Our History & Purpose

The story of Elisha Lodge No. 106 begins on August 30, 1930 — a date that marks not only the founding of the Lodge but the ignition of a Masonic flame that has burned steadily through nearly a century of change, challenge, and growth. Under the guiding hand of Brother Jesse D. Williams, a dedicated group of Brethren gathered for regular communication on Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati’s East End.

As the fraternity grew in membership and stature, it quickly became clear that the original site could no longer accommodate the Lodge’s expanding needs. In 1944 they acted decisively, relocating to new quarters at the corner of Court and John Streets in the old West End of Cincinnati.

The year 1945 brought a pivotal moment that would forever shape the identity of Elisha Lodge. Delphi Lodge — a newly formed body operating under dispensation — petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio for a Charter. The Grand Lodge counseled consolidation with Elisha Lodge No. 106.

The merger proved transformative. From the union of these two bodies emerged one of the finest Lodges in the State of Ohio — distinguished not merely by age, but by the caliber, dedication, and vision of its leadership.

In the decades following the merger, Elisha Lodge continued its pattern of forward movement — from the basement of Mount Zion Church to the YMCA on Melrose Avenue in Walnut Hills. In 1962, reconstruction of the YMCA necessitated another transition; by majority vote of the Craft, the Lodge relocated to 817 Windham Avenue, where it would meet on the first and third Saturdays until January 6, 1992.

In 1989, under Worshipful Master Michael Frye, the Lodge formed a Special Investment Committee. In November 1990, Past Master John Nolan identified a commercial property at 6110 Hamilton Avenue. On May 13, 1991, the transaction was successfully closed — for the very first time since 1930, Elisha Lodge was the obligated owner and steward of its own building.

This revitalization bore distinguished fruit: Elisha Lodge earned recognition as “Lodge of the Year,” “Worshipful Master of the Year,” and forged a lasting fraternal alliance with Claude F. Wise Lodge No. 171 of St. Louis, Missouri.

The new millennium brought unforeseen difficulties. After years of effort to stabilize the Hamilton Avenue property, the building was sold in 2009. True to form, the Lodge adapted — relocating in 2010 to 1647 Clayton Street, a facility owned by the Shriners’ Sinai Temple No. 59. This remains the Lodge’s current meeting location.