In the Roanoke Valley during “the roaring 20’s” Freemasonry was alive and well. There were lodges meeting in Roanoke and Salem. In 1927 a group of masons predominately employed by the Norfolk and Western Railroad decided to form a lodge in the Northwest section of Roanoke City. Melrose Lodge met in a room above Carter’s Store at the corner of 14th St. and Melrose Ave. This lodge was formed of 136 original signers of the petition to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. These masons belonged to lodges as follows: approximately ½ to Lakeland Lodge, ¼ to Pleasants Lodge and the rest to various lodges. The lodge requested a charter that was granted on February 15, 1928. The start of this lodge in one of the most economically depressed eras of our Nation shows the stature and commitment of the brethren of Melrose Lodge. This lodge has continued to be a strong supporter of Freemasonry and has provided brethren that are involved in service in the workplace, community, but most of all in helping brethren to enjoy the fellowship that like minded men enjoy with each other.
Melrose Lodge has met in predominately 3 places during its history. After renting a room from Carter Bros as stated above for almost a quarter century, a new site was selected and a fine 2 story brick building was erected on property purchased on the corner of 21st. Street and Carroll Ave in Northwest Roanoke City. This new building was occupied in 1954 and served as the home for the lodge until1979 (Another quarter century). We met in Vinton Lodge and Lakeland Lodge until a new lodge building site was found and purchased on Shadwell Drive in North Roanoke County in 1984. The brethren came together and had a new building built. The interior of the building was finished by the brethren of Melrose Lodge. The first meeting was held in the new building on March 11, 1985. We have almost made another quarter century as Melrose Lodge in the 22nd district in Virginia Freemasonry. It is hoped that our lodge will continue to practice the tenets of Freemasonry for many more quarter centuries
The brethren of Melrose Lodge practice the craft with “freedom, fervency and zeal”. Our lodge has been instrumental in providing workers for the craft locally and on the statewide level. The fellowship of the brethren in Melrose Lodge is legendary. We help aid and assist brethren in all areas that are straight forward and proper. The officers that serve the lodge continue to live and work according to the fact that the lodge is to be operated as a unit that uses all the brethren according to their talents and abilities. Practicing the charge that we should all come together in harmony,
Melrose lodge has moved in freemasonry because it practices utilization of the craft so that each member best works and best agrees according to the dictates of Freemasonry.
The number 139 was inherited from Turner Lodge # 139 which met at Hollins for a number of years. The location of Melrose 139’s building is located in the edge of Roanoke County near Hollins College. History repeats itself; a Masonic lodge continues to be a viable presence in this area of Roanoke County. We meet on the second Monday of each month and invite all freemasons to visit our lodge at your convenience. Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love is practiced in
Melrose Lodge # 139.
