Either in December 1867 or January 1868, a group of Masons met, under a dispensation granted by the Grand Master on December 5, 1867 empowering it to work under the name Eureka.
The group of 8 Masons at that time were as follows: John W. Sloop, Master from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC.; R. F. Ervin, Sr. Warden from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC.; P.A. Correll, Jr. Warden from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC.; Fredrick Cline, Treasurer from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC.; J, K, Baughn, Secretary from William R. Davis Lodge, Lexington, NC.; H. C. Baughn, Sr. Deacon from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC.; J. V. Pachel, Jr. Deacon from Lodge Unknown; and John S. Goodnight, Tyler from Stokes Lodge #32, Concord, NC. Charter members of Eureka Lodge in 1868 were the Brothers listed above as well as C. W. Alexander, A. J. Benson, Hiram Deaton, Levi Fink, G. H. Propst and E. H. Patterson.
On December 9, 1868, The Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of North Carolina at its Annual Communication, in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, with Most Worshipful R. W. Best, Grand Master, received a report from its Committee No. 1 on Charters and Dispensations: “examined the By-Laws and Proceedings of the following Lodges working with Dispensation To Wit: Eureka Lodge, Rowan County, N.C. The Committee recommended a Charter for Eureka Lodge of Rowan County. The Charter was granted December 9, 1868. At the end of the first year when the Charter was granted the membership was 14 Master Masons and 2 Entered Apprentices.
The meeting was held in a building owned by Mrs. S. M. H. Winecoff. The Lodge records do not specify a location but according to Rouses Map in the North Carolina Department of Archives, The Lodge was located in a Community called Colemans on North Ridge Avenue in what is now Kannapolis. The building was located just north of where the Security Bank is now, probably on the hillcrest, across from Woodrow Wilson School and bordered by the railroad property.
During the years 1869—1871 the Lodge rented a building from Michael Walters, location unknown.
In May of 1870, a point of land belonging to Aaron Goodnight (near Bro. Ervin on the “Big Road” “Ridge Avenue”) was ordered bought for the benefit of the Lodge. The purchase was made on December 22, 1870 and the 2 acres cost $10.00
During the year of 1871, a two story building was erected and called Eureka Hall. It was noted that one Brother paid his passing fee of $5.00 with lumber for the hall. At the time, candidates paid $10.00 for the first degree, $5.00 for the second degree and $5.00 for the third degree.
The Lodge was called Eureka Lodge #283, Concord, North Carolina and the address was listed as ‘Near Concord’.
The regularly scheduled meetings at that time were held on the first Saturday after each full moon at about 1:00 PM. It was not unusual for three to seven members to speak on Masonry. There was also a meeting on the Festivals of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint John the Baptist. On one such festival celebration, the Lodge gathered in front of the hall at 9:00 AM and the procession marched up the road across the railroad to a section where they had previously erected seats. The Festival lasted all day. There were several speakers engaged and two bands (one from Huntersville and one from Mount Pleasant). The bands alternated between speakers. There was a picnic lunch and they hired people to carry water to those present.
Candles were used for lighting at evening meetings. When an evening meeting was called, the time was specified as early candlelight. Some meetings, such as a third degree might start on Saturday morning and after a part of the degree the Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment and after lunch called back to Labor to finish the degree work.
The first Bible was given to the Lodge by Fulton Lodge #99 in Salisbury, NC.
In 1873, a Low Twelve Bell was purchased for the Lodge and it was still in use as of 1995. In 1875, a motion was passed that every member who chewed tobacco was to furnish himself with a spittoon and keep it in decent order. This did not work out too well and two months later it was voted the Lodge have six spittoons made and pay for the same. A few weeks later this was raised to twelve spittoons for which the Lodge paid the sum of $1.50.
In 1876, they apparently felt the need for change from one bucket and one cup and bought pitcher and glass tumblers for $6.35. At the same time they purchased 50 yards of carpet for $25.00.
In 1878, the Lodge voted to establish a school in the lower rooms of the Lodge Hall and the Lodge was to pay for one month of each five months of school. It could not be confirmed if the school was started but it did show a strong interest in education.
In 1884, five demits were issued to members with a view to establishing a Lodge at Enochville. Dispensation was granted in December 1884 to Union Lodge at Enochville. This Lodge worked under dispensation for about three years but never became chartered. The membership of that Lodge was elected to Eureka Lodge #283 in May, 1888.
In 1889, notices were posted in a two mile radius surrounding the Lodge to the effect that papers had been drafted and were being sent to the state legislature for the purpose of incorporation of Eureka Lodge with a prohibitive that no spirituous liquors could be sold within a two mile radius of the Lodge; To Wit: Brandy, Whiskey, Malt Beer, Lager Beer and Wine.
