 found in the archives of Multnomah Lodge No. 1 in Oregon City (photo circa 1966). FORMATION OF WALUGA LODGE
To acquaint the newer members of our lodge and to refresh the memory of our older members, a short history of Waluga Lodge is being included in this roster. In the Grand Lodge report for the year 1893, there were 93 Lodges for a total of 4,429 members, with 275 men raised that year. Waluga Lodge was formed by members of Oswego Lodge No. 109, chartered June 15, 1893 originally in Oswego but latter moved to Milwaukie due to economic downturn caused by the iron smelter shutting down. Subsequently moved to Milwaukie the name Oswego Lodge No. 109 was retained until changed by Grand Lodge in its resolution dated June 15, 1922. Oswego Lodge No. 109 then became known as Milwaukie No. 109. In order for the Oswego Members to attend lodge in Milwaukie, it was necessary for them to walk across the railroad bridge. In the early days, many lodges met "on or after full moon," or "on or before full moon." Transportation was poor, roads were rough and difficult; getting from home to lodge was often a problem. Having the light of the moon made such journeys safer and easier and thus ‘Oswego’ was known as a “Moon Light Lodge.” In the spring of 1921, about nine members led by Bro, Bill Kingkade met in May's Drug Store in Oswego and undertook the formation of Waluga Lodge. Bro, Kingkade was elected master but asked to be excused on account of not having the time to undertake the formation of the lodge. Bro. Fred Reese was then elected to be the master. He secured the cooperation of Oswego Lodge No. 109, Orenomah 177 and Multnomah No. 1 in the matter of jurisdiction and the Lodge was instituted Feb. 1, 1922 in the
Odd Fellows Hall, Oswego.
M.W. Bro. W. G. Shellenbarger, Acting Grand Master, installed the following brothers as the first officers of Waluga Lodge, U.D.: Fred BL Reese, W.M. Ray Stotzel, S.W. A.C. Good, J.W. H.B, Bickner, Treas. C.B. Hall, Sec'y John B. Stone, Sr. Deacon H.P. Lee, Jr. Deacon Carl H. Horn, Sr. Stewart H. E. Carpenter, Chaplain G. L. Haven, Tyler Other Members: William Kingkade J. W. Stone L. L. Dougan E. P. Holm Leon Stone W. R. Wilmot E. W. Cochrun F. K. Steffen Brooks Hogan A. L. Hollander Petitions received for degrees while U.D.: D, H. Leche Frank Strachen (1st M.M. in Waluga U.D.) H. Simonson Harold Rose On April 15, 1922, a delegation came over from Orenomah Lodge and Cy Woodworth on behalf of Orenomah Lodge, presented us with our U.S. Flag which is still displayed in the lodge today. Waluga Lodge No. 181 started in the spring of 1921 charter is dated June 16th, 1922. Support was given to establish a Chapter of the Eastern Star in 1923. Through out our history many social affairs were held with Waluga Chapter No. 146 such as dances, joint installations, box socials, Sweet heart Dinners honoring our widows and others etc. The Lodge on at least one occasional voted to apologize for leaving the kitchen in a dirty mess for the Eastern Star to clean up. However, due to declining membership Waluga’s OES voted in May of 2007 to disband. Part of the group is expected to join Pioneer Chapter in Oregon City and part to merge with Tigard Orenomah. The Temple… Sometime during the 20’s the Lodge secured a lot for a future building site on First Street. ‘Waluga’ is the local Indian name for Oswego Lake the meaning known as “Swan” Lake. April 3, 1929 Bro. Stanton called for the Lodge to “to look to future and begin to lay by some money to build a hall” Jan 1, 1930 Bros. Stanton & Banks presented selected “Magic Lantern” slides showing Masonic scenes to be used in presenting lectures. Motion to purchase passed. Following the crash of 1929, some thought was given to giving up the charter. On Dec 30, 1930 a Resolution to surrender charter by 1931 Election if we can not show that our lodge has been of greater value to members. Resolution to be read at subsequent meetings up till election. It was also voted to have talks on “Why did I join the Masons.” This provoked discussion after which other Masonic subjects were discussed with good results and attendance. March 1, 1933 Waluga Temple Builders held discussion on opportunity to secure “Redmen” Hall which had been used as a community hall and for