PS History

History of Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218

William Driskill

First Master 1851

Part I

1851 to 1951 One Hundredth Anniversary

August, 1951

Fisherville, Kentucky

On December 20th. 1850 our forefathers assembled in this village for the purpose of organizing a lodge of Free Masons. Pursuant to the authority devised from the most worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Brother Past Master James G. Balee called together the brethren constituting Philip Swigert Lodge according to a dispensation granted for that purpose, whereupon a lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form in an upper room of the old mill.

Officers present were: James B. Balee, W. M.; Wm Driskill, S W.; James H Dimmitt, J. W.; H. Pound, Tyler.

Brethren present: M. P. Alexander, C. W. Dorsey, J. G. Malone, R. A. Balee, Joel Balee, Jeptha Shouse and John McNeal.

The lodge having been opened in due and ancient form the officers thereof were regularly installed according to ancient right and ceremony as follows: Wm. Driskill, Worshipful Master; Jas. H. Dimmitt, Senior Warden; Jas. G. Malone, Junior Warden; H. Pound, Treasurer; M. G. Alexander,. Secretary; Jeptha Shouse, Senior Deacon; C. W. Dorsey, Junior Deacon; Jopel Balee, Tyler Protem.

A Committee consisting of Brothers, Alexander Dimmitt and Melone was appointed to draft a code of by-laws for the government of this Lodge. A committee composed of Brothers, Dimmitt, Melone and the Worshipful Master was also appointed to arrange the Lodge room. Petitions received at the first meeting were from Stephen H. Reid, R. R. Clark, L. B. Berry, Jos. Rhea, Sr., Andrew Frazier, Francis Drake, Thomas Gilliland and Wilson Harris.

The Philip Swigert Lodge U. D. thus being regularly organized and officers thereof installed proceeded to work. The Lodge was then closed in Third Degree and opened in the First for the dispatch of business. On motion it was ordered that the stated meeting of the Lodge would be held on the 1sr., and 3rd., Fridays of each month at 67 P. M. until otherwise ordered. The Lodge was then closed in due form at 10 o'clock P.M.

The second stated meeting of the Lodge was held January 3rd., 1851 and the following petitions were received for initiation: Wm. P. Harris, David Harris, Stephen Bridwell, James Gilliland.

The following candidates having been duly elected were the first to be initiated in the Philip Swigert Lodge on January 17th, 1851: Stephen H. Reid, R. R. Clark, L. B. Berry, Joseph Rhea, Sr., Wilson Harris, Francis Drake.

At a called meeting of Philip Swigert Lodge on February 17th, 1851 the following Brethren were raised to the Sublime Degrees of a Master Mason: Wilson Harris, Francis Drake and Andrew Frazier, being the first members to receive this honor.

March 6th, 1851 Francis Drake was duly installed as first Tyler of Philip Swigert Lodge.

On August 15th, 1851 a committee consisting of D. L. Shouse, Eli Rose, and R. R. Clark was appointed to confer with the reform church for the purpose of erecting a suitable building to house both the Lodge and the Church.

On August 19th, 1851 Brothers Driskill, Dimmitt, and Melone were appointed delegates to attend the Grand Lodge with the instructions to make application of that body for a Charter.

One hundred years ago August 27th, 1851 the most Worshipful Grand Master John M. S. McCrockle, and Philip Swigert, Grand Secretary, signed the Charter of this Lodge which bears the latter's names.

February 7th, 1852 on a motion of Brother Dimmitt a committee of Brothers Deatheridge, Rhea and Wilson Harris were appointed to confer with Floyd's Fork Division No. 140 S of T., to see what plan they proposed for building. February 19th, 1852 Brother Pound on a committee reported that the reform church proposed uniting with the Masons in erecting a building. Brother Deatheridge was appointed as building committee, Brother Wm. Dye as his assistant to have power to arrange the height of the upper story and lower ceiling. Brother Dye was appointed to inform the Floyd's For Division No. 1450 that this Lodge accepted their proposition to unite equally with them in erecting a building.

December 4th, 1852 Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218 met for the first time in their new hall,. Brother Deatheridge committee made a report on the completion of the new hall. Report received and committee discharged, The officers presiding on this occasion were J. G. Melone, M. Protem; David Harris, S. W. Protem; Wilson Harris, Jr. W. Protem; D. L. Shouse, Secretary; Wm. Driskill, Treasurer; Wm. Dye, Sr. D.; L. S. Berry, Jr. D. Protem; John Scott, Tyler.

