The town of Mulberry was plotted and dedicated by W. A. Perrin on October 1, 1858.  An early surveying error recorded the town as Glicksbury after an early settler and hotel operator Jack Glick.  The town’s name was chosen due to the numerous mulberry trees in the vicinity.  During this early period, Mulberry’s population was small and only a few homes and stores existed.  With construction of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad in 1875-1876, Mulberry’s population grew and new businesses steadily increased.  With the increase in citizenry came the organization of a variety of clubs, lodges, and social groups.  A number of residents were transplanted Freemasons raised in various lodges, particularly Dayton Lodge #103.  The formation of a local Masonic Lodge became the main desire to a number of the leading citizens.

On December 9, 1897 the Grand Lodge issued a dispensation for Mulberry Lodge.  On December 16, 1897 with William Peter Worshipful Master under dispensation from Grand Lodge, along with eleven other brethren in attendance, Mulberry Lodge #618 held its first meeting.  James M. Sims the Lodge’s first Senior Warden and second Worshipful Master provided the meeting place for this newly formed lodge on the second floor of his Farmers’ National Bank building.  This brick structure constructed by Sims in 1893 has ever since been the only meeting place of the Mulberry Lodge.

During these first early meetings, members decided and voted on numerous agendas.  Among these were; degree fees, $20.00 and annual dues $2.00.  It was decided that meetings were to be held on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month.  It was also at this time that the lodge conferred its first degree.  On January 13, 1898, Alfred M. Yundt one of Mulberry’s early doctors became the lodge’s first Entered Apprentice.

On May 24, 1898 Mulberry Lodge installed its officers of the newly chartered lodge.  During the early part of the 20th century, Mulberry Lodge flourished.  In 1916 Claude M. Jacoby was raised as a Master Mason.  He later became Indiana Grand Master from 1940-1941.  On May 24, 1948, Mulberry Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary with Fredrick Marshall presiding as Worshipful Master.  Fred remained active and presided as the Tyler for 50 years.  From July 23-27, 1958 Mulberry Lodge joined in celebrating Mulberry’s centennial.  It was at this time that the lodge in its 60th year celebrated its 438th master mason raised.  Through the 1960’s, Mulberry Lodge continued to remodel and expand.  In 1998, Mulberry Lodge celebrated its 100th year.  Craig Seager presided as Worshipful Master and Grand Master Robert E. Hancock performed the rededication ceremonies.

Today the lodge incorporates the entire building; it’s meeting room upstairs, kitchen and dining hall downstairs.  Mulberry Lodge has over the many years boasted a proud tradition of strong community leaders and professionals as members of its organization.  From its early beginning in the last century to its shining future into the next, Mulberry Lodge will continue to guide, develop, and instill the principles and ideals of Freemasonry.

As we continue our journey, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you are interested in learning more about our lodge or becoming a member, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you and share in the rich history and bright future of Mulberry Masonic Lodge #618.