TRINIDAD, COLORADO
During the winter of 1890, several members of the Masonic Fraternity conceived the idea of forming a second lodge in this city and accordingly a petition for a dispensation, signed by thirteen Masons, was sent to the Grand Master. This was granted by Most Worshipful Grand Master W. J. Bridwell, on May 4, 1891 and the first communication was held May 8, 1891 at which time J. B. Hershey was electecl Worshipful Master.
This communication was held in a lodge room occupied by Las Animas Lodge No. 28 and located on the second floor of the Elks Building. The two lodges continued to occupy this room until a fire destroyed the building on January 11, 1904.
Because of certain irregularities in the Lodge under Dispensation, the charter was not granted until September 20, 1892 by Most Worshipful Grand Master, John M. Maxwell, who signed the charter along with 35 charter members of Trinidad Lodge No. 89, A. F. & A. M. On October 25, 1892, the Lodge was instituted by Past Grand Master Quillian with John B. Hershey as Master in 1892 and 1893.
The first candidates to be made Masons under dispensation were: J. E. Wallace, Charles H. Blake, W. S. Keeny, S. H. Schuyler and John R. Espey.
Leo R. Gottlieb was the first Mason raised in Trinidad Lodge No. 89 on October 25, 1892. He served the Lodge as Worshipful Master for five years in 1896, 1897, 1898, 1902 and 1903. Brother Gottlieb has served this Lodge continuously for the past 68 years.
The records of this Lodge are not available from September 8, 1891 to May 23, 1899, as they were destroyed by fire in the store room of the Secretary, David S. Harper.
After the fire which destroyed the Elks Building, this Lodge occupied the Mitchell Building and the Tafoya Building until on April 26, 1911, the present Masonic Temple was completed and dedicated by Most Worshipful Grand Master Albert B. McGaffey.
Trinidad Lodge No. 89 was honored in September, of Colorado elected Kenneth O. Wood to the office Master.
The Lodge met in special communication, October 25, 1942 to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with Most Worshipful Brother Haslett P. Burke as the principal speaker. John R. Espey and Samuel H. Schuyler were the only surviving charter members present.
The Grand Lodge record as of November 30, 1960 shows a membership of 393
