IT IS OPEN TO MEN WHO ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD, OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER, AND BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF A SUPREME BEING. Barboursville, Virginia
Barboursville Lodge began in the early part of 1887. It started forming with a letter of authorization from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, probably a dispensation, as told by former members and their families down through the years. The Lodge received its charter on December 14, 1887, with the following officers:
Roland F. Hill Worshipful Master Linn Banks Lodge No. 126
William P. Hill Senior Warden Linn Banks Lodge No. 126
James F. Johns Junior Warden Independent Orange Lodge No. 138
The Lodge meeting place was near the Southern Railroad in the village of Barboursville. In that day Barboursville was a very prosperous town, with two main highways crossing there. Businesses included: a trading post, stores, pool hall, saloon, barrel factory, railroad freight and passenger depots, sawmills, hotel and livery stable. The Lodge was in Masonic District No. 2. This was changed to District No. 7 in 1895. In 1888, it showed a membership of eighteen. During 1888, most of the members started and formed the Barboursville Baptist Church, which is still active today. In 1890, the Lodge contributed to the start of the Masonic Home of Virginia. The last children cared for at the Masonic Home were the three Miller children from the Barboursville area. On January 12, 1904, the Lodge hall burned and all assets, including records, were lost in the fire. The Lodge began meeting in a store building, and later was located in a hall near the barrel factory, which also burned in early 1920. As before, all assets were lost. The Lodge then moved to the high school building for a temporary site until May 20, 1920. A piece of land was purchased in partnership with the Hamm family, on which a three-story building was erected, using the top floor for the Masonic Lodge hall. Roland F. Hill, the first Worshipful Master of Barboursville Lodge died on April 28, 1927, and was buried with great honors. On December 27, 1957, the trustees purchased all the interest of the Hamm family in the building. In 1969, the renovation of the building included removal of the first floor, making it a two-story building. The first floor now serves as a dinning hall and kitchen. Down through the years this Lodge has been called a railroad Lodge because the majority of the resident members were employed by the Southern and C & O Railroads. However, currently there are not any members who are affiliated with the railroads.
