LAKEWOOD, COLORADO
In early 1945 because of a growing and flourishing community west of the city limits of Denver known as Lakewood, a group of Masons gathered together to discuss the needs of a Masonic Lodge. Meetings were held at homes, offices, schools until organization.
In April, 1946, Most Worshipful Brother Frank D. Allen, Grand Master of Masons of Colorado granted a dispensation to work. In the same month the first meeting U. D. was held over what was then the Jefferson County Bank at 7314 West Colfax. At this meeting the Grand Lodge Officers present were Right Worshipful Brother Grover C. Olinger, Right Worshipful Brother Tom Vardie, Right Worshipful Brother Harry W. Bundy, Worshipful Brother Edwin J. Wittelshoffer, and Worshipful Brother C. Wheeler Barnes. These Grand Lodge Officers participated in the installing of the new officers of Lakewood Lodge No. 170, A. F. & A. M., who were the following:
Wor. Brother Perry H. Elder, Master (Past Master of Idaho Springs No. 26); Genoa S. Zollinger, Senior Warden; Harry D. Duston, Junior Warden; Willis F. Kraemer, Treasurer; War. Brother Robert Bigham, Secretary (Past Master from Kansas) Fred J. Lebsack, Senior Deacon; Frank A. Dunn, Junior Deacon; Irwin A. Hunter, Senior Steward; George Rex Okel, Junior Steward.
There were 40 members and 102 visitors present at this first meeting. Friendship Court No.7, Order of the Amaranth (Lakewood), presented the new Lodge with its first aprons.
Mr. Stephan Kilian was the first candidate of Lakewood Lodge No. 170 and was obligated by Worshipful Brother William Proctor, Past Master of Edgewater. On September 24, 1946 Lakewood Lodge No. 170, A. F. & A. M., was consecrated and constituted. This proved to be quite an event because Lakewood No. 170 became the first Lodge to be formed in 18 years of Colorado Masonry.
Within the next few years talk of a new Temple became the topic of conversation in the newly formed Lodge. Brother Byron Kaufman — Architect and member of Lakewood began the plans, Brother (Dr.) George Bailey donated the land at 1440 Independence Street and on November 26, 1949 , Worshipful Brother Fred Lebsack broke ground for the new Temple, and shortly thereafter the new Temple began to take form. June 20, 1950 under the leadership of Worshipful Brother John E. Jenkins the corner-stone of the Temple was laid by Most Worshipful Brother Edwin J. Wittelshofer — Grand Master, and his Grand Lodge Officers.
On March 27, 1951 the first Lodge meeting was held in the unfinished basement of the new Temple. It proved a memorable night for all in attendance. Not only was Charles W. Duddleston the first candidate obligated by Worshipful Brother Ernest W. Hamilton, but during the evening eight inches of snow fell on the bare ground. As there was no pavement or blacktop, many members and visitors had a real rough night of it before getting home to a warm fire to thaw and dry out.
On July 31, Most Worshipful Brother C. Wheeler Barnes dedicated the new Temple. Brother Conrad Sikes, honorary member, presented the new Ashlars. The Ever Jolly Club was organized to raise money for different Temple projects, without credit to any individual. The first (annual) Antelope and Venison dinner was served, donated by Ernest W. Hamilton, Junior Warden, and Worshipful Brother Harry Duston. The first (annual) dinner dance program was established. The first Christmas Party was held, which has since become an annual event. Our annual Lodge picnic was also started.
On January 13, 1953, Worshipful Brother Loren Seyfer (affiliated) together with his two sons, Brother Loren, Jr. and Brother Bill, presented the Lodge with a beautiful Altar together with three candle holders and pedestals for the Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden stations. This furniture has been the admiration of all members and visitors alike. Worshipful Brother Ernest W. Hamilton – 1954 Master _ was also responsible for the attainment of a voice recording machine on which all Lakewood Masters have recorded their voices and highlights of their year for our Lakewood Masonic History. These voices are heard together with a picture of the Master projected on a screen. The gift of the Lodge to Worshipful Brother Hamilton, a big beautiful blue Masonic Bible, was turned back as a gift to the Lodge. On it has been obligated every newly made Mason in Lakewood.
In 1954, Worshipful Brother Lowell Dunlap served as Master. This year we were presented with the large carpet by the members of the other bodies meeting in the Temple, primarily the Ever Jolly Club, Eastern Star Chapter No. 139, Friendship Court No.7, Order of the Amaranth, Jobs Daughters Bethel No.8 and Lakewood Chapter Order of DeMolay. The parking lot was also black topped this year.
On December 11, 1956, Worshipful Brother George Reisbeck was presented with the Warranty Deed from the Lakewood Temple Association, making Lakewood Lodge No. 170, the legal owner and holder of the property.
In 1957 under the leadership of Worshipful Brother Howard Wertz, the Temple Association purchased the land on the south of the Temple, 200 x 300 ft. bounded by 14th Avenue from Iris to Independence.
The 1960 Master, Worshipful Brother Jack Steacy was the first Master of a Lodge outside of the City of Denver to become President of the Masonic Officers Association of Metropolitan Area. This year marked the first time the Jefferson County District Lodges; Golden City No.1, Arvada No. 141, Edgewater No. 159 and Wheatridge No. 187 met together at Lakewood No. 170 to confer the Fellow Craft Degree on a candidate from each Lodge. This joint communication provided the spark to the area Lodges for an annual meeting, promoting much needed fraternal fellowship for the Masons in this area.
So, in 1961 with Worshipful Brother Gerald Vollmer as Master, the property on the south purchased in 1957 was sold (at a profit) making it possible to payoff the mortgage on the Temple, thus culminating the eventful first fifteen years of history of Lakewood Lodge No. 170, A. F. & A. M.
Membership November 30, 1960 489
