FERNLEY
LODGE #34, F&AM
40 EAST STREET
FERNLEY, NV 89408
(775) 575-2899
MARCH 1999
By: W. E. "Mac" McClurg, P.M., Historian
Fernley Lodge #34 received permission to organize, U. D., on March 29,1921, and on the evening of March 31,1921, Grand Master Harry Atkinson delivered the dispensation to our first Worshipful Master, W. W. Cogswell. At the Grand Lodge annual meeting in June, 1921, Fernley was assigned number (34) thirty-four and was granted representation at that session.
In the early days meetings were held in the International Order of Odd Fellows Hall. In 1935 the Lodge purchased what was known as "the Rankin property" at a sheriff's sale for $265.75. The building was renovated and remodeled, and the first meeting in that building was held November 7, 1935, with a second degree being conferred upon Vernon C. Ennor. On March 29, 1936 a social evening and open house was held to celebrate the new building. On May 25, 1940 the ancient ceremony of dedication was performed by Most Worshipful Grand Master C. A. Carlson.
In 1977 an addition was added to the south side of the meeting room, doubling the area to the present 2,280 square feet. It was not until January 12, 1984, that this addition was occupied. On June 15, 1985, a rededication ceremony was held and a cornerstone placed with Most Worshipful Grand Master Valdo A. Sei's name upon it. This was also the day of his visitation to Fernley #34. About 160 Masons and guests attended this ceremony. (You can see a picture of that "unique" cornerstone on our "Photo Page" on this site.)
Our stated meeting are held on the second Thursday of the month, except July and August. For the past fifteen years we have had a dinner before our meeting. Dinner is at 6:30 P.M., with business starting at 7:30 P.M. All Masons are welcome. Business is conducted in the Entered Apprentice Degree. We are currently one hundred members strong.
As a fund raiser, Fernley Lodge #34 sponsors a golf tournament each year with the proceeds of the tournament donated to the Fernley High School and Intermediate School's music departments, and to sponsor three high school girls to Girl's State.