1905

Charles O. Johnson, the third Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, was born July 14, 1872 in Vigo County, Indiana. He died December 10, 1934, was cremated, and the ashes scattered in Ebenezer Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of James P. Johnson, a Mason and Rebecca J. Shewmaker. His brother Edward N. Johnson, deceased was also a Mason.

Charles O. Johnson spent his early life in Vigo County as a farm boy and attended the Vigo County Public Schools.

His manhood was spent in Terre Haute and Indianapolis, Indiana. On June 16, 1892 he was married to Eveletta Miller of Terre Haute, and to this union five children were born, Reba Miller Johnson, deceased Ruth Johnson Gilman, Ralph E. Johnson, Helen Johnson Shewalter and William E. Johnson. At various times he was engaged at the electrician’s trade, grocer, farming, and police duty, the latter vocation having been followed until his death. He was for a time the Trustee of Washington Township, Marion County, Indiana, filling the unexpired term of his father. He was affiliated early in life with the Methodist Church.

Brother Johnson received his Masonic Degrees in Millersville Lodge No. 126 of Millersville, Indiana. He was a charter member of Broad Ripple Lodge and was active in its early history. He continued with his Masonic work in the York Rite, taking the Chapter, Council and Commandery Degrees. He became Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, F.&A.M. in 1905.

Brother Charles O. Johnson was all his life an unassuming man. He embraced his duties as such and gave of himself without stint, taking pleasure in a job well done and sought no emoluments. He was cited for bravery in the flood of 1913 in rescue work and was frequently chosen on squads for the apprehension of dangerous criminals. Of all this, Brother Johnson was prone to dismiss his part as being of no moment. He was a good neighbor and a priceless friend.

Lodge Events of 1905

The records disclose that the Junior and Senior Deacon’s jewels were purchased early in the year 1905 and our charter ordered framed. The officers were installed at a public installation, a practice generally in vogue at that time.

Attempts to amend the Lodge By-Laws were made on several occasions during the year but were all lost due to lack of sufficient support.

Wm. Dawson, Jr., was elected the fourth Secretary at the December stated meeting.

On April 27, 1905, Broad Ripple Chapter No. 315, Order of the Eastern Star received its charter. Thus, this date, marked the creation of an organization which has played an important part in the growth and welfare of Broad Ripple Lodge. The valuable assistance and contributions which this Chapter has made to us have been most timely and have won our esteem and gratitude. April 27 therefore has been a memorable date not only to our Eastern Star friends but also to our own Lodge as well.

The new members were:

By petition for degrees: