A Chronicle of

Slidell Lodge # 311

Free and Accepted Masons

State of Louisiana

1906-1938

 

  In the late months of 1905 and early 1906, several Master Masons living in Slidell wished to form a lodge of Masons in Slidell .  After corresponding with the Grand Lodge of Louisiana , it was decided to have an organizational meeting on April 1, 1906, in the Knights of Pythias Hall, then located across Carey Street from what is now Brock Elementary  School .  The lodge was opened by Worshipful Brother L.P. Delahoussaye, Deputy Grand Master, and assisted by Worshipful Bro. John W. Howe, Deputy Grand Senior Warden, Worshipful Bro. Geo. A Treadwill, Deputy Grand Junior Warden, Worshipful Bro. John C. Saurez, Grand Marshall, acting under orders from the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana.  They organized the Slidell Lodge to work under a dispensation form the Grand Lodge of the State.  The following fficers were appointed and took their stations:  H. E. Cogburn, W. M., J.D. Parker, S.W., F.J. Renning, J.W., Benjamin aughton, Treasurer, W.M. Baylor, Sect., H. J. Anderson, S.D., J.O. Deugre, J.D. and  George W. Fuller, Tyler.   The first and third Saturdays were named as meeting =nights.  Bros. Walker, Bourgeois, and Glover were ppointed to draft the rules.  The fees voted on were: 1st degree, $20.00; 2nd degree, $10.00; 3rd degree, 10.00.  Dues were set at $4.00 a year, voluntary while under dispensation. Six petitions were received at this first meeting.   At  the first regular meeting on April 7, 1906, 3 petitions were received, including that of C.A.

Everret.  At the second regular meeting $130.00 was collected for organizational expenses.  The lodge paid $50.00 for dispensation fee.   Between August and November of 1906, 12 Brothers were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.  The first election was on March 2, 1907:  Bro. J.D. Parker, W.M., E.F. Hailey, SW, Sam Sollberger, JW, Benjamin Haughton, Treasurer, and F.A. Bourgeois, Secretary.  On April 6, 1907, we find the first use of  Slidell Lodge #311-F&AM.  They  paid $50.00 for the Charter Fee.   The first dark ballot was on Sept. 9, 1906.  Dr. John Feston Polk (Bro. Clyde Polk’s father) was raised on Aug 2, 1907.  Dr. John Keeler  Griffith (congressman) was raised on Dec. 21, 1907.  On Jan 18, 1908, Grand Lodge dues of  $85.00 were paid for 1907.  The first Special Meeting was on Sept. 13, 1908 to raise two Brothers to the M.M. Degree.  The second special communication was held on Nov. 12, 1908 for the funeral of William Andrew Martin.  There was a misunderstanding:  the Woodmen of the World had charge of the body.  However, two Masons were among the pall bearers.  On Dec. 5, 1908 a resolution upon the death of  W.A. Martin was spread on the minutes and sent to the family.   On several occasions, there were committees appointed to investigate the conduct of  Brother Masons.  Only a few resulted in trials.  In 1909 one Mason was expelled because he shot up the town, got drunk, and abused his wife.  On Aug. 7, 1909, a lot was purchased for $550.00:  the minutes didn’t say where.  Nov. 11, 1911--a special meeting for the funeral of  Henry Joseph Macey.  On Oct. 6, 1912,  Ralph M. Rousseaux (uncle of  Ralph A. Rousseaux)  was raised.  

C.A. Everett was W.M. from 1909 to 1914.  The first suspension for N.P.D. was on Dec 6, 1913.   On Feb. 7, 1914, a committee was appointed to investigate the building of a Temple   On Oct. 16, 1915, the altar and jewels were draped for Grand Master Alfred M. Cheesman.  On Dec. 2, 1916, the lodge paid expenses of fencing the Masonic Graveyard in Greenwood Cemetery .

