WCHS Newsletter

On Sunday October 20th at the Bentley Library, some 70 people attended a fact-filled program on the Masons of Washtenaw County. Organized by Karl Grube, a retired U of M professor of Education, a Mason for over 37 years and the current Education Officer of Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge No. 262, we heard papers delivered by Richard H. Sands on Judge Augustus Woodward; Sean S. Dykhouse on Ann Arbor Lodge #262; Jerry Preston on Golden Rule Lodge #159; Frank P Pope on the Zal Gaz Grotto; Earl E. Gunnels on Phoenix Lodge #13 (Ypsilanti); Douglas R. Gibbs on Prince Hall; and Paul C. Howell on the York Rite. Grube sat on the sidelines, threatening speakers with the Tiler’s Sword if anyone went over their time limit. They all seemed dutifully cowed and we managed to cover this very big topic within our two-hour time limit. We will present abstracts of those papers here, and if you are interested in the reading the papers in their entirety, you can access them through Dr. Grube’s website at www.gamesbygrube.com/wchs.html.

On display in the meeting room was a painting that was donated to the Bentley by the Masons of Michigan. It was painted in 1966 by Robert Thom and depicts the Founding of the University of Michigan in Detroit in 1817. Detroit’s Worshipful Master Sylvester Day is seen shaking hands with Father Gabriel Richard, who is flanked by Rev. John Monteith and August Brevoort Woodward. Many of the earliest subscribers to the founding of the University were Masons and this realistic painting records its very beginnings.

Grube thanked the Bentley and noted that much Masonic history is here-- and this is due primarily to the fact that Brother Roscoe O. Bonisteel was a Regent from 1946-1972. Bonisteel’s priorities were libraries and museums—not football! The collections at these libraries on campus are because of him, and he helped the Bentley acquire Rev. Monteith’s and Father Richard’s Collections.

Grube’s also noted that he’s often asked, “Who are the Masons?” He held up a brochure that they hand out to explain their philosophy and organization. According to the Making of Ann Arbor (www.aadl.org/moaa), masonry refers to the oldest secret society in the world. Also called Free and Accepted Masons (F &A), they are not governed by any central authority, which is divided among groups referred to as ‘grand lodges.’ Religious tolerance, loyalty to local government, and political compromise were basic beliefs. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and many Revolutionary War leaders were Masons. Despite its popularity the organization is still controversial in some countries. In early Ann Arbor in the 1830s, the earliest newspaper, the Western Emigrant, was published by Samuel Dexter and John Allen (founders of Dexter and Ann Arbor respectively). This was an anti-Masonic organ and an anti-masonic political party was active in the 1830s and 1840s in Washtenaw County. Despite this early opposition, Masonry has thrived in the county as we will see from the following papers.

According to Dr. Richard H. Sands, Emeritus Professor of Physics, University of Michigan, “Judge August Woodward--a Freemason and Founder of the First Public Education System in America.” He was one of the first of three federally appointed judges in the Territory of Michigan, having made a name for himself when he represented Oliver Pollack before Congress in his case for restitution of funds expended in support of the expedition of George Rogers Clark to recapture the Northwest Territories from the British. Woodward became a close friend of Thomas Jefferson at this time.

Arriving shortly after the fire that leveled Detroit, he left his imprint on the layout of the streets, having been influenced by the plan by L’Enfant for Washington, D.C. Woodward was the only one of the civil officers to remain in Detroit during the War of 1812. He was widely read and developed a system of nomenclature that rivaled the best of the time. He helped the needy during and after the War of 1812, and drafted the act of 1817 that established the University of Michigania and began the first truly public schools in America.

In 1824, he lost his judgeship to “dirty” politics, but was able to clear his name and receive an appointment as judge in the new Territory of Florida, where he died on June 123, 1827, at the age of 52. His grave is unknown.

Sean S. Dykhouse, J.W., spoke on “Fraternity and History: The Past and Present of Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge No 262 and Predecessors.” The original lodge of Freemasons which met in the Ann Arbor area was officially founded in 1827 and was known as the Western Star Lodge. Earlier lodges had been operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodges of New York and among the founding members of the Western Star was Mr. Henry Rumsey, the brother of the co-founder of Ann Arbor, Elisha W. Rumsey. Western Star Lodge No. 6 received dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 1827.

