FENTON

About 1847-48 a Masonic Lodge was organized in Fenton, consisting of seven members and called Fentonville Lodge No. 53. Among the original members were Dr. Isaac Wixom, Thomas Patterson and Daniel Donaldson. Doctor Wixom was its first master. In 1850 its membership was twenty-six. Many of its members entered the service during the war and several died or were killed inaction. In 1857 the charter of the old lodge was surrendered, and the same year the Fentonville Lodge of Strict Observance was organized, under dispensation from the grand lodge. In 18590-January 14--a charter was granted and it has since been known as Fentonville Lodge No. 109. The first master under the new charter was Michael Ayers. Genesee Chapter No. 29, Royal Arch Masons, was chartered on January 12, 1864. Genesee council No 17, Royal and Select Masons, was chartered on June 7, 1865, but the charter was arrested on January 7, 1889.

Fenton Commandery No. 14, Knights Templar, was chartered on June 17, 1864. In 1869, subsequent to the burning of the town hall, in which the Masonic rooms were located, a new building was erected on Leroy Street, nearly opposite the old site, and fine rooms fitted up for the use of the order. The dedication services were held on November 12, 1869, when a large number of Sir Knights were present from various places, and the occasion was one long to be remembered by those of the fraternity who participated.

Fenton Lodge No. 43, Free and Accepted masons, was chartered on January 9, 1851, and surrendered its charter in 1858.

The Eastern Star also has a chapter in Fenton, being Fenton Chapter No. 248.

Fenton Lodge No. 125, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on December 17, 1868, at which time numerous members were present from lodges at Flint and Byron. Rankin Encampment No. 46, independent Order of odd Fellows, was organized in the winter of 1870-71.

"The object of this order is to unite fraternally all acceptable men of every profession, business or occupation; to give all moral and material aid in its power to members of the order by holding moral, instructive and scientific lectures, by encouraging each other in business and assisting them to obtain employment; to establish a benefit from which a sum not to exceed two thousand dollars shall be paid, at the death of a member, to his family, or to be disposed of as he may direct; to provide for creating a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members; to ameliorate the condition of humanity in every possible manner." The Odd Fellows lodge rooms were rented by this society.

Fenton Lodge No. 64, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was organized March 21, 1879, with twenty-one members,. Its objects are similar to those of the Knights of Honor.