HOOPER, COLORADO
The first meeting of Masons was held on June 12, 1897 in Carson Hall. At this time and place, eleven Masons met under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Colorado dated June 5, 1897. The records do not show what Grand Master signed the dispensation, but Most Worshipful Grand Master George W. Roe signed the charter, September 22, 1897. C. N. Kinney was the first Worshipful Master.
The first motion made by this new lodge was to borrow $200.00 from C. R. Foster for six months at 12 % for necessary expenses; the second motion was to charge $40.00 for the three degrees. Four petitions were received at the first meeting and subsequently ten more were accepted.
Vulcan Lodge worked under dispensation for five months and for a charter was made September 11, 1897 and on October 19th, constituted by the newly elected Grand Master Cromwell Tucker.
In 1898 the Lodge moved to the second story of a new building in Hooper; this event was celebrated by a supper and entertainment for Masons and their families. The first communication of the Lodge in its new quarters was held March 12, 1898.
The San Luis Valley .Masonic Association was formed in 1892. In 1898 Vulcan Lodge entertained the Association with a most elaborate and delightful program, the only unfortunate feature was a debt of $600.00 resulting from the festivities.
In 1903 the Lodge purchased the building it was then occupying and celebrated the final payment for the same with an appropriate banquet and social evening.
During the years from 1900 to 1904 agricultural conditions, due to a lack of irrigating water, were reflected by a lack of attendance and interest in lodge activities. As a result of this condition, a motion was presented to the Lodge on November 12, 1904 to move the lodge to Center, a growing town. The motion was carried by one vote, but because a two-thirds majority was required by the Grand Lodge, the action was lost.
The years 1912 and 1913 seemed to mark better times for the Lodge. Eleven new members were raised, a silk hat was purchased for the Master and smoking was prohibited in the lodge room while in session.
On October 11, 1941 a site was purchased for a new lodge hall. The first meeting was held in the new quarters February 14, 1942 and the dedication services were conducted July 25, 1942 by Benjamin G. Hilliard, Most Worshipful Grand Master. Brother C. L. Young, our beloved and respected Grand Lecturer, was present on that occasion.
The fiftieth anniversary of Vulcan Lodge No. 103 was held on 1947 with Grand Master John R. Swinton present. The ladies of No. 46, O. E. S., served a delightful banquet.
The Grand Lodge record as of November 30, 1960 shows a membership of 55
