Widows Son Lodge No. 150, A.F. & A.M.

                                                               Emporia, Virginia

The first meeting of Widows Son Lodge authorized by dispensation was held on June 7, 1829. This meeting was held at the home of William Fennell, in Greenville County near Haleys Bridge, with the following officers:

Jessie A. Williamson                           Worshipful Master

Edward P. Turner                               Senior Warden

John A. Persons                                  Junior Warden

The Lodge proceeded to elect the following officers:

George M. Williamson                        Treasurer

William S. Everitt                               Secretary

Littleton Mason                                  Senior Deacon

Edwyn B. Cloud                                 Junior Deacon

Francis E. Williamson                         Tiler

Orris A. Brown                                   Steward

The bylaws of Benevolent Lodge No. 34 were adopted for the governing of this Lodge until a set of bylaws could be drafted. The only exception was that part of the tenth section was changed to make the fee for membership $3.00 instead of $5.00. A committee composed of Orris A. Brown, Edward P. Turner, William S. Everitt, Littleton Mason and John A. Persons was appointed to draft a set of bylaws for this Lodge and report at the next meeting. John A. Persons, Littleton Mason and Edward P. Turner were appointed a committee to contract for the sawing of the timber that may be necessary for building a Masonic hall, according to the plan recommended by Brothers Francis E. Williamson, Littleton Mason, John A. Persons, and James Tiller. The building committee was also authorized to contract for the necessary number of shingles

On July 2, 1829, the bylaws committee reported the bylaws, which were adopted as recommended. In section three, it was stated that no money could be received by the secretary except while the Lodge was sitting. He also had to read the bylaws of this Lodge at each festival before any business can be transacted. Fees and dues were $12.00 plus $1.00 to the tiler for initiation, for passing $3.00, with fifty cents to the tiler, and for admitting a Brother a member, $3.00. The semiannual dues were $1.50, to be paid at each festival. If a member failed to pay his dues after two months, he could not vote until his dues were paid. If one would petition the Lodge, it was in the form of a letter signed by two Brethren, addressed to the Worshipful Master, accompanied by the sum of $6.00.

The first land owned by the Lodge was one acre near Haleys Bridge, Greenville County, and the second lot was on South Main Street, Hicksford. This was “Lands old store lot,” and was purchased at a cost of $650.00, from William R. and Helen C. Land. A lot behind the Lodge was purchased in 1955 from Sallie Bailey at a cost of $5.00, for an addition to the Lodge.