IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO
Grand Master Webster D. Anthony granted the dispensation under date of July 16, 1874 with the following brothers as officers: Worshipful Master, R. D. Stang; Senior Warden, W. A. Ross; and Junior Warden, Robert Ellis. It is interesting to note that there were 21 names on the petition and they came from the following states: Vermont, Indiana, Kansas, California, Illinois, West Virginia, New Jersey, Michigan as well as from three different Colorado Lodges. At the first meeting two petitions were received and the first candidate to receive the first degree was John Moyle.
Charter was received from the Grand Lodge under date of September 22. 1874. During the early years the Lodge met in several different places and finally in December 1884, moved into the Lodge Rooms in the Wilson Building and in May 1890, we purchased this building and to this day it is known as the Masonic Temple. Throughout the years many improvements have been made.
In June, 1884, Lodges 12, and 48, joined with us in the celebrating of St. John’s Day for the Annual Picnic. Another important date was June, 1888, when electricity was installed in the Temple.
In December, 1894, Past Master William L. Bush who was made a Master Mason in 1884 was elected Grand Master. Shortly thereafter, he visited his own Lodge and was received with honors. The guest book at this time shows brethren visiting us who were members in Cornwall, England; British North America, and states of Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Pennsylvania, as well as several Lodges from our own state. On many occasions the brethren from the nearby Lodges, Blackhawk, Central City, Nevadaville and Georgetown visited the Lodge and assisted in the work in the several degrees.
On several occasions this Lodge laid cornerstones both in the town surrounding cities. In 1885, it assisted the Grand Master at the local High School, then again in 1889, assisted at one of the Grade School buildings.
Through the years it contributed to various funds: notably the Johnstown Flood, the San Francisco earthquake, the Florida flood as well as to several local brethren.
The minutes of May 23, 1903, show the following motion: “That we celebrate St. John’s Day each year by attending Church” and to this day, that practice has been continued.
In May, 1932, Brother Samuel M. Smith resigned as secretary after having served this Lodge faithfully for 18 years.
Up to and including August, 1960, it had a total of 2,406 meetings. Twelve of our brethren have received 50 year pins. This record would not be complete if we failed to say that probably the outstanding visitor was the late Brother Charles R. Young, Grand Lecturer, who attended here for 26 straight years, the first time being March 7, 1923.
Members, 1960 140.
