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Arlington Lodge #58
Arlington #58: Our Masonic History
Arlington Lodge No. 58, F.&A.M. | "The Great 58"
Established October 1888
A Legacy of Brotherhood, Leadership, and Service Since 1888
For 138 years, Arlington Lodge No. 58 has stood as a testament to perseverance, brotherhood, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
Throughout our history, the members of Arlington Lodge No. 58 have remained steadfast in preserving the vision entrusted to us by our founding brethren. Through challenges, triumphs, and generations of dedicated leadership, our Lodge has continued to uphold the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Our history is more than a record of dates and accomplishments. It is the story of men whose dedication to Masonry, leadership, and community service has left an enduring legacy throughout Arlington County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and beyond.
The Founding of Arlington Lodge No. 58
The history of Prince Hall Freemasonry in Virginia dates to 1845, when Universal Lodge No. 1 of Alexandria became the first Masonic Lodge organized by Black men in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
More than four decades later, in October 1888, Arlington Lodge was granted its charter and designated Lodge No. 58.
The Lodge's first officers were:
Office Founding Officer
Worshipful Master Henry L. Holmes
Senior Warden Tibbett Allen
Junior Warden S. H. Thompson
Treasurer James Tunston
Secretary Edmund C. Fleet, Sr.
Senior Deacon Robert E. Smith
Junior Deacon Abraham Pinn
Chaplain Henry Thomas
Tiler John Alexander
These pioneering brethren established the foundation upon which generations of Masons would build the distinguished history of Arlington Lodge No. 58.
Henry L. Holmes: Our First Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master Henry L. Holmes (1888–1889) was not only the first Master of Arlington Lodge No. 58 but also an influential public servant and community leader.
Brother Holmes served as Commissioner of Revenue for Arlington County from July 1, 1876, through December 31, 1903, completing more than 27 years of uninterrupted public service.
His contributions extended well beyond government. He was a longtime member of Stevens Lodge No. 1425 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, and later one of the founders of St. John Baptist Church.
Together with W. H. Butler, he helped develop the Butler-Holmes subdivision in what is now Central Arlington.
Brother Holmes passed away on April 13, 1905, at the age of 55. His legacy of leadership and community service was honored through a building bearing his name.
A portrait of Brother Holmes is displayed in the Arlington County Commissioner of Revenue's offices in the Bozman Government Building. The portrait was donated in 1985 by the Arlington Links Club and is reported to have previously hung in the original Holmes library building.
His life exemplifies the lasting influence a Mason can have when he dedicates himself to the betterment of his community.
Perseverance Through Adversity
Following the passing of Brother Holmes, Arlington Lodge No. 58 continued its Masonic labors at the Stevens Lodge Odd Fellows Building.
During World War II, the Lodge experienced a period of inactivity. However, the spirit of its founding brethren endured.
With the assistance of Lincoln Lodge No. 11 of Alexandria, Arlington Lodge No. 58 was reorganized in 1945.
On July 19, 1945, a dispensation was granted to elect officers, and Brother John Galloway was elected Worshipful Master.
This reorganization marked an important chapter in the Lodge's history and reaffirmed the commitment of its members to preserving the institution for future generations.
The Fire of 1963
In 1963, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the Stevens Lodge Odd Fellows Building, resulting in the loss of many irreplaceable books, records, and historical documents.
Fortunately, several historical ledgers survived. These records are preserved in the Virginia Room of the Arlington County Central Library as part of the Edmund C. Fleet, Jr. Collection.
Following the fire, Arlington Lodge No. 58 continued meeting at the Hoffman-Boston School in South Arlington. During this period, Lodge records were safeguarded in the homes of its Secretaries and Worshipful Masters.
Despite the loss of its meeting place and much of its written history, the Lodge remained committed to its Masonic mission.
Preserving Our Masonic Heritage: The Tiler's Sword
Among the most treasured possessions of Arlington Lodge No. 58 is its original Tiler's Sword. The sword was donated in 1888 by Brother Edmund C. Fleet, Sr., one of the Lodge's founding officers. During the devastating fire of 1963, Brother Edmund C. Fleet, Jr., courageously saved the sword from destruction. Evidence of the fire and the risk associated with its rescue can still be seen on the sword's handle.
For many years, the sword remained in the safekeeping of the Fleet family.
At the dedication of the Lodge's new building in 1994, Mrs. Alice Fleet, widow of Brother Edmund C. Fleet, Jr., returned the sword to Arlington Lodge No. 58.
Today, this historic artifact symbolizes the sacrifices, perseverance, and dedication of the brethren who came before us.
A Permanent Home: 2222 South Shirlington Road
In 1994, Arlington Lodge No. 58 reached another significant milestone when it moved into its current home at 2222 South Shirlington Road, Arlington, Virginia.
