By: RW Roy Puckhaber
In history, 150 years, one and a half century, could fill volumes and volumes of local, national and international events, such as: achievements, failures, catastrophes, discoveries, wars, causing changes in governing systems, elimination of Countries, creation of new ones etc. etc.
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of our beloved Copernicus Lodge, could also fill pages of reminiscence, recalling unforgettable experiences, disappointments, yet also many happy occasions, Lodge officers with outstanding dedication and ability, officers with mediocre qualifications and officers that should not have been occupying chairs at all.
In the early part of the Lodge’s existence, most of the members lived in the Williamsburgh area, or within traveling distance. Over the years and especially after World War Two, many changes in German American organizations more so in Masonic Lodges have taken place. Industrial relocations, were the cause for many people to move to other States, deteriorating neighborhoods were the reason for many to seek homes in the suburbs, leisure villages, retirement communities have drawn older people out of the Cities, not only to the Southern States, but also to the North. These changes have greatly effected meeting attendance, crime on public transportation caused members to be less active, changes in immigration laws reduced the addition of new members, which brought on difficulties in selecting officers to fill the chairs.
On December 27, 1863, fourteen Master Masons came together at the home of Brother Louis Gaiser, corner Scholes Street and Graham Ave. in Williamsburgh, which is now part of Kings County, to discuss the feasibility in forming another German speaking Masonic Lodge. At that time, Schiller Lodge 304 was the only German speaking Lodge in Williamsburgh. It was estimated that the area had approximately between 20,000 and 30,000 German and German speaking immigrants from European Countries. It was the general consensus of these 14 Brothers to pursue this matter and contact the R 
W Charles Ferdinand Bauer, who at that time was the D.D.G.M. of the 28th Masonic District comprised of the German speaking Lodges for advice and assistance, in applying for a dispensation at the Grand Lodge. Brother Bauer promised to do his utmost to get this project going. He was a founder and Past Master of Pythagoras Lodge 86 and very familiar with Grand Lodge rules and regulations. A petition was composed for a dispensation, signed by the 14 Brothers, then endorsed by the following Lodges: Yew Tree 461, Cassia 445, Hyatt 205, Pythagoras 86, German Union 54, Harmony 199 and Schiller 304, also by the M W John W. Simons, P.G.M. of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and the R W J.H. Anthon, D.D.G.M. of the 1st Masonic District of the State of New York.
The M W John W. Simons took over the liaison, to guide the petition through the proper channels for the M W Clinton F. Page, Grand Master’s approval. On February 16th, 1864, the dispensation was granted for the newly found Lodge with Nicolaus Copernicus as the patron. The following Brothers were recorded as the founders and charter members:
| Edward Roehr, Past Master | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| Philip Seitz, Senior Warden | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| William Stahlmann, Treasurer | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| Joseph Levy, Secretary | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| Lorenz Ritter, Junior Warden | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| George Wieber | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| Charles L. Hauck | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| August Irmscher | Schiller Lodge 304 |
| Martin Althaus | Putnam Lodge 338 |
| George Lorett | German Union Lodge 54 |
| Louis Gaiser | German Union Lodge 54 |
| Gustave Burhenne | German Union Lodge 54 |
| Gustave Kehr | German Union Lodge 54 |
| John Schneider | German Union Lodge 54 |
When the Lodge was founded, the Country was politically and economically in shambles, embroiled in a Civil War between the North and the South. Abe Lincoln, the 16th President served his first term. In his election campaign, the main issue was, the abolishment of slavery. During 1860 and 61, eleven Southern States had ceded from the Union and found the Confederate States of America (Confederacy) this left the Union with 23 States. Yet in spite of all these difficulties, the new Lodge succeeded.
The first official meeting of the new Copernicus Lodge was held on February 16, 1864, at the Lodge Room of Hyatt Lodge 205 in the Bank Building at the corner of South 3rd and 4th Streets in Williamsburgh. R W Charles F. Bauer presented and read the dispensation, then installed the following officers:
| Edward Roehr | Master |
| Philip Seitz | Senior Warden |
| Gustave Burhenne | Junior Warden |
| Gustave Kehr | Secretary |
| John Schneider | Treasurer |
| George Wieber | Chaplain |
| Joseph Levy | Senior Deacon |
| Martin Althaus | Junior Deacon |
| Lorenz Ritter | Sen. Master of Ceremony |
| William Stahlmann | Jun. Master of Ceremony |
| George Lorett | Steward |
| August Irmscher | Steward |
| Louis Gaiser | Tiler |
| Charles Hauck | Trustee |
| Lorenz Ritter | Trustee |
| George Lorett | Trustee |
The new Lodge began its Masonic activities immediately with great success. On June 23rd 1864, Brother Bauer presented the Charter from the Grand Lodge with the designated number 545. The membership on that date was 21. Schiller Lodge 304 was the official Mother Lodge of the new Copernicus Lodge 545. This was also the first meeting held at the Masonic Temple, at the same address on South 3rd and 4th Streets, in the meeting room of the Cassia Lodge 445.
