The history of Farmington Lodge #192 is not the usual history of a lodge trying to obtain a charter from the Grand Lodge, which was formed in 1840 in Jacksonville. Grand Lodge proceedings reveal that in 1843 there were only 22 lodges in Illinois, one in Iowa and one in Wisconsin chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. In 1844 the Most Worshipful Grand Master reported that he had granted dispensation to seven (7) lodges, one of which was to "Aaron Kinney, Master; Samuel Gould, Sr.Warden; and Harvey Smith, Jr.Warden; to hold a lodge in the town of Farmington." At that time the nearest lodges were at Peoria, Macomb, Peru, and Rushville, some 20 to 80 miles away. It was expected that lodges Under Dispensation pay $50.00, Grand Lodge dues, find a meeting place, obtain their jewels and paraphernalia, be able to open lodge and confer degrees, and form their by-laws. All of these, plus a membership list, were to be reported at the next Grand Lodge session. Note that in 1844 you could still purchase land from the government for $1.25 and acre, so $50.00 was quite a sum of money. The Grand Lodge received no report from Farmington in 1844 or 1845, however in 1845 a charter was granted to Morning Star Lodge #30 at Canton, our neighboring town 10 miles to the south. It is not known where or from whom they received a dispensation, but in their list of members is Aaron Kinney (having died January 19, 1845) and Harvey Smith as Jr.Warden. These were two of the three brethren who received a dispensation for Farmington. In a footnote for Farmington U.D. it reads: "It is possible that this lodge became subsequent to its constitution by dispensation, what is now Morning Star Lodge, No. 30, at Canton. There are some grounds for this conjecture, though there is no record of the fact." There was still no reply from Farmington in 1846 so it ceased to exist as a lodge U.D..

The Grand Lodge records were lost in a fire at Peoria after the 1849 session, so the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro Wm. C. Hobbs called a special session in April of 1850 to try to recover what records could be found. At the regular October session, many of the records had been found and printed in the proceedings. Morning Star Lodge #30 did not attend either of these sessions, although their membership had grown from 23 to over 40 members.

A private letter of grievance was received from Ebenezer W. Mitchell, a member of Morning Star Lodge #30, in 1851, which was referred to Committee and made a report. The Most Worshipful Grand Master reported that he had issued dispensation to 22 lodges, one of which was "to Bro. G. H. Hickman as Master, Bro. Cyrus Babcock as Senior Warden, Bro Harvey Smith as Junior Warden, and the requisite additional brethren, to form and open a Lodge at Farmington, Fulton county, to be known as Trinity Lodge." No report was received from Trinity Lodge, but a report and resolution was made and adopted "that the dispensations heretofore granted to said Oquawka, Trinity, and Marshall Lodges, U.D., be continued in force until the next regular communication of this Grand Lodge, without charge."

In the Grand Master's address in 1852 he said, "I regret to state the fact that one lodge, located in one of the cities of this state, has suspended work and returned its charter to the Grand Master, I refer to Morning Star Lodge, No. 30, Canton. The furniture, jewels, books, etc., are in the possession of Bro J.C.Williams, of Canton, subject to the order of the Grand Lodge." Bro J.C.Williams was initiated, passed, raised and demitted from Morning Star Lodge #30 in 1850 and Bros Harvey Smith and G.H.Hickman were still members. The Grand Secretary was instructed to make application for the jewels, books, and other property of Morning Star Lodge #30 and retain the same, subject to the order of the Grand Lodge. Again, no returns were received from Trinity Lodge, but again they were continued till the next session, on payment of dues.

The Grand Master's address in 1853 reads: "It affords me much satisfaction to be able to inform you that Morning Star Lodge, No. 30, which had surrendered her charter, has again come forth and taken her place among the Lodges under our jurisdiction. I had learned that the brethren at Canton were desirous of again going to work under their old charter. Accordingly, in July last, I issued a special dispensation to R.W.Bro Reynolds, authorizing him, in my name, upon a requisite number of brethren petitioning therefor, to assemble the brethren at said place, restore them their charter, open their Lodge, preside at the election of their officers, install the same, and set them to work in due and ancient form—all of which was done on the 14th of September. Bro C.W.Rockford is W.M. , Bro D.W.Smith is S.W., and Bro M.Z.Saylor is J.W. . Their dispensation, petition, etc., are filed herewith." I am certain that the above named W.M. is C.W.Rockhold, more about him later. The Grand Master had re-issued the dispensation to Trinity Lodge, but the Committee on Lodges U.D. recommended that they and several other lodges, which had made no returns, had "...no longer any authority from Grand Lodge to work under the dispensations in their possession."

