THE HISTORY OF SOMERSET MASONIC TEMPLE, LODGE #358

 
Somerset Lodge #358 in the jurisdiction of the Grand lodge of Pennsylvania was granted a charter on September 20th, 1865.   Major Andrew Colborn served as the first Worshipful Master of Somerset Lodge. Lodge 358 was originally known as a “moon” lodge due to its stated meeting being scheduled “Tuesday before or on a full moon”. 

The lodge originally met on the third floor of William Coffroth’s Home. Later, a three-story building was erected on N. Center Avenue where the lodge met until 1872 when the building was destroyed by fire. From 1873 until 1972, the Lodge met on the third floor of the Baer Building. For a short time, The Lodge met in the Odd Fellows Hall in Somerset until the current lodge building, Somerset Masonic Temple, was completed in 1974 where it stands and serves today.  

The Struggle for Existence of Freemasonry in Somerset

By John W. Collins

In 1940 Brother Josiah Swank PM wrote “A brief history of Somerset Lodge Number 358” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of the Lodge. At the beginning , he commented “ I might state here that in my opinion all I have to say, might properly be named or labeled as a ‘struggle for existence of Freemasonry in Somerset’ instead of a history….” This phrase has been repeated in each of the updated versions of Somerset Lodge’s Histories since then, and I wish to follow suit to keep tradition.

A letter dated July 18th 1800 is the earliest mention of Freemasonry in Somerset to be found. Lodge Number 64, Greensburg, sent a communication to Grand Lodge stating that “Brothers John Campbell, James Clark, and William G Elder from Somerset , prayed said Lodge to recommend them to the Grand Lodge to obtain a warrant for holding a Lodge in Somerset.” As no petition was presented at this time, the letter was tabled. The warrant was granted to constitute a Lodge on December 1st, 1800. On January 5th 1801, Lodge 84 was constituted with Brother John Campbell as it’s first Worshipful Master. Freemasonry had come to Somerset 3 years before the Borough of Somerset was incorporated.

Grand Lodge shows returns were received from Lodge number 84 up until 1829. During the Anti-Masonic years that swept the country, a riot was held outside of the Lodge room. Most of the Masons in attendance stopped being actively involved for fear of their businesses and social standings in the community. One such member was Chauncy Forward whom years later was made to justify his Masonic affiliation when he met with opposition from Charles Ogle when he sought to become an elder at the First Christian Church in Somerset.

The warrant for Lodge number 84 was vacated on February 5th, 1837. Legend has it that the Constitution was never surrendered to Grand Lodge, but was held by William Garman who hoped to restore the Lodge. As the story goes, he carried the Constitution with him when he went off to the Civil War as a sutler. He was captured and died in Andersonville prison. The Constitution was said to be buried with him and therefore lost. The Lodge building still stands and is one of the oldest buildings in the Borough. Charles Ogle bought the building after the Lodge was unable to pay it’s taxes. In the Deed he had a clause that ‘if any Masonic activities ever took place in the building again, the deed would revert back to him or his heirs.’

The current Lodge number 358 retains the original Bible from Lodge 84. It was printed in 1795 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Also retained is a copy of the by-laws and a Worshipful Masters Apron.

Somerset Lodge number 358 was constituted on June 5th, 1865, with Andrew Colbourn as the first Worshipful Master. The Lodge met on the 3rd floor of William Coffroth’s home until a 3-story wood frame building was built on North Center Avenue. The Lodge moved into its new room in 1870. On May 9th, 1872, a fire destroyed Somerset including the Lodge room and all its contents. With the help of numerous donations from many Lodges in PA, Brother William J. Baer PM erected a 3-story building on East Main Street where the Lodge occupied the third floor. Featured prominently on the third floor, the Masonic square and compass was displayed for all to see. The Lodge was here until the 1960’s when the Baer Building was razed. Until the current Temple was built in 1972, the Lodge met in the Odd Fellows room on North Center Avenue.

One member of note, Samuel L Crouse, is the namesake for the Somerset American Legion Post. The Lodge is in possession of a service flag from World War 1 with 19 blue stars and 1 gold star. Samuel Krouse gave his life in the service of our country and will forever be remembered by our Lodge.

From anti-Masonic riots to town destroying fires, personal vendettas, and most recently, financial and membership deficiencies, the story of Freemasonry has been a Struggle in Somerset. Yet, I firmly believe when even just a few Brothers come together with a just cause, we will succeed.