The First Years

    Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at the outset of the Civil War decade, was a sleepy country town of no particular consequence, and only about 5,500 people. However, at the close of the 1860's, population had risen by nearly 300%, totaling almost 16,000 souls.

    What force effected this booming change? The lumber industry, of course. Renewed exploitation of the rich forest in the Susquehanna Valley caused an enormous spurt among the local inhabitants, especially after the 1865 flood.

    No such metamorphosis could occur without significant parallel social development as well. Political and business life both were much disturbed by splits that opened up almost at once, between the generally conservative old families, who had manufactured lumber for long years using time-tested but antiquated methods, and the more progressive newcomers.

    These new citizens were indeed a more venturesome breed. Their arrival presaged a transition from gang saw to circular saw, from canal boat to railroad. Numerous new industries were spawned, usually subsidiary to the lumber boom, and operated mostly by newcomers. There was an inflow of expert machine operators from all parts of the country, in particular New York State. Wage and salary levels jumped, and general retail trade conditions improved.

    Yet not without struggle. Since the "establishment" was unable (more likely simply unwilling) to provide the newcomers with adequate risk capital, the latter set up new and more liberal banking institutions. Even old-line churches felt the changes, since many of these people seemed to hold more liberal religious notions, or even no faith at all.

    This resulted in a gradual but continuous multiplication of churches in Williamsport, and quite naturally the social life of our community responded to the division. Altogether, it was surely a yeasty era. Williamsport is still sometimes referred to as the "city of churches," and contains far more separate congregations than is usual for cities of our size.

    Factions among the citizens blocked efficient unity in welfare and charity work, especially after the disastrous 1865 flood. Not a little of the trouble arose from a clash of business attitudes, fanned by national politics.

For Lycoming County in 1861-65 was undergoing a complete political reorientation. The Civil War stirred up tremendous patriotic fervor, and prior to that period Williamsport had been largely Democratic. But with the advent of Abraham Lincoln on the national stage, and the re-election of Governor and Brother Andrew Gregg Curtin in Harrisburg, Republican sentiment took deep root. Then interest in civic affairs revived after the end of the war. Political debate raged in all the churches, many homes, and nearly everywhere that there was a gathering. Party lines ran deep. Americans of a century ago took their democracy with great seriousness. Nearly every important crosscurrent of economic and social philosophy spawned its own political expression. In such an atmosphere, Freemasonry itself was an active participant. The phenomenon even included Anti-Masonic political parties, which put up candidates for state governorships and even for the national presidency in the 1820's and 1830's.

    Many references to this ferment are made by Brother Gilmore in his Anniversary History of Lodge No. 106. According to him, the late Col. Herbert Russell Laird said that "Ivy Lodge was organized because there was a feeling in Williamsport that a man couldn't get into Lodge 106 unless he was a Democrat." Be this as it may, we also read that black balls were dropped all too often in Lodge No. 106 during the War years, reflecting community influences quite foreign to Masonic grounds for objections.  Thus it seems that Williamsport's personality was schizoid. It needed its newcomers badly, yet irrationally it resented them. Yet were it not for them and their mills, their better financial backing, their passion for better government, and their new banks and churches, Williamsport might well have faded out of the picture.

    It should now be apparent that the factors influencing the establishment of a new Masonic Lodge in 1867 were, at least, tangled. We must consider clashes within Masonry itself. The new leaven in our City significantly affected Masonry. Most newcomers were formerly New Yorkers, where they had become Masons, though not Ancient York Masons. They belonged to the "Moderns," having rituals more dramatic in character than within the York Rite, yet the same in fundamentals. Though there was sufficient population to support two Lodges, and in spite of the other areas of friction referred to, the Moderns felt that their form of Masonry was the only correct one, and refused to give it up.

    They would not accept Pennsylvania work, and Pennsylvania Grand Lodge behaved militantly toward them and would not accept theirs. Grand Masters in Pennsylvania gave no opportunity for liberal concessions.

So a great debate raged. Which type of Masonry was the desired new Lodge to embrace? Would two small Lodges be less advantageous to the good of the Order here than one powerful Lodge? Would a new Lodge bring cooperation, or simply competition? Would not one strong Lodge better protect the Craft against the inroads of clandestine and spurious organizations?

