History of Roanoke Lodge No.132, A.F.&A.M., to 1915, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/masonic3.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= November 2003 ROANOKE LODGE IS A STRONG ONE ---------------------------- Roanoke chapter of the Masonic fraternity is a strong, live body, containing 86 members, which include a number of Masons of high rank. The Blue Lodge has a long and interesting history. The late and honored Dr. W. E. WHITE was the first Worshipful Master. In 1891 the lodge at Rock Mills moved to this place, and one of the strongest chapters in this part of the state has been built up. In later years the Royal Arch lodge was formed. Both divisions are well officered and in a flourishing condition. The crowning work of the Roanoke Masons was the erection of the fine Masonic Building, a three-story brick structure that crowns the highest point in the business section of the city. The finishing touches have just been put on this structure. The building and lot cost fully $7,500. The Masons occupy the third floor, which is fitted up to suit their work in every particular. The building is electrically lighted and has water connections. It is surpassed by few temples in this section of Alabama. While the lodge as a whole deserves credit for this heroic accomplishment, yet special praise is to be given the building committee, composed of Messrs. J. P. RADNEY, J. P. LILES, A. C. BRANNEN, G. M. SALIBA and R. L. BRUMBELOE, particularly to Mr. RADNEY, the chairman, who has given much time and thought to the enterprise. The Roanoke Masons are very much pleased to have the Randolph-Clay conference meet with them at this time, the occasion being somewhat in the nature of a “house-warming.” ---------------------------- MASONIC CORNER STONE IS INFORMALLY PLACED ---------------------------- The cornerstone of the handsome Masonic Temple was placed in position Saturday afternoon [9 January 1915] without any formal ceremonies. The following articles were deposited in the tin box which was afterwards placed in the wall: Copy of the Holy Bible, copy of last issue of The Roanoke Leader, roll of officers and members of Roanoke Lodge No. 132, A.F.&A.M., name of architect and builder, name of building committee, list of officers and members of Lodge No. 100[, Royal Arch Masons], list of officers of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, list of officers and members and original charter members of Eastern Star Chapter, list of town officials. The cornerstone contained the following inscription: “Masonic Lodge No. 132 erected in 1914. E. M. MOORE, W. M.; A. C. BRANNEN, Secy. Building Committee; J. P. RADNEY, Chmn, R. L. BRUMBELOE, J. P. LILES, G. M. SALIBA, A. C. BRANNEN.[”] [Both from The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 13 January 1915, p.1]