History of Swope Park Lodge #617
In the closing weeks of 1910, a number of Freemasons, who lived in the vicinity, met in the Drug Store at 58th & Swope Parkway whose owner was also a Freemason.
They discussed the possibility of starting a new lodge in the area since the closest one, Ivanhoe Lodge, was located at 33rd & Woodland. A committee was formed and the motion started for the formation of a new lodge. Dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri and on July 21st, 1911, Park Lodge #617 held its first meeting at the Swope Park School House at 61st and Jackson; a temporary home for the lodge until more suitable arrangements could be made.
On November 1st, 1911, the lodge moved to 6704 Cleveland on the 2nd story over one of its member’s grocery store. On August 5th, 1913 a severe fire damaged the lodge. Park Lodge moved temporarily to Ivanhoe Lodge at 33rd & Woodland while repairs were made to their lodge.
On October 12th, 1922, Park Lodge petitioned the Grand Lodge of Missouri to change their name from Park Lodge to Swope Park Lodge. This was done mainly to reflect the neighborhood in which the lodge was located. During this time the lodge had started erecting their own temple at 60th & Swope Parkway. Permission the change the name was granted by the Grand Lodge on October 17, 1922. Swope Park Lodge moved to their new temple on October 4th, 1926.
As the years went by, the lodge fell on hard times due to the depression and WWII. The building was sold and the lodge moved to 1115 E. 47th St, on the second floor on September 2, 1944.
The lodge subsequently bought a large residence and remodeled it at 2704 Linwood. The lodge moved to this location on August 4th, 1949.
On April 26th, 1962 the lodge exercised their option to buy the property at 85th & Oldham Road. Erection of this temple was started with the Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 6th, 1963. The property at 2704 Linwood was sold and Swope Park Lodge temporarily met at Northeast Masonic Temple at 141 Van Brunt Blvd.
An unscrupulous architect almost broke the lodge and many modifications had to be made to the original design. That being done, the Brethren of this lodge finished construction of the building themselves.
The new lodge opened on special communication on January 20, 1966 for the purpose of dedication of the new Swope Park Masonic Temple. Officiating was MWB Martin B. Dickenson, Grand Master of the State Of Missouri, and assisted by RWB W. Hugh McLaughlin. One week later on January 27, 1966 the first meeting was held in this temple.
On November 9, 1968, a corner stone ceremony was conducted under the direction of MWB Martin B. Dickenson, Past Grand Master of the State Of Missouri. After the corner stone was safely secured in the northeast corner of the lodge building, the burning of the mortgage took place. It was indeed a gala event and was ended inside the lodge room where the members, their wives and family and friends listened to an inspiring message from RWB Lewis C. (Wes) Cook. The brethren then departed with peace and harmony prevailing.
In 2001, York Lodge #563 merged with and became a part of Swope Park lodge #617 as did Westport lodge #340 in 2006. The influx of these two lodges has greatly contributed to our growth and success as a Masonic Lodge that is known as a busy lodge, a lodge known for their charitable works, proficient ritual, and avid supporters of Masonic youth groups.
They discussed the possibility of starting a new lodge in the area since the closest one, Ivanhoe Lodge, was located at 33rd & Woodland. A committee was formed and the motion started for the formation of a new lodge. Dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri and on July 21st, 1911, Park Lodge #617 held its first meeting at the Swope Park School House at 61st and Jackson; a temporary home for the lodge until more suitable arrangements could be made.
On November 1st, 1911, the lodge moved to 6704 Cleveland on the 2nd story over one of its member’s grocery store. On August 5th, 1913 a severe fire damaged the lodge. Park Lodge moved temporarily to Ivanhoe Lodge at 33rd & Woodland while repairs were made to their lodge.
On October 12th, 1922, Park Lodge petitioned the Grand Lodge of Missouri to change their name from Park Lodge to Swope Park Lodge. This was done mainly to reflect the neighborhood in which the lodge was located. During this time the lodge had started erecting their own temple at 60th & Swope Parkway. Permission the change the name was granted by the Grand Lodge on October 17, 1922. Swope Park Lodge moved to their new temple on October 4th, 1926.
As the years went by, the lodge fell on hard times due to the depression and WWII. The building was sold and the lodge moved to 1115 E. 47th St, on the second floor on September 2, 1944.
The lodge subsequently bought a large residence and remodeled it at 2704 Linwood. The lodge moved to this location on August 4th, 1949.
On April 26th, 1962 the lodge exercised their option to buy the property at 85th & Oldham Road. Erection of this temple was started with the Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 6th, 1963. The property at 2704 Linwood was sold and Swope Park Lodge temporarily met at Northeast Masonic Temple at 141 Van Brunt Blvd.
An unscrupulous architect almost broke the lodge and many modifications had to be made to the original design. That being done, the Brethren of this lodge finished construction of the building themselves.
The new lodge opened on special communication on January 20, 1966 for the purpose of dedication of the new Swope Park Masonic Temple. Officiating was MWB Martin B. Dickenson, Grand Master of the State Of Missouri, and assisted by RWB W. Hugh McLaughlin. One week later on January 27, 1966 the first meeting was held in this temple.
On November 9, 1968, a corner stone ceremony was conducted under the direction of MWB Martin B. Dickenson, Past Grand Master of the State Of Missouri. After the corner stone was safely secured in the northeast corner of the lodge building, the burning of the mortgage took place. It was indeed a gala event and was ended inside the lodge room where the members, their wives and family and friends listened to an inspiring message from RWB Lewis C. (Wes) Cook. The brethren then departed with peace and harmony prevailing.
In 2001, York Lodge #563 merged with and became a part of Swope Park lodge #617 as did Westport lodge #340 in 2006. The influx of these two lodges has greatly contributed to our growth and success as a Masonic Lodge that is known as a busy lodge, a lodge known for their charitable works, proficient ritual, and avid supporters of Masonic youth groups.
