Lodge History
Harmony Lodge had its auspicious beginnings when,
according to the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of SC of the
24th of September, 1841, a warrant was granted to Harmony Lodge No. 17, at
Barnwell Courthouse on December 18, 1840. It was issued to V.J. Williamson,
W.M., A.P. Aldrich, S.W. and J.O.Hagood, J.W.
Some 4 years later having by means of the subscriptions of a joint stock
company, succeeded in erecting a handsome and commodious Hall in the village
of Barnwell, invited the Grand Lodge to be present and assist in the
dedication. This invitation was accepted, and Special Communications were
held on the 10th and 15th of May, for the purpose of making the necessary
arrangements. On the 19th of May, 1845, the Grand Master, accompanied by a
large number of the officers and members of the Grand Lodge, proceeded in
the railcars to Blackville, and thence by carriages to Barnwell, where on
the 20th an occasional Grand Lodge was opened, and a procession formed,
which, after a discourse by Brother A.P.Aldrich, Past Master of Lodge No.
17, the Hall was solemnly dedicated.
After the building of the hall in 1845, and exhibiting other symptoms of
prosperity, it became dormant in 1852 but was revived in 1858 by a warrant
issued to James O. Hagood, W.M., W.M Hunter, S.W., and Frederick Miller,
J.W.
No. 17 was originally occupied by King Solomon's Lodge at Cheraw. On the
change of the number of that Lodge to 15, No. 17 was given to Good
Intention Lodge at Pensacola, Florida, which had been 46 on the registry
of the Grand Lodge of S.C. before the union, and which, after its
suspension, was revived in 1821. Good Intention Lodge No. 17 was declared
extinct in 1825. Thereafter, No. 17 was given to Harmony Lodge in
Barnwell, SC where it has remained.
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