Williamson Road Lodge No. 163, A.F. & A.M.

                                                               Roanoke, Virginia

Williamson Road Lodge No. 163, like so many other Lodges, was born out of a need to have a Lodge in the north quadrant of the city of Roanoke.  In the fall of 1945 a group living in this section met and discussed the possibility of petitioning the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a dispensation to form a new Lodge.  It was approved on August 17, 1945, and sixty-two brethren formed Williamson Road Lodge U. D.

The recreation hall of Oakland Baptist Church was obtained as a meeting place. A charter was granted on February 13, 1946, for Williamson Road Lodge No. 163.  On March 19, 1946, Most Worshipful T. Penn Coleman, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, came to Roanoke to dedicate, constitute, and install this Lodge.  Ninety-three brethren came to the meeting, behind Oakland Baptist Church, to witness the chartering of the Lodge.

What a grand day it was because the Lodge was eager to start working.  Meetings continued to be held at the Church.  Soon it became crowded and discussion began about moving to larger quarters.  During the period 1945-1949 the Lodge moved two times, each time to larger quarters. The attendance and membership continued to grow.  By the end of 1949 the membership was 188.

During the forties one could hear small talk about a permanent home.  It grew to be the topic of conversation before and after the meetings.  A committee was formed to locate a suitable building site.  The site at 3025 Pioneer Road was selected.

The Lodge, all 188 members, was asked to contribute to a building program in order to secure a loan. Brother C. J. Fraim conducted this successful venture.  Fralin Construction Company was selected to build the building and on Saturday, January 28, 1950, Most Worshipful Charles. E. Webber, Past Grand Master, assisted by Right Worshipful Orvin M. Miles laid the cornerstone of the building.  Taylor Lodge No.23 gave the trowel that was used to Most Worshipful brother Webber on its 100^th anniversary.  He gave the trowel to this Lodge.

In sixty short days the building was occupied but hard times were ahead.  The task of paying the note became a burden. More money was needed and another drive was started. It was all the Lodge could do to pay the interest on the note. There were times when nothing was paid on the principle. Dark and dreary were the times just after 1950.

Brother James C. Hawkins started a third drive. He asked each brother to contribute $165.00, payable in any fashion. This idea proved successful and the last note was paid on December 15, 1959. It was then that the building committee started the task of paying back the brethren. A plan was devised to place the names of the contributors into capsules and draw a name or two at each stated. The brethren were given the choice of taking a check or maybe donating it to the Lodge. The records show that many donated their money. This method continued until all were paid. A maintenance fund was started right away.

The first District Deputy Grand Master from this Lodge was Right Worshipful T. T. Semones in 1956.

The building has been upgraded several times, with painting, air conditioning, and paneling.

From its beginning this Lodge has steadily grown. Looking back over the past years this Lodge can be proud of its heritage, and proud of the men whose vision included a beautiful home and a strong well-grounded fraternity. It was a fraternity grounded in the ritual, fortunate to have superb leadership, and Worshipful Masters with vision. Every member of this Lodge owes a great debt of gratitude to the founders for what is enjoyed today.

Within the hills of western Virginia there is a lighthouse of Freemasonry and its name is Williamson Road Lodge.