BRIEF HISTORY OF JONESBORO LODGE NO. 87

JONESBORO GEORGIA

 

Jonesboro Lodge #87 is the oldest organization in Clayton County, even older than the county itself.  When Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #87 was chartered, Jonesboro was a part of Fayette County.  This building now owned and occupied by the Lodge was the original Clayton County Courthouse built in the late 1850's or early 1860's.

 

According to the Lodge records of October 31, 1847, several members of the order began to work on the organization of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge No. 87.  It was noted in the records that Brother Guy Lewis Warren took a demit from his mother Lodge on the fifth day of February 1849, and applied along with six other members to the Grand Lodge of Georgia for a charter to start a Lodge of F & A M. at Jonesboro.  On March 3, 1849, the Grand Lodge issued the charter confirming the Constitution and by-laws of this Lodge.  Brother Guy Lewis Warren was elected Worshipful Master and retained the office consecutively from 1849-1857 and was re-elected again in 1860.

 

It was recorded in the minutes of various meetings from 1849-I856 that the Lodge was renting meeting places from various individuals, local churches and schools.  It was noted in the minutes of the July 12, 1856 meeting that the lodge purchased a lot for the sum of $250.00 from a Mr. Sanders for the building of a Lodge Hall.  Apparently during the next few months this plan was discarded because in the December 13, 1856 minutes the Lodge unanimously agree to build a Lodge hall on the top of the Hanes and Keys contemplated store housed on the corner of the lot adjoining the Hotel.  Then on January 24, 1857 it was resolved that the building committee be recommended to close the contract with Brothers Bailey and Lawrence for building the Lodge Hall at a cost pf $240.00.

 

Records show the following officers elected in 1863

J.C. Ellington, W.M.

J.H. Morrow, SW

T.R. Daniel, JW

A. Camp, Treasurer

G.L. Warren, PM – Secretary

H.L. Morrow, Tyler

 

According to Grand Lodge records there was no annual return for the year of 1864, However, according to reports, W. Bro. S. D. Mann had called the Lodge from labor to refreshment, for the duration of the Civil War.  Also the names of 38 brethren who were called to service in the Confederate Army are listed including that of W.Bro. S.D. Mann. 

 

The Lodge minutes for the period of 1860 through 1869 were not available due partially to the destruction of the Lodge property during the Civil War.  (Remember where the lodge hall was at that time) In the next available minutes of the meetings, (November 13, 1869).  The rental of a room in the Court House for $50.00 a year was recorded.  Also found in the record was a letter dated December 13, 1874 which Jonesboro Lodge sent to other subordinate Lodges in the state explaining the destruction of Lodge property by the Federals during the Civil War and requesting a donation of $2.00 to aid them in rebuilding of the Lodge.  The Lodge from this time until the early 1900's was renting various meeting places in Jonesboro.

 

According to Clayton County property records on November 5, 1903 the Jonesboro Presbyterian Church and the Masonic Lodge purchased from Clayton County the present building and land for the sun of $1,000.00.  The Masonic Lodge owned four-tenths interest and the Presbyterian Church owned the remaining six-tenths.  Negotiations were completed on November 27, 1945 for the purchase from the Presbyterian Church its interest in the property for the sun of $2,000.00.

 

The finances of the Lodge have not always been good.  On numerous occasions the master would have to borrow money to pay the Grand Lodge dues.  On the other hand, the Lodge has never had its Charter suspended or arrested.

 

The Lodge was the first sponsor of the first Boy Scout Troop in Clayton County, Troop No. 136 for many years.

 

The Lodge has raised nearly one thousand Master Masons.  Presently the Lodge has a membership of four hundred and twenty.  There have been 96 Past Masters, of which thirty four are living.

 

A look into the past of Jonesboro Lodge #87 is a view of the interesting heritage of one of our country’s most honorable organizations. 

 

A visit to the Lodge building is a visit into the historic past. 

 

 

JONESBORO LODGE OF GEORGIA NO. 87

Jonesboro, Fayette County Original Officers