HOTCHKISS, COLORADO
On August 1, 1896, nine Master Masons, six of them ex-miners, met in Hotchkiss and discussed the possibility of organizing a Lodge. Accordingly on September 20, 1897, a petition for a Lodge U. D. was addressed to Grand Master, George W. Roe, the same to be known as North Fork Lodge, U. D. The petition was granted October 14, 1897 and the Lodge convened on October 30, 1897 with Newton M. Heistand as Worshipful Master for the purpose of instituting North Fork Lodge U. D.
Later the name was changed to Mount Lamborn Lodge No. 102. It secured its charter on October 15, 1897 at which time R. W. Horace J. DeLong, Deputy Grand Master, performed the ceremony of constitution, the charter having been authorized September 22, 1897 by Grand Master George W. Roe with Newton M. Heistand as Worshipful Master. At this time sixteen (16) Charter Members and three visitors were present.
The lodge first met in the Hall of I.O.O.F. No. 110 called the Niles Building. Later they moved to Hotchkiss Hall and again on April 27, 1903 to the Hotchkiss Building, now known as the Sare Building. On April 23, 1919 the Lodge moved to its commodious quarters in the First State Bank Building.
The first furniture for the Lodge was donated by the members, but in 1903, Brother J. E. Hanson presented the Lodge with a complete set of ornate furniture.
The first degree conferred by the Apprentice on Edward F. Barrow on degree on March 20, 1897.
The outstanding event of Mount Lamborn Lodge No. 102 was the celebration of its Fiftieth Anniversary on August 29, 1947. After the conferring of the third degree, a banquet was held in the dining room of the high school where seats were set for 160 guests. Following the banquet, a number of distinguished guests addressed the gathering, including Grand Master Grover C. Olinger. The history of the lodge by Fred S. Hotchkiss was the principal feature of the evening.
The Grand Lodge record as of November 30, 1960 shows a membership of 130
