From the Lodge web site:
The first recorded activities of the Craft in Elko was the organization of a Masonic Association in 1869, which met on various occasions at the Railroad Hotel. For about a year, no records of their meetings were kept - presumably because the association was not functioning.
On October 25, 1870, a meeting was held in the Oddfellows Hall of Elko, located on the corner of 9th and River Street. This meeting of the Masonic brethren was called for the purpose of promoting the organization of a lodge. A committee was appointed to interview the sojourning brethren in Elko, and obtain their support for, and affiliation with, the new lodge.
On November 16, 1870, a second meeting was held, at which a petition was framed and addressed to the Grand Lodge of Nevada requesting authority to form a Masonic Lodge in Elko under dispensation.
Dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge, and Elko Lodge U.D. was formed on January 21, 1871. This warrant, signed by Grand Master George Robinson and Grand Secretary W. A. Van Bokkelen, named : J. D. Treat, Worshipful Master; H. Anner, Senior Warden; and E. S. Yeates, Junior Warden, of the new Lodge U. D. The first meeting under this dispensation was held in the Oddfellows Hall January 24, 1871, at which the remaining officers were appointed.
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge held in Virginia City, September 21, 1871, the records, papers and documents of the Lodge at Elko were examined and passed by the committee on charters, and a charter was recommended issued to the brethren, numbered on the Nevada registry as Elko Lodge No. 15, and that the three principle officers named in the warrant of dispensation be continued under their charter.
On November 3, 1871, a large and enthusiastic gathering assembled in Elko to welcome Deputy Grand Master E. E. Gillette, acting for the Grand Master, to constitute the lodge and install the officers. With due and impressive ritualistic ceremonies, the rites were performed according to the ancient customs of the order, after which the acting Grand Master, assisted by Past Master F. A. Roberts as Grand Marshall, installed the following officers into their respective offices:
J. D. Treat.........................Worshipful Master
Elijah S. Yeates..................Senior Warden
Otto Trilling........................Junior Warden
Robert Oliver.....................Treasurer
Thos. N. Stone....................Secretary
Wm. Plughoff......................Senior Deacon
Bixel Antone.......................Junior Deacon
C. R. Van Alstyn..................Steward
G. B. Kittridge.....................Steward
J. W. Urton.........................Tyler
A program followed the ceremonies, and addresses were made by the Deputy Grand Master and local and visiting brethren, after which a fine banquet was served.
The need for a more commodious and better equipped lodge room was soon felt, and this was made the subject of discussion at various meetings. The same question was also being considered by the I.O.O.F. fraternity. Eventually committees were appointed by both organizations to plan the possible construction of a building which would be utilized and jointly owned by both organizations.
In the summer of 1872 an agreement was entered into with a Mr. Henly to erect a two story building on the corner of Fourth and Commercial Streets. The upper floor was to be suitably arranged for joint use by the two bodies. The sum of $3200 was paid to Mr. Henly by the lodges for title to the upper story. Mr. Henly held title to the ground floor. The two orders were to keep the roof in repair, and Mr. Henly was to keep the foundation in repair.
This arrangement remained in effect until July 1923, when the Henderson Banking Company, which by then owned the building's lot and lower floor, sold their interest to the Masonic Lodge for $5000, shortly after which the building was badly damaged by fire. Repairs and extensive improvements were made at that time, and in 1929 an entertainment room was added by tearing out partitions on the ground floor.
It is of interest to note that the old I.O.O.F. Hall (the lodge's original meeting place) stood until the summer of 1938, when it was demolished.
In 1948, Tuscarora Lodge No. 21 consolidated with Elko Lodge No.15, due to declining membership in the former, and the now combined lodges continued on as Elko Lodge No.15. As a consequence of that consolidation, many artifacts from the Tuscarora Lodge can still be found in the Elko Lodge Hall.
In 1955 the new Masonic Lodge was completed, and the cornerstone laid and the building dedicated. This beautiful building is still used by the brethren of Elko today, and is located on the corner of College and 14th Streets.
Eight Grand Masters have come from the Elko Lodge:
Merrill P. Freeman.....................1877-1878
James C. Doughty.....................1910-1911
George L. Swartz......................1934-1935
Tracy T. Fairchild.......................1936-1937
George B. Russell......................1941-1942
F. Yale Williams.........................1958-1959
Lee H. Griswold.........................1972-1973
Reed R Moseley.........................2010-2011
Elko Lodge has had the honor of hosting the Grand Lodge on several occasions: 1897 - Most Worshipful Grand Master Albert Lackey presided ; 1934 - Most Worshipful Grand Master George L. Swartz presided; 1941 - Most Worshipful Grand Master George B. Russell presided.
Elko Lodge No. 15 is proud of the part it has played in the development of Elko and the surrounding area. Above all, it is proud of the many worthy brothers who have made Elko Lodge their Masonic home. By their efforts, they have made Elko a better place for all to live.