Fort Benning Lodge Picture (2024) by WB Bayardo Reyes
HISTORICAL FORWORD
Congress authorized the establishment of Camp Benning in the fall of 1918. The camp was renamed Fort Benning in 1922. It was two years later that brethren gahtered togethre from various lodges and began organizing for the opening of a new Lodge Charter. During the many years history of this Lodge, Membership has grown from the initial 79 Charter members to a high of 935 in 1969. In todays books, 104 members still active on a standstill with new membership.
Our origins
James W. Van Deusen Lodge U. D.
held its first communication at the old Polo Club, Fort Benning reservation, Georgia on April 21, 1924, under authority of a dispensation granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons.
The Lodge was named James Van Deusen, who was the Post Surgeon at the Station Hospital.
The records show that there were 58 Masons present at the meeting and 47 of them signified their intention of affiliating with the new Lodge. Edward P. King presided as Master at that meeting, with Joseph Grant acting as Secretary. Labor was carried on under this dispensation until October 28, 1924 when the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, Granted a Charter under the name of Fort Benning Lodge No. 579, Free and Accepted Masons.
The Lodge was consecrated, dedicated and constituted, and its officers installed by Most Worshipful Brother JAMES D. HAMRICK, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, on November 3, 1924. The officers "Who served the Lodge at its institution are:
I. Under dispensation, April 21, to November 3, 1924:
Edward P. King, Jr. Worshipful Master
William Joseph Stewart Senior Warden
Daniel C. Campbell Junior Warden
Roscoe Bilyen Treasurer
Joseph H. Grant Secretary
Silas H. Grinstead Senior Deacon
Charles H. Buck Junior Deacon
Benjamin A. Brackenbury Senior Steward
Robert O. Dickson Junior Steward(Resigned May 10, 1924)
John A. Porter Junior Steward(Appointed May 10, 1924)
James B. Ellis Tyler
Mack Evans Master of Ceremonies
II. Under Charter, November 3 to December 15, 1924:
WM - Edward P. King, Jr.
SW - William Joseph Stewart
JW - Daniel C. Campbell
TR - Roscoe Bi1yen
SEC - Joseph H. Grant
CHP - Patrick J. McNulty
SD - Silas H. Grimstead
JD - Charles H. Buck
SS - Mack Evans
JS - John A. Porter
TY - James B. Ellis
Historical Images
Images saved in the lodge archives. Click on image for large view.
You have any to submit? Contact the Lodge Secretary.
Fort Benning Map Lodge 2nd Location "Block 12" Bldg T-227 (1929)
Aerial shot seen the Lodge inside reservation
"Block 12" Bldg T-227
1930s
1933
1933
Old Chow Hall Bldg. T-227. Made into Recreational Building After lodge moving out of reservation. (1949)
Vietnam Era - Read More
January 1951 Opening and Dedication of the Lodge
New Temple Dedication Ceremony 20 January 1951
Centennial & Rededication 3 Nov 2024
George Washington Commemoration Tree (1932)
Our rich History with Fort Moore (Formerly Fort Benning)
Fort Benning Lodge and its history with Fort Moore (Former Fort Benning Infantry School)
1932
Inside the Military Installation, you can see the impact of the lodge and her members back in the days.
Found today, on the corner of Bldg.7; formerly the Faith Children's School, now "Patch Hall" ACS Building on 7117 Baltzell Ave, Fort Moore, GA; a plaque with an oak tree that was planted in 1932 by the brethren as commemoration of the two hundredth birthday of George Washington's Birthday. Records indicate that "on February 22nd of 1932 at 1:30PM The George Washington Oak at the Children's School, planted by Fort Benning Lodge No 579 F,&A.M. On 25 February 1931 was dedicated by Worshipful Brother Loren A Wetherby who was also the principal Speaker and quote - [Major General Grange, Commanding General of Ft Benning, Mrs Grange, Distinguish Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen all,
Thank you for this Honor of inviting Fort Benning Lodge to participate in the Rededication of this tree to a great man and a great Mason. We, the 800 members of Ft Benning Lodge consider it a distinct honor to have been invited to witness this ceremonal. Thank you one and all]". 20 February 1981 - Thirty-nine persons were present at the Fort Benning Arbor Day Ceremony which was held at the same location celebrating the Bicentennial of 249th Birthday of Worshipful Brother George Washington. A new Japanese Cherry tree was planted.