In Ann Arbor, a brand new lodge was formed and was called the Oriental Lodge No. 15 when it was officially chartered in 1847. A bar on the first floor of the building at Huron and Main was called the Orient, and was immortalized in a famous song about the University “ I want to go back to Michigan, to Joe’s and the Orient…” However, by 1858 the Grand Lodge of Michigan had revoked its charter. During this time a number of Freemasons were building their own Lodge, having demitted from the Oriental Lodge. This new group was officially chartered as Ann Arbor Lodge No. 85 in 1857, and assumed control of the location and furniture of the prior lodge at 109 N. Main Street (third floor). This lodge continued work until a disruption arose from arguments over new quarters and the charter disappeared in the late 1860s.

Thirteen brothers petitioned the Grand Lodge and were officially granted the dispensation in 1869 to form Fraternity Lodge No. 262 at the new location at 215-217 S. Main St. (Ed: check out the skull and crossbones still visible on the front of this building!). This lodge was their home until 1885 when they moved to the third floor of the building at the corner of Huron and Main (Ed: this building was often referred to as the Masonic Building). In 1922 the Masonic Temple was opened at 327 S. Fourth Ave and remained the home of the Masonic Lodges until 1975 when it was demolished (with much protest!) by the Federal government for the Federal Building now occupying the site.

In 1878 a new building was dedicated on West Liberty St, just outside the city limits of Ann Arbor. It now houses the Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge as one of several Masonic Bodies who lease space from an overseeing Masonic Temple Board. This Lodge now boasts a growing membership, continuing charity work and a presence to potential new members, both on the Internet and by telephone.

Jerry Preston, P.M., spoke on “A Brief History of Golden Rule Lodge No. 159.” The history of Golden Rule is entwined with the history of the founding of Ann Arbor, and while it was the fourth lodge in the city, it still relates to the earliest history of Ann Arbor. On February 24, 1824, John Allen of Virginia and Elisha W. Rumsey of New York arrived from Detroit in a one-horse sleigh. They intended to establish a town and sell land for profit. Allen set up a tent and later built a log blockhouse very near the NW corner of Huron and Main Streets. Rumsey, built his house near Allen Creek, at what is now the SW corner of Huron and First.

It was at Allen’s Tavern that the local Masons met and where the first Masonic Lodge, Western Star No.6, received its dispensation from the Grand Lodge on January 16, 1827. The Grand Lodge itself had just been organized the preceding June by five lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of New York. On January 30, 1827, The Grand Lodge, in extraordinary session, met in Ann Arbor at Allen’s Tavern, to consecrate the new lodge and install officers. This was the beginning of Masonry in Ann Arbor and the ancestry of Golden Rule.

In 1881, another committee met to arrange for new quarters, this time on the third floor of the building at SW corner of Main and Huron. This was agreed to in 1885, and the expenses were shared by the various lodges in town. Golden Rule took action to purchase “two pillars, warden’s columns, working tools, candle lights, steward’s rods, hourglass, at a cost not to exceed $200.” This was to be used by all Masonic bodies at the Lodge. Milan Lodge paid $50 for the old columns. Ann Arbor Masonry was now back at the same corner where it had started 60 years earlier. The new hall, the third home of Ann Arbor Masonry, was dedicated on September 24, 1885.

In September 1896, a committee was formed to buy trowels for the members. An order to buy 200 was placed at a cost of $101. In December 1896, the Finance Committee recommended that “no more cigars be furnished to the brothers following lunches. These members should have the interest of Masonry at heart, and attend the lodge without these added inducements.” In March 1897, dues were $1.00/year. But two years later, they went back up to $2.00/year! Membership was 276 at the turn of the century.

In 1901, groups starting meeting and discussing the erection of a Masonic Temple. This eventually resulted in the erection of the Temple on S. Fourth Avenue, designed by local architect JJ Rousseau, and dedicated in 1925. Membership began to decline in the 1930s as a result of the Depression. At its peak, our lodge membership was 1,036 in 1926. It was primarily policemen and firemen. By 1941, membership was only 556. Due to the declining membership, financial pressures began to plague the Temple Association. In 1956, the temple was rented to the Bendix Corporation, but then the Federal Government entered the picture. After a court battle, which resulted in our getting LESS than the original amount proffered for our building, we were forced out to West Liberty, where we continue today.

