Membership of Chester Lodge No. 61

A response from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia provided the background of Front Royals early history in Freemasonry and Chester Lodge No. 61 – specifically regarding Brother Joseph L. Carson.

Of interesting note is that the Lodge was performing work with Entered Apprentices without the need to be a Master Mason before getting involved in lodge activities. In 1843, it became necessary to become a Master Mason to perform work of the lodge.