The history of Pemberville Lodge #516 cannot be related without describing a portion of the history of the Village of Pemberville because the two are closely bound together.
The Iroquois, Wyandotte and Ottawa Indians were the original owners of the land now occupied by the Village of Pemberville. It was a swampy marshland surrounded by an almost unbroken wilderness.
The first time the Portage River was mentioned in history was in 1782, at the close of the Revolutionary War. William Dawson, a trader and merchant operating on the Sandusky River, wrote to a merchant in Detroit about two French Traders who were at or near Little Island on the “Portash River.”
General William Henry Harrison's army occupied a fortified camp on the South Bank of the Portage River for some time during the War of 1812. After Hull's surrender at Detroit, General Harrison, who was at Upper Sandusky, went to join General Winchester at the Maumee Rapids. Fearing he would not be able to maintain his position in the event of a British and Indian attack, General Harrison retired to the Portage River. The camp was within the limits of the present Village of Pemberville on what is referred to as the “Hoodlebrink Farm” (In the area of Harrison Park). The several-acre camp was large enough to accommodate 1700 officers and soldiers. For years afterward, a spring of running water marked the central site of the camp.
In 1819, the six-square-mile interior range and township lines of Bloom, Perry, Montgomery, Freedom, Center and the south portion of Webster Townships were surveyed by Alexander and Samuel Holmes. One year later, Wood County was organized by an act of State legislature. Freedom Township was established on December 1, 1834. Hiram Pember suggested the name at the organizational meeting at “The Forks” of the Portage.
The survey of the original town of Pemberville was completed on May 24, 1854 by S.H. Bell for James Pember, selecting part of the Northeast quarter of section 10 as the best site. He divided it into 26 lots and named it after the owner of that particular tract of land.
After the first settlers appeared, “The Forks” became the main center of trade. On March 18, 1876, a petition was filed with the Commissioners of Wood County for the incorporation of the Village of Pemberville. On June 1st, 1876, a strong remonstrance by those who did not favor incorporation was submitted to the commissioners. Nevertheless, on June 8, 1876, the village was ordered to organize. The State of Ohio records the incorporation on December 20, 1876.
Prior to the incorporation of the village, men living in the Pemberville vicinity who desired to knock at the door of Freemasonry had to do so at Portage Lodge #351 in Elmore, Ohio. Although Elmore is only 14 miles from Pemberville, this proved to be a very long journey by horseback or by horse and buggy. In the winter, it was almost impossible for Masons living in the Pemberville area to attend lodge with any degree of regularity.
Following the incorporation of the Village of Pemberville, a number of Master Masons living in the Pemberville Area began discussing the establishment of a Masonic Lodge to serve Pemberville and the vicinity. These discussions culminated in notice being given to hold a meeting in the storeroom of Brother E.W. Pember on February 24, 1877. The minutes of that historical meeting and others follow:
Pemberville, Ohio February 24, 1877
In accordance with a notice previously given, a number of M. M. in Pemberville and vicinity met at the store room of Bro. E. W. Pember for the purpose of taking steps to organize a Lodge in Pemberville, O. The meeting was called to order by Bro. Rees and on motion Bro. G. Helbing was appointed chairman, Bro. M. Hobart, Sec. On motion, Bros. Bruning, Pember and Rees were appointed com. on furniture to ascertain the probable cost to furnish a Lodge etc.. On motion Bro. G. Helbing was appointed to com. to prepare the necessary papers and procure a dispensation. There being no further business the meeting adjourned to meet the next Saturday at seven o'clock at the same place.
Pemberville, Ohio March 3, 1877
According to adjournment a number of M. M. met at the store of E. W. Pember. Present: E.W. Pember, M. Rees, G. Helbing and others. Bro. Helbing as com. on preparing papers for the purpose of procuring dispensation, reported to the meeting a paper addressed to the M.W.G.M. praying for a dispensation to organize a lodge of M. M. in Pemberville, O., signed by the following named M. M. as petitioners: G. Helbing, H. Bruning, J.O. Cable, I.W. Krotzer, Aaron VanEtten, M. Rees, A.T. Ladd, M. Hobart, L.C. Sprague, E. Hartman, E.W. Pember, H. Ricket, J.A. McKean, Daniel Fish, Thos. Mackey and Joshua Hoiles. The Report was received and the committee continued. The com. On furnishing the Lodge room reported it would be necessary to have about Two Hundred and Forty Dollars or about Fifteen Dollars to each member, for which, each of the above charter members agreed to advance the projected Lodge for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses. With these conditions: that as soon as the projected Lodge shall find itself in a condition to do so and meet its current expenses, these amounts shall be refunded or applied on dues in part or in whole, and at such times as the Lodge shall deem best. There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
Pemberville, Ohio May 19. 1877
Pursuant to the chairman's call the following named M.M. petitioners met at the proposed Lodge rooms over Hobart Bowlus and Co. Hardware store. Present G. Helbing, H. Bruning, H. Ricket, M. Reese, A. T. Ladd, E. W. Pember, J. O. Cable, J. Hoiles, A. VanEtten, I. W. Krotzer, E. Hartman, and M. Hobart. Bro. G. Helbing in chair, Bro. H. Hobart, Sec. Com. on dispensation reported that they had received from the M.W.G.M. a letter of dispensation and presented the same. The report was received and the com. discharged. The furnishing com. reported progress and on motion was continued with instructions to buy the necessary furniture to furnish a Lodge. On motion Bro. J. O. Cable was appointed a finance Com. to receive the money from the Brethren to pay for the furniture for said proposed Lodge Room. On motion the meeting adjourned to meet May 26, 1877 to organize Pemberville Lodge U.D. in conformity with the dispensation.
