sprig of Acacia was set at the head of the grave of another great patron of Masonry long years ago, we now erect that beautiful gate at the entrance of this burial ground and this imposing monument at the head of his grave that the place my be known, and to commemorate his labors, his fidelity and his untimely death.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate -- we cannot consecrate this ground. Jesse Lutz, our first Worshipful Master, by his life and devotion to our freat Fraternity, did that. The World will little note nor long remenber what we say here, but his brethern can never forget wnat he did here.
It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated to the unfinished work which he began and so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to ther task remaining before us - that from this honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which he devoted his life - that we here highly resolve that his labors shall not have been in vain and that Masonry shall not perish from the Earth. Seventy-two years ago his brethern assembled about this grave to pay tribute to his memory and to testify that he WAS A JUST AND UPRIGHT MASON: so let that dedication stand until time shall be no more.
Meade Vestal,
August 20, 1939 Chairman Joint Committee.
Old Masonic Hall
This is a photograph of the Old Masonic Hall on the third story of the Old Corner Drug Store, where Noblesville Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M. met from August 12th, 1852 until February 8th, 1881. Looking south on 9th street, at the intersection of 9th street and Conner street. This picture is from a 1909 post card.
Noblesville Masonic Hall 1884-1915
Masonic Hall 1884 till 1915
Laying Masonic Temple Cornerstone-1914
Minutes of theTemple Corner Stone Laying
The complet minutes for the laying of the Noblesville Masonic Temple Corner Stone may be found in the Minutes Book #6, pages 69 thru 78. See the lodge secretary for permission to read these books as some are very fragile
Noblesville Masonic Temple Dedicated 1915
Hamilton County Courthouse
Laying Courthouse Cornerstone-Wednesday, April 17, 1878
In 1878 Noblesville Lodge 57 laid the Corner Stone of the new Hamilton County Courthouse with appropriate ceremonies, General William W. Conner delivered the address.
There were some in the county that did not think it was correct for the Masons to lay the Corner Stone as can be seen by their flyer protesting this ceremony.
There were some in the county that did not think it was correct for the Masons to lay the Corner Stone as can be seen by their flyer protesting this ceremony.
Past Officers of Noblesville Lodge #57
These are the only pictures found of past lodge officers. If anyone has more please contact the lodge secretary.
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