Fellowship Lodge #89
A legacy of brotherhood and service
Est. October 8th, 1850
Tradition  Brotherhood  Service
About
Fellowship Lodge #89
Fellowship Lodge No. 89, A.F. & A.M., is a proud part of the worldwide Masonic fraterity, serving Marion, Illinois, and the surrounding communities since October 8, 1850. Our lodge brings together men of good character who strive to build better lives, stronger families, and a more positive community.
Our Lodge
A Rich History in Marion
Marion, Illinois | Chartered October 8, 1850
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More Than 175 Years of Brotherhood, Tradition, and Service
The History of Fellowship Lodge #89
A Legacy Beginning in 1850
Fellowship Lodge #89, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, has been an enduring part of the history of Marion and Williamson County, Illinois, since receiving its charter on October 8, 1850. Recognized as the oldest established fraternal organization in Williamson County, Fellowship Lodge #89 has witnessed generations of change while remaining dedicated to the timeless Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
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Founded during the early years of Marion's development, the Lodge quickly became an important institution within the growing community. Its membership included prominent citizens, public officials, judges, law enforcement officers, and community leaders who helped shape the future of Williamson County.
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Throughout its history, Fellowship Lodge #89 has endured fires, relocated its meeting places, and overcome the challenges of changing times. Yet through every chapter, the Lodge has remained committed to preserving its traditions, strengthening the bonds of fraternity, and serving the community it proudly calls home.
The Founding Fathers of Fellowship Lodge #89
On October 8, 1850, Fellowship Lodge #89 was officially chartered with eight founding members whose dedication established the foundation of Freemasonry in Marion.
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The original charter members were:
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Robert Marron — Worshipful Master
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Joseph Hopper — Senior Warden
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William H. Eubanks — Junior Warden
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James Askew — Charter Member
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James M. Campbell — Charter Member
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Joseph Huffstutler — Charter Member
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Robert Hopper — Charter Member
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Robert M. Hundley — Charter Member
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Historical accounts report that membership reached 85 during the Lodge's first charter year, reflecting the significance of Freemasonry within the community.
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These early Brothers established an institution that would continue for more than a century and three-quarters, creating a legacy built upon friendship, moral character, charity, and a shared commitment to improving themselves and their community.
Robert Hundley
The Askew Building — 1881
One of the earliest documented Lodge meeting places was the Askew Building, located near the northeast corner of Marion's Public Square.
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In April 1881, a fire at the nearby Goodall and Mohler Cigar and Tobacco Company was so intense that it damaged windows in the Masonic Lodge meeting rooms.
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While the Lodge escaped the destruction suffered by the neighboring business, the incident marked one of several occasions when fire threatened its meeting places.
The Early Years: Meeting Places Around Marion's Public Square
During its earliest decades, Fellowship Lodge #89 met in various buildings surrounding Marion's historic Public Square. Although complete records identifying every early meeting location have not survived, newspaper accounts, city directories, and historical research provide valuable insight into the Lodge's movements.
The Denison Building — 1899–1907
By September 1899, Fellowship Lodge #89 was meeting in the Denison Building at 301 Public Square on the north side of Marion's square.
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A devastating fire that September caused significant damage to the building and affected numerous businesses and fraternal organizations.
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The Masons lost valuable ceremonial regalia and Lodge furnishings. Although the Lodge carried $150 in insurance on its paraphernalia, contemporary newspaper accounts indicated that the coverage was insufficient to replace the losses.
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Other organizations affected included the Odd Fellows, Order of the Eastern Star, Rebekahs, Modern Woodmen, Golden Cross, and miners' organizations.
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Despite this setback, Fellowship Lodge #89 continued its work. The 1907 Marion City Directory still identified the Lodge at 301 Public Square, demonstrating the continued importance of this location to Marion's fraternal community.
The West Main Street Years — 1921–1927
During the early twentieth century, Fellowship Lodge #89 relocated to West Main Street, where it shared meeting facilities with the Knights of Pythias.
