BELMONT LODGE

Belmont Masonic Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Number 190 was founded on the 17th day of April in the year 1867 with Worshipful Master Emmanuel Mckay. The meetings were held in a room above George Watcher's general store, on the corner of Main and Copeland streets, Belmont. The Lodge approved the purchase of collars for the officers, and decided to follow the By-laws of St. George's lodge No. 42, of London, until a set of their own could be written and approved. During the first year, seventeen candidates were intimated, and some meetings went on until two and three o'clock in the morning with dues being 25 cents per month, and paid monthly... In January of 1872, plans were made for a new lodge building, and a site was purchased from Mr. Watcher for $50. The new Masonic Lodge was dedicated on January 2, 1874. Fire swept the area in 1891, but the Masonic Hall was saved. A new site was purchased and on July 7, 1899 the lodge was physically transported across to the east side of Main St.