1924 — THE BUILDERS OF THE TEMPLE

Ground Breaking Ceremony 1924

 Considerable discussions having taken place for many years prior to the erection of our new home, formal action was taken in 1923 when a Building Committee was appointed consisting of:

R.'.W.'. William A. Proudfoot, Chairman

Bro. Charles P. McClelland   Bro. G. M. Pateman  Bro. Ward W. Tompkins  Bro. J. McCarthy

Building Fund committees were also appointed to canvass the members of the villages for the necessary funds with which to complete the building: Bro. Adolph H. Knappe, a member of Diamond Lodge, who later affiliated with White Plains Lodge, was chosen as the Architect. Bro. Knappe originally intended to donate his services but circumstance beyond his control prevented his so doing.

In 1922, the Ways and Means Committee was authorized to purchase the Master’s property at the corner of Ashford and Bellewood Avenues, Dobbs Ferry, on which they already had an option. The site fronts on Ashford Avenue for 120 feet and is 131 feet deep. The asking price was $4,000; the Lodge was also given the opportunity to purchase an additional 150 feet on Bellewood Avenue for $1,500 but apparently felt that it could not afford to do so. At this time upwards of $16,000 had been pledged by the members. As a guide for financial requirements for constructing the Temple, an estimate of $75,000 was obtained. In June 1923, the Building Committee of the Lodge accepted the plans for the Temple. They also met with the Ways and Means Committee to consider plans whereby the project could be financed; the method adopted was a modified “Paterson, N. J.” plan by means of which subscriptions of from $50.00 upwards were accepted, the average being $200.00 and for which “Certificates of Indebtedness” were issued to the subscribers by the Lodge. Installment payments were accepted; these certificates, maturing at the death of the subscriber are payable to an appointed beneficiary. To accomplish this a “Mortuary Fund” was set up to receive certain percentages of the Initiation fees and Lodge dues. The percentages of Lodge dues have varied over the years and that portion of the initiation fee was dropped some years ago. Additions were also to be made to this fund by proceeds from extra-curricular activities such as fairs etc., one of the most picturesque and financially successful of these fairs being that held in October 1924, with a “Streets of Baghdad” motif, designed by the Master, W.'. Robert G. Simpson; this fair netted $5,788.97.

To meet the necessary construction funds, loans were obtained from the commercial banks in Dobbs Ferry, Irvington and Hastings. Bro. Ward W. Tompkins provided the remaining funds for which the Lodge gave him a mortgage originally at 6% but later reduced to 4% Upon the death of the mortgagor in 1945, it was necessary to satisfy the mortgage by issuing more “Certificates of Indebtedness” bearing interest at 2 %. It was also stipulated at this time that holders of the former non-interest bearing certificates could also become interest-bearing upon request; not many members availed themselves of this privilege. As a further effort to obtain ready cash for this fund, arrangements were set up in 1923 whereby “Life” memberships could be purchased by paying a lump sum of $2.00 per year or fraction thereof between the then age and 100. Throughout the many economic ups and downs of the funds of the Lodge, this fund has been adequate to achieve its mission and in 1963, foreseeing that sufficient funds were available or apparently about to become available whereby all out standing certificates could be redeemed in approximately five years, the certificate holders were canvassed and the majority agreed to the following proposition: — a total disbursement to be made from this fund each year amounting to $3,000 which includes settlements of certificates by death and dire need, these being given priority, after which the remainder of the $3,000 would be paid to living certificate holders who had accepted the proposition, the payments to be drawn by lot.

It is expected that, after 1969, it will no longer be necessary to credit the present $5.00 deduction from the dues of each dues-paying member, thus increasing the amount available in the General Fund for operating expenses.

In November 1923, bids were received for the construction of the Temple which ranged from $69,000 to $84,000; a motion was then carried which authorized the Building Committee to proceed with the building of the Temple at a cost not to exceed $65,000. The contract to build the Temple was given to Bros. Classon and Parkhurst of New York City for the sum of $63,068, work to begin within 48 hours after the Architect approved the plans.

The following figures taken from the Trustees’ December 1930 report may be of interest.

To which should be added the architect’s fee of $1400.

                Making a grand total of $87,291.       

Masonic Temple, 18 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.

 The Building Committee stated that the contractors explained that the excess above the contract price was occasioned by “weather conditions, higher wages, other labor conditions and overhead.” The Building Committee regretted that the contractors failed to live up to the verbal and written assurance to stay within the contract price.

