History of the Elysburg Lodge #349 Free and Accepted Masons

In 1867, five master masons from surrounding lodges, who resided in Elysburg, wanted to establish a Masonic Lodge in this community.  Interestingly, the petition to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was recommended by the Catawissa Lodge #349 on December 12, 1867.  As you all know, that lodge has now joined with us and we have become Elysburg Lodge #349.

The warrant was granted creating Elysburg Lodge #414 on March 4th, 1868. Elysburg at that time had a population of about 200 persons.  It was booming metropolis with 3 general stores, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 wheelwright shops, a post office, a foundry, a tannery, 2 churches, a school house, and a 2 story academy building.

The first meeting did not occur until February 24th, 1870, two years after the petition was granted.  The meeting was held in the Elysburg Lodge #548, I.O.O.F. on Market Street.  The five charter members were Samuel A. Bergenstresser, the first Worshipful Master; Joeseph C. Robins, Senior Warden; Matthias Persing, Junior Warden; Lorenzo D. Robins, Secretary; and Charles Hull, Treasurer.  All were prominent members of the community and both Lorenzo and Joseph Robins were Physicians.

The first regular meeting of the lodge was held on March 10th, 1870.  By St. Johns Day 1871, there were 23 members.  For the first 19 years of its existence, the lodge meetings were held in the I.O.O.F. Lodge.  A ten year lease had been signed with them for a sum of $40.00 per year.

In the spring of 1888, the Elysburg Methodist Church became available and Brother Samuel Gilbert was authorized to purchase it at a cost of $300 dollars. After adding a second floor, the lodge was moved to the newly renovated building in March of 1889.  Electric lights were installed in 1934/1936.  The lodge continued to meet there for 73 years.

In 1931, there was an attempt to form a Home Association to build a new building, but it wasn't until 1958 that the Masonic Home Association was incorporated (The wheels of progress move slow.)

In 1961, the shell of the building which we currently occupy became available.  Brothers Max Malcolm, RWGM and Russel Yost, DDGM visited the site and found it to be suitable for Masonic purposes.  The building was purchased from the Police Lodge for the sum of $11,500 dollars.  With work from the Brethren, the renovations were completed and the building was dedicated on September 15th, 1962 by Brother W. Leroy McKinley, RWGM of Pennsylvania.

Fittingly, as the Catawissa Lodge was so instrumental in the establishment of the Elysburg lodge, they have now joined with us to continue the important work of Masonry in Pennsylvania.