Augusta Lodge No. 111, A.F. & A.M.

                                                              Greenville, Virginia

Augusta Lodge operated under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Virginia from April 29, 1873, until December 10, 1873, at which time it received its charter from the Grand Lodge. Right Worshipful Peyton S. Coles, Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, presented the charter to the Lodge on February 2, 1874.

The early meetings of the Lodge were held over the J. N. Mitchells General Store in Greenville. However, this location did not prove satisfactory. The Lodge was moved to the second floor of the newly constructed school building, which is still in use as a dwelling. This was called the  “New Temple.” The first meeting was held in that location on Thursday night May 25, 1876.

The Lodge met on the first and third Mondays of each month until February 7, 1878, when its meetings were changed to the fourth Wednesday of each month. Annual dues were two dollars and the fees for the degrees were ten dollars.

In April 1883, the first steps were taken toward the building of a temple. It is estimated that the building was completed in December 1888, and dedicated in February 1889. The building has been in use since that date.

On October 19, 1874, Brother A. Von Kliser presented the Lodge with a Bible. It remained in constant use until February 1984, at which time Right Worshipful Roy G. Handley, Worshipful Allen F. Cassidy and Brother Jack L. Pugh presented a new Bible to the Lodge. Presentation was made at the February 22, 1984 stated communication. The original Bible was placed in a walnut display case and is on display in the Lodge room.

One of the most unusual things about the Lodge room was the beautiful red carpet, and its unusual designs, portraying all of the Masonic symbols. There is no record of when the carpet was installed. However it is assumed that it was installed shortly after the completion of the building.  Due to its deterioration the carpet was removed and a new carpet was installed on August 16, 1985. A portion of the original carpet was retained. Worshipful Charles E. Fuller constructed a frame for a portion of the carpet, and it now hangs on the wall next to the secretarys desk.

In 1982 Raphine Lodge No. 319 surrendered its charter and five of their members affiliated with Augusta Lodge No. 111.

A building committee was appointed on September 28, 1982. This committee was charged with the responsibility of making a survey of the repairs that were needed at that time. Over the next few years this committee completed several large projects. All of these projects and the maintenance of the building have been financed by the contributions from the Brethren.