Pythagoras Lodge #41, F & AM

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1968-69 Historical Committee Report
Pythagoras Lodge # 41 F & AM
Decatur, Georgia

Wallace H. Martin, P.M. - Chairman

Advisory Team:

Ben B. Burgess, P.M.

Scott Candler, P.M.

Eugene A. Cole, P.M.

Spain Davis, P.M.

Data & Screening Team:

Swanson D. Craig

Carl T. Hudgins

William F. Jack

Roscoe E. Snead

J. Reuben Teagle

Bennie F. Wilkins

Quotations from "Report of Custodians", December 20, 1928 and "A History of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41" by George R. Jones, P.M., April 12, 1944.

Foreword:

Free Masonry was not instituted to transform evil men into good men; that is the purpose of the church. Rather, the entire concept of Free Masonry is to accept good men into its' ranks, and teach them to become better men by elevating their moral standards. "Adopting no particular creed, forbidding sectarian discussion within its lodge rooms, encouraging each to be steadfast in the faith of his acceptance, Free Masonry takes all good men by the hand, leads them to its' altars, points to the open Bible thereon and urges upon each that he faithfully direct his steps through life by the light he there shall find and as he there shall find it." This is the obligation Free Masonry has to each candidate.

The history of freemasonry in Georgia is a glorious record of compassion, striving and accomplishments. From the date 1734, when General James Edward Oglethorpe, the first Master of the first United States Lodge (who conferred the first Masonic Degrees upon his friend Noble Jones) until the present date, each Blue Lodge has striven to point its' members to a higher standard of moral living, nourished and sustained by brotherly love.

This, too, is the one hundred twenty-five-year accomplishment of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41, Decatur, Georgia, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

Wallace H. Martin, P.M. - Chairman, 1969 Historical Committee

A History:

Most Worshipful Grand Master of Georgia, Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Pythagoras Lodge:

"The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones". Thus wrote the immortal Shakespeare.

In compiling the one hundred twenty-five years record of Pythagoras Lodge, there are in the records many interesting facts of an era of life that is gone forever. The written records reveal the deeds of Masons who fought the good fight - who lived in a rugged way - who met and conquered the ordeal of daily living and daily problems. These men were capable of striving hopefully for a better tomorrow, capable of facing their fellow man and life, itself, with a grim determination to leave a portion of themselves as a memorial, capable of proving that the minute spark of divinity inherent in we mortals could enable each of us to become a loving memory and standard for the Mason of tomorrow when applied t the individual, to the community, to the nation, but most important of all, to the entire human race which embraces the Brotherhood of man.

The songs, laughter and loves of these men prove that they too were of mortal wants and needs, that in the building of an empire they were often tried and found wanting - yet, as we peruse these records, as recorded on the shifting sands of time from generation to generation, we find an undercurrent of higher and nobler thoughts and deeds recorded which proves our ancient brethren were also seeking that house not made by hands, eternal in the Heavens.

On April 12th, 1844 - 125 years ago - nine (9) brothers of the Mystic Tie, acting under dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, after having been recommended by Kennesaw Lodge # 33, constituted the membership of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41. The dispensation was signed by W.M. Brother William C. Dawson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons. Those nine (9) brothers were listed as:

Elzy B. Reynolds George W. Reeves W. H. Graham R. E. Mangum John Evans Thomas M. Darnell Ezekial Reeves Nathaniel Mangum Frederick C. Arms.

The officers appointed under the Dispensation were Elzy B. Reynolds, W.M.; George W. Reeves, S.W.; and John Evans, J.W.

On October 7th, 1844 when our charter was granted, the membership was twenty-one (21), and since that time Pythagoras Lodge has functioned without a break every month of every year, including those dismal days of the War Between the States, the two World Wars, the Korean War and, at this writing, the Vietnam War.

The twelve (12) brethren receiving the degrees are listed as:

(1) Application No. 1, Leonard C. Simpson. He was a lawyer and a Charter Member of the Decatur Presbyterian Church.

(2) W.M. Hill - a Merchant, was Senior Deacon of the Lodge during the years of 1846 -1847 - 1848 -1849-1850 - 1851 - 1853 - 1854 - 1855 and 1856.

