1962

Jean C. Kassebaum, 59th Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, the son of Christian Henry and Mary Agnes Mayn Kassebaum, was born in Tipton, Indiana on July 30, 1897. His early life was spent in Tipton, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. He attended the Noblesville grade school, and Broad Ripple High School after his family moved to Indianapolis.

In the First World War he served in the Marine Corps, and after his wartime service he was occupied as a maintenance electrician.

He married Frances Arvilla Blake on December 31, 1929, to which union was born two sons: Jean Charles (1933) and John Henry (1936). He was a member of the Broad Ripple Methodist Church.

Brother Jean received the degrees of Masonry in Broad Ripple Lodge, being initiated June 8, 1951; passed June 22, 1951; and raised to the Sublime Degree on September 18, 1951. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Broad Ripple Chapter No. 315 of the Order of the Eastern Star, in the latter of which he was twice Worthy Patron, serving in 1956-1957 and 1963-1964. He was elected Master of Broad Ripple Lodge and served in that office in 1962.

Brother Jean entered the Lodge Above on October 19, 1966, and was interred in Union Chapel Cemetery.

Lodge Events of 1962

On May 12 the Lodge travelled by bus to Louisville, Kentucky to pay a fraternal visit to Sunset Lodge. The Grand Master of Kentucky (a member of Sunset Lodge) was present at this occasion. At this meeting the Master Mason degree was conferred upon William David Ashton, a Fellow Craft of Broad Ripple Lodge who was in waiting. Present at this meeting were six Grand Lodge officers, 70 officers and members of Sunset Lodge, and 34 officers and members of Broad Ripple Lodge. The minutes indicate that “our Craft did exceptionly good work, with Worshipful Master Jean Kassebaum in the East and Senior Warden Fred Corya Jr. in the West.”

On June 15 the Lodge was called to labor for its 60th Anniversary Celebration, the anniversary having recently passed on May 28. Present at the meeting were Grand Master Jack F. Hewson, Past Grand Master John Jefferson, and Broad Ripple Lodge’s Brother Fritz M. Ehling, Grand Steward and Tyler. At this meeting the Grand Lodge Award of Gold was presented to Brother Carl J. McCarty by Past Master Walter Scofield, the Worshipful Master assisting. The Worshipful Master read some “interesting facts” from the early history of the Lodge, and “some very good musical numbers” were also performed. The minutes report that “following these ceremonies, all repaired to the dining room where the Grand Officers and the Worshipful Master cut the huge cake which was beautifully decorated to commemorate our 60th Anniversary, and served to our guests. An hour of good fellowship was enjoyed by all present.”

The joint annual picnic was held on June 30 at Northern Beach. Members of the Lodge and of the O.E.S. and R.A.M chapters participated.

It being determined that Lodge dues were now adequate for our needs, and a sizable balance being projected for the end of 1962, it was decided that Lodge meals would be free to the membership during 1963. Monies that would normally have been transferred to the Trustees’ Sinking Fund were accordingly kept in the general fund, the Sinking Fund being in good financial shape.

The minutes show that several times during the year appeals were made to Brethren who could give their time helping the DeMolay program.

At a Master Mason degree on November 16, apparently given in conjunction with the annual Past Master’s Dinner, the minutes show that 24 past masters, 45 members, and 17 visitors were present. The work of the Second Section was given by the Past Masters, with Brother Arthur Focke, PM, in the East, and Brother Jesse Hodshire, PM, in the West. The Lectures were also given by the Past Masters. The candidate raised at this time was Brother Lester Raymond Gootee.

Called to the Lodge Above in 1962:

Raised as Master Masons:

Joined by affiliation: