What was or is the LITHOPOLIS LODGE? I have an article from the HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO , by Harvey Scott (1795-1876) (reprinted by the Fairfield County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society) 1983 The Lithopolis Lodge is listed as one of the lodges within the county and beyond Lancaster. The book states that the lodge was instituted January 21st, 1848. Charter-members were: JOSHUA GLANVILLE, WILLIAM TEEGARDIN, DANIEL TEEGARDEN, PETER TEEGARDIN, JOHN B. MOORE, ZEBULON PERRIL, JACOB TEEGARDEN, DANIEL MILLER, JOSEPH MILLER, JOHN SMITH, W.W. HITE, WILLIAM RILEY, JACOB SHROCK AND WILLIAM JACOBS. Number of members in March 1877 was 75. The regular meetings of this Lodge are held on Friday evenings preceding each full moon, but if the moon fulls on Friday evening, then the meeting takes place on that evening. WHAT did the full moon have to do with this lodge? Thanks in advance. Ruth Sprowls

The Lithopolis Lodge must have been an order of Freemasons. Masonic lodges in earlier times held their monthly meetings as close as possible to the full moon, out of necessity. The meetings were held outdoors and at night, either on a hill or in a clearing in the woods. The natural illumination of the full moon helped make it easier for the lodge members to see during the proceedings. Some Masonic groups today still hold their meetings as close as possible to a full moon, out of a sense of tradition.