On a bright Sunday morning in the historic town of Nevadaville, a large crowd of hungry visitors lined up at the Masonic Nevada Lodge #4 to partake in the Historic Colorado Miner’s Breakfast. The annual event has been going strong since 1976 as a way for the Masons to fund repair and restoration of a local historic treasure.

The Lodge was founded in 1860 as part of the Grand Lodge of Kansas Territory. After only one regular meeting, the lodge relinquished their charter and came under the jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge of Colorado who had taken over the territory. In 1873, the Masonic Cemetery was established for the exclusive use of Masons and their relatives.

The lodge originally met in an upper room of the Ira H. Morton building in Nevadaville (then called Nevada City) until the town burned in September 1861. The current building was constructed in 1879, and the first official meeting of the Nevada Lodge #4 was held on January 24, 1880. The fine stone and wood timber building was erected for $7,471.35. The ground floor of the new Masonic Hall had rental space for shops (such as a meat market and a barbershop), and the upper story contains the 22 foot by 45 foot lodge room along with the Tiler’s room (which is currently undergoing much- needed renovations), and a preparation room. The remainder of the second floor was for offices and sleeping quarters. The exterior is primarily load-bearing stone with a beautiful cast-iron storefront, which has grandly and gracefully withstood over nearly 150 years of harsh winters (for many years with very little care).

The building was used regularly for the next 60 years, but when the gold was gone Nevadaville’s population dwindled substantially, with the town becoming virtually uninhabited during World War II. The Nevada Lodge #4 moved their meeting to the Lodge in Central City (which currently houses Ermel’s Thrift Store), and the grand old building was boarded up in 1937, left to fend for herself against the ravages of time and vandals. The building sat unused and unloved for over 20 years.

In 1958, a raging debate occurred between the current members of the Lodge. A motion was made to demolish the building due to the estimated restoration costs that exceeded $10,000, and to erect a monument at the site. The motion was amended to save the building instead, and it was overwhelmingly approved.

The endeavor did not gather steam for seven years. In January of 1965, the topic was again discussed, resulting in a committee being appointed to explore the possibilities of moving the Nevada Lodge #4 meetings back to the once grand dame in Nevadaville. In March of that same year, the committee reported that the Grand Master, John Wesch, and the Grand Secretary, Harry Bundy, would visit the building in Nevadaville with the goal of approving the possibility of having a meeting in Nevadaville. Approval for the meeting was given, and the members began the arduous task to clean up the building and prepare to host a triumphant return to the lodge that had sat empty for so long. The preparations were achieved, and on June 19, 1965, the first annual meeting was held with 14 members and 80 visitors in attendance.

Brother Roy Weingarten was one of those in attendance that day, and now 57 years later he is still a big part of the Lodge. Brother Weingarten has many fond memories of his time with the Lodge. He was heavily involved in the early stages of restoration, and recalls the first time he spent the night amongst the ghosts and history.

On September 23, 1972, a vote was taken on the proposed changes to the by- laws to move the charter from Central City to Nevadaville during the months of May, June, July, August, and September without dispensation at the Master’s pleasure. The change was approved by the Grand Master and it is believed that Nevada Lodge #4 is the only Colorado Lodge to ever have a floating charter. Nevada Lodge #4 now meets, on a regular basis, in the Temple in Nevadaville on the second and fourth Saturday of the month during the fair weather months.

The annual breakfast was born in 1976 by suggestion of Brother Weingarten. His vision was to have the Temple Association be formed so that Temple funds could be separated from Lodge funds. A work party for the cemetery was scheduled for May 16, 1976. A breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and sausage would be served to all that assisted in the cleanup at $1 per person at the Nevadaville Temple. Initially, the breakfast was held on the Sunday after Mother’s Day and, because of inclement weather on several occasions, it was moved to its present time of July in 1985. This breakfast has become the biggest fundraiser for the restoration of the Temple and is attended by Brethren and friends all over the state.

The results of the many endeavors of the members over the last 50-plus years shine in stark contrast to boarded- up windows. The grand meeting room has been lovingly restored, and many treasures that have been preserved over the years are on display. The room envelopes the visitor in an atmosphere of brotherhood, honor and history. The current Worshipful Master, Tony Clark, reminds us that the purpose of The Masons is leadership, coaching and mentoring. This room very much lends itself to that same determination.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong was in attendance at the breakfast celebration. Sheriff Armstrong has been a Mason for nearly 20 years, following in the path that was laid by his family. He proudly noted that he is in the process of changing his membership to the Nevada Lodge #4 – just another step in his efforts to further engage in the sense of community of Gilpin County. Joe Marr, who is running for Commissioner, was also present. He readily acknowledges the importance that the Masons have in the overall community of Gilpin County, and is hopeful that the Lodge can continue to provide a place for folks to gather and support one another.

The Annual ghost town meeting, breakfast and the Gold Country Actual Past Masters Association are the main sources of funding for the Lodge, as well as many donations made regularly from Brethren and friends with a goal of returning the once Grand Dame back to her former glory.

Although the mood of the crowd was light-hearted and cheery, a festival if you will, it was very evident that this historic treasure is appreciated by the residents as well as many visitors. As happy children played on the dusty dirt road that runs the length of the town, elders reminisced about how far the restoration has come, and how grateful they are to be a part of this community that is Gilpin County.

To find out more information about the Nevadaville Masonic Lodge, check out https://nevadamasoniclodge4.org/ about/.