Martins Station Lodge No. 188 A.F. & A.M.

                                                               Rose Hill, Virginia

The first recorded meeting of Martins Station Lodge was conducted on May 19, 1860. The first meetings were held with dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. A charter was issued from the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 23 on December 12, 1860. The charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia was granted in April 1861. The first meeting after the Charter was granted was held April 28, 1861.

The first Lodge officers were:

Charles Daughery                   Worshipful Master

James F. Muncy                      Senior Warden

A. H. Fukerson                       Junior Warden

In June 1863, the Lodge decided it would not be prudent or safe to meet because of the Civil War. No meetings were conducted from August 8, 1863 to April 9, 1864. On May 14, 1864, a motion and order was made that Lodge funds be exchanged for a new issue of Confederate money.

In 1870, a two-story frame structure was erected on a site where the Lodge hall now stands. In April 1871, permission was granted to use the lower floor of the Lodge hall for a school. In May 1875, a contract was let to erect two additional schoolrooms and establish a Masonic High School. A Constitution and bylaws were adopted for the government of the Masonic High School in September 1877. A charter was granted by the state to elevate the High School to a collegiate level, which was to be known as Cumberland College. The college ceased to operate after 1889.

In January 1890 the Lodge agreed to pay $50.00 for one acre of land where the Lodge hall now stands.