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A brief history of Dalton Lodge #105:
Dalton Lodge was charterd on October 31st, 1849. Since which time it has enjoyed a continuous existence, without interruption, except during the period of the Civil War. This was when the membership was engaged in military service or was forced to refugee.
The charter members of Dalton Lodge included Mark Thornton, P.T. Canter, A.P. Wade, R.P. Zimmerman, Reverend William A. Simmons, W.D. Fulton, William L. High, R.L. Graves, E.W. Allen, W.M. McCoy, S.W. Batey, Reverend Levi Brotherton, Reverend Elisha Trimble, M.P. Varnall, J. Beeman, Charles W. Linton. The following served as the officers of that year: Worshipful Master - T.B. Daniel, Senior Warden - P.L. Wade, Junior Warden - C. HIberts, Treasurer - J.N. Cates, Secretary - W.J. Hailes, Senior Deacon - James Lynan, Junior Deacon - R.L. Cook. At this time, Dalton was located in Murray County, this being just prior to the constitution of Whitfield County in 1852.
The lodge room of Dalton Lodge has been destroyed at least twice by fire. Once by the soldiers of General Sherman and again in 1911 during the fire of Dalton. The Lodge has occuped various quarters throughout Dalton, including the old hall at the Northwest intersection of Hamilton and Waugh Streets; the third story of the A.J. Showalter building, on Hamilton Street, where it was forced to move on account of the fire which destroyed so much of the property in 1911. The only surviving items from the fire were the lodges original charter, the Holy Bible (which is still on display in the libray), and the Square and Compasses (still used today). For a short time the Lodge was domiciled in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the Southwest intersection of Gordon and Pentz Streets.
For ten years the Lodge met in the Holland building at the Northwest intersection of Hamilton and Gordon Streets. The Lodge erected and moved into its present quarters in 1925. The building was dedicated that year and the corner stone laid with impressive ceremonies.
What are the degrees of Freemasonry?
As with many of Freemasonry’s elements today, the Masonic degrees are rooted in history and come from the Blue Lodges of Freemasonry. Today, the three degrees of Masonic rite are:
Entered ApprenticeFellowcraftMaster Mason Each of the degrees was adopted from the middle ages’ craft guilds, where the craftsman was required to become proficient within each degree before progressing through to the next stage.
Although what is deemed as proficient today within Freemasonry is not the same as what it was during the middle ages, the symbolic journey through the degrees is closely emulated by modern-day masons.
Entered ApprenticeFellowcraftMaster Mason Each of the degrees was adopted from the middle ages’ craft guilds, where the craftsman was required to become proficient within each degree before progressing through to the next stage.
Although what is deemed as proficient today within Freemasonry is not the same as what it was during the middle ages, the symbolic journey through the degrees is closely emulated by modern-day masons.
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Entered Apprentice
The Entered Apprentice’s first condition is that he must come to the door of the first meeting of his own free will and with a belief in a Supreme Being.
After entering the lodge, the candidate is welcomed and given details about the fraternity, as well as necessary instruction on how he should conduct his behavior.
An essential part of an Entered Apprentice’s education is that he symbolizes a man living in the world, searching for education and truth. He is also introduced to much of Freemasonry’s symbolism and is encouraged to learn about Freemasonry more broadly.
An Entered Apprentice is then entrusted with certain secrets of the fraternity, which he must only communicate in accordance with Masonic Law. Only once the candidate proves his proficiency in the Entered Apprentice’s work will he be considered for a position in the second degree.
After entering the lodge, the candidate is welcomed and given details about the fraternity, as well as necessary instruction on how he should conduct his behavior.
An essential part of an Entered Apprentice’s education is that he symbolizes a man living in the world, searching for education and truth. He is also introduced to much of Freemasonry’s symbolism and is encouraged to learn about Freemasonry more broadly.
An Entered Apprentice is then entrusted with certain secrets of the fraternity, which he must only communicate in accordance with Masonic Law. Only once the candidate proves his proficiency in the Entered Apprentice’s work will he be considered for a position in the second degree.
Fellowcraft Degree
The second degree of Freemasonry is known as ‘The Fellowcraft.’ The word has its origins in the guilds of the operative masons in the middle ages and referred to those among them who were fellows of the craft or skilled craftsmen.
In the middle ages, the craft was not split into three degrees, only two, meaning the fellows could instruct other brothers in the art of stonemasonry. Today, the fellowcraft degree is the stage at which brothers complete a more advanced search for Masonic light.
In modern-day Freemasonry, those in the second degree emphasize the importance of philosophy, intellectual enlightenment, and wisdom. They are tasked with further secrets of the order, and their pledge of secrecy is strongly reinforced.
Moreover, the brother is being prepared for the third degree of Freemasonry, where he becomes a Master Mason, meaning he is proficient in the lessons of the fellowcraft degree and can inform others of the practice of the society.
In the middle ages, the craft was not split into three degrees, only two, meaning the fellows could instruct other brothers in the art of stonemasonry. Today, the fellowcraft degree is the stage at which brothers complete a more advanced search for Masonic light.
In modern-day Freemasonry, those in the second degree emphasize the importance of philosophy, intellectual enlightenment, and wisdom. They are tasked with further secrets of the order, and their pledge of secrecy is strongly reinforced.
Moreover, the brother is being prepared for the third degree of Freemasonry, where he becomes a Master Mason, meaning he is proficient in the lessons of the fellowcraft degree and can inform others of the practice of the society.
Master Mason
The crucial defining feature of the third degree of Freemasonry is maturity. Becoming a Master Mason is a sign that the bother has progressed through Freemasonry’s degrees with advanced wisdom and knowledge and is entitled to all the society’s rights and privileges.
Master Masons are taught about virtue and morality, as well as all of the other duties and responsibilities expected of Master Masons. It usually takes several years to reach the degree of Master Mason, and it is from here that he accesses information about the inner-workings of the fraternity.
Master Masons are also eligible to become officers of their respective lodges, which is another signifier of their maturity and the trust placed in them by their fellow brothers.
Master Masons are taught about virtue and morality, as well as all of the other duties and responsibilities expected of Master Masons. It usually takes several years to reach the degree of Master Mason, and it is from here that he accesses information about the inner-workings of the fraternity.
Master Masons are also eligible to become officers of their respective lodges, which is another signifier of their maturity and the trust placed in them by their fellow brothers.
Elected Officers for 2022
WM -R. Cris Lynch
SW - Zachary Gazaway
JW - Daniel Callahan
SD - Benjamin Justus
JD - Kevin Manning
SS - Josh Laster
JS - Anthony Collins
Treasurer - Bill Economy
Secretary - Jimmy Densmore
Chaplain - Chuck Burdick
Tyler - Ed Eller