History

Acacia Lodge No. 16 Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons

"The Greatest Little Lodge in the Commonwealth of Virginia"

7135 Main Street Clifton Virginia 20124

Stated communication 1st Thursday, starting with a meal at 6:30pm. Meeting at 7:30pm.

Under a dispensation issued by the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia on March 11, 1876, the first regular meeting of Acacia Lodge was held on March 24, 1876. On April 24, 1876, Mr. George W. Marshall and Joseph F. Anderson were introduced separately and initiated as the first Entered Apprentices of Acacia Lodge. Brother Anderson was subsequently raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 22, 1876, thus becoming the first Master Mason to be raised in Acacia Lodge.

On December 11, 1877, a charter was granted to Acacia Lodge No. 16 with George P. Wright, Worshipful Master. The Lodge held its meetings at various locations in Clifton, including other Lodges in the District. On January 12, 1903, it was agreed to purchase the Mill Property in Clifton as a Lodge. In June 1920, the Mill was moved to its present location and became the temple of Acacia Lodge.

Over the years the facility has been used by the Clifton PTA, young mens club and the Boy Scouts.

On May 27, 1866, the Lodge laid the cornerstone of Oak Grove Methodist Church. On November 24, 1910, the Lodge laid the cornerstone of Clifton Baptist Church and on December 18, 1925, it laid the cornerstone of the Crittenden Home property.