  Bros. Ben Haughton and Bourgeois were treasurer and secretary from 1906 through 1916.  On January  6, 1917, Bro. Haughton was presented the Treasurer’s jewel in honor of  his 50th year as a Master Mason.  On Oct. 20, 1917, the Lodge bought a $50.00 Liberty Bond.

  On Nov. 16, 1918, a Resolution of Condolences was sent to the Rousseaux family.  On March 1, 1919, the lodge voted $950.00 for a lot to build a temple.  On March 24, 1919, W.L. Abney (father of  John Abney, P.M.) was raised.  On May 5, 1919, they floated $10.00 bonds to build a temple.  On June 2, 1919, a special communication for the funeral of Bro. B. Haughton.  Letters of Condolences were spread on the minutes and sent to Mrs. Haughton.  In December of 1919 and 1920, there were joint installations with the Eastern Star.  On January 19, 1920, a letter of condolences was read in open Lodge for Ralph Rousseaux with the family present.  On June 18, 1919, a committee was appointed to see about building a Lodge:  Bros. A. Hall, C.A. Everett, F.M. Comfort, and L.V. Cooley.  On July 19, 1919, paid $87.60 for Bro. Haughton’s funeral.   March 8, 1920, Returned money ($10.00 bonds) collected to build lodge.  They wanted to buy the Knights of Pythias Hall, but the cost of repairs would  be no less than $5,000.00.   Feb. 3, 1921, granted permission for Mrs. Haughton to build a Masonic tomb and promised that she could be there with her husband.  June 29, 1921, special communication for the funeral of Bro. Ralph Rousseaux--Masonic services were held in the lodge, in the home, and at the grave side.   May 20, 1922, Bro. Emile Singletary (Jim Porter’s grandfather) affiliated from Sun Lodge.

  Jan 20, 1923, rejected a motion to sell the lot next to the Bank of  Slidell to the bank and appointed a committee to investigate financing the erection of  a brick building.  Feb.3, 1923:  Resolution that this lodge authorize a bond issue of  $10,000.00  or such amount thereof as may  be necessary to erect a two story  brick building on a lot next to the Bank of  Slidell, said building to be used for Masonic purposes only.   Be it further resolved that the Worshipful Master appoint a committee with full authority and power to handle the matter to a successful conclusion if such is possible, said bonds to be secured by first mortgage on the lot and the proposed building to be erected thereon; said bonds to be in $50.00 denominations and to run for a period of  15 years--to bear 5% interest payable annually and callable at par at any interest  period.

  This resolution to lay over until the next regular communication and all members notified.  Feb. 17, 1923, the phrase “For Masonic Purposes Only” was scratched--vote was 27 for and 0 against.  May 3, 1923, $7,200.00 had been promised and hopes for the total amount at the next meeting.  July 7, 1923, Building committee reported that the lodge could not be built for less than $14,000; to be considered at the next meeting.

  July 21, 1923, Fees:  E. A., $20.00; F.C., $15.00; M.  M., $15.00.  Dues to be $7.00 a year including the $1.00 per capita.  Vote was 82 yes and 2 no.  March 1, 1924, Building Committee to make arrangements to hire by day or hour a man to supervise the construction of the lodge.  To find the cost  of all materials to be bought and to erect the lodge as soon as possible.   April 12, 1924, Grand Lodge held a special communication to lay the corner stone of Lodge #311.  July 27, 1924, Dedication of

New Temple building--all Grand Lodge officers were present.  M.W. Quave, W.M..  Aug 2, 1924, they insured the building for $10,000 for one year.  They also bought a water cooker and 6 cuspidors.   They  regularly kept up the Masonic graves.  Nov. 8, 1924, Forest

Pearce (father of  F.M. Pearce, P.M.) was raised.  Nov. 29, 1924, to collect $3.00 from each E.A., each F.C., and each M.M. to help pay off the bonds issue.

