The History of Bellefontaine Lodge # 209

Obtaining the Charter from the Grand Lodge

The Masonic Lodge of Bellefontaine first met in October 1850, when the requisite number of Masons met under dispensation from the Grand Lodge empowering them to work. This was the third Lodge in Logan County; Mad River Lodge # 161 in West Liberty and Kreider Lodge # 197 in Quincy were already chartered by 1850. The Lodge was first opened with ten members, and was considered a "moonlight Lodge", which met regularly on the Tuesday after a full moon. This would allow members to make their way home through wooded or hilly areas in the dark of night.

After a year of meetings, the Grand Lodge of Ohio granted an official charter to Bellefontaine Lodge on October 28, 1851, assigning it number 209. Within that year, the membership of Bellfontaine Lodge grew rapidly; when the Lodge received its charter, there were 33 members of the Lodge.

Sponsoring Other Lodges

In the years following the Lodge's charter, Bellefontaine helped to form three other Lodges in Logan County. On December 20, 1853, the Lodge recommended the brethren of East Liberty to the Grand Lodge for dispensation. The dispensation was granted, and East Liberty Lodge # 247 was chartered on October 18, 1854.
Boggs Lodge # 292 in DeGraff had also been recommended by Bellefontaine Lodge #209. Boggs was chartered October 22, 1857.
Later, the brethren of Bellefontaine Lodge # 209 recommended Belle Center Lodge for dispensation. Belle Center Lodge # 347 was chartered on October 18, 1864.

It was the growth of Bellefontaine Lodge and the other six Lodges within Logan County that helped constitute a solid and vigorous portion of the 15th Masonic District. This tradition continues to today with our active presence in the 15th District.