    According to Brother Randall Prior, long-time Secretary of Lodge No. 106, the presence here of two types of Masonry was most responsible for the delay in setting up a new Lodge. Neither side would back down. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, when approached for a Warrant to set up Ivy Lodge, made it clear that no such Warrant would issue except that the Petitioners accept Ancient York Masonry. One ought not condemn our Grand Lodge Officials for this. They were simply reestablishing strict control following the stormy period of Anti-Masonic politics already referred to, in which Masonry had been in disrepute. With control at the top weakened or (in some states) missing altogether, it should not surprise us that there should have been conflict between "Ancients" and "Moderns."

    As Lodge No. 106 itself strengthened, some of its aggressive Members felt that New York Masons should be excluded. Therefore, "Moderns" saw less prospect of identification with a local Masonic organization. As 1866 dawned, the Grand Master suggested to the minority faction in Lodge 106 that the unwanted newcomers could obtain a Masonic home of their own, if they would simply accept Ancient York Masonry. At last the dissidents capitulated. Thus it was that on April 25, 1867, Brothers James Goodlander, Lumberman (Lodge No. 106); Charles D. Brewer, Jr., Attorney (Charity Lodge No. 144); Benjamin S. Bentley, Jr., Attorney (P. M. of Warren Lodge No. 240); Monroe D. Hotchkiss, Lumberman (Genoa Lodge No. 421, N.Y.); Frederick G. Thorn, Architect (Lodge No. 106); Josiah Evans, Jr., Merchant Tailor (Lodge No. 116); Samuel Van Gilder, Lumberman (Lodge No. 106); Frederick H. Keller, Leather Dealer (Lancaster Lodge No. 43); and Frank J. Deemer, Clerk (Union Lodge No. 291), assembled in the anteroom of Lodge No. 106 and decided upon the formation of Ivy Lodge. Later the group elected Brother James Goodlander their Worshipful Master, Brother Charles D. Brewer their Senior Warden, Brother B.S. Bentley their Junior Warden, Brother Frederick G. Thorn their Secretary, and Brother Monroe D. Hotchkiss their Treasurer. Brothers Brewer and Thorn were designated a Committee to Petition Grand Lodge for the necessary Warrant.

    Concerning our Warrant Master, Brother James Goodlander, P.M., we can say little. The date and place of his birth are unknown. Though Brother Manson wrote that his Masonic origin was uncertain, the Anniversary History of Lodge No. 106 discloses that he was made a Mason in that body on April 30, 1856. In 1863 and 64, he was elected Secretary, and served Lodge No. 106 as Worshipful Master in 1866. Immediately thereafter he withdrew, to become the first Worshipful Master of Ivy Lodge No. 397.

    He came to Lycoming County from Milton, Pa., and took up residence in Montoursville as a cabinetmaker. Later he operated the West Branch Saw and Planing Mill in Williamsport. We also learn that in 1868 he became the second Eminent Commander of Baldwin II Commandry No. 22, Knight Templar, in Williamsport. And he entered Lycoming Royal Arch Chapter No. 222 as a Charter Member, in 1869. A few years later he apparently moved from the community, and dropped entirely out of sight. When and where he died is also unknown.

Because of Brother Goodlander's successful defeat of the reactionaries in Lodge No. 106, he must be credited with having done more for Freemasonry in Williamsport than any other Mason, to pave the way for the general growth and popularity that Masonry has experienced here since his day. He was a businessman, clear headed, progressive, liberal, and resourceful in action. He believed ardently that Williamsport needed more Masonry, and he saw no good in an endless controversy that promised no remedy for conditions detrimental to the community and also to the Craft.

    The first meeting hall, selected by Brothers Evans, Hotchkiss, Deemer, Thorn, and Brewer, was in the Dubois Building, leased by the founders on or about May 8, 1867. But things were not going well, there still being undercover opposition within Lodge No. 106, brought about by tensions and jealousies. The Committee appointed by Lodge No. 106's separating Members failed to act properly upon the Warrant question, being dissuaded there from, apparently, by another faction. However, at its Stated Meeting April 18, 1867, Lodge No. 106 formally endorsed the new Petition to Grand Lodge for the Warrant, together with Eureka Lodge No. 335, Montoursville, which had appended its own endorsement thereon as of April 17, 1867. On May 8th, Deputy Grand Master, Brother Richard Vaux, visited Lodge No. 106 for Instruction, and advised Ivy's founders that their Warrant Committee still had not acted.