On December 27th, 1852 at the Anniversary meeting the following were elected as officers to serve the ensuing six months: J. H. Dimmitt, W. M., WM. Dye, S. W.; David Harris, Jr. W.; D. O. Shouse, Secretary; W. M. Driskill, Treasurer; M. G. Alexander, Sr. D.; E. Walters, Jr. D. Hiram Drake, Tyler.

The above were the first officers elected in the new hall and were duly installed at the following stated meeting January 1, 1853. On this occasion Brother John Scott was unanimously elected as an honorary member and exempted from paying dues.

January 15th, 1853 at a regular meeting Brother Melone and Pound were appointed as a committee to procure a deed from Brother Deatheridge for the lot on which the Lodge now stands.

February 12th, 1853 at a called meeting Brother Wm. Omer was the first candidate raised to the Sublime Degree of a Mater Mason n the New hall and L. Ellingsworth being the first candidate initiated as an E. A.

February 19th, 1853 at a regular meeting Brother J. G. Melone who was appointed as Chairman of the committee to procure a deed to the lot of ground on which the Lodge stands reported, report was received and committee discharged.

March 31, 1853 called meeting, Philip Swigert was called upon to perform the first said rites of a departed Brother, Brother Francis Drake who departed this life after a very short illness at New Albany, Indiana.

Philip Swigert Lodge being chartered and occupying their new hall with a membership of forty-one, proceeded to operate with peace and harmony for the ensuing years with a steady growth. A more detailed report of which can be found by referring to the minute book for which a lack of time prohibits being included in this report.

In 1860 a few members of Philip Swigert Lodge withdrew and founded a new Lodge at Jeffersontown known as Melone Lodge No. 378 being named in honor of Philip Swigert's charted Jr. Warden, J. G. Melone also Past Master, who presented the new Lodge with a Bible which is at present in the possession of Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774. Melone Lodge functioned up to February 213, 1886 at which time it became defunct with some of the members returning to Philip Swigert Lodge at Fisherville, Kentucky.

In 1869 members of Philip Swigert Lodge founded Elk Creek Lodge U. D. at Elk Creek, Kentucky. Charter being granted October 19th, 1870. Philip Swigert Lodge besides contributing members donated a substantial sum towards the erection of their Lodge room.

In 1901 members of Philip Swigert Lodge founded a lodge at Middletown, Kentucky known as Middletown Lodge No. 732. In 1906 we again lost members who withdrew from this Lodge to found Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774. Not withstanding the fact that we lost members in founding one Lodge at Elk Creek two at Jeffersontown and one at Middletown, Philip Swigert Lodge remained intact continuing to function although minutes show there was a period of ten years during which time from 1878 to 1888 there was no growth by new members. The records show that during this period one hundred and nine Lodges became defunct in the State of Kentucky. Due to the faithful efforts of Brother James W. Robinson who served the Lodge as Master through these dormant years the Lodge continued to function and began to make slow process. About 1888 the Lodge maintained a membership of approximately fifty members.

On August 27th, 1936 Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218 met at a called communication for the purpose of celebrating their Seventy-Fifth Anniversary. The Lodge was opened in due form at 3 o'clock P. M., by the regular officers. The Worshipful Master requested Brother Augustine Shelburn the oldest Past Master of this Lodge to assume the East and to be assisted by Brother F. A. Gaunt. Other Past Masters were requested to assume the following stations: Brother Chas. I. Dale, S. W.; J. E. Bryant, J. D.; Jos. R. Carrithers, Treas.; Brother G. Allison Holland, G. M.; Brother Fred W. Hardwick, Grand Sec. and Past Grand Master, Brother John W. Juett, G. J. W.; Past Grand Master T. J. Adams, also Superintendent of the Widow's and Orphan's Home and Brother Frank D. Rash, Grand High Priest of the Grand Council being present were escorted to the Altar, introduced and given Grand Honors then escorted to the East. Interesting speeches were made by Brothers Holland and Shelburn. The Lodge was then closed in due and ancient form and adjourned to the lawn where a chicken supper was served by the ladies of the Eastern Star. Speeches were then made by Brother John W. Juett, Frank D. Rash, Fred W. Hardwick, Judge H. H. Moore editor of the Journal, E. D. Swimme, Ralph Shelburn, Rev. W. J. McElroy and James Clark.

