Twenty-Two Brothers, One Purpose
In 1866, twenty-two Masons gathered in Odd Fellows’ Hall in the village of Astoria, New York, to discuss establishing a lodge of their own. Their existing lodges were scattered, and limited transportation made attendance difficult. They sought something closer to home: a place to practice Masonry, strengthen their fellowship, and serve their community.
The founders included ship carpenters, blacksmiths, merchants, painters, hotelkeepers, a florist, a harbor master, and a submarine surveyor. Born in America and abroad, these brothers brought the skills and experiences of a working waterfront community to their shared undertaking.
They chose the name Advance. Although the supplied account gives no formal explanation for the choice, the name fittingly reflected their ambition to carry Masonic fellowship and service forward in Astoria.
The Dispensation and Charter
The brethren petitioned Robert D. Holmes, Grand Master of Masons in New York, for permission to establish the lodge. A dispensation dated January 22, 1867, authorized them to begin, naming John R. Clark as Master, John E. Oloff as Senior Warden, Edwin A. Cadwell as Junior Warden, James D. Torrey as Treasurer, and Caleb G. Francis as Secretary.
The first meeting took place on February 22, 1867, at Odd Fellows’ Hall, 104 Main Street, adjoining the Hallett family burying ground. The rooms stood above a shoe store and had suffered fire damage. By March 22, the lodge had moved to Mechanics Hall at 93 Fulton Avenue, sharing quarters and furnishings with the Odd Fellows.
On July 3, 1867, Grand Master Stephen H. Johnson issued Warrant No. 635, granting Advance its charter. The first meeting under that charter followed on July 5, formally opening a new chapter of Masonic life in Astoria.
Charter Members
John R. Clark
Edwin A. Cadwell
Edward Chauncey Graham
Robert T. Wild
Charles C. Howell
Edward T. Jenkins
John L. Morris
Julius J. Umschlag
Charles O. Man
Joseph Curtis
Notable Members
Source note: This article, including the charter-member names and information concerning the dispensation and charter, is drawn from records of the Grand Lodge of New York examined by the author.
