Category: Lodge History
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At Work in the Quarry
The Royal Arch Masons of Virginia were invited to a Query Lodge Meeting by Unity Lodge No. 146, with Most Excellent Ray Steele as the guest speaker on September 2, 2020. This event was featured in the October 2020 issue of The Keystone newsletter, published by the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Virginia. Read more
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Front Royal officials open cornerstone set by local masons at Town Hall in 1935
In 1935, Leslie Sealock, then 8, was uninterested in the placing of a time capsule in the Town Hall cornerstone. 39 documents were enclosed, and the capsule was recently presented to the Warren Heritage Society. The town has undergone significant growth since then, with Sealock noting that he hardly recognized anyone at a recent fair. Read more
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Town Hall Cornerstone Opening
The Town Hall in Front Royal has a rich history, with the Municipal Building’s construction and cornerstone laying detailed. The involved parties, funding, and significance of the building to the community are highlighted, shedding light on the town’s development and foundational values. The contents of the cornerstone provide insight into the town’s culture and heritage. Read more
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Front Royal Town Hall Cornerstone Ceremony
On August 17, 1935, Unity Lodge No. 146 participated in a cornerstone ceremony for the new town hall. In 2013, they replaced the cornerstone and presented its contents to the Warren County Historical Society. Mayor Tim Darr and Worshipful Master Dennis Haas led the ceremony, joined by other Lodge members. Read more
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Town of Front Royal Historic Resources Survey Report
The Town of Front Royal Historic Resources Survey Report, published on June 30, 1995, details the history of the Masonic Hall at 107 East Main Street. It discusses its origins as the Hansbrough residence, its evolution, and its significance as a social organization in Front Royal. The report also notes the involvement of other organizations. Read more
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George W. Wright Pavilion Room 2036
In 1926, a cornerstone laying ceremony was held for the Tubercular George W. Wright Pavilion at Blue Ridge Sanatorium near Charlottesville. Erected by the Masonic Relief Foundation, over forty Masonic Lodges contributed to furnish rooms. This information was shared in a paper titled “George W. Wright Pavilion” by Robert E. Simpson, published in 1988. Read more
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The Masonic Blue Slipper
The Masonic blue slipper is a symbol of protection for Masonic wives, widows, and daughters. It originates from the book of Ruth in the Bible, where Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi leads to her marriage to Boaz. This story illustrates the protective role of Masons, and the blue slipper serves as a reminder. Read more
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Freemasonry in American History
Front Royal Lodge No. 102, Front Royal, VA: Page 66, 97 Master of Unity Lodge No. 146: Page 411, 510 Unity Lodge No. 146, Front Royal, VA: Page 115, 285, 290, 515, 533 Chester Lodge No. 94. Chester, VA: Page 322 Book Freemasonry in American History Index to Freemasonry in Warrenton: 1802-2002 Author Allen E. Read more
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Fraternal Visit
On March 23, 1968, The Evening Sun reported the Past Masters’ night at Monocacy Lodge #203 in Union Bridge, Maryland, where the sublime degree of a Master Mason was conferred. Members from five lodges, including a visiting group from Virginia, attended the event. Read more
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Grand Master of Virginia Masons visits Front Royal
Edmund C. Glover, grand master of Virginia Masons, recently visited Front Royal. He was accompanied by William H. Ritter, master of Unity Lodge No. 146, A.F. and A.M., and Haywood S. Griffith, district deputy grand Master. – Sentinel Photo. Read more
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Membership of Chester Lodge No. 61
The early history of Front Royal in Freemasonry and Chester Lodge No. 61, including Brother Joseph L. Carson, is detailed. Notably, the Lodge involved Entered Apprentices without requiring them to be Master Masons until 1843. This information was published in the Warren Sentinel on June 14, 1945. Read more
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Kemper to Speak At Masonic Events
On September 10, 1943, Colonel William M. Kemper delivered a speech at Unity Lodge No. 146 to commemorate the 156th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The observance was requested by the Grand Master of Virginia Masons and was reported in The Richmond News Leader. (Word count: 40) Read more
Unity Lodge No. 146 