FRUITA, COLORADO
For some years prior to the organization of Hesperia Lodge the brethren of Fruita and vicinity had frequently discussed the possibility of forming a lodge.
They were few in number and had, to some extent, lost their familiarity with the work. They were not disheartened and continued their efforts, even after some of the leaders of the movement moved from the vicinity.
Their efforts were rewarded on May 21, 1904 when M.W. Bro. James R. Killian issued a dispensation to 12 Masons to form a lodge. On September 21, 1904 the charter was granted, at which time there were 15 charter members. The lodge was constituted October 18, 1904 by W. Bro. H. T. DeLong of Mesa Lodge No. 55, acting on behalf of M.W. Bro. James.
The first Worshipful Master of the lodge was Wallace A. Merriell, who served in that office for the years of 1904, 1905, 1906 and 1907. He was buried by the lodge after his death in 1937, ending nearly 40 years of service to the organizing and maintaining of Hesperia Lodge.
On November 30,1960 the membership totalled 93
