Prior to the spring of 1950, several groups of Masons in Northeast Johnson County had discussed the feasibility of establishing a lodge in that area.  After learning of the many problems connected with such a project, no action was taken by any of these groups.  The two unsolvable questions seemed to be the securing of a meeting place and members sufficiently proficient in the ritual to assume the responsibilities of officers.

On June 21, 1950, Ben W. Graybill realizing the need of the organization, wrote M. W. Elmer F. Strain, Grand Secretary, requesting information on the steps necessary to obtain a Charter.  He received an immediate and encouraging reply and as a consequence invited several Masonic friends to meet in his home and discuss the formation of the Lodge.  The first meeting was held on June 30, 1950, with Six Masons attending.  Graybill (later to become Grand Master of Masons in Kansas) was chosen as Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

On September 29, 1950, at the Village Church in Prairie Village, letters of dispensation were presented to W. Sidney F. Dafforn for Old Mission Lodge U. D. by M. W . Arthur H. Strickland acting for the Grand Master.  On December 22, 1950, Robert J. White and John C. Middlemass were raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason becoming the first and second candidates to be raised.

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in Wichita on December 14, 1951, the Committee on Chartered Lodges and Lodges U. D. recommended that a Charter be granted to Old Mission Lodge.  Luray Lodge No. 153 having consolidated with Lucas Lodge No. 198 in 1943, that number had been declared vacant.  The recommendation of the Committee was approved unanimously.  Accordingly M. W. Lynn R. Broderick signed the Charter of Old Mission Lodge No. 153.  189 signers of the Petition became Charter Members.