CHAPTER XXXIII
HAWTHORNE LODGE NO. 36
Hawthorne, NevadaThat nature was in a grim mood when the country adjacent to Hawthorne, Nevada, was created, is apparent to the visitor to this section of the state as he crosses over magnificent distances whose terrain reveals evidences of violent volcanic disturbances in the remote ages of the past; hills and mountains are void of vegetation ordinarily found in the higher altitudes of Nevada; broad stretches of country are covered with bristling rocks and boulders, as if to guard what lies beyond from the intrusion of all humanity.
And yet, as if to compensate for this awful barrenness, there is a stately grandeur about those rock ribbed hills and mountains, a sublimity in those threatening distances which induces a feeling of awe and reverence for the creative power of the Great Creator of the Universe.
However, the town of Hawthorne, although located in this barren section of Mineral county, is most favorably situated. Nestled at the base of Mt. Grant in the Walker range of mountains, and on the shore of the blue waters of Walker lake, it has, through the efforts of its founders, and the support of the government of the United States, produced an area which makes it an oasis in the desert, for here is located one of the largest and most important naval munition supply bases in the country, authorized by an act of Congress in 1928, and costing approximately over three million dollars; an institution which has grown from a small unit to a splendid cluster of beautiful administration, mechanical, custom and residential buildings, surrounded by well laid out landscaped grounds, and with scores of modern munition magazines stored with the latest improved naval munitions equipment to supply the needs of the U. S. Navy, particularly along the Pacific seaboard.
As might be supposed, the establishment of this supply depot at Hawthorne has changed the old order of things, and the town has emerged from decadence which threatened to engulf it for many years, to a small city of vital activity.
Like several of the towns in that district, Hawthorne in its early history derived practically all of its revenue from mining and prospecting activities, chief among the mines located at or near the town being the Lucky Boy mine, located on Mt. Grant and operated for many years by its owners at a profit, and being the agent from which Hawthorne derived its industrial and commercial support.
Although no other mines of startling importance can be said to have been developed in its immediate vicinity, the region produced minerals in quantities warranting the working of other properties and at one time it was hoped that the district would show development akin to those of the once famous Aurora country, lying to the southwest some twenty-five or thirty miles distant, on the other side of the range of mountains.
Prior to the selection of Hawthorne as the location of the munitions base, fraternal activities in the town had been represented by a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a lodge of Knights of Pythias. With the influx of government employees, however, Masonry was found to be well represented and the urge grew among the various representatives from other jurisdictions who found that in all probability they would be stationed here for a number of years, to establish a Masonic lodge in the town, and perform their Masonic work in a home of their own making.
The nearest lodge of Masons was located at Yerington, fifty miles away, a distance too great to be covered frequently to attend Masonic convocations, and so, with the passing of the months the desire to organize grew, and with the kindling of the desire came concerted action, resulting in a petition being addressed to Hope Lodge No. 22 of Yerington, Nevada, asking their permission to establish a lodge at Hawthorne if the Grand Lodge passed favorably upon the venture, and granted a dispensation for the brethren at Hawthorne to perform Masonic labor. Hope lodge graciously granted the request; accordingly a petition framed under the direction of R. J. Bartholomew, and signed by sixteen members of the craft was forwarded to Most Worshipful W. R. Adams, Grand Master of Masons of Nevada, asking permission to organize a Masonic lodge at Hawthorne, under dispensation.
In due time the dispensation was granted, all things having been complied with in conformity to Grand Lodge code, and Brother R. J. Bartholomew was appointed Worshipful Master, W. F. Merchant was appointed Senior Warden, and W. F. Baker was appointed Junior Warden of the new lodge U. D. to be known as Hawthorne Lodge No. 36.
With the receipt of their notification that the dispensation had been granted, immediate steps were taken by the brethren at Hawthorne to arrange for the appropriate observance of the visitation of Most Worshipful W. R. Adams and other Grand Lodge officers who planned to be present on the night of December 12, 1930, to deliver the dispensation, officially institute the new lodge U. D. and install the officers.
Elaborate plans were made for the entertainment of these distinguished representatives of Nevada Masonry, who upon their arrival in Hawthorne, were at once seated around well appointed tables at which a splendid banquet was served. Immediately following this pleasant function, a lodge of Master Masons was opened in the Odd Fellows hall with the following officers in the chairs: W. R. Adams, of lodge No. 25, Worshipful Master; R. H. Parker, No. 13, Senior Warden; Scott E. Jameson, No. 28, Junior Warden; V. M. Henderson, P. G. M., No. 13, Secretary; William Totman, No. 26, Chaplain; Thos. A. Mills, No. 30, Senior Deacon; A. F. Aymar, No. 25, Junior Deacon; A. L. Haight, P. G. M., No. 26, Marshal; Frank P. McCall, No. 22, Steward; Edw. C. Peterson, P. G. M., Steward; Andy H. Smith, No. 13, Tyler.
