From Whence We Came
On a Monday evening, May 20, 1861, James Barngrover, Simeon H. Rhorer, Moses G. Tull, Benjamin Carson, Eli
Johnson, George W. Strickler, Castaline A. Gibson, James W. Smelser and David Tull met in Temperance Hall in
Boggstown, Shelby County, Indiana, for the purpose of taking in consideration the organizing a Lodge of Masons in
Bogggstown.
After an apparent full and fee discussion the following resolution was adapted: “That we deem it expedient now to
take the necessary steps to procure a Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master to organize a Lodge in this
place.”
September 12, 1861, the committee appointed at the foregoing meeting, presented the Dispensation, which it was
authorized to procure, to the group who had assembled to hear what progress had been made.
The following officers were delegated by the Dispensation:
James W. Smelser……………..Worshipful Master
Eli Johnson ………………….....Senior Warden
Moses G. Tull ……………….....Junior Warden
Benjamin Carson ……………. .Treasurer
Simeon H. Rhorer …………… .Secretary
Castaline A. Gibson …………. .Senior Deacon
James Barngrover ……………. .Junior Deacon
George W. Strickler …………....Tyler
The permanent charter was issued the 27th day of May, 1862, under the Most Worshipful Grand Master John B. Frave;
William Hacker, Deputy Grand Master, H. G. Hazelrigg, Senior Grand Warden, W. J. Millard Junior Grand Warden and
Francis King, Grand Secretary.
For some years afterward Temperance Hall continued to be the meeting place for the Lodge. On May 19, 1864, a
motion was made to move the Lodge to Fairland and was passed by a majority vote. At a meeting on January 14,
1865, a resolution was read from the Grand Lodge to change to location of the Lodge to Fairland, retaining its present
name and number.
On June 5, 1873, a building committee of 5 members was appointed to superintend the building of a Masonic Hall in
the town of Fairland, Indiana. The building was to be 22 feet X 66 feet and to be build suitable for a Lodge Hall and
as a second story to a building being constructed by J. L. Carson and R. Smith. On October 2, 1873, an order of $300
was drawn upon the treasurer in favor of the Building Committee. Some of the additional expensed incurred by the
Lodge for their new building included: 2 chandeliers - $14.00, Candles - $1.32, Spitoons - $14.50, lamp wicks - $ .45,
stoves - $ 16.20, and a stone and lettering - $25.00. The exact date of the first meeting in the new hall was not
revealed by the records. However, April 30, 1874, the building and its contents were insured and July 23, 1874, J. L.
Carson and R. Smith presented a deed for the hall which was “accepted and approved,” thus intimating that the first
meeting in the new hall must have been late in 1873, or in early 1874, possibly later.
For the next several years the Lodge met in the aforementioned hall located over what was known as the R. T. Smith
store. In 1934, the Masonic Lodge purchased the Hall occupied by the order of Knights of Pythias, situated on the
second floor of a building just three doors West over a business establishment, which for the last quarter of a century,
has been occupied by implement dealers. The stone, which was used with the first Lodge Hall, was moved to this new
location. *
· The following information was provided by (Wayne E. Fansler PM, EA – September
16, 1948, FC – September 30, 1948, MM – October 16, 1948.) On April 28, 2004.
“While Master [Roy C. Fansler – EA – November 9, 1922, FC – December 14, 1922, MM – January 18, 1923] of Sugar
Creek Lodge #279 in Fairland, IN, it was decided to purchase a new facility for the Lodge Hall. A building formerly an
implement and grain business was purchased for $1,014.86, which was located on the corner of Mulberry and
Washington Streets in Fairland, IN. the former lodge hall located East of the new building was on the second floor
above a grocery store owned by Bob Smith and it was sold for $628.69.
The new Lodge hall was dedicated after some repairing in December, 1934.
A player piano in the old lodge hall was sold to my parents, Roy and Mollie Fansler for $27.50. I have been told it
was some task getting it down the outside stairs. A newer piano was purchased for the new Lodge hall.”
