Moomaw Commandery No. 27
Moomaw Commandery No. 27 Chartered October 28, 1920 OUR NAMESAKE The petition of Daniel Clovis Moomaw was received by Mountain City Lodge No. 67 on August 5, 1912. He was elected to receive the Entered Apprentice Degree on September 2 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 4 of that year. Later he became Master of that Lodge but was killed in action in France during World War I. He was at that time a Professor at Washington & Lee University. In 1920, when the Commandery of Knights Templar was organized, it was in Clovis Moomaw’s name for whom it was dedicated. Moomaw Commandery is still active as a living memorial to Worshipful Moomaw. FOUNDING LEADER The principal advocate of the organization of Moomaw No. 27 was William A. Adair, one of the local Lodge’s stalwarts. He passed on September 27, 1945, with all appropriate resolutions to his memory adopted on November 5 of that year. He was the Commander both Under Dispensation and on the Charter. CONNECTION TO LODGE BUILDING Moomaw Commandery No. 27 and Rockbridge Chapter No. 44 co-existed in Lexington and the surrounding areas with Mountain City Lodge No. 67. On March 6, 1922, Mountain City Lodge appointed a committee, similar to what Rockbridge No. 44 and Moomaw No. 27 had established in order, “to look into the matter of procuring a Masonic Hall.” At this point, several attempts had been made by the local blue lodge to find a permanent home and it appears that the new York Rite brethren and bodies became necessary to the success of such an endeavor. These efforts resulted in the purchase of the “Robinson Building and the Harper and Agnor Lot adjoining the same.” This proposal was adopted unanimously by the Lodge on October 15, 1923, and ostensibly was consented or assented by Moomaw No. 27 and Rockbridge No. 44. This remains the home of Moomaw No. 27, to this day. Total cost of the Robinson building–$16,000. The Harper and Agnor Lot was acquired in 1925. GRAND COMMANDERS William Mosely Brown, of noted Masonic Fame, began his Grand Line journey as Grand Junior Deacon in February 1929. The Masonic bodies, including Moomaw Commandery No. 27, welcomed him with a homecoming thereafter, at which a large gathering of Brethren and their ladies were in attendance. He became Grand Master of Masons in February 1923. Additionally, he became Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Virginia in 1936. His other accolades and affiliations will be found in the Lodge history book. In addition, and for our history purposes, Sir Knight William was the first of three Grand Commanders to come from Moomaw No. 27. He was an active member there, honorary member of Fredericksburg Commandery No. 1, Old Dominion Commandery No. 11, and Grice Commandery No. 16, all in Virginia. Also, he was an honorary member of the Grand Commanderies of Tennessee and North Dakota. He served as Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Virginia from 1935 to 1936. Additional Grand Commanders from Moomaw Commandery were: Moffett David Sensabaugh Sr. (1970-71) Baldwin Gerard Locher Jr. (2000) Theme “Templar Unity Into Tomorrow” Sir Knight Baldwin G. (Gerry) Locher, Jr. was born August 14, 1939, in Roanoke, Virginia, the son of the late Baldwin G. and Lawton Fox Locher, both of them setting a positive example of what a person should do throughout their life. He grew up near Glasgow, and now lives near Lexington. He is married to Elizabeth Aiken Locher, a native of North Carolina, and they have three children. After attending country schools and prep school, Gerry enlisted in the Marine Corps. Since 1959, he has worked in family-related businesses involving farming, real estate and mining. Gerry is a member of Grace Episcopal Church, formerly R. E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, and served as Lay Reader, Chalice, Lay Eucharistic Minister and Chairman of the Acolytes. He has been very involved with the Boy Scouts and served as Troop Committee Chairman Troop 29. Gerry is retired and has served as a member of the Committee for the Farm Service Agency, U. S. Department of Agriculture, as well as a member of the Executive Committee for 4-H. Among his other activities, he is a Past President of the Rockbridge Volunteer Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and is also a Past Senior President of the Rockbridge Volunteer Chapter, Children of the American Revolution. An avid foxhunter and a Past President of the Rockbridge Hunt. Brother Locher was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Glasgow Lodge No. 233 in June 1961, and his son, Baldwin G. Locher III (Wynn), is a Master Mason and a member of both Glasgow Lodge No. 233 and Mountain City Lodge No. 67. TODAY AND TOMORROW Today, the Commandery membership has been rebuilding, beginning with bolstering our efforts at the Rockbridge Chapter No. 44 of Royal Arch Masons so as to have fertile ground for growth. Many of our Sir Knights are aging or are no longer with us. We miss all of them, such as Sir Knight Warren Schmid who ably chaired the Holy Land Pilgrimage for many years, who is unfortunately subdued with memory issues. However, young and old Sir Knights are committed to our future. in 2017 the Commandery voted to utilize the Cap and Mantle Uniform. In 2021, additional uniforms and swords are being priced to provide a full armory for all attending Sir Knights. Recently, one transfer petition and two new members were approved, and are slated to attend the September 15 Knightly Orders in Marion, with an additional Royal Arch member who has been in waiting. We are proud to be associated in 5th Chivalric District with our Sir Knights from Stevenson No. 8 and Alleghany No. 23. Like many in the Commonwealth, “we couldn’t do it without them.” The friendships and education from their Sir Knights, Commanders, Recorders, and District Deputy Grand Commanders have been essential to our continued success and in
Robert Enoch Withers
