History Page

 History of Bunnell Masonic Lodge

Early Beginnings

The Masonic Lodge in Bunnell, Florida, has a rich history dating back to 1910. On November 11, 1910, the Grand Lodge of Florida granted a dispensation to seven Brothers residing in the Bunnell area of St. Johns County, marking the establishment of Bunnell Lodge No. 200. Key figures included Daniel M. Deen as Worshipful Master, Benjamin B. Bachelder as Senior Warden, and William H. Cohran as Junior Warden. The lodge continued its operations into 1911, with charter members such as Adolph Deen, William H. Deen, and Robert W. Deen receiving their degrees during this period.

The Tribune Building

In 1931, as reported by the Flagler Tribune on March 26, the Masonic Lodge began moving its furniture and equipment from the old Mercantile building on Bay Street to the Lambert building on the corner of Railroad Street and Moody Boulevard. The old Mercantile building, recently purchased by Ed Johnson, was being converted into apartments. The remodeling of the Lambert building included removing several partition walls to create a large enough space for the lodge's needs, with the top floor and additional rooms used as an anteroom. The work, supervised by L. A. Jett, aimed to have the new quarters ready by April 14, 1931.

Historically, the Tribune Building, the first business block on Bay Street, housed various businesses and fraternal organizations. Constructed around 1913, it was a credit to the young town and its editor, J.B. Boaz. Over the years, it was home to the Bunnell Hardware Co., Atlantic Realty Co., and the Bunnell Mercantile Co., operated by the W.H. McKenzie family. The John C. Rice Hardware, located there from 1943 to 1954, was later purchased by Dunn Hardware and Supply, which continues to operate.

Order of the Eastern Star

Bunnell Chapter No. 93 of the Order of the Eastern Star was chartered on April 19, 1916. The chapter celebrated its Golden Anniversary on April 19, 1966, with a significant gathering that included charter members Minnie McKnight Howell and George Moody Sr. A letter from the first Worthy Matron, Lillian Hagadorn, was read, expressing her regrets for not attending due to illness.

Legacy

The Masonic Lodge #200, built in 1946, stands as a testament to the fraternal organization's enduring presence in Bunnell. It was the first Fraternal Organization in the town, reflecting a legacy of community and brotherhood that continues to this day.