CONRAD LODGE #271, F. & A.M.

HISTORY

Freemasons have been involved in Alliance for 153 years. Conrad Masonic Lodge #271, Free & Accepted Masons was formed in 1855 by seven men, and Joseph R. Conrad was the first Master of the Lodge. It is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the Alliance area.

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Freemasons. Today, there are more than 2 million Freemasons in North America alone.

The Mission Statement of Ohio Freemasons is: "Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men who believe in God and desire to contribute to the improvement of their communities and themselves. Through our Masonic Fraternalism, we reaffirm our dedication and unity to become involved citizens who have a strong desire to preserve the values that have made, and continue to make America great."

Freemasonry is descended from lodges of stonemasons, who built the castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. The tools and objects used by stonemasons have been adapted as symbols in the ritual and ceremonies of modern Freemasonry to teach moral lessons. Known worldwide as a symbol of character, charity and brotherly love, the Square and Compasses design is the emblem of every Masonic lodge.

Today, Freemasonry is deeply involved with helping people. masonic related groups in the United States, including Lodges, Shriners, Scottish and York Rite, Grotto and the Order of the Eastern Star, contribute more than $2 million every day to charity. Various college scholarships are also available. Conrad Masonic Lodge has made contributions of money and time to local charities and organizations through the years.

Freemasons are men, age 19 and over, of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place, and have a belief in a Supreme Being. If an individual is interested in becoming a member, he can begin by contacting Conrad Lodge or speaking to a Freemason.

General information is available at www.freemason.com. For local information, contact the Lodge Secretary, Mike Zigler at (330) 823-5644.

Detailed History of Conrad Lodge #271, F. & A.M.

Worshipful Master Mark Maclagan, W.M.
Worshipful Brother Wells Oyster, P.M.
Worshipful Brother Michael L. Zigler, P.M.
Brother Joseph G. Grabiel, M.M.
September 1, 2008

A Brief History of Alliance, Ohio
The smallest details are debated. The complete account of exactly when, where, and how the city’s inception took form is a topic that time and again has created lively conversation across many a kitchen or banquet table; one pursued even today.
There is a foundation of rock-solid truth however and all historians’ versions rely on some portion of that truth, deviating only when evidence or audience grows thin. A truly reliable source of the account of events, which bear witness to the beginnings of our city, is published as the ‘Introduction’ to Brother Lyle Crist’s (33rd Degree) book titled simply “Alliance”, published in 1998 and reprinted in 2004.

“It began with Williamsport, Liberty, and Freedom. These three small communities eventually grew together and became incorporated as the town, Alliance, in 1854.”
Brother Crist’s history explains how it was a railroad official’s suggestion the town be named “Alliance” with the occurrence here of the alliance of two prominent railroads. He noted also the population in 1850, at the end of the pre-railroad era, stood about two hundred persons.

The last census estimates a population of about twenty-three thousand people. Alliance’s population growth rate is considered mature. A change of more than a few percent in either direction is not expected. Today’s Alliance remains as vital however if less burgeoning as the small cross-railroads community of one-hundred-fifty years ago, and there have been Free and Accepted Masons here the entire time.

The Roots of Freemasonry in Alliance
Masons were living in Alliance and its vicinity during those early years, and through the efforts of those few a Symbolic Lodge was formed. Alliance’s Masonic brethren petitioned the Grand Lodge of Ohio during the summer months of 1855 for a dispensation and Charter with the express intent of forming a blue lodge.

B. R. Perdue, then Worshipful Master of the Brown Lodge #235 in Minerva, Ohio secured the petition. Dispensation was granted by the Grand Master of Ohio, William B. Dodds, on August 27, 1855. The name taken for the new lodge was the Alliance Lodge.

Two meetings of the Alliance Lodge were held while under dispensation: September 23rd and October 23rd. Both meetings were presided over by B. R. Perdue. Other officer positions were filled by the following: J. R. Conrad, Senior Warden; R. Baldwin, Junior Warden; D. G. Hester, Secretary; Alex Fishel, Treasurer; A. H. Fracker, Senior Deacon; Jesse Reeves, Junior Deacon; and George Bensel, Tyler. Mr. Thomas J. Nixon petitioned for membership at the first meeting. At the second meeting one month later, the degree of Entered Apprentice was conferred upon him.

The Grand Lodge that year met at Mansfield on October 25th in annual communication. The By-Laws and Records of the Alliance Lodge were presented with the recommendation they be approved. Later that day the Grand Lodge of Ohio granted a “Charter of Regular and Constitutional Lodge of Master Masons by the Name, Style, and Title of Alliance Lodge #271 F. & A.M.”

The first communication of the new lodge was a special meeting on November 14th, presided over by Past Master of the Wellsville Lodge #180 J. A. Riddle who was instituted proxy of the Grand Lodge to install officers. The officers appointed in the Charter by the Grand Master were: J. A. Riddle, W.M. Pro tem; J. R. Conrad, S.W.; R. Baldwin, J.W. Six days later the first stated communication was held with these officers in their stations:

•  J. R. Conrad, W.M.
•  B. W. Johnson, S.W.
•  R. Baldwin, J.W.
•  A. H. Fracker, S.D.
•  Jesse Reeves, J.D.
•  Jesse Reeves, Tyler Pro tem
•  D. G. Hester, Secretary
•  I. S. Orton, Treasurer.

Two candidates were elected at that meeting to receive the degree of Entered Apprentice, and Bro. Thomas J. Nixon was elected to receive the degree of Fellow Craft. A special meeting was called December 4th to confer this degree on Bro. Nixon.

