Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-23
OLDEST LODGE IN VIRGINIA.
WASHINGTON NO. 2, OF NORFOLK,
FIRST ONE FORMED IN STATE.

| WASHINGTON NO. 2, OF NORFOLK,
FIRST ONE FORMED IN STATE.
| In its excellent articles relative to
the meeting Of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge of Odd Fellows at Richmond,
the Richmond Dispatch has the follow
ing of great local interest:
Among the many lodges to visit
Richmond at the great gathering of
Odd Fellows will be Washington Lodge
No. 3. OF Norfolk, the oldest in Vir-
ginia.
THE lodge is older than the Grand
Lodge of Virginia by four years. 1t
was chartered by the Grand Lodge of
the United States, September 3. 1883.
There were seven charter members
Messrs. John w. Wolf, John Spading,
Smith Rockwell, Richard Emo, William
p. Dunston, John Wilson and II. w.
Hodges. The charter, which was lost
for many years, was found in II. Wiley
Davis office. in Richmond. and now
hangs on the walls of the lodge-room
magnificently framed. II bears the sig
nature OF Thomas Wildey, grand sire,
and founder of the order.
1T was re-chartered by the Grand
| Lodge of Virginia, July ii. 1887. the fol-
| lowing being the petitioners Messrs.
| c. c. Robinson, John Odendtal, John
Corson. William Diggs. Jeffrles Will
| kinSon.
ION the lodge-room walls hangs the
| original design for the Washington
monument. 1t bears the signatures of
| Presidents Monroe, Polk, Fillmore and
| Taylor.
IT IS VERY PROSPEROUS.
The lodge is at present one of the
most prosperous in Virginia, having
| about $50 members. 1t is in excellent
financial condition. having title in one
4 1,i r1 nf tI,.an Oh a H11I
Gated in the heart of the city.
The care of the sick and the atten-
| ton paid the widow and orphan by this
lodge are matters which have endeared
it to all true odd Fellows. ~ special
| Committee on Widows and Orphans
| mittee has in its special charge at
| present several orphans, who are fed,
| clothed, and given an education.
| The lodge has done great good in the
| city. One aged member, who was par
| alyzed about year ago. is now at
| the Protestant Hospital as a private
| patient the lodge seeing TO ii that he
| receives every care.
| WITHSTOOD WAR AND STRIFE.
The old lodge has withstood war and
| pestilence. Throughout the clash OF
| civil strife Washington Lodge was
| ministering to the soldiers and their
| widows. just as it had done during
| the terrible yellow-fever scourge OF
| 1855.
Mr.. II. d. Blick who was an officer
| of the lodge in 1862, has recently pass
| ed through the chairs again. He is q
| very active member and will visit
! Richmond with the lodge. by which he
| has been presented with IL Veterans
| jewel.
The present treasurer Mr.. II. c.
Woodhousc, and the chaplain, Mr.. John
| w. Bassett. are the only other wcarers
| OF these treasured badges,
| Many members of the lodge who live
| in different portions of the country will
| come down especially TO accompany
| Washington Lodge to Richmond. Mr..
| John w. Grant. of New Haven. Conn.
| will bring with him beautiful cane
made of the wood from the Confcd-
crate battleship Virginia, which, for
some purpose known only to himself,
| me has had an inscription placed III III
| the beautiful silver head.
THE PRESENT OFFICERS.
| The present officers Of the lodge arc
as follows: j. S. Balance. noble
| grand; Charles Powers. vice grand
| James IL. Hill. recording secretary;
| George w. Hill. financial secretary: II.
| G. Woodhouse, treasurer: Il. ID. Blick,
! sitting past grand John w. Bassett,
| chaplain. Mr.. James H. Hill has been
| recording secretary for thirteen years.
| Mr.. II. G. Woodhouse has been treas
urer for fifteen years.
| *=:-'
STATE COUNCIL Jr. o. U. A. M.