Robert Enoch Withers Robert Enoch Withers (1821-1907) Physician. Freemason. Confederate military officer. Newspaperman. Politician. Statesman. Poet. Farmer. Husband. Father. Colonel 18th Virginia Regiment of Infantry Editor, Lynchburg Daily News Senator of the United States of America Member of Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institute Consul of the United States to Hong King Lieutenant Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar Grand Master, Virginia Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Virginia Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Virginia Not long after sunrise Colonel Robert E Withers came across swampy ground littered with the dead of Confederate soldiers. The battle at the junction between Beavers Creek and Chickahominy River was one where men were “slaughtered by the score (Withers 184).” On the orders of Generals Longstreet and Pickett the Colonel led his men, the 18th Virginia Regiment of Infantry, into what would be known as the Battle of Gaines’s Mill. It was the afternoon of June 27, 1862. Bark was flying off surrounding trees from enemy fire. First, he was shot through the right arm. In an instant his throat and mouth were filled with blood with a shot through his right lung, the force throwing him from his horse. Moments later he was shot in the pelvis near to his spine causing paralysis of his legs. After being carried off to the field hospital, the surgeons triaged him with whisky and morphine, supposing he would die shortly. Several months later he had recovered sufficiently to ride a horse again. Thus continues the story of a most remarkable man, our 13th Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. As a young man he became a captain of a local militia known as the Brookneal Troop. With these honed military skills, he subsequently chose to enter the Confederate Army as a line officer rather than in the medical core. His battles included First Manassas, Williamsburg, Seven Pines as well as Gaines’s Mills. Due to his injuries there he was assigned as commandant of the prison post at Danville, surrendering to the Federal Army and being paroled April 21, 1865. His empathy and humane conduct towards those housed there at that post was a major reason he was not arrested and imprisoned after General Lee’s surrender, as was typical for others in his position. His life’s actions exemplified the tenets of the craft and set the stage for his leadership positions in the symbolic lodge, the chapter and commandery. Biographical Enoch Withers was born in Rock Castle, Virginia, September 18, 1821, to Dr. Robert Walter Withers and Susan Dabney Alexander. The first Withers came to America in the mid 1600’s and Robert is a direct descendent of Nicolas Mariau, founder of Yorktown, and a distant relative of Worshipful Brother George Washington. His young life was filled with hunting and fishing. When recollecting over “possum hunting” he wrote, “I can hardly recall a time when I could not shoot a shotgun and learned to use the rifle before I was ten years of age (Withers 25).” He was nurtured by his father who was a physician, and his mother who he described as a “godly woman” and as such developed temperate habits. He loved to read and memorize passages from the Bible. “I memorized the Sermon on the Mount, many Psalms, and the greater portion of St. John’s Gospel, before I was twelve years of age (Withers 53).” Being influenced by his father’s temperance, as an adult he joined the Sons of Temperance, “substituting hot coffee for liquor (Marshall).” With excellent study habits he prepared to enter the field of medicine, also following in his father’s footsteps, and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1841 at the age of 20. After serving as a resident physician at the Baltimore Almshouse Hospital, he practiced as a physician in the Lynchburg and subsequently Danville areas. Freemasonry During this time, he also began his journey as a mason. He was initiated, passed, and raised in Marshall Lodge No. 39 at Lynchburg Virginia in 1850 and 1851. From 1854-1857 he served as Worshipful Master of Mackey Lodge No. 69 at Campbell County, Virginia in a building owned by the Rustburg division of the Sons of Temperance. After moving his medical practice to Danville, Virginia, he served there as High Priest of Euclid Royal Arch Chapter No 15 and Eminent Commander of Dove Commandery No 7. Political Life Following the war, he recognized that he could no longer practice as a physician given his injuries and the inability to travel any distance to see patients. Through serendipity he was offered a position as editor of the newly launched Lynchburg Daily and Semi-Weekly News, a conservative newspaper. The outspoken newspaper grew to significant prominence, and with it so did its editor. By 1868 the Conservative Party in Virginia placed his name in the nomination for Governor. Although he was not elected Governor at that time, he was elected as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1873 and was in office from January 1874 to March 1875. He then served as United States Senator in the Democratic Party for Virginia from 1875 to 1881. The Grand East He continued to focus on the craft. He was elected as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1871 and then re-elected in 1872. Coincident with this he was elected as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Virginia. His time in the line in the Grand Commandery of Virginia had been interrupted due to the American Civil War. He first entered this line as Grand Warder in 1856 and was subsequently elected Grand Commander nearly two decades later in 1875, serving in this office for three years. Only a few years after the Civil War was concluded, his character was reflected in his first Grand Commander’s address in 1876 where he stated, “Chivalric courtesy has prompted mutual forbearance, and Knightly magnanimity has engendered mutual forgiveness
Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr.
Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr. Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr. (1826-1887) Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr. was born on April 1, 1826, on the same mother earth that 5 generations of his forefathers trod in Albemarle County, Virginia. The Virginia Coles, as they were known, could trace their heritage back to two brothers, John and William Coles, who came to the new world in 1730 from England and settled in Richmond, Virginia. John Coles, the lineal patriarch of Peyton Coles’ family, purchased several large tracts of land in Halifax and Goochland Counties that were cutoff to eventually form Albemarle County. This tract of land was at its largest 4,960 acres in all according to a survey completed in 1772 by Daniel Smith. The land provided rich soil for farming and firmly established a successful descendent line of aristocratic agriculturalists who were intertwined in all matters of commerce, leadership, and politics in the community where they resided. Peyton was fortunate to be born, live, and die on this same property. It is still known today as Estouteville. The palatial Green Mountain estate with stately mansion 14 miles South of the City of Charlottesville was owned by his father, Colonel John Coles, and mother, Selina Skipwith. The Skipwith family was of English royal descent and had emigrated to Virginia after the battle of Worcester and English civil war in that country in 1651. He was the third child of four children. He was raised as an old breed gentleman of many generous and noble sentiments. The Coles family upheld a code of the strictest integrity and honor of character deeply rooted in the Christian faith. They were prosperous in business and industry and conducted life in a judicious and prudent manner that had been passed down through successive generations. He was educated at the Episcopal High School and then at the College of William and Mary. At the age of 26, he married his 21-year-old first cousin, Julia Isaetta Coles, on March 17, 1852, and the couple settled into a charmed and comfortable family life. They “dispensed hospitality with a lavish hand and open heart at his ancestral home. Estouteville became known far and wide as a center of culture and grace.” The wealth of his family provided Peyton with an opportunity to enjoy travel as well as social and leisure pursuits, one of which was a rise to prominence in the fraternity of Freemasonry. It was without a doubt his life’s passion. He would become widely known throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond in his time. He was made a Master Mason on April 5, 1867, in Widow’s Sons’ Lodge No. 60 in Charlottesville. He made his first appearance at the Grand Lodge of Virginia’s Annual Communication in December of 1868 representing his mother lodge as Junior Warden. From that day forward until his death, he was never absent from one of its sessions. He would serve Widow’s Sons’ No. 60 as Master in 1871, 1872, and 1874. He was dedicated in the York Rite appendant bodies and became the High Priest of Keystone Chapter No. 58 from 1873 until 1875 and Commander of Charlottesville Commandery No. 3 from 1872 until 1878. He would serve as District Deputy Grand Master from 1874 until 1876 for three consecutive terms. It was said that “while he was retained in office, although living 14 miles from the lodge room, and frequently exposed to every inclemency of the weather on horseback, he did not miss a single meeting, stated or special.” He was thoroughly informed in the letter of the ritual in every 190 degree, and to him it was a labor of love to impart Masonic information to any brother who desired to be instructed. He became the Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Florida. He was appointed Grand Senior Deacon in 1873 and was promoted through the chairs until he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Virginia at the 102nd Grand Annual Communication in 1879. He was re-elected and presided over the 103rd Grand Annual Communication in 1880. He therefore served two terms consecutively as Grand Master from December 1879 until December 1881. As Grand Master in 1880, he presided over the public Masonic laying of three cornerstones. The first was at the Windsor Baptist Church in Isle of Wight County. The second was at the Presbyterian Memorial Chapel in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Finally, on June 23, 1880, he participated in the cornerstone laying of the King’s Mountain monument in Blacksburg, South Carolina along with the Grand Masters of South Carolina and Georgia. He also chartered 3 lodges: Liberty Hall Lodge No. 104 in Washington County, Piedmont Lodge No. 152 in Henry County, and Low Moor (Clifton Forge) Lodge No. 166 in Alleghany County. As good fortune would have it, all three of these lodges are still in working operation today. In jurisprudence, he acted as Grand Master to prevent lodges from the act of incorporation and therefore from becoming subjected to state laws. He based his decision on a previous conclusion made by the Grand Master of New Jersey in 1867. This decision essentially prevented lodges from being sued in a corporate capacity and from being tried in a court of law. In Masonic etiquette and decorum, Most Worshipful Coles implored the brethren to maintain uniformity, consistency, and ultimately perfection in the ritual and to limit the practice of wearing conspicuous Masonic emblems. He wanted Masonic practice to remain true to the primitive purity and simplicity that had customarily graced the fraternity. He sought adherence to traditions and resisted innovations. He ordered the brethren “to let our membership in this Grand Fraternity be attested, not by the wearing of Masonic emblems, but by the practice of those cardinal virtues and the maintenance of those principles that mark us a separate and peculiar people.” As the year 1880 ended, Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr. would also find himself elected the Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Virginia as well as the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Virginia in To date, he remains the only man in the storied history of the Masonic fraternity in the Commonwealth of Virginia to serve in the Grand East in all three York Rite bodies of Freemasonry in the same
John Robin McDaniel
John Robin McDaniel John Robin McDaniel (1807-1878) John Robin McDaniel was born in Amherst, Virginia on July 9, 1807. McDaniel married Elizabeth Foster Chaplin (1821-1910) on August 16, 1837, and had a daughter, Oriana Robin McDaniel (1848-1912). He was described by author Philip L. Scruggs as “one of the leading citizens in the entire history of the city of Lynchburg.” John R. McDaniel had a major role in the development of Lynchburg through his efforts to complete the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and bringing the first train through the city in 1852 (Vandiver, M. 2021). John Robin McDaniel served as commissioner and director of the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, president of the Citizens Savings Bank, and president of the Lynchburg Gas Light Company. McDaniel founded the first fire insurance company in the community as well as the first volunteer fire department. In 1863, McDaniel disposed of all his holdings and personal fortune to help the Confederacy, an action which left him in financial ruin. He served the community as a member of the City Council for 15 years, acting as president of the Council from 1871 until 1872 (Vandiver, M. 2021). In addition, McDaniel served from 1877 through 1879 as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the locality of Campbell in Lynchburg. Brother McDaniel received the Symbolic Degree in 1843 in Marshall Lodge No. 39 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia from 1860-1861 (McDaniel, J. R.1860 and McDaniel, J. R. 1861). In addition, Brother McDaniel received the Capitular Degrees in 1843 in Eureka Chapter No. 10, R.A.M., and was their High Priest from 1844 to 1868. He served as the Grand High Priest for the Royal Arch Masons in Virginia from 1853-1854 (Dove, 1872). Additionally, he was Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Virginia from 1868-1872. Brother McDaniel received the Scottish Rite Degree in Virginia Consistory on May 19, 1845 (Messimer, D. M. (2016) and received his 33rd degree in 1847 (Fetcher, J, 2021). Brother John Robin McDaniel was an active Member of the Supreme Council from 1847 to 1878 where he also became its Lieutenant Grand Commander (1870-1878) (Vandiver, M. 2021). Brother McDaniel succeeded Lynchburg’s James Penn as Lieutenant Grand Commander in 1870 until his death. McDaniel died of a heart attack on May 14, 1878, at the age of 72, in Washington, D.C. while attending a Masonic convocation. He was survived by his wife and daughter and was buried at Lynchburg’s Presbyterian cemetery at 9-3-1 East (Genealogy & burial search. Presbyterian Cemetery, 2020).
Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35
Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 Chartered May 6, 2017 Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 was started as an idea, presented to Sir Knight Barry E. Constant, Eminent Commander of Piedmont Commandery No. 26 for 2016-2017, by two other members of the Commandery whose home lodge and Royal Arch Chapter reside in Warrenton, Virginia. Due to the distance (40 miles) and time required (approximately 1 ½ hours) from Warrenton to Ashburn, Virginia, the home of Piedmont Commandery, the two Sir Knights, Kenneth Lee McInnis and Paul William Lockhart asked Sir Knight Constant to look into the requirements to form a new Commandery to be based in Warrenton at Mt. Carmel Lodge No. 133. Sir Knight Constant enlisted the aid of a few other members of Piedmont Commandery which by the time the petition was submitted to Grand Commandery totaled twelve Sir Knights. The Sir Knights had decided to minimize uniform costs that the Sir Knights would wear Cap and Mantle, as approved by Grand Commandery and Grand Encampment. The petition was submitted to the Grand Recorder’s office in 2015 but no action was taken by the Grand Commandery. At the Stated Conclave of Grand Commandery in 2016, the petition was brought up again, but due to misinformation or misinterpretation of Grand Commandery law, the petition was handed over to the Committee on Charters for action. Right after the stated conclave of Grand Commandery in May 2016, the incoming Grand Commander, Sir Knight Joseph Patrick Westfall, Jr, was persuaded by several Past Grand Commanders and others to issue a dispensation to the twelve Sir Knights from Piedmont Commandery No. 26 to form Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 in Warrenton. The Grand Commander, Grand Recorder, the Department Commander, a Past Department Commander, other past Grand Commanders, Grand Officers, members of the Commanderies in District 3, 4 and 9 and a number of Royal Arch Companions (all totaled Thirty-five) were present on June 6, 2016, when Sir Knight Westfall presented the dispensation to the Commander under dispensation, Sir Knight Donald Leo McAndrews, Knight Commander of the Temple. On June 8, 2016, the Commandery held its first stated conclave for the express purpose of balloting on petitions for membership from a number of Royal Arch Masons from Warren Royal Arch Chapter No. 5. There were seventeen Sir Knights present. The ballot was spread, and the thirteen petitioners were elected to receive the Orders of Knighthood. At the July 13, 2016, stated conclave of the Commandery, the fifteen Sir Knights present approved the petitions for four more members and after balloting, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and Order of Malta were conferred on fourteen candidates previously approved for membership. A special conclave was held on August 6, 2016, for the purpose of conferring the Order of the Temple on fourteen Knights of Malta who had received the Order in July. Seventeen Sir Knights, including four visitors, conferred the Order on the fourteen Knights of Malta who received that Order in July. With the exception of the Prelate, all major parts were performed by members of Turner Ashby Commandery. At the September 2016, stated conclave, the Commandery officially received the District Deputy Grand Commander for District 3, Sir Knight Jason Weber Lotz. Sir Knight Lotz was officially received through the lines after which, the Commandery formed for inspection, per the ritual. With four petitioners not having received any of the Orders, the members decided to confer the Orders of Red Cross and Malta at the October 22, 2016, stated conclave and the Order of the Temple on October 22, 2016. On October 12, 2016, at its October stated conclave, Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35, Under Dispensation again conferred the Orders of Red Cross and Malta on seven candidates, three from Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 and four from Arlington Commandery No. 29 who had requested courtesy conferrals for their candidates. Once again, the Orders were conferred entirely by members of Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 without assistance. By the end of this meeting, Turner Ashby Commandery No.35, under Dispensation, had grown from an original twelve members to thirty members with four candidates in waiting. On October 22, 2016, the Commandery opened at 7:30 a.m. so that we could accommodate the schedules of some key players in the Conferral of the Order of the Temple. There were six Knights of Malta present, two from Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 and four from Arlington Commandery No. 29. Sir Knight Mark T. Pennypacker, Past District Deputy Grand Commander, Winchester Commandery No. 12, was present to again perform the part of the Prelate, which he did in a very eloquent manner. The new Sir Knights were knighted by their respective Commanders, Sir Knight Constant, pro tem for Turner Ashby No. 35, and Sir Knight Martin C. Juul, Eminent Commander of Arlington Commandery No. 29. In May 2017, Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 received a Charter from the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia and held its first meeting under that Charter on May 10, 2017. The Charter Commander was Sir Knight Barry Eugene Constant, PDDGC and the Charter Recorder was Sir Knight James Barry Bartley, Past District Deputy Grand Commander. Since then, the Commandery has been holding regular conclaves and has not failed to open since its formation. The past presiding Commanders include Sir Knights McAndrews (Commander Under Dispensation) Barry E. Constant (Charter Commander), Kenneth Lee McInnis, Jason Wayne Armistead, Charles Reese Trude, and Christopher Louis Wilson. Sir Knight Trude presided over twelve Zoom Teleconference Conclaves due to the Covid pandemic. The Recorders to date have included Sir Knights James Barry Bartley, Past Commander, Barry E. Constant, Past Commander and E. Allen Wade, Past Commander. Sir Knight Bartley is the current Recorder and will be replaced by Sir Knight Trude in March 2022. The Commandery also has five affiliated Past Commanders, four of whom are Charter members. Turner Ashby Commandery presently has thirty-nine members on its rolls and has several candidates waiting in the wings. Their receiving