showing motion pictures. Committee: A.C. Doig, P.H. Morgan, J.I. Likens April 5, 1933 Bro Dalged moved to accept the proposal of the W.T.B. Association to use the building which they are endeavoring to purchase. Bros. Cosgray moved to loan the W.T.B. Assoc. $200. June 7, 1933 WM thanked the committee appointed to acquire the new temple and “discharged them of duties” with thanks. The purchase price was $3,000. The seller accepted the Lodge lot on 1st street for $1,000, leaving a balance due of $2,000, of which the Lodge made a down payment of $200, balance to be paid at $30/mo Sat July 15, 1933 First meeting of the Pick and Shovel Brigade assembled Oct 7 1933 Temple was dedicated June 6, 1934. Bros. Stoetzel & Hal Cosgray appealed for assistance to finish basement wk. Oct 19, 1938. Bros. Sundley donated bricks for the fireplace March 1, 1939 Miss Flauson purchased Andirons for fireplace as donation in memory of her father. Nov 3, 1943 Mortgage burning mentioned in the Notes. March 22, 1944 Bros. Lester Davis donated FC floor carpet to the Lodge for use in presenting lecture. Jan 16, 1945 M.W.G.M. presented the Lodge a gavel of black locust wood from his farm in Wasco County. The GM recited facts basic to the development of Masonic education of the individual brother. The GM also reviewed all Masonic publications, emphasizing the positive necessity of giving all the lectures in each and every Masonic degree. Then followed a discourse by him on Masonry, with special mention of the individuality of Masonry, responsibility of the individual to the Craft being utmost, and that of the lodge to the individual being minimum, the Lodge being composed of individuals. The GM emphasized the importance of social activity within Masonic Lodges, and asked that all Master Masons should identify themselves with some institution whose sole concern is the development of the principals of the Great Light of Masonry. In politics, he stated the practical necessity of participation by all Masons, citing the past record of our country, and especially to think and act as Master Masons in political activities, particularly when they concern restriction of liberty and freedom guaranteed in the Constitution of the U.S. June 9, 1947 25th anniversary for Waluga Lodge No. 181; Mill City No. 180, Parkrose No. 179, Molalla No. 178. Bros. Warren Graham, WP of OES presented $60 check to be used to purchase an illuminated letter “G” as a gift from Waluga Chapter. Nov 26, 1947 The Illuminated “G” was officially lighted for first time by WM Don Larson. Credit to Tom Allen for donating a transformer and to Willis Hill who arrange for having it made. Dec, 1949: Resolution: …no Past Master’s jewel will be presented to a retiring Master until his photograph is furnished to this Lodge….signed Irvin Stanton P.M.; Ray Stoetzel P.M.; Charles Southard. Dec 6, 1950 the Lodge voted to present a box of candy at Christmas to widows of deceased members. August 25, 1951 The lodge arranged for laying of the cornerstone at the Lake Oswego High School by the Grand Lodge MW R.W. S. Nesbitt. Cost of the Bronze tablet (16” x 11”) was $53,90 paid to Oregon Brass Works by Waluga Lodge. February 2, 1955 David Redmond made motion to install a phone in the basement. Seconded & passed April 4, 1956 Motion passed to provide plaque at Waluga Park, Lake Grove dedication ceremony scheduled for May 26, 1956. June 6 1956 Motion made by brother Mack that the reading of the minutes be suspended, carried. Dec 5, 1956 Annual Masters Bean Feed May 9, 1957 Waluga motored to Molalla #178 together with Mill City #180 and Parkrose #179 to celebrate 35th Anniversary year. Nov 6, 1957 A Masonic Library was instituted by a gift from the estate of Lee B. Laighton, PM 1945 of $250. June 4, 1958 Motion made to build Waluga's vault. June 1, 1960 WB Southard furnished the marble square for rapping the gavel in the East. WB Brown furnished the podium top and WB Walker made the sides. June 1, 1960 Past Master aprons embroidery by Pearl Tanner. Leather aprons for full form made by Diane Tannler Jan 9, 1963 Motion to incorporate Waluga Lodge No. 181 as non profit. September 7, 1967 Carpet laid in the lodge room. Fifty Year Anniversary 1972. To date 462 men have become members of Waluga