History of HIRAM LODGE No. 5 F&AM PHA
An independent constituent, established in 1850, was known as Friendship Lodge No. 5 and situated at Free Haven. Lebanon Lodge No. 5 was warranted to hold its monthly meetings in Mount Holly by the National Compact. In 1853 this lodge was listed as a suspended member of the National Grand Lodge. On October 31, 1876 Hiram Lodge No. 5 was established and situa
ted at Snow Hill by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Hiram Lodge No. 5 has been making good men better and serving the community of Lawnside for the past 138 years. Hiram Lodge No. 5 and is a faithful lodge under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey, as it is known today. Hiram Lodge No. 5 has furnished several Elected Grand Lodge Officers of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Most Worshipful Walter Miller was installed as Grand Master in 1893 and also served as Grand Treasurer from 1859-1911. Moore served as Grand Treasurer from 1924-1930. Bryant served as Assistant Grand Secretary, as well as, Editor and Chief of the Pillar during the years of 1949-1952. Bryant also served as Grand Trustee from 1952-1954 and had the distinct Honor and privilege of being elected to the office of Senior Grand Warden in 1954, where he gave faithful service until his resignation in 1955. Throughout the years Hiram Lodge No. 5 has faithfully served the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey, its Officers and members serving as Officers, Board and committee members. Hiram Lodge No. 5 has furnished some District Deputy Grand Masters and District Grand Lecturers. R.W. Elmer V. Bennett, now deceased, was District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st Masonic District from 1921-1923 and 1928. Hiram Jones, deceased, served as District Deputy Grand Master from 1949-1950. Gerald G. Hamm, Jr. served as District Deputy Grand Master from 2008-2011. Jonathan Lumpkin served as District Deputy Grand Master from 2011-2013. Hiram Lodge No. 5 has several District Grand Lecturers namely; R.W. Van Farmer, R.W. Robert Harper, R.W. Fitzgerald Benson, Sr., R.W. Jasper Lofton. In 2011-2013 R.W. Jonathan Lumpkin and R.W. Michael A. Wiggins served together as DDGM and DGL, respectively. RW John Gillard served as Assistant District Grand Lecturer. RW Leonard Long has served the Grand Lodge Photographer for many years and was granted the title of Grand Lodge Photographer Emeritus. RW Carlyle Riche Sr. served as Assistant Grand Lodge Photographer. RW Rodney Cunningham served as Assistant Grand Lodge Legal Advisor. RW James Ferrell served as Assistant Grand Tyler. RW King I. Shabazz served as Assistant Grand Historian. P.M. James M. Cooper was Secretary of Hiram Lodge No. 5 for 30 years before 1947 and a Mason for 50 years in 1962. Edgar A. Landin was Tyler of the Lodge for a great many years and 48 years as a Mason in 1962. As of 2009, the Lodge currently has some additional 50 year members namely; P.M. Alexander Martin, P.M. Robert Doughty, and Bro. Richard Wise. When Past Master Robert Doughty was Worship Master of Hiram Lodge No. 5, his mother, Mrs. Edna Doughty donated her corner store to be used as the permanent location of Hiram Masonic Temple (the current location, situated at 143 Warwick Road Lawnside, NJ 08045). Over the years, Hiram Lodge No. 5 continued to grow and a second floor was added to accommodate the increase in membership.
