Black History Month: Progressive Masonic Temple dedicated

Editor's note: Throughout February, commemorating Black History Month, the Register will profile significant people and noteworthy events related to Sandusky. The following is a piece published by the Sandusky Library History Blog. SANDUSKY — On July 15, 1945, the Progressive Masonic Temple, home of Progress Lodge No. 85 F. and A.M., was dedicated. Located at 2012 Columbus Ave., the building was purchased on May 29, 1944, and was remodeled and redecorated for lodge purposes. The Progress Lodge No. 85 F. and A.M. began in the 1920s in Sandusky. It was said to be Sandusky's oldest African American fraternal organization at the time of the dedication of the lodge building. The group met in 1945 on the first and third Monday of the month. In April of 1969, Charles Alexander and Clarence A. Carman were honored with a testimonial banquet. They were the only living charter members of the Progress Lodge 85 F. and A.M. in the spring of 1969. It was home to the New St. John Masonic Lodge, No. 192, before being demolished in 2018 after falling into a dilapidated state. Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to read about the formation of the first African American lodge in Sandusky in the Nov. 20, 1921, issue of the Sandusky Star Journal, available on microfilm.