The History of Tyrian Lodge No. 644
With the turn of the century, the steady growth of New Kensington had already given assurance that the community was destined to become an integral part of the industrial Allegheny Valley. Although there were two Masonic Lodges relatively close to the town, one at Verona and the other at Tarentum, the factor of transportation presented the chief obstacle that stood in the path of complete participation in Masonic activity on the part of those who were members of the Fraternity and who resided in the area. Accordingly, there was considerable desire that a Masonic Lodge be established in New Kensington. It was not until early in 1904, however, that any decisive action was taken toward that end. At that time a committee visited Brother James W. Brown, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania, who was a resident of Pittsburgh, made known their desires and asked his advice concerning the matter. He discouraged the idea and stated that he did not believe the time had yet arrived to constitute a vigorous Lodge in New Kensington.
About two years later, when the International Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pithius (I.O.O.F and K. of P.) building was nearing completion, Brother Alonzo M. Frederick prepared a subscription form and circulated it among the members of the Fraternity, with the result that sufficient money was received to defray expenses incident to obtaining a warrant for a Masonic Lodge in New Kensington. After conferring with Pollock Lodge No. 502 F. & A.M. in Tarentum and Verona Lodge No. 548 F. & A.M. in Verona, and their assent being received, the request for permission to constitute a Lodge in New Kensington was forwarded to Grand Lodge in Philadelphia.
After several meetings and much correspondence with Brother George W. Kendrick, Jr., Right Worshipful Grand Master, the warrant was issued on March 7, 1906, and June 22, 1906 was designated as the date for constitution of Tyrian Lodge No. 644 F. & A.M., to be located in New Kensington. Accordingly, on that date, at two o'clock five minutes PM, with appropriate ceremonies, Brother John S. Sell, District Deputy Grand Master, who later was elected Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania, constituted Tyrian Lodge No. 644 F. & A.M.
There were thirty-seven warrant members on the roll at constitution, four of whom were still active at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lodge. Three of the warrant members are also due specific consideration and respect, they being Brothers Alonzo M. Frederick, Joseph R. Alter and Dennis A. Reeser. It was they who handled the details and correspondence, and they who performed most of the preliminary work that finally resulted in constitution of the Lodge.
Meetings were held in the I.O.O.F and K. of P. hall located on Fifth Avenue from constitution until 1914, when the third floor of the then First National Bank Building in downtown New Kensington was leased, and served as our home until 1997, when we moved to our present location at Masonic Hall on Allen Street in Lower Burrell. The second Tuesday of the month was established as the meeting day, and has remained the same to this day.
During the first half of our history, Tyrian Lodge prospered, both physically and spiritually. From slight growth in our first year, of just one new member in addition to the Warrant Members, we grew to have over 700 members. Since shortly after that time, we have seen a general decline in our membership numbers. But this period of declining physical membership has not been reflected in our spiritual growth, having recently had an infusion of younger members, who are interested in Freemasonry and all its ideals. These new members are leading Tyrian Lodge toward the future and renewed growth and vitality.
Seven Warrant members of the Lodge, Brothers Joseph R. Alter, Frank R. Alter, Robert E. Withers, Paul J. Urquhart, John T. Springer, Philip C. King, and Durward N. Aker, received the Fifty Year Service Emblem of Gold.
Six members initiated in our Fiftieth Anniversary year of 1956 have likewise earned the Fifty Year Service Emblem of Gold, they being Brothers Albert A. Bittcher, George E. Burgly, Charles J. Hill, Theodore N. Shaffer, Theodore C. Toy, and Donald J. Wainer.
In October of 1906, Brother John E. Will, Past Master, who served as Worshipful Master in 1928, was made an Entered Apprentice Mason, thus becoming the first initiate of Tyrian Lodge No. 644.
At the time of our 100th Anniversary in June, 2006, Tyrian Lodge had entered six new brothers, one of whom had received all three degrees, four were anxiously awaiting their third degrees, and the final one had just recently been entered. All six have shown a great interest in and aptitude for learning their work. During the rest of 2006 we had one more candidate receive the first two degrees of Freemasonry and will be our first Newly Raised Master Mason of the year 2007.
We have had four 33rd Degree Masons in our Lodge, one of whom, Brother Matthew H. Mainwaring, had received this honor prior to our constitution. Another Warrant Member, Brother Dennis A. Reeser, Past Master, had this exceptional honor conferred upon him in 1921, Brother Archie M. McSparrin, Past Master, was made a 33rd Degree Mason in 1975, Brother Byrl J. Johnson, Sr., Past Master, had this same honor conferred upon him in 2005. A fifth member, Brother Robert Mellon, was elected to receive his 33rd degree in August of 2006.
We have had two members serve as District Deputy Grand Masters of the 54th Masonic District: Brother John W. Rawson, Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master, who served as Worshipful Master in 1951 and was honored by being appointed to serve beginning on St. John's Day of that year; and Brother Byrl J. Johnson, Sr., Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master, was appointed in 1971. Brother Byrl is presently serving with distinction as the Regional Instructor for Region 4.
Just as the history of a nation is a record of the service of its people, so are the achievements of Tyrian Lodge No. 644 a record of the efforts of all its members. It is our earnest prayer that the same spirit of brotherly love and service that marks the Masonic way of life, will be vouchsafed to us by the Great Architect of the Universe throughout our unfinished history.