By Navar Watson
Contrary to what some believe, Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a “secret society.”
Freemasonry, according to member Ron Wilson, is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization, and Noblesville Masonic Lodge #57 is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its temple, located at 295 S. 9th St. There will be a rededication ceremony May 30.
At the ceremony, the Lodge will offer tours to the public, starting at 11 a.m.
“We kind of brag that this is the most beautiful building in Hamilton County, and we’d like to have Mom and Dad bring the kids out and see the building and see what we’re doing up here,”said Wilson.
It’s a Masonic tradition to honor lodges with a 100-year history, Wilson said. Therefore, Grand Officers from the state organization will also be in attendance May 30.
Masonic Lodge brothers will open and close the ceremony, which will also feature presentations from Masonic appendant bodies, like York Rite, Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Eastern Star.
In addition to tours, there will be a food tent. Guests can also look at various artifacts the masons retrieved from a 1914 time capsule last year. Included are hundred-year-old newspaper articles and photographs of downtown Noblesville.
Though the temple is turning 100, Freemasonry dates as far back as 1828 in Noblesville, with the first Masonic Lodge meeting in an attic. Lodge #57 moved into its current temple in 1915 and now has about 350 members, according to Worshipful Master Michael Goss.
The lodge’s motto is “making good men better,” he said, which is accomplished through various teachings. In addition to their group meetings, the lodge also does volunteer work, raises money for different causes and awards scholarships.
“I think like all service organizations, we’re here to help,” Wilson said, “and we help folks when they need help.”
The rededication ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Masonic temple, located at 295 S. 9th St. The last tour will start around 2:30 p.m.