Pemberville, Ohio May 26,1877
Pursuant to adjournment on May 19/77 the following named M.M. and petitioners to the M.W.G.M. for a dispensation met at their hall in Pemberville. O. this 26 day of May. A.D. 1877 and A. L. 5877. Present: G. Helbing, M. Reese, H. Bruning, M. Hobart, J. O. Cable, A. VanEtten, E. W. Pember, Thos. Mackey, Joshua Hoiles, Daniel Fish, A. T. Ladd, E. Hartman, and J. W. Krotzer. Absent: L. C. Sprague, H. Ricket & J. A. McKean. On motion Bro. M. Reese was elected Chairman and Bro. M. Hobart, Sec. Bro. Reese took the chair and called the meeting to order. The Sec. then read a dispensation from the M.W.G.M. of Ohio of which the following is a copy:
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, C. A. Woodward, Grand Master. To all Free and Accepted Masons Greetings: Whereas a petition has been presented to me, C. A. Woodward, M.W.G.M. of Masons of Ohio by Bros. Marcene Hobart, Gustavus Helbing, Henry Ricket, Isaac Krotzer, Thos. Mackey, E. W. Pember, Joshua Hoiles, J. O. Cable, A. VanEtten, L. C. Sprague, J. A. McKean, Daniel Fish, Henry Bruning, T. Ladd, Morris Reese, E. Hartman, all Free and Accepted Master Masons praying to be organized into a regular Lodge by the name of Pemberville Lodge No. 516 to be located in the Village of Pemberville in the County of Wood in the State of Ohio, and whereas said petitioners have been duly recommended to me and vouched for as Master Masons in good standing by Portage Lodge No. 351 in our jurisdiction; and the consent of all Lodges whose jurisdiction will be affected by the said organization of the new Lodge aforesaid having been filed with me; and said application being in all respects in conformity with the requirements of the Constitution, By Laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, Now Therefore be it known: That reposing full confidence in the integrity and attachments of the aforesaid petitioners to the sublime principles of Masonry and in the recommendations aforesaid; and believing that the interests of Masonry will be promoted by granting the prayer of said petitioners, I have granted, and do by these presents grant this Letter of Dispensation constituting the said petitioners a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons by the name of Pemberville Lodge No. 516, and I do hereby appoint Brother Gustavus Helbing to be the first W.M.; Brother Morris Rees to be the first S.W.; and Brother Henry Bruning to be the first J.W.; hereby granting unto them full power and authority to assemble together as a Legal Lodge in said Village and when so assembled to confer the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason upon all such good men and true as may make application, according to Masonic usage and not otherwise. And I hereby enjoin upon said Lodge in all its acts a strict conformity to the Constitution, By Laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge; required them to be present by their Representative or Proxy at the next ensuing Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge and have there this Letter of Dispensation, together with a Copy of the By Laws of their Lodge, and a record of their proceedings for the inspection of the Grand Lodge; at which time the powers and privileges hereby granted shall cease. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Private Seal of the Grand Master at Cleveland. Ohio, this 2 day of May A. D. 1877 and A. L. 5877.
The Chair then called upon Past Master G. W. Reel (of Portage Lodge No. 351, Elmore, Ohio) to organize and open a Lodge of M.M. in accordance with the above authority from the M. W. G. M. A Lodge of M.M. vas opened in due and ancient form by Bro. G. W. Reel in the East, Bro. I. W. Krotzer in the West, and Bro. Daniel Fish in the South, M. Hobart, Sec., J. O. Cable, S. D., A. VanEtten, J. D., and Thomas Mackey, Tyler. Bro. G. Helbing then took charge of the Lodge as W. M., M. Rees. the West; and H. Bruning, the South, with the authority before stated and appointed the following officers to serve until the expiration of the authority granted by the said dispensation to wit: Bro. L. C. Sprague, Treasurer; M. Hobart, Secretary; J. O. Cable, S.D.; A. VanEtten, J. D.; E. W. Pember and E. Hartman, Stewards; Thomas Mackey, Tyler. Also the following committees: Finance. H. Bruning. H. Reese, and H. Hobart. On Grievance, J. Hoiles. H. Ricket and A.T. Ladd. Upon motion the uniform code of By Laws for the government of Lodges Under Dispensation was then adopted and signed. On motion the secretary was instructed to procure such books and stationery as he should deem best for the Lodge. There being no further business the Lodge of M.M. was closed in due form and harmony.
