|
|
Keowee Lodge boasts a distinguished history, a legacy worthy of emulation, cherishing, and perpetuating by its successive officers and members.
As the newly formed United States expanded, many prominent individuals migrated northwest into the emerging lands of South Carolina. When Pendleton District was divided, one of the resulting entities became Pickens District, with its courthouse and town situated on the west bank of the Keowee River at the location now known as Old Pickens.
The leadership of this burgeoning town and the expansive district comprised influential men, many of whom were Freemasons. Recognizing the local need, a Masonic Lodge was desired. Consequently, on August 9, 1851, the Grand Lodge of South Carolina granted a warrant of dispensation to a group of Masons residing in Pickens on the Keowee. They operated under this dispensation until December 7, 1852, at which time the Grand Lodge of South Carolina issued a permanent charter, officially establishing Keowee Lodge No. 79, Ancient Free Masons (A.F.M.), of South Carolina. This number was assigned by the Grand Lodge. The inaugural officers of the permanent lodge were: J. W. Norris, Worshipful Master; W. H. Trimmier, Senior Warden; and W. L. Neville, Junior Warden.
Keowee Lodge held its regular meetings along the banks of the Keowee River until 1868. Due to increasing population, Pickens District, similar to Pendleton District before it, was divided into Pickens County and Oconee County.
The present-day town of Pickens rapidly developed in the area between Town Creek and Wolf Creek. Subsequently, the original Masonic Hall on the Keowee River was dismantled and relocated, piece by piece, to its current site. This original structure was of timber construction.
The existing brick building was erected in 1908. Prior to its construction, the old wooden hall had to be demolished, resulting in a considerable amount of debris around the grounds. While examining this material, our then-secretary, the esteemed R. T. Hallum, Sr., discovered the cornerstone that had once stood at the head of the Keowee River building. Despite numerous requests to open it, he steadfastly refused. He ensured that the bricklayers carefully placed the cornerstone within the archway above the entrance to the new hall, where it remains today, its contents still a secret. Beautifully and skillfully carved in marble on the old stone is the inscription: June 15, A. L. 5860.
In 1908, these determined men had only $704.67 available to fund the construction of a new hall. To secure the necessary funds, they mortgaged their property for an additional $4,000.00 and commenced building. Through faith, hope, prayer, cooperation, and diligent effort, they ultimately achieved their goal.
Welborn, G. E. (1951, August 9). A sketch of Keowee Lodge No. 79, A.F.M. (From Centennial Program). Keowee Lodge No. 79.
|
|
