Roof of the World Lodge No. 1094

 

This 1914 photograph shows members from Roof the World Lodge No. 1094 at the summit of Mt. Meiggs in Peru.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland chartered the Roof of the World Lodge in Cerro de Pasco, Peru in 1911. Considered the highest Masonic lodge in the world, the group met at an altitude of 14,208 feet above sea level. American executives and engineers employed by various mines and construction camps in Peru made up much of the membership. In 1914 the Lodge requested a special dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland permitting them to hold a regular lodge meeting at the summit of Mt. Meiggs in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of about 17,575 feet. The dispensation was granted and on August 29, 1914 twenty-six Master Masons held, according to some, the highest regular meeting of its kind in the history of Freemasonry. The photo above commemorates that 1914 meeting.

Because of its geographical location, Roof of the World Lodge has always contained a membership of unique diversity. During World War I this led to frequent embarrassment in the matter of attendance. For instance, the following notation is included in the minutes of January 5, 1918:

"The Secretary read a letter from the Grand Lodge concerning the admission of Brethren of alien birth to meetings: also a certificate on behalf of Grand Committee giving power to this lodge to admit to meetings...." certain named Brethren.

 Almost from the beginning there has been repeated agitation for a transfer of jurisdiction. To this end, communications were addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and the subject was discussed at regular Communications time and again over a period of years. Finally on September 6, 1919, it was

"...unanimously voted to petition the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Massachusetts to take such necessary steps whereby our present charter under the Grand Lodge of Scotland may be cancelled and a new charter be granted us under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of of the State of Massachusetts."

 The petition was prepared accordingly. In the end, however, the project was dismissed in view of the considerable expense which would have been involved in the purchase of new aprons, jewels, rituals and other necessary regalia.

In 1929 the lodge was moved from Cerro de Pasco to La Oroya, where a suitable hall for the purpose had been built in the Inca Club. The last meeting in Cerro de Pasco and the first in La Oroya were both held on April 6, 1929. The meetings have since been held in La Oroya at an altitude of 12,270 feet.

The widespread depression of the early 30's was felt in Peru. The lodge was called repeatedly for financial aid for needy Brethren and their families. At the meeting of May 17, 1932, consideration was given to the matter of back dues. There were many members who were in arrears for two to five years, and some even longer. Several months later, because of the fluctuating value of the Peruvian Sol, was decided that, henceforth, all dues were to be paid in the United Stated currency, except those who were unable to obtain U.S. currency.

In harmony with the rules of the Scottish jurisdiction, Roof of the World Lodge does not drop members for non-payment of dues. Though nothing is heard from members for years, and though his whereabouts may be unknown, his name stays on the membership roster. If he wanted to be restored to active membership, this could be done by him paying his dues from the previous three years. Life membership can be obtained for a certain fee for those who no longer live in Peru. Of the current membership, approximately fifty are life members.

The Mark Master Degree was conferred from time to time. The minutes speak of one meeting when the degree was conferred on four Brethren, two of whom were members of Roof of the World Lodge. That night there were present visiting officers and Brethren from sister lodges near the coast.

The financial outlook was now much brighter and the minutes report:

"The Right Worshipful Master suggested that having a Scotchman as Treasurer might be one of the principal reasons for the success financially."

A Special Communication was held on December 17, 1937 for the purpose of assisting a number of Peruvian Masons in forming a new lodge in La Oroya named Andina Lodge No. 27 chartered under the Grand Lodge of Peru. The Grand Master Diez Canseco of Peru, who later became President of the Senate, was in attendance for the occasion. Andina Lodge was dedicated in 1939 and since then the two lodges have cooperated together closely in various social and fraternal activities.

Great enthusiasm and activity became evident in 1947 with frequent meetings and constant reception of new Brothers. Social events, which had been neglected due to World War II, had taken on a new excited interest. A picnic and potluck were held on Sunday May 18th. A special train ran from Malpaso for the occasion and approximately two hundred people were present.

Stated Meetings are held third Tuesday of every month, and special meetings as occasion may require.