Union Village Masonic Lodge #545

                    DEDICATION

To all our brethren who have built in the past,
To all our brethren who are building in the present,
To all our brethren who, though unseen,
               have yet to build,
                       for
                     Masonry

History is created by the ideas and actions of men.
Times, places and circumstances are incidental, accidental, or both.
The recording of some of the essential and outstanding events of any important organization brings further light and purpose to that body, and a challenge to posterity.

Most of the information on these pages was taken from "A Brief History of Union Village Lodge No. 545, F. & A. M.", which was compiled and published in 1974. Additional names and dates have been added to bring sections up to date.

FOREWORD

The preparation of this brief history of Union Village Lodge No. 545, F. & A. M. has not been an easy task. It has required many hours of research by your Masonic history committee assigned to the job by the Worshipful Master, Wayne Clark, in January, 1971.

Although this brief story cannot be considered all the history of Union Village Lodge, yet it does contain that which represents a true picture of the Masonic Lodge from its inception on January 8, 1877, when a dispensation was granted by the Grand Masonic Lodge of the State of Indiana and was chartered as a legally constituted body on May 22, 1877, with all the rights and privileges encompassed in said charter.

As you read its contents you may be led to realize that Freemasonry has played a big part in helping to shape the destiny of our community, making it a better place to live in peace and harmony and with a brotherly love and affection in accordance with the plan of the Grand Architect of the Universe.

Chapter I.................................Masonry in Indiana
Chapter II................................In the Beginning -- Background History
- Organization of Johnson County -- 1823
- Organization of Union Township -- 1830
- Union Village Platted -- 1835
Chapter III...............................The First Masonic Lodge
- Building the New Hall -- 1875
- Minutes of the early meetings
- First Worshipful Master 1877 -- 1880
- Membership to -- 1900
Chapter IV................................Levels of Time -- 1900 to 1935
- Interesting Highlights
Chapter V.................................The New Lodge Site and Building -- 1936
- Purchase of Property from the Wesley Methodist Congregation
- Pictures and Descriptions
- Dedication by Grand Lodge Officers
Chapter VI................................Levels of Time -- 1937 to 1974
- Growth of Membership, Improvements
- Eastern Star Chapter Formed -- 1954
- Secretary G. Marvin Merriman 1942 -- 1977
- Masons in World War II
Chapter VII...............................Past Masters
Chapter VIII..............................Secretaries
Chapter IX................................Fifty-Year Members
Chapter X.................................Deceased Members
Chapter XI................................Current Officers
Chapter XII...............................Conclusion
Chapter XIII..............................Earl Vaughn is Remembered

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Go to Chapter 1.

Last updateFebruary 10, 2000.

FOREWORD

CONTENTS