By the end of 1932, the finances were in such bad shape, that for the annual banquet, the Lodge served Catfish Stew, Saltine Crackers, cake and coffee, which was donated by the Brethren. In January 1932, the local bank closed it's doors. The finances of the bank had been so manipulated that no one knew in what part of the United States the mortgage was. No payments could be made on the mortgage and by the time the mortgage showed up, the interest was more than the principle.

The year 1933 saw the moral of the lodge at it's lowest ebb. However, the Worshipful Master that year was Brother Aaron M. Barshay, a young and energetic businessman, Dr. Edmund W. Simons, Past Master Forest C. Aldret, Past Master Hugh Hamilton, Brother Louis A. Klauber. Brother Barshay convinced the craft that all was not lost, and the Lodge would survive.  This year was the turning point. Although only one candidate was raised, there were no erasures for nonpayment of dues.

Steadily though 1934, 1935 and 1936 the interest grew in the Lodge. By December 1936, all the debt of the Lodge, other than the mortgage on the building was paid. In December 1936, Past Master Jewels were presented to eleven Past Masters, a custom which had to be dropped years before and again sumptuous banquets were served, new regalia purchased and petitions were received in larger numbers.

In 1938, the finance house who had bought the mortgage from the local bank made demand for payment. With every member present the lodge decided to give the title to the finance house and look for new quarters. The second floor of town hall was not being used. The committee selected this site and approached toe town committee and permission was given to the Lodge to rent the second floor. New wiring was installed, the interior painted and once again Summerville Lodge No. 234 had a home of which it was justly proud. The first meeting was held in the new Lodge room on September 12, 1939. For sixteen years the Lodge remained in this location.

Since moving to the second floor of the town hall, the world has undergone a devastating war. The following members answered the call to duty:

William S. BeckmanCecil Eugene Buddin
Dr. David S. Carey   Herman Engleberg
Cleve H. Herndon, Jr.     Clifford E. Henley
Charles H. Herndon, Jr.  Shelton E. Inabinate
Louis A. Klauber, P.M.    Gerhard H. Kornahrens
J. Ernest Locklair, Jr.      Robert E. O'Neal
Eard Stanley RidingEdward Sanders
Benjamin H. Simmons     George Newton Stall
Thomas A. Segars    John W. Sweat

Only one of our members paid the supreme sacrifice and gave his life on the battle field of France, Brother James Wilber Bazimore. Since Free Masonry accepts men into it's membership from all walks of life, if they are men, freeborn, of lawful age and come under the tongue of good report. The men who offered their lives for our country ranged from private to colonels. Outstanding among those were Major Clifford Henley and Colonel Edward San. 

In the year 1936, an organization of the Past Masters was formed. The function of this group was to recommend to the Lodge the names of the Brothers, whom in their opinion are best fitted for the officers in the Lodge. This eliminated the haphazard manner of selecting officers. The Past Masters Association is still active today. It does not dictate to the Lodge who is selected to the chairs, however, it acts in an advisory capacity to the Lodge and it's officers.

A bit of our proud history, Page 4