History of the Third Masonic District Grand Lodge of the State of New York

Wor. Bro. Bloom is one of the founders of Acanthus Lodge. He has witnessed its toils and struggles, its adversity and prosperity, and while others have come and gone, he has remained true and faithful in his devotion to the cause, and unceasing in his efforts to promote the interests of this Lodge. His first instructions in Symbolic Masonry were received in Central Lodge No. 361, in 1862. Ten years later he withdrew from his alma mater and assisted in founding Acanthus Lodge, and was its second Senior Warden, serving in 1873. He was called to the East in 1874, and re-elected in 1875. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his brethren, receiving their hearty and undivided support. lie was elected Treasurer in 1881, and has annually received the unanimous support of his brethren for this position. He was exalted in Constellation Chapter No. 209; in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Eite he passed through the Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, Aurora Grata Chapter Eose Croix, and was made Sublime Prince of the Eoyal Secret, 32d degree, in Aurora Grata Consistory, Northern Jurisdiction. He is a member of De Witt Clinton Council, E. A., and of Bedford Council, A. L. of H.

Bro. Bloom was born in New York City, June 8, 1838, and received a good public school education, after which he learned the printing business, which he has carried on for upwards of twenty-seven years; first under the firm name of Bloom & Smith, and later as Charles F. Bloom. He has been a resident of Brooklyn for more than twenty-six years, where he is well known and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

WILLIAM M. SMITH, Worshipful Master Of Acanthus Lodge.

While still in the prime of life, Wor. Bro. Smith is a veteran in Masonry of nearly a quarter of a century. He has proved himself a valuable acquisition to Acanthus Lodge, where he has manv warm friends who appreciate his qualities as a man, as well as his faithful administration of the affairs of the Lodge. Wor. Bro. Smith was made a Master Mason in Lincoln Lodge No. 3, of Wicasset, Me., April 8th 18(54; he subsequently, February 4, 1876, affiliated with Queen City Lodge No. 358, of Buffalo, where he served as Senior Deacon. He affiliated with Acanthus Lodge March 17, 1884; was appointed Senior Deacon in 1885; was Senior Warden in 1886-7, and Master in 1888. On the evening of February 4,1889, lie was presented by his brethren with an elegant gold watch, as a slight testimonial of their affection and esteem, as well as their appreciation of his earnest efforts in behalf of the Lodge. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Keystone Chapter No. 163, of Buffalo, March 20th, 1877; served as Master of the 1st and 2d Veil; he affiliated with Constellation Chapter No. 209, of Brooklyn, April 14, 1884, where he has served as Master of 2d Veil, Principal Sojourner, and Scribe. He became a member of Keystone Council, R. and S. M., of Buffalo, June 16, 1877, where he was P. C. W.; he since affiliated with Brooklyn Council No. 4, of Brooklyn, in which he has been P. C. W. and Master; has ascended to the 14th degree in the Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Bro. Smith was born in Boothbay, Me., October 5, 1838. He received a public school and academic education, and subsequently taught school for several winters. On August 14,1862, he enlisted in E Company, 4th Maine Vols., for three years or the war. He participated in a number of engagements, was promoted to Sergeant and Sergeant Major. The 4th Maine Regt. having been in service eight months prior to Bro. Smith's enlistment, he was transferred to the 19th Maine Vols. and discharged therefrom July 17th, 1865.

At the close of the war he engaged in the telegraph business, since which time he has served in the following capacities: Cashier Insulated Lines Telegraph Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Cashier Franklin Telegraph Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Chief Clerk Tariff Dept. Merchant's Union Ex. Co., Auburn, N. Y.; Cashier Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co., New York city ; Chief Clerk Tariff Dept. American Express Co., in Buffalo, from 1873 to 1882, and New York city, from 1882 to the present time.

WOR. WM. TUDOR PRATT, Senior Warden And Master Elect, 1889.

