08/18/2023
Happy Birthday Euclid Lodge #97!
In the early nineteen twenties in the West College Hill area, then known as the Steele Subdivision, there were several brothers who had received the symbolic degrees of Masonry in their home states of the Southern Jurisdiction. After migrating to “The Sub” these brothers were observed by one Mr. George D. Leslie who noted them to be men of high moral character and sound judgment. It was his desire to be like them and he sought their friendship. As time passed the ties of friendship grew stronger and Mr. Leslie became to know these men to be Masons. Still seeking to solidify these bonds of friendship, Mr. Leslie asked one of these brethren, “Who are the Masons and what should I do to become one?” At that time there was no lodge of Prince Hall Masons in the area and Mr. Leslie was given a petition from one of the lodges in Cincinnati. He promptly let it be known that he wanted to be a member here in West College and not in the city of Cincinnati. His request caused these brethren to unite and visit The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio seeking permission to establish a lodge in West College Hill.
This request was granted on August 18th, 1926, a charter was granted by The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio giving these brethren permission to establish and communicate as Euclid Lodge No. 97. On September 6th, 1926, Euclid lodge held its first communication on the basement of Saint Paul Baptist Church, now known as First Baptist Church, College Hill 6110 Betts Avenue. Later meetings were held in a house rented by Brother Nathan McAllister. From there Euclid held its meetings at the NewLife Baptist Church 6434 Simpson Avenue and at the Allen Chapel A.M.E Church on Lincoln Avenue. The principle officers were Bro. James Quincy, Worshipful Master, Bro. John W. Chester, Senior Warden and Bro Oscar Wooten, Junior Warden. George Leslie was the first initiated candidate and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 13th, 1927.
On April 1st, 1947, Euclid Lodge bought property at 2056 First Avenue from Benjamin Ramsey. For many years, the lodge met there but the lodge, being few in numbers and short of finances continued to struggle against overwhelming odds. Finally, the ravages of time and weather began to engrave its mark upon the building. Finding repairs and remodeling more costly than the worth of the building the brethren vacated and moved its meetings to Second Baptist Church 6225 Betts Avenue. In 2010, during the construction of the newly built Second Baptist Church and tenure of the Euclid’s first Grand Master, Robert L Jones, Euclid was again faced with a dilemma. The newly built structure was not designed for a space suitable to hold lodge meetings.
With the favor of Almighty GOD, and under leadership and wisdom of Worshipful Master James Murray Jr., Senior Warden Mack Griffin, and other member’s craft the building of local American Legion Hall Post #670, affectionately called “the legion” was acquired all working together according to divine plan! In 2011 newly elected Worshipful Master Mack Griffin and the craftsmen of Euclid toiled and labored to make suitable space for meetings. In the summer of 2011, 6280 WitherbyAve., became the official dwelling place for the brothers of Euclid Lodge #97.
Euclid has always made its mark in the West College Hill community or in Masonry abroad. In various seats from the young entered apprentice, wardens, grand lecturers and even Grandmaster, the true spirit of Euclid will always be a beacon of light in a darkened place.
Humbly Submitted, Andrew S Price PM Euclid Lodge #97
