BUENA VISTA, COLORADO
In the fall of 1881 several prominent men of Buena Vista and the immediate area began to talk in separate groups of two or more about organizing a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Buena Vista. A tentative survey was made by interested persons and it was determined that there were at least twenty-one Master Masons from Grand Jurisdictions extending from Maine and Vermont to Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Louisiana, Wyoming and Colorado. An informal meeting was called for the evening of October 7, 1881 at the Odd Fellows Hall to discuss the idea. All twenty-one persons present were in unanimous agreement to organize. The first order of business was to appoint a committee to solicit money from each person to purchase furnishings and a second committee to arrange for a meeting place. The meeting was then adjourned to October 12, 1881.
At the meeting of October 12th, it was reported $25.00 had been subscribed and the Odd Fellows had agreed to lease their hall for Masonic use. It was then moved to petition the Grand Lodge of Colorado A. F. & A. M. for dispensation, to be known as Buena Lodge. October 15, 1881 another meeting was held and it was decided to petition for dispensation as Mount Princeton U.D. with J. E. Cole as Worshipful Master; P. J. Coston, Senior Warden; A. H. Wade, Junior Warden; A. G. Watson, Treasurer; H. W. Cole, Secretary; Thomas Campbell, Senior Deacon; G. S. Wood, Junior Deacon; W. B. Mason, Senior Steward; M. J. Marks, Junior Steward; and Samuel Wade, Tiler.
Fred A. Walters received the first degree on 1882, M.W. Bro. Frank Church, Grand Master Mount Princeton Lodge No. 49, A.F. & A.M., February 16, 1882. September 20, of Colorado, granted a charter to Buena Vista, Colorado.
Mount Princeton, while in its infancy, managed to struggle through many trying sessions. Mining was in a depressing situation. There were many suspensions for non-payment of dues and benevolent cases were a burden to the Lodge. Considerable effort was expended to have enough members present to hold a regular communication. Year on year the annual report of the Treasurer reported less than One Hundred dollars in the Treasury.
During the early 1900’s, through World War I, Mount Princeton continued to have diffIcult years and this was much the same pattern through the 1920’s and 1930’s. It is to be noted during the 1940’s a noticeable growth was made in membership as well as the financial condition. January 25, 1945 permission was granted by the Grand Master for Mount Princeton Lodge No. 49 to purchase the Lodge building. The lodge became debt free on February 14, 1952, following payment for extensive remodeling of the lodge quarters after the purchase.
Presently Mount Princeton Lodge No. 49 is enjoying fInancial stability, high percentage of attendance, proficient ritualistic work and traditional Masonic fellowship.
Membership November 30, 1960 104
