Finances
The rocks and shoals upon which many a lodge has been wrecked are its finances. Eureka has been in precarious financial position on several occasion, but has always managed to work its way clear.
In reviewing the early minutes and history, it is apparent that the lodge was in difficulties even at the start. In writing of the first year under the charter, the first historian says "During the administration of Brother Jackson (1856), the Lodge were (sic) financially in bad condition. In fact their exchequer was empty. It was with difficulty they could meet their liabilities, and at one time we find several of the members came forward and loaned the Lodge enough to meet the bill of a brother member which, it would seem had been unduly pressed."
This condition was corrected in due course however, and we find the Lodge able to purchase needed furniture and equipment as well as to renovate and decorate the Masonic Hall. In 1860, more satisfactory quarters were obtained in Tenants Harbor, and considerable money was spent in putting this new hall in suitable condition. In these early days, the fee for the degrees was $20.00, and annual dues 25c per year. Costs were correspondingly low however, and the Lodge prospered to the extent that by 1870, it was loaning out money to its members. Quite apparently banks were not used much in those early days, as the records show that the Treasurer was required "to pay the Lodge 6% interest for all Lodge funds in his possession not required for immediate use."
Dues and fees rose and fell from time to time, dependent largely on economic conditions. In good times, they rose, and payments were made promptly. During periods of depression, particularly in the late 1870's and 1930's, dues were lowered, but even so there were many suspensions for non-payment of dues. Every effort was evidently made to collect delinquent dues, and in many cases they were remitted or the member given additional time to pay. In at least one case, a cord of firewood was accepted in lieu of cash, to be applied to a member's dues owing.
The Lodge finances are of course, directly affected by the number of candidates applying for the degrees. Although Eureka's fees have always been quite low in comparison to lodges elsewhere, a goodly number of candidates has helped the Lodge on a number of occasions.
With the building of the Masonic Hall in 1893, an additional burden was assumed. Although the building cost only $3500.00 to put up, additional costs for light, heat, repairs, furnishings, etc. were to put the treasury under a considerable strain for some time to come. Fees for the degrees remained at $20.00 for many years. Dues were raised to $5.00 in time, and a bank loan was taken out and title vested in the Trustees of the Charity Fund of Eureka Lodge. It was some time before the loan was retired and the Lodge clear of indebtedness.
Probably the greatest financial crisis the Lodge ever faced, occured in the early 1960's, when the condition of the Hall was such that extensive repairs were urgently needed. There was not sufficient money in the treasury and it was again necessary to obtain a bank loan. A $3.00 per year assessment was levied on each member, which was continued through 1973. Although it was inadequate to cover repairs and painting for the Hall, it seems that adversity often brings out the best in us. Apparently for the first time, some serious thought was given to the Lodge finances, and action was taken. Undoubtedly the greatest thing to come out of this crisis, was the now-famous "Second Saturday" public fish chowders held under the auspices of the Eureka Club, formed to conduct fund-raising activities for the Lodge. The first of the suppers was held on June 6, 1968, and netted over $100.00. After being held during the Summer only for some time, they became a regular year-round thing, and have been instrumental in reversing the financial affairs of the Lodge.
Even more satisfying in some respects however, was the outpouring of support from Eureka's members in the hour of need! An appeal for interest-free loans or gifts was made, and the response was outstanding. Donations and loans came in from members and visitors alike. Many sizable contributions were made, some in the hundreds of dollars. Several made loans and later refused to accept repayment. As so often happens, some of the larger contributions came from those least able to afford it.
Naomi Chapter, OES made several substantial contributions and a number of memorial gifts were received from friends of deceased members. Altogether a gratifying response to a need, and one which brought Eureka Lodge from the brink of financial disaster to the current reasonably satisfactory position of solvency.
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