Nov: ST V.G. WASHINGTON LODGE N21, e CENTRE LODGE, No. 153. Centre Lodge No. 153 was instituted February 23rd, 1846, by District Deputy Grand Master James Gamble and members from Clin- ton Lodge No. 98, Jersey Shore Lodge No. 101, and a few Brothers from Juniata Lodge. The first meetings were held in a hall in th east end of the court house. The first officers were, Noble Grand, Henry Baker ; Vice-Grand, C. H. Bressler ; financial secretary, P. B. Wilson ; recording secretary, William A. Baker, and treasurer, Daniel Welsh. The Lodge continued to meet in the court house until No- vember 19th, 1846, when they moved to the Masonic hall located on east High street, now occupied by N. B. Spangler Esq., and James M. Clark. The first years of its existence were not very successful ; they took in some new members but not much interest was taken and on the fourth day of April, 1856, it surrendered its charter. After a lapse of eleven years a few Brothers made application to the Grand Lodge for the restoration of the old charter, which was granted and the Grand Master delegated District Deputy Grand Master James N. Bell, of Blair county, todeliver the charter and books and reorganize Centre Lodge. The reorganization took place in the McClain block on west High street. ‘The officers at this time were, Noble Grand, Hen- ry Twitmire ; Vice-Grand, J. S. Parsons; secretary, John T. Hoover, and treasurer, William A. Kerlin. The Lodge was successful from the start and took in new members and nearly all of the old members “who belonged before the surrender of the charter. They continued to Ee —., eo meet in the McClain block until January 19th, 1888, when they mov- ed to their present location, Crider’s Stone Building. The Lodge has gained steadily during the past years. It never had any great booms but has gained a very solid membership of the best citizens of the com- "munity. The present officers are, Noble Grand, Calder L. Ray : Vice- Grand, Geo. C. Miller; financial secretary, Harry A. Smith; record- ing secretary, Sinie H. Hoy, and treasurer, Isaac Miller. ‘The past six months have been, very successful having initiated thirty-nine new members and now have a membership of two hundred and forty. The Lodge has a good orchestra under ‘the leadership of Brother Willis E. Wion; they furnish plen- ty of good music for our lodge and fill engagements from the [Continued on page 3, Cols. 2 and 3.] oe
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