What do Nathaniel P. Langford, Nelson Story, and the Montana Vigilantes Have in Common? See for Yourself on October 22nd & 29th
Bozeman Masonic Lodge #18 will celebrate its 150th anniversary by opening its doors to the community during two events. Peek behind the Masonic doors during an Open House at 14 S. Tracy Avenue in Bozeman on Saturday, October 22 from 10am–6pm.
On Saturday, October 29, the Freemasons of Bozeman Lodge #18 invite all brave members of the community on a Charity Ghost Tour of the famously haunted lodge building. Tours are from 5:45pm–midnight. Tickets are $20 per person and proceeds will be donated to HRDC. Space is limited so reserve today HERE. Several spirits are known to roam the halls of the Temple building – are you bold enough to experience them?
When American settlers moved into Montana in the early 1860s in pursuit of gold and new opportunities, Freemasons were among their ranks. They would leave their mark on the history of the Treasure State.
Freemasons are members of the world’s oldest known fraternal organization, with obscure origins as a secret society said to range from the time of the building of King Solomon’s temple to the 17th century. Freemasonry exists across the globe, but all Masons share a belief in moral ideals and the existence of a Supreme Being. Masonic ritual uses the architectural symbolism of the tools of medieval stonemasons to teach moral and ethical lessons such as the principles of “Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.” Two symbols always found in a Masonic Lodge are the square and the compass.
The first Masonic Lodge in Montana was formed in 1862, but in the winter of 1863 Montana Masons came together to fight against the robbery and murder spree conducted by Bannack Sheriff Henry Plummer’s Road agent gang called the Innocents. Many of these Masons helped form the Vigilantes, who made quick work of the road agents, hanging 21 of them within a month.
The first official meeting of Bozeman Lodge #18 took place on Oct. 19, 1872. The Charter was granted by Nathaniel P. Langford, Grand Master of Montana Masons (and also first Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park). Langford granted the charter in response to the prohibition of Unionists from joining the existing Confederate-sympathizing lodge, Gallatin Lodge #6. In the beginning, Bozeman Lodge #18 was known as the “Yankee Lodge.” Since then, the ill feelings caused by the Civil War have faded and harmony prevails, with many Gallatin Valley Masons holding dual membership in both Lodges.
Bozeman pioneer Nelson Story was an early member of Bozeman Lodge #18. Both Langford and Story were members of the Montana Vigilantes who brought peace to the lawless area that would soon become the Montana Territory.
Today, Bozeman Lodge #18 is active and growing, and continues to attract men, young and old, who already being of good character, seek ways to further improve themselves. Currently, some 3,500 Masons are spread across Montana in the various Lodges within the state and each shares the same common goal — to make good men better.
For more information, please see www.bozemanlodge18.org. •