    What had actually happened here will probably never truly be known. It now became the turn of Grand Lodge to go inactive on the proposal. No action followed for several months, and the Trustees gave up their lease of the new Lodge room. Brother Goodlander, exasperated, did the best he could. Among the files of Grand Lodge is a brief note he wrote them, under date August 16, 1867, addressed to Brother John Thompson, Esq., Grand Secretary. It reads: "Dear Sir, As we have been assured that our Charter would be granted, had it not been withdrawn, I have simply to say that the papers are still with you, and the application subject to your consideration. You can do as you please with it. Fraternally yours, James Goodlander." We are also told that Brother Goodlander personally traveled to Harrisburg and attended upon Grand Lodge to present the Petition.

We should emphasize that Brother Goodlander was not a native Williamsporter, and therefore his viewpoint was that of the outsider looking in, able to see things more precisely. From this stemmed his influence with Grand Lodge Officials. After a summer of further politicking, the Grand Lodge at last granted the Warrant on September 5, 1867, and Constitution followed on September 28, 1867.

    Some justification for the long controversy may be found in an address delivered before Grand Lodge late in 1867 by Grand Master Vaux, when he said, "I have visited Pennsylvania Lodges in which it was impossible to know to what Order they belonged, due to the character and style of the ceremonials there exhibited."

The results of Brother Goodlander's victory over the Old Familiars were immediately evident. And the reapproachment improved both the civic and social life of our community. Another earnest and successful worker for peace and harmony during this formative period was Brother Frederick H. Keller, a newcomer himself, who later became Mayor of the city.

    There were at last two rival Lodges in Williamsport. The healthy competition this brought about caused each to subordinate differences. In very early years, Lodge No. 106 and Ivy Lodge No. 397 took to celebrating St. John's Day together. Later, when Lodges No. 707 and No. 755 came upon the scene, all four Lodges opened their doors each to the other. This unique interdependence has proved to be a distinct boon to Williamsport Masonry. So it can be said that its true start, its greatest impetus, came when there were at last two Lodges. Today there are no greater influences for peace and harmony in Williamsport than those emanating from our Fraternal Bodies.

                                                              An Historical Review

    Nine Members and thirteen visitors attended the first meeting of Ivy Lodge No. 397 after Constitution. According to the 1867 By-laws, the fee for Initiation and Membership was fixed at $50.00. And it was further provided that every Member admitted upon certificate should pay $10.00 if a Master Mason, $20.00 if a Fellowcraft Mason, and $35.00 if an Entered Apprentice. A By-laws Committee was set up, and two Petitions received. After St. John's Day, 1867, Ivy Lodge No. 397 had one Past Master (Goodlander) and a Membership of thirteen.

    Special Meetings to Confer Degrees became the rule in 1868, during which year Ivy Lodge No. 397 had thirty-two such meetings. Also, the two Lodges removed to shared quarters in the Ayers and Lundy Building above the new Post Office. This move ended a period of controversy in which an Ivy Lodge faction had tried to get Lodge No. 106 to vacate.

   

    Up to this time the two Lodges shared their paraphernalia. But after conflict arose concerning location of the meeting hall, Ivy Lodge obtained its own Jewels, furniture, and fixtures. By-laws were finally adopted later in the year, and Membership increased to twenty-seven.

In 1869, it was decided that Ivy Lodge would meet at 7:00 P.M. Oct. 1 to May 1, and 7:30 P.M. during the summer. Membership climbed to forty-three.

    A curious item appears in the minutes of 1870. A Second Degree was being administered, and when the Master asked if there were any objections, a visiting Member from Lodge No. 106 arose and made objection. The Master referred the problem to the District Deputy, who ruled that the objection was not obligatory upon Ivy Lodge.

    The Initiation fee was now amended to $40.00 and a sinking fund created against indebtedness, a portion of all Dues and fees to be placed therein. There having been trouble with the Treasurer's books this year, that Officer was placed under bond. Membership gained seventeen.

    Finances continued to give trouble in 1871. A special committee reported that the Secretary had paid all funds received by him over to the Treasurer, who muddled his accounts. By resolution, the Treasurer was required to pay over to the Trustees all money exceeding $100.00. During this year a switch was made from written to printed monthly notices, except that the names of Petitioners were still required to be handwritten therein. Net membership at year's end was sixty-four. 1872 was the first "off year." There was a net loss in Membership, due to several expulsions and one resignation. Mention is made in the minutes of a proposed Masonic Home in Pittsburgh.