(3) Alexander Johnson - a Physician, was S.W. in 1847; J.W. in 1846 -1850 -1851 and 1854; S.S. in 1853 and Sec. In 1856 - 1857 and 1858.

(4) John Wadsworth - operated a tin ware business.

(5) E.N. Calhoun - a Doctor, was Captain of a volunteer company of soldiers from DeKalb County, which fought against the Creek Indians in 1836.

(6) Michael O'Brian - a railroad contractor.

(7) Patrick Quinn - a railroad contractor.

(8) R.M. Brown - in the tailoring business and, also, Clerk of the Court. He was a member of the Decatur Presbyterian Church. Bro. Brown was S.W. in 1850 and 1851; S.D. in 1852 and Worshipful Master in 1853; also Treas. in 1857; S.S. in 1858 and S. D. in 1860.

(9) J.T. Slater - a stone mason.

(10) Lewis L. Ledbetter was a Preacher. He was a soldier in Co. "C" and Co. "D", Second Georgia Regiment in the War Between the States.

(11) James R. Henry, a farmer.

(12) Spencer T. Waite, no information.

Three years later, in 1847, Atlanta Lodge No. 59 was instituted upon the recommendation of Pythagoras Lodge.

In 1876 the records show the Lodge convened on the First and Third Tuesdays at 7:30 P.M., from October to April, and at 8:00 P.M. from April to October. At that time dues were $2.00 and fee for the degrees was $25.00. The Tyler's dues were remitted, and in addition he received $12.00 per year.

The dates affecting Pythagoras Lodge are as follows: Decatur was chartered in 1823; previous to 1843 the present site of Atlanta was known as Terminus; in 1843 its name was change to Marthasville; it was incorporated under the name of Atlanta in 1845, and during these years was a part of DeKalb County. When Pythagoras was instituted, Fulton County had not yet come into existence, and when we received our Charter and had a membership of 21, our nearest Lodge was Kennesaw, our mother Lodge. Fulton County was cut off in 1853, six years after Atlanta Lodge was established in 1847.

During the 125 years of existence, Pythagoras Lodge has recommended the establishment of the following Lodges:

Atlanta Lodge No. 59, in 1847;

A Lodge at Lithonia on November 7, 1848;

A Lodge at Stone Mountain on October 2, 1849;

A Lodge at Sardis on September 6, 1870;

A Lodge at Panthersville on September 3, 1908;

A Lodge at Kirkwood on October 15, 1914.

In 1876 the membership of Pythagoras Lodge was 54; in 1908 -160, in 1917 - 216, in 1918 - 230, in 1919 - 301, 1923 - 452, 1928 - 450, 1944 - 580 and in 1950 - 864. Thus, the membership continued to grow until a peak of 1,196 was recorded in 1957. However, deaths, suspensions, and Emeritus members, plus the ushering in of the Space Age, has caused our membership to decline to 1,003 this year of A.D. 1969, A.L. 5969.

Locations:

According to a drawing of Decatur Court Square in 1866, and other available information, we believe our Temple has been located in the following places. (The dates are approximate.)

1844 to 1848

OUR EARLIEST KNOWN HOME: In a book entitled "Boyhood and Other Days in Georgia" by Rev. George W. Yarbrough, a Methodist minister, we learn that in 1847 the Masonic Temple was located on the north side of courthouse.

1848 to 1900

HOME NO. 2: In Deed Book "N" - page 12, DeKalb County Records, recorded March 11, 1951, appears the record of transfer of title to P.H. Hoyle, Robt. M. Brown and Alexander Johnson, as officers of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41, of Free and Accepted Masons, and their successors in office, for a consideration of $500, the property know as lot No. 29, in the Town of Decatur, containing 1/2 acre, excepting a part sold by Jessee H. Cleveland in his life time to Dr. Thompson, know as Thompson's store hours, and lot south. This was a quit claim deed signed by Peter F. Hoyle, John N. Bellenger, Jno. Glen, Spencer P. Wright and W.H. Clark. This lot was located on West Court Square near the Reynolds Hotel.

1900 to 1907

HOME NO. 3: This was a temporary location for about 7 years. It was a 2 - story red brick building, located on the corner of South Court Square and McDonough Street, next door to the residence of Judge Wm. Ezzard.

1907 to 1924

HOME NO. 4: Directly across McDonough Street - on the corner of South Court Square - Atlanta Avenue, stood the fourth home of the Lodge. The corner stone of this building shows that same was placed in the northeast corner in 1907. This building was erected by C.B. McGinnis, Builder, and the Architect was R.H. Carpenter. The building was erected by Pythagoras Masonic Temple Association, the Board of Directors consisting at that time of C.M. Candler, President; A.H. Steward, Vice - President; C.H. Talley, Secretary & Treasurer; W.J. Houston, P.M.; and D.W. Johnson.

On September 19, 1907 the corner stone of the Temple was laid. When this Temple was sold to Carlos Mason in 1924 for $32,000, the Association reserved the right to remove the corner stone for use in the Temple which we now occupy. It was adjacent to the Billy Hill Saloon and, also, the residence of J.P. Crockett.

1924 to Present

HOME NO. 5: Here is one of those small miracles which history sometimes reveals. After four varying sites, and a period of 80 years, the Lodge returned to its original location of 1844 - the northeast corner of North Court Square, on the corner of Clairmont Avenue and east Ponce de Leon Avenue.

The corner stone of this Temple was laid by M.W. Grand master James D. Hamrick in 1924, and was dedicated as a Masonic Lodge on January 19th, 1925. The dedicatory address was delivered by our eloquent and beloved Past Grand Master, Charles L. Bass.

On January 5th, 1922 after consultation with the officers and members of the Lodge and Decatur Chapter No. 119, R.A.M., the Association voted to sell the 1907 Temple.

The Association had acquired possession of the northeast corner of Ponce de Leon and Clairmont Avenue for the sum of $11, 875. The lot at that time fronted 95 feet on Ponce de Leon and 115 feet on Clairmont. This was the same site occupied by the Lodge in 1847 and probably owned by it at that time. Thus after 80 years the Lodge came back for the site of its present Temple to the place where its first Lodge Hall was located in 1844.

Brother William J. Sayward was selected as the Architect for the new Temple.

PYTHAGORAS MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION

Past Master Scott Candler, President of the Temple Association for many years, prepared the following history of the Association:

In 1900 the Lodge had abandoned its old wooden building on the northwest corner of Atlanta Avenue and West Court Square, and for some years had been a tenant in the old "Capt. Guess Building" on the South East corner of Sycamore and McDonough streets.

In the latter part of 1905, the members began to talk and think of a new Temple, to which the Lodge would hold title, a permanent home which would give stability and permanence to an institution then over 60 years old.

The minutes of the Lodge in 1905 and 1906 are filled with references to this ardent desire of the Lodge to again meet in its own Temple, not in rented quarters.

The old lot still belonged to the Lodge, and on March 1, 1906 Brother Ben F. Burgess, father of Past Master Hugh Burgess made a motion that the old lot be sold for $1200. No purchaser was found at that price so later upon motion of Brother J. Howell Green the old lot was sold for $500.

On June 21, 1906, Dr. Joseph H. Green, a Past master, moved that a new Temple be built and, if possible, completed in 1906.

Arthur H. Steward, long an ardent and active Mason, was a prime mover in the plans to build a new Temple. He had plans drawn at his own expense and was one of the heaviest contributors toward the building of the new Temple.

The Lodge had acquired title to the Crockett Store property on the southwest corner of Atlanta Avenue and McDonough Streets.

In the fall of 1906, Past Master Charles Murphy Candler, and Brother Charles D. McKinney were appointed to formulate plans by which the building of the new Temple could be financed. This committee made its report providing for a corporation to buy the Crockett lot from the Lodge and build on its new Temple. These same men on December 20, 1906, were instructed to secure a charter from the DeKalb Superior Court for a holding company to be known as --"PYTHAGORAS MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION".

The names included in the petition for a charter were: Arthur Steward, C.B. McGinnis, C.M. Candler, E.L. Gash, Fletcher Pearson, Charles D. McKinney, R.E. Jones, E.H. Mason, H.F. George, C.H. Talley and Wiley S. Ansley.

The Charter was granted April 4, 1907.

The first Directors were: C.M. Candler, A.H. Steward, C.H. Talley, D.W. Johnson, W.J. Houston, Jr. The first officers of the Association were; C.M. Candler, President; A.H Steward, Vice-President; and C.H. Talley, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Association then bought from the Lodge the old Crockett lot for $2200, which sum was paid in stock of the Association.