The first Master Mason degree conferred by the Alliance Lodge #271 was to Bro. Thomas J. Nixon at a stated meeting December 18th. Officers were elected during the regular business at that meeting. Those elected in 1855 were:

•  J. R. Conrad, W.M.
•  B. W. Johnson, S.W.
•  R. Baldwin, J.W.
•  T. J. Nixon, Treasurer
•  D. G. Hester, Secretary
•  A. H. Fracker, S.D.
•  Jesse Reeves, J.D.
•  George Bensel, Tyler.

Masonry Grows Here
The stability successful operation of the Alliance Lodge #271 provided helped efforts to form a second blue lodge develop from within the lodge. Beginning about the year 1873 several members of the Alliance Lodge met to organize the new lodge. During that year J. H. Sharer, prominent in the Alliance business community, served as Worshipful Master of Alliance Lodge #271.

J. R. Conrad and several Lodge #271 brothers developed a petition in similar fashion as was with the creation of the Alliance Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Ohio approved the dispensation on March 18, 1874. Grand Master of Ohio Asa H. Battin granted the dispensation to these brothers: J. R. Conrad, O. J. Heusted, W. H. Dressler, William Stallcup, J. W. Gillespie, W. A. Nixon, John Joseph, E. M. Chapman, J. C. Sutton, and P. H. Barr. Charter was granted the new lodge on October 20, 1875 - nineteen months after it had received its dispensation. The Conrad Lodge #494 was begun; named after J. R. Conrad.

Conrad Lodge met the first and third Monday of each month of the calendar year. On April 20, 1874 the new lodge received the first petitioners for degrees. They were: P. C. Petit, Charles Y. Kay, and J. B. Milner. While still under dispensation Conrad received from Homeworth, Ohio Masons a petition for acceptance. Homeworth too was applying for dispensation. The same petition was sent to Alliance Lodge #271, but it was Conrad who first responded.

Alliance, Ohio’s two blue lodges met and worked separately for a period of almost four years. On May 6, 1879 a change in direction was proposed. It was then that the idea of consolidating both lodges was proffered by Alliance Lodge. Members of Alliance Lodge passed a resolution stating it was their desire to unite with Conrad Lodge. A request that Conrad co-operate accompanied the resolution.

Once received at Conrad, little was done regarding the matter. Conrad Lodge #494 did not send a reply for four and one half years. A yea vote then of forty-two of sixty of the Conrad brothers agreed to the consolidation. Their answer was presented at a stated meeting of Alliance Lodge, November 6, 1883. Accompanying their signatures were conditions. Conrad Lodge required the Alliance Lodge meet four demands before participation would be granted. The conditions were:

1. That the name of the consolidated lodge be a name agreeable to both lodges, or one decided upon after agreement was reached by a majority vote.
2. That the lodge number shall be #271.
3. That any and all contracts entered previous to the consolidation by either lodge be honored in full by the consolidated lodge.
4. That the property and effects of each lodge become the property and effects of the consolidated lodge.

The Alliance Lodge deferred answering for just over two years. A meeting of select members from both lodges in committee then advanced the idea two lodges should continue as one. Alliance Lodge #271 sent A. B. Ewing, J. K. Allen, and J. H. Sharer – Junior Past Master. Conrad Lodge #494 sent A. B. Love, J. M. Stillwell, and Charles Chapman – Junior Past Master.

When the brothers concluded their meeting, the resolution was ready to be presented to the Alliance Lodge. The resolution promptly was signed by no less than fifty brothers of Alliance Lodge #271 at a stated meeting scheduled January 5, 1886.

The official date of the consolidation was set for April 16, 1886. This was to be a stated communication for Conrad and a special meeting for Alliance. Most Worshipful Grand Master S. Stacker Williams presided and, as it was recounted, he “took charge of the lodge when he made some very appropriate remarks upon consolidation of the two lodges after which he declared the Alliance Lodge #271 and Conrad Lodge #494 duly consolidated.” Membership that day stood at 155. From that day forward the name of the blue lodge has been Conrad Lodge #271 F. & A. M..

There is a bit of history that sparkles. Conrad Lodge #271 F. & A. M. conducted business at stated meetings and conferred degrees for a period of forty-three years without having been granted a Charter by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The oversight was discovered and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of both Conrad Lodge and the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication held in Toledo October 17, 1929.

Apparently, the actions taken by Grand Master S. S. Williams in 1886 had not been entered into the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. A Charter was prepared in 1929 and was signed by the officers and brothers of the Conrad Lodge #271 and the Grand Lodge of Ohio. No protest ever was raised about any degree work performed or business conducted on behalf of Conrad Lodge during those forty-three years.

Yet Another Lodge Forms
The City of Alliance’s Masonic community again found there to be a need for a second blue lodge. Membership at consolidation in 1886 stood at 155, but interest in the Masonic life grew during the years and decades that ensued and by the 1920’s membership in Conrad Lodge #271 stood at around 800.

The blue lodge met at the Masonic Temple - a splendid hall built during the previous decade and dedicated entirely to the pursuit of the Masonic ideals and the practice of its rituals. The Temple most certainly was adequate to the task. More is to be written about this fine edifice.

With the Conrad Masons were many hundreds affiliated with other branches of the Masonic learning tree; each meeting at the Temple: the Alliance Chapter #83 Royal Arch Masons, Alliance Council #112 Royal and Select Masons, Alliance Commandery #67 Knights Templar, and the Alliance Chapter #296 Order of the Eastern Star.

Secretary of the Masonic Temple Company, Brother A. E. Melbourne, knew of perhaps two hundred brother Master Masons meeting there who were not affiliated with Conrad Lodge #271. Brother Melbourne made further inquiry of these sojourning Brothers and discovered many carried no interest in affiliating with the by now large Conrad Lodge, rather, many expressed a desire to form a new blue lodge.