Practically in every meeting, there were applications for new members and requests for affiliations from other Lodges. According to old Lodge records, amongst those who affiliated or were raised in the new Lodge, were the following Brothers: Jacob Henkell, Charles Sackreuther, John Eifert, Henry Fleming, Henry Feldmann, and John Mienhardt. Each one of these Brothers served as Master of Copernicus Lodge, Brother Sackreuther and Brother Henkell were both appointed in later years to serve as D.D.G.M. in the 28th New York District. On June 2nd 1897, the districts were renumerated and the 28th became the 9th Manhattan District.
When the Lodge began its operation, Pythagoras Lodge 86, had loaned the new Lodge a set of working tools and jewels, German Union Lodge 54, gave the new Lodge a beautiful bible on April 5th 1864, Humboldt Lodge 512 presented another set of working tools, several members donated a silver square and circle and three gravels, also a portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, a Lodge seal and a ballot box.
On December 16th 1864, the W Edward Roehr was elected again as Master for 1865. The Lodge at that time had 21 Master Masons and 5 Fellowcraft. As time went on, the Lodge became very active in Masonic undertakings, making donations to charitable organization, widows and orphans etc. Quite often, members had to make personal sacrifices, because the Lodge had practically no financial assets.
On April 21, 1865, the meeting was cancelled in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, who was assassinated and died on April 15, 1865. Vice President Andrew Johnson became the 17th President. On June 2, 1865, the proposed By-Laws were accepted and given out to be printed.
A special effort was made for a large donation to the German Patriotic Society, that made financial contributions to widows and orphans, victims of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71. Donations were also sent to several German Masonic Lodges, who lost their inventories during that War.
On September 4, 1874, the Copernicus Quartet Club was formed; these singers participated in Lodge degree work and many social functions, sometimes their appearance included a Lady soloist.
The 25th Anniversary Lodge meeting was held on December 27, 1888 at the Masonic Temple, 99 Broadway, Brooklyn. The meeting started at 3 p.m. and was followed by the Banquet at the Turnhall. The W Carl Wirth served as Master of the Lodge, the membership at that time was 107. On that night, all the Lodges of the 28th District were represented. Grover Cleveland served as the 22nd President of this Country.
The Lodge became involved in local activities, such as; being a member of the “Williamsburgh Masonic Board of Relief” and joined the “German Masonic Temple Corporation” several years later, the Lodge joined the “German Hospital Association”. Quite often, interesting lectures were given in meetings, lively discussions took place before and after meetings, with Bismarck’s (1815-98) politics being the main topic.
On September 20th 1901, the Lodge held a memorial service in which C.M. von Cronau, the Master, paid special tribute to William McKinley, the 25th President of this Country who was shot on September 6th and died on September 14th. The Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President. Both McKinley and Roosevelt were members of the Masonic Fraternity.
In 1913, the 50th Anniversary was celebrated on November 18 and 19th. The W Rudolf Hofer was Master of the Lodge, which had 215 members. Woodrow Wilson served as the 28th President in the White House. At that time already, storm clouds were on the European horizon. In the following year, on August 1st 1914, the first World War began, which lasted over four years and ended in November 1918, with its tragic results for Germany and Austria. Again the Lodge became involved with organizations that sent help to the victims of that War, the War that was to end all Wars.
In 1938, the 75th Anniversary was celebrated on November 21st and 23rd at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple, the W Joseph Blumenkamp was the Master of the Lodge, which had 201 members. Franklin Delano Roosevelt served his second term as the 32nd President. Again, like on the 50th Anniversary, the political atmosphere in Europe and especially in Germany was at the breaking point. On September 1st 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which was the beginning of World War Two, that lasted almost 6 years, it ended on May 8, 1945 with the surrender of Germany and on August 14th with the surrender of Japan. The devastating results of that War, were beyond description. Cities were destroyed, industry was almost wiped out, millions of people had lost their lives and Germany became divided into East and West Germany. Before the War already, Free Masonry was suppressed, Masonic property was confiscated by the Government and the Fraternity was accused of reactionary activities. Under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, the NIMA committee (Ninth Manhattan District for the Relief of Germans in Europe) was formed to raise funds for CARE packages for the needy in Europe. All Lodges in the Ninth Manhattan participated in this humane endeavor.
In 1940, Copernicus Lodge moved from the Tyrian Temple on Pennsylvania Ave., in Brooklyn to the Tadmor Temple in Ridgewood, Queens.
The 100th Anniversary celebration was held on November 9th 1963 at the Fleur de Lis in Ridgewood, the Anniversary Lodge meeting was conducted on the previous meeting date. The W 
John Roschen was the Master of the Lodge, which at that time had 192 members. During that month, the Country witnessed an historic tragedy, the assassination on November 22nd of our 35th President John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. Lyndon Baines Johnson, the Vice President became the 36th President.
In 1977, our Lodge moved to Floral Park Masonic Temple, because Tadmore Temple was on the market to be sold. This Temple is located in Nassau County and for many members it is more convenient to attend meetings.