H.H. Carpenter was selected as the architect for the building.

In 1920 the Temple built in 1907 was completely paid for but it had become too small for the Lodge; the roof was in bad condition; the foundations had sunk; and the Lodge began to plan for yet another more beautiful Temple.

On January 5, 1922 after consultation with the officers and members of the Lodge and Decatur Chapter No. 119, R.A.M., the Association voted to sell the 1907 Temple.

The Association had acquired possession of the north east corner of Ponce de Leon and Clairmont Avenue for the sum of $11,875. The lot at that time fronted 95 feet on Ponce de Leon and 115 feet on Clairmont. This was the same site occupied by the Lodge in 1847 and owned by it at that time. Thus after 80 years the Lodge came back to the place where its first Lodge Hall was located in 1844.

Brother William J. Sayward was selected as the Architect for the new Temple.

Arnold Construction Company of Elberton, Georgia, were the contractors.

The 1907 corner stone was recovered in 1968 and is now on display in Pythagoras Lodge.

Historical Data:

A receipt dated November 8, 1844 for $50, signed by Jno. S. Wright, as payment for our Charter. This was paid by Leonard C. Simpson.

Receipt dated July 17, 1844, shows that the first furniture of the Lodge was purchased from J.L. Morgan for $46 and consisted of 3 Lecture Stands, 3 light stands, one altar, one ballot box, 3 squares, one rule, 3 trowels, all of which were made and painted by Mr. Morgan.

Our first seal was engraved by Wm. F. Chewning, and $7 was paid for same on December 19, 1844.

Elzy B. Reynolds, our first Wor. Master, had 22 aprons made at a cost of $7.82.

We paid as rent for the Lodge Room from April 226th to September 26th, 1844, the sum of $15 or $3 per month. During these months we purchased three brass candlesticks and a saddle blanket.

On February 1st, 1845 the Lodge purchased one dozen boxes and some planks and paid $2.50 for making benches. It would appear that our brethren who organized this Lodge loved Masonry well enough to carry on although their communications were held without the many comforts we enjoy.

After Dispensation was granted the first petition for the degrees was that of Leonard C. Simpson. Almost at once he became active in Pythagoras Lodge and was our first Secretary under Charter. He was Senior Warden in 1846, and his name appears as recommender on almost all the petitions during the first three years. The by-laws of Atlanta Lodge state that Brother Simpson was S.W. of Pythagoras Lodge and that he organized Atlanta Lodge. He served Atlanta Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1847 - 1848-1850-851-1852-and 1855. He became Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia and was serving as such when he died in 186. He was a lawyer and was 26 years old when he became W.M. of Atlanta Lodge. The by-laws of Atlanta Lodge state as follows: "Brother Simpson was Chairman of the Committee, and he doubtless wrote the Manual of the Lodge, now called "Aikens".

The Finance Committee report for 1845 indicates that R.E. Mangum, L.C. Simpson and Wm. K. Simpson served as Secretaries during 1844 and 1845; and it appears that R.E. Mangum was Sec. under Dispensation, L.C. Simpson was Sec. for the balance of 1844 and early part of 1845, and Wm. K. Simpson for the balance of 1845. A receipt dated January 24th, 1845 shows John Collier to be Treasurer in 1845.

The first printed by-laws of Pythagoras Lodge were issued in 1848. They are quaint and old fashioned; copy is in our files for 1848. At that time the Lodge had 44 members, including Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts. We have the hand written draft of these by-laws also.

The following interesting information is found in the Finance Committee's report dated July 17, 1850. "We recommend that the Brethren who now hold title to the house belonging to the Lodge be required to give a quit claim to the Trustees appointed by the Act of Incorporation." In 1844 the membership was 44 and in 1876 it had only 54 members, so in 1850 the membership was small. Real congratulations should go to our early brethren who, with so small a membership, had title to their temple.

Another interesting reference is the following warrant:

"Mr. J.W. Kirkpatrick

Pay John Jones the sum of $5.00, the sum that we have agreed to pay him for his sword. December 11, 1850.

Signed: P.F. Hoyle, W.M.

R.M. Brown, S.W.

Alex Johnson, J.W."

