Akron Lodge continues tradition dating back to August of 1862
Members of the Akron Lodge hope a number of area men will accept an invitation extended since 1862 and come to learn more about the Akron Masonic Lodge. The Lodge is hosting a “meet the Masons Night” on Tuesday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Masonic Temple, 63 John Street, Akron, New York.
Brief sessions on what Masonry and the Akron Lodge are about are planned as well as an activity time shared with guests and members providing time for informal discussions.
Those interested can come with any Lodge member or by themselves. Call 741-5509 for more information.
A history
Akron Masonic Lodge was granted a dispensation to organize on August 21, 1862. The first meeting was held on August 31, 1862. Hiram Lodge, the oldest Masonic Lodge in Erie County, was a sponsor of Akron Lodge.
Ely S. Parker, a Seneca Indian and Sachem (1851), was the first Worshipful Master of Akron Lodge in 1862. He was a Military Secretary to General Ulysses Grant during the Civil War and drew up the capitulation papers for the surrender of the Confederate Army of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox.
Master Parker later serviced as a Brigadier General (1865) and as Commissioner of Indian Affairs (1869) when Grant was President.
A charter was granted to Akron Masonic Lodge #527 on June 5, 1863 and they sponsored the Alden Masonic Lodge #594, which received its charter in 1866.
During the early years, Akron Masonic Lodge met in rented quarters. The current lodge building is at least the fourth meeting place since the lodge was formed. The Lodge purchased the Akron High School building on November 3, 1924 and fire destroyed the temple on December 26, 1962.
Plans for ta new contemporary Lodge Temple Building were approved on September 3, 1963 and for one and a half years the Lodge met at the Akron Grange. Dedication of the current temple took place on December 6, 1964. The debt was paid and the mortgage was burned on October 15, 1977.
The Honorable Leon W. Paxon, Master 1949, served two terms as an Erie County Family Court Judge.
In addition to Masonic Charities, Akron Lodge charity projects of the years have raised money for Children’s Hospital, provided tickets to the Shrine circus and provided dinners and luncheons for Masonic widows. Use of the Temple building is provided to many community groups and many specific purpose fund raisers.
Akron Lodge continues to have Native American members. Three Native Americans, two Senecas and one Cayuga have been Masters of the Lodge.
Activities
Members of the Akro Lodge have regular meetings, which include standard ritual, business, program (Masonic or general interest), and refreshments.
They participate in Degree Ceremonies, Masoni Funerals, Installation of Officers, Awards/Recognition, the Masonic Widows Program.
Community Service
Community Service is a landmark of masonry. The Akron Lodge contributes to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund of the New York Grand Lodge which helps fund program such as the Masonic Home and Masonic Medical Research Laboratory as well a Youth Camp, Drug and Alcohol Abuse prevention, and other programs.
The Akron Lodge also work locally and has contributed to a variety of cause.