Princess Anne Lodge No. 25, A.F. & A.M.

                                                         Virginia Beach, Virginia

Princess Anne Lodge No. 25 was originally known as Kempsville Lodge No. 25, it being granted dispensation on December 12, 1871. But actually Kempsville Lodge started with Kempsville Lodge No. 12 in 1791. A minute book recording its meetings until 1820 is in the possession of this Lodge.

The first regular meting under its charter as Kempsville Lodge No. 25 was held on Thursday, December 21, 1871. It was noted that the old jewels of Kempsville Lodge No. 12 were now in the possession of Henry Clay Lodge No. 165, and that Lodge was interested in returning the jewels.

It is interesting to note that a charity fund was collected at every meeting. Although the amounts were small, it indicated that the Brethren were thought about. Also Norfolk Lodge No. 1 lent such jewels and furniture as they could spare for Kempsville Lodge No. 25 to get started after its first regular meeting on December 21, 1871.

On March 20, 1875, a committee was appointed to confer with the District Deputy Grand Master and the Board of Supervisors in regard to moving the Lodge to Princess Anne Courthouse. On July 15, 1875, approval was granted and arrangements were made to move to the courthouse.

On May 24, 1877, a committee was appointed to arrange to borrow $800.00 for the purpose of building a Lodge hall at or near the courthouse. The cornerstone was laid on November 28, 1877, and the dedication was held on November 7, 1878.

After the moving of Kempsville Lodge No. 25 to Princess Anne, the name was changed to Princess Anne Lodge No. 25 effective January 1, 1884. There have been many changes in the Lodge bylaws and in the time and day of the stated meetings. At one time the meetings were on the day after the full moon and the hour was 21/2 oclock, rather than 2:30 as today.

On October 19, 1904, thirty-one members and twenty-five visitors met to lay the cornerstone of the Confederate Monument, which stands on the grounds of the Princess Anne Courthouse.

In 1936, the grounds around Princess Anne Courthouse were being reconstructed and beautified. It was suggested by the Board of Supervisors that, at their expense, the Lodge move to a new location on a County lot. In September the Lodge moved to a location fronting on Princess Anne Road, still on County property.

In 1923, two members of this Lodge went to assist in the laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

In 1968, the Lodge was requested to move from City property and, of course, the Lodge believing that it had many years left on what was known as a A100 year agreement with the Board of Supervisors, was very much concerned. It seemed that no record could be found of this agreement, and Princess Anne Lodge moved to its present location on Princess Anne Road, and bought its own property.