Chase City Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M.

                                                             Chase City, Virginia

This Lodge was chartered on December 12, 1860. It was known as Meherrin Lodge No. 186 and the first officers were:

Samuel G. Johnson                 Worshipful Master

Bartley C. Smithson                Senior Warden

Robert S. Powell                     Junior Warden

They met at the home of W. L. French in Charlotte County with their post office address as Wayside in Mecklenburg County. In 1861 the meeting place was moved to the house of Brother William A. Keeton in the County of Mecklenburg and the meetings were held on the second Saturday evening of each month at 2:00 P. M. In 1862, the Lodge number was changed to No. 119. In 1863 the meetings were held on the Saturday before the full moon in each month and if the full moon was on Saturday then on that day.

In 1872, the Lodge took stock of itself and got started again. This time they met in the hall at North View in the County of Mecklenburg. In 1886, the Lodge moved to Chase City in the County of Mecklenburg, and they met on Saturday before the third Monday in each month. The Post Office address was still Wightman since Chase City did not have a post office until 1893. In 1893, the Lodge changed its address to Chase City.

In 1902 Meherrin Lodge No. 119 petitioned the Grand Lodge of Virginia to change its name to Chase City Lodge No. 119, and the petition was granted. In 1903 the Lodge met in Chase City on the Thursday before the full moon of every month. Fire struck the Lodge hall and the charter and furniture were lost. However, the records were saved. The Lodge had very little insurance and the Knights of Pythias kindly offered the use of their Lodge room, which was accepted, until a permanent arrangement could be made.

The Grand Lodge provided a duplicate charter, without charge. A committee was appointed to buy the necessary jewels and furniture and in a short time the Lodge was back in god working condition. The growth of the Lodge was retarded for a time by troubles and discord. The District Deputy Grand Master visited several times during a year and endeavored to heal all differences and in a short time, peace and harmony once again prevailed.

In 1903, the Grand Lodge of Virginia changed its meeting from December to the Second Tuesday in February. Therefore, in 1904 there was no Grand Annual Communication except an emergent communication on August 17, 1904, for the purpose of laying the cornerstone for the Masonic Temple to be erected in the City of Portsmouth.

Most Worshipful George W. Wright, Past Grand Master, visited the Lodge in 1911, and, through his dignity and leadership, created much interest in Masonry and its work. In 1913, the Lodge had grown in membership and met at Chase City on the first Thursday of every month and on the Festivals of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.

In 1921, the Lodge decided it was time to move to more suitable and comfortable quarters. This was done as soon as the new Lodge room was finished in 1922. The new Lodge room created much interest in the Lodge and class meetings for instruction were held each week with a large percentage of the members attending.

In 1939, by order of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Lodge was moved from Masonic District No. 36 and placed in Masonic District No. 28. Right Worshipful B. A. Garner served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1942. He had served as Worshipful Master of this Lodge for five years. The Lodge is justly proud of Brother Garner who with his enduring and tireless efforts helped keep the Lodge together during some of the years of its greatest strife.

The present Lodge building was purchased in 1959. With the support of the members, the Lodge was able to pay for more than one half of the cost of the building in one year. On November 3, 1966, the last payment of $245.74 was made. On December 27, 1966, a formal note burning ceremony was held.

On September 15, 1983, Chase City Lodge No. 119 observed Bill Rutledge Night. He was being honored for being the treasurer of this Lodge for more than fifty consecutive years. In those fifty years he only missed two regular meetings.