Brother Melbourne, realizing Alliance’s industrial and commercial might supported continued population growth and noting how fertile was the plain for the Masonic lifestyle, called a meeting to discuss the idea. The meeting was held May 17, 1925 at 8:30 p.m. in the third floor lounge area of the Temple.

Minutes reveal there were forty-five Master Masons in attendance. Temporary officers were elected so that business could be conducted. A. C. Ball was elected temporary Chairman and E. M. Yarnell was elected temporary Secretary. All present expressed their support for a new lodge and each pledged further support for the cause. Much was accomplished in a few hours. A report was generated that was to be presented before the Past Masters Association of Conrad Lodge. Rental rates and other sundry topics also were addressed and the report was received and adopted. It so stipulated:

1. That they would approve a new lodge and lend their support to its organization.
2. That the petition would not be circulated among the membership of Conrad Lodge.
3. That regular evening meetings were to be held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays on the month.
4. That suitable arrangements be made to use the furniture and effects of the Conrad Lodge until such time when they were able to purchase those items.

A ballot was ordered to elect the three principal officers. Each was elected by a unanimous vote of those present. Brother Melbourne suggested Worshipful Brother A. Dillon Crist, then Lecturer for the 21st Masonic District of Ohio and immediate Past Master of Conrad Lodge for Worshipful Master. A motion and second were received from Brothers Allcorn and Berg. A. C. Ball was suggested for Senior Warden by Brother Ellsworth, and a second was received from Brother Schultz, and E. M. Yarnell was suggested for Junior Warden by Brother Banks, second by Brother Keith.

Brother Yarnell then requested that his name be removed from consideration and this was done, and Brother Ralph G. Harshman was presented for Junior Warden, who accepted. It was at that first meeting in fact Brother Harshman who suggested the name for the new lodge be “J.E. McFadden”, after one of the Alliance area’s most distinguished of Masonic persons: Right Worshipful Brother Jacob E. McFadden (33rd Degree). This was approved, and the meeting adjourned.

It took some few months to assemble all of the paperwork necessary to establish the new lodge and its membership as being prepared for dispensation. During the fourth meeting of J.E. McFadden Lodge, June 10th, Brothers Geo. Powley and Clyde M. Baker were appointed by Worshipful Brother Crist to serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively until such time as dispensation was served and their positions would be made official. A membership committee was created whose function was to circulate the petition and assist the brethren in obtaining their dimits. A deadline of July 7th was set for presenting the data to Conrad Lodge.

The approval from Conrad came at their regular meeting July 21st. The tally was: Yes 23 votes, No 13 votes. That evening at 9:45 p.m. Worshipful Brother Crist left Alliance with the petition and necessary forms via train for Cincinnati. Harry S. Johnson, Grand Secretary, granted dispensation the morning of July 22nd, however, the dispensation needed Grand Master James B. Ruhl’s signature.

The Grand Master being presently in Cleveland, Worshipful Brother Crist boarded a train and arrived in Cleveland during the evening of the 22nd. The next day dispensation was granted. J.E. McFadden Lodge held their first regular meeting under dispensation July 24, 1925.

The dispensation continued “in full force until the next Annual Communication of our Grand Lodge to be holden at the City of Columbus, Ohio on the twenty-first day of October A.L. 5925 A.D. 1925, unless sooner revoked by competent authority, and I hereby appoint:

• Worshipful Brother Dillon Crist to be the first Worshipful Master
• Brother Alf. C. Ball to be the first Senior Warden
• Brother Ralph G. Harshman to be the first Junior Warden

Of the said New Lodge; and it shall be their duty and they are hereby required to return this Dispensation, with all the proceedings had under the authority of the same, together with an attested copy of their By-Laws, to our Grand Lodge aforesaid, at the expiration of the time herein specified for examination and such other action in the premises as shall be deemed wise and proper. Given under my hand and Private Seal at Cleveland, Ohio this 23rd day of July A.L. 5925 A.D. 1925.” Signed by James B. Ruhl, Grand Master, and Harry S. Johnson, Grand Secretary.

The ‘Annual Return for 1924 – 25 submitted August 9th while Under Dispensation’ listed total membership of seventy Master Masons. Those charter members had dimitted from a home lodge to join McFadden Lodge. In holding to one of the conditions agreed upon during the organization meeting, while excepting the Worshipful Master, there were no dimits received from Conrad #271. Charter was granted to J. E. McFadden Lodge #697 of Alliance, Ohio on October 22, 1925. The Alliance Review that date announced the lodge’s bid in a small article. Alliance, Ohio once again had two blue lodges. Membership at both lodges one year later in 1926 stood at: Conrad #271 – 794, and McFadden #697 – 116.

A Place To Meet
There is no mention in the official record of where the Masonic lodge was located during that first decade or so, and only references made in prior histories give any indication as to a location. Through careful reconstruction of those few facts, employing the record of documents as a guide, it can be determined with a high amount of certainty just where in Alliance the Lodges did meet.

The Alliance Lodge #271 held many early meetings in a second floor room of a building owned by someone referred to as “A. Miller.” An examination of Stark County courthouse records does reveal there was an Andrew Miller who purchased a property on Main Street during the period in question. There is reference to other properties throughout Stark County purchased during those years by an “A.Miller” but only one of those was located on Main Street in Alliance, Ohio.

