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TOP PHOTO: Elias “Jr.†Adcock, Jim R. Arnhart and Danny Parrott
JACKSBORO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Recently, a historical event happened in Freemasonry at Jacksboro. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee of Free and Accepted Masons granted a request of two lodges in Campbell County. Jacksboro Lodge No. 322,on Main Street, in Jacksboro,and Stooksbury Lodge No. 602, in the Demory Community of Campbell County, consolidated with the Grand Lodge of Tennessee’s permission through the consent of Grand Master Jim R. Arnhart.
Jim Arnhart, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, came to the Jacksboro Lodge to sign his approval of the consolidation in a ceremonial presentation. Danny Parrott of the Jacksboro Lodge and Elias “Jr.†Adcock of the Stooksbury Lodge signed the ceremonial document as well. It created one lodge instead of two. The name will remain Jacksboro Lodge No. 322, and it will retain its favorable location in Jacksboro.
The world is an ever changing one and adaptation is a necessity of continuity. Our Fraternity is the oldest in the entire world, and we have adapted but are still holding solid with unwavering principals, standards and charity. These are some of our ancient landmarks. Freemasonry is a charitable organization and not a for profit Fraternity. This is why the leaders and members of both lodges decided on consolidation. The consolidation signifies our commitment for the continuation of Freemasonry by making one lodge stronger to better serve the communities it represents.
Jacksboro Lodge No. 322 received its Charter on December 3, 1866, from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee just after the Civil War. It was the first and currently the oldest lodge in Campbell County. Jacksboro Lodge and its members have always been an integral part of its community. There have been numerous community leaders and business owners, along with politicians, as its members throughout its existence. Since 1866, the members all had and still have their community’s best interest at the forefront.
The Grand Lodge of the State of Tennessee of Free and Accepted Masons signed a dispensation granting legally constituted meetings beginning on March 29, 1897, of Stooksbury Lodge No. 602. It is believed that meeting was held at the Alvis Stooksbury Store across from Alvis’s house that later Ernest Watkins purchased. The lodge was in the second story of Alvis Stooksbury’s General Store. Also inside the building were a school and a United States Post Office called Forkvale. The date of the Charter was January 1, 1898. The first elected leader of the newly chartered Lodge was William L. Stooksbury. The determination of the Lodge’s name is not documented; however, it is believed that the name was in honor of Alvis Stooksbury or William L. Stooksbury. Stooksbury had survived fire, relocations and shared its buildings with stores, a United States Post Office and two schools. It is said to have occupied six different locations. Historically, its members had been the same as Jacksboro, heavily involved into the community on several levels.
This is not the first time two lodges in Campbell County merged or consolidated. In 2006, Caryville Lodge No. 665 and LaFollette Lodge No. 623 consolidated into a merger than formed Campbell County Lodge No. 778 in LaFollette.
Danny Parrott, the current leader of Jacksboro Lodge, personally extends his gratitude to Grand Master Jim Arnhart for his approval of the consolidation and taking time from his very busy schedule to come in person for the ceremony.
As Freemasons, we are not allowed to ask for someone to join us. However, you can ask us to join the Oldest Fraternity. It is the way you become a member. Ask now! Please contact Justin Rhea, our Secretary, at 865.214-3012. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/25/2023-6AM)