The History of Neoacacia Masonic Lodge #595 – Serving Columbus, Westerville & New Albany, Ohio
Neoacacia Lodge #595 F&AM has a proud history rooted in fellowship and tradition in the North Columbus area. It all began in July 1898, when Masons living in North Columbus were invited to a meeting at the home of Dr. Coopers on E. Duncan Street. The purpose? To form a Masonic social club that would foster stronger bonds among local Masons and their families.
A second meeting followed just one week later, where the group formally organized and adopted the name Acacia Club—named after the Acacia plant, a symbol of immortality and remembrance in Masonic ritual. The club adopted a constitution, elected officers, maintained records, and hosted family dinners and social events. Under the leadership of Eli O. Ackerman, the Acacia Club thrived, reaching a peak membership of 38 before holding its final meeting in March 1906.
The Founding of Neoacacia Lodge
Inspired by the success of the Acacia Club, members met again in early 1906—this time at Eli Ackerman's home—to take the next step: forming a new Masonic lodge. A formal petition to the Grand Lodge of Ohio was signed by 44 Master Masons, all in good standing from area lodges. The petition was read at Magnolia Lodge No. 20 on February 20, 1906.
The name Neoacacia—meaning "New Acacia"—was selected and approved. On October 11, 1906, the Grand Lodge granted the official charter. Just weeks later, on October 31, 1906, Neoacacia Lodge No. 595 F&AM was formally constituted by Past Grand Master Lewis P. Schaus.
Growth and Legacy in Central Ohio
Neoacacia Lodge has been home to many distinguished members throughout its history, including Illustrious Brother James Rhodes, who served as Mayor of Columbus in 1944.
The lodge's original home was located on North High Street in Clintonville. In the late 1970s, the lodge moved to the Northland Masonic Temple, located at 5885 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio. After decades of activity there, Neoacacia sold the Northland building in March 2018.
A New Home in Uptown Westerville
In April 2018, Neoacacia Masonic Lodge #595 relocated to the historic Blendon Masonic Temple in Uptown Westerville, Ohio. This move marked a new chapter for the lodge as it continues to serve Freemasons across Westerville, New Albany, and Columbus—offering brotherhood, tradition, and service to the Central Ohio community.
Neoacacia Lodge #595 F&AM has a proud history rooted in fellowship and tradition in the North Columbus area. It all began in July 1898, when Masons living in North Columbus were invited to a meeting at the home of Dr. Coopers on E. Duncan Street. The purpose? To form a Masonic social club that would foster stronger bonds among local Masons and their families.
A second meeting followed just one week later, where the group formally organized and adopted the name Acacia Club—named after the Acacia plant, a symbol of immortality and remembrance in Masonic ritual. The club adopted a constitution, elected officers, maintained records, and hosted family dinners and social events. Under the leadership of Eli O. Ackerman, the Acacia Club thrived, reaching a peak membership of 38 before holding its final meeting in March 1906.
The Founding of Neoacacia Lodge
Inspired by the success of the Acacia Club, members met again in early 1906—this time at Eli Ackerman's home—to take the next step: forming a new Masonic lodge. A formal petition to the Grand Lodge of Ohio was signed by 44 Master Masons, all in good standing from area lodges. The petition was read at Magnolia Lodge No. 20 on February 20, 1906.
The name Neoacacia—meaning "New Acacia"—was selected and approved. On October 11, 1906, the Grand Lodge granted the official charter. Just weeks later, on October 31, 1906, Neoacacia Lodge No. 595 F&AM was formally constituted by Past Grand Master Lewis P. Schaus.
Growth and Legacy in Central Ohio
Neoacacia Lodge has been home to many distinguished members throughout its history, including Illustrious Brother James Rhodes, who served as Mayor of Columbus in 1944.
The lodge's original home was located on North High Street in Clintonville. In the late 1970s, the lodge moved to the Northland Masonic Temple, located at 5885 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio. After decades of activity there, Neoacacia sold the Northland building in March 2018.
A New Home in Uptown Westerville
In April 2018, Neoacacia Masonic Lodge #595 relocated to the historic Blendon Masonic Temple in Uptown Westerville, Ohio. This move marked a new chapter for the lodge as it continues to serve Freemasons across Westerville, New Albany, and Columbus—offering brotherhood, tradition, and service to the Central Ohio community.