This enigmatic building, the only remaining symbol of Waterloo’s past, was used as a Masonic lodge and a church, at least through the 1940s. I’ve not been able to determine a date of construction.
Regarding the Masonic lodge, Jerry Camp writes: This building was on property sold by Waterloo Lodge, Number 506 of Free and Accepted Masons, According to deed dated March 7, 1936.
Roy Holsenbeck recalls its time as a school: I attended this school about 1943-1945. It originally sat by highway 32 across street from Looney Layton’s general store. The name I remember best is Mr. Widner, the Principal. He did all corporal punishment and had a paddle with holes drilled in it. (at least I heard) One of the most memorable things I remember was there were no indoor restrooms. The Girls and boys out houses were about 100 yards up the red Georgia Clay hill to the east. The grounds were all clay and rocks. Believe me we had no “school nurse to fix our hurts when we fell out of swings or off slides. I lived with my Grandparents Archie and Maggie Clements who farmed Mr. Layton’s farm just south of Waterloo.
Update: As of early 2019, this structure has been demolished. I photographed some of that process and will eventually share those images here.
Most of this is true,but not all. Looney Layton’s store was on left side of what is now highways 125, not highway 32. Waterloo school sat directly across from the Layton store. My Mother, Ruby Child’s Fletcher taught school there before she married my daddy, Ben Fletcher. My sister Jessie Fletcher also taught school in Waterloo I believe in 46 or47, then she taught in Irwinville. Mr. Wideman was principal at Irwinville High in the late 40’s.
I forget that it’s 125. Thanks for the correction. I will update.
This building was on property sold by Waterloo Lodge, Number 506 of Free and Accepted Masons, According to deed dated March 7, 1936.
Thank you, Jerry. Others have also suggested it served as a lodge, as well. It has apparently had many uses.
My name is Roy Holsenbeck. I attended this school about 1943-1945. It originally sat by highway 32 across street from Looney Laytons general store. The name I remember best is Mr. Widner, The Principle. He did all corporal punishment and had a paddle wih holes drilled in it.(at least I heard) One of the most memorable things I remember was there were no indoor restrooms. The Girls and boys out houses were about 100 yards up the red Georgia Clay hill to the east. The grounds were all clay and rocks. Believe me we had no “school nurse to fix our hurts when we fell out of swings or off slides. I lived with my Grandparents Archie and Maggie Clements who farmed Mr. Laytons farm just south of Waterloo. I have an uncle buried in that cemetary. I am 81 years old and retired from USAF in Austin, Tx. I may never get back but I doubt if there too many left to contradict me. Thank you Mr. Brown for all the great South Georgia memories.
I used to drive by this building with my Grandpa. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 92. He always commented on this building and said that he went to school there as a young boy.
why do you think it was a masonic ledge?
I’ve heard it somewhere but can’t recall where. I’m not sure that it was.
Reason I asked is because most lodges, if they were masonic, had no windows on the ground floor lest someone actually see inside to what they were doing.
It was. My great-great Grandaddy was a Mason who met here.
Also, the Masonic Lodge in Irwinville had windows, it is now at the Georgia Agrirama. And the current Masonic Lodges in Ocilla and Irwinville have windows, they are just covered.
I was told my grandfather and his siblings attend school here.
Info on find a grave Irwin co. Waterloo church
I was told by my parents that my grandfather went to school there. He was born in 1918. DJ Weaver.
I’ve been by this church so many times….. on our way to Tifton.