Auburn Masonic Lodge #124 History
Organized Masonry in Auburn began in the year 1800, when Grand lodge issued warrant number 88 to Hiram Lodge. The meetings were held in the upper story of an old stone wagon shop at the corner of Seminary Avenue and Franklin Street. On June 10, 1816 a charter was issued to St. Paul’s Lodge No. 265, and was signed by Grand Master DeWitt Clinton. Dr. Joseph Colt, The First worshipful master of St. Paul’s, was also the first president of the village of Auburn. On June 8, 1832, six years after the “Morgan affair” had created the anti-Masonic movement, old St. Paul’s Lodge ceased work, thus bringing to a close the first period of Masonic activity in Auburn under that lodge name. Hiram Lodge became dormant in 1835, and was never reorganized.
The dispensation for the re-establishment of St. Paul’s Lodge, under Warrant No.124, was issued April 22, 1847. The charter was issued by Grand Lodge on June 10th (the same day and month as the original charter), and the members of Sylvan Lodge No. 41 of Moravia installed the new officers of St. Paul’s Lodge on July 14, 1847. Worshipful Brother Dibble of Sylvan Lodge was the presiding officer, and the first master was William Holmes.
Auburn Lodge No. 431 was established June 30, 1857. The first master was Horatio Robinson. For much of the period prior to 1916 the two lodges met at the Masonic Hall, which was located on Exchange Street over the old post office.
In 1911 St. Paul’s and Auburn Lodges reached the decision to have their own building. They purchased the nine story building located at 8 - 10 - 12 South Street. Considerable remodeling was done to make the building suitable for lodge purposes. The work was completed in 1916 and Auburn masonry moved into it’s new home.
Sea & Field No. 3 Lodge, No. 974, was established May 5, 1921. The first master was General Frederick Johnston, who was also the founder of Johnston Paper Company of Auburn. The original members consisted mainly of veterans of World War I. They met at the Masonic Temple on South Street, paying rent to the other two lodges who owned the building.
On August 17, 1932 a disastrous fire virtually wrecked the Masonic Temple. It was re-built over the next two years, but reduced from nine to three stories. The remodeled building contained two lodge rooms, a ballroom, smaller dining room, kitchen, office, social rooms, and three businesses at street level.
The three lodges experienced a successful co-existence, expanded their memberships, and made a mark on the community for many years. However, suffering from declining membership, like many lodges and fraternal orders, the three lodges merged on January 25, 1983. The new lodge retained the name of Auburn Lodge, the number 124 from St. Paul’s Lodge, and agreed to use the normal meeting nights of Sea & Field Lodge. Thus emerged Auburn Lodge No. 124.
In 1993 the decision was made to abandon the building on South Street and find a new meeting place. The old building was larger than the needs required, had inadequate parking, high maintenance costs, and was inaccessible to many older members. A two and a half acre lot was subsequently purchased on State Route 34, a mile south of Auburn. A new Modern building was erected, and the first meeting held April 18, 1996. The driveway and parking lot were paved in 1999. The new convenient facilities continue to be enjoyed by the membership and concordant bodies, as well as occasional use by outside groups.