Masonic Lodge 148 celebrates lodge rededication with ceremony & open house

The temple room was filled to capacity with many Manchester residents, and Masonic dignitaries from all over Michigan, for Manchester's Masonic Lodge 148 re-dedication ceremony.  The Lodge could have rededicated the temple, located on the third floor of the Comerica building, sooner, but wanted to complete recent renovations to the turn of 19th century temple.

The first half of the ceremony was solemn. Guests witnessed the ritual measuring of the temple with the square, plumb and level; as well as the pouring out of corn, wine, and oil. Sincere introductions and presentation of certificates followed; notably a proclamation from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to Manchester Lodge 148 for 150 years of dedication to Masonic ideals and service. All of the accolades were accepted by Manchester's current Grand Master, Guy Gilbert.

The history of Free Masonry in Manchester, was compiled by Jerry Waters in 2014 in preparation for the Lodge's 150th anniversary. It begins, "Time-honored traditions have been celebrated by  Lodge 148 ... a part of the largest and oldest fraternity in the world."

The Manchester Lodge's history dates back to Civil War days in 1862, when application was made to the Grand Master at Detroit. A total of $40.25 was appropriated for a charter, seal, and Bible, $5 for Spittoons, and $1 to Mr. Chandler to make a Lodge Emblem, which is still in use in the Lodge.

The first meeting was held December 2, 1862 on the third floor of the Clarkson Building (currently housing Manchester Bakery/Exhale Yoga). The actual charter was granted January 14, 1864. In 1866, the Lodge moved to the Unterkircher building (currently Manchester Pharmacy). "All Masonic meetings in the village have been held on the third floor of whatever building the Masons were using at the time," Waters' history states. A plaque on the right side of the Unterkircher building still reads, Masonic Hall AD 1866 - AL 5866."

In 1895, the Masons obtained a meeting room on the third floor of the Union Savings Bank (now Comerica Bank) building, which remains its present meeting place.

The Freemasons are the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, with more than 2 million Freemasons in North America alone. No one knows for sure where or when Masonry originated, but it is believed it rose from the castle and cathedral makers in the middle ages.

Masonry uses tools and implements of ancient stone masons to symbolize moral values and to promote friendship, compassion, and brotherly love. Besides becoming better in their own lives, Masons believe in helping others and making the world a little better than they found it.

The Manchester lodge currently has more than 100 members. Local fundraisers help the Lodge to assist the community in a variety of ways. An annual golf outing, fair watch, and donations and raffles are the major opportunities for raising funds. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month, except July and August. For more information, contact Gilbert at 734-255-3747.

Covering of the sacraments of corn, wine, and oil, after they were ritually poured out to consecrate the temple.

Manchester presented the Most Worshipful Grand Master who presided over the rededication with a honorary membership in Lodge 148.

The original lease for the temple space.

Columns, uniquely hand-painted to simulate depth, surround the temple chamber.

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by Danielle Muntz

Danielle lives in Manchester Township and has many interests which she takes part in with varying degrees of success. She can be reached at Danielle.Does.Stuff@gmail.com.