In June of 1951, Bro. Jack Pugh met with Bro. John Galbreath one evening and in the course of their conversation they discussed how good it would be if a Masonic Lodge could be constituted in the new development of Fairless Hills. Both men agreed that they should work towards that end. Communications were passed between Bro. Pugh and Bro. Galbreath and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. These communications resulted in the Constituting of Fairless Hills Lodge No. 776 F. & A.M. The Lodge was constituted with 190 Warrant Members on September 25, 1954. At the time it was the largest warrant membership of any Lodge ever constituted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Throughout the years, many Brothers have passed through our portals and took part in the beautiful Rituals of our Fraternity. Several Masonic Youth Organizations utilized our building, among them were the Jobs Daughters and Order of DeMolay. Also using the building were two Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, Le Fair Chapter No. 535 and Morrisville Chapter No. 515. The Order of the Eastern Star, Le Fair Chapter No. 535 also celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2004. They have also utilized our building and hall throughout the years. In the past years several organizations made themselves known in our building through their good works within the community. There was Sister Wheeler who made sure that those who could not afford to have a full turkey meal on Thanksgiving could enjoy the holiday with a meal prepared and served in our Hall. This all originated under the guidance of Bro. Jack Thomas, P.M., and the blessing of the Hall Association. Throughout the past years many of our Brothers have assisted her in this worthy endeavor.
During the past 30 odd years, an organization known as the Mason-Knights did themselves proud in working diligently to give the Easter Seal Society a helping hand. This group was sparked by Bro. Andrew Babesh who worked tirelessly to raise money for Easter Seals until his untimely death. Bro. John Reed, P.M. continued the fine work of Bro. Babesh, along with the help of the Knights of Columbus in our local area providing Easter Seals with more incentives to help the crippled children. We now have another group using our building who started the “Give A Christmas” for the poor and needy in our area, this group is the Kiwanis International, and they use our building almost every week. We could go on and on with these kind of stories involving the men who are members of our Lodge. After much hard work, in 2000, under the guidance of Bro. Giles L. Hoover,Worshipful Master, Fairless Hills Lodge No. 776 was able to purchase and donate a defibrillator to the Oxford Valley Mall. During 2001 Bro. Thomas W. Drake chaired the Furniture Committee. They were successful in having all our officers chairs reupholstered. Many thanks to Bro. Drake.
In 2002, the merger with Levittown(C. Grant Brittingham) Lodge No. 788, was finalized, and we became Fairless Hills-Levittown Lodge No. 776. The merger gave us a combined membership of just over 400. We achieved the honor of having our first District Deputy Grand Master in the person of Bro. Jesus A. Rodriquez, P.M.. It was also during 2002 that Bro. John Reed, Worshipful Master chose our 50th anniversary banquet committee consisting of George C. Haas P.M., George H. Isaacson, and Ronald L. Steigerwalt P.M.. During the last half of 2003, the Hall Association Office was divided in half and the Secretary’s Office was moved into the back portion. Building, spackling, and painting the partition were Robert Hoffman Sr. and Robert Hall. Materials were paid for by the Hall Association. With the lodge beginning to show its age, the year 2004 has been filled with many fix up projects . The kneeling cushions, at the altar, were given new stuffing and recovered by Bro. J. Harrison Wilson P.M.. The Lodge entry way and parlor were painted by Hall Association members and Officers of the lodge including our Worshipful Master Robert C. Hoffman Sr.. New benches, located in the entry way have been donated by Bro. John H. Reed, P.M.. Bro.Giles L. Hoover, P.M. donated and installed the chair rail. The Blue Room is receiving a new sound system donated by Bro. Leon O. Armour. Bro. Charles Crego, who was serving in the Iraq War, has returned and presented us with an American Flag that flew over Bagdad Airport . The flag is now in the lodge on the flag standard along with a plaque on the wall. The flag is used at all meetings of the Lodge. We appreciate Bro. Charles Crego’s service to our country and this Lodge. We have now reached our 50th year, and with the continuing support of all our members, one hundred years doesn’t seem too far away. May the Great Architect of the Universe continue to guide us on our journey.
During our second year, the Lodge moved from the Bristol Building to the Fairless Hills Building. At this time, the Lodge decided to find a permanent home either by building our own building or joining with another Lodge in a new or existing building. After considerable negotiations with several organizations, the Lodge voted to join with Newtown Lodge No. 427 and Penn-Morris No. 778 to form the Lower Bucks Masonic Hall Association, Incorporated and build a building at Woodside, PA. During the period of building the new building, the Lodge continued to grow and meet in Fairless Hills. I should point out that the new building was built with work (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and many other skills) by the Lodge brothers in every capacity possible. The building and land only cost $155,000.00 because of the donation of labor and material by the Brethren. The building was dedicated by Grand Lodge in September, 1969 and the Lodge moved into the new building. From 1969 until December 2001, the Lodge continued to function. During this period, the Lodge grew to approximately 225 members in 1987 and then slowly started to shrink until 2001, when we had 135 members. It also became difficult to get qualified officers to fill the chairs and function as a vibrant Lodge. This necessitated the formation of a merger Committee to investigate all possibilities which led to the merger of Levittown Lodge with Fairless Hills Lodge on December 27, 2001. The name of the current Lodge in 2002 was Fairless Hills-Levittown Lodge No. 776 and later became Fairless Hills Lodge No. 776.
We recognize the brethren who toiled in the quarries of Masonry over fifty years ago to bring this Lodge into being. May the souls of our beloved departed brethren rest in peace until we all meet at the higher lodge above. Our eternal appreciation goes to them for their labor. Thank you to our living Warrant Members for their long standing and continuing membership.
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