Summary

James Edward Sebrell: The Man Who Built a Virginia Legacy

James Edward Sebrell (1833–1924) was more than just a local leader; he was a “prism” through which we can see the massive changes in Virginia during the 19th century. Over his 91-year life, he transformed from a scholar and physician into a soldier, legislator, and the namesake of a town. His story is one of resilience, moving from the old world of plantation aristocrats to the industrial age of railroads and modern government.

Worshipful Master

A Worshipful Master (term from antiquity for “respected” or “honored”) is the senior elected office in the Lodge. The Worshipful Master rules and governs his Lodge with broad lattitude, subject to the Grand Lodge Methodical Digest and orders of the Grand Master. Worshipful Masters are elected for one-year terms and have a comprehensive ritual requirement. When compared to companies and other organizations they are equivalent to President or Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer. Their year as Master is normally the culmination of a five-year path. Responsibilities include the following:

• Coordinate Lodge Activities.
• Officer Growth and Development.
• Community Engagement.
• Grand Lodge Requirements.
• Engagement with the District Deputy Grand Master and Sister Lodges.
• Degree Work and Ritual Proficiency.
• Masonic Education.

The following is the list of Worshipful Masters from Courtland Lodge No. 85:

Courtland Lodge No. 85 AF&AM is proud to announce the ninth Right Worshipful George C. Scott, Jr., Memorial Scholarship to a worthy high school senior residing in the greater Boykins area. Please review the application and guidelines. The applications must be postmarked by Jun 1, 2026.

Please refer questions to scott-scholarship@courtlandlodge85.org

Courtland Lodge maintains a renewable scholarship for local young leaders with a Masonic affiliation continuing their education.

COURTLAND LODGE NO. 85

IN CELEBRATION OF ITS FIRST 100 YEARS

A brief narrative history of Courtland Lodge No. 85 and two hundred years of Freemasonry in the Franklin-Southampton area

By

JAMES HARRY HOLLAND, PM; DDGM

1989

The Committee for the One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration

The First Article of This Geometry:
The Master Mason Must be Fully and Surely
Steadfast, Trusty and True."

• Meet at the Courthouse (perhaps earlier at inn/taverns)
• Submitted annual reports 28 of 58 years it was active 1793: grown to 36 Masons, 10 raised that year; 5 in training; 6 rejected from membership
• By 1803 had grown to 72 members
• No reports 1804-1816. Declared dormant 1816
• Rechartered in 1822 with 51 members (would decline slowly)
• Returns became sporadic after the 1831 Rebellion
• Erected a hall in 1823
• Last official report in 1842 showed only 14 members
• Declared extinct 1849
• Members tracked to formation of Berlin 42 (1850), Acacia 84 (1854), & Franklin 151 (1856)

Resources

• Virginia Lodge of Research No. 1777 for this Lodge
• History of Worshipful Masters

Resources:

• Virginia Lodge of Research No. 1777 for this Lodge
• History of Worshipful Masters
• 100th Anniversary History