Wayne E. Fansler was a PM at Roann Masonic Lodge #583, Roann, IN, a member of Jublee Masonic Lodge #746,
Whiteland, IN –1972, he became a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis in 1980.
On April 10, 1947, a committee of 9 members was appointed to procure the ground floor of the building under the
Lodge Hall. After procurement the ground floor was refinished and redecorated to be used as a dining hall. Coal
and oil stoves heated the Lodge Hall and Dining Hall until 1959 when a new furnace was installed.
The Hall of Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279, F. & A. M., Fairland, Indiana, Saturday, June 16, 1962 A.L. 5960. “With a
firm belief in the Supreme Architect of the Universe, Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279, Free and Accepted Masons, has
completed a century of labor in this community.” The following officers recorded for the June 16, 1962, Centennial
celebration include:
Raymond M. Crum ………… Worshipful Master
Robert L. Burkert …………... Senior Warden
Jean H. Norris ………………. Junior Warden
Clyde C. Eck ………………… Treasurer
Milton T. Shaw ……………… Secretary
Glenn M. Perry ……………… Senior Deacon
John D. Bush ………………… Junior Deacon
Richard L. Zeigler ……………. Senior Steward
Richard F. McCray …………… Junior Steward
Gerald S. Rice ………………… Chaplain
William T. Shofner …………… Tyler
Trustees
Arthur G. Coers Gerald S. Rice Gerald Hasler
50 – YEAR MEMBERS
Edghill T. Burnside, Kenneth F. Hardy, William E. Jones, Asler T. Milner, and Joseph E. Terman, who at this time is
the oldest living member and was born, June 9 1866 and was raised on March 9, 1907.
Officers of the MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE , F. & A. M. of Indiana
Jack F. Hewson ……………….. Grand Master
Arthur A. Osburn ……………... Deputy Grand Master
Clyde E. Flowers ……………… Senior Grand Warden
Don A. Burton ………………… Junior Grand Warden
O. A. Tinslow, P.G.M. ………… Grand Treasurer
Dwight L. Smith, P.G.M. ……… Grand Secretary
The Rev. Charles E. Zapp ……… Grand Chaplain
Howard O. Hunter ……………… Grand Lecturer
Kenneth G. Alexander ………….. Grand Marshall
Joseph L. Bridwell ……………... Senior Grand Deacon
John L. Bloxsome ………………. Junior Grand Deacon
Fritz M. Ehling ………………….. Grand Steward and Tyler
GRAND LODGE TRUSTEES
Theo J. Jenna, P.G.M ……………President
John H. Jefferson, P.G.M. ……….Vice-President
J. Carl Humphrey, P.G.M. ………. Secretary
A banquet was held at the Fairland School with a rededication of the Lodge Hall by the Grand Lodge Officers,
recognition of the Lodges Past Masters and other distinguished members and guests, presentation of 25-year awards
and a Centennial Address by Steven L. Miller, Past Grand Master.
Various remodeling has been done over the past few years and in the year 2000, Cora and Julia Goodrich, whose
father was a member of Sugar Creek Lodge, donated a parcel of land to the Lodge for the construction of a new
Lodge Building. This property is located on 450 W just North of the town of Fairland. A building committee
comprised of the following was appointed: Bob Sayer, P.M., Chairman, Keith Brennan, P.M., Kevin Cradic P. M.,
Ezra Cradic, P. M., Clyde Eck P.M., Bill Johnson, Sid Sebastian P. M., Gary Strange, Duane Stucker P. M., and Bob
Judah P. M. This committee has secured all the needed preliminary items and have had preliminary architectural
plans prepared and preliminary Grand Lodge approval was obtained, the culverts have been place and bids from
several contractors have placed bids. Numerous members have volunteered their services and talents. In 2003 three
additional members were added to the committee: Shirley Hall, Bill McNeely and Jody Olinger. Also, the area which
the building will not occupy has been returned to agricultural usage. Since there are not enough funds presently to
build the Lodge it was determined that the building should take place in “Stages”, with the “Temple” area done first.
