It is rare when a Masonic Lodge can boast of being older than the city or town in which it is located.

Rochester Lodge No. 229 was constituted in 1848 and the town of Rochester, with less than 230 taxable citizens, was incorporated a year later, in 1849. The Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, recognizing the significance of Rochester Lodge, provided a cast iron marker to be placed in the public park that is adjacent to the Masonic Temple.

The inscription on the marker reads: "ROCHESTER LODGE NO. 229 FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA, IS THE OLDEST MASONIC LODGE IN BEAVER COUNTY, MEETING CONTINUOUSLY SINCE IT WAS CONSTITUTED APRIL 11, 1848, A YEAR BEFORE ROCHESTER BOROUGH WAS INCORPORATED. THE MASONIC TEMPLE WAS BUILT IN 1884."

James L. Ernette (center), R.W. Grand Master, dedicated the marker on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Lodge on April 11. At left is Robert Batto, P.D.D.G.M., Historian of the Lodge, and at right, James G. Camp, III, S.D. of the Lodge and Trustee of the Historical and Landmarks Foundation. Bro. Camp's grandfather and great-great grandfather were Masters of Rochester Lodge.