Wor. Bro. Pratt was raised in Commonwealth Lodge No. 409; subsequently affiliated with Mistletoe Lodge No. 647, and finally affiliated with Acanthus Lodge. He served as Senior Deacon; as Junior Warden in 1885-6; Senior Warden in 1887-8; and at the Annual Communication in December, 1888, was electee! Master for 1889. His record in the South and West won him the confidence of his brethren, and he enters upon his new duties under the most favorable auspices. His ability as presiding officer, his firmness and decision of character, combined with his uniform courtesy and kindness, are elements that conduce to success. He was exalted a Eoyal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. '209; served as Master of the 3d Veil one year. In Cryptic Masonry he explored the vaults in Brooklyn Council No. 4, R. & S. M. In the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite he passed through the Aurora Grata Bodies, and was made Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, in New York Consistory. He is Senior Warden of Aurora Grata Chapter Rose Croix ; he crossed the burning sands in Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Bro. Pratt is descended from Lieut. Pratt, one of the original settlers of Saybrook, Conn., in 1635, under the Fenwick patent. He was born in Brooklyn July 2, 1847. He was educated at the Polytechnic Institute, and for a number of years was in the large book publishing firm of Baker, Pratt

ANDREW W. BELL, Junior Warden.

With a Craftsman's experience limited to about three years, Bro. Bell has made good use of his time, and not only has he made great proficiency in the work and thoroughly informed himself on all matters pertaining to Symbolic Masonry, but also in Capitular Masonry and the several degrees connected with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was made a Master Mason in Acanthus Lodge, Sept. 21, 1885, served one year as Senior Master of Ceremonies, and at the Annual Communication in December, 1887, he was elected Junior Warden to serve for 1888. That he has "looked well to the South," and used every endeavor to advance the interests of the Lodge, is a fact apparent to all his associates in masonry. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209, and was Master of the 2d Veil; he is a 32d degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite having passed through Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, and Aurora Grata Chapter of Rose Croix, Brooklyn Consistory. He was for two years presiding officer of Brooklyn Lodge No. 165 of the Empire Order Mutual Aid Society.

Bro. Bell is descended from an old New England family prominent among the early settlers of New Hampshire. He was born at Portsmouth, N. H., December 18,1840. He received a good academic education at Chapman Hall Academy, of Boston, and for four or five years was engaged as clerk in the shipping business in that city. He came to New York in 1855, and engaged in the manufacture of cigars, which he has carried on successfully for upwards of thirty years. He married a Brooklyn lady, and has been a resident of Brooklyn since 1855.

THEODORE H. BAILEY, J. M. C.

Although a newly made member of the Masonic Fraternity, Bro. Bailey is no novice in the work of charity and benevolence, having been for some years prominent in other Orders whose objects are similar to our own. He brings to Acanthus Lodge a ripe experience and will doubtless prove a faithful as well as an able Craftsman. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in this Lodge, June 20, 1887, was appointed J. M. C. in Dec., 1888, was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. '209, and has already ascended to the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in connection with Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, Aurora Grata Chapter Rose Croix, and Aurora Grata Consistory. He is Past Grand of Chosen Friends Lodge No. 100, I. O. O. F., of Philadelphia, where he was highly esteemed and honored; he is also a member of Jordan Encampment of the same Order; also of Dorian Senate, another Benevolent Order, and of Long Island Council No. 173, R. A.

Bro. Bailey was born in Philadelphia, Pa., February 27, 1850; he was graduated at a grammar school, and also attended private school. His knowledge of mercantile affairs was obtained in the shipping and commission house of Jones (fe Hippie, with whom he remained for six or eight years. In 1874 he formed a connection with the William Mann Company, manufacturing stationers, Philadelphia, where his ability and talents received jiist recognition, and for the past eight years he has been manager of the New York house of this Company. He was married in 1870 to Miss Emma Louisa, daughter of General Uriah Cox, one of the most prominent citizens of Philadelphia. Two children are the issue of this marriage. Bro. Bailey has resided in Brooklyn since 1881.

A. H. NICHOLS, S. M. Of C. And Junior Warden Elect.

Bro. Nichols is one of those sturdy veterans of the Order who never tire of the work. For nearly thirty years he has devoted his time and energies to the growth and development of the Order in this State. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Jefferson Lodge No. 332, of Watkins. He served five years as its Senior Deacon, and found great pleasure and profit in the work of instructing others in the beauties of Symbolic Masonry. He made it a special study and became so proficient in the work that his services were in frequent demand by sister Lodges for the work of the Fellowcraft degree; he thus aided and strengthened the brethren in that locality, and contributed largely to the growth and development of the Order. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Watkins Chapter No. 182. He affiliated with Acanthus Lodge in 1886, where he met with a warm reception and was made to feel at home in his new field of labor. He was appointed S. M. of C. at the Annual Communication of December, 1887, to serve for the ensuing year, and in December, 1888, was elected Junior Warden for 1889.

