We, the undersigned members and supporters of the Catonsville community, Winters Lane Historic District, and beyond, respectfully and enthusiastically support the grant application submitted on behalf of Landmark Lodge No. 40 for the African American Heritage Preservation Grant. 

About Landmark Lodge No. 40:

• The structure was originally built circa 1896 as the Morningstar Baptist Church.
• In 1931, Landmark Lodge No. 40 acquired the building and has remained its steward ever since.
• Landmark Lodge No. 40, Free and Accepted Masons, was established in 1904 and is a proud constituent lodge of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, one of the oldest continuous African American institutions in the United States.
• It is the only surviving Prince Hall-affiliated Masonic lodge in Baltimore County, and one of the last remaining fraternal organizations rooted in a historically Black community.

Historical Significance:

• The building is a contributing structure in the National Register Historic District of Winters Lane.
• Winters Lane is a historically African American neighborhood established by formerly enslaved individuals, with development dating from 1867 to the mid-1940s.
• Since its founding in the early 1900s, the members of Landmark Lodge No. 40 have been integral to the social, civic, and cultural life of the Winters Lane community.
• For generations, lodge members have included educators, veterans, church leaders, small business owners, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to uplift and empower their neighbors.
• The lodge has long served as a gathering space where African American residents could safely learn, organize, and build community strength—especially during eras of segregation and systemic inequality.
• Through mentorship, mutual aid, and public service, Landmark Lodge No. 40 has been a cornerstone of development and unity in Catonsville’s African American community for over a century.

Community Value:

Landmark Lodge No. 40 has served as a beacon of civic engagement, education, cultural celebration, and intergenerational unity.
Its preservation and revitalization will enhance public access to African American history, reinforce the cultural fabric of Catonsville, and ensure this legacy is passed on to future generations.

Why This Restoration Matters:

The historic restoration and preservation of Landmark Lodge No. 40 is vital to safeguarding one of the few remaining physical symbols of African American resilience, leadership, and community-building in Baltimore County. This building is not just a structure—it is a living archive of Black history and pride, embodying more than a century of service, solidarity, and self-determination. However, time and limited resources have taken a toll on the building’s condition. With support from the African American Heritage Preservation Grant, we have the opportunity to restore this landmark to its former glory, ensure its structural integrity, and revitalize it as a vibrant space for public engagement, education, and cultural programming. This funding is essential to preserving not only the past—but the future—of this irreplaceable community institution.

Our Appeal:
We urge the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust to fund this vital preservation project. The restoration of Landmark Lodge No. 40 is not just about preserving a building—it is about sustaining a living legacy of African American heritage, community resilience, and cultural pride.