Nevada Masonic Lodge No. 4

 

History Written by Worshipful Brother Roy F. Weingarten, PM

            What will a man not do for gold? No obstacle is too great, no hardship too severe when there is a reasonable hop that gold may be had for the taking. The streams and hills of Colorado have yielded many fortunes for the hardy adventures who went after them. The search for gold is the story of early Colorado and the story of early Colorado is the story of Masonry in Colorado and Nevada Lodge No. 4.

            Ten years after the golden sands of California called in 1848, another wave of excitement, augmented by the success of California, carried eastward. Gold had been discovered at Pike's Peak and the "Prairie Schooner" with its "Pike's Peak or Bust" slogan came to the Rockies. Men flocked to this part of the country, always in search of gold. They first settled at the junction of Cherry Creek and the Platte River which location was then known merely as the "Pike's Peak Region," or "Cherry Creek", Kansas Territory. This settlement was named Auraria while the settlement on the other side of Cherry Creek was named Denver City. In 1860 the two towns were consolidated under the name Denver City.

            Through the first days of May in 1859, in a bleak and desolate gulch high up in the mountains, a lone and weary prospector slowly worked his way, looking, searching, digging and panning. Then on the 6th day of May, this man, John Gregory by name, found a deposit of the precious metal about forty miles up the mountains to the west.

            As newcomers swelled the population along the rivers and streams of the area, communities sprung up. Eventually, these towns were in such close proximity that they became indiscernible, on from the other. These early towns just happened. They were not laid out by the city planners but by stakes claims and these outcroppings of civilization included such names as Blackhawk, Bates, Bald Mountain, Nevada City, Bobtail, Gregory, Mammoth, Cast, Gunnell, Nevadaville, Central City and Quartz. Over a period of time, these communities evolved into three settlements - Blackhawk, Central City and Nevadaville.

            It should not be inferred that miners were the only ones attracted by a gold discovery. There were five distinct classes of people who rushed to the site of a new strike. First is the prospector or miner who discovers and takes the precious metal from the earth. Second is the merchant who sells his supplies or services fro the miner's "dust" in the legitimate trade. This class also includes the Lawyer, doctor, preacher, builder, freighter, law enforcement official and laborer. The third class is the saloon keeper, who furnishes the "firewater" so often the cause of trouble. Closely allied to the saloon keeper is the fourth class, the gambler, who by his wits and nimble fingers separates the miner from his newly gained wealth. The last is the motley crowd, the thief, the highwayman and the murderer. These are the ones who wait until the miner or merchant who accumulates a "pile" and then go in and take it by force. There is yet a sixth group, small in numbers, which later comes on the scene and which exhibits the attributes of the several other classes from a position of seeming respectability and always within the law, one of this class seeks, through loans, followed by foreclosures of mortgages, to secure possession of property at a small price and sells at a big profit.

            By 1859 these settlements included permanent business, homes, schools and churches. When people are removed from their roots, they tend to seek others with similar roots, and so it was with the Brotherhood of Masonry. Many of these men were Masons away from their hometown, probably for the first time in their lives. What then would be more natural than that they should seek out their Brethren in the new community. Thus the first meeting of Masonic Brethren, in Nevada City, Kansas Territory, is believed to have been held at Ira H. Morton's cabin, in the latter part of 1859. Here several Men let it be known that they were Master Masons and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Kansas to establish a Lodge. After communicating by mail and meeting with the Grand Lodge of Kansas Territory, which took several months, Nevada Lodge received a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Kansas Territory December 22, 1860. George Fairchild, Grand Master, signed the warrant at Atchison, Kansas. Among the petitioners for the warrant were Brothers Andrew Mason, J.W. Guest, W.H. Grafton and others.

            In the early days of 1861 John Milton Chivington, destined to be the first Grand Master of Colorado, arrived as the presiding elder of the Methodist Church. Grand Chaplain of Nebraska at the time, he supposedly brought blank dispensations for Lodges with him. Dispensations from Nebraska resulted in Summit Lodge at Parkville (near Breckenridge) and Rocky Mountain Lodge at Gold Hill (near Boulder).