Bro. Nichols is a native of Watkins, Steuben county, NY, born 4 Dec 1840. After a few years of schooling, he spent thirteen years on a farm, and to this is due his strong, robust constitution. He came to New York in 1873, and engaged with his brother in the produce commission business. His energy and perseverance have been rewarded by a successful business career. His life partner, Miss Charlotte Shepard, to whom he was married in 1868, has contributed largely to his success as well as his happiness in life.

GEOEGE W. CLOUGH, Steward Elect.

Bro. Clough has made rapid advancement in Masonry since he entered the door of Acanthus Lodge in 1887, in search of masonic light; he received his Master Mason's degree in November of that year. The first position he has held in this Lodge was his appointment as Steward at the annual election in December, 1888. He commenced his investigations of Capitular Masonry in 1887, and was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209; he has already reached the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is Captain of Guard in Aurora Grata Chapter of Rose Croix; he "crossed the burning sands in Kismet Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine," and will doubtless continue his journey in search of light until all the hidden mysteries are revealed to him. Among the beneficial orders, he is connected with Amaranth Council, R. A. He is Master of the First Veil in Constellation Chapter.

Bro. Clough was born in Brooklyn, March 6, 1855; he was educated both at public and private schools, and commenced his mercantile career as clerk in the hardware business with the Hart Mfg. Co., New York, in 1869, remaining there for a year. For the past four years he has been connected with William Wise & Sou, jewelers, of Brooklyn.

ALFRED POTTER, Charter Member Of Acanthus Lodge.

While not one of the founders, Bro. Potter became a charter member from the fact of his being made U. D.; he was one of the Fellowcrafts on whom the Third Degree was conferred on the first night this degree was worked, after the Lodge received its Dispensation. From that time to the present he has remained true and steadfast to his alma mater, but his frequent absence from the city on business has prevented his regular attendance. He is always ready, however, to contribute his share to the cause of benevolence and charity, and to assist otherwise to the extent of his ability. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Brooklyn Chapter No. 148; was created and dubbed a Sir Knight in Clinton Cornmaudery No. 14; in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite he passed through the Aurora Grata Bodies, and was made Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, in New York Consistory, of which he is a Life Member; crossed the burning sands in Pyramid Temple (of Bridgeport, Conn.), Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Bro. Potter is a native of England, born February 3d, 1848, but has been a resident of Brooklyn from infancy, where he was raised and educated ; he commenced his business life as a boy in a lawyer's office, and afterwards was connected with the shipping and commission business for five years. Twenty years of his life has been spent with two different wholesale houses in New York—part of that time as traveling salesman; for the past ten years he has represented the Colwell Lead Company.

M. F. VAN YRANKEN.

Although not a child of Acanthus Lodge, no brother has labored more earnestly or conscientiously to bring it to its present prosperous condition than Bro. Van Vranken; he is a tried veteran in the Fraternity, always loyal and true to its interests. He was initiated E A. in St. George's Lodge No. 6, of Scheuectacly, NY, January 22,1863, passed to the degree of F. C., February 12, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, March 12th. He did but little active work until after he affiliated with Acanthus Lodge, June 15, 1875. He was elected Junior Warden in 1879, and again in 1881-2; but was obliged to decline further advancement on account of business engagements on the meeting nights of his Lodge; for the past seven years he has served as a member of the Board of Trustees. Fie was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209, and has reached his 14th degree in the Ancient Scottish Eite in Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection. He is a member of the Brooklyn Masonic Veterans; also of De Witt Clinton Council No. 419, E. A., of which he has been Treasurer for the past eight years, and is at present a member of the Board of Trustees of De Witt Clinton Lodge No. 308, Order of Tonti, and also a member of Brooklyn Council, Home Circle, and of the Mercantile Benefit Association.

Bro. Van Vranken is a descendant of the old Hollanders, who were among the early settlers of Schenectady county; he was born at Eotterdam, Schenectady county, November 27, 1842. He was for a number of years connected with the superintendent's office of the E. W.

W. IRVING COMES.

Bro. Comes has served the craft with unswerving devotion for upwards of twenty-one years, and during that time has passed through the Symbolic, the Capitular, the Cryptic, thence to the Comniandery and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Eite. He was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Ivanhoe Lodge No. 610, of New York, in 1867, and affiliated with Acanthus Lodge in 1884. In Capitular Masonry he was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Crescent Chapter No. 220, of New York City ; in Cryptic Masonry he explored the vaults in Brooklyn Council No. 4, R. & S. M.; he was created and dubbed a Sir Knight in Clinton Commandery No. 14, of Brooklyn, of which he is now Prelate ; in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Eite he entered Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, thence through Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, Aurora Grata Chapter Eose Croix, and was made Sublime Prince of the Eoyal Secret, 32d degree, in New York Consistory, and is at present Grand Minister of State in that Body; he crossed the burning sands in Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of which he is still a member. AVhile holding no office in Acanthus Lodge, Bro. Comes has been an active, earnest worker in the cause and regular in his attendance at the communications of the Lodge.

Bro. Comes has been prominent in business circles in New York city for more than thirty years past. He was born in New York, August 5, 1839, and was named in honor of that distinguished author, Washington Irving. Immediately after completing his education he became connected with the marine insurance business, commencing at the lowest, and advancing through the different grades to the highest positions. He has been for upwards of thirty-one years connected with the Commercial Mutual Insurance Company of New York, and for the past ten years has been its President. He is Vice-President of the New York Board of Marine Underwriters, Vice-President of National Board of Marine Underwriters, and Vice-President of the American Ship-masters' Association.

Bro. Comes has been a resident of Brooklyn since 1884, where he is well and familiarly known in social circles. He is a member of the Lincoln Club, and Union League Club, of Brooklyn, NY, Chamber of Commerce, Maritime Exchange, and of other organizations; a Trustee of the American Seamen's Friend Society, and one of the Managers of the Life-Saving Benevolent Ass'n of NY.

GEORGE A. ROWELL.

Owing to the large membership of Acanthus Lodge the opportunities for advancement are exceedingly limited, however capable or worthy a brother may be. Bro. Rowell is capable of filling any position in this Lodge, but where there is so much good material to select from, his chances for promotion are small. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in this Lodge in 1886. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209; he explored the mines of Cryptic Masonry in Brooklyn Council, R. & S. M.; continuing his journey in search of further light in masonry, he passed to the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is at present Junior Warden of Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem; he crossed the burning sands in Kismet Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; he is a member of Long Island Council, R. A.

Bro. Rowell is a son of Rev. G. B. Rowell, a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, who died in the service. The son was born at the Sandwich Islands, 26 Apr 1850, where he received a thorough classical education. He came to the States in 1870, and for five or six years was engaged in mercantile pursuits in different parts of the country. Since 1877 he has been connected with the Babcock & Wilcox Steam Boiler Company, of New York. He became a resident of Brooklyn in 1877.

JAMES STUART GILLEN.

During his brief connection with Acanthus Lodge, Bro. Gillen has obtained a strong hold on the hearts of his brethren, and has been frequently urged to qualify for important positions, but with characteristic modesty and self-denial he has not only declined, but has assisted others to the position he was so well qualified to fill. He was brought to masonic light in this Lodge on the evening of May 3,1886, and was appointed Senior Deacon the following year. He was exalted a Eoyal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209; was created and dubbed a Sir Knight in Clinton Commandery No. 14; entering the Ancient Accepted Scottish Kite through the Aurora Grata Bodies, and was made Sublime Prince of the Eoyal Secret, 32d degree, in the Consistory of New York City, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and served in the latter body as Grand Standard Bearer. He crossed the burning sands in Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was a member of the first Board of Trustees of the Aurora Grata Cathedral, and it was largely through his influence that this most desirable property was secured.

Bro. Gillen is a native of the Emerald Isle, born January 15, 1837, at Bushmills, County Antrim, but has resided in New York and Brooklyn from his early childhood, and is just as much a Brooklynite as though "to the manor born." He received a good public school education, and entered the old established banking house of Brown Brothers & Co. as a boy, where he has remained continuously for upwards of thirty-six years, having in the interim been advanced to one of the most important positions in the house.

Bro. Gillen is an ardent Eepublican, and has been active in Brooklyn politics for many years past. In order to unite the disaffected elements in the Seventh Ward Eepublican Association, he accepted the Presidency, having been unanimously elected at one of the largest Primaries ever held in the Ward; and although one of the most active workers in his Ward, he has always declined to accept other official positions.

