Solomon's Lodge, Savannah facts for kids
Main façade of Freemasons' Hall in Savannah
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| Named after | Solomon |
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| Established | February 21, 1734 |
| Founders | James Lacey James Oglethorpe |
| Type | Masonic lodge |
| Location |
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Region served
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Chatham County, Georgia |
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Parent organization
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Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons |
Solomon's Lodge, also known as Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons, is a very old and important club located in Savannah, Georgia. It was started way back in 1734 by two people named James Lacey and General James Oglethorpe.
This lodge is part of a worldwide group called Freemasons. It's thought to be the oldest club of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere that has been running without stopping since it began! It's a really special place with a long history.
A Look Back: The History of Solomon's Lodge
Solomon's Lodge is like the "parent" lodge for all other Freemason clubs in Georgia. It's called the "mother lodge" of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. For many years, from 1734 to 1785, it was the only Freemason lodge in the whole state of Georgia.
When it first started, it wasn't even called Solomon's Lodge! It was known simply as "The Lodge at Savannah" until 1776. Today, the lodge is located in a historic building that used to be the Savannah Cotton Exchange. The very first person to join this lodge was an early settler named Noble Jones.
Famous People Who Were Members
Many people who were part of Solomon's Lodge became very important leaders. They held big jobs in the military, government, and public service. Here are a few examples of notable members:
- Archibald Bulloch (1776–1777): He was the first Governor of Georgia. He also represented Georgia in the Continental Congress, which was a big meeting of leaders during the American Revolution.
- Samuel Elbert (1785–1786): He served as the 18th Governor of Georgia. He was also a high-ranking general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- James Habersham (1769–1772): He was the acting governor of the Georgia colony before it became a state. He is known for starting the first direct trade route between Savannah, Georgia and London.
- Joseph Habersham (1795–1801): He was the third United States Postmaster General, meaning he was in charge of all the mail in the early United States. He also served as the Mayor of Savannah.
- Lyman Hall (1783–1784): He was the 17th Governor of Georgia. Like Archibald Bulloch, he was also a delegate from Georgia to the Continental Congress.
- James Jackson (1798–1801): He was the 23rd Governor of Georgia. He also served as a U.S. Senator and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Noble Jones: He was one of the very first settlers in the Georgia colony.
- Noble Wimberly Jones: He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1781 and 1782.
- William Pierce: He represented Georgia at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This was the meeting where the United States Constitution was written!
- Josiah Tattnall (1801–1802): He was the 25th Governor of Georgia and also served as a U.S. Senator.
- George Walton (1789–1790): He was an acting Governor of Georgia and also represented Georgia at the Constitutional Convention.
