Elmore Autauga News
Photos from Tyler Suttle and EAN
See gallery of photos below.
Top photo: From left are Patrick Hatch, Chris Tackett, John Kemp, Chris Towers, Travis Defoor, Tyler Suttle, Ion Phillips, Jeremy Keller, David Russell, Richard Ferguson, Grady Welden.
On June 30, 2025 the elected Officers of Prattville Lodge #89 were duly installed by Brother Travis Defoor. A large crowd gathered for the celebration of new officers, with a meal before the ceremony official ceremony.
New officers for the coming year include:
Worshipful Master – Tyler Suttle
Senior Warden – Chris Towers
Junior Warden – Ion Phillips
Treasurer – John Kemp
Secretary – Grady Welden
Senior Deacon – Chris Tackett
Junior Deacon – Jeremy Keller
The following Officers were also appointed
Chaplain – Richard Ferguson
Historian – Robert Hodge
Marshall – Patrick Hatch
Prattville Lodge #89 is the 89th of 265 Lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge of Alabama.
It has a very long and storied history, dating back to 1848 and including Prattville’s founder, Daniel Pratt, who served as the organization’s first Treasurer.
The website for the Lodge can be found at http://www.prattvillelodge89.org/
Within information on the site is a lengthy and detailed history of Prattville Masons compiled by Bro. Bryan M. Leagans, 32-degree Master Mason and Past Master.
According to the history from the website, the beginning discussion for the creation of the Prattville Lodge occurred on March 13, 1848. Among those present included:
“S. Spigener (WM), J.P. Parham (SW), Amos Smith (JW), and C. Krout (Secretary). These brothers met under a dispensation from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama. The dispensation was granted to L. Spigener, Caseman Krout, E. Woodruff, I.C. Richards, Amos Smith, William Carmack, Daniel Pratt, and Jesse P. Parham. The dispensation was signed on December 9, 1847 by R. Greene (Grand Master), Amand P. Pfister (Grand Secretary).”
We encourage our readers to visit the website and read the entire history, as it contains very interesting information, and many names of the earliest Prattville residents. Many of the last names can still be found today throughout our area.
On December 11, 1848, Prattville Lodge No. 89 was officially opened under a charter from the Grand Lodge. “The charter members were: L. Spigener, Amos Smith, Daniel Pratt, William 0. Ormsby, Jesse P Parham, Malcolm Smith and Caseman Krout. The charter was signed by Rufus Green (Grand Master), J. McCaleb Wiley (Deputy Grand Master), William C. Penick (Senior Grand Warden), Thomas M. Bragg (Junior Grand Warden), and Amand P. Pfister (Grand Secretary). During this regular communication the first officers of the lodge, under the charter from the Grand Lodge, were declared duly elected. L. Spigener (WM), Jesse P. Parham (SW), Calvin Cobb (JW), Daniel Pratt (TREAS), J.M. Smith (SEC), William 0. Ormsby (SD), E. Woodruff (JD), and E. Carrol (TYLER). These officers were installed at the next regular communication on December 25, 1848 with the assistance of Bro. J. D. Whetstone.”
The First June Celebration in 1849
On June 25, 1849, a special communication began at 10:00 AM on St. Johns Day for the purpose of installing the officers elect and dedicating the lodge. The officers consisted of E.A. Benson (GL), L. Spigener (WM), J.P. Parham (SW), C. Cobb (JW)., D. Pratt (Treas), J.M. Smith (Sec), W. Ormsby (SD)., W. Walker (JD), and E Cannell (Tyler). Members in attendance included: M. Smith, A. Smith, C. Krout, J. Krout, George Laycock, William Camack and “others visiting”. A procession was formed and preceded to the Baptist Church where the officers, by the assistance of Bro. Benson, were duly installed and an able address was delivered on behalf of the fraternity by Bro. J.P. Parham. Afterwards the procession returned to the lodge room where the lodge was called from labor to refreshment. At 7:30 PM the lodge was ordered from refreshment to labor and the minutes of the last regular communication were read. An account was also presented for payment from Pratt’s Company (Prattville Cotton Mills & Banking Company) for rent of the lodge room. This concluded the lodge’s first St. Johns day.”
Who Are Freemasons?
Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington. Today, more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other “Brother!”
What Freemasons Do
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “the world’s greatest philanthropy!” The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.
You can follow the activities of the Prattville Masonic Lodge #89 at their Facebook page of the same name.
The Prattville Masonic Lodge is located at 100 Maple Street in historic downtown Prattville. For more information visit their website or email [email protected]