1924 to Present
1924-1925
*Edward P. King, Jr.
(April '24-Dec '25)
MWB James E. Hamrick, Grand Master of Masons in Georgia paid a visit to the Lodge and at a regular Communication on October 20, 1924, the name of the Lodge changes to Ft. Benning Lodge, U. D. At this same communication, 79 Brethren approved the Application for Charter, which was granted on October 28, 1924, with the number “579” being assigned. It was formerly the custom of the Grand Lodge to “re-use” numbers that had previously been assigned to other Lodges, which had subsequently relinquished their charters, so Ft. Benning Lodge was the second Lodge to bear the number “579”. The number was originally assigned to Rock Springs Lodge of Norristown in Emanuel County. That Lodge was charted in 1910 and the charter forfeited in 1923. On November 3, 1924, MWB Hamrick, assisted by other Grand Lodge officers, constituted the Lodge and installed the elected and appointed officers, with WB Edward P. Kind, Jr., as Master.
1925-1926
William J. Stewart
Also served as lodge Secretary
During this Year, the lodge changed from 1st and 3rd to 2nd and 4th Monday for stated Communications (Jan 1926)
1926-1927
Walter J. Dumas
(Dec '26 - June '27)
Served as Worshipful Master for a short term.
1927
Orville Guthrie
(June '27 - Dec '27)
Served same year as WB Dumas having 20 Master Masons Raised between both Worshipful Masters. Dispensation was requested for Special Election of officers due to illnesses and assignments.
1927-1928
George R. Still
1928-1929
Henry H. Fay
In February of 1929, the Lodge moved from its location in the Polo Club to an old mess hall (Bldg T-227) located on a bluff in the rear of what was known as “Block 12”. Extensive renovation was done to the building and in June of that year, the new Temple was consecrated and dedicated by the Grand Master,
MWB Raymund Daniel.
This was the time of the Great Depression
1929-1930
Harry M. Foster
1930-1931
Charles M. Hopkins
1931-1932
Loren A. Wetherby
Dedications plaques with Oak Tree planting at the Masonic Home and the Fort Benning Army Installation were done commemorating the two hundred years of Br George Washingtons Birthday.
1932-1933
James E. Freeman
During his year, the members where forced to find a new temple as the current building was being condemned as unsafe and unfit for further use. It was then voted to purchase a tract of land just of the reservation line and erect a permanent Temple. The land was purchased at a cost of $4,815.00, witch left a balance in the funds of approximately $12,000.00
[$277,394.80 today]. It was estimated that the temple was going to be, roughly, $55,000.00. A considerable amount was needed to raise. Same year when all members of the Armed Forces received a 15% cut in pay and saw reenlistment become a memory. 17 new Master Masons were raised.
