History

The history of Camp Springs Lodge No. 227 is documented in the records of the Grand Lodge of Maryland and in a 25th Anniversary account written by Bro. Perry L McElroy P.M. The following is a brief compilation of those writtings and records.

The idea of forming a new Lodge was born on July 16, 1954, when Brothers Albert O. Kroll, P.M. of Kensington Lodge #198, C.W. Clayton, Paul Snyder, George Callahan, Sr., and Herbert G. Poundsberry met at Bro. Poundsberry's home to explore the possibility of a new Lodge in this area. It was agreed that as Bro. Kroll was a Past Master, he would act as Chairman of the group. Bro. Clayton agreed to act as Secretary and Bro. Poundsberry agreed to act as Treasurer.

Arthur W. Dowell MWGM 1955-1956

The records of the Grand Lodge of Maryland indicate that at the regular Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maryland on Tuesday, May 15, 1956 Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur W. Dowell stated in his remarks to Grand Lodge that a group of members of Seat Pleasant Lodge No. 218 had sought permission to form a new Lodge to serve their rapidly-growing area in Prince George's County and that a dispensation had been issued for the formation of a new Lodge at Camp Springs to be known as Camp Springs Lodge No. 227. Final action on the Charter would be taken at the next Annual Communication.

Further Grand Lodge records indicate that the Grand Lodge convened again on June 26, 1956 when a Special Communication was held for the purpose of constituting Camp Springs Lodge No.227 and presenting its Charter. All officers at their stations. Also present were: Bro. Samuel W. McIntosh, Grand Master of the District of Columbia; Bro. Rueben Bogley, Past Grand Master of the District of Columbia; and representatives of several Subordinate Lodges of Maryland and of the District of Columbia.

Grand Master Dowell opened the Grand Lodge in ample form and stated that the Charter of Camp Springs Lodge No. 227 had been granted by the Grand Lodge at the Semi-Annual Communication held May 15, 1956. the Grand Master ordered an election of Lodge officers and the following brethern were elected:

                                      Bro. Albert O. Kroll                                Worshipful Master
                                Bro. C. Walter Clayton                            Senior Warden
                                Bro. Cecil Holsinger                                 Junior Warden
                                Bro. Jack D. Ferrell                                  Secretary
                                Bro. Herbert G. Poundsberry                    Treasurer

Camp Springs Lodge No. 227 was constituted in due and ancient form and the above named officers were invested and installed. Brother Eugene Darcey presented a Deed for a plot of ground in the vicinity of Camp Springs Lodge with the understanding that it be used for a future Temple building.

While funds were raised in various ways, most of them were raised by outdoor dinners given at Bro. Martin Shaw's farm. These dinners were held in the Spring and Fall of each year. In a five year period over $18,000.00 was accumulated towards the building fund.

Brothers Donald Kemp and Herbert Poundsberry were responsible for drawing up the plans, which were submitted to the Grand Lodge of Maryland for approval. In his October Bulletin Worshipful Master Martin Shaw delivered the good news that the plans for the Temple had been approved.

Generous donations of time and materials helped keep the cost of our new Temple to a minimum. On October 25, 1960 the Grand Lodge of Maryland issued permission to the Lodge that we might finally use the basement portion of the Temple as a Lodge room, and on November 22, 1960 the first meeting was held in the new Temple. Clearing of the Lot begin in March of 1960. It was initially intended that only the basement would be finished untill more funds could be raised. However as recounted by bro. McElroy everybody caught the fever and a decision was made to borrow $25,000.00 and complete the basement and first floor.

After long weekends and longer nights the Lodge was finally completed for the installation of officers on January 10, 1961. It was only fitting that in attendence that night was Bro. Martin H. Kinsinger the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Maryland and Grand Line Officers. Also present was Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Bro. Arthur W. Dowell, under whose term as Grand Master, Camp Springs Lodge had received its Charter. One week later on January 17, 1961, Bro. Wilbur S. Doll was to be the first Master Mason raised in our new Temple. It must have been a good omen, as brother Doll would serve as Worshipful Master in 1966, five years after being raised.