FAIRPLAY, COLORADO
In January 1874, Grand Master Webster D. Anthony granted a dispensation to a group of 24 Master Masons with James V. Dexter as W.M., Abraham Bergh as S.W., and J. W. Chapel, J.W. Arthur Edgar Jones was the first candidate to receive the three degrees.
On Sept. 30, 1874, the Lodge received its charter. First officers were Abraham Bergh as W.M., J. Marshall Paul as S.W., and C. G. Hathaway as J.W. The name of Brother Arthur Edgar Jones appears again as he was appointed a Steward.
Brother Abraham Bergh served this Lodge as Worshipful Master on five different occasions and passed away during his fifth term.
For many years the Lodge met in the Odd Fellows Hall. In 1882 the Odd Fellows loaned No. 25 enough money to make the down payment on the new Temple. which the Lodge still owns.
The minutes show that No. 25 sent $25 to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for the benefit of fever stricken Brothers in that State and that in Aug. 1881 several brethren of this Lodge assisted in organizing a Masonic Lodge at Breckenridge. The minutes of the October 7, 1892 state that any member reaching the age of 60 shall be exempt from payment of dues. The records further show that Brother John Z. Walker was elected Master on 7 different occasions and that Brother J. W. Sykes, secretary, served for 17 consecutive years.
The regular meeting which was held August 7, 1907 was a memorable one. Brother Arthur Edgar Jones, Grand Master, visited his own Lodge where he was made a Mason more than 33 years before. During the 50th anniversary held on Sept. 3, 1924, he was the only living charter member in attendance. On May 16, 1945, M.W. Bro. Jones passed away after having been a Master Mason for 70 years!
In 1932 Congressman Edward T. Taylor presented No. 25 with a picture of George Washington which still graces the wall of the Lodge. Many familiar names are to be found in the Guest Book, among which are William M. Nelson, W. W. Cooper, Frank D. Allen, C. R. Young, Judge Luxford, C. M. Vaile, Hazlett P. Burke.
The present financial condition is good. During the 75th anniversary of this Lodge it was reported that more than 1,800 different meetings had been held as of September 30th, 1949. Membership, 1960: 113.