Andrew Miller purchased Lot 8 in the Jennings and Brooks Allotment. The deed was signed May 6th and December 8th in the year 1856 by Simeon Jennings and Eliza Jennings respectively, and was received for record in Canton, Ohio on April 27, 1857.
Whether Alliance Lodge #271 began to meet at that place after Miller took title or before is unknown. The Jennings and Brooks Allotment was platted east of Liberty Avenue. It’s boundaries ran east along the north side of Fulton Street between East Main Street and the easternmost railroad tracks - those owned by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and crossed over the lines owned by the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad - later the Pennsylvania Railroad. Lot No. 8 is located at the southeast corner of East Main Street and Liberty Avenue.

Brother Crist’s account assists here as he has explained the site was the location of ‘The Stark Hotel’ in the 1880’s. Alliance Lodge had moved on by then however. As a point of reference the location serves today as one corner of the viaduct property.
Conrad Lodge #271 did meet in several locations during the last decades of the nineteenth century up to the mid – nineteen tens. Citing previous histories, the lodge was located on the third floor of the Kay Building. Brother Crist’s account does indicate the Kay Building was located west of the Newsome Tower, the former City Savings Bank building, on the south side of East Main Street near the City Square. The site serves today as a parking lot for the Tower residents.

A reason for the move is not provided in the record. On June 1, 1895 the Lodge moved across the square to its new residence on the third floor of the Stone Block. The Stone Block is located on the north side of East Main Street in the 500 block and presently houses law offices and City offices. Worshipful Brother Wells Oyster recounts that a ‘Square and Compass’ was painted on the inside of the transom glass above the door leading into the building.

While maintaining a lodgeroom at the Stone building, additional clubrooms were secured on the second floor of the Coates Block. The Coates Block was located on the northwest corner of East Main Street and Linden Avenue. The building long ago was razed and replaced by the building that for many years were the McCrory’s and G.C. Murphy stores. Clubrooms were not maintained long at the Coates location and at some point they were relocated to the second floor of the Hampton Building on the south side of the 200 block of East Main Street, presently a municipal parking lot.

The idea of owning a building began to take form late in 1912. Leases for both lodge and clubrooms were about to expire. Space was secured for both in rooms located on the third floor of the Wick Block: a building formerly located on the southeast corner of East Main Street and Arch Avenue. At one time the Wick Block housed The Alliance Business College and Penrod’s Men’s Wear. On January 7, 1913 a motion was passed that a committee be appointed who would meet in conjunction with Alliance Chapter #83 Royal Arch Masons to ferret-out the details and determine the feasibility of building a free-standing temple.

The Temple Building
Our Masonic Temple is located at 144 South Linden Avenue on the northeast corner of South Linden Avenue and East Columbia Street. An excellent history exists in brief form that was included in the “Program of Dedication of Masonic Temple Alliance, Ohio”. It herein is reproduced.

“Between the time the sentiment for a Masonic Temple in Alliance crystallized into definite action and the dedication today of the completed temple, fewer than four years elapsed.

For the purpose of this souvenir program, it is sufficient to epitomize the main events connecting the conception of the temple and its successful consummation which is being accomplished today.

These facts, tersely told, are:

• April 22, 1914 – First shareholders meeting; board of trustees elected and purchase of the Weybrecht property at Linden Avenue and Columbia street authorized.
• April 24, 1914 – Trustees organized and elected officers.
• March 16, 1915 – Stockholders adopt temple plans.
• July 9, 1915 – Stockholders authorize trustees to award contract to Ernest Kroemer, of Dayton.
• July 16, 1915 – Trustees elect Dr. C. S. Hoover, H.D. Tolerton, Guy E. Allot, L.D. Scranton and Oatis Wilcox as building committee.
• August 9, 1915 – Excavation commenced.
• August 31, 1915 – First brick laid.
• October 9, 1915 – Cornerstone laid by Acting Grand Master H.M. Haglebarger, of Akron, who is today dedicating temple as actual Grand Master of Ohio.
• August 7, 1916 – Contractor W.F. Scott, Alliance, takes up work – succeeding Contractor Kroemer who defaulted in his contract.
• December 2, 1917 – Temple open for inspection of Masons and their families
• December 4, 1917 – First stated communication of Blue Lodge held in new temple.
• December 5, 1917 – Open house to other fraternal organizations and to the general public.
• December 6, 1917 – First Masonic Ball in the new temple.
• December 7, 1917 – First stated meeting Eastern Star.
• January 1, 1918 – Temple formally dedicated.

In the erection of the temple which is today dedicated to Masons throughout the world in general and to the Masonic bodies of Alliance in particular, the trustees have had the benefit of whole-hearted co-operation and sympathetic support of not only the members of the Blue Lodge, but also of the Chapter Council, Commandery and the Eastern Star lodges. The complete temple, as it stands today, is mute, but impressive evidence of the loyalty and the labor of the members of these various Masonic bodies.

In acknowledging the loyal support and the wise counsel of the members of the craft, the trustees are not unmindful of the fidelity, the diligence and the studious desire to please which have characterized the labor of the workers who have builded the temple. Of them it may be truly said, as a slight measure of appreciation:
‘They have builded better than they know.’”

The Investigation Committee formed in 1913 consisted of Brothers M. S. Milbourne, George Reeves, George Judd, T. D. Russell, and D. B. Cassaday. The motion presented to Conrad Lodge passed that a subscription of no less than $15,000.00 was necessary before work could proceed. Brothers F. V. Cassaday, E. G. Lovett, Oatis Wilcox, D. H. Hoobler, and G. C. Baxley assisted the Investigation Committee in this endeavor.

While work began on schedule and progress toward completion proceeded at a rapid pace initially, problems with solvency of the original contractor did create delays lasting ten months. Ultimately through the bonding company a local contractor, W. F. Scott, was chosen to continue the construction.