                   Following the recognition of the "Territory of Colorado" by the federal government in February 1861, sentiment for a local Grand Lodge developed. The three chartered Lodges - Golden City No. 34 of Kansas jurisdiction, Summit Lodge No. 7 and Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 8 of Nebraska jurisdiction - formed the Grand Lodge of Colorado on August 2, 1861. Nevada Lodge holding that the Grand Master of Nebraska, in instituting Lodges in Colorado Territory was an infringement on the Grand Lodge of Kansas refused (upon invitation) to join in the convention for organizing a Grand Lodge.

            The Grand Lodge of Kansas, seemingly unaware of the formation of the new Grand Lodge due to slow communications of the time, issued charter No. 36 to Nevada Lodge U.D. and charter No. 37 to Auraria Lodge U.D. on October 15, 1861. At Colorado's first annual Grand Lodge communication December 10, 1861, Nevada Lodge surrendered its Kansas charter and asked for a Colorado charter which was issued as Nevada Lodge No. 4. The Nevada Lodge Brethren are said to have delayed until this time to satisfy themselves about jurisdictional regularity.

            Grand Master Fairchild appointed Andrew Mason as Worshipful Master, I.H. Morton as Senior Warden and James Dyke as Junior Warden. There were 33 charter members: Andrew Mason, PM; A.L. Miller; J.W. Chiles; J.W. Guest, PM; C.S. Albott; F.D. Darlington; I.J. Peck; John H. Adams; I.H. Morton; James Gibson; W. Pritihech; C.A. Clark; James Dyke; C.H. Morgan; N.H Gaines; D.D. Crum; A.D. Gambell; A.J. Van Deren; William C. Jones; N.H. Boswell; Seymore L Angell; A. Marshall; J.W. Nesmith; G.A. Smith; James Clark; E.W. Henderson; L.M. Chase; J.M. Van Deren; W.L. Sawtell; John Osten, Jr.; I.B. Brunele; and John S. Mason.

            The first meeting of Nevada Lodge U.D. was held January 12, 1861 at which time a committee consisting of James Dyke, A.L. Miller and W.K. Boswell was appointed to draft resolutions for the government of the Lodge. The Lodge held its meetings in the upper room of the building owned by Ira H. Morton and met there continually until the town of Nevada burned in September of 1861. The Lodge held no regular meetings in September and October of that year. In November they began meeting in Central City until the Lodge built a second story Lodge room over the store of L.L. Welch. On February 8, 1862 the Lodge held their regular meeting in their newly purchased Lodge hall which was just west of the Lodge hall currently in use at the present time.

            At the next meeting of Nevada Lodge U.D., held January 26, 1861, the following resolutions were presented and adopted. This Lodge shall be known as Nevada Lodge U.D.A.F. & A.M. The annual communication of this Lodge shall be held on the regular meeting next preceding the festival of St. John the Evangelist. The regular communications of this Lodge shall be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month to-writ from the 20th of Sept. to the 20th of March at 7 o'clock p.m. and from the 20th of March to the 20th of Sept. at 7 1/2 o'clock p.m.

            The first man raised in Nevada Lodge U.D. was J.W. Ratliff on the fourth day of March 1861. The first special communication of Nevada Lodge U.D. was held on the 20th day of April 1861 for the purpose of conferring the 1st and 2nd degree. The first Masonic funeral was conferred upon Brother A.F. Stoddard on July 20, 1861. The Lodge was subsequently presented with a bill in the amount of $30 for his coffin.

            Electricity was introduced into Central City in 1888 and on November 22, 1890 a bill was received from The Gilpin County L.H. Power Co. for $4.40 for wiring the hall and one half months light to November 1.

            Charges were preferred against Brother Azel D. Galbraith on April 9, 1904 and trial was ordered for May 14, 1904 for the murder of his wife and child. A motion was made and carried that the Brethren from Russell constitute a committee to look after the remains of Mrs. Galbraith and son. May 14, 1904 a motion was made and carried to permit visiting Brethren to remain during the trial of Azel Galbraith. Charges as were previously preferred against A.D. Galbraith were read and a ballot ordered. Whereupon by a majority ballot he was duly expelled from all the rights and privileges of the Masonic Fraternity. The accused having admitted his guilt, a motion was made and carried to make the same publicly known.