Bro C.W.Rockhold was initiated, passed, and raised in 1845 in Morning Star Lodge #30, elected Senior Warden in 1846, and Worshipful Master in 1848 & 49. He was their representative at Grand Lodge in 1848, making resolution and acting on a Committee. He was again W.M. when their charter was restored in 1853, however, the Grand Master's 1853 address states that he had issued 43 dispensations, one of which was "To C.W.Rockhold as Master, and the requisite additional brethren, to form and open a Lodge at Farmington, Fulton County, to be called Farmington." At an evening session on October 6, 1856, the Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation respectfully reported that they had examined the work, returns, and By-laws of the following named lodges, and find them correct, and recommend that charters be granted them as follows. Of the 21 named lodges, Farmington was the seventh and received Charter #192. Bro Rockhold was in attendance and invited to take a seat as a member. The Grand Master later appointed Bro James T.Slack to act as his proxy to constitute and consecrate Farmington Lodge #192. So, after 13 years and three tries, Farmington at last had a Charter; but all did not go well. The lodge started with 14 members and met on Saturday on or after the full moon. This was the custom back then in order to afford the brethren more light to travel to and from their meetings. Probably, the most renown brother to come from Farmington Lodge was William Pitt Kellogg. He was initiated, passed and raised in 1856 and was a colonel during the Civil War. He later became a Senator and Governor of Louisiana from 1873 till 1877 during the reconstruction period. In 1857, Jonathan Coykendall was master. He was also active in the city government, being the 5th president of the town before it was incorporated. Bro. Rockhold demitted, being a member but one year. James Evans was master in 1858 and L.H.Kerr in 1859 & 60. The lodge had by then grown to a membership of 37, many of whom were from our neighboring town of Elmwood, about 10 miles north. Ten of the brethren, being desirous of forming their own lodge, demitted and were charter members at Elmwood's Horeb Lodge #363 in 1861; Bro.L.H.Kerr being their first master. The Lodge meetings were changed from Saturday to Friday of each month. The Elmwood Chronicle has this article dated Aug 4, I860, "It has been deemed advisable by the members of Farmington Lodge No. 152 (sic 192) to change their place of meeting, for the period of one year, from Farmington to this place. The third story of the building in Union Block known as No. 4, 5, and 6, is being fitted up, designed for the lodge room, and will, in a short time, be ready for meetings."

The lodge was further weakened in the fall of 1861, with the following brethren leaving for the Civil War: Capt S.C.Burbridge led the llth 111. Cav.Co.B., and was later promoted to Major; Capt J.Coykendall led Co.G; J. Montgomery and J.Gregory were also in these companies; J.McMullen was in Co.D. 151 Inf.; David Butterfield was in the 55th 111 Inf. and lost his life in the Battle of Shiloh; and Chas. Rockhold, also in the 55th. Therefore, you can see why that in 1861 Farmington Lodge #192 surrendered the charter for want of strength and a means to keep the Lodge in working order. No. 192 is again listed as a surrendered number in 1863 & 64.

The Grand Master's address of 1865 mentions that he has issued dispensations to 32 new lodges, the 20th of which was on June 19, 1865, as "A Unit" at Farmington. It is listed as having paid $50.00 for a dispensation and $8.25 dues and is among the lodges of Fulton Co. In 1866 'A Unit Lodge U.D.' had paid $10.50 dues, had 14 members, 8 initiations, 6 passings, 4 raisings, and 3 rejections. Little else is known about 'A Unit Lodge1 in 1865 &66. There were several military lodges formed during the Civil War, but most of the above mentioned brethren were mustered out in 1864. Wallace Military Lodge was issued a dispensation in 1865 and is listed as in the field. Although 'A Unit1 suggests a military lodge, I believe that it consisted of veterans who were home from the war. The last mention of 'A Unit Lodge U.D. ' is when the Committee on Lodges U.D. recommended that charters be issued to the following, and lists the name of the lodge and number. The numbers were 459 to 512, but the last one is 'A Unit' as Farmington No. 192. From this we see that 'A Unit1 was assigned the surrendered #192 and again Farmington had a Chartered lodge. In 1867 Bro. Jonathan Coykendall was again elected Master of the lodge and served until 1873. They had 39 members and paid $39.25 dues to the Grand Lodge. In looking back at these records, we see that Farmington might have received Charter #30 in 1845, or #104 as Trinity in 1851, or even #459 as A Unit in 1866, but we have retained the #192 since 1856, so a duplicate was issued to Farmington. Later the original was found and given them, more on this later.

A plow manufacturing shop owned by Fawcett & Caywood, located at 115 E Fort St. was destroyed by fire on June 23, 1870 and a three story building was erected there in 1872. The first floor of this building was a hardware store, the second was jointly owned by the Masons and Odd Fellows. This hall was fitted and furnished as one of the most comfortable in the state. It was carpeted, had a square piano and closets for the fine paraphernalia and wardrobes for the Masons, Odd Fellows, Royal Arch, Rebekahas, and Eastern Star. The Eastern Star received their charter in 1889. Bro Emerson Clark was one of the most active masons this lodge has ever had. He was elected Master in 1881, and the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro Edward Cook, appointed him to act as his proxy to constitute London Lodge #448 at London Mills and install it's officers in 1897. R W Bro Clark was a Deputy Grand Lecturer from 1889 until 1904, a Grand Lecturer until 1908, and served as District Deputy Grand Master from 1900 until 1908. He was appointed to the Board of Grand Examiners, but could not serve due to business interest. W Bro Wm H Miller was elected Master in 1894 and later transferred to Horeb Lodge #363 where he became Master in 1900. W Bro Leslie W Morton was Master in 1896 and later transferred to Morning Star Lodge #534 where he became Master in 1915. (Morning Star had lost it's charter #30 because of a dispute among brethren in 1875.) The lodge continued to grow and prosper in these fine surroundings until it had a membership of 84 in 1900.

Yet, after only 29 years, the lodge was again to have it's difficulties. On the morning of February 26, 1901, a fire destroyed their building and left them with only $1,200 insurance to start anew. But these were determined brethren, for just 3 days later, at a stated meeting on March 1, they met in the Woodman Hall and a committee of E.Clark, A G Morse, and G E Wood was appointed for the purpose of providing a Masonic home. At a special meeting on March 15, the committee reported that the right to occupy the second story of a building to be built at 134 E Fort St., was secured from Walter Merchant and A G Morse with a 99 year lease agreement. The committee was authorized to proceed with the construction. This lease explains in detail how the first floor and foundation is to be built and paid for by Bro Merchant. It also explains how the second floor, stairway, cellar for the furnace, cesspool and piping etc. is to be built and paid for by the Masons. Of course, all of the lodge records were lost in the fire along with the duplicate charter, but the original was in the possession of a Brother and we still have it today. The corner stone was laid on May 12, by the Worshipful Master, Bro Eugene Christopher, with the assistance of the brethren. The Eastern Star was also fortunate, because on May 23, a crate of beautiful china arrived which had been ordered before the fire; it is a complete table service for 100 with a blue Masonic and Eastern Star border emblems. They also are still in use today. The building was completed by the first of September and ready to be furnished.

The dedication of the hall was held on Oct 9, 1901, with a gala affair befitting such an occasion. A banquet was served to about 350 people at 6:30 PM while a harp orchestra played. An occasional lodge was opened by Past Grand Master Bro Charles F Hitchcock, and the usual dedication rites were performed. The Past Grand Orator, Bro G W Warvelle, gave a brief history on Masonry. This was followed by cornet, piano, vocal solos and orchestra music. After the conclusion of the program, the banquet hall was cleared and dancing was enjoyed by all until the early hours of the morning.

The cost of all the furnishings for the lodge and banquet hall was $1684, of which $800 was donated by the Eastern Stars and the balance by volunteer donations from the Brethren. Much credit must be given to W B Wm M Anderson, who was Master in 1897-8, for restoring the records, writing a history of the lodge and locating pictures of the Past Masters, which hang in the lodge hall. The lodge purchased the first floor, which was a livery stable in 1908, at a cost of $6000, with an additional cost of $1981 to remodel it. Due to maintenance, the depression and other expenses it was not totally out of debt until 1944.

The by-laws were changed in 1927 to hold stated meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays.

A hugh photograph of Charles W Rockhold was presented to the lodge by Martha E Schneider, his daughter, in 1930 with some early history.

A letter of application to the Masonic Home at Sullivan was made for Bro Charles I Peterson and he was received therein April 1931 and died Oct 14, 1933.

The diamond jubilee was celebrated on Oct 6, 1931 with the O.E.S. serving a dinner to over 250 members and their families. Past Grand Master, Bro Alexander Bell gave an address on "Why is Masonry" and a program of entertainment and songs followed. Again there were two bands, one played during the dinner hour and another after the program for dancing and games. Souvenir key fobs were sold for $1 to the members.

A special meeting to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birthday was held on Feb 22, 1932, with a full evening of entertainment and dancing. The speaker for the evening was Bro W S Jewel from Lewistown. During the year of 1932-3, the lodge had no candidate due to the depression. In the latter year they lost 11 members and had $864 in uncollected dues which were only $4 per year. Monthly meetings were held only on the first Thursday.

The city of Farmington celebrated it's centennial with a big parade in 1934, in which the Masons and Eastern Stars entered a large float. Pretty little Juanita Harris sat high upon it's top and a large Masonic emblem adorned the front of the float. It won second place out of 100 entrants. In February the Canton Demolay conferred the degrees in Farmington Lodge.

The lodge made the "Front Page" of the newspaper, called The Masonic News , on the celebration of their 80th anniversary on Oct 29, 1936. Pictures of the interior and exterior of the lodge was featured with an account of the days activities. Three Master Mason Degrees were conferred, two in the afternoon, going to refreshment (a chicken dinner served to over 150 Masons), then the final degree that evening. W B Clarence "Morse" Routson acted as toastmaster calling on visiting Brethren and some of the older members of the lodge to recall some of it's history. Bro Carter Pinkerton, who was the candidate that evening has received his 50 year pin and passed on to the Grand Lodge above on August 7, 1988.

History compiled and written by R.W.B. James Porter.