Some of the members of Philip Swigert Lodge conceived the idea of organizing a Degree Team with Members from Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218, Middletown Lodge No. 732, and Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774. In January 1930 the Triangle Degree Team was organized. The following Brethren comprised the personnel of the team.

Members of Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218 being, Frank B. Brown, P. W. Carpenter, E. V. David, Edd Hammond, Alfred R Knapp, Jos. K. Reid, George B. Sweeney.

Members of the Middletown Lodge No. 732 being, John Correll, Chas. Croft, H. W. Cochran, Robert L. Drummond, Jas. W. Grunwald, John A. Moser, R. B. Morgan, Willett Nay, Nobel Owens, Ed. L. Painter, Helm Wahls.

Members of Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774 being, E. B. Mittler, Snyder Vaughn. Warren Weller, Wm. Yates.

The Degree Team did their first work at Middletown Lodge No. 732 June 16, 1930. They became quite proficient in their work and were called upon by various Louisville Lodges to exemplify the M. M. Degree including several meeting of the Grand Lodge to exemplify the M. M. Degree for the benefit of the delegates. They were also called upon at various Lodges out in the State to confer the M. M. degree. While the personnel of this Team has changed considerably through the twenty-one years of its existence it still maintains a reputation for performing excellent work. this Team has been a stimulus to the three Lodges represented.

On August 15, 1931 a District meeting of the Lodges comprising the Eastern District under the auspices of the Blue Lodges Round Table Association held in the hall of Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218 at Fisherville, Kentucky, the Triangle Degree Team conferred the Master Masons Degree upon two candidates. This was the largest gathering of Masons that ever assembled in the history of this Lodge there being six hundred present on this occasion. It was adjudged the most successful meeting sponsored by the Blue Lodges Round Table Association. After the work all retired to the lawn where four hundred pounds of fish were consumed.

In the year 1938 an addition was added to the Lodge building the expense of the same being stood jointly by the Fisherville Baptist Church and the Lodge. The lower floor being used for Sunday School rooms and the upper floor for a dining room for the Lodge. The success of the completion of this addition, was due to the untiring efforts of Brother Erva Paris who was Treasurer of Philip Swigert Lodge and to whose memory this hall has been dedicated.

On December 27, 1938 the members of Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218 and Elk Creek Lodge No. 485 met in annual communication at the hall of Philip Swigert Lodge at Fisherville for the purpose of consolidation, the election of officers and other matter as might come before them. Brother Lee A. Scearce, Past Master of Lebanon Lodge No. 87 and Superintendent of Old Mason's Home at Shelbyville, as proxy for the Grand Master called to order the Lodge of Master Masons. He filled the stations as follows:

Brother A. C. Money, S. W.; Frank B. Brown J. W.; Chas. Stout, S. D.; Alfred R. Knapp, J. D.; Chas. F. Sibley, Sec.; Erva Paris, Treas.; W. E. Carrithers, Tyler

Past Grand Master T. W. Pennington and Hugh M, Grundy and Past Grand Master and present Grand Secretary Al E. Orton were admitted and escorted to the East and given Grand Honors. After ascertaining that the proper steps had been taken Bro. Scearce declared both Lodged consolidated under the name of Philip Swigert Lodge No. 218. The election of officers was taken up and resulted as follows:

Brother A. C. Money, W. M.; Alfred R. Knapp, S. W.; Chas. Stout, J. W.; Erva Paris, S. D.; R. A. Donaldson, J. D.; W. E. Carrithers, Tyler.

The remaining elected and appointed officers were then installed. Brother Scearce serving as installation officer assisted by Brother George B. Sweeeney as Marshal. Brother Ed. K. Nicholson, George B. Sweeney and Jos. K. Reid were appointed to server as finance committee for the ensuing year, Bo further business to come before the Lodge inspiring speeches were made by the three Past Grand Masters, Brother E. Swimme, editor of the Journal and Rev. J. E. Stomberger of Jeffersontown Lodge No. 774. The Lodge was then closed in due and ancient form after which the annual dinner was served in the new dining room by a number of the member's wives and daughters.

