A SYNOPSIS OF OUR LODGE HISTORY
ORGANIZATION
The idea of Pentalpha Lodge was generated out of mutual interest and consolidated efforts among the brethren of Indianapolis to establish a new Lodge in the heart of the city. By 1881, the country was well rebounding from the 'Panic of 1873', which was actually known as "the Great Depression" in the U.S. until the events which led to what our society now refers to as the Great Depression from the 1930's.
On October 10, 1881, at 8:00pm a number of Master Masons met at 27 1/2 S. Delaware St., for this purpose. The following 24 brethren were present:
N.B. Boilvin Adam Scott
Jacob M. Bruner S.C. Seaton
R.P. Daggett Adolph Seidensticker
Ferdinand Dietz J.W. Sherwood
Charles Feller William H. Smythe
George W. Griffith Joseph Staub
Samuel A. Johnston Major Taylor
Wenzel Kautsky Isaac Thalman
John R. Nickum Herman Weinberger
David Nicholson William Wiegel
Martin H. Rice J.C. Wilson
August S. Schmidt Edward H. Wolfe
NAMESAKE
The namesake of our Lodge, was suggested by Martin H. Rice, which was adopted by the brethren. Master Masons will quickly understand the meaning behind our name and its connections to the Craft.
UNDER DISPENSATION (U.D.) - 1881
The brethren elected the following to serve while Under Dispensation (the preliminary steps to starting a Masonic Lodge through the Grand Lodge of Indiana, F.&A.M.), who were subsequently appointed by Calvin W. Prather, Grand Master upon our Dispensation authorizing the Lodge to work:
Worshipful Master - Martin H. Rice, PGM
Senior Warden - Edward S. Wolfe
Junior Warden - Adolph Seidensticker
The first meeting while U.D. was on Thursday, October 20, 1881.
The Worshipful Master (WM) then appointed the following brethren to the respective offices:
Treasurer - Joseph Staub
Secretary - William H. Smythe
Senior Deacon - Charles Feller
Junior Deacon -N.B. Boilvin
Steward - George W. Griffith
Steward - Lorenz Schmidt
Tyler - William M. Black
The lodge by-laws were adopted, and the meeting times and locations were set.
OTHER INDIANAPOLIS MASONIC LODGES
It is worthy to note that at this time in Indianapolis,the following Masonic lodges were also in operation:
Masonic Temple - Capitol Ave. & Washington St.
Marion Lodge No. 35, F&AM (1847)
Capital City Lodge No. 312, F&AM (1865)
Mystic Tie Lodge No. 398, F&AM (1869)
Masonic Hall - Meridian & Washington Streets
Centre Lodge No. 23, F&AM (1823; oldest lodge in Marion County)
Other Marion County Lodges:
Millersville Lodge No .126, F&AM (1852)
Pleasant Lodge No. 134, F&AM (1852)
Oakland Lodge No 140, F&AM (1853)
Bridgeport Lodge No. 162, F&AM (1854)
Keystone Lodge No. 251, F&AM (1859)
Southport Lodge No. 270, F&AM (1861)
Ancient Landmarks Lodge No. 319, F&AM (1865)
West Newton Lodge No 452, F&AM (1873; Revoked - 1916)
Hosbrook Lodge No. 473, F&AM (1874)
Oriental Lodge No. 500, F&AM (1875)
DUTIES OF STEWARDS
In the original by-laws of our lodge there is a specific section relating to the duties of the Stewards, which states:
"In addition to their duties in open lodge it shall be the duty of the Stewards to provide watchers for any member who may be sick and require the same; and for that purpose it shall be their duty to keep an alphabetical list of the members, and call upon them in regular order to perform such services, and see that watchers are provided in all cases when needed."
PASSING THE TORCH IN GRAND LODGE
At a Called Meeting of Pentalpha Lodge on Thursday, March 7, 1901, official notice from then Grand Master Olin E. Holloway was read from W:. Bro. William H. Smythe, PM, Grand Secretary on account of his poor health. The Grand Master appointed Calvin W. Prather who was installed at our Lodge by Most W:. Bro. Martin H. Rice, PGM and our Charter Master into that office.
RESOURCES
- History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.: 1881-1928; Gay, Elmer F. (c) 1928.
- Goodly Heritage; Smith, Dwight L. (c) 1968.
LET THE CRAFT BACK TO WORK: A PANDEMIC ODE
The Old Black Shoes
The old black shoes are looking glum,
as I pass the lobby door,
'What's wrong with you?'
They seem to say,
'we're going out no more,
We've taken not a single step,
not third or even first.
And ne'er a sign we've seen you give,
has masonry been cursed?'
