Charity, the chief of every social virtue
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
"Oldest Masonic Lodge in Oklahoma, Chartered 1848"

Masons are taught that "charity is the chief of every social virtue." Cherokee Lodge #10 is proud of its commitment to the community and to its members. Each year Cherokee Lodge #10 spends about $20,000 to improve the community and assist those in need. Among those we help are "Help-in-Crisis", Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, OETA, Safe Kids, school programs, other special programs and persons in need.

In addition to direct charities by the lodge our members also give freely on their own time and resources.

A prime example was evident on May 19, 2005. On that evening we were honored to have in attendance the oldest member of our lodge, Floyd H. Norris. W. Bro. Norris, was a native of Tahlequah and a man dedicated to serving his Lodge and his community. He was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in April 1930. W. Bro. Norris began a law practice with Henry Vance about that time and in 1936 was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. One of his accomplishments was to help draft legislation creating the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the parent organization of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He further served his nation by entering the Oklahoma National Guard and was called to active duty following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

His war years were spent in the Pacific Theater of Operations where he rose to the rank of Major. After his discharge from active duty W. Bro. Norris estalished his residence in Los Angleles to continue his law practice, and his work in Masonry. He remained a dual member of Cherokee #10 as he served his California lodge in a variety of offices, including Worshipful Master. As a Scottish Rite Mason W. Bro. Norris received the 33rd Degree, one of the highest honors given. He also remained in the California National Guard where he retired as a Lt. Colonel.

W. Bro. Norris was in town with his wife Tania, for the groundbreaking of a new city park in downtown Tahlequah to be named in his honor. He not only donated the property to the city, but also presented the city with an additional $100,000 to assist in the development of the park. Additional money was later given to further enhance the park. Unfortunately, this was his last visit to Tahlequah. W. Bro, Norris was called to the Celestial Lodge Above in December 2005 at the age of 97. But his spirit is still at work and this beautiful park has been well used by the community. We urge you to visit this wonderful addition to the city park system. It is north of Morgan Steet between Muskogee Avenue and Water Street.