A brief history of our lodge "Old Building"

The first communication of Geraldine Lodge 838 was on September 2, 1922, with A. Byron Hall Worshipful Master.

It was recorded that the regular communications would be held on the second Saturday afternoon and the forth Saturday night. The meeting times and nights have changed over the years but the meeting place has always been the same.

Our Lodge building is one of the oldest structures in our town and surrounding area. The building is a two story, having several businesses on the ground floor thru time ranging from a number of things such as a general store, later to just a hardware store, doctors office, automotive parts store and an ice cream parlor. Some of the business people have been Masonic members, one of which was Brother Doc Parris who had the doctor's office just after the turn of the 20th century.

A number of years ago the National Historical Society offered to put our Lodge building in its register but the members declined due to their stern rules with every detail from altering its appearance to any minor repair.

For many years the building had two owners, one owned the ground floor and the Masonic Lodge owned the upper level. The ground floor owner was responsible for the foundation and the upper level owners (Masons) were responsible for the roof. This was an agreeable arrangement for many years until the ground floor owner agreed to give sole ownership to the Masonic Lodge and we have been very proud owners since.

Due to its age, fully wooden structure and "now a days" legal responsibilities the members agreed not to seek any businesses for the ground floor and have made it into our kitchen and dining hall.

Many hours of good southern eating and fellowship with Brothers and the community have been spent in this "Old Building".