Salem

This page contains information on the following Masonic organizations:

• Magee’s Creek Lodge No. 282, Free and Accepted Masons
• Varnel No. Lodge 518, Free and Accepted Masons
• Varnel No. Lodge 282, Free and Accepted Masons
• Varnel Chapter No. 268 Order of the Eastern Star

MASONIC LODGE

Magee’s Creek Lodge No. 282 received its dispensation on August 9, 1865 and was chartered on January 18, 1866. The Lodge was located about 4 miles north-northeast of Salem in the Magee’s Creek community, but it was listed as being in the Holmesville postal district. It was originally formed by several masons from the the Lodge in Holmesville. Around March 1902 the Lodge building was destroyed by fire. In 1930 it merged with Varnel No. 518 forming Varnel No. 282.

Varnel Lodge No. 518 received its dispensation in 1909 and was chartered on February 16, 1910. The Lodge has always been located at the Salem Church community. In 1930 it merged with Magee’s Creek Lodge No. 282 forming Varnel No. 282.

Varnel Lodge No. 282 was formed with the merger of Magee’s Creek Lodge No. 282 and Varnel Lodge No. 518 in 1930 and was located at Salem.

Magee’s Creek Lodge No. 282 was formed with the merger of Varnel Lodge No. 282 and Pine Lodge No. 383 in 2024. The Lodge is located at Salem and meets on the 4th Thursday.

In 2025 the Magees Creek Lodge building was heavily damaged by a tornado. The Lodge has been meeting in the Tylertown Lodge since that event.

EASTERN STAR

Varnel Chapter No. 268 Order of the Eastern Star was chartered about 1927. The chapter merged with Tylertown Chapter No. 165 on March 27, 1972.