Frank P. Pope, P.M., dressed appropriately in elaborate fez, spoke on the “Zal Gaz Grotto.” He is a Past Master of Golden Rule and is currently Secretary of Zal Gaz. The Grottoes of North America serve as Freemason social clubs. Zal Gaz (a made-up name which is supposed to sound Persian) is both a social club and a club which raises money for cerebral palsy and dental care for children with special needs. The Grotto No. 85 is located at 2070 W. Stadium Blvd and was founded in 1911.

In 1889, Leroy Fairchild and other masons from the Hamilton Lodge in Hamilton New York, banded together to form “Fairchild’s Deviltry Committee.” These guys visited other lodges, and had a good time with pranks and fun—a devil of a good time. Master Masons of other lodges thought this was a great idea, and in 1890 Fairchild and his group organized the ‘Mystic Order of the Veiled…” or commonly known as the Grottos, emphasizing fun and the brighter side of life.

The Grotto is not part of the Masonic ritual but you must be a Master Mason in good standing to belong. Fairchild and his group put together rituals based on the ancient mystic land of Persia, which is now Iran, where of course there are many grottos or caves. Having fun wasn’t quite enough and it was felt there was a need for a more serious purpose to help others less fortunate. In June 1949, the Supreme Council—the governing body of the grottoes—formed a humanitarian foundation to fund cerebral palsy research for children. Over $2 million has been raised for this cause to date. In 1970, the Supreme Council added a program for Dentistry for Children with Special Needs. Cleft palate kids are treated for no charge. Over 30,000 children have been treated and much of this has been in Chicago and Cincinnati. Recently the Grottoes have voted to support the Special Olympics in North America.

Zal Gaz got its dispensation in 1910 and on September 27, 1911 received its charter with 100 local masons becoming charter members. Some of them have well known names, which are familiar because there are streets, parks, businesses etc bearing their names: Abbott, Breakey, Dolph, Heusel, Hutchins, Morton, Nickels (Nickels Arcade—our first monarch in 1911), Traver, Wilkinson and Wuerth. Other names involved with Zal Gaz are Allmendinger, Bonisteel, Doty, Ellsworth, Hiscock, Lutz, Frisinger, Goddard, and former President Gerald R. Ford! The first home of Zal Gaz was in rented rooms on the second floor of an old wooden building at the SW corner of Main and Washington, now occupied by the Old Kresge Bldg (Mongolian Barbecue). In 1918, the Grotto moved to 111 ˝ W. Huron St., where it remained for 32 years. Larger quarters were eventually found in the Wedemeyer Building at 213 1/2 N. Fourth Ave. But we always dreamed of having our own building and a permanent home.

The dream became a reality when Gottlob Schumacher and his wife Caroline donated land at 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., with no strings attached except that the Grotto Club be built there. Funds were available from the funds established at the Temple for special projects. A mortgage was obtained and the current building on Stadium Boulevard was built almost entirely by its own members (we don’t do sacrifices or other strange things there!). It is now named the Schumacher Building in memory of the donor of the land. We moved in there in 1958.

A women’s group—the Daughters of Mocannah—was established and they are related to the Grotto—not a part of it. They were chartered in April 1921. Sadly, after 79 years of existence, the daughters had to surrender their charter last year due to lack of members. The late Emma Sands was the one Supreme Officer. During World War II, the group raised over $40,000 for war bonds. The Drum and Bugle Corps was started in 1946 and the Clown Unit has had a resurgence lately. The Grotto used to have circuses—they started in 1939 and lasted until 1945, and many were held in the Masonic Temple downtown. We owned a steam calliope that we played but we had to convert to compressed air when we couldn’t afford a steam tender. The Grotto continues to support “ good fellowship” which is what we are really all about.

Earl Gunnels, Past Master of Phoenix Lodge #13 in downtown Ypsilanti, spoke on the history of that lodge. It is an interesting tie between the Odd Fellows Lodge, which is an English-based Lodge (a benevolent society) and the Masons. It reflects the British base of the lodge system in American Masonry.

