The History of Franklin Star Lodge #288      The idea of having a Masonic Lodge for blacks in Franklin was born when a few good men like Raymond Johnson, Gurnnie Blunt, Sr., Wayland Urquhart, Ed Edmonds, Bennie Hall, London Pettie, Samuel P. Morton, William Blue, Duncan Evans, Walter T. Lewis, and Richard Myrick gathered and started a club in the early forties. They obtained a permit to operate under dispensation and during the early summer of 1945, thirty to thirty-seven men were initiated into the Franklin Star Lodge.      The name Franklin Star Lodge was the idea of Bro. Walter T. Lewis who served as Secretary for fifteen years. The craft received their charter on October 21, 1945, of the same year, with PM J.W. Bowman becoming the first Worshipful Master. He subsequently served as master for one to two years. During those years, the meeting place was at the Odd Fellow's Hall at the corner of Hall Street and Railroad Avenue in Franklin. The Lodge met on the second Thursday evening of each month.      Over the years, the lodge has relocated its' meeting place twice. From the Odd Fellows Hall to Johnson's Funeral Home. From Johnson's Funeral Home to our present location. During the fifties we had as many as eighty paying members.         Many good Black men have been entered, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason under the banner of Franklin Star Lodge #288. Many stayed active until "The Grand Architect of the Universe" called them home. Although the Lodge has been prosperous over the years it continues on the path of ever seeking more light. "The Grand Architect of the Universe" has always and continues to smile on us. The best is yet to come.        Many good Black men have been entered, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason under the banner of Franklin Star Lodge #288. Many stayed active until "The Grand Architect of the Universe" called them home. Although the Lodge has been prosperous over the years it continues on the path of ever seeking more light. "The Grand Architect of the Universe" has always and continues to smile on us. The best is yet to come.