Lodge History

Prepared and submitted by: Thomas K. Wilson, Daniel R. Anderson
Redone and Updated by: Terrance M Schaffer

The Founding (1871–1872)

Sherburne Lodge was born on December 5, 1871, when a group of Masons gathered at the Elk River schoolhouse to organize a new lodge. While earlier discussions likely occurred, this is the first documented meeting. Each man contributed five dollars for charter membership. Within a week, they received two petitions—one accepted and one rejected. Mr. Frederick A. Hoebner became the first candidate initiated, passed, and raised, completing his third degree on December 28.

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota issued the lodge’s charter on January 9, 1872, and Grand Master George B. Cooley formally presented it on January 22. Brother Luther E. Preston was installed as the first Worshipful Master, joined by:

  • William M. Cleeland (Senior Warden, Merchant)

  • William H. Houlton (Junior Warden, Merchant)

  • John Q. A. Nickerson (Treasurer, Hotel Keeper)

  • Severin Holgate (Senior Deacon, Tinner)

  • Samuel Colson (Junior Deacon, Hotel Keeper)

  • Hiram P. Burrell (Tyler, Farmer)

Preston, then 26, had been raised in Evening Star Lodge No. 414, Illinois, in 1869. He was a schoolteacher by trade and passed away in 1897. Several other charter officers later served as Masters, Secretaries, and Treasurers.

The lodge took its name from Moses Sherburne, the second Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota and a prominent jurist. Born in Maine in 1808, Sherburne moved to Minnesota in 1853, became an associate justice of the territorial Supreme Court, and eventually settled in Orono, Sherburne County. He died in 1868. Both Sherburne County and the lodge bear his name in tribute.

The Early Years (1872–1945)

Sherburne Lodge was chartered during a time of dramatic transformation in Minnesota. Steamboats and logging dominated the Mississippi River, and the railroad had arrived in Elk River eight years earlier. The region's economic growth paralleled the lodge’s expansion.

Many early petitions were rejected, often from men seeking nothing more than social refuge. But others were accepted, and membership grew. The lodge held regular and special meetings for degree work and hosted social events. The first recorded function was a New Year’s Eve Ball on December 31, 1874.

Oral history from Brother Dalmer Palmer (recorded in 1967) describes the early 20th-century as a period of lodge dances, post-meeting cigars, and the tradition of oyster stew. Purchases of oysters appear frequently in lodge records and continue today in the form of the annual oyster stew meal. The lodge’s annual turkey dinner dates back to the late 1920s.

Sherburne Lodge’s charitable spirit was evident from the beginning. The first recorded Masonic funeral was for Brother Winthrop Davis in 1874. Members routinely visited sick brethren and supported their families—traditions that continue today.

The lodge met in the Music Hall until a fire in the late 1890s (known as the “Big Block Fire”) damaged the original charter. It then moved to the Odd Fellows Hall and later, in 1904, to rooms above the First National Bank on Main Street.

Celebrating the Milestones (1922–1972)

Sherburne Lodge marked its key anniversaries in style:

  • 50th Anniversary (1922): A banquet and entertainment at the Odd Fellows Hall, celebrated by lodge members and their families.

  • 75th Anniversary (1947): A dinner hosted by Whittemore Chapter #253 O.E.S. at Union Church. WB Roland K. Wilson delivered a historical address, and a Third Degree was conferred.

  • 100th Anniversary (1972): The event was again held at Union Church, with multiple lodges represented. WB John Coleman, a young operative mason, served as Master. His father, Brother Ed Coleman, would later follow him as Master. The celebration included predictions for 2072, an engraved plaque presentation, and a partial audio recording.

Building and Decline (1978–2012)

In 1978, the lodge completed construction of its own building at 633 Upland Avenue. Land was donated, the building was paid for, and a cornerstone ceremony was held with MWB Don Severson and Worshipful Master Stan Wheaton presiding. A time capsule was placed behind the cornerstone.

But in the early 2000s, poor management and financial strain took a toll. Membership declined. Internal strife grew. Members became disillusioned. The lodge held on, barely.

Crisis and Renewal (2013–2016)

WB Jamie Romness led a new officer line in 2013, seeking revival. Burdened by rising taxes and failed sale attempts, the lodge put its building up for auction. A buyer eventually offered a contract for deed.

A commemorative dinner in September 2013 marked the end of an era at Upland Avenue. In October, the lodge moved to the American Legion in Elk River. But by early 2014, skyrocketing rent forced another move.

After meeting temporarily at Anoka Lodge #30, Brother Gene Giegoldt offered space at his Riverwood Conference Center in Otsego. The lodge thrived there, hosting events like Casino Night, Beer & Cigar Night, scholarships, and parades, As well as our newly created WB Bob Bowersox Highland Table Lodge!

But in 2016, Riverwood was sold and repurposed into a senior living center. The lodge relocated again—this time to NE Winslow Lodge #125 in Osseo.

Osseo and Stabilization (2016–2019)

Sherburne Lodge shifted its focus to Osseo and found stability. It hosted parades, joined local fundraisers, and launched the “Tee It Up” Golf Tournament. Membership surged in 2018 with new Master Masons and dual members joining. WB Andy Crook became Worshipful Master in 2019, continuing the revitalization.

The Pandemic and Perseverance (2020–2021)

The lodge faced tragedy in 2019 with the sudden death of its Secretary and the betrayal of its Treasurer. Then COVID-19 hit.

Despite shutdowns, Sherburne Lodge stayed active via Zoom. It held food drives, coat drives, Salvation Army bell ringing, and socially distanced events. The passing of WB Bob Bowersox marked a somber moment, but his namesake Table Lodge was preserved in his memory.

By late 2021, the lodge was financially stable and bringing in new members. For the first time in years, it had money to invest in its future.

The 150th Anniversary and Beyond (2022–2025)

Sherburne Lodge celebrated its 150th Anniversary on January 22, 2022, at Kraus-Hartig VFW. MWB Rolf Widstrand, son of the Grand Master at the 100th celebration, attended alongside other Grand Lodge officers. Past members including WB Daniel Anderson (who passed later that year at age 96) were honored.

The year ended with a move due to rising rent. In 2023, the lodge relocated permanently to the Kraus-Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park. It thrived—winning 2nd place in a local parade, hosting its inaugural “Snowballs” Bowling Tournament, and bringing in its strongest member class in 30 years.

In 2024, the bowling tournament raised over $5,000 for Alexandra House. The Highland Table Lodge marked its 10th year, and the Tee It Up Golf Tournament raised $12,000 for two charities. But mid-2025 brought a surprise conflict with VFW management, and the lodge relocated once again—this time to Plymouth Lodge #160 in Crystal, Minnesota.

Conclusion

Sherburne Lodge No. 95 has weathered nearly every imaginable challenge—fires, relocations, internal struggles, financial turmoil, pandemics, and change. And yet, it endures.

Its greatest strength lies not in buildings or banquet halls but in the enduring commitment of its members, their service to one another, and the principles of Freemasonry: Brotherhood, Charity, and Truth.