2012 Grand Lodge Motto:

"Feel the Pride - Build the Pride - Share the Pride"

In Our Brotherhood

ELECTED and APPOINTED OFFICERS FOR 2012

 Front Row: (L to R)  Worshipful Richard Swanson PM - Historian, Andrew Todd - Junior Warden,

Worshipful Mark Luttrell - 2012 Worshipful Master, James Harlow - Senior Warden,

Worshipful Carl Swanson PM - Secretary

Back Row: (L to R)  Donnie Higonbotham II - Tyler, Shannon Nault - Junior Steward,

James Cleveland - Senior Steward, Worshipful Jerry Ruble PM - Treasurer

Carlo Salas - Junior Deacon

Not Pictured:  Jeffrey Hines - Senior Deacon, Worshipful Dean Graham PM - Chaplain

 In 1911, seventeen Masons united to form a new Masonic Lodge in the area known as Britton, Oklahoma.  They signed a Petition for Dispensation to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Oklahoma.

The Town of Britton originated fron a newly constructed portion of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad (Known today as BNSF).  The construction originated in Arkansas City, Kansas to the north and Ft. Worth, Texas to the south in 1886.  Each worked their way into what was then Indian Territory.  In early 1887 they reached a point on the line they christened Britton Station, after the railroads attorney, Alexander Britton.  The Town of Britton became a community officially in November 1889.

By 1908, the town had grown enough that it could support a newspaper.  The Suburban Newspaper Company of Oklahoma City began publishing the Britton Weekly Sentinel. The town placed ads in newspapers throughout advertising for doctors, pharmacists, shoemakers, and other trades people to relocate to Britton.  By 1911, Britton which had been a small village began growing into a town.  There was a hotel called The Interurban Hotel, several two story buildings and a pharmacy with an ice cream parlor as well as several cafes.

The seventeen Masons who had Petitioned Oklahoma Grand Lodge for Dispensation were granted permission by Grand Master Alexis Eddleman to begin their lodge on July11, 1911 and continue through January 31, 1912 until their charter went into effect. They met for the first time on July 24, 1911.  Allen F. Warden was the first Worshipful Master, Oliver T. Robinson was the first Sr. Warden, and George W. Riley was the first Jr. Warden.

The craft of Britton Lodge UD voted to set their annual dues at $ 3.00.  The fee for degrees was set at $ 35.00.  The lodge's stated meetings were every second and fourth Mondays of the month.  During the time of dispensation Britton Lodge UD performed three Entered Apprentices (EA), three Fellowcraft (FC), and two Master Mason (MM) degrees.

The Fourth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Oklahoma were convened at McAlester Scottish Rite Temple in the City of McAlester, Oklahoma in February 1912.  On February 15, 1912 Grand Master Alexis Eddleman signed thirteen charters with one of them being Britton Lodge No. 434. It wasn't until March 25, 1912 , Britton Lodge No. 434 and its officers were officially installed as a Chartered Lodge of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Oklahoma.

Thank You to Worshipful Rick Swanson, PM and Mrs. John Salisbury for compiling this history.