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Michael L. Finnell Lodge No. 711 History 

 

 On October 20, 1932... 

 

 

On April 26, 1932 Master Masons from Yellow Springs Lodge # 421, New Carlisle Lodge # 100, and Xenia Lodge # 49 met under dispensation until a Charter was granted to them by the Grand Lodge of Ohio on October 20, 1932. The first Worshipful Master was Howard C. Sheetz a Past Master of New Carlisle Lodge. The first Senior and Junior Wardens were Orville Armstrong and Ira Kneisley respectively, with Walter Gray being the first Secretary.
    In April of 1950 the Brethren moved from the original Temple on N. Broad Street to the second Temple on N. First Street. On March 9, 1954 the first 711 Bulletin was published, a tradition that continues to this day. On September 28th, 1956 Howard Sheetz received his 33rd degree. Michael L. Finnell's membership reached 754 Masons in July 1960 and in November of that same year they sponsored the formation of Fairborn Lodge # 764. On May 27th, 1972 the Brethren raised 13 Master Masons in one day.
    On July 14th, 1974 the Lodge moved to it's present location on W. Yellow Springs-Fairfield Road along with Fairborn Lodge # 764. Within three years The Fairborn Masonic Temple was paid for and on april 23rd, 1977 a mortgage burning ceremony was held. On March 20th, 1982 the Brethern celebrated the 50th Anniversary with Michael L. Finnell Lodge # 711 being Reconsecrated by Most Worshipful Brother Charles B. Moody, where at that time the membership stood at 642 Brethren.
     In 2008 the Brethren celebrated the 75th Anniversary and continue into the new millenium as an active Lodge in the Super 8th Masonic District.