Freedom Lodge 112 A.F. & A.M. building.

Honoring a Rich and Vibrant American Heritage

Founded in 1862 by determined brothers from George Washington Lodge No. 94 of Westminster, Freedom Lodge #112 stands as a testament to Masonic ideals. With resilience, they secured a meeting place donated by Brother John T. Steele and obtained recognition from the Grand Lodge of Maryland. Over generations, marked by milestones and transitions, the lodge remains a resilient pillar within the Masonic community. A resurgence in 2011 brought renewed Brotherhood and engagement, fueling the lodge's enduring spirit.

Keep reading to learn more about Freedom Lodge #112.

 

Founding and Early Years

Enriched with Masonic principles, Freedom Lodge #112 is rooted in a compelling history intricately woven into the fabric of American heritage. Originating in 1862, our lodge emerged from the steadfast dedication of sixteen brothers from George Washington Lodge No. 94 of Westminster. Their commitment to community, guided by Masonic ideals, gave rise to Freedom Lodge #112 in the dynamic town of Sykesville, Maryland.

Masonic lodge cornerstone laying ceremony in 1956.
Brick house under construction with scaffolding.

Hall Establishment and Grand

Lodge Recognition Brother John T. Steele's generous contribution of land and building materials allowed for the establishment of a dedicated meeting place. Under the dispensation granted by Most Worshipful Grand Master John S. Berry, the lodge was officially organized on February 1, 1862. Recognition from the Grand Lodge of Maryland swiftly followed, with the charter granted on May 13, 1862, solidifying Freedom Lodge's place within the Masonic community as the 112th Masonic Lodge of Maryland.

Milestones and Transitions

From the dedication of its hall in 1865 to the resolution allowing meetings in both Freedom and Sykesville in 1892, the lodge experienced pivotal milestones. Following a period of meetings solely in Sykesville from 1924 to 1956, plans for a new building began materializing in 1945. The Grand Lodge's dedication of the new Eldersburg location in 1957 marked another significant chapter in Freedom Lodge's journey.

Freedom Lodge 112 A.F. & A.M. 1956
Freedom Lodge cornerstone laying 1956.

Resurgence and Renewal

Amidst fluctuations in membership, Freedom Lodge experienced a resurgence in 2011. Welcoming over 100 new members since 2011, the lodge rekindled its vibrant community spirit, hosting social events and educational classes. This resurgence breathed new life into the lodge, fostering growth in the Lodge and support in the community.

Explore our enduring Masonic legacy and join us in upholding timeless values. Connect with Freedom Lodge #112 today to be part of our rich heritage!

Friends

In reflection of such good moral values and conduct, we encourage you to visit:

Grand Lodge of Maryland
http://www.mdmasons.org/

Mason Post, a search engine for Masonic Lodges
http://www.masonpost.com/

Door to Virtue Lodge #46, Westminster Maryland
http://www.doortovirtue.org/

Pent alpha Lodge #194, Germantown, Maryland
http://www.pentalpha194.org/

Zumbrun Funeral Home
http://www.jnzumbrunfuneralhome.com/index.php

Masonic lodge members in formal attire.

Past Masters

Warren L. Little

1862

Dr. Joseph W. Steele

1863, 1864

John Deckerbaugh

1865, 1866, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895

J. Oliver Wad low

1867, 1870

Lewis Ohler

1874, 1875, 1876

Albert A. Dorsey

1889, 1890, 1891

Martin K. Grimm

1896, 1897

William M. Chipley

1898, 1899

John W. Firoved

1900

J. Clinton White

1901

James S. Hyatt

1902

Dr. Milton D. Norris

1903, 1904, 1918

August Jaeger

1905, 1906

Harry R. Devries

1907, 1908

Otto F. Leist

1909, 1910

Williard A. Nicodemus

1911, 1912

C. Harry Weer

1913, 1919, 1920, 1923, 1927, 1930, 1932, 1938, 1944, 1945

Dr. Daniel B. Sprecher

1914

Irvin E. Buckingham

1915

Elbridge C. Hill

1916

Augustus R. Selby

1917, 1925, 1929

Dr. William E. Martin

1921, 1922, 1924, 1925, 1929

Rev. Frank Y. Jaggers

1926

Lewis Hammerslough

1928, 1931

Earl P. Zepp

1933

Robert M. McKinney

1934

Edward H. Arrington

1935

Harry W. Biller

1936, 1937

William Brandenburg

1939

Orville T. Gosnell

1940

Howard A. Smith

1941

Clarence R. Gosnell

1942

Devries R. Hering

1943

Frederick J. Wheelehan

1946

Luther H. Haight

1947

Ollan H. Reynolds

1948

J. Henry Koller, Jr.

1949, 2004, 2005, 2006

Norman P. Burham

1950

Walter V. Bennet

1951

W. Almer Forthman

1952

William D. Mansfield

1953

William S. Alexander, Jr.

1954

Carroll D. Ely

1955

Charles F. Hoffmaster

1956

Ralph W. Beam

1957

John F. Trammel

1958

Campion W. Rush, Jr

1959

Charles R. Marshall

1960

Dorsey H. Craig

1961

C. Irving Hachemeister

1962

Paul R. Unger

1963

Calvin N. McAllister

1964

Walter L. Brown

1965

Robert L. Feezer

1966, 1997, 1998, 1999

William H. Bowers

1967

William T. Holcomb

1968

Clinton D. Dodson

1969

John R. Jaeger

1970

Harry W. Haight

1971

Warren T. Harden

1972

Clyde L. Boone

1973

Mervin L. Wheat, Jr

1974

Marshall S. Cook

1975

Allen R. Spring, Sr.

1976

Richard B. Unger

1977

Ralph H. Bridges

1978

William T. Hare

1979

Wayne R. Clingan

1980

William T. Stover, Sr.

1981

Milton A. Schaeffer

1982, 2000, 2001

H. Eugene Smith

1983

John R. Thomas

1984

David L. Keith

1985

Ross L. Brown

1986

Milton J. Payne, Jr

1987

William L More

1988, 1989, 2003

Denver G. Resh

1990

David H. Belt

1991

H. Dale Gray

1992

Vernon L. Schlein

1993, 2002

Lawrence P. Wandel

1994, 1995

William G. Perry

1996

Jeffrey N. Zumbrun

2007, 2008

John T. Gullucci

2009, 2010, 2011

James D. Schwartz

2012, 2013

Gerald M. McCullough

2014, 2015, 2016

Russell Long IV

2017, 2018

Brett J Molin

2019-2020

Michael Taldo

2021-2023