DENVER, COLORADO
The need for better Masonic Burial Services for sojourning Masons prompted the suggestion to the newly formed Fraternal Relations Committee of the Denver Masonic Officers Association, that they formulate some plan whereby a Lodge could be formed for the sole purpose of courtesy services for Lodges outside the area. The committee gathered information from other Jurisdictions to serve as background then met with the people most likely to be concerned with the formation and workings of such a Lodge. The result of this work was presented to the Masonic Service Association and the Masonic Officers Association for their approval and support and happily met with both. The necessary amendments to the Rook of Constitutions were formulated and filed with the Grand Secretary for presentation at the Grand Lodge session in January, 1961. The Bylaws of the Lodge were written and a campaign for membership was begun. A meeting of the members was held in December, 1960, and Officers were elected to represent the petitioning group. The Officers elected were Alan E. Hatfield, P.M. (Harmony No. 61), Worshipful Master; Raymond G. Schaeffler, P.M. (South Gate No. 138), Senior Warden; J. B. Steacy, P.M. (Lakewood No. 170), Junior Warden; Robert C. Reynolds, P.M. (Friendship No. 185), Treasurer; Edward G. Neumann, P.M. (South Gate No. 138).
The petition for Charter was granted on January 25, 1961 when the Grand Lodge vote was found entirely favorable. The amendment which was necessary to make membership in this Lodge possible in addition to membership in a regular Lodge was also passed. The Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado proceeded to present the Charter with the longest list of Charter Signers in the history of Colorado Masonry the number being 170. The Charter was presented and the Officers installed at a Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado on Saturday March 18, 1961 at Harmony Temple in Denver. Right Worshipful Bro. Clarence L. Bartholic represented the Grand Master on this occasion clue to a death in the family of the Grand Master. An organizational meeting was held on March 31, 1961 at Lakewood Temple and the assignment of duties being made it was announced that all Courtesy funeral services would be taken over by Memorial Lodge No. 1.
The first service was requested on Tuesday, April 11, 1961 and was accompanied by request number two on the same day. The first service being at 1:45 P.M. at Fort Logan National Cemetery and the second being at 3:45 P.M. at Fairmount Cemetery. On a more recent occasion two funerals were conducted at the same hour in the same cemetery. The formation of this Lodge has resulted in more than doubled attendance at courtesy funerals and awakening of interest throughout the jurisdiction it serves.
Memorial Lodge No. 1 of Denver is unique in that it does not confer Masonic work other than the funeral service.
