NOTE: The following is from a paper published by Jeffersontown Lodge #774 in 1948. Utmost attention has been given in reproducing it in web-page form as accurately as possible. --A.H.I.
The old building had quite a history in itself, and as for the date of the construction of the building, as far as we are able to find out, it is unknown, however, we were able to check some records and among them found this article: “The Baptists bought one-half of Lot No. 10 and the large room downstairs in the building. That is still the Masonic Hall. The deed was recorded March 10, 1871. C. T. Wells bought the lot as agent for the Melone Lodge No. 378 (defunct) and sold to the Baptist. The Baptists sold it back to the Masons in 1926 for $2,000, after occupying it for almost 60 years.”
Melone Lodge No. 378 was given a dispensation to set to work sometime during the year of 1858, received its charter on October 18, 1860, returned its charter to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky on May 22, 1882.
Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774 was given a dispensation to set to work on November 11, 1905 with 12 members, and had met in the building each meeting night until the Saturday following the fire on January 22, 1948.
Sometime during the year 1911 we bought the second floor and a portion of the land and in 1926 we bought the first floor and the remainder of the land, thus becoming the sole owners of the property.
The old building will always live in the hearts of our members as the home of our Masonic teachings whereby we were able to learn that even though all men do not become members of our order we should still practice Friendship, Morality and Brotherly love to all mankind.
Jeffersontown Lodge U.D. was opened on November 11, 1905 by Bro. John Mass, as Proxy of the Grand Master, R. H. C. Rhea.
The first officers of the Lodge U.D. were:
Minutes of November 3, 1906, state that on October 17, 1906, a Charter was granted to Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774, by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
By appointment and election conducted by Bro. Fred Burkhart, at this meeting, the following officers were installed and charged:
1905.............. 12 1927..............125
1906.............. 23 1928..............127
1907.............. 34 1929..............122
1908.............. 43 1930..............122
1909.............. 45 1931..............123
1910.............. 62 1932..............110
1911.............. 65 1933..............113
1912.............. 65 1934..............100
1913.............. 68 1935.............. 95
1914.............. 71 1936.............. 93
1915.............. 76 1937.............. 95
1916.............. 76 1938.............. 95
1917.............. 89 1939.............. 97
1918.............. 93 1940..............106
1919.............. 95 1941..............113
1920..............101 1942..............125
1921..............102 1943..............136
1922..............107 1944..............149
1923..............105 1945..............165
1924..............115 1946..............173
1925..............122 1947..............186
1926..............119 1948..............201
Bro. Fred Burkhart Bro. James D. Vaughn
Bro. William H. Ragland Bro. C. W. Erdman, Jr.
Bro. Boyd A. Muster Bro. Charles Bilyeu
Bro. David McKinley Bro. H. N. Reubelt
Bro. C. F. Bryan Bro. D P. VanArsdale
Bro. L. W. Heinsheimer Bro. Dudley F. Vaughn
January 16 and January 22, 1948, will always stand as red letter days in the hearts and memories of the members of Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774, F. & A. M., for on those two days occurred tragedies, in the form of two fires, which promoted the craft to erect this beautiful Temple that we are proud and happy to say, is now the home of the members of Jeffersontown Lodge.
The first meeting following the fires was held in the hall of Middletown, Ky., a committee was appointed to find ways and means to either repair or to replace the old hall.
On February 14, 1948, we started holding our meetings in the Jeffersontown School building and a committee was appointed at that meeting to have plans drawn, specifications written and cost submitted for the erection of a new Temple, as it now seemed that it would be unwise to repair the old building.
On March 13, 1948, Brother William D. Carrell reported that a settlement had been with the insurance adjuster and the amount would give us a start toward financing the new Temple.
On March27, 1948, a motion was made that we erect a Temple not to exceed the cost of $20,000.00 plus the salvage from the old building. A special building committee was appointed at this time consisting of brothers William Baumlisberger, John L. Petry, Edwin H. Weller, Elbert J. Willis, and Barney C. Reid to assist in the formation of a set of plans that would be suitable to the needs of the Lodge and still be within the reach of the craft. At this meeting a committee was appointed to find ways and means of financing the proposed new Temple. This committee was composed of Brothers E. Ward Jean, Forrest F. Radcliff, Lawrence T. Miller, Roy L. Corby, Peter A. Baker and Robert W. Zollinger.
On April 10, 1948, plans were submitted by Br. John L. Petry and an announcement made that Bro. E. T. Trautwein, 906, would construct the proposed Temple for an amount of $20,000.00 and salvage the old building. Bro. Trautwein was to use as much of the salvage as possible because it would be better material than could be secured at this time. The craft accepted the proposal. The ways and means committee suggested that the most logical way to finance the new Temple would be the formation of a separate organization and on the following Monday, June 4, 1948, the Jeffersontown Boosters Club had its formation in the Town Hall.
The Jeffersontown Boosters Club was chartered by the State of Kentucky on June 4, 1948, and the title to the property was conveyed to the Boosters Club on June 12, 1948, and work started on the new Temple.
The corner stone was laid by past grand master Charles S. Johnson, assisted by the members of Jeffersontown Lodge on July 10, 1948.
The Temple is now complete and we are happy and proud to say that Jeffersontown Lodge is open to all members of the craft and that you shall always find peace, harmony and brotherly love prevailing.
May we take this opportunity to thank each member of the craft and sister lodges who have given so generously that we may again be in our own home, and extended to you an invitation to meet with us at any time.
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