MANITOU SPRINGS. COLORADO
Up to 1886 the thought of organizing a lodge in Manitou Springs had apparently not been present in the minds of the Masons in that area although the town had been in existence for many years. There were 5 Masons present on an election board during an election held on November 5, 1886, who, after discovering this mutual interest, decided to organize a lodge. A dispensation was granted in June, 1887, after a period of intense work on the part of the prospective officers of the lodge.
A charter was granted to the lodge on September 21, 1887. The lodge was named after the town, which had an Indian name meaning the Great Spirit, which was supposed to dwell in the healing waters of the many mineral springs in Manitou.
For many years the lodge home was in the Leddy Building. The corner-stone of the present Temple was laid on August 29, 1953 by M.W. Bro. Olin P. Lee.
Although in early years Manitou Lodge seemed to fall behind other fraternal groups in number of members and rate of growth, it is now the only fraternal order in the town. The lodge is proud of the fact that there always has been at least one of its members on the City Council and the local school board.
From 15 charter members in 1887, the lodge membership has increased to 209 on November 30, 1960.
