John A. Wagener, who was then Worshipful Master of Pythagorean Lodge No. 21, and who subsequently became and distinguished himself as a general in the Confederate Army, served as its first Master, both at the time of its institution in 1844 and its re-institution in 1847.
The membership of the Lodge at its inception was composed almost entirely of those German born, who had come to America and settled in Charleston to make it their adopted homeland. They were motivated by the desire to have a Lodge of their own where the bonds of a closer friendship through Masonic ties and relationships could be strengthened. Its original By-Laws were written in the German language, but its minutes were recorded in both the German and the English, it having been deemed "proper and advisable for the better understanding of the Grad Lodge to keep the proceedings likewise in the English language."
Authority was granted the Lodge to confer the degrees in German by a resolution duly adopted by the Grand Lodge, but which provided, however, that "the labors of the Lodge must conform in every respect to the ritual of the Ancient York Rite as practiced in this jurisdiction, and whenever the Grand Lecturer shall certify that the ceremonies practiced in the said Lodge are a correct transfer into the German language of those practiced under the German language of those practiced under the authority of this Grand Lodge."
Of particular note in the records of the Lodge is the apparent interest shown and attentive attitude displayed in its welfare by Albert G. Mackey, who as Grand Secretary and acting as Grand Lecturer on his visits to the Lodge paid high tribute and commendation to the "dignity in which the degrees were conferred" in the German tongue and the splendid decorum which were manifest at its communications. On November 30, 1847, the minutes show that Bro. Albert G. Mackey, Grand Secretary, presented the Lodge with "a copy of the Holy Bible in the German language, accompanied by a letter in which he referred to the Lodge in honorable terms"; and by resolution of the Lodge "he was deeply thanked and unanimously made an honorary member in token of respect and gratitude for the many services he had rendered the Lodge following its re-institution."
The Lodge continued its labors in the German language until about 1897, when it was found expedient and in the best interests of the future welfare of the Lodge to change from the German and thereafter confer the degrees and otherwise conduct all its proceedings in English. The Lodge subsequently started on a new era of progress and advancement, which has been uninterrupted since.
Moved by the intense interest aroused and efforts put forward in raising contributions for the erection of a memorial to George Washington, the Mason, at Alexandria, Virginia, Walhalla Lodge stood ever in the forefront of lodges in doing its full part in the financial undertaking. Not only was a splendid representation of the Lodge present and delegated as representatives at the laying of the cornerstone ceremonies, but also at the dedication exercises of this most beautiful and impressive structure overlooking the \Potomac and the site of the Capitol of the Nation. And on May 10, 1941, a pilgrimage of the First Masonic District was sponsored by the Lodge to the National Memorial for the purpose of conferring the Master Masons' degree there upon several candidates.
It is of significant interest that while other lodges nearby and from other States have used the Washington Masonic National Memorial Temple in which to hold communications to confer degrees, this was the first sponsored by a Lodge south of Virginia.
On January 15, 1940, Walhalla Lodge undertook the sponsorship of Assembly No. 1, Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and on May 19, 1941, the Lodge sponsored Charleston Chapter No. 1, Order of the DeMolay for boys, and under its guidance and influence both of these organizations for youth, dedicated to the high and noble ideals of character molding, have been continued.
The records of the Lodge have been protected and preserved from the date of its original institution up to the present time [1976], and the minutes in the handwriting of those who served as secretary in former and early years, and particularly its pages "In Memoriam" inscribed to departed brethren, not only reflect a high degree of ability, patience and pride in the office, but approach work of art in penmanship.
Its growth has been steady and healthy, its interests well cared for and looked after, adequate relief dispensed to its members, contributions made to worthy humanitarian causes, and its affairs generally maintained in excellent shape, with peace and unity its guide, harmony its strength, and faith in a Beneficent Creator...its hope of the future.
[slightly revised 1998, JHyatt, PM]