In 1980, another historic event took place in our Lodge. By mutual consent, Copernicus Lodge consolidated on June 20thwith Goethe Pilgrim Lodge 629, with Copernicus being the surviving Lodge. Goethe Pilgrim Lodge already was the result of a consolidation on December 19th 1971 of German Pilgrim 179 and Goethe 629. In the same year, the Grand Lodge had started a drive to raise 7.5 million dollars over a period of two years for the construction of a new wing at the Masonic Home in Utica. Copernicus Lodge raised close to $32,000 for that purpose, the second highest in the Ninth Manhattan District.
History of German Pilgrim Lodge #179
History of Goethe Lodge #629
In the early eighties, several Lodges in the Ninth Manhattan were struck by “Soccer Fever”; a playing field was prepared on the picnic grounds in Tappan. Soccer teams were formed in some Lodges for competitive playing, unfortunately, this soccer fever turned out to be a passing fancy only. Copernicus had a rather sharp looking team, but their snappy appearance showed very little talent and the team ended up on the bottom, then the enthusiastic soccer mania in the Ninth fell by the wayside and disintegrated.
Over the years, Copernicus Lodge has kept up with the trend of times. In 1986, a computer was purchased, to simplify record keeping of the membership, even blood types of the members and their spouses have been added. A professional service has been engaged to manage the financial assets of the Lodge. On October 13th 1987, our Lodge was the first one in the Ninth Manhattan District, to hold a meeting at the Dumont Masonic Home for the benefit of the residents, who are members of the Masonic Fraternity, but unable to attend meetings in their respective Lodges.
There are however different schools of thought amongst the members in long range planning. Since our Lodge and other Lodges in Ninth Manhattan were founded, the source for new members came from immigrants from Germany and German speaking Countries in Europe. This source has practically ceased. American born men, that join Masonic Lodges, prefer a Lodge that operates in the English Language, which is natural. We have an English speaking degree team, but meeting procedures are conducted in the German language. How long will be able to continue that way, only time will tell.
At this 125th Anniversary celebration, John Prigge is Master of the Lodge, which has 207 members and 12 honorary members. Ronald Reagan is serving his second term as the 40th President of this great Country of ours. By this time however, a new President, the 41st one has been elected already.
The Copernicus Fellowcraft Club is still a very active organization and so is the Copernicus Sister Circle. With these two supporting groups, I am sure that Copernicus Lodge will have many fruitful years to look forward to.
At present, our Lodge is negotiating with Teutonia Lodge 617 for a consolidation. Teutonia Lodge was founded in 1866, but due to circumstances which has befallen many German American organizations including Masonic Lodges, has made it impossible for Teutonia Lodge to continue operating on it’s own. If the negotiations to consolidate are successful, Copernicus will be the surviving Lodge.
The 125th Anniversary of Copernicus Lodge No. 545 was held on October 25, 1988, at the Floral Park Masonic Temple with the Celebration Dinner being held the following Saturday at the New Hyde Park Inn. It was a festive event with over 300 guests in attendance.
Since the 125th Anniversary, Copernicus Lodge has gone through a few more mergers: on December 1, 1990, the merger with Teutonia Lodge No. 617, founded June 21, 1867, had become finalized; on June 15th, 1999, with Zschokke Lodge, No. 202, which was founded December 7, 1850; and on May 20, 2011, Hermann Lodge No. 268 which was founded on January 21, 1852, was the final merger to date of Copernicus Lodge.
History of Hermann Lodge #268
History of Zschokke Lodge #202
Copernicus Lodge and the District have gone though a few other changes since its 125th Anniversary.
In April of 1994, Copernicus Lodge held its last regular full meeting in German. In its first meeting in May, they opened in German and closed in English, and continued to work in English from then on. To this date, the Lodge still celebrates a Heritage Night every November where the Lodge conducts its opening and closing in German to celebrate the German heritage of Copernicus Lodge.
The Ninth Manhattan District purchased the Whitestone Masonic Temple just prior to our 125th Anniversary. The District did extensive renovations to the temple to make it friendlier for the membership. A basement had to be dug under the building to provide a collation room and a second Lodge room was installed in the temple. In 1998, regrettably, the District sold the 15th Street Temple. Unfortunately, after 100 years, it had become underused and with more Brothers now living out on Long Island, it no longer became a destination of choice.
The largest change to the District came in 2011 with the decision to sell the Dumont Masonic Home. After 125 years the Brothers of the district was dedicated to provide for the care of our aged Brothers, but with the changing of the laws in the healthcare field, it no longer was financially feasible for the Ninth Manhattan District to continue running a nursing home. Although many other nursing homes also changed hands during this time, it still did not make it any easier for the members of the District to admit to the fact we could no longer sustain our Nursing Home. This past summer gave us the final District change before we celebrate our 150th Anniversary; the Whitestone Masonic Temple again was renovated. The first half was done in the summer of 2012 and the rest was completed in the summer of 2013 under the watchful eye of W Peter Unfried of Lessing Lodge, who, at the time, was President of the German Masonic Home Corporation. The stained glass windows from our Tappan Home were installed inside the Lodge room and the outside waiting area. The basement was also renovated to make it a little more friendly to the Brothers of the District. The District owes Brother Unfried great thanks for his hard work in the renovations of the Whitestone Temple.