E. T. COPELAND.

Although Bro. Copeland's entrance into Masonry commenced at a later period in life than most men, he has no less appreciation of the beautiful symbols of our Order than if he had devoted his earlier years to the work. His interest in the work, and his zeal in the cause is greater than that of many who have borne the burden and heat of the day. He was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Acanthus Lodge in May, 1887. He soon after entered the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurore Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, Aurora Grata Chapter Eose Croix, and was made Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, in New York Consistory, Northern Jurisdiction; he continued his journey and crossed the burning sands in Kismet Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Bro. Copeland is a native of Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., Mass., born July 10, 1842. His American ancestor, one Lawrence Copeland, emigrated from England in 1650, and became one of the large land proprietors of the town of Braintree. The descendants of the latter bore a prominent part in the events that resulted in civil and religious liberty for this country, and were conspicuous for their patriotism and love of country. Bro. Copeland, the subject of this sketch, received a thorough academic education, and has always been engaged in the machinery business, being the business manager for the NY Safety Steam Power Company, one of the largest and oldest steam engine building houses in the United States.

ANDREW PECK.

Few men in the Fraternity have ever evinced a greater love for the symbolisms of Speculative Masonry than Bro. Peck. He has accumulated a large masonic library of rare and expensive works, which he continues to add to from time to time, his means enabling him to gratify his thirst for masonic lore. His first step in masonry was through the door of Acanthus Lodge in March 5, 1887, and made Master Mason. He next tried Capitular Masonry, and was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209, of Brooklyn. He next resolved to enter the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and was received into the Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, thence through the dark mysteries to the Council of Jerusalem, Rose Croix Chapter and Consistory to the 32d degree, and will doubtless some day reach the exalted station of Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 33d and last degree. He has already "crossed the burning sands " through Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and still his thirst for knowledge is unsatisfied. He is a member and Director of Aurora Grata Club.

Bro. Peck was born in New York city, Oct. 15, 1836. He was early in life left an orphan and placed in the Leake & Watts Orphan House, to which he is indebted for his early training and start in life. He subsequently organized the Leake

JAMES W. NEWTON.

Bro. Newton is well known throughout the several Masonic bodies for his activity and zeal in the cause; and although his masonic experience is limited to two or three years, there is no more enthusiastic or earnest brother in Acanthus Lodge; he was proposed by the present S. W. In recommending candidates for membership he has been careful to select only the best material. Bro. Newton was raised in this Lodge by Wor. Bro. Grimes in the Spring of 1887. He was exalted a Boyal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209, Dec. 10, 1888. He took his several degrees in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Bite in Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, and Aurora Grata Chapter Bose Croix; he was made Sublime Prince of the Boyal Secret, 32d degree, in New York Consistory, Northern Jurisdiction; he crossed the burning sands in Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a charter member of the Aurora Grata Club. He enjoys a deserved degree of popularity among the Brooklyn fraternity.

Bro. Newton is a native of England, born August 21, 1850. He received a thorough education and business training at home, and came to this country in October, 1871. He was in business for some years in Philadelphia; for the past six years has been engaged in the steel importing business in New York, where he is well known and highly esteemed among the downtown merchants.

ISAIAH GREENACRE.

Bro. Greenacre has but recently started on his masonic journey, yet the earnestness and zeal with which he has pursued his quest in search of further light shows how deeply he was impressed with its symbolic teachings. He received his first instructions in the mysteries of Speculative Masonry in the fall of 1887, through Wor. Bro. Smith. Continuing his journey, he sought and obtained admission into the Ancient Accepted Scottish Bite through the Aurora Grata Bodies. He entered the Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, ascending to the 14th degree; thence to Aurora Grata Council Princes of Jerusalem, and Aurora Grata Chapter Rose Croix, and finally the 32d de-

S:ee, the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, through Aurora rata Consistory, Northern Jurisdiction. Having once entered upon that important undertaking, he is determined to acquire all the light and knowledge in masonry that it is possible to attain.

Bro. Greenacre is a native of County Norfolk, England, born July 21,1840; he was thoroughly instructed in the rudimentary and subsequently the commercial branches of education. He learned the jewelry business, which he continued to follow for some twenty years. He finally determined on seeking a new field of operations and came to this country in 1882, where he has since been associated with a large firm, dealers in bookbinders' materials.

Bro. Greenacre possesses by nature all the elements of an accomplished Craftsman; courteous and pleasing in his address, endowed with a goodly share of the milk of human kindness, strongly sympathetic, he delights in doing good and contributing to the happiness of his fellow-men.