Brief History of Wasatch Lodge
Forming the Grand Lodge of Utah
In January 1872, the three Salt Lake City Lodges initiated the organization of a Grand Lodge. On January 8th, Mount Moriah Lodge considered the matter, as recorded in the minutes:
After a lengthy and spirited debate on the above subject, in which several of the members took an active part, the resolution was carried, only four members voting in the negative. A motion by Worshipful Brother Joseph T. Nounan, seconded by Brother C. Diehl, that the vote be declared unanimous by the Lodge was not carried, two brothers voted in the negative.
Four days later the matter came up in Wasatch Lodge and the resolution was unanimously adopted. On January 16, 1872, the representatives of the three Lodges met in a Masonic Convention and adopted the following:
Resolved, that the several Lodges of A.F.&A.M. in the Territory of Utah, here represented, consider it as a matter of right and for the general benefit of Masonry, that they ought to form a Grand Lodge within said Territory, and do now proceed to form and organize themselves into a Grand Lodge accordingly, to be known and distinguished by the name of The Grand Lodge of Utah.
The resolution was unanimously adopted, thus marking an all-important milestone in the Masonic History of Utah Territory and State. It took courage in rather large amounts to stand up and be counted in those days of intense arguments and disagreements over basic principles, both political and religious, but there were many brilliant Masonic minds, ever ready to pour oil upon the troubled waters, and to deter the heavy hand that was activated by a vengeful heart. Here Masonry played a traditional role, has exerted an influence for good in every community. Members of Wasatch Lodge may be justly proud of the great contributions made by many of its distinguished members.
The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Montana, covering the Eighth Annual Communication, held in Helena on October 7, 1872, show the following, addressed to the Grand Master.
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