1928

Stanley B. Sheard, the twenty-fourth Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, was born May 22, 1892, on a small farm near the village of Oxford, Ohio. Large families were the pride of many households at that time, and theirs numbered six boys and four girls. The parents, David M., and Phoebe J. Sheard, enjoyed their large family, although at times, there were many hardships to endure. Both grandparents came from England in 1837 and settled as farmers, in Butler County, where the family name has since become well known.

His early boyhood days were spent on the small acreage where he was born and he first attended school in one of those renowned redbrick country schools, which has since been replaced by the modern school system. He had a fair beginning in the three R’s when the family moved into the town, and he transferred to the city schools. Progress through the grade school was retarded because of sickness; however, he was graduated from Oxford High School in 1911. The following year he attended Miami University, but lack of finances forced discontinuance at the end of the term. While at Miami, he met Miss Josephine Gentry, who at the time was a student at Oxford Female College. Friendship increased rapidly and following an elopement, they were married at Richmond, Indiana, March 6, 1912. For some time they made their home at Richmond and Stanley was employed by the Hoosier Drill Co. Later he secured a place as railroad brakeman at Anderson, Indiana, but soon found that work to be too heavy for his light weight. After the 1913 flood he moved to Indianapolis and worked at the National Biscuit Co. for about two years. In 1915 an appointment as city letter carrier was secured and in which capacity he has continuously served until the present time [1937].

Two children were born to the marriage, Jack and Martha Jean. Both attended the public school, were graduated at Broad Ripple High School and attended Indiana University one year. The family have been members of Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church since 1917 where Stanley took an active part in choir work for several years. During the school life of both children, both parents were actively interested in parent teacher work at Broad Ripple.

Realizing his responsibilities as the head of a growing family, he sought those associations which tend to enlighten man and build character. Many such associates he found among fellow workmen at the Post Office. One particular friend was Past Master David Goldrick, now deceased, who presented his petition to Broad Ripple Lodge. Brother Sheard was Initiated January 14; Passed to Fellow Craft, January 21; and Raised to Master Mason January 28, 1921.

As a reward for the interest which he immediately manifested in Masonry, he was given an appointment the same year. He was a member of Broad Ripple Chapter, R.A.M. and one of its Past High Priests. He also, subsequently, received his Royal and Select Masters Degrees in Calvin Prather Council.

Brother Sheard was elected Worshipful Master of our Lodge for the year 1927 which proved to be a very active period in the history of the Lodge.

Lodge Events of 1927

To assist in the relief program of the Lodge, the O.E.S. Auxiliary gave $150.00 to this cause early in January. It was at about the same time that the by-laws were revised permitting the Master and Wardens to draw upon the Treasury to the extent of twenty-five dollars in order to administer needed relief.

Suitable storage facilities being much in need to house our robes and Craft equipment, the Trustees were ordered to provide proper facilities. The west closet in the preparation room was accordingly built and installed.

The by-laws having had so many revisions made in them, a committee consisting of Alex Clark, P.M., John B. Hessong, P.M., and Chas. M. Dawson was appointed to bring them up to date.

There having previously been no fee required for re-affiliation following suspension for non-payment of dues, the Brethren decided that the sum of $5.00 should be required as a deterrent to delinquency. This action was taken on December 2.

This year marked the beginning of construction of the beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral in our city, and which stands today as one of the best examples of classic Gothic architecture. An invitation was extended to our membership to attend the corner stone laying and several of the Brethren were present on this occasion.

This year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Broad Ripple and on May 28 the event was observed with appropriate ceremonies both in the afternoon and evening with a banquet intervening. The program was in complete charge of the Past Masters who had secured as principal speakers the Hon. Arthur Robinson, senator and the then Grand Master, Brother Obie J. Smith.

The Order of Jobs Daughters, Bethel No.3, were granted permission to meet in the dining room and became an active and welcome organization in our midst. It was during the anniversary program that these young ladies presented a set of beautiful officer’s aprons to the Lodge and established the annual custom of presenting each retiring Master with an apron.

Steps were taken to increase the news value of our monthly calendar and “The Masters Message” was inaugurated as a regular feature which has remained in vogue to the present time.

The members who received the Master Mason degree were:

The members affiliated in 1927 were: