As we look back over the more than ten (10) years since the founding of Solomon Lodge #97, A.F. & A.M. we thought it time that we create a document that could be a; art of the Lodges’ archives so that 10, 20, 30 years from now the Brothers that continue the work of Masonry within this Lodge will have some idea of our roots and our origins.
In the months comprising 2003 and up to the issuance of our Charter in 2005 many informal discussions and meetings took place between Past Master Victor J. Story (Wisdom Lodge #57) and Past Master Bruce M. Stepherson (Keystone Lodge #8) concerning the formation of our own Lodge dedicated to several core beliefs that we each held.
The first was to create a new and young Lodge that would truly strive to adhere to the tenets of our profession – charity and brotherhood especially. The goal was to create a Lodge were new Brothers were welcomed and the Lodge it self would not be hindered, by Past Masters, unwilling to allow new Brothers to flourish.
Past Master Victor J. Story came to these discussions as a long time member of Wisdom Lodge #57. Wisdom Lodge was then and continues to have a very great and long history of Masonic work and knowledge. Past Master Story counts as his mentors Past Masters XXXXX, XXXXX and others without whom he could have never have learned and grown in this fraternity of ours.
Past Master Bruce M. Stepherson came also to these discussions having been in Keystone Lodge # 8 a Lodge that had previously celebrated its 50th year of existence in Hiram Grand Lodge. Past Master Stepherson counts as two of his most significant mentors Past Master Anatole Perkins and Past Master Ken W. Hairston.
But the actual formation of the Lodge involved discussions with other Brothers and with our sitting Grand Master at that time, whom we honor tonight, Grand Master William H. Murchison. Masonry is never an individual endeavor but is always a team or group effort. This is why we also honor the other founding Past Masters and original Brothers of Solomon Lodge #97. Those Brothers at our original meetings were: Past Master Derrick Reddick, Past Master James Rabb, Past Master Robert Middleton, and Past Master James Simpkins.
In the beginning Solomon struggled as any new organization does in trying to grow, husband our resources, and begin to mentor new younger Brothers to assume leadership positions within Solomon Lodge. The list of our Worshipful Masters is as follows:
2005 – Worshipful Master Victor J. Story
2005-6 – Worshipful Master Derrick Reddick
xxxx etc.
Over our ten (10) years of existence Solomon Lodge has taken pride in the fact that our Lodge has always remained financially secure and that we have contributed to the work and growth of our Grand Lodge. As with all Lodges Solomon has had its’ own challenges with members health, finances and their personal obligations that come before Masonry. But we have continue – all of us – to work in the vineyard of Masonry without hesitation and currently we have xxx members all working to make our next decade of Masonic work, charitable efforts and relief to distressed widows and Brothers as evidence that what was created ten years ago is worthy of our continued work and support.
