Olympia Lodge #1 was formed in 1852 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Oregon. It was the first Lodge created North of the Columbia River and the first Lodge created within what are now the boundaries of Washington State. The first meeting hall for Olympia Lodge #1 was erected in 1853 on land that was donated to Olympia Lodge #1 by one of it’s earliest members, Edmund Sylvester. The original lodge building was located on what is now the corner of Capitol Way S and 8th Ave SE in the City of Olympia and there is still an historical plaque on the corner marking the place of the original building. In 1858, the members of Olympia Lodge #1 together with 3 other lodges in what is now Washington State, obtained a charter and established the Grand Lodge of Washington. The Master of Olympia Lodge #1, Thornton F. McElroy, became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington. As the principle founding lodge of the Grand Lodge of Washington, Olympia Lodge #1 has a rich history that encompasses not only masonry, but also, many prominent members who have been instrumental in shaping and supporting our local community, the State of Washington and beyond. The members of Olympia 1 continue to be involved in and support our community through philanthropy and charity.
Download this pdf to view a more detailed History of Olympia Lodge #1 compiled by George Blankenship.
