Newly installed officers pose for a photo with Ken Curry, sixth from left, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas Wednesday, January 12, 2022, after restoring the charter of Tusculum Masonic Lodge No. 86 in Longview. Unlike many Lodges that meet in the evening, the restored Lodge will hold its stated meetings during daylight hours to better enable members who, for various reason, are unable to participate evening meetings. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

Freemasons from across the state joined representatives of the Grand Lodge of Texas last Wednesday at Pine Tree Lodge No. 1396 in Longview to resurrect the charter of a Masonic lodge that closed its doors more than 140 years ago.

Tusculum Lodge No. 86 was originally chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1852 in the community of Pine Tree, and its building was home not only to the Masonic lodge but to the first Pine Tree school as well as Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Jim Rumsey, Past Master of Pine Tree Lodge No. 1396 and Grand Lodge representative, said some years later, as the railroad and the center of commerce moved to nearby Longview and with many of its members transferring to Longview Masonic Lodge No. 404, Tusculum Lodge No. 86 surrendered its charter to the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1881.

The restored Tusculum Lodge will meet in the same building as Pine Tree Lodge No. 1396, located at 2709 Pine Tree Road but, unlike 1396 and many other lodges that meet in the evening, it will host its stated meetings during the day to better enable members who can’t drive at night or, for various other reasons, are unable to participate in evening meetings.

Ken Curry, Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Texas, who presided over the restoration ceremony, said the restoration of Tusculum is important because it is being done to fit the needs of Masons who have become inactive and haven’t been able to participate because of limitations to their schedules.

“This is an exciting time to restore a lodge because this year’s motto is ‘Bring Back a Brother,’ and this gives them an opportunity to become active again in our fraternity,” Curry said.

“This is very exciting to be restoring a lodge that was originally chartered in the 1800s,” said Bill Wyatt, who will serve as the Master of the newly restored lodge. “We’re very proud to have a lodge where we can meet in the daylight instead of at night. To be the chartered Master is a very big honor, and I appreciate all the brothers who put their faith in me to do this job.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Mason is encouraged to talk to a Mason or visit grandlodgeoftexas.org/becoming-a-mason for information.