Delmar Masonic Lodge

 

Delmar Lodge 201 is the third oldest lodge in Wicomico County. On December 27, 1899, a local group met in a building on Chestnut Street, Delmar, then occupied by a public school and it was decided that it would be good for the community to have a Masonic Lodge in the town. The new lodge was instituted early in 1900 with Harry D Renninger installed as the first Worshipful Master.

On July 2, 1901, a special communication of Delmar Lodge 201 was held for the purpose of laying the cornerstone for the new Masonic Temple which was constructed on a lot located on Railroad Ave. between State St and East St. In passing, it should be noted that the reason for the great height of the old Masonic Temple, now known as the Moose Hall, was so that the first floor could be used as an Opera House. The lodge met in this building until 1925, at which time it was evident that a' larger and more elaborate building was needed. The second and present Masonic Temple is located on State St. opposite the Methodist Church.

The Grand Lodge of Maryland has made two official visits here and the lodge has been fortunate in having two Past Masters serve as Grand Lodge Officers, namely J William Gordy as Grand Sword Bearer and Robert J. Banks Grand Inspector.

Hobart Webster of Hebron, Md. is presently Grand Inspector for Delmar Lodge and Robert W. Collins is the Present Worshipful Master. The lodge has one. distinction in the state. Mr. Albert B. Hearn was its Secretary for thirty-five years. He is the oldest in point of service of any secretary in the state.

Finally, Masonry has had an out standing role in the community history through the years.

Above from the Salisbury Times 4 July 1976