Lander Lodge #8, Free and Accepted Masons, celebrated their 150th birthday at the 146-year-old Masonic Hall in Austin on Saturday, May 17th.
The event was held as part of the official visit of the Grand Master of Masons in Nevada, the Most Worshipful John M. Buffington to the Lodge and the official visit of the Grand Matron and Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Nevada, Order of the Eastern Star to Austin's Electa Chapter #2, Order of the Eastern Star.
Masons in Austin from a variety of jurisdictions were granted dispensation to form their own lodge in Austin in March 1864 by the Grand Lodge of California.
The Charter was issued to Lander Lodge #172, Austin, Nevada Territory, by that Grand Lodge on Oct. 14, 1864, just prior to Nevada being admitted to statehood.
In January 1865, Lander Lodge #172 was re-designated Lander Lodge #8, upon formation of the Grand Lodge of Nevada. Lander Lodge is one of four of the eight original lodges in existence today. However, since that time, 40 lodges have been added to the Nevada Grand Lodge.
Approximately 75 people attended the event hosted by George W. Agnor, of Austin, the 151st Master of Lander Lodge #8 and Elizabeth Lani, Worthy Matron of Electa #2 Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, who provided the luncheon for the occasion.
In attendance were members of various lodges and chapters throughout Nevada including, Tonopah, Winnemucca, Las Vegas, Reno, Hawthorne, Lovelock, and Fallon, Carson City, Henderson and Sparks.
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