BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
Breckenridge Lodge was granted a special dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, Aug. 27, 1881, with Worshipful Brother John Boylan acting as Worshipful Master. On Sept. 20, 1882 it was chartered with John Boylan as Worshipful Master, W. F. Eberline as Senior Warden, C. H. Blair as Junior Warden; L. B. Smart, R. H. Manzing, Roderick Mineun and F. B. Walles all as charter members.
During the early years, the Lodge’s progress reflected the conditions and the economy of the era. However about 1906 the Lodge began to take on a “New Look.” At this time there were but 17 members, but they managed to purchase another building and moved into it. Then in 1917, they voted to purchase all new Lodge furniture. Another notable occasion occurred in 1933 when the Grand Lecturer, late Brother Charles L. Young, presented the Lodge with a new Bible and it graces the altar to this day.
From year to year, the members made improvements to the building. The main lodge room was enlarged, the ante-rooms also were enlarged and finally a kitchen and dining room were installed.
In 1916, the Lodge purchased a tract of land containing about seven acres which has since been known as the Masonic Cemetery.
No. 47 wishes to acknowledge close friendship with the following Lodges: Blackhawk No. 11, Georgetown No. 12, ldaho Springs No. 26, Doric No. 24, Leadville No. 35, Eagle Lodge No. 43, and Corinthian Lodge No. 42.
Special thanks go to Brother Martin. Waltz who was Worshipful Master during the years of 1910-1916. In 1957 when we celebrated our 75th anniversary, there were seven Brothers present 78 years or older, one of whom, Brother Bernard Hettie, had received all three degrees in this lodge during 1901.
Between 1881 and 1957,302 applicants received all three degrees of the order. One thousand six hundred ninety-eight stated communications, 374 special and 23 emergent communications were held. A total of 32 Brothers were received by affiliation and 46 Brothers dimitted.
Through the years the Lodge has been very proud of the part it played in public affairs. The corner-stone of the Court House was laid in 1906. G. B. Folsom donated the trowel for this occasion.
Members of this lodge have been instrumental for several decades in he!ping the Grand Lodge preserve the traditions of early Colorado Masonry. Picnics and dinners have been held in conjunction with the Grand Lodge pilgrimages to the site of Summit No.2 at Parkville and the visits to Corinthian No. 42 at Kokomo.
The original furnishings and guest register excite much comment from visitors.
Members, 1960 133
