The Masonic Lodge has a long history in Leeds … longer than the City of Leeds itself in fact and the members are planning to celebrate that history and their 125th anniversary during an event on Sunday, March 7.

Leeds Masonic Lodge 446 began operation March 4, 1885 under Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Alabama. It was officially chartered two years later on December 7, 1887, the year Leeds was incorporated as a township. Charter members included Jonathan W. Bass, John W. Lawley, John H. Abercrombie, William McLaughlin, and James C. Robinson. The group’s Worshipful Master that year was John A. Milner, who went on to serve in that capacity until 1890.

The Masons have met in several locations over the past 125 years. While the first two locations are somewhat unknown, the group began to meet on the top floor of a bank building in that was built in Leeds sometime around 1925. Later, the group sold the property that used to have a Piggly Wiggly  (now the Food Market), and used that money to purchase land and to build a new lodge at 8413 First Avenue, where the Masons still meet today.

Through history, the Masons have played an important role in shaping community and civic life within the city. The Masons remain active today through charity and volunteer efforts. Last year, the group volunteered and painted the caboose located at the historic depot. The group also works closely with the Leeds/Moody Welfare Cooperative in picking up bread and delivering it to the Welfare in Leeds twice each week.

For many years, Leeds fifth graders have received a free copy of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights on Constitution Day courtesy of the Masons.

The group also sponsors a scholarship each year given to a person who qualifies to attend college, but may have financial difficulties. In 2009, the Masonic Lodge gave a $1,000 scholarship to a Leeds student.

One of the group’s fundraisers is a monthly breakfast they host for members and the public. On the first Saturday of each month, the lodge opens its doors to the community and serves breakfast for a $4 donation.

“We serve breakfast until the groceries are gone. We ask for a $4 donation, which helps to pay for the groceries. We enjoy doing it and people have a good time,” said Mason T.V. Weaver.

The Leeds Masonic Lodge has also played a role at the state level. Frank W. Little, a Past Master (98-99) and current secretary of Lodge 446, was elected as the Grand Master of Alabama for 2005-06.

Today, Masonic Lodge 446 has about 90 members made up of men from all walks of life. While the Masons may be presented as mysterious on television and in books, current Worshipful Master Jim Jarvis said most everything there is to know about the organization can be found in books and on the internet.

“We are not a secret organization,” Jarvis said. “If people are interested in joining the Masons all they have to do is ask. We do not advertise or solicit for our members. If people are interested in joining they will usually ask.”

The group meets every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Every third Tuesday of the month, the Masons host a family dinner night.

The highlight of their 125th anniversary event will be Masons’ historian Joe Becker who will present “The History of Masonry in Leeds.” Light refreshments will be served and the event is open to the public.