Most Worshipful W. R. Adams delivered the dispensation to the newly elected worshipful master, and requested the temporary officers to vacate their chairs, and the newly elected and appointed officers to serve for the coming months to assume their stations. The following officers then assumed their stations: R. J. Bartholomew, Worshipful Master; Wm. F. Merchant, Senior Warden; W. T. Baker, Junior Warden; A. I. Hemlich, Treasurer; R. L. Webb, Secretary; R. L. Collins, Chaplain; F. M. Schramm, Senior Deacon; M. C. Sinnott, Junior Deacon; P. W. Stone, Senior Steward; R. S. Dike, Junior Steward; Martin Evansen, Tyler.
Quoting from the report of the Grand Secretary, V. M. Henderson, in reference to this meeting, we read: "The Grand Master then called on the following brethren: R. W. Robert H. Parker, who presented a fine old Bible that was used in Bodie, Calif., in the early days, in the name of Senior Past Grand Master A. O. Percy, who was unavoidably detained from attending the meeting; Worshipful A. F. Aymar, Grand Junior Deacon, who presented a beautiful set of working tools made by and on behalf of Chas. O. Gasho, of Reno Lodge No. 13; R. A. Trimble, P. M. and Secretary of Amity Lodge No. 4, of Silver City, Nevada, who presented a square and compass, ballot box, cable tow, sword, canvas, setting maul, four staffs, degree chart, small pillars for the west and south, and a set of gavels, on behalf of the members of Amity Lodge; Worshipful Andy M. Smith, Grand Tyler, who presented twenty-five white aprons in the name of W. I. Machabee, W. M. of Reno Lodge No. 13; Frank P. McCall, W. M. of Hope Lodge No. 22, who presented a fine set of officers jewels in the name of the members of Hope Lodge; Very Worshipful V. M. Henderson, who, in a few well chosen words presented a bill for $75.00 for their dispensation.
Most Worshipful W. R. Adams delivered a most inspiring, instructive and encouraging address from which is quoted the following:
"I am not unmindful of the most important part that the brethren of Hope Lodge No. 22 have taken in this event, for it was entirely through their courtesy, and their great zeal in the great institution of Masonry in our state, that they gave their consent to the formation of a lodge in a territory which in the past, they have presided over, and from which they have drawn their strength, and all due credit must be extended them for their generosity and the sacrifices they have made in the name of Masonry.
Continuing, he said: "The brethren who will, in the future, be known as charter members of this lodge, are men who are demitting from eight different Masonic jurisdictions, and their wide knowledge of Masonry as it has been taught them in their respective jurisdictions, can be a tower of strength and inspiration to the officers selected to govern and preside over the affairs of your lodge."
In closing the Grand Master said: "You are working and will continue to do so, under a dispensation from your Grand Master until the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge convenes in annual communication in June, 1931, when that august body will decide whether or not my judgment was sound in granting you a privilege of instituting a Masonic lodge for the purpose of Masonic labor; but, I have no doubt, nor hesitancy in saying, that they will confirm my action in placing in your hands the implements of Masonry with the command that you build henceforth."
The prophecy of Most Worshipful Adams was fulfilled, for, at its annual communication held in Ely, Nevada, in June, 1931, the Grand Lodge confirmed the action of Most Worshipful W. R. Adams, and authorized the issuance of a charter, empowering the brethren of Hawthorne lodge No. 36 to participate in the full rights and privileges of Masonry among the constituent lodges of the state.
The decision of the grand lodge was the occasion of much rejoicing among the Hawthorne brethren who eagerly awaited advice from the grand lodge, appointing a date for the delivery of the charter, the constituting of the new lodge, and the installation of the new officers.
With characteristic promptness the newly elected and installed Grand Master, Most Worshipful Scott E. Jameson, appointed June 27th as the date set for the ceremonies, and the craft in Hawthorne awaited with expectancy the arrival of the date when the baby lodge of the state should receive its christening.
A splendid representation of Masons from various sections of the state greeted Most Worshipful Scott E. Jameson on the evening of the day set for the ceremonies. Prior to opening the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master opened a lodge of past masters and conferred the past masters degree on Brother Bartholomew who had been elected worshipful master of Hawthorne lodge for the ensuing year. Most Worshipful Scott E. Jameson then assumed his station in the Masonic east and called the Grand Lodge to order, filling the various stations with the following brethren: Scott E. Jameson, of Tonopah No. 28, M. W. Grand Master.
Robt. H. Parker, of Reno No. 13, R. W. Deputy Grand Master.
Harold R. Amens, of Ely No. 29, R. W. Senior Grand Warden.
Silas E. Ross, P. G. M. of Reno No. 13, R. W. Junior Grand Warden.
