Fork Union Lodge No. 127, A.F. & A.M.

                                                            Fork Union, Virginia

Tracing the history of Fork Union Lodge No. 127 from 1872 is somewhat difficult. J. J. Ancell was the first Worshipful Master in 1872. Although some records are available, information is incomplete. According to the records, and reliable accounts, the Lodge was organized first under a warrant after the Civil War by Master Masons living in Fluvanna County to meet the needs of those Masons who had to travel to other counties to attend Lodge. The records indicate that demits were received from Goochland, Buckingham, and other surrounding areas.

The Lodge was originally warranted to elect officers, and in 1872, a charter was granted to form a Lodge in Fork Union. The number 127 had previously been issued to at least one other Lodge formed in the county several years before, but that Lodge surrendered its charter and Fork Union Lodge No. 127 was chartered.

The original bylaws of the Lodge reflect not only the significance and ceremony attached to the Lodge in 1872, but the economic climate as well. For instance, the 1872 bylaws specifically state that the “. . .  livery of the Lodge shall be blue . . . “ and it was the responsibility of the Tiler to insure that every member entering the Lodge was appropriately attired. Dues were fifty cents, and no member who was in arrears three dollars or more could hold office. Perhaps significantly as well, in the 19^th century era of lengthy speeches, it was expressly forbidden for any member to speak on any subject more than twice, without special permission from the Worshipful Master.

The early organization of the Lodge was subject to irregularities. After the tenure of office of J. J. Ancell in 1874, the Worshipful Masters were chosen from the ranks of the members, as opposed to the traditional succession of the chairs. For example, W. H. Holman, who was Senior Warden in 1873, did not become Worshipful Master until 1876. Moreover, owing to some situation, which occurred in the late 1870's and early 1880's, the exact nature of which is uncertain, J. J. Ancell was called upon to serve again as Worshipful Master from 1878 to 1881.

The Brethren persevered and the Lodge prospered. The original site of the Lodge was on a tract of land that is now occupied by Fork Union Military Academy, one of the most successful and well-known military academies in the country. The original Lodge was a “daylight” Lodge and the Brethren met every third Saturday and on St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist Days.

In 1952, the Lodge received a tract of land situated across Route 15 from the previous site, and the academy, in order to construct a modern and larger facility to meet the needs of the burgeoning membership. The members raised the necessary funds for the construction of the facility through the sale of bonds for a total of $50,000.00. In 1952 the cornerstone was laid for the Fork Union Masonic Lodge Building and is the present site of the Lodge. In addition to providing a meeting place of assembly for the Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, the building contains offices downstairs for two local businesses and is one of the focal points of the community.

The history of Fork Union Lodge reflects the history of leadership in the community and the state. Past Masters and members of the Lodge, over the years, have provided important contributions to the county of Fluvanna and the Grand Lodge of Virginia. No history, however brief, would be complete without special note of the many members of this Lodge who have made and continue to make the Lodge a strong and viable part of this community in particular and Masonry in general.