Going further into the history of 1851, we find that the Lodge purchased its first chairs in this year; three dozen bought of J. & L.S. Morgan at a cost of $40.00. On October 28, 1851, we paid annual dues to the Grand Lodge in the sum of $57.86 indicating only a slight change in membership.

Under date of July 14, 1851, we find the petition of James L. Patterson for the degrees, in which he did not sign his name but made his mark (x). His petition was recommended by Alex. Johnson, J.W. and vouched for by R.M. Willingham. No record of action on the petition.

The minutes of our Lodge reveal the fierce intensity with which our ancient brethren attempted to enforce morality. For the first few years of its existence very few communications were held without the preferment of charges against some brother and in many instances, the holding of a trial. Charges of gross un-Masonic conduct stemming from "over-indulgence" and playing cards on Sunday seems to have been the predominant charges.

Extracts from Minutes of the Civil War Period:

July 2, 1861 - Paid to Robert Jones; $35.05 for finding the lumber and building a stable for the Lodge.

September 3, 1861 - The Vigilante Committee filed a charge against Brother _____ for too frequent drunkenness.

November 5, 1861 - The case of Brother _____ was discussed; a former Sec., who was charged with "detaining" $40 and refusing to pay the same, or to give a note of security to the Lodge.

December 3, 1861 - The case of Brother ______ was taken up; he was restored to good standing by the Lodge.

November 5, 1861 - The case of Brother ______ for perpetual drunkenness; recommended to Grand Lodge for expulsion.

January 1, 1862 - Brother Thrasher was appointed to purchase two barrels of corn and 100 bundles of fodder to be placed in the lot for the benefit of visiting Brothers. Brother Cooper was appointed to feed and lodge said Brothers; he would receive such compensation as decided upon by the Lodge.

May 6, 1862 - The account of Brother Cooper for entertaining visitors at the last communication amounting to $8.20 was ordered paid - also the account of Brother Thrasher, for traveling during the year amounting to $9.45 was called up and ordered paid.

June 3, 1862 - The account of Brother Tribble for a sword for the benefit of the Lodge was ordered paid in the amount of $5.00 - The account of Brother Brinn for 3 candles and holders amounting to $4.00 was ordered paid - also, the account of the Secretary for postage in the amount of 60 cents was ordered paid.

August 16, 1862 - By Order of the Worshipful Master, and the consent of the Brethren, paid Brother Curry, Grand Lecturer of the State, $2.00.

November 4, 1862 - The account of Brother Powell for 10 bushels of corn and 100 bundles of fodder ordered paid - upon motion made Lodge ordered to pay 40 cents for a meal and 20 cents for lodging - The account of Brother Cooper for entertaining visiting Brothers amounting to $3.20 was audited and ordered paid.

January 1, 1863 - The account of Brother Cooper for entertaining visiting Brethren amounting to $7.60 was ordered paid. On motion, Brother Cooper's board was raised to 50 cents per meal.

February 3, 1863 - On motion, Brother Cooper's board fee was raised to $1.00 per meal and 50 cents for lodging. The Brother then presented the Lodge with use of beds gratis.

November 12, 1863 - Brother Brown moved that Brother Hendon should have a donation. Passed.

March 17, 1864 - It was voted by the Lodge that Brother William Wright, Treasurer, be instructed to retain all funds now in hand except one hundred dollar bills, and all these should be changed off for small bills; if he failed to do so to band them by April first next.

1945 - Membership cards for 1945 be given to our members now serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Telephone installed on third floor.

Pay Station telephone installed in Tyler's Room.

Loud Speaker installed in lodge.

1946 - Brother Wm. J. Sayward died - Architect of plans Pythagoras Masonic Temple Building.

Electric clock installed on the north side of lodge hall.

1947 - A new cook stove purchased for the lodge, $335.

Motion was carried that the lodge get duplicate cards for visitors to sign, one to be mailed to the visitors home lodge.

Fletcher Pearson retired at end of year after 21 years as Secretary.

1948 - Brother W.B. Mayo constructed some additional tables for the dining room.

Lodge made a gift of $100 to Brother Fletcher Pearson for his faithful service.

Original charter of this lodge was removed from the wall of lodge and put in a safety deposit box for safe keeping and a copy of same put on wall.

