History
Swainsboro Lodge No. 244 F&AM
Swainsboro Lodge U.D. (Under Dispensation) received on July 12, 1861 AD (5861 AL) the Warrant of Dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Georgia to proceed to organize and charter in due and ancient form a Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons located at Swainsboro, Emanuel County, Georgia. A called meeting was held on this date and among the members present were the following: WM George H. Ratchford, SW Protem John H. Sherrod, JW Protem Joseph P. Bell, and Secretary Protem E.B. Lewis. Committees were appointed at this meeting to set a regularly scheduled meeting time for each month, a report on by-laws for the lodge, and a committee to procure furniture and fixtures for the lodge room.
Swainsboro Lodge No. 244 F&AM, was Chartered on November 1, 1861 and located at Swainsboro, Emanuel County, Georgia within the boundaries of the 1st Masonic District and under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Georgia. The lodge was chartered with the following officers installed: Worshipful Master George H. Ratchford, Senior Warden James B. Morris, Junior Warden James H. Sherrod, Senior Deacon E.H. Edenfield, Junior Deacon D.J. Edenfield, Tyler James R. Williamson, and Secretary James Rountree.
Swainsboro Lodge No. 244 F&AM has a unique history. It was organized and chartered during the darkest days of our American History. Many of its members during this time era received the three symbolic degrees of Freemasonry while serving the war effort in the Confederate Forces. During these hard times the lodge made significant contributions to the indigent Masonic families and destitute members of the community.
Swainsboro Lodge was once home to the only high school in Swainsboro. The lodge operated an institution for many years known as the Swainsboro Masonic Academy. The name of the school was changed on Jan. 10, 1865 to the Swainsboro Masonic Male and Female Seminary. Many of the qualified lodge members served as teachers and instructors in the humanities. The Worshipful Master of the lodge at one time served as Headmaster of the institution.
Swainsboro Lodge has always had a wide variety of dedicated members with many different occupations. These members are now and have always been outstanding citizens and leaders of our community. Many of its members today descend from the early pioneer families of this community.
Swainsboro Lodge No. 244 F&AM has regularly scheduled meetings at 7:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month except in Nov. & Dec. The lodge is located at 200 West Main Street in Swainsboro, with mailing address as: Swainsboro Lodge 244, P.O. Box 584, Swainsboro, GA 30401
Source: Swainsboro Masonic Lodge No. 244 F&AM, Lodge Minutes 1861-1891
Copyright Reserved © Compiler, Joseph W. Peebles, 32°, K.T., Sr. Steward
Swainsboro Lodge No. 244 F&AM, Swainsboro, GA 30401
