HAYDEN, COLORADO
The first meeting of Hayden Valley Lodge U. D. was held on May 18, 1907. The petition granted by Grand Master Arthur E. Jones named:
James E. Downs, Worshipful Master; James M. Whetstone, Senior Warden; John V. Solandt, Junior Warden
The petition submitted for Dispensation contained the names of 14 Master Masons. At the first meeting Worshipful Master Downs made the following appointments:
George H. Kleckner, Treasurer; Byron F. Shelton, Secretary; Manuel M. Burch, Senior Deacon; David L. Sellers, Junior Deacon
While under dispensation seven members were raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge on September 17, 1907, a charter was granted to Hayden Valley Lodge No. 126. On February 10, 1928, the Most Worshipful Grand Master Joseph A. Davis convened the Grand Lodge in special session and duly constituted Hayden Valley Lodge No. 126, installing the same officers who served under dispensation. Seven brethren from Craig, three from Steamboat Springs and two from Meeker were present.
It is interesting to note that thirteen of the original were still living as of December, 1955. Since the charter was granted some 180 members have been given the degrees of Masonry.
The Lodge met in rented halls until 1935 when discussion arose as to the feasibility of building its own Temple. Due to bank failures during the early ’30’s most of its funds were tied up. Finally about 65% of the funds were salvaged and a committee was appointed to proceed with building plans.
It was ascertained that the least possible cost of such a project would be $6,500 to $7,000 when Brother W. W. Sloan proposed to donate two lots in West Hayden for the site of a Masonic Temple. The committee obtained building materials at a bargain and labor was obtained at a cost which the Lodge was able to accept. The committee members and many of the lodge members contributed labor many days and nights. Now the Temple is complete and is occupied by the Lodge.
Members totalled 118 on November 30, 1960
