DENVER, COLORADO
On March 18, 1908, three men met at a recorded meeting to discuss, formulate and adopt definite plans for the organization of still another new lodge. To provide assurance for their intent, the three interviewed other Masons as to the desirability and correctness of the plans. Consequently, a larger group met March 30, 1 1908, and ultimately agreed to apply for a dispensation from the Grand Lodge.
The prayer of their petition was granted on May 18, 1908 as M.W. Bro. Joseph A. Davis issued his dispensation on the written application of 22 Masons. The first meeting was held on May 20, 1908 in the Masonic Temple, 16th and Welton Streets.
On September 21, 1908 a charter was issued and on the following night the lodge was constituted by M.W. Bro. John B. Haffy. There were 45 charter members; on November 30,1960 there were 587 members.
In 1926 the lodge moved to Colorado Consistory temple at 14th and Grant Street where meetings are still held.
The seal of the lodge is composed of two parts, the device and the inscription. The device consists of a representation of the sun with its eight sacred points, the letter G in the center; the whole expressive of God’s protective power extending to all parts of the world. In the foreground, on the sinister side, sits an American Indian gazing out over the trail of the Holy Faith, along which has come the message of Brotherly Love.
The name “Arapahoe” selected as a suitable name for the lodge is peculiarly significant as it perpetuates the name of an almost extinct and ordinarily peaceful tribe of Indians which inhabited this particular locality in Colorado prior to the foundation of the City of Denver, at a time when the plains about Denver were unpeopled by white men, and when the Indian, free of life and environment, condition and action, was the reigning spirit. This Indian was cautious, keen and active, his campfire serving as his beacon light, his signal smoke as a shield, and our name Arapahoe commemorates all that was good in his make-up.