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On April 23, 1921, a small fire began in a basement washroom of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias building. At approximately 6:45 a.m., H. O. Robertson, manager of Brown's Business College, discovered the fire and notified the fire department.
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Fortunately, the incident resulted in no serious damage.
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City directories from 1922 and 1927 list the Masonic and Knights of Pythias organizations at 313 West Main Street. Historical references and photographs also identify the building as 315 West Main Street.
This period represents another important chapter in the Lodge's history, as its members continued meeting, conducting Masonic work, and maintaining the traditions established by their predecessors.
A Masonic Home on the Public Square — 1928–1930
Around 1927 or 1928, Fellowship Lodge #89 moved into a three-story building at the intersection of South Market Street and Marion's Public Square.
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The 1928 city directory identified the Masonic building as 805½ Public Square.
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Unlike many of the Lodge's earlier meeting facilities, historical accounts suggest this building was owned by the Masons, marking an important step toward establishing a permanent home.
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The building served several Masonic bodies, including Fellowship Lodge #89, Royal Arch Masons, Royal and Select Masters, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
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The Fire of March 17, 1930
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On the morning of March 17, 1930, at approximately 6:20 a.m., a major fire broke out in the building.
The fire originated in a third-floor room used to store Masonic paraphernalia and was believed to have been caused by defective electrical wiring.
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Damage was estimated at more than $5,000, a substantial amount at the time. Most of the ceremonial regalia belonging to the various Masonic bodies was destroyed or severely damaged.
The Masons reportedly carried $10,000 in insurance on the building.
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Following the fire, Lodge members faced a difficult decision: repair the extensively damaged building or demolish it and construct a replacement.
The Fire of March 17, 1930
On the morning of March 17, 1930, at approximately 6:20 a.m., a major fire broke out in the building.
The fire originated in a third-floor room used to store Masonic paraphernalia and was believed to have been caused by defective electrical wiring.
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Damage was estimated at more than $5,000, a substantial amount at the time. Most of the ceremonial regalia belonging to the various Masonic bodies was destroyed or severely damaged.
The Masons reportedly carried $10,000 in insurance on the building.
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Following the fire, Lodge members faced a difficult decision: repair the extensively damaged building or demolish it and construct a replacement.
A Second Fire — June 10, 1930
Before repairs from the March fire had been completed, another fire occurred on June 10, 1930.
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At approximately 10:00 a.m., flames broke out among papers stored in a closet on the second floor. Smoke quickly spread through the upper floors and poured from the building's windows.
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Marion firefighters responded and carefully limited their use of water to prevent damage to a bakery operating on the first floor.
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The flames were extinguished before the building suffered extensive additional damage, although the closet walls and portions of the structure between the second and third floors were burned.
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These two fires within a matter of months presented serious challenges to the Lodge and contributed to an important transition in its history.
Returning to West Main Street — 1938–1972
By 1938, Fellowship Lodge #89 had returned to rented meeting quarters at 315 West Main Street.
The Lodge remained at this location for more than three decades.
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During these years, generations of Masons gathered to conduct Lodge business, confer degrees, welcome new members, and continue the traditions of the fraternity.
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As Marion and Williamson County continued to grow, the need for a permanent and modern Lodge building became increasingly apparent.
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That vision would begin taking shape in 1969.
Building a Permanent Home — 1969–1972
In 1969, during the term of Worshipful Master Dewey Horn, Fellowship Lodge #89 took an important step toward securing its future.
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Recognizing the need for a permanent meeting place, Worshipful Master Horn appointed a building committee to evaluate possible locations and oversee development of a new Masonic Temple.
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The Building Committee consisted of:
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R. H. Nolen, Clarence Kobler, Harold Lowry, Hubert Armstrong, Harold Nipper, Clyde Young, Albert Frick, Ronald Troutman, M. E. Overby, and J. Neale Stewart.
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After examining numerous potential sites, the committee selected a parcel of land measuring approximately 125 feet by 275 feet along Route 37 north of Marion.
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The property was purchased from Charles Emery and his brother for $2,900. The Emery family also owned the nearby Emery Brothers Skating Rink.
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The property was subsequently annexed into the City of Marion.
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This purchase represented the beginning of a new era for Fellowship Lodge #89 and the realization of a long-standing goal: a permanent home designed specifically for its Masonic activities.
The Cornerstone Ceremony — March 12, 1972
The Dedication of the New Temple — October 29, 1972
The new Fellowship Lodge #89 Masonic Temple was formally dedicated on October 29, 1972.
The dedication ceremony was conducted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, with Most Worshipful Grand Master John R. Murphy officiating.
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Numerous members participated in the ceremonies, reflecting the importance of the occasion to the fraternity.
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Historical records identify the following participants:
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Worshipful Master: Hubert Armstrong Jr.
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Senior Warden: John Ferguson Jr.
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Junior Warden: Thomas Reichert
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Grand Architect: Rudy H. Noleen
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Grand Pursuivant: Carl Bond
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Oldest Master: M. E. Overby
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Standard Bearer: Wayne Kelley
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Symbol Bearers: Clarence Kobler, Ronald Troutman, G. W. Barekman, and Clyde Young
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Senior Deacons: Harold Lowry and James Gulley
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Junior Deacons: Gene Wicks and Robert English
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Senior Stewards: James Carter and Ruhl Jent
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Junior Stewards: Fred Carter and Rubin Jent
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Chaplains: Carl Bond and Ray Hawkins
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Secretaries: Clyde Young and Russell Spitzner
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Treasurer: Albert Frick
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Marshals: James Garrison and Cyler Totsch
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Tylers: John Hall and John Ferguson Sr.
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The dedication represented one of the most significant events in the Lodge's modern history, establishing a permanent Masonic home that would serve future generations.
On March 12, 1972, the cornerstone of the new Fellowship Lodge #89 Masonic Temple was laid in a formal ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
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Most Worshipful Grand Master John R. Murphy officiated.
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The cornerstone ceremony represented an important milestone, symbolizing both the physical foundation of the new Temple and the enduring principles upon which Freemasonry is built.
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After more than 120 years of meeting in various buildings throughout Marion, Fellowship Lodge #89 was nearing completion of its permanent home.
The First Meeting — May 26, 1972
On May 26, 1972, Fellowship Lodge #89 held its first meeting in the newly constructed Masonic Temple.
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This historic occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Lodge and the fulfillment of years of planning, dedication, and financial commitment from its members.
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The former Lodge meeting quarters on West Main Street were officially closed on June 1, 1972.
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The transition represented far more than a change of address. It was the culmination of generations of work by Masons determined to preserve a lasting home for the fraternity in Williamson County.
Perseverance Through the Years
Fellowship Lodge #89's history is one of perseverance.
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From the earliest meeting rooms near Marion's Public Square to its permanent Temple, members have encountered challenges that tested their determination and commitment.
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Fires threatened or damaged several early meeting locations. Changing circumstances required relocation, and generations of members worked to maintain the Lodge through periods of growth and transition.
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In 2008, storm damage necessitated repairs and remodeling of the Lodge's permanent building.
Through these challenges, the Lodge continued its work, preserving a tradition dating to the middle of the nineteenth century.
Fellowship Lodge #89 Today
Today, Fellowship Lodge #89 continues to meet at 703 Robinson Drive in Marion, Illinois, carrying forward the traditions established by its charter members on October 8, 1850.
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For more than 175 years, the Lodge has been part of the fabric of Marion and Williamson County. Its history reflects generations of men who believed in the importance of fraternity, personal integrity, charitable service, and the pursuit of a better life through the teachings of Freemasonry.
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While buildings have changed, generations have passed, and the community has grown, the foundation of Fellowship Lodge #89 remains unchanged.
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The principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth continue to guide its members, just as they guided the Brothers who first gathered in 1850.
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Fellowship Lodge #89 remains committed to honoring its past, serving its community, and preserving the traditions of Freemasonry for generations yet to come.
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Our History Is Our Foundation. Our Brotherhood Is Our Strength. Our Future Is Our Responsibility.