recommendations that such data when gathered, be placed in safe keeping.
These were difficult days for the early Masonic Lodges in this area of Virginia. Transportation was difficult for those who lived at a distance, money was not too plentiful, even though the dues were only $2.00 per year until January 1st 1915 when they were raised to $3.00. Many meetings were held when more than half of the stations were filled by pro tems, some of whom were visiting brethren from other Lodges scattered about the area, Masonry was of much importance to the early members of the Craft and for the most part was highly prized as was evidenced by their willingness to travel long distances, that they might meet and fellowship with their brethren.
Petitions for membership were numerous and the membership grew steadily. Charges and counter charges called for Masonic trials, all of which were concluded by applying the principles of Free Masonry as symbolized by the working tools of the Craft. Requests for financial assistance in furnishing and in securing improved meeting places were not uncommon, the response was in most instances willingly given though small due to slender budgets. Charity was an integral part of the early Mason’s obligation and was practiced in a material way to the needy as well as to the poor and distressed Masonic Brethren and their families.
At a Special Meeting held Thursday evening, the 24th of February 1887, a committee which had been appointed to arrange entertainment for Most Worshipful x. x. xxxxxxxx, Grand Lecturer, reported that x. x. xxxxxxxx, proprietor of the Strickler House which was located on the corner of East Main and High Streets, had offered to furnish a support for the sum of one Dollar to each person partaking of the same, and to make no charge for board and room for the Grand Lecturer while here. The offer was accepted and the menu included oyster stew, oysters fried, catsup sauce, etc.; chicken Salad, beef tongue, sirloin roast, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, fried turkey; assorted cakes, cheese, tea, coffee, and wine. No wonder we speak of the good old days.
On April 20th 1888, a committee was authorized to purchase at a cost of $75.00, a monument to be erected to the memory of Brother x. x. xxxxxxxx. x. x. xxxxxxxx was recommended to Grand Lodge for appointment as District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 14, on November 29th 1888, and on the 19th of March 1891, Brother x. x. xxxxxxxx was appointed a committee to procure a “cable toe” for the use of the Lodge, this he did and reported a cost of $2.25.
In the autumn of 1892, electric lights were installed in the Lodge Room, electricity being supplied by the Royal Head, Light and Power Company at a cost of $1.25 per quarter.
At the installation of the regularly elected officers of Unity Lodge No. 146, held on the evening of June 24th, 1898, permission having been given by the Grand Master, Brother x. x. xxxxxxxx acting as installing officer, cause Brother x. x. xxxxxxxx to be seated
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Unity Lodge No. 146 