History

JOHN S DAVIDSON LODGE #677
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

 

Lodge Dispensated: March 9, 1920	First Meeting: May 13, 1920
Chartered: October 27, 1920	Constituted & Dedicated: Nov. 9, 1920

The Lodge was appropriately named for one of the most brilliant and illustrious masons who ever lived in our fair state. Most Worshipful Brother John Shelton Davidson (1846-1894) was born and reared in Augusta, Georgia. He was a brilliant parliamentarian and eminent mason. For seven terms he was Worshipful Master of Webb Lodge No. 166, of Augusta (1875-1881) and in 1883 enjoyed a distinction known only twice in the history of Georgia masonry, that of being elected from the floor of the Grand Lodge of Georgia to its highest office, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and served from 1883 until his death in 1894.

In the year 1884 he was chosen to represent the Tenth District in our State Senate, and in 1886 was unanimously elected to be the president of that august assemblage, and was admittedly one of the finest presiding officers who ever wielded a gavel in Georgia legislative halls.

He was elected to the Board of Education for Richmond County in 1871 and was credited for helping lay a solid foundation for the present comprehensive system of public education in Richmond County. He served on the board for 21 years, 15 of which he served as President. He is still known as the "Father of Education in Richmond County" John S. Davidson Fine Arts School is named in his memory.

He was also a journalist and a lawyer. He served the City of Augusta for 13 years as the City Attorney.