Masonic Hall1008 Edgar StreetHollidaysburg PA 16648

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The word "Portage" had a very definite meaning to the people of Hollidaysburg, which by the the year 1846 had a population of approximatley 2,000 persons, among them a number of masons. During the summer 1846 a small band of Freemasons in Hollidaysburg decided to organize a Masonic lodge. Having made their application in due form, the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at the quarterly communication held September 7, 1846, acted favorably on their petition.

One month later, October 8, 1846 the first of five meetings

of "applicants" was held in Hollidaysburg whereupon committees

were appointed to procure a room for meetings of the lodge,

regalia, the necessary furniture and a bible for the use of the lodge.

One week later, October 15, 1846, the second meeting was held

in Gaysport in the upper part of the house in which Mr. Kennedy's

store was kept, a space which was procured for lodge meetings.

This building no. 120 Broad Street is still standing today and is

the private residence of Donald Greaser, a member of Portage

Lodge, also presented was an elegant Quarto Bible for the use of

the lodge. This same Bible rest on our alter today.

Three weeks later, November 3, 1846, they met again when Brother

William Williams was appointed to procure a seal and Ahiman

Rezon for the use of the lodge. These items were purchased and

delivered at a meeting held on November 17, 1846.

The last meeting of the applicants before the constituting of the

lodge was held on November 24, 1846, at which time the by-laws

were read and adopted. the warrant, having been received.

They are now ready to work, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

authorized and empowered Brother John R.Weeks, PM of

Lewistown Lodge No. 203 to install the officers. Past Master John

R. Weeks appeared on December 3, 1846, and having produced

his authority after convening the lodge, a Past Masters lodge was

opened in ancient form and Michael Kelly was duly installed as

Worshipful Master of Portage Lodge No. 220; Irwin Horrell, as

Senior Warden; Benjamin E. Betts, as Junior Warden; John Martin,

as Treasurer, and Joseph D. Bilcs, as Secretary. A Master Mason's

lodge was then opened in due form at 7:00 o'clock PM.

Portage Lodge No. 220 now meets at 1008 Edgar Street Hollidaysburg, along with Juniata Lodge No. 282, in a building jointly owned by it's members. It is to the Past Masters that credit be given for the constitution, for the survival

and for the progress of Portage Lodge, and to it"s members for their continued support.