A Heritage Beginning in 1854
The history of Claremont Lodge No. 64 is closely intertwined with the history of Sumter, South Carolina, and the generations of men who have sought to uphold the principles of Freemasonry within their community.
Organized in 1854 and chartered in 1855 under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina, Claremont Lodge emerged during a period when Sumterville (now Sumter) was still developing as a community and Freemasonry was establishing an enduring presence throughout the region.
From its earliest years, the Lodge brought together men committed to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Their dedication established a foundation upon which succeeding generations would build, even as the Lodge encountered the challenges of war, economic uncertainty, changing communities, and the passage of time.
Among the men instrumental in establishing Claremont Lodge was Dr. Wesley W. Brunson, who served as its first Worshipful Master. His leadership during the Lodge's formative years began a tradition of service that has continued through successive generations of Masonic leadership.
Through the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and the many changes that followed, Claremont Lodge maintained its identity and continued its Masonic work. Although the Lodge would experience considerable challenges and losses throughout its history, it never surrendered its charter.
A Legacy Beyond Our Own Lodge
Throughout its history, Claremont Lodge No. 64 has played an important role in the development of Freemasonry in Sumter and the surrounding communities. Its influence extended beyond its own Lodge room through the establishment of four additional Masonic Lodges, each contributing to the growth of the fraternity.
Sumter Lodge No. 120 (1866–1875) was the first of these Lodges to emerge from Claremont. Established in the years immediately following the American Civil War, it represented an early expansion of organized Freemasonry within the Sumter community. After nine years of existence as a separate Lodge, Sumter Lodge No. 120 consolidated back into Claremont.
Utopia Lodge No. 303 (1913–1922) followed several decades later. Like its predecessor, Utopia Lodge developed from Claremont before eventually consolidating back into its parent Lodge.
America Lodge No. 352 (1929–1942) represented another chapter in the expansion of Freemasonry in Sumter. Established during a period that would soon be marked by the Great Depression and the approach of World War II, America Lodge continued its work until consolidating back into Claremont in 1942.
The fourth Lodge, Sumter Lodge No. 364 (1946–2022), followed a different course. Established through the efforts of Brothers from Claremont, it continued its Masonic work for more than seven decades. In 2022, Sumter Lodge No. 364 consolidated with Hillcrest Lodge No. 397 to form Dalzell Lodge No. 431, carrying a branch of Claremont's Masonic heritage into a new chapter.
The histories of these four Lodges illustrate Claremont's lasting influence upon Freemasonry in the Sumter area. Although each followed its own path, all remain important parts of the Lodge's larger historical legacy.
Among the significant historical documents preserved by Claremont is the original 1866 Warrant of Constitution of Sumter Lodge No. 120. While Sumter Lodge No. 120 ceased to exist as a separate Lodge in 1875, its original warrant survives in Claremont's possession, providing a tangible connection to the earliest expansion of Freemasonry from the Lodge.
Establishing a Lasting Home
Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Claremont Lodge experienced changes in meeting places, facilities, and organizational circumstances.
As Sumter grew and developed, the Lodge adapted to the needs of its membership while maintaining its commitment to Masonic instruction, fellowship, and charitable service.
The history of its meeting places includes periods of relocation, construction, and the loss of important property through fire. These events created practical difficulties for the Lodge and lasting challenges for those seeking to preserve its history.
Nevertheless, the Brothers continued their work.
The effort to secure suitable accommodations for Masonic activities became a recurring concern, reflecting the importance placed upon providing a permanent and dignified home for the Craft.
The Lodge's history is therefore not merely a record of the buildings in which its members assembled, but also a testament to the determination of the Brotherhood to preserve a place where Freemasonry could continue to flourish.
The Masonic Temple Fire of 1943
On January 8, 1943, a devastating fire struck the Masonic Temple Building on East Liberty Street in Sumter, causing extensive damage and destroying numerous possessions belonging to Claremont Lodge No. 64.
The destruction extended far beyond the physical building. Among the irreplaceable losses were photographs of many Past Masters, collected over generations; the Lodge's Masonic paraphernalia; historic jewels dating to 1855; a treasured photograph of honorary member Brother Joseph Seymour; and the old Worshipful Master's chair.
The loss of the chair carried particular sentimental significance. In February 1944, Past Master Henry P. Moses recalled that his grandfather, his father, and he himself had all occupied the same chair while serving as Worshipful Master of Claremont Lodge.
That single piece of furniture had witnessed three generations of one family's service in the East. Its destruction represented the loss of a physical connection between the Lodge's past and present.
Claremont's original 1855 charter was also lost to fire. On June 24, 1943, Most Worshipful O. Frank Hart, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina, attested that a replacement charter had been issued in place of the original.
The Grand Secretary's attestation stated:
“Issued in lieu of original charter which was burned.”
Although the original document was destroyed, Claremont's chartered identity and authority continued without surrender.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Brotherhood continued its Masonic work and accepted the temporary use of the Community Center while addressing the consequences of the disaster.
The events of 1943 remain among the most significant material losses in Claremont's history. They also serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of preserving the historical documents, artifacts, and traditions entrusted to each succeeding generation.
Preserving the First Century: Brother Thomas McAlpin Stubbs
One of the most important contributions to Claremont Lodge's historical preservation came from Brother Thomas McAlpin Stubbs.