            The low price of gold and the lack of sufficient water in the town of Nevadaville began to decline appreciably. Requests for assistance were turned down for lack of funds. In 1905 they raised their dues to $4.00 per year in an effort to meet their responsibilities and in 1915 they lowered their dues back to $2.00 per year in an effort not to lose all their members.

            In 1917 a committee was appointed to confer with the county in regard to a reduction in taxes on the building. Also on December 8th at the annual meeting all Officers simply retained their stations and places. In 1921 only four meetings were held for the entire year and there was no election or Installation of Officers. Again in 1923 there was no election or Installation of Officers, all Officers simply remained in their same stations. The Lodge barely existed during the 1920's, 30's and 40's, after which Masons from Denver started to join the Lodge.

            One highlight for Masonry in Gilpin County on June 17, 1933 a dedication ceremony was held by the Grand Lodge for a monument placed on the site where the first Masonic building was erected at Mountain City. This site is located where the road forks going into Central City. Nevada Lodge No. 4, Central Lodge No. 6 and Blackhawk Lodge No. 11 hold an annual pilgrimage to the monument which began in 1942 with Most Worshipful Brother Benjamin C. Hilliard, Grand Master of Masons in Colorado, together with Grand Lodge Officers from Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and California. This pilgrimage is still held annually in July, at the time of this writing (2002), after the ceremony at the monument at Mountain City, lunch is served in Nevadaville. They then join with the Boulder Lodges for the tour to the monuments at Ward and Gold Hill, then on to Halls Ranch in Lyons for a barbecue dinner and open air meeting.

            During the lean years of the 20's, 30's and 40's there was continued problems with vandalism and on October 10, 1936 when they arrived at the Lodge building, they found it had been broken into again and the Tiler's sword, jewels, globes on the pedestals and many other articles were missing. In June of 1937 it was moved, seconded and carried that the windows be boarded up. From June 1937 to March 8, 1941 seven meetings were held. It was at that time they moved, seconded and was carried that the electricity be shut off and arrangements be made with Central Lodge No. 6 to meet in Central City. On July 18, 1942 they met in Central City for the first time after closing the Temple in Nevadaville. A motion was made, seconded and carried, on January 19, 1949 that the Lodge hold one more meeting in the old building in Nevadaville. No date was designated and no further evidence was recorded that they held another meeting in Nevadaville.

            April 22, 1950 Brother William Russell, Jr. stated that Mt. Sky Holman of Central City had made an offer to purchase the building in Nevadaville for $1,000. The matter was thoroughly discussed and a motion was made, seconded and carried that the Trustees be authorized to make the deal with Mr. Holman, nothing but the building to be conveyed. All furniture, including the stone on the front of the building is to remain property of the Lodge. Because of the price and the removal of the stone on the front of the building, the deal fell through and the building was not sold. Later in the same year another discussion was had on the possibility of rehabilitating the building in Nevadaville and again no action was taken.

            The Lodge gave the Worshipful Master, Arthur Mayham, a vote of thanks for donating a triangle and railroad spike for use in the conferral of the third degree to designate low twelve in the second section. This triangle is still being used in the Lodge, at the present time, in the second section of the third degree.

            All during the 1950's many discussions was had on the possibility of rehabilitating the Temple in Nevadaville. At the regular meeting held on January 23, 1965, a debate on the Lodge hall in Nevadaville ensued and after lengthy discussion, a committee was appointed to explore the possibility of having a meeting in Nevadaville for the purpose of raising funds to preserve the building. March 13th the committee reported that Grand Master John Wesch and Grand Secretary Harry Bundy would visit the building in Nevadaville to approve the possibility of having a meeting in Nevadaville. Approval for the meeting was given, clean up and preparations began. On June 19, 1965 the first annual ghost town meeting was held with 14 members and 80 visitors. The largest attendance at a ghost town meeting was on June 15, 1968 when the Masters Club of Denver Area Masonic Officers Association conferred the Master Mason degree. There were 160 Brothers in attendance at this meeting with 20 sitting Masters, 35 Colorado Lodges and 13 out of State Lodges represented. Preservation progressed so well that restoration began and is currently still in progress (as of 2002). The annual ghost town meeting is currently being held on the first Saturday of June each year.