'It has,' I said, 'by the virus vile,
we have to stay at home,
Until such time the plague has passed,
then once more we can roam.'
The masons' halls are empty,
regalia put away.
Gavels now stay silent,
DC's hold now sway.
Volumes of the Sacred Law,
on pedestals redundant,
Now Brother Jim contacts his friends,
by social posts abundant.
No handshake, word or secret sign,
no friendly Festive Board.
No Tyler's song to say goodnight,
no organ's well-loved chord.
'Black shoes,' I said, 'do not despair,
our chain is firm and strong.
Our flag of love remains unfurled,
we'll sing again our song.'
And though our brethren may have passed,
to grand lodge above,
we'll look upon their memories,
with evelasting love.
And in their name, we'll offer help,
and soothe the burdened heart;
We'll comfort those who are distressed,
thus masons play their part.
And when the crisis is resolved,
we'll sing the old refrain,
happy to meet, sorry to part,
happy to meet again.'
Oregon Masonic News, Vo. XXXVIII, #6 - 02/2021;
taken from Freemason NSW & ACT 06/2020
RELICS OF THE LODGE
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
The Charter of Pentalpha Lodge, enabling us to work and operate as a Masonic Lodge under the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana.
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
The Charter of Pentalpha Lodge, enabling us to work and operate as a Masonic Lodge under the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana.
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
Charter - Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. , Dated 05/23/1882
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
The Charter of Pentalpha Lodge, enabling us to work and operate as a Masonic Lodge under the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana.
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
A short history of the lodge, or a review of the proceedings of the lodge, from 10/10/1881 up to 07/05/1928, covering the first 47 years of the lodge.
*Elmer F. Gay, PGM / 08/01/1928
Masonic Trowel - Chicago Fire, October 1871
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
"Relic of the Chicago Fire. Presented to Pentalpha Lodge No. 564 by Brothers Charles Lauer and Charles Feller."
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
History of the Proceedings of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
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Currently housed by the Indiana Grand Lodge Library & Museum, this jewel was purchased by the brethren of Pentalpha Lodge and presented to their esteemed brother.
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Currently housed by the Indiana Grand Lodge Library & Museum, this jewel was purchased by the brethren of Pentalpha Lodge and presented to their esteemed brother.
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Currently housed by the Indiana Grand Lodge Library & Museum, this jewel was purchased by the brethren of Pentalpha Lodge and presented to their esteemed brother.
Painting - 03/04/1897
Nicholas R. Ruckle - Past Grand Master's Jewel - 1893
Painting - 03/04/1897
A painting was presented to the Lodge by Brother William G. Sachs. Unfortunately, its current status or wherabouts are unknown.
Pentagrams
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Painting - 03/04/1897
The official publication of the lodge for many years, essentially acting as its Trestle-board.
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Dedication of the Indianapolis Masonic Temple where our Lodge has met since 1909.
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 2009
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Commemorative Lapel Pin - 1909
Centennial Re-dedication of the Indianapolis Masonic Temple where our Lodge has met since 1909.
DISTINGUISHED BRETHREN OF PENTALPHA
All Brothers of Pentalpha Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M.
Services to Indiana Masonry
As a Master Mason, the highest honor you can achieve in our fraternity, your continued personal development, attendance, pursuit of knowledge, and zeal for our institution not only benefits yourself, but your lodge, family, friends, and our community. You are an integral part of our Craft. Thank you!
DISTINGUISHED BRETHREN OF PENTALPHA
Martin H. Rice, PGM
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Raised in Plymouth Lodge #149, F&AM - 1859
- 27th Grand Master, F&AM - 1868-1872; ages: 39-43
- 15th Grand Treasurer, F&AM - 1884-1908; served 23 years
- Grand High Priest, RAM - 1878-1879 (Keysotne #6)
- Grand Illustrious Master, CM - (Indianapolis #2)
- Most Wise Master, 33, AASR - 1878-1880
- Masonic Advocate - Editor & Publisher, 1869 through the early 20th century
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Raised in Applegate Lodge #155, F&AM
- 13th Grand Secretary, F&AM - 1878-1901; served 24 years
- Grand Secretary, RAM - 1888-1899; served 11 years (Greencastle #22 & Keystone #6)
- Grand Recorder, CM - 1888 - (Greencastle #107)
- Grand Recorder, KT - 1888 - (Greencastle #
- "The foregoing is but a brief summary of his Masonic career, from which it must be evident to everyone that he has been an indomitable worker in the interest of the greatest of human institutions. Under the benign influence of the principles taught in Masonry, his purse is always open to the needy and his hand extended to help the suffering. His strict adherence to his own opinions of right and duty is a peculiarity that sometimes brings him in conflict with those who think differently, but no one is more ready to yield than he when convinced he is wrong. Such a man can always be trusted." - Daniel McDonald, 1898
Nicholas R. Ruckle, PGM
William H. Smythe, PM, PGS
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Raised in Centre Lodge #23, F&AM
- 42nd Grand Master, F&AM - 1891-1892
- Grand Commander, KT - 1875 (Raper #1)
- Thrice Potent Master, 33, AASR - 1874-1888; 1890-1900; served 24 yrs.
