Lander
Lodge #8
Austin NV
The "Reese River Reveille", of Austin NV, reported on August 6th, 1863 "... we learn that the ancient and noble order of Free and Accepted Masons hereabouts are taking steps to institute a lodge and erect a suitable building for its use." Later, it reported that the Austin Masons met at Lander Court House on March 3rd, 1864, to petition the California Grand Lodge for a dispensation "to work for the good of the craft. 23 names were submitted, and Lander Lodge #172, U.D. became a reality.
The Masons and Odd Fellows, in a joint effort, leased the Baderick Building for $150.00 per month, and Mr. Baderick agreed to add a second story exclusively as lodge rooms. It is reported that the second floor is supported by large cables, which give a little sag, or sway, when you walk down the lodge room. The old timers report that they used to hold dances there, as the floor was very conducive to dancing.
Lander Lodge was chartered as California Lodge #172 on October 14, 1874, and then with the organization of Nevada Grand Lodge became Lander Lodge #8 on January 18, 1865. On that date, all the existing lodges in Nevada surrendered their California charters, and were issued Nevada charters. Minutes of that Grand Lodge session show that both the Grand Master and the Grand Secretary were directed to communicate with Lander Lodge requesting the surrender of its charter, but the records are silent as to the outcome of the movement.
There was speculation that Lander Lodge did not vote for the Nevada Grand Lodge, and did not attend the original meeting, because Nevada Lodges were said to be Northern sympathizers, and Lander Lodge leaned toward the South during the Civil War. A sister Lodge, Austin #10, was chartered October 12, 1865, and surrendered its charter in 1871, not having gained the standing as Lander #8 enjoyed.
The building pictured was purchased in 1867 in conjunction with the Odd Fellows, forming the "Masonic and Odd Fellows Hall Association", which exists to this date. The Odd Fellows and Rebecca's no longer meet in Austin, but Lander #8 keeps on going!
- WB Wayne Perkins, PM - Historian, Lander #8
and Senior Grand Deacon