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The City of Orlando’s Oldest Masonic Lodge. Orlando Lodge No.69 Free and accepted Masons, of the Grand Lodge of Florida, was constituted on the 13th. Day of January 1876. The first W.M. was Charles W. Jacocks. Orlando 69 is the oldest Lodge in the City of Orlando and the second oldest in the 17th Masonic District. For the majority of existence, Orlando No. 69 was located in the downtown area of the city and was once considered a business Lodge because of the large number of prominent citizens who numbered among its many members. Men with the last names like Chaney, , Leu, Langford, Maguire, Ramsdell and Rutledge have been among Orlando No. 69 members and Masters. These men helped forge the character and charm of the City of Orlando. As of the year 2000 Orlando No. 69 has had two Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Florida and other distinguished Masons of Orlando No.69 have served in the Grand Lodge of Florida and within the District. For many years Orlando No.69 was located on Lake Eola at the corner of Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue, near the Center of the city. This multi-story building overlooked Lake Eola and was home to the Blue Lodge, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls and John M. Cheney Chapter of the DeMolay. The Lodge was designed was exquisitely ornate on the exterior and the interior was designed to meet every Masonic need. The passage of time took its toll on the Lodge building and it became necessary to seek a new home. The building was sold and still stands today overlooking Lake Eola. It is now home to several offices, both private and governmental. Although not a completely unified decision, the Lodge moved to a new building on Lake Fairview. However, declining years revenues and membership placed the Lodge in a precarious position and despite the best efforts of the membership the building was sold to ensure the survival of the Lodge. For the next few years Orlando 69 rented space from the Ormazd Grotto, using their building in the College Park area in Orlando to hold its meetings. During 1997, under the tenure of W.M. Robert E. Johnson and the committee consisting of R.W. Curtis F. Johnson, P.D.D.G.M., W. Peter A. Simonetti, W. Kenneth W. Batts and other dedicated Masons, Orlando No. 69 purchased property at the intersection of Mills Avenue and South Street. During 1998, under the tenure of W.M. Batts with the assistance of R.W. Cutis F. Johnson and many other dedicated Masons, the existing building under went extensive renovations and the Orlando Lodge No. 69 had its new home and reestablished a Masonic presence in the center of Orlando once again. The Masonic Temple is currently home for the Blue Lodge, and Eastern Star Chapter and Rainbow Girls.
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ORLANDO LODGE No.69 HISTORY Written by Lady Mary Lou Johnson
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