DENVER, COLORADO
The Great Fire, a severe drought and an early winter made 1863 a trying year in Denver. Especially was this true for a group of Masons, northern sympathizers, who desired to attend Lodge but who did not enjoy the atmosphere of Denver Lodge No.5 where a majority of members were friendly to the Confederacy.
During Grand Lodge in 1863 the idea was conceived to start a second lodge in Denver. A petition was hurriedly presented and the Grand Lodge approved the issuing of a charter without formality of dispensation.
A few days later, November 30th, 1863, Union Lodge No.7 was constituted with 14 members. (In 1928 it was discovered that the Grand Lodge records did not contain a record of this action. M. W. Bro. Chase Withrow, who was Grand Lecturer at the constitution, testified to the authenticity of the constitution and the Grand Lodge records were completed.)
Samuel H. Elbert, Territorial Governor, was the first Master of the Lodge. He also presided in 1864 and 1869. Webster D. Anthony also served three terms as Master and two terms as Grand Master. Roger W. Woodbury was Master two terms and Grand Master one term.
Other Past Masters of Union, No.7 who were elected Grand Master are William D. Todd, William D. Pierce, Benjamin L. James and Howard T. Vaille (after whom Vaille Pass was named).
First Grand Master John M. Chivington was one of the charter members of Union, No.7 as Rocky Mountain, No.3 at Gold Hill, his original Colorado Lodge, had suspended when the gold camp was abandoned. M. W. Bro. Chivington was the Colonel in charge of troops at the Battle of Sand Creek. After the resulting furor in the East, Colonel Chivington was cleared. Union, No.7 spread upon its minutes a resolution absolving Chivington of any blame.
On November 4th, 1884, Union, No.7 had its first class of four Fellowcrafts being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master lVlason. Two of these became Masters and one, W. D. Pierce, Grand Master.
A major activity of Union Lodge, is its St. John’s fund, started in 1889, and after which the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund is patterned.
Most Worshipful Grand Master William D. Todd, a Past Master of Union Lodge, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the present Masonic Temple located at 16th and Welton.
The Golden Anniversary of Union Lodge, was celebrated November 20, 1913 by a sumptuous dinner and program held at 1770 Sherman, the Shrine Temple at that time. Howard T. Vaille was Worshipful Master. On the 75th Anniversary celebration Worshipful Brother William B. Killey was Master. It should be noted that Brother Hannum served the lodge faithfully as secretary for 35 years and another good and faithful secretary then began his term which was to last 25 years, namely William R. Shaw, Past Master.
Membership 1960 587.
