Friends and Fellows

Richard H. Block

Brother Richard H. Block was a charter member of Columbine and was our first Secretary, having served in that position from 1916 until his death on July 8, 1934. He was born in Austria in 1863.
Brother Block was an enthusiastic Mason and had a first-name acquaintanceship with all the Grand Officers and public officials. Endowed with a keen sense of humor, he always helped to make the meetings more interesting. No one can forget the friendly exchange of quips that were always to be counted on when Brothers Block, Solomon and Rothschild were present. Block was in the hat cleaning and blocking business, and it was inevitable that he became affectionately known as "Blockhead." He could never refrain from carrying his wit and humor into the minutes of the meetings. Here are a few illustrative examples: "Brother B.L.Solomon, the Chaplain, was very conspicuous by his absence." And another: "Past Master Solomon informed us that his vocal organs were very keenly attuned and in splendid working order, and he was given the opportunity to exercise them." And another: "Our loudspeaker, Ed Wittelshofer, made a few remarks."
Columbine will always owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Richard H. Block - a great man and Mason.

Joseph Cohen

Brother Joseph Cohen was born in New York City on December 13, 1870, and was an early pioneed in Colorado. He was Past Master of Doric Lodge No. 25 at Fairplay, Colorado, and resided there until 1917, when he moved to Denver. He affiliated with Columbine on MArch 26, 1917, when our Lodge was still in its infancy, and was active in the work of our Lodge until his death on October 11, 1933.

Morris Cohn

Brother Morris Cohn was born in Marysville, Kansas, on September 10, 1872, and came to Leadville as a young man. He was Past Master of Mt. Pisgah Lodge No. 96 at Cripple Creek, Colorado, and came to Denver in 1919 to engage in the jewelry business, at which time he affiliated with Columbine Lodge with his brother Lou Cohn. He remained active in the work of Columbine Lodge and numerous charitable and philanthropic organizations until his death in 1929 at the age of 56.

David E. Raynor

David E. Raynor was born on July 1, 1889 in Nevadaville, Colorado. He was educated in the grade schools of New York City and Durango, Colorado, and graduated from Durango High School in 1907. He entered the University of Colorado in 1909, but due to a serious illness was unable to complete his B.A. degree. After recovering he entered the University of Colorado Law School and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1914. After practicing law for a short time, he entered military service in World War I. Upon discharge from the United States Army, Brother Raynor became associated with the United Fruit Company and was employed by that company for over thirty years in Guatemala, Central America, in a legal, diplomatic and executive capacity. He married Lena L. Karchmer on August 29, 1929.

Brother Raynor was initiated, passed and raised in Union Lodge No. 1, an English speaking lodge located in Guatemala City and working under the Grand Lodge of Guatemala. He became a chartered member of Harmony Lodge No. 231, located on the north coast of Guatemala, and working under the same jurisdiction. At the time of its organization, Harmony Lodge No. 231, an English speaking lodge, was the only Masonic Lodge in Guatemala which was allowed to work outside the capital of that republic. He served that Lodge as Worshipful Master for three terms of 1936, 1939 and 1946. He represented the Grand Lodge of Colorado before the Grand Lodge of Guatemala from 1941 to 1949. He retired that year, moved to Denver, Colorado and affiliated with Columbine in 1950.

He was a member of Denver Lodge No. 171 B'nai B'rith and B.M.H. Synagogue and was Worthy Patron Golden Rule Chapter No. 115 O.E.S. in 1955. He prepared the original manuscript of the membership portion of the roster published by Columbine in 1955. He was also largely responsible for this work, along with Brother Graham Susman, as they wrote the 45th Anniversary History of Columbine Lodge. He represented the Grand Lodge of Guatemala before the Grand Lodge of Colorado until his death.

Other Members of Columbine

John Starr has been involved with the posting of every candidate for more than four decades (written in 1991).