New architectural plans where presented to Grand Lodge and approved. Preliminary site plans have been prepared
by Greg Garrison and final approval is expected early in 2004. Various fund raising activities have taken place and
funds have been placed in a savings account. Any and all donations would be appreciated.
On July 15, 2004, ground was broken for the first stage to begin. The footers were dug and poured by Tony Newton
Excavating. The foundation was laid and Larry Mohr Construction began construction September 15, 2004. The
Official “Ground Breaking Ceremony” took place on September 8, 2004. Donations of insulation (Knauf), bricks
(Interstate Brick and Block), concrete (Prairie Concrete), septic system items (Jim Ross - Mark Concrete)were
accepted. Final payment on the building was made December 27, 2004 to Larry Mohr Construction. Cornerstone
Ceremonies are planned for February 12, 2005 with the Grand Master Richard Elman presiding. The Feburary 2005
stated meeting was held in the new Lodge building although there is some finish work to be done with Worshipful
Master Brian Kitchens presiding. Scott Turner as Senior Warden, Joe Cales as Junior Warden, Tracy Welcher as
Senior Deacon, Bernie Griswald as the Junior Deacon, Bill Johnson serves as Senior Steward and is the Junior
Steward. Kevin CradicPM is the Secretary, Ezra Cradic PM serves as the Treasure, Jeff Kruzil PM is the Tyler and Bob
Judah PM is the Chaplain. Bill McNeely, Dan Brumfield and Fred Nevels are serving as the Trustees. Brothers R. C.
Brown, Donnie Green, Rex Rhodes, “Fish”, John Haynes PM, Wayne Enochs and Bill Johnson, Bill McNeely, Brian
Kitchens, Scott Turner, Tracy Welcher, Bernie Grismore have given numerous hours of work on the building. Robbie
McDonald did the dry wall, Dan Hall PM (New Palestine) and Fred Hitch (New Palestine) did the painting free of
charge. Brother John Werbe PM (Shelby 28) Heating and Cooling – J. R. Wortman, David Rush PM (Farmers) did the
electrical work and Brother Jim Glanton and Brother Charley McDonald provided the plumbing services.
Cornerstone ceremonies took place February 12, 2005 with Grand Lodge officers performing the ceremonies. A
special pen was given as a memento of the ceremonies. The meal was prepared by Fairland Chapter of the OES No
359.
Program for Laying the Cornerstone
10:00 AM – Grand Lodge Opens
10:30 AM – Recognition of Distinguished Guests
11:00 AM – Cornerstone Ceremony
Prologue
Invitation
Acceptance
Opening Hymn – God Bless America
Laying and Proving of Cornerstone
Consecration
Proclamation
Benediction
National Anthem
12:15 PM – Lunch at the old Lodge Building
1:30 PM – Presentation of 50 year awards – Pastmasters
Clyde Eck and Bob Howard
2:00 PM – Worshipful Master’s Remarks
2:15 PM – Awarding of Honorary Memberships
2:30 PM – Grand Master’s Remarks
3:00 PM – Closing of the Lodge
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF INDIANA
Grand Master – Richard J. Elman
Deputy Grand Master – Dennis T. Harrell
Senior Grand Warden – James M. Barkdull
Junior Grand Warden – Duane L.Vaught
Grand Treasurer & PGM – John E. Grein
Grand Secretary & PGM – Max L. Carpenter
Grand Chaplain – William W. Roberts
Grand Lecturer – James B. Garrett
Assistant Grand Lecturer – Robert W. Holler
Grand Marshall – Mark A. Gunung
Senior Grand Deacon – Jeffery P. Zaring
Junior Grand Deacon – Charles F. Marlow
Grand Steward & Tyler – Ralph E. Kauffman
Grand Organist – John W. Logan, Sr.
