*******From Whence We Came*******
Two decades had elapsed from the time the first settlers began to arrive in this community until a number of Master Masons met for the purpose of organizing a Masonic Lodge. These were the St. Joseph Iron Works and Mishawaka on the south side and Indiana City and Fowler's Village on the north side. These four plots incorporated on February 17, 1838, and became kn
own as the Village of Mishawaka with a combined population of five hundred. Early in the year of 1851, a committee was appointed to draft a set of by-laws and the Grand Lodge of Indiana was then petitioned for a dispensation of Charter. This committee reported on July 30, 1851. Present at this meeting were Brothers R. Spence Alden, D. Smith, J. Holdridge, A. Tuttle, A. Foot, A. Sandilands, M.H. Smith, W. Wood, Philo Hurd, J. Hollister and A. B. Halsey. Brother R. Spence Alden had been named by the Grand Lodge as Worshipful Master and A. Halsey was to act as Secretary until the Grand Lodge session which was held in the following May. On August 6, 1851, was the first meeting held under this dispensation, five petitions were received, three for initiation and two for membership. A motion was made and carried that the act of dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge be accepted and that said act be recorded in the minutes. The recorded act bore these word:
FAITH - HOPE - CHARITY! This dispensation was signed by A. Downey, Grand Master, Bearing the seal of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The Lodge held their meeting in the I.O.O.F Hall. Officers held six-month terms during the years from 1852 to 1855. During this time the first furniture was purchased at a cost of $171.00. The first Bible purchased about this time cost the brothers twelve shillings. Early in the year 1864, the lodge moved into new quarters located on the corner of Main and Vistula Street (now Lincoln Way West). The new hall, dedicated December 8, 1864, was rented from the St. Joseph Iron Works at a cost of $80.00 per year. On June 14, 1871, the petition of Manuel M. Fisher was received. He was destined to become the first Mayor of Mishawaka in 1899. Another highlight of the year was the granting of a charter to Mishawaka Chapter No. 83, Royal Arch Masons, on October 18, 1871. Also, that year the lodge purchased working tools, jewels and emblems at a cost of $35.00, along with twelve spittoons obtained for the "convenience of the brethren". Early in September 1872, a fire which destroyed most of the business district on the south side of the river occurred. Destroying the two business blocks on the north side of Lincoln Way between Mill and Church Streets and one block between Lincolnway and Third Street and Main and Mill Streets. It was in this block that the Masonic Lodge was housed on the third floor of the building. The loss to the order was listed as $1,000.00 with insurance of $600.00. Most of the lodge furniture was destroyed, but fortunately the records were saved. On October 14, 1902, upon recommendation of the Masonic Association, it was decided to purchase a property located at the corner of Main and Second Streets (now Lincoln Way) from the W.H. Dodge Estate. Plans for erecting a Temple were begun at once. On June 14, 1904 Mishawaka Lodge laid the cornerstone with a public ceremony. The ceremony of setting the cornerstone took place with Most Wor. Grand Master William H. Swintz Officiating. Deposited in the casket were the Great Lights, Squaree and Compass, History of Mishawaka Lodge No. 130, F. & A. M., History of the Mishawaka Temple Association, A Royal Arch Penny, by-laws of Lodge No. 130 and of Mishawaka Lodge U.D., 1851 stone from the foundation of King Solomon's Temple, U.S. Coins, Program, Daily and Weekly Papers, Grand Lodge Report of 1904 and a Masonic Directory of Elkhart and South Bend. Thus Mishawaka Lodge, at long last, was to have a home of their very own to be enjoyed for many years. In 1917, the 1st World War made its appearance in the records. Meny Masonic Brothers joined the Home Guard Companies which were formed. In 1925, our lodge was honored with an invitation to participate in the laying of the cornerstone for the new Mishawaka High School building. On October 20, 1927, The lodge was also honored with an invitation to attend the laying of the cornerstone of the Goshen Temple. This year was an eventful one. At a called meeting on December 21st our first "Past Masters' Night" was abserved. The years of the depression were felt severely by the lodge as well. Our membership fell from a high of 597 in 1928 to a low of 518 in 1936. Even so, the work of the lodge was conducted and bills were met. The 1940's again found our country at war. During the war years, many of the young men who answered their country's call, were given their Masonic degrees in various lodges throughout the country, The brethren
who found time to attend lodge near their training camps told of the many courtesies extended them while away from their homes. In June of 1945, the first issue of the Temple Tidings went out to the members of all the Masonic bodies. Since that time we have come to depend on this pamphlet as a guide to all our activities. The year of 1949 was one of great activity, Due to the number of petitions, it was necessary to hold a great number of called meeting. The membership had risen to a high of 1,055. MORE TO FOLLOW SOON, THANK YOU. It is with great pride that we point to the work of the past and with full confidence we prepare to face the years ahead. By the continued cooperation of each member of the Craft, we shall preserve the principles of the "Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man" for our children. The challenge of the future calls for stout hearts and strong men.
