Fronting a site 150 yards north, John B. Simmons built the first Masonic Hall in Coffee County. On December 17, 1851, the Grand Lodge of Alabama issued a dispensation to nine Coffee County men to form a lodge in the town of Bentonville known as Elba Lodge #170. At the first meeting, held on Friday, February 13, 1852, a committee was appointed to obtain property for the use of the lodge. The hall was a two-story building used for Masonic business. The first person to become a Master Mason in Elba Lodge #170 was William George Washington Harper on April 24, 1852. Elba's first public school began using the lower floor in 1855. Thirteen members were present for the election and installation of officers on Friday, February 13, 1852. Those elected were William W. Simmons, Worshipful Master; Alfred McGee, Senior Warden; William F. Beard, Junior Warden; James Claxton, Secretary; John Harper, Treasurer; Paul Smith, Senior Deacon; Pierre Darcy Costello, Junior Deacon; Micajah Harper, Senior Steward; Irwin Rogers, Junior Steward; and William J. Spurlin, Tiler. Charter members in addition to those elected were James D. McLean, James M. Tullis, and John B. Simmons.