            On April 22, 1972 it was reported that plans for Henry Ress night was finalized. Brother Ress was Master of Nevada Lodge No. 4 in 1938 and 1944 and served as Secretary for twenty-five years. Brother Henry was probably the man and Mason most responsible for the continued existence of the Lodge during the lean years after gold mining diminished, during and after the Depression and until after World War II when Masonry again began to increase. It was reported on that same night that Brother Henry suffered a stroke, and on April 26th Brother Henry was buried on the 50th Anniversary of his Masonic career.

            The first heating system to be installed in the Temple after the restoration began was in May of 1973. In March of 1974 Brother Weingarten announced that 150 folding chairs were purchased from El Jebel Shrine at $1.00 each for use at Nevadaville  and also several ten foot tables donated by the Shrine. Also, a piano was donated by Westminster Lodge No. 176. The pressure and storage system for the water supply was installed in April of 1975. All water that is used in the building has to be hauled in and renovations have been made several times on the storage capacity. Prior to installing the pressure system, a gravity system was used from fifty gallon barrel on a truck behind the building.

            Brother Walt Harris installed the steel beam in the dinning room on April 9, 1977 with the assistance of many of the men that he worked with in the steel business. This was the beginning of plans to replace the floor and install a fireplace in the dinning room in an effort to hold a centennial celebration  for the building. A centennial celebration was held on October 6, 1979 with a dinner dance at $25 a couple. A duplicate dinner ticket, from the dedication of the Temple in 1879, was given to each person that attended the centennial dinner dance celebration.

            The metal ceiling in the Lodge room is not original and was installed in 1985. The wallpaper in the Lodge room is original and some touch up work was done to repair the bullet holes on the North wall. The kitchen was enlarged and a commercial stove and hood, donated by Denver Chapter No. 2 Royal Arch Masons, was installed in the year 1990.

            Nevada Lodge now meets on a regular basis in the Temple in Nevadaville on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. The Lodge is dark January, February and March. The annual ghost town meeting, breakfast and the Gold Country Actual Past Master Association are the main fundraisers.

For More Information on Nevada Lodge No. 4:

• Email them at info@nevadamasoniclodge4.org.
• Visit their website at nevadamasoniclodge4.org.
• Call them at (830) 240-2442.

Sources:

~ Written history was by WB Roy F. Weingarten, PM. Only changes made to text were grammatical corrections. Some parts of WB Weingarten's history were not included such as excerpts from minutes, resolutions, etc. If interested in reading his entire written history, go to nevadamasoniclodge4.org/about.

~ Pictures of Lodge building and Lodge room were obtained from Google Images.

Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge U.D.

 

Written by Worshipful Brother JR Knight, Past Master

                    Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge U.D. has been a part of the Southern California area since June 28, 2021.

                    The Lodge was founded in 2021 by members of The Invisible Lodge International, which is a "Lodge" of Magical Master Masons that formed in 1953 and includes members from many countries around the world. The founders of the YOC&B Lodge are brothers Randall Brill, Ralph C. Shelton II, William Royce Knight, Robert Pepple, David Benitez, Jonathan Dilley, Jon Gary Rick, Charles Cisneros, Floyd Orr, Adam Hanin, Alexander Rafferty, William Anthony Knight, David Alvarado, Timothy Hammond, Robert Peterson and Frank Banman. The Lodge was formed "to unite California Masonic Magicians" and provide a gathering place for its members to promote personal growth while improving the lives of others. The first Worshipful Master of Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge U.D. was William Royce Knight.

                    Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge combines the oldest and largest fraternal organization with one of the world's oldest forms of entertainment. We are dedicated to the promotion and improvement  of the art of magic. We take responsibility for the well-being of our brothers, our families and the community as a whole. We value respect, kindness, tolerance, and our differences - religious, ethnic, cultural, generational and educational, and strive for harmony in our individual lives, in our Lodge, and in the global community.

                    YOC&B Lodge is a traveling Lodge that meets quarterly in various locations around Southern California. We meet on the first Saturday of February, May, August and November. We held our Chartering Ceremony on Halloween evening, October 31, 2022. We will also be holding a joint celebration with The Invisible Lodge International to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Brother Erich "Harry Houdini" Weiss becoming a Mason, the 70th Anniversary of The Invisible Lodge International and the Chartering of Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge. This event will be on Sunday July 16, 2023 beginning at 5 pm through Monday July 17, 2023 at 2 am.

