With the thought that “divided we fall—united we prosper”, Fountain Lodge 26 and Fond du Lac Lodge 140 merged on June 2nd, 1995 to form Fond du Lac Lodge 26.

The last Master of Fountain Lodge 26 was John L. Zeller, and the last Master of Fond du Lac Lodge 140 was John H. Hughes. John Hughes was the first Master of the newly formed Fond du Lac Lodge 26


NEW BUILDING

For many years the Fond du Lac lodges met in their Masonic Temple on Marr and Sheboygan Streets along with the other Masonic organizations. In 1967, the Masons, Knight of Columbus, B’nai B’rith, and Greek Orthodox organizations initiated the first local Brotherhood Banquet. The affair, to which ladies were invited, was host alternatively by the Masons and the Knights of Columbus and continued until the late 1980’s.

It was voted by the membership of Fond du Lac Lodge 26 that the old Masonic Temple be sold and build a new multi-purpose facility that would better serve the Lodge and community. On June 20th, 1995, the Joint Board of Trustees purchased 1.5 acres from the city of Fond du Lac at the SE corner of North Seymour and West Arndt Streets for the new Masonic Center. The sale of the Masonic Temple on Sheboygan Street to the Fond du Lac Arts Council was closed on August 1st, 1995. The Arts Council pledged to retain the historical architecture and ambiance of the building and thus were the unanimous choice as new owners. During this time, Lodge meetings were held at the Covenant United Methodist Church.

On August 5th, 1995, the services of the architectural firm of J.P. Storrs Company were retained to design the new Masonic Center. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on September 13th, 1995. The Joint Board of Trustees, accepted the proposal of Cardinal Construction to build the new Masonic Center. A building committee was appointed. Final plans were submitted to the State for their approval on February 15th, 1996, and were approved on February 23rd, 1996. Construction began on April 22nd, 1996. The cornerstone ceremony was held on May 4th, 1996. Grand Master Beecher Daniels’ name is inscribed on the cornerstone, and he and many Masonic dignitaries were in attendance. The building was ready for occupancy on September 1st, 1996. Many Masonic brothers contributed to the completion of the building using their special talents. A plaque hangs in the Center’s entrance lobby commemorating the monetary and physical talent contributions of the Brothers. Dedication of the Masonic Center was held on November 17th, 1996.