The first Masonic lodge in Blount County was New Providence No. 48 of Maryville, chartered on Oct. 8, 1823.  The charter was signed by Gen -Andrew Jackson who was Grand Master at that time. This lodge surrendered it’s charter ten years later, and there was no lodge in the county until 1846.

On Oct. 6, 1846 a charter was granted to New Providence Lodge No. 128 in Maryville.  Dr. Samuel Pride, a prominent physician and outstanding civic leader, was the first master.  Dr. Pride later became Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.  Pride Council No. 103 R.& S. M. is named in his honor.

Beginning with a membership of 7 in 1846, New Providence grew until it had 52 members in 1851, but dropped to 17 in 1859. The lodge continued active until 1861.  It was dormant during the Civil War years, but did not surrender its charter.  The charter was lost during the war and a duplicate had to be
issued in 1866 when the lodge resumed meeting.  The lodge continues to work under this charter today.

The period from 1870 to about 1905 was one of great struggle for the lodge.  Membership and financial resources dwindled.  Soon afterward, however, an upward trend began, and by 1930 the
membership of the lodge had grown to 331.

During these years, New Providence Lodge met in several different locations, but at no time owned
its own home.  On Aug. 19, 1935 ground was broken for a Masonic Temple on a newly purchased lot on Ellis Avenue.  The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 8, 1935, and the building was formally dedicated on Dec. 12, 1935. All Masonic bodies in Maryville continue to meet in this temple.

A period of growth in all Masonic organizations In the community followed the building of this Temple.  In 1935 New Providence Lodge had 291 members.  Today It has 680 and is still growing.

On Sept. 10, 1946, exactly 100 years after the first meeting of New Providence Lodge No. 128, the lodge celebrated its centennial.  Grand Master A. B. McClure of Nashville was the principal speaker.  A history of the lodge was read by Deputy Grand Master John C. Crawford Jr.

New Providence has given to the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, two Grand Masters: Andrew E. McCulloch in 1926, and John C. Crawford, Jr. in 1947.  Other members over the years have served as
Grand Lodge officers, and on Grand Lodge committees.

The history of New Providence Lodge is an illustrious one.  The future looks equally bright, and should be a challenge to the present officers, as well as to all others who may follow in their footsteps.
 

From:  History of New Providence Lodge, Prepared
by John C. Crawford, Jr.