On Washington’s Birthday, 1924, the cornerstone of the Temple was well and truly laid according to ancient usage and ceremony by the Grand Master, M.'.W.'. Arthur S. Tompkins, the trowel used being furnished by the Past Masters of Diamond Lodge. This trowel, now in the possession of the Lodge, was passed along to Grand Master Klink by Mrs. Tompkins in 1923, Grand Master Klink, in turn, re-presented it to the Lodge.

The Temple was dedicated in ancient form on September 19, 1924, by Grand Master M.'. W.'. William M. Rowan; the Grand Master was assisted by other members of the Grand Lodge staff. There were some 98 Lodges represented at this dedication including 11 from Scotland; these with their proud hosts, numbering about 500 crowded every available space in the new Lodge room, while about 300 were regretfully turned away. The Grand Master complimented all, who in any way, had contributed to the completion of this Temple which had placed a hallmark on the community. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Grand Master turned the gavel over to the Master, W.’. Bro. Robert G. Simpson, who opened the Lodge for its 1,666th communication. At that time the Lodge had a membership of 350, coming from Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Irvington and Hastings.

As previously stated, the Temple is situated on Ashford Avenue. Dobbs Ferry. The plot of ground is 120 by 131 feet; the building is three stories in height of early and classical architecture. The brick bonding on Ashford Avenue is of a Diamond pattern; the dimensions of the building are 42 by 58 feet, 19 feet high; the Lodge room has classical pilasters and cornices and an organ loft. An ante room and a preparation room fill out the second floor; on the lower floors are located a Banquet Hall 30 by 46 and 14 feet high with stage, a kitchen and caretakers quarters; on the third floor there is a club room with open fireplace and is now furnished with two pool tables, card tables, etc.; adequate ventilation is supplied by two special exhaust units. All in all, this handsome fire-resistant Temple is a worthy monument to the Craft and an ornament to the Community.

That the Temple was excellently constructed is evidenced by the fact that no major repairs have been made since its erection forty years ago. The walls of the Lodge room were washed once, repainted in 1950 and again in 1965; in both instances funds for which were donated by the members. Also in 1965, in honor of the 100th anniversary, a new carpet was laid at a cost of $2,005, a far cry from the cost of the original carpet which cost $634. New Officers’ aprons and jewel cords were also purchased during this year. Through the efforts of the then Master, W.'. William F. Keller, the members contributed for the purchase of a new Hammond Electric Organ which was in stalled in November 1952, the cost being $2,533.75. This is also in strong contrast to the price of the first organ purchased in 1879 for $65.00 plus 75 cents freight. The new organ has proved to be quite an asset in the ritualistic ceremonies.

Diamond Lodge’s Temple, situated on one of the main thorough fares of the village and easily accessible to all parts of the County, is admirably suited for fraternal meetings. At the present time its fraternal tenants consist of Hastings Lodge, No. 1107, F. & A. M.; Irving Chapter, No. 526, O.E.S.; Royal Arcanum; Oddfellows; Dobbs Ferry Rod and Gun Club, and Alecto Court, No. 71, L.O.S.N.A.. Committee meetings in connection with the activities of the First Westchester- Putnam District Association are frequently held there. Unfortunately, these activities occur only in the evenings and, as the Temple was not constructed to permit its use for offices, stores, etc and other day time revenue-producing purposes, only minimum revenue of such can he realized. With continuing rising taxes, higher insurance premiums, higher utility costs and other necessary operating expenses, the Lodge is frequently beset with financial difficulties which can only be overcome by additional revenue, frequently obtained by donations from the membership. Nevertheless, the members of Diamond Lodge are extremely happy and proud in the possession of their own home.

Over the years, beginning with the organization of the Lodge, many, many gifts have been made to the Lodge by Irving Chapter, O.E.S., Hastings Lodge and many individuals. Many of these gifts were mentioned in the Lodge minutes, and some were not. To all, including the many anonymous donors, we again say thank you.

LABOR AND REFRESHMENT

Upon occupying its new Temple, Diamond Lodge experienced a rejuvenation of Masonic activity; in 1925, thirty members were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, the first to be raised in the new Temple being Bro. Rene Daubenhis, now a life member of Diamond Lodge. Although the Secretaries’ reports of the membership of the Lodge are missing for a number of years, it appears the Lodge continued to grow in membership, apparently reaching a peak at the end of 1928 of 445 members. The membership roster after that date began to show a downward trend, being seriously affected by the depression of 1929, but not seriously felt until 1933 when, following the trend of Masonry in New York State, many members were unaffiliated for non-payment of dues. Membership again picked up after World War II reaching a new peak in 1950 of 322 members, after which again following the trend of the state, it has steadily declined. It is seriously hoped that this continuing downward trend will soon be reversed.  -

One of the social events remembered by the old-timers was a trip to Washington, D. C. on March 20, 1925. From all accounts a good time was had by all. The all-expense trip cost $25.00, which included meals and hotel expenses.