DeMolay Commandery No. 4
DeMolay Commandery No. 4 Chartered November 30, 1826 In 1820 James Cushman, member of a lodge in Connecticut and apparently a typical Connecticut Yankee, appeared upon the Virginia Masonic Scene, where he would exert great influence upon the entire Masonic Structure of the Old Dominion, His ritualistic knowledge led the Grand Council to designate him Grand Lecturer, the first Brother to hold such office in Virginia Lodge History. Cushman was a disciple of the famed Jeremy Cross who was familiar to, if not renowned to, the Masons of Virginia. James Penn2, who had been one of the first candidates raised in Marshall Lodge No. 39 in 1793 became aware of Cushman’s work and was present at the Grand Lodge Communication of 1820. Soon after the Grand Lodge Communication Penn would become an advocate for Cushman’s ideas at Marshall Lodge No. 39. Up to the time of Cushman’s arrival in Virginia, the only two Grand Bodies in the Commonwealth were the Grand Lodge Ancient York Masons, and the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Excellent and Super Excellent Masons. Lynchburg seems to have become fertile ground for Cushman to pursue the expansion of Cryptic and Templar Masonry. Working with James Penn at Marshall Lodge, Cushman inspired an interest in the establishment of all forms of appendant body Masonry in Lynchburg. The Organization of DeMolay Commandery No. 4 Knights Templar can be directly attributed to him. At Cushman’s’ request, Daniel Walker Thomas, Grand Commander of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of Virginia issued a dispensation of January 25th, 1826, authorizing Cushman and two other members of the order to confer the templar orders on certain Lynchburg Royal Arch Masons. The rites took place on April 17, 1826, and the candidates who were created Knights Templar that day were Robert Henning Gray, Howson Stainbeck White, Joshua Rathbone Holmes, Thomas McKinney, Howell Davies, Henry Green Holmes, Thomas Gordon Coleman, Thomas Jefferson Duvall, Henry Francis Beaumont, Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and William Simms Bagby. Immediately following the rites these new templars signed a petition asking for the establishment of an Encampment (Commandery) in Lynchburg. On the 29th of April, a dispensation was granted for the Organization of a Lynchburg Encampment, With Linnaeus Dupuy as the first Commander, Robert H. Gray as Generalissimo, and Howson S. White as Captain General. On November 13, 1826, a charter was voted on and presented to the Lynchburg Encampment, which in 1827 changed its name to DeMolay Encampment. In 1856 the term Encampment was dropped in favor of the term Commandery. Over the many intervening years DeMolay Commandery No. 4 has served as an important aspect of Free Masonry in the Lynchburg Area through its participation in innumerable Masonic, Charities, Ceremonies and Programs. The written history of Marshall Lodge No. 39 contains more than 40 specific references to the DeMolay Commandery and some of Lynchburg’s finest Citizens, such as Dr. John J. Terrell and W. D. Diuguid have been Sir Knights of DeMolay Commandery No. 4. In a letter dated November 5, 1898, the Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia wrote to the Recorder of DeMolay Commandery No. 4 saying “Your Commandery did good word last year (1897) may she continue”; thus, establishing evidence of the high esteem in which DeMolay Commandery No. 4 has been held for over two centuries. More evidence of the fraternal and brotherly nature of the Sir Knights in DeMolay Commandery No. 4 can be seen in the minute books, and other records, which have survived. For example, DeMolay Commandery No. 4 has always worked closely and cooperatively with the other Commanderies of this district. In the minutes of the September 14, 1880, Stated Conclave the following entry are found, “A Resolution by the Dove Commandery, Whereas this Commandery recognizing with felicity and highly appreciating the kind an liberal hospitality exhibited towards it by DeMolay Commandery No. 4 Knights Templar of Lynchburg, VA on the occasion of the visit of this Commandery to that city on the 6th day of May 1880 and desires to testify to the Sir Knights of said DeMolay Commandery No. 4 some suitable manner their recognition and appreciation of the same. Later the minutes of the November 10, 1908, Stated Conclave contain the following “The recorder had received a letter from Dove Commandery No. 7 Knights Templar, expressing in a most courteous and complimentary manner their thanks for the hospitality extended them during the last triangular Conclave. Further the Minute Books consistently provide details of regularly conducted Triangular Conclaves with Bayard Commandery and Dove Commandery as well as other social activities; all of which point to a true sense of camaraderie between the Knights Templar of this district throughout the years. It would be remiss to not point out that the Sir Knights of DeMolay Commandery No. 4 had a sense of Brotherhood and camaraderie which included a bit of humor. Two photographs from