Dedication of the Progressive Masonic Temple

On July 15, 1945 the Progressive Masonic Temple, home of Progress Lodge No. 85 F. and A.M., was dedicated. The building, located at 2012 Columbus Avenue, was purchased on May 29, 1944, and was remodeled and redecorated for lodge purposes.

The Progress Lodge No. 85 F. and A.M. began in the 1920s in Sandusky, and was said to be Sandusky’s oldest African American fraternal organization at the time of the dedication of the lodge building. The group met in 1945 on the first and third Monday of the month. In April of 1969, Charles Alexander and Clarence A. Carman were honored with a testimonial banquet; they were the only living charter members of the Progress Lodge 85 F. and A.M. in the spring of 1969. The building located at 2012 Columbus Avenue is now home to the New St. John Masonic Lodge, No. 192.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to read about the formation of the first African American Lodge in Sandusky in the November 20, 1921 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal, available on microfilm.