By George Peter

The charter for Scipio Lodge was petitioned for in 1795, only six years after the first settler came to the area. The charter was received in March 1797 signed by Robert Livingston, Grand Master. He administered the oath of office to George Washington. The Lodge first met in private homes, then at the Cayuga Academy until it burned. The building known as “the Chimney Corner” was erected in 1806 as the first home of the Lodge. In 1819 the existing Masonic building was erected and has been used as a meeting place ever since.  The corner stone was laid by DeWitt Clinton, Grand Master of Masons at the time and Governor of the State.

The present building is referred to as a “Living Museum” and as a “Time Capsule.” It is essentially unchanged from the original construction with all of the artifacts and Masonic emblems intact as a part of the whole.

On Sept. 10, 2006 there will be a special rededication of the “Chimney Corner” as a part of the Bicentennial celebration of that building.  That same day the Freemasons will be celebrating the 225 anniversary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. As a part of the celebration there is planned a breakfast at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a “go to church Sunday” at United Ministries, the rededication of “The Chimney Corner,” a lunch at the present Masonic building and at 2:00 PM a video showing of the play, “New Roof – over the edifice of State.” The play is about the making of the Constitution and the role Freemasons and Freemasonry played in the writing of that document. The play will be shown at the Morgan Opera House. The occasion will be a kick off of the Gloria Peter Memorial play writing contest.