the past give us a hint of this brotherly familiarity by having nicknames written under the Sir Knights image. These two Sir Knights, whose nicknames are Big Bill and Fatty obviously were well respected by their brothers but offered an opportunity for humor and friendly banter among the Sir Knights. A tradition which still exists in the Commandery today. In recent years, following a fire, which destroyed Marshall Lodge No. 39’s downtown Masonic Hall in 1997, DeMolay Commandery No. 4. first met at the Masonic Temple on Lemon Drive until 2013 and then relocated to Campbell Lodge 316 in Altavista. The move to Altavista was occasioned by the closure of the Danville Dove Commandery No. 7, which resulted in their members being assigned to DeMolay Commandery No. 4. This move was a way of making the DeMolay Commandery No. 4 accessible to the Sir Knights from Danville and Martinsville, while still serving the Sir Knights of Lynchburg and Campbell County. Currently the Commandery membership of thirty-seven Sir Knights is stable and has the potential for growth in the coming year. The DeMolay
Virginia Beach Commandery No. 36
Virginia Beach Commandery No. 36 Current Events Chartered September 26, 2020 In The Beginning… It started with the question, “Can a new commandery be created in Virginia Beach?” That question was asked one February evening in 2019 to Sir Knight Benjamin Hill, then the Very Eminent Grand Commander, and Sir Knight Major Stephenson. It was agreed that it was possible, but it would take a lot of work. So, Sir Knight Jeffrey Paras went about doing the research and gathering the requirements. On April 17, 2019, Sir Knight Paras of Grice Commandery No.16 led a meeting at Golden Corral to discuss the feasibility of forming a new commandery within the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia, to be located within the Virginia Beach city limits. Sir Knights David Conner, Wayne Flora, and David Strohsahl of Grice Commandery No.16 and Sir Knight Danilo Diego of Portsmouth Commandery No.5 were present. Among the businesses transacted at that gathering, was who might sign the Request for Dispensation and possible meeting locations. The proposed officers were identified as Sir Knight Paras for Eminent Commander, Sir Knight Diego for Generalissimo, and Sir Knight Graham Winston of Grice Commandery No.16 for Captain General. Two weeks later on April 29th, Sir Knights Richard Collins, David Conner, Eloy Feliciano, Manuel Gatbonton, Jeffrey Paras, Ernesto Perez, William Peterson, David Strohsahl, Roger Taylor, and Graham Winston of Grice Commandery No.16 and Sir Knights Joel Bundy and Danilo Diego of Portsmouth Commandery No.5 met at Pop’s Diner to sign the request. Sir Knights Nizam Jamal, Clifford Atkinson, Jackie Harrison, and Anacio Voces of Grice Commandery No.16 would sign later that week. Sir Knight Benjamin Hill, Right Eminent Grand Commander, issued Dispensation 201920-003 on 21 May 2019 authorizing and empowering the Sir Knights to “form a commandery of Knights Templar to be known henceforth as Virginia Beach Commandery No.13 U.D. until such time as they shall be chartered.” Upon further review of the Constitution and Statutes, Grand Commandery of Virginia determined that the use of No.13 was unauthorized; and Virginia Beach Commandery was reassigned No. 36. The first Conclave of Virginia Beach Commandery No.36 Under Dispensation, held on 8 May 2019, was at Lynnhaven Lodge No.220 on June 12th, to receive the Dispensation from Sir Knight Hill and to elect the officers. An open installation followed. The officers installed under dispensation would remain in their stations and places through 2019 and 2020 during the first charter year. In Virginia Beach Commandery’s first year the Sir Knights were active within Grand Commandery. While under dispensation, they participated in the Grand Commander’s Douglas MacArthur Wreath Laying Ceremony, submitted and had their By-Laws approved. They also participated in the Grand Commandery Drill Corps School and Competition in Fredericksburg; and joined Portsmouth Commandery No.5 for their Christmas Observance at St John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth Virginia. As a commandery, they also observed the Easter Sunrise service at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria Virginia. Charter Day was on Saturday 26 September 2020 at Lynnhaven Lodge. Grand Commandery held a Special Conclave to issue Virginia Beach Commandery their charter. Due to the pandemic, attendance was limited to the Grand Commandery officers and the members of Virginia Beach Commandery. Despite the limitation, Sir Knights throughout the state and a representative from Grand Encampment were able to attend virtually. Sir Knight Jeffrey McClelland, Right Eminent Grand Commander and charter member of Virginia Beach Commandery led the proceedings. During the Thanksgiving season of 2020, Virginia Beach Commandery began the now annual tradition of buying meals for needy families for Thanksgiving Day. Twenty-two meals were purchased for families identified by the local elementary schools in our first year. Coordination of our efforts can be credited to Sir Knights Taylor and Stohsahl. Among our rolls are three Past Grand Commanders: Sir Knights Phillip Edward Maybery (2010)Sir Knight Benjamin Franklin Hill (2019)Sir Knight John Jeffrey McClelland (2020)Sir Knight Peter Reginald Spring (2021) Unfortunately, our members, Sir Knight Sebastian DiPietro passed before receiving our charter; and Sir Knight Salvador Dizon passed shortly after receiving it. With the blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may Virginia Beach Commandery No.36 continue to strive for excellence, always keeping in sight the obligations we swore to uphold.
