cr ft m sonry - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic District Historical ...

25 Nov War Savings Stamps, $500.
World War II
Salt Springs Lodge had a total of 55 members in the armed services, all without casualty.
1942 Series G Defense Bonds, $5,000.
1943 Series G Defense Bonds, $5,000; 1944, $6,000.
1945 Victory Bond, $1,000.
431 Brothers contributed $774.50 to the Masonic War Chest in 1943; 366 in 1944 for a total of $820 ($99.25 to local Service
Center). 1945, 370 donated a total of $1,173.75.
Grand Lodge Service Center, Syracuse. Salt Springs was host during the weeks of 9 Aug 1943, 20 Mar and 17 Sep 1944, and 4
Mar 1945.
20 Aug 1944 Sponsored several Sunday breakfasts for 210 service men at the Y.M.C.A.
Thirty to thirty-five visitors were often present throughout the war years, particularly on a Third Degree. A record number of 48
attended 14 Feb 1942.
Christmas cards were mailed to all brothers on military duty.
Dues were remitted of all members in the armed services for the duration.
Dispensations were presented by Grand Lodge to confer degrees on more that five candidates at one meeting.
Numerous letters were received from brethren in the theatres of war throughout the world.
The Masonic War Chest Program sponsored by Grand Lodge during World War II included:
First Phase:
1. Establishment of Service Centers and recreation rooms throughout the state.
2. Seventy-five bed dormitory at Masonic Hall.
3. Sponsorship of 1,176 men on 42 Navy landing craft ships.
4. Ambulance and mobile units to American Red Cross.
5. $10,000 worth of radios, musical instruments, phonographs, and records to U.S. Navy in Pacific Theatre.
6. Games and recreation material for U.S.S. Bennington.
7. Contributions to Masonic Service Center and related services.
Second Phase: Rehabilitation of service men in general.
1. Furnishing 20 sun rooms at Rhoades General Hospital (USA) and St. Albans Hospital (USN); recreation room: Mason
General Hospital. Patio at Halleran General Hospital and day room in its annex.
2. 2,000 kits for wounded service men.
3. 200 strapped mirrors for disabled service men.
4. Sound system for hospital and post, Fort Hamilton.
5. Games and recreation material for men at Sampson Naval Hospital.
6. Miscellaneous equipment for A.A.F. at Pawling.
7. Books and cigarettes at various military and naval hospitals throughout the state.
Third Phase: Individual rehabilitation for our brethren in service.
Korean War
The following communication is the only reference to the Korean War found in the minutes of Salt Springs Lodge.
14 Jan 1952. G.M. Richard A. Rowlands: Short form closing ordered in event of national emergency: riot, air raid, blackout,
etc., to preserve community civilian protection as well as protection for the brethren and their friends:
W.M. (call up lodge . . .) “Brother S.D. attend at the altar and close the great light in Masonry” (done).
W.M. “By order of the G. M., I declare this lodge closed.”
Chapter IV Anniversary Celebrations
.Annual reunions had been the hallmark of Salt Springs Lodge since its founding.
27 Nov 1886 Committee appointed by the Master to make arrangements to celebrate the 25th Anniversary. The three principal
officers were appointed, with all Past Masters on the Advisory Committee.
16 May 1892 Their 30th Anniversary was observed with a social gathering at the lodge rooms. R.’.W.’. George Judd Gardner
presented an historical address followed by literary and musical entertainment under the direction of Brother G. Pabst.
10 Jun 1907 The highlight of our 45th Anniversary was the presentation of a chair to our only living charter member, Nicholas
Grumbach, by Brother Wenhurst on our behalf.
24 Jun 1917 The Bicentennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of England was celebrated on St. John’s Day on the annual
official pilgrimage of M.’.W.’. Thomas Penney to the Masonic Home at Utica. Members of Salt Springs Lodge were in attendance at
this communication.
21 Sep 1936 The 76th Anniversary dinner was held on 14 Sep 1936 at the Masonic Temple. $1000 had been appropriated for
this festivity, which was attended without cost by 400 Brethren out of a total membership of 769. Grand Lodge Fifty-year Medals
were awarded to Brothers Gates Wiseman, Charles Listman, and George Dunn. Wiseman, who was raised on 30 Sep 1872, our
oldest member with 64 years of service, the first of which were consecutive, gave a most inspiring talk. Our youngest member, Roy
Stone, raised on 15 Jun 1936, was then introduced. Other speakers included M.’.W.’. Harold J. Richardson, R.’.W.’. Fay C. Parsons,
and R.’.W.’. Henry G. Meacham. The program prepared at that time included an historical sketch by Vernon Tapper.
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