Etiwan Masonic Lodge celebrates 150th anniversary with historical marker unveiling, re-dedication ceremony

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (November 11, 2009) – Etiwan Masonic Lodge #95 will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its original charter with the unveiling of a historical marker and a re-dedication ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at 438 Whilden Street. Dozens of masons from neighboring lodges are expected to attend the ceremonies.

Mayor Billy Swails and Mount Pleasant Council members, along with Masonic officials will unveil the historical marker.

Following the marker unveiling and lunch, Barry A. Rickman, Grand Master of Masons of South Carolina, along with other members of the Grand Lodge, will conduct a ceremony symbolizing the cornerstone laying of the lodge building. The ceremony will be open to the public and performed in the lodge hall.

Commemorative gold coins will be on sale for $10.

About the historical marker

On November 18, 1859, a Warrant of Constitution was granted to Etiwan Lodge No. 95 by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. The lodge organized under dispensation on February 19 and held their first meeting in Town Hall on March 4. The fraternity purchased its current lodge hall that same year for $500. The structure was built in 1835 as the original St. Andrews Episcopal Chapel. During the Civil War, lodge meetings were suspended. Mount Pleasant served as the Berkeley County Seat from 1885 to 1895, and some members traveled for two days to attend meetings. In 1913, members contributed funds to help organize a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The lodge has grown steadily from 67 members in 1908 to 203 members in 1945 and more than 350 in 2009. This marker was erected in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Etiwan Lodge No. 95 A.F.M.

For additional information about the Etiwan Masonic Lodge #95 and the re-dedication ceremonies, please contact Lou Mintz at 224-2865.