Patty and I had a wonderful time in Chisholm Saturday night where we attended the 100th Anniversary Dinner for Hematite Lodge No. 274. Over 150 people enjoyed a great buffet dinner, toasts, speeches and fellowship to celebrate this milestone.In 1909, M.H. Godfrey, the superintendent for the Oliver Mining Company, suggested that Chisholm be home for a new Masonic Lodge. An organizational meeting was held and dispensation granted to form a lodge. The first meeting was held on October 5, 1909. 28 brothers petitioned to form the new lodge, which was constituted in due form on February 15, 1910.
Since the lodge's inception, there have been 665 members. Currently, the lodge has 67 members, including 36 lifetime members.
Junior Grand Warden Brian Beermann ably served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and local and state lodge leaders brought greetings and reminisced about the history of Hematite Lodge, including Area Deputy Rolf Widstrand (shown) who gave a very nice address to the guests. I was privileged to present a plaque to the Master from the Grand Lodge congratulating the brothers of Hematite Lodge for 100 years of Masonry on The Range!
Let us call upon the Great Architect, and our own efforts, to see another 100 years of Masonry in Chisholm, Minnesota!
