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THE DECADE OF THE 1950s.
An Overview of
the History of the Magnolia Lodge No. 120 During
the 1950s
The Decade began with the Korean Conflict in its height.
The impact to the Lodge was a heavy influx of military
personnel in need of both entering the
Masonic Temple and advancing through the degrees. Even
after hostilities ceased the demands on the Lodge
officers continued at a heavy workload. Each Worshipful
Master conducted an aggressive program with able
assistance from his staff and many others in the Lodge.
The results were a significant increase in membership.
We also made considerable changes to the Masonic
building. We installed an elevator, remodeled the
kitchen and dining room and purchased new office
equipment.
Magnolia Lodge began the decade with a new W.M.,
Elliott Foretich, and a full slate of officers.
Under his leadership, he promoted the celebration of the
100th anniversary of the Lodge.
In 1951, W.M., Carlyle Abel, was elected. Under
his leadership, the Lodge grew considerably.
In October, 1958 the Lodge held a past Master and Old
Timers?Night. A gift was presented to Bro. James
Dowling, age 88; the oldest Lodge member present. Gift
was also given to Bro. W. H. Bending of Gulfport Lodge.
He was also 88 and one of the best-known Mason on the
Gulf Cost. Donald E. Riddle received a gift as the
youngest Mason present ( 23 years old ).
G. W. Scarborough
was elected a W.M. and began his leadership in January
1959. In a report submitted to the Mississippi Grand
Lodge in September, it stated that our total membership
as of august 1959 was 669 members. The year ended with a
very heavy workload of degree work in the Lodge.
THE DECADE OF THE 1960s
Throughout the decade Magnolia Lodge increased
membership to over 700 and later decreased its
membership with the establishment of Fellowship Lodge
N0. 630. This was a period of time associated with the
Vietnam War and Keesler AFB played a major role training
Airman for duty in it.
Two hurricanes, Betsy in 1965 and Camille in 1969,
struck the Gulf Cost and both damaged the Lodge.
In 1966 the Masonic Library was organized and formed.
For the next several years many Masons and dependents of
Masons contributed books and funds to maintain the
Library.
A great ceremony took place in March of 1968 when
Magnolia Lodge officers and brothers participated in
laying the corner stone in the new courthouse in Biloxi.
We have documents archived there.
It was a very active 10 years. A great many people抯
lives were changed because of their personal involvement
in Masonry. There were good times and there were sad
times. The Temple sustained much damage and in between
hurricanes considerable effort by brothers and
contractors kept the building in shape.
In August 1960, the Grand Master from Pascagoula, Eli J.
Smith, spoke and explored the building of a new Lodge in
Vancleave, MS.. A motion was made and carried to
contribute funds for the new Lodge building ?Ezell Lodge
N0. 426.
At the close of the year (1961), the W.M.
submitted a detailed report of events and other
considerations. However, several facts and ideas need to
be stated. First, by the end of the year the membership
had grown to 714. Never before had the Lodge exceeded
700. In conjunction with the lager membership, the W.M.
expressed the idea of dividing Magnolia Lodge by
establishing another Lodge in the area.
The most significant happening in 1963 was the forming
of the Fellowship Lodge N0. 630 in Biloxi. The
leadership believed it in the best interests of all
members if two Lodges would divide the present
membership to serve each half more efficiently. In May
the Grand Master James J. Brown signed the certificate
forming the Fellowship Lodge N0.630.
The Lodge work began in 1968 in earnest under the
leadership of the W.M. Russell Lunstrum. In
October Bro. Lunstrum received orders o deeply overseas
and trus could not complete his term. He was presented a
P.M. apron and lapel pin. A testimonial was read about
his accomplishment as W.M.. Since it was so late in the
year the decision was made not to elect a fill-in for
the W.M..
THE DECADE OF THE 1970s
The decade began with the Country still involved in the
Vietnam War. Our W.M. was reelected after serving in the
war in 1968. On a patriotic note we provided every
school in Biloxi with a copy the ?The Declaration
of Independence?in 1976.
Hurricane Frederick struck in September of 1979.
Fortunately, only slight damage happened to the
building and there was no report of major assistance to
our members.
We filled the decade with activates. We remained united
through the end of the Vietnam War, assisted other
Masons in their needs and provided recognition to Masons
and their families with proper rites and ceremony.
THE DECADE OF THE 1980s
Robert D. Nielsen became W.M. for 1985. Work began in
the Lodge as expected.
Hurricane Elena struck the coast on 2 September, it
caused severe damage to both the inside and outside of
the Temple. Most of the damage inside was caused by
water. Outside, 23 windows, the roof and water tower for
the A/C were severely damaged. Repairs began
immediately.
As an outgoing gesture to the W.M., the Lodge made
Robert D. Nielsen a life time member for his dedication
and extensive work on repairing the Lodge from damage
caused by Hurricane Elena. Life memberships were grated
also to Lodge brothers Lunstrum and Blackmom for
devotion and labor to the Lodge.
THE DECADE OF THE 1990s
The decade of the 90s contained period of growth for the
membership of the Magnolia Lodge as well as devastation
when hurricane George struck a devastating blow that the
temple required extensive repairs. Restoration continued
for many months during the next year and into the year
2000.
The Lodge elected to have the 150th
Anniversary on 18 March 2000. ( This date would be
change to April or later.) Guests and speakers will be
invited. The G.M. will be the last person to speak. We
also are inviting The Mayors of Biloxi and D扞berville,
The City Counsels and the Board of Supervisors
Thank you to the members of Magnolia Lodge N0. 120 for
providing the opportunity to prepare this history.
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