Somerset Lodge #111 is born.........

current property was purchased on May 28, 1889, involving the same parties. Finally, the purchase of the last piece of property to make up the current Masonic holding took place on October 15, 1889, also between the same parties

An entry in the Masonic Minutes of May 19, 1890, reveals that a motion was made for the secretary to correspond with the Grand Master with reference to laying the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple. Brother L.D Parker was requested to deliver the address on that occasion. The minutes of June 14, 1890, indicate that the 15th day of July, 1890, was set for the purpose of laying the cornerstone for the new Masonic Temple. L.D. Parker was Worshipful Master pro tem.

A meeting was called on July 14, 1890, to make the necessary arrangements for laying the laying of the temple's cornerstone on July 15, 1890. A called meeting of Somerset Lodge 111, F. & A. M. was conducted in their lodge in Somerset, Kentucky, on July 15, 1890, A.D. The purpose of the meeting was the occasion of laying the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple now under construction. The presiding members were J. Soule Smith, Grand Master; George P. Saller, Senior Warden; J.M. Richardson, Junior Warden; C.D. Owens, Secretary; J.A. Mclser, Treasurer, James Dehoff, Senior Deacon; L.D. Parker, Junior Deacon; J.L. Allen, Grand Chaplin; S.W. Boone, Grand Marshal; James Dehoff, Tyler; J.A. McGem and W. Bates, Grand Stewards. Other Lodges represented at the ceremony were Pulaski Lodge 551, Monticello Lodge 119, Sievers Lodge 491, Mt. Gilead 255, Louisville Lodge 533, Saint George Lodge 239, Burnside Lodge 634 and Woodstock Lodge 639.

The lodge was opened that day at 1:00 p.m., the brethren gathered at the northeast corner of the new building where the cornerstone was laid by Brother J. Soule Smith, acting Grand Master, in due and ancient form. The minutes of that ceremony included the following entry:

"The Grand Master announced the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple now in progress of construction in the City of Somerset under the direction and control of Somerset Lodge No. 111 F & A.M."

"The Brothers were then formed in procession by Brother S.M. Boone, Grand Marshall and marched to the northeast corner of the new building aforesaid where the cornerstone was laid by Brother J. Soule Smith action Grand Master in due and ancient form."..........

Minutes of Somerset Lodge #111