 WM Daniel Wadsworth, 1860
The first communication of Ark & Anchor Lodge #354 was held May 3, 1860. Officers were elected, by-laws approverd and petitions read. Daniel Wadsworth was elected the lodge's first Worshipful Master. The lodge obtained it's charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois on August 23, 1860 for $14.50. On October 22, 1860 the first officers were installed. Monthly meetings were held thereafter. Begining March 17, 1864 meetings were held on Friday's on or before the full moon. The lodge began to support community groups such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Auburn Horse Thief Detective Society.
In September 1865 the building of a new lodge began on the southwest corner of the square above Phillip Wineman's store and dedicated July 10, 1866. January 12, 1885 the first open installation was held for member's families and a dinner followed. February 17, 1897 the Order of the Eastern Star was chartered and given permission to use the lodge. On September 13, 1913 the lodge moved to it's currennt location just north of the square. On February 17, 1925 a special meeting was held to honor John Hart the lodge's first 60 year Master Mason.
On May 6, 1927 the petition for members to start a lodge in Divernon was approved. January 4, 1929 six members were terminated so they could begin Divernon Lodge #1158. During WW II the lodge supported the Military Corps Masonic Service Centers and set-up a committe to assist Masons returning from the war. |