Lodge History
In the early 70's a group of Master Masons primarly from military lodges from around the globe, together with retired military masons and DOD civilans employed and Lowry AFB and Fitzsimmons Medical Center. They determined that they desired to continue their masonic studies as they were accustomed in the military lodges overseas, which resulted in the formation of the Lowry Masonic Study Club.
In 1976 a fund raiser was organized and held in support of the study club, at the Fitzsimmons Non-Commissioned Officer's Club. The fund raiser received strong support and attendance from masons in the Denver area. However, this function focused questions as to the legality of a Masonic Study Club at Lowry AFB with no allegiances to a masonic lodge in Denver or the Grand Lodge of Colorado and it's jurisdiction.
Past Master Paul Taylor and Past Master William "Bill" Moland directed their questions to then Grand Master David Holliman, and at that time Worshipful Master Anthony Jefferies of Mount Evans Lodge #7 provided a workable solution by causing the Masonic Study Club to become and auxiliary of Mount Evans Lodge #7, thus creating the term "Watch Care" in the Colorado jurisdiction.
In 1976 the members of the Masonic Study Club made and unsuccessful attempt to establish a chartered Lodge at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver Colorado a federal installation. Brother Chuck Farrell and Brother Don Ferby petitioned the Grand Lodge of the State of Oklahoma to charter a Military Lodge, at Lowry AFB. This Petition received favorable consideration from the Grand Lodge of the State of Oklahoma in 1977, which was rejected by the Grand Lodge of the State of Colorado using the masonic statutes that all Masonic Lodges, and concordant bodies must be chartered under the Grand Lodge of the state in which it resides or its juriddictions. During the Petition period Past Master Robert Hixon became the president of the Masonic Study Club, and under his tenure new efforts and petitions to the Grand Lodge of Colorado were made.
Most Worshipful Grand Master Sylvester Smith of Colorado and its Jurisdiction called a special meeting of the three Denver Lodges. Wherein a formal challenge was issued as to why a Military Lodge may not be chartered at or on Lowry AFB. This challenge resulted in Grand Master Smith issuing a Under-Dispensation (UD) Charter for the Lowry AFB Military Lodge. Having fulfilled all established requirements mandated by the constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of Colorado and its jurisdiction, the Lowry Air Force Base Masonic Lodge (UD) of Mount Evans Lodge #7 Made a formal petition for a chartered Lodge at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado, on the 20th of June 1978. The petition was received and approved by the officers and craft of Mount Evans Lodge #7.
A NAME FOR THE LODGE
In an attempt to arrive at a name for the lodge it was noted that none of the Lodge in the Colorado Jurisdiction was named after a person and that the lodge would be located on Lowry Air Force Base. It was then suggested that it be given the name of an Air Force Giant. At which time the name of General Daniel "Chappie" James was suggested and was unanimously voted to become the official name of the lodge. The appropriate correspondence was submitted to the widow of General James for her consent for the use of her husband's name. Mrs. James was overwhelmed with delight that a Prince Hall Lodge would honor her husband by being named after him and consented to the request.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
The 13th of July 1978, provided a historical event performed by The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Colorado and Jurisdiction Sylvester Smith, who duly seated the appointed officers of Daniel "Chappie James, Jr. Military Lodge (UD). Worshipful Master, Robert Hixon, Senior Warden, James Thomas, Junior Warden, Chuck (Duck) Farrall, Treasurer, Osie Winds, Secretary Garfield Turner and Assistant Secretary Morris Price.
August 1978 Senior Warden James Thomas and Brother Don Ferbie represented Daniel " Chappie " James Military Lodge (UD) at the 102nd Annual Grand Communication in Salt Lake Ctiy, Utah on the 15th of August 1978. It was recommended and voted by the Grand Body to issue a charter to Mountain Post Military Lodge #26 and Daniel "Chappie" James Military Lodge #27.
For the first time in the history of Colorad, the Most Worshipful Prince Holl Grand Lodge granted charters to U.S> Military personnel in a magnificently impressive cereony which displayed Masonic customs and precise workmanship, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, the Honorable Sylvester Smith 33 assisted by vaarious Grand Lodge Officer presented the charters to the frother of Mountain Post Military Lodge #26 PHA and Daniel "Chappie" James Military Lodge #27 PHA.
This memorable event took place on November 25th, 1978 at the Lowry AFB, NCO Club and was witnessed by more than three hundred members of the craft, their wives, relatives, friends and visiting dignitaries. Among those in attendance for the Consecrating Constituting and Dedicating, along with the Installation of Lodge officers were Colonel Berly representing Fort Carson and Colonel Carson, representing Lowry AFB. Both Military Lodges mark a milestone in the expansion of Prince Hall Masonry in Colorado and a further unification of the Fraternities around the world.