I had the opportunity to give a private presentation on the history of Unity Lodge No. 146. Since the event was prepared for a private audience, it was not advertised as a public program. Still, the presentation represented part of a much larger effort to research, organize, and preserve the Lodge’s history.
The presentation traced the story of Freemasonry in Front Royal from Chester Lodge No. 61, through Front Royal Lodge No. 102, and into the founding and growth of Unity Lodge No. 146. It followed the Lodge across several important places in town, including the Old Front Royal Academy, Fristoe Hall, Union Hall, the Murphy Building, the Dr. Hansbrough House, and the current Masonic Temple on Criser Road.
Much of the research behind this presentation is available on the Lodge website. The main history page provides a broader timeline of local Masonic history, while the website history page explains how Unity Lodge’s online records have grown over time.
Presentation Slides
Related Year-by-Year Research
The following summaries provide additional background for some of the early years of Unity Lodge No. 146. These pages helped expand the presentation beyond dates and buildings by connecting the Lodge to local people, civic life, public events, deaths, elections, railroads, newspapers, schools, and community activity.
Summary of 1877
In 1877, Unity Lodge was in its sixth year after receiving its initial dispensation in 1870. The Lodge was part of the 14th Masonic District, which included lodges in Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties. During this period, Unity Lodge met on Saturday evenings before or on the full moon, first in Fristoe Hall and later in Union Hall on the third floor of the new Public Free School Building. The year also included officer elections, membership records, deaths of members connected to prominent local families, and a wider look at the civic and business lives of Lodge members.
Summary of 1878
In 1878, Unity Lodge continued as one of six lodges in the 14th Masonic District. William O. Rust was elected Worshipful Master during the June stated communication. The year included the death of Thomas Newton Ashby, a charter member and the first Master of Unity Lodge No. 146, who had also been connected to Front Royal Lodge No. 102 and local government. The research for this year also highlights how members were involved in the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, town government, local business, the sheriff’s office, relief efforts, newspapers, churches, and other parts of community life.
Summary of 1879
In 1879, Unity Lodge was in its eighth year and remained part of the 14th Masonic District. District Deputy Grand Master Marshall McCormick visited Unity Lodge in May, and Smith S. Turner was elected Worshipful Master in June. This year’s research shows how Lodge members were connected to law, politics, education, transportation, and local commerce. It also documents major local happenings, including the murder of James Foster near Bentonville, railroad expansion toward Front Royal, school board activity, and the construction of a lodge room for Turner Ashby Lodge No. 232 in Markham.
Summary of 1880
In 1880, Unity Lodge reported having 42 members and continued to meet in Union Hall. The Lodge changed its regular meeting night from Saturday evening to Thursday evening before the full moon. Events from the year included a Masonic oyster supper at Town Hall, cornerstone ceremonies, a Masonic picnic and grand reunion at Island Park near Harpers Ferry, and references to the Baltimore Sesquicentennial. The year also shows how local Masons participated in events beyond Front Royal, including John G. Brown’s role with the Warren Light Infantry during Baltimore’s Military and Fire Department Day.
Summary of 1881
In 1881, Unity Lodge was in its tenth year after its original dispensation. George H. Bowman was reelected Worshipful Master, and the Lodge continued meeting in Union Hall on Thursdays near the full moon. The year included a Grand Master’s official visit by Captain Peyton S. Coles, who invited brethren to the Yorktown Centennial Monument cornerstone ceremony. The Lodge also suffered the deaths of three members: William H. Barley, Captain Ewell Baker, and Marcus B. Buck. Other events included the Grand Masonic Excursion to Luray Caverns, the Yorktown Centennial, and the Grand Annual Communication in Richmond.
Although the original presentation was private, the research behind it continues to serve a public purpose. Unity Lodge’s history is not only a Masonic story but also part of the history of Front Royal and Warren County. By connecting records, buildings, members, newspapers, photographs, and yearly summaries, this research helps preserve the story of a local institution that has been intertwined with the community for generations.
