Our Heritage & History
Arapahoe No. 130
Arapahoe Lodge was founded in 1908. It began when three men met on March 18 to plan a new lodge. After talking with other Masons, a larger group met on March 30 and agreed to apply for permission from the Grand Lodge.
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Their request was approved on May 18, 1908, and the lodge held its first meeting on May 20 at the Masonic Temple at 16th and Welton Streets. A formal charter was granted on September 21, 1908, and the lodge was officially established the next day with 45 charter members.
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The lodge grew steadily, reaching 587 members by 1960. In 1926, it moved to the Colorado Consistory Temple at 14th and Grant Street.
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The lodge seal features a sun with eight points and the letter “G,” symbolizing God’s presence everywhere. It also includes an American Indian looking over a trail, representing the message of brotherly love.
The name “Arapahoe” honors the Native American tribe that lived in the Denver area before the city was founded, recognizing their presence and legacy.
Arvada No. 130
Focusing on community and deep-rooted brotherhood, Arvada No. 130 became a central pillar of the region's historical and social growth.
Arvada No. 141
The lodge first met above Juchem’s Store and continued there until 1924. Over the years, it met in several locations, including Barth Hall, the Bank Hall, the basement of Wheat Ridge Methodist Church, and the Lakewood Masonic Temple, before moving into its own building in 1949.
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Early lodge items were modest. The original Bible was a gift from Brother Newton’s mother in London. The Square and Compasses were borrowed from Union Lodge No. 7, and the first marshal’s baton was simply a small nickel pipe.
Lecture charts were used until 1916, when they were replaced with lantern slides, which were later shared with other lodges.
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By 1960, the lodge had 588 members.
Paul Revere No. 162
Before 1925, there were only three Masonic lodges in North Denver, and the area needed another.
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On February 8, 1925, a small group of Masons met to discuss forming a new lodge. Soon after, 52 Master Masons signed a petition, which was approved in May 1925. Arthur E. Aldrich was named the first Worshipful Master.
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The first meeting of Paul Revere Lodge (under dispensation) was held on May 20, 1925, at the Highlands Masonic Temple. The lodge quickly grew, receiving 26 petitions in its first few months.
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In August 1925, the lodge invested in the Highlands Masonic Temple, helping secure a permanent home. Later that month, it received its official charter as Paul Revere Lodge No. 162 and was formally established on September 29, 1925.
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The first official meeting under the charter took place on October 7, 1925. Early traditions included a Past Master’s Night, social events like picnics and ladies’ nights, and community involvement, including work with the Fitzsimmons Hospital Committee.
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By 1960, the lodge had grown to 1,043 members.
Westminster No. 176
In the fall of 1948, several Masons working on a building in Dillon, Colorado began discussing the idea of starting a lodge in Westminster. Later that year, Brothers Ivyl R. McCormack and C. Burton Folsom created a list of Master Masons living in Westminster, with help from others.
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Invitations were sent, and on May 3, 1949, eighteen Master Masons met at Brother Folsom’s home and formed the “Westminster Brother Masons,” electing Thomas J. Harrison as chairman.
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Over the next two years, the group held meetings, studied Masonic teachings, prepared a petition to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and gathered equipment. In March 1951, officers were selected in anticipation of approval. Shortly after, Brother Folsom passed away and was replaced by Frank I. Ayer.
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On September 7, 1951, the group officially met to receive the Grand Master and begin work as a lodge under dispensation.
Much of the lodge’s furniture and tools were handmade by members, with additional help from their wives and donations from nearby lodges. Through shared effort and dedication, the lodge was successfully established.
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This account was written by Clarence B. Folsom Jr. in January 1952 and later used for the dedication of the Westminster Masonic Center on November 1, 1966.
Paul Revere No. 130
Paul Revere Lodge No. 130 was created by combining several earlier lodges: Arapahoe No. 130, Arvada No. 130 & 141, Paul Revere No. 162, and Westminster No. 176.
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In 2008, leaders from Westminster and Arvada Lodges began discussing a merger. At the time, Arvada Lodge was already meeting at the Westminster Masonic Center after selling its own building.
Westminster Lodge was facing declining membership, so merging with Arvada Lodge became the best way to stay active and strengthen Freemasonry in the north Denver area.
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The lodges agreed to form a new, unified lodge while honoring their shared history. Instead of choosing a new name, they revived a historic one—Paul Revere Lodge No. 130—which was officially chartered on January 24, 2009.
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On February 10, 2025, after the Westminster Masonic Center was sold, the lodge moved to the Highlands Masonic Temple.
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The lodge’s motto is “Freemasonry in Action!” A new seal and pin were created to reflect this identity, featuring Paul Revere on horseback riding toward the square and compasses—symbolizing action, guidance, and the core values of Freemasonry.
Arapahoe Lodge No. 130 and Arvada Lodge No. 141 were consolidated into Arvada Lodge No. 130 by approval of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in September 1995.
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Arvada Lodge No. 130 and Paul Revere Lodge No. 162 were consolidated into Arvada Lodge No. 130 by approval of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in January 2004.
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Arvada Lodge No. 130 and Westminster Lodge No. 176 were consolidated into Paul Revere Lodge No. 130 by approval of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in January 2009.
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The current consolidated Paul Revere Lodge No. 130 consists of Arapahoe Lodge No. 130, Arvada Lodge No. 141, Paul Revere Lodge No .162, Arvada Lodge No. 130 and Westminster Lodge No. 176. We have been practicing Masonry in Colorado since 1908.
History of Consolidation
The consolidation of our heritage lodges ensures that the light of Masonry continues to shine brightly in our community, preserving our past while building our future.