Johnson Commandery No. 14
Johnson Commandery No. 14 Chartered December 15, 1864 Lafayette Johnson (1813-1904) Born in Lynchburg, Virginia and came to Bristol with the railroad. He was 40 years old when he came to Bristol. He was in the packaging business with the railroad. Soon after arriving in Bristol, he quit the railroad. Bristol’s population at that time was 800 people. He built a house in Bristol, Tennessee, then started a real estate and mercantile business. He had no children. Lafayette Johnson established Shelby Lodge No. 162. H. M. Ledbetter was the first Worshipful Master for 13 years, then Johnson was Worshipful Master for 10 years, 1858-1865, 1869 and 1885. Winter of 1865, near the end of the Civil War. Northern soldiers came to Bristol and burned Johnson’s home. The Yankees arrested him and others in Bristol and marched them to Jonesboro, Tennessee for a trial, where they were found guilty of treason and marched to Knoxville, Tennessee. The prisoners were marched barefoot and without a hat. April 9, 1865, the Civil War ended. Johnson was released from prison, and he walked back to Bristol. When he arrived home, his first question was, “Where was his wife?” He started rebuilding his life, home, and business. He went to Tennessee and started King Lodge #461. He then established Shelby Lodge No. 162 in 1857, E. H. Gill Royal Arch Chapter #50 in 1860, and Johnson Commandery No. 14 in 1874. Lafayette Johnson also established Saint Omar Commandery # 19 and a Consistory in Bristol, Tennessee, however the Consistory did not last long. Lafayette Johnson was a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason. The Grand Lodge of Virginia asked him to be a Grand Lecturer, which he accepted. He traveled by horseback into West Virginia, Cumberland Gap, Blacksburg, Bluefield, Grundy, Nicholsville, St. Paul, Norton, Appalachia, Jonesville, Clinchport, Mendota, and Bristol. He did this for ten years. He conferred over 3,000 masonic degrees. He helped build churches and preached some as well. One of his famous quotes was, “It has been my purpose to give out the True Light of Masonry wherever I go.” His tombstone reads, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” He was 91 when he died.
Bayard Commandery No. 15
Bayard Commandery No. 15 Chartered November 13, 1889 Information for this was obtained from the minute books of Bayard Commandery and the 1990 Hundred Year Anniversary book that was prepared by Commander W.W. Longworth. Bayard Commandery was first conceived on February 2, 1889, in the office of Winch and McCahan, on Saturday evening, that office being located in the old Masonic Lodge building at number 6 Campbell Ave, S.W. Winch and McCahan were realtors and land developers in Roanoke at the time. Sir Knight William H. Pleasants, who later became Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, was the Master of Ceremonies. The purpose of the meeting was to settle on a name for the Commandery and to name the first officers. The name “BAYARD” was suggested because Seigneur Pierre Terrail DeBayard was a French military hero and also a Knight Templar. DeBayard was born in 1473 and died in 1524. All present liked the name, and it was so ordered. The following officers were named: W.F. Winch – CommanderWm. H. Pleasants – GeneralissimoH.N. Claxton – Captain GeneralH. Groves – Senior WardenJ.R. Hanthorne – Junior WardenJohn Chaimers – PrelateR.S. Roberts – RecorderA. McD. Smith – Standard BearerJohn G. Osborne – Sword BearerF.L. Wood – WarderW.H. Walthall – Tiler It was not until October 16, 1891, that William F. Winch is recorded as the first Treasurer. The above officers were agreed upon and later appointed by the Grand Commander. Sir Knight Winch made a motion that each of the Charter members pay a fee of $5.00, the same to apply on dues. After the organization of said Commandery, the motion was carried out and thus ended the first recorded meeting of Bayard Commandery. February 16, 1889. It was ordered that all the members procure uniforms so the Commandery could properly confer the orders. The cost of $80.00 would cover a complete uniform. Much has changed since then. March 22, 1889. Recorded the first death in Bayard Commandery, that of Sir Knight D.F. Houston. A page was reserved in the Minute Book as a memorial to him. The motion of Sir Knight Claxton that the Commandery meet on the second Saturday of each month was carried. Receipts of this meeting were $85.00. Eleven candidates were also elected to receive the orders. September 20, 1889. We learned that the minutes of the last Stated and Called Meetings were not read because they had not been properly written. (All minutes were hand written and easily read). We also learned that the rent to Lakeland Lodge would be $42.00 for each quarter. The notification to the members would be by a penny postcard (Today’s postcard stamp is $0.35). December 20, 1889 (Commandery Constituted). The minutes show the first recorded meeting of Bayard Commandery No.15. The meeting was opened by Sir Knight Winch and Right Excellent J.S. Beck. Right Excellent R.T. Craighill constituted the Commandery as “Bayard No. 15”, installed the following officers, and wished them well for the