Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-27
MASONS CELEBRATE
OF OLDEST LODGE
IN DISTRICT.

The one hundred and sixteenth anniver-
sary of the Oldest Masonic lodge in the Dis
trict, Potomac Lodge, No. 8, F. A. A. NJ,
was celebrated last night by banquet at
Masonic Hall, Georgetown. There was pres
emit nearly two hundred members, accom-
panied by their ladies' After the courses
had been served an interesting address was
delivered by Worshipful Master Charles T.
Lindsey.
Mr.. Lindsey traced the history of the
lodge, stating that its original charter was
granted by the Grand Lodge of Maryland
April p, 1885, and had as its first worship
full master a member named Frierer. The
speaker displayed the historic old gavel with
which George Washington laid the corner
stone of the United States Capitol. George
Washington, he declared, laid that corner
stone September IS. 1893, and then handed
IT to Valentine Rented, who was at one
time the worshipful master of the lodge.
The Grand Lodge of the District said the
speaker, was formed by delegates from five
out of six lodges in the Jurisdiction january
., 1911, and Valentine Rented was chosen
as Its first worshipful grand master. In
this connection the speaker stated that dur
ing its history Potomac Lodge had fur
nlshed to the District four grand masters,
the last one. Malcolm Seaton, new deceased
having been elected in 1902
The speaker stated that the historic gavel
used by Washington had been used in pub
lie ceremonies by Presidents Polk. Fill
more. Buchanan. Mckinley and Roosevelt
Mr.. j. Holdsworth Gordon, the oldest liv-
ing past master of the lodge was next intro
duced and responded with an address re-
p1ete with humorous anecdotes. Other
speakers were Grand Master Luther r.
CHM; William E. Andrews, auditor of the
treasury, and Rev. John NJ. Schick. pastor
OF the Grace Reformed Church Of this city
Guests of Honor.
Warden Lem Towers, jr.; Mr., William E.
Andrews, auditor for the Treasury Depart
ment; Senior Warden Charles H. Williams,
Past Master B. w. Murch of Whiting
Lodge, Grand Master Lurtin r. CHM OF
the District Grand Lodge, Worshipfui Mas
ter Charles T. Lindsey and Mrs Lindsey,
Past Master j. Holdsworth Gordon Rev.
John NJ. Schick of Grace Reformed Church.
Past Master j. B. Thomas and Mr. c. J.
ellis.
The officers of Potomac Lodge are:
Charles t. Lindsey, worshipful master;
Charles II. Williams, senior warden; Lem
Towers, jr., junior warden; Richard S.
Clifton, senior deacon; Charles ]. Gillis
junior deacon; ]. H. Yarnall, secretary;
Isaac Birch. treasurer; Rev. ]. H. w.
Blake, chaplain; 1. B. Moultop, senior
steward; r. B. Clokey, Junior steward w.
Clyde Hunt, master of ceremonies; George
w. Allen. tiler.
The committee in charge of the banquet
consisted of: ]. G. Huddleston, chairman;
George S. Waters, Leroy McNeal. Isaac
Birch, Charles H. Williams Richard S.
Clifton, Lem Towers, jr., Richard NJ Null
lett, Benjamin B. Hunt and William S.
Waddey.
During the evening the famous relic
which has played such an important part
in Potomac Commanders history, and
which is held by the organization as a
priceless relic, was in charge of commit
tee. According to the rules the relic is
not permitted to be out of the sight of at
least one member of the committee. The
three members of the lodge known the
gavel committee are R. B. Clokey, Charles
]. ellis and w. Clyde Hunt.