Pierceton Masonic Lodge Celebrates 150 Years Of Service
PIERCETON — A rededication ceremony was held at the Masonic Lodge in Pierceton Saturday, Sept.15. The Masonic Lodge 377, located on 1st Street, is celebrating its 150th year of service to the community. Indiana Grand Master of Masons Carl E. Culmann and Grand Lodge officers presided over the rededication ceremony.
The current Masonic Lodge building was constructed in 1958. It was made of paver bricks taken from SR 13, which currently passes in front of the building and is now known as 1st Street.
The lodge was designed by Brother Frank Logan, a local professional architect. Logan was the architect credited with the chief design of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, DC.
There are several unique items at the Pierceton lodge. The American flag displayed in the temple room has only 48 stars but is still legal today. The rough ashlar on the Worshipful Master’s steps came from the Great Wall of China. Brother Merwood Bishop acquired the stone while serving with the U.S. military during World War II. The gavel displayed in the Tyler’s room is made of olive wood from the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. The U.S. flag in the Tyler’s room was presented to the lodge by Brother Warren Murphy. The flag was carried by members of A Company I-293 infantry during combat operations.
The ceremony included a request for dedication, presentation of working tools, proving of the temple, pouring of corn, pouring of wine and pouring of oil, invocation, proclamation and honorary membership presentations. A luncheon was held at the Menzie-Reece American Legion Post 258 following the ceremony.