State of Oklahoma - Masonic News Submitted by: Bob Chada, Oklahoma State File Manager okusgwarchives@cox.net ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ ===================================================================== From the Guthrie Daily Leader SUNDAY, SEPT 10, 1939 Eight Men Formed Guthrie Lodge Half Century Ago. Crescent Man Only Living One to Attend Initial Session Here. None of the eight charter members of Guthrie Lodge No. 35 A. F. and A. M., the first to be formed after the run for territory in 1889, is alive today. However, there is a man living who attended that first meeting when the chapter was born. He is Frank Bonner, for years city clerk at Crescent, and past worshipful master of Crescent lodge No. 64. Mr. Bonner said he was not only present for the initial session, but also witnessed the presentation of the charter. Under the Masonic law, a minimum of seven members is necessary before a charter can be granted. Eight organized the Guthrie lodge and applied for its inception into Masonry. But as soon as a charter was granted, the number rapidly increased. James A. Riling, of Oklahoma City, is the lodge's oldest living member at present. He joined the lodge August 14, 1891 - more than 48 years ago. When the lodge held its reunion 10 years ago in observation of its fortieth birthday, two of the eight founders were present. They were Henry Strough, of Oklahoma City, and W. E. McClung, of Colorado Springs, Colo. The first officers under the charter were A. J. Spengel, worshipful master; B. F. Perkins, senior warden; W. R. Meadows, junior warden; Henry D. Todd, treasurer; J. F. Ayres, secretary; W. E. McClung, senior deacon; Thomas J. Hart, junior deacon; J. R. Weir, senior steward; A. A. Stowe, junior steward; H. C. Stowe, Tyler, and Rev. Stevenson, chaplain.