Here is 155 years of history in 12 minutes—I surrender! In 1823, the city of Ypsilanti was founded and named after General Demetrios Ypsilanti, a Greek general fighting against the Ottoman Empire for independence for Greece. This period in American history saw many who identified with the Greeks, and thus many Greek names were given to cities just being settled in the Northwest Territory. Others in Michigan include Albion, Romulus, Homer, Palmyra, Marcellus, and Athens, to name just a few in southern Michigan.

Twenty years after settlement, the Odd Fellows known as Wyandotte Lodge #10 was formed September 17, 1845. Chauncey Joslin, Jrilius Morius, James E. Platt and Laurence Cole signed the petition to the Grand Lodge of Michigan, which resulted in this organization. The first officers of the lodge were Benjamin Follett, Alfred A. Hunder, Chauncey Joslin and Thomas O. Hill.

The Masons were inspired and shortly thereafter, on May 10, 1846, the Phoenix Lodge #`13 was established under a special dispensation signed by Grand Master Elengar Hall at Mt. Clemens with 23 members in attendance. This followed some 10-15 years of anti-Masonic agitation. The infamous Morgan affair was used by certain sects as well as many conscientious people in Ypsilanti to thwart their efforts. But they persevered. The Worshipful master assigned under this dispensation was John Van Fossen. The first charter was issued in January 1847. Many dispensations followed after the official organization in 1846. These included the Excelsior Chapter No. 25 R.A.M. (1860), Union Council No. 11 R & S.M. (1860), and Ypsilanti Chapter No. 119 O.E.S. (1894). However, from 1860-June 1904, there were two lodges in Ypsilanti, one on the east side of town and the other on the west. The other lodge was Ypsilanti Lodge #128 which was formed in 1860. There was intense rivalry between the two and I have listened to many tales of the stirring deeds that were performed by each lodge to circumvent the other. Eventually, however, Ypsilanti #128 gave up the ghost.

In 1904 the two were joined to form the Ypsilanti Masonic Association and built the Masonic Temple at the corner of Pearl and Huron Streets. The lost cost $16,000 and the temple served the town as a place where medium-sized theatricals and other social events could be held. Local churches and the Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) used it a great deal. The Ypsilanti Daily of May 20, 1907 reported on the plans and the paper of January 26, 1910 noted that a visitor was most favorably impressed with the great width of the main lobby, the size of the auditorium, (seating 750) and the state with flies for scenery. This 4-story building even had a bowling alley!

The cornerstone was laid July 22, 1909 with the paper declaring “it was one of the greatest Masonic events in Michigan.” This was because it was the first building in Washtenaw County devoted entirely to Masonic activities. Many papers were placed in the cornerstone, including a $100 Confederate bill, drawings by the architects Osgood and Osgood, contractors Cole Bros. and lists of officers. One oddity is that there are two dates on the cornerstone. In addition to 1909 is the date 5909. It seems that in years past astronomers believed the world began 4,000 years before Christ. So they began numbering from that time, called the year of light. The Masonic Temple was destroyed twice by fire, November 29, 1924 and August 17, 1970, and each time the building was rebuilt. Due to increasing maintenance costs, the building was sold in 1987 to the City of Ypsilanti. It is now the Riverside Performing Arts Center and is being restored. The Masons and all chapters purchased the land at 5752 Whittaker Road and built the present lodge in 1987-88 and after nine years the mortgage was paid off. The first worshipful master of the new lodge was Brother Frank Rister Jr and the first Master Masons raised in the new lodge were Rick Tiffner and Benny Storemski on February 16, 1988.

At the end of the talk, Dr. Grube commented that what the Temple did for Ypsilanti was quite common in North America. The Masonic Temple in Detroit is a major performance space, with its offices and 14-story tower, and it served as Detroit’s civic auditorium for decades and decades. This private-public partnership has a long history in America! Douglas R. Gibbs, Worshipful Master of St. Mary's Lodge No. 4, discussed Prince Hall Masonry. He noted it has its roots in Colonial America under the auspices of the British Empire. Prince Hall was a Freeman of color, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in a Boston Military Lodge. Today, the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan recognize Prince Hall Masonry and its Grand Master. For many years, however, this was not the case due to the racism among many other Masons. For years St. Mary’s Lodge No. 4 members have participated with distinction in Masonic ritual degrees at the Ann Arbor Masonic Temple. There are two Prince Hall Lodges in the Washtenaw County area—St. Mary’s No. 4 of Ann Arbor and we are the fourth oldest lodge in Michigan since we started in 1867—and St. Andrew’s Lodge of Ypsilanti. Here is an irony: half of St. Mary’s members live in Ypsilanti and half of St. Andrew’s members live in Ann Arbor.