The Masonic Temple Company was formed whose function was to manage the funds involved with construction, to supervise the progress made and provide quality control, to properly furnish and equip the facility once completed, and to see to the maintenance. Dr. Charles S. Hoover of the Transue and Williams Company accepted the presidency. The Temple Company sold seven hundred shares at a share price of one hundred dollars. Approximately six hundred fifty Masons purchased shares. The balance was secured with a comparatively small mortgage.

In 1914 these men served with President Hoover as officers: William Hart, Vice-President; J. Oatis Wilcox, Secretary, and William A. Thompson, Treasurer. Seventeen Trustees were appointed along with these Ex-Officio members, each representing one branch of the constabulary:

• F. R. Donaldson, W.M. Conrad Lodge F. & A.M., No. 271
• C. T. Morgan, H.P. Alliance Chapter, No. 83 R.A.M.
• H. B. Gardner, T.I.M. Alliance Council, No. 112 R. & S.M.
• J. E. McFadden, E.C. Alliance Commandery, K.T.

As platted the Sublots were known as Lots 18, 17, and 16 respectfully of the Teeters and Lamborn Allotment. City Lots 717, 718, and 719 less a parcel of 650 square feet from City Lot 719 were selected as the location of the new building. The lots were owned by the Weybrecht estate: B. F. and Elizabeth Weybrecht, Jennie and John H. Vitzthum, Mary V. and Leroy Lamborn, Annie and Fremont Livingston, and Charles C. and Emilie Weybrecht. The portion of Lot 719 not included in the sale, a remnant still in the Teeters’ name later was purchased from Dr. Charles S. Hoover.

The deed to the ‘Weybrecht property’ was signed between March 1, 1915 and March 23, 1916 and received for record March 24, 1916. The ‘Hoover parcel’ deed was signed June 13, 1918 and received for record April 19, 1920. Cost for the three city lots was seventeen thousand dollars ($17,000.00).

The architectural firm Thayer and Thayer of Newcastle, Pennsylvania was employed. The original contract for construction was let for $44,109.00. Actual cost of building the Temple was $74,732.55. Furnishings and fixtures totaling $16,267.45 added to the land and building cost brought the total outlay to $108,000.00.

The Temple was built during the World War I, and construction was subject to the shortages of building stock and inflations evident during the Crisis however, through persistence and clarity of objective a stunning result was achieved. The Federal Reserve Board’s index of yearly inflation rates provides an interesting comparison between 1918 and 2008. Temple outlay in 2008 dollars would be $1,542,039.74, all other factors held equal.

The Cornerstone
“Masons Lay Temple Cornerstone; Plumed Knights Escort Craftsmen.” The reporter’s name is absent whose words followed the feature article headline of the Saturday, October 9, 1915 “Alliance Review and Leader.” The article’s deckline told of the main events: “Ancient Ceremony is Used at Impressive Event – Dr. D. C. Grover Delivers an Eloquent Oration – Corn, Wine and Oil Poured Over Stone, in Keeping With Traditional Custom,” and the cutline complete with artist rendition of the completed temple told readers of where the Temple would be located. Acting Grand Master H. M. Haglebarger of Akron received the gavel from Worshipful Master C. T. Morgan and presided over the Ceremony held October 9, 1915.

Events that day included a communication of the Grand Lodge followed by a parade. The parade began at the Stone Block Masonic lodge room and marched west to Union Avenue where “the procession counter-marched to Linden and south on Linden to the temple site.” Templar Knights from both Canton and Salem escorted the Masons, and a military band accompanied.

Bro. W. L. Hart presented the Gold Trowel to the Most Worshipful Grand Master with these words. “In behalf of Conrad Lodge No. 271, Free and Accepted Masons, I present to you for this purpose a trowel whose symbolism and importance in Masonry is familiar to all Masons …”

Grand Orator Dr. D. C. Grover told the crowd that “the Alliance Masonic temple which shall rise above this cornerstone will be beautiful in architectural design, massive and strong, and marked by symmetry and order.” Truer words never were spoken. Grand Treasurer J. E. McFadden of Alliance was presented a list of the contents of the ‘Masonic Temple Building Corner Stone Box.’ The box made of copper holds these items:

1. A sealed list of the members of Committee on Arrangements.
2. A sealed list of the names of the Trustees of Alliance Masonic Temple Company.
3. An imprint of the Seals of Conrad Lodge No. 271, Alliance Chapter No. 83, The Alliance Masonic Club Company, and The Alliance Masonic Temple Company.
4. A copy of an Oxford Pictorial Bible.
5. Calendar of Conrad Lodge and all Masonic Orders corrected to date.
6. Square and Compasses.
7. Copy of By-Laws of Conrad Lodge No. 271.
8. Official Program of Corner Stone laying.
9. The American Flag.
10. A box of Jewels consisting of Crown and Cross, Keystone, Chapter Pennies, and Jewish half-shekel all engraved.
11. An official copy of the Orations.
12. A copy of The Alliance Review and Leader.

On May 13, 2006, Right Worshipful Brother James M. Williamson, Grand Master of the State of Ohio, accompanied by the Grand Officers led a Reconsecration Ceremony at the Temple. Assisted by Conrad officers, Right Worshipful Williamson presided over the ceremonial pouring of the wine, corn, and oil, performed in accordance with the ancient directives. The Saturday morning event was scheduled to recognize one-hundred-fifty years of Freemasonry here in Alliance.

A Grand Parade in Alliance
The Temple Dedication was performed New Year’s Day 1918. A fine ‘Programme’ was arranged for Masons and their Ladies which lasted from eleven thirty in the morning, when Dinner was served, through to the Grand Ball featuring the King Vanderkar Orchestra that began at eight that evening. The Dedication exercises followed the Grand Parade at three in the afternoon. At seven sharp came the conferring of Master Mason Degrees in the new Blue Lodge Room.