Hall of Pemberville Lodge, U.D.F. & A.M. This 27 day of October, A.D. 1877.
A Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form. The Hall of Pemberville Lodge was dedicated in due and ancient form, after which W.M. G. Helbing produced a Charter which was granted by the Grand Lodge and the number of (Pemberville) Lodge will be 516.
Thus began Pemberville Lodge. No. 516 to serve with Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, the communities of Pemberville, Luckey, Stony Ridge, Scotch Ridge, Bradner, Wayne, and the Northern half of Risingsun.
For sixty years, from 1877 to 1937, The Lodge was located above the Hobart Bowlus Company Hardware Store from whom the Lodge Rooms were rented.
Rent was $75 per year at the beginning. This was increased gradually over the years. In 1925, at the March 10th meeting, the rent was increased to $200 per year. In 1932 the lodge requested that the rent be reduced to $150 per year because of the depression. The Hobart-Bowlus Company accepted the proposal for one year.
During the stated meetings of 1922 and sporadically in the ensuing years, discussions were had on a new location for the Lodge. Nothing was done until 1936.
At the June 9th, 1936 stated meeting, W.M. Vernon Amos appointed S.R. Williams, L.C. Hobart, H.G. Helm and Edward Mason to meet with the members of Freedom I.O.O.F. Lodge #723 to inquire about purchasing the I.O.O.F. Lodge rooms. This meeting took place and the result was positive. At the stated meeting held on July 28, 1936, the brethren decided to solicit funds to remodel the I.O.O.F. Hall before any definite action would be taken in purchasing it. Sufficient pledges were received. On October 27, 1936, on a motion by Bro. S.R. Williams, supported by Bro. L.E. Wight, the Secretary L.G. Bowlus was authorized to draw a check for $100 payable to Freedom I.O.O.F. Lodge #723 as an initial payment on the purchase of the I.O.O.F. hall. Thus began the difficult but rewarding process of raising funds for the new Pemberville Masonic Temple. The cost of the Temple was $1500 and the cost of renovation was $2,517.21. The Brethren donated much of the labor.
The first meeting in the new temple was held on April 27th, 1937, with 31 members and 5 visitors present.
The new Temple was dedicated on April 21st, 1938 with 56 members and 123 visitors present. M.W. Grand Master Louis B. Blakemore dedicated the Lodge.
Quoting from the dedication program of Thursday Evening, April 21, 1938: “Masonry has accomplished a two-fold purpose in Pemberville – the spreading of Brotherly Love and the making of better men. The Lodge has never acquired any great amount of financial wealth, but has always been in a prosperous and thrifty condition – ever ready and willing to aid a brother in distress. The membership now totals about 137 and bids fair to take a new lease of life in its new and handsome quarters.”
NOTABLE DATES AND FACTS:
Brother J. D. Colwell presented a picture of George Washington in Masonic Dress to the Lodge on January 10. 1880. This picture is still displayed in the Lodge.
On June 26, 1897, Woodbine Chapter #61, O.E.S. was granted permission by the Grand Master to meet in the Masonic Hall. The O.E.S. continues to meet in this hall and has contributed much to the Lodge and the Community.
March 11, 1914, Lodge stated meetings were changed from Wednesday to the second and fourth Tuesdays.
May 3, 1943, was a historic and satisfying date for the Brethren of Pemberville Lodge. On this day the final payment on the mortgage was made and the Brethren finally owned the Temple free and clear.
The first member of Pemberville Lodge to be Honored with the appointment of District Deputy Grand Master was R.W.B. Vernon Amos in 1944. Since then, three more brethren from Pemberville have been appointed District Deputy Grand Masters: R.W.B. L. Burge Smith, 1957, R.W.B. James Witte, 1969 and R.W.B. Rolland I. Huss 1990. These three brothers were also all recipients of the 33rd degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish rite.
On June 7th, 1949, W.M. L. Burge Smith hosted the Brethren of Toledo's Port Lawrence Lodge #685. This was the beginning of a tradition between the two lodges. Every year, Pemberville Lodge hosts the Brethren of Port Lawrence for a strawberry short cake night, In October; Port Lawrence Lodge hosts the Brethren Pemberville for their annual peaches and cream night. This display of fellowship and the making of new friends still continues.
On April 24, 1951, W.B. I. E. Brentlinger and W.B. Carl Emch presented a new ballot box to the lodge, which is still in use.
Saturday, September 10, 1977, Pemberville Lodge celebrated its one hundredth anniversary with a Re-consecration Ceremony.
Pemberville Lodge Celebrates its125th anniversary this year and continues to be blessed with excellent Masters and Line Officers. These brethren have worked diligently to promote masonry in general and the Pemberville Lodge in particular.