In 1834, Mr. Darius Ferris and Mr. David L. Palmer purchased 1,000 acres of land for $750.00 from the Dowing family and began to develop “White Sulfur Springs.” Shortly afterward, Mr. Ferris died, but his widow Sarah and Mr. Palmer continued to develop the town. In 1854-55, eight streets were laid out, a house, store, and pier were built. Lots were plotted and the town was underway. Sarah had a sister, Caroline Henderson, who lived in Magnolia. She was the first person known to call the town Green Cove Springs, and when the Post Office was moved here from Magnolia in 1866, it was named Green Cove Springs and Caroline was its first Postmistress. Green Cove Springs continued to prosper and in 1871 was made the County seat by popular vote and was moved here from Whitesville, that same year (1871). Sarah Ferris and her family deeded lots one and four of Block 27 to the County on the condition that a courthouse and jail be built within five years.

A contract for $1533.00 was awarded to Mr. W. P. Long for building the courthouse and to Mr. George N. Bardin for $1200.00 for building the jail. The courthouse was a two-story frame building, and the first commissioners' meeting was held there on January 4, 1875. It was located where the Senior Citizens building and the icehouse now stand.

With Green Cove Springs growing so rapidly, it was only natural that a Masonic Lodge be established, and on January 13, 1876, Green Cove Springs Lodge Number 75 was chartered. The line officers were James D. DeWitt, Worshipful Master (W∴M∴), Henry Bradford, Senior Warden (S.W.), and M. A. Knight, Junior Warden (J.W.). The last annual report from Green Cove Springs Lodge No. 75 was in 1883, and the Lodge at that time had only 24 members and went defunct. The Number 75 was reassigned to Highland Lodge on January 20, 1887, but this charter was surrendered on December 27, 1929. Records show only eight members at that time. The Lodge Number 75 is now dormant.

On January 21, 1890, Cabul Lodge Number 116 Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM) was granted a charter to meet in Green Cove Springs. The line officers then were George W. Barden (W∴M∴), Allen W. Monroe (S.W.), and Alan B. Geiger (J.W.). Space was rented then from William J. Wilson at the corner of Saratoga Ave. (now Magnolia) and Walnut Street. The Lodge remained there until May 25, 1902, when fire destroyed the Lodge and its furnishings.

On February 6, 1903, a duplicate charter was issued, and space was rented from Charles Lipford and E. D. Prevatt to hold Lodge meetings. This building was located on the corner of Palmer St. and Magnolia Ave. In December 1903, the Lodge decided to purchase property and build a Masonic Temple, and on February 3, 1904, Lot 3 of Block 5 was purchased by the Lodge from Dr. Joseph N. Applegate and his wife Jenny, for $350.00. This lot is located on the N.E. corner of Walnut Street and Palmetto Ave. On July 5, 1906, Cabul Lodge sold the East 60 feet of Lot 3 of Block 5 to Annie M. Rivers for the sum of $305.00. On January 9, 1905, a fund-raising committee was appointed to erect a Lodge building.

On May 14, 1906, another committee was appointed to draw plans for the new Temple. The building was to be two stories, 60 feet by 70 feet and be divided into rooms.

There being no Lodge minutes available from 1908 until 1916, there is no way to know the person or persons who erected the building or the exact date it was finished (some of this information may be contained in the cornerstone to be removed on January 24, 1998). The only source left now are tax records. The tax books show the assessment on Lot 3, Block 5 for 1909 to be $250.00 and in 1910 to be $2,500.00. It is safe to say the Lodge was erected in 1909. 1909 is also inscribed on the cornerstone. Line officers at the time of purchasing the land were E. N. Holt (W∴M∴), E. N. Bradley (S.W.), and J. J. Brooker (J.W.).

Mr. J.B. Rivers, husband of Annie M. Rivers erected a building on the East 60 feet of Lot 3, Block 5, and in 1929, Cabul Lodge repurchased the property including the building thereon for $10.00 plus unnamed considerations. Cabul Lodge then rented this property, along with the lower floor of the Lodge building to various tenants, until the sale of the Rivers property in 1982, to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson of Russell, Florida.

Cabul celebrated its 50th anniversary with a barbecue dinner. The Eastern Star, the Lodge families, and friends were all invited. This was on January 11, 1940. Brother J. P. Hall was the chairman of the entertainment committee, and the line officers were Henry McCarthy (W∴M∴), Claud Smith (S.W.), and W. H. Hatcher (J.W.).

