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BYRON LODGE NO. 80 F.A.M.
On January 10, 1856, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the
State of Michigan authorizing the organizing of Byron Lodge No. 80 F &
A.M. In 1890 the Lodge had a membership of 56 and owned their own hall
which was well furnished. The officers were: Theodore Euler, Worshipful
Master; Orlando Lee, Senior Warden; Robert Fox, Junior Warden; George
Cosgrove, Secretary. Due to efficient leadership the Masonic Order grew
rapidly for a period of ten years, absorbing the strength from the
I.O.O.F. organization. From 1890 the Order has gradually grown.
January 13-14-15, 1956 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Byron Lodge.
Dinner was served by the O.E.S. for the Masons on Friday night followed
by Degree work put on by Corinthian Lodge No. 241 of Detroit. Saturday
evening a program, which included an address by Roscoe Bonesteel, Past
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, followed a banquet served
by Huldah Chapter No. 212 to over 500 Masons, their wives and friends.
Sunday morning the Methodist Church was well filled to hear the
excellent message delivered by Dr. William Donald, Most Worshipful Grand
Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, Free and Accepted Masons. Thus,
100 successful years of masonry in Byron came to a close.
A large crowd gathered on the afternoon of October 19, 1970 for the
laying of the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple by the officers of
the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Dinner was served in the evening to a
capacity crowd and an evening of entertainment enjoyed.
In more recent years, the lodge has been involved in many community
activities and benefits. Each year, they award the Edgar A. Guest
designation to a community member. They also give scholarships to Byron
school students. They hold various benefits and money-making activities
that benefit the village park and other Byron projects.
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