Brainerd Lodge No. 736

Introduction

Fidelity Lodge No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM), was a subordinate lodge under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, operating primarily in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Established during a period of Masonic expansion in the late 19th century, the lodge embodied the principles of Freemasonry—brotherhood, moral uprightness, charity, and community service. Over its more than 130 years of existence, it served as a hub for local professionals, veterans, and community leaders in the Chattanooga area. The lodge's name, "Fidelity," symbolized loyalty and faithfulness, core tenets of Masonic philosophy. In 2024, amid broader trends of declining membership in fraternal organizations, Fidelity Lodge consolidated with Brainerd Lodge No. 736, marking the end of its independent operations but ensuring the continuation of its legacy. This document compiles historical details from archival records, obituaries, Masonic publications, and online sources to provide a thorough account of the lodge's founding, operations, membership, and dissolution.

The Grand Lodge of Tennessee, under whose authority Fidelity Lodge worked, was formed on December 27, 1813, in Knoxville, when representatives from eight lodges received a charter from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee. By the late 19th century, Freemasonry in Tennessee had grown significantly, with new lodges chartered annually to accommodate urban development in areas like Chattanooga, an industrial hub along the Tennessee River. Fidelity Lodge emerged during this era, contributing to the state's Masonic heritage, which dates back to territorial days when Tennessee was part of the "Territory South of the Ohio."

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Founding and Charter

Fidelity Lodge No. 558 was founded in the early 1890s in Chattanooga, Hamilton County. Masonic lodges in Tennessee typically operated under a dispensation (a temporary warrant) before receiving a full charter from the Grand Lodge during its annual communication in Nashville. Fidelity No. 558 received its dispensation around 1890–1891 and was formally chartered in January 1891 or 1892 although the lodge cornerstone states a charter date of February 1, 1894. Comparative records from nearby lodges support this timeline: East Nashville Lodge No. 560 received its dispensation on January 29, 1891, and its charter on January 27, 1892. Similarly, the 1890s saw a wave of new charters in Tennessee, including West Nashville No. 612 in 1899, reflecting the Grand Lodge's expansion efforts.

The founding occurred amid a broader growth in Freemasonry in Tennessee, which by 1943 included over 600 lodges, as documented in historical surveys. Chattanooga, with its strategic location and economic boom from railroads and manufacturing, already hosted established lodges like Chattanooga Lodge No. 199 (chartered 1850) and Temple Lodge No. 430 (chartered 1872), which formed the nucleus of the local Masonic community. Fidelity Lodge was established to serve the growing population in the eastern suburbs, initially focusing on the three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.

Early records of the lodge are preserved in the Grand Lodge's annual returns, microfilmed and held by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. These documents, spanning 1800–1971, include membership rolls, officer lists, and operational reports for each lodge, organized by number. Fidelity No. 558 appears in these reels under Hamilton County, confirming its location in Chattanooga.

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Location and Operations

Originally based in East Chattanooga, Fidelity Lodge later moved to Harrison, Tennessee, in Hamilton County, with its final address at 8959 Career Lane, Harrison, TN 37341. As a "Blue Lodge," Fidelity conducted regular stated communications, degree work, and charitable activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lodge adhered to Grand Lodge guidelines on health protocols and virtual meetings. Operations emphasized Masonic education, fellowship, and support for affiliated bodies like the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.

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Membership and Notable Members

Membership in Fidelity Lodge included a diverse group of local residents, many of whom were veterans, professionals, and long-term community contributors. Obituaries provide insight into the lodge's role in fostering lifelong commitments, with several members achieving 50- or 60-year tenures.

Notable members included:

These individuals exemplify the lodge's emphasis on service, with many holding proficiency cards, serving as officers, and participating in appendant bodies. Fidelity's members contributed greatly to local civic life.

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Activities and Community Involvement

Fidelity Lodge engaged in typical Masonic pursuits, including charitable work, moral instruction, and fraternal events. Locally, members participated in Shrine activities and veteran support. The lodge's Facebook page documented events like degree conferrals and community gatherings before the 2024 merger.

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Consolidation and Legacy

On March 11, 2024, Fidelity Lodge voted to consolidate with Brainerd Lodge No. 736 in Chattanooga. The announcement emphasized unity: "Fidelity Lodge will live on through Brainerd #736, and united, we are able to do more and are stronger than ever." This merger, common in modern Freemasonry due to membership declines, transferred assets and traditions to Brainerd.

Fidelity's legacy endures through archived records at the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Grand Lodge headquarters in Nashville. It represents the evolution of Freemasonry in Tennessee, from pioneer lodges to contemporary consolidations. Researchers may consult the Grand Lodge's lodge locator (though post-merger listings may vary) or historical texts like Charles Albert Snodgrass's The History of Freemasonry in Tennessee, 1789-1943 for further context.

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Source note: Page content compiled from the Lodge history narrative document, updated through early 2026.