In 1950 the Baptist Church approached the Lodge with the proposition of dissolution of the partnership that had been in existence for ninety-nine years, which resulted in Philip Swigert Lodge purchasing the Church's interest in the property.

As we assemble here today for the purpose of celebrating the One hundredth Anniversary of this Lodge we cannot help but contract the tremendous difference existing here today from what it was a century ago when our forefathers assembled to organize this Lodge. Difference not only in the physical conditions and the great changes brought about in our physical lives by the comforts, conveniences and inventions of modern science, but differences also in our national, civic, social and intellectuals lives. But one thing has remained unchanged and that is the purposes, principles and precepts upon which our order was founded,. Yet we hear on most every hand the question, "What is wrong with Masonry of today?" The answer to that question is simply this, there is nothing wrong with Masonry or the Masons but there is something radically wrong with some of the members of the Masonic Fraternity. We are not as obedient to the precepts of Masonry as our Brethren of yesterday. Let us ask ourselves this question, "are we so living our Masonry to create a desire in the hearts of those to become members of the Order who would be assets, or are we attracting and admitting those who are becoming parasites and liabilities?"

Referring to our records of a century ago we find the names o f men recorded in the activities of this Lodge who were they very bone and sinew of this community, men who believed their church was the logical medium through which they should seek to translate the ideals of Masonry into deeds, and thereby fulfilling their duty to God and to society. Those records also substantiate the fact that our Brethren of yesterday believed a candidate should possess other qualification that that of being a regular fellow before they admitted him to the Order.

We must recognize that Masonry will stand or fall, will be glorified or shamed before men by our examples and our deeds. We came into Masonry expecting to find a constructive teaching that would broaden and strengthen our lives. It has not disappointed us, it has not failed us but in view of the conditions we find ourselves in today it is apparent too many of us have failed it. In our mad rush to acquire material wealth we have not put first things first. Apparently we gave forgotten our Creator, thus we find ourselves in a condition similar to Pandora's Box with the sins of our past casting their shadows over the pathway of our future.

No Mason who has the good of the craft at heart and who values and prizes its associations, its comradeships, its friendships and the tender memories that cling to these as he looks backward over the flight of the years and who realizes in his heart of hearts all that Masonry has meant to him and has done for him, can help but be a bit concerned at the signs of disintegration and dry rot which seems to threaten to slowly but surely destroy the Fraternity. Things are far from being as they should be with our Fraternity and it is obvious that our troubles are more from within that from without. Sages of old contended no sin was ever committed, the consequence, of which fell on the head of the sinner alone, or no man could do ill and his fellows not suffer. No man suffers alone for his folly. Nor can any Mason Compute the injury to the Fraternity resulting from his immorality or misconduct.

There are two effective remedies that must be applied by those who have the welfare of the Order at heart, or else see it sink to a level where it can no longer boast that the greatest and best men of all ages patronize its assemblies.

First, we should ever be mindful-that birds of a feather flock together-and that if we admit men of the undesirable strata of life they in turn will attract other men like themselves and not only that, they will repel the good men who someone else attracts, If our investigation committees would always do their duty the future of the Fraternity would be secure.

The one great question the investigation committee should ask themselves and on the answer give their report-is-if we admit this person will he attract other good men to us or will he repel the good and attract those of undesirable strata? Until a committee is able to answer this question they are not ready to report, and the report should be in accord with their finding without fear or favor.

The second remedy lies in the deepening of moral earnestness in each individual soul of us. It is not enough that we should learn to subdue our passions but we must also learn to improve ourselves in Masonry and we cannot do that until we come to know in our heart of hearts what Masonry means. While young men shall see visions and old men shall dream dreams yet the eternal truths of God shall remain forever. Therein lies the strength and support of Masonry. Its foundations are based upon the solid rock of a belief in God, the immortality of the soul and the brotherhood of man. The brotherhood of man is contingent on the fatherhood of God, for if we be brethren He makes us so.

Masonry was intended to be a blessing to mankind. Have we made it so? Have we served with that fervency and zeal that should actuate all true Masons? My brothers we pass this way but once,. Riches may be made and lost, man lies down and dies and is forgotten but the monument of kindly deeds, devoted service and cheerful disposition built in the hearts of men not only lives throughout all time but is a kindly monument that may be had by the humblest subject.

