In December 1987, the idea of forming a lodge in the Columbia, Maryland area was the brainchild of Past Master (PM) Maceo Boston Jr., PM Tommie S. Kirk, Brother Walter E. Fernandez, and Brother David H. White. They noticed that there were many Brothers in the Fort Meade, MD area that were not affiliated with any Lodge in the area, dropped from the rolls, or just inactive for one reason or another. The four approached Special Deputy Grandmasters Shelton D. Redden and LeRoy A. Lassiter with their vision of a Lodge in Columbia, MD.

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In February 1988, an energetic group of young men comprised of PM Boston, PM Tommie S. Kirk, Walter E. Fernandez, Robert W. Criss, Moses Hollins, David H. White, James Prioleau, Melvin M. Thorpe, and Ira Mayfield assembled at the Four Winds Noncommissioned Officers Club on Fort Meade. At this meeting came the stimulus, the Lodge’s name, and the paperwork that would get the lodge off the ground. Officers were appointed with the understanding that an Election be held immediately after a Charter was received. Appointed Chartered Officers were Worshipful Master Walter E. Fernandez, Senior Warden Robert W.

Criss, Junior Warden Ira Mayfield, Secretary Maceo Boston Jr., Treasurer Moses Hollins, Senior Deacon David H. White, Junior Deacon Melvin M. Thorpe, and Tyler Marshall Smith.  At a subsequent meeting, other interested Masons joined the vision to establish a Lodge in Columbia.

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The Lodge worked toward building its coffers and making a name for itself. Several small successful fundraisers were held. Being under dispensation was good news. Everything was in order for a Charter. In August 1988, at the Annual Grand Lodge Session, held at Solomon Island, Maryland, Maceo Boston Jr. Lodge No. 145 received its Charter from The Honorable Samuel T. Daniels, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland. Election of Officers immediately followed

resulting in the Chartered Officers retaining their offices. PM Tommie Kirk supervised the Lodge’s first class of Master Masons that consisted of Carl Lee Johnson, William H. Robinson, and Clifton Veney.

 

Since the Lodge’s inception, 24 Worshipful Masters have served. The membership of the Lodge has grown from 25 to a current membership of 62. The Charities of Maceo Boston Jr. Lodge No. 145 are varied and include assisting individuals and local

churches, donations to the Howard County, Maryland General Hospital, the Howard County Food Bank, awarding scholarships through the David H. White Scholarship Fund, and others.