BRUSH, COLORADO
During the early spring months of 1906 a group of Master Masons residing in the vicinity of Brush, Colorado, assembled and organized for the purpose of forming a new Lodge to be known as Brush Lodge U. D. These brethren, 18 in number, presented their petition in June of 1906 and on the 14th day of June 1906, Grand Master Charles F. Painter issued the dispensation empowering the Lodge to assemble. The first meeting was held on June 26, 1906 with:
Cyrus H. Phelps, Worshipful Master; James L. Cameron, Junior Deacon; Wm. Ward Sickles, Senior Warden; John L. Asmus, Senior Steward; Edward Prentice Walter, Junior Warden; William E. Epperson, Junior Steward; Riley S. Joslin, Treasurer; William R. Livingston, Tiler
At this meeting nine petitions were received for the Degrees in Masonry. Brother R. S. Joslin loaned the Lodge $250.00 as working capital. A total of 16 meetings were held during this dispensation.
The Grand Lodge granted a charter to Brush Lodge No. 123 at its Annual Communication on September 19, 1906. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge held a Special Communication on October 6, 1906 and duly constituted Brush Lodge No. 123 and installed the same officers as those who served under the dispensation. In 1911 Brush Lodge united with Akron Lodge No. 74, Wray Lodge No. 71, Julesburg Lodge No. 70, Oasis Lodge No. 67, Holyoke Lodge No 81, Sterling Lodge No. 54 to form the Northeastern Colorado Masonic Association patterned after the Intermountain Masonic Association of Colorado. The Lodge voted to withdraw from this Association in 1927.
On May 30, 1928 a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge was held in Brush for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of the new Central High School building – Grand Master John Andrew officiating.
On August 6, 1940, Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the beginning of the building of the Masonic Temple. The corner-stone was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado with Grand Master Francis J. Knauss officiating, assisted by seven other Grand Lodge officers. The cost of the Building was $17,220.31. The O. E. S. donated the wan to wall carpeting, lodge members donated money for upholstered chairs and Brother John Needham donated money for the raised platforms. On March 28, 1941, a special communication was held for the purpose of receiving the official visit of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Francis J. Knauss and other Grand Lodge Officers. The principal order of business was dedicating the New Temple and presenting a 50-year button to Brother Isaac W. Epperson.
It is worthy to note that Most Worshipful Brother George C. Twombly, Most Worshipful Grand Master 1942-43 was voted Honorary Membership since he formerly was a member of Brush Lodge before dimitting to Oasis Lodge No. 67 at Fort Morgan.
Membership is 211 as of November 30, 1960
