History of Fidelity #103

A mere synopsis of any man's life, or the history of an organization is perhaps not so interesting, except to the friends who have closely followed such a career. It is soon read and at best given little more than a glimpse of the real man or institution.

The late Charles L. Stimpson, P.M. of Tyre Lodge #79, an employee of the Chicago Post Office, seeing the abundance of material in the Post Office, not affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity, approached some of these men with the idea of forming a Masonic Lodge, with this group as a background. This idea was well thought of and on March 17, 1922 permission was granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas H. Samuel of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge , F&AM of the State of Illinois to organize an U. D. lodge. The name selected for this lodge was "Fidelity", signifying honesty, loyalty, allegiance, devotion, and faithful adherence to duty.

The Commission appointed to guide the affairs of this U. D. Lodge, until the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge was Charles L. Stimpson P.M. , Tyre #70, Chairman- Robert Dunmore P.M. , John Jones #7, Treasurer John A. Yeatman P.M. , Mt. Hebron #29 , Charles Crenshaw P.M. , John Jones #7, J. H. Cooper P.M., Tyre #70, and Thomas Foster P.M. ,Western Light #30. On Easter sunday morning April 15, 1922, twenty-six (26) men were made Master Masons. Many lodges in the city assisted in the work. M. W. Grand Master Samuel conferred the Third Degree. By October 1922 this number was increased to ninety-eight (98) . After reviewing the work of the Commission, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall grand Lodge, F&AM of the State of Illinois, in Annual Communication October 1922 granted to this U. D. lodge a charter and the number, #103.

The candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. The Chairman - Brother Charles L. Stimpson passed to the great beyond before the lodge was presented it's charter but Brothers Dunmore and Yeatman with the rest of the Commission carried on until the Constitution, Consecration and Dedication of Fidelity Lodge # 103 , which took place December 27, 1922. Appointed to serve for the first year was W. M. - Brother Obed E. Vanderburg, S.W. - Brother William W. Chambers, J. W. - Brother Solomon A. Morrison, Treasurer - Brother Henry R. Wilson, Secretary - Brother William H. Thompson, S.D. - Brother William P. Sanders, J. D. - James P. Stevens, S. S - Brother Woods N. Ross, J. S. - John H. W. Oglesby, Chaplin - Brother Courtney E. Parrish, Marshall - Edward Nash, and Tyler - Brother Mitchell Rowlin.

The social as well as the ritualistic activities of the lodge have been developed. Outstanding events have been given by the membership. The Sons of Fidelity Club take the leadership in promoting social events that enable the lodge to make substantial contributions to charity, on Thanksgiving and at other times. They assist in the teaching of the ritualistic work to new members and preparing them for their examinations.

The financial crisis the country experienced in 1929 was felt in Fidelity, our membership fell to 31. The faithful ones carried on. In 1945 our membership was 61. Brother Charles Young was elected Worshipful Master of the lodge and under his leadership the membership was increased to 103. On May 19, 1949, the lodge adopted Rebecca D. Boone Chapter #128, O.E.S. P.H.A. and we have enjoyed a priceless relationship with the sisterhood. These sisters have endeared themselves to us by their tireless energy and whole-hearted cooperation.