HOWARD LODGE HISTORY BRIEF

In the early years Howard Lodge was of very small membership and remained so until after the turn of the century. The Brethren selected for their use the Hall of the Triumphant, Division No. 38, Sons of Temperance. In 1893 the Lodge was informed that the Sons of Temperance building was for sale. A board of trustees was elected by the Lodge to purchase the building, and it was purchased at a cost of $1,200.00. They continued to meet there until after the turn of the century, when they felt that they needed a larger and more commodious temple. They purchased a lot on Levering Avenue in Elkridge and started to erect a temple, and in 1904 they laid the cornerstone for the present temple. The temple was completed and dedicated in 1905, on the exact fiftieth anniversary of its being chartered. When the temple was completed, the outstanding dept amounted to only $1,000.00, secured by two $500.00 notes held by two of the Brethren of Howard Lodge. These two notes were subsequently retired, and the building was left debt free.
When the temple was built, the brethren at that time envisaged a growth to a total membership of 100 members. The Lodge continually grew very slowly up until the late 1930’s, when the surrounding territories turned from principally farming country to urban communities. The growth since then has been phenomenal, and now approximates a membership of 619.
Our brethren built on a firm foundation, and built well, for after 101 years of continuous use and two recent floods the temple still remains in excellent condition.

Reprinted from:
Bicentennial History of Howard Lodge No. 101
Worshipful Master Charles H. Schuhart, Jr.