Charles West Clark, the twenty-fifth Master of Broad Ripple Lodge, was born, the son of George and Mary Clark, on August 23, 1885, at Ferryden, Scotland.

His father was an active sea captain and naturally his early life was spent amid the surroundings, adventure, and tradition associated with the sea and those who are dependent upon marine life for a livelihood.

Charles came to the United States at an early age and has resided in our land ever since. His occupation is that of a painter and decorator.

Brother Clark received his Masonic Degrees in Broad Ripple Lodge on the following dates: Entered Apprentice, February 13, 1920; Fellow Craft February 20, 1920; Master Mason, February 27, 1920.

Brother Clark was elected Worshipful Master at the 1927 December Stated meeting and served in that capacity during the following year.

Lodge Events of 1928

As a matter of interest, the Grand Lodge established a museum in the Temple at Illinois and North Streets to house items of historic value.

In February the Lodge was called upon to officially ratify the action of our Trustees who on December 7, 1907, sold property in order to finance the building of the Temple. This matter was accordingly made a matter of legal record.

The monthly calendar had, prior to this time, been listed among the official duties of the secretary and Master. Realizing that this was imposing a hardship on these officers, a calendar committee was instigated to which was delegated the responsibilities incident to the editing of this important organ. This has proved a decided improvement as it has afforded lay members an excellent opportunity of performing valuable service to the Lodge as well as relieving the officers of effort that could be devoted to other important matters.

The by-laws were again needing revision and a committee consisting of Brothers E. P. Throckmorton, Earl P. Clark, and Guido E. Schloot was appointed to handle the details incident thereto. This group functioned with dispatch and soon all revisions were made, the contents brought up to date, approval secured from the Grand Lodge and copies printed for general distribution to the membership.

About mid-year, Kentucky Masonry having failed to meet the standards which the Grand Lodge felt should be maintained, was declared clandestine and our Lodge was instructed to so consider it. The Grand Lodge of Kentucky was later in September restored to good standing and has been thus recognized thereafter.

At the Stated meeting in November, the beautiful custom of presenting each new member with a copy of the Holy Bible was begun. Those who have been raised to the Sublime Degree since that time have appreciated the thoughtfulness of those responsible for the inauguration of this impressive and most appropriate ceremony. Futhermore, each Past Master was presented with the Holy Bible on the night set aside in their honor - Past Masters Night.

As a matter of purely basic business principles and in no way reflecting upon the integrity of these officers, surety bonds for the Secretary and for the Treasurer were secured for $600.00 and $2500.00, respectively, the cost of which was to be carried by the Grand Lodge.

Among the items of equipment purchased and improvements made during the year, were the following: Purchase of two new brazen pillars; redecorating of the Lodge Hall; and installation of new window draperies by the Ladies of the Eastern Star Auxiliary.

The year's activities were sorely saddened by the deaths of three of our Past Masters, namely, Brother Benjamin F. Osborn, our first Past Master, John W. Ferguson and Wm. C. Moffitt.

During the year the following members were raised as Master Masons:

These brothers were admitted by affiliation: