Warren Lodge
240
F. & A. M.
of Pennsylvania
Masonic Hall
50 Church Street
Montrose, Pa. 18801
Warren Lodge Free and Accepted Masons was Constituted June 4, 1849.
Warren Lodge 240 Charter
When King Charles II of England granted the area known as Pennsylvania to Connecticut and later to William Penn, he created conflicts among the early settlers. When Col. and Brother Barlett Hinds, the first permanent resident of what is now Montrose, Settled his Pennsylvania claim, after first having paid Connecticut, he angered his neighbors.
They purchased Hind's note. Brought claim against him and took him 14 miles from Montrose for a hearing. It was too late in the day for him to return home and he was forced to stay overnight. After dark, they took him, tied him to a horse and started dragging him through the Wyalusing creek. To save himself he gave the Masonic distress signal and was rescued.
Rising Sun Lodge No. 149 was constituted on Dec. 2 1816, less than 20 years after the first permanent residence settled in the wilderness area now known as Montrose. Brother Jonah Brewster was the Worshipful Master. Little is known of this Lodge except that in early 1825 is was reported by the District Deputy Grand master that there were irregularities in the operation of the Lodge which involved Franklin Lodge No. 185. Later that year the Lodge ceased working.
On Dec. 29, 1825 a Grand Lecturer arrived in Montrose, only to find that Lodge No. 149 had already ceased its Labors. Upon interviewing some of the former members of the Lodge he found that there was a desire for a new Lodge, due to their dissatisfaction in the way the previous Lodge had been run.
On Oct. 31, 1826, Montrose Lodge No. 213 received its charter. Again Brother Jonah Brewster was the Worshipful Master. This lodge continued in operations until January 1837 when, at the same time, it was one of the three lodges in the present 15th District to close. This was due in large part to the Anti-Masonic movement sweeping the country. Fortunately, in the 1840's the sentiment against Freemasonry ended.
On June 4, 1849, Warren Lodge No. 240 was given its charter with Brother Robert C. Simpson as the Worshipful Master. In the 150 years since that date, there have been 135 Masons who have been Worshipful Masters. Three served three years and nine for two years, only one of these in the Twentieth century.
It is said by Stocker's history that two earlier lodges met in the old Court house. The original meeting place for Warren lodge is not known but just prior to, or shortly after, the turn of the century the meetings were first held at the present location.
The building was built in 1862 for Azur Lathrop but later owned by Brother Moses Dessauer. His department store occupied the first floor. There were apartments on the second floor with the lodge meeting on the third floor. The rent was $100.00 per year payable quarterly. The annual dues at that time were $3.00 per year.
In 1916 Moses Dessauer died and his son, Brother Samuel Dessauer, a bank employee, continued the store operation. In 1922, to settle the estate, he offered the building to the lodge
At a stated meeting of the Warren Lodge No. 240, held on Nov. 1. 1922, a committee was appointed to look into the purchase offer. At an extra meeting, held Nov. 8, 1922, the committee presented a figure of $12,000.00 to the lodge as the purchase price.
While the lodge had some money, in order to finance the purchase, Certificates of Indebtedness were sold at $50.00. The lodge took possession of the building on Jan. 1, 1923.
In 1924, the last second floor tenant moved out and the lodge remolded that floor. The large room at the rear of the floor was called Dessauer Hall, presently used by Montrose Chapter No. 151 O.E.S. This is also used by the lodge for refreshments and dinners. A kitchen and rest rooms were added. The front of that floor was made into two spacious rooms for the Craftsman's club, and used by members for cards, billiards and pool. The club was disbanded several years ago and the funds put into the general fund.
A search of old newspapers revealed no celebration of the 50th anniversary and at first it was thought there was no 75th. However, instead of the event being held in 1924, it was held in Jan.1925. Brother Arthur J. Wheaton was the worshipful master at that time.
Newspapers accounts indicated that about 150 persons attended. The celebration was held in October with Brother George H. Heike as the Right Worshipful Grand Master. He was accompanied by several Grand Lodge Officers. The dinner was served by the O.E.S. and was followed by the Lodge meeting.
The history of the lodge was given by Brother Gerritt E. Gardner, the oldest living P.M. at the time. He told of the struggles during earlier years and mentioned widows and indigent members who had been given anonymous assistance. There is no copy of the speech
On the Sunday following the anniversary, a Masonic Church Service was held at the Montrose Methodist Church. The sermon was given by Rev. and Brother Frederick Connell. The topic was "Say Shibboleth or Die". Due to the provocative nature of the topic more than 100 Masons attended the service, including Brother George C. Bartholomay, D.D.G.M.
Prior to the Anniversary, improvements were made to the building, probley the most dramatic being the installation of a new central heating system which eliminated the uneven heating and dust of the old coal stoves. Other improvements included a new fire escape, a new kitchen, new wiring, new windows in part of the building and new carpet and redecorating.
In 1974, the lodge celebrated its 125 Anniversary. Right Worshipful Grand master Rochester B. Woodall was accompanied by Brother William A. Carpenter who was presently Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. There was a lodge meeting in the afternoon with a dinner at the Montrose Bible Conference that evening. The topic for the address by Brother Woodall was contained in 10 two letter words. "If It Is To Be, It Is up To Me" which issued a challenge to each mason. This challenge still speaks to every Free Mason today. Lodge Officers were Brother John F. Long, Worshipful Master, and Brother Donald C. Wood, Senior Warden Brother Harold J. Lee, Junior Warden.
Warren Lodge No. 240 has seen two members serve as District Deputy Grand Master. Brother A. Ralph Taylor from 1972 to 1980 and Brother Robert K. Montross from 1980 to 1986
The members of Warren Lodge No. 240 look back on the accomplishments of the past 150 years with ride and they face the future with renewed dedication to the high principles and the ideals of free masonry. It is only with the same determination and dedication of the men who founded and preserved the lodge during its difficult times that the 200th anniversary can be celebrated in 2049.
History 1849 - 1909 History 1910 - 1919 History 1920 - 1929 History 1930 - 1939
History 1940 - 1949 History 1950 - 1959 History 1960 - 1969 History 1970 - 1979
History 1980 - 1989 History 1990 - 1999 History 2000 - 2009