Duncan Copley Honored, 1938

Masons in Bainbridge Honor Duncan Copley

Chenango County, New York

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 24, 1938

 

Duncan H. Copley was honored last Wednesday evening at the regular communication of Susquehanna Lodge, 167, F.&A.M. with presentation of the 50-year Masonic Service Medal, a distinction few in the state have received.  The presentation was made by R.W. Frank Ackerman, district deputy grand master of the Broome Chenango Masonic district.  Preceding the award, R.W. Hugh C. Collins gave the citation of Mr. Copley's connection with the lodge and also other interesting data of his life in Bainbridge.  Mr. Copley was initiated on March 2, 1887, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft March 16 and raised to the degree of Master Mason on April 25, all in 1887, and, at the time of the award he had completed 50 years, 8 months and 21 days of membership in Susquehanna Lodge.  Outside of lodge activities, Mr. Copley has always been interested in village affairs. In 1881, he became one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank and in December, 1897, was named to the board of directors.  In March, 1912, he was elected vice-president of the Bank, a position he still retains.  Mr. Copley's interest in local school matters brought him the election of membership to the board of trustees in 1909 with which he served for ten years, eight of them as president.  As a churchman, he has been a communicant of St. Peter's Episcopal Church for many years and, with the exception of a short period of residence in Davenport, he has served continuously as vestryman since 1894.  On the night of the presentation, Mr. Copley was accompanied by his two sons, Donald and Leroy, of Norwich, and during the ceremonies he wore the Masonic apron with which he was presented at the time of his initiation.  Nearly all the bank directors were also present on this occasion.  Following this service, a program in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States was given with F.J. Casey, principal, as the principal speaker.  Readings were given by R.W. Hugh E. Collins and W. Harold M. Lord, members of the lodge.  A short address was made by R.W. Kirk Thompson, a past grand officer of the New York State Grand Lodge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 24, 1938]