Martin Luther King Jr. No. 65 History

According to the dictionary, history is defined as a narrative or documentation of significant events that have occurred to individuals or nations, often including an explanation of their causes and consequences. History essentially entails a written account of past occurrences. Our primary aim is not just to record history, but to actively shape it. The following is an account of the early history of Martin Luther King Jr. Subordinate Lodge of the MWPHGL of Washington & Jurisdiction.

On July 1, 1974, Most Worshipful Grand Master (MWGM) James C. Davis granted a dispensation to establish a lodge in Renton, Washington. MWGM Davis appointed PM Clyde W. Joe as Senior Deputy Grand Master (SDDGM), Bro. Levi Townsend as Senior Warden (SW) #2, Bro. Charlie Dones as Senior Warden (SW) #17, and Hazel Hawkins as Junior Warden (JW) #2. With the assistance of Brother Kenneth Swanigan (now PGM) from SW #17, a club was formed with the intention of becoming a Masonic order. Meeting weekly at Bro. Dones' residence, the club became proficient in various aspects of Masonry, except for the secret rituals, obligations, and ceremonial practices. After deliberation on several names, the club members voted and agreed on the name Martin Luther King Jr.

On December 5, 1974, an organizational meeting was held at Bro. Dones' home, where officers were elected and appointed. Committees were formed, and members were designated with monthly dues set at $7. Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge was established under dispensation.

The first membership applications were received on January 6, 1975. The lodge conducted its first degree ceremony on February 17, 1975. On May 17th, 1975, the constitution and by-laws of Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge under dispensation (UD) were adopted, and Bro. Kenneth Swanigan #17 was granted honorary membership.

On Sunday, May 25, 1975, the lodge made its initial church visit to Calvary Baptist Church in Renton, WA. MWGM James W. Davis paid an official visit to Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge UD on June 2, 1975. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made and invited the lodge to attend the 72nd Annual Communication of the MWPHGL in Pasco, Washington. It was during this event that the lodge's petition for a charter would be voted upon.

The first social gathering, a pre-Father's Day Cabaret, took place on June 14, 1975, at the Russian Center. The event saw a significant turnout and proved to be financially successful for the lodge. On June 16, 1975, during the 72nd Annual Communication, the Committee on Charters and Dispensations recommended and approved the charter, officially establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge #65 F. & A.M. PHA. Later that same day, the lodge celebrated its first anniversary with a banquet held at the Sheraton - Renton Inn, starting at 7pm.