    In 1873, due to poor attendance upon meetings in hot weather, the practice began of suspending meetings for the summer months, upon majority vote of the Members present at any Stated Meeting. Membership reached sixty-six; two admitted, three Initiated, one expelled, and one Demitted.  Ivy Lodge became debt-ridden, though a considerable sum of money stood in the Trustees' hands. Heretofore, the Lodge tried to cover its debts without using invested funds, but this year a resolution was adopted requiring the Trustees to pay the Treasurer enough to meet all obligations. Net Membership shrank to sixty-five. The biggest social event of the year was a Grand Lodge Visitation on October 6, 1874, by R.W. Grand Master Alfred R. Potter. Members of ten Lodges attended the program.

    1875 saw ten Special Meetings. Five Members were Raised, producing total net Membership to sixty-six. Clandestine Masonry was the big issue this year. Grand Lodge had suspended several Lodges for admitting such Masons. A proposal was made to combine with Lodge No. 106 in setting up a Masonic Library and Reading Room, but we are told that this was abandoned because of the expense.

    The years 1876 and 1877 were uneventful, though John B. Metzger, later President Judge of Lycoming County Courts, and Hiram H. Ulman, later President of Select Council in Wllliamsport, were made Members of the Lodge those years. In 1878, Brother Addis McVeagh, P.M., died, and net Membership at year's end was seventy. Joint celebration of St. John's Day had now begun.

    In 1879, various Grand Lodge Decisions affecting Lodge records and procedures were clarified. In 1880, Ivy Lodge received more Petitions and Raised more Applicants than in any previous year, but suffered many losses, and net Membership slipped to fifty-eight.

    From 1881 through 1883, the minutes contain nothing of interest, except that in the last named year, for the first time, a Candidate was stopped after receiving the Fellowcraft Degree. In 1884, attention was directed to the establishment of a School for Instruction, jointly for the two Lodges. Also, mention is made of presentation to the Lodge of a Gavel made of wood from an oak tree on the George Washington estate at Mt. Vernon, Va. The two Lodges moved to new meeting halls in the Hays Building in 1885. In November, a By-law was adopted setting up the first Tuesday of each month as the Stated Meeting night. It has always remained so.

    From 1886 through 1889 there is repeated mention in the minutes concerning organizing efforts by competing branches of Masonry. Declared Clandestine by Grand Lodge in 1887 and 1888 were the Cerneau Masons, and in 1890 the so-called Egyptian Rite sought foothold in the State. The Grand Master attacked this group also as Clandestine.

    1892, the year of our Twenty-fifth Anniversary, was prosperous. Also, iS93. The seasons 1894 through 1896 are characterized in the minutes as "prosperous," "ordinary," and "some recovery." Poor economic condi¬tions had clouded Masonry's financial picture, and it became difficult to collect dues money. In 1897, Ivy Lodge received twenty-six Petitions and Raised twenty-three.

    In 1897, the Cornerstone of the present Masonic Temple was laid. In 1898, twenty-one were Raised, and Ivy Lodge moved to the new building on May 3rd. On July 17, the Lodges assisted at the Cornerstone Laying for the "Home for the Friendless."

    Membership gained once again in 1899, and depression set in the following year. In 1901, Brother Frederick J. Keller, P.M., Treasurer for twenty-eight years, died. In 1902, thirty-six Petitions were received and eighteen were Raised. In 1903, twenty-five were Raised.

    Death visited among the veterans again in 1904, when Brother Herman Hinckley, P.M., Secretary for twenty-five years, died. Twenty-eight Peti-tions were received that year and sixteen were Raised. Brother Adolph Niemeyer, P.M., who had served as Secretary and Trustee for four and twenty-four years respectively, died November 30, 1905. This year thirty-four Petitions came in, and twenty-six were Raised.

    1906 saw the death of Brother Dr. Newall Johnson, P.M. There were twenty-six Petitions and twenty-two were Raised. In 1907, we had twenty-seven Petitioners, sixteen of whom were Raised. In 1908, Brother John G. Hess became District Deputy Grand Master. Among the deaths were Brothers Edward W. Till, Valentine Luppert, and P.M. John F. Tomlinson. There were twenty-nine Petitions and seventeen Raised.

    Two more P.M.'s died in 1909, Brothers William M. DuFour and William T. Corson. The minutes show that twenty-seven Master's Degrees were Conferred that year.  Brother Monroe D. Hotchkiss, Trustee for thirty years, died in 1910. There were thirty-eight Petitions and twenty-nine Third Degrees. Nothing much is noted for 1911, during which year twenty-seven Petitions came in, and twenty-five were Raised. Mention is made in the minutes that Brother James B. Krause, P.M., became Right Worshipful Grand Warden this year.