What is a Prince Hall mason? African Lodge #459 was the first lodge in Negro Freemasonry in North America. Its first Master was Prince Hall—a man whose biography has yet to be written except in condensed form. One of the most important aspects of his life, which is often omitted from histories, is that had he not been a black man, history would have told his story fearlessly and met criticism with truth. Prince Hall was born September 12, 1748 at Bridgetown, Barbados, British West Indies. His father was Thomas Prince Hall, was en Englishman, engaged in business and his mother was a Free Woman of French descent. His parents, tho poor, were known as pious persons of excellent character. Prince Hall heard about a vessel in port bound for America and saw the captain at once and offered to work for his passage. The captain hesitated, but agreed to take him and Prince Hall arrived in Boston in March 1765. On July 3, 1775, General Washington unfurled the national flag over Cambridge for the first time and on that same day Prince Hall organized and dedicated to God, to the memory of the two holy St. Johns African Lodge No. 459, the first lodge of Negro Masons in North America. On March 2, 1784, he addressed the Grand Lodge of England, asking for a Warrant of Constitution for his Lodge. The Warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge of England and in 1787 Captain Scott brought the warrant from England. Prince Hall went to the office of Sir William Might, Grand Secretary of the Modern Masons on Green St and called for the Warrant—which cost him about $27.72! African Lodge No. 459 was formally constituted on May 6, 1787 at The Golden Fleece on Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

The African Grand Lodge of North America was formed June 24, 1791, in Boston and its first officer included Prince Hall as Grand Master. Several years later the Grand Lodge of England suspended African Lodge of North America due to a lack of communication. It was not until 1974 that the African Grand Lodge of North American was reinstated by England!

St. Mary’s Lodge No. 4 was chartered in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1867. Since that time, we have worked in the community and the churches and there are currently about 90 members. I have been the Worshipful Master since 2001 and have raised 15 new brothers since that time. About 12 of those were raised at the lodge on Liberty Street. But we actually meet at the AME Church on John Woods Drive. We are in the process of building a lodge, especially since (no one knows this) St. Mary’s is the richest Blue Lodge in the state of Michigan, but one of the few that does not have its own lodge. I have made this project my own and have vowed to have a new lodge before I leave office.

One of our main projects in the community, held at the Ann Arbor Community Center on North Main, is a Recognition Banquet. This is to recognize all the widows who are still with us, and we let them know we are grateful for them and their husband’s contributions in the past. Another thing we do every year is go to Alma, where we visit the Masonic Home. WE have always received a warm welcome, and no hostility. I think it’s one of the most beautiful sights, because we are all Free and Accepted Masons.

Another special thing we do at that time, which we don’t call a scholarship, is give money to two high school students a year (from a pair of major and minor high schools). We like to reward students who improve their grades. We also give out Christmas baskets to the needy. In the question and answer session, Gibbs commented on the racism and lack of acceptance of black Masons for many years. Up until 1974, we were not officially accepted. When we were accepted back in the 1700s, the white Grand Lodges that associated with us received a lot of pressure not to associate with us. They were essentially blackballed from official Masonry. So, before they had their apron strings cut, they disassociated with us. After 1974, the English Grand Lodge essentially forced the North American lodges to accept Prince Hall Masonry. Their logic was that we have given Prince Hall a charter just like to others and therefore we are all brothers. If you don’t recognize them, we won’t recognize you.

