In May 1914, the Cooper Street building formerly rented from J. C. Danenhowe, was purchased as a home for Beverly Lodge No. 107 F. & AM.

On Sunday night, January 24, 1915, the recently purchased building was completely gutted by fire. About the only thing saved was a fireproof safe, which contained the Lodge Warrant. The building was of frame construction and the heat so intense that the Warrant, which was folded, could not be opened and eventually was replaced.

Arson was strongly suspected, as the odor of gasoline was very pronounced when the firemen first entered the building, but this could never be proven. The fire burned fiercely and fire companies were called from all the surrounding towns.

Brother William F. Cramer, a young boy at the time, sneaked out of the house, against his mother's wishes, to go to the fire. He reported it was a very cold night and the streets were covered with ice.

A fire engine from Burlington City could not get up the grade out of the railroad tunnel. It was necessary to get a team of horses to pull it up. The team was owned and driven by Brother George A. Smith, a member of Beverly Lodge. Brother Frank H. Smith, his son, who worked with his father, was ill that night and could not assist. Brother Charles J. Parsons, P.M., then a volunteer fireman, tended the hydrant at the corner of Church and Wilmerton Sts.

The next morning a group of Brothers gathered to view the destruction. Worshipful Brother Thomas Tillett Jr., Worshipful Master, remarked: “They call us ‘Blue Lodge Masons,’ but today we are a Lodge of blue Masons.”

Burlington Lodge No. 32, the “Mother Lodge”, offered their Lodge room to Beverly Lodge, without charge, for its meetings.

A new brick building, now standing on Cooper Street, was quickly constructed. The first meeting held there was on October 8, 1915.

To pay for the new building, Brother Maurice Massey, P.M., and Brother William Massey, who had acting experience, staged plays in the hall auditorium. Admission was charged. The ticket office, later a storage area, still remains inside the first floor entrance. Brother Maurice Massey also conducted a moving picture theater.

In addition, there was at least one occasion when a theatre in Camden was rented and a play successfully staged. The cast was taken to the Lulu Temple in Philadelphia, where another performance was a financial success.

Non-interest bearing bonds were sold to members. (It is said that some of these were never cashed and could still be in the possession of heirs.)

A game room, which had been on the second floor before the fire, was relocated in the basement and the rear of the first floor in the new building. On the first floor were two pool tables. Pool was very popular among the Brethren, and a number had their own cues. There was also a cozy nook with a fireplace for small, informal committee meetings or just plain relaxing. In the basement was deck shuffle board, card tables, a piano and a counter with equipment for preparing food.

The Brethren made good use of these facilities, and patronized it well. A sign was hung on the wall to admonish the Brethren that the game room was not open during meetings of the Lodge. At one time a porter was employed to take care of the rooms, and to prepare lunches for the Brethren desiring food at any time during the day.

Update: In 1999 the Beverly Lodge and Riverside Lodge combined and now meet in Riverside. The Cooper Street building in this article was sold and is now owned by the Farmers and Mechanics Bank.