I have been writing for the last three years about lesser-known historical figures in Naperville whose contributions have helped turn our city into a wonderful place to live. Not coincidentally, these men have all been members of the Masonic Lodge in Naperville, Euclid Lodge No. 65, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Last month I wrote about Joseph Naper, our town’s founder, and namesake, who was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Shortly after the end of the Mexican War, members of the Masonic Fraternity who were residents in Naperville and the surrounding areas, decided to establish a Masonic Lodge in Naperville. A petition was drawn up and presented to Unity Lodge No. 48 in St. Charles for their approval. Once this was done, the petition was then sent to the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois for their approval. The Grand Lodge granted the members in Naperville a dispensation to organize a Lodge on September 21, 1848. Ezra Gilbert, the oldest member of the Fraternity in the area, was given the honor of choosing a name for the Lodge, and he chose Euclid, from the selection of names that were suggested.
With the dispensation in hand, the Naperville Masons went to work on September 28, 1848, and elected officers.
The first officers were Aylmer Keith, Worshipful Master; Joseph Naper, Senior Warden; Judge Nathan Allen, Jr., Junior Warden; Lewis Ellsworth, Treasurer; Dr. Calvin Cole Barnes, Secretary; Nahum Loring, Senior Deacon; and John Spaulding Kimball, Tyler. These seven men were the charter members of the Lodge because they had signed the petition. This first meeting was held in Dr. Barne’s room above Aylmer Keith’s store.
Now that the Lodge had dispensation to operate, the Fraternity met on the third floor of the DuPage County Cash Store, which was then owned by Charles Hull Picket Lyman. By-laws had to be written and the Lodge used as a template the by-laws of Lafayette Lodge No. 18, in Chicago. Petitions were received almost immediately, and the Lodge went to work making new Master Masons. Men of good character were given the tools they could use to help them become better men and assets to the community.
On October 2, 1849, at the Grand Lodge Convocation, a report was read that stated that “The work of Euclid Lodge in general has been correct, but in a few instances the degrees have been conferred too hastily.” The Grand Lodge then granted a petition to Euclid Lodge Under Dispensation and gave them the number 65.
Men of all different occupations petitioned the Lodge for membership: lawyers, judges, doctors, bankers, farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, tailors, butchers, hotel keepers, carpenters, millwrights, tin smiths, laborers, and stone masons.
The Lodge met on Tuesday evening preceding each full moon and on the succeeding Tuesday. Members had to navigate at night by the light of the moon and stars.
When the Village of Naperville was incorporated in 1857, seven of the nine officials elected were or later joined the Lodge. Many of Naperville’s Village Presidents, Mayors, Aldermen (Yes, we had aldermen at one time), trustees, council persons, treasurers, and clerks were members of the Lodge. It should not come as a surprise that the City still meets on a Tuesday evening. Police officers and firemen also have been members of the Lodge.
With the advent of the Civil War, many of the members enlisted in the Union Army to defend the country. The Lodge did not have enough members present during the years 1863 and 1864, so no elections for officers were held. Brother James Joseph Hunt, the blacksmith and hardware store proprietor, held five meetings during this time and kept the Lodge alive.
Euclid Lodge has experienced many difficulties over the last 175 years, especially during the various wars and the Great Depression. The Lodge currently has a little over 200 members. Our meeting place at 34 West Jefferson Avenue has been in use since May 1, 1917.
We are continually attracting young men of good character to join the oldest and largest fraternity in the world.
The Lodge has completed the renovation of the entire second floor of the building. Three other Masonic bodies also meet in the Lodge, Euclid Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons, Adoniram Council No. 95, Cryptic Masons, and Trinity Apollo Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar.
A celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Lodge will be held from 1PM to 5PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, when the Lodge will be rededicated by the Grand Lodge. The ceremony will be open to Lodge members and invited guests. The George Washington inaugural Bible will be on display and copies of the Lodge History will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program.
The following day from 11AM to 3PM, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Lodge will be open to the public for tours, to purchase a copy of the history of the Lodge, and to view the George Washington inaugural Bible.
Naperville’s Euclid Lodge No. 65 is one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in the State of Illinois, the oldest Masonic Lodge in DuPage County, Illinois, and the oldest fraternal organization in Naperville, and is justifiably proud of its 175-year history.