In 1899, discussion began to prevail to move the meeting place to China Grove, North Carolina and continued until 1900. The first meeting in China Grove was held on the third floor of the China Grove Hardware Building at the corner of Main and Depot streets, on January 5, 1901. On January 23, 1902, the old Lodge property was sold to A. V. Sloop for $140.00.
In October 1904, Officers Jewels were bought for $19.08. These served for 61 years until new Jewels were purchased in 1965.
In December 1908, the Lodge became interested in electric lights and found it would cost approximately $18.00 for twelve lights and wiring. The operating cost would be about $.05 per hour.
In August 1912, the Lodge purchased a new seal with China Grove on it.
In June 1915, five members demitted to become Charter Members of Cannon Memorial Lodge #626 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to wit: C. C. Eller, A. Z. Price, M. N. Petrea, W. C. McKingley and L. M. Gillon.
During June 1928, with Bro. Joe Shulenberger as Master, an agreement was entered into with the Town of China Grove on the joint erection of a building. The first regular meeting was held in that building on January 7, 1929. Eureka Lodge #283 met at that location until 1991, when it moved into a new ultra modern facility at 604 East Church Street, China Grove, NC. Bro. Willie Beaver was Master during this transition.
On March 5, 1984, a letter was sent to the Grand Lodge for permission to purchase a lot on the corner of Church and Bostian Streets from Cannon Mills for a new Lodge. On July 2, 1984 the Lodge voted unanimously to purchase the lot. The Deed for the lot was dated October 3, 1984. The cost of the lot was $10,000.00
On May 2, 1988 a motion to build a new Lodge was approved by written ballot. The vote was 36 to 6 in favor. On November 7, 1988, Worshipful Master Willie Beaver presented the proposed floor plan.
On November 6, 1989, the Lodge voted to order a new building. A Ground Breaking was held on January 15, 1990.
On April 15, 1990 the old Lodge was sold to Bill Fisher for $11,897.00 and Eureka rented the old Lodge until the new Lodge was ready to be occupied and dedicated. The new Lodge was built at a cost of approximately $176,000.00.
At an Emergent Communication held October 30, 1990, the new Lodge was dedicated and a cornerstone laid. The Most Worshipful Bunn T. Phillips was present and addressed the Lodge. He also took part in laying the cornerstone. The officers taking part in the Cornerstone Service were: Most Worshipful Bunn T. Phillips, Grand Master; Bro. Robert Lloyd as Deputy Grand Master; Bro. John R. Troutman as Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Alvin R. Park as Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Glenn Tyson as Grand Treasurer; Bro. Robert L. Lowder as Grand Secretary; Bro. Claude J. Hough as Senior Grand Deacon; Bro. Howard Edwards as Junior Grand Deacon; Bro. Grady Hall (PM 154) as Grand Marshall; Bro. Hugh Anthony Hilton as Grand Steward; Bro. Robert Karriker as Grand Steward; Bro. Fred Diggs as Grand Tyler and Bro. David B. Morgan as Grand Chaplain.
The Ceremony fir dedication of the building was conducted in the usual Masonic custom with Brother Willie Beaver, Master of Ceremonies, and Bro. David Morgan, Principal Architect. Bro. Kesler Howard was Bearer of the Taper, Bro. Duwan Johnston was Bearer of the Constitution, and Bro. Tommy Lentz was Bearer of the Three Great Lights. The oration for the occasion was delivered by Most Worshipful Bunn T. Phillips, Grand Master.
In late 1994, a brick sign frame was laid by Bro. Perry Upright and his brick laying class from South Rowan High School. A sign was installed in the brick framework. January 3, 1994 a top of Pink Rowan Granite was placed above the sign. Total cost for the framework, sign and granite top was approximately #5,000.00. This was paid through donations from the Brothers and the Eastern Star.
When hail damaged the roof of the Lodge in 1993, the Lodge replaced it with a new one and at the same time erected a shed over the rear entrance with a storage room on the outside.
In January 1995, through contributions, new seats were installed by the Brothers with the names of the donor and the honoree on a plaque on the right arm rest.
In March 1995, Eureka Lodge #283 celebrated by burning the mortgage on the new Lodge. The Most Worshipful William G. Brunk, Grand Master, was present and addressed the Lodge. He praised Eureka Lodge for the fine work it is doing.
Brother Gary Propst donated food for the celebration. He and his friends cooked and served the food.
Researched by the Committee of Historical Resume: Nov 9, 1968
Bro. W. L. Sims, Chairman
Bro’s E. B. Safrit & Guy Ritchie
Additional information obtained from the minutes of Eureka Lodge #283 and from various Masonic Brothers.
Compiled and printed by: Harold D. Coley, Secretary
Reprinted by: Bro Robert Thornton, Jr. Warden—2006
