Columbia Lodge #58

Columbia Lodge #58 Frederick, MD

Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF&AM)

History

Freemasonry was first introduced in Frederick County prior to the Revolutionary War. The first lodge in Frederick County which met in a dwelling home on the farm of William Downey near New Market, Maryland prior to the year 1776.

After the Revolutionary War in the years 1790 and 1799 a lodge was held at “Fleecy Dale Factory” near the old glass works (Amelung) near Bennet Creek in the Urbana District. This lodge was formed by John Frederick Amelung. One of Amelung’s workmen was George Fearhake who was the father of Adolphus Fearhake, Sr. Brother Frew was master of this lodge.

There was an Army lodge with Maryland troops and was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Many of the soldiers were from Frederick County and members of this lodge.

The Grand Lodge of Maryland granted new charters to lodges. One of those chartered in February 1799 was Hiram Lodge #28 at Fredericktown. There were about 30 members in this lodge. The lodge surrendered or forfeited their charter in 1826.

Columbia Lodge #58 charter was established by the Grand Lodge of Maryland in the year of November 7, 1815. Masons met on December 8, 1815 at the house of James Houston located on the Southeast corner of Market and Second Streets. This was the location of the Farmer’s and Mechanic’s National Bank. At the meeting on December 17, 1815 the by-laws of the lodge were adopted.

At a special communication of the Grand Lodge on October 8, 1824 our illustrious citizen and brother Marie Paul Joseph Yves Gilbert Mottiers De La Fayette was made an Honorary member of the Grand Lodge of Maryland. General La Fayette was re-visiting the United States. This was fourty years after the American Revolution. He returned to Baltimore several weeks later and attended elaborate banquet tendered by the lodge. Brother La Fayette was a good friend of George Washington. On Wednesday December 29, 1824 General La Fayette and his secretary Lee Vasser and son, George Washington La Fayette were received in the home of Henry Bantz on West Second Street where the Centennial Memorial United Church is now located. General La Fayette presented the apron which he wore to Brother William Bear (Mayor of Frederick) who in turn presented it to the lodge. This apron is on display in the Columbia Lodge Library and museum of the Temple.

Governor Francis Thomas, who was Governer of Maryland, was a member of Columbia Lodge #58.

Columbia Lodge #58 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, like all Masonic Lodges, were affected by the Anti-Masonic agitation and the brothers thought it was best to cease their meetings. On June 7, 1830 the last communication under the charter of 1815 was held.

In 1842 a number of Masons petitioned the Grand Lodge of Maryland to renew the charter. The petition was presented by Brother Anthony Kimmell, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master to the Grand Lodge of Maryland. On May 29, 1899 favorable action was taken to erect a building as a Masonic Temple in agreement with Lynch Lodge #163. On April 12^th 1901 the Grand Lodge of Maryland laid the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple on West Church Street. On December 2, 1902 the new Temple was dedicated. Brother Harry O. Schroeder was the Master of Columbia Lodge #58. On November 17, 1948 one of the most outstanding and best known Masons of the State was elected Worshipful Grand Master of Maryland. A beautiful portrait of Brother Harry O. Schroeder was done by Ms Helen Smith and is on display in the lobby of the current Temple.

In May 1994, Lynch Lodge #163 approved the consolidation of their lodge with Columbia Lodge #58.

The best men of the community have been members of the craft and consider it an honor to be listed among the members. We have ministers of the Gospel, judges, lawyers, governors, members of Congress, members of the military, artists, teachers, and mechanics; in fact, men of all walks of life having met the requirements that make good men and masons. We have had members of the Grand Lodge of Maryland from our lodge. We are honored to have glass from the Amelung glass works , the Masonic apron worn by brother La Fayette, and other Masonic regalia and antiquities on display in the Temple library and museum.

On December 4, 1999 the cornerstone was laid for the new Masonic Temple at 6816 Blentlinger Road, Frederick, Maryland. Our new Temple would not have been possible without the magnanimous bequest of the funds from the estate of Brother Charles L. Blentlinger. Our new Temple would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of all the Masonic organizations affiliated with our Temple.

September 19, 2011

Thank you to Brother Bobby for writing this history

Masonic Temple. Frederick, MD

1901-1999