In the latter part of the year 1879, the few members of the Masonic fraternity residing at and in the vicinity of Globe, which was part of Pinal county, assembled for the purpose of discussing the advisability of establishing a lodge of Free & Accepted Masons.  With no more that a half a dozen very enthusiastic Masons present, the meeting was held, and first steps started for an organization.

A committee on credentials was appointed to ascertain if a sufficient number of masons could be procured, who would be willing to dimit from their respective lodges in order to establish one here, but owing to the slow methods of transportation of mails in those days, progress was very slow.

At a meeting in May 1880 this committee reported that nine dimit’s had been placed in their hands and at the same time, offered the following resolution.

“ Resolved:” That while we realize that the real strength of our order lies not in the numbers, but in absolute unswerving fidelity to its principles and teachings.  True masonry is the upbuilding and uplifting of the individual character, having for its aim and object, the advancement of everything that stands for more intelligent citizenship and cleaner lives.

Be it further resolved; that this committee procures sufficient donations from the brothers to defray the expenses of a dispensation, lodge furniture, jewels, etc., and to make an application for a dispensation at once. These resolutions were unanimously adopted.

White Mountain was chosen for the name of the lodge, and Alexander Hamilton Morehead was named Worshipful Master, Alonzo Bailey as Senior Warden, and Jacob Abraham as Junior Warden.

It was evident that the hard work and enthusiasm of the Masons scattered around an isolated mining district would result in a fast-growing lodge.

The Grand jurisdiction of California prohibited the holding of Masonic Lodges on the ground floor of buildings, while the Territory of New Mexico allowed such meetings provided that they were safe from intrusion and properly tiled.  There being no two-story buildings in Globe at that time, it was manifest that application must be made to the Grand Lodge of New Mexico and some of the brothers being personally acquainted with the Grand Officers of that jurisdiction, no trouble was anticipated in securing a dispensation from that source with the least possible trouble and expense.

The Altar, Pillars, Pedestals, columns, and other lodge furniture were designed and put together by local carpenters, the jewels were made from tin neatly cut out by our local tin smith (Brother Jacob Abraham) which were suspended by collars of blue ribbon, presented a very unique appearance of which the members were very proud.

In the meantime and while patiently waiting for news of the dispensation, Mr. John Kennedy, an enterprising citizen, was induced to erect a second story on one of his buildings on the West side of Broad street, at St. Elmo (La Casita restaurant now occupies this site.), which we readily accepted on a not less than five-year lease.

Occasional meetings were held by the brothers to familiarize themselves with the ritual adopted by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico and agreeable to ancient customs; these meetings were held on the high hills and in the low valleys; one place of meeting was held in a lonely cabin on what is now called Nob Hill, this cabin has been preserved and is dedicated to White Mountain Lodge, and the other place of meeting was in a lonely cabin in the wilderness back of and near the Kinney house. These meetings were greatly enjoyed by all the brethren.

Patience was finally rewarded by the receipt of the dispensation, authorizing the persons named in the application and others to legally open a regular lodge and to confer the three degrees of masonry.

On the second day of August 1880, the first meeting was held under dispensation.