Worshipful Brother Richard H. Rosebrock was elected as Secretary in 1956 and continued in that position until the end of 1966. Worshipful Brother Rosebrock was raised in Summerville Lodge on June 24, 1949. He immediately became involved in the work of the Lodge and began to climb through the chairs to his election as Worshipful Master for the year of 1955. In 1967, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District and served in that office for one year.
The next Secretary to be elected was Worshipful Brother Walter E. Limehouse, P.M. Worshipful Brother Limehouse was raised in Summerville Lodge on June 24, 1949. He served Worshipful Master in 1966. Worshipful Brother Limehouse was elected as Secretary at the annual communication in December 1966 and has served continually as our sixth Secretary for the past 29 years. (Update to follow)
The position of Secretary is a very demanding position and requires many hours of work outside of Lodge meetings. There are membership records to maintain, dues cards to issue, receipt and accounting for all monies coming into the Lodge, demits to process, petitions to be processed, correspondence to be acted on and of course, the annual report to the Grand Lodge. Membership has grown from the original 23 members who signed the petition for charter in 1915 to the current membership of 656 at the end of 1995, and over 700 today. We are currently the Largest Masonic Lodge in South Carolina.
The year 1936 brought the organization of a chapter of the Eastern Star, which bears the number 143. The Lodge is indebted to the Charter for many beautiful banquets, many collations and for services to many to mention. The first Worthy Matron was Mrs. Louise Bryant, and the first Patron was Brother Louis A. Klauber. The order holds their meetings in the Masonic Lodge. The Eastern Star Chapter has been responsible for many improvements in and to the Masonic Lodge facility.
The years not mentioned are years in which prosperity and harmony prevailed. Two Worshipful Masters set as their goal, the building of a Masonic Temple. They were Brother's Forest G. Aldret and Robert A. Currin, and no doubt the efforts of one of these prompted our beloved Brother Saul Alexander to bequeath to the Lodge $10,000,00. Brother Alexander, so long as his health would permit, was present at every meeting. Although called on by his brethren many times to accept an office, he always refused. Brother Alexander departed this life on December 11,1952. At this writing, an eulogy would be useless. His memory is fresh in the minds of his fellow citizens, but let the historians use the words of Rabbi Tarshish at the funeral; We know he has gone to Heaven because of his good work he has done.
When word was received that the Lodge was to receive a bequest, the Worshipful Master, Charles C. Rodgers, named a finance committee composed of Worshipful Brother Evan T. Salisbury, P.M., Brother Samual A. Barshay, Brother Robert B. Curran P.M., Brother Gordon B. Blanton and Worshipful Brother Hugh Hamilton P.M., to raise funds to purchase a lot on which to erect the building. Worshipful Brother Rodgers made himself a part of the committee and worked hard to accomplish a great deal towards raising money to purchase the lot.
Worshipful Brothers Rodgers names a building committee composed of Worshipful Brother H.P. Compton, P.M. Worshipful Brother Aaron M. Barshay, P.M., Worshipful Brother Dr. Herbert Dunning, P.M., Brother Pinkushor Kramer and Brother W.M. Salisbury. This committee worked untiringly in perfection the plans, employing the architect, the contractor, as well as selecting the site of the building. Much is due them.
In order to make perpetuate the memory of Brother Saul Alexander, an association was formed which is known as the Saul Alexander Masonic Memorial Association. The title to the property was vested in the association and the building will ever been known as "The Saul Alexander Masonic Memorial Building". A beautiful plaque bearing that inscription has been installed on the front of our Lodge.
A bit of our proud history, Page 6
Click here to add text.