In 1949, at the request of the Lodge, Brother Stubbs undertook the task of compiling a written history of Claremont Lodge and Freemasonry in Sumter.
Drawing upon surviving Lodge records, Grand Lodge proceedings, historical documents, and other available materials, he reconstructed much of the Lodge's first century.
His work, A History of Claremont Lodge No. 64 A.F.M. and Affiliated Lodges, preserved information that might otherwise have become increasingly difficult to recover.
Brother Stubbs recognized the limitations imposed by missing and destroyed records. Rather than overlooking those difficulties, he acknowledged them and sought to assemble the most complete account possible from the evidence available to him.
His undertaking was especially important in the years following the 1943 fire, which had destroyed numerous historical articles and Masonic relics.
On February 2, 1950, Claremont Lodge unanimously voted to make Brother Stubbs a life member in appreciation of his invaluable service in preserving its history.
His work remains a foundational resource for understanding Claremont's early development and the history of Freemasonry in Sumter.
Brotherhood and Community Service in the Mid-Twentieth Century
The years following World War II reflected a period of continued activity, community involvement, and planning for the Lodge's future.
Claremont's minutes from the late 1940s and 1950s record charitable contributions to organizations supporting public health, children, and families in need.
Among these were the Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the Community Chest, and organizations assisting children with medical and educational needs.
The Lodge also took an active interest in youth development. Working at times alongside Sumter Lodge, Claremont supported boys' baseball programs and participated in efforts to establish DeMolay in Sumter.
These activities demonstrated that the Lodge's concern for its community extended beyond the walls of the Lodge room.
At the same time, the Brothers continued planning for improved Masonic facilities. Building committees, property discussions, and cooperation with neighboring Masonic bodies reflected a sustained effort to provide suitable accommodations for future generations.
The 1950s and 1960s were thus marked by two complementary priorities: strengthening the Lodge's physical foundation and extending its service to the wider community.
Service and Fellowship Through Changing Times
During the latter decades of the twentieth century, Claremont Lodge continued to respond to the needs of its members and community.
The Lodge's records document contributions to charitable causes, assistance to those affected by disasters, and participation in broader Masonic relief efforts.
Following Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Lodge contributed to relief efforts. Subsequent minutes also reflect appreciation for assistance provided through the Grand Lodge in repairing damage to the Lodge building.
In the 1990s, Claremont supported relief efforts for communities affected by flooding elsewhere in the United States.
These examples reflect the wider bonds of Masonic Brotherhood: the understanding that concern for others extends beyond one's own Lodge, city, or state.
Throughout these decades, the Lodge also faced familiar organizational challenges, including membership concerns, financial obligations, building maintenance, and the responsibility of preserving its facilities.
Its continued work depended upon the willingness of members to contribute their time, resources, and leadership.
Entering the Twenty-First Century
The beginning of the twenty-first century brought new discussions about the Lodge's property, facilities, and long-term financial responsibilities.
Minutes from the early 2000s record consideration of building improvements, accessibility, property management, and the continuing needs of the Masonic Temple.
The Lodge also maintained its connection to earlier generations.
In 2004, for example, the Lodge addressed the care and restoration of the grave marker of Dr. Wesley W. Brunson, its first Worshipful Master.
Such actions illustrate the continuing responsibility of the Brotherhood to remember those whose efforts made the Lodge's existence possible.
In the years that followed, Claremont continued its charitable activities, supported Masonic and community causes, recognized faithful service, and welcomed opportunities for fellowship among members and their families.
Perseverance and Continuity
The early 2020s presented another period of disruption.
Following an extended interruption in regular meetings, the Lodge's February 2021 minutes record the Worshipful Master welcoming the Brethren back together.
As Masonic activities resumed, the Lodge continued its work of conducting business, conferring degrees, recognizing service, and maintaining its fraternal obligations.
The records of recent years also reflect support for veterans' causes, educational presentations, charitable activities, and the preservation of Lodge traditions.
These activities illustrate the continuing relevance of the principles upon which Claremont Lodge was established.
Although the circumstances facing the Lodge have changed considerably since 1854, its fundamental purpose remains the same: to provide a place where men may meet as Brothers, practice the principles of Freemasonry, and contribute to the welfare of their community.
Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future
As Claremont Lodge approaches its 175th anniversary in 2030, the Brotherhood continues an effort to preserve and document its history.
This undertaking includes examining surviving minute books, historical reports, photographs, artifacts, and other records to better understand the Lodge's development across generations.
Brother Thomas McAlpin Stubbs' historical work remains an essential foundation for this effort. New research seeks to build upon that foundation, supplementing his account and correcting the historical record where additional primary evidence warrants it.
The surviving 1866 warrant of Sumter Lodge No. 120, the replacement charter issued in 1943, early Lodge records, and other preserved artifacts provide tangible connections to the men and events that shaped Claremont's history.
The goal is not merely to remember dates and names, but to preserve the experiences, sacrifices, and contributions of the Brothers who sustained Claremont Lodge.
From its beginnings in 1854 to the present day, the Lodge's history has been one of dedication, adaptation, service, and continuity.
Buildings have changed. Generations have passed. The community surrounding the Lodge has grown and evolved.
Yet the fundamental principles upon which Claremont Lodge was established remain.
The history of Claremont Lodge No. 64 is not simply the story of its past. It is a continuing legacy entrusted to every generation of Brothers who follow.