A Masonic History of Middleton
From the town’s earliest settlers to today, Freemasonry has been woven into Middleton’s story for more than 150 years.
Middleton’s first European settlers begin arriving in the area.
Representatives from three Wisconsin lodges meet in Madison to form the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, F. & A.M.
Wisconsin’s Territorial Legislature officially establishes the Town of Middleton.
Middleton’s train depot is built, cementing Middleton Station as the town’s growing center.
Middleton Lodge No. 180 receives its dispensation to form, meeting first above John Green’s store.
The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin issues Middleton No. 180’s official charter.
Middleton holds its first public Masonic ceremony, the funeral of Dr. N.C. Rowley.
Middleton No. 180 moves into shared quarters at Odd Fellows Hall on Parmenter Street.
A major fire destroys nineteen downtown buildings, including Odd Fellows Hall where the lodge met.
Middleton dedicates its first purpose-built Masonic Temple, a relocated former grade school.
The lodge sells its first temple to the Village of Middleton, which becomes the town’s first Village Hall.
Middleton No. 180 dedicates its second Masonic Temple, built from the town’s old high school.
Ionic Lodge No. 352, a Madison sojourner’s lodge, receives its charter.
Grand Master Perry A. Risberg presides over the cornerstone ceremony for Middleton’s current Masonic Temple.
Middleton’s third and current Masonic Temple is formally dedicated by Past Grand Master Donald E. Krueger.
Members of Madison’s Prince Hall lodge visit Middleton No. 180. This marks the first time the two Masonic traditions sat together in a tiled meeting in Wisconsin.
Br. Benjamin F. Detroy, a Past Master of Middleton No. 180, is installed as Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin during the Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication.
Middleton No. 180 and Ionic No. 352 officially merge, forming Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180.