Brookhaven
Masonic Lodge #241 is located in Brookhaven, MS. It received its charter
on January 19, 1860. A group of fourteen Brookhaven Masons interested in
the organization of a Masonic lodge at Brookhaven met on August 16, 1859,
at the residence of Ezara (J.) Knapp on West Cherokee Street, for the purpose
of organizing a Masonic lodge. The lodge moved into its first Masonic Temple
on December 27, 1862 on the campus of Whitworth College. This lodge was
destroyed by fire on the evening of April 14, 1899. The second Masonic Temple
corner stone was laid on August 10, 1899 at the corner of Cherokee Street
and Jackson Street. This building was used and enjoyed by the Masonic fraternities
of Brookhaven until it was destroyed by fire on Easter Sunday, March 25,
1951. On April 15, 1953, the cornerstone of the present temple was laid
by Lawrence C. Corbin, Grand Master, with the appropriate ceremonies. On
Monday, March 15, 1954, the Lodge had its formal opening with the Reverend
Carl L. Oaks, Grand Master, giving the principal address. Since the Lodge
was organized on August 16, 1859 with fourteen charter members it has steadily
grown.
Throughout the years Brookhaven Lodge has taken an active part in the civic, cultural and religious life of the town and community and through its charitable endeavors has brought comfort and relief to many of its citizens of which all of its member are justly proud.
History of
Brookhaven Lodge No. 241
By P.C. Sylvester
Brookhaven Centennial Historical Program
August 23-28, 1959