Grand Photographer – Carl E. Culmann
Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279 F & AM Officers
Brian Kitchens – Worshipful Master
Scott Turner – Senior Warden
Joe Cales – Junior Warden
Ezra P. Cradic PM – Treasurer
Kevin P. Cradic PM – Secretary
Tracy Welcher – Senior Deacon
Bernard Grismore – Junior Deacon
William Johnson – Senior Steward
James Fahrenkamp – Junior Steward
Jeffrey T. Kruzil PM – Tyler
Robert E. Judah II PM – Chaplain
Trustees: H. William McNeely, Fred Nevels PM, Dan Brumfield PM
Competition of the ‘Temple’ continued until the dedication ceremonies took place with several interior finishing items
being done. Numerous volunteers helped with this part of the work and their names can be found proceeding this
entry.
On April 16, 2005 the new Lodge building (Temple area – referred to as phase 1) was dedicated by officers of the
Grand Lodge of Indiana.
PROGRAM FOR THE DEDICATION CEREMONY
Prologue
Request for Dedication
Presentation of the Working Tools
Opening Hymn – GOD BLESS AMERICA
Proving of the Temple
Prayer of Consecration
The First Lesson – Pouring of corn, the Emblem of Nourishment – Dedication of Hall to Freemasonry
The Second Lesson – Pouring of the wine, the Emblem of Refreshment – Dedication of Hall to Freemasonry
The Third Lesson – Pouring of the oil, the Emblem of Joy – Dedication of Hall to Universal Benevolence
Invocation
Proclamation
National Anthem
Remarks of Sugar Creek Lodge #279 – Worshipful Master
Remarks of the Grand Master
Closing of the Sugar Creek Lodge and Grand Lodge of Indiana
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS OF INDIANA
Richard J. Elman…..Grand Master
Dennis T. Harrell…..Deputy Grand Master
James M. Barkdull…Senior Grand Warden
Duane L. Vaught……Junior Grand Warden
John E. Grein………..Grand Treasure & PGM
Max L. Carpenter……Grand Secretary & PGM
William W. Roberts….Grand Caplain
James B. Garrett……..Grand Lecturer
Robert W. Holler…….Assistant Grand Lecturer
Mark A. Genung……..Grand Marshall
Jeffery P. Zaring……..Senior Grand Deacon
Charles F. Marlow…...Junior Grand Deacon
Ralph E. Kauffman…..Grand Steward & Tyler
John W. Logan, Sr……Grand Organist
Carl E. Culmann……...Grand Photographer
SUGAR CREEK OFFICERS
Brian Kitchens …………Worshipful Master
Scott Turner …………… Senior Warden
Joe Cales ………………. Junior Warden
Ezra P. Cradic, PM ……. Treasurer
Kevin C. Cradic PM …… Secretary
Tracy D. Welcher ………. Senior Deacon
Bernard G. Grismore …… Junior Deacon
William T. Johnson …….. Senior Steward
James L. Fahrenkamp ….. Junior Steward
Jeffery T. Kruzil PM …… Tyler
Robert E. Judah II PM ….. Chaplain
Trustees: Dan Brumfield PM, Fred Nevels PM, Bill McNeely
The Ceremony began at 3 PM and there were about 150 in attendance. Following the ceremony a meal was served
at the ‘old Lodge building’. Remarks and introductions of the Grand Lodge members and their ladies took place. The
meal was prepared by members of the Order of the Eastern Star – Fairland Chapter 359.
The beginning of the “second phase” took place on May 25, 2006 and the foundation was poured and blocks laid on
May 31, 2006. Brother Donnie Green has been the contractor of this part of the construction. As of October 31, 2006
the ‘shell’ for the construction was completed with the laying of the bricks and the exterior painted. Bill Johnson,
chairman of the building committee has begun plans for completion of the interior, with ‘framing the rooms’, roughing
in the electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling to follow. Insulation can then be placed and dry wall hung. Then the
finishing of the interior of the “second Phase” can begin.