                    As a Lodge, we strive to be active in the magic community. We have various charitable and educational events throughout the year, as well as social occasions. Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that each man has the responsibility to make the world a better place. For over 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity and the search for truth - within ourselves and the larger world.

                    Some famous, and historic, Masonic Magicians include: Brothers Erich "Harry Houdini" Weiss, Alexander Hermann, Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, August Harry "Dante" Jansen, Henri "Harry Blackstone, Sr." Bouton, Lee Grabel, William Ellsworth "Chung Ling Soo" Robinson, Thomas Nelson Downs, Raymond Stanley "TAMPA" Sugden, Richard Potter, John Henry Anderson, Frederick Eugene Powell, David Leendert Bamberg, Tobias (Theo) "Okito" Bamberg, David Tobias "Fu Manchu" Bamberg, Charles Joseph "Carter the Great" Carter, Maurice "The Great Raymond" Raymond, Felicien-Francois Trevey, Brewerton "Sir Felix Korim" Clarke, Elbern Madren "John" Calvert, Billy McComb, Dr. Zina Bennett, Bert Douglas, Peter Reveen, Sid Radner, Meyer "Carl Ballantine" Kessler, J.B. Bobo, Herb Zarrow, Jack Gwynne and Buster Keaton.

For More Information about Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge U.D.:

~ Email us at yocblodge@gmail.com.

~ Please visit us online at cupandball.freemason.org.

~ Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069907332903.

~ For more information about Freemasonry in California, visit freemason.org.

Magically and Fraternally,

JR Knight, PM

Websites of Interest:

Ye Olde Cup & Ball Lodge U.D. - www.cupandball.freemason.org

The Invisible Lodge International - www.theinvisiblelodge.org

S.W. Hackett Lodge #574 - www.swhackett574.sandiegofreemason.com

"Freemasonry within a temple of stone
cannot be other than speculative,
but Freemasonry within the
living temple of the body is operative."

~ Manly P. Hall

Sources:

1. Information was written and sent to Perry Lodge No. 185 by Worshipful Brother JR Knight, PM for use in this blog.

2. Images are from www.cupandball.freemason.com.

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.

Alamo Lodge No. 44

 

Alamo Lodge #44 is the first and oldest Masonic Lodge in the City of San Antonio (Bexar County) and has a rich and unique history due to having been founded in the the historic Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The lodge was granted a charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas on January 15, 1848 and is now honored by a plaque on the south wall of the Alamo’s Long Barrack.

In the 1840’s, troops returning from the Mexican War leased the Alamo to be used by the Quartermaster Corps for storing and shipping army supplies.  The quartermaster was Major James Harvey Ralston, who had served in both houses of the Illinois legislature with both Lincoln and Douglas.  Ralston was a mason as were many of the army officers and some local citizens.  Those masons, with Major Ralston as the prime organizer, formed Alamo Masonic Lodge. The lodge room was on the second floor of the Nun’s quarters also referred to as the long barracks.

The Quartermaster Corp put the first roof on the Alamo Chapel and contracted with Joseph Kampmann, a German immigrant and builder, to rebuild the upper portion of the Alamo façade, which had been toppled by General Cos when he fortified the Alamo before being run out of town by Benjamin Milam, a brother mason, and his 300 volunteers in 1835.  Joseph Kampmann later became a member of Alamo Lodge and he and his wife are buried in the Alamo Lodge cemetery.

In 1899 Clara Driscoll began her drive to save the Alamo and its grounds from being sold to a hotel company.  Ms. Driscoll and the other members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas raised some of the money needed to save the Alamo, the rest of which Ms. Driscoll provided from her own funds and  by signing promissary notes.  A portrait of Clara Driscoll hangs in the Senate Chambers of the capitol in Austin along with that of Sam Houston.  Her portrait is titled “Savior of the Alamo”.  Clara Driscoll is buried in the Alamo Lodge cemetery in San Antonio.

Two past masters of Alamo Lodge #44 have served as Grand Masters of Texas: James H. McLeary (1881), and A. W. Houston (1914). Famous Masons at the Alamo include James B. Bonham, James Bowie, David Crockett, Almeron Dickinson, and William B. Travis.

