Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In 1950, the Troy Masonic Lodge No. 56 celebrated it’s 109th Anniversary.  The March 29, 1950 edition of the Troy Messenger carried multiple articles about the history and celebration planned for the lodge.  Approximately 300 people were expected to be in attendance at the celebration.

The late Wiley White was first worshipful mast of the Troy Masonic Lodge.  He assumed the office on March 30, 1841.

Other officers who served during the first year were:  John Curtis, senior warden; Lake R. Simmons, junior warden; Robert Smiley, treasurer; John Kyle, junior deacon; and James Hutchinson, tiler.

***These officers served until December 27, 1841.

The first Pike County Masonic Conference was organized in the present Masonic Temple on April 6, 1894, by Masons from the following lodges:  Troy, Orion, Brundidge, Harrison and Spring Hill.

Richard D. Windham, was elected master of the conference, and Frank L. Zimmermann was secretary.  The first county organization prospered for about 10 years after which it was discontinued.  Later, however, it was reorganized.

***

The interesting history of the Troy’s Old 56’ Masonic Lodge dates back to March 30, 1841 and closely parallels that of the county.  The lodge has been in continuous operation ever since its founding date.

A few hardy Master Masons, hungering for their own lodge began the tedious work of planning their own organization here four score and nine years ago when Troy and Pike County were sparsely settled by immigrants who had poured into this section from a adjoining states.

These Masons were led in their efforts to establish a lodge by John F. Beecher, a lawyer.  The lodge was organized in his office, located in the second floor of Mrs. Ann Love’s Tavern (site of the present Carroll building).  The late Wiley White served as first worshipful master of the lodge and during the first year 30 candidates received the symbolic degrees of Masonry.

The lodge’s first home was completed in 1842 at a cost of $800.  The second story of the structure was used by the Masons, and Mrs. Love established a Sunday School on the lower floor.

The present Masonic Temple, a handsome three-story brick building, was erected in 1892 with day labor at a reported cost of $15,000.  Enoch Crites, a Mason, was recorded as builder of the temple.

Throughout the years, Troy Lodge No. 56 has  grown in every respect, and the three-story, debt-free Masonic Temple stands as a monument to the fine men who have constituted its membership during the past 109 years.

Members of the local organization and visiting dignitaries will meet here in the Masonic Temple tomorrow to observe the 190th anniversary of its founding.

All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society.