Summary Information
River Falls Masonic Temple (Wis.) Records
1858-1975
River Falls Micro 11, Micro 743
9 reels of microfilm (35mm)
UW-River Falls, Chalmer Davee Library / River Falls Area Research Ctr. (Map)Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Records of Lodge No. 109, Free and Accepted Masons, and Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons, including Lodge meeting minutes, reports to the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and membership and financial records; and Chapter by-laws, convocation minutes, reports to the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, and financial records.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0743 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
The River Falls Lodge No. 109 of the Free and Accepted Masons was organized September 22, 1859. Its charter was issued by the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin, June 15, 1859. The charter of the River Falls Chapter No. 45 of the Royal Arch Masons was granted February 28, 1874. The Lodge represents the first three degrees and the Chapter the second four degrees of the York Rite of Masonry. Although at different levels in Masonry, many of their members were active at both levels and their meeting locations appear to have been the same. Throughout the first seventy years of its existence, the Lodge held its meetings in a variety of locations in River Falls. Many were halls associated with business establishments. In 1879 a fire occurred in the Saunders Building where the Lodge was then meeting. Most of the records were destroyed including all the minutes prior to May 1, 1877.
From 1896 to 1908 the Lodge experienced a period of rapid growth. All debts were paid off and the membership lists grew. In 1908 the brethren moved into a hall where they met until 1929. On December 16, 1919 a committee was appointed to select a site for the construction of a permanent temple. A campaign was initiated in 1926 to raise the $19,750 necessary for the purchase of land and for the construction of the temple. Construction began August 5, 1928 and the dedication was held September 30, 1929. All the funds were raised by individual cash donations of the brethren, and the total cost of the temple was paid off in 1943.
Scope and Content Note
The records document the routine activities of the two major divisions of the River Falls Masonic Temple: Lodge No. 109 and Royal Arch Chapter No. 45. Records of the Lodge include minutes of communications (meetings), reports to the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and records of members' admissions and accounts. Those of the Chapter include its by-Laws, minutes of convocations (meetings), reports to the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, and financial records. The minutes of the Lodge's communications are complete from 1877 to 1975 and illuminate its day-to-day activities. A special section exists commemorating the Lodge's centennial in 1959. The members' records document their entry into the Lodge or Chapter, their status as active members, and the termination of their participation in the affairs of the organization. The Chapter's minutes document its activities from 1873 to 1948.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Originals loaned for microfilming by Thomas L. Alton, River Falls, Wisconsin, 1979. Accession Number: M79-15
Processed by Gregor Trinkaus-Randall and Max J. Evans, March 23, 1979.
Contents List
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Series: River Falls Lodge No. 109
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Reel
1-4
Item
1
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Minutes of communications, 1877-1975
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Reel
5
Item
2
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Reports to the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, 1882-1897, 1899-1905, 1908-1911, 1913-1919, 1923-1970
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Reel
6
Item
3
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Register, 1858-1954
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Reel
6
Item
4
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Visitors' Book, 1889-1950
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Reel
6
Item
5
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Records of individual members admissions, 1903-1955
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Reel
6
Item
6
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Financial Records of the Lodge, 1862-1911
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Reel
6
Item
7
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Financial records and accounts of members dues, 1917-1957
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Reel
7
Item
8
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Dues book, 1858-1890
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Reel
7
Item
9
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Schedule of dues and assessments, 1921-1937
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Reel
7
Item
10
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Ledger of members dues, 1936-1946
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Series: Royal Arch Chapter No. 45
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Reel
7-8
Item
11
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By-Laws and minutes of convocations, 1873-1948
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Reel
8
Item
12
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Reports to the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, 1884-1886, 1888-1896, 1914-1946, 1953
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Reel
9
Item
13
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Dues books, 1893-1944
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Reel
9
Item
14
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Cash book, 1921-1935
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