Bethal Lodge #1284 has been in existence for 76 years (as of 2024)
We give thanks and honor to Benjamin F. Howard, Frank Hunter, and Arthur Riggs who are considered our founders.
Early in 1948, thirty young men from the Lehigh Valley decided to join the thousands of antler herd who comprised the order. They named their lodge, Bethal Lodge #1284 with George Miller serving as the first exalted ruler.
The Charter was issued on December 31, 1948, by Grand Exalted Ruler Finley Wilson. Needing a place to assemble, the brothers met at their first meeting place, a room on the second floor of 318 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem, PA.
Exalted Ruler Miller resigned after six months and Brother William Walton was elected Exalted Ruler.
During the mid-fifties the “brothers” purchased 316 Brodhead Ave. This building remains the home of Bethal Lodge #1284. Brother Walton resigned in the mid-sixties and the following brothers have taken on the task: George Miller, William Walton, Fred Davis, Wilson Walker, Saul Brantley, William Apple, David J. Groves, Walter Penn, John Scipio, William Eggleston, Donald Gunn, John T. Baker, Tyrone Beasley, James Claiborne, Michael O. Young, William Alexander, and current Exalted Ruler, Donald Williams.
With numerous community projects and activities to their credit, Bethal Lodge has hosted the largest attended state parade during the May 1971 State Convention, plus several other conventions over the years. In 1971 the “Social Room” was moved to the first floor for the convention, where it remains today.
It is for us, the living, to be worthy of the great cause and good heritage which these founding father have
bequeathed to us. This is our challenge from them… Keep Elkdom Alive.
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Lehigh Temple #930
Lehigh Temple #930 was organized as a club on June 5, 1949. This club became a subordinate temple of the Grand Temple and auxiliary to Bethal Lodge #1284. This group of women were called Daughter of the
I. B. P. O. E. of W.
Their first location was on Broad & Main Streets in Bethlehem. They later moved to 316 Brodhead Avenue, Bethlehem. Lehigh Temple #930 received its charter on June 5, 1949 under Grand Daughter Ruler, Elizabeth R. Gordon, Grand Exalted Ruler, J. Finley Wilson and Grand Secretary’s Buena V. Kelley and James E. Kelley.
Charter Member Photos (l. to r.) Lavinia Lane Lee, Charlotte Jay, Dorothy Gunn Dominick, Catherine Richardson, Eleanor Penn (not pictured)
First Officers: Martina Peachy, Daughter Ruler; Lavinia Taylor, Vice Daughter Ruler, Lavinia Lane Lee, Assistant Daughter Ruler; Dorothy White, Financial Secretary; Ruth Mayo, Treasurer; Getha Jones, Recorder; Pearl Dennis, Doorkeeper; Florence Dennis, Gatekeeper; Charlotte Jay, Mistress of Sessions; Eddie May Bell, Chaplain; Sue Marr, Organist; Kathryn Richardson, Escort; Trustees: Drucilla Austin, Mary Finney, Grace Smith.
Members: Gertrude Cousins, Annie Groone, Mildred Armstrong, Lillian Taylor, Maria Walton, Carrie Johnston, Thelma Dennis, Mary Robinson, Janet Warner, Cora Benjamin, Eleanor Davis, Adelaide Clark, Dorothy Gunn, Isabelle Anderson, Esther Bragg, Dorothy Johnston, Margaret Brown, Menard Wilson, Rose Sykes, Pearl Green, Dorothy White, Beatrice Perry, Organizer.
There were twenty-four Daughter Rulers to lead us to practice the “Cardinal Principals of Elkdom.” Lehigh Temple #930 has had long term and short term “daughter rulers,” but all have done an outstanding job.
Past Presiding Daughter Rulers: Martina Peachy, Dorothy White, Dorothy Johnson, Lillian Taylor, Mary Davis, JoAnn Johnson, Jackie Brantley, Barbara Taylor, Ruth Avery, Josephine Carter, Lizzy Brandon, Irene Groves, Pauline Grant, Dora Small, Lillie Brown, Adrena Perry, Stella Scipio, Barbara Eggleston, Faye Flynn, Betty Ann Claiborne, Sara Davis, Willette Walker, Cynthia Jackson, Judith Alexander, Estella D. McRae, and current Daughter Ruler, Sarah Davis.
Along with Bethal Lodge #1284 we have hosted mid-year conventions, state conventions and education
department regionals.
The objective of the I. B. P. O. E. of W. is equal opportunity regardless of race, creed or color.
We thank God for keeping us together, lo, these many years. We pray that we have many more years to come.
A special thank you to the late Daughter Ruler, Barbara Eggleston, PGDR, for the history of Lehigh Temple #930.