    1912 produced nothing notable except a Grand Lodge Visitation. Only nineteen Petitions were filed, and ten Master Masons created. In 1913, when Williamsport High School was built, the various Lodges in the city partici¬pated. Brother William H. Kiess, P.M., died. There were eighteen Petitions and twelve were Raised.

Brother John G. Hess, District Deputy Grand Master, died in 1914. Only fourteen were Raised, but thirty-five Petitions came in. 1915 was one of the most active years in Lodge history, when forty-one Petitions were filed and thirty-five were Raised.

    In 1916, there were thirty-six Petitions and thirty-two Raised. World War I was raging, and Lodge activity persisted, as in 1917, when twenty-six were Raised. In 1918, Brother James B. Krause became Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He visited frequently. Ivy Lodge contributed generously to the Grand Lodge War Fund. Forty-two Petitions were filed, and twenty-seven Master Masons created.

    In 1919, the total Membership of Ivy Lodge No. 397 reached five hundred and fifty-three. This was the busiest year in history for the Brethren, there being fifty-two Petitions and forty-three Third Degrees. Prosperity continued in 1920, when the Lodge received a bequest of $25,000.00 from the estate of Brother Alfred F. Young, P.M., who had been Representative to Grand Lodge for nineteen years. As for new Petitions, all previous records were broken, as our minutes reveal seventy-five Petitions, and forty-three Master Masons created.

    Brother Frederick H. Sweet, P.M. and Trustee, died January 5, 1921. Brother Albert F. Zimmerman, P.M., was elected to the vacancy. Total Membership now achieved six hundred and forty-four, and our minutes say that forty-eight Petitions came in, and fifty were Raised. In 1922, Membership was six hundred and seventy-four, and in 1924 it reached six hundred and ninety. The Manson historical notes reveal nothing else of interest for these years, except the number of Raisings: forty-three in 1922, nineteen in 1923, and twenty-six in 1924.

As the Twenties wore on, interest in Masonry appeared to decline, no doubt from the "multiplied diversity of attraction of social and other pleasures," as Brother Manson so aptly puts it. For instance, only thirteen Master Masons were created in 1926, seventeen in 1927, and eighteen in 1928, at the close of which year Membership was seven hundred and thirteen.

    For the next three years, nothing is recorded except Petitions and Rais¬ings. Total Membership hovered around seven hundred and eighteen, but by 1930 the Great Depression had taken hold, so that only fourteen Petitions were received. In 1931, just four Petitions were filed, and four Raised.

    Membership plummeted. In 1932, there was even less activity, there being only two Petitions, and but three Raised. This proved to be the low point. In 1933, together with the famous Bank Holiday, financial conditions reached their nadir. All Lodge funds were frozen, and securities had to be sold to get money for Lodge charities. Many Members became delinquent, and monthly attendance fell badly. In October, the Trustees had to sell $500.00 in investments, just to meet current bills. Many resignations were received. Total enrollment shrank to six hundred and fifty-nine at year's end. A Budget Committee was appointed to curtail expenditures.

    The decline continued through 1934, when resignations reduced Membership still further. In 1935, the Lodge received final payment of the Charles H. Eldon bequest, which came to $2,398.45. Property in the hands of the Trustees increased to $16,198.10, and net Membership went to six hundred and thirty-two. Unpaid dues climbed to $2,620.25.

    From 1936 through 1939 these financial crises continued. In general, these seasons were uneventful, characterized by poor attendance. Some-times, say the minutes, we had more visitors present than our own Members. In 1939, due to an upsurge in expulsions and suspensions, only five hundred and eighty-six Members were in Good Standing. Brother J. Fred Katzmaier became Representative to Grand Lodge. At last, in 1940, finances recovered to the point where expenses were about $750.00 less than income.

    With the entry of America into World War II in December, 1941, Ivy Lodge No. 397 took action as to procedures for closing Lodge, in the event of an air raid alert. We celebrated our Seventy-fifth Anniversary Year, it being the administration of Brother Ralph C. Gingrich, P.M.

    Business was brisk in 1942 and 1943, there being fifty-nine Petitions. Because of the increased work load, Ivy Lodge No. 397 discontinued the practice of summer recesses this year. According to the Committee on Masonic Military and Naval Service, there were thirty Brothers actively serving in the Armed Forces, and also forty-two sons or daughters of Members. A Committee composed of Brothers J. Fred Katzmaier, P.M., Russell M. Smith, P.M., and Emerson L. Woolever, Secretary, made fifty-four personal contacts and wrote six hundred and fifty-seven letters to Armed Forces personnel.