On April 26th, 1906, the first Ladies night was held; this has been an annual custom ever since.

Prior to February 1925, it was the custom for the candidates to defray the cost of the Masonic Holy Bible presented to them at their initiation; on that date a motion was passed, so that thereafter, the Bibles were presented as a gift from the Lodge. The “Bible Presentation” is now a very impressive ceremony in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

For a number of years after the Lodge occupied its own Temple, no outstanding event worthy of note appears to have occurred but, on February 3, 1939, Bro. Ward W. Tompkins, raised in Diamond Lodge January 15, 1869, was presented with his 70-year palm, denoting seventy years membership in the Fraternity. This was a very special and outstanding night in Diamond Lodge; the Lodge room was filled to capacity to felicitate Bro. Tompkins on this important occasion. The New York Masonic Outlook published a glowing account of this occasion, accompanied by many illustrations. Later on January 21, 1944, the seventy-five-year palm was presented to Brother Tompkins at his home, he not being well enough to attend Lodge for this occasion but, on April 7, 1944, a grand reception was given to this venerable veteran at which he was able to attend for only a short time. Grand Master Strang and members of his staff journeyed to Dobbs Ferry for this auspicious occasion to congratulate the then fourth oldest Mason in the State of New York; Brother Tompkins was then 98 years old. M.'. W.’. Harold V. B. Voorhis, Past Grand Master of New Jersey, had been compiling records of Masons with over 70 years of membership in the fraternity and, from his record of over 4,000,000 Masons in the world, Brother Tompkins was then the 11th oldest. Bro. Tompkins passed away on June 18, 1944.

Another outstanding night was the “Ravekes” night held on February 6, 1942, celebrating 112 years of membership in Diamond Lodge by the three Ravekes brothers. Worshipful Brother John, raised June I7, 1892, was elected Master for the year of 1903 and for many years was its faithful and zealous Secretary, retiring from that position in December 1947, when the title of “Secretary Emeritus” was conferred upon him. At that time Brother John was presented with a golden book with names of all the Lodge members who had contributed to this testimony to him. Brother John passed away on June 17, 1960. Worshipful Brother Fred Ravekes was raised June 21, 1907, and be came Master of the Lodge in 1915, among his many Masonic activities he will long be remembered as being a formidable member of the degree team. Brother Fred passed away on March 16, 1951.

Brother Dave Ravekes, who was raised April 3, 1914, never aspired to go through the chairs. However, he became for many years, the Lodge’s very efficient Secretary, Brother Dave was also for many years, the very capable organist for the Lodge. Brother Dave received his 50-year Grand Lodge button in 1964. Now retired, his home and gardens are one of the show places in Dobbs Ferry.

Over the years Diamond Lodge has never had a Fellowcraft Club under that name; at one time in the thirties, there existed for many years a social organization known as “The Sparklers” which did much to further harmony in the Lodge and assist in its extra-curricular activities. In 1959, another group named “The Diamond Builders” was created. This group, now in existence, does much to further friendship and good fellowship in the Lodge. One of their activities has been for years to distribute plants and gifts to the widows of our Master Masons at Christmas and Easter, funds for which are furnished by a free will offering from the Lodge members.

1965 Officers of Diamond Lodge No. 555, F. & a. M.

W.’. Warren Crawford                                       Master

James W. Lundy                                                       Senior Warden

Alan C. Klip                                                              Junior Warden

W.’. William Z. Lindsey                                               Treasurer

Clifford Wistrand                                                       Ass’t Treasurer

W.’. H. Stuart Kamke                                                 Secretary

W.’. Robert L. Bronnes                                               Chaplain

William H. Mawhinney                                                Chaplain

Richard O. Sweet                                                      Sr. Deacon

Kenneth C. Purdy                                                      Jr. Deacon

Herbert C. Byrnes                                                     Sr. M. of C.

Russell A. Ennis                                                        Jr. M. of C.

Charles E. Mathies                                                    Marshal

James L. McGraw                                                      Steward

John P. Robertson                                                     Steward

Harold Greene                                                          Tiler

R.’.W.’. E. Reginald Harris                                            Historian

W.’. LeRoy H. Brooks                                                 Trustee 1 yr.

W.’. Albert Howell                                                     Trustee 2 yrs.

Reginald Stanhope                                                    Trustee 3 yrs.