DENVER, COLORADO
Harmony Lodge started work under dispensation dated June 20, 1884. Out of respect to Past Grand Master Roger W. Woodbury, the Lodge was named after him. However, after considerable correspondence, he declined this honor and suggested the name “Harmony Lodge.” Twenty-two Master Masons signed the charter and William Tyler was the first candidate to receive all three degrees.
In September of the same year the Grand Lodge granted the charter with the same Brothers serving under the charter that had served under the dispensation, Viz: Brothers Alexander Thompson as Worshipful Master, William Tyler as Senior Warden, and Alameth Coulthurst as Junior Warden.
In December, 1886, the first special communication was called for the purpose of conferring burial rites for Worshipful Master Alexander Thompson.
For the first 25 years this Lodge met in various places. On two occasions it met in Wood Hall; also in the Masonic Temple at 16th & Welton Streets as well as in the Odd Fellows Hall. In 1916, the Lodge voted to organize a Building Association with the idea of building its own Temple. By 1933 there were about $60,000 in the Building Fund. Up to this time the records show that the Lodge had given more than $11 ,000 to national emergencies as well as to the needs of our fellow members and their families.
At the height of the 1st World War we had 65 Brothers in the Armed Services of this country and the record shows that every brother was returned home safely!
The next time we heard from the building committee was in 1938. Lots were purchased and plans presented for the new Temple which was to be located at the corner of West 8th & Delaware Streets. The corner-stone was laid in May with Grand Master Harry L. Baum officiating and with an escort present of about 100 Knights Templar in uniform. On September 2nd of the same year the Temple was completed and dedication services were held with Grand Master Harry L. Baum officiating again and Grand Orator Benjamin C. Hilliard in attendance.
The first meeting in the new Temple was Communication No.7 59. Henry M. Teller Lodge No. 144 and Golden Sheath O.E.S. No. 111 immediately rented our Lodge rooms for their activities. By October, 1941, we were happy to announce that the Temple was free from debt.
Of the many Brothers participating in World War No.2, all returned home safely except one, Brother Elmer M. Dahl who was reported missing in action by the Navy in August, 1946.
For many years the 3-5-7 Club of the Rio Grande Railroad and the “G” Club from Gates Rubber Company have assisted with the work, especially on Third Degrees.
One of the outstanding Lodge events for many years has been the annual meeting and trip to Kokomo to assist in the work with the brothers of Corinthian Lodge 42. Their annual visitations to Harmony Lodge have been greatly appreciated also. No. 61 has enjoyed close associations with Inspiration Lodge No. 143, Henry M. Teller Lodge No. 144, and Joppa Lodge No. 174.
During the first 75 years Harmony Lodge has presented 50-year pins to 16 Brothers.
Membership, 1960 811
