Charles William Hutchings, the seventy-seventh Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, was born January 7, 1913, in Franklin, IN, the only child of William A. Hutchings and Eula (Goff) Hutchings. His father was a teacher, and his mother was Director of Christian Education at Fairview Presbyterian Church for many years. His grandparents came from Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. Charles’ early days were spent in Scipio, Indiana, on their farm, then moving to Indianapolis. During his early years the family moved quite a bit and he attended 13 different schools, graduating from Arsenal Technical High School. He attended Butler University in Indianapolis and graduated from Hanover College in Madison, IN with a BA degree in 1936. He was a member and then President of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at Hanover College. He met his wife, Miss Maryella Julian at Memorial Church in 1932. Due to the Depression they did not get married until June 30, 1940 and their wedding was held at Fairview Presbyterian Church when Charles’ mother was Director of Christian Education. He and his wife were members of Fairview Church until his death in 1998. His wife is still a member of the church. Charles started working for the Indianapolis Paint and Color until he was drafted in the War. Charles served in World War II and was editor of Yank Magazine serving in the South Pacific in New Caledonia. After coming back from the War, Charles took a position with Hamilton-Harris & Co. (a wholesale tobacco firm) and worked for them 45 years until they closed.

One child was born to the marriage, Lynn Marie. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Butler University.

Brother Hutchings was also a member of several genealogical societies including the Sons of the American Revolution; Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims; Society of Indiana Pioneers; Order of the Amaranth; Indianapolis White Shrine of Jerusalem; American Legion – Garfield Post #88; and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and of the Murat Shrine in Indianapolis. Charles was an active member of Nettie Ransford Chapter No. , Order of the Eastern Star serving as a Worthy Patron six times. He was an avid golfer and bowler from his early years until the time of his death on October 29, 1998. In fact, at age 79 he received a certificate from Golf Magazine for shooting his age in a golf outing.

Brother Hutchings was Initiated on _______________; Passed, _______________; and Raised to the Sublime Degree on ________________. For many years he gave the Middle Chamber degree and did quite a lot of Masonic Funerals. Brother Hutchings was elected and served as Worshipful Master of our Lodge for the year 1979. He served as Trustee for ___ years from _____ until ________.

We are indebted to Mrs. Maryella Hutchings for most of the preceding biographical information.