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Lodge History
Grand Lodge records
indicate that in 1886, Western Phoenix Lodge was destroyed by fire.
In the minutes of June 6, 1886, a motion carried that would permit
Western Phoenix to use the Temple any time during the month, except
on Western Reserve’s regular meeting nights. Grand Lodge issued a
dispensation, which would authorize them to hold their meetings at
Western Reserve. A new Charter was applied for by Western Phoenix,
the original being destroyed in the fire. The use of chewing tobacco was barred from the Lodge room in 1894. In 1907, Middlefield, being desirous of establishing a Lodge, and abiding by the rules of the Grand Lodge, presented a petition of consent to Western Reserve Lodge. A vote was taken and the measure lost by one vote. (All lodges that would be affected by the formation of another Lodge, were eligible to vote.) World events soon
affect the Masonic fraternity. On December 21, 1917, a motion was
made and carried, to remit the dues of Brothers who were called to
colors, “now and hereafter”. In 1918, Flags were given to families
of members called into service. On November 6, 1919, a petition with 171 signatures, including 14 from Western Reserve, was received from the Brethren of Warren. They were praying for consent of Western Reserve Lodge, to allow them to institute a Lodge in Warren, to be called Carroll F. Clapp There are many
references in the minutes about acts of relief and charity
performed. One such incident bears mentioning is due to the amount
of physical labor involved. On January 4, 1927, a group of Masons
met at a sick Brother's home and when the day was done, 30 cords of
wood had been sawed, split and stacked. The first meeting in
the new Temple was held on April 19, 1940. A communication was read
from Grand Lodge, designating June 5, 1940 as the date of dedication
for the Lodge. A dispensation was also enclosed permitting use of
the Temple until the building was dedicated. At a special meeting on
May 8, 1940, Inspection was held in the Master Mason degree. Brother
Yale Carpenter was the first candidate raised in the new Temple. The Lodge building was starting to show signs of deterioration from the weather and on May 6, 1966, a motion was made and carried to cover the exterior with stone and vertical aluminum siding. It was also decided to install a door in the Southeast corner of the Lodge room with a fire escape. An estimate of approximately $4149 was given for the exterior covering, the fire escape was purchased used, thereby saving the Lodge a considerable amount of money. In 1975 the 100th
birthday of Western Reserve Lodge was celebrated. Preparations had
been going on for several years by the Centennial Committee. Brother
James Shaffer served as Chairman, and many Brothers Worked
diligently to assure a successful celebration. On June 5, 1981 edition was read from the brethren in the Vienna area. They were praying for Western Reserve Lodge #507, to permit them to form a proper place to hold Masonic meetings, which would be named Copper Penny Lodge. The request was granted by a unanimous vote from the Brothers in attendance. For many years the Lodge room had blue carpeting, which began to show signs of wear. In August of 1984, new red carpeting was installed, which greatly added to the beauty of the Lodge. The death of Worshipful Brother Lloyd "Stubb" Stevens on October 15, 1984, was a great loss to Western Reserve Lodge. Worshipful Brother Lloyd had served as worshipful Master in 1932, and was Lodge secretary or 44 consecutive years. His dedication and devotion to Western Reserve is perhaps unparalleled in the history of the Lodge. On January 23, 1985 Masonic funeral services were conducted for worshipful Brother Dorsey H. "Dutch" Kempke. Once again Western Reserve Lodge has suffered the loss of one of its highly regarded members. Worshipful Brother "Dutch" served as Worshipful Master 1961, and was Chaplain for 19 Masters, a record that may never be equaled in Western Reserve Lodge. On February 1, 1985,
Western Reserve Lodge held their annual inspection with Right
Worshipful Brother Curtis A. Miller as Inspection Officer. A request
had been made earlier, that the original Charter be available at
this meeting, which it was. An interesting discovery was observed on
this document. It appears that the 7 in 507 had originally been
another. Being indiscernible, it would only be conjecture to wonder
why.
Honorary Members
Dillon Crist
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All Rights Reserved. Western Reserve Lodge #507 F. & A.M. West Farmington Ohio