The earliest notation is dated September 12, 1949. By this time, a number of Masonic Brothers in the Scottsdale and surrounding areas felt the organization of a new Masonic Lodge in the Scottsdale area was in due order. Fraternal needs were being met through participation with Tempe Lodge 15. There was some hesitation because of possible objections to the formation of another Lodge to the north by Brethren from the Tempe Lodge.
On September 12, 1949, it was recorded that "...all concerned Brethren unanimously decided to contact the Grand Master on the matter of establishing a new Lodge..." Several days later, Brother Louis Myers provided the official address of the Grand Master and on September 15, a letter was written and mailed to the Grand Master outlining the situation and circumstances. The Grand Master responded quickly, appointing Brother Myers as his representative in this matter.
In the September 29th issue of the Progress, a notice appeared of an organizing meeting, but no date was yet set. On this same day, Reverend Ross offered Wesley Hall as a meeting place. On October 5, Brother Frye sounded out Tempe Lodge to determine their opinion of the new Lodge.
The meeting date of October 26 was chosen and printed, notices were distributed to known Masons in the area. Brother Myers wrote confirming the date and his attendance at the meeting. Follow-up cards were mailed on October 24 to ensure the best possible turn out. Additional confirmation with Brother Myers was made on the 25th.
The First Meeting
Finally, the important date of October 26, 1949, had arrived. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Brother Louis Myers, introduced by Brother Ollie Wilson, discussed critical issues and timing situations for the formation of a new Lodge. The Rules from Grand Lodge included:
Apply for dispensation.
Must organize by December 1.
The Grand Lodge meets in April 1950 and will rule on the dispensation request at that time.
Procedure which requires 7 or more Master Masons for the formation of a new Lodge.
Brother Myers was extremely helpful during this meeting, offering many suggestions and providing the guidance so necessary in these circumstances. Topics of discussion included property, building, initial membership and first elected Officers.
During this organizational meeting, twenty-five Master Masons committed to demit from their home Lodges and work to organize the new Lodge in Scottsdale. These home Lodges were located in Ohio, Virginia, California, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, as well as various Lodges within Arizona.
Brother Myers advised the election of an organizing committee to oversee the completion of all necessary tasks. Ollie Wilson was elected as chairman and Ed Abraham as secretary. This committee was to ensure the completion of three major tasks:
Plan for a meeting place.
Plan for 1st three Officers (who must pass examination).
Expand the list of Masons who will move ahead with Lodge formation.
A nominating committee was appointed and Reverend Ross passed out the address cards to all in attendance. Several follow-up meetings were scheduled, including a sojourn to Tempe Lodge for an Official Presentation. The first organizational meeting was then adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Building of a Lodge
Junior WardenThe following months saw much activity to bring the new Lodge into being. On November 2nd, four Brothers sojourned to Tempe Lodge 15 and received a vote of "confidence" for our new Lodge.
On November 10th, a meeting was held to discuss building issues and to establish a building committee. This committee would also be known as the Real Estate committee. The Refreshment committee was also formed and appointed during this meeting. Another meeting was scheduled and pledge cards were to be included for all Members.
The Real Estate committee met several times, discussing costs of both building and lot. Two lots were discussed in detail and other properties were also discussed as possibilities. As an example, a 63' x 310' lot on Grammar School Rd. was priced at $1000.
Second General Meeting
On December 8th, prior to the third general meeting, word from the Grand Lodge of Arizona indicated their gratification of our endeavor. We were advised to buy Lodge land in the name of the committee and, most importantly, to organize right away.
December 8th was the most important meeting for our Lodge, receiving the release of the jurisdiction of Tempe to the Lodge in Scottsdale. The Treasurer was elected by secret ballot and it was decided to elect Officers at the next regular meeting in January.
The ways and means of raising monies was discussed and it was decided to take an option on the Grammar School Rd. lot. Decisions on individual contributions were held and pledge cards were distributed to all. The issuance of bonds was also considered to raise necessary funds.
The nominating committee was appointed for the purpose of presenting the slate of Officers to be elected as the first Officers of our new Lodge. For the first time, refreshments were available and served as the Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.
Third General Meeting
Senior WardenThe January 1950, meeting was also a crucial meeting in our Lodge history. Brother Louis Myers, representing the Grand Master (not the Grand Lodge), said we must operate under Dispensation for one year before a Charter can be issued. A Lodge, while acting under Dispensation, may NOT incur debt. The Grand Lodge will meet on April 15 in Flagstaff and we should apply for our Charter immediately following, or about May 1, 1950. Past Grand Master Wolff gave a survey of procedures and instructed the Trustees to take over Title to property or building.