May we live to see the day when Masonry will be enshrined into the heart of all men as we as brothers go marching on in an irresistible tide that shall sweep into oblivion all envy and discord, crowing our lives with the blissful knowledge that we have done our best to make this world of ours a better place in which to live, and filling our hearts with the tender recollections of the good we have done, and dying with the satisfaction that we have fought a good fight, keep the faith and are only passing on to that land where love is supreme and bliss and happiness forever resign,

George B. Sweeny, P. M.

P. W. Carpenter, P. M.

Centennial Committee

Part II

1851 to 1976 One Hundred Twenty-Five Years

Philip Swigert Lodge # 218, Free and Accepted Masons, Entered into a new era of growth with the 100th year milestone in August 1951. There were 150 brothers present for this celebration. After reading the history of the Lodge, inspiring speeches were made by the Grand Lodge Officers and other distinguished brothers present. The day of fraternal fellowship was complete after those present consumed 200 pounds of fried fish in the usual Philip Swigert tradition.

Many important events have occurred since this celebration. Ever mindful of the duties of Masonry we note some of the highlights.

The lecture was improved by new slides being purchased for the E. A. degree in 1951.

A patriotic address was given by Brother Davie Smith, P.G.M., in February 1967 to commemorate George Washington's birthday. The later purchase of a 50 star flag on January 19, 1974, reminds us of a Mason's duty to his country.

The "old time" atmosphere demonstrated that we still had a country Lodge when the entire Lodge proceedings were conducted by lantern and candlelight on July 21, 1973. The unique Fellowcraft degree on this night was necessitated by a community power failure due to a storm.

During the period of 1951 to 1976 the membership of Philip Swigert grew and prospered. Not only were many new members added but recognition was also given to those of long standing membership and service. Fifty-seven, twenty-five year pins have been presented to distinguished brothers: Thomas Henry Allen, Earl H. Bryant, W. Richard Bryant, Paul W. Carpenter, D. Thomas Collier, John M, Kaufman, Alfred R. Knapp, Guy W. Markwell, William Robinson McDonald, Carl J, Purcell, Guy Brown Roush, H. McGowin Smith, Charles T. Stout, Otis E. Sturgeon, Humprhey M. Thomas, and Dr. All H. Walker.

Verbal recognition and a gift was presented to Brother Frank Osborn for 26 years of faithful service as Lodge Secretary. Honorary Past Master degrees were conferred on Brothers Clarence Baskett and Archie Boston. Brother Fred Jackman (Of Middletown # 732) was made and honorary member of Philip Swigert Lodge for service to the degree team and the Lodge.

Membership has grown from 144 in 1962 to 222 on this our one hundred twenty0fifth anniversary.

Good men and their involvement in Masonic activities are the strength of any Lodge. Philip Swigert Lodge has been well blessed with dedicated brothers.

By providing for Divine Services at the Old Mason's Home in Shelbyville on one Sunday each February, the Philip Swigert Lodge is demonstrating to the world that corporate worship is a part of a Mason's life as well ad individual, personal dedication to the tenets of our profession. Love offerings for brothers in need for good cause were not uncommon.

The annual wood cutting for surviving sisters of a Lodge member has become a Fall Outing Periods by 1960. "Help, aid and assist" have never been hollow words for members of Philip Swigert Lodge. Annual donation to Kosair Crippled Children's Hospital. had become an unquestioned act of compassion by 1960. A commitment of 18 cents per member supported the Masonic Employment Association in their work.

Recreation activities flourished as a group of "would-be" bowlers took the Philip Swigert name to the Masonic Bowling League on July 21, 1962. A shuffleboard game in the dining-recreation hall brought high competitive spirits after each Lodge meeting closed.

Always aware of our duty to family, the Lodge progressed to a more family oriented institution.

A Family day was instituted in the Spring of 1967. On the night before Family Day dinner, an all night ham pit-barbecue is held with campfire tales and practical jokes and general good fellowship to be enjoyed by men and boys. For Family Day, old fashioned basket lunches are brought and shared as a group. A period of family recreation and fellowship is enjoyed by all.

An annual rabbit dinner was established January 24, 1970, and still continues as an annual winter social event. Members and their sons with guests from the Orphan's home attend the rabbit fry.

