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History of College Lodge #378

 

An organization is only as strong as its members.  With a diversified and influential membership, College Lodge #378 is a force to be reckoned with as it meets the challenges of our time.  A Prince Hall Lodge, College Lodge #378 was organized and charted in 1947.  The purpose of establishing another lodge in the City of Columbia, SC was to help minimize the number of military personnel and college students coming into Capital City Lodge #47 and Corinthian Lodge #11.

 

Under the leadership of Brother Dr. L. Palmer Chappelle, with the proper authority, College Lodge was organized.  Brother Chappelle led the Lodge as its first Worship Master, with an able body of officers to assist him the lodge began to move.  He led them from 1947 through 1950.  Other Worshipful Masters to follow were:

 

H. Williams, 1951-1953, Robert B. Rearden, 1954-1956, and Charles Miner, 1957-1960, during which time, the lodge remained a viable force in the community.  During the period 1961 through 1965, our fifth Worshipful Master, Past Master Leonard Johnson, led the lodge.  The Lodge continued its tradition of community service as noted above.  Past Master Johnson served a total of four years.  His service was both encouraging and inspirational!

 

Ordie P. Taylor, Jr., was Worshipful Master, 1965-1967, and the dimensions of awareness in our Lodge marker this time.  He taught to us a strict discipline in Masonry, teaching the importance of lawful Masonic participation. The lodge accomplished much under his guidance. 

 

The reign of Brother Percy E. Norris was 1968-1970.  He provided excellent guidance as the organization continued to grow in knowledge and numbers.  He had a good working relationship with the Lodges of the City.  The lodge continued its growth under the leadership of Worshipful Master Lee W. Dickson, 1971-1972; Brother Alf Mills served 1973-1974 and Brother Stephney N. Garrick, III served 1975-1978.  The Lodge continued to grow under his guidance and leadership.  He worked to maintain the essence of Freemasonry. 

 

Brother James A. L. Myers served 1979-1980 as the eleventh Worshipful Master of the lodge.  Through his leadership, he brought us to higher height in Masonry.  He worked with the lodge and had extra classes to help the craft learn more about Freemasonry.  He was instrumental in establishing Family Night and under his leadership; we published our first Newsletter.  The reign of Worshipful Master Ira Dunlap from 1981 to 1982 was marked by continual progress.  He organized the Building Fund, the Refreshment Committee and the Lodge Picnic, which became an occasion, looked forward to by all.  Much progress was made under his leadership. 

 

It should be noted and understood that since 1982, College Lodge has also enjoyed strong, positive leadership in the Elected Worshipful Masters.  Other to serve in the position for College Lodge are:

 

Past Masters James V. Blake, Jr., 1983-1984, Johnell E. Mack, 1985, Robert W. Pindar 1986-1987, Andrew C. Williams, 1988-1989, Isaac Julian Salley, 1990-1991, George L. Pindar, 1991, Cecil Geiger, 1992-1993, Nathan Salley, 1994-1995, O. D. Berry, 1996-1997, Joseph A. Bizzell, Jr., 1998-1999, Anderson Scott 2000, Troy Lewis 2001,Robert Taylor 2002-2003, Omar Benjamin 2004-2005, Rodney Mills 2006-2007, James K. Myers 2008-2009, Antonio N. Jackson 2010-2011, Jeremy Williams 2012- 2013, James Jordan 2014-2015, Roosevelt Coleman 2016, Kevin Williams 2017-2018.

 

Under the leadership of Antonio N. Jackson we began our Annual Scholarship Gala which is a joint function with our Eastern Star Sisters of Evening Star Chapter #342. As well as "A Night Under the Stars" our annual summer dance.

 

During the early life of our Lodge, we had only 2 Treasurers – Brother C.C. Calhoun who served for ten(10) years, and Brother Stephen Guider who served for twenty-three (23) years (he was elected in 1960).   The Lodge has had many noteworthy Secretaries – Brother(s) Alan Williamson Charles Miner, Carl Black, Rev. George Ashford, PM Percy Norris*, Samuel Hartwell, PM James V. Blake, Jr., E. Stuart Litman, PM Robert W. Pindar, Charles White, PM Joseph A. Bizzell, Jr., O. D. Berry, John L. Simons*, Willie Gilbert and Thomas Edwards.  PM Joseph A. Bizzell, Jr. filled the position for 12 years, PM James K. Myers PM, Robert Taylor is our current Secretary. 

 

* Both served a total of Nine (9) Years as Secretary

 

Leo S. Johnson, is the current Worshipful Master of College Lodge #378 and was elected in 2018 for the year 2019. College Lodge #378 has a rich history of which its members are very proud and we endeavor to continue in the vain and spirit as set forth by our founding brothers!