ABOUT JEPHTHA LODGE
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On May 29, 1905, the Lodge room was dedicated by Deputy Grand Master Townsend Scudder and other Grand Lodge officers. The first meeting was held in the Lodge room on March 27, 1905. The total cost of the building and furnishings was $20,000 and the last bond was paid on July 1, 1929.
Jephtha Lodge on a unused postcard from the 2nd decade of the 20th century
The Golden Anniversary celebration of the Lodge was held on Sunday and Monday October 2nd and 3rd 1910. On Sunday, the Brethren assembled in the Lodge room and proceeded in a body to St. John’s Church where special services were held and the Anniversary sermon delivered by the Rev. J.D. Kennedy, Rector of St. Marks Church in Brooklyn, Past Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. On Monday evening, Jephtha’s Brothers and their families were invited to the Lodge room for another celebration. After a welcome message by W:. Brother Emmet B. Hawkins, Master, the Reverend and Brother Charles E. Cragg gave a most complete history of the Lodge from its inception to the present time. In addition to this, a program of vocal and instrumental music was enjoyed, including a quartet consisting of F. Murray Gibson, Dr. B.P. MacLean, F.J. Galow and I.R. Sweezey Jr. A collation and social hour followed.
Jephtha's Lodge room as it appeared in the 1920's
On Monday evening, May 27, 1935 W:.M:. Francis J. Kane and more than 350 Brothers celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Jephtha Lodge. With an event lasting over four hours, including the Reverend and W:. Brother Charles E. Cragg giving the Invocation, a complete history of the Lodge delivered by W:. Bro. John Boyle Jr. (written by Bro. Cragg) and a quartet consisting of Millard W. Bath, Andrew B. Carver, William Owens and Isaac R. Sweezey.
A 1935 plaque dedicated to early Lodge Historian and W:. Brother Charles E. Cragg, on display at the northwest corner of the Lodge room.
Over the years, a number of important events took place that helped shape Jephtha Lodge to what it is:
1912-A Bazaar was held at the Bijou Theatre to raise funds for the purchase of furnishings and carpet for the Lodge
1917-Many Brothers of Jephtha Lodge went to France with the A.E.F. in the service of their country in World War I, including W:.M. Burdge MacLean
1920-On January 19, a contract was signed for the installation of an organ for the Lodge, which was completed in September of that year.
1921-A safe was purchased and placed in the Lodge to insure the records for safekeeping
1922-R:.W:. Clifton F. Gardner began his term as Treasurer of Jephtha Lodge, a post he held through 1960.
1922-On May 19, a delegation of 54 Brothers sailed to Block Island to attend Atlantic Lodge #1 F. & A. M., whose meetings were held on the full of the moon and worked the Third Degree. Such Lodges were called Moon Lodges.
1921-1928-Minstrel and Frolic shows became an annual event held at the Palace Theater on New York Avenue. Most of these shows were for the benefit of the Lodge, but in 1923 and 1924 they were held for the benefit of Huntington Hospital and in 1925 for the benefit of the American Legion building fund.
1927-On April 25, the Third Degree was performed on the candidates in waiting by the members of the New York State Legislature.
1927-On May 14, Jephtha Lodge presented the Roosevelt School in Huntington Station with an American flag.
1929-On February 14, Jephtha Lodge presented the Holy Bible to the South Huntington High School.
1942-1945- Jephtha Lodge maintained a Masonic Service Center for members of the armed forces. W:. Bro. Dana S. Tuthill, Sr. chairman. During this period 6447 service men used our facilities and were entertained by our hosts and hostesses who also furnished refreshments.
1955-Jephtha Lodge with W:. Bro. Paul G. Buchanan as chairman, started the Masonic Blood Bank.
1958-Jephtha Lodge sponsored annual scholarship awards to one member of the graduating class of Huntington High School and one member of Walt Whitman High School.
1960-On Friday, October 21, the 100th Anniversary Communication included a commemorative booklet with a brief history of the Lodge written by W:. James Landi, Lodge Historian. The meeting was attended by 202 brothers, including the main speaker, Deputy Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York, the Right Worshipful Harry Ostrov.
1960-Lodge membership was at 554, with meeting largely devoted to degree work as new candidates were initiated, passed and raised.
1961-On September 11, presentation ceremonies were held at the Old First Church in Huntington for the R:.W:. Lester F. Quarry of Jephtha Lodge, the new District Deputy Grand Master.
1963-Renovations to the Temple included upgrades to the kitchen, recreation and game rooms. A second lavoratory was installed, adjacent to the collation room, and the necessary painting, paneling, plumbing and electrical work was authorized.
1963-On November 25, a memorial service was held for the late President John F. Kennedy. It was noted that though not a Mason, President Kennedy had held ideals which closely paralleled the teachings of our Fraternity.
1963-Membership peaked at 582.
1964-On January 13, the scheduled business of the evening was the installation of officers. The Master, after considerable thought, decided to open the Lodge on this night. Eight men braved the heavy snowfall, the high winds and the five foot drifts to attend the meeting. The Master referred to the Lodge history and noted that the Lodge had never been closed despite hurricane, the Blizzard of 1888 or for any other reason during its 104 year history. However, due to the small attendance, all terms of business were omitted except for the installation of officers. Most of the officers were installed by proxy.
1966-The Store fronts were modernized. The front was porcelainized and gold leaf lettering was painted over the entrance doors.
1969-Furniture was renovated, new stair treads to the 2nd floor were installed, the roof was repaired and the Lodge room was painted.
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