On January 22, 1965, a special meeting was called to celebrate Cabul Lodge’s 75th anniversary. A chicken pilaf dinner was prepared and served by Eastern Star #45 at the Village Improvement Association Hall. After dinner, the Rainbow Girls entertained. There was a piano solo by Julia Williams, two songs and dance routines by Mrs. Normal Elliott, then a comic show by the Rainbow Girls and members of Cabul Lodge, ending with Happy Birthday sung by all present. Florida Past Grand Master, Fred Nobbles, cut the cake. Mrs. Geraldine Farley was the mother of the Rainbow Girls. The line officers at this affair were I. H. Williams (W∴M∴), M. D. Priest (S.W.), and Henry H. Kolsom (J.W.).

On January 27, 1990, Cabul Lodge held its 100th birthday celebration at J. P. Hall, Jr.’s ranch at Bayard. A roast beef and ham dinner was served to over 300 people, and a great time was had by all. A short history of Masons in Florida was given by Past Grand Master, Roy Crother. The food, cooks, and service were donated in honor of the event by Brother J. P. Hall, Jr. The line officers for this milestone event were Robert T. Hayden (W∴M∴), Grady B. Law (S.W.), and Benny Wilkinson (J.W.).

Timeline

Dec. 7, 1889 Cabul Lodge No. 116 laid the cornerstone of the new courthouse with P. G. M. Dawkins delivering the oration.

Jan. 21, 1890 Cabul Lodge No. 116 F&AM was granted its Charter. Original Members:

Primary Officers

W∴M∴ George N. Barden (Middleburg No. 107)

SW A. W. Monroe (DePauw No. 338, New Albany, IN)

JW A. B. Geiger (Middleburg No. 107) 

Master Masons

J. F. Greer (Macon No. 5, Macon, GA)

J. M. Moss (Meridian No. 265, Meridianville, AL)

J. R. Brooker (late Green Cove Springs No. 75)

W. H. Brooker (late Green Cove Springs No. 75)

W. J. Wilson (late Green Cove Springs No. 75)

E. N. Bradly (Middleburg No. 107)

F. B. Biddulph (Cabul, U. D.)

Entered Apprentices

S. M. Hendricks                                Aaron Register

W. E. Coleman                                 J. M. Berry

Jeremiah Wingate                            Geo. W. Hinson

D. T. Rivers

June 6, 1892 O. E. S. Chapter invited on a picnic to Pablo Beach with Cabul Lodge.

June 6, 1892 By-laws changed to read regular meetings to be held on 1st Thursday on or before the 1st full moon of the month at 7:30 PM.

Feb 1903 Purchased pedestals for Worshipful Master and Wardens, an Alter, and a five-foot oak secretary’s table for $12.00.

March 1903 Purchased chairs for $12.00.

June 1905 Purchased F. C. working tools for $4.15, a winding stairs canvas for $8.05.

Jan. 1906 Purchased Tyler’s sword for $25.35, one pair F.C. pillars for $36.00.

Feb. 1906 Purchased Stewards Jewels for $7.88.

April 1906 Mrs. Lipford and Prevatt offered Cabul Lodge seven years free rent at their present location for the deed on Lot 3 Block 5.

They were informed that the lot was not for sale.

Dec. 1906 Paid State and County taxes on Lot 3 Block 5 for the sum of $4.75.

By-laws were changed to read regular meetings of the Lodge to be held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 8 P.M.

Jan. 1907 Committee appointed to build a sidewalk in front of the Lodge property.

Aug. 1907 Paid J. P. Luther Glove Company $8.00 for 1 dozen aprons.

Feb. 1908 $150.00 to Lipford and Prevatt for one year’s rent on the hall.

Mar. 1908 Vote of thinks given to Brother SYBESMA for the letter G.

May 18, 1910 Cabul Lodge No. 116 dedicated by Right Worshipful Bro. William Lake.

Oct. 1940 Mrs. Ethel Jennings resigned as caretaker and an agreement between Cabul & O. E. S. #45 to keep the Lodge clean in lieu of rent.

Jan. 1965 At Cabul Lodge 75th Anniversary celebration the officers were:

I. H. Williams (W∴M∴) D. Priest (S.W.)

Henry Kolsom (J.W.) M. C. Wilcox (Secretary)

H. Bonds (Chaplain) Chauncy Moore (S.D.)

Joe Neff (J.D.) W. B. Stump (S.S.)

George Weeks (J.S.) V. L. Ashley (Marshall)

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