Johnson, George W. Strickler, Castaline A. Gibson, James W. Smelser and David Tull met in Temperance Hall in
Boggstown, Shelby County, Indiana, for the purpose of taking in consideration the organizing a Lodge of Masons in
Bogggstown.
After an apparent full and fee discussion the following resolution was adapted: “That we deem it expedient now to
take the necessary steps to procure a Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Master to organize a Lodge in this
place.”
September 12, 1861, the committee appointed at the foregoing meeting, presented the Dispensation, which it was
authorized to procure, to the group who had assembled to hear what progress had been made.
The following officers were delegated by the Dispensation:
James W. Smelser……………..Worshipful Master
Eli Johnson ………………….....Senior Warden
Moses G. Tull ……………….....Junior Warden
Benjamin Carson ……………. .Treasurer
Simeon H. Rhorer …………… .Secretary
Castaline A. Gibson …………. .Senior Deacon
James Barngrover ……………. .Junior Deacon
George W. Strickler …………....Tyler
The permanent charter was issued the 27th day of May, 1862, under the Most Worshipful Grand Master John B. Frave;
William Hacker, Deputy Grand Master, H. G. Hazelrigg, Senior Grand Warden, W. J. Millard Junior Grand Warden and
Francis King, Grand Secretary.
For some years afterward Temperance Hall continued to be the meeting place for the Lodge. On May 19, 1864, a
motion was made to move the Lodge to Fairland and was passed by a majority vote. At a meeting on January 14,
1865, a resolution was read from the Grand Lodge to change to location of the Lodge to Fairland, retaining its present
name and number.
On June 5, 1873, a building committee of 5 members was appointed to superintend the building of a Masonic Hall in
the town of Fairland, Indiana. The building was to be 22 feet X 66 feet and to be build suitable for a Lodge Hall and
as a second story to a building being constructed by J. L. Carson and R. Smith. On October 2, 1873, an order of $300
was drawn upon the treasurer in favor of the Building Committee. Some of the additional expensed incurred by the
Lodge for their new building included: 2 chandeliers - $14.00, Candles - $1.32, Spitoons - $14.50, lamp wicks - $ .45,
stoves - $ 16.20, and a stone and lettering - $25.00. The exact date of the first meeting in the new hall was not
revealed by the records. However, April 30, 1874, the building and its contents were insured and July 23, 1874, J. L.
Carson and R. Smith presented a deed for the hall which was “accepted and approved,” thus intimating that the first
meeting in the new hall must have been late in 1873, or in early 1874, possibly later.
For the next several years the Lodge met in the aforementioned hall located over what was known as the R. T. Smith
store. In 1934, the Masonic Lodge purchased the Hall occupied by the order of Knights of Pythias, situated on the
second floor of a building just three doors West over a business establishment, which for the last quarter of a century,
has been occupied by implement dealers. The stone, which was used with the first Lodge Hall, was moved to this new
location. *
· The following information was provided by (Wayne E. Fansler PM, EA – September
16, 1948, FC – September 30, 1948, MM – October 16, 1948.) On April 28, 2004.
“While Master [Roy C. Fansler – EA – November 9, 1922, FC – December 14, 1922, MM – January 18, 1923] of Sugar
Creek Lodge #279 in Fairland, IN, it was decided to purchase a new facility for the Lodge Hall. A building formerly an
implement and grain business was purchased for $1,014.86, which was located on the corner of Mulberry and
Washington Streets in Fairland, IN. the former lodge hall located East of the new building was on the second floor
above a grocery store owned by Bob Smith and it was sold for $628.69.
The new Lodge hall was dedicated after some repairing in December, 1934.
A player piano in the old lodge hall was sold to my parents, Roy and Mollie Fansler for $27.50. I have been told it
was some task getting it down the outside stairs. A newer piano was purchased for the new Lodge hall.”
Wayne E. Fansler was a PM at Roann Masonic Lodge #583, Roann, IN, a member of Jublee Masonic Lodge #746,
Whiteland, IN –1972, he became a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis in 1980.
