La Rue Lodge #463 – Notice of Consolidation / June 9, 2026

This is a particularly difficult post to write, as the subject is one few of us foresaw, even just a few years back. 

As can be read elsewhere on this site (“LaRue Lodge – Our First 100 Years”), our Lodge had humble beginnings. How else would you describe concocting a plan for the future, while stranded in a covered bridge during a rainstorm? That experience, in 1872, started an organization that grew and transitioned with our community through ups and downs, droughts and floods, and saw the birth of the NFL’s Oorang Indians, a professional football franchise that featured player-coach Jim Thorpe. Yes, that Jim Thorpe.

In the intervening years our organization has experienced things similar to other community groups. Membership gradually declined, while the average age of members slowly rose. There were multiple growth periods, but over time the decreases tended to consume them. With an aging membership, not all of whom lived locally, meeting attendance also began to fall. In the 1980’s and 90’s, special occasions, events, and dinners frequently attracted over 100 guests. In more recent times, having double-digit or more attendance was the exception. It was obvious that something had to be done, so we did.

After multiple discussions and notices to members, it was voted to pursue consolidation with Mt. Carmel Lodge #303. That was the Lodge that we grew from in 1872. Mt. Carmel Lodge #303 welcomed the idea of reuniting, which made the process much easier. As with any process that involves 2 “local” entities, with multiple overseeing groups, it took a while to make sure all the “i’s” were dotted and “t’s” crossed. The formal process was initiated in March, with final approval from the Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM given on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. On that date we became members of Mt. Carmel Lodge #303, and La Rue Lodge #463 was left to remain in our memories, and the random Google search.

The decision was made to leave this site up, ensuring that our existence and history are accessible to those who wish to know. Updates will no longer be posted, as we will no longer have independent activities.

We’ve had a good run, but it is time to move one to our next chapter. We invite you to join us at our “new” digs, Mt. Carmel #303, 139 North Franklin St., Richwood, OH. Meetings are at 7pm on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday each month, with the exception of July and August. We promise a warm welcome, and excellent company to be with.