  Dec. 6, 1924, found out that christening of infants in the lodge was legal.  March 7, 1925, infant son of Bro. and Mrs. George F. Bancks was christened in an open meeting.   Feb. 8, 1927, funeral of  C.A. Everett.  He was present January 15, absent Feb. 5, 1927.  April 16, 1927, Glen H. Brock, P.M., was raised.  It is noted that one past master petitioned 5 times before being accepted for E.A., 3 times bor F.C. and was passed on fourth time, and petitioned 2 times for M.M. degree and was raised on fourth petition.  Feb. 1, 1929:  roof needs repairs, $175.00.  Feb. 18,1933:  roof problem.  Jan. 5, 1935:  repairs roof for $75.00.  June 17, 1936 repairs roof:  $19.75.  March 5, 1937:  see about roof.  May 21, 1937:  paid $228.00 for roof.  Dec. 15, 1929, J.D. Parker’s funeral in Pontchatoula.  March 15, 1930:  property owners on Front Street to meet concerning the paving of  Old Spanish Trail--the Lodge voted favorable.

  Aug. 24, 1930, funeral of Frank M. Comfort.  Masonic services were in Bro. J.K. Griffith’s home, then to depot (for burial in Meridian, Mississippi .  Oct. 4, 1930, a large photo of Worshipful Bro. J.D. Parker unveiled while lodge was at refreshment.   Oct 18, 1930, six month rent for R.A.M. and the O.E.S. was $75.00 each.  Nov. 1, 1930, paid town of Slidell $175.55 for paving.  Dec. 25, 1930, Installations of officers was held at a bread and water banquet.  Dec. 19, 1931, rent was reduced from $150.00 to $75.00 for 1932.  Jan 2, 1932, dues raised from $7.00 to $12.00 a year.  Feb. 20, 1932, oak tree planted in front of  lodge by Bro. F.C. Ratliff.  Also a picture of George Washington in Masonic regalia was received from Mr. Baliver Kemp, Member of Congress.  March 5, 1932, the lodge sent a letter of condolences to Bro. Charles A. Lindbergh for his kidnapped baby.  April 5, 1932, 25th year Homecoming for the lodge.  Feb. 1933, rent for O.E.S. and R.A.M. was reduced to $50.00 a year.  March 7, 1933, A.J. Harding, P.M. was raised.  April 15, 1933,  L.V. McGinty, P.M. (principal of  Slidell High School

 and Henry Mayfield (a later supervisor of Education in

St. Tammany Parish) were raised.  July 1, 1933, John M. Mayfield, P.M.,  was raised.  Nov. 7, 1933, Masonic block to be placed in front of Lodge.  Dec. 7, 1933, Masonic Funeral for F.A. Bourgeois, a charter member.

  June 11, 1934, a picture of F.M. Comfort was unveiled  in special ceremonies. Sept. 6, 1935, dues reduced from $12.00 to $8.00--total initiation fees to amount  to $30.00.   Sept. 4, 1936, put in gas heat.

  In May of 1937, Bro. J.K. Griffith presented each lodge in this district with a picture of  George Washington.  March 4, 1938, the Slidell Garden

Club was thanked for planting a live oak  tree in front of the lodge and dedicating it to the memory of  Bro. J.K. Griffith (he died in 1943).  May 1938, thanks were sent to the O.E.S. for taking such good care of the Temple.

  Let it be known that many instances of charity were recorded.  Funeral expenses were paid or partially paid.  The lodge took care of widows by supplying them with stove wood or coal, fixing their roofs, fixing their fences, buying them groceries, and seeing that they were cared for while sick.

  The lodge had financial problems every 3 or 4 years.  The lodge had problems with attendance.  The lodge in hard years raised the dues from $4.00 to $12.00 and raised the F.C. and M.M. degrees $5.00 each.  In good years the lodge reduced the rent for the R.A.M. and the O.E.S. from $150.00 a year to $75.00 and then to $50.00.  They reduced the dues from $12.00 to $8.00 a year.   Between 1906 and 1925, they must have raised between 15 and 20 each year