Steve Singleton on Freemasons in Clarksville as part of the essay series “The Road to 250: Community Spirit in Action,” celebrating the history of unity in Clarksville ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
Freemasonry has a long and distinguished history in Clarksville, being one of the oldest organizations in existence since the city was founded. The goal of the Masonic Lodges is “to make good men better” through allegorical and symbolic degrees and application of these lessons in their lives.
History of Masonic Lodges in Clarksville
Clarksville Lodge No. 89 was chartered on Oct. 12, 1839, and it has been continuously operational since. The Masonic Lodge was instrumental in improving local educational opportunities during its early years. In 1845, the Masonic College was founded, and in 1848, the Montgomery County Male Academy merged with the Masonic College, taking the name of Montgomery Masonic College and Male Academy. This institution continued through 1855, when it was given to the Presbyterian Synod of Nashville to be operated by them as a male college and academy. A number of scholarships were retained for Masonic members.
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The name of the college was changed to Stewart College, and later to Southwestern Presbyterian University. This was the forerunner of Austin Peay Normal School, where Austin Peay State University now stands. Clarksville Lodge #89 is now located on Keessee Road, across the Cumberland River.
In 1956, another Masonic Lodge was chartered as Queen City #761 and is located off of Golf Club Lane. In addition to the Masonic Lodges, Clarksville hosts other Masonic bodies, including York Rite, National Sojourners (a Masonic veteran group) and Eastern Star, composed of both men and women. Each is involved in many charity and philanthropic causes.
Service to Clarksville community
Both Lodge #89 and Lodge #761 take an active part in public affairs, providing meals for needy families during the holidays, sponsoring scholarships to deserving students, and participating in many of the city’s civic events. Since many of the members of both Lodges are currently serving the military or veterans, they give special emphasis to honoring all who served.
Both Lodges were very active during the “Welcome Home Veteran” celebrations, which were previously held in September. They still honor JROTC students at the end of each school year and provide to the needy during the holidays. Recently they have been involved in providing copies of the Constitution to 8th graders around the United States as part of the 917 Project and provide historic presentations while dressed in Colonial uniforms as part of the 250th celebration.
Steve Singleton
| ROAD TO 250 SERIES:
- Sons of American Revolution stands behind creation of strong, unified country
- Daughters of American Revolution keeps spirit of independence alive
- NAACP voice of conscience in an American community
- The Austin Peay belt: Generations across region part of APSU family
- Churches have shaped civic life for more than two centuries
- Cumberland Winds brings town and gown together for music, culture
- Journalism in Clarksville has merged competition with collaboration
- Central Civitan’s Lone Oak Picnic keeps cultural, political tradition alive
- Federation of Women’s Clubs pulled together for education, activism
- Community Concert Association brings quality music, education
- Gateway Chamber Orchestra has enriched cultural landscape
- Rotary Clubs enhance Clarksville with parks, scholarships, books
- 917 Society builds stronger America through Constitution education
- Military Officers Association of America stands up for soldiers
- Clarksville Civitan Club creates opportunities for all citizens
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