John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
The masonic lodge in the heart of downtown Madison is revered by surrounding counties as it remains the oldest-chartered lodge in the immediate district, with the largest membership roll of the nearby 13 lodges in North Florida. As it was chartered just months prior to Florida receiving their statehood in 1845, members continue to take pride in being one of few lodges in the state still active after nearly 180 years.
Every second and fourth Monday, with the exception of the current statewide lodge suspension due to COVID-19, Madison Masonic Lodge No. 11 buzzes with excitement as members gather for their bi-monthly meetings at the corner of Range Avenue and Rutledge Street. But what sets the Madison chapter apart from the others is the history it carries behind its name.
At once, Madison County was home to seven masonic lodges, but as time took its toll, lodges dwindled and closed, with Madison Masonic Lodge No. 11 remaining one of two chapters open. The local organization became chartered through the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida on Jan. 16, 1845. Today, the lodge is comprised of 153 members. The lodge is governed by the worshipful master, or the president of the lodge, who is Tony Odom. Jim Stanley is serving a groundbreaking 40th year as lodge secretary.
Throughout its history, the local masonic lodge has played a role in laying cornerstones, especially for the historic St. John's Seminary of Learning, which unfortunately burned down in 1904. History remains in the masonic lodge however as the cornerstone is enshrined in the lodge room.
Like Perry's masonic lodge, the Madison lodge also had a member serve as Grand Master, but his entry into the lodge as a Master Mason almost never happened.
Angus Paterson was a native of Scotland and was rejected 21 times before gaining entry into the lodge at the age of 42. Paterson, a former Madison mayor and Madison's first lawyer to appear before the United States Supreme Court, had a foot deformity and was "black-balled" – or denied entry into the fraternity by way of vote – multiple times. Nothing was wrong with his character, however, masons originally could not accept a man with a major deformity.
Before leading the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida in 1891 to 1892, Paterson served as worshipful master of the Madison lodge from 1884 to 1888. Paterson served a fifth time as the master in 1905 until his passing in August of that year.
Paterson wasn't the only member to serve on the grand line. From 1845 to 1847, Peyton Smith served as the grand chaplain of masons of Florida. Also, Roy Hibbs served as senior grand deacon in 2016.
Madison Masonic Lodge No. 11, like all masonic lodges around the world, may freely accept good men who meet certain requirements after asking to join. No mason can ask a non-mason to join, hence the term "free and accepted mason." Additionally, freemasonry is not a religion, nor is its purpose to substitute or take a man away from his religious beliefs and duties. However, it is a requirement that a man have a belief in a deity, whatever it may be.
Freemasonry has been a fraternal home for many Madison County residents, including Edwin "Booze" Browning Sr. and A.D. Reams. A who's who in American History, John Wayne, Mark Twain, Colonel Harland Sanders and 14 United States Presidents have shared the unique title of being a "brother." If you are interested in becoming a freemason, the brotherhood welcomes you to visit Madison Masonic Lodge No. 11 on any second and fourth Monday before their 7 p.m. meeting. Visit www.beafloridamason.com for more information regarding the fraternity or to print out your petition to join.