Ruth Lodge No. 89, A.F. & A.M.

                                                               Norfolk, Virginia

Ruth Lodge began on December 11, 1869, when twenty Master Masons witnessed the delivery of the dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia which was officially read into the record by the Lodges first Worshipful Master, Worshipful James B. Blanks.

This event took place in the hall of the “Odd Fellows” building on Church Street in downtown Norfolk. This event benefited from the use of the jewels, furniture and regalia of Atlantic Lodge No. 2 which were gracefully lent for the occasion.

One of the singularly steadying hands at the helm of the Lodge leadership was that of Brother William N. Grubb, who was elected secretary and proceeded to serve in that capacity for forty-eight years.

There was a marked upsurge in petitions in 1919, with a total of one hundred thirty-two men being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This was truly an effort of dedication and Masonic affection to our fraternity as many of our Brethren had to travel any number of miles by horse and buggy, making the learning of the work a monumental effort.

Ruth Lodge No. 89 has participated in many and varied civic functions. Notably, it has been honored by being asked to lay cornerstones for twenty-five structures in Norfolk. Of these, a few of the more prominent ones are: Maury High School (1910), Park Place Baptist Church (1915), Larchmont Methodist Church School (1924), Ocean View Masonic Lodge (1925), Childrens clinic-Union of Kings Daughters (1929), and Knox Presbyterian Church (1940).

Ruth Lodge No. 89 also has the distinct good fortune to be known as the “mother” of Ocean View Lodge No. 335. Through the zealous and untiring efforts and support of many of Ruth Lodges members, Ocean View Lodge received its dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Virginia on September 15, 1920. In addition, at its first stated communication, Ocean View Lodge was presented a complete set of Officers Jewels to solidify the relationship between the two Lodges. Five years later, Ruth Lodge was privileged to lay the cornerstone of Ocean View Lodge.

Ruth Lodge has been fortunate to have been involved in virtually all major Masonic activities in the Hampton Roads area. It has contributed two Grand Masters of Masons in Virginia: Most Worshipful Willis V. Fentress, Sr. (1956), and Most Worshipful Jesse A. White (1968).

In 1969, Most Worshipful Julian C. Roden, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, was the speaker at the centennial anniversary of Ruth Lodge. Most Worshipful Brother Roden was elected an honorary member of Ruth Lodge.

Of particular note, although outside of the Lodge proper, was the election of our Brother Aubrey Guy Graham as imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America (1970/71).