History of Acacia Lodge No. 84 at Newsoms Station

Chartered

*Location of Lodge/where met: Jerusalem- 1855

Description

Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799) in Masonic regalia as Master of his Lodge–Alexandria-Washington Lodge No.22. The painting, by Hattie E. Burdette, was produced for the George Washington Bicentennial Commission in 1932 at the request of the Congress for hanging in the Capitol of the United States. The original was later moved to the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, where it now hangs. Original Masonic oil painting on canvas of George Washington signed by Hattie E. Burdette (1875-1955).

Summary

James Edward Sebrell: The Man Who Built a Virginia Legacy

James Edward Sebrell (1833–1924) was more than just a local leader; he was a “prism” through which we can see the massive changes in Virginia during the 19th century. Over his 91-year life, he transformed from a scholar and physician into a soldier, legislator, and the namesake of a town. His story is one of resilience, moving from the old world of plantation aristocrats to the industrial age of railroads and modern government.

Worshipful Master

A Worshipful Master (term from antiquity for “respected” or “honored”) is the senior elected office in the Lodge. The Worshipful Master rules and governs his Lodge with broad lattitude, subject to the Grand Lodge Methodical Digest and orders of the Grand Master. Worshipful Masters are elected for one-year terms and have a comprehensive ritual requirement. When compared to companies and other organizations they are equivalent to President or Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer. Their year as Master is normally the culmination of a five-year path. Responsibilities include the following:

• Coordinate Lodge Activities.
• Officer Growth and Development.
• Community Engagement.
• Grand Lodge Requirements.
• Engagement with the District Deputy Grand Master and Sister Lodges.
• Degree Work and Ritual Proficiency.
• Masonic Education.

The following is the list of Worshipful Masters from Courtland Lodge No. 85:

The person who gave you the 31st District Membership Poker Chip believed you to be a good man, with potential to be a Mason.

The 31st Masonic District is composed of six Lodges that provide mutual support and fellowship as follows:

Secretary–the hardest job in the Lodge. Remembering:

Courtland Lodge No. 85 AF&AM is proud to announce the ninth Right Worshipful George C. Scott, Jr., Memorial Scholarship to a worthy high school senior residing in the greater Boykins area. Please review the application and guidelines. The applications must be postmarked by Jun 1, 2026.

Please refer questions to scott-scholarship@courtlandlodge85.org

• A fire 11/11/1853 destroyed the Lodge, charter, minutes, and took the life of Bro. Asa T. Biggs, the Secretary

The History of Franklin Lodge

Franklin Lodge No 151 is a product of four different Lodges. Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25 (), Berlin Lodge No. 42 (), Somerton Lodge No. 99 (), and Acacia Lodge No. 84 () can each give to the history of Franklin Lodge. The distance of each of these Lodges from the Franklin area and the mode of transportation in the year 1855 gave rise to the need of a Lodge in Franklin. On February 13, 1856 Brother Stephen G. Darden, Secretary of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 25 submitted a petition to the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a Lodge in Franklin. There were eleven other signatures on the petition. All but one of these eventually joined Franklin Lodge. The name of the Lodge was left blank on the petition with the choices being Franklin or Seaboard. The charter was granted on December 10, 1856, with twenty-eight charter members.

History of Berlin Lodge No. 42

Chartered

Some of the smaller country Lodges I fear are not flourishing. BErlin Lodge, No. 42, has been in a declining condition chiefly only to unfavorable location, but the Brethren have determined to remove their Lodge to Ivor, upon the Line of the A. M. & G. E. R. which change, it is believed, will greatly promote its prosperity without interfering with that of any other Lodge.