1949 - Order of the Amaranth now organized in Decatur, and would like to use the lodge room on the second Tuesday - Request granted.

1950 - Most Worshipful Brother J. Everett Thrift visits lodge.

Lt. Edward Ravenel, III killed in action in Korea, September 5, 1950.

Occasional Communication, Pythagoras Lodge No. 41, F & AM

Decatur, Georgia May 25, 1966 (For record only)

An occasional communication of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41, F & AM, was held this morning at 10 AM at the corner of N. McDonough Street and Atlanta Avenue in Decatur, Georgia, for the purpose of recovering the Cornerstone laid in 1907 in the fourth home of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41.

Although organized on April 12, 1844, its charter being granted on October 7, 1844, this was the site of the first permanent home of Pythagoras Lodge, it having used rented quarters up until this time. Our total membership at the time the charter was granted was only 21.

The Pythagoras Masonic Temple Association authorized the erection of the building and the records show that C.B. McGinnis actually supervised the construction, the Architect being R.H. Carpenter. The Board of Directors of the Pythagoras Masonic Temple Association at that time consisted of C.M. Candler, President, A.H. Steward, Vice-President, C.H. Talley, Secretary and Treasurer, W.J. Houston, P.M., and D. W. Johnson.

The cornerstone was laid in the Northeast corner of the building in 1907, by the then Grand Master, M.W. Brother Thomas H. Jeffries, who was later Ordinary of DeKalb County for many years.

Past Masters Brothers George Scott Candler, A. Mell Turner, Ben B. Burgess and Brother J. Ed Hill, were appointed to act as a committee to formulate plans for the recovery of the cornerstone and preservation of its contents.

Brother Scott Candler being confined to the DeKalb general Hospital due to an unfortunate accident in his home, could not be present, but was very ably assisted by W. Brother Emory S. Cown, Jr., who did a magnificent job in making the occasion one to be remembered by all members of Pythagoras Lodge, as well as the many interested citizens of Decatur, who attended the ceremony.

Invocation was by Past Grand Chaplain, Rev. Brother Hubert A. (Baldy) White and it was noted that Grand Junior Deacon, Brother Burton A. Greer was a very interested spectator on this occasion.

The opening address was made by W.M. Brother Julius D. Peek, Jr. and the principal address was given by W. Bro. A. Mell turner, who had prepared a short history of Pythagoras Lodge up to and including the time the Cornerstone, was laid. Brother Turner gave the names of all Brothers shown on the cornerstone, and told of many amusing and important events which had occurred during the early history of this Lodge. His address was very well received.

The copper box which had been placed in the top of the cornerstone was removed by Assistant Chief of Decatur Police, Brother Lee A. Cole, Jr., and Captain of Decatur Police, Brother Bennie F. Wilkins. Brother Wilkins, who is also President of the DeKalb County Historical Society was very much interested in the proceedings.

The copper box was delivered to and opened by W.M. Brother Julius D. Peek, Jr., and W. Brother A. Mell Turner. The contents were as follows:

1. A copy of the DeKalb Press and a copy of the Atlanta Constitution. Both issued on or near the date that the cornerstone was laid.

2. A $100 Confederate bill. Almost entirely decayed.

3. A letter from B.A. Warlick, who donated the copper box to be placed in the cornerstone. Very bad condition.

4. Business cards from C.B. McGinnis builder and R.H. Carpenter Architect. Both in bad condition.

5. A copy of the Masonic Manual and CodeBook which was probably used in 1907. Almost completely decayed.

6. A small Bible. Completely decayed.

7. Book of the early By-laws of Pythagoras Lodge. Completely decayed.

8. Two small Masonic Medals. Only in fair condition.

9. One hundred sixty two (162) Indian Head Pennies, 1906 issue. Apparently un-circulated coins and in fair condition.

Following the Ceremony, the cornerstone was removed and delivered to Wyatt Memorials, Incorporated, 903 Church Street, Decatur, Georgia, pending disposition. The estimated weight including the base is approximately 2, 800 lbs.

The copper box and its contents were delivered to Brother Walter P. McCurdy, Jr., for valuation and determination of what might or might not be salvaged.