Masons continued to play a significant leadership role in the Republic of Texas. According to The New Handbook of Texas: “Although constituting only about 1% of the population [of Texas], Masons filled some 80% of the republic’s higher offices. All of the presidents, vice presidents, and secretaries of state were Masons.”

Source:

Alamo Lodge No. 44, alamolodge44.org/home/

Federal Lodge No. 1

 

Federal Lodge No. 1, of the District of Columbia was chartered September 12, 1793, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, as Federal Lodge #15. The brethren who secured the charter were employed in the construction of the Capitol Building and desired to be present Masonically with their own Lodge at the ceremonies incident to the laying of the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. Brother Clot Worthy Stephenson, as representative of the nine brethren, journeyed to the Grand Lodge of Maryland which met at Easton, Maryland, on September 12, 1793, with a petition to form a Lodge in the nation’s capital. A charter was issued designating James M. Hoban, Worshipful Master; Clot Worthy Stephenson, Senior Warden; and Andrew Eastave, Junior Warden. The first meeting was held on Sunday, September 15, 1793, in a dwelling of one of the members south of the Capitol grounds on the site of the present U.S. House of Representatives Offices Buildings.

The first Master, Captain James M. Hoban, a native of Ireland, came to the District of Columbia in June of 1792 from Charleston, South Carolina, at the request of President George Washington, to design and construct the Executive Mansion. The construction of the Capitol was soon afterwards transferred to his charge. On October 13, 1792 James Hoban, architect and Collen Williamson, Master Mason, with members of Lodge No.9 of George town, were present at the laying of the cornerstone of the White House and their names appear on a brass plaid laid under the stone.

The first public appearance of Federal Lodge was Wednesday, September 18, 1793, at the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. On that historic date Brother Joseph T. Clark of Annapolis, MD; Right Worshipful Grand Master, pro tem of MD; Worshipful Master James M. Hoban and members of Federal Lodge #15, received President Washington, Officers and Members of Lodge #9 of Georgetown and retired to a temporary lodge room prepared by Worshipful Master Hoban, where Right Worshipful Brother Clark, Grand Master pro tem, opened the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and from thence, proceeded in parade formation to the site of the Capitol Building and laid the original cornerstone. Brother Clot Worthy Stephenson, first Senior Warden of Federal Lodge, was the Grand Marshal of that parade.

In December, 1794, the Lodge had 14 members whose names are entered on the Grand Lodge records for perpetuation. The Lodge moved from Capitol Hill to “the little hotel” on the north side of F St. NW above 14th street in 1796.

In 1798, Alexander McCormick subsequently one of the great lights of local Freemasonry, became Master of the Lodge and by strict laws and surer revenue sought to arrest its decay. In 1799 the Lodge had 16 members but Hoban and all other charter members were gone from the rolls.

Upon invitation of Alexandria Lodge, Federal Lodge attended the funeral of Brother George Washington on Wednesday, December 18, 1799. Brother Alexander McCormick, then Worshipful Master of Federal Lodge, was one of the bearers of the “lesser lights” and the unconsumed portion of the candle he carried was inscribed and preserved by him and is now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. The Great Light used by the Lodge at this funeral is still in possession of Federal Lodge. Its historic value was greatly enhanced when it was used at the formation of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Under the leadership of Past Master McCormick and Brother Charles Glover, Secretary of Federal Lodge, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was formed. These brethren arranged for a convention to be held on December 11, 1810, of the six Lodges in what was then the District of Columbia. (Federal, Columbia, Naval Lodge of Washington, Potomac Lodge of Georgetown, Brooke-Lodge and Alexandria-Washington Lodge of Alexandria) All of the lodges were represented except Alexandria-Washington Lodge in which a majority had voted to adhere to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The minutes of Federal Lodge contain a letter from Alexandria-Washington Lodge setting forth the reasons they did not wish to participate in the formation of the new Grand Lodge. The organization of the Grand Lodge was completed on February 19, 1811, but Federal Lodge continued to work under its Maryland charter until the monthly meeting in May when Worshipful Master Nicholas L. Queen, declared Federal Lodge No. 15 of Maryland “closed without day” and ceremoniously instituted Federal Lodge as “number one” of the new Grand Lodge jurisdiction.