- Trustee, AASR - 1874-1900; served 24 yrs.
- Commander-In-Chief, AASR - 1870-1885; served 15 yrs.
- Col., 148th Indiana Infantry, serving: 4/1861 - 10/1865 (*see Military Lodges #UD, F&AM)
- "As a Mason, in all that word implies, he stands at the very topmost round of the ladder. No matter what position he may be asked to fill in any of the bodies to which he belongs - and he belongs to all of them - he is always ready and willing, and is so well posted that he needs no prompting...and no Mason in Indiana has made a more honorable record than "Nick Ruckle." -Daniel McDonald, 1898
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Sovereign Prince, 33, AASR - 1890-1901; served 11 yrs.
- Trutee, AASR - 1901-1903
John W. Staub, PM
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Vestal W. Woodward, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Sovereign Prince, 33, AASR - 1901-1907; served 6 yrs.
Vestal W. Woodward, PM
Charles L. Hutchinson, PM
Vestal W. Woodward, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Grand Commander, KT - 1907-1908 (Raper #1)
*Walter O. Bragg, PGM
William H. Bockstahler, PM
*Walter O. Bragg, PGM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- 58th Grand Master, F&AM - 1907-1908
- Past Master of Hancock Lodge #101 - Greenfield
- Affiliated with Pentalpha Lodge #564
- Laid the Cornerstone at the Dedication Ceremony of Indiana Freemasons Hall, in 1909
Elmer F. Gay, PGM
William H. Bockstahler, PM
*Walter O. Bragg, PGM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- 63rd Grand Master, F&AM - 1912-1913
- 12th Potentate , Murat Shrine, AAONMS - 1920
- Superintendent - IN Masonic Home (IMH) - 1930-1947; served 17 yrs.
William H. Bockstahler, PM
William H. Bockstahler, PM
William H. Bockstahler, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Thrice Potent Master, 33, AASR - 1919-1920
- 19th Potentate, Murat Shrine, AAONMS - 1928
Clyde E. Titus, PM
William O. Klingstein, PM
William H. Bockstahler, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Grand Commander, KT - 1938-1939 (Raper #1)
- 32nd Potentate, Murat Shrine, AAONMS - 1942
Ezra H. Stewart, PM
William O. Klingstein, PM
William O. Klingstein, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Thrice Potent Master, 33, AASR, - 1944-1945
William O. Klingstein, PM
William O. Klingstein, PM
William O. Klingstein, PM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Thrice Potent Master, 33, AASR - 1969-1970
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Grand Master, OPC, CM - 1999-2000
- Award of Gold - F&AM
- Life Endowed Member
Oliver J. Bain
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Served as our Tyler for 37 Years, from 1964 - 2001
*John D. Huffman, PM, PMIGM
Austin C. Gray, Jr., PM, PMIGM
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Grand Master, CM - 2004-2005
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Honorary Past Grand Commander, KCT - 1999 (Raper #1)
- Lawrence Commandery No. 67, KT renamed in his honor to: H.E. Lackey Commandery #67 (NE Indianapolis)
Frederick L. Hicks, III, PM, PGHP
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Frederick L. Hicks, III, PM, PGHP
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Grand High Priest, RAM - 2003-2004 (Indianapolis #5 & Joshua #158)
John A. Cinotto, PIP
Harrison E. 'Gene' Lackey, PM, HPGC
Frederick L. Hicks, III, PM, PGHP
Services to Indiana Masonry
- 91st Potentate, Murat Shrine, AAONMS - 2001
- Imperial Potentate, Shriners International, AAONMS - 2013-2014
*Jerry B. Maple, PM
Randolph L. Seipel, Hon. Member
Randolph L. Seipel, Hon. Member
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Thrice Potent Master, 33, AASR - 2013-2014
- Trustee, AASR - 2014-2020
Randolph L. Seipel, Hon. Member
Randolph L. Seipel, Hon. Member
Randolph L. Seipel, Hon. Member
Services to Indiana Masonry
- Past Master of Temple Lodge #47 - Greencastle
- Most Wise Master, 33, AASR - 2012-2014
- Grand Lodge Officer, F&AM - present