On April 10, 1947, a committee of 9 members was appointed to procure the ground floor of the building under the
Lodge Hall. After procurement the ground floor was refinished and redecorated to be used as a dining hall. Coal
and oil stoves heated the Lodge Hall and Dining Hall until 1959 when a new furnace was installed.
The Hall of Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279, F. & A. M., Fairland, Indiana, Saturday, June 16, 1962 A.L. 5960. “With a
firm belief in the Supreme Architect of the Universe, Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279, Free and Accepted Masons, has
completed a century of labor in this community.” The following officers recorded for the June 16, 1962, Centennial
celebration include:
Raymond M. Crum ………… Worshipful Master
Robert L. Burkert …………... Senior Warden
Jean H. Norris ………………. Junior Warden
Clyde C. Eck ………………… Treasurer
Milton T. Shaw ……………… Secretary
Glenn M. Perry ……………… Senior Deacon
John D. Bush ………………… Junior Deacon
Richard L. Zeigler ……………. Senior Steward
Richard F. McCray …………… Junior Steward
Gerald S. Rice ………………… Chaplain
William T. Shofner …………… Tyler
Trustees
Arthur G. Coers Gerald S. Rice Gerald Hasler
50 – YEAR MEMBERS
Edghill T. Burnside, Kenneth F. Hardy, William E. Jones, Asler T. Milner, and Joseph E. Terman, who at this time is
the oldest living member and was born, June 9 1866 and was raised on March 9, 1907.
Officers of the MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE , F. & A. M. of Indiana
Jack F. Hewson ……………….. Grand Master
Arthur A. Osburn ……………... Deputy Grand Master
Clyde E. Flowers ……………… Senior Grand Warden
Don A. Burton ………………… Junior Grand Warden
O. A. Tinslow, P.G.M. ………… Grand Treasurer
Dwight L. Smith, P.G.M. ……… Grand Secretary
The Rev. Charles E. Zapp ……… Grand Chaplain
Howard O. Hunter ……………… Grand Lecturer
Kenneth G. Alexander ………….. Grand Marshall
Joseph L. Bridwell ……………... Senior Grand Deacon
John L. Bloxsome ………………. Junior Grand Deacon
Fritz M. Ehling ………………….. Grand Steward and Tyler
GRAND LODGE TRUSTEES
Theo J. Jenna, P.G.M ……………President
John H. Jefferson, P.G.M. ……….Vice-President
J. Carl Humphrey, P.G.M. ………. Secretary
A banquet was held at the Fairland School with a rededication of the Lodge Hall by the Grand Lodge Officers,
recognition of the Lodges Past Masters and other distinguished members and guests, presentation of 25-year awards
and a Centennial Address by Steven L. Miller, Past Grand Master.
Various remodeling has been done over the past few years and in the year 2000, Cora and Julia Goodrich, whose
father was a member of Sugar Creek Lodge, donated a parcel of land to the Lodge for the construction of a new
Lodge Building. This property is located on 450 W just North of the town of Fairland. A building committee
comprised of the following was appointed: Bob Sayer, P.M., Chairman, Keith Brennan, P.M., Kevin Cradic P. M.,
Ezra Cradic, P. M., Clyde Eck P.M., Bill Johnson, Sid Sebastian P. M., Gary Strange, Duane Stucker P. M., and Bob
Judah P. M. This committee has secured all the needed preliminary items and have had preliminary architectural
plans prepared and preliminary Grand Lodge approval was obtained, the culverts have been place and bids from
several contractors have placed bids. Numerous members have volunteered their services and talents. In 2003 three
additional members were added to the committee: Shirley Hall, Bill McNeely and Jody Olinger. Also, the area which
the building will not occupy has been returned to agricultural usage. Since there are not enough funds presently to
build the Lodge it was determined that the building should take place in “Stages”, with the “Temple” area done first.
New architectural plans where presented to Grand Lodge and approved. Preliminary site plans have been prepared
by Greg Garrison and final approval is expected early in 2004. Various fund raising activities have taken place and
funds have been placed in a savings account. Any and all donations would be appreciated.