The large proportion of the Freemasons among the British army and Navy officers of all grades, engaged in the capture of Washington in 1814 enabled the Grand lodge and Lodge officers to enter into fraternal relations with them during the brief occupation of the city, whereby private property and interests were respected to a degree unknown in the history of warfare.

On September 19, 1826, Federal Lodge joined in “the finest Masonic procession yet seen,” from St. John’s church to the southwest corner of John Marshall Place and D St for the laying of the cornerstone of Central Masonic Hall.

On January 4, 1830, Brother Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, Brother John H. Eaton, Secretary of War, and Brother William T. Barry, Postmaster General, were elected honorary members. In 1831, the lodge moved from the union lodge room to the Central, Masonic Hall.

In 1848, the noted Cherokee Chief, William P. Ross, received the degrees in the Lodge and at a subsequent lodge meeting a feud among headmen of the Cherokee Nation was healed in the lodge room. On July 4, 1848, nearly 50 members of the Lodge paraded at the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument. On November 9, 1848, the Lodge obtained a charter from the Grand Lodge for some members who were migrating to the new El Dorado in California. The new lodge, chartered as California Lodge No. 13, still survives at San Francisco as California Lodge No. 1.

In 1849 the Lodge for the first time called off meetings during the hot weather and in 1850 regular meetings were increased from one to two a month.

Federal Lodge sponsored the petition of Washington Centennial Lodge No. 14 in 1852 and the petition of Benjamin B. French No. 15 in 1853.

In 1854 the Lodge moved to the new Masonic Headquarters at the southwest corner of 9th and D St NW.

The fortunes of the Lodge declined as a result of the Civil War in 1861 but by 1863 the strength of the Lodge was restored by accessions from the Union Army and by brethren and applicants from the North. After the end of the Civil War the lodge moved to the new Masonic Temple at 9th and F St. NW and joined in the fitting and furnishings of the larger of the two lodge rooms. The Lodge paraded at the dedication of the Washington Monument in 1885.

On September 11, 1893, at a cost of over $1,000.00 to its members, the Lodge carried on a two-day celebration of its one hundredth birthday, which yet remains one of the great events in the local history of Freemasonry.

In 1898 the lodge won an elegant set of jewels for securing the greatest amount of funds for the new Temple at 13th and New York Avenue. Upon the adoption of a resolution proposed by Past Grand Master Donaldson the priceless original Lodge jewels were presented to King David Lodge No. 28 of Brookland.

Upon invitations by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, on December 14, 1899 the Lodge attended the solemn commemoration at Mount Vernon of the One-Hundredth anniversary of the Masonic burial of George Washington.

In 1899 Federal Lodge came into possession of $20,000 under terms of the will of Past Master Anthony Buchly who had died in 1884. Past Master Buchly who was a shrewd and kindly man also bequeathed $15,500 to the St. John’s Mite Association. The Buchly Charity fund of the Lodge now amounts to over $100,000 in principal. The income from this fund is available for charitable purposes.

On Tuesday, November 12, 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt appeared in Federal Lodge to accept honorary membership in the Lodge.

After cooperating for many years in collection of funds for a new Masonic Temple, Federal Lodge had its Grand Visitation in the new Masonic Temple at 13th and New York Avenue on October 13, 1908.

On September 17, 1932, historic Old Federal participated in the colorful Masonic parade and re-enacting of the laying of the cornerstone of the US Capitol in colonial costumes.

The one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge was commemorated with an elaborate banquet and much ceremony on September 11th, 1947, during the year of Worshipful Master W.J. Chisolm, the Lodge honored the five Lodges which it had sponsored (California Lodge #1, Columbia No. 3, Lebanon No. 7, Washington Centennial No. 14, and Benjamin B. French No. 15) by a special meeting held at the Scottish Rite Temple.

In addition to the prominent persons named before who have taken an active part in the affairs of the lodge, Daniel C. Roper, who served as Secretary of Commerce under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, affiliated with Federal Lodge. Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, the polar explorer, and J. Edgar Hoover, of the FBI, received their Masonic Degrees in Federal Lodge, Former Senator Capehart of Indiana, Former Senator Truman of Missouri, and Former Representative Sol Bloom of New York.

