About Hoge No. 8

The official history of Hoge Lodge No. 8, as recorded in the annals of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, begins in the decade following the Civil War. On December 2, 1875, a Dispensation was issued by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to open a new Lodge at Gladeville (now Wise) in Wise County. This new body was granted the prestigious and senior designation of Hoge Lodge No. 8.

The Lodge was established under the leadership of its first Worshipful Master, Dr. Daniel S. Hoge, a prominent local physician. Serving alongside him in the initial leadership were W. H. Holdaway as Senior Warden and James M. Durham as Junior Warden.

VA Grand Lodge Proceedings - 1876 (pdf)

VA Grand Lodge Proceedings - 1877 (pdf)

During its time working "Under Dispensation" (U.D.), the brethren of Hoge Lodge demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the principles of Masonry. In his 1877 report to the Grand Lodge, the District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 19, P. C. Thompson, singled out Hoge Lodge for its exceptional spirit. He noted that the Lodge "exhibits more zeal than any Lodge I have visited this year" and observed that the members were "improving rapidly" in their lectures and instruction.

Based on this high level of proficiency and dedication, Deputy Thompson formally recommended that the Lodge be granted a permanent Charter.

In the Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Gold Card represents the absolute pinnacle of ritualistic proficiency. It is not merely a certificate of knowledge, but a badge of mastery over the "esoteric work"—the ancient, unwritten traditions and ceremonies of the Craft. To earn a Gold Card, a Brother must undergo a rigorous examination by the Committee on Work, demonstrating a word-perfect, flaw-less ability to recite and perform every aspect of the Masonic ritual across all three degrees. In a jurisdiction where the work is passed down primarily through oral tradition, these Brothers serve as the living "blueprints" of the Lodge, ensuring that the lessons taught today remain identical to those practiced centuries ago.

Hoge Lodge No. 8 has long been a bastion for this high standard of excellence, fostering a lineage of master ritualists who have dedicated themselves to preserving the purity of the Work. This tradition of excellence continues today through the dedication of our members. Most recently, Worshipful Samuel M. Wharton, Jr. achieved the distinction of earning his Gold Card in 2025. By maintaining these rigorous standards, Hoge Lodge No. 8 remains a guardian of the ancient landmarks of the Craft, ensuring that the Masonic light first kindled in Wise in 1875 continues to shine with accuracy and truth.

Gold Card Recipients from Hoge Lodge No. 8:

Right Worshipful William P. Porter - 1996

Right Worshipful Stuart Rose - 2001

Worshipful Samuel M. Wharton, Jr - 2025

Entering Freemasonry is all about working on yourself and trying to live a better, more meaningful life. It's a place where you build real, lasting friendships and focus on helping out in your community. The goal is to keep learning about yourself and to treat others with honesty and respect.

One of the most important things to know is that Masons don't go out and recruit or ask people to join. If you want to become a member, you have to take the first step yourself. To be one, you simply have to ask.