As a result of the opening of the land run on April 22, 1889, more than 50,000 people lined up for their piece of the 2 million acres. Many of these pioneers were Masons from other states and territories. It was only natural that these “Brothers” desired to form a lodge in the new communities that sprang up overnight. Colonel Henry H. Moose and 24 other Masons joined together to form Edmond Lodge No. 37. The charter was received from the Grand Lodge Indian Territory on April 19, 1890.
With the opening of Oklahoma Territory to white settlers, many of the brethren felt it was time once again for a new Grand Lodge. At a communication of the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory, a petition was read from members of Guthrie Lodge No. 35, North Canadian Lodge No. 36, and Edmond Lodge #37 for the formation of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. The Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Territory was eventually formed, and on February 10, 1897, Edmond Lodge was renumbered to No. 4, Oklahoma Territory. After Oklahoma became a state, the Grand Lodge Oklahoma Territory and Grand Lodge Indian Territory were combined and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of Oklahoma was formed. Following the formation of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, lodges of both jurisdictions were renumbered based upon the date of their original dispositions. Thus on February 11, 1909, the Lodge was renumbered No. 37 again.
The lodge first met in the rented second story of the Central Hall located west of Broadway on the north side of First Street. The building was a multi-use building, and the lodge shared that room with the Knights of Phythias. The lodge would meet at the Central Hall until October 16, 1903 on which date they purchased the upper story above the former Kirkland Drug Store at 105 S. Broadway at a cost of $1,100. The building was built shortly after the 1889 land run by J.W. Howard, a physician from Kentucky.
The second floor was home to the Lodge for more than 50 years until it was condemned by an Edmond fire chief because it had only one entrance and one exit. On November 1, 1956 the Lodge purchased the current tract of land known as 1026 N. Boulevard for $3,000. At the same time the lodge was looking to build a new home, the Safeway grocery chain negotiated with a member of the lodge to tear down brick buildings in the vicinity of Second and Littler. As a result, enough old brick was sold to buy the brick for the new lodge building. The building was complete and occupied on November 7, 1964.
Today, Chapter No. 247 Order of the Eastern Star, Edmond Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and Rainbow Assembly No. 95 make their home along with Edmond Lodge No. 37.
