Franklin County: Thomas Barnhart, George W. Brewer, and H. S.
Stoner to Members of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of Pennsylvania, September 15, 1864
Summary:
After the Confederate burning of Chambersburg, the George Washington Lodge appointed Thomas
Barnhart, George W. Brewer, and H. S. Stoner to request "relief for the destitute and suffering
brethren" of Chambersburg from the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of Pennsylvania. In their
letter, Barnhart, Brewer, and Stoner emphasize the destruction of Chambersburg and the
subsequent poverty of its residents.
September 15th, 1864
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
To______,
Worshipful Master of Lodge No. ______, A.Y.M.
The undersigned, at a meeting of George
Washington Lodge, No. 143, A.Y.M., located at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, were, by resolution, appointed a Committee to address the Grand and Subordinate
Lodges of this Commonwealth, and to invoke some relief for the destitute and suffering brethren
of that place. We would gladly refrain from recital of the melancholy cirumstances of the
recent terrible conflagration at Chambersburg, and which are now a part of the history of the
times. It is perhaps enough to say, that a large number of the members of our Lodge, from
circumstances of ease and comfort, have been reduced to the sad condition of a houseless and
homeless poverty. We make no argument- we would indulge in no eloquence, but we would simply
point you to the black and smouldering ruins of that once happy and prosperous town-to business
destroyed, to labor prostrated, to the burning tears of widowhood, to the moving sorrows of
orphanage, to the desolation of home, and to the ashes of the altar where devotion knelt or
love fed its flame of perennial joy.
The undersigned, as the representatives of their unfortunate brotherhood, make, with great confidence, this earnest and anxious appeal to the sympathy and generosity of the Masonic heart. This august and venerable Order, renowned for her mighty achievements, and cherished her for noble and princely charities, will, we indulge the fond hope, turn a listening ear to the cry that comes from the distressed and destitute-the stricken and unfortunate brethren of Chambersburg.
Thomas Barnhart,
George W. Brewer,
H.S. Stoner.
To ______,
Worshipful Master of Lodge No. _____
As the
Principles of Masonry are universal, and as Charity knows no bounds, we have deemed it not
improper to extend this Appeal to the sympathy and benevolence of your Lodge. The estimated
loss of the brethren of the Lodge is, two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.
Thomas Barnhart,
George W. Brewer,
H.S. Stoner.