1933-1934
John. L. Biggerstaff
1934-1935
John. L. Biggerstaff
1935-1936
Edgar C. Davis
1936-1937
Shirley H. Workman
11 Master Masons were raised.
1937-1938
Marcus B. Bell
1938-1939
Walter S. McHan
1939-1940
Shirley H. Workman
1940-1941
Bertham B. Bell
The year Pearl Harbor was attacked. Raised 6 new Master Masons including Louis Higgins and Robert C. Johnson
1941-1942
Walter S. McHan
1942-1943
Jachob W. Whetshell
(Dec '42-APR '43)
1943
Stanley Carlin
(APR '43-DEC '43)
1943-1944
Henry B. Underwood
(Dec '43 - JUN '44)
1944
Lewis W. Wiggins
(Jun '44 - Dec '44)
1944-1945
Joseph H. Bishop
1945-1946
Marvin V. Johnson
(Dec '45 - Jun '46)
The years of World War II were both hectic and traumatic for the Lodge, with most of its members seeing action in any number of the many battles of that war. WB Edward P. King, our first Master, was a member of General Wainwright’s staff in the Philippines and had the dubious duty of having to surrender some of the US Forces to the Japanese. He survived the infamous Bataan Death March*, and upon a visit to the Lodge on February 25, 1946, he spoke of his unpleasant experiences as a prisoner of war.
The war years were also years of great activity and growth for the Lodge. During that time, 209 brethren were Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in this Lodge, many of them courtesy candidates.
1946
Raleigh B. Shilling
(JUN '46 - Dec '46)
Completed the year after WB Marvin V. Johnson. 85 New Master Masons were raised by the end of the year.
1947-1948
James C. Bridges
1948-1949
Arthur L. Freeman
1949-1950
Norman J. McCullough
On May 13, 1950, the move to our present location got underway with a groundbreaking ceremony. and on January 20, 1951, MWB Marvin G Pound; member of Sparta Lodge No. 442 (no longer in rolls), Grand Master, assisted by other Grand Lodge Officers, conducted the cornerstone laying and dedication ceremonies. Raising the annual dues from $5.00 to $15.00 and selling bricks for $1.00 each financed the construction of the Temple. 86 Master Masons were raised that year.
1950-1951
Clay M. Pitman
28 Master Masons raised
1951-1952
James E. McAllister
59 Master Masons were Raised.
1952-1953
Huston C. Sansome
1953-1954
James W. Crenshaw
1954-1955
Joseph E. Haynes
63 Master Masons were raised
1955-1956
Rayoul A. Lackey
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1956-1957
John M. Miller
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1957-1958
Jasper N Garrett, Jr.
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1958-1959
Webster D. Hendry
Was a smooth year with 39 new Master Masons being raised. 1959 was the birth year of current Chaplain at that time and Director of Work; Joseph E. Haynes
1959-1960
Ford G. Younmans
Debt of the new temple laid was finally paid off and celebrated with Mortgage Burning. 45 New Master Masons raised that year.
1960-1961
James D. Crouse
Add a description here.
1961-1962
Eugene R. Roper
During his year as Worshipful Master, 38 Mater Masons were raised.
1962-1963
Francis P. Calloway
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1963-1964
Edward P. Hitaffer
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1964-1965
*Lloyd R. Daniel
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1965-1966
Emory W. Smith
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1966-1967
Clyde R. Birch
1967-1968
Harry Hopfer
27 Master Masons Raised
1968-1969
Charles R. Maffett *
Membership went to a high of 935 in the rolls.
1969-1970
Gene H. Cartwright
1970-1971
John Zebresky
1971-1972
Trent V. Hunter
1972-1973
Leonard F. Ross
1973-1974
Willard W. Ivey
1974-1975
Marion A. Jones
1975-1976
Leslie D Warner
1976-1977
Charles W. Martin
1977-1978
Carl M. Phillips
1978-1979
Victor D. McConnell
1979-1980
Glen H Coburn
1980-1981
Raymond R. Faust
1981-1982
Donald R. Holstead
Fort Benning Arbor Day Ceremony was performed on the installation commemorating Worshipful Brother George Washington's 249th Birthday. See George Washington Commemoration Tree.
1982-1983
Robert L. Young
During WB Young year, 18 July 1983, The library was dedicated and named "Charles W. Hall Library" in honor of Brother Colonel Charles W. Hall, a renowned educator of long lasting, who symbolically represented all the brethren of Fort Benning Lodge No 579 - Past Present and Future.
1983-1984
James E. Miller *
Most Worshipful Brother Miller received his Masonic Blue Lodge Degrees in Daleville Lodge No. 903, of Daleville, Alabama and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 14, 1959. In 1979, Brother Jim affiliated with Fort Benning Lodge No. 579, F. & A. M., of Columbus, and subsequently served as Worshipful Master in 1984.
