Monticello Lodge of Masons officially cleared their Temple on Bank Street of debt Friday evening in a mortgage burning ceremony which was witnessed by more than a hundred.
The mortgage certificate which had a face value of $11,000 in 1910 when it was issued to signify a loan to the Monticello Lodge of Masons by Dr. James A. Cauthers was burned by Charles G. Burns with the assistance of present and past trustees of the Lodge.
Prior to the burning of the mortgage certificate the Master, Alva Unkenholz, spoke briefly expressing his gratitude for having the honor of presiding during the most important and eventful evening.
The historical background and events leading up to the mortgage burning was related by Alvin O. Benton, a past master who traced the history of Masonry in Sullivan County back to 1810 when Sullivan Lodge No. 272 was formed in Monticello. Sullivan Lodge, he pointed out, had disbanded shortly after the Morgan and anti-Masonic era which effected many lodges in 1826. Then Monticello Lodge No. 460 was organized in 1858 but the Civil War crisis and uncertainty of the times brought the cessation of activities in this Lodge.
Monticello Lodge, he said, was formed in 1862 with Dave Star[r] as the First Master. Lodge No. 532 flourished and then Masons decided to build their first teimple. Upon its completion in 1898 it was dedicated with ceremonies attended by Grand Master William A. Sutherland and his staff.
The Lodge was then faced with a big mortgage but fund raising projects helped reduce their indebtedness. Then in 1909 the great fire which destroyed most of Monticello's business section reduced the temple to ruins.
After debts were paid in 1909 the Masons had an unincumbered lot but very little cash. However they found it possible to rebuild and at the same tiem mortgage the Temple for only $11,000.
The present structure is valued at about $75,000 and the Lodge rooms are richly furnished.
Mr. Burns, who served as Master of the Lodge in 1922 and as district deputy in 1936, was given the honor of burning the 41-year old mortgage certificate.
After completing the work, Mr. Burns recalled several interesting stories he had been told by old time Masons and told of his own experiences during the nearly fifty years he has been a member of the Craft. He will complete his fiftieth year in December.
Mr. Burns served also as secretary while the Masons were occupying the Temple which was destroyed by fire in 1909, and spoke some of the financial struggles experienced by the builders of the temple, giving praise to Robert Brome, Robert McNickle, John Brown, H. Lynden Hatch, and others who were instrumental in raising funds and planning the building.
Text of Wor. Alvin O. Benton's remarks summarizing the
history of Freemasonry in Sullivan County.
Photos courtesy of Susan Benton Schock.
Posted 06-19-2001
