Part 3—1964 to 1995

Updated in September 1995 by a Committee composed of Brother Lloyd C. Odom, George E. Jones and Noah A. Giles.

The Order of Eastern Star and Rainbow for Girls and the Order of DeMolay no longer exist in this place. Fort Valley Lodge No. 110, F &AM; Austin Chapter No. 18, Royal Arch Masons; Fort Valley Council No. 35, Royal and Select Masons and Ivanhoe Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar are still continuing their work.

Brother D. Warner Wells died in Fort Valley, Georgia on March 4, 1973 and Masons throughout Georgia mourned his passing.

On February 18, 1975, a tornado did extensive damage to the City of Fort Valley and Fort Valley Lodge did not go untouched. The roof was torn off and much of the interior of the Lodge was damaged. With the exception of the Altar and the Holy Bible, everything in the Lodge was soaked with water. The Lodge Hall was restored in about eight months. While the repairs were being made, the Lodge met at Thomas Public Library.

Brother Jack C. Evans, who was Chairman of the Building Committee, did most of the arrangements in getting the Lodge hall repaired after the tornado damage. Brother Evans did many hours of work on this project without any debts to the Building Corporation or any other Masonic Bodies. He was missed by Fort valley since he was called from our midst on January 28, 1977 in Fort Valley, Georgia.

On August 21, 1979, Fort Valley Lodge honored Brother Grover Cleveland “Dud” Poole for his many years of faithful service. Brother Poole was raised on April 25, 1922 and was presented the Grand Lodge 50 Year Award in 1972. Brother Poole was Worshipful Master in 1948. He was faithful in his attendance until his death on March 30, 1984.

The Lodge observed Oliver I. Snapp Night March 25, 1980. This occasion was to honor Brother Snapp who had served his Lodge since April 28, 1919. Brother Snapp was Worshipful Master in 1931 and 1932. He also served many years as Chaplain. Brother Snapp died in Atlanta, Georgia on June 25, 1987.

The Lodge still needed much repairing and started much repairing and started remodeling in September 1980. Brother James M. Giles and Brother Robert A. Johnson did most of the work of covering the window on the north side of the Lodge and painting the inside. New carpet was also installed. Brother James M. Giles was Worshipful Master in 1982. Brother Robert A. Johnson currently resides in Ohio.

Since many of the Brethren are getting along in age and unable to climb stairs, a chair lift was installed on one side of the stairs by several Brethren so that invalid and elderly members could attend Lodge. The chair lift was donated to the Lodge by Brother Douglas B. Miller who is a member of a Virginia lodge but who is now living in Fort Valley.

Another outstanding member of Fort Valley Lodge was Brother George E. Jones who served as Grand Marshall of the Grand Lodge of Georgia 1964-65. He also served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Georgia, Knights Templar in 1974-75 and was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Georgia., Royal Arch Masons on April 17, 1990. Brother Jones was Worshipful Master of Fort Valley Lodge in 1970. Brother George E. Jones had open heart surgery march 19, 1993 of which he made a speedy recovery. Brother Jones found that he had cancer of the liver in midsummer and died August 27, 1993. The graveside services were conducted by The Knights Templar in Oaklawn Cemetery in Fort Valley, Georgia.

On May 20, 1989, Brother Lloyd C. Odom, another Past Master of Fort Valley Lodge was elected to the office of Grand Warder for the Grand Commandery of Georgia, Knights Templar. He has continued to serve through the Grand Commandery line and has distinguished himself as Chairman of the Voluntary Campaign for the Knights Templar in Georgia.

Brother Henry C. Rigdon, Jr., another Past Master of Fort Valley Lodge, served as Grand Sentinel for The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Georgia for 1990-91.

Due to death of Sir Knight Hugh L. Smith, Grand Commander of Knights templar of Georgia on March 1, 1995, Sir Knight C. Lloyd, Deputy Grand Commander, (Worshipful Master of Fort Valley Lodge in 1974) was elected Grand commander after the burial of Sir Knight Smith at Andersonville Cemetery on March 3, 1995. Brother Odom continues to serve all Masonic organizations with great honor.