1871 Masonic Presentation Cane
of Most Worshipful Joseph D. Evans,
Past Grand Master of the State
of New York
This beautiful cane was "Presented by
Mistletoe No. 647 F. & A.M.
to - M. W. Bro. Joseph D Evans - January 16, 5871" (1871). It has a
wonderfully decorated solid gold handle depicting an emblem of the Three Great
Lights... the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.
MISTLETOE
LODGE NO. 647
On February 20, 1867 Mistletoe
Lodge received dispensation granted by the M:.W:. Robert D. Holmes whose
petition was recommended by Altair Lodge No. 601. The first Communication was
held on February 23, 1867 in the Montaulk Lodge rooms, 14 Court Street,
Brooklyn, New York. The Officers were as follows:
M:.W:. Joseph D. Evans...Master
Charles W. Newton... Senior
Warden
Samuel G. Thayer...Junior
Warden
Joel B. Burnett...Treasurer
Henry T. Bragg...Secretary
William A. Evans...Senior
Deacon
Abraham Simpson...Junior Deacon
Henry A. Richey...Sr. Master of
Ceremony
William B. Whitaker...Junior
Master of Ceremony
William W. Reade...Senior
Steward
Carmon E. Anderson...Junior
Steward
It is interesting to note that
during his term as Grand Master M:.W:. Joseph D. Evans put into effect one of
the most important changes in New York Masonry by introducing the Office of
District Deputy Grand Master into the Offices of Grand Lodge appointments. Also
it is noteworthy to note that Brother Evans, at the funeral service of the
distinguished Statesman and Brother Henry Clay delivered an able and eloquent
address, which was afterward printed in pamphlet form.
Some other notable Brothers of
Mistletoe Lodge No. 647 are Brother Thomas G. Singleton, a member for 58 years
of which he served as Secretary for 51 years. Another Brother is Wallace
E. Caldwell raised in Mistletoe Lodge in 1913. He affiliated with
University Lodge No. 408, A.F.& A.M. of North Carolina after being appointed
Associate Professor of Ancient History at the University of North Carolina.
Brother Caldwell went on to become Grand Master of Masons in the State of North
Carolina in 1950. Another noteworthy Brother was Charles A. Shaw, who was
a one-man commissioner for the State of New York running the Monument Commission
till the age of 91. He traveled around the country erecting monuments to
the boys in blue who went from New York to save the Union. Some of his
Monuments have been erected on the battlefields of Gettysburg, Antietam,
Chattanooga, and Key West, Florida. One of his plaques is featured in the book
"The Craft and its Symbols", on the next to last page shows a plaque dedicated
to the 66th New York Regiment. In the banner above the two soldiers
is found the inscription "Peace and Unity". A closer look will reveal that the
letter "A" in the word "Peace" is a Masonic square and Compasses. Mistletoe, the
plant, was held in great veneration by the druids and is associated with joy and
gladness. The name was selected by its first Master, M:.W:. Joseph D. Evans.
Mistletoe Lodge was one of seven Lodges which had been merged together to form
the current Lodge presently known as Aurora Grata-Day Star Lodge No. 647. The
other Lodges were, Aurora Grata, May Flower Sanctorum. Kedron and Old Glory.
Aurora Grata-Day Star Lodge No. 647 is mainly comprised of three Lodges, Aurora
Grata Lodge No. 756, Day Star Lodge No. 798 and Old Glory Lodge No. 647.
It is under the banner of Old Glory Lodge that Mistletoe No. 647, Kedron No.
803, Sanctorum No. 747 and Mayflower No. 961 hail.
