Poquoson Lodge No. 49, A.F. & A.M.

                                                              Poquoson, Virginia

Several Brethren met at the office of Brother John F. Rollins, where, after considerable discussion, it was decided to make application for a dispensation. A committee composed of Robert E. Hunt, H. Garland Forrest, John F. Rollins and Alvah E. Riggins was named to take the matter to the District Deputy Grand Master of the 14^th Masonic District, who was Right Worshipful Claude O. Price. Upon petition of the members the Grand Lodge of Virginia granted a dispensation in February 1932.

The first meeting of Poquoson Lodge was held in the Odd Fellows Hall, Odd, Virginia on July 19, 1932. It was announced that this communication had been called to present Poquoson Lodge with a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The dispensation designated the following officers:

Alvah E. Riggins                     Worshipful Master

Robert E. Hunt                       Senior Warden

John F. Rollins                        Junior Warden

Other officers were elected and appointed at this time.

The Lodge held regular communications under this dispensation until the Grand Lodge, which met in February 1933, approved a charter. The Lodge was to be known as Poquoson Lodge No. 49, Messick, Virginia. At a meeting held on April 4, 1933 the charter was presented.

The stated communication held on April 11, 1939, was the last meeting held at the Odd Fellows Hall. The next meeting was held on April 18, 1939 at the Juniors and Redmens Hall. This was the home of the Lodge until 1976.

The Lodge initiated a building program in 1975, under the leadership of Worshipful C. E. Drummond. This program continued in 1976, and the cornerstone was laid in June 1976, for the present Masonic temple located at 6 Hunts Neck Road, Poquoson. The first communication was held in the new temple in November 1976.

In April 1978, Army and Navy Lodge No. 306 was invited to hold their communications in this temple. They had to vacate the facilities at Fort Monroe. They graciously accepted the offer from Poquoson Lodge. Army and Navy Lodge continued to meet in this temple until May 1987, at which time they moved into their new Temple in Hampton, Virginia.

On February 15, 1983, the secretary of Poquoson Lodge, Right Worshipful William M. Johnson, was installed as the 139^th Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. Most Worshipful Brother Johnson honored Poquoson Lodge by making one of his many visits on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Lodge held on April 14, 1983. The theme chosen to best represent Poquoson Lodge No.49 on the occasion of its fifty golden years in Masonry was “Live the Golden Rule” which was not only exemplified by its members, but by the entire Masonic District.

The true spirit of Freemasonry is alive and growing in Poquoson Lodge No.49, which is young in years but old in heritage.