The historical records of Lodge 43 have been well documented in a variety of formats. These records exist both in printed published books, and more importantly in the actual records that were created for those historically noteworthy events in Lodge 43 history. Additionally, by the prominent personalities that were directly involved in each period.
Lodge 43 takes pride in achieving 240 years of Fraternal existence and the significance the Lodge and its prominent personalities have had in the growth of Freemasonry in the District, as well as the development of Lancaster as a community.
The list of Lodge 43 members who were instrumental in these historical events and developments reads like a “Who’s Who” of past prominent Lancaster citizens. James Buchanan, John Reynolds, Edward Hand, the Hamilton’s, Steven Chambers are just a few of the many past members that created our history that now represents our Historical Archives.
Lodge 43’s Historical Archives exist in several different ways that all members should be aware of. For the newly raised Mason these Archives can serve as a perfect way to acquaint the new member with the history of Lodge 43. These archives have been established and preserved not only for the present, but in consideration of the future next generations of Lodge 43.
When considering what makes up the Historical Archives of Lodge 43 we can define them in the following ways.
A. The Albert L. Einolf Museum and Library
The Albert L. Einolf Museum and Library stands out as the most obvious place to visibly develop an awareness of Lodge 43 history.
The growing library contains over 1500 publications representing both new Masonic publications and notable highly regarded Masonic volumes by Masonic writers of the past like Mackey, Pike, to name just a few. Masonic topics of every type represent the work of past and present-day Masonic writers.
The Einolf Museum is maintained as one of the finest Masonic collections of its type. Displays include 18th Century Masonic Aprons, original lodge furniture from the early 1800’s, extensive Masonic jewelry and artifacts from early lodge existence, and framed oil paintings of past significant Lodge leaders. Among them are many James Buchanan artifacts and communications.
B. The Twenty-Five Year Anniversary Books
Lodge 43 has published a Twenty-Five Year Anniversary booklet detailing the events and personalities that made up the history of each of those time periods. The first publication represented the first 150 years, followed by books that represent each of the past twenty-five years. These historical accounts of each period provide a well-documented reflection of what occurred in that time and the Lodge members who were involved. Most significant in each book up until the 2010 edition was the historical account of the creation of Lodge 43 and its growth at the end of the 1700’s into the 1800’s. One would learn much from this early documented historical account and gain an appreciation for the significance both in those that were involved and the events themselves. What is also so unique in this historical account is the beauty and skill of the writer in his expression of events in a grammatical style that is representative of the proper use of the English language that was so prevalent in the colonies in that early period.
With each publication, new historical events are documented and published making up a complete record of Lodge 43. These publications are available in the Einolf Library, and available for any member to take out for their personal reading.
C. Historical Preserved Documents
In recent years the historical documents and original records representing the most significant events of Lodge 43’s history have been recovered, and now have safely been preserved and stored in a proper manner to ensure their longevity for the future.
These handwritten, beautifully scripted records with original signatures of the parties involved date back as early as 1798 and include records up to 1900. In addition to the historical significance of these original records is the beauty of the penmanship, the proper use of the English language in the writing skills, and the artistic penmanship of the signatures of the individual personalities involved in various historical transactions. They are artistic in the nature they were created, and beautiful to reflect on the emphasis and importance they associated with the writing of and appearance of their hand scripted personal signature.
Each of these individual records has been cataloged as a computer record. They then have been individually preserved in an acid free folder and a transparent museum quality preservation envelope along with their cataloged number. Each preserved exhibit is now filed in a dedicated secure five-drawer flat cabinet drawer according to the event category. Our next step in this preservation process will be to digitize these various documents for insurance purposes, and in the event of loss due to a catastrophic event.
While it is interesting to view these historic records one must understand the need for security and preservation as a priority. They are fragile pieces of old paper and parchment, some over 200 years old, and should never be touched by human hands.
D. Third Floor Storage
Lodge 43 Historical Archives also extends to a Third Floor Storage Location. Historical Archives in this storage area include 2 upright metal cabinets, 1 file cabinet, and 2 open storage racks.
Everything stored in these cabinets and storage racks has been documented and recorded in computer files. Items consist of duplicate books already available in the Einolf Library, framed photographs of various Masonic events, donated Past Master Aprons, Past Master Jewels, and Past Master Gavels. Additional sets of Regalia from the mergers of Andrew Hershey and Washington Lodge, as well as an early set from Lodge 43 hi-light the many items in storage. Many small artifacts, dishes, jewelry, and pins are also among these items in storage. This area still represents an area for further discovery although items have been sorted through on numerous occasions.
E. Lodge 43 Minute Books
Lastly, the Lodge 43 Minute Books still represent a great source for exploring the Historical Archives of Lodge 43. Currently, the books reside at Philadelphia, Grand Lodge waiting to be digitized. Once this is accomplished these original documents become another outstanding means to explore Lodge 43 history.
In closing, it is important that every Lodge 43 Brother understands the Historical Archive treasures that are available to them in their continued travels in Freemasonry and for their understanding and appreciation of the Historical significance of Lodge 43. “Seek and Ye Shall Find”.
So Mote It Be!
Nathaniel Gilchrist PM
Lodge Historian