On April 13, 1896, Cosmos Lodge was the first Masonic Lodge in America to display the Flag of Our Country in its tiled meetings.

	On June 1, 2004, Cosmos Lodge No. 282, A.F.&A.M. merged with Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 642, A.F.&A.M.; Creve Coeur, Missouri.

An Historic Event
At the final meeting of Cosmos Lodge on Thursday, May 27, 2004, the Master Pro Tem (WB Alan DeWoskin) "cordially and fraternally" invited all Present and Past Right Worshipful and Worshipful Brethren to a Seat in the East. The following Brethren accepted the Master's courtesy: Front Row: WB Robert Levy (Worshipful Master, Cosmos Lodge), WB Stanley Goldman (Treasurer, Cosmos Lodge), WB Larry Sample, WB Ernie B., RWB Harvey Soule (Past District Deputy Grand Master) Back Row: RWB Phil Elam (Past Grand Orator), WB Barry Gubin (Worshipful Master, Benjamin Franklin Lodge), WB Alan DeWoskin (Secretary, Cosmos Lodge), RWB Jack Colligan (Past District Deputy Grand Master), WB Frost Erwin (Tiler, Cosmos Lodge), WB Charles Keefe.

An Historic Event

At 9:43 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 27, 2004, Wor. Bro. Alan DeWoskin, Master Pro Tem, closed Cosmos Lodge No. 282, A.F.&A.M. for the final time. Five days later, on June 1st, Cosmos merged with Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 642 and added 87 new members to their rolls. It was a nostalgic occasion for all present. Late in the fall of 1867, a number of zealous Freemasons, living in the southern part of St. Louis, being deeply impressed with the principles and ritual of our beautiful Order, and believing that they could promote the cause of Freemasonry, proposed establishing the first English-speaking Lodge south of Market Street. Although Meridian Lodge No. 2 was already located south of Market Street, it did its work entirely in German. It was felt that, by establishing an English-speaking Lodge in that area of the city, younger men in the southern part of St. Louis would be more apt to become interested in Freemasonry, and knock at our doors for admission. A number of names were proposed for the new Lodge. Among them were Globe, Star, Philoplastic (we have no idea what this one means, either), Shibboleth, United Friends, Cosmos, and Latonia. After lengthy discussions, the name “Cosmos” was selected. It was further decided to charge $50.00 for the degrees and $10.00 for affiliation. Dues were set at 50-cents per month. It was also decided to hold meetings twice monthly. (See Author’s Note below.) Cosmos Lodge opened Under Dispensation on March 9, 1868, and received its Charter on November 2, 1868. For 136 years, the Brethren of this venerable Lodge faithfully spread the Light of Freemasonry throughout the community in countless ways. The contributions of this illustrious Lodge to Missouri are far too lengthy to include here. Suffice it to say that the Brethren of Cosmos Lodge never shrugged their responsibilities or obligations. Even in the most difficult of financial times, when little money was available, Cosmos Lodge never failed “to contribute to the relief of distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their widows, and orphans”. When there was no money in the Lodge treasury, the Master’s hat was placed on the altar following the meeting, and members dug deep into their own pockets to raise whatever money was required. These honorable Brethren fully understood the spirit and purpose of Freemasonry. Several months prior to the merger, Cosmos Lodge purchased an Endowed Membership for all of its members, except for its 50-year members who were automatically exempted from future dues. Even though the Lodge would surrender its charter and become a footnote in Missouri Masonic history, the Brethren of Cosmos would continue to contribute to Missouri Freemasonry long after they had all been called to the Celestial Grand Lodge on High. These Brethren, too, understand the spirit and purpose of our Ancient and Honorable Society of Friends and Brothers. As a final gesture of remembrance, Cosmos Lodge donated $5,000 to the Masonic Home of Missouri for two benches with appropriate commemorative plaques to be placed at the front entrance of the new headquarters facility in Columbia. We invite all visitors to the facility to sit on these new benches to “rest and refresh” themselves. Wor. Bro. Barry Gubin, Master of Benjamin Franklin Lodge, was present to cordially and fraternally welcome the Brethren of Cosmos to their new home. While this represents the final chapter for Cosmos Lodge, it also represents the opening of a new chapter for its members. By adding our numbers to Benjamin Franklin Lodge, both their members and ours all firmly believe that this strengthen an already vibrant and active Lodge to the benefit of Missouri Freemasonry and the community. Together, our combined membership will hold high the Shining Light of Freemasonry for all to see. ________ Author’s Note: $50 for initiation in 1868 would have the equivalent of $645 in today’s dollars; $10 for affiliation in 1868 would be equivalent to $128 today; and 50-cents for month dues in 1868 would be equivalent to $6.43 monthly or $77.16 annually in today’s dollars. Obviously, the Brethren back in those days placed a higher dollar value of membership than we do today. The U.S. national salary average today is $45,375. In 1868, it was only $486 per year. Needless to say, a man had to be quite serious about becoming a Freemason when he had to commit over 10% of his annual earnings to become a member. Based on today’s annual average earnings and a state-wide annual average of a little over $100 for initiation fees, a new member must expend only about .2% of his annual earnings – less money than is required to take one’s spouse to a ball game. Are we giving away the benefits of being a member of the world’s oldest, largest, and most popular Fraternity by setting our current initiation fees far too low? __________ An Update: On June 2, 2004, the first meeting of the merged membership was held at Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 642. Wor. Bro. Barry Gubin, welcomed the members of Cosmos Lodge to their new home, and his comments were well-received by all. Forty-seven members and visitors enjoyed an evening filled with Friendship, Fellowship, and Brotherly Love. As the meeting had been designated as Past Masters’ Night, distinguished Past Masters filled every chair, and a new chapter of Missouri Freemasonry was launched, relaunched, and then relaunched once again – a uniquely splendid rendition of opening and closing of what is now commonly referred to as “Berger Ritual”. As Most Wor. Bro Steven I. Toybes, Past Grand Master and member of Ben Franklin Lodge, so candidly observed, “Well, at least the Great Architect of the Universe knows the words”.

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