coming year: W.F. Winch – CommanderWm. F. Pleasants – GeneralissimoH.N. Claxton – Captain GeneralH. Groves – Senior WardenJ.R. Hanthorne – Junior WardenJohn Chalmers – PrelateA.L. Treamin – TreasurerR.S. Roberts – RecorderA. McD. Smith – Standard BearerJohn G. Osborne – Sword BearerF.L. Wood – WarderW.H. Walthall – Tiler The bill for the refreshments for 48 members present at this meeting was $11.90 – a lot of money at that time. The First Knight Templar Funeral Service Recorded. On October 10, 1889, at 8:00 A.M., the Commandery met in the Asylum in full dress uniform by order of the Commander to pay the last tribute of respect to their late Frater Sir Knight and first Standard Bearer A. McD. Smith. In a body they went to the home of the deceased and marched in procession carrying the body to the Episcopal Church where services were held; then, to the cemetery where the body was interred in accordance with the Knight Templar services, after which they marched back to the Asylum and were dismissed. Things are going up. On March 20, 1891, the By-Laws were changed from $20.00 for the Orders of Knighthood to $50.00. April 15, 1897. The first typed and signed copy of an audit report. By this time Bayard Commandery was in charge of the Temple Corporation of Lakeland Lodge No. 190, where you read in Lakeland minutes paying rent to Bayard No. 15: To the Officers and Members of Bayard Commandery No 15 K. T. Roanoke, VA Below please find statement of Receipts and Disbursements of our Commandery for the year commencing June 1, 1896 and ending June 1, 1897 Balance of Cash on hand June 1, 1896 $ 77.00Collection of Fees $ 10.00Collection of Dues 322.39Collection of Rents 481.00Total collections for the year 813.39Total collections and cash on hand for the year $ 890.39 Disbursements Salary of Recorder $ 75.00Postage, Expressage and Telegrams 15.41Salary of Sentinel 60.00Electric Light 126.00Gas 17.73Repairing Curtains 1.00Rent of Hall 300.00Kitchen ware 1.23Stationery 16.75Grand Lodge Tax 79.00Grand Lodge Repetitive expenses 6.00Treasurer’s salary 6.00 Total disbursements for the year 704.12 Balance of Cash in Treasurer’s hands June 1st 1897 $ 186.27 From February 2, 1889, to April 6, 1890 (Meetings Canceled). Six meetings were canceled during these years because of lack of a quorum. Past Grand Commanders of Bayard # 15: WM. C. Stevenson 1908-1909Robert Frances Taylor 1914-1945William M. Oakey 1920-21Frank G. Payne 1934-35Fritz Allen Brown 1954-55Robert Lee Price, Jr. 2002-2003 Why Can’t Commanderies Do This Today? In the early years, Bayard Commandery would visit with DeMolay Commandery No. 4 in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Dove Commandery No. 7 in Danville, Virginia, on weekends. They would travel by train, leaving Roanoke on Friday, and returning to Roanoke on Sunday evening. While at either place the Sir Knights would witness the Order of the Temple conferred while their ladies were entertained by the wives of the officers of the other Commandery, after which they would be entertained by a gala dinner in full dress uniform, ladies in long gowns. On Saturday, and after
Graham Commandery No. 22
Graham Commandery No. 22 Chartered November 12, 1903 Grand Recorder, James B. Blanks, visited Graham Commandery on December 15,1903 at 8 o’clock in their well equipped asylum, solemnly constituted and consecrated Graham Commandery, No22 of this jurisdiction. On this interesting occasion R.E. J.F.K. Steele of the Grand Commandery of West Virginia kindly assisted him as Grand Marshall and E. Sir G.C. Metcger of Ivanhoe Commandery No. 10, of West Virginia acted as Grand Prelate and pronounced the solemn words of consecration. After superintending the election of officers for the new Commandery and transaction of such business as required attention, the doors were opened and quite a number of ladies- the wives, daughters and sisters of Sir Knights with friends, were introduced and seated. When the ceremony of installation of the newly elected officers was performed in accordance with the requirements of the code. After the company retired the Commandery was closed in due form. The Sir Knights repaired to the banquet hall, while the ladies had preceded them, and a most pleasant hour was spent around the festive board. The Commandery was well equipped and officers faithful and energetic. James E. Blake predicted a bright future for the young Commandery stationed in the beautiful town of Graham. On July 12, 1924, the town of Graham’s name was changed to Bluefield. Charter Officers: C.W. Anderson – CommanderJ.R. Yost – GeneralissimoJ.E. Morton – Captain GeneralJ.H. Slone – Senior WardernJ. B. Frazier – PrelateJ.E. Baylor – TreasurerOrin Role – RecorderK.H. Horne – Stander BearerJ.B. Sanders – Sword BearerS.N. Hufford – WarderW.A. Lindsy – SentinelR.W. McClintock – 3rd GuardR.L. Gillispie – 2nd GuardN.L. Coiner – 1st Guard Past Commander John Walters Members Adam’s, Joel TAnderson, George IBaker, W.H.Barber, L.J.Caudill, T.A.Copenhaver, V.B.Fagg, R.L.Fitzpatrick, W.CFraxier, W.H.Frazier, W.M.Gilladin, J.H.Harry, J.H.Newton, J.M.Peraido, PeterRose, L.P.Ross, AlbertSmoot, T.R.Stump, L.J.Turkey, G.T.Walige, P.W.Williamson, R.H.Wray, W.S.Young, B.
