Americanism Program features Masonic history

On Sunday, April 3rd, 19 participants enjoyed the Americanism program on Montana Masonic history. Guest speaker was Dave Prewett, PGM and was accompanied by his wife Sharon, both of Virginia City, Mt. The Masonic Home and Eastern Star benefit dinner followed with lasagna, salad, dessert and beverages served.

Meriwether Lewis' Masonic apron hangs in the Grand Lodge building in Helena, Mt. A print of Lewis wearing his apron hangs in the Malta Lodge.

Masonry came to Montana by three men heading to the gold mines. Mullen Pass was the site of that first meeting in September 1862. In November 1862 a Masonic funeral was held in Bannock with 77 Mason's in attendance including the deceased.

At that time it was decided to start a lodge but the request from the Grand Lodge never made the journey with the stage coach being intercepted by Indians.

In 1863 Virginia City created a lodge in a pool hall. Virginia City was full of crime that came along with the gold mining. A majority of the first law enforcing Vigilantes were made up of Masons.

The Virginia City Lodge #1 currently is the oldest lodge building where the Grand Lodge was held and is still used for Masonic purposes.

The square and compass brand was brought to Montana by Philip Poindexter and William Orr, members of Bannock Lodge. When Montana became a territory of the U.S. In 1864 this was the first brand recorded.

The brand was later sold to Canada and in 2001 bought back and belongs to the Grand Lodge of Montana in Helena. The brand is designated as an "ornamental" brand and may not be used on livestock. A bolo tie of the brand was worn by Prewett.

Much more history can be delved into through the Masonic Lodge website http://www.grandlodgemontana.org. They celebrate 150 years 1866-2016 on June 23, 24 and 25 in Helena.