Due to the increase of population and rapid development of the cement, and other industries, in and about the Borough of Alliance (now the Borough of Northampton), in the fall of the year 1904 a group of men of high moral standing, who were Master Masons, expressed a desire to establish a Masonic Lodge within the borders of Alliance. After due deliberation, twenty-three Master Masons affixed their signatures to a pledge to withdraw from their respective Lodges and unite in petitioning to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a Warrant to establish a Lodge to be located in the Borough of Alliance.

Consequently Bro. WM M. Semple, District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth District was interviewed to discuss the formation of such a Lodge.  On November 6, 1904, Bro. Semple was driven over the territory by the Brothers Alfred P. Laubach and George P. Stem, on a tour of inspection.  He was most favorably impressed with the territory, which, together with the personnel of the brethren, brought forth the assurance of his recommendation and hearty cooperation and support, with the suggestion that the application to the Grand Lodge be made at the Quarterly Communication in March 1905.  At a meeting held in February 1905 at the Cement National Bank, a petition for a warrant for a new Lodge was signed.

The name of Chapman was selected by a unanimous vote for the New Lodge in honor of the late Brother Charles W. Chapman, a Past Master of Porter Lodge No. 284. Brother Chapman enjoyed the full confidence of his Masonic Brethren wherever known and carried with him their esteem, reverence, and brotherly love.

The officers chosen for the new Lodge were Brothers George P. Stem, W.M.; Wellington W. Kuntz, S.W.; Charles D. Andrews, J.W.; Alfred P. Laubach, Treasurer; and Harry J. Lerch, Secretary.

The application for the Lodge was presented at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge March 1, 1905, and as usual referred to the Grand Officers with power to act. The Grand Officers, together with Past Grand Masters Kelly and Tennis, met in the Grand Master’s room immediately after the closing of the Grand Lodge, when upon invitation, Brothers Laubach and Stem appeared and answered such questions as were referred to them. A few moments after their withdrawal Bro. Samuel W. Wray, private secretary to the Grand Master, gave them the coveted information. “It’s Granted!”

On March 3, 1905, Bro. George P. Stem received a receipt for $200.00 for Warrant for Chapman Lodge No.637. At a meeting held in the Cement National Bank after receiving the Warrant, a committee was named to arrange for a meeting place and purchase paraphernalia.

The committee selected the Odd Fellows Hall for a meeting place. On May 23, 1905, a letter was received from Bro. Wray stating that the Right Worshipful Grand Master would be prepared to Constitute Chapman Lodge No. 637.

Monday, June 5th, 1905, at High Noon. was a memorable day for “637.” According to the records, the weather was all that could be desired. The Grand Officers arrived at Cementon Station over the Lehigh Valley Railroad by Special car at 10:34 A.M., and were met by the Committee, covered in carriages, and entertained at the Mount Vernon Inn. One hundred twenty-five members of the Fraternity were present to witness the unusual, impressive, and beautiful ceremony. When the Right Worshipful Grand Master Bro. Brown ad constituted the Lodge, of his own volition delivered an instructive, interesting and beautiful address. After the ceremonies were over, the Grand Officers and all presents were escorted into the Union Club Rooms on the second floor, where a magnificent banquet was served by caterer John Huffort, to the delight and satisfaction of all.

Through the efforts of the Brothers Alfred P. Laubach, Charles A. Andrews and George P. Stem, the beautiful walnut furniture of Barger Lodge No. 333 was purchased through the Trustees Brothers Daniel F Walker, Dr. Hartzell and Judge Frank Trexler, for $500.00. The purchase of the furniture also included the carpets, curtains and fixtures, having originally cost no less than $2,500.00. The purchase was made long before the brethren were certain of a Lodge here and they deserve great credit for their enterprise, as they furnished the money until the furniture, etc., was turned over to the Lodge June 4th, 1905.

The Lodge continued meeting in the Odd Fellows building until April 26, 1907, when they moved to the Miller building on Main Street Northampton, where they held meetings until January 1922, when they moved to the third floor of the Cement National Bank Building.  In 1975 the Lodge moved to the Porter-Chapman Masonic Temple in North Catasauqua where they meet to this day.