A Brief History of

    On September 4, 1985, officials of the State of Georgia along with Georgia Masons reenacted the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone for the State Capitol, which took place on September 2, 1885 (one hundred years and 2 days prior.)  Corn was scattered representing plenty and oil was poured over the stone signifying peace, in the tradition of the laying of the cornerstone of the original King Solomon’s Temple at Jerusalem with Masonic ceremonies. 

          Captain and Brother John W. Nelms may well have been in attendance at the laying of the Capitol cornerstone.  He and other Masons and dignitaries perspiring heavily under celluloid collars, and wool suits of the time, Bro John Nelms was a member of Fairburn Lodge #180.  Bro. Nelms appears to have moved to Fairburn, Georgia from places unknown, where he affiliated with Fairburn Lodge #180 on July 10, 1873.  He then relocated to Cobb County near Smyrna, and was affiliated with Kennesaw Lodge #33 in Marietta, on September 3, 1886.  Bro. Nelms together with local Masons then became desirous of establishing a lodge in their own locale. 

          In those days of severe economic distress in the aftermath of devastation caused by the War between the states, and the Reconstruction period only a few years past, many lodges had been able to maintain their financial obligations.  Thus, they became a burden to the Grand Lodge.  The Grand Lodge was more than reluctant to issue new Charters in a still recovering economy of 1886. 

          Bro. Nelms who was a long time Mason came to the rescue.  Bro. Nelms traveled to Macon at the end of October and due to his diligence and zeal, and the small matter of his paying the proposed Lodge’s per capita dues to the Grand Lodge for two years in advance from his own funds, a Charter was obtained.

          Fourteen months after the actual laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol, on November 12, 1886, the Charter was granted for a Masonic Lodge in Smyrna, Georgia by the Grand Lodge of Georgia; which was to become known as John W. Nelms Lodge #323 F&AM of Smyrna, Georgia.  The following excerpt from the November 4, 1886 minutes of the Lodge’s first meeting describes the role of Bro. Nelms.

          “Bro. John W. Nelms, who being one of the Charter Members, and whose untiring efforts before the Grand Lodge of Georgia to procure a Charter – so endeared himself to the Lodge and it’s members, that by unanimous accord, the Lodge was named for and in Honor of our respected brother.... John W. Nelms."

          “Hence the name and title, “Nelms Lodge No. 323 F.&A.M." Instituted December    A.D 1886 A.L. 5886."

Charter Members