History of Our Lodge

Freemasonry in Ashley dates back to the constitution of Coalville Lodge, #474 on October 27th. 1870 when the town was called Coalville.

On June 1st. 1870, the Seal of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction there unto belonging was affixed to the warrant of Constitution for Coalville, #474, Free & Accepted Masons of Coalville Ps. The signatures on the Warrant of Constitution were those of Robert A. Lamberton, Right Worshipful Grand Master, Samuel C. Perkins, Deputy Grand Master, Alfred R. Potter, Senior Grand Warden, Robert Clark, Junior Grand Warden, John Thompson,Grand Secretary, and Peter Williamson, Grand Treasurer.

The lodge originally held its meeting on the sedond floor of Blodget's Hall which was located across from the Huber Breaker.

On October 27th, 1870, by virtue of a disposition from Robert A. Lamberton, Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the state of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction there unto belonging, District Deputy Grand Master Edward P. Kingsbury, acting as Right Worshipful Grand Master and accompanied by Edward C. Lynde, Acting Deputy Grand Master; H. P. Poyns, Acting Senior Grand Warden; J. P. Williamson, Acting Junior Grand Warden; James Cowan, Acting Grand Treasurer; James Ruthivan Acting Grand Secretary; E. W. Willard, Acting Grand Chaplain; F. J.Austin, Acting Grand Pursuivant; S.E. Shick, Acting Grand Tyler, attended the first meeting of the Lodge at high twelve on Thursday, October 27th, A.D. 1870, A.L.5870, in the presence of a large number of the Brethren agreeable to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity, constituted Coalville Lodge, No.474, and installed in their respective offices: James M. Snyder, Worshipful Master; James A. Fleming, Senior Warden; David H. Dotterer, Junior Warden; John Campbell, Treasurer; John C. Wells, Secretary; Rev. William J. Day, Senior Deacon: Jeremia W.Gettle, Junior Deacon; and Peter Rudrauff, Pursuivant.

The first stated meeting of the Lodge was held at 7:00 P.M. of the same day.

The regular communications of the Lodge were held on Tuesday night, on or before the full moon each month in Masonic Hall.

The first St. Johns's Day Banquet was held on the newly built Coalville Methodist Church on December 5th, 1870.

On October 29th, 1895, the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Coalville Lodge No. 474 was held. On this occasion, six of the nine charter members were present. The three absent charter members had moved to other parts of the country. The Lodge meeting was opened at 7:00 P.M. and in response to invitations sent to other lodges in the Jurisdiction, there were 450 Masons present. Brother John C. Wells, the Lodge Secretary, after reading the minutes of the first meeting of the Lodge, gave a brief historical address.

Brother H.M. Martin, a member of Coalville Lodge and superintendent of a coal company at Sugar Notch, was introduced as Chairman of the Program. After several interesting talks by some of the early members, the Lodge was closed. The brethren attending then wen to the Mansion House, where a lavish banquet was held.

On October 12th, 1920, a special meeting was held in commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary, at which time Brother William J. Day, Past Master and one of the Charter Members gave a very interesting and instructive address on Freemasonry, also a history of the Lodge and the Borough of Ashley.

On October 15th. 1965, a meeting was held at Coalville Lodge No. 474 in observance of the Ninety-fifth Anniversary of the Lodge.

At this meeting, the Lodge was honored by the presence of Brother James R. Thomas, District Deputy grand Master. Brother William A. Davis, Worshipful Master, presented a plaque to the Lodge, listing the names of those who served as Masters of Coalville Lodge No. 474 since its beginning in 1870.

Coalville Lodge No. 474 has always strived to maintain a high standard of work among the Craft. The real proof is written in the hearts and lives of the members and much credit is due the older members. As one is called to the Great Lodge above, new members have been added to our Fraternity who have endeavored to uphold the high principles of Masonry. This is borne out by the fact that many of the members who were initiated into Coalville Lodge, but have moved to other locations, have retained their membership in Coalville Lodge.

History is philosophy, teaching us by example. The history of Coalville Lodge No. 474 would be of little account if it did not elevate, inspire, and emulate us to seek the highest and best in life.

It is interesting to note that the petitioners for a Charter for the Borough of Ashley were members of the Coalville Lodge, several of whom later became Past Masters of the Lodge. The first Burgess of Ashley was Jeremiah N. Gettel, the first Junior Deacon of Coalville Lodge, The first Town council was comprised of members of Coalville Lodge, with John C. Wells, our first Lodge Secretary, as President. When the first Ashley School Building was erected, John C. Wells was chairman of the building committee and secretary of the Board of Directors. When the Ashley Savings Bank was chartered on July 3rd. 1871, there were ten members of Coalville Lodge as petitioners. When the bank was opened, John C. Wells, our first Lodge Secretary, was Vice President and James M. Snyder, our first Worshipful Master, was Cashier. This shows clearly that Coalville Lodge No. 474 and our Masonic Fraternity were the very soul and inspiration of the enterprise and welfare of Ashley Borough.