Overton Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Overton Lodge Masonic Temple
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
Overton Lodge is located within Rogersville Historic District
|
|
| Location | 103 East Main Street, Rogersville, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Rogersville, Tennessee |
| Built | 1840 |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical, with Federal influence |
| Part of | Rogersville Historic District (ID73001787) |
| Designated CP | February 23, 1973 |
Overton Lodge No. 5 is a special club for men called Freemasons. It is known as a lodge. This lodge is part of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. You can find Overton Lodge right on the Courthouse Square in downtown Rogersville, Tennessee. It is located within the historic area known as the Rogersville Historic District.
Contents
History of Overton Lodge
How Overton Lodge Started
Overton Lodge was created on December 14, 1805. At that time, it was part of a larger group called the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee.
The lodge was named after John Overton. He was an important judge and a Freemason in Tennessee. John Overton was also friends with another famous Freemason, Andrew Jackson, who later became a U.S. President.
In 1805, a man named John Williams asked for permission to start a Masonic lodge in Rogersville. He didn't have a name for it, so he chose to name it after John Overton. This idea was liked by the leaders of the Grand Lodge.
John Overton became a judge in Nashville in 1804. He served until 1810. Later, in 1811, he became a justice on the Supreme Court of Tennessee. He worked there until 1816. During his time as a judge, he wrote important books about Tennessee's land laws.
In 1813, eight Masonic lodges in Tennessee decided to form their own group. They met in Knoxville on December 27. Overton Lodge sent people to this meeting. Because of this, Overton Lodge is one of the original lodges that helped start the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.
Finding a Home for the Lodge
It's not clear where Overton Lodge first met. But eventually, they moved into a building that used to be a bank. This building is on the Courthouse Square in downtown Rogersville. It was built around 1840. The building has a classic style called Federal, neoclassical architecture. This style is common in the Rogersville Historic District.
Overton Lodge During the Civil War
The American Civil War was a very difficult time. Many Masonic lodges closed down. However, Overton Lodge was one of the few that stayed open every year during the war. Because of this, Overton Lodge can say it is the oldest lodge in Tennessee that has been open continuously. The four lodges that were older than Overton Lodge either had their permissions taken away or stopped existing. This includes Greeneville Lodge No. 3, which is still around today.
Celebrating 200 Years
In 2005, Overton Lodge celebrated its 200th birthday! This was a big event for Freemasonry in Rogersville. The lodge honored the people who came before them. They also offered special items to remember the celebration.
National Register of Historic Places
The building where Overton Lodge meets is very important. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a historically important building. It is considered a contributing property to the Rogersville Historic District. This means the lodge building helped make the entire historic district important enough to be added to the National Register.
