07/17/2026
Honoring 170 Years of Muncy Lodge No. 299 – A Historic Milestone!
On July 17th, we proudly celebrate the 170th anniversary of the second meeting of Muncy Lodge No. 299.
Just days before, on June 25, 1856, our Lodge was officially constituted, and the very first meeting was held on the third floor of the David Lloyd home at 300-302 South Main Street, Muncy, PA, known as Lloyd's Hall located at the southeast corner of Main and LaFayette Streets.
At that historic second meeting in 1856, the full complement of officers opened the Lodge for the first time, setting the foundation for generations of Masonic fellowship and service.
The original officers and their roles were:
Worshipful Master: William Cox Ellis
Senior Warden: Thomas Wood
Junior Warden: John. M. B. Petrikin
Treasurer: William A. Petrikin
Secretary: George Hill
Senior Deacon: Henry J. Clark
Junior Deacon: Robert S. Maxwell
Tyler: Conrad Frederick
William Cox Ellis, the first Worshipful Master of Muncy Lodge No. 299, came from a pioneer family rooted in the Muncy Valley. Born in 1787 at Fort Muncy, he became a respected attorney and community figure. At the age of 69, he helped to establish the Lodge and remained active in the Craft for the next fifteen years. He passed in 1871, at 84 years of age, leaving a legacy that still shapes the Lodge today.
George Hill and Thomas Wood were both physicians, with Dr. Wood belonging to a long‑established line of doctors in Muncy. Brothers John M. B. and William A. Petrikin also brought strong professional backgrounds: John was an attorney and member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and William was a businessman, and together they represented a well‑known family in the area. The remaining officers reflected a variety of local trades, including Henry J. Clark, who worked in the wool industry; Robert S. Maxwell, a clerk; and Conrad Frederick, the Lodge’s first Tyler and a hotel proprietor in Muncy.
From those early days in Lloyd's Hall, our Lodge has grown and thrived, guided by the vision and dedication of these founding brothers. Their commitment to the ideals of Freemasonry continues to inspire us today.
As we commemorate this cornerstone anniversary, we invite all members, friends, and neighbors to reflect on our shared history and join us in celebrating 170 years of brotherhood, service, and community in Muncy.