Movies at the spacious Columbia Theater to the immediate east of the Temple were arranged during the day as entertainment for those Ladies and children in attendance. It is reported the film shown was: “The Little Princess” with Mary Pickford. Truly a splendid program of events that was to signal a new beginning for Alliance and the Masonic community.

As significant and important the Dedication and Degree work were the signature event of the entire program must have been The Grand Parade. The Alliance Review recounted the event in their Wednesday, January 2, 1918 paper. As reported in the Review, one thousand Masons participated in The Grand Parade.

The procession formed at the Temple, marched north on South Linden Avenue to East Main Street where the column turned east toward Liberty Avenue. At Liberty, the lines counter-marched and moved back up East Main Street. Continuing up East Main Street the column of one thousand marched as far as the intersection at Lincoln Avenue. Here the line again counter-marched back down East Main Street to South Linden Avenue where they turned and ended back at the Temple. It was noted that Masonic Bands played during the return trip from Lincoln Avenue to the Temple.

Grand Orator Dr. S. B. Salmon gave the address and Grand Master of Ohio Right Worshipful Brother H. M. Haglebarger added an encouraging speech. The Dedication ceremony represents the last of three visits made by Grand Master Haglebarger to Alliance. His first being the cornerstone ceremony for the Federal Post Office Building, the second was to preside at the Temple cornerstone ceremony, and the third was the Dedication.

The Pipe Organ
The history is not complete without mention of a fabulous addition made to the Temple that has returned to those countless attendees the initial investment many times over. A contract was signed with the Hillgreen, Lane & Company to build a pipe organ to be located in the empty loft. The organ manufacturer held worldwide acclaim and was locally owned and managed.

Signed August 10, 1928 by R. H. Hillgreen, party of the first part and The Alliance Masonic Club by F. R. Donaldson, President and by Oatis Wilcox, Chairman of the Organ Committee, parties of the second part, the contract stipulated a payment of three thousand dollars.

Five hundred dollars was due upon completion with two annual installments of eight hundred dollars due thereafter and a third final payment of nine hundred dollars. The “2-Manual Organ” sports great, swell, and pedal organs, a cabinet and bench of oak, ebony and ivory keys, and was designed with air-driven ‘player’ organ capability. A dynamo and motor for driving the pipe organ are situated in the fourth floor attic.
Currently non-functional, those who do remember its glorious sound filling the Lodge Room believe the organ can and should be repaired. To supplement the pipe organ, a piano and an electric organ are present in the expanded loft.

Members of Notice

• W. Bro. Joseph R. Conrad, PM (1st WM at Alliance #271 and Conrad #494 lodges)
• R. W. Bro. Jacob E. McFadden, PM, 33, EC (1st EC Alliance Commandry K.T.), PGT
• Bro. Thomas J. Nixon, MM (first Master Mason received at Alliance Lodge)
• W. Bro. J.H. Sharer, PM
• Bro. Dr. Charles H. Hoover, MM (1st President of the Temple Company)
• Bro. William L. Hart, MM (1st Vice President of the Masonic Temple Company, Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio)
• Bro. A.E. Melbourne, MM (Secretary of the Masonic Temple Company)
• M. W. Bro. A. Dillon Crist, PM, 33, PGM, PGT, PDGL, PIM (Council #112, R.&S.M.)
• Bro. Lyle M. Crist, 33
• W. Bro. Paul W. Chapple, PM, KYCH
• W. Bro. Frank A. Bush, PM, KYCH, PDDC (8th Dist. K.T.), PDDGP (18th Cap. Dist. R.A.M.)
• W. Bro. Albert H. O’Mealy, PM, 33
• R. W. Bro. Gordon D. Rinehart, PM, 33, PDDGM
• R. W. Bro. Michael E. Burnett, PM, 33, PDDGM, KYCH
• W. Bro. Herbert L. Zigler, PM, KYCH
• W. Bro. Michael R. Zigler, PM, KYCH, DDGHP (18th Cap. Dist. R.A.M.)
• W. Bro. Wells Oyster, PM, Secretary

