lyndon101.org

In the fall of 1870, after successfully founding the town of Lyndon, it was found there were sufficient Master Masons among the citizens of the town and community to form a Masonic Lodge. Several persons proceeded to do this in a regular manner. Corinthian Lodge of Burlingame chartered Euclid Lodge No. 101. It was determined the first three signers were competent to confer the Degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry and it was recommended that they be chosen for the three principal officers of the Lodge.
On February of 1887, the first meeting was held on the second floor of the hardware store built by J. W. Hammond – on the same lot where they started and now own the upper floor.
The list of officers were as follows:
S. Gilliland, WM R. C. Gilliland, SD
William Hass, SW T. M. Wallice, JD
E. R. Dove, JW Henry Lamond, SS
Wm. Hancock, Treas Geo. McMillien, JS
W. A. Cotterman, Secretary
J. W. Hammond was the first to receive the Degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in this Lodge. He was initiated in March, passed in April and raised to the Sublime Degree of M.M. on May3, 1871. Also, he was the first Masonic funeral in this Lodge in December, 1871.
The minutes also show that by August, 26, 1871 they had conferred fifteen First Degrees, fifteen Second Degrees and nine Third Degrees.
The charter was granted October 9th, 1871.
After wandering up and down Main Street for fifty years and three times attempting to build their own Hall, the Lodge is now firmly rooted on the same lot where they started in 1871.
In the fall of 1871, the Lodge decided to raise $500.00 for the purpose of building a second floor on the building Brother Hod Jenness was then erecting. A committee was appointed to sell 500 shares of stock at $5.00 each, bearing 12% interest. The $500.00 to be given to Brother Jenness - he in turn was to give the Lodge a ten year lease. The results were almost nil and two weeks later the interest was raised to 20%, but still no results. After several attempts failed to raise that amount, $278.00 was accumulated and for this Brother Jenness gave them a lease for nearly two years.
In December 1871, arrangements were made for a Masonic New Year's Ball. 7he admission was $2.00 per couple for the ball and Supper. The committee in charge of this reported all expenses paid with a profit of $8.15.
In February, a note of thanks was tendered to the widow and children of Brother Handcock for the Bible they presented to the Lodge.
On May 28, 1873, the Trustees were instructed to prepare the necessary papers for incorporation of the Lodge. This was completed on June 4, 1873.
The Lodge remained in the Jenness building until December, 1876, then moved into the Averall Hall located at 605 Topeka Ave., paying the first year’s rent by making certain needed repairs. The rent was $50. Most of this work was done by Manroe Pettigrew who had just petitioned. He received as pay the three Degrees.
In December, 1876, a committee was appointed to secure sawdust to cover the Lodge floor, also build a sandbox for the stove and furnish four spittoons for the Lodge.
In April 1879 the Lodge purchased eight jewels for $13, one bell $3 and one dozen aprons with emblems, $2.25 each. No previous mention had been made of the purchases other than a small bill for regalia at the start.
On February 21, 1880, the Tyler, E. S. Hacket was instructed to purchase one dozen knives, forks and spoons, also one bucket and one pitcher for the use of the Lodge.
The Lodge remained in Averall Hall until June 1884, when they returned to the Jenness building, staying for one year then moving to the John Howe Hall in 1885. Here they remained until June,1886, then moved into their new hall. By this time they had nearly completed building the second floor of the middle building. Some weird financing followed again in failure, with an accumulation of a $600 debt which eventually was turned over to the Citizen’s State Bank. On June 26, 1886, a motion was made to build two pillars for the Lodge, and in October a bill for labor on the new Hall was paid. Insurance amounting to $21 on the Hall was paid. The Trustees were instructed to procure lights for the Lodge. The bill for them was $88. The Trustees were also instructed to build a platform around the Lodge room. Morris and Fleming were to purchase carpet not to exceed $1 per yard, also a stove. A motion was made to be given permission to cut a door through to the refreshment room, which was about 24 feet square at the east end of the building. The pillars cost $6 each.
Following this, there were several good years. The O.E.S. was organized and things moved along quietly for the balance of 1887 and 1888 – only accumulating more debt and several members received dimits. In those days, members were tried before suspension for non-payment of dues. One member was appointed prosecutor and one for defense. One Brother stated he was ill and could not pay his dues but offered his sword in payment, this sword the same being used by the Lodge then, but he was still suspended. Several months later it was requested that the sword be returned to the Brother, which was done.
By 1892 they were again planning to build and did – this time no trouble – the building was located over Blums. They remained there until 1909 when A. Capper and Son offered them $600 for the Hall which was accepted, taking a note for one year at 7%. The Lodge also sold four dozen chairs, one stove and the carpet to the I.O.O.F. Lodge to be credited for rent for these, the rent to be $35 per year.
By this time the I.O.O.F. building had been erected and they moved into this paying rent until the late 1920’s when they purchased the building from the Heaton Brothers for $1600. A motion was made that the Lodge pay $600 down and secure a warranty deed. This was done. A motion was also made to rent to other Lodges; also, to raise the dues to $4, half of which be applied on the debt. By the late 1930’s payments on the mortgage had been completed.
Records show that W. A. Cotterman, who was Secretary in 1871 and various times during the following years, was Secretary in 1927.
Improvements in the Hall were made about 1931 consisting of piping in water and installing a lavatory, stool and sink, part of which was donated and the labor of the installation was also donated.
In 1935 a new hardwood floor was laid.
In the early 1940’s a Master’s Chair, Senior Warden’s Chair, Junior Warden’s Chair and an Altar and three pedestals were obtained from the Scranton Lodge – that Lodge having sold its building.
In the middle 1940’s both platforms were enlarged.
In the early 1950’s a gas ceiling heating unit was installed.
In 1970 a remodeling project of the Lodge was completed, paid for by volunteer work and donations from the Eastern Star and Lodge members. New wall paper, all new wiring, new ceiling and new lights were installed. A new roof will soon be needed and a different heating system, which is sufficient but noisy, is planned.
In the spring of 1971 a paper on the founding of Lyndon and a history of Euclid Lodge No. 101. AF&AM was placed in a box in a cornerstone of the new City Building.
Editing Committee Research Committee
Joseph Wischropp Leo L. Richardson
Ralph Stanley Dr. George H. Hoerman
Carl Manning
Walter Osborn