LAS ANIMAS, COLORADO
During the winter of 1875-76, a number of Masons doing business in the 3 year old town of West Las Animas, a number in the service of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, running from Kit Carson to West Las Animas, and a number of officers and soldiers on duty at Fort Lyon held a meeting for the purpose of organizing a Masonic lodge.
On February 7, 1876, M.W. Bro. Oren H. Henry granted a dispensation and the first meeting of the lodge under this dispensation was held on February 10, 1876. A charter was granted September 20, 1876, at which time there were 23 charter members. On November 30, 1960 there were 207 members.
During its first years the lodge occupied many different meeting places. The desire for their own Temple was strong in the minds of the members and on July 19, 1902, a committee was named to draw up plans for a building. The corner-stone of the new building was laid on September 16, 1909 by M.W. Bro. John B. Haffy. That difficulties were many is attested by the fact that it was not until January 4, 1918 that the Temple was dedicated by iVLW. Bro. L D Crain.
The lodge has always taken great interest in civic affairs and has also Masonic home for many veterans who have been stationed at Fort Lyon.
Membership, 1960 207