Dr. Sands commented that during the 1960s, when racial tensions were at their height and riots common, the only group which could calm the black community was the Prince Hall Masons. The police were very very reluctant to go into the Black community and the police in Ann Arbor called the Master of ST. Mary’s Lodge and the next day, the trouble makers walked into the police department of their own volition for questioning. That tells you the regard with which the Prince Hall Masons were held in their own community in Ann Arbor. And all of us should applaud them for that standing, because if I had tried that, as the Master of my lodge, I’d be rolling down the sidewalk! This story should be known to everyone who lives in Ann Arbor. The final speaker was Paul C. Howell, a decorated Viet Nam veteran, wounded in action as a helicopter pilot. He is the Past Master of Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge and is the past Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Michigan. This is expressed through his quite colorful regalia, featured in the Ann Arbor News. He spoke on the York Rite in Washtenaw County.

The York Rite of Freemasonry consists of four distinct and separate Sovereign Masonic Bodies—the Symbolic Lodge, the Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masons and the Commandery of Knights Templar. The symbolic lodge teaches lessons of spiritual and moral growth to the individual, through symbolism and stresses the major tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. This is revealed through the Bible from the time of the building of King Solomon’s Temple. There are three degrees of the symbolic lodge. In these we learn to improve ourselves and learn of the greatness and importance of a deity, and that is stressed very heavily, and learn moral lessons through the four cardinal virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. We are taught to prepare ourselves for a future world to come—that we are all going to be joining this world in the future.

The Chapter and Council continue the explanation of the Degrees and lessons taught in the Symbolic Lodge. They are the educational and informational branches of the Masonic Fraternity. Most of the information presented was originally a part of the original three degrees of the Symbolic Lodge which have been maintained for the spiritual and fundamental growth of the Mason so that he is better prepared to improve himself to benefit and support his family, his community, and his country.

The York Rite was formed when the Masonic Fraternity shortened or simplified those three established degrees. In the chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, they have four degrees. The first one is the mark degree, probably the oldest of all the Masonic degrees. Here we are taught a lesson in humility. The Past Master’s Degree instructs in the implements of the Lodge, what they are and their proper uses. The Most Excellent Master Degree teaches us to be more faithful to our God and to preserve all that is good for future generations. The Royal Arch Degree teaches us that though our travels may be dangerous and difficult, if we stay focused, we will prevail and we will find the light.

The Council of Royal and Select Masters consists of three degrees—the Royal Masters Degree supplies teachings of a useful labor on earth, giving instruction as to the preservation of all of our valuable secrets. The Select Master imparts information to make the degrees of the symbolic lodge and the chapter completely understandable. In the Super Extant Masters Degree stresses that a man should do all in his power to improve his life here on earth. He should do all he can to consider his life here to be a part of his immortality.

The Commandery of the Knights Templar is the only Christina Organization in the Masonic Fraternity. It bases its beliefs and teachings on the glorious chivalric history of the Knights Templar, the Crusaders who fought so valiantly in defense of Christianity. Its degrees are called Orders, not degrees. I don’t know why. The First Order is that of the Red Cross, and is founded on the lesson of Truth, the foundation of every virtue. The Order of Knights of Malta, known to have been in existence as early as 1099, were the first organized body whose avowed purpose was the succor and care of the injured on the battlefield. There is nothing more solemn, no degree more solemn, than that which you would find in the Christian Order of the Order of the Temple

The Masonic Fraternity is not a philanthropic society, but it does give over $3 million a day to Charity and Relief. The York Rite through the Royal Arch Research Assistance Program based in Colorado, supports several charities including hearing disorders in young men, vascular biology research, Holy Land pilgrimage, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and low cost loans for students in their last two years of college. The York Rite in Washtenaw County has been active since January 1850 when Washtenaw Chapter No. 6 (Ann Arbor) was chartered. There are currently three Royal Arch Chapters in Ann Arbor, Milan and Ypsilanti. There have been eight state presiding officers from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea and Manchester. The first was Benjamin Watts in 1888 and the last was myself in 1997.

Union Council No. 11 was chartered in Ypsilanti in January 1895. They are still active along with Ann Arbor Council No. 86. Together they have provided five state presiding officers. The first was John Kingsley in 1903 and the last was Harold Blaess in 1986. Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13 was chartered in June 1865. They remain active along with Ypsilanti Commandery No. 54. They have provided three state presiding officers in their tenure, William G. Dody in 1890 and Arthur Trevithick in 1978.