Organized in September 1886 and chartered in December of that year, Pine Lodge No. 642, A.F. & A.M., drew its original thirteen members from all over Hardin County. William B. Pedigo served as the first master of the lodge and continued his association with it for many years. The Washburn Building on Main Street was the lodge's first home, and the lodge responded to appeals for assistance in the county and helped start new lodges in other area towns. The lodge began renting this building in 1923 and bought the property in 1945.