On October 7, 1903, a charter was granted to Doric Lodge No. 30 in Millville by Grand Master Harry J. Guthrie, naming Edward F. Reynolds-Worshipful Master, John W. James-Senior Warden and George L. Barnett-Junior Warden. This was the first lodge to be chartered after a lapse of 27 years. A special communication of the GL of Delaware was held on June 22, 1905, for the purpose of laying the cornerstone and dedicating the Hall of Doric Lodge No. 30, with Rev. JB Quigg delivering the address.
In 1910, K. James Hocker served as Senior Grand Warden, the first of the six members of Doric who were destined to be elected to the office in the Grand Lodge of Delaware. This was during the formative period in the establishment of the George Washington National Memorial in Alexandria, VA.
He was followed by Wm. B. Derrickson who was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1918, another formative period in Masonic history. This marked the establishment of the Masonic Service Association, which has continued to dispense Masonic charity in times of peace as well as war.
In 1943, Urah W. Long, who was to serve as Grand Master two years later, was elected Junior Grand Warden. This year marked the 75th anniversary of the St. John’s Commandery.
The following year, 1944, Urah W. Long was elected Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Delaware. This was to be a memorable year inasmuch as an Occasional Lodge was held on September 19, 1945, for the purpose of making R.R.M. Carpenter a Mason at Sight, which represents the first and only one in the Masonic history of Delaware.
In 1945, Grand Master Long was successful in brining the fruition of “Sussex Cottage”. This was a much-needed addition to our Masonic Home, for it provided a place for the Superintendent and his family and released space for additional guests. Under his guidance and inspiration, the lodges of Sussex County launched a drive, which raise over $10,000 for this purpose. At the Conference of Grand Masters in February, 1946, he and other delegates were invited to a reception and tea hosted in the White House by President Harry S Truman who was also a Past Grand Master of Missouri.
Arthur R. Hudson was elected Senior Grand Warden in 1952, which marked the 200th anniversary of the initiation of Bro. George Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. It was also the year that President and Past Grand Master Truman presented each Grand Lodge with a stone, bearing a Masonic mark, from the White House.
In 1958, Elias H. Tingle was elected Senior Grand Warden, during which time cornerstone ceremonies were conducted for Wesley College’s new dormitory and classroom as well as Milford’s new library. It was also during this period that the newly added lodge room to the Newport Masonic Temple was dedicated.
Finally, in 1975, Hugh A. Stevens was elected Junior Grand Warden. This year marked the bicentennial of our country’s independence as well as the 170th anniversary of the founding of the GL of Delaware, all of which were observed with appropriate celebrations.
Now that Doric Lodge has reached the 75th anniversary of its founding, let us follow the example set by those of the past in assuming the responsibility of projecting our Masonic image into the future.
Compiled by Herbert W. Murray, Worshipful Master in October 16, 1978