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Brothers of the Mystic Tie - Libby Lodge No. 85
Demonstrating Fraternal Brotherhood

In the course of time and events, Libby Lodge No. standard and a goal to be aspired to by other Lodges
85, had made the hard decision to surrender their who may fi nd themselves in the sad position of having
Charter. It is well documented that they tried, they to surrender their Lodge Charter.
owned their building, they had funds, and they had
a few dedicated members. Libby Lodge No. 85 was There are of course other lodges who do not feel
Chartered on September 19, 1912. However, in this that they should support the fraternity by sending their
small rural community of 2,691 (making it the 28th assets to Grand Lodge. Some feel that they would
largest city in the state), with an employment rate of rather give assets to the local community. Of course
40.2%., they were having a hard time obtaining enough in most cases when a lodge surrenders its Charter, at
new members to keep them viable. least in Montana, its because they aren't getting any
new members which translates to the community not
Those Brothers took the time and said, “We know supporting one of their own. Libby Lodge loved their
we’re going to close, we’re not able to operate in the community just as much as members of Lodges in
future, but we think something we can do will benefi t other communities but, they also knew that the support
all the Masons throughout the state. After many for new members wasn't there. The members of Libby
discussions in Lodge, and with their District Offi cer Lodge No. 85 had a clear recognition of their higher
and the Grand Secretary. The Lodge started the process obligations as a fraternal institution, a member of the
of closing and surrendering their Charter. In the years Masonic family, a society of friends and brothers.
since its founding, many organizations have benefi ted They saw that the greatest impact and most signifi cant
from the charity of the Libby Lodge, before closing thing they could do was demonstrate their care and
the Lodge just as they had done for many years they love for our fraternity by making this gift. Their Lodge
made a couple small donations to local organizations. had helped make Libby better and stronger, this gift
from their members has done the same for all Masons
The members of Libby Lodge wanted the remainder in Montana.
of their assets to go to Grand Lodge. It was their desire
that their funds, about $36,000 or so, would help all To the members of Libby Lodge - Thank You!
of the Masons in Montana, and it was decided Lodge
that the best way to help every Mason in the state, was
to try to off set per capita by the use their funds. That
simple act means we’re probably not going to go up
for a few more years after this. That is a very selfl ess
aim on the part of a few brothers who no longer have a
lodge. They’re still Masons, because they’re going to
join another lodge, but that lodge will no longer exist.

Libby Lodge also held a $20,000 note they had made
to help another fraternal organization in Libby, the Odd
Fellows Lodge. There’s about $16,000 remaining on
that note, Libby Lodge wanted that note, the monthly
payments from the Odd Fellows, to go to Grand Lodge
specifi cally to help pay for a clerical assistant for our
Grand Secretary, Daniel Gardiner. They knew that
he’s very busy and really needed the help. They had
commented that the Grand Secretaries over the years
all had all been very helpful and supportive of their
Lodge.
These selfl ess brothers have by their actions
demonstrated in great measure the meaning of the
mystic tie that binds us in brotherhood. They set a

Volume 95 Number 1 Montana Freemason Page 19