Lodge. G.M. M.W. Daniel H. Schulze attended Lodge. Sept. 7, 1977 Resolution made by the Secretary Charles Stanley for the Sec. to receive a salary of $360 per year with dues remitted. “The reason for this motion as Article X was taken out of the By Laws at the 127th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. May 3, 1978 WB Eckelman presented the Lodge with books and clippings of WB Irvin Stanton, P.M. 26’ and requested that they be made part of the Lodge archives. The Lodge accepted the books, clipping and a picture frame will be fixed on the wall of the Temple. April 6, 1983 Illustrious Bro. David O. Johnson, Grand Inspector General of the Scottish Rite was escorted West of the Alter and presented with his 25 year certificate by WM. May, 1986 Brother Ben Mahar installed three way switches on the second row of lights, in the dinning hall, “so that the post and knots on your heads can now be avoided.” June, 1986 Associate Matron Anne Amatori donates two ceiling fans to the Lodge and Brother Floyd Martin installed. Dec 3, 1986: Hobart Dishwasher purchased from a brother belonging to Holbrook Lodge. He bought at “old Shrine Hospital auction” and was going to use it in his restaurant but sold to Waluga for $350.00. Bro. David O Johnson making arrangements to donate a used range hood from the Scottish Rite for Waluga’s kitchen. June 1992-Randall McLoughlin organized a school essay recognition dinner to be held June 10th. The Oriental Shrine band provided entertainment. WM recognized Randall’s efforts and asked the Lodge to consider making this an annual event. June 25, 1997: “Waluga's 1st Annual Sweethearts Dinner” held August 17, 1997: 75th Anniversary Picnic Held at George Roger’s Park. WM Earl Anderson noted that Masonry came to Lake Oswego first in 1893 with a Lodge chartered June 15th. During a downturn in the economy and closure of the local iron smelter the lodge moved to Milwaukie but a new lodge was form, in Oswego June 15, 1922 as Waluga Lodge 181. OES Waluga Chapter instituted 1923; Oswego DeMolay founded 1946; and Oswego Bethel No 48 in 1948. Feb 2, 1998-WM reported in the Trestleboard that the first Professional basketball game was held at the Masonic Temple Gymnasium in Trenton, NJ in 1897 four year after the forming of first Masonic Lodge in Oswego. April 4, 1998-Two offers to purchase the Temple received one for $300,000 and the other $350,000. WM Cameron held discussion and then instructed the Trustees to decline the offers. May 1998-Waluga invited to furnish memorabilia for the cornerstone laying at the new Polk County Courthouse. April 1, 2000. WB Donald Larson Estate sent a check to Waluga! The Lodge was raised in memory and the WM noted this kind brother’s generosity. June 3rd, 2000-Lodge by unanimous vote gave David Redmond permission to either purchase a used gas stove, for the lodge, at $2,000 or a brand new one for $3,000 at his discretion but upon his inspection. Dec 2nd, 2000 Brother Robert Tannler presented outgoing WM Loran Steinberg with an antique pocket watch noting his service to the Lodge as WM concluding a fourth term; which no other brother has done in Waluga’s history. June 2001-Grand Lodge presented Waluga Lodge No. 181 with a plaque for Public School Essay Project. Dec 2001-A bid for $1,300 to replace the rain gutters on the building was read. Oct 10, 2003-David Redmond was presented a Masonic apron pin with the words “Real Men wear aprons” for his long service to the lodge and of late for his excellent cooking. Oct 1st, 2003 Grand Secretary James M. Shillingburg and his wife Kay resigned from the Grand Lodge due to mismanagement and misappropriation of the organizations assets. Feb 4, 2004 –Waluga web goes live at www.waluga181.org. Webmaster Jeff Crawford. 2009 - Waluga website changes to www.waluga.org
Thus from a beginning of nine members in 1921, with the first MM raised U.D. (Frank Strachen) to the middle of 1984 with a membership of 200, to present June 2007 the Lodge has had 572 members sign it’s register. It’s present membership, today, consists of 69 members, 4 EA’s, and 1 FC. Membership has declined drastically but we look forward to resurgence and there’s hope ahead with many lodges in the jurisdiction experiencing renewed interest. |
