DENVER, COLORADO
Recorded in the minutes of a pre-organization meeting held on January 11, 1910, there is mentioned “a similar movement during the summer of 1906” to organize a Masonic Lodge in the neighborhood, which was later to become the location of South Gate Lodge No. 138. This notation would indicate that the action, which was consummated in 1910, was a continuation of that which started in 1906.
A dispensation was granted by M.W. Bro. George W. Musser on May 14, 1910, the result of a petition signed by 24 Master Masons. At this time Denver had a population of 231,831 and all 11 Masonic Lodges in the city had recommended the issuance of the dispensation.
The lodge was chartered on September 20, 1910 and was constituted the following day. The first regular meeting held thereafter was on October 6, 1910. The lodge was constituted by M.W. Bro. Albert B. McGaffey who also was the first Grand Master to visit the Lodge, the visitation being on the first special communication of the lodge, November 10, 1910.
Woodman Hall at East Iowa Avenue and South Broadway was first used as a meeting place on February 2, 1910, by the brethren who organized the lodge and at that meeting it was selected by hallot as the future meeting place of the lodge if and when officially formed.
The original Lodge room was used until 1931 and late in that year the present lodge room became available. Practically all the original furniture for the lodge was made by Bro. Almond H. Neff, who later became W. Bro. Neff, and who was a woodworker in a lumber mill owned by W. Bro. Edward W. Robinson, a charter member.
The South Gate Masonic Building Association was formed in 1916 for the purpose of acquiring a temple. Fifteen years later, on July 2, 1931, the members voted to accept the Association’s report on the acquisition of the building in which the Lodge then met.
The Lodge has been active in charity work, the South Gate Benevolent Foundation having been formed and its articles being approved on October 16, 1930. Another important part of the work has been that of the Widows and Orphans Committee.
Many social events have been held during the years: picnics, ladies’ nights and other entertainments.
At the time of the golden anniversary celebration of the lodge, on October 6, 1960, Bro. Karl W. Bauder, the sole surviving charter member gave an interesting talk about the early days.
From the humble beginning in 1910, the lodge has grown to a membership of 730 on November 30, 1960
