Purdie Lodge No. 170, A.F. & A.M.

                                                               Windsor, Virginia

A petition requesting a dispensation to form a new Lodge at Windsor, Virginia dated January 18, 1873, was sent to Most Worshipful John R. Purdie (Past Grand Master), District Deputy Grand Mater of Masonic District No. 6. Blackwater Lodge No. 134, then located in Isle of Wight Courthouse, also sent a letter recommending the approval of the petition to the District Deputy Grand Master. These were sent together with a note from Most Worshipful Purdie, dated January 23, 1873, to Most Worshipful R. E. Withers, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. The Grand Master lost no time in acting on this petition as he granted the dispensation on January 24, 1873.

The first meeting of Purdie Lodge to be held under dispensation was on Thursday, February 18, 1873. Provisions were made for refreshments at each meeting, which indicated these brethren realized the importance of fellowship. A committee was appointed to purchase a Bible for the use of the Lodge, also record books for the Secretary and Treasurer. Two petitions for initiation were read. The Lodge voted unanimously to meet in the Masonic Hall at Windsor on the second Saturday in each month at 10:00 A.M. This was the same place that Temperance Lodge No. 164 (extinct 1866) had met. Right Worshipful George Hines Jordan was named as the first Worshipful Master. He was a native of Isle of Wight County and a surgeon practicing in Smithfield. He held membership in four Lodges and was Worshipful Master of three at the same time.

On numerous occasions during the Lodges history it participated in the laying of cornerstones for many of the local churches and even in North Carolina.

The Lodge purchased the building it was meeting in on July 11, 1874. The cornerstone of the first new building was laid on November 14, 1907, on the site of the present Lodge. The present building was occupied on September 6, 1955.

There are many references in the minutes about help given to distressed Brethren of Purdie Lodge, their widows and families. At times dues were remitted for Brethren who were unable to pay. In 1969 the Lodge collected $138.00 for the flood victims of hurricane Camille. The dues of the Brethren in the armed services were remitted during 1943-1945. This was done to show the appreciation of their services for our country.

A small country Lodge which began in a rural community along the Norfolk & Western Railroad has grown and fostered the principles of Masonry. Its membership is from all walks of life. Farmers, professionals, and blue-collar workers meet monthly in the spirit of friendship and brotherly love. A once sleepy farming town is now a prosperous, growing urban community where Masonry is alive and well.

Blackwater Lodge No. 134 consolidated with Purdie Lodge No. 170 effective August 1, 1996.