Brother Miller was appointed to the Grand Lodge Line as Third Grand Steward by Right Worshipful Brother Joseph P. Suttles.
READ MORE.
1991-1993
Joseph W. Powell II
WB Powell was elected for two consecutive years as Worshipful Master.
1993-1994
Johnny L. Tabler
1994-1995
James W. Tate
1st Election
1995-1996
Ronald J. Mahoney
1996-1997
James A. Belt
1997-1998
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Comer
WB Charlie Muffett was appointed as Grand Marshal and WB Joe Powell to serve as Grand Tyler during this period..
1998-1999
Walter F. Rosso
Hosted the 213th Annual Communication Grand Lodge of Georgia. Most Worshipful Brother James E. Miller as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Georgia. WB Rosso passed 13 June 2023 and was burried at the Ft Moore Post Cemetery (Formerly Ft Benning Cemetery)
1999-2000
Alton Ford
October 28th, 2000 - Gathering for observance of The 76th Birthday of the Lodge. having 378 members on the rolls, of whom 112 where Emeritus Members. MWB James E Miller as Honor Speaker. During his year the Pancake Breakfast was done as a fundraiser. An all you can eat for $3.00. A very engaged and busy year suporting the Special Olimpics Bowling Team, the National Little League Baseball in South Columbus, the Demolay Boys, the Rainbow Girls, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Cubby Bear Program, and the Masonic "Children's" Home of Georgia.
2000-2001
Harold S. Farrow
2001-2002
James W. Tate
2nd Election
2002-2003
Nathan G. Hoover
2003-2004
Richard D. Brogdon
2004-2005
Christopher Hassen
2005-2006
James W. Tate
3rd
2006-2007
James A. Earhart
2007-2008
Jimmie L. Carpenter
2008-2009
Jimmie E. Carpenter
2009-2010
Christopher D. Surles
June 11, 2010, "Georgia on My Mind day" event. Fort Benning Lodge conducted the first GA-CHIP registering 22 kids at the Georgia Visitor Information Center, (1751 Williams Road, Columbus of I-185 and Williams Rd. Ex.12 in Columbus, GA). Lodge was declining and affected by changes on the economy. Annual dues were raised to $100 in order to keep the lodge back on fincancial stability for future years. 5 Master masons were raised that year having 222 members on the rolls.
2010-2011
J. Darryl Moye
2011-2012
Christopher Johnson
2012-2013
James W. Tate
4th Election
2013-2014
J. Darryl Moye
2nd Election
2014-2015
Alva "Al" Tatom
Lodge renovation was conducted removing old carpet and adding new teal carpet and checkerboard pattern design floor at the center of the lodge.
2015-2016
Larry Cox
2016-2017
Christopher D. Surles
2nd Election
2017-2018
Michael Alan Wilbanks
Included back into the lodge Masonic History and discussions on Masonic Principles.
2018-2019
Howard August Eubanks
2019-2020
James W. Tate (1960-2026)
Lodge repairs were the main focus during this year. WB Larry Cox; Sr. Warden at the time, helped with the needed replacement of building rear access doors. The restrictions for gatherings affected the lodge as more COVID 19 patient cases were increasing in the community. Because of the protocols mandated in Georgia that needed to be followed to battle this virus, no new member was able to receive degrees in masonry throughout the year. This was also a sad year as we lost great masons. Most Illustrious Brother James E Miller* and Illustrious Brother Robert S. Poydasheff; Past Mayor of Columbus, Georgia.
2020-2021
Bayardo "Rey" Reyes
In 2021, Covid-19 was at a high with tripple the cases since first case in the US. Attendance was low to keep the brethren safe. By the middle of the year; and with proper precautions taken, the lodge focused in administrative updates and house cleaning. Old unserviceable items disposing and updating lodge bylaws and reformatting financial structure. This year ended with a festive dinner as with a celebration of "2021 Past Masters Night". Lodge was in a great place and brethren joined with family and guests for presentations and gifts. 2 master Masons were raised. WB Reyes was then Elected as lodge Secretary after his year.
