DURANGO. COLORADO
The town of Durango was platted and laid out in the year of 1880. On a day in early spring 1881, Captain William C. Davidson chanced into conversation with two men, Charles M. Hilliker and John C. Miles. It became apparent during this conversation that each was a member of the Craft, whereupon it was agreed that a survey among the male members of the town would be made to determine the number of Masons therein. More than thirty claimed Masonic affiliation.
A few days later an informal meeting was held and a petition, containing eleven names was prepared, and on receipt of a recommendation from San Juan Lodge No. 33 at Silverton, both were dispatched to the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Colorado.
On July 2, 1881 Most Worshipful Grand Master Lawrence N. Greenleaf granted a dispensation to the brethren of Durango to form a regular Lodge under the name of Durango Lodge U. D. The first regular meeting was held July 6, 1881.
The Lodge failed to petition the Grand Lodge for a charter at the 21st Annual Communication, September 20, 1881, but did return the dispensation, recorcIs and bylaws and also paid the Grand Lodge dues. The Grand Lodge Charters Committee report states, “we make no recommendation concerning a charter.” Later in the same session of the Grand Lodge it was moved and passed that “the Grand ,Master be authorized to issue a charter to said Lodge provided a regular petition be received prior to 60 days after above date.”
On November 1, 1881 the petition was received by the Grand Master and the charter granted November 2, 1881. On November 10, 1881 the Lodge was constituted by W. Bro. Charles M. Hilliker who had been appointed by Most Worshipful Brother Robert A. Quillian as Deputy Grand Master for this occasion.
Two brethren of this Lodge have been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Colorado: Most Worshipful Brother Jethro C. Sanford in 1893 and William S. Pickerill in 1913. Charles L. Young served as Grand Lecturer from 1922 to 1950.
Members November 30, 1960 404