On July 15, 2004, ground was broken for the first stage to begin. The footers were dug and poured by Tony Newton
Excavating. The foundation was laid and Larry Mohr Construction began construction September 15, 2004. The
Official “Ground Breaking Ceremony” took place on September 8, 2004. Donations of insulation (Knauf), bricks
(Interstate Brick and Block), concrete (Prairie Concrete), septic system items (Jim Ross - Mark Concrete)were
accepted. Final payment on the building was made December 27, 2004 to Larry Mohr Construction. Cornerstone
Ceremonies are planned for February 12, 2005 with the Grand Master Richard Elman presiding. The Feburary 2005
stated meeting was held in the new Lodge building although there is some finish work to be done with Worshipful
Master Brian Kitchens presiding. Scott Turner as Senior Warden, Joe Cales as Junior Warden, Tracy Welcher as
Senior Deacon, Bernie Griswald as the Junior Deacon, Bill Johnson serves as Senior Steward and is the Junior
Steward. Kevin CradicPM is the Secretary, Ezra Cradic PM serves as the Treasure, Jeff Kruzil PM is the Tyler and Bob
Judah PM is the Chaplain. Bill McNeely, Dan Brumfield and Fred Nevels are serving as the Trustees. Brothers R. C.
Brown, Donnie Green, Rex Rhodes, “Fish”, John Haynes PM, Wayne Enochs and Bill Johnson, Bill McNeely, Brian
Kitchens, Scott Turner, Tracy Welcher, Bernie Grismore have given numerous hours of work on the building. Robbie
McDonald did the dry wall, Dan Hall PM (New Palestine) and Fred Hitch (New Palestine) did the painting free of
charge. Brother John Werbe PM (Shelby 28) Heating and Cooling – J. R. Wortman, David Rush PM (Farmers) did the
electrical work and Brother Jim Glanton and Brother Charley McDonald provided the plumbing services.
Cornerstone ceremonies took place February 12, 2005 with Grand Lodge officers performing the ceremonies. A
special pen was given as a memento of the ceremonies. The meal was prepared by Fairland Chapter of the OES No
359.
Program for Laying the Cornerstone
10:00 AM – Grand Lodge Opens
10:30 AM – Recognition of Distinguished Guests
11:00 AM – Cornerstone Ceremony
Prologue
Invitation
Acceptance
Opening Hymn – God Bless America
Laying and Proving of Cornerstone
Consecration
Proclamation
Benediction
National Anthem
12:15 PM – Lunch at the old Lodge Building
1:30 PM – Presentation of 50 year awards – Pastmasters
Clyde Eck and Bob Howard
2:00 PM – Worshipful Master’s Remarks
2:15 PM – Awarding of Honorary Memberships
2:30 PM – Grand Master’s Remarks
3:00 PM – Closing of the Lodge
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF INDIANA
Grand Master – Richard J. Elman
Deputy Grand Master – Dennis T. Harrell
Senior Grand Warden – James M. Barkdull
Junior Grand Warden – Duane L.Vaught
Grand Treasurer & PGM – John E. Grein
Grand Secretary & PGM – Max L. Carpenter
Grand Chaplain – William W. Roberts
Grand Lecturer – James B. Garrett
Assistant Grand Lecturer – Robert W. Holler
Grand Marshall – Mark A. Gunung
Senior Grand Deacon – Jeffery P. Zaring
Junior Grand Deacon – Charles F. Marlow
Grand Steward & Tyler – Ralph E. Kauffman
Grand Organist – John W. Logan, Sr.
