GREELEY, COLORADO
Century Lodge Under Dispensation, the second lodge in Greeley, was so named because its dispensation was signed by Grand Master Leon H. Snyder on August 2nd, 1961, just a century to the day after the Grand Lodge was organized.
Worshipful Master was James A. Collins, a Past Master of Eagle No. 43 and recently a member of Occidental No. 20 in Greeley. Senior Warden was David Webber from Lupton No. 19 , Junior Warden Calvin Eugene Staley of Great Light Lodge No. 1064, Decatur, Illinois. All of the petitioners except W. Bro. Collins were Masons living in Greeley but holding their membership elsewhere. Masters and Past Masters from other Weld County lodges occupied stations and places not filled by the regular occupants when Grand Lodge was convened August 4th for the dispensation exercises.
Two petitions were tendered at the first communication. On August 10, 1961, the third degree was conferred on two candidates from Occidental Lodge No. 20, the sponsoring lodge, to demonstrate the qualifications of the new officers.
Research Lodge of Colorado
The Research Lodge of Colorado developed from persistent recommendations of Grand Secretary Harry W. Bundy to the Grand Lodge.
In 1950 he reported: “Regular Lodges are devoting their entire time in most instances to the conferring of degrees. . . . Numerical strength is needed, but intellectual strength even more so. . . . It will be necessary to go elsewhere than to the Lodge of initiation for an explanation of what we have glibly promised to support and attempt to do. We need another type of meeting place where the history of the Order may be reviewed and its developments logically traced. . . . Ritual, legend, and liturgy must be clarified, and their use justified in binding men to the fraternity. The degree Lodges must be relieved of the ‘all-work’ program which makes for dullness.”
The Research Lodge movement was supportcd wholeheartedly by the Masonic Education committee and was chartered by the Grand Lodge in 1953 “to promote, encourage, and foster Masonic research and study for the purpose of spreading Masonic light and knowledge.”
There are four classes of membership: active-limited to Master Masons of Colorado jurisdiction; associate-for Master Masons of other grand jurisdictions; corresponding-available to Lodges, Masonic bodies, clubs, libraries, etc.; and honorary.
Stated communications are held quarterly in Denver, though specials on invitation have been held in Fort Collins, Kremmling, Colorado Springs, La Junta, Pueblo, and Greeley. Travel to outstate meetings is by chartered bus-generally at Lodge expense.
The January meeting is held the evening after the close of the annual Grand Lodge session so brethren from a distance may participate. A tradition has started that the new Grand Master visits Research Lodge that evening and as his first official act outside of Grand Lodge, installs the officers of Research Lodge.
Usually two or three illuminating papers are read at each communication. They have covered a wide variety of Masonic subjects. All suitable papers are printed and distributed to the entire membership. Many have been repeated throughout the jurisdiction by members other than the authors.
The officers have been studious and well-versed members of the craft from all over the state. They include Past Grand Masters, Past Illustrious Grand Masters, Past Grand High Priests, members of the Masonic Education committee, etc.
Membership in the Lodge is welcomed. Dues are nominal. Currently each new member is receiving copies of all papers presented up to the present.