    In 1944, Brother Arthur L. Pepperman became District Deputy Grand Master. There were fifty Petitions during that year. Brother Frank Borger, Junior Warden, was called into the service, and during his absence Brother Howard R. Baldwin was appointed Acting Junior Warden. Annual Visitations with Ivy Lodge No. 397, Elmira, New York, were resumed this season.

    1945 brought in fifty-five Petitions, and according to Brother Kenneth Weaver, P.M., seventy-one were Raised, this being the all-time record. Brother John A. Shoemaker, Treasurer, marked his fiftieth year as a P.M. In a memorable ceremony, Brother Shoemaker, who had Raised Brother Charles A. Shemp on February 4, 1896, presented "Bucky" Shemp with his 50-year Masonic Service Emblem.

    Activity slowed somewhat over the following four years. In 1947, there were thirty-nine Petitions, and only twenty-six in 1949, then forty-nine in 1950. The year, 1948, saw Brother Ralph C. Gingrich appointed District Deputy Grand Master and in 1950, Brother John A. Shoemaker resigned as Treasurer, after having served in that office for nearly fifty years.

    Mention should be made of the part that Members of Ivy Lodge No. 397 had in the Constitution of Dietrick Lamade Lodge No. 755, which took place in Williamsport on October 11, 1947. Participating on the Organizing Committee for Lodge No. 755 were four Brothers of Ivy Lodge. These were Brothers B. Frank Borger, W.M.; L. Eugene Graham, S.W.; Emerson Woolever, Sec.; and Ralph C. Gingrich, P.M.

    And the following Members of Ivy Lodge No. 397 separated there from to become Warrant Members of Dietrick Lamade Lodge No. 755: Brothers William H. Schrum (first Junior Deacon); Dietrick Lamade JJ (first Junior Master of Ceremonies); George R. Lamade; Ralph M. Lamade; George R. Fleming; George R. Nelson; Howard J. Lamade, Jr. (member of the Instruction Committee); George M. Dieffenbach; John Budd Lamade; Charles A. Dawson; Kenneth D. Rhone (member of Instruction Committee); Joseph C. Showers; Charles D. Lamade; Howard J. Lamade, Sr. (Trustee); George L. Stearns II (Trustee); and David D. Geesey) Chairman of Instruction Committee).

    The years 1951-55 produced little of arresting interest. Of course, we have the onward rush of Petitions: thirty-nine in 1951, twenty-eight in 1952, thirty in 1953, twenty-six in 1954, and twenty-one in 1955. At the Stated Meeting for January 3, 1956, it was resolved to set aside $1.00 per year per full Dues-paying Member to build up a 100th Anniversary Fund. In March 1957, the Lodge suffered another regrettable loss, when Brother Emerson L. Woolever, P.M. and Secretary, died. There were twenty-eight Petitions in 1956 and nineteen in 1957.

    Twenty-six Petitions were filed in 1958, fourteen in 1959 and 1960, eighteen in 1961, twenty-two in 1962, fourteen in 1963, fifteen in 1964, twenty-five in 1965, and thirty-one in 1966.

    May 25, 1967 was another important date in our grand history. Our Lodge had its 100th Anniversary, and we were pleased to have Brother Hiram P. Ball, RWGM, as our honored guest.

    From the years of 1968 through 1972, we continued to have banner years for Petitions. 1968 produced twenty-five, in 1969 we had eight, 1970 we had sixteen, 1971 we had fourteen, and in 1972 we had twenty-seven.

    On February 2, 1972, all of the Williamsport Lodges passed a motion to put air-conditioning in the Lodge Room. Over the years this has proved to have been a valuable asset in providing comfort to our Members during the hot days of spring and fall.

    From 1973 to 1986 we continued to be a leader in Petitions, having received a total of one hundred forty-six.

On November 3, 1984, Ivy Lodge was again honored with a visit from Brother William A. Carpenter, RWGM. At this Visitation, the families of the Members were present and all had a glorious time.

    From 1985 to the present we have had continued growth, with an addition of sixty-five new Members.

Ivy Lodge was instrumental in organizing the first District-wide St. John's Day celebration. Ivy Lodge, with the assistance of the other District Lodges, assisted LaBelle Valle Lodge No. 232, in making the first annual Bloodmobile, sponsored by the Masons, a great success.

    Our Lodge is continues serving the community both Masonically and civilly, by volunteering time and making donations to the cause of various charitable organizations. We look forward to the future and serving with pride in the years to come.

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