Grand Lodge of New York - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic District ...

Previous to the advent of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 124, a Lodge had existed in Auburn under the same name, but numbered 265. This
extinct Lodge received its warrant July 10, 1816; its records are missing and but little is known concerning its affairs.
The first recorded meeting of the organizers of the present St. Paul's Lodge was held April 1, 1847, in Mechanics Hall, at the then
village of Auburn. ISAAC SISSON was elected Chairman, and DAVID M. SEAVER, Secretary.
The second meeting was held in the office of Rathborn and Sherwood, 112 Genesee Street, on April 9th. There were present at this
meeting:
Jonas White, Jr.,
Warren Cronk,
A. Matson,
H. G. Fowler,
W. G. Simpson,
Harvey Wilson,
Isaac Sisson,
Nathan Sittser,
Thomas J. Winsor,
Henry Reynolds,
Samuel S. Graves,
Amasa Curtice and
William Wade.
At this meeting the name of the Lodge was decided upon, and WILLIAM HOLMES was selected as Master; HARVEY WILSON,
Senior Warden, and DANIEL M. SEAVER, Junior Warden.
The third meeting was held at the Court House on the evening of April 13th. At this time but little was done and they adjourned to
meet again at the same place on April 19th, when a committee was appointed to apply for a warrant or dispensation.
The first meeting as a Lodge under dispensation, which was granted April 22d, was held at the Court House on April 26th, 1847.
At this meeting a petition for degrees was received from AHIBA RICHARDSON, ''ho was the first person to be initiated, passed and
raised in the Lodge.
On July I4, 1847, the following officers, who had previously been elected, were installed by ORSAMUS DIBBLE, a Past Master of
Sylvan Lodge, No. 41, who was accompanied by a delegation from that Lodge:
William Holmes, Master;
Harvey Wilson, Senior Warden;
Daniel M. Seaver, Junior Warden;
Hislop G. Fowler, Treasurer;
William Wade, Secretary;
Saul Taylor, Senior Deacon;
Thomas J. Winsor, Junior Deacon:
Henry Reynolds, Tiler.
At a session of the Grand Lodge held June 3, 1847, the Committee on Warrants made a report in favor of granting the petition of the
Lodge for a warrant, and on June 10th it was issued.
The first meeting after the warrant was issued was held on June 14th. The first business which presented itself was of a charitable
character; action was taken toward securing funds for the purpose of paying the tuition of the son of a deceased Mason in the
village Academy.
The Lodge was duly constituted and the officers installed by W.’. ORSAMUS DIBBLE, of Sylvan Lodge, No. 41, on July 14, 1847.
A memorable meeting was held February 26, 1904. The District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District, R.'. W.'.
CRARLES M. ADAMS, visited the Lodge; the third degree was conferred, and every office and station in the Lodge was filled by a
clergyman. It was truly a red letter day in the history of the Lodge.
On numerous occasions it has participated in ceremonies of a public character; it was present at the laying of the corner-stone of
the Powers Library at Moravia, July 24, 1880; the dedication of the Masonic Hall at King Ferry, October 20, 1881; the laying of the
corner-stone of the High School at Ithaca, September 2, 1884; the laying of the corner-stone of the U. S. Government Building at
Auburn, October 20, 1888; the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica. May 21, 1891; the laying of the corner-stone of the
Masonic Temple at Seneca Falls. October 24, 1902; the memorial services in honor of President, BRO. JAMES A. GARFIELD,
September 25, 1881; the memorial services of President, BRO. WILLIAM MCKINLEY, September 19, 1901, and the dedication of
the monument erected to the memory of Rev. BRO. J. BYRON MURRAY, D.D..
Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., September 10, 1903.
A prized relic in possession of the Lodge is the Master's Jewel worn by R.'.W.'. WILLIAM HOLMES, the first Master. It was
presented to the Lodge by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Brinkerhoff, February 23, 1906.
A complimentary entertainment and banquet for the wives and families of the members of the Lodge was given on February 28,
1906. An address was delivered by R.'. W.'. BLIN S. CUSHMAN, District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District.
The first meeting place of the Lodge was at 45 and 47 Genesee Street, where it remained until August 30. 1858, when it moved to
79 and 81 Genesee Street, remaining here until October 1, 1869. when it moved to Masonic Hall, 7 Exchange Street, where it still
remains.
The Lodge has had among its adherents many who have been prominent in various walks of life; some of them have gained
distinction by election to public office. One of the active and prominent members is FREDERICK COSSUM, who has been Secretary
for nearly thirty years. In September, 1861, while but a youth in his teens, he enlisted in the Seventy-fifth Regiment, N. Y. S.
Volunteers: he participated in numerous engagements, and was several times wounded; at the siege of Port Hudson he was
promoted for bravery and commissioned First Lieutenant. He has been active in G. A. R. affairs for many years, and was Senior
Vice-Commander, Department of New York.
Among those who have been in public office were:
Thomas Y. How, Mayor,
William Shapcott, Alderman.
Congressman.
Daniel W. Thorpe. Alderman.
Charles H. Stewart, Col. U. S. Army. Frank J. Stupp, City Recorder.
Frank H. Griswold, Major NYSNG.
Hanson R. Cross, Alderman.
Amasa J. Parker, County Judge.
William I. Donnell, Police
Commissioner.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
William Holmes, Junior Grand Warden.
Amasa J. Parker, District Deputy Grand Master.
James H. H. Hoskins, District Deputy Grand Master.
41