The minutes of Observance Lodge show that names were gathered in 1915 for gentlemen that wanted to form a new lodge in Nashville, TN.
On January 1, 1916, it is written in the minutes that Observance Lodge would start with 43 members. Some would be new masons and some would maintain affiliations with other lodges.
On February 10, 1916, the GM of Tennessee presided and was pleased to announce that Observance Lodge, U.D. (Under Dispensation) would be open for the purpose of receiving it’s dispensation.
About one year later on February 28, 1917, it was announced that the charter for Observance Lodge #686 had been issued.
The meetings of Observance Lodge during 1916 were held at Cumberland Lodge. It is not clear whether the two lodges met together or if Observance merely met in Cumberland’s building. Most likely, Cumberland was kind enough to allow Observance to use their facilities when not in use by Cumberland.
Around 1926, an arrangement was made with the Scottish Rite Valley of Nashville for Observance to meet at what is now known as the Grand Lodge of Tennessee Building. At the time, it was a Scottish Rite building later to be purchased by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.
Observance has been meeting on the third Thursday of the month for over 90 years.