(By David S. Nyce June, 2007, including many excerpts from "A History of Apex Masonic Lodge #584”, Sept. 8, 1986, by C.E. Stephens, Alan L. Bruner, Melver C. Minton III)

Apex #584 is the second lodge to be formed in Apex, NC.  The first lodge was issued a dispensation on Oct. 29, 1875.  That was Apex Lodge #349, which had eight officers and four members.  Brother T. J. Passmore passed away on Sept. 9, 1876.  Four members were admitted in 1879, and two withdrew.

Apex Lodge #584 was issued a dispensation on June 1, 1909, and granted a charter on Jan. 12, 1910. Listed on the charter, as the first Junior Warden, was brother Q. I. Hudson.  He was also a charter member of Apex Lodge #349.

With no permanent home, the earliest records of the lodge have been lost.  At a stated communication in April of 1961, a committee was formed to investigate the possibility of building a Masonic Temple in Apex, NC.  Brother Harvey Johnson was the committee chairman.  Fund raising methods were discussed in April of 1962.

In March of 1964, WM G.W. Truelove formed a new committee with himself as chairman, having a mandate from the brethren to pursue the matter as quickly as possible.

Brother Johnson reported in May, 1964, that desirable building sites were available, and that a decision must be made on the type of structure to be built.  The choice was between a Temple, or an office building with a lodge located within it.  WM T.O. Seawell continued the committee for thirty days.

Brother John Gaster Sr. donated a lot to the lodge in July, 1964, stipulating that the Temple be built.  The committee was directed to provide two sets of plans: one for a single story and the other for a two story structure.

A fund was established to build the Temple.  It was decided by the end of July that the Temple would be a two story building.  In August, Brother John Newcomb of the Masonic Services Commission was contacted to ascertain the requirements of building a Temple.  By the end of December, 1964, $2,463.00 had been collected by the brethren.  Brother Truelove, being elected to a second term as Master, donated the cost of his Past Master jewel.  Papers were filed with the Masonic Services Commission in April of 1965.  Final approval was obtained in May, 1965.  Construction began in early July, 1965, and the cornerstone was laid on July 31 by Grand Master Samuel Andrew Hennis, Jr.  Entertainment was provided by the Salem Church Quartet.

The bricklayers were on the site in August.  Brother John Gaster Sr. and others sought a donor for seating to be installed into the Temple. Mr. W. G. Enlow, acting for Carolina Theaters, Inc., donated the seats.

There were many other donors, but the ones recorded include: Brother J. E. & Sister Atlantic Mann donated the stove, the letter “G” in the East, and with Brother L.E. Johnson of Cary Lodge #198 donated a 60 place setting of stainless steel tableware.  Brother E. T. Sears donated the concrete walk in front of the Temple.  Brother Dwight & Sister Reba Johnson donated the water fountain. Brother Alex McAllister donated the light outside over the stair.

The last meeting at the old lodge hall took place on January 24, 1966. The old lodge hall was on the second floor, above the Merchant & Farmers Bank, on Salem and Chatham streets in Apex. 

 The first meeting in the new Temple on Williams street was an open house and installation of officers held on February 4, 1966.  Brother L. G. Jordan had memorized the entire installation ceremony, which was an outstanding achievement according to Right Worshipful Brother Charlie Harris, Past Grand Master of North Carolina and Grand Secretary Emeritus, who was present on that night.  Refreshments were served by Apex Chapter #272 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

 
Many additions and improvements to the Temple have been made since its completion.  Paving of the driveway and parking lot was donated by our neighbor at that time: Dr. , Brother, and Past Grand Master Eddie P. Stiles.  MWB Stiles was 1976 Grand Master of North Carolina during the bicentennial of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.  Some other additions and improvements made over the years include:

 
A public address system was given by Sister Arlene Barker and her husband Alpha.  A North Carolina state flag was presented by Sister Charlotte Hall.  A Christian flag was presented by Sister Atlantic Mann. 

 In 2007, the fellowship hall was named for WB LeRoy Goodwin, in recognition of his great efforts to take care of the lodge, teach and guide the members.  This was done in loving memory of Brother Goodwin after his passing in March of 2007.  A plaque now hangs in the fellowship hall, with a photo of WB LeRoy holding a catfish.  A dedication ceremony is planned for December 2007 or January 2008.  

Apex Lodge #584 will celebrate its centennial in the year 2010.  There is currently a Centennial Special Committee, which is making preparations for the celebration.  Additional improvements to the lodge are planned, as well as a parade and rededication ceremony.