Milestones

1854 – Three small communities incorporated as the town, Alliance.
1855 – The first Communications (Meetings) of the newly chartered Alliance Lodge #271
         F. & A.M. were a Special on November 14th, and a Stated on November 20th.
1855 – The first Master Mason degree granted in Alliance, Ohio was conferred upon
         Bro. Thomas J. Nixon on December 18th.
1857 – Grand Lodge rules pertaining to Dispensation were changed in such a way that had
         Alliance Lodge #271 organized under the new rules it would not have qualified.
         The rule change made it necessary for a lodge to be organized by no fewer than
         eight Master Masons with one being a Past Master, and with the recommendation
         of all Lodges within the area affected; one of whom vouching for the moral
         character of the petitioners. Most Worshipful Brother William B. Dodds granted
         dispensation Monday, August 27, 1855 to a lodge of seven petitioners.
1867 – The By-laws as written were altered with regard to the day and time of the Stated
         Communication. Meetings had taken place on the Tuesday before the full moon
         with the hour of meeting set for 7:30 P.M. for the period March 25th to
         September 25th, and at 6:30 P.M. for the period September 25th to March 25th.
         The rationale given for the earlier hours was to maximize the amount of full moon
         light available travelers to and from lodge meetings. They now were to take place
         on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
1874 – First petitions for membership received by Conrad Lodge while under dispensation.
1875 – The second blue lodge to begin in Alliance, Conrad Lodge #494 F. & A. M. was
         granted its Charter October 20th by the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
1886 – Alliance Lodge #271 and Conrad Lodge #494 were consolidated to form Conrad
         Lodge #271 F. & A. M. with the official date of the consolidation April 16th.
1900 – Population of Alliance at 8,974.
1909 – The Alliance Masonic Club Company’s Articles of Incorporation were signed April
         22nd. Citing initial capital stock totaling $2,000.00, the Club’s charter officers
         were: S. L. Sturgeon, Jas. A. Ratler, Franzo D. Millen, Wm. Stallcup, and Edwin C.
         Diehl. The document is displayed in the Masonic poolroom located in the Temple
         basement.
1915 – The Cornerstone was laid for the new Temple building. The Ceremony was
         presided over by the Officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. A parade through
         downtown Alliance preceded the official ceremony. Earlier that year Conrad
         Masons participated in the dedication ceremony of the cornerstone laid at the
         Federal Post Office building located one block west of the Temple.
1917 – The first meeting in the new Temple was a special meeting on the afternoon of
         December 4th for the conferring of both Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft
         degrees. The evening of the same day a stated meeting took place and the Master
         Mason degree was conferred.
1918 – New Years Day. A Grand Parade attended by one thousand Masons was conducted
         throughout the downtown of Alliance. Temple building Dedicated.
1918 – 1920 – The newly opened Temple saw much activity. On one such occasion the
                  Entered Apprentice degree was conferred upon thirty-two candidates.
                  Another occasion saw fourteen Master Mason degrees conferred.
1920 – Population of Alliance at 21,603.
1925 – A second blue lodge and the third ever in Alliance was granted its Charter. J. E.
         McFadden Lodge #697 F. & A. M. received its Charter October 22nd.
1925 – The Alliance Masonic Death Benefit Association was organized on January 29th.
         The Benefit Association continues to provide financial relief to widows and families
         of deceased Master Masons who had belonged to the Association. Initially,
         affiliation was limited to those from counties contiguous to Stark, but the By-Laws
         of the Association have been altered since to permit any Master Mason in good
         standing and residing in Ohio to join.
1928 – Hillgreen, Lane & Co. pipe organ installed in the organ loft.
1929 – A Charter finally was granted the Conrad Lodge #271 by the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
1955 – The 100th anniversary of Conrad Lodge #271 and its root elder lodges was observed
         throughout the year. The Annual Inspection was in the Fellowcraft degree held
         February 15th. A Father and Son Banquet was held May 5th. On May 17th, Past
         Masters Night was held with twenty of the twenty-three Past Masters living in
         Alliance attending and at the meeting each was presented a special Past Master’s
         apron. On the calendar anniversary September 23rd, a Banquet for all Masons and
         their ladies was given, and Judge W. L. Hart of the Supreme Court of Ohio and
         Dr. Carl C. Bracy, President of Mount Union College were the keynote speakers.
         Major events during the year culminated at a Special Communication October 26th
         with a table lodge.
1970 – Population of Alliance at 26,547. In addition to the two blue lodges and Masonic
         bodies mentioned, the Temple was home for the Order of the Amaranth, DeMolay,
         Rainbow Girls, and for a time Alliance’s Prince Hall Lodge.
1975 – The 50th anniversary of J. E. McFadden #697 was observed. Worshipful Master
         Clyde Whitcomb presided at the meeting held June 21st. Grand Master of Ohio
         Robert A. Sager spoke. Forty-six McFadden brothers and thirty-four visitors
         representing sixteen lodges attended.
1977 – First outdoor conferring of the Master Mason degree on July 4th at the Square
         and Compass Recreation Center.
1989 – Alliance’s two blue lodges were consolidated. On June 15th the members of the
         J. E. McFadden Lodge #697 were accepted into Conrad Lodge #271.
2001 – The Masonic Temple property was deeded to Conrad Lodge #271 F. & A. M., the
         present owner. The Masonic Temple Company, which had held title to the
         building, subsequently was dissolved.
2006 – Temple building reconsecrated with Ceremony led by the Officers of the Grand
         Lodge of Ohio. The 150th anniversary celebration included the pouring of corn,
         wine and oil. Grand Master Right Worshipful James M. Williamson, Grand Lodge and
         Conrad officers participated in the Saturday morning ceremony. An excellent
         account of the happenings is published in the Alliance Review May 13, 2006, in
         which Secretary Wells Oyster invoked one of the most basic of Masonic beliefs:
         “To be a member, you must believe in God. We begin meetings with prayer.”







McFadden Lodge #697

1925   Dillon Crist
1926   Dillon Crist
1927   A. C. Ball
1928   Ralph G. Harshman
1929   Bert Meredith
1930   Frank S. Curtis
1931   William R. Jones
1932   Martin A. Brown
1933   Milton S. Geiger
1934   Walter D. Handwork
1935   Arthur H. Linrode
1936   Floyd E. Grabiel
1937   Raymond R. Stuckey
1938   Elmer E. Chase
1939   Ross P. Hilles
1940   Hiram H. Firestone
1941   Richard White
1942   Fred S. Garman
1943   Fred S. Garman
1944   Almon J. Damon
1945   Ben Temple
1946   Delmas McCarty
1947   George A. Noble
1948   Charles I. Melaney
1949   Paul H. Chapman
1950   Paul F. Lange
1951   Bennie K. White
1952   Irl E. Pieren
1953   Ernest C. Angle
1954   Michael W. Ziegler
1955   Earl E. Wells
1956   Paul William Chapple
1957   Duane W. Crist
1958   Dyoll H. Burns
1959   Robert C. Smithyman
1960   Arthur Shock
1961   Jordan Dezenzo
1962   Jerry Manzi
1963   John Foster
1964   Ronald Hedin
1965   Clifford Brainard
1966   James Hawley
1967   Gordon Rinehart
1968   Willie Anderson
1969   Lawrence W. Handwork
1970   Wells Oyster
1971   Mike W. Folk
1972   Willis L. Moore
1973   Robert K. Moore
1974   Albert H. O'Mealy
1975   Clyde E. Whitcomb
1976   Lee E. Binion, Jr.
1977   William E. Moore
1978   Frank A. Bush
1979   William C. Broyles
1980   Robert H. Shoemaker
1981   Roland L. Kendrick
1982   Tom J. Schoonover, Jr.
1983   Robert K. Moore
1984   Michael S. Burnett
1985   Mark E. Turkson, Jr.
1986   John R. Schmidt
1987   Stony Thornton
1988   Ross O. Stamm
1989   Issac C. Hill

