On September 8, 1917, seven brethren who had Just demitted from Ancient Square Lodge No. 40 F. & A.M. in Dayton, Ohio, sent a letter to Grand Master Howard T. Greer of Cincinnati, Ohio requesting permission to start a new lodge in Dayton, Ohio.

The Grand Master responded favorably to the idea; however, there were six Past Masters of Ancient Square opposing the constitution of another lodge. Their concerns were that Dayton was not large enough for two Masonic Lodges; another lodge would cripple Ancient Square Lodge, and none of the applicants were capable of exemplifying the work of the fraternity.

After Grand Master Howard T. Greer interviewed several members of Ancient Square, he felt warranted to proceed to constitute a new Masonic lodge.

The brethren petitioning for a new lodge procured the use of the Old Wesleyan Church at the corner of Scott and Bruen Streets in Dayton to hold meetings.

October 17, 1917, the Grand Master installed the following officers: G. W. Dunn, W.M. James H. Tann, S.W.; Sylvester Stone, J.W.; Joseph Brown, Secretary; Sanford Williams, Treasurer, Clarence Warmack, S.D.; John Valentine, J.D.; and Clarence Richardson, Tiler. There were representatives from all over the State of Ohio present to witness this grand occasion.

The first candidates for the Mysteries of Masonry were initiated in November 1917 in the Old Wesleyan Church. As the season grew late and heating facilities in the old church were inadequate, the lodge found more comfortable quarters in the K. Of C. Hall at the corner of Perry and Washington Streets.

For fifteen months the growth of Harmony Lodge was hindered by statements of unkind brethren, to prospective candidates, who stated that, "Harmony was an irregular and a clandestine lodge." Some of the brethren became very discouraged and talked of returning to the mother lodge.

The Grand Master was informed of this situation and encouraged Harmony not to give in but to look to brighter days. To assist Harmony in their growth the Grand Master appointed Bro. William Hall, Bro. Walter Taylor and Bro. Charles L. Porter to be advisors. Progress was made the first twelve months in spite of many discouraging moments.

December 1918, Bro. Porter advised the Grand Master that Harmony was ready for a constitution and charter. The Grand Master advised Bro. Porter to inform Harmony to prepare to be constituted on January 19, 1919.

January 19, 1919 at the K. Of C. Hall, the officers of Harmony were installed and the Past Master's Degree was conferred. Grand Master Howard T. Greer Master Greer and the Grand Officers constituted harmony Lodge No. 77had been advertised throughout the jurisdiction, and brought a large number of brethren to Dayton from Cincinnati, Springfield, Troy, Piqua, Columbus, Marietta, Urbana and other near by cities.

The name Harmony was the suggestion of Bro, John Valentine, the first J.D. of Harmony Lodge. The name was readily accepted by the members as being indicative of what they desired the new lodge to be.

From the beginning of the lodge the brethren endeavored to have each candidate get the correct impressions and meaning of each degree as they were initiated, passed and raised. So when they didn't have sufficient funds for the necessary equipment, they made it.

The chart was borrowed from the lodge at Piqua. The first Master's gavel, the first trowel, the first square, were made by the first Master of the lodge. The trowel and square being made of polished sheet copper. The first set of working tools was a gift by the first master. The first Senior Warden of the lodge donated the Senior Warden's gavel and the Junior Warden's gavel and the three candleholders. The first compass used was from the drafting set belonging to the first master. The two large pillars were prepared and bronzed by the Master and Junior Warden. The two large globes on top were gifts from the first Senior Warden. A friend of the Senior Warden donated the large Bible. A young black student artist painted the winding steps. The total cost for the work and material was $12.40.

There was still much unrest in Dayton having two lodges. Bro. J.M. Butler, Sr., while he did not approve of the organization of a new lodge, he was not antagonistic toward the new lodge, and did what he could to help Harmony to exemplify the work and contributed by advocating harmonious relations between the two lodges. He was present at nearly all the communications of Harmony. It was through his influence that the two lodges agreed to hold their meetings in the same hall.

Many of the officers who have served Harmony Lodge, served faithfully and gave of their time, money and influence for progress of the lodge. Among them, none deserve as much credit as Brother Rezin Talbott, who served as W.M., Treasurer and Secretary. The excellent financial condition of the lodge was due to his sterling qualities, his honesty and integrity in those offices.

Now 84 years later Harmony Lodge No.77 F. & A.M. strives to maintain the financial stability and dignity our founders have passed on to us.

Documentation of the history of Harmony Lodge No.77, F. & A.M. came from the recordings of Past Master G. W. Dunn (Harmony's first W.M.) written in 1919.