The first meeting of Mesa No. 55 Lodge held under 1883 with Brothers G. B. Frazier as Worshipful Master, Warden and O. D. Russell as Junior Warden.
On Sept. 18, of the same year the Charter was granted with Brothers G. B. Frazier as W. M., J. B. Solomon as S. W., and J. C. Nichols as J. W., and O. D. Russell as Treasurer, with a total of 16 charter members.
Wor. Brother G. B. Frazier had an unusual Masonic record. He was made a Mason in El Paso Lodge No. 13 in 1868. The same year he moved to Canon City and dimitted to Mt. Moriah Lodge where he served the next three years as Worshipful Master. In 1882 he removed to Grand Junction and assisted in the organization of No. 55.
In December 1887, Brother Horace T. De Long was elected to serve as its Master. During this year all five of the elective officers were in civic affairs.
During the early years the Lodge moved often, trying each time larger quarters. In September 1891, No. 55 assisted in laying the corner-stone of the old Franklin High School. The minutes show that most of the time during early years, the treasury was depleted as funds were given freely to distressed brethren, widows and orphans.
In September, 1898, Brother Horace T. De Long was elected Grand Master. The name of Guy V. Sternberg appears for the first time when he petitioned for the degrees of Masonry early in 1903. He became Grand Master in 1916.
In 1905 No. 55 purchased the Lyons Building, hoping that it would fill needs for years to come. In March, 1919, the Lodge was again faced with the problem of needing much more room. A Temple Building Committee was formed and some lots were purchased for $3,500. Two years later, July 1921, the corner-stone was laid with Haslett P. Burke presiding. On January 1, 1923, the new Temple was completed and after dedication ceremonies, with M. Wor. Bro. Guy C. Sternberg presiding, the Temple was opened for inspection. Bro. Geo. W. Roe of Pueblo was the Chief Architect and was in attendance at the ceremonies.
For a third time, a member of Mesa Lodge, Casper S. Desch, was elected Grand Master and served as such during 1931-32.
During the first 75 year period the records show that the Lodge averaged 50 meetings each year, including regulars and specials.
A rather unique study club was organized in 1936 with Brother Thomas Charles as moderator. It was in the form of a quiz program with various brethren asking questions and having them answered by competent brothers.
In 1942, the first 5O-year pin was presented to Brother Samuel G. McMullen. The year 1945 might be called the fatal year, for in that year 14 emergent communications were called to hold burial services for deceased Brethren.
On December 19, 1946, it was announced that the Temple was completely paid for and the mortgage burned.
In October, 1950, this Lodge assisted in laying the corner-stone of Mesa Memorial Hospital with Grand Master C. Wheeler Barnes officiating.
On Sept. 1, 1955 the life of one of the “Greats” of this Lodge came to an end. Most Wor. Bro. Guy V. Sternberg was buried with Grand Master Charles A. Mantz presiding. On Dec. 14, 1946, a mortgage burning ceremony was held in celebration of completion of payment of the Temple indebtedness.
Members, 1960 688
