St. Johns Lodge AF&AM minutes of meeting 1772

Decision was reached April 1772 to procure a copper plate for granting certificates for the benefit of members who might wish to use their credentials while traveling. Mr DeBruhl was employed to engrave a plate similar to the one exhibited at the gathering. On August 27 it was voted that the treasurer pay for a Seal for the Grand Master. The next month it was voted to pay DeBruhl 25 pounds for engraving the copper plates for certificates and also for engraving a seal for the lodge. Parrot was asked to purchase "wax and wafers" for taking proper impression of the lodge's seal.
That the Masons did much good work for their fellow members is indicated from a notation April 5, when it is stated that a "Mason" Michael DeBruhl, had died in needy circumstances, so it was voted that he "should be decently interred at the expense of the Lodge." Although not a member of the local organization, John Wright Stanley , a visiting Mason at the meeting, voluntarily offered to help share the cost. The bill of two pounds, seven schilling, was subsequently reported paid.
The members attended in a body the funeral, which was conducted by Mr. Parrott at Christ Episcopal Church.  From a collection taken among the Masons the treasurer paid 51 pence a week to the widow.
Ref: Years of Light a history of St. Johns Lodge New Bern N.C.
Transcribed by Norman DeBruhl July 1 2009
















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