The Lodge History Book
By Robert Dewell
Other than one or two local churches, Baraboo Lodge # 34, F. & A. M.,
is probably the oldest organization in Baraboo. The Lodge received its
dispensation in 1851, and was chartered on June 8, 1852 with Col. James
Maxwell serving as its first Master. In 2002 we will celebrate 150 years
of Masonry in the Baraboo Area.
This is an enviable record of achievement for an organization, for the
Lodge in its day survived the Civil war, when so many local men were
called or volunteered to military service. The Lodge was strengthened
with the arrival of the railroad in 1871, many railroad men being Masons,
and also by the fabled Ringling Brothers, who at one meeting in April of
1891, occupied the six principal officers’ chairs.
The Lodge first met in the Stanley building at 119 Third Avenue. Later
a fine building was dedicated on the NW corner of Oak and Second Avenue
on April 27, 1892. It burned on Feb. 2, 1957, and on December 12, 1959
the present temple was dedicated.
World War I, and World War II, both presented challenges for the Lodge,
as most of the men from the community were drafted into service; and the
conflicts in Korea and Vietnam both presented a decrease in membership
due to the same policy.
In 1996, the Lodge succeeded in raising the largest number of new members
in the State of Wisconsin - twenty new Masons! It was a State Record which
every Officer and Member of Baraboo Lodge No. 34 took great pride in
accomplishing. The Lodge remains strong and steadfast, but as always,
additional participation by the brothers strengthens the Brotherhood of
Masonry.
The year 2002 presents us with great pride in looking back on our legacy.
The year also presents great challenges. We need to continue growing, but
we also need to focus on recommitting ourselves to our God, our Country,
our Family and our Community.