DENVER, COLORADO
In 1859 there was held, throughout the world, a spontaneous celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Johann Christoph Friedrich Von Schiller, an author of humble birth, who through his championship of freedom and morality.
In 1881, a group of German speaking Masons wishing to honor this outstanding Mason, requested the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to start a lodge in Denver, using the name of Schiller. They also requested permission to conduct their work in German and keep all records in German writing. Although the dispensation was granted by M.W. Bro. Lawrence N. Greenleaf, Grand Master, the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, differed with the Grand Master in their recommendations to the Grand Lodge, and some took a very definite stand on the matter. However, the action of the Grand Lodge was favorable and on Sept. 21, 1881, Schiller Lodge No. 41 was constituted and the charter was signed by M.W. Bro. Robert A. Quillian, Grand Master, with Adolph Candler as W.M., Chas. F. Miller as S.W., and Herman Wortmann as J.W.
During the next 38 years Schiller Lodge continued to do the work in German. However, as many of the younger members could not speak German, some of the sons joined other lodges and in 1919 the change was made to English. There are still many Masons who recall, with pleasure, their visit to this unusual lodge, in its first 38 years.
Schiller Lodge first met in the Fink Bldg. at 15th and Holliday (now Market St.), next to the Old City Hall, on the 4th floor, at 14th and Larimer. Due to a fire, the lodge then moved to the Masonic Temple, 16th and Welton, then to the old EI Jebel Shrine Temple (now Rocky Mountain Consistory), then to the Colorado Consistory Cathedral, 14th and Grant.
Many outstanding Masons have been members of Schiller Lodge No. 41, and their list of Honorary members shows several who are well known to all Masons, namely: M.W. Bro. Hazlett P. Burke, Past Grand Master; M.W. Bro. Adolph S. Walter, Past Grand Master of New Mexico, whose father was a member of Schiller; Luther Van Buskirk, Past Grand Tiler and who has been Tiler for No. 41 for 35 years; also Brothers Jess McCracken and Warren Summers who by virtue of their continued visitations and assistance were added to the list of Honorary members.
Membership, 1960 496