In January 2010, Federal Lodge moved locations once again, returning to downtown Washington D.C. where it currently holds its meetings. Today, the Lodge is a quickly growing and an active organization that truly plays a dynamic role in the life of DC Freemasonry.

Sources:

Federal Lodge No. 1, www.federallodge.org/

Golden Rule Lodge No. 5 and The International Peace Garden

 GOLDEN RULE LODGE NO. 5

Golden Rule Lodge is steeped in history and tradition. One of the oldest Masonic lodges in Quebec, it traces its roots back to 1803, when Lively Stone Lodge was founded in Derby Line, Vermont. That lodge, composed of Masons from both sides of the border, met in a building situated half in Canada and half in the United States.

During the War of 1812, the Canadian members of Lively Stone formed a new lodge in Stanstead, on the Canadian side of the border. Golden Rule Lodge, as it was called, received its first charter from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. In 1856, the lodge received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Canada; in 1869, yet another charter was granted, this time from the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

Golden Rule Lodge has occupied the same hall for over a century and a half. That hall, financed and built by Masons from both sides of the border, is the oldest functioning lodge building in Quebec. Situated on Dufferin Street in Stanstead, it was built in the Classical Revival style in 1860. Bearing a strong resemblance to a Greek temple, with pilasters, cornices and a pediment suggestive of the architecture of antiquity, the lodge is considered one of the architectural gems of Stanstead. It has undergone little alteration, and in 2009, was designated a heritage site by the Town of Stanstead.

The lodge’s interior is a testament to living history. The walls on the first floor are covered with photographs of early pioneers and leading citizens from both sides of the border. The more formal second floor is decorated with allegorical paintings pertaining to the teachings of Freemasonry.G

Golden Rule claims another distinction: it is the only lodge in Quebec permitted to hold an outdoor “communication.” Thanks to an 1857 dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Canada, Golden Rule holds an annual gathering atop the 2,425-foot (739-metre) summit of Owl’s Head Mountain, overlooking Lake Memphremagog.

In the over 150 years since this meeting was first held in the open-air lodge room (actually a natural cleft in the rock) at the summit, it has become one of the most popular events on Quebec’s Masonic calendar. It attracts members of the fraternity from around the province, and from elsewhere in Canada, the United States, and further afield. The event, which usually includes the “raising” of a new Master Mason, is a much-anticipated occasion for fraternal exchange.

The ceremony, which takes place, rain or shine, each June, is a tradition of which Golden Rule Lodge is extremely proud. An unusual part of that tradition, and one that dates back beyond the memory of any living member, is that, as part of his raising, the candidate is required to climb Owl’s Head bearing a heavy backpack made of wicker and wood.

Referred to affectionately by members of Golden Rule as “the basket,” the backpack is well and truly loaded before its journey to the summit. Typically, it will contain ropes, a Bible, assorted Masonic tools and regalia, and the flags of Canada, the United States, and Quebec. When fully loaded, it will weigh about 60 pounds (27 kilos). The candidate must bear this burden alone as he struggles to the top of Owl’s Head. Once there, the formal and ancient ceremony of raising a Master Mason will begin.

American Union Lodge No. 1

The American Union Lodge No. 1 Free & Accepted Masons was organized in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on February 10, 1776, by Connecticut soldiers in the Continental Army. It met when and where it could during the Revolutionary War. By tradition, the lodge's name and seal were suggested by Benjamin Franklin and the seal was engraved by Paul Revere. Many of the lodge members settled in the Marietta, Ohio area following the war. On June 28, 1790, the lodge was reorganized in Campus Martius under its original warrant held by Past Master Capt. Jonathan Heart, commandant of Fort Harmer.

Several notable figures have visited and been members of the Lodge, but perhaps the most familiar in the history of Ohio Freemasonry would be Rufus Putnam, the first elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Today he is remembered annually through the Rufus Putnam Award, given to individuals for distinguished service beneficial to mankind, eminent leadership or achievement in the service of Freemasonry.

Today there are 253 Master Masons belonging to American Union Lodge No. 1, with their membership spanning from a dynamic age of 20 to the experienced age of 94. Annually, they host a degree at Masonic Park.

Sources:

The Ohio Beacon: American Union Lodge No. 1, theohiobeacon.com/news/american-union-lodge-no-1/

Ohio History Connection, www.ohiohistory.org