Boykins Lodge, No. 287 A.F. & A.M. In Celebration of Its First 50 Years

A brief history of Boykins Lodge No. 287 and masonry in Boykins since 1877.

The Committee for the 50th anniversary celebration:

R. T. Lassiter, Jr & L. F. Draper, Jr.

Attempting to compile a history of fifty years for Boykins Lodge #287 is impossible without going back in history to the beginning of masonry in Boykins. Brethren in 1877 first brought the light of Masonry to Boykins Lodge No. 64 was formed and chartered in that year by men whose names are not only recorded in Masonry, but in the political and religious annuals of our town. To these brethren who ignited the spark of friendship and brotherly love, we give thanks. They were small in number - fourteen brethren in all. Nonetheless, though dim at times, a flame was ignited by them and it continues to burn today. Dues were three dollars per year and degrees were five dollars for entered apprentice, five dollars for fellow craft, and ten dollars for Master Mason degree. On January 25th, 1982, the Masonic Lodge moved into a new lodge hall, located on the corner of Virginia Avenue and Broad Street. This building is known to us in this generation as the apartment house in which Mrs. Susie Beaton lived. There was no report from Lodge #64 to the Grand Lodge from 1892 through 1896, and the charter was surrendered and the new lodge hall was sold. The flame of masonry in Boykins was extinguished for a number of years. From 1896 until dispensation was granted in 1904, there was no lodge in Boykins. Under a new number (287) and with the following station officers:

The following is the list of Worshipful Masters from all three Lodges ever chartered in Boykins.

Boykins Lodge No. 64 (1877 to 1895)

The History of Freemasonry in Boykins, Virginia is a play in three Acts:

Boykins Lodge No. 64 (1877-1894)

The first Lodge in Boykins, Virginia was Boykins Lodge No. 64, chartered December 11, 1877. It was organized at Boykins Depot, a small town established in 1836.  In 1883 Boykins Depot was renamed Boykins.