Grand Photographer – Carl E. Culmann
Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279 F & AM Officers
Brian Kitchens – Worshipful Master
Scott Turner – Senior Warden
Joe Cales – Junior Warden
Ezra P. Cradic PM – Treasurer
Kevin P. Cradic PM – Secretary
Tracy Welcher – Senior Deacon
Bernard Grismore – Junior Deacon
William Johnson – Senior Steward
James Fahrenkamp – Junior Steward
Jeffrey T. Kruzil PM – Tyler
Robert E. Judah II PM – Chaplain
Trustees: H. William McNeely, Fred Nevels PM, Dan Brumfield PM
Competition of the ‘Temple’ continued until the dedication ceremonies took place with several interior finishing items
being done. Numerous volunteers helped with this part of the work and their names can be found proceeding this
entry.
On April 16, 2005 the new Lodge building (Temple area – referred to as phase 1) was dedicated by officers of the
Grand Lodge of Indiana.
PROGRAM FOR THE DEDICATION CEREMONY
Prologue
Request for Dedication
Presentation of the Working Tools
Opening Hymn – GOD BLESS AMERICA
Proving of the Temple
Prayer of Consecration
The First Lesson – Pouring of corn, the Emblem of Nourishment – Dedication of Hall to Freemasonry
The Second Lesson – Pouring of the wine, the Emblem of Refreshment – Dedication of Hall to Freemasonry
The Third Lesson – Pouring of the oil, the Emblem of Joy – Dedication of Hall to Universal Benevolence
Invocation
Proclamation
National Anthem
Remarks of Sugar Creek Lodge #279 – Worshipful Master
Remarks of the Grand Master
Closing of the Sugar Creek Lodge and Grand Lodge of Indiana
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS OF INDIANA
Richard J. Elman…..Grand Master
Dennis T. Harrell…..Deputy Grand Master
James M. Barkdull…Senior Grand Warden
Duane L. Vaught……Junior Grand Warden
John E. Grein………..Grand Treasure & PGM
Max L. Carpenter……Grand Secretary & PGM
William W. Roberts….Grand Caplain
James B. Garrett……..Grand Lecturer
Robert W. Holler…….Assistant Grand Lecturer
Mark A. Genung……..Grand Marshall
Jeffery P. Zaring……..Senior Grand Deacon
Charles F. Marlow…...Junior Grand Deacon
Ralph E. Kauffman…..Grand Steward & Tyler
John W. Logan, Sr……Grand Organist
Carl E. Culmann……...Grand Photographer
SUGAR CREEK OFFICERS
Brian Kitchens …………Worshipful Master
Scott Turner …………… Senior Warden
Joe Cales ………………. Junior Warden
Ezra P. Cradic, PM ……. Treasurer
Kevin C. Cradic PM …… Secretary
Tracy D. Welcher ………. Senior Deacon
Bernard G. Grismore …… Junior Deacon
William T. Johnson …….. Senior Steward
James L. Fahrenkamp ….. Junior Steward
Jeffery T. Kruzil PM …… Tyler
Robert E. Judah II PM ….. Chaplain
Trustees: Dan Brumfield PM, Fred Nevels PM, Bill McNeely
The Ceremony began at 3 PM and there were about 150 in attendance. Following the ceremony a meal was served
at the ‘old Lodge building’. Remarks and introductions of the Grand Lodge members and their ladies took place. The
meal was prepared by members of the Order of the Eastern Star – Fairland Chapter 359.
The beginning of the “second phase” took place on May 25, 2006 and the foundation was poured and blocks laid on
May 31, 2006. Brother Donnie Green has been the contractor of this part of the construction. As of October 31, 2006
the ‘shell’ for the construction was completed with the laying of the bricks and the exterior painted. Bill Johnson,
chairman of the building committee has begun plans for completion of the interior, with ‘framing the rooms’, roughing
in the electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling to follow. Insulation can then be placed and dry wall hung. Then the
finishing of the interior of the “second Phase” can begin.
| Welcome to Sugar Creek Lodge #279 |
Fairland Indiana
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Sugar Creek Lodge #279 Current Worshipful Master: Tracey Wilcher, PM
Web Page created by Jeff
Kruzil, PM, Sugar Creek #279
Kruzil, PM, Sugar Creek #279