The slate of first-elected Officers was presented to the Members. The Offices of Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Secretary and Treasurer were filled by unanimous vote. Various Lodge names were discussed and all Brothers were requested to bring their suggestions to the next meeting.
Special Meeting of Importance
A special meeting was called for February 14, 1950, to make a final decision on building location. Elmer Duhame offered a lot on Scottsdale Rd. and Thomas Rd. Mr. Duhame was introduced and he described the proposed site for the location of the Lodge. He questioned the size we anticipated the new Lodge to be and then formally offered property on Scottsdale Rd. as the location for the Lodge. His offer was graciously and unanimously accepted.
It was during this meeting that Thursday nights were designated as a regular meeting night, so as not to conflict with other established meetings and this tradition holds true to this very day. A regular meeting of the committee was called for March 2nd.
Lodge Building Plans Continue
Various committee and other meetings took place over the following two months, primarily in preparation for the Grand Lodge meeting in April.
Worshipful MasterThe building committee was authorized to move ahead with whatever plans they have felt necessary. Approval from Grand Lodge had not yet been granted to our Lodge plans, but no problems were anticipated.
Various names for the Lodge were suggested. W.L. Powell made a motion to name it Duhame Lodge in honor of the benefactor of our Lodge site. E.W. Abraham made a motion to name it Juanita y Olmo Lodge. This motion was seconded and approved by all present and it was hereby declared the name to be Juanitay Olmo of Scottsdale, Arizona.
A future Officer's meeting was held in mid-March for the practice of opening and closing a Lodge. Materials needed for the opening were identified and discussed: Bible, Square and Compasses, Gavels, Jewels, Staffs and Standards.
The Gavel committee met in early April for the last time prior to Grand Lodge in Flagstaff. Proposed by-laws were read and accepted for a one-year period, followed by possible revisions, as needed.
Officer's meetings were held each Monday during April to help gain efficiency. The slate of Officers had been amended by this time, with O.C. Wilson as Master, Al Brittan and Walter Jessman as Senior and Junior Wardens, Vomen Frye and Enoch Walkingstick as Senior and Junior Deacons, Cliff Shugars and Martin Kavach as Senior and Junior Stewards, Wes Cook as Marshal, Jack Smith as Tyler, Ed Abraham as Secretary and C.H. Wilcoxen as Treasurer.
The request for Dispensation to operate and permission from Tempe Lodge 15 were prepared for the Grand Lodge meeting and demits and certificates had been received by those who desired original affiliation with the new Lodge.
Examination of Proposed Officers
A special meeting was held on May 1, 1950, during which time the Grand Lecturer Frank G. Robertson examined the proposed Officers. The Lodge was opened on the 3rd Degree and all qualifying work was gone through and performed. Brother Robertson said the work was very good and he promised to inform the M.W. Nelson J. Roach (newly elected G.M.) who will pass on our Dispensation.
Brother Robertson discussed different aspects of proficiency in the work and gave advice on various procedures.
On May 8, 1950, M.W.G.M. Nelson J. Roach attended the Officer's meeting to personally observe the Officer's work. Ollie Wilson introduced him and he then gave a talk on Masonry and discussed details of our Dispensation. The official request for Dispensation, along with demits and certificates, were presented to him for consideration and the amended by-laws were discussed. Several additions and changes were recommended, made and resubmitted at a later date.
June 3, 1950, was chosen as the date of official presentation of Dispensation to Juanitay Olmo to operate as a Masonic body.
Day of Dispensation and Recognition
Monday, May 29, 1950, was busy for both Members and Officers of the new Lodge. Just days before the presentation of the official Dispensation.
Making good men better.
On behalf of Scottsdale Lodge #43 of Free and Accepted Masons, welcome to our Lodge website. Our Lodge, which was established in 1951, has a large and vibrant membership that is active in the local community, providing many involvement opportunities for members and visitors. Our Masonic tenants of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth guide us in our efforts to be better men and we invite you to get to know us.
Our Lodge meets every Thursday evening except during the months of July and August, when we usually have Lodge building work projects. Our dinner is open to all and is served at 6:00PM in the Dining Room with Lodge opening at 7:00PM. Please come by for a dinner of fellowship where you can learn about Freemasonry and about our Lodge.
If you are interested in joining our Masonic Brotherhood, please READ HERE.This has all the information you need to get started on your journey.
Visiting Brothers if you would like to attend Lodge, you may contact our Secretary in advance or look for one of our Lodge Officers who can make the necessary introductions and arrangements. We look forward to meeting you!
