The History of Barker Lodge in West Point, KY ...
The History of Barker Lodge in West Point, KY ...
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A brief history of West Point, KY
A brief history of West Point, KY
The history of Barker Lodge indirectly goes back as far as the history of the city of West Point itself. West Point became a permanent settlement in the year 1769 when a young Virginia planter, James Young arrived at the confluence of the Salt and Ohio Rivers and established the town.
West Point's strategic location at the confluence of two important rivers and on the main road into Louisville, made it a busy small town and also an important military objective during the Civil War. In September 1861, the 6th Michigan Infantry Regiment occupied West Point, and commenced work on breastworks and fortifications atop Pearman Hill known as Fort Hill (later, Fort Duffield).
Our Charter
Our Charter
Although the first forays into Masonry in West Point and the surrounding area were as early as 1803, in 1843 residents of West Point petitioned the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for permission to organize a Masonic Lodge. Permission was granted in that same year, and Dr. Thos. D. Geoghegan (B. 8/23/1810 D. 12/09/1863) served as the first Master.
The First Lodge
The First Lodge
For the first few years they met in Young's Inn (110 Elm Street, West Point, KY). James Young (B. 2/15/1767 D. 7/31/1849) was the innkeeper.
The Second and Third Lodges
The Second and Third Lodges
In 1847 James Young (B. 2/15/1767 D. 7/31/1849) donated a lot on which to build a lodge, church or seminary and soon after a large, two-story, brick lodge hall was erected at the present location, with a church next door.
When the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1930, it was replaced by the current lodge in the same year.
The current Barker Lodge is a two-story brick structure with a pediment and Masonic ornamentation, built on the foundation of the second lodge.
Circa late 1800's Barker Lodge "as-yet unidentified" lodge members
Barker lodge with its "original" meeting times on Saturdays. Now we meet on Thursdays.
Where we are today
Where we are today
The brethren of Barker Lodge keeps the spirit of faith, hope, and charity alive by gathering donations for needy children, widows and orphans and also operating as a 501c organization, raising money via breakfasts, dinners, and hosting occasional raffles and charitable events.
Original locator sign from Dixie Hwy.
Our facade and lodge sign
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