Grand Lodge of Montana

Thomas J. Dimsdale was a member of Virginia City Lodge No. 43, which operated in Virginia City under a charter granted by the Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas. In January, 1866, this lodge, one of three forming lodges, became Virginia City No. 1, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Montana.

During the formation of Montana's Grand Lodge in January, 1866, Brother Dimsdale was appointed and served as the first Right Worshipful Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Montana.

Brother Dimsdale was a school teacher and a reporter on a local news paper. He also served as the first Territorial Superintendent of Public Instruction when Montana became a territory in 1864; and he was the author of the well-known book about thugs and road agents who terrorized the populace and merchants of our mining communities during the period December, 1863 and March of 1864. This book - THE VIGILANTES OF MONTANA - may be found in most public libraries.

Brother Dimsdale was not in good health. He was afflicted with a fatal illness and died, at age 35. prior to the opening of the first Annual Communication of Grand Lodge on October 1, 1866.

As Grand Orator, Brother Dimsdale addressed the Grand Lodge assembled on the last day of the organizational meeting.

His address, printed on pages 39 and 40 of the 1866 Proceedings of the first Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge, follows.

"It is with the greatest pleasure that I address you on this most auspicious occasion, at the conclusion of your labors, as members of the first Grand Lodge that ever sat in this territory. The rapid progress of Masonry in Montana has been a matter of astonishment to all brothers visiting us from the States; nay, more, it has astonished ourselves. Scarcely more than three years ago the wild beast and the still wilder Indian of the mountains were the sole denizens of the hills that now look down on the metropolis of these regions. When I gaze around me at this large and commodious hall, with it elegant furniture and suggestive emblems, its seats filled with intelligent and energetic men, whose objects in assembling here are the propagation and extension of the principles of universal charity and, brotherly love, which are alike the foundation and glory of Masonry. I feel thankful, as I know you do, in being permitted to take a part in the edifying ceremonials; in assisting thus to place the capital on the column of Masonry in these mountains, and to add the last link to the golden chain of Masonic Brotherhood which now encircles the Earth. In the early days of Montana crime was rampant in the land, and the very foundations of society were shaken to their basis; fortunately, a large number of Masons had come with the throng of pioneers, and mindful of the tradition of the founder of their order, they united and organized their beloved institution in these western wilds. Virginia City Lodge was the first Masonic Temple; then followed Montana, Helena, and Nevada Lodges, and may others would shortly be gathered within the circle of Masonry. How stands the record of Masons as citizens in this land? I am proud, Most Worshipful Grand Master, to say that it is unstained and brilliant. They remembered the old adage, ‘When bad men combine, good men must unite,' and to their unity of action in those troubled and stormy times the inhabitants of this Territory are indebted for the tranquility and civilization that we now enjoy in this favored city, in Helena, and, in greater or less degree, in every mining hamlet in this land of gold. The delegates from Helena are here; long miles of weary travel in storms and snow of unprecedented depth have testified their devotion to Masonry and the active life that animates the Craft in their mountain home. Most Worshipful Grand Master, I thankfully and joyfully hail your elevation to your important office, and with pleasure I congratulate my Right Worshipful Brethren and myself that we have been favored so highly by the Great Architect as to be permitted to lay the foundation of a permanent Temple of Masonry in the Territory of Montana. Let us live and act as a bright example of Masonic virtue to all, that we may in after days say with pride, ‘I was a member of the first Grand Lodge of this mighty State.'"