W. J. Harris, P. G. M. of Reno No. 13, V. W. Grand Treasurer.
V. M. Henderson, P. G. M. of Reno No. 13, V. W. Grand Secretary.
W. R. Adams, P. G. M. of Wadsworth No. 25, W.G.M. of Instruction.
W. R. Adams, P.G.M. of Wadsworth No. 25, V. Rev. G. Chaplain.
A. F. Aymar, of Washoe No. 35, W. Senior Grand Deacon.
J. C. Snyder, of Hope No. 22, W. Junior Grand Deacon.
C. A. Carlson, Jr., of Washoe No. 35, W. Grand Marshal.
H. C. Schmidt, of Tonopah No. 28, W. Grand Orator.
L. W. Semenza, of Reno No. 13, W. Grand Organist.
L. D. Riley, of Hope No. 22, W. Grand Bible Bearer.
L. H. Abernathy, of Tonopah No. 28, W. Grand Sword Bearer.
Forest Lovelock, of Tonopah No. 28, W. Grand Standard Bearer.
C. W. Torrence, of Ely No. 29, W. Grand Steward.
Thos. H. Lever, of Hope No. 22, W. Grand Steward.
James Currie, of Tonopah No. 28, W. Grand Pursuivant.
Andy H. Smith, of Reno No. 13, W. Grand Tyler.As upon the occasion seven and one half months before when the M. W. Grand Master and other visiting grand lodge officers foregathered in Hawthorne to deliver a dispensation to the petitioners for a Masonic lodge U. D., so, upon this occasion the ceremonies were opened in the joint Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias hall.
Promptly at nine o'clock the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by prayer by the Grand Chaplain, and proclamation by the Grand Marshal. The Most Worshipful Grand Master then proceeded to constitute the new lodge according to ancient Masonic form, employing the beautiful ceremony of consecration with the elements of Corn, Wine and Oil. The age old ceremony had never before been witnessed by many of the brethren present, but its symbolism could not be misconstrued nor misapplied, and as the last rite was concluded, and the Grand Master proclaimed the new lodge duly constituted and a member of the constituent lodges of Nevada, there was a moment of hushed silence, as if the spirit of all true Masons who had gone before, had united to breathe their benediction of good will and unity upon the new born lodge.
Most Worshipful Scott E. Jameson then installed the following officers into office: R. J. Bartholomew, Worshipful Master; Wm. F. Merchant, Senior Warden; W. T. Baker, Junior Warden; A. J. Hemlich, Treasurer; R. L. Webb, Secretary; M. C. Sinnott, Senior Deacon; H. W. Stone, junior Deacon; R. C. Collins, Chaplain; C. M. Mitchell, Marshal; S. E. Bowers, Steward; E. E. Frazier, Steward; Martin Evansen, Tyler, and they were proclaimed duly installed by Brother C. A. Carlson, Jr., Grand Marshal.
Letters and telegrams congratulating the Hawthorne brethren and extending to them Masonic greetings and well wishes for a successful meeting and a peaceful, harmonious and long life of Masonic service were received from Past Grand Masters Ed. Peterson and Harry H. Atkinson, also from Governor Fred B. Balzar, and Grand Chaplain Merwyn H. Brown, while Past Master Silas E. Ross conveyed the regrets of Senior Past Grand Master A. O. Percy, who could not be present on account of illness which confined him to his bed.
At the conclusion of the reading of the several messages and letters, and remarks of the visiting Grand Lodge officers, all of whom wished for the new lodge a long and useful career, Most Worshipful Scott E. Jameson delivered a splendid address admonishing the new officers to untiring efforts in the promulgation of the principles of Masonry, whose ancient tenets were today being practiced and accepted not only by the craft, but in spirit also by many of the profane. He urged obedience to the moral and mandatory laws of the land, that by precept and example of the craft, the uninitiated might know that Masonry stands for right and brooks no wrong, that it is the embodiment of Truth, and sheds its light in darkened places guiding those who grope in moral and spiritual darkness into the brightness of a new day. In closing, the Grand Master said: "And so, my brethren, it is with you for Masonry to establish its prestige in this community. That you meet your responsibilities as Masons is my admonition; it is also my sincere belief that you will he filled with an urge to carry on as only true Masons do, for you have proven to the Grand Lodge and our craft in Nevada that you have been prompted by the true Masonic urge to erect in the midst of this beautiful location, as well as to create in the hearts and minds of your associates, this visible evidence of an age old institution, established here for their benefit if by careful reflection its beauties as practiced by you should appeal to them. The future of this lodge is in your hands; may I add, constructive hands, and around this nucleus, may I prophesy you will gather a following which shall bring honor to our ancient institution."
This prophecy has been fulfilled. After several years of existence, braving the discouragements and disappointments of a universal period of depression, Hawthorne Lodge No. 36 has emerged a tower of strength; it has performed its Masonic work under difficulties, it is true, but has come out of the melting pot a stronger, better unit of Masonry by reason of its trials, for the real spirit of Masonry inspires its membership, while the urge to carry on is strong within them. Paraphrasing a well known quotation, of them it may well be said:
"They are men to match the mountains,
They are men to match the plains,
Men with eras in their vision,
Men with empires in their brains."