I was initiated, passed, and raised in 1947, and was appointed as an officer of Lodge No. 45 the same year by Worshipful Master, Brother Harry A. Vinton, Jr. 33rd and I was Worshipful Master in 1958, and later served as Secretary for a total of 23 years. After serving as Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 45, Brother Vinton demitted and became the Warrant Master of Whitehall Lodge.

The following is from the speech I gave on June 25, 1997 when I received my 50 year Emblem of Gold from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which was presented by Brother George Hott, District Deputy Grand Master.

As I contemplated this night, I realized I am the only member of Lodge No. 45, here tonight, who remembers what happened in Lodge No. 45 in the 1940's, 50's and 60's.

I would, therefore, like to take you back through the past 50 years and relate some interesting stories and events.

Let's start with the Warrant of Constitution. For years the Grand Lodge wanted our Warrant of Constitution for their Historic Museum and was going to take it from us because it was not displayed in the body of the open Lodge. It was rolled up and contained in a metal canister, which was placed on the Master's pedestal. It was the belief of everyone at that time that it was so old and dry, that if taken from the canister it would crumble into a million pieces. Worshipful Master Brother Harry A. Vinton, Jr., made the decision to secure our Warrant of Constitution and make sure it would remain in the possession of Lodge No. 45. The Warrant was taken to the Old Document Department of the Carnegie Museum and Library where it was treated and the faded lettering was re-inscribed. It was then taken to Carnegie Mellon Institute where the stainless steel case was made, the Warrant was placed between two pieces of shatter proof plate glass and hermetically sealed, and then fitted into the steel case, as you now see it. At all times it was under the case of Brother Master Mason and always supervised by Brothers Andrew A. Brault and Williard G. Spencer, bother were officers of Lodge No. 45. The Warrant was out of the possession of Brother Vinton for about three weeks.

During my years as an officer, there existed a "Club 45," eligibility was membership in Lodge No. 45 and a $5.00 a year membership fee. The only activity of this Club, which incidentally received no funds from the Lodge, was a family picnic, held at "The Lodge" in South Park. Back in those days a permit had to be obtained to reserve this facility, by appearing in person at the City County Building in downtown Pittsburgh to obtain said permit. The Officers took 4 hour shifts around the clock in the City County Building starting on the evening of December 31 with the Secretary taking the 4 hour shift at the start of business on January 2nd. This was a sign of true dedication and commitment. We would have about 250 to 300 children and adults attend this picnic.

Lodge No. 45 was honored to be able to confer a degree upon one of our candidates (the name I cannot recall), in one of the Grand Lodge Rooms. We took our own paraphernalia and traveled by train as a part of a group of Masons called the Pittsburgh Visitation Club.

I am sure many of you must be wondering what kind of attendance we had back I those days. The area in front of the Secretary's desk, was "reserved" for the Past Master's of which we usually had about 25 to 35 present. They listened to every word spoken and noticed every move the officers made and were not a bit shy in telling them what they did wrong. Of course, there was an occasional compliment as well. There were also an equal amount of brethren in attendance. So we always had 50 to 70 members plus visitors. Since Lodge No. 45 has never called off from labor during the summer months, we have had many interesting and important visitors from both Foreign and Domestic Jurisdictions attend our summer meetings. All our meetings were well attended and our stated meetings included interesting programs. Our families were included in many of our functions, and, of course, good food was often times prepared and served by our wives, mothers, or sisters.

Some of our outstanding meetings include the "Celebration of Landmark Night." The evening started with a catered dinner, complete with printed menus and included cigars. The Master and his elected Officers would occupy the head table. Menus were circulated and everyone signed them. I have several in my Lodge No. 45 memorabilia file. Then there was a "Father and Son Night," and a "Warrant of Constitution Night." This was the night our restored Warrant was presented to the membership. Our "Veteran's Night" and "Past Masters' Night" always went over well with many of our Past Masters in attendance. We had a "Masonic Temple Open House" to which all Masons and their Ladies were invited to tour the building including Lodge Rooms. Our "Junior Officers' Night" was a night when the Junior Officers of the Lodge took over the meeting and conducted the business of the Lodge. Wednesday, December 25, 1957, I was elected and installed as the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 45, a night I still remember. I think I was the last Master to be installed on Christmas Day, there was only one other that I know of and that was Frederick W. Arnold, Jr., who was installed in 1931. He and I held this distinction until he passed away several years ago.

Lodge No. 45 had a reputation of being one of the outstanding Lodges in Western Pennsylvania. We did excellent degree work thanks to Brothers Andrew A. Brault and Willard G. Spencer who in addition to being officers of our Lodge were instructors in the Pittsburgh School of Instruction.

There were, and are today, several members of Lodge No. 45 who made Masonry a way of life. They were dedicated and committed to this Lodge and influenced my Masonic way of life. I will attempt to name a few, some you may know, Brother Robert S. Johnson, Worshipful Master in 1949, traveled from Oil City, Pennsa., never missed a meeting or a funeral service. His wife traveled with him to make sure he didn't fall asleep on the way home. Brother James Jones, 33rd, Past Master, was Secretary for 33 years never missed a meeting or funeral service. He was dedicated to Lodge No. 45 as well as to many other Masonic Bodies. Brother Harry A. Vinton, Jr. 33rd, Past Master whom I mentioned earlier, kept our Warrant of Constitution here in Lodge No. 45 and did not allow our Grand Lodge to make it a part of their Historic Memorabilia. Brother W. Edward Sell, 33rd, Past Master, who along with Past Grand Master Hiram P. Ball 33rd made it possible for us to enjoy our beautiful Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. There are many others whom I will never forget and it is unfortunate that you did not have the opportunity to know them as I did.

The above is a compilation of information as best remembered by one who is proud to be a Mason and more proud to be a Member of Lodge No. 45. I would like to dedicate this article to all the outstanding Masons of Lodge No. 45 living and deceased.

By: Walter E. Koch, Jr., PM