Grande Ronde Valley 150th Anniversary

A Pioneering Spirit and a Positive Impact

Submitted by W.B. Brian W. Lackey, Secretary of Grande Ronde Valley Lodge No. 56

Grande Ronde Valley Lodge No. 56 located in Union celebrated its 150-year anniversary on Friday, September 29. The early evening event was attended by more than 80 people, including family and community members, of which 45 were Masons. Our local Grande Ronde Valley Chapter No. 49, Order of Eastern Star provided a wonderful assortment of finger foods and refreshments. The Brothers and Sisters of the Lodge worked hard to plan and prepare and it paid off. Our Lodge building of over 100 years looked great for our anniversary dedication. There was a great turnout of Grand Lodge officers who did a marvelous job with the Ritual and ceremony. It is an amazing sense of pride when your Lodge hall is filled to capacity with Masons on the sideline and you hear, all with one unison, the words “So Mote It Be”. It just makes your heart and soul fill with pride. M.W.B. Craig A. Sipp and his Grand Lodge officers performed the Corn, Wine, and Oil ceremony with exceptional precision. A beautiful 150-year plaque was presented and dedicated to the Lodge.

W.B. Myron Miles, Grand Orator, presented a wonderful historical speech and testament to the true pioneers who settled this wild country on the Oregon Trail. It was these founding men with their families who started this Lodge over 150 years ago. These were true pioneering and rugged people who were driven to create the town of Union. They created and established businesses, orchards, and ranches, and in turn they laid the Masonic cornerstone within the town.

Two pioneering individuals who made an early impact on the success of this Lodge were Brothers William Wright, P.G.M. 1883 and Edward Kiddle, P.G.M. 1908. Both of these men came from the Midwest on the Oregon Trail. They were significant supporters of the Fraternity and the Grande Ronde Valley Lodge. Both were influential businessmen renowned all over Oregon for their pioneering efforts of progress and building the future of Oregon.

M.W.B. Wright was Worshipful Master in Grande Ronde Valley in 1882, a banker by trade, and mayor of Union from 1891-1895. He founded the merchandise and milling operations in Union, and also throughout the Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho region.

M.W.B. Kiddle was Master of Grande Ronde Valley in 1891 & 1895 and a prominent manager within many large business circles in Union County. He was a huge promotor of all the Masonic bodies. He was the head of all the local York Rite bodies, a member of the Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star. In 1909 he was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Oregon. In 1901 he was elected custodian of the work for Blue Lodge.

For 150 years the Grande Ronde Valley Lodge has benefitted from intelligent and impactful Masters and Brothers who have dedicated themselves to the success of this Lodge. As we look towards the next 150 years, our Lodge will continue that pioneering spirit and focus on creating a positive impact within our local Union community.