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In 1867 six lodges were established in Ohio.
One of them was David's Temple No. 15, Springfield, Ohio. David's Temple's name was changed by action of the Grand Lodge of 1877 to Champion Lodge No. 15 and was warranted in 1878. The first officers were William H. Dickson, W.M.; J. N. Moore, Senior Warden; John Wilborn, Junior Warden; L. C. Fillmore, Treasurer and Elias Smith, Secretary.
Many people in Springfield think that Champion Lodge was the only lodge ever here, but there was another lodge warranted in 1874. White Post Lodge No. 43 was organized at Springfield and its officers were P. C. Parker, W.M.; Daniel Frye, Junior Warden; W. George, Treasurer and Joseph Nelson, Secretary. What happened to White Post Lodge No. 43 is not known.
TRIBUTE TO PRINCE HALL
The 56th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdiction was held at Springfield on August 15 - 16, 1905, in the Hall of Champion Lodge No. 15. The welcome was given by Brother Arthur Riggs, Worshipful Master of Champion Lodge, and for the citizens of Springfield the welcome was given by Brother Stewart L. Tatum, City Solicitor. The response was made by Grand Master Clements. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form by Deputy Grand Master W. W. Cordell.
One of the events reported to the Grand Lodge was a tribute to the memory of Prince Hall. Grand Master Clemens said that he had requested Grand Secretary W. H. Buckner to forward to Grand Master Frederick S. Monroe of the State of Massachusetts an appropriate sum for a floral tribute to be placed on the grave of Prince Hall, May 30. Brother Buckner sent a check for $15.00 to purchase a floral tribute. Ohio's Grand Lodge was the first sister lodge to establish that precedent.
There is a picture of Brother John W. Cordell, Past Master; Champion Lodge No. 15 standing at Prince Hall grave. The picture is on the west wall of the lodge hall. Brother William W. Cordell, Deputy Grand Master was Brother John W. Cordell's great uncle.
REMARKS AT COPP'S HILL BURYING GROUND
Ohio was represented by Brother William L. Reed, Past Grand Master. State of Ohio.
Grand Master Monroe of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in commenting upon his participation, stated that the Grand Lodge of Ohio "has certainly established a beautiful precedent for our sister jurisdictions to follow in years to come."
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