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Freemasonry in Washington began with Olympia #1 Lodge in 1852. The first lodge in Seattle was St Johns #9, chartered in 1860. As the Seattle population grew, Eureka #20 Lodge was chartered on September 4, 1873.
Eureka met in several locations before the Main Masonic Temple was completed in 1916 at the intersection of Harvard and East Pine streets in Seattle. Eureka participated in the financing of this building and it became the home for Eureka for the next 53 years. Eureka then moved to the Green Lake Masonic Temple in 1969. In 1992, Eureka received funds for its stock in the Main Masonic Temple when the building was sold. Those funds combined with the assets built up over the years and prudent investment now provides the lodge with sufficient income for operating expenses and a reasonable level of Masonic charity.
Declining membership in Masonic organizations in recent years has led to consolidation of some local lodges. Seattle Lodge No. 164 merged with Eureka in 1980.
From the beginning the lodge has filled an active place in the life of the community and the membership has included many who have by their actions helped formulate the ideals and set the standards promoted by the Craft. Members have included an early City Treasurer, a State Treasurer, Grand Masters of Oregon and Washington, a Judge of the Supreme Court, a State Adjutant General and a long time King County Treasurer, Melvin J. R. Williams who was Master in 1937 and Secretary of the lodge for twenty-two years. Other members have served with distinction in WW I & II, Vietnam and Iraq. Many others too numerous to mention have served the nation, community and this lodge with equal vigor.
We look back with pride on more than 130 years of Masonic Fellowship and service in keeping with the highest ideals of the Craft. Now may we dedicate ourselves to move forward with renewed Faith in God, Charity for all mankind and Hope for the future of our Country and this Lodge.
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