EARL E. GUNNELS, P.M.

The city of Ypsilanti was founded in 1823 by General Demetrius Ypsilanti, who was very prominent in the news of the day. Ypsilanti is a city in Southeast Michigan, West of Detroit.

Ypsilanti 1) Alexander Ypsilanti 1792 – 1828 was a Greek Patriot and Revolutionary leader. 2) His brother Demetrios Ypsilanti also a Greek Patriot and Revolutionary leader. Sep 17, 1845 The gregarious instincts common to most human’s asserted themselves in Ypsilanti at this time, in the coming of the mystic fraternities. A Lodge of the independent order of odd fellows, which means a member of a secret social and benevolent society, originated in England in the 18th Century. The odd fellows known as Wyandotte Lodge #10 was formed in Ypsilanti on September 17, 1845. Chauncey Joslin, Jrilius Morius, James E. Platt and Laurence Cole signed the petition to the Grand Lodge of Michigan, which resulted in this organization. The first officer’s of the Lodge were Benjamin Follett, Alfred A. Hunder, Chauncey Joslin, and Thomas O. Hill.

1823-1846 Stimulated doubtless by odd fellowship activities, the resident Mason’s of the town began to bestir themselves and plan organization. By this time the anti-Masonic agitation of ten or fifteen years previous was maintained by certain sects as well as many conscientious people. Phoenix Lodge #13 originally started under a special dispensation signed by Grand Master Elengar Hall at Mt. Clemens Michigan dated May 10, 1846 with twenty three (23) members. The Worship Master assigned under this special dispensation was John Van Fossen. The first Charter was issued to Phoenix Lodge #13 on January 13, 1847.

Louis S. White PM Sect 1925 Memo Oct 30, 1927 Civil War 1860-65 Phoenix Lodge #13 was formed in 1846 and owing to some dissension among the brethren, another lodge was formed in 1860 and named Ypsilanti lodge #128. There was intense rivalry between the two lodges and I have listened to many tale’s of the stirring deed’s that were performed by each lodge to circumvent the other, but interest gradually died down in Ypsilanti lodge #128 and they eventually gave up the ghost.

1860 6/26/1904 Until 1860 to June 25, 1904 there existed two lodges in Ypsilanti, one on the east side of town, the other on the west side. In 1904 the Ypsilanti Lodge and Phoenix Lodge joined together to form the Ypsilanti Masonic Association in order to build the Masonic temple, on the corner of Pearl and Huron St. The lot cost $16,000.

1900’s (5/20/1907) At the turn of the century the community of Ypsilanti needed a place where medium sized theatricals and other social events could be held. This need was felt most especially by societies connected with local churches’ and the normal college. At the same time, the Free Mason’s of Ypsilanti were in need of new quarters. Reported the Ypsilanti Daily from of May 20, 1907 for buildings such as the Mason’s contemplate erecting is one of the finest in the city. The plans for a temple was larger than the current needs of the Mason’s, but the building was intended for use by the general public as well.

Reported by the Ypsilanti Daily press of January 26, 1910 a visitor is most favorably impressed with the great width of the main lobby, the auditorium was 51 feet by 79 feet with a seating capacity of 750 people, which was two stories high. The stage was 24.8 feet by 15 feet with a 20-foot opening at the front. The stage had flies for scenery making it adaptable to amateur theatricals. The building was 4 stories high in all with a bowling alley.

7/22/1909 7/16/1909 The Corner Stone for the new the building was laid on July 22, 1909, and the Ypsilanti Press later said, “it will be one of the greatest Masonic events in Michigan”. It was said to have been the first building in Washtenaw County devoted entirely to Masonic activities. Many articles were placed in the cornerstone. They consist of By-laws of the lodge chapter and council, articles of incorporation copy of Ypsilanti Masonic Association publication copy of the Ypsilanti Daily press July 20, 1909 confederate $100 dollar bill fractional currency 25 cents, official Masonic penny, list of supervisors, professor Cleary’s name as president of Cleary College, President Jones name as President of the Michigan State normal college, list of the school board and trustees, architects Osgood & Osgood, contractors Cole Bros, superintendent JH Woodman, lists of the Grand Officers, lists of the past masters and of the lodge council chapter. List of the members of Phoenix Lodge (390), lists of the excelsior chapter 219, lists of the council 221 and the list of members of the Eastern Star 324 professor Samuel B. Laird from normal college will give oration.

Also Harts band of 15 pieces will render an appropriate program. There are two numbers on the cornerstone, A.D. 1909 and A.L. 5909. It seems that in years past, astronomers believed the world began 4,000 years before Christ. So they began numbering from the time, called the year of light.

5/10/1846 The organization of Phoenix Lodge #13 are Dispensation May 10, 1846 1846-1847 Organized August 13, 1846 Chartered January 13, 1847 1860-61 Exalsior Chapter No. 25 R.A.M Dispensation 1860 Organized December 7, 1860 Chartered January 8, 1861 1860-61 Union Council No. 11 R&S.M. Dispensation January 28, 1860 Organized February 6, 1861 Chartered June 5, 1861 1894 Ypsilanti Chapter No. 119 O.E.S. Dispensation April 30, 1894 Organized April 30, 1894 Chartered November 27, 1894

May 1955 Reports the Ypsilanti press after 46 year’s mortgage retired on temple. Most important happenings in Washtenaw County July 22, 1909

As the local temple is the first to be erected for the sole purpose of having a building for the Masonic to meet as well as public events. July 22, 1909 A report listed the items to be enclosed in the cornerstone.

1924-1970 The Masonic temple was destroyed by fire twice, first on November 29, 1924 and again on August 17, 1970, each time the building was rebuilt.

1987 Due to increasing cost to maintain the building, the mason’s sold the building in 1987. 1987-88 The Mason’s and all chapter’s purchased the land at 5752 Whittaker Road and built the present lodge in the year 1987-1988, after nine (9) years 1996 with every chapter of the lodge (1996) the mortgage of the present building was finally paid off.