Organized in 1850, the Morton Masonic Lodge was chartered on January 24, 1851. Named for "Old 300" colonist and Mason william Morton, the Lodge began with twenty charter members. The first lodge hall, located on Jackson street, was replaced in 1855 by a larger building on the corner of 3rd and Morton streets. The three-story brick structure also housed the county courthouse, and was destroyed by fire in 1887. A third facility, built at this site, was replaced by this building in 1913. Over the years the Lodge has sponsored many charitable activities.