Anchorage Lodge #17 is Anchorages oldest and largest Masonic Lodge. Founded in June of 1917 we have approximately 50 local members and nearly 300 members nationwide. The roots of Anchorage #17 are the Inlet Masonic Club which later became the Anchorage Masonic Club, after the official formation of the township of Anchorage Alaska. Our first meeting on record as Anchorage Lodge #221 UD (under dispe
nsation) held on March 22nd 1917. We received our first charter from the Grand Lodge of Washington and have spent most of our history under the jurisdiction of that Grand Lodge. After the formation of the Grand Lodge of Alaska, in February of 1981, we entered into and became Anchorage Lodge #17 in January of 1991. The original location of our Lodge was the corner of 4th avenue and F street where a 60 x 60, 2-story building was constructed late 1916 for a cost of $1350. By the early 1950's the building was aging rapidly and would soon need replaced. In 1958 the AMTHC (Anchorage Masonic Temple Holding Company) was formed and assumed control of the property. The last meeting held at this location was on July 8th 1959. After which we moved to the Scottish Rite building located at 15th avenue and Eagle street. The building at 4th & F was demolished and replaced with a commercial retail building that was leased by the Woolworth company. Today the AMTHC still owns and leases the property. Our first meeting was held at the Scottish Rite Building on August 12th 1959. Later the property at 15th & Eagle came under the ownership the Central Masonic Committee and was sold to the AMTHC in the mid 1980's. In 1999 the Lodge building underwent a $1.25 million dollar renovation giving it its present day look and feel. Today Anchorage Lodge #17 regularly meets on Wednesday evenings for degree work, practice, business or simply just for fellowship. We traditionally hold an open Installation of Officers on the first Wednesday of January. By mid Spring we participate in an Grand Master's Official Visit and in late Spring we hold a wonderful Ladies' Night dinner in celebration of our Ladies. After the June Stated Communication we "go dark" for the Summer months that the Brethren may spend the short and precious Summer month of Alaska with their families and friends. Although we do continue to meet on the 2nd Wednesdays of July and August for Stated Communication requirements. Also Anchorage Lodge #17 participates and sometimes hosts a Jr. Wardens Picnic sometime during one of the Summer months, please watch our events calendar for dates. At the September Stated we will return from "darkness" and resume normal Lodge actives including a Past Master's night celebration of our Past Masters. Generally, both in the Spring and in the Fall, we can be found hosting a Lodge Fellowship Night where we like to grill out and enjoy a steak or hamburger dinner with our friends and members. Again, please watch the events calendar for dates. As for degree work, Anchorage Lodge #17 boasts a proud tradition of performing high quality degree work including the reciting of all the lectures and charges from memory. Do to our location in Anchorage Alaska, we frequently enjoy visitors from all over the United States and elsewhere in the World. We are also commonly blessed with the presence of many U.S. soldiers stationed in Anchorage who are also Brother Masons. If you have questions or would like to become part of this proud tradition please feel free to contact us anytime.
