The
Town of Rogers was incorporated May 28,1881 at which time it had a
population of about 1650 persons. In May of 1887 an organizational
meeting was held to start the charter process for a Rogers lodge.
This meeting was presided over by members of the Lodge of Lowell.
Rogers Lodge #460 was chartered November 23, 1887 in downtown Rogers at 227 So. 1st. on the upper level. The first Master of the Lodge was George Raupp, serving in 1887, 1888, and 1889.
This same Lodge room was originally used by the Gem city Knights of Pythias and The Rogers Chapter of the Odd Fellows I.O.O.F., each group met on a different date but used the same Lodge room. The bottom of this building was G.O. Raupp Furniture store. This which was sold to W.F. Fowler and became Fowler Furniture and Banner Grocery owned by G.L. Mays & Company. This building was used until 1950. It now houses the Iron Horse Coffee Shop.
In 1950, a Masonic cornerstone was laid and a new lodge was constructed on popular street. Kenneth Doescher was the Master that year. The lodge grew to house a very popular Masonic youth center during the 50's and 60's. Rainbow girls, Eastern Star, Royal Arch, a Commandery Post, and 2 chapters of DeMolay Boys operated from this location. This lodge was used until 1984. It now houses some city administration offices.
On August 11, 1984, with Harold Brister Worshipful Master, and V. W. Brown Most Worshipful Grand Master presiding, a Masonic cornerstone was laid for a new lodge in its current location on East New Hope road. This lodge was constructed by masons, with Brother Joe Means overseeing most of the work.
1887 Charter Members of Rogers Lodge #460
George Raupp -- WM
Dr. J.C. Pennington -- SW
Capt. John Bell Steele -- JW
C.L. Gibbs -- Sec.
W.A. Miller -- Tres.
J.R. Williams
Dr. G.L. Alexander
W.J. Millis
R.S. Thomas
F.M. Wilhait