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History of South Hill #297

 

       Short History of South Hill Lodge No. 297 A F & A M

 

 

 

South Hill Lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia Ancient Free and Accepted Masons on February 13, 1908.  Its Mother Lodge was Mecklenburg Lodge No. 59 A F & A M  which was located at Smith’s Cross Roads in Rural Mecklenburg County a few miles from South Hill, Virginia.  South Hill Lodge was placed and remains in Masonic District No. 28.  South Hill Lodge began with thirty- eight members.

Early information about South Hill Lodge is scarce since the first Minute Book was placed in the Bank of South Hill in 1915 for safekeeping.  The Bank of South Hill was forced to close during the Depression and no information on where the Minute Book went after that event is available

Early minute books primarily record the reading and balloting on petitions as well as balloting on moral fitness and proficiency in degree work.  No records indicate exactly where the Lodge met during its early years.  There are several references to paying rent for Bugg’s Store and to Mr. Northington who also owned a store in downtown South Hill.  Records also show negotiations with Mr. G. A. Saunders for rent of a building.  Mr. Saunders built the Colonial Theater in South Hill and early photos of the theater show a Masonic Square and Compass design on a window on the third floor.

South Hill Lodge built its first Temple in 1939 on Main Street in South Hill.  This remained their home until 1965 when the current Temple on Thomas Street was built.  The old Temple was purchased by a Brother who owned a grocery store adjacent to the Temple property.  He moved the building to Matthews Street and sold it to the Oddfellows of Hayes Chapel Lodge No. 8123 who still use it today.

Four Lodges have consolidated with South Hill Lodge.  Mecklenburg Lodge No. 59 and Hollywood Lodge No. 252 in 1932.  Union Level Lodge No. 337 in 1937 and Brunswick Lodge No. 52 in 2003.

Membership in South Hill Lodge reached a peak in 1962 when it had 255 members on its rolls.  There are currently 159 members.

One Grand Master has come from South Hill Lodge.  Most Worshipful Matthew Lyle Lacy, II in 1979.

South Hill Lodge celebrated its Centennial twice in 2008, on February 14 and June 21.  Most Wor. Edmund Cohen was the speaker at the June Celebration.

For more information on South Hill Lodge, its history, and known member data will be published in 2009.