Update 2/3/2026
3rd Reading – R.W.B. Richard A. Landals, secretary, read the ‘Resolution to Consolidate’ paperwork from Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83. The initial reading in their lodge was held on September 6th, 2025, then again on October 2nd, 2025, with a final reading on November 6th, 2025. A vote was held, and they approved merging with National Lodge No. 568.
During our February 3rd, 2026, Stated Meeting, a vote was held to adopt the consolidation and finalize the merger with National Lodge No. 568. The vote passed unanimously.
The Grand Secretary of Ohio, M.W.B. Keith W. Newton, has received the required paperwork from this process, and we are awaiting the official approval from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. All members of Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83 will soon become members of National Lodge No. 568. We welcome these new members and look forward to working together, strengthening masonry in Barberton and making National Lodge stronger!
There is still work to be done, on both sides. Coventry-Akron Lodge has a rich history, and it will take time to comb through their paperwork, property & assets. National Lodge is expanding our Historical Room and I’m sure some of that property will be on display soon.
Update 1/6/2026
2nd Reading – R.W.B. Richard A. Landals, secretary, read the ‘Resolution to Consolidate’ paperwork from Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83. The initial reading in their lodge was held on September 6th, 2025, then again on October 2nd, 2025, with a final reading on November 6th, 2025. A vote was held, and they approved merging with National Lodge No. 568. The following paperwork was supplied to National Lodge:
1) The Original Declaration
2) Consolidation Paperwork
3) Complete Inventory
4) List of their members
This paperwork was then read in lodge, notifying those in attendance that it will be read at 1 more stated meeting, with a final vote to accept, or reject, the merger at the February 3rd, 2026, stated meeting.
Update 11/6/2025
On Thursday, November 6th, Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83 held their Stated Meeting and agreed to consolidate with National Lodge No. 568. If everything goes per plan, National Lodge will vote on February 3rd to accept the merger and become part of National Lodge. While it is sad to see the end of a Lodge that has existed uninterrupted from its chartering in 1841, over 184-years ago, it is felt that both Lodges will be stronger as a result of the merger. Sadly, it was felt that Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83 was no longer sustainable as an independent Lodge. (Please be aware that National Lodge meets on Tuesday nights)
Original Article:
During the summer break, several members from Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83 approached the BMC committee about becoming full-time tenants of our building. Their current meeting place (Tadmor Shrine) was sold, and they needed to find a new place to rent to hold their meetings, which needed to take place by the first of September 2025. By the end of the discussion, it changed from being a tenant, to merging with National Lodge and combining membership into one entity. We welcomed the opportunity and put the process into action. While the merger procedure takes approx. 6 months to complete, steps were put into motion for review of their membership and inventory.
As the move/merger developed, and in anticipation of the complete merger, it was realized that most of their furniture would benefit our facility. Replacement of the church-pew seating arrangement was put into motion. The lodge room was fitted with their lodge furniture. We now have extra seating capacity and the color match between our furniture and theirs proved to be a remarkable benefit.
September 4th marked the first meeting for Coventry-Akron in our facility. They read the declaration to their members, letting them know the desire to merge with National Lodge. This will occur 2 more times, October and November, with a final vote held by their members at their November stated meeting. National Lodge will then vote to accept the merger in a few months after that.
We encourage you to come to a meeting and see the changes that are happening at the BMC. We’ll have more updates in the next few bulletins, but we are excited about the opportunity to strengthen masonry in Barberton and make National Lodge stronger!