Conrad Lodge #271

1886   T. G. Hair
1887   A. B. Love
1888   A. B. Love
1889   J. M. Stillwell
1890   J. M. Stillwell
1891   D. B. Cassaday
1892   D. B. Cassaday
1893   John Welty
1894   John Welty
1895   John H. Lloyd
1896   John H. Lloyd
1897   C. H. Miller
1898   C. H. Miller
1899   J. A. Roach
1900   J. A. Roach
1901   T. D. Russell
1902   J. E. McFadden
1903   J. E. McFadden
1904   J. E. McFadden
1905   W. J. Morris
1906   J. W. Guthrie
1907   J. W. Guthrie
1908   J. E. Temple
1909   C. W. Smith
1910   H. C. Newman
1911   W. W. Scott
1912   W. W. Scott
1913   J. C. Hutton
1914   E. C. Courtney
1915   C. T. Morgan
1916   F. R. Donaldson
1917   F. R. Donaldson
1918   N. R. Snodgrass
1919   W. W. Scott
1920   L. B. Orr
1921   F. P. Gow
1922   B. O. Cowan
1923   R. C. Graham
1924   Dillon Crist
1925   L. P. Pennell
1926   C. O. Glenwright
1927   J. G. McLean
1928   E. E. Witherspoon
1929   Ralph S. Miller
1930   Fred Throne
1931   William P. Yerian
1932   J. Aldene Reynolds
1933   Merle Messenheimer
1934   Lorin D. Roath
1935   S. S. Lipely
1936   Nile H. Long
1937   Harry L. Morrison
1938   James E. Vogt
1939   Emmanuel Zimmerman
1940   Lawrence F. Baldwin
1941   Arthur C. Nedheiser
1942   Clair O'Dell
1943   Glen D. Allen
1944   Howard E. Lipely
1945   Paul W. Cope
1946   Corwin B. Smith
1947   Robert T. Pence
1948   Wayne E. Walter
1949   George G. Lindsley
1950   Lewis L. Teets
1951   Robert L. Kniveton
1952   Owen L. Cunningham
1953   Glenn W. Thompson
1954   Dale Johnston
1955   Charles A. Noble
1956   Allen Wanderslaben
1957   Joseph Szasz
1958   William Parker
1959   William E. Clark
1960   John D. McKee
1961   William E. Leyda
1962   Karl Johnson
1963   Earl W. Feller
1964   C. F. Garman
1965   Eldon Adams
1966   Gilbert Dawson
1967   Walter D. Allen
1968   David A. Zufall
1969   Clifford W. Kehr
1970   James D. Cobbs
1971   Thomas W. Boyce
1972   Vernon Bailey
1973   Ray Anderson
1974   Dan Irmie
1975   Edward Shanks
1976   John L. Rummel
1977   Tom Schneider
1978   Lewis E. Lehman
1979   Danny J. Yeagley
1980   Robert C. Greene
1981   Robert F. Thomas
1982   Richard L. Greenwalt
1983   Thomas W. Wilson
1984   James M. Adcock
1985   Gerald C. Beck
1986   Richard L. Greenwalt
1987   Donald M. Moore
1988   Richard L. Bowhall
1989   Karl A. Krahling
1990   Robert H. Miller
1991   Earl Spahlinger
1992   Isaac C. Hill
1993   Herbert L. Zigler
1994   Earl Spahlinger
1995   Michael R. Zigler
1996   Michael R. Zigler
1997   Gregory Sivert
1998   Fred McGavern
1999   Fred McGavern
2000   Fred McGavern
2001   Harvey F. Morgan
2002   Harvey F. Morgan
2003   Fred McGavern/Gregory Sivert
2004   William R. Miller
2005   Thomas W. Wilson
2006   John Connell
2007   Mark MacLagan
2008   Sherman Brick


Principle Sources

1. Annual Return 1925-26 McFadden Lodge #697.
2. Conrad Lodge No. 271 Alliance, Ohio 100th Anninversary 1855 – 1955.
3. Discussions with informed brethren about events taking place at the lodge.
4. Grand Lodge Annual Reports.
5. Images of America: Alliance, by Lyle Crist and Greg Bara.
6. Masonic Temple Building Corner Stone Box Contents document.
7. Minutes of Lodge meetings.
8. Program of Dedication of Masonic Temple Alliance, Ohio. New Years Day, 1918.
9. Stark County Courthouse Records.
10. The Alliance Review and The Alliance Review and Leader newspapers.
11. The Trestleboard.
12. Written History of the Alliance Lodge #271 and Conrad Lodge #494 written by W.M. S.S. Lipely .
13. Written History of the Conrad Lodge #271 F. & A.M. on file with the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
14. Written History of the McFadden Lodge #697 F. & A.M. on file with the Grand Lodge of Ohio.