PUEBLO, COLORADO
About mid-December of 1867, two Brethren met and examined each other and became convinced that they were Masons. Augustus Bartlett and C. J. Hart then examined other men, assembled a few Masons together and arranged to submit a petition to the Grand Lodge for dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge in Pueblo, Colorado. Dr. J. W. Dickenson then posted and prepared the Brethren to form a Lodge.
The dispensation was granted on April 5, 1868 by the Deputy Grand Master, O. A. Whittemore in the absence of the Grand Master, Henry M. Teller.
The first meeting of Pueblo Lodge U. D., April 27, 1868. The Lodge was opened upon the First, Second and Third Degrees of Masonry when the motion for regular communications was carried to meet on second and fourth Wednesdays.
The first degree to be conferred was an Entered Apprentice Degree. It was conferred upon J. W. O. Snyder on May 28, 1868. J. J. Thomas was the first man raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on June 11, 1868.
Pueblo Lodge U. D., made its return to the Grand Lodge in October of 1868 and applied for the Charter. The Charter was not delivered until December 28, 1868, because the printer had not finished the printing.
Pueblo Lodge No. 17, was dedicated and constituted by Bro. J W. Dickenson though no record remains of the authority for this action. The Lodge resolved to prohibit the introduction of spirituous, vinous or malt liquors within the Lodge.
The Lodge was given a large plot of land; some was reserved for a Lodge Cemetery. Much of this ground has been disposed of.
The Lodge moved to many locations in Pueblo for its meetings. The night of meeting has been changed several times.
The Lodge has always maintained its interest in the needs of the Fraternity, contributing to various calls.
The Lodge has many distinguished members, among the most prominent have been W. W. Cooper, Past Master and for many years the Grand Secretary. Cornelius J. Hart, Past Grand Master, Will D. Grisard, Past Grand Master, and George B. Clark, Masonic historian and museum curator.
Members at chartering were 25, members in 1960 856.
