Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M.

                                                             Richmond, Virginia

On October 28, 1787, William Waddell, John Dixon and David Lambert petitioned the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a charter for a Lodge to be named Richmond Randolph Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Virginia granted the charter on October 29, 1787, with number 19.

The Lodge was named for Most Worshipful Edmund Randolph, the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. He was also the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19 held its first meeting at Masons Hall in December 1787 with the installation of Worshipful William Waddell, Worshipful Master; John Dixon, Senior Warden; and David Lambert, Junior Warden and Secretary.

Meetings of this Lodge were held at Masons hall until 1814 when the building was used as a hospital during the War of 1812. The meetings were held elsewhere until 1816.

On October 27, 1817, St. Johns Lodge No. 36 merged with Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19.

On June 24, 1818, This Lodge along with Richmond Lodge No. 10, Manchester Lodge No. 14 and Jerusalem Lodge No. 54 laid the cornerstone for the new St. Johns Church at the corner of 23^rd and Broad Streets. The church was never completed and a residence was later constructed on the site.

On Saturday, October 30, 1824, Brother General Marquis de Lafayette was made an honorary member of Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19, as was his son, George Washington Lafayette. Their signatures are in the minute books. A great ball and feast was held in the city. This was Lafayettes last visit to America and on May 30, 1834, he died.

On July 9, 1835, Richmond Randolph Lodge No 19 had a called communication to perform the Masonic burial for our worthy Brother John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and Past Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.

On September 18, 1883, Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19 purchased from Richmond Lodge No.10 their shares of interest in Masons Hall for $900.00. Thus, this Lodge became the sole owner of Masons Hall.