Items becoming a regular part of each meeting by 1973 included an active sick committee, which encouraged hospital visiting, cards and fraternal help. The involvement in the St. John's Day League picnic and the supporting work in our booth keeps us aware that our widows and orphans are an important part of Philip Swigert Lodge.

A period of facility remodeling followed the purchase of the Baptist Church's interest in the Lodge property on November 18, 1950. A dining hall area and kitchen with new gas stoves were provided on the first floor. The Lodge building was painted outside in June of 1954 at a cost of $475. New heating stoves and exhaust fans were added.

The Routt Homemakers Club was provided the dining hall are for its meetings. The Lodge was becoming not only a warm fraternity, but extending itself and its facilities in community involvement.

In 1952 the Royal Arch Chapter # 189 met in Philip Swigert Lodge Hall for a period and later move to Jeffersontown Lodge.

Another celebration took place at the December 27 meeting in 1952 when the final payment was made on the Lodge indebtedness. The note was burned in open lodge.

A new cistern was built, double sinks were installed and a restroom with hot and cold running water completed the "uptown" conveniences.

A contract was signed with the Fisherville Post Office on July 19, 1958, to occupy the first floor in the back of the building.

In 1964 a large neon sign, donated by Past Master Robert A. Brewer, was installed across the front of the lodge hall declaring to the world the Philip Swigert Lodge # 218, F. & A. M., was meeting on the third Saturday night of each month in Fisherville, Kentucky.

In November of 1969 the kitchen was relocated with one room for cooking and another room for preparing and servicing. A serving window was installed through the dining room wall.

As our organization grew in membership and strength so did our need for additional facilities. On November 15, 1969, a building fund was established by a deposit of $1,000 from the general lodge treasury.

On July, 1971, the Acasia Club was formed for the purpose of raising monies for the Building Fund. Lodge members may join the Acasia Club to participate in the planning of auctions, cake sales, Blue Lodge Open Golf Tournament, and other fund raising activities.

On August 7, 1971, a called meeting announced the offer of donation of property for a new Lodge building. On November 16, 1974, at a special called meeting, the Lodge authorized the Building Committee to hire an architect to draw plan for the new Lodge building. The Lodge voted, with a 72% majority, to build the new Lodge Hall on the property on Highway 148 (Finchville Rd.) in Fisherville, Kentucky.

Many gifts and labors were pledged. Once acre of ground on Highway 148 was donated by Archie and Ruby Boston in memory of our deceased brothers, Lazell Boston and Robert Durrett. As gifts and dedicated efforts continued, it became evident that the majority of the craft "agreed to wait no longer" and plans for building a new lodge hall began in earnest. Reflective signs were donated and posted on the proposed building site.

The intent to review and any all offers for the purchase of the old Lodge building and property was set for February 15, 1975. After negotiating with prospective Buyers, the Committee, consisting of the trustees (Alfred R. Knapp, M. Wayne Allen, Don L. White) and Archie Boston, C. Wayne Turner, and the current Masters (Charles R. Diehl and William Thomas Sexton), was authorized by a 70% majority to sell the old lodge building and contract to continue meeting on the second floor until the new Lodge Hall was completed. The deed was transferred on August 7, 1975, to Michael Borgmeier for the sum of $12,000.

Ground was broke for the new Lodge Hall on December 1, 1975, with construction started February 1, 1976. Total membership had grown to 220 in 1976. Work details on the donated property provided fellowship as well as a substantial savings toward the new Lodge building.

Many donation were made toward the new Lodge Hall including a gift on July 17, 1976, of a memorial cornerstone by Alfred and Blanche Knapp and Lois Knapp, in memory of their parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Knapp and Mr., and Mrs. James A. Grant. A gift of crushed stone was donated by Carl Head.

The first meeting was held in the new building on July 3, 1976. Many "speculative" Masons became "operative" Masons by applying their skills in the many needed areas. This reduced the costs and gave increased satisfaction by personal involvement.

The last brothers raised in the old Lodge Hall were: Willard R. Elder, James Louis Griffin, John W. Hargrove, James Edward Scott and Patrick Sizemore on April 17, 1976.

The first brothers to be raised in the new building were Calvin Sidney Johnson, Donald Lee Pettman and Otis B. Williams on July 17, 1976.

The new building was "erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints Johns of Jerusalem" on November 7, 1976. Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, John Moyers, officiated.

For Old Pictures from Philip Swigert Lodge, Click HERE