This lodge was first chartered June 10, 1851, and at the first election, which occurred on the 1st of July the following were elected:
John D. Roddy – N.G.
Robert P. Cummins – V.G.
John H. Cunningham – Sec\’y
A. J. Long – Treas.
In 1861 many of the members joined the Union army as volunteers, and as a result, the sessions of the lodge were discontinued and its charter surrendered.
On the 4th of January, 1871, a reorganization took place, and a firm, unshaken interest has been maintained to the present time. The officers of today are:
Harry S. Kimmel – N.G.
Ed. L. Will – V.G.
A. C. Davis – Sec\’y
William H. Berkey – Asst. Sec\’y
William H. Welfley – Treas.
E. E. Patton – P.G.
Until the fire of May 9, 1872, meetings were held in the third story of William B. Coffroth\’s building. Subsequently several meetings were held in the \’\’Academy building,” after which the lodge secured the garret of the old Lutheran church on Union Street, and there held its meetings until late in the year 1872, when it rented a hall in the Baer block, which is still occupied. The first charter was destroyed by the fire of May, 1872. Another was issued June 1 of that year. To date two hundred and eighty-four members have joined this lodge. Its present members number sixty-nine, and hold regular meetings every Monday evening.
(Source: History of Bedford, Somerset & Fulton Counties, PA; 1884)
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