HOLYOKE, COLORADO
Early in the spring of 1890 the following brothers made application to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Colorado for dispensation to form a Lodge at Holyoke: I. W. Waite, R. E. Webster, G. R. Ellis, J. R. Williams, C. M. Pickett, W. C. Boggs, E. Wartenbe, A. B. Pollock, A. T. Guthrie, R. R. Blair, I. L. Dermond, J. Bryant, G. E. Clark, A. B. Best, W. Clemmons, A. J. Baker, E. N. McPherrin, E. S. Dakan, M. A. Snyder. Logan Lodge No. 70 at Julesburg was the Mother Lodge.
On April 18, 1890 this group met in the K. of P. Hall above what was known as the Tinkel Building in Holyoke. The dispensation to form a Lodge, signed by Most Worshipful Grand Master William T. Bridwell was read. He had appointed I. W. Waite, Worshipful Master; R. R. Blair, Senior Warden, and R. E. Webster, Junior Warden. I. W. Waite, W.M., with the consent of the members, appointed 1. L. Dermond, Sec.; A. T. Guthrie, Treas.; E. S. Dakan, S.D.; G. R. Ellis, J.D.; G. E. Clark, S.S.; J. R. Williams, J.S.; E. Wartenbe, Tiler.
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, September charter was granted. The first communication of Holyoke Lodge No. 81 was held October 3, 1890.
The early records are descriptive of many trials and tribulations, trials in the Lodge room and tribulations of the brethren at large. Until 1905 Holyoke was the division point of the C. B. and Q. Railroad, during that year it was moved to Sterling. This was a severe blow to the Lodge and town. In February of 1911 the Lodge suffered a fire and many of the early records were destroyed. Despite these setbacks Holyoke Lodge made a steady growth in members and lodge activities. They assisted the Grand Lodge in laying corner-stones of several schools and County Buildings and were active members of the North Eastern Colorado Masonic Association.
In 1951 plans were made for a Temple and on February 9, 1952 the cornerstone was laid. During the construction period the members assisted in various ways and in September, 1952, Holyoke Lodge met in its own Temple. It was dedicated April 11, 1953 by the Grand Lodge with Most Worshipful Grand Master Hubert Glover presiding. The Temple cost $20,000.00 and was dedicated clear of debt. Holyoke Chapter No. 105, O. E. S., deserves much credit for assistance with the furnishing of the Temple.
Holyoke Lodge No. 81 has experienced a normal growth since the erection of the Temple and there is a genuine feeling of Brotherly Love and a fine sprit of cooperation among the 135 members.
