Submitted photo A total of 72 Master Masons attended a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Randolph Lodge No. 55 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Beverly on Nov. 12. Members gathered for a meal at the Presbyterian Church in Beverly, a location where Master Masons often gathered 150 years ago.

BEVERLY — Seventy-two Master Masons from Beverly and other area Masonic Lodges gathered in Beverly on Nov. 12 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Randolph Lodge No. 55 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Chartered on Nov. 13, 1872, the first Masonic Fraternity in Randolph County was formed in Beverly.

Members gathered Saturday for a meal at the Presbyterian Church in Beverly, a location where Master Masons often gathered 150 years ago.

“Masons often used the Beverly Presbyterian Church during that era for many purposes,” Billie Ford, Worshipful Master of Randolph Lodge No. 55, Beverly, told The Inter-Mountain this week.

“We thought it was only fitting to assemble at the church, as our brothers did 150 years ago, for a meal before starting the meeting at the Masonic Temple.”

Reflections on the history of the Lodge were presented by Keith Mathews and Ford during the event.

“I was thankful for the participation we had Saturday and for the delicious meal the Presbyterian Church prepared for us,” Ford said.

Many of the founding fathers of Randolph County were members of the Masonic Fraternity, including Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen B. Elkins.

The Beverly Masonic Temple is located in downtown Beverly across from the Georgetown Road.

Randolph Lodge #55 is chartered through the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, AF&AM, which in turn, is recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England.