2021- 2022
Jonas E. Barlow
Bylaws were revised applying Grand Lodge new policies. Within this year, Per Capita was raise and applied. 119 Master Masons in our roles.
2022-2023
Jacob A. Robideaux
Facelift projects was started on minor remodeling of the lodge exterior appearance. Membership was a critical issue since Covid. 115 Master Masons in the books.
2023-2024
Richard Luna
During WB Luna's year, the lodge saw significant advancements and enhancements; particularly in its efforts toward area beautification. Key improvements included the installation of better lighting in both the parking lot and the front entrance, which not only improved security but also allowed the lodge to proudly display the flag at all times. Additionally, aesthetic upgrades were made to the lodge's facade, including the restoring of the embosed square and compass emblem above lodge main entrance and the engraved lettering of the lodge name. A significant highlight of the year was the centennial celebration of the lodge, which included a meeting to commemorate this important milestone. The rededication ceremony of the building was a grand affair, presided over by officers from the Grand Lodge of Georgia with Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Mark A. Bradley. The three light domes that was by the front entrance, was removed in its entirety due to damaged wiring and structure. Two of the gloves where able to be salvaged and donated to Ouray Lodge No 37 AF&AM, Ouray, CO. Education was also a prominent focus during this period, with most meetings featuring informative lectures presented by the brethren, enhancing the knowledge and engagement of the members. In terms of growth, the lodge raised three Master Masons (one courtesy work), and three Entered Apprentices were initiated, reflecting a commitment to expanding the membership and fostering the next generation of Freemasons. Overall, WB Luna's leadership marked a year of progress, celebration, and continued dedication to the values of Masonry. 101 Master Masons, 5 Entered Apprentices in the roles.
2024-2025
Armando Fernandez
The year 2025 marked a period of renewed activity and steady growth for Fort Benning Lodge No. 579. The Lodge experienced a noticeable increase in degree work, fellowship, and community engagement, all carried out in the spirit of the Craft’s enduring principles. Throughout the year, the brethren conferred three Entered Apprentice Degrees, one Fellow Craft Degree, and two Master Mason Degrees. Each degree was conducted with solemnity and precision, reflecting the Lodge’s dedication to preserving the ancient landmarks and traditions of Freemasonry. These initiations brought new energy into the Lodge and strengthened its foundation for future growth. Fellowship within the Lodge also flourished. Refreshments and gatherings became more vibrant, with new visitors and inquirers regularly joining the brethren to learn more about the Craft. This increased interest demonstrated the Lodge’s positive reputation and the welcoming spirit of its members. A significant accomplishment of the year was the revitalization of the Lodge’s scholarship program. The brethren redirected their charitable efforts to support the Chattahoochee Valley Army JROTC program, ensuring that deserving cadets received assistance to further their education and pursue their aspirations. This initiative reaffirmed the Lodge’s commitment to Relief and to supporting the next generation of leaders. At the close of the year, the Lodge recorded 103 Master Masons, one Fellow Craft Mason, and two Entered Apprentice Masons on its rolls, reflecting both stability and continued growth. Yet, amid the year’s successes, the Lodge also fulfilled one of its most solemn duties. The brethren gathered to perform the Last Masonic Rites for four departed brothers, honoring their lives, their service, and their devotion to the Craft. Their passing served as a reminder of the fragile nature of life and the eternal bond shared among Masons. In all, 2025 stood as a year of meaningful labor, renewed fellowship, and steadfast commitment to Masonic values. Fort Benning Lodge No. 579 moves forward strengthened by its accomplishments and united in its dedication to the principles that guide the Craft.
2025-Present
Rev. Matthew A. Cowell
Regularly Elected