Ohio Valley Lodge № 536 was constituted upon the twenty-ninth day of October, eighteen hundred and eighty-four, when a body of Master Masons drawn from the river towns of Gallia and the surrounding counties petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio for a dispensation to labor in the village of Crown City. The petition was granted, and our charter received with great rejoicing under the gavel of our first Worshipful Master, Bro. Seth R. Bush.
For nigh on a century and a half we have endeavored, by the lights of our forefathers, to make good men better, to relieve the distressed, and to keep our ancient ceremonies unaltered for the brethren who shall come after.
First Communication April 15, 1884 — Crown City, Ohio Ohio Valley Lodge U.D. held its first communication, opening in due form under dispensation granted by Most Worshipful Joseph A. Goodspeed, Grand Master of Ohio. Key actions included: Appointment of officers and lodge structure Establishment of meeting schedule (aligned with lunar cycle) Setting of fees and annual dues Initial petitions for membership and degree work
Grand Lodge Charter Issued Columbus, Ohio — October 22, 1884 The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Ohio granted a charter to a body of petitioning Master Masons who had previously assembled under dispensation. Charter Petitioners Charles W. McClure Thomas Osman James Huron S. R. Bush A. C. McClure John B. McClure C. E. Alley B. D. Strait These brethren demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and adherence to the principles of Masonry, and were thereby authorized to form a regular lodge.
January 23, 1918 The Lodge was actively engaged in: Petition review and candidate investigation Degree work across all three Masonic degrees Inter-lodge cooperation (notably Stillwater Lodge No. 616) Financial management including: Lodge building expenses, Fuel and maintenance, County taxes, War Savings Stamp purchases (reflecting national wartime efforts). Notable Actions: Continued refinement of lodge governance and operations
1884 ✠ 1984 OHIO VALLEY LODGE No. 536, F. & A.M. CHARTERED APRIL 9, A.D. 1884, A.L. 5884 OFFICERS 1984 Worshipful Master William J. Clark Senior Warden – Arlie Brotherton Junior Warden – Victor Corby Chaplain – Jack Smith Secretary – C. H. Hinerman Treasurer – Frank Fulks Senior Deacon – Michael Nichols Junior Deacon – Vance Violand Senior Steward – Hunter Skinner Junior Steward – Carl Stanley Tyler – Thomas Watson TRUSTEES Paul Rossiter Thomas Watson Floyd Clary
June 28, 1997 The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio formally dedicated the lodge room of Ohio Valley Lodge No. 536. Presiding Grand Master: Thomas H. Galyen This dedication marked: Continued vitality of the lodge more than a century after founding Investment in physical infrastructure and community presence Alignment with the statewide “Proud to Be a Mason” initiative (1996–1997)
The Officers of THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF OHIO were pleased to Reconsecrate OHIO VALLEY LODGE #536 on February 21, 2009 in honor of 125 years of Freemasonry. May the Grand Architect of the Universe continue to guide and counsel you for many more years to come. Charles R. Murphy Grand Master
From its beginnings in 1884 under dispensation, through formal chartering, early expansion, wartime resilience, and modern renewal, Ohio Valley Lodge No. 536 has maintained: Continuous Masonic labor Commitment to degree work and candidate development Financial stewardship and lodge sustainability Brotherhood across generations
A selected roster from the rolls. Complete records on file with the Secretary.
✠ Departed to the Celestial Lodge above
Brethren who have endowed the Lodge in memory and honor.