Respectively Submitted,

(l.s.) Spain Davis

Spain Davis, Secretary

Emergent Communication, Grand Lodge of Georgia, F & AM

Decatur, Georgia June 16, 1966

An emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M., was opened in due form at 2:30 P.M. in the Lodge Room of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41, Decatur, Georgia, with the following Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren present and in their respective stations:

Dr. Rupert H. Bramblett, Grand Master, Redwine Lodge No. 174

Paul H. Ponder, Deputy Grand Master, Madison Lodge No. 376

R.B. Muse, Senior Grand Warden, Carroll Lodge No. 69

J. Gordon McKenney, Acting Junior Grand Warden, Latham Lodge No. 12

W. C. Evans, Acting Grand Treasurer, Coweta Lodge No. 60

Daniel W. Locklin, grand Secretary, Mount Vernon Lodge No. 22

W.P. Russell, Acting Grand Chaplain, cascade Lodge No. 94

B.A. Greer, Acting Grand Marshal, Grant Park Lodge No. 604

Ralph H. Slay, Architect, Morningside Lodge no. 295

P.Y. Luther, Acting Senior Grand Deacon, Macon Lodge No. 5

C. W. Martin, Acting Junior Grand Deacon, Lithonia Lodge No. 84

Beecher Jones, Acting First Grand Steward, Chamblee Lodge No. 444

Spain Davis, Acting Second Grand Steward, Pythagoras Lodge No. 41

J. Theo Harris, Acting Grand Tyler, Pythagoras Lodge No. 41

Invocation was by Brother W.P. Russell, Acting Grand Chaplain.

This Communication having been called for the purpose of laying the Cornerstone of the DeKalb County Court House and Administration Building, following the opening of the Lodge, the procession was formed and proceeded to the site of the new building at the corner of N. McDonough Street and Atlanta Avenue, Decatur, Georgia, where the Cornerstone was laid in ample form.

The ceremonies were conducted by Grand Master M.W. Brother Rupert H. Bramblett, assisted by the Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren appointed to fill their places for the time being.

As a matter of information, and for future reference, I am attaching a copy of certain memorials of the period, and various other items placed in the Cornerstone, at the time it was laid.

Following the ceremonies at the laying of the Cornerstone, the Lodge returned to the Loge Room.

The purpose for which this communication had been called, having been accomplished, the Lodge was closed in due form at 4 P.M. Our attendance in the Lodge Room was approximately 75, and members and friends attending the laying ceremonies were roughly estimated as 450.

Respectfully submitted,

(l.s.) Spain Davis

Spain Davis, Secretary

June 16, 1966

List of items placed in the Cornerstone of the new DeKalb County Court House and Administration Building, which was laid on the afternoon of June 16, 1966 by Most Worshipful Grand Master of the grand Lodge of Georgia - Dr. Rupert H. Bramblett.

Items placed by Pythagoras Lodge

Copy of the Holy Bible.

List of Officers of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41 F & AM for 1966.

List of Officers of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41 F & AM for 1965.

Copy of the May 18, 1966 edition of Decatur DeKalb News.

Copy of the June 1, 1966 edition of Decatur DeKalb News

List of Members of the laying of Cornerstone Committee appointed in 1965 and carried over to 1966.

Collection of Indian Head Pennies 1906 issue taken from the recovery of the Cornerstone of the first permanent home of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41 F & AM. This Cornerstone was laid on September 19, 1907, and was recovered on May 25, 1966.

A mint set of United States Coins 1962 issue which were the last of the silver coins. The late 1964 and 1965 issue had copper added due to the shortage of silver. These were donated by Z.W. Fowler, a member of Pythagoras Lodge No. 41 F & AM.

Items placed by County Officials

Program of cornerstone laying.

Messages from Chairman Manning, Commissioners Almand, Haynes, Callaway, Evans. Each Commissioner enclosed a coin dated the year of his election to Board.

1965 DeKalb Progress Report.

1964 DeKalb Financial report.

1965 DeKalb Budget.

1966 County Map.

1966 Zoning Map.

Photograph architect's rendering of new courthouse.

Photographs groundbreaking for new courthouse, May 1964.

Architect's drawing for cornerstone design.

Contractor's payroll on building construction.

Seal of DeKalb County.

"DeKalb $100 Million County" -- automobile bumper sticker.

Roster elected officials of DeKalb County.