The completion of the Lodge building represented years of determination and commitment by members who envisioned a permanent home for future generations of Prince Hall Masons.
Worshipful Past Master Maurice A. Spraggins was the original designer of the building and played an important role in shaping the Lodge's physical legacy. The building continues to serve as a gathering place for Masonic fellowship, education, charitable endeavors, and community engagement.
Our Connection to the Order of the Eastern Star
On September 7, 1945, Arlington Lodge No. 58 adopted Arlington Chapter No. 173, Order of the Eastern Star, as its appendant body.
The Chapter was established to provide opportunities for fellowship, service, and charitable work among eligible female relatives of Freemasons and affiliated brethren.
Its first officers included:
Sister Gladys Scott Payne, Worthy Matron
Brother George Gee, Worthy Patron
This relationship represents another important chapter in the Lodge's commitment to family, fellowship, and service.
Excellence in Masonic Ritual and Leadership
Arlington Lodge No. 58 has a distinguished tradition of excellence in Masonic education, ritualistic proficiency, and leadership.
In 1981, Arlington Lodge No. 58 won the prestigious Jewel Contest conducted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia.
This competition recognizes subordinate Lodges for their proficiency in Masonic floor work and ritualistic performance.
The achievement remains an important distinction in the Lodge's history.
A Grand Master from Arlington Lodge No. 58
On September 18, 1986, Past Master William F. Milton, Jr., was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, becoming the first member of Arlington Lodge No. 58 to enter the elected Grand Lodge officer line.
In 1996, Brother Milton ascended to the distinguished office of Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons for the Jurisdiction of Virginia.
His achievement represents one of the most significant leadership milestones in the history of Arlington Lodge No. 58.
Excellence in Masonic Ritual and Leadership
Distinguished Grand Lodge Service
Throughout its history, Arlington Lodge No. 58 has produced numerous brethren who have served the Grand Lodge of Virginia in elected and appointed capacities.
Among these distinguished brethren are:
* Past Master Jesse Graham — District Deputy Grand Master
* Past Master John M. Doles — District Deputy Grand Master
* Past Master Thomas E. Adams, Sr. — Committee on Work
* Past Master James T. Gaskill, Jr. — Assistant District Deputy Grand Master
* Past Master Quincy A. Henderson — Grand Pursuivant
* Brother Rufus B. Robinson — Assistant Grand Pursuivant
* Past Master Archie Green, Jr. — Senior Grand Steward
* Past Master Carlton W. Newton — Committee on Work (1996 – 2006)
* Past Master Eddie A. Key — Committee on Work (2014 – 2017)
* Past Master Neville A. Welch — Committee on Budget (2017); Right Worshipful Grand
Director (2018–2021)
* Past Master Antonio R. Adams — Committee on Health
* Past Master Julius D. Spain, Sr. — Publication Committee; Jurisprudence Committee;
Right Worshipful Grand Director (2015–2018)
* Past Master Cordon Green — Assistant Grand Marshal (2026 – Present)
Their service reflects the Arlington Lodge #58's longstanding commitment to developing leaders who contribute to the advancement of Prince Hall Freemasonry throughout the Commonwealth.
Celebrating 125 Years of Brotherhood
On November 2, 2013, during the administration of Worshipful Master Eddie A. Key, Arlington Lodge No. 58 celebrated its 125th Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Ceremony.
The celebration was held at Spates Hall Community Club and Conference Center, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Myer, Virginia.
The occasion commemorated 125 years of Masonic labor while celebrating the successful retirement of the Lodge's building mortgage.
It was a testament to the financial stewardship, sacrifices, and dedication of the brethren who worked to secure the Lodge's future.
Continuing the Legacy: The Great 58
From its founding in 1888 to the present day, Arlington Lodge No. 58 has remained committed to the advancement of Freemasonry and the betterment of the communities it serves.
The generations of brethren who have passed through our doors have contributed to a legacy defined by leadership, charity, fellowship, and unwavering devotion to Masonic principles.
Today, under the leadership of Worshipful Master Reginald Rogers, we continue the work entrusted to us by our founding brethren.
Our mission remains rooted in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, developing men of character, preserving our rich Masonic heritage, and demonstrating the values of Freemasonry through our acts and meaningful service to others.
As we honor those who came before us, we recognize that our greatest responsibility is not simply to preserve their accomplishments but to build upon them.
We remain guided by the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, with a renewed commitment to faith, fellowship, and community service.
Our Legacy Continues
For more than a century, the light of Masonry has continued to shine through the labors of Arlington Lodge No. 58.
May our work today honor the sacrifices of yesterday and inspire the generations of tomorrow.
Arlington Lodge No. 58, F.&A.M.
“The Great 58”
"Let the world see how Masons love one another."
