Our Lodge

Howard Lodge #101 of Elkridge MD

History of Howard Lodge #101

The Brothers of Howard Lodge No. 101 can trace their lineage to December 20, 1854, when the Grand Lodge of Maryland granted a dispensation for Bro. John Y. Worthington to form a new Masonic Lodge in Elkridge named Union Branch Lodge. This new fraternal organization was officially chartered on May 16, 1855, held its first meeting on May 21, 1855, and renamed itself Howard Lodge No. 101. At this inaugural meeting two initiates were voted on and approved to receive the three degrees of Masonry, with the first new Master Mason being raised on June 18, 1855.

Howard Lodge No. 101 held our first meetings in the former Hall of Triumphant, Division No. 38, of the Sons of Temperance, which was purchased in 1893 for a cost of $1,200.00. In 1904, a committee was formed to investigate the purchase of a plot of land on Old Hoxley Mills Road (now known as Levering Avenue) and the property is purchased for $300.00. On August 20, 1904, the cornerstone of this new Lodge building is laid by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, with construction ending on May 16, 1905. At this time the outstanding debt on the building was $1,000.00, which was paid for by two $500.00 notes held by two Lodge members. These notes have since been retired and the Lodge has remained debt free ever since.

Throughout the years the Lodge has been active within the Masonic Family across the State of Maryland; Brothers received permission to form a new Freemason Lodge in Savage known as Solomon's Lodge No. 121 (1865), and provided support in the establishment of the Order of the Eastern Star Howard County Chapter No. 20 (1908), the Jobs Daughters Bethel No. 22 (1934), and a local chapter of the Order of Demolay (1951). Howard Lodge No. 101 has also absorbed the membership of Mystic Circle Lodge No. 109 (2003) and Baltimore Lodge No. 210 (2005), merging our organizations and strengthening our Brotherhood through the addition of a number of distinguished Freemasons.

The organization is exceptionally strong and has proved its longevity by being awarded the Grand Master's Award with distinction every year, but one, since its inception. Our brethren built on a firm foundation, and built well, for after more than 150 years of continuous service Howard Lodge No. 101 stands as a pillar of excellence.